Hero Dog’s latest album titled “Mt. Hood” is a beautiful collection of short pieces like a gentle rain, with each track feeling like a soft drop of water that soothes the mind and soul. The album can be categorised under the study beats umbrella, but it’s far more than just that. The organic elements that are blended in, add an extra warmth and depth to the already beautifully saturated sound, resulting in a unique and captivating sound that keeps you hooked from start to finish.One of the notable features of the album is how well the sidechain compressors are used to blend the beats with the synth pads, creating a perfect balance between the two. The beats have a lot of power and energy, which is contrasted by the dreamy and ethereal synth lines, making for a truly engaging listening experience. We highly recommend listening to the entire album to fully appreciate its creativity and depth.
Jumbok Jay’s latest release “Veins” is a beautifully crafted hip hop track that is sure to capture your attention. The track features a melodic autotuned hook that is both catchy and memorable, with a flow on the verses that is direct and to the point. The instrumental is driven by a melancholic piano pattern that is mixed with heavy 808s, creating a dynamic and powerful sound that keeps the listener engaged throughout the song. The video clip for “Veins” is a minimalist work that perfectly captures the vibe of the song. The visuals are simple and clean, with a focus on JUMBOKJAY and the music itself. This allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the sound and lyrics of the track, without any distracting or unnecessary elements. Lyrically, “Veins” is a powerful statement about authenticity. “I got real in my veins. I’m not fake. I’m real. I am actually existing as a thing. I’m occurring in fact. I am not imagined. I am not supposed.” These lyrics speak to the importance of being true to oneself and living an authentic life, a message that is both powerful and inspiring. Listen below!
Ty Brasel’s “TRANSCENDENT” is a hip-hop oriented album with a distinct blend of R&B and pop elements. The album is characterised by nicely manipulated autotuned flow and uplifting vibes creating a sense of joy and inspiration throughout the tracks. One of the standout features of TRANSCENDENT is the interesting blend of trap-infused beats with futuristic synth arpeggios and dreamy synth sounds. These moments provide a unique listening experience and add to the album’s overall appeal. A slick and polished project which is a very good example of how to incorporate different genres and sounds to create a cohesive work while its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in a variety of settings, from a cozy night in to a lively party. Listen below!
TREASON sounds very groovy indeed. What is the story behind it? How did you team up with Alba Rose?
Alba Rose and I met up as a result of our mothers suggesting we do so. Both interested in music, myself coming back to it after years away and running a music blog (now defunct), and Alba part of a college band that was starting to go places. We met up in a café in the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand, decided to work together and released a single called “LUCKY” under the moniker ARLS in August 2019. We also recorded a range of other tracks together, of which “TREASON” was one. As ARLS is no longer an ongoing project, I released it under my name as I really wanted to get it out there. It is one of my favourite tracks that we did together. Alba has since gone on to release an EP and a couple of singles, all of which is great work. She also worked in my recording studio for awhile and has sung on many of my tracks from different musical identities.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
We were putting together a track that drew from the early 1990s explosion in acid jazz and also some less noticeable trip hop elements. We also wanted that 1990s production sheen. And we needed to the track to have a bit of drama attached to it. So Alba wrote the lyrics full of angst about gaslighting and betrayal. Its not about anyone in particular, just a bit of angst to work into a dramatic musical vibe.
What first got you into music?
My earliest memories are of going to orchestral performances and standing up to conduct the orchestra from my seat I was so inspired. Bear in mind I was about 4-5 years old. I used to write symphonies in my head which I thought were amazing. They probably weren’t, but the idea of writing music has been with me from an early age.
Favourite album of the past year?
It is probably not what some might expect from me, but I am very impressed by Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album. Innovative, meaningful, and of course she works with the best.
What would you change in the music industry?
Spotify and streaming. And the oligopolistic effects of the concentration of power across the industry. Musicians are not paid enough, and the major record companies are taking too much of a share of industry revenue. I think with the evolution of crypto and decentralisation, I can see this gradually changing. Nothing is forever. I also think AI is a major threat to all the creative businesses but I can’t see what can be done to limit its growth.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
A range of state of minds. I release music under a range of genres…beats, ambient cinematic, and material such as TREASON and my LearningToDive entity which are both definitely retro. Hopefully it is somehow making a positive difference to their day.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I have got into plenty of trouble over the years, but less as I have got older. However from a musical perspective there is one moment in time that still gives me the shivers. It was at a gig back in 1985 (yes I’m that old) with all sorts of important people there, including our record company. We stupidly brought in a friend to do sound. And all the audience got was shrieking feedback. It was awful. That was the end of my band’s relationship with our record company.
Can you describe the personal experience that led to the creation of Tell Me (When You’re Gone)?
When I was in high school, I fell in love with my best friend. Immediately after graduation, I faced a choice to move out of the small town I lived in, and pursue music in a larger metropolitan area. The person this song was written about ended up getting married, and then divorced. Every time I’d go back to visit, we’d always hang out like no time had passed. Because I’m a loveable idiot, my feelings for her would get reignited. I could tell that she felt similarly, but of course, I would have to eventually leave again. We’ve obviously seen other people over the years, but here we are 17 years later still stuck in this dance. This last holiday season, I went back to visit again, but this time, she said she had gotten back with her ex. That hurt, and so I returned home and wrote this song in like 30 minutes. If you’ve ever had a “one that got away” situation, this song is definitely for you. Side note, she’s not with her ex anymore and we’ve been talking a bunch. Timing is a weird thing. Wouldn’t it be wild if it ever worked out?
How did you develop the classic R&B sound and sexy vibe in the production?
Well it started with the hook and some guitar. Always the hook first 🙂 It already seemed to have that classic sound embedded into it. Since that’s what we felt the song wanted to be, we added bass and drums to it which really made it juicy. After that, it’s just a matter of some well placed keys for padding, vocal layers for texture, a couple of sweet guitar solos, and maximum effort mixing out of a home studio. And whiskey.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
Probably the beginning of the chorus. ”Tell me how do I forget this feeling when you’re gone? It always seems like dancing in the evening silence all alone.” or that bit in the first verse, “When you’re around it’s like I’ve found my meaning.” Soulmate status you know?
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
That’s easy, being Asian! Just kidding! The biggest challenge has probably been, honestly, getting more people to hear our music. We put so much into crafting each of our songs that we get burned out by the time the release rolls around. I’m sure thousands of artists can relate.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Get on things like Vine and TikTok sooner, haha! And I’d probably tell myself to start singing sooner to truly express myself.
What do you hope listeners take away from this song?
Love might not always work out the way that you hoped it would, but love is still a beautiful thing. We’re so lucky to be able to feel all the feelings that we do as human beings. Even if something hurts, it’s okay to feel that. Hopefully it’ll give you more appreciation for when things go well and are feeling good.
Tahjae’s most popular track “Rules” is a testament to the artist’s skill and ideas. The track showcases Tahjae’s ability to break the rules with every rhyme, resulting in a fast-paced, energetic hip hop track that is sure to get heads nodding. The instrumental for “Rules” is based on a simple piano line where the chords are played repetitively, creating a catchy melody that serves as the backbone of the beat. The heavy 808s add a nice texture to the beat giving it a sense of weight and power that is essential for the genre. The result is an instrumental that effectively complements Tahjae’s punchy verses, creating a hard-hitting and memorable track. Don’t follow the rules. Make them! Listen below!
“Amor Del Corazon” is a three-track EP from the up-and-coming artist 4U that is sure to get you moving. The EP showcases the artist’s ability for crafting uplifting reggaeton beats mixed with auto tuned vocal deliveries. The first track, “Tuyo,” sets the tone for the EP with its lively beat. The song is filled with energy and is sure to get listeners on their feet. The second track, “Me Fallaste,” slows things down with a reggaeton beat at a slower tempo. The sweet keys add a nice touch to the instrumental, and the minimal yet effective songwriting showcases the artist’s ability to convey emotion through his music. The EP closes with “Estas Buena,” another track infused with reggaeton grooves and sensual vocals. The consistency of the EP from start to finish is worth noting, with each track building on the previous one to create a cohesive listening experience. Listen below!
Feel the high with Drugs Riddim. Akaleshnu’s latest hip-hop release featuring Juggernaut and Catalyst is an exciting track that showcases the artists’ intriguing mix of unique styles and creativity. The instrumental is not your typical beat, but instead incorporates futuristic synth sounds and an exciting groove that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. On top of that and probably the most impressive aspect of the track is the variety in deliveries that each artist brings. These flow switches make a dynamic and interesting listening experience that never gets stale. Production wise the track evolves constantly too, with new elements being added and removed as the song progresses. A track that is sure to impress fans of the genre.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “One Life”?
Lyrically Ques and I wanted to talk about how difficult it is to sometimes overcome the traumas and tribulations that are passed down from generation to generation. We wanted to find a way to navigate through that, can someone overcome the environment in which they’re raised? I believe so.
What was the creative process like for writing and recording the track, especially with the collaboration with Chris Jennings and Quesmark?
It was definitely one of the most organic songwriting experiences I’ve had so far. I came into the session with an idea, and we followed that one little idea until we got to the end of the song. Chris is such a postive presence in the studio and no idea is off limits, and Ques has this incredible intellect. Workling with him again was educational adn pushed me to bring my best.
How do the different elements of hip-hop and blues rock come together in the song to create a unique sound?
Blending hip-hop and blues sounds has always peaked my interest because they both come from the the roots of all popular music, so bringing those two genres opened up so many avenues for creativity. Initially we had a heavier boom-bap rhythm in the drums, it was a great groove but when our friend Larry came in and laid down the beat on the live kit we knew thast was the sound we needed. It was the perfect blend of the hip-hop and rock rhythms.
Can you talk about the message you hope to convey with “One Life” and how it encourages listeners to rise above their traumas and overcome the doubters? How does the upcoming video for the song complement the message and themes in the lyrics?
“One Life” is a reminder that I am the captain of my own fate. “Stay true to you, and run your race” is a line that jumps out to me. I was inspired by Dr. Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search For Meaning”. Even in the darkest of times, humans always have control of how they react to a situation and no matter the situation, hope persists. Hope can come from many different places, good firends, good music, a sunny day, etc. The video conveys the importance of finding that hope and postitivity
Can you talk about any challenges you faced during the recording process and how you overcame them?
Well typically I like to have a song ready to go when I go into the studio, this time however I only had a guitar riff and an idea of what I wanted the message to convey. So that was daunting, as we kept digging into where the song was headed. Lyrically, finding the chorus took us a while but we stayed persistent and eventually it presented itself.
What are some musical influences that have shaped your sound and style, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
I grew up listening to a lot of blues and classic rock music, with my father being a musician several different kinds of music were in the house. As I got older, I started to fall in love with hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Public Enemy. The connection between the blues and hip-hop has always attracted my attention, and I wanted to write a song that brings those two sounds together.
How do you stay connected with your fans and engage with them through your music?
One of my New Years Resolutions was to be more consistent with my email newsletter. One way of doing that was by having my mom write the “Message from Ma”. Its been really popular so far. I am also active on Instagram and Facebook. There is a privage group I run on facebook called, The Sugarheads, its a a great place where I can really connect with people who are passionate about my music.
What are your thoughts on the phrase “You got one life, it’s yours to waste”?
All we have is our days, we need to make the most of them. With the traumas and difficulties that are being passed down through generations, its a reminder that we can rise above if we believe we can.
Girondolini is the Soloproject of a drummer who played for a variety of bands and finally started to go his own ways. The idea is to follow my own intentions. Finding Loops and sounds I can play drums to. Finding something that catches me not only for a few minutes. When I really want to jump behind the drumkit while startin with a sample or synth loop, I know it’s leading somewhere.
How has your background as a drummer and producer influenced your hip hop style and sound?
The Groove and Beats. When I am working on a new track it’s always about the drums. Sometimes I just want to find a nice loop to groove to. When playing to a loop I sometimes stay with a groove for quite a long time to not only play the right beat but catch the feeling that makes the tune special. When I am not 100% happy with the drums, the track’s not done.
What are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your work?
I would say it’s a mixture of influences. From BigBeat – Alternative Hip Hop – to more experimental Electronic and pop. When I was younger I was a huge fan of Rage against the machine and The Prodigy. I think the big and timeless Sound of The Prodigys “The Fat of the Land” and the crazy Energy, Groove and Sound- aestethic of RATMs “Evil Empire” could be described as my biggest influence for start playing drums and making music in general. The DIY idea of Punkrock always fascinated me since my teenage years and the musical freedom of Jazz inspires me everyday.
What do you believe sets your hip hop music apart from others, and what do you hope people take away from listening to your work?
I think because it is a mixture of styles. I wouldn’t describe the record as a hip hop only Album. Of course there’s a lot of hip hop influence but I would also say there’s a lot of BigBeat from the early 00’s in it as also electronic and experimental sounds. I am trying to stay with my idea of sound and music. Doing what i like first – as it’s my Soloproject. Of course I am happy if people like it.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t stress yourself. Enjoy what you’re doing and be thankful.
HipHop Paranoia 