Read our discussion with Dubl A, the composer of the album who plays the Bass and many of the instruments on the tracks.
How would you describe the musical journey of the EP?
First of all, thank you for interviewing us, much appreciated. We’re utilizing a wide range of musical soundscapes and music theory techniques, particularly the chromatic scale, in order to describe a particular moment in time. To me, each song puts you in a day or night in the life of Junk.
How does “Chromatose” differ from your previous works?
It’s even more eclectic than usual, and I was a person who already used a lot of eclecticism. It’s rooted in jazz, but it’s funky as hell, and has a lot of influence from hip hop. Not to mention, we got to add in some really aggressive punk rock (possibly metal) and even a classical section. That’s probably my favorite part of the album.
Which song of the EP represents you the most?
Chromatose. It runs the gamut in terms of my influences and I got to play 5 different instruments on it. I had a blast playing those heavy guitar parts and then had a really emotional time layering the double basses at the end. The song also has an important, personal meaning to me.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Lou Reed, The Clash, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Erik Satie, The Beatles, The Cure, NOFX, Matt Freeman, Notorious BIG, Jay Z
What would you change in the music industry?
I would make Junk much more well known.
What do you hope people will feel when listening to “Chromatose”?
That’s really not for me to say. Music is an interactive artform, so whatever reaction people have, that’s their reaction.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Enough trouble that there’s no way I can answer that here.
Can you discuss the inspiration behind the single “Spiritual Form”?
“Spiritual Form” is about freeing yourself from your materialistic ego and acknowledging that there is more to this life that we understand. The impact that we make on this planet and those around us is more important than the money we have made.
Tell us a few things about the mind-bending lyricism featured in the song. What is the main idea behind it?
My goal is to make people think. I don’t use complicated rhyme structure just to do it. “Spiritual Form” is a song that is meant to be introspective. I want the listener to have to look inside themselves and decide how to interpret my messege.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Emcee: Masta Ace, Lyricist: Canibus or RJ Payne, Producer: DJ Premier or Apollo Brown
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
The expression of knowledge of self.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
Can you tell us a bit about the creation process of “Chill N’ Vibe”?
Made the beat and it was pretty open sonically. I added my own oooos in there that are layered way in the back. Alyssa Jane rocked a whole vocal track beautifly. I thought some sax would sound great with her. Once I added it all together it sounded a bit busy, so I dialed back the vocals and sax to create some more breathing room in the track. I wanted it to be chill, laid back. Like the end of the night, just let the drum machine go and musicians vibe out.
How did you come to collaborate with Alyssa Jane and Kevon Scott on this song?
I have worked with both of them in the past and always loved our collaborations. They are both so talented.
What role did each artist play in bringing “Chill N’ Vibe” to life?
Alyssa Jane rocks the vocals and takes you in and out journey with her soulful chops. Kevon Scott does the same with his sax, smoothes it all out and glues everything together. I made the beat & produced it.
What do you hope listeners take away from the song, both musically and emotionally?
I hope they get a bit of a timeless, oldschool vibe, that can calm them down, bring stress relief. Basically Chill N’ Vibe 🙂
One last thing we should know about you?
Jim’s Pool Room! That is the label. We have so many amazing hip hop acts, primarily from St. Louis, MO. Check us out jimspoolroom.com
Can you tell us about your inspiration for “Priceless”?
I’m always perusing through beats online and it was on one of these routine exercises that I stumbled across the beat and liked it. I got straight to writing what it inspired in me and recorded the song. The message was one of keeping moving forward through life’s seasons aware that there are reasons you go through stuff baring in mind that Providence and a Guiding hand are often at play.
What is the message you aim to convey through the song?
Have faith through life’s seasons. We’re all on unique journeys and often yours in designed specifically for you.
How does this release compare to your previous work in terms of style and message?
I do believe the message is.in line with alot of my other material leading up to where I am right now. It’s a message of hope and trusting that there are seasons and purpose to all things.
How has your background and upbringing influenced your music?
It has been fundamental to all things that I do creatively.
First being born to Ugandan parents in the UK and raised in Southern Africa and traveling shaped my sonic tastes.
My first language is English and I was not raised speaking my parents language hence I gravitated to music that was primarily English.
I went to an International school and got exposed to various cultures and people’s that further shapes my world view with hiphop being the global language of the last 3 generations and still going strong I became a fan of it and it shaped alot of what I do.
What do you hope listeners take away from this song?
Hope and faith in a purpose for their existence and in A Source to all things relating to why they are here.
Biggest fear?
Not exploring and exhausting all my potential.
Can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can expect from your future releases
I’m currently looking to work on collaborative efforts with artists that I respect and inspire me whether past or currently trending acts.
DE : Obsessive; conceptual alternative electropop; provocative
Tell us a few things about your new song BURNS IN THE BARNS. What is the main idea behind it?
MK :Burns in the Barns is based on the suicide of David Bowie’s half brother Terry Burns. Terry was a huge influence in his brother’s life but sadly, he suffered with schizophrenia and eventually ended his life on The Coulson South train tracks. Anxiety, paranoia, frantic feelings…All of these thoughts and feelings went into this song…The frantic, moody music inspired these words along with the story of TB…
For which lyric you are most proud of?
MK :”Shadows inside my head. Voices speaking Kerouac. Inside this addled brain, voices conspire. Coulsdon tracks are calling me, snowy silent enemy.”
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
DE : Major Kami has many imaginations, his influences are numerous ! 🙂 For my part I would say Kae Tempest; David Bowie in “1 Outside”.
How do you balance the expression of powerful emotions while maintaining accessibility and accessibility and ease of listening in your music?
MK : Major Kami is a collaboration.Every single track is created by and/or influenced by three people.I think with this process a natural balance occurs as each artist contributes.
DE : three people : Major Kami (performer, co-writer and author of Burns in the Barns) Denis Expert (DAMde8’s independent producer, co-writer and co-composer), Dan Burkhart (co-composer, arranger and sound engineer) . In short, this chemistry happened for us, for Burns In Th Barns but also for all our songs!
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
MK : This track is all about unease.It’s a sad song…I imagine someone listening to it, may be able to relate to some of the feelings and fears.Sometimes listening to a sad song when you are feeling sad, just lets you get the emotion out…I would hope someone walks away feeling better after listening.
One last thing we should know about you?
DE: I met Major Kami (real name Camille Miller), 11,000 kilometres away from where I live (I’m in Bordeaux, she’s in Singapore) through social networks. In the middle of COVID 19, I came to her and asked her to collaborate with me and the collective DAMde8 (France), to create songs and an album. Because she believed in this fabulous story, she dared to say yes and this album took shape; 11 songs were born from this trust. I wish all artists to live these extraordinary moments and to consider that it is possible that art, music, brings you this happiness to go further than you think.
What inspired you to create music with a positive message?
I’ve always been a person that’s grounded in reality and my music is a reflection of that. I don’t aim to always be overtly positive but logically my lyrics are always going to portray what makes sense to me good or bad.
How does your hometown of Ocean City, MD influence your music?
Ocean City has influenced my music by shaping my life through my experiences. These experiences has molded my view of life which is what is portrayed through my music. Sonically there are certain vibes that mesh with where I come from, being raised by the water it’s a place with vibes in the air.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, I am a student however and I see how people go about things in their own ways which I appreciate.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
To me Hip-hop symbolizes the story beneath the polished surface.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
In all states of mind, I make a variety of different styles of music and most of my songs are waves that can be enjoyed in many settings, whether you’re looking for a boost, riding around with your friends or just vibing on your own.
What do you have planned for the future, both in terms of your music and your Tech Hoodie product?
I have more singles lined up for release, so I’ll continue to push Big Tech and my other songs I already have out. A lot of great content shot and ready to be released on my social media platforms and Music Videos as well. The Big Tech Music Video is on the Way as well as others. I also dropped an innovative product in the Technology Space called the TechHoodie allowing people to connect with others easier than ever before. Head to http://www.theoutercontrol.com/store to purchase one now, they’re limited and sold out during the pre-sale so I expect it to sell out again as well. I have other tech products in the works as well so follow me on Instagram Facebook &TikTok @lividonce. Twitter @jusLivid, and subscribe to my Youtube @liv-id to stay informed on everything I have going on. Stay Blessed.
Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got into producing electronic music?
I was lucky enough to start playing instruments early in life, around 7 I started learning the saxophone and drums and that was the real start. 13 was when I began producing electronic music and from there is when it really became my life’s focus! I had been inspired by the idea of music production, or being a ‘music producer’ for a few years prior to beginning. I didn’t truly understand what it meant but the idea of being involved in music was enticing. Watching MTV inspired by taste a lot then, a lot of hip hop / pop production, but when I was introduced to EDM via Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Greyhound’ music video on tv. I was totally, totally hooked.
What inspired the concept for your new album “Green For Go”?
The album was about creating the best music I could, and then actively leaning into the curation of that music too. The green concept came when I was brainstorming how I wanted the album to feel, visually, and I was simply playing with shades of colour. I found that green and it just hit me, and I built the concept around that. Another association I have musically is the jungle – I think of the jungle visually when recording, and of course green is a predominant colour in the jungle, so there almost two tales here. One of green being this high energy, in your face colour, that feels clean but activated, and another being a nod to the jungle.
You mention wanting to bring communities together through music, can you expand on that and what message you hope to spread with your music?
All music I’ve truly enjoyed has evoked great emotion in myself and others, essentially creating a talking point between those touched by that music, and I strive to do the same, as those communities have given me a lot of joy. For me music never was about lyrics. For me music was truly just about the sound and how it felt, hence I was love instrumental music too, and so my message isn’t one of stories or narratives, but if feelings. A word I have used before is ‘euphoria’.
What would be your dream performance venue?
This changes a lot, at one point I would said Tomorrowland, another I would say a large arena like Madison Square Garden, another I’d say Liverpool Olympia (which I’m feeling right now – more intimate venue). I don’t have a real goal for any particular venue, as there are lots of interesting aspects to all of them.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
Generally or definitely in high energy states, or building energy, or just having a great time and wanting some fun.
Tell us a few things about Spotlight. What is the story behind it?
Spotlight is a blend of alternative pop with a touch of trap thrown into the mix, inspired by Rihanna and Britney Spears’ high energy tracks. This track represents another milestone for my career as this is my first release where I played the role of the singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. Spotlight is about celebrating who you are with my main goal being to bring out the confidence in oneself/my listeners, whether that confidence is buried beneath negative emotions or has already scratched the surface. This track is about loving yourself and embracing who you are while letting go of negative energy.
How difficult is it to play the role of singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer at the same time?
Now that I’ve been doing this for over a year at my home studio it comes pretty easily to me. When I start a session with myself I already know the vibe/energy I intend to go for and will pick the instrumentation/sound accordingly. I have so much fun and it feels really rewarding to have the ability to create a song entirely myself. I also love being able to produce my own vision the exact way I want to. Of course I still love to collaborate with other producers/engineers because it’s great to combine creative visions and learn from each other in the studio, however, to me it’s a luxury to have the skills to execute a song the exact way I envisioned it.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
My inspiration is a wide range of different artists. I grew up listening to classic rock icons and some of the first music I listened to was Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Queen because of my parents. However, once I was gifted an ipod Nano (when they first were invented) in elementary school I got to expand the artists I listened to. From a young age I loved listening to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. As a kid I would always dream that one day I could be like them. Naturally as I grew older and as technology advanced making it way easier to explore/stream music, my taste continued to expand. Other artists who have inspired me on my journey as a musician are Lil Peep, Juice Wrld, Skizzy Mars, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, AC/DC, and Bring Me The Horizon. My writing has also been inspired by author/philosopher Albert Camus and poets like Sylvia Plath, Robert Frost, and Dylan Thomas.
What would be your dream performance venue?
The Super Bowl and headlining at Coachella.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
When my mental health was at a low and I was doubting myself I lost who I was, so if today I could go back to that girl I was and give her some advice I would tell her that everything happens for a reason. Rejection and self doubt was something that used to really get to me when I was younger so I would tell her “I know right now you feel misunderstood and lost but this is part of your journey to success and personal growth. The pain you’re experiencing will turn into your power and shape who you are. As much as feeling this way can lead you down a rabbit hole into a dark place, just know that you will overcome this. You have so much to say, you’re smart, driven, and have been given this creative gift that you can share with the world. Don’t let anyone tell you different and go with your gut because that will be what turns out best for you and girl you already know you don’t take shit from anybody. Continue to do what you think is right for you and know that you’ll end up in the right place if you work hard and trust your intuition. Even on the days when you wake up heavy and it’s hard to escape the pain. Know if you could see yourself into the future and what you’ve already accomplished you would be fangirling right now. Trust the process. This is how you learn to love yourself and that alone will grant you the wisdom, grit and motivation you need to succeed.”
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
The most trouble I got into was when I was putting others first at the expense of my own well being and safety. I have always been a very giving person which is one of my best qualities but was also one of my biggest faults. I had to learn to set boundaries for myself and with others by experiencing the consequences of caring about others more than myself. I used to think it was my job to save other people from their own issues and I didn’t understand how much that held me back. I was naive and surrounded myself with a self destructive crowd which was damaging and abusive to myself, but in turn it forced me to level up and it is one of the reasons I am so strong today. I learned a huge lesson because of my experiences and I will never let people cross my boundaries like that ever again because no one is going to change just because you want them to. That only comes from within. I don’t regret a thing because I had to go through the motions in order to grow and become who I am now. I had to deal with the consequences of putting myself through that but now I look at life as the glass half full rather than half empty.
John Keenan’s album, “Mind Of A Madman II,” is a powerful and introspective journey through the artist’s mind. The album, which contains 14 tracks, marks Keenan’s sobriety birthday and is a follow-up to his 2008 mixtape, “Mind of a Madman Mixtape,” which was recorded while the artist was in a state mental hospital. The album is a testament to following one’s heart and the journey it can take you on. The flow in the songs is raw and real, with a nice blend of old school hip hop and R&B vibes mixed with modern trap beats. The album also features noticeable guest appearances that add to its overall appeal. Listening to “Mind Of A Madman II” from start to finish is a must, as it takes you on a journey through the artist’s thoughts and experiences. Overall, it’s an impressive and thought-provoking release that fans of hip hop and thoughtful music will surely enjoy.
Rising British rapper Piers James, hailing from Ipswich, has once again demonstrated his unique sound and style with his latest offering from his forthcoming EP K.K.O. The track starts with playful and bouncy guitar work, before transitioning into an infectious riff that will get stuck in your head. The beat is energetic and will make you want to move. Piers James’ flow is confident and captivating, complementing the upbeat instrumentals perfectly. This track is a middle finger to all the commercial, generic music you hear on the radio, showcasing Piers James’ refusal to conform to expectations. Overall, this new offering from Piers James is a standout and will be sure to get fans excited for the rest of the K.K.O EP.
HipHop Paranoia 