Wakeupatsixandrunamile. No, it’s not our NYE resolution. We are talking about the new song by Jackie channels that should definitely be on your 2023 playlist. You are listening to a forward thinking, creatively complicated, glitch-style inspired beat enriched with organic percussion clicks but wait; at the same time, the melodic side of the song incorporates some warmly retro synth pads which create a delicate soundscape. The flow is divided in two parts, characterised by its variety in the verse and the chorus which feel totally different. This is nothing less than a shining original work, truly more than a mile ahead of the generic commercial tracks. Welcome to your next favourite morning routine.
Tell us a few thinsg about VERMILION!. What is the story behind it?
VERMILION! Doesn’t necessarily follow a linear story but what it lacks in absolute story telling it makes up for in sonic experience. With VERMILION! I tried my hardest to make sure every song conveyed a feeling that was unique so that every listener felt a euphoric experience while listening.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
The album itself was inspired by early 2000’s punk grunge and gangsta rap, both of these styles embodied how Y2K felt and I wanted listeners to feel that while playing the album.
What first got you into music?
Music has always been a huge factor in my life, my grandfather played in a band back in Puerto Rico and my father always loved freestyling. Add that plus my curious nature and it was bond for me to start creating. Always Tyler, The Creator was a huge factor & inspiration behind me going for it, his “I don’t care” demeanor really inspired me to let loose & go for it.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
I think the beautiful thing about underground music in this day and age is that there is no one true sound, yes there are a lot of people trying to mimic others but ultimately that general sound is so unique. Me personally I take pride in being unique so I feel right at home.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Being independent is extremely rough, I spend hours on end perfecting my craft and trying different ways to get myself heard. It’s a tough battle that takes a lot out of me but my passion never days and I keep going.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just let go. I was really reserved growing up and doubted myself a lot but now looking back I realized the only thing holding me back from pursing what I love was my fear of what other people thought of me. That never mattered and it still doesn’t so I’d definitely encourage him to start early and shoot for the stars.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I’ve always been a good kid haha but I guess back in school I was a talkative person and that might’ve got me sent to the dean like 1 or 2 times, nothing crazy though. I’m an angel 🙂
There is a story behind your EP Ch 4 The Roadwork. Can you please share it with us?
The overall storyline of this EP is about the character Sadboi, who is on the cover art, and his experiences within his relationships. Dbl Yllw Lines starts off with the theme that Sadboi keeps people at bay in relationships for his own safety. Bridges continues the story with what the people he is keeping distant are saying back to him to get closer. Roadkill finalizes the EP with Sadboi answering back that they are not helping but making his life worse. All of these songs are based on real experiences and conversations in my life
Which track of the EP represents you the most?
Roadkill because at first it was supposed to be lyrically about something different, but then I had a close relationship in my life where someone claimed they were helping me even though they were clearly squashing my goals and dreams. It was the first time I wrote a song while experiencing in the moment what the song was about
Favourite album of the past year?
Rina Sawayama’s Hold The Girl. I find her truly inspirational as a pop-star that popped off later in life. Also a lot of the songs on her album deal with what she learned in therapy, which i was going through when writing this EP.
What are the signs you’re dealing with a toxic person?
When they squash your dreams or goals, when they complain so much, or they only speak in passive aggressive versus just saying whats wrong
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
When i was writing these songs, I remember I told one of the producers that I want it to sound like a rainy day, like everything in the world is telling you to stop and reflect and to not go anywhere. I want the listener to just listen and even cry as you let out what has been troubling you
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I’ve been pretty good most of my life. However, there was just one time in high school that my friends told me it was free pancake day at IHOP before 1st period. My friends were gonna skip first period to go get free pancakes and I decided to go with them. Its funny because as we left the parking lot, the principal saw us and said bring some pancakes for me. We came back to make 2nd/3rd period, but he had started calling parents already so my parents were not happy.
‘AC Press’ is the EP’s first track and the introduction to the young American’s story. The main character and his brother are on the highway in a Tesla they “borrowed”. The music is catchy, and the Kaytranada-like rhythmics make us get intoxicated by the speed of the electric car, alongside the two protagonists. A synthesizer played in arpeggio counterbalances the power of the kicks and 808’s, like a reminder that the two brothers’ car joyride is far from being safe..
What I say dosen’t matter, ‘the public rule and decide.
What is your creative process like?
Inspuration and hard work.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
I write about everything.
Favourite album of the past decade?
I know it’s hard to believe but I don’t have time to listen to Albums.
For which moment in your carrer you are the most proud of?
My song, ‘Me My Body And I’ was put into all the Schools in Croydon Surrey. I really hope and believe in this song helping to stop a child self harming and worse, when you loose your child that way it must be tragic beyond belief.
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
That’s easy, the one book I wrote, ‘Message From A Star’. The Star is in the sky, it’s not me, but I got great reviews from Kirkus and Blue Ink, and 4/4 from book club. Published by Austin Macauley, it’s humorous with pathos !
Most Powerful Anti-War Film?
Yeah, you guessed it, ‘Don’t watch films, no time 🙂
Tell us a few things about Mr. Strange. What is the main idea behind it?
The track is about a woman who has basically given up on dating, and she has decided to fall in love with a plastic blow-up doll. Her fantasy becomes a bit too real, but it makes her happy. The bar for men is high, and the bar for women is too low; to put it mildly. The music video is cheeky; it’s not entirely serious. I want to show the world that even though there is a message in the track, that it’s good to not take ourselves so seriously all of the time.
Your sound has a pop sensibility blending trap grooves with indie pop elements. What is your creative process like?
I listen to and love many genres of music. I grew up listening to New Wave, early Rap, early Hip Hop, and arena rock. My creative process changes with my moods. Sometimes, I just get a hook stuck in my head, and I go into my studio and bang it out. Sometimes I collaborate with beat makers, and I take inspiration from their beats. I usually write my music on drums and synths. It could start with lyrics, music, or both. I’m in the moment with this.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Lately, I’ve been very inspired by The Weeknd, Max Martin, and ILLANGELO! Some influences from my past are Annie Lennox, Portishead, Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, UNKLE, Michael Jackson; Off the Wall is a banger! Luther Vandross, The System, Robert Palmer, New Order, Rose Royce, Curtis Mayfield, Clyde Stubblefield, Marc Almond, Donna Summer, Phil Collins, Stewart Copeland, A Flock Of Seagulls, John Foxx, and a long list of classic rappers and DJs.
What would you change in the music industry?
Gatekeeping. If you have the cred, and you’ve put in the hard work, the industry should let you open up conversations, without you having to fight the music bouncers. That’s some bullshit!
Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?
I don’t think it’s as experimental as some might think it is. I like to mix genres, but so do a lot of other artists. I like the concept of having singles for your listeners, and the deeper cuts to let the weirdness out. I’m all about the balance.
Tell us a few things about your new song, You’ve Got Mail. What is the main idea behind it?
The main idea about it is I know everyone goes through a tough breakup in their life. I made this song to somewhat what I felt from this experience, but also to give a little twist from your traditional sad breakup songs.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
“Twenty years of life has been on my chest. Music is the only thing that’s releasing the stress.” – from an unreleased track.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
An arrangement of artists from Kirk Franklin, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Jimi Hendrix, Drake.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge so far as an artist is overthinking. Knowing when to label a song as finished has been hard sometimes. I go back and listen to it multiple times, thinking a note or sound effect isn’t correct. Even from a promotional standpoint, I try to find the perfect snippet to display for people. Sometimes you just have to put out it and see the response to it.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I try to keep up with sports such as football, futbol, & basketball. I also indulge in movies and TV shows. Outside of that, spending time with family & friends sums it up.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Haha, I would say getting caught with a bottle of alcohol underage.
Jackson Whalan teams up with the up-and-coming producer SSQUIRE and together they bring Supreme, an instant banger that keeps the artist at the highest level. Jackson Whalan with his inspiring flow delivers some powerful lyrics touching on confidence and empowerment. The instrumental is driven by a jazzy riff that in practice can serve as a seminar on how to flip a sample in such a creative way. The beat has a J Dilla flavour, enriched with plenty of percussion elements and served with some added white noise. A hypnotic synthesis of old-school sounds with a more contemporary production. Listen below!
Throughout the two and a half minute long song which has arrived on December 5, Fungai claims his seniority. But is this enough to put him in the top 5? Well, let’s see up close. The beat incorporates some very chill old school elements. He definitely delivers his bars effortlessly, with the most hype. The instrumental is driven by a dreamy detuned loop which has a mesmerising fairy tale feeling. Is the audience voting in yet? Like him or not, you have to love him for his passion.
HipHop Paranoia 