Edy Forey – Come With Me [News]

Edy Forey is a debuting duo based in Edinburgh, UK.
Pianist & composer Guilhem Forey makes magic with producer & singing lyricist Edy Szewy. Their eclectic sound lives on the groovier side of jazz – a fusion with retro rhythm & blues, house & soul – simply known as urban jazz.

Their upcoming debut record Culture Today is due for release in 2023. It features an award-winning range of contributing artists from around the world: the signature touch of Bob Power (the engineer behind D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and A Tribe Called Quest), guitar by Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy / Vulfpeck), bass by Sharay Reed (Funk Apostles), veteran Nat Reeves and Luca Alemanno on bass; drums from Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective / Gorillaz) and Tom Gordon (BBC Big Band), soulful rhythm section Leonn Meade and Dean Mark (London Community Gospel Choir), sax by Bob Reynolds (Snarky Puppy) and Los Angeles prodigy Alex Hahn, Japanese jazz legends Toku on flugelhorn and Miho Wada on flute; Berkley’s Sarpay Ozcagatay on flute, percussion by Brazil’s finest Carlinhos Percussão and a range of finest British talent, such as Adam King, Jonathan Tuitt, Andrew Robb and counting…

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Jen Ash – No Lover Lover [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Old School : I’m trying to bring the 90’s R&B back , I miss this time .
Soulful : I’ve been gifted with this soulful voice and I am so grateful for it
Real : My music comes from true experiences and true stories and I want to make sure people feel it . I want to tell them that they are not alone and I’m here to share with them the good and the bad life put us through .

Tell us a few things about No Lover Lover. What is the main idea behind it?

No Lover Lover , is about recovering after a toxic relationship , and realizing that being on our own can be a good thing. It give us room to explore ourselves without being distracted by an other person . Toxic relationships are experienced by so many of us , It take us on a Rocky road that is not meant for us and we forget who we are because of Love . But when we get out of it , It feels like a weight have been lifted and we are finally free to be ourselves and follow our purpose.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

So many of my songs are very personal , it comes from my own experience , starting with “All Alone” “I’m Dreaming of You” , “Ride Or Die” , “I Stand Without You” , “Hollywood” , “No lover lover” … I try to be as transparent as possible because I want people to relate to it . And each line of each song is a feeling or a moment I have experienced .
I would say the most personal song would be I stand without you . It was hard to write , I realized in the writing process that I was emotionally miserable , and I was ashamed of it .Putting it into a song made me so vulnerable it was difficult .
The beginning of the song start with : “You left me , here empty , crying down on my knees … ” I still remember this heartbreaking moment .

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I’m really inspired by Jennifer Lopez , she has turned herself into a Brand ,. She is in charge of her career. multitasking music , acting , producing , creating her products … She is an icon and every woman , artistically should look at her path and learn form it . She created an empire and I would love for my career to get to that point as well .
In term of music , Amy Winehouse and Christian Aguilera are my top 2 . I enjoy their Unique and Powerful voices . There is so much soul in their sounds .

You are a former pro basketball player. Do basketball and the music industry have anything in common?

They have . I wouldn’t be the same artist if I didn’t play basketball . Sport teach you self-discipline , hard-work and perseverance . You learn how to work with others and make a group of people go in the same direction . It helped me take criticism as an opportunity to learn and become better . The music industry is not easy and an artist needs all the qualities I’ve learned while I played basketball . It made me mentally strong and I am forever grateful for that .

Favorite film ever?

Ok I am a Big Disney Fan their animated movies are absolutely stunning and I really enjoy the Music. I would Love to work with them and sing for one of their production in the future. it’s so hard to pick only one !!!
My favorites are Hercules , Pocahontas, Mulan and Aladdin. Just saw Aladdin’s Broadway Show in NYC . The Cast was fabulous . The costume were absolutely wonderful. It was a magical time for me . Loved it from beginning to end .

What is the most useless talent you have?

I would say the ability to touch my nose with my tong but I can’t even do that . Talent is definitely not useless , in my opinion Every talent is worth exploring.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Diamond Blacc – DEMONS [Interview]

Tell us a few things about DEMONS. What is the story behind it?

“DEMONS” is the song of my life. It is the summation of the adversity I had to overcome to live. I had to fight and overcome a lot of “DEMONS” to get where I am. I thank God I’m not where I used to be.

How do you get your inner demons out?

God! I was never able to conquer anything without my faith. I believe we all have had moments of adversity where we had to rely on hope or something greater than ourselves to make it through!

What first got you into music?

Honestly, it was during a period of my life when I was fighting my “DEMONS” that I found music ironically! Music pulled me out of dark and hopeless places and brought such light into my life. I’m so grateful!

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

Absolutely! Sound is so vast and universal and reaches pretty much every point of the universe. I believe the same could be said for underground hip hop sound today.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

The biggest challenge I have faced as an artist so far is trust. In this industry and life in general, adversity is at every corner. Not everyone has good intentions. I’ve learned to TRUST when people show you who they are. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust MYSELF.

Favorite music related film?

I recently watched “The Wiz” and its sheer magic!

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Vaping……vaping…….vaping :/

Thank you!

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Instagram

Into the Outside Box – Turn It Around [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Found it tomorrow

Too new to be old and too old to be new. Tell us a few things about your creative process and the main idea behind Turn It Around.

My creative process is a mysterious thing, with the only reliable comparison feeling something like a portal opening up above my head and funneling in a bunch of energy and ideas that somehow come together on the page, sometimes instantaneously. Turn It Around culminates the transformation and glimpses of self-awareness that got me to where I am today. Change is a difficult thing to accept, even if it involves becoming the very person you’ve always wanted to be. This song became a testament to that in its own playful, haunt you from your core kind of way.

What is the “key” to unlock unseen doors?

I think the key to unlocking unseen doors starts with being honest with yourself, no matter how uncomfortable that may feel at the time. When you can look at that without running away, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of handling more, and that’s when the doors start opening in surprising and creative ways.

Favourite album of the past year?

I honestly can’t name a favorite album of the past year…that’s part of the reason why I’ve been writing a lot of music lately. Rather than complaining about not being inspired, I like to create my own inspiration and see where it takes me.

What would you change in the music industry?

I think it’s easier to answer what I wouldn’t change about the music industry, and that would be the blending of different styles that we’re seeing across the board. Latin fusion is a perfect example of that, and I’m excited to see how the industry responds to this.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

I’m usually doing one or the other, reading or listening to music, but if you like doing both at the same time, I’d go with Women Who Run With the Wolves.

What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?

A part of me wants to say weed, but I know that doesn’t sound too responsible, so I’ll say meditation instead, which is honestly the best high, and I know it.

Thank you!

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Jackie channels – wakeupatsixandrunamile [Review]

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.

Make sure to follow our Spotify Playlist feat. Jackie channels

Young God Blow – VERMILION! [Interview]

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 🙂

Thank you!

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Instagram

P.E.Petrov – Ch 4 The Roadwork [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Reflective, Emotional, Pop

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.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Lil Seyi – AC Press [News]

‘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..

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Instagram

Mick J. Clark – Soldier Boy [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

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 🙂

Thank you!

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Twitter