Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L – Double Or Nothin [Interview]

Tell us a few things about your new single Double or Nothin. What is the story behind it?

It’s just around the idea that we all have someone we just can’t leave alone no matter what. Going outside to get into things we shouldn’t be doing. Doing things to not feel alone.

Where did you draw inspiration from?

My love life. Haha.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Got rings on me like I’m Kobe, I’m Moving on now you don’t know me” – for two reasons. I’m ready to take the next step in my artistry and need to let a lot of things go. And more importantly, Rest In peace to Kobe Bryant.

Favourite album of the past year?

Big fan of the latest Kaash Paige project as well as I Never Liked You by Future.

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

Getting a real push by editorials. For whatever reason we’re being over looked so we really relay on the listeners to share with friends. The growth is a bit slower this way which can be frustrating but I know it’s the way it’s meant to be. Thank you to everyone that’s been sharing.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

Ideally relaxed and a little faded. Listen when you’re alone or just people watching. I want you to try to see the world through my eyes a bit. I want to aid your vision.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m just getting started.

Thank you!

Follow Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L
Instagram

Black Silver – Once Upon A Rhyme [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Creative, Energetic, Intellectual

Once Upon A Rhyme is a single from your upcoming 6th studio album. How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

My creative process is dialed in. Once I have a concept & a dope beat you can pretty much expect an exceptional product.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I don’t really do personal, but I have merch pressed with this quote “In his own bracket / in the zone/ in a chrome stray jacket / danger prone / known for having cadence mal practice” I like that one.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Bob Marley, Prince, Barack Obama, Public Enemy. I pull inspiration from a lot of different sources.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

That’s easy. It symbolizes a thought to be trend that became the biggest culture other than religion on the planet.

Favorite music related film?

Ooh that’s a bit tougher. It’s gotta be a tie between “Purple Rain” & “Streets is Watching”.

One last thing we should know about you?

After taking a 4 year hiatus and being convinced to pick up the mic again, the world is about to witness greatness.

Thank you!

Follow Black Silver
Instagram

Thomas Jay – Ease My Mind [Review]

London born, Kent raised Thomas Jay is showcasing his atmospheric debut single, a neo soul tune with laid-back vibe. In the epicentre of the track is the artist’s express vocal delivery characterised by its wide dynamic range between the verses and chorus. The chill, bass driven groove has a soothing factor and is mixed with nicely detuned, ethereal synth pads and deliciously warm keys.  As the track suggests, something to ease your mind. Don’t forget to follow our Spotify Playlist feat. Thomas Jay. Listen below!

Follow Thomas Jay
Instagram

Arturo Banbini – Underground Party [Review]

Arturo Banbini is back and is as strong as ever. This time he teams up with living legends of the scene as LYNX 196.9 x Kool Keith x Sadat X for Underground Party, an invitation to dance on this thrilling funky groove. Driven by the bass line and enhanced by a polished horn section, its sound is charged with intense energy while the enthusiastic guitars add ‘de funk’ to the already heated production. On top of that quality flows fill the last pieces of the puzzle. Make sure to follow our Spotify playlist feat. Arturo Banbini. Listen below!

Follow Arturo Banbini
Instagram

Hot Mustard – Mustard Green

The award winning instrumental recording duo Hot Mustard is back with their latest work titled Mustard Green, a cocktail of funky and jazz hop elements. From the very first moments, the listener comes across with a dusty, trip hop oriented beat which is blended with mellow guitar licks. On top of that the instrumental is enriched with a couple of retro inspired synth sounds adding a vintage twist to the song. Last but not least a naughty, multilayered brass section adds a funky mood to the song. A music project which will turn your routine afternoon into a velvet one. The song comes with a video clip that feels very original indeed and captures the vibe of the song perfectly. Enjoy!

Follow Hot Mustard
Instagram

Follow our Spotify Playlist feat. Hot Mustard

Clouds in a Headlock – Phantasia

To coincide with the release of their debut LP Breakfast in Phantasia, the esoteric hip hop collective Clouds in a Headlock presents their flagship focus cut “Phantasia”. Mellow jazzed out rhodes and a raw drum break collide to provide the buoyant soundscape of production duo Runway 45 with added sonic sprinkles provided by the Ghost in the Machine.
MCs Doctor Outer, Lovecraft, and Èph weave effortlessly through the beat to deliver their rich colorful rhymes and illuminate Clouds in a Headlock’s psychedelic playground.
“Phantasia” hits DSPs on 18.11 courtesy of CMR in partnership with Fat Beats.

Lori Asha – Compensate [Review]

Hailing from the UK, Lori Asha delivers her latest track Compensate, a dreamy production that is raising the standard for the next releases really high. Compared to her first track titled Never which had a classic, elegant RnB vibe, Compensate is characterised by the addition of drill elements in the backing track. On top of that, cheeky guitar lines, chill key licks and ethereal warm pads are mixed with Lori’s dreamy vocal delivery, resulting in a very satisfying release. Listen below and make sure to follow our Spotify Playlist feat. Lori Asha.

Follow Lori Asha
Instagram

Moneá – Check In [Review]

Richmond-based R&B/Soul artist Moneá is back with Check In, a well crafted production that invites the listener to the deepest side of the RnB universe. Driven by the delicate, mellow bass line the instrumental is enriched by organic keys and warm guitars, complementing  the smooth vocal delivery by Monea. The soulful melodies blend nicely with the beautifully tight groove, helping you to relax while adding that atmospheric hint to your late night walk. Ease your mind. Check in.

Follow Moneá
Instagram

Follow our Spotify Playlist

Venior – Spit Fire [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Freaky, Punky, Pop

Tell us a few things about your new song Feed My Mind. What is the story behind it?

Feed My Mind is a song I wrote after a break-up, when I realised that the whole reason I kept ending up in messy relationships was that they were not feeding my mind! And luckily I think I learnt that lesson now looking back.

Why are some people so focused on looks?

Our whole society is very focused on appearance so it comes as no surprise that many people are chasing the perfect looks whether it comes to themselves or their partners, since beauty ideals are fed to us constantly.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Oh thats a tricky one, I always try to be honest in my lyrics, but of course some songs will hit home more than others. I have a song on my EP called “ Freedom Is A Place In My Mind” where I’m singing “Slowly I’m tearing down the walls I’ve built round me, All the things that kept me from being free, I don’t wanna hide, I don’t wanna lie, It’s morning, A brand new day a brand new life I have in my hands, now I choose to see, I found right back to me” that is a very personal reflection on finding back to my own wisdom and stop asking for validation from the outside.

Born in Finland, currently based in Berlin. What do you love/hate in each place?

What I love about Finland is the nature and the calm, there are not a lot of people and lots of forests that everyone has access to. What I love about Berlin is the art-scene. In Berlin you find interesting people from all around the world and it has inspired me a lot in my own artistry.

Hate is a strong word, but what I dislike about Finland is that people are kind of anti-social and if you look different people will stare at you like you are an alien haha.
In Berlin I dislike the German bureaucracy that I am trying to avoid as much as possible.

When not writing music, how do you spend your time?

I paint a lot and make clothes from recycled material. Recycling in general is one of my favourite hobbies. I recycle most of the food I eat because so much are being thrown away! Oh and I also practise Kung-Fu.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I am a master at grinding my teeth at night!

Thank you!

Follow Venior
Instagram

Dré Anthony – Shining [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound in three words is melodic, versatile, raw.

Tell us a few things about your new song Shining. What is the story behind it?

The story behind Shining was to make a record that was really catchy and about coming up from the grind. But the meaning is to shine from within just like ice etc. Ironically when I made this Shining I was in a dark place at the time. but I had to use the inner shine from within to keep pushing through and inevitably bring this song to existence.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most honest lyrics is “I’m soul finding right now I’m just soul searching my soul be burning”. Its lyrics from a song that I made called No Write​-Off​s I was expressing the pains that I felt through my life.

Favourite album of the past year?

There are a lot of great artists, but I’ve been listening to my own mixtape to this day. Just to really see the differences and growth through my craft.

What would you change in the music industry?

Easily the contracts and the music business as a whole. I feel labels rarely give artists their rights to own their own music catalogs. I feel that needs to change, but artist also need to be more business savvy if they really want longevity and wealth.

How do you relate to the vibrant music scene of Toronto?

Me being from Toronto automatically relates me in that sense. But depending on where you grew up in Toronto you may be on your grind and I feel my up bringing for sure reflects that in my music.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I feel all my talents are useful, but on a non serious point I would say I can drink a lot of water fast.

Thank you!

Follow Dré Anthony
Instagram