Author: Admin

Glenn Valles – A Troubled Mind [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Moving, Meaningful, Memorable

What is the main idea behind your track A Troubled Mind?

Mental health is quite a concern these days and is a subject that goes unspoken more often than not. “A Troubled Mind” is a song about weathering the various “storms” in our lives. The lyrics that I’ve written in the Bridge says it all.

“The days I measure
Not by hours
But something I call
Sheer will power”

If we can somehow tap into our inner strength – our “will power”, a lot of what’s going on in “A Troubled Mind” can be overcome. That’s the main idea behind my track.

You have been awarded in many song contests. What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Each award that I’ve won is very special in its own way. Winning an award in the 1st edition of The Clef Music Awards in my own country, India and then winning an award for “Outstanding Achievement In Songwriting” at The Great American Song Contest earlier this year were one of those special moments for me as a Songwriter. Besides being a great honour, it’s also a validation of the effort that goes into creating and producing original music.

Favourite album of the past year?

‘Sour’ by Olivia Rodrigo

If you want to feel with your soul, how do you first connect with your soul?

Here’s what you need to do. Close your eyes and let yourself get swept away by that wave of emotion you feel when something touches you deeply. It’s a Divine experience that helps you connect with your soul. You start feeling things at a much deeper level. I’d like to share what a listener wrote in a comment for one of my songs “If I close my eyes and listen to the lyrics, I feel like I can envision everything. So awesome!” That comment was the ultimate compliment a Songwriter could get. I do my best so that my listeners can “see with their ears” and “feel with their souls”.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Take chances!!! I’ve written a song called the “Story Of My Life”. You can listen to it on my YouTube Channel – Glenn Valles Music. There’s a line in the 1st Verse that goes like this – “Didn’t take the chance to chase my dream” (of being a Songwriter). So yeah, I would definitely tell my younger self to take more chances and follow one’s passion.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Getting completely immersed in the creative process of writing and composing songs to the extent of being totally oblivious to everything that’s happening around me! I’m sure my wife would vouch for that! 😂

Thank you!

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Maddy Storm – Last Resort [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Pretty punchy pop.

Tell us a few things about your new song Last Resort. What is the main idea behind it?

The main meaning behind ‘Last Resort’ lyrically is highlighting the importance of putting yourself first. It’s making note of the realisation that it isn’t selfish to spend time on yourself and put your own well-being and healing as a priority.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I recently release my mini-LP ‘Forced Extrovert’ and there’s a song on it called ‘Natural Disaster’ where the verse lyrics are “I want you to be excited for me/Today in the shower I could not breathe/In all honesty/I’m scared you won’t be proud.” This track ends the Mini-LP and encapsulates my anxiety around how me and my music are received, providing some self-reflection on the body of work as a whole.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I have such a varied selection and I could write you a list of influences longer than my arm but I’m going to go with Kate Bush, Radiohead, Spill Tab, BANKS, The Beatles and my mum.

Does putting yourself first improve your happiness?

I think knowing when to put myself first improves my happiness. For me it’s all about balance, knowing when to pay attention to the needs of the people I love and when I need to prioritise my own wants and needs.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry! You don’t peak in high school.

Which person is Your last resort?

I’d like for other people to answer that question. The subject of ‘Last Resort’ could be your old self, you last partner, your family member, your ex best friend. Who do you think of when you hear the song?

Thank you!

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Adub Nati – Death By Jew [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Conscious, Christian, Lyrical

Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it? What is the biggest contributor to the opioid crisis?

A. Beat is by K.E. on the track B. Was sickened by the about of deaths and abuse from drugs and other issues not being addressed realistically C. Being nonchalant

For which lyric you are most proud of?

God is strong enough to heal the pain that you do feel.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favorite rapper right now I would have to say Bizzle. Favorite Lyricist Iva Joe. Favorite producer right now I’d have to say Hitboy or DJ Ntense.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Very important because “before one can write one can recite”. Music either feeds you positively or negatively. And yes, music definitely can have an impact on politics as it can affect the emotions/feelings of constituents.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

The voice of the black community and or everything it affects.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Ha… I plead the fifth.

Thank you!

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Toya Delazy – Tini [Review]

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In Tini, part of her latest album Afrorave, Vol. 1, Toya Delazy crafts an electronic production that provides room to bring her signature flow into the light. The track is driven by a minimal, tribal infused groove, a homage to her South African heritage. With huge ambient sub synth pads, an intriguing riff and unconventional back vocals, the track sounds as original as it gets, making it very hard to label it under specific genres. Toya Delazy is building up a buzz around her gigs for a reason. Make sure to check her live next time she visits your city. 

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Proklaim – JESTER/ MOONLIGHT [Interview]

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

Jester was a boombap beat that I came across online and liked it instantly for its high energy feel that reminded me of early 2000s hiphop club bangers. I purchased it online and got to writing to it. As usual I wanted to create a song with a message. The beat reminded me of classic bangers by 90s rappers some of whom are no longer alive specifically tupc and biggie and I got to thinking of the various things that lead to their demise. What came to mind was that wrong interactions and friendships and betrayal and wrong women were causes..I wanted to communicate that and that’s how I went about writing the song. The chorus came to me pretty quick without writing it…I remembered a line from an old batman movie I saw..The Joker used to say..”have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight”…I thought it was memorable and used it.

What Makes A Record Timeless?

A timeless record requires a timeless message that remains relevant no matter what generation itsnplayed in. It also requires the right energy which is created by a perfect marriage between the music and the artists vocal on the music..that creates a feel that immediately will engage a listener even if they are not from the era the song was made in.

What first got you into music?

I’ve always liked music from the time I was a little kid. Certain songs as a kid of every genre would evoke strong feelings in me. My dad had a record collection and when they’d have parties we’d dance for the grownups. I remember loving the feeling certain songs made me feel. When I got into listening to hiphop as a at around 7 years old it really struck a chord with me for its expressiveness and ability to put so much material into a single song..so many pictures would form in my mind listening to lyrics of so many rap artists..it was amazing to me.
I was a fan till I got to college and in my final year of college I began to try writing lyrics of my own and never stopped.

Favourite album of the past year?

My favorite album of the last year is definitely Nas’s Kings Disease ..I was impressed by his ability to rekindle that Golden Era feel of 90s hiphop classics and still sound fresh. It felt good to listen to and Nas also sounded like he’d grown as an artist his cadences were more varied and the production and overall song writing was great.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop is the language of several generations. It has for a long time been global. It is the most powerful genre of music to me. The reason is because so much more can be said in 1 rap verse than any other type of music…therefore more can be communicated to a listener. I don’t think we have seen the maximum potential that hiphop can have in society. In truth it has potty control the world. Rappers have potential to get more power than politicians…the thing is almost none have seen that potential they can create with messages..most rappers today say nothing potent…they cant see rap can be hot and still carry a message

What advice would you give to your younger self?

My advice to my younger self would be to be sensitive to the things I find I’m inclined to..remain true to those and once I identify them be dedicated to them regardless of anyone’s opinions..Carpe diem…have routine and remember to master any craft..practice it consistently.

How do you relate to the music scene of Namibia?

I’m not a keen follower of Namibian music in general but I am aware there is definitely hiphop talent in the country. Hiphop is not the main genre in Namibia and I actually dont follow the local genres of music so wont really be able to say whats really going on in those scenes. I’m aware of talented artists in the rap community here. What I hope to see is hiphop artists from the country and overall Africa in general begin to penetrate the global market and get the respect they deserve. I do believe it is a matter of time before globak hiphop greats begin to appear from other parts of the world besides the US.

Thank you!

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Joshua Singh – All I Ever Learnt [Review]

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All I Ever Learnt by Joshua Singh is characterised by the expressive vocal delivery in which relatively dry, low pitch vocals blend with nicely manipulated, vocoder style high pitch ones. The vocal section, which has a lovely James Blake touch, is mixed with a irresistibly warm, nicely repetitive, atmospheric soundscape. The added reverb adds depth and works as a glue to the whole track. If All I Ever Learnt was a picture it would be a very colourful one, like the heavenly aromas and colours you would discover in a spice market in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai. The track comes with a very effective video clip. Enjoy below!

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Patch TK – Jazzhop lofi for a warm and breezy night [Review]

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Hailing from Australia, Patch TK delivers Jazzhop lofi for a warm and breezy night, a vinyl-soaked instrumental driven by a tempting acoustic bass line. The delicate arrangement is filled with warm keys and lofi improvisations. A really soothing track to enjoy while drinking a special redbush, and with a hint of vanilla, cup of tea. Enjoy below!

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Don Jiggy – Dr. Feelgood [Review]

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It is your doctor. Your doctor feelgood. And when you feel this music you can’t help but groove.
Hailing from New York, Don Jiggy is delivering Jamaican vibes to the world. Dr. Feelgood is a dancehall work with a commercial pop sensibility.The track contains an addictive, catchy hook and an eclectic, melodic, reggae infused vocal delivery wrapped in a seriously big, driving groove. A dangerously upbeat and dance-ready tune which will turn the room upside down in no time! Take part. Dance along!  The track comes with a video track shot by CityJamMusic Production that captures really nicely the uplifting mood of this project. Enjoy below!

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Kellan. – Why Am I Like This [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Facetious Paranoid Bangers

Why am I like this, is a ‘doorway into the darker side of your anxiety-ridden mind’. What is the story behind your last song?

The song comes from a corner of the mind that is half frantic confusion, and half exhaustive investigation. The titular lyrics “Why Am I Like This”, is both “why does my brain and emotions work the way they do”, and “why is it happening to me”. It’s hopelessly rhetorical, and yet, I think we’re all looking for that answers.

We all have things we hate about our conscious, and we all have insecurities, frustrations, or annoyances that really make no sense from a logical perspective. Whether it’s social anxiety, relationship problems, self-destructiveness, selfishness, a lack of empathy, hating your body—whatever. It’s the part therapy where mindfulness meets the wall of “ok, I get this is a trick my brain is playing on me, but what the fuck, I’m still falling for the trick”.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

Now I hate, that I hate, my reveries of better things
The guilt-ridden pity party, did you RSVP?

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

For this song? Slug, Patrick Stump, Kanye, and Robert Delong

What does hip hop symbolise in your opinion?

Hip-hop is an entire culture. It’s not just the music, and it’s not just the art. I think hip-hop is a massive collection of people, community, and expression. I am just part of one branch of hip-hop—I rap. Hip-hop is a symbol of culture.

You are doing very well on Spotify. What advice would you give on new producers?

As much as it sucks, you have to focus on marketing. It’s not fun. It’s not, flat out. It’s work. But, if you’re serious about spreading your music, getting fans, and have an ultimate goal in mind—no matter what that might be—as a musician you have to market yourself. Play to your strengths. I suck at networking, but, I’m great at the internet. So I use it.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’ve never had a cavity, and I rarely floss. Boom. Mic drop. But also, follow me on instagram for crazy shit, antics, and producer tips. @kellanrad on Instagram.

Thank you!

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Chip Pirrs – When In Rome [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Angsty, Lush, Spacious

What is your creative process like? Tell us a few things about your new work and how it differs from your previous tracks.

My favorite part of the whole music making process is the initial construction of the idea in the form of the musical track. So usually start there, playing with different sounds until something sticks out to me. I used to complete the entire process in my home studio from track to vocals. Now I have a collaborator, and once I have a song in raw but understandable form I take it to his (Josh Valleau, The Glass Wall) studio and we work through it. My newer tracks are on new level now that there’s someone to help.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I think I’m proudest of being able to make the last part, of When In Rome, a bop. I was happy with how those lines turned out and sounded on the track.

Do as the Romans do.. What is the importance of adaptation?

My whole life people have said to me, When in Rome you do as the romans do, meaning when you’re in someone’s else’s element you should act like they act. Take their example. So I used that idea as an excuse for a guy coming home after being on a trip with his friends. It’s like, “it’s not my fault how I was acting out at the club or wherever. I was with my friends I was just fitting in with what everyone else was doing.”

Your music has a lovely experimental touch. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?

I’m not sure any art should always do any one thing. I know that I really enjoy when a complex song unlocks for me and I understand what the artist is doing. It’s an enriching feeling for me and I feel like after it happens my understanding of art as a whole deepens.

Favourite music related film?

Purple Rain

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Music. I spend more time listening to music than anything else.

Thank you!

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