Author: Admin

V-Train – Lo-Fi Sensation [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work titled Lo-fi sensation.

Lo-fi Sensation is my third album. It contains 10 tracks, each one stand out on their own with unique sounds, beats and melodies. I wanted to have a mix of Hip-Hop and Jazz since there are no rappers on my songs which allows me to be more creative. The album also features the debut of my new Akai MPC One, the latest addition of my studio. You can hear it’s effects though the chopping of vocals and sampled melodies.

Which is the most gentle lo-fi melody you wish you had composed yourself?

I wish I composed The Righteous Way to Go by 9 th Wonder. I always love digging through samples and figuring out how to incorporate them in my music. The way that 9 th Wonder was able to fit a sample so smoothly into a Hip-Hop beat is just incredible.

What is the story behind your name?

V-Train was a nickname when I was in middle school. I used to be a part of the youth in the boys and girls club where I would go to after school and during the summer for camp. One time, a counselor just randomly called me V-Train and everyone has been calling me that since. I decided to use the name as my artist name before I released my 1st album. I thought it was fitting for me ironically because I did love trains a lot when I was a kid.

Have you considered introducing lyrics to your music?

I did have lyrics in the fall on my second album “A Wandering Soul”. The artist was a professional singer, so she put her lyrical talent on that song by my request. Since then, I haven’t considered adding more lyrics in any future songs I have. Lo-Fi Hip-Hop rarely does have lyrics or voices in that matter which is what attracted me to the genre. It’s about the instruments and less about the lyrics.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I can see Spotify being the musical gatekeeper today, but I don’t know how long that will last. The music industry is always changing so who knows if it will still be the gatekeeper of music
today.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

I highly recommend reading Dilla Time by Dan Charnas. It’s about the life of late Hip-Hop producer J Dilla and being considered one of the influencers of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop, I can’t think of any other book than this to read alongside my music.

Future plans?

I am planning on creating more albums and singles. I don’t plan on stopping. I also made a website that has my beats store for any rap artist or producer that wants to use my beats. I’m also working on sample packs and offering services like custom beats and mixing another artist song.

Thank you!

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hangtime – Walls [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work Walls.

It’s a story of a family at war, there’s much strife, and the odd ability to open that portal for processing, maybe the portal has never been closed…
“Blood on the border, it’s blood from my brother”

How much saturation is too much? Joking aside, what is your creative process like?

Give into the flow, where it takes us.
We want to play on the biggest speakers imaginable to send it.
Bath in the wash; extrapolate the moarz, add-rinse-repeat.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I never feel safe”

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Have you heard of The Prodigy and Aphex Twin? 
Joking aside, Keef Chambers portrayed by Tony Cavalero is a real gem(stone).

Which song gives you such a rush of energy, you wish you had composed yourself?

Soul Man – Sam and Dave
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt – Naruyoshi Kikuchi

Favourite music related film?

Honestly, it is a toss up between Muppets Christmas Carol and Fast and Furious 3: Tokyo Drift.

hangtime.. What is the story behind your name?

We are not hangtime, this is hangtime
It’s there. Look at hang…look at time…look at what happens in the middle. 
we been doin’ music awhile, hangtime was born in quarantine

Thank you!

"A Prismatic Shard can be offered to the Dark Shrine of Selfishness at the Witch's Hut to turn children into doves (getting rid of them permanently)."

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Tom Orlando – On Repeat [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Vibrant, Atmospheric & Unique

This is your first attempt to try a more melodic flow. Tell us a few things about this track.

I have always wanted to be a singer. I have been makign hip hop music for almost 7 years! I decided to attempt making a track in which I showcase a different side of me, one that I wanted to explore for quite sometime! The song was written as a freestyle! Completely off the cut.

Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?

I have always wanted to collaborate with multiple artists and have been attempting to for years! Unfortunately I have had some terrible experiences which have caused me to take a step back and focus on building myself as an artist. I will say however, I have worked with talented artists and there is a brand new song coming soon with this artist! I love the process of my songwriting. Being able to be locked in my room and focus on writing out my feelings on paper is everything I could of ever wanted!

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I have to say that one artist who has truly been an inspiration was B.o.B. I love it when artists do not stick to a single sound or genre. That is what I inspire to do. One of my projects will get you in your feelings, One will get you dancing, One will have you vibing, cruising through the night. That is the goal.

On Repeat is very chill. In which state of mind do you imagine people may listen to your music?

Definitely can see it played while chilling at a BBQ, On the beach, or a simple party. I believe the song performs best in those avenues!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to have given it my all. I am greatful at the place I am in my career in the moment however, there is no doubt in my mind I could of already been a mainstream act if I had really dedicated my full time into my craft. Not to allow myself to waste time, play games and procrastinate.

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

For legal reasons, I cannot tell you lol however I have definitely done some crazy things in my life that I am not proud of but it has given me opportunities to grow into a better man.

Thank you!

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Proklaim – IDK [interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words:

Organic, sincere, purposeful.

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

The song is about remaining true to one’s own yearnings. In it I reflect on various lessons from watching people betray you and not losing sight of what you wish to achieve even when odds stack against you and being willing to press on alone I’d necessay.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Some who serve time ( in jail), but I’d rather use mine now to really serve me.”

Your flow is really original. Who is your favourite rapper?

Most of the rappers that touched my mind are no longer alive …my favorites are Big Pun, Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie and Lauryn Hill.

Why is sexism, and even outright misogyny, so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?

Hiphop was birthed in the Bronx NY amidst a people who were deprived of so much..young people..mostly men could finally express themselves and have a platform of influence and power. It became competitive and mcs felt pressure to outshine other mcs…the end result was trying to put down other rappers …since most rappers early on were male they had to profess their masculinity by lyrically jousting with other mcs and declaring dominance over women became a trend that eventually became outside misogyny and abuse…

Your sound is very atmospheric and with a retro touch. In which state of mind do you imagine listeners may listen to your music?

I envision listeners listening to my songs as they listen to their earphones on a train or bus and go about daily life…I hope to see the music I make becoming the soundtrack to peoples’ lives.

If you could watch the earth from space, which song would you listen to

” what a wonderful world” by Armstrong.

Thank you!

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Mark Wink – Down Down [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Deep, Soul, Story

Tell us a few things about Down down. What is the main idea behind it?

I like to create something new – I like the Ocean – I like Barry White´s Voice.
So I tried to create as “one man show“ with the help of all digital tools and things i could afford – this song

The track has a very cinematic vibe. If it was in the end titles of a film, which film would that be?

Imagine a kind of „Amageddon“ at the ocean (not on an astroid)
More in french than american style (with very interesting faces -not models)
A film where the ocean, the planet, the nature strikes back and humankind try to stay alive..
But at the end..all high tech..is useless..all efforts, everything ultimately leads to the knowledge that we find the true harmony, the true knowledge at the bottom of the ocean, at the bottom of our soul..our heart.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

You will find some very personal lyrics in another of my songs… called „Freeway“
but I’m pretty sure my most personal and honest lyric lies in a future song

What is the first synth you turn on (analog or digital) when you start a new project?

I always start with a picture, a movie in my head, the the sounds follow
I´m pretty sure, I’m not a typical musician – i build songs upside down – maybe I’m more a director than a musican – I love to create both – the film & the music

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

well, I´can not sing, I can not play an instrument, I can not read music notes
No good singer wanted to work with me
First you’re imperfect – they ignore you, then they laugh at you
Then you evolve step by step – what I wanna say -every challenge made me stronger

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

I created already a Partysong, a Xmas Song, a Pop/Rock/Soul/EMD Song
Life is not black or white, midi is not always in a good or sad mood.
Down Down is a bid more on the deep, darker side..it leads you to yourself..maybe some people are afraid regarding this way.

What is the most useless talent you have?

What a funny question :-)))
I really believe every talent is useful, it only depends when and how you use it 😉

Thank you!

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Chad Lewine – 35 [Review]

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Home ownership is not just (or at least widely considered) the ‘right’ financial move. It is something far more important, at least for many people. A home is where one can take refuge, feel secure and comfortable. But when was the last time that home ownership was the central idea of a song? Hailing from Lansdale, Pennsylvania Chad Lewine is back with another record for the summer titled 35. The lyrics from the artist focus on how he needs to buy a house by the age of 35. On the production side, the backing track contains a powerful trap/future bass beat with commercial elements and vivid pop influences. Overall a really fun and lively track that can be characterised by its playfulness while at the same time it manages to communicate messages which are not directly expressed. Listen below!

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Jadamarie – Love?? [review]

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Los Angeles based artist Jadamarie is showcasing her latest track titled Love??. The perfect song for a chill weeknight or even better a summer evening spent in good company or blissful solitude. Driven by the laid back piano sound, Jadamarie’s dreamy vocals feel like they have fallen straight from a pink cloud, setting an ultimately nostalgic mood. This atmospheric scenery is exacerbated by the extra saturated drum section and garnished by some Lofi aesthetics. This is a Public Service Announcement: Take your portable speaker with you to the beach and do not miss the wild Perseid meteor shower!

Ps. On Spotify you can also find the instrumental version. How about your own special cover?

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Slkrack – Hazi Life 3 (feat. Dehmo)

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Coming from the Porte de La Chapelle district in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Slkrack made his appearance on the French drill scene in early 2020 with “Gestion”. Thereafter, he will release this same year 4 other sounds including a freestyle for Mouv’ in November and notably the track “Patek” in October 2020, with the presence in the clip of several beautiful names of rap such as Georgio, Doums, Gazo, Abou tall and Hache P.

After a busy year with the project “SL500”, then the EP “Merci” and a notable appearance on the sound “La Colline” from the album of Cashmire as well as several scenes and concerts, Slkrack is not finished with the year 2021 since he continues a series of freestyle “Hazi Life” whose first two have worked well. The rapper of the 18th district of Paris puts back a layer with this ” Hazi Life #3 ” accompanied by Dehmo.

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Lupe Dragon – I Know What You Did [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Moody, inspiring, collective

‘I Know What You Did’ captures the energy of someone that got betrayed but is ready to move on. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea was showing the ugly part of anger. The part we hate seeing in ourselves. The person we become when we really get destroyed by someone. The version of ourselves they made us out to be.

Does your music in general reflect real life experiences?

Most of the time yes. It comes from my personal experience and my perspective.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Oh man.. tough question. Hopeless Fountain Kingdom by Halsey still gives me chills… As well as Under Pressure by Logic.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square Garden.. I’m from Jersey but I live so close to New York that I’ve walked by it so many times. My goal is to make it on that stage one day.

Your music has a pop sensibility. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

When they’re looking to either cry, feel their feelings, or have a good time. I’m looking to make more upbeat music cause life isn’t all bad. My better songs just happen to be focused on love and breakups !

One last thing we should know about you?

I love a good cappuccino!

Thank you!

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HIDEKKI – ECLIPSE [Interview]

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With manipulated, low pitch vocals and a chill hip hop beat ECLIPSE engages the listener instantly. Tell us a few things about it!

Pitched down vocals are one of my favorite ways of establishing the vibe of a song. This type of vocal manipulation is a staple in certain electronic genres, but the first time I heard it used really well in a hip hop song was A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie”.In this era of music, new listeners will skip your song pretty quickly if you don’t hook them in. Changing the texture of vocals is probably one of the best ways to keep people listening. On a technical level, I pitch my own vocals down about half an octave. I find that suits my vocal tone the best.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

Aside from hip-hop, I love the electronic sub-genres of Future Bass, House, and Trap. Pretty much all of my music will have elements of these electronic genres mixed with Hip-Hop. Recently, I’ve been making purer hip-hop like ECLIPSE. Although, even ECLIPSE uses drum sounds more typically associated with EDM in parts of the song.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Drink, Smoke, Cut a line, take you for another ride /I swear I love my girl but Oh these drugs they give me butterflies”.
Most people know that drugs aren’t the healthiest or most sustainable way to be happy, but a lot of us use them anyways. This line is just a way of expressing how self destructive I can be even when things are going well for me.

Favourite album of the past year?

This is a tough one. I think I’m going to have to go with “ALBUM MODE” by Dillon Ponders.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

It’s probably different for everyone, but to me it’s a form of self expression. We all have totally separate lives inside our
own heads that the world doesn’t see. My music is an extension of myself that I put out into the world. Kinda scary, but its satisfying when people react positively.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself not to wait so long to actually start putting out music. The earlier you start the more time you have to develop your sound and cultivate an audience. I used to be so worried about what people would think of my music that I just didn’t release it. Now I understand how subjective music truly is. Most struggling artists just haven’t found their audience yet.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I do amazing impressions of Elmo, Stitch, and Golem from lord of the rings. I haven’t found a way to incorporate that into my music yet. But when I do it’ll be awful.

Thank you!

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