Author: Admin

Victor Alexeeff – Classics Unleashed [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Sonic Ear Candy

Classical meets electronic. Or to use your title, Classics Unleashed. Tell us a few things about this project.

A project I’ve thought about ever since Wendy Carlos released her electronic version of Bach. It was pretty radical to interpret a classic work and take it right out of the purist comfort zone. And I’m pretty sure these rock stars from the past would have been all over these electronic instruments!

What first got you into music?

I wish I knew… I was only four…

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I feel that I constantly get inspired by so much talent out there! Especially from artists that pour their passion into their art.

What would be your dream performance venue?

It might be a bit of a long shot 😉 but performing at the International Space Center floating around the planet would be the ultimate.

If you were asked to rescore a film, which one would you choose?

I’m not sure about stepping on someone else’s work. But way back in Toronto, our band NRG did live film score performances to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. We experimented a lot with sounds, and whatever gear we could get our hands on. Back then, our friend Larry ran the 16 mm projector and the three of us were buried in gear. It was a blast!

If Bach were alive today, what kind of you music would he produce?

His music could possibly be so intense that mere mortal brains would explode.

Thank you!

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GIANFRANCO GFN – Bonnie & Clyde [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A, HOT B, JAZZ C, AND A TOUCH OF MAGIC

Latin but with a vivid pop sensibility. Tell us a few things about your new song Bonnie & Clyde. What is the main idea behind it?

On this music I wanted something more dancing and a little more Latin, when I composed the title came very quickly because while playing I sing in loop this “Bonnie & Clyde” then I found logical to write his story, but without returning in a text of violence of as it was in his history, but on the connection, the love that can be created in a couple and that can have no limit… but thought in positive…

What first got you into music?

It is my parents who passed on to me the love of music, at home we listened to a lot of music, and very early I wanted to make some! and with time I left to the discovery chooses my instrument “the Guitar”, I am autodidact, I learned everything by looking, encouraging, and of course hours and hours of work… and the passion of the composition took to me very quickly, and since that made of long years that I compose, I arrange and I direct in all my productions.

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

I love both, but the greatest pleasure is when I hear my composition finished in the studio! At the beginning there is just a guitar and some vocals, then everything is built with the musicians in the studio. In concert it’s a little bit different, I have fun but there has to be some magic otherwise it can get boring very quickly! But when the magic happens, the evening can be crazy, and magical.

What would you change in the music industry?

There is too much and there is a lot of confusion, the public does too much zapping, and many artists who do not work with machines have difficulty to get out and be heard! and unfortunately the earnings decrease more and more! Earning a living today is becoming more and more difficult! Even the public doesn’t buy our CD’s anymore, we have to do concerts with very little money! And more over the platforms do not pay us or very, very, badly! The public doesn’t even support us anymore or almost not via donations! this last is possible on our pages with specific tabs… Yes, the future is not very positive…

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

I remain very positive, and I thank the people who leave me comments like on my Youtube channel, very encouraging. There is an audience that is created with time, even if I am in a style and a musical world anything but current. But to believe some comments my music makes them dream, dance, escape, I imagine them, and for an artist like me there is nothing more positive and gratifying.

When was the last time you danced?

This morning during and after the shower! Just before I played the guitar and started a new song that made me dance…

Thank you!

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J.Juice – Lingo [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fun, happy and energetic

Lingo is seriously uplifting. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind the song?

Lingo was made during the pandemic and I wanted to uplift everybody to have some fun and it works

What first got you into music?

my friend and I were dancing in the club and I saw how music changes people and I wanted to change people live

Main influences?

Puff Daddy, Jay Z, Dr. Dre & Master P

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

Doing everything with a small team and a small budget

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

With Family and investing in Real Estate

When was the last time you danced?

lol this morning

Thank you!

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Hanna Söderberg – Gravity [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Energetic, Dynamic, Melodic

Gravity is uptempo, uplifting with a lovely anthemic vibe. Tell us a few things about your new work.

Gravity is about never giving up, never giving in and always staying true to yourself

What first got you into music?

I´ve always loved to sing, ever since I was a child. Music has always been my way of handling and expressing emotions.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Jessi J, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder, Pink, Alanis Morissette, Avicci, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Demi Lovato, Max Martin, Ed Sheeran.

What would you change in the music industry?

I`d like to see more female songwriters and producers in the music industry and I´d like songwriters in general to get more credit.

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

I work as a music teacher.

When was the last time you danced?

This morning!

Thank you!

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Donny Draco – MY MIND [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Edgy, Emotional, alternative

MY MIND contains a melodic, nicely manipulated flow uppon a heavy trap beat. Tell us a few things about it.

Well the instrumental was produced by Garret Adams (Beats by G). We were in the studio together looking through some samples, and this guitar one popped up. It caught my attention and so Garret worked his magic on it. As for the song itself, I was in the studio alone one night, pulled up the beat and it just kind of happened. When I listened back to It I was like oh whoa this delivery is different than what I usually do, but It’s really catchy.

For which lyric you are most proud of

I really like a few lines from a previous song I released (Enough Of The Truth). I said “I got nothing to do, every day I been stuck in a loop, Tell me the lies had enough of the truth”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

My overall favorite Artis and even lyricist would have to be X (XXX Tentacion). I guess My Favorite Producer would have to be the homie Garrett (Beats By G). He’s made the beats for every song I’ve put out haha.

Most iconic emo rap track ever?

It’s hard to pick. It might sound cliche, but Star Shopping by Peep is one of my all time favorites still.

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

I don’t really make party music or hype music. I would say the music I have out now is like solo car ride late at night type of music. I feel like some of it is great to listen to if you’re emotional or going through a rough patch. It’s also good if you’re just chilling and need something cool to listen to.

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

Long story short, After I turned 21, I went out drinking at a bar for the first time. Everyone was feeding me shots/drinks because it was my first time out. By the time we were about to leave I was very loose. We were going to walk to a friends house close by, but I wanted to get my weed out of the car in a near by parking garage. I got to the car, got my Backpack with bud in it and found a can of spray paint. My drunk self proceeded to start tagging different parts of the garage. In the middle of my painting session a cop rolls right up next to me in the garage. I didn’t have time to reason with him, got cuffed instantly, the cop found my weed, and I got brought to the station to stay the night. Nothing major, but definitely a ridiculous story.

Thank you!

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Caspar Grant – Capricornucopia [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Satirical psychedelic bass.

In Capricornucopia you blend dubstep and grime elements with a very playful flow. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind the track?

The track went through a number of incarnations. Originally a lot of the bars were ones I’d drop to classic grime instrumentals at the end of a set as part of a big finale. The idea behind the lyrics was to blend shelling it with something more abstract, showing what I could rhythmically whilst also demonstrating how vivid and otherworldly the imagery could be.

I originally recorded the bars to a classic beat (try and guess which one) and then, after searching long and hard for the right producer, enlisted my guy Dusty Ohms to build an instrumental around the rhymes. I then re recorded the bars to the new beat and adapted a hook that I’d been using at shows for the chorus. The “Everything’s Been Done Before” part was a call and response line I’ve been using for time and I think all in all the song managed to capture the essence of a lot of what my music’s about, particularly translating the live energy I’ve developed over the years.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

It’s hard to say exactly. The main rule I work by is that it has to be visual. I’m really into the whole idea of a painting saying a thousand words but sadly I suck at drawing so I use lyrics instead. Rather than just saying my direct thoughts on something I’d rather present an image or a scene with characters as a form of visual metaphor and let the listener interpret it. A lot of the lyrics tell short snap shots of stories that are at least intended to have layers of meaning in them. Generally I’m mostly influenced by a lot of social and political satire so I guess that’s what I’m trying to do with the lyrics, say something about the world around me as I see it as well as talking about my own personal reality in a way that’s still humorous and entertaining.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Oooooof. I’m going to cheat and put Pharoah Monch and Black Thought combined as my favourite rapper (I really do think they are flips of the same coin in a number of ways), Aesop Rock as my favourite lyricist and Four Tet as my favourite producer. If he’s not Hip Hop enough I guess I’d go with Flying Lotus.

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

I mean as much as straight up trap may have stagnated you can also hear how certain trap sensibilities have been absorbed into all different types of music and sub genres that are perfectly vibrant. I think that with these sorts of things it isn’t as simple as suddenly everything changing. If anything it’s more the case that trends right now will continue to evolve whilst at the same time the next generation of kids bring something that’s a complete reaction against what’s prevalent now.

I think you can make strong arguments that the way in which jazz sensibilities have come back to the forefront in a lot of hip hop will have a lasting impact, particularly as jazz music itself continues to evolve in parallel. At the same time I anticipate a raw, back to basics explosion at some point to counter that, something hard to balance how vibey a lot of music has become. Don’t get me wrong I love both those polar energies, it’s just that in the ecosystem of music these things have a habit of shifting.

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

I like to read and watch a lot of movies. We’ve got a projector in the yard so it’s cool to hook it up with the big speakers on, close the curtain and have the whole cinematic experience. I really need a certain amount of art and stories in my life just to keep the old noggin in check. I like to keep up to date with current affairs because the world is nuts and it’s important to have some idea of what’s going on, as limited as it may be. I like to cook a lot because flavour is important and science is fun. I like to get outdoors because nature is essential. I also really enjoying watching stand up comedy.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Making that water drip sound by tapping my cheek. I’ve got it down pretty solid although my boy Lewis who taught me how to can do it way better than me. Such is life.

Thank you!

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The Art Crimes Band – Guy Like You [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Stephen Kirby: Diverse, Open, Groovy.

Guy Like You contains a chill groove mixed with an expressive vocal delivery. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind the track?

Grace McMahon: “When I was online dating, I carried all these expectations of the kind of person that might suit me. I think a lot of women, and probably men too, carry lists of characteristics in their mind of what their ideal partner should be like, and they are often not willing to compromise. In my own case, I was probably too focused on material things, for example I wanted a guy with his own car. That’s because I had been in previous relationships where I ended up feeling like the chauffeur and being the only driver in the relationship made me feel that it was unequal. Afterwards, when chatting to some of the lads in my band, I reconsidered this notion when I realized that there are lots of lovely guys, including some of my bandmates, who cycle everywhere and therefore ‘my list’ was preventing me from meeting some really nice men, and I had to be more flexible in my approach. In the evening, over a few glasses of wine at home, I was swiping on a dating site as usual, and suddenly the lyrics to a song just popped into my head.. That was the basis for Guy Like You”.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Grace McMahon: Cold Room lyrics are very real for me “What if I stayed in the rain and told you straight that day, what if I said nothing new, that I was a fool for loving you” or Puzzle Of You “you won’t return my calls I fear you think it’s though I don’t know how I’ll live my life forever shadowed by you”.

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

Stephen Kirby: [Performing] live. Recording is so much fun and we’re very proud of our output. That said, nothing beats the up-close and personal experience. We can’t wait to get back out there, see you there!

What would you change in the music industry?

Niall Dennehy: Not having computer algorithms decide how good your song is or isn’t.

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

Niall Dennehy: Reminiscing good times with good friends

Future plans?

Niall Dennehy: We are still busy working away in our studio, getting the next single ready for mid-summertime and keeping our eyes firmly on an album in the next year or so. You can catch us at a SoulFest in Cork City, Ireland, August 26th – 28th and possibly another couple later on this year.

Thank you!

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J’Moris – Moris Better: Loveless Confessions [Interview]

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Blending a melodic trap instrumental with a catchy melodic flow, Moris Better: Loveless Confessions feels very honest. What is the main idea behind it?

Thanks, it’s very honest. The project embodied the struggle of love and the relations that intertwine it. Life is full of ups and downs I just aired a few of mines

Where did you draw inspiration from?

I was inspired by trials and tribulations that I endured over the resent years

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

it’s hard to pick a favorite lyric from the project, every line hits me differently and resignates in a unique way. I can’t really put one over another

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

favorite rapper is hard to say I’m a lover of music so I like alot of artist from Drake to j.cole to Don Trip and the list continues, My favorite lyricist might be Wale the way he approaches music is very poetic, my favorite producer Kanye.. the way he constructs his tracks are crazy good

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

I would say my biggest challenge could possibly be consistency, life on the go can be draining and taxing mentally. Finding the time and energy to write or express yourself can get put on the back burner to different vices

What advice would you give to your younger self?

In the great words of the late Nipsey, life is a marathon so I would tell myself not to get tired of the journey but instead embrace it, it makes you value the destination that much more

Future plans?

I’m currently working on more music I’m dropping a single soon, networking and spreading my music to every ear

Thank you!

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Alvin Chris – Bug/Averse

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Alvin Chris keeps teasing us with the music video of “Bug”!

The process is now launched: The promise of a striking artistic maturity, not caring about any labels: mixing rap, pop, or experimental electro, Alvin Chris is above all a complete artist and an outstanding author and composer. The well-crafted punchline, full of meaning, are flying, the melodies hit instantly, the flow is sharp.

With “Bug”, Alvin draws up a subtile and poetic satire of our consumerist society, over an electro-pop background. Without taboos, nor barrier. Just like an artist who grew up, assuming himself fully. It is Alvin Chris, and it is beautiful.

The “Alvin Season” continues.

“Averse” draws its influence from contemporary British electro and still breaks the boundaries between styles. “Being happy is knowing how to dance in the rain. That’s what I wanted to tell in this track. I particularly like the production of make a meal, who is the producer who produced half of the project and is directing it. A tasty mix of neo-soul and electronic sounds that I like.”

FiDA – This Love (feat. Dewaan) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Futuristic, Eccentric, Witchcraft

This Love blends an upbeat groove with very interestingly manipulated vocals. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind it?

‘This Love’ came to fruition last December, during one of my general production sessions. The instrumental combined Electronic R&B with Pakistani-inspired percussion, which introduced the idea of incorporating my mother tongue of Urdu into the track. Amazingly enough, I met Dewaan around the same time, and he specialised in writing and performing in Urdu. Together we came up with the concept of writing the track as if it was a conversation, and the collaboration allowed me to perform in Urdu for the first time (big thank you to my big brother Dewaan for his support). Influenced by Frank Ocean and Jai Paul, I mixed multiple vocal layers into the final track, and manipulated them as if they were a part of the programmed beat.

What first got you into music?

My Ami (Mum) & Abu (Dad). They played a variety of music during my childhood, ranging from Pakistani classics to the Beatles & Michael Jackson. They also gifted me a PS2 from my birthday, and NBA Street Vol. 2 was my ultimate introduction to music, as it got me into hip-hop and sampling.

Favourite album of the past year?

Probably Vince Staple’s self-titled project, him and Kenny Beats are a disgustingly good duo. My honourable mentions would be ‘From a Birds Eye View’ by Cordae and Baby Keem’s The Melodic Blue.

What would you change in the music industry?

I don’t know enough about the music industry to start suggesting any changes just yet, if everything goes according to plan you can ask me again in a few years haha.

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

Considering past releases, I’d imagine people listen to my stuff when they’re chilling. Upcoming projects will take a slightly darker turn, so I can imagine the state of mind will differ. Still chill though.

When was the last time you danced?

5 minutes ago, I’m always dancing fam.

Thank you!

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