Author: Admin

Dendê Macêdo – Agô [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, fusion, spirituality

With superb grooves and very positive vibes, Agô makes you wanna start dancing from the very first seconds. Tell us a few things about your new work and the story behind it.

The songs that made it onto the album are a result of almost 10 years of composing and performing live. Some of the songs came from improvising on stage and others just from me noodling on the guitar. Without realizing it, many of the songs were about the Orixas and I realized that if I wanted to put them out into the world I should make sure that I had permission. That’s why I chose to call the album Ago, because it is asking permission of the Orixas. We recorded live in Philly and then overlaid tracks so that friends from around the world could participate. It was all done during Covid, so it was fortunate that we could do most of the work via email.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I don’t think there is just one.

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

It depends on my mood. When I am more reflective and solitary, writing music comes more naturally. However, I do a lot of improvising and often write songs live onstage through that process. I have missed performing a lot because of Covid and am happy that things are starting to go back to normal so that we can do more of it.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would make more channels for independent music to be heard. It’s challenging to get your music out there, especially in Brazil.

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

There’s something for every state of mind on this album. Some songs are for dancing and some for heartache, some are spiritual and some are just for fun.

When was the last time you danced?

I’m Brazilian! We dance all the time!

Thank you!

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Alli Bean – Outside Voice [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Jazzy, Sassy, Honest.

Tell us a few things about your new album ‘Outside Voice’. What is the story behind it?

Outside Voice is a culmination of works created along a personal growth journey. We go through life making moves; choices aren’t always conscious. By chasing people & seeking external validation we find ourselves in dicey situations, leading us astray from what matters. When I realized I had this issue, I turned inward & began really asking myself what I was relentlessly pursuing; what did I need to let go of in order to find it? In that process, I said goodbye to a lot of habits, & ideas that got in the way. The album directly addresses those situations while letting sleeping dogs lie. I’m thankful to have found a way to split the difference.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Twenty Questions is an extroverted, playful tune expressing over-intense curiosity. That sums up a hefty part of my personality! Anyone who knows me closely can attest that this tune is Very Me.

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

Both are compelling for different reasons, absolutely, but now that I’ve spent good chunks of time doing each, I have to say I enjoy the writing part the most. It’s the solitude & quiet; the inward listening & development that does it for me. I used to think I was made to perform, & I do quite enjoy performing my music, but since diving deeply into writing & recording, it’s that piece that feels the most like home. By leaving a state of seeking, I was able to sit still in the experience & find my own heart. I wouldn’t trade that for any live gig on earth or in space.

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

The hardest part was getting back to it. I returned to music after a seven-year hiatus. I was always into music to express myself, so the frustration of not being able to do so cogently at an instrument after such a long silence was large on my mind. The feeling that I was playing catch-up was also tough to handle while working through eight years on my Jazz undergrad. I had to take my time in order to ensure I developed the skills I needed. It wore on me watching class after class graduate as I chipped away. Now that I’ve finished that part of my academic musical mission, the art itself is far less challenging. I don’t feel like I was ever away from a keyboard any more & I’m so thankful every day that I stuck it out.

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

I’d love for people to hear my music & feel confident that they can lay their own boundaries & function in a manner that is best for them first & foremost. Get out of hot pursuit & find what you need in absence of the noise.

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

There’s never any trouble if you never get busted. 😉

Thank you!

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DULCIE – My Body [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Groovy, feel-good, fresh

‘My Body’ is upbeat and really groovy indeed. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind it?

Thanks! I wrote the song with a lot of anger surprisingly enough! I was sick of myself, friends, family and women across the world being harassed and assaulted by men. I wanted to write a song that wasn’t all doom and gloom but instead empowered women and made them feel good!

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

In this song id say the bridge lyrics, as they delve a bit more into my own personal experiences with sexual harassment and show a more vulnerable side to the song.

Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Oooh im torn between Whats the Use by Mac Miller or Kiss by Prince! Both songs influence my music production greatly!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Its really generic but just “Do what you love”- ive always been supported by my parents to follow what i truly want to do and thats pretty much why im studying music and doing music as a career!

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

Ive never got into massive amounts of trouble luckily but i was a chatterbox and daydreamer at school! Wasnt always my teacher’s favourite student haha, its the creative mind i think:)

Thank you!

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MonkeyRat – The Child Ft. Anna Sofía Skoradal [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, Soul, Multi-genre.

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘The Child’. What is the main idea behind it?

“The Child” was written when I was a teenager in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, after my dream of becoming a professional dancer was destroyed with violence by the patriarchal father figure, because of my Calabrian, southern Italian culture and strict Roman Catholic upbringing. Dancing was not seen as a respectful career choice, nor acceptable regarding marriage opportunities for an untouched woman. It was read at my mother, Anna Diano’s funeral in 2020. She died of Covid, but before her death with her dementia, she become like a loving child, free to be her authentic self, singing and clapping for everyone to hear and cheer, finally free to be herself, a performer till the very end of her life. “The Child” is about never loosing one’s inner child, never giving up on your hopes and dreams for the future. I never gave up on my dream and neither did my mother.

Describe the experience of working with Anna Sofia Skoradal. Is songwriting a lonely process?

It was a pleasure to work with the talented 21 year old, Anna Sofía Skoradal from the Faroe Islands. I fell in love with her soulful voice at the weekly Open Mic event hosted by myself and Arnold Ludvig, my husband, bass virtuoso, and composer of my band MonkeyRat. “The Child” is the 1st song that he composed solely on Ableton Live, Ludvig is also from the Faroe Islands and an award winning bassist.

I enjoy being alone when I’m being creative. With maturity, self love, and self acceptance, I embrace my own company and like-minded people who love and respect themselves and their art.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Carmen Amaya, Spain’s iconic gypsy Flamenco dancer loved and honored by both Franklin D. Roosevelt and all the great stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. James Brown, the godfather of Soul, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Meshell Ndegecello.

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

I would say getting my music out there in the world. Faroe Islands is a tiny tiny country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and Norway, north of Scotland – population 52,000.

Favorite music related film?

Purple Rain

One last thing we should know about you?

I passed my Viva Voce on May 25th, 2022 the defense of my Thesis – Trauma, Poetry, Fuck The Jante Law, Creativity as a Means of Survival. On June 24th, I will receive my Master’s in Music in the NAIP program – New Audiences and Innovative Practices, from Iceland University of the Arts. The new artistic practice that I developed during my 2 year study is Poetry w/ Electronics with sensors (Piezo contact microphones underneath the taps of my tap shoes with cables and jacks in my soundcard, through Ap Trigga 3 plugin, Ableton Live, and an Akai mini midi keyboard). The influence for my new art form is Laurie Anderson.

Thank you!

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V-Train – Sunset On The BLVD/Sunday Service [Interview]

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Sunday Service has a lovely nostalgic vibe. Tell us a few things about it.

Thanks again Hip-Hop Paranoia for asking me this question. Sunday Service samples “Friends Let Me Tell You About Jesus” by the Dixie Aries that highlights the theme of the song of going to church and singing hymns. It is then followed by lo-fi pianos and bass. As a religious person myself, I wanted to create a lo-fi song that contains a religious theme. I found the sample in Tracklib. Tracklib is an excellent website for Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Producers like me who want to improve our craft of sampling music and getting legal licenses to use the samples in our music. With that, they also got a huge catalog of genres to sample from which is perfect for producers like myself to explore.

Sunset on the BLVD is seriously lofi. You have managed to maintain a consistent style throughout your music. How easy though is it to stick to a coherent idea and not be carried away?

It’s easy for me because there’s no other genre that I can really branch out to. When I first started with music, I was doing covers and posting on YouTube. Rock music is more of a team effort and EDM is vast and difficult to navigate for me. I was already familiar with R&B and Hip-Hop music from my late childhood to early teen years so after taking music production lessons, I’ve discovered I had a lot more fun with Hip-Hop production, but I can’t rap and don’t have any connections with rappers. Somehow, I stumbled across Lo-Fi girl on YouTube and discovered Lo-fi music and I just took off from there.

Do you accept the term study beat? Why is lofi used for studying?

I accept the term study beat for the lo-fi genre, but I think it can be used for multiple reasons. I would also accept other terms like relaxing beats, work beats or even jazz beats (Jazzhop or Chillhop). I think there are 3 big reasons why lo-fi is used for studying. There are almost no lyrics to the music which makes it easy for the listener to concentrate or relax. Lo-fi usually has a slow to medium tempo between 80 to 100 BPM which also increases the relaxing mood of the listener. Atmospheric pads and Vinyl record sounds are always associated with Lo-fi music and those sounds bring a certain mood to the listener by having them imagining themselves floating in space with the synth pads or reminiscing on what the past was like with the vinyl effects. In contrast to EDM that is fast and loud, Lo-fi Hip Hop does the opposite making it perfect for study music.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

An improvement. When I released my first album “My Quiet Room”, it was liked by friends, family, and people within my community, but it didn’t get much buzz and I was working with limited sounds. Then while I was working on my second album “A Wandering Soul”, I upgraded my DAWs, downloaded new sounds appropriate for lo-fi music and I’ve bought new gear including my new Akai MPC One Drum Machine. With the help of some friends, my music began to spread outside of the community and even in different countries. Right now I currently have almost up to 40,000 total streams on Spotify.

What first got you into music?

I was playing music all my life. After watching my mother play piano at home and at church, I started to follow in her footsteps as well as experimenting with all the different sounds and effects on the keyboard. My parents and teachers discovered that I like to keep a steady rhythm and though I would be perfect for the drums. So I would bounce back and forth between piano and drums. Eventually I would pick up the guitar and bass and things just took off from there.

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

Absolutely. Hip-Hop since its conception has always been underground music. Even when it became mainstream and America’s #1 music genre, there are still cats like me making excellent bangers in the comfort of our houses. There’s also a major benefit working underground compared to mainstream like signing to a major label. When you’re underground you have complete control of your sound, and you get all the payments you wouldn’t get if you worked with a team hired by the industry. The underground Hip-Hop scene is a lot more versatile in my opinion which makes Hip-Hop unique. Today’s mainstream Hip-Hop music is mostly created with trap beats and mumble rapping. Don’t get me wrong, I like some of the current popular Hip-Hop songs of today, but I was raised in the 90s East Coast era, and I take pride in it. Most of the underground Hip-Hop sounds replicate the sounds of the 90s because I think most producers like myself missed how Hip-Hop was more about the message and creativity rather than making the same beat used by many other mainstream rappers.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I’m not into performing in big venues so I would be content in playing music in a small café.

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

I love to play pinball. I’ve participated in local tournaments and have gotten some recognition. Currently I’m in the top 200 pinball players in Pennsylvania and I have a best friend who’s #1 in the state. He’s the one who got me into pinball. I also like to play video games to relax especially Call of Duty. Drawing and reading are my other favorite hobbies especially when the topic is Hip-Hop and producing. Currently I think I have over 10 books about Hip-Hop.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

When I went to see Jacob Collier live in a Philly club, I was impressed to hear about this artist from England who is a multi-instrumentalist. After that experience, I’ve listed to all of his albums. I was disappointed that I couldn’t see him in concert this year but I hope he comes back to Philly soon.

Your dream collaboration?

I would like to collaborate and co-produce with DJ Premier if I ever get the chance. I really love his sound. It was and still is the pinnacle of Boom Bap Hip-Hop in my opinion.

Favorite music related film?

I haven’t watched much music related films, but I use to watch a lot of movies about Ludwig Van Beethoven when I practiced classical piano. The movie that stands out to me is Immortal Beloved. I think Gary Oldman portrays Beethoven well and I can relate to Beethoven in many ways in music and life’s struggles. I want to see Straight Otta Compton one day. Maybe sometime during the summer I’ll rent it from YouTube.

Thank you!

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Robin Shaw – Today’s Generation [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Imaginative. Storytelling. Rhythmic.

Today’s Generation blends guitars with hip hop and a chorus with a melodic flow. Tell us a few things about the track and the main idea behind it.

The main idea behind this track is my view on all the changes we have witnessed over the last few years in the world. The subjects covered within the song ranger from revolutionary, politically, environmentally. There’s been such a vast amount of changes, I wanted to articulate that with the underlying message of hope in the adversity. It took over two years to write/record and master.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

I would probably say the main topic is News headlines. The song features various big and small headlines.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

This song is inspired by Billy Joel ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’. I loved hearing this song and wanted my own modern version of a song that has all these current topics happening in the world. I am
Inspired by many artists. Professor green, Lewis Capaldi, the streets, James Bay, Eminem and many more. I love songs that have strong word play and stories, however that is portrayed. Rap, hip/hop, pop, if it has a story and imagery, I like it.

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

I think just having to prove myself in this industry and getting my music out there. I have had no musical background when I started out 6 years ago. Anything I’ve achieved or connections I’ve made, has been down to pure determination and belief in what I am doing.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

to not worry so much and to realise, opportunities are far closer. Just keep looking and trying.

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

I have had a few battles with car parking spaces in the past. I have been caught with a lot of car parking fines.

Thank you!

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Instagram

H A U N T E R – Dream The Day Away [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Experimental sounding pop.

Tell us a few things about your album ‘Dream The Day Away’. What is the main idea behind it?

“DREAM THE DAY AWAY” is the sequence of a daydream turning into a nightmare. Inspired by experimental hip hop, neo-soul, jazz, and rock, this record sits between multiple genres in a lane that is defined by odd grooves and catchy leads.

Are these days full albums still relevant? Do people still listen to full albums?

Totally. If a song is like a bullet point, an album is the full story. People who become obsessed with artists will listen to a full album linearly.

Favourite album of the past year?

THE FUNK WILL PREVAIL by Kaelin Ellis.

What would you change in the music industry?

Finding ways for artists to get paid more for their work while also making music less disposable. It seems a majority of the money in the industry goes to executives and companies, rather than the artists and artists’ teams.

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

People would be best served listening to our album while in a calm and peaceful environment. Going through the album in order and letting the words sink in song by song.

One last thing we should know about you?

There is something in the music for everyone… somewhere.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Echezona – Ride [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Limitless, heartwarming, eventful.

Ride is a blend of afrobeat and chill R&b. What is story behind it?

Ride was inspired by two records, mainstream and local, with the goal of channeling my inner warrior – knowing my worth and standing on it, even if it means having to let go of someone I love.

What first got you into music?

My introduction to music came from my upbringing being filled with listening to traditional Nigerian gospel and highlife music, as well as being a part of my church choir at the early age of

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

I enjoy both of them to the max, honestly. But there’s such an excitement I get in writing songs that I’m in so enthusiastic about it. Plus, these days, I write songs envisioning how they’re gonna be performed on stage. The writing ultimately sets the tone for how big those crowds will be. With that being said, I’m gonna go with writing the songs.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I honestly don’t even know. Spotify is a platform that can’t be neglected as the music industry progresses. A good amount of my friends use it, and I have an account myself, so I’m sure there are incentives that come with that privilege.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stay disciplined and never get comfortable.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance almost everyday, so it honestly might have been a couple hours ago.

Thank you!

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Fab 4TS – The World From My Eyes [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, Authentic, Thought-Provoking

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

My view on the world, society, and the future molded by my environment, pain, and experience.

which lyric you are most proud of?

“Fighting through confliction, so no one’s outworking me”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

God, Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

An outlet for one to express their views, beliefs, pain, and intentions.

Favorite music related film?

La La Land

What is one message you would give to your fans?

It’s either 100% or 0%, and if it’s 100 it might as well be 110%.

Thank you!

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Soundcloud

Trevour Amunga – Vespa [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Pure, chaotic, creative.

Your EP Vespa has very nice variety in it. Tell us a few things about it, what is the story behind this project?

I started working on it right after my 1st Ep for Akira, but at the time it sounded completely different from the Vespa we have now, musically and subject matter wise. Unfortunately, my dad passed away and so the project changed into something dealing with grief, and how his passing has affected my life and faith.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I cursed God the entire night, it should’ve been easy to bring him back to life” off my song Bleached.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Andre 3000, MF DOOM, Madlib

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

The biggest challenge is honestly just marketing. Making music is really fun, but figuring out how to get the music to the right people is a big challenge.

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

I’m usually reading poetry, watching cartoons or sports.

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

Got arrested because some lady thought me and my friend were selling drugs and called the cops on us.

Thank you!

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