Author: Admin

Vala – Baddest Bitch [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Alternative Hip-hop/Pop

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

“Baddest Bitch” is about self-confidence and standing up for yourself. In today’s world, it often seems that you can’t feel good about yourself or something that you’ve done without someone criticizing you. Sharks, who are people who try to use others for their own advantage, are everywhere. They are at every job that you work, they can be the people you meet, and the song is about how you handle those interactions with them that shape who you are going to be.
 
In this video (which is partially animated), the animation shows Vala vs. the villain – who is an actual shark, personified. At the start of the video, Vala is in a retro TV when a remote reaches to the TV and changes the channel to the animation where it’s Vala vs the shark in a series of scenes ranging from the gladiator arenas in ancient Rome to scenes in which she’s fighting zombies.  All of this is to create one underlying message: be confident in yourself, and don’t let anybody try to change who you are.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“You’re more like a mean ogre, a creepy club promoter, a mediocre poser at best…” I thought it was funny.

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

No and sort of yes. On the yes side — there is a sound of what “underground” hip hop is today but it is more just a sound that was created in the mainstream, so underground hip hop artists today have taken the mainstream and tinkered to make it their own and they all have a similar sound to their music. On the no side – there is no underground sound today that I have heard that was created first in the underground. The old underground sound seems to be only kept afloat by the artists who are still putting music out that were there when there was an underground sound that was created in the underground.

What would be your dream performance venue?

The house of Blues in Boston. While maybe it is not Madison Square Garden, when I was growing up I used to go there to see some of my favorite artists and bands. I have wanted to preform there ever since.

Favorite music related film?

School of Rock (haha might be kind of a strange answer but seriously it is an awesome movie and just makes you want to write or play any and all types of music)

You’d give up making music for…

I wouldn’t

Thank you!

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MoCity Jones – New Ground Collab [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

chill, eclectic, lyricism

Tell us a few things about your new son New Ground Collab. What is the main idea behind it?

New Ground Collab was an independent group of rappers djs producers singers poets all working together to create something different. Me and Oscify were both contributors to NGC and we made this song as a paying homage of sorts. This song really hits home for me cause it felt like it was 20 years in the making. Everyone on NGC really inspired me and I definitely wouldn’t be rapping without them.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Versify my penmanship I’m coming with a new sound” versify being one of Oscifys biggest albums. I strive to bring something new to the table every time I step to the mic. Fun fact I actually name drop some of my favorite Oscify projects throughout my verse. Oscify in turn name drops a lot of people in NGC, not everybody there’s too many to name honestly but I know someones going to be salty about not being mentioned.

Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?

“The old school” feels like home to me. But I ain’t gonna front like there ain’t a ton of talent bubbling right now. The industry is just really over saturated and you have to dig through the crates so to speak. I’m really digging Kota the friend, marlon craft, and elzhi to name a few.

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?

The sound likes to go in cycles, each one different than the last. From boom BAP to trap to grime, auto tune and mumble rap. But I think we’re done seeing sweeping changes within the game. We won’t see boom BAP again or anything but we might see a sub genre of boom BAP or hip pop. I personally dabble in many sub genres of hip-hop & rap. I have trap, and boom BAP albums, Which is fine it’s all about staying true to yourself.

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

When I’m not writing or working on music I’m spending time with my daughter she just turned two and it feels like she was just born. it’s amazing being a father, just a wonderful feeling.

Future plans?

I have a sequel for my album “journey to lost” coming out called “Journey II.” Drops April 29th. I’m also working on an anime inspired drum and bass album currently And I’m super excited about it!

Thank you!

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Odelet – The Angels Album [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Hmm… like the sound of my record? My production? Warm.Fat.Old.

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

Well, it’s sort of the culmination… and the beginning. It’s the culmination of a life obsessed with music, all leading to the moment when you find the truest, highest expression of your art. And then, it’s the beginning, because once you find that, you just want to see how much of it the Muse will give you.

Which song (if any) of the album reflects you the most and why?

When you have children, they each reflect you in different ways. I’d like to just go with the proud parent response, I love all my kids equally. But in this moment… Angels.

Main influences?

Rugs. Tapestries. Birds. Teapots. People who pioneer things… expand things… stay true to something they love… detail oriented people. Flowers.

What would you change in the music industry?

What music industry… ? For me, that’s two things, music and industry. What would I change about industry? Hm. Support small businesses. And music… I like that question a lot, hmm. I could see peoples’ relationship to music being so much more satisfying if they were to practice the way I’ve been told it was… That our parents and their parents used to sit and listen to music and not do anything else… I like the idea of a resurgence of that, of more full focus listening.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

Ha! Well like I was saying… but if I had to choose something, I’d say pick something heavily illustrated.

What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?

Water.

Thank you!

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Sam CD – 3 Suites [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

beats for nerds

Your music has an experimental vibe. What is your creative process like?

If I have something in mind I will try to put it on paper, but if not I will try to build off of a transcription of an existing work, usually jazz, sometimes classical, as a starting point. All of these tracks were made while commuting to and from work over the course of a few years.

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

All music is collaboration, at the very least between creator and listener. It shouldn’t be a lonely process I don’t think.

Main influences?

Hip hop (beatmakers especially… Alchemist, Kanye West); eccentric classical (Stravinsky, Debussy); jazz piano (Dave Brubeck); movie scores; randomness

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

Having to get a job

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

contemplative, cooling out, zoning out

What is the most useless talent you have?

They’re all pretty useless but I was a tour guide in Paris for some time, so I could tell you some cool facts about French history which are likely false.

Thank you!

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Dre Day 100 – Ride With Me [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Innovative, creative, and litty

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

Ride With Me is a track that gives the audience a clear background about me. I had a fan one day tell me that they wanted to hear more about my story and what I am about and they were right because I didn’t have many songs describing my story. So I decided to go head and spread my message and let everyone know about what I had to go through to get to where I am now.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Working all them jobs working day and night shifts.” The whole song is honest but if I had to choose the most personal and honest lyric it be that one. I still work two jobs at the moment and that just let’s everyone that I grind for mines.

Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?

I like the new era of hip hop but yes I do prefer the old school more. It was more genuine and different back then and everyone was original back then. 90s rap just gives you that feeling that you never want to let go for a long time.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop symbolizes struggles, triumphs, and revolutionary messages being spread to the masses.

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

If they have the mindset of wanting to be litty and enhance their mood but wanting to actually listen as well instead of just bopping their head, then those are the people I can see tuning in to my music.

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

Besides the weed charge I got a couple years back, there was a time back in middle school when I was 13 going on 14 and me and a homie of mine decided to go scratch up our teachers car for the sole reason of us not liking her. Well the homie that I was with decided to go tell everyone about it and whoever he told snitched on us and the teacher decided to press charges on us. Long story short we got arrested at school, got sent to an alternative school, had to take a tour of juvie, and luckily all we got was probation.

Thank you!

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IDN – Kaleidoscope [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Kaleidoscopic, unique, sound collage (if that’s a descriptor)

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

Kaleidoscope is the product of my own style developing and blossoming. Over the past two years, I’ve experimented with countless genres and techniques in Ableton Live (my production software) and have pushed myself to listen to an insane variety of music from almost every genre imaginable. From this, I began to understand what aspects I loved in each of these genres, and learned how to apply those inspirations into my own work, combining multiple genres into one. I think the result is really unique sounding, which is great, because I’m not fulfilled by making something someone has already made.

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

I love collaborating, although it can be hard to translate two artists’ brains into one piece. I do have a couple new songs in the works with other producers, singers, rappers! Songwriting can be lonely, but I prefer to have complete creative control over every part of my art. This, in turn, makes Kaleidoscope a 100% IDN experience – every ounce of every song was handled by myself. I understand the joys of collaborating, but for my personal projects, for now, I like to make sure what I’m putting out is a true form of personal artistic expression.

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

I definitely enjoy writing/producing music more than performing, however, I haven’t yet performed live with Kaleidoscope. My first show is on April 17 at Sonia Nightclub in Cambridge! If anyone is around, please come, it’s going to be so much fun. I’m looking forward to performing and I’m putting a lot of effort into making sure it’s a fun, danceable, and trippy experience for everyone.

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

The biggest challenge I continue to face is social media and marketing. I can’t wait for the day where I have a team who believes in my art and can help me get it to more people. I consider myself very tech-savvy, however I loathe the performative aspects of social media, and I don’t do any of the things other artists tell you to do in that regard; Reels, TikToks, vlogs, ads, etc. I just don’t care, and I currently don’t have the demand. Social media has always been emotionally draining to use consistently.

Favorite music related film?

The Lovers Rock episode of Small Axe by Steve McQueen single-handedly got me obsessed with dub and reggae, and led me down countless rabbit holes of inspiration. It’s about an hour and shows the incredible energy of reggae/blues parties in the UK ’80s.

One last thing we should know about you?

I am constantly creating new music and working on my art, one way or another. I have dreams of combining my interests in visual media, fashion, music, and dance together – but for now, come to my show on April 17 if you’re in the Boston/Cambridge area, and look out for new music soon! Thank you!

Thank you!

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ET – Savage [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Genuine, Kind, & Passionate

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

This song is pretty unlike anything I’ve ever written… I don’t usually do songs where I’m stating things like “I rap the meanest and hit the cleanest.” This song was written and recorded probably like two years ago but I kept it because there are moments where I feel really good about something musically I’ve done so I want to talk my shit. I don’t do it often but when I do it’s a really fun thing to create.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The bar I like the most is definitely “I’m a bull no secret, bars I’ve exceed” and it’s first few lines for a reason. From the very beginning people have opinions especially when it comes to music and wanting to pursue it as a career. A lot of people maybe even family are going to ask you if this is really what you want to do with your life and maybe even tell you things that make you doubt yourself. Never let anyone else make you feel you are incapable because more often than not, you will exceed things even you didn’t thing you could surpass. I’ve done a lot of growing these past few years and see tremendous progress in the way I create, the quality of the production, & the way I vision my music career in the future. I will continuously break the barriers they say I can’t.

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

Honestly, I don’t think there is one particular underground hip hop sound. There are so many artists who bring their own unique sound to the table and sure some sound similar but there’s still a hand full of musicians who are becoming masters of their craft. So many people sleep on the underground.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-hop culture is something that has inspired me from a young age. To express your opinions and emotions in your music and in your own way to share to the world is an amazing thing. To have the ability to write something I’m feeling and create something that another person can relate and possibly even feel seen from is the greatest thing in the world.

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

When I’m not doing music I am most likely working my day job. I have a full-time job where at the moment I’m working about 50-55 hours a week so it can be really difficult to create music and market releases at the same time.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I think my biggest vice is just being impatient and frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. There’s definitely a struggle sometimes within myself where I almost have to check myself for feeling like I should be further than where I’m at and I should be putting more hours in musically even though I work so much. Getting flustered when things don’t go accordingly probably also comes from working a lot so my time is super important to me. It’s a continuous struggle but I’m learning to deal with it as I go.

Thank you!

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Long Term Parking – Luxury Luxury [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Real, unclassifiable, raw.

You blend in your music many different elements. What is your creative process like?

It’s mainly a daily job. At the beginning, you have a vision in your head. Then you need the courage to step out of your comfort zone and you need to be patient. You progress step by step and often you get lost, then it’s important to admit it and come back. You know, I think about music all the time. All three of us are such musical chameleons,
then there are no boundaries to limit you.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Depends on the mood. The songs together create a mosaic and when it all fits together and you start to feel that way, you can hear the story of the whole record – that’s our point.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Peter Gabriel can experiment and still be understandable.
Kendrick Lamar, who didn’t go wrong. Frank Ocean, how real he can be.
And bands with a recognizable sound like
Arcade Fire, Radiohead or Vampire Weekend.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Wherever there are listeners who are crazy about our music.

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

Without prejudice, with an open mind, ready to travel through music.

Future plans?

Promoting the album in every way to get our music to as many potential listeners as possible.

Thank you!

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Leo – Helicopter Leaves [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, punchy, introspective

Tell us a few things about your album Stevie Boi Jr. What is the story behind it?

Stevie Boi Jr. is a 9 song 29 minute visual album available on YouTube compiled of cartoon animation and real life imagery. From my childhood upbringing, to the relentless pursuit of my career you are able to hear, see, and feel all of the highs and lows of Stevie Boi Jr.’s journey. Find out how I power through the day on tracks like “Morning Routine” and watch as I reflect on my childhood while questioning the laws of human consciousness on “Decades.” Listen as ‘Stevie Boi Jr.’ calls out the mainstream media and their underlying agenda on the song “Same Old Sound” followed by metaphoric struggles through the valleys of the Utah Canyons on my song “Canyon Call.” Listen to the pain in Stevie Boi Jr.’s voice as I foreshadow a broken heart from a past lover on the closing track “Deja Vu.” Needless to say, my album “Stevie Boi Jr.” takes us on a rollercoaster of a journey through my mind and emotions as I rise to the top.

What first got you into music?

As a kid I loved to play the drums and sing. When I was younger I loved 70s music because of my father. Artists with wide vocal ranges such as Freddie Mercury of Queen, Stevie Wonder, and a Elvis Presley caught my attention. Newer soft rock such as John Mayer, Cold Play, and Dave Matthews band I appreciated also at a young age. It wasn’t until 7th/8th grade that I discovered my love for RnB and Hip Hop inspired by artists such as Usher, Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake, Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Mac Miller, Childish Gambino, Joey Badass and all of Beast Coast, and others. Seeing artists like these form their own brands and independently make careers off of their own music/art put a fire in me to achieve this for myself.

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

Current Joys and his album “Wild Heart”

What would you change in the music industry?

All the things that are glorified in the mainstream. Focusing on raw authentic music and art rather than the cheap sex/drugs/money propaganda. Also for labels to start giving full control and ownership to the artist and their work while not taking most of the money they earn.

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

Listeners who like smooth melodic upbeat music that puts them in a mood of positivity. I touch upon relatable subjects such as experiences with romantic relationships along with our relationship to ourselves and well being. Also anyone looking to dive a little deep into spirituality and their own connection to the universe.

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing. I couldn’t possibly do so if I tried.

Thank you!

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Nadirah X – Nobody’s Coming [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Introspective, Emotional, Love.

Tell us a few things about your new song “Nobody’s Coming”. What is the story behind it?

The song is an examination of society, what we have been taught to believe spiritually, mentally and also and examination of self, understanding our power lies with us. Freedom is within us. Olaf Blackwood’s vocal interpretation of that sentiment is beautiful.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

From Nobody’s Coming? Wow, the entire song is personal and an honest observation, from my view of our world. How one is treated because of color, gender, sexuality, economics. The line“…they’re giving us all of these things while they are taking our girls…” is how the dangling carrot (money, sex etc) distracts us, it places us on a hamster wheel so to speak and people will do anything to acquire the things we are told we must acquire to be recognized.

Favourite album of the past year?

Right now I’m bouncing between Jazmine Sullivans Heaux Tales and Adele’s 30.

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

The seed planted many moons ago that this is a mans world and women are just here to facilitate that journey carry’s on in every aspect of society, and of course, art is a reflection of the time and space we are in. I think its changing though…

Photo by @theartistcaps

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

When I’m not writing I’m listening to music, observing the world. I also love binge watching tv shows, when there is time.

One last thing we should know about you?

I love watching stand up comedy and horror films!

Thank you!

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