Luca Gasperoni – Album 02 — Superfly [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Raw meat and champagne

Tell us a few things about your new work. What is the story behind it? Which track of the album represents you the most?

This Album is born because i believe introvert can make big things too, in a world dominated by images and icons, it feels like theres no place for those who just cant manage the spotlight, i believe that is not right.
The album mixes a variety of genres, united by a common street taste. As a person i experiment different feelings and i don’t want to limit the album to a genre with would mainly reflect just part of those, a person is a complicated mix of feelings, and the balance of those feelings define the person, so should an album.

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

Songwriting is kinda lonely, but at the same time collaborative, lately, collaborations became a lot easier thanks to fast internet and strong social networks on the net, this is creating huge opportunities for artists to collaborate with anyone in the world, without gettin out of the studio.
Finally, even small artists are able to link up and work on massive album projects, on a small budget. 
Watchout music superstars, we gonna kick your asses.

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

Uh yes, I have many of them, ADESSSO, Hollyspleef, Bluid, Ev. to name a few…

What would you change in the music industry?

Music industry is just like everything else in the world, those who are on top, are unable to take risks, and that somehow slows down culture, but hey, you can’t really stop underground culture from growing.

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

This album is quite a large spectrum of moods, as I am experimenting mixed feeling the most of the time…So I would say, its a shapeshifting album depending on the mood you approach the album with, but no real correct or incorrect state of mind needed.

You’d give up making music for…

Have 10 kids, grow em like an herd of wolves, beach wolves, and skate with them.

Thank you!

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Vince Chinaski – Never Painted Black [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Organic, poignant, cinematic

Tell us a few things about your new work “Never Painted Black”. What is the main idea behind it?

Ultimately the song is about finding truth and beauty in accepting the simplicity of existence and rolling with the flow of things just like children do.
It started as an improvised lullaby for my sleepless boy who struggled terribly into the night and yet joyfully relished every single moment of the day; all the little discoveries, every new feeling. Life being awe-inspiring just like that; no need for all the constructs that come later on when we harden.
During those endless baby-walking nights, having no soothing aid to spare but my voice, I couldn’t use my hands to jot down lyrics so I would croon the melody over and over in the dark. Night after night, ideas came and went, and the song evolved spontaneously.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I reckon all my lyrics are. I mainly write about existential themes filtered through my personal experience, feelings and political views. I always strive for authenticity. No gimmicks here.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I’d say all of them but definitely classics like David Crosby, Stephen Stills, The Band, Joe Strummer, R.L. Burnside, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles

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

well, the struggle is real for a lot of us and there’s a lot of dirt in the world but somehow I always manage to turn it around in my head and have a laugh about it.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

that’s a hard one… maybe “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera on weekends and “The Monkey Wrench Gang” by Edward Abbey on weekdays

You’d give up making music for…

here we’re getting into life and death territory…

Thank you!

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Avaraj – Everything I’ve Known [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Vibey, chill, thoughtful

What is your creative process like?

I started creating music because I had a difficult time understanding how I felt about situations, and writing lyrics gave me a way to dig deeper and understand my emotions, so that’s where I start usually. I write lyrics first. Sometimes I’ll listen to some moody instrumentals to get the creative juices flowing, then write something that fits the mood and reflects how I feel. After that I create music for it. I usually want the music and the lyrics to speak to what emotions the listener should feel when listening to the song. I have a tendency to listen to songs on repeat that reflect the mood I’m in, so that’s what I want to offer the listener, something they can really vibe out to and get lost in.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

Wow. That’s a tough one. Most of my lyrics speak to me very strongly at some point, but of the songs I’ve released I think the song World so Cold best reflects my tendencies. The devil on my shoulder is always whispering “life is unfair” and “people are selfish”. That song embodies those thoughts. It’s a feeling everyone has in their darkest days—feeling alone and empty, like no one cares. It’s relatable to anyone and everyone, and that’s why those are the lyrics I’m most proud of.

“World so cold heart so warm/beautiful rose covered in thorns/hurt before defense is up/everyone’s indifferent”

Favourite album of the past decade?

The music I listen to is constantly changing depending on what’s going on in my life, but right now I’ve been really enjoying Kevin Garrett’s Hoax. It’s rare for me to find an album where I don’t skip at least one song, and I never skip anything on this album.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I don’t really have a dream performance venue. I haven’t had a show yet, and I don’t know if I ever will. I get the most enjoyment out of writing lyrics and creating music, so I don’t know if the performance aspect of being an artist is something I’m interested in.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

As cliché as it sounds, chase your dreams. It’s something you hear all the time, but few people do it. I was so worried about what people would think about my music or if their opinion of me would change, and it held me back. I think the most beneficial lesson I’ve had in life is stop basing what you do on the opinion of others. It’s important to care about and understand what others think from an empathetic and self-aware aspect, but don’t let those opinions decide what you do with your time. It’s your life.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I try not to have vices since they’re a negative behavior, but I do have a tendency to procrastinate, so I guess sloth would be most accurate.

Thank you!

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Luch Stefano – Night Ride [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

British, Pop, Stories

Tell us a few things about your new song “Night Ride”. What is the main idea behind it?

Night Ride was written just after I passed my driving test, it was a great feeling to finally have that freedom. I had a lot of happy memories driving around with somebody and this song came out when I was playing around on the guitar. I think I had been listening to a lot of FINNEAS and some of those melodies were floating around. I wanted this track to be one I could drive to and just feel good.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

Probably, ‘I ain’t no genie, but I could sweep you off your feet if you just fly with me’ Aladin vibes.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

FINNEAS, Ed Sheeran, Raleigh Ritchie, Eminem, Stormzy are all very random but true inspirations.

What would you change in the music industry?

Apologies, I’m not sure I understand the question. I wouldn’t change anything about the music industry!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I’ve been given is to put my ego aside, a lot of musicians get trapped in trying to be better than others or thinking they’re above things (which as a younger teen I admittedly did) but I’ve learned a lot in working hard and staying humble.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I went viral on TikTok for impersonating a character called Jim from the UK television series ‘Friday Night Dinner’ I hit around 6 million views and that’s probably… my most useless talent haha.

Thank you!

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Medy Lema – Fresh’n’nu [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words.

Funky, Groovy, Energetic

Tell us a few things about your new song “Fresh’n’nu”. What is the main idea behind it?

Fresh’n’nu is basically about finding that one person that makes you feel special. Could be a lover, family, friend, it doesn’t matter. We all have that one person in life that makes us hopeful in life and makes us want to do better.

What first for you into music?

Music is in my bones. I’ve been performing and entertaining crowds since age 3 so music is all I’ve known. I love how it makes me feel.

Favourite album of the year?

I’d have to give the flowers to Silk Sonic for best album of the year although I could cheat and give the award to Lil Nas X too.

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

My biggest challenge is honestly the same challenge every year and that’s financial strain with paying budgets out of my own pockets with everything included from videos to photo shoots to studio sessions

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

My music is very diverse but if I’d use one word only it’d be Feel Good

When is the last time you danced?

The last time I danced was last night in my kitchen. Hahaha. I dance every day. Even if it’s just a small move.

Thank you!

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Janelle Sy’mone – AllNight [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words.

Pop. Soul. Loud

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘AllNight’. What is the story behind it?

“AllNight” was written about a crush I had back when I first started doing music. He was a musician and we did a few shows together. Of course , with business being the way that it is, we had to keep everything hush, hush. As it said in second verse, “ Keep our little secret baby….”

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric actually comes from a song I wrote called “Prove It To Me”. In it I write, “who’s gonna dry these tears of mine, when I’m crying alone in my room. So I’ll guess I try and sacrifice and do something I’m not that use to.” Essentially, the song was about letting go of control and allowing yourself to fall in love.

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

Performing live is the best thing in the world to me! Better than anything I can think of—when I’m on that stage, something takes over and I’m invincible— The paradox is the stage becomes the most scariest and the most safest place on earth. There’s nothing like it.

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

My biggest challenge as an indie artist is ultimately—the investment . It takes real work and real money to build your brand and to market yourself correctly. But I look at it like this…. I read once that sometimes the Universe will not move without the proof of your unyielding faith in your destiny. And what’s more unyielding than throwing every extra dollar into a dream that may or may not give you an adequate return?

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self that the results are derived from the belief. If you believe in your inadequacy, then the results still validate that belief. My younger self was way more doubtful and critical than I am now, and I would’ve love to help break her free of that negative belief system a long time ago.

When was the last time you danced?

Yesterday. I’m a daily dancer, so it’s an everyday thing for me. Moving my body just reminds me that I’m still here…I’m still alive and blessed.

Thank you!

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Shafto – Someone [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Old School Rap

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

I wanted to write a motivational song to inspire people and show them that even a small change can have a massive impact. I feel if someone works hard and stays focused they can achieve their goals and I wanted this to come across in an uplifting song.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Now is your time to shine bright,
Step out of darkness into your spotlight
Make that move into your own groove,
It might start bumpy but will end up smooth”

The first line is aimed at myself. It is a reminder to keep my head down and work hard at my craft. When I first started rapping, 17 years ago, it wasn’t very accepted in my small village so I didn’t give it as much effort as I wanted to. Now, luckily, things are different so I wanted to get focused and make the move into my own groove.

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

RíRa. He’s a rapper from Tullamore, Co. Offaly and the Godfather of rap in Ireland. His crew, Scary Eire, were formed in the 90’s and have led the way for loads of really talented rappers in the years since.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Unfortunately, yes. If you want your music heard, it has to be on Spotify. Everyone knows about it but not everybody knows about the lack of support for the artist. To get any bit of money from Spotify you would need massive listenership that only huge established artists would get.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

It’s definitely to just be yourself. A lot of talk in the hip hop community in Ireland is the use of American or English accents when rapping. For me, to be taken serious and to enjoy making and performing songs, I need to use my own voice and my own accent and talk about topics that are relevant to my life.

Thank you!

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NineTiss – Take Me Home feat. Annabelle

Songwriter and performer NineTiss oscillates between different musical styles including Rap, R&B and Soul to best transmit his music and texts in all its forms. In an era sometimes noisy, where listening is rare, his music is like a walk with a sweet tempo..

He returns on June 18, with his new single Take Me Home from his next EP Juste après l’orage. This title represents for him a new breath, He goes out of his comfort zone and experiences Afrobeat sounds, a style of music that he listened to throughout his childhood and that he loves enormously.
It is a lovely, sunny piece accompanied by the sweet voice of Annabelle. A feminine signature that is often found in NineTiss music.

After a harsh winter in which melancholy, boredom and weariness were very present in his daily life, his passion for music reminded him that the light he needed was already in him. It inspired him to prepare his EP Juste après l’orage that breathes the sun, freedom and joy of life.
A 4 tracks accompanied by singers Annabelle, Cuanto and Cornic.

A project that will accompany us all this summer to take full advantage of the reopening of the bars, of a life a little brighter that we were all looking forward to..

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Electrik Ants – Place To Be

Electrik Ants Defy Classification With Genre-Bending First Album

Dallas-based Electrik Ants are releasing their six-track live studio album Stories Untoldon May 6, 2021 to all platforms.

Recorded on January 6, 2020, no one in Electrik Ants knew what the year or COVID-19 would have in store. Encapsulating the energy of a group described by local media as the “next must-see band” and “busting at the seams with talent,” the Best New Act Award winners recorded live to embody their notoriously vibrant shows–honed playing the likes of the Backwoods Music Festival and opening for Grammy-winner Shaun Martin.

Writing music together since their instruments were pots and pans, Electrik Ants was formed by two brothers who listen to as much Tchaikovsky as Skrillex, as much Thelonious Monk as UGK, and debate Frank Zappa or Gorillaz with regularity. In doing so, Electrik Ants are pioneering the “Hip-Hop Fusion” genre they’ve helped create.

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