Tell us a few things about your new song “MAYBE”. What is the main idea behind it?
The idea behind the song is finding the right type of love in the dating world. Searching for that Martin and Gina love from the Martin Lawrence show or That Rashad and NEW NEW love from the movie “ATL”.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
HER BEAUTY IS LIKE A FLOWER
HER BOSSOM IS LIKE A RIBBON
Who is your favourite beat maker and which rapper’s flow do you enjoy the most?
808 MAFIA , I LISTEN TO A LOT OF MONEY BAGG, MEEK, G HERBO,
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Imagery and manifesting in creative form.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
When they want to hear a banger
What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?
Tell us a few things about your new song “Are We There Yet”. What is the main idea behind it?
As I started to put out more music, I noticed that people began to expect more from me…asking about the next track, the next campaign, the next pitch etc etc. “Are We There Yet” is a response to all of those questions – how can we know if we’re there yet, if we don’t know where we’re heading! This track was also my first international feature – US Rapper Mark Battles reached out after hearing my music, so I sent him this beat and he recorded a dope verse for me!
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The topic changes based on what’s going on around me at the time…something will inspire me and I’ll just start writing bars on my phone! I think it’s so important to write about something that means something to you, authenticity is what helps your music to feel real and connect with your fans.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Favourite rapper will always be Mac Miller, he was a big inspiration for what I’m doing right now and I probably listen to his music every day. Early 2000’s Eminem is definitely my favourite lyricist – his ability to tell stories through his music is crazy to me. For a producer, I’m going to go with Benny Blanco…mostly based on what an interesting guy he is behind the scenes!
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
To me, Hip-Hop is a way for anyone to express themselves creatively. It’s such a dope thing to take a recent experience, your thoughts and feelings or whatever else inspires you to write – and just throw it all onto a beat for people to hear!
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
Great question…I loved ‘The Guilty’ with Jake Gyllenhaal. Heavily recommend if you’re into psychological thrillers
One last thing we should know about you?
I started making music at the beginning of 2021 and I think this was my 10th project…but I’ve got a lot more to say, so go follow Joe Radio on Spotify and @joeradioraps on Instagram to see what’s coming next!
Tell us a few things about your new song “Like A Rose”. What is the main idea behind it?
The lyrics of “Like a Rose” are inspired by the ups and downs of loves and relationships I have experienced. Long-lasting relationships are not easy to keep. The only way they will work out is to learn accepting all the thorns of your partner, next to the beautiful blossoms and learn to deal with them. It is something that we all have to do if we want to stay together with our loves.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
It’s this part here: „Your love is like a rose And I can see the blossom unfold Your love is like a rose Take off the gloves And learn how to hold it“
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
Well, she’s a gem for sure, but she’s had quite some success yet. Check out Shannon Lauren Callihan. She does a cool mix of NeoSoul and southern music from the US. I absolutely love her songs, singing and guitar playing. Her band is also great!
What would you change in the music industry?
The payment / royalty system of the streaming giants. It is not just. There will have to come some changes.
If you were asked to rescore a film, which one would you choose?
That is difficult to answer because the films I love already have a super score or soundtrack for sure. French Connection for example. The Tarantino and Coen Bros. movies. Kubrick. So then it would have to be a film that is not really on my list….I would have more fun to score a new film!
Tell us a few things about your new song “Special”. What is the story behind it?
Special is just a heat check, the embodiment of confidence and self awareness. Basically it’s acknowledging your “it” factor.
What first got you into music?
Music is my diary, it allows me to share my thoughts and emotions. My experiences in life all reside in my music. It’s the essence of me.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
I don’t think so, hip-hop so universal and has so many sub genres and sounds.
Why is sexism, and even outright misogyny, so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?
I can’t speak for other artist, I can only speak for myself. Sexism & Misogyny aren’t an issue in my lyrics. I love women, we came from a woman, who am I to belittle someone based off sex.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
spending time with my family. My kids mean the world to me.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thanks for all the love and support, new music coming soon. Keep rocking with me.
I’d say my sound is melodic, conscious and cross continental hip hop, taking the best of those three and meshing them to create what is my sound
How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
I usually have days where I go down a rabbit hole of listening to beats on youtube or those sent to me and just select the ones that I like (maybe 3 ot 5 at most) but the actual amount I listen to itself are too many to count haha. My creative process revolves around listening to what feeling the beat gives me and then I begin writing to it on that basis. So for example, if I hear a beat with a moody backdrop, It’ll tend to be quite an introspective track, whereas something more upbeat will be one evoking just that. There are some I try and will try to break that mould with just however just to be out of the box with my creativity
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
Two sides to me, separated like apartheid but holding me together just like being apart, tied
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
I think there definitely still is, and there always will be. I just think when you say “true”, that refers to it not being as prominent as it once was, say like in the 90’s/ early 2000’s. With that being said, it definitely still exists and is thriving as its own entity if you want to find it
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip hop for me symbolizes a social way of life, a culture that influences everyone around the world. From dress sense, to how people talk and act, it’s an influencer in itself. Furthermore, I think it’s the truest medium in music that depicts reality and tackles issues around the world, so it’s been a voice for the voiceless. Sure, it has things represented that don’t speak to that, but the art itself was founded on tackling poverty, racism, exclusive and crimes, and for me that’s what makes it a movement
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
It’s pretty normal- outgoing, socializing and keeping up with my personal life away from the music. I’m big on sports too, so there’s always time for that, either to watch or participate
Tell us a few things about your new song “All The Right Ways”. What is the main idea behind it?
I wanted to write a song around the idea of fear being a healthy concept rather than one preventing us from moving forward. Sometimes fear takes on the form of intrigue which leads us to explore what we normally wouldn’t.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I love collaborating. Most of the tracks I’ve released have been co-written and co-produced. Teams are important. As far as songwriting being a lonely process – yes – it can be. You have to be ok with being a bit of a loner sometimes to finish what you start.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
Both have their place and I love them on different levels. But there is something about performing live behind a mic that gives me life. I love delivering emotion through a good vocal performance.
What would you change in the music industry?
The industry at times seems to be more concerned with presentation rather than talent. I would be careful with companies that run this way.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
Well I work a day job as a Barber. My other time when not creating, is spent at the gym.
What would you say is your biggest vice?
My biggest vice – playing the same songs on repeat instead of exploring the new tracks on my Release Radar 😛
Tell us a few things about your new song “Bad Moon Rising”. What is the main idea behind it?
Bad Moon Rising is an adrenaline-fuelled mix of explosive guitar, infectious drums and piano solos played at break-neck speed. It was written in the middle of lockdown and the increasingly frenzied sound reflects my mindset at the time. I deliberately wanted to challenge some very talented students of mine with this track – the piano solo in particular has been a source of much consternation for everyone who has attempted it!
What first got you into music?
My grandparents had a piano in their house that I was pretty much obsessed with from the moment I saw it at a very young age.
Favourite album of the past year?
I’ve had Michael League’s “So Many Me” on repeat a lot.
What would you change in the music industry?
Increase streaming royalties.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Eat more vegetables.
Future plans?
Hopefully some live performances in the not-too-distant future, then finishing my next EP, then world domination.
Tell us a few things about your new work ” Elevation Of Luv”. What is the main idea behind it?
My new EP ”Elevation Of Luv” talks about love on the personal level, with tracks like “Patterns”, “Fairytales and lies”, “Honest” that speak more about personal love experiences, specifically heartbreak; but also talks about love on the interpersonal level, with tracks like ”Hope is the true north” which is more about unconditional love and joining forces as a collective, or the track “Queen” that is made to empower women. It also makes reference to the elevation of me, the artist ”Mya Luv”, and my development and growth on this life journey. ”Elevation Of Luv” is an EP that I wrote, composed and co-produced. It encompasses many genres as I’ve been influenced by so many growing up (from pop, soul/rnb, to jazz and folk)
Which song of the EP is your favorite?
I believe “Honest” is my favorite. I always love singing ballads and getting vulnerable. I feel like it is a way for me to get close and intimate with the listener
Your dream collaboration?
My dream collaboration would probably be ”Ms. Lauryn Hill”, it’s a woman that inspired me greatly in so many ways and her words and lyrics always resonate with me.
What would you change in the music industry?
I would like for the music industry to be a safe place for artists to speak and explore their truth and authenticity. Often times, we find ourselves attempting to follow trends and popular music movements and themes. However, I believe that an artist’s best work is when it comes from their authentic self and making the music that they truly love, and that’s when it has the power to resonate the most with the audience, when they feel that the energy is real.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I imagine people listening to my music in a calm state of mind and a peaceful space. I feel like it’s the best state to get immersed into my universe and fully grasp it.
When was the last time you danced?
It has been way too long since I last danced. Funnily, I’ve been thinking about getting back into it in the past days and finding some dance teachers. Dancing is so freeing and I would love to incorporate into my daily life and music.
Tell us a few things about your new song “Beast” . What is the main idea behind it?
Beast is about addiction, I’m talking about the feeling of when you know that you need to escape a vicious unhealthy loop but it’s too scary and painful to move away. In my case it was a toxic relationship and all I could think of was to see this addiction as a beast, you know it’s wrong and harmful, yet it can also be this fluffy and misleadingly comfortable, safe place to stay in, because at times it’s really good.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
In Beast it would be ‘I move forward then get kidnapped, my voice weakens forgetting my escape, all I knew is what I wanted to hold on to’
Favourite album of the past decade?
Difficult to say but if I had to choose only one I’d say Choose Your Weapon – Hiatus Kaiyote they always blow my mind.
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
I hope not or us artists are all screwed and remain broke forever. I like to think artists can have more control over their music and how it’s given to their fans through channels like Bandcamp and Patreon, that’s how I try to promote my music.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I love spending time with dogs, I know it sounds strange but I dog sit and have long walks in nature! I feel in the moment and my mind relaxes. I also love to see friends, read, run!
When was the last time you danced?
At my friend’s house party a couple of weeks ago! There is nothing better than a house party, you get to chose who comes at the party, the music you want and let your self go without spending a fortune!
Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?
I don’t think it should always challenge the listener and neither to I aspire that with my own music. The experimental aspect you hear is a dive toward ambient music and non-standard structures and sounds. The goal is to make it experimental and not challenge the listener but make it seems as though it’s seamless and smooth. You can hear that concept in the opening track “Monty”. It’s in the time signature of 13/8, which is an odd time signature grouped in inequal segments (3+3+3+4) but it still sounds smooth and flows nicely!
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
They all reflect me at different times of my state of being but currently I’d say I mostly resonate with “Madison Glare”. I just got back from a vacation and the improvisational aspect of that song and the way it flows through its own obstacles very much reflects my state of mind at the moment!
Favorite album of the past decade?
I think I may have to give Bon Iver’s “22, a million” the podium here. That record is just an absolute milestone of music in the 21st century.
What would be your dream performance venue?
Red Rocks in Colorado. It’s a purely magical venue. I’ve seen a couple of artists there and the whole atmosphere just makes it a communal experience, as long as it doesn’t rain!
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
I’ve never been asked this question but I truly love it. I would definitely recommend a fiction book like the never ending story but I’ve read books like Ram Dass’ “Be here now” to it and it worked wonderfully well.
You’d give up making music for…
Oof… tough one. Maybe I’d give it up for an alternate life entirely. Like if I’d be a surf instructor on Hawaii and grow my own food while The Who are playing in the background. Clearly it’d have to be something radical. I wouldn’t give it up for money or anything physical, that’s for sure. Making music is part of my identity so I’d have to reinvent my path to happiness if that ever were to happen!
HipHop Paranoia 