Author: Admin

jozie_ramone – SHINJI [Interview]

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

For starters the song is about myself and how I felt around 2017/2019. I was in a pretty bad space and looking back I’m so glad I just made it out to even have the blessing of being able to write a song about reflection. It was a dark time, I was still doing music but my mindset was still pretty bad and I was in the process of changing myself for good.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

Over the years I can say its gotten easier for me to create and easier to say what I really wanna say mostly because I’ve let go of a lot of things that would hinder most from the process of creation. I know I have gotten better but now I can do it even on a bad day where I wouldn’t feel the “urge”.

What first got you into music?

The idea of making a broken stereo at my house work by creating my own music. That got me into wanting to do it. Over time I discovered different genres and figured “hey I can do this.” and fell in love with telling my story.

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

I believe so, I also believe all that new talent deserves to be recognized.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

To me its self expression. Hiphop is just one way of doing so since all music gives you that ability. It’s also about what kind of uniqueness can you bring to the table instead of trend hopping for popularity. Its an overall embodiment of being yourself to the fullest and not caring about what others think and not being afraid to stand out.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Just continue to be you. If you don’t like it then change for the better. Stay curious its what’s going to keep you passionate.

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

I plead the 5th haha!

Thank you!

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Christopher George – All The Way For The Win [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fun, Funky, Feel-good

Tell us a few things about your song “All the way for the win” What is the story behind it?

“All the way for the win” was born out of my cheesy but funky listening tastes. I’m a brass player and love anything funky with horns in. Lyrically, the song idea came from my wife looking through old Facebook photos of me and pointing out all the women who looked interested in me but I was completely oblivious. It evolved then into the idea of a guy having to realise that this woman is really into him and could be the one so don’t miss the chance!

For which lyric are you most proud of?

I’ve always been more about the music and letting that tell the story so lyrics don’t come naturally to me. I love the idea of metaphor though and so the lyric “Her cards are on the table and she won’t fold” has to be a favourite. The idea that she’s laying it all on the line for you no matter what, I think is powerful.

Your dream collaboration?

I could go on forever about the endless list of people I would love to collaborate, there are so many but if I narrow it down to my top 3 it would be Quincy Jones, Bruno Mars and Cody Fry. Quincy because the man has decades of experience. He has had his hands in some of the most iconic records of all time, it would be a humbling experience to work with him. Bruno Mars is the new Michael Jackson and his shows are so meticulously well thought out. The guy is dripping with talent! Finally, my choice of Cody Fry is a lesser known one but the man has an incredible gift for arranging and writing, particularly orchestration. You only have to listen to his cover of Eleanor Rigby to hear how exciting his work can be!

Your also have lovely Grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Again, that’s a really tough question because there are so many incredible artists out there that I’m constantly being humbled by. I think a particularly unique and enduring song though that stands out for being iconic in recent years for me would be ‘Get lucky’. Nile Rogers’ guitar groove is so funky and it just gets you wanting to move as soon as you hear it!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be confident and patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day and challenges will constantly present themselves. They’re not a sign to give up but to work harder.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance all the time. I have to with work but also I have two small children so we’re constantly dancing. It’s a requirement in our house!

Thank you!

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Fair Phantom – Favorite Sin [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fresh, powerful, and heartfelt

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

Favorite Sin follows the perspective of “the other woman” who is involved in an affair. It subverts expectations of the cliche of a heartbroken lover and instead of focuses on the addictive power of a toxic relationship. I came up with the idea while listening to love ballads about infidelity and betrayal and wondering what would happen if I wrote about the other side of the story.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

The main topic is a toxic relationship. The lyrics talk about how fragile this secret affair is and center on this feeling of knowing that something is bad for you but wanting it anyway. It’s open to interpretation whether the song is about lust or love. When I was writing the song, I really just wanted to invoke this feeling that the narrator is walking on a tightrope and aware that any second she might fall but staying on the same path anyway. I think that’s a very common feeling — feeling stuck and frustrated but still clinging on to someone you love.

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

I enjoy both, but I prefer to write music. Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed scribbling story ideas and coming up with characters and plot lines. I love the feeling of putting emotions and vague ideas to paper and watching the melodies, lyrics, and rhythm come together. Performing live is a completely different experience. You really have to put yourself out there and focus on your role as an entertainer over your role as a storyteller. I love both for vastly different reasons, but I started off as a lyricist.

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

The biggest challenge in the music industry is believing in yourself and your music when it feels like the whole world doesn’t. There’s always going to be someone more talented, more successful. You have to remind yourself that everyone has a different path and focus on making music that you feel proud of. It’s easy to fall into self-doubt or chase trends. It’s harder to back yourself no matter what.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to cherish the small victories and focus on doing what makes you happy. I was constantly chasing these numeric metrics of what I thought success meant, that I never stopped to appreciate how much I accomplished. At the end of the day, it’s about making music that you love. Keep doing that, and you’ll be happy.

Future plans?

I plan on releasing another single by the end of the year. Whereas Favorite Sin is more trap/electronic, my next song will be RnB. I’m really excited to explore all my different influences and work on different sounds. I am so excited to continue learning and improving. Who knows what my EP next year will sound like, I’m excited to see where my musical journey takes me!

Thank you!

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Mishell Ivon – #DGGASPBXX [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new song #DGGASPBXX

You know the million random questions that rush through our head throughout the day. Anyone listening?

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

It has finally started to bloom. I found my voice and ran with it!

What first got you into music?

I think my dad. He is a total music head and we always had some sort of sound on accompanying us through all life situations. Car rides, weekends, cooking, family gatherings, cleaning the house etc.. Music is a part of me and when it is not around, it feels like something is missing.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Sade, MJ, Prince, Daft punk, Lisa Stansfield, Jamiroquai, and the list goes on

What would be your dream performance venue?

I would love to perform at the BIMHUIS in Amsterdamn Netherlands. It is an absolute vibe.

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

Travelling, cooking, arts & culture, and pelotoning

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I have a bit of a nail obsession. I get them done once a week.

Thank you!

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Lucid Letters – Delighted [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Playful, catchy, feely

Tell us a few things about your new song “Delighted”. What is the story behind it?

I started writing and recording Delighted back in August 2021 after an upcoming producer that I follow dropped his first sample pack. He made it available to the people in his Discord server, so I downloaded it and started playing around with the stems to make my own chord progression and song structure.

I wasn’t planning to produce or release a new song at this stage at all. My health had dipped so I’d made the decision to rest and step back from my release plans. Taking the pressure off myself was just what I needed since I was then able to catch that wave of inspiration. Delighted was totally spontaneous and helped me get back into the fun of writing and producing.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

My lyrics tend mostly to fall into two categories: interpersonal relationships, and just talking about myself. I’m either describing something of the human experience as beings who need connection and community, or I’m making bold statements about identity. As a shy and well-behaved kid growing up, it feels really necessary to reclaim being noisy or bossy, or to verbalise how situations truly make me feel.

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

I haven’t had much opportunity to perform live as a solo act, so that’s something I want to explore more in the next few years. But having said that, I think the actual making of the songs is what I’ll always enjoy the most of the two. Perhaps I’ll change my mind about that if I have some really good gigs!

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

For me it’s definitely been a battle of the mind. I mean that in two senses. I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole adult life, and more recently got diagnosed as bipolar. Both the symptoms of the condition, and the medication I take to manage those symptoms, have a huge impact on my motivation and energy levels. But I think even more serious than that was fighting my own thoughts of inadequacy and the constant need for external validation. Once I got over needing someone else to give me permission or approval to make music, things really started to open up for me.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

This too shall pass. Whatever it is you’re going through, it’s not forever, and whatever it is you’re enjoying, it will have its end. It keeps me focused on truly engaging with the present moment, and flowing with the things that are out of my control.

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

I once almost got myself trapped on one of the sandbars on the beach where I live, so was forced to wade through ankle height water in order to get back on dry land. No matter how far along I walked, there was no dry route back to the footpath, so I had to accept the situation and get my shoes wet before it got even deeper!

Thank you!

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MEANO BROWN – TOXIC/CRITICAL MASS [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

melodic, moody, conscious

Tell us a few things about your new song TOXIC/CRITICAL MASS. What is the story behind it?

The Toxic/Critical Mass music video is actually two singles on the upcoming project. They were recorded on the same day. Toxic was recorded first. Critical Mass was recorded second. The mood for both songs address the real life issues of being emotionally intelligent and finding ways to cope. Two things that I am advocate for. #MentalHealth

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Pop a seal then put a pill in kuz thugs don’t cry, ni**a this is how we deal with it. I ain’t saying that its right. I’m just saying that I feel em”

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

Not really. I feel like there is a lot of emphasis on being trendy more than anything in music these days. When I think of underground hip hop I think of the mixtape days when artist were trying to really prove that they can rap. Even when they were jacking for beats back then there was still a lot of content that had meaning. I feel like artist these days just release a lot of fillers to stay relevant instead of actually putting out something that would matter. I don’t really blame them whole heartedly though. I also blame the listeners. The artist understand that the listeners attention span is getting shorter and shorter these days.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-Hop is a lifestyle. It’s a culture. It doesn’t have to represent one group of people either. Anybody can be apart of that culture if they truly love it and understand it. I love Hip-Hop so I take a lot of offense when anyone treat it like its a joke. Like you can’t just dress up in Kilt and call yourself Scottish. You can’t pick up a bowling ball and call yourself a bowler. Have more respect for the culture than that.

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

In a mood to hear substance. I feel like that there are a lot of cheese and crackers for the listeners to eat. I’m giving them something to stick to their ribs, MEAT AND POTATOES. So when a people listen to me they are ready to have something to think about.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

I have older released projects and singles on all streaming outlets If anyone wants to catch up before my music is released. Also, there is a new album done already. The project is a double album titled “Gemstones and Birthrights”. The project features two producers that I have been working with, their names are Benjamin Adam (@iambenjaminadam) and Ice Cold Aka Neena Snow (@iceeeeeecold). You can follow me on IG @meano_compadre to keep up with all new content that will be released in the future.

Thank you!

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Pokkisham – YES TO THIS [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A: Emotional B: Jazz-influenced C: Layered

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

Yes to This is a song of hope, about someone or something coming along that we did not feel ready for but that we want to accept in our lives. It’s about having the fears and doubts we all have but still trying to move past them and take that step forward to manifest something you know is good for you. In the song it is expressed as a new love that has settled into your heart without you really realising, but I also see it as having a wider message of saying “yes” to things that might be unexpected and involve change, but are ultimately worth stepping out of your fears and cynicism to pursue.

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

I am trying to co-write more, but I do enjoy the alone time of writing at my piano solo. It’s quite a spiritual act for me to have that space and flow for myself. I see incredible songwriters who clearly get so much from co-writing and it is something I want to do more of, but for me my writing process is informed by others much more in terms of collaboration with musicians on the arranging and production side to my work – my background is in performing and that has always been important. So my songwriting feels like quite a private thing at present, but then once I have the form of the song out in front of me, I consider the next step to always play it in with another musician or band to then find the feel and pace I want but it’s a conversation with my fellow musicians rather than a monologue when I’m rehearsing new material. That in itself feels like an extension of the writing process so it is collaborative in that aspect.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

That would make for a long list! I have been heavily influenced by jazz harmony and composers from Cole Porter to Wayne Shorter. In terms of songwriting inspiration I gained an early love of singer-pianist obsession through Billy Joel, Elton John and Tori Amos. I loved the piano artistry and harmonic skill they brought to their songs without the writing or stories diminishing, and loved the sense of performance and storytelling they all have. I also wouldn’t be anywhere without Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell – I consider them key inspirations – both artists that have found such depth to how they connect to the world, and both profound in different ways. In addition to that I always had Carnatic South-Indian music around me – it opened up my ears to such a different sound world and rhythmic awareness, and that definitely informs my sense of development in an arrangement, and earthiness to the vocal tone and style I sing with. I love the Malladi brothers whose vocals just take me back to a very deep and elemental place.

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

Simply put, it’s having the confidence to put my music out there. It has been a huge block for me to release my songs despite decades of songwriting, and removing those mental blocks has taken some work. I value skill and beauty alongside eachother, and sometimes in the music industry you see true skill and talent being ignored in favour of something more mainstream and musically dumbed down because someone hasn’t got the right look or isn’t the right age etc etc. It can put artists off, but I have come to realise that not releasing music does more damage for me than just doing it and letting it fly. I believe now that you can find your listeners and your audience and that what I do has value beyond what I think – there is greater presence and strength in things if you adapt your mindset. I also have a lot of wonderful fellow songwriters and musicians and they all have the same doubts but they are all pushing forward and creating art on their own terms, and I have been hugely inspired by that. So once I removed all the kind of ‘industry’ expectation and sense of validation, it all felt a lot easier and less ‘heavy’. I’ve been a musician for a long time now and all I want to do really is meet more inspiring people and develop my skills and tune in more to my songwriter voice. I’m not still waiting for a manager or a label to ‘accept’ me – my status and skill as a musician and writer has been in existence for a long time, so now its just about doing what I do and sharing that and not doubting it or holding it up to false judgments.

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

I’m a mother to 2 amazing kids, with whom I enjoy being in the great outdoors with, so nature is our playground. I also gain inspiration from teaching songwriting on a Masters degree programme with incredibly talented songwriting students. I am fairly obsessed with gardening and love the mental health benefits of it. I believe strongly that professional creatives need to have something else creative but non-outcome (and non-income) based in their life – something they love as a hobby, so I also enjoy writing prose just for myself. And cooking is a huge passion and again something that feeds and nurtures my creativity.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Definitely yes! I still very much believe in the album format as being a real artistic statement, and it’s one I do want to make, but only when I have the right material and it has a cohesion and story to it. I have a lot of new songs in progress and a clearer sense of my artistic direction and style. In the time it has taken to get my songs ready for the EP, I probably could have done an album – so I feel ready that I could do that and I know how to plan and approach it better now.

Thank you!

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Tanoki – It Has Begun [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Unexpected, Fun, Developing

Tell us a few things about your new work.

It’s a bit of a Hip Hop banger that stems from my love of Guitar and Synth based Instrumental music with a rap about Technology all facilitated by the use of new Technologies.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“My kid just learned how to ride a bike/From looking at YouTube and I’m just like/Why can’t you wait let me teach you right”

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

Not that I can think of no!… Then again I’ve no idea what’s above or below ground any more.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I mean from Ireland the answer surely has to be Olympia.

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

Rewatched ‘Popstar Never stop Stopping’ last week and that gets me every time.. so does 1917, but of different reasons obvs.

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

School was nothing but trouble, but honestly nothing worthy of a story, just general nonsense and backchat!

Thank you!

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Craig Cooney – Careful [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Inspiring , captivating and versatile

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

It varies from track to track and project to project . Some days I could sift through dozens of beats and get nothing, other days I could pick 1 beat and instantly get a vibe off it , I generally freestyle over beats to see what sounds , flows and melodies sound good and then I’ll build from that . My daily life has a massive influence on what I’ll write about too, that energy then gets passed to the page, I feel it’s real good for the mind , I love writing when I feel a strong emotion (happy, angry, sad , love etc) because I know everyone is human and we all feel emotion , it’s a great way to connect with the listener.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I’d say my most personal song I wrote was coming home , I was at a very trying point in my life and felt like giving up . My partner who is extremely supportive told me to try and sing on a track instead , it was such a vulnerable track for me and I was brutally honest in it . I’m not the best singer but the passion really shines through in the track and you can really hear the uncertainty coming through the lyrics.

I’m a very honest writer so I couldn’t really fixate it on one lyric I’ve written but my top 3 would be:

  • They call it present because this moments a gift .
  • I used to care how they felt about me but then I opening up my eyes and I see
  • Reals about raising your girl to be queen and raising your sons to be kings.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favourite rapper would be Aitch. He has fun with it , and has some crazy flows and word play.

Favourite lyricist would be Dermot Kennedy , he’s incredibly descriptive with his words and you can feel every line he says.

Favourite producer for me , I’d have to keep it close to home and say Chris Kabs , the man is genuinely a genius , if you listen to any tracks from his massive catalogue the level is incredible , he has an incredible eye for details and really makes sure every production matches the songwriting

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?

Music is like fashion , it changes with seasons and always evolves , right now drill is massive , I do see this changing , there are so many sub genres in music and it’s really hard to put your finger on one and say, once artists are being authentic and do what they love then they will excel further that they’ve ever imagined

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

I’d imagine people would listen to my music , when they need that kick of motivation to inspire them to do something and make a change , I write music for myself but it’s massively impacted a lot of people I’m so grateful for that , I’m only human though and like anyone I have my struggles, I put my thoughts , plans and pain on paper and that’s what I enjoy about it

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Further down the line I will definitely work on an album , I will be working in my debut E.P very very soon , I want to showcase what I can do as an artist and after that I can really see me working on an album as I grow as and artist

Thank you!

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King Uche – Uche Musa [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Determine, Motivational, Energetic

Tell us a few things about your new work.

King Uche is a Nigerian artist who currently lives in Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California: this allows him to give his music that touch of originality and uniqueness gave by hip hop and afrobeat sounds of West Africa, mixed with the optimistic taste of life in California. Today he presents his latest EP entitled “UCHE MUSA”, which deals with real-life events: the reign of Mansa Musa, the Nigerian civil war and the fight of King Uche to be born in the ghettos of Nigeria.

All this gave him the inspiration for his music, which the singer wants to make as a sort of spiritual stimulus for all those who have no motivation and impulse: a positive and uplifting message on the notes of Hip Hop and Afrobeats. Despite his failures and his past, King Uche’s determination has not waned, but rather gives comfort and companionship to anyone who listens to him!

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

The EP, ‘UCHE MUSA’ is one that is based on a couple of life events. The reign of Mansa Musa (whom the EP is based off), the Nigerian Civil War (that led to the loss of over a million indigenous “Igbos”), and King Uche’s own life struggle of being born in the harsh, poverty-stricken ghettos of Nigeria have all inspired him to become a man of his own, with a purpose greater than him. In the EP, King Uche dives into sensitive topics that interest him. Such as Love, Life, Hate, Purpose, Society. On “Rise Up’ he reflects on the political turmoil and the after effects of the #EndSARS global movement that made U.S. President Biden and Hillary Clinton to speak up about. In his song ‘Can’t Lose’ he speaks to the youth and motivates/reminds them that anyone can win and achieve anything as long as they want it and never give up on it. In ‘Love Go’ King Uche dives into the world of heartbreaks and betrayal as he himself suffered the biggest betrayal of his life from those closest to him. The entire EP elicits very strong emotional responses from all who listen to his words.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Jay Z, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Dolph, Kodak Black, Meek Mill,Travis Scott

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Raw freedom of expression

Favorite music related film?

Lion King

You’d give up making music for…

nothing at all I love this artistic process!

Thank you!