Author: Admin

Magdalena and the Mystical Birds – Lyric Lockdown Live [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

honest, uplifting, transformational, live

Tell us a few things about your new work “Lyric Lockdown Live”. What is the story behind it?

It is a live album recorded at the beginning of the lockdown in an empty theatre, where we were about to launch the band with our new material. We didn’t give up, we used it as an opportunity to thrive and have something positive to focus on during the months of uncertainty and a fear of change. Songs were written between 2017-2020 by Magdalena who had been experiencing her own inner transformation dreaming about spreading her wings. That dream has been hatching for a long time and needed lot’s of nurturing and patience during the lockdown. The album is a reminder to keep dreaming, working behind the scenes and being patient for the right door to open… “It has been only … a little challenging year…”

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

“This Love isn’t mine” or “Shaking hands with the Devil”,

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

The band has many influences as each member has a story and style to share. Magdalena is the main singer-songwriter in a band. One one hand she has deep foundation in music with master degree in musicology (Like Bjork) on the other hand – she loves silence and catches up inspiration when it comes to her. We could say that she has been influenced by Frida Khalo, Rumi or Bjork or many mystics and brave people who dated to be themselves. Music and lyrics with Mystical Birds are deep on one side and uplifting on the other. The listener is always lift up by being encouraged to “Rise and Shine”, to know that “love is much bigger then a piece of cake” or that “good girls go to heaven on their own the other go where they want…”

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

biggest challenge
1) to let go what people think about us
2) to create and enjoy life despite of all obstacles and restictions.

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

This is music for those who dare to go deeper and transform themselves into who they want to be. This is music for those who like an authentic sound (well, is is a live album at the end) a bit of uplift, blues and energy.

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

I can answer this question only as myself not a band, and out of musical context but here we go.
I remember when I was about to land in Jakarta (Indonesia) at night time with a one year student visa to study in Bali, $200 in my pocket only and realizing that my big dream was about to start but I have no clue where to stay overnight, how to speak a foreign language and how to survive on my own!
Luckily the spirit of adventure was bigger than my fears and I found shelter, friendship and confidence – all in one night!

Thank you!

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Ovtsxder – Money Talking [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Hype, Creative, and Chill

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

Well honestly when I first was coming up my homeboy who also raps, he goes by the name of JC 1700, made a bunch of beats for me to rap on and I really fw his beats because of how unique they were so it’ll be like one or two listens and I’m already making a new song

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

If you ever check my catalog, my song Skye has many honest lyrics it’s about my daughter Skye who passed away in 2019 and also the lyric on Money Talking “Getting money I can’t chase a hoe” always live by those words because they come and go but you gotta keep them pockets swole

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Honestly I used to fw mainstream artist and producers but the underground is killing it right now! My homeboy JC 1700, RedTheKid (@redthekid__), Prod. TUGIN, My homeboy upo_surge on Instagram, and Prod Deliriousare my favorite producers right now plus more to come. And I’m my own favorite artist I love listening to myself I mean I’ll listen to Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi, Lil Yatchy, YN JAY, Kasher Quon, and even Wu-Tang Clan from time to time

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolizes growth and just the love of sound. I’ve heard so many artist be creative and do things others wouldn’t even attempt to do. Ol’ Dirty Bastard is definitely a great artist to listen to he was unique and ahead of his time

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

I binge watched Regular Show almost all Quarantine Rigby be having me crying lmao

One last thing we should know about you?

This is only the beginning. Soon Ovtsxder will be a name to remember, Music Videos, Video Games, Comics, Movies, Collabs, Fashion, so much will be coming involving Ovtsxder. I’m here to stay. Also add me on Instagram @ovtsxder_ for all new content I got a bunch of new songs dropping and soon an album so look out for that and don’t forget to stream “Who I Am” on all platforms. Shout out to my boys y’all will know all our names soon so be on the lookout

Thank you!

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Maggie Dave – Old You (Video Edit) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Atmospheric, dark, meditative

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

“Old You (Video Edit)” is a futuristic R&B track that explores the grief of drifting away from someone you used to know. As we continued to produce the song, the vibe slowly morphed inward, exploring traumatic memories that I find challenging, but creatively rewarding places to write from.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I blame it on a lot of things / On the booze / I think I gotta be smarter / And start blaming it all on you”

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

Collaborating in the studio with our featured artists and musicians is the most invigorating part of making a song. Encouraging those new perspectives, so everyone feels like they’re contributing something special and uniquely their own – is very important to us.

What would you change in the music industry?

Greater inclusivity on behalf of labels to hire more women, dismantle false justifications that support toxic work behavior and invite diverse perspectives to the table to creatively drive innovation in new music and support new artists.

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

Jogging at night! And trying to read more.

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

Back when you actually had to rent TV shows on DVD, I once had one of the discs for “Six Feet Under” checked out for three months past its due date. I had lost it in my old apartment in San Francisco in 200The late fees were outrageous.

Thank you!

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Odd Wall – Fear [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Original, Current, Honest

Tell us a few things about your new work “Fear”.

‘Fear’ is my debut album which has been in the works for over a year. I’ve worked with artists from all over the world. United States, Japan, Brazil, Grenada, and my home the UK. I don’t stick to one genre, you will find some hip hop, r&b, chill out, drill and uk garage, all the genres i grew up listening to. You can definitely hear who my influences are on this album and a couple of the songs are very personal.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

This is a tough one to answer but i’ll go with ‘Radio’ just because its a really personal song about a friend of mine who passed away a few years ago. When i started DJ’ing over 20 years ago he was the one that helped me the most, at the time he was the best underground DJ on the pirate radio scene and his shows were legendary. This song is all about wishing I could hear him on the radio one last time. I think this song reflects me the most because it’s about the man who got me started.

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

Oh definitely, there are so many independent artists out there doing their thing and i thinks that’s where its found. It just takes a bit of effort to find it but it’s there. You listen to Grizzy Hendrix, Locksmith, all the rappers on my album etc.. THAT is underground hip hop.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

To me it symbolises a way of living, a culture. Growing up as a teenager in the 90’s it was my escape, my hobby, my life basically and still is to this day. It symbolises honest truthful music and i think it also symbolises hope to people from all walks of life.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Believe in yourself and don’t let other peoples opinions stop you in your tracks. This is the reason I called my album ‘Fear’ because I was always scared to put music out or let anyone hear it. That fear I had in me that someone was gonna say they didn’t like it but you have just gotta believe in yourself, and finally that’s what i’ve done. Also younger me, invest in bitcoin lol.

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

Haha this is a good question. No comment.

Thank you!

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MUNGMUNG – NASCAR [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

This is such a hard one because I feel like I am always evolving, thus the art is ever-changing depending on my current mood and experiences…But let’s just say cute, energetic and melodic?

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

‘NASCAR’ is a super cheeky, bold song about having fun and not being afraid to call the shots in a physical relationship. Think about the giddy-ness one can feel when their significant other is handling the wheel of a car with confidence; They got one hand on the wheel and the other on you, backing up the car (if you know, you know) or stealing kisses at a red light. The song is a snapshot of all those butterfly-inducing moments in the car with bae.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

The title of the song, ‘NASCAR’ is a double entendre for the term “getting nasty in the car”, so I’ma leave the rest up to your imagination to go on overdrive.

Favourite album of the past decade?

I’m really indecisive and I love everyone doing their own thing, so I’m going to break the rules a bit and list more than one. ‘Wolf’, ‘Flowerboy’ and ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ by Tyler, the Creator, ‘blkswn’ by Smino and ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ by Kendrick Lamar, just to name a few.

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

I am thankful for the situation I am in. I am surrounded by nothing but love, support and the gracious opportunity to be creative. Although, at the moment, it’s not really a conventional ‘challenge’ as it is out of our control, but with the COVID-19 outbreaks it has been difficult to carry on with activities such as going into the studio and performing physically on stage, which is a bit of a bummer. Hopefully once things settle down, the arts industry will be as lively as ever!

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

They may listen when they’re excited, feeling like being a boujee baddie, turnt up or even when they’re down, bittersweet and contemplative. I’d like to think my music can ride along with everyone and be there for them throughout their different moods.

When was the last time you danced?

Literally just a few seconds ago! I’ve been going through different albums by my favourite artists lately just to really get in tune with the love for music. Today’s pick was ‘Solitude’ by Billie Holiday and it has got me groovin’ around the house.

Thank you!

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Qeeran – LIKE YOUR MAN [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Sensual, intimate and moody.

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

‘LIKE YOUR MAN’ is definitely my favourite piece of work I’ve created to date. I tried to capture my favourite elements of today’s R&B world like strings, sidechained chorus vocals and an epic guitar solo to give it that ‘it’ factor to allow myself to listen to my own work again and again (which I usually cannot stand). The song’s premise floats around the idea of really wanting that second chance to prove that you’ve matured and are truly ready to give it your all, even if that means intruding onto your past-lover’s fresh territory with somebody else.

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

Yes! I love the idea of collaborating and really want to work on it for the new year coming. I’ve come to realise that there’s only so many ideas you can generate on your own and having a second creative mind can really give you that boost you sometimes didn’t even know you needed. Songwriting can for sure be lonely, but I’ve found songwriting to me is very sacred and personal, so naturally I still prefer to write in my own space alone – for now.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

For this single, definitely Alina Baraz and Galimatias. The ricochet ‘Urban Flora’ had on music and to me still stands untouchable. Summer Walker, Sabrina Claudio and Lauryn Hill are honourable mentions too.

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

Remaining inspired and grounded. Melbourne’s COVID situation is continuously worsening along with an ever-extending lockdown which has been tough on everyone down here. It’s also been difficult to keep creating with honesty and 100% authenticity as the push to make sounds that are more commercial and ‘popular’ increases, but I’ve been doing well at refocusing my intentions and reasons why I began creating music in the first place (as well as realising being ‘popular’ wasn’t one of them).

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

This one isn’t a film, but the K-drama ‘The Last Empress’ on Netflix took up 26 hours of my life that I will never regret spending.

One last thing we should know about you?

Apart from music, I’m a student at Monash University studying within the field of Econometrics/Business Analytics! I’m also the campus Clubs and Societies Coordinator, so if you’re a club executive and are somehow reading this, hello! (I’ll get to your emails soon!!).

Thank you!

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Sugarmoon – Try A Little [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Vintage folk-pop

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

Ryan McMurtry: “Try A Little is kind of about when you want someone to just let go a little bit, and enjoy life more. We love that raucous jazzy sound you hear in old acts like Dr John or The Mamas & Papas, really groovy but with a bit of menace behind it. So I guess we had that in mind when we worked on the arrangement.”

What is the story behind your name?

Sophie Jones: “We like to say it’s because we’re sweet and we come out at night! Also, a Sugarmoon is the supermoon that hails the arrival of spring and refers to the sweet sap that seeps out of maple trees. We chose it after a long night at the pub, so perhaps we were all thinking about waffles.”

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

RM: “We absolutely prefer performing our music live! That’s what we’re all about really, playing live shows and connecting with audiences. The recording / releasing side of it has been keeping us going during the pandemic, but we are excited about playing lots of gigs in 202”

What would you change in the music industry?

RM: “I’d stop people being able to make noise complaints when they move next to music venues. When the venue ends up having to close, up-and-coming bands suffer as they’ve lost yet another place to grow and learn their craft.”

SJ: “It’s crazy to me that even today there’s still so much gender inequality in the music industry, with most big festivals (and a lot of small ones) still booking far more male acts than female. I know there are plenty of reasons for this that go beyond the music industry, but it just seems weirdly archaic for 2021!”

If you were asked to rescore a film, which one would you choose?

RM: “I’d go for something like Sunset Boulevard – there’s so many great elements to work with as it’s partly noir, also a comedy, the fading glamour and the tragic price of fame. Those are the ingredients of some gritty, bittersweet songs!”

SJ: “I’d remake the Godfather as a musical, but also make it about vampires. It’d be called The Bloodfather and it would have such bangers as ‘Gonna Make Him An Offer (He Can’t Refuse)’ and ‘Horse Head In My Bed’. That wasn’t really the question, was it?”

What is the most useless talent you have?

SJ: “I can open a beer bottle with pretty much anything. Lighters, forks, a guitar – as long as it has a solid bit, I can probably open a beer with it. Although I guess that proves to be useful quite often!”

Thank you!

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The Loop – See Me Beyond My Skin [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

uplifting, positive, meaningful

Tell us a few things about your song “See Me Beyond My Skin”. What is the main idea behind it?

”See Me Beyond My Skin” is about racial any quality and colorism amongst our community. The song was originally spoken word piece written by an M’Zariah Robinson, and was transformed into a song as we worked on it later together.

What is the story behind your name?

The LOOP stands for “ladies of opportunity and promise”. This was a team effort.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

HER, Queen Latifah , Jazmine Sullivan,

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Spotify is a very common platform for sharing music, and I do think it’s one of the most common in terms of Sharing your music.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

”If you’re given a time to be somewhere, be there 15 minutes before.” (Issa bibbins )

You’d give up making music for…

I’d give up making music for…. Marcia: my health Mz: my mental health

Thank you!

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Wolf – Mentality [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Energizing, genre crossing and different

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

Well, believe it or not ‘Mentality’ was written a few years back (circa 2017-2018) whilst I was still in Uni. During that time, I was hyped just the thought of releasing music way before any work or thought was laid down. Few years later, I had a collection of lyrics and thought to myself ‘right, it’s been 3 years since I’ve written the lyrics and established myself as an artist, I might as well work on said song’. I was torn between 2 songs but Mentality was the one that spoke to me. It’s ironic and funny how the lyrics for Mentality is so relatable today what with Covid ruining everyone’s lives and the government is failing its citizens. Originally, the whole premise of Mentality was to flip the middle finger to those that has forced you to change who you are just so you are accepted in society. There’s one of you so be unique and be yourself!

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Definitely ‘Fuck what you think coz I don’t need no acceptance’

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Rapper would definitely be Eminem (who doesn’t love a bit of Em), lyricist would be Scarlxrd (always speaks the truth and not afraid to show his weaknesses and vulnerability through his music and lyrics) and my favourite producer has to be Sullivan King

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

Definitely getting heard and noticed by others. Music is being released every day, every minute and every second so your art is going to get buried among the hundreds of thousands songs every day. Nowadays people listen to music that’s relatable to them (well most of the time) and Mentality for me speaks to every aspect of it. It’s relatable and is the ‘now’ song.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I don’t know, I don’t think I’ve received any best advice before (in terms of music anyways). Although I will give advice to the upcoming producers/bands/aspiring musicians; ‘You do you, fuck what others say. At the end of the day, you’re doing music because it makes you happy not for the pleasure of others.’

One last thing we should know about you?

Check out my band ‘The Wolf Within’ on Spotify and other streaming platforms. We’ve got new music in the works. If you like our music, go and follow us over on IG: @thewolfwithinofficial

Thank you!

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Tom Tom Park – Give Me Back My Name [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

sparkly, funky, dizzying synths, also moody and cozy at the same time.

Tell us a few things about your new song Give Me Back My Name. What is the main idea behind it?

The importance of self-esteem. You could say it’s a three-minute tantrum. It’s that kind of song that has your heart screaming for attention on the dance floor, being a little dramatic. A story I think we all can relate to, it’s all about how you have to live your own life, putting yourself first.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

“come on for real, I’m not what you need,” that line pretty much says it all!

Favourite album of the past year?

There’s a lot to choose from, the last couple of weeks I’ve been listening to John Mayer’s SOB Rock. I love “Shouldn’t matter but it does”, it’s such an honest song.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I guess playlist professionals are the music brokers, I hope they not only want to provide listeners with a guide to what’s hot but also really surprise listeners.

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

Well I hope everyone’s in a good place.

You’d give up making music for…

world peace.

Thank you!

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