Author: Admin

Carter Fox – M87 [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Chill Space Beats

Tell us a few things about your new song “M87”. What is the story behind it?

The song is really a celebration of how far we all have come…as a species, as a society, as people. It celebrates the release of the first-ever picture of a black hole. A REAL black hole. Einstein had theorized about them a hundred years earlier, but to observe one in real life was yet to happen. The Event Horizon Telescope’s global team of astronomers, engineers, and scientists forever changed how we view our place in the universe, and it’s a beautiful thing to realize there is just so much more out there. When I saw the picture when it was released in April 2019, I went into my studio full of inspiration and the basis for this song was created. I asked my good friend Steve Honz (who I play with in Freddie Jackson’s backing band and in a group called JUTAUN) to add his synth and piano specialties onto it and what emerged is this wonderful piece of music.It’s a wonderful way to follow up the success of my song Eclipse (about, well, an eclipse!) that has almost 2,000,000 streams across platforms!

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

I enjoy collaborating and have been fortunate enough to work with some truly amazing artists as a songwriter, producer, and musician. But I do also enjoy creating on my own. It’s not that it’s ‘lonely,’ but there is something to taking yourself into a different plane of mind and soul and to come back with something new and unique like new music often is. Plus, you can be a little more truthful with yourself, though the hope is to share that truth with the world through collaboration and releasing music anyway.

Who is your favourite beat maker?

I have many and the top of the list is Dr Dre, J Dilla, Nujabes, and Flying Lotus, and some of the new generation like OddKidOut, the Kount, Kaelin Ellis, and Thelonious Monk.

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

That’s an interesting question. I think staying confident in myself and my music has been the most challenging thing. I remember someone I once worked with saying ‘Even if you don’t believe in yourself, believe in the people who believe in you.’ Maybe he was inspired by Gurren Laggan’s Kamina, but it’s still true. So, when I feel down on myself or uninspired, I remember it’s not just me. My music has evolved since I’ve started making it 15 or so years ago and I’m so glad to have found such great fans and friends to support my journey.

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

It may be a little ‘on brand’ for my stuff but I’d definitely love to do that with Interstellar. Not that it wasn’t good music, but just to have fun with the feelings and visuals!

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

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve gotten into too much trouble. I mean… I guess more correctly is I haven’t gotten caught with said trouble (knocks on wood). But when I was a teenager at lacrosse camp, I thought it was a great and hilarious idea to pull a prank on one of the coaches who was stricter with us (but not mean… just strict). After it happened and everyone had a good laugh, I got in SO MUCH trouble from my parents. Even the coaches were like ‘don’t be that mad at him’, but I learned my lesson…. Don’t try to show off doing something stupid like that… not everyone thinks it’s as funny as you… (laughs out loud)

Thank you!

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Alex Slay – Deep End [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Smooth, groovin, And dreamy

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

The main idea behind “Deep End” is “just to go for it” . It’s better to try than to not try at all. For me personally I wrote the song about me getting back into relationships. I was closed off for a while and wanted to make a song about getting back out there and being more open.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric as of now would probably be in “Deep End” in the bridge I say “I ain’t dippin’ my toes I’m gonna dive in, rather be living it up than out here just survivin’ I’ve been treading shallow water but I’m ready for the deep end.” I felt very stagnant for a while, like I was afraid to fail so I didn’t try and played it “safe” hence shallow water. After a little bit of soul searching and building a new found confidence in myself I felt ready to put myself out there again hence “ready for the deep end”.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Some of my biggest influences are Allen Stone, Lucky Daye, Anderson Paak. One thing these three artists all have in common is their nostalgic sound of 70’s and 80’s influences. I’ve always loved older music so it’s nice to be able to hear those nostalgic sounds in modern music. Other artists would have to include some of the Greats like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass just to name a few!

What would you change in the music industry?

I would say give more control and credit to the artist and then people that were a part of the creative process. I’ve heard way too many stories of artists and bands being taken advantage of by their labels and getting Into awful deals where the business side takes more of the credit. It’s sad to see where the industry is now, but I am hoping one day it’ll change.

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

It depends on the song, I have two out right now which have two very different feelings. One is “Cherry Wine” which is a more sultry, sad song that I would imagine people would listen to after a break up or driving late at night. Then you have “Deep End” which is much more lively with a nostalgic groove, I feel like people who want to dance and be happy would be more drawn to that one.

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

The most trouble I have ever gotten into would probably be getting pulled over on my way home for the summer. It’s nothing crazy but I had all of my stuff packed to the point where I couldn’t see anything behind me and was trying to rush home. Turns out I was going about 92 mph in a 70mph and the officer had been trying to pull me over for like 5 minutes but I wasn’t able to see him. Long story short I got a pretty hefty ticket for that.

Thank you!

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Katayoun Goudarzi & Shujaat Khan – This Pale [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

emotional, exciting, heartfelt

Your sound is really exciting, blending many traditional elements. Tell us a few things about your new work “This Pale”.

We wanted the album as a whole to relay a story, while each song stood on its own. We also wanted to ensure that the recording was emotionally uninterrupted, which meant that the songs were to be recorded in the same order as they are heard on the CD. And, while the tunes were all composed by Shujaat, he called upon us to bring our own thoughts into every piece and improvise as we saw fit–for me that was the most exciting part.

We also believe, to the best of our knowledge, this album marks the first time sitar and Iranian ney have been recorded together.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

They all do, to some degree, because the album spans a large spectrum of emotions.

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

For me, the enjoyment mostly comes from the process of creating the music.

Why do many people lose touch with their culture? What is the role of music to fix that?

Perhaps a lot of people feel that they need to lose their own culture in order to blend in with a new one. I myself feel that no matter where you go, you need a strong foundation to build upon and that requires an understanding of the culture you were born into and raised with. And music plays a big role as it can act as a database of shared emotions and memories, a tool for communication among members of a society, and a device for preserving language and literature and voicing opinions.

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

Our music requires some attention, so I would hope that people listen to it when they are ready to set aside some uninterrupted period of time.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Ice cream for sure

Thank you!

Together In Hope – Against The Wind [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Touching, Inspiring, Powerful

70 Artists from 12 countries over 16 months. Tell us a few things about the new song “Against The Wind”

Against The Wind is the result of a collaborative music project called Together In Hope. The project brought together a community of artists and producers from around the world to record the single as a message of solidarity and hope for communities across the Global South most negatively impacted by the tide of COVID-19 that has swept across the globe.
All the musicians and production team generously gave their time to create the track and all proceeds will support the In Place of War COVID Emergency Relief Fund. The resulting song is a soothing and uplifting blend of classically-inspired contemporary pop with some sections rapped by artists who brought their own lyrics to their parts of the track.

What was the biggest challenge in making this song?

Recording a song during a global pandemic is a challenge in itself. When that song features contributions from nearly 70 artists in 12 countries, most recording remotely from their homes, the challenge was really blending all those different recording environments into a unified sound that reflected the message of Against The Wind. After 16 months of recording and production we’re really pleased we made the effort to create something all the artists and producers truly believe in.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

First, the fundamental reason for the song to be made was for marginalized communities in areas of conflict in the Global South suffering from
the most adverse effects of COVID-19. Thinking of people in need of help was our first influence and inspiration and how we started this long yet valuable music journey to give hope through heartfelt support and donation.
Secondly, Beethoven. The line from Chorus Symphony, “All people become brothers wherever your gentle wing resides,” aligns with the core of the song that emphasizes the value of togetherness and solidarity in these uncertain times.
Lastly, working with global artists was an inspiration. Talented artists of different genres and countries voluntarily brought their voices, time, and commitment, which definitely inspired the producers and artists in completing the 16-month recording journey. Plus, their distinctive voices and different vocal styles influenced the song production in mixing and mastering.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Against The Wind was not produced for political purposes, but we thought it could play a meaningful role in drawing people’s attention toward those who are politically marginalized. Music is a universal language that unites people across cultures and communities, inspires and comforts people in times of need and sadness.

What needs to be changed in the music industry?

In a context where music is becoming more provocative visually and sonically, Against The Wind aims to emotionally touch listeners’ hearts through its mellow sound and soft style. Also, we hope various artists come together and create more works of art to bring positive influence to the world, showing how the universal power of music has a wide-ranging impact.

The track closes with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. What is the idea behind this choice?

In the initial stages of creating the concept for the song, we met with a world-renowned Korean-European pianist, Won Jae-Yeon. While performing in Germany, he listened to the Against The Wind demo and came up with a brilliant idea. He thought of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, The Chorus, which begins with a scale similar to the demo, and he suggested rearranging our song’s intro to something based on Beethoven’s symphony. April 2020, just as the production of Against the Wind began, was an also celebratory year – the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. We felt that the lyrics of the original Chorus Symphony, translated as, “All people become brothers wherever your gentle wing resides”, carry the message of solidarity and support, which is the DNA of the Together In Hope project. So, the intro was rearranged and played by Won Jae-Yeon on a Steinway piano, which is more than 100 years old, planting deep meaning in the music.

Thank you!

Telica – Another Day Another Blessing [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My Sound in 3 words – Jazzy Summer Grooves. (if you want to get more sonically/technically descriptive then – Electronica Jazz Guitar)

Tell us a few things about your new work “Another Day Another Blessing”.

“Another Day Another Blessing” is a song with the main message being that of enjoying the moment, celebrating life and embracing the NOW and embracing the being alive, being inspired and focusing on our craft despite all possible struggles and issues of the modern world. It was born as a result of jamming in our home studio with the record’s producer Teo Marangon and the rapper PDRO and a result of improvisation and just vibing happened to translate into a very dynamic and lively track. I think the main thing is that this track perfectly illustrates our personal and artistic direction on thought – jazz infused hip hop and a message of getting your goals and enjoying the process. “Tonight we don’t worry bout a thing” becomes a motto of sorts.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I am a musician/ composer and producer so had to redirect that question to the rapper of the record PDRO, who said this:
“You call the tune yours, you don’t even own the rights to it?

They tell you what to say. I wouldn’t even write to it.”
For him it symbolises the passion of being an independent artist and having complete creative rights over your music and over your process.

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

This is a very good question. Short answer – a 100% genuinely believe that the answer is a strong YES. To elaborate more outside of my work experiences as a producer, session guitarist and a music artist I am also heavily involved in music data and data strategisation. I have been analysing the hip hop scene from various different angles and the answer is always the same: the introduction and rise to prevalence of digital streaming platforms created a situation where all different underground spaces and ecosystems get the right and an opportunity to continue establishing itself onto the scene. NO matter what subgenre or a niche sub section of hip hop it might be – places like Spotify allow artists to meet their respective listeners and continue cultivating the relationships within that underground community. IN my particular case -modern jazz hip hop, lofi hip hop, jazz/chill rap etc. are all examples of niche spaces within the hip hop genre that are actually various variations and adaptations of a take on the “underground” sound. So for sure there is a big VARIETY of underground interpretations that are all growing and establishing their presence. IN the world of hip hop it can be especially observed with a melodic/ nostalgic type of jazz underground rap.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

I think Hip Hop is a perfect genre family with respect to fusion and blending of various other genres and influences. Obviously any song and genre is always about adapting influences etc, but in the case of hip hop it’s even more special. For me personally hip hop does symbolise this mix of influences to create something very energetic and dynamic without losing the melodic and instrumental aspects. From rap and sampling to virtuoso instrumental hip hop jazz, this genre family symbolises the energy of fusion and experimentation.

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

Good question, as out catalogue is not wholeheartedly the same, I will focus on the song in question. State of mind could be different, but generally the state of mind of party, enjoying the moment, positivity mindfulness, BUT also just enjoying the jazzy and funky grooves to complement a summery weekendy vibration.

One last thing we should know about you?

One last thing you should know about us is that we are a team of 2: Myself(Pavel Telica) and Teo Marangon who is the main producer and engineer. We are the same people behind a jazz lofi duo “Doctor Gosso & the Samplers”, currently moving onto release more original music from the Telica profile. there is a looot more to come.

Thank you!

Nikïa – Pretty Brown Skin [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Raw, Authentic and Spontaneous

Tell us a few things about your new work “Pretty Brown Skin”.

Pretty Brown Skin was inspired by this guy I was talking to (who turned about to be a misogynistic and way worse person) and his voice and the way he talked just had this really mellow almost sensual vibe that I guess I picked up on that allowed me to make the chord progression and the beat and eventual lyrics. It took some time making it as I made a draft beat so crap and wasn’t syncing the melody and chords together sounded like a hot mess. This was due to doing things through MIDI as a challenge to myself as I am more of a sit at the keyboard and make noise until something I like comes out. Also, Pretty Brown Skin apparently gave summer vibes but I am releasing it in Autumn so ha. Because the guy wasn’t a pleasant person it showed me at the time to love myself and not bother look for love or romance right now which inspired Pretty Brown Skin

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric is ‘Bathtub tears, saddened face, it’s just another day of getting by’ from a song that is in an upcoming project of mine where it’s really for me. But you will be hearing of it soon.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Amy Winehouse is defo my inspiration and influenced me the most. Missy Elliot, Freddie Mercury, ELO recently, Marvin Gaye a bit, Adele, Melanie Martinez, Left Eye, Aaliyah and Erykah Badu are the ones popping in my head right now.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the time expectancy. Meaning the time an artist or idol is allowed to take time to make their music before coming back in the limelight. There is a lot of singles more than there is a solid album these days (I can’t chat much as I am doing that right now) and concert wise, having just singles is quite unbalanced sonically. How would you shift into the next song or link them? And, I would like the change the expectation of an artist being perfect from the get go considering artist and development isn’t given to aspiring performers/creatives the way it was around the 70s or 80s. I know I have to improve much more and work on my singing but people seem to be quick to say shit then think in today’s world, people may not have access to certain faculties.

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

From what I heard from listeners and friends that hear my music. After a long day at work, just getting back home and want to listen to something to relax or ‘detox’

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

I’m a pretty dull person so I don’t think I have been in major trouble. But, the one that pops in my mind is when me and my cousin were throwing tomatoes at someone’s house (I was between 6-10 at the time) that we may have not bought. And I remember he kept going at it and I got lost somewhere because I couldn’t keep up with as he was on a bike and I was running. So I walked back to my Auntie’s place to be met with a cussing and I was scared lol. He got the same cussing and we were forced to stay inside for the rest of the day.

Thank you!

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Alix Tucou – Portraits [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Imagination, Soundscapes, Bass Trombone.

Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?

I think that it should “sometimes” challenge the listener, so the challenge will be full rounded you know ? If Music challenges always, we are going to get to used to the challenge which will become the “normality”…

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

I love to collaborate with other peoples…On this Album I had the chance to work with extremely talented Musicians like Simon Denizart (piano) , Thomas Julienne (Upright Bass) or Dustin Carlson (Guitar). I had too the luck to work with visual artist on some songs like “Somewhere” on which I crafted the Music around a piece of Art from Fiber Artist Grazia Inserillo.
As much as songwriting is a very introspective process, nourishing it with external inputs is very important to me.

Favourite album of the past year?

Djesse Vol.3 by Jacob Collier.

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

I think it would apply to all of us: Keeping going on and believing in yourself and your quest.

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

I would love to score for Ghost Dog of Jim Jarmush…there are some strong similarities between the personality of the main carter and a musician or an artist in general, to me !!

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing !!!!

Thank you!

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Hounah – Fairbanks [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Laidback, Reflective, Roots.

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

Basically, I let the groove guide me in producing. It was early clear to me that the song had a certain trip hop attitude. I also knew very early that I would like to ask the Swiss singer Lena Schmidt to sing the vocals for the song. I had a certain vision of the sound of her voice and the instrumental. Lena even exceeded these expectations. The song lyrics are based on a poem by the poet Edith Dame Sitwell. For me it deals with a form of being alone. But I think there are also other interpretations. In any case, it touches me very much.

What first got you into music?

Already in my youth I was enthusiastic about making music with the computer and I tried out a lot of things. Parallel to this, i developed a great passion for DJing. Somehow one thing led to another. – I played my first gigs, the first releases came. And the hobby became a profession. The passion for different music styles has always remained.

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

I really have alternating phases in my life. Basically, I always concentrate on the moment. When I’m in the studio, I try to block out everything else. When I’m on stage, my focus is absolutely there. I like that variety a lot.

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

I think my challenges grow with the years I’ve been making music. Maybe that’s also part of it. The biggest challenge was certainly my upcoming “Hounah” album “Broken Land”. It’s my first solo album and a certain lack of compromise was very important to me. It should become a musical part of me. For that I had to learn a lot and i also work very focused. It was a very intense time, but in the end I’m very happy about it.

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

It may be different for everyone. Everyone feels music differently. But basically it is already music, where you can perhaps listen a little more closely to capture details. Maybe you can be in a more reflective mood or very close to yourself.

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

A difficult but also easy question: This is my family. These are my children. And of course music as passion.

Thank you!

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Periscopi Invertit – El Poder Del Cant [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Groovy Mediterranean Jazz

Tell us a few things about your new work El Poder Del Cant.

Extra information about “El poder del cant ” song:

The first time I heard this song it was sung by a choir and it really captivated me the beauty of this melody. I really liked the song and I decided to create my own original arrangement giving to it a more groovy flavour transforming it into a latin song. Later on, when I decided to start my band, due that i wasn’t finding the guitar player I needed, I looked for alternative solutions and decided to call an Oud player that I saw in a jam session. He liked my music and, as I was looking for a darbuka, he advised me to introduce one of his friends. We started putting together all my songs and “El Poder del Cant” was one of the songs that we were enjoying more while performing it, so people was having fun dancing.

In this track I’m actually mixing music different styles. The melody and lyrics belong to a Catalan folk song (El Poder del Cant) written a few centuries ago by an anonymous writer. To create the accompaniment I took as a reference the Catalan rumba (Gato Perez, Peret) songwriters, but instead of using the flamenco palmas that you can easily hear in most Catalan rumba songs, I added the Algerian players Yaz Fentazi on oud and Karim Dellali on the darbuka. Last minute, a friend who plays Steel pan offered himself to record some of the accompaniment for this song. I thought that it would be an interesting addition.

Catalan Rumba is normally played by Catalan gypsies, they mix Cuban latin grooves with flamenco + the lyrics that can be either in Catalan or Spanish.

I would say that it is my own way to play a Catalan Rumba. So the gypsies create their own lyrics instead of using Catalan folk melodies

I forgot to mention the singer….when we started the band there was no singer, so we started to put together the songs as a four piece band (bass, keyboard, darbuka and oud), but at the end, as most of the Catalan folk melodies have lyrics, we decided to introduce the singer Laura Guarch in the band and her voice helped to greatly improve the sound of the track.

Information about the band:

You can check out the facebook page

That’s one of my last posts I did that explains about the band

I’ve been posting from time to time about “Periscopi Invertit” band. For the ones who don’t know, “Periscopi Invertit” it’s a musical project that I started a few years ago, after finishing my music studies. I always been curious about mixing music from different styles and periods of time, and I always had the need to don’t lose the connection with my background. I’m originally from Barcelona, I’m Catalan and it makes me feel connected with my roots to create music using my cultural background as a reference.
The first band I put together under the name “Periscopi Invertit” was based in Barcelona and we were just covering songs from other artists that were mixing their folk music with jazz. This band didn’t last much, because just after a few months of creating it, I moved to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, I decided to just use Catalan folk songs and create original arrangements, mixing the songs with funk/latin or jazz styles, but again, after a while I moved country and landed in London.
After a while living in London I restarted the band, we build up a couple of 45 min sets and did some gigs. A promoter (Feferity) who saw me playing in a jam session, was interested in my music and he introduced me to a sound engineer who was up to record an album for us. I took the offer.
Finally the album is recorded and waiting for mixing and mastering.
As the pandemic seems to reach to an end, I decided to launch the first single. It will be available on Spotify and all major platforms from the 24th September.
Check it out!

What first got you into music?

The magic of the sound

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

Performing live

What would you change in the music industry?

I would set up a system where the artists could get better remuneration for their online streamings

Favorite music related film?

I never thought about it!

One last thing we should know about you?

I love to mix music styles from different backgrounds and periods of time

Thank you!

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MrrrDaisy – The One (Feat Jessy Gh) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

creative, entertaining and refreshing

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

The song is basically about a young lad confessing his affection to the love of his life that no matter what people are saying about them, she is The One

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“They said make I shun you, they said make I dawg, they said make I throw you out but only me know what I dey see”

Favourite album of the past year?

Nyame Mmaa by Pura Akan

What would you change in the music industry?

Definitely the Gatekeepers. Most of them are making it difficult for indie talents to break through.

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

I am a blogger, graphic and web designer, A&R and a Publicist

When was the last time you danced?

I used to be a dancer back in High school but since then, I haven’t really danced.

Thank you!

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