Author: Admin

Sammy Haig – Cucumber [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

My sound in 3 words is: Detailed, Melodic, Nostalgic.

Tell us a few things about your new EP Cucumber.

Cucumber is my entire musical journey up until this point stuffed into a dense and unique multimedia EP consisting of 6 songs and music videos.
It was made remotely as a response to the pandemic, and contains the work of over 70 talented friends and collaborators. Each song and video tells a different story, although common themes certainly run throughout.
Although the music jumps between genres very rapidly, if I had to describe it, I would say it consists of jazz-influenced pop, funk, RnB, and soul, with some electronic elements thrown in here and there.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

This is a really tough question. The songs are all so different, and each of them means a lot to me in their own unique way.
If I had to choose one, though, it would be Doesn’t Feel Like Summer. It was the first song I wrote for the project, and when writing it, it just seemed to flow out of me. It wasn’t work, and I didn’t have to think. It simply appeared in a matter of hours. Then, fleshing it out was extremely rewarding. It’s also the only song on the EP where I get to sing, and although I’m no singer, it is special to get to express yourself directly through words. The trumpet, at this point, is an extension of my inner voice, but there are some things you can only express through your outer (real) one.

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

They’re such different things, and each has its own unique joy. I will say, there are few things I’ve experienced that have been as fulfilling and rewarding as writing and producing these songs. But it’s hard to make a comparison when the pandemic has continued to prevent me from playing any of them live. I cannot wait to experience that when the time comes!
Although they are different, writing and performing both have the potential to be amazing human experiences that we can share with one another. It could be collaborating to write music, or sharing in that music with your audience. I know they both will be a part of my life forever.

Tell us a song you wish you had composed yourself.

“Robot’s Return” by Talc. Listening to it should be pretty self-explanatory :). Just a masterpiece in terms of songwriting, arrangement, production, and performance.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

What a thought-provoking question! It’s tough to imagine since each song already has its own visual accompaniment. But disregarding those, I’d have to recommend you read something about space. Preferably a book with some great pictures.
Thinking about space has always given me a certain sense of awe and wonderment that I feel I often carry into my music, so hopefully that could enhance the experience of listening to it. It’s no coincidence that Dasher II’s video is what it is!

What is the most useless talent you have?

Ah, well for some reason I’ve always been good at StepMania, which is like Dance Dance Revolution, but played on your computer keyboard. I’m not sure why, and I never really practiced it, but I could always play some mean arrow keys.

I hope you enjoy Cucumber EP as much as I enjoyed making it, and you can keep up with me and my next endeavors on any of my social media @sammyhaig!

Thank you!

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Rebecca McCartney – Remember Less [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, moody, smooth.

What is your creative process like?

Most of my songs start off as 30-second-ish voice memos on my phone, where I get an idea for a melody and some lyrics, usually at the same time. I’ll record whatever comes to me and then usually come back to those ideas later and build them out into something longer and more developed. Usually both the original words and melody will change, but sometimes there’s a piece that sticks all the way through. My new song, “Behind Closed Doors,” actually came really quickly almost as one whole piece. I sat down with my Strat and played two chords over and over for the verses, which came together pretty easily. Then I faked a bass line on the guitar for the chorus, and had this idea for a melody that I thought was really fun. That’s the same one you hear in the final version. The last piece of the song to really lock in was the bridge, which didn’t get written until I was in the studio with my producer (and friend) Jakob Leventhal. I don’t think I had a bridge yet, or maybe I had something mediocre, and we came up with this mood-changing-feeling of the “why don’t you come over” line, where the song becomes less about the annoying dude and more about my perspective of the relationship. If you’re reading into it, you know. After we tracked the song and Jakob played most of the instruments, we sent it off to this great drummer Jason Berger, who brought a totally new feeling to it with those driving drums. Then I got the idea to make the drums in the bridge feel a bit more like a breakdown, which Jakob actually maneuvered in the mixing phase with a bunch of chopping. Then with Dan Knobler to master it in Nashville, the whole thing came together — which is a pretty good microcosm of my creative process a lot of the time: it’s a lot of hands on one project trying to help me bring out my voice from some small idea that starts it all off.

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

I really love working with other people to make something together that we could have never done on our own, but I don’t get that privilege all the time. Like I mentioned before, having other people on a project really helps me do things that I couldn’t have ever thought of on my own, and I love getting to pull other people into genre zones they don’t usually get to explore. I also love hopping into other people’s projects to do the same for them, and usually have to work on putting my ego aside to help voice their ideas more than my own. So yes I love collaborating. It can be taxing, but there’s nothing more rewarding to me than making something together with friends. Per the loneliness of songwriting, I’ve definitely written my share of songs alone, and sometimes have felt really proud of those, too, but I’ll take working with others over working alone any day.

Favourite album of the past year?

“Lianne La Havas” by Lianne La Havas. It’s insanely good. No skips.

What would you change in the music industry?

I’d LOVE to see more representation of non cis white men in positions of power in the industry. I think we could have a much more loving, community-driven way of making music if everything weren’t oriented towards profit for those men at the top.

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

I hope people can come into my music with all their full emotions, after any sort of day, and just be able to zone out from the world and dance on a table. Then when a super in-your-feels one comes on, they can sit down and cry. Emotional range.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Wellllllllll there’s an EP on its way. I’m releasing four singles through the fall (the second just came out) and then the full EP with five songs will be out in December. An album will definitely follow at some point……. Follow me to stay updated about when everything’s coming out!!

Thank you!

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Zaryah – Headhunter [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe my sound as sensual, empowering and fierce.

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

To me headhunter is the ultimate ‘what goes around comes around’ song. I think dating culture nowadays can be very toxic and based on experience it’s all about playing games. Writing this song was super fun and empowering because it describes the woman picking up on toxic behavior and giving her partner a taste of their own medicine. Being the second song of my upcoming EP called ‘what u want is mine’ it’s a necessary topic to address when talking about female empowerment and standing up for oneself. With that being said it also underlines the importance that women should never be judged for wanting the same sexual intimacy as men.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I always try to be as honest as possible when it comes to sharing my thoughts through songwriting. But I think the most vulnerable and open lyrics I’ve written are definitely in my title track from my album ‘Fallen Angel’.

Favourite album of the past decade?

It’s really tough to narrow it down to one specific one but I’d say dangerous woman by Ariana Grande and before love came to kill us by Jessie Reyez are definitely always on repeat.

What would be your dream performance venue?

MSG is definitely at the top of my list but a sentimental venue to perform at would be the entertainment center in Brisbane since that was my first big concert venue I went to.

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

I love to imagine that people play my music as a confidence boost whenever they’re feeling down or doubt themselves.

Thank you!

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A Certain Energy – Fake Love [Interview]

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

When it came to writing “Fake Love” I was in a spot within my career where I didn’t know where some loyalties were at. I’m still in that same spot, but at the end of the day I still have to move forward with my career regardless. “Fake Love” is about the conception of someone giving fake support, or “love”, to your ambitions and goals. This can be towards anyone from personal friends, family, co-workers, etc. I’m all about honest feedback, and I’ve came across so many individuals who will say one thing to your face and another thing to the general public. At the end of the day you will always have your own support in yourself, and that’s what matters most.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“It’s not fair when I give my all, just to watch me fall. From all you caused, broke my heart, went too far, I’ve had enough. It’s the end of us”

This lyric set was from a feature I did for Highrise, an artist located in Iowa. The song is called I’m Not That Lonely, and it’s about the toxicity within an unhealthy relationship you just can’t seem to escape from. I gained influence from not only other relationships, but mainly my own whether from the past or present. This song will always have a special place in my heart.

Favourite album of the past year?

I haven’t had a favorite album this year as of yet. I’m a big fan of a lot of singles this year though. There has been a lot of strong ones that I just can’t get enough of like “Fool’s Gold” by Aries or Please Just Hate Me by Tello. If I can make my own compilation of singles to make the ultimate variety album that would be my choice of album of the year [laughs].

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

I would have to say finding a life balance. Music isn’t just a career, but a lifestyle. Finding that balance with your personal and professional life can be challenging at times. That’s the beauty of it though as well. This isn’t for the faint of heart. This isn’t for the weak minded. The only avenue I see to take is to move forward regardless of the trials I have to face whether it’s relationships, finances, time, etc. All we can do is do our best as human beings and achieve what we believe is our calling.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the way contracts are presented to rising artists. Too many artists sign a contract without properly understanding it. This causes so many issues for careers down the line, and I find it to be the biggest issue in the longevity of things. Sure we can get a lawyer to go through the fine print, but I’d rather have that knowledge in the open for everyone to understand when signing to a partnership, label, etc.

Favorite music related film?

I love “Hustle & Flow” so much [laughs]. I haven’t seen it in such a long time, but watching it made me visualize the concept of “doing what it takes, no matter what.” That ideology brought me to the level I’m at today, and I’m thankful for it. It’s honestly a cult classic in the music industry, and if you disagree.. Well, let’s hope people don’t [laughs].

What is the most useless talent you have?

I never thought about it honestly. If I were to have a useless talent it would have to be able to wake up at a certain time without an alarm clock. I just have to think about it 5-10 times and then I’ll automatically wake up at that exact time [laughs]. It’s not technically useless, because it does come in clutch when you don’t have an alarm. Now if your phone dies.. Now that’s talent. I’m still late to events even if I wake up on time. I guess that’s also a talent [laughs].

Thank you!

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small dogs – Vieques & Dark Rum [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Younger Bruce Hornsby?

You blend in a very cool way electronics with guitars. Tell us a few things about your new song and your creative process.

I spent some time doing research in Tanzania that involved performing and recording with various hip-hop and Afrobeats artists. Ever since then I’ve been very into the production style that’s in a lot of Afrobeats music and in particular how the producers quite naturally fuse so many wide-ranging genres. So I guess just listening to people like Mr. Eazi, Buju, Nissi etc definitely influences how I approach the production in my tracks.

However, I still grew up on 60/70s music and I am primarily a guitarist/vocalist and express myself best with those instruments. I also love the storytelling of artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and I will quite often start a song on the acoustic. So it’s hard to shake my roots but I’m definitely trying to learn and update my songwriting and production with lessons from other places.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I do usually stress over the lyrics a lot but with this song the whole point was to just get in the studio and make something without overthinking any aspect of it. So that is definitely true of the lyrics here. They we mostly meant to just take the listener somewhere and not be particularly over personal or honest. But there is still pretty much something behind every line here.

I quite liked the rhymes in ‘we’re far from bed-stuy and our lives, sailboats float, in the stream’. This summer I was in Miami and the Florida Keys and I guess this line is about being somewhere far from home where time moves slow and watching the sailboats make their through the gulf stream.

Your song has a lovely organic groove. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Wowww hard question. Basically any of Jae 5’s beats on the last two J Hus albums (for example ‘Must Be’ or ‘Play Play (feat. Burna Boy’)). Something like ‘Pour Me Water’ by Mr. Eazi. I really love how the keys and bass and everything works together in ‘African Giant’ (by Burna Boy).

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

Anything chill really… I see my music popping up on a lot of holiday and yoga playlists haha and I’ve been told it’s good for night driving. So maybe those scenarios?

What would you change in the music industry?

Promoting more ethical streaming services and payment systems. We’ve got to a point where it’s really easy to make music and get it out there but we’re so far off the stage where people are actually equally and fairly remunerated for their art. I think a good place to start would be more user-centric accounting as opposed to the pro-rata systems that Spotify/Apple Music use… (user-centric = if you stream an artist they would get direct money from your subscription fee, whereas pro-rata = all subscription fees go in a big pot and are then divided up between whoever gets the most streams overall, so basically Drake takes all)…

But yeah I guess that requires some more equitable minded thinking from Spotify and their 3 major label mates, and then again multibillion companies have never exactly been the bastion of progressive thought… so musicians of the world unite?

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Overthinking, haha (see all the above).

Thank you!

B0r0s – PRIMAVERA [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Rxndomosity: Our sound is ground-breaking, defiant and natural. everyone nods

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

Eli Rozas: PRIMAVERA is our debut album that infuses each member’s inspirations and backgrounds to make a unique sound. When coming up with the concept, we wanted to use the seasons as a metaphor for stages in our lives. PRIMAVERA is the youthful stage of our lives, where we’re all going through our own journeys finding our place in the world. And as in real life, the album doesn’t have a consistent vibe to it, there are songs you can equally get lit to as much as sit down and think. I feel like there is something for everyone in there for whichever stage in their journey they’re in. I also think our sound becomes more defined as we get more comfortable working with one another, reinforcing certain musical and lyrical skills and getting out of our comfort skills.

Leo ‘00: I think that sums it up perfectly.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Javi G: on our track “BLOOM” I have a verse where I really open up about my past and dealing with depression and all that stuff. If I had to pick a single lyric I’d probably go with “Man he used to hate the world for the way it made him feel
Like he wasn’t even real
He just needed time to heal
Cause he hated everything about him, like his fucking skin
Cause he was teased, being darker than his fucking kin”
I really open up about all the self hate I used to deal with and just not liking the person I see in the mirror because of the way that people treated me. It was something I had never really talked to anyone about, not even my therapist laughs

Rxndomosity: My most personal lyric on the album is in the opening track “HOLLYWOOD” In the song I ask myself hyperbolically if we are wasting centuries of time. My lyrics can get very introspective to the point where I wear my insecurities on my sleeve, but this is the most honest question I had for myself when I wrote it. Wondering if we can put ourselves out there and get a reception from a building fanbase is thrilling, but also scary. Nonetheless, I know I have my boys to see through whatever we have set in mind.

Who is your favourite beat maker and which rapper’s flow do you enjoy the most?

Javi G: For me personally, I fuck with all the stuff that’s been coming out of the BROCKHAMPTON camp in the last 4 years. All that stuff has been super inspiring for me personally. I’m a big fan of Romil Hemnani and as for flows, Matt Champion is sick.

Why is sexism, and even outright misogyny, so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?

Rxndomosity: Fuck toxic masculinity, fuck gender roles and fuck hate. We’re here on this Earth to spread love and positive energy. everyone nods in agreement

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

SRLO:I be making designs on my free time for merch or just in general. I love creating something that I think is refreshing and a take on something else. Paying homage is incredibly cool to me and inspiring others will always be something Id want to do. Then showing what I create to other people and seeing their reaction really warms my heart, if they like it of course (everyone laughs)

Javi G: I like listening to music. I just listen to new music or artist that I love and finding new inspiration through them.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Rxndomosity: My biggest vice is caring too much about how people will view me. I think everyone can benefit from making their own mistakes and learning from them free of judgement, as long as they aren’t hurting anybody. Music allows for an outlet to express ourselves without worrying about any kind of judgement.

Javi G: I think for me it’s wanting perfection. The reason I like working on music as a collective is that there’s always somewhere there to bounce ideas off of. So back when I’d do music solo, if the idea that I had didn’t turn out how I’d wanted to I’d get pissed off and just give up on it. But now as a group, whenever I reach a dead end creatively, I feel like there’s always someone there to keep it moving.

Thank you!

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Mike Wilde – Long Long Time [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fervent,Funky and Fun

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

It’s about getting a second chance at Love and how sometimes that chance will come when you least expect it !

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

I think collaborating is really important, particularly when you’re starting out and learning the craft of songwriting. But the more you can do on your own the better in terms of developing your own singular Vision.
These days my job is quite similar to how a writer would work. I’m mostly on my own in the writing and recording phases and yeah .. sometimes it can be lonely. At times like that I try to concentrate on the next task at hand and don’t worry too much about all the Noise in and around this business.Today I have a guitar track to add to a song .. if I get it done it’ll be a Good day.

Favourite album of the past year?

I’m not really an Album person .. I’m making music or practising most of the time so when I’m relaxing I most enjoy silence. But having said that there’s a few Artists I have my eyes on at the moment .. I’m diggin’ Leon Bridges, a chick that goes by the moniker of Biig Piig and some Aussie Hiphoppers called Downsyde. Their latest Single, ‘Call’, IS dOPE !

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

When I first started playing and performing my music was not regarded as being very commercial. It’s only recently that I’ve moved as an Artist more into the Mainstream. I supported myself for many years doing a bunch of different jobs both in and out of the Music Industry. It certainly made me work harder to get my music out there connecting with people.

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

I walk a lot, swim during the warmer months and train or stretch every day. That’s a necessity because I’ve broken a lot of bones over the years falling off motorbikes and practising Martial Arts.

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

Well this is a tough one to answer. I can say that I was pretty wild when I first left school and my parents house.I had a pretty strict, conservative upbringing. I guess I rebelled against that and landed myself in hot water with the law on more than one occasion. I spent a night in a particularly notorious jail in Queensland in my twenties. That was a wake up call !

Thank you!

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Mr. StarZ – Lagos Feat Wiser Observer [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Powerful, Confident, Energetic

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

Well I knew it was gonna have Brass, strong and deep brass. I sent a rough instrumental to Wiser Observer, my featured artist/rapper, and he wrote and recorded the fresh and vibin lyrics we put in the song! I wanted to put the Mr. StarZ stamp on it, and I like myself some Brass in House music!

What is the story behind your name?

My family is everything to me, and there is no one I idolize more in this world than my Father and Mother. They have a family boat of ours have gone out in since I was a child. The name of that boat is StarZ, as our family have always been taken aback by there serenity, peaceful glimmers, and the wondrous unknown surrounding them!

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My father, for sure.
Musically? Deadmau5 is the reason I started DJing in the first place. His incredible Arps and plucks are Wildly Epic, and never get old to me! I also get motivation every time I see artists like Mr. Belt & Wezol, Moksi, and Malaa on stage because there energy is contagious, and its what I aspire to achieve in my career!

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

Contacts, I suppose. Knowing the right people in the industry is very important to help build your career; finding a team to help with suggestions, honest feedback, and knowledge so you can learn not just how your music sounds, but how you can improve it. Networking and actually Talking and messaging other DJ’s/Producers is the best way of course, but social media now adays can help you reach a bit further!

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

In a blissful state of mind. A euphoric one. I hope my music will bring emotion to the front, bring motion and dancing from the legs, and some head banging on the side as well!

Future plans?

My plans are going to be fun! I hope to be getting up on a stage at gigs, festivals, and shows in the upcoming months. I have releases being released from some record labels im proud to have connected with, and I know the Stars are potential if I can keep making bangerz!

Thank you!

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Carla Kerridge – Not The One (Feat. Lobo) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Experimental, real and personal

Tell us a few things about your new song “Not The One”. What is the main idea behind it?

I was just trying out different things with the production. Different rhythms and sounds from what I usually do. And one element after the other, It started to sound like an instrumental that could be used in a film. And I’ve started having vision of it playing on some gangsters scenes or TeleNovellas type of movie.
I never thought of writing lyrics for it, but it all happened naturally. On the same night of doing the production, I’ve burned the dinner as I was too focus on creating the track. It then inspired me to write the song based on personal experiences and feelings.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I guess I can’t quote the whole song right? So if I really need to pick a line It will be “I’ll neglect everything that doesn’t benefit me. Your name, your time, all that you have to give.” Some people are just not bringing anything good to your life.

Favourite album of the past decade?

There is so many of them! But the one I was the most pleasantly surprised by is “Jesus Is King” by Kanye West.

What would you change in the music industry?

In a far yet close future, I would love to discover and develop new artists under my own label “Canny Kedge Records” and work on creating a new musical era.

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

I’m the worse person when it comes to movies. I am so behind and there’s so many classics that I’ve never watched. But I’ve watched “The imitation game” during the quarantine and loved it so much! I love cerebral and real facts movies!

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

I’ve never gotten in trouble with justice or the police but did a few mistakes/stupid things that could have turned out really really bad! When I was 19 years old, I went cycling all around Europe with one of my Brother, Owen. And we got stuck in the snow in winter, -20 degrees, lost in the middle of nowhere in Poland, and the night was falling. We could have died. It was really stressful! Luckily we found a farmer that helped us!

Thank you!

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Lorensa – Strangers Instead [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Touchy, angry, sassy.

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

“Strangers Instead” happened after a break up. I arrived to NYC to pursue my dream. All I was thinking about was how do I put it all on a paper? How do I release my emotions out? So when I was in the studio I sat with my co-writers and asked them: “Why do we start a relationship if at the end we are going to end up as strangers?! like why are we doing it to ourselves? why can’t we just be friends at the end? how can I trust somebody else?…” then we came up with “Strangers Instead”.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Do you think about me sometimes?
Like I think about you?
Heard you moved on way too fast –
Got someone brand new.
Dose she give you butterflies?
Dose she have a clue?
About what we used to have
And what we both been through…”

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

Whitney Houston!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

The biggest challenge I have faced as an artist probably will be the fact that I am from a different country. I came to the US to pursue my dream without my family, friends, money and language… I was going through a journey by myself. At times I felt like I was losing myself, that I might never be heard as an artist, but there’s something in me that kept pushing harder every time I got lost, every time I thought it was my limit.

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

It really depends. For example: “Strangers Instead” is a pretty sad song and also angry. But you can actually dance to it. So when you are in your’e feelings – you can listen to the song, to the lyrics to the emotions. But you can also listen to it when you’re feeling confident in yourself.

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

LOL, that’s a funny quotation cause I feel like it’s gonna be an obvious answer which is: singing. Sometimes I find myself singing without even noticing and then people react to it which is so funny… then I stop ’cause they keep telling me to keep singing.
One time, I was in a store and the song by Bruno Mars came on and I love Bruno. I think it was the song “Just The Way You Are”. And I sang the high notes to myself and then one of the producers of ‘The Voice’ turned around and said: “Your’e a singer! I am the producer of the voice. You should be on the show!” So, yeah… my answer is defiantly singing.

Thank you!

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