Author: Admin

HIDEKKI – HELLO LOVELY [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Electronic. Hip-Hop. Hybrid.

You blend very nicely Hip Hop with Pop elements. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?

I’m a fan of both genres, specifically Hip-Hop and HyperPop. I just wanted to make a song that incorporated my favorite parts of both genres.

What first got you into music?

I first got into playing piano because I wasn’t very social and it was something to do without feeling lonely. That eventually turned into producing beats and rapping/singing over them.

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

I enjoy writing music more than anything else. The process can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to consistently churn out new songs to keep people engaged. However, it gives me a sense of focus and purpose that I don’t get anywhere else.

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

I honestly thought that gaining listeners would be much easier. The whole marketing aspect of releasing music was something I wasn’t prepared for. I think most artists think that if the music is good enough, everything will work out. Sometimes I’ll find songs on Spotify with <1000 plays that I think are 10 times better than anything I’ve ever made.

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

I imagine people are in a pre-party mood when listening to my music. I can see people putting my songs on a pre-game playlist or something similar.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Unless I get major label support, no. Most platforms favor artists that release consistent singles as opposed to whole albums. That’s just the way the algorithms work right now. I think most of my listeners found me from Spotify’s discover weekly playlist. My top priority right now is to get my music out to as many people as possible.

Thank you!

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B. Shields – El Capitan [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Polyrhythmic Funk Hop

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

I had a goal of becoming a boat/ship captain. And I did it. Simultaneously, I wanted to give a nod to all the hip hop/funk Gods that paved the way for me to make the sauce.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Coming in hot, stacks been steamin’, our boat should have been named Karen” WE AINT STOPPING.

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

I think Hip hop has some many subcategories now, that I can’t put a definition on what underground Hip Hop is. Homeboy Sandman is less known, but I’d consider him a genius, but he is considerably less known.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop resembles community for me personally. Along with other cultural values, the community is what drew me into the genre in the 90s. I was alone most of my childhood and found an escape when I first heard Pharcyde and Common. I shared similar experiences and felt a sense of belonging when people would find parking lots to battle in (rap and dance). And I was accepted in, by always hosting the beat! Man, I valued those days!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Listen to your gut.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can binge listen to albums. Especially if it is an old soul record.

Thank you!

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Miles Grindey – Funk Right Off (Major C) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Somehow Super Eighties

Tell us a few things about your new song “Funk Right Off (Major C)”. What is the main idea behind it?

Well the whole thing started as some kind of concept on Logic Pro. I had this little bit I had stuck in my head, kept playing it randomly on various guitars. I figured it was high time to put it in something. The “B” section of the track was inspired by a number of tracks I had heard from Chaka Khan and (oddly enough) James Taylor. I have this software (well a demo of it) called “MIDI Guitar 2” and it’s really cool cause I can send the direct signal of my guitar, to my Focusrite Clarett, to this software which (simply put) has a chat with my Mac and then turns it into MIDI! I got creative and tried to do some sax but I knew I had to get a real player on board. Once I came up with, what became, the demo – I floated it to Cam (who plays bass on this tune). He, almost, immediately sent me back a pic of him, grinning, with his headless six string bass – he read my mind! Before he could do anything, I needed serious drums, so I contacted this absolutely lovely chap called Adam Wolfe (whom I met a couple of years ago at a Jam in Gwinett County, GA, USA). He was on board with it almost immediately too, so I think I did good! The final piece of this compositional puzzle came when I had to find a sax player and so it was that Nick Willsher fit the bill and I am thrilled that he was able to do it. Those folks, along with Nick Bowen’s amazing mixing and mastering (and all-around total legend-ness) made the track what you hear! Would you believe that I was massively annoyed when I wrote it? I went into the recording thinking it was gonna be some kind of angry-sounding rock tune!

What first got you into music?

I think I entered the world to “Eruption” by Van Halen, I kid of course, but I’ve always been surrounded by music. I was raised on classic rock and my journey to where I am now, began when I was 9 as I began learning the guitar – though I’ve never really stopped since you don’t ever stop learning (which is a great thing!). It wasn’t until I was 14 when I really began to take it seriously that things just progressed to where they are now.

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

I would say definitely writing music, in my “career” I’ve done one gig ever. That was in my old band back in 201The great thing about writing music is – yeah, you could do it all yourself, but other people can do it better. Writing the music and getting the right people on board can, more often than not, blow whatever you thought in your head right out of the water and onto another dimension. I do want to get out there and play more but the current situation in the UK (at least) doesn’t inspire me with much confidence (in terms of health – ya know, that Covid thing?).

Tell us a song with a funky groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Since you asked, 100% it would be “Fire” by Ohio Players. Those guys are one of my all-time favourite bands. Really though, they did an absolutely killer job in the first place – I’d just ruin it!

Favorite music related film?

A toss-up between “This Is Spinal Tap!” and “The Rocker”, gun to the head I’d say the former. You’re not a musician or an artist until you’ve seen Spinal Tap, that’s the training video.

One last thing we should know about you?

I suffer from GAS (not what you think!) it’s called Guitar Acquisition Syndrome – I have 13 guitars, a bass… and a mandolin.

Thank you!

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Andrew Muecke – Andrew Muecke 1991 – 2020: A Collection [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Evocative ambient soundscaping

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

From ‘loud, busy and slightly experimental’ to ‘softer, less busy but still slightly experimental’

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I think song four, Devotion, which uses a vocal sample sung in an unknown Indian dialect. I think that it is relatable yet surprising. I like the idea of being relatable but surprising!

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

David Sylvian. He spoke of trying to “blow peoples hearts wide open” with his music and he has done that for me, many, many times

What would you change in the music industry?

It needs to embrace musical originality more. A lot of current music sounds too similar

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

“Reverence for Life: The Ethics of Albert Schweitzer for the Twenty-First Century”. For my musical project HAPPY GHOSTS, I based a whole album around his philosophy and called it REVERENCE FOR LIFE. An extraordinary human being

You’d give up making music for…

Helping others to make music!

Thank you!

Lolita Moore – LOVED [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, Spirit-filled and soulful

Tell us a few things about your album Loved.

The LOVED album was created during a time in my life, when I faced uncertainty, high anxiety, personal health challenges, questions about my mortality and in the face of a pandemic. I simply turned to what was comforting, re-assuring and soothing to my mind, spirit and soul. It is and has always been music. I began to listen intently and deeply and it eventually sparked the songwriter in me. I began to pen lyrics to the beautiful melodies I’d hear. I knew that I was on to something. I believed that God was giving me comforting messages for myself and for others as well. With this in mind, I started to reflect on my life as a Christian, on all of the experiences of life and the lessons learned, and most importantly on the fact that in the face of hundreds of thousands of people dying, God allowed me to still be here. So, I felt an urgency to live out what I believe to be my one true calling; to sing the Gospel, to be a beacon of light and hope, in the face of adversity. I suddenly begin to face the fact that every day is truly a precious gift. So, with gratitude, I allowed my experiences of God’s goodness to me, be the central theme and the driving force for the LOVED project. And LOVED was born. I guess you can say that being Loved by God is my testimony.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Every song on this album is a reflection of me in some way. The songs are a collaboration between my walk with God, my perceptions of humanity, life and how I see the world. Each song holds a belief and personal experiences that enables me to share a more insightful, wiser and a better me. But If I have to chose one song, it would be “HOLY ONE”. The message in this song is where it all started for me; the born again experience, the becoming, getting in touch with my higher self, getting to know God through transition and transformation.

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

I like them both a lot, but I must say that there is a deep satisfaction that I experience when I am able to create, write and formulate lyrics to pair with beautiful music, to ultimately form a song. I enjoy creating the rhythms, structure, chorus and bridge. I definitely love the creative process; and all aspects of production; recording. But I love the stage and the whole vibe from the live band and connecting with the energy from the fans as well.

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

I have been creating music for a long time; off and on. And the difficulty, for me, has been finding time for consistency and connecting with the right collaborators with like mind and vision; to be able to create the kind of music I hear. As well, it’s hard to be fully creative, when working and raising a family.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Never stop dreaming. Do what truly brings you joy and complete fulfillment inside, it’s your intrinsic essence; and it’s who you really are.

Future plans?

Right now, I am just really excited about the positive responses that the LOVED album is receiving, so we’ll see what happens. But I can definitely see myself getting back in the studio to make more great music.

Thank you!

Safiya – Let’s Pretend [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

young- caribbean and jazz

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

the story behind the song is about how when a realationship was amazing at first but then your past the honeymoon phase and life hits and communication goes out the way. Sometimes we find ourselves wishing for the old days and fantasizing on how to get back to that but in the end we have to get over the past and move on . Sometimes you can try to communicate but it just makes sense to end .

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I think the first line- “let’s pretend that we’re all fools in love” is my favorite line because it’s something you here offer. It’s very Jane Austen- pride and prejudice and and just a tale that everyone is used to. We all wish we could be that fool in love cause we all love love and we just don’t know it till where in it. And as a March Pisces myself, I find myself always being told by someone of just being in a young and wishful place and free spirited. So the simple lyric brings those two stories and personalities together

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

I am a live performer for life. I love the energy people bring to live performances. I like to open peoples mind to genres and cultures their not used to. And most importantly I love to see everyone having a great time being free spirits.

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

my life is surrounded by music no matter what I do so I started a subscription box business that allows people to travel through music every month from the compfort of true or home .

https://safiyas-world-music-playlist.cratejoy.com/

Should we expect an album in the near future?

hopefully the end of this year or January!

Thank you!

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amber wilson – Amber [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Vibrant, energetic, and transparent are the three words I would use.

Tell us a few things about your new EP.

This is my debut EP. These four songs came from a period of my life where I had a lot on my mind and was processing how I felt about a lot of topics and people in my life. This EP came at a perfect time in my life and was a saving grace for me to be able to process and express how I was feeling.

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

I think the opening track I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely reflects what I stand for. At the time, this was the most vulnerable I had been in my songwriting. It was important for me to start on the right foot in terms of what kind of an artist, producer, and songwriter I wanted to be. Like with the rest of the songs on my EP, I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely came at the perfect time and accurately depicted how I was feeling at the time.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My influences are The 1975, Adele, Lorde, One Direction, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, and Glass Animals to name a few.

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

The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far is not being able to do live shows and tour in the capacity that I would like to. I’ve not been on tour, but i’m itching to go on tour soon. It’s just hard right now with Covid and everything going on with that.

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

The best film I watched during quarantine was Crash. It’s an old film, but it worth a watch if you haven’t seen it.

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

One time in high school, my parents took away my electronics for a week after a certain time at night to help me focus on getting my grades up in school. Other than that, I can’t think of anything super serious.

Thank you!

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Cem Sari – Enigma [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Energic, groovy, sexy

Tell us a few things about your new work.

I just wanted to make something unconventional with unusual Song structures, acoustic instruments and not genre classified.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Enigma

Favourite album of the past year?

Caribou/Suddenly

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

Daft Punk / Around the world

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

Tenet

When was the last time you danced?

Literally last Saturday 🙂

Thank you!

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Linda – Losing my mind [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Disco, cheeky, fun

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

The story behind, was inspired by people, who are unable to answer to your questions, or people, who are not confident enough, and drives you crazy with their strange behavior. Well, those people make me lose my mind.
First I wanted to make a rock song for losing my mind, but my producer had the idea to make something pop, disco. So I recorded the vocals again, in a different tempo, and I also felt, and knew, this was the right decision.

What first got you into music?

I started singing as a kid, and I always felt, this is something natural for me, I was created for this.
I had a long-long break in my music career, and I started making my solo album during the pandemic.

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

I love making the songs more. Especially best friend was a long process, with dogs. It was so nice to experiment. Losing my mind was done in the shortest time, it was like having fun, having a party.
Now I started having smaller concerts as well, I enjoy them too. It’s a hard question.
Whenever something is touching me emotionally, and I find that event beautiful, by writing a lyrics or music about it, recording the song, building the story up in a song, makes me live that moment again. For example, in the last days, I’ve met someone, who is inspiring to me, and loved spending time with him. Meeting that person is basically fuel for my single, I am working on now.

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

I love the Dua Lipa disco, groove sounds, and also the Diana Ross: Upside down.

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

Losing my mind is perfect to get ready for a party in the city, helps you to have the mood for it. However, it was composed for flying with paragliders, and we are working on making the video. I think dancing is the key for this one.
On the other hand, if you are sad, and need something to cheer you up, Losing my mind is perfect for you! If your partner made you angry, listen to it and “Shake it! Shake it!”

When was the last time you danced?

This morning. I was dancing after I got out of bed. I almost dance and sing every morning before work. Thank walk my doggies, jump on my bike and go to work.

Thank you!

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Subconscious Culture – What Separates Us [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Bohemian Jazz Hip-Hop

Tell us a few things about your new album.

The new album is a commentary on many of our social dilemmas and my own personal struggles and observations. It is the first of two EPs discussing these topics. The second album will be called What Unifies Us and will be coming out some time in 202The second album will be discussing things that bring us together as the title states.

You blend many different genres.

We blend Hip Hop with most every other genre out there.
I don’t like confining ourselves to one category or another. Music is fluid and open to whatever style speaks to the concept and mood of the song.


What is your creative process like?

We work in many different ways. Sometime jamming on a tune and freestyling lyrics over it then taking it into the studio and working up a rough idea then refining it. I also have started writing my own music now. So I will record the rough idea, bring it to my team and elaborate on it then record the finished song. I like to leave things open to my collaborators as much as possible because I don’t always have the best ideas. Collaboration is all about getting everyone’s input and bringing the best ideas to the table.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Pices of Me and Concerning Karen. They portray both my serious side and my goofy side.

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

I think Hip Hop is ever evolving so I don’t think there is one true Underground Hip Hop sound by an amalgam of different sounds and styles. To answer this in full I would have to discuss it in a conversation.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

They definitely hold a lot of cards seeing as they are the main streaming platform. All the same I think they need to respect artists more and pay them more for their streams and find better ways to give back to their community that makes them tons of money every year. I personally think they are rather scandalous in how they work right now.

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

In a reflective and thoughtful state of mind.

One last thing we should know about?

We are currently working on a bunch of new singles and a whole new full band album as well as a full Video and audio spoken word album. We are constantly evolving and looking to inspire people from every demographic, through multiple styles of music and media.

Thank you!

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