I like to have the beat on loop so that I can catch a vibe and figure out how I want to approach the song. I then start coming up with melodies and flows that I can use on the beat.
Which song of the EP is your favorite?
My favorite song on the EP is ‘Heartbreak Kid’ because it is a song that anyone can relate to. I feel that love is complicated and that you first have to work on yourself and love yourself before you can truly love anyone else.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
My favorite rapper of all time is Jay Z, My favorite lyricist is Andre 3000, and my favorite producer is Dr. Dre
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip Hop to me symbolizes expression, heart, and soul. I feel like it is one of the few genres of music that allows an artist to be themselves unapologetically.
Favorite music related film?
My favorite music-related film is straight outta compton
You’d give up making music for…
I wouldn’t give up anything for music to be honest because It is my life and my everything. I couldn’t imagine living live without making music.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
‘Outlaw’ is a tale of a young woman finding her path and channeling her drive and passion into what she wants to achieve, no matter the consequence. It’s part love letter to self, part affirmation. It was important to me to lead with this single as a sort of prequel to the love story unfolding on the upcoming EP, it really explains my philosophy on life and where I’m coming from as an artist.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I think a lot of my writing starts with me writing on my own, but I love getting in the studio with people I trust and end up crafting something from those initial thoughts together.
‘Outlaw’ was written in a session in LA with Carson Thatcher (Orkid, Jesse Saint John) and Warholla. It was later produced by one of my producers in London, Mafro W. (Ghetts, Shakka, Bibi Bourelly, Fuse ODG), and mixed&mastered by Jonas Westling (Lady Gaga, James Arthur, Mel C).
There’s truly no way to describe that connection you have when writing together, but if you know you know.
Even beyond writing, every part of my creative process is collaborative to me. This includes the creation of the music, the visuals, the content, the merch.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
I grew up in a Greek household in Germany, so I was influenced by many different styles of music from an early age. I was always drawn to RnB, Pop and Hip Hop artists from the States. Albums I remember playing a lot in my childhood home include Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Tina Turner, Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys. Once I was old enough to beg my mama to buy me CDs, I loved Britney, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, JLo.. an endless list of female power houses paving the way.
Living in London and working with people from all over the world, my musical education never really stopped. I am surrounded and influenced by everything from Dancehall to Afrobeats, Eastern Scales to Jazz.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Producing the four consecutive music videos we shot in Greece in September last year. ‘Outlaw’ is the first of the series. We were supposed to shoot in April and had rescheduled due to restrictions, but I was still very nervous about our crew flying in from four airports in three countries. Luckily it all worked out, but the challenge of being the talent, the producer, the driver, AND the only person speaking the language was definitely the hardest thing I have accomplished to date.
Favorite film ever?
I started watching and re-watching loads of early 2000s movies since the first lockdown. They provide me with a strange sense of security, probably because they are reminiscent of my childhood.
What is the most useless talent you have?
Oh I can assure you, I make use of all my talents.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
Proud is my mantra! It’s a song I wrote to my future self to show me how far I’ve come, both creatively and in my personal life. I wanted to uplift myself and others through lyrics like “I achieve me on the daily” because I’m proud to be my authentic self every single day.
It touches upon theme of self-identity, sexuality and the heart-breaking reality of not feeling accepted for who you are by the ones that are meant to unconditionally. Growing up I often felt pushed into performing live, or entering singing competitions. It felt shallow, rather than enjoyable, even when I was holding a trophy. I’ve learned that each performance doesn’t have to be perfect, and I don’t have to be either, It’s about authentic entertaining. That personal growth is what I’m most PROUD of!
For which lyric you are most proud of?
‘I achieve me on the daily, most day’s I don’t even hate me’
Favourite album of the past decade?
Skip Marley’s ‘Higher Place’. I can have it on repeat for a week.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I think an obvious one is financing your work without a label etc. A less obvious one but one that was quite a shock to my system is the transition between being unknown and just writing songs in my bedroom for years, to feeling like fan’s came out of nowhere all at once.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
‘Quincy’ the film about Quincy Jones took me three sittings because I was so mindblown over his life.
Should we expect an album in the near future?
I’ve got a couple singles and more collaborations lined up and in production for the rest of this year, but no album plans just yet.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
The main idea behind this one was to create a sort of ever-evolving dance tune. I was trying to create a sonic environment that ebbs and flows that ultimately comes back to something lighthearted and fun that builds on itself throughout the song.
What first got you into music?
I’ve been a music lover my whole life, but I picked up the guitar when I was 15, and the rest is history!
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Way too many to count! A couple people that are constant sources of inspiration for me would be the GOATs Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock.
What would be your dream performance venue?
The Amphitheatre of Pompeii – Pink Floyd style 🙂
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
Lord of the Rings baby
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I honestly can’t remember, which I suppose means that it is deeply repressed into my subconscious.
I worked on this tape for around half a year. I collaborated with some amazing artists like Chedom, iNTeLL from the 2nd Generation Wu, Dogman Rukus and more. It turned out really great and it’s my favourite project that I made so far.
Which song of the mixtape is your favorite?
It’s hard to choose, because I had great fun making most of the songs. But I would probably have to go with “Rescue You” because I have been listening to iNTeLL for many years and it’s a big honour to have him on my mixtape.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
There is underground hip hop today for sure. You just have to look for it. I’m always happy to find some new real hip hop.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
It’s a culture. I met so many great people around the world through hip hop. I never experienced anything like this with other music genres. It’s one love.
Favorite music related film?
Ghost Dog is one of my favourite movies ever. RZA made a classic with this movie. I have watched it so many times.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I am very good at Fall Guys. I don’t know if it’s a talent but it’s useless for sure.
Tell us a few things about your “City Lights”. What is the story behind it?
The first version of the lyrics and the melody of the song were written first, during a rehearsal a few years ago, with a completely different band. I removed some parts, we added a new fragment of the lyrics with my producer and based on my melody and lyrics he composed the instrumentals and invited the guest performers (Ádám Meggyes – trumpet Gergő Kováts – saxophone Krisztián Csapó – trombone), to play on the recordings. I never met the guys in person, as they recorded their parts while I was staying home, ill. I was having enough of the quarantine, and lockdown. I wanted to have a song, reminding everyone, who loves our beautiful city, how cool is to go outside and have a few drinks at the bank of the river, fall in love, have date nights…
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I think it depends. I like to work with others on the songs, however on my new album all the lyrics and melodies are written by me. On the other hand, I am sure, that I could not have such great material in hand without my producer, who plays most of the instruments on my album, and the guests we invited to play with us. My songs are telling stories, my stories, but this stories were shaped with the people I work with regularly: Ábel Mihalik my music producer -and the instruments behind my songs, Mónika Veres my vocal coach was helping a lot to stay in shape vocally, Gergő Demko my piano teacher has also a key role in my album, as he thought me all the music theory I know, he helped me to learn to play on the piano, and we are performing nowadays together as an acoustic duo my songs in smaller places. Opening song is always CITY LIGHTS.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I think I enjoy making the songs more, and this whole process of composing, creating a song from some melodies, and rhymes, by describing my feelings and stories is the best thing ever happened to me. It is like therapy. Performing in front of an audience is more stressful. Composing, making the songs is something intimate, like making love, performing my songs fuels all that with energy. It makes me extremely happy seeing, that people like it.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
My biggest challenge is finding a forever stable band, with I could have concerts on regular basis, and start writing my new album with. My biggest dream is to have a band, and some smaller shows, travelling to aviation events to have smaller concerts. It was easier to release the songs, record them, write them, than putting together a band for my project. But hey! Without challenges we would never appreciate our results, so I am sure, when is the right time, I will have a wonderful band, like a family.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I want to make people happy with my music. Or I want to be there for them when they are alone. I know music was there all the time, when I was alone, or when I needed something new in my life. City lights is to make you relaxed, move your body, get a drink. Best Friend, Chasing dreams were written to make you chill, for example with a coffee. My time is a boost of energy for my competitions but can help if you are angry with your job, or it’s hard to get up in the morning.
When was the last time you danced?
Today 😀 I was listening Diana Ross and Prince this evening, and I was dancing with my dogs. On stage a few weeks ago at our last acoustic concert, after a flying competition, where before the concert I was participating as a pilot. We had the race, than I changed to my performing clothes, and got the results of the competition only after the concert. That day was really intense and full with all kind of emotions, I was feeling all day like a powerhouse. It’s mad… we won that competition, so there was a reason to dance during the night as well 😀 😀 😀 haha Actually, there is my new single Losing my mind, released today, it’s all about “shaking your sexy booty” 😀
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
freedom. I wrote this song as a way to escape this crazy time we had.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
from my first single, Maboy, “we know this wont end nice/ so ill try harder/ in hiding my heart eyes” i catch myself and my friends trying to hide our affection towards whoever we are into at the time, in order to not scare them away, or to not get hurt, and this lyric is how i see myself doing just that.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I enjoy both for different reasons. Writing music gives me peace of mind, it’s how I process everything I’m going through, but performing live gives other people a way of connecting with me and it’s a kind of communication that is so special.
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
ill be cliche and say a coming of age book, maybe perks of being a wallflower, or looking for alaska.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I have no idea. I have had a plan for my life from such a young age, that I never thought of doing something else. so i think that if i wasn’t making music then i’d be travelling and looking for what excites me in the world.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
Hallucinate is probably one of my favorite songs I’ve recorded thus far into my early career. Over the last few months I’ve been obsessed with retrowave/vaporwave stylized art and I feel like this song personified that audibly. When I first heard the beat, I started humming the chorus and everything sort of fell in place. I built a whole story in my head about the thin lines between love and lust, and how naivety can play a role in it. I think it’s a theme that we all can relate to… that feeling of longing.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I certainly do enjoy the process of collaborating with other creatives! It’s fun feeding off of each other’s energy, ideas, and it’s something I want to do more often in the future. My collaboration has mainly been with my audio engineer who’s been AMAZING in helping me get my sound right. But on the flip side, I do want to try and collab with other artists this year. I have a friend in mind to do a song with but the timing just needs to be right. When it comes to songwriting, I don’t think it’s a lonely process at all. It’s introspective to me and therapeutic. It’s probably my favorite part when creating.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
Hmmm… hidden gem. I’m not sure that she’s necessarily “hidden” because she’s fairly known but I would say Kelela. I really got into her this year. Her songs and how she began her career in music is so relatable to me.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
My biggest challenge is managing everything by myself. As an independent artist, especially at this stage of my career, I wear many hats. I’m my own manager, creative director, marketer/pr, photographer, stylist… the list goes on. Doing all of that on top of songwriting, recording, and managing my day job can be taxing at times, but honestly, it’s all worth it. My love for music powers me through. It’s nothing I can’t handle.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I want my music to mirror the listener’s current emotions. If their feeling sad, I want to offer sad music. If they want to party and be happy, I want to provide songs that do just that. This is something I’m conscious of whenever I create new songs.
When was the last time you danced?
Today! I’m always dancing. It’s in my DNA!!! Gotta learn how to breakdance next.
Not sure if this is accurate but I’d like to think that my sound is described as “genuine, relatable, and chill”… does that count as four or three?
Tell us a few things about your new work “Sunday Vibes”.
Sunday Vibes was actually conceived during the Spring of 2020. I’ve been sitting on it for some time and felt that we need some uplifting music after a rough year due to the pandemic. I lined up four singles for 2021 to be released with an EP at the end of the year so I made the decision of dropping this particular song out of the four for the summer as it fits the mood of the season.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The main topic is just taking some time away from work or whatever might be consuming your energy and relaxing for a bit. It’s mainly a reminder to take things a bit slower.
I’ve gone through burnouts numerous times, and in all honesty, the stress I placed on myself to get as many things done as soon as possible really didn’t need to be there. The reality is, the work you do will always remain but the way in which you complete it can heavily affect your experience. I’m still trying to take my own advice but I try my best to live by the lyrics in this song. I’m hoping that Sunday Vibes will help at least one person through a tough time and remind someone to have a much-needed moment to breathe.
Favourite album of the past decade?
At the moment, I think I’ve got to give it up to Joji’s Nectar. But honestly, this answer will change in a few weeks.
What would be your dream performance venue?
I think my dream performance venue might be somewhere like Fonda Theater in Los Angeles with a fully packed audience. It’s large enough to have a good crowd but small enough to keep it very intimate between the artist and the crowd. I don’t think I can consider anything larger at the moment although it would be nice to perform at a stadium or something someday in the future.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
I’m definitely late on this but I watched “Train to Busan” during the quarantine. That opened my eyes to a bunch of Korean movies that are absolutely amazing. These aren’t films but the new Marvel shows on Disney Plus are great as well.
Future plans?
As of right now, I have another single ready to be released. We’re shooting to drop it in the Fall season and then ending the year with an EP. I’m also performing at Joy Ruckus Club’s virtual festival on the Asian Hip Hop stage which is on September 5th. Aside from that, I’ll continue making music, videos, and hopefully, get involved in bigger projects down the line.
HipHop Paranoia 