Author: Admin

ibbi Too Vicious – Amethyst Skies [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Vicious. Benevolent. Wavy.

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

Turner Allen, our audio engineer who is also featured on the song, at Timeless Recording Studios invited 380 Melo & I one night randomly for a late night session to hang out and see what we could make. We didn’t have any plans or vision of making anything, but came through to see what would happen. 380 Melo pulled up the ‘Amethyst Skies’ beat and all of us loved it. We all freestyled on the song until we had something cohesive on it, and it luckily came out amazing. We were in the studio that night until about 3 AM. It was also really fun to make because individually none of our music sounds like ‘Amethyst Skies’ so all three of us were doing something we didn’t usually do and had to step out of our comfort zone. And even though none of us made music that sounded like this, we ended up with something where our individual sounds meshed really well and created a huge Summer vibe. A lot of that mesh definitely came from the fact we were all already friends and it was easy to try something new in front of each other and get criticism and bounce ideas off each other in real-time while recording. It was definitely the most fun studio session I have had so far.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

The lyrics are about a complicated relationship I was in where both of us were confused about what to do, and the lyrics are focusing on me asking her why she’s confused and that we can make everything alright if we choose to. It’s me questioning her decisions and what she wants to do next and telling her I know what I want is to move forward. 380 Melo and Turner Allen’s verses focus more on the “fuck you” side of emotion and how they won’t tolerate the indecision and move forward alone.

Favourite album of the past year?

My favorite album that came out this past year was probably Whole Lotta Red by Playboi Carti. My favorite album that I found in the past year though was Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols by the Sex Pistols.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would want to change the amount of transparency between labels and artists. I think artists now more than ever need to be highly educated on the music business as well as focusing on their art, but labels should also be more transparent and honest with how they conduct business and their contracts.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell him to continue not being afraid of what others think and do what you want. That’s the advice I’ve followed my whole life, and it usually takes me exactly where I want to go. I would tell him to stick to the path he’s on and don’t worry because everything is going to be fine.

You’d give up making music for…

Absolutely nothing.

Thank you!

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Alvinos Zavlis – Outta My Head [interview]

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Insomnia, loss and unfulfilled love… Tell us a few things about your new song Outta My Head

The song in its core is about unfulfilled love; for me this manifest through my insomnia, which has been a huge issue in my life since I was a teenager. The song was written at 3 am during a sleepless night. The lyric “Shout out, scream ‘get outta my head’”, is fairly literal in this way; wishing you could empty your head from your memories of this one person you can’t be with. I’m not really a traditional singer/songwriter, so the way I approach the crafting process of my songs is mostly through sound design and production. The chords and melodies I use will evoke the feeling and vibe I’m going for and, in the case of this song, a few repeating lines will complete the picture.

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

It really depends! If you asked me this question before 2020, I’d say I just produce beats and I end up developing the ones I think have the most potential into fully fleshed instrumental pieces. But, as you can hear in the song “Outta my head”, I now sing on my music, something I started doing since the pandemic started. My current process is to start with some chords or a melody, build a simple beat around that and then write the lyrics and record vocals. After this is done, I’ll fully flesh out the production and try to make something that fits the sonic character of “Alvinos”. I think it’s a huge advantage of mine that I have 100% control of the creative process, from writing the music and lyrics, to producing the song and then singing the vocals. It enables me to start the creative process from so many different angles. When it comes to “Outta my head”, I started with the beat and I knew I had to record vocals on it because the vibe fit perfectly with the album I’m currently working on.

How do you relate to the UK music scene?

Since I moved to the UK in 2016, I’ve been constantly learning and studying the music scene here. I’ve worked with Grime rappers and did a lot of mixing and mastering for Grime projects, something I really enjoyed. I also love UK Garage; when I first started producing music, I was constantly making House Music so, naturally, Garage caught my attention. I was obsessed with MJ Cole and have dozens of Garage tunes on my hard drives that I never released! The most important thing though, is that through all these genres that are indigenous to the UK, I learned so many production techniques and genre tropes that became part of my own sound in a unique and natural way.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

It’s from an unreleased song that’ll probably make the album. The song is called “Not you” and it’s about a secret love/crush on your best friend. The lyric goes:

“Cuz you’re the flower I’ll never smell,
you’re the secret I’ll never tell,
I could have anyone I want
but not you, not you…”

I guess I choose this one because the song is a bit more “traditionally” structured, with full verses and choruses and because, even though the first half of the line is quite sweet and metaphorical, it ends in a cocky and literal way, that I guess is also a bit more optimistic than how I usually view these things in my real life.

What would you change in the music industry?

Honestly? If there was an app in which you could upload your videos/performances/reels/stories, whatever it may be, that also magically organizes them and neatly uploads them to all your social media platforms, that’ll change the game! The social media world is very exciting and creative but at the end of the day, as an indie artist, it’s very hard to handle Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter and all that all by yourself. I guess I wish there was a way we could either all settle for one, or for that magic, imaginery app to exist!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I guess to just work within my own timeframe. It’s very tough, especially in our era of social media, to remember that success comes in different ways and times of our lives. Just because others achieved more at a younger age, it doesn’t mean you are failing or trying to catch up! I just learned to take my time and enjoy each success as it comes.

When was the last time you danced?

In my kitchen last night while cooking? I try to cook everyday because it’s my second passion and I always play out loud music and dance to it! Some of my songs have even been inspired by my dishes, such as my song “Sexy pasta & Korean film”!

Thank you!

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Roos – Dunkelheit [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Discovering my soul

Tell us a few things about your new song Dunkelheit

When darkness came into my life, and it happend a few times, I had to deal with it somehow.One of the worst enemies of man himself is one’s own darkness. I try to see the darkness as an old friend and I know him quite well by now. Its attraction should not be unterestimated..he knows how to get you. But there is still this litte light in me. Like a little candle in a large dark hall, smaller but stronger, nothing and nobody can blow this out. You don’t destroy all the love in my life, not my family, not my friends, and through them not me!

Is language a barrier in music?

I apreceate this kind of question, and I mean the spirit of the question in general. I would say no, I think music is a bridge between our langueges. For me it means realizing that we are basically all the same, the music can speak a language that we all understand. Music could caress my soul in really any language. It can feel like a caress or maybe like a slap in the face. No further words are required.

How do you relate to the Berlin music scene?

I love the variety here! The multicultural Berlin makes music very passionately, is versatile and highly motivated. This is also where professionals meet amateurs, and great new things are created. A wonderful place for creative people.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

I would like to leave the historical significance aside. Hip Hop has something dynamic about it, but it always gives you the power to free yourself. You don’t have to learn an instrument or take expensive lessons, you write freely and practice your texts wherever you are.
Every hip hopper feels like a god from the very first song they write. Free yourself by writing. The word freestyle alone speaks for itself. You just need inspiration and feelings.
Great talents can be found everywhere, regardless of whether you are poor or rich. Nothing prevents you from rapping, getting noticed or just finding yourself.

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

Corona has limited me a lot, I spend most of my time with my family and friends when possible. I green my living space, love to cook or do sports.

Best series you watched during the quarantine?

The Grand Tour

Thank you!

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Julia Lostrom – Want It All Back [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Alternative, Sultry, Hypnotic.

“Want it all back” has a lovely, chill vibe. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind it?

This song was my realisation to nurture and take care of myself and my relationships to make sure I stay true to my heart and avoid making choices I might regret. It can be easy to feel like the grass is greener elsewhere or look at a past version of yourself and want to go back there especially with everything going on in the world right now, we all want things to go back to the way they once were because it’s familiar but sometimes change is necessary and can be a good thing.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“We can always realign, on our better days,
and we can always take our time”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Ooh, that’s so tough! I’d probably say Sabrina Claudio, Galimatias, Odie, Alina Baraz, Snoh Allegra, Miraa May and Emotional Oranges to name a few.

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

Probably navigating the industry as an independent artist and the danger of comparison. When I first started off I had no idea what I was doing and it can be a pretty daunting process but perseverance and hard work always helps. It is so great to have a standard to look up to and ensure you’re creating quality but also making sure to never sabotage my true essence and heart in the creative process just to fit a mould. Working on my sound and finding my authenticity with my music took work and I’m still trying to figure it out but that’s also the beauty of my evolution and growth within myself and my music.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Hard work always pays off, just keep moving and learning as much as possible but trust your journey and keep in mind that everything happens in divine timing. Never compare yourself to others and If you’re ever unsure, go within and listen to your intuition, she’s always right. Share your knowledge openly with others and show up for your friends always!

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Definitely! I can’t give you an exact date, but I’m working on it 🙂

Thank you!

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Onbar – HEAVEN

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Indie – Rnb – Hip-hop

Tell us a few things about your new work.

My latest work tells an elaborate tale of the character I created. In all of my music, the lyrics express a heartbroken individual.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

On The Run. It is my favorite by the way it sounds, sonically.

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

The South Korean boy band: Big Bang.

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

It definitely can, however, I find it best to express personal experiences/impacts when it comes to politics. Not because everyone’s doing it.

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

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. The first song I ever wrote (unreleased) is based on that movie. I also relate a lot to the story.

One last thing we should know about you?

I plan on releasing 2 more songs after this EP. I want to focus on promoting my existing music and performing live.

Thank you!

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George Gritzbach – Full Circle [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Cool Original R&B

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

Full Circle is the consequence of following the MUSE! a collection of Original Roots Rhythm & Blues songs to chill the mind and fire up the soul.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Tough question Black Rose.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan, Little Feat, Albert King, Paul Simon.

What would you change in the music industry?

Recording artists to be paid for their work!

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

All About Now.

One last thing we should know about you?

I am a humanist! all about Humankind!

Thank you!

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Natalie Grace – Driver’s Seat [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Addictive, danceworthy, raw

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

This new song is essentially about seeing someone who’s a little timid and unsure in the bedroom, and wanting them to take the reins more and assert themselves. You teach them how to be more confident and make decisions, until eventually you’re being spontaneous together and having sex in the car, making sex tapes and equally letting loose together.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I think my most personal lyric is from my song Ask You One Thing, where I sing “did it ever even cross your mind that this would break me up inside and have my heart feeling all fried”.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Demi Lovato – Dancing With The Devil…The Art Of Starting Over

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

I think it’s been getting noticed through all the social media algorithms and defying the ways that the powers that be try to stunt smaller artists and creatives, because it’s really not helpful in terms of us growing our audiences and it’s just a case of taking from the poor to give more to the rich in terms of outreach.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Probably to just keep going as I have been and not let anyone else’s words make an impact on my work ethic and my dedication to what I do.

One last thing we should know about you?

If we’re talking random facts not necessarily music related, then I have 3 kinds of animal at home who absolutely can not ever come into contact with one another: a cat, 3 snakes and a hamster. Talk about a living food chain!

Thank you!

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knowone – TRY AND ERA [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

flexibility
ring a bell
Inspirational

Tell us a few things about your new album “TRY AND ERA”.

We have repeatedly challenged, and gained a lot of experiences that we never had before. As album title shows, they were discoveries and opportunities for us to release an album, and that they led to a new era sound! (Massan)
The life is a series of tries and failures, and the accumulation of those failures brings the unexpected best results. It’s the same with our studio work.(Hiroshi Nakamura)

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

All of the songs are true to myself, but I would say “Latin”.(Massan)
Tough question, but “SWAY”.(Hiroshi Nakamura)

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I started my music career as a rapper, so I still listen to rappers like MOS DEF and COMMON.
I also like Mac Miller and Anderson Park and listen to them often.(Massan)
Brian Eno. His produced YMO album when I was a kid. I’ve been listening to him ever since.His experimental stance and production work is amazing.(Hiroshi Nakamura)

What would be your dream performance venue?

For Japanese, I like Fuji Rock. Overseas, I like the masonic because the venue looks like a theater.(Massan)
I would love to attend Glastonbury.(Hiroshi Nakamura)

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The sensibility that you were afraid of losing will not disappear, but will appear more clearly, so listen a lot and sing a lot!(Massan)
Just do music all the time. And don’t die. (Hiroshi Nakamura)

One last thing we should know about you?

We had a really great team to make music that people all over the world could enjoy.
Be sure to check out the music video, “Latin”. (Massan)
I’d like you to listen to the sound of knowone from Japan, far away in the East.
I want to mingle with you on streaming.(Hiroshi Nakamura)

Thank you!

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James Austin Melton – Will Made Manifest [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound in three words: Jazzy-Soul-Pop

Your songwriting is exceptional. Tell us a few things about your new album.

Thanks so much! This album was a pandemic project. I wrote, self-produced, recorded and performed all the parts. It was truly an endeavor!

Which song of the album is your favorite?

I feel most emotionally connected to “I Won’t Write Another,” because it is about unrequited love. 💕

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

Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish”

What would be your dream performance venue?

The Colosseum!

Favorite music related film?

Hmm.. This is a tough one. Maybe the Doors movie starting Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison

One last thing we should know about you?

I am finishing up my master’s degree in Jazz Studies this fall. I am very much looking forward to getting my masters!

Thank you!

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VISSIA – My Wom [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

salt, moonlight, butterflies
(but I really wanted to answer in emojis)

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

I wrote “My Wom” as a way to honour the badass women in my life. I feel really grateful to have a solid group of smart, wild, funny, supportive, daring women around me, especially over the last 18 months. We celebrate each other’s triumphs, we listen when someone needs to vent about something, we goof off, we say things that need to be said instead of what the other person wants to hear. There’s a lot of mutual respect and encouragement. “My Wom” is about embodying our full selves unapologetically and not waiting for permission to shine or speak our minds.

When my producer (Nich Davies) connected with Montréal producer Moses Belanger to do the remix, we didn’t give any direction on what should be done with it. I think it’s really important to relinquish any artistic control when you ask somebody to do a remix. Otherwise you’re just getting in the way of someone else’s artistry. Moses’ remix came back to us as what feels to me like a meditation on the essence of the song, coming from the lyric: You know she’s fine on her own, but she knows how to hold space. I love that that’s the part of the message he chose to focus on. That line holds a lot for me. It’s about being so grounded in yourself that you don’t actually need anyone or anything to fulfill you. You’ve found your peace within. With that self-awareness, you are able to invite a person or experience into your world if it resonates with you. It’s about protecting your energy and your peace while also staying open.

Challenging the patriarchy in music. What should be the first step?

I think it has to be challenged from every angle, but top of mind for me is that men in the industry have to work on this on their own and hold each other accountable. Women shouldn’t have to constantly defend themselves and their work or explain why they deserve to be where they are or why some comment or attitude is inappropriate. It’s exhausting. At the same time, I don’t wanna see men going around self-righteously blaming one another. That’s not the point either. Men need to ask each other and themselves questions. Why do you think that? Why did I say that? Where does that rhetoric come from?

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

Political statements by music artists are important because artists can help affect change through the relationships they’ve grown with fans. I think artists – especially influential ones with well established platforms – have a responsibility to use their voices and respond to what is going on in the world. I think that’s going to look different depending on the artist, who they are, and what is appropriate in terms of taking up space, but to me it’s more important to speak, make mistakes, and learn how to do better, than to just say nothing. I’m not sure that music itself impacts politics very much, but I think the artists behind the music can in the ways they help mobilize people, encourage them to step up and take action, and draw attention to the issues.

For which lyric are you most proud of?

When I’m talking I hear your words rocking from my lips like a song I used to know (from “Doorway”)

Favourite album of the past year?

Jazmine Sullivan – Heaux Tales

One last thing we should know about you?

pisces sun, capricorn moon, sagittarius rising

Thank you!

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