Author: Admin

SUPER FREDDY – MERCURIAL [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Vibey, reflective, danceable.

You blend different styles in your music. Tell us a few things about your creative process in general.

My approach to music is fairly straightforward – I take inspiration from elements of my life (both stories and sounds) and find ways to represent them in ways that people can relate to. Because of my varied background and experiences, I have found that blending different styles better reflects my identity and ideas.

Your themes include physical distance, diaspora and third culture experience, disconnection from one’s roots and family, as well as feelings of loss and change. Your music however has a very positive groove vibe. Tell us the main idea of this very interesting EP.

I think that the EP’s goal is to reflect these two sides of life. The project is a concentration of the thoughts and ideas that I had during 2020, especially the ideas of physical distance and disconnection from one’s roots, which is represented by the electronic music influences. I also wanted to include a positive groove to the project to reflect my African (Cameroonian) heritage, where much of the traditional music makes you move and tells stories in various ways.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I think that my music and performance style is best suited for a kind of festival, where people can dance and get wild and feel connected – something like Osheaga or SXSW. I can also see myself performing in a stadium environment, with an elaborate and conceptual stage performance.

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

I’ve been listening to Odunsi the Engine a lot recently! I’m not sure that he’s a hidden gem anymore, as he’s quite known in many places, but people that I’ve spoken to recently haven’t known about him.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

As basic as it is, the advice that has really changed the course of my music career was about staying true to myself. It’s tempting to follow trends and listen to others’ opinions, but, when you create art, the point is to stay true to your vision, perfect it, and find your audience. There will always be people who want to hear what you want to make.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m always working on new projects, and always trying to outdo what I did last. Stay tuned and follow what I’ve got coming next!

Thank you!

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Instagram

Ghostown – Breadstick Bowtie (Official Music Video)

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Late 90s hip hop vibe with a heavy dose of turntablism.
Blurring the lines between cinema and music,
A Greek guitar riff plays out over a summer evening Sicilian patio, Luciano and Gyp are playing cards when suddenly a bass drum can be heard and the record starts skipping, “Got got got got the shotgun” the stuttered phrase startles them, they look round and see Omar with his gun pointed at them, shiiiiiiiiit!
Lyrics and dialogue are integrated together to present a gangster-esque scenario of kill or be killed, it’s all in the game yo.
Musically centred around a 1920s greek guitar riff and hip hop beats,
Structurally the first part of the song is made up of a constant back and forth between the rap and scratched dialogue until it reaches it’s climax, then the song drops us into a subterranean underwater universe more akin to trip hop, before sliding us back into the main riff where the DJ takes over on the cuts.

LyricalGenes – Trauma

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Original, unpredictable, story-telling

Should we always accept our demons? Tell us a few things about your new song.

I think we should be aware of demons, whatever it may be. “Trauma” is the first song and video where I comfortably talk about depression and ways of coping with it, whether healthy or unhealthy. I speak on my demons and how it has affected me throughout life. For instance I state, “I’m not even comfortable with love. Every time I think I’ve had enough. It stays on my mind. Like all the time. It’s just nature telling me that this time. It’s gon’ be alright. I hope so.” Although this line is self explanatory, I proclaim that I am not comfortable with love because I feel like I do not know what love is. Since I am aware of that demon, I actually try to practice showing affection and/or gratitude to my peers, for example.

Author, poet, musician, model , actor, record label owner, college student..How do all these fit together?

Well, being an author, poet, and musician allow me to tap into my deeper emotions by constantly writing. This continuous writing is extremely therapeutic for me. In addition, I am able to hone in on my publishing skills. On the other hand, modeling and acting is more psychological for me. Specifically, acting gives me the chance to show my many sides that I may not show in real life, based on the character. Lastly, owning a record label and being a college student helps with the entrepreneurial aspect of entertainment. By owning a record label, I have the freedom to express myself however I want and do business with whomever I deem a good fit. Moreover, being a college student is good for networking. Overall, these titles are applicable to entertainment and business, one way or another.

For which lyric are you most proud of?

Within “Trauma”, I have a line that says, “It’s just nature telling me that this time, it’s going to be alright.” This line is an indicator that sometimes we do not have control over what happens to us, for example, falling in love with someone or vice versa. Sometimes we have to learn how to adjust based on what is thrown our way.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Being the voice for the voiceless. That’s what it symbolizes for me. Also, music in general allows artists to tap into a deeper consciousness that many other people may feel, but not know how to put it into words like a hip-hop artist, pop artist, etc. is able to. Musicians are like prophets.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Use what you feel to build an empire.

Future plans?

I am working on multiple mixtapes, leading up to my fourth album. I will have proper PR and publicity campaigns for my music, as well as booking live shows, if the pandemic permits. Movie roles and short films are currently in place, so I will still be trying my best to, not only help myself, but others in the process.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Akso Heart – Changes [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Distinct, Melodious and vibrant

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘changes’.

Changes is my second single, and the message continues from my debut; as a song that encourages transformation and change for anyone who feels like there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. There is and you’ll get through this!

You want your music to be uptempo and fun. But there is still emotion in it. How difficult is it to achieve this in a song? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

It is quite difficult but I feel necessary. Music for me needs to move you, make you feel. And even if the message is upbeat, you need to be able to connect with the listener. That can be through lyrics , melodic choices and instrumentals. I hope my musical choices helps people understand that the song although is about being excited about the change in our lives in the near future…still comes from a place of pain, frustration and sadness.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Great question but so difficult to answer. I’d say it’s a toss up between Channel Orange by frank ocean and janelle monae the archandroid. Frank was able to bring an album that has such a unique flow – a while since we had an album that really tells a story in such a fantastic way. Janelle gave us such a novel album, showcasing sounds that were unexpected but mesmerisingly brilliant! Both artists are so incredible.

A PhD student writing music. How do these two fit together?

As a phd student there’s a lot of writing, a lot of analysing and a lot of independent work. So when you step back it’s not much different to being an artist/ songwriter. As an artist I had to write, analyse and work solely. They both share that sense of isolation sometimes as the projects are bespoke to the individual…. So in a way they fit perfectly.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Everything is okay, your time is now and the world is yours for the taking.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Kilow – LeSabre [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Warm, eclectic and inspired. Everything is home grown, I make all my own beats and write my own bars. Every project is exactly how I feel as I’m making it.

Tell us a few things about your new work LeSabre.

This whole album is an ode to my first car, a 1990 Buick LeSabre. I love it like it’s my child. There’s something so comforting about the sag of its seats and the hum of its old speakers. When I got to driving, it really inspired me to look for a sound akin to the energy it gave me.

We really liked that you released a full album. Do people listen to full albums these days?

Unfortunately, not as much as they should. A full length when done right should really lend you a peep inside the mind of the musician. Too often these days do I hear that someone loves an artist but can only name their top three cuts. Have some insight and see what the time of making this project was like for them.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Smooth Jazz. The song has some of my best bars and really puts how I’m feeling out through my music. Mothership would be a close second.

Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?

I love all music as long as it has soul, but because of what inspired me to make this project I was listening to a lot of all time greats. A Tribe Called Quest, MF DOOM and Common all stayed in my rotation while making this album. Taking what legends can teach me through their craft and making it my own is most fun for me.

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

I have really been digging the Studio Ghibli films lately. Inspired animation and story telling always struck me more than action or suspense.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Keep trucking, you know what you want and you’ll find how to get it.

Thank you!

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Instagram

J-Twon – I Know [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

raw, honest, liberating

“There is a personal vulnerability to this song”. Should artists always challenge themselves? Tell us a few things about your new song.

I think we should all challenge ourselves to be the realest us possible. The song in its simplest form is emotional expression from an unfamiliar place, that has long needed to be explored.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Im not ok with not being ok” … And no one should have to be if they are true to themselves.

Favourite album of all time?

Purple Rain….hands down

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

As a married father of 5, naturally my family gets alot of my time…gladly ofcourse…personal alone time is usually spent anywhere in nature’s surroundings…and deep meditation.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Always follow your Intuition(trust yourself), and learn to “be still”(patience) and stay true to yourself and no one else.

One last thing we should know about you?

I believe we’re all connected….why do we act like where not.

Thank you!

B-Lew – Aesthetic [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

flow, rhythm and energy

Your focus in music is to give off great energy and party vibes. Tell us the first song you think about when it comes to party music.

Wants and needs by Drake has great energy for what I would consider party music.

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

As of right now it seems that hiphop is definitely stagnant and I think the future for hip-hop is mixing with rock and now even more recently UK drill. I still believe hiphop will be a dominant genre in the future because I think there’s still more you can do with it.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

My favorite rapper would have to be Travis Scott. My favorite lyricist is either Kendrick or Drake. My favorite producer when I first started making music was metro then it shifted quickly to Pierre.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-hop to me symbolizes art especially nowadays. Everyone wants to make “hip hop music” now and even now beats have evolved enough to carrying songs. In the past hiphop songs had more context as people had to plan everything thing out more before entering a studio now anyone can create a song from home and even on their phones. We’re literally at a point in time where literally anyone can create music which why it symbolizes art to me.

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

When I’m not writing music I’m most likely spending time working and editing videos on tiktoks for my @clipstosee account or I’m making artwork itself as I love making wallpapers and cover arts.

One last thing we should know about you?

One thing you should know about me is that I’m always making efforts to be different I don’t like making trending music or I should say I don’t like over saturated sounds in music. Thats never fun.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Olivia Orson – LET ME DRIVE [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words

-Enchanting, emotions, intense

Let Me Drive blends different genres. Tell us a few things about your creative process

-You’re right! I love to mix genres like Neo-soul, Jazz, R&B, and Trip hop music. It creates my vibe! The creative process is all about how my feeling and my emotions will be translated at the moment. So it will depend on my moods and physical health. First, It starts with building real connections with the beatmakers that I choose and we create a loving, kind, and comfortable environment based on communication. 

They all know that I have my own language when speaking music and my own artistic direction, so they know what kind of vibes I like and how I want them to sound.

Afterward, we start producing together,  the beatmaker plays chords until a melody inspires me and then we add the beat, the drum, pads, and all other instruments. 

For the rest, I love to try some topline and define the structure of the track.

 After a studio session, I like to come home to rest and give calm to my ears. It’s an important part of the process to be able to take a step back and then focus on the lyrics.

It also has a very chill vibe. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

Very interesting question, I imagine that people might listen to this track and when they need to let things go, or on the opposite when they deeply need to feel something, like a music therapy session you know hehe. 

Favorite album of the past decade?   

-Blonde-Frank Ocean. 

You incorporate electronic elements in your music and you also experiment with autotune. Are these extra challenges when it comes to live performance? Also your dream performance venue?

– I love to challenge myself and the people that work with me and push our limits, So I can’t wait to experiment with live performance to see how I’ll manage these details. But I’m kind of confident and positive about it because I think it could be really fun sometimes to add some autotune when I’ll be performing on stage! 

My dream performance venue is Coachella or maybe on the moon. 

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? 

-They must think MUSIC first.

Future plans?

-For now, going to London and drop a debut EP this year! 

Last thing we should know about you?

-I love you 

Thank you!

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Facebook/Instagram

Clifford – Quick Quick Slow [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words:

DUM: Diverse, Upbeat, Moody

This “magnetism that brings two people together emotionally, mentally…and physically”. Is it common in real life? Tell us a few things about your new song.

It’s common in real life if you meet someone you’re truly attracted to. It’s an inexplicable pull towards them, without rhyme or reason, instinctual.
I wrote “Quick Quick Slow” to be a late night, danceable club song that emphasizes passion and the expression of attraction between two people, whether they’ve just met or have known each other for a long time.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I’ve always been the type that wants to make good things last…” because it applies to everything else in life too.

Favourite album of the past year?

“Wild and Peaceful” by Kool & the Gang…because it’s timeless to me.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would increase royalty earnings from streaming services.
I’d also change the perpetuation of the belief that musical production is of little monetary value. In the US, 7 million streams = $22,000, which means even if you’re famous you’d be lucky to make minimum wage.
I’d change the corporate mentality that music is expendable, only to be consumed and tossed away.
I’d help to create a partnership between artists and music lovers so that their money actually goes to the artist too, not just to the streaming service they’re using.
There’s so much more, but that’s a pretty good start.

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

I stream on Twitch (clifford_music), make TikToks (@clifford.music), workout (boxing and calisthenics mostly), cook (homemade pizzas, breads, Za’atar Chicken, Ragu, are a few of my favs) and daydreaming.

Thank you!

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Bandcamp

Sunset Capone – Shattered Dreams [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Time, love, loss.

You have been creating music for over a decade. How’s your sound evolved during that period?

My sound has evolved to the point I can do music in any genre. From trying to find what I like, I learned I like everything. Now, I try to make music for others and have been getting the most response from pouring my soul into my current style of Alternative Rap mixed with Pop Rock tendencies.

Shattered Dreams. What’s your dream? And what’s your worst nightmare?

My dream is to gain financial freedom to the point where I can strictly spend my time creating music for people that love it and to be able to have free time to help others.

My worst nightmare is failing to reach people after all these years that are looking to hear someone else say they understand their struggle. I’ve lost a few close friends to suicide due to no one being there for them. I’d like my music to be there for my fans when I can’t be.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Lil Peep’s “Come Over When You’re Sober Part 1”, favorite song is “Better Off”. My non-Peep album would be Screaming for Silence’s self-titled album.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the gate to fans in the music industry. I would like to give people like me that don’t have a fortune to spend on marketing or aren’t the popular quarterback in town the chance to be exposed to potential fans.

Favorite film ever?

Butterfly Effect. Really deep and the time travel thing with cause and effect is something I think about a lot. Like, what if I was there for my friend instead of turning my back on them. Would they still be alive?

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice I would give my younger self would be to invest in all the stocks that blew up and the winning lottery numbers haha. Nah, but seriously, I would probably tell myself to cut off things that aren’t working and not to give in to sunk fallacies so much.

Thank you!

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Instagram