Author: Admin

Alexander Grandjean – “No Words” feat. Maenad [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Warm, organic, soulful.

A Spanish guitar, lush vocals, some very cool brass and a fully emotional melody. Tell us a few things about your new song No Words   

I was visiting family in Oregon and at Portland airport, this Spanish guitar caught my ear, so I went to the guy and asked what song he was playing. He said he was just improvising, and I asked him to play it again so I could record it. His name is Jason Okamoto and the recording you hear in the intro of the song is the recording from the airport.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

This song is meant inspire people to speak less and feel more. We don’t always need a lot of words to connect with each other. But I write about many different things, and other songs from my album are about deeper love, losing someone you love or facing your own demons.

How do you relate to the music scene of Denmark? What do you love and what do you hate about this place.

There’s a lot of great artists, producers and writers in Denmark and Scandinavia generally! I love the Nordic model for society with high taxes and then everything is already paid for like schools, hospitals, roads etc. But I’m very tired of long, grey winters. Sometimes I miss more soulful and alternative indie artists to work with in this part of the world – there’s a lot of great pop but I think we need more edgy artists (we have some!).

If No Words was the soundtrack of a film, what would the film be?

A Tarantino movie taking place in Mexico.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Learn to play more instruments, co-lab more openly, and build a strong musical family where people support each other instead of competing. And worry less.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m releasing my debut album in May and the whole album is made as a 40 minute film that I want you to see. See you on Instagram.

Thank you!

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Emanuel Brown – IDK [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Unique, Vulnerable, Raw.

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

“IDK” was inspired for a idea of being a opening track for a project in the future. I really wanted to share with people that its ok to be indecisive and not know how you feel about your situation.

What is the way to stop being indecisive?

For me I think what I learned is to live with making a decision and sticking to it. Once you stick to your guns it makes a lot of things easier.

Should we expect a full album?

Of course! I actually just finished up the project. It’s called Mosaic and will definitely expand on the track “IDK”. Mosaic will be dropping this summer.

Favorite hip hop album of the past decade?

4eva is a Mighty Long Time by Big K.R.I.T.

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

Usually I play video games, spend time with my family, watch sports or workout.

Best music related film?

That’s tough! I have to choose two. Straight Outta Compton or 8 Mile.

Thank you!

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Liizen – I DARE YOU [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Emotional, lyrical and expressive.

Tell us a few things about your new work I Dare You

I DARE YOU as I was writing it was meant to be a symbol of surviving yourself. Rather it’s addiction, mental health or even your surroundings, you’re bigger and badder than it. I struggle with drinking sometimes and drugs, I admit, but I know I’m better than that. Everyday is a new day to start anew. Sometimes our addictions force us to hurt people we don’t always mean to. At some point we have to get our heads out of the sand and wake up.

For which lyric you are most proud of? And Which song of this work is your favorite?

Probably ‘Who RU’ I said:
“Claim you raised by wolves/ I Fck with Baboons/ Stay on my grind feed my family with proof/ Cough at my table then Btch you excused/“
As for my favorite song on the album? That’s a hard decision, but the one I find myself listening to the most is probably ‘Didn’t Mean It’.

You released a full album. Do people still listen to full albums? What was the best album you listened to in the past year?

I’ll probably have to say no. Streaming things made it easy to skip around to find songs that express how you feel in the moment. I’ve never released a full album before, so I wanted to do it in two months time and surely enough I did it. The best album I heard thus far this year would have to be Nicki Minaj’s 2014 album: ’The Pinkprint’. I knew most of the songs individually and had no clue they were part of an album, I was hype in the car bumping it. The Crying Game and Bed of Lies always leaves me in my bag. I swear.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hope. Many people roam this world without a voice and music is a universal language, Hip-hop is like a super power to me. Eminem being my #1artist, when I was little I didn’t always understand a lot of what he was saying although his aura, his verses, his presence alone spoke volumes to this 7 year old kid in the city of Philadelphia. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and still do. I wanna be the hero for other’s that he was for me. I want to give people HOPE.

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

I’ve watched so many different movies since the start of COVID, I’m going to have to say ‘The Wrong Missy’. I know it forwards, backwards and inside out. The movie doesn’t get enough credit. I won’t say anymore about it, because I’ll spoil it. You just gotta watch it yourself.

One last thing we should know about you?

Just one thing? I’m like pandora’s box, there’s so much tucked under my vest. But just one thing I can reveal, let’s see. [Thinking] I’m going to say my first concert I ever saw was Bullet For My Valentine in Scranton 2010. I’d always wanted to be to a rock concert, I was so overwhelmed by the atmosphere I had to walk out. The mosh pits, people spitting, smashing their heads on stuff and screaming told me this isn’ where I belonged. The crowd necessarily, I wanted to be on that stage, up here with the lights and watching people lose their minds over me. Chicks flashing me from the crowd, dudes fighting one another over which of my songs is the best. Haha. I aim to be the best me that people fall in love with.

Thank you!

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Jōviky – 91 Movement [Interview]

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What is your creative process like? And Which song of your latest work is your favorite?

My creative process is kind of all over the place. I often draw from emotion or memories first and I create in a non-linear almost collage like fashion putting the music, sound design, lyrics and melodies together. I liken my creative process to post-postmodern art.

My favorite song tends to change every few days. At the moment, ‘Ravens Pt. 1” is the one. The vibe is hard to describe but it’s kind of like a poem writing a poem about itself.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

In the first track off of my EP. 91 Movement, there is the lyric “Black boys don’t cry.” This lyric and the song, in general, address the reality that many Black men are taught not to be vulnerable or show any weakness, in order to survive. This takes a toll on our mental health. With this song, I wanted to bring awareness to this issue and advocate for mental health awareness, specifically for Black men.

What would be your dream performance venue?

My dream venue would probably be Coachella (Sahara Tent). The lighting and visual capabilities are amazing and the vibe is always dope. Second choice would be The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. I performed there a long time ago and it was magical. It would be sick to do a set in that environment as the sun goes down.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I would probably own a little taco stand and bar somewhere on a tropical beach and feed folks during the day and throw crazy dance parties at night.

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

Morgan Clae is amazing! Her music is pure, honest and cinematic. One of my favorite tracks of hers is called “Stay” Check her out!

What is the most useless talent you have?

This for sure is one of the top 10 weirdest questions I’ve ever been asked. I’m pretty good at wiggling my eyebrows. However, I think it’s useful in making my friends laugh or annoying people.

One last thing we should know about you?

I love cats. Periodt! Also, my first mixtape is dropping at the end of March on Soundcloud and a few other platforms. Get into it. 🙂

Thank you!

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Psweatpants – no reason [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Urgent, Funny, Hard-Hitting

  • How do you relate to the London music scene? What are the main ingredients that make London one of the world’s leading music cities?

I relate to the culture like the whole reason the Scene in London is the way it is is because we all have a goal to be the best and if everyone has that mindset it makes a land of hard working and creative people.

  • You got brought onto the stage by Wiley. What is the best gig you have attended as a fan? And what would be your dream performance venue?

The best gig I’ve attended was probably Travis Scott at the 02 arena, like it was sold out and the energy in the crowd was just electrifying, I remember mid concert thinking this is one of the best moments of my life. My dream venue is defo 02 Brixton Acadmey, its like my fav venue Ive been to

  • What is the next big thing in the London music scene?

Uk rap/Trap is starting to make an mark on the scene these days, acts like Slowthai and Pa Salieu are getting their dues in the genre

  • What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

“life innit”

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

Plumber comes over to clean stepsisters pipes, very good film in my opinion, especially the finish

  • One last thing we should know about you?

I’m a sugar shades ambassador, discount code PSWEATS10

Thank you!

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Sarafin – Came A Long Way

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  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Conscious, melodic, and reflective

  • Tell us a few things about your new work and your creative process in general

I’m working on some of the best music of my career right now collaborating with some influential and accomplished musicians. My workflow of being intuitively creative has helped me collaborate faster, as well as start new ideas with ease. I have a single coming out this spring titled ” Kick rocks” influenced by my love for 90’s boom bap hip hop as well the mantra ” those that matter won’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.”

  • Which song (not necessary yours) would describe your childhood best?

I would say my childhood favorite song would be ” Da rockwilder ” by Redman And Method man

  • What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice i would give my younger self is to trust myself more. In an industry where you constantly see people succeeding in different ways, it’s easy to get distracted by someone else’s process.

  • What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

I believe the future of hip hop will continue to cycle through phases of consciousness and vanity. but most importantly I already see more and more artists paying homage to the founders of hip hop learning from how hip hop originated and taking back the power our genre has in the music industry

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

Junia T out of Toronto Ontario has probably gotta be the biggest hidden gem the game has right now. Just a powerhouse Artist, from Producer to rapper he just delivers! In addition to the “Studio Monk” Our label ” Free 99″ has a roster of talented producers singers and djs

  • Future plans?

We have lots in store coming for 2020 including a music video for ” Kick rocks” Some merch for the project “Summer Sessions” Come summertime and some exciting collaborative sessions online Via Landr Sessions im calling #CyberSessions where i will be taking a few artist to work with live produce a beat and create a song together

  • Thank you!

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JSB – Good Time Lib [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Lyrical, smooth, Bassy

Tell us a few things about your new single “Good Time Lib”

Good Time LIB is a song that talks about how despite the economic downtown in Liberia, there is still a lot that is good about Liberia. Liberia is on the coast has a lot of beaches and nice tourist attractions, so this song was about highlighting all that is good about my country.

You grew up in London and you returned to Monrovia in 2018. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

I love the hustle and fast pace movement of London. It taught me to always think on my feet, and always have 2 to 3 options on my next move. London made me who I am today, taught me how to hustle and grind anywhere I go. Although it has evolved my one critique about London was the lack of opportunities for my type of music, i love music with meaning and lyrical content and at the time music with a more simple sound was popular. And also the weather, don’t miss that lol

Can you describe the vibe of Liberian street parties using just one word?

Vibrant

Favorite Afrobeat song ever?

I don’t have an all time favourite but one song i never get tired hearing is Amorawa by Wande Coal Ft Burna Boy

What would you change in the music industry?

I feel the industry now is built on what’s hot now rather than music that will stand the test of time. When I look at the UK Charts or Billboard Top 100, I think how many of these songs will still be relevant 5 years from now. I might sound old lol but there are so many albums from the 90’s and 00’s I still go back and listen to now. There are also albums from this generation that will still be played 5 to 10 years from now. But I think we need to praise the body of work and quality over what’s hot now.

Best film you watched during the last year?

Bad Boys For Life & Judas & The Black Messiah

Future plans?

I am working on my EP. It is more Afrocentric. Moving to Liberia has opened me to new sounds and experiences and this will tell in my music. I also still have songs that speak to the music that first inspired me, which is Hip Hop. I worked with many different Liberian artists in order to showcase the talent Liberia has to offer.

Thank you!

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Man Of Met – Pac Poster (prod. Pharoahe Rocher) [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Dense, gritty, unpolished

  • Tell us a few things about your new work Pac Poster.

The title comes from a 2pac poster I used to have in my room when I was a kid, as mentioned in the song. The song itself is sort of about comparing yourself to contemporaries and legends in a field, and the exasperation those comparisons can lead to. I had originally written the verse to a much softer piano beat, but it didn’t really fit. While assembling this project with the work of Pharoahe Rocher, I realized one of the beats he gave me was a perfect fit for the verse.

  • Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Nas is my favorite rapper. The whole ‘favorite lyricist’ thing is always dependent on mood, so I’ll say THESE DAYS it’s probably Roc Marciano. Favorite producer, it’s the same thing. Dependent on mood. Right now, I’m really feeling Hudson Mohawke.

  • What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-hop in my opinion symbolizes the working class, the underdog, the oppressed. It’s the music of people told they didn’t deserve anything more than what their rulers had allowed for them. I think that also plays a lot into why hip-hop has such a preoccupation with authenticity.

  • Very cool artwork. Who is the brain behind it?

If we wanna get technical, the REAL brain behind the cover was Ron Lim, the legendary penciller behind many classic Marvel stories, including Thanos Quest. I shamelessly co-opted the imagery of The Gardener’s death from that story. Its personal significance and relevance to this project, especially to songs like Snowflake, should be apparent to anyone familiar with the source material. I relayed the idea to zonekidd, a very talented graphic designer I met through Instagram, and they provided the finished product.

  • What would you change in the music industry?

Introduce more diversity in messaging. The problem isn’t that there are songs about bitches and drugs on the radio, the problem is that there’s virtually ONLY songs about bitches and drugs on the radio.

Bigger picture, I would work to repeal the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

  • Future plans?

Flowers By Force at the end of March, More Vibe Than Voice at the end of April, and a half dozen other projects throughout the year.

  • Thank you!

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The Morn – Wanda Q [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

futuristic, unpredictable, rare

You blend guitar with chill beats in a very cool way. Tell us a few things about your creative process.

My styles vary so much as I switch from ambient to trap to instrumental jazzy hip hop, but I always start with two things – the BPM and the key signature. I’ve focused heavily on BPMs between 70 and 90 recently but have consistently let the melodic elements guide me throughout. If I find a killer chord progression in Bb major for instance, I riff off that til I find good vocal melodies, often in natural minor scales. I always pitch shift my drum elements to support the key of the song. I’m classically trained in jazz music so I know there are infinite possibilities with chord progressions. I often stick to sixths and major 7ths, throwing in pitch shifted delays and vocal samples. The creative process for each concept is like raising a baby from the day it’s born. You just gotta nurture it and give it all the necessities and attention for the baby to grow into a high functioning adult with swag.

Who is your favorite beatmaker?

It’s between Knxwledge and Pi’erre Bourne for me.

How do you relate to the Los Angeles music scene?

Born and raised in LA, the music scene in the city has functioned as a third parent of mine throughout my life. I started going to hip hop festivals at the age of 9, then raves at the age of 11, so my musical taste was always directly evolving with the acts I’d see at these festivals. Los Angeles has such a rich rap history so I’ve been listening to 2pac, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Dre, and NWA since I was a young boy. As I grew older, electronic music exploded in LA when I approached my teen years, so I got a perfect blend of urban vibes with dance/experimental music to influence me as a future artist. Also with a strong guitar heavy surf rock scene in the city, I’ve related religiously to the variety of the Los Angeles music scenes over the years, going to several shows a week for long periods of time.

How do you think having such an easy access to samples affects the quality of produced music?

I think having easy access to samples improves the quality of produced music as it gives producers an infinite well to source concepts from. In theory this easy access may seem to water down the quality of the music (if you hear the same samples over and over), but I believe that having more resources expands producers’ creative options for the better.

Best music related film?

This one’s outta left field but – Irreversible (2002) – the French film that was scored by Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter. best soundtrack IMO.

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

I’m an avid trail runner, so when I’m not writing music I’m running in the mountains at high elevation all over California. Also, I’m huge into daily meditation.

Thank you!

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Kya Kyani – The Dao [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, dreamy, majestic 

  • What’s the most important element in future RnB? Tell us a few things about your creative process. 

In future RnB the element of nostalgia combined with interesting new or designed sounds are indispensable in my opinion. Working on a record (depending on the project) I mostly create in the studio. I vibe on numerous beats until there’s a spark and I really feel it. If not, we start from scratch together with the engineer/producer. Sometimes I would come in with a melody or just lyrics and go from there. 

  • How do you relate to the Amsterdam music scene?

I’ve met a lot of creatives working in the field, and developed some good friendships as well. I worked on projects with many in Holland, the thing I find we have in common is that we’re curious about each other’s work and eager to help,hear or learn. I can relate to that

  • Rough and rebellious but in some cases shy. Which is your most personal lyric that represents you the most?

I relate to most of my tracks since those are all personal experiences of mine, some more than others, going through changes etc makes it very difficult to name just one. 

  • What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice I would give younger self is not to rush life,  instead enjoy the ride 

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

Madmax 

  • One last thing we should know about you?

At the moment me and my team are planning on new releases as well as new visual content.

  • Thank you!

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