Author: Admin

D-Kel & Los Bandidos – 2020 Flow [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Original, London & Balanced

Tell us a few things about your new song “2020 Flow”. What is the main idea behind it?

DKEL: From my part, it was pretty much the frustration I had/have during lockdown, personally I’m struggling to be as creative and I guess you have a lot of time at the moment to over-think, and it’s that idea of questioning so much that you don’t have the chance too when your in the ‘rat-race’ also I just wanted to vent and take it back to the basic, straight bars.

You have been involved in the #SaveOurVenues campaign. How important are the small venues to the UK music scene?

DKEL: For band like ours, without small venues, we are pretty non existent. We really depend on grass roots venues to grow as a band, they are the foundation of band music in the U.K.

Can you share something funny that happened during one of your gigs? And what would be your dream performance venue?

DKEL: Ha, that’s an easy one, it was our first gig and I will let Ryan tell the rest…
Dream venue? I would of said KOKO but that’s no longer so I’d go with The Roundhouse

Ryan (Guitarist/Producer): It was our first gig and right as I hit the first note of my ‘big’ solo my guitar strap came flying off. Needless to say the guitar then swan-dived into the stage floor. I died inside, but everyone in the band laughed their ass off as I had to pick up my guitar and try to play on. (They still take the piss out of me for it 3 years later)

Is London the world’s music capital? If yes why and if no then which city is..

DKEL: For me it is London, there’s so much history of subcultures that brought amazing music, not to mention all the great artists to come from this city but even artists who made a name for themselves in this city.

Favorite hip hop album of the past year?

Knucks – London Class, a perfect example of current British lyricism

Any future plan?

Prayer hands together, fingers crossed, eyes closed, GIGS! Well that would be our ideal future plan, but we got some great singles we are preparing, we just hope we can release them in the way we want, with some great visual concepts and fingers crossed we can make up for last years lost gigs and festivals

Thank you!

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Drissy Parker – Night/Fall [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new EP “After 12”. What is the main idea behind it?

After 12 I made it in a week, when I get inspired I can create very rapidly. I would make a beat, freestyle the song and then write down certain lyrics to record if I felt so,
and then mix it. It was inspired by the lockdown, just what goes on late in the night, linking someone you have relations with,the thoughts you ponder during that time,
the vulnerability of being alone not just with your thoughts but your feelings.

Your music has definitely a late night vibe. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I always imagine my music being played after the club, during a late night drive, or while just chilling in the evening, so I’d say the states of reflection, relaxation,
all the way to states of nostalgia in the relational sense.

Does your music reflect you? Are you losing faith in love?

Most definitely, I write music from experience, and 95% of the time I’ll be in that exact situation or scenario. While creating After 12 I was definitely reflecting on that feeling of
not being optimistic about love but I think since then my view is a little different currently haha.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Ironically I don’t really see myself as a performer, more of a mood maker, but I’d say O2 most definitely, that’s the big one, I went to see Drake & Weeknd there once and it made me imagine what it must be like to see a crowd watching you from stage.

Favorite album of the past decade?

PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOORTWO – It’s what shaped how I wanted my music to sound

Future plans?

I just started working on a new EP which is a sequel to my previous project Talking Stages Vol 1, hopefully it will be out by Summer. Music videos and working on production for other artists. I’m looking to make my name a bit more known not just on the indie scene.

Thank you!

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Pharaoh Santana – PLAYBOY [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

West Coast Conscious

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

Playboy is the embodiment of walking the walk and talking the talk. The idea behind it is really just an acceptance of who I am, the people around me, and a statement that none of that is going to change. I am who I am.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

In Playboy specifically? Probably “he think he chosen / he Chris Nolan/ how he stand on his tenets”. I love double entendres, wordplay. Also Tennet was a dope ass movie, and obviously there’s the real definition for tenet that pertains to your set of beliefs etc. You get the point haha.

How do you relate to the Los Angeles music scene?

Good question. I think I relate in the sense that my sound is definitely west coast inspired, but I think my sound is a lot different from what’s bubbling in LA currently. I think I just represent a different side of LA that hasn’t had a voice in the past couple years… That being said, A lot of the artists popping off nowadays are friends of mine, or people I know from around the way. Whether it be from local shows, word of mouth, etc. so in reality we’re all connected.

Does Being An Actor Compromise Your Rap Career?

Not at all. If anything I think it helps it. I work a lot off of feeling and inspiration, I like to just let the words come and not force anything.. So I think acting helps me tap into a different side of myself which in turn helps my writing. Sometimes when the music isn’t exactly clicking I still have an outlet to be creative, and usually that then inspires something back to the music. It all works hand in hand.

Best music related film?

Ooooo. Fantasia. and Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Dead tie.

Future plans?

In the immediate future I’m gearing up for my next project “PSP”, a 5 track extended play that piggie backs off of my debut project “PS1” from last year. I definitely want to do more acting as it relates to my music this year, I.E longer music videos that are more plot driven and narritive, etc. I’m really just trying to bring all my skills to the table.

Thank you!

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Papikaiser – Focused [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Bilingual, Urban, Tropical

Tell us a few things about your song “Focused”. What is your way to harness your determination and stay focused?

This song is about my dedication and concentration with my music and what my goals are. My story in my own musical way. The way I harness all my energy is to be alone in my room writing and recording my music.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop for me symbolizes a culture and a way of life. Telling your story threw your music.

Puerto Rico vs New York. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

Puerto Rico, I love everyhting: My people, food, music, beaches, women. New York, I love the movement, the opportunities, different styles and different people. I don’t like the cold.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I’m proud of all my lyrics becuase they come from my heart and soul.

Best music related film?

8 Miles

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

Gym and hanging with my family and friends.

Thank you!

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Xperience – Regal Blue ’84 [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, Authentic, Love

Your album has some interesting features. What is the most challenging part of letting others into your creative process?

The most challenging part for this project was the impact Covid had on meeting up at studios and sessions. But we made it work with home studios and creativity. Thats all you need!

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I just want to live in the past, and die like the stars.. “

Which is your favorite r&b album of the last decade?

Another Life by Bilal, the best ever.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square garden of course!

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

American Skin

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m pursuing some big things in the video game industry, you might here something soon!

Thank you!

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Valhalla Kid – There’s Good Days and Bad Days [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Sad lefty boi

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

For my last EP it was definitely a drive to convey an emotional/political rock bottom I had reached a few years back, as well as how difficult it felt to get out of it because of internal and external pessimisms.

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

Very. Everything is political, even a lack of politics is a passive affirmation of the status quo. So yeah, 100% if anyone has a platform and they do nothing with it they’re complicit in purely funding themselves. All art can have a political impact, but politics shouldn’t stop at art, material change is fundamental.

What would you change in the music industry?

It’s incredibly predatory. The mainstream face of music is run by execs who not only dip their toes in creative control, but abuse the artists in all kinds of ways and are protected by capital. All of that would need to go. The commercial aspect of the music industry does just as much to choke out the beauty of music as it does to source out talent, but much of that change can’t happen without systemic change, sadly.

Favorite UK Hiphop album of the past decade?

If we’re talking strict hip hop I still keep going back to Jam Baxter’s Touching Scenes regularly. If this were about grime tho, I’m yet to hear anything as colourful and wild as The Calm Before the Storm by Ghetts.

Best film you watched during the last year?

One film that really spoke to me recently was Wages of Fear by Henri-Georges Clouzot.

One last thing we should know about you?

My music wouldn’t be possible without the help of 3 other amazing artists I regularly work with: LumbeRoss, Orange Bloom and OS Elliott.

Thank you!

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Chicago Ray Ray – Vultures [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

REAL RAP MUSIC!

“Loyalty is everything in life and in the streets.” Tell us a few things about your new song Vultures.

Vultures exposes the people around you who have no loyalty or those that do. The ones who are only around to take from you and have no loyalty are vultures

How do you relate to the Chicago music scene?

Growing up I have witnessed the music transition and Im apart of the diverse talented artist here in Chicago, I thrive on all of the music made here and support them with the good music that comes from here. I want to be apart of the tradition of setting a trend in Chicago with good music.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

My Favorite Rapper is Black Thought, My Favorite Lyricist is Scarface, My Favorite Producer is SUPERHOOD (My cousin)

Dream performance venue?

Performing at Lollapalooza Here in Chicago, Its one of the biggest Concerts in the world

Best film you watched the last 12 months?

Power with Jamie Foxx

Any future plans

Im working on my album and hoping to release it summer of 2021!

Thank you!

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Nedelko – Cinq Centimètres par Seconde (Prod : Lapwass) [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in three words 

Elliptical, melancholy and progressive

  • Tell us a few things about your new project Urizen  

Urizen is my second album, which comes out in two parts, the first one already available and the second coming out at the end of March. It speaks of the constant modulations of our horizons and of our personal universe, which are restricted or widened depending on the events that we have to experience and the people we meet. It is a reference to a central figure in William Blake’s mythology who embodies the absolute law and who draws the outline of the universe with his compass.

It’s a pretty cinematic and abstract album very influenced by the imagery of the works of Terry Gilliam, Chris Marker, or even the cyberpunk side of Akira and Evangelion.

  • Wich sound of the EP represent you the most ? 

It’s a hard question because each song represent a different state of mind, but I think my part of « Damocles » is a balanced choice. Not too dark and not too optimistic either, sadness mixed with the desire for a brighter existence. « Bienvenu à Néopolis » is also a good fit ! 

  • Favorite rapper, lyricist and producer 

I think my favorite rapper is Grems, a French artist who’s also a very very talented graphic designer, lyricist is Lucio Bukowski, also a French rapper and one of the main artist of L’Animalerie, the crew I’m in, but I’m also a huge huge fan of the lyrics of Julian Casablancas, singer of the Strokes and the Voidz . And producer I’ll say Oster Lapwass, who’s my producer, Rick Rubin and Mattia from the French group Odezenne. 

  • Is language a barrier in Music ?

I think it depends on what you listened to when you were young mostly, and in what part of the world you were born but in general music is more a way of connecting with each others than a barrier. It can even be a motivation and a way to learn other languages.

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

Instinctively I’d say Oklou, and The Voidz too, and for a really really hidden gem I’d say Penguin Cafe Orchestra

  • What would you change in music industry ?

I’d say give the power to people who really know music and not to some guys who decide who’s gonna be the next superstar depending on his popularity, less advertising and more music and passion. 

  • Any futur Plans ?

A lot of small projects with different artists and the third album who’s in progress ! 

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CHOZE – BADDERZ [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words?

Alternative, edgy, seminal

Your music has an experimental touch. Do you feel listeners are tired of generic trap beats?

Tired? That’s debatable. My belief in producing music has always been created with a timeless approach. Trap music has a scene that is still going. It might not necessarily be at the forefront but it’s audience still supports it’s sound and movement so I wouldn’t bet against its musical status just yet. It’s the same principle with grime, jungle, hip hop etc. Those genres and more are still consistent with their production and the main reason for their progress is the general public such as a particular scene’s core fanbase. Sticking with their artist through think and thin will help continue a legacy for any particular type of music and will motivate any sound to move forward.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“It’s WE but if we flip our W’s, it will just be Me” it’s the reading between the lines (no pun lol) that really connects with me. Especially the difficult circumstances we all are facing right now, this lyric really affects me every time I read it back to myself.

Best UK Hip Hop album ever?

That is a very tough 1 I can’t lie. If we’re talking about UK HIPHOP then it’s a battle between “the sagas of klashnekoff” by klashnekoff or “original pirate material” by the streets. Both iconic albums that will always stand the test of time and they both played a major part of shaping me into the artist I am today. I couldn’t imagine an industry without these albums. They spoke their truths with so much passion, conviction and fearless approach which demonstrated to me that this format is a procedure to creating a classic. Never afraid to be who you, plain and simple

What would be your dream performance venue?

That’s a very difficult one because technically I haven’t been around the world yet to discover new venues that make me daydream of one day performing my art in front of a supporting audience. If we’re inquiring about the uk venues then it’s a battle between O2 arena and Brixton academy. O2 surround sound, stage lighting and space is phenomenal. I’ve watched many great bands that have utilise all the facilities in the venue e.g Gorillaz headline show was one of a kind, blew me away. Brixton Academy I have a soft spot for because it’s near my mothers home which means it’s the foundation. Performing in Brixton would resurrect my child hood dream of headlining in an area where I’ve invested and developed my artistry so much. Without Brixton or clapham, I wouldn’t be the artist your witnessing today.

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

I honestly have to express how good “tenet” is. Such an epic and trend setting movie but why would I be surprised? when this movie is directed by my favourite director in film, Christoper Nolan. His passion and artistry in making every film iconic and bravery to always leave people wanting more. Whether it’s the story line or the actors he hires to create his picture, he’s second to none.

Any future plans?

D.I.Y the LP is the project I’ll be focusing on but for the foreseeable future, definitely 2 more albums, merchandise store then focusing on working with new up and coming artist who remind me of pure artistry, period.

Thanks!

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Oshua – Waste My Time [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Lonely Bedroom Hip-Hop

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

I’d say on average I listen to around 20-30 beats a week, I usually choose atleast 1-3 to record on.
My creative “process” is pretty non-existent, there isn’t a set way I do things but usually the vocal melody is the first thing that sticks out to me and after that I’m kind of all over the place with how the song progresses.
I also usually record the same song around 2-5 times – I’ve come to realise that on different days my voice has different emotions and therefore different sounds, its good to have more than one full take on the vocals.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Rapper: Juice Wrld
Lyricist: Frank Ocean
Producer: Roxxee

Best Hip Hop album ever?

PERSONALLY for me its “Goodbye & Good Riddance” by Juice Wrld, I listened to a lot of lyrical rap growing up like DOOM, Gang Starr, Mos Def but the Juice album really hit home for me and it has just stuck.
There is something about the lullaby sounds and the raspy vocals that keeps me coming back.

What do you love and what do you hate about living in Australia?

I seriously love the summer and the beaches, you cannot go wrong with a beach day and Sunday beers. However, the flies are an absolute let-down, they’re always in your face – its fine because you get used to them.

Favorite music related film?

Interstellar, the eery sound-choice used in the soundtrack is something else for me, it takes me places and makes me feel some type of way.

Future plans?

I plan to release a lot of music in 2021 with new singles out almost every month, I don’t really have a clear goal in mind with music but I plan to keep on keeping on.

Thank you!

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