Author: Admin

Alvinos Zavlis – Alvinos Vs Lofi [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Experimental, dreamy, spacey

Tell us a few things about your new EP ‘Alvinos vs Lofi’.

My new EP is completely different from my previous releases. In 2020 I started experimenting with Lofi music, a genre that I always enjoyed listening to but never
really found joy in producing. I tried to create Lofi music that fits my personal style and uses characteristics of IDM, cinematic music and ambient. I think the
end result is a collection of unique and fresh-sounding songs when placed in the context of this genre.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

This is a hard one! I love all of them and while people seem to connect to “The day we met” a lot, “Neverland” is the one that stands out to me, because of how
long it took me to put together and all the different things I got to do harmonically in it.

Is realistically your type of music a genre that can be performed live?

I’d say yes, definitely. There’s so much technology to support electronic artists nowadays that I think almost any genre can be performed live. Just give me an
Ableton Push, a couple of my synthesizers, a big monitor for my visuals and you’ll have a hell of a show!

Cypriot based in the UK. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

I had to leave Cyprus in order to pursue music, so that is the thing I hate most about it. There’s just not an industry to support electronic music yet, although
I wish to help change that in the future. The weather and food are the things I love most about Cyprus. And in England, I love how alive and multicultural everything
is, especially London and Bristol, where I’m currently based. Ironically, the weather and food are the things I hate most!

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

Definitely Uncut Gems or Guns Akimbo! Great films, both so tense in their own way from start to finish.

Any future plans?

I’m currently working on an audiovisual reimagining of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ which will be released early in 2021, and is also the first video I ever
directed. I’m also working closely with my main artist Youngsmart, we are planning on releasing his debut album in the summer, produced and mixed by me. Finally,
I plan on releasing another project before the year ends, hopefully it will build on the Lofi inspired sound of “Alvinos vs Lofi”.

Thank you!

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Casscade x Raj Forever -Crazy Scenes

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North West LDN rapper and creative Casscade returns with his new single ‘Crazy Scenes’, this time teaming up with the hotly tipped artist/producer Raj Forever. Out 23rd October, ‘Crazy Scenes’ was produced by the prolific American producer Saint Cardona (whose credits include; Young M.A, Octavian, Fivio Foreign and Mariah Angelica). With its accessible drill-flavoured beat, mixed with Casscade’s playful bars and melodic approach, there is something genuinely fresh about the track, as Raj Forever punctuates things with a memorable chorus hook, nailing down its radio friendly vibe and positive message.

Lyrically, Casscade takes the commonly used phrase ‘Crazy Scenes’ as inspiration to build the track around an aspirational message. Looking back at the harsh environments both artists grew up in, to where they are now Casscade explains: “The ‘I still hear the screams part’ in Raj’s hook just signifies that although we may not particularly be in bad situations anymore, they’ve left their scars. Nobody is perfect and I think it’s always good to remember where you came from.”

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Thriftworks – TUPUXUARA [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words

cretaceous, spacey, knockville

“I can’t dance but I can’t sit still”. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

it’s open to interpretation, this is undoubtedly up to the individual listener

Platforms offering sound recordings in a netflix style subscription-for-access model changed the art of sampling in a drastic way. Do you think that having such an easy access to samples affects the quality of instrumental music today?

I recently began using Splice, I think it’s important to stay true to yourself as a producer and not overindulge in premade loopps. Tweaking and repurposing is essential, otherwise things can get lazy and stagnant real quick.

Is realistically your type of music a genre that can be performed live?

Throughout the years i’ve learned that my live shows definitely have a different vibe than a lot of my more upbeat contemporaries. The vibe is much more cerebral and that’s ok.

You are a lover of chess. Which is the best album we should listen to while playing a chess game?

Hydromancy came from an era where I first began playing a lot of backyard chess with the homies. That’s gotta be it.

What would you change in the music industry?

Streaming royalties for sure. Artists are getting low-balled around the world by big streaming services like spotify and apple mucic, etc. etc

One last thing we should know about you?

I eat canned fish more than most people can handle. A can of baby clams has almost 20g of protein.

Thank you!

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Readey – Bubblin’ [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in three words

Energetic, soulful and unique.

  • You blend different genres from UK Garage to Grime. Which are your major musical influences?

I started listening to Grime when I was at school, mainly Ghetts and Devlin… when they would go back to back on a track or a set I would literally lose my mind.

  • Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

I believe that there will always be an underground scene. When certain artists who have been grinding for years on end finally begin to get recognition, it inspires the younger generation to start their own musical journey, and they then take their idols place in the ‘underground’.

  • Which is the main difference in your opinion between the UK rap scene compared to the US rap?

Personally, I can’t really put my finger on a main difference, but I have always preferred UK rap in general, I’m not quite sure why… maybe because I can relate to the artists more as I’m from the same country as them? Who knows. Both have produced many exceptional artists over the years though.

  • Best Hip Hop album ever?

My favourite Hip-Hop album ever has got to be 2001 by Dre.

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

The best film I have watched since the lockdowns began is a heartwarming, true story called Green Book.

  • Any future plans?

My next single is due to be released soon, I’ll be posting all the details on my social media pages @readeyofficial when the time is right, aside from that I have no idea what else is in store as of yet! I will more than likely put some kind of project together within the next few months, possibly a UK Garage one this time as most of my supporters have expressed how much they like it when I harness this genre. It also feels like a very natural process in the writing stage as a lot of the instrumentals tend to resonate with me as a person.

  • Thank you!

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Hunnid – Lonely At The Top (Feat Streetz) [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in three words

I would say passionate, honest and with some of my new stuff vulnerable.

  • “Lonely at the top” is an emotional song indeed. Tell us a few things about it.

“Lonely at the Top” is a mantra for the determined.  This song comes from a vulnerable place for me.  The song was written and recorded with the featured artist Streetz years ago.  Along with many many other songs, this track was left unfinished when Streetz was murdered in 2018.  The song was then posthumously produced and released by myself at the end of 2019 in his memory.  Although the tone of the song is sad, it is still powerful, uplifting and motivational.  The point is to carry on the legacy for him.  Even when you’re by yourself, it’s not always lonely at the top.  

  • You sampled an iconic song by the Beatles. Which are your major musical influences?

I take influence from all types of music.  I grew up listening to every kind of music you can think of – from Jazz to MoTown to 90’s hip hop/rap, to Pop Music to Rock and everything in between and think this has all influenced me, even if just for my deep love and respect for music.  If I were to pinpoint a specific artist that has had the most influence on me musically and as a person in general, I would say TuPac.  The last few years, I can say I don’t listen to alot of other people’s music.  I really focus on my personal creativity and my craft.  I will listen to beats and instrumentals and just create.  I want my music to be authentic and not have too much influence from others in order to maintain my artistry.  

  • Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Honestly, I would say myself.  As an artist, if you’re not your own biggest fan, you cannot expect anyone else to be and maybe you shouldn’t be doing this.  I love what I create and am proud of every track I release.  I have my hand on every piece of the process of creating my music.  

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

Not to be redundant, but I think myself.  I believe my artistry and music is a hidden gem and the new stuff I’m creating is going to set the world on fire.

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

 I recently watched The Banker and thought that was a great movie.  It had a very real and raw storyline and the acting was great.  I think it’s very inspirational and reminded me that even when you’re faced against the odds you have to rise to the occasion.   

  • Any future plans?

There’s too many future plans right now to try to list.  I would suggest the world be on the look out for what’s next from me.  The future is going to be epic for my brand.  

  • Thank you!

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Ramonie – Monie [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words

Humorous, Chilled, Flirtatious

What is the main topic of your lyrics? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

I often find myself talking about things every other teen idolises.. Money & Women. It often starts with me saying a catchy one liner, an example of this is in the intro ‘Monie’ where in my first line I say “Nickname Monie, they all wanna get to know me”

You blend grime with lofi and chill beats. How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one?

I listen to multiple genres, I even find myself writing to drill beats & I’ve actually used the lyrics.

Best UK Hip Hop album ever?

Dave – Psychodrama

Why is it still difficult for UK rappers to break through to America?

I feel like there isn’t a strong enough link in between the both & when there is it’s more mainstream based. We need more underground collaborations, then it would help to open different opportunities.

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

Queen&Slim

Any future plans?

I plan to drop more than one project in 2021.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Dopize – (UN)BALANCED [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in three words

Authentic, versatile, energetic. 

  • Tell us a few things about your new project “Unbalanced”

We all looking for a sort of balance between things to find happiness in life and that’s the exact same with music. I’m in love With us rap, i fell in love with the language and the culture, but I’m french and I wanted to find a balance between these two languages so I’ve tried to blend them to create a new vibe.

  • Which song of the EP represents you the most?

There’s a little bit of me in all of the tracks. Each tracks has it’s own mood. Like  everyone else I go through tons of different moods everyday, so I’d say all of them.

  • How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Who is your favorite producer?

I make all of my beats. Sometimes it takes me 5 min to make  a beat that I love, sometimes it takes a week to find the right vibe. I’m very picky with the beat that I use I keep a very very tiny portions of whatIi create. I don’t really have a favorite producer though.

  • What does the future hold for Trap specifically and Hip-Hop in general?

I have no clue but I hope a lot of new sounds and creativity and hopfully a little bit of success for Dopize ahah!

  • What would you change in the music industry?

Money is the only thing that matters in the industry that’s the problem, I would put the art first

  • Any future plans?

A lot of new music, new concepts, just wait and see !

  • Thank you!

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Laz – Want from Me [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words

healing, spongey, detailed

Where is the place where you get more inspired to write the lyrics for your songs? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

Places where I know that I will be left alone. Outside in the streets where I don’t know anyone is a good one, but it ends up being my room and in the bathroom most of the time. Most accessible isolation areas.

You rap in both English and French. Is language a barrier in music?

For me, I grew up bilingually so to speak: always talk to my dad in French, was in French schools until high school, and my mom in English. So how I live with the languages transpires in the music. I also feel this Kanye West quote: “words can get in the way of what you want to say”. I see and feel this being the case for family, friends and myself. Some words exist in some languages and not in others, and so it really becomes a different way of thinking.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

This is always unfair… but I’m a huge TDE fan so my favorite rapper is Isaiah Rashad, my favorite lyricist is Kendrick Lamar, and it’s a tie between J Dilla and Travis Scott (very different) for my favorite producer(s).

What does the future hold for Hip-Hop?

More and more creative fields and doors opening up! Between French Afro-influenced hip hop, Drill in the UK and trap in the US, lofi instrumental beats, and fusions of all of these and more, Hip Hop is just taken to so many places, and I think it’s amazing.
My first EP was about a four leaf clover island, a metaphor for a land of the rich, the privileged. I am one of them, I grew up on that island. Hip Hop educated me, partly to convey my own life experience in my art form. Hip Hop is not something that was made for people like me. Yet, as a mode of expression, it can be used to convey different types of stories. However, the core of hip hop remains the beauty of giving a voice to the voiceless, to non-white “minorities” and it needs to (and will) stay that way.

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

Mamadou. I opened for him last year. He is an amazing lyricist, poet, and his personality and true beliefs come out through beautiful sounds.

One last thing we should know about you?

I just got back to Paris after four years of college in the United States, and I am going all in with music. Any music people who feel inclined to listen to my music and like it, hit me up for collabs, a talk, anything.

Thank you!

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MAUVEY – Vancouver [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words.

Honest, Hopeful, Different

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“These haters didn’t help at all, they’re way too small, and shame on me I turned the volume low, now your prayers aren’t getting to God. I never learned the guitar, I never was all that smart, but I have come way to far, and do it for love, and I aim at your heart.” – ‘Mauvey’ – Vancouver

What is the true underground sound today (if there is one)

I don’t think there is a true underground sound.

Best Hip Hop album ever?

The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, and Lauryn Hill is the best rapper of all time, Andre 3000 is second, I don’t want to discuss the matter further haha.

What would you change in the music industry?

Creators should be compensated more for their creations. How streaming services operate should change.

Oh. and the elephant in the room; could get some more people of colour holding key positions in the industry.

Favorite music related film?

8 Mile – my man was in every single scene!

Any future plans?

I’m releasing A LOT more music in 2021, and heading on tour, if the world doesn’t shut down again.

Thank you!

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Website/Facebook/Instagram

Jōviky – Yeah, No [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words

Experimental, Poetic, Cinematic

Tell us a few things about your new single “Yeah, No”

“Yeah, No” sonically illustrates the feeling of existential dread and the thoughts that are sometimes hard to forget when life keeps repeating itself and it seems like we are just powerless beings floating around in space. The entire song is written from 2 perspectives of thought and almost every lyric is a double or triple entendre. I intentionally recorded and mixed the vocals to sound as if they are my internal thoughts being transferred through the music.

Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?

I honestly think music should be and can be anything. There is space in the world for all types of music, for all types of occasions. I personally enjoy music that challenges me. I get excited when I hear something new that sounds innovative and unique, especially when it’s anchored in emotion or storytelling. I do realize my music is on the experimental side and I hope the listener can stretch their ear and take a moment to vibe with something different.

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Who is your favorite producer?

I actually produce most of my own music so far. I’m an indie DIY artist and I really enjoy exploring vibes and creating music that has an artful and cinematic quality to it. Those are usually the type of beats that inspire me. That being said, I work with a couple other producers and when they send beats I often don’t spend that much time at all finding the right one. When I feel it, the vibe hits me right away and I immediately start writing.

My favorite producer of all time is probably Quincy Jones. I’m also a huge fan of Pharrell, Flying Lotus, Jon Brion and Trent Reznor.

What would you change in the music industry?

The music industry has its pros and cons and its ups and downs. I would probably change the concept that artists have to subscribe to industry standards to be relevant and successful. Just make music that you like and that comes from a real place.

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

Oh man, that’s a tough one. I watched this movie at the beginning of quarantine titled “Luce” that stars Octavia Spencer and a great young actor, Kelvin Harrison Jr. The film is a powerful and timely story and it shows another side of race-relations in the United States, that I think a lot of people are unaware of. The movie touches on specific ideas of privilege and the model minority myth in America and how stereotypes can be extremely damaging to a person and a community if left unchecked.

Any future plans?

I have an EP dropping at the end of December. With this project, I’m exploring a lot of the same themes in “Yeah, No” I’m excited for people to hear my music in a broader context. This EP is a cinematic, 6-track journey through the mind of Jōviky.

Thank you!

Follow Jōviky
Soundcloud/Instagram