Category: Interviews

ProjeKT – ApEXx [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Dark, hard, industrial

Tell us a few things about ApEXx. What is the main idea behind it?

We’ve always been attracted to heavier music, whether that’s rap or metal. Our new album ATTACK, and “ApEXx” in particular, was our first attempt to combine genres. It’s a middle finger to our polluted futures. Techno-oligarchs are gambling our lives while we drown thoughtlessly in social media and distraction. It’s a brand new day, so it’s time to wake up.

How do you approach songwriting when merging hip-hop beats with rock instrumentation? Does the process start with lyrics, a riff, or something else?

The process always starts with the instrumental. Nothing is more important than that main hook – whether that’s a guitar riff or a blast beat. The lyrics and ideas flow from there, but the music guides the journey and its expression.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

ApEXx isn’t particularly introspective. Its an outlet for rage and politics. The most personal and honest track I’ve recorded is probably “how sad, really” from our last album, All in a Look: it’s about self-realization, aging, and what to do with younger dreams. “Our town is fading, our time is gone.”

Artists and people that have influenced you?

We are influenced by so many bands across spectrum, but for ATTACK our biggest influences were Run the Jewels, Rage Against the Machine, Massive Attack, and Nine Inch Nails – mostly harsher, message-oriented rap/rock bands.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

A voice for the voiceless. Truth. There’s more honesty in music than social interaction these days.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

Pissed off and ready to blow the speakers out.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Pride and regret. Wasting so much time over so many years on things that don’t matter at all.

Thank you!

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Carbonara Collective x GINGE – Simon Says [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words.

Definitely not metal.

Can you tell us something about Simon Says? What’s the story behind it?

Ginge: While Simon Says is a track that sounds serious in its jazzy melodies and instruments, if you listen a bit more closely, you’ll come to find the song tells the story of a crush sharing a first name with someone in your family. Maybe we should call each other nicknames from the jump, or just kiss so we won’t even be able to say our names out loud. Or let’s just skip every step and I will call you ‘Mine’ from the jump.

You emphasize ‘inclusivity and creativity.’ Can you explain how these values are practically implemented within the Carbonara Collective, particularly in the collaborative process between artists of different genres?

I always look for collaborations that feel right—both personally and in the energy someone brings. Authenticity and passion are key. Genre doesn’t matter, because every artist creates music for a reason. What truly inspires me is when an artist is unapologetically themselves.

Everyone is unique in their own way. Behind every artist is a person with their own story, and it’s precisely those differences that make each collaboration pure and honest. This personal approach fosters an organic and inspiring creative process within the Carbonara Collective.

Following up on our previous question, how do you ensure that the Carbonara Collective remains accessible and welcoming to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences?

I don’t consciously focus on ensuring accessibility because art is a free form of expression. It evolves constantly, shaped by emotions, experiences, and events, making it impossible to predict its direction.

What is essential to me, however, is that everything we release must feel right. We work hard to put out a release every six weeks, but nothing will ever be shared unless we fully stand behind it. Authenticity and sincerity will always be at the core of the Carbonara Collective.

What is your most honest and personal lyric?

We rarely write lyrics ourselves, as each track tells a unique story. We strive to collaborate with a different artist for every release. Sometimes the lyrics are deeply personal, reflecting the vocalist’s experiences, while other times, they stem from a topic we collectively feel is important to express.

What challenges do you think artists face today in maintaining authenticity while navigating the pressures of social media?

I see more and more artists, including myself, developing a love-hate relationship with social media. From what I observe, it doesn’t necessarily affect authenticity, but it does put immense pressure on maintaining consistency in posting.

An artist isn’t just selling a single product—they are building an entire lifestyle and brand. That means not only creating music but also releasing music videos, publishing press photos and artwork, and constantly presenting yourself to the world. This constant demand for visibility can be exhausting and sometimes even disrupt the creative flow.

That’s why it’s so important to talk about this with like-minded artists and creatives. It can sometimes feel like you’re in this alone, but I encourage everyone to look out for one another. By motivating and inspiring each other, we can make this pressure more bearable and keep creativity alive.

The fusion of music and gastronomy is a unique concept. Beyond the metaphorical ‘cooking’ of tracks, are there plans to integrate actual culinary experiences into the Carbonara Collective’s events or projects?

Absolutely! I can already reveal that our album will be a kind of audiobook. My goal is to create a cinematic experience—one that you can see and feel with your eyes closed. A full sensory journey.

To achieve this, we used an ASMR microphone to record sounds in a professional kitchen. From the whisking of eggs to the sizzling of guanciale, the ambient noise of a bustling restaurant, and a hostess sensually guiding you through the album—every detail enhances the atmosphere. I can’t wait to share this, and if everything goes according to plan, I expect that by early 2026, people won’t just be listening—they’ll be eating too. 😉

You mention your grandmother as a significant inspiration. Can you share a specific memory or lesson from her that directly influenced the creation and ethos of the Carbonara Collective?

My grand-mère… Where do I even begin? She is a woman I have been in love with my entire life—a source of unconditional love. And that’s exactly what I want to pass on to the world.

Her passion for food has always played a central role in our family. One tradition we have cherished for generations is Sunday Lunch: an open invitation for anyone who wants to join my grandmother’s table, where we enjoy great food, good wine, and each other’s company. From her French culture, she has taught us that food is not just about taste—it’s about connection.

She often says, when we truly love a dish: “That’s because it was made with love.” It may sound cliché, but believe me—sometimes clichés are simply the truth. And that philosophy is at the heart of the Carbonara Collective. (I even try to reflect this in our logo—the two C’s form a heart, connecting to other hearts.)

In what state of mind do you imagine people listening to your music?

Every track has a different vibe, so I’d say it’s quite bipolar. But if I take Simon Says as an example, I hope that when people listen to it, they feel like the *sexiest and *most sensual* version of themselves. As if they’re radiating energy, feeling irresistible. And above all—loved. Everybody loves you.

Thank you!

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Ollie the Magic Bum – Big Business [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Mellow, Minimalist, Magical

What inspired the title “Big Business” and how does it reflect the mood or theme of the track?

The title came after I pretty much finished the track. I had the drums, keys, horns etc. laid down and I vibed with the moody, kinda dark and disorienting feel it had – but then I came across this voice sample that sounded like a 50s American advert, which on its own didn’t sound anything special, but I played it with the beat and it worked, I can’t say how it works really, maybe it matches the warped dusty sounds? I’m sure someone else could answer that!

How do you approach sampling in your music, the spoken word for example?

I just listen to a lot of music, jazz, soul, electronic, rock etc. once I hear something that inspires me or takes me to a place mentally, I get to work – once I have one sample or sound, I tend to base the rest of the track around that with more samples and/or my own instrumentation. I like to experiment as well every now and then, just throw in random sounds and see if anything sticks, and that ‘big business’ spoken word sample is one result of that.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

In regards to the sound of hip-hop, I would say it symbolises freedom of expression. As long as it has a dope beat then sonically there’s really no constraints, so I can put my full self in the creative process.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

In terms of all-round rapping ability, I would definitely say Nas – anything you can think of that makes a great rapper, he’s got and more. Lyricist has got to be the GZA, he always brings the crazy metaphors and wordplay. Producer is a tough one, if I had to pick one it’d be Nujabes – people always align him with lo-fi hip-hop but to me, he’s straight up hip-hop. Breakbeats and instrumental beauty.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I most enjoy listening to music that is both simple but meditative. So I aim to create sounds that can be reflective for listeners. Once I have a musical idea or two that I can work with, I actively restrict myself in numerous ways in order to avoid over-crowding of sounds, or my ego influencing the track. I believe once you put music out in the world, it is no longer yours – so to me simplicity is key to allow space for the listener to apply their own mental framework to it.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’m big into Daoist philosophy, which is about living in harmony with the nature of the universe (or ‘the way’). So I’d tell my younger self to stop looking to acquire things for selfish needs, instead see and accept things as they are, and work with whatever comes your way.

What is the story behind your name?

“Ollie the Magic Bum” is the name of a non-playable character in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series – he’s a drunken homeless man who can magically teleport. As a kid I was obsessed with the Tony Hawk games and would play them for hours on end – the soundtracks in each game were always really cool, they would feature a lot of boom bap and underground hip-hop like Nas, Gang Starr, Lootpack, Jurassic 5 etc. so early on that built my love for the sound and aesthetic of that kind of hip-hop. Whenever I make beats I will often think if it would sound cool to skate or cruise to, if I can picture that then I know I’ve got something.

Thank you!

Dylan Naber – Pressure [Interview]

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Feel the weight, Dylan Naber delivers under Pressure. Read our discussion with the artist below!

Describe your sound in 3 words

“Energetic”, “lyrical”, and even at times “Melodic”

Tell us a few things about Pressure.

Pressure was recorded, mixed, and mastered by me. It’s produced by Axel who has made songs with me in the past like “Bubblin” and “Bout Me”. Pressure is also the first single of my upcoming mixtape and will have a music video coming out a week or two after the release. Pressure releases April 26th on all streaming platforms.

What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea about Pressure is to show my confidence and lyrical ability while also “talking shit” to my haters and people who doubt me.

Your most honest and personal lyric?

My most honest and personal lyric in the song would have to be when I say
“Overcome anything with the hand I’m dealt
Cause I’m the man (Uh)
You need to think about it, I don’t think you understand (Nah)
Y’all still sleep like you popped another Xan”
I have overcome a lot of obstacles in my life to be this confident in myself and as an artist. I like this lyric since it points that out while also pointing out how underrated I am as an artist(which I hope changes after the release of this song).

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Very tough question as I would say I have a different answer to this almost every day. My favorite rapper at the moment would have to be Big Sean as he is one of the rappers that inspire me the most. My favorite lyricist would have to be Eminem just because I don’t think anyone has even come close to how good his double entendres, similes and rhyme schemes are. It’ll take me multiple listens to even understand them all. My favorite producer will have to be DJ Premier just because of how great his sample choices are and all of his work with Gang Starr and Nas.

Do you think there is a true underground sound today?

Even though I think the sound of the underground has changed in the past few years I do think there still is a true underground sound. However, I do think there are a bunch of different underground sounds now due to the vast changes in the genre of Hip-Hop. Some underground songs are melodic, some are more lyrical, some are more experimental, it just depends on one’s taste.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

In my opinion Hip-Hop overall symbolizes a lot of things to different people. In my opinion one of the main things it symbolizes is creativity that you can’t really get in other genres of music. As sampling, producing, rapping, and DJing is at the core of Hip-Hop With producers using older songs to sample and incorporate in their songs, with rappers writing really witty bars and using certain songs as a way of expression, and with DJs creating fun transitions, it can’t really get more creative than that.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

This is a pretty funny question to ask. When it comes to getting trouble with the law I’m pretty good at following it. However, I did get caught for a Fake ID when I was under 21 trying to buy alcohol. Lucky for me the case ended up getting tossed away so nothing ended up on my record.

What do you love/hate about LA?

I lived in LA all my life so I don’t really know anything different. I would say what I love about it is that there is always something to do out here and the music industry is all out here as well. There’s not much that I hate about it other than how fake some of the people in the industry can be over here, good thing I can usually see right through it though. Oh and the traffic is always horrible over here, but that’s just LA for you.

Thank you!

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N8! – Destroy & Rebuild [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Raw, Poetic, Authentic

Tell us a few things about Destroy and Rebuild. What is the main idea behind it?

Destroy & Rebuild is based on the 8th number of Supreme Mathematics which is Build or Destroy. Build refers to actions or decision that lead to positive outcomes for self and/or community. Destroy speaks to the potential for destruction and negative consequences based on one’s actions or decisions. But real life is always so cut and dry and lines are often blurred. Sometimes you have to confront the negative energy that threatens your peace. Destroy and Rebuild, speaks to that moment of confrontation when you look the devil in the eyes and say Not today Satan. It’s the epiphany you have when you realized that in order for there to be harmony, you need to speak truth to power without fear of consequence.

Which is the most personal and honest lyric

For me, the most personal and honest lyric of Destroy and Rebuild Is “What the fuck what make him go so hard? I took a Blue Chew” lol

Favorite Rapper, Lyricist, and Producer

The Notorious BIG, Andre 3000 and The Deity Complex

What does Hip Hop symbolize in your opinion

To me Hip Hop is the voice for the voiceless. It speaks to the creativity and ingenuity of people who have nothing but manage to make it into something. It’s a culture built on the foundation of 5 elements but has grown to include so much more.

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

I would give artist more control and ownership of their careers/art as well as equity in record labels/DSPs built on their backs.

If I was arrested, what would it be for?

Murdering MCs or being Black in America

A song you are convinced was written about you

Killing Me Softly by the Fugees

Thank you!

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Bloodlin3 – Where Did All My Homies Go [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Back to Basics

Tell us a few things about your new song Where Did All My Homies Go . What is the main idea behind it?

We wanted to reminisce on our child hood and loved ones from the 90’s

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Guess we be getting old that’s how it goes”

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

Definitely the classics, the 90’s were the golden age of Hip Hop

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Culture & Creative Freedom

Favorite music related film?

Straight outta Compton

One last thing we should know about you?

New Mercy Album coming soon!

Thank you!

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mase J – Head//heart [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Off the top of my head? Sonic soul analysis.

Can you tell us more about the process of writing “head//heart”?

head//heart happened really quickly. I remember I found the beat first, & instantly fell in love with it, the oaky vocal sample repeating those lyrics did it for me. I came up with the chorus on the spot, and liked the inflictions on my voice. It felt right, with what I was going through at the time, me choosing those words. I had to sit down for the verse though. It was like, 11pm when I started and maybe 1am/2am when I finished the verse. I was realllll careful when I selected certain words as well, not in a safety net sort of context but because I wanted to properly convey my very conflicted thought process.

How has your experiences with mental health influenced your music and creative process?

I draw most, if not all of my creativity on how I’m feeling in real time whenever making music. I don’t know if other artist can relate but I very rarely make something happy when I’m the opposite. Unless a certain sound can pull me in that direction. But on the topic of influences, some of my favourite musicians (Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar) have used their platform to speak on topics such as mental health, and I can admit, I’ve been depressed & hit brick walls, figuratively. I want to help people with my music the same way other people have helped me with theirs.

Can you share more about the upcoming EP “photodump//exit left”?

The best way for me to describe it would be a snapshot of scattered memories of this one relationship I had that taught me a lot about myself. On the spectrum of toxic masculinity, & vulnerability, I go over that on the project.

Can you talk about the line “dead, I wish I was dead & gone” and what it means to you?

That line is really dark, when I first heard it I think I was so gripped & sold because yeah I talk about mental health a lot but to actually state that you don’t want to be here anymore for your entire audience to hear is a scary thing, but I see it as hopeful, because if you look behind the words you’ll find someone who’s looking & pleading for a reason to hold on, even if it’s just for a little while longer.

How do you see “head//heart” as a step towards bettering yourself and purging old demons?

I actually wrote this song about 3 years ago now! I had to write these songs to understand myself, & to come to terms with my thoughts & actions. So to me, this is me symbolically writing a letter to myself detailing all the things that bother me, everything that is wrong about myself & burning it before it plays on my mind. Old demons have no place in new beginnings.

One last thing we should know about you?

Erm, I can swim but I can’t float. Haha.

Thank you!

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Photo by Iyisha Rose
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Kimaya Diggs – Quincy [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Bittersweet, summery, romantic

Can you describe the creative process behind the album “Quincy”?

Almost everything was recorded at a friend’s studio, so I got to really take my time experimenting with arrangements and sounds, and work with some of my best friends. My dog Quincy was by my side through the entire recording process, sometimes leaning against my legs while I tracked vocals.

How did your personal experiences with loss, illness, and recovery shape the content of this album?

I am very inspired by the cycle of nature when it comes to recovery and healing. The natural world is so resilient and adaptable that it’s impossible not to take cues from it when you’re facing down chronic illness and grief. My mom died at 64, while I was recording the album, and her death gave me a sense of urgency and vision around the project. It pushed me to be uncompromising and stay true to my goals.

Can you talk about the significance of the song “Letting Go” and its connection to your mother?

We go to Cape Cod every summer, and every summer for my teen years, I’d have a big fight with my mom. Towards the end of her life, as her illness progressed, I started thinking more about what it would be like to go to the Cape and not have her there to fight with — or even just be with. “Letting Go” holds some of the tension of loving someone and letting them follow their own path.

Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?

I love collaborating when it comes to recording, but songwriting is a really solo process for me. I’m a slow songwriter and I take my time feeling out melodic lines so they fit my voice perfectly. I love the idea of collaborating on writing in the future, but for now, it’s me on my own.

Favorite music related film?

I love “What Happened, Miss Simone?” as a documentary, and “This is Spinal Tap”

Future plans?

I want to share the songs from Quincy as widely as I can! I’ll be touring all summer and through the fall, and working on new songs from my home studio as well. I’m also writing a book this year — a hybrid memoir on grieving, and I can’t wait to share that with the world in the future.

Thank you!

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AlanP – Hold On [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

authentic, creative, travel

Tell us a few things about hold on. What is the main idea behind it?

the main idea was to tell the stage of my life when I fell into depression caused by love

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I would say hold on

Your music blends many different genres under the electronica term. What made you gravitate towards synth driven music?

because in synthesize we can modulate waves rework them until they have that sound and I find it exciting to play with the wave to rework it and make something

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

so since I was little I have been immersed in several influences such as electronics, jazz, RNB, rock etc. for that in my music often in a piece there is a lot of musical genre but it is true that the artists who have made me love the most is AVICII, LMFAO, simple plan

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

thinking that they are stronger because they have already overcome stages in their lives

One last thing we should know about you?

I am a young 19-year-old artist from Lyon who produces these sounds and who will continue as long as he is on this earth

Thank you!

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Wowashwow – Class Enrollment [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

BOLD, UNAPOLOGETIC, FLUID

What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “Class Enrollment”?

This was birthed from an uncomfortable text conversation, that made me realize my value and self worth as a woman.

What drew you to the theatrical aspect of music, and how do you incorporate that into your performances?

Ha! Hunty chile I am the product of years of theater training. I attending a performing arts high school in south jersey (SNJPAand I spent many childhood summers in an intense training camp held by Freedom Theater in Philly. It was an all black theater company that trained many greats such as Oprah, Denzel Washington to name a few.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I do this for my grandma who use to work in the fields. Sun up to sundown picking green beans until her hands couldn’t muthafuckin feel”
Song: Bernice Album: I’m A Hashole

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

being an independent artist in the sea of record label giants is tough. But with the blessing of an amazing team, I’m able to navigate through everything.

How do you balance the need to create music that is both commercially viable and artistically authentic?

I’ve stopped worrying about what is commercially viable. Because honestly, what does that even mean anyway? I make music that makes you want to stomp ya foot. The hooks I write are infectious af and will absolutely get stuck in your head. So to me, that’s commercial. But also, I’m still true to me, because who else am I going to be?

When was the last time you danced?

I’m dancing right now during this interview, haha.

Thank you!

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