Category: Interviews

Donny Draco – MY MIND [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Edgy, Emotional, alternative

MY MIND contains a melodic, nicely manipulated flow uppon a heavy trap beat. Tell us a few things about it.

Well the instrumental was produced by Garret Adams (Beats by G). We were in the studio together looking through some samples, and this guitar one popped up. It caught my attention and so Garret worked his magic on it. As for the song itself, I was in the studio alone one night, pulled up the beat and it just kind of happened. When I listened back to It I was like oh whoa this delivery is different than what I usually do, but It’s really catchy.

For which lyric you are most proud of

I really like a few lines from a previous song I released (Enough Of The Truth). I said “I got nothing to do, every day I been stuck in a loop, Tell me the lies had enough of the truth”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

My overall favorite Artis and even lyricist would have to be X (XXX Tentacion). I guess My Favorite Producer would have to be the homie Garrett (Beats By G). He’s made the beats for every song I’ve put out haha.

Most iconic emo rap track ever?

It’s hard to pick. It might sound cliche, but Star Shopping by Peep is one of my all time favorites still.

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

I don’t really make party music or hype music. I would say the music I have out now is like solo car ride late at night type of music. I feel like some of it is great to listen to if you’re emotional or going through a rough patch. It’s also good if you’re just chilling and need something cool to listen to.

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

Long story short, After I turned 21, I went out drinking at a bar for the first time. Everyone was feeding me shots/drinks because it was my first time out. By the time we were about to leave I was very loose. We were going to walk to a friends house close by, but I wanted to get my weed out of the car in a near by parking garage. I got to the car, got my Backpack with bud in it and found a can of spray paint. My drunk self proceeded to start tagging different parts of the garage. In the middle of my painting session a cop rolls right up next to me in the garage. I didn’t have time to reason with him, got cuffed instantly, the cop found my weed, and I got brought to the station to stay the night. Nothing major, but definitely a ridiculous story.

Thank you!

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Caspar Grant – Capricornucopia [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Satirical psychedelic bass.

In Capricornucopia you blend dubstep and grime elements with a very playful flow. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind the track?

The track went through a number of incarnations. Originally a lot of the bars were ones I’d drop to classic grime instrumentals at the end of a set as part of a big finale. The idea behind the lyrics was to blend shelling it with something more abstract, showing what I could rhythmically whilst also demonstrating how vivid and otherworldly the imagery could be.

I originally recorded the bars to a classic beat (try and guess which one) and then, after searching long and hard for the right producer, enlisted my guy Dusty Ohms to build an instrumental around the rhymes. I then re recorded the bars to the new beat and adapted a hook that I’d been using at shows for the chorus. The “Everything’s Been Done Before” part was a call and response line I’ve been using for time and I think all in all the song managed to capture the essence of a lot of what my music’s about, particularly translating the live energy I’ve developed over the years.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

It’s hard to say exactly. The main rule I work by is that it has to be visual. I’m really into the whole idea of a painting saying a thousand words but sadly I suck at drawing so I use lyrics instead. Rather than just saying my direct thoughts on something I’d rather present an image or a scene with characters as a form of visual metaphor and let the listener interpret it. A lot of the lyrics tell short snap shots of stories that are at least intended to have layers of meaning in them. Generally I’m mostly influenced by a lot of social and political satire so I guess that’s what I’m trying to do with the lyrics, say something about the world around me as I see it as well as talking about my own personal reality in a way that’s still humorous and entertaining.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Oooooof. I’m going to cheat and put Pharoah Monch and Black Thought combined as my favourite rapper (I really do think they are flips of the same coin in a number of ways), Aesop Rock as my favourite lyricist and Four Tet as my favourite producer. If he’s not Hip Hop enough I guess I’d go with Flying Lotus.

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?

I mean as much as straight up trap may have stagnated you can also hear how certain trap sensibilities have been absorbed into all different types of music and sub genres that are perfectly vibrant. I think that with these sorts of things it isn’t as simple as suddenly everything changing. If anything it’s more the case that trends right now will continue to evolve whilst at the same time the next generation of kids bring something that’s a complete reaction against what’s prevalent now.

I think you can make strong arguments that the way in which jazz sensibilities have come back to the forefront in a lot of hip hop will have a lasting impact, particularly as jazz music itself continues to evolve in parallel. At the same time I anticipate a raw, back to basics explosion at some point to counter that, something hard to balance how vibey a lot of music has become. Don’t get me wrong I love both those polar energies, it’s just that in the ecosystem of music these things have a habit of shifting.

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

I like to read and watch a lot of movies. We’ve got a projector in the yard so it’s cool to hook it up with the big speakers on, close the curtain and have the whole cinematic experience. I really need a certain amount of art and stories in my life just to keep the old noggin in check. I like to keep up to date with current affairs because the world is nuts and it’s important to have some idea of what’s going on, as limited as it may be. I like to cook a lot because flavour is important and science is fun. I like to get outdoors because nature is essential. I also really enjoying watching stand up comedy.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Making that water drip sound by tapping my cheek. I’ve got it down pretty solid although my boy Lewis who taught me how to can do it way better than me. Such is life.

Thank you!

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The Art Crimes Band – Guy Like You [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Stephen Kirby: Diverse, Open, Groovy.

Guy Like You contains a chill groove mixed with an expressive vocal delivery. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind the track?

Grace McMahon: “When I was online dating, I carried all these expectations of the kind of person that might suit me. I think a lot of women, and probably men too, carry lists of characteristics in their mind of what their ideal partner should be like, and they are often not willing to compromise. In my own case, I was probably too focused on material things, for example I wanted a guy with his own car. That’s because I had been in previous relationships where I ended up feeling like the chauffeur and being the only driver in the relationship made me feel that it was unequal. Afterwards, when chatting to some of the lads in my band, I reconsidered this notion when I realized that there are lots of lovely guys, including some of my bandmates, who cycle everywhere and therefore ‘my list’ was preventing me from meeting some really nice men, and I had to be more flexible in my approach. In the evening, over a few glasses of wine at home, I was swiping on a dating site as usual, and suddenly the lyrics to a song just popped into my head.. That was the basis for Guy Like You”.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Grace McMahon: Cold Room lyrics are very real for me “What if I stayed in the rain and told you straight that day, what if I said nothing new, that I was a fool for loving you” or Puzzle Of You “you won’t return my calls I fear you think it’s though I don’t know how I’ll live my life forever shadowed by you”.

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

Stephen Kirby: [Performing] live. Recording is so much fun and we’re very proud of our output. That said, nothing beats the up-close and personal experience. We can’t wait to get back out there, see you there!

What would you change in the music industry?

Niall Dennehy: Not having computer algorithms decide how good your song is or isn’t.

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

Niall Dennehy: Reminiscing good times with good friends

Future plans?

Niall Dennehy: We are still busy working away in our studio, getting the next single ready for mid-summertime and keeping our eyes firmly on an album in the next year or so. You can catch us at a SoulFest in Cork City, Ireland, August 26th – 28th and possibly another couple later on this year.

Thank you!

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J’Moris – Moris Better: Loveless Confessions [Interview]

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Blending a melodic trap instrumental with a catchy melodic flow, Moris Better: Loveless Confessions feels very honest. What is the main idea behind it?

Thanks, it’s very honest. The project embodied the struggle of love and the relations that intertwine it. Life is full of ups and downs I just aired a few of mines

Where did you draw inspiration from?

I was inspired by trials and tribulations that I endured over the resent years

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

it’s hard to pick a favorite lyric from the project, every line hits me differently and resignates in a unique way. I can’t really put one over another

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

favorite rapper is hard to say I’m a lover of music so I like alot of artist from Drake to j.cole to Don Trip and the list continues, My favorite lyricist might be Wale the way he approaches music is very poetic, my favorite producer Kanye.. the way he constructs his tracks are crazy good

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

I would say my biggest challenge could possibly be consistency, life on the go can be draining and taxing mentally. Finding the time and energy to write or express yourself can get put on the back burner to different vices

What advice would you give to your younger self?

In the great words of the late Nipsey, life is a marathon so I would tell myself not to get tired of the journey but instead embrace it, it makes you value the destination that much more

Future plans?

I’m currently working on more music I’m dropping a single soon, networking and spreading my music to every ear

Thank you!

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FiDA – This Love (feat. Dewaan) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Futuristic, Eccentric, Witchcraft

This Love blends an upbeat groove with very interestingly manipulated vocals. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind it?

‘This Love’ came to fruition last December, during one of my general production sessions. The instrumental combined Electronic R&B with Pakistani-inspired percussion, which introduced the idea of incorporating my mother tongue of Urdu into the track. Amazingly enough, I met Dewaan around the same time, and he specialised in writing and performing in Urdu. Together we came up with the concept of writing the track as if it was a conversation, and the collaboration allowed me to perform in Urdu for the first time (big thank you to my big brother Dewaan for his support). Influenced by Frank Ocean and Jai Paul, I mixed multiple vocal layers into the final track, and manipulated them as if they were a part of the programmed beat.

What first got you into music?

My Ami (Mum) & Abu (Dad). They played a variety of music during my childhood, ranging from Pakistani classics to the Beatles & Michael Jackson. They also gifted me a PS2 from my birthday, and NBA Street Vol. 2 was my ultimate introduction to music, as it got me into hip-hop and sampling.

Favourite album of the past year?

Probably Vince Staple’s self-titled project, him and Kenny Beats are a disgustingly good duo. My honourable mentions would be ‘From a Birds Eye View’ by Cordae and Baby Keem’s The Melodic Blue.

What would you change in the music industry?

I don’t know enough about the music industry to start suggesting any changes just yet, if everything goes according to plan you can ask me again in a few years haha.

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

Considering past releases, I’d imagine people listen to my stuff when they’re chilling. Upcoming projects will take a slightly darker turn, so I can imagine the state of mind will differ. Still chill though.

When was the last time you danced?

5 minutes ago, I’m always dancing fam.

Thank you!

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Havoc Osiris – Imbalance [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Futuristic, cinematic, vivid

Imbalance has a very nice experimental vibe in it. Tell us a few things about your new song and the main idea behind it.

Imbalance is the first single off of the album “Payoff,” which is one 25 (yes, 2albums I’m releasing everywhere on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 at 3PM CST, and I chose it as the first single from the album because I needed to define my sound for new listeners. For the record, my style is a very dystopian approach to hip hop, fusing it with electronic and other genres, though I will concede that I actually do not know who, if anyone, originally coined the term “dystopian hip hop”.

At its core, the main idea of “Imbalance” is a power struggle, something that I believe everyone can relate to, because who doesn’t want to hold full power over their own movement and their own life?

What first got you into music?

I grew up in a household where my dad would listen to the oldies and classical music, my mom would typically favor whatever the hit radio station was, my older sister would balance between hit music stations and country, and my older brother would favor the alternative rock and hip hop stations. So needless to say, I was listening to everything growing up, but what really got me hooked was hearing Coolio’s music growing up. I can remember hearing his version of “Fantastic Voyage” and “1,2,3,4 (Sumpin’ New)” on the radio at home, plus when I think back to the roots of my style, I know I can trace it back to being hooked by the beat of “Gangsta’s Paradise,” as well as Coolio’s storytelling on the song.

Favourite album of the past decade?

VERY tough call, because there were a lot, but what stands out to me from the last decade (and I do not know if this is a cliche answer or not) is Earl Sweatshirt’s “Doris” album. Not just because Earl is an excellent lyricist with a smooth delivery and an artist that can get his point across without getting too loud, but the production on tracks like “20 Wave Caps” with Domo Genesis and “Molasses” with RZA was some of the best I’ve ever heard in my life.

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

The biggest struggle for me has been trying to make sure all of my songs stand out individually, even if they are all in the same key or set at the same tempo.

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

I imagine they might listen to my music after a stressful day because they’re looking to unwind and not think about too much when it comes to reality. By coming into my world for as long as they need to, they are allowing themselves the freedom to follow whatever paths their subconscious may conjure, and the most they will have to think of will be everything that runs around willy-nilly in their imagination.

One last thing we should know about you?

Despite the vast catalog of music I have ready for release on June 4th, I wish for it to be known that this is not the best you will hear from me. I am a huge proponent of constant evolution, regardless of whether or not a person makes songs with lyrics, and I can guarantee that if you stay tuned to my work, I will create newer worlds for the masses to explore, and wherever you go from there is entirely up to you because if you do not have the freedom to go wherever the sound is taking you, it’s not really my sound.

Thank you!

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Dendê Macêdo – Agô [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, fusion, spirituality

With superb grooves and very positive vibes, Agô makes you wanna start dancing from the very first seconds. Tell us a few things about your new work and the story behind it.

The songs that made it onto the album are a result of almost 10 years of composing and performing live. Some of the songs came from improvising on stage and others just from me noodling on the guitar. Without realizing it, many of the songs were about the Orixas and I realized that if I wanted to put them out into the world I should make sure that I had permission. That’s why I chose to call the album Ago, because it is asking permission of the Orixas. We recorded live in Philly and then overlaid tracks so that friends from around the world could participate. It was all done during Covid, so it was fortunate that we could do most of the work via email.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I don’t think there is just one.

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

It depends on my mood. When I am more reflective and solitary, writing music comes more naturally. However, I do a lot of improvising and often write songs live onstage through that process. I have missed performing a lot because of Covid and am happy that things are starting to go back to normal so that we can do more of it.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would make more channels for independent music to be heard. It’s challenging to get your music out there, especially in Brazil.

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

There’s something for every state of mind on this album. Some songs are for dancing and some for heartache, some are spiritual and some are just for fun.

When was the last time you danced?

I’m Brazilian! We dance all the time!

Thank you!

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Alli Bean – Outside Voice [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Jazzy, Sassy, Honest.

Tell us a few things about your new album ‘Outside Voice’. What is the story behind it?

Outside Voice is a culmination of works created along a personal growth journey. We go through life making moves; choices aren’t always conscious. By chasing people & seeking external validation we find ourselves in dicey situations, leading us astray from what matters. When I realized I had this issue, I turned inward & began really asking myself what I was relentlessly pursuing; what did I need to let go of in order to find it? In that process, I said goodbye to a lot of habits, & ideas that got in the way. The album directly addresses those situations while letting sleeping dogs lie. I’m thankful to have found a way to split the difference.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Twenty Questions is an extroverted, playful tune expressing over-intense curiosity. That sums up a hefty part of my personality! Anyone who knows me closely can attest that this tune is Very Me.

What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

Both are compelling for different reasons, absolutely, but now that I’ve spent good chunks of time doing each, I have to say I enjoy the writing part the most. It’s the solitude & quiet; the inward listening & development that does it for me. I used to think I was made to perform, & I do quite enjoy performing my music, but since diving deeply into writing & recording, it’s that piece that feels the most like home. By leaving a state of seeking, I was able to sit still in the experience & find my own heart. I wouldn’t trade that for any live gig on earth or in space.

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

The hardest part was getting back to it. I returned to music after a seven-year hiatus. I was always into music to express myself, so the frustration of not being able to do so cogently at an instrument after such a long silence was large on my mind. The feeling that I was playing catch-up was also tough to handle while working through eight years on my Jazz undergrad. I had to take my time in order to ensure I developed the skills I needed. It wore on me watching class after class graduate as I chipped away. Now that I’ve finished that part of my academic musical mission, the art itself is far less challenging. I don’t feel like I was ever away from a keyboard any more & I’m so thankful every day that I stuck it out.

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

I’d love for people to hear my music & feel confident that they can lay their own boundaries & function in a manner that is best for them first & foremost. Get out of hot pursuit & find what you need in absence of the noise.

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

There’s never any trouble if you never get busted. 😉

Thank you!

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DULCIE – My Body [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Groovy, feel-good, fresh

‘My Body’ is upbeat and really groovy indeed. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind it?

Thanks! I wrote the song with a lot of anger surprisingly enough! I was sick of myself, friends, family and women across the world being harassed and assaulted by men. I wanted to write a song that wasn’t all doom and gloom but instead empowered women and made them feel good!

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

In this song id say the bridge lyrics, as they delve a bit more into my own personal experiences with sexual harassment and show a more vulnerable side to the song.

Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Oooh im torn between Whats the Use by Mac Miller or Kiss by Prince! Both songs influence my music production greatly!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Its really generic but just “Do what you love”- ive always been supported by my parents to follow what i truly want to do and thats pretty much why im studying music and doing music as a career!

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

Ive never got into massive amounts of trouble luckily but i was a chatterbox and daydreamer at school! Wasnt always my teacher’s favourite student haha, its the creative mind i think:)

Thank you!

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MonkeyRat – The Child Ft. Anna Sofía Skoradal [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, Soul, Multi-genre.

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘The Child’. What is the main idea behind it?

“The Child” was written when I was a teenager in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, after my dream of becoming a professional dancer was destroyed with violence by the patriarchal father figure, because of my Calabrian, southern Italian culture and strict Roman Catholic upbringing. Dancing was not seen as a respectful career choice, nor acceptable regarding marriage opportunities for an untouched woman. It was read at my mother, Anna Diano’s funeral in 2020. She died of Covid, but before her death with her dementia, she become like a loving child, free to be her authentic self, singing and clapping for everyone to hear and cheer, finally free to be herself, a performer till the very end of her life. “The Child” is about never loosing one’s inner child, never giving up on your hopes and dreams for the future. I never gave up on my dream and neither did my mother.

Describe the experience of working with Anna Sofia Skoradal. Is songwriting a lonely process?

It was a pleasure to work with the talented 21 year old, Anna Sofía Skoradal from the Faroe Islands. I fell in love with her soulful voice at the weekly Open Mic event hosted by myself and Arnold Ludvig, my husband, bass virtuoso, and composer of my band MonkeyRat. “The Child” is the 1st song that he composed solely on Ableton Live, Ludvig is also from the Faroe Islands and an award winning bassist.

I enjoy being alone when I’m being creative. With maturity, self love, and self acceptance, I embrace my own company and like-minded people who love and respect themselves and their art.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Carmen Amaya, Spain’s iconic gypsy Flamenco dancer loved and honored by both Franklin D. Roosevelt and all the great stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. James Brown, the godfather of Soul, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Meshell Ndegecello.

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

I would say getting my music out there in the world. Faroe Islands is a tiny tiny country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and Norway, north of Scotland – population 52,000.

Favorite music related film?

Purple Rain

One last thing we should know about you?

I passed my Viva Voce on May 25th, 2022 the defense of my Thesis – Trauma, Poetry, Fuck The Jante Law, Creativity as a Means of Survival. On June 24th, I will receive my Master’s in Music in the NAIP program – New Audiences and Innovative Practices, from Iceland University of the Arts. The new artistic practice that I developed during my 2 year study is Poetry w/ Electronics with sensors (Piezo contact microphones underneath the taps of my tap shoes with cables and jacks in my soundcard, through Ap Trigga 3 plugin, Ableton Live, and an Akai mini midi keyboard). The influence for my new art form is Laurie Anderson.

Thank you!

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