Tell us a few things about your new work Timbuktu. What is the story behind it?
“TIMBUKTU-THE HUMAN JOURNEY” IS OUR PMB-POSITIVE MESSAGE BEARING MUSIC VOL.2 THAT TAKES THE LISTENER ON A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE FROM THE “AGE OF REASON” TO QUESTIONS UNANSWERED THAT LEAD US TO THE PRESENT.
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
ALL SONGS IN THIS CD ALBUM RESONATE BASED UPON THE LISTENER’S TASTES. WE’VE HAD SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT FAVORITES. I PERSONALLY, NOT TRYING TO SOUND BIASED, LIKE A NUMBER OF THE SONGS.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
OUR MUSIC CONTAINS ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND DIALECTS. WE’VE BEEN INFLUENCED BY EARTH WIND & FIRE, WAR, MANDRILL, INCOGNITO, TURKUAZ, AND SO MANY OTHERS.
What would you change in the music industry?
SO MANY ARTISTS HAVE GONE PUBLIC WITH THEIR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. THE LESSONS ARE ALL PUBLIC NOW, FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO LEARN. WE STRIVE TO AVOID CONTROVERSY . IT IS, WHAT IT IS, WHICH IS WHY WE REMAIN INDIE ARTISTS.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
BECAUSE THERE IS LITERALLY “SOMETHING HERE FOR EVERYONE” IT VARIES.
In LOVE IT you blend rap with an uplifting, indie pop, guitar driven instrumental. What is your creative process like?
I actually found this instrumental, made by sonder sonics, on YouTube one day when I was kind of in a creative slump. The infectious guitar riff pulled out of my slump and I just started coming up with concepts/melodies. I landed on trying to make an upbeat, catchy, summer hit while lyrically, pointing out that I am a small and unknown artist who is unfazed by big labels not paying attention to me or my music. Opening with the line: “Welcome to the freshest sound that nobodies gon’ listen to” and even in the chorus when I say “So tell me that you love it” I am just wishfully hoping that the listener really does LOVE IT and enjoys the music that I make.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
I’m not sure what lyric is the most personal to me but my most recent song that I put out called ‘BALD’ is all personal and honest. It talks about the struggles of balding in your early 20’s while also talking about my hair transplant surgery that I recently had done. This is something that I was very embarrassed about but decided to own it to make a hip-hop banger about balding. I have lines like “had my patience thinning like the follicles up in my hair” and “some girl said I was a hatfish, I guess this is how I cope with it” which although come off playful and funny, these were deep insecurities I had before deciding to make a song pointing it out.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I enjoy the creating process more than anything. My safe haven is when I am in the studio trying to come up with catchy melodies and unique lyrics that stand out. Sometimes these things come easy, and sometimes it takes several days. I then love even more when the song is finished and I get to goof around with my amazing group of friends and make the music video. We like to come up with some crazy and ridiculous concepts for each video because I think music videos are a great place to showcase your personality as an artist.
What would you change in the music industry?
I really wish that labels and radio would take chances on artists that don’t have a lot of views/streams. I think that there are so many undiscovered and talented artists that maybe never get their shine because big labels/ A&R companies are too focused on artists who are already “hot” and have millions of plays, as opposed to finding a gem that nobody knows about and giving them a chance to blow up. This is also why I am thankful to blogs like you guys for giving smaller artists, such as myself, chances to be exposed to new fans.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I would hope that people are in a happy and positive mindset when listening to LOVE IT. My main goal with pretty much all of my songs, but this one in particular, is to leave the listener with a smile on his/her face when its over and hopefully enough to get them to give it another listen.
When was the last time you danced?
I pretty much dance every single day to release serotonin after a long day of work, so I would have to say either today or yesterday at the latest. Listening to music super loud and having a nice dance session either with friends or on your own is a top 5 activity in my eyes.
In Spaced Out you mix a melodic flow with an emo rap touch and a dream pop infused instrumental. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind it?
This combination has developed as a natural blend of the music I listen to, as well as the directions my emotions at the time took me. Something that a lot of modern song-writers are afraid of is letting the song take its own course, because its not what sells, they add elements because that fits them into the genre, not because it benefits the song. Yes, I probably do this too much, and yes it has been detrimental to the coverage of my music. However, I’ve found its allowed me to enjoy the song-writing and production process so much more, and it’s a spark I hope to never lose 🙂
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
Well my most honest personal and honest lyric would most likely be written in songs that may never be released. But in my released songs, I’d have to say the chorus of a recent release “Fall to Flames (Feat. Hanwell and Kyle Horne)”. It goes “Oh, looking back on memories, nothing’ll ever be the same, I try to push my passion back, ‘cus it’s all gonna fall to flames”. These lyrics, while not exactly being specific embodies a lot of pain that I believe we’ve all experience. Saying this is like saying, I know that this situation is going to end up hurting you or I, so I’m going to hide the way I feel because I can’t cope with that pain again.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
Well, I have officially only performed live once! This was at an open mic and it was very scary and exciting at the same time, but I’d have to say the rush I get from writing music is unparralleled. Writing a song is like solving a puzzle that has no correct answer, it makes it extremely difficult, but equally satisfying to set yourself in a direction and let the track take its course.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
As an artist a continual battle is finding the exposure. But specifically I struggle to find my audience, I’ve been fighting for “Indie-Hop” to become an official genre, because at times I sit so tightly inbetween Indie and Hip-Hop that no playlist wants to take the risk!
Favorite music related film?
It has to be School of Rock, Jack Black was teaching kids to be in a Rock and Roll band, what’s not to love? A huge influence on my music tastes and my childhood!
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
There’s a lot to think about with this question, it feels like I’m subconciously answering this dishonestly but I was a chatterbox at school, as a result of this I’d get in trouble even if I was doing nothing wrong because they’d assume it was me. One time I was sat (admitedly bored) listening to my ICT teacher, and I dropped my pen. She started screaming at me, and my automatic response was to start shouting back, bad move I must admit aha. I was put in what they called isolation, where they put you in a completely blank room with nothing to do but your school work. Seems like a broken system to me, because I’ve left school but I still talk all the time!
Tell us a few things about your new song ‘No 2nd Guess’. What is the main idea behind it?
It’s for everyone who knows that the one is THE one… ‘that someone’ who fits the puzzle piece you’re missing and you no longer have to wonder.
What is the story behind your name?
Well, that’s a whole organic happening. My given name awards with Neep and overtime people started calling me Neeps, so I when I starting DJ’ing and recording, I just flipped the ‘s’ to a ‘z’.
Favourite album of the past year?
I’m feeling Billie Eilish’s release, “Happier Than Ever”. The production and vocals are impressive.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Keeping up with the new trends and trying not to be boxed-in to a specific genre.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy listening to other artists’ music, creating playlists and cooking vegan meals.
What would you say is your biggest vice?
No real vices, but I’d say watching, criticizing, and laughing at bad movies.
In Close Your Eyes you blend acoustic sounds with a classic rnb beat. Tell us a few things about your new ballad.
I love 90s and 00s R&B and also 50s and 60s ballads. So I tried to combine that retro 90s sound with 50s Rock ‘n’ Roll ballads. Although I have been born in 1970 I always loved listening to records from that era. And I think all these influences can be heard in my new single.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I do like the idea of collaborating. But it is always a matter of finding an artist you get on well with. Although songwriting is a lonely process, it’s liberating and fulfilling, at least for me
Favourite album of all time?
2Pac – All Eyes On Me
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Finding good singers that really fit your style.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
When they are in love and grateful for that love.
Future plans?
I am working on new songs. My next song will be kind of New Jack Swing Hip Hop R&B. Although R&B has become a niche and not many people listen to this genre, I hope this will change eventually.
Your flow has a signature autotuned sound. Tell us a few things about your creative process.
Although I use autotune, I don’t need it as a crutch. I can sing just as well without the autotune. In fact, I record with no autotune on my microphone. The autotune is only added when I send the clean vocal files to my engineer after I record.
Which song of the EP reflects you the most?
“1 OF 1” reflects me the most because of the confidence in the song. “1 OF 1” was also inspired by my birth date 1/1
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Tory Lanez, A Boogie, PNB Rock, and Roddy Ricch are artists who influenced me and inspired me to make my own music. More personally, though, my brother was the first person in my life who made me want to record music. I always saw him and his friends make music and I knew that I had potential to make great music.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip Hop, in my opinion, symbolizes the liberation of black people. Music is often a getaway for a lot of people. Hip Hop is also a tool that black people have used over the years to better their situations.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I believe that people can listen to my music in any state of mind. I don’t make only one type of vibe. I have music that people can listen to in a sad state of mind (Found Me) or a happy state of mind (1 OF .
What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?
I cannot live without my phone. It’s always in my hand, rather it’s because of work (social media, posting, etc) or leisure time. (Texting, etc)
Your work The Mild West has a lovely bedroom sound. What is the story behind it?
This EP is the merging of botanicals, outer space, and dream states in a faraway universe known as The Mild West. Here, cowboys of all genders flock to the saloons to drink herbal tea and play with tiny synthesizers. These songs represent my experiences in this universe so far: melancholy experiences set to gentle synthesizer and harp soundtracks.
Which song of the EP (if any) represents you the most?
“Looking Down At The Earth” merges together several genre influences and unique forms of instrumentation. This mashup of weird little synths and angelic harp is a pretty accurate representation of my personality. I could be embracing peace, but I cover it up with chaos!
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
This cowboy is a cowboy only viewed through the comfort of a screen and headphones. You won’t find me onstage, you’ll find me hiding in your herb garden and writing a love song to the worms.
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
Spotify certainly defines an artist’s success, whether the rest of us creators like it or not. Getting on staff-curated playlists has become the ultimate bit of success. Those on these elite playlists become part of a feedback loop where only those who have been on playlists get on more playlists… et cetera. It’s very hard to break through!
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I’m an audio engineer! I’m constantly working on recording and mixing other people’s music, as well as producing their work and recording instruments on their tracks.
One last thing we should know about you?
I love hearing from anyone who listens to my music! If you’re reading this, show me your art, show me your pet, send me a meme!
Computed Emotions’ instrumental sounds very original indeed. Tell us a few things about your creative process. How many beats do you listen to before deciding to actually use one?
When it comes to picking beats I go by vibes. I have to love the beat as soon as I hear it that’s when I know that the song will be great. I usually just look up some beats and if I love it I use that one right then in there.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
From my every day life. I try to talk about what I’m dealing with at that moment in my music. That way it feels more authentic and that’s just my way of being honest.
What is the story behind your name?
To make a long story short I used to go by Goyard Marley I changed it to G.Pari$ because it just easier to say. it’s also very similar to my original. I just took the G from Goyard and changed the Marley to Pari$.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
As for people that inspired me it would be my little brother first of all he really pushes me to become a better artist. Overall I just have a very supportive family and I’m blessed to have them. As for artists Kanye, Tyler the creator, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole
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 feel like it’s just getting started. Things are going to change and fast. if you look around now a lot of the music scenes have changed over the past couple years and it’s only gonna grow. You may feel stagnant now but soon there’s going to be a big change.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
Working man. when I’m not making music I’m working. I work 12 hour shifts at a behavioral health center. so whenever I get a chance to create I take that chance. Most of my day is me working on something whether it’s music or at work
What would you say is your biggest vice?
I would say getting out of my head. I’m in my head a lot I’m learning how to deal with it and not second-guess myself. I’m growing to trust my intuition.
In your latest single we can hear a piano centric instrumental uppon a downtempo rnb beat mixed with melodic vocals. Tell us a few things about it.
Yes, this song is produced by Oli of Temper Beats from the UK. This sound actually inspired my singing in the song. Its hypnotic and sensual yet mysterious and a little spooky.
What is your creative process like?
I usually record my music at 3AM when the world is a little less noisy and calmer. It helps with me accessing that part of the creative celestial wireless. I write my songs using a voice recorder on my phone then I write it out on a notepad and tweak it.
What first got you into music?
I used to write poetry for my classmates in elementary school. One day, a schoolmate asked if I would be interesting in writing a song for him to perform. He never performed it but it inspired me to start writing and performing.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
There is a french artist called Flex. I really like his sound and his bravery.
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
Spotify is good for what its worth but I think they need to get better with paying artists their fair due. You could have a song with over 10k streams and get less than $2 for it. I still prefer selling physical copies.
Favorite film ever?
This is a very tough question to answer. I love movies. I am a cinemaphile. I really loved that new Batman movie but I am also a fan of The Room by Tommy Weiseau. I cannot just select one movie…
One last thing we should know about you?
Music is like therapy for me, I wish to make my music therapeutic for you and the listeners as well. I hope you will join me on this journey of sound. Follow me on Twitter @SigmaSXM
Tell us a few things about your new song Games. What is the main idea behind it?
« Games » is a recollection of cocaine-filled parties, full of hope of a bright future.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
As an artist, I’m deeply influenced by Jim Morrison and the Weeknd. But musically, my influences range from electronic acts such as Crystal Castles and The Prodigy, rap acts like Travis Scott and Lil Peep to rock acts such as Oasis, Metallica, Motorhead, The Stooges, The Rolling Stones and many others…
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
It depends on the song. “Games”, for instance is an uplifting party song.
HipHop Paranoia 