Category: Interviews

Cassiel – Polar [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My homies would say it’s fun, funny and exciting

Tell us a few things about your album Polar. What is the story behind it?

I just wanted to make Polar to kind of sum up my sound that I’ve created after my first year of music. Just to let people know, you know? It’s an album that has really wide variety of sounds to show the versatility I have on different kinds of instrumentals. I love Polar because I feel like it’s an embodiment of my feelings towards relationships/certain people that I’ve been with.

Which song of the album represents you the most?

I think Frostbite or Bodybag are good songs that encapsulate my inner conflicts with love and relationships. I didn’t really dig too much into my life on this project so it’ll definitely change in the future but yeah, those songs are the closest thing I’d say.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I think it’s no secret that I’m influenced heavily by Juice Wrld but I think I’m inspired more by Tyler, The Creator and Joey Bada$$ because of their story. Like I relate a lot more to those guys coming from pretty much nothing and becoming some of the greatest artists of our generation. Joey Bada$$ especially, hearing that he started off using free beats on YouTube like me, really gives a lot of hope that I can go further than I think.

What would you change in the music industry?

I think I’d want to make it easier for new artists to break into it without needing to be rich and pay for features, promotion, etc. But I think that’s more the mentality of the community having a bias towards hearing a song on radio and thinking it’s better than something they found on SoundCloud just because it’s on radio, you know?

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be scared of what you want to do just because you think people might make fun of you. I probably would’ve started making music a lot earlier if I took this advice as I only started because I was out of high school and people wouldn’t make fun of me.

Future plans?

Right now I’m waiting for my room to be fixed after flooding wrecked everything pretty much. So I can’t really record but I’m hoping to just drop some singles until a bit more hype is built for another project. I really want to be more personal and dig a little deeper on some other issues that aren’t just love and heartbreak.

Thank you!

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V-Train – A Wandering Soul [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Chill, Sad, Hopeful

Tell us a few things about your album A Wandering Soul. What is the main idea behind it?

“A Wandering Soul” is my second album with Lo-fi Hip Hop as the main genre. Each song describes the different moods I’ve felt in the past. They range from sadness and rejection to happy and hopeful. While only one song contains lyrics, you can still understand the feelings each song is trying to convey based on the tile and the sounds presented in each song.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

The more I think about it, I think the song “Gloomy Morning” reflects me the most. I’ve frequently struggled with Anxiety and Depression and the feeling of waking up every morning to those emotions has been difficult. As a good dose of medicine, I create this song that expresses the feeling of waking up and dreading the challenges they new day may bring but encouraging myself to persevere and have the strength to move forward. Something not only to encourage myself but to encourage others.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My mother was and is my main inspiration. She was a very talented piano player and I’ve grown up watching her practice every day on the keyboard for church. When she’s not playing, I would experiment on the keyboard. She also noticed that I could keep a good rhythm and encouraged me to play the drums. Eventually I would play the drums for my church and my school. She has passed away 3 years ago and every music I create is to remember her and her legacy. As for artists, I’ve been mainly inspired by J Dilla as he is considered the godfather of Lofi Hip Hop and other producers like Timberland, 9th Wonder and the Alchemist.

What would you change in the music industry?

I don’t know if I would change much in the music industry but I think that the streaming services should pay the artists a little more money for their music.

If you were asked to rescore a film, which one would you choose?

I think I would rescore the Spider-Man film “Into the Spider Verse”. I feel this movie is perfect for my music since the setting is New York. The center of East Coast Hip Hop and Miles Morales seems like a chill dude. I cam imagine him listening to Lo-Fi music while he’s studying.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Singing. I can sing decently well but I’m not too confident in including my vocals in any of my songs. Also I’m not great at remembering the lyrics even to my favorite songs and since I play so many instruments, it is not a talent I would ever focus on or need.

Thank you!

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Vickie Davies – Fade Away [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Contemporary, Avant-Garde, and Soulful

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

“Fade Away” is about depression and the self-deprecating thoughts that fill our minds daily.
Vickie wrote this song because she genuinely thought she was losing her mind and needed help. We sometimes suffer quietly and never reach out for help until it’s too late.”

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

The first part of the bridge is how I feel most days.
“My body’s on fire. I’m running on smoke. I’m tired of fighting.”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Mary J. Blige, Emily King, and James Blake.

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

Consistently producing and releasing music. I have a hard time scheduling time and getting inspired to write new music.

If you were asked to re-score a film, which one would you choose?

I would choose the film “The Secret of Moonacre.”

Your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is losing my family in a tragic accident.

Thank you!

Eli Ladon – Clean Energy [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Spiritual. Dark. Lofty.

Tell us a few things about your new album ‘Clean Energy’. What is the main idea behind it?

Clean Energy is an album meant to create a connection with the heart and minds of those who are lost.

Which song of the album represents you the most?

Trauma is the song that represents me the most

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Jay- Z favorite lyricist. Juicy J favorite producer. Playboi Carti favorite rapper

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hiphop symbolizes creativity and creation imo. It was literally made from nothing but inner city emotions

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

On shrooms. The whole album was written on a trip

One last thing we should know about you?

I will responsible for changing the content in hiphop. This is my mission.

Thank you!

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Ms. M|CHL – New Heartache [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A. Vibey + B. Melodic + C. Haunting

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

It speaks to a situation most of us have been through, in that you meet someone and are excited for the future. You are certain this time it is forever! But when it falls apart and ends, those familiar feelings of disappointment and loss return. Brand new but also very much the same as before.

What first got you into music?

I began singing in the church with my grandfather at the age of After my first performance, I knew I wanted to sing for the rest of my life.

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

Lol, other than me?! Ha, ha! There are so many amazing artists that have not been given their flowers yet. I live in Los Angeles so I am blessed with some of the greatest in the game in my backyard. Jennah Bell and Damon Turner are the first two that come to mind. Check them both out, their work will change you. For Real.

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

Of course there are many challenges with being an Indie Artist. All of which are frustrating at different levels at different times. Currently, having to be a creator, and also a business mogul at the same time is very stressful. I am solely responsible for everything I’m doing and that can be a lot of pressure at times. But I love this work so much, and I won’t stop fighting for it to be shared with as many people as possible.

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

Hmm, well, I would say any state where they are open and available to feel. Whether you are emotional or amorous or just trying to relax, I want you to be able to tap in and just enjoy the vibes. And if my music helps you process or feel something, even better.

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

Oh my God! I love this question! I’m not sure how to answer though. I am pretty boring when it comes to illegal adventures and whatnot. I was also a mostly good kid, but my mom had one reoccurring problem with me… We moved around a lot in rural Oklahoma when I was young. Back then cell service was very expensive and even if you called on a landline, it was long distance rates just about everywhere. I kept running up my mom’s phone bill and she would beat my ass! But I would miss my friends so much, I would sneak phone calls to them all the time. Every month when that bill came in I would be so scared! Lol, I learned to control myself eventually but damn! Being a preteen was a trip!

Thank you!

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Rose Dees – Eat Your Friends [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Alien discovers bass

Tell us a few things about your new album Eat Your Friends. What is the main idea behind it?

its the third story in my discography about an alien who comes to earth
its a simple premise in the first one its about my mental health and history so it vaguely makes a fiction of those things as shes captured by humans but learns to love life on earth, second was a bust out story where she falls in love with a human which mirrors other parts of my mentality, she lovers her so much she puts her in a memory loop that makes her believe her friends survived
this one though is about love sex and recovery, as the alien always mirrors me and I happen to be in a wonderful relationship. all that though never distracts from just making interesting dance music and growing in my skill there.

Which song of the album represents you the most?

sonically prolly K4SET’s track (K4SE this Joint), Lyrically (Hello)

Favorite album of the past decade?

I cant choose one so Ill give the 3 most relevant Madeon’s(Good Faith) Skrillex(Recess) and clipping(there existed an addiction to blood)
all these have had months long repeats in my headphones.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I dont really know, as long as theres lights and good subs, I dont really have any one in mind. Id just be happy to be on a stage at all Im southern so Im easily humbled and grateful for anything I achieve.

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

cant- part of the reason my music is through an alien persona is I dont always feel like a human myself, dont get me wrong I am one, but im neuro-divergent and that often makes relating to others difficult if we dont share some hyper obsession of mine.

You’d give up making music for…

Millions of dollars and Motherhood. but I dont plan to barter it. ideally Ill get all 3.

Thank you!

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Kubota – Zen EP [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new EP Zen. What is the story behind it?

I’ve been planning the Zen EP since the start of 2021 after I signed with Pacific Records at the start of 2020. It was around this time that I really started to carve out my style and find my voice in music. And although the EP is new to everyone, it’s a compilation of songs that I’ve been sitting on for a long time. I’m just stoked to finally release it. The story behind Zen is just my journey in finding happiness within myself. It’s a very introspective and self-aware EP, and what I’ve realized is I write best with subjects that are relevant to people who are conscious of their own self-care and self-love. So you can expect a lot of that in it.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

All of the songs show a glimpse of myself but I think I’m the most vulnerable in “Who I Am”. “Zen” probably comes right after, but “Who I Am” really discusses my exploration to find self-love and try to be happy with myself. It’s especially close to my heart because it’s an overview of why I started focusing on my mental health and self-love.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I think a lot of my current musical influence comes from Kota the Friend, Cory Wong, and R&B/Soul groups like Durand Jones & The Indications and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. But Kota definitely inspires me the most.

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

The biggest challenge I had faced and continue to face is the uncertainty of all of this. “What if this music stuff doesn’t work out?” is a thought that regularly enters my head, and I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of artists. I think it was partially what kept me from switching gears and putting my all into my music. Prior to 2020, I had been making music for more than 10 years but it wasn’t until recently that I made the effort to put my music out there. I think I’ve put myself in a situation where I’m closer to saying “At least I gave it a shot” than “What if this doesn’t work out?”.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You’re going to f*ck up a lot, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it… it’s not really advice but I think it would help with my self-criticism.

What is the story behind your name?

Kubota is my last name. Growing up as an Asian-American, I didn’t have a lot of Asian role models. Representation in media was sh** for us. What I saw on TV was what formulated the perception of Asians in other kids’ minds, so my ethnicity made for easy points as insults. At a very early age where I was trying to assimilate with American kids, I began to disassociate from my own ethnicity and ultimately lost interest in my culture. As I grew older and began thinking more independently, I learned to be proud of my ethnicity. I feel embarrassed to have thought otherwise and my friends probably don’t even know I went through this, but now, they know damn well that I’m proud to be Japanese/Asian-American, and I’ll carry that proudly within my name. Sorry for the long-winded story. There’s still a lot to it, but that’s why I chose Kubota as my artist name.

One last thing we should know about you?

I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing with my life. 😀

Thank you!

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Luchi – Alien Girl [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

honest, raw, soulful

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

The story behind it is the chronicles of my past three years living in London. It’s the story of so many people like me that moved to another country to follow their dreams and make a better life for themselves. People that didn’t belong in the place they were born in and that worked hard to create that sense of belonging in the place of their choice.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“… And I know that i like to sabotage things and this is why, I made him sabotage me”. I think this sentence encapsulates the first real struggle I always had in relationships and it acts as one of the starting points of my album.

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

This is a tough one! The making of this album in collaboration with Charles Bioul, Tom Gilbertson and Federico Marchi really changed my perspective! 3 years ago I would have said with no doubt the writing process was my favourite part of making music, now I just can’t wait to bring what I write to the band and see what arrangements we come up with for our live shows! So I would say, performing live is now the part I enjoy the most! The power of collaboration I guess!

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the constant need to put artists in boxes. Music should educate people to recognise talent in the complexity of every human being rather than minimise human beings/artists to simple labels or categories. I think every artist has a world inside that is so different from everybody else and as controversial as it might sound, in my opinion it has nothing to do with their genre or music style.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Do what feels right and work with other people!! Don’t be scared of failing or showing yourself for who you really are!

What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?

When it comes to my music, I am a massive control freak! I need to know everything is going the way I planned! I couldn’t live without my habit of organising weeks in advance on my calendar!

Thank you!

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Kenn Farr – Good For Me [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Bass Shaking Hip Hop.

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

Good For Me is a hard hitting song that was derived from the old saying of my mother and grandmother about the Lord.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

If its Good Enough For My Mama, It’s Good Enough For Me.

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

Yes, I enjoy new hip hop like Little Wayne, Kanye, T.I. and Slim thug and more. I listen to everything from Stevie Ray Vaughn, Snoop Dog, Marvin Winans, Queens, Elton John including the Carpenters and Garth brooks.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolize the hottest music on the planet that inspires you to another musical level.

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

I spend my time practicing on my flying plane simulator (private pilot license).

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

I plead the Fifth (lol).

Thank you!

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Tre K – 2 Cups [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

rage swag rap

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘2 Cups’. What is the story behind it?

its a fun song. my childhood friend Kanayo (the producer) gave me the melody for the hook and I ran with it. the story of 2 cups is about a girl stressing me out when all I want to do is party and live the good life.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

my favorite lyric “out of my mind drafting up another crime”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

favorite rapper is Young Thug, Lyricist Jay-Z Producer Dreamer$ Paradice

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

hip hop symbolizes freedom

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

lmfao never thought about that. music is music but 2 cups I would imagine people could listen to if they were going through a break up

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

lmfao.. no comment

Thank you!

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