Category: Interviews

Judah Dub – Miles Away [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

I would say, creative, experimental, and powerful

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

The main idea behind the song is about everyone’s general experience about “simping” or crushing on someone that deserve better. This has happened to me so I am just telling it from my point of view. How I felt at the time. Really just understanding why someone would fall for the wrong person over and over again, while there are others who are willing to treat them better.

This ep tells the story about your past, current, and future outlook of your relationships. Is songwriting a form of communication?

In a nutshell, it is a form of communication. “Miles Away” is a taste of that story. It is a prologue. My experiences with relationships shape this narrative about one girl, but in reality, it is more of a generelization of how relationships can mirror each other. And with the same approach, courtship, relationships, and breakups can feel like its the exact same process, even if its with a different person.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

That feels like a loaded question lol It honestly varies every single day. But as of right now, I want to say (but obviously its multiple artist, lyricists, and producers) Kendrick, Jcole, and Hitboy. Bonus, Fave artist is Drake.

All time, Tupac, Eminem, and Pharell. Artist: Outkast

But honestly, don’t mean to be indecisive but it changes. I love Lil Baby right now. Even a sprinkle of K-Pop here and there as well.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

HUGE. I think it def should be exercised more. But on that note, I feel like the topics discussed or expressed should be thoroughly examined. I just feel as if people just use political statements in music to get clout or sometimes it’s just a reaction to the first thing they see. I think people just react to hastily to the first thing they see and hear, which becomes their bias. I’m not saying that those reactions are incorrect, what I am saying though is knowing the full facts definitely helps us express our opinions better and more fully with engaging thoughts. IF it’s done that way, I feel like you can really feel the authenticity of the person making those statements.

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

Honestly, everyone. I think my music is about the generalization of everyday life. Everyone can relate to love, heartbreak, disappointments, some type of bullying, anxiety, rejection, etc. My music is about life and the stories behind my eyes. Its the stories that makes each individual unique. But we all go down the same road to find success, love, or self-fulfillment. Same path, but different houses.

What is the story behind your name?

Judah came from one of my favorite boxers and Waterfalls is a name that was given to me because of how wildly I played (basketball). I was just non-stop lol. But the Dub version of Judah Dub obviously is a shortened version of Waterfalls.

Thank you!

Follow Judah Dub
Instagram

Arxhie Low – Motion [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Unique, wavy, newgen

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

Motion is a feel good song inspired by my first ever sold out show and how far I have made it in the music industry so far. The main idea for this song was too inspire and touch people using my own unique genre of dnb/dance beats with rap over the top.

What inspired you to experiment with the melodic rap genre and infuse it with dance instrumentals?

These two genres have always been my favourite things and to mix them together has been a dream that has been long time coming for me. Original inspired by riovaz, I decided to give my own take on this type of genre. I believe also the realisations of I am not going to make it where I want to be just by following the trends and copying what’s already out helped me try and create and experiment with this genre.

What was the experience like selling out your first show, and how did it inspire the creation of this song?

The experience of performing at my first ever show and it being sold out was like no other. The tickets selling out 4 days after announcement was definitely the craziest feeling ever. But, performing was a even better feeling. The excitement and rush of feelings from the show truly inspire ‘Motion’. It’s quite an amazing feeling having the crowd scream your name, much like what I mention within the song.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I don’t believe I have a dream venue to perform at. But, it’s always been a dream of mine since I was 12 to perform at Rolling Loud festival. The crowds there always go so crazy and I feel like it would match my style of performing perfectly. I’m working every day to be able to reach this goal of mine.

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

Music usually seems to be my whole life to be honest. I’m always either listening, making, writing, or working on marketing for music. But other then music, I enjoy going to the gym, skateboarding, and just chilling with my friends. My friends play a big role within my music and have always supported my dream.

When was the last time you danced?

I don’t know if this is embarrassing or not, but every night I dance in front of my mirror to music. Whether it’s imagining that I’m playing at a huge show or rolling loud, or just vibing to music. I’m always doing something to hype myself up to music at night.

Thank you!

Follow Arxhie Low
Instagram

Bad Indigo – DIY [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Etheric surprising heartful

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

Looking for home, the search and meaning of what home is to us- the ideal and the reality. That which changes and that which stays the same. In a way it’s like your fantasy about love or life, and what is really happening. Or like you grow up and hopefully develop as a person, but when your mom calls , It’s like nothing changed, to her you’re just a small kid, in a way . There’s a mystery about what home is whether it’s on the inside or out.

How have you managed to maintain the DIY ethos in your creative process, and what does it mean to you?

Well, we are a two piece project right now, and we’re basically doing it all by ourselves music wise . The whole album was done together, luckily our creative energy meshes good to create this sound and the world we bring in bad indigo , in the process there’s no deadlines, just our desire to progress , this is totally diy one on one.

Favourite album of the past year?

Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The big Steppers

What role has the Tel Aviv indie scene played in your musical journey, and how has it influenced your work?

Well the placing and surroundings mosdef has influence on the music and vibes. TLV is a cool city and we kinda grew up with the first wave of indie bands here, mostly for us, like diy it’s finding a creative home in all of this, something that will make sense to us.

Favorite music related film?

A Scanner Darkly, Tora Tora Tora , Angles Heart , Twin Peaks

One last thing we should know about you?

We love dancing

Thank you!

Follow Bad Indigo
Instagram

Nawafinity – Breath Of Life [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words.

Dreamy – Emotional – Mature

What inspired you to write “Breathe of Life”?

Breath of life came at point in my life where I had to battle clinical depression again. Yet that time, it felt different. I felt strong, self-loving and guided by God. I knew that my voice is supposed to heal others, but I didn’t know that Breath of Life would come to say so.

How does incorporating the Tabla instruments add to the overall vibe of the song?

Adding the Tabla was a fun experimental (I know ! Me too I am shocked) We laughed at how beautiful and playful it did to the song. Which is a reference to the fighting spirit inside me.

How does your Arabic Culture influence your music?

This is only the beginning to witness the influence of my Saudi Arabian Culture on my music, but so far, I would definitely say ! The spirit and character. ! My Lyrics are expressive, direct, honest, collectivist based and have exquisite associations we have.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Oooh That’s a tough question !! Hahahah. What comes on top of my mind are: Utada Hikaru, Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Faith Evans, Kelly Price and so much more !

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

I try as much as I can, or I intend to, to release music that can be heard at 9 AM and 9 PM with the same feeling. Yet what I have released so far can be heard when someone feels introspective, dreamy, future forward thinking, grateful or reminiscing.

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

Hahahah. Not a trouble maker to be honest. I am the nerd kid in school.

Thank you!

Follow Nawafinity
Instagram

BIAS – Amsterdam [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic. Spontaneous. Anarchic.

What inspired you to rework the track “Phone Call” from the “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” soundtrack?

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is one of my favourite films and sometimes I really feel the need to see it again. It is somehow therapeutic. The story it tells, enhanced by the soundtrack, makes me shed all the tears I usually hold back. When the guitar arpeggio of ‘Phone Call’ starts, I can’t stop myself. When I wrote the lyrics to AMSTERDAM I had not yet thought about the music and I would tell you that the creative process happened casually and spontaneously. But actually if you listen to the words of the song and think about the plot of the film, you realise that there is a connection that certainly cannot be accidental.

What first got you into music?

My love for music was initially transmitted to me by my father, playing guitar and sending me to piano lessons when I was 6 years old. Then I studied guitar, drums, moving on to computer music. For more than 10 years I played in several underground punk/hc/crossover bands, then I released 2 solo records under the pseudonym Ex Novo, and finally this new project BIAS.

What other musical styles and artists have inspired your work?

I prefer to tell you the artists in general that have influenced me (the first ones that come to mind and in no particular order):
Joy Division, Poison The Well, Deftones, Banksy, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Lars Von Trier, Paolo Sorrentino, Prodigy, Bjšrk, Fabri Fibra, At the Drive In, Charles Bukowski, Jamiroquai, Satanic Surfers, Propagandhi, U?ur Gallenku?, Lucio Battisti, Pino Daniele, Marina Abramovi?.

What would you change in the music industry?

I am interested in music, not the music industry.

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

In general, my music mostly stems from an emotional outburst and the creative phase is a very intimate moment in my life. So I imagine a person listening to my songs in a room, alone, pausing to think about the words, letting the sound take over and focusing on the emotions that arise.

How do you see your music evolving in the future?

I don’t know. In fact, I don’t think about it at all. I like to renew myself, experiment and always explore new styles and genres of music. Music has always accompanied me by following my changes as a person. So it is impossible to say in which direction it will go because life itself is unpredictable.

Thank you!

Follow BIAS
Instagram

Adub Nati – Emerging [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

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

Emerging as a more conscious/christian hip hop artist

Where do you draw inspiration from? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

Jesus Christ

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

Get Me

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Bizzle, Chance the rapper, Tupac

What would you change in the music industry?

I would take out the negativity in it.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Work on YOUR legacy.

One last thing we should know about you?

That I love God and my people.

Thank you!

Follow Adub Nati
Instagram

Ben Flexin – Angel Year EP, Vol. 1 [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Truth, Raw, Epiphany

Tell us a few things about Angel Year EP, Vol. What is the main idea behind it?

Angel Year was my first official release and my first self produced project. I approached it with no expectations or template. I simply wanted to express this F**ked up life of mine with music that felt good to me. As I made each beat the lyrics would come to me before I finished (that’s how I knew I was on the right track). God spoke to me

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I buried my own father, ain’t no other n**gah sonning me”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

A) Method Man B) Mos Def C) The Alchemist

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

The realest thing to connect all those going through it in life, it’s pain- it’s love- it’s hate- just pure raw emotion. It’s the best way I know to express myself truly and positively and I can listen and connect with others as they express themselves as well. It’s pure beauty.

How has growing up in Long Island/NYC influenced your music?

It’s literally the Mecca of hiphop. The origin! Need I say more?

What is your definition of “doing it for the culture”?

I believe that global media has been controlled by various governments and promotes terrible representation of HipHop/Rap purposely for their benefit. I aim to properly represent the true essence and realness of hiphop with every song I make. Every ear I can get to makes a difference. It’s not all about twerking and killing each other (although they are aspects of it) but it’s so much more. I want to bring the full culture to the spotlight!

Thank you!

Follow Ben Flexin
Instagram

Dirty D – Chromatose [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Read our discussion with Dubl A, the composer of the album who plays the Bass and many of the instruments on the tracks.

How would you describe the musical journey of the EP?

First of all, thank you for interviewing us, much appreciated. We’re utilizing a wide range of musical soundscapes and music theory techniques, particularly the chromatic scale, in order to describe a particular moment in time. To me, each song puts you in a day or night in the life of Junk.

How does “Chromatose” differ from your previous works?

It’s even more eclectic than usual, and I was a person who already used a lot of eclecticism. It’s rooted in jazz, but it’s funky as hell, and has a lot of influence from hip hop. Not to mention, we got to add in some really aggressive punk rock (possibly metal) and even a classical section. That’s probably my favorite part of the album.

Which song of the EP represents you the most?

Chromatose. It runs the gamut in terms of my influences and I got to play 5 different instruments on it. I had a blast playing those heavy guitar parts and then had a really emotional time layering the double basses at the end. The song also has an important, personal meaning to me.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Lou Reed, The Clash, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Erik Satie, The Beatles, The Cure, NOFX, Matt Freeman, Notorious BIG, Jay Z

What would you change in the music industry?

I would make Junk much more well known.

What do you hope people will feel when listening to “Chromatose”?

That’s really not for me to say. Music is an interactive artform, so whatever reaction people have, that’s their reaction.

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

Enough trouble that there’s no way I can answer that here.

Thank you!

Follow Dirty D
Instagram

6ixth Element – Spiritual Form [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Boom-Bap Dad Shit

Can you discuss the inspiration behind the single “Spiritual Form”?

“Spiritual Form” is about freeing yourself from your materialistic ego and acknowledging that there is more to this life that we understand. The impact that we make on this planet and those around us is more important than the money we have made.

Tell us a few things about the mind-bending lyricism featured in the song. What is the main idea behind it?

My goal is to make people think. I don’t use complicated rhyme structure just to do it. “Spiritual Form” is a song that is meant to be introspective. I want the listener to have to look inside themselves and decide how to interpret my messege.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Emcee: Masta Ace, Lyricist: Canibus or RJ Payne, Producer: DJ Premier or Apollo Brown

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

The expression of knowledge of self.

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

With your third-eye open.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Quit your job and do what you love! ✌

Thank you!

Follow 6ixth Element
Instagram

SV – Chill N’ Vibe [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

90s, Chill, RnB

Can you tell us a bit about the creation process of “Chill N’ Vibe”?

Made the beat and it was pretty open sonically. I added my own oooos in there that are layered way in the back. Alyssa Jane rocked a whole vocal track beautifly. I thought some sax would sound great with her. Once I added it all together it sounded a bit busy, so I dialed back the vocals and sax to create some more breathing room in the track. I wanted it to be chill, laid back. Like the end of the night, just let the drum machine go and musicians vibe out.

How did you come to collaborate with Alyssa Jane and Kevon Scott on this song?

I have worked with both of them in the past and always loved our collaborations. They are both so talented.

What role did each artist play in bringing “Chill N’ Vibe” to life?

Alyssa Jane rocks the vocals and takes you in and out journey with her soulful chops. Kevon Scott does the same with his sax, smoothes it all out and glues everything together. I made the beat & produced it.

What do you hope listeners take away from the song, both musically and emotionally?

I hope they get a bit of a timeless, oldschool vibe, that can calm them down, bring stress relief. Basically Chill N’ Vibe 🙂

One last thing we should know about you?

Jim’s Pool Room! That is the label. We have so many amazing hip hop acts, primarily from St. Louis, MO. Check us out jimspoolroom.com

Thank you!

Follow SV
Instagram