Category: Interviews

Ty Thom – $alary Bump [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, Nostalgic, Authentic

Tell us a few things about your new song “$alary Bump”. What is the story behind it?

So I ended up connecting with the producer Yarou at a show we both performed at. He sent me a pack of beats. I remember hearing the instrumental and I started writing to it immediately. I was blow away by the production. It has a triumphant feel. It reminded me of something Benny the Butcher or Nipsey Hussle would get on so I knew I had to really rap and come correct with my penmanship this time around. After recording my verse, I hit up my homie Tre Romell to hop on it and the song gave him the same feel. We recorded his verse at the studio about a week later. The song was fully mixed and mastered maybe a week or so after the recording session. I’m proud of where we took this song lyrically.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“My opposition still on level one, I won’t stop until I’m dead and gone, they tried to box me out my skills on Delle Donne”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favorite Rapper is Drake
Favorite Lyricist is Biggie
Favorite Producer is Mac Miller or Partynextdoor

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

In my opinion, Hip-Hop symbolizes life and experiences. As people, we all go through similar situations. There are also times where those situations are very different. Hip-Hop is a platform that is used to speak on the human experiences through a million different lenses. It connects the things we can relate on and builds a bridge towards understanding another perspective that differs from one’s own.

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

I want to give people the same feeling I had when I listened to my favorite artist for the first time. I want to be able to script the soundtrack to people’s lives while also being truthful to my own story. My goal is to have my fans to feel connected to the things I’m saying and hopefully they can learn from these stories I’m telling to create their own path to success and happiness.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Never give up on your dreams. Things are closer than they appear. Always believe in yourself and never let a couple “no’s” block you from reaching that big “yes” you’ve been searching for.

Thank you!

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Canyon – Shark Tank (feat. Raekwon) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Creative, Gritty, Original

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

Shark Tank is a double entendre in that it compares the mind and big/heavy ideas to a shark tank (like the show) and comparing growing up trying to make it to an actual shark tank.

What is the story behind your name?

Canyon is to represent my depth. I have songs that sound like completely different artists/personalities from other songs. As I come out with new records I’m bringing my fans deeper.

I realized after I moved from NY to LA that Canyon has “CA” for California and “NY” for New York in it so that’s why I highlighted that in my logo.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

2pac, Kid Cudi, Kanye, J. Cole, Raekwon, Jadakiss, Jay-Z, a whole lot of people honestly

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

Staying patient man. I’ve got a really good plan I’ve got to stick to but sometimes I get urges to rush the process and put out all dope shit so I have to remind myself to stay cool and stick to the plan.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Not much I got me here and I planned a long time for this to all happen. The only advice I’d give to younger artists is that if you release music thats half baked for instant gratification that almost never will work. You’re competing against fully thought out professional shit. Zoom out and find your lane and then attack it with all you got.

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

Thats a big fat no comment plead the fifth for me😶

Thank you!

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The Loveseats – Burned Out [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Jet ski music

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

Some people die at work. They wake up in the morning, leave their home, and never come back. All so they can pay bills, make rent, endure debt, and struggle for stability. Last summer we had over 60 days of triple digit heat in central California. In the heat like that with no rain, the days blur together, and life can become hypotonic.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My body burns, feels
My soul reveals
Another life,
I’ve had in mind…

Your dream collaboration?

Nate Dogg rip

What would you change in the music industry?

The music industry is much like any industry, it’s pay-to-play baby

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

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

Marijuana

Thank you!

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Instagram

TOP NINJA – MAYBE [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

raspy dry calm

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

The idea behind the song is finding the right type of love in the dating world. Searching for that Martin and Gina love from the Martin Lawrence show or That Rashad and NEW NEW love from the movie “ATL”.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

HER BEAUTY IS LIKE A FLOWER

HER BOSSOM IS LIKE A RIBBON

Who is your favourite beat maker and which rapper’s flow do you enjoy the most?

808 MAFIA , I LISTEN TO A LOT OF MONEY BAGG, MEEK, G HERBO,

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Imagery and manifesting in creative form.

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

When they want to hear a banger

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

Smoking weed, freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling

Thank you!

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Joe Radio – Are We There Yet [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Old-School, Alternative, Relatable

Tell us a few things about your new song “Are We There Yet”. What is the main idea behind it?

As I started to put out more music, I noticed that people began to expect more from me…asking about the next track, the next campaign, the next pitch etc etc. “Are We There Yet” is a response to all of those questions – how can we know if we’re there yet, if we don’t know where we’re heading! This track was also my first international feature – US Rapper Mark Battles reached out after hearing my music, so I sent him this beat and he recorded a dope verse for me!

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

The topic changes based on what’s going on around me at the time…something will inspire me and I’ll just start writing bars on my phone! I think it’s so important to write about something that means something to you, authenticity is what helps your music to feel real and connect with your fans.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favourite rapper will always be Mac Miller, he was a big inspiration for what I’m doing right now and I probably listen to his music every day. Early 2000’s Eminem is definitely my favourite lyricist – his ability to tell stories through his music is crazy to me. For a producer, I’m going to go with Benny Blanco…mostly based on what an interesting guy he is behind the scenes!

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

To me, Hip-Hop is a way for anyone to express themselves creatively. It’s such a dope thing to take a recent experience, your thoughts and feelings or whatever else inspires you to write – and just throw it all onto a beat for people to hear!

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

Great question…I loved ‘The Guilty’ with Jake Gyllenhaal. Heavily recommend if you’re into psychological thrillers

One last thing we should know about you?

I started making music at the beginning of 2021 and I think this was my 10th project…but I’ve got a lot more to say, so go follow Joe Radio on Spotify and @joeradioraps on Instagram to see what’s coming next!

Thank you!

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Instagram

Cris Cap – Like A Rose [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, silky, uplifting.

Tell us a few things about your new song “Like A Rose”. What is the main idea behind it?

The lyrics of “Like a Rose” are inspired by the ups and downs of loves and relationships I have experienced. Long-lasting relationships are not easy to keep. The only way they will work out is to learn accepting all the thorns of your partner, next to the beautiful blossoms and learn to deal with them. It is something that we all have to do if we want to stay together with our loves.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

It’s this part here:
„Your love is like a rose
And I can see the blossom unfold
Your love is like a rose
Take off the gloves
And learn how to hold it“

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

Well, she’s a gem for sure, but she’s had quite some success yet. Check out Shannon Lauren Callihan. She does a cool mix of NeoSoul and southern music from the US. I absolutely love her songs, singing and guitar playing. Her band is also great!

What would you change in the music industry?

The payment / royalty system of the streaming giants. It is not just. There will have to come some changes.

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

That is difficult to answer because the films I love already have a super score or soundtrack for sure. French Connection for example. The Tarantino and Coen Bros. movies. Kubrick. So then it would have to be a film that is not really on my list….I would have more fun to score a new film!

What is the most useless talent you have?

Whistling past the graveyard.

Thank you!

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J’Moris – Special [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Unique, translucent, captivating

Tell us a few things about your new song “Special”. What is the story behind it?

Special is just a heat check, the embodiment of confidence and self awareness. Basically it’s acknowledging your “it” factor.

What first got you into music?

Music is my diary, it allows me to share my thoughts and emotions. My experiences in life all reside in my music. It’s the essence of me.

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

I don’t think so, hip-hop so universal and has so many sub genres and sounds.

Why is sexism, and even outright misogyny, so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?

I can’t speak for other artist, I can only speak for myself. Sexism & Misogyny aren’t an issue in my lyrics. I love women, we came from a woman, who am I to belittle someone based off sex.

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

spending time with my family. My kids mean the world to me.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Thanks for all the love and support, new music coming soon. Keep rocking with me.

Thank you!

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Instagram

Mezmah – Smoke + Mirrors [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I’d say my sound is melodic, conscious and cross continental hip hop, taking the best of those three and meshing them to create what is my sound

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

I usually have days where I go down a rabbit hole of listening to beats on youtube or those sent to me and just select the ones that I like (maybe 3 ot 5 at most) but the actual amount I listen to itself are too many to count haha. My creative process revolves around listening to what feeling the beat gives me and then I begin writing to it on that basis. So for example, if I hear a beat with a moody backdrop, It’ll tend to be quite an introspective track, whereas something more upbeat will be one evoking just that. There are some I try and will try to break that mould with just however just to be out of the box with my creativity

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Two sides to me, separated like apartheid but holding me together just like being apart, tied

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

I think there definitely still is, and there always will be. I just think when you say “true”, that refers to it not being as prominent as it once was, say like in the 90’s/ early 2000’s. With that being said, it definitely still exists and is thriving as its own entity if you want to find it

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop for me symbolizes a social way of life, a culture that influences everyone around the world. From dress sense, to how people talk and act, it’s an influencer in itself. Furthermore, I think it’s the truest medium in music that depicts reality and tackles issues around the world, so it’s been a voice for the voiceless. Sure, it has things represented that don’t speak to that, but the art itself was founded on tackling poverty, racism, exclusive and crimes, and for me that’s what makes it a movement

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

It’s pretty normal- outgoing, socializing and keeping up with my personal life away from the music. I’m big on sports too, so there’s always time for that, either to watch or participate

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

No comment

Thank you!

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Instagram

Sasha Hromyk – All The Right Ways [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful. Mature. Pure

Tell us a few things about your new song “All The Right Ways”. What is the main idea behind it?

I wanted to write a song around the idea of fear being a healthy concept rather than one preventing us from moving forward. Sometimes fear takes on the form of intrigue which leads us to explore what we normally wouldn’t.

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

I love collaborating. Most of the tracks I’ve released have been co-written and co-produced. Teams are important. As far as songwriting being a lonely process – yes – it can be. You have to be ok with being a bit of a loner sometimes to finish what you start.

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

Both have their place and I love them on different levels. But there is something about performing live behind a mic that gives me life. I love delivering emotion through a good vocal performance.

What would you change in the music industry?

The industry at times seems to be more concerned with presentation rather than talent. I would be careful with companies that run this way.

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

Well I work a day job as a Barber. My other time when not creating, is spent at the gym.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

My biggest vice – playing the same songs on repeat instead of exploring the new tracks on my Release Radar 😛

Thank you!

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Mulholland Jive – Bad Moon Rising [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Catchy funk awesomeness

Tell us a few things about your new song “Bad Moon Rising”. What is the main idea behind it?

Bad Moon Rising is an adrenaline-fuelled mix of explosive guitar, infectious drums and piano solos played at break-neck speed. It was written in the middle of lockdown and the increasingly frenzied sound reflects my mindset at the time. I deliberately wanted to challenge some very talented students of mine with this track – the piano solo in particular has been a source of much consternation for everyone who has attempted it!

What first got you into music?

My grandparents had a piano in their house that I was pretty much obsessed with from the moment I saw it at a very young age.

Favourite album of the past year?

I’ve had Michael League’s “So Many Me” on repeat a lot.

What would you change in the music industry?

Increase streaming royalties.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Eat more vegetables.

Future plans?

Hopefully some live performances in the not-too-distant future, then finishing my next EP, then world domination.

Thank you!

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https://open.spotify.com/track/1ya3zJUWyCfmJ1vHOWNgha?si=Jo34wkQyTzq84j6E1lvt4Q&nd=1