Category: Interviews

Frannie B – Downfall [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

“sad dance pop”

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

I recently watched “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix and the whole documentary was essentially discussing how social media platforms are designed specifically to be as addictive as possible. After this was actively pointed out to me I really started noticing (in myself and in my friends) just how dependant we are on it; I’ll stay up just to scroll when I actively want to go to sleep and the first thing I do every day is compulsively check my phone. I have no doubt a lot of other people are the same… Realising this made me really uncomfortable so I wanted to write a song where I really treated it like a drug addiction. Other kinds of addiction have such negative stigma towards them, but no-one thinks twice about how addicted to the internet we all are. People very close to me have struggled with various forms of addiction, and from my personal experiences losing yourself in the internet can be just as harmful as losing yourself to a substance.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

From this song I’d say the most honest lyric is “seeping in, creeping in like diffusing- spreading underneath my skin like it’s bruising” as I wrote it not thinking but just feeling and describing the sensation. It’s about that itching feeling of when you’re trying to go to sleep but your mind keeps jumping back to wanting that hit and while you try to ignore it it just sinks in that little bit deeper. Giving into that feeling isn’t that immediate harm either, you realise the damage later so to me it acts like a bruise.

Your dream collaboration?

There are so many amazing artists I would love to work with but dreaming big I would love to work with Billie Eilish and Finneas some day. I’d love to have a studio session with them both and I think that their soft and clean sound could work really nicely on dark, minimal, dance-y pop track.

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

I’d say the hardest thing I’ve found so far is getting used to rejection. In creative industries everything is very subjective so it’s one of those things where you just have to learn not to take it personally and that’s so much harder than it sounds… especially when you’ve poured your heart into a project.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to stop stressing so much about things that I have no control over. You can’t control how other people think of you or what they’ll say about you so the best thing you can do is be nice to everyone you meet and just do whatever makes you happy in the moment.

When was the last time you danced?

The last I properly danced in a class (with actual technique) was pre-pandemic so probably back in December of 2019. But I had a lot of fun just dancing around in the music video for this track which I only filmed a couple of months ago.

Thank you!

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Stemin – Our Universe, Our Galaxy [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Uplifting, mezmerizing, soothing

Tell us a few things about your new work “Our Universe, Our Galaxy”.

Our Universe, Our Galaxy is my new single from my upcoming project ‘Unspoken Dreams,’ which speaks of dreams, desires, words, wishes that have been hidden so far, but see the light because love is involved. Love is the natural force will create a safe place for our emotions to run free when given freedom of engagement. Our Universe, Our Galaxy takes us into this world of hidden emotions. It’s a world made for people who are madly in love and feel different from society. They feel different because they are riding a different wave of emotions. Therefore, the single takes listeners into a hidden world of desires that are on the brink of becoming fully realized.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

Rest your soul as you lay
On my chest all night
Do that thing again
Go back to my dream

It’s an invitation to detach from reality for a small instance and dive into the world of dreams, where our emotions are safe to find a tangible expression.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

There are so many musicians and artists that have influenced my upbringing and my music since my childhood. From classical to pop, from jazz to soul music, here are a few names that have and still inspire me: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jazmine Sullivan, Prince and Justin Timberlake.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square Garden in New York.

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

When people are deeply in love with someone, an entity, or even something like an idea, a vision, or just a concept. That someone can also be yourself. I feel that we as musicians and artists need to create a safe place for people to express themselves in all kinds of forms, colors, shape, sounds and emotions. I personally feel obliged to do so. My music tries to create a safe place where you can express yourself however you want. I also love to include strong visuals that break common sense, or provoke and leave space for imagination and creativity.

When was the last time you danced?

Just before. I dance every day. Dance is part of who I am. It goes along with my music, my creativity. The body is one, and can’t be detached from movement. Dance is part of who we are. When we are children, we dance because we don’t care who is watching. It should stay that way as we grow older.

Thank you!

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Fia Nyxx – Gemini Ft. Taylor Xo [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new song “Gemini “.

“Gemini” suggests the idea that everyone has an inner demon, a twisted side that they don’t want to face, toxic habits, negative thoughts… a spine chilling, yet alluring temptress of sorts. Sometimes it’s hard to fight off these monstrous versions of ourselves and they can consume you, can get the best of you. So the question becomes, will I give in or am I strong enough to resist? I have always been a big fan of scary movies and wanted to use this opportunity to really go there … I wanted to create my own terrifying version of a horror film/music video hybrid.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

I released my first album in 2018 and since the pandemic, I have been working in silence on a new album. “Gemini” is the third single from my upcoming album Red Umbrella, releasing early 202Since my recent single release of “Still Love You” just a few short months ago, I have gained over 20,000 monthly listeners and over 60,000 streams on Spotify. It’s surreal to see the music taking off in a way that I’ve been working so hard for, for so many years… and we’re just getting started. It’s my time and I’m claiming it.

What first got you into music?

I grew up as a dancer and always turned to music for every big (and small) life moment. Music is my worship, my gospel. If I am happy, I listen to music. If I am overwhelmed, I listen to music. When I am celebrating, morning, moving on, turning up … I turn to music. Comforted by my dad’s love of the Motown era and influenced by my mom’s 70’s rock vibe, I had an ever-evolving obsession with soul music, lyrical genius and emotion-evoking melodies! Now as a professional singer/songwriter/entertainer, I can honestly say that there is no greater joy, no better therapy, nothing that can make me feel more like myself, than making music!

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

As much as I love the initial first session at my piano, closing my eyes and letting my fingers find their way across the keys, channeling the emotions I’m feeling, capturing the moment to translate it into song, and as much as I flourish at the studio, molding sounds and synths with my producer, bouncing bass lines off colorful harmonics, stepping into my greatest self, into such glorious moments, I have to say, I come alive on stage. There is something so intoxicating, so raw about having the entire room’s attention, using your platform to make everyone around you feel how you want them to feel. It’s empowering, it’s vulnerable, it’s exhilarating and it gives me purpose.

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

To say that being an artist is “challenging” is the understatement of the year. Artists sacrifice everything they have for the dream. I was actually just talking with Taylor Xo, and real talk … we both have come to the realization that for so long we have sacrificed it all, without even a second thought, no hesitation. All our money, time, energy, self worth is and has been consumed and related to the success (or any lack of) ‘being an artist.’ As I grow in my artistry and purpose, my sense of self has expanded and I have learned how to be an artist without letting it consume my entire identity, allowing more room for love, family and honestly just having fun. Life is meant to be fun.

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

I love this question. I would hope that fans and loved ones turn to my music as often as they can, finding something for every mood, much like I do. I want my music to be “feel good,” empowering, hopeful when you’re down, and most of all, I want my music to always feel relatable and honest. I imagine that people hear themselves, their words, through my voice, and picture their own lives with images of their own stories flashing behind their eyes as they listen.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can literally eat the hottest, spiciest food of anyone I know. If food doesn’t make me cry or make me have to sit in physical pain for at least a few minutes after, I’m not into it! HA! I put the El Yucateco XXXtra Hot Sauce on absolutely everything and still can’t get enough …I guess maybe this could be useful if I ever wanted to do some hot sauce food challenge, but until then. Lol!

Thank you!

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Shayanne – Get Out My Face (G.O.M.F) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A) Interesting, B) varied, C) soulful

Tell us a few things about your new song ” Get Out My Face (G.O.M.F) “. What is the story behind it?

This song is actually someone else’ story – I find it easier to write about things that happen to other people or things that are outside of myself. An old friend was having ex-boyfriend troubles and we were discussing how she felt about the situation, and the idea was born from there. Based on a true story, you could say! (With a little embellishment here and there!)

What first got you into music?

Church – I used to go to church when I was very young and was in awe of the music, how people sang and the way everyone was so moved by the music. To this day Gospel music still moves me in the same way despite no longer being Christian

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Honestly this is going to sound cheesy but – my friends! People who I know who are songwriters, singers, artists – they have influenced and inspired me (and obviously Beyonce!!)

What would be your dream performance venue?

I would love to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, that would be cool!

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

I was late on the interstellar train so watched it during quarantine -literally one of the most amazing movies omg!

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Oh there’s been so many! I’m gonna be weird (again) and say that I have had the absolute best times at shows/concerts my talented friends perform in!

Thank you!

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Jaded Jane – Bogotá [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Cosmic, Atmospheric, Eclectic

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

First feeling I had when I strolled around in a village outside the city centre of Bogotá was this intense combination of love, excitement & a hint of nervousness, so much impressions & people, and in the air I could sense a longing for something, as if someone just woke up and realised their true potential, striving for freedom from the chains of society, yet the same frustration was their in the air of the struggle to get by another day.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The lyric that helps another person get out of his or her negative mind patterns.

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

What I really like about being a creative person is the variety, I love spending hours in a studio, tweaking sounds and I also love being on stage performing the songs before an engaging audience, For me the listener is as important as the performer, In between us is where the magic grows.

What would you change in the music industry?

I do feel a more transparent system is something that we will create, the equality not just in how much we get paid but also how everyone is treated, Jaded Jane is all about the inside out, and the name has an androgynous quality, On the inside we are all the same. We all share the same DNA.

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

Dancing with a big love for Breaking (Break Dance)

You’d give up making music for…

For me, in life, its all or nothing.

Thank you!

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Aura Davis – Unbroken [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

fierce, melancholic, honest

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

Unbroken is about this person who is broken, but not broken enough to give up yet. It talks a lot about acceptance but it also comes from a place of strength. The chorus basically says it all. Don’t fix me. Just hold me till I’m unbroken.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I wear my heart on my sleeve all the damn time. So you’ll find a lot of very personal and honest lyrics in my songs – since I always say I’m a writer first. If I didn’t write, I wouldn’t sing. But if I had to outline once specific line, I consider to be dramatic and honest, it’s probably this one: “There was a time I used to dance with death but I got over that and now I write instead”. I never actively talked about that specific time in my life before so that’s as personal and honest as it gets.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Well musically I am heavily inspired by bands like Porcupine Tree, Katatonia or Riverside. It doesn’t really get any more melancholic than that 😂 Vocally it is mainly females like Grace Potter or Taylor Momsen who make me sing on top of my lungs all the damn time and lyrically I look up to people like Julia Michaels or Michelle Branch. Quite a mix there haha but I think it sums it up pretty well. Generally spoken I am drawn to individuals who unapologetically make things happen.

What would you change in the music industry?

To be clear, I am still pretty new in this crazy thing called music industry. I’ve only been active for two years now and covid slowed down the process pretty hard, so my experiences are still quite limited, I’d say. But what I can do is talk about the point of view being a new (female) artist. When I first started to send out demos, I got answers and feedback pretty quickly. The most common comments I heard weren’t about my music. It was about my looks and the market potential they saw in me. I was considered a “full-package”. Beautiful, Creative, Wild. It almost felt like a tick-box situation. I seemed to tick off most of those boxes they wanted to see and so I found support pretty damn quick. The fact that their interest in me wasn’t because of my music in the first place didn’t bother me that much – I was just very eager on getting started and finally making music outside of my living room. I jumped on the first opportunity that opened up for me. Which ended in a complete disaster to say the least 😊 Taking my money, changing my songs to something that wasn’t me, telling me I wasn’t good enough and I needed to “buy” songs from someone else, confusing release dates…

Looking back now I can put it pretty damn simple…
If your intuition tells you to run, you fucking should!

You don’t have to settle for anything. Be bold and loud. Stand up for yourself. Listen, but don’t blindly accept everything just because someone tells you to do so.

In this industry, people hide a lot behind other people’s successes or even take credit for other peoples accomplishments. That’s something I would change, if I could.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Heard that one very recently and it means a lot to me:

“Don’t be so worried you’re gonna fuck it up that you forget to enjoy it”

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

hahaha okay so… It wasn’t exactly “trouble” and I would do it all over again 😊

A few years ago, my former team and I were invited to a Google event in Dublin for the weekend. It was a business trip. The night before we were supposed to fly back home, my team mate left to visit a friend so I decided to go checkout Grafton Street – on my own. Grafton Street was like a tornado of emotions for me. Music literally everywhere.

Long story short…

I met someone, that led to beer, endless music talks, more beer, underground pubs in hidden cellars of Dublin and me picking up a call the next morning being completely wasted with absolutely zero memory. All I heard was my team mate going:

Aura, we’re in the plane – guess you won’t make it?

Thank you!

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2 Dub Official – NuNu [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Different, Poetic, Urban

How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one?

It’s hard to say how many beats I listen to before using one because it depends on my mood, but if I had to put a number to it I’d have to say 1-5. I fortunately have a producer that feeds me music on a regular.

Tell us a few things about your creative process.

Lots of times I start writing without music because my mood drives a major part of my creativity and my longtime producer Charles “CY Muzic” Yates tends to match my mood almost effortlessly.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric comes in the form of a spoken word titled “Al Z. Heimer”, a heartfelt dedication to my father who passed of the disease in 2020. Listeners will get to experience “Al Z. Heimer” late December with the release of my upcoming mixtape.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

My favorite rapper happens to be and independent artist by the name of Young Malaki, once you hear her you’ll know why.
Favorite lyricist also happens to be another independent artist who goes by TruWerdz. As an artist, TruWerdz lyricism is definitely underrated.
Favorite producer I’d have to say is my longtime production associate, Charles “CY Muzic” Yates. He has a very rare and distinguished way of creating music that make us a perfect combination when it comes to creativity. Also, I have to give it up to JayBeatz, Blakkmoses, Mag-Illa on the Track, and Villain on the Beats for there dope contributions to my coming projects.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

HipHop to me symbolizes freedom, sanity in an insane world, and therapy.

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

The Invisible Man

What is one message you would give to your fans?

To my now and future fans, “Thank you for lending me your ear and pushing me to be better, there is no me without you.” “There is no limit to the things you can achieve once you put your mind to it so keep pursuing greatness.”

Thank you!

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Bones in Butter – This Is Not What You Promised Us [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Retro-futuristic harmony

Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?

If we focus on music as a form of art, then definitely yes. Music must keep the listener alert, music must constantly challenge and inspire the audience and enrich their lives.

What is the story behind your name?

I must disappoint you but there is no deeper meaning behind the name “Bones in Butter”. One evening, I was watching an episode of the crime/comedy TV series “Bones” when the name suddenly popped into my head and I said to myself: “Now this has a nice ring to it” 🙂

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My parents and my older sister definitely had the most influence on me. As for artists and bands that shaped me as a musician, the most important were Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Jeff Lynne, Franco Battiato, Wall of Voodoo, the Stranglers, Tuxedomoon, Magazine…

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I guess it is. Spotify and the Algorithm. Now we can argue about whether this is good or bad, but it is simply a fact. In the future, the Algorithm decides which song will be distributed to a wider audience. For artists in general and musicians in particular – talent, creativity and inovation become less important. Instead, they are forced to focus on marketing, socials and numbers.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, a timeless phantasmagoric novel with a strong social commentary

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Haha, that would definitely be my smoking habits.

Thank you!

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Little Drum – Darling Ocean E.P [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Calming, thoughtful, chilled

Tell us a few things about your new EP “Darling Ocean”. What is the story behind it?

we actually started Little Drum around 6/7 years ago, wrote lots of tunes, then Donny moved to the States so it got left fora fair while. Last year on Donny’s return we listened through everything, loved it so decided to get it going. This E.P is the first of 3 planned. This is EP is leaning more towards the folk side of our sound, we made the decision to make this EP very chilled and gentle and we wanted to try and portray the feeling of life passing by, in a good way.

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

I think all the songs reflect something about us. The lyrics are all from a personal place. Darling Ocean i guess because its about taking chances and just doing it.

Favourite album of the past year?

On a folk tip, really liked Taylor Swifts- Folklore, the best thing she’s done.

What would you change in the music industry?

we’re all songwriter’s too so I’d change how writers get paid to bring it back inline with the labels etc. Streaming has generally been good for the industry but for songwriters its had the opposite effect.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

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

for me Tea, I’m sure Pauline would say Coffee and Donny his motorbike

Thank you!

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Drosz – 2NITE [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

upbeat, smooth and consistent.

Tell us a few things about your new song “2NITE” . What is the story behind it?

2NITE was written as a response to my wife who was my girlfriend at the time. We were vibeing out, having a good time and the connection was cool and chill, so my question to her was “what’s good for tonight?” lol, I was feeling myself way too much that evening to be honest, but we were seeing each other for a while and obviously I liked her and she liked me, so at the time it just felt right to take it to the next level. That’s basically how I came up with the idea behind the track.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The hook is what I’m definitely proud of. The flow of the sounds and the vocal came together so well that I knew from that point I had something, it was just a matter of building out the rest of the song which I think came out great.

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

An artist you should definitely look out for is RIC808. He’s a DJ out of Bronx, NY. He’s probably going to kill me for this but besides being a well known DJ in NY, his productions skills are pure fire! and his vocals on tracks are unique and takes the song to a whole other level. Don’t let him fool you, He got vocals, lol!

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

The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far as an artist is just putting everything together myself. I’ve had help from some close people of course but when your indie, just starting out and the budget is cool but not where you really want it to be, there’s always obstacles that kind of slows down the momentum but that’s what makes the journey and come up that much better. Wouldn’t have it any other way. It forces you to think outside the box a little and be creative.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Just to go hard at whatever it is you want to accomplish without being distracted. Follow your path and go with what moves you and makes you happy, whether it be physically or mentally. You want to go at it with passion and excitement. The rewards will come from the hard work put in.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m just getting started man! We have a lot of dope music coming and other projects down the line that I’m extremely hyped about, and can’t wait for fans to hear and experience.

Thank you!

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