Category: Interviews

Craig Cooney – Careful [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Inspiring , captivating and versatile

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

It varies from track to track and project to project . Some days I could sift through dozens of beats and get nothing, other days I could pick 1 beat and instantly get a vibe off it , I generally freestyle over beats to see what sounds , flows and melodies sound good and then I’ll build from that . My daily life has a massive influence on what I’ll write about too, that energy then gets passed to the page, I feel it’s real good for the mind , I love writing when I feel a strong emotion (happy, angry, sad , love etc) because I know everyone is human and we all feel emotion , it’s a great way to connect with the listener.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I’d say my most personal song I wrote was coming home , I was at a very trying point in my life and felt like giving up . My partner who is extremely supportive told me to try and sing on a track instead , it was such a vulnerable track for me and I was brutally honest in it . I’m not the best singer but the passion really shines through in the track and you can really hear the uncertainty coming through the lyrics.

I’m a very honest writer so I couldn’t really fixate it on one lyric I’ve written but my top 3 would be:

  • They call it present because this moments a gift .
  • I used to care how they felt about me but then I opening up my eyes and I see
  • Reals about raising your girl to be queen and raising your sons to be kings.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favourite rapper would be Aitch. He has fun with it , and has some crazy flows and word play.

Favourite lyricist would be Dermot Kennedy , he’s incredibly descriptive with his words and you can feel every line he says.

Favourite producer for me , I’d have to keep it close to home and say Chris Kabs , the man is genuinely a genius , if you listen to any tracks from his massive catalogue the level is incredible , he has an incredible eye for details and really makes sure every production matches the songwriting

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?

Music is like fashion , it changes with seasons and always evolves , right now drill is massive , I do see this changing , there are so many sub genres in music and it’s really hard to put your finger on one and say, once artists are being authentic and do what they love then they will excel further that they’ve ever imagined

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

I’d imagine people would listen to my music , when they need that kick of motivation to inspire them to do something and make a change , I write music for myself but it’s massively impacted a lot of people I’m so grateful for that , I’m only human though and like anyone I have my struggles, I put my thoughts , plans and pain on paper and that’s what I enjoy about it

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Further down the line I will definitely work on an album , I will be working in my debut E.P very very soon , I want to showcase what I can do as an artist and after that I can really see me working on an album as I grow as and artist

Thank you!

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King Uche – Uche Musa [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Determine, Motivational, Energetic

Tell us a few things about your new work.

King Uche is a Nigerian artist who currently lives in Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California: this allows him to give his music that touch of originality and uniqueness gave by hip hop and afrobeat sounds of West Africa, mixed with the optimistic taste of life in California. Today he presents his latest EP entitled “UCHE MUSA”, which deals with real-life events: the reign of Mansa Musa, the Nigerian civil war and the fight of King Uche to be born in the ghettos of Nigeria.

All this gave him the inspiration for his music, which the singer wants to make as a sort of spiritual stimulus for all those who have no motivation and impulse: a positive and uplifting message on the notes of Hip Hop and Afrobeats. Despite his failures and his past, King Uche’s determination has not waned, but rather gives comfort and companionship to anyone who listens to him!

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

The EP, ‘UCHE MUSA’ is one that is based on a couple of life events. The reign of Mansa Musa (whom the EP is based off), the Nigerian Civil War (that led to the loss of over a million indigenous “Igbos”), and King Uche’s own life struggle of being born in the harsh, poverty-stricken ghettos of Nigeria have all inspired him to become a man of his own, with a purpose greater than him. In the EP, King Uche dives into sensitive topics that interest him. Such as Love, Life, Hate, Purpose, Society. On “Rise Up’ he reflects on the political turmoil and the after effects of the #EndSARS global movement that made U.S. President Biden and Hillary Clinton to speak up about. In his song ‘Can’t Lose’ he speaks to the youth and motivates/reminds them that anyone can win and achieve anything as long as they want it and never give up on it. In ‘Love Go’ King Uche dives into the world of heartbreaks and betrayal as he himself suffered the biggest betrayal of his life from those closest to him. The entire EP elicits very strong emotional responses from all who listen to his words.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Jay Z, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Dolph, Kodak Black, Meek Mill,Travis Scott

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Raw freedom of expression

Favorite music related film?

Lion King

You’d give up making music for…

nothing at all I love this artistic process!

Thank you!

CHAR – Walk Without Fear [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A. Soulful B. Passionate C. Dark-Pop

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

‘Walk without Fear’ tells the story of women’s experience and darker moments that they come across, covering issues of empowerment and gender that seem to be a subject to firmly stand behind in the current climate. The new single can see tones of warm R&B and contemporary pop influence. I thought it was important with this release to really shine a light on the conversation that has been ongoing about how you can feel as a woman just going about your daily life. I hope that this release brings awareness and a message to those who might not be so familiar with these same feelings.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I could wear clothes three times bigger, just to hide my distracting figure” is one we’re all really proud of. It’s really impactful and it makes people listen because of the descriptive nature of it. It sounds and is delivered in a light hearted way but there is a dark undertone and meaning to it, it’s also pretty sad.

You have an upcoming gig in Camden Assembly. What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

I do! I am SO excited. The prep for the gigs can take a lot out of me physically and mentally but it’s definitely the most rewarding and so worth it. There is honestly not a feeling like it. That being said, I really want to lean into the writing sessions and collaborate as much as possible next year because creating something for the first time with other musicians is such a magical moment.

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

Exposure is something that becomes essential to an artist’s career, yet is something really difficult to build (organically anyway). I think being my own manager as well as being unsigned means that I have to think of the ‘business’ side of thing a lot more than I’d like so it can sometimes feel like you are working harder but not seeing the results which can be tough but perseverance is needed for sure!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

A lot. The main thing would be to really get into my head that how I was feeling at a given time, where everything felt like the end of the world, in 5 days, weeks, months, years wouldn’t matter. Things change all the time ‘this too shall pass’. I would also give myself the biggest hug and say, you’re going to have a few really difficult years but you will come through stronger.

What do you love/hate about Ldn?

I love the buzz, the adrenaline and the different cultures expressed. However, I find it hard to really feel part of a community, I went to University in Liverpool and I think that city knows how to take you under its wing. London can be lonely at times.

Thank you!

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M-Rock Emrik – Tenderness [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, dance, sweat

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

I got a few musical ideas from a guy called neoholics in the southern part of Sweden. I started out and wrote the lyrics to the first verse which delas with racism, but also being true to yourself and try a little tenderness towards the ones your with. The whole song is a love message, but with a twist. I took the song to my band and we reworked a few parts, and recorded the basic track live in the studio. The chorus came to me later on, and then johanna Hjort a fantastic singer added some nice ad libs and vocals. Also live horns edited by grammy award winner _mattias Bylund. And mixed by Opolopo.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The first verse, is nice, especialy in the beginning.

Favourite album of all time?

Oh hard one.. there are so many , but when it comes to hip hop probably EPMDs first album so many cool tracks , and really got my old band Stonefunkers going in the right direction.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I did play at a cool venue in amsterdam a long time ago Paradiso, would be nice to visit again.. never played in paris, so a nice underbround club in paris would be nice

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

People getting high or making love, or both i suppose, but also as a nice wake up call before your 9-5 job.

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

I was once arrested from skateboarding drunk, and got a ticket from the officer,
also when i took so much acid at the roskilde festival in denmark that i thought the whole festival was a war camp and that the attendants were soldiers ready to kill.

Thank you!

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Alice Lord – Mess Less [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Honest, unconventional, experimental

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

No, I disagree. I think music should have a purpose for example telling a story, trigging an emotion or even the controversial reason: to make money. Challenging the listener isn’t always a part of that purpose.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Every lyric in Mess Less is completely honest but if I where to choose ‘Yes, to every one who feels blessed despite all of the mess, your a lot stronger then me’. This would be because I’ve struggled looking on the positive side in the past and am in awe of the people who are strong enough to consider themselves blessed.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I grew up being influenced by my Grandfathers music collection which is mostly classic rock and blues. Artists like Howling wolf, Eric Clapton, Booker T, Rolling Stones, Etta James, Dr John and Credence Clearwater Revival. I also listen to my Grandmother and Great Grandfathers old vinyls quite a bit. Their collection being 20s music and classical. More modern Artist I get inspired by are Kudasai Beats (Lo Fi), Lily Moore (indie), Lawrence (funk, pop), Koffee (Jamaican dance hall), J Cole (rap) and Hamza (R&B).
My Great Grandfather himself is an inspiration to me as he was a talented arranger of music and was very keen on dissonant harmonies something I have inherited according to my Grandmother. I am also in awe of his music theory knowledge and his ability to notate a piece from ear. This inspires me to improve myself everyday.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would want modern streaming to stop decreasing income opportunities for artist and I would want there to be more risk takers in the top tiers of the music industry. That being said, sadly in the current music economy, I cannot see a sustainable way of achieving these.

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

The Trial of the Chicago Mostly because I love Sacha Baron Cohen I think he is hilarious but also because I think it cleverly applies it self to today’s issues.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can pout and curl my lips at the same time to look like a duck. As useless as it is, it does entertain people.

Thank you!

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MidSõlis – Changes [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, honest, unique

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

‘Changes’ is a track about my trials and tribulations during the summer of 2019. Narratively, it is split in two sections. The first one follows me dealing with rejection from someone by hanging out with my friends and joking around. The second is an introspective view of how I wasted part of my summer by chasing after women’s validation rather than hanging out with my friends more.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

For this song it has to be:

“​​Writing lyrics like they’re
Hieroglyphics matter
Real interpretation
Comes from he who flipped pyramids”

For me, this is truly special because when you get the context it paints a clear picture.

I like writing my verses with explicit and implicit details. It gives me more satisfaction knowing that for my listeners to get what I’m saying, they have to engage actively with my words. So, I think of my lyrics as hieroglyphs. Linking to that word, I use ‘pyramids’ to connect this part of the song to the previous one. When I hung out with my friends, I would flip into the river. When anything hits the water and sinks, it makes the water around it move to the sides, giving the illusion of an upside-down pyramid. So, I’m flipping pyramids by flipping into the water. In a few lines I’m providing a lot of context of me as an artist and me during that time period.

Favourite album of all time?

Good kid, m.A.A.d City by Kendrick Lamar. It has so much emotion and amazing storytelling.

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

Acknowledging you always have to learn. You can’t become comfortable if you want to be great. The biggest and most influential artists are who they are because either they or/and their teams have been students of the game they’re playing. So, I’ve learned that no matter what point I am at, I have to keep working to be the best and most educated version of myself, as an artist and individual, so I can keep making music and enjoying that process from start to end.

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

Mid90s is really inspiring. It’s where I got my name from.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Sticking to schedule. Little flourishes to finish a song can start another and by the end of the session I just have two unfinished tracks. When I set myself schedules, I’m good at meeting them, but I don’t usually set those to let creativity lead the way. I’m starting to find a middle ground though, so you’ll get new music quicker from that.

Thank you!

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Venus As a Boy – Reaching For The Sky [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

atmospheric, eclectic, dreamy

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

Reaching for the sky is a song Jenna and I made in the middle of the pandemic. I kind of made it by accident, sort of forcing myself to make music. I was going to toss the beat and forget about it but Jenna wanted to heart and an hour after sending she sent me these amazing lush vocals. Within it she had this one line “reaching for the sky, don’t say I didn’t try”. At the time I was feeling a little burnt, and down on music but that line for some reason helped remind me to keep pushing.

What first got you into music?

My parents both play piano and it wasn’t long before I started too. The rest is history, I just kept following my nose so to speak on what I liked. It’s lead me through classical music, Jazz, alt rock, rap, hip hop, electronic music, experimental music, and all the way back again.

Favourite album of the past decade?

hmmmm that’s a really tough one, there are so many, I’d have to say underscores latest project fish monger is pretty great!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I think, understanding that things take time. I won’t be happy or feel like I have found my “sound” for awhile and I’ve had to learn to just be comfortable with that and just keep exploring.

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

Wow, so many. But I think it’d be fun to do something sci-fi. I think it’d be fun to get to explore just a bunch of weird sounds. Or maybe something dramatic that much more based in reality with a darker tone, kind of like biutiful, such an amazing movie. Good question!

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

hmmmm, one time I was driving on the PCH and I accidentally swiped this car. About 2 seconds later, these police sirens go off from within the car. Turns out it was an undercover cop. Fortunately, there was almost no damage to their car, but my bumper was toast. Definitely pretty scary and would not recommend it.

Thank you!

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REYA – Heat [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Dreamy, seductive and layered

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

I wrote Heat with wonderful producer Jack Arentz at his studio in Melbourne, Australia. We took influence from bands like The Internet in an attempt to create a r&b/pop song with elements of trip hop and lofi. Heat centres around the idea of wanting someone so much physically and emotionally that it becomes frustrating and you can barely contain your feelings. We tried to create that sense of frustration building with the gradual layering of harmonies throughout the song 🙂

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I think the line “smoke clouds are rolling in, and I can’t see past the haze” is probably the one I’m most proud of just because I like the visualisation it gives me.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

The Internet as I stated previously, Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, Solange to name a few. I’m also a huge fan of jazz such as Miles Davis, snarky puppy. And also shout out to Melbourne singer Angela Librandi who has been inspiring my singing for many years.

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

Self doubt. I’m sure every artist goes through it. It’s a tough industry and people can be …not so nice sometimes, so I think finding belief in myself and perseverance when things haven’t gone to plan or when other people have doubted me has been the most challenging.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Sing because you love it, don’t worry about how much money you make or what other people think. If you do what you love people will hear that passion in your music.

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

The most trouble? Very interesting question… those are secrets I will have to take to the grave with me haha

Thank you!

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The Woods – A Changing Light [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Ethereal Ghost Soul (type stuff)

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

I always find it mad when I hear the makers of work that have inspired and carried me say that they questioned if what they were doing was worthwhile, and maybe even considered scrapping what they were doing. This song is about how much we all doubt ourselves in the things we do. I wanted to pay tribute to everyone who feels like this and tell them they’re actually lighting sparks in the world & making a difference every day. Like with this song- recording the parts in my studio on my own in the Scottish countryside gives me a massive freedom, but it’s also easy to doubt myself and the worth of what I’m doing- I don’t have a team to high-five me after laying down my beats ha! So yeah, especially in this environment, I wanted to make something uplifting that says ‘I know you doubt yourself, but keep going- you’re all killing it’!

What first got you into music?

Bit of a random path. To get out of maths at primary school my mate & I volunteered to sing in a local music competition. I sang ‘The Duck & The Kangaroo’- epic tune. In an odd turn of events given that this was in rural Scotland, this led to a scholarship to a pretty famous choir in Cambridge, where I sang around the world and on tv, and got deeply immersed in classical music. Then at University in Aberdeen I spent an inordinate amount of time in record shops discovering leftfield hip hop, jazz & electronic music- fair to say I became a bit obsessed. Spent the proceeding years trying to work out how to create these sounds.
I was really lucky when I was in London that I discovered CDR, a place for music producers to try out tracks and share ideas in a club setting. I learned a lot here, especially from the founder of CDR Tony Nwachukwu (Producer, Beats guy of Attica Blues and Music Tech Guru).
Over time I’ve come to realise that all these elements probably play a part in the music I produce and the sounds going round in my head, which is cool.

Favourite album of all time?

Sooo tough to choose, so I’ll choose a compilation(!)- Headz 2B Mowax compilation album has been around for a while and still feels like the freshest and most innovative music you’ll hear. I never tire of it!

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Yeah probably, though it’s good that Bandcamp is pushing hard and doing it from a more artist-centric angle (yeah Bandcamp!). Spotify itself is brilliant in theory and I’ve discovered so many awesome artists from it. Spotify’s payment structure on the other hand is god awful and I suspect it’ll be forced to change otherwise there won’t be many artists left to feed it in the future.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

Pretentious answer- The Old Man & The Sea- deep emotional exploration in the raw wilds.
Maybe more honest answer- Comic book series Yehuda Moon & The Kickstand Cyclery- Thoughtful, Funny, Uplifting, and Beautiful. Life in a bike shop= Life.

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

I’ve been in quite a few dumb ‘situations’ that should have led to trouble, but generally the universe has chosen to let me off a lot. I once climbed a flagpole in a town centre as a dare on a night out, and as the police inevitably came to take me away I stayed up the pole until they eventually got bored of shouting at me and left. There’s probably an analogy for life somewhere in there…

Thank you!

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Lowly Light – Candy Lied [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Emotional. Eclectic. Energetic.

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

“Candy Lied” is an alternate story of Lou Reed’s character from “Walk on a Wild Side”. What if Candy never went to New York City? She battles her internal demons of self-doubt, fear of the unknown and thoughts of ending it all. Questions if there is enough strength to learn from mistakes and use them as fuel to keep going.
It was easier to externalize my own feelings using this character to paint a picture. Showing the feelings and thoughts that I sometimes battle with, as so many others do as well. And of course the need to try and dig out of a tough mental state. We all need a positive mantra of reinforcement to make it through such times.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

It’s a tie between the start of the second verse and the bridge.

“Can’t deny, mistakes are a path

Leading to no point on a map”

“Every closed door could be something new

Just don’t let the handle hold you”

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

Writing. When you get in the zone and ideas come flowing, there is feeling of being high. Of course then there are the longer periods of slower struggle but solving a puzzle of a song is part of the fun. As the saying goes, it’s the journey, not the destination.

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

Creating an overall sound for Lowly Light that encompasses different styles that make sense taken as a whole.

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

Regarding “Candy Lied” specifically, for those who don’t know my music, hopefully an open, inquisitive mind. My goal was to place sounds and words with intent to deliver subtle surprises. The song evolves as it goes along and the lyrics build on a theme while moving through different emotional states, from darker to lighter.

When was the last time you danced?

Last time I danced was March 2020. The last weekend before the lockdown in New York. It was a friend’s dinner party that evolved into a dance party. We listened to 90’s British music interspersed with some Billie Eilish. Since it was late and there were neighbors below, we tried to dance as quietly as possible, which was of course ridiculous but a lot of fun.

Thank you!

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