Category: Interviews

Telica – Another Day Another Blessing [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My Sound in 3 words – Jazzy Summer Grooves. (if you want to get more sonically/technically descriptive then – Electronica Jazz Guitar)

Tell us a few things about your new work “Another Day Another Blessing”.

“Another Day Another Blessing” is a song with the main message being that of enjoying the moment, celebrating life and embracing the NOW and embracing the being alive, being inspired and focusing on our craft despite all possible struggles and issues of the modern world. It was born as a result of jamming in our home studio with the record’s producer Teo Marangon and the rapper PDRO and a result of improvisation and just vibing happened to translate into a very dynamic and lively track. I think the main thing is that this track perfectly illustrates our personal and artistic direction on thought – jazz infused hip hop and a message of getting your goals and enjoying the process. “Tonight we don’t worry bout a thing” becomes a motto of sorts.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I am a musician/ composer and producer so had to redirect that question to the rapper of the record PDRO, who said this:
“You call the tune yours, you don’t even own the rights to it?

They tell you what to say. I wouldn’t even write to it.”
For him it symbolises the passion of being an independent artist and having complete creative rights over your music and over your process.

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

This is a very good question. Short answer – a 100% genuinely believe that the answer is a strong YES. To elaborate more outside of my work experiences as a producer, session guitarist and a music artist I am also heavily involved in music data and data strategisation. I have been analysing the hip hop scene from various different angles and the answer is always the same: the introduction and rise to prevalence of digital streaming platforms created a situation where all different underground spaces and ecosystems get the right and an opportunity to continue establishing itself onto the scene. NO matter what subgenre or a niche sub section of hip hop it might be – places like Spotify allow artists to meet their respective listeners and continue cultivating the relationships within that underground community. IN my particular case -modern jazz hip hop, lofi hip hop, jazz/chill rap etc. are all examples of niche spaces within the hip hop genre that are actually various variations and adaptations of a take on the “underground” sound. So for sure there is a big VARIETY of underground interpretations that are all growing and establishing their presence. IN the world of hip hop it can be especially observed with a melodic/ nostalgic type of jazz underground rap.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

I think Hip Hop is a perfect genre family with respect to fusion and blending of various other genres and influences. Obviously any song and genre is always about adapting influences etc, but in the case of hip hop it’s even more special. For me personally hip hop does symbolise this mix of influences to create something very energetic and dynamic without losing the melodic and instrumental aspects. From rap and sampling to virtuoso instrumental hip hop jazz, this genre family symbolises the energy of fusion and experimentation.

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

Good question, as out catalogue is not wholeheartedly the same, I will focus on the song in question. State of mind could be different, but generally the state of mind of party, enjoying the moment, positivity mindfulness, BUT also just enjoying the jazzy and funky grooves to complement a summery weekendy vibration.

One last thing we should know about you?

One last thing you should know about us is that we are a team of 2: Myself(Pavel Telica) and Teo Marangon who is the main producer and engineer. We are the same people behind a jazz lofi duo “Doctor Gosso & the Samplers”, currently moving onto release more original music from the Telica profile. there is a looot more to come.

Thank you!

Nikïa – Pretty Brown Skin [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Raw, Authentic and Spontaneous

Tell us a few things about your new work “Pretty Brown Skin”.

Pretty Brown Skin was inspired by this guy I was talking to (who turned about to be a misogynistic and way worse person) and his voice and the way he talked just had this really mellow almost sensual vibe that I guess I picked up on that allowed me to make the chord progression and the beat and eventual lyrics. It took some time making it as I made a draft beat so crap and wasn’t syncing the melody and chords together sounded like a hot mess. This was due to doing things through MIDI as a challenge to myself as I am more of a sit at the keyboard and make noise until something I like comes out. Also, Pretty Brown Skin apparently gave summer vibes but I am releasing it in Autumn so ha. Because the guy wasn’t a pleasant person it showed me at the time to love myself and not bother look for love or romance right now which inspired Pretty Brown Skin

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric is ‘Bathtub tears, saddened face, it’s just another day of getting by’ from a song that is in an upcoming project of mine where it’s really for me. But you will be hearing of it soon.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Amy Winehouse is defo my inspiration and influenced me the most. Missy Elliot, Freddie Mercury, ELO recently, Marvin Gaye a bit, Adele, Melanie Martinez, Left Eye, Aaliyah and Erykah Badu are the ones popping in my head right now.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the time expectancy. Meaning the time an artist or idol is allowed to take time to make their music before coming back in the limelight. There is a lot of singles more than there is a solid album these days (I can’t chat much as I am doing that right now) and concert wise, having just singles is quite unbalanced sonically. How would you shift into the next song or link them? And, I would like the change the expectation of an artist being perfect from the get go considering artist and development isn’t given to aspiring performers/creatives the way it was around the 70s or 80s. I know I have to improve much more and work on my singing but people seem to be quick to say shit then think in today’s world, people may not have access to certain faculties.

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

From what I heard from listeners and friends that hear my music. After a long day at work, just getting back home and want to listen to something to relax or ‘detox’

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

I’m a pretty dull person so I don’t think I have been in major trouble. But, the one that pops in my mind is when me and my cousin were throwing tomatoes at someone’s house (I was between 6-10 at the time) that we may have not bought. And I remember he kept going at it and I got lost somewhere because I couldn’t keep up with as he was on a bike and I was running. So I walked back to my Auntie’s place to be met with a cussing and I was scared lol. He got the same cussing and we were forced to stay inside for the rest of the day.

Thank you!

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Alix Tucou – Portraits [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Imagination, Soundscapes, Bass Trombone.

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

I think that it should “sometimes” challenge the listener, so the challenge will be full rounded you know ? If Music challenges always, we are going to get to used to the challenge which will become the “normality”…

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

I love to collaborate with other peoples…On this Album I had the chance to work with extremely talented Musicians like Simon Denizart (piano) , Thomas Julienne (Upright Bass) or Dustin Carlson (Guitar). I had too the luck to work with visual artist on some songs like “Somewhere” on which I crafted the Music around a piece of Art from Fiber Artist Grazia Inserillo.
As much as songwriting is a very introspective process, nourishing it with external inputs is very important to me.

Favourite album of the past year?

Djesse Vol.3 by Jacob Collier.

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

I think it would apply to all of us: Keeping going on and believing in yourself and your quest.

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

I would love to score for Ghost Dog of Jim Jarmush…there are some strong similarities between the personality of the main carter and a musician or an artist in general, to me !!

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing !!!!

Thank you!

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Hounah – Fairbanks [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Laidback, Reflective, Roots.

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

Basically, I let the groove guide me in producing. It was early clear to me that the song had a certain trip hop attitude. I also knew very early that I would like to ask the Swiss singer Lena Schmidt to sing the vocals for the song. I had a certain vision of the sound of her voice and the instrumental. Lena even exceeded these expectations. The song lyrics are based on a poem by the poet Edith Dame Sitwell. For me it deals with a form of being alone. But I think there are also other interpretations. In any case, it touches me very much.

What first got you into music?

Already in my youth I was enthusiastic about making music with the computer and I tried out a lot of things. Parallel to this, i developed a great passion for DJing. Somehow one thing led to another. – I played my first gigs, the first releases came. And the hobby became a profession. The passion for different music styles has always remained.

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

I really have alternating phases in my life. Basically, I always concentrate on the moment. When I’m in the studio, I try to block out everything else. When I’m on stage, my focus is absolutely there. I like that variety a lot.

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

I think my challenges grow with the years I’ve been making music. Maybe that’s also part of it. The biggest challenge was certainly my upcoming “Hounah” album “Broken Land”. It’s my first solo album and a certain lack of compromise was very important to me. It should become a musical part of me. For that I had to learn a lot and i also work very focused. It was a very intense time, but in the end I’m very happy about it.

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

It may be different for everyone. Everyone feels music differently. But basically it is already music, where you can perhaps listen a little more closely to capture details. Maybe you can be in a more reflective mood or very close to yourself.

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

A difficult but also easy question: This is my family. These are my children. And of course music as passion.

Thank you!

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Periscopi Invertit – El Poder Del Cant [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Groovy Mediterranean Jazz

Tell us a few things about your new work El Poder Del Cant.

Extra information about “El poder del cant ” song:

The first time I heard this song it was sung by a choir and it really captivated me the beauty of this melody. I really liked the song and I decided to create my own original arrangement giving to it a more groovy flavour transforming it into a latin song. Later on, when I decided to start my band, due that i wasn’t finding the guitar player I needed, I looked for alternative solutions and decided to call an Oud player that I saw in a jam session. He liked my music and, as I was looking for a darbuka, he advised me to introduce one of his friends. We started putting together all my songs and “El Poder del Cant” was one of the songs that we were enjoying more while performing it, so people was having fun dancing.

In this track I’m actually mixing music different styles. The melody and lyrics belong to a Catalan folk song (El Poder del Cant) written a few centuries ago by an anonymous writer. To create the accompaniment I took as a reference the Catalan rumba (Gato Perez, Peret) songwriters, but instead of using the flamenco palmas that you can easily hear in most Catalan rumba songs, I added the Algerian players Yaz Fentazi on oud and Karim Dellali on the darbuka. Last minute, a friend who plays Steel pan offered himself to record some of the accompaniment for this song. I thought that it would be an interesting addition.

Catalan Rumba is normally played by Catalan gypsies, they mix Cuban latin grooves with flamenco + the lyrics that can be either in Catalan or Spanish.

I would say that it is my own way to play a Catalan Rumba. So the gypsies create their own lyrics instead of using Catalan folk melodies

I forgot to mention the singer….when we started the band there was no singer, so we started to put together the songs as a four piece band (bass, keyboard, darbuka and oud), but at the end, as most of the Catalan folk melodies have lyrics, we decided to introduce the singer Laura Guarch in the band and her voice helped to greatly improve the sound of the track.

Information about the band:

You can check out the facebook page

That’s one of my last posts I did that explains about the band

I’ve been posting from time to time about “Periscopi Invertit” band. For the ones who don’t know, “Periscopi Invertit” it’s a musical project that I started a few years ago, after finishing my music studies. I always been curious about mixing music from different styles and periods of time, and I always had the need to don’t lose the connection with my background. I’m originally from Barcelona, I’m Catalan and it makes me feel connected with my roots to create music using my cultural background as a reference.
The first band I put together under the name “Periscopi Invertit” was based in Barcelona and we were just covering songs from other artists that were mixing their folk music with jazz. This band didn’t last much, because just after a few months of creating it, I moved to Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, I decided to just use Catalan folk songs and create original arrangements, mixing the songs with funk/latin or jazz styles, but again, after a while I moved country and landed in London.
After a while living in London I restarted the band, we build up a couple of 45 min sets and did some gigs. A promoter (Feferity) who saw me playing in a jam session, was interested in my music and he introduced me to a sound engineer who was up to record an album for us. I took the offer.
Finally the album is recorded and waiting for mixing and mastering.
As the pandemic seems to reach to an end, I decided to launch the first single. It will be available on Spotify and all major platforms from the 24th September.
Check it out!

What first got you into music?

The magic of the sound

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

Performing live

What would you change in the music industry?

I would set up a system where the artists could get better remuneration for their online streamings

Favorite music related film?

I never thought about it!

One last thing we should know about you?

I love to mix music styles from different backgrounds and periods of time

Thank you!

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MrrrDaisy – The One (Feat Jessy Gh) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

creative, entertaining and refreshing

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

The song is basically about a young lad confessing his affection to the love of his life that no matter what people are saying about them, she is The One

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“They said make I shun you, they said make I dawg, they said make I throw you out but only me know what I dey see”

Favourite album of the past year?

Nyame Mmaa by Pura Akan

What would you change in the music industry?

Definitely the Gatekeepers. Most of them are making it difficult for indie talents to break through.

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

I am a blogger, graphic and web designer, A&R and a Publicist

When was the last time you danced?

I used to be a dancer back in High school but since then, I haven’t really danced.

Thank you!

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Charli Haruhi – 1st Density [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Channeled electronic flows

Tell us a few things about your new genre blending album “1st Density”.

This album came about from me studying the elements (earth, water, fire, air, spirit), both on a physical level and a spiritual, alchemical level. Discovering the nature of these elements within us and their ability to transform and empower us (if balanced) really inspired me! I wanted to share that discovery and really take listeners on an adventure within themselves. Engaging the body, mind, and spirit through some groovy, dancey sounds.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I wouldn’t really want to pick one. Every song on the album is produced and written by me. I put all of me into this album. So I would think all the songs would reflect me well. Though, If I had to pick one though I’d probably say “Alchemy”. Or maybe “Blew”.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Daft Punk and Gorillaz have probably influenced my sound the most. They are my all time faves. But some other bands I love and very inspired by are Florence & the Machine, Willow Smith, Sunny & Gabe, The Strokes (and any project with Julian Casablancas), Kid Cudi, Passion Pit, Sylvan Esso and Pogo.

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

I feel like my biggest challenge has been not having a team to help with things non music related. I love making and performing music but it takes a lot of energy to keep up with social media, booking, promotion and all of those things. I have been doing my best but it’s definitely been a challenge.

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

Most of the time when I’m not doing something music related I’m doing some type of studying. I enjoy studying various scientific, metaphysical, and spiritual topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, astrology, sacred geometry, numerology, the history of the earth, and different world religions and spiritualities. I have multiple notebooks scattered about with notes I’ve taken from different books, articles, and documentaries. My studies are my source material for most of my lyrics, and even influences my sound a bit.

What is the most useless talent you have?

My most useless talent is probably how fast I can guzzle down beverages. I can crush a bottle of water in an instant.

Thank you!

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Sammy Haig – Cucumber [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

My sound in 3 words is: Detailed, Melodic, Nostalgic.

Tell us a few things about your new EP Cucumber.

Cucumber is my entire musical journey up until this point stuffed into a dense and unique multimedia EP consisting of 6 songs and music videos.
It was made remotely as a response to the pandemic, and contains the work of over 70 talented friends and collaborators. Each song and video tells a different story, although common themes certainly run throughout.
Although the music jumps between genres very rapidly, if I had to describe it, I would say it consists of jazz-influenced pop, funk, RnB, and soul, with some electronic elements thrown in here and there.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

This is a really tough question. The songs are all so different, and each of them means a lot to me in their own unique way.
If I had to choose one, though, it would be Doesn’t Feel Like Summer. It was the first song I wrote for the project, and when writing it, it just seemed to flow out of me. It wasn’t work, and I didn’t have to think. It simply appeared in a matter of hours. Then, fleshing it out was extremely rewarding. It’s also the only song on the EP where I get to sing, and although I’m no singer, it is special to get to express yourself directly through words. The trumpet, at this point, is an extension of my inner voice, but there are some things you can only express through your outer (real) one.

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

They’re such different things, and each has its own unique joy. I will say, there are few things I’ve experienced that have been as fulfilling and rewarding as writing and producing these songs. But it’s hard to make a comparison when the pandemic has continued to prevent me from playing any of them live. I cannot wait to experience that when the time comes!
Although they are different, writing and performing both have the potential to be amazing human experiences that we can share with one another. It could be collaborating to write music, or sharing in that music with your audience. I know they both will be a part of my life forever.

Tell us a song you wish you had composed yourself.

“Robot’s Return” by Talc. Listening to it should be pretty self-explanatory :). Just a masterpiece in terms of songwriting, arrangement, production, and performance.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

What a thought-provoking question! It’s tough to imagine since each song already has its own visual accompaniment. But disregarding those, I’d have to recommend you read something about space. Preferably a book with some great pictures.
Thinking about space has always given me a certain sense of awe and wonderment that I feel I often carry into my music, so hopefully that could enhance the experience of listening to it. It’s no coincidence that Dasher II’s video is what it is!

What is the most useless talent you have?

Ah, well for some reason I’ve always been good at StepMania, which is like Dance Dance Revolution, but played on your computer keyboard. I’m not sure why, and I never really practiced it, but I could always play some mean arrow keys.

I hope you enjoy Cucumber EP as much as I enjoyed making it, and you can keep up with me and my next endeavors on any of my social media @sammyhaig!

Thank you!

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Rebecca McCartney – Remember Less [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, moody, smooth.

What is your creative process like?

Most of my songs start off as 30-second-ish voice memos on my phone, where I get an idea for a melody and some lyrics, usually at the same time. I’ll record whatever comes to me and then usually come back to those ideas later and build them out into something longer and more developed. Usually both the original words and melody will change, but sometimes there’s a piece that sticks all the way through. My new song, “Behind Closed Doors,” actually came really quickly almost as one whole piece. I sat down with my Strat and played two chords over and over for the verses, which came together pretty easily. Then I faked a bass line on the guitar for the chorus, and had this idea for a melody that I thought was really fun. That’s the same one you hear in the final version. The last piece of the song to really lock in was the bridge, which didn’t get written until I was in the studio with my producer (and friend) Jakob Leventhal. I don’t think I had a bridge yet, or maybe I had something mediocre, and we came up with this mood-changing-feeling of the “why don’t you come over” line, where the song becomes less about the annoying dude and more about my perspective of the relationship. If you’re reading into it, you know. After we tracked the song and Jakob played most of the instruments, we sent it off to this great drummer Jason Berger, who brought a totally new feeling to it with those driving drums. Then I got the idea to make the drums in the bridge feel a bit more like a breakdown, which Jakob actually maneuvered in the mixing phase with a bunch of chopping. Then with Dan Knobler to master it in Nashville, the whole thing came together — which is a pretty good microcosm of my creative process a lot of the time: it’s a lot of hands on one project trying to help me bring out my voice from some small idea that starts it all off.

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

I really love working with other people to make something together that we could have never done on our own, but I don’t get that privilege all the time. Like I mentioned before, having other people on a project really helps me do things that I couldn’t have ever thought of on my own, and I love getting to pull other people into genre zones they don’t usually get to explore. I also love hopping into other people’s projects to do the same for them, and usually have to work on putting my ego aside to help voice their ideas more than my own. So yes I love collaborating. It can be taxing, but there’s nothing more rewarding to me than making something together with friends. Per the loneliness of songwriting, I’ve definitely written my share of songs alone, and sometimes have felt really proud of those, too, but I’ll take working with others over working alone any day.

Favourite album of the past year?

“Lianne La Havas” by Lianne La Havas. It’s insanely good. No skips.

What would you change in the music industry?

I’d LOVE to see more representation of non cis white men in positions of power in the industry. I think we could have a much more loving, community-driven way of making music if everything weren’t oriented towards profit for those men at the top.

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

I hope people can come into my music with all their full emotions, after any sort of day, and just be able to zone out from the world and dance on a table. Then when a super in-your-feels one comes on, they can sit down and cry. Emotional range.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Wellllllllll there’s an EP on its way. I’m releasing four singles through the fall (the second just came out) and then the full EP with five songs will be out in December. An album will definitely follow at some point……. Follow me to stay updated about when everything’s coming out!!

Thank you!

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Zaryah – Headhunter [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe my sound as sensual, empowering and fierce.

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

To me headhunter is the ultimate ‘what goes around comes around’ song. I think dating culture nowadays can be very toxic and based on experience it’s all about playing games. Writing this song was super fun and empowering because it describes the woman picking up on toxic behavior and giving her partner a taste of their own medicine. Being the second song of my upcoming EP called ‘what u want is mine’ it’s a necessary topic to address when talking about female empowerment and standing up for oneself. With that being said it also underlines the importance that women should never be judged for wanting the same sexual intimacy as men.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

I always try to be as honest as possible when it comes to sharing my thoughts through songwriting. But I think the most vulnerable and open lyrics I’ve written are definitely in my title track from my album ‘Fallen Angel’.

Favourite album of the past decade?

It’s really tough to narrow it down to one specific one but I’d say dangerous woman by Ariana Grande and before love came to kill us by Jessie Reyez are definitely always on repeat.

What would be your dream performance venue?

MSG is definitely at the top of my list but a sentimental venue to perform at would be the entertainment center in Brisbane since that was my first big concert venue I went to.

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

I love to imagine that people play my music as a confidence boost whenever they’re feeling down or doubt themselves.

Thank you!

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