Category: Interviews

RINZ. – Long Distance [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Groovy, heartfelt, chill.

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

The song “Long Distance” is my second release with my homie from Potsdam, Smokey Da Bear. At the time, we had never made music together in the same room. It was always a long-distance collaboration—him in Potsdam and me in Amsterdam. My initial idea for this song was clean and downtempo. Smokey works more with sampling, so, he chopped up the recordings I sent him to give the song a fresh, raw hip-hop feel. I could feel his musical essence and individuality even though we were not in the same studio. This is what inspired the title.

What is the story behind your name?

My artists name is based on my real name ‘Rinze’. It’s a Frisian name and I was named after my grandfather. I removed the letter E because most people I know pronounce my name without the E sound, so it seemed like the right choice.

Who is your favourite beat maker?

Back in the day, I used to listen to a lot of beats from DJ Premier and Marco Polo. Their skill for sampling vinyl records into their drumkits to make new, unique beats really inspired my own creativity. Nowadays, I find myself enjoying Mark Rebillet’s Sunday morning livestreams where he makes impromptu live music. Those sessions are an insight into his creativity, and I find them very motivating when working on making my own beats.

Your music has very cool grooves. Tell us a song with a lofi beat you wish you had composed yourself.

The song ‘Bitter Chocolate’ by the Lofi Artist SamuW. It’s so fire that I wish I had come up with it myself. Also, ‘Haenyeo’ by the same artist has such intricate sonic details that it’s a great joy to listen to.

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

This is a very difficult question. Most of us are very emotionally attached to soundtracks of movies and TV series and they get imprinted in our minds along with the stories. So, it feels odd to change it. Although I wouldn’t want to re-score it, I would love to be part of the team scoring the soundtrack to the series Stranger Things. Their unique blend of synthesizer sounds creating the 80’s nostalgia really complement the story and I’m fascinated by it as a musician.

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

My morning/breakfast routine. Almost every morning I have the same order of things to get my day started. Most people don’t eat a lot during breakfast, but I really take my time to make a big breakfast every morning. This includes bread with eggs, orange juice, some nice filter coffee and an occasional bowl of yoghurt (Yes, I eat a lot for breakfast!).

Thank you!

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Cullen The Great – Bad Intent [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe my sound as charismatic, energetic, and exciting. Something that gets you hype but also feels like you get to know the real me through my music.

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

Bad Intent is like my baby, I love everything about that song. I really learned a lot and had so much fun in the process of making it. There really isn’t any true inspiration behind it, I heard the instrumental and thought, ‘damn this some grimey sh*t’ so I started thinking grimey and threw my own little twist on there. Funny story, I actually started this project back in June but ran into computer problems the same day and was forced to upgrade my entire setup. I could’ve gotten my laptop reset and it would’ve been fine but that meant losing this file and that wasn’t something I could give up so I ultimately made the costly sacrifice and upgraded. I was without my computer for a month, I was literally going crazy. The only sort of productive thing I could do was write, so I wrote and I wrote and I wrote and I wrote some more. But when my computer finally arrived I was like a kid on Christmas, I cancelled all plans I had, barely had the thing plugged in and set up, and was already in the studio recording the rest of this song. I’m super proud of how it turned out and think it shows true progression from where I first started to where I’m at now. This song makes me feel like a rapper, not just someone making music in his room.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

To be honest, I’m super proud of my entire first verse. I was really diggin the rhyme scheme and flow I had going on, plus I felt like this was my cleanest sounding mix yet, so it all just fit together perfectly. But if i had to pick a lyric in Bad Intent that I am most proud of, it would be the section that goes like, “Oppressions of expressions only lead to more suppression, while progression of recession brings out all the true confessions.” Cause if you really dive deep and analyze the lyrics in that section the message behind it is mind boggling. Definitely one of those things that made me think, “Holy sh*t, how did I come up with that?”

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

This is such a tough question for me. I was inspired to start making music during the infamous Soundcloud rapper days. That distinct style and sound influenced a lot of my music, however, I feel as though it became so
popular that the underground vibe became mainstream and the mainstream sound became sort of outdated. I do believe there is a true underground hip-hop sound, but I’m not sure the industry (and fans) are
quite over the SoundCloud era. Right now everybody is just rocking with what they got, being original, and not trying to ‘fit in’, and there ain’t nothing wrong with that!

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Change. Hope. Inspiration. Hip-Hop is oftentimes looked at in a negative light given it’s history of origin, but what people overlook is that Hip-Hop is used as a tool to express, inspire, educate, create change, give hope for a
better tomorrow, and let you know that you’re not alone in this world. It’s something that goes deeper than lyrics, it’s an attitude, it’s a lifestyle, it’s knowing that life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows and when the going
gets tough, so do you. If Jay-Z ran from every challenge change brought, or quit when he lost hope, he wouldn’t be Jay-Z. You never know what you can do and what you can accomplish in life and hip-hop is the perfect
example of that.

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

This is gonna sound so cheesy because every other artist says the same thing, but I don’t really do anything besides make music. I truthfully spend 99% of my free time working on music, whether it be writing, recording, mixing, promoting, researching, photoshoots, video shoots, and everything in between, my life 100% revolves around music. I am a big outdoors guy though, I love to fish, hunt, camp, really anything that lets me get out in nature and enjoy nature is the way I spend my other 1%. I am a big family guy as well, any opportunity I have to spend with them I take it.

Future plans?

I have so many dreams and ambitions other than music that I would love to pursue during my lifetime. The biggest one for me right now is the fact that I want to write a book one day (I have this super sick idea that involves music, murder, betrayl, and hella twists.) I also want to eventually open a chain of studios that gives engineers the freedom to freelance work in professional settings. Eventually I’d love to act one day, but who’s got two thumbs and is a terrible actor? This guy! But of course mostly, more music. I may or may not be working on an EP currently, but we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for our Idols.

Thank you!

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Richard – Diary [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound would have to be exploration, haphazard, and old school

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

Whew the number can vary depending on what I am sent or what I come across. Sometimes I listen to twenty something beats before a flare of inspiration strikes.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

From this record, I think the most standout to me is probably, ummmmmm “couldn’t see past they greed geez Louise, not even a sorry or please”. That’s from the most lyrical track on the record I feel called “Shopping Cart”

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

No, everyone is going for A sound and it is very easy to tell, nothing ever really is underground. I miss the days where you could find an artist and be so amazed by their sound instead of a Tiktok or trend

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

That is a question I ask myself daily. It is almost like an expectation to be a certain way when you rap or else you can’t “sit with them”, but I do think it is changing because females and gay rappers are dominating which is indicative of change.

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

I don’t know, I hope when they are ina mindful state. I share my story to get people who share the same experiences to reflect on how they can manage or coexist with whatever problem. So yeah defintely mindful and reflective.

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

Most trouble, depends haha. I sold some dope once and got arrested for that. That’s bout it tho.

Thank you!

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Ayrton Jimenez – Downtown BA [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Smooth, romantic, raw

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

I wrote Downtown BA after spending time living in Buenos Aires. The song is a love letter to the city (one of my favorite places in the world), as well as a story of heartbreak and parting ways with someone special as a result of having to return home.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

A very personal lyric to me is from a song I wrote about growing up called ‘Starting to see’. The lyric is: “I’m not half the man I’m supposed to be and now that I’m older, I’m starting to see”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I was hugely influenced by Elvis as a young kid and so I feel he was a big inspiration to me to start music. Since then, artists who have influenced my sound include Guitarricadelafuente, The Gypsy Kings, Damien Rice, and John Mayer.

What would be your dream performance venue?

would definitely have to be playing at Wembley, that was always a dream of mine growing up!

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

‘Three Idiots’ a Bollywood movie is definitely one of the most enjoyable films I have watched recently! You’ll have to dedicate an afternoon to it though, it’s very long!

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I definitely drink way too much Coffee! But I call it “embracing my Colombian heritage”

Thank you!

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Brendan Cope – I’ll Be Around [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Dynamic, Rich, and Aesthetic (in the sense that fashion and art play a big role in the way I make certain decisions).

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

My musical progress over the years is deeply tied to the progress I have made both as a musician and person. Figuring out how to go places within myself, and communicate feelings and emotions from the past is a big part of creating the music I want to. It’s taken me a long time to get to a point where I can even do that to a small capacity. My progress is nowhere near done, and I look forward to getting even better.

What first got you into music?

I think just as a kid being surrounded by good music. My parents introduced my brother and I to a myriad of legends (The Beatles and Nirvana are always the first I remember) early on, even though they didn’t play instruments. It was about what they liked to hear. When I was 12 or 13 I picked up the guitar and it immediately manifested itself deeply into my life.

Favourite album of the past year?

New release wise, Call Me if You Get Lost – Tyler. The year isn’t over, but it’s such a great record.

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

The biggest challenge I face is definitely engaging people through social media. Finding what works just takes time and I’m putting my head down to figure it out.

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

That’s tough…Most of the movies I love have really great scores. I think working with Jordan Peele would be a blast, the score is always so integral to the story. I’d want to do something where the music really moved the feeling.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Coffee 100%. I’m lucky that’s it at this point, but I am (at least I tell myself I am) completely dysfunctional without coffee. It’s probably a mental thing.

Thank you!

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Bella Rose – Music From Midnight [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Tough question, but I’d say Indie, Alternative and pop?

Tell us a few things about your new work.

“Music From Midnight Emotions Vol. 1” is my debut album, which I wrote 95% in the evening and late hours. It’s also a really personal album too, with many of the songs coming from my life and experiences that I’ve been through. A lot of it touches on COVID-19 and my struggles with social media, the inabilities to say how I feel, and overall the album encapsulates my want to understand my emotions.

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

Honestly, collaborating is one of the things I really want to do. Because yes, it’s very lonely songwriting by myself, and if you work by yourself, sometimes you question if what you’re doing is good enough; there’s no one to bounce off of. So, if given the chance I’d love to work with someone.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

There’s a family friend that I’ve known since I was very young, his name is Peter Walsh. He’s a pianist and singer, who inspired me to do music in the first place. Other than that, artists like Bruno Major, Vera Blue, Halsey as well. And a lot of my friends who are musicians as well.

What would you change in the music industry?

I want to tell people, that good music comes from inside. It comes from passion, and genuine desire to share a piece of yourself with. If I could, I’d want to change the idea that there are good songs and bad ones, because all songs come from a place of passion.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

Hmm…I recommend Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. Let me know your thoughts on it

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

I have a blanket I sleep with (that I named Blanky as a kid), and even now, I still snuggle with to help me fall asleep. It’s definitely a comfort for me, and without it I can have trouble falling asleep for sure heh.

Thank you!

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Mersi – State Of Mind [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Energetic, jazzy, groovy

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

„We all fall into insecurity sometimes. Thoughts change in a split second, euphoria suddenly turns to fear, and instead of a brain it’s an empty shell. If only we could sink into the calm waters of certainty and balance in that moment.”
My third single is called “State Of Mind”. It differs from the first two in its overall sound, which is more lo-fi, as well as the male rapping. One of the most important songs of my career was written in my home recording studio. The mix and master was handled by producer and sound engineer Roman Rai.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Probably this lyric is very close to my heart in the current tense times. Even though I am not the author, it expresses my feelings and current view of the world.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

First of all my family, especially my father and grandfather, who brought me to music when I was young and supported my musical development. I listened to heavy metal, funk and jazz until I got into dance music and djing in the nineties. First it was Propellerheads, then Turntablerocker, Stereo MC’s, Groove Armada and many others.

What would you change in the music industry?

Definitely the way musicians are paid these days. Spotify and other streams are certainly a good thing, but the rewards for artists are too low in my opinion. Actually the only income left was live gigs, and there’s not much of that now either due to the pandemic. It’s not an easy time for artists, but I believe it will get better as time goes on.

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

The state of mind should be relaxed but not tired, attentive but not tense, open to new experiences in music and life.

What is the most useless talent you have?

That’s the question…I guess I have a knack for wasting a lot of time and then catching up on things at the last minute. I’m pretty good at that 🙂

Thank you!

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HIDEKKI – HELLO LOVELY [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Electronic. Hip-Hop. Hybrid.

You blend very nicely Hip Hop with Pop elements. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?

I’m a fan of both genres, specifically Hip-Hop and HyperPop. I just wanted to make a song that incorporated my favorite parts of both genres.

What first got you into music?

I first got into playing piano because I wasn’t very social and it was something to do without feeling lonely. That eventually turned into producing beats and rapping/singing over them.

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

I enjoy writing music more than anything else. The process can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to consistently churn out new songs to keep people engaged. However, it gives me a sense of focus and purpose that I don’t get anywhere else.

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

I honestly thought that gaining listeners would be much easier. The whole marketing aspect of releasing music was something I wasn’t prepared for. I think most artists think that if the music is good enough, everything will work out. Sometimes I’ll find songs on Spotify with <1000 plays that I think are 10 times better than anything I’ve ever made.

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

I imagine people are in a pre-party mood when listening to my music. I can see people putting my songs on a pre-game playlist or something similar.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Unless I get major label support, no. Most platforms favor artists that release consistent singles as opposed to whole albums. That’s just the way the algorithms work right now. I think most of my listeners found me from Spotify’s discover weekly playlist. My top priority right now is to get my music out to as many people as possible.

Thank you!

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B. Shields – El Capitan [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Polyrhythmic Funk Hop

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

I had a goal of becoming a boat/ship captain. And I did it. Simultaneously, I wanted to give a nod to all the hip hop/funk Gods that paved the way for me to make the sauce.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Coming in hot, stacks been steamin’, our boat should have been named Karen” WE AINT STOPPING.

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

I think Hip hop has some many subcategories now, that I can’t put a definition on what underground Hip Hop is. Homeboy Sandman is less known, but I’d consider him a genius, but he is considerably less known.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip hop resembles community for me personally. Along with other cultural values, the community is what drew me into the genre in the 90s. I was alone most of my childhood and found an escape when I first heard Pharcyde and Common. I shared similar experiences and felt a sense of belonging when people would find parking lots to battle in (rap and dance). And I was accepted in, by always hosting the beat! Man, I valued those days!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Listen to your gut.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can binge listen to albums. Especially if it is an old soul record.

Thank you!

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Miles Grindey – Funk Right Off (Major C) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Somehow Super Eighties

Tell us a few things about your new song “Funk Right Off (Major C)”. What is the main idea behind it?

Well the whole thing started as some kind of concept on Logic Pro. I had this little bit I had stuck in my head, kept playing it randomly on various guitars. I figured it was high time to put it in something. The “B” section of the track was inspired by a number of tracks I had heard from Chaka Khan and (oddly enough) James Taylor. I have this software (well a demo of it) called “MIDI Guitar 2” and it’s really cool cause I can send the direct signal of my guitar, to my Focusrite Clarett, to this software which (simply put) has a chat with my Mac and then turns it into MIDI! I got creative and tried to do some sax but I knew I had to get a real player on board. Once I came up with, what became, the demo – I floated it to Cam (who plays bass on this tune). He, almost, immediately sent me back a pic of him, grinning, with his headless six string bass – he read my mind! Before he could do anything, I needed serious drums, so I contacted this absolutely lovely chap called Adam Wolfe (whom I met a couple of years ago at a Jam in Gwinett County, GA, USA). He was on board with it almost immediately too, so I think I did good! The final piece of this compositional puzzle came when I had to find a sax player and so it was that Nick Willsher fit the bill and I am thrilled that he was able to do it. Those folks, along with Nick Bowen’s amazing mixing and mastering (and all-around total legend-ness) made the track what you hear! Would you believe that I was massively annoyed when I wrote it? I went into the recording thinking it was gonna be some kind of angry-sounding rock tune!

What first got you into music?

I think I entered the world to “Eruption” by Van Halen, I kid of course, but I’ve always been surrounded by music. I was raised on classic rock and my journey to where I am now, began when I was 9 as I began learning the guitar – though I’ve never really stopped since you don’t ever stop learning (which is a great thing!). It wasn’t until I was 14 when I really began to take it seriously that things just progressed to where they are now.

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

I would say definitely writing music, in my “career” I’ve done one gig ever. That was in my old band back in 201The great thing about writing music is – yeah, you could do it all yourself, but other people can do it better. Writing the music and getting the right people on board can, more often than not, blow whatever you thought in your head right out of the water and onto another dimension. I do want to get out there and play more but the current situation in the UK (at least) doesn’t inspire me with much confidence (in terms of health – ya know, that Covid thing?).

Tell us a song with a funky groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Since you asked, 100% it would be “Fire” by Ohio Players. Those guys are one of my all-time favourite bands. Really though, they did an absolutely killer job in the first place – I’d just ruin it!

Favorite music related film?

A toss-up between “This Is Spinal Tap!” and “The Rocker”, gun to the head I’d say the former. You’re not a musician or an artist until you’ve seen Spinal Tap, that’s the training video.

One last thing we should know about you?

I suffer from GAS (not what you think!) it’s called Guitar Acquisition Syndrome – I have 13 guitars, a bass… and a mandolin.

Thank you!

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