Category: Interviews

Vidorra – Green For Go [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Primal, Modern, Switch

Can you tell us about your musical background and how you got into producing electronic music?

I was lucky enough to start playing instruments early in life, around 7 I started learning the saxophone and drums and that was the real start. 13 was when I began producing electronic music and from there is when it really became my life’s focus! I had been inspired by the idea of music production, or being a ‘music producer’ for a few years prior to beginning. I didn’t truly understand what it meant but the idea of being involved in music was enticing. Watching MTV inspired by taste a lot then, a lot of hip hop / pop production, but when I was introduced to EDM via Swedish House Mafia’s ‘Greyhound’ music video on tv. I was totally, totally hooked.

What inspired the concept for your new album “Green For Go”?

The album was about creating the best music I could, and then actively leaning into the curation of that music too. The green concept came when I was brainstorming how I wanted the album to feel, visually, and I was simply playing with shades of colour. I found that green and it just hit me, and I built the concept around that. Another association I have musically is the jungle – I think of the jungle visually when recording, and of course green is a predominant colour in the jungle, so there almost two tales here. One of green being this high energy, in your face colour, that feels clean but activated, and another being a nod to the jungle.

You mention wanting to bring communities together through music, can you expand on that and what message you hope to spread with your music?

All music I’ve truly enjoyed has evoked great emotion in myself and others, essentially creating a talking point between those touched by that music, and I strive to do the same, as those communities have given me a lot of joy. For me music never was about lyrics. For me music was truly just about the sound and how it felt, hence I was love instrumental music too, and so my message isn’t one of stories or narratives, but if feelings. A word I have used before is ‘euphoria’.

What would be your dream performance venue?

This changes a lot, at one point I would said Tomorrowland, another I would say a large arena like Madison Square Garden, another I’d say Liverpool Olympia (which I’m feeling right now – more intimate venue). I don’t have a real goal for any particular venue, as there are lots of interesting aspects to all of them.

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

Generally or definitely in high energy states, or building energy, or just having a great time and wanting some fun.

Thank you!

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Juliet Callahan – Spotlight [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Unapologetic, edgy, and empowering.

Tell us a few things about Spotlight. What is the story behind it?

Spotlight is a blend of alternative pop with a touch of trap thrown into the mix, inspired by Rihanna and Britney Spears’ high energy tracks. This track represents another milestone for my career as this is my first release where I played the role of the singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. Spotlight is about celebrating who you are with my main goal being to bring out the confidence in oneself/my listeners, whether that confidence is buried beneath negative emotions or has already scratched the surface. This track is about loving yourself and embracing who you are while letting go of negative energy.

How difficult is it to play the role of singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer at the same time?

Now that I’ve been doing this for over a year at my home studio it comes pretty easily to me. When I start a session with myself I already know the vibe/energy I intend to go for and will pick the instrumentation/sound accordingly. I have so much fun and it feels really rewarding to have the ability to create a song entirely myself. I also love being able to produce my own vision the exact way I want to. Of course I still love to collaborate with other producers/engineers because it’s great to combine creative visions and learn from each other in the studio, however, to me it’s a luxury to have the skills to execute a song the exact way I envisioned it.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My inspiration is a wide range of different artists. I grew up listening to classic rock icons and some of the first music I listened to was Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Queen because of my parents. However, once I was gifted an ipod Nano (when they first were invented) in elementary school I got to expand the artists I listened to. From a young age I loved listening to Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. As a kid I would always dream that one day I could be like them. Naturally as I grew older and as technology advanced making it way easier to explore/stream music, my taste continued to expand. Other artists who have inspired me on my journey as a musician are Lil Peep, Juice Wrld, Skizzy Mars, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Three Days Grace, AC/DC, and Bring Me The Horizon. My writing has also been inspired by author/philosopher Albert Camus and poets like Sylvia Plath, Robert Frost, and Dylan Thomas.

What would be your dream performance venue?

The Super Bowl and headlining at Coachella.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

When my mental health was at a low and I was doubting myself I lost who I was, so if today I could go back to that girl I was and give her some advice I would tell her that everything happens for a reason. Rejection and self doubt was something that used to really get to me when I was younger so I would tell her “I know right now you feel misunderstood and lost but this is part of your journey to success and personal growth. The pain you’re experiencing will turn into your power and shape who you are. As much as feeling this way can lead you down a rabbit hole into a dark place, just know that you will overcome this. You have so much to say, you’re smart, driven, and have been given this creative gift that you can share with the world. Don’t let anyone tell you different and go with your gut because that will be what turns out best for you and girl you already know you don’t take shit from anybody. Continue to do what you think is right for you and know that you’ll end up in the right place if you work hard and trust your intuition. Even on the days when you wake up heavy and it’s hard to escape the pain. Know if you could see yourself into the future and what you’ve already accomplished you would be fangirling right now. Trust the process. This is how you learn to love yourself and that alone will grant you the wisdom, grit and motivation you need to succeed.”

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

The most trouble I got into was when I was putting others first at the expense of my own well being and safety. I have always been a very giving person which is one of my best qualities but was also one of my biggest faults. I had to learn to set boundaries for myself and with others by experiencing the consequences of caring about others more than myself. I used to think it was my job to save other people from their own issues and I didn’t understand how much that held me back. I was naive and surrounded myself with a self destructive crowd which was damaging and abusive to myself, but in turn it forced me to level up and it is one of the reasons I am so strong today. I learned a huge lesson because of my experiences and I will never let people cross my boundaries like that ever again because no one is going to change just because you want them to. That only comes from within. I don’t regret a thing because I had to go through the motions in order to grow and become who I am now. I had to deal with the consequences of putting myself through that but now I look at life as the glass half full rather than half empty.

Thank you!

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smiling LIS – RITUALS (REMIX) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Futuristic, soulful, soundscapes

Tell us a few things about this new remix on RITUALS. What is the main idea behind it?

It’s about breaking free from the past- I’m prophesying a new beginning, a call to “join the dance”. We know that society is stuck in structures and to change, we need new rituals. The old ways don’t work no more.

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

A firm YES, it’s energizing when most of the time you’re alone in charge. I’m collaborating with musicians and producers from various places, we have the love and passion for this music in common. My main collaborator Salome Kappelin creates the visual world for smiling LIS- the videos, the fashion and set design for live performances. She puts my music to fabric and I do the same with her art- gives it a sound. It’s a deep process to create together like this. Unlike anything else.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My foundation is in jazz and gospel, so I must say Herbie Hancock has influenced me from a young age. So has my mum’s style of singing and improvising. Later on I heard J Dilla and D’angelo- it changed my life. I’m also a huge fan of producer Georgia Anne Muldrow.

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

How to combine my artistic vision with making a sustainable living, in a way that feels right for me. Integrity and longevity seems to go in the opposite direction of fast food social media. I can see it now though. But seeing the vision is one thing, then working towards it with persistence, without any tangible rewards can be daunting when there are bills to pay. It’s been a long and intentional process preparing for this moment – but now I am reaping the rewards of my choices. I think this will be a constant challenge for any artist who seeks to search for newness.

Favorite music related film?

Well, the soundtrack for The Woman King by Terence Blanchard was a “in-awe” experience. I’m very inspired and into documentaries about other artists, so “The Defiant Ones” about Dr Dre is a big one.

Future plans?

Releasing the mixtape album “PROPHECY” which comes out end of March, followed by a release performance in my hometown Stockholm on March 26. I’m creating visualisers with Salome that are going to be released with the songs- and ending in a physical art installation that’s revealed later in the year.

Thank you!

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Jōviky – Clouds [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about Clouds. What is the story behind it?

“Clouds” is that feeling of being so present with yourself that you can’t help but see all the beauty in life. I’ve realized it’s the little things in life that are the most important. Driving with the windows down, listening to the sound of the ocean or sharing a really great dinner with an old friend, etc… Those moments are the story behind “Clouds.”

Is there a bright spot in every dark cloud?

Oh wow, we’re getting a little philosophical now. I don’t really think of it that way. I’d say that if you wait long enough every dark cloud will eventually pass.

Imagine you are in a place with a view above the clouds. What are your first thoughts?

My first thoughts would be I wish I could just run and jump from cloud to cloud and just feel infinitely carefree.

Does your music help you talk about truths, difficult to reveal otherwise?

The short answer is yes but it’s much deeper than that. When I create music, I’m tapping into the core of my spiritual, sentient soul and oftentimes I feel like I’m in a space that’s neither past, present or future. It’s a place in which emotions and the truths of the universe present themselves. Sometimes these are my truths that I’ve hidden from myself. It’s a beautiful process when I’m able to create in this way without my ego getting in the way.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

I recently lost someone that was like a little brother to me. When I was in the thick of the grieving process, a friend of mine said the best thing to do to honor the person you lost is to focus on doing something in the world that they would have wanted to do before they passed away. And it really helped me change my perspective. I’m still grieving but there is a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel now.

Favorite TV series?

My favorite TV series right now is probably The Mandalorian. The depth of storytelling and character development in the show is amazing and it gives me that feeling of Star Wars nostalgia but doesn’t feel antiquated.

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing and no one.

Thank you!

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Love Ghost – Ghost Town [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about Ghost Town and the story behind it.

I made ghost town in Mexico with the artist Santa RM. the song is really just about my personal journey with loneliness. Fun fact: I had a crazy stomach bug when we were recording lol.

You blend more rock oriented elements with hip hop beats in a very creative way. Where did you draw inspiration from?

Thank you, I’m glad you like our music. I was really inspired by the SoundCloud movement of the late 2010s. Like juice WRLD, lil peep, XXXtentacion and lil skies to name a few. I feel like blending the world of Emo culture and hip hop was really dope and I was inspired to make my own twist on it .

What is the story behind your name?

Honestly it’s really just a combination of what inspires most of my art. Love and death. However “Love Ghost” as a whole represents something that is more than human to me. Almost like an Emo kid with superheroes. It’s a character that I wish I would’ve had around when I was younger.

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

Of course, there’s always hidden talent lurking in places that you would not expect.

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

Honestly just proper exposure, I haven’t really had any big break or any crazy connection yet. I’ve just slowly laid down a brick every single day and am trying to build a solid foundation .

Favorite film ever?

I have a few, maybe place beyond the pines is my favorite movie. Or Akira, or maybe this French film called “La Haine”. I like movies a lot especially ones that have a slightly disturbing feel to them .

What is the most useless talent you have?

I’m very double jointed. I can bone break. I don’t know if it’s a useless talent, because it’s a pretty cool thing to whip out on someone.

Thank you!

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ELI MONTANNA – Recovery [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Inspiring, Melodic, Persistent

Tell us a few things about your new work recovery

Recovery is me stepping out of my comfort zone and doing things I wouldn’t have done before in fear of failure.

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

Down To Earth.

Which is/was the biggest healing obstacle you encountered?

Healing from depression and fear.

What does Hip Hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolizes many different things but for me it symbolizes feeling. I like my music to captivate the listener.

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

Working or going out with family.

One last thing we should know about you?

I want to become a fashion designer one day.

Thank you!

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Jordan Jones – Sabotage [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work Sabotage, what is the story behind it?

Sabotage is a high energy fun pop song about being triggered in a relationship and wanting to leave. The real story behind the song is the battle with the self we have when triggered because of stories and walls we’ve built to block ourselves from getting hurt. Holding on to these walls and stories often have a byproduct of self Sabotage. Thats what this song is for me. Its the battle I was going through internally when my relationship hit the 2 year mark and we were questioning if our core values and relationship goals lined up. I was fighting with should I say fuck it, walk away, and Sabotage myself because I was afraid to really dig deep and address what was blocking me from opening up fully. Or put in the work and break through the stories I tell my self. I chose to walk away in Sabotage which made me see through the bullshit I was telling myself. Writing this song helped remind me that putting in the work is always the better path.

How do you know it’s time to leave a relationship??

If we’ve legitimately exhausted all other options then we should know if the relationship serves us or not. It’s important to really look at yourself with an honest perspective before leaving a relationship. It’s so easy to blame others for the mistakes they’ve made but have we taken accountability for our own actions? Has our partner or friend or family member expressed some concerns that have fallen on deaf ears? Are we holding ourselves with the same accountability as we hold others to. I can only speak for my self that it took me really deconstructing my self to see that I wasn’t hearing what my partner needed for the relationship to grow. In that process I was able to hone in on what I needed in the relationship and was able to clearly communicate that with me partner as well. So in short, if we can’t find a way to communicate with each other, if our goals and core values don’t match, and if one or both persons stops trying and/or don’t care to try then leaving the relationship may be the best decision for both parties.

What first got you into music?

I’ve always loved music from a young age. I grew up in a very religious family put for me music was always my religion of choice. Ive found more comfort in lyrics more then any bible. Because of that I found myself writing poetry at a young age then progressively writing songs. Music has always been there for me when I feel alone so I naturally feel like I just need to give back to the Church Of Music.

Favourite album of the past year?

Oh man thats a loaded question! Haha There were so many good albums this year but hands down I think one that really shook my world was when Ab-Soul dropped Herbert. Fuck I love everything about that album. The beats are the right amount of old school and lyrically….mind blown. I was also really in to the August 08 albums Towards The Sun and Towards The Moon. Which as we know were later combined to make Seasick. Love the sounds and direction of the production with that release. I know you asked for my favorite but I also need to shout out to SZA for dropping SOS. Damn that shit hits different!

What would be your dream performance venue?

Damn! No question my dream venue to perform at is Madison Square Garden. Period.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Fuck the judgment of others and create art from a place of pure courageous vulnerability. And just put it out.

Future plans?

I’m in the studio all year pushing singles again. Working on putting the funds together to drop an EP. I’ve got an acoustic version of Sabotage coming. Just playing shows, create more music, and connect with other artists. I’d love to collab with other artists this year and just create a solid community.

Thank you!

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Zenodro – Ven Aqui Feat. Zano [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, rich, and distinct.

Tell us a few things about Ven Aqui. What is the story behind it?

I’ve been slowly developing my sound, and I wanted to try some different things. Wanted to work on my wordplay on a club sounding track. I think it came out pretty well!

How did you meet up with Zano? What is the most challenging part of letting others into your creative process?

I actually met Zano at a Hip-hop show where we were both opening. Great experience, he absolutely did an amazing job and I knew I had to work with him.

In regards to my creative process, it could be difficult to verbalize the ideas I have for certain songs. This is because with certain songs, I like to become more vulnerable and it could be hard to talk about those ideas with collaborators.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

My favorite rapper of all time is Eminem, my favorite lyricist is Kendrick Lamar, and my favorite producer is Dr. Dre.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Freedom of expression. I feel that hip-hop is an outlet that allows people to freely express themselves. Artists like Kendrick Lamar to Public Enemy to Tupac, have used hip-hop as a form of expression to help influence many people including myself.

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

I want my audience to be engaged when they listen to my tracks. By being engaged they’re able to comprehend some of the lyrics that may otherwise go over their heads.

One last thing we should know about you?

I actually have a new single coming out February 9th with another very talented hip-hop artist: Samuel Vincent. It will be produced by Sir Nicolas.

Thank you!

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V of 40M – PWR [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A. Revolutionary
B. Gangsta’
C. Different

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

Most revolutionary rap song of the millennium, facts. 40M Tye, Hippie G and V of 40M, we got us a movie. Motion picture s***, heavy on the M. Arab Mxfia, whatup. Wanted an anthem for the movement and the Creator, the Universe and the Ancestors provided. We’re sowing the seeds of Black Power and Independence into one of, if not the, most influential components of our culture. If generations of our people can be pushed towards self genocide, etc through music and “entertainment” then we figure the same can work in reverse you feel me.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Most personal on PWR, “If you ain’t speaking truth to power, then I don’t even wanna talk” and I mean that s***. Anything else is just small talk or time passers. lol As far as honesty, they’re all honest to keep it a k but the ending bridge on PWR is high key fire for real. “Ain’t no gun factories in the hood, ain’t no pill factories in the hood, ain’t no coke factories in the hood, ain’t no dope factories in the hood – so how does it get here yeah?” We’ll let the gov’t answer that jawn.

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

Don’t really have a favorite beatmaker but I’m heavy on Afrobeats and Drill so if you’re a producer with a unique sound who’s trying to build something timeless – tap in! Fave rap flow besides the M’s? Rock with quite a few musically, including but not limited to Dusty, Meek, Lanez, Joyner, Polo and Sheff G. Got a thing for Ice Spicee too and if she ever reads this – link up shorty lol.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Our culture and our influence. They say we’re a or the “minority” but we know how bad them motherf***ers lie. With that being said and despite of it, the whole world follows our culture and is influenced by what we do – hiphop is an example you dig.

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

A revolutionary one. Motivated and inspired for real.

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

We’re grown, ain’t no such thing as “in trouble” – especially in regards to the opps and their nut a** laws. I have been “kidnapped” aka locked up quite a few times though, mostly for selling poison to my own people as a young bull. That of course being before my inner M was fully awakened but now – that’s a whole dub.

Thank you!

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Lukács Márton – Scribble [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

space, laidback, future

For Scribble you blend the piano with electronics in a very nice way. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

Thank you! It has elements from different aspects of music I’m interested in: it combines the language of jazz with some textures found in electronic music. For these types of songs the main building point is always a piano/keys improvisation that reflects a current mood, and from there it evolves in a direction that feels natural.

What first got you into music?

I don’t have a distinct event, but I started learning the piano at age 5, and it is a part of my life ever since. Alongside I have listened to many different types of music, changing with me on a wide range of styles.

Favourite album of the past year?

Anomalie – Galerie

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

I create music in genres considered niche, or at least not mainstream (contemporary classical, jazz, jazztronica, experimental electronic), so I think the biggest challenge is to find and reach the (right) audience of my works.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be more decided, take the opportunities that present themselves.

You’d give up making music for…

nothing:) I can’t imagine completely abandoning this aspect of my life.

Thank you!

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