Basically, the work is divided into three days. On the first day, we set up a simple beat and then record as many ideas as we can think of to create a prototype for the song. The second day is spent stripping away the unnecessary sounds from the first day’s recordings. Once the song is finished, we take a walk and listen to it over and over again. This makes it easier to find areas for improvement. The third day is for fine-tuning the arrangement and mixing. Too much attention to detail often makes things worse, so I finish the work in moderation. I leave the mastering to AI, so it’s very easy.
How difficult is it to promote instrumental music nowadays?
I don’t think so. Without a doubt, instrumental music is being heard more than ever before. And for someone like me, who lives in a non-English speaking country and can only speak my native language, instrumental music is an important way to cross borders.
Your music has very sweet grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you have composed yourself
The Pharcyde – Runnin’
Favourite album of the past decade?
This is a very difficult question. The one I can think of right now is Malibu by Anderson .Paak.
Favorite music related film?
I’m not much of a movie watcher, but Sister Act is one of my favorite movies.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
No matter what path you take, it all leads to one.
Tell us a few things about INJURY NOGRACE and your creative process in general.
INJURY NOGRACE is really just a collection of songs that i’ve made from the past year and half or so. Matter of fact, the lyrics on second part of ‘pretty like my dior’ dates back as far as december of 2019. My creative process really aint nothing special, i dont think. I’m just going through my day to day and if i feel like i have a melody or some lyrics in my head, i’ll jot it down on my phone. But nothing really materializes out of that right away. I’m always just thinking of concepts, there’s so much happening in my life that might not always be huge but it’s enough to over-analyze and make a song out of. I over-analyze everything and that doesn’t help my well-being. But hey, INJURY NOGRACE is a product of those unhealthy circumstances. Basically what i’m saying is is that if i ever fuck up in my life and i’m just going through it, at least i’ll know a great project will come out of it.
Well done for releasing a full album. But do people listen to full albums nowadays?
I don’t know. I know I do. If I have 1 or 2 dope songs on my album that someone is fucking with heavy, then i know they’ll be like “alright, lemme run through this whole thing real quick”. That’s why I like to switch up the styles on my project, so there’s something in there for anyone and everyone. I think that’s what’s key about making a full-length project; making sure you have enough interesting things to offer the listener so they don’t get bored. If you don’t think you have enough things to say that will keep the listener captivated then don’t release an album. It’s like when I see an anime that has like 70 seasons, I’m like ‘what the fuck’. How can this show have that much of a great story to tell? It’s crazy. But all in all, if people can’t keep up with the full album, then they won’t, but there’s people that can and fuck with it, so it is what it is. Maybe it’s an attention-span thing. That’s actually why I made sure the first half of the album was filled with the hype shit, the bangers.
Freedom, reflection, hype or chilling. How do all these fit together in your music?
i explore all those avenues and styles in my music, especially in INJURY NOGRACE. And I love to just reflect on my own shit that i got going on in my life through my music. And the songs that I make when I’m in that reflective headspace are usually my favorite because that’s like the only way I can express unfiltered emotions and shit. But I love just making songs that are hype and a chill vibe that my homies can just smoke to or something. Thats been like my main goal as of late.
Best rap album ever?
that’s a toss up between ‘Operation: Doomsday’ and ‘Acid Rap’
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
Lars and the Real Girl. Ryan gosling don’t miss.
One last thing we should know about you?
I dont know what’s worth knowing about me. INJURY NOGRACE out on all platforms tho.
Tell us a few things about your new song “I’m So Broke”. It certainly has a playful vibe. What is the story behind it?
The song originated from writing about my own mental health issues: depression and anxiety. I can sometimes feel up or down or round or backwards – anything goes! It’s about feeling a little ‘unhinged’ in your mind.
However, I didn’t want to write just another typical sad and woeful tune, so I made the music playful and cheeky instead, to lift the spirits of those who might relate to the sentiment behind the lyrics.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
Only in the past 3 years have I begun collaborating – for me, songwriting is such an intimate, personal experience that it was hard to express such vulnerability with others at first. However, when I began expanding my bubble and collaborating with various songwriters and producers, it really helped to deepen my lyrical and production skills so now I love collaborating too. I don’t find songwriting is a lonely process at all. Very comforting, in fact.
Favourite album of the past decade?
Yikes, that is a tough one. It would have to either be Lana Del Rey’s ‘Born To Die’, or Vera Blue’s ‘Perennial’. Both struck a magical, positive chord with me and I’m obsessed with both artists!
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
I don’t think so. Although I do love Spotify, and I appreciate how it has established a different, accessible pathway for people to discover new indie artists, I do not agree with how it pays the artists. They need to improve their royalty payment system dramatically in order to be taken seriously and respected by all artists in this business.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
Having not been someone who watched any streaming channels pre-COVID, I had A LOT of catching up to do on the streaming TV show front when Australia first went into lockdown in 2020. And I’d have to say ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Atypical’ helped to keep me sane and happy during that initial time. I highly recommend!
One last thing we should know about you?
Something that people might not know about me is that I’m actually passionate about wildlife and became a qualified zookeeper in 2017. Although music eventually called me back, and I’ve never actually been employed as a keeper, I’m still a huge supporter for wildlife conservation and will do whatever possible to improve the lives of endangered animals where I can.
This new EP was written mainly for myself, its about accepting past trauma, even if you’re not ready to move on. I gave myself a challenge to push my boundaries and write in a genre I love but never thought I could accomplish.
Which song of the EP reflects you the most?
Definitely ‘Lemon’, I overthink a lot and I’m a very emotional person, but I’m also very stubborn and don’t let people in easily! The song is just about this pattern of behaviour I’ve got myself into.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
I’m always inspired by a lot of artists, but my biggest inspirations are Bjork, Kate Bush, Faye Wong, Leah Dou, Damon Albarn and Florence and the Machine. Although, for this EP I was particularly inspired by Miles Davis and Mavis Fan.
What would you change in the music industry?
The biggest thing I would change about the music industry is how difficult it is to get heard, I hope in the future streaming services do more for smaller artists.
If you were asked to rescore a film, which one would you choose?
Probably ‘House’ (1997), its my favourite horror movie of all time and theres a piano composition called “In The Evening Mist” in the movie that I absolutely adore. But the movie is so crazy and out there, I would love to see what I could do!
What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?
The one thing I couldn’t live without would definitely be my laptop, it’s an extension of me at this point.
I like to have the beat on loop so that I can catch a vibe and figure out how I want to approach the song. I then start coming up with melodies and flows that I can use on the beat.
Which song of the EP is your favorite?
My favorite song on the EP is ‘Heartbreak Kid’ because it is a song that anyone can relate to. I feel that love is complicated and that you first have to work on yourself and love yourself before you can truly love anyone else.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
My favorite rapper of all time is Jay Z, My favorite lyricist is Andre 3000, and my favorite producer is Dr. Dre
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip Hop to me symbolizes expression, heart, and soul. I feel like it is one of the few genres of music that allows an artist to be themselves unapologetically.
Favorite music related film?
My favorite music-related film is straight outta compton
You’d give up making music for…
I wouldn’t give up anything for music to be honest because It is my life and my everything. I couldn’t imagine living live without making music.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
‘Outlaw’ is a tale of a young woman finding her path and channeling her drive and passion into what she wants to achieve, no matter the consequence. It’s part love letter to self, part affirmation. It was important to me to lead with this single as a sort of prequel to the love story unfolding on the upcoming EP, it really explains my philosophy on life and where I’m coming from as an artist.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I think a lot of my writing starts with me writing on my own, but I love getting in the studio with people I trust and end up crafting something from those initial thoughts together.
‘Outlaw’ was written in a session in LA with Carson Thatcher (Orkid, Jesse Saint John) and Warholla. It was later produced by one of my producers in London, Mafro W. (Ghetts, Shakka, Bibi Bourelly, Fuse ODG), and mixed&mastered by Jonas Westling (Lady Gaga, James Arthur, Mel C).
There’s truly no way to describe that connection you have when writing together, but if you know you know.
Even beyond writing, every part of my creative process is collaborative to me. This includes the creation of the music, the visuals, the content, the merch.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
I grew up in a Greek household in Germany, so I was influenced by many different styles of music from an early age. I was always drawn to RnB, Pop and Hip Hop artists from the States. Albums I remember playing a lot in my childhood home include Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Tina Turner, Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys. Once I was old enough to beg my mama to buy me CDs, I loved Britney, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, JLo.. an endless list of female power houses paving the way.
Living in London and working with people from all over the world, my musical education never really stopped. I am surrounded and influenced by everything from Dancehall to Afrobeats, Eastern Scales to Jazz.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Producing the four consecutive music videos we shot in Greece in September last year. ‘Outlaw’ is the first of the series. We were supposed to shoot in April and had rescheduled due to restrictions, but I was still very nervous about our crew flying in from four airports in three countries. Luckily it all worked out, but the challenge of being the talent, the producer, the driver, AND the only person speaking the language was definitely the hardest thing I have accomplished to date.
Favorite film ever?
I started watching and re-watching loads of early 2000s movies since the first lockdown. They provide me with a strange sense of security, probably because they are reminiscent of my childhood.
What is the most useless talent you have?
Oh I can assure you, I make use of all my talents.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
Proud is my mantra! It’s a song I wrote to my future self to show me how far I’ve come, both creatively and in my personal life. I wanted to uplift myself and others through lyrics like “I achieve me on the daily” because I’m proud to be my authentic self every single day.
It touches upon theme of self-identity, sexuality and the heart-breaking reality of not feeling accepted for who you are by the ones that are meant to unconditionally. Growing up I often felt pushed into performing live, or entering singing competitions. It felt shallow, rather than enjoyable, even when I was holding a trophy. I’ve learned that each performance doesn’t have to be perfect, and I don’t have to be either, It’s about authentic entertaining. That personal growth is what I’m most PROUD of!
For which lyric you are most proud of?
‘I achieve me on the daily, most day’s I don’t even hate me’
Favourite album of the past decade?
Skip Marley’s ‘Higher Place’. I can have it on repeat for a week.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I think an obvious one is financing your work without a label etc. A less obvious one but one that was quite a shock to my system is the transition between being unknown and just writing songs in my bedroom for years, to feeling like fan’s came out of nowhere all at once.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
‘Quincy’ the film about Quincy Jones took me three sittings because I was so mindblown over his life.
Should we expect an album in the near future?
I’ve got a couple singles and more collaborations lined up and in production for the rest of this year, but no album plans just yet.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
The main idea behind this one was to create a sort of ever-evolving dance tune. I was trying to create a sonic environment that ebbs and flows that ultimately comes back to something lighthearted and fun that builds on itself throughout the song.
What first got you into music?
I’ve been a music lover my whole life, but I picked up the guitar when I was 15, and the rest is history!
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Way too many to count! A couple people that are constant sources of inspiration for me would be the GOATs Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock.
What would be your dream performance venue?
The Amphitheatre of Pompeii – Pink Floyd style 🙂
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
Lord of the Rings baby
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I honestly can’t remember, which I suppose means that it is deeply repressed into my subconscious.
I worked on this tape for around half a year. I collaborated with some amazing artists like Chedom, iNTeLL from the 2nd Generation Wu, Dogman Rukus and more. It turned out really great and it’s my favourite project that I made so far.
Which song of the mixtape is your favorite?
It’s hard to choose, because I had great fun making most of the songs. But I would probably have to go with “Rescue You” because I have been listening to iNTeLL for many years and it’s a big honour to have him on my mixtape.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
There is underground hip hop today for sure. You just have to look for it. I’m always happy to find some new real hip hop.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
It’s a culture. I met so many great people around the world through hip hop. I never experienced anything like this with other music genres. It’s one love.
Favorite music related film?
Ghost Dog is one of my favourite movies ever. RZA made a classic with this movie. I have watched it so many times.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I am very good at Fall Guys. I don’t know if it’s a talent but it’s useless for sure.
Tell us a few things about your “City Lights”. What is the story behind it?
The first version of the lyrics and the melody of the song were written first, during a rehearsal a few years ago, with a completely different band. I removed some parts, we added a new fragment of the lyrics with my producer and based on my melody and lyrics he composed the instrumentals and invited the guest performers (Ádám Meggyes – trumpet Gergő Kováts – saxophone Krisztián Csapó – trombone), to play on the recordings. I never met the guys in person, as they recorded their parts while I was staying home, ill. I was having enough of the quarantine, and lockdown. I wanted to have a song, reminding everyone, who loves our beautiful city, how cool is to go outside and have a few drinks at the bank of the river, fall in love, have date nights…
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I think it depends. I like to work with others on the songs, however on my new album all the lyrics and melodies are written by me. On the other hand, I am sure, that I could not have such great material in hand without my producer, who plays most of the instruments on my album, and the guests we invited to play with us. My songs are telling stories, my stories, but this stories were shaped with the people I work with regularly: Ábel Mihalik my music producer -and the instruments behind my songs, Mónika Veres my vocal coach was helping a lot to stay in shape vocally, Gergő Demko my piano teacher has also a key role in my album, as he thought me all the music theory I know, he helped me to learn to play on the piano, and we are performing nowadays together as an acoustic duo my songs in smaller places. Opening song is always CITY LIGHTS.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I think I enjoy making the songs more, and this whole process of composing, creating a song from some melodies, and rhymes, by describing my feelings and stories is the best thing ever happened to me. It is like therapy. Performing in front of an audience is more stressful. Composing, making the songs is something intimate, like making love, performing my songs fuels all that with energy. It makes me extremely happy seeing, that people like it.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
My biggest challenge is finding a forever stable band, with I could have concerts on regular basis, and start writing my new album with. My biggest dream is to have a band, and some smaller shows, travelling to aviation events to have smaller concerts. It was easier to release the songs, record them, write them, than putting together a band for my project. But hey! Without challenges we would never appreciate our results, so I am sure, when is the right time, I will have a wonderful band, like a family.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I want to make people happy with my music. Or I want to be there for them when they are alone. I know music was there all the time, when I was alone, or when I needed something new in my life. City lights is to make you relaxed, move your body, get a drink. Best Friend, Chasing dreams were written to make you chill, for example with a coffee. My time is a boost of energy for my competitions but can help if you are angry with your job, or it’s hard to get up in the morning.
When was the last time you danced?
Today 😀 I was listening Diana Ross and Prince this evening, and I was dancing with my dogs. On stage a few weeks ago at our last acoustic concert, after a flying competition, where before the concert I was participating as a pilot. We had the race, than I changed to my performing clothes, and got the results of the competition only after the concert. That day was really intense and full with all kind of emotions, I was feeling all day like a powerhouse. It’s mad… we won that competition, so there was a reason to dance during the night as well 😀 😀 😀 haha Actually, there is my new single Losing my mind, released today, it’s all about “shaking your sexy booty” 😀
HipHop Paranoia 