Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
freedom. I wrote this song as a way to escape this crazy time we had.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
from my first single, Maboy, “we know this wont end nice/ so ill try harder/ in hiding my heart eyes” i catch myself and my friends trying to hide our affection towards whoever we are into at the time, in order to not scare them away, or to not get hurt, and this lyric is how i see myself doing just that.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I enjoy both for different reasons. Writing music gives me peace of mind, it’s how I process everything I’m going through, but performing live gives other people a way of connecting with me and it’s a kind of communication that is so special.
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
ill be cliche and say a coming of age book, maybe perks of being a wallflower, or looking for alaska.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I have no idea. I have had a plan for my life from such a young age, that I never thought of doing something else. so i think that if i wasn’t making music then i’d be travelling and looking for what excites me in the world.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
Hallucinate is probably one of my favorite songs I’ve recorded thus far into my early career. Over the last few months I’ve been obsessed with retrowave/vaporwave stylized art and I feel like this song personified that audibly. When I first heard the beat, I started humming the chorus and everything sort of fell in place. I built a whole story in my head about the thin lines between love and lust, and how naivety can play a role in it. I think it’s a theme that we all can relate to… that feeling of longing.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I certainly do enjoy the process of collaborating with other creatives! It’s fun feeding off of each other’s energy, ideas, and it’s something I want to do more often in the future. My collaboration has mainly been with my audio engineer who’s been AMAZING in helping me get my sound right. But on the flip side, I do want to try and collab with other artists this year. I have a friend in mind to do a song with but the timing just needs to be right. When it comes to songwriting, I don’t think it’s a lonely process at all. It’s introspective to me and therapeutic. It’s probably my favorite part when creating.
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
Hmmm… hidden gem. I’m not sure that she’s necessarily “hidden” because she’s fairly known but I would say Kelela. I really got into her this year. Her songs and how she began her career in music is so relatable to me.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
My biggest challenge is managing everything by myself. As an independent artist, especially at this stage of my career, I wear many hats. I’m my own manager, creative director, marketer/pr, photographer, stylist… the list goes on. Doing all of that on top of songwriting, recording, and managing my day job can be taxing at times, but honestly, it’s all worth it. My love for music powers me through. It’s nothing I can’t handle.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I want my music to mirror the listener’s current emotions. If their feeling sad, I want to offer sad music. If they want to party and be happy, I want to provide songs that do just that. This is something I’m conscious of whenever I create new songs.
When was the last time you danced?
Today! I’m always dancing. It’s in my DNA!!! Gotta learn how to breakdance next.
Not sure if this is accurate but I’d like to think that my sound is described as “genuine, relatable, and chill”… does that count as four or three?
Tell us a few things about your new work “Sunday Vibes”.
Sunday Vibes was actually conceived during the Spring of 2020. I’ve been sitting on it for some time and felt that we need some uplifting music after a rough year due to the pandemic. I lined up four singles for 2021 to be released with an EP at the end of the year so I made the decision of dropping this particular song out of the four for the summer as it fits the mood of the season.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The main topic is just taking some time away from work or whatever might be consuming your energy and relaxing for a bit. It’s mainly a reminder to take things a bit slower.
I’ve gone through burnouts numerous times, and in all honesty, the stress I placed on myself to get as many things done as soon as possible really didn’t need to be there. The reality is, the work you do will always remain but the way in which you complete it can heavily affect your experience. I’m still trying to take my own advice but I try my best to live by the lyrics in this song. I’m hoping that Sunday Vibes will help at least one person through a tough time and remind someone to have a much-needed moment to breathe.
Favourite album of the past decade?
At the moment, I think I’ve got to give it up to Joji’s Nectar. But honestly, this answer will change in a few weeks.
What would be your dream performance venue?
I think my dream performance venue might be somewhere like Fonda Theater in Los Angeles with a fully packed audience. It’s large enough to have a good crowd but small enough to keep it very intimate between the artist and the crowd. I don’t think I can consider anything larger at the moment although it would be nice to perform at a stadium or something someday in the future.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
I’m definitely late on this but I watched “Train to Busan” during the quarantine. That opened my eyes to a bunch of Korean movies that are absolutely amazing. These aren’t films but the new Marvel shows on Disney Plus are great as well.
Future plans?
As of right now, I have another single ready to be released. We’re shooting to drop it in the Fall season and then ending the year with an EP. I’m also performing at Joy Ruckus Club’s virtual festival on the Asian Hip Hop stage which is on September 5th. Aside from that, I’ll continue making music, videos, and hopefully, get involved in bigger projects down the line.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
Ceramic started as a full instrumental I wrote while on a 70’s soul kick. It started as just a slow jam drum beat with those big echoing chords and grew from there! Danny heard it and vibed with it so he wrote & sang the lyrics/vocals that you hear. Here’s his snippet on the lyrics!
“Ceramic explores the aftermath of a broken relationship, being left with painful happy memories that surface when the mind wanders, and wondering whether the person you once loved is haunted by the same thoughts.”
I had originally envisioned the song as more of a sexy love track but love the mood Danny took it too.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I love the idea of collaborating, in the same sense as I love improv comedy. The best thing about music is feeding off each other’s creative ideas/energy and when with the right people it becomes magical!
I love songwriting as it is a release / escape from everything, where your mind can just be with the music. Releasing songs under your own name as a DIY musician can be a bit of a lonely process though as it can become a bit of a silo in terms of doing it all yourself but that’s where working with the right people comes into play (not paying big bucks to hire these people I mean finding other people that are passionate about the tunes). You know when you’ve found your people, be it other musicians, video/graphic artists, management etc. as it’ll become a team effort
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
Performing live is definitely the most enthralling part of it. Seeing an audience react to your songs in a positive way is one of the best feelings on the planet. Also improvising with other musicians in front of an audience is scary at first but quickly becomes the most addicting part of it all.
Writing music has it’s place as well in terms of discovering sounds and the feeling of when a song comes together, but the live bit after is the cherry on top.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Would definitely be the PR aspect of it. There’s a lot of business people in the music industry that don’t see it through an artist lens and prey on up and coming artists with promises of exposure at a high cost and have no responsibility on if anything comes of it. But I guess it’s twofold that when you encounter someone who really connects from the artist perspective then it’s like finding gold.
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
As I write a lot with different musicians and segue between different styles of music I’d say one where there’s multiple characters telling their stories and there’s a common thread between them where they all connect. One that comes to mind that I read awhile ago is Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey.
You’d give up making music for…
to be a photographer for National Geographic! I recently read The Dolphins Tooth by Bruce Kirkby, which is an incredible account of all the trips he has done before/during working for National Geographic. You’ve gotta read the book to get a sense of it but as I love music so much it would only be these adventures of a lifetime that could get me to give it up.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
It’s a “fuck you” to anyone who makes you feel like you’re not good enough or makes you wait around for them when they are just playing a game. The main hook “Boy get in your car and drive” is basically saying, “Boy, get lost and go”. Getting rid of any negative energy that you were feeling!
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I love collaborating when I can. I enjoy working with others, I know I can learn more about my songwriting process and production so when I get the chance to collab with someone I always try and say yes. I personally don’t find songwriting lonely because it’s my way of getting out my emotions and feelings that I sometimes don’t know how else to journal, so songwriting to me is that open journal.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
James Blake – his music is just something else. Old music by strong females like Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Etta James. Indie artists that I randomly find on Spotify which I end up playing on repeat, day to day tasks, hearing others conversations whilst on a bus, my own experiences that I’ve had during my time.. SOOOOO many things inspire me.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
My biggest challenge so far…. hmm, I think that has to be standing out amongst so many amazing artists. It’s hard to feel like you’re doing well as so many other talented people are doing the same thing. I just hope I have a unique voice or unique sound that people just know it’s me.
Favorite film ever?
Favourite film… I have too many.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Ooooh, this is a good question. I honestly don’t know. I love interior design so perhaps something to do with that?
Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?
I believe however you express your art and want your listener to experience. Should be whatever it is YOU feel is YOUR sound. The listener is with you on that journey, up to you to lead em to your destination.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
That’s a tough one because all these songs are like my babies. I would say in this song in particular. It would be its opening lines “Trouble… trouble…I’m fascinated by you. Damn you trouble. Trouble. Might have to risk it for you.”
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
Surprisingly I haven’t performed just yet. But I plan on performing at Summerfest 9.16 with Valerie Lighthart. But writing will always be my first love.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
A challenge would be always trying to come out with something fresh. I try to use so many different elements, to always keep my listeners guessing.
Favorite film ever?
Anything Marvel…maybe Avengers Endgame. I went at least 5 times to the theaters to see it.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Maybe I would be using my college degree. In some aspect probably.
How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
There isnt a set number. However many it takes to catch my ear.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The beat dictates the topic. Its more of a feeling not a calculated decision.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Fav rapper – Wale, Fav Lyricist- Kendrick Lamar, Fav Producer- Sean Da Firzt
What would be your dream performance venue?
Madison Square Garden, The venue has a rich history and all of the greatest performers give their best shows at MSG.
Favorite music related film?
Brown Sugar
One last thing we should know about you?
The music making process is very important to me. I want to be the best artist I can be and share my story with the world. No matter how long it takes I’m determined to make the best music I can and give every listener a look into who I am as a person not only as an artist.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
The concept for Daydreams was derived from my personality. I’m known as a fairly nonchalant person and some have expressed me bing hard to read. So the song talks about this in regards to developing feelings for someone. Of course looking back now, this song unintentionally describes a particular experience I had with someone I avoided expressing feelings for. I happened to be beta testing a subscription service at the time, Reason +, and most of the sounds I used on this song were part of the sound set for it. Once I finished producing the track, I felt the vibe of mysticism and so the title as well as many of the themes in the verses reflects that from astrology to physics, and mythology.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
I have more music that gets a bit more personal on the way, but as of current releases it would likely be in Daydreams. I say “played it off like it ain’t a big deal, but I was just frontin’ like Jay. I’m being Pha-real.” That pretty much sums up the song.
Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?
I’m definitely a child of the 90’s so today’s Hiphop honestly doesn’t hit the same. There’s some modern songs that still catch my attention though.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hiphop is art. It’s a culture. It’s also an effective means of spreading a message.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
A lot of my current music tends to lean towards a chill vibe. So I imagine most listeners are in some kind of relaxed mood or even a romantic one considering the content.
You’d give up making music for…
I honestly can’t see me giving up music. It’s been a pat of my life for my entire life from growing up hearing my mother play piano and my uncle dj and rap, to being in a church choir and playing in bands through high school and college. Whether it would be my primary career or not, I think it will always be a large part of my life.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
There’s light and dark to every relationship. Waves is about the darker side. Sometimes tumultuous relationships can seem like an addiction. You get the highest of the highs, and the lowest of the lows. I was trying to capture that “push, pull” feeling.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I love collaborating! Waves was actually co-written with my friend Carrie Busuttil who lives in London. Co-writing been a great way to keep connected during COVID. I actually helped run an international songwriting group that banded together artists from around the world during lockdown. Now I have this huge network of artists that I never would have met or been able to work with. I think a project only gets stronger when you have more than one head in the game.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
There have been so so many! My biggest influences growing up were Bonnie Raitt, The Police, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. I knew every word and every vocal embellishment. They have definitely shaped my style, but music would not have been possible without the support of my family. They have always been my biggest inspirations and my biggest cheerleaders. I think it’s much easier as an artist to take risks when you have that kind of support behind you.
What would you change in the music industry?
I would make it easier for new artists to break in. It’s so hard to get your music heard as an independent artist unless you have a label or lot of money backing you. If you need an example just turn on the radio- you’ll hear the same 15-20 artists on almost every station.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
On a long drive, a walk, making dinner, or if they’re just feeling a bit sentimental.
HipHop Paranoia 