Category: Interviews

Lewca – Geezer Pop (EP) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Punky Genre Bender

Tell us a few things about your new EP Geezer Pop

It’s a summer EP, I wanted to venture away from the punk vibe of the previous EP “Walking the Hedgehog” and try a alt pop sound with a bit of trap & 90’s dance music thrown in for good measure… it was a lot of fun 🙂

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

That’s a tough question, « My story » is the most personal, hopefully all the songs represent different facets of my persona, that was the idea anyway.

Which track is your favorite, absolute sumeer banger you wish you had composed yourself?

« She’s a rainbow » by the rolling stones, it’s my ultimate summer tune !

What would be your dream performance venue?

Gotta say Reading festival, there are tons of great venues but I do like playing outdoors and that festival has a mythical vibe to it.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I don’t tend to ever do anything useful really, Art is essential obviously but not very useful to be honest… um… I’m pretty good at ping pong?

Future plans?

World domination obviously. There’s a remix EP out soon & I’m currently working on two separate albums, one with my mate DJ sonofapitch who oversaw the production on the first 3 EP’s, the other with Ben Samama & a bunch of feats including The John Michie Collective, Oh Paolo, Shark Star, Chris James Willows, Orange G, Victory Flow, Ynes, Mick Swagger & Mondo Trasho… busy times. Both will be out in 2022 if everything goes according to plan.

Thank you!

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Nico Prince – D;E;M [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, Colorful, Eccentric

Tell us a few things about your new work.

Deus Ex Machiavelli (D;E;M) is an introspective reflection of my soul as discovered during my nomadic lifestyle traveling across the United States. Once I felt the inspiration pouring through me, I locked myself in an office and recorded 85% of the EP in the course of about 5 days. I drew a lot of inspiration for a myriad of different artists, like Anderson Paak, Drake, Steve Lacy, Childish Gambino, Daniel Caesar, and Cuco. My mission was to spread my brand of love through this project.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

I love Hailstorm. It’s a bop. A cruising vibe for sure. I love them all though. There’s pieces of each track that I can point to and say “That’s one of my favorite parts of any song I’ve ever made.”

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

I love performing music live, purely because of the power of energy. There’s nothing like it. As much as I enjoy writing, the raw energy that comes from my heart is best shown through live performance. And there’s nothing like getting the crowd going. I love making people dance and smile.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Spotify is definitely a gatekeeper. To be honest, I don’t think the playlist gatekeepers on Spotify necessarily like me (yet). The people, the fans, they really do, but Spotify corporate not so much. I’m hoping one day the Spotify reps can put our differences aside and embrace me like I’ve embraced them.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Some of the best advice I’ve ever been given is to be true to your soul and speak your truth, because your truth is the most unique slice of life you can offer.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance every night. I hit the club last night, Kuli Alma in Tel Aviv (one of the craziest clubs I’ve ever been to) and I couldn’t stop moving. They threw on the Work Remix by ASAP Ferg, and I found myself at the center of the dance floor, working it.

Thank you!

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Kilo Kami ft. Kashcpt & Tembipowers – Dreams (Remix) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

I don’t think this describes my sound alone per se, but my goal as Kilo Kami is to be free, limitless and experimental.

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

I produce my own beats and tracks. I would normally reach out to a specific vocalist that I had in mind to feature on my song and to write with. Similar to artists such as Metro Boomin and Marshmello. They can collaborate with anyone across any genre and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do as a producer and songwriter.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

There is a section that Kashcpt wrote that I really like in the hook of “Dreams.” The lyrics are: “Got me in a dream and tripping so far away, I been in a dream and it’s heading in a sorrow way.” This track is about escapism from reality and being stuck in an intoxicated dream state and I really love that part.

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

In terms of beat makers, I’ve been listening to a lot of artists such as Glaive, Midwxst and Eric Doa and there is a producer, Delta, that worked on many of their songs that I really like. I’m also a massive fan of the “Internet Money” producer crew.

In terms of rappers, that’s such a hard one to answer. I am inspired by so many rappers and singers across so many “genres”. I will always be a fan of the late JuiceWrld, and Drake of course. I watched an interview on Youtube the other day and someone said that Drake is like McDonalds. He serves everyone lol. That is true.

What would be your dream performance venue?

On a holiday to the states a couple of years ago, I went to watch a show at the The Novo in Los Angeles, next to the Staple Center. Speaking about the Staple Center, obviously that’s a big one to play at but I had such a great time at The Novo and that whole holiday had so many great memories, so I definitely want to do my own set at that venue some time.

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

I have received so many kind messages from people who have listened to my music in different state of minds. I really do love it when someone tells me that, when they feel down, they put on my music or it’s the first song they put on in their car, on their way to family and friends, my music makes their day. I just love those personal connections with music. That is all I ever wanted for my songs.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Yes, definitely. I am working on an EP at the moment but the plan for the album is already laid out. I am very excited.

Thank you!

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J Nui – Old Faces [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

pushing sonic boundaries

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

This song was inspired by the first reason any artist does what they do.. to express themselves through creation. The song is about the divide between doing it for the art and doing it for the fame and money

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I’ve been in the zone since, I quit keepin’ up with the Joneses’

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Outkast, The Hives, Alan Parsons Project and my family

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-Hop is reinvention. Always in a state of flux. It is how it was conceived and it always will be.

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

Introspectively, in a window seat on the local bus or train.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can do great impressions of my ex-girlfriend.

Thank you!

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H3rizon – SERIOUS [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Our sound is versatile, harmonious, and ever-changing

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

This is the second song we’ve ever written together! This was around 3 years ago when we were just starting out as H3rizon. We’ve come a long way from writing this song in Bernie’s cozy bedroom with a supply of endless snacks, to being glammed up and wearing boujee outfits for our music video.

Starting out, we wanted to add our own personal touch to the beat of SERIOUS. So we got our producer to take Gabby’s voice memo of a composition for her school assignment, process and manipulate it, and turn it into this vibrant, Y2k-esque beat. Then during the writing process, we wanted to create a cheeky, saucy take on dating life from the perspective of someone just wanting to have fun through it all. It was so fun bouncing off each other to create that chorus. And we had our own verses to write which ended up being the parts we sang solo, so each verse is unique to us! With this music video, we wanted to broaden the meaning of SERIOUS, and just remind everyone of the times we didn’t take life too seriously. Getting our music out there helps us remain positive during these times and we hope it provides a little piece of happiness to our fans too.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The lyric we’re proud of in SERIOUS is “Why, why, why, why you gotta be that guy?”. We know it’s simple, but simplicity is key! It worked so well as a short and sweet pre-chorus that sums up the message of the song, and it happens during a part of the song that’s lush with harmonies.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

There’s so much talent and diversity within the Australian music scene who deserve the world stage! We want to include a whole bunch of amazing artists. We’ve got A.Girl, Cat & Calmell, Thando, Lara Andallo, Jessica Jade, and Rachel Maria Cox, just to name a few.

What would you change in the music industry?

(Trigger warning: Mentions of sexual assault, and abuse) There’s the inequality between artists of all genders within the music industry. There are women who are subjected to bullying, sexual assault, harrassment, and rape. There’s a lack of diversity and representation of artists and within the boardrooms. These are only some of the many issues to tackle within this industry!

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

Bernie reads her romcoms on Webtoon, Tay jumps on her FPS games on the PS5, and Gabby explores the art of cooking pasta!

When was the last time you danced?

Bernie: What do you mean? I’m dancing right now 🙂
Gabby: When Serious first came out, I danced my BUTT off in my bedroom. It was pretty bad but at least no one was watching me lol
Tay: The last time I danced was a few days ago when I received cookies from interstate after waiting so long from the covid delay and as soon as I took a bite my brain, heart and soul exploded with joy – I broke out into disco moves

Thank you!

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ShottyTheBeam – THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES…sometimes [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

androgynous, independent and pretty

Tell us a few things about your new album.

This new album is a deep dive into my head. Sonically and lyrically you can see that. It’s personal at times, then it’s poppy and catchy at others and I think that speaks volumes on who I am as a person. I also see as art as a time capsule, it has the power to capture a time in someone’s life and that is so cool to me, for example this project captures my summer of 2021.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I think my song “INCONSISTENT” represents me the most. Making decisions are hard and I am the worst at making them as well. It always seems like my opinions and desirables are changing and that can be a frustrating thing, so that’s why I think I resonate with it the most.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I am heavily inspired by people like Kanye West, Tyler the Creator and Mac Miller when it comes to the way they go about making music. For the actual music I like to be inspired by old music, like 70s Pakistani music, 90’s R&B, and people like Billy Paul and Al Green.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the Grammy’s. Just make them legit, they need to be rewarding the people that deserve it the most.

Favorite music related film?

My favorite music related film is La La Land, the colors and music in that movie are so pretty and pleasing to my ears and eyes I love it. Also the story of sacrifice and achieving what you want, are my favorite type of stories so it is a no brainer for me.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Most likely something with Film/ Cinema, I love stories and filmmaking just as much as I love music and I’m good at it too. I make all my own music videos with my friend Yolanda Darkins and they are hella tight.

Believe in Gravity baby!

Thank you!

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JV/ZUU – ‘LEMONADE’ [Interview]

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Loved the groove in Lemonade. What comes first in your music? The beat or the lyrics?

(ZUU) Thanks! On this one, the beat came first. In actual fact, the original demo was very different… It was just me singing on it. The strange vocal sample in the intro is me singing ‘You came here on your own, you lied’ but I ended up just chopping the ‘own’ & ‘lie’ words out. Have a listen and see if you can hear what I’m talking about! Its funny how ideas can transform during the writing process.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

(JV) My lyrics are about all my experiences, my fantasies, my ups downs smiles and frowns. As of late it’s been about motivation and focus. Scratch that, I’m on some mind bending shit as far as the craft. Man I just be living.

You entered the world of non-fungible tokens. Tell us a few things about it.

(ZUU) Yeah! We’ve been working on this concept for a long time. We really wanted to do something truly unique with our debut E.P. We have 4-tracks on the debut and each one is being released as a single. Each single has its own artwork which we digitized and animated to create an NFT. The NFT also has audio not heard on the single itself. We are selling each NFT for $100 and you get access to the stems so the purchaser can remix our music if they want. The best (and most innovative part) is that whoever buys the NFT gets 10% royalties for the track it relates to. They will be supporting us but also making money in return. Its a win-win!

A korg sampler and an acoustic drum kit. Does this mean that in the question software vs hardware you would pick the latter?

(ZUU) Nah, I’m not a purist. They are all just tools in my opinion. I absolutely love hardware and use it a lot in my writing but it has its downsides. I personally wouldn’t release a track only using software either though. I feel like its not personal enough if you do that. Nothing ‘unexpected’ can happen. I like having a mic on and just hitting stuff in my studio and plugging random noise boxes in and seeing what happens. That helps me feel in the creative zone. Staring at a computer screen the whole time just feels boring to me.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

(JV) Hiphop or music in general is about innovation. Taking what you would not expect and making it a means of communication, harnessing the unexpected and giving it its just due. Hiphop is the mother of that shit cause we take what we want and do what we want. We give light to the often forgotten artists. It’s about being different, at least the music leg of hiphop (if we getting real about it) cause it’s truly a way of being. The music is a by-product.

Favorite album of the past decade?

(JV) Earl sweatshirt – ‘Some rap songs’
(ZUU) Isaiah Rashad – ‘The Sun’s Tirade’

Future plans?

(JV) Africa and acid.

Thank you!

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Vana Liya, Pepper – Round n Round (with Pepper) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

dreamy, light, sweet

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

“Round n’ Round” is about going through the motions (going round n round if you will lol). It’s about being okay even though things aren’t okay. And realized that’s it’s okay to be not okay. Tomorrow is only a day away.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I wish the old me could see me now” is from a song called “Surface” – it’s one of the lines that makes me tear up most times I hear it because of how true it is. I was in a really dark mental space and I am happier now than I ever thought I could be back then.

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

I love being able to channel my feelings and write. However, connecting with people and seeing the way one song could make a difference is eye opening – that feeling is what drives me. Dave Grohl said “you can sing a song to 85,000 people and they’ll sing it back for 85,000 different reasons”. I’ve always loved that because I think it shows how a song can be personalized and how the same words can be applied to different people and get them through different situations.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Being a native New Yorker, Jones Beach (or if we’re dreaming big MSG) would be my way of showing myself I made it.

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

I would hope in a state of happiness, or maybe when they are feeling vulnerable.

One last thing we should know about you?

Music gets me through the motions and I think it does that for a lot of people. I try to give 100% of me in the music in the hopes of creating a genuine product and being able to connect with people 🙂

Thank you!

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MileHi – to love & lie. [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Black boy bops.

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

*I wanted a song that really spoke to what it’s like being a man. I lost the man who raised me last year and it’s important for me to share the man he raised. Through the good and the bad.
‘to love & lie.’ is like a story of toxic behaviour in a relationship…

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I been missing you & I’m hoping that could change, a little,
If you stay, a little,
By my place, a little.”

Most of the men I grew up looking up to never really showed me what it’s like to be vulnerable. So it’s like the typical thing I’ve done over again… be kinda vulnerable but then say some dumb shit like ‘kinda’ or ‘a little’ so I’m not all the way exposed… just in case.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Maxwell was the first male voice I can remember hearing. I grew up on TLC, Toni Braxton, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child.
I would say Miguel has had the biggest impact on me as an artist. Miguel, Usher, Prince.

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

I guess it’s the constant feeling that you need to live up to a specific idea of what a black male singer should be like in this R&B landscape. It may not be the biggest challenge because my real self is my best self, but it’s a constant.

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

Living life. Seeing new shit. Getting inspired. Watching music videos. Anything creative, I like being around it.
I’m not sure if life imitates art or if art imitates life, but I like to experience life in a way that it fuels my writing or music.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

No albums for me. Projects, yes. Albums, no.

Thank you!

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Mark Vennis & Different Place – Cut Me Loose [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Roots, Rock, Reggae

You blend different genres in your music. Tell us a few things about your song Cut Me Loose and your creative process in general

I’m a massive fan of jazz, punk rock, hip hop, blues and of course reggae. The new album has a big reggae vibe, and in Cut me Loose I really embraced Brit reggae – particularly UB40 and that melding of punk and reggae that bands like the Clash and the Ruts did. There is a melodic simplicity to reggae music that I love, and that combination of bass and drums and melody is one of the best things in the world. In a kind of wonky way I was channelling the spirit of Gregory Isaacs and lovers rock, although my voice is much more of a bark than a lilt!

I write only on an acoustic guitar, so if it doesn’t work in that bare format then probably the song doesn’t work at all and its back to the starting blocks. The songs tend to be lyric led in that the melody comes from the lyrics and that seems to be the most important thing. I muck around on the guitar and sometimes I have lyrics ready to go, sometimes they come as I play, sometimes they are in old notebooks, sometimes I just have a title (which are very important). I basically play around with dozens of songs at a time. Sometimes it’s like a jigsaw puzzle where you just need that last piece that can take months to find!

Tell us one reggae song you wish you had composed yourselves

That is really difficult – but I would say So Much Trouble in the World by Bob Marley or Forces of Victory by Linton Kwesi Johnson. Sorry that’s two!

Do you prefer writing music in the studio or performing live?

Both are great. But live probably has the edge energy wise. And what would be your dream performance venue? Brixton Academy – I use to live very close to it and saw loads of brilliant bands there.

What would you change in the music industry?

I think it is really difficult for talented kids who don’t have money to carve their way in the industry at the moment. There does seem to be a lot of of posh kids with nothing to say around currently. Part of the problem is the streaming model where payment terms are not fair and given the lack of live gigs (because of Covid) it is very hard for young acts to make ends meet.

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

A film called Rocks about a young teenage girl who has to look after her little brother. Sounds grim but is really uplifting.

One last thing we should know about you?

I am anti-racist, anti-fascist & pro-creative and music is a powerful tool to bring us together.

Thank you!

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