Category: Interviews

Sean Reid – Do That.. [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work ‘Do That…’ and your creative process in general.

When I made the beat, I knew I had something, cause my neck was snapping… hard.
Lyrically it went through a few iterations before I found a flow that fitted. The process has changed over the years but now it’s work on a record for a few weeks… and most don’t even get heard by anyone.Still trying to define and cultivate a sound, so I’m cherry picking ones that I like.

Mauritius, Nigeria, Glasgow..What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

Love.
The people in every place. The interactions u have with locals is so important as a child. Showed me that we all the sameThe food.
The lifestyles are so different and I enjoyed embracing it. Coming from a mixed background this was actively encouraged in our house.
Hate is a strong word, and I’m all bout the positive vibes.

You have experience from different audiences as a stand up comedian and musician. Are the tactics to warm up the people similar and which of the two is easier?

Neither I would say is easy.
They both pose a challenge in differing ways, I enjoy both equally and find it therapeutic.
Both audiences can be tough, just with stand up you can see them and you get an instant feedback. So that can be great, but when your bombing… u can try change it up or go all jihadi John and take everybody down with u. I like the latter. Own ur shit.
Music is so diff these days, it’s all like a video game. I’m just hoping my songs can connect with some people. Just to get someone to listen is awesome.
If I can get people checking me on both, that would be awesome.
We as artists are brands these days, so you gotta diversify. Show our value. And put the work in.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Okay so we saying beginning to end dope as fuck shit.
I can’t lie Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night sweats 2015 album is sooo good for its genre bending revamp.
Yeezys cause it had Beats, bars and bar a few tracks was incredible.

What would you change in the music industry?

It’s changed so much in such a short time, so I don’t know. I barely understand it as it is. Are plays real plays? can you ever be sure? Spotify is all that matters?
I would just like a way for people to be able to listen to the little people.

One last thing we should know about you?

Something about me.
I did the vocals on the GBX (Big Deal in Scotland) classic. Espanglish
Nobody knows it’s me and though it still gets played, I don’t get paid.
Make sure u do ur due diligence people, don’t be me. Haha

Thank you!

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Def Davyne – Headlines [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Cleverness with finesse.

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

I have over 500 beats that I’ve collected over time and listen to on rotation. Sometimes I write a song immediately after finding a new beat, and sometimes I stumble across an old beat that resonates with my current mind state. My favorite place to write verses would be in the forest. In Oregon I go on hikes frequently, and find that the solitude of nature puts me in the zone. Where I grew up in California, I used to write to escape. Nowadays, I escape to write.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

In this particular song I chose less complex bars because it was more about the vibe. My favorite line though is “frigid like O’Shea Jackson, this a cold game.” I was giving a shout out to Ice Cube, but also commenting on the fact that I’ve seen some coldhearted things over the past couple decades.

You balance between old school and new school. Tell us which is the biggest influence from these 2 eras.

If I had to choose one influence from each era, it would definitely be Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and J. Cole. Bone is one of the smoothest sounding rap groups of all time, and J. Cole has mastered the art of dropping knowledge while still making me dance.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

For me, Hip Hop has always been a voice for many who would never be heard otherwise. It’s an opportunity to share yourself, but more importantly, make connections with others through the medium of music.

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

I enjoy being a father and getting out into nature with my kids. When stuck inside, I produce beats, edit videos, and a variety of other music related hobbies.

One last thing we should know about you?

I am a firm believer in quality over quantity in all areas of my life.

Thank you!

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Ray Wills – Time [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

its contantly developing but i would call it Sundance Wave Motion LOOOOL

Tell us a few things about your creative process and your recent EP.

I usual create a beat and go from there then start writing, but in the case of the EP ive had some amazingly talented people to work with
(mp beats, jessrain, sipfast, and joe gladman)

Which track from your EP represents you the most?

i would say time but they all come a close second

What is the difference between Trap and Drill? What would you say to the average listener that is still confused?

the high hat pattern and the 808 rythem, thats what usualy defines the two sounds although they are married in other ways

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

hip hop for me is expressing ones desires or will without judgement

What would you change in the music industry?

im not too sure, i cant truly say until im there (God willing) ive still got a lot of work until i can know what i would change

One last thing we should know about you?

stay tuned for more music, its gonna keep changing and improving

Thank you!

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The Surrge – Rockstar (Prod. By The Surrge & BoomBoxBilly) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Versatile, Hyped, Surgy

You are a one man show. From songwriting to mastering everything is under your control. Tell us a few things about your creative process?

I don’t have certain formula how to start new material but obviously beat production is the beginning. I’ve learned it a while ago by recreating major hits, so recently I draw some inspiration from youtube beatmakers and remake it in my own way. Then rough mix it and freestyle over just to get the vibe going. Sometimes I write too because I might feel stuck due to language barrier. Then pull up a reference track, mix it and master it.

Is songwriting a lonely process?

Depends. Brainstorming with other creatives could be beneficial a lot. You know trading ideas with one another and kinda keep the momentum going which is super important. But at times being isolated from everyone could unveil your most intimate topics and vulnerability. People love authenticity.

Russia vs USA. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

I love Russia for people’s mentality. They’ll get you offended for being honest. That’s something i rarely see in America. Like I don’t need you to be nice with me, just speak your heart.
I hate my country for being the biggest one in the world and yet not able to be economically stable.
I love America for opportunities. i think it’s pretty self-explanatory.
I hate America for it’s food which I’d rather call junk. If you’re not aware and still don’t educate yourself on what’s being manufactured and sold, you’ll get trapped in the system and croak because that’s what the system is designed for

Favourite album of the past decade?

I’d say “Stoney” by Post Malone. Legendary. Production nuts. And he went off too hard. I think I love every tune on that shit.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Overthinking. I might fixate on something for quite some time. But recently I’ve learned how tame it by meditating. Still in the process tho.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’ve gotten super spiritual over time. Thats’s the only way to get away from this greedy world powered by material values. And I’d love to pass it onto my supporters and surround myself with like-minded people. Not that I’m trying to preach, it’s just that my knowledge might have a huge impact on someone’s life if they open to it.

Thank you!

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Felix the Great – My Time [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Evolving, versatile, futuristic

Tell us a few things about “My Time” and your creative process in general.

My Time is a song about the realisation of how far you’ve come in life as an artist and a human being. My creative process in general has been to make music impulsively that I resonate with, if I don’t feel it, I’m not with it.

You produce music in your home studio. Which is your favorite instrument/synth (analog or digital) you cannot live without?

If we count the voice as an instrument (we should) then that is my favourite instrument to use in production, from making vocal chops to harmonies, adlibs, rapping and singing, the voice is my go to!

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

My most proud career moment would be on May, 29th, 2020 when my debut album “Worldwide Flex” went number 1 on iTunes R&B album charts in New Zealand and number 8 in Australia.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the gatekeeper culture in the music industry, we don’t need it, the industry doesn’t evolve as a result breeding nepotism and less variety.

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

When not writing music I spend time with my girlfriend, check out new vegan restaurants and managing my indie label.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Advice I’d give to my younger self, would be to take more risks, work hard and don’t worry about what other people are doing, focus on yourself and develop your sound.

Thank you!

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Saynave – Left You on Read [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Relatable, Aspirational, Attainable

Tell us a few things about your new work “Left you on read”. How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one?

“Left You on Read” is an ode to people who don’t like being bothered. As I get older, I have less patience and willingness to argue with people. This song pokes fun at this. Plus I am somewhat of a closeted introvert. In regards to the beat selection, Joffen Hopland (Hopland Music) reached out and sent me 3 beats. This one stuck out. I was attracted to the minimalist nature of the instrumental.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

Of this song? The opening line “Look in the mirror, Nothing is clearer, Use that death note, call me a Kira”

I like anime and this is one of my favorites. In the show, the main character Light (aka Kira) did a lot of “killing” through the death notebook. I am just saying I am killing or deading the drama. Also, saying “a Kira” reminds me of “Akira” the classic anime.

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

Either more of the same or something game changing is coming. The democratization of music leads to more accessibility but also causes over-saturation. And I don’t see it stopping. You would think more accessibility would equate to more diversity but hiphop sounds more homogenous than ever. It’s kinda like news and the internet. You would think more information is a good thing but now our news environment is more toxic than ever. However, when things stay stagnant for to long we see disruptors. Think Netflix to Blockbuster. I wouldn’t be surprised if hiphop loses popularity very soon.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I drive stick shift. And I won’t apologize for it lol

What would you change in the music industry?

We need something like youtube that is as popular as youtube where the goal is to listen to unsigned artists only. Millions of people log on to youtube every day to see individual creators who aren’t in Hollywood. Most people don’t care if the channels aren’t extremely polished. Music needs something like this. Artists are forced to compete in the same playing field as signed artists and podcasters. Indie artists need a dedicated platform with a dedicated following

One last thing we should know about you?

I have a second Youtube Channel for fashion. Search Style Gawd. and subscribe!

Thank you!

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Jemuel – Rise [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words!

Inspirational, Powerful and Lyrical

Tell us a few things about your new song Rise and your creative process in general?

Rise is my first song in over 10 years I stepped away from music. Rise was my attempt at bringing a message to the people for my first release. The visuals included pro wrestlers, body builders and even some semi pro basketball players. A lot of people use the song as motivation in the gym ect.

Rise is all about motivation. What is your favorite motivational quote?

It was a lyric in the song I created. “A goal without a mission is a wishing well at best.” A lot of my supporters liked that line. The meaning is a goal without a measurable realistic plan is just a dream.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip Hop symbolizes strength and influence. A melting pot of many cultures in one, creating a diverse array of powerful music.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would allow more of the independent artist to have a bigger platform to showcase their talent. Everyone has the same hours in a day and opportunities, but I would create a platform which allows more undiscovered talent to get heard.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city

Future plans?

I plan on staying independent growing an audience of loyal fans. And spreading a message to as many as people as possible thru my music. In the past I opened up from many major artist from Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, Damian Marley, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef just to name a few. Now I want to focus on running my own events once covid slows down and do digital showcases for my international fans.

Thank you!

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Alexander Grandjean – “No Words” feat. Maenad [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Warm, organic, soulful.

A Spanish guitar, lush vocals, some very cool brass and a fully emotional melody. Tell us a few things about your new song No Words   

I was visiting family in Oregon and at Portland airport, this Spanish guitar caught my ear, so I went to the guy and asked what song he was playing. He said he was just improvising, and I asked him to play it again so I could record it. His name is Jason Okamoto and the recording you hear in the intro of the song is the recording from the airport.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

This song is meant inspire people to speak less and feel more. We don’t always need a lot of words to connect with each other. But I write about many different things, and other songs from my album are about deeper love, losing someone you love or facing your own demons.

How do you relate to the music scene of Denmark? What do you love and what do you hate about this place.

There’s a lot of great artists, producers and writers in Denmark and Scandinavia generally! I love the Nordic model for society with high taxes and then everything is already paid for like schools, hospitals, roads etc. But I’m very tired of long, grey winters. Sometimes I miss more soulful and alternative indie artists to work with in this part of the world – there’s a lot of great pop but I think we need more edgy artists (we have some!).

If No Words was the soundtrack of a film, what would the film be?

A Tarantino movie taking place in Mexico.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Learn to play more instruments, co-lab more openly, and build a strong musical family where people support each other instead of competing. And worry less.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m releasing my debut album in May and the whole album is made as a 40 minute film that I want you to see. See you on Instagram.

Thank you!

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Emanuel Brown – IDK [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Unique, Vulnerable, Raw.

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

“IDK” was inspired for a idea of being a opening track for a project in the future. I really wanted to share with people that its ok to be indecisive and not know how you feel about your situation.

What is the way to stop being indecisive?

For me I think what I learned is to live with making a decision and sticking to it. Once you stick to your guns it makes a lot of things easier.

Should we expect a full album?

Of course! I actually just finished up the project. It’s called Mosaic and will definitely expand on the track “IDK”. Mosaic will be dropping this summer.

Favorite hip hop album of the past decade?

4eva is a Mighty Long Time by Big K.R.I.T.

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

Usually I play video games, spend time with my family, watch sports or workout.

Best music related film?

That’s tough! I have to choose two. Straight Outta Compton or 8 Mile.

Thank you!

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Liizen – I DARE YOU [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Emotional, lyrical and expressive.

Tell us a few things about your new work I Dare You

I DARE YOU as I was writing it was meant to be a symbol of surviving yourself. Rather it’s addiction, mental health or even your surroundings, you’re bigger and badder than it. I struggle with drinking sometimes and drugs, I admit, but I know I’m better than that. Everyday is a new day to start anew. Sometimes our addictions force us to hurt people we don’t always mean to. At some point we have to get our heads out of the sand and wake up.

For which lyric you are most proud of? And Which song of this work is your favorite?

Probably ‘Who RU’ I said:
“Claim you raised by wolves/ I Fck with Baboons/ Stay on my grind feed my family with proof/ Cough at my table then Btch you excused/“
As for my favorite song on the album? That’s a hard decision, but the one I find myself listening to the most is probably ‘Didn’t Mean It’.

You released a full album. Do people still listen to full albums? What was the best album you listened to in the past year?

I’ll probably have to say no. Streaming things made it easy to skip around to find songs that express how you feel in the moment. I’ve never released a full album before, so I wanted to do it in two months time and surely enough I did it. The best album I heard thus far this year would have to be Nicki Minaj’s 2014 album: ’The Pinkprint’. I knew most of the songs individually and had no clue they were part of an album, I was hype in the car bumping it. The Crying Game and Bed of Lies always leaves me in my bag. I swear.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hope. Many people roam this world without a voice and music is a universal language, Hip-hop is like a super power to me. Eminem being my #1artist, when I was little I didn’t always understand a lot of what he was saying although his aura, his verses, his presence alone spoke volumes to this 7 year old kid in the city of Philadelphia. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and still do. I wanna be the hero for other’s that he was for me. I want to give people HOPE.

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

I’ve watched so many different movies since the start of COVID, I’m going to have to say ‘The Wrong Missy’. I know it forwards, backwards and inside out. The movie doesn’t get enough credit. I won’t say anymore about it, because I’ll spoil it. You just gotta watch it yourself.

One last thing we should know about you?

Just one thing? I’m like pandora’s box, there’s so much tucked under my vest. But just one thing I can reveal, let’s see. [Thinking] I’m going to say my first concert I ever saw was Bullet For My Valentine in Scranton 2010. I’d always wanted to be to a rock concert, I was so overwhelmed by the atmosphere I had to walk out. The mosh pits, people spitting, smashing their heads on stuff and screaming told me this isn’ where I belonged. The crowd necessarily, I wanted to be on that stage, up here with the lights and watching people lose their minds over me. Chicks flashing me from the crowd, dudes fighting one another over which of my songs is the best. Haha. I aim to be the best me that people fall in love with.

Thank you!

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