Category: Interviews

akilbeatsdenver – Intrinsic [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

healing, energizing, smooth

Each song of intrinsic is titled after a vitamin. What is the story behind it? Tell us a few things about this album.

#musicismedicine is the mantra for the project. music has an interesting and powerful way of helping the brain retain information. i can recite rhymes or sing songs that i was introduced to decades ago. because of this unique aspect of music, and my desire to help healing, i was drawn to the idea of the project being nutritional for the mind body and soul. i imagined conversations around songs by using their title, either sparking curiosity, “where do i get/what’s the importance of thiamin” or subconsciously increasing a desire to be aware of what we ingest, without it being too directive.

Is music a form of healing?

absolutely, in a way that’s very unique, it changes brainwaves, and even cymatics shows that there are physical properties to sound that can create order and harmony.

We really loved the beats in this album, really chill and smooth. We are wondering, which is the best broken beat you wish you had composed yourself?

firstly thank you so much for taking the time to listen, i really do appreciate it. there are so so many, what immediately came to mind was havoc of mobb deeps’ “trife life”. it never gets old and the way the filtered loop of the song “you are my starship” by norman connors creates that muddled bassline is just hypnotic.

What does hip hop symbolise in your opinion?

it’s an expression of the voice of the unheard or unseen, and has morphed over time into the predominant global forefront of culture and individuality.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

bet on yourself, no one is coming to save you, no one has your best interest in mind more than you do.

One last thing we should know about you?

i’m really proud of this project, i am going to continue to create of course! i’m also focusing on placements for movies, tv shows, commercials, content. the vibe of intrinsic is one that i think works well for visual media as background or definitive. i’m excited to see where this journey takes me, i already feel accomplished by being vulnerable and giving a chance for the world to hear my compositions. if someone can listen to intrinsic and it improves mood, or get an extra hour of study in, a couple more miles on the bike trail or finally finishing the dishes and laundry, accompanying drinks by the fire or daydream music on a long drive to the mountains, i will have completed my mission!

Thank you!

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L3o – 1969 [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

The futures in

Tell us a few things about 1969. What is the main idea behind it?

A really interesting piece. The prism changes from what you can usually hear, and it’s always good to find a new source to draw from when looking to feed on aesthetics as ambitious as the one presented here. The piece lives very well and carries the colors of an ambitious music.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

At the end of my song Blue Skies: P.T.L.L.

I hope I’m lucky
most kings die young still at rookie
So I’m chasing demons
Hope the lead me to a place in Eden
Where angels and devils dine together every season
No reason pastor tweaking screaming
Cause I’m speaking treason
Take me to the deacon or the flames
Witches burnt at the stake suck little games but whose to blame
Why can’t good and evil be Leo
God The father son and spirit me as a trio
And I hope you don’t take that line outta context cause it’s way to complex for you to understand
Jesus was the first rockstar and I’m a fan
Let my light guide you there Alex in wonderland

In your album you blend different styles from pop to soul. What do you listen to in your personal time?

Jimi Hendrix The weekend Kendrick Lamar
Russ Chomp 2

What would you change in the music industry?

For Artist to get paid more from there steams on platforms

If the music of 1969 was in the end credits of a fim, which film would that be?

The Batman

Future plans?

To have my music in a lot of movies tv shows and video games and write a book.

Thank you!

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Dani Twice – Sad Boy [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Alternative Latin Hip Hop

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

It’s a very old song where I started flipping a tango sample and it went through many mutations, the track is essentially the “Hell” section of the album.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Momma was mugged on the streets for her coat”. In Bogota, my hometown, shit was wild, and I saw my mom go through that and I was a naive kid not even processing what was happening

What is your opinion of hip hop nowadays? Do you think the audience is tired of listening to the same generic trap beat again and again?

To some yeah but to others it works. That’s why it sells so well, people putting their own unique spins on things will always receive attention and I believe real talent is recognized

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

To me Hip Hop means authenticity and overcoming your pain and making something great from it

It is ok to feel sad. But what is the one thing that makes you sad?

The thought of losing my loved ones

One last thing we should know about you.

i don’t care about wearing matching socks

Thank you!

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Jordan Jones – Flawless [Interview]

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Flawless sounds honest, charming and very chill indeed. Tell us a few things about it, what is the story behind it?

Flawless is about my ideal Sunday. I love chillin in bed with my person and listening to my new favourite track of the week on repeat. I really wanted to capture a Sunday Vibes Only kinda feeling on this track. We all get caught up in the day-to-day bullshit and forget about just being in the moment.

Where do you draw inspiration from in general?

I pull inspiration from my life experience. I feel drawing inspiration from what is happening in my reality makes for more genuine and relatable art.

Is honesty always the best policy?

The simple answer is yes but I feel there is a lot of depth to that question. Something I try to live by is the ideal of being ruthlessly compassionate. Not everyone is in a place in their journey to accept that philosophy in the moment so it’s always smart to be able to read the room ya know.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Love this question. Music has always been a religion for me here is a list of artists that have really touched my soul.. Micheal Jackson, Ray Charles, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Robert Johnson, Sublime, NOFX, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Son House, Operation Ivy, The Doors, H.E.R., Halsey, Jay-Z, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Eminem, Jacob Banks, Summer Walker, Al Green, Anderson.Paak, Billie Holiday, blackbear, Billy Joel, Bruno Mars, Cautious Clay, Chris Botti, Dr. Dre, Frank Ocean, GIVEON, Halsey, Kid Kudi, Leon Bridges, Post Malone, 6lack… man I could go on and on honestly. Outside of music Jay Shetty is someone that has inspired me to to chase the unknown. Dig that shit.

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

I’d say my biggest challenge as an artist is just being able to create art as a main source of income. I’m looking forward to the day when I’m able to give 100% of my time to my art.

Favourite music related film?

Damn! Haha so many solid music related films. I’d have to say the movie Ray. Jamie Foxx crushed that role! I’ve watched that movie well over 30 times.

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing. It will always be a part of my reality. I wouldn’t be able to be the best version of myself if I wasn’t able to make music.

Thank you!

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Dorian – Do Ya [Interview]

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

This project is special to me because it signifies a special and turning point in my life. These songs are about me releasing some of the things I feel are still personally holding me back: whether it be hurt, fear, self-doubt; I wanted to tackle that with this project.

Your EP title, 33, signifies your age. What advice would you give to your younger self?

To love and believe in yourself. And to never lose sight of your dreams!

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

I love the idea of collaborating simply because it enhances the overall movement. More ears, more gifts, more creativity; more magic! I’m excited for some collabs I have in the works!

Favorite album of the past year?

I’m torn between Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” & Chris Brown’s “Breezy” —I’m wearing both of those albums out!

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

I think the entire process of being an independent artist has been a challenge. I’m learning so much while constantly taking leaps of faith. It’s a scary yet rewarding process!

Your music has positive vibes. What is your biggest regret though?

Thank you! I try to make sure my music is uplifting; because I write with the intent to heal. I like to believe that things happen for a reason; but I do wish I stopped letting fear hold me back much sooner in life.

Future plans?

My new music video “Proud” from my album “The Arrival” is out now! “33” drops later this month; and I want my supporters to pick the next single from that EP. More content on my YouTube page coming so soon. And I just plan to be more visible overall over these next few months. And more performances!

Thank you!

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V-Train – Lo-Fi Sensation [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work titled Lo-fi sensation.

Lo-fi Sensation is my third album. It contains 10 tracks, each one stand out on their own with unique sounds, beats and melodies. I wanted to have a mix of Hip-Hop and Jazz since there are no rappers on my songs which allows me to be more creative. The album also features the debut of my new Akai MPC One, the latest addition of my studio. You can hear it’s effects though the chopping of vocals and sampled melodies.

Which is the most gentle lo-fi melody you wish you had composed yourself?

I wish I composed The Righteous Way to Go by 9 th Wonder. I always love digging through samples and figuring out how to incorporate them in my music. The way that 9 th Wonder was able to fit a sample so smoothly into a Hip-Hop beat is just incredible.

What is the story behind your name?

V-Train was a nickname when I was in middle school. I used to be a part of the youth in the boys and girls club where I would go to after school and during the summer for camp. One time, a counselor just randomly called me V-Train and everyone has been calling me that since. I decided to use the name as my artist name before I released my 1st album. I thought it was fitting for me ironically because I did love trains a lot when I was a kid.

Have you considered introducing lyrics to your music?

I did have lyrics in the fall on my second album “A Wandering Soul”. The artist was a professional singer, so she put her lyrical talent on that song by my request. Since then, I haven’t considered adding more lyrics in any future songs I have. Lo-Fi Hip-Hop rarely does have lyrics or voices in that matter which is what attracted me to the genre. It’s about the instruments and less about the lyrics.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I can see Spotify being the musical gatekeeper today, but I don’t know how long that will last. The music industry is always changing so who knows if it will still be the gatekeeper of music
today.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

I highly recommend reading Dilla Time by Dan Charnas. It’s about the life of late Hip-Hop producer J Dilla and being considered one of the influencers of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop, I can’t think of any other book than this to read alongside my music.

Future plans?

I am planning on creating more albums and singles. I don’t plan on stopping. I also made a website that has my beats store for any rap artist or producer that wants to use my beats. I’m also working on sample packs and offering services like custom beats and mixing another artist song.

Thank you!

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hangtime – Walls [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work Walls.

It’s a story of a family at war, there’s much strife, and the odd ability to open that portal for processing, maybe the portal has never been closed…
“Blood on the border, it’s blood from my brother”

How much saturation is too much? Joking aside, what is your creative process like?

Give into the flow, where it takes us.
We want to play on the biggest speakers imaginable to send it.
Bath in the wash; extrapolate the moarz, add-rinse-repeat.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I never feel safe”

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

Have you heard of The Prodigy and Aphex Twin? 
Joking aside, Keef Chambers portrayed by Tony Cavalero is a real gem(stone).

Which song gives you such a rush of energy, you wish you had composed yourself?

Soul Man – Sam and Dave
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt – Naruyoshi Kikuchi

Favourite music related film?

Honestly, it is a toss up between Muppets Christmas Carol and Fast and Furious 3: Tokyo Drift.

hangtime.. What is the story behind your name?

We are not hangtime, this is hangtime
It’s there. Look at hang…look at time…look at what happens in the middle. 
we been doin’ music awhile, hangtime was born in quarantine

Thank you!

"A Prismatic Shard can be offered to the Dark Shrine of Selfishness at the Witch's Hut to turn children into doves (getting rid of them permanently)."

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Proklaim – IDK [interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words:

Organic, sincere, purposeful.

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

The song is about remaining true to one’s own yearnings. In it I reflect on various lessons from watching people betray you and not losing sight of what you wish to achieve even when odds stack against you and being willing to press on alone I’d necessay.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Some who serve time ( in jail), but I’d rather use mine now to really serve me.”

Your flow is really original. Who is your favourite rapper?

Most of the rappers that touched my mind are no longer alive …my favorites are Big Pun, Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie and Lauryn Hill.

Why is sexism, and even outright misogyny, so pervasive in Hip Hop culture?

Hiphop was birthed in the Bronx NY amidst a people who were deprived of so much..young people..mostly men could finally express themselves and have a platform of influence and power. It became competitive and mcs felt pressure to outshine other mcs…the end result was trying to put down other rappers …since most rappers early on were male they had to profess their masculinity by lyrically jousting with other mcs and declaring dominance over women became a trend that eventually became outside misogyny and abuse…

Your sound is very atmospheric and with a retro touch. In which state of mind do you imagine listeners may listen to your music?

I envision listeners listening to my songs as they listen to their earphones on a train or bus and go about daily life…I hope to see the music I make becoming the soundtrack to peoples’ lives.

If you could watch the earth from space, which song would you listen to

” what a wonderful world” by Armstrong.

Thank you!

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Mark Wink – Down Down [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Deep, Soul, Story

Tell us a few things about Down down. What is the main idea behind it?

I like to create something new – I like the Ocean – I like Barry White´s Voice.
So I tried to create as “one man show“ with the help of all digital tools and things i could afford – this song

The track has a very cinematic vibe. If it was in the end titles of a film, which film would that be?

Imagine a kind of „Amageddon“ at the ocean (not on an astroid)
More in french than american style (with very interesting faces -not models)
A film where the ocean, the planet, the nature strikes back and humankind try to stay alive..
But at the end..all high tech..is useless..all efforts, everything ultimately leads to the knowledge that we find the true harmony, the true knowledge at the bottom of the ocean, at the bottom of our soul..our heart.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

You will find some very personal lyrics in another of my songs… called „Freeway“
but I’m pretty sure my most personal and honest lyric lies in a future song

What is the first synth you turn on (analog or digital) when you start a new project?

I always start with a picture, a movie in my head, the the sounds follow
I´m pretty sure, I’m not a typical musician – i build songs upside down – maybe I’m more a director than a musican – I love to create both – the film & the music

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

well, I´can not sing, I can not play an instrument, I can not read music notes
No good singer wanted to work with me
First you’re imperfect – they ignore you, then they laugh at you
Then you evolve step by step – what I wanna say -every challenge made me stronger

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

I created already a Partysong, a Xmas Song, a Pop/Rock/Soul/EMD Song
Life is not black or white, midi is not always in a good or sad mood.
Down Down is a bid more on the deep, darker side..it leads you to yourself..maybe some people are afraid regarding this way.

What is the most useless talent you have?

What a funny question :-)))
I really believe every talent is useful, it only depends when and how you use it 😉

Thank you!

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Lupe Dragon – I Know What You Did [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Moody, inspiring, collective

‘I Know What You Did’ captures the energy of someone that got betrayed but is ready to move on. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea was showing the ugly part of anger. The part we hate seeing in ourselves. The person we become when we really get destroyed by someone. The version of ourselves they made us out to be.

Does your music in general reflect real life experiences?

Most of the time yes. It comes from my personal experience and my perspective.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Oh man.. tough question. Hopeless Fountain Kingdom by Halsey still gives me chills… As well as Under Pressure by Logic.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square Garden.. I’m from Jersey but I live so close to New York that I’ve walked by it so many times. My goal is to make it on that stage one day.

Your music has a pop sensibility. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

When they’re looking to either cry, feel their feelings, or have a good time. I’m looking to make more upbeat music cause life isn’t all bad. My better songs just happen to be focused on love and breakups !

One last thing we should know about you?

I love a good cappuccino!

Thank you!

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