Category: Interviews

HIDEKKI – ECLIPSE [Interview]

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With manipulated, low pitch vocals and a chill hip hop beat ECLIPSE engages the listener instantly. Tell us a few things about it!

Pitched down vocals are one of my favorite ways of establishing the vibe of a song. This type of vocal manipulation is a staple in certain electronic genres, but the first time I heard it used really well in a hip hop song was A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie”.In this era of music, new listeners will skip your song pretty quickly if you don’t hook them in. Changing the texture of vocals is probably one of the best ways to keep people listening. On a technical level, I pitch my own vocals down about half an octave. I find that suits my vocal tone the best.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

Aside from hip-hop, I love the electronic sub-genres of Future Bass, House, and Trap. Pretty much all of my music will have elements of these electronic genres mixed with Hip-Hop. Recently, I’ve been making purer hip-hop like ECLIPSE. Although, even ECLIPSE uses drum sounds more typically associated with EDM in parts of the song.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Drink, Smoke, Cut a line, take you for another ride /I swear I love my girl but Oh these drugs they give me butterflies”.
Most people know that drugs aren’t the healthiest or most sustainable way to be happy, but a lot of us use them anyways. This line is just a way of expressing how self destructive I can be even when things are going well for me.

Favourite album of the past year?

This is a tough one. I think I’m going to have to go with “ALBUM MODE” by Dillon Ponders.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

It’s probably different for everyone, but to me it’s a form of self expression. We all have totally separate lives inside our
own heads that the world doesn’t see. My music is an extension of myself that I put out into the world. Kinda scary, but its satisfying when people react positively.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself not to wait so long to actually start putting out music. The earlier you start the more time you have to develop your sound and cultivate an audience. I used to be so worried about what people would think of my music that I just didn’t release it. Now I understand how subjective music truly is. Most struggling artists just haven’t found their audience yet.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I do amazing impressions of Elmo, Stitch, and Golem from lord of the rings. I haven’t found a way to incorporate that into my music yet. But when I do it’ll be awful.

Thank you!

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Therése Neaimé – Fools Gold [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A sound that combines my Swedish and Lebanese heritage into a Scandipop hybrid.
An international latin / pop edm with, at times, also an Arabic flavor.

Fools Gold sounds very smooth. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?

The idea behind the song is to bring out my roots and go back to the beginning. My musical journey has been quite long, having cruised thru different styles and flavours. Going back to the smooth latin style, the music style maybe closet to my heart. Is something I wanted to do for a long time. I also think it´s the style thatthat maybe showcases my voice the best.
Foold Gold is about that special love. The Gold that you think that you can´t live without but then later down the road might discover is not at all what you thought it would be. But the lyric also talks about how its always better to have loved to the fullest then to not have loved at all. Fools Gold is a statement for any person who feel that they need to move on to possibly be the best version of themselves and take charge of their own lives. ”I´m moving on to be somebody”!
Hopefully this song will be a reminder of your self wort.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

To mention one I want to highlight the song written to my mom, “Borrow you for a while”. It was one of those songs I felt would be a real challenge to write since it´s also so close at heart. But instead this perticular song almost wrote itself. After a night in the studio, embracing the memoy of my mom, waking up the next morning, there it was. Sometimes we can´t plan these things beforehand. “Borrow you for a while” is a song that means a great deal to me. Maybe somehow my mom helped me writing it being present from the other side. 🙂

Fools Gold also has a latin touch. What are your main influences?

Any artist who believe in themselves enough to go for their dreams. Starting my singing carrer out of L.A, one of my main influencers was the renowned artist SADE. Watching her and her amazing live band on stage in San Diego in 2001 had a hugh impact on me. In my early repertoar I also used to cover many of Sades hitsongs. I truly believe singing her songs influenced me in many ways as an artist. Also on my latest studio work Fools Gold you will find that very same and classic latin touch that Sade used to resemble.

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

As an indie artist, my experienc is that its sometimes harder to break in to the music scene. If I could ask for one thing from the music industry it would be to be more open to new and upcoming talent. I have found that at times the music scene in Sweden seemes to be a more closed community. Therefore our focus has been more on the international scene. A strategy which has been quite successful. Try breaking into the international scene and your home coutry will follow. 🙂

You are based in Sweden. How do you relate to the music scene of Stockholm?

Im happy for the many great collaborations that has come out of my home country so far. I would say that Sweden has a great amount of talented songwriters and I´ve had the honor to work with some of them. Many of my music videos are also the result of great Swedish collaborations. I´ve also had the advanged of building a following on the Swedish live scene performing around the country during the last years. Of course it also helpes being able to perform and work close to where you´re based and your home

What is one message you would give to your fans?

”Ask and you might receive! Dare and you will gain!”. Being an athlete taught me that with hard work and focus you can achieve a lot. Never give up on your dreams and never let anyone tell you it´s too difficult!

Thank you!

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Josy B – BTW [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

empowering, fun, original

BTW has a lovely rnb vibe and really positive vibes. What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea behind it was my trials and tribulations in my dating life This is what inspired this subject for BTW

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I swear these boys are the same thinking I was dumb enough to fall for the play. They be talking all night but they don’t ever act right. One of my favorite lyrics of BTW.

Your music has an old school vibe too. Are you into today’s RnB? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?

I definitely like the old classics which is what inspired the track but I also love the new sounds that are out as well..

What would you change in the music industry?

What I would change is for the music industry to be more open-minded and not put everything in a box like they do.

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

I picture the state of mind when people want to be cheered up regarding a relationship that perhaps went wrong. I would hope this song inspires to laugh it off and move on and be proud of who you are.

When was the last time you danced?

I love to dance , I was dancing in my bedroom last night.

Thank you!

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Collie Wattz – Down South [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Folk/Electronica/Pop

In Down South you blend country elements with a modern twist. What is your creative process like?

I create a guitar riff on top of electronic drums, then find a synth and bassline that blend together well, usually creating lryics last. They have to match the vibe!

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

Werewolf

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Gorillaz, Billie Eilish, Diplo, NIN, TOOL, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime

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

getting the project promoted has been a challenge. Particularly on a local level. My local independent radio station is picky

Favorite film ever?

Grandma’s Boy

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Negative thoughts. I also have high expectations that usually lead to being let down

Thank you!

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Mezmah – Nairobbery [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

It’s a combination of melodic, conscious and cross continental hip hop, taking the best of those three and meshing them to create what you hear on my songs

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

Its been going from strength to strength, I thank God. I think me taking my time honing my craft throughout the years, progressing with each song and reflecting that in the music is showing and reaping the rewards my way. For example, I’ve had labels approach for management and as of a month ago this year, I was recently approached by a big music PR company that wants to work with me, which I’m excited about. It can only mean I’ve been heading in the right direction over the years

What first got you into music?

Boredom honestly. I’d like to say something more exciting but this is whats brought that excitement ultimately. I used to come home from college on days where there wasn’t much going on and just play around with a skype headset and audacity (shout out audacity for all those that know) out of sheer curiosity and from there on, began the journey that’s got me here. I also feel that this, as well as having stories to tell myself, just made it so it came at a perfect time to gel that together

Favourite album of the past year?

I wouldn’t say I had a favourite up until now with Kendrick’s Mr Morale and the Big Steppers album

What would you change in the music industry?

I think education and development on how to strive as an artist, especially for independent artists. Whilst I know this is counter productive for labels and some, I think teaching the ropes and business side of things could be incorporated as this has been abandoned over the years, even looking at how an A&R used to develop an artist for example. It’s now a lot of take take and forget everything else

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be too be prideful for things and know that any worries you may have are miniscule in comparison to your potential and ceiling

You’d give up making music for…

My religion

Thank you!

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Calvin Ryan – Sucia [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Diverse. Energetic. Honest.

In Sucia you blend latin elements with catchy pop sounds. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?

My cousin Lucí had been visiting NYC and staying with me so we could work on some tracks. Producer and photographer, Calvish, who also helped produce the track had planned for us to meet MRI and Chop Ford and once we did we realized we were in a room full of Hispanics – Me and Lucí being Ecuadorian, MRI being Colombian, and Chop Ford being Brazilian – and we thought about how fun and different it would be to do a latin collab track with a bunch of New Yorkers too. The idea came from our friend Elliot walking into the room with a shirt saying “Sucio”, which we all thought was great and that’s where the idea for the song came from.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“First you get mad when I leave, then you get mad when I stay. I don’t wanna hear excuses, I don’t wanna play these games”

Favourite album of the past year?

Bad Bunny – Un Verano Sin Ti

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

As of right now – but with Web3 and NFT’s becoming prevalent, the whole music industry is about to be turned on its heels. With music industry NFT’s like Pianity, and the whole idea of being an independent artist, creator, and with everyone wanting to be some sort of creator and needing the rights to certain music, the entire music industry is changing.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Just drop that shit and keep making content…GO CRAZY ON TIK TOK – That’s what I would tell myself. I hopped on Tik Tok late and lowkey regret it but also don’t want to depend my entire music career on it because I’ve gotten where I have without it.

When was the last time you danced?

Last night. I love to dance – it’s in my blood! I’m Hispanic. I grew up with music around the house, my family always coming over on weekends and holidays to party and dance throughout the night staying till 4am, and sometimes even just staying all night.

Thank you!

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https://soundcloud.com/calvin-ryan-music/sucia-calvin-ryan-luci-mri-calvish-chop-ford

Victor Alexeeff – Classics Unleashed [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Sonic Ear Candy

Classical meets electronic. Or to use your title, Classics Unleashed. Tell us a few things about this project.

A project I’ve thought about ever since Wendy Carlos released her electronic version of Bach. It was pretty radical to interpret a classic work and take it right out of the purist comfort zone. And I’m pretty sure these rock stars from the past would have been all over these electronic instruments!

What first got you into music?

I wish I knew… I was only four…

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I feel that I constantly get inspired by so much talent out there! Especially from artists that pour their passion into their art.

What would be your dream performance venue?

It might be a bit of a long shot 😉 but performing at the International Space Center floating around the planet would be the ultimate.

If you were asked to rescore a film, which one would you choose?

I’m not sure about stepping on someone else’s work. But way back in Toronto, our band NRG did live film score performances to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. We experimented a lot with sounds, and whatever gear we could get our hands on. Back then, our friend Larry ran the 16 mm projector and the three of us were buried in gear. It was a blast!

If Bach were alive today, what kind of you music would he produce?

His music could possibly be so intense that mere mortal brains would explode.

Thank you!

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GIANFRANCO GFN – Bonnie & Clyde [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

A, HOT B, JAZZ C, AND A TOUCH OF MAGIC

Latin but with a vivid pop sensibility. Tell us a few things about your new song Bonnie & Clyde. What is the main idea behind it?

On this music I wanted something more dancing and a little more Latin, when I composed the title came very quickly because while playing I sing in loop this “Bonnie & Clyde” then I found logical to write his story, but without returning in a text of violence of as it was in his history, but on the connection, the love that can be created in a couple and that can have no limit… but thought in positive…

What first got you into music?

It is my parents who passed on to me the love of music, at home we listened to a lot of music, and very early I wanted to make some! and with time I left to the discovery chooses my instrument “the Guitar”, I am autodidact, I learned everything by looking, encouraging, and of course hours and hours of work… and the passion of the composition took to me very quickly, and since that made of long years that I compose, I arrange and I direct in all my productions.

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

I love both, but the greatest pleasure is when I hear my composition finished in the studio! At the beginning there is just a guitar and some vocals, then everything is built with the musicians in the studio. In concert it’s a little bit different, I have fun but there has to be some magic otherwise it can get boring very quickly! But when the magic happens, the evening can be crazy, and magical.

What would you change in the music industry?

There is too much and there is a lot of confusion, the public does too much zapping, and many artists who do not work with machines have difficulty to get out and be heard! and unfortunately the earnings decrease more and more! Earning a living today is becoming more and more difficult! Even the public doesn’t buy our CD’s anymore, we have to do concerts with very little money! And more over the platforms do not pay us or very, very, badly! The public doesn’t even support us anymore or almost not via donations! this last is possible on our pages with specific tabs… Yes, the future is not very positive…

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

I remain very positive, and I thank the people who leave me comments like on my Youtube channel, very encouraging. There is an audience that is created with time, even if I am in a style and a musical world anything but current. But to believe some comments my music makes them dream, dance, escape, I imagine them, and for an artist like me there is nothing more positive and gratifying.

When was the last time you danced?

This morning during and after the shower! Just before I played the guitar and started a new song that made me dance…

Thank you!

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J.Juice – Lingo [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fun, happy and energetic

Lingo is seriously uplifting. Tell us a few things about it. What is the main idea behind the song?

Lingo was made during the pandemic and I wanted to uplift everybody to have some fun and it works

What first got you into music?

my friend and I were dancing in the club and I saw how music changes people and I wanted to change people live

Main influences?

Puff Daddy, Jay Z, Dr. Dre & Master P

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

Doing everything with a small team and a small budget

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

With Family and investing in Real Estate

When was the last time you danced?

lol this morning

Thank you!

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Hanna Söderberg – Gravity [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Energetic, Dynamic, Melodic

Gravity is uptempo, uplifting with a lovely anthemic vibe. Tell us a few things about your new work.

Gravity is about never giving up, never giving in and always staying true to yourself

What first got you into music?

I´ve always loved to sing, ever since I was a child. Music has always been my way of handling and expressing emotions.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Jessi J, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder, Pink, Alanis Morissette, Avicci, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Demi Lovato, Max Martin, Ed Sheeran.

What would you change in the music industry?

I`d like to see more female songwriters and producers in the music industry and I´d like songwriters in general to get more credit.

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

I work as a music teacher.

When was the last time you danced?

This morning!

Thank you!

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