Tell us a few things about your new song “$alary Bump”. What is the story behind it?
So I ended up connecting with the producer Yarou at a show we both performed at. He sent me a pack of beats. I remember hearing the instrumental and I started writing to it immediately. I was blow away by the production. It has a triumphant feel. It reminded me of something Benny the Butcher or Nipsey Hussle would get on so I knew I had to really rap and come correct with my penmanship this time around. After recording my verse, I hit up my homie Tre Romell to hop on it and the song gave him the same feel. We recorded his verse at the studio about a week later. The song was fully mixed and mastered maybe a week or so after the recording session. I’m proud of where we took this song lyrically.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
“My opposition still on level one, I won’t stop until I’m dead and gone, they tried to box me out my skills on Delle Donne”
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Favorite Rapper is Drake Favorite Lyricist is Biggie Favorite Producer is Mac Miller or Partynextdoor
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
In my opinion, Hip-Hop symbolizes life and experiences. As people, we all go through similar situations. There are also times where those situations are very different. Hip-Hop is a platform that is used to speak on the human experiences through a million different lenses. It connects the things we can relate on and builds a bridge towards understanding another perspective that differs from one’s own.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I want to give people the same feeling I had when I listened to my favorite artist for the first time. I want to be able to script the soundtrack to people’s lives while also being truthful to my own story. My goal is to have my fans to feel connected to the things I’m saying and hopefully they can learn from these stories I’m telling to create their own path to success and happiness.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Never give up on your dreams. Things are closer than they appear. Always believe in yourself and never let a couple “no’s” block you from reaching that big “yes” you’ve been searching for.
Tell us a few things about your new song “Are We There Yet”. What is the main idea behind it?
As I started to put out more music, I noticed that people began to expect more from me…asking about the next track, the next campaign, the next pitch etc etc. “Are We There Yet” is a response to all of those questions – how can we know if we’re there yet, if we don’t know where we’re heading! This track was also my first international feature – US Rapper Mark Battles reached out after hearing my music, so I sent him this beat and he recorded a dope verse for me!
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The topic changes based on what’s going on around me at the time…something will inspire me and I’ll just start writing bars on my phone! I think it’s so important to write about something that means something to you, authenticity is what helps your music to feel real and connect with your fans.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
Favourite rapper will always be Mac Miller, he was a big inspiration for what I’m doing right now and I probably listen to his music every day. Early 2000’s Eminem is definitely my favourite lyricist – his ability to tell stories through his music is crazy to me. For a producer, I’m going to go with Benny Blanco…mostly based on what an interesting guy he is behind the scenes!
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
To me, Hip-Hop is a way for anyone to express themselves creatively. It’s such a dope thing to take a recent experience, your thoughts and feelings or whatever else inspires you to write – and just throw it all onto a beat for people to hear!
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
Great question…I loved ‘The Guilty’ with Jake Gyllenhaal. Heavily recommend if you’re into psychological thrillers
One last thing we should know about you?
I started making music at the beginning of 2021 and I think this was my 10th project…but I’ve got a lot more to say, so go follow Joe Radio on Spotify and @joeradioraps on Instagram to see what’s coming next!
Tell us a few things about your new song SHINJI. What is the story behind it?
For starters the song is about myself and how I felt around 2017/2019. I was in a pretty bad space and looking back I’m so glad I just made it out to even have the blessing of being able to write a song about reflection. It was a dark time, I was still doing music but my mindset was still pretty bad and I was in the process of changing myself for good.
How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
Over the years I can say its gotten easier for me to create and easier to say what I really wanna say mostly because I’ve let go of a lot of things that would hinder most from the process of creation. I know I have gotten better but now I can do it even on a bad day where I wouldn’t feel the “urge”.
What first got you into music?
The idea of making a broken stereo at my house work by creating my own music. That got me into wanting to do it. Over time I discovered different genres and figured “hey I can do this.” and fell in love with telling my story.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
I believe so, I also believe all that new talent deserves to be recognized.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
To me its self expression. Hiphop is just one way of doing so since all music gives you that ability. It’s also about what kind of uniqueness can you bring to the table instead of trend hopping for popularity. Its an overall embodiment of being yourself to the fullest and not caring about what others think and not being afraid to stand out.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just continue to be you. If you don’t like it then change for the better. Stay curious its what’s going to keep you passionate.
My Sound in 3 words – Jazzy Summer Grooves. (if you want to get more sonically/technically descriptive then – Electronica Jazz Guitar)
Tell us a few things about your new work “Another Day Another Blessing”.
“Another Day Another Blessing” is a song with the main message being that of enjoying the moment, celebrating life and embracing the NOW and embracing the being alive, being inspired and focusing on our craft despite all possible struggles and issues of the modern world. It was born as a result of jamming in our home studio with the record’s producer Teo Marangon and the rapper PDRO and a result of improvisation and just vibing happened to translate into a very dynamic and lively track. I think the main thing is that this track perfectly illustrates our personal and artistic direction on thought – jazz infused hip hop and a message of getting your goals and enjoying the process. “Tonight we don’t worry bout a thing” becomes a motto of sorts.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
I am a musician/ composer and producer so had to redirect that question to the rapper of the record PDRO, who said this: “You call the tune yours, you don’t even own the rights to it?
They tell you what to say. I wouldn’t even write to it.” For him it symbolises the passion of being an independent artist and having complete creative rights over your music and over your process.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
This is a very good question. Short answer – a 100% genuinely believe that the answer is a strong YES. To elaborate more outside of my work experiences as a producer, session guitarist and a music artist I am also heavily involved in music data and data strategisation. I have been analysing the hip hop scene from various different angles and the answer is always the same: the introduction and rise to prevalence of digital streaming platforms created a situation where all different underground spaces and ecosystems get the right and an opportunity to continue establishing itself onto the scene. NO matter what subgenre or a niche sub section of hip hop it might be – places like Spotify allow artists to meet their respective listeners and continue cultivating the relationships within that underground community. IN my particular case -modern jazz hip hop, lofi hip hop, jazz/chill rap etc. are all examples of niche spaces within the hip hop genre that are actually various variations and adaptations of a take on the “underground” sound. So for sure there is a big VARIETY of underground interpretations that are all growing and establishing their presence. IN the world of hip hop it can be especially observed with a melodic/ nostalgic type of jazz underground rap.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
I think Hip Hop is a perfect genre family with respect to fusion and blending of various other genres and influences. Obviously any song and genre is always about adapting influences etc, but in the case of hip hop it’s even more special. For me personally hip hop does symbolise this mix of influences to create something very energetic and dynamic without losing the melodic and instrumental aspects. From rap and sampling to virtuoso instrumental hip hop jazz, this genre family symbolises the energy of fusion and experimentation.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
Good question, as out catalogue is not wholeheartedly the same, I will focus on the song in question. State of mind could be different, but generally the state of mind of party, enjoying the moment, positivity mindfulness, BUT also just enjoying the jazzy and funky grooves to complement a summery weekendy vibration.
One last thing we should know about you?
One last thing you should know about us is that we are a team of 2: Myself(Pavel Telica) and Teo Marangon who is the main producer and engineer. We are the same people behind a jazz lofi duo “Doctor Gosso & the Samplers”, currently moving onto release more original music from the Telica profile. there is a looot more to come.
Beautiful flow with a strong dose of nostalgia, a chill beat and a detuned melody. Simple but effective. Watch Filest’s Soldat official video clip below!
A mixture of sadness, triumph and experimentation.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
Birds having flown is about realizing my mortality. Knowing that I could go at any moment and asking for understanding and forgiveness for my past transgressions. This year, I lost some of my closest friends to suicide and freak accidents. These were people so full of life and ambition. These deaths made me realize more than ever that I could go at any time. Without warning. Recorded this on my ipad Pro, then sent it off to Grammy nominated engineer Beauvallis for mixing and mastering.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
I have a line where I say “Soul seeking but the reasoning was girls, how I changed it up so you could get the pearls, if I take it back then its an admission of guilt.” On this I realized how much of my life was about sex with women and how I used that to acknowledge my manhood and importance. I want the listener to learn from my experience that this is not a true route to happiness. And that I shouldn’t feel guilty for the things I did.
Favourite album of the past decade?
I have a few that I play on repeat but Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy would have to be number
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge would be getting people to listen to my music. Everyone is attracted to the visuals and my persona but they dont take the time to listen to my music.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
In any state of mind honestly. I have tracks for party for sex for driving for smoking, different things for different times.
You’d give up making music for…
I couldnt give up music for anything. Take my tongue, I will pen songs and make beats.
How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one? Tell us a few things about your creative process.
To be totally honest it has become very hard to get beats due to the pandemic, you can no longer be in the studio with a producer whenever you want. So these days I buy a clutch of beats based on one that I want and go from there.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
In one of my singles called ‘The Bag’ I get into how irratic life is although everyone paints a nice picture – “I’ve got a craving for p’s, im feeling it everytime I lace up my feet, 12 hour shifts 12 days that’s hustling, home lifes mad now im juggling, martel guzzling” this bar is explaining the irony behind life where we all have a crazy drive to make money but even when u do your personal life becomes undesireable. If you listen to other rappers they will make out like life is great when you work non stop.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
yes definitely, personally I’m still dodging around making “mainstream” music because it all sounds similar. I like to stand out and be me which I think you will only see in the underground scene.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hiphop to me is free expression, art and poetry. One of my favorite things when writing is to purposely write bars that go over people’s head in hopes that every play shows the song slightly differently.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I try to stay active and do alot of things with my family in my spare time as I have a 2 year old daughter. I’m a big fan of combat sports and tune in every sat, and physically I like to skate and play basketball.
What would you say is your biggest vice?
My biggest vice is money just like 90% of people in this world. If only I had someone to fund my music alone I could take it to another level but unfortunately life nowadays is all about bills and it puts a stress on the music
Tell us a few things about your new song “Napsacks & Kickbacks”. What is the main idea behind it?
It’s a nostalgic track sort of reminiscing about care-free high school-ish days hanging and partying with friends but within that it’s talking a bit about how I got into rapping and what inspired me to get into it and then start taking it seriously. I thought of the line: “What the deally, just got to the Chat, it’s chilly,” which pretty much set everything up from there. Line’s of course a reference to AZ’s opening line on Phone Tap, a rapper I mention as one of my biggest influences alongside Nas in the last verse.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
It’s just reflecting type of stuff really but also fun. The first verse is just setting the tone and talking about getting back to Chatham, the hometown, hanging with the old crew you always hung with and getting back into the zone you were in when you were younger, before the reality of life hit you and you suddenly couldn’t slog beers til 4am and do shit you used to do anymore. It sets up the other 2 verses. The second verse starts off by me talking about how they “done doubted this, etc.” because that was definitely the case. The time period I’m talking about, when I discovered rap and first got into it, I didn’t really have a niche like people I hung with did so I was kind of aimless and my self-esteem wasn’t the highest and I could often come off as painfully timid. So I was defined as that by a lot of people and written off as some sort of hapless, feeble person that probably wouldn’t do anything and that was going to me. Not to say I’m dwelling in the past at this point, but I think one of the underlying reasons I often rhyme the way I do and go as hard as I do is the chip on my shoulder that inevitably comes from all of that. I think other artists could probably relate to that.
The verse then transitions into talking about becoming the artist and how that has made me more certain of myself and what not. Third verse is basically summing it all up and saying that rap is what I want to do and forget all the BS, this is what I should be doing.
Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?
I mean, when it comes down to it, I gotta say I prefer the classics. They’re what got me to fall in love with hip-hop in the first place, what I studied when I decided to really get into rap, and what I go back to the most when I want to get inspired to write something. But that’s not to say I just dismiss everything out now. I love Griselda, Freddie Gibbs, Pro Era, Earl Sweatshirt, and this new artist on Shady, Grip, is also great. A lot of other artists as well as who are doing dope stuff that stick to the fundamentals of good lyricism and flow and can bring it to a modern audience. I’ll even rock to some Denzel Curry or Bryson Tiller when in the mood. But the thing about the classics in the late ‘80s and ‘90s that makes them so good is that they came out in a time when your place in hip-hop was determined or measured by how dope you were, not all the other bullshit that labels and executives seem to emphasize now. All that shit was secondary. So you had to keep your sword sharp because there was so much competition. The level of competition there was back then is still missing a bit. You see evidence of that coming back now which is great but there’s a lot of bullshit to overcome if you want to be an artist sticking to that essence.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Oh man, great question. This one topic could take hours. It represents a very significant cultural achievement for the Black community, which they should always have pride in. It went from Kool Herc’s parties in the Bronx to being dismissed as a fad or “ignorant gangster ghetto music” by an ignorant establishment, to being the most prominent genre and culture at the moment. It’s consistently proved everyone wrong since it started and continues to, I think. It also emphasizes competitive creativity more than most other genres, since it’s usually more based on individual effort and style and setting yourself a part. It’s unique in that way, as you’re always pitting your style against someone else’s and trying to push boundaries with how you flow or use words to stand out as the best. What it has symbolized for me and many others as well is building one’s individual identity and solidifying it. Not to sound hokey, but it’s been a passion of mine, a dream, and a hobby or whatever you want to call it since I love the artform and enjoy creating it. But it’s also been an outlet for people like me who otherwise probably wouldn’t have one and a big part of my personal development. It added a jolt to my confidence that wasn’t there and probably never would have developed had it not been for rapping. So it’s for a while now been the one area where I’m completely sure of myself. And I’ve noticed that sort of confidence has eventually found its way into other areas of life, too.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Probably when I was told “just put yourself out there and go do it. You have the talent now.” Simple, but helpful.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Probably when I hosted a party at my parent’s house where some property was damaged. Not sure I’ve seen the old man that hot before.
I like to have the beat on loop so that I can catch a vibe and figure out how I want to approach the song. I then start coming up with melodies and flows that I can use on the beat.
Which song of the EP is your favorite?
My favorite song on the EP is ‘Heartbreak Kid’ because it is a song that anyone can relate to. I feel that love is complicated and that you first have to work on yourself and love yourself before you can truly love anyone else.
Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?
My favorite rapper of all time is Jay Z, My favorite lyricist is Andre 3000, and my favorite producer is Dr. Dre
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip Hop to me symbolizes expression, heart, and soul. I feel like it is one of the few genres of music that allows an artist to be themselves unapologetically.
Favorite music related film?
My favorite music-related film is straight outta compton
You’d give up making music for…
I wouldn’t give up anything for music to be honest because It is my life and my everything. I couldn’t imagine living live without making music.
HipHop Paranoia 