Tag: Eclectic

Annabel Maria – Tell Me (Whats Love For You?) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Smooth, Chill, Adictive.

Tell us a few things about your new song.

The theme of the song centres around a strong desire for more communication with a significant other in order to form a deeper connection. The lyrics are a gentle plea to a romantic partner to tell their other half how they feel. The song builds up cinematically to reveal an infectious beat that reminds listeners of that ‘summer feeling’. The song travels through the different stages of a relationship such as getting to know each other, making up after disagreements and working together to build up an unbreakable bond.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I can’t translate, the things you don’t say.

How do you relate to the London music scene?

I was born and raised in South London and it was attending gigs throughout the city that sparked my inspiration pursue music.

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

Gaining the confidence to share my music.The industry is very competitive and full of so many talented musicians that it took a while for me to believe in myself enough to share my music.

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

Chilled.

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

If it wasn’t for music I would definitely be immersed in something creative! I enjoy creative photography so I would invest my time in working on that!

Thank you!

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Savoy Ellis – The Love Album [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Soulful, heartfelt, and loving

Tell us a few things about your new album “The Love Album”.

The album has taken on many different forms. First it started off as a 3 song EP. I was still singing at that time and I wanted to just do a quick little project to show my vocal ability and I had just started playing around with producing, so I wanted to show some of my ideas off. When I stopped singing, I shifted into taking these ideas and finding amazing singers to take them to another level. So next it was a 5 song EP. I finished those 5 songs but I had more ideas I wanted to keep incorporating. Finally, I decided I wanted to tell a story and I wasn’t going to limit the amount of songs it took to tell that story. And that’s how I ended up with the 12 songs on the album. I produced all the songs and wrote half of them and I really wanted to tell a relatable story that people can feel: Heartbreak and how you bounce back from it. I also have an animated short coming with the album that will bring a visual element to the songs. I really think that will help the story aspect of the album come to life.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

That’s a tough one and my answer probably changes on a daily basis. Right now I feel like “Don’t Break My Heart/The One” reflects me the most. I wrote and produced the track and when I made the music I wanted it to feel like those 70s songs where the music starts off as one thing and becomes something completely different. Really making it two songs in one. I would have loved to have made it a 7, 8 minute song.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

There’s so many to choose from. I come from a musical family going back to my great uncles who played during the Jazz era. Both my parents sang. My cousins are professional musicians. I grew up listening to a lot of gospel music growing up. A lot of soul music: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Michael Jackson…Pretty much all of that 60s and 70s soul music is in me. As I got older I really started getting influenced by jazz, hybrid jazz, and 70s soft rock.

You also have lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

If I’m going old school, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. If I’m going more recent, “Roll Some Mo’” by Lucky Daye.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

My cousin always tells me that growing your musical career is a marathon not a sprint. So that’s advice always sticks with me.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

August 19th

Thank you!

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ROWDY – Bungalow [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fiery, groovy, mystical

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

The song Bungalow was the first song I composed once this band was beginning to form and I was mentally locking down the intentions of this project. All of our members have played together for a while in various projects, yet this band was developed with unique and specific intentions of reaching towards the spiritual plane through musical freedom, improvisation, and deep grooves. Bungalow is a bit of a mission statement towards all that.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

The lyric of Bungalow is about confronting my own insecurities and self doubt. It’s easy to see those things as more superficial issues that just need to be ignored or conquered, but with this song I was really trying to dig at the deeper roots of these issues within myself.

Favourite album of the past year?

I’d say Mood Valiant by Hiatus Kaiyote, though I’ve been bumping the new Isaiah Rashad record pretty nonstop since it came out.

Bungalow has a very cool groove with a psychedelic touch. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Cara cara by Gilberto Gil.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

Neil Gaiman’s Sandman

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Yes, we will be dropping the full album sometime this fall!

Thank you!

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Henry Dukes – VoiceMail [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Passionate, Dangerous, Heartfelt

Your music has a very cool nostalgic vibe. You ask the listener “Remember falling in love for the first time?”. Tell us a few things about your EP.

The EP gives the listener a whole story and perspective of what a summer as a teenager in lockdown looked like. The first couple tracks gives off an exciting and groovy vibe but the more you listen to each track as they play, you begin to hear the utter heartbreak and sadness which is expressed from the last few tracks.

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

Definitely “If I die tomorrow”, that song was written in just under an hour at 3am one night and every single lyric had a seriously close vibe to how I was feeling at the time.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

That has to be “If you died tomorrow, I wouldn’t want your ghost to see me cry”

Such a powerful lyric. The fact that I wouldn’t even want the person I was writing abouts ghost to see how sad, angry and confused I’d be if such a terrible thing happened to them.

Favourite album of all time?

For me it’s always changing but I’m currently in love with the Album ‘Circles’ by Mac Miller. It’s a fantastic and heartbreaking piece of storytelling.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

That not every track you create is going to be a hit, you could write 100 songs and only be happy with 1. So yeah, just to keep the flow of trying out new sounds and not get frustrated when it doesn’t go your way.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’ve been surrounded by music ever since I was little because both my parents were performing musicians and I have no intention of stopping… So yeah watch out I’m coming in hot.

Thank you!

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Rose Spearman – After the Renaissance Comes the Blues [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Ass shaking, swamp soul, bluesy electronic vibes!

Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?

No, I don’t think that is always necessary. I believe just as long as the music makes you feel something. Music should be your comfort, your chill zone, your best friend in hard times and good times, to make you dance, or change your mood

Tell us a few things about your new song.

The story My grandfather was an Afro-American man who was an opera singer in the late 40 ties, who had fallen in love with a young Jewish girl my grandmother. They had a (secret) affair and then on top of it she became pregnant with my father, while jazz music was rising the song tells the story at the end of the 1940s in Harlem, NY,

What comes first, the music or the lyrics? Tell us a few things about your creative process

Either way can happen, sometimes melodies first and sometimes words first… interestingly the way you start has an impact on where the song is going!

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

I run my own music label so that would be many artists that we release music for the world should know about:-) please check mars-worldwide.com and check it out!!

What would you change in the music industry?

Streaming income for artists. It is really not enough

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

So much advice throughout my life, so much I haven’t listened to LOL……I guess my own life discovery that only with awareness you can change things around

What is the most useless talent you have?

asking everybody’s star sign

Thank you!

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Mishell Ivon – Champagne Dreams [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funky, Authentic, Cool

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

“ Champagne Dreams” came about via instagram.

I connected with Sally on IG and we thought it would be cool to do a track together. It worked out well!
We co-wrote the track flipping ideas back and forth on lyrics, melody and structure.
Marcus Phillips handled music + production.
Sally was on vocal production

I don’t know if we started out with a main idea behind it.
The song just came together so naturally piece by piece and the end result was something funky, fresh, fun and fierce.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Forget them haters, let them concentrate on everything we are and everything they ain’t !“

#truth

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

I go through phases.
I did so much writing during the pandemic, it actually helped me level up creatively and concentrate on ideas I hadn’t been able to fully devote time to while being out and about doing live performances. A break from the stage had some positives but, I believe all artists need that energy jolt they get from their people up close and personal. It is good that the performances are starting up again. I missed that.

You also have lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Marcus Phillips is thank for the groove on “Champagne Dreams” Fabulous Musician / Producer!

Hmmmm a track I wish I would of composed myself?

No Idea… there a lot of dope songs out there!
Anything Prince or MJ lol 🙂

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

Open, Free, conscious , happy, depends on the song really.
There is always a message so to listen with an open ear is a good start, some listen to music to get into the right state of mind.

One last thing we should know about you?

Creative wise?
I have a few other original projects if you’d like to check them out, NOVI, The Electric Soul Syndicate, and Mion Nite to name some.They each have their own soul…

Personally?
I drink coconut water like it is going out of style #loveit

Thank you!

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Samuel Joson – Queen [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Innovative, Nostalgic, Swagger

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

Queen is a love song for those who have been hurt before, encouraging them to give love another chance. This song represents my thoughts and everything I’d like to say, personified by the confidence my music gives me.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

My lyrics all come from a place of realness and relatability. Real life experiences, because you can’t sing about places you haven’t been. Things people are afraid to say out loud or can’t find the words to say. Deep down I’m a lover at heart, so most of my songs focus on the emotion of love.

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

Besides myself? I’m going to shamelessly plug my cousin out in LA. Verskotzi is literally killing the game right now and his “ARC” series needs to be heard.

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

Honestly, the most challenging thing for me is staying consistent. Obviously a huge part of growing a fanbase is providing regular content. Which is why I’m really excited about creating a new channel to consistently release covers and other musical ventures.

Favorite music related film?

I’m a huge fan of musicals and I really love the biopics that have been coming out recently. But three movies come to mind for me: Straight Outta Compton, Bohemian Rhapsody, and The Greatest Showman.

You’d give up making music for…

Nothing. Music changed my life for the better and I could never give up a passion like that.

Thank you!

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Julia Lostrom – Want It All Back [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Alternative, Sultry, Hypnotic.

“Want it all back” has a lovely, chill vibe. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind it?

This song was my realisation to nurture and take care of myself and my relationships to make sure I stay true to my heart and avoid making choices I might regret. It can be easy to feel like the grass is greener elsewhere or look at a past version of yourself and want to go back there especially with everything going on in the world right now, we all want things to go back to the way they once were because it’s familiar but sometimes change is necessary and can be a good thing.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“We can always realign, on our better days,
and we can always take our time”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Ooh, that’s so tough! I’d probably say Sabrina Claudio, Galimatias, Odie, Alina Baraz, Snoh Allegra, Miraa May and Emotional Oranges to name a few.

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

Probably navigating the industry as an independent artist and the danger of comparison. When I first started off I had no idea what I was doing and it can be a pretty daunting process but perseverance and hard work always helps. It is so great to have a standard to look up to and ensure you’re creating quality but also making sure to never sabotage my true essence and heart in the creative process just to fit a mould. Working on my sound and finding my authenticity with my music took work and I’m still trying to figure it out but that’s also the beauty of my evolution and growth within myself and my music.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Hard work always pays off, just keep moving and learning as much as possible but trust your journey and keep in mind that everything happens in divine timing. Never compare yourself to others and If you’re ever unsure, go within and listen to your intuition, she’s always right. Share your knowledge openly with others and show up for your friends always!

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Definitely! I can’t give you an exact date, but I’m working on it 🙂

Thank you!

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George Gritzbach – Full Circle [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Cool Original R&B

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

Full Circle is the consequence of following the MUSE! a collection of Original Roots Rhythm & Blues songs to chill the mind and fire up the soul.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Tough question Black Rose.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan, Little Feat, Albert King, Paul Simon.

What would you change in the music industry?

Recording artists to be paid for their work!

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

All About Now.

One last thing we should know about you?

I am a humanist! all about Humankind!

Thank you!

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James Austin Melton – Will Made Manifest [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound in three words: Jazzy-Soul-Pop

Your songwriting is exceptional. Tell us a few things about your new album.

Thanks so much! This album was a pandemic project. I wrote, self-produced, recorded and performed all the parts. It was truly an endeavor!

Which song of the album is your favorite?

I feel most emotionally connected to “I Won’t Write Another,” because it is about unrequited love. 💕

Your also have lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish”

What would be your dream performance venue?

The Colosseum!

Favorite music related film?

Hmm.. This is a tough one. Maybe the Doors movie starting Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison

One last thing we should know about you?

I am finishing up my master’s degree in Jazz Studies this fall. I am very much looking forward to getting my masters!

Thank you!

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