Tag: Eclectic

Mike Wilde – Long Long Time [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fervent,Funky and Fun

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

It’s about getting a second chance at Love and how sometimes that chance will come when you least expect it !

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

I think collaborating is really important, particularly when you’re starting out and learning the craft of songwriting. But the more you can do on your own the better in terms of developing your own singular Vision.
These days my job is quite similar to how a writer would work. I’m mostly on my own in the writing and recording phases and yeah .. sometimes it can be lonely. At times like that I try to concentrate on the next task at hand and don’t worry too much about all the Noise in and around this business.Today I have a guitar track to add to a song .. if I get it done it’ll be a Good day.

Favourite album of the past year?

I’m not really an Album person .. I’m making music or practising most of the time so when I’m relaxing I most enjoy silence. But having said that there’s a few Artists I have my eyes on at the moment .. I’m diggin’ Leon Bridges, a chick that goes by the moniker of Biig Piig and some Aussie Hiphoppers called Downsyde. Their latest Single, ‘Call’, IS dOPE !

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

When I first started playing and performing my music was not regarded as being very commercial. It’s only recently that I’ve moved as an Artist more into the Mainstream. I supported myself for many years doing a bunch of different jobs both in and out of the Music Industry. It certainly made me work harder to get my music out there connecting with people.

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

I walk a lot, swim during the warmer months and train or stretch every day. That’s a necessity because I’ve broken a lot of bones over the years falling off motorbikes and practising Martial Arts.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Well this is a tough one to answer. I can say that I was pretty wild when I first left school and my parents house.I had a pretty strict, conservative upbringing. I guess I rebelled against that and landed myself in hot water with the law on more than one occasion. I spent a night in a particularly notorious jail in Queensland in my twenties. That was a wake up call !

Thank you!

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Fia Nyxx – Don’t Shame Me [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

I would describe my sound as soulful, sultry and empowering

Tell us a few things about your new song “Don’t Shame Me”. What is the main idea behind it?

“Don’t Shame Me” is a pop-inspired, rhythm and blues anthem, declaring my power and asserting my strength as a woman and an artist. This song goes out to every woman (and man) whose ever been taken for granted, been made to feel inferior, or had their confidence shattered. “Don’t Shame Me” rebels in the face of anyone that’s made you feel like you’re not good enough. It’s time to stand up for ourselves; take that power stance!

For which lyric you are most proud of?

SamJGarfield and I had a blast working (and re-working) these assertive lyrics around intricate beats to evoke impacting reactions and really bring out a character that’s unapologetic and self-empowering. It’s so important to be your own hype man. We wanted to tell a story, keeping it real, a little campy, and most of all relatable. I am proud of the lyrics overall for their honesty and for their dynamic delivery, which, I believe, is what makes them so effective.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I have always been inspired by powerful female vocals, innovative artists with an element of risk, and raw, gritty music from the motown era. One of my favorite artists, and a huge inspiration for this song, is Christina Aguilera. She’s a powerhouse and a fearless leader, with vocals and performance qualities that are untouchable. She’s played a big part in the artist I strive to be.

What would you change in the music industry?

I wish the music industry was less based on social media followers and engagement, and more based on talent and innovation. Social media is so ill-reflective of what’s really going on. It doesn’t show the moments of doubt, insecurity or countless rejections that even the most successful artists experience, therefore painting an unreal picture of what it’s really like to come up in this industry. Social media can be so taxing, harmful and exhausting, but it’s a game you have to play to get your music out there. I’ve always been an artist that prides myself on keeping it real with my fans

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is to find happiness wherever you are in your life at that current moment. Recognize that you’re exactly where you are meant to be and embrace any aspect of that reality that makes you happy. Lately, I’ve realized I spend a lot of time thinking ahead… constantly working to reach that next level, achieve that next big step in my career, or in life in general.. And I forget to embrace the moment. Our lives are just a collection of moments and memories, and I choose to make as many of them as I can enjoyable!

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

Any time I got in trouble it was usually involving cute boys. I remember in high school, the guy I was super into was known for being the ‘bad boy’ and was always finding his way into trouble. My parents, and most of the parents for that matter, knew he had a reputation and tried to forbid me from seeing him. (I hope he’s not reading this ha). One night I decided to sneak out and see him and just as it always did when he was around, trouble found us. To make a long story short, we ended up getting pulled over by a fake cop and held at gunpoint, when thankfully this maniac decided to let us go and get back in the car. We immediately drove off and called the real cops to report what had happened. Thankfully we were fine, and I snuck back into my house unnoticed. However, the next morning my parents saw everything on the news. I think I was grounded for about 6 months after that! Ha.

Thank you!

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Grim Honey – Catch Me On The Flip Side [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Ethereal, Dreamy, Experimental

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

I wrote this song about the euphoria experienced after a period of depression, aka the flip side. I emulate the hint of sorrows leaving my body in the first bars of the song with a single vocal track. As the harmonies build I allude to the sense of relief that I feel when I have overcome my difficulties. The lyrics “you can catch me on the flip side” is a playful way of saying I’m moving on from what doesn’t serve me and heading to better days.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

I tend to lean towards writing lyrics that are descriptive and emulate the atmosphere I am trying to portray. I focus on existential themes, dreams, and descriptions of otherworldly places.

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

I enjoy the creative process that comes with writing and the freedom it gives me to create other worlds within the sound and lyrics.

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

My biggest challenge has been pushing through periods of creative blocks and finding a way to continue to create even when it feels like writing isn’t flowing as easily as it should.

Favorite music related film?

Walk the Line.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can stand on my head for a really long time.

Thank you!

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Ayrton Jimenez – Downtown BA [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Smooth, romantic, raw

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

I wrote Downtown BA after spending time living in Buenos Aires. The song is a love letter to the city (one of my favorite places in the world), as well as a story of heartbreak and parting ways with someone special as a result of having to return home.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

A very personal lyric to me is from a song I wrote about growing up called ‘Starting to see’. The lyric is: “I’m not half the man I’m supposed to be and now that I’m older, I’m starting to see”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I was hugely influenced by Elvis as a young kid and so I feel he was a big inspiration to me to start music. Since then, artists who have influenced my sound include Guitarricadelafuente, The Gypsy Kings, Damien Rice, and John Mayer.

What would be your dream performance venue?

would definitely have to be playing at Wembley, that was always a dream of mine growing up!

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

‘Three Idiots’ a Bollywood movie is definitely one of the most enjoyable films I have watched recently! You’ll have to dedicate an afternoon to it though, it’s very long!

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I definitely drink way too much Coffee! But I call it “embracing my Colombian heritage”

Thank you!

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Brendan Cope – I’ll Be Around [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Dynamic, Rich, and Aesthetic (in the sense that fashion and art play a big role in the way I make certain decisions).

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

My musical progress over the years is deeply tied to the progress I have made both as a musician and person. Figuring out how to go places within myself, and communicate feelings and emotions from the past is a big part of creating the music I want to. It’s taken me a long time to get to a point where I can even do that to a small capacity. My progress is nowhere near done, and I look forward to getting even better.

What first got you into music?

I think just as a kid being surrounded by good music. My parents introduced my brother and I to a myriad of legends (The Beatles and Nirvana are always the first I remember) early on, even though they didn’t play instruments. It was about what they liked to hear. When I was 12 or 13 I picked up the guitar and it immediately manifested itself deeply into my life.

Favourite album of the past year?

New release wise, Call Me if You Get Lost – Tyler. The year isn’t over, but it’s such a great record.

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

The biggest challenge I face is definitely engaging people through social media. Finding what works just takes time and I’m putting my head down to figure it out.

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

That’s tough…Most of the movies I love have really great scores. I think working with Jordan Peele would be a blast, the score is always so integral to the story. I’d want to do something where the music really moved the feeling.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Coffee 100%. I’m lucky that’s it at this point, but I am (at least I tell myself I am) completely dysfunctional without coffee. It’s probably a mental thing.

Thank you!

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Bella Rose – Music From Midnight [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Tough question, but I’d say Indie, Alternative and pop?

Tell us a few things about your new work.

“Music From Midnight Emotions Vol. 1” is my debut album, which I wrote 95% in the evening and late hours. It’s also a really personal album too, with many of the songs coming from my life and experiences that I’ve been through. A lot of it touches on COVID-19 and my struggles with social media, the inabilities to say how I feel, and overall the album encapsulates my want to understand my emotions.

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

Honestly, collaborating is one of the things I really want to do. Because yes, it’s very lonely songwriting by myself, and if you work by yourself, sometimes you question if what you’re doing is good enough; there’s no one to bounce off of. So, if given the chance I’d love to work with someone.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

There’s a family friend that I’ve known since I was very young, his name is Peter Walsh. He’s a pianist and singer, who inspired me to do music in the first place. Other than that, artists like Bruno Major, Vera Blue, Halsey as well. And a lot of my friends who are musicians as well.

What would you change in the music industry?

I want to tell people, that good music comes from inside. It comes from passion, and genuine desire to share a piece of yourself with. If I could, I’d want to change the idea that there are good songs and bad ones, because all songs come from a place of passion.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

Hmm…I recommend Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. Let me know your thoughts on it

What is the one habit/thing you cannot live without?

I have a blanket I sleep with (that I named Blanky as a kid), and even now, I still snuggle with to help me fall asleep. It’s definitely a comfort for me, and without it I can have trouble falling asleep for sure heh.

Thank you!

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Andrew Muecke – Andrew Muecke 1991 – 2020: A Collection [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Evocative ambient soundscaping

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

From ‘loud, busy and slightly experimental’ to ‘softer, less busy but still slightly experimental’

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I think song four, Devotion, which uses a vocal sample sung in an unknown Indian dialect. I think that it is relatable yet surprising. I like the idea of being relatable but surprising!

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

David Sylvian. He spoke of trying to “blow peoples hearts wide open” with his music and he has done that for me, many, many times

What would you change in the music industry?

It needs to embrace musical originality more. A lot of current music sounds too similar

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

“Reverence for Life: The Ethics of Albert Schweitzer for the Twenty-First Century”. For my musical project HAPPY GHOSTS, I based a whole album around his philosophy and called it REVERENCE FOR LIFE. An extraordinary human being

You’d give up making music for…

Helping others to make music!

Thank you!

Safiya – Let’s Pretend [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

young- caribbean and jazz

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

the story behind the song is about how when a realationship was amazing at first but then your past the honeymoon phase and life hits and communication goes out the way. Sometimes we find ourselves wishing for the old days and fantasizing on how to get back to that but in the end we have to get over the past and move on . Sometimes you can try to communicate but it just makes sense to end .

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I think the first line- “let’s pretend that we’re all fools in love” is my favorite line because it’s something you here offer. It’s very Jane Austen- pride and prejudice and and just a tale that everyone is used to. We all wish we could be that fool in love cause we all love love and we just don’t know it till where in it. And as a March Pisces myself, I find myself always being told by someone of just being in a young and wishful place and free spirited. So the simple lyric brings those two stories and personalities together

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

I am a live performer for life. I love the energy people bring to live performances. I like to open peoples mind to genres and cultures their not used to. And most importantly I love to see everyone having a great time being free spirits.

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

my life is surrounded by music no matter what I do so I started a subscription box business that allows people to travel through music every month from the compfort of true or home .

https://safiyas-world-music-playlist.cratejoy.com/

Should we expect an album in the near future?

hopefully the end of this year or January!

Thank you!

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Marie Dangerfield – Intentions [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Groovy, soulful synth-pop

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

The main idea behind “Intentions” was to write a song that expressed why I make music and put those intentions out into the world. I want to bring others joy and offer a sense of love and connectedness through my music.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

My favourite lyric from “Intentions” would be, ‘embrace your scars – especially the ones on your heart’.

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

My favourite moments are always within the first 30 minutes of writing a new song. Where nothing but memories, experience, current mood, imagination and craft create a story and something tangible and audible – whether its lyrics, a melody or instrumentals. Bringing the song to completion is the hard part for me. BUT when I get to perform my music live, its the next best thing!

What would be your dream performance venue?

Riverstage in my hometown of Brisbane. I’ve been to so many concerts and festivals there and have been inspired by so many different artists I’ve gone to see at that venue from Missy Elliot and Wu Tang Clan to Vance Joy. There’s nothing better than live music in an outdoor setting on a summer’s afternoon/evening.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

I couldn’t pick! But I was reading The Alchemist when writing “Intentions”.

One last thing we should know about you?

I have more fun music coming soon! So stay tuned! 🙂

Thank you!

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Dominick Raffaele – Loyalty [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Ever-changing, Powerful, Connective

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

Loyalty was written in one night, no re-writes. I felt so absolutely betrayed and hurt and just started writing. I put all my thoughts on a page. It was therapeutic and seemed like a poem at first. Once I spoke with my therapist about the experience, she suggested I combine the two things I love writing and singing and then I started creating music. My overall hope for this song is that helps my listeners get through a challenging time in their life where they feel betrayed by someone they care about; whether that’s a friend, family member, or romantic partner.

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

I don’t think there is anyway to make music besides collaboration. The instrumentation and music behind ‘Loyalty’ was created by an incredible artist named Gwyn Wheeler. She captured the essence of what I wanted to express in this song so perfectly. The two background vocalists are from a theatre company, which I own. They wrote their own harmonies and added so much to the piece. Tyler Reeves and Gabriella Sferlazza are their names. The song wouldn’t be what it is without them.

Favorite album of the past decade?

I would say my favorite album of the past decade is a tie between Ariana Grande’s “My Everything” and Justin Bieber’s “Justice.”

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

I think for a long time I have always cared so much of what others thought about me, and on top of that I would always compare myself to others. I would say things like, “I can’t sing like him” or “I am not in good enough shape like he is, who would listen to my music.” It took me a long time (and I’m still working on it everyday) to not compare myself to those besides me and rather celebrate what makes us all different; it’s what makes art special.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

The most trouble I’ve ever gotten into would probably have to be when I was in high school and I attempted to call myself out from school sick and pretend to be my dad. It did not work and it did not go over well with my parents. Go to school, learn something!!!

Thank you!

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