Tag: Electronic

ESSA V – ANOTHER LIFE [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Moody, vulnerable, plastic

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

The main idea is that I often imagine myself living other lives, having totally different experiences, backgrounds and beliefs than I do currently, and I wanted to explore those lives. Each song is about a relationship – two are exes, one is an ex best friend, and one is about my relationship with myself (When You Dream, Your Soul Grows Back – which contains the lyrics “I feel the pull to another life,” the title of the EP). Writing and producing the songs was therapeutic and allowed me to explore what I did in the past and some possibilities for how things could have gone differently. Coming from a more academic background with my music, where my experience was focused more on technique and execution rather than the feeling that inspired the music itself, it’s always been hard for me to push myself to be vulnerable, and so I hope I achieved that with this EP.

What first got you into music?

When I was 9, four musicians from a local orchestra came to our school to basically persuade kids to join the strings program. There was a violinist, a violist, a cellist, and a bassist. I remember sitting on the floor of the gym, criss-cross applesauce, and each one of them played alone for a few minutes to demonstrate the different features of each instrument, and I was completely blown away by how amazing they each sounded. I chose to play viola (because I’m not like other girls, rawr XD), and then ten years later I was doing that same presentation to a bunch of kids, which was really cool to see some of the kids’ eyes light up and ask a ton of questions. My dad is also a musician and has always played music around me so he probably primed me for that moment too.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Björk, Kate Bush, Blood Orange, Tom Waits, My Chemical Romance, Tori Amos, Allie X, Idina Menzel, Remi Wolf, Jesca Hoop, The Used, 070 Shake, Young Thug, Phantogram, Rihanna, Cocteau Twins, Peter Gabriel, Debussy, Rush, Chopin, John Mayer, Fair to Midland, Bladee, Brian Eno, Dorian Electra, Circa Survive, Erik Satie, The Dear Hunter, Grimes, Arvo Pärt, Charli XCX, Oneohtrix Point Never, Queen, Demi Lovato, Sigur Rós, Kaija Saariaho, Julia Holter, Ricky Eat Acid, Kitty, MUNA, Dan Deacon and my dad.

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

Probably letting other people in on my process. I kind of always thought I needed to do it all myself, from songwriting to recording to producing to mixing and mastering. But I’m learning that collaborating not only takes that weight off of you, it also blends the incredible beauty of someone else’s mind into your work, and that goes beyond workflow and efficiency, it’s priceless. It’s the whole point. Music is meant to be shared not only with other musicians, but the audience should participate. The audience are musicians too, just by listening.

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

Smoking a joint driving in your car after an exhausting day. Or on shitty phone speakers getting ready for a girls night out.

When was the last time you danced?

On a daily walk this week. To Vulfpeck on my headphones. You can just dance in the street, nobody cares.

Thank you!

Follow ESSA V
Instagram

The Passing Sages – Crisis On The Dancefloor [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Electrifying, fun, vibrant

Tell us a few things about Crisis On The Dancefloor. What is your creative process like?

Crisis On The Dancefloor is a fun song about people who are afraid to dance! Our creative process can be very collaborative. With this tune, Holly pulled together a demo and brought it to the band who all helped put their own spin on it. The songs naturally evolve once we start working on them together.

What first got you into music?

Carrie – I have loved music for as long as I can remember. I started singing lessons when I was 6 years old. I was obsessed with the musicals ‘Oliver’ and ‘Annie’. From then my love for music, singing and the theatre grew.

Daniel – Until I was about 13-14 I wasn’t into music at all. I was born in 1990 and wasn’t into the pop music I was hearing on the radio. But then got introduced to some older stuff, classic rock, blues, jazz and metal and had a religious moment of realising “oh I actually really like this!”.

Holly – I’ve loved music since I was a kid and I started off playing the cello in my school orchestra. I picked up the guitar at 11 years old and I started songwriting from the age of 1The rest is history!

Mr Clyne – A mixture of my Mother always having varied music on and the enjoyment of playing instruments from primary school onwards. LimeWire also had a huge impact.

Nic – My love of music began from a young age, growing up in a household where the radio was always on and music was always heard. As a result of my Mum being a huge Queen fan and sitting me down in front of their music videos, I fell in love with the guitar and wanted to be just like Brian May. However, 6 year old me was disappointed to discover that I didn’t sound like him straight away when I got my first guitar.

Sean – Both of my parents are big music fans, so there was a lot of music in our household when I was a kid. My mum was always into her club music and musicals, whereas my dad is a big 70s/80s rock and metal fan. The film ‘School Of Rock’ definitely made me more interested in listening to an older generation of music, as did the ‘Guitar Hero’ game franchise.

Your dream collaboration?

Carrie – If Whitney Houston was still alive then it would most definitely be her. She was my idol growing up. Celine Dion would be my 2nd choice.

Daniel – Ooof tough, in terms of modern artists probably Fantastic Negrito, I love the music he’s creating such a cool, modern take on blues. Older artists, definitely Tom Waits, he’s an amazing, unique songwriter who’s gone through so many iterations of his sound throughout the years and I have mad respect for him.

Holly -If Andre 3000 did a verse on one of my songs I would literally die happy.

Mr Clyne – Dangermouse and Jemini the gifted one

Nic – For me I think it has to be the legendary Nile Rodgers. He has been involved with some of the greatest songs of all time and I absolutely love his approach to writing and arranging. As a guitarist, I often think he gets forgotten about on ‘Top Guitarists of All Time’ lists but I think he is a phenomenal player and has such a distinctive sound and style that I just love. I reckon even from just a few moments in his presence I could learn so much.

Sean – Both of my picks are slightly different from The Passing Sages’ sound, but Rob Swire from Pendulum/Knife Party or Mark Tremonti from Creed/Alter Bridge/Tremonti.

What would you change in the music industry?

The worst thing universally about the music industry is definitely the pay. You have to really enjoy performing music and not be in it for the money!

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

Carrie – I spend my time at work and looking after my 4 year old son.

Daniel – The usual stuff, TV, movies, video games, love a true crime documentary/podcast. And planning my wedding which is less than a year away!

Holly -I like dancing, making stained glass art and travelling when I get the chance!

Mr Clyne – Sleeping or en route to sleep. Child rearing and Xbox.

Nic – I teach guitar so I am literally always playing, learning or writing. A day without a guitar in my hands is a strange day indeed. I also love playing video games.

Sean – Working, unfortunately! Or sleeping… or eating.

When was the last time you danced?

Carrie – okay so proper dancing – not since I was at uni (we had to learn ballet and tap which I was horrendous at) but I do a little side step in time with the beat at practice now and again.

Daniel – This morning in the shower.

Holly – I go to weekly house dancing lessons which are always really fun.

Mr Clyne – I dance with my children all the time.

Nic – Probably at our last band practice, it’s impossible to play this music without having a boogie.

Sean – When I went to see the legendary Drum and Bass dj, Sub focus, last weekend.

Thank you!

Follow The Passing Sages
Instagram

¡BAS! – Layers Of ¡BAS! [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Groove, psychedelic, timeless

You blend in your music numerous music genres. What is your creative process like?

When I start to develop an idea in the studio, I find the most important thing for me is not to put myself into a box. I just let it flow out of me and since I enjoy many different genres of music, this “blending” effect is born. I try not to let what people expect of me influence my creative process. This was the initial feeling that inspired the whole album. Hence the title of my first track “Own Time”. I like when I have nothing to do; I find this is when I am the most creative. Every song starts with a different instrument, that once laid down, paves the way for the rest of the track.

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

Collaboration can be a very rewarding and inspiring experience! I enjoy collaborating with the right people very much. Shout out to Jonny Sé, my close friend who featured on “Navigate” and is also my visual artist. Sometimes it can be a drag, in my opinion, you can’t collaborate with just anyone. You have to choose artists who you are compatible with and who you believe in. Collaboration should be built from trust, respect, and friendship. When I collaborate with other artists I prefer to give them full artistic control over what they are adding to the project. This way the results are creative and authentic.

Favorite album of the past decade?

This is a very tough question for me to answer. There are a lot of artists out there who make great songs but I would not consider their albums as a whole noteworthy. This being said I believe that a great album delivers an overall theme and has a tracklist that can be listened to without skipping any songs. In my opinion, the best album of the last decade is most likely Mordechai by Khruangbin. Some honorable mentions include 99.9% by Kaytranada, KOD by J. Cole, Swimming by Mac Miller, The Ascent by Charlesthefirst and French Kiwi Juice by FKJ. Shout out to all the amazing albums out there which I may have forgotten to mention.

What would you change in the music industry?

If I could change something about the music industry It would be how accessible it is. One could argue that we live in the best time ever to be a musician. We can instantly share music across the globe giving a stage to anyone who deserves it. Despite this being true I still feel that breaking into the scene and reaching a point where you can get consistent gigs can be difficult. Many times it seems people are given opportunities based on status or connections rather than what they bring to the table. I would like to see the music industry provide a better platform to give up and coming artists a shot. I would also like to see a return to a time when artists put meaning behind their music and released albums rather than singles. Authentic music is timeless, and authentic artists are what is missing from a lot of popular music these days.

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

The purpose of my latest album is to speak to all the different aspects of an individual’s personality. We are all a culmination of the different influences we carry. I hope that in this release there is something for everyone. If you want to feel something, if you want to dance or reminisce, come and listen because has there ever been a truly one dimensional human.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance everyday. I spend my days listening to music from the moment I wake up till I go to sleep. It is my passion and I could not live without it. I dance alone while I’m jamming to what’s in my ear, I dance when I go out, I dance with my lovely girlfriend Camila, and I dance anytime I hear something that tickles my ear the right way.

Thank you!

Follow ¡BAS!
Instagram

Rose Dees – Eat Your Friends [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Alien discovers bass

Tell us a few things about your new album Eat Your Friends. What is the main idea behind it?

its the third story in my discography about an alien who comes to earth
its a simple premise in the first one its about my mental health and history so it vaguely makes a fiction of those things as shes captured by humans but learns to love life on earth, second was a bust out story where she falls in love with a human which mirrors other parts of my mentality, she lovers her so much she puts her in a memory loop that makes her believe her friends survived
this one though is about love sex and recovery, as the alien always mirrors me and I happen to be in a wonderful relationship. all that though never distracts from just making interesting dance music and growing in my skill there.

Which song of the album represents you the most?

sonically prolly K4SET’s track (K4SE this Joint), Lyrically (Hello)

Favorite album of the past decade?

I cant choose one so Ill give the 3 most relevant Madeon’s(Good Faith) Skrillex(Recess) and clipping(there existed an addiction to blood)
all these have had months long repeats in my headphones.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I dont really know, as long as theres lights and good subs, I dont really have any one in mind. Id just be happy to be on a stage at all Im southern so Im easily humbled and grateful for anything I achieve.

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

cant- part of the reason my music is through an alien persona is I dont always feel like a human myself, dont get me wrong I am one, but im neuro-divergent and that often makes relating to others difficult if we dont share some hyper obsession of mine.

You’d give up making music for…

Millions of dollars and Motherhood. but I dont plan to barter it. ideally Ill get all 3.

Thank you!

Follow Rose Dees
Instagram

Hangtime – R2R [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

A: post emo
B: hangrimey
C: unghh

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

Right2Repair System Log \ \
\ \ Systems are stabilizing. Ready for the next flight–Gravitational force is normalizing.
\ \ Blackout Activity in Forecast
\ \ E.T. BioOrganics found under Radiation.
\ \ Coronal Influence neglected.
\ \ Proceed with caution, risk ahead. Asteroids in arteries.
\ \ https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-forecast

R2R Mission Log:
‘Right2Repair is a mixtape collected amongst the ash and rubble; faded mind’s recollection of formative emotions.
Feels like courage breaking through, like in adolescence. The hand reaching through from the past to the present. Stepping back to find yourself, stuck and waiting to be set free. The right to repair oneself, to reconnect with their personal throughline of life, and the mission to continue. This story is all painted together using colors of industrial, techno, rock, and hip-hop energy.’

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Mirror Mirror On The Wall – The Musical – 2.0 – xbox360

Favourite album of the past decade?

Rodeo – Travis Scott
good kid, m.A.A.d city – Kendrick Lamar
Currents – Tame Impala
Magic Oneohtrix Point Never – Oneohtrix Point Never

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

Live contact for other travelers is still barred in the galaxy. Anti-viral algorithms.
Data caps impend free flow
streaming personas lost in the matrix
carrying out scrimmages in the real.
attn:poison

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

PLAY R2R
WHEN Sweating it out in a dark room with other people in the real AND/OR
WHEN In your thoughts AND need a place to go to feel crazy.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

burning fuel without calculating next landing

Thank you!

Follow Hangtime
Soundcloud

Tha-GhostDawg – Encore [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Distance, raw, cloudy

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

Basically, Encore was a way different beat with a different title before that was not yet released. The first verse was recorded on a different beat,but something was missing and I decided to redo the whole beat. I used the Raw Accapella and tryed different ideas and melodys and not before long, I came up with something. The whole concept for the song was falling in line as soon as Akasha stepped into the booth, she freestyled the bridge vocals and from this moment on, we added the Hook and i wrote and recorded the second verse. We always wanted to try a club type song with a more “electric vibe” to it and with a faster rhytmn. Might sound crazy but i mostly see pictures and colors in my head when i work on a beat or write my lyrics, but also when I’m recording. Encore was a futuristic vision with a 90’s touch.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

All my lyrics are honest, i could never write something that i’ve not expirienced or that i don’t feel at all. Regarding Encore, a few lines have a deeper meaning, but I would say “Do you hataz really thought you could stop the Grind safe your effort I’m not playing you cannot take away my shine. Huntin like Artemis, I gotta cross the Ocean, Ghetto Jam like Domino I flow with devotion” Since this has a lot to do with my story and LA, also “This game is upside down, fans stopped to differ right from wrong. Fake, like politicians and laws, be yourself or leave me alone” ..speak for itself.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

This goes deep and wayback, friends, enemys, people that we’ve lost along the way. Life itself has created a very complex picture. Back then Artists like: Mo Thugs Family, Bone thugs, 2 Pac, but also Rock bands like Def Leppard and Composers like Hans Zimmer. Recently Artists like Yung lean and Bones.. but it’s to many to name since every artist with a song that you feel can be a inspiration or at least a part of it. I often give “workshops” in the hood, and even those youngstas are an inspiration, i always tell’em that.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Every stage or club is good as long as the crows is connected to your music, ain’t nothing worse then a crowd thats is not in the right mood.

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

My songs vary a lot in style and lyrics. I think it’s best to have a bit of both worlds, if you wanne dance and party, i got you covered. If you want something deep with a message.. i got you. If you want something to chill and relax.. i got you.

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

I think it’s almost certain that you run into trouble sooner or later if you grew up in a poorly enviroment without a father figure and without a real family behind you. I never had a real guidance and lived the day by day life for quiet some time. A lot has happened and I’ve seen how people disappear from an early age on. Runnin’ into trouble with the law happened occasionally, but i think one of the worst moments was when a guy attacked me and one of my close homies with a hand saw.. allready knew what it means to have guns pointed to my head at this moment.

Thank you!

Follow Tha-GhostDawg
Instagram

Psykobreak! – Sting [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Dark, Fresh, Agressive

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

‘Sting’ was inspired by Notorious B.I.G’s ‘Hypnotize’ but with a spooky, EDM-infused twist. It’s a sarcastic commentary on how rappers act and talk tough only to manifest negativity. It’s the theme song for the character and first performer on the track, BQ, in our web-series.

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

Love collaborating! This project is a collaborative effort for sure. The songwriting can be simpler if done by one person, but sometimes it’s nice to get others’ creative vision; they make can think of something that never even occurred to you.

Favourite album of the past year?

Our favorite album of 2021 has to be Halsey’s ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’. It’s such an unexpected collaboration with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross with really groundbreaking results.

What would you change in the music industry?

The fact that popular music today is determined more by TikTok hits than creativity. There are some awful songs from there.

Favorite music related film?

This project mostly started because of ‘Sucker Punch’ and its use of music. When the music starts, we look inside the character’s mind rather than a musical number and that’s the exact formula we’re using in our storytelling.

One last thing we should know about you?

We’re hard at work creating a Sci-fi/Horror/Comedy web-series featuring the performers on this song and others. It’ll be a never-before-seen combination of music and storytelling; keep you eyes peeled!

Thank you!

Follow Psykobreak!
Instagram

Larizzle – Over Me [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words:

African, House, Vibes

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

Amapiano is an amazing new South African House hybrid that is sweeping is the globe and a sound I heavily support during my DJ sets. Over Me is my attempted stamp on the sound and couldn’t have been achieved without the amazing vocals of Roses Gabor.

What first got you into music?

I can remember watching Michael Jackson music videos when I was about 4 years old – that is was started my love for music and wanting to make my own.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Has to be Juls – Sounds of My World. Juls is someone that has really inspired my musical journey and has done a lot for African music in the UK. His debut album Sounds of My World is a masterpiece in my opinion.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would like more to be done in raising awareness of the mental health implications that working in the music industry can lead to.

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

In a partying state on mind!

When was the last time you danced?

Just before this interview! I love to dance 🙂

Thank you!

Follow Larizzle
Instagram

SWATS – Come Home [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Technical, melodic, full-bodied

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

Come Home is a song written for those who power through long distance relationships at the surface but at its core of was written with many themes in mind ranging from the relationship between parents and their children growing children to the Trail of Tears. It was written in such a way that allows the listener to relate in their own way through their own experiences as well.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I’d have to say the cchorus. This was the first part of the song that s written and the whole song was written around it. Initially the words were, “You’re Never alone, and you can always come home” with a slight variation in the melody. Once i has the idea to flip it around, everything fell into place and the song was completed shortly after.

Favourite album of the past year?

I’ve been enjoying the latest releases from Little Simz and Tyler, The Creator

What would you change in the music industry?

Continue to up the revenue for streaming royalties.

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

I write for various different moods. People can relate if they’re happy, frustrated, in the mood or just want to vibe. There’s a little something for everyone throughout the catalogue.

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

shrugs I’ve gotten into fights before when I was younger. Usually due to standing up for someone though so, worth it.

Thank you!

Follow SWATS
Instagram

K THX BYE – PCH [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Nostalgic, Indie, Sassy

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

“PCH” is the song playing as you’re driving home from a long weekend at the beach – you drank one too many margaritas and fell in love with someone who lives 800 miles away. It was never your intention, but you couldn’t help yourself. Now you’re checking the rearview, thinking about all of the exciting mistakes you just made

What is the story behind your name?

We actually have another project called Tidal Babes – total bubblegum surf punk. One of the singles we released is called “Bam” and there’s a line in that song where I say, “k thanks, bye!” We liked that as a name and thought it would be a fun little Easter egg for people that are fans of both projects

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

Oooh that’s tough. Each one has its own kind of magic. When we’re in the studio building a song, there will be these insane moments when all of our neurons are firing and everything comes together in a spark of clarity. There’s nothing quite like that high. Songwriting is such an intimate way to connect with a person, and it always brings us closer together. Playing live is so much fun though. We haven’t been able to play live shows with K THX BYE yet, but we’ve all played together in so many different projects over the years that we know we vibe well live. We’ve been doing so much studio work lately and have all really been enjoying that, but of course we can’t wait to play out when the time is right

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

I think there’s a very communal sense amongst artists that living through a pandemic has been the biggest challenge as of yet

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

Our music is pretty easy to connect to, so I see it fitting in lots of situations – at some hip loft party in New York City, at a fashion show, or just in your apartment having a dance party with your besties

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

Haha, that doesn’t seem like a safe question to answer… I like adventure, and with that can come trouble. I find myself there often and I embrace it as part of the process. I’ll spare you the details

Thank you!

Follow K THX BYE
Instagram