Tag: Electronic

The Woolfman – Make America Love Again (“Spike Says” Club Remix) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

COLOURFUL CONTEMPORARY COMPULSIVE

What is your creative process like?

MY SONGS MAINLY COME TO ME IN DREAMS. I usually sing an idea into my phone when I am half asleep or half awake. Sometimes a lyric, sometimes just a melody. I have more than a hundred of these kicking around. Every now and then I go through them and see which ones excite me at that moment. Sometimes I need a section for a song and trawl through for ideas. I usually write at the piano, sometimes on the guitar. With MALA I woke in the middle of the night after hearing Spike Lee on TV. He said “you don’t want to make America great again you need to make it LOVE Again”

Tell us a few things about this new club remix.

I decided to create this on the back of the success of our previous club track Listen to the Beat and the success of the original MALA track video in winning more than twelve film festivals including the Cannes World Film festival. The hardest thing was deciding how much of the original vocal to use for a club track. We cut it right down in the Club Mix.and to almost nothing in the “Deep” mix. The club mix was one of my quickest ever, I knew exactly what I wanted, a balance between a catchy tune – keeping the message and an insistent beat. When I think a mix is finished I always compare it to my previous work and to a few tunes which I admire, to make sure we have not got lost in the creative process and that sonically we are up to scratch.

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

I could collaborate and have in the past – but it’s not lonely – When songwriting I communicate with the different parts of my personality and allow them to express themselves and have a dialogue. For me I have something important to say in each song (see below for MALA lyrics). This may be personal or political. I rarely decide to “sit down” and write from scratch, I get excited by something that has bubbled up and go with the feeling. I am able to edit my work as if I was an outsider – that is probably the toughtest bit. Songwriting is a deeply personal process, you are exposing your deepest self to the world, that can be scary.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Black Mirror

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

To keep going and believe in myself when things are not going well. To be sure I have something to say that is worth hearing and listening to. My strong belief that I occupy my own tiny but unique place in the musical universe. I have too many ideas and lyrics, choosing the next one to work on can be hard…It was a challenge to give up playing the saxophone, I decided to focus on less instruments – guitar, piano/keys.

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

A state of deep aliveness, connection with themselves and an urge to be part of something bigger. People who love a great tune with a hypnotic beat and at the same time want to express an important message. Thus people can hook into my tracks on a number of levels, any is ok with me.

When was the last time you danced?

Two weeks ago, I dance a lot and get many ideas when I am on the dance floor…get carried away sometimes.

Thank you!

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Frannie B – Downfall [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

“sad dance pop”

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

I recently watched “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix and the whole documentary was essentially discussing how social media platforms are designed specifically to be as addictive as possible. After this was actively pointed out to me I really started noticing (in myself and in my friends) just how dependant we are on it; I’ll stay up just to scroll when I actively want to go to sleep and the first thing I do every day is compulsively check my phone. I have no doubt a lot of other people are the same… Realising this made me really uncomfortable so I wanted to write a song where I really treated it like a drug addiction. Other kinds of addiction have such negative stigma towards them, but no-one thinks twice about how addicted to the internet we all are. People very close to me have struggled with various forms of addiction, and from my personal experiences losing yourself in the internet can be just as harmful as losing yourself to a substance.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

From this song I’d say the most honest lyric is “seeping in, creeping in like diffusing- spreading underneath my skin like it’s bruising” as I wrote it not thinking but just feeling and describing the sensation. It’s about that itching feeling of when you’re trying to go to sleep but your mind keeps jumping back to wanting that hit and while you try to ignore it it just sinks in that little bit deeper. Giving into that feeling isn’t that immediate harm either, you realise the damage later so to me it acts like a bruise.

Your dream collaboration?

There are so many amazing artists I would love to work with but dreaming big I would love to work with Billie Eilish and Finneas some day. I’d love to have a studio session with them both and I think that their soft and clean sound could work really nicely on dark, minimal, dance-y pop track.

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

I’d say the hardest thing I’ve found so far is getting used to rejection. In creative industries everything is very subjective so it’s one of those things where you just have to learn not to take it personally and that’s so much harder than it sounds… especially when you’ve poured your heart into a project.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to stop stressing so much about things that I have no control over. You can’t control how other people think of you or what they’ll say about you so the best thing you can do is be nice to everyone you meet and just do whatever makes you happy in the moment.

When was the last time you danced?

The last I properly danced in a class (with actual technique) was pre-pandemic so probably back in December of 2019. But I had a lot of fun just dancing around in the music video for this track which I only filmed a couple of months ago.

Thank you!

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Jaded Jane – Bogotá [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Cosmic, Atmospheric, Eclectic

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

First feeling I had when I strolled around in a village outside the city centre of Bogotá was this intense combination of love, excitement & a hint of nervousness, so much impressions & people, and in the air I could sense a longing for something, as if someone just woke up and realised their true potential, striving for freedom from the chains of society, yet the same frustration was their in the air of the struggle to get by another day.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The lyric that helps another person get out of his or her negative mind patterns.

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

What I really like about being a creative person is the variety, I love spending hours in a studio, tweaking sounds and I also love being on stage performing the songs before an engaging audience, For me the listener is as important as the performer, In between us is where the magic grows.

What would you change in the music industry?

I do feel a more transparent system is something that we will create, the equality not just in how much we get paid but also how everyone is treated, Jaded Jane is all about the inside out, and the name has an androgynous quality, On the inside we are all the same. We all share the same DNA.

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

Dancing with a big love for Breaking (Break Dance)

You’d give up making music for…

For me, in life, its all or nothing.

Thank you!

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Pedro Samp – Silver [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Cinematic, Profound, an Experience

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

Music should always be evolving, provided is not losing its “accessibility” to everyone. Music is meant to connect, to bond, protect and nurture one’s soul.

What first got you into music?

I come from a broken home that was once filled with happy memories. I simply used music as an escape, a time machine into happier moments throughout my entire life. It’s a magic trick.

Favourite album of the past year?

Mac Miller – Circles

What would you change in the music industry?

That’s a tough and rather personal one. I reckon every answer will vary according to each stage in your professional career. Being 100% upfront, I think the practice hurting new artists the most is “pay to play” of any sorts. From play-listing to gig slots contaminating the industry as a whole.

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

Whenever they’re in need or looking for an escape.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can seriously shake my own eyes. Like proper trembling.

Thank you!

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Venus As a Boy – Reaching For The Sky [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

atmospheric, eclectic, dreamy

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

Reaching for the sky is a song Jenna and I made in the middle of the pandemic. I kind of made it by accident, sort of forcing myself to make music. I was going to toss the beat and forget about it but Jenna wanted to heart and an hour after sending she sent me these amazing lush vocals. Within it she had this one line “reaching for the sky, don’t say I didn’t try”. At the time I was feeling a little burnt, and down on music but that line for some reason helped remind me to keep pushing.

What first got you into music?

My parents both play piano and it wasn’t long before I started too. The rest is history, I just kept following my nose so to speak on what I liked. It’s lead me through classical music, Jazz, alt rock, rap, hip hop, electronic music, experimental music, and all the way back again.

Favourite album of the past decade?

hmmmm that’s a really tough one, there are so many, I’d have to say underscores latest project fish monger is pretty great!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I think, understanding that things take time. I won’t be happy or feel like I have found my “sound” for awhile and I’ve had to learn to just be comfortable with that and just keep exploring.

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

Wow, so many. But I think it’d be fun to do something sci-fi. I think it’d be fun to get to explore just a bunch of weird sounds. Or maybe something dramatic that much more based in reality with a darker tone, kind of like biutiful, such an amazing movie. Good question!

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

hmmmm, one time I was driving on the PCH and I accidentally swiped this car. About 2 seconds later, these police sirens go off from within the car. Turns out it was an undercover cop. Fortunately, there was almost no damage to their car, but my bumper was toast. Definitely pretty scary and would not recommend it.

Thank you!

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Maria Rodhe – Happy Ending [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Naked
Rhythmic
Rich

Tell us a few things about your new EP “Happy Ending”. What is the main idea behind it?

It’s my story told of hunger for love in a time where social media and dating apps play games with our minds.I share my not so nice experience but it does have a happy ending. I love happy endings!

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

No Guts

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Beatles, Lady Gaga, The Cure, Ariana Grande, Zara Larsson and The Weeknd

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square Garden.

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

Any. My songs are not sad even if they touch base upon Sadness.Before the party, at the party, on the way to work, in the shower or even in the bed with your loved one. Anything goes with these ones!

You’d give up making music for…

Shoot me. If I cannot. Honestly. I cannot see a reason at which I would have to give it up.If anything would threat my children or family then I’d of course consider it. Let’s not jinx this one..

Thank you!

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Tom Tom Park – Give Me Back My Name [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

sparkly, funky, dizzying synths, also moody and cozy at the same time.

Tell us a few things about your new song Give Me Back My Name. What is the main idea behind it?

The importance of self-esteem. You could say it’s a three-minute tantrum. It’s that kind of song that has your heart screaming for attention on the dance floor, being a little dramatic. A story I think we all can relate to, it’s all about how you have to live your own life, putting yourself first.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

“come on for real, I’m not what you need,” that line pretty much says it all!

Favourite album of the past year?

There’s a lot to choose from, the last couple of weeks I’ve been listening to John Mayer’s SOB Rock. I love “Shouldn’t matter but it does”, it’s such an honest song.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I guess playlist professionals are the music brokers, I hope they not only want to provide listeners with a guide to what’s hot but also really surprise listeners.

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

Well I hope everyone’s in a good place.

You’d give up making music for…

world peace.

Thank you!

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Hounah – Fairbanks [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Laidback, Reflective, Roots.

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

Basically, I let the groove guide me in producing. It was early clear to me that the song had a certain trip hop attitude. I also knew very early that I would like to ask the Swiss singer Lena Schmidt to sing the vocals for the song. I had a certain vision of the sound of her voice and the instrumental. Lena even exceeded these expectations. The song lyrics are based on a poem by the poet Edith Dame Sitwell. For me it deals with a form of being alone. But I think there are also other interpretations. In any case, it touches me very much.

What first got you into music?

Already in my youth I was enthusiastic about making music with the computer and I tried out a lot of things. Parallel to this, i developed a great passion for DJing. Somehow one thing led to another. – I played my first gigs, the first releases came. And the hobby became a profession. The passion for different music styles has always remained.

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

I really have alternating phases in my life. Basically, I always concentrate on the moment. When I’m in the studio, I try to block out everything else. When I’m on stage, my focus is absolutely there. I like that variety a lot.

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

I think my challenges grow with the years I’ve been making music. Maybe that’s also part of it. The biggest challenge was certainly my upcoming “Hounah” album “Broken Land”. It’s my first solo album and a certain lack of compromise was very important to me. It should become a musical part of me. For that I had to learn a lot and i also work very focused. It was a very intense time, but in the end I’m very happy about it.

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

It may be different for everyone. Everyone feels music differently. But basically it is already music, where you can perhaps listen a little more closely to capture details. Maybe you can be in a more reflective mood or very close to yourself.

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

A difficult but also easy question: This is my family. These are my children. And of course music as passion.

Thank you!

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Charli Haruhi – 1st Density [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Channeled electronic flows

Tell us a few things about your new genre blending album “1st Density”.

This album came about from me studying the elements (earth, water, fire, air, spirit), both on a physical level and a spiritual, alchemical level. Discovering the nature of these elements within us and their ability to transform and empower us (if balanced) really inspired me! I wanted to share that discovery and really take listeners on an adventure within themselves. Engaging the body, mind, and spirit through some groovy, dancey sounds.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I wouldn’t really want to pick one. Every song on the album is produced and written by me. I put all of me into this album. So I would think all the songs would reflect me well. Though, If I had to pick one though I’d probably say “Alchemy”. Or maybe “Blew”.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Daft Punk and Gorillaz have probably influenced my sound the most. They are my all time faves. But some other bands I love and very inspired by are Florence & the Machine, Willow Smith, Sunny & Gabe, The Strokes (and any project with Julian Casablancas), Kid Cudi, Passion Pit, Sylvan Esso and Pogo.

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

I feel like my biggest challenge has been not having a team to help with things non music related. I love making and performing music but it takes a lot of energy to keep up with social media, booking, promotion and all of those things. I have been doing my best but it’s definitely been a challenge.

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

Most of the time when I’m not doing something music related I’m doing some type of studying. I enjoy studying various scientific, metaphysical, and spiritual topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, astrology, sacred geometry, numerology, the history of the earth, and different world religions and spiritualities. I have multiple notebooks scattered about with notes I’ve taken from different books, articles, and documentaries. My studies are my source material for most of my lyrics, and even influences my sound a bit.

What is the most useless talent you have?

My most useless talent is probably how fast I can guzzle down beverages. I can crush a bottle of water in an instant.

Thank you!

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Mr. StarZ – Lagos Feat Wiser Observer [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Powerful, Confident, Energetic

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

Well I knew it was gonna have Brass, strong and deep brass. I sent a rough instrumental to Wiser Observer, my featured artist/rapper, and he wrote and recorded the fresh and vibin lyrics we put in the song! I wanted to put the Mr. StarZ stamp on it, and I like myself some Brass in House music!

What is the story behind your name?

My family is everything to me, and there is no one I idolize more in this world than my Father and Mother. They have a family boat of ours have gone out in since I was a child. The name of that boat is StarZ, as our family have always been taken aback by there serenity, peaceful glimmers, and the wondrous unknown surrounding them!

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My father, for sure.
Musically? Deadmau5 is the reason I started DJing in the first place. His incredible Arps and plucks are Wildly Epic, and never get old to me! I also get motivation every time I see artists like Mr. Belt & Wezol, Moksi, and Malaa on stage because there energy is contagious, and its what I aspire to achieve in my career!

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

Contacts, I suppose. Knowing the right people in the industry is very important to help build your career; finding a team to help with suggestions, honest feedback, and knowledge so you can learn not just how your music sounds, but how you can improve it. Networking and actually Talking and messaging other DJ’s/Producers is the best way of course, but social media now adays can help you reach a bit further!

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

In a blissful state of mind. A euphoric one. I hope my music will bring emotion to the front, bring motion and dancing from the legs, and some head banging on the side as well!

Future plans?

My plans are going to be fun! I hope to be getting up on a stage at gigs, festivals, and shows in the upcoming months. I have releases being released from some record labels im proud to have connected with, and I know the Stars are potential if I can keep making bangerz!

Thank you!

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