Project 1268 – Records Back [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Haley: A) Soulful B) Reminiscent C) Americana
Craig: A) infectious B) Eclectic C) OG Soul

What inspired the concept for “Records Back”?

C&H: Life events and revelations that force us to stand up for ourselves and take back what has been stolen from us. Not about just physical belongings, it’s about getting back time, love and dignity.

How did you achieve the 90’s hip-hop plus jazz sound in the engineering process?

C&H: our producer Chris Collins at Crimson Road Studio, without question. His pedigree included playing 90s EDM, Ska, and later he owned a jazz club in New Orleans. Absolutely reached in our heads and laid down what we were hearing.

Favourite album of the past year?

H: Older than 2022 but discovered in 2022, Maddie Zahn “You Might Not Like Her”
C: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats “The Future”

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

H:Artist challenge: letting people see the deep things so I can forge a connection
C: Exposure. The effort of trying to be visible and promote on social media and to events, festivals and venues.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

H: I don’t care what anyone else says, LISTEN TO ME. You are the most important being in your life. Get rid of the ones that say otherwise. Get rid of them NOW.
C: Ditto. Pursue your dreams against all odds and against the well-meaning advice of people who will settle for your mediocrity.

You’d give up making music for…

H: NOTHING. Music has always been my soul language, and I will be thinking of songs with my last breath.
C: Ditto. Nothing and no one. Music is me.
Your Message

Thank you!

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Complexive – Dewdrops [Review]

Complexive’s new single “Dewdrops” is a remarkable display of the artist’s talents as a keyboardist, producer, and performer. Hailing from Madison, WI, Complexive showcases a unique mix of hypnotic chord progressions with a jazzy vibe that is sure to enthral the listener. The track’s exciting, bass-driven beat provides a solid foundation for the rest of the production to build upon. The numerous synth sounds used throughout the song provide a rich and textured soundscape, while the elegant piano melodic lines add warmth and contrast to the overall composition. A sophisticated and well-crafted work that will be appreciated by those who are into more complex and nuanced productions. Enjoy below!

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Tha Building – TYBAH [Review]

Tha Building’s latest single, “TYBAH,” is a soul-rock powerhouse of energy and goodness that will have you grooving from start to finish. The collaboration with Nate’ the Soulsanger adds an extra layer of soulful richness to the song. The driving guitars, pumping drumbeat, and powerful organ all come together to create an infectious sound. The vocal delivery is top-notch, with strong and soulful lead vocals, backed up by equally impressive harmonies. The guitar solos are particularly noteworthy, adding even more rock energy to the song. If you’re looking for a track that will get you pumped up and engaged, “TYBAH” is the perfect choice. Overall, this song is a standout in the soul-rock genre, and is sure to be a hit among fans of both soul and rock music.

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L.Teez – Studio Blue

Signed on Hidrophonik Records since 2020, Montreal-based jazz-rap singer and songwriter L.Teez is a one-of-a-kind artist with a unique style. He is the product of different cultures, his father being from Quebec of Kabyle descent and his mother Chinese and Jamaican. He mixes sharp rap styles to create a universe of his own, between avant-garde jazz and old school hip hop, between Tyler The Creator, Flying Lotus and Pusha T.

“Waves is a song that shows my growth as an artist, both production & song writing wise. There was a lot of work that went into making it sound the way it does, big live drums triggered with heavy hip hop sounds around them.”

L.Teez crafted “I Need You” in a jam session fashion, with drums, keys and bass. Impossible to resist.

“Never Thought” is part of his new album “Studio Blue”, a real calling card of the young artist, where we can feel all his jazz, soul, funk influences, coupled with a devastating flow reminding the American pioneers of the genre…

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Discover the magic world of Henry Aberson [Review]

Today we will help you discover the magic world of Henry Aberson. This is a short introduction of Henry’s music using 3 tracks each with a distinct sonic palette.

In Hang It Up the artist teams up with Nariah Taylor and Korey Keys delivering a chill production filled with very warm keys, a sensual vocal delivery, a laid back groove on a simple but effective I-VI-IV-V chord progression. Let It Burn features Stephanie Oliver, Edwin Canito Garcia, Tye Slagle & Corey Mauser and is characterised by the beautifully crafted, comfy groove which blends with sultry guitar licks. Once again the I-IV-V chord progression remains simple but effective. In Vibe A, the artist is showcasing a more funky, groovy side of his artistic identity. A playful instrumental, filled with skilful improvisations accompanied by charming guitars and the mellow sound of the organ.

Dive in!

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Onbar – GOOD [Interview]

Good has a vivid feel good factor and will put the listener in a great mood. Tell us a few things about it.

It definitely has those vibes! I think what helped was the fact that it was made in San Diego, CA. Beach vibes and perfect weather birth this track!

You finished the song in just two days. We were wondering, what is your creative process like?

When I landed in the studio, I had a chord progression I came up with the day prior. I think what made the creative process so smooth and fast was due to how open I was to the ideas being introduced. Working with others helped me come up with new ideas!

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I’m not playin’ around, I’ll make you feel GOOD!”

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

I think I enjoy both equally. With writing, I get this rush when I come up with dope melodies and lyrics to go with it. With performing, I am moving and singing in a way that’s natural.

What would you change in the music industry?

I want to inspire people to be themselves and create the music they want to create. I know what it feels like to not be validated for my sound, so I hope I can encourage people to grasp their deserved validation.

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

It can range from chill to heart broken hours.

When was the last time you danced?

The last time I performed my music 🙂

Thank you!

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GIANFRANCO GFN – Bonnie & Clyde [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

A, HOT B, JAZZ C, AND A TOUCH OF MAGIC

Latin but with a vivid pop sensibility. Tell us a few things about your new song Bonnie & Clyde. What is the main idea behind it?

On this music I wanted something more dancing and a little more Latin, when I composed the title came very quickly because while playing I sing in loop this “Bonnie & Clyde” then I found logical to write his story, but without returning in a text of violence of as it was in his history, but on the connection, the love that can be created in a couple and that can have no limit… but thought in positive…

What first got you into music?

It is my parents who passed on to me the love of music, at home we listened to a lot of music, and very early I wanted to make some! and with time I left to the discovery chooses my instrument “the Guitar”, I am autodidact, I learned everything by looking, encouraging, and of course hours and hours of work… and the passion of the composition took to me very quickly, and since that made of long years that I compose, I arrange and I direct in all my productions.

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

I love both, but the greatest pleasure is when I hear my composition finished in the studio! At the beginning there is just a guitar and some vocals, then everything is built with the musicians in the studio. In concert it’s a little bit different, I have fun but there has to be some magic otherwise it can get boring very quickly! But when the magic happens, the evening can be crazy, and magical.

What would you change in the music industry?

There is too much and there is a lot of confusion, the public does too much zapping, and many artists who do not work with machines have difficulty to get out and be heard! and unfortunately the earnings decrease more and more! Earning a living today is becoming more and more difficult! Even the public doesn’t buy our CD’s anymore, we have to do concerts with very little money! And more over the platforms do not pay us or very, very, badly! The public doesn’t even support us anymore or almost not via donations! this last is possible on our pages with specific tabs… Yes, the future is not very positive…

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

I remain very positive, and I thank the people who leave me comments like on my Youtube channel, very encouraging. There is an audience that is created with time, even if I am in a style and a musical world anything but current. But to believe some comments my music makes them dream, dance, escape, I imagine them, and for an artist like me there is nothing more positive and gratifying.

When was the last time you danced?

This morning during and after the shower! Just before I played the guitar and started a new song that made me dance…

Thank you!

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The Art Crimes Band – Guy Like You [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Stephen Kirby: Diverse, Open, Groovy.

Guy Like You contains a chill groove mixed with an expressive vocal delivery. Tell us a few things about it. What is the story behind the track?

Grace McMahon: “When I was online dating, I carried all these expectations of the kind of person that might suit me. I think a lot of women, and probably men too, carry lists of characteristics in their mind of what their ideal partner should be like, and they are often not willing to compromise. In my own case, I was probably too focused on material things, for example I wanted a guy with his own car. That’s because I had been in previous relationships where I ended up feeling like the chauffeur and being the only driver in the relationship made me feel that it was unequal. Afterwards, when chatting to some of the lads in my band, I reconsidered this notion when I realized that there are lots of lovely guys, including some of my bandmates, who cycle everywhere and therefore ‘my list’ was preventing me from meeting some really nice men, and I had to be more flexible in my approach. In the evening, over a few glasses of wine at home, I was swiping on a dating site as usual, and suddenly the lyrics to a song just popped into my head.. That was the basis for Guy Like You”.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

Grace McMahon: Cold Room lyrics are very real for me “What if I stayed in the rain and told you straight that day, what if I said nothing new, that I was a fool for loving you” or Puzzle Of You “you won’t return my calls I fear you think it’s though I don’t know how I’ll live my life forever shadowed by you”.

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

Stephen Kirby: [Performing] live. Recording is so much fun and we’re very proud of our output. That said, nothing beats the up-close and personal experience. We can’t wait to get back out there, see you there!

What would you change in the music industry?

Niall Dennehy: Not having computer algorithms decide how good your song is or isn’t.

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

Niall Dennehy: Reminiscing good times with good friends

Future plans?

Niall Dennehy: We are still busy working away in our studio, getting the next single ready for mid-summertime and keeping our eyes firmly on an album in the next year or so. You can catch us at a SoulFest in Cork City, Ireland, August 26th – 28th and possibly another couple later on this year.

Thank you!

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Dendê Macêdo – Agô [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, fusion, spirituality

With superb grooves and very positive vibes, Agô makes you wanna start dancing from the very first seconds. Tell us a few things about your new work and the story behind it.

The songs that made it onto the album are a result of almost 10 years of composing and performing live. Some of the songs came from improvising on stage and others just from me noodling on the guitar. Without realizing it, many of the songs were about the Orixas and I realized that if I wanted to put them out into the world I should make sure that I had permission. That’s why I chose to call the album Ago, because it is asking permission of the Orixas. We recorded live in Philly and then overlaid tracks so that friends from around the world could participate. It was all done during Covid, so it was fortunate that we could do most of the work via email.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

I don’t think there is just one.

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

It depends on my mood. When I am more reflective and solitary, writing music comes more naturally. However, I do a lot of improvising and often write songs live onstage through that process. I have missed performing a lot because of Covid and am happy that things are starting to go back to normal so that we can do more of it.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would make more channels for independent music to be heard. It’s challenging to get your music out there, especially in Brazil.

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

There’s something for every state of mind on this album. Some songs are for dancing and some for heartache, some are spiritual and some are just for fun.

When was the last time you danced?

I’m Brazilian! We dance all the time!

Thank you!

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Echezona – Ride [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Limitless, heartwarming, eventful.

Ride is a blend of afrobeat and chill R&b. What is story behind it?

Ride was inspired by two records, mainstream and local, with the goal of channeling my inner warrior – knowing my worth and standing on it, even if it means having to let go of someone I love.

What first got you into music?

My introduction to music came from my upbringing being filled with listening to traditional Nigerian gospel and highlife music, as well as being a part of my church choir at the early age of

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

I enjoy both of them to the max, honestly. But there’s such an excitement I get in writing songs that I’m in so enthusiastic about it. Plus, these days, I write songs envisioning how they’re gonna be performed on stage. The writing ultimately sets the tone for how big those crowds will be. With that being said, I’m gonna go with writing the songs.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

I honestly don’t even know. Spotify is a platform that can’t be neglected as the music industry progresses. A good amount of my friends use it, and I have an account myself, so I’m sure there are incentives that come with that privilege.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stay disciplined and never get comfortable.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance almost everyday, so it honestly might have been a couple hours ago.

Thank you!

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