Tag: Groove

Christopher George – All The Way For The Win [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fun, Funky, Feel-good

Tell us a few things about your song “All the way for the win” What is the story behind it?

“All the way for the win” was born out of my cheesy but funky listening tastes. I’m a brass player and love anything funky with horns in. Lyrically, the song idea came from my wife looking through old Facebook photos of me and pointing out all the women who looked interested in me but I was completely oblivious. It evolved then into the idea of a guy having to realise that this woman is really into him and could be the one so don’t miss the chance!

For which lyric are you most proud of?

I’ve always been more about the music and letting that tell the story so lyrics don’t come naturally to me. I love the idea of metaphor though and so the lyric “Her cards are on the table and she won’t fold” has to be a favourite. The idea that she’s laying it all on the line for you no matter what, I think is powerful.

Your dream collaboration?

I could go on forever about the endless list of people I would love to collaborate, there are so many but if I narrow it down to my top 3 it would be Quincy Jones, Bruno Mars and Cody Fry. Quincy because the man has decades of experience. He has had his hands in some of the most iconic records of all time, it would be a humbling experience to work with him. Bruno Mars is the new Michael Jackson and his shows are so meticulously well thought out. The guy is dripping with talent! Finally, my choice of Cody Fry is a lesser known one but the man has an incredible gift for arranging and writing, particularly orchestration. You only have to listen to his cover of Eleanor Rigby to hear how exciting his work can be!

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

Again, that’s a really tough question because there are so many incredible artists out there that I’m constantly being humbled by. I think a particularly unique and enduring song though that stands out for being iconic in recent years for me would be ‘Get lucky’. Nile Rogers’ guitar groove is so funky and it just gets you wanting to move as soon as you hear it!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be confident and patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day and challenges will constantly present themselves. They’re not a sign to give up but to work harder.

When was the last time you danced?

I dance all the time. I have to with work but also I have two small children so we’re constantly dancing. It’s a requirement in our house!

Thank you!

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Mishell Ivon – #DGGASPBXX [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new song #DGGASPBXX

You know the million random questions that rush through our head throughout the day. Anyone listening?

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

It has finally started to bloom. I found my voice and ran with it!

What first got you into music?

I think my dad. He is a total music head and we always had some sort of sound on accompanying us through all life situations. Car rides, weekends, cooking, family gatherings, cleaning the house etc.. Music is a part of me and when it is not around, it feels like something is missing.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Sade, MJ, Prince, Daft punk, Lisa Stansfield, Jamiroquai, and the list goes on

What would be your dream performance venue?

I would love to perform at the BIMHUIS in Amsterdamn Netherlands. It is an absolute vibe.

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

Travelling, cooking, arts & culture, and pelotoning

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I have a bit of a nail obsession. I get them done once a week.

Thank you!

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M-Rock Emrik – Tenderness [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funk, dance, sweat

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

I got a few musical ideas from a guy called neoholics in the southern part of Sweden. I started out and wrote the lyrics to the first verse which delas with racism, but also being true to yourself and try a little tenderness towards the ones your with. The whole song is a love message, but with a twist. I took the song to my band and we reworked a few parts, and recorded the basic track live in the studio. The chorus came to me later on, and then johanna Hjort a fantastic singer added some nice ad libs and vocals. Also live horns edited by grammy award winner _mattias Bylund. And mixed by Opolopo.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

The first verse, is nice, especialy in the beginning.

Favourite album of all time?

Oh hard one.. there are so many , but when it comes to hip hop probably EPMDs first album so many cool tracks , and really got my old band Stonefunkers going in the right direction.

What would be your dream performance venue?

I did play at a cool venue in amsterdam a long time ago Paradiso, would be nice to visit again.. never played in paris, so a nice underbround club in paris would be nice

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

People getting high or making love, or both i suppose, but also as a nice wake up call before your 9-5 job.

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

I was once arrested from skateboarding drunk, and got a ticket from the officer,
also when i took so much acid at the roskilde festival in denmark that i thought the whole festival was a war camp and that the attendants were soldiers ready to kill.

Thank you!

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Lowly Light – Candy Lied [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Emotional. Eclectic. Energetic.

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

“Candy Lied” is an alternate story of Lou Reed’s character from “Walk on a Wild Side”. What if Candy never went to New York City? She battles her internal demons of self-doubt, fear of the unknown and thoughts of ending it all. Questions if there is enough strength to learn from mistakes and use them as fuel to keep going.
It was easier to externalize my own feelings using this character to paint a picture. Showing the feelings and thoughts that I sometimes battle with, as so many others do as well. And of course the need to try and dig out of a tough mental state. We all need a positive mantra of reinforcement to make it through such times.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

It’s a tie between the start of the second verse and the bridge.

“Can’t deny, mistakes are a path

Leading to no point on a map”

“Every closed door could be something new

Just don’t let the handle hold you”

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

Writing. When you get in the zone and ideas come flowing, there is feeling of being high. Of course then there are the longer periods of slower struggle but solving a puzzle of a song is part of the fun. As the saying goes, it’s the journey, not the destination.

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

Creating an overall sound for Lowly Light that encompasses different styles that make sense taken as a whole.

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

Regarding “Candy Lied” specifically, for those who don’t know my music, hopefully an open, inquisitive mind. My goal was to place sounds and words with intent to deliver subtle surprises. The song evolves as it goes along and the lyrics build on a theme while moving through different emotional states, from darker to lighter.

When was the last time you danced?

Last time I danced was March 2020. The last weekend before the lockdown in New York. It was a friend’s dinner party that evolved into a dance party. We listened to 90’s British music interspersed with some Billie Eilish. Since it was late and there were neighbors below, we tried to dance as quietly as possible, which was of course ridiculous but a lot of fun.

Thank you!

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Alex Slay – Deep End [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Smooth, groovin, And dreamy

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

The main idea behind “Deep End” is “just to go for it” . It’s better to try than to not try at all. For me personally I wrote the song about me getting back into relationships. I was closed off for a while and wanted to make a song about getting back out there and being more open.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric as of now would probably be in “Deep End” in the bridge I say “I ain’t dippin’ my toes I’m gonna dive in, rather be living it up than out here just survivin’ I’ve been treading shallow water but I’m ready for the deep end.” I felt very stagnant for a while, like I was afraid to fail so I didn’t try and played it “safe” hence shallow water. After a little bit of soul searching and building a new found confidence in myself I felt ready to put myself out there again hence “ready for the deep end”.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Some of my biggest influences are Allen Stone, Lucky Daye, Anderson Paak. One thing these three artists all have in common is their nostalgic sound of 70’s and 80’s influences. I’ve always loved older music so it’s nice to be able to hear those nostalgic sounds in modern music. Other artists would have to include some of the Greats like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass just to name a few!

What would you change in the music industry?

I would say give more control and credit to the artist and then people that were a part of the creative process. I’ve heard way too many stories of artists and bands being taken advantage of by their labels and getting Into awful deals where the business side takes more of the credit. It’s sad to see where the industry is now, but I am hoping one day it’ll change.

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

It depends on the song, I have two out right now which have two very different feelings. One is “Cherry Wine” which is a more sultry, sad song that I would imagine people would listen to after a break up or driving late at night. Then you have “Deep End” which is much more lively with a nostalgic groove, I feel like people who want to dance and be happy would be more drawn to that one.

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

The most trouble I have ever gotten into would probably be getting pulled over on my way home for the summer. It’s nothing crazy but I had all of my stuff packed to the point where I couldn’t see anything behind me and was trying to rush home. Turns out I was going about 92 mph in a 70mph and the officer had been trying to pull me over for like 5 minutes but I wasn’t able to see him. Long story short I got a pretty hefty ticket for that.

Thank you!

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Sammy Haig – Cucumber [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

My sound in 3 words is: Detailed, Melodic, Nostalgic.

Tell us a few things about your new EP Cucumber.

Cucumber is my entire musical journey up until this point stuffed into a dense and unique multimedia EP consisting of 6 songs and music videos.
It was made remotely as a response to the pandemic, and contains the work of over 70 talented friends and collaborators. Each song and video tells a different story, although common themes certainly run throughout.
Although the music jumps between genres very rapidly, if I had to describe it, I would say it consists of jazz-influenced pop, funk, RnB, and soul, with some electronic elements thrown in here and there.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

This is a really tough question. The songs are all so different, and each of them means a lot to me in their own unique way.
If I had to choose one, though, it would be Doesn’t Feel Like Summer. It was the first song I wrote for the project, and when writing it, it just seemed to flow out of me. It wasn’t work, and I didn’t have to think. It simply appeared in a matter of hours. Then, fleshing it out was extremely rewarding. It’s also the only song on the EP where I get to sing, and although I’m no singer, it is special to get to express yourself directly through words. The trumpet, at this point, is an extension of my inner voice, but there are some things you can only express through your outer (real) one.

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

They’re such different things, and each has its own unique joy. I will say, there are few things I’ve experienced that have been as fulfilling and rewarding as writing and producing these songs. But it’s hard to make a comparison when the pandemic has continued to prevent me from playing any of them live. I cannot wait to experience that when the time comes!
Although they are different, writing and performing both have the potential to be amazing human experiences that we can share with one another. It could be collaborating to write music, or sharing in that music with your audience. I know they both will be a part of my life forever.

Tell us a song you wish you had composed yourself.

“Robot’s Return” by Talc. Listening to it should be pretty self-explanatory :). Just a masterpiece in terms of songwriting, arrangement, production, and performance.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

What a thought-provoking question! It’s tough to imagine since each song already has its own visual accompaniment. But disregarding those, I’d have to recommend you read something about space. Preferably a book with some great pictures.
Thinking about space has always given me a certain sense of awe and wonderment that I feel I often carry into my music, so hopefully that could enhance the experience of listening to it. It’s no coincidence that Dasher II’s video is what it is!

What is the most useless talent you have?

Ah, well for some reason I’ve always been good at StepMania, which is like Dance Dance Revolution, but played on your computer keyboard. I’m not sure why, and I never really practiced it, but I could always play some mean arrow keys.

I hope you enjoy Cucumber EP as much as I enjoyed making it, and you can keep up with me and my next endeavors on any of my social media @sammyhaig!

Thank you!

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Spence Paull – Crush [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Fresh, genre-crossing, groovy.

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

You know what having a crush on someone ~feels~ like? I wanted this song to what having a crush on someone ~sounds~. Giddiness, warm butterflies, uncontrollable smiling…I think all of these elements are mirrored in the production and writing of “Crush”.

The story behind it is a bit cheeky, to be honest: there was a coworker that I developed a bit of a crush on. We continued this harmless little flirtation for so long that I thought, “what if I just told them that I had a crush on them? Would it ruin our friendship? Would they like the idea, and entertain it?”. Naturally, I had to write a song about it, and thus, “Crush” was born!

What first got you into music?

Fun fact: I was tone deaf until age eight. Like, could not hold a pitch, nails on a chalkboard tone…not cute. When my grandmother (the only musician in the family) suddenly passed away, I could sing…Spooky, eh? I say that because while I’ve always been drawn to the arts, my first love was acting, not music. Though, since discovering my voice at age eight, music has been my mistress…and we have a love affair for the ages.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

It’s perhaps a bit cliché to say I draw inspiration from all artists, but it’s true! I find inspiration in all genres, styles, time periods – you name it. That said, if I had to pick a top three, they would be Quincy Jones, Taylor Swift, and Michael Bublé. Quincy brings a level of production mastery few can rival, creating a timelessness to every artist’s record he works on; Taylor has a way of capturing and expressing the human experience unlike any other songwriter to date; and Michael (a fellow Vancouverite) has seamlessly placed jazz and big band arrangements on the pop tracks, which is no easy feat!

Crush has a lovely groove. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Funny you should ask because I have entire inspiration playlists dedicated to the tracks I produce for this exact reason: finding tracks that sit in the same place in my body as the one I’m making! Some key artists I turned to for inspiration for “Crush” were ABBA, Dua Lipa, and Lizzo. That said, if I had to pick a groovy song I wish I composed, it would have to be “Radio Gaga” (Queen).

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

In general, I want people to feel transported when they listen to my music. Transported to where, though…that is for everyone to discover themselves! For “Crush”, however, I hope people have grins from ear to ear, and are addicted to that happy feeling so much that they want to listen again, and again, and again.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Chocolate. Need I say more?

Thank you!

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HIDEKKI – HELLO LOVELY [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Electronic. Hip-Hop. Hybrid.

You blend very nicely Hip Hop with Pop elements. Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?

I’m a fan of both genres, specifically Hip-Hop and HyperPop. I just wanted to make a song that incorporated my favorite parts of both genres.

What first got you into music?

I first got into playing piano because I wasn’t very social and it was something to do without feeling lonely. That eventually turned into producing beats and rapping/singing over them.

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

I enjoy writing music more than anything else. The process can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to consistently churn out new songs to keep people engaged. However, it gives me a sense of focus and purpose that I don’t get anywhere else.

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

I honestly thought that gaining listeners would be much easier. The whole marketing aspect of releasing music was something I wasn’t prepared for. I think most artists think that if the music is good enough, everything will work out. Sometimes I’ll find songs on Spotify with <1000 plays that I think are 10 times better than anything I’ve ever made.

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

I imagine people are in a pre-party mood when listening to my music. I can see people putting my songs on a pre-game playlist or something similar.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Unless I get major label support, no. Most platforms favor artists that release consistent singles as opposed to whole albums. That’s just the way the algorithms work right now. I think most of my listeners found me from Spotify’s discover weekly playlist. My top priority right now is to get my music out to as many people as possible.

Thank you!

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Miles Grindey – Funk Right Off (Major C) [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Somehow Super Eighties

Tell us a few things about your new song “Funk Right Off (Major C)”. What is the main idea behind it?

Well the whole thing started as some kind of concept on Logic Pro. I had this little bit I had stuck in my head, kept playing it randomly on various guitars. I figured it was high time to put it in something. The “B” section of the track was inspired by a number of tracks I had heard from Chaka Khan and (oddly enough) James Taylor. I have this software (well a demo of it) called “MIDI Guitar 2” and it’s really cool cause I can send the direct signal of my guitar, to my Focusrite Clarett, to this software which (simply put) has a chat with my Mac and then turns it into MIDI! I got creative and tried to do some sax but I knew I had to get a real player on board. Once I came up with, what became, the demo – I floated it to Cam (who plays bass on this tune). He, almost, immediately sent me back a pic of him, grinning, with his headless six string bass – he read my mind! Before he could do anything, I needed serious drums, so I contacted this absolutely lovely chap called Adam Wolfe (whom I met a couple of years ago at a Jam in Gwinett County, GA, USA). He was on board with it almost immediately too, so I think I did good! The final piece of this compositional puzzle came when I had to find a sax player and so it was that Nick Willsher fit the bill and I am thrilled that he was able to do it. Those folks, along with Nick Bowen’s amazing mixing and mastering (and all-around total legend-ness) made the track what you hear! Would you believe that I was massively annoyed when I wrote it? I went into the recording thinking it was gonna be some kind of angry-sounding rock tune!

What first got you into music?

I think I entered the world to “Eruption” by Van Halen, I kid of course, but I’ve always been surrounded by music. I was raised on classic rock and my journey to where I am now, began when I was 9 as I began learning the guitar – though I’ve never really stopped since you don’t ever stop learning (which is a great thing!). It wasn’t until I was 14 when I really began to take it seriously that things just progressed to where they are now.

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

I would say definitely writing music, in my “career” I’ve done one gig ever. That was in my old band back in 201The great thing about writing music is – yeah, you could do it all yourself, but other people can do it better. Writing the music and getting the right people on board can, more often than not, blow whatever you thought in your head right out of the water and onto another dimension. I do want to get out there and play more but the current situation in the UK (at least) doesn’t inspire me with much confidence (in terms of health – ya know, that Covid thing?).

Tell us a song with a funky groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Since you asked, 100% it would be “Fire” by Ohio Players. Those guys are one of my all-time favourite bands. Really though, they did an absolutely killer job in the first place – I’d just ruin it!

Favorite music related film?

A toss-up between “This Is Spinal Tap!” and “The Rocker”, gun to the head I’d say the former. You’re not a musician or an artist until you’ve seen Spinal Tap, that’s the training video.

One last thing we should know about you?

I suffer from GAS (not what you think!) it’s called Guitar Acquisition Syndrome – I have 13 guitars, a bass… and a mandolin.

Thank you!

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Linda – Losing my mind [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Disco, cheeky, fun

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

The story behind, was inspired by people, who are unable to answer to your questions, or people, who are not confident enough, and drives you crazy with their strange behavior. Well, those people make me lose my mind.
First I wanted to make a rock song for losing my mind, but my producer had the idea to make something pop, disco. So I recorded the vocals again, in a different tempo, and I also felt, and knew, this was the right decision.

What first got you into music?

I started singing as a kid, and I always felt, this is something natural for me, I was created for this.
I had a long-long break in my music career, and I started making my solo album during the pandemic.

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

I love making the songs more. Especially best friend was a long process, with dogs. It was so nice to experiment. Losing my mind was done in the shortest time, it was like having fun, having a party.
Now I started having smaller concerts as well, I enjoy them too. It’s a hard question.
Whenever something is touching me emotionally, and I find that event beautiful, by writing a lyrics or music about it, recording the song, building the story up in a song, makes me live that moment again. For example, in the last days, I’ve met someone, who is inspiring to me, and loved spending time with him. Meeting that person is basically fuel for my single, I am working on now.

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

I love the Dua Lipa disco, groove sounds, and also the Diana Ross: Upside down.

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

Losing my mind is perfect to get ready for a party in the city, helps you to have the mood for it. However, it was composed for flying with paragliders, and we are working on making the video. I think dancing is the key for this one.
On the other hand, if you are sad, and need something to cheer you up, Losing my mind is perfect for you! If your partner made you angry, listen to it and “Shake it! Shake it!”

When was the last time you danced?

This morning. I was dancing after I got out of bed. I almost dance and sing every morning before work. Thank walk my doggies, jump on my bike and go to work.

Thank you!

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