Tag: Groove

Subconscious Culture – What Separates Us [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Bohemian Jazz Hip-Hop

Tell us a few things about your new album.

The new album is a commentary on many of our social dilemmas and my own personal struggles and observations. It is the first of two EPs discussing these topics. The second album will be called What Unifies Us and will be coming out some time in 202The second album will be discussing things that bring us together as the title states.

You blend many different genres.

We blend Hip Hop with most every other genre out there.
I don’t like confining ourselves to one category or another. Music is fluid and open to whatever style speaks to the concept and mood of the song.


What is your creative process like?

We work in many different ways. Sometime jamming on a tune and freestyling lyrics over it then taking it into the studio and working up a rough idea then refining it. I also have started writing my own music now. So I will record the rough idea, bring it to my team and elaborate on it then record the finished song. I like to leave things open to my collaborators as much as possible because I don’t always have the best ideas. Collaboration is all about getting everyone’s input and bringing the best ideas to the table.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Pices of Me and Concerning Karen. They portray both my serious side and my goofy side.

Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?

I think Hip Hop is ever evolving so I don’t think there is one true Underground Hip Hop sound by an amalgam of different sounds and styles. To answer this in full I would have to discuss it in a conversation.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

They definitely hold a lot of cards seeing as they are the main streaming platform. All the same I think they need to respect artists more and pay them more for their streams and find better ways to give back to their community that makes them tons of money every year. I personally think they are rather scandalous in how they work right now.

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

In a reflective and thoughtful state of mind.

One last thing we should know about?

We are currently working on a bunch of new singles and a whole new full band album as well as a full Video and audio spoken word album. We are constantly evolving and looking to inspire people from every demographic, through multiple styles of music and media.

Thank you!

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Geo – Like This Like That [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, sultry, with a little bit of funk

Tell us a few things about your new song “Like this like that”. What is the story behind it?

This song is different from my usual sound, as it has an element of “pop”… Like This Like That is about confidently shooting your shot and is meant to get people dancing and moving.

What first got you into music?

I’ve always loved music and singing; however my songwriting abilities really motivated me to pursue it whole heartedly.

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

hmmm I honestly never thought of Spotify as the music industry’s gatekeeper…. I’m not sure tbh…

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

Soul

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m taking things one day at a time.

Thank you!

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The Blemish – Roboganic [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Astute, easy sophistication.

Your album blends different genres. Tell us a few things about your new work.

We believe that the music industry — and music lover as a whole — ought to move to a post-genre frame of mind. We think that there are only two types of music – good and bad. For this album, we went in with this genreless mindset. The goal was to just make the best grooves and lyrics, and be free to use any synth, instrument, sample, or vocal style to achieve the best feel for each song. We think it turned out rather well.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

They’re all our precious babies! But i we were to pick just one song that represents the concept of the album — “Roboganic”, it would be Serial Jane. It blends organic instruments (guitar, rhodes, voice, etc.) with electronic or synth elements (talkbox solo, drum machine). The lyrics deal with an uncommon topic with a fresh angle as well. It’s everything we set out to do.

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

This is gonna be a cop out answer, but we really do love both. We really like the creative process of making music, but also love the feeling and high that you can only get from playing live.

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

The biggest challenge is balancing music with, well, life. We both work “normal” jobs, and ShiekhBeats has a little toddler to take care of. We really have to make a conscious, organized effort to make music — especially considering how the industry now pays next to nothing to artists. But that’s a whole ‘nother conversation.

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

Grooving, cruising, and having fun!

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

COFFEE!

Thank you!

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The Consecutives – The Consecutives, Vol. 2 [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Instrumental Modern Funk

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

Vol. 2 is our second release so we intentionally recorded a handful of our tunes that sound a bit different than our first record, with different rhythmic ideas relevant in each tune compared to a more classic funk sound with straight backbeats in our first album. We’ve been active for the past few years in NYC so we have a decent amount of material and are recording ourselves when the time feels right. We’ll have at least one more album with similar material coming out in the next few years so if you like what you hear you can expect some more to come.

Which song of the EP is your favorite?

Hard to pick 1 but Singularity is the single and one I’m very proud of. I wrote that tune after reading Dizzy Gillespie’s autobiography many years ago and in that book he talks about writing tunes starting with a rhythmic idea and then adding harmony and melody after that, not the other way around. That tune started with a simple drum cadence and I built it to what you hear on the record so it’s had an interesting identity coming to life.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Too many to name but all the Jazz giants have been what I’ve studied most of my life so I’ve been inspired and influenced by them all in different ways. And before jazz I loved rock so Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone laid the groundwork for my musical tastes, and from there I’ve also always been drawn to funk music so bands like The Meters, Booker T and The MGs and James Brown have always been huge for me. Then there are the classic jazz/funk combos in the 70s like Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters stuff, Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, Mahvishnu Orchestra, and Donald Byrd have been huge as well. I can talk about influences musically all day so this is just the tip of the iceberg.

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

Pretty much anything The Meters made I wish I made myself. Their music is so simple but only sounds good when people play it with feeling so they are a really good model for what I think being a real band is, which is having a true connection to the music you’re playing and not necessarily just doing a job. When you combine a special kind of feel with being a master at your craft you get The Meters and that is pretty special.

Favorite music related film?

I’ve always loved The Blues Brothers. Some really good scenarios in that movie about what being in a real band is like..

One last thing we should know about you?

We’re a new band trying to navigate all the fun parts of the music industry and now with Covid changing pretty much everything in the world we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who enjoys what we do. We’re based in NYC and will be doing our best to get our music out to the world so thanks again to everyone who enjoys our music.

Thank you!

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LINDA – City Lights [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Playful, storytelling, me

Tell us a few things about your “City Lights”. What is the story behind it?

The first version of the lyrics and the melody of the song were written first, during a rehearsal a few years ago, with a completely different band. I removed some parts, we added a new fragment of the lyrics with my producer and based on my melody and lyrics he composed the instrumentals and invited the guest performers (Ádám Meggyes – trumpet Gergő Kováts – saxophone Krisztián Csapó – trombone), to play on the recordings. I never met the guys in person, as they recorded their parts while I was staying home, ill. I was having enough of the quarantine, and lockdown. I wanted to have a song, reminding everyone, who loves our beautiful city, how cool is to go outside and have a few drinks at the bank of the river, fall in love, have date nights…

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

I think it depends. I like to work with others on the songs, however on my new album all the lyrics and melodies are written by me. On the other hand, I am sure, that I could not have such great material in hand without my producer, who plays most of the instruments on my album, and the guests we invited to play with us. My songs are telling stories, my stories, but this stories were shaped with the people I work with regularly: Ábel Mihalik my music producer -and the instruments behind my songs, Mónika Veres my vocal coach was helping a lot to stay in shape vocally, Gergő Demko my piano teacher has also a key role in my album, as he thought me all the music theory I know, he helped me to learn to play on the piano, and we are performing nowadays together as an acoustic duo my songs in smaller places. Opening song is always CITY LIGHTS. 

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

I think I enjoy making the songs more, and this whole process of composing, creating a song from some melodies, and rhymes, by describing my feelings and stories is the best thing ever happened to me. It is like therapy. Performing in front of an audience is more stressful. Composing, making the songs is something intimate, like making love, performing my songs fuels all that with energy. It makes me extremely happy seeing, that people like it.

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

My biggest challenge is finding a forever stable band, with I could have concerts on regular basis, and start writing my new album with. My biggest dream is to have a band, and some smaller shows, travelling to aviation events to have smaller concerts. It was easier to release the songs, record them, write them, than putting together a band for my project. But hey! Without challenges we would never appreciate our results, so I am sure, when is the right time, I will have a wonderful band, like a family.

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

I want to make people happy with my music. Or I want to be there for them when they are alone. I know music was there all the time, when I was alone, or when I needed something new in my life. City lights is to make you relaxed, move your body, get a drink. Best Friend, Chasing dreams were written to make you chill, for example with a coffee. My time is a boost of energy for my competitions but can help if you are angry with your job, or it’s hard to get up in the morning.

When was the last time you danced?

Today 😀 I was listening Diana Ross and Prince this evening, and I was dancing with my dogs. On stage a few weeks ago at our last acoustic concert, after a flying competition, where before the concert I was participating as a pilot. We had the race, than I changed to my performing clothes, and got the results of the competition only after the concert. That day was really intense and full with all kind of emotions, I was feeling all day like a powerhouse. It’s mad… we won that competition, so there was a reason to dance during the night as well 😀 😀 😀 haha Actually, there is my new single Losing my mind, released today, it’s all about “shaking your sexy booty” 😀

Thank you!

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Tash Hills – What A Good Night [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funky, Upbeat and Fun!

“What a good night” is definitely uplifting with a great groove and really cool vibe. Tell us a few things about your creative process.

Usually with my songs, I hear a hook first, whether its melody or melody and lyrics. I will then get together with Sam Pack who I write my songs with; and once we have something down my partner Ashley will start piecing the music together. After that it goes off to George Holliday who puts the vision together. WAGN, was on the cutting room floor but we decided to give it another go as originally it was a slow song! We re wrote some of it to ‘funk’ it up and make it the song it is today!

How do you relate to the British music scene?

It’s quite hard to relate the British Music scene as what we are doing seems to stand in its own space. We are Nu-Funk with a Tash Hills twist lol! Hopefully, we are creating our own sound fusing together different genres and styles of music!

Favourite album of the past decade?

Honne – Warm on a cold night

What would you change in the music industry?

It’s very hard for Indie artists to earn money from streaming and royalties, making it impossible to be able to fund touring to build a fan base.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Do what feels right to you, stay true to who you are; and never follow the trend!

One last thing we should know about you?

I was in a band called Sativa in my teens and we played the Jazz Cafe London and supported Jazz Artist; Courtney Pine. My keys player at that time now writes for Global Pop Stars and recently wrote on Kylie Minogue’s new album!

Thank you!

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SACHA. – Donnie Brasco [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Funky, Soulful, Lyrical

You blend Hip Hop with many different genres in a very creative way. Tell us a few things about your creative process

Usually, I just hop in the studio with my producer and see what comes up in the mix as the beat is created, then start with whatever melodies come to mind for the hook/chorus. I find that it’s usually the first melody that instinctually comes to mind that is the right one, then it’s just a matter of building words around that. It’s the same with bars, I usually come up with a flow pattern then match lyrics to that.

Your favorite funky groove you wish you had composed yourself?

Probably something by Brent Faiyaz. I’ve been listening to his stuff a lot at the moment. Maybe Gravity.

Favourite album of the past year?

I would have to say The Slow Rush by Tame Impala.

Your dream collaboration?

Mac Miller.

Favorite music related film?

That’s a tough one. I watched the movie Whiplash recently though and that was awesome. Highly recommend.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Your creativity is your greatest strength. Don’t be afraid of it. Start performing as soon as possible and stop caring what people think.

Thank you!

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