Ray Wills – Time [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

its contantly developing but i would call it Sundance Wave Motion LOOOOL

Tell us a few things about your creative process and your recent EP.

I usual create a beat and go from there then start writing, but in the case of the EP ive had some amazingly talented people to work with
(mp beats, jessrain, sipfast, and joe gladman)

Which track from your EP represents you the most?

i would say time but they all come a close second

What is the difference between Trap and Drill? What would you say to the average listener that is still confused?

the high hat pattern and the 808 rythem, thats what usualy defines the two sounds although they are married in other ways

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

hip hop for me is expressing ones desires or will without judgement

What would you change in the music industry?

im not too sure, i cant truly say until im there (God willing) ive still got a lot of work until i can know what i would change

One last thing we should know about you?

stay tuned for more music, its gonna keep changing and improving

Thank you!

Follow Ray Wills
Instagram

The Surrge – Rockstar (Prod. By The Surrge & BoomBoxBilly) [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Versatile, Hyped, Surgy

You are a one man show. From songwriting to mastering everything is under your control. Tell us a few things about your creative process?

I don’t have certain formula how to start new material but obviously beat production is the beginning. I’ve learned it a while ago by recreating major hits, so recently I draw some inspiration from youtube beatmakers and remake it in my own way. Then rough mix it and freestyle over just to get the vibe going. Sometimes I write too because I might feel stuck due to language barrier. Then pull up a reference track, mix it and master it.

Is songwriting a lonely process?

Depends. Brainstorming with other creatives could be beneficial a lot. You know trading ideas with one another and kinda keep the momentum going which is super important. But at times being isolated from everyone could unveil your most intimate topics and vulnerability. People love authenticity.

Russia vs USA. What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

I love Russia for people’s mentality. They’ll get you offended for being honest. That’s something i rarely see in America. Like I don’t need you to be nice with me, just speak your heart.
I hate my country for being the biggest one in the world and yet not able to be economically stable.
I love America for opportunities. i think it’s pretty self-explanatory.
I hate America for it’s food which I’d rather call junk. If you’re not aware and still don’t educate yourself on what’s being manufactured and sold, you’ll get trapped in the system and croak because that’s what the system is designed for

Favourite album of the past decade?

I’d say “Stoney” by Post Malone. Legendary. Production nuts. And he went off too hard. I think I love every tune on that shit.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Overthinking. I might fixate on something for quite some time. But recently I’ve learned how tame it by meditating. Still in the process tho.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’ve gotten super spiritual over time. Thats’s the only way to get away from this greedy world powered by material values. And I’d love to pass it onto my supporters and surround myself with like-minded people. Not that I’m trying to preach, it’s just that my knowledge might have a huge impact on someone’s life if they open to it.

Thank you!

Follow The Surrge
Facebook/Instagram

Felix the Great – My Time [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Evolving, versatile, futuristic

Tell us a few things about “My Time” and your creative process in general.

My Time is a song about the realisation of how far you’ve come in life as an artist and a human being. My creative process in general has been to make music impulsively that I resonate with, if I don’t feel it, I’m not with it.

You produce music in your home studio. Which is your favorite instrument/synth (analog or digital) you cannot live without?

If we count the voice as an instrument (we should) then that is my favourite instrument to use in production, from making vocal chops to harmonies, adlibs, rapping and singing, the voice is my go to!

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

My most proud career moment would be on May, 29th, 2020 when my debut album “Worldwide Flex” went number 1 on iTunes R&B album charts in New Zealand and number 8 in Australia.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the gatekeeper culture in the music industry, we don’t need it, the industry doesn’t evolve as a result breeding nepotism and less variety.

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

When not writing music I spend time with my girlfriend, check out new vegan restaurants and managing my indie label.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Advice I’d give to my younger self, would be to take more risks, work hard and don’t worry about what other people are doing, focus on yourself and develop your sound.

Thank you!

Follow Felix the Great
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter

Saynave – Left You on Read [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Relatable, Aspirational, Attainable

Tell us a few things about your new work “Left you on read”. How many beats do you listen to before you end up using one?

“Left You on Read” is an ode to people who don’t like being bothered. As I get older, I have less patience and willingness to argue with people. This song pokes fun at this. Plus I am somewhat of a closeted introvert. In regards to the beat selection, Joffen Hopland (Hopland Music) reached out and sent me 3 beats. This one stuck out. I was attracted to the minimalist nature of the instrumental.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

Of this song? The opening line “Look in the mirror, Nothing is clearer, Use that death note, call me a Kira”

I like anime and this is one of my favorites. In the show, the main character Light (aka Kira) did a lot of “killing” through the death notebook. I am just saying I am killing or deading the drama. Also, saying “a Kira” reminds me of “Akira” the classic anime.

Trap music came to rule the world, but at the moment the genre feels stagnant. What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

Either more of the same or something game changing is coming. The democratization of music leads to more accessibility but also causes over-saturation. And I don’t see it stopping. You would think more accessibility would equate to more diversity but hiphop sounds more homogenous than ever. It’s kinda like news and the internet. You would think more information is a good thing but now our news environment is more toxic than ever. However, when things stay stagnant for to long we see disruptors. Think Netflix to Blockbuster. I wouldn’t be surprised if hiphop loses popularity very soon.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I drive stick shift. And I won’t apologize for it lol

What would you change in the music industry?

We need something like youtube that is as popular as youtube where the goal is to listen to unsigned artists only. Millions of people log on to youtube every day to see individual creators who aren’t in Hollywood. Most people don’t care if the channels aren’t extremely polished. Music needs something like this. Artists are forced to compete in the same playing field as signed artists and podcasters. Indie artists need a dedicated platform with a dedicated following

One last thing we should know about you?

I have a second Youtube Channel for fashion. Search Style Gawd. and subscribe!

Thank you!

Follow Saynave
Facebook/Instagram

Emanuel Brown – IDK [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Unique, Vulnerable, Raw.

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

“IDK” was inspired for a idea of being a opening track for a project in the future. I really wanted to share with people that its ok to be indecisive and not know how you feel about your situation.

What is the way to stop being indecisive?

For me I think what I learned is to live with making a decision and sticking to it. Once you stick to your guns it makes a lot of things easier.

Should we expect a full album?

Of course! I actually just finished up the project. It’s called Mosaic and will definitely expand on the track “IDK”. Mosaic will be dropping this summer.

Favorite hip hop album of the past decade?

4eva is a Mighty Long Time by Big K.R.I.T.

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

Usually I play video games, spend time with my family, watch sports or workout.

Best music related film?

That’s tough! I have to choose two. Straight Outta Compton or 8 Mile.

Thank you!

Follow Emanuel Brown
Facebook/Instagram

Liizen – I DARE YOU [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Emotional, lyrical and expressive.

Tell us a few things about your new work I Dare You

I DARE YOU as I was writing it was meant to be a symbol of surviving yourself. Rather it’s addiction, mental health or even your surroundings, you’re bigger and badder than it. I struggle with drinking sometimes and drugs, I admit, but I know I’m better than that. Everyday is a new day to start anew. Sometimes our addictions force us to hurt people we don’t always mean to. At some point we have to get our heads out of the sand and wake up.

For which lyric you are most proud of? And Which song of this work is your favorite?

Probably ‘Who RU’ I said:
“Claim you raised by wolves/ I Fck with Baboons/ Stay on my grind feed my family with proof/ Cough at my table then Btch you excused/“
As for my favorite song on the album? That’s a hard decision, but the one I find myself listening to the most is probably ‘Didn’t Mean It’.

You released a full album. Do people still listen to full albums? What was the best album you listened to in the past year?

I’ll probably have to say no. Streaming things made it easy to skip around to find songs that express how you feel in the moment. I’ve never released a full album before, so I wanted to do it in two months time and surely enough I did it. The best album I heard thus far this year would have to be Nicki Minaj’s 2014 album: ’The Pinkprint’. I knew most of the songs individually and had no clue they were part of an album, I was hype in the car bumping it. The Crying Game and Bed of Lies always leaves me in my bag. I swear.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hope. Many people roam this world without a voice and music is a universal language, Hip-hop is like a super power to me. Eminem being my #1artist, when I was little I didn’t always understand a lot of what he was saying although his aura, his verses, his presence alone spoke volumes to this 7 year old kid in the city of Philadelphia. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and still do. I wanna be the hero for other’s that he was for me. I want to give people HOPE.

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

I’ve watched so many different movies since the start of COVID, I’m going to have to say ‘The Wrong Missy’. I know it forwards, backwards and inside out. The movie doesn’t get enough credit. I won’t say anymore about it, because I’ll spoil it. You just gotta watch it yourself.

One last thing we should know about you?

Just one thing? I’m like pandora’s box, there’s so much tucked under my vest. But just one thing I can reveal, let’s see. [Thinking] I’m going to say my first concert I ever saw was Bullet For My Valentine in Scranton 2010. I’d always wanted to be to a rock concert, I was so overwhelmed by the atmosphere I had to walk out. The mosh pits, people spitting, smashing their heads on stuff and screaming told me this isn’ where I belonged. The crowd necessarily, I wanted to be on that stage, up here with the lights and watching people lose their minds over me. Chicks flashing me from the crowd, dudes fighting one another over which of my songs is the best. Haha. I aim to be the best me that people fall in love with.

Thank you!

Follow Liizen
Instagram

Jōviky – 91 Movement [Interview]

What is your creative process like? And Which song of your latest work is your favorite?

My creative process is kind of all over the place. I often draw from emotion or memories first and I create in a non-linear almost collage like fashion putting the music, sound design, lyrics and melodies together. I liken my creative process to post-postmodern art.

My favorite song tends to change every few days. At the moment, ‘Ravens Pt. 1” is the one. The vibe is hard to describe but it’s kind of like a poem writing a poem about itself.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

In the first track off of my EP. 91 Movement, there is the lyric “Black boys don’t cry.” This lyric and the song, in general, address the reality that many Black men are taught not to be vulnerable or show any weakness, in order to survive. This takes a toll on our mental health. With this song, I wanted to bring awareness to this issue and advocate for mental health awareness, specifically for Black men.

What would be your dream performance venue?

My dream venue would probably be Coachella (Sahara Tent). The lighting and visual capabilities are amazing and the vibe is always dope. Second choice would be The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. I performed there a long time ago and it was magical. It would be sick to do a set in that environment as the sun goes down.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I would probably own a little taco stand and bar somewhere on a tropical beach and feed folks during the day and throw crazy dance parties at night.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Morgan Clae is amazing! Her music is pure, honest and cinematic. One of my favorite tracks of hers is called “Stay” Check her out!

What is the most useless talent you have?

This for sure is one of the top 10 weirdest questions I’ve ever been asked. I’m pretty good at wiggling my eyebrows. However, I think it’s useful in making my friends laugh or annoying people.

One last thing we should know about you?

I love cats. Periodt! Also, my first mixtape is dropping at the end of March on Soundcloud and a few other platforms. Get into it. 🙂

Thank you!

Follow Jōviky
Instagram

Psweatpants – no reason [Interview]

  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Urgent, Funny, Hard-Hitting

  • How do you relate to the London music scene? What are the main ingredients that make London one of the world’s leading music cities?

I relate to the culture like the whole reason the Scene in London is the way it is is because we all have a goal to be the best and if everyone has that mindset it makes a land of hard working and creative people.

  • You got brought onto the stage by Wiley. What is the best gig you have attended as a fan? And what would be your dream performance venue?

The best gig I’ve attended was probably Travis Scott at the 02 arena, like it was sold out and the energy in the crowd was just electrifying, I remember mid concert thinking this is one of the best moments of my life. My dream venue is defo 02 Brixton Acadmey, its like my fav venue Ive been to

  • What is the next big thing in the London music scene?

Uk rap/Trap is starting to make an mark on the scene these days, acts like Slowthai and Pa Salieu are getting their dues in the genre

  • What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

“life innit”

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

Plumber comes over to clean stepsisters pipes, very good film in my opinion, especially the finish

  • One last thing we should know about you?

I’m a sugar shades ambassador, discount code PSWEATS10

Thank you!

Follow Psweatpants
Instagram

Sarafin – Came A Long Way

  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Conscious, melodic, and reflective

  • Tell us a few things about your new work and your creative process in general

I’m working on some of the best music of my career right now collaborating with some influential and accomplished musicians. My workflow of being intuitively creative has helped me collaborate faster, as well as start new ideas with ease. I have a single coming out this spring titled ” Kick rocks” influenced by my love for 90’s boom bap hip hop as well the mantra ” those that matter won’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.”

  • Which song (not necessary yours) would describe your childhood best?

I would say my childhood favorite song would be ” Da rockwilder ” by Redman And Method man

  • What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice i would give my younger self is to trust myself more. In an industry where you constantly see people succeeding in different ways, it’s easy to get distracted by someone else’s process.

  • What does the future hold for hip hop in general?

I believe the future of hip hop will continue to cycle through phases of consciousness and vanity. but most importantly I already see more and more artists paying homage to the founders of hip hop learning from how hip hop originated and taking back the power our genre has in the music industry

  • Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Junia T out of Toronto Ontario has probably gotta be the biggest hidden gem the game has right now. Just a powerhouse Artist, from Producer to rapper he just delivers! In addition to the “Studio Monk” Our label ” Free 99″ has a roster of talented producers singers and djs

  • Future plans?

We have lots in store coming for 2020 including a music video for ” Kick rocks” Some merch for the project “Summer Sessions” Come summertime and some exciting collaborative sessions online Via Landr Sessions im calling #CyberSessions where i will be taking a few artist to work with live produce a beat and create a song together

  • Thank you!

Follow Sarafin
Facebook/Instagram