Tag: R&B

Olivia Orson – LET ME DRIVE [Interview]

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Describe your sound in three words

-Enchanting, emotions, intense

Let Me Drive blends different genres. Tell us a few things about your creative process

-You’re right! I love to mix genres like Neo-soul, Jazz, R&B, and Trip hop music. It creates my vibe! The creative process is all about how my feeling and my emotions will be translated at the moment. So it will depend on my moods and physical health. First, It starts with building real connections with the beatmakers that I choose and we create a loving, kind, and comfortable environment based on communication. 

They all know that I have my own language when speaking music and my own artistic direction, so they know what kind of vibes I like and how I want them to sound.

Afterward, we start producing together,  the beatmaker plays chords until a melody inspires me and then we add the beat, the drum, pads, and all other instruments. 

For the rest, I love to try some topline and define the structure of the track.

 After a studio session, I like to come home to rest and give calm to my ears. It’s an important part of the process to be able to take a step back and then focus on the lyrics.

It also has a very chill vibe. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

Very interesting question, I imagine that people might listen to this track and when they need to let things go, or on the opposite when they deeply need to feel something, like a music therapy session you know hehe. 

Favorite album of the past decade?   

-Blonde-Frank Ocean. 

You incorporate electronic elements in your music and you also experiment with autotune. Are these extra challenges when it comes to live performance? Also your dream performance venue?

– I love to challenge myself and the people that work with me and push our limits, So I can’t wait to experiment with live performance to see how I’ll manage these details. But I’m kind of confident and positive about it because I think it could be really fun sometimes to add some autotune when I’ll be performing on stage! 

My dream performance venue is Coachella or maybe on the moon. 

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? 

-They must think MUSIC first.

Future plans?

-For now, going to London and drop a debut EP this year! 

Last thing we should know about you?

-I love you 

Thank you!

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Clifford – Quick Quick Slow [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words:

DUM: Diverse, Upbeat, Moody

This “magnetism that brings two people together emotionally, mentally…and physically”. Is it common in real life? Tell us a few things about your new song.

It’s common in real life if you meet someone you’re truly attracted to. It’s an inexplicable pull towards them, without rhyme or reason, instinctual.
I wrote “Quick Quick Slow” to be a late night, danceable club song that emphasizes passion and the expression of attraction between two people, whether they’ve just met or have known each other for a long time.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“I’ve always been the type that wants to make good things last…” because it applies to everything else in life too.

Favourite album of the past year?

“Wild and Peaceful” by Kool & the Gang…because it’s timeless to me.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would increase royalty earnings from streaming services.
I’d also change the perpetuation of the belief that musical production is of little monetary value. In the US, 7 million streams = $22,000, which means even if you’re famous you’d be lucky to make minimum wage.
I’d change the corporate mentality that music is expendable, only to be consumed and tossed away.
I’d help to create a partnership between artists and music lovers so that their money actually goes to the artist too, not just to the streaming service they’re using.
There’s so much more, but that’s a pretty good start.

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

I stream on Twitch (clifford_music), make TikToks (@clifford.music), workout (boxing and calisthenics mostly), cook (homemade pizzas, breads, Za’atar Chicken, Ragu, are a few of my favs) and daydreaming.

Thank you!

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KD Mukasa & Francesca – Spotlight [Official Video]

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Francesca is a London based actress, singer and model from Italy. Moving to London from Italy to pursue her dreams, she is originally from a beautiful culture rich town in Italy called Perugia blessed with old town charm, jazz festivals and delicious Italian chocolate delicacies.

KD Mukasa is a London based British Hip Hop Artist, singer songwriter and Art entrepreneur. He has a passion for thought provoking rap freestyles, art and running culture shifting art exhibitions blending philosophy and pop culture at the Saatchi Art Gallery in London. They met in London and together they are Hip Hop/Jazz/Pop Duo Band KD Mukasa and Francesca. As part of their new adventure, they are releasing a NEW EP titled ‘Fairy-Tales in Perugia.’

The EP, with fantasy stories inspired by their experiences, has 3 Chapters and is intended as a soundtrack to a short film. The music weaved with both playful and heartfelt lyrics has themes of romance and adventure over curated beats, laced with piano and guitar instrumentation and the pair’s charming vocal harmonies.

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Dama Juda – young [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words.

Adaptive, piercing minors, and provoking lyrics

What made you use a lofi beat in “Young”? Tell us a few things about your creative process in general.

I love lofi. It’s relaxing and simple, yet creative. It allows my mind to wander and create more. The beat itself was created by a producer in a musician group I am involved with online. He’s got a cool sound and when he sent me the track, I immediately knew I could write lyrics to it. And here’s the final result!

Your music is definitely melodic driven. Tell us your favorite melody you wish you have composed yourself.

Debussy is so unique in his melodies and note composition. His sound is everything I want, adaptive, piercing minors, and provoking. How many emotions do you have when you listen to a Debussy piece? It’s incredible how he takes you through a series of emotions and not one word is spoken.

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

Yes, in fact “young” was my first collaboration. It was eye opening to see how collaborative work can inspire you, sometimes even more then when writing alone. Songwriting is not a lonely process. The mind has many voices, lol. I’m just trying to make sense of my experiences when I write.

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

Interesting question but nothing stands out. I’ve recently started some TV series though that I’ve really liked. House of Cards, Last Kingdom, Timeless, Queen’s Gambit, Ozark, and Survivor.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can pick things up with my toes

One last thing we should know about you?

I believe God is a Woman

Thank you!

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Just John – THIS IS FATE [Short Film]

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This is Fate is a story that takes you through John’s internal battle with his demons in a tale of transformation and rebirth.
For John to reach liberation, he has to first shed layers of his past, ultimately being forced to lean into his shadows to get to the light. It is then that he’s further confronted with letting go and accepting the unknown in order to actualize his most authentic and empowered form.

The EP seeks to inspire the next generation of youth towards truth and enlightenment whilst encouraging them to build their own nations, take up space and share the narrative with others so that they too can find truth and value within themselves.

Sean Reid – Do That.. [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new work ‘Do That…’ and your creative process in general.

When I made the beat, I knew I had something, cause my neck was snapping… hard.
Lyrically it went through a few iterations before I found a flow that fitted. The process has changed over the years but now it’s work on a record for a few weeks… and most don’t even get heard by anyone.Still trying to define and cultivate a sound, so I’m cherry picking ones that I like.

Mauritius, Nigeria, Glasgow..What do you love and what do you hate in each place?

Love.
The people in every place. The interactions u have with locals is so important as a child. Showed me that we all the sameThe food.
The lifestyles are so different and I enjoyed embracing it. Coming from a mixed background this was actively encouraged in our house.
Hate is a strong word, and I’m all bout the positive vibes.

You have experience from different audiences as a stand up comedian and musician. Are the tactics to warm up the people similar and which of the two is easier?

Neither I would say is easy.
They both pose a challenge in differing ways, I enjoy both equally and find it therapeutic.
Both audiences can be tough, just with stand up you can see them and you get an instant feedback. So that can be great, but when your bombing… u can try change it up or go all jihadi John and take everybody down with u. I like the latter. Own ur shit.
Music is so diff these days, it’s all like a video game. I’m just hoping my songs can connect with some people. Just to get someone to listen is awesome.
If I can get people checking me on both, that would be awesome.
We as artists are brands these days, so you gotta diversify. Show our value. And put the work in.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Okay so we saying beginning to end dope as fuck shit.
I can’t lie Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night sweats 2015 album is sooo good for its genre bending revamp.
Yeezys cause it had Beats, bars and bar a few tracks was incredible.

What would you change in the music industry?

It’s changed so much in such a short time, so I don’t know. I barely understand it as it is. Are plays real plays? can you ever be sure? Spotify is all that matters?
I would just like a way for people to be able to listen to the little people.

One last thing we should know about you?

Something about me.
I did the vocals on the GBX (Big Deal in Scotland) classic. Espanglish
Nobody knows it’s me and though it still gets played, I don’t get paid.
Make sure u do ur due diligence people, don’t be me. Haha

Thank you!

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Alexander Grandjean – “No Words” feat. Maenad [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Warm, organic, soulful.

A Spanish guitar, lush vocals, some very cool brass and a fully emotional melody. Tell us a few things about your new song No Words   

I was visiting family in Oregon and at Portland airport, this Spanish guitar caught my ear, so I went to the guy and asked what song he was playing. He said he was just improvising, and I asked him to play it again so I could record it. His name is Jason Okamoto and the recording you hear in the intro of the song is the recording from the airport.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

This song is meant inspire people to speak less and feel more. We don’t always need a lot of words to connect with each other. But I write about many different things, and other songs from my album are about deeper love, losing someone you love or facing your own demons.

How do you relate to the music scene of Denmark? What do you love and what do you hate about this place.

There’s a lot of great artists, producers and writers in Denmark and Scandinavia generally! I love the Nordic model for society with high taxes and then everything is already paid for like schools, hospitals, roads etc. But I’m very tired of long, grey winters. Sometimes I miss more soulful and alternative indie artists to work with in this part of the world – there’s a lot of great pop but I think we need more edgy artists (we have some!).

If No Words was the soundtrack of a film, what would the film be?

A Tarantino movie taking place in Mexico.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Learn to play more instruments, co-lab more openly, and build a strong musical family where people support each other instead of competing. And worry less.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m releasing my debut album in May and the whole album is made as a 40 minute film that I want you to see. See you on Instagram.

Thank you!

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Kya Kyani – The Dao [Interview]

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  • Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, dreamy, majestic 

  • What’s the most important element in future RnB? Tell us a few things about your creative process. 

In future RnB the element of nostalgia combined with interesting new or designed sounds are indispensable in my opinion. Working on a record (depending on the project) I mostly create in the studio. I vibe on numerous beats until there’s a spark and I really feel it. If not, we start from scratch together with the engineer/producer. Sometimes I would come in with a melody or just lyrics and go from there. 

  • How do you relate to the Amsterdam music scene?

I’ve met a lot of creatives working in the field, and developed some good friendships as well. I worked on projects with many in Holland, the thing I find we have in common is that we’re curious about each other’s work and eager to help,hear or learn. I can relate to that

  • Rough and rebellious but in some cases shy. Which is your most personal lyric that represents you the most?

I relate to most of my tracks since those are all personal experiences of mine, some more than others, going through changes etc makes it very difficult to name just one. 

  • What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice I would give younger self is not to rush life,  instead enjoy the ride 

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

Madmax 

  • One last thing we should know about you?

At the moment me and my team are planning on new releases as well as new visual content.

  • Thank you!

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Joey Capo – 6ixth Sense [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, Chill, R&B

Do you trust your 6th sense? Tell us a few things about your new song titled “6ixth Sense”

haha I definitely do trust it. 6ixth Sense is one of those records that was together like a conversation. It talks about seeing someone for who they truly are. Looking past what the world may see and taking the time to see the real in someone.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

favorite lines in the song would have to be the opening of the record where I say “Soul seeker yeah, not that avid reader yeah, still I never judge a book by its cover”

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

Favorite rapper: Big Sean
Lyricist: AfterTheParty
Producer: Boi-1da

Best Hip Hop album ever?

The best hip hop album to me would have to be Ready to Die By Notorious BIG

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

During quarantine I started diving into a bunch of 80s movies. The really brought a lot of good inspiration to the production I was making over that time. But one movie that really stuck out to me was The NeverEnding Story.

Future plans?

I have a lot on the way this 2021. Lots of new music, visuals with a lot of the records, and hopefully we can start doing live shows again. But if not I do have a virtual show in the works as well.

Thank you!

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Drissy Parker – Night/Fall [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new EP “After 12”. What is the main idea behind it?

After 12 I made it in a week, when I get inspired I can create very rapidly. I would make a beat, freestyle the song and then write down certain lyrics to record if I felt so,
and then mix it. It was inspired by the lockdown, just what goes on late in the night, linking someone you have relations with,the thoughts you ponder during that time,
the vulnerability of being alone not just with your thoughts but your feelings.

Your music has definitely a late night vibe. In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I always imagine my music being played after the club, during a late night drive, or while just chilling in the evening, so I’d say the states of reflection, relaxation,
all the way to states of nostalgia in the relational sense.

Does your music reflect you? Are you losing faith in love?

Most definitely, I write music from experience, and 95% of the time I’ll be in that exact situation or scenario. While creating After 12 I was definitely reflecting on that feeling of
not being optimistic about love but I think since then my view is a little different currently haha.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Ironically I don’t really see myself as a performer, more of a mood maker, but I’d say O2 most definitely, that’s the big one, I went to see Drake & Weeknd there once and it made me imagine what it must be like to see a crowd watching you from stage.

Favorite album of the past decade?

PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOORTWO – It’s what shaped how I wanted my music to sound

Future plans?

I just started working on a new EP which is a sequel to my previous project Talking Stages Vol 1, hopefully it will be out by Summer. Music videos and working on production for other artists. I’m looking to make my name a bit more known not just on the indie scene.

Thank you!

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