Tell us a few things about your new song ” Don’t Lie”. What is the main idea behind it?
“Don’t Lie” is loosely based on personal experience and those of friends. Most times, people never say what they mean in relationships and this can cause a lot of problems down the line. My motto is say what you mean and mean what you say. The truth always finds a way to surface so just be honest from the get go.
What is your creative process like?
It usually involves a glass of wine. No, but I usually marinate with the instrumental first to determine what kind of vibe I should go for. From that point, I usually freestyle and evolve from there.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
And I don’t like it when you talking sideways / Saying one thing, back peddling / Switching flipping, twistin’ turning / You know my mama didn’t raise no fool / And I can peep ya true feelings / No hoodoo voodoo when perceiving
Favourite album of the past year?
I have two. 1) Mood Valiant 2) Planet Her.
What would you change in the music industry?
Abolish 360 deals and shady contracts
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
It’s not necessarily a film rather an anime series, but Inuyasha! I watched a few episodes here and there as a kid but never watched it chronologically until now.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I plead the 5th. Lol, but I really don’t tend to get myself caught up in situations like that. I just keep cool and mind my business.
“OUT PAST CURFEW” is the outcome of the exclusive collaboration of the two MCs and performers Youthstar & Miscellaneous (Chill Bump) in a unique opus. Taking advantage of unexpected free time, they turned 2020 into the perfect year to develop the project and make it happen. It’s hard to overlook the eclecticism, the richness of the subjects covered, the completely crazy flows and the head banging loops of this album whose creation process was the fastest of their respective careers.
Last straight line before the release of the album “OUT PAST CURFEW” from the combo Youthstar & Miscellaneous (Chill Bump) on October 29th with the edgy single KITSUNEGARI between Grime, Bass Music and UK HipHop produced by Mr Frenchwax from the group Supachill. The track drops with a musicvideo in the image of this crazy song and prepares the ground for the title DROPPING LIKE FLIES which will accompany the release of the album at the end of October.
CLASSIC is a true tribute to the 90’s boombap and to all the great MCs who made Hip-Hop. Youthstar & Miscellaneous, surrounded by Cheeko (french rapper from the band Phases Cachées), Skillz & Vex, 2 hyped DJs & scratchers, on a super efficient and sampled production by the beatmaker Degiheugi. One by one, the 3 Mcs express all their consideration for their elders, from Rakim to Jay-Z, from The Roots to the Wu Tang, and even from Doc Gyneco to Mc Solar… they admit frankly that they wouldn’t be here today without them ! “If it weren’t for all of y’all there wouldn’t be none of us… The magic 90’s brought us all to this rap shit!”
“2 shots no chaser” is the first single from the joint album “Out Past Curfew” by Youthstar & Miscellaneous (Chill Bump). No different from these two entertainers, the track diffuses the same vibrant energy that the MCs deliver on stage. Between two shots of vodka, this colorful music video, shot in the streets of Barcelona, perfectly reflects the different shades they intentionally painted in this opus. It’s the first taste of their explosive upcoming album!
Tell us a few things about your new song ” Quarter After Midnight” . What is the story behind it?
We had written the foundations of the song before we officially started the band. The Khaki Fever live band members had a massive input on this song, especially our beautiful keyboard player Joe Moore. When we started arranging the song, the dynamics, lyrics and energy were all already there. We then rearranged it slightly to turn it more from a band jam to a track. One of the key aspects of the track is its dynamics so creating vocal performances that compliment these changes in volume and energy while delivering our own character was key. One of the other aspects we experimented with was the horns at the end. We ended up choosing trumpets because they really cut through the mix.
Our current sound is characterized by a funky groove with digital elements. The bass was written to bring out that groove that the drums and percussion were already delivering. We wanted the track to lead on nicely from our first single “I Got This Feeling” and to do so we needed similar timbres and textures. So we spent a lot of time adjusting the synths in the choruses to compliment the track but also link back to our first release “I Got This Feeling”. Contingency is important to us with our plan for this EP.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The first three singles will form our first EP and we really just want to introduce people to Khaki Fever and let them know we’re up for a good time. The lyrics of all three singles are uplifting and feel good.. We have a lot of other songs with more meaning behind them, but for now we just want people to have some Fever fun!
The lyrics behind Quarter After Midnight in particular are about a cheeky night out full of flirting, fun and of course – the funk. The lyrics take you to a warm summer evening – those nights that are never planned but always bring a smile when you’re reminded of them.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
Being music producers and engineers as well, our home is in the studio writing and producing our tracks. We spend much more time in there than on stage. But there’s nothing like playing your music to a crowd of people who want to have a big night man. We’re always happy to oblige.
What would be your dream performance venue?
While our sound is mostly characterised by being quite epic and large, we would love to play a tiny desk concert. It’s so intimate and gives artists the opportunity to show so much personality as well as play a great gig! It feels so authentic.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
We like a good night out for sure. Halloween this year was a pretty big one – nothing quite like roaming the streets of Soho in a prisoner outfit, barely stringing sentences together. We managed to sneak into a private event and looked so out of place in these outfits, all eyes were on us – and that’s exactly how we like it.
What would you say is your biggest vice?
“Best not ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to, Mum”. We asked our good friend and saxophonist this question and his answer was “We’re both fucking idiots” to which we wholeheartedly agree. “Annoying but breathtakingly handsome” was the answer from Gio’s girlfriend (or something like that) and we can’t say we disagree. In all seriousness though I think we put a lot of things on our plate and we often feel a little thinly stretched. As well as the writing, recording, mixing, producing, sourcing musicians, promo, running ads, submitting music to amazing blogs and playlists like yourselves, and all the other tasks behind Khaki Fever; we host a music podcast called Radio Fever (which can be found on Spotify Podcasts).
Tell us a few things about your new song “Gemini “.
“Gemini” suggests the idea that everyone has an inner demon, a twisted side that they don’t want to face, toxic habits, negative thoughts… a spine chilling, yet alluring temptress of sorts. Sometimes it’s hard to fight off these monstrous versions of ourselves and they can consume you, can get the best of you. So the question becomes, will I give in or am I strong enough to resist? I have always been a big fan of scary movies and wanted to use this opportunity to really go there … I wanted to create my own terrifying version of a horror film/music video hybrid.
How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
I released my first album in 2018 and since the pandemic, I have been working in silence on a new album. “Gemini” is the third single from my upcoming album Red Umbrella, releasing early 202Since my recent single release of “Still Love You” just a few short months ago, I have gained over 20,000 monthly listeners and over 60,000 streams on Spotify. It’s surreal to see the music taking off in a way that I’ve been working so hard for, for so many years… and we’re just getting started. It’s my time and I’m claiming it.
What first got you into music?
I grew up as a dancer and always turned to music for every big (and small) life moment. Music is my worship, my gospel. If I am happy, I listen to music. If I am overwhelmed, I listen to music. When I am celebrating, morning, moving on, turning up … I turn to music. Comforted by my dad’s love of the Motown era and influenced by my mom’s 70’s rock vibe, I had an ever-evolving obsession with soul music, lyrical genius and emotion-evoking melodies! Now as a professional singer/songwriter/entertainer, I can honestly say that there is no greater joy, no better therapy, nothing that can make me feel more like myself, than making music!
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
As much as I love the initial first session at my piano, closing my eyes and letting my fingers find their way across the keys, channeling the emotions I’m feeling, capturing the moment to translate it into song, and as much as I flourish at the studio, molding sounds and synths with my producer, bouncing bass lines off colorful harmonics, stepping into my greatest self, into such glorious moments, I have to say, I come alive on stage. There is something so intoxicating, so raw about having the entire room’s attention, using your platform to make everyone around you feel how you want them to feel. It’s empowering, it’s vulnerable, it’s exhilarating and it gives me purpose.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
To say that being an artist is “challenging” is the understatement of the year. Artists sacrifice everything they have for the dream. I was actually just talking with Taylor Xo, and real talk … we both have come to the realization that for so long we have sacrificed it all, without even a second thought, no hesitation. All our money, time, energy, self worth is and has been consumed and related to the success (or any lack of) ‘being an artist.’ As I grow in my artistry and purpose, my sense of self has expanded and I have learned how to be an artist without letting it consume my entire identity, allowing more room for love, family and honestly just having fun. Life is meant to be fun.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
I love this question. I would hope that fans and loved ones turn to my music as often as they can, finding something for every mood, much like I do. I want my music to be “feel good,” empowering, hopeful when you’re down, and most of all, I want my music to always feel relatable and honest. I imagine that people hear themselves, their words, through my voice, and picture their own lives with images of their own stories flashing behind their eyes as they listen.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can literally eat the hottest, spiciest food of anyone I know. If food doesn’t make me cry or make me have to sit in physical pain for at least a few minutes after, I’m not into it! HA! I put the El Yucateco XXXtra Hot Sauce on absolutely everything and still can’t get enough …I guess maybe this could be useful if I ever wanted to do some hot sauce food challenge, but until then. Lol!
Tell us a few things about your new song ” Get Out My Face (G.O.M.F) “. What is the story behind it?
This song is actually someone else’ story – I find it easier to write about things that happen to other people or things that are outside of myself. An old friend was having ex-boyfriend troubles and we were discussing how she felt about the situation, and the idea was born from there. Based on a true story, you could say! (With a little embellishment here and there!)
What first got you into music?
Church – I used to go to church when I was very young and was in awe of the music, how people sang and the way everyone was so moved by the music. To this day Gospel music still moves me in the same way despite no longer being Christian
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Honestly this is going to sound cheesy but – my friends! People who I know who are songwriters, singers, artists – they have influenced and inspired me (and obviously Beyonce!!)
What would be your dream performance venue?
I would love to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, that would be cool!
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
I was late on the interstellar train so watched it during quarantine -literally one of the most amazing movies omg!
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
Oh there’s been so many! I’m gonna be weird (again) and say that I have had the absolute best times at shows/concerts my talented friends perform in!
Tell us a few things about your new work “Will You Be Mine”.
“Will you be mine” is a story of love and how it gets deeper and richer with time. But don’t take yourself too seriously, you need to have fun and laugh!!!
What is the story behind your name?
My Name is Juan Luis and my family calls me JL because there were so many Juan’s is the family. Which during the time I sang salsa, folks called me Juanele. So with this project I made a hybrid of the two names, thus J. Ele.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
Donny Hathaway, James Brown, D’ Angelo, J. Dilla, Oscar de Leon, Alain Perez, Carlos Santana, Mana, Pink Floyd, Credence Clearwater revival, Nirvana, and Gospel music are among many of my musical influences/inspirations
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Balancing family and artistic inspiration and the blending of the two. Children inspire but keep you humble. You have to keep you ear to the pavement because inspiration doesn’t always come during your office hours!
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
Hanging with the family, jamming with my wife and my kids!
When was the last time you danced?
We have regular dance parties and let me tell you the rugs get cut out here!!!
Tell us a few things about your new song “Synth Pop Idol”. What is the story behind it?
‘Synth Pop Idol’ is a song about identity, “don’t wanna be a synth pop idol, don’t wanna have the hips or smile” deals directly with the pressures I face as the front-person of the band to be skinny, bubbly, consumable. This song is a statement. I am an imperfect narrator, a jester, a musician, an artist, but in no way an idol. It is one of 2 singles being released in October that felt like they needed to come out before we dug in and started serious work on the debut album.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
“Peace offer get smarter, I’m a highwayman. Case closer blind robber taking everything I can”
Favourite album of the past year?
Fishmonger by underscores
Your also have lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.
“Liquor Store” by Remi Wolf
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
Tell us a few things about “Trust Me”. What is the main idea behind it?
Life brings peaks and troughs. As we see people come in and out of our lives, it can feel quite uncomfortable and isolating. Venturing into music I was going through a tough time both during the lockdown and whilst entering a new industry. It’s in these moments you feel you’re giving people all you’ve got but the exchange of frequencies and energies is not the same. I took the time to do some self-reflection and learning to grow in my own power. Ironically, this slow rebirth of myself and my music saw a reconnection with those who don’t have the time or right intentions previously. So this song is a message to anyone who is in this situation. Done with playing nice and ready to fly up to their own planet.
Tell us a few things about your creative process.
When I started this music project, this song came around track 4/So I’d be hopping in and out of sessions and finally getting used to recording music. For “Trust Me”, I was really proud of the chorus harmonies. It was a nice moment while recording. The ideas and execution stage in the booth was a lot of fun! And when I received the vocal track on its own it was one of the first times I listen back and felt proud of a session I did without being self-critical.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
“If something I’m doing, comes in your view and- remember nothing will stand in my way”. I remember the lyrics at the end felt like a bunch of convoluted words flowing out of my mouth and they genuinely were haha. But what it sounds like, to me, was a mantra and a reminder to not let anyone or anything stand in my way. I won’t and nothing will.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
It’s a range of artists, to be honest, and it changes constantly. MJ to Frank Ocean. Eurythmics to Daft Punk. But RnB music is something I bring up all the time, because of the emotive style of singing, the fun and creative vocal ideas and the fresh style of the 90s. It was the pop music of my era growing up. But I also have been inspired by modern music blending of sounds as seen like talents like Janelle Monae. It would be a dream to do a project emulating the genre mix she has explored.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
If I’m honest it’s the mental challenges. You are constantly wrapped in the idea of not thinking you’re good enough. Being nervous at every release. Finding networking is a challenge when you feel you’re on a back foot. Managing music (and everything that comes with it like marketing, videos, promotions) and your daily life. It can all feel exhausting BUT when you take healthy breaks, put yourself as a priority and keep enjoying the music is can feel so magical.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
All my songs, unintentionally incorporate the idea of change in some form. So when you feel ready to leave the past behind and embrace a new YOU, put the song on, forget the haters, and get ready to fly up to your planet where you’re living out your dreams and not where the dreams stay as fantasy.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
During my school years, I went from super quiet to class clown, and I’m not sure what I should share now hahaha. Ironically I got the most in trouble at school when I really stood up for myself. I remember getting picked on at school and there was one day I just enough. So I stood up for myself but ended up getting in trouble. Although being older, I understood that there are better ways to deal with situations, I was proud that at that moment I didn’t let them get the best of me
Tell us a few things about your new song “Favorite Sin”. What is the main idea behind it?
Favorite Sin follows the perspective of “the other woman” who is involved in an affair. It subverts expectations of the cliche of a heartbroken lover and instead of focuses on the addictive power of a toxic relationship. I came up with the idea while listening to love ballads about infidelity and betrayal and wondering what would happen if I wrote about the other side of the story.
What is the main topic of your lyrics?
The main topic is a toxic relationship. The lyrics talk about how fragile this secret affair is and center on this feeling of knowing that something is bad for you but wanting it anyway. It’s open to interpretation whether the song is about lust or love. When I was writing the song, I really just wanted to invoke this feeling that the narrator is walking on a tightrope and aware that any second she might fall but staying on the same path anyway. I think that’s a very common feeling — feeling stuck and frustrated but still clinging on to someone you love.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I enjoy both, but I prefer to write music. Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed scribbling story ideas and coming up with characters and plot lines. I love the feeling of putting emotions and vague ideas to paper and watching the melodies, lyrics, and rhythm come together. Performing live is a completely different experience. You really have to put yourself out there and focus on your role as an entertainer over your role as a storyteller. I love both for vastly different reasons, but I started off as a lyricist.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge in the music industry is believing in yourself and your music when it feels like the whole world doesn’t. There’s always going to be someone more talented, more successful. You have to remind yourself that everyone has a different path and focus on making music that you feel proud of. It’s easy to fall into self-doubt or chase trends. It’s harder to back yourself no matter what.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to cherish the small victories and focus on doing what makes you happy. I was constantly chasing these numeric metrics of what I thought success meant, that I never stopped to appreciate how much I accomplished. At the end of the day, it’s about making music that you love. Keep doing that, and you’ll be happy.
Future plans?
I plan on releasing another single by the end of the year. Whereas Favorite Sin is more trap/electronic, my next song will be RnB. I’m really excited to explore all my different influences and work on different sounds. I am so excited to continue learning and improving. Who knows what my EP next year will sound like, I’m excited to see where my musical journey takes me!
Tell us a few things about your new song TOXIC/CRITICAL MASS. What is the story behind it?
The Toxic/Critical Mass music video is actually two singles on the upcoming project. They were recorded on the same day. Toxic was recorded first. Critical Mass was recorded second. The mood for both songs address the real life issues of being emotionally intelligent and finding ways to cope. Two things that I am advocate for. #MentalHealth
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
“Pop a seal then put a pill in kuz thugs don’t cry, ni**a this is how we deal with it. I ain’t saying that its right. I’m just saying that I feel em”
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
Not really. I feel like there is a lot of emphasis on being trendy more than anything in music these days. When I think of underground hip hop I think of the mixtape days when artist were trying to really prove that they can rap. Even when they were jacking for beats back then there was still a lot of content that had meaning. I feel like artist these days just release a lot of fillers to stay relevant instead of actually putting out something that would matter. I don’t really blame them whole heartedly though. I also blame the listeners. The artist understand that the listeners attention span is getting shorter and shorter these days.
What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?
Hip-Hop is a lifestyle. It’s a culture. It doesn’t have to represent one group of people either. Anybody can be apart of that culture if they truly love it and understand it. I love Hip-Hop so I take a lot of offense when anyone treat it like its a joke. Like you can’t just dress up in Kilt and call yourself Scottish. You can’t pick up a bowling ball and call yourself a bowler. Have more respect for the culture than that.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
In a mood to hear substance. I feel like that there are a lot of cheese and crackers for the listeners to eat. I’m giving them something to stick to their ribs, MEAT AND POTATOES. So when a people listen to me they are ready to have something to think about.
Should we expect an album in the near future?
I have older released projects and singles on all streaming outlets If anyone wants to catch up before my music is released. Also, there is a new album done already. The project is a double album titled “Gemstones and Birthrights”. The project features two producers that I have been working with, their names are Benjamin Adam (@iambenjaminadam) and Ice Cold Aka Neena Snow (@iceeeeeecold). You can follow me on IG @meano_compadre to keep up with all new content that will be released in the future.
HipHop Paranoia 