Tag: Urban

CHAR – Walk Without Fear [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

A. Soulful B. Passionate C. Dark-Pop

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

‘Walk without Fear’ tells the story of women’s experience and darker moments that they come across, covering issues of empowerment and gender that seem to be a subject to firmly stand behind in the current climate. The new single can see tones of warm R&B and contemporary pop influence. I thought it was important with this release to really shine a light on the conversation that has been ongoing about how you can feel as a woman just going about your daily life. I hope that this release brings awareness and a message to those who might not be so familiar with these same feelings.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I could wear clothes three times bigger, just to hide my distracting figure” is one we’re all really proud of. It’s really impactful and it makes people listen because of the descriptive nature of it. It sounds and is delivered in a light hearted way but there is a dark undertone and meaning to it, it’s also pretty sad.

You have an upcoming gig in Camden Assembly. What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?

I do! I am SO excited. The prep for the gigs can take a lot out of me physically and mentally but it’s definitely the most rewarding and so worth it. There is honestly not a feeling like it. That being said, I really want to lean into the writing sessions and collaborate as much as possible next year because creating something for the first time with other musicians is such a magical moment.

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

Exposure is something that becomes essential to an artist’s career, yet is something really difficult to build (organically anyway). I think being my own manager as well as being unsigned means that I have to think of the ‘business’ side of thing a lot more than I’d like so it can sometimes feel like you are working harder but not seeing the results which can be tough but perseverance is needed for sure!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

A lot. The main thing would be to really get into my head that how I was feeling at a given time, where everything felt like the end of the world, in 5 days, weeks, months, years wouldn’t matter. Things change all the time ‘this too shall pass’. I would also give myself the biggest hug and say, you’re going to have a few really difficult years but you will come through stronger.

What do you love/hate about Ldn?

I love the buzz, the adrenaline and the different cultures expressed. However, I find it hard to really feel part of a community, I went to University in Liverpool and I think that city knows how to take you under its wing. London can be lonely at times.

Thank you!

Follow CHAR
Instagram

REYA – Heat [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Dreamy, seductive and layered

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

I wrote Heat with wonderful producer Jack Arentz at his studio in Melbourne, Australia. We took influence from bands like The Internet in an attempt to create a r&b/pop song with elements of trip hop and lofi. Heat centres around the idea of wanting someone so much physically and emotionally that it becomes frustrating and you can barely contain your feelings. We tried to create that sense of frustration building with the gradual layering of harmonies throughout the song 🙂

For which lyric you are most proud of?

I think the line “smoke clouds are rolling in, and I can’t see past the haze” is probably the one I’m most proud of just because I like the visualisation it gives me.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

The Internet as I stated previously, Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, Solange to name a few. I’m also a huge fan of jazz such as Miles Davis, snarky puppy. And also shout out to Melbourne singer Angela Librandi who has been inspiring my singing for many years.

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

Self doubt. I’m sure every artist goes through it. It’s a tough industry and people can be …not so nice sometimes, so I think finding belief in myself and perseverance when things haven’t gone to plan or when other people have doubted me has been the most challenging.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Sing because you love it, don’t worry about how much money you make or what other people think. If you do what you love people will hear that passion in your music.

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

The most trouble? Very interesting question… those are secrets I will have to take to the grave with me haha

Thank you!

Follow REYA
Instagram

Ashley Tamar Davis – My Name Is Ashley [Full Album]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Ashley Támar Davis is Grammy-Nominated Composer/Vocalist, Music Supervisor, Broadway Vocalist, Author. Ms. Davis new album My Name is Ashley, is an 8-song funk/rock project featuring Mononeon, Jason Moran, Mark Kelley, Eric Harland, Jellybean Johnson and more.

Ashley’s story spans from being a member in the original female group Girls Tyme (Destiny’s Child) to performing in acclaimed Broadway shows and headlining a tour with Prince. Despite struggles with her journey an independent artist, overcoming opposition at nearly every turn, she continues to thrive. The release of her latest project has had to survive the vortex of legal wrangling over the Prince estate, entrapping projects she and her mentor developed together. Her latest achievement is securing the music supervision position for the highly anticipated, “That Damn Michael Che” show for NBCUniversal on HBO MAX and creating her own production company, Syren Entertainment+Media Group (SEMG): a multi-dimensional production and creative development company synthesizing entertainment, arts, business, edutainment and technology address the historical lack of diversity in the capitalization and development of creative and cultural arts, whereas her first contractual event will produced for the City of Houston.

Follow Ashley Tamar Davis
Facebook/Instagram

Iris Bonet – What It’s Like [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Old-school, experimental, unique

Tell us a few things about your new song “What It’s Like”. What is the story behind it?

I wrote What It’s Like because I was feeling very heavy with the current state of the world. Everything I saw looked like “doom & gloom” and it felt like the only thing getting me through at the time was looking back at memories. It made me wonder if we’d ever get back to those things. That’s why I got the lyric “do you remember what it’s like.” It seemed like the last couple of years have gone on forever. I also decided to do the production myself on this one because it felt very personal and I knew the feel I wanted.

What first got you into music?

I started music at home. We’re a very musical family so I was born with the ability to sing. I then got into band in middle school where I started with percussion and as I got older got very heavily involved with music in church.

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

I definitely enjoy writing music better. I’m a bit of an introvert and get in my head a lot so performing live makes me really nervous. I’m trying to get over that though!

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

My biggest challenge is promoting myself for sure. There’s a part of me that feels like I shouldn’t really talk about what I do, but I know it’s necessary. It’s just really awkward for sure.

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

Most of my music is pretty mellow and chill so I think they’d listen either when they’re relaxing or in their feelings. Most of my heaviest lyrics come from when I’ve gone through something traumatic and I think that resonates with a lot of people.

You’d give up making music for…

Oo that’s tough to think about, but I’d give up making music for my daughter. If me making music stopped her from achieving something or from her happiness, then no question, I would quit.

Thank you!

Follow Iris Bonet
Instagram

DIANA BIDÈA – Lifeline [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

soulful, powerful, genre-bending

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

Lifeline is a song about temptation and vices. Using your vices to feel a little closer to consciousness. We all have a lifeline, it’s about how you use it and if I have the willpower to avoid it.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“I never said I needed savin’ I just needed a safe haven”

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Snoh aalegra was a big inspiration to this track, just based off of her production alone, but vocally I am always influenced by soulful powerful women. Alicia keys, Adele, lady Gaga, are such some of the women that inspire me.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the constant need to fit into a mold, because great legendary music doesn’t fit anywhere. The music that stays on the radio, or in people’s minds for decades is the stuff that isn’t going with the grain of the times, it’s a new innovation of sound, and we can’t hear these innovations if we don’t allow them to exist outside of a mold.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I have ever gotten was from a teacher who was giving a lesson on auditioning, he said “do not forget, you have a right to be here”, something so simple yet so powerful when repeated to yourself can completely eliminate your imposter syndrome. When you’re in a room with a lot of important people, or people that you might feel are more experienced than you, it’s easy to crawl into a shell and hide yourself, but if you just remember that you have just as much a right as anyone else to be in your position, you’ll be okay and you’ll stand up straight again.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

My biggest vice is probably feeling like I’m never doing enough. It’s a lie that my mind will tell me over and over again even while I am overwhelmed. It causes me to feel paralyzed like I do not want to work on anything and I just want to go out and party.

Thank you!

Follow DIANA BIDÈA
Instagram

MUNGMUNG – NASCAR [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

This is such a hard one because I feel like I am always evolving, thus the art is ever-changing depending on my current mood and experiences…But let’s just say cute, energetic and melodic?

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

‘NASCAR’ is a super cheeky, bold song about having fun and not being afraid to call the shots in a physical relationship. Think about the giddy-ness one can feel when their significant other is handling the wheel of a car with confidence; They got one hand on the wheel and the other on you, backing up the car (if you know, you know) or stealing kisses at a red light. The song is a snapshot of all those butterfly-inducing moments in the car with bae.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

The title of the song, ‘NASCAR’ is a double entendre for the term “getting nasty in the car”, so I’ma leave the rest up to your imagination to go on overdrive.

Favourite album of the past decade?

I’m really indecisive and I love everyone doing their own thing, so I’m going to break the rules a bit and list more than one. ‘Wolf’, ‘Flowerboy’ and ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ by Tyler, the Creator, ‘blkswn’ by Smino and ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ by Kendrick Lamar, just to name a few.

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

I am thankful for the situation I am in. I am surrounded by nothing but love, support and the gracious opportunity to be creative. Although, at the moment, it’s not really a conventional ‘challenge’ as it is out of our control, but with the COVID-19 outbreaks it has been difficult to carry on with activities such as going into the studio and performing physically on stage, which is a bit of a bummer. Hopefully once things settle down, the arts industry will be as lively as ever!

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

They may listen when they’re excited, feeling like being a boujee baddie, turnt up or even when they’re down, bittersweet and contemplative. I’d like to think my music can ride along with everyone and be there for them throughout their different moods.

When was the last time you danced?

Literally just a few seconds ago! I’ve been going through different albums by my favourite artists lately just to really get in tune with the love for music. Today’s pick was ‘Solitude’ by Billie Holiday and it has got me groovin’ around the house.

Thank you!

Follow
Instagram

Qeeran – LIKE YOUR MAN [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Sensual, intimate and moody.

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

‘LIKE YOUR MAN’ is definitely my favourite piece of work I’ve created to date. I tried to capture my favourite elements of today’s R&B world like strings, sidechained chorus vocals and an epic guitar solo to give it that ‘it’ factor to allow myself to listen to my own work again and again (which I usually cannot stand). The song’s premise floats around the idea of really wanting that second chance to prove that you’ve matured and are truly ready to give it your all, even if that means intruding onto your past-lover’s fresh territory with somebody else.

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

Yes! I love the idea of collaborating and really want to work on it for the new year coming. I’ve come to realise that there’s only so many ideas you can generate on your own and having a second creative mind can really give you that boost you sometimes didn’t even know you needed. Songwriting can for sure be lonely, but I’ve found songwriting to me is very sacred and personal, so naturally I still prefer to write in my own space alone – for now.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

For this single, definitely Alina Baraz and Galimatias. The ricochet ‘Urban Flora’ had on music and to me still stands untouchable. Summer Walker, Sabrina Claudio and Lauryn Hill are honourable mentions too.

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

Remaining inspired and grounded. Melbourne’s COVID situation is continuously worsening along with an ever-extending lockdown which has been tough on everyone down here. It’s also been difficult to keep creating with honesty and 100% authenticity as the push to make sounds that are more commercial and ‘popular’ increases, but I’ve been doing well at refocusing my intentions and reasons why I began creating music in the first place (as well as realising being ‘popular’ wasn’t one of them).

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

This one isn’t a film, but the K-drama ‘The Last Empress’ on Netflix took up 26 hours of my life that I will never regret spending.

One last thing we should know about you?

Apart from music, I’m a student at Monash University studying within the field of Econometrics/Business Analytics! I’m also the campus Clubs and Societies Coordinator, so if you’re a club executive and are somehow reading this, hello! (I’ll get to your emails soon!!).

Thank you!

Follow Qeeran
Instagram

The Loop – See Me Beyond My Skin [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

uplifting, positive, meaningful

Tell us a few things about your song “See Me Beyond My Skin”. What is the main idea behind it?

”See Me Beyond My Skin” is about racial any quality and colorism amongst our community. The song was originally spoken word piece written by an M’Zariah Robinson, and was transformed into a song as we worked on it later together.

What is the story behind your name?

The LOOP stands for “ladies of opportunity and promise”. This was a team effort.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

HER, Queen Latifah , Jazmine Sullivan,

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Spotify is a very common platform for sharing music, and I do think it’s one of the most common in terms of Sharing your music.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

”If you’re given a time to be somewhere, be there 15 minutes before.” (Issa bibbins )

You’d give up making music for…

I’d give up making music for…. Marcia: my health Mz: my mental health

Thank you!

Follow The Loop
Instagram

Nikïa – Pretty Brown Skin [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

Raw, Authentic and Spontaneous

Tell us a few things about your new work “Pretty Brown Skin”.

Pretty Brown Skin was inspired by this guy I was talking to (who turned about to be a misogynistic and way worse person) and his voice and the way he talked just had this really mellow almost sensual vibe that I guess I picked up on that allowed me to make the chord progression and the beat and eventual lyrics. It took some time making it as I made a draft beat so crap and wasn’t syncing the melody and chords together sounded like a hot mess. This was due to doing things through MIDI as a challenge to myself as I am more of a sit at the keyboard and make noise until something I like comes out. Also, Pretty Brown Skin apparently gave summer vibes but I am releasing it in Autumn so ha. Because the guy wasn’t a pleasant person it showed me at the time to love myself and not bother look for love or romance right now which inspired Pretty Brown Skin

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

My most personal and honest lyric is ‘Bathtub tears, saddened face, it’s just another day of getting by’ from a song that is in an upcoming project of mine where it’s really for me. But you will be hearing of it soon.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Amy Winehouse is defo my inspiration and influenced me the most. Missy Elliot, Freddie Mercury, ELO recently, Marvin Gaye a bit, Adele, Melanie Martinez, Left Eye, Aaliyah and Erykah Badu are the ones popping in my head right now.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change the time expectancy. Meaning the time an artist or idol is allowed to take time to make their music before coming back in the limelight. There is a lot of singles more than there is a solid album these days (I can’t chat much as I am doing that right now) and concert wise, having just singles is quite unbalanced sonically. How would you shift into the next song or link them? And, I would like the change the expectation of an artist being perfect from the get go considering artist and development isn’t given to aspiring performers/creatives the way it was around the 70s or 80s. I know I have to improve much more and work on my singing but people seem to be quick to say shit then think in today’s world, people may not have access to certain faculties.

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

From what I heard from listeners and friends that hear my music. After a long day at work, just getting back home and want to listen to something to relax or ‘detox’

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

I’m a pretty dull person so I don’t think I have been in major trouble. But, the one that pops in my mind is when me and my cousin were throwing tomatoes at someone’s house (I was between 6-10 at the time) that we may have not bought. And I remember he kept going at it and I got lost somewhere because I couldn’t keep up with as he was on a bike and I was running. So I walked back to my Auntie’s place to be met with a cussing and I was scared lol. He got the same cussing and we were forced to stay inside for the rest of the day.

Thank you!

Follow Nikïa
Instagram

MrrrDaisy – The One (Feat Jessy Gh) [Interview]

~ Admin ~ Leave a comment

Describe your sound in 3 words

creative, entertaining and refreshing

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

The song is basically about a young lad confessing his affection to the love of his life that no matter what people are saying about them, she is The One

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“They said make I shun you, they said make I dawg, they said make I throw you out but only me know what I dey see”

Favourite album of the past year?

Nyame Mmaa by Pura Akan

What would you change in the music industry?

Definitely the Gatekeepers. Most of them are making it difficult for indie talents to break through.

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

I am a blogger, graphic and web designer, A&R and a Publicist

When was the last time you danced?

I used to be a dancer back in High school but since then, I haven’t really danced.

Thank you!

Follow MrrrDaisy
Instagram