Lolita Moore – LOVED [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Eclectic, Spirit-filled and soulful

Tell us a few things about your album Loved.

The LOVED album was created during a time in my life, when I faced uncertainty, high anxiety, personal health challenges, questions about my mortality and in the face of a pandemic. I simply turned to what was comforting, re-assuring and soothing to my mind, spirit and soul. It is and has always been music. I began to listen intently and deeply and it eventually sparked the songwriter in me. I began to pen lyrics to the beautiful melodies I’d hear. I knew that I was on to something. I believed that God was giving me comforting messages for myself and for others as well. With this in mind, I started to reflect on my life as a Christian, on all of the experiences of life and the lessons learned, and most importantly on the fact that in the face of hundreds of thousands of people dying, God allowed me to still be here. So, I felt an urgency to live out what I believe to be my one true calling; to sing the Gospel, to be a beacon of light and hope, in the face of adversity. I suddenly begin to face the fact that every day is truly a precious gift. So, with gratitude, I allowed my experiences of God’s goodness to me, be the central theme and the driving force for the LOVED project. And LOVED was born. I guess you can say that being Loved by God is my testimony.

Which song of the album reflects you the most?

Every song on this album is a reflection of me in some way. The songs are a collaboration between my walk with God, my perceptions of humanity, life and how I see the world. Each song holds a belief and personal experiences that enables me to share a more insightful, wiser and a better me. But If I have to chose one song, it would be “HOLY ONE”. The message in this song is where it all started for me; the born again experience, the becoming, getting in touch with my higher self, getting to know God through transition and transformation.

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

I like them both a lot, but I must say that there is a deep satisfaction that I experience when I am able to create, write and formulate lyrics to pair with beautiful music, to ultimately form a song. I enjoy creating the rhythms, structure, chorus and bridge. I definitely love the creative process; and all aspects of production; recording. But I love the stage and the whole vibe from the live band and connecting with the energy from the fans as well.

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

I have been creating music for a long time; off and on. And the difficulty, for me, has been finding time for consistency and connecting with the right collaborators with like mind and vision; to be able to create the kind of music I hear. As well, it’s hard to be fully creative, when working and raising a family.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Never stop dreaming. Do what truly brings you joy and complete fulfillment inside, it’s your intrinsic essence; and it’s who you really are.

Future plans?

Right now, I am just really excited about the positive responses that the LOVED album is receiving, so we’ll see what happens. But I can definitely see myself getting back in the studio to make more great music.

Thank you!

amber wilson – Amber [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Vibrant, energetic, and transparent are the three words I would use.

Tell us a few things about your new EP.

This is my debut EP. These four songs came from a period of my life where I had a lot on my mind and was processing how I felt about a lot of topics and people in my life. This EP came at a perfect time in my life and was a saving grace for me to be able to process and express how I was feeling.

Which song of the EP reflects you the most?

I think the opening track I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely reflects what I stand for. At the time, this was the most vulnerable I had been in my songwriting. It was important for me to start on the right foot in terms of what kind of an artist, producer, and songwriter I wanted to be. Like with the rest of the songs on my EP, I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely came at the perfect time and accurately depicted how I was feeling at the time.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

My influences are The 1975, Adele, Lorde, One Direction, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, and Glass Animals to name a few.

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

The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far is not being able to do live shows and tour in the capacity that I would like to. I’ve not been on tour, but i’m itching to go on tour soon. It’s just hard right now with Covid and everything going on with that.

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

The best film I watched during quarantine was Crash. It’s an old film, but it worth a watch if you haven’t seen it.

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

One time in high school, my parents took away my electronics for a week after a certain time at night to help me focus on getting my grades up in school. Other than that, I can’t think of anything super serious.

Thank you!

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Kristian J – ON&ON [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Sexy, smooth, queer

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

I wrote this song to a beat that a guy sold to me on Instagram. The sound is kind of a blend of pop, hip hop, and rock, which is why I think a lot of people like the sound. The lyrics are about struggling to fight for your dreams and passions, but at least having your close friends there beside you for the journey. Without these people, even achieving your dreams would feel pretty meaningless.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“If it wasn’t for you, I’d chase the money alone. Even if I had it all, you know I’d come back to an empty home. Your dreams feel like a prison if your friends are all long gone.”

Favourite album of the past decade?

ARTPOP by Lady Gaga

Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?

Completely.

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

I personally don’t watch many movies, but I had a rerun marathon of Casa de Las Flores, which will always be one of my favorite shows.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Follow your bliss. It is the most practical thing you could do with your life. Also stream Kristian J ❤

Thank you!

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Hatter – Secret Lover [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Energetic, Commercial. Anthems.

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

This song is based on a true story about meeting a stranger who was already in a relationship and falling in “love at first sight”.
It embraces the deepest desire of having a discreet connection with a “Secret Lover”, encourages us to act on our emotions and feel those butterflies in your stomach even if you’re in a relationship with someone else!

What first got you into music?

Listening to pirate radio stations and bootleg mix tapes. I was the guy who had to have every new release and wanted to share my discoveries with everyone i knew.

Favourite album of the past year?

I don’t have a favourite but i liked the recent music from Nicky Jam, Dua Lipa and the Weeknd. The great thing about music is that every song can have a different meaning that resonates with esch listener.

Can you share something funny that happened during one of your gigs? And what would be your dream performance venue?

I would love to perform at an outdoor festival in far East.

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

Reminiscing on their best memories.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I can’t wait to share my music with you so you can connect emotionally in a positive way!

Thank you!

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queen mars – S.E.X. [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Kaleidoscopic, Introspective & Naughty

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

I wanted to write about the performative nature of hookup culture in a provocative way. I feel like we’re in this competition of who can care less and it’s gotten to the point where we deny ourselves emotional availability in exchange for shallow acceptance. But then we have a tendency to fabricate intimacy and while we engage in what is supposedly a meaningless experience, we romanticize it.

What first got you into music?

Having had an unstable childhood and growing up in a conservative household, music grounded me and always felt foundational. I moved around A LOT and my environment was constantly changing. Because of that, I centered my life around music and made it my home. I started writing songs when I was 8 and used that pastime as a way to engage my innermost thoughts in a creative way. For the longest time I was afraid to share what I was writing because it felt like publicly reading my diary aloud.

Self-proclaimed astrology whore. Enlighten us a bit more!

So going back to being afraid to read my diary (songs) outloud… I felt it would be much easier to be honest behind a mask. When I decided to start releasing my more vulnerable songs, I created the moniker “queen mars” mostly out of fear of my family finding my music online. I’m an Aries and my ruling planet is Mars, so that’s how I came up with the name. At the time, I didn’t really know too much about astrology but since then I’ve really dove deep into the subject. It really is interesting and so in depth, it feels bottomless. The more I learn, the more I realize I’ve only scratched the surface.

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

Patience. I’ve always struggled with not receiving instant gratification but I’ve learned that this pursuit is a marathon, not a sprint.

Which book should we read while listening to your music?

My music IS the story…………………(The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene if you must)

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can rollerskate sideways!

Thank you!

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Johnny – SHIFT [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Future Pop/R&B

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

I wrote this song about how losing my Dad and the pandemic happening in the same year changed my life.

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

I do like the idea of collaborating. I do work well with others but I tend to do a lot of writing on my own. I don’t find it lonely actually. Songwriting is therapeutic and a great release. You get to sit and collect your thoughts and put all of those personal feelings into a story and I think that’s what I love the most about it.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I would prefer not to answer this one if you guys wouldn’t mind omitting this one.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Madison Square Garden & the TD GARDEN in Boston back to back nights. I was born and raised in MA but I live in NYC now. That would be an iconic combo.

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

I think a lot of my music plays well in small kickbacks but a lot of it is designed with a cinematic influence. Also, I see some of it as driving music.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

I’m still taking my time, releasing mostly singles at the moment but definitely have had thoughts of an album on the horizon!!! Thanks

Thank you!

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6 Wheelz – Cuffing Season [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

My sound is Raw, inspirational and lyrical

What is your creative process like?

I listen to a beat, figure out how to attack it, pull up a blank page on my phone and start writing

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“You’re here for a reason, you’re not just a sacrifice” that I said on my song ‘Survivor’s Guilt’ about suicide prevention.

Your music has an old school vibe. Are you into today’s Hip Hop? Or do you prefer to listen to old classics?

Thank you and I mostly listen to the 90’s-2005, the golden age of hip-hop. I also listen to a lot of independent hip-hop

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-hop, when used right, is beautiful. A tool to inspire, teach and entertain

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

I imagine people listening to my music in a chill setting or needing to be inspired.

Should we expect an album in the near future?

Yes, I am working on ‘Power of A Dream’ to be released late 2022

Thank you!

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Ezrae – Not My Job [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

energetic, honest, bossy.

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

it’s about wanting something with a guy and being upfront and confident about it. i’ve seen many songs where men write about women like this so it should be okay for me to be forward and honest about the same topics in my songs too. it’s about breaking boundaries and gender stereotypes. if i want something i’ll go get it.

What first got you into music?

i’ve never not been into music, i went to my first gig when i was 4 to see James Blunt and I always wanted to be like him. then i used to watch Hannah Montana and that kinda influenced me and i started writing songs at like 7 years old after watching that show, it just stuck and i’ve carried on with it since. I knew from the age of 7 that i wanted to be a singer.

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

right now i love Chase Atlantic. they’ve really influenced my sound and they’re growing quite a bit at the moment. also Carlie Hanson, i saw her live when she supported Yungblud and i think she’s great.

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

My biggest challenge is accepting that there will be times where I feel like i’m the worst artist in the world. I set myself really high expectations as a perfectionist which is sometimes overwhelming so it’s hard for me to realise that songs take a lot of time to perfect, they don’t always come easily like i wish they would and this shouldn’t make me feel like less of an artist.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

id tell my younger self to focus on what i love the most and don’t let comments from small minded people affect me. i faced a lot of “oh really? you wanna be a singer? try something more realistic” from teachers and peers – the people who are meant to support me. i’m glad i didn’t listen and i’m glad my parents were always supportive.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I don’t really have any fans at the moment haha it feels weird calling anyone who likes my music a ‘fan’. but obviously like any other artist i wanna thank them for supporting me and I want them to know that i’m grateful that they can relate to my music and tell me that in confidence.

Thank you!

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Danny Polo – Prada [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Sultry, Groovy, Fresh

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

Prada is one of my favorite tracks I have ever done and it was a bit of an accident. Cube, one of my music buddies, sent me this four bar loop and I just looped it and sang some lines over it before going to sleep. I had just started seeing this girl and it was the most excited I had been about getting to know someone new in a while so I wrote about how I would act if i had everything in the world to give to her. I woke up after and then realized that I absolutely loved it. I then sent it over to Landon and he immediately said he wanted to put a verse on it and it was all so simple and straightforward that it was hilarious.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

One of my favorite lyrics that I’ve written is pretty simple. It’s from a demo I released last year called glitter and I simply said “i should’ve warned you not to lay up with me, everything that I touch bleeds”. I perfectly described how i was feeling and it sticks with me.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

At the top of that list are Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, and Anderson Paak. I also am so incredibly inspired by artists like mac ayers and tom misch.

Prada’s groove is splendid. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.

Whats the use by mac miller will forever be a song i look to when I’m trying to find something smooth and groovy. It is honestly the pinacle of simple and tasteful.

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

This song in particular I love to imagine people listening to with the homies while they are cooking out and enjoying life.

When was the last time you danced?

literally last night. all i do is work and twerk.

Thank you!

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Joe Traxler – Don’t Dance [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Organic, mellow, modern

Tell us a few things about your new song “Dont Dance”. What is the story behind it?

‘Don’t Dance’ is the first song of my upcoming debut LP ‘Lifelines’ which is set to be released in spring 2022. The song details an evening out
wracked with social anxieties and insecurities, yet paradoxically delivered in a feel good, indie
funk wrapper.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

In my song ‘Asymmetrical Life’ I was processing the battle with a sudden bout of facial paralysis and its chronic residual effects.

Favourite album of the past year?

Sex & Food by Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

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

Staying inspired and motivated to create while taking care of the business side of things at the same time.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Try not to stress too much about the numbers and recognition and dedicate your whole energy to creating unique art.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

Matt Corby o2 Kentish Town, London.

Thank you!

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