Tag: Urban

Edy Forey – Come With Me [News]

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Edy Forey is a debuting duo based in Edinburgh, UK.
Pianist & composer Guilhem Forey makes magic with producer & singing lyricist Edy Szewy. Their eclectic sound lives on the groovier side of jazz – a fusion with retro rhythm & blues, house & soul – simply known as urban jazz.

Their upcoming debut record Culture Today is due for release in 2023. It features an award-winning range of contributing artists from around the world: the signature touch of Bob Power (the engineer behind D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and A Tribe Called Quest), guitar by Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy / Vulfpeck), bass by Sharay Reed (Funk Apostles), veteran Nat Reeves and Luca Alemanno on bass; drums from Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective / Gorillaz) and Tom Gordon (BBC Big Band), soulful rhythm section Leonn Meade and Dean Mark (London Community Gospel Choir), sax by Bob Reynolds (Snarky Puppy) and Los Angeles prodigy Alex Hahn, Japanese jazz legends Toku on flugelhorn and Miho Wada on flute; Berkley’s Sarpay Ozcagatay on flute, percussion by Brazil’s finest Carlinhos Percussão and a range of finest British talent, such as Adam King, Jonathan Tuitt, Andrew Robb and counting…

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Jen Ash – No Lover Lover [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Old School : I’m trying to bring the 90’s R&B back , I miss this time .
Soulful : I’ve been gifted with this soulful voice and I am so grateful for it
Real : My music comes from true experiences and true stories and I want to make sure people feel it . I want to tell them that they are not alone and I’m here to share with them the good and the bad life put us through .

Tell us a few things about No Lover Lover. What is the main idea behind it?

No Lover Lover , is about recovering after a toxic relationship , and realizing that being on our own can be a good thing. It give us room to explore ourselves without being distracted by an other person . Toxic relationships are experienced by so many of us , It take us on a Rocky road that is not meant for us and we forget who we are because of Love . But when we get out of it , It feels like a weight have been lifted and we are finally free to be ourselves and follow our purpose.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

So many of my songs are very personal , it comes from my own experience , starting with “All Alone” “I’m Dreaming of You” , “Ride Or Die” , “I Stand Without You” , “Hollywood” , “No lover lover” … I try to be as transparent as possible because I want people to relate to it . And each line of each song is a feeling or a moment I have experienced .
I would say the most personal song would be I stand without you . It was hard to write , I realized in the writing process that I was emotionally miserable , and I was ashamed of it .Putting it into a song made me so vulnerable it was difficult .
The beginning of the song start with : “You left me , here empty , crying down on my knees … ” I still remember this heartbreaking moment .

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

I’m really inspired by Jennifer Lopez , she has turned herself into a Brand ,. She is in charge of her career. multitasking music , acting , producing , creating her products … She is an icon and every woman , artistically should look at her path and learn form it . She created an empire and I would love for my career to get to that point as well .
In term of music , Amy Winehouse and Christian Aguilera are my top 2 . I enjoy their Unique and Powerful voices . There is so much soul in their sounds .

You are a former pro basketball player. Do basketball and the music industry have anything in common?

They have . I wouldn’t be the same artist if I didn’t play basketball . Sport teach you self-discipline , hard-work and perseverance . You learn how to work with others and make a group of people go in the same direction . It helped me take criticism as an opportunity to learn and become better . The music industry is not easy and an artist needs all the qualities I’ve learned while I played basketball . It made me mentally strong and I am forever grateful for that .

Favorite film ever?

Ok I am a Big Disney Fan their animated movies are absolutely stunning and I really enjoy the Music. I would Love to work with them and sing for one of their production in the future. it’s so hard to pick only one !!!
My favorites are Hercules , Pocahontas, Mulan and Aladdin. Just saw Aladdin’s Broadway Show in NYC . The Cast was fabulous . The costume were absolutely wonderful. It was a magical time for me . Loved it from beginning to end .

What is the most useless talent you have?

I would say the ability to touch my nose with my tong but I can’t even do that . Talent is definitely not useless , in my opinion Every talent is worth exploring.

Thank you!

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Jenn Vix – Mr. Strange [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Diverse, Vibey, Vocal driven

Tell us a few things about Mr. Strange. What is the main idea behind it?

The track is about a woman who has basically given up on dating, and she has decided to fall in love with a plastic blow-up doll. Her fantasy becomes a bit too real, but it makes her happy. The bar for men is high, and the bar for women is too low; to put it mildly. The music video is cheeky; it’s not entirely serious. I want to show the world that even though there is a message in the track, that it’s good to not take ourselves so seriously all of the time.

Your sound has a pop sensibility blending trap grooves with indie pop elements. What is your creative process like?

I listen to and love many genres of music. I grew up listening to New Wave, early Rap, early Hip Hop, and arena rock. My creative process changes with my moods. Sometimes, I just get a hook stuck in my head, and I go into my studio and bang it out. Sometimes I collaborate with beat makers, and I take inspiration from their beats. I usually write my music on drums and synths. It could start with lyrics, music, or both. I’m in the moment with this.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

Lately, I’ve been very inspired by The Weeknd, Max Martin, and ILLANGELO! Some influences from my past are Annie Lennox, Portishead, Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, UNKLE, Michael Jackson; Off the Wall is a banger! Luther Vandross, The System, Robert Palmer, New Order, Rose Royce, Curtis Mayfield, Clyde Stubblefield, Marc Almond, Donna Summer, Phil Collins, Stewart Copeland, A Flock Of Seagulls, John Foxx, and a long list of classic rappers and DJs.

What would you change in the music industry?

Gatekeeping. If you have the cred, and you’ve put in the hard work, the industry should let you open up conversations, without you having to fight the music bouncers. That’s some bullshit!

Your music has an experimental tone. Should music as a form of art always challenge the listener?

I don’t think it’s as experimental as some might think it is. I like to mix genres, but so do a lot of other artists. I like the concept of having singles for your listeners, and the deeper cuts to let the weirdness out. I’m all about the balance.

When was the last time you danced?

This evening. I’m always dancing!

Thank you!

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JUMBOKJAY – I Don’t Care [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

being unchaged by others opinion

Tell us a few things about your new song I don’t care. What is the main idea behind it?

people will alsay have some thing to say good or bad
it shount not change how you see yourself

What do you really care about?

i i care about love
ii i care about money
iii i care about vibes

The production in the track is nicely lofi and with a dark hint. Tell us a few things about your creative process.

my higt school classmeat said he make bead so i said make me somithe that look like me or sounds like me

What would you change in the music industry?

ill cange the fack that the dont book me enulfe for music show for me to perform my songs

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

i state of inner peace

When was the last time you danced?

yesterday at a music video shoot

Thank you!

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Jefe Chindrix – You’ve Got Mail [Interview]

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Melodic, moody, soul

Tell us a few things about your new song, You’ve Got Mail. What is the main idea behind it?

The main idea about it is I know everyone goes through a tough breakup in their life. I made this song to somewhat what I felt from this experience, but also to give a little twist from your traditional sad breakup songs.

Which is your most personal and honest lyric?

“Twenty years of life has been on my chest. Music is the only thing that’s releasing the stress.” – from an unreleased track.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

An arrangement of artists from Kirk Franklin, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Jimi Hendrix, Drake.

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

The biggest challenge so far as an artist is overthinking. Knowing when to label a song as finished has been hard sometimes. I go back and listen to it multiple times, thinking a note or sound effect isn’t correct. Even from a promotional standpoint, I try to find the perfect snippet to display for people. Sometimes you just have to put out it and see the response to it.

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

I try to keep up with sports such as football, futbol, & basketball. I also indulge in movies and TV shows. Outside of that, spending time with family & friends sums it up.

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

Haha, I would say getting caught with a bottle of alcohol underage.

Thank you!

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Deon Jones – Revival

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Deon Jones is a musician and artist with one of the most important voices of his generation. His first artistic project, a powerful rendition of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” featuring Academy Award winning composer Jon Batiste has been hailed by Rolling Stone Magazine as “transformative.” Jones was shot by police in the face with a rubber bullet during a peaceful protest in the summer of 2020. Redirecting this trauma into artistic energy, Jones extended a decade long collaboration with artist Glenn Kaino to produce the exhibition entitled “In the Light of a Shadow.”

Deon, a Truman Scholar, is an artist that embodies the paradox and opportunity of our time. He is a thoughtful and intentional artist with the performance tools to elevate his message and inspire audiences in any context.

Some of his other notable impactful moments spans from once managing projects at the Oprah Winfrey Network to associate producing the Emmy nominated documentary With Drawn Arms and developing Webby award winning apps with actor Jesse Williams.

A staunch advocate for the right to vote without barriers, Deon serves on the Creative Council at Fair Fight, an organization created by Stacey Abrams to end voter suppression and ensure fair elections. He is also a key proponent of abolishing youth jails once serving as the National Spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice.

Proklaim – Options [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about Options and you creative process in general?

I had gone online and was looking for beats to buy and that 1 immediately got my attention when I played it. It had a retro soulful feel that reminded me of lauryn hill’s music. It was beautiful. It made me think of how good music is timeless and can take you back to moments in your life and bring back feelings from moments in one’s life. I started humming I ng the melody and recorded the chorus that came to me. Then wrote the verses immediately after and layer them.

How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

I’d say my musical progress has been steady and what has been key to seeing aspects of my ability improve has been being dedicated to the writing process. That has been a great contributor to seeing aspects like cadences and variety of flows improve as well as developing melodic approaches to raps and chorus. What I’m seeing now begin to develop and hope to further improve is intonation and voice animation to add alot more feeling to areas of my rap delivery.

Can music share or even define us as a society?

I absolutely believe that music is a microcosm of society. It gives a glimpse into a society and its values at any given point in time. The same with art in general. If you wish to know what life in the 1950s was like. Listen to music from that era and it will give you a pretty good glimpse of what people and life in thaperiod was generally like.

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

I think Koffee from Jamaica and Black Sherif from Ghana are 2 very talented artists that will go far.

What would be your dream performance venue?

Wembley Stadium and Madison Square Garden

Favorite music related film?

8 mile

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Remain true to your intuition and inner yearnings…do that which makes you feel you are being true to your inner voice.dont just do things because that’s what others say you should pursue..(I speak specifically of the things you wish to do as a career or vocation).
Also do not follow trends..dont be afraid to carve paths and go in directions others have not

Thank you!

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Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L – Double Or Nothin [Interview]

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Tell us a few things about your new single Double or Nothin. What is the story behind it?

It’s just around the idea that we all have someone we just can’t leave alone no matter what. Going outside to get into things we shouldn’t be doing. Doing things to not feel alone.

Where did you draw inspiration from?

My love life. Haha.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“Got rings on me like I’m Kobe, I’m Moving on now you don’t know me” – for two reasons. I’m ready to take the next step in my artistry and need to let a lot of things go. And more importantly, Rest In peace to Kobe Bryant.

Favourite album of the past year?

Big fan of the latest Kaash Paige project as well as I Never Liked You by Future.

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

Getting a real push by editorials. For whatever reason we’re being over looked so we really relay on the listeners to share with friends. The growth is a bit slower this way which can be frustrating but I know it’s the way it’s meant to be. Thank you to everyone that’s been sharing.

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

Ideally relaxed and a little faded. Listen when you’re alone or just people watching. I want you to try to see the world through my eyes a bit. I want to aid your vision.

One last thing we should know about you?

I’m just getting started.

Thank you!

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Lori Asha – Compensate [Review]

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Hailing from the UK, Lori Asha delivers her latest track Compensate, a dreamy production that is raising the standard for the next releases really high. Compared to her first track titled Never which had a classic, elegant RnB vibe, Compensate is characterised by the addition of drill elements in the backing track. On top of that, cheeky guitar lines, chill key licks and ethereal warm pads are mixed with Lori’s dreamy vocal delivery, resulting in a very satisfying release. Listen below and make sure to follow our Spotify Playlist feat. Lori Asha.

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Moneá – Check In [Review]

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Richmond-based R&B/Soul artist Moneá is back with Check In, a well crafted production that invites the listener to the deepest side of the RnB universe. Driven by the delicate, mellow bass line the instrumental is enriched by organic keys and warm guitars, complementing  the smooth vocal delivery by Monea. The soulful melodies blend nicely with the beautifully tight groove, helping you to relax while adding that atmospheric hint to your late night walk. Ease your mind. Check in.

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