NYC Singer-Songwriter Emmrose Releases Her Debut EP "Hopeless Romantics"
16 year old singer-songwriter @emmrosemusic has just released her debut EP “Hopeless Romantics”, a deeply personal collection of songs that reflect on love, heartbreak, and finding your own happiness. Listen to Emmrose’s new EP now!
With soaring vocals and intricate melodies, you might be surprised to find that singer-songwriter Emmrose is a sixteen year old living in New York City, attending La Guardia High School as a junior. Blending a wide range of pop, indie rock and alternative influences, her sound defies a singular genre, drawing listeners in with poetic lyrics and interwoven harmonies.
Emmrose is sharing her debut EP “Hopeless Romantics” with the world. A deeply personal collection of songs reflect on love, heartbreak, and finding your own happiness. Emmrose delivers intense, poetic lyrics and catchy pop melodies, immersing listeners into a deeply emotive world of her own.
Only sixteen years old, Emmrose opens her heart, embracing intense emotions with honest introspection.
"Don’t let bad people stay in your life," reflected Emmrose, speaking both on the content of the EP and her own experiences. "It is possible to move on and find happiness. Don’t let the pain of life over come you and take away your spirit. It’s possible to overcome it. It’s okay to be sad, but just know that this sadness isn’t really ‘you’, and your attachment to people isn’t happy and you can move on." While much of the material reflects on heartache and heartbreak, the ultimate message is one of hope, and learning how to find a way to move on.
“Hopeless Romantics” embraces the idea of interwoven emotions, memories, and experiences, acknowledging how they can continue to impact an individual as they try to move forward in finding their own happiness. "The song 'Takes Me Back' was written a while after I wrote 'Five Months' even though it is heard as an intro to the song," shared Emmrose. "I thought it fit well since it is the memory of what had taken place in the lyrics of 'Five Months'. It was a pretty dark time for me, and the audio effects highlight the lyrics so well. I’m really proud of that track."
Listen to “Hopeless Romantic” right now, stream it on Spotify and connect with Emmrose on her website and social media.
Sydney Rapper Kazi A Comes to Peace With His Evolutionary ‘Trappelation’ Album
Fresh off releasing his trail blazing single ‘Afterlife,’ Sydney rap artist Kazi A takes his music to a new dimension with the release of his new trap filled album ‘Trappelation’.
Fresh off releasing his trail blazing single ‘Afterlife,’ Sydney rap artist Kazi A takes his music to a new dimension with the release of his new trap filled album ‘Trappelation’.
Dropping a record that makes all the promises as the breakthrough joint he’s been working towards, ’Trapellation’ sees versatility with Kazi. Pushing the boundaries of hip hop and showcasing that he’s a rapper with no limits.
On the album, Kazi highlights that he’s not just another rapper that can be put into a box. The artist goes on to say that the two things in the hip hop music industry that frustrates him as an artist the most is that you have to be branded as the type of rap you do.
“What I do in ‘Trapellation’ is express one that as a human we are allowed to express any emotions you feel out whether negative or positive through the platform that is given to us. Therefore I’ve got tracks of pure anger against people, I’ve got tracks of revolution, and then I’ve got tracks of positive music as well, my mental peace is more important than peoples perception of the category I should be boxed in,”
Fuelled with a bouncing trap beats taking his sound to the next level, the album features producers They are Randy, Zherish 26th letter, Willow the Apak, Kazi Beats, King Ali and Anno Domino.
Having peppered music over the last years, Kazi has been in the hip hop scene since 2000s’. Born in Bangladesh Kazi was raised by his grandmother. With a unique upbringing, he captures the audience with the art of story telling through rap and poetry.The rapper started writing at the age of 14-years-old and his biggest inspirations are the greatest Tupac, Bone Thugs N Harmony, NWA and Immortal Technique.
Listen to the “Trappelation” album right now, stream it on iTunes and connect with Kazi A on his FB.
Stream and Share “Trappelation” on iTunes
Connect with Kazi A: Facebook
What Coronavirus Means For Music, and How to Cope
Music has pretty much been put to a halt since the coronavirus has required a more intense level of action. Music is insidious in everything we do - by nature, it’s social. It plays in the backgrounds of restaurants and stores, which are now shuttered, and it’s the soundtrack to socializing with others…
Image Credit: Cottonbro
In March 2020, the CEO of Universal Records contracted the coronavirus. Over the past few weeks, the virus has been infiltrating different industries, and celebs who thought they were once invincible to illness that the rest of us normals are susceptible to. The world is slowly becoming a ghost town. Sports arenas are empty, as are music halls and dine-in restaurants. As humans, we find solace and connection in other people, as well as the energy that comes with all these suspended events.
In an attempt to “flatten the curve,” or reduce the chance of Covid-19 taking over our nation, businesses all over are closing for the remainder of the month and perhaps longer to try to minimize public interaction and spreading of the virus. This is a logical decision to make, especially given the serious repercussions for infants, seniors, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions.
The consequences for entrepreneurs are just as dire, as stock markets crash internationally and businesses are forced to shut down. Folks are being instructed to stay home from work, and while some companies are offering paid leave, kids all over the U.S are stuck without lunch and an education. It’s a tough time for anyone to make income and survive, and many of us have that an impending doom that the second Depression is going to hit us very soon.
The social repercussions are just as debilitating, with most people self-quarantining themselves and being asked to practice social distancing. This means staying away from public arenas, large groups of people, and generally, remaining two arms distance from other human beings. While some of us are able to be with our loved ones at this time, it’s still extremely isolating to not be able to go to the gym or attend any of the social events and restaurants that we’re used to going to. Yes, capitalism is suffering, but so is our mental health.
Listening to songs can bring people from all walks of life, all over the world together. It’s a barrier-breaking way to communicate and empathize with the world around us. But music has pretty much been put to a halt since the virus has required a more intense level of action. Music is insidious in everything we do - by nature, it’s social. It plays in the backgrounds of restaurants and stores which are now shuttered, and it’s the soundtrack to socializing with others. It fills up the silence and in turn, fills us with positive vibes. Clubs and bars have also shut down, reducing the chances of new tracks being heard.
Music festivals like Glastonbury are no more, which affects the income flow of musicians and also prevents new acts from being put on the map. Lil Baby just recently released an album, which would garner way more listens and exposure if these venues that usually play his beats were open. Instead, we have to listen through our headphones, which isn’t exactly the ideal way to match the energy of the music we listen to. Sure, we have our sad and introspective days where we prefer to listen to certain tracks alone. But too much of that can weigh heavy on the mind, body and soul.
Even though this chaos isn’t expected to last more than a month or so, it begs the question: would music survive without venues and social interaction? We’re already living much of our lives behind computer and phone screens, but through multiple generations, music has remained the one constant that brings people together physically.
Take a Dolly Parton concert, for instance. Dolly has a bevy of fans from all across the United States, ranging from the most buttoned-up conservative to the most free-spirited liberal. Younger and older individuals are both part of the cult following that is Dolly Parton’s legacy, and it’s what brings people with different perspectives together in harmony. If people didn’t have Dolly to bond over in public, and instead live-streamed the experience from home, would it be as epic?
That being said, music is an essential coping mechanism to get us all through this difficult time. It’s a symbol of hope. Listen to your favorite tunes with your loved ones - even if you have to sing it from the rooftops and balconies, like the beautiful souls of Italy have been doing.
Use the time alone to really flesh out and expand your musical identity. Get out of your comfort zone and listen to new genres. Take time to really dissect those notes and maybe even learn a new instrument. When the world does eventually re-emerge, you’ll be twice as appreciative for the existence of music - we already are!
Stream "Noddin", the Self-Produced Album by San Antonio, TX Based Rapper James Embrace
San Antonio based rapper @JamesEmbrace has recently released his debut album entitled “Noddin”, which includes twelve self-produced tracks, and features Mj Apollo. Listen to the album right now.
James Embrace is a San Antonio, TX based rap artist and producer whose artistic influences include east coast rappers like Notorious B.I.G. and Nas, as well as artists like Eminem and Kanye West. The super producers James has looked up to are Just Blaze, Timbaland, Kanye West and DJ Premier. This talented rapper/producer also produces for other artists in the San Antonio area.
James has recently released his debut album entitled “Noddin”, which includes twelve self-produced tracks, and features Mj Apollo. We are excited to share this DOPE project with you right now, so listen to it below, stream it on Soundcloud, and connect with James on his social media. Also, be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the album and our exclusive interview with James, both coming soon.
Interview: Artist/Producer Davis Chris Discusses His New Song "Walking Fashion Show"
We connected with Hollywood, CA based artist and producer @mrdavischris for an exclusive interview to discuss his self-produced new single “Walking Fashion Show”, and much more.
We connected with Hollywood, CA based artist and producer Davis Chris for an exclusive interview to discuss his self-produced new single “Walking Fashion Show”. We also found out how Davis got his start a music producer, the production software/hardware he uses, his musical goals for the remainder of 2020, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Davis, be sure to connect with him on his website and social media, and check out some more of his music on Spotify.
Congratulations on the release of your new single "Walking Fashion Show". Tell us what inspired you to create the song and describe your creative for its development.
I am really into fashion and I love colors and textures. I wanted to make a record with attitude and a bold statement. Fashion is what you make it and something that describes us all.
If you could select any of your favorite artists to be featured on a remix to "Walking Fashion Show", who would you pick?
I would get Gwen Stefani, or even Lil Wayne.
Can we expect a music video for the song and will it be appearing on an upcoming EP or album release?
Right now I am just releasing singles and building up momentum for now.
How did you get your start as a music producer and what software/hardware do you use?
I used to dance and step when I was younger. Music just fell into my lap and happened to be something I picked up quickly.
I write, produce and engineer in Pro Tools and Logic a bit.
With "Walking Fashion Show" now out, what are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2020?
My goal as an independent artist is to get a million streams again, build my brand and gain more fans.
Connect with Davis Chris: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Is Megan Thee Stallion Going Pop? An Exploration of "Suga"
@theestallion latest album “Suga” was a surprise to me - there were more influences of pop and mainstream, bubblegum hip hop than her past works. The sassy H-town hottie used to be an emblem of Texas, body positivity, and hip hop realness that we haven’t seen since the likes of Lil’ Kim and Remy Ma…
via Instagram/@theestallion
Megan’s latest album “Suga” was a surprise to me - there were more influences of pop and mainstream, bubblegum hip hop than her past works. The sassy H-town hottie used to be an emblem of Texas, body positivity, and hip hop realness that we haven’t seen since the likes of Lil’ Kim and Remy Ma.
However, since being signed to Roc Nation and having Nicki Minaj as a more present mentor, it all started changing direction. I won’t say “going downhill” because I respect Megan and all her musical decisions. Rather, it was a conscious decision to include more demographics rather than the niche one she had previously appealed to.
“Hot Girl Summer” was undeniably catchy, but quickly turned into the basic white girl anthem of the summer. It gained Megan significantly more radio traction, but the ruthless and domineering personality we got to know and love started to dwindle slightly.
Fast forward to 2020 and the release of “Suga”. We saw hints of old Megan when she paid homage to Tupac with the feminist track “B.I.T.C.H,” and a few other other tracks stood out to me, including “Captain Hook,” a slicing and coy chat about her preferred phallic shape, “Savage”, an exploration of all the complexities we carry as women: Other goodies include “Rich” and “Ain’t Equals.” Those songs are dripping with Megan’s bravado, and her signature sensual-but-always-playful vibe, while indicating her evolution as an artist.
“Ain’t Equal” is probably our favorite track on the album, lacing vulnerable subject matter with furious energy. The Kehlani feature “Hit My Phone” was an abrupt departure, and resembled more of a Kehlani track than a Megan one - the same issue that Cardi ran into with “Ring.”
After all those frustrating problems with her previous label, 1501 Entertainment, it makes sense that this album would be a little less hard-hitting than the last one. Even if Nicki isn’t our sonic preference, she’s a wise and experienced female guide to have in the cutthroat territory that Megan is now in with her greater popularity. We can only hope that Jay Z helps her foster that originality - we all remember how Bey went from authentic R&B to more digestible pop tracks, and while it skyrocketed her to fame, her current sound is pretty different from those “Destiny’s Child” days.
While we want her to get her bag, we still hope that Meg doesn’t sell out, and that she uses her new freedom to fully express herself on the next album, rather than the desires of what others want to mold her into.
Stream and Share “Suga” on Spotify
HARLOE Releases Her Debut EP "Rivers Run Dry" and Unveils "We're All Gonna Lose" Music Video
Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter @harloemusic has released her debut EP, "Rivers Run Dry", and unveiled her new music video for "We're All Gonna Lose".
Solo artist and Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter HARLOE has released her debut EP, Rivers Run Dry, out now via Roc Nation. Produced by Grammy-winning, multi-platinum record producer and songwriter Fred Ball (Rihanna, Eminem, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé & JAY-Z), the EP highlights HARLOE's transformative path as it touches on themes of love, loss, reflection, and renewal following the end of a relationship. HARLOE has also unveiled her new music video for "We're All Gonna Lose" which tells a story of acceptance and appreciation in knowing that at some point the love we have in something - whether it be in a person, relationship, hobby, etc - may not be easy and you may have to lose to learn.
"The video poses a question asking what is something that can't be taken away from you? For me, the past few years have been a journey about learning to dig deeper...everything we put so much value in is external so as you watch the video it can be a little shocking, intimidating, and uncomfortable," shares HARLOE. She continues, "but I think that's something to look past and at the end of the video is a moment of vulnerability, standing there without much, and still singing the same song you were singing when you had everything. You're still the same person, but stripped to a raw form and you're still standing. I think a lot of people can feel a version of themselves in that and not feel alone in it and I wanted to tell that story”.
Rivers Run Dry features HARLOE's previously released singles including "Crush On You," which Billboard highlights saying, "HARLOE makes a lasting impression," "One More Chance" which V Magazine states "puts [HARLOE] in a league of her own," and title track "Rivers Run Dry" which Earmilk praises as it "vibrates with poignancy and grace." Accentuating HARLOE's dazzling vocals over simple chords, she also recently shared acoustic reworks of "Rivers Run Dry," as well as "Crush On You," accompanied by a new video showcasing snapshots of her performance at her Los Angeles showcase last month.
HARLOE's new EP follow her 2017 singles "More Than Ever," a stark and confessional heartbreak, and break-out single "All In My Feelings" which immediately hit #1 on Hype Machine, Top 5 on Spotify's U.S. and Global Viral Charts. She recently wrote and sang on Robin Schulz' "All This Love," which has garnered over 63 million streams, and earned a Grammy nomination for Ella Mai's self-titled album of which she co-wrote "Run My Mouth" and Kelly Clarkson's Meaning of Life of which she co-wrote and co-produced several songs. Her writing and production powers marquee cuts for artists including Charli XCX, Sabrina Claudio, Nick Jonas, JoJo, ZAYN, Celine Dion, and Britney Spears.
While bravery materializes in a myriad of ways, for HARLOE it entails stepping up to a microphone and singing truth directly from the heart. Stepping out from behind her role as a songwriter and into her own artistry, HARLOE constructs a world of her own in the space between urban grit and high-fashion elegance. Born and raised in Queens, NY, she is an empowered one-woman tour de force, singing, producing and writing all of her music. A gifted vocalist, classically trained pianist, creator of indelible melodies, cut-to-the-bone songwriter, and a badass producer, HARLOE has garnered support from Nasty Gal, V Magazine, PopDust, Eamilk, Vibe, and Milk among others. Her debut EP, Rivers Run Dry, showcases a side of herself that she's finally ready to share with the world as she walks through the chaos of life and embraces it making her a force to be reckoned with.
Stream and Share “Rivers Run Dry” on: Spotify | Apple Music
Interview: Artist/Producer Theophilus London Discusses His New Album "Bebey"
We had the honor of connecting with NYC artist, songwriter and producer @TheophilusL for an exclusive interview to discuss his very DOPE recently released album “Bebey”, his creative collaborations, Caribbean roots, and so much more.
Photo Credit: Ryan Cardoso
We had the honor of connecting with artist, songwriter and producer Theophilus London for an exclusive interview to discuss his very DOPE recently released album “Bebey”. We also got a chance to pick Theophilus’s brain about how his NYC swag and his Caribbean roots merge to inspire his music, his upcoming creative collaborations, the importance of self love in his music and life, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Theophilus, be sure to connect with him on his social media, stream the Bebey album on your preferred music service, and check out some more of his DOPE music on Spotify.
There’s such a NYC swag to a lot of your flow, but it’s infused with an island swag that seems to encapsulate the melting pot that is BK. How do the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, or your Caribbean roots, merge with Brooklyn to inspire your music?
It’s a decision in 2017 that I made after recording “Bebey” and “Pretty” from the album and I was like wow! I was never going to touch it. I mean, I never say never, but I just don’t like to touch things like soca music. My people are celebrating Carnival right now and they live in one of the most beautiful Caribbean’s out there. It’s Indian and Africans mixed together, so it’s a lot of spicy food, a lot of spiciness in the culture. Indians and Africans hanging out is just spiciness all together.
I grew up in that melting pot and I never thought that I would be able to take contemporary hip-hop and the culture of what it is today, the internet culture, and make it make sense to my island. There’s only one Rihanna but there’s no guy, like a Caribbean king that’s from the states. I’m not from the states but that’s still not here, so we’re making something new here, too. I’m not even big in my country like that, as far as I know. It’s a subculture, though, it’s small. It’s not the mainstream. It was fun to take that shot like yeah, I want to be that kid. I want to be the main kid from the Caribbean that’s also the cool kid in America like Rihanna is. I want to work with Rihanna this year, and I want to do this, and I want to do that.
I had an early thought about this too because when I was younger, I was always into fashion and always into music, but the two of them never really hit. Even Pitchfork made fun of me for liking Morrissey, Jay-Z and Gucci all at once. It’s funny to see every artist now whose programs are all set up this way, like how Rihanna has FENTY. It’s really cool to see and I’m just happy now that I’m continuing to grow and be a better producer overall, so now I can go set up the music the right way. It’s like I’m cooking the best curry chicken. You can’t make it too spicy. This is my little menu right here and I’m improving it right now, too, and doing like six songs for the deluxe. I’m just super excited. I remember when the album came out I DM’d Rihanna and said, “Yo check out my album, it’s Caribbean new-wave right here.” I like that title and I want to do a Caribbean twist, and that’s on the merch too. I’m really excited that these aesthetics and ideas are coming to life.
This album blends a feel-good, joyous vibe that feels fit for a vacation escape, but the odd track hearkens back to an older era and crosses more genre lines than in your previous work. How did your collaboration with Tame Impala on the catchy indie track “Only You” go down?
That went down because I was bored from working with him on “Whiplash.” We were working on “Whiplash” for four hours this one night. “Whiplash” was that song that took us three years to make. For that, I finally had a eureka moment at a house party where I was like holy shit, these are the lyrics! It’s just like writing a movie, you know? It has to make sense, like does she meet the guy at the end? What was the final plot? I was working on the lyrics in LA and it was our only song at that point, and I’m thinking like, I know how the world looks at Kevin. I mean I don’t look at him like that because we’re friends, but I’m like, do you know how special you are to music? I FaceTimed Lil Yachty and he was crying on the FaceTime talking to Kevin like, “I DM’d you and you never looked at it, but I love you so much!” It’s funny because he’s so normal he just wants to be here.
Then I was like, we should start working on a cover and I’m going to produce it like we’re a band. It’s my band plus your band and we’re going to call it “Theo Impala.” We started this whole #TheoImpala thing and it grew really fast. His label got furious they were like what the fuck is “Theo Impala?” We never signed that. We have Tame Impala. You guys can never use that again. That’s how big it was getting. Everyone was like, we want a Theo Impala album! The label was so pissed. They were like, no, we have to get a Tame Impala album out not a Theo Impala album. They just have two songs. So while he was there with me I was just looking at his laptop a lot like what else you got in there bro? Next time I see him I’m going to try to take some shit from his laptop too, because he’s just like the golden child.
The other collaborations and features on this album’s tracks are pretty insane, and diverse. How do you come to collaborate with artists of such different backgrounds while maintaining your own musical identity in the process? Does this help grow and evolve your musical footprint as time goes on?
It definitely helps. I think you have to know yourself really well, you have to know the artist you want to work with really well, and know the idea really well and just execute it. Be yourself and let it flow. Be a scientist and try different things out. Like right now I’m in a really good place musically that I’ve never been before. I always used to write a rap, or write a song, or write a melody, and now I’m writing music and leading musicians to play back what I hear. I know that it’s really time consuming and you have to respect the craft but I’m ready to take it all and become the producer of the next decade. Those are my goals.
The sonic layers in your tracks feel complex and nuanced, especially in tracks like “Cuba” which bring together unexpected melodies and steady vocals. Can you tell us a little bit about your production process?
My production process starts with just living. Taking off the jewelry and all the ego shit and just going out there and hanging out with people, living your life and seeing where it takes you and what inspirations come to you and at what moment and at what time. Like Stephen Hawking, that shit was wild. All the people that he met and all the things he was trying to do in the span of his life. It’s just a reminder to stick to your life, follow your heart, and that shit will come like that.
As an artist, you inspire other creatives like Virgil Abloh, who you recently collaborated with and featured on Bebey’s cover art. In what ways do style and aesthetic affect your music? Do you ever create your own costumes, and are you your own stylist?
Photo Credit: Ryan Cardoso
It affects it 100%. Without style there’s no aesthetic to me and without aesthetic there’s no style. I’m in my foyer room right now and there’s just a bunch of notes on the wall and a lot of the Bebey zine is on the wall. People have been sending me stuff for my birthday and writing me things. I have these two brand names that are like if I’m in Los Angeles, I’m LA Theo. If I’m in New York, I’m NY Theo. So people play on that stuff.
I’ve started this house party brand, a TV pilot show, and an Off-White clothing collab is coming out soon. I’m also doing a bunch of theme parties with Caribbean food and big sound system music, and having to do videos and be a label man all at the same time, as well as a label owner. It’s kind of tough but it’s a great. It’s fun shit to do every day and it’s a wonderful, weird life being me and having to show up in these moments for my culture. And I am my own stylist, yes!
The DCWS team loves that self-love is a central theme in your music. It’s one that’s unfortunately not explored often by male artists, due to our culture of toxic masculinity. Can you tell us a little more about the importance of self love in your music and your life, and if possible, other men in the music industry with similar values?
I think self-love is so important. Going to fashion week, going to this and going to that and you’re always around the quote unquote best people in the world, but sometimes they’re the most wrong people. You’re building relationships with these people and then being like, well what is it all for? Am I just a photo boy? Am I just the kid of the moment? I don’t want to be that. I want to make my art stem from myself. When you go through the jungle, just being out in the world and not in your own home, any energy can sway you in any way. You can start not liking yourself, or you think something else is better for you, or you start doing things that aren’t like you. That’s another topic but to me it’s important to know who you really are or who you’re transforming into, and to have people around who know and love you.
But it’s also important to sometimes just be by yourself if that’s what you need. Sometimes I just need that. Like if I can tell I’m in a pattern of not loving myself and it’s projecting, I need to change it immediately because when you do, you just feel better. After the LV show, I took a complete look at myself with all this Louis Vuitton drip on and I just got back to America. Stepping foot in LA, I was ready to cause a raucous. I remember The Weeknd sent me a DM saying like who let you back in LA? You’re fucking shit up! I was going to wherever the kids were at every night just scaring people just for fun.
I haven’t been in music for four years but coming back was a whole new energy. It’s just fun. I love making it fun again and making it challenging for people. I remember Drake was kind of threatened. It’s like you have to be the Kobe. I heard Michael Jordan say Kobe ruffled his feathers and I love to do that, too. To do it all, though, I’ve just learned that you just need to love yourself and you’ll be ok and just keep a steady pace.
If you could have your pick, who would be your ideal contender to rap battle?
I would rap battle Drake because it would be challenging. It’d require a little monopoly or spade playing kind of focus. I would appreciate that. Either him or Busta Rhymes.
What’s the next step in the Theophilus London movement? Will we be seeing your own fashion line in the future, or is there a particular genre or city that might be your muse for whatever’s next?
I have a new collection dropping soon and I’m really excited about being the brand director of that and building that whole infrastructure. I’m excited about My Bebey Records signing creative artists. I’m excited to work with other artists. I’m excited about the Bebey zine where I feature artists that are doing really good things around the world and I’ll go interview them or send people to interview them. I’m looking forward to starting my TV show that’s like Catfish meets Pimp My Ride and we help people throw house parties for their loved ones. And excited to keep making more good music.
Stream and Share “Bebey” on: Spotify | Apple Music
"Mira" by Tasos Peltekis is the Winner of DCWS BattleSound Music Competition Week 2
Congratulations are in order for Tasos Peltekis, a talented guitarist/composer based in Las Vegas, who was the leading vote getter in last week’s DCWS BattleSound music competition round for Week 2 with his song “Mira”.
Congratulations are in order for Tasos Peltekis, a talented guitarist/composer based in Las Vegas, who was the leading vote getter in last week’s DCWS BattleSound music competition round for Week 2 with his song “Mira”.
Tasos will move on to the Championship Round during the last week of this month where he and second place recipient, Dre A.M., and will face the top two vote getters from Week 1, Declan Sheehy-Meeks and Le Fil.
Check out the winning song below, as well as the recently released EP that it is featured on, “Algebraic”, and connect with Tasos on his website and social media.
Review: "Imperfect Symmetry" EP by Dre A.M.
On his “Imperfect Symmetry” EP, Queens rapper @andremangano isn’t here to rap about girls with fake asses or his layers of chains - he’s here to spread something a little more real, and lord knows we need that in the game right now. Check out our review of Dre A.M.’s EP now.
NY rapper Dre A.M. is a product of Queens, and you can most definitely tell that from his hard-hitting style and delivery. “Imperfect Symmetry” is his latest project, filled with a tough and gutsy energy that would make NYC’s late Pop Smoke proud. Dre A.M. isn’t here to rap about girls with fake asses or his layers of chains - he’s here to spread something a little more real, and lord knows we need that in the game right now.
The first track, “Serotonin” (prod. gato) has a gloomy, off-beat attitude to it that reminds us a little of a young Tyler the Creator. Blending sounds and sub-genres, producer gato brings something fresh to the table that feels like an ominous awakening.
Track 2, “Attention Deficit” (ft. Ryan Mims & Nicoleta Urquilla) shows off an older hip hop style, with dreamy seductress Nicoleta adding some color to the mix. The beat is a crunchy ball of fire, contrasting with Mims and Dre A.M’s rapping style, both aggressively pounding haters into dust. There’s a lot of warped guitar and synth sounds on here that add experimental rock n’ roll and electronica to this up-and-comer’s portfolio, whose lyricism and sharp-edged flow have both caught our attention.
The 4th track, produced and performed by A.M., is dubbed “Starving Artist Cliche.” Flexing his quick-tongued rhymes, we see inspirations from Eminem as well. His inspirations are clear but not derivative - after all, Dre A.M began rapping at just 12 after watching “8 Mile.”
The beats are barebones where they need to be, with some of the hard instrumentals hearkening back to rap battles from decades ago. His sound has the same hungry and angry ambition that Eminem was filled with back in the day.
Dre A.M. fills out his tracks well, but doesn’t excessively overproduce his tracks. He knows when to let his lyrical flex shine, when to speed things up, and when to take his time. All these things prove his originality and help defend his boastful lines about copycats and wannabes.
Stream and Share “Imperfect Symmetry” on Spotify
Koven Drops Their Highly Anticipated "Butterfly Effect" Album On Monstercat
After much anticipation, @kovenuk drops their “Butterfly Effect” LP on Monstercat. With multiple previously released singles such as "All for Nothing" and "Your Pain", the UK duo continues the string of hits with lead single "Butterfly Effect".
One of the most unique and exciting bass music outfits to emerge in recent times, Koven is the production alias of producer Max Rowat and fronted by DJ / Vocalist Katie ‘Koven’ Boyle.
Spotted as one of the pioneering artists to back cinematic bass music Koven have been collating millions of online streams as well as a string of high profile music placements in; Film / TV / Advertising and Games.
After much anticipation, Koven drops their “Butterfly Effect” LP on Monstercat. With multiple previously released singles such as "All for Nothing" and "Your Pain", the UK duo continues the string of hits with lead single "Butterfly Effect". With more notable tracks ranging from electronic such as "For Me" to Drum & Bass with "Stars", this LP will be a seamless listening experience for fans everywhere. Koven is always gearing up for more music to share, so stay tuned for what's to come!
Listen to Koven’s “Butterfly Effect” album right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with them on their social media.
Review: "CHILOMBO" Album by Jhene Aiko
“CHILOMBO” by @jheneaiko is that journal entry turned breakup mixtape we all wished we had as angsty teens. Read our in-depth review of this incredible album now.
Jhene Aiko’s “CHILOMBO” is that journal entry turned breakup mixtape we all wished we had as angsty teens. It’s also that bedroom mixtape that chronicles the days of early love, with all the good, bad, and every bit in between. Reminding us of all those milestones and more, Jhene’s sweet voice covers a lot of ground with this 20-song album.
The first two breakup songs “Triggered (freestyle)” and “None of Your Concern” featuring Big Sean are pure empathy poetry that you can feel the listeners nodding along to as she gives her sermon. Even more meta is the fact that her ex Big Sean is actually featured on the track, making it feel more like a positive note of a closure than a bitter replaying of bad memories.
“B.S” featuring H.E.R is a work of levity, immersing us in a greenhouse of zen that brings us into Jhene’s world. A modern day reiteration of Aaliyah, Jhene is just the right amount of coy and sassy. Her vocals might be soft, but they’re anything but meek, with many lines hearkening mantras of self care and confidence.
Any other big part of that self care she covers? Some between-the-sheets intimacy that made our jaws drop in “P*$$Y Fairy (OTW)” which lays out blatantly sexual lines that male RnB singers don’t think twice about writing into their tracks. She served us a little Kelly Rowland with a whole lot of original Jhene in there, making this track a top contender for the entire album, coming just in time for Valentine’s Day. Chronicling how new lovers feel drunk on each others bodies in the honeymoon phase, her angelic voice delivers some contrasting *gasp emoji* lyrics that make us see her in a whole new way.
The rap features she got on “CHILOMBO” are also no joke, and only enhance her comparisons to Aaliyah. Ab-soul featured with a flawless verse on the wavy “One Way St”, a Lunice-esque track.
Both Ab and Nas transport the tracks to a late ‘90s, early ‘00s energy that we desperately need in the 2020 rap landscape. “10k Hours” with Nas is another floating-on-air moment that both voices regrets of a failed relationship and that floating-on-air feeling of addiction to another person. “Have you ever loved someone, then lost that one? /have you ever met someone that ain’t coming back“ as Nas delivers some Ja-Rule inspired vocals.
“CHILOMBO” has a warm and mellow overtone - something that the velvet-voiced Jhene has mastered by now. We wish we saw her pushing boundaries a little more, but be assured that loads of these tracks will be dominating playlists over the next few months and become the dopest beach tunes of the summer.
Stream and Share “CHILOMBO” on Spotify
Blank Face Shares His Exclusive Curated Spotify Playlist for DCWS
Cardiff, UK based singer-songwriter Blank Face has just released his very own curated Spotify playlist for the DCWS audience, which features his own DOPE music, as well as songs by Majid Jordan, The Internet, Asaiah Ziv, Rayana Jay, and many more.
UK based singer-songwriter Blank Face has just released his very own curated Spotify playlist for the DCWS audience entitled “Wavey RnB”!
Blank Face’s curated Spotify playlist includes his own music such as “Sunflower Love” and “25th Floor”, as well as songs by artists like Majid Jordan, The Internet, Asaiah Ziv, Rayana Jay, and many more.
In his own words about his playlist, Blank Face says, “it is a combination of a lot of lowkey artists and different types of RnB Fusion be it vocal or beat wise and I've arranged it in a way where its starts off with the basic love tracks then some heavy bass quick songs then heart break issues RnB then ends with nuggets of wisdom and clever lyricism”.
Stream Blank Face’s very DOPE “Wavey RnB” playlist right now, and connect with him on IG. Also, check out some more of DCWS’s curated Spotify playlists HERE.
Connect with Blank Face: Instagram
Interview: Detroit Rapper TNV Talks About His New Album "Dirty Beautiful"
We connected with Detroit based rap artist TNV (That New Vessel) for an exclusive interview to talk about his newly released 13-track album “Dirty Beautiful”, which features Rocdwell and Die-Rek.
We connected with Detroit based rap artist TNV (That New Vessel) for an exclusive interview to talk about his newly released 13-track album “Dirty Beautiful”, which features Rocdwell and Die-Rek. We also talked to TNV about how “Dirty Beautiful” compares to his last project “Crooked Crown”, what he wants listeners to take away from his music, and much more.
Any fan of Nas, Little Brother, Common, or The Roots, will love TNV, so after reading our Q&A with him, be sure to stream “Dirty Beautiful” on your preferred music service, connect with him on social media, and check out some more of his DOPE music below.
Salute to you on the release of your new album "Dirty Beautiful". How would you compare this new project with you last album "Crooked Crown", which you dropped last year?
Well “Crooked Crown” was a special project to me, but I would say “Dirty Beautiful” reflects my maturity as a producer and artist. Every track on the album was produced and written by me. Also each song was personal to me as it was a reflection on my everyday struggles.
Every song was written from a personal perspective. Not only that, sonically, the music arrangement and vocals were meticulously arranged.
Of the 15 tracks on the album, which one song would you say represents you the most as an artist and the message you convey through your music?
Definitely "Drop"; I start off on the track stating - "I had to drop it, just like a bad habit, if it was in my reach they say that i can have it".
“Drop” was a personal song about overcoming addiction or vices. Rather it was sex, money or anything that is destructive in nature. None of those things I mentioned are directly bad, but when it becomes the number one priority, that’s when it becomes a problem.
Which artists are featured on the album and who provided the production?
Anytime I have a feature on a song, they are artists I respect and listen to. Rocdwell is one of the artists featured on “Dirty Beautiful”; we actually dropped a collaboration album in 2018 called "Luxury". He is a polished MC and one of my favorite people and artist.
Die-Rek is also featured on “Dirty Beautiful”; he is a rap veteran with a wide range of skill and delivery.
All the production was done by me personally.
What does the album's title "Dirty Beautiful" represent and why did you select it as the first song we hear?
“Dirty Beautiful” means anything can grow from a bad or dirty past. If you think about any beautiful plant or flower it is unable to have solid roots without the dirt. The bad can ultimately direct you into a changed life, but you have to be willing to learn from your mistakes.
When someone listens to the new album, or your music in general, what do you want them to take away from the experience?
I would definitely want them to hear my passion in each song I create. I also would want them to understand artistically my music is not faddish per say. I want the listener to love lyricism in its purest form and have a opened mind to the content.
Interview: Dallas Based Rapper/Producer Donn Chii Discusses His "Diamond Dreams" Song/Video
@DonnChii is a Dallas based rapper and producer, originally from Detroit, who recently released his single, “Diamond Dreams”, and its music video. Check out our exclusive interview with Donn as we discuss “Diamond Dreams”, as well as his self-produced EP “Dojo Demos Vol. 1”.
Donn Chii is a Dallas based rapper and producer, originally from Detroit, who recently released his single, “Diamond Dreams”, and its music video. “Diamond Dreams” is a featured track on Donn’s self-produced EP “Dojo Demos Vol. 1”, and we’ve connected with him to discuss both, as well as the music genre he’s coined “space rock hip hop”, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Donn, be sure to connect with him on his website and social media, stream his very DOPE EP “Dojo Demos Vol. 1”, and check out some more of his music on Spotify.
Congratulations on the completion and release of your self-produced EP "Dojo Demos Vol. 1". Tell us about your creative process for the development of the EP and how long it took to complete.
Thanks so much, DCWS. I started working on the EP sometime in the beginning of 2019. I've only been producing for about three years now, so a lot of time was spent on YouTube learning how to better my sound.
I started making beats just to practice and experiment with sounds. Over the course of a few months, I had a library of incomplete beats/music that I knew had potential but didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with them. I've always wanted to release a self produced project but thought I needed more time to learn and experiment. So I decided to push myself and just put out the best work I could. I got my friends to feature on some of the tracks to help take the workload off. Finally, about a year later, “Dojo Demos Vol. 1” was released on Feb 7th, 2020!
Of the nine songs on the EP, why did you select "Diamond Dreams" to create a visual for and how did you connect with the director King Spencer?
I chose "Diamond Dreams" because it's catchy, relatable, and gives the listener a little bit of insight about me. I'm a big dreamer. I think everyone dreams about being "rich", whatever that life looks like to you, and through dreams you can manifest. I knew it was a song that I feel every time I listen to it, so it was only natural.
King Spencer is from Tulsa, OK. He messaged me on Instagram and said he'd be shooting in Dallas and wanted to work with me cause he liked my stuff. I was about to release “Dojo Demos Vol. 1” so he came at perfect timing. I didn't meet him until the day of the shoot but it all came together quickly and smoothly, he's a true visionary. He even had the footage back to me the same day, 10/10.
What was it like to record the whole EP in your apartment? Also, what software/hardware do you use to make beats?
Overall, I loved it. It was definitely a learning experience and I can't wait to put out the next one. It can get pretty boring working in the same room by yourself all the time but bringing my friends in to record their verses brought in some new vibes and creative ideas to the project.
I use Logic Pro X to produce everything and my microphone is a Rode NT1-A.
You are currently located in Dallas but originally from Detroit; what led you down south and how would you compare the music scenes for the kind of music that you create?
I moved to Dallas when I was only 7 and I'm 29 now. I came with my mom, sister, and step dad so it wasn't exactly by choice. I honestly haven't gotten to experience the hip hop scene in Detroit as much as I would like to. My cousin, King M.O.E., is active in the Detroit area, he's on track 8.
The Dallas hip hop scene is dope with plenty of talent. With artists like Yella Beezy or Trapboy Freddy, I feel like my music is different than what Dallas is used to. But I've still got plenty of support from my Dallas natives.
Tell us about the music genre you invented - "space rock hip hop". In what ways the "Dojo Demos Vol. 1" project personify this new genre?
"Space rock hip hop" is something I made up to give my music a little more definition than just your cliche labels. I love astronomy and physics. I want people to visualize when they listen to my music. The abstract sounds create the "space" part, my guitar creates the "rock" part, and the drums and bass carry the "hip hop".
I really like the direction "Astroworld" and "Eternal Atake" took in hip hop. I hope to become a pioneer of a new style this decade. I think all the tracks on “Dojo Demos Vol. 1” have their individual vibes, but together they make "space rock hip hop".
Stream and Share “Dojo Demos Vol. 1”
Connect with Donn Chii: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Stream "Calendar Daze", the New EP by Alternative/Indie Project Balcony Talk
Brooklyn-based alternative/indie project Balcony Talk have released their new EP "Calendar Daze". Featuring the focus track "Iamlostwithoutyou," the EP is an honest collection centralized around the loneliness and forgetfulness that come with getting stuck in routine.
Brooklyn-based alternative/indie project Balcony Talk have released their new EP "Calendar Daze," available on all digital music platforms NOW. Featuring the focus track "Iamlostwithoutyou," the EP is an honest collection centralized around the loneliness and forgetfulness that come with getting stuck in routine. The release of "Calendar Daze" solidifies Balcony Talk's place as an up and coming alternative/indie act, having previously approached their sound from a singer/songwriter perspective. Balcony Talk stands firm in their introspection, taking a unique, intimate approach to their lyricism.
About the EP, Balcony Talk states: “The meaning of Calendar Daze is how easy it can be to get caught up in our daily work routine as we essentially live by the calendar. Sometimes forgetting what's really important in our personal lives and investing so much, we become selfish and overlook the people we care about when they need us. We get caught up in a “Calendar Daze”.
Balcony Talk is a solo alternative/indie project from Brooklyn, New York founded by Anthony Cafiero. Being Anthony’s side project, he released Balcony Talk’s first EP “Birdhouse” while simultaneously pursuing his other band. Soon after leaving his previous band in late 2019, Ant took Balcony much more seriously. Never truly considering himself much of a singer/songwriter; he took the role as his love for Balcony Talk grew into his top priority. Following the release of “Birdhouse” and 2 singles, Balcony Talk was able to play a notable venue in Brooklyn known as The Knitting Factory. What Anthony discovered and prides about his songwriting is his ability to create raw and honest music. The name Balcony Talk is a term created by Anthony which means those deep,and honest conversations you have with a friend or stranger that helps you come to a realisation. Usually taking place on a balcony, in a car, or wherever it may take place, you can call it a “Balcony Talk”.
Listen to “Calendar Daze” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Balcony Talk on their social media.