Interview: Detroit Based Artist NOMAD Talks About His New Video "On The Shoulders"

“I was struggling with substance abuse at the same time. It was very bad, and nearly took my life. A fan then pointed out to me that it fits well with NO More ADdiction!”

— NOMAD

What does the name NOMAD represent to you?

I chose this name because at the age of 17, I was on the street and moving from state to state on my own. I was struggling with substance abuse at the same time. It was very bad, and nearly took my life. A fan then pointed out to me that it fits well with NO More ADdiction!

Congratulations on the release of your new music video "On The Shoulders", which you directed. Tell us about how you came up with the treatment for the visual.

First, let me say thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my music, my story, and my passion. It is truly appreciated!

I wanted to create something that spoke to me in regards to visuals. Something slightly chaotic showing every day life. It is a reflection of what it is like inside my mind. This project started as a means for me to remain clean and sober, and anyone who struggles with any type of addiction knows that each day is a challenge.

By the time I am screaming at the end, I wanted it to land on the crucifix as a nod to my father. He though when I grew up that I would have become either a veterinarian or a priest.

The song itself is incredible; what was your creative process for the development of the track and how did you decide on the instrumental?

I appreciate you saying that. The track was produced by my Eastern friend Joel Evans, from India. He loves the same type of EDM I do; he does great remixes, and I am here to help promote and fund other artists ambitions.

I pulled him in, paid him, and we worked together on creating a sound. It was great magic together. As for the lyrics, these come out in fast bursts. I will be blocked for weeks, and then I explode with things I need to get off my chest. Nipsey was def on my mind for that first verse, with my own punk rock hip hop flavor as well.

Can we expect "On The Shoulders" to be featured on an upcoming project this year? If so, what can you tell us about it?

Yes absolutely! Since this project started a year ago, I have taken many different turns to find where I want to be, or where I want to go. The last project I put out was called “Flee The Scene”, a comment on scene kids and this obsession of presenting yourself in a certain way to fit in with a crowd, rather than blazing your own trail and being unapologetic about it.

Our project coming up is, as a UK Blog put it, "a pop EDM metal future rap" blend. I don't care what you call it. Once it is released, it is yours, not mine.

Your music is an amalgam of several different genres; who are some artists/bands throughout the years that have influenced your creativity as an artist?

I love this question. My musical tastes are eclectic for sure, but most people feels their's is.

To name a few of my favorites is August Burns Red, Underoath, Chamberlain, Of Machines, Tupac, and Immortal Technique.

Stream and Share “On The Shoulders” on Spotify

Connect with NOMAD: Instagram

Review: "ADJUSTER" Album by ADJUSTER

ADJUSTER, a band based out of Alice Springs, Australia, brings a unique and eclectic sound to the genre of rock. The power-trio is made of three key players: Thomas Cox on guitar, Brodie Miller on bass, and Rob Ward on drums. The combo of these guys brings an eclectic pace to the sound of rock. Their debut album, self-titled album, features a total of 8 new tracks, all with vastly unique and intriguing song titles.

Though their songs do not have lyrics, ADJUSTER are experts at translating experiences into sounds. Their artistically titled songs definitely set the tone, with some of my personal favorites being “STEVE’S EGG” (Track 3), lead single, “WIPE IT UP WITH A TOWEL” (Track 5), and “GODORN IS A MORMON” (Track 7). Though hilariously intriguing, the band uses blends of smooth electric guitar, powerful, heavy drums, and deep melodic bass to explore some of these unique memories.

ADJUSTER’s sound overall represents living freely, living life to the fullest, and having a good time. Thomas Cox, Brodie Miller, and Rob Ward do an amazing job of creating music that helps you escape to their Australian paradise without hopping on a plane.

Not only do these guys have their sound and wit that makes them unique, but they also have the mind and ideas of the creative producer Dave Crowe who adds extra spice their overall sound.

Stream and Share “ADJUSTER” on: Spotify | Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Interview: Houston Rap Artist Troy Lux Talks About His New Mixtape "Southern Wonderland"

Congratulations on the completion and release of your new mixtape "Southern Wonderland". Tell us about your creative process for the development of the project.

Thank you! My goal with “Southern Wonderland” was to create a time capsule that was reminiscent of Southern hip-hop when I was growing up. I wanted to make a world that housed several elements that the south brought into music. I wanted it to feel like home, like something that I’m familiar with.

Each song creates its own personal realm so that it feels like you’re walking into a different setting for every track. It’s supposed to be representative of what being from Houston/The South felt like from my very own perspective.

What were you looking for when it came to the beats that you selected for the mixtape?

When it came to beats, I was looking for ones that had a southern flare to them, but also I didn’t want to limit myself to one specific sound.

I wanted to tell a story through the beats themselves, so I chose beats that reminded me of events or things that I’ve experienced. Like the beat for “Albino” reminded me of an HBCU football game. And the beat for “On My Way” felt like a night with your friends after after everybody gets lit and starts freestyling on the way home!

Were there any songs that you worked on that you decided to not include on the mixtape? If so, why?

Yes! Some songs just didn’t fit the overall feeling of the tape, and others got molded into something greater.

At a point I was just making a bunch of songs and I was like “Wait, you can’t put everything on there!” So I decided to cut the excess and we still ended up with 15 songs!

Can we expect any visuals to be made from the mixtape's songs?

Absolutely! I’m actually working on something at the moment, but I do plan on doing at least three or four videos for the tape in total.

How did you decide which songs that Nikiajnae, GodIsMikey and Jay Chose would be appearing on?

They all have pretty distinctive styles so when I did certain songs I immediately knew who I wanted to put on what. Nikiajnae has a very soul inspired sound so I knew something with a chill vibe would be perfect for her. GodIsMikey has a bold delivery style so I knew that he would devour “SOS” because it had a bold and rowdy feel to it. And Jay Chose has such a smooth yet trap feel to his music, so “Iceland” was right up his ally.

With the mixtape now released, what are your goals musically for the remainder of 2020?

I’m always working on new music. So there may be another project before the year is over. I’ve been exploring different sounds and genres that I’ve never tried, but my main goal is to get into producing. I really want to see if I’m cut out for it.

Read our review of the “Southern Wonderland” mixtape HERE

Connect with Troy Lux: Twitter | Instagram

Interview: 18-Year Old Oakland Rapper Jwalt Discusses Creating His Own Legacy in Hip-Hop

It’s not often that you hear a teenaged rapper nowadays and compare his style to the likes of Big L and E-40. Many younger artists these days are forging their own paths or succumbing to mainstream and radio trends, although inspired by artists of the past. How do you take your inspirations and see them through when creating your own music, to continue hip hop’s legacy?

When creating my own music I'm really just inspired by what's around me; whether that’d be my family, my city, a particular song, nature, or an artist, I take whatever inspires me and just start writing about it through bars and lyricism which I think is one of the most important parts of hip-hop.

On your IG, there’s shots of you with the new iconic faces of hip hop like Dave East, and Logic. Who are some of the other contemporary greats in rap that inspire you, and even that you hope to one day collab with on tracks?

J. Cole is probably one of my biggest inspirations and is someone I would love to do a track with. I would also love to collaborate with Kendrick, Drake, Jhene Aiko, Joey Badass, Rapsody, YG, YBN Cordae, Roddy Ricch, and Griselda. These are some of the artists that inspire me today and are some who I would love to work with.

At what age did you start putting out your work, and how did your story as a musician start? Do you ever deal with any ageism in the industry, due to the fact that you’re fresh out of high school?

I started putting out music when I was 11 years old but didn't start taking it seriously until I was a freshman in high school, so probably around 14.

As I've started gaining more recognition and attention in the music industry I would say I've most definitely faced ageism. There’s been a lot of people who assume I don't know much or think that I'm not as seasoned, but as soon as they hear me spit their perspectives change.

You slow your style down for the horn-infused “Girl of My Dreams” feat. Richie which has some r&b influences like The Dream. What other genres do you like to integrate and play with when you’re creating?

R&B, jazz, and neo soul for sure. I grew up listening to a lot of these genres, so I like to incorporate them into music whenever I can.

“Fade Away” and “The Kid” are two of our favorite tracks on this album - can you tell us about the creative process through making it, and tell us more about the fire production that backs these tracks up?

Both of these tracks were produced by DJ. Toure who is a part of the hip-hop group Hieroglyphics. The process to both of these songs are pretty similar. I told Toure what type of sound I was looking for, he started cooking up, and then I began writing.

Once I heard the beats I automatically knew what I wanted to talk about so then I started to go to write and tell my stories.

We know you’ve already surpassed the dreams of many by sharing a stage with Wu Tang and Nas. Who are some artists that you’ve opened up for, and who do you have dreams of headlining with in the future? Additionally, who would your dream cypher be made up of?

I’ve opened up for T-Pain, Black Thought, Jerimiah, Saweetie, Dave East, Too Short, Talib Kweli, E-40, G-Eazy, and Kamaiyah.

In the future I would love to headline shows with my homies who are also coming up. That’s the dream for sure.

To answer the last question my dream cypher would probably be made up of me, Black Thought, Royce the 5’9 and King Los. All great spitters. That would be crazy.

Connect with Jwalt: Instagram

Review: "Shades of BLUE" Mixtape by Ivory Blue

Ivory Blue employs a blissed-out beautiful sound with his “Shades of BLUE” mixtape. Tremendous rays of light drench the whole of the sound. An absolute celebration of sound, the styles woven together further add to the playfulness of the pieces. Genres filter into the mix from R&B to dance to Afrobeat, all neatly nestled within a pop format. Rhythms have an easy-going quality to them. Deep in the center of it all are Ivory Blue’s wonderful vocals that tie the whole of the journey together. Balance proves to be essential for all the divergent elements go for a lush, gorgeous quality.

Vocals go for a bright and airy disposition. Comparisons to Frank Ocean’s easy-going style feel apt, for, like his work, there is a tenderness at the center of each vignette. The way that the vocalists bring out that care feels doubly refreshing. On the instrumental side, the carefully laid out beats recall the effortless flow of Tony Allen’s work, helping to give the whole collection a gleeful quality. For the washed-out chillwave vibe, Ivory Blue incorporates elements of early Toro Y Moi, especially regarding the lush waves of synthesizer.

“Appreciate”, feat. Dayz, opens the mixtape up in a dreamy way. Guitars waft up into the sky giving it a sort of hazy spirit. Percussion moves front and center stage on the ambitious “Keep It OG”, feat. Buckwylla, where the whole of the work teems with life. Echo further adds to the spaciousness. Crisp nimble beats mixed with mellowed-out riffs give “Set Me On Fire” a distinctly tropical flavor.

Little flourishes matter a great deal on the bouncy “Energy”. Bass worms through the infectious “Fallen” full of so much love. Skeletal percussion gives the dance-inflected “Drop Riddim”, feat. Jlorrd, a certain power, one that feels so potent. Happiness reigns supreme over the Animal Collective inspired finale of “Happy Birthday” which closes out the mixtape.

“Shades of BLUE” shows off Ivory Blue’s ability to sculpt beautiful pieces, exploring the small moments that define a life.

Stream and Share “Shades of BLUE” on Audiomack

Interview: Swedish Artist/Producer Andreas Stone Talks About His New Single "Street King"

“I’ve always wanted to make a song that embraces heavy hip-hop beats, reminiscing about the 90s, combined with aggressively sung vocals in the style of Michael Jackson mixed with K-Pop influences. ”

— Andreas Stone

What are some things/people/places that inspire your creativity as an artist and producer?

I often get inspired by movies that I love or beautiful places that I visit. It could also be something I read or a new song I’ve heard. I do love fantasy/history/sci-fi and poetry so there’s a broad variety of things that could inspire me. But also just an amazing sunset.

Congratulations on the release of your new single "Street King"; tell us about your creative process for its development.

Thank you so much and thank you for wanting to interview me. “Street King” might be one of the most fun songs I’ve ever written and developed. I’ve always wanted to make a song that embraces heavy hip-hop beats, reminiscing about the 90s, combined with aggressively sung vocals in the style of Michael Jackson mixed with K-Pop influences.

Back in the days, you couldn’t really swap between genres as easily as today and you also had to follow stylistic rules a little more. That’s just my opinion, but nonetheless, I just decided to do whatever I wanted to do, cause that’s usually the best way to go in the end anyways, haha… I also wanted the lyrics for this song to be more playful.

I was actually super inspired by the movie ”Real Steel”. It has a scene where a young boy is dancing with a robotic boxer, which was super cool. So that’s why I wanted to make a lyric about boxing/fighting.

If you could pick any artist to appear on a remix to "Street King", who would you have featured?

I wish I could answer Michael Jackson, but since he’s not with us anymore I’d say, Michael Bolton. Wow, so hard, there’s so many I’d wish to work with.

From when you started working on music to this point now, what would you say has been your biggest musical accomplishment?

This is a really tricky question to answer. Because, some accomplishments might be big because they have high sales or chart well on a chart. Others might be big on radio or feature a big artist. But then on the other hand, the first song I got released or the release of a very personal song could feel just as big and accomplished to me.

But I could definitely mention one accomplishment I’m very proud of. I wrote a song with a very close friend of mine called Ricky Hanley when his father sadly passed away. The song was called ”Never Got To Say Goodbye”. This song was recorded by a big Korean boy band called EXO and released as a Christmas song called ”Miracles In December”, which became a super big hit. Later on, I released the demo version of this song too. I’m equally proud of both releases but in different ways.

If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?

Heartfelt, Honest, Melancholic

Do you have a favorite musical genre to create music for? If so, why?

I actually love all genres. I’ve always loved the quote: “There are no bad genres only bad songs”.

I love everything from ballads and classical music, hard rock, A&R, country, R&B, 80s, EDM to K-pop and J-Pop and every genre I’ve forgotten too, haha.

Connect with Andreas Stone: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Portland, OR Rapper Q.Z. Tha Leader Releases His New Album "Dark Matter(s)"

Portland, OR based rap artist Q.Z. Tha Leader returns to DCWS triumphantly and has taken over the website with his just released, self-produced album “Dark Matter(s)”. On this new album Q.Z. grapples with the light and darkness we all struggle to balance in our everyday lives. This abstract battle permeates throughout the album exposing traumatic shifts in Q.Z.’s paradigm.

“Dark Matter(s)” is comprised of thirteen tracks and features S.L.I.C. 7000, Christina, Young Canon, and Devans Verse. As we mentioned before, the album was produced totally by Q.Z., and with ease, he provides the listener with beats that feel organic and otherworldly at times, bouncing from screeching guitar solos to vinyl carved boom bap breaks.

Listen to Q.Z.’s DOPE new album “Dark Matter(s)” right now, stream it on your preferred music service, and connect with him on his website and social media. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with Q.Z., as well as our in-depth review of the album, both coming this week!

Stream and Share “Dark Matter(s)”

Connect with Q.Z. Tha Leader: Website | Twitter | Instagram

Interview: Lagos, Nigeria Based Artist Ivory Blue Talks About His New Mixtape "Shades of BLUE"

“If I feel loved I’ll make a love song; if I feel like a hustler lol I make a hustle song... basically, the creative process start with my feelings.”

— Ivory Blue

Congratulations on the completion and release of this incredible mixtape; tell us about your creative process for its 7 songs.

Every song on the mixtape has a different creative process but I made all the songs from how I felt at that particular point in time.

If I feel loved I’ll make a love song; if I feel like a hustler lol I make a hustle song... basically, the creative process start with my feelings.

How did you connect with the producers on the mixtape and how did you decide which songs that the featured artists appeared on?

I met both producers Doomzday and Dannybazz in the university. I knew a lot of producers but decided to work with them because they understand my sound more than any other producer at that time.

How did I decide and artists to feature? Well that wasn’t hard cos I grew up with the guy I featured and they are all fantastic people.

Can we expect any visuals to the songs on the mixtape? If so, which ones?

Oh yes, you should expect some visuals. I’d love to shoot a video for all song on the mixtape. But most importantly for “Happy Birthday”, because it’s a very positive song.

If at all, how has the global pandemic impacted your creativity from a songwriting perspective?

Well honestly I’m always ready to make music and write good songs whenever I’m alone. Nothing has really changed with the pandemic, I’ve always been a studio rat.

Why should every person reading this interview go stream your "Shades of BLUE" mixtape?

Everyone should stream “Shades Of BLUE” because it’s very different from everything that is out there. First of all “Shades of BLUE” means the different shades of my music and portrays how I like playing with different genres. On the mixtape there are genres like Trap, Afrobeat, Soul, and Dancehall vibes.

Connect with Ivory Blue: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Review: "Southern Wonderland" Mixtape by Troy Lux

Houston based rap artist Troy Lux brings fantastic flows on the lush luxuriant sound of “Southern Wonderland”. Bass rumbles with such physicality to it. His ear for melody reigns supreme. Emotionally, Troy embarks on an emotional rollercoaster.

Yearning, desire, chilled vibes, celebratory atmospherics, all of these filters into the wild mix. Genre-wise, Troy skips across multiple scenarios, from downtempo hip-hop to intense electro industrial frenzies. By refusing to be pigeonholed, he keeps the listener on their toes. Full of so many surprises his flow’s range varies significantly. Lyricism has a precise profound quality to them while they at times cascade at a breakneck pace.

A great deal of references flies on by throughout the “Southern Wonderland” mixtape. Troy’s at times furiously fast paced delivery recalls the greatness of Busta Rhymes’ incredible speed. The wordplay proves to be profound for it unfurls in unexpectedly psychedelic ways. The dreamy elements recall the heavy beats of Boards of Canada’s early work, as does the occasional turns into yellowed nostalgic. On the flipside, the heaviness of some of these tracks has an urgency not unlike that of Tyler, the Creator at his most furious. When taken together what results is a fully realized coherent whole.

“Pray (Intro)” sets the tone for what follows. Glistening jazz keyboards take hold on the stylish “On My Way”, feat. Nikiajnae. Such a joy to behold, it proves to be a mysterious sophisticated piece of art. Beats hit hard and furious on the fiery “Burner Phone” where a sense of unease prevails. On “Dirty”, the groove becomes a colossal beast with the right level of physicality.

Warped, woozy sounds are broken down on the weird toy box melody of “Glitter Boy”. An assault on the senses emerges on the highlight of “Movers & Shakers”, which possesses a tremendous intensity to it, with the sample twisted and distorted beyond recognition. Elastic rhythms emerge on the driving power of “Dance for It”. A distinctly worldly affect takes hold on the flamboyant funk of “Like Me”. Neatly tying it all together is the finale of “Albino”.

The “Southern Wonderland” mixtape shows off Troy Lux’s mastery of the mix, proving to be an incredible storyteller with narratives that linger in the mind.

Stream and Share “Southern Wonderland” on Spotify

Michigan Rapper Chughey Drops His New EP "The Secret Stache"

As he makes his way to the top of the Hip Hop, Gladstone, MI based multi-talented rapper and overall creative, Chughey releases another solid project, ‘The Secret Stache.’ The fresh new project picks up where well-received past releases like ‘Sloth Life’ and 2019’s ‘My Two Cents Is Free’ left off, offering extra potent vibes from the Michigan-born and bred artist.

An independent release, the 3-track EP provides a vibe as Chughey lets off motivational bars over smooth, yet hard-hitting sounds that were produced by Chughey himself. Real raps mixed with Hip Hop’s vibrant voice, plus featured single Omnislash’s music video put Chughey’s raw talent on full display, showcasing his drive and knack for creating innovative sounds that are putting him on the map.

Artwork exuding as much personality as the EP complement Chughey’s insightful lyricism with forward-thinking production that will leave listeners nodding to the beat. After living with ‘The Secret Stache’, it will be apparent to listeners that Chughey has been in it to win it, proving his doubters wrong with innovative sounds and effortless flows. Since deciding to go full force with his music career after an accident snowskating, Chughey has not only racked up thousands of streams, but has also steadily built a fanbase full of loyal listeners, letting the game know it’s only a matter of time until Chughey is a household name. Check in with ‘The Secret Stache’, now playing on all digital streaming platforms and get a glimpse of Hip Hop’s up next: Chughey.

Listen to Chughey’s DOPE new EP, “The Secret Stache”, right now, and connect with Chughey on his social media. Also, be on the lookout for our interview with Chughey, as well as our in-depth review of the EP.

Connect with Chughey: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Stream "blunderfish", the New Collaborative Album by Léthargie and underfish

“blunderfish”is the newly released collaborative album by Lake Ontario based rapper underfish and Ottawa based music producer Léthargie. This 13-track project is influenced by early 2000's American underground hip hop circuit, and is simply put, insanely DOPE.

We’re excited to share the “blunderfish” album with you right now, so stream it on your preferred music service, connect with underfish and Léthargie on their social media and check out their music on Spotify. Also, be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the album and our interview with underfish and Léthargie.

About underfish:

Born in the Atlantic Ocean, underfish is known to no one, just another fish in the sea. His mysterious origins and Ned Flanders-esque cadence make him an enigma not worth solving to some. But to those who do, find apart of themselves since forgotten.

About Léthargie:

Léthargie (Michaël Landry) is a Canadian music producer based out of the city of Ottawa. Formerly an Electronic music producer, in recent months, he has shifted his focus to producing sample-based hip-hop and trap beats for MCs to rap over. His musical inspirations range a wide variety of genres and sub-genres, including the works of: Pi'erre Bourne, 9th Wonder, J Dilla, Madlib, Knxwledge, Kenny Beats, Samiyam, The Avalanches, Just Blaze, and many more.

Stream and Share “blunderfish”

Connect with underfish: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

Connect with Léthargie: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify

Australian Power-Trio ADJUSTER Releases Their Self Titled Debut Album

ADJUSTER is an Alice Springs, Australia based power-trio comprised of Thomas Cox (Guitar), Brodie Muller (Bass) and Rob Ward (Drums). The band offers a unique blend of experimental, progressive-rock with overtones of post-rock and indie. With their syncopated rhythms and melodic compositions, ADJUSTER has become a firm favorite in the local scene.

The band has just released their self-titled debut album, “ADJUSTER”, on musician and producer Dave Crowe's (AKA Resin Moon) Sing Hum label, and is comprised of 8 songs, including the lead single “Wipe It Up With A Towel”.

Listen to ADJUSTER’s self-titled album now, stream it on Spotify and Bandcamp, and connect with the band on their social media. Hang close to DCWS because our in-depth review of the album and our interview with ADJUSTER are both coming soon!

Stream and Share “ADJUSTER” on: Spotify | Bandcamp

Connect with ADJUSTER: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Interview: Los Angeles Singer-Songwriter Walter Discusses Her Single and Short Film "Overdose"

“Writing music is my way of processing what I experience in life so I can find some meaning in it.”

— Walter

How did you get started as an artist and songwriter? Also, who are some singer-songwriters that have been inspirations to you throughout the years?

I dealt with depression as a child and music was always my outlet. Not just playing it, but writing it as well. As life got more complicated and difficult, music was what I always turned to. There's no judgement in music.

My sisters raised me on Ani Difranco and to this day I can't think of anyone who has been more of an inspiration. I find her to be raw and unapologetic in all of her music. Her vulnerability is something I strive for in my own writing.

We're blown away by your new song and short film, "Overdose"; tell us about your creative process for the song itself and what it represents.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and addict. “Overdose” is essentially the story of where it all began and the dark places my mind takes me. I've had suicidal thoughts most of my life and on the day I wrote this, the thoughts were enticing. So I drove home, sat down on my piano, hit the record button and that's how "Overdose" appeared.

Overdose Final - Movie from Walter on Vimeo.

Who directed the "Overdose" visual and how did you come up with its treatment?

A very close friend of mine, Brennen McMurray. He was the only person I could trust behind the camera when I was that emotionally naked. Brennen and I locked ourselves in an apartment for two days and that's how this video was shot.

Brennen understood my experiences and found a way to illustrate that pain on screen.

What are some things that inspire your creativity as a singer-songwriter when developing new music?

Writing music is my way of processing what I experience in life so I can find some meaning in it.

With "Overdose" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2020?

I think there's only one ultimate goal, which is to comfort people the way that music comforts me.

Stream and Share “Overdose” on Spotify

Connect with Walter: Website | Instagram

Review: "From the Rooftop" EP by Rob Benny

Rob Benny’s debut EP, “From the Rooftop”, in 3 words is: raw, honest, and strong. Rob Benny uses his EP to share some of life’s hardest lessons of letting go, changing, moving on, and dealing with sadness. His EP is self-produced with simplicity. He uses the authentic grit of the guitar and the soothing melodies of the piano to share his vulnerabilities; unfiltered.

In the first track, “Start Again”, Rob captures the initial steps of growth; he expresses the act of learning how to leave behind the lethargy and take the first steps towards making a change for the better. The first lyric of the song is “I am tired of feeling so sorry”… what an honest feeling. Rob does an incredible job of taking these feelings (that are typically kept in the dark) and bringing them to light. I think as humans, we all have felt sorrow at some point but never fully discussed them or shared them. Rob shares these feelings with full fearlessness: true vulnerability.

Rob Benny’s EP can be found on Bandcamp, where you will find 3 amazing songs: “Start Again”, “Endearment”, and “In my Veins”. His theme is continued throughout the EP: growth, facing diversities, and letting go.

Rob Benny’s “From the Rooftop” shares times in his life, where it was seemingly at its worst and pairs it with the natural and simple instrumentation of guitar and piano.

Stream and Share “From the Rooftop” on Bandcamp

Interview: Chicago's Leastkoo Talks About His Single "Sex Drive" and "Before the Crown" Album

“...I’ve had people tell me to rap like this or that but I tell them this is how I do it, professional or not! This is me; this is Leastkoo. ”

— Leastkoo

Tell us about how your unique flow originated and what the name Leastkoo means.

Yes, my flow is a very nice, laid back flow that lets me take control over the beat and that’s what separates me from other artists is my sound and what I speak on. It’s many thing I need to get off my chest and I’ve had people tell me to rap like this or that but I tell them this is how I do it, professional or not! This is me; this is Leastkoo.

And that name? It’s a representation of how I was being treated growing up having none of my own friends and I’ve had to hang around my brother’s friends because I’ve always been the outcast but now I use this name as a leverage to say I’m glad I’m the leastkoo coolest. Why? Because listen to what I say; see what I’m capable of.

My desire is not to prove people wrong or make them regret how they treat me, but to become successful in life and leave a impact in the world and the people around me.

Big ups to you on the release of your track "Sex Drive" and the album "Before the Crown". Who produced "Sex Drive" and what was your creative process for its development?

Thank you. Also, the legend Vin Ace produced and is the master mind behind it. I’ve actually been so happy with his work lately that it’s plenty tracks I’ve used his beats for. He’s insane; so much love towards him!

The process was really me having a moment in my head and reminiscing on the day I went to a movie with this girl and she was just crazy freaky and sometimes I try but she takes over my sex drive lol.

You come from a city which has a long history of creating rap legends like Kanye West, Twista, Common, Chief Keef, and many more. Are there any Chicago rappers that have inspired you as an artist over the years?

Yes that’s true. Many legends in my city and I do have inspiration like the legend Kanye; one of my top 5 artists in my eyes. Also Lupe, Durk, and Herb. All of these insane artists; i’m just going off the dome to be honest.

What are you most proud of with your "Before the Crown" album and what does the album title represent?

I’ve talked about this with my brother many times. i’m proud of the various sound I was able to come across and put together. All of this was done in my room; no special studio and I know that might have consequences like the quality, but I can’t stop making music, no matter what!

I love it and the title is simple; it represents the album before i blow basically.

With the album now out, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2020?

My goals for the rest of the year are to hopefully get a deal but one that suits me and a label who knows more worth and sees my potential and not throwing any bogus offer on the table also Increasing my fan base as much as possible!!!!

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Monstercat Launches enVISION Apparel With Bene Rohlmann

Monstercat embraces creative visionaries from around the world with their newest apparel collection, enVISION x Bene Rohlmann.

enVISION is an exciting new endeavor that continues Monstercat’s tradition of empowering creatives in multiple artistic fields. Since day one, Monstercat has set out to make a mark in the industry not just for music, but for championing visual artistry and design.

enVISION will be the canvas on which visual artists from around the world can showcase their fresh perspectives; where bold individuality and creative collaboration meet to offer collections unlike anything ever shared in the Monstercat Shop.

Monstercat couldn’t be more excited to bring the amazing talents of wonderful artists with dynamic backgrounds into our world of apparel, and on April 29th, enVISION came to life, celebrating its first artist collection with Bene Rohlmann.

Berlin-based artist Bene Rohlmann has playfully reimagined Monstercat with a vibrant tropical graphic infusion. Choose from a selection of pieces for men and women, including men’s hoodies, t-shirts and sweatpants and women’s t-shirts, and hoodies (multiple colour options available). Attendees of past Monstercat events will notice Bene’s unique artistry contains similarities to the Monstercat world we have awakened.

Purchase enVision Apparel HERE

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