Lxandra Shares the Incredible Single/Visualizer "Sabotage" and Announces Debut Album

Rising singer-songwriter Lxandra is back with her sky-reaching new single ‘Sabotage’. Alongside this incredible release comes the announcement of her debut album “Careful What I Dream Of, due for release on June 11th.

“Sabotage” comes with a stunning performance video and is her first single of 2021. Keys resound as her voice takes flight with a question: “Is it love or sabotage?” Sharing more, Lxandra explained "For me, this song is about the destructive tendencies we have as humans. Why do we so often destroy what we love? Ourselves, each other and our planet... Maybe we’re programmed like that, or why is it so hard for us to do what’s right?"

The video to "Sabotage" is the perfect visualization of the dreamy, dramatic and cinematic sound the Finnish newcomer is expressing in her new single.

“Sabotage” is the fifth taste of the record, following "Who", “Careful What I Dream Of”, “Glide” and “Other People”. The album promises to surpass her lauded EP “Another Lesson Learned”, which saw the likes of Refinery 29, Notion, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit & Clash among others praise the on-the-rise artist.

Lxandra grew up on the small island of Suomenlinna, Finland – attending a music high school in neighbouring Helsinki, before making the move to Berlin, Germany. It’s in Berlin where she found an escape from the reality of her own. Launching her career and sharing her eclectic, folk-influenced noir-pop with stirring singles “Hush Hush Baby” and “Dig Deep”, Lxandra has been on an upward trajectory ever since.

Watch the official visualizer for “Sabotage” right now, stream it on Spotify and connect with Lxandra on IG.

Stream and Share “Sabotage” on Spotify

Connect with Lxandra: Instagram

Interview: Queens Based Rapper Jetblacc Music Talks About His New Single/Video "Don't Wanna Start"

“Some of my music influences are, of course being from Queens, Nas, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep and Noreaga...”

— Jetblacc Music

At what point did you decide to take your artistic talents seriously, and who were some NYC and/or Queens based rappers that influenced you coming up?

I decided to take my rap career serious around 17/18; my cousin Tyhoe managed me back then. He always pushed me to take my shit to the next level.

Some of my music influences are of course being from Queens, Nas, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep and Noreaga are big influences to me. Also, Snoop Dogg, Fabulous, Jadakiss and the late great D.M.X. Newer artists like Meek Mill, Dave East, Lil Durk, Roddy Rich and God bless Nipsey Hustle.

i’m pretty sure I left some out; I’m still a huge fan of hip hop period.

We're huge fans of your new single/video "Don't Wanna Start"; tell us about how you connected with its producer Esko, and your creative process for its development.

First off thank you for the love on the video; as far as the process of making the video, I got in contact with my childhood friend kayo kane (kk4tv) which is a super dope videographer. Came up with the concept and we got it done in 1 day. It was freezing that day but we had a great time.

"Don't Wanna Start" appears on your latest project "Say Less Do More Deluxe"; what led you to choose to shoot a music video for this song, and where exactly was it filmed?

I chose to shoot a video for this song because it was our leading single off the project, so of course we had to shoot one for it. We shot the video in Flushing Meadow Park in Queens, NY.

Did you record any songs that did not make the final track list for the album? If so, why did they not make the cut? Also, how did you go about deciding the order of the songs?

Yes, there were a few songs that didn't make the cut, not cause they were bad songs just simply they didn't fit the theme of the project.

Deciding the order, we just listen to all the songs, picked our favorites and came up with a order that felt good.

With the album now released, what can we expect next from you musically in the coming months?

You can expect a whole bunch of new visuals coming for the project; merch and a whole bunch of new music. We already working on the next project and mixtape now!!!

Stream and Share “Say Less Do More Deluxe” on: Spotify | Apple Music

Connect with Jetblacc Music: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Interview: Austin's Emeril Picasso Discusses His New EP, "Demons and Love"

“2019 and 2020 created a painful atmosphere for me mentally. Fighting and battling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts all while going through a breakup created a backdrop for “Demons and Love”. ”

— Emeril Picasso

Salute to you on the completion and release of your new EP "Demons and Love". What does the EP's title represent and how long did it take to complete?

2019 and 2020 created a painful atmosphere for me mentally. Fighting and battling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts all while going through a breakup created a backdrop for “Demons and Love”.

With the lockdown in 2020, I felt like I needed to find a escape. Find a release you know? The name of the EP itself basically represent the Demons in my head that feed on the tumultuous nature of my love life. Couple that with the all the other bullshit I had running through my head and you’ll get “Demons and Love”.

Funny enough this project started back in Spring 2020 as a vague concept but it took almost a year and some change to come to fruition.

Tell us about your creative process for the development of the EP's songs, and how you decided which instrumentals of yours and 99 diamonds to write to.

So for me, creating the track list was one of the hardest steps only because I like to have my songs have deep meanings while being more or less catchy with a fire beat. I cooked probably 12 beats prior that would’ve fit the EP. From there I narrowed that number down with help from the homies from 99 diamonds and we came down to probably a handful I wanted to include.

Essentially we were looking to pick beats that could take the listener on a roller coaster both up and down through different emotions while feeling every bump. We needed a mixture of unique, hype, but yet calm. And with those specifications we made it happen. After picking the beats I just had to summarize the key points of what I wanted to express and the rest was pretty much what it is now.

Were there songs that you recorded that did not make the final track list? If so, why did they not make the cut?

No; all the songs that I recorded made the final cut. My creative process weeds out the beats before I even touch the record button. I only pen to stuff I intend to put out. So everything I wasn’t feeling was eliminated during the beat picking process.

With the EP now released, do you plan on shooting any music videos for its songs?

I really do want to. I’ve been trying to see which songs would be best fit for a music video. I intend the music video to be artistic yet minimalist. But we’ll see, my pockets got cob webs so I gotta get some bread back first. Maybe after that stimmy hit haha.

Tell us about your group 99 diamonds; who are the members and what are your goals as a musical collective?

99 diamonds was a group that was created off the bases of striving and grinding for every opportunity. You may fail once but you can have 99 more diamond opportunities for you to get what you want and be successful.

Currently we have producer/artist Isaac Bell and we have Lo Fye Da God who is a producer/artist as well. Though we’re in our own lanes with our music, we have a collaborative nature when it comes to working together and bringing in songs.

Our goals is to be heard, to be out there and live our dreams without bounds. Basically live without restrictions. That’s what we aspire to do. Lo Fye got a fire album coming soon. Isaac is working on some stuff as well. We’re just all working.

Stream and Share “Demons and Love”

Connect with Emeril Picasso: Instagram

Interview: NY Rapper Hazok Talks About His New Single "Afghan Kush"

“I feel like rappers are beat interpreters. Before I can translate what the beat is saying to the audience, I have to understand what the beat is saying to me.”

— Hazok

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

Love, rage, and punchlines.

Describe for us your creative process when you are developing new tracks, and what do you look for in the beats that you write to?

I feel like rappers are beat interpreters. Before I can translate what the beat is saying to the audience, I have to understand what the beat is saying to me. During that first exposure I have to that beat, I’ll write the chorus and go from there. I typically like beats that are faster paced and heavily sampled. Although I’ve been experimenting with drill beats lately, I’ve found I gravitate towards anything with a Kanye, 2000s or 90s feel to it. That being said, I do feel that there’s a good amount of rappers, that aren’t good rappers. They just have amazing beatmakers and can get away with writing the same recycled bars over and over again.

Tell us about how you got started as an artist, and who were some rappers that inspired you to pick up the pen and pad.

I guess it first started in middle school where my English teacher would point out the only good grades I had in his curriculum were from the poetry assignments.

My top 5 inspirations would have to be Eminem, Cassidy, Fabolous, Lloyd Banks & Immortal Technique.

Congratulations on the release of your new track "Afghan Kush"; who produced it and what inspired you to write it?

Appreciate that, it was produced by Busco @ bridge studios in Buffalo, NY. The death of Pop smoke actually inspired me to write it, as well as many rappers referring to “Afghan kush” in their rhymes. I thought it would be a good idea to make a song about afghan kush from an Afghan rapper.

Do you have a music video in mind for "Afghan Kush"? If not, what's next for you musically?

Nothing specific yet, but I’ve been listening to other people’s visions for it and kind of developing a birds eye view for the project in case anything substantial develops.

Stream and Share “Afghan Kush” on Soundcloud

Connect with Hazok: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Review: "Demons and Love" EP by Emeril Picasso

Austin based rap artist Emeril Picasso goes for an intrepid trip of a flow with the pure fire of his newly released “Demons and Love” EP. The raw grit and soul of the project has an intensity to it. His verses are balanced for maximum impact for he offers vignettes from a life lived to the absolute fullest. Arrangements do a perfect job in framing these pieces, never too hard, always hitting in a dazed, hazy way. With a duality of sorts, both going for those quiet moments along with a sense of defiance, the whole of the EP intermingles to become something truly surreal at times.

The vulnerability Emeril shows draws from some of Drake’s own emotional output. Akin to Drake, there is a tenderness to the way that the tracks evolve. On the harder side of things, his delivery has a graceful, luxurious pace to it with comparisons to Biggie Smalls’ confidence undeniable. Bridging both elements of old school and contemporary hip-hop, Emeril crafts a sound that is informed by the past yet very much of the present. Production here has a nimbleness to it for the whole of the album has a great evolution to it.

Psychedelic sampling introduces the album with “Trippin’”. Right from the beginning a voice says “Picasso got that heat” and they aren’t wrong – he goes hard. On “Don’t Matter” there is a Boards of Canada meets Flying Lotus quality to the arrangement, as the angular groove works wonders. Quite pretty “Make It Work” goes for a cleverness, one that explores the ins and outs of relationships.

Easily the highlight of the album comes from “Naples”. From the delicate melody to the remarkable lyricism, there is an entrancing quality to it. “Chaplin Interlude” has a triumphant spirit. Bass hits with a heaviness on the swagger of “Bliss”. Hyperactivity takes hold with “Wake Me Up”. Layer upon layer merges into “Mean That” as the speed of his delivery shows off a different side of his style. Neatly bringing it home is the power of the title track and finale “Demons and Love”.

“Demons and Love” shows off Emeril Picasso’s impeccable storytelling with narratives that linger with the listener long after the EP has ended.

Stream and Share “Demons and Love”

Interview: Memphis Rap Artist Tru Esco Discusses His Newly Released EP "Far From Nothing"

“The EP’s title represents the everyday person who’s pursuing a goal or dreams and to remind them that, no matter the circumstances along the way in their journey, remember that you’re further than where you started and to keep pushing. Far From Nothing. ”

— Tru Esco

Describe for us your journey as an artist; when did you first start writing rhymes and who were some rappers that inspired you creatively?

My journey as an artist has been a long one. I’ve probably given up more times than I can count. But for some reason I always come back to music. I’ve definitely had my share of highs and lows in my pursuit of a music career, but as long as the music reaches the right people and it touches them in some kind of way, I can live with that.

I started writing rhymes at 15. My close friend and I would have CDs full of instrumentals on them and we would call each other over the phone after school before cellphones was a thing and we would be freestyling back and forth to them. And after a while I started developing my writing skills.

One of my early influences that made me want to rap was T.I. I listened to him so much early on that I literally sounded like a poor man’s version of him. I had to stop listening to him for a while to develop my own style. But even before T.I., Tupac, OutKast, Master P and No Limit, UGK, 8Ball & MJG, and Jay Z later on, were just a few others that influenced me, whenever I was around my big brother who put me on to rap and hip hop, so those artists influenced me as well. And now of course, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T and Kendrick Lamar.

Congratulations on the completion and release of your new EP "Far From Nothing"; what does the EP's title represent and what are you most proud of with the project?

Thank you! The EP’s title represents the everyday person who’s pursuing a goal or dreams and to remind them that, no matter the circumstances along the way in their journey, remember that you’re further than where you started and to keep pushing. Far From Nothing.

I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to teach myself how to mix my own songs and the quality come out good enough for my listeners to vibe to it. S/O to the countless hours of YouTube videos of tutorials that helped me learn everything.

Tell us about your creative process for the development of the EP's nine songs. Also, how did you select the nine beats to write to?

When I started coming up with songs and concepts, I originally wanted to just release singles and videos month by month, but the more I created material, the more I felt like I was coming up with a group of songs that could go together cohesively and decided to put them together for an EP.

I would normally search online in various places for production and build relationships with up and coming producers for beats that I really liked. So for this project, I wanted to have a variety of styles of production to help bring out the best of me.

The music video for "Far From Nothing" is very dope; who directed the clip and how did you come up with the treatment?

My partner Cam Krooks directed the video for the title track “Far From Nothing”. He’s been directing and filming my videos for some years now.

We usually brainstorm treatment ideas together or he’ll have locations around the city in mind that we can film at and I’ll try to come up with a story line to match the vision we’re trying to present.

How would you describe the music scene in Memphis for emerging rap artists like yourself in 2021?

The Memphis music scene is on fire right now. There’s a lot of talent coming up and out of the city. Maybe more so mainstream than what we’ve seen in a long time.

Memphis really has a tradition of dope talent. I’m just looking to add my value and style to this thriving music scene.

With the EP and music video now released, what can we expect next from you musically?

I plan on releasing more visuals throughout the rest of the year. Just so I can really give this EP it’s proper promotion.

I’m proud of how this project turned out and the feedback it has been receiving, so I want to make sure as many people as possible hear it.

Stream and Share “Far From Nothing” on: Bandcamp | Spotify

Connect with Tru Esco: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Demi Lovato Makes Her NPR Tiny Desk Debut

Global superstar Demi Lovato has made her NPR Tiny Desk (At Home) debut with a three song set shot entirely in her own backyard. Demi kicked it off with her 2017 hit single “Tell Me You Love Me,” followed by two songs from her new album Dancing With The Devil… The Art of Starting Over, “The Art of Starting Over” and “Dancing With The Devil.”

Watch the Tiny Desk performance below and connect with Demi on her social media.

Connect with Demi Lovato: Twitter | Instagram

Review: "Far From Nothing" EP by Tru Esco

Memphis based rap artist Tru Esco filters out negativity on the impeccably optimistic vibes of “Far From Nothing”. With an uncanny knack for storytelling, his narratives reflect upon the trials and tribulations that come from being self-made. He cleverly takes the best pieces from old-school and contemporary hip-hop.

For the old-school style, the samples have a laid-back quality to them with beats that have a classic cadence to them. Production-wise, the sound absolutely shines for the bass lines and gentle melodies go for a bit of an introspective kick.

Tru Esco’s ability to convey what it means to rise above one’s circumstances does draw favorably from Jay Z’s work, for, like Jay Z, there is an ambition that helps to guide it along. With moments taken directly from his life, Tru Esco’s vocal delivery has much more of a southern rap quality to it. Fully laid-back, his delivery has a mellowed atmosphere about it, with references to Andre 3000’s eclectic work alongside the more recent output of T.I. and J. Cole’s expressive abilities.

On the opening “Far From Nothing Intro”, Tru Esco sets the tone for what follows. “Feel It In My Soul” takes things to the next level, for the soulfulness of the track is a pure joy to behold. Just the right kick of triumph permeates the swagger of “Highs & Lows” for there is a defiance to his lyricism.

Going for a nostalgic vibe is the expressive scope of “Do Ya Feel Me”, featuring De’Jon & Yung Titan, as the snares are full of emotion, as the verses are balanced for maximum impact. A fantastic sample brings a tremendous energy on “Straight Wit No Chaser”. The 70s cadence of “Reflect”, with Alozie, serves as the highlight of the album, for the song has a kindness to it, one that celebrates success. Elegance defines the careful “Ambition”. So much space gives “So Many Nights” a vast sense of contemplation. With “On My Way”, Tru Esco brings it home, featuring a finale that ties it all together, leaving the listener full of auditory goodness.

“Far From Nothing” is a triumphant project, showing off Tru Esco’s ability to create fiery flows alongside looking on the bright side of things.

Stream and Share “Far From Nothing”

Austin Based Rapper Emeril Picasso Drops His New EP "Demons and Love"

We’re excited to introduce you to Emeril Picasso, a talented emcee based in Austin, who was born in India but raised in the United States. He has always been involved in music since his childhood, but he started taking a keen interest in rapping in 2013.

Emeril has moved from being an artist to producer to writer all while being self-taught and wearing multiple hats throughout his musical career. His raps are more artistic and concept-based, some of them are just meant for a good time, but he tries to put meaning behind all the music he makes. He particularly puts emphasis on the subject of mental health and how it relates to him and his life.

Emeril hopes of creating something relatable with people who struggle with similar issues as he does, hence the name of his newest project “Demons and Love”. He has produced, mixed, recorded, written, and performed every track on this project except for “Chaplin Interlude” and “Bliss”, which was produced by two producers in his music group, 99 Diamonds.

Beyond the music, Emeril would like to support producers and musicians in different ways and eventually have the ability to set up enrichment programs to cultivate and appreciate upcoming talent.

Listen to “Demons and Love” right now, stream the EP on your preferred music service, and connect with Emeril on IG. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive Q&A with Emeril and our review of the EP, both coming soon!

Stream and Share “Demons and Love”

Connect with Emeril Picasso: Instagram

Interview: Toronto Based Rapper Yannick Talks About His Brand New Single "WIN"

“The music scene in Toronto is weird to me honestly I really think artists such as myself with the skill set that we possess really get overlooked by whatever is trendy or simple...”

— Yannick

Big salute to you on the release of your dope single "WIN", featuring Lunchbox FFN; how did you connect with its producer King C and what motivated you to write this inspiring track?

I got in contact with King C through my cousin Lunchbox; he reached out to me saying he enjoyed my stuff and he wanted to work with me on some records so we made a few bangers.

I was motivated by wanting to win in life. Really tired of being great at something but not getting the recognition I feel I deserve so I told my self "I gotta win" and not just me but all of my family and friends too.

Tell us about your creative process when it comes to song development; how do you most commonly find instrumentals and do you write songs before or after attaining them?

When I’m writing a song I usually get the instrumental first and write over it. At first it was mostly just industry beats I would find and write over but afterward I started to meet different producers and we started to collaborate on records. I just write what's on my mind and what I feel. Most things I write if not all are just life experiences I go through. For example if you listen to my deeper records like “Black Male”, “Empty” or “Addiction”, you can really feel the life experience coming through the music.

How would you describe the hip-hop music scene for up and coming rap artists like yourself in Toronto in 2021?

The music scene in Toronto is weird to me honestly I really think artists such as myself with the skill set that we possess really get overlooked by whatever is trendy or simple. My music is more intricate and detailed when it comes to lyrics, so I think it's harder to really reach the audience in my city.

The city only really starts to support you when you start to go viral or do something they deem worthy of praise within the media but not really within the music you make.

Honestly, there are a lot of hype beasts but it is what it is. I still love the fact that there are more artists in Toronto getting to make it to a bigger stage.

Can we expect a music video for "WIN"? If not, what's next for you musically? Also, will the track be featured on an upcoming EP or album this year?

Yes I will definitely be making a video for “WIN” and I can't wait to get started with that, but as you know to make good music and good videos you need money so I am working on getting some more funding first.

The track will be featured on my upcoming album “The Cleanse” I really want to drop that this year but if the following isn't where I want it to be, I might just hold it until the next year.

Why should every person reading this interview jump on the Yannick band wagon now, starting by following you on social media and Spotify?

Honestly I think everyone should hop on now because I been working my ass off for over 15 years and I have been doing everything needed to become great at what I do. No matter what, I will make this dream a reality.

I have spent thousands of dollars, I have put in my 10 thousand hours and more. I am going to be a legend.

Stream and Share “WIN”

Connect with Yannick: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Memphis's Tru Esco Releases His New EP "Far From Nothing"

Brand new on the DCWS scene is Tru Esco, a Memphis based hip hop artist who uses personal experiences to convey his artistry. With influences like T.I., Jay Z, J.Cole, Big Krit, among others, his laid back persona, talent and personal story-telling ability has made him a fan favorite to those who crave relatable music to vibe to.

Tru Esco recently released his 9-track EP entitled “Far From Nothing”. Speaking about the release Tru Esco states that “It's an EP about reminding ourselves that no matter how our current circumstances may be in life, no matter the highs & lows, we are further along than where we started”.

The EP’s production is provided by Rohan Kumar, Dilly Got It Bumping, Lucas Quinn, Turk Money and Falak, and featured verses come from De'Jon, Yung Titan and Alozie, who are other inspiring independent hip hop artists.

We’re excited for you to vibe out to the “Far From Nothing” EP, so do so right now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with Tru Esco on his website and social media. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with the talented emcee, as well as our review of the EP, both coming very soon!

Stream and Share “Far From Nothing” on Bandcamp

Connect with Tru Esco: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Interview: Las Vegas Based Rapper R-Stonze Talks About His New Single/Video "Baghdad"

“I drew inspiration from what I experienced from being involved in the streets of Cleveland, and different environments that I’ve been around. Nonetheless, “Baghdad” is more like a POV from my perspective. ”

— R-Stonze

Salute to you on the release of your new single/music video, "Baghdad". What initially provided you the inspiration to write the track and how did you end up selecting the instrumental?

I drew inspiration from what I experienced from being involved in the streets of Cleveland, and different environments that I've been around. Nonetheless, "Baghdad" is more like a POV from my perspective.

The beat was perfect for the vibe that I was looking for to match what I wanted to drop on the track. Now that I'm living in Vegas, it's the same shit, different toilet. The overall sound and feel of the track came out dope to me.

The video is the perfect accompaniment of the song; how did you and the director, J1, come up with its treatment?

My boy J1 already knew what I was on and I told him I wanted to tweak out a little bit in the crib with this one. I wanted to keep it simple and not overcomplicate the song visually.

Congratulations also on the release of your new EP "Lucky"; how long did it take to complete that project and what are you most proud of with it?

Thanks for the love; "Lucky" is one of my favorite projects because I took it back to my grassroots on every track. I came up listening to guys like Jada & Styles, 50, Dipset, so witty and grimy bars aren't foreign to me. I felt like I had to address certain things on this project, and speak on certain things that have transpired over the years.

Tell us about your experience as a MMA fighter; when did you get started with training and what is more difficult to be proficient in, Muay Thai or Jiujitsu?

I've been training MMA for 8 years now. It's a part of my lifestyle and I enjoy every aspect of it, from training all the way to competition.

The level of proficiency in Muay Thai and Jiujitsu is extremely different. There are so many different techniques that are used in standup striking but Muay Thai has to be the most devastating considering the use of elbows and knees.

Jiujitsu on the other hand in a totally different world because this is basically grappling on crack. There are at least 5 different ways to pull off the same submission, tons of offensive and defensive techniques, and more. This is why I built my fight game around both so I can be devastating on the feet and the ground.

With "Baghdad" and the "Lucky" EP both released, what's next for you musically?

Musically, I'm wrapping up more visuals for “Lucky”, getting ready to drop some new heat with my boy Kid Dre out of Chicago, and take this from there.

Stream and Share “Lucky” on: Spotify | Apple Music

Connect with R-Stonze: Twitter | Instagram

Interview: Minneapolis RnB Songstress Christina Sophia Talks About Her New Album "Your Love"

Photo Credit: Christina Sophia

“I’ve progressed harmony, vocally, maturity-wise; but it’s time to evolve my love song structure at this point. I want to challenge myself more conceptually, and start creating more upbeat, fun, dance music. ”

— Christina Sophia

Congratulations on the completion and release of your new album “Your Love”. Tell us about your creative process for the development of the ten songs, and who produced on the project.

Thank you! I write all the time. Just because, for no reason, and then the songs end up sometimes being about my life and my love life...or just love in general and how I want it in my life.

It took years to pick the right songs and get “Your Love” finished. I worked a lot with Mike Dreams, WhySo, H2L, and Moonlight Studios in the start. Next, TWAIN came in later during the process as an executive producer; now he's my manager. Also, Eric Bloomberg and Winterland Studios helped with finishing it.

The producers on the album were T- Lace, Joe Butler, Robbie Rob, ShawtyChrisBeatz, Fide, Louis Byrd, Brand Nu, and Moonlight Studios.

Can we expect music videos for any of the songs on the album? If so, which one(s) should we look out for?

Yes! We're hoping to shoot videos for "V.I.P" and "The One"; also "Me and You (Now)" since I have some dance choreography ready for it, but not sure if we will do a video for that one yet.

I want to do as many as I can even though I'm kinda camera shy, I loveeee to dance and step, and I want to incorporate that in my music somehow, someday, someway!

Tell us about your progression/growth as a singer-songwriter from when you wrote your first song, to where you are now in 2021.

My voice has definitely improved over the years, especially because I quit smoking cigarettes 4 years and 9 months ago! I believe my songwriting has improved a little as well, but I'd like to continue to grow more & more as a writer.

I've progressed harmony, vocally, maturity-wise; but it's time to evolve my love song structure at this point. I want to challenge myself more conceptually, and start creating more upbeat, fun, dance music. Or rap; anything besides the normal love songs because I spit those out like it's nothing. I plan to expand & write about different things. There will be a switch up for my next journey.

What do you look for in the production that you decide to write songs to? Do you generally select instrumentals first, and then write to them?

Well I love strings and piano mostly, and bass. I love, love bass lol. And really I need to just connect to it & like it for me to want to write something to it. I'll know right away if I like it-a melody will start in my head automatically. Although, I also cannot be so into an instrumental and turn it into a cool song if someone wants me to, I then make it my own & add my lil touch to it. I always say, "I can sing on anything, a rock song, a rap beat, any challenge."

I usually chose the beat, or the beat chooses me first, then I vibe to it, and then write to it. Sometimes I'll even go with the idea for the song from the instrumental's name. I also wrote an a cappella song. Might try to find an instrumental to fit it but haven’t yet, might just keep it a straight a cappella song.

With the “Your Love” album now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?

To keep creating & writing new material. To make more club songs, radio hits, and upbeat songs to get people up and listening! And I definitely want to do more visual projects and music videos too. I'm excited! Thank you again!

Stream and Share “Your Love” on: Spotify | Audiomack

Connect with Christina Sophia: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Review: "Just Before Dawn: 2nd Wave" Album by Ezza of Choom Gang

Previously, we got to know Canadian artist Ezza of Choom Gang on his project “Pilot Boy” and in 2021, he’s starting the year off with his new project, dubbed “Just Before Dawn: 2nd Wave”. The album starts off with a dreamy, and fragmented beat on its intro track, and is titled “Vibes Are Us”. This song carries a Jack Harlow style drawl and features a collaboration with Light Spectrum and Ill Table Manners.

It’s the ultimate track to pair with an after-work blaze sesh or a wake n’ bake session when you’re looking to fade your troubles away. This relaxing song is meant to chill you out, or as this track puts it, “I believe we could loosen it up/ I don’t know if Metamucil enough, though.”

“Fate” wakes up the album a little more, coming at the haters with a slightly harder beat as he dictates: “It’s all love/we gettin’ rid of that hate/it’s time to come together and control our own fate.”

This is a message we could all do with mid-pandemic - take control of your life and brush out the haters. Ezza also professes his love for cannabis in these lines, with a stoner-friendly twist on the usual allusions to drank: “sippin’ weed drank/ but it feel like champagne/we the champions/ I ain’t talkin’ a brand name.”

“Interdimensional” has an addictive chanting backbone to it as Ezza makes allusions to new and undiscovered dimensions to his intergalactic production and lyrics. As he finesses his way around Jasmine and Aladdin wordplay, Ezza’s magic carpet takes us to new heights, exploring around his hometown and paying homage to Canadian locales with “about to buy a home in Muskoka/then hit up Etobicoke/only a forward motion that I’m rollin.” It’s one of our favorite tracks on this work, with a fire stoked by aspirational hustle and hometown inspiration.

“Spiritual Warfare” clarifies that “this ain’t some street sh*it/this is spiritual warfare/I believe it.” In this song that reminds us of Big Sean’s “Harder Than My Demons”, Ezza shares his story on fighting the negative vibes and rising above to be better. During a pandemic, this is advice we could all benefit from following. Other lessons in the track? “Never front/cause that’s just what they want/they want you to be successful long as you are what you’re not/but remember who you are/cause it’s never too far/you a god in the flesh let me remind y’all.”

It’s an anthem for the underdogs promoting self love, which we don’t see too much of in the rap game - especially from men. “Heal My Soul”, the clincher on this album, follows suit with the same philosophy. Last year was a tough one, and Ezza’s work is an introspective reflection of that. Here’s to 2021 being filled with less demons, more healing, and a whole lot of self-acceptance.

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Lyric Financial Provides Reliable Funding for Artists

There’s a land grab underway in artists’ rights. Wall Street and private equity are buying up artist and songwriter catalogs like flies to honey. And an ever-growing crop of digital distributors and tech startups are promising free money or credit card-like deals to independent artists. The former always makes money for themselves, often at the expense of the artist or writer. The latter are dizzy with venture capital, advancing against future royalties with promises that are not always what they seem.

Lyric Financial has always marched to a different beat, with a proven 15-year track record providing financial support to artists throughout their careers. Run by music industry veterans, the company has worked to create a viable and trustworthy approach to music financing. Drawing on founder Eli Ball’s background as an artist manager, record producer, and investment banker, the company strives to create solutions that work to balance the clients’ personal needs and career goals. With over $100 million in funding provided to thousands of clients around the world, the company continues to innovate in a space currently filled with bluster and broken promises.

“When clients come to us, we think like old-line record producers,” explains Ball. “They were more like super A&R directors, listening first to what the artist wanted to accomplish, then helping them realize their vision using whatever tools were needed, whether that be musical, technical or motivational. They acted as a coach, guiding and supporting them through the process.”

Always ensuring that artists keep their rights, Lyric Financial helps artists make their dreams and goals real by offering a menu of products to fit every need, including royalty advances, credit lines, catalog and business loans, master and publishing acquisition facilities, and increasingly automated financing through its vATM product, currently offered to Tunecore customers. The vATM allows artists and labels to see their forecasted earnings and request an advance in less than a minute. To date, Lyric Financial has funded over 22,000 advances to Tunecore customers in 32 countries.

Understanding clients’ business is key to creating deals that help them achieve their goals. And sometimes, Ball emphasizes, artists need to hear some challenging advice: “Sometimes it’s not comfortable. Sometimes you have to tell them what they don’t want to hear,” Ball reflects. “Even when you’re talking to established clients, the reasons they need the financing can vary. The first question is not ‘how much do you need?’ but rather, ‘what are you trying to solve for?’ We go from there.”

Lyric Financial was one of the first companies to provide royalty-based financing to musicians and independent music companies that the banks didn’t understand. Two decades ago, Eli Ball decided to merge his two passions--music and financing--and strike out into unexplored territory. He wanted to create a way to give artists the ability to hold on to their most precious asset, while getting timely and trustworthy financing when they needed it.

The landscape at the time was daunting for artists seeking financing based on their rights or current deals. Deals were all relationship based, and artists did not have much leverage. “You had two choices then,” Ball recalls. “Getting an advance, meant the terms of the deal with your label or publisher changed, i.e., got more expensive. You take their money, the deal changes, and not necessarily to the benefit of the artist. And that would take weeks to get approved. Either way, sometimes it meant the artist or songwriter had to take a different split. The system just wasn’t set up to be fair or efficient.”

Neither were traditional banks, who struggled to see how artists fit into small business lending. “When I’d talk to bankers they’d say they didn’t see the need. They were focused on high net-worth clients,” notes Ball. There were also geographic and financial challenges for artists seeking financing: “55% of the folks who earned royalties didn’t live in media center cities with a bank that specialized in lending to entertainers, and many made less than $25,000 a year,” he explains. “There was a huge market of people who weren’t served by the banking industry and weren't served by the music industry per se at the time.”

Ball decided to find a better way for artists to access money when they needed it and to do it in a way that best served artists. From its founding, Lyric Financial has remained committed to the principle of coaching clients through challenging times via responsible financing. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” states Ball. “There’s no free money. A lot of these new royalty advance companies and fintech startups out there are all hat, no cattle. We think artists deserve better.” And they’ve proven it, tens of thousands of times.

Connect with Lyric Financial: Website | Twitter | Instagram

Ezza of Choom Gang Unveils His Latest Album "Just Before Dawn: 2nd Wave"

We showcased the incredibly DOPE “Vibes Are Us” music video (watch HERE) last month and now its creator, Niagara Music Award-winning rapper Ezza of Choom Gang (CG), returns with his third "home studio album", “Just Before Dawn: 2nd Wave”, the follow-up to last summer's critically acclaimed “Just Before Dawn”.

Despite being a sequel, this 2nd Wave truly takes on a heart & soul of its own - mixing production from international newcomers SACHY, purpyoda, and Nile Waves (of Pooh Sheisty & Gucci Mane "Ugly" fame) in with the familiar sounds of Russian beatmaker NITRXMANE who's sounds dominated the first project.

Ezza CG keeps it Niagara with the features though - enlisting Fort Eerie's Light Spectrum & Pluto Hann, along with fellow St. Cathariners iLL Table Manners, Dxrrell Mxller, and Ase Mor the Corner Store Rapper. Ezza's lyrics represent a call-to-action, demanding the listener to go deep within - at least while we can't go too far out.

Listen to “Just Before Dawn: 2nd Wave” now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Ezza CG on his social media. Also, hang close to DCWS because our in-depth review of the album is coming very soon!

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Connect with Ezza CG: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook