Review: "Roses 4 Tha World" Album by Amarii Davu
San Diego based rap artist @AmariiDavu crafts stories with pure soul on the intense journey of his debut album “Roses 4 tha World”. Check out our review of this DOPE album now!
San Diego based rap artist Amarii Davu crafts stories with pure soul on the intense journey of his debut album “Roses 4 tha World”. The lyrics work wonders for every verse has a perfect balance to it. Production provided by shrmpboy, Play Dat Beat Wee Wee, and Capx has a glowing presence to it and there is a gleaming quality to the arrangements.
Stylistically rooted in hip-hop, Amarii brings together pieces of R&B, jazz, and pop into a singular whole. The album work best when taken in one setting, as each track builds off the last. The guest vocalists seem to nicely solidify Amarii’s hybrid southern rap roots, and there is a sense of endless possibility built into the sound’s very DNA.
The references abound throughout the album’s musical journey, but perhaps the most obvious one is the playful attitude of Outkast. Akin to their work, there’s a cleverness to the narratives alongside the many different flows that Amarii employs throughout. Various pop culture snippets are woven into the sound as well for the sound rolls on through with such luxury. Pieces of the Odd Future approach, one that blends the autobiographical with the societal further adds to the appeal.
A bombastic intro “Wake Up”, featuring ‘lilah Monroe, stuns with its fiery presence. The beat absolutely snaps and the samples have an eclectic presence about them, with the harp in particular being a fine touch. Minimalism with a hint of mystery comes the cryptic claustrophobia of “Dollamarijuana”. On “Aquarium” the energy that races on in a delirious blur is a joy. With a bit of a tropical scope comes the summer jam of “WANT.”
Easily the highlight of the album “Too Close”, featuring Karla Felecia Scaife, brings a lush, luxurious tenderness to the sound. From the incredible keyboard to the catchy melody, it all blends into this stream of consciousness. Rather joyous “Healin’”, with Durand Bernarr, incorporates a hopefulness. Going for a classic funk is the stylish “Cognac”, featuring Lyric Reddick. Things have an origami tact on the multi-faceted spirit of “Dreamchasin’”. Bringing it all to an epic conclusion is the gigantic “R4TW”.
With the “Roses 4 tha World” album, Amarii Davu sculpts a powerful, living breathing musical entity that feels so inviting.
Stream and Share “Roses 4 tha World”
Review: "Voxcore" Album by Voxcore
@musicvoxcore aka Patrick Hansford imbues a soulfulness into his nostalgic self-titled debut album “Voxcore”. Full of such tremendous heart, he taps into the very core of dance music. Check out our in-depth review of his album now.
Voxcore aka Patrick Hansford imbues a soulfulness into his nostalgic self-titled debut album “Voxcore”. Full of such tremendous heart, he taps into the very core of dance music. Rather than have a hyper-active beat, his is a much more sophisticated take. Voxcore’s arrangements are soaked in a golden hue for his is one that feels positively ancient, even regal in the gallant processions.
A keen ear for melody guides these tracks forward because Voxcore makes sure to balance them with the utmost of care. Such great textures alongside a slight fondness for experimentation results in a serene experience. Every track builds off the last for they make sure that there is a bliss behind it all, one that is soaked in sunlight.
Voxcore goes for the Second Summer of Love element within the sound, as his is a gracious hue. References to L.F.O.’s early work dominates, from the acidic tinge that recalls Mark Bell’s sophisticated sound design to the gentle gallop of the rhythm, it falls into place quite wonderfully. Beyond this, the yearning quality of the work touches upon the childlike sense of wonder that early Boards of Canada’s output seems to explore. Quite delicate too, the beats have a poignancy to them for the album has a surprisingly large emotional range.
Neon-hued splendor radiates on the triumphant opener “Perpetuance” right down to the pitch-perfect wordless choir. On the more tech house poppy side of things is the dramatic quality of “Fabrication” where the construction has an 80s yearning quality. Full of energy “Orbit” bursts right at the seams with brittle snaps and snares adding to the giddiness.
On “Pulse”, Voxcore chooses a late-night noir quality to the overall spirit. Layer upon layer filters together on the longing “Her Song”. Delicate touches make “Fall” the true highlight for the evolution of the sound gives the song a living, breathing quality to it. With “LookaLike” there is a thoughtfulness to the way that the song sprawls and soars out into the infinite. Woozy warped cadences radiate from “Destiny”. Pulling out all the stops is the surreal trip of “Reign”.
On Voxcore’s self-titled album, he delves into the inner meditativeness that all good dance music possesses.
Stream and Share “Voxcore” on Spotify
Interview: Sydney Duo Warwick Smith Talk About Their New Single/Video "Vertigo"
DCWS connected with Sydney based duo @notwarwicksmith for an exclusive interview to discuss their brand new single/video “Vertigo”, and much more.
“I think next we’re going to lean into that more rock-based sound that we teased throughout “Vertigo”. This felt like the best song to represent our transition into a new era for our music... ”
Congratulations on the release of your single/video “Vertigo”; what initially inspired the creation of the song itself?
Warwick: For me, “Vertigo” started as a translation of what I felt almost immediately after I experienced my first anxiety attack last year, it was a new and somewhat scary experience for me so I grabbed my phone and started sending lines to Luke, mid-shower, to expand on when I was fully clothed and in a position to write.
Luke: I really enjoyed writing the drumline for this, from the very start I told Warwick my idea of letting the drums convey that feeling of “unsteadiness” with what I described to be a “spinning beat” on the hi-hat. One of my favourite parts was in the pre-chorus closing and opening the hi-hat in time with the vocals portraying the “short breath” he’s singing about.
The music video is awesome; how did you connect with the clip’s director, Joshua Frost, and how difficult was it to film remotely?
Warwick: We had the pleasure of meeting our director for “Vertigo”, Joshua Frost, online through a social group chat and he had done a lot of videography work before, especially with music. Alongside him, we had a very talented, internationally scattered, production team doing the concept and visual effects for the video.
Luke: Working with them remotely was at times difficult; especially trying to coordinate time zones from different places like Sydney, Atlanta, Britain and even Mexico but I think it gave us a really unique opportunity to work together digitally. They were even on a conference call while we were on set at a soundstage in Sydney. They’re work was truly incredible on the video and the entire concept.
With “Vertigo” now released, what is next for you guys musically and will it be appearing on an upcoming EP or album?
Warwick: I think next we’re going to lean into that more rock-based sound that we teased throughout “Vertigo”. This felt like the best song to represent our transition into a new era for our music and I think it’s a safe bet it’ll make its way onto an upcoming album.
Luke: I’ll go a step further and tell you it's slated to be track five out of fourteen. I do feel that these coming songs are a lot more refined and “Vertigo” is a pretty fair indicator of what’s to come. I really like how our sound is coming along and I’m very excited for these future releases.
Tell us about how you two met and what made you decide to join together as a musical duo?
Warwick: We met for the first time at a concert where I think I said five words to Luke and then bounced. A few weeks later in a group chat for that concert, I mistook him for a loud mouthed guy screaming at everyone there but he quickly cleared up that he was not that awful person. So I agreed to go visit him and stay in his basement (I know, real smart move) and we immediately started jamming together.
Luke: We decided to start playing music together the very second time we met, however it was just covering songs we both liked for fun in my basement. But that helped us see that there was some musical chemistry at play and ultimately led me joining Warwick for releases and shows.
What’s the music scene like in Sydney right now? Are venues back open for artists to perform and if so, do you have shows coming up?
Warwick: The music scene in Sydney is almost non-existent right now. Venues are shut for the time being and we’re, at the time of writing, in another lockdown. We’re hoping we can play our debut Sydney show at The Factory Theatre, it’s scheduled for July 24th and we’re very excited to play the same stage that some of our biggest influences have played. That being said, it’s currently a mystery as to whether or not it’ll move forward.
Luke: The brightside to this otherwise very dim situation is that since larger bands aren’t really allowed to tour to Australia right now, venues are willing to take chances on smaller, local bands (like us) giving them the opportunity to establish themselves. Once the dust settles, there’s a good chance that we’ll be adding a lot more dates to our tour schedule. It’s going to be great to see everyone come out.
Stream and Share “Vertigo” on Spotify
Connect with Warwick Smith: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Interview: San Diego Rapper Amarii Davu Discusses His Debut Album "Roses 4 Tha World"
We connected with San Diego based rap artist @AmariiDavu for an exclusive interview to discuss his debut album “Roses 4 tha World”, and much more.
Photo Credit: Whitney Gaston
“As with most art, the interpretation of “Roses 4 tha World” is up to the listener. I don’t wanna encroach on the experience. It’s just an honest interpretation of my life experiences.”
Congratulations on the completion and release of your debut album "Roses 4 tha World"; what led you to give it that title and what does it represent?
Thank you. We hear the phrase “give people their roses while they’re here,” right? I wanted to give my roses to people while I’m still here and able to do so. I wanted it to be a gift to those that have supported me since day one. So the name eventually came to me.
It represents finally getting in a space to create freely. It represents turning the bullshit in my life into something positive and meaningful. It took a minute to release “Roses 4 tha World”. It took four years actually. Initially I was just dropping tracks on SoundCloud because I wanted to test the waters and see if people would actually fuck with an album from me.
Tell us about your creative process for the album's nine songs, and the producers that you worked with.
I just wanted something different. I wanted to create something that had substance but didn’t leave you with a heavy feeling after turning the music off. Half of the project was recorded in Nashville with my engineer Adam Leeds and the other half was recorded in San Diego with my engineer Alexis Sanchez. Their different approaches really shaped the sound of the project.
Some of my older tracks like Cost of Melanin, Hopeless, Joy & Pain were both socially conscious and personal. They’re great but I can’t deny the heaviness that I feel when I hear them. I started trying to figure out how to create a depth in my lyrical approach while mixing it with a lightness and joy in the production.
But I still wanted it to feel black as hell, gritty, smooth, Southern fried, and a lil West Coast. Working with producers like shrmpboy, Play Dat Beat Wee Wee, Capx, and the others brought me into that exact space. After getting out to Cali, I was exposed to different sounds because I was experiencing a whole new culture. “Roses 4 tha World” became a product of this melting pot of sounds.
Would you say that there is an overarching theme or concept to the album's songs?
It’s meant to be heard all the way through. “Roses 4 tha World” is a story. If you listen to the “R4TW” (the last track on the album) and immediately listen to “Wake Up” (the first track of the album), you realize why my Mom was worried in her voicemail. It's meant to be listened to on repeat. It’s multiple parts of my journey put into one piece. You’ve got glimpses into my childhood and the way I saw the world then (Dollamarijuana), you’ve got my struggles with love and matters of the heart, (Too Close and Healin’), it’s even got my struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts (R4TW) and everything in between.
As with most art, the interpretation of “Roses 4 tha World” is up to the listener. I don't wanna encroach on the experience. It’s just an honest interpretation of my life experiences.
I love hearing the different interpretations of what certain songs mean to different people. It lets me know that the creation of the project was more divine than anything; it goes beyond my intentions.
Were there songs that you recorded for the album that did not make the final track list? If so, why did they not end up on the album?
I recorded about 15 tracks for “Roses 4 tha World” and I wrote upwards of 30 tracks that never got to the recording process past doing a demo on my phone. Keep in mind, I’d been working on this album for four years. Perfection is a big thing for me artistically. During the writing process of “Roses 4 tha World”, I got to a point where I felt constrained with writing. It didn’t feel organic. So I started memorizing freestyles. I would listen to beats on repeat and start freestyling to them.
For me, when I freestyled, it gave me that raw shit. I was able to connect with the beat and ride it without overthinking it. I would freestyle until I had verses and hooks memorized for months at a time and then record them. So the album isn’t actually written. Once I adopted this technique, a lot of the tracks that weren’t created through freestyling were cut off of the album.
I also went through a lot of mental and spiritual changes throughout those four years and some of the throwaways didn’t connect to who I was after awhile. I’ll probably end up keeping those tracks for myself.
With the album now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?
I want to expound on the album some more. Create more visuals, perform more, and keep pushing the audience to more audiences. I’m already working on another project but I haven’t decided when I’ll let the world hear that one. We’ll see.
I want to do more writing for other artists. I'm a songwriter as well and I want the opportunity to flex that skill even more. I think I'll just let the Universe guide me like it's been doing and let what's for me come to me.
Airbit Collects $2.5 Million in YouTube Monetization for Producers in First Half of 2021
Airbit’s uniquely built-in YouTube Content ID monetization feature has helped producers on the platform monetize over 4 billion YouTube views this year. This has resulted in $2.5 million in YouTube monetization for producers on the platform in the first half of 2021 alone. Airbit is flipping this script for independent artists.
Airbit, the online hub and marketplace for beatmakers, has collected and distributed more than $2.5 million in YouTube-generated revenue to producers for the first half of 2021, an amount that is projected to grow 230% year over year from the $1.8 million collected in 2020. In the first six months of 2021 alone, Airbit helped producers monetize more than 4 billion views.
Airbit is the only beats marketplace to have a direct relationship with YouTube, which means more money going straight to producers. By adding producers’ work to YouTube’s ContentID system, Airbit allows producers to unlock yet another key revenue stream. “YouTube is a beats search engine, and producers need to make sure their work is monetized there, where billions of views are happening,” explains Judah Wiedre, COO of Airbit. “Without this, they are leaving significant money on the table.”
“Airbit has helped me have fewer copyright claims on my YouTube channel and ensures I get credited. Before, artists would often forget to credit me, or sometimes they downloaded the beat and would forget entirely that I produced it. Now with Airbit’s YouTube Monetization, they get an official reminder who the producer is and they can decide to purchase the beat if they want to monetize their YouTube video,” explains producer Ryini Beats. ”It also helps the artists we work with. Now that we are in control of the Content ID, we can easily remove a claim for any artist who leases a beat from us.”
Airbit strives to find every potential source of revenue for producers. The goal is to help them build a viable and satisfying independent career and to foster a sustainable ecosystem for producers, the too often unsung creative heroes of hip hop, pop, and RnB. “We’re on target to earn around $10 million dollars this year for producers from publishing and ContentID alone,” says Wiedre. “Money from sources like YouTube is growing fast, and it’s making a difference in producers’ lives.”
Producers point to Airbit’s speedy payouts and consolidated collections from one source as reasons they signed up for Airbit’s YouTube monetization. “According to my experience of 6 months, Airbit provides the fastest service,” Sachin, another Airbit producer, notes.: ”Before, I had to collect Content ID from 3 companies, and payment was received after 2 months.”
“I signed up to Airbit's YouTube Monetization program purely as an experiment. Airbit have been collecting royalties on my behalf ever since, and their system is incredibly easy to use,” says producer Oskrr. “It has made a massive difference to me financially and has allowed me the freedom to focus on making music that I love, full-time.”
About Airbit
Airbit’s mission is to make music more fair with an online marketplace where producers can sell their beats and artists can buy those beats at a fair price. We provide a wide array of selling tools, as well as user friendly music monetization services. Airbit is one of the most trusted and well-known names in beat-sales. Airbit was founded to champion producers, and offer them a creative career path through licensing, selling their music when they want, how they want.
Stream "Voxcore", the Self-Titled, Debut Album by Voxcore
@musicvoxcore debut album, self titled “Voxcore”, consist of nine tracks telling a digital narrative from creation to completion. Check out this DOPE album now!
Voxcore is the first released music from artist Patrick Hansford. Coming from Columbus Ohio, Voxcore aims to bridge the gap between listener and creator. Heavy influenced by artist like Daft Punk, Kavinsky, and Odessza, Voxcore’s debut album, self titled “Voxcore”, consist of nine tracks telling a digital narrative from creation to completion.
Speaking about his new music, Voxcore says “In the world today, so many of us are hyper focused on what's being said and the specific lyrics in songs. I wanted to create an album that focused more on the way the music made you feel and the experience you had. My hope is that everyone can take 30 minutes to experience the digital story of Voxcore, it represents all of us and the struggles we share. Many People, One Voice.”
Interview: Barrie, ON Rapper Jezy Talks About His New Single "GREAT"
Salute to Barrie, ON based rap artist @jezymusic who connected with DCWS for an exclusive Q&A to discuss his DOPE new single “GREAT”, and much more.
“There is a huge untapped market of people who don’t like rap (anymore) because of a lot of the same repetitive nature that’s been going on.”
Congratulations on the release of your new track "GREAT"; it's very DOPE. Tell us what inspired you to write and your overall creative process for its development?
Thank you. When I wrote the song all I was thinking about was, not trying to be good but GREAT! We’re all good at something, it’s important to recognize your individual strengths. Once you’ve determined what that is, perfect your skill. Whatever it may be, just be GREAT.
How did you connect with the track's producer William Dinero, and what about the instrumental made it a great fit for you?
Me and William have been working together for a couple years now. It’s always a cool, creative process when we link up.
From the guitar in the back round to that heavy bass. Everything about it screamed GREATNESS to me and it shows.
One thing that we admire about you as an artist is that you don't use profanity in your lyrics. What led to you deciding to not curse in your songs?
Thank you for acknowledging the fact I have no explicit content in my music. That’s something I’m extremely proud of and a huge reason I know I’m destined for GREATNESS. Since I started this rap thing when I was 17 years old (31 now) I’ve been trying to cut down from swearing in my music.
Track after track, it would be less and less until last September 25th 2020. I dropped my first EP with no swearing on “SECOND CHANCE”. That was an 8 track EP and that was the beginning of what was to come.
I do things this way cuz I’m from Barrie, Ontario Canada. I grew up on southern rap from artist like Gucci Mane, T.I , B.O.B , Lil Scrappy, Lil Jon etc.
Whenever I was playing their music up here while driving with the windows down at a stoplight. These people up here would look at me like “what are you listening to?” with a look of disgust on there face while they put up all there windows so they didn’t have to hear the vulgarity in the music.
That’s when it came to me. If I could just rap on these hot beats and people understand what I’m saying, while not swearing and making it relatable. I can tap into a market where not a lot of rappers are. There is a huge untapped market of people who don’t like rap (anymore) because of a lot of the same repetitive nature that’s been going on.
A lot of people want change and I’m exactly that.
With "GREAT" now released, what's next for you musically, and will it appear on an upcoming EP or album?
“GREAT” is available across all platforms for fans to consume. Originally it was going to be apart of an album I was going to drop this summer of 21. After speaking with an executive in the industry he told me to keep dropping singles and spread my content out until it’s the right time. So for the time being I’m just expanding my catalog but I will have my next single “GOTTA GO” dropping July 23rd.
That’ll be the 4th single of 2021.
How would you describe the rap music scene in Barrie, Ontario as an emerging artist? Would you ever consider moving to Toronto as your musical home base?
The rap scene in Barrie definitely needs more work. I’m still going to keep promoting and advertising in my home town because it don’t matter where your at. If your good your good and the right people will find you.
Moving to Toronto was never a real thought in my head. I’m a small town guy, not a city guy. I couldn’t deal with the traffic out there and how packed it is. It’s only an hour away so when I gotta go down to the studio to create, it ain’t a big deal to drive up and do my thing before going back home.
Connect with Jezy: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud
Interview: New Jersey Based Artist Sean Roane Talks About His Single "2 Step"
DCWS connected with New Jersey based artist Sean Roane for an exclusive interview to discuss his BlakKat206 produced single “2 Step”, and much more.
“I started writing songs when I was 10-11 years old. I gave up my music dreams in high school and rediscovered my passion for writing music when I was in college.”
Salute to you on the release of your new single "2 Step"; what inspired you to write it and how did you connect with its producer BlakKat206?
THANK YOU! I actually wrote “2 Step” while vacationing in Los Angeles. I listen to a lot of 70s and 80s R&B and BlakKat is really good at sampling old hits. I don't know BlakKat personally yet because he lives in California, but I have been writing to his beats that he has on YouTube since 2018.
With "2 Step" now released, what can we expect next from you musically, and will this track be appearing on an upcoming EP or album?
I have a new song out now called “Straight Tomorrow”. I just plan to release more singles and put out more music videos. Singles is where it's at now.
Tell us about how you got started writing rhymes and what you remember about the first few tracks you recorded; also when did you realize that you were gifted musically?
I started writing songs when I was 10-11 years old. I gave up my music dreams in high school and rediscovered my passion for writing music when I was in college.
The first few songs that I recorded were catchy, but trash in my opinion. I hadn't found my sound yet and my delivery was horrible. I knew I was good by the positive feedback that I would get from most people.
Your debut project “Affordable Excellence” was released in 2013; what are you most proud of with this album?
I was just happy to finish the project. It basically took me 6 months to complete that album. I recorded a bunch of rough drafts in my bedroom and then I rerecorded all those records at an actual studio.
I had never been in a real studio before so it was a great experience. I have very fond memories of that whole time period.
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you choose?
Smooth Playa Shit.
There's no other way to describe my music lol
Stream "Roses 4 Tha World", the Debut Album by San Diego Based Rapper Amarii Davu
Check out the DOPE debut album entitled “Roses 4 tha World” by San Diego based rap artist @AmariiDavu right now!
Amarii Davu is a prolific hip hop artist with a veritable voice that places you right in the center of his multi-layered story of overcoming pain, mental illness, poverty, and celebrating success. After moving to California and spending seven months homeless in his car, Davu completed his debut album “Roses 4 tha World”. The completion of the album took Davu through a journey. It makes sense that the album, within itself, is a journey through Davu's world.
Speaking about this project, Davu says:
“Roses 4 tha World” is the product of 4 years of commitment, determination, struggle, poetry, and life. It's more than just a debut album; it's an introduction for the world to get ready to hear my voice and my story. “Roses 4 tha World” features singers Durand Bernarr (“Healin'“, produced by Play Dat Beat Wee Wee) and Karla Felecia Scaife (“Too Close”, produced by DJ Pain 1) and also features hip hop artist Lyric Reddick. It also features my mom, my Pops, and my fiancee. This project shows that Tennessee music artists have something to say and we all have different perspectives and approaches to this music journey. This is my approach.”
We’re blown away by Davu’s debut album “Roses 4 tha World” and we bet that you will be too, so listen to it right now, and connect with him on social media. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive interview, as well as our in-depth review, coming soon!
Interview: Nashville Singer-Songwriter Maddy Hicks Discusses Her New EP "Nightlife"
Major thanks to Nashville based singer-songwriter Maddy Hicks who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to talk about her brand new EP “Nightlife”, and much more.
“I wanted to take this EP to new places and solidify more of a pop sound for myself. That being said, I also appreciate genres outside of pop, and I tried to explore some indie and rock sounds at various points on the EP as well.”
We're blown away by your new EP "Nightlife"; tell us about your creative process for its development and how you connected with the producers you worked with.
I wanted this EP to be about the darker parts of the twentysomething experience. It’s easy to get lost in your own insecurities while you’re figuring yourself out, and relationships at this age feel more intense than ever before.
I wrote most of the songs on this EP in the summer and fall of 2020 while the pandemic was still in full force and the world was in quarantine. Obviously I had a lot of time on my hands, so I poured myself into my writing.
I’m lucky that I got to connect with some really phenomenal producers for this project. I worked with Benjamin Dufresne on my song “Guitar Solos.” Ben also produced all of the songs on my previous album, “The Bliss You Missed”. Having worked with him before, I knew he would be a great fit for “Guitar Solos” because he has a real talent for arranging live instruments, and I wanted this song to have a live feel since it’s essentially about going to a concert.
For my songs “You Don’t Get To” and “Wake Up and Call the Uber,” I worked with Jeff Toth. I wrote “Wake Up and Call the Uber” in the fall of 2019 as part of a class assignment, and Jeff also happened to be in that class. So we’ve been friends for a minute, and I’ve always admired how he produces his own music. I reached out about these songs and he did a great job of bringing them to life by combining synth and acoustic vibes.
Lastly, I worked with omgprkr on “Used to Be” and “Backseat.” I had heard some of the songs he’d produced for other local artists and I knew he could translate my music into the pop sound I was imagining.
“Backseat” was the first single I released after the album and I wanted it to sound like a solid combination of acoustic and pop to transition into the new sound of this EP.
omgprkr did a great job with that single, and he helped make “Used to Be” into a huge pop banger, which was exactly where I wanted to take my music.
How would you compare this new EP to "The Bliss You Missed", from a thematic and production perspective?
“The Bliss You Missed” had a really emotive singer songwriter sound to it. Many of the themes felt very young and wistful. I took a slightly different thematic approach with this new EP, and the themes are naturally more mature since I’m older than I was when I wrote my last album.
Some of the songs on “Nightlife” are very honest, while others have a false sense of hope. Insecurities can make you tell yourself all sorts of things, and I wanted to highlight that in “Nightlife”.
Sonically, I wanted to take this EP to new places and solidify more of a pop sound for myself. That being said, I also appreciate genres outside of pop, and I tried to explore some indie and rock sounds at various points on the EP as well.
Tell us about your move from Upstate New York to Nashville and how it has impacted you in terms of the topics you write about.
I moved from a small town called Charlton in Upstate New York to Nashville in 2018 to study songwriting at Belmont University. I’ve been here for three years now and while I do miss home sometimes, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As a city, Nashville is endlessly inspiring and overflowing with opportunities. Since moving here, I’ve been writing more about my own artistry. I feel much more independent and empowered in this space, so I write from a more centered perspective. While I’m in Nashville, I feel like I can hear my own voice as a writer more clearly.
Can we expect any music videos from the songs on the EP?
When I released “Backseat,” I also released a lyric video along with it. I’m really happy with how it came out! It was animated by Noah Mesh, a friend from back in New York. He created some really powerful visuals to go along with the track.
With the "Nightlife" EP now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?
I have a lot more music that I’ve been hustling to record, and I’m excited to release that later this summer. Hopefully, I’ll also be playing some live shows in the coming months. It would be insanely fun to start performing these songs around Nashville.
Another goal of mine is to get some merch up and running soon, so stay tuned for that down the road!
Stream and Share “Nightlife” on: Apple Music | Spotify
Interview: LA Alt Pop Duo GENE Talk About Their Debut Single/Video "Stole Your Car"
Big thanks to Claudia Mills, of the LA based alt pop duo @genetheband, for connecting with DCWS for an exclusive Q&A to discuss their debut single/video “Stole Your Car”, and much more.
“We have been friends for years out here in LA and have actually played together in other bands! I had the idea and concept for the GENE project in late 2019 and knew Harry was the right person to approach to collab with on it...”
Congratulations on the release of your debut single/video "Stole Your Car"; tell us about your creative process for its development from songwriting and production standpoints.
Thank you! It feels good to have the song out in the world! Harry and I have known each other for a handful of years but we only started to form the GENE project right before the pandemic hit in 2020 which made the songwriting/production process unique!
I (Claudia) would typically start song/production ideas from my home studio and send over to Harry to develop. We went back and forth on 'Stole Your Car' which started as a couple of guitar riffs and a topline I had and began adding the gritty layers it needed to become a GENE song!!
Regarding the incredible music video, how did you and its director, Brent Campanelli, come up with the treatment?
I had a pretty strong vision for the video right off the bat! I tend to visualize video ideas right away when writing the songs. I wanted to make sure the underlying emotion/story of the song translated whilst also being cool to watch.
I found Brent through a mutual friend and knew right away he would totally grasp the concept I was going for and be able to create that fine balance between stylized and classic feel for us.
With Claudia being from London and Harry from Seattle, how did you two meet and then decide to form the duo GENE?
We have been friends for years out here in LA and have actually played together in other bands! I had the idea and concept for the GENE project in late 2019 and knew Harry was the right person to approach to collab with on it as we both share very similar taste in music. Not to mention he is one of the best musicians I've ever met!
Following "Stole Your Car", what can we expect next musically from GENE and will the single be on an upcoming EP or album at some point?
We are currently wrapping the artwork for our next single 'Sick' which we plan to release this month along with a live/stripped video!
We definitely have enough material to start talking about putting an EP or LP together but I think our plan is to keep releasing singles more regularly until closer to the end of the year to keep content flowing and aim for an album release in 2022.
How would you say that the city of Los Angeles influences your songwriting and the themes of the songs you create?
I think Los Angeles is a city that can easily swallow you up and spit you back out. It can really shape you as a person, for better or for worse.
I know for me personally (Claudia), it's led to a lot of personal growth, especially emotionally. Perhaps I'm biased because I've only known love in this city but it seems that hearts break a lot harder here!
Review: "Revelation" Album by Ultra_eko
South London’s @Ultra_eko delves into a mysterious exploration of faith and hope on the alluringly dark “Revelation” album. Check out our review of his latest project now.
South London’s Ultra_eko delves into a mysterious exploration of faith and hope on the alluringly dark “Revelation” album. Layer upon layer is applied, smeared across the sound. His voice is prominently displayed front and center. Over the course of the album an entire narrative comes into focus, one that has a splendid sense of surrealism. Melody, groove, tempo, these have a low-slung ethos to them. The sound itself alongside the rapping points to newer, more contemporary takes on hip-hop, for he moves the genre forward into something far more unique.
Nods to Dean Blunt’s trippy universe emerges throughout the project. The melted tactics used within each piece lends itself well to an almost dream-like state. An unhurried pace anchors the entirety of the journey, as the references to Yung Lean’s early works darts its way within the soundscapes. Done with the right amount of care and consideration, Ultra_eko also takes on some earlier hip-hop artists, most notably the confessional tenor of Biggie Smalls in terms of the sheer raw honesty of the lyricism. Every word is carefully selected to further add to the mood of the album.
The ghostly traces of the sample fade out as the rest of the opener “Dust to Dust” gradually filters into the fray, in a way that feels truly majestic. Nimble beats that have a geometric, bouncing quality to them, for there is a fire behind it. Bass rumbles on through “Fade to Black” for they take on a physicality to them. A night time, nightmarish presence underlies the eerie “Twisted Fate”.
Ultra_eko’s lyricism has a sharped edge for “Bad Egg” has a classic aura to it, one that touches the very soul. Chopped-up sounds filter on in within “Red Alert” as there is a woozy spirit. Romanticism frames the tenderness of “Pretty Girl”. Going for a minimalism and unease is the sprawling scope of “Messy Thoughts” where the snare has a halting presence. On “The Ark” the lyricism flows down as if cascading in a strong, powerful way. Neatly bringing the album to a fantastic, cinematic finale is the triumphant of “Book of Revelation”.
With so much fire and passion behind it, “Revelation” shows off Ultra_eko’s masterful poignant delivery. Listen to this incredible album ASAP and share it with those you know who want to explore the realms of the next level of Hip-Hop.
Stream and Share “Revelation” on Spotify
Stream "Nightlife", the Brand New EP by Pop Singer-Songwriter Maddy Hicks
Nashville based pop singer-songwriter Maddy Hicks has just dropped her brand new EP “Nightlife”. Listen to it right now and be on the lookout for our Q&A with Maddy coming soon.
Originally from upstate New York, Maddy Hicks now calls Nashville home, in order to pursue a career as a songwriter and artist while studying at Belmont University. Her music is influenced by artists such as Sara Bareilles, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Vampire Weekend, but she is clearly walking her own path artistically, with a upward trajectory in the music game.
Maddy has just released her new EP entitled “Nightlife”, which follows her project from 2019, “The Bliss You Missed” (stream HERE). The producers Maddy worked with on the EP include omgprkr ("Backseat" and "Used to Be"), Josh Toth ("You Don't Get To" and "Wake Up and Call the Uber"), and Benjamin Dufresne ("Guitar Solos").
Speaking about “Nightlife”, Maddy says,
“Nightlife addresses twentysomething insecurities and progresses in the same way that a Friday night does for many college kids. “Backseat” describes what it’s like to experience social anxiety on the drive to the party. Next is “Used to Be,” which feigns confidence and success in a celebration of change while hiding undertones of sadness for what’s lost in one’s evolution. Heartbreak house party vibes shine through in “You Don’t Get To,” and it’s easy to get lost in fantasies during the “Guitar Solos” at a concert. The EP wraps up with the track “Wake Up and Call the Uber,” a ballad about trying to get over an ex after waking up in their bed again”.
Listen to “Nightlife” right now, stream it on Apple Music and connect with Maddy on her website and IG. Also, hang close to DCWS because our exclusive Q&A with Maddy is coming soon!
Interview: Singer-Songwriter Rasha Jay Discusses Her New Song "BACKBONE"
Thanks go out to New Jersey based singer-songwriter @RashaJay who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss her song “BACKBONE”, and much more.
“I wrote “BACKBONE” in February 2020, having lost my aunt and uncle by then. I had nothing else to say at that point, and I needed to express myself and wail about that wonderful connection and acknowledge where my support comes from, my family.”
Tell us about how you got started writing music and singing, and which artists influenced you the most musically. Also, do you play any instruments?
I wrote my first song when I was 9 years old, called "Turn Around". I've been singing since I was a toddler, my mother and her mother are singers. I do play a little keyboard and I"m playing keys on “BACKBONE”.
I am influenced by so many artists from the past and present; however, the one artist that is consistent is Prince.
Congratulations on the release of your new single "BACKBONE"; tell us about your creative process for its development and what inspired you to write it.
I wrote “BACKBONE” in February 2020, having lost my aunt and uncle by then. I had nothing else to say at that point, and I needed to express myself and wail about that wonderful connection and acknowledge where my support comes from, my family. I couldn't do this music thing without them. I had no idea writing it then, that it would take on much more meaning to myself and others as the pandemic broke and many suffered unbelievable change and loss.
Can we expect a music video for "Backbone" to follow? Also, will the song be appearing on an upcoming EP or album?
Yes, funny enough I did the music video for “BACKBONE” in March 2020! All done on an iPhone 11 at the time. It's ready, set for release soon. I wanted to go back home and keep with the theme of family and support. My cousin was behind the camera, my sister was my PA and my mom was my stand-in.
I haven't decided yet if it will be on the next EP, I'm writing it now. “BACKBONE” was really a song all its own, an acknowledgement of how 2020 was for me personally.
Speaking of EPs, how would you describe your debut, "HIGH DIVE", and what are you most proud of with that project?
Actually, my debut EP was 2016 with “CICADA”. “High Dive” was released in 2019. However what I'm most proud of with projects is that no matter what the flow of the song is, I hear myself and I'm not stuck in one genre, I truly write from multiple moods and perspectives.
With "BACKBONE" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?
I want to complete my next EP, and honestly I am most excited about performing live again and singing “BACKBONE” to the people! I have performances in July and August so far.
Connect with Rasha Jay: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Lil Wayne Partners With Samantha Long For Upcoming Uproar Festival Dance Competition
On August 13th, Lil Wayne's Uproar Hip Hop Festival will take place at The Torch at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Choreographer and event co-producer, Samantha Long will be the host and lead judge of the festival's dance competition.
On August 13th, Lil Wayne's Uproar Hip Hop Festival will take place at The Torch at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The immersive and interactive music, arts, and nightlife experience will be hosted by Lil Wayne's lifestyle brand, GKUA, and headlined by Lil Wayne along with performances by Young Money, and many more.
Choreographer and event co-producer, Samantha Long will be the host and lead judge of the festival's dance competition. Video submissions from dancers are now being accepted for the chance to compete live in front of thousands at the Uproar Festival on August 13th. 12 talented teams will be selected from submissions to move to the semi-final round in LA on July 24th and 25th. Rules and details are available at Uproar420.com.
Get your tickets to Lil Wayne’s Uproar Hip Hop Festival and submit your video to participate in the competition judged by Samantha Long ASAP!
Connect with Uproar Hip Hop Festival: Website
Connect with Samantha Long: Website
South London's Ultra_eko Drops His Brand New Album "Revelation"
Check out the DOPE newly released album “Revelation”, by South London based rap artist @Ultra_eko.
South London representative Ultra_eko is back on DCWS with his brand new album “Revelation”, and we are stoked to be able to share it with you. Including 19 tracks, and featuring DaRealMrLee and Maya, “Revelation” is a hip-hop classic in the making, and is a continuation of the creative collaboration with executive producer Subsequal.
Listen to Ultra_eko’s latest and greatest, “Revelation”, right now, and connect with the talented emcee on his social media. Also, be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the project coming very soon.