DCWS Gets to Know Sydney Based Rap Artist Undertow

Sydney based rapper Undertow has gone on to perfect his craft of connecting metaphors and syllables over crafted instrumentals. Along the way he shared the stage with some of the best in the business, including Caspa, Dizzee Rascal, Scratch Perverts, Dr Octagon, Lyrics Born, The Four Owls, Ocean Wisdom, Jam Baxter, MIA, Footsie and more.

DCWS sits down with the talented rapper to get to know him a bit more.

Tell us about your latest release and what inspired it?

The beat from Kayos is what inspired me to start, he posted a sample of it and I jumped on it within seconds. The first two verses are a reflection of where I was at the time, and how I was reacting to my surrounding. The tune is about no matter how bad it is, just keep moving forward to take what you came here for. Third verse was written post Covid last year and was a reflection of what I’d been through and my perception of AUS against the rest of the world.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Korean Fried chicken and beer haha, Natural wine and sampling breweries. Food is a big thing for me, and actually for most people I socialise with …

How did you first start in the music industry?

I played guitar and sang in a punk band from 94-96 around Brisbane called Not Negotiable, we did a load of shows and I knew I wanted that to continue. I then ended up getting into Hip Hop and Raves (partying too much haha) around the same time, and I like the MCs like NO3 (now Shureschock) and others.

At the time I was listening to early US artists like NAS, Wu-Tang, Souls of Mischief among others with the crews I was skating with and some of them use to write a few bars. I just continued to work on the craft, went in a battle in Brisbane in 97, and also got my first chance to MC. From that moment forward I just use to trawl around the Brisbane club/rave/hip hop scene with a mic in my backpack and beg and plead any DJ to let me MC with them at any chance I got.

I’m sure I was annoying haha, but from there linked up with various crews and well the rest is history.

What are you working on next?

More music! Time to get busy, my DJ that I work with Maniak and I have some things in the works, some collabs with various artists, some reggae releases, and also some dnb and more of the same as this EP on the way.

What advice would you give others?

Just do you! Don’t be afraid to stay in your own lane and don’t follow the norm. Monotony is boring, and we want variation in artists. Also, there is a lot of work that goes into music, don’t expect to blow up overnight. On a personal note, no matter how hard life seems at the moment there’s always light in the distance.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

I’d love to front a live reggae band, and blend hip hop/grime/dnb which I did with Kobra Kai but something with a lot more instruments. I guess I’d love to do a tune with Chester P from Taskforce fame also.

Who is the dopest artist you know?

Jesse Morris and the Shakedown are quite sick, P Smurf is an absolute powerhouse on the mic, half of my friends are artists so it’s a pretty difficult question to answer!

What’s your favourite studio snack?

Pre snack I like a hot noodle soup of some kind to clear the vocal chords, then and just water … pretty boring but those after recording beers always taste so good!

Connect with Undertow: Instagram | Facebook

Review: "SOLO": The Ballad of Solo Star Album by Solo Star

A sense of hope guides Solo Star’s uplifting, debut album “SOLO”: The Ballad Of Solo Star”. His lyrics have a poignancy to them, recited with such a personal, powerful message, and the tracks have a tremendous power with the arrangements going for a nimbleness.

With a contemporary quality to the beats, the Trenton, NJ based rapper incorporates elements of hip-hop, pop, easy-listening music, and even jazz. Eclectic to its core, the many pieces neatly fit together. By allowing the stories plenty of room to roam, Solo Star explores a whole universe one that has its own tenderness, and the characters within the pointed stories are given so much depth.

The realistic, highly thoughtful lyricism does justice to Kendrick Lamar’s output. Like Lamar, Solo Star ensures that the pieces possess an honesty to him. Elements of the low-slung funk/jazz inflections further lend credence to Lamar’s influence, in particular his earlier work. J. Cole proves to be an important reference point, for the flow has a similar intimacy behind it. Finally, the production has a crystal clarity to it, as the hit of the snare alongside the flourishing blooms of strings draw from Kanye West’s toiled-over productions.

Opening things up on a high note, “The Ballad” begins things off with an uncanny swagger. On “Highdrate” the mixture of pop and folk gives the song a bit of beauty about it, and Solo Star’s voice has a richness to it. Bossa Nova inflections skitter about on the playful “Star Power”, by far the highlight of the album. The usage of neon-hued beats further adds to the song’s appeal.

A rather lovely melody emerges on the confessional approach of “Nights On Fire”. Raw with a great degree of edge comes through with “Rugged (Interlude)”. Bass rumbles through with a physicality on “American God”. Hard-edged “T.A.T.O.” has a muscularity and fragility to it, never neatly settling into either. Full of a celebratory spirit, the carefree “Neon Nights” has a party attitude to it. Minimalism defines the rather low-key introspection of “The Glow”.

Solo Star’s “SOLO”: The Ballad Of Solo Star” revels in its uncanny ability to explore an entire lifetime. It is an incredibly great introduction to an emcee that we expect will continue to release DOPE music for years to come.

Stream and Share “SOLO”: The Ballad Of Solo Star” on Spotify

Interview: Singer-Songwriter EMA Discusses Her New Video "Love Languages"

“When I was writing “Love Languages”, I loved the idea of the five love languages and how they’re so important to identify in a relationship or friendship to fully love the people around you the way they understand it.”

— EMA

Congratulations on the release of your new single "Love Languages", and its music video. Tell us about your creative process for the song itself, and the inspiration behind its writing.

Thank you so much! I actually am so grateful to have had such an amazing small team to help support me with this project. The original idea for a song like this strived from one of my many inspirations, Adele.

Growing up, I’ve always loved watching Adele’s performances and hoping to one day be able to write music that showcases my vocals like her pieces “Hello” & “All I Ask”. Taking some inspiration from that, along with experiences I’ve had in my life, I was able to write a song that I could sing out in, while holding the lyrics close to my heart. However, it wasn’t all easy. I wanted to build a gorgeous bridge with lots of string instruments supporting a softer line. With the help of my vocal coach, Aline Martin, we were able to figure out what fit best for the bridge!

How did you come up with the treatment for the "Love Languages" visual, which you directed? Do you plan to direct your future videos as well?

Going to University for Media Production, I’ve been able to learn lots about film and direction. I have directed and produced plenty of shows in the past, and I got the hang of what is needed to be done in short and large scale projects.

I knew that if I wanted to create a music video for my own song, I could do it all by myself if I needed to. I gathered some of my classmates in my program who have also had experience in production, and we got to work. I booked out a studio space that felt reflected the song, and filmed the whole thing in less than 4 hours. I edited the film myself as well, and had it all done in around 1-2 weeks.

I would love to continue directing my music videos in the future, because I love the creative freedom that comes with it, and achieving exactly what you envisioned.

When you are working on new songs, what are some things/people/places that inspire you creatively? Also, what do you look for in the production that you write to?

I try to capture experiences I’ve been though before, or write about concepts I’m interested in. When I was writing “Love Languages”, I loved the idea of the five love languages and how they’re so important to identify in a relationship or friendship to fully love the people around you the way they understand it.

In terms of production, I love to jot down what I’ve heard in the past, taking inspiration from my favourite artists at the time and using that to build my own sound and song.

Will "Love Languages" be featured on an upcoming EP or album? If so, what can you tell us about the project?

I’m actually releasing the acoustic version of “Love Languages” on August 20th; so we aren’t quite done with the project yet!

This song is so special to me and I wanted to capture as much attention as possible to the single and really get creative with what I can do with it.

I’m currently releasing that version and another single soon, and hopefully am looking forward to doing another EP in the future!

With "Love Languages" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?

I really want to keep building my fan base and audience. I love everyone who listens and engages with my content currently, but I feel as though I have separate audiences for all my social media platforms.

I hope to keep building my brand and start getting loyal followers who look forward to my releases and content!

Stream and Share “Love Languages”

Connect with EMA: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter

Interview: Trenton, NJ Rap Artist/Producer Solo Star Talks About His Debut Album "SOLO": The Ballad of Solo Star"

“I forced myself to explore who I am and how I got here. Attempting to be more vocally introspective, which isn’t an easy thing for an introvert like me.”

— Solo Star

Congratulations on the completion and release of your debut album "SOLO": The Ballad of Solo Star"; tell us about your creative process for its nine songs, and who provided production.

Thanks. I wanted my debut to be a proper introduction to the world. So going in, my #1 goal was to be as honest as I possibly could not only with them, but with myself as well.

I forced myself to explore who I am and how I got here. Attempting to be more vocally introspective, which isn't an easy thing for an introvert like me. I aimed to produce the whole project myself, but I'm a firm believer in creative fluidity.

You write however many songs and then you sit back and pick the ones you like the best. So I ended up having six of the nine production credits; Baghira has two and jangO has the last song to make the cut, “Highdrate”.

Would you say that the album has an overarching theme or concept to it?

Authenticity. Whether it makes you look cool or not. A vast majority of hip-hop artists only allow themselves to be authentic with the socially acceptable parts of themselves. I wanted to give listeners unfiltered access and I feel like I accomplished that.

Do you plan on releasing music videos for any of the tracks on the album? If not, what song from it will you be dropping next?

I am actually in the middle of producing a short film to accompany the album. That will most likely be the only visual aid this project will get. This album was a passion project, so I just want to execute my vision and then let it speak for itself.

It's not the most "commercial" body of work, so I won't treat it as such. However, I will be editing and releasing cuts of individual tracks as music video substitutes.

Were there songs that you recorded for the album that you decided not to include on the final track list? If so, why did they not make it?

The track list was originally set for eight songs and I ended up writing around 22. I had songs with collaborations that didn't get completed on time and some that I couldn't get the instrumentation to sound the way I wanted. So when I finally narrowed it down to nine, I just added an extra song so I could be done with it.

What can you tell us about your media company, The Independent Superstar Network? What are your goals with the company?

The Independent Superstar Network is a media conglomerate dedicated to educating, empowering and broadcasting independent creators in the arts and entertainment fields.

The goal is to provide a viable platform for artists of various concentrations to showcase their genius. From art and music to film and TV; independent creators need a place to display it all and that's what we hope to give them.

I'm currently developing a small lineup of original shows for our online channel, IndieStarTV™ and my short film will be released exclusively through that imprint. I am the President; the sole creative director; and the main source of talent for our upcoming slate of programming.

Hopefully this will only be temporary as I'm actively vetting potential sponsors and collaborators to assist with increasing the reach of the platform.

With "SOLO": The Ballad of Solo Star" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?

PERFORM! PERFORM! PERFORM!

That's all I really want to start doing. Honing and perfecting my live show is the most important thing for me to start doing. Preferably as soon as humanly possible and without killing myself in the process.

I'll most likely start live-streaming until the pandemic situation resolves itself. Then you'll find me anywhere and everywhere that I'm legally allowed to perform.

Stream and Share “SOLO: The Ballad Of Solo Star”

Connect with Solo Star: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | YouTube

Interview: Philly Based Teen Rap Artist Princess Rock Discusses Her New Single/Video "Automatic"

“I wanted to bring something different to the table; I’m all about positivity and putting negativity way behind me. That includes anybody fake, it’s a dub.”

— Princess Rock

How did you get started rapping, and who are some artists that have influenced you artistically?

I started rapping at the age of 9 but way before then I performed about two times so the feeling of being onstage I loved it I wasn’t even rapping then.

I started out as a group with a friend of mine and we were rapping and once we performed my parents discovered my love for performing and rapping. Some of my music inspirations are Teyana Taylor, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Big Sean, and MC Lyte.

We're blown away by your new single/video "Automatic"; tell us about your creative process for the song itself and what inspired you to write it.

I wanted to bring something different to the table; I’m all about positivity and putting negativity way behind me. That includes anybody fake, it’s a dub.

How did you and the director come up with the treatment for the "Automatic" music video?

Well, I didn’t come up with the treatment of the video, my dad (St Basil), actually came up with it, but the video was real basic, just how I wanted it, stuck right to the song perfectly and I loved it.

Will "Automatic" and "Doo Wop" be appearing on an upcoming EP or album? If so, what can you tell us about the project?

Yes it is; it’s gonna basically be about 7-8 songs and I’m really excited about it. I’m writing my own music so I’m really excited to be able to express myself because I’m not always feeling the same way, so I get to show different parts of me, but it’s still in the works hopefully it’s out soon.

As an artist still in high school, do you find it difficult at times to juggle school and your musical aspirations?

I’m getting there! It’s tough trying to juggle not only school and my career but my personal life as well, but I’m gonna keep pushing because this is my passion!

What are some of your goals musically for the next five years?

I’m gonna keep grinding no matter if I get anywhere in 5 years; I’m not sure where I’ll be but wherever God has me that’s where Imma be happy at.

Stream and Share “Automatic” on Spotify

Connect with Princess Rock: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud

Interview: Chuck Smith Talks About His Song "Shoulder Shrugs", Off His New Album "CHUCK"

“I would say that “CHUCK” is more of a personal album. It deals with the struggles that I have been going through over the past couple years.”

— Chuck Smith

Salute to you on the release of your track "Shoulder Shrugs", which appears on your latest project "CHUCK". Tell us about your creative process for this song, and the album overall.

My creative process for this song was strange. We were coming up on month 5 of making the album and we needed to start finishing things up. My producer YoungLyn and I just wanted to create something new, and he began to play the begging chords of “Shoulder Shrugs”. I Instantly told him to get that down and we began to create the beat. As he was creating the beat I was just singing some melodies and it became the “Shoulder Shrugs” chorus.

What’s cool about the album is every song came about a different way. We had different ways of creating each song. Sometimes I would have lyrics already pre written and they would fit perfectly on one of YoungLyns beats. Sometimes I would write lyrics off the spot for certain songs. It’s all very different depending on what mood and mind space I was in at the time.

Will you be releasing a music video for "Shoulder Shrugs", or any other of the tracks on the album?

I will be releasing a music video for my song called “Demon Dance” off of “CHUCK”. And I have a new video that I am currently shooting for a new song “Who We Are”, which is dropping soon.

How would you compare "CHUCK" to your first album "My Own Little World", from a sonic and thematic standpoint?

I would say that “CHUCK” is more of a personal album. It deals with the struggles that I have been going through over the past couple years. I wanted to create something that left the listeners feeling like they knew who I was and that they could relate to the types of things I went through. Whereas “My Own Little World” (MOLW) is an album that has a space exploration theme and even the sounds used on the album gives it a futuristic spacey theme.

MOLW was a fun album and it’s one big metaphor really. Space is the end goal. Space = Fame and I am trapped in my own little world trying to get my music to the masses. This path has always felt like a mission and I wanted to create almost a comic for this journey, and that was “My Own Little World”.

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

My music is Fresh, Energetic, and Original.

With "Shoulder Shrugs" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2021?

For the remainder of 2021, I am going to be working on my next album! I will be dropping a couple music videos on my YouTube soon, and I will continue to keep pumping out content for my fans!

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

Connect with Chuck Smith: Twitter | Instagram

Review: "Saved By The Bag" Album by ItsFee

Chicago based rap artist ItsFee displays true finesse and a sense of fury on the intense rush of “Saved By The Bag”. Trap, hip-hop, ambient, and R&B all come together to create this dense mix. Attention to detail feels impeccable. His cleverness in speeding up and slowing down his flow show off his unusually wide range.

On the hard side ItsFee raps with ease as the verses are spit out at a hyperkinetic speed. For the slower pieces, he shows off his clever storytelling, as the word choice features a great deal of wordplay. References abound and race through.

The references abound throughout the album, especially heavy on the classic side of things. With his velocity during the faster paced pieces, ItsFee touches upon the magic of Busta Rhymes in terms of how rapid fire his delivery can be. Many of the arrangements possess a degree of unpredictability as there is a geometric quality to the works, with the beats folding and unfolding into each other like Danny Brown’s most fevered dreams.

On “ItsFee 101”, ItsFee sets the mood for the work, featuring some sheer physical presence. Very clever usage of samples race on through, as the woodwind give it a symphonic quality. There is a degree of swagger with “MBT”, featuring NamedBran, as the whistling has an intensity to it. Layers intermingle giving “Paparazzi” a grandeur. Beats hit with such velocity on the pitch shifts of “Picture Dat”. Tempos get slowed down on the luxurious “Beat Beat”, with Keem Singing”, one of the highlights of the album.

Stripped down to the essentials is the thoughtful “I Do’s It”. Elements of tech enter into the fray with “On Elon”. Pure grit sculpts the wide-eyed “Feeling Myself”, featuring Double Ave & DB. Woozy to its core is the dreamy “Fukumean”. Poppy aspects move to the forefront on the communal “Remember”, featuring Aliana. Bringing it all to a close is the delicate “Got 2 Go”.

“Saved By The Bag” shows off the undeniably strong style of ItsFee in tying together old school and nu school influences in a way that is truly his own.

Stream and Share “Saved By The Bag” on Spotify

Stream "SOLO": The Ballad Of Solo Star”, the Debut Album by Solo Star

DCWS is excited to introduce you to Solo Star, a talented rap artist, producer and songwriter from Trenton, NJ. At 13, he began writing music and discovered his passion for rapping. He would spend the next 5 years honing his craft by recording uncut demos and feature verses for other artists in Trenton. Though rooted in Hip-Hop, you can hear Pop, Funk, Soul and even Rock influences in his music. Undoubtedly a result of his oddly eclectic, yet surprisingly well-rounded musical tastes. With influences that range from 2Pac and Kanye to Michael Jackson and Fleetwood Mac, you can easily figure out why he pushes the boundaries of genres so frequently.

Following the release of his lead single “American God”, last month, Solo Star has unveiled his nine track debut release "SOLO": The Ballad Of Solo Star”, the culmination of almost 10 years of learning and training. The project is just the beginning of the road for this wordsmith in a world that no longer cares about words.

“SOLO: The Ballad Of Solo Star” has been billed as an audible journal entry, complete with unabashed honesty and genuine vulnerability. A window into the mind, heart and soul of a man dedicated to his sole purpose on this earth… Music.

Listen to “SOLO: The Ballad Of Solo Star” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Solo Star on his website and social media. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive Q&A with Solo Star, as well as our in-depth review of his debut album coming soon!

Stream and Share “SOLO: The Ballad Of Solo Star”

Connect with Solo Star: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | YouTube

Interview: Chicago's ItsFee Discusses His New Album "Saved By The Bag"

“This is where I’m from where I’m at and where I grew up and got an education in multiple ways.
Chicago influences my music as much as it has influenced me. I’m Chicago’s very own like WGN channel 9.”

— ItsFee

Tell us about how you got started writing rhymes and who some artists were that inspired you when you were younger.

I started rapping in high school and it just progressed from there. I’ve been making music seems like forever. I’ve forgotten more verses/songs than most people will ever write.

Artist wise 2Pac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Nas, Outkast, Big L, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Royce 5’9, LL Cool J, Wu-Tang Clan, Twista, T.I., DMX, The Lox, Redman, and Ludacris just to name a few.

Congratulations on the release of your album "Saved By The Bag"; tell us about your creative process for the development of the project and how long it took to complete.

The album as a whole took about 9 months to complete. But then due to the pandemic the release was put on hold for around the same amount of time.

There wasn’t much to the creative process as far as the writing goes I pretty much knew what I wanted to use for the project.

Beat selection and post production were probably the two things I spent the bulk of the time on.

Of all the DOPE songs on the album, what led to you deciding to shoot a video for "MBT", and will any more visuals be shot?

“MBT” just had a whole vibe. Its fun, witty, catchy and motivational all at the same time. Basically couldn’t not make it a video.

We did a total of three videos for this project that are out and available on my YouTube channel. Every video serves it’s own very specific style and purpose.

How would you say that the city of Chicago influences the music that you create?

This is where I’m from where I’m at and where I grew up and got an education in multiple ways.

Chicago influences my music as much as it has influenced me. I’m Chicago’s very own like WGN Channel 9.

With "Saved By The Bag" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?

Continue to put out consistent dope content. Pressure and more pressure.

Connect with ItsFee: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Banaati Unveils Ethereal "Love Again" EP, Featuring Singer-Songwriter Brandon Mignacca, on Monstercat

After making his Monstercat debut earlier this year, Swedish progressive house producer Banaati returned to the label with his dreamy EP, ‘Love Again’. Brandon Mignacca’s soothing vocals on the title track pull at listeners’ emotions, reminding them of once-forgotten memories. Spanning three originals including “Elderflower”, “Dream Valley” and their respective extended mixes, ‘Love Again’ perfectly captures the serenity of the Budapest wilderness through the atmospheric pads, ambient synth melodies, and deep basslines.

Banaati shares, “I’m so incredibly happy to finally release these songs! Ever since I first debuted ‘Love Again’, I have received tons of questions regarding its release so it feels great to finally get these out. Last year when I spent a few weeks in the mountains outside of Budapest, I felt particularly inspired by the calming mystique the rainy weather contributed with. The sounds, the colors, and the smell of petrichor triggered a feeling within myself that I wanted to capture with ‘Dream Valley’ & ‘Love Again’. Brandon's contribution to 'Love Again' is just simply outstanding and it has truly been a pleasure to have worked with him. Undoubtedly, he elevated the project to a whole new level!”

Brandon Mignacca adds, “A somber yet hopeful journey into the musical world of Banaati, that I had the honor of singing upon.”

Listen to “Love Again” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Banaati on his social media.

Stream and Share “Love Again”

Connect with Banaati: Instagram | Facebook

Interview: Melbourne Based Singer-Songwriter Pomaa Discusses Her Debut Single "I Can't Wait 'Til This Doesn't Matter"

“The way my songs end up depend a lot more on how it feels when I sing them and whether I’m excited about the melody/lyrics or not.”

— Pomaa

Tell us about your creative process when you are developing new music.

I mainly start on guitar/keyboard by finding a chord progression that I like and trying to sing a melody over it - just whatever comes into my mind at the time. Sometimes this will come with words and other times I scroll through my Google Keep notes to see if anything fits. I love writing lyrics and the volume of notes on my phone is getting a bit ridiculous at this point haha.

I don't really have a set process and prefer to just see what takes shape. It's always easier when my expectations aren't too high for a song cause that allows it to form naturally and in its own time. The way my songs end up depend a lot more on how it feels when I sing them and whether I'm excited about the melody/lyrics or not.

Congratulations on the release of your debut single "I Can’t Wait ‘Til This Doesn’t Matter"; what inspired you to write the song and was it self-produced?

Thank you! It's been wonderful to finally share my music with the world. I wanted to write something that everyone could relate to. When I'm getting into a bit of an overthinking spiral, I try to tell myself that it won't always be like this and one day this problem just won't matter anymore. I remember thinking to myself, “I can’t wait 'til this doesn’t matter” and it really resonated with me – so I wrote a song around it!

Yes I produced this one myself. When I'm making demos I always say that I don't want to plan everything out but then I get carried away and arrange the whole song. I had the pleasure of working with Women In Stereo to mix and master the track and they really encouraged me to stay with the original arrangement cause it already worked so well.

Do you plan on releasing a music video for "I Can’t Wait ‘Til This Doesn’t Matter" next? If not, is there a follow up song on the way?

I don't have a music video unfortunately! But I'm always writing songs. I'm currently doing a 10 week songwriting challenge and I'd love to put out a "best of" collection from it. It's not very often that I write to a prompt so it can feel like I'm working backwards in a sense. I think of myself as a songwriter first so it would be nice to showcase that prompt writing skill in a collection of songs.

Would you say that the city of Melbourne influences you in terms of the topics that you write about?

Potentially at a subconscious level? I definitely didn't write as much before I moved here in 2020. I feel like there are more opportunities in Melbourne, to perform and connect with other musicians, so I think that inspires me to keep doing what I'm doing.

What are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2021?

I'm hoping to do more gigs this year but Melbourne has been having snap lockdowns every few months for most of the pandemic. At the moment it's really hard to gauge when things will normalize. Other than that, I'm also working on some songs for an EP and looking to have those written and demoed by the end of the year.

Connect with Pomaa: Instagram | Facebook

Interview: Pop Artist Taylor Esposito Talks About Her New Single/Video "Kiss Me Like It's Not Over"

“My fans will hear me go back on certain periods of what I’ve been through since I was a teenager. Purpose and manifestation will be the main themes of the album.”

— Taylor Esposito

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

Passionate. Soulful. And multi-dimensional.

Congratulations on the release of your new single/video "Kiss Me Like It's Not Over"; tell us about your creative process with writer Mezo Riccio, and producers Andy Anderson and Michael Ferguson.

The creative process with them was challenging, but in a good way. During my studio sessions, they pushed me in a direction beyond what I thought I was able to accomplish vocally. It was definitely a great experience.

Your music video for “Kiss Me Like It’s Not Over” is incredible; how did you and the director come up with its treatment?

The video was a collaborative effort between executive producer Brian Anthony and creative director/choreographer Todd Sams (who choreographed Usher’s “You Don’t Have To Call” and Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love”).

The treatment was created around the music, the instrumentation mostly inspired it for them to give the video a cosmic cool futuristic vibe.

If you could have any artist be featured on a remix to "Kiss Me Like It's Not Over", who would you select?

Rihanna. That’s a no brainer!

Can you tell us anything about the album you're working on that "Kiss Me Like It's Not Over" will be featured on? Do you have an album title in mind yet?

The album is very introspective and it has a personal meaning to me. My fans will hear me go back on certain periods of what I’ve been through since I was a teenager. Purpose and manifestation will be the main themes of the album.

Sonically, you can expect pop music coming from a soulful place.

As for the title, it’s a surprise and I can’t wait to share it with the world sometime next year!

With "Kiss Me Like It's Not Over" released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?

Depending on the evolution of the current pandemic, I am hoping for possible touring and performances.

Stream and Share “Kiss Me Like It’s Not Over” on Spotify

Connect with Taylor Esposito: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Stream "Saved By The Bag", the New Album by Chicago Rap Artist ItsFee

“Saved By The Bag” is the DOPE newly released album by Chicago based rap artist ItsFee. The album features NamedBran, Double Ave DB, Keem Singing and ItsFee’s 8 year old daughter, who is singing on Track #11, “Remember”.

“Saved By The Bag” includes production from Tahj Money, Dj. Pain1, Yung Lando and more. As ItsFee states, the album “goes top to bottom, from the production to the lyrics, no filler no filter”.

Trust us when we tell you that ItsFee’s album is fire. Listen to it for yourself below, connect with him on social media, and be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the album, and our interview, coming soon.

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Lovers and Friends RnB and Hip-Hop Festival Returns on Saturday, May 14th, 2022

The Lovers & Friends Festival, presented by Live Nation, Snoop Dog and Bobby Dee, will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds Saturday, May 14, 2022. As one of the world’s largest R&B and Hip Hop festivals, Lovers & Friends will treat fans to rare, blast-from-the-past performances from legendary artists including Usher, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ciara, Ludacris, Ashanti, TLC, Trey Songz and many others.

The full festival lineup is: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Usher, Ludacris, Lil Jon, TLC, Ciara, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Trey Songz, Brandy, Monica, Nelly, Akon, Sean Paul, T-Pain, Lil Kim, Boyz II Men, Xscape, Timbaland, Fabolous, Jodeci, Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Eve, Cassie, Fat Joe, The-Dream, Ma$e, Twista, Sean Kingston, SWV, Mya, Cam’ron, Trick Daddy, Pretty Ricky, Dru Hill, Next, 112, Joe, Donnell Jones, Foxy Brown, Trina, Tweet, Amerie, Kelis, Ying Yang Twins, Mike Jones, Montell Jordan, Nina Sky, Jon B, Baby Bash, Frankie J, Mark Morrison and Kevin Lyttle, with sounds by Soulection.

GA tickets start at $175 and VIP tickets start at $300. Cabanas, which include tables of eight, will also be available for $10,000.

Connect with Lovers & Friends Festival: Website

Interview: North Carolina Based Rap Artist Finesse Talk About Her New Single "Black Rose"

““Black Rose” is actually a continuation of a song I did on my last album called “Lady Chrysanthemum”. Its a story telling scene where a girl got caught up in the parties, the money she basically lost her way and she died.”

— Finesse

Big salute to you on the completion and release of your album “23709”, which features “Black Rose”. Tell us the development of the project and how long it took to complete.

The concept of “23709” was to go outside of my comfort zone and do something different. Growing up in the DC area all I seen was crime and drugs so when I first started getting into writing that's all I talked about. It seems like money, drugs and the high lifestyle is all you hear now in music I didn't hear any originality.

I had a conversation with my sister and she told me to be vulnerable and give the people what they need and that's a fresh sound. I dropped my first album “Crime Syndicate” 10 years ago and during that gap I lost my mom, lost family members and friends and once all of that happened I started writing again.

What was your creative process for “Black Rose” specifically, and what inspired you to write it?

“Black Rose” is actually a continuation of a song I did on my last album called “Lady Chrysanthemum”. Its a story telling scene where a girl got caught up in the parties, the money she basically lost her way and she died.

“Black Rose” is her sister who was doing good in school but then she started getting attention that threw her off her goals. In the song I said she went to visit her sister at grave site and that's when she got back on track and became successful. We a lot of celebrities fall victim to the fast life some live and some tragically died. And it happens in everyday life we have to fight battles that took us off our vision but it depends on the person if they want to move forward and press on.

Do you plan to shoot any music videos for tracks on the album?

I do plan on shooting a video for this song I want to go back to my old neighborhood in DC I used to hang out at and shoot.

I have the concept of me basically rapping on the steps and have an actress play Black Rose as it shows her journey from start to finish. As I'm rapping I'm in the background just telling the story.

Why did you select “23709” as the album title and how did you go about selecting the songs’ order from start to finish?

I actually have a tattoo that goes down my arm that says 23709. 23709 basically is the first number of the area codes I lived in. 237 being DC/MD/VA, 0 being UK and 9 being North Carolina.

Each song I wrote was a chapter in my life from growing up, being in and getting out the military after fighting a war, drug and alcohol addiction and beating that. The song ends with Nine showing love to NC and helping me with my growth not only as a person but spiritually.

With “23709” now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?

I am still writing getting different instrumentals from people I know that have that sound I like. I never said once this album was done that's is it I'm done. I still have a lot more in me to get out.

I give credit to those who constantly asked me when I was going to release more music and it took a while to get that feeling of going back in the studio. Since I'm able to write and craft my lyrics the way that I do I'm not putting any pressure on my just moving at my own pace. Hopefully the same vibe “23709” has, the next album will be just as dope.

Stream and Share “Black Rose” on Spotify

Stream and Share “23709” on Spotify

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Interview: A Certain Energy Discusses His New Single/Video "Foreign"

“When collaborating on the ideas on how to fully visualize “Foreign” we did something not many others could pull off: we went fully unscripted.”

— A Certain Energy

Salute to you on the release of your single and video "Foreign". You mentioned that you wrote it in 2019; tell us about your creative process for its development from then to now in summer 2021.

The creative process behind “Foreign” wasn’t an easy road. Lyrically, everything was set in stone, but production wise we went through so many renditions I honestly can’t remember what the first draft sounded like [laughs]. David Sinclair-Black and I have been working together since 2019 before he established Sinclair Media Group Limited, a record label turned marketing company.

“Foreign” was part of our early work together, but we knew it was a hit from the very start which explains why we held off on releasing it for so long. We had to make sure this song reached its full potential regardless of how long we withheld it from the masses. I spent countless nights just trying to figure out ways to make this song better whether it was the instrumentation, main vocals, or even adlibs. There was always something to tweak, and the more we made subtle tweaks the closer we got to the end product we have now.

The music video is the perfect visual representation of the track. How did you and the director come up with its treatment and how long did it take to shoot?

Amir [Hussain] and I got together around October 2020 to discuss the visual representation for “Foreign”. The crazy thing is we never met each other prior to this project. We had a mutual friend, Madison, that reached out to me about his work as a videographer. I was intrigued, because I’ve never heard of his work until we started communicating with each other. From then on it has been a partnership ever since.

When collaborating on the ideas on how to fully visualize “Foreign” we did something not many others could pull off: we went fully unscripted. We had three venues booked, but none of the scenes had a solid plan due to our original scripts not falling into place. The one thing I’ve always said to Amir though was that we would have to roll with the punches at some point during our venture together in this industry. That day came with our very first production together with “Foreign”. All in all it came together very smoothly.

We filmed in three different locations: Performance Venue in Indianapolis, IN, Alchemy Pole Fitness in Cleveland, OH, and BMZ Wheelhouse at our very own Fort Wayne, IN. I would say it took three full days of shooting which would be a day in each venue. Not to mention travel, because that took a heavy toll on us. At the end though you have to make some sort of sacrifices to make the end goal realistic. Putting it altogether though I’d say it took maybe… Three weeks? Maybe a month to put together fully until we submitted the final draft to David for distribution.

Can we expect to hear "Foreign" on an upcoming EP or album? If not, what do you plan on dropping next?

I do not plan on releasing any projects soon. I would love to, but that wouldn’t be a smart move on my end strategically. I do, on the other hand, have a single titled “Fake Love” coming out September 24th, 2021. Of course my right hand man Amir will be taking lead on directing the visuals for it! I personally believe it is better than “Foreign”. I’ll let everyone else decide though when the time comes.

Other than that Adam Eazy, my left hand in the industry, and I plan on dropping some incredible records after “Fake Love” releases with Sinclair Media Group Limited. I actually plan on leaving after the release of that song, and Amir, Adam, and I plan on opening up our own record label. Not announcing any further information on the label till we get the proper documentation. All I can say is we have some traction on the way.

Describe for us the influence that your father has had on you musically and how you represent your culture in your music.

If it wasn’t for my father early in my life I don’t think I’d be where I am today with my craft. I owe my career to that man. When I was a child he used to bring me to studio sessions. This was back when we lived in Guam and Saipan. He used to bring me to those sessions recording ballads. As time passed on we moved to the United States. That’s when he started introducing me to all sorts of genres. Everything from Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, Soul, Neo-Soul, Metal, the whole nine. I grew up listening to Snoop Dogg and John Mayer. Like c’mon. Those were my go-to artists growing up. Anyways, once he started showcasing genres he started teaching me the importance of the diaphragm for an artist and performance. All those little lessons as a kid annoyed every ounce of blood my body could hold [laughs], but at the end of the day I’m so thankful. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those lessons, his parenting, just everything.

So, when it comes to culture I try to not only represent my heritage, but other cultures as well. The way I do this is by studying other cultures. This can fall under anything from language, core beliefs, references to places, folklore, etc. I actually created a song where I speak Japanese. It hasn’t released yet. It’s just been sitting in the vault. That joint was mixed and produced by Adam Eazy as well. Also mastered by Bobby Balow of Raytown Productions in Maryland.

That comes hand in hand with my writing process. I’m influenced to write by daily life. So when I learn something new I’m inclined to put it in a song somehow, someway. Everything has a story, and I feel like it is my job to make sure that story is told.

With "Foreign" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2021?

My main goal for the rest of 2021 is to continue networking. It is an ongoing process, so there are many bridges to build. Not to mention so many songs to create.

This isn’t just a 2021 goal, but a lifelong goal. In order for this record label to be successful we will have to keep building even when we’re a household name. Like Nipsey always said “the marathon continues” well it surely does.

Stream and Share “Foreign” on Spotify

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