Aura Blaze Shares His New EP "Open-Mindedness"
Award-winning psychedelic rock/dream pop artist Aura Blaze continues his kaleidoscopic musical and philosophical evolution on the illuminating new 3-song EP "Open-Mindedness".
Award-winning psychedelic rock/dream pop artist Aura Blaze continues his kaleidoscopic musical and philosophical evolution on the illuminating new 3-song EP "Open-Mindedness". Aura Blaze is the brainchild of New Jersey-based musician Rhode Rachel, who writes, records and produces everything. This EP, out now, contains two new originals as well as is a cover of The Charlatans (“The Only One I Know”).
Speaking about "Open-Mindedness", Aura Blaze says:
“Featuring 3 tracks packed with blazing energy, neon color, and a swirling galaxy of texture and innovative sound design, I can say with confidence that the Open-Mindedness EP is one for the record books.
Let the cover art speak for itself as a glimpse into the atmosphere of this release, with the sanctity of transcendental introspection blossoming radiantly through what Aldous Huxley would refer to as the “mind’s antipodes,” or the regions of the mind that one may reach through intense meditation or psychedelic exploration. It is an honor to offer Open-Mindedness as an aural adjuvant towards a deeper discovery of self, acting as a cosmic catalyst for elevated consciousness.
Originally intended as an early summer release, the recording process has been met with no shortage of setbacks, including an external hard drive that decided to crash at a significantly inopportune time during production. Thankfully, I was able to revive the recording sessions and I am happy to finally bring this EP to life amidst the adversity that challenged its creation.
Between the aforementioned crisis, changing careers, and buying my first home, it has certainly been a busy and turbulent year but eternal doth the ardent spirit rise, breaching heights unimagined, in the direction of divinity made manifest.
Suffice it to say, the culmination of the conquering of these respective trials and tribulations have refined the essence of the Open-Mindedness EP, shaping it into the strongest Aura Blaze release to date with respect to both production value and unbridled aesthetic. I am overjoyed at the prospect of finally being able to share these tracks with you. I thank all of you for your continued support as well as your patience in the interim. Rest assured the wait shall be worth it.”
Fans of trailblazing psychedelic pop rock artists like Tame Impala, Ariel Pink, GUM, The Beach Boys, MGMT or Pond should enjoy this release. Listen to the EP now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Aura Blaze on his website and social media.
Stream "Working For a Future", the New EP From Miami Alt Rock Band Lochness Monster
Miami-based alternative rock Band Lochness Monster have released their 2nd EP "Working for a Future". Heavy, multi-layered and emotion-powered, this new release showcases Lochness Monster's knack for expansive, gripping rock music.
Miami-based alternative rock Band Lochness Monster have released their 2nd EP "Working for a Future". Heavy, multi-layered and emotion-powered, this new release showcases Lochness Monster's knack for expansive, gripping rock music.
“Working for a Future” includes 3 new songs (Atlas, Glass Jar, and Running Away) and an alternate version of one of their fan favorites, “Pendulum,” with Bruce Donaldson on vocals.
Andy Van Dette at Engine Room Audio NYC has mastered all of their material to date. James Paul Wisner recorded, mixed, and produced the alternate version of Pendulum.
“We pushed ourselves more during the songwriting process on this release and made sure we tried every avenue possible until the song sounded its best in a live environment. We didn’t put any time constraints on ourselves we just wanted to put out songs that we felt were at their best before we entered the studio phase and even in the studio there wasn’t a lot of adding extra layers to the song but more of an emphasis on presenting the song in its true form. The vibe I get from this release is it’s authentically us but hard to classify into a genre, and each song is like the yin to the others yang.” – Justin Shaner, Guitarist/Songwriter
“The journey we took working on this collection of music is one that has been challenging and rewarding for me in many different ways. It gave me an opportunity to express emotions and feelings from my life in a way that I feel others can connect with their own journey through life. I have found a new sense of patience working through the creative and recording process, in part due to external complications in the world, but mostly through spending time finding what it is I need to say in my art opposed to just what I want to say. My intention is that people find a message of hope and perseverance in the melodies and lyrics and also that they can find themselves in the story. I hope they can let go for a moment…and breathe out.” – Bruce Donaldson, Singer
Listen to “Working for a Future” now, stream in on Bandcamp and connect with Lochness Monster on their website and social media.
Stream and Share “Working for a Future” on Bandcamp
Connect with Lochness Monster: Website | Twitter | Instagram
South Florida's Tribal House Crew Unveil Three Mixes to Their Afro House Single "Afro Acid"
South Florida-based Tribal House Crew have released 3 mixes of their percussion-heavy new Afro House single "Afro Acid" via Underground Rhythm Records
South Florida-based Tribal House Crew have released 3 mixes of their percussion-heavy new Afro House single "Afro Acid" via Underground Rhythm Records. The Tribal House Crew is the brainchild of veteran DJ and producer Charlie Dee Diaz, a combination of his underground production with the vocals and songwriting of his wife, Maria Giambanco Diaz.
Originally from the Bronx, Diaz is a respected heavy hitter on the music scene, having DJ'd and produced since 1979. He's worked on many dance classics, 2 No. 1 Billboard hits, and had his track "Let's Go All the Way" licensed by Sony Playstation for 2014's “Grand Theft Auto 5“ T.V. and online campaign.
Today, Charlie Dee Diaz and his Tribal House Crew are focused primarily on afro house, a subgenre that embraces world music and indigenous percussion, all in service of the almighty groove.
Vibe out to the "Afro Acid" mixes below and connect with the Tribal House Crew on their website and social media.
Connect with Tribal House Crew: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Interview: Singer-Songwriter Roxanne Talks About Her New Single "Don't Break My Heart"
DCWS connected with Ottawa based singer-songwriter @roxannesrhythms for an exclusive interview to discuss her new single “Don’t Break My Heart”, which will appear on her debut solo album called “Love Rebel”, and much more.
“The song was inspired by love. It highlights the awe of falling in love juxtaposed with the fear of having a broken heart if the relationship should ever come to an end.”
What do you remember about singing or writing your first song and when did you realize that music is what you wanted to do as a career?
I always listened to music and sang along to songs from as early as I can remember. Back then, I never really thought of myself as a singer, but I sang because it was a great medium of self-expression for me.
As for songwriting, I wrote my first song when I was 15 and that’s when I realized that maybe I could pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. Every experience related to music that came after that confirmed my deep passion for music and my desire to make a career out of it. I especially knew I wanted to be a music artist once I began performing and recording music.
Speaking of recording music, congratulations on the release of your new single "Don’t Break My Heart”; what inspired you to write the song and who produced it?
The song was inspired by love. It highlights the awe of falling in love juxtaposed with the fear of having a broken heart if the relationship should ever come to an end. This song celebrates the feeling of being empowered by love while also being vulnerable.
As the singer-songwriter, I also produced this song but want to give a shout out to mastering engineer, Waleed Abdulhamid from PHS Studio and recording and mixing engineering, Jason Jaknunas at Metropolitan Studios, and musician Salah Adem for their support in the making of “Don’t Break My Heart”.
Can we expect a music video for "Don't Break My Heart" to follow the single's release?
I will be putting out a music video, so make sure to follow me on my social media platforms to catch the release of my upcoming music video coming soon.
Will "Don't Break My Heart" be appearing on an upcoming EP or album that you have in development? If so, what can you tell us about it?
I’m excited to announce that “Don’t Break My Heart” and some of my previously released solo singles will be appearing on my upcoming debut solo album called “Love Rebel’, which will be released in 2023.
All I can really say about the album is that I’m really proud of it because I believe that it’s my best work yet and I cannot wait to share it with fans!
What do you enjoy most about being a singer-songwriter and what would you say has been your favorite venue to perform at?
What I enjoy most about being a singer-songwriter is having the opportunity to create deeper connections through music; connections within myself while I’m writing music, connections with musicians whether rehearsing, performing, or recording, and connections with fans sharing the gift of music.
As for venues, it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite venue that I’ve performed at as I feel that all venues are so very different and offer such a different experience and vibe. But the most memorable performance so far was performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City because it’s Carnegie Hall.
How to Create a Unique Rap Style
40 years after its creation in NYC, emerging rappers are still introduced by record labels decades after this genre made its way to the mainstream. Making your mark as an aspiring artist can be challenging. To help you take a step up into the music industry, here’s a quick guide on creating a unique rap style to establish your name.
Hip-hop made its indelible mark on America’s culture. It has never stopped growing since it started on the streets of New York more than four decades ago. Its influence on different aspects of people’s lifestyles stands strong today, especially in music.
Rap is a music genre rooted deeply in hip-hop culture. It’s defined by rhymes, like poetry, but with musical components, sick beats, and angst. Emerging rappers are still introduced by record labels decades after this genre made its way to the mainstream.
However, making your mark as an aspiring artist can be challenging. To help you take a step up into the music industry, here’s a quick guide on creating a unique rap style to establish your name.
Find Your Inspiration
Both famous rappers and those with careers just starting to take off rely on inspiration. Moreover, making music is a matter of influence and motivation. Every musician has at least one artist they look up to— someone who made them dream of taking the stage.
Starting your journey as a rapper can be terrifying at first. You’re clouded with the question, ‘Am I going to make it?’ The answer will depend on how determined you are to ‘make it.’ All the hip hop legends that made music history were once in your shoes, but they made it to the top. Your passion for the craft and holding on to your inspiration will help you pull through.
Music is something people make out of what they’ve heard. Then, the individual experiences, thoughts, and emotions make their music unique. It’s the same when creating your rap style. Getting inspired by other artists’ work is the first step to cultivating your original sound.
Establish Your Identity As An Artist
Establishing your identity as a rapper is crucial to reaching success in the music industry. You’re working hard to build your name, which includes who you are and your purpose for making music.
Who you are as a person is a unique element you can mix with your music. Incorporating your personal experiences, struggles, victories, and even your mundane day-to-day life makes your music yours and only yours.
Your purpose is also what makes you distinct from other artists. Identify what drives your passion for this craft. Are you making music to express your emotions? Do you have a one-of-a-kind story to tell the world? How would you want people to know you? Your answer to these types of questions makes you unique.
Determine The Messages You Want To Speak About
Your identity should come with your messages. Rap focuses on word choices and meanings. These are the core elements of your music, so ensuring you’re writing original lyrics helps you create your mark.
The messages of your music reflect who you are. Some rappers choose to convey political or social issues. Because hip hop has political roots, this type of message is an ordinary thing. However, you can rap about pretty much anything under the sun.
When writing lyrics, do it from your heart. Write about what bothers you, no matter how trivial. You can also share experiences that affect you on a spiritual level. You can even start a musical and societal revolution through your music.
Find Your Tone And Vocal Style
Rapping is similar to singing. You have to find your tone and vocal style that sets you apart from other artists. You want people to hear your songs in public and immediately think of your name.
Your tone should always be appropriate to your messages and emotions. If you’re rapping about something that makes you angry, be angry. However, this should not be limited to your feelings. You can always rap with whatever technique you feel like creating. Thus, you can be emotionless or exaggerate.
Meanwhile, your vocal style blends your natural voice and articulation. Your speaking voice should be your foundation to avoid straining during long performances. Then, you can modify it by learning various vocal techniques and determining how you’ll articulate every word.
Say What You Want Unapologetically
If you want to stand out, be true to yourself. Creating a unique rap style results from being unapologetically honest about what you want others to hear.
It’s easy to conform to whatever’s popular in a world full of trending hashtags and viral videos. Conformity leads to a loss of identity, though. Your uniqueness allows you to do and say what you want, even if it’s not the ongoing trend.
When you rap, say what you want and don’t feel sorry for it. Don’t be controlled by what’s popular on social media and the issues and topics people want to hear. Create music that you would like to listen to and perform for yourself.
Conclusion
Creating a unique rap style means combining what you hear, who you are, and who you want to be as a rapper. Establishing your name in the music industry can be frustrating at times. However, you can achieve the sweetest victory by conquering the toughest challenges.
Interview: Philly Based Artist/Producer Dev Patrick Discusses His New Single "LOVE SONG"
Big thanks to Philly based artist and producer Dev Patrick who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to talk about his new single “LOVE SONG”, and much more.
“I’ve been making music since I was 13. Been at it for about 11 years now. Producing, writing, rapping, singing, everything. Made a lot of projects I later took down when I went to college, rebranded.”
What are some things/people/places that inspire you when you are working on new music?
It's hard to say what really inspires me because a lot of times ideas come to me when I’m not trying to create anything. I’m always humming melodies into my phone, on the run. I’ll be in the moment, feel something come over me and ideas just start popping up in every direction. It comes in many forms, in different places so I couldn’t really tell you. Because it's inconsistent. But when it's there, it's there and I don’t want to miss the moment to capture it. Because it never comes back.
Salute to you on the release of your dope new track "LOVE SONG"; tell us about your creative process for its development and what inspired you to write it.
The process for this song was pretty interesting. I found this beat on YouTube and liked how it sounded initially but figured it could use some enhancements.
I consider my production style to be fusionist; I have a hip-hop base but I like genre bending a lot! Give the listener something new to listen to.
A lot of producers use the same sounds you hear in other places but the product always feels limited in the way they use them; they like to keep it simple. I’m the opposite.
The beat was tagged as a Playboi Carti type beat so I bought it, then swapped a bunch of sounds, added an 8-Bit arp, this post-rock guitar and a bunch of background synths you might hear on something like “Purple Rain”.
The lyrics I was never crazy about but my friends liked it so I dropped it. I was just sitting in my dorm, had a girlfriend at the time and wrote a song about her.
Can we expect a music video for "LOVE SONG" to follow the single? Also, will the single be appearing on an upcoming EP or album this year?
There actually is a music video out right now, You can find it on YouTube as we speak! I just shot it with a friend on my webcam and went berserk with the editing. Shot it myself. As far as where the song ends up next, you’ll just have to see! Have some plans in the tuck.
How did you get started writing and producing music; and were there any artists/producers that you looked at as influential when you were younger?
I’ve been making music since I was 13. Been at it for about 11 years now. Producing, writing, rapping, singing, everything. Made a lot of projects I later took down when I went to college, rebranded.
The artists that got me into music mostly are Kanye, Black Eyed Peas, and Gorillaz. 2009 was a hell of a year for me. Pop was going in a different direction that was completely unfamiliar and I fell in love with it and wanted to emulate it.
I started out trying to be a YouTuber and wanted my friends to make a mixtape with me for the channel. We finished it but it was awful lol. But my heart stayed in it. My love for film transitioned into a love for music by my teens and the rest is history.
With "LOVE SONG" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2022?
I don’t want to give away too much, but there will be a lot more coming. I have the next 3 years mapped out. I have plans. Big plans.
Interview: Illinois Based Artist Griffin Bars Discusses His New Track "Dividends", Featuring Rockie Fresh
Check out our exclusive interview with Illinois based artist Griffin Bars who talks about his new single “Dividends”, with Rockie Fresh, and much more.
“When I saw the success Hopsin and Funk Volume had achieved at an independent level, that’s when I realized that it may indeed be possible to get myself in the industry. Especially now that I have this story to tell about my upbringing, I needed to get back at it.”
What are some things/people/places that have inspired you as an artist as you write and record your songs?
I’ve been influenced by so many great artists. Lil Wayne’s energy and lyricism I think really sealed the deal for me wanting to be a rapper at such a young age. Then I began writing and realized I wasn’t too bad at it. Kept going and I got better and better.
Around 15 I stopped everything when I entered the foster care system. More so because I didn’t really have a way to make or listen to music easily. In my last year in the system I was re introduced to hip hop by a friend of mine who wasn’t in the system. When I saw the success Hopsin and Funk Volume had achieved at an independent level, that’s when I realized that it may indeed be possible to get myself in the industry. Especially now that I have this story to tell about my upbringing, I needed to get back at it.
Above everything else, my biggest inspiration is the kids who are currently in the system. I want to be the example for the foster youth that you can achieve whatever you want despite your past situation.
Congratulations on the release of your new song "Dividends", featuring Rockie Fresh. How did you connect with Rockie and how did you decide on the instrumental provided by Nathan Spieser?
Me and Rockie connected via Instagram late 2021. After some conversations we decided a collaboration was the move. The beat was sent to me a couple weeks prior to connecting with Rockie, I was stumped on the 2nd verse.
I sent a pack over to Rockie and he absolutely killed that second verse. Which worked out perfectly because I no longer had to come up with a second verse.
With "Dividends" now released, what can we expect to hear or see next from you? Also, will "Dividends" be appearing on an upcoming EP or album this year? If so, what can you tell us about it?
“Dividends” will be on my first project “Lamborghini Day Dreams”. I will say though, it is a real dream come true having Rockie fresh on my album. I’ve always thought that he’s a great representation of the non drill Chicago rap scene and hip hop as a genre in general.
Aside from dividends, there are 11 other tracks on the project. Some songs are upbeat and go hard and on some songs I talk about my experiences in the foster care system and other struggles I’ve faced. We can expect to see that drop in the summer of 2022.
What do you look for in the beats that you decide to write to, and where do you generally find them?
I work with a few producers who send me beats regularly. When I hear a beat I really think I can do something with, it’s almost like it writes itself.
Seriously I just start thinking of bars and before i know it. We gotta verse, then another and another and then a hook. And it’s a wrap.
We're four months into a new year; what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2022?
2022 plans include dropping “Lamborghini Day Dreams. Some music videos for the project, and live events. The goals remain the same tho, make an impact and get the bag.
Stream and Share “Dividends” on Soundcloud
Connect with Griffin Bars: Instagram
Review: "Departures" Album by Super OK
Psychedelic rock, ambient, and grunge merge to form @wearesuperok intensely felt debut album, “Departures”. Check out our review of the album now!
Psychedelic rock, ambient, and grunge merge to form Super OK’s intensely felt debut album, “Departures”. Volume is a given for the sound holds absolutely nothing back. A degree of decadence runs through the entirety of the journey for this is a rich, carefully considered sound. From the vocals that swim through the din to the way that they let their amps simply sing everything here has an intrinsic beauty to it one that pops with so much color. Lyrics too feature an uncanny knack for storytelling with the evolution of the sound becoming at times life-affirming.
The Los Angeles based band’s sound brings to mind the revamped version of Tame Impala’s tripped-out rock musings. Much like that group, Super OK harnesses a purely physical force. Everything on here too features a degree of interplay that is absolute bliss to fully behold. On the psych sound of things, Super OK would be in good company with the likes of much of Riot’s Season’s roster, for they too have a modern take on some of the trippy aspects of rock. Constant twists and turns help to make much of the work completely unpredictable.
“East Us Alive” starts the “Departures” album off with gusto as they propel the listener into their own aural universe. Things slow down a bit on the reflective stance of “Break the Faith”. With a hint of prog rock, “Traitorous” has a spidery aspect to it for it weaves a rather fascinating web. On “616” the song bursts at the very seams, with a blown-out presence and a driving groove. Drumming features a jazzy tact with “Debt”.
Shoegaze dynamics allow “Push” the right degree of dreaminess. Nearly angelic “Lease” has a purposeful aspect, calming at times. Drums hit with a persistence on “Same Cage”. “Agamotto” revels in the whole band’s exquisite chops with each reiteration of the theme bringing evermore chaos. Sprawling out into the infinite “Superego” has a meditative presence. By far the highlight, “Land” combines all that came before it into a sprawling yet cohesive whole. So lovely, Super OK’s post-rock leanings are most prominent on here. Fuzzed-out “Half Past Nothing” has a punk ethos. With “Rising Tide” they end things on a thought-provoking note.
“Departures” features the exquisite nature of Super OK for the atmosphere virtually wraps itself around the listener giving it a fully immersive experience.
Stream and Share “Departures” on: Bandcamp | Spotify
Review: "Black Floyd" Album by Boonie Mayfield
Check out our in-depth review of the newly released album entitled “Black Floyd” by Los Angeles based artist/producer/actor/filmmaker Boonie Mayfield right now!
A distinct sun-drenched neurosis informs Los Angeles based artist/producer/actor/filmmaker Boonie Mayfield’s luxurious “Black Floyd” album. Production glistens for the mastering is done with such care. With a seemingly timeless sound, Boonie combines the old and new into something quite distinctive. Easy to get lost in, the differentiation between every work has a considered quality to it. Yet, there is a similarity within the scope of the album that helps to bind the whole experience together.
On the crate-digging side of things, many of the elements incorporate some of Adrian Younge’s careful arrangements. To ensure that the tracks have an accessibility, the beats and melodies waft on through taking their time in fully unfurling. Nods to Anderson .Paak emerge throughout the entirety of the album as well, for each piece seems to feed int a much larger narrative.
By seemingly allowing these songs to come together to create these intersecting experiences, there is a communal presence. Additional little touches such as the reference to a tape starting up are rather fine, pointing to Boonie’s own background in audio design and are quite welcome.
“Intro (The Bigger Picture)” featuring Revanon sets the tone for what follows – a reflective stance. Quite inventive “Bootsy Collins (All Day)” brings together beatboxing and lyricism with a cleverness that is a joy to behold. Eerie cryptic wheezes take hold on “The Doubt Monster (Whenever I Go)”. Going for a slow-burn “Dream a Mile High” lets the tempos lean back as the graceful groove rolls through. Highly delicate “While Black (Red Light, Blue Light, E’s and R’s)” the drumming on here alongside the nimble piano work stuns, making it the highlight of the album.
Kept to the bare bone essentials “Bass’d on a Birdwatcher (Make It Better)” has a theatrical quality. Tremendous buildup gives “So Much Fire” a satisfying finale. Confrontational “The Self Made Era” has a raspy quality that makes it visceral. With “@Yourlife (Give It Something More)” has an intricate effect to it. Beats hit with a ferocity on “Upside Johead”. Going for a bit of the topical comes “Quarantine Love (You’re the Only One)”. An early 90s flair ties together “Whatchagonnadoo” right down to the perfect sense of swagger. Wrapping it all up comes the finale of “Outro (A Good Place)”, featuring Giane Morris Vaughn.
The “Black Floyd” album shows off the exquisite storytelling of Boonie Mayfield with a flawless flow that features a large amount of depth to it, incorporating details that make it truly feel truly lived.
Stream and Share “Black Floyd” on Spotify
Interview: Los Angeles Based Rock Band Super OK Talk About Their Debut Album "Departures"
Big thanks to Benjamin, Davey, Drew and Kat from the LA based rock band @wearesuperok who connected with DCWS for an exclusive Q&A to discuss their recently released debut album “Departures”, and much more.
“The creative process behind this album was pretty loose and continually evolving. Sometimes one of us would come to the band with a whole composition and parts all figured out, and sometimes one of us would bring a starter riff that everyone developed their parts around.”
Where did the band's name, Super OK, originate and how did the four of you meet and then decide to unite and create music together?
The name "Super OK" came from Benjamin, who has a tendency to express enthusiasm by putting the word "super" in front of other words that don't really benefit from that word preceding them ("Let's meet at 7?" 'Yeah, I can super do that!').
As far as how we all met, well, we think that's a fun story - Benjamin, Davey, and Kat have all known each other for years and our friendships started in Somerville, Massachusetts. Benjamin and Kat had been roommates since 2012, and Ben met Davey in 2014, forming an immediate bro bond over video games and music. In 2015, we banded together temporarily for a Somerville festival called Porchfest - which is basically what it sounds like, bands throughout the town playing on their porches and lawns during an assigned "set time."
None of us realized at the time that we'd become a band, but later that year, Benjamin (who always wanted to move back to LA) and Kat started dating, and Davey started dating his partner (who also wanted to move to LA), we ended up moving to LA around the same time 2018 and found apartments a mile away from each other. That's when we started to wonder if more musical chemistry was there and we could do something with it. We began hanging out and jamming on covers, then Benjamin and Davey both introduced some riffs they'd been working on, and it quickly became a much longer list of all originals we were playing and Super OK was born.
Within a year, we found a drummer and we had been getting songs together and hoping to get into the live music scene in LA when the pandemic hit and yeah, that plan got sidelined for a while. Jamming got put on pause, our drummer left, and with nothing else to do, we hottracked our goal of recording and ended up with a full 13-song album.
After we all got vaccinated and got back to in-person jamming, we started our search for a drummer again, and that's when we found Drew. Kat actually found via the r/losangelesmusicians subreddit - she made a post, Drew's girlfriend Amanda saw it, and sent Drew over to us. On his first audition, we knew he was the drummer for us. We had just released a single that week and he had already listened to it and reached out to congratulate us, made click tracks for the songs we asked him to learn - he was just a total professional, an excellent drummer, and a good friend to have around. We're really grateful we found him.
Congratulations on the completion and release of the band's debut album "Departures"; tell us about your creative process for the album's 13 songs and the headaches (if any) that came with recording it remotely.
Thank you! It was a true labor of love and patience for us. The creative process behind this album was pretty loose and continually evolving. Sometimes one of us would come to the band with a whole composition and parts all figured out, and sometimes one of us would bring a starter riff that everyone developed their parts around.
About half of the songs were written before the pandemic, while the others we had to figure out and feel out from a distance, which was quite the experience. Once the pandemic set in, we had so much creative energy without an outlet, so we decided to record this album as a passion project to get us through the isolation and anxiety we were all dealing with.
Benjamin and Davey taught themselves how to mix tracks so we could make decent demos to communicate our vision to our amazing producer Chris Harvey. At the end of the day - well, the end of the year, literally - we got it together and got it all done by meeting over Zoom, sending stems back and forth, just piecing it together as the pandemic dragged on.
So while there was a strong learning curve and a number of headaches - mostly stemming from version control, creating and saving presets, and the stark difference between how audio sounds in and out of the DAW - the three of us feel that recording this album is really what got us through the pandemic.
Can we expect any music videos to be released from the songs on the album? If so, which one(s)?
Yes! Right now we're in the pre-production phase for shooting a video for "Push," song #6 off of Departures. That video is coming sometime later in 2022, and we're really excited for the story that we're building with director and co-producer JohnMark Triplett.
With the nation opening up post-CV lockdowns, will the band be hitting the road and touring?
We'd love to get out there and play some shows - it's the #1 thing we're working on right now that we want to do next. We're still acquainting ourselves with the LA music scene and trying to figure out exactly how things work, and building the community we want to be a part of.
We've started chatting with promoters and venues, so as soon as we get a show, we'll be shouting about it from the rooftops!
Between Benjamin and Davey, how is it decided who will be lead vocalist on a respective song?
When we first started jamming on covers, the person to bring a song to the table was usually the one who sang since they knew it best and we all love to sing! From there, as Benjamin and Davey were writing more songs, they'd sing what they introduced and work on it with the band to develop the song's direction, backup vocals, and everything that makes a song have that Super OK feel.
Really, all four of us are songwriters at heart - Drew has a whole bunch of songs and Kat has a few she's working on as well. We're already working on a dozen new tunes and you'll hear more from Kat and Drew with this next batch.
We're still celebrating and promoting “Departures”, and at the same time, we're full-speed ahead with our next album's worth of songs and really can't wait to share the next phase of Super OK with the world!
Interview: Dallas-Fort Worth Artist/Producer Louie Sace Talks About His New Single/Video "Up Some Mo"
DCWS connected with Dallas-Fort Worth based artist/producer @lordlouiesace for an exclusive interview to discuss his recently released single/video “Up Some Mo”, and much more.
“DFW has influenced me a lot. You can hear it in some of my music. I can get real soulful with it because I lost a lot of partners to the streets and I like to paint a picture with the music”
We’re huge fans of your new single/video “Up Some Mo”; tell us about what inspired you to write and produce the track and how you connected with Str3tch, who’s featured on your other DOPE track “It’s Called”?
The idea came from, every move I have been making in this music industry, I have been climbing up more and more. From my music streams increasing, to meeting new fans every day, and finally making money from what I love to do.
Str3tch is my homie from my city of Fort Worth TX. I have a studio that Str3tch comes to record and that's where we connect and discuss music and come up with new ideas!
Can we expect to hear “Up Some Mo” on an upcoming EP or album release?
Yes, "Up Some Mo" is released as a single. We just released it and it's going crazy!
As a producer and artist, when you are developing a new song, do you generally produce the beat first and then write to it, or the other way around?
I go straight into production; I don't write my songs down and create them as I go!
How would you say that the Fort Worth and Dallas areas have influenced your music from a lyrical and thematic perspective?
I write a lot of my music about what I see going on in the DFW and my personal experiences and dealings with people out of Dallas-Fort Worth!
DFW has influenced me a lot. You can hear it in some of my music. I can get real soulful with it because I lost a lot of partners to the streets and I like to paint a picture with the music!
With “Up Some Mo” now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?
My goals are to continue on working on my craft, network and drop more music until I finally get their attention!
Indii G. Announces New EP “Riverhouse” and Drops Single "Dancing With Your Silhouette"
Rising rapper/producer/multi-instrumentalist Indii G. has announced the release of his new EP “Riverhouse” set for digital release on May 6th. In celebration of the announcement, he also shares the new single called “Dancing With Your Silhouette”, alongside a cinematic black & white music video.
Rising rapper/producer/multi-instrumentalist Indii G. has announced the release of his new EP “Riverhouse” set for digital release on May 6th. In celebration of the announcement, he also shares an intimate new single called “Dancing With Your Silhouette” alongside a cinematic black & white music video mirroring the emotionally raw nature of the track.
Indii reveals that, "Dancing With Your Silhouette” is a track telling a story of betrayal and then acceptance. The video, shot by Aaron Marsh, featuring my girlfriend and a few homies, portrays the story in a pretty nonlinear way. It was a ton of fun to shoot and I love the way it came out!"
Staying in the realm of the lo-fi alternative sound that Indii. G embraces, the 6 blissful tracks on “Riverhouse” emphasize polished guitar-forward instrumentation entwined with silky vocals and fresh rhythmic beats. All the songs were co-produced by Indii G. himself and mixed by Miles Walker.
The EP’s first single “Hampton,” served as a reach into the bedroom pop/indie pipeline. It soon proved itself as a stand-out track, earning features in established outlets such as LA Weekly, Billboard and Nylon. He went on to navigate feelings of jealousy in a budding summer romance with second single “Summer Nights,” utilizing trap drums layered over a dreamy guitar riff. Combined, these releases cemented a flourishing new stage in Indii G.’s musical journey.
Throughout his career Indii G has created music as a personal diary, putting his feelings into fruit for hip-hop heads and DIY chillwave enthusiasts alike; this EP is no exception to this. He explains that “Riverhouse is a collection of stories that in some ways represent a chapter of my life. To me, this project symbolizes me balling it up and leaving it all behind as I open the door to begin a new and better one."
Watch the music video for “Dancing With Your Silhouette” now, stream it on your preferred music service, and connect with Indii G. on his website and social media. Also, pre-order “Riverhouse” HERE.
Interview: Boonie Mayfield Discusses His Brand New Album "Black Floyd"
Major thanks to Los Angeles based artist, producer, actor and filmmaker Solomon Vaughn a/k/a Boonie Mayfield who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss his newly released album “Black Floyd”, and much more.
“All the tracks were written and produced months apart, so there was no pressure. I had to let the songs breathe. I didn’t want to overthink or overdo anything...”
Big salute to you on the completion and release of your new album "Black Floyd"; what was your creative process for the development of its songs?
Thanks, much appreciated! Well, it basically all started from me recycling a boom bap drum loop I produced years ago during my beatmaking days. I loved the way the loop sounded slowed down, so I ended up creating new songs to it as the ideas came to me. The tracklist is literally the order each song was made, which all started with “Bootsy Collins”. That was the first song I wrote after my 3-year hiatus from music due to burnout.
Months later, I continued to experiment with the same drum loop and made “The Doubt Monster” and “Dream a Mile High”. I wasn’t even sure at first if I wanted to release any new music to the public. But once I had those 3 songs finished, I decided to release them as an EP titled ‘Black Floyd: The One Man Band’. Then after 2 more sequel EPs were made in the following years, I combined the trilogy into a full album. And that’s BLACK FLOYD.
What does the title of the album represent and what were some triumphs and struggles you endured while working on it?
My favorite rock band is Pink Floyd, so it’s definitely a nod to them because I’m heavily inspired by their work. The ‘Black Floyd’ logo has a triangle for the letter ‘A’ as a tribute to the prism from their classic album, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. And the letter ‘O’ is a looping symbol with the number ‘1’ in it to symbolize both the drum loop and the one-man-band. It also represents being a black sheep and embracing individuality.
One of my main triumphs was simply making music again after 3 years, because it took a lot of time and healing for me to come back to it. Another one was being unafraid to use my singing voice even though I don’t consider myself much of a singer. This is definitely the most vulnerable I’ve ever been, so I’m proud of that.
As far as struggles go, there weren’t any issues with the process of making the music. The struggles usually come AFTER releasing it to the public for me; having to deal with the rejections, uncertainty and discouragement that comes with putting myself out there again. It’s like I said in “The Doubt Monster” track: “Fearing every time I try, my heart’ll break.”
Would you say that the 3-year hiatus from music was beneficial to you when it came to writing and producing the album?
Oh yeah, most definitely. At that point, the chip on my shoulder was gone. I no longer felt like I needed to impress anybody or prove anything as an artist or producer, so my whole mindset and approach changed. Rather than treating it as if I had to “make a comeback”, I allowed myself the freedom to just live my life and let the songs come to me.
All the tracks were written and produced months apart, so there was no pressure. I had to let the songs breathe. I didn’t want to overthink or overdo anything. My approach to songwriting definitely changed as well because I’m mostly singing and barely rapping. I really like how I’ve been able to get my point across more with less words.
You're not just a talented producer and artist, but an actor and filmmaker as well; what do you enjoy most about being in front of and behind the camera?
I actually realized what I enjoy most about it after a friend of mine pointed it out years ago. He told me that beyond all the different talents I have, I’m a storyteller. That made a lot of sense to me because I operate the same way with both music and video.
I’m a performer and I love telling stories that way, but I also enjoy writing, producing, directing, arranging and editing the captured moments. And that’s how I am with music too. It’s always been about telling stories in creative ways for me, even if it’s just an emotion or an observation.
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?
My own sound. That’s honestly been the best way I can describe my music when people ask, lol. I’m aware how descriptive words can trigger certain expectations from people, so I’m cautious with that. I could describe my music as “funky” to a stranger who thinks that word only applies to upbeat music to dance to. So, I’d rather them find out for themselves if they’re truly interested.
Sometimes the listening experience depends on a person’s own reference point. One of the people I played “Dream a Mile High” for said it sounded like The Beatles and g-funk. Another person thought it sounded like Andre 3000 and Pink Floyd. Those are all totally different types of artists, and I’m definitely influenced by all of them and more. But at the end of the day, my music sounds like me.
Stream and Share “Black Floyd” on Spotify
Connect with Boonie Mayfield: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Review: "The Spirit And Its Fruits" Album by Lynx Cane
London based rap artist and producer @LynxCane creates a truly remarkable, classy affair on the timeless hip-hop grooves of his newly released album, “The Spirit And Its Fruits”. Everything within the sound draws from multiple genres at once…
London based rap artist and producer Lynx Cane creates a truly remarkable, classy affair on the timeless hip-hop grooves of his newly released album, “The Spirit And Its Fruits”. Everything within the sound draws from multiple genres at once. The hybrid style ranges from chilled-out reggae to hip-hop to jazz to futuristic electronica to funk with so much more.
Word choice proves exceptional, for he proves to be a deft storyteller, a careful observer of culture, all framed within a distinct optimism. Multi-faceted and multi-layered these possess an incredible amount of depth to them. Verses possess a poetry of sort for these are tinged with just the right amount of sunlight to them, allowing them that degree of hope.
MF Doom’s sense of play and pacing definitely does factor into the overarching sound. Similar to MF Doom’s, there’s that joyousness that underpins the whole journey. Beyond this, nods to Flying Lotus’s eclectic style appears throughout for these have a more than a few takes from jazz’s looseness and willingness to experiment. Funk samples rumble on through, with a focus on the 70s that gives it a slight A Tribe Called Quest quality, especially their earlier work. However, Lynx proves exceptional at making this feel very much his own thing.
Samples plunge and out of perception with “El Roi”. Things keep up this reflective stance on “Fruits”, featuring engless for it unfurls slowly. Dub “Gold” has a luxury to it. On “Blessings”, with Mary Sue, the sound soars up into the sky. Deep chords give “The Spirit”, featuring Keagz*, a contemplation. Elements of dance music gets reinterpreted with “Kingdom”. Woozy “Fire and Brimstone” has Lynx doubling down on his sheer speed.
Absolutely soaked in nostalgia “Prideful”, featuring Clayhead & Swordbearer, proves to be the highlight of the entire collection. “Blossom”, featuring Somewhitekid, Jay Cinema, & Keagz*, has a communal presence. “The Day of Atonement” utilizes elements of faith in a thought-provoking fashion. A nice sunny interlude comes through with “Spread Love”. Bringing everything to a close is “Grief (Poem)”.
“The Spirit And Its Fruits” revels in Lynx Cane’s uncanny flow, one that combines the best of old school and contemporary rap while retaining a style distinctly his own.
Stream and Share “The Spirit And Its Fruits” on Spotify
Stream "Black Floyd", the Brand New Album by LA Artist/Producer Boonie Mayfield
Boonie Mayfield has unveiled his new project entitled “Black Floyd” and we want you to check it out; listen to this DOPE 13-track album now!
“Black Floyd” is the brand new 13-track album released by Los Angeles based artist, music producer, actor, filmmaker and educator Boonie Mayfield.
Speaking about the album, Boonie says -
“What started as a few casually made songs, became an EP. The following year, I produced a 2nd volume. Once the 3rd volume was ready for release this year, I decided to join the trilogy of EPs as a full album. And throughout the process, the project gradually evolved into a fantasy world concept of its own.
“Inner Demons” exist within all of us. Their sole purpose is to attack our minds until we give up on ourselves. They grow into subconscious “Doubt Monsters” and show no mercy as they prey on our fears. When monsters attack, we hope for heroes to come and save us. But in my case, I had to find the hero within.
I was on the brink of losing hope. My dreams nearly died but thankfully my “inner child” was still alive. My wild imagination reminded me of the days when I was a little kid creating superheroes, drawing my own comic books and trying to sell them to my mom for $5 a pop. As I tapped into those memories while working on this project, BLACK FLOYD formed into a band of musical superheroes made of characterized versions of myself. “Mi”, “Moss Elf” and “Eye” became the heroes within to fight the “Inner Demons” and protect my dreams in the world of my subconscious mind.
Working on this album the past three years was a life-changing experience. Externally, I found my sound. Internally, I found myself. And as a bonus, I found new and exciting ways for me to continue being creative in spite of my “Doubt Monsters”. Dealing with life as a human being is already difficult enough. Being a passionate artist in pursuit of an “unrealistic” dream adds another heavy pile of struggle, making it even more challenging to navigate mental health and the pressures of a harsh world.
This album is a culmination of the past few years of my life and how I’ve felt about a lot of different things. Social media. Racism. Mental health. Spirituality. Love. Ambition. And continuing to follow my heart.”
Profound words from a multi-talented musical creator. Listen to “Black Floyd” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Boonie on his social media and website.
Stream and Share “Black Floyd”
Connect with Boonie Mayfield: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Interview: London Rapper/Producer Lynx Cane Talks About His New Album "The Spirit and Its Fruits"
Major thanks to London based rap artist and producer @lynxcane for connecting with DCWS for an exclusive Q&A to discuss his new album “The Spirit and its Fruits”, and much more.
“I really wanted to love every single song on the album fully before I released it, so every time I finished at least recording a song, I would just listen to it all the time.”
Big salute to you on the release of your new album "The Spirit and Its Fruits"; tell us what the title means to you and why you selected it.
Thank you! Yeah so the title is from the bible verse in Galatians about "The Fruits of the Spirit." The things listed in what that involves were the main bases and theme of this album let alone what I try to live by every single day.
I believe it's: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
What was your creative process for the development of the 12 tracks, and how did you go about selecting the instrumentals that you didn't produce?
After releasing "Spread Love" and "Fruits" as singles in November last year, I just felt that this sound and subject matter was something I wanted to delve into more deeper. I just took it one song at a time and not try to rush things like I've done before.
I really wanted to love every single song on the album fully before I released it, so every time I finished at least recording a song, I would just listen to it all the time. On the bus, the train, whatever. If I didn't dislike it after a few weeks, I knew it was good enough for the album for me.
In terms of selecting the instrumentals that I didn't produce, that was all about trying something new and challenging. It's always fun to do that because I feel like sometimes when you produce stuff for yourself all the time, you can get a bit comfortable on how you approach a flow or something like that.
It's fun to just experiment and try new things musically like that for me, so if it was something different but still cohesive to the rest of the other songs, that's how I picked them.
Do you plan on filming music videos for any of the songs on the album? If so, which one(s) can we expect to see?
So there's two music videos released at the moment. One for "The Day of Atonement" and another for "Spread Love", with that one directed and filmed by Higher Self, that I dropped a bit before the album.
"Spread Love" especially was so fun to make. I'm planning on maybe doing a music video for "Fruits" but we'll see haha.
When someone listens to the album for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?
Hope. Literally hope. What I mean by that is all things that encompass. Love, inspiration, drive, perseverance, honesty, vulnerability, everything that just makes you feel like you can be better and that you are something for the people who feel like they can't do better and that they're nothing. Obviously something like this brother can rap as well haha but yeah if it just helps to inspire people like how making this album therapeutically helped and inspired me then I've done my goal.
With this incredible album now available for all of us to hear, where are you going next musically for your current and upcoming releases?
Haha thank you again! Honestly I don't know, I just go with how I feel in the present when I'm in a creative zone. However, I have been working on a few songs recently. Hopefully some will drop fairly soon. Plus yeah, it's just been again trying new things in terms of what I'm trying to sample like German prog rock and reggae, and experimenting with song structures which has just been an experience in itself.