UK Singer-Songwriter Demi Jordanae Shares Her Debut EP "How Did We Get Here"
UK based Pop/R&B artist Demi Jordanae brings out an outspoken, expressive, and extroverted character in her music. Check out her newly released debut EP entitled “How Did We Get Here”.
From writing and recording as a D.I.Y introverted bedroom singer-songwriter from a young age, UK based Pop/R&B artist Demi Jordanae brings out an outspoken, expressive, and extroverted character in her music. Her artistry reflects versatility in her sound and style. Influenced by artists across multiple genres, she seeks inspiration from artists like Diana Ross, to Aaliyah and Amy Winehouse. Following her release “Smell Like You”, Demi joined all-female music LA label Powher Sound this past June.
Moving forward a few months and Demi has just released her debut EP, The "How Did We Get Here", which is an emotional rollercoaster. Each song has a different mood, emotion, sound and style, so it is evident why the EP ends with “How Did We Get Here". You finally get to that place or feeling in your life that you visioned a long time ago after the unpredictable, emotional journey.
Not only is "How Did We Get Here" the last track, but unintentionally also the last song to be created out of them all.
"I had no narrative or idea whatsoever for the EP. I was just creating and writing about anything I felt. I don't write from personal experience but from imagination. I get inside a character's mind with lyrical places that can resonate or relate with other people's life experiences."
Kihyun of Monsta X, Releases His First Mini Album, "YOUTH"
Kihyun, of Monsta X, is taking off with his 2nd solo journey with the release of his 1st mini album “YOUTH”. Dropping 6 months after his solo debut of VOYAGER, and 7 years after his debut in Monsta X; YOUTH is filled with songs stemming from personal stories and the things Kihyun wants to tell his own self.
Kihyun, of Monsta X, is taking off with his 2nd solo journey with the release of, KIHYUN 1st Mini Album YOUTH. Dropping 6 months after his solo debut of VOYAGER, and 7 years after his debut in Monsta X; YOUTH is filled with songs stemming from personal stories and the things Kihyun wants to tell his own self. Kihyun expands “YOUTH is about my current perspective on my youth and my determination as a solo artist. The lyrics include the things I want to tell myself, both in the past and present. Even though this album is my personal story after 7 years as an artist, I think many people can relate to my emotions because everyone reflects on their youth at some point in time.” Youth is a transient world that everyone visits but cannot return to, making it a world that we all wish to visit again someday. In this album, Kihyun acts as an observer and storyteller as he asks, answers and discovers himself.
Following the success of his solo debut in March, which entered multiple Billboard charts and also scored the year’s largest opening first-week album sales for a K-pop male soloists so far [Forbes]; this album’s title track of the same name, “Youth,” vividly expresses Kihyun traveling back to the raw emotions that he felt when he was younger. An alternative track that features Kihyun’s refreshing vocals, “Youth” has present day Kihyun alternating between telling his younger self about his past emotions and his current resolutions. From imagination to reality, Kihyun unapologetically tells the range of emotions he feels while on the path to his destination. The song offers a new experience for listeners to empathize with as Kihyun expresses his confidence as a seasoned artist, now 7 years post debut, and his newness to being a solo artist.
“It is really meaningful that I can share my story to all my fans through my music. I hope you will fully enjoy all the songs and stories I’ve shared with you through this album! Thank you!” - Kihyun
Through the album’s 5 tracks, Kihyun shows off his diverse range as a vocalist and the variety of genres he can perform. “Bad Liar,” written, composed and arranged by Hyungwon, an active DJ and fellow member of Monsta X, artfully expresses the bad lies and conflicted heart of wanting to break up but also get back together. Another track by Monsta X’s Hyungwon and inspired by the movie Closer, “Where Is This Love” expresses a love that cannot be felt. “Stardust” shows off Kihyun’s dynamic vocal charm. The full English-language track, “Where Is This Love” showcases Kihyun’s raw emotions through his vocals and powerful lyrics. “Cause of You,” an easy listening pop number with a bright acoustic guitar, closes out the album with a surprise appearance from Monsta X’s Joohoney. The support of RYAN JHUN, Ea Na Kim, Hyungwon, BrotherSu, among many others, boost Kihyun’s confidence in releasing this album.
Listen to “YOUTH” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Kihyun on his website and social media.
Interview: Chicago Based Rap Artist/Producer Smokey Smothers Talks About Her New Single "Hollywood"
Chicago based rap artist and producer Smokey Smothers connected with Dopecausewesaid x NxtNow Music for an exclusive interview to discuss her new song “Hollywood”, which will be featured on her upcoming EP “Hollywood Smoke”, and much more.
“For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to everything music related. I was messing around with a keyboard and boombox recording tapes at 6 and 7 years old...”
Big salute to you on the release of your new song "Hollywood"; it's a dope track. What was your creative process for its development?
Thank you so much. The creative process for this track was completely random. I made the beat first. Just wanted to try something different and do a throwback west coast vibe. When I got the foundation for the beat down the hook came to me immediately.
The song as a whole is loosely based on some experiences I’ve had in life with partying.
"Hollywood" will be featured on your upcoming EP "Hollywood Smoke"; can you describe the project for us, and whether there is an overarching theme to all of its songs?
This project is showcasing my rockstar, player type alter ego named Hollywood Smoke. The theme is just me having fun and showing a side of myself I don’t always show.
Each song has its own unique vibe. You get two bangers, a party track and a little something you can ride to at the end.
How did you initially get started as an artist and producer? Were there any artists/producers that motivated you as a creative when you were growing up?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to everything music related. I was messing around with a keyboard and boombox recording tapes at 6 and 7 years old, but I got my first drum machine and started rapping and making beats seriously around age 10.
Timbaland and Pharrell were my earliest influences beat wise. I’ve always been a big Aaliyah fan so Tim’s early work influenced me a lot.
By the time I got into 9th grade Kanye dropped Through the Wire and I thought it was cool as hell to see someone from the Midwest not only rap but produce as well. He’s still an inspiration of mine today.
Would you say that the city of Chicago inspires your songwriting at all?
Chicago definitely inspired my songwriting. Being from Kenosha, WI I think we are heavily influenced by Chicago’s music. A lot of us Kenosha kids grew up on Do or Die, Crucial Conflict, Twista. I think Chicago started somewhat of the foundation of Midwest hip hop honestly.
Growing up I spent a lot of summers here and living here as an adult has somewhat reignited an old flame in me.
With the year slowly winding down, have you thought about some goals musically for 2023? If so, what are they?
2023 I plan to keep the momentum going and putting out even better content. I like to be free with my music and next year I’ll be trying out some different sounds, digging into my alternative side a little more.
Connect with Smokey Smothers: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | YouTube
San Francisco Indie Hip-Hop Trailblazers RPxSB Release Their Triple Album "Creatures"
San Francisco-based Indie Hip Hop trailblazers RPxSB (or Roddy Picante and Stay-Bizzy or Rock Plaid and Survive Bullshxt) have unveiled their ambitious and heavy-themed triple album entitled "Creatures (Acts I-III)".
San Francisco-based Indie Hip Hop trailblazers RPxSB (or Roddy Picante and Stay-Bizzy or Rock Plaid and Survive Bullshxt) have unveiled their ambitious and heavy-themed triple album entitled "Creatures (Acts I-III)". Act I was released August 26th, followed by Act II on September 2nd, and Act III on September 9th. The project is released through the artist's Vibeland label imprint.
Bold, genuine and uncensored, this project delves into real life themes and all their inherent problems while musically experimenting along the way with reckless abandon. Fans of artists ranging from Dom Kennedy, Earth Gang, Odd Future and Larry June should find something to enjoy in this wide-ranging collection.
“Creatures is a three act project. Each act is a different tone or mood that embodies our brand of RPxSB, an abbreviation for our names and our mantra, Rock Plaid and Survive Bullshxt. Act I (Things That Kill Me Inside) is the moodier, more melancholy side of us. When your friends and family and personal problems consume you to a state of anger and angst. Act II (Boar) is the aftermath of Act I. When you indulge in the vices and say f**k it. Nothing matters. This is the turn up. Act III (JOPO, an acronym for Jack Off Pass Out) is the aftermath to the aftermath. The come down if you will. A stop and smell the roses moment. Nothing still matters, yet everything does.”
Electronica/Synth Pop Producer rx1f Will Release His New Album "r8c180” on November 13th
Vancouver-based Electronica/Synth Pop musician and producer rx1f champions his unique style self-dubbed 'music for robots', on the far-reaching new album "r8c180", due out November 13th.
Vancouver-based Electronica/Synth Pop musician and producer rx1f champions his unique style self-dubbed 'music for robots', on the far-reaching new album "r8c180", a release not only themed around space, but one that actually sounds like space. Freely experimenting and travelling the outskirts of the universal mind is a natural process for this electronic music innovator.
"This album is an end-to-end re-imagination of a maximalist indie punk album that I made with a friend a few years ago, which I can no longer bear to listen to. Shortly after finishing that, I went to see a documentary about the 808, and fell headfirst into making electronic music. The old album has been put into a capsule and shot into space.
There are a lot of samples from NASA and other space-related sources on r8c180, you can hear planet sounds on pretty much every track. My favorite sample was this thing called an earth whistler, which is apparently a radio wave caused by lightning in the atmosphere. It sounds like a quick little filter sweep."
The "r8c180” album’s release on November 13th is right around the corner, but in the meantime, check out rx1f’s new music video for “Accidents”, stream it on Spotify and connect with him on his website.
Stream and Share “Accidents” on Spotify
Connect rx1f: Website
Toronto Supergroup UWUW Release Captivating Retro-Soul-and-Pop Influenced Debut LP
UWUW have just released their debut, self-titled LP on We Are Busy Bodies Records. With some of Toronto’s most experienced and revered musicians making this project possible, it’s no wonder why the sonic presence of this project demands your attention and doesn’t let you go.
UWUW (pronounced you-you) have just released their debut, self-titled LP on We Are Busy Bodies Records. With some of Toronto’s most experienced and revered musicians making this project possible, it’s no wonder why the sonic presence of this project demands your attention and doesn’t let you go.
The impressive cast of players includes Jason Haberman of Dan Mangan and Yaehsun, Jay Anderson of Badge Epoque Ensemble, Biblical and Lammping, and Ian Blurton of Ian Blurton’s Future Now, Change of Heart, and C’mon. Giving the songs a voice are two of Toronto’s most distinctive songwriters: Chris A. Cummings (aka Marker Starling) adding his distinct, easy-glide, story-telling charm to Box Office Poison and Scattered Ashes, and Drew Smith (Bunny, The Bicycles), providing his trademark, 60s harmony pop and lyrical prowess to Staircase and Landlord.
Drew Smith, while commenting on his song writing process for their debut album, said “the overall theme to the songs was nature reaping what is sowed.” There’s a lot to unpack in this album, which contains old-school soul grooves, slow burning instrumentation, pounding rhythms and thoughtful lyrics that bring energy and life to the superbly-crafted songs.
The catchy lead single “Scattered Ashes” breathes soul and rock, while blurring sounds and influences which call to mind James Brown’s horn section and the compositional layers of experimental Beach Boys recordings. The track titled “Staircase to the End of the Night” is another wonderfully symphonic composition that gets in your head and won’t let go. It contains tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a heavy rhythm that surprises and delights.
Regarding the song, Smith mentions being influenced by The Doors: “The first rock n’ roll band I ever loved, for better or worse, was The Doors. That must play into the lyrics of this song a little bit - “The End, End Of The Night.” It's not a big leap to see that those tunes are imprinted in my musical DNA. Most of the lyrics and harmonies were suggested by the music. It's already in there. It's not even a case of heavy lifting, just listening. I was just interpreting what Ian, Jay and Jason put to tape. My job was more fun than work.”
Listen to the S/T EP now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with UWUW on their social media.
CD Baby Signs Deal with Laylo to Offer Fan Engagement Platform to Artists
CD Baby continues to expand their direct-to-fan promotional offerings for artists, working with fan engagement platform Laylo to offer CD Baby users an exclusive discount to Laylo's Pro tier.
CD Baby continues to expand their direct-to-fan promotional offerings for artists, working with fan engagement platform Laylo to offer CD Baby users an exclusive discount to Laylo's Pro tier. Laylo enables artists to notify their fans the moment they release new music, content, merch, or event announcements, via text, email, and/or Facebook Messenger.
Artists can share their drop and notification signup link directly with fans across socials, with Spotify auto-follow and one-click pre-save features built in. DIY artists can track which of their messages are landing and who is engaging with their drop, through key insights and analytics. Laylo is a proven platform with notable customers including Sam Smith, Dixie D'Amelio, Kodak Black, Miles Teller, The Black Keys, and the Friends With Benefits DAO.
Laylo’s offering joins the extensive range of marketing, distribution, and royalty administration services and tools available to CD Baby users, which help artists find and engage with their fans.
"At CD Baby, we always strive to find the latest and most innovative partners for artists to market their music. Laylo is just that,” said Alex Trevino, Strategic Partner Manager at CD Baby. “I am excited to see our artists give their fans an incredible experience while driving more streams and sales.”
“CD Baby has set the standard for offering easy, inspirational ways for artists to define and reach success,” said Stephanie Allen, VP and Head of Partnerships at Laylo. “Our companies share a lot, including a deep commitment to supporting creative work. I really felt this when I spoke at CD Baby’s DIY Conference this August. The excitement the artists showed was overwhelming. For us, this partnership feels like a perfect fit.”
About CD Baby
CD Baby, a Downtown Music Holdings company, is home to over 1 million artists and 10 million tracks, and has paid out over $1 billion in artist royalties since its founding in 1998. CD Baby empowers emerging, niche, and amateur musicians with everything they need to successfully distribute, publish, promote, and monetize their music around the globe. Our expert guidance simplifies and streamlines the complexities of global music distribution through tools, partnerships, education, and 20+ years of community-building and advocacy. Our complete artist-services platform connects independent artists with new audiences and revenue streams so they can enjoy creative autonomy and thrive on their own terms. Founded and run by artists for artists, CD Baby exists to make success in the music business accessible to all.
About Downtown
Downtown is the world's leading music services company with over 1.7 million clients in over 145 countries with a catalog of over 23 million music assets in a wide variety of genres and languages. Downtown's service offerings support creators and businesses in all facets of the music industry including music creation, distribution, marketing, royalty collection, financing, accounting and payment services. Downtown clients can choose to opt-in for only the services they need, in any territory they want, for as long as they want, without having to give up ownership or control of their work.
About Laylo
Laylo is a CRM and Drops platform for creators and brands, helping them drive more sales & streams through direct fan engagement. Launched in 2021 by Alec Ellin and Saj Sanghvi, Laylo powers drops for some of the world’s biggest musicians, podcasters, celebrities, and brands allowing them to automatically notify fans about new content, merchandise and tickets through SMS, Email, Instagram DM, Facebook Messenger, and Discord. Laylo further empowers creators by giving them complete ownership of their fan data.
Indy Punk Rock Quartet Bomb Cats Share Their New EP "Third Street Melody"
Indianapolis-based Punk Rock quartet Bomb Cats deliver equal parts heaviness, catchiness and fun on their hook-filled new EP "Third Street Melody". Listen to the “Third Street Melody” EP now.
Indianapolis-based Punk Rock quartet Bomb Cats deliver equal parts heaviness, catchiness and fun on hook-filled new EP "Third Street Melody". The Bomb Cats signature sound comes from their dedication to a lineage of legendary punk and rock bands, namely The Ramones, Social Distortion, Thin Lizzy and X. Their sound is proof that some musical traditions should be upheld and honored by sharing it with new generations. Punk is one such tradition. On "Third Street Melody", audiences can expect a dense, 5-track collection showcasing the band's raw, original, no-frills take on rock n' roll.
“This EP is the culmination of everything we have worked on to this point. It is both heavier and catchier than our previous work. It is more polished but also more raw than anything we have done before. We could not be more proud of this effort and we believe there is something here for everyone.”
“Third Street Melody is dedicated to the kinds of venues that allow bands like us the opportunity to perform: small, independent venues that care about original music from artists who do it for the love of the music.” - Russ Webster (Bass/Vocals)
“We’re super proud that everything you hear on this record is us, playing live in a room together. That’s our sound and our songwriting.” - Chris Farrell (Guitar/Vocals)
Listen to “Third Street Melody” below and connect with Bomb Cats on their social media.
Stream "Brighter Days", the Brand New Album by Composer/Producer Blunda
Blunda is the solo project of LA based composer/producer Andy Blunda; his new album "Brighter Days" contains both instrumental and vocal tracks geared towards taking you on a journey to wide open spaces.
Blunda is the solo project of LA based composer/producer Andy Blunda. Blunda, a classically trained pianist in college, was the guitarist and keyboard player for the bands Fastball and Paloalto in the late 90s and early 2000s. He also toured with artists Jason Falkner (Jellyfish, Beck, St. Vincent) and Zoe Bonham playing guitar and keyboards.
There isn't a single one of us who hasn't wondered over the past few years if better days are coming, of if they're even possible. Blunda wonders the same thing. Luckily, he's been perfecting his musical craftsmanship for so long that he's able to seamlessly portray familiar feelings and atmospheres through his surreal yet accessible compositions. His new album "Brighter Days" contains both instrumental and vocal tracks geared towards taking you on a journey to wide open spaces.
“This album came out of wanting to creating a space and feeling that would transport the listener. I found myself going on tons of hikes this past year with my son and exploring all these amazing places just outside of the city. I really wanted to create something that gave the feeling of being in all these wide open spaces. Especially after all the lockdowns of the last couple of years. I love music that takes you out of reality and puts you into a feeling or place. That inspired me as I worked on the songs and gave me the freedom to let them be. With or without vocals.”
Check out “Brighter Days” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Blunda on his social media.
Stream and Share “Brighter Days” on: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Soundcloud
Rock Musician Andrew Ruoti Drops His Conceptual Album "Odyssey"
New York-based rock musician and storyteller Andrew Ruoti has released "Odyssey", a new 5-track conceptual album spanning a daunting range of genres, themes and emotions.
New York-based rock musician and storyteller Andrew Ruoti has released "Odyssey", a new 5-track conceptual album spanning a daunting range of genres, themes and emotions. Throughout this new release, Andrew reflects on his own personal journey as well as the human collective, all through the unique lens of a multi-instrumentalist musician and meditation teacher. Much of Andrew Ruoti's personal philosophy revolves around transformation, specifically overcoming adversity and trauma and transforming it into resilience. This is expressed musically through a boundless exploration of complimentary sounds and subgenres coupled with a fearless experimental spirit.
The 5 new tracks correspond with 5 original paintings intended to express Odyssey concept. The art was done by Shelly Luan and digital art editor William S. Pierce.
Produced by the very talented two-time Emmy award winning producer, Uly Millan, Andrew Ruoti’s new concept album has something to offer everyone. The album draws from a wide range of eclectic styles and genres including rock, hip-hop, R&B, orchestral and even tribal. Odyssey is a musical journey that evokes a wide range of emotions from dark to gritty, energetic to hopeful and tranquil to triumphant.
With the urge to do something a little different and influenced by the current state of the world, Ruoti started writing on the album in spring of 2020. Despite a hectic work schedule as a full-time music teacher, as well as following another passion as a meditation teacher, Ruoti has put together a thought-provoking journey with his new album “Odyssey”, which he hopes will translate well to listeners from all around the world.
“Diversity is key with this album. Diversity and resiliency.” Ruoti shared energetically during a recent interview. “The big motivation for me was to write something from the heart that people could connect to. During this pandemic everyone feels a certain level of isolation and to a degree even social deprivation. With social media nowadays, you can reach people anywhere at any time. It’s amazing to think someone on the other side of the planet can be listening to your song and establishing a connection with you.” Ruoti goes on to say, “The album is not only about my own personal journey, but the journey of the collective…everyone in the world navigating through these challenging and uncertain times. In that way the album has a very relatable quality to it.” Ruoti continued, “For me, it’s all about connection. Like many, music has always been an outlet for me, so to share what I love and possibly give others an outlet for their feelings and introspection….well that’s a beautiful thing and nothing beats that. I’m really excited about this album.” Ruoti continues with thoughts regarding his producer who he has collaborated closely with on the album, “I love all of his work and I’m a huge fan. His overall vision, scope and talent with regard to producing is immense. He has every studio session working from an authentic heart space, in real time, with spontaneity, which helped with driving home the essence of what the album is all about!”
Speaking of “driving home”, Ruoti says, “Odyssey is all about the journey home, the connection to the untapped reservoir of inner peace at your own heart center”.
Listen to the “Odyssey” album now, and connect with Andrew Ruoti on his social media.
Chicago Indie-Rock Band Red Scarves Release Their Folkier EP "Ghost Hunter"
Chicago indie band Red Scarves collected their leftover recordings after working with Dave Vettraino (DEHD, Lala Lala, etc.), putting together a new EP that shows their folkier side. Listen to “Ghost Hunter” now.
Chicago indie band Red Scarves has been writing and releasing music over the past decade ever since two of their members first met in a class on Bob Dylan in college. They moved to Chicago six years ago after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University. Now with a solidified lineup, each member contributes to songwriting.
Chicago Magazine recently recommended the album (at the bottom of Ari Lindo’s album review), writing “The jangly pop quartet marries throwback sounds with 21st-century neuroticism on this EP, ahead of a full-length album in 2023.”
NPR-affiliate station WGLT in Bloomington, IL wrote their 2017 album Sort of Scarlet is a "pop-rock gem," highlighting the band members' background in jazz and classical makes for "catchy and at times complex pop songs."
Ghost Hunter is simpler but layered, and their jazzy and classical influences still pop up on the EP — just more subtly. The songs range from more baroque pop on the title track “Ghost Hunter” to the wistful twang of "Robin,” featuring pedal steel from Ben Carbone.
They recorded both Ghost Hunter and their upcoming album, Nice Try, on tape with Dave Vettraino (Dehd, Lala Lala, Makaya McCraven) last year.
As songwriter Ayethaw Tun told Psychedelic Baby Magazine, “Tying the EP together is the band recording each song live as a four-piece on 16-track tape at Palisade Recordings in Chicago by local studio wiz, Dave Vettraino. The majority of the songs were born out of living in that space of unease and uncertainty back in 2020, with songs dealing with loneliness, memories of childhood, and inspiration itself.”
He continued, “The term ‘ghost hunter’ comes from the first song, written by our bassist/guitarist, Ryan Donlin. He describes the feeling of having big ideas form in our heads for the next big song/project/solution to a problem/etc. But when we sat down with an instrument and a pen in hand, those ideas begin to escape him and the harder he tries to capture that incredible feeling of that idea, the further it slips away. This EP features the rare moments those ideas are captured and realized in full.”
Interview: Austin TX Based Artist Jonny O'Brien Talks About His New Single "Sabotage"
Big thanks to Austin based artist Jonny O’Brien who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss his new song “Sabotage”, produced by Cameron Shephard and Evan Wynne, and much more.
“This record is really a claiming of power, a recognition that I can stand on my own and that my music can have an impact. When people listen to this record, I want them to hear something honest, and real... ”
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?
in three words, sincere, passionate, inspiring
Your awesome new single "Sabotage" is a featured song on your upcoming EP "Phases"; tell us about your creative process for its development, alongside producers Cameron Shephard and Evan Wynne.
I started writing this record or these songs at the beginning of the pandemic. I had no intentions at that point of actually putting out a record. it was more just to get some of the ideas and feelings i had had out on paper.
After I made the move to Austin, the songs started to take on their own life and once I linked up with Cam, the ball really got rolling and the record started to come together. I had never worked with Evan at playground sound before, that was a connection of Cam's through school, but once we met and shared the vibes/ideas I had for the record, I knew this was the team I needed to make it happen.
"Phases" is due out for release in November; what are you most excited about the EP's unveiling, and when people listen to it, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
This will be my first solo release since I was 18 years old. I have been primarily occupied with other bands and projects since and never really spent too much time working on my own material. I think I'm most excited about being able to share who I am and how I've grown over the last 10, 15 year; especially to those friends and fans that have been following me since way back when.
This record is really a claiming of power, a recognition that I can stand on my own and that my music can have an impact. When people listen to this record, I want them to hear something honest, and real. Yes, I love writing catchy hooks and choruses that get stuck in your head for days but I also want the listener to be able to place themselves within these songs and experience the stories firsthand.
Being based in Austin as an artist, what are some things you like about the city and dislike when it comes to music?
Austin is a great city for music! Some would argue the best. The main reason I moved here was to be surrounded by a community that values art, music and the pursuit of passion.
There are a ton of great artists here! The down side, there are a TON of great artists here haha. It's difficult to get recognized or make a name for yourself when the caliber of musicianship is so high. But in saying that, being surrounded by those artists pushes you to be better, to work harder at your craft. And that's where that great community vibe comes into play.
What is your all-time favorite song by another artist/band, and why?
I can’t really pick out an all time favorite song, but one of my favorites that come to mind is Johnny Clegg - Dela. It was the first song my wife and I danced to at our wedding and has been a song that resonated with me since my childhood. I challenge you to listen to that song and not want to dance.
Interview: Shreveport, LA Based RnB Artist Donalveon Discusses His New Song "Tell Me"
Shreveport, LA based R&B artist @Donalveon connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to talk about his new single “Tell Me”, which appears on his upcoming debut album “Sodium.Chromium.Uranium”, and much more.
“...here I am a 29-year-old man, living on some real grown man shit, seen some things and been through more. So I actually have something to sing about now.”
1. Your brand new single "Tell Me" is great; what inspired you to write and record it, and who produced it?
I really appreciate that! “Tell Me” was produced by Kevin Posey.
Myxr App, this great L.A. music platform is where it all started. The owner LJ Moody made the link with Kevin possible and he laced me with the track in June, I cut the record that same month. Bryan Johnson, the studio engineer for the session, came through with slick assistance by laying a dope mix on the outro that sealed the deal with me, when I heard it I knew we made something special.
The instrumental alone was on a sexy vibe, so I kind of just put myself in that mode mixed with some personal experiences, the words just fell in place. Very smooth session and I love how the track came out.
2. "Tell Me" will be featured on your upcoming debut album “Sodium.Chromium.Uranium”; what can you tell us about this project, and what are you most proud of with it?
“Tell Me” is actually the very last song added to this album! Mane if I had the pages to tell you the full story on this album I would, but in short it’s my long awaited debut and how it all came to be is what I’m most proud of!
I wanted the playlist to reflect not only just things I felt and went through, but more so the chronology of the tracklist. From start to finish, I want my fans to know Sodium is sequenced as songs I chose as early as 2007!
Yea, I literally was a 14-year-old freshman at CE Byrd in my hometown Shreveport, LA in the embryo stages of what is to eventually become my first LP. My heart kind of smiles when I think back on how far my brother(and executive producer) El “E:R” Robinson started working on this album because I wasn’t even old enough to sing some of the material that I chose to sing. My parents were strict but still trusting enough to allow me to develop my sound so it all worked out.
Fast forward unbelievably 15 years and 4 underground EPs later, here I am a 29-year-old man, living on some real grown man shit, seen some things and been through more. So I actually have something to sing about now.
This album is a life soundtrack in a sense on a sensually rhythmic tip, but it also introduces my New Age R&B sound that I plan to seep into the genre’s soundscape of tomorrow! Very galactic and strange, I use new sounds and classic reminders along the way, it’s a beautiful entry into this R&B music game!
3. How did you initially become interested in music? Have there been any artists in your life or that you heard on the radio that really motivated you to start songwriting and perfecting your craft as a musician?
I started singing at age 4 and I got initial influence from both sides of my family with music basically; my Mom’s mother was the choir director of our family church choral department for many years and almost everyone on my Dad’s side is musically inclined!
My cousins are in a classic R&B band called Profyle that went on to top the charts and it really opened my eyes at an early age to R&B; although I credit Usher and Timbaland’s work with Ginuwine and Aaliyah for inspiring me at age 5 to slide through this R&B game with my own next-era sound!
I started building my style around age 9, the same year I started writing along with the Space Age idea I worked into my brand; an angle inspired by my Dad who’s big on Sci-fi and all things time travel and it made me love futurism and incorporate it into my music.
I want what I’m doing now to become the standard or an inspiration to the standard of the R&B scene of the 2040s! New sounds, instruments, melodies, languages and foreign samples are kind of my formula to creating the magic I’m creating; no one knows what I’m going to do next!
4. When someone listens to "Tell Me" or “Sodium.Chromium.Uranium” for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?
“Tell Me” is a straight up baby maker *laughs* so my fellas out there they have to score on me; just play this track I swear you in there!
My ladies I want them to escape for those almost 4 minutes and channel the sexiest mindset they can: it’s a time and place for everything and this track will do it, every time! I want my fans to get a prophetic R&B experience from Sodium, it’s truly like no other sound out there and I want them to know I will take R&B into another era!
5. With 2022 winding down, what are some of your goals musically for 2023?
I plan to definitely release this album in this last quarter! My birthday is November 24th and the title of this album actually represents that, just in periodic element form: Sodium 11, Chromium 24 and Uranium 92, so this album is the biggest mark on my agenda in addition to releasing visuals for the first single “Get Better” and “Tell Me” to follow.
Connect with Donalveon: TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Interview: Casey Smith of the Casey Smith Project Talks About His New Single/Video "Red Carpet"
Big thanks to Fairbanks, AK based artist Casey Smith of the Casey Smith Project who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss his new single/video “Red Carpet”, and much more.
“Creatively, tapping into the sad emotion is easiest, and it can trigger me to write a beautiful tragedy. “Red Carpet” was inspired by an argument I had with someone...”
Congratulations on the release of your new single/video for "Red Carpet"; tell us about your creative process for the song's development overall and what inspired you to write it initially.
Creatively, tapping into the sad emotion is easiest, and it can trigger me to write a beautiful tragedy. “Red Carpet” was inspired by an argument I had with someone; it sucked, I felt bullied and taken advantage of.
Somehow though, I took the high road, and managed to write a song about it. Like the chorus says, “Every time it rains it’s all the same?”
How did the trio that comprised the Casey Smith Project come together? Are your two bandmates based in Alaska as well?
The core of the band currently is Scott Joyce on bass, Derek Haukaas on drums and myself. We have been together for about a year and a half in some form or another.
We all currently reside in Alaska, however, Scott and Derek both live in Anchorage and I live in Fairbanks. I met Scott through his old band, Good Hank when he lived in Fairbanks and Derek joined the band after mixing and mastering our last album, Lose Face.
Our chemistry developed quickly performing live together as Scott and Derek have similar backgrounds in music and a love for jazz.
What about "Red Carpet" sonically made it the right choice as the lead single for your upcoming album "Red Lights and Whiskey", and to shoot a music video for?
I think “Red Carpet” has all the elements I wanted in a single; it’s not overly complicated, there are lots of studio production tricks especially on the vocals, it’s groovy, sexy and it doesn’t follow any one set of rules like verse chorus etc.
“Red Carpet” has delicate acoustic guitar, heavy synths, and pop drums. I think it covers everything that I was shooting for on the new album.
I worked with Landsick Media for the music video, and they are just so fun and easy to trust. I pretty much let them run with their vision for the video and we had a blast making it.
Speaking of the upcoming album, what can you tell us about it? How many songs will be featured, and was it all self-produced and written?
There are eight tracks on the new album, “Red Lights and Whiskey”. These songs were written and recorded over a year and a half period during the pandemic at Wattage Studios in Anchorage, Alaska.
We self-produced all of the songs, wrote and arranged them by sharing demos back and forth before going into the studio. Derek Haukaas mastered the songs at Frostline Studios.
How would you say that your surroundings in Alaska, whether it be nature or the people you interact with, inspire the music that you create?
I have always been inspired by bands from the west coast. Bands like Modest Mouse, Built to Spill and Fleet Foxes. You can hear those influences on the new album.
Music from Alaska is primarily blue grass, but there are so many great bands that we love locally like Medium Build, and Matt Hopper & the Roman Candles to name just a few.
Alaska is unbelievably beautiful and pristine. Sonically, those dark winter nights and open blue skies in the summer bring a soft ambient texture to our sound and mood.
Stream and Share “Red Carpet” on Spotify
Connect with Casey Smith Project: Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp
vi0let Releases Her Debut EP "Believe Me When I Cry", Alongside Her New Single "Cream and Peaches"
Brighton-based singer-songwriter vi0let unveils her debut EP ‘Believe Me When I Cry’, alongside her beautiful new single ‘Cream & Peaches’.
Brighton-based singer-songwriter vi0let unveils her debut EP ‘Believe Me When I Cry’ alongside her beautiful new single ‘Cream & Peaches’.
Standout vocals and floating production depict those euphoric early moments of falling for someone. The soulful focus track comes as a dreamy moment on the EP, offering up a sweet 3.44 mins of escapism. Explaining more vi0let shares: "I was in the honeymoon stage with someone and one morning we woke up and it was a sunny day in Brighton. I had to go to the studio that morning so I left early, grabbed a coffee on the way and felt like I was on cloud 9. I never wanted this feeling to end, feeling so safe and comfortable.
I got in the studio and wrote Cream and Peaches in about 15 minutes, it just flowed out. It's one of my favourite songs I've ever made especially because vocally I really put myself out of my "safe zone" and it motivated me to continue to push myself with what I'm capable of doing. Cream and Peaches is a flirty and fun love letter to the honeymoon stage."
Finding solace in songwriting, vi0let has benefited greatly from the emotional outlet. The EP plays out as a coming of age journey, touching on many feelings.
Sharing more behind the EP vi0let explained: “After many years of chaos I feel like I'm finding my two feet again. I describe the EP as letters to every person in my life and it covers all the relationships in my life - some songs apply to multiple people. There have been times I've felt so much anger and frustrations at life and writing songs like Audience and Over and Over really helped me process the journey of becoming an adult. This EP has helped me communicate my thoughts and feelings and I feel it represents my personality so well, covering all aspects from love to hurt to naiveness. Musically I really pushed myself to honor some of my favourite genres, I loved blending the sexiness of R&B with the excitement pop and melancholy of soul. I'm honored to have worked with the tiny little team I have, it made every minute special."
Earlier this year, vi0let shared “Over and Over” which arrived as a sultry and dark moment that Wonderland described as Empowering and unapologetic, leading the way for ‘Audience’ which followed in July.
Emerging artist vi0let has always had a huge passion for singing as well as producing her own vocals and harmonies. Born in Germany, she spent her early years in Ireland singing, performing and immersing herself in Irish culture— her father’s country of origin. When she returned to Germany she was ready to showcase her immense potential.
She has now spent almost four years in the UK, based between Brighton and London, where she writes, records and performs her own music. She uses her songs as an open diary to help people relate to their own experiences, touching on topics such as relationships, feminism, self-love, and self-empowerment.
Blessed with a breathtaking voice and an incredible songwriting ability, she effortlessly infuses R&B, Pop and elements of Hip-Hop in her music.
Listen to vi0let’s debut EP ‘Believe Me When I Cry’, which features ‘Cream & Peaches’, below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with her on social media.
British Producer LAR Delivers His Dreamy Melodic House EP "Haze" on Monstercat
Following his transportive EP ‘Coast / Together’ with Bound to Divide and miksklim, Stockholm-based producer LAR returns to Monstercat with his deep melodic house EP, ‘Haze.’
Following his transportive EP ‘Coast / Together’ with Bound to Divide and miksklim, Stockholm-based producer LAR returns to Monstercat with his deep melodic house EP, ‘Haze.’ Spanning four soothing instrumental tracks on the package, “Haze” is backed by an elegant blend of jazz-fueled notes and calming piano chords, while “Hardway” immerses listeners in a groovy rhythm of atmospheric breakbeats. LAR continues to shine on Monstercat Silk with this package demonstrating his genre-bending palettes.
LAR shares, “I wanted to create an easy, smooth listening experience but still maintain an organic house groove."
Listen to “Haze” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with LAR on his social media.