Interview: Squares' Chris Barrett Discusses Their New Single/Video "Nostalgic"

“Lyrically and style wise, I started off wanting to keep the indie integrity of Squares which I think was maintained well, but I’m super happy that most of the songs took their own shape, touching on some different genres and feels.”

— Chris Barrett

Salute to you on the release of the new SLR Visuals directed music video for "Nostalgic", which appears on your debut album "Mountains". Of all the great songs on the album, why did you select this track to create a visual for?

Thank you! This song has a special meaning to me specifically because of the sound. Just performing music alone is nostalgic for me because every time I perform or sit down to write a song, it takes me right back to when I was a kid learning how to be a musician in my basement.

My family was huge in supporting me especially my mom, so it make me think of her. Also, the sound of the song is a chill throwback to the amazing music that I grew up on, from funk, R&B, and soul music like Earth Wind and Fire, Al Green, to some of the Motown greats like Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson.

Speaking of the album, tell us about your creative process for the development of its 11 tracks. Also, were there songs that you recorded that did not make the final tracklist?

So overall, I wanted to make an album that really showed off my versatility. There is kind of a wide range of songs and styles represented on the record and I’m super happy about that. I wanted the record to be well balanced from chill melodic songs, to more upbeat, high intensity bangers (i.e. the title track “Mountains”).

Lyrically and style wise, I started off wanting to keep the indie integrity of Squares which I think was maintained well, but I’m super happy that most of the songs took their own shape, touching on some different genres and feels.

I did have some ideas that didn’t quite make it on this record, but I’m definitely keeping them in the holster for future albums because I still have a lot of love for them!

How old were you when you initially fell in love with music, and were there any specific artists and/or producers early on that influenced you artistically?

I was around 13 years old when music really hit me as a passion and what I wanted to do. Drums is my primary instrument and my brother is also a drummer. One day he brought home an instructional video featuring Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band. I watched the whole thing from start to finish and I was HOOKED! I decided literally while watching it that I wanted to play drums and that I wanted to be a musicians. The rest was really history from there!

There are plenty of producers and artists that I love and admire very very much. Some of my main influences as far as artists are: Michael Jackson, The Police, Incubus, Usher, MGMT, and Twenty One Pilots (among MANY others).

As far as producers: I LOVE the work that Pharrell does, also Dr. Dre, Polow Da Don, Stargate, Max Martin, Rick Rubin, and Oak Felder. Too many to name lol.

How many instruments do you play, and which would you say was the most difficult to learn?

I play mostly 4 instruments: Drums, guitar, bass, and little keyboard. Drums was definitely the most difficult, but also the most fun lol.

With the "Mountains" album and the "Nostalgic" music video now released, what next can we expect from Squares musically?

So we’ll have more music videos for some of the songs on the album coming soon, and we’ll continue playing live and hopefully be on a couple small tours starting late 2023 and early 2024!

Stream and Share “Mountains” on Spotify

Connect with Squares: LinkTree | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Interview: Winston-Salem, NC Based Rap Artist Kejuanservin Talks About His New Track "Get to It"

“Honestly, my creative process is the same for all my songs; I smoke, listen to beats I was either sent or from YouTube. Find one I like at the moment and just get on there and talk...”

— Kejuanservin

Salute to you on the release of your new track "Get to It", featuring gtb-mike. How did you and Gtb-mike connect with each other and how did you decide on the beat from dsrmez?

I been knew Gtb mike since the 6th grade. We started rapping together in the 9th grade; he heard a slimesito song called “dizzy” with a experimental type beat and said he wanted to get on a song with a beat like that, so I went looking on YouTube, made it and sent it to him. It took him awhile to hop on it but eventually he did.

You also recently released an EP entitled "Mode"; tell us about your creative process for its six tracks, and whether there were any songs you recorded that did not make the final tracklist. If so, why didn't they make it?

Honestly, my creative process is the same for all my songs; I smoke, listen to beats I was either sent or from YouTube. Find one I like at the moment and just get on there and talk and that’s what “Mode” was; me expressing myself talking to you.

What do you look for in the beats that you decide to write to, and where do you generally find them?

I don’t look for anything specific; if I like it, I like it. I get on all kinds of beats, well I try to anyway. I just get high and like to express myself on different beats and I hope people feel it.

How would you describe the hip-hop music scene in Winston-Salem, NC?

It’s a lots of other rappers here, we just overlooked. I feel like it’s lots of underrated talent here. I’m hoping to be somebody to put us on frfr.

With both "Get to It" and "Mode" now released, what's next for you musically?

Consistency; I’m putting out way more projects except all different kinds of music I wanna try new things and have fun.

Stream and Share “Mode” on Spotify

Connect with Kejuanservin: Instagram

Interview: Lebanese Rap Duo R.Y.M Discuss Their New Single/Animated Video "Al Qiyama"

“R.Y.M aims to make a positive impact in the world, and in the way the youth reasons and acts. We want to show today’s youth a more sustainable model, a new way of being “gangster” or “dope”, far from the guns, violence, drugs and blasphemy.”

— R.Y.M

Congratulations on the release of your new single entitled "Al Qiyama"; tell us what initially inspired its writing and who provided the production.

When we turned 18, we stopped pursuing our dreams and followed society’s “traditional” path. Life in Lebanon comes with a lot of challenges and setbacks. We didn’t have the needed mindset nor resources and didn’t feel empowered to move up our musical passion.

Around 10 years later, knees deep in our professional careers, thousands of miles apart, trying to advance despite crises, conflicts, and social turmoils we decided to resurrect our ambitions and dreams.

“Al Qiyama” translates to resurrection and reflects our return to rap more determined and at peace than ever. “Al Qiyama” is also a calling for spiritual, and behavioral change of today’s youth and future leaders particularly in our region. A calling to rise above inter-generational reflexes and perceptions, to question and challenge indoctrinated narratives, and forge a new truth by means of reason, education, wisdom and kindness.

This song was recorded and produced at RedBooth Lebanon (@redbooth), under the direction of Scarlette Saad. The track is a fusion of Oriental and Western cultures, a sort of bridge between the two civilizations.

The animated lyric video is really dope as well; how did you connect with its creator Roudy el Hajj?

A good conscious rap song excels in 3 factors: the message, the delivery, and and the relatability. The process of delivering the message requires the activation of many sensory features from both the artist and the listener. The message of a song can be either found or lost in its delivery. Hence, the decision to proceed with an animated lyric video came naturally, for two main reasons: first the idea could be fulfilled independently of the geographical distance between us. Second, it was only natural to release “Al Qiyama” through a video that prioritizes the lyrics while remaining visually artistic and creative.

We got introduced to Roudy el Hajj via a cousin working in the United Arab Emirates. @roudy.elhajj is also an expatriate who left Lebanon seeking a better future. We scheduled a call and shared our initial thoughts and were amazed by Roudy’s level of enthusiasm, professionalism and innovative thinking.

We are very blessed and grateful that our musical journey is allowing us to meet such amazing talents and beautiful individuals like Roudy. We are currently working together on a new project and are really excited to explore new possibilities and concepts.

How would you say that the Leave a Mark Project (LAMP) is represented in the music that R.Y.M creates?

Each release has its purpose and its aim. It’s like with each verse, chorus, and song, we seek to convey a message that will hopefully resonate within the soul and mind of each listener.

We want to break barriers, stereotypes and traditional ways of thinking. By addressing various themes pertaining to human life, and presenting them in daring and bold ways, we want for each song to leave a certain impact on individuals. Accordingly, we are consciously and continuously choosing quality over quantity, targeted heavy impact over large scale light reach.

Will "Al Qiyama" be a featured track on an upcoming EP or album you have in development? If so, what can you tell us about the project?

“Al Qiyama” was just the beginning. We are working with several other producers and talented professionals to produce more original songs that will eventually fall under the Leave a Mark Project. We purposely worked with producers from various, non-rap backgrounds to give a creative and innovative sound to our music.

Alongside “Al Qiyama”, two tracks are already finalized and, as said earlier, we’re constantly adapting and finding solutions to progress despite the geographical distance and the work pressure.

The Leave a Mark Project is our way of making an impact. Each song in the Project will address a specific theme and embrace a different style. We pour our souls into every track with the aim that LAMP, as a constantly growing and evolving organism, will in its entirety constitute our memoir, the narrative of two Lebanese brothers who were not afraid to stand out, be transparent and advocate for what is right.

This project is our contribution to the world, for ideas are eternal; and we hope that one day, could be today or in a hundred years, those ideas will influence and spark the rebirth of a nation.

For first time listeners/viewers of "AI Qiyama" and R.Y.M's music overall, would you say that it is the voice of Lebanese hip-hop, or is your music representative of something else?

Actually, it is both. “Al Qiyama” is representative of the voice of Lebanese hip-hop in the sense that its message is politically and socially engaged. Lebanese hip-hop artists all share the burden of a perplexed and disenchanted country/region. As a result, generated music is more than often nuanced with such hot topics. However, our music is representative of something else. There are very few rappers in the Middle-East, let alone in Lebanon, who decided to express their voices in English in a region still strongly arabicized in its forms of artistic expression.

R.Y.M represents familiarity and novelty. We offer listeners a raw and emotional performance, a symbiosis of conscious rap accompanied with oriental melodies/vibes. R.Y.M aims to make a positive impact in the world, and in the way the youth reasons and acts. We want to show today’s youth a more sustainable model, a new way of being “gangster” or “dope”, far from the guns, violence, drugs and blasphemy.

Our model is built on the concept of self-questioning, self-acceptance, and self-development. We try to always be true to ourselves and avoid creating a dishonest and harmful persona behind the comfort of a microphone.

With "Al Qiyama" single and animated lyric clip now unveiled, what's next for R.Y.M musically?

Musically, we’re trying to advance on all fronts. We have dozens of lyrics, melodies, and choruses developed; we are working with several music producers and studios to create variant tracks and beats; we are expanding our horizons in terms of video production and featured tracks, and are strengthening our knowledge about brand management as well as music distribution and promotion. Being independent is not easy but the taste of freedom is sweet.

Stay tuned, our upcoming song “Lost” will present a completely different side to R.Y.M; more personal, and vulnerable. The song is for every individual, who at one point in his/her life felt tired, not good enough, or depressed. It is important to accept and deal with our emotions, but also to know that nothing lasts forever; and the key for change lies within us. R.Y.M will also be doing some singing in that one … we hope you stay with us for the ride.

Stream and Share “Al Qiyama”

Connect with R.Y.M: Facebook | Instagram

Interview: Manchester, UK Artist/Producer Stefano Ark Talks About His New Song "You Want Me to Hush Hush?"

“I have many different sides to myself with fashion, interests, music genres. I grew up listening to Rnb and Hip Hop but also loved the pop punk/rock era that was big while I was growing up...”

— Stefano Ark

We're blown away by your new single "You Want Me to Hush Hush"?; congratulations on its release. Tell us about your creative process for its production and your songwriting.

Thank you! The creative process for this track was very relaxed in contrast to my other songs for the EP. I did this whole track pretty quick, started making the beat at around 7 and finished vocals for it before midnight. The whole songs idea came about when I was eating dinner and came across the “hush little baby lullaby” sample I had on my computer, I built the instrumental around that and just thought I’d record and not think about writing too much like I normally do, just say what’s on my mind- just respond to the sample and go from there, that’s how the chorus came about and the begging of the first “you want me to hush hush? Hush hush? That lullaby won’t make me blush blush? No blush blush. Genius but still clueless like I’m in a dash dash, dash dash! myself I’ll always bash bash so please hush hush!”

I mixed this with the intent of it sounding ambient and heavy in reverb! Alfred Hitchcock is a big inspiration of mine, because of this I’m a big horror movie fan and draw musical influence from watching horror films; I’m always paying attention to the sounds used in them. The rap verses & hook needed to match the texture of ”hush hush little baby” sample, ambient (mix wise) but my vocal delivery and performance also had to match the sample, so I was sure to perform in a slow, less varied style of delivery.

You mentioned that "You Want Me to Hush Hush?" will be featured on your upcoming EP; what can you tell us about the project, and do you have a title in mind for it?

The EP is titled “‘MARTIAN!”. The project is a full circle moment for me, I recorded a couple of the tracks in 2013 and finished them this present year (2023). “STEFANOS RHAPSODY!” It's one of them and it’s my thoughts in 2013 vs my thoughts currently in 2023 and where I’m at in life- really excited to share that one. My friends who heard the demo back in 2013 still quote the lyrics.

I have many different sides to myself with fashion, interests, music genres. I grew up listening to Rnb and Hip Hop but also loved the pop punk/rock era that was big while I was growing up. I remember heading to my friends house in primary school, we would sit and watch Kerrang the entire day. When I was home my mum played Rnb from the morning until evening, every day. My mum loves music and would play the same music on loop everyday growing up, that fueled my interest also.

The EP will have a blend of different genres but most importantly represent who I am, and what I love the most about music.

Pop Punk & Hip Hop are genres that I loved the most growing up and have had the biggest influence on who I am today.

I’ve experimented with a lot of sub genres over the last year and I’ve been working everyday on the ways I use and adapt my voice, on the EP you’ll hear my voice used in different ways- multiple flows and cadence with my raps and opera inspired singing.

The EP will be out July 13th!

Tell us about the music scene in Manchester for Hip-Hop and whether it is easy to establish a fan based there as an emerging artist.

Manchester has most definitely got an emerging hip hop scene, there’s many talented rappers performing at gigs around the city! I was actually playing some of my material for the EP to a rapper from the city a couple days ago, Pwynter, he’s a good example for the hip hop talent in this city.

The music scene here overall is very unique, with many gifted artists. Developing a fan base here isn’t as difficult as it is in bigger cities like London. Networking & performing its key, social media alone isn’t sufficient.

How did you get started writing lyrics and making beats and who were some artists and/or producers that influenced you musically?

I started songwriting and poetry at age 11 back in 2009; the Michael Jackson “This Is It” album had been released and I listened to the album over & over at the time. There was a second CD in the album which was just his poetry- I really enjoyed that also.

I spent most of my summer indoors watching MJ’s performances, learning to dance from watching him perform. Just in my room for hours, practicing the dance moves he did on his word tours.

I wrote multiple songs daily. I still remember a few of them, I still need to record a couple, they’ve been on repeat in my head since 2009 so they need to see the light of day.

With rap, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj & Busta Rhymes most definitely influence me. What drew me most to them was their theatrical and animated delivery with their flows and also the humour while doing so. Nicki & Kendrick can rap on any beat, regardless of genre and complement the instrumental. That’s what I do my best to do, understand the importance of delivery on different instruments and genres and focus on lyricism, being clever with lyrics and rhyme schemes.

I started making beats in 2013! I studied Music Technology/Acting after high school, I used Logic when studying but Fruity Loops at home. I was 16 at the time and did work enough hours to afford a MacBook; FL studio was my go to when producing at home until I was 18!

I studied Music Technology at university and the first thing I did with my student loan was get a MacBook and Logic Pro X; that was in 2015 and I still use that MacBook sometimes currently.

If you could pick any artist to appear in a remix to "You Want Me to Hush Hush?", who would you select and why?

If I could pick any artist it would be JID, he’s very talented and his cadence is so dope- I can hear him on a track like “You Want Me to Hush Hush?”. I think he would compliment the record nicely.

Connect with Stefano Ark: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify

Interview: Fredericton, NB Rap Artist Ms.Thomas Talks About Her Latest Track "Bad Habits"

“I am on a personal health and well-being journey. My plans are to release a track once a week while I’m on a mini mental health leave. This project is called ‘Sober & Medicated’.”

— Ms.Thomas

Congratulations on the release of your new song "Bad Habits", which features Aaron Pond; how did you two initially connect with each other and have you collaborated on other material before?

Thank you, Aaron is such a talented artist located in my city, Fredericton, NB. We had met through a common group of hip-hop artists in the city. He and I share some similarities in the sense that we are both parents to young children and at the time when I had wrote “Bad Habits”, I thought it would be cool to diversity the acoustic track with a male rap vocal.

It couldn’t just be anyone, it had to be someone who could relate to the challenges one faces with mental health and raising children. Aaron’s devotion to his daughter and step daughter is beautiful. He is truly a great role model.

It was a no brainer that he would be perfect for this track. He really captured the emotion of the track and it turned out great!

Tell us about you and Aaron's creative process for the development of the "Bad Habits" song; what inspired your lyrics, and also, who produced it?

I had written the chorus and my verse a while back. I had this empty verse and didn’t know which direction to go. I sent the track over to Aaron and he instantly said yes to the collaboration. I am truly grateful!

The track was then completed at Higher Vibrations Studio and his verse at Raw Heart Records, both located in Fredericton, NB.

Can we expect a music video for "Bad Habits" to follow, and will it be appearing on an upcoming EP or album?

I don’t think there will be a video for this track, mainly due to lack of funding, but never say never! I have applied for a couple grants. We shall see if I get selected.

This track will remain as a single on all streaming platforms.

How would you describe the music scene in Fredericton specifically, and New Brunswick, overall? Would you say that it is easy to build a fanbase there for emerging artists?

Fredericton is a hip-hop hub! We are a growing community filled with talent! Definitely underrated if you ask me!

The hardest part about being in hip-hop is building a local fan base. As artists we all support each other, the challenges is getting an audience out to shows. The demographic here tends to be more live bands in the soft rock & folk genre. The music scene is thriving, but with hip-hop, it remains more of an underground scene. It is growing!

With "Bad Habits" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2023?

I am on a personal health and well-being journey. My plans are to release a track once a week while I’m on a mini mental health leave. This project is called ‘Sober & Medicated’. It’s really just a project to place my restless energy while I quit cannabis and alcohol consumption.

I will be releasing 1.30 to 2min tracks each week based on the emotions and thoughts I have throughout this journey. The first track was released April 19th called ‘People Pleasure’. There is a mini visual video out on my social platforms and YouTube. Once the project is complete, my intention is to release an EP with all the tracks.

If you had to pick one song from your catalog as the best introduction for a new listener to your music, which one would you select, and why?

Definitely head over to my artist page on any streaming service, I would recommend ‘Woah’ a collaboration I did with Michael J Foxx, a rapper from NYC/Moncton. My second suggestion would be ‘Trust Somebody’ an afrovibe track featuring Sasky Mail from Toronto. It is a great one!

Connect with Ms.Thomas: Website | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook

Interview: DialeInfinity Discusses His New Single/Video "Sabbath" and Occult Rap

“There’s a few rappers with elements of the occult incorporated into their artistry (Ghostemane, Daylyt, RZA), but to me specifically I think it deals in seeing the songs you write as a ritual rather than just a track.”

— DialeInfinity

Congratulations on the release of your new song "Sabbath", as well as its music video. What inspired your lyrics and what was your creative process overall from start to finish?

Thank you. I try to make everything I write down to the word as intricate as possible, with double and triple entendres being a favorite of mine. My writing process is very unorthodox, as some songs have taken me months to perfect ("Amaru" from my project “Moksha” for example).

Between directing the video, and making the beat, I wanted to exercise my lyricism and rapping ability's dominance over other lyricists, while voicing my frustrations with the world around me in my own way.

Is "Sabbath" the first visual that you've directed? Would you say that your vision creatively was able to be fulfilled in the clip's final product?

I've directed all my videos to date, this being my videos for my single "Dark Matter" & "Joss" from my project “Four Corners”. I think I was definitely able to convey a story of being in control of my own reality and still managing an occult edge although not having a nice label budget like others.

Tell us about how you got started as an artist and producer; and how would you define "Occult Rap"?

I've always been a writer; I've been writing poetry since elementary school, and when I got my first good laptop in high school (specifically freshman year) I started producing with a demo copy of FL until I saved enough to actually buy it.

I remember my first introduction to rap being 36 Chambers from the Wu-Tang Clan and Lupe Fiasco (Who's one of my top 5 favorite artists ever), so I've always had a knack for lyricism and producing.

There's a few rappers with elements of the occult incorporated into their artistry (Ghostemane, Daylyt, RZA), but to me specifically I think it deals in seeing the songs you write as a ritual rather than just a track. I grew up surrounded by sigils and witchcraft so it's only right I deliver it in my music, in an unadulterated and original way.

If you could collaborate with any artist on a remix to "Sabbath", who would you select?

If I could collab with anyone, it'd be Scarlxrd, Night Lovell or Bones since those are three of my favorite rappers and fit the style of "Sabbath". I'd feel pretty complete with the rapping side of my artistry if I could do a song or project with any of them, or produce for them (vice versa with Night Lovell).

With "Sabbath" now unveiled, what's next for you musically? Will the track be featured on an upcoming project this year?

I've been working on a new sound that I'm hoping to have perfected before the end of 2023 and unveiled on a new project. "Sabbath" was meant to be a single as I've had the beat done for the song for a while.

I hope that as I grow as an artist and in stature that I can maintain the authenticity I started with, while constantly evolving. I don't see anyone else doing exactly what I'm doing, and I feel like I can offer something new to Hip-Hop, especially given how popular and instrumental it is in the affairs of the world today and probably tomorrow.

Connect with DialeInfinity on: Website | Instagram | Twitter

Interview: Shaney Poo Talks About His Newly Released Single/Video "POM"

“POM” was a smash song from the moment we cooked it up. There was this feeling in the studio where everyone just knew how special it was...Back in 2015 we made other videos to songs on the project like “Been Loving U” and “Girl Next Door”, so it only made sense to do a video for “POM.”

— Shaney Poo

Salute to you on the re-release of your debut album “Touch By An Angel”. What motivated you to release this project again in 2023?

When I first started releasing music I really didn't know what I was doing, at that time I was just enjoying being a new artist on the scene. I only understood how to make the music and how I wanted it to look, I had no O.G's, no manager or label to give me advice or point me in the right direction, I was pretty much winging the whole process.

I also had a handful of songs I didn't include on the album back in 2015 so this time around I was motivated to include those unreleased songs so my full vision would be realized for that album. I also wanted to reintroduce myself to a new audience.

Of all the songs on your debut album, why did you select “POM” to create a music video for?

“POM” was a smash song from the moment we cooked it up. There was this feeling in the studio where everyone just knew how special it was.

Back in 2015 we made other videos to songs on the project like “Been Loving U” and “Girl Next Door”, so it only made sense to do a video for “POM”.

At first the idea was to shoot a performance video for “POM” but then the video took a life of it's own, and here we are today.

Tell us about your creative process for the “POM” visual, which was directed by XdaGod.

Me and XdaGod go way back like rice and beans. We've been working since 2012, even before “Touch By An Angel”. He actually shot and directed most of all my early videos so working with him is always easy. But like I said before I originally just wanted to shoot a performance video but once I came up with the idea of using a green screen, I knew we had to go all out.

The video is about having fun, not taking life serious and just celebrating for no reason. It's a vibe hopefully any age could enjoy.

What’s your greatest memory of the period when you were songwriting and recording the “Touch By An Angel” album 8 years ago?

The best part were the people that were around me at that time. Some of these same people are still around today, but it's still very hard to replicate the same feeling you had back then. So many people inside and outside of the studio contributed to the creation of the album. Like I wouldn't have been able to make “Been Loving U” if I wasn't in love at the time, I wouldn't have been able to make some of the songs if it wasn't for Roosevelt Browns production and I wouldn't have been able to make “POM” without Che Afrique.

There's a lot of people to thank. But the best memory that stands out, was the reaction I was getting from the people who loved the music...that feeling is absolutely priceless.

With “Touch By An Angel” now re-released, what’s next up for you musically when it comes to new music?

The next step is to release my newest album “Alien Priest” dropping April 28th 2023. It's my best work yet in my humble opinion. It's my first album since my 2020 release "Mr Shane".

This album means so much to me because first; the music is dope and second there's a spiritual energy around this project that aligns with my real life experiences. I've always planned to release this album for a while now, I just didn't know when...but now is the perfect time.

Stream and Share “POM” on Spotify

Stream and Share “Touch By An Angel” on Spotify

Connect with Shaney Poo: Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Interview: The Velvoids Discuss Their Latest Single "While You Shine"

“In 2022 we had pretty much decided on the tracks for the new album and finished recording everything when we rediscovered “Shine” on the Tascam, it was just a keyboard melody and a guitar vamping on C, so we started messing around with it.”

— Vice, The Velvoids

Congratulations on the release of the band's incredible new single "While You Shine"; tell us about your creative process for the track, especially with 2 new bandmates added to the group, and the restrictions you were under during the CV lockdowns.

Thanks! “Shine” was done during a series of home recordings Dorah and I did shortly after those lockdowns happened in 2020, our album ‘MOTHER’ had just come out in late March of that year and we were suddenly locked indoors, it was bizarre. We eventually recorded a bunch of songs and when the lockdowns lifted, we had about 3 or 4 artists on our label looking to put out new material they’d also done during that time, so our project kind of took a back seat for a while.

In 2022 we had pretty much decided on the tracks for the new album and finished recording everything when we rediscovered “Shine” on the Tascam, it was just a keyboard melody and a guitar vamping on C, so we started messing around with it. I was also involved with the individual solo projects from both Yorgos Elàson and George Sapuntzis, which gradually turned into hanging out together more until things just clicked and we ended up playing together.

We were as restricted as anyone else during that period, it just so happened we had a couple decent microphones lying around along with a 24-track, all our gear was there, it was inevitable.

Speaking of the new bandmates, George and Yorgos, how was it decided that they would be essential additions to the 2-piece?

George (Sapuntzis) got in touch with me last year about a project he was working on, which I got involved in because it’s phenomenal, and I ended up co-producing it with him. I had known him scarcely for a few years but we got close after that, I think I just called him one day and asked if he wanted to swing by and do some guitars on the song. As a guitarist, I’m generally into the basics like finding a good rhythmic part or creating situations, I like playing around the melody while my use of pedals extends to a Fuzz Factory, a Crybaby, and my Boss tuner. George is far more well-rounded as a player and into exploring the sonic potential of a song in a totally different way, he’s got his 20-something pedals going which brings a unique tone to the band.

I’ve known Yorgos (Elàson) for 20 years, he was the guitarist with our band back in 2003 when we were starting out, such a talented musician on so many levels. We collaborated on one of his solo tracks last year during a 12-hour session in his studio, there’s a good flow when we’re creating, it took off from there.

As of now, do you expect that "While You Shine" will be featured on your upcoming album due out later this year? Also, can we expect a music video for it?

Not really, “Shine” wasn’t intended on being on the album, those songs are pretty different in vibe and feel, but yea, we could potentially do a video for it, everybody’s into it.

What can you tell us about the album thus far? How many songs have been completed and do you have a working title yet?

We did 15 songs on those home recordings but we’re putting out about 8. (Laughs) yea I’ve had a working title for it from the start but no one else in the band likes it.

The new stuff is pretty much a continuation of what we’ve been doing, maybe stripped down more, sonically, considering the circumstances they were recorded in. We’re also tweaking a few things with George and Yorgos aboard now.

How do you go about sequencing your albums? Using "Mother" as an example, why did you decide to place "Let It Breathe" as the first song, followed by "Annah", and end the tracklist with "Psycho Death Poem"?

We'll usually put out the songs in the order that we record them in, we've gotten used to it and probably prefer it. We tend to write most of the material while we're tracking it so the sequence plays a role in all that.

On ‘Mother’, we just took on those songs in that particular order. ‘Psycho Death Poem’ was a track I surprised Dorah with because I wrote it for her, that’s why it’s last.

Stream and Share “MOTHER” on Spotify

Connect with The Velvoids: Instagram | Facebook

Interview: Denver Rap Artist DD Talks About His New Single/Video "Came A Long Way"

“I just focus on me, as I’m way different than the rappers around me and don’t care about what they are doing. P.S. I don’t really like other rappers lol”

— DD

Big salute to you on the release of your new single "Came A Long Way"; tell us about your creative process from a lyrical perspective and what inspired the song itself.

Thank you! The main inspiration behind the creative process and lyrical perspective was mainly to illustrate how I myself have made big progress by being consistent and most importantly getting up when life knocks you down. We all know life can get hard!

To add onto that, the viewer also can relate if they have been on the same path as well and they could see themselves in me, which is the entire goal and purpose of the song.

@directorave did not just produce "Came A Long Way", but he shot and directed the visual as well. How did you and he connect with each other, and why did you decide to film a clip for it?

I've known @directorave for 5+ years and we have made many songs and music videos together. We decided to film this and make this song as @directorave was moving away from Denver where we stayed at the time to LA to progress in his videography career.

We felt this song would be a good ending to us being around each other everyday for years. That's the main inspiration behind why we shot this.

Will "Came A Long Way" be featured on an upcoming EP or album this year? If not, do you have another track pending release soon?

Possibly, in the lab cooking up new songs daily, it could be an absolute possibility y’all will see "Came A Long Way" on the next EP/Album.

Tell us about the rap music scene in Denver; are there a lot of venues for artists to perform at and is there a huge fan base of the genre there?

The rap scene in Denver is pretty tricky. I'd say there are a lot of venues and a lot of artists, but no one has ever really broken out of the scene here, meaning, being known on a national level.

To be honest, I don't really follow the scene here, I just focus on me, as I'm way different than the rappers around me and don't care about what they are doing. P.S. I don't really like other rappers lol

With “Came A Long Way” now available for the world to hear and see, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year?

My main goal is to have 3-4 more high quality videos shot and released as well as drop an album or EP before years end.

To add to that, since I'm independent and doing all marketing myself with my own money, another goal would be to become a better marketer and understand the music business as a whole on a deeper level, as we all know this industry is 90% business/marketing and 10% music. That 10% music assumes you have great content.

Connect with DD: Website | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Interview: Los Angeles Based Musician/Filmmaker KS Talks About His New Album "The Dancing Cavaliers"

“Every album has a concept or a theme in my case. This time I just wanted to put out an album of songs, period. No concept, just songs.”

— KS

Congratulations on the completion and release of your new album "The Dancing Cavaliers"; what inspired the title and how long did it take to complete?

The title is kind of an inside film joke. In the movie "Singing in the Rain", the main characters are making a movie that is a complete disaster, everything is going wrong and fast, their movie is called "The Fighting Cavaliers", at the very end, out of desperation they decide to change the movie, which is a serious drama, into a musical by just adding a few dance numbers, which is funny, and they call it "The Dancing Cavaliers”. I just thought it would be funny to call my album that.

The inspiration for the record was really just doing something to keep myself busy, to keep creating during a really tough year for a lot of us in the business, plus it had been two years since the previous album so....I had to create:)

Of all the 14 songs on the album, why did you decide to film a music video for "Boludo"?

A friend heard the album and really liked that track, to be honest I was going to use another one (the track "Danse"), but since he's a musician and because I trust his instincts I went for "Boludo".

Were there any songs that you decided not to include on the album? If so, how come they did not make the cut?

Yeah, like I said before, I have around 20 tracks that didn't make it, I just got impatient and didn't work on those, I had to release this album first. Plus those tracks were more guitar oriented, they didn't fit the style of this one. But next album...yeah, hoping to have the new music out mid 2023. To me it is not about money, as there isn't much money in the record business, it is not what it used to be.

To me it is about having fun creating something and putting it out there. I already had my fun making it, I'm fine, if someone else likes it and gets pleasure out of it, then that is all gravy, a plus, to me.

Tell us about your creative process for this new album overall, and how would you say it differs musically from your last project?

Every album has a concept or a theme in my case. This time I just wanted to put out an album of songs, period. No concept, just songs. I really can't sing so I used a computerized voice generator to sing my words and color the songs here and there. Because those voice generators are not perfect and sometimes you can't really understand what he or she are saying, lol, I decided to be bad/naughty, and add a few "provocative" curse words here and there to see if anybody would catch them. Cos, this is my kind of humor.

With the year coming to a close, what are some of your biggest goals as a creative in 2023?

Professionally, I am set to make a couple of films early in the year, I also want this album to reach a wider audience, and I have about 20 songs left over from this current album that didn't make the cut, they were not finished, so I would like to work on them, and release another album midway 2023.

This one will definitely be different, more acoustic, lots of guitars, I think I will get off the electronics for that one.

Stream and Share “The Dancing Cavaliers” on: Spotify | Apple Music | Hear Now | Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Connect with KS: Website

Interview: Country Pop Artist Jennifer Alvarado Discusses Her New Single "Catfish"

“I love fishing and I have always been told about the sounds a catfish will make to throw off predators. The same is true with social media and people these days. Anyone can be anyone they want to be.”

— Jennifer Alvarado

Growing up in Vale, North Carolina, what was your first exposure to country pop music and what artists or bands inspired you to start writing and recording your own music?

I grew up listening to country music when at my grandparents’ house. They loved 90’s country and classic country. Artists like Reba McEntire, Deana Carter and Martina McBride were some of my favorites. But then I listened to classic rock and Top40 with my mom…so artists like Richard Marx, Chicago, The Eagles and Tom Petty were huge inspirations.

Congratulations on the release of your new single "Catfish"; tell us about your creative process for its development and whether it was based on a real life experience.

I love fishing and I have always been told about the sounds a catfish will make to throw off predators. The same is true with social media and people these days. Anyone can be anyone they want to be.

I don’t have prior experience being “catfished” by someone thank goodness…however, I have met many people that turn out to not be who they pretend to be.

If you could select any artist to appear on a remix to "Catfish", who would it be, and why?

Hmm…that’s a great question. I really like the idea of mixing genres…so my initial thought is to include a Hip Hop or Rap. Or go bluegrass and have a breakdown banjo and mandolin solo. I think Post Malone could bring a fun twist to things.

"Catfish" will be a featured song on your upcoming EP "Songbird: Part 2"; what can you tell us about the project, and how it will be different from Part 1.

Part One of Songbird outlined a toxic relationship from start to finish. It left the listener with all the questions you are left with once that relationship ends and you are messing parts of yourself.

Part Two is about putting blame where it needs to be and beginning to find your voice again.

Can we expect a music video for "Catfish" or any other songs on the upcoming EP?

At some point, yes. I have a concept in my head for pretty much every song I write…so one of my goals is bringing some of those visuals to life in the coming year.

With "Songbird: Part 2" dropping soon, what are some of your other goals musically heading into 2023?

I am releasing my new holiday single on 11/25. It is the first sneak peak from my Christmas project I am working on for next year.

I have been playing a lot of shows this year, so I want to continue that while also taking part in festivals like SXSW this upcoming year. I also want to expand my touring area to California and Texas.

Connect with Jennifer Alvarado: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Interview: Atlanta's Kay Soul Talks About Her New EP "Connections"

“Musically, I wanted to fuse genres and create an environment that was soulful, edgy, and lyrical. The stories you hear are a mix of personal experience, life observation, and inner desire.”

— Kay Soul

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

Soulful, Transparent, and Empowering.

Congratulations on the completion and release of your EP "Connections"; tell us about your creative process for the six songs, and how long did it take to write and record overall?

Thank you so much. I always like to demo my songs before I go in to lay down the official vocals. It gives me an opportunity to try different ideas and really sit with the story I'm telling to make sure that my listeners are getting a complete picture.

I started working on the EP in December of 2020 right after I released my last full length album "In My MInd" (Listen HERE). It took me about 6 months to finish recording the songs and complete the lead music video.

What would you say the overall thematic concept of "Connections" is, and would you say that it is based on your personal experiences or your imagination?

It really is all about the vital role that the connections we have with ourselves and others play in relation to our growth and mental wellness. I knew that with this project I wanted to really get deep into the conversation and share stories that people could relate to in parallel to their own life circumstances. Musically, I wanted to fuse genres and create an environment that was soulful, edgy, and lyrical. The stories you hear are a mix of personal experience, life observation, and inner desire.

You're not just a talented artist and songwriter, but a model and actress as well. How do you juggle all of these responsibilities without compromising? I really try to stay focused on my purpose which is to spread love and healing through my music and overall brand. I work to make sure that I maintain my integrity in everything I do. It's important for me to actually live my life as the light that I portray to others.

When someone hears the "Connections" EP for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the listening experience? I want them to feel high vibrations and take away hope and inspiration. I want them to feel more self love and be encouraged to do the work required to heal themselves so that they can go from bad connection to strong connection in every aspect of their lives.

Stream and Share “Connections” on Spotify

Connect with Kay Soul: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Interview: Chicago Based Rap Artist/Producer Smokey Smothers Talks About Her New Single "Hollywood"

“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...”

— Smokey Smothers

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

Interview: Austin TX Based Artist Jonny O'Brien Talks About His New Single "Sabotage"

“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... ”

— Jonny O'Brien

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.

Connect with Jonny O’Brien: Facebook | Instagram

Interview: Shreveport, LA Based RnB Artist Donalveon Discusses His New Song "Tell Me"

“...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.”

— Donalveon

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"

“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...”

— Casey Smith

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