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- Interview: "Famous" by Jennalyn
Q: We can’t get enough of ‘Famous’! Can you tell us what inspired you to write this song? Jennalyn: Famous went through a lot of rewrites haha. It started off as an alternative/punk style anthem about being reckless. When I first wrote the line - "I'll figure it out when I'm famous" I was a little uncomfortable because it felt very arrogant but as the song evolved I knew I couldn't change it because it came from a very honest emotion. I'm so happy so many people have identified with it in one way or another. Q: What first got you into music? Jennalyn: I started singing onstage in church around 4! Q: What is your favorite song off your recent EP? If you could only pick one! Jennalyn: Hahaha it depends on what day you're asking me. It changes all the time but my current favorite is These Lights. We've been practicing the choreography for my show next month and it's really sexy and fun. Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you pick and why? Jennalyn: I would pick SNL probably or somewhere really unique. I saw Ludovico Einaudi's performance floating in the Arctic and was mesmerized. I've always wanted to perform in an abandoned power plant or something kinda industrial/futuristic one day. And I grew up in Seattle and so I've always wanted to play Key Arena or the Tacoma Dome on tour. Q: Who are some of your biggest influences? Jennalyn: My biggest influences so far have been Tove Lo, Rihanna, BANKS, The Weeknd and Billy Joel. Q: What can we expect next from you? Jennalyn: We're finishing up the next single right now and I'll be performing it live at my next show February 8th! I have some wild ideas for the music video so I'm aiming for a summer release. Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW JENNALYN: Photo Credit: 1st - Jean Marie Biel ; 2nd - Jaclyn Robyn
- "Time Is Your Own" by Robin Shaw
Do you find yourself losing track of time? You may get stuck in a cycle of monotonous daily routines. You could be lying in bed romanticizing the past to escape the present. Or sometimes you want to start a new project or lifestyle, but instead you procrastinate and leave it to your future self. Then, you continue to push it off. If I just mentioned a point that resonates with you, then ‘Time Is Your Own’ by Robin Shaw is a timeless reminder for you. “I’m gonna distance myself and give myself some space; no more walking around, time to pick up the pace”. The message of the song is that life is what you make it, so start today! Who do YOU want to be? The eclectic feel of the song is like a breath of fresh air.“ So I stop this again, I ran out of ink; I’ll go chase my pen and it’s time to think”. Shaw’s storytelling is phenomenal. Witty lyrics inspire vibrant imagery in the minds of listeners. It’s almost chant-like with Shaw’s easily singable vocals. A blend of acoustic guitar and a reverbed metronome flavor the song with an alt-pop seasoning. An outro with the title lyric brings one last piece of advice: live on YOUR time. This song is a wake-up call from the distractions of work, school or other structured time we have each week. Experiment with your passions and make time for them! Robin Shaw is a dedicated, self-taught singer-songwriter who's all about variety and outside-the-box storytelling. He grew up listening to R&B and Hip-Hop music as a teen. At 16, he started out as a street dancer in East Anglia and London and competed on Britain’s Got Talent and other talent shows. Several years later, he shifted gears toward independent artistry. Having always enjoyed wordplay and literature, he brings vivid imagery to life with his lyrics. The best part? He was able to establish his presence in the music industry without a musical background. That’s an impressive feat! He’s living proof that if you pursue your passions, you can achieve anything! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW ROBIN:
- Interview: "Remember" by Chantaé Vetrice
Q: ‘Remember’ is so catchy! What inspired you to write this song? Chantaé: This song is very personal to me as it tells a part of my story/journey through life. A moment in time that was very dark for me and where I experienced a lot of pain by another person. The beautiful thing is that I was able to find the light throughout all of the darkness and became stronger and the person I am right now. It’s a song about overcoming, not just heartbreak and sadness. Q: When did you first start writing your own music? Chantaé: I first started writing my own music when I was a teenager…writing lyrics, etc but I’ve been in the came, professionally, for a minute! Q: Who are some of your biggest influences? Chantaé: Some of my biggest influences are Madonna, Prince, Janet Jackson, TLC & Saint Jhn. Q: What was the experience filming the video for ‘Remember” like? Chantaé: It was one of the best experiences of my career so far because I not only got to finally see my story retold, visually, but it was a bit therapeutic for me. I definitely had moments while filming where I felt like I wanted to cry because of how deep the message is. Outside of that, it was a 10 hour day and I had the best team on set with me! They all came together to support the vision and bring it to life…I’m forever grateful! Q: If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be? Chantaé: I would loooooooove to open up for Saint Jhn! To me, he is a true artist and creative…I love how he blends genres and how rock-n-roll is he while maintaining his unique identity!I hope one day he sees this lol. Q: What can we expect next from you in your music journey? Chantaé: More music all year long! I’m also gearing up for live music so, be on the look out for dates! Last but not least, I have a merch line that is about to drop…so, stay tuned! ;-) Written By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CHANTAÉ:
- Interview: "Loose Lips" by Violet Lewis
Q: Your EP 'Loose Lips' just came out on January 7th! Can you tell us what your EP has in store for us? Violet: “Loose Lips” is a collection of four songs I wrote and recorded over quarantine. When I began recording, I intended for the EP to be primarily acoustic. However throughout the process, I started getting back in touch with my rock & roll roots, and began adding elements of rock into my soft, acoustic ballads. You can hear the rock influence in the heavy distorted guitars during the bridge of “Fake Nails”, or throughout “Don’t Say Goodbye”. Q: What would you say is your personal favorite song off of 'Loose Lips'? Violet: This is a hard one. As a songwriter and a songwriting student, I am constantly writing songs, and out of all those songs I write, I chose these four for this project. In other words, all four songs are really special to me. However I can say that lately I’ve been feeling very close to the last track on the EP, “George Orwell.” Q: What was one of your favorite moments during the process of creating 'Loose Lips'? Violet: After I finished recording all of the songs, I wrote a new song called “Don’t Say Goodbye” and the second I wrote it I knew I wanted it on the EP. Within two days I was back at the studio recording it. I wrote the song about my boyfriend who ended up being a big collaborator on the track, recording some guitar parts and helping me arrange the bass and drums. He’s a musician as well in the LA rock band Urns & Argyles. Q: . What is the music scene like in Los Angeles? Violet: Super welcoming and super fun. Everyone just wants to meet new people and hang out and listen to good music. I’ve had a lot of great experiences both going to shows and playing shows in LA, and I’m always meeting new people that I end up working with down the line. Q: You study songwriting at Berklee College of Music. What has been one of your favorite things you've learned so far? Violet: Any songwriter’s biggest enemy is writer’s block. When you study songwriting, they teach you ways to get over that block, and different ways to draw inspiration, so that you can write about things other than your own life. I used to only be able to write songs when I had some sudden urge, but now I can sit down and write a song inspired by a work of art or literature. Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your supporters out there? Violet: THANK YOU! “Loose Lips” has been met with open arms and so much love, and I’m grateful to everyone listening, sharing, and supporting me. To any young artists, I want to leave you with a quote. In his essay “The Creative Process”, James Baldwin describes artists as “a breed of men and women historically despised while living and acclaimed when safely dead.” Trust your gut and trust your art, even if people don’t understand it or don’t like it. You have a voice and a vision, never let it go to waste. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW VIOLET:
- "on the nights you hold me" by MCXX.
The ultimate summer road trip anthem that’s also an absolute head-bopper. If there was a description for ‘on the nights you hold me’ by MCXX., that would be it. When was the last time you felt lonely, even though you weren’t alone? As someone who used to crave external validation, I’d do everything for the people I cared about. “I spent too much time being an animal; having anybody who will have me”. This song is about the unconditional love you possess and want to give to others but forget to give yourself. People don’t always reciprocate what you put into a relationship. Don’t let them rob your happiness! The classic rock sound of electric guitar and raspy vocals envelop the listener in the boy band craze of the 90s and 00s. A lighthearted, playful tone is like the golden elixir that solves all your problems. “Forget about those thoughts in your head; lose your way with me”. Compared with the chorus, the verses tell an alternate, equally compelling narrative: focus on the bright side. Simply vibe where you are and live life to the fullest! Even in the more engaging lyrical content of the chorus, the purely magnetic sound overtakes you and brings out all your best memories. Your serotonin levels will skyrocket with this one! MCXX. is an indie-pop band specializing in music with eccentric flair and ALL the vibes. The band’s members include synthesist Levi Bennington, guitarist Vincent Charles, vocalist/guitarist Adam McKinney-Drew, and drummer Josh Varab. Before coming together, all four of them were in punk bands, often playing for the same crowds. The band was established in 2016, giving the members greater creative freedom than in their previous groups. All members equally contribute their individual styles to each track. They are currently working on their sophomore album, ‘i will always want you’ which has a predicted release of summer 2022. I cannot recommend them enough! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW MCXX.:
- "Just Enough Whiskey" by Nightshift
Have you ever screwed up in a social situation and instantly regretted it? Maybe you try to suppress those memories, but they just keep engulfing you. The “what ifs” pop into your headspace and beg the question of what could have been. ‘Just Enough Whiskey’ by Nightshift presents an opportunity to process those memories and release yourself from the cycle of persistent thoughts. “I’ve been going home with just enough whiskey; making me forget that maybe you miss me". Protect your energy and stay present! That’s the underlying message. You genuinely don’t know what anyone else is thinking, so take care of yourself first! “I wonder sometimes if you would forgive me; I could reach out but nah, it’s too risky”. There’s this gratifying aura of contemplation that mimics the push-and-pull of internal conflict. The Electronic-style production lives in the background and illustrates the illusive nature of the past. As a result, the lyrics thrive. “I’ll see your ghost tonight; it happens every time”. Mellow, breathy vocals echo the "ghosts” of the past that can’t seem to disappear. It’s a magnificent move that gives the overthinkers and introverts the recognition they deserve! Dan and Steve Kennelly are the masterminds behind Nightshift. Based out of Columbus, OH, the brothers started out as a local cover band in their hometown. After doing electro-rock covers of Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, they started working on their first single, ‘Butterflies’ with Quiggle, who had a large social media presence. With the music video racking more than 35,000 views, the collaboration brought Nightshift further into the music scene. Now, they’re known for creating pop-rock melodies and heartfelt lyrics with a refreshing, modern production. The electro-pop duo's latest single ‘Deja Vu’ with KAKI is now streaming so go check it out! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW NIGHTSHIFT:
- "Clay" by Becca Tremmel
If you’re a people-pleaser who wants to take back your power, then ‘Clay’ by Becca Tremmel is for you. “So mold me into whatever you want, you shape me into everything I’m not”. Imagine yourself in a movie theater, watching the main character realize that they’ve sacrificed their personal happiness to be “everything” for their partner. “All rough patches, sacred old scratches mean nothing, I was a work of art before you.” This epiphany outlines the message of the song. You are defined by YOU and no one else! Don’t let others take advantage of your kindness and love just to push you beyond your boundaries. Empower yourself! Tremmel tells a wonderful, encouraging story, starting with the objectification of the singer as shapeable clay. “Every fault you saw and smoothed over; Like I’m another piece in your gallery”. There’s such clever wordplay, made even more resonant by the addition of a string section. Tremmel’s captivating, soothing voice gains momentum in tandem with the lyrics, as the singer unlocks her full potential. By the bridge, a refreshing tonal shift takes root. The singer realizes their worth like a lightbulb going off in their head. That’s where the piano, bold and brilliant throughout, takes center stage once again. Movie producers, please get your hands on this marvel of a song! Becca Tremmel spent most of her youth in the small town of Sundance, Utah. Around the age of 5, she started writing melodies and song lyrics. She took inspiration from the Blue Bird Café concert series, which was filled with Nashville music stars and visited Sundance during summertime. She later graduated from the songwriting program at Belmont University. Now in Nashville, she loves playing at venues in the area and connecting with fellow artists. Some of her biggest influences include Johnny Cash, Shania Twain and Bruce Springsteen. The authenticity and soul that Tremmel pours into her music is simply magical! I can’t wait to see what’s next for her! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW BECCA:
- "Glitter" by Daisy the Great
Feeling lost in the moment? Let’s face it. Growing up, especially in the times we live in, isn't easy. One day, you’re floating high like Mary Poppins and the next, the world comes crashing down. ‘Glitter’ by Daisy the Great echoes the complex emotions associated with personal battles and trying to make sense of life transitions. “Yell out loud at an old bowl of cereal, I’ll clean up if anyone’ll come”. They depict an existential crisis in such a brilliant and innovative way. It’s almost haunting. From the very beginning, you’re transported to another world with a psychedelic, dreamy intro. Then the lyrics rush in with a vengeance. “I neglected my plants to prove I would, should’ve let the sun in, would've done us good; I’m just rotten to the core, such a bore, such a wannabe”. *Spoiler Warning!* The verses WILL call you out. Every single element, from the grounding power of drums and bass guitar to the placement of soft chimes, is layered like a perfectly made tiramisu. Soft-spoken, yet melancholy harmonies transform into back-and-forth intrusive thoughts in the bridge, making for an addictive melody. The sheer catchiness of it all should be illegal but it's irresistible! Based in Brooklyn, New York, Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker are both skillful songwriters with stunning vocal abilities. They originally met at NYU as fellow acting students. After working on a final project for a comedy class together, they started writing a musical. Upon sharing song ideas with each other, the ladies realized their potential as a duo and reworked their songs to that dynamic! Today, they’re known for creating music that infuses Folk and Indie Rock elements into modern themes. They often reflect on salient personal experiences in their lives. With more than a million monthly listeners, Daisy the Great represents what an Indie Pop duo is truly capable of! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW DAISY THE GREAT:
- Interview: "Will I" by Sammy Ave
Q: 'Will I' is a pretty catchy song! Can you tell us what the meaning of the song is? Sammy: Will I is actually a conversation with myself about taking the next step forward to be better. I talk about the possibility of doing things that will hold me back such as certain people who have come across my life, holding back the truth of my passion for music, or even battling my own worst enemy which is myself. Q: What made you decide to become an artist? Sammy: Music is one thing that has always made me hopeful and feel great. A few years ago, I got really sick, and the doctors didn't know what was going on and it is something I face to this day. I always loved to sing so I thought I would take a stab at recording. It is safe to say that music is something that saved my life during this time as it is the one thing that made me feel better and allow myself to heal. From that point on I knew that I wanted to make an impact on other people's lives and change the world. That is the goal for me. To make a difference in people's lives. Q: Who are some of your biggest inspirations and why? Sammy: My biggest personal inspiration is my brother. I see someone like him do what he loves and wants to do every day. This is something that inspires me to chase my dream and do exactly what I love everyday. In terms of music, a major inspiration of mine is Juice WRLD. I used to sit in my room when I first started music and listen to his music figuring out ways I can sound like that and mimic his style. I would do whatever it takes to get my music to sound more professional and through being inspired by someone like Juice, I eventually built off that to create my own unique style of recording. Q: What would you say was one of your favorite moments in the process of creating 'Will I'? Sammy: There is always a point in recording a song when I just smile and know I have something special. When I was done recording all the layers for the pre-chorus, I just listened back and immediately went crazy knowing I had a song I would be extremely proud of releasing. When I record, I never write lyrics because I don't like to commit to something that might not sound great when being recorded. I always freestyle my lyrics when recording and then pick and choose. I ended up freestyling that entire pre-chorus and when I was done, it made me so excited that I banged out the rest of the song shortly after. Q: What is your favorite song of all time and why? Sammy: My favorite song of all time is easily Runaway by Kanye West. This is a song I can always listen to and never get bored. In terms of a production standpoint, I feel as it is perfect with piano intro and even the catchy chorus. Something I strive to do in music is create unforgettable choruses so when it comes to a song that has a great chorus, it will always be something I love. Q: Can you tell us what else you have in store for the future? Sammy: I currently have two other songs recorded that will be my next releases. My next one is called Goosebumps and has a surprise feature. As good as Will I is, Goosebumps takes my music to a new level. The music is going to continuously get better. For now, people can expect music videos, live sessions, and much more to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SAMMY:
- Interview: "Scorpio Season" by Hunter Blair Ambrose
Q: 'Scorpio Season' is your debut album, how exciting is that! Can you tell us what the experience of creating your first album was like? Hunter: The process of creating Scorpio Season wasn’t linear or really planned at first at all. After I left college at Berklee College of Music, I just randomly began writing pop songs on my piano, with no concept or plan to create an album at that point. That was 5 years ago, in early 2017, and one of those first songs I wrote ended up becoming my very first single called “Right Now” which is featured on the album. Through the years, since 2017, it has truly been an experience of a lifetime creating this project. I learned so much about what it is to create music just by watching and collaborating with my producers. I really can’t speak to their praises enough. It was my first time collaborating on music to that level and I had an absolute blast. Making this album was also rather cathartic and healing for me considering it was inspired by a former relationship of mine that went wrong and really affected me for a long time. Q: What was the moment you knew you wanted to be an artist? Hunter: I can remember being really young, in the early 2000s, watching artists like Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, etc. perform and just being awestruck by how the music and performances made me feel. I’ve always looked up to artists that implement strong visuals and staging and that have larger than life personas. There were several moments through my childhood where I would watch all of these iconic performers on MTV or YouTube and think to myself, “I want to be like that.” Click here to watch the 'Alone Together' Music Video! Q: How has living in NYC influenced you and your music? Hunter: New York has influenced me to no end and in countless ways. From the way I walk, the way I dress, the way I talk, and the kind of music and moods that I create in my art. This city is like no other, and being unique and artistic is so appreciated here - I never run out of inspiration. A lot of my music and the soundscapes that I used on “Scorpio Season” were inspired by the NYC nightlife scene and some of my most vivid memories in this city. Q: What is your songwriting process like? Hunter: I suppose my songwriting process is different depending on the level that my initial idea for a song is conceptualized in my mind. Usually, I start with the lyrics and go from there. I think the reason I approach songwriting in that way Is because I won’t be able to understand the mood or the chord progressions or the emotional core of the sonics until I fully understand what the theme of a given song is going to be lyrically. Q: What was your inspiration behind the theme of 'Scorpio Season'? Hunter: “Scorpio Season”, from its title, to its visuals, lyrics and production, are all directly inspired by a former relationship of mine that began and took place during the period of “Scorpio Season” (October/November) of 2016. I met my former love interest on his birthday and he happens to be a Scorpio. He fully embodied many of the characteristics that are key to the sign of Scorpio, as did the relationship itself. I wanted to create an album and universe that reflected that time and experience in my life so vividly for the listener, that they feel like they’re actually living the story themselves. Q: I know this is a hard decision, but what song off 'Scorpio Season' is your favorite? Hunter: Out of all of the songs that are on the album, my personal favorites would have to be “Alone Together”, “Baby Goodbye”, “Division”, Goodbye (4 Now), and “November” of course. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW HUNTER:
- "Alone Together" by Hunter Blair Ambrose
If you’re like me, then the pandemic has thrown your plans and your sanity into pandemonium. Disruptions in daily life. Isolation from friends and family. And the loneliness that results. ‘Alone Together’ by Hunter Blair Ambrose illuminates the sophisticated emotions surrounding lockdown, coupled with the artist’s love life reflections. “In this world, it’s like it would end; I try to go on my own, it never works". We often want to leave friends and lovers behind, but we can’t bring ourselves to go through with it. This song is for the hopeless romantics and those whose social lives have been in disarray (aka, everyone). Click here to watch the 'Alone Together' Music Video! The song’s signature synth-pop, disco production combines pure nostalgia with an uplifting, refreshing melody. “Your elevation is the sedation, but this introduction is pure song seduction". The lyrics from the post-chorus alone speak volumes. We often place the worth of our social connections above ourselves, and Ambrose eloquently describes that misconception. Reverbs and synths enhance the feeling of longing and represent how love can distort our perceptions. Ambrose’s vulnerable vocal performance flows beautifully with the grooves of synthesized instruments. It’s a story of heartbreak with the vibes of finding peace in your daydreams. What a relatable contrast! Hunter Blair Ambrose is a singer-songwriter and recording artist based in Manhattan, NY. She completed her education at Berklee College of Music for Professional Music. For the past few years, she has been collaborating with producer Jason Strong to create sensational hits for the underground pop scene. Her sound is distinctly crafted out of Pop/R&B, synth-pop, and timeless ‘80s classics, to name a few. ‘Alone Together’ is the fourth single off her debut album ‘Scorpio Season’ which is available now on all digital streaming platforms! Written By Kevin Rodriguez FOLLOW HUNTER:
- Interview: "Party Down" by Connor Kirk
Q: ‘Party Down’ is an extremely catchy song! Can you tell us what it’s about? Connor: I wrote Party Down as a depiction of communication breakdown. Some may see it as somewhat nihilistic perhaps, but I tend to view it as more of an exploration into the broken means by which ideas are articulated in popular discourse. Q: How would you describe your unique style of music? Connor: The way I've been thinking of my style at present is "art-funk." It anchors itself on heavy bass and deep grooves but is simultaneously very skeptical/inquisitive about why one may want to dance to it. Q: If you had to pick a favorite song of your own, which song would it be and why? Connor: The one that I write tomorrow—As soon as I finish writing a song my interest immediately shifts. Q: What first got you into writing music? Connor: Around the age of 13, I began to feel an incessant urge to organize the thoughts in my head into a coherent form. I began playing the guitar and writing as a means of inquiry into the things that interested me—the things that tapped at the windows of my skull. Plus it made me feel a bit more like Jack Kerouac in the process. Q: What is your songwriting process like? Connor: I try to be as disciplined as I can when it comes to songwriting. Rarely do ideas come to me unless I violently seek them out, so I sit down every day with an instrument and work at it until I come up with something. I then take the initial idea (be it a melody, a phrase, a chord progression etc) and expound upon it until it feels complete. Q: What is one of your favorite memories from a performance? Connor: I love performing so much that most all moments on stage feel rather euphoric. But whenever the crowd knows the words to one of my songs and sings it with me the moment becomes truly spectacular. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW CONNOR: