Benny Bizzie – Emotions

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

ARTIST NAME: Benny Bizzie

SONG TITLE: Emotions

ALBUM TITLE: E-Motion EP

RELEASE DATE: 27.03.2020

GENRE: R&B/SOUL

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Benny Bizzie is a UK R&B singer/songwriter with an emotive and soulful vocal tone.

Benny previously gained airplay from DJ Ace (BBC 1xtra), Ras Kwame, and Charlie Sloth.

Bizzie was nominated for the 11th annual UMA awards and featured on the SBTV top 10 to watch artist alongside Ed Sheeran and Jessie Ware.

He has performed alongside Michael Buble for BBC Children in Need, Ronnie Scotts, and Troy Bar.

Bizzie’s 2019 single “Emotions” reached over 150,000 views and the second single “More” has reached 70k views on YouTube. He now has gained over 50,000 streams on Spotify.

UK R&B singer gives a sonic display of emotions and good vibes. Since the release of EPs, The Fire (2011) Burnout Vol.1 (2013) Burnout Vol.2 (2014) Someone (Featuring Joe Grind) Benny Bizzie returns to the scene with his fourth and most defined E.P yet.

In comparison with Benny’s past work which usually featured many producers and Artists, E-Motion is personal, creative, and soulful.

Collaboration with producer Cee Figz (Tion Wayne, Fredo, Wiley) and songwriter Nikki Ambers (Little Mix, Ferreck Dawn) E-Motion is a sonic expression of feelings, thoughts, desires, and experiences in motion.

Benny delivers a variety of infectious melodies to get you in your feelings.

The singer fuses R&B with reggae and Afrobeat in songs ‘More’ ‘Go Crazy’ and ‘Love Me All Over’ showing an openness to experiment and diversify.

Producer Cee Figz uses Trap drum patterns in ‘Numb’ and ‘Navigate’ with a heavy-hitting production to compliment Benny’s vocal performance.

The UK R&B singer/songwriter has previously collaborated with UK stars Ghetts, Skepta, and received airplay from DJ Ace (BBC 1xtra), and Charlie Sloth.

He was also nominated for the UMA awards and featured on the SBTV top 10 artists alongside Ed Sheeran and Jessie Ware. Bizzie’s first single “Emotions” reached over 140k views on YouTube and second single “More” received over 75,000 views on YouTube and 50,000 streams on Spotify.

The singer now has a growing online presence with over 10,000 Facebook followers. “E-Motion” is released on 27th March 2020…

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Tell us about your favourite instruments.

I have always loved the piano as a child. I like the body of the instrument – its presence. It takes up space but also gives you somewhere to sit, clear your mind as you explore each note and come up with melodies.

Now as an adult, I love the acoustic guitar. It’s more intimate, I can take it around with me and hold it close and there is a lightness to it. It’s also great for doing stripped back versions of my singles and I get a different reaction from the fans.

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List the names of those supporting you.

I work closely with my producer Cee Figz. We’ve worked together for a while now building each other as artists.

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Tell us your preferred musical styles.

I have always been a lover of R&B and Soul. I grew up listening to Soulful and Gospel artists who sing with emotional fortitude and this is present in most of my songs.

I do love Jazz though; I like the melodies and improvisation.

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List the name of five artists that have influenced you.

Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Amy Winehouse, Craig David.

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Tell us your recording experience in the studio.

I usually prep my mind the day before any recording session. I know I want to make something great and give my all, so I tend to make sure the day before isn’t too heavy and full-on. I get as much rest as possible the night before.

I usually don’t go in with a plan of what to write. I literally go there empty-handed. Then it’s usually chords or melody first before any lyrics. We try to find a vibe that we like, or all feel that is current and matches my style of writing and singing.

Form there it’s a lot of me pacing around, making weird sounds, stretching, going in and out the studio for air, having lunch (I LOVE FOOD), then usually around 4 hours in we have a good enough idea of where it’s all going and we keep going back and forth with sound design and ideas till we have a close to finished product.

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Tell us about your experience with the music industry.

It has been a long journey and I must say that passion, genuine passion, and love are what keeps the engine running.

The industry is always changing, and it is very competitive.

Artists must think like businessmen, they must be savvy, and keep their ears to the ground, eyes on the price, and hands-on the heart.

Hard work does pay off, as I’ve witness friends of mine find success through hard grind and consistency and I have also experienced success on TV and radio over the years through hard work but there is still so much to do, and luck does play a part.

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Explain vocal training.

There are so many vocal theories out there and I have also researched and tried various teachers. I do know though that sometimes some people are just right for you. I think my last two vocal teachers have been awesome in that they knew how to get me to feel into my body and really access my breath better. It takes some sensitivity and experience to do that.

Being able to breathe properly when singing is so important and having worked through your pitch and range over time to develop a good ear for melodies which are pleasing and good performance.

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Discuss your songwriting.

I write feelings first before anything. I spend a lot of time deciding how I want people to feel before writing one word down. It just helps me set the scene. I still write with a notepad, I like the sensory experience of holding a pen, and ink appearing on paper, and I scribble or doodle a lot. I just quite like that. I pace around when I’m writing, and I think I prefer writing at night or when it’s raining. Just helps to add more drama ha-ha.

I’m not sure I follow any order as in chorus first, or verses first, I write what I feel in the moment.

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Tell us your other talents apart from singing.

I love moving and stretching. I do a bit of yoga and I enjoy designing. I do my artwork for my singles. I love to cook also. I love food! Though I’m not sure if that’s a talent ha-ha a Talent for eating maybe.

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Tell us your plans in terms of your music career.

I am working towards building my audience and reaching a wider market. I am also aiming for performances at bigger venues and to make a living from music.

I will continue to show up online and release more material as I have been doing and build from there.

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Tell us the worst experience in your music career.

I think my worst experience was having to stop music for about 4 years and not releasing an album I really worked hard to make.

I had some health complications and didn’t realize I was burning out. Now I feel like I’m glad I took that pause though unintentional. It gave me time to heal, grow, and reconfigure myself for now.

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Discuss your music career in detail.

Till today music remains the only thing constant in my life. I found ways to use music as escape and therapy for expressing my deepest desires and emotions.

I fell in love with music from a very young age using it as a compass to navigate through life.

I was exposed to Nigerian folk music, church choirs, Grime music, and R&B which all had a recurring theme of ‘Emotion and Spirit.’

I began writing my own songs during school and filling up exercise books with lyrics. I wrote about things I saw daily, my hopes, and dreams.

I was quite shy and introverted growing up, so I communicated through words on empty pages and staying busy.

I became a rapper for initially and made some headway through releases on radio KISS100, BBC 1xtra, and television FLAVA TV, CHANNEL AKA.

I went on to study Music at the University of West London, which gave me access to studio facilities, new knowledge, and adventure.

I enjoyed and made the most of 4 years networking, developing emerging singers, and working closely with producers. I had a way of motivating artists to take charge and remain on their path.

I worked with rappers Lioness, Ghetts, Wretch 32, and producers P2J, Rapid, Harmony Samuels, and Stikmatic. It was at University that I connected with my ability to sing and develop my songwriting further.

I previously gained airplay from DJ Ace (BBC 1xtra), Ras Kwame, and Charlie Sloth.

I was also nominated for the 11th annual UMA awards and featured on the SBTV top 10 to watch artists alongside Ed Sheeran, Ghetts, Big Narstie, and Jessie Ware.

I have performed alongside Micheal Buble for BBC Children in Need, Ronnie Scotts, and Troy Bar.

In 2019 my single “Emotions” reached over 150,000 YouTube views and the second single “More” reached 70k views on.

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Discuss your song and album.

Since the release of EPs, The Fire (2011) Burnout Vol.1 (2013) Burnout Vol.2 (2014) Someone (Feat. Joe Grind) Benny Bizzie returns to the scene with his fourth and most defined E.P yet.

In comparison with Benny’s past work which usually featured many producers and artists, E-Motion is personal, creative, and soulful. A collaboration with producer Cee Figz (Tion Wayne, Fredo, Wiley) and songwriter Nikki Ambers (Little Mix, Ferreck Dawn).

E-Motion is a sonic expression of feelings, thoughts, desires, and experiences in motion.

Benny delivers a variety of infectious melodies to get you in your feelings.

The singer fuses R&B with reggae and Afrobeat in songs ‘More’ ‘Go Crazy’ and ‘Love Me All Over’ showing an openness to experiment and diversify. Producer Cee Figz uses Trap drum patterns in ‘Numb’ and ‘Navigate’ with a heavy-hitting production to compliment Benny’s vocal performance.

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Tell us what fans are saying on your music.

Fans usually described my voice as emotive, silky, smooth, and new R&B.

LA on Lock Bloggers has given Emotions 5 out of 5.

Bong Mines Entertainment has described my sound as “Ear Welcoming.”

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Elaborate on your music project.

When I started this project last year, I remember feeling uncomfortable with feeling my emotions.

I remember wanting to run away from them, but it’s crazy how much can change in a year.

Now that the project is finished, I’m not as frightened by the feelings, in fact, I’m more open to exploring them and knowing the roots of them. It’s crazy how much we try to hide.

I believe this project took some bravery and it has woken up my spirit to keep exploring my artistry and keep putting out music so watch this space.

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Discuss multi-genre and switching from one genre to another.

It’s hard to gauge what people will connect with and that’s why I tend to have a variety of styles of genres within my project and performance.

You also never know what will resonate more with DJs and promoters, so variety does help.

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Explain the title of the song.

E-Motion is Energy in Motion! Ever since a little kid, I’ve been a bundle of energy always on the move. I have a bad habit, where if I imagine something, I must chase it. I have such amazing curiosity about life, love, people, art, music, name it.

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State the reason you are into music.

Passion, Love & Escapism.

Honestly, there’s nothing else I would rather be doing!

I tried other career paths, hobbies, but I always come right back to music. I’m way too invested in it. Heart, time, and love. I want a better life for my family and a better future.

I have a connection with music, and I use my music to entertain and inspire people.

I didn’t wake up one morning thinking, let’s go find music. It chose me! It found me.

I believe many people are chosen for different pursuits in life that might give them a sense of purpose or bring them joy. But though we are chosen, or called, we have the choice to respond or not.

I chose to respond and continue down the rabbit hole. I saw uncertainties and unfair aspects but continued curiously. We get to choose how we live our lives and every single decision I made led me right here.

I could have joined a few groups and chosen a different path.

But I chose a path that offers exploration, curiosity, and gives life meaning. I genuinely enjoy making music. Art in a sense. Something that might remain when I am gone.

I’ve quit once before. I dropped the pen and gave up the calling. I refused to be chosen, I said No. This is unfair, exhausting, soul-sucking, I am done! I left music for 4 years.

4 years of thinking I had escaped and could do without the one thing that gave/brought me joy. It was a good attempt to run.

Yet! Here I am 4 years later, 4 singles released, an EP or two on the way. In love again, finding new ways to reinvent myself my art.

The Buffalo Skinners

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

The Buffalo Skinners

Artist Name: The Buffalo Skinners

Song Title: Washing My Hands

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Sheffield band reveal topical video for new track ‘Washing My Hands

Sheffield’s The Buffalo Skinners are back with an educational video demonstrating their take on the official World Health Organisation hand washing steps. ‘Washing My Hands’ – the first taste of the bands’ upcoming new album – will be released digitally on 24th April, via Loose Chat Records.

Following on in the same style as 2019s double A-Side ‘Do What You Want/You Say Love, But You Mean Hate’ ‘Washing My Hands’ was recorded live to two-inch tape with Lee Smith and Jamie Lockhart at Leeds’ Greenmount studios. (The Cribs, Easy Life, The Vaccines.) The song has been described by a close friend of the band (who wishes to remain anonymous) as “Catchy as COVID-19.”

Too soon? Too soon.

Greenmount studio is the proud owner of the very tape machine that recorded The Beatles studio sessions in Hamburg in the early 60s, being one of Pete and James’ go-to bands, they recorded ‘Washing Your Hands’ with a nod to Rubber Soul wide panning the bass and drums and tracking the vocals.

Despite sounding like it was written with the Coronavirus in mind, songwriter Peter Seccombe says ‘Washing My Hands’ is about becoming content with the unwanted change in your life.

“When you’re stuck, and you can’t see no way out. The light bulb flashes above your head. You can just wave goodbye, shut the door, or wash your hands.”

In the video to ‘Washing My Hands’ the playful nursery rhyme sing-song style syncs with Peter Seccombe (Guitar and Vocals) delivering an enthusiastic Jamie Oliver style cookery-programme presentation, that has him demonstrating a thorough hand scrubbing, juggling bars of soap and drinking red wine. (Perhaps more Keith Floyd) …

The video was made one afternoon just days before the national UK lockdown was announced by Boris Johnson. James Nicholls (fiddle, piano, and vocals) who shot and edited the video added: “We wanted to get some additional footage of Pete heading off to a farmers market, talking to vendors about their soap, but I think now that would be deemed inessential travel.”

Melting together the 60’s stylings of The Beatles and The Band with more modern groups like Felice Brothers, the group now have three full-length studio albums under their belts over their decade long career, the most recent of these being 2016’s ‘Cease Your Dreaming’ produced by Mercury Prize-nominated Colin Eliot (Richard Hawley, Kylie, Slow Club).

The Buffalo Skinners paint from a broad palette of influence but maintain their core sound through James Nicholls’ unmistakable violin playing and Peter Seccombe’s sharp British lyricism. The band are working on a fourth full-length album, which they have recently posted a Kickstarter to help fund after losing out on bookings due to the Corona Virus.

The Buffalo Skinners are: Peter Seccombe (guitar & vocals), James Nicholls (violin, piano & vocals) David Haynes (bass), Phil Nixon (guitar & vocals) and Miles Stapleton (drums)

Previous Praise:

“Packed with neat lyrical turns and melodies that recall Whitney’s debut album” – Clash Magazine

“Their music is painted vividly across a broad canvas, using a palette that draws easily from traditional folk and rock ‘n’ roll”

– God Is In the TV

“The Buffalo Skinners aren’t a band with any desire to be pinned down to a single sound, wherever the music takes them, The Buffalo Skinners are well worth following.”

– For The Rabbits

“There’s a maturity and complexity to the writing”

– R2 Magazine

“On the track, they push raggedy country into modern times, wrapping bluegrass sensibilities around pop’s little finger.” -Too Many Blogs

PREORDER:

Kickstarter

Go into details on the changes in your life for choosing music as a career.

I was studying painting at art college and kind of dabbling with music on the side, but what I really wanted to do was learn how to make my recordings sound better, so I took a path that led me to studying just that in Scarborough. Turns out that was a good decision!

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Tell us how you will manage fame as an established artist.

Ha-ha, I don’t think that has any danger of happening.

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Let us know the greatest moment of your music career.

We met Alan Johnson from Peep Show. That was a great moment. He ended up buying a CD from us.

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Discuss your experience pertaining to live performances, gigs, shows, and tours.

Our first show was at a bar in Scarborough called Cellars. I think we used some speakers from a home stereo instead of a PA! The poster was a piece of A4 Pete had drawn a buffalo on.

Musically I’m sure it was a massive shamble, but we were so excited, I don’t think any of us would have noticed that it sounded awful.

We were paid £100 cash and at the time we thought that was an incredible sum to make from playing music!

Since then we’ve had the pleasure of playing abroad quite a lot and some interesting experiences we wouldn’t have otherwise had.

But on the flip side, we’ve also spent what feels like a considerable amount of our lives sat in the back of a van.

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Explain what you have in mind before considering music as a career.

The band was kind of born of late nights spent together getting drunk, listening to Bob Dylan bootlegs and watching music docs, we kind of just fell into it and didn’t consider much else career-wise!

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Name the artists that have influenced the world.

Well… blues music seems to have been the basis of rock & roll, which is where we take our musical cues from, so… Muddy Waters and co for sure.

Chuck Berry introduced a more aggressive electric guitar sound that featured in rock music for the next 60 years.

The Beatles are the biggest influence in so many ways, they kind of wrote the rulebook for bands!

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Discuss your moment of rejections as a musician/artist and how you cope and move on with your career.

Early on, in the band we had many cases of the trail going cold with labels, agents and managers, etc. but we always stuck to our guns and kept on doing what we wanted to do. I think if you’re doing that then you can’t go wrong.

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Tell us the most negative comment you have ever received.

We once had a residency at a place in York called The Black Swan, which is apparently ‘the most haunted pub’ in the area or something….

We had just finished our set and were chatting with the audience outside when a guy asked Robbie ‘So how did you find out about this group then?’ apparently unaware he had been watching him all night.

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State your artist’s name and elaborate on it.

The Buffalo Skinners was named after Woody Guthrie’s ballad of the working man’s revenge.

In the song, the Buffalo drover doesn’t pay his cowboys, so they leave him for dead. We thought it was a good message to send out to people booking us for gigs…

When we named the band, we were heavily into Bob Dylan and anyone who gets into Dylan can’t help being stung by his enthusiasm for Woody.

Cate Downey – Boulder

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

Cate Downey – Boulder

Artist Name: Cate Downey

Song Title: Boulder

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Name the artists that have influenced you so far.

Some of the Artists that influence my writing include Maggie Rogers, Queen, Alec Benjamin, The Beatles, Billie Eilish and so many more!

For me, I think it’s important to draw influence from a variety of genres and styles.

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Mention the name of the artist you can regard as the “Greatest Of All Time.”

The Beatles for sure. They wrote over two hundred songs that were all about love that were all catchy and unique at the same time.

The music from the Beatles is music that has really stood the test of time through several decades and that is something that I will always admire and strive for.

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Discuss composition.

I wrote the song “BOULDER” in one day with producer and fellow classmate Alton Sato.

Before going into the session with Alton I was sifting through some song ideas on my phone and found the line, “I heard you went back to Boulder.” I wrote that line after hearing that one of my friends from high school had moved back to our hometown after dropping out of college. It was something that I hadn’t expected to happen and I kept having the thought “is he happy now?” As soon as I wrote it down, I knew it was something that I wanted to write a song about. Once we came up with the intro, I started singing those lines over the loop and wrote the rest of the song shortly after.

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Share your press releases and reviews with us.

Turtle Tempo

Global Pop

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Elaborate on this song.

I’m currently studying songwriting at a new music production school, the Lillehammer Institute of Music Production and Industries in Lillehammer, Norway.

Here we are put into groups every week and are given the task to write, record, produce and submit a song by the end of the week…

My friend and fellow classmate Alton and I made ‘Boulder’ as part of one of these assignments. When we first got the initial idea for the song on Monday of that week, we both fell in love with it, which is a big part of why the song progressed so quickly.

We also had a lot of the same ideas and visions for the song and both wanted it to be more out-of-the-box, so when it came to production it was a pretty easy process!

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Rate social media and tell us the platform that works best for you in promoting your music.

Instagram works best for me! You can find me @catedowney or here Instagram

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State the areas that need improvement in the music industry.

Right now, we are living in the digital age of music which is both a great new advantage for musicians and a huge crux.

This digital age has made it easier for independent artists like me to be heard which is wonderful.

But it has also lowered the number of income artists and songwriters get for their songs.

I think the industry needs to drastically improve the way that musicians and especially songwriters are paid for their work on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

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Explain how you are getting your songs to stores and getting it to fans.

I have been self-releasing through platforms such as Distrokid and Cd Baby.

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Tell us how you prepare yourself for a live performance or show.

I try not to rehearse exactly what I’m going to say during the show.

I have found that leaving a set mostly unscripted allows me to be more genuine in the delivery. I do rehearse the set before the show until I feel that I have it memorized. I want to make sure people are getting to see and hear what they paid for!

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Tell us your opinion on frequent releasing of singles or just an album in a while.

As a listener, I prefer singles that lead up to an album instead of a constant string of singles. I am a sucker for the anticipation of an upcoming album.

While we are living in what some may call the “ age of singles “ I still love albums because I think albums allow artists to be more creative and artistic because not every song has to be a “hit” and they allow listeners to digest the music and the artist more than singles do.

I hope to see more album releases by major artists soon!

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Mention the name of the artist you will be glad to see the live performance.

I would absolutely love to see Queen in concert. I think that their live performance, especially Freddie Mercury’s stage presences would be something that I would be honoured to witness.

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Tell us the themes of most of your songs.

I have always tried my best to be open and honest in my songs. Most of the themes in my songs center around love/heartbreak as well as mental health. Because I started off writing in the folk genre, I would say many of my songs have storytelling aspects as well.

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Discuss your recording.

The production of the song brings out a lot of its character.

The song was produced by my friend and fellow classmate Alton Sato.

We both went into the session wanting to be experimental in the production and I think you can hear a lot of the experimentation in the final recording.

We were originally inspired by the song “Dirty Af1s” by Alexander 23…

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Tell us how boring or exciting the music career can be.

A career in music can be a lot of things but I can tell you for sure that it’s never boring.

I am constantly on my toes both because of both the excitement and the fear of it all.

It can be a nerve-cracking career at times, but it is also the most rewarding.

Being able to do what I love for a living is the most amazing thing and although it’s an untraditional career path I can’t see myself doing anything else. And while yes, this career path is untraditional.

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State your artist’s name and elaborate on it.

My artist’s name is “Cate Downey” which is my real name. Because my songs are so personal and minimalistic it would have felt ingenuine to go by another name.

I think using my real name keeps the music open and vulnerable.

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State the title of the song and the meaning.

The title of the song is “Boulder” which is the name of a mountain town in Colorado about thirty minutes from where I grew up.

I have always wanted to write a song about Colorado, and I knew that this was the song and the story that I wanted to tell.

Romel + Sweet Billy Boy

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

Romel + Sweet Billy Boy

Artist: Romel + Sweet Billy Boy

Release: Mind Blown

Label: Grafton Recordings

Genre: Pop/Funk

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“Romel is an artist who has a unique approach to his sound”

Band Camp Diaries

Having played to sold-out clubs in Coventry, whooped up the crowds on the floats at Notting Hill Carnival and recently supported Burna Boy, UK based Grafton Entertainment afro-pop artist Romel comes with his latest release, Mind Blown featuring Sweet Billy Boy.

Produced by Slic Vic (currently producing Tinie Tempah and signed to Tinie’s Imhotep/Sony ATV label), plus Kansas City-based Matthew Boda (part of the US music production house JTL Group), new single Mind Blown originally came about as a freestyle jam when working with Slic Vic at Pirate Studios – a place where many top artists have worked including BRIT & NME Award winner Kate Nash. Once the track was bangin’

Romel invited a friend and fellow singer Sweet Billy Boy (who’s been enjoying support for his own work recently from BBC Three Counties DJ Edward Adoo) to spit some verses to complete the production.

On the making of the track, Romel says “I was not meaning to write a song like Mind Blown but it just poured out of me in a wave of positivity. This was after spending a fair few years of not working with the right teams, but then things started to go well, and working with Slic Vic was part of that transition.

The spontaneity is really infectious, and at this point in time I’m in a perfect space with the songs flowing nicely”.

Mind Blown is Romel’s fifth single release and follows three singles from last year: Tonight, Summertime and Paradise, which between them, picked up strong support on UK regional stations plus rave reviews in Flava Mag, Vents and other online publications.

Raised in London and of Nigerian descent, Romel started his musical journey rapping at various open-mics and studio sessions, until a producer heard his voice and suggested he sing instead, changing the course of his style completely.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Khalid and Pharrell Williams, Romel eventually started working with Grafton Entertainment and toured Nigeria with Grafton & MTV Base Africa alongside artists Mr 2Kay, Ill Bliss, Tha Suspect, and Jaywon plus MTV Base presenter Ehiz.

Otherwise, Romel has also featured in videos for Davido’s hit song IF (which won Best Pop Single and Song Of The Year at Nigeria’s Headies Awards), Wondering by Mo ft. Chip plus Chicken Curry by Mr. Eazi ft. Sneakbo & Just Sul.

Outside of music, Romel appeared in Bengali movie Bhaijaan Elo Re, which was the fastest Bengali movie soundtrack to hit a million views in 24 hours. He’s also had cameo appearances in the short film Lucid, plus the BBC comedy show Famalam.

The year 2020 looks to be the best one yet for upcoming afro-pop artist Romel…

Raised in London, Romel grew up listening to an eclectic mix of music, before taking his first steps into performing, originally as a rapper.

One producer advised him to move into singing after hearing his voice, changing the course of his style completely.

Romel got his first taste of touring with Grafton Entertainment and MTV Base Africa in 2014, before releasing his debut single ‘Good Guy’ in mid-2016.

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Tell us how you develop your sound and style to make it different from other musicians.

I don’t know but for some reason, songs come to my head and I just try to develop the song in a way that it appeals to me. And when I try to make it, I just do it my way.

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Tell us your opinion on the way new artists are coming up and the frequent release of songs.

It is interesting; it gives everyone a chance, but good songs also get forgotten easily. And you can easily get lost in the crowd these days.

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Tell us about your experience as a musician/artist.

It has been a journey of failures and Triumph, I had to learn everything myself, which means I had to make a lot of mistakes.

I’ve performed everywhere from pubs to bars when I started out. I remember going out to beg DJs to play my song and all. And I would never take those days back because they helped me value where I am today.

It was even when I met my Grafton records years ago that helped put me in the right direction and taking me on my first tour that changed a lot for me.

One of my funniest experiences was when my dad threatened to kick me off stage when I told him I was performing because he wanted me to go to the University ha-ha, but when he got there he saw me performing and I had the club dancing and screaming. So, he changed his mind and started telling people around me that he was my dad ha-ha.

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Tell us your opinion on streaming and digital download of songs.

If you’ve ever given out CDs before you will appreciate the digital streaming side of things. I think it’s good, but I think streaming is more effective because plays still count even years later, unlike downloads.

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Tell us your goals and plans.

Like what I call myself “The Prince of Pop” I want to live up to that name. I want to create my own lane where I can’t be compared with anyone. Awards are not really my things but if it comes it comes.

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Tell us five current artists that are your favourite.

Ha-ha, Easy! Burna Boy, Calvin Harris, Jax Jones, Mark Ronson, Dua Lipa.

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Tell us your favourite song up to date and share the link.

At this moment I have “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa on repeat, can’t get enough of it. It is even the soundtrack of my dreams ha-ha.

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Tell us your dream and hope for the future.

I have always had this dream of performing in one of the biggest award shows and giving them the best performance, they have ever seen, and it’s going to happen. I just don’t hope but know that in the nearest future I would be given the recognition I deserve.

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Tell us what has changed in the music industry.

I think the music industry is more business than art now. So, people focus on what’s trending other than trying to make something original.

An example is sometimes you meet a producer or Record Label and they say they want a song like this or that, so you go into the studio thinking about what you want the song to sound like rather than just letting it flow.

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Tell us your opinion on television/radio stations playing the same songs from established artists and giving little chances to independent artists.

It still falls to what I said about the business side of the industry taking over.

It’s a food chain so you must work extra hard to be seen which is better so whenever you get your chance you can value it more than when it is handed over to you easily because of your talent.

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Tell us the challenges independent artists are facing and how to tackle them.

I think it’s all about funds to run the best campaign to get noticed, but sometimes it’s not all about the funds it’s also knowing the right place to spend the funds to get good results.

We’ve all lost money trying to get noticed which is not too bad because labels too have lost money investing in the wrong artist and songs too, so it is fair, but just harder since for an independent artist, funds are limited, and before you can raise the money to try again people would have moved on from you since it is a fast industry.

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Share your press releases and reviews with us.

BBC Northampton Hit, Miss, Maybe

Graffiti Vibe

Nova Music

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Tell us your opinion on using social media to promote music online.

I think it doesn’t only give artists the chance to promote their music but also gives you the opportunity to create how you want to be seen.

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Tell us about your music career.

I have just been riding the wave. Everything is all progressing; I just let my music lead the way.

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Tell us what still motivates you to go on with your music career.

To be very honest, I know I am good at what I do, so I believe very soon I would get what I deserve.

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Tell us about you as a person.

I am a very weird person who likes weird things ha-ha.

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Elaborate on the story behind the song.

I was just telling a story of having enough of being played and being told what to do, but that I’m doing fine by doing things my way.

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Tell us the process involved in making this song.

I never had a song like Mind Blown in mind when I started making the song. I just got to the studio that day with the producer Slic Vic (who is the producer of Top Winners by Tinie and Not3s) and I just told him I wanted a pop-funk song and he just started working on it and I just came with the “Oh I can’t deny it, Tanana Tanana…” and that was it. I just put everything together and in less than two hours we were done.

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State your artist’s name and elaborate on it.

I go by the name Romel, which is my actual first name because I tried to go for something cooler than Romel. But there’s nothing cooler than Romel.

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State the title of the song and the meaning.

The title of the song is ‘Mind Blown’ and it simply means something surprising that your brain can’t understand. Which is what I’m about to do.

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State the title of your upcoming album and the reason for choosing the title.

I haven’t chosen a title yet which I would like to keep a secret until then.

Giudi – Sleeping Boy

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

Giudi – Sleeping Boy

ARTIST NAME: Giudi

SONG TITLE: Sleeping Boy

RELEASE DATE: 18/02 /20

GENRE: Alt Pop

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One of the most creative artists currently in music Alt Pop star Giudi combines music with fashion and visual arts, featuring issues such as sustainable Fashion and Diversity in society.

She has toured across Europe, much in demand as a featured performer at many international fashion events as well as music festivals also working with many international fashion designers.

Before becoming a solo artist in 2017, Giudi’s music journey included fronting a rock band and even managing to find herself in the Final of Czech/Slovak X Factor as well as getting the Silver Award for new artist at the 2018 Czech Music Awards.

Now signed to the UK label Minimal Surface, Giudi has been busy recording a new album set for release in May 2020.

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Explain how to overcome a writer’s block.

For me, reconnecting with nature works, going to the woods, visiting my favourite mountain views.

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Tell us the tricks behind making a hit song.

I would say that the real magic happens when the universe gives you touch, it’s like blowing wind and happens only if you are ready and bright and catch it.

For me, an authentic feeling and a real story behind it are always essential for a great song. After all of this, there needs to be of course great production and a sound like edible stardust on the top of the muffin.

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Tell us how you get feedback for your demo before working on it.

If I need to pick tracks to finish from my demos to record, I’ll play them to my producer or I do some A&R consulting with my label Minimal Surface, but at the end of the day it’s always my choice, I need to feel that I want to do that song and I have something to say.

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Explain your recording experience in the studio.

I prefer older, smaller studios with a cozy atmosphere. Where I can just cut off from the rest of the world, be lost for a day and live for the moment. Like this, I can really enjoy the process.

Most of these studios I used to record are underground, but my dream is to record somewhere in the middle of nowhere by the forest with beautiful panoramas, mountains, and lakes; I would just leave my soul in such a place.

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Tell us how you compose.

I spend a lot of time in an airplane or travelling in the car, so the best choice for me is Garageband or Gadget Le app on my phone and after sending it directly to my producer or putting it into my computer and tighten it up in Logic, for example adding some guitars or better vocals and harmonies.

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Tell us if you add effects to your vocals to sound better.

It depends on what suits each song. I enjoy the contrasts so usually in verses I like a dry and natural voice, and in the chorus, I play with all sorts of reverbs, distortions or even harmonizers.

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Tell us the best streaming platform to get new fans.

The biggest rush of fans always comes every time I appear on TV, they usually go to my Instagram and YouTube first.

Also, obviously Spotify, its discovery and algorithmic playlists are great for the musicians to be discovered by the audience.

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Tell us your opinion on music education.

Music education gives way to more options for one’s career.

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Discuss the shooting of a commercial music video for a song.

The visual part of the creative process is very important to me. It’s just the way I get closer to my visions for the track and it opens a new dimension…

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Tell us how you relate with other artists.

It’s 2020 and I can say that almost every single day I discover new artists, there are really a lot of amazing new artists, and that is always an inspiration to try to make even better music.

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Tell us if you can collaborate with an artist of a different genre.

Sure, I can, hopefully I will do more. I consider myself a ‘genre-fluid’ musician so I really enjoy playing with different genres.

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Explain how to finance a music project.

One of the options is to build up a cool and authentic image, then you can find some sponsors.

You can start a collab with some cool brands or music organizations. Play shows. Sell merchandise. Make good music and people will find you and want to get involved, the internet has made it so much easier to get yourself out there.

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Tell us how to generate income from a musical work.

One part of the income you can earn by touring, live shows and selling your merchandise.

Another from streaming platforms. It’s also important to be signed up to rights organizations, that collect money for you when it’s played live or on the radio.

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List the name of organizations you know can be helpful to new artists.

I think in the UK you have PRS, we have OSA, which collects money for artists when they perform.

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Send a message to your fans

“Let your light shine out.”

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Explain the process involved in recording a vocal.

So, the vocal part of the recording process is fun, but sometimes it depends on different circumstances that can slightly change the process.

If I am rested, in the right mood or it depends also on the woman cycle because it affects the vocal cords.

There are so many factors that can make a good vocal, but it is important to sing out your true feelings. When you can sing your soul can speak.

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Elaborate on the song.

‘Sleeping Boy’ is the story of a young boy who lives a stereotyped life.

Time to time he meets completely openminded people, from whom he felt freedom.

He starts to dream about his transformation and free himself from these shackles.

In the music video, I wanted to demonstrate, through contemporary dance, the pressures of society and mental health issues.

We were shooting in the Prague Metro and the main actor was a talented dancer and queer model Matej Psenicka.

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Elaborate on your artist name and the title of the album.

My friends in Italy started to call me Giudi, the Italian version of my name and since that time it seemed to stick.

My first album is going to be called “The Fountain” – the symbol of joy and peace.

The water represents the energy in each level, the eternal nature of this mystical dimension and the infinite nature of its source. There is only one source and it’s endless.

A fountain also has different floors and levels – like my musical taste as well. I consider myself like “genre-fluid” musician.

Rollin Rosatti – Surrender

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

Rollin Rosatti – Surrender

Artist Name: Rollin Rosatti

Song Title: Surrender

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Rollin Rosatti is a soul artist from Memphis, Tennessee.

He draws his inspiration from the historic sounds of the southern delta, bringing to light a mixture of blues, roots rock and gospel.

The vintage sound and feel of his hometown of Memphis influenced him.

Travelling to his origin is an important aspect of his creative journey in creating his art.

World Goes Round – Big House

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

World Goes Round – Big House

Artist Name: World Goes Round

Song Title: Big House

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A bunch of ridiculously hedonistic people live it up in a big mansion high on a hill, while down below the world is burning and choking on filthy polluted air. Nero is fiddling while Rome burns. These hedonists, in their ‘Big House’, are carefree while the rest of the world suffers.

After visiting the Amazon in Peru, Brazil and Venezuela, vocalist Frank Musker had seen first-hand the damage caused to the Amazon by the greed of the West. Hence the line ‘In the time it takes to sing this song, another thousand acres will be gone.’

At the time ‘Big House’ was written in the 1980s, it was a couple years before the Berlin Wall came down and the concerns of refugees fleeing from behind the Iron Curtain is also voiced in the song: ‘Well there’s a man in East Berlin, all he wants is a ticket on a westbound train.’

It is poignant that a song written three decades ago sheds light on precisely the same issues we face today – the refugee problem has only got worse, as has the vast destruction of the Amazon.

In fact, ‘Big House’ feels even more relevant now than it did then, because of the likes of Extinction Rebellion, David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg etc. Only now are people really starting to take note as these issues are in the mainstream of public and political debate.

The song was written as a wake up call thirty years ago. It’s time to wake up now.

More!

It’s 1989 in Los Angeles – four friends create an album which will only be heard for the first time THIS APRIL 2020.

‘Big House’ is the first release from the long-anticipated album by World Goes Round

About thirty years ago record producer Tommy Vicari (Taste of Honey, Billy Idol, Prince) recorded and produced an album with Frank Musker, Elizabeth Lamers, Jeff Hull and Marty Walsh – four good friends who were hot songwriters, singers, and musicians working at that time in the LA music scene of 1989. They called themselves ‘World Goes Round.’

Between them they had either written for, sung with or played on records by a string of major artists and producers like Linda Ronstadt, Queen, Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, Jeffrey Osborne, John Denver, Supertramp, John Fogerty, Quincy Jones, Arif Mardin, Air Supply – the list is too long to quote in full.

Lyrics:

What kind of damn do you give?

Do you know how the other three quarters live?

You say that you do but you don’t have a clue

Sing – oh weh oh weh oh weh oh,

Oh weh oh weh oh

You can see it on the streets in your neighborhood

What you mean? We never had it so good

Living in a big house – up on the hill

We’re all living it up while somebody else – pays the bill

Well it’s a sweet life – as long as it lasts

Living in a big world – but it’s shrinking fast

Living in a big house

Living in a big big house up on the hill (let me in)

Well there’s a man in East Berlin

All he wants is a ticket on a westbound train (ya see)

It’s not the same everywhere but I guess you don’t care

So we do the dance – take it for granted

You tell the truth – they don’t understand it

In the time it takes to sing this song

Another thousand acres – will be gone

Living in a big house – up on the hill

We’re all living it up while somebody else – pays the bill

Well it’s a sweet life – as long as it lasts

Living in a big world – but it’s shrinking fast

Living in a big house

Living in a big big house up on the hill

Real life… You can have it – you can keep it to yourself

You can feed it to the sharks – I don’t wanna know

We can only – help you if you don’t need help

Oh no no no – Sorry!

Living in a big house – up on the hill

We’re all living it up while somebody else – pays the bill

Well it’s a sweet life – as long as it lasts

Living in a big world – but it’s shrinking fast

Living in a big house

Living in a big big house up on the hill

Save me save me save me save me

Soko7 – Moola

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

Soko7 – Moola

ARTIST NAME: Soko7

SONG TITLE: Moola

RELEASE DATE: 2/13/2020

GENRE: Hip-Hop

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Tell us how to refine a demo to a mastered song.

For me, the main difference from demos to finished songs is that I re-record the vocals in a quiet room and fix the errors in the takes, and then I add harmonies.

I mix the song to my liking and I send it to my friend @KayoMusiq and he masters it for me, he’s great.

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Discuss the processing involved in creating a song.

I usually start with a sample or chords or an idea, then I record myself mumbling melodies and ideas, I write, re-record and then add drums and bass.

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Elaborate on the themes of most of your songs.

It’s still quite early in my career and I don’t feel like I’ve found any themes or reoccurring patterns.

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Tell us your greatest musical works up to date.

Greatest musical work to date is “Drunk in Love” by Beyonce, which I produced and won several Grammy Awards for.

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Tell us those behind your music process.

It’s mostly me. I collaborate with different producers all the time, it varies from time to time, I mix my music and have my guy @kayomusiq do the mastering, he’s a very talented producer himself.

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Tell us how you are handling the promotion of your music.

I do all my promotion online, Instagram, Facebook, etc. I have a new dancehall song with my guy @blaqpages coming next month and that will be my first taste of influencer marketing (dancers and Choreographers).

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Tell us your future goals and how you aim to accomplish.

I would like to drop my debut album at the top of next year and go on tour.

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Tell us what you think has changed in the music industry.

The industry has changed a lot due to streaming. Social media has also given the power to the creative and as artist you can reach your fans without needing a label.

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Tell the greatest mistake to avoid while making a song.

In my opinion, overthinking is the biggest mistake in the creative process.

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Tell us how you boost your performance.

Champagne, Champagne, and more Champagne – it just puts me in a more carefree mood without making me too drunk to work.

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Explain the structure of the song.

This song “Moola” is 4 bar intro, 8 bar Hook, 8 bar verse, 4 bar pre,8 bar Hook, 8 bar verse, 4 bar pre, 8 bar Hook, then the outro.

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Discuss how the instruments come together for a song.

There is no set way that the song comes together, but for me, I usually start with chords, then words and then do the drums and bass.

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State your musical skills.

I’m a producer, artist, and writer. I don’t play any instruments, but I can engineer and mix the songs that I write.

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Tell if you consider acting in a movie.

When the time is right, I would like to try it… I am interested in TV and Movies.

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Tell us how you eliminate noise in your recordings.

I have a ball mic filter that basically is a ball made of foam that covers the entire mic except for the opening you record through.

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List the name of artists you cherish most.

Sean Paul, DMX, Buju Banton, 50 Cent and a lot of classic African artists that I grew up listening to.

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Tell us how you get inspiration.

I get inspired by sports, movies, and traveling.

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Elaborate on the song.

The song came about very spontaneously, I was in Las Vegas for the weekend and my last night there; my director @Potent__ suggested we shoot a video. I didn’t have any new songs, so I decided to make a song right there on the spot. I made the beat, recorded and shot the video for ‘Moola’ in one night.

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Elaborate on your artist’s name and the title of the album.

My artist name “Soko7” comes from my birth name Brian Soko and 7 was my jersey number when I played soccer in high school.

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Share your press release and review with us.

Moola is a song about my outlook and my worth ethic as a result of growing up with very little in a 3rd world country (Zimbabwe).

I speak about my tunnel vision, attitude about work and money, and how I don’t have time for anything if it doesn’t help me move forward financially. This is the mindset of a lot of 1st generation Immigrant families who came to this country to live the American Dream.

5 Seconds of Summer – Old Me

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

5 Seconds of Summer – Old Me

Artist Name: 5 Seconds of Summer

Song Title: Old Me

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5 Seconds of Summer brings to light an eye-catching music video for the song entitled ‘Old Me.’

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“Old Me” is the introspective new single from 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS).

A falsetto-laced reflection on growth and forgiveness, the track is the latest release from 5SOS’s new album C A L M, due out via Polydor Records on March 27.

Speaking on the new music, lead vocalist Luke Hemmings said: “Old me carries a youthful spirit and follows the narrative of a young person’s life growing up, for better or for worse. Every decision we made, whether right or wrong, has led us to the men we are proud to be today.

We were thrown into the public eye at a young age and gratefully had each other at a confusing time. Sometimes it’s important we look back in order to appreciate the journey we’ve been on together.”

The band recently announced the North American leg of the No Shame 2020 Tour which will kick off with a trio of dates in Mexico. Ahead of arriving in the US, 5 Seconds Of Summer return to the UK for headline shows in May, including London’s The SSE Wembley Arena. Their eagerly anticipated UK tour will follow a one-off intimate gig at Kingston’s Pryzm, March 15th.

The only band (not vocal group) in chart history to see its first three studio albums enter the Billboard 200 at No. 1, 5SOS have sold more than 9.6 million equivalent album units and sold over two million concert tickets worldwide, with cumulative streams of their songs now surpassing seven billion.

In addition, they’ve earned several prestigious accolades over the years, including an American Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, eight MTV European Music Awards, five ARIA Awards, two APRA, and two MTV Video Music Awards.

UK TOUR DATES

March 15 – Kingston, Pryzm

May 11 – Dublin, 3Arena

May 12 – Belfast, SSE Arena

May 14 – London, The SSE Arena Wembley

May 15 – Leeds, First Direct Arena

May 16 – Birmingham, Arena

May 18 – Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena

May 20 – Glasgow, The SSE Hydro

May 21 – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena

Lyrics:

Shout out to the old me

And everything he showed me

Glad you didn’t listen when the world was trying to slow me

No one could control me

Left my lovers lonely

Had to fuck it up before I really got to know me

Never a night alone

Anywhere you wanna go

Woke up in the morning wearing someone else’s clothes

Pictures in my phone

With people I don’t know

Woke up in the morning how the hell’d I make it home

And they wondered how long I could keep it up

While I wondered if I’d ever, if I’d ever get enough

And I did some shit I never should have done

I would do over now, I’d do it over

Shout out to the old me

And everything you showed me

Glad you didn’t listen when the world was trying to slow me

No one could control me

Left my lovers lonely

Had to fuck it up before I really got to know me

All of the mistakes I made

Whatever the price I paid

Shout out to the old me

And everything he showed me

Had to fuck it up before I let you get to know me

Another round here we go

Going in blow for blow

Look into the mirror take the punches that I throw

I’m constantly reminded of all the compromises by the people from my past who have a hard time letting go

And they wondered how long I could keep it up

While I wondered if I’d ever if I’d ever get enough

And I did some shit I never should have done

I would do it over now, I’d do it over

Shout out to the old me

And everything you showed me

Glad you didn’t listen when the world was trying to slow me

No one could control me

Left my lovers lonely

Had to fuck it up before I really got to know me

All of the mistakes I made

Whatever the price I paid

Shout out to the old me

And everything he showed me

Had to fuck it up before I let you get to know me

Devil at my door

Got me knockin’ knockin’ knockin’ on the other side

Ashes on the floor

But I’m walkin’ walkin’ walkin’ outta here alive

Shout out to the old me

And everything you showed me

Glad you didn’t listen when the world was trying to slow me

No one could control me

Left my lovers lonely

Had to fuck it up before I really got to know me

All of the mistakes I made

Whatever the price I paid

Shout out to the old me

And everything he showed me

Had to fuck it up before I let you get to know me

Eminem + Juice WRLD – Godzilla

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Kolade Olamide

Eminem + Juice WRLD – Godzilla

Artist Name: Eminem + Juice WRLD

Song Title: Godzilla

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Eminem is back again with a high-class music video for the song entitled ‘Godzilla’ featuring Juice WRLD.

His delivery of words is one of a kind while his performance is impressive.

Eminem is one of the greatest rappers with skills.

His works to date are hits.