Search Results

Thinking over mistakes in your head. Wishing you could go back in time to change the mistakes you made. We all do it, but it’s better to learn from our mistakes than to dwell on the past. We’re all doing our best and trying to make it in this crazy world. Singer/songwriter Jewelia released a new song titled “The Best We Can'' that speaks to this sentiment. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia or a longing for something out of reach. Jewelia is expressing her own yearning for a change she can never make. But at the end of the day, she proclaims we can only do the best we can. Jewelia has a knack for writing some incredibly whimsical, indie-inspired songs. Though she has many inspirations, Jewelia stands alone when it comes to her music. Her lyricism has a raw aspect to it that makes every song feel personal and intimate. All of her music clearly comes straight from the heart. “The Best We Can” is a sentimental ballad taking the listener on a whimsical journey. With soundscapes that cradle you into a sense of security, this song leaves you enamored with Jewelia. It features subtle instrumental inclines toward the bridge and gradual sonic decreases that create a relaxing feeling for the listener. The soothing strums of the guitar, accompanied by Jewelia’s brilliant lyricism and vocals are astounding. “The Best We Can” is a song that is easy to fall in love with. Jewelia is an extremely talented singer/songwriter based in London. She has been singing since she was little. She has always been fascinated with creating music. She loves to experiment in the different realms of pop music but maintains her own flair in each song. Jewelia has a steadily growing online presence and continues to draw in new fans with each release. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW JEWELIA:

Almost everyone has experienced heartbreak. It's extremely common but learning to live without someone isn't easy. After giving your all in a relationship, it’s hard to relearn who you are without that person. Letting go is never easy; It’s going to take time to get back to who you were before them. But once you're on the other side it's easy to see that in the end, you’re better off without them. Alex Blyth’s “Miss You a Little Less'' is a song that touches on the bittersweet aftermath of heartbreak and the healing process that comes with it. The song begins with rich piano melodies that immediately capture your attention. The piano is accompanied by Blyth’s strong and emotional vocals that make “Miss You a Little Less” a powerhouse ballad. Her voice is smooth and hauntingly beautiful. She reflects on the downsides of the relationship and all the times she felt let down by her partner. She’s healing and she doesn't need her ex as much as she thought she did. The subtle beating of the drums adds a flair that elevates the song’s atmosphere. Through the song, Blyth is taking us through her healing process. Starting with a subdued but beautiful piano and increasing into a slow build-up of drums and vocals shows a growth in personal strength. Learning to be yourself without an ex and healing after a heartbreak. The honesty of the lyrics and the evocative instrumental in the song make for a moving listen. Blyth's use of instrumentation is extremely smart and showcases just how talented she is. Alex Blyth is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Adelaide, Australia. Though she released her debut song at sixteen, she has been writing from a very young age. She began her journey sharing covers on social media during the pandemic and has now traveled overseas to spread her talents far and wide. Blyth prides herself on her raw and relatable lyricism and powerful singing voice. You can hear her inspiration, such as Adele and Julia Michaels, shine through in her work. Blyth is a talented rising pop star to keep an eye on. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW ALEX:

‘Undone’ is a haunting and melancholy song; what was your inspiration behind it, and what emotion do you hope it evokes in your audience? Kiara: Power is what I wanted people to feel. The hopelessness the song expresses is the result of not making a decision. So rage was needed to escape the trap of saying 'maybe'. What is one of your favorite moments from filming the video for ‘Undone?’ Kiara: We spent three weekends together for this video, I loved every second of it. We were a team of super creative people, everybody added his or her own skills and passion for making this idea come to life. I think the most magical moment was when we were done filming after a long night shooting. The sun was rising, we were still awake, exhausted, and fulfilled after almost one month of work together. Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations? Kiara: For the production of “Undone” me and the producer Chris Kling were inspired by artists like Billie Eilish and Lana del Rey, but also Jack White and The Black Keys. How would you describe your unique sound? Kiara: Powerful alternative rock productions with very vulnerable stories behind them. What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started? Kiara: I have been playing gigs as a singer-songwriter since the age of sixteen. I´ve always felt the need to express emotion, so starting a solo music project was the perfect way for me to follow this passion. What are your upcoming plans for your musical journey? What should fans be on the lookout for? Kiara: We plan to play some amazing live shows with a full band this summer. And there will be new music out soon! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW KIARA:

“Only Love” is a beautifully brooding and somber tune. What is the story behind this track? JONAH: There is a very personal and intense story behind “Only Love." It's an attempt to break out and leave the past behind to find yourself. Would you say you are equally involved in writing the lyrics and creating the music or do you find that one of you tends to take the lead in one aspect? JONAH: For us, it‘s important to create our music together. We’re playing together for hours and we’re recording everything to find moments that feel special to us. When it comes to the lyrics, that's mainly Angelo's area. What was your experience like being on the cover of Tidal and being featured on their playlist? JONAH: Of course we were surprised and it felt great to be seen for your art. We were honored that Tidal chose us for their cover of such a great Playlist. How has growing up in Germany influenced your musical style? JONAH: When we were teenagers and music became our thing, it was artists from the U.S. and the UK that inspired us. Especially Grunge influenced us a lot back in the day. We tried to hear every snippet of our favorite bands, watching MTV all day long and hanging out in record stores to get new music. So basically we can say that Germany didn't have a big influence on our musical style. Describe your experience working with Ben Böhmer and Rob Moose? Will you be working with either of them again in the near future? JONAH: We love writing music with Ben. There is a special and deep connection between us and we found a great way to merge our two musical worlds. We will definitely work together again in the near future. With Rob Moose, it was exciting to hear how he composed this special string version of “Home“. It ́s such a unique and beautiful take on the song. If you could support any band or artist on tour, who would you choose and why? JONAH: We would love to go on tour with Bon Iver, Ben Howard, or Pearl Jam. They are all great live, and we really like their music. Would be cool to share the stage and the backstage with them. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW JONAH:

"BE" is a magically hypnotic track - what was your inspiration for this song, and what does it mean to you? Indyana: I’ve always been drawn to the galaxy and to finding ways of linking it back to myself. The vision for this song was birthed when, one day, I looked into the mirror and came to the realisation that I wasn’t merely looking at ‘me.’ I was looking at the entire universe, at the stars. After all, that’s what we are made of. Star stuff. In my opinion, the natural world provides a much truer reflection of ourselves than a mirror does, and ‘BE’ is a song to help remind people of this, hence the lyrics ‘you’re amazing, I’m stargazing’. I incorporated the mirror theme in the bridge section of the song in the music video, too; I acknowledge the mirror, reject the mirror and return to my true purpose; to be, live, go and give. What nudged you in the direction of music, and when did you decide it was something you wanted to pursue? Indyana: As with most musicians, it started from a very young age. I always loved to sing, and I was raised listening to a wide variety of genres, all the way from heavy metal to sleep music, which opened my mind to loving many forms of music. I was also inspired by my mother and her sisters’ band ‘Rezzalp.’ I heard them song-write and rehearse throughout a large portion of my childhood. However, on a completely different level, I believe that my passion for music truly began at age 9 when I was given the ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ soundtrack. For the first time, I understood just how impactful sound could be on a person’s life. It seems almost absurd to me that my 9-year-old self was so enthralled with a film score…but I was. Then and there, my heart knew what it wanted in life; emotional oscillation and lots of it. Of your live performance experiences, which ones stick with you most and why? Indyana: As you know from my track ‘BE’, I am a singer. However, I was raised as a classical musician on the violin and viola. This might not be the answer you were expecting, but my favourite live performances to date have been with orchestras at venues such as MRC, Hamer Hall, and Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The complexity of orchestral pieces (particularly from the Romantic and 20th Century eras) is so representative of what drives me to create at all. I have cried during almost every orchestral performance I’ve ever been a part of. My biggest dream is to ignite these same intense emotions and feelings of connectedness with my own musical storytelling someday. How many instruments do you currently play, and do you have your eye on learning any others in the near future? Indyana: I play violin, viola, piano, guitar and I sing! I also recently added a steel tongue drum to my collection, which is a really grounding instrument to play. An instrument that I have always wanted to learn is the harp. Whenever I envision my future, a small part of it takes place in a sun-lit room with gold dancing on the walls, reflecting off of my ornate pedal harp. I’m excited for that desire to come to fruition. What do you enjoy most about being an artist? Indyana: My favourite part about being an artist is having ideas. The first idea for a new song, the seventeenth idea when trialing it at an instrument, the fiftieth idea when recording it, and the thousandth idea when bringing the song to a live performance venue. The light-bulb moments; they’re endless. It’s the most childlike, pure, and thrilling experience; to imagine. My imagination goes in all directions. To every extreme of joy and darkness. It has led me to deep sorrow, to panic attacks, and to existentialism. But it has also led me to ecstasy. Unparalleled ecstasy. Nothing makes me feel more alive or more human. If you had to explain yourself through an album, which would you choose and why? Indyana: My debut album, which is currently in the works, is unquestionably what best represents me. However, seeing as that’s not out in the world just yet, I have no other answer than, again, the ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ soundtrack by Nicholas Hooper. I know it doesn’t make much sense to define myself through a soundtrack that is so obviously about a certain set of characters in a certain world. But it’s the only answer that makes sense to me. This film score lies at the core of who I am and of why I create. Perhaps it doesn’t necessarily represent ‘me,’ but, in a sense, it does, and it always will because it never fails to remind me of who I am Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW INDYANA:

“Moment” is an insanely catchy song that carries a profoundly deep message. Would you mind sharing what inspired it and what it means to you? Brandon: This song and project, "Moment," tells my story of both personal and professional setbacks and successes. But really, I wanted to start the conversation around mental health and bring awareness to the challenges and struggles that we sometimes face and might not have the right vocabulary to articulate the emotions or thoughts that run through our mind in times of anxiety, doubt, or even just setbacks. I knew a subject like this can seem as though it could be controversial, but I felt as though I was creating a safe place to identify real-life issues and struggles we all face using this project. What was it like making the video for “Moment,” and what stands out most about that experience? Brandon: I really carried the weight of this project, knowing it was going to be something really special. I actually wrote the song moment back in early 2021, coming right out of lockdown, and I sat on the song for a year. There were a lot of transitions in my personal life. I proposed to my girlfriend of 3 years, Kashawn Watson, who is now my wife and a popular podcaster. We relocated for San Antonio, TX, to Florida. So it really made it even more special when it was time to start production of shooting the short film. I knew I wanted to add a visual short film to tell the story of what I went through over the last few years that others could really relate to. Bringing everyone in on my journey in short form, from the vocal health issues I faced back in 2019 when I lost my voice for 8 months and couldn’t sing and barely speak, from everything being canceled in 2020, to my childhood, getting a guitar, and having a big dream to become someone that could influence culture just by telling their story. That's what this project was for me: “A relatable story for everyone.” You play an impressive array of instruments, from guitars to drums. How did you get started, and which would you say is your favorite? Brandon: Well, actually, my parents are pastors back in Texas, where I was born and raised. I grew up in the church my whole life, and that’s where my interest in music began. I started as a drummer first at 9 years old and picked up a guitar, and started singing and leading worship at 13. I was really just filling in where there was a need and never really knew how it was gonna all unfold, haha. Fast forward 15 or so years now, and I’ve been able to really do a lot off the simple fact that I’m a songwriter and musician. It’s really humbling. My favorite instrument is 100% playing electric guitar! There’s nothing like grabbing a cup of coffee and just playing guitar. How would you describe your songwriting process? Brandon: That's a loaded question! Haha, my songwriting process is never the same way twice. I got inspired at the most random times, driving down the road or when I’m grilling out. I’m a topical writer, so when a topic comes, I can visually see what it is I’m writing about. Who are some of your biggest musical influences or inspirations? Brandon: Some of my biggest musical influences are: NF (his storytelling and visuals are insane!), For King & Country are incredible to watch LIVE, TwentyOne pilots, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, and B.B King. What can your fans look forward to seeing next from you on your musical journey? Brandon: I am in the middle of finishing a full project and have a rollout planned schedule for that in 2023. I do have a release planned for the top of the new year. I’ll be releasing another single and short film. The team and I are really excited about this one! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW BRANDON:

“Ride This Out with Me” is such a vibe – it feels like an excellent rainy-day song, perfect for moody inner reflection. What served as the inspiration behind this track? Molly Aisha: Thanks so much! So I was bored in my uni bedroom, stuck in isolation, and really missing my loved ones. I had the idea of writing a repetitive song to reflect how insane I was going from waking up every day in the same room, doing the same things, and missing the same people. I started playing around with some warm chords that sounded happier than I intended, but I went along with it anyway. It soon ended up becoming an optimistic song about the excitement of life getting better again rather than one about wallowing in my isolation blues. I'm more than okay with that, I think a happy song needed to squeeze out of me at some point! You supported Imogen Harper earlier this year at Northern Guitars. What was that experience like for you? Molly Aisha: It was such a good night, the audience was extremely supportive and respectful throughout my set, and of course, Imogen's performance was incredible. I see from your Insta that you play guitar and piano/keyboard. How did you get started? Do you have your eye on learning any additional instruments in the near future? Molly Aisha: I started learning the basics of both around the age of 10 or 11, as I had the instruments in my house, but I didn't have the patience at that age to sit down learning sheet music for several hours. I had a lot more fun just experimenting than being formally taught, and it's been like that since. As for additional instruments, I've always loved the idea of learning drums but never got 'round to it; follow along to see if it ends up happening! What was it like to make it to Open Mic UK finals, and what knowledge did you gain from those performances? Molly Aisha: I'd never performed in front of a huge audience like that before, so it was very daunting but still an incredible experience as it gave me a taste of what gigging and the music industry is really like. I learnt that it's so important to be yourself and to not waste energy comparing yourself to others, and not to take constructive criticism to heart. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing instead? Molly Aisha: It's hard to imagine myself not doing music, but I'd probably turn to baking if I weren't pursuing it. That's a hobby of mine that's always relaxed me and lifted my spirits on bad days. Given the opportunity to collab with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and why? Molly Aisha: I think it would have to be Birdy; she's the kind of artist where I listen to her material and instantly think, "Wow, this resonates so much, I wish I had written that." She manages to put my messiest thoughts into relatable lyrics that I could've never come up with myself and expresses them so beautifully through her singing, so collaborating with her would be a dream. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW MOLLY AISHA:

“Night Driving” is such a sweet song, one that definitely makes the listener feel good when they hear it. What inspired the song, and what does it mean to you? Lindsey: So originally, I wrote this song back in 2020 — I was in the middle of a tough relationship, and "Night Driving" was an expression of resiliency and commitment in the midst of uncertainty. I put it away for a few years, but when I was putting together the track list for Juniper, it jumped out at me in a new way. I was preparing to make a huge life transition — uprooting my life in Boston to move to Nashville — and all of a sudden, the song completely shifted meaning. Instead of being about romantic love, the song sounded like an illustration of the dance with the universe that happens when we’re listening to ourselves and creating our own lives. I fell in love with it all over again and sent it over to my producer Daniel Radin. When he sent over the first draft arrangement, I was captivated by the space and the delight I heard it in. In my mind, it’s been the single ever since How frightening was it to take the leap and relocate from Massachusetts to Tennessee – have you had any difficulty adjusting? Have you found that it’s impacted your creative flow? Lindsey: Fear and joy are always tangled together in decisions like this, but I couldn't be happier to have made the move. It already feels like home. I'm certainly in the middle of adjusting and finding my musical footing in the city - I had such a warm, loving, creative community in Boston, and I'm still finding that in Nashville - but the songwriting flow hasn't disappeared at all. I imagine that performing some of your final (just for now!) shows in the Boston area was bittersweet. What are some of your favorite memories from those July performances? Lindsey: Wrapping up my time in Boston was enormously bittersweet. I knew this transition was the right one to make, but Boston was my home for 11 years - so much formation, so much growth, and so much love happened there. That last show felt partially like a going away party and partially like a beautiful culmination of my time in Boston. I see that you are also part of the trio known as Visiting Wine. What has that experience been like for you, and what knowledge have you gained from it? Artist: Visiting Wine has been the most joyful, most fruitful creative experience of my life. The Visiting Wine family are my favorite musical collaborators, and it is an absolute gift to be able to make music with them. We still have a few things on the horizon, so Visiting Wine is alive and well. Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations? Lindsey: I find myself listening to a lot of female songwriters and girl bands right now - I'm particularly fond of rich harmonies. My favorite bands right now are JOSEPH, the Staves, HAIM, and MUNA. What aspects are the most rewarding about being an artist, and which are the most challenging? Lindsey: The most rewarding part is getting to be part of the intimate pieces of people's lives and realizing over and over again that humans are all connected by their shared experiences. My music has been the soundtrack of faraway friends, it has been played at friends' weddings and engagements. There is something so special and sacred about being able to participate in peoples' lives in that way. The most challenging part is getting through the vulnerability fears, especially when it comes to releasing songs that are a bit sadder. It's easier for me to show up musically as an encouraging buoy, but it's harder to show up with honesty about sad or difficult feelings. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW LINDSEY:

“On My Own” is beautifully performed, which is a stark contrast to the painful nature of the lyrics. The song is an excellent reminder that grief and healing are not linear but often cyclical. What is the story behind this song? Rosie: Thank you! I have this master sheet of unfinished songs that I've started writing and never actually finished, and the first verse of this song was one of them. I wrote it a year before I ever recorded the song, and then I left it alone. A year later, I was sent the beat by my lovely sound engineer Mike, and I fell in love with it, but for some reason, I couldn't write anything over it. I checked my master sheet for inspiration, and I ended up using that verse to build the entire rest of the song. I had to dig out a lot of my old emotions from the time I began writing it, but writing music is incredibly therapeutic, so it ended up giving me a lot of closure that I didn't get from my real life. Do you find that singing and songwriting help you to relax and find balance from enduring the daunting rigors of your pursuit in Honours Science at the University of Waterloo? Rosie: Hahaha, I like that "daunting rigors." I love the degree I'm pursuing, but you're absolutely right that it can be very stressful. I do find that music helps me relax, but sometimes it can be very difficult to make time for music because I just have so much on my plate. Sometimes I wish I was able to do it full-time because I love writing and singing so much, but because I only get to do it when I make time for it, it feels just a bit more special whenever I get to write or perform. If you could instantly be gifted the ability to play one instrument, what would you choose and why? Which do you think best suits your musical style? Rosie: Definitely piano, although guitar is a close second. I just love people like Alicia Keys and Adele, who only use one or two elements, like piano and their voice, and make the most incredible music. That's something I've always admired, and I would love to be able to do it myself. You mentioned that your sister plays instruments – does she play for you on any of your songs, or do you sing for any that she may create? Rosie: My sister plays guitar mostly, and she was actually in the studio when I was recording "On My Own." She heard the guitar loop, loved it and suggested we do some layering on the second verse. I asked her what she had in mind, and she freestyled this really cool finger-picking overtop of the original beat. It was super spontaneous, and the next session, she recorded what she came up with, and you can hear it in the second verse of "On My Own." Needless to say, that was one of my favourite moments as an artist. Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations? Rosie: I get told I sound like Ariana Grande a lot, which is an amazing compliment because I've loved her since I was maybe 10 or 11. When I was younger, I was really into artists like her, like Demi Lovato, Beyonce, and really any strong female pop vocalists. I'm also Middle Eastern, and I absolutely adored Nancy Ajram growing up (I still do). Then as I started making my own music, I turned more towards the R&B side of Pop music, where I took a lot of inspiration from Jhene Aiko, Kehlani, H.E.R., SZA, and Summer Walker. I think you can hear some of their influence, especially in my newest song, "On My Own," where there's a lot of Pop and R&B intersecting. If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them? Rosie: When I was younger, a lot of people told me I would have to narrow down my options. I was super adamant about having multiple jobs and doing so many things, and people told me I could only have one proper job. I'm here to say as an adult that my life is absolutely packed with studying and music and about a million other things, but I've loved every second of it. You don't have to center your entire life around just one thing! That's what I wish I could tell my younger self. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW ROSIE:

“Dangerous” is a definite earworm – just one listen is enough to get hooked. Love how the song captures the emotions of the ‘will I, won’t I, have to keep you guessing’ dance that all too often occurs between people. What does this song mean to you, and how do you hope it impacts your audience? CONNR: For me, the essence of "Dangerous" lies in the line, "Come on and take the risk, like you got nothing to lose." I'm terrible about overthinking those "will I, won't I" moments until I remember that there's literally nothing to lose. Some of my favorite memories have come from times when I was willing to just go with the flow and take a chance on something or someone new. My hope is that listeners find "Dangerous" empowering. That it makes you feel sexy and confident and that the world is yours for the taking. ;) I see that you’re a Tennessee native and currently reside in Alabama. Would you say that your southern roots have had any influence on your music? CONNR: Yes, definitely! Growing up outside of Memphis, I spent a good amount of time at STAX Records my senior year of high school. I learned all about the likes of Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Booker T. and the MG's, etc. And then, in college, I interned at Fame Recording Studios, where I heard a ton of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, Allman Brothers, etc. I was really lucky to have had such a thorough education in Southern Soul Music, and the biggest thing I took from all those icons is that music is made to make you feel. Whether it's love or heartbreak or going out and having a good time - raw emotion and lyrical transparency are always going to translate to the listener. What was studying at Loyola like, and what are some of your favorite memories from that time? CONNR: I loved my time at Loyola. I was super fortunate to have some incredible mentors who helped me train my voice and refine my songwriting, and I was able to learn about the music industry. Truthfully, my favorite memories from that time have nothing to do with music. I made some of my best friends at Loyola, and the nights we spent exploring New Orleans will forever be a part of me. I also think it's hella cool that the friends I made (shout out to Cait Harris & Mars Cooper) are also incredible creatives in their own right, and they continually inspire me in my own craft. How would you describe your experience interning at Fame Recording Studios? CONNR: Interning at Fame totally changed my life. I spent the summer after my freshman year of college sitting in a control room for 8 hours a day and quickly realized I had no interest in being an audio engineer. But, I met some of my favorite people in the world that summer. I started working with some of the writers signed to Fame's Publishing company, and the songs I wrote with them did a ton for helping me realize my own artistry. When I graduated from Loyola in 2019, I moved to Muscle Shoals, where I have been writing and recording incessantly since. You started writing songs at age 14 – can you share your process with us? CONNR: I wish there were a simple way to explain my songwriting process, but truthfully, it's a muse that shows up differently every time. I prefer to start with a strong melody or lyrical concept, but recently, I've felt more inspired hearing a chord progression or track and trying to capture what it's saying to me. Truthfully, the process never being the same is what keeps me coming back. I keep searching for the time that the stars align, and a song just falls out. It's a pretty amazing feeling. What’s coming next for you? What are your future plans for your musical journey? CONNR: Long story short, the plan is to keep going! Dangerous is the 2nd single off a 5 track EP, and my favorite song from this project has yet to be released. ;) I'm hoping to keep booking bigger & better shows, as playing live is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and I'm praying I get to keep connecting with people and sharing the music. Just gotta keep refining the process. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW CONNR:

HateBeingSad is catchy af and speaks to one of the most universal human experiences – the art of overthinking. Closure is a myth, and chasing it is folly. We need to just come to terms with the fact that this is reality as it exists without ever finding out the ‘why’ of it. What does the song mean to you, did writing it help purge some of the angst associated with these feelings? King Locus: So this song actually means a lot to me. I just needed to get out all my feelings toward this toxic situation I was in with this girl I was obsessed with, but it was all for nothing. When I go to the studio and record, I can never make a song just to make it. It has to be how I’m feeling at the moment, and I had writer's block because of the situation. I was dodging it for weeks, then finally, I just said we need to get this over with. I recorded the song in less than an hour. Clearly, I needed to vent, you know? It did help me move on from the situation, especially when I found out the girl was listening to the song. What was it like being able to collab with sagecharmaine on this track?? What was the best part of the experience for you? King Locus: Sage is hands down one of the most talented artists I’ve worked with. She killed her part, it was perfect. She was probably the easiest artist I’ve ever worked with, very understanding, and always updated me on when the song would be done. I will be trying to make more music in the future with her 100 percent. If you wanna listen to a talented artist with a great sound, good ideas, and the aesthetic to go with it, listen to sagecharmaine. How would you describe your sound, and what sets you apart from other artists in an incredibly saturated market? King Locus: I think a lot of artists just think they are the most amazing artist ever when they aren’t. They forget to have fun when they make their music. My friends and I, and my entire group, have so much fun making music. It’s deeper than just trying to get a paycheck or fame. Yeah, that’s amazing and all, but if you listen to my music, you’ll hear in every song what was going on in my life at that time. So I would say when you listen to my music, you hear the sadness, the charisma, the anger, or even like happiness, depending on the month. All humans go through different emotions through the seasons, just like my sound. Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations? King Locus: Blink 182 in the early 2000s - my big brothers always had them on. My Chemical Romance, for sure, and probably the vocal sound from Simple Plan. If you could collab with any artist, past or present, who would you choose and why? King Locus: I’d wanna collab with Tom Delonge; I’d love to have a song with our vocals going back and forth. I could die happy. What’s the next step on your musical journey? What should fans be keeping an eye out for? King Locus: Actually, I’m about to release a song or two in about two weeks. Not sure which ones yet, but they are coming. I have an album I’m working on, and I have a collab project I’m gonna start working on with my group. I might even start a band as a side project. So if you wanna be there for all that, look me up, please! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW KING LOCUS:

“Who You Are” is a lovely song, relatable to people on both sides of this situation. On the one hand, you have a party that is overly guarded due to past experiences. On the other, you have the individual who is trying to be patient and understanding yet feels like their efforts are in vain. What is the story behind this song? Livvy: "Who You Are" is the fastest song I have ever written, and I think this is because it does not come from a place of hurt or hatred, but actually from being so frustrated at the fact that I could not get the person I loved to open up and take my help. The story behind the song comes from when I dated a guy who had a lot going on in his family life that he couldn't cope with. Instead, he pushed everyone he loved away, one of these people being me. All that I could feel at the time was frustration and desperation to help him, to get him to talk about things and to work through it together, but it was impossible. The only time I managed to get him to talk was when we were in the bath drinking wine together. This seemed to be the only place he would feel safe to speak about everything going on in his mind. This is where I got the inspiration for the music video. I see that you have both a lyric and an official music video for “Who You Are.” Of the videos you have created, which do you like the best, and why? Livvy: Personally, I always prefer a music video over a lyric video because it is more visually engaging for people to watch and also allows people to feel a stronger understanding and connection to the song. The lyric video for "Who You Are" definitely demonstrates the desperation and detachment felt by someone whose partner is distancing themselves, which I believe is an important factor and one I couldn't portray through my music video due to it being a solo character shoot. What is your songwriting process like? What are three must-haves for you to help get the creativity flowing? Livvy: I don't really have a must-have for creativity because, to be honest, it comes at the most random times. I can't put time aside or pick and choose when I want to write a song.. when my mind is in the right place, it just happens. Quite often, I write the best music, and I am more creative when I am driving. I also write a lot in the middle of the night because I lay in bed, my mind won't switch off, and suddenly my brain is overthinking and creating lyrics or melodies. Congratulations on completing your first headlining gig in London! What was that experience like, and what are some of your favorite moments from that performance? Livvy: The headling gig was so much fun! I had such a good crowd who all knew the words to my previously released songs which was such a surreal feeling. I also got to sing "Who You Are" for the first time and managed to teach the audience apart from the song in seconds prior to singing it, so that was really cool. I can't wait to do it all again, and next time on a bigger stage. What first got you into music? With voice lessons starting at age 4 and lyric writing beginning at the age of 8, it seems that you knew this was something you wanted to pursue from an early age. Livvy: I have always been passionate about music and have participated in it in some way. I did classical singing for years, I was part of many choirs, I performed in a lot of musicals, I learnt to play piano and guitar at a basic level... and I couldn't stop taking qualifications in various forms of music. After doing my A levels, I had to make a decision as to whether I wanted to go into straight acting (something else I was really passionate about whilst growing up) or music, and I couldn't pick between the two, so I decided to train in Musical Theatre at university. At uni, I continued to write music as a form of stress relief, and when I finally graduated, I realised that writing music and performing was definitely what keeps me at my happiest. From here, I decided to pursue it as a career. If you had the opportunity to collab with any artist, past or present, who would you choose, and why? Livvy: I would love to collaborate with Ella Henderson. Her music has inspired me from day one, and she has definitely had a massive impact and influence on my writing. Sam Smith too! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW LIVVY: