“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:

Your vocals in “Broken Pieces” are absolutely phenomenal, I got chills listening to it for the first time. Thank you for a beautiful song that helps to reduce some of the societal stigma surrounding issues of mental health. Could you share how important this song is to you, and what you hope your listeners take away from it? Leyla: When I was writing Broken Pieces I was in a very dark place. The process of writing this song allowed me to find a lot of freedom. I never intended on releasing the single however my loved ones persuaded me to do so. I hope people use the song in any way that benefits them. Your YouTube ‘About’ section indicates that your heritage is half-Greek and half-Turkish and that you were named after your grandmother. What other ways has your cultural background and/or family influenced your art and worldviews? Leyla: For those who don’t know, Turkey and Greece have a long-standing cultural and racial clash. When I was growing up I saw some people in my close circle that weren't too happy about my parents being together; however, I also saw how through awareness, exposure, and education their minds began to open and their views changed. This was a very important lesson for me growing up. I saw that the mind is flexible. We can unlearn life experiences and propaganda that we are taught. Most of us are just all trying to be safe and live a happy life. Most of us aren’t evil. I love that you write your own songs, and your commentary indicates that real life is raw, messy, and unfiltered. What is your songwriting process like, and how do you ensure that you remain unfiltered and true to yourself when creating? Leyla: A lot of women grow up learning to compromise their own needs in order to help others. I found that lesson translated into my work too. Compromising the depth of emotion in my artwork, compromising my live performance, compromising how authentically I communicate who I am. I’ve learnt not to compromise. Being completely honest is a superpower and if someone doesn’t like that, then my music and my art is not for them. You’ve some rather prestigious career accomplishments thus far, including selling out your 2019 headliner act, being featured in Festival Fringe in 2020, and being interviewed/broadcasted on networks such as BBC Radio London. Most recently, you participated in the WARchild Charity virtual concert. Which of these experiences was the most memorable for you, and why? Leyla: So far my most memorable experience was actually at the beginning. Still at university, I was terrified of performing, so my partner decided to help me book a tour. Every night he pushed me onto a stage to perform so I would lose my fear. There were a lot of tears, there was a lot of anxiety, but it worked and now I’m able to do the thing I love the most and share it with others. Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations and influences? Leyla: I would say I am massively influenced by artists like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Michael Jackson. Their ability to be so raw and authentic is something I massively crave. What’s coming next for you, what can listeners look forward to experiencing on your musical journey? Leyla: I am trying to share my story on Instagram and TikTok through music. There is some very cool content coming out that I think the listeners may be excited to watch and listen to. I will also be releasing some music on Spotify, I’m currently in the creative process of that Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW LEYLA:

“I’m Alive 4 U” feels like an anthem of living in service of others, of always being able to lend a helping hand or a kind ear whenever needed. There is enough ugliness in this world, we don’t need to add to it – this tune reminds the listener of the purity that still exists within it. What is the story behind this song, and what inspired you to write it? Cody: Thanks for describing the song so beautifully! It makes me happy to hear that this is the feeling you get while listening to the song. I wrote this in 2020 when the pandemic started and it was the first time I experienced calmness in my mind. When I was 14 I was having suicidal thoughts because of my life at that moment. High school was not very kind to me. I knew I wanted to become an artist my whole life, and that was the only thing that kept me going besides my family. I kind of made this pact with myself one night that even if I don’t want to live for myself, I can live for my family, my future self, and all the people that I haven’t met yet. This is why some of the lyrics say “I’m not living for myself, gave my whole life to someone else, all the people in the world. I’m alive for you”. Now that I’m not living like that anymore I can see that it’s a pretty unhealthy way of living, but it helped me get through high school. I see that you’re very involved in outreach through UNICEF and causes such as World Children’s Day. How have these pursuits changed your worldview and influenced your approach to your music? Cody: Working with UNICEF was amazing. I got to work on causes that involved the rights of the child and this helped me with a lot of self-reflection. I always assumed that the real big problems were happening in countries 7000 miles from here. But even in your own country a lot of injustice is happening. Not to invalidate any of my own problems, but it helped me see them lighter and be extremely thankful for the life that I have. I’m not sure if my approach to music changed because of this. Since I was little I always wrote songs about the world (thanks to Michael Jackson). But it did make me more confident to use my voice. As an artist, do you find it ‘risky’ to incorporate deeper meanings into your music? “I’m Alive 4 U” doesn’t carry the stereotypical, ‘lighter’ messages that are often attributed to the pop genre. Cody: Not at all, no. But I do know that blatantly writing about heavy subjects can be disturbing so I always try to find a way to write a song in a way that the casual listener thinks it’s a ‘light’ pop song. Take this song as an example! It’s about suicide and living in service of others, but it could also just be a lovely song about, like you said, a helping hand or a kind ear. I know I did my job right when people say they can resonate with the lyrics while being sad, but also when they’re happy. What was it like at Eurovision?? I imagine that it had to be surreal, particularly as it was your first-time onstage performance! Cody: Yes it was surreal, terrifying and the most fun weeks of last year. Eurovision is such a production… everything needs to be on point. And that terrified me in the beginning. But the show really must go on, and there is not a lot of time, so you kind of don’t have the time to process what you’re feeling. Which in this case, was a good thing. It really set the tone for me though...hopefully, I get to perform my own songs in arenas as soon as possible. I liked it a lot. Congratulations on joining The Orchard/Sony Music Entertainment! That’s quite an accomplishment! How has your experience been thus far? Cody: Thank you so much! It’s a lot! Suddenly you are part of the ‘business’ side of things. I have my own label under them, so I’m still doing pretty much everything on my own and I didn’t know anything about releasing music, so I’m learning a lot at the moment which is kind of fun! What are your future plans for your musical journey, what’s coming next for you? Cody: I’m ambitious, so in my mind, I’m already busy with booking the Superbowl halftime show haha. But for now, I’m working on finishing my debut album. I’m thinking of releasing 2-3 more singles, introducing them to radio, and then releasing an EP somewhere next year. 2023 will be my year! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW CODY:

The depth of emotion and poignancy in “Poison” is something that definitely resonates. It’s a different type of pain, watching something that was once healthy and nurturing slowly turn toxic before your eyes. Sometimes it hurts more to hold on than it does to learn to let go. Would you mind sharing the story behind this song? Cabus: The story behind the song is based on my relationship with my partner of six years. At the time of the break-up, I didn't see it coming and it really took me to a brief dark place. I use the word "brief" because a good friend of mine who works in mental health & wellness set me up with an amazing therapist shortly after things ended because he knew I wasn't in a good space. I dove in and took the therapy seriously and did a lot of much-needed mental work on myself. It was through those sessions that I realized the writing was on the wall months before the break-up. The song is about one person who isn't happy anymore and the other not present enough to realize it. It was tough recording the song because I had to revisit some of those feelings again. It's hard not to feel anything listening to that song especially if you've been through something like it. Congratulations on the video for “Poison” – I understand this is your first official video. It’s very well done and provides some stunning visuals that help solidify the emotion of the song. What did you learn during the process, and what you might do differently going forward? Cabus: The concept of the video was actually developed during a meeting with Magdiel Lopez. I met with him to discuss to possibly creating the official artwork for my debut EP "PSYCHO". During the meeting I played him the EP, then "Poison" came on and for some reason, I broke down and started to cry. It was strange because it had been 4 years since the break-up. In that moment Magdiel became the creative director of the music video. Over the course of the next few weeks, we came up with the storyboard/concept and pitched it to a young up-and-coming filmmaker/music video director Jared Barton. The whole experience was amazing. Another awesome fun fact - I work with both of them!! These dudes are on another level with their work. How would you describe your experience performing at Modern by Moonlight: Otsukimi Festival, and what were some of your favorite moments? Cabus: I had so much fun playing at the festival. To perform songs from my debut EP in front of a sold-out audience - many of whom I did not know - was a joy. But probably the best part of the night was having my parents in attendance at the show. They've never seen me perform live before in all my years doing this music thing. I was raised in a very religious household. I'm sure they would prefer it if I was doing gospel music, but regardless I know they love me and that's really all that matters. On one of your Facebook posts, you say ‘I turned every bad thing that ever happened in my life into fuel, squeezing the hell out of every lemon that life gives me” – would you say that transforming life’s pains into the beauty of the music you create helps you to heal from some of these experiences? Cabus: Doing music, especially as an independent artist, is not a walk in the park. You're gonna have highs and lows, personally and some professionally. This is a brand-new project so I'm leaning on some tough personal experiences in my past. But going back to therapy was a turning point in my life because I learned to really love myself and be grateful. I'm really loving life right now and all people in it. Starts with my family, friends, work, family, and more importantly, my spirituality. In addition to your music career, I see that you are a photographer at Artist Uprising Studios and a host of the Artist Uprising Podcast. Could you tell us more about each of these endeavors? Cabus: Artist Uprising is like my second family. It's a creative company led by some of the most innovative people in arts and entertainment. Add to that all of the key employees who work there and you have this beautiful energy shared between creatives from all walks of life. Working for the company has made me a better creator as well as a musician because of the talent I'm surrounded by on a daily basis. What helps set you apart from other artists in an incredibly saturated industry? Cabus: I think it's my ability to present feelings, situations and moments-that-might-just-slip-away; basically things that are widely experienced among us all - in an honest and unconventional way. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW CABUS:

“Going Home” is quite catchy and has a broad appeal – some define home as a physical place, some as a person, and others still find themselves most at home when losing themselves in the flow of a beloved hobby. Can you share your inspiration behind this song? Rodney: I was actually at home with my sister when I had gotten the idea for the song. My mother came home and told us about her day. It sounded all too familiar. It was one of those days that seemed to just keep going and going. I thought it would make a great subject for a song because I know a lot of folks get fed up with work and rather be anywhere but there. How would you describe your unique sound, and what emotions do you hope your music invokes in your listeners? Rodney: I just sound like me! I'll let the listeners decide whether it's good or bad. I make music that everyone can relate to. Oh, and I make it a point to keep the vibes bright to invoke a sense of togetherness and a positive outlook in spite of whatever the situation is currently. You gave an incredibly touching shoutout to your mom on your Insta; she has clearly nurtured and supported your musical endeavors. Who else do you look to for guidance on this journey? Rodney: I would definitely say, my grandfather. Those two were major staple pieces in my life when it came to raising me and guiding me to be who I am today. You also seem to be quite skilled with nunchucks – if you were to step away from music, would you pursue something in martial arts, or where else would your interests lead you? Rodney: No. Martial arts was just a large part of my life growing up so I still train to stay in the know. I'd likely be acting full-time if my schedule allowed it. If you had the chance to collab with any artist, living or passed on, who would you choose and why? Rodney: Probably Quincy Jones based on his productions and ability to elevate artists beyond belief. What’s coming next for you, what should we be keeping an eye out for? Rodney: Maybe a music video, maybe more new music, only time will tell. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW Rodney:

I love how “I Thought I Knew You Better” can be interpreted in different ways. For me, it conveys either how an individual’s mask can slip, or perhaps the advantage of time and distance allowing you to see things with greater clarity. Either way, an illusion has been shattered. What meaning does the song hold for you? V?k: This song is quite important to me because it marked the end of a long period of heavy feelings. I had been carrying them around for so long even after my breakup and kept living in this fake reality that was supposed to be hopeful but then just resulted in only being very self-hurtful. So, this track reminds me of how I got my focus back on what really matters. How has being born and raised in Italy influenced you and your music and has relocating to the UK provided you with any different perspectives? V?k: Living in Italy was great, I love my country. I love the energy and emotional rawness that comes from my family, I wouldn’t be the same without it, and I like to believe that that comes through in my music too. Moving to the UK was most definitely a perspective shift: growing up, being independent, and taking care of your own mental health. It certainly made me realise how much goes into living a “healthy and balanced life”. My recent EP “Saffron Fields” completely focuses on this key journey I started since coming here. The name you’ve chosen for yourself, V?k, is quite unique – what inspired the inclusion of the question mark? V?k: I thought about my artist name a lot to be fair. I was so indecisive when I was about to release my first single Shadows in 2019, but after thinking of so many overly-complicated ideas to make my name sound interesting I just came back to my name, how everyone calls me “Vik”. I then decided to add a question mark because I felt like, aesthetically, it added a sense of mystery and felt more “pop” to me. Amongst many meanings, it represents how flexible, multicoloured, and maybe also unpredictable I want my music to be in my career. When did you know you wanted to be an artist, and what do you enjoy the most about it? V?k: When I was 14 years old I started watching many interviews of artists I was obsessed with on YouTube and I got inspired by how they were explaining the meaning and creation of their own songs, talking about it freely and showing how they were actually humans going through motions like everyone else, like me. I was so fascinated by them explaining it so effortlessly, that I decided I wanted to do that too, to be able to wield that mystic power they were using to evoke those emotions in me. My favourite bit of being an upcoming artist is probably the bond you create with the people who love your music, relate to it, and support it. It’s an energy exchange that’s almost magical I would say, knowing that you mutually relate to the same exact feeling sounds so simple yet is so powerful to me. Of your live performance experiences, which has been the most memorable, and what is your favorite moment from it? V?k: This year has been my first proper gigging year, so I had a lot of first-time moments and core memories that were all special to me. But I must say that being asked to perform on both stages, community and also the main stage, at this year's Pride In Surrey has been unbelievable. Stepping on that stage at a festival with about 5000 people around the park was insane and the response was crazy. Many people came up to me with the biggest smiles on their faces telling me how much they liked the show and I felt like I really belonged. If you weren’t pursuing music, what would you be doing instead? V?k: I don’t really know but I really love entertainment, so maybe having something to do with TV shows, video games, or event management. Or probably just a school teacher! I would love to teach my native language to kids around the world, moving to new countries and still keeping it interesting. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW V?k:

I love how the upbeat spirit and tempo of the song contrast with the more serious nature of the lyrics. What is the story behind this song? Amelie: "Faking Parties" is every main character’s anthem - it’s about feeling the need to make an excuse to hang out with your crush because you’re too scared to admit that you have strong feelings for them. I wanted the production & energy of the track to reflect the idea of a party but also to symbolise the fun, carefree, nonchalant impression of the white lie. But the truth of the song & the protagonist’s feelings come out through the lyrics - it’s like a confession because the protagonist is trying so hard not to confess. What was studying at Benenden like for you? Amelie: Benenden was not only a super fun & transformative experience, but it was also an incredibly important stepping stone for me in my life & my musical journey. I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the music department there and the school in general. I also really did make friends for life - you know your friends are real ones if they’re willing to fake a party with you in less than 24 hours for a guy they’d never met before! What first made you want to get into music, and what do you enjoy most about being an artist? Amelie: Music has always been such a huge part of my life, I’ve been playing instruments for as long as I can remember (I almost can’t imagine not playing one!), and I grew up watching a lot of DVDs & videos of artists doing live shows or going on tour, and I was completely mesmerised by the way that someone could connect with a group of people in such a personal way. From my first Taylor Swift tour DVD onwards, I told myself that I wanted to write songs that would make people feel things and one day be able to share that human experience with a crowd. So for me, that’s one of the best parts of being an artist, but the creative process of each track (from writing to producing to recording in the studio) is equally fulfilling and one of, if not my favourite parts. Guitar, drums, keyboard – you play a wide variety of instruments. Which of the three do you enjoy most, and what, if any, others do you have your eye on? Amelie: I start most of my song ideas on guitar or keyboard, so I probably play them the most & can’t imagine life without them, but the drum kit has a very special place in my heart because I picked it up when I was 3 years old. I would really love to be able to play bass as well - for the complete band set! What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of music? Amelie: I’m really interested in Ancient & Classical Literature, jewellery design, fashion, race cars, and amateur art. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, both for navigating the industry and for life in general? Amelie: Just to enjoy the moment and fully be present in it because you’re never going to be in the same moment ever again. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW AMELIE:

“Lover Lover” is such a heartfelt song, the emotion in your vocals is tangible. Was there a specific person that inspired these lyrics, or is it meant more to generally capture the feelings behind an experience that is nearly universal? Crispin: It really is, and it all came from the heart. Lover Lover is about the first ever somewhat serious relationship I ever had. I learnt a lot from it and found the whole experience to be the worst outcome/version of "love," which left me asking where and who is the good one and where have you been? Congratulations on the premiere of the “Lover Lover” video. How would you describe the experience of making it, and what are some of your favorite moments from it? Crispin: Thank you very much! It was quite an experience, I have to admit. The favourite part was towards the end of the day, belting out Lover Lover millions of times in Tewkesbury Abbey. With the acoustics + being knackered + overwhelmed from the whole amazing day, it really felt like I put everything I had left into it. As a full-time videographer, I had to make sure it could be the best it possibly could be. So after loads of pre-production, the shoot came, and we all smashed it; and I'm so proud of everyone involved. I saw on your Insta that you had your first live performance at Tewkesbury. What other events or venues do you hope to play? Crispin: Yes, I sure did! I absolutely loved it; I couldn't have asked for more. Well, my dream stage is at the Reading Festival. It was the event I went to that confirmed to me I wanted to do this music thing. As disgusting as it is, I still have my 2019 wristband on. It's a constant reminder of where I would like to be and the dream to rip it off on mainstage. The other dream is The O2 Arena as they are one of our video clients, so it would be amazing to be the one actually on the stage. But until then, definitely The Sunflower Lounge, Deadwax, Gloucester Guildhall. What made you want to learn to play the guitar, and do you play any other instruments? Crispin: Well, we always had a really bad guitar in the house as my brother learnt a little bit when he was younger; he was awful. It wasn't until I actually picked it up and properly realised how versatile it is and how powerful as a songwriting tool it actually is. I also play the piano, which I've been playing since I was maybe 5/6, I'm definitely no prodigy, but it is my primary instrument. I also played the trumpet for quite a few years in school, but having been a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral for 8 years, my voice was my most trained "instrument." Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations and influences? Crispin: Well, a huge influence for me was the whole choral side of music which developed a lot. But in terms of who currently inspires me, Bastille, Tom Grennan, Whalestalk, Holly Humberstone. I would say I am a slight mash-up of all these. What are your future plans for your musical journey? Crispin: So I am going to continue focusing on single releases, keep the content and hard work coming. I have so many songs I don't even know what the next release is. But I have already planned the first album, which will be heavily inspired by my whole musical journey and life in general. I just want to keep progressing, growing my audience, and playing bigger and better live shows as time goes on. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW CRISPIN:

“From My Dreams” is a definite earworm, featuring catchy music while also being a bit melancholic with the lyrics. What is the story behind this song? Alane: Full disclosure, I did not write the majority of this song. A majorly talented friend of mine, Sam Herlihy, wrote it and sent it to me. I immediately fell in love with the song, and he very graciously gave it to me. I did the tiniest bit of co-writing on this one. But I value supporting other songwriters and love the concept of co-writing. Sam originally wrote the song as a ballad and I took a more upbeat approach because it felt right for my first release. I did get to ask Sam about his initial idea behind the song, and his intention was to write a song that encapsulates the feeling of trying to chase down rest, but it keeps eluding you. The verses and chorus are written from that place of tension, while the bridge opens up and represents the feeling of the unrest being lifted. You have been writing music from twelve years of age, and describe yourself as a passionate storyteller, one who aspires to start conversations and spark connections through music. What approach do you take when broaching potentially sensitive topics? Alane: Love this question. I try not to get too involved in writing about things that a close friend or I have not experienced. In my opinion, if you’ve experienced something, you have the authority to speak directly about it. So, I focus on telling my own stories and stories of those close to me that I am naturally sensitive to because I have walked through them myself or with someone I love. But on issues that I do not understand, I make a point to listen more than I speak and refrain from writing too in-depth about it. Your website also indicates that you have encountered numerous setbacks due to injuries that rendered you unable to sing or speak. Would you mind elaborating on what these injuries were and the steps you took to overcome them? Alane: Absolutely. When I was 16, I suffered a blunt force trauma incident that left me without my two front teeth and a handful of stitches in my face. I had just finished a fasting blood draw and fainted, but I fell forward and my face hit the floor. Without getting too detailed, over the next seven years I lost my teeth permanently, went through jaw reconstruction, had titanium posts put in my jaw, had eight soft tissue reconstruction surgeries, and went through seven different sets of front teeth. A lot of these surgeries happened in college (where I was a vocal primary music major). One of my surgeons actually told me I better pick another career when I told him what I do. But honestly overcoming it was very much a mindset and leaning into what I know I’m designed to do. Since I was a little girl, I was tailored to sharing my art with people through music and I had to trust that there was purpose in that. There were really difficult and discouraging days. But I was given every opportunity regardless of the numerous periods of healing I had to take, and that’s nothing short of a miracle. How has living on the east coast influenced you and your music? Alane: So, people ask me where I’m from, and I have a really hard time answering that question because I feel like I have been hopping around the United States. I am originally from Houston, TX, with most of my memories being from the small town my family moved to when I was five. Then we ended up moving to the greater D.C. area in Maryland when I started elementary school, and I've been to many places since. I would say that the way I function is more influenced by eastern culture. But I think my rural roots planted in a more city atmosphere allow me to notice and interpret things from a very impartial perspective. My writing style is definitely reflective of my background in that I am able to create without having to heavily tie my music to a place. I see from your Insta posts that you play the guitar. Are there any other instruments you play or want to learn? Alane: Yes! I also play keys/piano. I actually started on piano and studied it as my secondary instrument in college. I would love to pick up the electric guitar eventually. I just think female electric guitarists are the coolest people. If you were an album, what album would you be, and why? Alane: That’s a really hard question… but I think my instinctive answer is ‘Give Me A Minute’ by Lizzy McAlpine. I love her music, and it is entirely my vibe. But outside of that, this was the first album I had heard that I felt was similar to my style of writing. I didn’t know people listened to that kind of music and it was a game-changer for me when I realized I could release the music I love writing and other people might find it beautiful too. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW ALANE: