Category: Interviews

Interview: Quickfire with Betti

betti-singer-blue-tub

Despite only releasing one single so far, my obsession for jazz newcomer Betti is quite strong. Reminiscing of a classical jazz era, yet blended with a modern and raw edge, Betti’s sound plays between elegant and sass. Here’s a few quickfires to get to know the kid.

Tell us a bit more about your story…

I got my love for the stage through theatre when I was a young girl. I was never thin enough back then for them to cast me as the starring roles, but still I fell hard for the heat of the lights. Now that I’m older, I find myself taking a lot of what I learned from theatre and incorporating it into my art. It’s as important to me now as it was then to always put on a show. Now however, I’m finally front and centre.

Who do you draw your inspirations from?

I find inspiration in many different avenues. One day it’s from fellow musicians, the other from fashion or film. For me, I’m always searching and what inspires me is always changing.

Is it easier to write songs about falling in love, or being heartbroken?

Honestly, they are equally satisfying. Song writing in general is just such a fun experience. I always encourage other artists to give it a try if they haven’t before. It’s therapy.

‘Ordinary’ is a pretty special track considering it’s throwback-jazz vibe at a time when EDM seems to dominate the charts – what made you want to release the song as your debut?

I wanted people to hear what my artistry is at the core. That’s what this song is for me, and for my upcoming album. It is the foundation.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

This is probably the toughest question really because I am such a fan of so many artists. If I had to narrow it to one at this moment though I’d say Bruno Mars.

What is your favourite track to listen to right now?

Probably Caroline by Aminé. My best friend introduced me to this song and it’s quickly become our new jam.

What have you got planned for 2017?

A lot of sleepless nights. All of the stars have finally aligned for me to begin releasing my music, and I couldn’t be more excited to give this year everything I’ve got.

Betti

Interview: Quickfire with Draper

draper

Following the release of new EP ‘Luminous’ earlier this month, London’s master of fresh electronic vibes Draper goes through some quick fire questions for us…

Firstly, tell us more about the new EP…

Exciting escapism, it’s taken about a year to put together and is the result of my confidence in myself right now. I have no criteria to fill, simply writing what comes natural. In essence this is the most natural representation of my music to date.

Where has been the best crowd that you’ve played to?

Reading Festival 2016, my first non BBC introducing stage, I was nervous no one would turn up but I walked out to a pretty packed out tent! It was a great show, I had my full live band with me for that one, so much fun.

If you could play any show in the world where would it be?

Wembley Stadium, oh wait I’ve already done that, next question please…

Sum up your live show in three words…

Lights. Excitement. Hype.

What are your favourite tracks to play live right now?

‘Jealous’ is definitely up there, it has a huge chorus and always seems to get people going. ‘Pressure’ has always been a favourite, it’s got so much going on dynamically and gets so hectic in the choruses, it’s also the slow one of the set so adds something a bit different.

Who’s sound are you obsessed with right now?

Mura Masa, some organic produce right there. Love the sonics.

What was it like working with Låpsley?

It was great. She’s a lot of fun and a great writer, very poetic. ‘Falling Short’ is probably the most abstract thing I’ve done.

Who would be your ultimate collaboration be with and why?

Chris Martin, he’s my favourite song writer of all time. He can make the simplest song beautiful.

What do you have planned for 2017?

I’ve got a show at KOKO on February 3rd, then off to USA in march for SXSW! Then more singles and festivals! It’s going to be a good year.

The EP is out now via M:UK

Interview: Quickfire with Shift K3Y

shift-k3y

Shift K3Y has been on my radar for some time, blending house with some old-school UK garage vibes. With his upcoming second Nit3 Tales release coming out yesterday and featuring collaborations with MJ Cole, DJ Zinc and Chris Lorenzo, here’s more from the man himself…

Tell us more about the Nit3 Tales project and what it means to you?

I started the Nit3 Tales project because i like the idea of releasing E.P’s as opposed to single song releases for the moment. The reason for this is my music doesn’t always fit into one genre so this way i can put a few different ideas together.

The project features a few interesting collaborations. How did they come about?

They are all people that i have wanted to work with for a long time or people that I already collaborate with. For example, MJ Cole has been an inspiration growing up as he has always shown limitless skill in making dance music with soul and a strong musicality. Lorenzo and I had been meaning to make a track for some time and finally managed to get something together. Also Ryan Ashley and MNEK who delivered an incredible vocal for No Question.

You’ve managed to straddle the divide between chart success and underground club culture – how would you describe the evolution of your sound over the years?

Most of my stuff is more uptempo but i love to make a lot of different kinds of music. So the evolution comes from naturally from that.

Aside from the artists you’ve already worked with on Nit3 Tales, who would your dream collaboration be with?

Stevie Wonder, and why? Its Stevie.

Who do you listen to when you’re making your own music?

Mostly RnB, LOVE the Nao album, Also really like everything i’m hearing from TY Dolla Sign. I always come back to people like Outkast, Early Snoop, and everything RNB from like ’96-’04.

What’s your favourite club or festival to play?

So far clubwise would be Xoyo, Festival would be Boardmasters.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

Can’t say too much but something will be announced in January 2017.

Shift K3Y

Interview: Quickfire with XamVolo

Xam Volo

Here’s a talent that I’m particularly excited about. I’m a sucker for anything jazz that comes with an edge, and that’s what XamVolo seems to be delivering track after track…

You’ve got a very jazzy and soulful vibe around your sound, but there’s also a little bit of a sinister indie and electro side as well – where you do you get your inspirations from?

My three main vocal influences are Bilal, Mali Music and D’Angelo, they’re so free with their delivery styles, which I love a lot. Though I’m directly influenced by him, I think Hozier is great with lyrics. I think great lyricists do a lot with a little, which is what I aspire to do whenever I write.

 Who are you currently listening to that you love?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Jazz recently, a lot of Miles Davis and Mingus.  Aside from that, I’m still loving the Alabama Shakes record.  It’s so well done.  I like Hiatus Kaiyote’s album as well; I never get tired of it.  I’m a fan of all NAO’s stuff, too.  Think I’m gonna start actively looking for new music soon, though.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Probably J Dilla – it would be cool to vibe over a bespoke Dilla instrumental – I’m sure I’m not alone in that either, hah.

What’s the response to your music been so far?

It’s been solid – I’ve been lucky enough to have plays from a lot of respected tastemakers (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, DJ Target, MistaJam etc.) The two records I’ve put out from my next EP, Chirality, have been received well.  Can’t wait to put out the rest of it!

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

I’m currently in the studio writing more music, trying to get into a new headspace.  It’s one of the reasons I haven’t really found any new music, I’m trying to come up with something original and organic.  I have two headline shows coming up, one on the 19th of September in London and the other on the 20th of September in Liverpool, so it’s long shifts in the rehearsal room at the moment, too.  The team’s gearing up and looking forward to a solid 2017.

XamVolo

Interview: Quickfire with The Greasy Slicks

The Greasy Slicks

Mixing blues and rock into a pretty awesome sound, The Greasy Slicks‘ new EP, ‘Fool Me Twice’ is out now. If you didn’t know much about this British trio before then check this quickfire out…

How did you meet?

We met when we were all studying at university together. Each of us were playing in different bands and for other artists but were aware of each other and bonded over our similar music tastes. It started off as a laugh and just jamming around riffs but we did our first gig and after that decided that we were going to give it a punt and see what happens.

Who do you idolise musically?

Collectively we’re very inspired by music from the 60s and 70s such as Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Free as any rock band should be as well as more contemporary blues bands such as The Hoax. Bands who inspire us at the moment musically are The Temperance Movement and Rival Sons. We got to The Temperance Movement last month and they really put on a fantastic show.

Who is your guilty pleasure musically?

You can’t beat a 80s ballad. Bonnie Tyler, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper. Nothing guilty there!

Who would be your dream collaboration be with?

A band that consists of Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Bonham, Aretha Franklin and Jaco Pastorious and then get them all to swap instruments just for shits and giggles.

What have you got planned for the rest of the year?

We’re in the middle of finishing up our album, which is due to be out later this year and then we’re just going to tour the shit out of it. The best thing about being in this band is the live shows and the touring. We get to make a racket, break a sweat and meet some absolute nutters on the way!

The Greasy Slicks

Interview: Quickfire with Loveless

loveless

One of Norway’s hottest exports over the last twelve months, Loveless have crafted a name for themselves with their exceptional blends of RnB, house and garage. Personally, I have been a massive fan, so I hope you enjoy reading this Quickfire as much as I have…

Tell us more about how you got together

Filip: It was really just by chance! Eirik used to work at a clothing store back in Trondheim where we both grew up and I just happened to walk in one day to have a look and we started talking. We kind of knew about eachother already, but this was the first time we had spoke. After that meeting, I went back to Oslo, where I then lived, and a couple of years passed where we had some, but not much, contact. So it was quite the coincidence when I had moved back to Trondheim, and found out we lived in the same street. That is when we really started hanging out and began doing some music together. We had no plan or idea that Loveless would come out of it.

Who do you listen to when you’re making your own tracks?

Eirik: We always start our session with listening to some music, just to get a vibe going. For us its different every time what will trigger ideas and inspire us to start working, but it seems that most of the time it involves some kind of RnB song. We both come from a more “urban” world of producing, before Loveless came to fruition. And that is probably something you also can hear in our music, the heavy RnB influence, in both the vocals and chord progressions. 

Why do you think there is so much good music emerging from the Nordic countries?

Filip: It feels like instead of trying to catch up to the rest of the world, like we used to, the table sort of turned in some way, and now the world pays attention to us. I think that can be connected to a lot of different things, but probably a big reason is the internet. Coming from here, and being able to be inspired of literally everything in the world. Taking that, making something new, and then putting it out back into that same channel, for the rest of the world to access it. 

It sort of helped with both angles, us having access to everything, and then again giving the world access to what we come up with. Then again, this is similar for the whole world, so maybe the crappy weather, forcing us to stay inside, or the general good economy allows us to fully express our selves with no worry? 

Who’s your favourite talent that you can’t get enough of right now?

Eirik: There is no one that excites me as much as Tourist these days. He challenges the norms of club music without taking it to far and always keeps it interesting. 

Filip: To me, I would have to say Majid Jordan has been my “go to” the last couple of months. Really love the universe they create.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Filip: There is probably quite a few we would love to work with but to us its just as fun working with unknown, up and coming great talent, as it would be to work with a known singer. But to answer it more satisfying it would probably be RnB singers like Brandy or Chris Brown.

What’s planned for Loveless for the year?

Eirik: We are really looking forward to release our next single and then our debut EP right after. Hopefully it will get some great feedback and allow us to play some more gigs. Of course there is going to be more studio work and we are already preparing future releases. Also some more frequent trips to London, for both gigs and studio.

Interview: Quickfire with Lucius

lucius

This seems to be Lucius’ big year. Their new record, ‘Good Grief’ has already made a huge impact and is showing that pop can still be a creative, random and beautiful thing.

As it’s one of my favourite records this spring, I jumped at the chance to send over a few questions to Jess Wolfe, one half of those stunning voices…

You’ve been around for quite a while, how did you meet up and what’s kept you together all these years?

To be honest, it was never really a question. Holly and I started working together nearly twelve years ago. From the moment we started singing, we sort of never looked back. It was an instant musical kinship – we had different individual strengths to contribute to an even stronger unit, together. I think whats kept us together is a balanced partnership, a ton of mutual respect, and a shared musical vision.

 

How would you describe the evolution of your sound over the years?

I think our sound has taken on different forms based on where we were and what musical sphere we were most attracted to at the time. In the beginning, we were both highly influenced by jazz and soul music, when we moved to New York, and were welcomed into a songwriting community, we saw our songs shifting shape. After having been on the road for a couple of years, and having incredible audiences share such vibrancy and energy, we saw the effects that a crowd can have on your show – the desire to lift spirits and make people dance… That’s certainly left it’s mark on the way we think about writing.

 

What inspires you to write?

Everything around us. Everything we’re a part of or that becomes a part of us. We are fortunate to not only have our personal experience, but to be witness to each others, and therefore provide perspective, and, in a sense, be able to write on behalf of/ beside the other with a real sense of understanding of one another.

 

Is it easier to write about falling in love, or heartbreak?

Ha! Well, both, I suppose, whatever brings on the most intense emotion, whatever creates the need to get something out. In the beginning, there’s extreme passion, in heartbreak, well, a low, a sadness, that oftentimes only be understood through our art.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Living or dead? Dream collaborator non living: David Bowie or Freddie Mercury

Dream collaborator living: Hmm… Well, I suppose we could say Paul McCartney or Nigel Godrich, though it seems that would perhaps be expected of a pop band.

Another dream would be a collaboration with an incredible visual artist… Someone like Tayoi Kusama who built the mirrored infinity room which is currently on display at the Broad Museum in Los Angeles.

 

What lies ahead over the coming year for Lucius?

We are going on the road! And very very much looking forward to touring again. I presume there will be a whole lot of it. We feel best when we are with an audience who becomes a part of our magical musical journey.

Lucius tour dates:

5/4 The Academy, Dublin

6/4 Gorilla, Manchester

8/4 Arts School, Glasgow

9/4 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

10/4 Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

11/4 Thekla, Bristol

13/4 KOKO, London 

14/4 La Maroquinerie, Paris

16/4 Botanique, Brussels

19/4 Melkweg, Amsterdam

20/4 Prinzenbar, Hamburg 

21/4 Privateclub, Berlin

22/4 Strom, Munich

Interview: Quickfire with Kejser Tais

kejser tais

Kejser Tais is a young Danish talent producing some special and minimal electro pop with a very polished sound. Get to know more about this kid before the rest of the blog world does…

Tell us more about you…
I’m 18 years old and I was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark were i have lived all my life. I started teaching myself how to use Ableton when I was 13 years old and have been producing ever since. I played the drums before that, but I found it boring compared to what I was doing with Ableton. I’m studying at the moment but I dedicate most of my spare time to music production.
Who are your music idols?
Probably Cashmere Cat, Sángo and Djemba. Those guys have inspired me a lot and continue to do so.
Why do you think Scandinavia has so much good emerging electro and pop talent?
I don’t really know. We spend a lot of time inside because of shitty weather, so indoor hobbies is quite common and music is also a great way to keep yourself warm.
What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
Right now Im finishing a track for an installation art project that a friend of mine is working on, it’s going to be great. After that I’m just going to finish some of the other tracks I have lying around while also having to concentrate on school.

Help Kejser be the next big thing here!

tradiio logo

Interview: Quickfire with Ripsy May

ripsy wine

Ripsy May exploded on to the blogosphere earlier this month off the back of this one song, ‘Black Wine’. Blending dark pop with a uniquely sinister vibe, this is one talent to look out for over the next year. Here’s a quick interview with the lady herself.

Let’s start with how you would describe your style…

Absolutely no idea. ‘Black Wine’ definitely brings out more of the ‘soul’ side to my voice – but I wouldn’t say that’s what the rest of my music like, or that I’m out to make soul music. ‘Black Wine’ was a song I wrote a while back and it felt like the right time to put it out. You’ll see a completely different side of me when I release my next song.
What influences do you draw on when coming up with your sound?
I couldn’t even tell you. There are so many people – I definitely grew up listening to the ‘uncool’ music when I was a kid, I loved the ‘oldies’. But music aside, my influences can come from anywhere – conversations, my past, different experiences with different people, or from picking up a different instrument that I’m not used to playing. Specifically, ‘Black Wine’ was created with my friend David – ‘Vud’ – who’s an incredible producer. I had initially worked on the song with another producer but then took it to my close friend/producer Vud. With his ideas and drumming background, Vud’s contribution (not only on the production side but rhythmic side) really changed up the sound of the song. He does a lot of work in both pop, and hip-hop (all kinds of music really) but in this song – there was a nice merge of that. You can really hear the beat, and change in rhythm – when it really sets in, and the build up at the end. He also had some brilliant ideas about how to create the different ‘sparkle’ sounds that touch the song – and those touches are ‘Vud’-esque! In fact, at one point, he added this weird sounding violin that goes throughout – and I was like ‘what the hell is that’ – but without it, the song sounded bare – and it’s those little things that collaborating with someone like that really teaches you.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
I would say my dream collaboration would be with people from the past -Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Louis Armstrong or sitting next to Fats Waller on the piano (just to watch him play would be a joy).
Who are you listening to right now that you can’t get enough of?
Alabama Shakes’ new record is brilliant!
What’s coming up for you in 2016?
I think 2016 is where I’m going to be focusing on finally merging everything together – from poetry to illustrations, as well as music. The last couple of years has been me sitting in a hole and writing, so I’m excited to bring it all together.

Interview: Quickfire with Lex Low

lex low

Lex Low‘s unique, chilled RnB sound has been carving it’s way around the blogs over the last few weeks. Here’s a few quickfires from this London based 21-year old talent.

How do you describe your sound?
My sound is R&B production with pop vocals. At least, that’s how I feel the last two EP’s have come out. It veers more towards outright pop with every release – probably because I’m listening to a lot more pop music than I ever have before. There’s so much great, varied pop music out at the moment.
Do you find that living in London affects the way you write?
Definitely. There’s something magical about London. It’s always moving but somehow it still seems so serene. You can walk by the river at 5/6am and not see a soul or be in central during work hours during the bustle.
There are so many different pockets of London too. It’s not really one big city – it sort of feels like loads of small towns, each with their own unique character. London is so culturally vibrant and multi-faceted. There’s endless inspiration, I’m always stumbling across a little side street I’ve never been down or a beautiful building I’ve never seen.
Who are you influenced by musically?
Each release is influenced by what I’m listening to at the time. The Mystery EP has some 80’s electro-pop influences. I remember hearing Heart – Alone on the radio and thinking I had to use it as a reference. I had the same thing with Hall & Oates – Maneater.
HONNE was a big influence on that release too, in terms of production. Then there are some influences that carry through all my releases. 90’s R&B is a big one for me – I’m not sure it gets much better than that in terms of melody writing. 60’s/70’s pop-rock as well – guys like Badfinger, The Yardbirds, Free and Humble Pie have really impacted my guitar style.
Who would be your dream collaboration be with?
I really enjoy working with female vocalists / producers. I like the tonal juxtaposition of it. So it would probably be someone like Taylor Swift or Ariana Grande. I mean Beyonce is the dream really – she’s so talented and can pull pretty much any melody off whilst making it seem effortless. I love what Alessia Cara is doing right now too, she’d definitely bring something fresh to the table.
What do you have planned for 2016?
I’m going to start working on some tracks for another EP around March time. I have a few already, ones that didn’t make the cut for the last EP. I want to do a lot more collaborative work. I really enjoy writing with other people, it brings out things that you might never come up with on your own.
Check out some Lex Low tracks here.
tradiio logo

Interview: Quickfire with House Of Spirituals

house of spirituals

After featuring these guys only last week, I liked House Of Spirituals so much that I sent through some questions to find out more…

Your track, ‘Too Many Days’ has just been out for a month. What’s been the response like so far?

It’s been amazing, people have totally got our vibe which we weren’t expecting and some of the things people have said have been mind blowing to us.

How do you describe your sound?

Primal, ancient and future soul.

How did you get together?

We met each other through a mutual friend who told us we both had similar stories of surviving a near-death experience. So we both had developed a new found sense in the value of life as neither of us were meant to have survived.

We realised this thing we had in common was worth exploring and our first track was finished in 3 hours . So much to our amazement the house of spirituals was born!

Who would be your dream collaboration be with?

We will love to get Caribou and Charles Bradley in the same room as us, that could end up with something that’s insanely soulful or a total mess, who knows.

What have you got planned for the coming year?

As well as releasing another track and a video for “Too Many Days’ we are currently finishing our debut album working doing through the night “Brass and Chain Gang” sessions we are also getting to grips of putting our live show together.

Interview: Quickfire with JATA

jata singer

Berlin’s JATA has been on my watch list for some time now, so I’m quite excited to share a small Q&A with you…

In a short space of time you’ve captured a lot of hype from some of the biggest music blogs online – how has that response made you feel?

Of course it’s flattering to have well respected blogs react so great to my output. But it is a short-lived pleasure as it stays virtual. For me personally I really first understand that my music reaches people when I play it out live to an audience. So I can’t wait to bring JATA to the stage in 2016!

Does being in Berlin play an influence on your sound?

I guess every surrounding has an influence on what you do musically. But in my case as I am not really into clubbing the influence may differ from what other the city does to other artists.

What inspires you to make your tunes?

Often it’s getting a feeling out of my system: mainly bad stuff-which is very relieving. Besides that it can basically be everything: from great music (old and new), to spending time with friends, to having a nice day in the country side.

Who would be your dream collaboration be with?

For a start: Flying Lotus, Four Tet, Madlib, Karriem Riggins, Flako, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Van Dyke Parks. But there are so many other great people out there…

What have you got planned for 2016?

Finishing my debut album and then get out there and play shows!

Help JATA be the next big thing here!

tradiio logo

Interview: Quickfire with Raphaella

raphaella

Raphaella has been one of the more interesting newcomers this year, carving a name for herself not only as a solo artist but also through working with other big British prospects behind the scenes. Here’s a few quickfires to get to know this up and coming talent a little more…

Your style seems to blend a few genres together- tell me more about that…

I think music should always been an expression of you and your experiences, and for me my mixed heritage of Persian and English/Scottish has always played a huge role in my life and growing up- so I wanted to create a new genre incorporating both sides of my background. As a producer, I take traditional Persian instruments- create samples & effect them into my Alternative UK electro setting of synths and beats. Lyrically I also love to draw upon the Persian sufi poets Rumi and Hafez in the same way traditional Persian musicians do.

 

Who would be in your dream collaboration?

I absolutely adore James Blake’s production and writing. The way he approaches experimenting with sound, structure and melodies really excite me, so I’d love to collaborate with him.

 

What new music are you into right now?

I’m really enjoying Disclosure’s new album and also James Bay. I love the way Disclosure build their beats with such interesting textures and sounds & James Bay’s tone and melodies get me every time. 

 

What inspires you to write music?

Anything that affects me within my life- people, experiences and emotions – good and bad. I find writing music such a cathartic process and the idea that you can then in turn help someone else going through the same thing as you is so amazing to me. Recently someone sent me a message thanking me for one of my songs as the lyrics had helped her get through a really tough time in her life when she felt there was no-one to turn to. That’s the kind of thing that inspires me the most.

 

What do you have lined up for the year ahead?

I’ll be playing Community Festival on 4th November on the BBC Introducing London Presents stage at Concrete- Shoreditch. I’ve been working a lot on producing and writing my next solo singles as well as working with some great DJs and producers like Gorgon City & MNEK, Tough Love & Midnight City, Kove, Ossie, Tazer & Kayper. I’m also writing a lot for pitch projects for other artists which is always so much fun as I get to explore different genres and challenges. So next year will be filled with new music, features and releases.

Interview: Quickfire with Emmi

emmi

Now then. I haven’t done any quickfires in a while (my bad…) but I am happy to start them again. It’s always interesting to see what inspires promising newbies.

I featured Emmi not too long ago, so here’s more about this new talent…

Tell me more about you
I stand at 5 ft 7. Not quite tall enough to be a chorus girl (I tried once) but taller than most of my mates.
My accent is confusing to most people I meet.
I was obsessed with Shirley Temple videos as a kid. I wanted to be her.
Goats cheese is my favourite food.
I have a fear of the flapping wings of birds.
I talk too much.
When you did you realise that music was something you wanted to do seriously?
I was working as an actress in a show. It was a long tour, and we’d been going a while, so to alleviate the boredom I went out and bought a guitar. I started writing songs and being creative in a way that working from a script had never allowed me to before. Something was coming from nothing. From my own head! That felt good. I was on stage one night delivering lines and all I could think about was this song I’d started in the orchestra pit that afternoon. I was totally distracted. That’s when I knew something had shifted in me. I decided to give whatever bug I had caught a chance to take hold so I left the tour and moved to a house boat in the South of England. I spent a year away from the city and distractions, writing songs about stuff, and trying them out at local taverns. The songs from that time will never see the light of day of course… but I was finding my voice, in both senses of the word. That was the beginning of music for me.
What influences you to write?
People I meet. Their stories. Films. Plays. People struggling and failing or scared but doing it anyway. Something in the way someone is strumming a chord or playing a piano. A feeling. Everything. Anything. It’s all voodoo to me.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
Oh man. Can I go back in time? Do I have to pick one?
James Brown. Gene Kelly…(and it’s a tap routine and miraculously I can dance like Ginger). Eminem. Alica Keys. Damien Rice. I had a dream the other night that Craig David, Gotye and I were in a writing session together and we were arguing over a chorus melody. That’s not so much a dream collab but a collab I had a dream about. Does that count?
What’s coming up over the year for you?
I have a video coming out imminently for my debut tune My Kinda Swag. I’m pretty excited about that. We are also planning to set a few more tunes of mine free over the coming months! No solid album releases to speak of just yet I’m afraid, but the album itself is done so I hope to have release news for you very soon.

Interview: Quickfire with The Tapestry

the tapestry

The Tapestry’s new single, ‘Right As Rain’ was released yesterday, and to commemorate this great little occasion, I had the opportunity to throw a few questions out to the band…

How would you describe your sound to people who haven’t heard it before?

Dirty disco- a top soundtrack to a great night out!

How did you get together to form The Tapestry?

We got together because we were all mates and decided to start a band together. We saw Zara drumming with another band and loved her playing style. So we kinda pinched her!

What’s been the best gig you’ve played so far?

There has been loads of good gigs. My favourite though was probably when we headlined band in the wall in Manchester. Venue is pretty special, sound was great and the audience went completely nuts. I know there’s even better to come though.

Do you think that coming from Manchester have an effect on the music you make?

We love a lot of Manchester music, however we’re not content, like a lot of people are in Manchester, of living in the past. We wanna move forward, carve out our own sound that’s new. The city has got a great musical heritage but we’re probably more influenced by New York bands, Talking Heads, Television, Blondie, Chic etc.

Clint Boon from the Inspirals came up with a great theory that because it’s always raining we spend more time indoors discovering all sorts of music, hence the different styles of sounds between Manc bands such as The Smiths, Inspirals Happy Mondays, Joy Division, Stone Roses etc.

If you could choose, who do you want to tour with?

If we could tour with anyone it would probably be Bowie, so once he gets his arse back in gear and starts playing live again, we’ll wait for the call.

You’ve got a few famous fans (like Liam Gallagher). How does that make you feel?

Feels good getting praise from anybody. Whether it be Liam Gallagher, my mam, my mates, strangers at gigs. It’s all nice when people actually enjoy something you’ve written And worked hard to create.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

For the rest of the year we have some big things coming up. Couple of festivals to be announced shortly. But they’re both massive for us to play and were over the moon about that. We’re also playing more shows in support of our Right As Rain single. Plus finishing off our next single in the charlatans studio next month with the amazing jim spencer. The future is looking more and more exciting.

Follow The Tapestry on Facebook.

Interview: Quickfire with Hanne Kolstø

Hanne Kolstø's

The first time you listen to Hanne Kolstø you’re thrown into a random world of musical confusion. A sound hard to describe yet effortlessly slick and Scandinavian. Ahead of her new record, ‘Stillness and Panic’, I sent over some questions for a quickfire…

Tell us a little more about your sound

Aaa come on! That´s really hard! …. But ok, I’ll try: maybe something like dark popelectrorocknoisedrama?

What inspired the songs you feature on your new album, ‘Stillness and Panic’?

Me, myself and I, always trying to figure out what is going on in my head. The things that happens that I can´t understand, love for instance. On all my records I write about trying to find and stay in the middle of the road instead of ending up in the ditches all the time.

Nature inspires me. Especially on Stillness and Panic where I spent half a year hiking the mountains all alone in my hometown Sykkylven (Norway).

You’ve been nominated for a Norwegian Grammy. How has that made you feel?

Happy of course. But it´s kind of weird too, to suddenly be amongst ‘that crowd’. The first time I was terrified, but this year I I just enjoyed the show and drank a lot of beers. It´s a fun party.

Who would be your dream collaborator?

Radiohead, without Thom York. Haha. Or Frank Ocean maybe, I love hip hop.

You’ve released three albums in three years. That’s quite a lot of records! Why do you put out so much music in such a short space of time?

Then I can reveal to you that I´m actually releasing my forth by the end of this year. I don´t think one year to write an album is a short space of time. There are a lot of artist that releases a lot of music, it’s not that uncommon is it?

Who is your favourite artist right now?

I don´t listen to music that much while I write (which I´m doing right now). It messes up my flow. I need silence to hear myself.

What would you recommend are the best new Norwegian acts to listen to?

Atlanter, Higasakite.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

Finish and release my forth album, move abroad (haven´t decided where yet), play a lot of festivals, not get a boyfriend.

Hanne Kolstø’s album ‘Stillness and Panic is out on May 7th.

Interview: Quickfire with HOLYCHILD

holychild

It’s almost impossible trying to get a HOLYCHILD track out of your head once you hear one. They make a bouncy, catchy type of music that makes it hard not to smile to. Ahead of their North American tour, I sent over some questions to the poppy duo…

For readers who don’t know who you are, how would you describe your sound?

We make brat pop; pop that pushes boundaries in terms of rhythm, chord progression and lyrics (not necessarily all at once), while still maintaining a catchy melody. Essentially, we think it’s a cross between TV on the Radio, St. Vincent, Kimbra and Katy Perry.

How did you come together to be HOLYCHILD?

Louie and I met in my dance class in college and it all sort of came together very naturally. We instantly bonded over music and art, and we started collaborating really early on with paintings and jamming.

We ended up writing a bunch of songs together in the summer of 2011 when I had graduated college. Things progressed from there, we recorded and then decided to move to LA with HOLYCHILD in late 2012!

When buzz started to grow through sites like Hypemachine, how did it make you feel?

It’s so nice that people are supportive of our art. I’m sure you can relate, that it’s nerve-wracking to release your art into the world. Therefore when people react well it’s not only gratifying but it’s encouraging. For me, this is my first band or music project, so I really feel like the public response has been so beneficial for my personal growth as an artist.

What inspires you to come up with your tracks?

We’re inspired by everything. Novels, other musicians, paintings. I don’t know how to describe it, but the process of writing a song is so natural for us. Pretty much anytime we’re with instruments we’ll be writing, and sometimes we don’t even need those to be the catalyst.

The lyrics for our songs have been inspired by insecurities that I have and I feel our culture shares based around roles that we are encouraged to engender. Beyond that it’s pretty fluid.

Who would you love to tour with?

We would love to tour with artists who inspire us! TV on the Radio, TuNe-YaRdS, St. Vincent, Kimbra, Fiona Apple… these would all be dreams!

What’s in store for you over the coming months and the year ahead?

We’re releasing our album in the fall, so up until then we’re excited to be touring! This is all a new process for us so we feel so fortunate to be able to connect with more people while playing the live show.

We head out on tour starting April 2nd, and we plan on being on the road through the summer and then releasing the album in September or October!

Check out more from HOLYCHILD on Facebook.

Interview: Quickfire with Ida Redig

ida redig

I don’t often say something so early on in the year like this, but Ida Redig’s ‘Though Shall Not Be A Pu**y’, released last week, has to be one of the best debut records coming out of Scandinavia this year.

Actually, you can listen to the whole thing here if you don’t believe me.The Swedish singer creates music that is so unashamedly pop yet still manages to get away with being Scandi cool. Here’s a little more about her…

For those who don’t know who you are, how would you describe your sound?

My spectrum is very wide, my music has an intensity that sticks to your body and I would say a recurrent thing in my songs are heavy bass drums and hooky sounds that stands out from the music. Big sound landscapes and appealing melodies. Above all, it’s great songs that everybody should listen to!

What do you prefer to write music about: happy or sad moments?

I prefer to write about happy moments. Sometimes the theme of the song I write have a deep thought or something broken over it, but I always have something happy to refer to in all my songs. Its all about how you want to live your life, and I want people to feel happy when they listen to my music, as I do when I play it!

Why does so much great pop come from Scandinavia?

The changing of seasons makes us creative!

Who are you currently loving music-wise?

Lorde. Her album is magnificent from beginning to end.

What artists inspire you to write your songs?

I don’t have a specific artist or group that inspires me. I prefer to say my music comes straight out of me, but in the end I think my wide music taste over the years have given me a lot of references and inspiration to write music just the way I want.

What is your new album about?

It’s about how to take myself to another level, to challenge myself and not back down for what I want and love. That all my choices I do, I do because I want to, not because what’s expected of me. I want to blow away people with my music, that’s what it’s all about.

Who would be your dream collaborator?

Daft Punk, no doubt!

What’s in store for the rest of the year?

I have some gigs booked all over this spring and summer and between the shows I’m in the studio making more music! I also have some fun collaborations and remakes of my songs on top of that, and this weekend I’m going to the north of Sweden to record two music videos. So stay tuned!

Follow Ida Redig on Facebook and check out the amazing album on iTunes.

Interview: Quickfire with Nabiha

nabiha

Nabiha has been one of Denmark’s most well know and well loved urban artists of late. Her mix of soul, RnB and pop have made her tracks instantly recognisable and you could easily fall in love with her universal sound.

She’s recently topped the UK Urban Charts with her last two releases and has a show on April 4th at Hoxton Bar & Grill to coincide with her next single, ‘Bang That Drum’ which is set for release this Spring.

Ahead of what is promising to be a huge year for Nabiha, I managed to get a few questions answered from the superstar herself. Enjoy…

For those who aren’t familiar with you, what is your sound?

I make pop music from the heart. Lyrically influenced by thoughts & experiences from my life, and musically mixing it up with urban, electronica, classical, ska or whatever we/I feel like that day. I have a great love for different musical genres, and my music reflects that.

Who are your musical heroes?

I have many! But I often find myself praising strong female artists with a characteristic sound, message and look such as Erykah Badu, Billie Holiday, P.J. Harvey, Grace Jones, Madonna, Beyonce, Kelis, Kate Bush, Rihanna.

You’re pretty established in Denmark, how did you get to be so well known?

That’s a good question, I guess you never really know, but I would say, ‘Hard work. Team work. The right songs at the right time, the right hard working people believing in the project, and a lot of love for music!’

What inspires you to write your music?

Talks with friends, my travels, my family. Mostly experiences, love, life, you know!

What’s been the best gig you’ve performed at and why was it so good?

It’s hard for me to choose just one. I like the fact that nothing is the same! I love playing the big open air concerts, watching a sea of people as far as the eye can see, as much as playing small private gigs standing eye to eye with my audience. No filter!

Some of my most memorable gigs was performing for HRM the Queen of Denmark’s 40-year Anniversary, and for ‘Families with Kids who have Cancer’ which really made a huge impact on me. I loved our VH1 gig at Austin City Limits last year, and I recently played a crazy Fashion Week-gig that ended with everyone dancing on the runway and me standing on chairs orchestrating the total mayhem! I love my job!

Who do you currently love musically?

Drake, Disclosure, Angel Haze, Lorde, London Grammar, When Saints Go Machine, Pharrell, the list goes on and on…

What are your plans for 2014?

More work and I can’t wait. It’s been a busy year already and I can feel 2014 is going to be crazy! I’m working on new material, I’ll be traveling a lot, doing gigs and promotion all over the world, I want to keep a strong focus on what’s important, and staying happy and in love with music.

Having seen this lady live before, you really need to check her our at Hoxton if you’re in London in April… Tickets here. 

Interview: Quickfire with Sibille Attar

Sibille Attar

Sibille Attar’s unique blend of cute indie and dark pop has made her one of the most talked about Swedish acts to emerge from 2013. Here’s a quickfire with this very insightful talent…

Where did you draw inspiration from for your latest record, ‘Sleepyhead’?

It’s really a typical first album, millions of things bottled up from a long time.

I’ve been a touring musician for years and was always pretty restless and jumpy so in-between touring and all that I’ve not been exactly still you know… Never knew how to stick around at one place for very long.

That has put me in a lot of weird and fun but crappy situations too, so there was a few stories there to be told.

What is it about Sweden that makes it a top spot for emerging music talent?

I’ve found myself drawing inspiration all over the world but not so much here so I don’t feel like the best representative.

In my life I’ve spent a lot of time trying to leave but I keep coming back so there is something though…

I like the darkness and the cold for example, it suits me.

I am the traveling kind but a lot of Swedes seems to be, maybe that feeling of being a citizen of the world more so than of Sweden in particular could be a red thread in the success of Swedish artists? Who knows.

But I have to mention that right now it’s a very racist place, so not very inspiring music wise, or I guess it could be… Fight wise though, very inspiring. People here should react more to that growing movement, silence and passiveness is super dangerous.

What’s your favourite track by another artist right now?

The Rip by Portishead.

Every time I’ve put the radio on in Sweden recently, ‘Come Night’ seems to be played on the stations. How has the reaction to the track been?

I guess you kinda answered the question for me there! But seriously, yes, people seems to have reacted great to the full album here in Sweden, I even got a Grammy nomination for the 4-track EP I released before the album.

I hope the rest of the world will wanna follow that trend.

But I try not to get involved in that way of thinking, you know, what other people think or how they will react.

What’s next for you?

I wanna take over the world!

Sibille’s full length record is set for a U.S. release in 2014.