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Interviews

Interview: Bluetech

Psybient DJ/Producer, Bluetech, has an uncanny way of chiming into the unknown to reach into the soul which translates into his otherworldly musical delivery. Ahead of his upcoming show in Detroit at Deluxx Fluxx on Thursday, October 3rd, I caught up with Bluetech to discuss being proactive about anxiety, the upcoming release of ‘Holotrope’, the importance of meditation and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of ‘Holotrope’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new album.

Thank you! ‘Holotrope’ is a travelogue of sorts, a document of a self moving into more connected states of being, dissolving a bit of the control of the ego consciousness into more expanded awareness.  That all sounds a bit obtuse, but there is a definite repeatable series of experiences when you begin to look on the inside for answers, whether that’s through meditation or contemplative practice, or other modalities for exploring the inner nature.  Holotrope is a map of that journey.

Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.

I’ve learned how to sleep on planes, no matter what! Sometimes I’m up for the next city on tour after only a few hours at the hotel, so putting myself into nap zone on the plane becomes an essential skill.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time? 

I pretty regularly struggle with anxiety, which is one of the reasons I’ve been exploring meditation and quiet time just looking at my own thoughts to see if I can make some peace with all of that.  I have lots of challenging thoughts, I think everyone does! The “practice” is learning to not identify with them as definitions of who you are as a person. Im learning to recognize when my anxiety pops up, and treat it like a little gremlin buddy.  Like “Hey anxiety, I’ve got some work to do. Heres a lollipop, pull up a chair and color in your book so I can focus ok?” Taking the sting out of it definitely helps, recognizing and honoring that its real, yet not surrendering to self limiting or negating productivity by getting stuck in a loop about it.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

I’m not actually a huge fan of social media.  Seems to be more and more studies coming out suggesting that social media and obsession with checking smart devices is contributing greatly to a sense of unease and insecurity.  Anxiety and depression seem to be the malaise of the modern age, like our inheritance for all the “convenience” of technology. I definitely use it, and am trying to come to a place of peace with social media, and limit my usage.  It’s amazing how many less books I read since facebook, instagram, twitter the like take so many cycles of my awake time. I’m learning how to step away and not feel like I’m missing out.  

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in. 

I feel pretty proud of the fact that I’ve discovered an athletic lifestyle later in my life.  A few years ago I was looking at my 40th birthday coming and realizing I was very overweight and not really happy.  So I’ve gotten into working out and running, which I love. Just finished my 6th half marathon and 3 more planned for 2020. Not only have I trimmed up, but I have so much more energy and life force flowing through me!

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

Meditate.  Meditate. Meditate.  Whether its a formal sit in the hotel room and really getting a proper session in, or just counting my breaths to 10 repeatedly while standing in line for security at the airport.  Even 5 minutes is enough to quiet the racing thoughts and let go of _whatever_ is going on for me, and just have a moment of peace and remembering the stillness. I don’t mean to evangelize, but meditation is really the only thing I’ve found in my life that brings some peace and awareness and allows me to deal with the stress of being on the road.  And I’m like a baby beginner newbie meditator, and yet still…. It works.

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way. 

I won’t claim to have any special mystical knowledge or inherited wisdom, though I have learned that being aware of and open to the unexpected brings a particular opportunity for magic. Sometimes its a conversation with the lady making my coffee, or a fan who reminds me how powerful music can be, or a late night bus ride to the next city with a gorgeous landscape passing away.  Another reason to disconnect from the phone, there is such wonder and awe available in every moment if we just slow down and notice.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Be good to yourself.  You deserve it.

Bluetech Social Links:

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Interviews

Interview: Joyous Wolf

California Rockers, Joyous Wolf, are steadily rising and making a name for themselves while ensuring to remain grounded along the way. Through the success of ‘Place in Time’, the guys have been able to tour with some of the greats and are gearing up to join Deep Purple on a North American run. I caught up with Lead Vocalist, Nick Reese, to discuss finding balance in the digital age, words of wisdom from Myles Kennedy, keeping your ego in check on the road and more.

Congrats on the release of ‘Place in Time’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the EP.

Lyrically it all sort of fell together into a theme of writing about my generation and the current one coming up. The way the norm has changed so drastically so quickly and how that effects young people coming up. It’s my interpretation of that.

What have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through bringing Joyous Wolf to life back in 2014.

That’s a long list of things… The music business is definitely a hurricane and through all of our travels we’ve really have adapted to just about any challenge thrown our way. You name it we’ve probably experienced it.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time? 

Every day is a development, a chance to build on your flaws. I’ve spent a great deal of time and energy working on mine. The one I battle with the most is always feeling responsible for any issue that happens around me. I take it personally and want nothing more than to fix it. I’m learning to overcome that.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

Like anything else there are pros and cons to social media. It’s been said over and over that these things are meant to bring us together, but they can drive us further apart. My only idea to counter this, is how I would go about countering any addiction, by living in moderation. Finding balance in life in all forms. If you fall too far to one side, you will fall over.

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in. 

I take pride in my writing. I’m always penning something, whether it’s a few words or an essay worth it helps me sort out my thoughts. I take pride in being physically fit because it has been a matter of mastering parts of my self discipline. I take pride in all of the wonderful friendships I have made these last four years, unforgettable human kindness and binding community. At the end of the day, all I ever wanted was a lot of real friends. I was a lonely kid so that really does bring me happiness.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

I’m definitely self deprecating to an extent I try my hardest to keep my ego in check and I always remind myself of every challenge and obstacle that I cleared along the way. I remember all of the people who have helped me and I work hard to do right by them. On the road I write and performing on stage really helps me sort out my demons. There are bad days, but that’s just life. All about keeping the momentum forward from today to tomorrow.

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way. 

My personal favorite was a small talk I had with Myles Kennedy earlier this year. He said to me “You bleed for the audience and don’t give a fuck, never change that”. So I won’t. I’ll cherish that moment always. I hope he knows how much that meant to me.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Thank you for all of the support for the boys and I. The fact that so many people have hopped on this train with us is unbelievably humbling. I love you all!  

Joyous Wolf Social Links:

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Concert Reviews

College Park Rapper, 2 Chainz, Brings the Heat to Detroit

College Park Rap Legend in the making, 2 Chainz, brought the fire to Detroit along with a string of hits that got the crowd fueled up and ready for a night of memories. Playing platinum hits such as “No Lie” and “Mercy”, 2 Chainz’s energy was everything that the High Times Cannabis Cup attendees desired as they lit up their smoke in honor of 2 Chainz lyrical domination.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

2 Chainz Social Links:

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Music Reviews

San Francisco Musician, Morsifire, Releases New Single – “Contact”

San Francisco Musician, Morsifire, has teamed up with Emily Afton to reveal and heal through a serene and moving track abounding with hypnotic instrumentals that are tied to potent lyricism throughout their recently dropped single, “Contact”. Ahead of Morsifire’s upcoming full-length release, ‘Metanoia’, which is set to be out on October 11th, 2019, “Contact” sets the tone for the inwardly restorative mission that Morsifire approaches his music with both in the studio and throughout his day-to-day life. Through lyrics that speak of attempting to wrap one’s mind around the excruciating loss of his younger sister, cutting to the bone is what sets Morsifire apart as an artist that creates from the soul and isn’t afraid to lose his mind to enter a space of serenity in the process.

Diving into the painful moment of having to watch his sister’s ashes go into the ground rather than being able to watch her bloom in the physical, Morsifire’s vulnerability is atypical and sincerely appreciated by listeners that approach their lives with depth beyond the skin. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Mike Shinoda, Fort Minor and Mac Miller, then keep an eye on the promising and vulnerably rich ride ahead for Morsifire on Spotify.

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“I’d give up all of my oxygen to have you around” – Morsifire

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Music Reviews

Electronic Sister Duo, Krewella, Releases Magical New Single – “Mana”

Pakistani-American Sister Duo, Krewella, are back and have channeled a transcendent energy that is beyond the physical with the release of their energetically rich single, “Mana”. Diving inside to find the power within, this electronic-infused bundle of hope, joy, love and power balances the masculine and the feminine while reaching beyond the boundaries of the common soundscape within the Electronic world. Do yourself a favor and check out the music video for “Mana (Magical Power)” below.

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Concert Reviews

Chicago Musicians, Umphrey’s McGee, Play Soul From the Heart in Detroit

Chicago Musicians, Umphrey’s McGee, brought the Umph Love and soul to Detroit for two sold-out nights of transcendent music that left concertgoers feeling as though they encountered an enlightening experience beyond the music. Playing hits trekking back decades, Umphrey’s McGee music is a spectical in itself beyond the glory and glow of the lights that naturally comes along with every one of their shows.

Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Concert Reviews

New Orleans Group, Tank and the Bangas, Bring the Funk to Detroit

New Orleans Musical Group, Tank and the Bangas, brought their ‘Green Balloon’ Tour to Detroit and it was a delight for all to observe such an idiosyncratic bunch of musicians come together for the sole purpose of sharing their love of music. Touring the globe and finding success throughout emitting their own version of Funk and Jazz, Tank and the Bangas is a group that is bound to last.

Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Concert Reviews

Lancaster Rockers, August Burns Red, Tear Through Detroit to Celebrate 10 Years of ‘Constellations’

Lancaster Rockers, August Burns Red, tore through Detroit over their headlining tour in celebration of the 10-year Anniversary of their monumental album, ‘Constellations’.

Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Music Reviews

Indie Folk Singer, Resurrection Fern, Set to Release New Single – “Savanna”

Nashville Indie Singer, Resurrection Fern, dials into the nooks and crannies of her heart and draws listeners into a state of heart-wrenching bliss right from the start throughout her beautiful new track, “Savanna”. Strumming away with a light and lush guitar, Resurrection Fern isn’t an artist that is in it aiming for the stars; she’s in it for the love of music that comes straight from her heart. Lyrics that speak of melancholy laced with a bruised heart that has reached a place of facing the truth of the situation, the heart that is cold in Indiana is coming around with awareness and a new outlook on the next chapter.

Having entrusted songwriting duties to a close friend, there is an intimacy spiraling throughout the lyricism and energy of “Savanna” that leads toward the magnetic pull that listeners naturally feel throughout every listen. Being the first single stemming from Resurrection Fern’s upcoming EP, there’s plenty of room to state that we’re in for a delightful bundle of musical joy to come. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor and Colbie Caillat, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Resurrection Fern on YouTube.

Resurrection Fern Social Links:

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Music Reviews

New York City Musician, Les Techno, Releases New Single – “Edge of the World”

Idiosyncratic New York City Musician, Les Techno, is back with another Pop-infused single, “Edge of the World”, that is sure to ignite flights of fancy within creative listeners’ minds. Being bold and creating the ability within to dare to transcend beyond societies rules while creating his own level of cool, Les Techno continues to stay true to himself and “Edge of the World” subliminally speaks of his courage to withstand any and all criticism that comes the way of an artist who knows exactly who they are and isn’t afraid to express themselves along their journey of life. Taking an experimental instrumental approach that instantly leads listeners back into the headspace of some of the greatest music to come out of the 70’s and 80’s, Les Techno stands eye to eye with a new beginning that he has been craving to experience. Synths and an erotica edge that mimics the likes of Nine Inch Nails further speaks to Les Techno’s engagement in the world of music and how deeply touched a human being can feel through listening to Industrial music.

If there’s something about Les Techno that catches your heart and mind beyond the music, it’s his genre of cool that is palpable and rich in artistic prowess and sass. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Rush, Genesis and David Bowie, then check out “Edge of the World” now on Spotify and make sure to keep an eye on upcoming releases from Les Techno on Soundcloud.

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