Pop Enigma, Poppy, represents the burgeoning of multi-faceted artists who are unafraid to break all of the rules to showcase the depth that they’ve built within. As a performance artist, musician, fashionista, YouTuber, comic book writer and more, Poppy has given her artistry her all and continues to empower fans with a sense of independence and freedom that is electric and magnetic.
Having rocked the ring with WWE NXT to perform “I DISAGREE” and “Scary Mask”, Poppy is dipping her feet in a variety of endeavors that continue to drive her artistic style and prowess home right into the hearts of her growing fan-base worldwide. The world is on the edge of their seat in anticipation of Poppy’s new metal-infused album, ‘I DISAGREE’, which is set to drop on January 10th, 2020.
Grab your tickets HERE for Poppy’s show at The Majestic in Detroit on Saturday, February 1st.
Austin natives, Fire From The Gods, are the full forced musical embodiment of empowerment. Blending a variety of genres including Hip-Hop, Metal and Hardcore, the Lone Star State gang has a lot to deliver and a lot in store. I caught up with the guys to further discuss being a part of Rise Records, not taking shit from anyone, how social media has expanded their artistry and more.
First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. How did Fire From The Gods come to life?
My name is AJ and I am the vocalist for Fire From the Gods. FFTG has existed since 2007. FFTG under its current guise has been together for about 2 years. After various lineup changes over the years we now have a solid 5 member setup that we are very pleased with.
Your Rise Records debut, ‘Narrative’, was a total hit with fans. Tell us about the creative process behind the album.
We wrote this record in about three parts. A majority of the pre-production was written and recorded in Texas with our co-writer and producer Robby Joyner of Black Book sound. The vocals and lyrics which took the most time were written by me in NYC where I lived at the time and the final product was recorded with David Bendeth at the house of loud in NJ. There is a lot lost in translation when sharing files back and forth. The plan was to record in Texas then have the record mixed somewhere else. Fortunate for us a window of opportunity was opened and we got the chance to record with David Bendeth in New Jersey. That move took the record and creative process to a whole other level. Over about 30 days during the holidays we knocked it out. The end result was ‘Narrative’.
Did you have any goals or intentions going into the studio before the recording process began?
We went into the situation with D. Bendeth and The House of Loud knowing that we were going to have to step our game up. Many great records have come out of that place. The only real intention was to take full advantage of the opportunity. We had some prepro but we were unsure of what we were going to produce. The label was very chill and very supportive. The folks at Rise were like give it your best shot. Everything we sent they loved so we kept going without hesitation.
Have you been on the road testing any of the new material? If so, how have your fans been reacting to it?
The last two tours we’ve played all new music from ‘Narrative’. The response has been mega! We played two very different tours. The Browning tour was closer to the metalcore “scene” that FFTG comes from. There wasn’t much of a surprise that the fans of The Browning were into the music. The Otep tour was a very different landscape. Her fans are very dedicated to her and they embraced us. Many had checked out “excuse me” prior to the show. They came prepared to see us. We had great time.
Is there another band that is signed to Rise Records that you would like to recognize for their musicality?
For sure. Rise has such a diverse roster at the moment. It’s very easy to find something for everyone. I really dig Of Mice and Men’s transformation over the years. Their last two releases are a testimony to the band’s maturity and experience. Tiger Army is an awesome band I grew up listening to. Their current Rise release is just as good as anything they’ve put out in the past. The new Crown the Empire is great another band that is changing and maturing. Cane Hill is the very embodiment of the best aspects of 90’s and early 2000’s Nu metal. Rise is a pretty cool place to be right now.
What bands or artists influenced the sound and playing style of Fire From The Gods?
So many. We talk about our diversity in the band a lot. Because we have such contrasting backgrounds. But we all share a common love for heavy music which ultimately influenced our record. There’s a bit of The Deftones, Poison the Well, Slipknot, Metallica, Rage against the machine, Sevendust, Sick of All, Hatebreed, Norma Jean, The Bled, The Used, Meshuggah, 90’s hip hop, NYHC, pop punk the list goes on. We could chat for days about the bands that influence us.
Have social networks been a key asset of creating your audience?
FFTG had a pretty solid social media before our signing. Due to the band having an already extensive history. Each release prior to Narrative had a distinct sound with attracted fans from all over. So ppl have been talking about the band for a long time. It definitely helps. I don’t think it’s the end all be all for a band’s career. But it is certainly a fantastic tool to help build a career. I believe in the old school formula, you write a record you tour the record and you sell the record. Too many bands live and die on social media these days. There’s no substance especially if that’s your only method of reaching fans. You have to play shows compounded with a solid social media presence to survive these days.
You guys have a fierce amount of energy which is highlighted on your album but as well as in your live performances, Do you guys have any pre-show rituals to harness that energy?
Besides the usual stretching, warming up stuff we all just kind of do our own thing before the set. Bonner jams super high energy bands before showtime to The Bled, Every Time I Die, etc. Rich does as well sometimes. Jameson, Drew and I kind of zone out and get our minds right. FFTG shows are very high energy. We try to be relentless on stage.
Last but certainly not least, do you have anything that you would like to share with your fans?
Again, thank you all for taking your time to speak to us. Keep your head up and don’t take shit from anyone. Peace.
Pop Legends, Hanson, brought their Christmas spirit and joy to Royal Oak Music Theatre for a packed-house that sang along to all of their hits within their ‘Wintry Mix’ 2019 Tour. Fans lined up around the venue and stood outside in 30-degree weather to get a chance at a front-row view of the Hanson brothers who have maintained a spot in the hearts of Pop lovers worldwide with their well-known hits such as “MMMBop”, “Lost Without Each Other”, “I Was Born”, “Weird” and “This Time Around”. Having expanded within their entrepreneurial endeavors such as Hanson Brothers Beer and the creation of their Record Label, 3CG Records, the gentlemen of Hanson continue to drive passion, love and authenticity into their ever-evolving crafts.
It’s Detroit’s favorite time of year. Local Musician and Philanthropist, GriZ, shined bright and ignited the light within concertgoers throughout Night #1 of GriZMAS. Having celebrated the 12 Days of GriZMAS with full spunk and a variety of events such as yoga, crafting, roller disco, dodgeball, a coat drive, mystery party and more, GriZ took fans to the dance floor at The Detroit Masonic Temple for a jam-packed setlist abounding with all of his hits that have served to make a name for himself and his team throughout 2010-2017.
Notably, 100% of the proceeds from every charitable GRiZMAS event go toward increasing access to music education in Detroit by partnering with Seven Mile, an organization that provides after school programs and summer camps to teach children music, arts, and coding for free.
Although England Progressive Metal band, SikTh, have taken quite the extensive hiatus in the past, yet is with great pleasure to share that the band came back and released their third studio album, ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’. As a band who served to define and create the progressive metal movement, fans around the globe are trapped in a state of anticipation for what’s to come. I caught up with lead vocalist, Mikee Goodman, to discuss the upcoming release, the album artwork for ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’ and more.
Congrats on the release of ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’. Tell us about the creative process and direction that you traveled down while bringing this album to life.
Thanks! It was a horrible and stressful process I would not want to repeat . I wrote all lyrics and vocals, and was constantly getting music to create to until the last minute. It was such such an intense period. We took this album along a very heavy route, it grooves and is technical but there are also psychedelic moments throughout.
If you could pack a full house and play at any arena/stadium in the world, which place would you choose and why?
Vicarage Road, Watford. It is my football team. That would be great! If not that the Camp Nou, Barcelona is an amazing stadium, I’ve been there twice. I have not been to any stadiums in the USA, mind you.
During the songwriting process for “Vivid”, what was your intention and the theme that you wanted to express through your lyricism?
I experienced traumatic dreams for the last few years. When I was on tour with my band Outside The Coma a few years ago, I thought I was walking around a hotel, constantly looking for the bathroom. I kept walking into other traumatic dreams whilst in that one. In the morning my friend said he watching me walking on the spot in our hotel room whilst freaking out in my dream. So, in verses and the outro, I am in the dream, then in the chorus, I am asking the negativity to leave.
If you had to give a simple explanation of Mathcore as a genre to someone who was entirely unaware, what would you say?
That it is very technical music with a lot of time signatures or poly rhythms used. It is usually very heavy music also.
What has been the most enlightening experience that you have had as a musician so far and why?
That is a big question. Maybe it’s when someone is crying because they connect with lyrics or feel less alone. Maybe it’s when we travel to Nepal and India to discover so many people into our music which has been spread through the internet. Going to places we thought we would never see. USA was a great thing too, the reaction we got nearly every night was just amazing. Even going to Japan in 2004 was an insane experience. Seeing and experiencing different cultures is s big thing for me.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
We hope you enjoy our new album and we really want to come to play the USA again as soon as possible!!
Multitalented Musician, Bri Tolani, is in the midst of an invigorating journey of discovery and experience which has created the space for her to find and expand herself through her artistry. I caught up with Bri for a great chat about mental health, staying in touch with her fans through social media, the touching meaning behind her recent single “Hazy” and more.
Congrats on the release of your new single“Hazy”. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray.
“Hazy” is about my struggles with anxiety. The main hook “everything is just so damn hazy” refers to a specific symptom or anxiety I battle with called dissociation. It’s where the world around me feels dream-like or “hazy” and my brain feels foggy. It’s a common thing that can happen to anyone, but the feeling scaredmeandIwrote this as a way to releasing those emotions.
Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.
I have learned a lot. But the main thing I have learned is thatIreally like producing.Inever thought production is somethingIwould get into but asI’ve started to learn more and more about it,I love it. “Hazy” is the first songthat I produced and it was such a fun experience.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I think somethingIstruggle with a lot is being impatient. I have these thoughts that my career isn’t moving fast enough as it should and stuff like that, when in reality it’s moving at a perfect pace.Remindingmyselfthat these things take time and that there’s no correct way or timeline for one’s career to take off is very helpful and somethingI need to keep doing. 
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Honestly, it’s a love hate relationship.Ifit wasn’t for socialmedia,Iwouldn’t be able to talk to my fans every day.However, social media can give me very, verybad anxiety.IknowI’mnot alone on that one,but ingeneralIthink the digital world we are in now allows us to connect with our fans on alevel artist couldn’t before, which trumps all else.
No career path oramountof 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.
Itake pride in my sense of humor. Humor is so important to me andIlove making people laugh.I also take pride (and hope to stay this way)being down to earthand real with people.Inever want to come off as pretentious or anything like that.Like you said, I’mjust another human andIwant to always stay the same person no matter what happens in my career.
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?
Itry to implement little things into my dailyroutine.Itry to take moments throughout the day to just breath and try to not think about anything.My brain is so scattered all day and so many things are going through myhead,soItry to clear my mind every now and then.Ialso never do anything that pushes me too far on a mental level – no matter what, my mental health comes first.
If you could trade existences with your favorite cartoon character growing up, who would you choose and why?
Iwould trade existences with Bugs Bunny.He’s always in a good mood and always making people smile.He’s also very energetic, whichIlove.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
I guess just to let people know if you’re struggling mentally you are not alone.So many people out there understand what you’re going through and can relate.To my fans, feel free to DM me whenever youwishandvisit my website for global mental health resources.
LA Post-Hardcore Band, Chotto Ghetto, bring the noise and elevate their fans perspective of their artistry as they dive into a pool of balls-to-the-wall Hardcore/Punk throughout their latest album release, ‘WILDFIRE’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Debrief”, the guys mimic ignorant news-lines that have come across our screens as mass society members sit and wish away their lives and minds through what’s on the idiot box. The second track, “Multiversal Receiver”, revs up listeners’ engines with an array of instrumentals that come together with ease as the guys lyrically travel down an uncanny imaginative world that is entirely their own. “New Horror” is the third track that picks up the pace as lyrics tell the tale of how technology has taken over our entire world and has subconsciously caused wildfires in the minds of vulnerable souls. The fourth track, “The Work”, begins with an intro that mimics the likes of Rob Zombie as the guys of Chotto Ghetto lyrically bring lack to the forefront and how individuals’ realities become a drain when they are stuck in the horror of routine and greed. “Unstable Isotopes” is the fifth track that once again ties in news-lines that are swarming and taking over innocent minds as the guys of Chotto Ghetto subliminally try to portray the importance of learning to think for yourself. The sixth track, “The Odd Man”, is the ideal title that speaks of the group of men which are Chotto Ghetto as the guys slow down to a nearly acoustic spill which speaks of being and feeling like the fly on the wall in spaces that aren’t of their own. “Dr. Gerald is Trying to Chill” is the seventh track that begins with a long instrumental that feels like a trip back to the 90’s as blurry and scattered vocals and lyrics elevate the intention of showcasing how subconsciously triggered we all are when it comes to distractions.
The eighth track, “Like Old Times”, highlights the strength of Chris Candy’s vocals that mimic the likes of Davey Havok of AFI. “Eternal Return: Temple FuckIt” is the ninth track that picks up the pace as instrumentals mimic the likes of Explosions in the Sky as the guys lyrically attempt to return back home into themselves. “HIRO AI” is the eleventh track that slows it down into a deep and dark instrumental that meshes with the Sci-Fi attempt toward mental closure. Closing out with “Charlie Cluster 8”, the guys end with a bang as they lyrically take back control of their minds away from the debris of modern-day TV.
If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Bad Brains, Rob Zombie and Minor Threat then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Chotto Ghetto on SoundCloud.
Brooklyn Musician, XI.ME.NA, takes listeners to a space of connection as she reflects upon her personal experiences, growth and downfalls throughout her mesmerizing new EP, ‘Before You’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “High Moments”, compelling instrumentals open up to lead into XI.ME.NA’s astounding vocals that are both deep and rich in soul while mimicking the likes of Paula Cole. Throughout “High Moments”, lyrics that take listeners down a road of reflection come back to the forefront of XI.ME.NA’s mind as she tunes into her divinity and reminds herself that it is within her present that she is able to receive and be. “Before You” is the second and title track that slows it down and instantly mimics the likes of FKA Twigs as haunting echoes add an element of mystery and darkness that compliments the lyrical trajectory that is drenched in sadness and emotions felt in moments of silence.
The third track, “There’s Me”, dials it down to a nearly A cappella spill of self-love as XI.ME.NA lyrically speaks of how deeply words can cut as her soul erupts with fury and fire that she knows in the back of her mind that she has held within for too long. Closing out with “Lions”, XI.ME.NA picks up the pace and elevates the minds of listeners as she lyrically is aware of her power and lioness nature as a woman while not being in fear of diving into danger to clear the debris and come back into her life as a bolder and brighter version of herself.
If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Adele, FKA Twigs and Sampha then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for XI.ME.NA on YouTube.
It comes as no surprise that the man who has had his hands, energy and knowledge in the music industry for quite some time, Craig Owens, has ventured off on his own to bring to life his most recent embodiment, badXchannels. To recap on the release of his debut EP, ‘WHYDFML’, I caught up with the eccentric spirit to discuss the conception of badXchannels, Detroit, the importance of hard work and more.
How has growing up in Michigan and spending time in Detroit influenced you as a musician?
I think every region/city has a sound attached to it, embedded by lifestyle and culture, all through a singular musical perspective. Growing up in Flint has definitely shaped how I hear and see everything. Living in Detroit has done the same.
There has been big changes in the music industry as technology has rapidly progressed. What are the most noticeable changes you’ve seen and experienced yourself?
I think the art of an album rollout is one of my favorite parts. Two changes I’ve noticed with rollout strategies are more original content and quicker turn arounds. These aren’t necessarily negative changes. I love creating and always evolving. That’s what separates the greats from the rest. They reinvent, they grind 10x harder, and they make it great, no matter the current temperature of the music culture surrounding them.
Tell us about how badXchannels was brought to life. Has this been an intention you have had in the works?
badXchannels has been in the works for about a year and a half now. It just started as a thought, I guess. Then I kept running with that thought, and this is where we are now. It felt freeing. I’m already thinking about new stuff, so like I said, we’re just getting started!
If you were asked for advice by a human being aspiring to become a professional musician, what would you tell them?
I produce quite a lot of the time. Something I tell the artists / bands I work with is to work 10x harder than anyone else you see. Listen, learn, and enjoy what you do. Make sure it truly represents who you are and shows your talent. The rest will come. It’s all in the songs.
I’m from Detroit; I have to ask. If you could recommend three restaurants in the D to a tourist that has never visited, which three would you choose and why?
First, nothing beats home cooked meals. With that said, my favorite spot is Wright & Co. On casual, lazy days, I go to Slows. Atwater is close to my place, so I go there quite a bit. Like I said though, nothing’s better than eating at home.
If you could metaphorically affiliate the energy throughout ‘WHYDFML’ to the characteristics of an animal, what animal would you choose and why?
Haha! I definitely haven’t thought of that before, but I would probably describe WHYDFML’s energy like that of a snake. Snakes are slick and dangerous.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Also, be sure to check out the WHYDFML EP on Spotify, Apple Music, or whichever music service you use.
Turn down for what? The full force Metal powerhouse, Upon A Burning Body, is gearing up to deliver high-quality, straight-forward and balls to the wall heavy metal stitched together from razor sharp focus and passionate dedication. I caught up with the San Antonio proud lead vocalist, Danny Leal, whose well-executed and vicious growls surely rile up a crowd.
For most artists, originality is first introduced through a phase of learning, trial and error. What was your experience? How would you describe your own development as an artist and the transition towards your own voice?
I used live situations and things that I have been through to inspire me on what to write. I knew that I wanted to develop my own thing and use my own voice that was unique to me while still doing it my way. And I am here now. My style came from me wanting to create it and doing it my way. There are people who look up to you and it’s your duty to give them at least everything that you’ve got. In my opinion, everyone is opinionated these days. Overly-opinionated.
Imagine you’re watching a concert and one of the band members spontaneously combusts. You get called to the stage to replace that band member. Who’s the band and why?
It would probably have to be Slipknot. I’ve been a fan since their record came out in 1999. I bought the self-titled record right when it came out and to me, that music and what they did at the time, you could say that it changed my life as far as what I thought was heavy or aggressive music. When that album came out, it changed everything. I just didn’t think music could get any heavier at that point and then Slipknot came out and blew me away. I mean, a lot of people criticize me for that and say that there are tons of heavier bands like Cannibal Corpse and Slayer, you know, the bands that true metalheads who arguably would say are heavier, but, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m not talking about who can growl the lowest, and whose distortion is the loudest and whose tuning is the lowest; that’s not what’s heavy to me. It’s making you feel something when you hear the music, and Slipknot definitely had this crazy, hostile, real feeling that you felt through the record. I think that with everything going as digital as it is these days, you lose a lot of the soul. And that comes through with the feeling of the music. To this day, Slipknot is incredible. Although I don’t think that I can quite steal Corey Taylor’s shoes as of yet, I choose Slipknot.
The entire UABB gang is from San Antonio, Texas. If anyone was visiting the city and their was one restaurant that they just cannot miss, what restaurant would you recommend and why?
Although I don’t eat there anymore because I am a vegetarian, there is place called Lulu’s that have this giant foot long country fried steak. You know, everything’s bigger in Texas and if I could point anyone in the direction to furthermore prove that point, it would be there. There is also another place that has pizza three feet wide in all directions called Big Lou’s Pizza.
UABB’s music is adored by a broad audience, including those within their youth. Depression is a major factor in a large amount of many high school children’s lives. What would be your advice for these kids and have ever struggled with depression in your upbringing?
There’s a song called “Scars” that we have that people tend to gravitate toward and share with us that it helped them through tough times in their lives. I believe that the chorus is mainly what they are speaking of on that song. I love talking about this and talking to kids who ask for my advice about this at shows. My advice would be that whatever they are going through now, it’s not going to get any easier. Life is hard. It stays hard. It never really stops pushing at you. I remind them that they are young and within the easy part; they can bounce things off and there’s so many things you can do while you’re young. I tell them to do what they want to do as long as it makes them happy. You know, within the line of business that we’re in, I deal with so much criticism and so much hatred toward what I do. Let’s say that we make a decision to try another sound; we know that are going to hear about that. The industry in general in all aspects of entertainment has gotten so raunchy. I mean, I cannot believe it. Wherever you draw the line has been erased and the bar has been raised so many times; women are going up on stage naked doing the most crazy things to get attention. You see people on Youtube trying to get famous for pretty much lighting themselves on fire and damn near killing themselves just to get a couple thousand followers on their Youtube channel. Where is the line anymore? There is not one. The world is so crazy that the only thing you can do is try to do you and do something you believe in while ensuring that you are happy doing it. If people don’t like it, which many won’t, you have to know that can’t please everybody. The people who aren’t going to like it, it’s not if, it’s the people who will not like what you do, at the end of the day, if you’re happy and you believe in it, then no one can take that away from you. And that’s all that matters, because there also will be people that like it. I kind of just tell the kids that. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Prepare to do the best that you can and be the best that you can. Every human being can be happy with that. And if you’re just a piece of shit, well, then that’s just what you are and that’s what you have to live with. But, if you change and you change your mind, then more power to you.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
It means the world to us to get pre-orders and to sell records in a day where metal is not selling no where near the amount of records that it used to. When I was a kid, and I dreamed to do this, to watch the industry and records not being sold along with people not really caring as much, it really upset me and it hurts. Not just because it’s my record that is potentially not getting as many sales, but because of the grand scheme of things and metal in general. I feel that people need to get back to the love of buying a record, owning it and really appreciated everything that it’s about. And everything that every artist has to sacrifice to make that record like anything else. People download music for free and steal it. I don’t go to Little Caesar’s, show up and take the pizza because I downloaded it on my phone and now it’s free? That just doesn’t happen. But it happens to us and it blows my mind that nobody in the industry has yet to be able to fix it and put a stop to it. It’s really upsetting; I wish that people would remember that artists have to sacrifice a lot to do what they do. And trust me, at the end of the day, I personally know that I choose to do it.
Jessica – For sure. And it’s not a pity plea or a request for sympathy; it’s just the reality of the music industry today especially and what musicians like yourself are directly experiencing. It’s terrible.
Danny – Right. Our voices aren’t big enough to change illegal downloading, but to the true fans who love and appreciate Upon A Burning Body and what we’ve done, it means a lot to us if you would buy and pre-order our records.
All Photo Credit: 
