Tag: Music
Interview: Beyond Unbroken
LA Rockers, Beyond Unbroken, are a group of rebellious minds that are twisting and turning through their life experiences to lay all of their pain on the line throughout their artistry. I caught up with Vocalist/Bassist, Daimen Horrell, to discuss ‘Don’t Wake The Dead’, the importance of patience, staying creative while on the road and more.
Congrats on the success of ‘Don’t Wake The Dead’. Tell us about the creative and recording process. Did you expect the album to turn out how it did?
Thank you very much. The creative process for that record was very different and adventurous. At the time we were essentially a combination of two different families that didn’t know each other ,and seeing if we could write music together. All of us experienced in our own ways ,but we had no idea who we were as a band. Let alone what we would sound like. I knew personally though that it was gonna be great because we all just had a natural chemistry. It was really strange walking up to these two strangers, and after an hour of hanging out feeling like we knew each other for years. That said it came out great only a few things I’d change ,but that’s just me being a perfectionist.
If you could sit down with your younger self and give him one small dose of advice, what would you say to him?
I think for me it would just be to work on your patience.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I love social media I think if used right it’s the perfect tool for an artist. Part of me does miss the mystery of not knowing anything about artist other than their art. That being said though I’m a huge attention whore so it’s awesome.
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.
My biggest pride and joy is my son. I have a 9-year-old, and he’s just my whole world.
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?
For me it’s all about just keeping busy and staying creative. Of course there’s parties and fun times, but I always find staying creative is really the best thing. I love to draw, write songs on my iPhone, write screenplays for movies, anything to just keep my mind going.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
We love and appreciate all of you. Every single one of you makes it all worth it.
Beyond Unbroken Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Spotify
California Psych Rockers, Crooked Flower, are awakening energy within and bringing forward a world of kaleidoscopic light throughout their latest full-length album release, ‘Into the Light’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Dancing”, Angelina Dang’s vocals swiftly creep into the hearts of listeners as a simple lyrical journey speaking of swinging the night away mimics the likes of Eurythmics in their 1983 ‘Touch’ days. The second track, “Search Warrant”, slows it down to lyrically speak of tragedy that may be a therapeutic ode to closure when it comes to a personal experience or a dose of fiction that keeps listeners minds’ stimulated over Indie instrumentals that are smooth and welcoming to the spirit. “Freedom” is the third track that blasts right off with an edge as the California Rockers bring forward their mutual yearning for peace over toned-down instrumentals that match the lyrical intention of reaching a place of clarity. The fourth track, “Let You Go”, begins with a Groove inspired instrumental that gently takes listeners by the hand toward release of what no longer aligns with the life that the members of Crooked Flower are beginning to create.
“Around and Around” is the fifth track that begins by instrumentally mimicking the likes of Yes and swiftly shifts into a place of acceptance when it comes to no longer giving one’s energy and time to a person, place or thing that doesn’t serve the positive growth of oneself. The sixth track, “10 Million Seeds”, lyrically takes listeners through a psychedelic tunnel of thought as the members of Crooked Flower recognize their small place in this massive world which is one of the most liberating inner revelations to discover. “Falling” is the seventh track that begins with the instrumental feel of a song by Santana and then grooves into a lyrical deep dive into the life of a soul sporting rose-colored glasses that are blocking their reality and truth. Closing out with “Own World”, Crooked Flower subconsciously inspires listeners to create their own rules and choose not to succumb to society’s common ways of being.
It is evident and felt that Crooked Flower is a band that creates music for one of the right reasons; for the love of making music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as No Doubt, Ramones and The Jam, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Crooked Flower on Soundcloud.
Crooked Flower Social Links:
Facebook • Website • Bandcamp
Austin-Based Rockers, The Stone MG’s, leave it all out on the line throughout their dynamic new single, “I Need You”. Ensuring to make it known that there is a lack of satisfaction felt within Lead Vocalist, Rodney James, The Stone MG’s are close to throwing in the towel on a deeply entwined interpersonal connection or addiction that is now beginning to cause mental friction. Metaphorically rich and full of cool undertones that match the mood of unease, The Stone MG’s lyrically pick at a scab that they know in the back of their head is bound to form into a scar.
Smokey, rich and seasoned vocals of Rodney James add an invigorating touch to the track that flows seamlessly with songwriting that is abysmally deep and unafraid to dive beyond the surface. As the track flows, the pace gets picked up as the rose-covered glasses that once served to cover-up reality begin to be removed. Growing up in a family whose central core was centered around the love of music, the passion seeped into the veins of Rodney who is a natural when it comes to being an artist.
The Stone MG’s are a bundle of Rock ‘N’ Roll soul and we recommend to add “I Need You” to your weekend playlist. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire and Arctic Monkeys, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Stone MG’s on Soundcloud.
The Stone MG’s Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp • Instagram
Rock/Pop Duo and couple, The Velvoids, are no stranger to the glitz and glamour yet make it known that they find it more fulfilling to create away from it all throughout their new music video, “Absolutely Nothing”.
Wandering along what looks to be a calming trip, the two take it to the road to experience the manner in which a variety of others lead their everyday lives while stimulating the concept of being so absolutely in love with someone that no matter where you both are physically located, you’re home with each other. Keeping it Indie at heart with a very real-time view of the activities and escapades that they encountered while filming the music video for “Absolutely Nothing”, Dora and Vice brought a lyrically simple track to life through dialing down to the one key aspect of life that is the most rewarding of all; love.
Ever since the the formation of The Velvoids between Dora and Vice back in 2006, consistency has been a key component that has led them toward success and the ability to tour globally and in particularly throughout Europe. There’s a forthcoming album in 2019 which is sure to be an exciting journey as well. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons and The Flaming Lips, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Velvoids on Spotify.
The Velvoids Social Links:
Facebook • Instagram • Bandcamp
Coming together with the intent of creative release and uniting all walks of life through music is the name of the game for Funk and Soul Group, Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio. Having recently released their latest album, ‘It’s Time’, there’s a lot to celebrate for the multi-talented trio. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Forever Day By Day”, an eclectic array of instrumentals that represent the synergy amongst the three leads a listener into a place of total immersion in the lyrical trajectory that is present, mindful and meaningful. The second track, “10 Miles to Empty”, slows it down into a sensual burst of longing as Lead Vocalist, Rose Ann Dimalanta, eases the mind with her serene vocal style that is abounding with wisdom and strength. “Dinner For One” is the third track that is a lyrical slice of awareness when it comes to each human beings ability to create the version of themselves that will serve toward a life of wellness. The fourth track, “Seven Days”, begins with the feeling of an Alicia Keys track back in her ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys’ days as lightly drawn out instrumentals serve to emerge a bright, open and easy inner space within listeners.
“Happily’s Never After” is the fifth track and album highlight that instrumentally grooves and aligns with the lyrical journey into the moment which leads to the most mollifying glimpses of happiness and pleasure. The sixth track, “Measure of A Man”, gracefully enters a locked inner chamber and challenges the release of rapid thoughts that hinder the maturation of a dear interpersonal connection. The eighth track, “Latin Soul”, is a vibrant burst of instrumental mystery and edge that creeps and crawls into the hearts of multicultural human beings swinging on the dance floor. “Miles” is the tenth track that is an intimate array of feelings that sprout as the song gently carries listeners into a place of mental clarity while Rose Ann lyrically examines her journey of Motherhood and more. The eleventh track, “No Goodbyein”, leaves one floating as the trio lead all into a place of assurance when it comes to the blooming of a deep soul connection. “Mad Run” is the twelfth track that mimics the ethereal energy of Sade in her ‘Stronger Than Pride’ days as Rose Ann lyrically travels through the rush that she has encountered through collision with one of her life’s most beautiful partners. Closing out with “That’s All”, Rose Ann solidifies her belief that the love that she shares with another is a key component of what makes her feel fulfilled in this massive world.
Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio has created an Adult Contemporary work of soul that leads the mind toward the release of control. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sade, Seal and then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio on Soundcloud.
Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio Social Links:
Facebook • YouTube • Twitter
Interview: Shinobi Ninja
New York Rock Hood Group, Shinobi Ninja, live out their intent of shaping a vibrant state of consciousness that includes and welcomes all throughout their music and artistry. Having ‘Bless Up’ under their belts as an album that speaks for itself, Shinobi Ninja are finding the wealth that comes from embodying their truest selves. I caught up with Vocalist, Duke Sims (D.A), to discuss how growing up in Brooklyn shaped the man that he is today, progress over perfection, becoming more confident in his talents, being a kid in the studio and more.
Congrats on the success of your fourth studio album, ‘Bless Up’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.
‘Bless Up’ was a collection of the songs we were working on right before our studio that we had been creating and working out of for the past 6 years closed. The goal was to complete these songs before the studio closed, so the album had a vibe of closure and also a positive outlook for what is to come for us in the future. The lesson for me on this album is that you may think that this song or that song is gonna be the one but in actuality it’s not that song you think, it’s the song you don’t think too much of that is going to be the song that people find and connect with the most. I had experienced that before with our previous album, but this album cemented that for me; to be open to whatever is gonna happen.
You guys carry the New York swagger so well, so naturally. Tell us about your life in the Big Apple and how living in New York has impacted your life.
I’m born and raised in Brooklyn and have been running around NYC my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever known. When you hear the phrase, “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck then it’s a duck”, that’s me. Brooklyn formed me. It put me arm and arm with every nationality, age, race, sex, etc. that you could have. I grew up playing in the streets; street basketball, baseball, music, cutting school, getting in trouble, music, good times and bad times. The concrete jungle is the school I graduated from. I’ve seen all kinds of crazy things and I learned from all of it. It’s teachings are with me always.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
Life is a challenge. It just keeps coming. I’m still learning. Fear is something I’ve overcome over time. That’s the biggest challenge. Fear of any kind and choosing not letting it stop you in whatever it is your doing and want to accomplish. Progress over perfection was a key lesson for me. Perfection is perception and it doesn’t exist. Progress is real. You can see it. So I go for progress over perfection. Trying to be perfect used to lock me in. Now I don’t care about that. I keep putting in the work and moving forward. That’s a good feeling. When things reach completion and then you move to the next thing. Keep growing.
How has your experience in the music industry impacted your life? How was the man that is Dave changed every since you began with Shinobi Ninja?
Before Shinobi Ninja, I was still thinking about who I wanted to be and how I could become that person. Shinobi Ninja allowed me an avenue to succeed and to fail. With success, I became stronger and more confident in my talents and what I can offer the world through my art and music and my love for the people and the universe. Failure taught me about changing things that I was not doing well or things that were holding me back. It taught me to let go and to not hold on to expectations. The music industry is made of people. I love people. Shinobi Ninja gave me an avenue to be a Superhero. Now I can fly.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I think it is awesome. I think there’s quick fix meals out there that is the content we see everyday. There’s levels of substance. You can see something that entertains you for a couple minutes but doesn’t really change you and then you can see or hear things that make you really think. I love the digital age we live in because all the info is out there. Information is power. This is a great time for thinkers and artists. A lot of fuel for the fire.
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 service. When I can be of service to people that is a great thing. However, I can be a positive contribution to the people is what it’s all about for me. Whether it’s a song, or a video, or a piece of art or a text message or a positive word to someone. A life is here and then gone, so for me it’s about being a positive influence and force while I’m here in this journey at this time.
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 don’t watch the news. I don’t watch politics. No murder killing type shows. If the Golden Girls is on then it stays on. I love to have anything that I’m going to hear or see be uplifting for my spirit and mind. Documentary’s are great information. Sitcoms have the laugh track. Laughing is good. Music is good. Hearing new music that will inspire my creativity to new realms. Being around good people. Smoking weed. Eating well.
Photo Credit: Pixel Journalism
Tell us about a day in the studio with you making beats. Are you experimental and willing to take major creative risks in your music?
My mom took me to a class when I was little that was a dude in a loft in NYC surrounded by things. He showed how you can make sounds with anything. He put water on a mirror and made noises. Then he took a hose from a vacuum cleaner and whirled it around his head and it made a cool sound; that impacted me huge. When I go into the studio, I’m still that little kid. I’m listening for that unknown. I’m down to try anything. If it sounds good then it’s a go for me. I’m there for the magic. I’m listening to what my body tells me is the hotness. I trust my instincts and I have fun. The most fun. Being in the studio for me is like a fish being in water. It’s who I am. I learned to breathe there. It’s like a bird flying. I could fly forever.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Keep spreading the positive vibes. Move with compassion. Move with love. Take time to breath. Take time for yourself. Check yourself. Check your ego. Think about your goals for life. How will you accomplish them? What have you learned in trying different ways to achieve them? How can you adapt? How can you keep growing? Make the best of today. Keep moving forward. Every step adds up. Even if you only move an inch forward today. Inches add up to feet. Feet add up to Miles. Follow the yellow brick road. Keep dreaming. Keep striving. You’re not perfect. Nobody is. Have compassion for yourself. Your awesome and I want you to know your loved. I believe in you.
Shinobi Ninja Social Links:
Facebook • Spotify • Twitter • Website
Feature Image Photo Credit: Commons.Wikimedia.Org
NYC Experimental Artist, Max Lee, showcases his uncanny ability to read the state of our future throughout his latest full-length album release, ‘Colors of Noise’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Finder’s Keeper”, Max laces in entrancing samples and musings that has stirred through his mind while his scratchy vocals serve to showcase that he is in tune with his discomfort as member of modern-day society. The second track, “No Debt”, builds castles in the sky as Max bleeds from the heart and calls out into the ethers to magically release the financial burdens that are holding him back in life. “Open” is the third track that creates the instrumental feeling of the dragged-down intricate detail that MUTEMATH shared with the world throughout their 2006 self-titled debut as Max lyrically attempts to open new realms and avenues of thought within. The fifth track, “History”, showcases the dynamic range that Max Lee is able to dabble in as hushes and whispers ignite his vocal style and add a touch of charisma. The sixth track, “2livealife” is the seventh track that feels like Brand New in their ‘The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me’ days as Max examines his woes and sees right through the pretentious antics of a certain breed of human beings. The eighth track, “The Key”, is the musical equation of liberation as Max has reached a place of assurance that he is ready to set himself and another free from the self-imposed restraints and restrictions that have hindered them fully uniting.
“C U Again” is the ninth track that fits like a puzzle piece right into the album’s flow as a moody soundscape leads listeners into the belief that Max is eager to reunite with a long-lost lover. The eleventh track, “Forever”, intentionally fades in and out to mimic the flighty feelings that Max has been encountering within a deeply intertwined soul connection. The twelfth track, “Painted Eyes”, tones down the album with a soft blast of grief as Max lyrically reminisces about the eyes that he stared into and saw remnants of himself within. “Never Going Back” is the thirteenth track that subliminally speaks of Max’s indecision as he lyrically bounces back into a place of ego and attempts to convince himself that he is not returning to a place that has once caused him emptiness and misery. The fourteenth track, “Btwn”, investigates feelings that have sprouted through the distraction (another human being) that has hindered the merging of two human beings that truly love each other. The sixteenth track, “Touchthestars”, carries an Electronic and Trip-Hop tone as Max lyrically declares his desire to learn about every cell within another. “Part of Everything” is the nineteenth track that begins in higher spirits as lyrics that dive into a variety of conscious connections throughout Planet Earth which feels like a psychologically pleasing and stimulating serving of intricate thought. Closing out with “Breathe”, Max reminds himself of his humanness as he slowly reaches for the surface.