Los Angeles Musician, Leah Capelle, has been utilizing her time for good and spending time at home giving her fans live-stream shows. I caught up with Leah in the midst of quarantine life to discuss the deep and personal meaning within her debut release, ‘triptych’, her passion for film and graphic design, coming back around from a period of isolation, cooking and more.
Congrats on the recent release of your new LP, ‘triptych’. Tell us the message that you intended to portray throughout this release.
Thank you so much! ‘triptych’ both is and isn’t a concept album, if that makes sense. The thread throughout the record is my story of growth that was both painful and beautiful. I had been very comfortable, and very happy for a long time – until I gradually wasn’t. Yet, my unhappiness was inexplicable to me. And unfortunately, that unhappiness led to a series of poor decisions that completely upended my life. Now, looking back on it I truly believe I needed that push. My greatest art comes from times of uncertainty, and I believe this to be my most pure, most relatable piece of art to date. The core message of the album is this: it’s okay to be sad, to have flaws, to make mistakes, to miss people. It’s what you do with those mistakes and that emptiness that ultimately shapes who you will become, and the process itself – though terribly difficult to understand in the moment – is what makes all the difference.
I know that the Coronavirus has been really impactful on all, yet tell us the lowdown on how you have been utilizing all of your time in quarantine.
I have been surprisingly busy in the time of Corona. I thought I would be losing my mind with boredom but being in an album cycle takes up a lot of bandwidth. I’ve also been fortunate enough to continue having part-time work on the side, so promoting ‘triptych’ and working has taken up the bulk of my time. But in down moments, I’ve been reading again! Right at the beginning of the shelter in place order, I power-read “Breakfast of Champions” by Kurt Vonnegut, and am now almost done with his post-apocalyptic novel “Galapagos.” I binge watched Tiger King along with the rest of America, and finally watched all of Rick and Morty. I’ve been trying to meditate (which I’m terrible at) and have moments of peacefulness throughout the day, as well as cooking more diverse meals for myself (something I’m also terrible at.) And of course, video-calling with friends and family on a more frequent basis than usual which definitely helps keep me sane.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
It’s an irrational yet common fear amongst artists but I’ve been having the challenging thought that I’ll never write as good of songs as are on ‘triptych.’ I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself to start writing the next album, which is crazy since ‘triptych’ came out only two weeks ago! I was sharing these concerns with my friend and fellow artist David Ramirez, and we were working through the feelings I had of restlessness for the “next thing.” It was helpful to talk it all out, and I realized that literally no one is putting pressure on me to write any new music besides myself. So, right now, I’m working on giving myself space to just be in this moment, without forcing myself to be creative.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I feel that social media and the “digital world” are a double edged sword. They have become absolutely crucial for promoting art, sharing music and obviously provide the opportunity to connect with others in ways that were never possible before. But the digital world can also be extremely toxic. I struggle with knowing that I need to post certain types of content consistently and tailor each piece to each individual platform, while also simultaneously wanting to turn off all my technology and sit in a garden. Social media also makes it more difficult to not compare yourself to other artists or really other human beings. I’m fortunate to have a very supportive creative network in which most of us are musicians but of course, pangs of jealousy can pop up when your friends and peers are “more successful” than you at any given point in time. I think navigating social media is the crux of our generation – allowing it to be a platform from which to promote and connect while not letting it be something that consumes your whole life.
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 like to think of myself as a passionate learner and creative person in many senses outside of music. My day-job is in film and I love graphic design, interior design, video editing, etc. I spend my time doing lots of creative things that have nothing to do with music, which in turn makes the time I spend doing music even more special. I also have a business degree, and hope to start my own company someday nurturing young, up-and-coming artists. Another dream of mine involves designing my own house or compound out in nature somewhere like possibly Wyoming. I picture it to have little guest houses for my family and friends along with an on-site studio. I also have this little dream of opening a coffee shop / wine and beer bar that has a stage for singer/songwriters that I would book myself to perform. Lastly, I love hiking, scuba diving, and traveling to new countries and cities I’ve never been to!
There is a very deep and personal meaning throughout ‘triptych’. Has your perception and approach toward your interpersonal relationships changed throughout your journey toward healing?
Oh absolutely. Many of the songs on ‘triptych’ were written during a time in which I essentially isolated myself from being close to other people. It was terrible, but I wasn’t being a good friend in those moments and had to take the time to focus on my healing. During that time I was acting in self-serving ways and no longer listening to the concerns or advice from the people closest to me. I’ve learned so much throughout the whole process of creating this record as it forced me to take long and hard looks at myself, my behavior, and my bad habits and process them in real time. I feel like a completely new and improved version of myself now, two years after the start of this journey. I’m insanely grateful to everyone for sticking by my side through all of it.
Are there any fun or new recipes that you’ve tried cooking up during quarantine?!
As I mentioned before, I’m not a very creative or inventive cook. I pretty much cook just for the sake of sustenance. But I’ve been refining my favorite pasta recipe: sautéed red onion, baby bella mushrooms, sometimes sweet potato, red bell pepper, and whatever other yummy veggies I have in the fridge with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red cayenne pepper. I also add vegan sausage, sliced and crisped in a cast iron skillet. I’ll use whichever pasta fits my mood that day – either tortellini, gnocchi, or good old farfalle and top it with pesto and parmesan. The trick is to mix the veggies, sausage, and pasta all in a skillet once it’s been cooked to get the pasta crispy! Super easy to make in a large batch and have leftovers for when I don’t want to cook again later, which is most of the time.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
I know these are really scary times for everyone. The level of stress is skyrocketing, and there is so much uncertainty. If you can, try to take time for yourself every day. It’s okay if you don’t feel motivated – it’s okay if you’re sad.
As for me, I’m doing my best to stay connected and do lots of live streams on social media. I hope you’re enjoying “triptych,” and I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out to me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! We will hopefully all be able to be together soon, and I’ll finally be able to play these songs live for you all.
Singaporean Artist, Annette Lee, is living out her dreams and dipping her hands in a variety of creative endeavors that allow her to bring her compassionate and open heart forward. In celebration of the recent release of “Song For The Underdog”, I caught up with Annette for a great chat about overcoming thoughts of comparison, her day-to-day work as a Digital Creator with SGAG, persevering despite the odds, using her artistry to show empathy and more.
Congrats on the release of “Song For The Underdog”. Have you experienced being the underdog in any of your endeavors? If so, how do you perceive that feeling served you?
Thank you! I’ve often felt like the underdog growing up. It seemed like the odds were stacked against me – I was never the cool kid (which definitely led to getting bullied), definitely not a rich kid, my family was dysfunctional and I was constantly falling ill – the list goes on. But I also grew up hearing stories like the one of the Tortoise and the Hare, and believed that like the underdog can win. So that feeling, coupled with the hope I had, definitely spurred me to press on despite the odds, allowing me to see some victories in my life, so I really wanted this song to be an anthem for anyone out there who is in a place in life similar to where I was in my hardest times. That said, and there are also new odds that come with each passing day, leaving me to feel like an underdog once more.
Give us a rundown of a day in your life of being a Digital Creator/Comedian with SGAG.
Everyday looks different for me! Depending on what phase of video production I’m at, I could be coming in to work and brainstorm ideas for a video (sometimes they’d be videos for brands who work with us on sponsored content), or writing a script, or out on set directing/acting in a video.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I used to struggle a lot with comparing myself with others who seem to have had it ahead in life and feeling like I’m not good enough, and feeling anxious about not achieving as much. But over time, I’ve discovered – in the spirit of the fable of the tortoise and the hare – that it’s not how you start but how you end. And how I overcame it was reminding myself constantly to compare myself to who I was yesterday instead of to the people around me.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
The digital world is very much a false reality. I think social media culture causes us to see extremes, the worst of news and the best of our peers – both of which can easily cause us to fall anxiety or depression. Seeing bad news being amplified definitely can cause fear in people and cause us to lose hope, and seeing the ‘perfect’ lives of everyone else can make us feel like we aren’t good enough. That said, there’s also so much about the digital age that allows for good news, great art, and useful tools and knowledge to be more accessible than ever before – and it’s also able to enrich us in so many ways.
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 and digital creator that you take pride in.
I always believe that people come first no matter what. So as an artist, while I enjoy creating work and feel a need to do so, but I always think of how I can show love through my work, and how I can show love to others in my daily life. So I take pride in knowing that I understand the brokenness many people face, and that I can use my art (be it music or comedy) or my personal capacity to show love to just one person who’s hurting or struggling.
As you are exposed to a lot of stimulus working in the digital world, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health?
We’re so bombarded with noise in the digital world, and so many people are addicted to their phones and don’t even realise it. I find it so important to consciously take time off my screens and disconnect for a while as often as I can, to find my thoughts in quiet and solitude, instead of letting the noise overwhelms me.
If you could trade existences with your favorite cartoon character growing up, who would you choose and why?
Probably Perry the platypus from Phineas and Ferb, because he is a house pet who is secretly a spy detective. You can’t have a cooler double life than that haha.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Thank you for paying attention to my work – I can’t do what I do without you guys and I won’t take your support for granted. And I hope that you stay thankful and kind and never take life too seriously!
Puerto Rican Musical Guru, Lil Eddie, is as dynamic as it comes as his creative prowess ranges from hit-making Producer, 11x Grammy-Nominated Musician/Songwriter and more. The wide variety of genre-bending bangers that have Lil Eddie’s touch on them will astound you, and it is our pleasure to catch up with the man to discuss his roots growing up in NYC, the entire world being in the palm of our hands, overcoming poverty, adversity and more.
Let’s talk about the new video teaser that you posted about on your Instagram with that yellow drip on. What do we have to look forward to?
Ahhhhh maybe a dope video in Greece with the Acropolis in the backdrop! #GITANA
Let’s talk about your current life in New York. How do you balance the constant hustle of the city with ensuring to take some downtime to focus on your creative work?
I live in London and LA now but grew up in NYC, that city life is real! London is very similar to the city and commuting around the city. I say the creativity is inspired by my daily commute. The music is in the streets on the trains, busses, Uber rides everywhere we turn.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I will say the feeling of loneliness. I’m a single man so sometimes the work takes all of me and I rarely get to do anything so love can’t come being trapped away which leads me to then tell myself that the music will get me to where I need to be, so I focus on that.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
We are in a very interesting time! Social media can have its cons but I see so many pros! The entire world is in the palm of our hands. We can reach further than ever at any given time. That alone is unbelievable.
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 being a Latino American! Overcoming poverty, adversity, a dysfunctional home and so many odds against me from being homeless and all! I believe my spiritual connection with the man; upstairs and respect for the powers of the universe that got me where I am.
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 find it important to speak to people! Writing helps me, daily affirmations, searching for positivity is important for me! Keeping incredible people around not a lot of people but quality people! Lifers, lovers, preserving my energy and being conscious about who I share my energy with.
As a veteran in the game, what are some words of wisdom that you can share with fellow musicians attempting to follow in your footsteps?
I would say to the inspiring class of musicians that on the way up to never stop! Consistency is a big part of this race! Master your craft! Find the 25th hour of the day, 8th day in the week to devote to your art! Get in touch with your spirituality! Stay connected with the creator! For the universe hands out the rewards in life!
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you all for supporting me on this journey! I hope I’m inspiring people in my art! Stay blessed and keep it locked with ya boy so much more music to come!
UK Musician, Stealth, has found the way to bring his passionate inner maze of art forward and is set to make a splash throughout 2019. I caught up with Stealth to discuss the recent release of “Black Heart”, having a conversation with himself as a senior citizen, being a part of a roller-coaster ride as an artist, fulfillment from making music you enjoy and more.
Tell us about what you learned about yourself along the way while creating “Black Heart”.
Make the music you enjoy making! I’ve been trying so hard to write a “banger” and really fell out of love with writing for a brief moment, therefore, I went in and just had fun and the song just kind of happened. Everyone seemed to like it when I stayed true to myself.
If you can have a conversation with either yourself as a child or yourself as a senior citizen, who would you choose and what would you say?
Senior Citizen for sure! I’d ask for the lyrics and melody of the biggest selling song. Then write it and let the Grammy’s roll in. [laughs] But in all in seriousness it would be an older me that I’d want to talk to. I have serious anxiety to the point where I don’t sleep and I’d like the older me to just give me a warning about what not to worry about.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I’ve had to cancel my performances at SXSW. I’ve had some delays obtaining my Visa so I can’t make it. I’ve not only let my band and the organisers down but also the people who wanted to see me play a show in the US. However it’s circumstances out of my control and the only way I can overcome it is to pick myself up and dust myself off… and especially plan for next year.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
It’s all a bit too much, isn’t it?! People over share and not in a good way. I’m all for chatting and being open but social media is often used as a platform to show only one side of you that you want others to see… which means the lives portrayed on social media are often false, in turn making your audience/followers/friends feel insecure about their own achievements and generally inadequate. It’s a marketing tool / gimmick.
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.
A bit of a job interview answer here but I’m a team player. I love being part of a team. Whether that’s as part of family unit, friends, or sports team (fun fact -I play rugby). Although I’m a solo act, I hate being alone and I feel I’m my best self as part of a crowd.
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’ll be honest, I’d be a hypocrite to say anything that could be perceived as advice on this subject. It’s very tough doing a job that is such a rollercoaster and at times I don’t have time to think about how it’s affecting my mental state until it’s too late. I do talk to friends and family and try to keep physically fit which I find helps. But If there is anyone out there in the music industry that has a proven method of taking care of yourself, feel free to contact me.
Tell us three of your favorite thrift stores to go to in the UK.
They aren’t exactly thrift stores as the clothes don’t tend to be that cheap [laughs] but I frequent……
Rokit on Brick Lane in Shoreditch
Beyond Retro in Soho
Absolute Vintage – Near old Spitalfields Market
What do fans of Stealth have to look forward to for the remainder of 2019.
Lots of new music and I have a gig coming up on May 21st at Hoxton Bar and Grill in Shoreditch.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Just a huge thank you. You guys make the rollercoaster all the more worth getting on.
LA Indie Rockers, Weathers, are steadily becoming a force in the world of music with their eclectic instrumental flair and immersive stage energy. Having recently released their new single, “Dirty Money”, the guys are currently out on the road with Magic Giant and Castlecomer. I caught up with the gang when they stopped by El Club in Detroit to discuss “Dirty Money”, maximizing the benefits of Spotify as an artist, ensuring to stay rested and eating healthy on the road, fashion and more.
Tell us about the message that you intended to weave into your latest track, “Dirty Money”.
Cameron B – We started writing “Dirty Money” with a bottle of Jack Daniels and no expectations with a couple friends of ours in Los Angeles. We wrote the song in about an hour! We actually wrote “Dirty Money” a long time ago. It wasn’t written after our album, ‘Kids In The Night’, it was written during the album. It was a song that stood out on its own so we weren’t sure at the time if we wanted it to be on the album or not. We decided it would be best to release later.
Jessica – I perceive that Los Angeles subconsciously inspires creativity in a way that you don’t necessarily derive naturally in the Midwest. LA is fierce. As you navigate through the city, culture and energy that comes with the territory of Los Angeles, you are inspired by simply being within it.
Cole – Yeah, totally. It is very competitive.
Jessica – But that very competitiveness can be turned into an opportunity for partnerships and the expansion of your influence. Through streaming, the way that we as listeners receive music has changed. For musicians, it was more common for singles to be pushed as they tend to do better fiscally and influentially if the track stands out from the bunch. Music is a business. Your art and brand are a business. Through the tools and resources that we have readily available now through steaming services such as Spotify and social media in general, it’s all in your hands; you determine how far you want to go and what you desire to achieve. Pushing singles tends to be the best route at this time.
Cameron O – Absolutely. Especially when you have artists like Drake who are pushing out new singles every month. It’s hard to keep up with sometimes, but the tools such as Spotify definitely are there and have helped us grow a ton.
Jessica – For sure. What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Cameron B – It’s incredible. We can reach all of our fans in an instance which is really awesome. A lot of it can also be very fabricated so in a sense, it is a double-edged sword, but there are pros and cons with anything in life. If you use social media in the right way, it is a great way to express yourself, your creativity and your artistry.
Jessica – How cool is it that you guys have Instagram fan accounts which pragmatically consists of an individual who was so moved by your artistry that they spend their own time to embed energy into showcasing your work? Free marketing, expansion of influence, you can’t beat that. I saw that there is even a Memes account for Weathers (weathersmemesofficial) and I must say, it is hilarious. I don’t think artists should take that for granted.
Cameron B – Definitely not. That account is so funny! It is amazing that we have fans that do that for us and interact with us in that way.
Cameron O – Spotify is getting pretty immersive as well. We can see what every fan is listening to and where they are listening to it. It is super cool. We can see how many people are listening to us at that moment. We can see how many people’s playlists that we are on even if it is a random playlist that we just so happened to get added to. We know exactly how many people listen to us all the time.
Cole – It is amazing, but it is a little Big Brother though!
Jessica – I get it! ACRONYM and I were actually talking about that earlier. There are so many app developers that have laced in coding in which screen recording occurs sporadically on the iPhone. Perhaps I am falling for a conspiracy theory or am slightly delusional, but come on, that has got to raise a hair.
Cole – Totally! But in regards to Spotify, it definitely helps with booking. For instance, if we have 10K listeners in Chicago, you can play a larger room there, you know?
Jessica – Yes, big picture thinking. 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?
Brennen – We keep a pretty tight ship on the road. We all eat very clean and take care of ourselves. Being rested is so important. We try to get a lot of exercise whenever we can and especially whenever we have a day off. Our tour manager, Josh, is really on top of it.
Jessica – Proper nutrition and overall wellness is so important. I live a high vegan lifestyle myself; the more energy I gift myself with, the more I am able to infuse into my art, you know? Tell us about some parts of yourself beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Brennen – I love being outdoors. Over the past few years, working out and tuning into my nutrition has been huge and so beneficial for me. Also, Cameron is an awesome filmmaker and director. He actually filmed our last three music videos!
Jessica – That puts you in full creative control. Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Cameron B – Thank you so much for everything. The fans are literally the ones that keep us alive and we couldn’t do this without you.
