languages languagesicone
site loader
site loader
April 29, 2020 Q&A with producer of song ‘Rose Quartz’, Frythm

Q&A with producer of song ‘Rose Quartz’, Frythm

Los-Angeles resident and multi-instrumentalist has just released his latest single ‘Rose Quartz’, which features on his upcoming album titled Flow(15 May 2020). Frythm has performed as direct support for Svdden Death, Slushii, Deorro, Daedelus, Great Dane, Sonnymoon, Huxley Anne, Astronautica, and Eureka The Butcher. In 2017 he performed at the Neon Desert Music Festival, sharing the stage with acclaimed acts like Migos, Foster The People, Khalid, Mija, and J Balvin. 2018 saw Frythm headlining his solo tour, promoting his LP Aurora.

We find out more about the rising artist in our interview below.

You have mentioned in a previous statement that you wanted your song ‘Rose Quartz’ to have an equal balance of female and male energy. What inspired the idea?

So the track actually came to be from a five day EP, challenge hosted by “dot”. I had no intention of any of the records becoming part of an album, I just wanted to practice and fine-tune my skills! The theme for the day was to write something “free” or “not with much thought”. The track had initially started with the chords sounding very lush and pink. At the time I had been reading a lot into the taoist philosophy of yin and yang, often being associated with masculine and feminine energy. After sitting with the lush intro pads I decided to add a balance to the softness. That balance of the masculine energy being the deeper sounding vocal harmonies that come in midway through the song. I also tried to represent the idea in the drums/structure. Starting with drowsy swinging percussion, then slowly evolving into fast-paced drums and percussion. I wanted to guide the listener on the balance I was feeling while creating the track.

You have been labelled a multi-instrumentalist. Was it always your goal to create the type of music that you create today? 

I always had an idea of the sounds I wanted to curate but never had a set path for what the Frythm project was going to be.

Growing up I went through many different phases of music, from starting as a somewhat house/EDM producer in my late teens, to writing heavy club music just a few years ago.

I knew I had always wanted to create something more eclectic and timeless, but I also wanted to balance the experimental ideas of past releases. Learning instruments and utilizing my voice was a way for me to do that! Rather than just sitting in front of a screen like I did before I sought out more organic feelings with guitar, keys, and bass. The combination of new techniques and past experiences finally led me to what I had always wanted. Freeform music.

What are some of your earliest memories of music?

Some of my earliest memories of music came from my mom playing records from Maná and Juanes. My mother was an immigrant from Chihuahua, MX, so growing up I was always exposed to a bunch of really amazing Spanish records. I remember listening to some of the music and just dancing non-stop, pure bliss, and innocence. A moment that really also stuck with me was when I bought my first CD, it was Pharrell’s – “In My Mind”, I think I was in middle school at the time. I remember being so amazed by the grooves and beats. That record really opened a new world to me.

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

It definitely varies at times depending on my mood or the thought behind the song. I normally like to start with chords or humming small harmonies. I feel this really helps lay the foundation of the track, normally drums come in next for the groove, then top-line or melodies. I often find myself resampling a loop or idea that I’d written in a session and completely changing the feeling of the original idea. It’s almost somewhat of a ‘mad scientist’ feeling that really makes the process fun and fresh. More times than not those trippy resamples end up becoming b-sides to some of my tracks.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

This is a tough one. The studio work and music creation is something so therapeutic and peaceful. The magic of writing something from nothing and crafting a world or story through sound is unmatched. But, there is something very special about sharing those feelings and connecting to fans live. There are those non-recreate-able moments that happen with a live audience that make me truly believe in a higher consciousness of the human psyche. So, in summary, I’d say its a very close tie. With everything going on in the world right now though, I do often miss that live human connection and I can’t wait for the day we get back to it.

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was an “SXN” show in El Paso, Texas at “Prickly Elder”. We had the venue way over capacity and there was very little room to move, but the people and energy in the room were absolutely insane. I had just finished writing my project Ego Loss, it was lots of heavy beats and really club-inspired tunes. I remember playing a few of the tracks and seeing people go absolutely mad! People jumping around in this small space, drinks flying in the air, and a short overheard lantern just swaying back and forth from people hitting it with their hands. Knowing that people were able to move and just be in the moment with my music as an anthem really changed my perspective, and has stayed etched into my memories forever.

If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?

It would be a cross-genre radio show, just supporting fun and unique music no matter the feeling. I’d try and play a lot of experimental beats, jazz, indie, and soul records.

Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show

That’s such a tough one. There are so many impactful classic records that have been created over the years. 

In no specific order, Toro y Moi – Anything in Return, Shlohmo – Dark Red, James Blake – Overgrown, Thundercat – Drunk, and Frank Ocean – blonde. All super amazing records that have really inspired and influenced my sounds over the last couple of years.

What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?

I want to give back to my community and the world in any way that I can. My ultimate resting achievement is to open a studio in my hometown of El Paso, TX. I want to create a free safe space for underprivileged youth to learn how to produce/record music while having a massive supply of gear and software to experiment with. Success to me looks like owning some land secluded in nature. Just another safe space for friends or other musician’s/creatives to retreat to and create in nature. Ultimately I just want to contribute my art and sound into the human connection. It’s crazy knowing that there are people that I may never meet or encounter that have connected their own experiences to my music. If that’s all I get out of this that would be more than enough for me.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Stay safe and healthy, check up on your loved ones, and count your blessings. I know things are crazy and uncertain right now but just remember to do your best, and live in the present. I’m sending you all love, warm thoughts, and positivity! 

Thank you for having me! 

Follow Frythm:

FacebookTwitter Soundcloud YoutubeInstagramSpotify

April 24, 2020 Interview with London-based songwriter and music producer  Zizzo World

Interview with London-based songwriter and music producer Zizzo World

London-based songwriter and music producer Zizzo World began hitting the ground running in the music world in 2004. What started off as a way to entertain himself and kill some time, quickly grew into something much more serious and passionate. 

After a move to New York in 2008 and developing an insatiable craft in music production, Zizzo World began to manifest into a versatile and multifaceted producer & artist combo with his own signature sound and stylization

What are some of your earliest memories of music?

My earliest was when I was 5 or 6 years old when I was in nursery group in my origin country – Moldova, when I have participated first time in a regional festival of traditional music, and that was my first experience on the stage. I can distinctly remember the vibration — of being surrounded by love, hearts that were open, and the simple experience of Joy.

As any young aspiring artist and musician, I took later learning up the accordion, different keyboards and after guitar. My initial momentum, supported by my parents and ego’s desire to see how good I could become, took me into pursuing music by becoming a music producer and self-established artist.

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

Normally, I start by developing my song’s main melody or central chorus, I consider to be the best place to begin writing my next track. Once I’ve got my hook or key chord progression, I can build the rest of your song around it. Of course, all above has to come from a strong feeling on behind about what I have to write.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

I prefer both, but at this moment my focus is mostly on studio time, that is the best place where I feel in my own world – Zizzo World. Interaction with my audience has to be with some additional supports, as promo team, budgets which makes this more difficult to achieve it for now, but if my music will be well digested well by the audience, I think that moment of big engagement is not so far.

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

“I saw you in the UK iTunes top charts”

If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?

Of course my main genre, Pop, but also could be Dance or something electronic.

Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show

Ed Sheran, Kygo, Dua Lipa, Robbie Williams, Carla’s Dreams

What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?

My thinking about success in music might look completely different to other, but writing better and better music, receiving great feedbacks from potential fans, getting on multiple stages around the world and radio, this will make me feel a genuine performer!

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Just listen to great music! Find the story behind any artists, like me, understand their message and support! In my case, follow my music because this makes me confident and better!

Follow Zizzo World online

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

April 17, 2020 Interview with music producer and singer Becca Stevens

Interview with music producer and singer Becca Stevens

Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Becca Stevens continues her “WONDERBLOOM” campaign with a new full-length album, once again titled “WONDERBLOOM”, which was released March 20th 2020. The first track from the album is ‘Good Stuff’, 

Becca Stevens again defies all expectation, this time dreaming up a groove-heavy, dance-ready sound infused with elements of pop and funk and R&B. With its bright textures and uptempo rhythms, “WONDERBLOOM” also finds Becca achieving a profound complexity in her lyrics, ultimately redefining what’s possible in creating music that elevates and deities.

What are some of your earliest memories of music?

Rehearsing in the family band, the Tune Mammals! Getting in the stinky minivan and driving around to festivals and schools in North Carolina to perform silly/witty children’s songs with my family. Singing and performing in musicals on stage as a kid. Recording little clips of myself singing on a Fisher-Price tape recorder. Making up dances to MC Hammer and Paula Abdul. Making up rambling songs about literally everything. 

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

  1. I’m either inspired, or I have an assignment which leads me to seek the inspiration I need to pull me in.  
  2. I pick up an instrument and start noodling, or open GarageBand/Logic and record a drum loop or a bass line or a texture, or start journaling, or start singing a melody wordlessly or with words, or start walking in a circle and thinking, or lay on the bed and ask myself questions, etc… 
  3. I follow whatever part of the process is most inviting and serving the song to the best of my ability. 
  4. I try to avoid shutting down the process by listening to my inner critic too much early on. Keep moving. Follow what’s working. Don’t think too much. 
  5. I keep my eyes and mind open for sparks, or cues from the muse. (Once the inspiration is ignited, and the muse is involved it’s much easier to get along with my inner critic). 
  6. When I find the spark or moments that are working musically/lyrically/narratively, I write it down/record it/capture it in some way.
  7. When I lose the plot, I ask myself questions like: How can I best serve this song? Who’s speaking in this song? Where are they? What are they doing? What story are they trying to tell? Does the music tell the same story as the text? etc. I come back to these questions over and over and over again to reset, clarify, and refocus. 
  8. Stay committed till I find the feeling that it’s done. Like baking a cake, you can often smell when it’s done before you open the over to look. And I comfort myself with the knowledge that I can always change it again tomorrow. 

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

A balance of all three! Triangle! Triptych! Trinity!

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

My favourite responses though are when kids like my music. Kids singing or dancing along to my music is the highest form of flattery. When people tell me that my music has helped them through really hard times. I keep those words in a special compartment in my heart that I try to remember to draw from/remind myself of when I’m down about my career or artistry. Memorable responses have also been times when my music has disturbed someone so much that they felt the need to storm out in the middle of a song, write me a letter about how much they don’t like it or write a scathing review. Learning to lean into those responses as well and see a bit of humour in what’s happening there.

If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?

ALL kinds of good music. Music that inspires me. Traditional music. Music with beautiful stories. Music that defies categorization. Music from all over the world. I think I would choose a theme or feeling for each episode and make a playlist that plays into the theme or feeling… oooh I’m ready to start this radio show.

Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show

1.Juana Molina 2.Bassekou Kouyate Ngoni Ba 3. Wye Oak 4. Bothy Band 5. Snoop Dogg

What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do, then you will be successful.” (Been digging around for who said this. I’ve narrowed it down to either Albert Schweitzer or the Buddha.) I would take this one step further and say if you love what you are doing, then you ARE successful. But like anyone I have dreams I associate with success in my field, like touring with my band in a tour bus, playing Madison Square Garden, winning a GRAMMY, or making enough money on the road that the schedule is less than brutal.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Make the music/art/live the life that inspires you. If you create something hoping to impress others, and they aren’t impressed, then you’ve wasted your time completely. If you make something you aren’t terribly excited about and it does impress others, then you are known for something you don’t believe in. As long as you are creating things/making choices you believe in, then it is time well spent.

Follow Becca Stevens online 

YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

April 3, 2020 Interview with singer/songwriter MACKandgold

Interview with singer/songwriter MACKandgold

Singer MACKandgold has proven the dedication she has to her career as she navigates every curveball life throws her way, turning those ups and downs into stories and songs we can all relate to. 

MACKandgold has always been careful with her music. She finds ways to explore her sound with different producers at her side all while keeping the vibes consistent. As her work continues to trickle out into the world, she walks us along an honest path of self-discovery and experimentation.

What are some of your earliest memories of music?

My mom singing me lullabies. My wind upbears that would play slower and slower and slower till I fell asleep. The Wizard of Oz.

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

The steps that seem to work over and over is finding the emotion first. Then the subject follows.  What’s the story. From there its just beautiful chaos and hopefully freedom to explore. I don’t do so well in sessions with time limits.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

The studio work is fun and special in its own way, like creating a recipe. But performing and interacting with an audience is the whole cake.

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

Someone told me that watching me made them feel freer to be themselves, and love themselves…like I inspired that in them. That’s the coolest. I want to do that. And often Iv’e heard “you’re my spirit animal”, an animal I’m proud to be.

If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?

Everything that’s ever made an impact on me. The songs and artists that I feel like are part of my soul and can cover all my moods.

Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show

Chet Baker – Chet Baker sings, David Bowie – The rise and fall of ziggy stardust and the spiders from mars, daft punk – Discovery, Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the moon (+ have a cigar cuz it’s my favourite), LCD Soundsystem – this is happening (+someone great)

What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?

Connecting people. Success looks like being able to do this as much as possible. I know it can change the world. That woman who I can inspire to self-love, she’s gonna spread that around. It’s really infectious.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Wash your hands

Follow MACKandgold online 

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter