Mary Mi is a swedish artist, songwriter and producer that grew up in Vänersborg, but is now based in Örebro, Sweden. Her playful tunes are influenced by indie/folkmusic, which makes an interesting mix when the melodies meet her melancholic lyrics.
In 2019 Mary Mi released her debut EP called ”019-18” with lyrics based on colorful heartbreaks and moral dilemmas. Later the same year she released the single ‘‘rumbling applause”, inviting a messy, electronic sound to the folk melodies.
Having captured the attention of i-D, The Quietus and EARMILK, Los Angeles based creative crooner Raven Artson combines his internal monologue with enigmatic pop culture and underground art.
Returning with new single ‘Whatever’, Raven delivers a powerful testimony; to empower your authentic self. Intertwined with a synth-fuelled melody and a hint of autotune, a detail which compliments his ethereal vocals; the new woozy bop sees Raven step out of the shadows to present his most confrontational outpour of emotions yet.
He says: “Whatever was written in a stream of consciousness, the words just poured out of me. When finished the brutal honesty struck me. I created a mirror, forcing myself to look into my own eyes.”
As a highly ambitious singer-songwriter who creative directs his own shoots and produces for artists including Sevdaliza, Pip Blom and Ray Fuego, Raven can just about do anything. More recently he started curating his own interdisciplinary shows, which has led fashion designers like Hardeman and Hanger Inc. to collaborate with artist like himself, True Blue, Beskhen and Cosima.
With a new EP, Raven is ready to take the next step in his career: “As a person I try to be as honest as possible in my relationships. It’s exciting to share music that’s just as genuine.”
Reagan is an alternative pop singer who shares her woes of teenage adolescence, with her latest song release ‘Crybaby’. With a passion for poetry, the songstress writes her own lyrics. ‘Crybaby’ is a cheeky and quirky single that talks of the hopeful girl meets a shy boy narrative.
We find out more about the quirky songstress below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I learned to read and play music as a child and loved to dabble on the piano, drum set, ukulele, and clarinet whenever I had time. I started singing in a church choir early on and eventually graduated into a studio setting later in my teens. Both of my parents are practicing musicians, so I’ve always been blessed with opportunities and encouragement to make music from an early age. I’m truly grateful!
Please tell us more about how your latest song/release/project was conceived.
“Crybaby!” was written in the car, as a lot of my best songs are. I like to drive somewhere relaxing (in this case I went to a park) and soak up my surroundings before touching pen to page. It helps me tune in with myself first. I was relaxed and happy when writing “Crybaby!” and I think that really shines through in the song. The day I wrote it will always stick out in my memory as a good one!
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
Usually, I’ll choose the beat I’m working with and start piecing together some melody ideas first. I’ll record a couple of voice memos on my phone then write words to them when inspiration strikes. Songwriting is definitely an art though, not a science. Sometimes the words come first, sometimes it’s the melody, sometimes it’s a concept that rattles around in my head for months before coming to fruition. In the end, it’s always a gratifying process!
How much do you invest in how your music is received upon release? Are you very concerned about how your art is received?
Yes and no… it’s a healthy balance of both for me. If I drop a single and it doesn’t pick up traction from the jump I won’t beat myself up. However I do value public opinion because listening to others‘ advice, likes, and dislikes helps me improve my relatability! I want to create music that is beautiful, unique, yet digestible. Paving my own way while being mindful of what sounds other people enjoy listening to is my number one focus!
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
About a year ago I got the opportunity to show my song to an artist I enjoy during their music video shoot. I showed up for the day as an extra and by the end, we were in my car exchanging music! They really enjoyed my sound and it was a memorable experience that I’ll never forget.
Are there any key non-musical influences on your sound and creative process?
Yes, definitely being outside! It’s so important for me to be relaxed and in the right headspace to get my words out, and open-air does that for me. Sitting in nature is key!
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects, DJ mixes, or collaborations in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I’ll be expanding my sound in 2021 and I’m very excited to share my new direction! As far as specifics go, it’s too soon to tell…
Famous last words?
Do what you love while you can. We only get one shot, so make it count!
Oslo-based, Iran-born pop and Urban-electronic artist/producer Paria drops catchy cut ‘C’mon’. This is the second release from her forthcoming debut album: the first, ‘Despite All Crazy’ already surpassed 300k streams on Spotify, no surprise for an artist with over 1 million plays in 80 countries and counting.
The 23 year old talent who writes, produces and mixes all her own songs began her music career when she moved to Norway from Iran in 2013. Her refreshing new sound captivates her audience with the pure emotion in her lyrics, rhythmic hip-hop flow and dreamy harmonies. Her vision is to create relatable, honest music reflecting her life, values and experiences; music that connects us all.
‘‘C’mon’ is about someone who tries to convey their basic needs to someone else, but they’re too scared to say the words,’ Paria says. ‘I tend to write story-based lyrics, often from a certain character’s perspective, but this time I just wanted to paint pretty pictures with the melodies and lyrics.’
Musically, she was brought up on artists such as Frank Ocean, Amy Winehouse, Stromae... Her passions don’t stop with music though; she lives by sustainable values, founding her vintage store ‘VintageKid’ in Oslo (also available online) which focuses on upcycling and secondhand clothing, in response to current fast fashion trends.
“C ́mon’ is really my most spontaneous song ever. I wrote it while staying on a farm in Norway last summer. I found myself walking around humming the melody that is now the hook, “c’mon, c’mon, c’mon”. I figured, I could just record it on my phone, then ended up putting the recording in a project and started making a beat. After half an hour I had written the whole song. The hook and the chords gave me a really dreamy and romantic vibe and the melodies went together perfectly.’
