|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Where are you currently based?
West Hollywood, California
How did you first start playing music?
When I was about 9 I wrote some really bad songs and made people watch as a friend and I performed them. REALLY bad! Good beats no structure and crap lyrics
What’s been happening recently?
Working on my EP and launching an NFT community
You’ve partnered with Peloton and R3hab, please tell us how this came about and what you’ve done together?
I was flown by Playboy Down to a party in Miami to launch Centerfold and the party was fun, Charlie XCX was dj’ing but nobody was dancing except this one really cool lady. So I went up and started dancing with her and exchanged numbers. Turns out she was the SVP of music and content partnerships for peloton, (Gwen Riley) I asked if they’d be interested to place product in my next video and she said let’s go bigger and do a Peloton edit of one of your songs and launch it for gay pride. I was thrilled obviously, we had spoken about who we’d get to do it and I had previously worked on a song with R3HAb and JOJO that wasn’t released but I loved what we did. By chance R3HAB’s manager had reached out in January to Gwen to find something to do with Peloton so it was meant to be.
At first Peloton’s DJ John Michael and I spoke about what would work in his room’s . He knows the Peloton following and what they needed to work best with the ride’s so that was interesting to hear how dynamic and functional the song needed to be. We tossed around reference’s and let R3HAB work his magic as he does. Was cool to see the song take on a new life in such a different way.
Please tell us about your other song writing placements with both international and local artists:
I got lucky , The first real producers I worked with were the Aussie DNA boys. Before they were multi platinum hit makers they are now. We were working on some songs for me and at the time, I was always like “how am I working with you guys …and you’re making music for h2o tv show about mermaids was there biggest ticket item at the time. They were so talented and still are ! … anyway, I used to go to this bar in woolomolloo where I met UK singer Brian McFadden after a recording session one day. We became friends and one day I asked his opinion on one of my songs. One in particular he liked was a song called “Chemical Rush” said he liked it and the next day I get a call out of the blue saying he had shown his A&R manager at Universal and wanted to release the song for himself , so I went back to DNA and told the boys , they were thrilled obviously and that went on to become my first commercial release and aof my first gold record that hit #2 and got nominated for APRA dance work of the year.
Later I went on to work with Delta Goodrem and working with international; artist JoJo was a career highlight. Her voice is on Mariah Carey’s level and she takes her craft so seriously. A perfectionist at its best. So cool to witness that angel sing and ask my take on how and where she should take the song vocally was insane.
Aussie artist Nat Dunn is another Highlight, similar stance on her. I always tell her it’s your duty to over-sing everything because you have a voice that only few people on the planet possess.. “so sing into the shell little mermaid “ !!! I always joke that’s how I’ll steal her voice.
How did your creative partnership with Playboy and Cardi B come about?
As it always seems to happen with random LA moments… I literally moved into a building and started hanging out with the marketing director, Holly Ruprecht and she had instagramed me on her story, her boss Reena had seen me and asked her if I’d be into becoming a founding creator of Centerfold. Just like that!
What did you create?
I was shot by photographer Maddie Cordoba who has shot for Selena Gomez, Kris Jenner, Jessica Alba etc so that was cool, paid a fair bit of cashola and started creating and planning out events to promote being content creators who could connect with fans and monetise their videos, photos, host podcasts, live stream and all that good stuff. I was flying blind as I suck at all that but I’m learning and thank god they’re teaching me as we go and are planning more partnerships as part of an ongoing relationship. Love my playboy peeps.
Who are you listening to the moment?
Earth wind and fire . Going old school.
What do you like to do away from music?
Working on a radio show at the moment here in LA that will be a weekly gig chatting starting in July.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
Working on my EP and radio show. RIPYouth tour would be cool and I am hoping to get back to Australia.
Favourite food and place to hangout in LA?
Pace Restaurant in Laurel Canyon. Always a vibe, cool not pretentious place that you’d find the likes of Johnny Depp in a corner reading a book or someone smoking a Joint and drinking a glass of red whilst drawing on the walls or tables – that’s allowed, it’s a very creative space!
@weareripyouth @james_maas
Ali Campbell, the original founder of the iconic Grammy-award winning, UK reggae group, UB40, has confirmed the band will return to Australia for their first national tour in four years presented by The Hour Group and Vandemonian Touring.
The band’s legendary songwriter and esteemed vocalist will be joined by his amazing nine-piece band for the Australian tour. Tickets are on sale from 9am Wednesday 22 June 2022 at www.thehourgroup.com.au
Formed in 1979, UB40 helped define reggae music for a generation. The ground-breaking reggae troupe topped the UK singles chart on three occasions, earned multiple Grammy nominations and sold over 70 million records as they took their smooth yet rootsy musical blend to all corners of the globe.
Kicking off on 28 September, Ali Campbell will bring his energetic stage show that he is synonymous for to Hobart, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Bribie Island in Queensland. They will also headline the sold-out music festival, Promiseland on 2nd October in the Gold Coast.
The reggae pioneers will perform classic hits that catapulted them to the forefront of the universal landscape including “Red, Red Wine,” “Kingston Town,” “One in Ten,” “Food For Thought” and more.
The band has delivered outstanding performances during their recent run of shows throughout the UK and Europe.
“The vocalists were pitch-perfect, the musicians were flawless, they held the crowd throughout the entire performance and the atmosphere was phenomenal.”
“Campbell gave an excellent performance and was in fine voice.”
In addition to a jam-packed show of the classic hits, Ali will treat fans to new material from the band’s forthcoming album, Unprecedented which will be released on 24 June and is the follow-up to 2018’s A Real Labour Of Love – which debuted at No.2, the highest charting album by any incarnation of UB40 since 1993’s Promises And Lies.
Unprecedented is fueled by the roots rocking spirit that powered UB40’s original embodiment of work and is an album to inject a little reggae sunshine into even the darkest days. It’s also a fitting memorial to Astro who sadly passed away in November 2021 following a short illness.
Ali comments, “This album is now more poignant and special than either of us could have imagined when we were recording it. Astro heartbreakingly passed just two weeks after we’d finished the final mixes, so this is a way of keeping his memory alive.”
“I can’t wait to get back on stage and see all our wonderful Aussie fans, it’s been incredibly difficult performing without Astro by my side. Remembering Astro, let the music play on!”
TOUR DATES
UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL
Presented by The Hour Group, Festco and Vandemonian Touring
Hobart – Friday, 30th September – Hobart City Hall
Sydney – Saturday, 1st October – Star Events Centre
Gold Coast – Sunday, 2nd October – Promiseland Festival (Sold Out)
Adelaide – Wednesday, 5th October – Hindley Street Music Hall
Melbourne – Friday, 7th October – Margaret Court Arena
Queensland – Saturday 8 October – Sandstone Point, Bribie Island
TICKETS
For all ticketing details please head to www.thehourgroup.com.au
Ash Grunwald – Shout Into The Noise
Out now through Bloodlines
Available here
Tracklisting:
1. Shout Into The Noise
2. I Want You To Know
3. Surrender
4. Let Me Go
5. Good Thing
6. Gone
7. Madhouse
8. Chains
9. Tell It Like It Is
10. Way Too Long
I live in Lancefield in Central Victoria, which is on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples.
I’m self taught, and cut my teeth in lots of shabby punk and emo bands while at high school in Frankston.
Doing too many things at once and stressing about all of it. Finalising the release of my record Grand Mote. Releasing season 1 of my podcast Grand Mote Radio, scoping out pre-production for season 2 of that. Working as a horticulture teacher part-time. Trying to be a good husband and a good father to our one year old daughter.
There’s a great War on Drugs line about ‘the grand parade’, which I’ve always loved. That inspired me, but a parade felt too lavish. I searched for a term to juxtapose grandness and found ‘mote’, which means a spec of dust or single particle. I produced the record myself in the first instance, so it was about allowing the relative insignificance of my life experience to express itself as fully as I could.
Guy Faletolu, who I have worked with a lot in live music with Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, co-produced and mixed the record with me. His love of RnB and the 80s is all over it, but in rather inconspicuous ways. He helped me find the palette. The sound is built on my love of folk rock, americana, and classic guitar music, but I try to add a little more ambience to it all. Not quite shoegaze, but I’m a heavy pedal user so headed in that direction.
LISTEN TO “IT’S A VIBE (R3HAB REMIX) HERE
Australian-born, LA-based RIP Youth – the moniker of hit songwriter/producer James Maas has partnered with global fitness brand, Peloton to deliver an exclusive remix of his single, “It’s A Vibe”, from top DJ/Producer R3HAB.
The remix was exclusively premiered during Peloton Instructor Cody Rigsby and Peloton’s DJ John Michael’s ‘Pride Live DJ Ride’ at Peloton Studios New York on June 10th. “It’s A Vibe (Peloton Edit) [R3HAB Remix]” is now available via Radikal Records globally.
RIP Youth combines his love of pop, dance and R&B to create a sound that is quintessentially his own. After an audio premiere on Hollywood Life, his single “It’s A Vibe” broke into the Top 10 on iTunes Australia Dance chart, with strong radio support in Australia (Joy 94.9, 2ONE, KIIS 106.5) the United States (Nexus) and the United Kingdom.
Now “It’s A Vibe” is elevated to another level via a collaboration with one of the hottest names in dance and pop music, R3HAB. Currently ranked at #12 on the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs, R3HAB is one of the most renowned producers in music today. Starting his career in 2007 the Moroccan Dutch DJ has previously collaborated and remixed a wide variety of mega stars including Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, 5 Seconds of Summer, Katy Perry, Steve Aoki, The Chainsmokers and many more.
R3HAB’s remix of RIP Youth hits as hard as you would expect, with some heavy electro house grooves. The remix is the result of a special Pride celebration collab with R3HAB, and Radikal Records, and brought to life by DJ John Michael DiSpirito, Peloton’s Producer of Music Programming, who spins during Live DJ runs and rides and helps curate the overall sound and feel of the Peloton classes he works on. The up tempo dance track has already hit over 130k streams and been included on Power Hour on Spotify (2M followers) and more.
Originally discovered by Sony BMG Australia, James Maas has collaborated and co-written Gold certified records with artists like CXLOE, JOJO and Brian McFadden. After relocating from Australia to Los Angeles he launched his solo project RIP Youth, blending irresistible melodies with euphoric dance-pop productions.
His debut single “You Love” with Bombs Away & Reigan notched over 400,000 streams, New Music Friday in Italy, #16 on Sweden’s daily charts, and significant Australian airplay leading to an official remix from Italian DJ Molella.
Most recently, James has partnered with Playboy to help launch their new creator-led, digital platform CENTERFOLD, creative directed by Cardi B. Recognized as a top creator through his interview work with artists and celebrities, James is quickly becoming an artist to watch in the world of music, entertainment and pop culture.
“Peloton is thrilled to be able to partner with RIP Youth and R3HAB to create our first exclusive remix drop for Pride 2022. The track combines the energy of the club and our signature Peloton motivation into a super fun dance track that sets a positive vibe for your summer workout or dance party!” – Gwen Riley (Senior Vice President of Music and Content Partnerships at Peloton)
“I’ve always been a fan of R3HAB since we worked together a while back so when I suggested to Peloton, we reach out we were so glad he answered the call. I’ve loved seeing him take this song in an exciting new direction and reinventing “It’s A Vibe” as a Pride anthem for the Peloton members and beyond. I’m obsessed with Peloton and how they’ve raised a community movement like no other and I’m thrilled that they chose “It’s A Vibe” as their Pride Month theme.”– RIP Youth
“Music is essential to my workout routine – the right mix can really make or break a session. The opportunity to develop a remix specifically for workouts was invigorating and really got me thinking about my process, and how I could produce in a way that fits perfectly for a great cycling session. Working with Peloton on the “It’s A Vibe” remix has been a great time and I can’t wait to see the Peloton community connect with it.” – R3HAB
It’s A Vibe [R3HAB Remix] is available now.
|
||||||
|
Joining the captivating last single ‘How Do You Know’, includes ‘Every Once In A While’, a recount of mental health struggles; ‘Never, Happier’, a straight up and down love song that deals with the difficulty of moving on after a breakup; the title track, a dramatic outburst that leans into the main character feeling; and the final song, ‘Something I’d Do’, which is a therapeutic ode to understanding that who we have been in the past isn’t necessarily the person we are today.
With fans hailing from their homestead in Aotearoa / New Zealand and beyond, Daffodils continue their trajectory that has garnered playlist support from 2SER, RTR FM, Edge Radio and more, amassing praise for their “refined songwriting and production” by Purple Sneakers, “gloomy synth-pop vibe” by Sniffers and “introspective and reflective lyricism” by MILKY amongst others.
Daffodils are one of those bands that everyone thinks they discovered first. Since emerging in 2016 after meeting at a 1975 concert, the project of Isaac Keating, Jade Bryham, Louis Graham and Theo Spike Salmon has won hearts and warmed up stages for international artists Foals and Orville Peck, as well as share festival lineups including Laneway Festival, Nest Fest and Rhythm & Vines with the likes of Rex Orange County, Clairo and Parquet Courts.
Stay The Night by Daffodils is out now
BUY/STREAM HERE
Stay connected with Daffodils:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Hailing from Brisbane, Planisphere have found their sound in electronically influenced heavy alt-rock. The three piece exceed boundaries on their latest independently released 5 track extended player “Fame or Tragedy”, pushing the envelope of heavy music and drawing from many styles to hone in on something truly unique with broad appeal. The EP will be available for streaming on all platforms on 10th June 2022.
Originally formed in 2018 under the name Canondrome, the then two piece (Lorcan Coates [guitar,vocals] & Sam Turner [drums]) were focussed on a rawer punk sound reminiscent of early DZ Deathrays & The White Stripes. With the departure of Sam and the addition of Kane Kennedy [drums] & Jai Snelling [synth] the new line-up was ready for a wardrobe change and to pursue the vision of the new heavy, combining elements of rock, metal and electronic music to carve out a signature sound. “Fame or Tragedy” is a bookend in the first chapter of their journey, showcasing 5 tracks which will hold something for everyone.
Recorded and mixed by Brock Weston [Bugs], the songs cover a range of themes from desperation & breaking free of societal expectations to hope, love & fiery individualism. The 1st single ‘Underneath’ set the pace with fast drum & bass-esque riffing, while the 2nd single ‘Fury’ and accompanying music video were a nod to the power metal of the 80’s. The 3rd and final single “I’m Not Trying to be Mean” kicked it up a gear with Bloc Party inspired sneering lyrical content, metal breakdowns and soaring gothic synths.
The final two tracks will complete the picture, ‘Red Eye’ also features guest vocals from Morgan Francis (Lost Goat Found). Looking ahead, Planisphere are preparing to bring the EP into the world with a release event planned for 22/07/22 at Black Bear Lodge, and to bring their sound to as many stages as they can around the country.
Links: Planisphere linktree https://linktr.ee/
Listen to EP link – https://gyro.to/
Suzi Quatro, Noiseworks, The Angels, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets & Chocolate Starfish
TICKETS ON SALE 10AM THURSDAY 23RD JUNE THROUGH TICKETMASTER
Over the past decade, One Electric Day has solidified its reputation as one of Victoria’s favourite one-day music festivals. Every year the show at Werribee Park sells out in a matter of minutes. This year, organisers are not only excited to be able to take the popular event interstate again for a run of shows, but have also announced an international headliner for the first time in the festival’s history. Headlined by the Queen of rock n roll herself, Suzi Quatro, with a massive line-up that includes Noiseworks, The Angels, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets and Chocolate Starfish, the 2022 One Electric Day is the biggest yet. With shows in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, tickets are guaranteed to sell fast.
Organiser Duane McDonald, who is also behind the ever-popular Red Hot Summer Tour, says the opportunity to share the excitement of One Electric Day with audiences outside Werribee again this year is an exciting one.
“One Electric Day has become such a special event,” he says. “We see fans returning year after year and it has become an important part of people’s social calendar. We are always asked when One Electric Day will travel, so it is exciting that we have the opportunity to do that this year and even more so that Suzi Quatro will be joining us for the ride.” – Duane McDonald
Suzi Quatro is the undisputable Queen of rock and roll. Following on from her April sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where she received nothing short of outstanding reviews. She is running hotter than ever and is heading to Australia to headline One Electric Day. Her show promises to be pedal to the floor jam-packed with hits, powerhouse vocals and unbridled energy. After selling over 55-million records (and counting), Suzi is pure rock royalty and every show is an unforgettable experience.
The return of Noiseworks is an exciting one for music fans. In the 1980s, they provided the soundtrack to every big night, with rock anthems No Lies, Take Me Back, Hot Chilli Woman, Touch and countless others. Get ready to rock as the original members reform to honour the memory of their co-founder and guitarist, the late, great, Stuart ‘Chet’ Fraser. Jon Stevens, Steve Balbi, Kevin Nicol and Justin Stanley will be joined by very special guest, Jack Jones on guitar and vocals. With the release of their new 2022 album along with all their legendary hits, Noiseworks will reignite a passion for rock n roll!
When it comes to great Aussie rock, it doesn’t come much better than The Angels. It’s been almost five decades since brothers Rick and John Brewster co-founded the iconic band and have penned some of Australia’s most anthemic tracks. The Angels are widely reputed for their killer live shows. With hits like Long Line, Marseille, Be With You, After the Rain, Shadow Boxer and Mr Damage to name a few. Baby Animals burst onto the Australian scene in the 1990s with a solid rock force and a sassy lead singer. Suze DeMarchi proved that girls rock just as hard as guys and the Baby Animals soon kicked some impressive rock butt with hits such as Rush You, Early Warning and One Word. The band scored themselves ARIA awards for best album and toured the globe.
Aussie rock doesn’t get much more powerful than The Screaming Jets. With a swag of hits such as Better, Helping Hand, Sad Song, October Grey and Come On under their belt, The Screaming Jets are renowned for their pumpin’ live performances. This year, they also celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic release All For One. Chocolate Starfish are the epitome of a concert party! Fronted by the enigmatic Adam Thompson, the band is known for their high energy live performances. With songs like Four Letter Word, Mountain and You’re So Vain, Chocolate Starfish powered onto the Australian music scene in the 1990s and quickly secured themselves a space as an influential force. They produced two Top 10 albums and six Top 50 singles.
Tickets for One Electric Day go on sale to the general public at 10am AEST Thursday 23rd June through Ticketmaster.
For more information, please visit www.oneelectricday.com.au.
ONE ELECTRIC DAY
NOVEMBER 2022
Suzi Quatro, Noiseworks, The Angels, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets & Chocolate Starfish
Victor Harbor (SA), Mornington (VIC), Werribee (VIC), Bribie Island (QLD), Southport (QLD)
FRONTIER MEMBERS PRE-SALE
via frontiertouring.com/
Runs 24 hours from: Tuesday 21 June (10am AEST)
or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins: Thursday 23 June (10am AEST)
ONE ELECTRIC DAY
Saturday 5 November
Kent Reserve | Victor Harbor, SA
18+
www.ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100
ONE ELECTRIC DAY
Saturday 19 November
Mornington Racecourse | Mornington, VIC
18+
www.ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100
ONE ELECTRIC DAY
Sunday 20 November
Werribee Park on the Great Lawn | Werribee, VIC
All Ages
www.ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100
ONE ELECTRIC DAY
Saturday 26 November
Sandstone Point Hotel | Bribie Island, QLD
18+
www.ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100
ONE ELECTRIC DAY
Sunday 27 November
Broadwater Parklands | Southport, QLD
18+
www.ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100
Making her highly-anticipated return with rousing indie-pop streaked with striking folk/ rock influences, Brisbane-based songstress Georgie Neilsen is releasing her new single ‘The Last Time I Felt Better’ on June 17.
Debuting in 2017 with single ‘What Do You Want?’, Georgie fronted the since disbanded Georgie & The Growing Pains, playing slots at renowned festivals including Sunlit Sounds, Mountain Goat Valley Crawl, Hidden Lanes Festival and more.
Recent years have seen the artist explore her talent for cabaret, finding success with her own cabaret productions selling out multiple shows at Women In Voice, Queensland Cabaret Festival, Girl & Guitar and most recently, Anywhere Festival.
Now, Georgie Neilsen is bringing her rich vocals and swaggering melodies to new single ‘The Last Time I Felt Better’, highlighting her sonic dynamism and powerful vulnerability.
Starting soft, Neilsen’s honest vocal delivery already packs a punch, joined by groove-based guitar and delicate percussion tinged with a folksy rock colouring. Moving with effortless grace, Neilsen’s voice erupts in the chorus, which contains a melodic lyrical hook brimming with raw intensity. Emphasising the drama of the situation, choir-esque vocal harmonies prick the ears of Florence and the Machine fans as a vehement reverb-drenched electric guitar solo ramps the track up to its bittersweet emotional peak.
Derived from real experiences to express truth, purpose and vulnerability, ‘The Last Time I Felt Better’ was written about the dawning realisation that some things might not last forever, yet still refusing to fully accept this, as Neilsen explains.
“‘Last Time I Felt Better’ is about the emotions experienced when two people suddenly appear in each other’s lives and instantly fall into a euphoric romance fueled by an addiction to that feeling,” she says.
“When the relationship quickly hits a fork in the road, there is a realisation that this flame might burn out and it consumes you with the desire to make that feeling last forever.”
Neilsen’s new single release will be celebrated with a single launch event on June 25 at The Bearded Lady, supported by Meg Ripps and Menajerie, with tickets now available.
Georgie Neilsen’s new single ‘The Last Time I Felt Better’ is out everywhere on June 17.
‘The Last Time I Felt Better’ Single Launch
Saturday 25 June – The Bearded Lady, West End Brisbane (Meanjin)
Supported by Meg Ripps (opener) and Menajerie (support band)
Follow Georgie Neilsen
Where are you currently based?
I just recently moved to South Langley, BC. I wish to give myself the freedom to move this year and to be wherever the music takes me.
How did you first start playing music?
My mom, I have to admit, is often the starting point of anything great in my life. She was the one who detected I had the itch for it and the passion. When I was a teenager, I started singing with a local big band (ballroom music), and then I got a band of my own with some friends. Around the same time, my father bought himself a blues electric guitar, which he barely ever played with! I ended up picking it up and taught myself the songs I was listening to.
What’s been happening recently?
As I am doing this interview, I am about to be done with my second teaching contract. It has been a great journey with some amazing teenagers. Now, I am planning my trip to BC, where I’m moving to very soon. It’s going to be my first drive through Canada, coast to coast. I’m excited!
Your debut single “Lookin’ Like That” is out now! How did this song come about and what do you hope new fans take away from it?
The song is written by Drake Milligan, Jim Beavers and Deric Ruttan. When I first heard it, it was an instant favorite. There is something so easy going and funny about the lyrics and the mood of it seems to be taken straight out of a Brooks and Dunn album from the 90s. Really, I think it’s about not taking ourselves too seriously when it comes to our relationships, and to be grateful that we get to spend time with amazing, funny, and, in this case, VERY good looking people. It’s about the magic you feel and the butterflies you get in your stomach when you spend a night dancing and partying with someone you really like. Mitch Merrett was the one who recommended the song to me, and I’m sure glad he did.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
The song was recorded at Armoury studios with session players: Flavio Cirillo, Jay Beuttner, John Ellis, Rob Becker, Simon Kendall, Gord Maxwell and David Dorn. Mitch Merrett is the producer and the brain behind it all. Finally, the song was mastered at Barrytones studios by Jason Barry. It was a blast working with all of them. It’s amazing how such talented people are so down to earth. They’re a class act, really.
How did you approach the recording process?
I just wanted to have fun, really! On the other hand, I felt the need to show my label I was 100% dedicated and committed to this first record, and I was anxious to perform well. All the while, I wanted the song to be true to what I am, and to the music I love. The question ‘’Would you listen to it in your car, on your own? ‘’ really stuck with me all along.
What does this single mean to you?
When Mitch proposed it to me, I fell in love with it instantly, and so did the guys at the label. It makes you smile, and it has that Brooks and Dunn rock n’ roll shuffle feel we are all craving now. It makes us want to be together and enjoy life while we’re here. In this sense, it is very true to country music: it is simple and it brings people together to enjoy simple things.
“Lookin’ Like That” draws on classic country with an old-fashioned charm. What about this sound do you find most appealing?
Well, it’s the real deal! I’m reminiscent of a time when people knew how to have fun with simple things, like dancing on a Friday night. There is something so classy and authentic about the 60s-90s, that really inspires me as an artist. I feel like if I had been a young adult in the 60s, I would have been in honky tonks all the time !
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I recently dusted off an old Junior Brown album called Semi Crazy, which I think is pure songwriting genius. I’ve been listening to Spirits Having Flown by the Bee Gees quite a bit these previous weeks, as well as The Other Side by Cam, which is one of my favourite modern female artists. Boy can that girl sing !
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to be around horses, to be in the great outdoors and to learn new languages. I’m a language nerd, and I am currently working on my Persian. Hopefully I will make some new Iranian friends in Vancouver to practice with!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?
Some touring here and there is on the menu to start meeting the fans across North America for sure. I also wish to step up my songwriting game and make new collaborations with some fellow songsters. Also, new music will be out soon. Don’t miss it!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Tough question! Indian food is usually my go-to-treat, and anywhere out in the bush is where you’ll find the happiest Tommy.
Facebook: /tommycharlesqc
Twitter: @TommyCharles_
Instagram: @tommycharlesmusic
Hey Felix Raphael, thanks for joining us! How’s things with you?
Hey guys thank you for the invitation and have a little chat. Having live back to normal again and some sunny festivals, feels pretty good at the moment after having such long time in the studio. Bringing the music on stage.
You were thrown into the music world at an early age, how did this benefit you when starting your career?
In general I think you’re never too old to start and there is always room for improvement but of course starting early is not a bad thing.
You don’t limit yourself to just DJ/Producing, by using your own vocals and live performances, how important has this been for you?
As my musical background depends a lot on playing instruments and singing it has always been a matter of time to stop dj and start playing live and involve my musical roots.
How do you feel your sound has progressed over the years?
Coming from the singer songwriter genre to electronic music obviously progressed or changed a lot but to be honest I stopped dedicating my music to one specific genre. I like to call it electronic crossover. Technically of course I think a made some steps to have more and more quality outcome with every session I have.
You began your label YION with friends, what inspired the idea and how has the journey been so far?
We decided to start our new label to be more independent and able to have the full control of the whole process: Artworks, graphics, bios and of course music. All in all creating something new and on your own was always interesting for us doing that with other talented artist who are also friends can sometimes be challenging but in the end you have a nice way to work and be together and creating something even more personal. We are all very happy with the development of the label having some of the most influential artists releasing on YION and getting that much early support from the platforms in less then a year is really satisfying.
What future plans do you have for the label?
First and foremost keeping the quality of the art is the most important thing for us. Managing the label is kind of a weird thing because before I was always on the artist side of releasing music since having YION I got to know the other side of the business and of course it is a lot of stuff to explore and especially learn. I think it is very important to get a more detailed perspective of the whole business. My personal plan for YION is to release the most of my own music on the label to have my fingerprint on it even more. And of course influence the sound of the label with that.
You collaborated with Peer Kusiv on ‘Hold You’ which is now being remixed by Yubik. Talk to us about the original and how the remix came about for this?
I was in contact with Peer Kusiv through our publisher and as we both tend to make melancholic and melodic music we decided to try something out and this is how Hold You was born. We both have been huge supporters of Yubik’s music over the years and thought he could bring the track even more on the dance floors then the original. And as tunic and myself have been in contact before I have requested him to do a remix for it.
What are the differences between collaborations and producing tracks on your own?
For me producing tracks on my own is more stable and faster because obviously I don’t have to talk things through within the process. Collaborations on the other hand can be super powerful when sharing different talents and skills but can also be very demanding when you are not on the same vibe and then you try and try and try but it doesn’t work out.
With the label and your own music, do you have much down time to reflect?
The issue with having a job that you used to have as a hobby makes it hard to take regular breaks even more if you work with friends and you want to support everyone. It is really important to be structured, which is not the easiest for me to be honest.
What else is coming up for you & the label in 2022?
I don’t want to reveal too much on the music side but we extended our team and will also focus on higher quality videos and also start on event in the near future.
Buy link for Yubik remix: https://yion.lnk.to/hold
Where are you currently based?
I’m based just outside of Vancouver BC and collaborate with writers and producers near and far in search of the next top tier sound in music!
How did you first start playing music?
I’ve always had a song in my heart. Being on stage from an early age in my life with singing competitions, lessons, concerts and dancing I quickly recognized that connecting with people during these moments through music, was what I am all about!
What’s been happening recently?
With the shift of the industry following the pandemic, I went to school and got myself a music business degree. Recently, I’ve been really immersing myself in the adaptation of the new age market. After just landing a FACTOR JSR Grant for a debut album I am currently hard at work in the studio to bring you the best music supported by an International Tour in 2023.
Your latest single ‘Airplane Champagne’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
This all season-getaway anthem was written by incredible Sony Writers Karen Kosowski, Emma-Lee and Femke Weidema. This song’s influence is a pop groove with southern instrumentation that will facilitate the vibrant feeling of being on vacation harnessing a loving escape any day of the week.
What do you hope listeners take away from the new song?
Post-pandemic we are all craving that getaway and very few of us can afford it. However, this song brings vibrancy, joy and uplifting energy to make you feel light as a feather anywhere you are with your significant other. The person who makes you feel as high as ‘Airplane Champagne’.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
This song was produced by Grady Saxman in Nashville, TN in April. The amazing session musicians in the studio worked tirelessly to really build the heir of being high up in the clouds in love.
How did you approach the recording process?
The recording process was approached remotely at BCCMA Award Winning studio ManicDown Music (Dan.Swinimer) for vocals and then fully-produced by the brilliant Grady Saxman in Nashville, TN.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
At this moment I am really loving Alicia Keys, Morgan Evans and Keith Urban!
What do you like to do away from music?
I love traveling! It feeds my soul! I also love to bake, scrapbook and garden. With life being so hectic these days I get those bubble baths whenever I can get them in!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?
For the remainder of 2022 we will be in the production of my debut album, tour planning and filming music videos for the album.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Anything chocolate and pasta! Place to hangout? Our couch.
Facebook: /KassClack
Instagram: @kassandraclack
Twitter: @KassandraClack
Website: www.kassandraclack.com
