How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before?
I would have to call it honest raw lyricism . Its gonna take you to a different place in Hip Hop people don't normally want to go. I represent the lost and forgotten and the people that are angry for no Damn reason.
Do you think that hip hop is still as powerful and influential as it was say 5 or even 10 years ago? Why?
I think Hip Hop is even more influential now than it was back then. Popular culture takes a lot from one genre , from one lifestyle and I think that shows how important Hip Hop has become and how profitable it has grown to be. As far as influential in a positive way... that's in question there aren't many artists with big things to say or stories to tell, atleast in that mainstream bracket.
Would you say that your environment has an effect on your music?
Yes, definitely. Not to be a cliche- but personally I'm like a sponge I observe and take in everything and turn it into my own energy its one of the fun things about being artist you can draw inspiration from almost anywhere or anybody especially your own natural habit on a daily basis.
Where do you hope to be professionally in five years?
Hopefully by then I would like to put the talented people I work with in a better position to eat off the artistic visions we have as individuals. It would be cool to be able to give back as much as you've been given or give more.
Where can people find your music and connect with you?
Cocaine Love is a pretty bold title. What is the story behind it and the song? The story behind the song is all about having an addiction for something, so its a metaphor really. The song is about me and my passion for music, how it makes me feel to sing, and songwriting. 'The drug that i need' Music is my drug. I've gone times in my life where I haven't been able to make music and singing a focus, but its never lasted long, I'm drawn to it. Its part of who i am, its like I can't live without it. So that's the story behind it, and it seemed only fitting it would be the title track of the album too.
What was the process of creating the songs for this project? The process began when i met up with who is now my songwriting partner, David Nevard. I was working with him on a project for another band, and we had a couple of spontaneous songwriting sessions and just clicked on a musical level. We both had the same ambition to write and found we were writing song after song, and it was working so well we decided to create a Solo album for me. I took the natural lead surrounding the vocal, lyrics and ,melody, and he took the lead on the music and instruments. We went with the natural flow of creativity and sometimes worked on more than one song at a time, or i would have melodies and lyrics and id send them to David and vice-versa through soundcloud, or when we'd have jam sessions, etc.
Were the songs spontaneous, scripted, or a little bit of both? Many of the songs are spontaneous and plucked from an idea that could stem from a great guitar or vocal hook, or an interesting title even..each tells a different story so it is like a fictional script, and not always about the same thing or same someone, but they all compliment each other in their styles. There are elements of my real life in there, songs like 'come my way' and 'social network' are very much written from my perception of the said scenarios. And of course Cocaine Love is the most personal track on the album.
Is there a song on Cocaine Love that is your favorite? I don't think i could pick an absolute favorite because I love them all for different reasons. For example the production of 'Social Network', 'C'mon Darlin' and 'Fell for the Badman' and 'easy option' really represents the grittier, fiestier, pop, rnb, reggae side of my music taste and influences, and then tracks like 'springtime love affair' show the softer side, and its special because its the first song I wrote for the album, and the first song I think I'd written where I kind of took a step back and thought, 'yeah this is possible, we have the ability to make a really great album here'.
Where can people find Cocaine Love & keep up to date with your music? Cocaine Love will be available the beginning of September Itunes, amazon, and many online stores, as well as hard copies. I will also be doing a Free Download of one of the tracks July 2nd, and also a teaser mix prior to its release. People can keep up to date with everything surrounding my music on all of my networking pages listed below. www.sophiejill.co.uk www.facebook.com/aspiringsophie www.soundcloud.com/sophiejill www.youtube.com/lovehurtslovescars Twitter @aspiring_sophie Insta @sophiejill
You've been working a lot with the Dojo Fam Collective. Has that had an affect on your solo stuff?
Well naturally when you're around people for a long period of time, you pick up certain things from them. I've definitely learned a lot from them over the past couple years and I know that they've had an influence on the growth of my sound.
When creating your song "Toes" you used Rhythm Roulette. Can you explain what Rhythm Roulette is and why you decided to use it for this song?
Mass Appeal has a segment called Rhythm Roulette where they blindfold a producer and take them to a local record store. Then the producer blindly selects 3 records to sample. I did mine a little different, just closed my eyes and the first 3 samples in my library that I clicked on were the songs I was gonna flip for "Toes". My favorite producer of all time is Justin Nealis aka Party Supplies and when I saw him on Rhythm Roulette, I dropped everything and got to it.
Is there a specific process you have for making music or do you just go by feeling?
The process varies for production. I try not to get too comfortable making music the same way and it's always fun to experiment. However when it comes to writing, I always come up with a funky hook first. Capital Ode put me on to that.
I know that you enjoy sampling a lot. Are there any songs that you are dying to sample or do you like to keep those things secret?
Sampling is fun. When I first got into making music, Charles Hamilton was on the come up and what he did with samples was amazing to me. Back in 2012 he had a show where he was making beats on stage and asking the audience what he should sample and after that I wanted to start producing my own records. Thus, I started off with a lot of samples in 2013 and these 2 tracks (which are from last year) but I haven't really been sampling at all on the new music I'm working on..... and nah, there's not really any tracks that I'm dying to sample.
Can we expect a project from you any time soon?
I'm not looking to release a full solo project any time soon. Or maybe I am. I might pull a Beyonce and drop it haha. But honestly, I'm just taking my time and building special original pieces. Where can people find your music and stay connected to you? All my music can be streamed and downloaded from my Bandcamp and I love connecting with my fans via my Tumblr.
Wes Period is the poster child of inner city artists who are grinding. This song is depiction of the struggles you go through in order for to accomplish your goals. The instrumentation is dark and eerie, but it is in perfect correlation with the hopeful lyrics- which just adds to his story about his current journey.
Favorite Line: All these highs and lows is all I need to know. Some day we will grow. Leave behind the mess we made.
Kehlani - "Runnin' (Interlude)"
Kehlani is becoming my favorite artist right now. Her new project, "You Should be Here", is one that you can play consecutively and repeatedly and not get tired of it. This song in particular is one of my favorites from there. It has the subtly cockiness I love in a female artist that gives you a sense of strong sensibility.
Favorite Line: Does it make you nervous I'm not afraid to say what I want? Does it put fear into your heart that I know where I started far from where I begun?
Alessia Cara - "Here"
Newcomer Alessia Cara took the indie scene by storm with this song about the struggles of being an introvert. This the song that every introvert can relate to and has been on repeat for me.
Favorite Line: Honestly I'd rather be somewhere with my people. We can kick it and just listen to some music with a message like we usually do.
Yeek - "Sad Summer" This song is so ridiculously chill you don't even care that "it's gonna be a sad summer". With it's simplistic lyrics and trippy composition it is the perfect prediction to what this summer may entail. Favorite Line:I'm dying from the heat. Just take me to the beach. Take me to the deep end. I'm trying to fall asleep. Flying Lotus - "Transmolecularization"
Flylo shared this unreleased outtake from his album "You're Dead!" track on his BBC Residency show and it is amazing. It is a sultry space track that features jazz artist Kamasi Washington. I am dying to hear the full because it is that good. You literally can't find a link to this song anywhere surprisingly, but it starts at about the 5:00min mark of his set.
On your Soundcloud I read that there is a deeper meaning behind your name ‘BMÅN’. Would you like to go into it?
BMÅN stands for "Be Music Åbove Noise"
We live in an age where conformity is now considered the only acceptable way to think. Every time a thought is repeated mindlessly it is degraded in quality and meaning like in the game telephone. In a world where everyone is passing around these same thoughts the result is that we live in disharmonious noise, which is destructive to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
I am setting out to live as a model, as someone who thinks only from the original source; the cosmic music of ideas, and to bring those ideas into reality to encourage others to discover their own creative potential and bring out the music in their hearts to the world. For every person that has the courage to live true to their inner song, we will have a better, more magical, more positive world.
How did you develop your sound and figure out what styles of music you wanted to emulate?
I really try not to have a 'sound.' My approach to music is how Bruce Lee approached martial arts "to have style without having a style." I go into every song with the intention to create something that sounds like nothing I have ever made before and hopefully nothing like anyone has ever made before. If the day ever arrives that I start making derivative versions of my earlier work then that'll be when it's be time for me to hang it up. But, don't hold onto your pantyhose on that one because there's plenty of fire left in this kettlebomb.
What was the inspiration for ‘Queen Bree’ and how would you describe it to someone unfamiliar to your music?
"Queen Bree" is about a girl who broke up with me because she didn't think she was good enough to be my girlfriend. Yet, I knew she was, but she couldn't see that. That was my nickname for her, which she eventually rejected on the basis that "she wasn't good enough to be a Queen." It's my hope in life through my music and other work that I can inspire many girls out there to realize that they were all born to be Queens.
You describe ‘Queen Bree’ as a ‘love trap’. What exactly is ‘love trap’?
I don't know what 'love trap' is really, I create an original genre name for every song I release. I listened back to the song and those are the words that came to mind.
Do you have any projects you are currently working on?
Yes I am currently working on an internet project calledFuturEchoes which I am really excited about.
In a nutshell this is what I call a discovery grid which collects content from across the web and presents it in a simple, easy to explore feed.
You say that you're an artist- not a rapper. What is the difference between the two?
To me being an artist is being able to be versatile. I feel I'm a total package. I write for myself and others. Not to mention, I engineer my own work. Also I don't just stick to the Rap/HipHop genre. I've been working on a lot of R&B, Pop, and EDM lately.
Do you find it hard to differentiate yourself from a rapper considering the style of music you make?
Yes I have in the past, currently I've been focusing writing, plotting ideas, and listening to inputs of others. I think in due time I'll deliver the world something unique.
You're new single, 'Gud For It', was recently released. What is the story behind the song?
"Gud For It" was a song I actually came up with back in 2013. I recorded the hook and song with some friends. We put it out but never pushed it. One day I sat down with my producer "LoopaBeats" and he cooked up this cold beat! I laid that hook and the rest happened!
Is 'Gud For It' going to apart of a bigger project?
I actually was planning to use it for my EP. Thought about how i wanted my EP to sound. Sat on the song and a few others then just dropped it! I'll use the others on my tape, it'll be out in June!
What can we expect from you in the future?
From here I'm just goin up! Working on my tape, writing out my EP "A Work of Art", and just pushing my brand. I always dreamed to be on a major label, but I feel I have to prove I deserve that check! So I'll be pushing out music, videos, performing, and learning tell then.
The song saw daylight as a late night jam; some of us were already packing their gear, eagerly waiting to head home after a long day of rehearsals, but then this groovy yet somehow solemn and even foreboding melody captured us and we ended up jamming for quite a bit on wards. A few rehearsals later the song was ready, without too much of a hassle. Everything just locked in place real easily. We're huge sci-fi enthusiasts, and Ville (one of our synth players) was just reading through Frank Herbert's Dune series, so immediately the theme of interstellar space travel and long ornithopter flights across the desert planet were implemented into the song. These themes probably molded the song into the krautish piece it came to be.
What do you want people to take from the song and video ‘Melange’?
We think it represents our naïve, even child-like enthusiasm towards space, the cosmos and the prospect of unraveling the mysteries beyond our own galaxy. It's also part of a semi-canonical back story that has been around since the beginning of STRAKTOBEAM. The enigmatic Moai statues, the origin of our civilization, the origin of cosmic synth-pop... It's an intriguing and inspirational thought for us, that perhaps life here on Earth has connections to a place far, far away from the compounds of our Milky Way.
I noticed that the video is filled with 3D models . How long did it take it complete and what made you want to do it?
The script for the video was made by the band, but the idea of using 3D-printed models to execute the concept came from Julius Koivistoinen and Martin Linnankoski of Vild Productions. We played around with different ideas at first, including puppet and shadow theathresque ideas, but we felt this new fun technology would fit great with the themes and soundscapes (little bit retro, little bit retro-futuristic) of the song.
The 3D-modelling of the figures was done by Julius based on sketches made by the band members and probably took quite a while. The actual 3D printing was a fun, but also time-consuming process. There happens to be an almost-free-to-use 3D printer facility in a library in Helsinki (http://www.kaupunkiverstas.fi/) which is actually quite cool! Each figure, of which there are around 20 in the video took around 2-3 hrs to print out, if the printer chose to co-operate at all. The actual shooting was done mostly in one day, thanks to skillful planning by Julius, the director.
Being American I don’t really know a lot about the Finnish music scene. Do you think your music is influenced by where you are from?
Somewhat, sure. Musicwise, there’s a really nice synth scene in Finland, with cool bands like Aavikko, Hidria Spacefolk and Trio Tetris being a big influence on us when we were growing up. Also Finland is quite a sparsely populated country, so there is a lot of nature and wide open spaces to get your cosmic juices flowing, especially during cold winter nights. But to be totally honest, we’re that generation that’s had the Internet omnipresent since we were quite young, and thus most of our musical influences are probably from abroad.
What do you think has been a big influence on your music?
Growing up in the 90s, in a country suffering from economic depression, we all found ourselves locked in front of soft-glowing TV-screens - be it at a friend's house or alone in your room - playing video games. This has had an impact on the way we approach music and our band's visual style. The innovations in the industry at that time, with the limitations of the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Megadrive (Genesis outside Europe), is an inspiration to us still. To create such stories, such emotions with such simple methods...still gives us goosebumps.
Of course there are also musical influences involved: Kraftwerk, Neu!, Jean-Michel Jarre, Space, Add N to (X), and all the memorable synth leads and solos from various artists (see: Queen's I Want To Break Free or Michael Jackson's Thriller album)
What are your favorite synths and why?
Of the ones we actually have and play, the good old Korg MS-10 has to be our favourite. Being a one-oscillator monophonic synth with no presets but a killer filter, it’s simple and powerful instrument. Live, we use it only for bass, but on record we tend to record it a lot. Another more recent addition is the Logan String Melody II, which has one of the best string/pad sounds out there. Add a little bit of phaser and you’re on your halfway to the moon already!
If we had the money and means, we’d naturally love to get our hands on a Jupiter 8, an Arp Odyssey and a Korg Polysix, but probably have to crack out some (more) killer tunes before we can afford any of those.
To sum it up - though it sounds kind of cliché nowadays - we love analog synths with lots of buttons, no or minimal preset memory and a VCO-sound.
What can we expect from you guys in the future?
More songs and videos, to be sure. We’re currently working on an EP exploring the themes of space travel and planetary exploration, although it will probably be quite a loose concept album. We are quite bad at meeting deadlines, but the EP will surely be finished before the start of the Mars 1 mission. Our very next release will be “Arcadia” a more uptempo and uplifting track than “Melange” with a cool music video also in the works.
On a general note, in the future we’d like to really crystallize our sound, combining simple but powerful melodies with a cosmic, but fun, atmosphere. We love to play live, but right now feel like it’s time to make some new interstellar tunes first.
Where can people find you music?
Soundcloud (which is probably our favorite place, as you get and can give good and interesting feedback):https://soundcloud.com/straktobeam
Quin's album, 'Dealing with Doubt' dropped earlier in the month and he murders this song like it literally nobody's business. This upbeat, yet dark song challenges you to cherish the time that you have before it's too late.
Favorite Line: They say that this is the best time when you discover your best side through all the sin that you about to commit.
Murs - "Break Up (The OJ Song)"
I recently went to a Tech N9NE concert where Murs performed and as soon as he sang this I knew he was singing about me. We all have that ONE person we love so much, but hate at the same time. This song is perfect for those in between moments. Favorite Line: Started missing you again last night 'til I remembered all the reasons that your ass love to fight. It's like, dude I really wanted this to work, but you had to get your shit together first. Alabama Shakes - "I Found You"
Alabama Shakes has took the world somewhat by storm appearing on shows like SNL and Letterman. With their newly released album 'Sound & Color' that I am also obsessed with I had to pay homage to my favorite song from 'Boys & Girls' that has been finding itself on every playlist I've made this month.
Favorite Line: If it's not the real deal then I don't know it 'cause it sure does feel, and I think it sure does show.
Lion Babe - "Jungle Lady"
Lion Babe slays in 'Jungle Lady' with her smokey and sweet voice. This song is cocky, but at the same time pretty humble. Favorite Line: Baby don't be shy let's go and fall in love. Hold each other close and watch the stars above.
Snakehips - "Poison" ft. Daniella T.A.O.L.
From the alluring instrumental to the sultry vocals by Daniella T.A.O.L. this song is so perfect for those night time spring/summer adventures when you're already a few in. Favorite Line: I could be forgiven for giving you the run around there's no good pretending.
ArchDuke - "Ama be Happy" ft. Jenee Jones
This feel good song is perfect for those days when you wake up in a bit of a funk. I promise that if you play this you will feel invincible by the end of the first chorus. ArchDuke delivers on this encouraging song that just makes you feel...well, happy.
Favorite Line: My hearts been torn into pieces. My prides been crushed and egos been dimished. My life's been tossed to the floor to the ceiling. Up and down like I live on a coaster but still I say love keeps lifting me higher.
In the current day of music there are so many things that separate artists from the combination of genres and sub-genres to the cultural differences from different cities. In the new age of music there are elite artists with astonishing flows that call themselves lyricists. Here are the responses of three amazing lyricist on the difference between lyricists and rappers and their influences.
DeathSpitter Q
1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?
A Lyricist writes music to convey a message, meaningful or an expression of themselves kind of message, or tells a story. A rapper, is a rhyming entertainer. They make music, that they usually don't write themselves, for money and often a 'brand' for whom ever that artist is signed too. So in lamest term a lyricist does it for the love a rapper for the money.
2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?
3rd verse in Cruise Control: Is it worth it? No soul just to have some gold// While preaching old folks try to tell their stories told// To warn the younger generation, while we pacing// to get to the future but the past we erasing// we some know it alls I want it all// too big too fall gotta a lot to give but I ain't sharing with none of yall// that mindset will keep us lock down oh who// am I talking to? Well you know its just me and you.
1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?
The difference between a rapper and lyricist is that lyricists have the ability to play with words and syllables in a clever way. Rappers are pretty decent at that as well but I feel they mainly write catchy lines and hooks, so in my opinion you need a balance of both to be a great hip hop artist.
2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?
I'm still the same beast just a different kind of animal// Lion on the beat I'm feasting on it like and antelope// I just bought myself a crib, a Lamborghini, and a boat// Flow so sick man they need to make an antidote.
3. Who is your favorite lyricist?
King Los, but I only saw one vid where he freestyles on Sway In The Morning and he KILLED it. The video alone changed my style up and motivated me to step up my lyrical game.
1. In your opinion, what is the difference between a rapper and a lyricist?
In my opinion a lyricist is an individual of originality. Someone whose been inspired by not the beats, but the lyrics that speak to them like nothing else ever can. A Lyricist takes those inspirations and creates their own message of how they look at life and express what they truly feel and speak to those who will listen and relate.
2. What is the 'realest' line you think you ever wrote?
The line that I really feel will always speak to people and means a lot came from my song called "The System" where I spoke about my thoughts on the world. I said, "They tryna control us // Hope that we hopeless when we hear the truth // but what’s true? // Anything that can be proved // So when I’m in the booth I put it in a puzzle for you."
3. Who is your favorite lyricist?
Very few on my list, but my biggest lyrical influence came from Tech N9ne and the whole Strange Music Label. Tech's creativity thru his lyricism just opened my creative mind to a whole new level. He actually speaks about something with meaning, in a very detailed and creative flow with every song, showing his skill and creativity to the world and being humble through all the controversy in the industry and speaking about how he feels 100% and never holding back. Tech Nine is a true lyricist.
Mike: Basically, I was looking for beats, and I stumbled across this one beat and I was instantly just like, “Wow, I think I love this”. Only problem was, it was a reposted beat. I didn’t know who the original producer was, so I didn’t want to use it. Eman the Heartbreak was the one who actually found the original producer. It kinda fit a story about some kid at my school. I remember him tweeting something about WannaBe rappers knowing it was a shot at me. So he was kind of an inspiration for the song. Shout out to him.
Why do you think people will relate to this song? Mike: It’s a really fun song. Soon as the piano comes in at the beginning, it grabs a listener’s attention. With summer coming, I think it’ll be a really fun song to vibe to while you’re at the beach, or on the way to the amusement park. But also, it’s the message of pushing to be greater. It’s the message of trying to be more than you thought you could be. I love it.
How did the collab with Eman the Heartbreak come together? Mike: I like to share stuff with E before I put it out. One day, I asked him to listen to this beat that I had found and he fell in love with it instantly and asked if he could hop on. I thought it would be a great song to say “Hey guys, we’re HNE”, so I decided it’d be the first single to my upcoming project.
Is this song on any future project you are working on? Mike: This is actually the first single to my new album that’s coming out on August 27th, titled 'Full Circle'. I wanted the first single to be something really fun, because I had never made anything like that before. I wanted to try something new. It’s really just a piece of a conscious project, but it’s a very fun part.
You can listen to the song, 'Wannabe' tomorrow at 9pm.
