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An Exclusive Interview with Deadbeat Superheroes on the Edmonton EP Remix

Posted on 29 October 2023

In the ever-evolving world of music, the Canadian musical outfit, Deadbeat Superheroes, is making waves with their Edmonton EP, now remixed as “Edmonton (Redux)” by the enigmatic artist HORNETS! This exclusive interview delves into their collaboration and the journey of Deadbeat Superheroes as they mark their 13th year in the industry.

Could you tell us more about the origins of the collaboration between Deadbeat Superheroes and HORNETS! on the “Edmonton (Redux)” remix? What inspired this partnership?

DBS and HORNETS! became acquainted in the early 2010’s in the Toronto music scene. They’ve been following each other’s work for the past 10 years or so, and after HORNETS! heard the Edmonton EP, they really wanted to put a stamp on it. So, the mutual appreciation of each other’s work came into play here.

Deadbeat Superheroes is about to celebrate its 13th year in the music scene. How has the band evolved and adapted over the years, and what does this milestone mean to you?

The band has gone through a lot of iterations – from acoustic trio to full-on rock band – to being infiltrated by the blips and bleeps of HORNETS! What does that mean? When HORNETS! mixes your s**t, you’ve arrived; somewhere.

“Edmonton (Redux)” carries its own distinct identity while staying true to the original tracks. Could you share some insights into the creative process behind this remix and the key elements that set it apart?

As a pop/rock record, the Edmonton EP is about the melodic elements … Julie’s voice, Marek’s keyboards, MT’s guitars … but the voice stands out. The remixes utilizes those melodic sensibilities to build on and recreate, electronically. Just fuck them up a bit. Parts that were highlighted in analog on the original EP, have been adopted, morphed, and recreated.

Can you shed light on the role of Marek David, the veteran engineer, in the production of the original Edmonton EP? How did his work influence the project, and how does it connect to the remix by HORNETS?

His role, aside from instilling fear, was to arrange the songs in a way that had more pop sensibilities – that made them more cohesive as a four-song package – he played a large role in defining the sound, as we all sent in our performances by email – and then he created the final arrangement and production from those.

Regarding HORNETS!, they took the original stems and worked with those – essentially devoid of any influence by Marek.

The EP was mastered by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse Mastering in Toronto. How did this final touch affect the overall sound and quality of “Edmonton (Redux)” and Deadbeat Superheroes’ music in general?

From HORNETS!’s perspective – Peter added a clarity to the top end. These tracks would have been really hard to master because of the amount of low-end (sub) that’s not as common in a typical pop record. There’s so much going on – that it must have been a challenge to master; no pun intended.

One piece to consider is that our previous EP had too much high-end on it – and when Marek recommended Peter to master the original Edmonton EP, we loved how it sat in just about any output (car stereo, studio monitors, earbuds, you name it).

Peter has also mastered a massive amount of music in Canada over the years, as he is the former Chief Mastering Engineer at Sony Music Canada, so it’s a proud thing for us to be part of that pedigree.

Find Out more about the Deadbeat Superheroes here.

Find Out more about the Deadbeat Superheroes here.

Transforming Pain into Music: An Interview with No Named

Posted on 25 October 2023

No Named isn’t just your typical Anglo-rock band; they are a group that has harnessed the power of music to transform pain and suffering into joy and inner peace. This interview delves into their unique journey, from early struggles to professional success, and their commitment to authenticity in the music industry.

Can you tell us more about the origin of your band name, “No Named,” and how it represents your musical journey and identity?

The name originated for two reasons.

At first because in the beginning the professional commitment and stable permanence of the rest of the band members were not achieved, except for Nice Light, so the musicians changed constantly and a permanent identity was not achieved for them, so not having a name was something simply real, since that was what happened.

The second reason is that in his musical conception, the founder was not interested in being recognized or remembered for something tangible or visual, much less for any name in particular, but for something that belonged to the world of feelings and hopefully those deep ones that experience people. So, having a name was something insignificant in relation to the above. Furthermore, pain and suffering had taught him that simplicity and prudence were the correct path for almost everything, so having no name was the best.

Your music is deeply rooted in authenticity and emotions. Could you elaborate on your creative process and how it contributes to the unique sound and atmosphere of your songs?

The songs are based on relevant and true emotions that are felt in the soul at some point and that are translated into melodies and rhythmic sequences on the fly, in those same moments. And all of this creates an atmosphere and a feeling that also adds up. Thus, the Verse or Chorus of a song is born, associated with something real that was experienced or felt, which also gives rise to the concept and/or message of the song.

Several songs have even started in the middle of a dream, where intense things are being felt, with all the atmosphere and deep sensations of a dream, which is accompanied by a melody and rhythmic sequence. So when you wake up in the middle of the night, that melody and that rhythmic sequence remains playing, with something of that atmosphere and then, so that it doesn’t fade away… He records himself on a small recorder several times, re-feeling what he felt in the dream and thus remains his indelible record of what he felt in it. The sensation remains. And when it remains… the subsequent challenge is to ensure that that feeling and that atmosphere are captured in the musical arrangements, through the instruments and the way in which they are played, or rather, in the way in which they feel inside of the soul when touching them.

“Feelings” and “Looking From The Rainbow Game” are two of your notable albums. Could you share the inspiration behind these albums and how they reflect your personal experiences and growth as a band?

In the case of “Feelings”, the late motive was to make the memoirs of a civil engineer, as part of a person’s journey.  But they did not want to make a book or a conventional text about it, as many engineers or professionals from other sciences do; since in the other part of that person, there was an artist, the one who was born alongside the engineer and who wanted to transmit the emotions experienced through his journey through life, through feelings.

Thus, “Feelings” relates real events and experiences of the engineer and the artist at the same time, through each of its songs, with musical arrangements, atmospheres and rhythmic sequences that reflect the emotions experienced in each of those moments.

In the case of “Looking From The Rainbow Game”, the late motive was to leave a memory and/or capture relevant events and/or situations of people in their lives, making it clear that life is full of surprises, unpredictable moments and relevant changes. that even appear and disappear on their own, like the colours of the rainbow.

The experience was also fascinating since there were very special moments when making that album, especially in songs like “Any Song to Dance”, which talks about accepting with dignity and joy whatever has to come, whatever it may be…. Like “Touch the Stars With Your Hands” which talks about being grateful and blessing the sublime moments of life… and “How it Feels to Forgive” which talks about forgiveness.  And so each song on that album leaves a testimony of each relevant moment in people’s lives.

Your journey led you to India, where you received the name “Nice Light” from a spiritual guide. How did this experience influence your music and your perspective on life and art?

It was something magical and transformative. Initially, I was looking for answers to my internal pain and questions about life, since I felt that despite having done things well, in the end, things had gone wrong, which had caused me great suffering.

However, through that magical experience, I discovered that my path was not to wonder about what had happened, nor to look forward thinking about engineering, but rather it opened my horizon to find the greatest gift I received from life, which was found in music. the door to the path to plenitude.

Then I discovered that my destiny was to bring energy to those who were in bad times, to those who wanted to feel passion or deep emotions, or to re-enchant themselves with life, through music. Then I remembered JK Rowling’s experience when she started writing Harry Potter’s Sorcerer’s Stone and I began the magical path of professional rock music.

My perspective on life now is totally different. I have learned that by giving with a lot of energy and passion, with a lot of dedication, creativity and effort, in the end, you feed yourself. It is a virtuous path of peace, harmony and inner happiness.

There is nothing better than singing and playing for the audience when they sing the songs with you.

Your recording process is quite unconventional, with different elements recorded in various locations worldwide. How do these diverse recording environments contribute to the overall vibe and character of your music?

In the process, Nice Light is the Musical Director, so he works many hours designing the first drum arrangements, which are then worked on together with the drummer of No Named, who is a very talented man on the drums, and a great musician… and percussionist. Thus, the final drum arrangement of a song is reached, from which the records (recordings) are made by sound engineers who are experts in drums, who use 26 microphones to record the acoustic drums, which are isolated from the production process of the rest, so as not to contaminate it.

The process follows with the lead vocals and lead guitar, as they also define a song. In this case, Nice Light does both at the same time, which took many years and a lot of work to achieve. So that also contaminates the process and causes objectivity to be lost with the rest of the instruments, so it is also finished and left isolated so as not to contaminate the rest.

And finally, in order not to lose musical objectivity, between the worlds of drums (percussion), lead vocals and lead guitar, with the rest of the instruments and arrangements of the songs; everything comes together, that is, the mix is ​​done in another environment and with other sound engineers decontaminated from everything before.

Finally, with this, greater speed is achieved in the multiple iterations that must be done on each song to reach the final mix and mastering, greater objectivity and musical independence is achieved when mixing a song… and ultimately, Much better things are achieved, given the way of production that No Named has.

Many of your songs, such as “Stand Up!” and “Father is a Big Man,” tell personal and heartfelt stories. Can you share some of the most powerful experiences or emotions that have shaped your song writing and performances?

Of course. When I started working on “Stand Up!” I was in a very sad moment in my life and I felt great pain, the truth is that I just wanted life to end so I could stop feeling that terrible suffering. I had lost everything, I even felt like I had lost my dignity.

It was then that one day I remembered the indelible example of my father who never gave up on anything and I decided to put an end to that situation. Then I remember hearing the song “Don’t Stop” by The Rolling Stones on the radio and I said to myself, this is the way…. music and Rock since I was born with that.   And so, I felt like I would use it to get up myself, once again.

And then I started writing and working on “Stand Up!” which was magical.  It was like a Phoenix to me.

The story of “Father is a Big Man” is more poignant, as the first part of that song was made when Nice Light was a teenager and questioned some things about his father, whom he loved and respected. Then 10 years passed and his father died, and a few years later he was able to realize what his father had been to him and that was when he decided to make and write the second part of this song that starts after the second lead guitar solo.

And there begins a posthumous recognition and tribute to his father.  Over time, Nice Light discovered that the same thing happens to many people, as they manage to value their father, missing him deeply when he is no longer around.

That is why “Father is a Big Man” is the first song on No Named’s first album, since his father has been the most important and transcendent person in Nice Light’s life.

Find out more about No Named here.

Unveiling ‘Blind Woman’: An Interview with Zarah on Her Upcoming Release and Artistic Journey

Posted on 21 October 2023

In the realm of music and artistry, Zarah stands as a captivating figure, capturing hearts with her soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Her tracks, especially “What Have We Become?” and the highly anticipated “Blind Woman,” have been setting the industry abuzz. With her debut album of the same name on the horizon, we had the privilege of sitting down with Zarah to explore her creative process, inspirations, and her ever-expanding journey as an artist and writer.

Your track “What Have We Become?” received widespread acclaim. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and how it has influenced your upcoming album, “Blind Woman”?

Yes, it did. That was unexpected and I’m very much humbled by it. You can’t help but think that your message is resonating and that your artistic vision and hard work is starting to pay off. “What Have We Become?” was heavily influenced by U2 as they were very much present in my mind when I wrote it, combined with today’s pop. Bono, who I’ve met as we have common friends and acquaintances, have worked on a couple of projects for youth including The GRAMMY Foundation; I think he is one of the best lyricists in today’s generation. Although the original concept was supposed to be a complex relationship, I ended up writing about societal issues and humanitarian awareness. I wanted to create something more positive with raw energy while rocking it out and “What Have We Become?” became the fastest track I wrote practically writing itself, which in many ways dictated the tone and direction of the album that carries fully produced sounds with layered guitars, dramatic bassline, live-sounding drums and pronounced vocals. And more times than not, rock music is all about the attitude and having fun and that’s exactly what we did in the studio though I’m still scratching my head on how fast that song was written!

“Blind Woman” is described as “gripping, haunting, and poignant” in the press release. Could you delve into the creative process behind this single and how you managed to convey such depth and emotion in the song?

The entire ‘Blind Woman album’ has incredibly rich and full sounds. I tend to like faster tracks and nine out of ten, I will create just that. But every now and then, I like to show vulnerability as an artist because for one, it makes you real and human particularly when listeners do not expect it. I thought the album needed to breathe and so, along came the “Blind Woman” ballad when I began to shed light on what I was going through as I bared my soul in the midst of a heartbreak. The song takes you to a dream-like soulful journey where you’ll experience the deepest level of emotions like peeling an onion so to speak being revealed in due course in the boldest, purest and most honest form, which made this ballad ‘haunting’. This is where you become the story yourself in the song as supposed to singing just another track. Gripping because it holds your attention. Haunting because it stays within you. And poignant because you will feel the pain in every note since we’ve all gone through a painful heartbreak at one point or another in our lives. You say what you say, do what you do, and not worry about whether or not somebody will like it; I was completely and unequivocally unapologetic.

Collaborating with musicians like Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction and the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is no small feat. How did these collaborations come about, and what unique elements did they bring to the songwriting process?

First-class musicians are always demanded in this business. Actually, I was lucky enough to work with a group of extremely talented studio professionals who worked as well as toured with top tier bands and singers even during the time when I was opening for Johnny and Robby of the Goo Goo Dolls. And session players like Chris Chaney who has worked with Jane’s Addiction and Alanis Morrisette and the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra came highly recommended as we went through the planning and pre-production stage of the album and most were simply introduced to me. When you get to the professional level, the music business very much becomes a word-of-mouth. And although I had already written, arranged, and pre-produced all my songs in the album before we even got started inside the Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles and that all other players have eventually enhanced my artistic vision including the remastering at the McCartney Studios, Chris has brought so much to this album with his freestyle bass recordings while the LA Phil orchestra specifically took the “Blind Woman” track to the next level to a point that they’ve completed my artistic vision. That’s always a good thing.

Apart from your music career, you’re also an author, with the intriguing novel “Diamonds are For Cocktails.” Could you share the concept behind the book and what led you to venture into the world of murder mystery novels?

Truth be told, I was always a fan of a good murder mystery my whole life especially with legendary authors like Sydney Sheldon and Agatha Christie It was and still is my favorite genre when it comes to books and movies. However, I dreaded writing growing up, believe it or not. It wasn’t my thing and I never wanted to get involve in a profession that required writing in my future. Yet, for the better part of my life, I became a lyricist as a songwriter that led to becoming a contributing writer for the nationally syndicated music-based teen series “B InTune TV” I was hosting in over a hundred million homes in the US, to becoming a full-blown novelist, which I must say, is a bold move. The book concept came about when I visited the French Riviera and fell in love with the place, its beauty and elegance. I was in the great company of Prince Albert II and the late Sir Roger Moore and I had an epiphany of a movie concept to write a screenplay incorporating my favorite genre, but decided to do the book first. I like writing stories that I would want to read and “Diamonds are For Cocktails” has the unique perspective of the billionaire’s lifestyle and the unfolding man haunt between the killer and the FBI from the crimes that’s been plaguing the French Riviera town with an overall human interest and moral life lessons written into the story. Besides, rock music and murder mystery go together, don’t they?

Your charity work in the media edutainment space has been commendable. How do you plan to further your efforts in advancing music and arts for youth, and what motivates you to be involved in such initiatives?

Thank you. I am very proud of my philanthropic work that I started with my late husband, which has gone on for many years now. Outside of accomplishing a multi-career in the entertainment industry, my other passion is to help advance music and arts education for youth in the media edutainment space through the power of music. Which is why there’s been talks of bringing back the “B InTune TV” as well as other media initiatives and youth programs that’s being put forth for this re-emergence only this time at the global stage in support of our partners like the United Nations. I think more so than ever, these are the type of causes that are much needed in these increasingly challenging times and yet, they’re the first ones being cut back in terms of funding despite the obvious fact that ‘music’ truly helps heal and educate not only within our youth but adults in general in more ways than one can fathom. They are the one tool that has proven time and again that heals emotional pain, inspires dreams, breaks barriers in languages, transcends time, and even stimulates the minds and gives hope to the lost, abused, disadvantaged, and displaced children around the world. Think about it, how much does it cost you to listen to your favorite song and feel good about it afterwards? I think we all know the answer to that Not only it changes your mood and mind set like the latest therapy, it also brings out positive results. Not to mention, the educational aspect that you can learn from. And as a musician, I think these are enough reasons that motivate me to give back and continue not only my late husband and I’s work but also, build a rich legacy. To me, that is totally worth the effort.

As Zarah prepares to unveil her much-anticipated single “Blind Woman” on October 27th, this interview provides a unique insight into the mind of an artist who is not only making waves in the music industry but is also contributing positively to society through her charity work

Hazel Ray’s Musical Alchemy: Unveiling ‘My Demon’ – A Journey of Empowerment

Posted on 19 October 2023

Hazel Ray, the remarkable pop-soul sensation hailing from Melbourne, Australia, has recently graced the music world with her latest masterpiece, “My Demon,” released in July 2023. Produced by the legendary Steve James, whose illustrious career spans iconic bands like The Jam, Sex Pistols, and The Screaming Jets, this track is a testament to Hazel Ray’s artistry and vision. Accompanied by a visually captivating music video crafted by the talented videographer Jarrod from Ourfolklore, “My Demon” is more than just a song; it’s an introspective voyage of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.

Hazel, ‘My Demon’ is a powerful and introspective song. Could you share the inspiration behind the lyrics and what message you hope your listeners take away from it?”

My Demon’ is just as much about a personal journey as it is about the journey of all. Everyone at some point in their life faces the little voice in their heads that tells them that they aren’t good enough or that they won’t amount to anything. For some people these voices become so strong that it can lead them to paths in life that can be destructive to their health emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially. This unfortunately/fortunately was also the case for myself. I say fortunately because it was through facing these inner Demons that has pushed me to live a more fulfilled and inspired life, aligned with my Truth. My Demon is a song of hope and strength, that no matter how dark things become, the light will always prevail. Fear is what cages souls from living their dreams. Face the fears, face the Demon, live your Dreams.

Your collaboration with renowned producer Steve James has garnered attention. What was it like working with him, and how did his expertise influence the creative process for this song?

Steve is an amazing human. Super kind and encouraging. He has one of those minds that must be running with about 50 tabs open at a time. When he is working on your track he gives you all of his attention and is already planning legendary session musos to add flare to different parts of your song from the moment you step into the recording studio. So professional and always willing to explore creative routes.

The music video for ‘My Demon’ is visually stunning. Can you tell us about the concept behind it and your collaboration with Jarrod from Ourfolklore to bring your vision to life?

I came up with the concept for the music video, upon reflecting on what it felt like to have a voice that controlled my every thought and every move. The chess game symbolised the inner fight between the moves that I wanted to make in my life and the way in which the Demon was able to override every decision to make my life a living hell. There is a scene in the film clip where I realise that there are no rules to the game if I don’t want there to be, so I pick up the Queen and place it back in the game. This is the first sign of transformation of control, which puts the Demon on edge. I chose to show the cleansing of the Demon by diving into the ocean, cleaning myself of all those negative thoughts and lack of control. Jarrod did an amazing job capturing the changes between the mental struggle and how the Demon manifests into our reality. He has such a flair for abstract concepts and bringing them to life. I was so grateful for his input and the overall outcome.

Your music has been described as a refuge and a source of healing for listeners. Can you elaborate on how you aim to connect with your audience on a deeper level through your music?

Music that offers healing, answers questions in people that they didn’t even realise they had. It offers empathy in a way that just words can’t. From there the audience feels closer to the artist as for the first time for whatever reason in that particular moment they feel seen and understood. My music can offer this to those who need it. Many of the songs that I write and many of the songs that are yet to be released, discuss the questions of ‘who am I’, ‘why am I here’, ‘what is my purpose’. These very questions are asked by every single human at some point in their life and I hope that my music will be there to guide the future generations as they look inwards to find those answers.

Your sound has been compared to the likes of Adele, Eva Cassidy, and Lady Gaga. How do you feel about these comparisons, and how would you describe your unique musical style and approach?

I am absolutely flattered that people find similarities between my music and sound with these artists. They are definitely inspirations of mine. My uniqueness comes in my very own story and the knowledge that I endeavour to share with the world. For me it’s not just about the music. I have created a unique show called ‘Asleep to Awake’ where I put 10 years of Science teaching, a neuroscience degree, song writing and storytelling together, to invite my audience to explore their true nature and the relationship between Science and Spirituality.

Can you share some insights into your musical upbringing and how it has shaped your career as an artist? Are there any specific influences or experiences from your childhood that have had a lasting impact on your music?

My Grandfather (Ray) was a musician, he played the drums. Sadly, he passed away when I was 10. I really struggled with his passing, which led me down a path of trying to understand death, afterlife. energy, spirit and ultimately how it is possible that I am a soul. I have also had some mental health battles in my life that have taught me so much about who I am and my true nature. These topics of mental health and the spiritual world , for me, overlap and I love exploring their intertwined nature in my songs.

Find out more about Hazel Ray by visiting her website

Unleashing the Musical Fire: An Exclusive Interview with Sabres, Touring with Hot Juice

Posted on 11 October 2023

Welcome to our exclusive interview with Sabres, an incredibly talented band currently on tour with the sensational Hot Juice. With a rich history of touring and a strong support system from Mayfield Records, Sabres are making waves in the music industry. Today, we dive deep into their journey, their upcoming releases, and what sets their live performances apart. Join us as we uncover their musical influences, their strategies for staying relevant, and their aspirations for making a lasting impact on their audience.

How did the opportunity to tour with Hot Juice come about, and what can you tell us about the upcoming tour dates and venues?

 Quite simply, we’re two bands keen to get out there and make a name for ourselves, we started a conversation and got booking. We’ve looked at some of our favourite venues across England plus ones we’ve never been to, breaking new ground for ourselves. It’s tough on new soil but this tour sees us hit Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Reading, London, Southampton and Bournemouth. We’ve been extra motivated after some great supports for other touring bands like Mondo Generator, Melt-Banana, the Virginmarys and Blind River.

 

What can fans expect from Sabres’ upcoming tour?

 Expect noise. Lots of noise. We pride ourselves on people frequently hearing us and being surprised that we’re only a two-piece band generating the sound that we do. We’d like to think this was captured perfectly in our EP.

Our touring support, Hot Juice, are a four-piece from Brighton who you can’t miss. Between the two of us bands, there’ll be a veritable cocktail of sounds and energies. We’re excited to kick off the tour in Bristol with German stoner rockers, Beehoover, at the famous Gryphon pub. We’re also joined by some pals of ours like Yur Mum from London, and Dead Lettuce from Bournemouth. Great people, and fantastic bands.

After tour, we’re back in our hometown for Icebreaker Festival in February, which is easily Portsmouth’s best weekend of live music.

What can we anticipate from your upcoming releases?

Our newly released EP, courtesy of Mayfield Records, features all three of our singles to date, plus three more tracks: In My Day, Paint By Numbers, and Pollution. Altogether, the EP explores themes such as depression, generational trauma, bigotry, right-wing press and toxic masculinity. We’re not the most cheerful band in the world, but we’re fine with that. Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed. Musically we’ve drawn from a melting pot of stoner rock, grunge, punk, alt… our biggest influences are the likes of Melvins, Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana and Foo Fighters. We recently recorded a new batch of tracks with Samhain for a future release, and we’re ambitious that they’ll sound even better than this EP.

 The music industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay creative and relevant in an ever-changing landscape? Are there any specific strategies or approaches you employ to keep your music fresh and engaging for your fans?

Trial and error. We’re not marketing gurus and we’ve no interest to be. To some extent, you’ve got to play the game, but not lose sight of what’s important to you. We landed a few editorial playlists on Apple and Spotify too, including Spotify’s Shockwave playlist; that massively boosts your listeners. Give them the best pitch you can and hope for the best. We had a blast making music videos for our first two singles, they’re definitely not a bad way to both sell your ‘product’. Ours were shot by Samhain Carter-Brazier, who also recorded and mixed all our songs to date at Mayfield.

 Touring can be physically and mentally demanding. How do you prepare yourselves for the challenges that come with being on the road? Are there any rituals or routines that help you stay focused and energized throughout the tour?

A pint tends to help in most situations.

Music has the power to connect people and evoke emotions. How do you hope your music resonates with your audience? What kind of impact do you strive to make through your songs and performances?

We can only draw on our own experiences to write lyrical content, and if people relate to it, that’s always a good thing. The music itself is as important, a song is equal to the sum of its parts; the music tends to come first when we write. We diversify in our sound because it comes naturally to us, and perhaps that versatility is an appeal.

It’s not easy to talk about connection when the music and performance often comes across quite miserable and angry, but there’s as much to talk about in disconnect and transgression than anything. Themes of loss, for example, have come up a few times in our writing; it’s nothing new or groundbreaking, it’s just honest.

 Where can fans find Sabres online to stay updated on your music, tour updates, and other exciting content?

 Our EP is out now on all major streaming platforms: https://ditto.fm/sabres

FB: facebook.com/SabresBand

Instagram: @sabres.band

Twitter: @SabresBand

YouTube: @SabresBand

A Deep Dive into Queen LaBelle’s ‘For the Kings and Queens Spoken Word’

Posted on 11 October 2023

Join us for an exclusive interview with the remarkable music artist Queen LaBelle as she takes us on a journey through her captivating biography, the creative process behind her latest album, the exciting merchandise promotion for October, and the symbolism behind her album cover art.

Can you share a bit about your background and artistic journey, including some of the memorable moments you’ve experienced? 

I was born in Los Angeles, but I was taken from my parents at three months old and was appointed to be raised by one of my maternal aunts living in New York. I grew up in Brooklyn. I had anger management issues due to my circumstances and I turned to dance and drama classes to help me express my emotions in a healthier way. I then developed a passion for writing, and it led me into the world of poetry and spoken word.

I faced some identity issues growing up as multiracial and I faced various traumas but writing helped me make sense of it all and provided a means for me to voice my story.

I returned to Los Angeles to live as an adult. One of the most memorable milestones on my artistic journey was when I opened for Dr. Cornel West at UCLA. The atmosphere that day was filled with bubbling energy, with Dr. West himself enthusiastically celebrating my performance. He was genuinely overjoyed, jumping with excitement as if he was watching his favorite artist perform at a concert. After my performance, he gave me a warm, heartfelt hug. The crowd also erupted into a spirited standing ovation.

Receiving such high praise from a respected figure was an immense honor. It served as a powerful reminder of the potential of words to inspire unity and positive change. Dr. Cornel West’s enthusiasm encouraged me to continue creating pieces that explore the injustices faced by Black people and the ways we can uplift one another. My poems also touch on topics related to love, relationships, sex, abuse, and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Your latest album, “For the Kings and Queens Spoken Word,” is generating a lot of buzz. Could you tell us about the creative process behind it and how it blends spoken word with hip-hop? What sets it apart from traditional spoken word?

When creating this album, I aimed to take spoken word to a whole new level by infusing it with the dynamic energy of hip-hop. Unlike traditional spoken word, which is often presented acapella or with minimal instrumental backing, I decided to add vibrant hip-hop beats and components to give the work more life while still maintaining the softer voice and slower tempo of reciting poetry.

The creative process was a unique blend of crafting powerful spoken word pieces that carried a strong message, while also weaving in the rhythmic and engaging elements of hip-hop. It allowed me to tell stories, share experiences, and evoke emotions in a way that traditional spoken word alone couldn’t.

What sets this album apart is the fusion of spoken word and hip-hop. It’s like a bridge connecting two powerful forms of expression. It takes the raw, honest, and inspirational aspects of spoken word and pairs them with the engaging and rhythmic beats of hip-hop. This fusion breathes new life into spoken word, inviting listeners to experience poetry in a fresh and vibrant way. It’s about breaking boundaries, transcending traditional genres, and resonating with a diverse audience in a unique and powerful manner.

Lastly, the album also features tracks produced by Grammy Award Winning Producers, such as, My Guy Mars, who has produced for T.I, Snoop Dogg, Nipsey Hussle, Jay-Z, and many more. There are also features from legendary artists, such as Cappadonna from the Wu-Tang Clan.

I also have to give special thanks to Thirty Dark Zero Records / Rob Hayes for being the Executive Producer and a featured artist on the album.

Your merchandise store is offering a fantastic 50% discount for October. Can you give us a sneak peek into the range of merchandise available and the inspiration behind the designs?

Absolutely! I wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy my merchandise at an affordable price.

The store currently features five collections, each with a unique inspiration:

  1. **Queen LaBelle Merch Fan Collection:** This collection draws inspiration from my album cover art. Here, you can find a unisex hoodie and tee featuring Queen LaBelle’s album art, symbolizing courage. Elevate your style with our hat, express yourself with stickers, and carry your essentials in our tote. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your truth with us and share your story.
  2. **Kidnapping Your Brain Collection:** Inspired by one of my singles, this collection offers a variety of options, including hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, and mugs. Don’t forget to grab a sticker to express your love for my music in style.
  3. **For the Kings Collection:** Experience royalty with this collection, inspired by one of my singles. Choose from tees, hoodies, mugs, sweatshirts, or stickers and embrace a regal vibe in style.
  4. **For the Queens Collection:** Indulge in our ‘For the Queens’ collection, inspired by another of my singles. Discover options including totes, hoodies, mugs, sweatshirts, stickers, and tees. It’s an opportunity to embrace your inner queen with style and grace.
  5. **Self Love Collection:** This collection is inspired by yet another single of mine. It’s all about empowering self-love. You’ll find notebooks, tees, totes, hoodies, hats, mugs, and stickers to embrace self-love in every aspect of your life. This collection even offers a tee for pets, because who said self love is only for humans?

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, visit my website at www.queenlabellemerch.com and use the discount code “ALBUMPARTY” during checkout. It’s a limited-time opportunity to grab a piece of my merchandise collection and carry a bit of inspiration with you.

Let’s talk about the album cover art. What inspired the design, and how does it complement the overall message and theme of your album?

The cover art features a woman in a pose reminiscent of Jesus on the cross, holding swords. This striking image represents vulnerability, the courage to share my own personal story, and the determination to highlight the issues in our society that demand change. It’s a visual representation of the strength and determination it takes to confront these issues head-on.

The cover art complements the overall message and theme of my album by conveying the idea that true courage lies in vulnerability and in raising one’s voice to address the critical issues of our time. It symbolizes a commitment to standing up for what’s right and pushing for change, even in the face of adversity.

This powerful imagery is meant to resonate with listeners, inviting them to join in the journey of self-discovery and social change that the album explores. It’s a visual representation of the bravery it takes to be honest and open about our experiences and to call for transformation in our society.

As an artist, what do you want your audience to take away from “For the Kings and Queens Spoken Word”? Any messages or themes that are particularly close to your heart?

I want my listeners to find inspiration and empowerment.

Ultimately, I want my audience to feel moved and motivated by the spoken word and poetry in this album. I hope it sparks conversations, encourages self-reflection, and stirs a desire for positive change in our society. It’s a call to action, a celebration of unity, and an exploration of the strength that can be found in vulnerability.

Lastly, can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to in the near future?

In the near future, my fans can look forward to an exciting project that will enhance the spoken word experience of listening to my poetry.

I’m planning to create videos for every track on the album. These videos will provide a visual dimension to the spoken word experience, adding another layer of depth and meaning to each piece. It’s a way to bring my words to life, further engaging the audience and allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the stories and messages I convey through my work.

I believe that this project will be a unique and captivating way to connect with my fans and continue to share the themes and stories that are close to my heart. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the spoken word in a whole new way through these upcoming videos.

Learn more about Queen LaBelle here.

Behind the Music: Unraveling the Fascinating Tale of Sketches of Carol

Posted on 3 October 2023

Step into a world where music and storytelling intertwine, where ‘Sketches of Carol’ stands as a magnetic project with a name that’s more than meets the eye. In this intriguing conversation, we’re about to uncover the origins of this enigmatic title and the deep-rooted inspirations that fuel it. ‘Sketches of Carol’ invites us on a thrilling adventure across the cinematic realms of love and sci-fi, weaving a musical narrative that defies the boundaries of time and space. So, come along as we unravel the cosmic connections, embrace the cultural tapestry, and witness the collaborative enchantment that brings ‘Messengers’ to life—a promising start to a visionary musical journey

‘Sketches of Carol’ is an interesting name. Can you explain the thinking behind it?

The name Carol stuck with me after I watched a hauntingly beautiful film of the same title featuring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in the leading roles. It portrays a love story between two women and the struggles they face in 1950s America. This inspired a remote collaboration with pianist, composer and producer Maria Chiara Argirò where we kept exchanging sketches of music that the other person would develop and transform. Both, the relationship of the characters in the film who are so supportive and loving with each other in the face of great suppression and the relationships I share with a group of super talented giving women in my UK artist network have inspired me to adopt this name for my project. Carol became a symbol of womxn support networks and sisterhood, of womxn and men who elevate each other knowing that we as a society can achieve so much more and live more fulfilled lives when we stand together.

The EP ‘Messengers’ draws from your affinity for science fiction and pays tribute to iconic films like ‘Blade Runner’ and Star Wars. How did you infuse these cinematic influences into the music?

My Dad is a big sci-fi fan, so I grew up spellbound by the stunning sound worlds and effects of those cinematic masterpieces. Think of that distinct melody that is used in ‘Close encounters of the third kind’ to communicate with a foreign species or the epic electronic soundscape Vangelis created for the opening of Bladerunner (1984). I wanted to capture this ‘otherworldly’ sound in Messengers.

Central to the track is a lulling loop of close harmony, which to me evokes the sense of endlessness in both time and space. The soaring melody shared by voice and violin that runs over the top has a searching quality that never repeats or arrives. All of this is bathed in a deep low-frequency noise aimed to subtly create the sense of a large space, vast and incomprehensible, just like the universe itself.

The theme of interplanetary communication and the Golden Record’s portrayal of Earth’s diversity are central to ‘Messengers’. How did you translate this concept into musical elements that convey a sense of connection and cultural richness?

Yes indeed – NASA’s Golden Record was sent into space on their Voyager spacecrafts in 1977. The record holds a selection of natural sounds (including some made by animals), music from various cultures and eras, human sounds like footsteps and laughter, and spoken greetings in 59 languages.

I was totally fascinated by this – how amazing it is to have a record floating around space which exists to introduce both planet Earth and humans to any spacefarers passing by. I started imagining my own small capsules of ‘natural life on earth’ – like fast-skipping through a load of documentary channels.  It was such a  rich source of material, I ended up writing the entire lyrics to Messengers in one complete flow.

The diversity across the spoken greetings, that the golden record transports, was my second point of interest. Despite all carrying the same sentiment of greeting a stranger for the first time, there was such a colourful variety of expression. It is a fantastic reflection of the luscious tapestry of human culture.

Could you share a particular moment during the creation of this EP when your improvisation led to a surprising and impactful musical direction?

I have been a vocal improviser for many years and the excitement of constantly  reaching into the unexpected and shaping it as one goes along, is pure joy to me. In the EP, both the lead melody of Messengers and the ‘space trumpet’ effect that I created using my voice for the intro and outro, were improvised in single takes. There was no editing or rewriting. So, I would not exactly say that improvisation led to a surprising direction, but rather, that it is my default way of creating.

Collaboration seems integral to the EP’s success, with Gonçalo Abrantes’ production and William Newell’s layered strings. How did these collaborations contribute to refining your vision for ‘Messengers’.

The value and pursuit of connection is at the heart of all my performances, writing and projects. I cherish working with other artists, trying to understand their process, aesthetic desires and the language in which they express themselves. Will and Gonçalo both have a beautiful artistic sensibility. I chose to work with them because they have the ability to truly listen and distil what a piece needs to be elevated. Will does so masterfully in his work with Solem Quartet and Ensemble 26, and having worked closely with him in the minimalist trio White Flower, I did not feel the need to give more instruction than to trace my solo. I let him improvise the further parts, and boy did he put the cherry on the cake.

Working with Gonçalo was slightly more directed since his role as mixing engineer and producer was to breathe life into my space travel vision. A sci fi appreciator himself, he knew exactly what I meant by ‘that noise that you hear when the spaceship moves in above you in Star Wars, where you hear it before you see it’. But jokes aside, Gonçalo is a brilliant producer who has helped shape my ideas in a very distinct yet non intrusive way. We have already finished a second work that will be released in 2024. I very much look forward to continuing our collaboration. Btw, Gon is a wonderful songwriter and singer himself. Do check out his releases under the artist name Agon Branza.

As the first of four planned releases, how does ‘Messengers’ set the stage for the upcoming releases in the ‘Sketches of Carol’ project? What can listeners expect in the future releases?

For now, I have three more releases to come. Continuing with the theme of collaboration, each release features one instrument to accompany my a capella vocals.

There will be guest appearances of cellist Steph Tress, (also Solem Quartet), pianist and producer Maria Chiara Argirò (These New Puritans) and drummer Gaspar Sena (Valia Calda).

In terms of style, you can expect quite a variety across the upcoming releases – from the vocals and production elements. In points of theme, there is a piece on migration, one about communal grief and of course, there’ll be ‘Carol’, the piece that started off the whole project. I’m very excited to share all this with you!

Your upbringing in the Silesia region has left a significant mark on your creative journey. Could you share a specific memory or influence from your childhood that you’ve translated into your music?

Absolutely – I was born and raised in the three-country corner of Saxony, where East German, Czech and Polish traditions meet to form what is a very distinctive heritage of Lower Silesia. On top of that, I’m a GDR kid and while I was only 6 when the wall fell, the influences of russian and slavic aesthetics in film, music and local culture ran strong. For example, I grew up captivated by German and Russian fairy tales and I loved exploring folkloristic traditions, like the spring fires that are supposed to clear out winter and make way for spring. In my teens, it became an annual tradition in my family to visit mediaeval markets in self-made costumes and to pay our way at the food stalls by singing old ballads and folk tunes. All of this sparked imagination and playful creativity in me.

I also really loved singing from an early age and took any opportunity to use my voice – whether belting out 90s power ballads or singing German folk songs with my mom, sister and grandma.

In terms of artists I grew up listening to, my dad’s record collection (which he proudly played on his AWAY hifi system) had a real impact on me. I listened to a ton of amazing Stevie Wonder, Prince and Quincy Jones records, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel and Tower of Power as well as early electronic music like Yellow and Art of Noise. My mom loved great singer-songwriters like Carly Simon, Fleetwood Mac and Rio Raiser, and through my grandpa who sang in church choir and played a bit of organ I got introduced to choral and classical music like Händel and Bach.

Head over to https://www.sketchesofcarol.com to learn more!

Harmonizing Emotions and Lyrics: An Exclusive Interview with NINIVE on ‘Solo en Ti’ and Her Artistic Odyssey

Posted on 1 October 2023

Join us as we sit down with NINIVE, the rising star of Alternative Pop, to delve into the inspiration behind her hit single, “Solo en Ti,” her partnership with producer Enrique Gonzalez Müller, the influence of her academic journey on her songwriting, the emotional depth of her music, and a sneak peek into her upcoming album. NINIVE’s artistry is a captivating blend of emotion and melody, and this interview offers a glimpse into the heart of her musical evolution.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “Solo En Ti” and how it reflects your growth as an artist?                                                           

“Solo en ti” was a particular song starting from the moment it was written. Usually for me composing a song comes as a flood, the music, melody and lyrics come together, rarely separate. “Solo en ti” was an exception and it wore a different disguise. I started with the just words and the thought of not wanting to write a “nice song, with nice lyrics, that talks about nice things”. I wanted to talk about the ugly, the uncomfortable and the unpleasant, but this song ended up being much more than that, revealing potent feelings and emotions I had hidden inside.

Solo En Ti focuses on my emotional labyrinth with music. The resentment I thought I felt while being in love with it at the same time. As an artist breaking this seal of what I thought was expected of me and being able to actually express myself and share, not only the nice parts but also the angry, the dissatisfied and confused part too, opened a whole new chapter for me.

Collaborating with Enrique Gonzalez Müller is a significant step in your career. How did this partnership come about, and how did it shape the song’s production?

As this project started to take shape, my team and I (Adrian Sanchez and Andres Vargas) decided we needed to take it to a new level. We wanted someone that could give it power and potent expressiveness while keeping its essence and DNA. We remembered of an unusual and impressive producer, Enrique Gonzalez Müller, which we had the pleasure to meet at a talk he gave a few years back at COM (College of Music de la Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Berklee Global Partner) With this in mind we began our hunt to find him and catch his attention, and luckily we got it. Enrique’s sharp ear for translating human emotion to physical sound is so unique and precise, it fulfilled the artistic vision I had for this project.

Your academic journey includes a Master of Music in Songwriting. How has your formal education contributed to your songwriting process and the depth of your lyrics?

Dedicating a large amount of time exclusively to songwriting allowed me to explore my ideas in- depth and experiment with various tools I learned along the way. A big part of the program was dedicated to research, learning about the work of other artists and collaborating with other musicians opened my mind. This exploration made me really think about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to express myself within my music.

The emotional journey in “Solo En Ti” is palpable ranging from frustration to reconciliation. Can you share more about the story or message you aim to convey through this song?

“Solo En Ti” talks about how resentful I thought I was with music at a point in my life when a lot of changes were happening. My experience throughout this project is described as an entering  an emotional labyrinth, where the only way to heal and clarify these clouding feelings was by reliving the pain, admitting mistakes, and recognizing the beauty of a tough journey as well as acknowledging that life is an adventure.
As time passes, I have learned that the process of going through and feeling what is painful, harsh, and uncomfortable is a crucial part of learning and finding a better understanding of myself. A practice that is definitely out of my comfort zone, but has helped me process different events in my life.

What can we expect from your upcoming album, and how does “Solo En Ti” set the tone for this musical venture?

“Solo en ti” was the perfect opening track because it shows the heart of this project with its Andean roots, especially in its percussion and its Latin American narrative heritage. It is a time machine with the romance of yesteryear but using modern tools (the magic of technology with its Sonic filter and effects which allow us to modify sounds in almost supernatural ways!). Although the other songs of the project have the explosiveness of “Solo en ti”, they also bring different shadow-and-light nuances of equal depth and honesty.

Interview with Abyssal Voyage: Navigating the Future of Alternative Hard Rock

Posted on 26 September 2023

Welcome to an exclusive interview with the rising stars of Florida’s alternative hard rock scene, Abyssal Voyage. In this candid conversation, we delve deep into their future goals, information on their upcoming releases, the electrifying energy of their live performances, the secrets behind their unique sound, the musical influences that fuel their creativity, and a few surprising facts they can’t wait to share with their devoted fans.

Can you share with us your band’s future goals and aspirations? What do you hope to achieve in the next few years, as Abyssal Voyage?

Our biggest goal as a band is to become an established, profitable business known for delivering quality entertainment to the fans we (hopefully) make along the way. We also aspire to one day provide employment and scaling opportunities within the entertainment industry for those with the same discipline, direction, and dreams that, we as a group, all share together. There’s no real idea what the future holds for us and we don’t want to set limits for ourselves. We’re just learning as we go and always try our best to navigate the obstacles that all artists, especially Independent Artists, tend to encounter.

We previously reviewed your track Time, What can fans expect from the new music you are creating, and do you have any future release upcoming?

We’re so grateful for what you wrote about ‘Time’. We took it to heart when you guys deemed us with such titles as “Juggernauts in the Hardcore Scene”! We just released our second single, ‘Step’, which is filled with nothing but groove during its 5 minute time span, and has also given our band a more prominent boost in our local area. We have another single coming out, hopefully, by the end of the year with the immediate goal for all of 2024 to really be pushing the brand of ‘Abyssal Voyage’ and prepping the public for our debut album. We don’t really write our music in any sort of conventional sense. It’s mostly riffing based on the vibe we have with each other during some random moments at practice, then tightening up and adding flavor to each song over weeks and sometimes months from inception.

Your live sound is known for being unique and captivating. Could you share some details about the type of equipment you use to achieve this distinctive sound? Are there any specific pieces of gear that are essential to your live setup?

From what we’ve been told by our fans, our songs or “sound” are all unique from one another and our energy live is unparalleled to most performances they’ve seen. Which you can imagine made us feel incredibly confident in our writing and performing abilities since their statements confirmed to us our ability to communicate the vision of our songs to the listener successfully! What makes our live sound so distinctive are all the elements each member brings to our live setup. Andres having such an animated and passion-filled frontman persona, Cory’s indie-ambient flare with mood shifting whammy bends and the rhythmic section being driven by Verb’s grooving low tones and sporadic mid-range bass scales that hold the balance around Dyl-Pick’s unique riffing style; all that’s powered by a 2 amp stereo setup, being complimented by Todd’s massive drum kit that holds every percussive tone a rock band could ever need!

It’s always interesting to learn about a band’s musical influences. Can you tell us about the artists or genres that have had the greatest impact on your music? How have these influences shaped your sound?

There’s so many artists to name, a few would be: Korn, System of a Down, Van Halen, Megadeth, Guns N’ Roses, Nas, and Modest Mouse. Each member has a large repertoire of influences ranging from Hard Rock, Metal, Hip-Hop, Rap, Indie, Pop, and even Dance music that they bring to the table respectively. This wide range of sonic ideologies gives us such a creative push that we feel adds to the unique reputation that Abyssal Voyage is starting to develop amongst fans.

Fans love to discover interesting tidbits about their favourite bands. Could you share an unknown or fun fact about Abyssal Voyage that you think your fans would find intriguing or surprising?

Every member in the group is playing/writing/practicing outside of their normal ranges. Our entire rhythmic section, for example, is playing their secondary instruments. As stated in the previous question, each member’s respective influences adds a semblance of musical and tonal progression that pushes each different member to dive head first into a new level of focus and creativity that, with continued effort, keeps transcending to new heights throughout the lifespan of Abyssal Voyage.

From Tunisia to LA: Ines Belayouni Talks To Us About Her Journey to International Stardom

Posted on 22 September 2023

Ines Belayouni, the talented Tunisian singer, embarked on an extraordinary journey from Tunisia to Los Angeles to fulfil her musical dreams. With a deep love for Jazz and Arabic music, impressive collaborations, and a versatile language repertoire, Ines’s story showcases her unwavering determination to achieve international acclaim in the music industry. In this interview, we dive into her unique journey, exploring her musical influences and the pivotal moments that have shaped her career.

Can you tell us about your early musical influences and how your family instilled a love for Jazz and Arabic music in you?

My parents instilled the love of music since I was a toddler. My mother grew up in France, she used to play a lot of classical music and popular French songs from various artists such as Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Jaques Brel and many more. My father on the other hand, loved Arabic Music specifically Egyptian, soon I found myself singing with him the songs he would play in the car and he noticed that I was learning fast and sang in tune. When it comes to Jazz music, both of my parents introduced me to it with artists such as  Armstrong, Miles Davis, Sinatra.

“Ijik el Khir” was a significant milestone in your career. How did the opportunity to collaborate with Sabry Mosbah on this track come about, and what impact did it have on your musical journey?

Following the Tunisian revolution that occurred in 2011, our country and us as citizens, experienced violent and scary events for a few months, that changed the course of history. Ijik El khir is the soundtrack of a documentary produced by Coca Cola. This Anthem is an invitation to all Tunisians to express the solidarity found in each of us, which was much needed following the state of turmoil the country was in, and to be reminded that we should remain United. The song was a success, touched many hearts, brought some joy amid the chaos, and for us as artists brought fame, and exposed us to a larger audience through radio and tv appearances.

You were part of the project “Imraa Wahida,” the Arabic version of the song “One Woman,” which was produced for UN Women. Can you share your experience working on this project and performing at the Cairo Opera House on International Women’s Day in 2014?

It was an incredible experience and a memory dear to my heart. I met wonderful and talented artists, singers, writers, producers and musicians. It was my first trip to Lebanon as well. A year later we had the opportunity to get together again and perform at Cairo Opera house. I remember vividly the night we performed, how proud we were to be part of such an amazing and powerful project that aimed to spread a message of unity and solidarity.

You’ve had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events and on various TV and radio shows in Tunisia. Can you share a memorable experience from one of these performances or interviews that had a significant impact on your career?

One of the most memorable experiences was performing at the American Embassy for Independence Day in July 2016. It was such an honor, especially having met The Ambassador of the United States appointed at that time, who gave me great advice, encouraged me to move to the US and aim for an international career. Another memorable event was when I sang the Tunisian National Anthem A cappella for Europe day, I was contacted by the ambassador of European Union appointed in Tunisia back then, who also gave me amazing opportunities and never seizes to encourage me throughout my career till this day. I remain deeply grateful for both of these honorable men, who trusted me as an artist and believed in my potential.

Moving to Los Angeles is a major step in your journey to become an internationally recognised artist. What prompted your decision to relocate, and how has this move influenced your musical career and style?

Tunisia provided a great underground scene for me to evolve as an artist and reinforced my will to pursue a career in singing, but I always wanted more. As being an artist in Tunisia is not easy, I felt stuck, especially when you prefer singing in English. I have always wanted to move to the United States, since my first trip ever, back in 2004. I never lost hope, I have always believed in myself and my potential and wanted to make this dream come true. I was aware of the hardship ahead of me but that did not scare me. I had to get out of this comfort zone I was in, to embrace this adventure. I don’t think there is a better place to do it than the United States, it is the land of opportunities, I feel respected as an artist. I simply feel in my element.

You’ve mentioned your versatility in singing in multiple languages. How do you approach adapting your musical style and expression when singing in different languages, and do you have a favourite language to perform in?

I grew up speaking Arabic and French, I learned how to sing Arabic music from a very young age. Later on when I heard Whitney Houston, I fell in love with her voice and knew at that moment that I wanted to mostly sing in English. I have always been extremely curious of other cultures and languages. When I hear a song that I like, I will be wanting to sing it, thus adding Spanish and Italian to my repertoire. When singing in different languages, I make sure I understand the song even though I don’t speak the language to be able to convey emotions. Understanding the words you are singing is very important.

Could you share some insights into your current and upcoming projects? What can your fans expect from you in the near future as you continue to pursue your musical dreams in Los Angeles?

Last April, I released the first single of an upcoming Ep. The song is entitled “Attention” it is a pop rnb anthem that my producer Jamelle Adisa and I have worked on and co-wrote. We released a music video on YouTube and the song is available on all platforms. We recorded a few other songs and will be ready to release the EP by December hopefully. As I speak fluent Arabic and French I believe in music fusion, I am proud of where I come from and I consider myself lucky to be diverse and to be able to add a taste of my culture in the music I work on. Stay tuned!

For more information on Ines Belayouni visit her website.