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Ju-Lion The Voice Interview: The Boy, The Gift and the Spiritual Fire Behind ‘The Boy & The Voice’

Posted on 24 May 2026

Ju-Lion The Voice rooted his latest album, The Boy & The Voice, in calling, faith, growth, and the deeper meaning behind a gift that has followed him since childhood. In this interview, he opens up about the spiritual weight behind the title, the connection between the boy and the voice, and how music became a vessel for purpose rather than surface-level attention. He also reflects on family, military life, fatherhood, ministry, early influences from Michael Jackson, Phil Collins and Wu-Tang Clan, and the moment he realised his voice could command a room with more than melody.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Ju-Lion The Voice, we’re hyped to have you here and to open up the world behind The Boy & The Voice.

There’s a whole world of spiritual weight behind the title The Boy & The Voice Who is “the boy”, who is “the voice”, and what part of you did this album finally give language to?

Great Question, it is definitely a lot of spiritual weight as the album highlights the manifested growth of the gift I was given and how I changed perspectively over time with it….so the “Boy” is me but it’s also anyone from small who was given the ability, the gift to do something great….and so, the voice is that gift. That talent. That one thing you have been blessed beyond measure to do. Mine happened to revolve around my voice. So this album acknowledges that and speaks to that developed understanding.

Before we step into the album, who is Ju-Lion The Voice at the core, away from the releases, the visuals, the studio, and the public-facing version of the artist?

So, this might sound crazy, especially in today’s industry….but who you see and hear is the same person. In fact, Ju-Lion is my spiritual name. I actually get called that in everyday life. So I am that old school, positive-minded, spiritual person. There is no split personality; we are one and the same. The added parts if anything is apart from music, I’m a husband, a dad, an older sibling, a pastor, a podcaster and a military vet lol.

What first pulled you towards music, and when did you realise your voice could carry something heavier than melody alone?

I’ve been drawn to music since birth…mom would play it….family was musically inclined…dj’s…some knowing people in the industry….so I was always around music…but the bug to make it?…that was influenced by legends like Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Wu Tang Clan from across many genres…I always loved to sing and write, but knowing when my voice carried more weight. School showed signs, and even when I started working. I would always have a way of when I spoke, people listened….and not just those my age but all ages. The military was where it clicked when I spoke and 500 people got quiet…and just listened. Intently.

You’ve said the album is about a calling placed on you, using your voice to send a message. What brought this project into focus, and was there a specific moment when you knew this had to become a full body of work?

Where I’m at in my music career and life in general has brought that focus. I’m always imparting a word to someone, having a conversation. Spiritually engaging with a person. So at first this project was supposed to be a prequel to an album I was doing…and as it pieced together it got bigger, it spoke louder to me and I realized. I never told this story, I never revealed this truth about me. People have always talked about my voice but don’t know the true background behind it. So I finally, stopped and felt in my heart. In my soul. This is the story I want to share.

The album encourages others to trust the calling or purpose they have been spiritually gifted with. How do you personally separate fear from guidance when you’re trying to move in alignment with that purpose?

By understanding the God doesn’t make you operate from a place of fear, and the guidance fulfills the purpose. The alignment is confirmation of that purpose. So as long as I move according to my spirit, I will be driven by the right factors and ultimately achieve what I was called to do. That has never failed. The fear creeps in from distractions and things that have no purpose. Like how much money can I make from this album? Will everyone like it? Am I following the same strategy as everyone else to ensure this album is successful? All those things is not the point. They can be an outcome. Like this album could resonate with a lot of people. Does it have to? No and I’m perfectly OK with that, I’m at peace with it.

For listeners coming to The Boy & The Voice after hearing your previous releases, what makes this album feel different in its writing, sound, message, or emotional temperature?

Everything in my music originates from my first songs in the Mike files. It focused on growth, pain, discovery and so forth…but lately, EP’s like “I Bet You Won’t Listen” or “A Way Foward” have been pulling even further in a conversational direction. Pulling more from inward and really exposing it out to people in a ….do you ever feel like this? kind of way….The Boy & The Voice fully taps into to that…two conversations playing parallel to each other. My story of growth with a gift I didn’t understand at first, and my encouragement to those still trying to figure out how to tap into theirs. Which has really pushed my writing on this album, along with the Musicality and my overall thought process. It has been a deep experience. Deeper than I have ever gone. Which is why it’s core is incredibly spiritual.

Looking across your discography so far, which earlier song or project feels like it planted the first seed for this album, even if you only recognised that connection later?

You could say the in the deepend album series planted it…but honestly, the songs that really had a hand was “After your gone” from in the deepend 3 and “One Day” on the EP “I Bet You Won’t Listen ” ….they built the question of what do I truly want the music to do? What do I want to impact? What is the impact? And that led to thinking about my gift…the chain reaction led to this album.

When people read this, what do you hope people understand about you, your faith, your purpose, and your music after spending time with The Boy & The Voice?

Music always has been unbalanced lately and you can see the effect…I’m not trying to eradicate other forms of music…but damn, I just want to offer people a music alternative you can relate to….that speaks to you, and resonates more with everyday life. Music you can use for all kinds of occasions, that doesn’t grow stale and the meaning of how it applies to your life changes with you bringing a fresh perspective everytime. To know my faith is real, now superficial…this isn’t religion. I live this…my purpose is feeding people with music that heals and fuels, not adds to the struggle life already brings. Be an example for my kids as well as other youths…and finally, when this album drops…and you hear it…I hope it drives you to know that no matter where you are in life, you have the ability to make a difference.

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Discover Ju-Lion The Voice on all major platforms via this link.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Nick Cody & The Heartache is at the Crossroads of ‘Sweet Songs and Bitter Truth’ with His Latest LP: An Interview

Posted on 10 May 2026

With Sweet Songs & Bitter Truth, locked, loaded and ready to unleash, Nick Cody & The Heartache arrived at this interview with a record that refuses emotional simplicity.

The album holds protest and tenderness in the same grip, moving from sharp-eyed commentary on political madness to songs shaped by loss, love, mischief and memory. In this conversation, Nick reflects on writing from outrage without losing hope, paying tribute to a dearly missed friend in Another Thin White Duke, and bringing together a cast of musicians who keep the project fluid, soulful and gloriously human. He also opens up about Liz Hanks’ cello adding a fresh emotional shade to the record, the significance of supporting Martin Simpson, and why this release has pushed his writing into even bolder territory.

Sweet Songs & Bitter Truth is built around two very different emotional and political currents, so when you were shaping the album, what made you want to place tenderness and protest side by side rather than keep them in separate worlds?

From observing world events, I found myself heading into “full Billy Bragg” mode commentary about a lot of the craziness around the globe. In the same way at one point I looked at the live set we were preparing and thought “OMG, people have enough doom and gloom in the news, without me reinforcing all the craziness around the globe!” So I decided some balance would be helpful to offer some optimism. It took me ages to come up with a title that would bring these two very different worlds together, but “Sweet songs and bitter truth” really works well. I also had the terrific Sarah Patrick once again create some great visuals for the album,

The first two singles on the LP, The World’s Richest Man and We Are the Many, take a clear-eyed look at the state of the world, so what was pushing hardest on your mind when those songs were written?

“The World’s Richest Man” was inspired by seeing a particular character with a chainsaw on TV gesticulating about what he was going to do and something flipped and I thought “For f**cks sake, what is this?” The line “The World’s richest man, far right on stage” is of course intentional and I will let the listener decide for themselves how to interpret that line…

“We are the many” was inspired by watching a face off on TV between two groups at an immigration in the UK. One group facing off against a right wing group chanted “We are the many, you are the few” I thought “What a brilliant chorus!” and so the song emerged from that.

The single, Another Thin White Duke, carries a dedication to David Bowie Jnr, which gives it an emotional gravity beyond tribute alone, so what did you most want to preserve about him in that song, the musician, the mischief, or the person behind both?

Dave Bowie Jnr was a dear friend and a brilliant musician. He played with a number of other great artists, including Snake Davis and The Ukulele Orchestra. He was witty, mischievous and would always be polite but speak his mind. He is greatly missed and a huge number of people came from all over to his funeral I included all the aliases of the more famous David Bowie and so the track deliberately references both individuals. Agi my longstanding vocalist does a great job as usual on this track. Later this year, we’ll release a version with the internationally renowned Snake Davis who had Dave in his band for many years.

Liz Hanks’ cello seems to open up a very different sonic palette on this record, so how did her presence shape the emotional temperature of the album?

I met Liz when I hosted her and Martin Simpson mack in 2024 and was amazed by her playing, such an amazing touch, Little wonder she is the go too artist for many greats including The Pet Shop Boys, Liam Gallagher, Richard Hawley, James and many other artists. Her cello adds a wonderful soulful touch to the album, so its sonically very different to any other artist contributing to my material to date.

With Agi, Harry Orme, Liz Hanks, Claire Helm, and Andy Wright all part of this wider musical world, what do you think each person brings that keeps Nick Cody & The Heartache feeling alive rather than fixed?

Clair Helm is a dark horse! She can literally sing the phone book and sing anything from opera to rock to roots. We have started on the “Cody/Helm” project for release in 2027. Andy Wright is a seasoned musician who knows exactly when to play and when not to play. I’m excited to be working with them and we’ll be together live supporting Martin Simpson. Harry Orme is a brilliant guitarist which is rock sold and can play anything I throw at him. Agi is a mind blowing vocalist I have been working with for almost nine years and Liz is as I have said a superb musician with amazing feel. I am delighted to be playing with them and they inspire me to create music that I would never have considered possible.

You’re supporting Martin Simpson at The Old Woollen, which is a huge moment, so what does a slot like that mean to you at this point, especially with Sweet Songs & Bitter Truth freshly out in the world as of May 8th?

I love supporting Martin as he brings a listening audience and as a support act you have to bring your A game. This is a great opportunity and I am grateful to Martin for all his support over the years. These days its tough for original artists to reach a wider audience and these windows of opportunity are truly precious and never to be taken for granted.

Looking ahead, do you feel this album has opened a new lane for your writing, one where social commentary and emotional intimacy can keep rubbing against each other in even sharper ways?

100% YES! I am already working on some more protest songs, including “Epic Love” which has a chorus “No amount of make up, makes up for human worth, the worst of the worst to ever walk this earth” As my good friend Martin Simpson would often say “As you can see, I have no strong feelings aabout this matter…

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Discover more about Nick Cody & The Heartache via their official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Interview: WIKIMAN – Identity, Reality, and the Future of Music

Posted on 10 May 2026

With his latest LP, Sentir, WIKIMAN presents himself as far more than a Latin pop artist chasing attention. This interview reveals an independent musician deeply invested in truth, protection, and purpose. He opened up about the real-life stories behind Sentir, including regret, missed love, devotion, and emotional closure, while reflecting on how this album sharpened the narrative focus that was still taking shape on Sueño.

There is a strong sense of reverence running through his answers to his listeners and a respect and responsibility to the people whose experiences inspired these songs. For anyone curious about the human reality behind WIKIMAN’s music, this conversation offers plenty to hold onto.

What has building solid foundations for your music meant to you, and how do you handle protecting your vocal identity against AI?

Building solid foundations has been a priority to ensure that the Wikiman project has the professional weight required by the international industry. This involves not just releasing tracks and music videos to connect with my followers, but also keeping everything in order administratively and legally. Recently, I have faced the challenge of others using my voice through artificial intelligence, which has forced me to be very rigorous with my digital “fingerprint” and my copyrights. While it is a challenge, I understand it happens because my vocal tone is unique and appealing to those creators; however, my focus will always be to protect the integrity and authenticity of my sound so that listeners know what they are hearing is legitimate.

Which songs make up this new album, and what stories do they narrate?

The album SENTIR (released in March 2026) is a collection of real-life experiences transformed into music to document the human experience and accompany processes of closure. Each track is a detailed chronicle:

“Migajera”: Exposes the story of a girl in love with a guy who, in turn, is in love with his own best friend. It is a story about confusion and the weight of loving when affection is directed elsewhere.

“Te extraño papá”: Born from the request of a 49-year-old fan who sought to express his regret for not having been the son he wished to be. It is a piece about forgiveness and nostalgia.

“Faltabas tú”: A deep promise of absolute loyalty where I express that I will always be by that special person’s side.

“Llegaste sin avisar”: Documents the beginning of modern relationships, where a simple “hello” on a social network becomes the origin of a love story.

“Hubiéramos sido tú y yo”: Explores the melancholy of what could have been, remembering a February 14th that couldn’t be spent together.

“Amor en silencio”: A ballad that stands out for a subtle instrumentation starting with a soft guitar, narrating the constant devotion of someone who loves from the shadows.

This journey features the voices of Liz Manzo Avilés and Yestherlyth Arriaga Avilés, who add the necessary sensitivity to bring these cases to life with honesty.

If you had to mention something you didn’t manage to develop artistically in your previous LP, Sueño, what would it be?

Although Sueño (2025) was my first major professional step, in SENTIR I achieved a much more robust narrative cohesion. In this project, I was able to consolidate my decision to move away from commercial trends to focus exclusively on the storytelling of real-life cases. I feel that in this album, the production is meticulously designed to accompany the completion of emotional cycles, achieving a maturity and transparency in the narrative that was still in development during my previous stage.

For those discovering you for the first time through Sentir, what do you hope they take away after the album ends?

My greatest wish is for them to be left with the feeling that someone out there truly understands what they have felt. I want the listener to feel that their intimate experiences, however difficult or complex, are validated through my music. By narrating such human stories, I hope people find a deep connection and feel they are not alone in their process of seeking understanding and serenity. My music is a tool for each person to identify their own story and feel that their reality has been heard with integrity.

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Stream the latest LP from WIKIMAN on Spotify.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Ian MacDonald – Fault Lines & Fire (Broken But Breathing: Sticky, Sweet and Storming Classic Rock, Reimagined for the Modern Day

Posted on 5 April 2026

Classic hard rock goes supersonic in the emotively fierce album Fault Lines & Fire (Broken But Breathing) by the UK-based prodigal son, Ian MacDonald. The voltage of his sonic signature sends sparks of electricity through you as you succumb to the anthemic force of the hard-hitting tracks, which kick off with the opening single, I Never Loved You.

The LP materialised after a long hiatus from MacDonald, who channelled lived experience, survival, resilience, emotional conflict and reflection into songs that carry real weight. That grounding gives the record its bite from the off. With some of the fiercest vindication you could prise from a rock release in 2026, MacDonald is set to leave a serious impression on critics and fans alike.

The way he has modernised rock by filtering the traditional motifs of sticky-sweet and storming hard-hitters through polished, adrenaline-fuelled production opens this album up to both classic rock diehards and listeners after something more immediate. Atmospheric guitar work meets direct, uncompromising lyricism, and the cinematic scope of the record keeps the emotional stakes high throughout. From The Night That Nearly Killed Me to Where Madness Reigns and What Would You Do If I Told You I Loved You, MacDonald built a body of work that will ensure rock n roll never dies on his watch.

The official video for the lead single, I Never Loved You, is now available to watch on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FS 1220 – Outer Limits: Expansively Horizonless Alt-Electronica

Posted on 17 March 2026

Under the moniker FS 1220, James B. Boggs reached the ‘Outer Limits‘ of alt-electronica with his latest full-length LP, a release that proves how far textural experimentation can go when it is in the hands of someone who treats sound as both a tactile substance and a portal.

In each cut, Boggs positions himself as an alchemist of scintillation; each track behaves like a different facet of the same expanding universe. You can meditate in the chill of the cosmos, feel basslines buzzsaw their way through iridescent twilight dioramas, or lock into the hedonic gravity of the faster-tempo work, where darkness gets dragged into filthy decadence until it writhes with after-hours pulse. Across all sixteen tracks, it becomes irrefutable that FS 1220 knows exactly how to take the reins of your rhythmic impulses and turn you into a marionette puppet, tugged through all his horizon-less intersections of alt-electronica.

What anchors the LP is the reverence for old-school analogue synths; they root the record in a lineage of darkwave descendants without tethering it to a nostalgic crutch. Futurism is always allowed to cut in, especially when the sci-fi sonorosity meets the illumination of contemporary production.

Boggs’ decades of underground sonic work culminate here, including his legacy across Hoodwink Records, EMF affiliations, and a labyrinth of aliases that feed directly into the depth of the production. The LP feels forged by someone who has lived inside the circuitry of his machines.

Outer Limits is now available to stream.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Existentialism met visceralism in Bookie’s hardcore no-wave LP, ‘So what good does living do me?’

Posted on 3 December 2025

So what good does living do me? by bookie

The NYC no wave scene delivered its fiercest shot of volition yet with the existential arrival of Bookie’s So what good does living do me?. While some will see nothing but dejection in that title, others will recognise a fair philosophical enquiry. If you fall into that latter camp, the hardcore LP, comprising nine distortion-heavy tracks that reach the epitome of guttural vindication, will hand you a form of catharsis that only comes from admitting that existence feels a lot like wading through psychological squalor.

The filthy yet efficaciously adrenalising production mirrors how dank reality can be if you rip away the façade holding society together. Each track gives you a new lens to peer into the void of modern life as the barrage of instrumentation and the off-kilter chameleonic vocals howl into the carnage. Not only did Bookie deliver the same authenticity as early hardcore pioneers in the vein of Napalm Death, they did it with conceptual depth, mind-twisting samples and sheer inhibition that loosens the knots of their rhythms.

Bookie formed in New York as a hardcore unit built around Gavin Hughes, Niko Hasapopoulos and Scott Chupp. The LP came to life through a self-released process, recorded and engineered by Jack Lynch at Pottawatomie Creek, with the mixing and mastering shaped by Niko Hasapopoulos. You can hear the hands-on approach in the rawness that spills through the record. Nothing feels over-tailored. It sounds like three artists making the kind of noise that keeps them sane while outlining a worldview many listeners quietly share. It is an LP for anyone who has stared at the state of the world and thought the same question the title poses.

So what good does living do me? is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Maddisun turns the page: an interview written in chords, confessions, and wildfire wanderlust

Posted on 12 October 2025

In her most intimate project yet, Maddisun lays her heart bare across The Pages — a 12-track album structured like a musical journal, where every song captures a snapshot of emotion, revelation, or hard-won clarity. From the vulnerability of “Open Door” to the hard-fought resolve in “Get Through,” she transforms raw moments into something luminous, guided by the lessons of over 500 shows around the world and the inspiration she found in Nashville’s songwriting heartland. Drawing from vintage folk, Southern rock, and Americana influences, Maddisun reflects on confidence, creative evolution, and the deeply personal stories that shaped this record. In this candid interview, she opens up about turning pain into beauty, building immersive live experiences, and finding balance between wild adventure and grounded reflection.

**Welcome to A&R Factory, Maddisun! We’re excited to sit down with you as The Pages makes its way into the world.**

“The Pages” feels like a deeply intimate project — what made you decide to structure it like a musical journal with 12 “pages” instead of a more traditional album format?

This whole album felt very journal-esque as I was writing and building everything. So, it kind of just showed itself to me that way. It’s interesting for me with albums – sometimes they just reveal themselves to me and completely take over into a whole world of their own. The creativity and ideas just run wild for me, so I just went with it.

Each track captures a specific moment or feeling — were there any pages that were particularly hard to write, and how did you know when they were ready to be shared?

Yes, for sure. Each track was different to write, of course.

The song “Get Through” took me a while to write. I did it in two separate writing sessions, where the chorus came before anything and I built the rest of the song around that, which isn’t my usual style. I’m one to finish a song from start to finish in the same day. I really wanted to get the words right. Oftentimes I don’t go back and edit songs because the words that come out in the moment usually fit the best phonetically.

You’ve spoken about turning hard moments into beauty — can you tell us about a song on the album that really encapsulates that philosophy?

“Open Door” was written through a bit of a rough time for me. I was trying to be with and connect with people who just weren’t letting me in, and then I came to realize that I shouldn’t be giving my energy and love to people that don’t want to receive it. That was kind of a revelation to me, even though it’s pretty basic.

I didn’t expect this song to make it on the album, but it fit as a perfect transition into the second “chapter/half” of the album, and it really showcases my vulnerability and passion.

You’ve performed over 500 shows across Canada, Ireland, and Los Angeles — how have those travels shaped the sound and soul of this album?

Yes, performing is my bread and butter, and I feel super at home on stage – like I was born to do it. These travels certainly made me more brave in my music – where I am now, anyway. I feel like I have more confidence in my sound, because I’ve gone all over the world to figure it out.

This album was really inspired by my recent trip to Nashville. I spent a few weeks there writing (“The Pages”, “Big Star”, “Your Muse”, “Colours”) and it really made an impact on the sound of this record. I feel like I’ve found my true sound and it’s definitely one of nomadic dreams and adventures!

The record draws on vintage folk, Southern Rock, and Americana influences — what drew you to those sounds and how did they help tell your story?

I’ve always been so deeply inspired by vintage rock and roll and country – this is the music I grew up on! So, it’s only natural that it made its way into my own music.

A lot of my writing inherently starts as either country or like a rock/folk ballad. The folk world is so cool, and I took a lot of inspiration from folk imagery and styles, specifically for the album artwork and photos, but then also female rock icons like Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and Heart.

You’ve got endorsements from some big names in the guitar world — how important is gear and instrumentation to capturing the emotions you want in your music?

Gear and instrumentation are really important to me, because they’re the tools that help me translate what I’m feeling into sound. Shout out to Aria Guitars and Yamaha Canada for setting me up. I feel so lucky to have their support.

Having instruments that inspire me makes such a difference. The right guitar tone or keyboard patch can completely unlock the emotion I’m trying to capture in a song. At the end of the day, the feeling starts within me, but having the gear that resonates with my style allows me to bring that emotion to life and share it in the most authentic way possible and also allows me to be comfortable and cool on stage.

With the album release show in Toronto and more dates ahead, what can fans expect from your live performances during this new chapter?

My album release show in Toronto was sold out, which was such an amazing feeling! It really set the tone for this new chapter.

Fans can expect my live shows to be more than just concerts. I love creating entire worlds with my music. For “The Pages”, I’ve brought in exclusive merch, lyric sheets that I hand out, and a lot of space for connection and storytelling. I want people to leave feeling like they were part of something truly personal, like we created our own little world. And of course, one of my favorite traditions is ending the night by serving pumpkin pie!

You’ve released three albums and more than ten singles in the past five years — how do you keep your creativity fuelled and your perspective fresh with each project?

I keep my creativity fuelled by really living life to the fullest. Travel and wild experiences are a huge part of my process. I’m pretty much up for anything. But it’s also about balance.

I escape into the woods and mountains in my hometown in BC, and that’s where I process everything. Laying in the hot springs or hiking in nature helps me reconnect with myself, clear my head, and find new perspective. Then I take that grounding energy and combine it with the adventure, spontaneity, and bohemian ‘let’s go for it’ attitude I bring into my travels. That mix of stillness and chaos keeps my music fresh and authentic.

Stream The Pages on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Kev Scott & The Cherished Times release a soulful love story with ”Carry You”

Posted on 19 June 2020

You have to carry on no matter obstacles are in the way. We want the love to live forever and won’t give up if we know it’s right. Can we see this light shine through or will it fade into darkness with hurt and only memories?

2020 sees UK artist Kev Scott return with a fourth studio album. This time he is enthusiastically joined by recording band The Cherished Times. The band was formed by Kev to give recognition to the regular number of musicians and singers he enjoys working with and who help inspire him to make music.

”Exhausted Fantasies” is the latest album from Kev and the band and it’s a much anticipated release. His music is hauntingly real and the style is so timeless. Kev is such a good lyricist and you feel the hurt in his voice. ”Carry On” is a strong song and one that will have you swaying back and forth.

This is one of the UK’s most underrated singer-songwriters right here before us. His music is acclaimed and you want him to get the love that he craves. 2020 brings us a wrapped treat all full of goodness and Kev Scott & The Cherished Times impress mightily here.

The latest music from is on Spotify from 26th June so be sure to check it out.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen