YUNGMANNY: INTERVIEW

March 31, 2021

by mariah estran

The 17-year-old rapper YungManny has recently dropped an addictive new track and video, “Clap For ‘Em." It is an energetic two-minutes loaded with a spry beat that spotlights the rapper's catchy verses alongside Flo Milli and Sada Baby.

The track is considered a sort of creative “first." The first time he worked with this type of beat to making sure each line felt quotable. “Clap For ‘Em” shows YungManny’s determination as an artist and a thing or two about making a song you’ll hear all summer long.

We recently spoke with YungManny about “Clap For ‘Em." He shares more insight on the production process, working with two of the hottest rappers, staying motivated, and if another release is in the works.

Your new track “Clap For ‘Em” has this vibrant dance vibe mixed with a stellar flow — making for something super catchy! What was the process like when producing this track?

YungManny: “I’ve never hopped on that type of beat before, but I take pride in being a jack of all trades. I knew I had to make something for the ladies and for the club. I made sure the hook and verse were filled with quotable lines, and then the cherry on top came when Derrick Milano came, added his finishing touches, and made the record what it is today. Almost everything I did that night was a first, but 11/10 session.”

You got the chance to collab with two of the hottest rappers, Flo Milli and Sada Baby! What was it like working with these two? And how did you know they would be perfect for the track?

Y: “Flo and I have been pretty close friends for some years now. I kinda feel like I watched her reach stardom in front of my own two eyes. She’s very passionate about her work and I see her hunger to get better. Sada Baby, whom I met through this song, is a very humble, extremely talented dude. I personally vibed to his songs before we linked up and when he came up as an idea to hop on that beat, it made more than enough sense. The record just felt natural and that’s why it’s so special.”

"Clap for 'Em" is your first release of 2021, but you have been releasing music for the last few years. How do you feel like your work is progressing?

Y: “I feel like I’m the hardest out and I put that on my mother. I’m so diverse with my beat/genre selection and I love the feeling of impressing people with my talent. Every line is said with the intent of capturing the listener’s heart and undivided attention. I will only get better by God’s grace. I think the world just needs to hear more. The music is there. Plus I’m only 17.”

What artists would you say are inspiring your new tracks?

Y: “Not too many people other than myself. If anyone is influencing my craft, the inspiration is coming from the grasp they hold over people and the connection they have with their fanbase, which I want to recreate with my own supporters.”

You started rapping at 12, you’re now 17, and you have not stopped working to put out new music. What keeps you motivated?

Y: “I genuinely want to be the greatest. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I want everyone to undeniably agree on that as well. But one day at a time.”

Lastly, what projects are you working on next? Is there another album in the works?

Y: “I humbly can say I improve every day. Lyrically, melodically, and simply sonically. My next body of work will be a timeless piece of art. Every word and every note has meaning. It’ll consist of a variety of emotions, but I can assure you that everyone will have a favorite. There’s no solidified date as of now, but EVERYONE should be on the lookout. If you don’t find it, it’ll find you.”

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'ALIENLOVER' / GRACIE GRAY: REVIEW

March 26, 2021

by mariah estran

Imagine a dream so vivid that it spawns the creation of new artwork. You might call it a miraculous moment of meant-to-be inspiration, and for Indie singer-songwriter Gracie Gray, that’s what happened.

Gray’s new single “alienlover” began after hearing her voice in a song during her sleep. She quickly turned to her voice memos to capture everything she recollected. The track developed into a cosmic ode, elevated by careful mixing that flatters the fuzzy guitar riffs, while the drum cadence makes it delightfully captivating.

In just over three minutes, you’re engrossed in Gray’s dreamlike state, which introduces itself by her brother, Jeremiah describing a spirit leading him through a house. His words fade out as the singer recites a feeling based on an interstellar story of an alien falling in love with a woman but unable to be together.

That correlation to the extraterrestrial, the concept of connecting to forces outside of us for a larger creative vision – is a concept an artist might find relatable. Gray was handed a spark of inspiration and constructed a striking introduction to her upcoming collection of experimental tunes by giving us “ailenlover."

Listen to alienlover on Spotify. Gracie Gray · Single · 2021 · 1 songs.

'CHEER UP BABY' / INHALER: REVIEW

March 24, 2021

by emma schoors

“Cheer Up Baby” feels like driving fast on a warm summer night, with nothing but the absolute sanctity of the moment in mind.

Inhaler is back with their first single since last October, and it’s one that’s been highly anticipated by devoted fans of the band. “Cheer Up Baby” has already carved its way deep into many fans hearts, and the release of a studio version is just a further cementing of that.

Drummer Ryan McMahon cuts in sharply soon after the song’s start, and keeps listeners engaged with fitting, unique fills. In the bridge, this is met by bassist Robert Keating’s unmistakable, weighty bass lines. Both musicians have signature playing styles, yet it’s clear that they’re upping their game with every song, and finding themselves as musicians in the process.

Josh Jenkinson’s lead guitar parts are crisp and tight, but maintain a beautiful melodic nature.

Imaginative riffs are part of what make him an absolutely vital creative force in the band. These sources of melody are paired well with lead singer and rhythm guitarist Elijah Hewson’s phenomenal vocals. With unbelievably strong voice control and an enchanting, demanding stage presence, Hewson is a charming lead in the band.

Inhaler has been rising rapidly in popularity in the past year, and these past couples of weeks have seen their follower count rising especially dramatically. If there was ever a time to check their music out, the time is now, and “Cheer Up Baby” is an outstanding place to start.

KASHAKA: INTERVIEW

March 23, 2021

by mariah estran

The Los-Angeles-based producer/recording artist Kashaka, New-York area director Patricia Gloum, and production company BRAWHAUS recently joined creative forces to create the lively visual for “SHABBAS GOSPEL.” The music video shifts from shots of the treasured “Everyday Afrique” dance parties in Williamsburg to stunning contemporary choreography on a sandy beach in Queens.

It is a story that supports the tune's groovy, electronic nature enveloped in a hypnotizing bass-filled beat. But it all started as a few organ chords combined with a night of analyzing how the artist felt about his insecurities and anxiety.

Kashaka took the time to tell us more about the story of “SHABBAS GOSPEL," his production process, collaborating with Patricia Golum, and what project he is working on next.

Your latest single, “SHABBAS GOSPEL,” is a fun, groovy tune that started as isolated vocals over organ chords and bass. What was the production process like for this track?

Kashaka: “It started with those organ chords in the beginning. Then I recorded the vocals, just humming and not saying any words. After that came a couple more synth layers and the drums. Eventually I started thinking about the ‘B’ section which was the drop where things get a lot more simple and straight forward — I wanted the drums to dance and groove and be this melancholic dance track so I focused on a kick and sub bass pattern that had similar energy to Vybz Kartel and Major Lazer’s ‘Pon De Floor.’ Then I sped up the vocal from the first section and chopped it up for the breakdown section. The risers and build up fx, as well as the outro section and overall arrangement all followed.”

What story did you want to tell and want listeners to feel with this track?

K: “When I made the song, I was just alone in a studio in the middle of the night and was reflecting on some of my feelings of insecurity and anxiety. Music has always been therapy for me as it has for many others, so this song was just a way for me to process some of those feelings. If listeners can relate to the music on that same level, or reinterpret and enjoy it for their own reason, or even just dance to it, then that’s a blessing and a bonus.”

I’ve read that you were the co-founder of “Everyday Afrique” and resident DJ at the Output in Williamsburg. Why was it important for you to showcase the “Everyday Afrique” party in the video for “SHABBAS GOSPEL”?

K: “I really wanted to put Everyday Afrique in the video because it was a good setting to explore someone dealing with and then overcoming social anxiety at a party. But I also wanted to show the party because it’s a really warm, energetic and welcoming environment full of beautiful people in a gorgeous setting. It’s also the first place I played ‘SHABBAS GOSPEL’ to a crowd, years before its release.”

These dance parties are few and far between now due to the pandemic. If any, how has this new way of life affected your creativity?

K: “Yeah, I think we’re all missing dance parties and any gathering, really. I would go to the worst bar or a terrible house party if it meant I could safely hang with a bunch of friends right now, that’s how desperate I am for social gatherings. In terms of creativity, I’m still inspired by music I hear, just at home or while I’m in the car or something I hear in an IG story or a TikTok video. Not going out means I can’t Shazam a song I’d hear at the function, but staying in has also given me the opportunity to do deep dives into different artists’ full catalogues. It can be hard to write new songs cause the days are kind of monotonous right now so you can’t write about new life experiences in the same way. At the same time boredom often sparks creativity so there’s been periods in this year where I’ve been incredibly creative and prolific with writing new stuff.”

The music video captures the energy of the single. How did you and director Patricia Gloum work together to develop this imagery?

K: “I have to give a lot of credit to Patricia and the whole crew. Especially Kiko aka Erēz 5k — he had never acted before and he really showed up and was able to portray a wide range of emotions within a fairly abstract video. For the imagery, I had several calls with Patricia and gave her my feelings of the arc of the song and the emotions it represented and then she was able to actualize that with visual representations. We talked a lot about locations and visualizations and then she actually sketched out some shot ideas like a comic book.”

How do you feel like the video compliments the song?

K: “I think the video creates a world for the song to live in. That’s the best you can hope for when making a video. It’s a bit abstract but I think it’s visually beautiful and compelling.”

Lastly, regarding the future, I heard you’ll be releasing a full-length album! What can you tell us about this upcoming project?

K: “I’m writing a lot of songs for my solo project under my name, Eli Evnen. There isn’t a full-length album finished yet but that’s the plan for this year. I have a handful of songs I really like and I’m going to keep writing til I have about 10 or 12 that go well together, and then I’ll start plotting a release. :) As far as Kashaka productions and releases, there’s a lot of songs I’m excited about putting out this year, whether they’re under my name as an artist or produced for other artists. Topaz’s album is coming soon and I co-produced a song on there that I’m really excited for people to hear. People can stay in the loop for upcoming releases by following my artist page Eli Evnen and producer page Kashaka on Spotify and Instagram.”

FIND KASHAKA ONLINE

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'FUCK YO FRIENDS' / KILLBOY: REVIEW

March 19, 2021

by emma schoors

LA-based KILLBOY’s latest single “FUCK YO FRIENDS” is a bright, eccentric, and upfront tune for anyone looking for a unique addition to their 2021 playlist.

Laid upon a simple beat, the melodic and confident vocals provide a beautiful, textured quality. While the song is not overly complex, there lies its beauty: it’s easy to listen to, and therefore is fit for a wide audience. It’s easy to get lost in the song, or play it on loop, as it has an addictive quality.

Something that’s sorely lacking in this world right now is honesty, and the single’s lyrics are as personal and honest as it gets. KILLBOY expresses her disdain for friends who aren’t supportive, and asserts that they aren’t true friends if their prerogative is to bring others down. This theme, while approached bluntly, is vital to explore: the value of true friendship, and the need to let go of friendships that don’t allow you to grow and be genuinely happy.

KILLBOY is surely going to be on more and more people’s radars musically, and “FUCK YO FRIENDS” is a great starting point in her neon, unapologetic, authentic discography.