ETHAM: INTERVIEW

December 11, 2023

by martina rexrode

Etham's latest EP Patterns is a study in patience and musical evolution. While staying true to his stripped back, acoustic roots, this project builds onto that style in a way that feels just as authentic. After a string of collaborations and global travel, Etham is ready to show a new side of himself and his music to listeners.

Congratulations on your new EP! What can you tell us about this project as a whole?

Etham: “Thank you! This project feels like a step forward that I’ve never taken before. I think adding more of a sound to the music instead of just a stripped acoustic record feels really good to finally give my listeners more of an identity, and I’m just really proud of it!”

How does the Patterns EP differentiate from your past releases?

Etham: “I think I took a lot longer to write the songs and took my time. I think also adding more of a sound to some of the records gave it a massive difference to my previous releases, and I’m just really happy with how the patience worked out!”

This EP is described as having some of your favorite songs you’ve ever written. Which ones, if you had to choose, are your favorites and why?

Etham: “I think ‘I Won’t’ and ‘Patterns’ are a couple of my favourite songs I’ve ever written because they are probably my most honest songs I’ve ever done, and to back that up with the music that works so well together makes me really proud of them both.”

Which artists or general people in your life have had the largest impact on your ability to tap into such deep emotional depth within your music?

Etham: “I think just the history of music and how some records are literally what everybody goes through, and so taking that inspiration of those deep and personal lyrics have always appealed to me because it’s almost like therapy and how you really start to understand your feelings more.”

You’ve had a busy last half of the year! Between a sold out show in Seoul, South Korea and a UK busking tour last month which raised money for YoungMinds, a mental health charity, what have been some of your most cherished memories from this year?

Etham: “I think doing the headline show in South Korea to 700 people was just a highlight of a lifetime let alone the year! So I think that is one of the biggest things I’ll always cherish.”

How did your collaboration with South Korean artist GEMINI come to fruition?

Etham: “So I was doing a writing trip in Seoul and GEMINI reached out on Instagram and asked if I wanted to swing by the studio to meet. So I went and we played each other some music, and he’s so talented that I suggested we do a release. So after a few months went by writing and trying to pick the right song, we finally landed on a song I wrote earlier in the year called ‘Put You First,’ and he killed it so much and just so happy we got to do a record together.”

How has your success in South Korea impacted your career more generally?

Etham: “It’s done everything for me to be honest. It’s given me the opportunity to work with other artists on their projects as well as pushing my own records, so I’m just so grateful to the people that are supporting me out there. It literally means the world.”

What do you hope listeners gain or get out of this new EP?

Etham: “I hope it offers peace for those that can relate to what I’m singing about because I know I’m not alone with how I feel on some of the songs, and I just hope that’s the thing they take from it.”

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BETTER JOY: INTERVIEW

December 8, 2023

by emma schoors

Manchester-based Better Joy, fronted by Bria Keely and inspired by the archetypal classics she grew up on, is a timeless collision of light and dark in every way. “Hard To Love,” their first ever single, meshes lush, breezy guitars with Keely’s minimalistic melodies, contrasted by moments of lyrical despondence and doubt.

“I think the goal was always to create something that sounded fresh and exciting,” Keely shared of the band’s beginnings, adding that artists she discovered more recently like The Strokes, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Phoebe Bridgers, and The Cure are central to informing her brand new sound. “After a healthy number of identity crises and lots of trial and error, the sound kind of just grew into what it is now.” Keely calls upon a mixture of clever metaphors and heart-on-sleeve earnestness to form Better Joy’s foundation, all the while keeping things light by folding in inviting, warm visuals.

Filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Sam Kristofski, the music video for “Hard To Love” gives way to the pop simplicity and new wave magnetism that reels listeners in upon first listen. “I could say that filming in Los Angeles was intentional and that I was looking for the right spot to film this, but really, I just love Sam Kristofski as a director and loved a video he did for Fazerdaze. When the opportunity came up to film with him, I ate that up,” Keely says. The video features Keely frolicking across the desert, thrashing around bouquets of flowers, and looking longingly into broken mirrors — cut into short, back-and-forth clips, it effortlessly mirrors the track’s nervous undercurrent. “I love his style and the timelessness to his videos. It was really in hindsight that we realized how well the song and the video went together.”

We had the pleasure of chatting with Keely recently about her first radio play, performing to devoted audiences across the UK, and milestones she hopes to reach with Better Joy in the coming year.

Thank you for joining us, and many congratulations on “Hard To Love!” How are you feeling after your debut single’s release?

Bria: “Thank you so much! I feel really proud of myself and the band, it’s been an incredible month so far and I’m so grateful for all the love. It’s definitely made me so excited to release more music, if a little impatient that it’s not until the new year!”

The story of Better Joy’s inception is rather unique. What were the initial conversations like while putting the project together, and what ultimately pushed you all to take the leap with this new sonic chapter?

Bria: “I think the goal was always to create something that sounded fresh and exciting! After a healthy number of identity crises and lots of trial and error, the sound kind of just grew into what it is now.”

“Hard To Love” enjoyed its first radio play with BBC Radio 6. Talk to us about what it’s like to hear your music over the airwaves for the very first time — it must be surreal!

Bria: “Yep, this was absolutely mad! Being on the radio itself is obviously a huge achievement, but to hear it for the first time on the radio on the day it was released was something else! We were so grateful for the lovely introduction by Chris Hawkins too and couldn’t really believe it was happening — definitely a moment we’ll never forget.”

The single’s accompanying music video was filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Sam Kristofski. As the band’s introductory video, it invites audiences right into the nostalgia and melancholic charm that defines the track. How did the idea to film on the west coast come about?

Bria: “I could say that filming in Los Angeles was intentional and that I was looking for the right spot to film this, but really, I just love Sam Kristofski as a director and loved a video he did for Fazerdaze. When the opportunity came up to film with him, I ate that up (who wouldn’t?!)!! I love his style and the timelessness to his videos. It was really in hindsight that we realized how well the song and the video went together. Feel really lucky that I got to work with him, he’s a cool guy.”

“Hard To Love” calls upon an array of influences to form its trademark sound. What types of music did you grow up on, and do you feel they bleed into your vernacular now as a songwriter?

Bria: “I grew up on the classics like Johnny Cash, Oasis, and Queen. To be honest, I hear a lot more of the artists and bands that came into my life later on, such as The Strokes, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Phoebe Bridgers, and The Cure than I do those earlier influences.”

You’ve performed for audiences in London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, and more this past month. How has the live reaction been so far to your new material?

Bria: “Really positive! The reaction has been incredible and, if I’m being honest, a little bit overwhelming. I’m so happy that people are loving the music and I can’t wait for the rest of the songs to be out in the world, so that more people can be at the gigs singing along to the lyrics.”

Where do you picture Better Joy this time next year? Are there any major milestones you have your sights on, or venues you’ve been dying to play?

Bria: “I hope that this time next year, we’ll be coming off the back of a summer of festivals. It’s a massive dream of mine to play at Glastonbury, maybe it’s too soon to want that for next year… but if you’re reading this, Emily Eavis, we’re available!! I really wanna play the Albert Hall in Manchester, so if I’m thinking big, I’d love for us to be headlining our own tour next year.”

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JULIA BHATT: INTERVIEW

December 3, 2023

by martina rexrode

Julia Bhatt is a fresh talent who encompasses all that it means to be a Gen-Z person today. With a succinct perspective on the world and a voice that sounds like it has lived a thousand lives, it’s clear that Bhatt has a bright future in this industry. Her sophomore EP Grab Bag is a mixture of covers and original songs that will reach through your headphones and find a place within you. Unclear talked to Bhatt about this EP, her inspirations, and her aspirations.

You describe your most recent single “For the World” as your version of a “big sigh.” How do you imagine you’ll describe the feeling of releasing your full EP? Another big sigh or something greater?

Julia: “The EP represents a break from reality for me. That doesn’t mean good or bad, but it’s just a step back to think. That’s what it feels like for me a bit. Being able to leave the world of the music industry and what other people want feels freeing. Doing only what I felt like recording when I did feels very different compared to the other music I've released.”

What does “For the World” convey to listeners?

Julia: “I don’t have any specific messages past what I sing or write about, so all I can hope is that people enjoy it and feel a little bit of whatever they need to feel.”

In what ways does your EP Grab Bag embody its title?

Julia: “It’s a pretty random mix. It’s mostly sad songs with a popular rap song thrown in there. People often ask why I included it and for me, grab bags are about playing a few songs that I’m into at the time that have no relation to one another except for the fact that I enjoy them!”

How did you choose the two songs you covered on Grab Bag?

Julia: “I was just listening to them over and over. I had paused making music and they were songs that made me want to resume.”

You’re only twenty-one years old, but your voice and lyrics are filled with so much grit and raw emotion. Where do you find yourself pulling inspiration from?

Julia: “Haha, I’ve been through a lot at a young age. I feel things super hard and it just comes out when I write. I suppose it’s what happens when you think too much.”

What is the biggest difference you’ve noticed within yourself since you started releasing music in 2019?

Julia: “I’ve been trying things more. I’ve been experimenting with different sounds and technology. This album doesn’t have a ton of it, but the new stuff will come out eventually. :)”

What do you hope listeners will find in this new EP?

Julia: “I just hope people like the music. I hope it finds people who could use it. It’s kinda sad, but there’s as much a place for sad music as happy music.”

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LOLA MALONE: INTERVIEW

December 1, 2023

by martina rexrode

German-American indie-pop artist Lola Malone’s debut single “Label” is an honest depiction of how one feels when processing a diagnosis or being put into a box. Recently, she’s released a music video for this single that brings the viewer directly into the lives of Malone and her friends, bringing us along for the recording process as well. Her casual discussion of mental health in just this debut single is impressive and promises a bright future for her as an artist.

Congratulations on your debut single and the accompanying music video! What can you tell us about the story behind “Label”?

Lola: “Thank you so much! ‘Label’ is a song about mental health and the struggles of finding out who you are in the world, especially with the lack of actual care that many people receive after being given an official diagnosis. I wrote the song sometime at the end of 2022 after my sister finished her journey of getting a professional diagnosis.

One diagnosis was ADHD, which we recently discovered heavily within our family. During the time it took for her to get some answers, my mom had to help fill out questionnaires for the doctors. She turned to me while she was filling out the ADHD form and said, ‘Lola, this sheet has around 50 symptoms, all of which are related to you.’ The news initially shocked me, yet over time, things began to click for me. Especially when explaining why I would find certain school subjects harder and why I would do better or focus more on tests where extra time was added. Not to mention all my friends saying, ‘You've finally realized Lola,’ as if I were the only one who didn't notice I had strong ADHD tendencies.

So not long after, I applied to get a diagnosis, which could take years for me to get. But from the stress and confusion I felt with the news of my potential diagnosis, I went to my room, and within around 30 minutes, ‘Label’ was created.”

How important is it to you for music to discuss subjects like mental health, especially today?

Lola: “I feel as though it’s very important to highlight mental health as a topic of discussion wherever you can. In my opinion, music will always be one of the best creative ways to discuss these harder topics.

Mental health is a topic that is becoming increasingly talked about on social media, and the recent consequences of COVID-19, I believe, have set off a wave of mental health alarms in many houses. In my case, it did. As a result, it has had an impact on music, with artists producing songs about their own struggles, like ‘dying on the inside’ by Nessa Barrett.

Where women are often diagnosed with ADHD later in comparison to men, or some cases, never at all, it is important to me to try and create songs that explore this topic from a female songwriter's perspective. I want to try, like many storytellers, to create a discussion among listeners and make people question how they feel and what causes them issues within their minds.”

The music video feels very intimate, almost like a vlog, as the viewer follows you meeting up with your friends and watches the recording process. What made you decide to go in this direction for your first music video?

Lola: “The decision was very easy for me to make in terms of the direction of the music video. I have always been obsessed with camcorders and old VHS-style videos, so I knew that if I could ever get the chance, I would want my first video to be shot with one. When talking to my sister, Jasmine Engel-Malone, the director of the music video, she agreed that this stylistic choice would fit the song.

Growing up around the whole 2010 YouTube vlog era, I was always watching vlogs or a BTS video to whatever song I was obsessed with at the time. I thought it would be cool to do something similar for the ‘Label’ video and pay homage to that era. I wanted to create something chill and intimate for the audience to watch. Also, when recording ‘Label,’ me and my friends were having a fun time, and you can hear that on the track, I hope, so I wanted to give the audience a visualization of this energy we have when working together.”

What are some of your favorite music videos? Do you see your own music videos going in similar directions to those as your career progresses?

Lola: “Picking favorites is really hard! Recently, I've been loving these one-takes, or at least they give the impression of being a one-take video with a constantly changing set design. Such as ‘Back on 74’ by Jungle or ‘Money Game, Pt. 3’ by Ren. Even ‘Chemical’ by Post Malone and ‘lovely’ by Billie Eilish and Khalid, both have edits but still have that same flow of being in a small set as it changes.

I just love the artistic style; seeing the shot focus on one person while the set behind the camera changes constantly in the room creates this calm, flowing movement in the video. Although it seems so hectic to create, it’s so satisfying to watch, and I would love to try this style of videography out at some point in my career. I also love videos that help visualize whatever the song is about lyrically or the general vibe of those lyrics and emotions, such as ‘Escapism.’ by RAYE, ‘feel like shit’ by Tate McRae, and ‘National Anthem’ by Lana Del Rey. I want to be able to give my song lyrics a strong visual representation through my videos.”

Which topics do you hope to tap into as an artist in future releases?

Lola: “So far, my songs have always focused on whatever I am experiencing in my own life, whatever is having a personal knock-on effect on me or someone I know. Being 18 and turning 19 next week, I have mostly focused on young adult life and its struggles, such as relationships with parents, friendship, and mental health.

I'd like to get better at storytelling when tackling current issues, such as forms of abuse in relationships or today's standards of body image. Not only do I wish to tackle those topics of hardness, but I also wish to get better at creating lighthearted and so-called happy songs to go alongside the darker topics.

So when thinking of what I hope to tap into one day, I would love to eventually write a love song. I have not written a song about love, which is so funny since that's what the music charts are mostly made of.”

If you could set three goals for your career (as big or as small as you want), what would they be?

Lola: “My dream is to write a song with a German songwriter or an artist like CRO. Although CRO does German hip-hop, I love his music and his writing style.

I would love the opportunity not only to test and improve my abilities to write in German but also to create something for my German-speaking family members to have. Plus, it would just be cool to write with him.

Secondly, to get on mainstream radio in any country, mostly England or Germany, To turn on the radio and hear a song I've written and sung would be crazy. And finally, to be an opener for any of these artists would be a dream: Lily Allen, Paramore, or Billie Eilish”

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AVA KING: INTERVIEW

November 28, 2023

by martina rexrode

With the holiday season in full swing, electro-pop artist Ava King is here to offer a different perspective. Her latest single “Worst In Me” is just one fiery, unapologetically honest taste of what’s to come from her debut album SEX MONEY GOD set to release next year. King is on track to becoming a breakout star in the ever-expanding world of badass women who not only perform their music but also write, produce, and hold incredible creative control.

Congratulations on the release of your new single! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “Worst In Me”?

Ava: “At the time I wrote it, ‘Worst In Me’ was inspired by a friendship gone sour. I couldn’t honestly say the other person was a bad person, out in their lives they were even a great person, I can’t say I’m 100% a bad person either, it’s just that when we were together we would become quite awful people. It’s my meditation on a situation where two people hate each other, but it’s honestly no one’s fault.”

Since it’s described as an “anti-holiday single,” were there any specific aspects of holiday songs that you wanted to push against?

Ava: “Not specifically push against holiday songs in particular, I understand that for most people the holidays are filled with family and wonderful memories. I just don’t see any other reality around the holidays depicted though, it’s all just total happiness, but what about the reality in which family relationships are tense or dysfunctional? What about the reality in which the holidays are more draining and slightly traumatic than warm and fuzzy?”

What is your favorite lyric in “Worst In Me”?

Ava: “‘There ain’t nothing wrong with us, as long as we take separate planes.’”

This single was written and produced in your living room which is nothing short of impressive. How long have you been producing?

Ava: “Thank you for your kind words! I’ve been producing for about seven years. There’s still so much more to learn, it’s endless and also very exciting.”

Which part of the creative process do you enjoy the most when making a song?

Ava: “Ohhhhhh, I do actually love the initial phase of just writing a song, getting down the barebones skeleton really fast, that’s really exciting for me.”

What kind of themes can listeners expect from your upcoming debut album, SEX MONEY GOD, out early next year?

Ava: “What a great question, wow, so many themes, but I would say the main ones are about seeking validation outside of ourselves, trying to fit in unsuccessfully. There’s a song called ‘Let’s Make a Porn’ in which the character tries to imitate porn actresses in bed in order to win over the man she’s dating, but it just ends up making her feel alienated from herself and him. The album is about how we lose ourselves when we look for toxic forms of love.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share or hint at to our readers?

Ava: “Yes! I’m currently creating a comedy/musical around the album SEX MONEY GOD which further explores its topics, and I welcome everyone in LA to come see the show (current date is February 5th 2024!)”

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