LOGAN AVIDAN: INTERVIEW

March 24, 2024

by martina rexrode

With her latest single “CARRIED AWAY” Logan Avidan taps into her vulnerable side, opening herself up for listeners to relate to. The NYC-based singer’s influences range from Mazzy Star to SZA, highlighting the feminine power and emotions she focuses on in her own music. This single is her fourth release in just six months and is sure to give listeners an even deeper preview into what to expect from her eventual debut album.

Congratulations on the release of “CARRIED AWAY” and on the music video! What does it mean to have this specific single out for fans to hear?

Logan: “I’m somebody who can get really existential and overthink everything, so this song was a place for me to put all those feelings. I can hold onto a thought or an idea and get so carried away, but there’s always a release or realization at the end. A light at the end of the tunnel. This song is a constant reminder of that.”

It’s an introspective one! What kind of inspiration did you tap into for it? Was it something you found in your everyday life as a working model, actor and musician living in NYC?

Logan: “A lot of the inspiration came from how I was feeling about my relationship with someone. That feeling when you have so much to say but the words aren’t coming out right. Living in NYC can sometimes feel overwhelming, and when I’m overwhelmed that can oddly be inspiring because I’m stepping out of my comfort zone.”

The music video shows a realistic depiction of how someone can get both carried away in a party environment and carried away within their own mind when they’re alone. Can you elaborate on that?

Logan: “The music video shows the viewer that you can get carried away within your mind in any environment. Whether you’re at a party, on vacation, or anywhere that you’re ‘supposed’ to be having fun, you can still get carried away in your own thoughts and feel alienated.”

What can you share with us about the process of creating this music video? Who directed it and what’s their background?

Logan: “My good friend and director Savannah Kodish and I wanted to gather all of our friends for a night out. We told everyone to meet at my brother’s place in the east village where we danced and had some drinks. Then we went to another bar for a bit and then to my friend’s place in Brooklyn. Savannah and her DP Ilona Tuominen basically guided the night. This was the first of three music videos I made with Savannah and there’s more in the works! She’s from Miami, moved to NYC for college and now works as an art director. We have such a fun time working together and I can’t wait to share what else is in store!”

How does this song fit into your full body of work so far?

Logan: “For the production of the song we wanted to capture that early 2000s pop radio sound that I used to listen to growing up. Most of my work pulls inspiration from that sound and era.”

Can we expect it to be on your upcoming debut solo album, Hot And Bothered? What can you share about the album and what can listeners expect from a longer project of yours?

Logan: “‘CARRIED AWAY’ will definitely be on the album! I feel like nothing is ever officially done until it’s out because there’s always room for change and I like to surprise myself.”

Is there one big goal you have for yourself once your album drops? And what’s next for you artistically whether it’s music, acting, or modeling?

Logan: “My goal is to continue learning and growing and letting music guide me to new and unfamiliar roads!”

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'ETERNAL SUNSHINE' / ARIANA GRANDE: REVIEW

March 22, 2024

by izzy petraglia

After a four-year long musical-hiatus, Ariana Grande has marked her return with some of her most vulnerable and thoughtful work yet in eternal sunshine. Referencing the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the singer’s first concept album addresses feelings of longing from the end of one relationship, to the wide-eyed hopefulness carried into a new one. Despite being her shortest album to date, it accomplishes and conveys everything it needs to within its 35 minute runtime.

The album is a seamless blend between pop and R&B, with hints of disco and house. The lyrics are what makes the album truly shine to me — she executed her feelings and experiences in a way that feels both personal and relatable to listeners. As a longtime fan of Grande, I found the lyrics in these songs to be some of her most raw and unguarded in her discography. They depict the journey of healing a broken heart, and the self reflection and rediscovery that comes with that before/while exploring something new.

Everything from the album’s lyricism, sequencing, and visual aesthetics make this her most carefully thought-out body of work. It tells a story and maps out the thoughts and emotions Ariana was experiencing, almost in chronological order, starting off strong with “intro (end of the world).” I love that she placed her questions and doubts that foreshadowed the ending of her relationship at the album’s start, and answered all her own questions within its progression.

During an interview with Zach Sang, Grande revealed that The Beatles’ Rubber Soul had a huge influence on her while writing eternal sunshine. This is depicted especially within the rhythmic similarities between “imperfect for you” and “Norwegian Wood.” Ariana also drew inspiration from notable R&B artists such as Brandy and Monica — specifically with her rendition of “the boy is mine.” “eternal sunshine” also pays homage to early 2000s pop hits, where its pre-chorus has noticeable similarities to Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River.”

My personal favorites had to be “eternal sunshine,” “don’t wanna break up again,” and “we can’t be friends (wait for your love).” I love any song that has the contrast of gut-wrenching lyrics yet I still feel like I can get up and dance. All three of these songs have that in common, therefore they were the obvious choices for me.

If eternal sunshine proved anything, it's that Ariana’s presence in pop music was deeply missed. This album quickly climbed into my top three albums within her discography and was well-worth the wait since she released Positions in 2020. Despite being three months into 2024, eternal sunshine is already solidified as one of my favorite releases this year.

HANA EID: INTERVIEW

March 13, 2024

by mariah estran

“The idea of anyone listening to something I've written, like in their car or on the school bus, is very cool to me,” Hana Eid confides when asked about her debut EP, I Exist Because You Say So. “To be a part of someone's day, in that way, I think would be cool because music was always that for me.”

It’s her first full-length project, describing it as an EP “all about yearning.” She delves into that peculiar time of early adulthood. The relationships you make and sometimes lose while simultaneously figuring out who you are. Eid unpacks those authentically raw emotions through a lineup of moving alternative numbers.

Through six songs, her vulnerable lyricism depicts itself in tracks like “Avoid The News” — she grapples with the concept of someone starting to distance themselves. While “Weird” documents that whirlwind of feelings when developing a new crush.

Eid says I Exist Because You Say So is a project indicative of where she is now as an artist and where she wants to continue going. She’s creating that connectivity with her listeners, developing a space where one can listen and find comfort during the tricky times of growing up.

In celebration of the new EP, Eid tells us more about creating the project, her production, opening up, and what she hopes listeners take away after listening.

You’ve released several singles that led up to your EP, the final being “Avoid The News.” What can you tell us about the song?

Hana: “I wrote it around this time last year. I was back in Virginia — which is where I'm from originally. I wrote about a friend breakup. A lot of the songs on this project are more romantically charged love songs. But that's all it was about, a sudden crash into a hole and to a friendship — trying to readjust my routine to adapt.”

So, going off what you've mentioned previously in other interviews, this EP is all about yearning. What can you tell us about that?

Hana: “The whole yearning is indicative of entering my early 20s and entering adulthood — feeling like I'm on the precipice of something. I want so much, especially in relationships — trying to navigate relationships as you're kind of ‘coming of age.’ Historically, there’s been a lot of unfulfilled desire. Like trying to figure out how to meet your own needs and what needs your relationships can meet. This whole time period in my life has been very tender and raw.”

The overall sound of all these songs — you have this way of creating this cinematic sound space that really heightens these raw and captivating lyrics. What were some of your inspirations as you produced this project?

Hana: “I really like this band called Wednesday. I started getting into them this year — they've been a huge inspiration to me, lyrically. I also love Big Chief, the kind of folky lyricism and instrumentals.”

When it comes to writing and creating these lyrics, what is the process like for you?

Hana: “The way I write is honestly not super intentional. It sounds kind of ridiculous, but I usually have this compulsive urge — I need to write right now. Then I sit down with my guitar, play around and improvise. But a lot of the way I write is in the moment, like a stream of consciousness.”

How does this new sound on your EP express your current stage as an artist?

Hana: “It’s my first full-body work. It’s a bit more indicative of what I want my sound to be moving forward. I’m definitely leaning into more of the alternative and rock influences. That has been fun for me, especially putting together live ranges with my band. This project is a good representation of where my sound is right now and the direction I want it to keep going in.”

You mention this stream of consciousness when it came to writing this project. Has it been easy opening up or has it been a process?

Hana: “I think it's always been something I've been comfortable with, which is a blessing and a curse. These songs are probably the most vulnerable songs that I’ve released, which is exciting and a bit scary. Generally, I've never had much fear of being vulnerable.”

Is there a meaning behind the title of the EP? If so, what is the story?

Hana: “I basically was going through my old notes app, trying to find a title — lyrics and stuff I jotted down. I had that one-liner in a note, and I felt like we're on to something here.

I had no idea when I wrote it or why I wrote it, but I was like, I think this makes sense. Especially because so many of the songs happened to be about relationships, and yearning is the big thing on the project. I thought the title was just super fitting.”

Lastly, what do you hope listeners take away after listening to the EP?

Hana: “I would love for listeners to be intentional about hearing smooth lyrics. I hope that what I'm conveying comes across clearly and makes someone feel less alone.

Also, the idea of anyone listening to something I've written, like in their car or on the school bus, is very cool to me. To be a part of someone's day in that way, I think, would be cool because music was always that for me.”

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LIL Q: INTERVIEW

March 11, 2024

by mariah estran

Lil Q’s tracks and electrifying freestyles ignite a distinct ferocity. She’s not scared to speak her mind. Her high-powered bars hit over a hype-inducing thunder of bass and beat.

“Who Dat (Make it Clap)” — her debut 2023 single — is that perfect example. She’s a rising talent who’s constantly evolving. By the end of last year, she unveiled “Memories,” a touching tribute to those we have lost, specifically her late brother, Lil Steve.

For the rapper, music has been a way to find her voice. She combated bullying in school by putting her thoughts into her lyrics. It gave her the freedom to be herself while giving her strength during hard times.

Lil Q is continuously elevating her craft. Now, she’s preparing to release more music with plans to evolve her sound — adding more pop moments to her discography.

The rapper tells us more about her released singles, getting into music, inspirations, and what she plans to do next.

You’ve been recording music since you were thirteen — inspired by your late brother. But what about music and your relationship with your brother influenced you to create something of your own?

Lil Q: “When I was younger, before my brother introduced me to music, I came up in the church.

Then, I started school, and you meet other kids. I started getting bullied. That was the biggest motivation for me — the insecurities, people bullying me, and all that type of stuff.

After that, my brother told me — he used to try to rap and play around with it — he was like, you need to rap and sing. I used to always be like, I just want to sing, you know, in the church.

So, that's how I started, like me getting bullied, and then my brother.”

How do you feel starting to create music and rapping helped you not be so insecure?

Lil Q: “It gave me a voice, somewhere to put it, instead of just talking to people, going to counselors, or going through it on my own. It gave me something to find myself, so I wouldn't have to keep calling on everybody.

I could put it in my music and see what they think.”

You’ve recently released “Who Dat (Make It Clap),” and it's got this energy that shows your listeners who you are — it's such a good introduction. When creating this track, what was the process like? How did you find what feels right?

Lil Q: “We were in the studio. It was me, my mom, and Dre. BLWYRMND had made the beat, and when he was making the beat, Dre was slapping the bottles together. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is what I like.’”

You just mentioned your mom, and she is such a big supporter of you. How does she feel about your music?

Lil Q: “I feel like she got more comfortable with it! At first, she didn't like me cursing. She didn't like me doing all the little raunchiness or whatever.”

Shortly after your debut single, you also released “Memories,” which is a touching and vulnerable track. It not only shows versatility, but it shows your ability to be open and connect with your listeners about these personal topics.

Lil Q: “Yeah, you could say that. The crazy thing about it is people would think that I made this song right after my brother passed — I made this song before he passed. And that's what is so scary, right? I made this song before he passed.

It’s like me, for real. It made sense to connect with the world because I feel like that's what you're supposed to do. But I didn't even know it was going to connect with me in that type of way. It made it so much deeper.”

How has music given you comfort during these kinds of hard times?

Lil Q: “It's like a good comfort because it's an outlet for me. People don't have no one to talk to. I'm lucky because I’ve got a mom that supports me.

Working with people, telling me, like, ‘You were lucky. My mom does not support me.’ But I'm lucky because I have a mom who’s supported me since day one.”

As for your music, you're inspired by artists such as Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar, and many others. How does their work inspire you when developing your own sound and flow?

Lil Q: “I just like the way Meek Mill raps, period.

J. Cole, I love his lyrics. You listen to J. Cole's songs — his lyrics are top-notch, and I feel like he's the best rapper right now.”

If you could have a dream collaboration, who would it be with and why?

Lil Q: “I say, Young Jeezy. I like the way he talks.”

I know it's just the beginning, but how would you describe the music you have coming up this year?

Lil Q: “Memphis people know me by, like, you know, hood and hip-hop. But I'm going to bring in a hip-hop, rap/pop type of thing. I wanna make a whole different vibe.”

Are you adding more singing to your work, a mixture of both? What can we expect?

Lil Q: “It’s gonna be both, for sure. I feel like I make my best songs when it's together. I will come out with some more singing and rapping songs. But I don't think I'm gonna go, like, fully singing yet.”

What are you looking forward to in 2024?

Lil Q: “I want to get on the charts and get my streams better this year. And do more stuff like traveling and connecting with myself.”

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BLITZ VEGA: INTERVIEW

March 7, 2024

by martina rexrode

Formed in 2016, Blitz Vega is composed of Kav Sandhu, Asa Brown, Thom Arizmendi, Greg Gent, Craig Eriksson, and the late Andy Rourke. Since officially launching and releasing music in 2019, the band has been working hard on their debut album Northern Gentlemen. Its title is a nod to a nickname that was comically thrown around in the studio to describe Rourke and it gives the album more meaning than they might’ve ever imagined. Their latest single “Disconnected” is out March 8th and the album drops on April 26th.

Can you put into words what this upcoming single and the eventual album mean to the band?

Blitz Vega: “‘Disconnected’ is a special song for us as it all came from Andy’s baseline. We were recording at Big Bad Sound in Los Angeles and Andy came in with the idea on his bass. We then built the song around him. The lyrics were the final part after all the music was recorded.

Northern Gentleman is a nod to Andy. The album means the world to us, it’s the most difficult but enjoyable music project that I’ve ever been part of. The album is a diary of our journey and experiences over the seven years we worked together. The studio sessions were always fun, but we had this thing overshadowing everything we did, knowing Andy was running out of time. It’s what Andy wanted so we are sticking to our promise to him.”

What made you choose “Disconnected” as the first single since 2022?

Blitz Vega: “It just felt natural after listening to the album. We have such a great team working on this for us. They are part of it, just as much as we are. The feedback was good on ‘Disconnected’ so we are going with it.”

There is a certain nostalgic quality to “Disconnected” that feels reminiscent of classic 90s rock music. How were you able to blend influences from the past into the modern rock scene and avoid creating a song that felt stuck in one specific era?

Blitz Vega: “To be honest, all the music we recorded, we didn’t really think about this at all. We just recorded music we wanted to listen to. It was always spontaneous, always based on feeling and not overthinking. That’s why we loved the recording process so much.”

How does Northern Gentlemen, your debut album, represent the band as a whole?

Blitz Vega: “It’s Blitz Vega, it’s exactly what Andy and I wanted the record to sound like. It’s a perfect representation of the band and where we were in our lives and what we went through to make it. It’s a soundtrack to the last seven years, highs and lows and everything in between.”

Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke’s former bandmate in The Smiths, added his trademark guitar sound to the previously released single “Strong Forever.” How did this reunion/collaboration come about?

Blitz Vega: “It was all down to Andy, those guys have been great friends since they were kids. Andy felt so proud of this band, I guess he reached out to Johnny Marr to add some guitar. I didn’t know much about it, until it happened. But what a moment. We felt privileged to have his guitar on ‘Strong Forever.’”

Which songs on the album are you the most excited for listeners to hear?

Blitz Vega: “‘Lost Myself’ and ‘High Gravity’ are my favorites. Andy loved those tracks and always chuckled to himself when he was listening to the words. ‘Big Nose’ I’m excited about and ‘Pass The Gun’ with Z-Trip on the decks. But I feel it’s a pretty old skool album, you have to listen to it from start to finish to really get it.”

What kind of challenges did you face within your creative process when writing during the height of the pandemic? What did you learn about yourselves creatively during that time?

Blitz Vega: “Apart from not being able to be in the studio together it was great for me. I could lock myself away and just write and record. I recorded a lot of the vocals and extra guitars in my home studio. I felt I could disappear within myself and truly express everything that was going around my head without any distractions.

I learnt that I need to switch my phone off and lock myself down when I’m writing lyrics and recording vocals, that seems to get the best out of me.”

In the years since the band was launched in 2019, how have you evolved both musically and personally?

Blitz Vega: “Just that I appreciate every single moment of joy that I feel and feel lucky to be able to still make music and have this outlet to express myself. We played our first show without Andy in London on Feb 24th at the Scala. This was the first time I’d been on stage with Blitz Vega since July 2019. It was bittersweet, it felt so good to be back on stage doing what we do. But also not having Andy there was hard. Half way through the set I felt his presence and it made me feel relaxed and enjoy the performance. I just appreciated the fact people had come to see us and support us and they enjoyed the show. If we can do that going forward, then I’m happy.”

What kinds of hopes do you believe Andy would have for the future of Blitz Vega?

Blitz Vega: “Andy was very clear with me about what he wanted. When I was sitting with him in the hospital in New York he made sure I understood his wishes. It was difficult as I really didn’t want to talk about it at the time. I believed he would somehow get better and everything would be okay.

He told me he wanted the album to be released no matter what and he wanted us to take the album on the road. He made me promise him. It meant so much to him.

I haven’t thought about anything else but doing that, that’s all I’m focused on.”

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