Author: Joey Rochert

Spectral Display, ‘Slowly’

Spectral Display

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

Spectral Display’s latest track, ‘Slowly,’ embodies the carefree essence of summer in all its splendor. For those of you reluctant to bid farewell to the summer months, this one’s for you! It exudes warmth with an electrifying touch that unlocks the chambers of our hearts.

The already compelling instrumental takes on an even greater level of sophistication with the addition of Prince Chapelle and Lachi’s vocal contributions. Michel, the producer, fearlessly explores new horizons while remaining true to the sound that propelled the group to new heights decades ago, and he delivers a stellar performance here.

Photo Credit: Spectral Display.

Luke Mock, The Interview Series.

Luke Mock

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Luke, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘What You Deserve’, what is the meaning? 

I created “What You Deserve” as a reflection on a past relationship where I felt unable to provide my partner with what they deserved, primarily due to bad timing and my own journey of self-discovery, revealing emotions of guilt and regret.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, and John Mayer all inspire me and my music!

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

How many different ways there are to share my creativity with the world and resonate with anyone at the right time.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I’ve written most of my songs in my bedroom, especially over Zoom during covid. I love writing in my room because I have everything setup perfectly for me to have a fluent environment for my ideas to flow, and an efficient workflow.

What is your first memory of music? 

My first memory of music is singing karaoke at a bar when I was 9. I sang “The Earth Song” by Michael Jackson.

Photo Credit: Luke Mock.

Artinho, The Interview Series.

Artinho

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Artinho, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Carnage’, what is the meaning?

The meaning of ‘Carnage’ to me is about expressing different situations that lead up to carnage, from growing up in North London I’ve gone through so many things and seen a lot of things that have shaped me to be who I am today. There was a time in life between 16-20 that nearly everyday to me felt like a
punishment.

I was also sent to Angola for 1 year in the year 2011 due to the life I was living and be around the wrong company that almost costed me my life. I take you through my life in the lyrics set in different times in 3 decades.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Stormzy, Dave, PlayBoi Carti,, Solange, Burna boy, Metallica, Doja Cat. They inspire me by reinventing themselves and staying consistent in the times where in. Never breaking away from what put them in there position, just tweaking the faults. The music they are creating is beginning to stand the test of time, and T gradually gets better, from stage presence, to Merch, how they perceived in the public as well.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

There’s more tools to help independent artists, working to what’s best for you, what’s helped me is having a studio in my house, so I can record when I want, I have more time to tune my craft.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I write out of no where sometimes, words come up, and I start rhyming and I find myself writing either in Front Room or the studio are the best place for me to write, the studio because, if there’s other writers there, you want to be better than them or get there approval, and if I’m at home I’ll write in the front room and then head to the studio after I wrote down an 8 or 16 bar to record the idea.

What is your first memory of music? 

My first memory of music, growing up in an African home your custom to listen to African music such as Koffi Olimide, Werrason, Magic System. My parents would play all different type of music, from Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Whitney Houston, UB40, Karyn White, Mario, Brandy, Marvin Gaye, The Gap Band. The older I got I starting discovering more music like Heavy Metal (Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slipknot) Rock (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, Green Day) Pop (Madonna, The Crowded House, Simply Red) Rap (Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes). I also member hearing Return of the Mack by Mark Morrison on radio all time.

The music video I can remember watching was The Fugees – Ready or Not and The Notorious B.I.G.- More Money More Problems as I was doing my Maths homework, I was very intrigued in what they rapping about, but I knew I was too young to know until the age I turnt 11.

Photo Credit: Artinho.

Luke Mock, ‘What You Deserve’

Luke Mock

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Sharing with you all ‘What You Deserve’, the latest pop song from Luke Mock. The track boasts multi-faceted narratives and meticulously crafted melodies to get lost in! Also, amidst the beguiling hooks, Mock’s lyrical creativity prominently shines. His exuberant vocal delivery resonates with profundity, intertwining with a performance that bears the hallmark of a top-tier artist.

The song’s constituent elements synergistically converge to eloquently narrate an emotive anecdote, with the inherent intricacies open to discovery.

Cathy Mpaka, The Interview Series.

Cathy Mpaka

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Cathy, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Distorted Heart’, what is the meaning? 

Hi, yes so DH is basically about heartbreak/about a bad breakup. The pain of a relationship ending that you put so much time, emotion & effort in is truly heart wrenching especially when your efforts fall flat & unappreciated. It’s really about the pain of feeling like you have tried everything & yet it wasn’t enough & that hurts especially when all you want is undying & everlasting love.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

To be quite honest, nobody. 

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

1. Social Media. I have to say that Social Media is truly a great thing. I can promote myself & create my promotional content myself. I can control how my roll out is going to be & what I wanna share first & last. Social Media truly is good for promotional purposes & for your fans to connect with you on a more personal level.

2. You don’t necessarily have to wait to be discovered. You can just post a cover on youtube or scrap a couple 100$ together for a demo & release it yourself with a distribution website, it’s very easy, though a bit confusing in the beginning. A lot of things that were quite out of reach a few years ago are so accessible now a days which is amazing. You’re basically in control of what you do & not somebody else.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

Well, I’d say I just go to my bedroom to write songs but I have also written some songs in the living room. I’d also say that I need some kind of quietness but sometimes some background music makes me feel more creative. There’s truly not that much that I need in order to write a song.

What is your first memory of music? 

My first music memory. I’m not quite sure or I am, I don’t know how to say it. I can say that the first probably was Michael Jackson because my parents had some DVD of his music videos & we would put it in the DVD player so that we could watch it & it had a bunch of old towards new-ish music/videos on it. But then again it feels like at the same time or as far as I can remember I was also very mesmerized by Hannah Montana & the High School Musical series.

Photo Credit: Cathy Mpaka.

Artinho x Matrace, ‘Carnage’

Artinho

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Artinho’s latest offering, ‘Carnage,’ stands out as a compelling track that underscores his skill as a rapper and songwriter. The collaboration with Matrace further enhances its appeal, catering to those with a penchant for a unique hip-hop experience.

Also, his genuine passion resonates throughout ‘Carnage,’ setting it apart from the rest. His rap delivery is both impactful and comparable to the finest in the genre. Complementing this is the contagious rhythm and bass hooks that provide an added layer of authenticity and complexity.

Drawing from his extensive background in the music industry, it’s evident that this much-anticipated single lives up to its expectations. ‘Carnage’ embodies Artinho’s dedication and expertise and we cannot get enough!

Francesca Luker, ‘Promise Land’

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Francesca Luker’s latest single, ‘Promise Land,’ is now available to stream online. Luker outperforms all expectations here; we were anticipating a respectable performance, but she excels admirably. Moreover, her ability is readily comparable to that of Remi Wolf and Rapsody.

For me, ‘Promise Land’ is more than just a groovy pop song; it has a powerful narrative about finding yourself in a perilous circumstance and knowing that you have someone there to provide a helping hand. It has a powerful impact on me, and I love it! Check it out below.

Francesca Luker, The Interview Series.

Francesca Luker

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Francesca, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Promise Land’, what is the meaning? 

I wrote Promise Land in 2020, after a very dark time in my life transitioned into one of the happiest summers of my life. I had just met an amazing new band who helped this song blossom into the lively track it is today. They have since grown to be some of my best friends, so this song represents the beginning of an important era for me.

Promise Land encapsulates the very true cliche that hard times do always come to an end. I wrote the lyrics about adopting a half-glass-full attitude to life, embracing change and making positive steps towards my future- The idea that every small challenge you throw yourself into can lead you in the right direction.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

I’m inspired by many artists, but my all time favourite is Lana Del Rey. Album after album I continue to adore everything she releases, even though her music has evolved drastically from some of her earlier stuff. For me I love that her albums tell a story- her songs are raw, personal and true reflections of how she’s feeling at the time. She doesn’t write to please her audience or to have a chart topper, she writes whatever the hell she wants, which can vary from nine minute long songs to new melodic and lyrical material that sounds nothing like any other artist. But whatever she writes, I always enjoy her mellow, enchanting sound as a refreshing contrast from the other mostly upbeat music I listen to.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

The best thing about being a musician in 2023 is how easy it is to access advanced music technology. Being able to use programs such as logic, takes my songwriting to a whole new level. Instead of just having piano and vocals to write with, I have a whole library of drum loops, midi instruments and synths to work with. For example, without even playing bass, a lot of the songs I’ve written started off with bass-lines- Promise Land included. Using Logic, my guitarist and I were able to record the whole song from home without even going to a recording studio.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I usually write music in my room, because this is where my keyboard and recording equipment is. But song ideas can come to me absolutely anytime, anywhere- I could be walking around in public, at uni or in the shower- So I just have to record a voice memo to save for later so I can create a song from it next time I’m writing in my room!

What is your first memory of music? 

My earliest memories of music are of my dad playing artists like Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell and Sia around the house. Growing up I was exposed to an eclectic range of genres, especially Neo-soul, jazz and funk- all of which had a massive impact on how I learned to sing, because I developed a love for these genres and began mimicking their style of vocals. As a kid I was basically just singing all the time- so music has always been a big part of my life.

Francesca Luker on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/francescaluker

https://www.facebook.com/francescalukermusic

Photo Credit: Francesca Luker.

Marsha Swanson, ‘Facing Life’

Marsha Swanson

Words By Joey Rochert.

British singer-songwriter Marsha Swanson has made an impressive comeback, solidifying her position as a leading name in the music industry with her recent release, ‘In Parallel.’ And now, she is set to take the music scene by storm once again, as she gears up to drop her latest single, ‘Facing Life,’ this coming Friday, 4th August 2023.

Following the success of ‘In Parallel,’ which garnered immense praise for its captivating sound and thoughtful lyrics, Marsha Swanson aims to push the boundaries even further with ‘Facing Life.’ This new track promises to deliver a fresh dimension, showcasing the artist’s unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism.

While the track is yet to be officially streamed online, lucky insiders have already been treated to an early preview. From what we’ve heard, it’s safe to say that fans are in for a real treat when ‘Facing Life’ emerges on New Music Friday. The song is undoubtedly Marsha Swanson at her best, combining her signature melodic charm with deeply emotive storytelling.

More information here.

Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Cathy Mpaka, ‘Distorted Heart’

Cathy Mpaka

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Music fan? Have you heard Cathy Mpaka’s hot new release, ‘Distorted Heart’? It’s the freshest thing to hit the music scene this last week! Also, with those European dance vibes, it’s impossible not to vibe with it.

And let’s talk about Cathy’s vocals – they are on point, no doubt! ‘Distorted Heart’ is an absolute bop, perfect for your party playlist and you will be eager to listen to more the second it concludes.

You can check it out below.