Category: Pop

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Anna, ‘Don’t Be Sad’ is a compelling release, what is the inspiration? 

Thank you so much, that makes me so happy to hear. It was co-written by lyricist M.Alexander and me, and musically I was inspired by the feeling of the lyrics and wanted to create a melody that connects a timeless type of songwriting and melody with a new twist in the style of the song and the energy. As I wrote the song I went through a catharsis of emotions and the song is like a journey emotionally. 

The pop-rock vibe you have stands out among other artists in the same genre, do you think there should be more pop-rock bands topping the charts?

Yes, definitely. To have more genres in the charts in general, and more pop-rock driven music should really be on the horizon. There is want out there for new sounds in the mainstream. 

I am very happy to hear that the vibe stands out, as the vibe and energy of the music is one of the most important things for FREELEVEL! 

Do you prefer working in a band or on your solo material? Or both? 

What a great question. I have to say both, complement each other and actually merge together quite a bit. All my songs can be played stripped down by the piano or with a full-on arena band. 

As a solo artist, to be able to immerse in the energy of a band is really wonderful. To create unity with the band and express themselves together as one is amazing. As a solo artist, it’s great freedom to play in different genres, settings and different kinds of music, but it can be a little lonely sometimes. 

How do you know when a song is ready to sign off?

It’s a kind of mysterious thing where I feel it. In the writing process, sometimes it just happens, the song pours out and sometimes it takes a lot more work. In production, it’s when the energy is there and the different elements needed are there. 

That said, with almost all my songs, I have other versions in my head that I want to realize, with orchestrations or other things. 

Do you have more releases planned for this year?

Yes I do! Not really ready to talk about it yet, but working away. And if any producers or music people out there read this, be in touch! 

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Photo Credit: Freelevel

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Deanna, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Work It Out’, what is the meaning? 

‘Work it Out’ is a song about not wanting to give up on a relationship so easy. I was really going through the motions and doing my best to save something and hoping that we could find the strength to get through it. It’s about being open and honest about how you feel and being safe in that. It’s a reminder to myself that although I am strong, but also human, and strength isn’t always about dealing with things alone or taking all the blame. I’m happy I wrote something that people can connect to on that level, and that can be related to different things; people tell me they have added it to their gym playlists which is cool. In a sentence, Work it Out is a song about strength.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Absolutely. It’s a reminder that your age doesn’t determine your ability to accomplish your dreams. I I think Doja Cat is cool. She’s a great performer, writer, has great style and presence and doesn’t take herself too seriously. I like that.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?

The best thing about being a musician right now is the freedom to create and express myself and share my work whenever I want. It’s also cool that I can connect with fans whenever I want too. It’s not all plain sailing and I am still real hungry to grow and do more, but the time will come.

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

I wish I had a cooler answer than the studio but that’s the truth. It’s like being in a bunker, I can escape and indulge. It’s like a switch goes off and suddenly, I’m in the zone. It has a lot to do with the environment too, I am constantly hearing new sounds and inspired by the creative people that surround me. Just this desire to create the best music flares up in me.

What is your first memory of music? 

 I would say dance class, watching Chris Brown on TV and hearing my mum sing around the house.

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Photo Credit: Deanna Chase.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Thomas Cole is a New York City-based American actor, model, and music artist.

Hello, Thomas, ‘Late To Bloom’, a passionate release, what is the inspiration? 

Thank you so much… it really is. “Late to Bloom” is actually inspired by one of my favorite artists, Ava Max. 

During the peak of COVID, my best friends and I would hang out at my New York City apartment, drink rose on the rooftop, and dance to Ava Max. It was a unique opportunity in the sense that we had the time to really get to know ourselves, our passions, and our dreams. 

Lyrically, I wrote a little bit about that feeling, while bringing in lots of metaphors for a dying garden, hanging on for dear life, and once given the resources to grow, it THRIVES! 

Musically, Electropoint sprinkled in some 80s goodness and had some fun with the synths and drums. I’m very happy with how it turned out and the music video just drives the whole message home. 

Does ‘Late To Bloom’ serve as a reminder to all to never give up? 

Absolutely. It’s a reminder that your age doesn’t determine your ability to accomplish your dreams. I feel like we all feel this pressure to be able to completely define ourselves by a certain age, which is WILD to me because we are forever evolving, growing, and learning. It’s okay to move at your own pace. It’s never too late to grow into the flower you were meant to be. 

What was it like working with Electropoint again? 

Electropoint is my main man! I love working with him. He brings out my creativity while also harnessing his own, and, as a result, we make magic! As a new artist, he’s really helped guide and mentor me through the song-making process, setting my expectations and celebrating our hard work when it comes together as a complete project. At this point, I can’t see myself working with anyone else!

How do you know when a song is ready to sign off?

It’s just a feeling, you know? My process is pretty straightforward. I listen to the track a thousand times and start to hear melodies. I figure out what it is I want to say and how I want to say it. And it all kind of comes together. Sometimes I’ll sit with a song for months, making little tweaks here and there. Simultaneously, I’ll start thinking about the visuals. The cover art, the video, the teasers. Once those are lined up and ready to go, I feel confident the song is ready for release!

Do you have more releases planned for this year? 

I sure do! You’ll hear one, maybe two new songs this year. We’re about to shoot a video for the next single. #StayTuned 

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Photo Credit: Thomas Cole.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Freelevel from Sweden are back with ‘Don’t Be Sad’. The track follows the early 22′ delivery ‘New Year Song’, boasting a similar vibe of optimism and positivity.

‘Don’t Be Sad’ confronts our antagonistic feelings and thoughts, stating that while things may not always be ideal, we should not focus on the negative and instead find hope in even the most difficult circumstances.

The guitar opens the song and Anna, the frontwoman, rises quickly, showcasing her vocal prowess. The intensity levels reach an all-time high in the midsection before concluding and reminding us to keep pushing on.

You can take a listen below.

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Photo Credit: Adam Giles Levy.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Thomas Cole is back, and his new single, ‘Late To Bloom,’ takes another step forward.
 
Thomas, the New York native, collaborates with producer Electropoint once more on this record. They make an excellent pair, and their qualities complement one another wonderfully.

Beautiful melodies and attractive rhythms create a musical atmosphere that leaves a strong sense of joy. Also, the fast-paced music gets the hips jiving like there’s no tomorrow!

Check it out below.

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Photo Credit: Thomas Cole.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Spectral Display’s new single, “Lay All Your Love On Me”, is a smash hit! The single demonstrates the band’s ability honed over the years, with a dash of fresh flavour that is delightful to the ears.

The band invites us in with their welcoming tones on “Lay All Your Love On Me,” which stands out for all the right reasons. Also, lead singer Paul Simon expresses himself without equivocation, and his storey has a strong impact.

Pauls vocals are one-of-a-kind, and his charismatic tones float across the airwaves from the minute he reaches out. Similarly, the music is appealing, with a pop-rock basis that transports us to a world full of positive energy.

Check it out below.

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Photo Credit: Spectral Display.

Words By Joey Rochert.

There’s always one new song that gets stuck on repeat, and Jayson Bank’s latest release, ‘Dead Inside,’ is one of them! It’s a track that gets the body moving right away, and Jayson’s energy is captivating!

Jayson Banks’ voice is a breath of fresh air, and he gives the game’s top hitters a run for their money. His singing approach is distinctive and engaging, and he blends in seamlessly with the upbeat music. The track stands out musically like a sore thumb, but for all the right reasons! It contains a lot of twists and turns, and once it concludes, it leaves us itching for another fix.

Check it out below.

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Photo Credit: Jayson Banks.

Words By Joey Rochert.

‘NBR’ is the latest instalment in Glitch Projects’ self-discovery series. When compared to their previous track, the music on this one from the Italian two-piece is even more gripping! The rock edge gets even more of a look in here, and it produces a whole different experience.

Glitch Project have a long list of songs under their hood, but they appear to reinvent themselves with each new opportunity. On ‘NBR’, they cleverly switch things around a lot, and the framework frequently changes, especially as the song progresses.

Maida’s vocals are scorching, and Federica proves her class with a stimulating instrumental.

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Photo Credit: Glitch Project.

Words By Joey Rochert.

One of the best ways to celebrate the new year is with a solid year-opening anthem, which we get with Freelevel’s ‘New Year Song.’

The Swedish band exudes palpable energy, and they incorporate some of their New Year enthusiasm into all of us. It’s instant feel-good material that gives us all a positive outlook for the coming year. Anna’s vocals are strong, and she gives a strong performance throughout. In addition, the music is exciting, leaving us hooked and itching for more.

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Photo Credit: Freelevel.

Words By Joey Rochert.

‘I Luv Myself’, by No Serial Killer, is the band’s new single, and it has left us wondering if there is any better way to ring in the new year than with a little rock and roll and some self-admiration?

AKM, the leading man, is known for experimenting with his music, and he does not disappoint here, grabbing the ears and transporting the mind to a place where the most incredible sounds belong. The drums are immediately captivating, and the mood shifts to an optimistic state as soon as they strike the lugs. The guitar riffs are energising, and Erika’s vocals are fantastic.

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Photo Credit: No Serial Killer.