Michael Lukes, The Interview Series.

Michael Lukes

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Michael, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Here And Now’, what is the meaning? 

The single came to me at the moment I realised I was not living my life consciously: I was simply living another life, according to all the rules, in which I did not understand the full meaning of my existence. Everything was a bit standardised.

It was a moment of ‘rupture’ between past and present, perceived when I became aware that I was living someone else’s life only to please today’s society. Here and now marks the beginning of a more conscious life: it is a constant dialogue in which I speak to the old Michael and the new me, in which the old thinking of the past speaks to the spiritual present.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Definitely The Lumineers! After releasing my EP, during Lockdown, I worked hard to shape my own definitive sound identity and they have been my main source of inspiration. With Stevepad, my producer, we meticulously studied every one of their songs from the sounds to the lyrics; it was through them that we came up with the idea and story for the new album. 

Michael Lukes
Photo Credit: Michael Lukes.

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

Definitely having the opportunity to relate closely with your fans. Social media can sometimes be very dangerous if we overuse them, they can really distort your reality! But if we used them sparingly they are that direct connection with the people who support us. To have that direct contact with them, to hear that one of your songs helped them out of a sad time, giving them a smile or an emotion, that’s priceless. At the end of the day, they are the fuel that drives us to be music.

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

I don’t actually have a specific place, I learned that you never know when an idea might hit you. Many have come to me while I was cooking and others while I was walking.

For example, the idea for Here and Now came to me while I was on a plane. I assure you that my cell phone is the one that has saved me many times. Before I forget, I immediately mark it in my notes or record an idea on the fly. Today I have more than 1,300 notes, definitely a lot of material for the next two or three more records. 

Photo Credit: Michael Lukes.

AJ Whyte, The Interview Series.

AJ Whyte

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, AJ, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘You Won’t Hear Me’, what is the meaning? 

The inspiration for the track was thinking about those places that make us happy and when we go there, the world seems a better place and we forget the annoyances in life. For me it’s the wild places of the UK where, as the song says, I can walk, climb and camp, away from hustle of everyday life.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

I love the music of Laura Marling and the places that it take the listener. I really admire George Ezra for his unpretentious approach to music and melody. Saskia Griffiths-Moore has been hugely inspirational as a mentor.

AJ Whyte
Photo Credit: AJ Whyte

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

The ability to easily connect and share with other musicians from all over the world. And of course that in 2022 live venues are open again!

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

I have a small room at home where I do the serious writing but I can find myself landing on melodies or lyrics almost anywhere – in the car or train – which I’ll record straight onto my phone.

What is your first memory of music?

I was given a very basic second hand record player on my 5th birthday. I was so excited that I played my Dad’s Beatles LP on it continuously for days on end. Unfortunately I wasn’t too careful with it and scratched it beyond use in that time. 

Photo Credit: AJ Whyte.

Mr Jayvic, The Interview Series.

Mr Jayvic

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Mr Jayvic, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Let Love Lead The Way’, what is the meaning? 

The meaning of the song is basically letting love lead in your relationships. Most relationships these days collapse because of the lack of understanding of love and how to apply it. Even from a religious standpoint, love is one of the most important commandments in the bible, like I said in the track ” in good times and bad times let’s stick together and let GOD take control 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

I like a few African musicians currently but in the industry, as a whole no one is inspiring me right now, I’m focused on my sound and my energy and vibe.

Mr Jayvic
Photo Credit: Mr Jayvic

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

The fact that you can self-push your own music to the world through social media, that once you go viral, you basically a celebrity. The fact that you don’t have to be signed by a big label to make it.

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

I write anywhere, sometimes in my car or at work or in the studio, once I vibe to a nice beat. Or sometimes once I’m going through a certain situation, it triggers me to write about it and sometimes I go through writer’s block so I invite my co-writers to help too. But I write anywhere it gets me.

Follow Mr Jayvic on YouTube+Instagram+Twitter @Jayvicofficial (FB Jayvicofficial ) Dont forget to stream my Latest Album  https://ditto.fm/demons-chasing-me

Photo Credit: Mr Jayvic.

AJ Whyte, ‘You Won’t Hear Me’

AJ Whyte

Words By Joey Rochert.

‘You Won’t Hear Me’ by AJ Whyte is one of those songs that is so easy to become enamoured with! It is an indie-folk gem with a vibe comparable to that of Frank Turner, but it also has many qualities that are entirely its own, which helps it to stand out from the crowd in the competitive scene.

In addition to being in excellent vocal and instrumental form, AJ Whyte presents a story that is thought-provoking from the beginning of the delivery. Furthermore, he sings about life and his experiences, and he frequently finds himself encountering a barrier even after overcoming a previous obstacle.

‘You Won’t Hear Me’ is out on the 13th of October!

Photo Credit: AJ Whyte.

Adam Giles Levy, ‘The Fall’

Adam Giles Levy

Words By Joey Rochert.

Adam Giles Levy has us spellbound with his new single, ‘The Fall’, which is out today! The forward-thinking artist fills the air with a post-folk-rock vibe, creating a thought-provoking encounter unlike any other!

‘The Fall’, with its melodic texture, is a voyage that will not be forgotten anytime soon. It is a song about a man who, despite his share of misfortune, has a path forward, a path granted by a higher spirit. The music reflects Adam’s lyrics, and while it follows a similar pattern to his previous releases, there is a newfound vitality here, and it is the perfect track to lead us up to his new album, which will be released in November.

Photo Credit: Adam Giles Levy.

Wicked Expectation, ‘Moving Clockwise’

Wicked Expectation

Words By Joey Rochert.

Wicked Expectation are sending a shockwave over the electronic space with their new single, ‘Moving Clockwise’. The band from Italy hit all the right notes here, and we cannot get enough of it!

‘Moving Clockwise’ is the summer treat we have been aching for without realising, and the four-piece smash it out of the park with their offering. The soundtrack is enthralling, and the multitude of sounds which emerge as the music progresses keeps us on our toes for the duration.

You can check it out below.

Photo Credit: Wicked Expectation.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Senses’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Joey Rochert.

At the moment, Julia Thomsen can do little wrong, and she is strengthening her name in the classical scene and the electronic worlds thanks to her most recent EP, ‘Senses’.

Although we are familiar with the original versions of these pieces, producer T mo’s remix breathes fresh life into them, making them feel like brand-new additions. Moreover, T mo contributes to the creative ideas initially flowing from Julia and blends both classical and electronic genres seamlessly.

Check it out below.

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.

Lady Marga MC, The Interview Series.

Five Star

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Lady Marga, Let’s talk about your new single, what is the meaning?

Well, the song is called ‘Never Can Give You Up System Addict Janski Mix’ and its features my cousin Doris who is the original member of the legendary 80s group Five Star. The song is a remake of my cousin’s five star top hit song, ‘System Addict’. The meaning well every one is a system addict these days meaning everyone is stuck on their phones, computers, laptops etc so the song is just talking about us being system addicts obsessed with technology.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

My cousin, five star, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Basement Jaxx.

Lady Marga MC
Photo Credit: Lady Marga MC.

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

There is so much opportunity, as in you don’t have to be signed to a major label to make it anymore. Put in the hard work and you can achieve so much.

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

No, not really. I can write anywhere, but if I have to choose one, it’s my bedroom.

What is your first memory of music? 

I remember listening to Michael Jackson. Well, every time I used to hear Michael Jackson, I would stop whatever I was doing and start singing. From the age of 3, every time Michael was on the TV, I would go straight in front of the TV and just watch. I also grew up on a lot of reggae music, Motown, and pop.

Photo Credit: Lady Marga MC.

Spectral Display, ‘Runnin For Your Love’

Spectral Display

Words By Joey Rochert.

Spectral Display are the band that always comes through with the goods, and they have just released one of the most noteworthy new summer tracks! Their single ‘Runnin’ For Your Love’ is like a gift that keeps giving; it grows and shines more brightly with each listen!

The group continually proves why this genre of music will stand the test of time, and they excite us time and time again. Also, each group member rises to the occasion with full force as the electricity flowing through the track throbs.

Photo Credit: Spectral Display.

Jimmy Wayne, ‘Killing Me Softly’

Guy Hale

Words By Joey Rochert.

Guy Hale and his musical companions, Mike Zito and Kid Anderson, have rocked their way to the forefront of the blues sphere with the release of the soundtrack for Guy’s latest must-read thriller, titled “Killing Me Softly.” A novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a plot that is replete with ruthlessness, ambition, and vice; in other words, all the essential elements of a nail-biter!

Guy Hale

Jimmy Wayne, the golden boy but with a secret like no other, leads us on a wild expedition through his life, and it is a story that a lot of musicians will relate with, apart from the crime section, of course. If you haven’t read the book yet but want to get a sense of what’s going on in Wayne’s crazy existence, listening to the soundtrack will provide you with plenty of hints.

It is not often that we review soundtracks here because that is not typically our thing. Usually, we find them a bit crap, but this one struck us as being a little bit unusual and it tickled our fancy. It could be a standalone album in is own right and that is what makes it so convincing!

The arrangement of the piano and violin in “Walking In A Dream” is absolutely stunning, and the way that each instrument is layered on top of the other has us clinging to the arms of our chairs with glee. The path is not like many others, and it is accompanied by profound feelings as it unfolds.

Photo Credit: Guy Hale.