Austin Carr On the Making Of “Tame Me?”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Tame Me?"
For a while, I wasn’t sure if I would ever record this song myself, because I tend to make pretty introspective sad boy music. Coming out with a higher-energy, flirty song where I repeatedly belt the words “tame me” over and over felt extremely out of character, but I wanted to lean into the silliness and take myself less seriously as a songwriter.
This song is ultimately about a power struggle in a relationship. I wanted to write a story about someone trying to “fix” or “save” their partner using the metaphor of a person trying to rescue a wild animal by putting them in captivity. There’s a cat-and-mouse fight for control throughout the song, loaded with tongue-in-cheek double entendres that were very fun to write. In the end, it’s up in the air about who is taming who.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Tame Me?"
I worked with the producer for my EP, Alyssa Wilkens, to develop an 80s-inspired country pop track that captures the feeling of being at a sexy desert dance party. We tried a few different bass lines, instrumentation, and even tempo before we finally found our footing and settled on a vibe that felt right for the song. I’m very excited about where we landed.
Are there any future plans or projects related to "Tame Me?" that you're excited about?
There are! “Tame Me?” is the first single from my upcoming EP “Saturn Attacks” which is coming out in the spring of 2024. The EP tells the story of a fairly chaotic late-20s Saturn Return through a series of uptempo retro pop songs and slower country ballads, influenced by iconic artists like Bruce Springsteen and Phil Collins. I’ll be releasing more singles in the coming months and I’m excited for people to see how all of the pieces fit together into one cohesive project.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I’d sure love to. I’m a gay boy singer-songwriter currently based in Los Angeles, California. I grew up in a religious Southern community in Florida, so my music is both filled with trauma and inspired by classic folk and country songwriters. I think it’s very exciting to blend the genres of folk and pop together and see what concoctions you can come up with, so I’ve always looked up to artists like Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift. I think there’s something inherently subversive about making country and folk music that tells queer stories, since it’s a genre with a fanbase that hasn’t always looked fondly on sexual minorities.
Marcus Mackey On the Making Of “S.E.L.”
How does "S.E.L." reflect your musical journey and growth as an artist?
Even though it’s my first "official" release, my musical journey has been a lifelong one. I am very proud of being able to be in the place in my life where I can share this bop with the world. Something I don't know if a year or two ago, I could've had the mindset to do.
Through "S.E.L.," I wanted to create a compelling exploration of modern relationships and the complexities of today's dating landscape. It's a song that takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the layers and complications of love. My inspiration for this track comes from my own personal experiences, and I wanted to infuse it with raw emotions to make it as authentic as possible.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "S.E.L.?”
I am so thankful for Luke Villemur. Since day one, I've felt such a connection with him musically and also as a person. I am thankful to call him my friend. He's a pop music genius and he doesn't know it yet!
”S.E.L.” wouldn't be what it is without him. The moment we decided to work together our chemistry flowed so well and basically after a session had the bones of what is today my first song.
What impact do you hope "S.E.L." will have on your audience?
I knew that I didn't want to make a sad song, I wanted to inject a positive perspective into the moments of sorrow that dating tends to take us through. When people hear it, I want them to feel optimism in the face of chaos and also be able to dance through these moments.
Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
I always knew this was what I wanted to do. I just didn't give myself the chance to fully pursue it because I had spent so much time of my life, listening to others' ideas of what I should do, how I should live, and where I should be. I think for the first time I decided to not listen to anyone and get to work.
The work is internal, the work is in the soul, you have to shut the noise and focus on your inner voice. What would truly make me happy? And creating "S.E.L" was what I needed!
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a musician, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge that played off the previous answer was overcoming my demons, doubt, and the voices inside my head. We all have them! That inner voice that keeps us frozen from doing what we want to do because of fear of failing or what others will say. I've shed that skin and every day is a bit easier to come to terms with putting me and my music out there for the world to judge.
Reese Warren On the Making Of “Keep You Close”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Keep You Close?"
The creative process for “Keep You Close” was a new experience for me. It was my first time working with the amazing team of Danny Hajj and Timeline. They took the time to get to know who I am as an artist and we created three awesome songs. I can’t wait to work with them again.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Keep You Close?"
For the most part, things went very smoothly during the writing process for all of the songs we did. I like to be challenged and the high parts of the song pushed me. We were still working on the final lyrics when I laid down the vocals. It was a long and fun day.
What did you enjoy most about making this track?
My favorite part of making this track is the process of making the song and listening to the demo once all of the hard work has been completed.
What has been the most memorable experience or achievement in your music career so far?
The most memorable experience in my music career so far has been performing to a packed house at the Avalon Hollywood and working with Danny and Timeline.
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
I continuously grow and evolve as an artist by TRAINING. Talent only goes so far. One must TRAIN to reach the goals one sets for oneself.
Johnny Nasty Boots Release “Deadline”
This single, “Deadline,” is about something mot of us can relate to. If you've ever been short on rent, gas, or feeling behind in life, the song proves that you're certainly not alone in that experience! Inspired in spirit by the psychedelic and blues sounds that defined the 60s and 70s, the song became Reactor 105.7FM (Mexico City's #1 rock station) #1 song of the year.
This song is a part of the digital release of the physical album in preparation for Johnny Nasty Boots to release 5 new singles in early 2024!
Is there a particular ethos behind the single/EP/album or any particular music styles or events that inspired it?
Johnny Nasty Boots is a powerful rock band bringing the roots of the psychedelic and blues sounds that defined the 60s and 70s into the souls of the people of today, creating effortlessly gripping modern sound that has resulted in their single, Deadline, becoming Reactor 105.7 FM (Mexico City's #1 rock station) song of the year.
Where was the single/EP/album recorded and who was involved in its production?
Their first album was recorded at Sonic Ranch (Texas), under the production of Grammy award winner Yunuen Viveros, and mastered at Vlado Meller by Jeremy Lubsey. With 6 singles that came out from their debut album Johnny Nasty Boots (2017) and a live album Hollywood affair / Live At The Whisky A Go Go, that was recorded at the iconic venue during their 2019 tour. They are a well-known band in the underground rock scene in Mexico. The current release is a digital release of their physical CD, and are currently working with Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, Chris Cornell, Arctic Monkeys) mixing 5 new singles recorded and co-produced with Grammy award winner Mark Rains (Marilyn Manson, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tanya Tucker).
Are there any other interesting or amusing happenings – no matter how small – that the band have been involved with that would be of interest to those who like your music?
They have played and shared the stage with a variety of different bands and acts, including Radio Moscow, Jean Whitmore, Fatboy Slim, LA Witch, 1000mods, Stoner, Dizzy Reed, Gin Wigmore, Brant Bjork, James Leg, and Disidente. Their song "I'm Cursed" was featured on an international Vans ad campaign, leading to their sponsorship by the company!
Have you played any notable gigs, festivals or other events? Likewise radio or TV appearances?
they have played in venues such as The Viper Room and the Whiskey a Go Go in Los Angeles. For festivals, they have played at the 2023 Earth Day Beach Festival in Santa Monica, Pizza Del Perro Negro 10th Anniversary Celebration 2021, Festival Caminante 2019, as well as Semana de las Juventudes in the year 2017.
Matya Releases “Nobody's Home”
Los Angeles, CA - Multi-hyphanist artist MATYA announced that she will be releasing her debut track from her upcoming EP ‘Nobody’s Home’ set to release on all platforms.
‘Nobody’s Home’ encapsulates the essence of fleeting nostalgia. “The song came from a place of longing for a simpler time. It’s a reminder to stay dreaming” says MATYA herself. An eclectic fusion of lofi-rock snares and dreamy french touch synths, MATYA’S sonic landscape defies traditional categorization, manifesting in a genre she calls, avant rock. MATYA’S upcoming project is meant to create generational anthems for today’s countercultural rebels who go against the grain of the traditional American Dream. Her debut single, "Nobody's Home" is an invitation to dream through one's own rose-colored lens.
MATYA is currently in the finishing stages of production on her forthcoming EP set to release in 2024. MATYA shares her time between LA and Paris where the EP was produced at Catmilk Studios, working with names like John Velasquez (Broods, Zella Day, Vacations), Dan Bailey (Father John Misty, Lana Del Rey), Gabriel Cheurfa (Draumr, Dorcas), Pierre Duval (Philippe Zdar, at Motorbass), and mastered by Mike Marsh (Calvin Harris, Jonas Blue, Ellie Goulding).
Sara Beth Yurow On the Making Of “Twenty One Night Stands”
Can you share any interesting or unique musical elements or production techniques used in "Twenty One Night Stands?"
“Twenty One Night Stands” is probably one of the most unique songs I’ve ever written because I’ve never gotten a vision for anything quite like it before. It’s just so dynamic. But when you get a vision, you have to go with it. I think the most unique part of the song is the crow. If you listen really closely, there’s a crow sound in the chorus. The vision that came to me had a sort of creaking, squawking element to it during the instrumental part, and for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out how to make that sound. I even remember opening and closing doors in my apartment, trying to get the right squeak from the door hinges, but it just didn’t sound right. So finally, I went down to San Diego to visit some family, and I was taking a nap on my grandmother’s couch, and I heard a crow squawk really loudly outside and just bolted right up, like “That’s it!” and I incorporated that crow sound right into the chorus.
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Twenty One Night Stands?"
The initial spark came from a conversation I had with someone I was involved with. He had a bit of a promiscuous past, and one night he told me that he wished he could take it all back for me, which I thought was just the sweetest thing, but he said sort of sadly, and I remember thinking, “Why is this sad? Don’t you see how beautiful that is?” I saw his transformation as the most beautiful, inspiring thing, and even after we broke up, I just remember sitting on the bus one morning and just being in awe at how amazing his metamorphosis was, so much so that I wanted to immortalize it in a song, so I did.
What has been one of your favorite memories along the path to making this track?
The song all really came together for me while I was visiting one of my best friends in Stockton. It was in the middle of the pandemic when there was a lull in between surges, and I was visiting her family from LA for Thanksgiving. We were taking a walk with her sister and their dogs along a levy, and I just remember it was freezing and my hair was fading from being dyed rainbow and we were walking and laughing and I was just so incredibly happy. And Everything just came together for me in that moment in my mind; how the song was supposed to feel, the melody, the instrumentals, everything while we were on this walk.
How do you balance crafting relatable stories with maintaining your unique voice as a songwriter?
I don’t feel like there’s any friction between the two. I fundamentally believe we are more similar than we are different, so I feel that while we are all unique in our own special way and I am no exception to that it is those personal, “unique” experiences I write and sing about that are still hopefully relatable to others. That being said, I am mischievous and snarky as hell, so I don’t worry too hard about sounding like everyone else.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your own sound?
Avril Lavigne taught me how to write. Her lyrics are so honest and raw it really feels like she’s talking right to you and that was so effective and impactful on me I guess that always stuck with me as the way to go. I started writing songs around the same time that I started listening to her, and I think you can hear the influence.
Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston were big vocal influences for me; I was trained quite young to riff and to belt, and Selena Gomez also influenced me quite a bit now that I think about it. It’s subtle, but while I worked as a nurse during the pandemic, I would carpool with a coworker who refused to play anything for the first month or so but Selena Gomez. She wasn’t my first choice to listen to initially so it got frustrating at times, but I gotta admit her mixes are excellent and I learned quite a bit about pop hit structure; how beats, bass, and synth weave in and out to create a hit. I don’t think my coworker has any idea, but riding to and from work with her became like my little study sessions.
GREED CULTURE On the Making Of “Break Through Sight”
Can you share any interesting or unique musical elements or production techniques used in "Break Through Sight?"
I’d say the only unique element or production technique is just Beau Burchell himself. He knows how to make things sound good always. It’s such a great experience recording with him. He’s so easy to work with, always has great ideas on how to enhance the songs, and just has such a good ear.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Break Through Sight?"
The song came together pretty easily to be honest. Most of the music was demoed at home on my laptop and then once we all finally got together, everyone added their little tweaks to make the song what it is now.
What has been one of your favorite memories along the path to making this track?
Putting the group vocals to the song in the studio with Beau was a lot of fun. Adding up the layers to get that fun group vocal feel was a highlight for sure.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I am into a lot of different things. If you ask my wife, she’ll tell you I have too many hobbies. Music has always been at the top of the list though. I started playing guitar in junior high so that I could play punk covers with my friends. Once I learned about hardcore music I was hooked. I played in a number of different hardcore bands throughout the years but took a break from playing hardcore starting around 2010 and focused on some other types of music. I always had riffs and ideas floating around my head but it wasn’t until sometime during the lockdown that I began putting them to tape.
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
Emotions play a key role in any type of music. Even though everyone in the band is generally happy and lighthearted people, the emotions of these songs are rooted in the frustrations we feel in the failures of our society. Particularly those that are rooted in greed. We are trying to recognize the issues and channel the frustration into a positive and hopefully motivational release.
Penny Lame On the Making Of “Holes in My Armor”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Holes in My Armor?"
Honestly, this song took years to make. I was always the weird kid growing up. I had this secret traumatic childhood that no one knew about in school that really affected my young life. The people that I opened up to, I considered my best friends and they saw the world I was living in. Some really empathized and are my friends to this day, while others really used it against me. I never got closure on a lot of those “friends” that hurt me, and for years I tore myself down trying to understand what I did that was so unforgivable. I had tried to write every time I thought of one of these “friends”, but was so caught up in the way that I wouldn’t be able to get a word out. So finally after years of therapy and forgiveness, I was able to let it go. Let go of the fact that I would never get closure. Let go of my insecurities. Let go of their opinions and their impact on me years later. It took years. Sometimes people just aren’t meant to be in each other’s lives.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Holes in My Armor?"
Yes!! So I started producing about 3 or 4 years ago. I learned on Ableton and have used it since. Basically, I will make a demo as I write the song- I sing my vocals and lay out a track. I work with a band out of Nashville, Naked Gypsy Queens, who record the live drums and guitar/bass. I am from Nashville, so I will just fly home and take my laptop, and record straight to the session. Then from there, I get the song where I like it. After it is to a point where it is just mixing and mastering, I send it to my friend David Kerckhoff and he gets everything up to streaming standards!
What do you like the best about this track?
I think this song is my most danceable song. It is just an easy listen that makes you bob your head. If we are talking specifics, I love the end of the song. I added it really late after the fact and it is a nice surprise at the end!
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
The most important role. My music is emotional. I write songs like my diary and always have some sort of emotional release making them. I grew up singing a lot of soul music, R&B, rock n roll… all super emotional genres both lyrically and in the sonics. I think that is exactly what music is for, to make you feel- and that is what I strive for. My goal is to make music that heals.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
Working with Naked Gypsy Queens has been such a fun process. My favorite memory was doing a live show in the middle of the desert. We all really got our Pink Floyd Live in Pompeii fix. They have added their own flare to my music. We work together a lot, and plan on having a show together in December in Los Angeles!
Kavita Baliga Releases “Will You Miss Me Then”
FROM OVERCOMING CANCER TO BOLLYWOOD TO LOS ANGELES: INDIAN-AMERICAN SINGER KAVITA BALIGA RELEASES NEW SINGLE “WILL YOU MISS ME THEN”-AN ALT R&B/AYNTH POP TRACK ABOUT BREAKING FREE
Classical singer Kavita Baliga is taking a dramatic left turn into pop songwriting through her new release, "Will You Miss Me Then.” The song dives deep into the emotions of a complicated relationship. With heartfelt lyrics and a captivating melody, Kavita explores the intricate chemistry between two people caught in the struggle of love and conflict; the desire to fly away; break out of the cage, and soar free.