SIENNA MELGOZA: INTERVIEW

June 20, 2025

by kristen case

Sienna Melgoza is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer whose passion for music and the arts has shaped her into a dynamic performer. While her sound is rooted in pop, she seamlessly blends various genres, instruments, and styles, creating a sound that is both fresh and deeply personal. Sienna is embracing autonomy with her single “CUT.” We discuss the story behind “CUT,” the atmosphere creating the single, and the role lyricism played in the songwriting process.

Congratulations on your newest single “CUT!” Tell me about how “CUT” got started? Any unexpected moments or challenges while making the song?

Sienna: “Thank you!! ‘CUT’ got started because I really needed a way to let out all of the emotions I was feeling after a breakup. I had been hurt really badly and was struggling to find ways to cope or accept what was happening. Music has always been my safe space, so I let it speak for me. I think the hardest part about writing a song like this is that I would never want to hurt the person that I experienced that time of my life with. I will always care about them deeply, but at the same time, I want to share my full truth with people, even if it feels scary and vulnerable. It’s something I go back and forth on all the time, but I think at the end of the day, I know that I wrote this song about me and my story, not about them.”

What's the story behind “CUT?”

Sienna: “At the time of coming up with the concept for the song, I was harboring some pretty intense emotions about a breakup I had just had. I could feel myself going through every stage of grief, and in this particular moment, I was going through the anger stage. I really needed an outlet to release and say the things I would never say out loud. This song kind of just formed from there.”

“CUT” really hits the mark by diving into the angst and embracing the feelings that come with making the choice to cut ties with a person from your past. How do you hope this message is being portrayed by listeners?

Sienna: “I hope this song encourages someone to do the one thing in their life that they are scared of. To take a leap of faith into something they aren’t sure about. And even though they are unsure, they do it anyway because they are putting themself first.”

Do you think lyricism is an outlet you use to get your emotions in songwriting? How is it beneficial for yourself?

Sienna: “100%. As I grow as an artist, something I'm really working on improving is my writing! I want my audience to feel exactly what I was feeling in the moment I was writing, and to be able to picture the scene I am painting with my words. Songwriting is so beneficial to my creative process and state of mind, no matter how I am feeling at the moment.”

When it comes to sound selection and production for “CUT,” what was the process for sound selection like and did you ever have a specific vision for what you wanted the song to sound like?

Sienna: “The main feeling I wanted the production to embody was anger. I knew I wanted an electric guitar and heavy drums. However, the talented producers I work with did the heavy lifting of transforming my baby concept into a fully produced masterpiece.”

As your music career has grown over time, how do you balance the evolution of your artistry while staying true to yourself?

Sienna: “The biggest thing for me as I continue to grow as an artist, is to keep my empathy and morality. I know balancing my artistry and staying true to myself will become harder as my career progresses. I'm ready for that challenge because it will only better me as a person in the long run. I know I will never lose my core values during this journey, so I cannot wait to see the evolution of myself and my art!”

Is there any verse or lyric of “CUT” that holds special meaning to you?

Sienna: “I think the lyric I love the most is, ‘Wish I would have seen / Blame’s always on me / Bent over in the back seat.’ It’s a terrible feeling when you finally step out of something harmful, take off the blinders, and realize there’s so much you could’ve done to prevent yourself from being hurt so badly. It’s hard knowing that you thought the best thing you were doing for yourself was staying. That the love you were feeling was what you needed. But the love you were feeling was just your own, and I guess that’s a good thing.”

Can you describe the atmosphere you created with “CUT” and what's the biggest takeaway you have gained from this release?

Sienna: “The atmosphere I created with ‘CUT’ was a healing one. This song was written with a specific intention in mind, and that intention was to release the resentment and anger I was feeling. I’m glad I can say I reached my goal and will continue to work towards healing my wounds every day. The biggest takeaway I gained from this release is that I'm allowed to talk about things that have happened in my life, regardless of when they happened to or for me. I went through it, and if I feel like writing about it, I’m going to write about it. Music is my safe space and I intend on keeping it that way. I will never let anyone take that away from me!”

What can fans expect from you next — new music, tour, collaborations?

Sienna: “The next step for me is always new music. There’s plenty happening on my end, whether I talk about it or not. You’ll be the first to know this, but I have a music video coming out very soon. Stay tuned for that! Tour is something I'm hoping for in the near future. Live music makes me feel a different type of way, and I cannot wait to make others feel it when I perform! In terms of collaborations, there may be one or two in the works. I can’t say too much about that yet, but it’s all exciting stuff!”

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ALEX PORAT: INTERVIEW

June 16, 2025

by kristen case

Alex Porat is a magnetic force to be watched. After a decade of posting covers on YouTube, Alex is paving her own way with a unique sound all her own. Alex Porat is back at Unclear Magazine to talk with us about her anticipated new EP crushed coming out June 27th. Alex discusses with us writing a love song, the inspiration from real life experiences, and what's next on the horizon.

While anticipating the release of your EP crushed, tell me how this whole project got started, and did you have any unexpected challenges along the way?

Alex: “The project came together pretty slowly. Some of these songs started a few years ago and were finished up last year. I usually get inspiration for songs from my real life, so sometimes the challenge I face is needing time to pass so I can experience life. I’ve been all over the place the last few years, mentally and physically, and so I ended up having a lot to say.”

How did you approach crushed from your previous singles? What was the creative process like?

Alex: “This is the first time I’ve written, like, what I guess you would call a love song. It feels weird to even say that because it’s such a fresh theme for me. Historically I’ve written a lot of music for the heartbroken, and there were times when I felt genuinely so nervous to show these demos to people because the song felt like such a confessional. I feel that way particularly strongly about ‘Blueprint,’ because I’m saying way too much in that one, and so I was the most nervous to show that one to anyone.”

If you had to pick your favorite track, what would it be and why?

Alex: “I don’t know if I can… this project really feels so special to me because it feels like a celebration. It’s like I got released from situationship jail, and now I’m throwing a party and these songs are blasting in the back. If I absolutely had to pick it would be ‘Kissing You,’ it was such a fun one to write and perform. When the songs are fun to sing I just end up loving them so much. It also reminds me of the worst parts of myself which is how I act when I have a crush — insufferable.”

How did the sound come together for the production process? How does it reflect where you are in your music right now?

Alex: “I’m loving guitars so much right now. I started playing guitar live at shows, so it’s been really fun having it be a through line in a lot of this EP. Vocally I’ve pushed myself a lot harder on this project than I have before. I think it’s a direct impact from doing so many shows where I’ve really gotten to know my voice in a different way. Live shows have also helped me grow so much and work muscles that I didn’t know existed before. I’ve teased some of these songs live recently and realized how hard they are to sing, so I’m excited to see where I stand with them in a few months.”

As your personal style and music career have grown over time, how do you balance the evolution of your artistry while staying true to yourself?

Alex: “All I know is what I like. I always remind myself that trying to please other people and the internet at this current time is an impossible task. My taste is constantly changing, and so I think if I just keep doing what I like then that’s how I’ll evolve. I’m a huge overthinker, so I always have to shut down intrusive thoughts whenever I start questioning if other people will like something. I feel like if I’m excited and proud of something, that’s the biggest win of all, and if other people like it then that’s amazing.”

What role does personal experience play in your songwriting?

Alex: “It’s everything for me right now. I’m way more connected to music that I can personally relate to. I sometimes try to dial back specific lyrics, but then this voice in my head tells me to say my truth.”

What do you want fans to take away from the EP and your music as a whole ?

Alex: “I think I just want people to have fun when they listen. Whether they relate or not, I feel like this is a bit of a departure for the sad stuff a lot of my earlier music focuses on, and so I’m excited for people to hear this other side of me that only my close friends have witnessed. I’m such a lover girl at heart.”

What can fans expect from you next? New music, tour, collaborations?

Alex: “All of the above!! I’m so excited for this project to roll out and give it the life that it deserves. I can’t wait to get back out on tour again. Being an artist can feel so isolating at times, so I love seeing people in real life and building this community together makes everything feel so much more real.”

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BESTFRIEND: INTERVIEW

June 14, 2025

by mariah estran

A lot can change in a matter of two years. For alt-pop duo Bestfriend, that concept became remarkably familiar. They began working on the follow-up to their 2021 sophomore EP, places i’ve lived. While making new music, they were also experiencing changes in their lives, because it just does not stop.

On May 9th, they released their response to these feelings, appropriately titling the project: BESTFRIEND HAS AN IDENTITY CRISIS. “I feel like when people say that so much of your life happens between the ages of 21 and 27, I believe them now,” lead vocalist Stacy Suyeon says about this stage of adulthood. However, it was not simply about growing older but understanding the personal discoveries made when looking through an introspective lens.

Stacy, alongside guitarist-producer and singer Kaelan Geoffrey, found themselves diving further into those layers that make life tricky. From heartbreak to grief and evolving in self and identity, the two touch on those honest topics through each of the six tracks.

“We wrote all these songs around a time when we both had gone through a heavy teardown of ourselves and our lives,” Stacy explains about the EP.

Songs such as “HEADSTART” describe the feeling of infatuation through an electric soundscape, while tracks like “YOU LOOK JUST LIKE ME” reveal the discovery of traits we discover and find similar to others.

The EP holds the same charm that Bestfriend has continuously developed — that indie-pop excitement that has you singing along.

Their vulnerability is still at the center, but it is now stronger as they embrace the chaos and beauty of it all.

After the release of BESTFRIEND HAS AN IDENTITY CRISIS, the two spoke with us about the project. They tell us more about writing for the EP, the new production process, and what they have learned about themselves over the last couple of years.

Both of you are known for music that creates a connection through vulnerability. These feelings of anxiety, grief, and heartache are not a singular experience. “HEADSTART” is a perfect example of bringing these feelings forward. What was it like writing this track?

Stacy: “It is about vulnerability, but at the same time, when we were writing it, it was a lot of having to pull back when writing it. The thing about vulnerability in our songs is that I tend to shout it in a lot of words — Bestfriend songs are very wordy.

We are trying to keep it nice and simple. You can be honest, without having to cover yourself by talking endlessly.”

Kaelan: “We are people who need to say everything about a thought. It is like, ‘Oh, I need to feel understood,’ but that is not always necessary. At the very base of it, there's truth in keeping things simple, and there's truth in finding your message and delivering it.”

Years prior, Bestfriend was a project you would produce from afar, in different geological places. With this new EP, you two worked in person a lot more. How was that experience, and if any, how did it help develop the creative process?

Kaelan: “It changed everything. It is a helpful skill to do this remotely; it is good that it is available to us. It is certainly not the easiest or the most fun way to do it. It is so hard to have a genuine conversation, where you are going back and forth, talking with body language.

Once we started doing this together in person, we did not see stopping as an option because it is much better.

It is just neat to see what the music can sound like and feel like in real life. This sort of translation of ‘online bestfriend’ to ‘real-life bestfriend’ has been the journey of the past year or so.”

How do you feel when you have seen each other grow after being alongside each other for so long?

Stacy: “Your 20s, like, everything happens because there is less structure in your life, right? When you are younger, in high school or at university, there's rhyme, instruction, and reason to your life. The minute that goes away, you are a free-floating person trying to shape yourself into something tangible.

It’s a hard thing, and it's a work in progress. It is going to be something we are working on our whole lives. In these six years, we have not been immune to that rule.

We have seen each other through a lot of different life events. We have seen each other grow in musical ways, but also, personally.”

Kaelan: “It has been interesting because we both watched each other fall apart and rebuild. We've both been through that process and supported each other through that as well.

We saw a lot of pieces, and the pieces that didn't work. The pieces that do work, and the pieces we want to see more of. It is nice getting to watch that overtime, especially as friends. But it is also cool that we see it represented in this capsule, the music we make during this time is neat.”

Tell us more about the title of the EP.

Kaelan: “We have been writing these songs over the past two years, and a lot has changed in two years. We have been shifting and transforming into something that we do not know. These songs are all over the place.

There is this one song on there — it is the opposite of ‘HEADSTART’ — where we are trying to be simple and concise. Then there is another song that's five minutes long, where we just do not shut up the whole time. It encapsulates how we do not know who we are right now, as a duo, as individuals. We are having an identity crisis — there is the EP name.”

Stacy: “The last couple of years have been wildly transformative for both of us. We have been so many people throughout our lives. We wrote all these songs around a time when we both had gone through a heavy teardown of ourselves and our lives. Just a bit lost, and much of the music started to feel that way. It ended up being a good descriptor for the whole period.

It is calling out the thing that we have been afraid to talk about and afraid to live.”

The EP highlights your continued fun, alt-pop sound. Working alongside Aidan Hogg, how did it help you develop the soundscape of this EP?

Stacy: “It is interesting to see how much each person has their language; also, how much it crosses over.”

Kaelan: “It is such a fun time when we get together and write. Anytime we can work with someone with whom we get along and want to make music with, it is great.”

How do you think this project will continue to inspire connection or even help those feel less odd in this era of self-discovery?

Stacy: “I am speaking for myself, but I feel like people are lonely. I do think that there has been this feeling of individualism, more so than ever. I am trying to get to this feeling that we are all kind of reflections of each other, whether we like it or not. Like this invisible expectation of being some perfect person, or the reflection of some of your best parts.”

Kaelan: “We have a song about feeling completely lost. We have a song about staring down the parts of you that you hate the most, and you see it in other people. We have a song about admitting a crush. We have a song about moving on past suicidal tendencies.

Every song on the EP is about something that no one knows how to talk about, and societally, we do not talk about. The topics we chose to write about are personal.”

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ALAN WALKER: INTERVIEW

May 31, 2025

by lilith jaime

For Alan Walker, what started as a bedroom project turned into an experience of a lifetime. Long before he was old enough to set foot in a nightclub, Walker was already making waves in the electronic and dance music scene. Now, with more than a decade of music production behind him, his journey is a testimony of continuous learning, experimentation, and a commitment to spreading unity and positivity. In fact, his dedicated community now exceeds 10 million followers on Instagram —impressive evidence to his global impact. Who would have thought electronic music could bring people together so powerfully? Alan Walker is living proof that it can.

With the release of his latest record, Walkerworld 2.0, the artist embarked on a world tour that will culminate in New York, where he is set to go on one last ride today, May 31st. In the midst of this global journey, we caught up with Walker to discuss this new chapter in his music career, upcoming and excited releases, and the importance of using his platform to inspire fans to keep creating.

What does Walkerworld 2.0 represent in your music career?

Alan: “Walkerworld 2.0 has been a creative playground and a project where I’ve truly worked through the entire spectrum of content in the Alan Walker universe. Musically, we’ve done a bit of everything— from the more traditional me with songs like ‘Hero’ and ‘Who I Am,’ to remakes like the legendary ‘Better Off Alone’ with ‘Better Off Alone Pt. II,’ and to ‘Thick of It All’ on the other end, which was written with Julia Michaels, Joe Jonas, and Jon Bellion. Conceptually, we’ve toured North America, Europe, and Asia, and created games in both UEFN/Fortnite, Rocket League, and PUBG Mobile. So yeah, a creative playground, a super fun project where I got to work with a lot of amazing people!”

When collaborating with other artists, what’s something you’ve come to realize about the teamwork involved in the creative process?

Alan: “For me, teamwork is everything. Ever since I started creating in my bedroom, I’ve loved working with people, getting inspired, brainstorming, being challenged, and creating something together. I truly believe the product gets better in creative collaborations, and I see how important that is with my fans too.”

You are about to take one last ride, referring to your performance at SummerStage in Central Park. So far, do you have any memorable live performance that stands out from this tour? If so, which one and why?

Alan: “Oh yes, so many! The biggest one was probably a drone show we did in Bengaluru, India. A pre-programmed audiovisual show that was one of the wildest things I’ve ever done.”

Why did you choose NYC to mark the grand finale of your Walkerworld Tour?

Alan: “I really love NYC, and being able to do this in Central Park just felt right!”

Now, when talking about touring, to what extent does it affect your approach to music when making new records?

Alan: “Both in good and bad ways! Touring obviously takes a lot of time, but the combination of us being good at squeezing in productive sessions between concerts, and me having a team I work really well with, makes me content with the situation. And touring inspires me a lot, so always fun to start working after visiting a new place!”

After travelling around the world, what’s a lesson that you take home with you?

Alan: “Family first!”

As one of the most streamed artists in the world, how do you handle fame and the pressure of meeting fans’ and the media’s expectations, if at all?

Alan: “Naturally, it affects you. I’ve actually been doing this professionally for ten years now, and everything goes in phases. I have a really, really great community around me, and the whole brand with the mask means I get to live a more normal day-to-day life than the streaming numbers suggest. But even though there are times when I feel a bit powerless, I’m left with the feeling that I’m incredibly lucky.”

With such a large audience both online and on tour, what’s a message or topic you like to share with your fans through your platforms — aside from music?

Alan: “Unity. Together we are stronger.”

The message behind the music video for “Story of a Bird” is clear: to keep creating art. What made you encourage your fans to do so? Did you realize about a lack of creative works in the modern world?

Alan: “It’s not necessarily that I think there’s too little creativity out there, but I feel a responsibility to use my platform and success to lift up other creators. For example, right now in NYC, we’ve recruited a Walker (someone from our community) to be one of the support acts. That’s how I gained the confidence to pursue this, and I want to pass that on.”

New talents are always so fun and interesting to listen and discover. What would you like to see happen in the electronic music scene in the coming years?

Alan: “EXCITING question. Would love to see a surprising (new) act bring something unexpected to the table.”

You were once a new act in the electronic music scene. However, it’s been ten years since your hit “Faded” — which catapulted you to stardom — was released. How do you feel about that song after all this time? Some artists grow tired of performing their biggest hits — has that been the case for you?

Alan: “You know what, I really love ‘Faded.’ Both because it has such a huge significance in where I am today, and because I have so many great memories tied to that song. A lot as recently as this year, with people sharing what the song has meant to them, and amazing moments when performing the song live.”

How has your perspective on music changed after all these years?

Alan: “[Laughs] Can I say; slightly more cynical? No, but you do experience and learn a lot. It’s a big industry with many players who aren’t always working toward what I think matters most: creating great experiences. On a more positive note, something that fascinates me is how fast the music industry actually changes, listening patterns, technology, and communication methods. Love how vibrant it is.”

What began as a bedroom project has now become a global success. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would you say to DJ Walkzz?

Alan: “Be kind. And have fun!”

We heard you are announcing a new app. Can you tell us more about that and what led to you wanting to create this ecosystem for fans?

Alan: “Yes, and I’m really proud of it. As mentioned, since I started making beats in my bedroom, I’ve had a strong connection to an online community, and that’s grown into a large group called Walkers. In 2022, I went indie after seven years with Sony Music, and since then I’ve really felt how the industry works and how I connect with fans. This app is primarily a tool for me and the Walkers to meet, regardless of algorithms and technological barriers. It will be a safe zone for everyone who feels a connection to either my music or what we stand for in the community. It’ll include exclusive music, the full catalog of video and audio, the ability to connect with other Walkers, and of course a ton of activities and content. So why am I making it? Because I want both myself and the Walkers to be able to communicate and share.”

Can’t wait for you to launch it! Video games are also a powerful way to build communities, and we know for a fact you like playing them. So, to what extent does the gaming community influence your works?

Alan: “Quite a lot! It’s something very close to my heart, both creatively and in terms of how I like to communicate content. I'm a fan of easter eggs, gamification, and the ability to listen to music while gaming. ;)”

To finish this interview, a FUN QUESTION. If you could design your own video game, what would it be like?

Alan: “It would be something clean. Maybe inspired by 2010. Or super futuristic. Something unexpected and innovative.”

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NOAH LEVINE: INTERVIEW

May 30, 2025

by kristen case

Noah Levine is a versatile musician. Known for his creative lyricism and distinctive melodies, Noah is stepping in writing for himself and the honesty he shares in his music with his new single “Bacteria.” In our new interview he discusses the creative process and inspiration behind the song.

Congratulations on your newest single “Bacteria.” Can you tell us a little about where the inspiration for this song came from?

Noah: “Thank you so much. This song is so special to me. I feel like it’s one of the first songs where I’ve allowed myself to be completely honest with myself while writing it. I wrote it when I first hit the road playing guitar for Noah Kahan. I was suddenly getting attention and approval for the music I was making and contributing to, and I quickly started feeling a deep sense of imposter syndrome. A voice telling me, ‘just wait til people figure out you’re not as good or talented as they think you are.’ I wrote ‘Bacteria’ as a way to cope and express that feeling without letting it consume me.”

What was the story behind “Bacteria?”

Noah: “I remember visiting my friends in Boston, and my friend and fellow guitar player, Leon Sharplin, and I were messing around with some sounds and ended up writing this riff. It’s the initial and main riff you hear when you first listen to the song. I took it with me on the road and wrote half of the song until I hit a creative roadblock. A few nights pass and I’m sitting in my hotel room with Noah Kahan. We ended up talking about the song and how we both share very similar feelings about imposter syndrome and feeling somewhat undeserving when good things happen to us, and he helped me finish this song. It’s a wonderful feeling to be grateful for somebody's friendship and support of my artistry, and the song just wouldn’t be what it is without him. He’s a role model and an avid encourager of honesty through music, and that was a huge help in writing what I needed to.”

What was the creative process for “Bacteria,” and did you have any challenges during the making of the song?

Noah: “When it came to actually recording the song in its entirety, neither Gabe Simon (co-producer) nor myself had a perfect vision for what it was going to sound like when it was finished. All we had to work with were the bare bones of an acoustic and vocal driven song. We tried to take a very impulsive approach, adding little elements as we went whenever we felt it was necessary. Ultimately the song ended up consisting of only five elements — the vocal, baritone guitar, drums (played by Marcos Valles), bass, and a washed out mellotron. Anything more felt like a distraction from the song. There’s no better feeling than walking into a room without a true vision, and walking out with exactly what you want.”

Did your initial visualization of the track match up with the final outcome?

Noah: “Completely, but in a way that wasn’t tangible for me before having the final product. I couldn’t imagine the final track out of thin air, but I knew I’d know it if I heard it. This kind of thing doesn’t happen often, but whenever it does, the best thing for me to do is take it slow and add one element at a time. Ideally it’s an easy ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when it comes to each individual instrument at a time. Is this the right guitar tone? No. Try something else. On and on with each instrument until I come up with a recording that feels complete. I feel like that is the hardest part of making a song — knowing when to stop fucking with something and know that it’s done.”

What is your favorite lyric in Bacteria?

Noah: “‘I never noticed all the space between the boards until I started keeping secrets like a body in the floor.’”

When it comes to sound selection and production for “Bacteria,” what was the process for sound selection like?

Noah: “I think the only overarching vision Gabe and I had when recording this, was to create a recording that can be truly replicated in any type of room — a song I could play by myself with a guitar and hold the same effect as a full band arrangement in a concert venue, living room, arena, bedroom, etc. I think our minimal use of the studio using only a few instruments really lends itself to getting the message and weight of the song to people without too many distracting pieces.”

What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?

Noah: “I feel like the biggest theme of what I write is that it’s okay to feel multifaceted about certain things. I used to think that I had to be decisive on how I feel about events or relationships in my life, and my music and writing has taught me otherwise. It’s okay to feel upset about a relationship ending, and grateful that it happened simultaneously. It’s okay to feel hurt and angry towards someone and still love seeing them grow as a person too. I try to be as honest with the different ways that I feel about things in my music as I can. That’s why you won’t often see just a ‘sad’ song or ‘happy’ song come from me. There are bound to be layers, and I hope it’s something people can feel comforted by.”

Is there anything else you would like to share about the single or anything we might expect from you this year?

Noah: “There’s a lot of music coming and I’m just so antsy to be able to share it all. I hope you stick around and keep listening!”

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