LIVINGSTON: INTERVIEW

May 17, 2021

by jordan o’halloran

At only 18, Livingston is already a self-taught producer, songwriter, and singer. On his new EP, An Unlikely Origin Story, we will all be seeing a lot more of him soon.

Livingston started his music career by doing video production and says that film is his first love. With that being said, music came into his life when he wanted to start to convey how he felt despite not having people around to talk with. During the pandemic, he has been holding up and enjoying being with family, but definitely is ready for life to go back to normal.

His single “Hercules” features a collaboration with Jorgen Odegard. Odegard has worked with artists like Justin Bieber and Imagine Dragons and says that working with him was very enjoyable. His lyrics are full of heart, empathy, and he hopes that people learn that they aren’t alone in the world. You can find Livingston doing livestreams, TikTok, and fan building on social media. He will also be doing four live shows with Fitz and the Tantrums in June and July.

What first got you into making music?

Livingston: “I felt that I had a lot to say but not a ton of people around to talk to, so I started finding avenues to express how I felt. At first, it was video production, but when I discovered how accessible music production was, I fell in love with Logic X and started writing songs.”

With the pandemic happening unexpectedly, how are you?

L: “I’m actually really good. Sure, like with anyone, it’s been rough at times with the isolation, but I’m grateful that I’ve been able to spend so much time with my family. I’m going to LA to work on the next record for a month and I’m unbelievably excited.”

On your single “Hercules” you collaborated with Jorgen Odegard. Jorgen has worked with artists like Justin Bieber and Imagine Dragons. Did that feel intimidating?

L: “Really great experience. Not intimidating, he’s a few years older than me so it’s cool to see how he has bridged to his amount of industry connection and skill at his age. Chloe George also co-wrote the song, and it was crazy to see her have that huge moment with the Ghost Town cover TikTok sound.”

What artists and songs are on your radar right now?

L: “J. Cole, we’re dropping the same day and he’s my favorite artist so I’m excited for The Fall Off. Some Mobb Deep. This cool EDM project called Fred Again... is really interesting.”

You just released your new EP An Unlikely Origin Story. Can you tell us a bit about this project and how it came to be?

L: “This project was the story of my life at the end of high school experiencing extreme change. Even though the stuff I was experiencing was different than my peers, I realize the anxieties and uncertainties that EVERYONE feels during big life changes — going to college, losing and gaining relationships, etc... so I wanted to make a project about those phases of life to provide closure to me and hopefully someone on earth can relate to it.”

Your videos are beautiful. How do you think of your video ideas? Do you explore other creative forms when not working on music?

L: “Thank you so much. Videos are such an important avenue of storytelling, co-writing the ‘Carnival’ video and having a great team being that video to life was such a fun experience, and set the stage for getting to solo write and direct the ‘Superkid’ video. Film has always been my first love, so it’s amazing to bring it into this career. And there’s also times I fail! Went to my team in Austin, shot a big old ambitious video for ‘Hercules,’ and it didn’t pan out like I expected! It’s all a learning process. There are wins and losses, but the trajectory is upwards and I always want to stay involved with that side of things.”

How does your creative process go? Do you write the lyrics first?

L: “A lot of times it’s a concept, word or lyric — other times it’s a chord progression or sample that really moves me. It varies.”

What has been the best performance of your career so far?

L: “The rehearsal I did last night for the four shows I’m playing with Fitz and the Tantrums in June and July. Get your tickets.”

What do you hope people take from your music?

L: “A feeling that they are never alone in the world and that their value comes from within.”

With concerts not being a thing for a while, do you do any livestreams? Connect with fans on social media?

L: “I’ve been livestreaming a lot, doing a ton of TikToks and fan building. It’s been fun. Time for real life though.”

What would you like to say to fans old and new?

L: “Thank you for believing in me, I believe in you, let’s change earth.”

FIND LIVINGSTON ONLINE

WEBSITE TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

6VIB3Z: INTERVIEW

May 15, 2021

by mariah estran

In January, hip-hop/alternative artist 6VIB3Z released his genre-bending track, “Runaway.” Now, four months later, the single has accumulated over two million streams. Once fans got a hold of it on TikTok, the numbers have continued to climb with no current end in sight.

But while that popularity is euphoric for any up-and-coming artist, the song still possesses a grave personal experience. It’s a single that came to fruition after a toxic relationship left its damaging effects. The artist decided to pen “Runaway” as a form of relief, soon realizing that more steps were needed, such as going to therapy. “I will forever voice and share my thoughts on mental health because society doesn’t really teach you how to deal with these types of things,” says 6VIB3Z.

He took the time to tell us more about “Runaway.” We discuss how this single aided his mental health, what the production process was like, and what we can expect for the upcoming music video.

You’ve recently released “Runaway," a single that expresses the negative side of toxic relationships but also inspired you to make some changes. What was it about this track that made you want to look inward and analyze your mental health?

6VIB3Z: “This song gave me a chance to be completely honest with myself and actually sit down and reflect on my current relationship situation. Once that was done, I realized that I’m not alone dealing with this issue.”

The track mixes alternative guitar chords with a quick beat that compliments your flow style. What was the production process like?

6VIB3Z: “The production of this track was instantly jarring to me because the chords that were used were so simple but so different from music that is getting released today.”

“Runaway” got a lot of love on TikTok and other platforms like Snapchat. What was it like seeing the single gain momentum months after the release?

6VIB3Z: “Seeing my song get the amount of good feedback it did, made me realize my sense of purpose in life and it makes me want to continue to consistently put out more great music.”

I know you're about to release a video for the track! What can you tell us about the visual?

6VIB3Z: “The visuals for ‘Runaway’ will be eye catching and stand out more than every music video you have ever seen.”

Mental health has become a focus in your life. It's inspiring, considering many might find the topic taboo. Do you think you will continue to share this mental health conversation through your music?

6VIB3Z: “Yes, I will forever voice and share my thoughts on mental health because society doesn’t really teach you how to deal with these types of things.”

Regarding the future of your music, what’s next? Is there an EP or album in the works?

6VIB3Z: “Personally, I think my future is full of me constantly evolving, getting better at different genres of music, and I’m currently working on an EP.”

FIND 6VIB3Z ONLINE

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

RYAN NEALON: INTERVIEW

May 14, 2021

by abby samuelson

Ryan Nealon has changed the music industry with his musical talent and unfailing perseverance against one cause: drunk driving. After his mother was tragically hit in years past, Ryan took the initiative to use his talents to raise awareness about the cause and effect of what drunk driving can do. Along with that, Ryan has been taking it step by step to work on a new project to help those with mental illnesses and continue to inspire those in his community. Check out our interview here!

What made you get into songwriting?

Ryan: “Songwriting has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was young, I found that writing was a really neat way to express myself through musical storytelling. I had always dabbled in songwriting when I was younger — I used to have journals full of musical gibberish, and would put on countless concerts for my parents and stuffed animals (they loved every song). I also was surrounded by so much great music growing up — my mom always played artists like Carole King, Toto, Stevie Wonder, and Earth Wind & Fire on our way to school in the mornings, and those artists and groups still to this day inspire me like crazy. Later in life when I moved to Los Angeles in 2013, I really discovered that I had a deeper love and connection with it. Recently, I’ve made it a goal to write every song from my heart and to tell my stories that are very honest and raw like ‘Not Coming Home.’ I think when you write something from personal experience, naturally you’re going to get a better product.”

What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

R: “Growing up, I was a huge fan of jazz, R&B, funk, and soul. I also loved classic rock and a lot of singer/songwriter stuff. My favorite artist of all time would have to be Stevie Wonder.”

How have you seen your story about your mom make a change in yours or others' lives?

R: “I would not be the person I am today if my mom wasn’t in that accident 21 years ago. Although I miss her everyday and always will, my aunt would’ve never become my mom, I would’ve never gained my uncle as my dad, and I probably wouldn’t of been able to do half of the things that I’ve gotten to do in my life. My mother’s death was horrible and deeply hurt my family and I, but it truly has taught us to live life to the fullest and to be grateful for what we have everyday. When I first shared my story to my listeners, I never would’ve imagined how many people would come forward sharing their personal stories and connecting so deeply with mine. The point of me releasing a song like this, was not for fame and fortune, but to connect with the people that truly needed this to know that they weren’t alone.”

What were some setbacks when it came to writing this song?

R: “‘Not Coming Home’ was the hardest song I’ve ever written. It took me 21 years to gather up enough strength to sit and talk about the death of my mother because of how much it still stings. There were lots of moments when I was writing the song with my friends Bret Paddock and Jeoff Harris where I almost broke down because of how honest and raw this song was. When we finished it, we knew we had written something really special.”

Are you working on anything else to inspire change in your community?

R: “At the moment, I’m working on a record that touches a lot on mental health awareness and other topics that aren’t often talked about in pop music. I’m excited to do my part and partner with more organizations like MADD in the future to share my music to audiences that would truly benefit from it.”

What advice do you have to others who are looking up to your story today?

R: “It’s never too late to follow your dreams and to get back up. I’ve been knocked down so many times that I can’t even count, but sharing this story was truly something that helped me really blossom as a person and as an artist. I would recommend to any young or even older musicians to write music from your heart and to trust that the people that need to hear it, will hear it.”

What are you looking forward to in the future in light of the pandemic and your new music?

R: “I’m excited to hopefully hit the road with all of this new music! Before the pandemic, I was planning a tour for myself which was going to be beyond epic, but sadly miss rona had other plans [laughs]. I’m also just excited to see people again and to be able to hug everybody — I’m a big softy, don’t judge me!”

What would be another skill you would want to develop and work at, if you didn't have songwriting? Sports, cooking, art, etc?

R: “Like most people, I have picked up a knack for cooking. During the pandemic I lived with a chef and I’ve really made some amazing things. Overcooked churros that were also raw inside, gluten free beignets that tasted like giant yeast balls, lots of burnt fries and roasted potatoes, and I can never forget making cookies with salt instead of sugar. I’m currently waiting on my Michelin star.”

What's your dream when it comes to working together with organizations such as Mother's Against Drunk Driving? Could you see that becoming any bigger?

R: “I love Mothers Against Drunk Driving so much, and they have been the absolute best people to work with for this song. Kristin Davis, who wrote my official story which is currently published on the MADD homepage, really took the time to get to know me and even introduced me to the MADD National President who is a total sweetheart. I am very hopeful that my work with MADD won’t stop here, and I want to be involved in anyway that I can be — they are so special to me. I would also love to partner with other organizations for issues like mental health because I suffer from anxiety and depression, and it’s always been a dream and goal of mine to use my music to help people.”

How can we as a community stand up against drunk driving as well, and other ways we can contribute?

R: “I would 100% recommend donating to groups like MADD who are actively fighting against drunk drivers and making sure that victims get the justice that they deserve. The person who killed my mother got only five weeks in jail which should’ve never happened. We got no justice, and MADD is constantly fighting against that. Also, if you’re at a social gathering and you know you’ve had a few drinks, call an Uber — DON’T DRIVE.”

FIND RYAN ONLINE

WEBSITE TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

DEZI: INTERVIEW

May 14, 2021

by mariah estran

Dezi’s friendly tone effortlessly escapes the cellphone speaker. Her copacetic nature filling the room with every thought divulged in the fourteen-minute phone call. “I honestly never considered doing anything else,” says the singer-songwriter, with no hesitation, when asked about her choice to pursue music. “It was just so apparent to me that this was what I was supposed to be doing.” That sure-fire attitude has come from several years of performing, and most recently, the release of the new EP, How to Leave a Lover.

“I actually started as a folk artist when I was younger,” she says. At eleven, she began singing live, then moved on to art schools, such as NYU, to hone that songwriting ability. But a lot has changed; she dropped those ultra-balladry beginnings. Now, her gentle vocals build into a rich chorus, amplified by electrifying beats and silky R&B chords. “I delved more into the pop realm of things,” says the singer. “With this being my first full project (How to Leave a Lover), a huge thing for me is stacking vocals – it’s my happy place. We built the rest of the production, kind of around that, with the influences of Fletcher and Lennon Stella.”

That state of content she mentions rings through the four tracks the EP holds. It feels accurately thought-out regarding production and inner-reflective lyricism. The project began after a breakup. A moment that had her striving towards a better state of mind as her music took a similar journey. Collaborating with producer Florio, she entered an environment where her emotions could live unrestricted. “Working with him was very therapeutic. We naturally started writing songs about that (breakup),” she says. “It was me and him fully diving in. It was amazing because I feel like I couldn’t have gotten this sound that I did without him.”

As Dezi walks through her time making the record, she laughs, poking fun at how she once substituted therapy with songwriting. That is a general statement many creatives have once uttered. However, for Dezi, she could not ignore the whirlwind of feelings heartbreak can conjure. Once the development for each track began, the singer analyzed whether she could accept her reality. “The EP is very much, ‘I’m over you, I’m moving on,’” she says. “When I wrote it, I was not in that headspace at all. I was still very much in love; I was trapped in that cycle. I look at it as I was manifesting where I wanted to be. I want to write a song, wake up, and not miss him for the first time.”

When you listen to the record yourself, you’ll get to a track that exposes those raw memories. “Clueless” transitions from gloomy rain sounds to an old voicemail that the singer had saved from her ex. “That was the song – I don’t really cry much, but that was the song, we put the voicemail on it, and it brought tears to my eyes,” she describes. The close-to-four-minute ballad builds to a moment of fruition as violins depict the light at the end of the tunnel. “When recording the vocals, something about it hit. It was very cathartic,” Dezi explains. “It was very much like, ‘okay, you don’t have a clue, you’re clueless, and that’s okay because I am letting go, and it’s going to be gone.’” Adding that while looking back at the EP, she’s finding that “Clueless” is her most honest song. Except, sincerity is thread through the record. Expressing those ups and downs led her to rediscover her confidence. The strength to do what she knows she does best – music.

“The biggest thing for me, honestly, was finding confidence in my music and my voice as an artist," Dezi says. Then further elaborating that she went on quite a long hiatus before this release. There was a focus on songwriting for other artists, but by 2020, she knew it was time to get back into her own. “The growth that I have gone through is very apparent to me,” the artist affirms. In the past, her music was searching for approval, hoping to be something people would love. Fortuitously, things have changed, and you can feel it in the music. “I’m very proud to get to a place where I was making music that represented what I wanted to say. I think the biggest thing is the confidence and making the music for me, rather than searching for validation.”

The newfound self-assurance is here to stay. A nickname for How to Leave a Lover is, appropriately, called “The Sad Bitch EP,” and she’s moving towards the outcome she manifested in the initial stages. “I call the next release of singles my ‘Bad Bitch’ EP,” she shares, with excitement reverberating from her words. “For me, it’s the shift, ‘oh, I was so sad’ to ‘oh, I feel chaotic.’ I just wanna kiss people, I’m feeling myself, it’s summer, I am through this breakup, and I feel good about myself.” And of course, there’s an upcoming song titled “Bad Bitch.”

In April, she hinted at the release of a music video by posting to Instagram. Dezi, in an all-white bodysuit, completed with dramatically fringed gloves, the image caption read: “might mess around and drop a music video soon.” The badass era is here, and it starts with her new video for “Sinner.” It’s a track that has been in her arsenal for a couple of years, and it has quickly become one of her favorites. In August 2020, after a few months of self-isolation, she filmed with a group of artists after proper precautions. “I kind of see it as a point that I felt creativity coming back. Being in a creative space with other people was so amazing. I think that’s why the music video ended being great. I’m super excited about it. It’s just me being my Bi-self.”

There is no doubt she is in her element. The singer has picked herself up, transforming into an artist she thoroughly enjoys. Heartbreak happens, but so does finding yourself once again. The portrayal of that story made her work relatable to those on the outside. “The ‘Sad Bitch’ EP, I feel very lucky, I’ve had people reach out to me that I didn’t know saying: ‘this is helping me through a breakup,'" she mentions while finding her final words for the interview. “If my experience can help anybody, through anything, whether that be a breakup or listening to ‘Bad Bitch,’ and being like, ‘yeah, I feel myself.' If it can speak to anybody, in any way, or if someone wants to dance to it, that’s enough for me.”

FIND DEZI ONLINE

WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

FOREST BLAKK: INTERVIEW

May 10, 2021

intro by madden levin

interview by cami liberty

Forest Blakk is making a bold statement with the release of “If You Love Her” featuring Meghan Trainor. This beautiful song is an amazing remix to his originally incredible tune. Forest Blakk is truly an impressive artist with countless recognitions from companies like Billboard and PEOPLE Magazine for being an emerging artist with extreme potential. We were ecstatic to chat with him a bit about his daily writing habits and the ideal take away from his music. If you like what you read, make sure to check out Forest Blakk’s social media to stay up to date on any new content coming your way.

Your single “If You Love Her” has been gaining a lot of traction, including being certified gold in Canada. Congratulations! How does it feel to know that so many people are listening to the song?

Forest Blakk: “I feel overwhelmed in the best way. My heart and soul went into writing this song and to have it received so well, I think everyone out there dreams of a moment like this. Am I dreaming? Is this really happening?”

Can you tell us a bit about the process of creating the song and how the lyrics came to be?

FB: ‘If You Love Her’ just poured out of me. I had gone through a pretty rough breakup and had a lot on my mind and heart. I was hanging with my friend Steve Solomon and within minutes of us picking up our guitars, the song was all there. The lyrics are honest. Sometimes the easiest way to say ‘I love you,’ is by just saying it.”

You also recently released a duet version of the song with Meghan Trainor. How was it working on this with her?

FB: “I mean c’mon, it’s Meghan Trainor!!! It was so surreal. Who would have thought that this kid from Canada would have a duet with none other than Meghan Trainor!!!"

For real though, she is such a gem. She really cared about the song and that’s what matters most to me. Her voice is incredible and I loved the personal touch she put on the second verse!”

How has the pandemic affected your music?

FB: “It’s been a learning experience, that’s for sure. I’ve realized just how much I love being close to strangers and their stories. I’m the weirdo sitting at a cafe swooning over people and their moments. Those moments really fuel the heart… and pen.”

What do you want listeners to take away from your music?

FB: “All I ever hope for is for people to feel whatever it is they need to feel. Sometimes my songs are the background to a first kiss, first love, first breakup, etc… I like to think of my music as the soundtrack to people's memories and experiences. In the end, we’re all here together just trying to make sense of whatever this all is.”

Is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?

FB: “I’m writing on the daily. I’ve always got something to say about whatever emotion is swirling around inside of me. As long as you’re out there listening you can trust that I’ll keep creating.”

FIND FOREST BLAKK ONLINE

WEBSITE TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK