WILL LINLEY: INTERVIEW

April 26, 2022

by lauren kovolenko

World, meet Will Linley, a 20-year-old musician from South Africa with a big heart and huge sound. Read our interview with him below — his creation process, and candid thoughts are quite interesting. After, check out his new song, "wrong time" and vibe away. Follow his socials too! You won't want to miss his journey to rising fame.

How did your upbringing influence you? Did your environment or the people around you inspire you more?

Will: “I grew up in a very musical household. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood are centered around music. Whether I was putting on a concert with my brothers or singing nursery rhymes with my mother, everything I did seemed to be based around music! My brothers are also very musical, and I certainly think I wouldn’t be doing music if they weren’t interested in it from a young age, as the youngest I tended to just copy my older brother’s interests!

As a young artist, what makes you different from those making music before you? How do you stand out?

Will: “This is such an interesting question! I always seem to struggle with this. But as I’ve thought through it the answer has become clearer and clearer. I used to always think that because I wasn’t from America or Europe, I could never make music a legit career of mine. But as I’ve grown, I have seen that that frame of thought is not true! I am South African, and I want to show young people back home that it is possible to dream and believe in those dreams! I want to continue creating with South Africans as much as I can, whether it’s in the music creation process, merchandise collaborations, or music videos. That’s what makes me different, I want to tell a story that is unique to the person I am and the people I create with, and that story is a South African story.”

When you aren't writing songs or making TikToks, what can we expect you to be doing?

Will: “Swimming in the sea, chasing a sunset, or hanging out with friends!”

Have you been to America? If so, what did you like best about it? If not, what are you most looking forward to seeing?

Will: “I just went now for two months! As a foodie, I loved being able to have so many different styles of food! From really good Mexican to incredible Thai food, and who could forget about a good smash burger. I also loved just being a tourist and seeing the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame and watching some incredible concerts.”

How has TikTok changed your road to fame? Has it made it easier to reach more people? Do you think it's helped you dramatically?

Will: “Honestly speaking, I would not be in this position today if it wasn’t for TikTok. It truly leveled the playing field and allowed my music to be heard by people in various countries around the world.”

Talk about your sound: how would you describe it to people that don't know you?

Will: “I think I’m still in the process of truly finding it, but I think for the upcoming EP, the songs are snapshots into my mind as an 18 and 19 year old kid. I think each song has its own separate sound and energy, which I love, but what makes it ‘my sound’ is that I’m singing it. I don’t believe in trying to write the same type of song over and over again, I want to continue drawing people in and I intend to keep the listener ‘on their toes,’ not knowing what to expect. So you will see that each song that is released is unique in its own way!”

What do you see yourself doing in a few years from now? What do you want to be doing?

Will: “I hope I’m still doing music! But I definitely want to be touring for sure, I absolutely love playing live for people.”

As an influencer, what is the most fulfilling part about having a platform?

Will: “Being able to connect and touch people’s lives in various ways. Whether it’s sending birthday messages or just chatting to various fans. That’s been my favorite part. I want to really focus on pouring out energy and good vibes in order to try and have a positive impact on at least one person’s day!”

Do you have any particular career goals? What is your biggest dream for the future?

Will: “I would love to play a concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. That’s where I grew up watching all my favorite artists!”

Are you going to release an album sometime soon? How will it sound?

Will: “An EP is on its way! Full of different styles of songs. I was just focused on having fun in the creation of the project and I do think that is pretty obvious when listening through the songs!”

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MIMI WEBB: INTERVIEW

April 25, 2022

by kaylee pickens

21-year-old Mimi Webb is proof that age is just a number. The young newcomer with hits “Before I Go” and “Good Without” just wrapped up touring with Tate McRae and is surprising fans across the country. Born in Gravesend, England, Amelia Webb is back with a new track that’s gained imminent popularity. “House On Fire,” released in mid-February, this 2-minute song is rocking the charts and playlists far and wide. We were lucky enough to sit down with Webb to discuss tour, her favorite places from home, and much more. You can find Mimi Webb on Instagram and Twitter for more updates on tour, merch, and new music!

How are you adjusting to tour life? 

Mimi: “So good. Yeah, it’s really exciting. And I think just, you know, getting the routine of it and knowing the shows — it honestly feels like it is going quite fast. I think it's just seeing the fans, and the incredible atmosphere, and each different city is just so amazing. Loving it so far.”

If you could tour anywhere where would it be? 

Mimi: “I think EU. It would just be so fun. And I'm doing that in May. So not long now.”

Is there anywhere in the States that you’ve loved so far? 

Mimi: “Texas. I just love the energy. Everyone's so lovely there and they’re just a great crowd.”

How do you cope with being away from home?  

Mimi: “I think for me, I just FaceTime them every day — just checking in because I love to know what's going on at home. Like what are they up to? And always thinking about them and I also have a little picture of my puppy— she’s not a puppy, she’s like three— but I miss her so much.”

What was the writing process like for “House On Fire?”  

Mimi: “‘House On Fire’ was really great because I think it was one of those ones where we knew we wanted to drop something that was really cool, sassy, and out there. But, there was that line because— see, all my stuff is very emotional and a lot more like, you know, heartbreak. So this was one where it's free and I wanted to start the year with a bang. And I think ‘House On Fire’ was just the perfect tune. The whole process was a bit back and forth just changing little bits and trying to make it work for radio and work for all these different things. And I also have my friend, who is an incredible producer, I really wanted him to do some bits on it too. So having him be able to jump on it was great.”

What was the idea behind cover art design?  

Mimi: “I wanted to have an artwork that was inspired by the video as well. Being able to do an artwork that was also linked in with a video — I've never done that before, so I was really excited to do that. The firefighter look, with the video, I wanted it to be really tongue in cheek, exciting, and playing all these different roles making the actual artwork so fun.”

Fav place to eat back home? What do you get?  

Mimi: “I love going to the Ivy and Chelsea's like right around the corner for me; it's just such a nice walk there. I do that a lot and just see my friends, spend time with my boyfriend, my family. [I] love walking around London. I’m always in the studio when I'm at home if I've got like four weeks of no shows, I'm just in the studio every day. It'll be my first summer living in London, so I’m excited to be in the sun and have picnics.”

Fav thing to do? What’s the most English thing you do?  

Mimi: “Having dinners. I mean, I think for me, I just love to be able to go and like sit and just relax and it chills me out to have a glass of wine. But also like, going on walks a lot. I'm from the countryside originally. So, for me, my family, every Sunday we go for walks together with our dogs and it's very loving. And I roast dinners — fish and chips.”

Anything new to share?  

Mimi: “Lots of new music. I'm working on trying to get really cool things to drop at the beginning next year. Like some album stuff. And then lots of music and shows, [and] lots of festivals. A lot of touring, as well at the end of this year. So it's like a really big touring year. And, just dropping as much as I can.”

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MEGAGONEFREE: INTERVIEW

April 13, 2022

by mariah estran

With a ukulele in hand and a pair of chic butterfly sunglasses on their face, MegaGoneFree is gifting the TikTok feed with enthralling covers. Marina and the Diamonds to Madonna, and even Nirvana, the singer is putting their twist on some well-known hits.

While creating content, Mega has found community within the platform, a place where ideas and conversations start to feel less obscure. “I’m a unique person,” the artist shares. “TikTok has made me lucky enough to find like-minded people who enjoy and have the same interests as I do.”

That safe space has made way for them to share their music, and with 5 million followers, it is the right place to bring that audience into the world of MegaGoneFree. In December, they released "Thermostat.” A fierce tune that describes the birth of spiraling thoughts once learning of being used.

They're setting ablaze to the ground they step on (in the best way possible), and it’s only the beginning. Mega took time to talk to us about their TikTok journey, creating “Thermostat,” their writing process, and what we can expect next.

You do these fabulous covers on TikTok, and they’ve received a good amount of love. What inspired you to start posting on this platform?

MegaGoneFree: “Well, I started TikTok around 2019. I just started casually, like everybody else. I was attracted to that app because around that time everybody, like, hated it because it was a version of Musical.ly. It just wasn’t as popular, and that’s what I loved about it.”

How do you feel posting on TikTok has helped you expand on your craft and grow your fanbase?

MegaGoneFree: “Well, TikTok has helped me find a lot of like-minded people. That has helped me a lot with embracing who I am in general. Where I’m from, the people I am surrounded by aren’t always that similar to me. I’m a unique person. TikTok has made me lucky enough to find like-minded people who enjoy and have the same interests as I do.”

On the other hand, I noticed that you posted a video grappling between the recognition your videos give to other artists, while you’re still pushing your own artwork as well. How do you stay positive, and ultimately, inspired?

MegaGoneFree: “Honestly, music is my first love. Music is my everything. My main goal with my music is to have people hear and relate to it. For people to know they are not alone in their thinking. Honestly, the hope of one day being able to impact as many people as I can is what keeps me going. And music just being my outlet, in general, for my emotions and what I’m feeling.

Back in December, you released your fiery single “Thermostat.” What’s the story behind the track?

MegaGoneFree: “I always make music about what I’m feeling. Around that time, I was having trouble, feeling like I was being taken advantage of.

I wanted to make a song that highlights the outside perspective of a people pleaser and the baggage that comes with that.”

What is your songwriting process, especially when you’re pulling from your personal stories and emotions?

MegaGoneFree: “It varies. Sometimes it will start with a melody that I like, then the lyrics will fall in. Sometimes it will start with a concept that I want to write about, and from there, everything will follow. It depends on what’s going on around me and how things affect me. What’s happening on social, on the internet, and what’s going on in real life. I try to pour inspiration from everywhere so that I can create something that a lot of people will understand.”

What are your opinions on how TikTok has shaped the music industry over the last two/three years?

MegaGoneFree: “I think it’s a great thing, but I also think there are some flaws. It’s an amazing platform for independent artists — it’s helped me out a lot. I love the fact that I can get on TikTok and see something new. It gives people opportunities they might not have had if it wasn’t for the app.

I also think there’s a specific type of sound on TikTok that oversaturates the app, in a way. That makes it harder for alternative artists to be heard, recognized, and appreciated. Even with that, I still think it’s an amazing platform for anybody trying to put their music out there. I know for me; I am a random girl from Baltimore City. You would have never heard of me if it wasn’t for TikTok. So, I am eternally grateful for that.”

What do you have planned next? Will you be releasing more singles? What can you tell us about that?

MegaGoneFree: “Well, I am planning to come out with a project this year. I am super excited about it. I am expecting the lead single to be out sometime in May. I'm excited about the project because one, my discography, isn’t that big. So, I’m excited to have a body of work for people to listen to.

There is going to be a roaming theme throughout the project. I’m excited to implement myself, my taste, parts of me that people don’t usually see. And there are talks of starting to do live shows.”

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POUTYFACE: INTERVIEW

April 9, 2022

by emily harris

poutyface’s newest single, “Cherry Picking” is here! The alt-pop track is noted as an ode to the 2000’s pop punk scene she’s heavily influenced from. The nineteen-year-old singer songwriter is in the process of working on an EP! We had the ability to chat with her about the newest single, what’s coming next, and her traction on TikTok!

You recently released your newest single, "Cherry Picking!" What was the recording process like for you?

poutyface: “Really easy. I was working with a couple good friends of mine. It’s always easier to work with people you’re friends with. We tracked in each part as we wrote the song. Once the song was fully written, we went back and got proper vocal takes. The whole thing was finished in a matter of hours, besides a scream I added in later on.”

How do you think this single sits amongst the other songs in your discography?

poutyface: “I think it was an itch I’d been wanting to scratch for a while. I love the 90s and this song is shameless 90s worship to me. It definitely sits on the dirtier, grungy side. Still feels like it fits between the rock and pop elements I have in a lot of my music.”

You're recently were on tour with YUNGBLUD! How did that collaboration come about?

poutyface: “So I knew a was being considered for a tour for a couple months. I just didn’t know WHO because my manager told me, ‘I’ll let you know if we get it.’ Didn’t wanna have me stressing over it. But finally, on a random day, he called my while I was in a CVS and gave me the news. Really played it cool in the drug store but I was partially in shock for sure.”

Which song have you enjoyed playing live the most thus far?

poutyface: “Rag Doll. Definitely, Rag Doll. That one was such an unexpected addition to the setlist and the impact it had on people was even more unexpected. There’s a point in the show, during this song, where I talk about how easy it is to bottle up your emotions, and it really is, but it takes such a massive toll. There’s this moment, where the audience lets out one huge scream together. It makes me emotional thinking about it even now, but really seeing all those faces gather the to courage to let things go, sometimes holding hands and bracing for impact. It’s a beautiful cathartic moment.”

How has your TikTok following influenced the way you approach music or your fanbase in general?

poutyface: “TikTok gave me an opportunity to reach a lot of people really quickly which I’m very grateful for, but the audience tends to be more fickle in my experience. That being said, it’s made me even more grateful for my hardcore fans who’ve stuck by me long term. I want to keep building that close relationship with them. As far as music goes, It doesn’t influence what I’m making or why I’m making it. It’s a cool tool though, for testing things out.”

How has being only nineteen affected the way you look at the industry?

poutyface: “Ultimately I’ve been really lucky in my experience so far, being so young. There are things I see that I don’t like, but I think that goes for any industry. From my current viewpoint — it’s so nuanced, heavily influenced by relationships with people and that was something I had to definitely learn and grow through. It’s not always all about the music, as much as I want it to be. Still, gotta stay optimistic. Easy to get jaded.”

What song would you recommend someone to listen to if they're looking to get into your music? Why?

poutyface: “Probably Cherry Picking. That’s the most recent song I’ve put out. I’d want them to grow with me creatively in real time.”

Can we expect an even larger body of work from you soon?

poutyface: “Can’t say specifically when, but the EP is on her way very soon.”

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THE MIDNIGHT: INTERVIEW

April 8, 2022

by brittany and everly ormiston

“The Midnight world is a hybrid of this imaginary time that we are working on in the real time that we live through.” Singer-songwriter Tyler Lyle and producer-songwriter Tim McEwan joined forces 10 years ago to create a project now known as The Midnight. The band may fit in the synthwave box, but aim to stick outside of it as well. They are successful at creating art that is revolutionary and impactful, and have the ability to capture different eras of music and effortlessly make them their own. The center of The Midnight universe is nostalgia. “Nostalgia has always been the fundamental premise of this band to try and capture that fleeting feeling of love, loss, and regret,” explains Lyle. The Japanese phrase "mono no aware" (物の哀れ) is the band’s motto, and has been considered its core from the very beginning. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of nostalgia, and “a sense of spring as things are fading away.”

“Mono no aware” is the band’s guide, especially during the collaborative creative process. Lyle and McEwan aim to move themselves, and use elements they believe in both lyrically and on a production level. They pull inspiration from very different places, and take a variety of vibes and energies from current artists they are listening to. A track on the unreleased album was created with inspiration from Def Leppard and Whitesnake for the production, and from the late Juice WRLD for the songwriting aspect. “This has all been done before, which is true. But it has not all been done before by you,” Lyle mentions. Over the years, Lyle and McEwan have learned to appreciate and enjoy the process, which in turn brings a great amount of emotional-payoff when everything is all said and done.

The duo have experienced a great deal of emotional-payoff when it comes to their new album set to be released this year. Over the past few years, they had time to dive in creatively and to “digest themes.” McEwan was able to think further about the vision he wanted to create with production, and Lyle decided to jump into modular synthesis to “add production value to their future records.” Thematically, The Midnight’s newest album will include 80’s guitar, production, and background vocals. On a deeper level, it will continue the arc of self-awareness that also includes their other two albums: Kids and Monsters. Lyle explains further, “Tim and I are wanting to tell the story of the arc of how a person grows into themselves, and there are three movements. You gain self-knowledge, then you jump to gain self-love, and that means understanding the boundaries of other people and being able to love yourself. The next record is the other leap from self-love to empathy.”

The Midnight’s newest album will be nothing short of wistful and charismatic. There will be a different level of relatability to the new record as it unveils the stories and struggles of other individuals. Along with the rest of their music, Lyle and McEwan hope the album as a whole will resonate and translate with the fanbase just as it has within themselves. “Our job is to be a mirror… to be able to give back to the fan whatever they are giving in to us,” Lyle shares. This mindset is especially portrayed when The Midnight performs live. Everyone in attendance is there for catharsis and an emotional experience, including the band members.“This idea of collective effervescence; when we all get together, we create a moment that is bigger than the individual ego or the individual self. We are co-creating something that is bigger than all of us,” expressed Lyle.

At their sold-out stop in Indianapolis on their recent tour, Lyle made a short speech before “Comeback Kid,” and highlighted how the audience plays a role in making the magic happen. The perfect example of this magic is when the entire room held onto one another, swayed back and forth, and sang the lyrics to “Lost and Found.” In that moment, you felt free from the burdens of life and truly the most alive. The saxophone solos, especially during “Jason,” were mesmerizing and thrilling at the same time. At one point, McEwan left his drum set and came to the front of the stage to cheer on the saxophonist, Justin. The audience continued to go wild during the chorus of “Los Angeles,” and bounced their arms to the beat of the bass drum. The amount of nostalgia emitted throughout the room was indescribable. The Midnight knows how to throw the most memorable party mixed with a whole lot of nostalgia to last you a lifetime. The beauty of it all is “nostalgia can be any decade... It is specific to your personal experiences and your life experiences,” — Tim McEwan.

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