LADYLAND IS ALMOST HERE!

June 7, 2022

by kaitlyn harris

Pride Month is here! With all the various events and parties lined up, we are super excited to kickoff the month with the highly anticipated Ladyfags’s LadyLand.

The festival will take place at the Brooklyn Mirage on June 17th and is expanding to three stages this year. We’re so excited to see headliners Honey Dijon and Tinashe take the stage! The lineup also includes Sevdaliza, Shygirl, TR/ST, Namasenda, Planningtorock, Ariel Zetina, Club Eat, GothJafar, and many more amazing artists. There will also be stunts performed by RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, Vanessa Vanjie.

This is definitely a party you can't miss! Check out our LadyLand playlist to get you ready to dance the night away.

CHYLD: INTERVIEW

June 2, 2022

by alex grainger

CHYLD just released his latest single “Head Underwater” ft. Yung Sum on May 20th. The self-produced electronic indie-pop song is the embodiment of the true sound of CHYLD. “Head Underwater” dropped alongside the news of CHYLD’s upcoming EP entitled Be Patient, which drops June 10th. Read more about CHYLD, “Head Underwater,” and his EP Be Patient below!

How did you get your start in music and production?

CHYLD: “After high school when I started messing around with different producing and teaching myself, I started taking it more seriously, being heavily influenced by Flume and others.”

Can you tell us what “Head Underwater” is about?

CHYLD: “To me, this song is about drowning in a dark time and being saved by my soulmate, but I think it can be interpreted in a lot of ways like any song.”

What was the creative process behind your self-produced single?

CHYLD: “It started with the plucky piano you hear at the beginning that really inspired me. I wanted to keep it simple, but also wanted it to hit hard. I also remember hearing my melody of ‘feeling something underwater…’ in a very spur of the moment.”

Yung Sum is featured on “Head Underwater.” What was it like collaborating with him?

CHYLD: “It was really easy and exciting. I love so much of his work, so when he told me he loved the song we were both really inspired during that process.”

Is there a message you are sending to listeners in “Head Underwater?”

CHYLD: “I guess if there were to be a message, it would have to tie in with my upcoming EP, which is simply ‘Be Patient.’ Good things come with time.”

Do you have a favorite lyric in “Head Underwater” that is especially powerful or meaningful?

CHYLD: “‘Your love struck me like a lightning rod.’ Something about this also came out of me so easily, and I love when lyrics do that to me, and this one is so true about my current partner.”

How would you describe your sound? How has it developed since your first release in 2018?

CHYLD: “It’s friendly, fun, and very bubbly to me. It’s always had that vibe, but I think the sound has become minimized over the years. I think I’ve been having more fun with the process compared to my first release, especially with lyrics.”

Can you tell us about your EP entitled Be Patient? Is there a story you’re telling through the EP?

CHYLD: “It’s definitely about finding love, but it’s also about feeling content and finding balance. The theme of being patient could probably be interpreted a lot of different ways by a lot of people depending on their life story, but from my eyes being patient has been the hardest thing for me to do, but I’m seeing why it’s so important now.”

How did you decide to release “Head Underwater” as a single off your upcoming EP?

CHYLD: “I felt this was the strongest song that really represents what the CHYLD sound is. The whole EP was fun to make, but I really loved making this one.”

How is your EP Be Patient different from what you have previously released?

CHYLD: “I think it’s not only the most simplified version of me, but I feel like this is the most confident version of me. I also think it’s a bit more fun, a bit more diverse, there’s a little something for everybody.”

FIND CHYLD ONLINE

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

KAILAYA: INTERVIEW

June 1, 2022

by mariah estran

Ukrainian-American singer Kailaya has released her debut single, “Lately.” The silky-smooth R&B number showcases the act of letting go. The tune introduces us to her candidness, specifically vocalizing hidden emotions. The singer explains, “It helps me so much to be able to express myself through art, and this single was the first of many I wrote that were extremely personal and honestly intimidating to share.”

Working with producer Aubren Elaine and guitarist Reed Hallums, those luscious chords make for a sensational unveiling. However, it’s her philanthropic nature that shines as well. Working with LifeLover — a humanitarian aid group providing shelter and resources to those in Ukraine — portions of proceeds from “Lately” will go to the charity.

Kailaya told us more about her latest work, including a music video with director Dmitry Lysan and videographer Ira Ray. She gives us more insight into “Lately,” developing her sound, and making music she hopes will become a safe space for her listeners.

You’ve released your debut single, “Lately.” It tackles the emotions felt in a past relationship, specifically letting it go. While songwriting, how did that moment help you process your thoughts?

Kailaya: “This song is about my relationship with a family member. I wrote it, impulsively, after a breakdown and was not intending to write a full song. I just wrote out all the things I wish I could say to this person but never have and then realized this is so relatable for so many different situations. It helps me so much to be able to express myself through art, and this single was the first of many I wrote that were extremely personal and honestly intimidating to share. After putting it out, I felt such a relief, and each time I listen I am so proud of the mental growth that this song represents in my life.”

The song showcases your smooth, R&B sound. Working with producer Aubren Elaine, how did you two collaborate to find the sound you wanted to introduce your listeners to?

Kailaya: “I could write a 15-page essay on Aubren Elaine and how talented she is. I was manifesting each day to find a producer that was easy-going, hard-working, has insane skills, and that could become one of my closest friends. Then I walked into a clothing shop and met Aubren. The collaboration process went like this: I sent her a demo of ‘Lately’ and she dropped to the floor and said, ‘Please let me produce this.’ I saw the way she cared about the project and about me, so it was a done deal. We would go back and forth with instrument ideas and the project file was overflowing with harmonies in the best way. She reached out to her friend who is a very talented guitarist, Reed Hallums, and he added the delicious guitars you hear now. Then the final mastering touch was added by Dariush Apfelthaler!”

You are releasing a portion of the proceeds of “Lately” to LifeLover. What can you tell us about this initiative, and why you chose it?

Kailaya: “LifeLover was founded by a family friend in Kyiv. I trust them and am grateful to be able to spread the word about them. LifeLover provides humanitarian aid to hotspots and shelters in Ukraine. They are currently raising money for a pasta machine to help people have access to filling enough food supply. Both my father and I are helping this foundation in different ways right now, which I also love.”

You are not scared to be vulnerable and honest about your experiences when it comes to your songwriting. I know you want your music to become a safe space for others. As you continue releasing music, how will your music continue to showcase that sentiment?

Kailaya: “My music will continue to showcase my real stories and emotions. If those emotions create space for others to share their own, then I will be so touched and proud. The only way I can help other people is by being open and honest about my life and how I process my own feelings.”

You’ve also released a music video to accompany your new single! What was the inspiration behind the video?

Kailaya: “The video started out as an experiment for me. I watched the movie Never Look Away by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and was inspired by a specific scene where the German artist was coming up with different art concepts, for example walking on the floor with paint on his feet and slicing canvas’ open to have paint pour out. I was living in Kyiv, Ukraine at the time and wanted to find a white studio where I could bring a bunch of paint and just do some art therapy for a short visual. I worked with a talented Ukrainian videographer/photographer named Ira Ray. She helped me bring this experience to life. Once I returned to America, I decided to add to this and turn it into a music video with the help of director/videographer Dmitry Lysan and my co-choreographer Amy Morgan!”

Lastly, what do you have planned next? Maybe a larger body of work?

Kailaya: “I have some exciting releases coming up next! A single about coming out will be released during Pride Month, followed by a dope music video filled with beautiful LGBTQ+ dancers/actors.”

FIND KAILAYA ONLINE

WEBSITE INSTAGRAM

'18' / THAVORON: REVIEW

May 31, 2022

by mariah estran

After releasing his debut album Ugly, Thavoron returns with a new single, “18.”

At twenty-one, the singer is taking a moment to examine the impact of a turbulent relationship, sharing a song that exposes the aftermath of those scar-leaving connections. Ones that teach you strength even during the tangled times of vulnerable self-reflection.

Written during the quarantine, Thavoron was handed time to digest the past. His raw, open nature is seamlessly carried through the track. Poignant and hauntingly soft guitar chords draw you in while his tender vocals hold every inch of those gripping emotions.

Welcoming the listeners into his lessons, he sings, “I’ll wait for you to come save me. Like you’ve wanted since I was 18. I was so naïve.”

But as the story recalls moments of defeat and second-guessing overall worth — there is still a clear essence of breaking from those restraints. The artist recalls looking back on being 18 and searching for love. “I wanted to highlight the sadness and beauty of intimacy and movement with this song,” he says. “There's something so inspiring about altering your concept of self and reclaiming your power in the same body you once felt so used in.”

It is a passage through the obstacles. That visceral production moving the listeners. Composers Philip Peterson and Spencer Edgers added cello, flute, and saxophone. Those magnetic elements pull at heartstrings and are a testament to Thavoron’s emotive craft that he's perfecting thus far.

10 ARTISTS WE MOST WANT TO SEE AT OSHEAGA FESTIVAL

May 31, 2022

by laura harvey

Having returned successfully for a small-scale festival in October 2021, Montreal’s Osheaga Festival returns this year in 2022 to solidify its status as Canada’s best music festival. With a diverse lineup across multiple genres, Osheaga takes place between July 29th - 31st at Parc Jean-Drapeau, in the heart of Montreal.

The three day festival sees headlining performances by Canadian indie legends Arcade Fire on that Friday (who replaced the Foo Fighters following Taylor Hawkins’ tragic death), man-of-the-minute A$AP Rocky on that Saturday, and everyone’s favourite British popstar, Dua Lipa, on that Sunday. So with three solid headliners, who else are we looking forward to seeing?

Here are the 10 artists we’re most looking forward to seeing this year:

Arcade Fire

Having just release what could be their finest record to date, We, Arcade Fire have proved themselves unstoppable, and with such an incredible live set of career-spanning songs, Arcade Fire is a band that you cannot miss.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Having performed at Osheaga in both 2009 and 2018, Karen O’s Yeah Yeah Yeah’s are always a live favourite. With her sprawling energetic performances, Karen O has proven time and time again why she is one of the greatest frontwoman in music.

Turnstile

What a journey this band has been on. This hardworking hardcore band from Baltimore have toured relentlessly, and put out one of the greatest modern hardcore records, Glow On, making them beloved among the rock and hardcore communities. They’re a band you don’t want to miss live.

Gus Dapperton

The New York songwriter has been continuously impressing with his beautifully written indie-pop songs, and his 2020 album Orca has been one of my most played over the last two years. When you need that refreshing breather of new music discovery at a festival, Gus is exactly what you need.

Wet Leg

Do they really need an introduction? The British band have slowly been taking over the internet with their fresh blend of humorous indie post-punk. The charming duo are known just as much for their raucous live performances, and are a band we will for sure be in the front row for.

Mahalia

British R&B singer Mahalia has been catching the attention of every big name in music right now. We adore her latest EP, Letters To Ur Ex, and can’t wait to see her bring those songs to life on stage.

Jacob Banks

Jacob Banks has continuously put out beautiful, emotive songs and has never been afraid to blend genres across rock, pop, R&B, and many others. His powerful voice is unmissable live, and sure to captivate the Montreal audience.

Men I Trust

Montreal natives Men I Trust provide the relaxed summer vibes everyone is after at a music festival. The three-piece lo-fi indie locals are sure to grab a big crowd in their hometown, and it’s not to be missed.

Lucy Dacus

Whether you’re a long time Lucy Dacus fan or only discovering her recently, seeing her and her band live is something you will remember. A prolific songwriter and incredible vocalist, Lucy is always exciting to see live.

Khruangbin

Our favourite mysterious Houston trio, known for their incredible musicianship and technical ability, Khruangbin are your perfect festival band. Known initially for their “Thai funk” influences, Khruangbin have been continuously redefining their sound, and not putting a label on themselves, making it purely about enjoying the music.