NORTH STAR BOYS: INTERVIEW

September 18, 2022

by alex grainger

We recently had the chance to talk with North Star Boys about the release of their single “SUNSHINE,” which dropped on August 12th. The debut hyper-pop single shares each members “sunshine” — what they each value and love most. To accompany the single, NSB dropped the music video for “SUNSHINE,” one which visually captures Filipino culture. Read more about “SUNSHINE” and North Star Boys below!

Can you tell us what your single “SUNSHINE” is about?

Sebastian Moy: “‘SUNSHINE’ is a song about what we value and love most in our lives. Everyone’s sunshine can be something different. It is what inspires them and what motivates them to keep striving for the best and pushing themselves to be the best version of themselves.”

Regie Macalino: “I was raised in the Philippines and ‘SUNSHINE’ was a way to honor my roots by integrating this feeling into our single. In the music video for SUNSHINE, it was exciting for me and the boys to showcase themes from the country I grew up in and to inspire my fellow Filipino friends and followers to embrace our culture and not be afraid of being unique.”

Oliver Moy: “For me, my ‘sunshine’ is the North Star Boys, my chosen family, as well as the Stars, our loving fans. It is what inspires me to get up in the morning and what pushes me to keep writing music and putting out content for them.”

What was the creative process behind “SUNSHINE?”

Oliver: “I love writing my own music and use it as a creative escape. We came together as NSB to write and record ‘SUNSHINE.’ This song not only was written to inspire others but also to inspire ourselves. As the North Star Boys, we aim to inspire others in all aspects of our careers, especially as we continue this transition into the music industry.”

Is there a message you are sending to listeners of “SUNSHINE?”

Regie: “Our message to our listeners is to find their sunshine in every part of their life. Everyone needs a little inspiration and push to get through hard times. When you find your sunshine you can accomplish so much more. We have created a community we hope to inspire.”

How would you describe your sound? How do you think you will grow into it over the next year or so?

Sebastian: “Our taste is honestly a mix of all types of genres, but lately I would describe our sound as hyper pop. The goal is to create a new sound that showcases who we are and we hope that this sound opens up that door for other artists to experiment on a new genre as well.”

What was the creative process behind the music video for “SUNSHINE?” You mentioned the single is about “putting in hard work for the ones you love,” how did you translate each of your own “sunshine’s” visually?

Oliver: “We used the music video for ‘SUNSHINE’ to highlight Filipino culture. Regie, a member of NSB, is from the Philippines and was not able to go back to see his family for a couple of years. He moved to the US for better opportunities and grew to be successful with NSB. This was the inspiration for ‘putting in hard work for the ones you love.’ We were so happy to show our pride in the culture as well as inspire others within the community to embrace it.”

Specifically, Regie, you mentioned how this meant showcasing your Filipino heritage. What does it mean to you to have this representation in the video?

Regie: “Using the ‘SUNSHINE’ music video as an ode to my Filipino heritage was incredible. I never would have imagined when I moved to the US that I would have a platform like the one we have to share my culture with the world. I hope others see these, find pride in their culture within it, and continue to spread the love of representation. I also hope other Filipinos watch our video and see our flag waving proudly throughout it.”

What were your reactions to seeing the finished music video?

Darren Liang: “The Stars loved the finished music video. We were lucky enough to be in the Philippines when the music video was released. We had a meet and greet where thousands of fans told us how much they loved the music and how they felt through the representation. We started NSB because we wanted to be the representation in media that we never saw growing up. It is heartwarming to see that our growth is inspiring others.”

I know you guys just had an insane meet and greet in the Philippines. Can you tell us about the experience? What did it mean to you?

Ryan Nguyen: “The meet and greet in the Philippines was definitely a highlight of our career so far. There were thousands of fans that showed up. There were more people than we ever could have imagined would show up. It is amazing to see how many people resonate with our music and content. Stars were so happy to see that we made our way to the Philippines. It was an experience like no other and we hope to do that again soon.”

With the success of your last meet and greet, do you plan on having any more? If so, where?

Kane Ratan: “The meet and greets in the Philippines were amazing. We definitely plan to have other meet and greets in the states. We did one in NYC in April and actually shut down the streets in Times Square because they were gridlock with traffic from how many fans we had come out to say hello. At that point in time, we had never experienced anything that crazy and now it feels like they’re really taking off. I think Los Angeles and Florida would be amazing spots for our next meet and greets, but who knows, we might head down to Texas too.”

Having formed NSB in August 2021, your music career is just getting started. What’s next for you guys?

Justin Phan: “We have always been passionate about music and are so happy to transition into the music industry. We want to release an album and go on tour to be able to perform for our Stars. We would be nothing without our Stars and hope to meet as many as possible as we continue to grow in the industry.

As for other ventures, we just launched a boba tea brand called Mu Tea. We’re all obsessed with boba so it was only natural that we started a brand dedicated to our cravings! Right now you can find it at Pot of Cha in Los Angeles, but we’re quickly going to be expanding nationally so be on the lookout.”

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SANDFLOWER: INTERVIEW

September 1, 2022

by mariah estran

Placing seeds in the soil and waiting for the first sign of life is a lesson rich in patience. A concept that experimental pop artist Sandflower has found herself reasoning with during the creation of The Quantum Seed. “I’ve never used the poetry of my actual name to describe the process of my music or album before, but it is like a seed,” she shares.

The singer, and creative mind behind the fashion brand Sprayground, is finding the blessing in letting go when it comes to music. She’s dropping her worries and allowing her art to blossom into a collection of exciting, genre-mixing tracks and visuals.

Working with producer David Sisko, her album became the product of trusting herself and the process. The two create a unique sound that matches her array of musical vibrations. From electronic, synth-filled dance beats, to powerful, heavy guitar shreds, it’s a stream of creative consciousness. “I feel like if you hear this; if you see the visuals that go with it, even just a minute, you will get to know me,” she explains.

Sandflower took the time to tell us more about her album. She talks about her inspirations, working with David Sisko, how the record represents her as an artist, and how fashion merges with her music.

Your latest release, The Quantum Seed, showcases an array of sounds and inspirations. What influenced you to experiment with this multitude of sounds?

Sandflower: “I’ve always been into different kinds of sounds. I grew up in a musical household. My mom’s a musician, and my dad is a painter who does a lot of album covers. So, throughout my whole life, it’s been all different genres. Even when I was at college at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, I was studying South Indian vocals, classical music, and the history of pop music.

I couldn’t stick to one specific sound; I had to let out what was in my heart and mind, which are a multitude of different instruments and vocal stylings. I had to do it, or it wouldn’t be true to who I am.”

I’ve read that you’ve described each song as a flower because they grew into something of their own. How would you describe the process that was involved in writing and producing each track?

Sandflower: “I’ve never used the poetry of my actual name to describe the process of my music or album before; but it is like a seed. You must be able to believe in whatever you’re putting into the earth or putting in the sound. Then you have this sonic visualization of what you think it’s going to look or be like. A lot of times, it’s even better than what you pictured in your mind. But you have to put this thing out, plant it, let it go, let the ideas flow. Then kind of step back and let it be whatever it's going to be.

What I’ve seen with the album, the more I let go into the process and trust who I am as an artist, the better everything becomes. When you step back and let go, it lets the music grow, the songs grow, the ideas grow, and things start to intertwine. All these different coincidences, all these things begin to manifest as you trust in what you’ve already created.”

Since you allowed this process to happen, do you feel like listeners get to see who you truly are?

Sandflower: “Yes, I feel I am fully represented in this body of work. If you hear these songs or even one of the songs, you’re going to get a little bit of who I am as an artist. Every song has its mixture of things. Every song has its own story, its own piece of my sonic personality. I feel like if you hear this, if you see the visuals that go with it, even just a minute, you will get to know me.”

How did working with producer David Sisko help piece the project together?

Sandflower: “It was great because one of the awesome things about working with David Sisko is he doesn’t want the artist to sound like anyone else. It was always what you feel or leaning towards. Then we would explore inspiration — obscure inspiration with whatever I was feeling, a xylophone, and trap drums. We would find inspo or make it up as we go along, which is a freeing process because you are not tied to something. It opens the creative process up.”

You’ve already released an energetic video for “Bump,” can we expect more visuals to go along with the project?

Sandflower: “There’s a lot of energy, a lot of fashion, a lot of just expression and fun. I had a great time creating all the visuals for this album. I let myself go, thinking to myself: ‘I know I am going to put music out in the future. What can I do to lay the foundation for who I am as an artist for the rest of my life? Will this be a good enough representation?’

Some videos were shot in California — they look like they were shot in Europe. I shot a video in Japan from 2018 that I am mixing with current footage. There’s stuff in studios in New York, and Los Angeles. It’s a gallery of sound.”

How do you like to see music and fashion merge in your work?

Sandflower: “I didn’t realize I was doing this over the years, but I had firmly established myself as Sandflower as an artist. So, anytime I am working with a stylist or creating something with Sprayground, the art comes first, then comes the idea, which gives me a lot of room. I get to start with a big idea, and then sometimes you have to bring reality into what you can do at that moment. It makes it more fun because you don’t have to try to stifle yourself or fit in a box.”

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ANNIKA BENNETT: INTERVIEW

August 31, 2022

by iliana calderon

Up and coming singer Annika Bennett opens up about her music being more than just one genre. She wants her music to be a mix of everything, and she hopes that with her music she’s able to create the art she wants to make and her fans are able to see that she isn’t an artist that falls under one category. Bennett believes in building more with her music and having that freedom to make the music she wants to make. She also hopes that other small artists can see that being happy with what they do can lead them to feel confident and see that they are capable of being their number one supporter.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Annika: “I don’t remember what inspired me to start, but at this point I have no college degree or any other skills, so that definitely inspires me to stick with it.”

Seeing that you experiment with multiple music genres, would you say that you would like to break down barriers in music in order to create your own art?

Annika: “I think barriers between genres are an illusion. That being said, sometimes I’d like to build more. Especially when it comes to pop/country crossovers.”

Is there a particular genre that you would like to experiment with?

Annika: “British rap.”

What’s the most difficult part about writing music and creating art?

Annika: “Having supplementary artist responsibilities like making TikToks. Also the fact that my best songs come out of angst and sadness, so it’s easy to indulge those kinds of emotions too much.”

Who are your main music inspirations?

Annika: “In all sincerity, my friends. I’ve lived in NYC, Nashville, and now LA, and in all three places I’ve been really lucky to be a part of incredible music communities. I feel the most inspired listening to my friends’ songs and going to their shows.”

You recently put out your latest song “ROOM.” What’s the message behind it?

Annika: “To get the hell out of your room.”

You’re currently on tour. Are there any pre-show rituals that you might have?

Annika: “My ritual is getting so anxious that I convince myself everyone in the crowd will hate me, then I do a five minute vocal warm up and put on glitter eyeshadow.”

What do you want your fans to get out of your music?

Annika: “I feel like hearing (or writing) an honest song makes me feel connected to myself in a really important way. I hope my music can be that for someone else — help them feel in touch with their life and emotions or something like that.”

Do you have any advice for smaller artists who are trying to put themselves out there?

Annika: “I actually do. I’d say don’t wait for permission to release music or play shows or call yourself an artist. When I find myself trapped in a spiral of regret it’s mostly about the things that I didn’t do because I thought I wasn’t good enough, or I didn’t have enough money, or enough support etc. It took me a few years to realize that the only difference between people who are doing it and people who aren’t is the bravery and willingness to put stuff out there and see what happens.”

What can we expect from you in the nearby future?

Annika: “I’m about to go to soundcheck, eat some dinner, and then do my pre-show ritual.”

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RUBY WATERS: INTERVIEW

August 31, 2022

by alex grainger

Ruby Waters drops her latest single “Open Arms” on September 14th. In the iconic rasp and soulful sound that is Ruby Waters, “Open Arms” takes us into her world as she accepts life as it comes. While the message behind “Open Arms” is open to interpretation, she hopes the single will reach listeners and remind them they are strong enough to face hard times and it’s “okay to be vulnerable with yourself sometimes.” Read more about “Open Arms” and Ruby Waters below!

Can you tell us what “Open Arms” is about?

Ruby: “Open arms is about how I like to deal with shit, my outlets, and how handle the ups and downs.”

What was the creative process behind “Open Arms?”

Ruby: “There wasn’t too much of a process other than good vibes, an acoustic guitar and lyrics from my notebook. I wrote it in Spain last spring at a songwriting camp I was lucky to be invited to, and it was the only time I’ve been to Europe. On day two I was paired up with artist Bjarte De Presno Borthen and producer Kasper Holm Larsen. Bjarte threw down some super pretty chords on guitar and we just kinda rolled from there. The song came so, so naturally, and we were done writing within an hour or two of working together. Great session.”

What is the message you are sending to listeners of “Open Arms?”

Ruby: “It would be amazing if listeners of ‘Open Arms’ were able to be reminded that they are strong enough to face whatever hard times they’re faced with, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable with yourself sometimes. It doesn’t always have to be a weakness or a problem to be depressed or overwhelmed, it can sometimes just be a part of life, and however you cope with it isn’t something to be ashamed of. That being said — anyone can interpret the song any way that they want to.”

You mentioned this single is about “accepting life as it comes.” Since the song’s creation, what kind of impact has this mindset had on your life?

Ruby: “Honestly I haven’t really changed. I’m just keepin’ on keepin’ on, trippin’ hard and keeping my head up.”

How has this song contributed to your growth as a musician?

Ruby: “I was traveling while the song was made, and it allowed me to work with cool people on the other side of the world, which was a first for me. The experience in itself was a game changer.”

How would you describe your sound? How has it evolved since the beginning of your career to now upon the release of “Open Arms?”

Ruby: “I feel like my sound evolves with the seasons, but I always try to keep it soulful and real I guess. I’ve never been good at answering this question. I like to think that it hasn’t changed too much over the years, but maybe it has. I don’t know [laughs].”

Do you have a favorite lyric in “Open Arms” that you feel is especially meaningful or powerful?

Ruby: “Personally, the line in the chorus that says ‘it’s okay if today feels harder than yesterday’ is the most important. It’s something we all forget from time to time. Everything fluctuates, everything has an opposite that it wouldn’t exist without, and life can’t always be easy.”

What are you most proud of upon the release of “Open Arms?”

Ruby: “Not sure! I’m proud of how I’ve handled the hectic schedule that I’ve had leading up to this release. I was never the type of person to have everything planned out months in advance and I don’t think I’ll ever be. It’s been fuckin’ hard and scary for me to commit to shit and try to keep up, but I’m thankful and it’s been dope.”

You’ve had an exciting 2022 as you received a JUNO nomination, sold out your headline tour, had two Top 5 Alt Radio Songs in Canada, among many other recognitions. Congrats! How are you doing? What has your reaction been to all of these amazing moments in your career?

Ruby: “Thank you! I’m beyond grateful for all the insane opportunities, gigs and life changing moments that I’ve been blessed with this year alone. Kind of speechless, but in all honestly — I’m just trying to stay chill and keep doing what I do to stay inspired and not take myself too seriously. Adventures with the homies any chance I get, being outside, camping, having fun, hearing live music, writing, working, playing, staying grounded, and of course, most of all — turning up.”

What’s next for you?

Ruby: “I’m about to crack a beer. If I’m being honest right now, that is exactly my next move. I’ll be releasing a bunch of new music soon, and playing a ton of gigs, so stay tuned for tunes and tour dates!”

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DYLAN DUNLAP: INTERVIEW

August 30, 2022

by alex grainger

Dylan Dunlap dropped his latest single “Could Have Been Ours” on August 19th. The second single released as part of a larger collection, “Could Have Been Ours” is the true embodiment of who Dunlap is as an artist. His smooth vocals share the vulnerable story of “one-way relationships in the industry.” Read more about “Could Have Been Ours” and Dylan Dunlap below!

Can you tell us what “Could Have Been Ours” is about?

Dylan: “‘CHBO’ is about one-way relationships in the industry. I’ve had to learn the hard way that no matter how much I believe in the future and longevity of my career alongside the ability to change the way the world sees mental illness through music, I can’t force others to feel the same way. I’m grateful to say that my musical brothers and I have kept our heads down to put in the work and channel all that frustration in the healthiest way possible.”

What was the creative process behind “Could Have Been Ours?”

Dylan: “A majority of my friendship with Kirk Adolph has been long distance. Turns out it’s a state of mind! He has since moved back to LA, but I used to love driving out to visit him and his wife Kiley in Arizona. Last year on one of the trips we tapped into some serious magic over the course of 72 hours. We just couldn’t stop. It was too much fun demoing out our feelings into what felt like the ultimate heartbreak anthem. With the lyrical help of our friend Kevin Griffin via Zoom, the infinite cuddles with the adorable puppies Kirk and Kiley were fostering, and the most satisfying celebratory late-night drive for fast food to listen to the official bounce before my drive back, this might be one of my favorite memories of all time. And it doesn’t stop there! We then recruited our good friend Jordan Sherman (Shaman Sherman as we at DD HQ call him) to co-produce the entire project with us. As producers, our main goal has been to honor the essence of what makes a Dylan Dunlap song, while still finding every opportunity to improve the overall sound and grow it as a team.”

What is the message you are sending to listeners of “Could Have Been Ours?”

Dylan: “Do what you love with who you love.”

“Could Have Been Ours” is about experiencing frustration within relationships. Was this single written in the moment of these emotions or was it a reflection of the moment?

Dylan: “This song was equally written in the moment as it was out of it to serve as a time capsule of an entire relationship.”

Looking back now, has this song taught you to approach situations within your relationships differently?

Dylan: “I just feel so much stronger now. I’m finally able to recognize that the only person that needs to fully believe in me is myself, so I guess I’m approaching my relationship with me differently.”

Do you have a favorite lyric in “Could Have Been Ours” that you feel is especially powerful or meaningful?

Dylan: “It’s all so raw, but I think ‘we both know you could just replace me in a moment’s notice’ is such a cool line. I used to convince myself not to write from an honest place out of fear of sounding disrespectful, but in that I silenced myself and my own experiences. Proud to say I’ve come a long way!”

How would you describe your sound? How has it changed from the beginning of your career to the release of “Could Have Been Ours?”

Dylan: “This is me now. Starting with ‘Still Here,’ ‘CHBO,’ and everything after, I’m finally writing and producing in a way that I feel truly represents me as an artist and human being. If anybody wants to know what it sounds like, feel free to take a listen on the streaming platform of your choice and stay tuned because it just get better and better every five weeks.”

Why did you decide to release “Could Have Been Ours” as the second single ahead of the larger collection coming out?

Dylan: “There are two orders in my brain when I approach an upcoming campaign: the single release order and the tracklist order. Both are conceptualized in their own regard for the listener.”

You are an advocate for raising awareness around mental health. You’ve received the “Fighting Stigma Rising Star” award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and partner with countless organizations. What does being an advocate for the mental health community mean to you? How do you plan to continue to advocate for the community?

Dylan: “Like so many people in this world, I struggle severely. Every day feels like an absolute nightmare from hell as much as it feels good to be alive, fighting, and surviving. I’ve spent my entire life being treated like nothing ever happened and that nothing’s ‘wrong with me,’ so using my platform to spotlight my experiences with mental illness authentically is the very least I can do. Hopefully we can all try and leave this place 1% better than we found it.”

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