AU/RA: INTERVIEW

April 13, 2023

by martina rexrode

20-year-old Au/Ra's 2018 single "Panic Room" put her on the map in the dark electronic pop world and opened the door to collaborations and writing credentials with artists like Jax and Alan Walker. Today, she's continuing to explore genres and musical worlds with her most recent collaborative single “Highs And Lows” with German DJ/producer ATB and York. Unclear sat down with Au/Ra to discuss this single and the future of her musical journey.

Congratulations on your latest single! How did this collaboration with ATB and York come about?

Au/Ra: “My dad (York) has been working with ATB since the 90s, and wanted to collaborate once again. It worked out perfectly that I happened to be home for the holidays in 2022, and heard the track and loved it. I quickly wrote the song within two hours, and recorded it right away, and ta daaa! That’s pretty much how it happened.”

Would you say this single sets the tone for the types of releases we can expect from you this year? Or are you taking your non-collaborative music in a different direction?

Au/Ra: “Oh, definitely. I will always have a love for dance music, but, at my core I am an alternative experimental pop girl. I love creating lyrical worlds and conceptual videos for my listeners to really dig into, and I can’t wait to keep on doing that.”

Aside from those you’ve worked with before, what are some of your dream collaborations?

Au/Ra: “My ultimate crazy *dream* collabs are Lana Del Rey, Daft Punk, Gesaffelstein, Mitski, Melanie Martinez, and Halsey.”

Your single “Panic Room” was released when you were only 16 years old. What is the biggest thing you’ve learned since the success you first gained in 2018?

Au/Ra: “Nobody teaches you how to handle the business side of things in the music industry — you have to figure that out on your own, sometimes by misstepping, by getting hurt. Especially when you’re so young, it can be really confusing when you realize not everyone wants the best for you, even if they are acting like they do. So let trust be earned. Listen to your gut instinct.”

Have you utilized social media to get your music out to listeners recently in new ways than you did when you were first getting started?

Au/Ra: “The social media world is an ever changing beast. So many things have changed since I first started. TikTok has definitely changed the whole game for artists.”

How has your musical style developed over the years?

Au/Ra: “I’ve pushed myself to try new things and have been inspired by different genres over the years. Recently I’ve been experimenting and finding the collaborators who want to let go of the boundaries. It feels really good.”

Are there specific genres that influence your music during the writing process?

Au/Ra: “Inspiration can come from anything for me — a lot of it is from watching fantasy and dystopian anime and tv shows. Been mixing in elements of rock and hyper-pop into my music as well.”

What are your biggest goals for 2023 — music-wise or more generally?

Au/Ra: “I really want to learn how to feel content with the moment, and not always like I’m last in a rat race. I’m trying, but it’s hard with the nature of this kind of career [laughs]. Other than that, I’m pursuing a lot of creative things that are making me feel so happy at the moment that I can’t wait to reveal.”

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HELEN: INTERVIEW

April 11, 2023

by chris richmond

Experimental R&B artist Helen has finally releasing her long-awaited EP, ubiquitous, and it’s every bit as poignant and powerful as her previous releases have suggested. It rejoices in her identity as a black woman, and deftly tackles micro-aggressions, performative activism and body positivity across its tracklisting. It’s a soulful R&B record for the modern world, with biting lyrics and sharp production. We were lucky enough to catch up with Helen to discuss the creative process behind her new project, as well as her career so far and the inspiration behind her tunes.

First of all, thank you so much for agreeing to chat to Unclear Magazine — we all love the work that you've been doing the last few years, and the new EP is fantastic. We're really looking forward to hearing more about your process. Your long-awaited debut EP, ubiquitous, was released on April 7th. How are you feeling about it all? Are you excited about its release? How did you feel when you realized you had a complete collection under your belt?

Helen: “Thanks for having me Unclear Magazine! I’m super excited about the release! I think I ended up enjoying the whole process a lot more than I had expected. I had an initial idea of what I wanted to talk about and how I wanted this project to sound, but hearing and seeing it all come together was just this new and incredible feeling. Now I’m just excited to work on more projects in the future!

Lyrically, the EP tackles a variety of themes across its tracklisting, including the likes of micro-aggressions, performative activism, cultural appropriation, and body-positivity. Can you tell us your process of exploring these themes through music? Why do you think it's important to intertwine music with legitimate cultural issues? How does your engagement with these issues manifest itself in your songwriting?

Helen: “Constantly experiencing racism and microaggressions is beyond what words can describe; there were a lot of times when I felt so miserable and broken because of it. At those times, I would listen to music that made me feel good and that celebrated who I am. Eventually, I wanted to write songs that made me feel empowered and unapologetic so that in turn it could allow others to do the same.”

One of the strengths of the collection is the way it fiercely rejoices in your identity as a Black woman. In what way is your identity reflected in your work and your process, both musically and visually?

Helen: “Being a Black woman is not easy but it is so beautiful; it’s a part of me that I would never ever take away. It frustrates me that Black women aren’t celebrated enough, that we aren’t loved enough and through this project, I wanted to celebrate and love us.”

Your song “Bitter Bitch” took off after featuring in the movie Do Revenge. How did you feel when you heard it was going to be used? Were you a fan of the way it was used in the movie?

Helen: “When I first got the request to use ‘Bitter Bitch’ in a Netflix movie, I genuinely thought I was getting scammed [laughs]. There was a lot going on in my personal life and parts of me were starting to question how I would continue to make music so receiving an email with such an offer was a big blessing and a confirmation for me to keep doing what I do. Netflix had invited me to the premiere of the movie and I was just ecstatic to hear it while watching it there; definitely one of the top three best moments of my life.”

You write your music completely solo, and you style, direct and shoot your own visuals. It's incredible that your creativity extends to so many different fields. What's the reason behind your insularity when it comes to creating?

Helen: “A while ago I used to think ‘someday I’ll have someone to take these cool pictures of me’ or ‘someone will discover this music I’ve hidden away,’ but eventually I just had the realization that I can just do it myself instead of waiting for that moment or that person to come. Nothing will just come to me if I’m stuck in one place waiting for it so whatever I want I have to go after it myself. I’m just taking matters into my own hands and opening my own doors until eventually, I do find other creatives that I can work with. Plus I’m a bit of an introvert and I like to create my own little worlds.”

What is your creative process for generating the visuals to go alongside the music?

Helen: “The visual arts are something that’s super fascinating to me but I’m still working on getting better at it. It’s just super fun and just another way to express the various sides of myself. When I’m writing music, most of the time I’m also picturing what a music video or a photo shoot would like. Whatever energy the lyrics or the production give, I try to incorporate that into the visuals.”

How did you first realize you had an affinity for both music and visual arts? Have you always been an artist?

Helen: “Music has honestly been a part of me for as long as I can remember but visual arts were something I gradually came to love. I would just take pictures to take pictures but I came across videos and TikToks of people incorporating so much creativity into their photography and I wanted to try it out. Again, I still consider myself very much an amateur when it comes to it but it’s another thing that makes me feel really happy and at peace.”

Who are your biggest musical and visual inspirations? Whose influence can we find in your work?

Helen: “There are so many musical inspirations, big names range from Michael Jackson to Rihanna to Britney Spears and many more. I also listen to artists like Bree Runway, RAYE, and Doechii. My recent visual artist inspiration has been Kimberly, she does a lot of self-portraits where she creates her own set, styles, and more, she’s incredible.”

What music are you enjoying at the moment? Who are your favorite current artists?

Helen: “My current favorite artists are RAYE, Pinkpantress, and Doechii!”

What are your goals and expectations for the coming years? What would you like to achieve?

Helen: “For the next coming years, I want to create more, do shows, hopefully, have my music reach to more people, and just be happy.”

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KEVITCH: INTERVIEW

April 5, 2023

by mariah estran

Kevitch is painting pictures one song at a time.

Formally known as Lindsey Kevitch, the singer-songwriter and producer is merging those visually enhancing lo-fi beats with pop energy. “I think the lo-fi world that was attractive to me was the elements of the things that you can feel and see,” she explains. With four songs already released, stories depict scenes ranging from romance in “Secrets” to feeling young and free in “Don’t Let Go.”

Kevitch’s vibey, serene-like structure molds around her enticingly tender vocals as it initiates a divine dream state. “I just want people to relate,” she explains. “If you’re going through it, listen. I want you to feel like my music gives you that special feeling.”

After releasing “Don’t Let Go,” she’s preparing to drop her debut EP. Her largest project to date. One which she hopes will bring listeners into that illustration she’s pasted on mood boards; and portrayed on VHS recorded music videos.

She took the time to tell us more about her work. The artist shares how she got into music, her love for lo-fi beats, being a visual mind, and developing her new EP.

Music has always been it for you. What was it about music that made you fall in love?

Kevitch: “Honestly, it was such an innate thing from when I was young. I didn’t even realize at the time, but it’s all I would do. For every school project, I would do music. When I look back, it’s so embarrassing. I’ve always had that creative outlet all my life.

When I was young, I would rush home from school with my waitressing money. My first big purchase was this nice microphone, and I would just record songs in GarageBand and try to edit it myself.”

When you first started making music, were you in the genre you are in now, or were you just kind of experimenting?

Kevitch: “I feel like I’ve always had that specific vibe, but cultivating the actual sound took a minute. I went from doing very moody, melancholy — almost trappy vibes, but it still incorporated the same feel. It had jazzy chords. It still had the element of my vibe. Also, with each producer they add their own special touch.

The first crew of producers I worked with in Miami were very trappy, so they added that in. I came to LA, worked with a bunch here, and it started getting very pop, very R&B. It just took a minute for me to pull together the sound I have now.”

So, I read in your bio that you are very much a visual person. That comes into play when you create in the studio to when you’re writing songs. How has that creative thought process shaped your work?

Kevitch: “I think it’s just the imagery that keeps it consistent, and I think, just being inspired by that — it comes out in each song. Every song sounds a bit different, but you still feel that.”

On the other hand, I understand that it did become somewhat of a challenge. As with all creatives, we learn and express ourselves differently. Trying to portray what you imagine visually can be hard to explain to others. How did you navigate how to voice yourself when collaborating?

Kevitch: “Definitely hard because I am very shy. I think there was a moment where I had to learn how to speak up. A lot of times, I would go into these sessions and feel nervous to say something, nervous to really express; and have that vulnerability. It took a few years to come out of that shell and learn how to speak up.”

You want to bring lo-fi beats to the mainstream — you are with these latest singles. What is it about that sound that intrigues you and makes you want to integrate that within your sound?

Kevitch: “The lo-fi world that was attractive to me was the elements of things you can feel and see. Like, rain, that is setting the picture or painting the photo. Birds, beach, daytime, nighttime — you can create that imagery through the sounds. I’ve liked that it wasn’t always perfect. I feel like combining that with more mainstream elements, like pop, brings that world from that underground, lo-fi DJ world that doesn’t have that spotlight to the forefront.”

So, tell me the visual you are trying to portray with this new EP?

Kevitch: “I think just very freeing. It is the idea of you running, being with friends, and falling in love. Being in that world of everything that’s kind of exciting and hopeful. That feeling when you’re young and experiencing everything. Not like too much pressure, not overproduced.”

What do you hope listeners learn about you after listening to this debut?

Kevitch: “I just want people to relate. If you’re going through it, listen. I want you to feel like my music gives you that special feeling.”

What was it like collaborating with other artists on this project?

Kevitch: “I love it because I feel like each person brings something different. I like when things have consistency, but nothing starts sounding too much alike. I don’t want anything to be over saturated and repetitive. Everything has such a cool feeling. Working with different people, I feel, gives you that.”

Lastly, what do you have planned next?

Kevitch: “We’re focused on bringing this out — I’ve never put out a huge body of work. So, I’m just excited and excited for people to hear it, see more visuals. I think once things start coming out, we can start figuring out the live performances, but I’m excited.”

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XANA: INTERVIEW

April 3, 2023

by sara welden

Establishing her position as this generation’s ethereal pop powerhouse, Xana is back with a blazing new single “Bad Bandit.” At her core, Xana is a storyteller, and the track is nothing short of cinematic. Fueled by her love for country music, the rising artist has managed to showcase the magic that can happen when you color outside the lines. Through her music and encompassing themes such as LGBTQ relationships, female empowerment, self-reflection, and discovery, Xana encourages listeners to fully embrace their authentic selves. Read more about Xana and her exceptionally creative new track “Bad Bandit” below!

Congratulations on the release of your new single “Bad Bandit!” It’s an absolutely wild track in the best way possible. I imagine that this was a really fun one to record, could you walk us through what that process was like for you?

Xana: “Thank you! Yes, it was a really wild and fun song to bring to life. I wanted to write something fun and non-serious after finishing my first album. Usually I have a fully formed or mostly fully formed song before I bring it to my producers Liam Moes and Shane Stephenson, but this time we started from scratch and all I had was the main riff. From there we played around and I came up with the ‘Clyde & Bonnie’' verse which immediately lead us into this western pop rock world as I started to create this Harley Quinn type character who’s an absolute psychopath but also a hopeless romantic who just wants to find her ‘other half,’ a lover who’s just like her. When it came to production, we would have these silly ideas like, ‘what if we put horses neighing in the bridge?’ ‘What if we had samples of chains and pistol revolvers?’ ‘Where's the cowbell?’ And no matter how funny the idea was, they all just worked and ended up being really cool and fun. I also had so much fun recording the harmonies and background vocals, I treated those voices as if they were townsfolk, they’re sassy, bratty and they love to gossip. The entire bridge is so satisfying for my brain, I feel like it's the closest glimpse into this character's POV where everything’s so dreamy and grandiose and romantic for a minute before we get back to the murdering. SO fun!”

“Bad Bandit” has one of the most interesting blending of genres I have ever heard, and you made it work SO well! Where did the idea to intertwine pop and country first come from?

Xana: “I love to dip my toes into different genres because I grew up listening to everything and I'm a lover of all music, but I’d say everything I write is still rooted in pop. I love country music, and although I wouldn’t call ‘Bad Bandit’ a country song, it definitely was influenced by country and has a grandiose western feel paired with the gritty pop rock vibe that I gravitate to often. This song honestly came together very naturally and I’m really thankful it found its way to me. I could definitely see myself doing something in this world again one day.”

Do you have a favorite lyric from “Bad Bandit?”

Xana: “‘Found me a husband, he was charming and I loved him, but his urges were disgusting so I bed him down to nothing.’ I just love how this character is like, ‘Sorry you mistreated me so now I have no choice but to kill you!’ Like, girl, mood.”

It seems you enjoy experimenting sonically which makes each of your songs unique from one another. Is there a certain genre that you’d like to explore in the future but haven’t yet?

Xana: “I’m currently working on a lot of new music and have definitely been playing with some new and different feels, as well as building on some other genres I've touched on before and want to further explore. I will say that my next song is drastically different from ‘Bad Bandit,’ and that will most likely be the case for the following. But I promise everyone will love it!”

Since releasing your debut single “Goddess” in 2020, is there anything that you learned about yourself as an artist? Has your songwriting process changed or developed since then?

Xana: “Liam and Shane are really the first people I shared my songwriting with. I used to keep my songs to myself solely, wouldn’t play them or even write them if anyone was in earshot. The first song I ever recorded was ‘Yellow,’ and I brought that home and it was the first time any of my friends or family listened to something I had written. But since working with the guys and putting it all out there for the world, and receiving so much love for it all, I’ve gotten a hell of a lot more comfortable allowing other trusted creatives in my space while ideas are still forming, and a lot more confident in my skill. I’m excited to continue to develop and see what the next couple years have in store for me!

Where would you say that you draw most of your inspiration from when it comes to songwriting? What’s inspiring you these days?

Xana: “A lot of what I write about is my own personal experiences, and I also like to make up stories and characters and write ‘character’ songs, which is what ‘Bad Bandit’ would fall into the category of. But when I'm looking for inspiration outside of myself I turn to discovering new music, watching movies, reading stories and poetry, anything that sparks something in me!”

Are there any artists that have inspired your sound, and is there anyone who you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

Xana: “I’m a huge fan of Halsey, Gracie Abrams, and Taylor Swift, to name a few of many. I’m usually drawn to lyrics and songwriting first and they’re all such brilliant writers so I'm always inspired by listening to them. I grew up listening to all kinds of music so I'm drawn in so many different directions musically. As for collaborations, I would love to work with Upsahl one day, her music always makes me feel so confident and badass that it would be really fun to see what we’d create together. She’s my go to when I'm hyping myself up or trying to snap out of being a sad bitch.”

You released your debut album Tantrums almost a year ago now. Does “Bad Bandit” set the tone for a new era of Xana? If so, how would you describe the shift?

Xana: “It’s insane that we’re already coming up on the one year anniversary. ‘Bad Bandit’ is a mini era of its own and we’re gonna have fun here for a bit before moving to the next mini era. I love ‘Bad Bandit’ because it makes me feel empowered and dramatic but in a different way that Tantrums did. Right now we’re on the bridge between Tantrums and the next album.”

What’s in store next for Xana? Any hopes or goals for the future?

Xana: “Other than working on so much new music and writing like crazy, I’m planning video shoots and shows, and my number one goal for this year is touring so keep an eye out for that. :)”

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WALLICE: INTERVIEW

March 30, 2023

by sara welden

I was honored to get the opportunity to have a conversation with this generation’s indie-rock enigma, Wallice. She’s an artist whose music I have become completely enamored with throughout the last few years, and I’m certain that many others would say the same. Currently on tour supporting JAWNY, Wallice is traveling with a set that is sparkling and spirited, capturing the attention of everyone that crosses its path. Prior to opening for JAWNY at a sold out show at Mahall’s in Cleveland, Wallice was kind enough to take the time to chat about her sweet beginnings, inspirations, tour, and all things music!

You attended a performing arts school growing up, so where did your initial passion for music come from? Was it originally something your parents encouraged or did it stem from your own interest?

Wallice: “I first went to a public school where you had to choose an instrument that you wanted to play, so I started playing the recorder and trumpet and then eventually switched to cello. In middle school I wanted to try theater but my mom encouraged me to stick with orchestra, which I’m obviously really happy about now!”

How has your background in classical and jazz music influenced the music that you make today?

Wallice: “It’s kind of funny, my whole band are actually trained jazz musicians, and my tour manager has a master’s degree in jazz performance. We’re all jazz bros! I think that knowing classical theory helps the writing process and I’d say that overall it’s really useful.”

Your most recent single, “Japan,” is really beautiful. Could you talk a bit about the significance of Japanese culture and your heritage in your life and how that seeps into your music?

Wallice: “I think that you can definitely see it visually with my first two EP covers. My mom is American but lived in Japan for a few years and my dad is from Tokyo, so I grew up with Japanese culture heavily influencing my life. There were definitely struggles that came with being mixed race while growing up, but I’m very in touch with my Japanese culture.”

How have you been enjoying the tour with JAWNY so far? Have you experienced a renewed energy surrounding live music since it was gone for a while during the pandemic?

Wallice: “My career didn't really take off until during the pandemic which is when I was able to find my audience, so I only really played a few shows before then. It's all still very new to me, but it’s been very fun!”

What do you miss most from home when you’re on the road?

Wallice: “I got a dog, Baby, since the last time I toured, so I’m missing her a lot. She’s getting spoiled at my mom’s house but I miss her. Also, living out of a suitcase has me really missing my closet!”

Is there a specific place or setting that you find yourself most inspired to write? Or do you find that ideas and inspiration come to you at random moments?

Wallice: “I’d say that it’s definitely random. I think that I sometimes get burnt out from writing, and since I’ve been on tour I haven't written in awhile. I’m excited to get back to it soon, though. Writing isn’t something that I can force myself to do if I’m not feeling it, so I’ve gotten better at taking a step back and recognizing when something isn’t productive.”

Since releasing your debut single “Punching Bag” in 2020, what have you learned about yourself as an artist? Has your songwriting process changed or developed since then?

Wallice: “The next EP that I’m working on is the first time that I’ve really collaborated with producers other than Marinelli. Artists like Radiohead, Coldplay, and No Doubt were a huge influence for me growing up, and I’ve always aimed to create indie-rock and alternative music because that's what I grew up listening to. I’m finally starting to realize how to capture that sound!”

I know in the past you’ve spoken about finding inspiration through artists like Lana Del Ray and Weezer while growing up, is there anyone that you find yourself inspired by today? Or have those early roots of inspiration stayed consistent?

Wallice: “I think that I have literally listened to the same artists since middle school, but these past few years I’ve added more artists into the mix like Mitski and Japanese Breakfast. But I’d say those early inspirations have stayed the same and always been there.”

Being a consumer of music, what’s the first thing you notice when listening to something new?

Wallice: “I think that the first thing I notice are the lyrics. I try to unpack what the artist is trying to say, especially if I don’t quite understand it at first. There’s a certain style of lyrics that catch my attention, and it’s usually not the meandering ones, although there are a lot of artists who do that really well.”

I don't even know how to ask a question about this, it’s so exciting! You’re supporting The 1975 in Australia and New Zealand soon, how are you feeling in anticipation of that, and how do you go about putting together your set when it’s a show on that big of a scale?

Wallice: “I have no clue! I’m very excited, I’ve never played venues that large. I bought some fun new clothes to get myself prepared, but I think the best way to do it is just to do it!”

Thank you Wallice, for your time and super sweet vibes. For everyone reading, keep an eye out for Wallice, she’s an artist with an exceptionally vibrant future ahead!

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