KATI HOLLAND: INTERVIEW

April 7, 2025

by kristen case

Kati Holland, a talented singer-songwriter whose lyrics are so compelling and her music cultivates the human experience. Kati Holland's new single “Surf Lodge” explores the fear of getting older and losing a symbolic part of youth. The single and its accompanying music video are hauntingly relatable directed by Julia Conde. Kati Holland discusses the creative process, the story behind “Surf Lodge” and collaboration in our new interview.

Congratulations on your single “Surf Lodge!” Can you tell me about the creative process of this song?

Kati: “Ironically, this song came to me right after I dropped a watch at the bottom of a lake. I was really sad because my dad gave it to me when I was 18. But an hour later, I wrote this song driving home. Maybe it subconsciously had to do with the passing of time — or the realization of losing a symbolic part of my youth.”

What's the story behind “Surf Lodge?”

Kati: “I’ve always had a fascination with The Surf Lodge in the Hamptons. To me, it’s the quintessential place where all the well-off, pretty, fun 20-somethings go in the summer, seemingly without a care in the world.

This song explores my fear of getting older (no one stays 22 at The Surf Lodge forever) and the anxiety of being the last one at the party — a symbol of aging out of certain parts of life.

I’ve never actually been to The Surf Lodge, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s an expiration date to going—and if the guests can feel it looming, too.”

The music video for “Surf Lodge” is so symbolic with this universal feeling of the fear of getting older and outgrowing parts of ourselves. Tell me about the process of filming the music video?

Kati: “I shot it with my creative partner/director/all-around badass Julia Conde in Argentina. We wanted to visualize my fear of being the last one at the party, so I became a mermaid surrounded by balloons and remnants of a party (cake, disco ball, etc.).”

You have collaborated with Julia Conde who has directed many of your videos. How has the collaborative process evolved over the years?

Kati: “What’s really incredible is that even though our native languages are different — mine is English, hers is Spanish — we’ve always been able to connect through a shared language: our love for music and art. I’ll be honest, at first I was beyond nervous to open up to someone new in such a vulnerable way. But ultimately, the most important thing is that I’ve been able to trust her — and she pushes me to be completely honest as a creative.”

When creating “Surf Lodge,” how did you dive into those feelings?

Kati: “Unfortunately, I think it’s a really easy feeling to tap into as a female in music! Most of us are scared of becoming older!”

What's the first thing you do when you get inspiration for a song?

Kati: “Record a voice memo! I’ve even had to step out of the shower so I don’t forget, so some of my voice memos have the shower in the background.”

Drop a favorite line/set of lines you have written thus far. Why do you resonate with it?

Kati: “Ah, this is hard because this is my favorite song I’ve ever written. I am obviously biased, but the bridge and final verse bring me to tears.

[Bridge]

Eyes closed, I’m dreaming with my eyes closed

I’m screaming as the walls close

I’m growing up

One day I’ll wake up with my hair gray

I’ll make peace with my mistakes

I’m growing up

[Verse 4]

I’m the dream in your pocket

Of those jeans that you swore that you outgrew

Takes you back to that summer

Takes you back to that girl you once knew”

Did you explore anything new in the terms of music production that you hadn't before in your previous works?

Kati: “In this particular song, the chorus/hook is less punchy than the bridge and less important (to me) than the verses. So I think that affected the production. This is the first time I really ‘went for it’ in a bridge.”

What is your favorite thing to do non-music related in your free time?

Kati: “I love to explore other cultures, whether it’s through food, travel, or music!”

Can you tell me anything about your future projects that we can look forward to?

Kati: “The next project is done and continues the office siren persona, but in a new environment (that’s all I can say!).”

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BAMBY: INTERVIEW

April 1, 2025

by lilith jaime

Ambre Zamor’s musical journey began at a young age, though she wasn’t really aware of it at the time. It would take several years before she would fully embrace her artistic persona, Bamby. Drawing from her roots in French Guiana and her deep admiration for Whitney Houston, Bamby’s passion, energy, and unique vibe have taken a transformative role in shaping her music, to the point of making it the core of her sound. If it hadn’t been for a supportive friend, who encouraged her to showcase her talent, she might have never played international stages.

Bamby’s music blends dancehall and Caribbean beats, yet her unique ability to sing in both French and English gives her productions a rare, distinguished flavor. Her lyrics, rich in reflections on love, daily life, and the culture of her upbringing, offer listeners a glimpse into her world. These defining traits helped her win the Female Revelation Award in 2017, as well as the title of Best Female Artist of the Year at Guyana's Victoires de la Musique Awards in 2020. Consequently, it’s no surprise that nowadays she’s regarded as one of the most influential artists in French Guiana.

After a series of EPs and singles, Bamby surprised us this year with the release of her album MUSE. While she continues to carve her path in the music industry, each ones of her projects is infused with the pride and love she feels for her essence, traditions, and culture.

What was a turning point in your life that made you realize music was what you wanted to do for a living?

Bamby: “It wasn't me, it was my friend. He said: ‘You have to be a singer because I love your voice and I think that you could be a really great singer if you show your voice to the world.’ And I was like, no, I don't think so. He said yes, you're gonna do it. And I was like, okay, no problem. And now I’m a singer and I'm so proud and so happy I listened to him.”

What are your creative processes like when making songs?

Bamby: “I want to feel the energy in the room at first, and when I feel the energy, I can do everything, every type of song. If the energy is positive, I can create great music. If I'm in a good mood, I can create, and if I'm in a bad mood, I can do so too. But it's all about energy.”

How do you balance the use of different languages in your music?

Bamby: “I don't know, it's just about the feeling. I start with a top line, always the top line first. And when I feel that I have to put Creole to feel the vibes more, I bring Creole into my music. Then I feel that I have to just bring French because of the smooth vibe. And when I follow the rhythm, I bring in English.”

When writing lyrics for your songs, do you first start writing them in one language and then translate them to the one you later sing? Or do you write them according to how you think they would rhyme?

Bamby: “I'm a fast writer because when I feel the music, and I feel the melody, it just comes so naturally. And if it's not natural, I change everything.”

Were you always drawn to dancehall music? Or why did you decide to follow that path?

Bamby: “I love to dance. I love dancing and dancehall music. It's like I can bring, I don't know, my wine in my tongue. I can transfer my wine in lyrics and in the vibes, and I want to see people dancing.”

What’s a unique feature that prevails in your music?

Bamby: “I don't know, maybe my voice, my tone, maybe the fact that they can feel that I'm happy when I'm singing. They can feel that I'm honest with my heart. I think they feel that because when people talk to me, they always say, ‘Bamby, I can feel your energy in your music.’”

To what extent does your culture impact your music and fashion? And how can we see that in your songs and aesthetics?

Bamby: “My grandmother is a fashionista. My mother, my grandmother, my aunties, they all love fashion. And in the house, we always had music on. So they influenced me with the music and fashion I grew up with. I love material, I love nails. I love everything because I grew up with a lot of colors and materials. It's in my skin, you know?”

Can you tell us about your album MUSE?

Bamby: “It’s real energy. All the songs I made, I made them with my whole heart because it was a big journey for me. It was for real. It was like a challenge for me, and an introspective of myself. I wanted people to listen to this album and feel me. They have to feel my energy, my sincerity and hopefully they can hold the love that I bring in this album.”

Aside from music and fashion, is there any other artistic way you like to express yourself?

Bamby: “I love food and I love to cook. I love this because of my grandmother and my mother. They are really great cooks. I love spicy meals, fish, and meat. Everything about food.”

Considering you are influenced by many different things when creating music, what’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your career?

Bamby: “The creative process of the album showed me that I can really bring happiness into the room. I learned that I really am a good person, because I deal with a lot of personalities. I deal with a lot of people, and even when I was tired, even when I was hungry, I had always been positive and brought happiness every time. I'm more confident now because I really know I have a good heart.”

What are your long-term goals as an artist?

Bamby: “I wanna do a collaboration with Beyoncé! Or even just meet her and talk to her. I love her, not just because she's a real singer, but because I love her resilience and I can feel that she's a really hard worker. So sometimes I'm just like, ‘Oh, I'm tired.’ And thern, I'm like, you do not even do one percent of what Beyoncé does. So girl, let's go.”

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'BUG' / ALIX PAGE: REVIEW

March 28, 2025

by alicia urrea

As springtime rolls in on the West Coast, indie singer-songwriter Alix Page emerges in full bloom with her newest EP titled Bug. Across all six songs on the project, there is delicacy in the way Page is lyrically intimate and allows her pen to spill over like a love letter (literally, and metaphorically). There’s a story written in each track, exploring the tenderness and complexities of falling in love with someone new.

Like the season of spring, Bug is transitional. It’s a contrast from her previous work on Goose, which was almost like a coming-of-age movie soundtrack. It was the perfect mixture of blazing alternative-indie production and crestfallen ballads, all while dissecting the complicated experiences of getting older; whether it was nostalgia for adolescent years, getting your heart broken by a first love, or the euphoria that comes with finding your other half, Page’s sophomore EP was the soundtrack to growing pains. With her third EP, we’re witnessing the continued metamorphosis of Alix Page — both in her artistic sound and in the personal life experiences that shape it. This time, the transformation feels softer and more sentimental, rooted in the lush emotions that come with new love.

A lot of the internet has coined the term “Lover era” to mean someone is infatuated with someone else, overall feeling dreamy and whimsical with a lust for life and a relationship (in reference to the open-hearted, glowy album by Taylor Swift). I feel it’s appropriate to say Bug is Page’s “Lover era,” especially since we were first introduced to this new aesthetic with the release of the first single, “Girlfriend.” Sitting as the second track on the EP, it’s a simple yet beautiful track that seems to encapsulate the entire project thematically. The lyrics discuss the intense stage of limerence, when you begin to experience intense emotions for someone and hope that those feelings are reciprocated. Page lays all her cards flat in this song, singing phrases like “I could be the caffeine waking you up / Just pour a little more of me into your cup / Yeah, I could be whatever you want” harmonizing alongside herself and a crisp acoustic guitar, faint percussion, and a subtle distorted electric guitar.

The placement of “Girlfriend” is interesting yet suitable, considering the track that comes before is called “Break The Band Up.” Whenever addressing the song on social media, Page has always poked fun at the fact that the title sincerely speaks for itself: the song is about breaking the band up. It’s a genuine favorite of mine if I had to choose one track on the EP. Though the lyrics are simplistic, they’re vulnerable. The instrumentals are also illuminating, almost as if they are highlighting and emphasizing Page’s plea in the chorus: “I would have loved you, but I just got tired of it / You put another hand up, I go and break the band up.” It’s additionally just an amazing juxtaposition, because a whole band is evidently playing with her although they are seemingly… broken up.

The third track is the cutest little thing… and the title track! “Bug” has taken on so many different meanings among her fanbase, which has been heartwarming to see. The song is as effortless as Page’s angelic vocals with some warm acoustic chords, addressing someone sensitively throughout the first verse: “Hey, Bug / How do you feel, Bug? / You know there’s nothing you should feel like you can’t tell me.” Many fans have taken to social media to share photos of themselves as kids using the first verse of “Bug” as the audio, empathizing with the lyrics in a way that feels like a love letter to their younger selves. Page herself has shared the same vulnerability with this title track and its announcement, even making the cover of the EP a baby photo of herself. She even took to Instagram to say: “[Bug] is a love song in lots of ways but it’s mostly for little tiny baby me.”

“Sweet” is the song that follows, which is another personal favorite of mine. Despite its bright instrumentation and enticing title, the lyrics are vastly blue. The chorus speaks for itself, taking accountability for a form of self-sabotaging in a relationship. Page sings about waking up and “starting problems,” sitting back and letting her partner solve every single one of them. She finishes off her openness by stating, “Did you ever get exhausted? / Of being nothing but sweet to me.” It’s the kind of song that will have you crying while you’re dancing. As someone who had heard this song live at Page’s headlining show in Santa Ana back in November, I was hypnotized by the upbeat music and the “sweet to me” motif. I never would’ve guessed how genuinely gloomy the lyricism would be. Nonetheless, it’s a mesmerizing track that showcases the difficulty that comes with recognizing faults in a relationship that might’ve been one-sided.

The last two songs — titled “Prank Call” and “Bb” (pronounced B flat) — are on the more somber side. “Prank Call” is definitely a relatable one to me, and feels like a manuscript of all of the thoughts I’ve ever had while in a relationship. “Prank Call” is the translation of anyone who has ever experienced abandonment anxiety. This song is so Phoebe Bridgers-esque, which gives such a wistful feeling for the older parts of Page’s discography. Though “Prank Call” is pessimistic about the future of this relationship, “Bb” is a stark comparison. This song is more hopeful about the longevity of this romance, though it keeps that stripped-back feel with its instrumentation. Similarly to “Bug” and “Prank Call,” it’s simply Page’s vocals with clean and soft acoustic guitar chords. The song shares some affectionate lines, including “Now your shirt's on my bedroom floor / Your hands around my waistline / I could do this for a long time / Can't even say goodbyе” in the fourth verse. “Bb” brings Bug full circle — instead of ending with heartbreak, it presents a small sense of longing and an intimacy that will linger for an indefinite amount of time.

Overall, Bug has effortlessly captured what it means to be lovestruck. Vulnerability is carefully weaved into each song, and it is proudly worn. Page has allowed herself to feel the spectrum of emotions of what it means to fall in love: it’s messy, it’s giddy, and it is comfortable, all at the same time. Bug may be her “Lover era,” but it is also an era for growth and maturity in womanhood and emotional intelligence. With this EP, Page essentially invites us to take a look into her diary, with some tender and personal thoughts spoken throughout. It has also unintentionally established her as an artist who isn’t necessarily afraid to be transparent and feel complex emotions, and instead turns those thoughts into art and into projects that can be absorbed sincerely.

THEBABEGABE: INTERVIEW

March 24, 2025

by kristen case

TheBabeGabe is a force to be reckoned with. As eager to sing you a ballad as she is to rap. Gabe is now taking that experience and stepping forward to create her own unique sound and legacy with her debut solo mixtape HONEYPOP. HONEYPOP crafts an eclectic tape that draws from personal experiences. Gabe discusses the creative process of HONEYPOP, collaborating with The Human and shares what's next on the horizon.

Major congratulations on your debut solo mixtape HONEYPOP! What was the creative process in the beginning stages?

TheBabeGabe: “The creative process for HoneyPop in beginning was very effortless. I feel like me and The Human (tyfaizon and Medici) weren’t over thinking about what we wanted to do. It really only took us a few songs to get into a groove and most of the songs we made ended up on the final tracklist. I feel I have a great chemistry with Ty and Medici that a lot of the things we work on come together so smoothly.”

Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind HONEYPOP?

TheBabeGabe: “This being my first solo project, me and The Human were inspired to try so many different sounds and genres because it felt like we had this clean slate to work with. A lot of the inspiration came from artist like The Neptunes, Kelis, Jill Scott, and Lady Gaga. We definitely were looking at the 2000s era sonically and aesthetically. This project really came together so perfectly for me because I feel like I did everything I wanted to do on it.”

HONEYPOP incorporates an abundance of storytelling throughout each track. Do you draw from personal experiences or the world around you?

TheBabeGabe: “I definitely draw from a lot of personal experiences throughout this project. HONEYPOP has some of my most intimate songs I’ve ever written. It feels like I not only shared the rawness of what I’m going through currently but also past challenges I’ve faced in my life. A lot of my art comes from the world around me and what I might be experiencing at the time. I’m always trying to find new things to study and learn about. I think that is something very important to do as an artist.”

If you could describe your sound in three words, what would it be?

TheBabeGabe: “If I could describe my sound in three words it’d be HoneyPop, futuristic, and comforting.”

When it comes to sound selection and production for HONEYPOP, what was the process for sound selection like and did you ever have a specific vision for what you wanted each song to sound like?

TheBabeGabe: “When it comes to the production and working with The Human, the process is very natural. Me and Ty have talked about my solo mixtape for so long now before we even knew it was gonna be called HONEYPOP, back when we were both in high school. Ty has had so many ideas for what he wanted this project to sound like that when it came to make it we were both ready. Me and Ty knew that we wanted the tracklist to be a kaleidoscope of different sounds. We love a lot of different genres of music, so we definitely wanted to incorporate all the sounds that inspire us an artist.”

What would you say to young artists experiencing the feelings you articulate in HONEYPOP?

TheBabeGabe: “I’d like young artists to be able to listen to HONEYPOP and realize that you can overcome any obstacles that are thrown your way. It may not happen quickly, but you will eventually find yourself healing and acknowledging the growth you’ve had when looking back from where you started. As an artist, sometimes things are not meant to work out and that’s okay because maybe there’s another plan in store that is more fit for your journey.”

Can you describe the atmosphere you created with HONEYPOP and what's the biggest takeaway you have gained from this release?

TheBabeGabe: “I feel like I created the perfect reintroduction to who I am as an artist with all the emotions, experiences, and sounds that inspire me. My biggest takeaway from this release is that there are fans who care about me and are willing to support me on this new journey. Becoming a solo artist after being in a band can be a scary transition, but I feel like there is so much hype for what I’m doing now. It all feels really good.”

Lastly, are there any upcoming projects fans should know about?

TheBabeGabe: “HONEYPOP RELOADED which is the second half of HONEYPOP will be coming out this summer!”

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ELLIOT JAMES REAY: INTERVIEW

March 13, 2025

by alicia urrea

There’s a popular expression that has been floating across generations to signify the demise of a once beloved genre: rock ‘n’ roll is dead. It’s easy to stir up an argument on whether that phrase sings true, but a charming new artist is breaking out of the enclosure of mainstream music styles and is embracing a classic, oldies influence.

Elliot James Reay is a 22-year-old musician from Greater Manchester, England, who is challenging modern genres and has seemingly brought the rock ‘n’ roll era back to life with his two releases, “I Think They Call This Love” and “Boy In Love.” With a debut album releasing this spring, there’s still a lot to learn about the young rockstar.

I genuinely think it’s so cool that you’re utilizing a ‘50s and ‘60s style in your music. I can definitely hear the Elvis influence; who would you say are some of your other biggest musical influences?

Elliot: “Roy Orbison is a massive influence for me. I love his voice and the way he could channel his emotions through music. I try to channel his raw vocal style and his incredible songwriting into my own music where I can. Billy Fury is another big one, and if you go even further back, The Ink Spots. I love how timeless their melodies are. There’s something special about the way those artists made music — it wasn’t overcomplicated, just pure emotion and great songwriting.”

Do you have any influences that are unrelated to music?

Elliot: “I take a lot of inspiration from classic film stars — James Dean, Alain Delon and Marlon Brando. There was an effortless cool about them, but it wasn’t forced. I try to incorporate that classic, timeless style into what I wear and how I present myself.”

So far, your two releases, “I Think They Call This Love” and “Boy In Love,” thematically explore romance and all of the emotions that come with infatuation. What inspired you to write both tracks?

Elliot: “These songs are straight from the heart. I write about what I feel, and love is something I’ve never been afraid to express. I also love the idea of bringing back that classic ‘50s theme of devotion and infatuation. Back then, men weren’t afraid to sing about love in a pure and sincere way. I think there’s something really cool in that, and it inspires me to try and keep that spirit alive.”

Is the topic of love a commonality we’ll see on the album?

Elliot: “Every time I sit down to write a song, it somehow turns into a love song — I can’t seem to escape it! I’m trying my best to broaden the themes for the album, but I can’t promise anything.”

What is your creative process like?

Elliot: “My process is simple, just have fun. I feel extremely lucky to be making the music I love, so writing comes naturally. Both of my songs so far have only taken a few hours to write.

I also have an amazing team. My producers and writers are some of my closest friends, so every session is just a group of mates messing around, throwing ideas out, and seeing what sticks. Nothing is taken too seriously, but we all feel so passionately about the music we’re making together. I think you can hear that in the songs.”

What is your earliest memory with music? What made you want to pursue music and hone in on the rock ‘n’ roll genre specifically?

Elliot: “I’ve been listening to Elvis my entire life — literally. My mum told me she used to play his music to me when she was pregnant, so I guess it all started before I was even born.

Rock ‘n’ roll is just a massive part of me and my identity. To me, it is the greatest genre of music.

Growing up, people thought I was a bit odd for loving ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll, but I never cared. I wasn’t going to change just to fit in. I make this music because I love it — it’s who I am.”

How does it feel being compared to Elvis? It’s a huge compliment — but how do you maintain your individuality? What makes your artistry as Elliot James Reay unique?

Elliot: “It’s a massive compliment, but personally, I don’t hear it. Elvis is one of my idols, and I hold him in such high regard — I don’t think anyone can truly compare. When it comes to my music, I don’t want to impersonate Elvis; I want to create something that could be played alongside him. I want my music to feel fresh but to keep the spirit of these greats alive.

At the end of the day, I’m just Elliot. Loving Elvis and ‘50s music is a huge part of who I am, but I’m my own person. I think that’s what makes me unique — I’m bringing my own perspective, my own experiences, and my own voice to a genre that means the world to me.”

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment so far?

Elliot: “Honestly, just releasing my first single was a massive accomplishment. I was definitely advised against making ‘I Think They Call This Love,’ but I stuck to my guns, and I’m glad I did —I’ve proved that this music still has a place today.”

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Elliot: “That’s a tough one because there are so many great albums, but I’d have to go with Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii. It’s a live performance, and I’ll never get over how flawless his vocals and the music are. It’s a huge inspiration for me. One day, I’d love to record a live album myself.”

How do you want people to feel when they listen to Elliot James Reay? What do you hope they take away from your songs?

Elliot: “I just want people to feel like they can relate — whether that’s through their own experiences, memories, or emotions. If someone finds comfort in my songs, that means everything to me. And if they tap their foot along the way, even better. I also want people who feel ‘different’ to feel seen. I grew up loving music that wasn’t necessarily what everyone else was listening to, and I know what it’s like to feel out of place. If my music can reach people who feel the same way and make them feel understood, then I’ve done something right.”

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