M. RIVERS: INTERVIEW

December 1, 2017

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

M. Rivers is an LA-based artist and performer. M. Rivers' influences come from the late 60's psychedelia, 70's rock n' roll, and classic soul music. His newest album entitled Champion is currently rising in popularity on Canadian radio. M. Rivers' track record is quite impressive with having recorded four full-length albums and one live EP, performed over 1,000 live shows and over 100 live radio performances. as well as making guest appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, AND his biggest hit Bullet In My Hand went number three on the Billboard Rock Charts. We caught up with M. Rivers to learn more about his latest album and his work.

What first inspired you to get your start in the music industry?

M. RIVERS: "I was always writing and creating from a very young age. I loved music so much, when I was around 14 I started really getting into hip hop and break dancing. That lead to recording when I was sixteen, and it just kept building. I became more and more obsessed with the process, so eventually I guess you could say my career chose me instead of the other way around. I landed my first record deal in 2002 and I was off to the races."

You released your album Champion this year. What was the process like creating it?

M. RIVERS: "I loved the process of making this album. It was a lengthy one, but well worth being patient, not forcing songs or parts, and also no major label looking over my shoulder, forcing decisions in order to make deadlines."

What song on the album are you most proud of?

M. RIVERS: "I would say that I'm proud of them all, but the stand out track for me is Something to Die for. It's a simple song with a strong message, and sometimes those are the hardest to get right. It works stripped down and with the full band, and it feels fresh to me every time I perform it."

What would you say is the biggest difference between your solo music and your work with Redlight King?

M. RIVERS: "The obvious difference would be the overall sound. I chose to really focus on melody and dynamic vocals while instrumentally, focusing more on tempo, counterpoint and the right amount of air or space. I just wanted it to be super feel-y, so that meant a lot of live takes and experimenting with the songs and parts themselves."

What do you love most about creating music?

M. RIVERS: "I love the freedom. I love being in the moment when a new idea strikes and the feeling of being inspired to create something from nothing."

Your music has been featured in several movies, soundtracks, and even tv shows like Malcom in the Middle and Person of Interest. When you find out your music is featured in that way, how does it feel?

M. RIVERS: "It's always a great feeling to collaborate with other creative people and find new outlets for my music. I really feel music is such an important part of our lives and whether its a scene in a film, or a being live at a sporting event, or in a video game, I feel it enhances the experience."

Is there anything that we can expect from you in the near future?

M. RIVERS: "I'm working on some collaborations right now, producing more videos and content, and of course ramping up the live show."

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MADELINE LAUER: INTERVIEW

November 30, 2017

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Madeline Lauer is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. Her creativity in music, which blends together pop, R&B, and jazz, helped her to create a lot of her music. She just released her album Open Book which features her latest single 'Come Around.' Madeline also just released a music video for her single entitled Chasing. We sat down with Madeline to learn more about how she got her start, the music she's released, and what she wants to do in the future.

How did you first get your start in the music industry?

MADELINE: "When I was 17 years old, I met a producer at a talent show who invited me to California to start making my first album. I spent the last half of my senior year in a hotel being homeschooled by my dad while I began writing and recording my project. I was supposed to go to college at the end of the summer but I never left. That is how I got my start in the music industry."

What was your first live performance like?

MADELINE: "My first real performance was a high school talent show. I performed So Emotional by Christina Aguilera. I was obsessed with how big the stage was. I just sexy walked back and forth in low rise jeans and a white tube top. I felt so cool and it makes me giggle now."

In your own words, how would you describe your music?

MADELINE: "I would say its emotional, relatable, and sensual. It has a lot of different elements like R&B, alternative, pop, and a touch of jazz."

You recently released your album Open Book – what was the process like creating it?

MADELINE: "It was hard to get this project completed for one main reason, I was working and going to school full time. However, my production team had a catalogue of pretty funky beats that they let me choose from and write to in my free time. I happened to be working at Conway Recording Studios during this period and was able to pop in before and after sessions to record what I had written. It took a while but we were determined. My next album will be a completely different process."

For those who don’t know you, which song of yours would you want them to listen to as a first impression?

MADELINE: "I would say that when I recorded Anchor, I felt like I finally found my sound. I loved how romantic it was and I had never sung an entire hook in my falsetto before. It's my favorite song on Open Book."

You also recently released your second EP, Black Roses! What made you want to release another EP?

MADELINE: "My boyfriend and I recently went to Tulum, Mexico and happened to be listening to a lot of the reggae artist Barrington Levy on the trip. Although we have been fans of Barrington throughout the years, there was something about the setting of Tulum, the people we were meeting, and the adventures we were going on that inspired us to create a project in remembrance. So, we covered three Barrington Levy songs and decided to release them for free on my SoundCloud while continuing to focus on my next full length album."

If you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be and why?

MADELINE: "I would love to work with Miguel. He’s one of my favorite R&B artists of all time. His unmatched sound is fantastically stimulating and I would be honored to be a part of it in any way."

Is there anything we can expect from you in the near future?

MADELINE: "Besides a new album, there is a little surprise I am working on. I will also be dropping more free music in between. Keep a look out on my social media @madelinelauer."

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RÒSA: INTERVIEW

November 29, 2017

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

RÒSA is a band that met at a religious conference around two years ago. They've recently released their new single Stranger, which is about having discomfort about the romantic culture of our times and wanting to be apart of it, but feeling completely lost in it as well. We talked with the band to find out more about their upcoming EP and their difficulties in finding the bands identity.

How long have you guys been a band and how did you come together?

RÒSA: "We have been a band for around two years and met at a religious conference in San Diego."

What’s the story of why you chose ‘RÒSA’ as your band name?

RÒSA: "We chose 'RÓSA' after having a different name for about a year. Another band with a similar name threatened to sue so we just changed it. Being from LA influenced the name a lot. We wanted something softer and feminine sounding and short. Nothing much to it."

Back in June you released your second EP Wasteful. Did you find any difficulties when creating the EP or did you find it any easier since it was your second one?

RÒSA: "The last EP was much more difficult than the first actually. We worked with a new producer whose style was very different from our own. I think he brought some cool stuff to the table, but ultimately the songwriting was not where we want to be. So, in every way it was actually more difficult."

Are there any goals that you hope to achieve as a band?

RÒSA: "Our goal is be as big as possible while remaining as authentic as possible. I know that sounds fucking corny but we've done a lot of shit that wasn't authentic and we've hated ourselves for it."

You recently released your new single Stranger in mid November – can you tell us a little about the song?

RÒSA: "Stranger is badass. Make sure you follow us on everything so you can be ready for it."

Stranger is also the first track that is released from your upcoming EP. Do you personally think Stranger gives a clear insight as to what we can expect from the EP? Or is there just so much more that we can expect?

RÒSA: "Stranger is just the first thing. It's like backpacking through Europe or some shit. Each stop is new and amazing for different reason and every song is going to blow your mind I swear to god. In all seriousness though we are very proud of each song and are thrilled for people to hear them."

When can we expect the new EP?

RÒSA: "The new EP is coming the top of the new year sometime."

Stranger, a song by RÓSA on Spotify

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ISABELLE: INTERVIEW

November 27, 2017

INTRO BY MADDEN LEVIN

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

STYLIST: ALEXANDRA MANDELKORNHAIR: NANCILEE SANTOS using Bumble & Bumble / TraceyMattingly.com MAKEUP: DEE DALY — STYLIST: ALEXANDRA MANDELKORN
HAIR: NANCILEE SANTOS using Bumble & Bumble / TraceyMattingly.com
MAKEUP: DEE DALY

A true artist for the people, Isabelle is definitely one to track! Her single Unlabeled has caught some major attention from celebrities like Amber Rose and Ashley Graham. With more exciting music being released soon, there is definitely no lack of content with this young woman! Below you can find our exclusive interview with Isabelle, discussing when her interest in music sparked and more! Enjoy!

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a musician?

ISABELLE: "It’s been my calling since I can remember, honestly. You know some people say that they are on this earth to do something?...that’s me with music."

Who are some of your musical influences?

ISABELLE: "I grew up on the divas; Mariah, Celine and Whitney. When I listen to their music I become the little girl with a dream again again. I also love Carrie Underwood, Emeli Sande and Labrinth."

Recently you released your body-positivity song, Unlabeled. When writing, did the song come easy to you?

ISABELLE: "This song came very easily because I was telling a story that had been written over my entire life. I wrote i‎t out of frustration. I needed to express this because I was so tired of being labeled 'the fat girl with a big voice.'"

The video for Unlabeled received a lot of attention, including from Amber Rose who invited you to sing at her third annual Slut Walk. When you first received this news, what was your reaction?

ISABELLE: "I was SO excited. The event is all about acceptance and embracing each other so my message in Unlabeled fit so perfectly. The entertainment industry is so hard because it takes a lot for an influencer to get behind you and help support what you are doing. Having Amber’s support really meant a lot to me."

You also can be seen in The Ashley Graham Project, which is a series that gives an inside look at Ashley Graham’s life. What was it like working with Ashley?

ISABELLE: "I have looked up to Ashley for a while now. She has given me and so many other women the courage to love and embrace ourselves. Having the opportunity to meet her was really special. She is as genuine as you would expect her to be."

What are some goals that you hope to achieve as a musician?

ISABELLE: "I just want to continue to tell real stories and share real art. I never want to put out a song or video because it’s what’s expected of me. I want to only release music that can affect people positively. The music I love has healed me in so many ways, I want to give that to people."

Is there anything that we can expect from you in the near future?

ISABELLE: "Yes! I have a Christmas single coming out right after Thanksgiving. And then my next single Distance will be out mid-January. I’m very excited... Unlabeled was just the beginning."

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ADLT VDEO: INTERVIEW

November 19, 2017

INTRO BY MADDEN LEVIN

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

ADLT VDEO -- maybe an unusual name to some, but to those that know the two amazing artists that make up the duo, everything all makes sense. Reimagining pop music in its entirety, Mindy Jones and Luke Top of ADLT VDEO had their work cut out for them. Nonetheless, the talented two released their debut EP Chameleon just a few weeks ago and its been a hit! In our exclusive interview with Mindy Jones, we discuss the beginning of the duo and more!

How did you two first come together and start making music?

MINDY JONES: "I knew Luke was an incredible producer and happened to be needing one on a song I had an idea for. He agreed and we wrote our very first song, Alive, together in a couple of hours. And so the creation began."

How would you describe your music in three words?

MINDY JONES: "Perfect, the best
jk jk
Ummm... Haunting, Eclectic, Dark Pop
dang.. that's four."

You recently released your single Alive – can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the song?

MINDY JONES: "Alive was, like I said, the first song we wrote together, but honestly, it seemed so easy. Co-writes with new people can sometimes be really intense. It's like having an entire relationship with a person you don't know, in a couple of hours... but writing this song, and writing with Luke in general, is smooth and low pressure. That's why I think it works so well. As far as the actual song goes, I think the inspiration was a bit of Nancy Sinatra/Lee Hazlewood and T. Bone Burnett. I'm obsessed with spaghetti and westerns."

You also released your debut EP Chameleon on October 20th. Of the songs on the EP, which would you say best represents you guys as a duo?

MINDY JONES: "Awe man... That's an impossible question. Only because they're like children to us and we were in different places of our lives when we wrote each song. And who knows where our next record will take us. I can tell you this, though; this year has been an especially crazy one for me (and for everyone, I think) so, if you listen closely to the lyrics, each song tells a very specific story about my 2017."

If you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be and why?

MINDY JONES: "David Lynch... again
... cause, it's David Lynch ...?"

Is there anything that we can expect from you in the near future?

MINDY JONES: "More AV tunes! We're back to writing again now that the EP is out... can't stop, won't stop. Oh! And catch us Nov. 28th at the High Hat with SUR."

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