D.BEEZY: INTERVIEW

April 27, 2020

BY PANKHURI BHUTANI

Hailing from West Tennessee, this artist recently released his new EP Distance, which gained an immensely positive response from his fans. With over 160,000 views on YouTube and around 70,000 followers on his Facebook page, Dustin Trent Bailey, who goes professionally by the name D.Beezy, is an American rapper/recording artist. D.Beezy started his YouTube career in February of 2012 by uploading his first original track “To God I Thank.”

He released songs like “Track Meet,” “Tick Tock,” “Pandemic Freestyle,” and “Chaos” on all music platforms which helped him gain fans from around the world. He became a verified music artist on YouTube, Pandora, and Spotify. His music was instantly appreciated by his fans. Dustin was kind enough to provide some of his valuable time for an interview with Unclear Magazine where he uncovers his journey as a music artist.

What was the experience like with your first song?

D.Beezy: “It was more like trial and error than anything. It wasn’t something that was as easy as I thought it would be recording. I went in thinking I was going to kill it in the studio and I was quickly humbled.”

Was there anything you planned out to do before setting out in the music industry?

D: “Football. I really wanted to go to college and play football in the SEC before I ended up getting a really bad injury to my ankle which negated that dream, so at that point, I didn’t really even care to go to college.”

How did you come up with the name D.Beezy?

D: “Well, it was kind of funny. My MySpace name was D.Bizzle (as a joke) Because my real name is Dustin Bailey. My best friend at the time, Seth, suggested I go by D.Beezy. I’m not sure exactly how that conversation went, but he was adamant on it and said, ‘From now on I’m calling you Beezy!’ So, it just stuck.”

What, according to you, is the best thing that you have experienced so far related to your music?

D: “Honestly just the joy I can bring to people who listen. Whether it be because they relate to the song or just vibe to it. That makes everything I do and all the time I put in well worth it.”

If you could have a chance to perform in one country for the rest of your life, which one might you choose?

D: “The United States. Just because that’s home. I know music tends to be bigger in other parts of the world and I haven’t gotten a chance to tour, so that answer may change in the future.”

Out of all the songs you have performed, which one is your favorite?

D: “My favorite song to perform is ‘Never Left’ just because there is so much emotion and energy that comes from that song already which translates to a great performance.”

If you could describe your music with one emotion, what might it be and why?

D: “Energetic. I always bring energy to my songs regardless of the style it’s in.”

What message are you trying to convey through your music?

D: “Just life. Take it day by day and do what you want to do and what makes you happy. I don’t have an agenda really, just good vibes!”

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'USING ME' : ANTHONY ORTIZ

April 25, 2020

BY MEGHAN BRIANNA

Floridian native and Los Angeles based singer Anthony Ortiz was recently featured in Unclear Magazine’s April issue. His newest project, a hybrid between an interview and a music video for his recent release, “Using Me,” features an explanation of the song, some insight from Anthony of what music means to him, as well as a mini a cappella rendition. Check out the video below, as well as some behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot, and some words from the director, Jesse Diamond, and Anthony Ortiz.

Anthony: “Using Me” is just me expressing how I felt about some people who weren’t really being the best of friends to me while I was doing the most for them. I see the good in everyone, which is my best quality but a curse at the same time. I’ve always expressed what’s on my mind through music but never really put a picture to it, so the homie Jessie reached out about one of my songs “Tongue Twister,” and explained to me visions for visuals he had. It had me so stoked because I’ve always wanted to make a music video! But at the time, I had life in the way, so it stalled a bit.

A: We ended up reconnecting and talked about a cool concept for my newest release and I just thought it was the dopest thing ever. He really helped me tap into telling more about myself through this video and helping people understand why I love what I do and that is such a blessing. He’s helped me deliver the full message I want to put out on a new level. Seeing it come to life was awesome and such an experience. I want people to not just listen to “Using Me” but [be able to] visualize it. Hopefully it helps someone come to a realization about how important the environment around you is.

Jesse Diamond: I heard Anthony’s song “Tongue Twister” on a pretty big playlist on YouTube and had to reach out. We ended up meeting at a restaurant in Burbank while he was on The Voice. We talked music, his long term ideas for his music, and his marketing and brand goals. I wanted to help in any way possible. I like working with people that have a similar, or even more, of a work ethic that I have and Anthony has that. He is smart and has a clear cut vision of what he wants and I was immediately team Anthony after a few meetings with him.

J: I asked Anthony to send me any new music he had been working on and he texted me three tracks. “Using Me” was one of the tracks and I gravitated towards it. It told a story that was personal and I felt we had an opportunity to let supporters in to Anthony’s life a little by letting his guard down and opening up a little bit about who Anthony is as a person. I felt the track deserved more than just a music video. I ran the idea of a documentary-style visual where we talked about who he is as a person and use the track “Using Me” as the main score of the piece. We ran around LA for 12 hours and created the visual. I felt that his supporters would get more out of it than a music video. Not saying there isn’t a music video coming, but we wanted his supporters to walk away with knowing Anthony more.

'ROUNDELAY' / LAKE: ALBUM REVIEW

April 24, 2020

BY EMMA SCHOORS

LAKE’s new album, Roundelay, is a calming and unique record full of instrumental surprises and pleasant, dreamlike lyrics and melodies.

Standout track “Forgiveness” sports an impressive bass line and silky vocals, which echo the title during the first verse with “Can I accept this chance for forgiveness?” This rhythmic charm makes for a great addition to the album.

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“Bubble” is adorned with hypnotizing guitars and consistent drums and vocals, which explode into a complex chorus full of beautiful backup vocals. This tension within the verses paves the way for an even bigger reaction to the chorus, and moments like this are sprinkled throughout the album.

The last track off the record, “Tell Me What Is True Love” is a relaxing tune full of relevant questions in the areas of love and longing. Electric guitars shine in the middle of the song, adding a cinematic element to the otherwise calming sounds.

The words strung throughout the entirety of the record are novelistic and wise, being slightly reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s similarly unique lyrics. They depict real life in vivid detail.

LAKE’s newest effort is perfect for anyone looking for a thoughtful and interesting bunch of tunes, and they’re sure to build up even more of a fan base within the coming months.

'SOUNDSCAPE 1992' / COURIER CLUB: SINGLE REVIEW

April 20, 2020

BY EMMA SCHOORS

Courier Club upgrades their impressive discography with “Soundscape 1992.”

The band has been frequently releasing singles since October of 2018, when they unveiled their first release, “Better Now.” The song still encapsulates all that’s incredible about the relatively new band; they pull inspiration from all over the place, and those inspirations are clear as day.

I can still remember listening to the first single the night it came out, after the band had posted an acoustic version that I wore out thoroughly. Upon first listen, I sat there thinking: “Wow. This is something special.” The unrelenting drums, the Strokes-esque guitars, the incredible vocals. The bridge hit me especially hard. It was beautiful and jarring, two things all music should be. It was all kind of paralyzing. I knew I had found something worth holding onto, and I was so excited to see where the band was headed.

However, Courier Club isn’t just a band of well-versed music lovers, as true as that is. They’ve created their own unique sound, which is resonating with a multitude of new fans. The stark contrast of electrifying guitars and moody vocals is what sets them apart — but there’s a long list of other factors.

The band’s visuals are creative and nostalgic, channeling inspiration from 90’s-early 2000’s video games. It’s hard to think of a definitive example of this type of visual being used as effectively as the band is using it right now. Their music strikes a chord, and when something strikes a chord you run like hell with it. That’s exactly what Courier Club is doing right now with their newfound success.

“Soundscape 1992” builds up effectively and explodes into an energetic chorus. A punchy and groovy bass line drives the tune, while the drums act as the complimenting driving force. With this stable and creative backbone, the guitars are free to explore, and that’s what they do in this song.

At the risk of sounding redundant, Courier Club has found a sound that works insanely well for them. Every single member of the band is vital, and the way in which they use their instruments is inventive and new.

It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the band soaring in popularity over the course of the next few months, so checking out their work now is a sure way to earn the status of “I liked them before it was cool.” (With one exception: they’re already cool.)

'TROUBLE' / SLEEPTALK: SINGLE REVIEW

April 16, 2020

BY EMMA SCHOORS

Sleeptalk is back with “Trouble”, an alternative and simple track that showcases the band’s signature sound.

“I get addicted to the feeling, even if it’s just once.” The lyrics that are strung throughout the song are pretty straightforward: “I know I’m looking for trouble when I’m with you.” This bluntness is helpful in creating a laid back atmosphere within the song. It’s not overly complicated or complex, but it works perfectly.

The sound of the track is poppy and technological, and overall has an upbeat vibe. The lyrics are a complimentary overlay for the similarly fun instrumentals.

It would have been a nice soundtrack to an adventurous summer, but we’ll have to settle for having it as the backdrop to our Zoom calls and Netflix binges.