SAINT RAYMOND: INTERVIEW

by pankhuri bhutani

photo courtesy of saint raymond

photo courtesy of saint raymond

Entering the music industry at just the age of 18, Callum Burrows, who professionally goes by the name Saint Raymond, recently released the acoustic version of his track “Right Way Round.” With around 500,000 monthly listeners on his Spotify Channel, Saint Raymond is one of the artists who is gaining thousands of fans everyday.

Callum is definitely currently under the spotlight as just released his new track “Love this Way,” giving the fans a fresh perspective from his highly awaited second album.

We caught up with Callum regarding his music journey and plans on his future projects/collaborations.

What was the experience like with your first song?

Saint Raymond: “It was something I dreamt of doing as a kid, so to finally have my music out there was a real special moment, and even releasing music now still feels just as special, I’d say.”

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

SR: “I think mainly to be sustainable and be able to constantly expand my touring and releasing music and to feel like I’ve achieved those things. Obviously it’s been great to see venues sell out over the years and go on tour with amazing people like Ed Sheeran, but I just wanted to make sure there was longevity in it.”

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

SR: “I think my album going top-10 was a real highlight, and the other thing for me would be selling out Rock City in my hometown of Nottingham, a place that I’ve gone to gigs over the years and growing up.”

Out of all the songs that you have created, which one is your favorite and why?

SR: “Probably ‘As We Are Now’ because it’s a song that means so much to me about growing up. All my mates from growing up are still my mates now, so it’s a really important song to me.”

Listen to Right Way Round (Acoustic) on Spotify. Saint Raymond · Single · 2020 · 1 songs.

You recently released your new track “Right Way Round.” Congratulations on that! What was the inspiration behind it?

SR: “I wrote this song quite awhile ago, it’s mainly about feeling left out and a bit confused in life but realizing that everyone’s got a purpose and that there’s beauty in being the odd one out.”

What was the creative process like and did you face any challenges during the making of the song?

SR: “It was a weird one really because I wrote it about three years ago but didn’t actually record it until last summer! But it was a really easy process and a lot of fun just like the rest of the record.”

Is there any particular message that you are trying to convey through this track?

SR: “I think, like I touched on earlier really, the message is that we’re all going to struggle and have mental health battles in life, but it’s how we pick ourselves up and find a purpose in life that matters.”

 

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PRESTON C. HOWELL + MCKENZI BROOKE: INTERVIEW

by mikayla lawless

photo courtesy of preston c. howell + mckenzi brooke

photo courtesy of preston c. howell + mckenzi brooke

Fifteen-year old Preston C. Howell wowed audiences and caught the eyes of all four hosts last year on The Voice. Born a Floridian, Preston spent his childhood singing jazz with his dad and eventually went on to join the Broadway Kids theatre group. A few years ago, he joined a professional theatre group and began performing in plays. More recently, he’s been focusing on singing.

McKenzi Brooke posted her first video on TikTok in January of 2016. With her bubbly personality and dancing, she has become one of the most successful TikTok stars ever, with over six-million followers on the app. She most recently appeared in Preston’s music video for his new song “Supply and Demand.” We had the chance to chat with Preston and McKenzi about their creative influences, as well as Preston’s singing career!

Preston, you have an amazing voice, and McKenzi, you have some awesome dance moves! Have you both always been musically inclined?

Preston + McKenzi: “Pretty much, for as long as we remember!!! Music has always been a part of our lives, whether it’s singing or dancing it all revolves around music and we love that.”

McKenzi, you appear in Preston’s lyric video for his new song ​”Supply and Demand​!” How did your friendship start?

McKenzi: “We actually met at a performing arts school when we were like seven or eight. So we pretty much grew up together and then stayed in touch doing various projects together like music videos, and dance competitions. He was always good friends with my brother and then we hit it off, and the three of us have been close ever since.”

Preston, do you have any musical influences? And McKenzi, is there anyone you look up to?

Preston: “I love all types of music, but artists like Post Malone, Justin Bieber, and Shawn Mendes are my favorite styles of music. I have the classics in me too, so I will always be inspired by the great Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.”

McKenzi: “Yes, I do have musical influences! My top four musical influences, in no particular order, are Ariana Grande, Pink, Miley Cyrus, and Will Smith.”

 

What is it like being young creators? I bet you’ve had a lot of fun opportunities!

Preston: “Definitely a lot of fun, it is a lot of work, but it doesn’t feel like it at all. It’s really fun when I get invited to events that other singers/creators are at because it is really cool meeting other kids our age to collab with.  One of the coolest recent experiences was being invited to San Diego to perform and I got to take my family and we made a mini vacation out of it.”

McKenzi: “Being a young creator is super fun. I am so glad my mom got me into the business because it’s been a life changing experience. One of my favorite opportunities I’ve gotten with my brother is we were able to perform with The Chainsmokers. How it started was we were just going to create videos with them at their Orlando concert, and then they asked us if we could go on stage and perform with them. It was so cool and was my favorite experience ever! I will never forget it, especially ‘cause I got to do it with my brother.”

Preston, what was it like performing for John Legend on The Voice?

Preston: “Oh wow, it was like no other experience and hard to even explain in words. I mean he is the LEGEND! I was in such shock when all the coaches turned around. He was the last one to turn and was my first choice going in, so when he turned a sense of relief came over me and it was just the happiest feeling I’ve ever had. It was almost as if he was a hologram, I still can’t believe he was right in front of me.”

“Supply and Demand”​ came out just a few weeks ago on June 19th. Preston, can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration for it?

Preston: “Last October I met the writer, Bcuz, at a charity event.  We hit it off right away and a few months later he reached out because he started a campaign called Leave on the Light and wanted me to be a part of it.  It is a music movement to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Each single released is meant to tackle a mental health issue and bring light and positivity into the world.”

You guys have done a lot of work for mental health awareness! Tell us a little more about that.

Preston + McKenzi: “Through this movement, and especially at a time where there is so much going on in our world, the song is meant to spread love and understanding. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we all need love and we all have it to give (that is supply and demand)! Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young adults ages 15-25. Our goal is to be a part of ending the stigma of mental health issues and to spread that there is help out there and resources available. Two of the main ones we want people to be aware of is NAMI which is the National Alliance of Mental Illness (1800950NAMI), anyone can call and they offer free confidential support, and also the National Suicide Hotline (18002738255).  Sharing and using these and other resources can save someone’s life.”

McKenzi, you have over 6.4 million followers on TikTok! Where do you get the inspiration for your videos?

McKenzi: “I’m super thankful for my 6.4 million followers on TikTok. I get my inspiration for the videos from my family or from watching different creators on the app. I think everyone on TikTok inspires me to come up with my video ideas, along with myself, my brother, my mom and dad.”

Aside from your creative work, what are some other ways you spend your free time? Can we expect any more collaborations from you guys in the near future?

Preston: “I love to just be outside on my bike and skateboard. I love hanging with my friends. Now it’s mostly FaceTime or Zoom because of the pandemic sadly, but also if I get some free time I love playing video games. [laughs] We always seem to either run into each other or end up on projects together, so I am sure we will continue to collab!”

McKenzi: Some other ways I spend my free time if I’m not filming TikTok videos is creating our YouTube videos, which is either editing them or going to record them, auditions that me and my brother have, or just spending lots of time with my brother because we always have the best time together. While practicing social distancing, I’ll get to spend time with my friends like Preston, and that’s really fun, especially because we are in quarantine, so I don’t get to see many people very often. I also love to draw; drawing has been a passion of mine since I was young. My mom got me into it because she used to teach art at my elementary school and that’s where I get a lot of my creativity from.”

 
 

E^ST: INTERVIEW

by pankhuri bhutani

photo courtesy of e^st

photo courtesy of e^st

Hailing from Australia, this 20 year old singer-songwriter is about to release her debut album I’m Doing It on July 31st . Mel Bester, who professionally goes by the name E^ST, is one of the up and coming artists in the industry.

Having created some phenomenal track like “Friends,” “Talk Deep,” “Life Goes On",” and “Fresh Out Of Love,” E^ST has already garnered around 500,000 active monthly listeners on her Spotify channel.

We talked to E^ST regarding the process during the making of her debut album, her musical inspirations and her plans on future projects.

Hi Mel! Thank you for joining us on Unclear! For those who are yet to be introduced to your music, kindly tell us something about yourself!

E^ST: “Hiya! Well, I write sad but happy sounding pop songs for a job, and in my spare time I read heaps of fantasy novels and take film photos of my friends.”

When was the moment you realized you wanted to set out in the music industry?

E: “I was always surrounded by music, so I think it’s something I just always knew I was destined to be a part of.”

You are about to release your debut album I’m Doing It. Congratulations on that! What kind of reaction are you looking forward to from your fans?

E: “I hope this album can be there for people! There are songs for many moments in life, and I hope people will always have a song to turn to.”

What was the creative process like with the album, and did you face any challenges during the making of all the tracks?

E: “It was a pretty intense process! Wrote for one week in Sydney, and then spent five weeks in a little Welsh town finishing it. I was really focused and consumed by the making of this album, in a really rewarding way.”

You have garnered around 470,000 active monthly listeners on your Spotify Channel. How does it feel to know that your music has such a global influence?

E: “I forget about how many people actually hear my music! Once I release a song I kinda forget that it exists. But it’s nice to be reminded that it’s out there in other people’s worlds.”

You have created some phenomenal tracks and have attracted an immense amount of listeners at just the age of 22. What kind of projects/collaborations are you hoping for in your music journey?

E: “Thank you! Honestly I’m a pretty ‘go with the flow’ type of person… I don’t like to plan things out in my mind too much because I feel like it can close me off from other opportunities. So at this point, it’s a blank canvas.”

How did the name E^ST come into existence? What was the idea behind it?

E: “I wanted a name that reminded me of my family! So E^ST (or east) comes from my mum’s maiden name.”

What are you currently listening to? Who are your musical inspirations?

E: “I’ve actually been listening to a lot of sad country pop music, which I never thought I’d get into. Heaps of Glen Campbell and Hank Williams.”

Lastly, I would like to ask you if there’s any message that you wish to convey to your fans from all around the world?

E: “Try your best to be honest, especially with yourself! Life’s a lot simpler that way.”

 

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GABRIELLE CURRENT: INTERVIEW

by pankhuri bhutani

gabrielle current.png

Hailing from Los Angeles, this 23-year-old immensely talented singer-songwriter is here with her new release “Sun Will Find You.” Having around 200,000 monthly listeners on her Spotify channel, Gabrielle Current is an artist to follow.

Creating some marvelous songs like “Glow,” “Come To Think (featuring Finneas),” “Evermore,” along with many other phenomenal tracks, her recent release, “Sun Will Find You” perfectly showcases the power of Gabrielle’s soulful raw vocals on a completely melodious and piano tune.

We talked to Gabrielle regarding the creative process and inspiration behind her recent track. Gabrielle also hints at her future projects and ends the interview with a sweet message to her fans.

Hello Gabrielle! Thank you for joining us on Unclear. For the people who are yet to be introduced to your music, kindly tell us something about yourself!

Gabrielle: “Hey! I’m Gabrielle. I grew up singing and modeling in LA, and have always wanted to release my own music so this is a super exciting time in my life.”

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

G: “I mostly always had my heart set on making tunes, so once I finally built up the musical community around me I ended up just making music with my close friends.”

You recently released your new track “Sun Will Find You.” Congratulations on that! What was the inspiration behind the track?

G: “Thank you so much! I was inspired by my patterns with anxiety, feeling heavy and pessimistic. My close friends and family would always tell me the feelings would pass, but when you’re in the thick of those emotions, it’s hard to see your way out. Time and time again, I would see that these waves and phases of heaviness do actually pass, so I wanted to document this experience. How moments of joy and ease eventually find you whether you realize it or not. I think this song is a great reminder for me, and hopefully those listening, to be patient when you’re not feeling your best because you will come out of it stronger and better each and every time.”

What was the creative process like and did you face any challenges during the making of the song?

G: “I co-wrote the tune with my friend, Barkley, who’s an incredible artist and writer. I brought the idea to her a couple summers ago. We sat on her living room floor in West Hollywood and wrote most of the lyrics first. The writing process came quickly to us because the topic hits so close to home. I then brought an acoustic voice memo to Mark Pelli, who produced the track.”

If you could have the chance to collaborate with any one artist/band of your liking, who might they be?

G: “Hands down, Anderson Paak. I’ve been inspired by his work for the longest time.”

Listen to Sun Will Find You on Spotify. Gabrielle Current · Single · 2020 · 1 songs.

If you could choose one word to describe your music, what would it be?

G: “Honest. Something I learned along the way of doing sessions and writing a bunch of tunes is that it’s harder to be honest in a song, but finding out something about yourself in the act of writing always feels better than making up a story.”

Who are your musical influences?

G: “I’m influenced by many women voices because they can be incredibly healing for me. I love Charlotte Day Wilson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Sade, and Lianne La Havas.”

What can the fans expect from your forthcoming projects?

G: “I’ll be dropping another song and an EP later this year along with visuals. I’ve worked on this project for so long and put a lot of time and detail into it, so I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on. It’s been a long time coming. I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.”

 

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'STILL BELIEVE' / ANIMAL SUN: SINGLE REVIEW

by emma schoors

ftdentertainment · Playlist · 1 songs · 0 likes

Animal Sun is back with “Still Believe,” a ballad lead by gentle, effective vocals set to a backdrop of gorgeous acoustic guitars.

The song is simplistic and light, complimented beautifully by vocal melodies. The first verse is a slow, intimate blend of lyrics, which bursts into the chorus, a plea of “Would you hold me like you still believe?” This plea finds itself in the second verse as well, opened by the line, “We cannot take back what we’ve done.”

These confrontational lines carry the song, and make for more than just any other mindless acoustic tune. 

If you find yourself looking for a song that’s equal parts delicate and powerful, take a gander at Animal Sun’s latest single; you’ll find lyrics that resonate, along with calming instrumentals.