GOODBOYNOAH: INTERVIEW


intro by madden levin

interview by cami liberty

photo by stefanie moser

photo by stefanie moser

With music often described as refreshing yet classic and soothing, goodboy noah opens up a bit with us about how — and if — his process has been affected by the pandemic and the newest music that fans can enjoy NOW! Make sure you check out his newest song “uptight” now and keep an eye out for the new video – you won’t want to miss it. Follow goodboy noah on social media to stay updated on future projects and more refreshing tunes!

Many artists have been finding new ways to stay inspired throughout the pandemic. How has it affected you and your creativity process?

goodboy noah: “I've always written and recorded most of my songs in my bedroom anyways, so my process hasn't really changed much. I have my few close friends that I make everything with, so we were still able to see each other and get busy. And it’s forced me to just make other stuff from home, like these animal drawings on TikTok that I make songs over. So if anything, it’s amplified my creativity. But I definitely want it to end please.”

How would you describe your music to those who have not heard it yet?

goodboy noah: “I'd say it's like if Justin Timberlake and Sinbad the comedian in his prime had a baby and then Nate Dogg and Anderson .Paak had a baby and then those two baby's grew up and made a baby. That's me.”

You just released your new single “uptight.” Can you tell us a bit about the song and the process of creating it?
goodboy noah:
“The song is basically about your significant other being a real stick in the mud. I took some inspo from one of my past relationships in the line, ‘you got mad up on my birthday.’ ‘Cause she really did get all mean and mad for no reason, and I was like, ‘what the heckfire?’ I wrote the song with my producer Micah Gordon. He came to me with the beat, and we wrote the song over it. And then he played the piano line on a baby grand piano that we recorded through an iPhone.”

You released a video for “uptight” as well! How was it filming the video and how did you ensure it would really make the song come to life?

goodboy noah: “We had the idea of making a western music video where I’m a bounty hunter chasing after this badass female outlaw. The intro piano especially really fit the vibe of a western. Since we didn’t have much of a budget, we couldn’t afford real horses. So we asked ourselves what the next best thing would be, and we came to the obvious conclusion of hobby horses. We figured the viewing public wouldn’t be able to spot the difference anyways. Shooting the video was a blast, but I really don’t know how people used to walk around all day in cowboy boots. Shoulda brought my Dr. Scholls inserts.”

Before “uptight” you released “tie down,” the first song off of your upcoming debut EP. What does this song mean to you and why did you choose “tie down” to be released first?

goodboy noah: "‘tie down’ felt like the perfect re-introduction to my music after a year-long hiatus from releasing anything. And then the second single ‘dial tone’ felt like the perfect transition into ‘uptight.’ I'm kind of building up to where my sound is currently at with these releases. I have a ton of music in the can. And that can is getting ready to burst. So stay back ‘cause the lid is sharp when it comes flying off. But inside are songs that hit like some delicious Bush's baked beans.”

What can we expect from the rest of your debut EP?

goodboy noah: “The rest of the EP might actually be my favorite songs from the project. There are two bouncy bangerinos and one slower one that reminds me of some old Ne-Yo, but like, if I made it. I listened to a lot of Ne-Yo growing up. Like a lot. Can't wait to drop the EP, holy crap.”

 

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ARIEL BELLVALAIRE: INTERVIEW


by mariah estran

photo courtesy of ariel bellvalaire

photo courtesy of ariel bellvalaire

Mix polished guitar playing with aerial gymnastics, and what do you get? A high-energy performance, of course, but you also get singer/songwriter Ariel Bellvalaire.

That unique stage-presence has landed her on ABC’s “The Gong Show," and her shredding skills have taken her on tour with the Michael Jackson “I Am King Experience.” However, in 2021, Bellvalaire is ready to pursue her rockstar dreams as a solo artist.

In November, she released her single “Elastic," an electrifying tune that exhibits her take on the pop-rock genre by integrating power-house riffs inspired by Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughn. And naturally, the release would not be complete without a kick-ass video with scenes of the singer shredding on the back of a moving motorcycle.

We recently spoke with the singer about “Elastic.” She told us more about the single, creating the music video, mixing gymnastics with guitar playing, and what she’s working on next as a solo artist.

You have wicked guitar skills that have landed you in a cover band, and even the Michael Jackson, “I Am King Experience.” But what made you want to create music of your own?  

Ariel: “As much as I love performing iconic songs on guitar with other artists, I was actually a solo artist from day 1! When I first started singing and playing guitar, I would always write my own songs and wanted to be a ‘rockstar.’ The better I got, the more opportunities I got to start playing and touring with other performers which was such a great experience! On tour, I would continue to write my own songs and build my social media as an artist. It's so nice to finally be able to share my own music with everyone!”

You’ve recently released your single “Elastic”. What’s the story behind this track?

A: “This song is the story of a back-and-forth relationship. Sometimes it was great and other times I would feel him pull away, would pull away myself and be pulled back in like a rubber band! When the relationship was good, we had so much fun so I wanted to bring an element of the fun times into the song with upbeat music.”

The video for “Elastic” shows off your aerial skills and you shredding the guitar on the back of a motorcycle. What was it like making this visual?

A: “Creating these visuals was such an amazing experience! I had done aerial guitar stunts before so I wasn't nervous about that, but I was terrified to try the motorcycle scene! I had ridden on the back of one before sitting down without a guitar and didn't mind it, but the idea of standing up with a guitar is another story. I'm all about being a performer though and when I heard the idea, I knew it was worth a try! We drove to the desert, I sat on the back of the bike and they would let me stand up when I felt comfortable. The second I went into performer mode though, I was all in and just did it! It quickly became my favorite part of the video too.”

Knowing how to do aerial gymnastics and mixing that with guitar playing is such a cool talent to have! How did you find the idea to combine the two?

A: “Growing up, I was a competitive gymnast and loved anything that had to do with gymnastics, flexibility, and flips. When I moved to Los Angeles, I tried an aerial circus workout class and instantly fell in love with the aerial hoop. It was just like gymnastics again! Whenever I find anything visually intriguing that I’m able to do, my next thoughts are always, ‘how can I incorporate this with my guitar playing and live shows?!’ I had a guitar strap called the ‘Slinger’ strap that went around my waist and it held my guitar in place while I went upside down and my aerial guitar obsession had begun.”

You’re currently working on an album. What has the experience been like putting together this collection of songs?

A: “Putting all these songs together has been such an incredible experience for me as an artist. We recorded the album in Nashville with a live band and let me tell you, Nashville musicians are on a different level! They are amazing to work with and I was so blown away the first time I heard my own songs being played that I almost didn't come in on time in the vocal booth!”

How do you feel this album will tell your audience about who you are as an artist?

A: “I feel like this album will tell my audience that I refuse to ever give up. Most of my songs are about relationships with others but also are stories of my relationship with the music industry. I may get knocked down, but I refuse to stay down. I will always snap back and keep creating. I am also very passionate about my songs being guitar driven and am excited to share my love of rock music, pop melodies, and real instruments with everyone.”

Lastly, will you be releasing more singles and/or video(s) before the release of your album?

A: “I will absolutely be releasing more singles and videos! The next one is in the planning stages now! I'm most excited about finding new over the top stunts to perform while playing guitar.”

 

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YUNGMANNY: INTERVIEW


by mariah estran

photo by whipalo

photo by whipalo

The 17-year-old rapper YungManny has recently dropped an addictive new track and video, “Clap For ‘Em." It is an energetic two-minutes loaded with a spry beat that spotlights the rapper's catchy verses alongside Flo Milli and Sada Baby. 

The track is considered a sort of creative “first." The first time he worked with this type of beat to making sure each line felt quotable. “Clap For ‘Em” shows YungManny’s determination as an artist and a thing or two about making a song you’ll hear all summer long. 

We recently spoke with YungManny about “Clap For ‘Em." He shares more insight on the production process, working with two of the hottest rappers, staying motivated, and if another release is in the works. 

 

Your new track “Clap For ‘Em” has this vibrant dance vibe mixed with a stellar flow — making for something super catchy! What was the process like when producing this track?

YungManny: “I’ve never hopped on that type of beat before, but I take pride in being a jack of all trades. I knew I had to make something for the ladies and for the club. I made sure the hook and verse were filled with quotable lines, and then the cherry on top came when Derrick Milano came, added his finishing touches, and made the record what it is today. Almost everything I did that night was a first, but 11/10 session.”

 

You got the chance to collab with two of the hottest rappers, Flo Milli and Sada Baby! What was it like working with these two? And how did you know they would be perfect for the track?

Y: “Flo and I have been pretty close friends for some years now. I kinda feel like I watched her reach stardom in front of my own two eyes. She’s very passionate about her work and I see her hunger to get better. Sada Baby, whom I met through this song, is a very humble, extremely talented dude. I personally vibed to his songs before we linked up and when he came up as an idea to hop on that beat, it made more than enough sense. The record just felt natural and that’s why it’s so special.”

 

"Clap for 'Em" is your first release of 2021, but you have been releasing music for the last few years. How do you feel like your work is progressing?

Y: “I feel like I’m the hardest out and I put that on my mother. I’m so diverse with my beat/genre selection and I love the feeling of impressing people with my talent. Every line is said with the intent of capturing the listener’s heart and undivided attention. I will only get better by God’s grace. I think the world just needs to hear more. The music is there. Plus I’m only 17.”

 

What artists would you say are inspiring your new tracks?

Y: “Not too many people other than myself. If anyone is influencing my craft, the inspiration is coming from the grasp they hold over people and the connection they have with their fanbase, which I want to recreate with my own supporters.”

 

You started rapping at 12, you’re now 17, and you have not stopped working to put out new music. What keeps you motivated?

Y: “I genuinely want to be the greatest. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I want everyone to undeniably agree on that as well. But one day at a time.”

 

Lastly, what projects are you working on next? Is there another album in the works?

Y: “I humbly can say I improve every day. Lyrically, melodically, and simply sonically. My next body of work will be a timeless piece of art. Every word and every note has meaning. It’ll consist of a variety of emotions, but I can assure you that everyone will have a favorite. There’s no solidified date as of now, but EVERYONE should be on the lookout. If you don’t find it, it’ll find you.”

 

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'ALIENLOVER' / GRACIE GRAY: REVIEW


by mariah estran

photo courtesy of gracie gray

photo courtesy of gracie gray

Imagine a dream so vivid that it spawns the creation of new artwork. You might call it a miraculous moment of meant-to-be inspiration, and for Indie singer-songwriter Gracie Gray, that’s what happened.

Gray’s new single “alienlover” began after hearing her voice in a song during her sleep. She quickly turned to her voice memos to capture everything she recollected. The track developed into a cosmic ode, elevated by careful mixing that flatters the fuzzy guitar riffs, while the drum cadence makes it delightfully captivating.

In just over three minutes, you’re engrossed in Gray’s dreamlike state, which introduces itself by her brother, Jeremiah describing a spirit leading him through a house. His words fade out as the singer recites a feeling based on an interstellar story of an alien falling in love with a woman but unable to be together.  

That correlation to the extraterrestrial, the concept of connecting to forces outside of us for a larger creative vision – is a concept an artist might find relatable. Gray was handed a spark of inspiration and constructed a striking introduction to her upcoming collection of experimental tunes by giving us “ailenlover."

 

Listen to alienlover on Spotify. Gracie Gray · Single · 2021 · 1 songs.


'CHEER UP BABY' / INHALER: REVIEW


by emma schoors

newsdesk_1616074027inhaler_cub_lores.jpg

Cheer Up Baby” feels like driving fast on a warm summer night, with nothing but the absolute sanctity of the moment in mind.

Inhaler is back with their first single since last October, and it’s one that’s been highly anticipated by devoted fans of the band. “Cheer Up Baby” has already carved its way deep into many fans hearts, and the release of a studio version is just a further cementing of that. 

Drummer Ryan McMahon cuts in sharply soon after the song’s start, and keeps listeners engaged with fitting, unique fills. In the bridge, this is met by bassist Robert Keating’s unmistakable, weighty bass lines. Both musicians have signature playing styles, yet it’s clear that they’re upping their game with every song, and finding themselves as musicians in the process.

Josh Jenkinson’s lead guitar parts are crisp and tight, but maintain a beautiful melodic nature. 

Imaginative riffs are part of what make him an absolutely vital creative force in the band. These sources of melody are paired well with lead singer and rhythm guitarist Elijah Hewson’s phenomenal vocals. With unbelievably strong voice control and an enchanting, demanding stage presence, Hewson is a charming lead in the band.

Inhaler has been rising rapidly in popularity in the past year, and these past couples of weeks have seen their follower count rising especially dramatically. If there was ever a time to check their music out, the time is now, and “Cheer Up Baby” is an outstanding place to start.