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Stroll Like This You Can’t Teach: Yung pootie is fresh on that neck with an interview all about Round$ free$tyle

Posted on 20 June 2023

Marion, Indiana creative Yung pootie is a fast-rising hood blues artist who we just had to find out more about. He tells us all about the vision behind Round$ free$tyle, growing up working all the instrumental settings in his local church, the 765, overthinking, and what it takes to lace down powerful bars which are certainly meaningful. Strap your seatbelt in and let’s go.

Llewelyn: Thank you for joining us Yung pootie. First question, do you recall precisely the moment when you just knew..making music..this is what I’m going to do. What does it feel like when you think back?

Yung pootie: Thank you for having me. I always knew since a kid that music was a major part of my life. Growing up in the Black church playing the instruments and singing in the choirs groomed me into the musician/artist I am today. When I think back on it, all I can think of is my father introducing me to the funk/soul music that is still instilled in me today. Shoutout Julio & the Pussycats lol.

Llewelyn: We like how you just go and do things. Do you feel like overthinking just causes doubt and actually cages up creativity like a bird who just wants to fly to a better place?

Yung pootie: You know I do think overthinking can cause a creative block within artists. I know this first-hand for sure. The moment I stopped overthinking things musically, it almost seemed like everything started to fall in place for me better as an artist. You have to allow yourself to be free as an artist in order for that to translate to the world.

Llewelyn: Round$ free$tyle. Let’s get into it. This is a hot track. What was the idea behind the new single and who have you made it for? Our readers will surely turn this up to the max.

Yung pootie: So really this is the perfect example of not overthinking and allowing myself to be free as an artist. This record really happened by accident lol. I was shuffling thru beats and found one with the Aaliyah sample in it ( If you know me then you know how I feel bout 90s music) Soon as I heard it, I loaded it up and started recording. I allowed whatever was on my mind to come out of my mouth. Hence the name Rounds Freestyle. The rest is history!

Llewelyn: Has covid made you change up your grind at all or are things ‘back’ to normal again?

Yung pootie: Covid actually turned my grind up like 6 levels lol. Being on “lockdown” forced me to be isolated in the most productive way. It gave me the opportunity to really hone in on my sound and what I really want. Things are sorta back to normal now but the grind has definitely evolved since then.

Llewelyn: Marion, Indiana. Have you always lived here and what is/was it like? Is the music scene alive or does much more investment need to arrive for it to fully flourish and support the underground musicians who want to shine?

Yung pootie: The 765!!! I was born and raised here yes sir. It’s a small town in northern Indiana where there honestly isn’t too much of anything besides cornfields. We actually are starting to grow a dope music scene here for sure but I do think it’ll take a lot more investment and work from all of us here to make it something recognizable everywhere. If we all come together wholeheartedly ain’t no way we can lose.

Llewelyn: Hood Blues. We like the sound of this a lot. What made you go in this direction and avoid doing what so many others are doing..sticking to whatever the ‘cool’ genre/fad is at the time. Do you feel like you’re a trailblazer who just wants to make music with a real message to inspire the youth and those who backed you when others (who didn’t get it) doubted everything?

Yung pootie: So if I’m being honest, the term or genre “Hood Blues” was coined by my cousin Tyjon (Smokey Lymon), who I’ve looked up to as an artist ever since I was a kid. I chose to go in this direction with my sound because it’s not what fits me the best but the US. Hood blues is soulful music with impactful lyrics that accompany hard-hitting 808s and trap drums. I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a trailblazer but more so of a blueprint for those who follow me musically. I’ve always wanted to make music with substance so people could feel and relate to it. I told myself a long time ago that the music I make would not be the typical sound that we’ve constantly heard. Hood blues is the next wave.

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Listen up on Spotify.

See more vibes on the socials on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Fine Wine: Darius Marquis sees that good life on Angels by the Ocean

Posted on 18 May 2023

Wondering when their next stimulating meeting shall be, Darius Marquis glances deep within the hearts of so many with the find-the-purpose soundtrack to put on by a warm fire called Angels by the Ocean.

Darius Marquis is a Houston, Texas-born indie RnB/soul artist who is an established multi-instrumentalist that fuses various elements of gospel, rock, pop and hip-hop.

”At the age of 7, he played drums for his uncle’s church. A keyboard was given to him at the age of 8 and he taught himself how to play the piano by ear. After finishing Middle School band, he continued to refine his skills by studying music theory.” ~ Darius Marquis

He seems ready for it all. Darius Marquis showcases his supreme skill with an extraordinary song to soothe all tired hearts with a dynamic soundtrack for the ages. Gosh, this is a quality experience which might tickle ears and ease worries into the sky.

Angels by the Ocean by the soulfully charged creative rising great Darius Marquis is a rather wonderfully electric track which has been made to mesmerize even the weariest humans. Soaring with a heightened intellect and featuring some of the best solos imaginable, this is a must-listen if there ever was one.

With raw elements that can be refined, this is surely the kind of song which should give many goosebumps packed with intrigue.

See this new music video on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Os shows us deep inside his introspective nature

Posted on 28 March 2023

We sat down with the excellent new UK artist Os and sliced it up music-wise. He told us stories of school, church, staying away from bad vibes and we slide further into all things Moments and Memories. Ready? Okay then, here we go.

Firstly, how do you usually start your day and how have you been keeping focused with all the general uncertainty in the world?

Os: I appreciate you taking the time to have a chat with me as well. To be honest, most of my days start with prayer. As early as I can remember faith has been a big part of my life and that has become a solid foundation in my routine, after that I try to sleep again before I really get up to work. That extra hour really helps recharge and gives a little boost to help in the day. I don’t believe mornings need to be extravagant or over complicated with routines, we have the rest of the day to do that. Our mornings should be simple and allow us room to process our days. I think that prayer also plays a part in helping me remain grounded and focused. In all honesty it wasn’t always like that, up until the start of last year (2022) I was not able to focus, until I saw a quote about anxiety being fear about the future that you don’t know. I’m sorry that this is a lot of words, but I would say that accepting the fact that there are things that I don’t know and potentially can’t know gives the space to focus on what I do know. So, this is really a new thing for me, learning to just be present and handle the things that I can, not being careless and not planning, but being carefree enough if things don’t go according to those plans.

When you close your eyes for a minute and travel back in time, do you recall those school freestyle battles and what do you take from that experience?

Os: I take joy from the experiences. I went to an all-boys school, and something that is regularly said now that I am older is that “people who went to all-boys schools are really weird”. For me, it is so interesting to hear that because education-wise, those were my best years and the experiences I had have been a recurring talking point since leaving. One of those many experiences is the freestyles. The joy and excitement when someone played a new beat they found, or one that our favourite artists had rapped on then hearing each other have a go at it is something I don’t want to ever forget. Everyone was trying to out-rap each other at the same time adding a cheeky diss or just outright insulting each other. It regularly tested your ability to speak/think on your feet. Obviously, I can’t recall all of them but it helped build that freestyling ability that is so necessary going forward as a rap artist.

Please tell us more about your upcoming project Moments and Memories.

Os: Moments and Memories is a collation of songs that I wrote from 2019-2023, with 8 songs the project is an attempt to provide insight for listeners into the moments and memories that make me who I am. It was never my intent for them to be a project, but over time I realised there were songs that I had written that made a lot of sense together in a project. Each song gives a snapshot into different attributes of my life from the perspective of the past present, and the future. What I like about the project is that it looks on to the moments that have not yet occurred as well, but we (you the reader and I) have hope for. The reason why this sentiment is important to me is because those moments will eventually become memories that we will in turn look back on. It is funny because I am a rapper/songwriter but sometimes it feels like I am not the best with words. I really am hoping you have a feel for what I am offering in my EP. I have songs about navigating friendships in a time when certain friends started getting involved in things that I wasn’t sure about, I have a few songs that touch on the topic of love, especially “Bugs & Lola”. Healthy love is an interesting topic from the perspective of people where I am from. A lot of rappers choose to talk about love from a derogatory perspective which is for some what they have seen and what they know. I don’t want that, especially seeing my parents love, I really want a love like Bugs & Lola.

What instruments do you perform and what excites you most about creating music?

Os: In church, I play the Keyboard, sometimes first or auxiliary keys. I also play the bass but that is a recent addition. In the past, I have learned the trumpet and taught myself a bit of guitar, ukulele, and drums. The most exciting thing about creating music I think is the ability to take something that has already been created, a sample or something that has already been used, a chord and use it in a different way. The endless combinations made available to us as creatives really excites me, because I can hear a chord progression I used in someone else’s song and think, “oh man that was a fun way to use that”. I have a big love for sampling, finding parts of songs that were “completed” and using that as a building block for my song. There is so much to creating music that captures me to be fair, I think seeing it also translate from where I wrote and recorded it onto stage and engaging with an audience.

You represent SE London. What’s it like living there and where should we go watch proper good live music in your area?

Os: I think South East is a unique side of London, so many cultures combined which sometimes leads to conflict but we aren’t just known for that. We have more and more people progressing from here to the World stage. Whether it is politics, technology, music, business etc we are definitely starting to make a name for ourselves. It has definitely calmed down, with the new connections they are building via trains etc everything is starting to get expensive and they are building new flats/apartments so a lot of things look different from when I was young. I would say the Amersham Arms has some good acts and shows every now and then. You have the obvious O2 Arena. The rest is now more about looking out for specific acts, some good ones to look out for a K Lewis, Tenekia-Tabitha, Tidez, Odeal, JimLegacy just to name a few.

Please detail your love for TV and Film?

Os: From a young age one thing that I did a lot was write scripts and storylines for films and television. I think it was often an attempt to recreate things I had seen and finish them in my own way or create my own storyline from the top. I think the combination of audio and visuals is what created the love for me. The ability to build suspense in a scene from camera angle selections and music choice. I did media in 6th Form and this started adding a bit more knowledge to the passion I currently had. While I have not been able to revisit the practical side of film making, for my EP I am trying to implement a few of these things into the visualizers that we are creating. As for consumption of films and TV shows, I try and find a new show to watch regularly. I recently went through majority of the Star Wars saga and I must say the score for those films is amazing, honourable shout out to Daniel Pemberton on the into the Spiderverse and the Man from Uncle score. We all know Hans Zimmer is a staple in that arena and I am waiting for another opportunity to see him live as I missed the last chance.

Last question. What is the best advice you’ve ever given or have been given in the past?

Os: The best advice I was given… I would say that it was “never feel like you can’t start again”.

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Listen up closer on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

By My Side: SELEMBA feels those deep sensations on Black Magic Magnetism

Posted on 27 November 2022

Produced, mixed and mastered by Ahmad Jamal Zareini, SELEMBA fuses in elements of RnB, hip hop and soul on the mesmerizing new single called Black Magic Magnetism.

SELEMBA is a Copenhagen-based Ugandan-danish indie hip hop artist who grew up performing as a choir-leader at his local church.

”Though SELEMBA got his bachelors degree in musicology in 2016 he founded the award-winning restaurant UGood to make ends meet. This took most of his time away from music for a while but as determined as they come he would sit up late at night writing and producing his music after work unable and unwilling to ignore the call of his creativity. Today his restaurant is a stable source of income that gives SELEMBA the opportunity to make music full time. Before he started his restaurant, SELEMBA toured all parts of Denmark with his former band SLYCK.” ~ SELEMBA

Loving to the core and with a huge embrace that is laden with a blue sky, SELEMBA reminds us that love is actually simple if there are no extra complications. There is so much affectionate energy inside for us to cuddle into, as we find a flourishing creative who is only ascending to greater heights.

Black Magic Magnetism from Copenhagen-based Ugandan-danish indie hip hop artist SELEMBA is a romantic single which will calm many hearts and take us to a happier world. Sung with gleaming vibrance which shall brighten up many a mood, this is the perfect song to play when you need that love-filled inspiration again.

When your heart beats rather swiftly, everything changes forever.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Birdeatsbaby Interview: Shaking our core with sinister new release Illuminate

Posted on 24 November 2022

We sat down with the hugely intriguing progressive post-metal band Birdeatsbaby to chat more about their shadowy new release Illuminate. They open up the curtains and lead us into a bone-rattling interview of significance and show us why supporting the local music scene is so vital.

Who is all involved with the Birdeatsbaby team?

Mishkin: Well, there’s four of us – Anna Mylee (drums), Hana Piranha (harp, cellos, violins, vocals), Garry Mitchell (guitar, bass) and myself, Mishkin Fitzgerald (vocals, pianos, synths). We also have a manager called Simon Field who keeps the whole thing running… he’s the unseen member of the band and he knows all our dirty secrets, haha! Apart from that, we’re totally independent and run everything by ourselves. It’s a lot of work, but we’re very happy to be in control of our own destiny, and run things the way we want to.

Which music scene do you prefer and where are the best underground spots to find proper music in: Brighton or London?

Mishkin: I’d say my favourite music scene is the metal one – there’s so many sub-genres and you never see the same thing twice. The people who go to those gigs are always so mellow and there’s always a great community vibe going on. You know if you fall in the mosh-pit that you’ll be picked up again and dusted off! I also think it’s one of the few scenes that has survived and still has people at shows. Metal fans are true music fans and they always want to see something new, not just stick to the bands they know. I love that, metal all the way.

If a brand new band came up to you tonight and asked for advice about how to survive the music game, what would you tell them?

Mishkin: Get out now while you still can! Ha, no I’m joking. I would say to them – focus on getting your music just right, it’s more important than your image. Once you’re set up then be genuine, make friends with similar bands, create your own scene and help each other out. Go to shows, support your local bands and treat other musicians how you would like to be treated. Don’t play shows for free/exposure (if you can help it) and be prepared to struggle a lot! The music industry has never been more difficult than it is today, so supporting and helping each other out is more important than ever.

If you could open up for any artist in the world, who would it be and why?

Mishkin: I think each of us would have a different answer, but probably for me it would be Opeth. They’re another artist that crossed multiple genres but still have that signature sound. They aren’t as heavy as they used to be, I prefer their death prog-metal albums, but I would still be over the moon if we ever got to support them!

Do you have any wild touring stories you’re allowed to share with us?

Mishkin: Yeah, loads just ask our manager Simon! Hmm… what can I tell you, I mean we used to party pretty hard on tour but it got a bit out of hand, we’ve calmed down a lot these days. There was the time we got banned from a church… and the time we crashed a rental car and the tour manikin flew out the back window naked… the time we played a show to one fan and then spent the night in a sex dungeon… and the time I climbed up and danced on a bar in Ohio and people put dollar bills down my pants? I mean, to be honest this is a whole separate interview!

Finally, where can we catch you live next and do you have anything big planned for 2023?

Mishkin: We haven’t got any shows booked currently. We’re focusing on recording the album, HEX, and should have some shows in the Spring/Summer but we’re holding out until the music industry gets a bit more stable, times are pretty tough for touring artists these days so we’re just playing it safe and making music at home. The best place to see us though is on Patreon – we play lots of livestreams and release secret music and videos there, so if you want the inside scoop then that’s where we’ll be.

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Listen up to this new release on Spotify. Find them live on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Ma Bell aka Kathy Bell Interview: A True American hero

Posted on 22 November 2022
https://www.facebook.com/mabellfishingblues/videos/?ref=page_internal

Sometimes in life you meet someone who just wants to sing for the love and nothing more. This is the story of Ma Bell aka Kathy Bell. She is the ultimate underdog and loves making others happy. A selfless soul awaits.

Hello there Ma Bell aka Kathy Bell. How are you doing today and have you found that the music scene is properly back in your local area?
Ma Bell: I have found that this last year has been incredibly busy. I feel the music scene is definitely back.

You’re a DJ and also a songwriter with Bob McGilpin. Please explain how that fusion started and how creating songs makes you feel?
Ma Bell: I began in music at an early age, playing piano in the Church of God where my grandfather preached for 57 years.
I always had a passion for music but never thought I was good enough and had to go through quite a lot before believing in myself. I had written a silly Tobacco Barn song due to seeing a barn smoking with my friend and manager, Ruth Brown. She said write that into a song but I had no idea how that could be a song. A friend said get ahold of Bob McGilpin. I have to say he is the very best and not only is a co-writer but an amazing Friend. We now have 2 songs. America She’s Cryin co-written with Bob McGilpin a Platinum hit but also Freedom Truckers co-written with Bob McGilpin that has hit platinum twice.

Never too old to dream. I love your motto. It’s so true. Do you feel you’re in a dream while on stage and living out your destiny?
Ma Bell: I absolutely feel it is my dream. I have had the dream of performing on the Grand Ole Opry Stage one day since a child. I never give up on that and work hard. I have gone through sickness etc and am chasing my dream late in life, but still believe it can be possible as long as I never give up and keep working hard.

Who do you make music for and where do you call home?
Ma Bell: My home is in a very small town in Indiana called Sheridan. I make music when an inspiration hits. It is usually something from life. It can be funny or it can be serious.

Do you have a favourite song that we should definitely hear you sing live?
Ya all come! I love having fun in character as “Ma Bell” with my audience. The more they sing and tap feet, the more animated I become.

Can we spot you live before 2022 ends or do you have some events slowly cookin’ on the stove for 2023?
Absolutely, that would be awesome!

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Find out more on her Facebook page.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Let You Stay: California’s Sophie Reynolds just wants a sign on tell you everything

Posted on 26 September 2022

Taken off her upcoming EP, Sophie Reynolds just wants a reason to give a budding romance a chance even if it could all fall apart so quickly on her beautifully honest new single, tell you everything.

Sophie Reynolds is a 21-year-old indie South Pasadena, California-based singer-songwriter, pianist, and guitarist who first started performing her original music in 2018.

”Surrounded by music, Sophie grew up singing all over the house, at church, and school showcases.” ~ Sophie Reynolds

Gloriously genuine and soothing all ears with a dreamy disposition that will be hard to forget, Sophie Reynolds is rather special on this gorgeous soundtrack for those who want to make sure first, before opening up their precious hearts. Guiding us into her mind so thoughtfully, we find an outstanding young artist who tells a story that many of us have faced in our lives.

tell you everything from South Pasadena, California-based singer-songwriter Sophie Reynolds is a romantic single that is laced with realness about that precise moment where everything could change for the better or worse. Sung with a calming nature that will have you closing your eyes and imagining that look of wonder from a past lover, who was just waiting for that all-important reassurance.

Sometimes you just have to stop for a few minutes to see if they are real or just a passing memory.

Listen up to this lovely release on Spotify and see more on her IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Delaware-based rapper Kyle Alexander is done playing in the background on, ‘I Cannot Lose’

Posted on 30 April 2022

Sensing that his time with destiny is here and has been calling his name for years, Kyle Alexander shows us that he is ready for those Superbowls and will never give up even when he is at the top of the mountain with, ‘I Cannot Lose‘.

Kyle Alexander is a New Castle, Delaware-born indie Hip hop artist who started making music with his local church group in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since.

”Kyle’s life hasn’t always been easy. In fact, he had to endure a lot of pain and hard times. However, he decided not to give up in the face of adversity, and instead, use the hardship as a way to fuel his creative endeavors and truly reach out to other people, helping them as much as he can.” ~ Kyle Alexander

Sending us an honest reminder of what is actually possible, Kyle Alexander gets us throwing those three-pointers again with a ferociously positive display that should drown out all of those negative naysayers that have you trying to bring you down to their average level for too long. There is intensity in droves here that is super inspiring, that takes your mind away from the noise, and into that zone of success.

”Kyle firmly believes that by sharing his stories and fully opening up about his scars, he can really show others that healing is actually possible.” ~ Kyle Alexander

‘I Cannot Lose‘ from New Castle, Delaware-born indie Hip hop artist Kyle Alexander is one of those I-need-to-prove-it tracks that is like listening to an anthem to all those who feel like they can afford to be lazy. He cooks up a steak to eat for all the listeners all over the world that need some extra motivation, in this world that can get you hiding on the couch doing nothing when you should be pushing instead. With a fiery persona and a catchy beat that keeps the temperature on high, this is a new single for us to champion and never forget.

Life is about trying to reach your goals so that you can live happily with zero regrets.

Listen up to this winning single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Rising Up: $kribblemarkmartian knows what he needs to do on ‘Crossroads’

Posted on 15 October 2021

After realizing from very young that he wanted to avoid the easy-to-fall-into pitfalls that the soul-sucking streets can hold on you forever, $kribblemarkmartian rises up and lifts his mentality to something that makes sure that he can only be successful on ‘Crossroads‘.

$kribblemarkmartian is a tremendously impressive Blytheville, Arkansas-born, church-raised indie Hip-Hop artist, multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and music engineer.

There is much to like about a highly motivated artist who has seen the bottom and speaks about his genuine desires of success. With such a smartly created chorus which somehow has you automatically turning up the volume – he slays through the rest of the track like a ninja on a mission – to defeat all those blood-soaked zombies once and for all.

‘Crossroads‘ from the Blytheville, Arkansas-born indie rapper, music producer and highly talented $kribblemarkmartian, is that I-was-down-soundtrack which lifts you up from the floor. He has had tough times and decided that enough was enough, as he used his creativity for something positive and the results certainly show. He performs with a motivated edge and with a catchy style like this and echo-filled vocals, the sky is the limit if he keeps on flying high.

Hear this top track on Spotify and see more of his vibe on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen