Browsing Tag

dark

Elevated Focusion Reflects on his ‘Dark Nights’ LP and Sonic Fusionist Style

Elevated Focusion

In this exclusive interview, Elevated Focusion took us into the shadows of his latest album, Dark Nights, exposing the eclectic sonic styles which have shaped his unique artistic identity. From his roots in the late ’90s rave scene to his exploration of outlaw country and dancehall, Elevated Focusion discusses the transformative role of live instrumentation and how classic rock concept albums inspired his approach to producing a yet genre-fluid tour de force. Read on to discover how Elevated Focusion’s past and present musical identities intertwine to forge a path forward in his artistic career.

Elevated Focusion, you made an unforgettable impression on us with your album, Dark Nights. You’ve nailed the darkwave pop aesthetic in spite of the genre-fluidity which permeates the 11 tracks. Who were your foundational influences for the album? 

I am so happy you guys like the album.  Musically it is a real gumbo.  I definitely wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here but rather try to build a really cool car based on parts of the things I love personally.

I grew up during the late 90s rave scene, so The Crystal Method and The Chemical Brothers were an influence here. I was influenced by some of the more modern dark electronic artists like TR/ST and Anders Manga. In the industrial world, I was inspired by the fun experimentation of Raymond Watts and Pigface.

I probably listen to my Outlaw Country playlist every day so that poetic language really speaks to me specifically with artists like Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, and Billy Joe Shaver. Dancehall artists like Patra along with early 2000’s rock artists like the Deftones had their influence as well.

What was the initial spark that led you to create ‘Dark Nights’, and how did the concept evolve from that first idea?

I always loved the idea of The Judgment Night soundtrack where hip-hop artists collaborated with metal bands. That soundtrack came out when I was 12 years old, and was probably my biggest influence in trying to bring musical worlds together as a whole.

I also love the concept behind UNKLE & Massive Attack with having a variety of singers on different tracks.  I personally love listening to an album straight through.  So each album I make is meant to flow from beginning to end.  The overall “concept idea” is inspired by concept albums from classic rock.

Thematically I got the idea for the overall concept from the horror anthology series Tales From The Crypt.  Even though every episode had different stories, actors, and sometimes directors, you could always tell that each episode was part of Tales From The Crypt.  They all stood alone with individual storylines, but they still had something recognizable to tie them together with that show.  And that’s what I wanted to do with this album.  Create a musical Tales from The Crypt…lol.

How did your experiences in Queens during the early 2000s influence the sound and stories on this album?

During the early 2000s, I was in my own little musical world.  All I really listened to was my own music that I would make on my keyboard.  I honestly had no idea about what was going on in the outside world.  So I love creating a little world of its own with each song and album that I create.

From 2001 to 2004, I probably made close to 1000 songs. Most were incomplete and just moods or melodies.  When I stopped making music on my keyboard in 2004, it was the time in my life that I really got into researching other music.  For nearly 20 years, I never did any type of artistic activity.  I just listened and explored every genre and subgenre I could find.

I never planned on ever making music again until my wife convinced me to start releasing my old keyboard music during Covid.  Things just happened and I started creating new music again in 2023. It is a combination of things that brings me to where I am today as an artist.

What role did live instrumentation play in the creation of Dark Nights, and how did it differ from your usual electronic production?

Live instrumentation really helped me take the songs to the next level.  It definitely took my sound from being simply synth music to something a bit more elevated.  I had a very ambitious vision of my mixing my synth drums with live drums as well as mixing all my layered synth sounds with live vocals and instruments.  These things really make you appreciate the role of an engineer….lol. And I happened to be fortunate enough to work with Chris Conway who is an absolute master of his craft.

I don’t really know anything about musical theory, and I cannot read or write music either.  So, working with live musicians really helps with my own limitations as an artist.

Could you give us an inside view into the production process behind one of the standout tracks on Dark Nights? 

Sure, let’s talk about Club Hell. I started out wanting to make a simple fun dance song.  Over time I added, changed, and edited the sounds until I had something that I liked.

I went back to it and thought, this really sounds like it is a club in hell.  So, I started writing to it with that theme in mind.  At first, I didn’t have a rap verse in mind.  Then, I thought it could be cool to have something fun to break things up a bit. So, I created a rap verse section on the instrumental and wrote a verse for it.  Something that was just meant to be fun, not analyzed.

Once the vocals were recorded, I still felt like something was missing.  So I reached out to a bass player to give a really funky synth bass line.  That was definitely inspired by Herbie Hancock. Once I had all my ingredients, I headed to the studio to give it a mix where Chris Conway helped me to find peace amongst the chaos of the song.

How do the lyrical themes of the album manifest in the instrumentation and production?

I usually start with the instrumental first.  And eventually, something will click. I will hear a sound or there is something that brings a familiar memory.  Just as a scent can kinda trigger something familiar. Once I get that familiar feeling, I will really get into character, and then the song comes together very quickly.

How do you think your musical identity as Jonny Rythmns during 2001-2004 contrasts or complements your current persona as Elevated Focusion?

As Jonny Rythmns, my music wasn’t really focused.  My emotions were high but the music wasn’t really there yet.  It was sloppy and wasn’t really mixed properly, but you can definitely feel the raw emotion that was going on at the time. However, the music was still very raw as well.

Elevated Focusion is the product of 20 years of exploring every artist of every single genre and subgenre I can find.  The sound is more focused with the purpose of bringing together every musical influence I have experienced during my 20-year hiatus from making music combined with my own synth style that I developed during 2001 – 2004.

What do you hope your listeners will take away after listening to Dark Nights?

I honestly just hope that people enjoy the experience.  I don’t claim to be the most technical musician out there.  The only thing that I hope that someone would take from listening to ‘Dark Nights’ is that they enjoy it enough that they want to listen to it again.

How has the creation of Dark Nights influenced your thoughts on the future direction of your music?

I loved ‘Dark Nights’ but I’m ready to move on to the next concept.  My next album is already recorded and ready for mixing, so I already know where I am heading…lol.  It is somewhere completely than my first two albums. I don’t want to say too much, but I hope to release it next summer.

Stream Elevated Focusion’s discography on all major platforms via this link.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Areeyedee’s latest single Insomnia is a waking industrial trap pop nightmare

With a sound as dark as the mise en scene from The Machinist, Areeyedee’s industrial trap pop single, Insomnia, conjures the disjointing and reality-warping nature of the depression symptom which creates 48-hour days where we’re left to replay twisted thoughts on a loop.

By capturing the nature of the beast and refusing to downplay the psychological downfall of the rabbit holes insomnia can take us down, the Kansas-born and raised, Darmstadt, Germany-based artist created a razor-sharp cutting exposition of mental disquietude in his lyrics and his aptly maniacal vocal delivery. With every line, he washes away the stigma while the branding of his sonic signature glows red hot through the release.

After fronting a rock band in the ’90s and landing the role of a hip-hop artist in a feature film, which made him fall in love with the genre, Areeyedee effortlessly melds the alternative with urban aesthetics in his discography, which includes tracks created with the multi-platinum producer, Freek Van Workum (21 Savage, Tech N9ne).

Insomnia will drop on January 1st; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Passing Me By: Dutch Experts wonders why a heart couldn’t understand better on Bound by This

With a classic sounding aura as so many listen closely inside by the cosy campfire, Dutch Experts flame up our emotions and bring us a majestically honest release caressed inside a bow of sounds you just have to hear called Bound by This.

Dutch Experts is a Hannah Hoffman-created indie pop dark synthpop band who are from the beautiful hills of Vermont and create music many will get lost within.

Faced with long-Covid symptoms and the crumbling of societal infrastructure, singer/songwriter Hannah Hoffman turned one of her lowest and most challenging points into a revisitation of her approach to sound. Experimenting with layering synths and electronic drum beats in Garageband, Hoffman created a sonic landscape that bore the fruits of Dutch Experts.” ~ Hannah Hoffman

Formerly of Dune Hunter, Hannah Hoffman leads Dutch Experts to project a deep feeling in such a wonderfully relatable manner on Bound by This and this is a must-listen for still-healing humankind. Toned with a feel to the best possible version of the past and sounding refreshed at the same time, this is a rather extraordinary effort.

Written during the middle of the Covid Pandemic lockdown, lyrics imbued with a sense of somber self-reflection contrasted by glittering synthesizers and danceable drum beats. “Bound by This” is a ‘journey through the darkness to find the light.” ~ Hannah Hoffman

Bound by This from the Vermont-born indie pop dark synthpop act Dutch Experts is possibly one of the most cinematic soundscapes possible in our lifetime. This is an ear-filling track which will take all minds into a rather illuminating space that shall shake all cores into a much better place.

When you know when to break free, the next step will present itself.

Hear this new single on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Should Have Been Easy: Maya Yenn wonders if it will always be like this while eating Sour Grapes

Slightly miffed with the once-promising cards she has somehow been dealt, Maya Yenn details the inner frustration with wanting more and regretting the raised expectation on the hugely relatable Sour Grapes.

Maya Yenn is a UK-based indie alternative dark pop singer-songwriter and music producer who has that extra special Lorde-like vocal excellence to heal all wounded hearts.

There is something rather unique about Maya Yenn. She is like a long-lost friend you really miss. The one who used to be beautifully blunt and speak the truth when needed most. Gloriously needed and ultimately soul-healing. Just what the doctor ordered.” ~ Maya Yenn

The impressively enlightened rural Staffordshire royalty Maya Yenn strikes us within the soul again to awaken our memories and dreams. She is a graceful act who is looking for something more, in a world where expectations have risen exponentially. Vocally poised throughout and reminds us of where our true path is, displaying to us what road she is currently veering down.

The tantalizing Sour Grapes from UK-based indie alternative pop dark singer-songwriter Maya Yenn might be a song to play while gazing up at the stars and looking for the light. Summoning some of her best work, there is so much to love about an honest song that so many millions can surely attest to.

Hear something rather crisp on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I See Your Face: Forgotten Garden knows that it’s too late to change it now on Memoriam

Ascending with exquisite vocals that shall get you into a contemplative mood as you think about those who are gone, Forgotten Garden has just dropped an essential release that might induce a few tears on Memoriam.

Forgotten Garden is a Scotland-based indie rock band who occasionally stretches their legs and walks into an infused dark/gothic post-punk world of wonder.

Occasionally, in life, you hear a song and stand still. Your mind is wide awake with so many memories that come flooding back like a midnight storm in winter. Without a shadow of doubt, Forgotten Garden is the skilled architects of this rare moment on their latest offering called Memoriam.

Memoriam from Scotland-based indie rock band Forgotten Garden is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs you’re likely to hear in your life. With a pure production and a sensational soundtrack that shall find you closing your tired eyes and reminiscing about all those moments you wish you could feel again, this is something rather special.

Living in the moment has never been more important than it is now.

Listen up on Spotify and see more on their IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I’ve Become Lonely Again: Shriya senses that a desolate state of mind is coming on strangers on saturn

With a simply exquisite and articulate intelligence that might cause your whole body to shiver in delight, Shriya just wants to feel safe again from all the scary cauldrons that can burn up your innocence with strangers on saturn.

Shriya is a 14-year-old Boston, USA-born indie alt-dark pop singer-songwriter and music producer who is massively inspired by the legends Billie Eilish and Lorde.

Her lyrics stem from the inspiration of both her personal experiences, as well as her observations of the world around her.” ~ Shriya explaining her inspirations in the music process

Delighting our frayed earlobes with a truly astonishing performance, Shriya is an extraordinarily gifted voice in a seemingly unwelcoming world that can freeze your precious soul if you aren’t too careful.

Her songwriting roots date back to when she was 8 years old and picked up a pencil to write her very first song with her sister.” ~ Shriya opening the door and showing us how she first got started

strangers on saturn from Boston, USA-born indie alt-dark pop singer-songwriter and music producer Shriya is a wonderful track from a young artist who displays maturity way beyond her age. Sung with a gaze up to the stars and knowing that the temptations below can truly break your spirit if you walk down the wrong path, leading us into her mindset at this precise moment.

Sometimes it’s better to dream than be with the wrong people who can lead you astray.

Listen up to this tremendous talent on Spotify and see more news on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Stuttgart’s Stellan Perrick drops his terrifically honest debut single, ‘Golden Baby’

After working with other artists for almost a decade, Stellan Perrick has taken the lead and shown us what we have been missing out on with the story about finding your own treasure inside your soul with, ‘Golden Baby‘.

Stellan Perrick is a Stuttgart, Germany-based indie alternative artist and experienced music producer who has been behind the decks for the past 7 years.

Golden baby is my own personal story which is a little dark. But the idea was to take that darkness and make it somehow enjoyable. That’s why even though golden baby has very dark and emotional lyrics, it sounds like a dance track. At a very low point in my life, I felt very worthless, feeling like everyone is somehow better than me, cooler than me, how got it all together better than me.” ~ Stellan Perrick

Entertaining brightly where others fade into the dull background, Stellan Perrick is in sterling form with a scintillating display of glorious directness, that takes him into a whole new world that has just started.

And I through my journey of loving myself, made this song for people who have felt like I did at one point So that people would never have to feel like how I felt. It is my message of love to each and every one of them.” ~ Stellan Perrick

Golden Baby‘ from Stuttgart, Germany-based indie alternative artist and music producer Stellan Perrick is a finger-clicking piece of catchy intrigue from a skilled musician who is on a mission to take charge from now on. After so many years in the shadows, he has bravely ventured out and led us into a highly worthwhile listen, that will have you completely enthralled from the first second.

With spark-packed vocals and a body-grooving endeavour to praise, we are enlightened by a story that many of us will certainly relate to.

Hear this honest release on Spotify and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Italian pop artist Emilya Ndme shows us her intriguing creative energy with her new release, ‘Space and the Universe’

Mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios in London and inspired by the much-loved German TV show called ‘Dark‘, Emilya Ndme shows us her vivid inventiveness with her latest single that will have you in a time travel mood with, ‘Space and the Universe‘.

Emilya Ndme is the exciting project of the highly talented Italian musician and indie-electronic pop/rock singer-songwriter Lauretta Grechi Galeno.

I wrote it during one of the many lockdown nights, thinking about the shared life condition by billion people around the world.” ~ Emilya Ndme

As one of the most fascinating artists around in her genre, Emilya Ndme sends us into a new world using all of the inspiring mindpower that lifts her above all doubts and into a place that sets her free from this toxic earth.

Space and the Universe‘ from the Italian indie-electronic pop/rock singer-songwriter Emilya Ndme, is a mysterious track that has been made with an ode to one of the most-viewed series on Netflix ever. She sings with such an incredible tone that grips your body and takes you into her story, that lifts you up and has you using that undernourished imagination again that has been hidden for so long.

Listen in to this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Wanted A Peek: N.A.V.E urges us not to fall down the rabbit hole on ‘This Is Hell’

After the downright mind-blowing events that needlessly caused ten innocent fans to lose their lives, over 300 others to be injured, and for so many millions around the world to be confused as to what really occurred, N.A.V.E discovered that the whole room went cold with frigid energy on the ominous new single ‘This Is Hell‘.

N.A.V.E aka Nathan Evans is a Bournemouth/Brighton, UK-based dark alt-electronic artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer.

This is the type of creative artist who loves to blend in rock, trip-hop, and electronica with a moody feel to proceedings, that eerily has you shuddering in suspense for what is coming next.

NAVE’s ‘This Is Hell’ was written and fueled by Nathan’s observation of the recent tragedy at Travis Scott’s Astroworld and the aftermath driven by social media to guide and coerce its users down numerous rabbit holes.” ~ N.A.V.E

This Is Hell‘ from the Bournemouth/Brighton, UK-based dark alt-electronic artist N.A.V.E, leads us into a mournful event that has caused shockwaves around the world for the needless events that transpired. We are hurled into a really gritty track that is filled with an illumination-packed feel that has you looking around rather nervously, as the ambience is rather spooky at times. This is a single to place on loud to get the full effect – as this excellent artist takes us into a mournful tragedy that has generated a lot of reflection – on how future music events are constructed to make sure that this never happens again.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more happenings on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

You Never Looked So Blue: Superb Brighton dark-pop artist Hannah Evans feels like they are running out of time with ‘Something’

With her brand new single that is track number 5 from her sparkling debut EP called ‘I Wish You Could’ve Seen Me Grow‘, Hannah Evans needs to say the words and is waiting for the precise time to end things on ‘Something‘.

Hannah Evans is a fast-rising Brighton, UK-based dark alt-pop solo singer-songwriter who has a vocal ability that might put euphoric shivers into your whole naked spine.

Lockdown in the UK in 2020 and 2021 allowed Hannah to focus on her new wave of material as well as exciting plans for the future. She also focused on social media, launching a Tik Tok profile, which has since stacked up over 2 million views. Hannah also collaborated on multiple songs, songwriting for other artists as well as features in various genres. Her most recent collaboration was a feature on a sync track ‘Let You Down’, produced by Harry Cho.” ~ Hannah Evans

With her striking long locks flowing into the chilly breeze as she slides on the sunglasses and glances back at the past, Hannah Evans is effortlessly excellent on a sensational track that will have you in such a reflectively contemplative mood. She sings with a crisply cool quality without trying too hard, as you feel like you have just been transfixed by an astonishing talent who grabs your attention without fuss.

Something‘ from the remarkably promising Brighton, UK-based dark alt-pop solo singer-songwriter Hannah Evans, is one of those special tracks you just know is truly excellent from the first few seconds. She shows us into her mindset with a former lover who she cared for tremendously but soon saw straight through, as their repeated actions made her realize that they were indeed the wrong person to be with. Life is all about connecting with a soul that reinvigorates you to be better, not to downtrodden your dreams and leave you feeling like you have wasted your time.

Hear this fantastic talent on Spotify and see more on her IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen