Browsing Tag

Vision

Lust and Luminescence: Exploring Derik Madrid’s Pulsative RnB Pop ‘Vision’

Derik Madrid, a Filipino singer-songwriter based in Sydney, illuminated the airwaves with the neon-lit glow of his latest RnB pop release, Vision. Created in collaboration with the powerhouse producer, Declan Dias, the sensuously salacious single explores the phenomenon of objects of desire existing as abstract ideas within fantasies until the lust-fuelled daydreams become more tangible than semblances of reverie.

The themes of fixation are expertly visualised in the etherealism of the single which showcases Madrid’s vocal versatility and Dias’ ability to thematically run with a concept until it euphonically materialises. Pulsative electronic beats become the bedrock of the vulnerable release that is underpinned with enough pure passion to allow listeners to vicariously experience the artist’s deep adoration and prompt reflection on the profound connections in their own lives.

By exploring the haunting fear of loss and unrequited love, Vision is a deeply affecting meditation on the dualism of love. It’s so much more than a showcase of Madrid’s ability to fuse his narratives into memorable melodies; it’s a testament to his talent for creating music that resonates on a profound level with his audience.

As Madrid continues to draw inspiration from icons like Sam Smith and The Weeknd, his own unique voice becomes increasingly distinct and influential.

Vision was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

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

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.

Listen up on Spotify.

See more vibes on the socials on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Mr. Muzix can’t wait for the new beginnings on Brandy

Telling us all about his soulfully inviting new single Brandy, Lithonia, Georgia native Mr. Muzix takes us on a reinvigorated ride with so much meaning and a new perspective to smooth over all scars. Keeping the faith and mellowing out all listeners, this is a loving interview to open up minds and guide us deep inside his vision.

Hello there Mr. Muzix. We appreciate your time. Where can we find you in the world today and what is your favourite meal?
Thanks so much. Today, in the world, you can actually find me in one of two places; Lithonia, GA or Knoxville, TN. Also, my favorite meal, currently, would probably be Pineapple & Spinach pizza.

Please tell us more about your new release.
My newest release, “BRANDY”, was written in a time of new beginnings in my life. The song was actually written about a friend I went to school with; though I’m sure she’ll never find out who she is. Beyond the concept of the track, it, like all others of mine, was written, recorded, produced, and engineered all in-house by myself. — It also includes my favorite guitar solo thus far, of all my material.

Who is the rock in your life who keeps you grounded?
At this point in my life, I would consider my supporters, a.k.a. ‘The Patch’, to be my rock. I have experienced quite a bit in the world of Music, and those that have still supported me, especially from the beginning, will always be the key to my motivation. — They keep me going and they keep me alive as an artist; just by listening to what I have to say.

Are there any good spots in your local area to watch good underground music?
There are plenty of great spots to catch great underground music in the Lithonia/Atlanta (GA) area. One of which being ‘Airloom Studios’ in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been able to hear some great music within minutes of just parking outside. I absolutely enjoy the atmosphere as well as the setup of the performance area. It all really feels like a get-away.

Which other musicians inspire you?
I find a lot of inspiration from older musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Esparanza Spalding, etc. However, I do also enjoy some newer musicians such as MonoNeon, Jacob Collier, The Pocket Queen, and a few more.

Do you think the local live music community has recovered after covid or what needs to happen to ensure its survival?
I do, in fact, believe that the local live music community has recovered. Covid has put a halt on live music and has even created a new streaming platform for musicians to engage with the world, however, I will always agree with the concept of music being 100x better in a live setting. I do think the streaming world has taken a lot away from live performances; well both streaming and technology. A lot of “live” shows aren’t even true “live” performances with so many enhancements and aids/crutches used by artists and musicians in this modern time; but I think as long as there is at least one person in the audience, live venues and performances will survive.

Final question. What is your vision for your career?
My vision for my career would be to accomplish my main goal in life/life’s motto; to show the world that ‘We Can All Be Rockstars’. It seems as though there’s such a stigma around “who can be a musical artist” or “what it takes to be a musical artist”; and though I understand a lot of hard work and dedication goes a long way, I’d like to show others that we can all be stars in the smallest things we do in life. — Keep moving with faith and keep pushing harder; you’ll find happiness and satisfaction.

Feel the experience on Spotify.

Follow his releases for further news on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen