The Kills’ live performance was an electrifying testament to the raw, unbridled energy that defines their unique sound. Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, the dynamic duo at the heart of the band, commanded the stage with magnetic charisma. On this Valentine’s Day, 2024, at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Mosshart’s vocals, a perfect balance of sultry and gritty, intertwined seamlessly with Hince’s masterful guitar work.

The setlist was a journey through their discography, from the edgy garage rock of “No Wow” to the haunting allure of “Black Balloon.” The Kills’ stage presence was minimalist yet potent, creating an intimate connection with the audience. The chemistry between Mosshart and Hince was palpable, translating into a performance that felt both raw and refined. The night was a sonic exploration, leaving the crowd immersed in the enigmatic allure of The Kills’ rock and roll mystique. #MindBlown

Their new album, God Games is out now!

The Kills —> Official Website

Extreme’s Thicker than Blood Tour was a force of musical prowess and infectious energy on this night at the Four Winds Casino, in New Buffalo, Michigan. Gary Cherone’s charismatic stage presence, coupled with Nuno Bettencourt’s virtuoso guitar skills, set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The band effortlessly blended their diverse musical influences, seamlessly moving between hard rock anthems and melodic ballads. Pat Badger’s solid bass lines and Kevin Figueiredo’s precise drumming provided a powerful backbone to the performance. The chemistry between the band members was evident, creating a tight-knit musical unit that engaged the audience from start to finish. Extreme’s setlist featured a mix of their classic hits and newer material, catering to both longtime fans and those new to their sound. However, it should be noted that their newest album, Leave Me Blue, was also featured within their set and should be at the top of your album buying to-do list! Either way, the concert was a celebration of Extreme’s enduring talent,their ability to deliver a high-energy, memorable live experience, and prove that there is no end in sight for this powerhouse band.

Taking the stage first, in order to warm up the audience proper was none other than Living Colour. From the moment they stepped on stage, the energy was palpable, thus accomplishing their goal of warming up the audience…and then some!

Check out the photos below and see for yourself…a night that will not soon be forgotten! Also, please check out the bands’ websites below, respectively, to see whether you’ll have a chance to catch them soon in a city near you!

Official Websites:

Extreme

Living Colour

Four Winds Casino – New Buffalo, MI

If you have not yet heard of Chicago’s infamous Riot Fest, you (clearly) must be living under a rock. However, under-rock-living or not, you’re in luck because with the information below, you will have all you need to know about this enormous and iconic Chicago music festival, so you’ll be prepared to rock…next year. Also below is our own photo gallery with what we considered to be our favorite headliners and up and comers to watch for in the very near future.

Riot Fest is an annual music festival that features a diverse lineup of punk rock, alternative rock, and various other music genres. The festival is known for its focus on punk and punk-related genres, as well as its commitment to showcasing both well-established and emerging artists. Here are some key points about Riot Fest:

1. History: Riot Fest was founded by Michael Petryshyn and Sean McKeough in Chicago, Illinois, in 2005. It originally started as a multi-venue festival with a primary focus on punk and punk-rock acts.
2. Expanding to Other Cities: While Riot Fest’s roots are in Chicago, it has expanded to other cities, including Denver and Toronto. Each city’s edition of the festival typically takes place over a weekend, featuring a mix of local and international artists.
3. Lineup Diversity: Riot Fest is known for its diverse lineup, which includes punk rock, alternative rock, metal, hip-hop, and other genres. The festival often features both iconic bands from the past and contemporary acts.
4. Notable Performers: Over the years, Riot Fest has hosted performances by a wide range of artists, including The Misfits, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Blink-182, Weezer, Public Enemy, and many others.
5. Carnival Atmosphere: Riot Fest often incorporates a carnival-like atmosphere into its festival experience, with attractions like carnival rides, games, food vendors, and sideshow acts. This adds to the festival’s unique character and appeal.
6. Community and DIY Spirit: The festival maintains a strong connection to the punk and DIY (Do It Yourself) ethos, celebrating independent and underground music scenes. It often includes local and independent artists, and small labels in its lineup and activities.
7. Focus on Chicago: The Chicago edition of Riot Fest has a special place in the festival’s history. It has taken place in various venues around the city, including Humboldt Park and Douglass Park. Riot Fest has also contributed to the local community by supporting local charities and causes.
8. Genre Inclusivity: While Riot Fest has its roots in punk rock, it has expanded to include a wide variety of genres, making it appealing to a broader audience.
9. Special Events: Riot Fest sometimes hosts special events or reunions of legendary bands that have been disbanded for many years, creating excitement among fans.
10. Art and Visuals: The festival often incorporates visual art installations and street art, adding an artistic element to the overall experience.

Riot Fest has become a significant event for music enthusiasts who appreciate a diverse range of musical styles and a sense of community. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing music landscape while staying true to its punk and DIY roots.

With that being said, check out our photo gallery of Riot Fest 2023 below:

Out of more than 90 artists playing the Riot Fest stages and local Chicago venues alike, here are a few of our favorites from Riot Fest 2023:

The Cure –  (Crawley, West Sussex. England)

The Breeders – (Dayton, Ohio)

The Dresden Dolls – (Boston, Massachusetts) 

AFI – (abbreviation for A Fire Inside) – (Ukiah, California)

Corey Feldman – (Los Angeles, California)

Head Automatica – (Brooklyn, New York)

L.S. Dunes – (Chicago, Illinois)

Flogging Molly – (Los Angeles, California)

Nothing Nowhere – (Burlington, Vermont)

Snapcase – (Buffalo, New York)

Viagra Boys – (Stockholm, Sweden)

T.S.O.L. – (Long Beach, California)

Enola Gay – (Belfast, United Kingdom)

The Used – (Orem, Utah)

Pool Kids – (Tallahassee, Florida)

Total Chaos – (Pomona, California)

Lastly, it should also be noted that another Riot Fest favorite is that of, “Riot Pop,” a (beyond) delicious infusion of low-carbonation seltzers that come in several flavors, containing electrolytes, CBD, and alcohol. It should also be noted that there are non-alcohol varieties as well. Visit https://drinkriotpop.com/ for more information on this delectable beverage! YUM!

See you next year, Riot Fest!

by Cathy Alianna Moore

Exclusive for unratedmag.com

The landscape of the music industry is rapidly changing. In just six years, the total global revenue of this field increased by 54%, thanks in part to the rise of new developments such as online streaming. This has made it a thriving landscape for any professional looking to break into music. Many people think that having musical talent as an artist is what they need to work in music, but this is not true. Music lovers can find lucrative opportunities in music without having to be a musician themselves. If you’re interested in a music career, there are plenty of ways to participate in this industry.

Below are some behind-the-scene careers music lovers can consider:

1. Public relations specialist

Public relations specialists are the people who make sure that your favorite artists and their music get the attention they deserve. They create, manage, and maintain relationships with members of the media and industry professionals, to ensure that the artist’s work is getting noticed by those who can launch them to success.

PR specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or business. They need to display excellent communication and persuasion skills. With this role, you can earn an average of $68,000 annually.

2. Recording engineer

Recording engineers work closely with artists and producers to ensure that the final product meets everyone’s expectations. The job requires an ear for detail and knowledge of various recording equipment and software. With their expertise, they are typically found in all kinds of settings: from tiny studios to big concert halls.

Because recording engineers need to understand the technical aspects of music, they usually have degrees in audio engineering or related fields. This can be an excellent way for music lovers to get deeply involved in song production while earning as much as $91,000 a year.

3. Social media manager

Social media has become a critical part of the success of artists and musicians in recent years. This is why social media managers are so-sought after. They are responsible for building up an artist’s online presence by posting content on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to name a few platforms. They set up ads, run contests, and interact with fans to drive up engagement for the artists they’re handling.

To get started in this career, you need to have a degree in communications or a specialization in emerging media. If you’re passionate about music and want to support artists via online platforms, this career can help you earn as much as $72,000 annually.

4. Songwriter

The work of writing music is not always left to the hands of singers. Often, professional songwriters are behind the chart-hitting music we listen to on the radio. They craft lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions with arrangers and mixers. The process of writing songs is a reward in itself, and some celebrated songwriters regularly attend writers’ sessions to brainstorm with other professionals in the field.

This job does not necessarily require a degree—all you need is an ear for music and some inspiration from life experience. With this job, you can earn as much as $83,500 and make a name for yourself in the music industry.

5. Music producer

Music producers are among the most integral aspects of the music industry. They are responsible for the creative aspects of a recording, which can include everything from songwriting to instrumentation. They need a broad range of knowledge about music production techniques to produce the best quality music.

Since music producers are often not limited to working with one artist, many producers are responsible for making collaborations happen. Music production is a fulfilling career that can help you launch top-performing hits in the Billboard charts while earning more than $150,000 a year.

Music is a powerful force in many people’s lives, and you can find work that lets you be part of that. Whether you want to work on the stage or behind the scenes, there are plenty of opportunities music lovers can pursue.

Written

Stephen Richard Hackett (born 12 February 1950) is an English musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who gained prominence as the lead guitarist of the progressive rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977. Hackett contributed to six Genesis studio albums, three live albums, seven singles and one EP[ before he left to pursue a solo career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.

Hackett released his first solo album, Voyage of the Acolyte, while still a member of Genesis in 1975. After a series of further solo albums beginning in 1978, Hackett co-founded the supergroup GTR with Steve Howe in 1986. The group released the self-titled album GTR, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and spawned the Top 20 single “When the Heart Rules the Mind”. When Hackett left GTR in 1987, the group disbanded. Hackett then resumed his solo career. He has released albums and toured worldwide on a regular basis since.

Hackett’s body of work encompasses many styles; in addition to his work in progressive rock, he has explored pop, blues, world music and classical music on his solo recordings. According to Guitar World: “Hackett’s early explorations of two-handed tapping and sweep picking were far ahead of their time, and influenced Eddie Van Halen and Brian May.

Steve Hackett is releasing ‘Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More’, the visual document of his 2022 UK tour celebrating the classic Genesis live album. Set for release on the September 2nd 2022 (with vinyl following on the November 25th), it sees Steve and his band perform ‘Seconds Out’ in full & in sequence, as well as a selection of solo material including tracks from his most recent studio album ‘Surrender of Silence’.

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Regardless of the type of music a DJ likes to play, there are certain things that all the best ones have in common. This is no accident as there are personality traits that divide the wheat from the chaff and determine who will make it in this cut-throat industry and who won’t. Here are four things that all the best DJs have in common.

Passion

To be good at something, it isn’t enough just to like it, you have to have drive, energy, and passion.  You have to want to be the best and have the passion to make it happen.  The best DJs have decided what type of music they are passionate about and immersed themselves in that scene.  They had the passion and energy to make sure that they were noticed and that they got the breaks they needed to climb the ladder of success.

USP

There are plenty of good DJs around, even great ones. To be one of the best, though, means that you have to stand out from the crowd, and this means that you have to have a USP (unique selling point) and know how to work it.  It might be the way you mix records or the way you interact with the crowd that gives you that edge. Whatever it is, the best DJs have honed their unique talents to perfection.

Ambition

All the best DJs have ambition. They have been told they are the best in the business many times over on the way to the top and it might have been easy to stay where they were and be adored. However, to be able to play to massive crowds at all the biggest and best clubs they needed to have a keen sense of ambition and the drive and determination to get to the top of their game. This has helped them realize what they needed to do to get ahead and helped them to keep moving upwards when they could have rested on their laurels and had an easier life.

A Head for Business

Being a DJ is a business just like any other and to be one of the best you have to have a brilliant head for business.  You need to know what works and what doesn’t, keep ahead of the competition, have an excellent product to sell, and the right tools to do the job. It is imperative to have the best decks for your sound and it might take you a while to figure out what these are. As well as having the right tools for the clubs, the best DJs also have the right tools for their business such as a Lenovo home business laptop so that they can keep on top of bookings and make money.

Look closely and you will find that all the best DJs have these four traits in common. It is no accident that they are at the top of their game.

Touring in support of their newest album, Unstable, four-piece metal powerhouse Tetrarch stopped by Chicago in March 2022, to show off what everyone has been buzzing about. This nu-metal band, originally from Atlanta, Georiga, but now residing in Los Angeles and signed to Napalm Records, has been creating a buzz within the metal music industry for quite some time. It has been said that they are expected to become metal music’s next legends.

Formed in 2007, it is most definitely about time Tetrarch is beginning to receive the accolades they deserve and Chicago’s overwhelmingly positive response to their set at House of Blues in March 2022, was proof of that fact. They are indeed must see and hear metal music experience.

TETRARCH UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
May 19, 2022 – Welcome to Rockville – Daytona Beach, FL
September 24, 2022 – Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY

TETRARCH is:           Josh Fore – vocals/guitar        Diamond Rowe – lead guitar   Ryan Lerner – bass     Ruben Limas – drums 

TETRARCH Website: https://tetrarchmusic.com/

Detroit Muscle – album review

Release date:  April 29, 2022

Review by:  Dan Brodersen and Anita Maree

Motor City Madman returns with Detroit Muscle!

Ted Nugent is back! Nugent, from Detroit, Michigan, is best known for his energizing guitar playing and hard rock live shows. He has sold well over 40 million albums and is best known for his hit songs including Cat Scratch Fever, Great White Buffalo, Free for All, Stranglehold and Fred Bear.  His new album, Detroit Muscle, gives his fans 10 new songs followed by a powerful guitar solo on Star Spangled Banner.

A look at each track:

Detroit Muscle:  This song is a strong hitting anthem about his hometown, Detroit.  Nugent sings. “Strap your ass in, I got a fire breathing Mopar, Downtown Detroit is like a rock’n’roll dream.”

Come and Take It:  A powerhouse anthem featuring his usual riffing.  This song is to remind U.S. citizens of our God given freedoms and to always let freedom ring. Nugent is a firm believer in the founding fathers of the U.S. and in the U.S. Constitution including, gun rights, hunter’s rights, and to always remember that this is the land of the free.  Perfect song as the U.S. digs out of the lies and misinformation from the leaders of the free world.

Born In the Motor City:  Nugent writes about Detroit, his hometown and remembering the love of the Motown groove, his dad, and getting ‘that fire in your belly, you know you just can’t lose.”

American Campfire:  Super anthem to blast at your next campfire and always remember ‘Life, Liberty, and Rock’n’Roll’.  The song is about gathering with family, friends, and saluting the American dream.

Drivin’ Blind:  A cool groove song about life – either take the fast lane or take the smart lane.  As the lyrics say, “I think I found the answer, to give me peace of mind, stop flirting with disaster, just don’t get caught driving blind.”

Just Leave Me Alone:  Nugent plain and simple wants to be left alone on this song.  While some of the crazies want to fight, again, just leave me alone. 

Alaska:  A super song showcasing Nugent’s love of nature, hunting, and the beauty of our 49^th State. 

WinterSpring Summer/Fall: (Instrumental) A smooth guitar solo that shakes, rattles, and rolls.

Leave The Lights On:   A wonderful dedication song Ted wrote for his brother John, who passed away in 2020.  I am certain those lights are shining bright.

Feedback GrindFIRE:  My favorite song on this new album!  Feel the excitement, fire, and grind from the madman of Detroit.  Ted blessed us with this raw, retro rocker just prior to him going fishing.  “Feedback grindfire, Feel the Fire!”

Star Spangled Banner: (Instrumental) Check out this outstanding guitar work from Nugent on his unique twist of the Star Spangled Banner.  I guarantee this will make you proud to stand up with your hand over your heart, to remove your cap, to honor the grand U.S. of A. You might even shed a tear.

The album is available everywhere to purchase – Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify. See Ted Nugent this summer when he kicks off his tour in July. 

Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram |

Interview conducted on Feb. 17, 2022

By Dan Locke

It has been two years since I have talked to you.

Wow, how time flies! it has been 2 years! During the initial Wuhan virus shut down, I spent a lot of time writing lyrics and tracking some base melodies, I took an on-line course on music production and although I learned alot I realized I will stick to songwriting and performing! Much admiration to my producers, ALL producers.  In 2021 working with my team we released 3 songs, Back To California, B2C Latin/Dance Mix, and finally wrapping up the year with the late November release of DAUGHTER.

 
How did you start to write music?     

 I have a great imagination!  No, seriously I have always been observant and curious, and those personality traits serve me well when it comes to penning lyrics and concepts. I was a co-writer on my first two songs at the age of 12, “Up To Me” and “Who I Am”. It was like opening a magical box! I have matured so much (not just my age) since then.  My overall capabilities during the songwriting process, knowing when to set something to the side if it’s not working, enjoying my co-writing sessions and learning from those who have way more experience than me! 10 years and going strong!

 Describe your music? 

 I am passionate about lyrics and my vocals. I have been blessed to work with producers who feel the same way as I.  What will you hear when you listen to a “Katie Belle” song, I strive for my listeners to hear the mood of the song, lyrics that genuinely express that mood and the production to bring the song to life! 

What makes a good songwriter? 

The things I mention in question 3 are all the ingredients for me as well as working with a co-writers and a great rapport with my producer to bring a song to life.

Tell me about your album?  

At this time, I have alot material creative content accumulated. There is no plans for an album at this time, my teams strategy is to continue releasing single.

Tell me about the making of the video Daughter? 

The song is about having your heartbroken, reconciliation with the hurt and finally letting it go so one can move forward. The music video concept was brought together with my vision and that of the video producer, Joe Crognele. I am very happy with the outcome. We filmed at StudioPrimeTime, Atlanta, a wooded area near where I live, and a cozy piano store in Newnan, Ga., Piano Crafters.

You now own a video production company Katie Belle Music.  Is your company doing any videos for other artist?  

I am currently working on special projects and releasing music so I am not doing any work for other artists.  It would be awesome moving forward to work with a younger budding musician and give them a helping hand with material, ideas, strategies etc.

Right before Daughter was released you had streamed over 883.6K. What are you’re feeling about streaming music?  

Streams are great, but there is so much more to staying on Brand, keeping material fresh and utilizing all the various social media programs.  Don’t get me wrong those streaming numbers are exciting and do reinforce I must be doing something right!!!!

The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music…….

what a great question! the # sign is a very popular symbol.  I grew up as social media was just getting it’s start, I remember thinking when I first noticed the # being used for posts was why are these people using a music symbol!!!  it you were to do a street poll of younger social media users ummmmmm there are probably a few of them that do not know that # is a musical composition notation!!!  What would Beethoven say!!!!!!!

Digital vs. vinyl?

For me until I start doing touring DIGITAL is more effective then vinyl. I would love to do a vinyl compilation of my songs… I will put this on my bucket list.

What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?  

I refer back to my original “Out Tonight” a lot as I like that style.. I also listen to alot of Classic Hits and “Rat Pack” era music… it all gives me great inspiration!

How was it to be named one of the top 50 Independent Artist to watch for?

That was a shock!!!  when Tunecore sent me the notification I was THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!! Referencing back to your previous question about streams, this recognition was an endorsement that I must be on the right track with my music!!

Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?  With so many people doing live streaming?

Not feeling the live streaming, I don’t really get much connection w my fans doing the digital stuff, I much prefer in person performance.

Recently the virus has come back with the Delta outbreak, which as cause many people in the industry to worry about the future of live music.

How would you like live shows to be held and still keep you  and fans safe.

 I think we are through the worse of the Wuhan Virus and variants, ready to get back out there… time to look forward, where I live in Georgia, we are back to doing LIVE and I am so excited for 2022.  If things change, I’ll adjust but for now, happy to see everyone getting back out there without masks.

Is pay to play still a thing? 

Yes there are different versions of pay to play such as:  requesting tickets sales, pitching $ in to marketing a show etc…. my team and I want to explore all opportunities which make sense, if we feel our return exceeds the cost we will consider those options  on a case by case basis.

If the cost was down to the point you could do it also, would you be willing to do Holographic concerts in our living room?

WOW, I haven’t given this a lot of thought, but sure, if cost was reasonable, I would consider this, this goes back to your previous question.  The budget for an independent artist is minimal and all marketing, performances, recording, releases come out of the same pot.  My manager, Roxanne Stone, is great at looking for opportunities that make sense for our space in time!

If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?

I am sure it would be something in the entertainment industry. I enjoy music, fashion, event planning, styling, writing blogs, acting I am sure I could find a place!

What is your happy place?  Can I have 2? 

 I am so happy when I am recording in the studio and doing LIVE performing.

By the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will        surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.

 What do you think what that could mean to independent artist?

 OMG!  I would be flattered if a large music publisher approached me about that but let me say…… it’s all about the fine print. It may or may not make sense.   I have always used TUNECORE as my DSP, they are good at capturing payouts, royalties, sales etc.  It is important for me to continue to focus on my music brand through my releases and continue to build my listener fan base.  It goes without saying if your fan base grows so will your payouts. 

The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary,Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent.  Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?

I have not done a good job of tapping into TikTok, but you are correct it offers alot of exposure for music artists. TikTok is already a “force” I am confident it will continue this way for a long time.

Anything you would like to say in closing.

 Thank you so much for having me interview, in closing I would like to say I am very energized for this upcoming year. My manager and I along with Producer Josquin Des Pres are working on some great projects ( a couple of classic hit releases-remade for contemporary listeners ) and original music releases, music videos, regional shows etc… stay tuned for more from “Katie Belle”.

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Interview conducted on Feb. 15, 2022

By Dan Locke

Haley Smalls is a singer, songwriter, and engineer with a classically trained voice, distinctive mainstream sound and noticeable R&B influence. Most say this makes her one of the most intriguing up and coming young artists out of Toronto, Canada. Over the last 4 years, Haley has benefitted greatly from the development that came working alongside Megaman, (Drake, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Tyga, Bow Wow, Yo Gotti) a producer that spent time catering to her musical strengths. This resulted in a chemistry that has been often seen and heard in the music she releases. Since then, Haley has released 3 mixtapes (This Is Me, Imagination, The Cure), an EP (Heart of Gold), and multiple unofficial singles. Haley’s music is available in all online stores and major streaming platforms.

You are from Toronto. What was your upbringing like ?

Yes! Growing up in Toronto is growing up in a cultural melting pot. There is such a mixing of backgrounds and cultures, so you really get to experience different perspectives and you learn a lot about people from different places and walks of life. It wasn’t until I started travelling outside of Toronto that I really gained a different appreciation for my city, because as beautiful as many other places are, Toronto definitely has its own special vibe that you can’t find anywhere else. 

How did you discover music?

Sometimes I think music discovered me! Honestly, I don’t recall discovering music. It’s like it was just with me right from the beginning. My mother is a huge music lover and plays music almost 24/7 so I grew up with music playing all the time and she had great musical taste. I used to just sing along for hours to her music collection until I developed my own, and that started from before I can remember. It was the thing I loved doing the most as a child.

How did your parents know that you were ready for a career in music?

Well, the story they tell me is that one day I came home from a friend’s house when I was very young, maybe 5 or 6 years old, and my friend’s mother said to my mother “did you know your daughter can sing?” and my mother was very surprised. I guess she really hadn’t been paying too much attention. From there on, my parents realized I had a gift and started encouraging me to sing at my school and enrolled me in vocal lessons. They were extremely supportive, and my parents started looking for opportunities for me to develop a career in music.

How did you start to write music?

I wrote my first song when I was about 11 or 12 years old and recorded it with a local producer from Toronto in his studio. I still have that recording. From there on I just started writing more and more and found it to be therapeutic as I became older. It wasn’t until I was about 18 that I started writing consistently on my own. Before that, I would mostly write with different writers in the studio with the producers I was working with at the time.

What is your instrument of choice?

I took piano lessons as a child, so I play a little. I started dabbling with the guitar later on, which is something I really want to master at some point. Something about playing the guitar and singing really speaks to me.

Describe your music.

I would have to describe it as nostalgic and versatile with R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop vibes. My favourite artists don’t exist within a box, they are able to transcend genres and still sound like themselves, and that’s what I strive to be like.

What was your first performance like?

My first performance (I think) was for my grade 4 school talent show. I honestly don’t remember it well, but my parents videotaped it and I still have it. I imagine I was nervous, because when I was a child I didn’t even like to face people while singing.

Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve. 

Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?

I’m currently with the Canadian PRO SOCAN, my U.S affiliate is BMI.

What makes a good songwriter?

There are so many different kinds of styles of songwriting, but I think what makes a great songwriter is one who can use melodies that make the listener feel something and lyrics that the listener can relate to. I think the greatest songwriters either consciously or instinctively understand that music is spiritual in nature, meaning it needs to speak to the spirit of the listener and the only way you can speak to the spirit and the heart of someone is by using the energy and frequency of rhythm, melody, and vibration to lift the frequency and vibration of the listener. This is why listening to music can be healing to the soul, it’s a vibrational healing that a lot of us don’t even realize is happening.

Choice of Mic?

Well I haven’t tested them all obviously, but I record on an M149 right now and I love it. It’s very clean and clear, but it’s warm. Neumann makes some great mics.

How did you meet Grammy nominated multi-Platinum producer Megaman?

Well funny enough, although he is also from Toronto and we have many mutual friends, it took for me to be temporarily living in Brooklyn, NY to become introduced to his work. I met up with one of my manager’s long time friends who is also in the industry and he played me a bunch of beats by different producers. I chose only 2 beats, and both of them were Mega’s. I wrote a song to one of them, and when Mega heard it he was impressed and set up a session with me when I got back to Toronto. We’ve been working together ever since.

What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?

Yes, my first original song was called “So Happy”. Lol. I wrote it when I was 11 and I recorded it in a studio. I still have the recording.

How did you come up with the song “This is Me”?

“This Is Me” was actually the name of my first project. I came up with the name because it was the first time I ever put out a body of work, and it was the first time that I felt like my music was fully representing who I was.

Have you looked into taking the same route in entertainment as McKenzie Small did?

Everyone is on a different journey, and I think it’s imperative to keep your eyes on the road and focus on what’s best for you. For me, I’ve always been laser focused on the music. I would love to get into other avenues of entertainment like acting and things of that nature, but it’s something that I’ve always seen myself doing once my music career is fully established. Mckenzie is a beautiful, multi-talented woman and she is doing what’s best for her and I am fully supportive of her journey. That’s my girl for life.

How was it to hear that Beyonce praised your version of her song “Pretty Hurts”?

It was a moment for sure! I was obviously super surprised, and very honoured. We only realized it because we started getting comments pouring in that kept saying “Beyonce posted this” and I honestly didn’t believe it until I saw it for myself. I’ve been a Beyonce fan since childhood so it was an incredible feeling to be acknowledged by her. 

What is the process of writing your music?

I have a few different processes and they’ve changed over time. When I first met Megaman he put together a writing group and we all used to write together every day. That was an amazing experience because it exposed me to different writing styles and created a constructively competitive environment that made everyone better. These days I really like to write alone. When I can just be in my own zone with no distractions I feel that’s how I can get my best work done. I don’t mind being in the studio with a bunch of people, but my preference is to keep it minimal and just have people there who are actively involved in the creative process. If you’re not involved, I’d rather you not be there.

Tell me about your new single “Do Better”?

‘Do Better’ is a song I wrote about a year and a half ago. It’s been part of a big vault of music that I have that’s constantly growing over time. My team and I felt that it was the right one to release as the first single off of my next project because we felt it was one that could really be appreciated by all ages and all places. It was produced by GC and executive produced by Megaman and Trackmasters.

How did you get the idea for the video?

My team and I went through a bunch of ideas for the video and as we went through the motions of planning and brainstorming at first we wanted a contrast with a dark vibe, but we encountered a bunch of obstacles while going in that direction so we started to imagine a concept that matched the vibe of the song which is very playful, light, bright but with a kind of sarcastic tone, especially since the lyrics are that of a fed-up person in love. We also wanted to incorporate some comedy or funny moments so we came up with the ‘Shitty Boyfriend’ idea and it all started to come together, so we started writing scripts for a few skits and on shoot day everyone did an amazing job executing the vision.

What can fans expect from your upcoming 5th project?

They can expect diverse sounds, great production, nostalgic vibes, some hard shit and some softer feels. I’m hoping there’s something for everyone. That’s my hope for every project. I’m also blessed to have more support this time around with an amazing team so the fans can expect some dope visuals and just growth all around.

What are your feelings about streaming music?

I think streaming is great, it’s obviously changed so much about the way we distribute, market, and play music but evolution is inevitable and with every stage of evolution there are pro’s and con’s. The pro’s in my opinion are that music is more accessible than ever creating a more diverse musical taste in listeners for the most part. It also has really shifted the power to the artist, because anyone can release music now and so you can more commonly create a fanbase as an independent artist and make a living off of your music without relying on a label. The con’s are that since the accessibility has increased tenfold, music has definitely become a bit over saturated which has kind of sucked a lot of the substance out of it as a whole, but as we evolve as a collective that is naturally changing and as people crave more substance in their lives the music will follow. 

The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag. 

Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?

I don’t think musicians have forgotten, but not everyone is a musician so maybe the ones that aren’t probably don’t realize. It’s a good observation though.

Digital vs. vinyl?

Both are great. Both have their upsides and downsides, but I see everything in life that way. Digital is convenient, and it opens the doors to a literal universe of consciousness better known as the internet where we can transcend borders. This wasn’t possible before. Vinyl is eclectic and memorable. Eventually we’ll have another medium, and it will be a mirror of where we are in our evolution as human beings, as the others were.

What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what does that song mean to you?

The first song that comes to mind is ‘All is Fair in Love’ by Stevie Wonder. Maybe because of the questions about my childhood. I remember hearing that song many times growing up, but my parents split up when I was 20 and it gave the song a whole new meaning. It stirred up all kinds of emotions, listening to that song. I think that’s what’s so beautiful about music. It can mean different things to you at different times. This is what makes the best songs classics. 

If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?

One thing I always say is that there is always a light in the dark. There is polarity in everything, it’s universal law and so I think that Covid is really just a catalyst for change. I don’t think it’s killed live music, but I definitely think it has transformed and is still in the process of transforming our entire reality and that includes music. Transformation is necessary, nothing stays the same because nothing is meant to. 

Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist’s career?

That’s a hard question to answer because I don’t think I could really speak on anyone else’s experience as an artist during the pandemic. I’m sure it has benefitted some people in some ways, and I’m sure it’s probably been devastating for some as well. Perspective is everything. For me, it hasn’t really done either but that’s the perspective I choose to have. I believe in cause and effect, therefore I don’t believe things happen without reason so I accept the outcomes as they happen good or bad and understand that it’s all part of the experience of life.

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

I’m a really low key person, naturally. So my life hasn’t changed too much. I’ve been in the studio, writing, working, eating good food and watching Netflix on my down time. But that’s my regular life, lol.

How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?

I have a bunch of food allergies so my options are naturally limited which makes my diet a bit healthier than the average person but I’d say that I try my best to cook at home instead of eating out. It’s hard when you’re busy, but it’s a lot healthier for me. I also try to exercise at home and stay physically active as much as I can, when I can. I am a chocolate addict though… lol.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?

Not really, I read a lot and work on music. That’s it!

Recently the virus has come back with the Delta outbreak, then Omicron, which has caused many people in the industry to worry about the future of live music. 

How would you like live shows to be held and still keep you and fans safe?

Omicron has been scientifically proven to be similar to a cold or light flu, so that’s great news. I think if we all do what’s best for each of us according to our very different health needs we’ll find ourselves in a much safer space mentally and physically.

Is pay to play still a thing?  Now pay to play also means things like playlists on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.

I don’t think it ever won’t be a thing. As long as there’s money and greed there will never be an even playing field in anything. The music business is just that, a business. It’s no different than any other business.

The show Star Trek introduced people to the holodeck: an immersive, realistic 3D holographic projection of a complete environment that you could interact with. 

Today holograms are already being used in a variety of way, such as medical systems, education, art, security and defense 

Performers like Tupac, Michael Jackson, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, Buddy Holly, Ronnie James Dio, Marylin Monroe, and Whitney Houston have done it already. The band ABBA just announced that they will be doing a comeback together after nearly 40 years as holograms on their next tour.  With ABBA it was with the help of George Lucas . 

If the cost was down to the point you could do it also, would you be willing to do Holographic concerts in our living room?

Given the right opportunity, yes I would but I definitely prefer a live in-person show. You can’t fully replicate the energy that you feel in a room with thousands of people. It’s like the difference between being on the phone with someone vs speaking to them in person – it’s not the same and some things are just better said in person.

In the past if a musician stops doing music they find a new career.  For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a  licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you couldn’t do music what would you like to be doing?

Music has always been my number one, and there’s never been a number two. However, as I’ve grown into myself I realized that my real passion lies in energetic healing and music is just my tool to do that. So as long as I could find another tool to do the same, I would be happy. 

What is your happy place?

Warm weather, high vibrational people, a cool breeze, and good music.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million.  In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million) , Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, John Legend, ZZ Top and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year.  Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million.   Neil Young sold 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180 song catalogues to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited . Once you get to the age of about 70.  Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artists based on sales, airplay and streams.  A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985.  And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial. 

The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.

On January 19, 2021 Hipgnosis Song Management acquired 80% of Kenny Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covering the country superstar’s discography from his 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation.

Someone who was totally against selling his rights was David Crosby.  He did not want to sell his publishing rights.  In addition, it was not an easy thing for him to do.  However, by making a deal with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, it took a big weight off his shoulders.  He could pay off his house and cover other bills.  Now he does not have to work for a living.  It should be noted that David is battling tendinitis in his hands, which hurts his ability to play guitar. 

Do you think you would be willing to sell your back catalog if someone like Universal is willing to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?

I’m open to any opportunity that could be beneficial, but I think that decision can only be made with an oversight of the existing circumstances at the time of the offer and the offer itself. It would have to make sense, taking into consideration all factors at that specific time. 

Over half a billion active users around the world share their favorite music on TikTok either with something like a dance challenge and lip-sync videos or creating a funny skit or candid camera moment. 

TikTok has become a great platform for music promotion, sharing songs, and finding new listeners.  In which it has become a place for music artists to earn revenue when people use their music.  Which in many cases the daily promotion on TikTok has led to huge boosts on other platforms like Spotify, Facebook and YouTube. 

TikTok algorithmically generates a feed of content for each user, which you see as the displaying of #. The more a user engages with content, the smarter TikTok gets at guessing what kind of videos the viewer wants to watch. 

Because a song can go viral because of this. 

Sony Music and Warner Music Group- , The ByteDance-owned video app revealed that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group.  Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?

To me TikTok and all of the other social media platforms are just tools that we as artists can use as mediums to promote our music and brand to the fans so I’m open to any and every platform that will allow me to do that. I think that it’s just all about how you use the platform. One thing I don’t like to hear is music executives trying to put every artist into the same social media blueprint. That’s like trying to make 10 people wear the same size shoe. Everyone is different, so there should be a different strategy for every artist. This doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from other influencers, nothing is truly original, but when you tailor it to yourself that’s how you retain your identity as an artist,

Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer. The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices. 

Some of them on TikTok include Cassyette, YukoEXE, Ashinikko, Palaye Royale, Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots), Yungblud, Morrissey, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, Gene Simmons, and Mick Jagger. 

The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary,Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent.  Do you think this platform could become a force in the future of streaming music?

I’m sure it could. The more platforms to promote emerging talent, the better!

Anything you would like to say in closing.

Thank you for the interview! I appreciate the support. My new single ‘Do Better’ is out now on all platforms, and the music video is up on my Youtube Channel. Also, be sure to look out for more singles and my upcoming project dropping this year! Thanks again.

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