Nathan Compton Q&A

Your name:

Nathan Compton.

Where are you from?

I am from New Mexico, USA.

Name of band: 

I am a solo artist, soon to be putting a new band together.

How would you describe yourselves?

I would describe myself as a humble musician and workaholic. My music is very diverse, some songs are pure rock, while some are more on the alternative end of the spectrum. I also write R&B, hip hop, and country music for other artist.

Who are your main influences musically?

My main influences as a child were KISS and Prince. They were the first artist that gave me the desire to pursue a career in music. Later on in life bands like of course Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden, became fixtures in my CD player.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

In my career with my music, I hope to achieve a writing style of songs like Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, and The Rolling Stones. Songs that last a life time and beyond. I want to be able to connect with people through my lyrics and music. After all, music is the universal language that we all share no matter if there is a geographical or language barrier.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

The most recent highlight of my career was signing a compilation distribution deal with Chaos Music Distribution. I have been getting sent contracts for some time, but they have been just horrible deals for me as and artist. Now finally some of my music will be available worldwide without me having to sell my soul.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There have been a few downers along the way. A very memorable one for me was opening for the band Human Nail. I told my band that if we made one mistake live, that I would stop the show and pull the band off stage. Well about the fifth song, I heard something that I personally didn't like, a missed note, and staying true to my word, I stopped the show in the middle of our set and we left the stage. Looking back on it, I wish I wouldn't have done it. All I accomplished was letting the crowd down. That is something that I will never do again.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

It is hard for me to pick just one song that I feel truly represents me. But if I had to I guess it would be the song Colour of Government. It pretty much embodies the views I hold, and sometimes content, with the way politicians lie to the public to get your vote and then throw us under the bus when it comes to treating us as human beings. In America a lot of the decisions that are made by our government do not truly represent the will of the masses.

Where can we listen to it?

I have a few places you can stream and download some of my music. Reverbnation.com/nmdirt is my main site right now, but I also have music posted on Soundcloud.com/Ncompton.  

Where can we find out more about your music?

You can also follow me on Twitter at Nathan Compton @ncompton23.

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

I am currently working on a new CD project and putting a new band together. The CD should be out by the end of March 2015, then I plan to start doing some shows in the US before heading to the UK.

Slack Q&A

Your name:

Nigel Hardy.

Where are you from?

Monterey, California.

Name of band:

Slack.

Who else is in your band?

Tyler Dawn (vocals), Bobby G (lead guitar), Austin Perkins (bass), Patrick Murphy (drums) and myself (Robot Guitar).

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

We call our music indie funk. We love the bit of grit independent music generally has that top 40 doesn't, and we're influenced by funk and old R&B and rock. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Red Hot Chili Peppers is a big one for all of us. Each member kinda brings something different to the table as well. Beatles, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, James Brown, Sublime, and Guns and Roses all influence different members to different degrees.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Personally, I want to tour the world and perform original music. I think that is the pinnacle of the art, and I think the ability to tour and have people show up is a better metric than money earned.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

So far, we just had a modest tour of the Los Angeles area and that was amazing. Just being able to perform every night at a different college, or party and hang with the band is a good recipe for good times.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

We haven't had too many cringe worthy experiences, but we ran out of songs at one show and tried to think of something we all knew, but hadn't rehearsed. The song we tried quickly got derailed and we almost ended on that note. We ended up playing a song I knew on bass (I usually play guitar) and that worked out, thank God.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

That's tough. I'll go with Love You With The Lights On. It has some funkiness, some vocal harmonies, a guitar solo and a synth lead. It touches all the bases.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://soundcloud.com/slackiswack/love-you-with-the-lights-on

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Facebook - http://facbook.com/slackiswack 

Our Website - http://slackiswack.com

Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/slackiswack

Twitter - http://twitter.com/slackiswack

Youtube - http://youtube.com/user/slackiswack 

#SlackisWack

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

The reason I'm excited to be in this band, is that we want to push what live music is today. You can see these great shows with DJs, but I think there could be a much strong performance aspect to the shows. We really look to bands like the Rolling Stones or James Brown who could have entertained without the music. We want to bring the sounds and technology the DJs have to a truly live performance. We're working on integrating electronic drums at the moment.

Brigit Jackson Q&A

Your name:

Brigit Jackson.

Where are you from?

Currently living in Atlanta, GA.

Who else is in your band?

Well, I'm not in a band but I own a record label called All Cards Up. It is co-owned by G Lucciano (a writer) and I.C.E. (a producer).

How would you describe yourselves? 

I'm one cool chick! Ha! Musically, my style ranges from soulful, emotionally-driven lyrics that make you think, to soaring vocals over hard-hitting beats that make you wanna dance!

Who are your main influences musically?

I have quite a range of musical influences. Alicia Keys is one of them. I enjoy the emotion she puts in her songs. I also must mention Joni Mitchell because I love the colorful stories in all of her work. She is amazing!

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

I aspire to touch the corners of listeners minds when they hear any of my songs... and that it feels GOOD!

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

I've had quite a few highlights but during a listening session in Nashville, we had the pleasure of a veteran songwriter in the business giving two thumbs up on all of our songs. That was the BEST! 

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

Hmm, well actually, I embrace it all!! It's a part of the process. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

I think Bring Sumthin' Outta Me represents my music well. It isn't traditional R&B, nor is it 100% Pop. It's more of a mix of the two styles with a hint of a rock edge. That definitely describes me--pop/soulful with an edge!

Where can we listen to it? 

http://soundcloud.com/brigitjackson/bring-sumthin-outta-me

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Official Website: www.brigitjackson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brigitjackson 

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/brigit-jackson/id626331975

ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/brigitjackson

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?

Yes! I have a mobile app! You can take me with you on-the-go! My app is available for the iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/tr/app/brigit/id670967179?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%302

and also for the Android: http://www.reverbnation.com/brigitjackson/android

Thanks to every DJ who supported me by playing my music! A BIG THANKS to my fans! My EP is coming soon!  

Deliah Q&A

Your names:

Michelle Harris (or Shell) and Alex Dopierala (Dop).

Where are you from?

Shell is from Liverpool - Dop is from Nantwich.

Name of band: 

DELIAH.

Who else is in your band? 

Jack Batchalor (Drummer) 

Wana Shibemba (Bassist) 

Terrell Pharrell (Keys) 

How would you describe yourselves?

Non smokers, dog lovers, and above all GSOH… But in term of music we're a contemporary R&B duo, formed at LIPA, so we are unfortunately music students. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We really aim to achieve longevity and credibility with our music… Oh and to create some sick choons. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Playing the third year showcase at uni as second years was a pretty good achievement for us. But I think we would have to say the release of our first single Any Last Words. The feedback from this track has been brilliant! 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

We would like to forget the moment Dop's tuner decided to tune everything a semitone higher than its was saying it was… That was an awkward silence. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Any Last Words.

Where can we listen to it?

https://deliahmusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Where can we find out more about your music?

Facebook (Deliah) - https://www.facebook.com/ShellDeliahMusic?fref=ts

Twitter (@Deliahmusic) - https://twitter.com/DeliahMusic?lang=en

Soundcloud (Deliahmusic) - https://soundcloud.com/deliahmusic

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

We will be releasing an EP in January along with a video and if anyone would like to catch one of our shows here are the next few… 

Little Grace Q&A

Dave Turley Photography

Band name:

We’re Little Grace.

Where are you from?

All based around the Liverpool area, the majority of us are from a small industrial town called Widnes.

Who is in your band? 

There are five of us;

Ben and Adam Harrison, both of whom bring the vocals, Mike Doyle is the guitarist, Callum Horridge plays bass and Peter Kirby is our drummer.

How would you describe yourselves?

We do introduce ourselves as a pop/soul/R&B band, although recently we’ve been working on a more electric sound, but still we still sit quite comfortably into the pop genre.

Who are your main influences musically?

When it comes to song writing we are heavily influenced by the likes of John Legend, but as individuals our influences range from Marvin Gaye to Mike Skinner.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

At the moment we’re striding to get our music heard, that being by the industry, or by general listeners. But we’ve always been interested in the likes of Radio 1, so it would mean a huge amount to us if we ever had a play on there. We’re also quite into the collaborations, but we would be here all night listing who we’d like to collab with.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Within the past six months we have recorded and released our debut self-titled EP, which has been one of the greatest experiences for us so far, as well as it being an amazing time we all learnt a tremendous amount from it, so its something we’ll never forget. We’re also lined up to play The Great British R&B Festival later in August, which we’re sure will be a great experience.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There aren’t that many to be fair. There was that one time we set out for a gig in York, and about two minutes into the journey we discovered that a Corsa isn’t built to take a full band (with gear) on a 100-mile round trip.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

We have a tune on Little Grace called ‘Past Time History’, which is most probably the closest representation of us that we have recorded. Although the song isn’t actually written about a personal experience, it’s more based on an idea or a story if you would.

Where can we listen to it? 

All of our music is available from the following links!

https://www.facebook.com/littlegraceuk

https://soundcloud.com/littlegraceuk

https://twitter.com/LittleGraceUK  (Or @littlegraceuk (same for Instagram))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os4vesoX_yA

Little Grace – Little Grace

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?

Thanks for this opportunity! It really does mean a lot, keep up the good work!

Emma Louise Hewson Q&A

Your name: 

Emma Louise Hewson.

Where are you from? 

I was raised in Guelph ON, but have been living in Toronto for the past six years.

Who else is in your band? 

I'm a solo act, but I'm occasionally joined by Raphael Roter. He recorded the percussion on my first EP, just released in June.

How would you describe yourself?

I'm a Toronto-based singer/pianist/songwriter, with a strong passion to express myself fully. What that means, is that even though most of my music is R&B/pop, I like to improvise a lot and be creative with my music and stage performances. I'm really interested in performing as an authentic artist, who is continually evolving and expressing herself. 

Who are your main influences musically?

I studied classical piano for years, listening to Bach, Debussy, Chopin etc.. but I always had an ear out for pop/r&b. My first album, given to me by my father when I was around six years old, was of Mariah Carey. Presently, I'm most inspired by the careers of Rihanna and Kimbra, and I'm very heavily influenced by the local Toronto music scene.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I really hope to achieve a career where I feel totally able to express myself and my ideas with ease. I'm personally inspired by musicians who stand by their causes, stand by their desires, and express everything fully through their art. That's real, and that makes me feel alive. I would love to be proof that you can be fully expressed and live life as a strong person mentally, emotionally, physically and creatively.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Recording and releasing my album for sure. Hands down it's my proudest musical achievement because I never quit and I went for it even when I had no idea how I was going to do it! Getting my degree in music from York University last year was also a high point.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

All of the crazy/crying/run-out-of-the-room-I'm-so-scared performance anxiety I had during my classical training and university performances. haha.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

The Best is the single off of the new EP, and I picked it for many reasons. I wrote it in high school, so it represents that teenage part of me who at the same time really believed in myself and also really doubted my ability. It's kind of the champion of my high school self. Like, see? We made it. 

Where can we listen to it?

http://emmalouisehewson.bandcamp.com/album/emma

Where can we find out more about your music?

https://www.facebook.com/emma.louise.hewson

https://www.youtube.com/user/emmahewson/videos

Kojo releases video for Africa

KOJO 'Easy' Damptey has released a video for his track Africa - taken from his debut record Daylight Robbery.

He told RealSoundsOK: "As a musician, I paint pictures as an African from Ghana, a black man and an immigrant living in Canada. But I do hope my debut record DaylightRobbery speaks to the souls and minds of people from all backgrounds. 

"Africa is a song dedicated to all past African leaders such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, just to mention a few. While doing so it is suppose to inspire a new generation of African leaders and to shed light on the new ways the continent is exploited through neo-colonization. 

"All the songs on my debut record are written to engage and inspire different ways of thinking especially in a world where numerous are marginalized because of their color, culture, identity, gender. The times need to change."

You can watch the video below and get the track at kojoeasydamptey.bandcamp.com

For more on the artist from Hamilton, Ontario, visit easythepianoman.com or find him on Facebook.

New track from Princess Nyah

RISING dance star Princess Nyah releases her new single Champion on June 30th through Royletease Records.

The track's bass-line and creative horns come courtesy of Miami producer Llama Beats, with the help of Grammy Award-winner Angela Hunte on the pen.

You can check out the track below and for more information visit princessnyah.com

King Bee Q&A

Your name:  

Jason Holcomb.

Where are you from?  

I’m from The United States, but I reside in Newcastle and the band is based here as well.

Name of band:

King Bee.

Who is in your band? 

We are an 8 piece outfit: 

Dave Wilde: Saxophone, Flute, vocals

Chris Jelly: Vibraphone, vocals

Dan Brady: Bass, vocals

Stephen Glendinning: Guitar, vocals

Jason Holcomb: Trombone, vocals

Mark Hand: Rhodes, Moog, vocals

Martin Douglas: Drums

Richard Burns: Trumpet, vocals

How would you describe yourselves?  

It’s difficult with a group as eclectic as King Bee to describe, but I think we have to say that funk with a nod to jazz is a good place to start. Additionally we pull elements from many other genres; soul, Motown, rock, R&B, hip hop, blues, and others. 

Who are your main influences musically?  

Again, because there are so many members in the band and we all contribute to the songwriting, it’s hard to pick out specific influences. Generally speaking, all of the iconic funk players, musicians and bands like Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, Corduroy. But each of us individually has many important influences specific to our instruments.   

What do you hope to achieve in music?  

I really think our goal as a band is to just produce and perform the best music we can, and if we can help spread the word to an audience that has yet to discover funk then that’s even better.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

We had the very cool privilege of performing for a crowd between 10,000 and 15,000 strong on New Year’s Eve in our home town of Newcastle, it was a pretty poignant moment for us.   

And what’s the moment you want to forget?  

In all honesty, I’d rather remember it all…like any group we’ve had our ups and downs but I feel like that’s what gives us our identity. Having said that I think we all would agree that there have been a few post-show late night mishaps that should probably be left forgotten. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 

Off of our new album, I’d say that Three Bee is, for me, one of our more quintessential tunes. It features quite a few members of the band and none more than Chris on vibes which is something that really gives us a distinctive sound. It also relies on a very funky groove foundation which is something that is at the core of King Bee. 

Where can we listen to it? 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/king-bee/id871811166?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 on itunes and also on our website: www.kingbeefunk.com

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.facebook.com/kingbeefunk

www.youtube.com/kingbeefunk

www.kingbeefunk.com

www.soundcloud.com/kingbeefunk

New track from Angel Wade

RNB singer Angel Wade has released new track Reflections.

The single demonstrates the Huddersfield-born lass's wide vocal range and is a nice slice of UK soul music.

You can check out the single below and for more information on the artist visit twitter.com/theangelsings or at her Sound Sonix website.

KingPin Wilson Q&A

Your name: 

Peter-John Wilson.

Where are you from? 

Barrie, ON, Canada.

Artist name: 

PJ ”KingPin” Wilson.

How would you describe yourself?

I’d describe myself as a throwback artist with stylings of the Motown era. I believe that music/songs should have an impactful message. I believe that listeners should be able to identify with and relate to the situations being conveyed by the artist through the song. I believe in connecting with my audience and my fans in a real way, and I’d also hope to impact their lives in a real and positive way also.

Who are your main influences musically?

My main influences are first – my mom and dad, because they loved that old school Motown music as well as that Caribbean style feel good Calypso music (they were born in Trinidad and Tobago and came to Canada in the mid 60s). After them, I’d definitely have to say Boyz II Men, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye to mention a few. Simply the Motown era of RnB and the 90’s era of RnB. Those eras impacted me the most and are eras I still look back on with joy.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I hope to establish a brand of music that revitalizes soul music. Real voices! Real instruments! Songs with a message of positivity, and tunes of happiness that people can identify with. This is one of the reasons I was named KingPin – I’m the KingPin of Soul and I’m bringing that sound back one way or another.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

The highlight of my career thus far was completing my most recent six-track EP entitled Rise of the KingPin. Writing these songs established my sound and my style as an artist. I also got the opportunity to work with the very talented Kuya Productions. Finally having a body of work that is at the level of all major recording artists is a huge accomplishment because you need to have good songs. That is a MUST, everything else can come after. You can look great, dress great, and say the right things, but if you don’t have good solid quality songs – I just wouldn’t feel right about it.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There aren’t any moments that I want to forget, because I believe we learn from those situations that didn’t go our way. So I’d change the question slightly by saying the moment I wish turned out differently. The moments that really sting have been the ones where radio stations here in Canada say the music sounds great, it’s radio ready, but our policy is we don’t break unknown artists or they ask where are you charting, or you don’t have enough YouTube hits, Twitter followers, Facebook Likes etc. Yet radio stations in Europe and online stations in the UK and the States will gladly play my music.  So it hurts because I love my country and I want to share my music here. I still hold out hope that things can change in that regard.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

I would pick the song “Sinners” because I love the message in that song and I feel that it captures that soulful Motown Vibe that I want to be known for, along with a message that (again) I feel that people can relate to.

Where can we listen to it? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpNlxlRTOHk

Where can we find out more about your music?

Website- http://www.pjwilson.com

Twitter- https://twitter.com/PJKINGPIN

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/PJ-Kingpin-Wilson/12606530418

SoundCloud- https://soundcloud.com/pj-kingpin-wilson

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

I just like making positive, fun and upbeat music about real situations that people go through. I’d like to put Canada on the map for RnB and soul music, let the world know we have more then just Rockers, pop stars and rappers here. Thank you for this opportunity to share a bit about myself. 

Sidibe's Metaphysical EP out now

LA singer-songwriter Sidibe has her EP Metaphysical out now.

Her music blends elements of house, RnB and pop and she says her voice has been described as "angel eggs hatching in her mouth", which - I guess - is a good thing.

She told RealSoundsOK: "At 18, I was signed to Universal Republic but left after two years when I realized there was so much more I needed to learn. 

"I spent the next couple of years getting my shit together, working with incredible talents and exposing myself to as much music as possible. I sojourned to Senegal twice so I could connect with my family there and explore my African roots. This amazing journey led to my debut EP."

That EP is available now on iTunes, Amazon, BandCamp and other usual suspects, but you can have a listen below via SoundCloud.

For more information on Sidibe, visit soundcloud.com/sidibemusic or sidibe.bandcamp.com

New track on the way from Noeva

EMERGING UK RnB artist Noeva will release her new single I Promise on Monday via Downing Street Records.

The track - featuring rapper Paigey Cakey - is taken from her debut EP Spacebound, due out later this year.

Hertfordshire-born Noeva's debut single, Only One, received support from BBC's Radio 1 and 1xtra.

You can check out the track below and if you like what you hear visit twitter.com/noevaonline or facebook.com/noevamusic for more information.

Malice & Mario Q&A

Your names: 

Malice & Mario Sweet.

Where are you from? 

Seattle, Washington, USA.

Who else is in your band?

My wife and I.

How would you describe yourselves?

We would describe ourselves as a smooth eclectic mix of neo soul, R&B hip hop and funk. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Malice's main influence is Erica Badu and Mario's main musical influence is D'Angelo. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?  

We hope to achieve a positive feel-good vibe that makes people dance and look at life for the beautiful canvas that it is. We make music that we love in hopes that it evokes human emotion. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

The highlight of our career so far has been touring with our larger conglomerate 'The Physics' all throughout the United States. Selling out both LA's 'The Key Club' and New York's 'Bowery Ballroom'.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Only we probably most likely want to forget it would be our very first performance as a duet. We had so much nerves that we barely could relax and enjoy ourselves. From the crowd response it went well but we were more nervous than we ever been. It was a great growing experience but definitely a moment we will never forget because it was our first time performing live. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

It would have to be our very first song that we ever released 'Speed of Light'. The song beautifully illustrates our love and our ideology on exploring life in love as a couple. 

Where can we listen to it?

https://m.soundcloud.com/malicemariosweet/02-speed-of-light

Where can we find out more about your music?

http://www.MaliceMarioSweet.com

Twitter: @MaliceAndMario

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

You can expect more music from us in the future as we continue to grow in life & love.