Euphoric Pop/Neo Soul vibes, Argentinian excellence, and a strong message about what it means to be loving at your own risk, and your own terms. This is how I would summarize Natalia Soul’s debut EP ‘Hurt You’, but there is a lot more to unpack. Natalia herself let us in on the story of ‘Hurt You’, het career, and her inspiring path to self-love.
 
Hi Natalia! Congrats on finishing your beautiful debut EP, we are so happy to have a chat with you about it. How does it feel to finally release it?
 
It feels like crossing the finish line at the end of a marathon race! (haha) So much went down. We had all kinds of technical issues. But We finally did it and It feels great!
 
You’ve studied opera, composing, guitar, and acting. That’s a prestigious list! Were you already involved with this much creativity as a child?
One of the earliest memories I have is of me being a toddler playing with a tiny drum set and xylophone for hours on end.  And making up stories that I would act out for my very patient grandma.
My parents love music and photography, and my mom still is a genius artisan. So me and my sister grew up exposed to a lot of different artistic expressions.
 
In your ‘Hurt You’ EP you use a lot of Spanish guitar, and the Argentinian energy you put in really shines through. Have your culture and these sounds from your home country always been an inspiration for you?
You could say that.  What's really interesting is that it wasn't until I moved to the States that I realized just how much!
 
And then, you moved to the United States. What made you take on such an adventure?
I wanted to learn the business side of music. I wanted to learn how to write songs and all the music I loved had the U.S. as a common denominator.
 
Since then you have suffered losses and managed to pull yourself out of a toxic relationship, which I can imagine have affected your life greatly. You said that as you change, your music changes with you. How would you say it impacted your musical style at the time?
 
It made me appreciate humor a lot more! Laughter saved me. Finding the right balance between depth and lightheartedness.
I re-Learned how to have fun, and how to be vulnerable. And The fact That in the beginning I could only do so little, inspired me to go for a raw, more natural approach.  Hence the strong acoustic feel and the live recording of real guitars.
 
In what ways has making music been playing a role in your journey to healing and self-love?
Music has given me everything. And while taking care of my "relationship" with her I learned a lot about myself and how my personal wellbeing affects my capability to connect and create.
 It really is more complex than this, but for example; If I don't sing, If I'm too quiet when I'm not intending to be, I know something is wrong, I know my Joy is not there and I have to pay attention to my everyday habits and correct course. Self-care is a difficult one for me.
 
How did creating ‘Hurt You’ specifically help you in this process?
Well, I suck at relationships and feelings (I'm an 8 for all the enneagram enthusiasts out there) and also, I have trust issues... I know, I'm just a delight to be around.
Hurt You made me face myself in a very honest way. What do i like now? Who am I doing this for? Why this? Why now? What motivates me?
And in answering these questions an EP was created and a part of me I thought lost forever was found. Not to mention the fact that I had SO MUCH HELP and I accepted it and welcomed it and It felt great to learn this very rare skill of asking for help and then accepting it. I know, It's funny...But I bet you can relate.
 
What do you wish for your fans and listeners to feel while listening to ‘Hurt You’?
Whatever they need to feel. I just hope it's as much a catalyst as it is a safe/sacred space for them to be themselves and simply feel.
 
Can you tell us a bit about your musical plans for the future? What’s the next step?
We're filming videos! yay! And already producing some Fully produced singles as well as in the process of writing another EP. Maybe Album? we'll see.
 
Is there anything else you want to tell our readers and your fans?
Thank you, I am so blessed to have you in my life. I feel so lucky that someone like you, finds value in my art and decides to take time to connect with it. Thank you! and Please reach out! I love to connect through social!
 
You can listen to 'Hurt You' now on Spotify: ​open.spotify.com/album/0lfKZFCNQcinBmjIAFXcZB?si=s30T7ky6SUO9VRsaCjIshw

And follow Natalia on social media:

First of all, congratulations on the release of Hasta Abajo. We know that it can be hard for
artists during this time with everything going on right now. What is it like releasing music
during these difficult times? And how are you holding up?
 Thank you! Releasing music at this time is actually very rewarding and fulfilling! It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I am part of the good that is being shared with the world right now. I am staying sane by working on my new JChris brand. We have had a very successful start in August 2020 and we have continued to grow as a team. I want to keep that momentum going because I know that greater things are on the horizon. I stay motivated by writing new music. My fans a lot of times don't know that while I am releasing one song/video, I am already working on another song/video for them! Seeing the positive engagement keeps me encouraged and working with other artists and professionals in my career keeps me challenged and determined to succeed. 

Has it been difficult to stay motivated and inspired during a pandemic?
It can be difficult to be inspired during this pandemic & recession. Isolation is part of the solution for the pandemic but it can be very painful for artists. As performers, we thrive on collaboration and getting ideas from our fellow artists in the room. But taking advantage of the new online mediums to stay connected is something good to do in the meanwhile. Writing makes you feel like you are going to be part of that glorious reopening when it's finally happening. We have to know that when society reopens again, we should all be ready to take the world by storm in our own unique way. 

What excites you to create? What helps you in the moments whenever you are feeling
uninspired and stagnant?
My fuel for creation is to think about the final product that is going to have impact with my fans and with those listening to & watching me for the first time online! I want to create a unique, edgy experience through each song/video I release to the public. Coffee helps me when I'm feeling uninspired and stagnant. 

What was your inspiration or thought behind your latest single, Hasta Abajo?
My producer and I wanted to make a contrast with this single. We wanted something sexy and edgy. I think the beat we found on beatstars.com helped us do that. The beat was made by dannyebtracks and Fabybeats. @johnnytechaudio and I co-wrote the song. I knew that I wanted this video to have snakes, which was inspired by the iconic Britney Spears performance at the VMAs years ago when she held that beautiful Burmese python around her neck. She was so fierce for doing that! I wanted to exude that same energy in my visuals. I also was inspired by breakdancing from my time in New York and riding the subway there. There are so many talented breakdancers and street performers in NYC so I wanted to include that urban, street like element in my video, which we shot at a mansion in Maryland. I think that it's good to mesh settings and ideas together so that they create a unique visual effect for the viewers. 

What is your writing process like?
For my JChris brand, I teamed up with my writing partner & producer, Johnny De Jesus (@johnnytechaudio). He is one of the most talented engineers I know and he has a very authentic, Latin urban sound. I write songs over beats with him over Skype or in person in the studio. We get a lot of inspiration in the studio and work very efficiently there, too. 

Latin pop has gotten a lot bigger in the last couple of years, has this been an advantage for
you, in terms of getting opportunities to collab with artists or getting gigs?
For now, it has mainly been an advantage for me getting exposure online. Our audience has increased tremendously through my team's effective branding and marketing strategies. When the live music venues open back up, we will totally be doing a lot of touring and shows. For 2021, I have started the process of collaborating with other Latin pop artists now that the JChris brand has been established. I will be working on a music video in Brazil this February. The song will feature two famous Brazilian artists, Naldo Benny and Rick Joe. Both have big followings and will be helpful in solidifying my sound and identity as a Latin pop artist. 

You’ve been able to have quite some impressive shows already, what’s a performance that
you won’t forget about?
Performing the national anthem for the Hispanic Swearing-In Ceremony for the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in 2019. I got to sing for Nancy Pelosi, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Chuck Schumer, among other distinguished guests. It was such an honor as a Latino being selected to honor my country and represent the Latinx community in such a prestigious way. It was also super cool that Ed O'Keefe from CBS News introduced me.

Can you recall the moment you decided you wanted to pursue a career in music? And what
led to this decision?
I was in high school and I started taking composition lessons. I had a very knowledgeable and demanding teacher at University of Maryland which was very good for my development. He expected nothing short of hard work and discipline in his class. I knew without a doubt from taking those courses, and taking them seriously, that I wanted to be a professional musician and make a positive impact with my music. 

How do you think you have progressed as a musician since you first started making music?
I have found the right team! It took a long time. But I had to start very small and work my way up in the music industry. I learned a lot from trial-and-error in live performances, making demos, albums, and touring. But now, I feel very confident that I am in the right direction as an artist and that my team will continue contributing to our success as a whole. 

What is the main thing that you would really like for people to take away from your
music?
I want people to feel, through my music, that they will succeed. Through the hard times they face, they have to remember to sing, dance and be joyful. Through my music, I also want people to forget about the norms that they might have grown up with, be they gender norms, stylistic norms, cultural norms, etc. Let's forget about all of our biases and be unified with one another through love. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Talent alone is not enough! You need talent and tenacity to be successful. Highlight your strong parts.

What advice would you offer to others who want to follow in your footsteps and
chase after their dreams? 
Never give up and keep dreaming big! Dreaming big will lead you to greater heights. Dreaming big will make you bold enough to get yourself out there as an artist and naturally meet the right people you need to meet to help you in your career. There are like-minded individuals out there who share similar visions of success that you do. Pay attention to those you bump into and network with. Without networking, we cannot be successful as artists. We need each other to thrive.

What have you been listening to lately?
I've been listening to a lot of musical theatre soundtracks lately; "Dear Evan Hansen", "Hamilton", "Assassins", "Sunday In The Park With George", "Mean Girls" and "Wicked", to name a few. I'm writing a musical comedy called "Mr. Manhattan!", with lyricist Jordan Silver in New York City. We are working on the musical so that it is ready for presentation once this long intermission is over.

Do you have anything that you would like to tell our readers?
Spread love and encourage one another. These are hard times and we should let our pride down as people. Let us be big-hearted citizens and lift each other up. We will make it through this storm together. 

Check out JChris on his socials:
Twitter: twitter.com/jchrismusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jchrismusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thehumanipod14
Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/jchris_music/

​Interview by: Anissa Steijns

How did the band come to be? 
I am a solo singer songwriter and started playing guitar when I was about 6 (not that you can tell from my skill level now!) and I’ve been performing, writing and recording regularly for the last 4 years or so. 

Do you have any releases coming up in the new year?
 I’ve just finished some studio time recording some new tracks, so they’ll be coming out next year, they’re each a bit different and I’m really looking forward to sharing them with everyone!

What is something you want listeners to take away from your music? 
I want people to remember the hook…When I’ve finished a song, I give it a couple of days to see if the hook is still stuck in my head and if my other half is still wondering around the house singing it to herself, if not I’ll move on and try again. 

With everything that is going on in our world what is one cause or organization that you are passionate about?
 I’m really passionate about wildlife conservation and looking after the space and the animals that are around us. I’m based in North Yorkshire and it’s such a beautiful part of the country, I think that looking after it is really important as well as looking after the wildlife that call it home too. 

What is your writing process like?
 I’ll often come up with a lyric when I’m out and about and I’ll hang onto it until I get back to my home studio, and then I build on it from there. It’s usually a lyric that comes first. Recently when flicking through my song book I realised that it was nearly full of choruses with no verses, and verses with no hook, so I’ve adopted a new rule now that I have to always finish a song if I start it, even if it ends up rubbish, I can always fine tune it later, but I always finish it. 

To follow up with the last question, what inspires your sound?
 I take inspiration from so many it’s really difficult to pinpoint! I enjoy music from a wide range of artists, from Elvis and 50’s Rock n Roll through to the likes of Cypress Hill and everything in between.

Any tours coming up soon? 
I’ve got nothing tour wise in the pipeline at the moment, but I’m hoping to get back out playing to big crowds again as soon as possible! 

Anything you would like to tell our readers?
 I hope you’re enjoying my latest release ‘Going Nowhere’ check my socials to keep up to date with my future releases. Stay safe and I hope to see you soon!

​

How did the band come to be?
Well I played in bands and done different things but it was about 18 months ago that I really found my sound as a solo artist. I mix blues soulful vocals and some great vocal harmonies. 

Do you have any releases coming up in the new year?
​I will have a new single out soon about lockdown. I am hoping it’s going to be a big one and pushed for the right reasons to the right people. 

What is something you want listeners to take away from your music?
Connection! If I can touch your soul or help you in any way or make you think wow that was nice then j have done my job. 

With everything that is going on in our world what is one cause or organization that you are passionate about?
The new Parler app. I think it’s important that we have free speech in this world.  

What is your writing process like? 
​Its always different to be honest. It can start with a vocal line or a riff or just a little melody that gets stuck in my head. Then the writing starts I see my job as a flow and to let it write itself and go where the song wants. 

To follow up with the last question, what inspires your sound?I love SRV blues tone and the eagles vocals and Hendrix notes! All these things I try to let flow into my music. 

Any tours coming up soon?
Nothing at the moment. I recently had ten shows cancel due to the new rules so I am waiting for now to get out and connect with fans again. 

Anything you would like to tell our readers?
Yeah thank you for giving me the time and follow me on face book https://www.facebook.com/Dean-England-Music-122509472925929/
And Instagram at  https://instagram.com/deanenglandmusic?igshid=16txquwzukkuf

And keep your eyes open for the new single. Peace and love y’all.

​

​We’re living in a weird time with the current events of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down. How are you currently holding up with everything that is going on in our world right now?
Life is a little different and sort of difficult for everyone right now. It is so hard to stay positive! I personally am very religious and open about my faith. I have to trust in the Lord through these times. Proverbs 3:5 says, “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” This verse reminds me that through difficult times such as the ones that we are going through now to trust in Him and to help one another out. I believe that music heals and I want to be able to heal hearts with the talent that He gave me. 

For new listeners who may have just stumbled upon your music, how would you describe your songs, and what sets you apart from other artists? 
 I always like to say that I am a female version of Lewis Capaldi or James Arthur. I use these names because they are artists who use real instruments in their songs, their lyrics mean something powerful, and you can hear their passion for music through their voice. 

Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to pursue a career in music, and what led to making this decision?
I decided one day that I wanted to do a pageant, about three pageants in I found out that I could do talent. I always loved singing and so I definitely wanted to be a part! From the moment I hit the stage I knew that music was what I wanted to do forever. I continued with pageants for a few more years so I had a place to sing but quickly I stopped the pageants and jumped straight into the music business. 

How did you get your start in the music industry?
I recorded my first song in Nashville with three guys that go by the name of, Jordan Phillips, Adam Stark, and Tofer Brown. I then began to sing at smaller venues and karaoke almost every week! By doing those things I met some great people that started booking me in other places and encouraged me to post my music online. My career just grew from there!!! 

Let’s talk about your new single “Half in Love.” What inspired you to write this track? 
I wrote this song in Rhode Island with two fellow artists called Jake&Zac. We came up with the idea of writing a song almost anyone could relate to. This song is all about being afraid to commit to a relationship. Maybe you are nervous because you still have feelings for you ex, maybe you lost someone close to you, or maybe you are extremely involved in your career and you are not ready for a relationship. 

What is your writing process like? 
I always start with some chords or a beat. I then come up with lyrics or a melody, whichever one comes first.

How do you think you have progressed as a musician since you first started making music?
I believe that my lyrics have become much stronger. I have gotten a lot better at guitar and I now feel super comfortable on stage. 

How has social media helped you throughout your journey as an up-and-coming musician? 
Social media has given me the opportunity to reach people I cannot reach from home with my music. I can help people through tough times with my voice but online. I love keeping in touch with my fans as well and I can chat with them over Instagram or any other platform. 

Who/what are some of your influences and inspiration for your sound?
Jessie J, Lewis Capaldi, James Arthur, Sam Smith, James Brown 

Who are some of your favorite artists? If you could have a dream collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Most definitely Ed Sheeran. He is amazing! I watched his movie through Apple Music and helped me grow. He just loves what he does and he writes such incredible songs. 

Which song of yours holds the most meaning to you?
Right Man

You recently released your new single “Half in Love.” What else can we expect coming up this year? Do you have any goals set for 2021?
I will have a few more singles coming out shortly and then an EP. I really want to do a house tour with my band so fingers crossed COVID goes away soon!

Everyone’s been hit hard by our current circumstances, including artists, as the pandemic has slowed everything to a sudden halt. The music industry has been severely impacted by the postponement and cancellations of scheduled tours and festivals, leaving musicians stuck at home. The fate of many venues are currently at risk, and may be forced to shut their doors for good. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be a long waiting period before concerts make a comeback. What are your thoughts on the long term effects this situation may have on the industry? What actions do you think should be taken to combat this issue, and help artists get back on their feet once live music is able to return?
It has been very different! Interviews, writing sessions, and even shows all from home! Georgia has started to open back up so I have been lucky enough to be able to pick shows back up! All venues have been outside and my favorite thing is that everyone has to stand in a square that is 6 feet apart from another!

Due to the pandemic, live shows are placed on hold indefinitely and touring is at a standstill right now. However, many artists are finding new creative ways to interact with their fans amidst all of the chaos; utilizing their social media platforms to share content, check in with their audiences, participate in livestreams, perform songs and put on “virtual concerts”, and provide insight into their new routines in quarantine. Do you have any plans that are similar in nature, to help pass the time until shows are back up and running again?
Before my state started to open up I decided I would learn new songs to put into my set. I first focused on getting the songs that are in my set down perfectly. Then I moved on to adding new ones in! Even if I am just sitting around I still want to practice and be as perfect as possible. 

What is one cause or organization that you are passionate about? 
I am very big into helping at cancer awareness events and animal abuse prevention. My mom is a cancer survivor and we have adopted most of our animals. I remember being scared when my mom had cancer and I want to be able to help families through the unknown times. 

Who/what inspires your fashion style and where do you like to shop to pick up your staple pieces of clothing and makeup (thrift, department stores)?
Dua Lipa is my biggest fashion inspiration. I love everything she wears. Her hair and makeup is always simple but still very flawless. I love shopping online at places such as ASOS, PrettyLittleThing, and CarliCo which is one of my favs. I also love to find hidden gems such as small boutiques wherever I am! My favorite place to buy makeup products is Ulta! They have so many options for so many different things.

What are some of your favorite books? Favorite films/TV shows? What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading poetry but thats about it for reading. The Office is definitely my favorite show and my band and I always watch the movie Step Brothers when we are together. I enjoy spending most of my free time outside. I love hiking and hanging out with my chickens! 


What is the main thing that you would really like for people to take away from your music?
When people listen to my music I want them to understand that they can do anything. I was made fun of in school for wanting to do music and many people in the industry told me that I was too young but that did not stop me! Music is what I love so I kept working hard. Always remember that only your opinion matters and if you love what you are doing then you can most definitely do it. 

Do you have anything that you would like to tell our readers?
Thank you so much for reading this today! Make sure to follow my socials @erinkirbymusic and if you ever need to talk about something please do not hesitate to reach out!


Thank you so much for your time! It was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk to you and I love the new single “Half in Love.” Looking forward to hearing more new material from you soon! Stay safe and take care!

Interview By: Bri Rodriguez

We’re living in a time of history with the current events of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down. How have you been holding up with everything that is going on in our world right now? 
Trevor: I’ve been holding up reasonably well. While there are days of weird existential monotony, it’s been pretty balanced with more positive & exciting days. It’s given me time to regain some perspective in my own life and decide what’s really important. It’s definitely frustrating at times to deal with people who hold an opposing view against BLM and the major social issues we’re facing. I’ve come to the realization that as long as I’m doing what I can within my community and within my reach, while having those difficult conversations with people when they arise, there isn’t much we can do beyond that. Which, I feel, could create more of a ripple effect if we all use that mindset.

For new listeners who may have just stumbled upon your music, how would you describe your songs, and what sets you apart from other artists? 
Trevor: To put a more specific label on it, I would describe the music as indie with emo influences and lyrically driven. I would say the thing that sets this project apart from others is the main drive for community and mindfulness. The idea is to make music that people can get lost in, create a live show experience where people can feel safe to express themselves, and meet each other. It’s a beautiful thing, being able to bring people together in a room and drift away for a moment.

How did you get your start in the music industry?
Trevor: Throughout high school, I would go to open mic nights a lot and just play cover songs with my acoustic. Fast forward a couple of years, I created ‘shelter pup.’ and started going to 2-3 open mics a week, playing the collection of songs I had written, which would become the first ep. Just pushing relentlessly until I could find something that sticks. I met so many wonderful people through doing open mics that helped me push further into booking actual shows at places like Mahall’s, The Foundry, Beachland Tavern, etc. 

How did ‘shelter pup.’ form and what is the meaning behind the band’s name?
Trevor: The idea ‘shelter pup.’ came to me while on a walk through of my favorite parks. There’s kind of a dual meaning to the name. The more angsty side is the thought that we’re comparable to shelter animals who have been through a hell of a lot and are healing every day from it while looking for our place in the world. Everyone is on a different part of that journey. The more wholesome side is the reason for the period at the end and pup is actually an acronym. ‘Shelter patience, understanding, and peace.’

Let’s talk about your single “(It’s) Your Funeral.” What inspired you to write this track? 
Trevor: “(It’s) Your Funeral” was inspired by my experience with idealized isolation as well as witnessing the people around me dealing with the same sort of thing. In a sense, it was a letter to my past self who thought that I could do everything on my own, that I didn’t need anyone else, and that I was better off alone. Which is a silly thought now, looking back. Being alone is a natural and healthy thing, but there’s definitely a line where it becomes self-destructive and negatively affects the quality of life. 

What inspired your ideas for the single’s music video concept?
Trevor: I was on a walk around my neighborhood and saw a couch sitting out on a tree lawn and thought it’d be funny to see an animated skeleton person hanging out there as well, walking around as I do - just going about their day doing things alone. It could be taken as a solitary or a lonely thing to do. The guys with In Bloom Productions helped push it into more of a storyline rather than random shots with no chronology.

What is your writing process like?
Trevor: I write everything myself. I write all the time whether it be thoughts, poems, songs, or random ramblings. Some of those become songs, or I’ll use pieces of different ones to come together into a song. The instruments are written just with myself in my bedroom once I’ve organized lyrics with the idea of music for it already in my head. It’s fun to sit and mess around with ideas and I even surprise myself sometimes with what I’m able to create.

Who/what are some of your influences and inspiration for your sound?
Trevor: A couple of my biggest influences are Beck, Led Zeppelin, and Dance Gavin Dance. They all just do their own thing and aren’t afraid to push outside their comfort zone for their sound. 

If you could have a dream collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Trevor: I would love to collaborate with Beck. I feel like we could make a song that absolutely slaps. It would also be pretty cool to see their writing process and perspective on things.

What else can we expect coming up from you this year? Do you have any goals set for 2021?
Trevor: While there isn’t anything currently planned for the rest of 2020, I am finishing up writing the next EP, which is looking to be released in the second half of 2021. Hopefully, live shows will be back by then. I’m currently in the process of making a better interactive live show experience for the people who come to watch and listen. 

What excites you to create? What helps you in the moments whenever you are feeling uninspired and stagnant?
Trevor: For me, creating makes life worthwhile. I’m throwing my essence out into the world to see if anyone shares the same experiences or feelings. It’s an amazing way to connect with people on a deeper level. I’ve been creating ever since I was a little kid and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Whenever I’m in a rut I’ll either go on a walk, go to a museum, skate, meditate, or sit and do absolutely nothing. Doing nothing is super underrated and has been so helpful with creating space for new ideas.

Who inspires you? What pushes you to keep moving forward in the dark periods of life and times when you feel discouraged? 
Trevor: I feel inspired by my friends, especially when they’re succeeding and doing the things they love to do. Or when they are going through a tough time and are able to overcome it. I feel like a proud mom watching them do great things. I also feel inspired by the simple things in life like taking care of my plants, hanging with my roommate’s cat, art, music, nature, or small and sweet interactions between people in daily life.

What did your day-to-day life look like prior to COVID-19? What does your daily life look like now amid the coronavirus? How have you been staying productive during quarantine?
Trevor: The only big change between pre-covid and now is not going out to live shows. I’ve been able to hold a job, keep making music, and do all the things I usually do since I’m a bit more of a homebody. I was actually on a week-long tour with the other band I play in, “Pollen Eyes,” in March right when covid hit, but we were lucky enough to be able to finish the tour and come home.  I really do miss attending and playing shows. I’ve been able to write more and keep everything more collected as well as feeling not so rushed on things during quarantine. I spend a lot of my time writing, watching movies, or going on walks.

What are some of your interests? What inspired you to embark on the creative journey you’re a part of today? 
Trevor: I like nature, traveling, museums, art, and experiencing new things. I love plants, Halloween, anime shows/movies, cooking, hiking, and skating. I love indulging in life. It’s a brand new day every day!
I’ve been singing ever since I was a kid and always had in mind that I was going to create music my entire life. It’s felt like my reason for being for as long as I can remember. It seems as natural to me as eating or sleeping. On top of that, I love creating connections, meeting new people, and being able to bring people together.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Trevor: There is a difference between being happy and being comfortable. Anyone can be comfortable in bullshit.
I even have that tattooed on me in a shortened way. It’s okay to be comfortable, there’s nothing wrong with finding solace. The biggest thing for me is there is always something to improve on. Where I am at right now in life is objectively great, but I know that there is more for me out there. I’m happy right now, but there will be a time where this state of being doesn’t suit my needs. It’s easy to get caught in these areas that are good and easy, but it takes a little extra to create a life of true happiness.

Everyone’s been hit hard by our current circumstances, including artists, as the pandemic has slowed everything to a sudden halt. The music industry has been severely impacted by the postponement and cancellations of scheduled tours and festivals, leaving musicians stuck at home. The fate of many venues are currently at risk and may be forced to shut their doors for good. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be a long waiting period before concerts make a comeback. What are your thoughts on the long term effects this situation may have on the industry? What actions do you think should be taken to combat this issue, and help artists get back on their feet once live music can return?
Trevor: I am definitely afraid of music and live shows being put on the back burner as sports and everything else comes back. I think the Save Our Stages Act is at least one small step to help on a larger scale for the more immediate issues. The way we’ve been adapting with virtual shows and socially distanced shows is super great, but long term, I think it could cause some odd reformation to coincide with life in quarantine. With venues unfortunately closing their doors, I could see that making way for more house and DIY venues popping up in place once things open back up. When things do open back up, I think there will be a lot of support from the communities and people itching to play and attend shows. The music scene as a whole will need all the support it can get, especially when things open back up.

Due to the pandemic, live shows are placed on hold indefinitely, and touring is at a standstill right now. However, many artists are finding new creative ways to interact with their fans amidst all of the chaos; utilizing their social media platforms to share content, check in with their audiences, participate in livestreams, perform songs and put on “virtual concerts”, and provide insight into their new routines in quarantine. Do you have any plans that are similar in nature, to help pass the time until shows are back up and running again?
Trevor: I’ve done a couple live streams with open mics and recently had the pleasure of playing Cleveland’s virtual Ingenuity Fest. At the end of last year, I started a weekly poetry post on Instagram called #pressedpoetry which has been evolving ever since and shows a little more insight into my writing style and thoughts. It’s named after the song ‘Pressed Flowers.’ I plan on doing a few more virtual shows in the future to stay connected.

What are some causes and/or organizations that you’re most passionate about?
Trevor: I’m a big supporter of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, which supports women’s rights, planned parenthood, and a woman’s right to choose. I’ve worked with Musicians Saving Our Home Planet which supports many environmental organizations such as Utah Dine Bikeyah/Protect Bears Ears, Save the Yellowstone Grizzly, and Grand Escalante Staircase Partners. Another great organization is the Last Prisoner Project which pushes against the criminalization of cannabis and looks to help those who have suffered fundamental injustice regarding those laws.

What have you been listening to lately?
Trevor: A few bands I’ve been listening to lately are Dikembe, Balance and Composure, I Hate It Too, Purity Ring, Mac Miller, Citizen, Polyphia, Covet, Dwellings, Sobs, and Seeyouspacecowboy…

What are some of your favorite books? Favorite films/TV shows?
Trevor: Some great books are Look at the Birdie by Kurt Vonnegut, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and You are a Badass by Jen Sincero.
I love any Studio Ghibli movie, Almost Famous, Sweeney Todd, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Shows I like to watch are Over the Garden Wall, Cowboy Bebop, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, King of the Hill, Adventure Time, The Midnight Gospel, Great British Baking Show, and I recently finished Parasyte. 
  
What is the main thing that you would like for people to take away from your music?
Trevor: I think people should take away their own perspective on it. I have my reasons for writing certain things, but I feel like somebody could listen to the same song and pull out a totally different meaning unique to their experience. I want people to enjoy themselves, feel more connected, and feel less alone in how they think or feel. Just be yourself :)

What advice would you offer to others who want to follow in your footsteps and chase after their dreams? 
Trevor: In the words of Shia Lebeouf, “Just do it.” It’s good to talk about it with friends to get the ideas out in the open, but you gotta just go for it. Whether or not you think what you’re doing is of value, trust me, it is. There are other people out there who will like what you’re doing no matter what. People can’t like it if they don’t know about it, so it’s up to you to spread the word and let them know what’s going on. Keep an open mind and always be ready to learn. There is an endless stream of readily available information and things to learn which will only make you better. Go out there and radiate your essence!

Do you have anything that you would like to tell our readers?
Trevor: First of all, thank you for reading this and supporting publications like this in the music industry. I can’t wait for shows to open back up and we can make a stop in Pittsburgh! Lastly, stay hydrated and take care of your plants. 

Thank you so much for your time! It was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk to you. Looking forward to hearing more new material from you soon! Stay safe and take care!

​Interview By: Bri Rodriguez
Photo By: Manda Renee

We’re living in a weird time with the current events of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down. How are you currently holding up with everything that is going on in our world right now?
Kyle: It’s definitely been a difficult year trying to figure out how to be a person and musician in 2020. We came off a big song and were planning on touring all year. So, it definitely hurt personally and financially. It was going to be our “we finally made it” year. Not much we could do, so we just focused on writing and doing a streaming series every Wednesday to stay connected to our fans and have a bit of fun. It’s a stressful time for everyone, we are all in the same boat. 

For new listeners who may have just stumbled upon your music, how would you describe your songs, and what sets you apart from other artists? 
Kyle: We maintain our alt-rock roots while managing to be fairly eclectic. We like to jump from sound to sound because we like so many different types of music. We can go from an alt arena jam to a west coast hip hop influenced song to an 80’s neo-soul song. 

How did you get your start in the music industry?
Kyle: We were just an acoustic duo at first. Neither of us had been in a band or written a song. We were like 17 and 18, so very late in the game to start seriously playing music. But we just kept at it, out of mutual boredom of being in a small town in Texas and passion for writing music. After a while, we got “discovered,” after playing a swanky venue opening that we got on because my dad was the electrician that helped put the place together. From then on, it was many years of hard work. Then, we played SXSW and got signed from a performance we did there.

How did The Unlikely Candidates form?
Kyle: We were friends who both loved going to local shows, and at a party one night, we played a few covers. I had never sung in front of anyone and something clicked for me. I asked Cole if he wanted to jam the next day and we never stopped.

Let’s talk about the band’s new single “High Low.” What inspired you to write this track? 
Kyle: It was about coming home from tour and realizing that while you were off on the road, people have moved on with their lives. You’re in your house alone, wondering where the time and all your friends have gone.

What inspired your ideas for the “High Low” single artwork?
Kyle: I’ve spent so much time on my couch during quarantine, and I know a lot of people have. I wanted to capture that melancholy disassociation and aloneness, so I put him on a couch in the clouds. The song is kind of dreamy, so the artwork and the colors play to that. I worked with a great artist, Nashid Chroma, on it and he was amazing. Definitely recommend checking his work out.

What is your writing process like? Do you write individually or as a collective?
Kyle: I like writing with people because you feed off their energy. But, I end up writing alone most of the time because I have to really think about the lyrics sometimes. We have written every kind of way though. Jamming, sending tracks, communicating with producers, locking ourselves in a room, etc.

Who/what are some of your influences and inspiration for your sound?
Kyle: We love Gorillaz and The Strokes, not sure how much of that we show, but we often try to carry that spirit to our songs. 

If you could have a dream collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Kyle: Damon Albarn of Gorillaz and Blur because his stuff is always interesting, moody, and soulful. Rihanna would be dope. I love her style and voice.

You recently released your new single “High Low.” What else can we expect coming up this year? Do you have any goals set for 2021?
Kyle: Some streaming shows mostly, and in 2021, we hope to have an album out.

Everyone’s been hit hard by our current circumstances, including artists, as the pandemic has slowed everything to a sudden halt. The music industry has been severely impacted by the postponement and cancellations of scheduled tours and festivals, leaving musicians stuck at home. The fate of many venues are currently at risk and may be forced to shut their doors for good. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be a long waiting period before concerts make a comeback. What are your thoughts on the long term effects this situation may have on the industry? What actions do you think should be taken to combat this issue, and help artists get back on their feet once live music can return?
Kyle: It’s going to be hard to find places to play, especially for smaller to mid-sized bands, because over so many venues closing and so many bands needed to get out. Also, I’m not sure crowds are going to be as big, due to COVID still being around, vaccine or not. It’s going to take a while for the industry to recover. Touring is the lifeblood for music financially, so everything is going to be struggling for a while. As far as combating the virus: distancing, masks, faster testing, more outdoor shows, drive-ins. There are a lot of options, but no silver bullet. As far as getting back on their feet, it’s going to be shaky for a minute.

Due to the pandemic, live shows are placed on hold indefinitely, and touring is at a standstill right now. However, many artists are finding new creative ways to interact with their fans amidst all of the chaos; utilizing their social media platforms to share content, check in with their audiences, participate in livestreams, perform songs and put on “virtual concerts”, and provide insight into their new routines in quarantine. Do you have any plans that are similar in nature, to help pass the time until shows are back up and running again?
Kyle: We did a streaming session every Wednesday called “Flatten The Hump Day” for 20 weeks. Just did our last one yesterday at an animal safari park called Fossil Rim in front of some goat-like creatures called Addax. We tried to do stuff like that to keep people engaged. We have done some full band streams. It’s been great, but we only have so many songs. We also did an emo week and 80’s week where we performed covers. It was a great way to keep up with the fans. But at the end of the day, streams are not really a substitute for shows.

What is one cause or organization that you are passionate about? 
Kyle: We did a stream where we donated all of the proceeds to the NAACP legal defense fund. The fight for racial equality and fair policing policies has been a big one, this year especially. 
 
What are some of your favorite books? Favorite films/TV shows?
Kyle: I love Murakami, David Mitchell, and Neil Gaiman to name a few authors. “What We Do In The Shadows” - the movie and show are great. Mainly those two things, books and tv. 
  
What is the main thing that you would like for people to take away from your music?
Kyle: Just something that they can add to the emotional lexicon of their own lives. A comforting or affirming lyric or a song to set their life to.

Do you have anything that you would like to tell our readers?
Kyle: Check us out. My favorite songs are “Violence” and “Best Things In Life Aren’t Free.” 

Thank you so much for your time! It was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk to you, and I’m enjoying the new single “High Low.” Looking forward to hearing more new material from you soon! Stay safe and take care!
Kyle: Thanks for having me and the same to you!



Check out The Unlikely Candidates latest single “High Low” now!

Connect with The Unlikely Candidates on their social platforms:
Website: http://theunlikelycandidates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunlikelycandidates/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunlikelycandidates/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tucband

Interview By: Bri Rodriguez

We’re living in a time of history with the current events of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down. How are you and the band currently holding up with everything that is going on in our world right now? 
Dan: It's a strange time for sure, but considering we've all been in some form of quarantine for the better part of this year, we're starting to develop a surreal sense of normality. The weirdest thing for us is having our biggest release as a band under our belt, and not being able to tour to support it. We do feel like Veil is being robbed of that opportunity, but I also realize that's the case for all musicians with new material right now. The silver lining, I guess, is that it's giving us the time to focus on writing our new album so I try to focus on that.


Congratulations on your re-issue of Veil of Imagination. What was the initial response to the album, prior to your signing with Century Media?
Evan: Very positive! I don’t remember there being too many negative responses. There’s always a handful of people that wish we kept that “piratey folky” thing we did on our first album, haha, but I think most people understand we’re doing something different now. Overall, it seems like people appreciated some of the updates we made to our sound, and some of the new territories we were treading, so that was reassuring.  


You were an independent band before signing with Century Media. How does that experience compare to signing with a major label?
Dan: So far so good. Granted, it's early in our working relationship, but I feel like we're in good hands. The people at Century Media really seem to care about the band and are legitimately excited about the material and that's to me the biggest benefit. Everything else comes a lot easier, when there's a mutual sense of passion behind all the business decisions.


How did you get your start in the music industry?  
Evan: In terms of Wilderun, I’d say we only just now began “in the industry.” Prior to signing to Century Media, everything has been completely independent. We’ve been playing shows across the country for a few years now, so I suppose that’s sorta dipped our toes in parts of the industry, but mostly it was a very indie feeling. Personally, a couple of us have been doing other work in the music industry. Wayne has been doing film and television music for years now, and I do some music and audio for mobile games.  


How did Wilderun form?
Dan: We all met at Berklee College of Music in Boston. When Evan decided to form the band, he reached out to the people he knew in the metal scene there and those connections eventually led to all of us. It's a small community there, so it makes it easy to get hooked up with like-minded people.


All of the members went to Berklee and everyone in the band possesses a musical background. Do you feel like that experience has benefited your songwriting? 
Evan: I think so. It’s a bit hard to say because sometimes I felt like some more of the theoretical music knowledge was stunting some of that more “free” and “spontaneous” creativity, since I was focusing more on the technical side of things. But I think I’ve mostly learned to put that stuff aside when I need to. In other regards, it can really help the technical process of communicating with each other, in musical terms. I think it expedites the actual creation of the final product, because we have some music theory-based shortcuts when explaining ideas to each other.  


What is your writing process like? Do you write individually or as a collective?
Dan: It's traditionally been Evan who demos out all the material and then we write our parts based on his ideas, but this album was a bit more collaborative. We made the point of getting together and playing the material in person, well before booking studio time, so that everyone could bounce ideas off one another based off of Evan's original demos. It definitely made for a more unique approach to the record.


The album artwork for Veil of Imagination is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Could you provide us with details regarding the cover art? Who created the artwork, how was it designed, and how does it fit the album?
Evan: It was a piece originally called “Veil of Summer” by Adrian Cox. Obviously, the title of the piece influenced the title of our album. First of all, we just felt like the piece fit the music from a purely aesthetic standpoint. The juxtaposition of the serene field of flowers and the strange, dark form in the center felt related to the mood we were wanting to create with the music. It also seemed to align well with a lot of the lyrical content. Much of Veil deals with feelings of being trapped inside your head and your skin, unable to truly experience and appreciate the natural world around you, and it seemed like that strange, calcified character in the artwork might be experiencing something like that.


What are your favorite tracks off the album? 
Dan: It always changes for me depending on my mood but at the moment I'd say “The Unimaginable Zero Summer.” Although, “The Tyranny of Imagination” is probably my favorite song to play live.


Who/what are some of your influences and inspiration for your sound?
Dan: It's a very mixed bag. We all bring something unique to the table because we all listen to a lot of different kinds of music. I tend to bring more of the electronic, minimalist, and black metal influences into the mix.


Who are some of your favorite artists? If you could have a dream collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Evan: This is always such a hard question because it varies so much from week to week, year to year, etc. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Mogwai, Aphex Twin, Cardiacs, and some random Irish folk music. I’m honestly not sure if we’re the type of band that will collab with anyone else. I feel like we may have to keep things a bit insular to achieve the results we’re looking for (and we all know each other so well that we can be full-blown maniacs and no one will run away).  However, we would eventually really like to have some real chamber instruments on an album, so at that point, we’d love to collaborate with some killer chamber ensemble players.  

You recently released the re-issue of your LP Veil of Imagination on July 17, 2020. Initially, there were plans for an upcoming tour to promote the album, but it’s been postponed due to the lockdown. How did this affect the band, and what are your plans to help stay on track? 
Dan: While everything is shut down, we hope to release some more content for the fans whether that be playthrough videos, more "quarantine sessions," a livestream concert, or what have you. Our main focus right now is finishing writing the album so we can get into the studio next year so that's our priority.

Everyone’s been hit hard by our current circumstances, including artists, as the pandemic has slowed everything to a sudden halt. The music industry has been severely impacted by the postponement and cancellations of scheduled tours and festivals, leaving musicians stuck at home. The fate of many venues are currently at risk and may be forced to shut their doors for good. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be a long waiting period before concerts make a comeback. What are your thoughts on the long term effects this situation may have on the industry? What actions do you think should be taken to combat this issue, and help artists get back on their feet once live music is able to return?
Evan: I hate to say that we’re just as clueless as I think everyone is. I’m definitely afraid it’s going to have ripple effects for a while. I just hope 2021 can look somewhat normal, so we can make up for lost time from this year. Hopefully, once a good vaccine is available, everything can start shifting back into place. Besides that, I hope that virus testing can become easy and quick - perhaps we can develop a system where patrons to shows are checked right before entering and can get verification within 20 minutes or so. If we can get something like that established at venues around the world, maybe things can start to look more normal.  


Due to the pandemic, live shows are placed on hold indefinitely, and touring is at a standstill right now. However, many artists are finding new creative ways to interact with their fans amidst all of the chaos; utilizing their social media platforms to share content, check-in with their audiences, participate in livestreams, perform songs and put on “virtual concerts,” and provide insight into their new routines in quarantine. Do you have any plans that are similar in nature, to help pass the time until shows are back up and running again?
Dan: A livestream concert would be fun to do, especially considering we're all starved for shows and performing, but it's got to be something we'd be excited about doing. Just putting up a camera, and playing songs we've played 100 times before doesn't really do it for me. I'm not sure yet what that all would mean, but it's something we are seriously considering.


What is one cause or organization that you are passionate about? 
Dan: We all come from very different social and political backgrounds, but for me personally, I like to think of myself as a big advocate for conservation. Open space and public land are an important part of American culture, and we need to be respectful of the land we're so blessed to benefit from.

  
What is the main thing that you would really like for people to take away from your music?
Evan: I don’t think I can personally tell that to anyone. Music is so intrinsically personal, that I just hope people are getting something meaningful and emotional from it. The music I love is able to temporarily transcend me to a different, unusual emotional state, and if our music can do that to anyone else, then I think that’s all that matters.  Maybe it can teach you something, or maybe it can just help you escape for a bit. As long as you feel something.  
 

Do you have anything else that you would like to tell our readers?
Dan: I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. Don't let the pandemic get the best of you, and go outside. Human beings are not meant to spend most of our time indoors, so take care of your mental health and breathe some fresh air.

Thank you so much for your time! It was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk to you and I’m really enjoying the album. I wish you luck and hope that we will see you on stage soon! Stay safe and take care!
Dan: Likewise! Thank you for the opportunity!

Connect with Wilderun on their social platforms:
Website: https://www.wilderun.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWilderun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilderunband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wilderunband

Interview By: Bri Rodriguez

How did the band come to be? 
The band was launched after I had the idea of a concept album about the 1980s hard rock scene in Los Angeles California. I got a hold of my friend and 30+ year bandmate Todd Long and shared the idea. He was totally into it and by the end of that day we had the skeleton of the song “Miles In-Between” that ultimately became our first single released on Golden Robot Records. 

Do you have any releases coming up in the new year? 
In October we will release our second single on Golden Robot Records called “Never Goodbye” then follow-up in November with our full EP release. We’ve already begun work on a full-length that should come in 2021.

What is something you want listeners to take away from your music? 
I think it would be nice if listeners could take a piece of the characters portrayed in the music and let that shape their level of empathy and understanding for other human beings. On our EP “Headed West”, the concept of the album is a fictional band that leaves their hometown and heads to the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to “make it big”. Just by listening to the stories that unfold within that framework could serve to change the perspective that many people have concerning the 1980s “hair metal” scene. It wasn’t always sex, drugs, and rock n roll. For the bands that found success, a key ingredient they all share is guts and hard work. Those are universally required for success in nearly any endeavor. 

With everything that is going on in our world what is one cause or organization that you are passionate about? 
For me (John Merchant) personally, MUSICARES through the Recording Academy deals with addiction recovery. Being in recovery myself, it’s close to my heart. With what’s happening in our world today it’s easy to fall into depression, and depression begets sadness, begets pain, begets a quest to numb that pain, which oftentimes leads to substance abuse in many forms. Hopeless hearts are the perfect breeding ground for addiction.    

What is your writing process like? 
Usually we share very rough riff ideas, then start to hammer out a song structure. Once we get a skeleton in place, I start to search for a theme and story for lyrics and let the melody serve to move that story along. As we’re working through that, we’re also adding musical parts to the original skeleton that support the storyline and add emotion and texture. It’s really like painting, just with words, music, and melody. 

To follow up with the last question, what inspires your sound? 
Every single song that’s ever connected with us. That can be music that we grew up with and artists we idolized, to a song that may have caught our ear on the radio or elsewhere. We’re a rock n roll band with strong 1980s hard rock and metal roots, but we let our music be informed and influenced by any genre that speaks to us. That opens the door for everyone from Bruce Springsteen, Jason Isbell, and Bob Dylan, to RATT, Motley Crue, Poison, Faster Pussycat and LA Guns. If it tells its story and draws a listener in, we’re onboard. We don’t discriminate. A good song can come from anywhere.

Any tours coming up soon? 
Covid-19 has spun our industry completely sideways and has put a lot of our brothers and sisters out of work. We’re hoping that 2021 sees the business start to recover. Shows are being announced by artists in multiple different genres. Ghosts of Sunset are already having conversations with our team at Samurai Artist Management about festival dates and supporting slots on several tours. Of course, it seems the entire world is up in the air now. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and are excited to take this music to like-minded people as well as turn some new people on. 

Anything you would like to tell our readers? 
Please visit us on all the normal social media platforms. Like, comment and more importantly share. Just like it was when we were coming up, “tell a friend” is one of the greatest, most organic ways a band can build itself. We want everyone to know how grateful Ghosts of Sunset are for all the love and support so far. We’re just getting started and the fans we’re connecting with are creating a supportive, loving, inclusive community. It’s insanely exciting.​