Jimmi-Woods Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Jimmi-Woods:
Slightly left field progressive techno with tribal influences. When I'm writing music I try not to pigeonhole my productions too much, I have never stuck to a specific genre. It may sound a bit whacky but my creations appear to take on a life of their own. Its as if they guide me and I take them in the direction they want to go.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Jimmi-Woods:
I grew up in England with parents that love music from the late 60's. There was always music from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks and plenty more playing as the backdrop to my childhood. When I was 9, I gravitated towards the drums and was a drummer in many bands over the years. I mostly had success with funky alternative style acts. Drum knowlege was certainly an important step to becoming an electronic music producer. Now I have the freedom to create and release music with a fantasic crew and label under Slice records. Just recently I co-produced my favourite track Earthling with the boys from Arcane Trickster. In this game its all about what you can learn and what you can give to each project, so It was a real pleasure to work with them as they most certainly know their way around a synthesiser and I'm fairly certain I reciprocated with my approach to the production process. The result says it all for me.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Jimmi-Woods:
I believe it was the cross over of alternative music into dance music in Australia in the late 90's. I had been playing drums for some time and now there was to my ears new sounds seeping in. Instead of moshing to bands consuming dollar pots we were in the side rooms listening to live sets or Dj sets and checking out big name artists like the Chemical Brothers, Underworld and Fatboy Slim in the Boiler room of the Big Day Out. It wasn't until the mid naughties that I decided that creating music on a DAW was something I felt I was capable of achieving after going to outdoor trance festivals and meeting many like minded individuals all persuing a similar path.


Nagamag:
How are you coping musically during the Covid19 Pandemic?

Jimmi-Woods:
Its been a really mixed bag honestly. Just before Covid we had bush fires here in Australia and I had just released my ep Biolume which ironically is environmentally themed like most of my music. Most proceeds went towards WIRES to help injured animals.
Then we launched into Covid and it took some time to come to grips with creating under such circumstances. I decided to take my studio apart and reconfigure my whole set up. Since then I have co-produced the ep "US" with Arcane Trickster, enjoyed exploring my backlog of tracks, immersed myself in the music of others and started to teach my kids the art and enjoyment of making music.


Nagamag:
Whats coming up for you in the months ahead?

Jimmi-Woods:
Well, I've submitted some tracks from various projects to my home label Slice Records for a compilation to celebrate their 40th release. They have been an amazing support to many artists like myself seeking to release music as the artist intends it to be. Then in September I will be re-releasing my album "Into the Outside" from 2018 which I have had re-mastered. At the time of first release I was climbing back from mental illness and addiction and I don't feel that the timing was right for the release back then. Now I have fought my way back, with the support from others, to be more well again. So this album re-release will go out to all those who have suffered and are suffering in this harsh time. Its not an easy road and my heart goes out to you.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Jimmi-Woods:
Alexander Ebert "Truth"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Jimmi-Woods
Lish "Seaside Hills"

Discover & Listen to Jimmi-Woods

Jimmi-Woods on Spotify

Jimmi-Woods' Signature Track

Jimmi-Woods on Social Media

Jimmi-Woods' Website

Chiara Dubey Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Neoclassical Features, Neoclassical Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Chiara Dubey:
My music is a crossover between alternative pop, dreamy electronic, and modern classical - a fusion of airy strings textures, electronic beats/ sound design and my voice.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Chiara Dubey:
I sing since when I was a child and started playing the violin at the age of 5. As I grew up, it became clear to me that I wanted to become a professional musician and I chose to study classical music at the conservatoire, majoring in violin and composition. In parallel, I kept performing as a singer/songwriter on international stages - like the Eurovision national finale. In 2018 I left my homeland and moved to London, where I completed my Master studies in vocal performance. Now I am back in Switzerland where I focus on my project as a solo artist.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Chiara Dubey:
On the weekends, when I was a child, I would have tea (chai tea) with my father in the morning. It was our little ceremony. While he would prepare the tea, I would play an old CD of Céline Dion, always the same one, and I would sing along with all the air that I had in my lungs. I remember it would fill me with an ecstatic feeling, the same one I still have now when I perform. I guess these were the first moments where I fell in love with music and that bond never broke.


Nagamag:
You just released your début album, Constellations. What is the idea behind it?

Chiara Dubey:
As a child, I would spend most of my summers in the mountains. Nights, away from the city lights were so dark and quiet, and the sky was a breathtaking, dusty explosion of stars. Other children and I would lay for hours on the grass, just staring at them - and eventually keeping count of the falling stars. I couldn’t avoid noticing, what an influence that sight would have on my thoughts. It would slowly detach me from my daily reality, my thoughts would drown in that deep universe and I would find myself wondering about life, about death, about time, about dreams. That awareness and wonder accompanied me through the years, as I grew. I wanted to create an album that would carry some of those feelings, which are a beautiful part of our human essence. They accompany us in our choices and habits, but our daily pattern somehow makes it difficult for us just to find that space, that quietness, which allows our mind to wonder and dream. I have the feeling that we often get lost in the fuss of our busy scheduled lives. With Constellations, I wanted to emulate the effect that the deep, starred skies have on me, and create an atmosphere that would invite people to evade their reality, just for a while.


Nagamag:
Your album also contains instrumentals, why this choice?

Chiara Dubey:
Classical music is an important part of my personality and I like to express myself just trough sound sometimes, trough compositions, without using words. In this album I really wanted to include this side of me as well, without fearing what the audience might expect from me. It also gives me the chance to perform with the violin on stage, from time to time!


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Chiara Dubey:
Jon Hopkins "Emerald Rush"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Chiara Dubey:
Aurora "Infections of a different kind"

Discover & Listen to Chiara Dubey

Chiara Dubey on Spotify

Chiara Dubey's Signature Track

Chiara Dubey on Social Media

Chiara Dubey's Website

Lynn Tredeau Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Neoclassical Features, Neoclassical Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Lynn Tredeau:
Neo-classical, Contemporary Solo Piano, New Age Piano


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Lynn Tredeau:
I began piano lessons at 5 years of age and that opened a doorway to learning many other instruments including flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar & pipe organ. After many years of teaching piano, I retired to pursue a life long dream to create original music. My debut album Echoes of Life was released in 2015 followed later that same year by a Christmas album Snowlight (A Christmas Memory), which was awarded Best Holiday Album at Enlightened Piano Radio. Over the next 4 years I released 4 additional albums and 12 single releases. My music has been featured on about 6 compilation albums and received many nominations. Two albums were awarded Best Solo Piano Album at Zone Music Reporter, Fellowship of Solitude in 2018 and All the Pieces in 2019. A track (Photos Without a Memory) from my sixth album was also chosen as Track of the Year by One World Music Radio. My single releases have allowed me to collaborate with other musicians and try my hand at other styles of music.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Lynn Tredeau:
My father loved the music of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Every Sunday, he would cook breakfast for the family and sing along to his favorite records. My other childhood memory was practicing on my old piano in the basement and my mother would call down the stairs to "play her favorite" which was Clair De Lune. To this day I can hear her voice when I play that song.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Lynn Tredeau:
John Denver "Annie's Song"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Lynn Tredeau:
Michele McLaughlin "A Beautiful Distraction"

Discover & Listen to Lynn Tredeau

Lynn Tredeau on Spotify

Lynn Tredeau's Signature Track

Lynn Tredeau on Social Media

Lynn Tredeau's Website

Code Elektro Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Synthwave Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , |

Photocredit: Rolf Meldgaard


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Code Elektro:
Synthwave. Dystopian Science Fiction Atmospheres, Neon Skylines and eternal Cyberpunk Nights with Acid Rain. That’s Code Elektro. And now it’s live with a real band. Code Elektro is characterized by the use of analog synthesizers and sound design. It sounds similar to the soundtracks of movies like Blade Runner, Stranger Things and TRON: Legacy. However, it also takes a step forward to create something new via sound design, visuals and storytelling.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Code Elektro:
I'm an artist, composer, sound designer and musician. I have always been playing in bands as a bass player. For 10 years I was writing music for commercials and TV - and I built my own studio and got into sound design and synthesizers. After some time I wanted to write my OWN music, and that's when I started Code Elektro.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Code Elektro:
Absolutely. Iron Maiden - "The Number of the Beast". That changed my life. I was 10 years when I heard it and it just sounded so awesome. And I have always been inspired by Iron Maidens cover art. Today I try to reach the same level of excitement in music.


Nagamag:
Can you tell us a little about your live show?

Code Elektro:
I played a live show earlier this year at a live venue in Denmark (Radar). The place was packed and it was an awesome night! I recorded the show and it sounded so good that I wanted to share it...so now there's a new single out (N30n). It was important to me to have a live band. I didn't want to be another artist standing on stage with just a laptop playing tracks. So I invited a drummer and guitarist. And it really adds to the groove and gives it an awesome live feel.


Nagamag:
Favourite Sci-Fi book?

Code Elektro:
DUNE by Frank Herbert. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming DUNE movie by Denis Villeneuve. Fingers crossed that it will be awesome.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Code Elektro:
Rammstein "Deutschland"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Code Elektro:
Daft Punk Tron Legacy

Discover & Listen to Code Elektro

Code Elektro on Spotify

Code Elektro's Signature Track

Code Elektro on Social Media

Code Elektro's Website

Kepa Lehtinen Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Neoclassical Features, Neoclassical Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Kepa Lehtinen:
Classical, cinematic


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Kepa Lehtinen:
I was born in Helsinki, Finland in 1971 and began studying music in childhood, eventually learning to play piano, synthesizers, theremin, and drums. I went on to study Sound Design at Finland’s Aalto University and I have since written music for many films, commercials, and TV productions. My work has appeared in award-winning Finnish titles such as Kimmo (TV series), Almost 18 (feature film), and A Stone LeftUnturned (short film). I released my first solo album, Playing Theremin, in 2018. In 2019 I released Helsinki in November and 2020 album “It Is OK To Be Sad And Dark”.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Kepa Lehtinen:
As a child, the Queen was the biggest. Seeing live aid on tv and year after that seeing band live (on Stockholm). Point of no return.


Nagamag:
Does your music have any underlying messages in it?

Kepa Lehtinen:
Strong melodies over anything else.


Nagamag:
Is music political? Should it be?

Kepa Lehtinen:
I have been on some political projects, including "I Have Only Just Begun,” a song for gay rights in Russia. It made Boy George cry and Madonna said it is something Putin should hear.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Kepa Lehtinen:
Placebo "Running up that hill"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Kepa Lehtinen:
Ryuichi Sakamoto "The Sheltering Sky"

Discover & Listen to Kepa Lehtinen

Kepa Lehtinen on Spotify

Kepa Lehtinen's Signature Track

Kepa Lehtinen on Social Media

Emil Smith Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Emil Smith:
Cinematic, instrumental world (middle eastern).


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Emil Smith:
My background as a music producer, sound engineer and singer/songwriter has shaped my approach to how I currently work with soundtracks and instrumental compositions. I have a deep interest in shaping timbre and working with transforming textures.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Emil Smith:
My first head dive into music was when my brother introduced me to grunge rock. I started playing guitar and instantly connected with the genre and subculture.
A few years later I met a guy who did recordings and synth programming. I was intrigued by the creative process behind sound manipulation and using the recording studio as an instrument and a compositional tool.
Since, I've played in many small bands as a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist and drummer and gradually I've been leaning towards creation and less towards live performance.
I love storytelling, and I think music is a great tool to tell a story. I bring my own story and my love of art, fiction, world music and creativity into my music.


Nagamag:
What is the idea behind the Middle Eastern instrumentation used throughout the EP?

Emil Smith:
The EP is a conceptual soundtrack for an animation project called 'Aetherreach' (in development). It's set in a desert wasteland: As the rivers are polluted by toxic waste, the drought-plagued desert tribes rebel against the tyranny of the advanced tech-nation of Aetherreach.
I wanted the soundtrack to sound middle eastern, without pointing towards a specific culture of traditional music, as the story is set in an alternate universe. This is why the instrumentation is so eclectic - I've borrowed a bit here and there: Syrian kamancheh, Armenian duduk, Turkish saz, North African percussion and kalimba - besides neoclassical strings, dark synths and glitch drums presenting the sci-fi elements from Aetherreach.


Nagamag:
Do you have any new projects coming?

Emil Smith:
I'm sketching out my first ideas for a collaborative project with world influences and dark cinematic bowed textures.
Besides that, I'm working on the score of a short documentary. In August I start a Film Scoring master degree on the National Film School of Denmark.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Emil Smith:
Sudan Archives "Oatmeal"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Emil Smith:
Madar Ensemble "Silence"

Discover & Listen to Emil Smith

Emil Smith on Spotify

Emil Smith's Signature Track

Emil Smith on Social Media

Boeuv Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Boeuv:
Future House Future Bounce Dance Pop


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Boeuv:
Giannis Gkoutzioulis (Boeuv) is a 20-year-old artist from Greece. He has signed tracks with dominating labels such as LoudKult, Loud Memory, MILKSHAKE. His tracks have been supported by Bolier, Lost Frequencies, and many more. Since the beginning of 2020 Boeuv has already achieved having more than one million streams across all streaming services.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Boeuv:
I was 14-years-old when I first got into Electronic Dance Music by listening to Hardwell and coming across to some of the Tomorrowland live sets on YouTube. That light the spark to get into EDM. Since then, I started producing many genres with the help of countless tutorials from the internet and after a while, I started releasing my own music on some small labels. 6 years later, my alias is taking the structure that I like by achieving new goals and having releases on some of the biggest labels.


Nagamag:
What is the part that you give the most attention when you producing a track?

Boeuv:
Most of the time, I tend to give more detail to the atmosphere-ambiance of the track and the vocals. Another important part of a production is the melody of the track which has to be as memorable as possible since that's one of the main reasons that will make the listener come back to your track again and again.


Nagamag:
What is your main goal for 2020?

Boeuv:
My main goal is to release as many tracks as I possibly can and try to experiment with even more genres. I feel like trying new techniques in your productions is one of the greatest things that a producer can try since music has no limits.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Boeuv:
Agnes Obel "Fuel to Fire - Deezer Session"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Boeuv:
Josh Bogert, Laust, Um41K "Can't Say Why"

Discover & Listen to Boeuv

Boeuv on Spotify

Boeuv's Signature Track

Boeuv on Social Media

Leena Hertz Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Neoclassical Features, Neoclassical Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Leena Hertz:
Neo-classics, new age, instrumental, spiritual, piano, cinematic


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Leena Hertz:
I am playing piano since the time I remember myself. My mom is a music teacher and my dad is a big music lover. So piano, guitars, vinyl, music players were normal things in our family. My study background is 16 years: 9 year of classical piano school, 6 years of jazz piano in Moscow College of Improvising Music and 1 year of film composer study in Moscow Film School. Before 2018 I worked mostly as a pianist. I worked at exhibitions and events in Russia and abroad, I played covers and my own music. And I noticed that the public's reaction to my music was very positive. People told me that while listening to my music they had been wrapped in memories, different images, they cried. In 2016 I initiated a movement Piano Maniacs with the idea to connect those who are crazy about piano. But in 2017 I decided to be a professional film composer. In 2018 I started to work as a film composer. Also I've been playing sacred music for Gurdjieff's sacred dances since 2009. In June 2019 I started to record my first studio album Az Esm. It was released on 30/06/2020.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Leena Hertz:
From the beginning of my life I felt myself as a real musician. I always played piano, sang songs, composed music. I played with rattled glass bottles that they are participants of some orchestra. I always made different noises with different things and heard music in them. Now I think that profession of sound designer could be good for me.


Nagamag:
What does the name of your album mean?

Leena Hertz:
My album is called Az Esm. It means I Am. But my music is not about myself. It's about you. You will learn something more about yourself, maybe you will recall something forgotten or maybe you'll discover something new in yourself. You will watch your own movie.


Nagamag:
Where can we listen to your album?

Leena Hertz:
Here is the link to the album: https://sl.onerpm.com/1393422220


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Leena Hertz:
Shpongle "Around The World In A Tea Daze"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Leena Hertz:
Shpongle "Dorset Perception"

Discover & Listen to Leena Hertz

Leena Hertz on Spotify

Leena Hertz's Signature Track

Leena Hertz on Social Media

Leena Hertz's Website

Catty.L Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Interviews, Neoclassical Features, Neoclassical Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Catty.L:
New Age, Neoclassical, Ambient, World, Singer-songwriter


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Catty.L:
Since the age 3 I've been learning to play piano and accordion, music had become a part of my life when I was a kid. I used to sing a lot (well maybe I still do?), then started writing music on my own since I found it's way more interesting. In 2017 my first single "Tirta Empul" was released, after that I've been writing many works in the genres of New Age, Neo-classical, ambient and world music. This year 2020 I'm publishing new Single/EP/albums every month, I'm always excited to write something new !


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Catty.L:
I don't think there's a single one moment that made my wanna be a music artist... Like I said, music is a part of my life, some everything just happened very naturally. Real music can live for us after we died, and help us being remembered by the world, and that's one of the reason becoming a music artist.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Catty.L:
Alexandre Desplat "The Angel"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Catty.L:
Olafur Arnalds "Near Light"

Discover & Listen to Catty.L

Catty.L on Spotify

Catty.L's Signature Track

Catty.L on Social Media

Suraj Mani Interview on Nagamag.com

Categories: Features, Interviews, Songwriter Features, Songwriter Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Suraj Mani:
I've always done lyric heavy stuff. Even from my Motherjane days. My solo career showcases the lyricism even more and I think that's where I'm headed. Lyrical, melodic & peppered with surprises.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Suraj Mani:
Well, I started my musical career as the frontman, lyricist, and vocalist of Motherjane. Did some pretty kick-ass stuff with the band. Won national and Asian level accolades. Now, currently; in my second run, my focus is on the words and then the music.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Suraj Mani:
Yup. I discovered the Beatles. And I fell in love with what music did to me. Quickly developed into a passionate listener. Considering that I hadn't learnt music or even read poetry, etc; I accidentally walked into this profession.


Nagamag:
Can you provide an Insight into your latest EP, "Rinse and Repeat"?

Suraj Mani:
I've always told people my stories and the context behind my songs because I believe that's what people connect with. And at the risk of being hurt, I'll do it again. So, be kind to me as I open up and say that Rinse & Repeat is my way of acknowledging that I failed at my marriage and that I am currently going through a divorce. This is me, looking back at love, its painful destruction, and wondering if I have the courage to start afresh in the courtship game. Because though I'd like to, that's an emotional rollercoaster that runs through despair, defiance, love, lust, storms, and deathly silence. Rinse & Repeat, Sacred Ground, La Petite Mort & Samsara, provide a snapshot of love and relationships in a manner that is all too relevant, today. Am I misstepping in sharing my personal struggles? Maybe. Does doing so, hurt others involved? I hope not. Sometimes it's hard to know for sure what is right and what is wrong. All I can ask myself in such a situation is, does my decision make me feel stronger or weaker?... Yes, it makes me feel stronger to share this because I know that there are many others like me. And while it's still hard for most us to overcome the sorrow of failing at love, none of us need the shame. So, if you're anything like me, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are in your journey, I guess what I'm trying to say is this: take the decisions that make you feel strong. You're NOT alone.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Suraj Mani:
Kishore Kumar "Pyar Deewana Hota hain"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Suraj Mani:
Vernon Noronah "Come back Jack"

Discover & Listen to Suraj Mani

Suraj Mani on Spotify

Suraj Mani's Signature Tracks

Suraj Mani on Social Media

Suraj Mani's Website

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