Kevin Keller Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Kevin Keller:
Ambient chamber music
Neo-classical electronic


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Kevin Keller:
26 years, 12 albums, multiple features on "Hearts of Space" and "Echoes", including Living Room Concerts and interviews. Co-produced live shows with Steve Roach and Robert Rich, recorded with David Darling and Russel Walder. Winner of two ZMR Awards for "Best Neo-Classical Album".


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

Kevin Keller:
The first time I heard "Ambient 2" by Harold Budd and Brian Eno. That album changed my life, and inspired me to make my own music.


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

Kevin Keller:
Temples "Oh! The Saviour"


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

Kevin Keller:
Nils Frahm "#2"

Discover & Listen to Kevin Keller

Kevin Keller on Spotify

Kevin Keller's Signature Track

Kevin Keller on Social Media

Kevin Keller's Website

Stephen Caulfield Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Stephen Caulfield:
Ambient, Contemporary Classical, Neo-classical, Dark Ambient, Space Music


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Stephen Caulfield:
I am a musician and composer that has been making music for a long as I can remember. I grew up in a a pretty large musical family with what felt like music all around me. However I've always preferred writing and working on my own and following my own passions. I was always looking for anything I could lay my hands on that made some kind of interesting music or noise which meant that I never became too locked into any particular music style or genre, something that is still reflected in the music that I listen to. Essentially I love music that moves me emotionally in some way whether I am the one making it or not. Over the years I have released 5 albums and worked on 3 film soundtracks.


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

Stephen Caulfield:
Growing up I remember hearing artists like Queen, ABBA, The Beatles, Blondie and Pink Floyd all through my childhood, in fact sometimes it feels like I have them written into my DNA. This gave me a real appreciation for the power of music to move people emotionally and unite them in a shared experience. It also taught me to follow my own path, success is amazing if it happens, but staying true to your artistic vision will give you creative satisfaction and fulfilment.


Nagamag:
How did your new album come about?

Stephen Caulfield:
My new album, ‘Circuits’ kind of took me by surprise, I wasn't planning on making it and all of a sudden, there it was. I had been working on music for a number of different projects and when I put them together I realised that they worked well together and formed a cohesive album that I really like. On the album I have continued to explore ambient and piano led composition, but I have also introduced some stronger orchestral elements too which I think provide some nice dynamic range over the course of the 15 tracks. As well as the music on Circuits, I have made videos for each track on the album using a series photographs of light manipulations I made that I then animated.


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

Stephen Caulfield:
The Japanese House "Chewing Cotton Wool"


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

Stephen Caulfield:
Jóhann Jóhannsson "Flight From The City"

Discover & Listen to Stephen Caulfield

Stephen Caulfield on Spotify

Stephen Caulfield's Signature Track

Stephen Caulfield on Social Media

Stephen Caulfield's Website

Johan Famaey Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Johan Famaey:
neo-classical, piano, musical, cinematic


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Johan Famaey:
I was four years old when I played my first tunes on the accordeon, taught by my father. It would culminate into my graduation as master in music at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven, Belgium in 2002. 18 years and countless performance in Europe and China and compositions later, a new episode has started in 2020. After very successful performances of my musical Hors in February 2020, based on the legend of Bayard, I've decided to pursue my love for performing on the piano and composing even more passionately.


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

Johan Famaey:
Music was all around me, since my parents were musicians. My father was my first inspirator. Not only did he teach me how to play, he also let me appreciate all genres of music by playing records. I remember very vividly how I was not only enchanted by music of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Schubert but also liked to play arrangements of old songs like 'Crying in the Chapel'. Wen I was a teenager, I heard the music of Ennio Morricone for the first time with the broadcast of 'Secret of the Sahara' on television. His music has had a very profound effect on my adoration for a melody that touches the soul. Music should be felt.


Nagamag:
Do you have any new music coming out?

Johan Famaey:
This year 2020, I will release more piano and orchestral music and even some tracks with vocals on it. For music videos, I work together with the amazing film producer María Cecilia Alguacil from Argentina. Moon Touch has been masterfully produced by her and also Time Passenger is an extraordinary beautiful video which will be shown for the first time September 25th on YouTube. It will be available on Spotify and other streaming platforms around half to end October.


Nagamag:
Do you have any concerts coming up?

Johan Famaey:
Due to covid, it is very difficult for us musicians to perform. Nevertheless, November 28 en 29 I will present a whole new show with my music with piano, backing tracks, dance, vocals and all whistles and bells in terms of light and sound. This will take place in my hometown in Hamme, Belgium.


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

Johan Famaey:
Symphony X "When all is lost"


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

Johan Famaey:
Nils Frahm "Ambre"

Discover & Listen to Johan Famaey

Johan Famaey on Spotify

Johan Famaey's Signature Track

Johan Famaey on Social Media

Johan Famaey's Website

OLI Interview on Nagamag

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


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

OLI:
Alternative Pop is definitely the best way to describe it. Synth, strings and I’m also a big fan of adding jazz elements.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

OLI:
To be honest, ever since I was a child I just knew that this was what I was the only thing I would never stop doing . I’m lucky, my family is extremely musical and I was always encouraged to take up an instrument and perform.
In 2014 I started working with producer Benny D (Stormzy, Boy George, Kylie, Plan B, Robbie Williams, Paloma Faith). I just really love his musical taste and we’ve been a team ever since.


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

OLI:
It would have to be anything ‘Sade’. The whole moody/bedroom pop female vocal that is used so much now a days just makes me think of her. I used to listen to the Diamond Life album every night to help me sleep (early 2000’s) and compared to the crazy pop I was hearing at the time, it just felt so soothing and comforting. Thank stuck with me and made me want to add jazzier elements.


Nagamag:
How did your song with Dave Gahan come to be?

OLI:
It was actually very simple and quick - the song wasn’t finished from their session and needed writing. I thought the backing track was really old Americana and melancholy – which I loved. When I put down the guides for the lyrics we then realised my voice was actually a great mix on the track with his.


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

OLI:
Stereophonics "Dakota"


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

OLI:
Ella M "Myself"

Discover & Listen to OLI

OLI on Spotify

OLI's Signature Track

OLI on Social Media

Fiona Joy Hawkins Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Fiona Joy Hawkins:
New Age, Celtic, Neo-Classical or just romantic piano :) A unique defining style puts music outside the pigeon holes or genre descriptions.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Fiona Joy Hawkins:
I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of eight and found solace in the piano. I buried my head in music, found my calling and discovered a gift that allowed me to believe in my own possibilities. I went into the recording studio for the first time in my 30s and have never wanted to do anything else since.
Im classically trained, love touring and performing and hail from a small village in Australia. I want to reach other people and turn them onto the idea that music has health and connection benefits and the power to make our lives better.


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

Fiona Joy Hawkins:
My Mother was 17 when I was born and my Grandmother moved in to help raise me. She arrived with an old German iron frame piano and it was pure magic to me from the first note that I touched. I literally fell in love with the endless possibilities for sound and its all I have ever truly wanted to do - be a musician.


Nagamag:
What advice would you give newcomers to the music industry.

Fiona Joy Hawkins:
Firstly, hone your skills and learn your craft. After you have that in check, if you want to compose you need to have something to say. Being a composer is about story telling and that comes from the depth of your soul , the ups and downs you have experienced in life. Regarding the business of music.... that is the conundrum we all face, be prepared to work seven days a week for little money except the satisfaction that you are doing something you love and touching lives with your music.


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

Fiona Joy Hawkins:
Wivajoy "Warm Glow"


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

Fiona Joy Hawkins:
FLOW "Promise"

Discover & Listen to Fiona Joy Hawkins

Fiona Joy Hawkins on Spotify

Fiona Joy Hawkins' Signature Track

Fiona Joy Hawkins on Social Media

Fiona Joy Hawkins' Website

Lonely Faces Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Lonely Faces:
Acid, Techno, EDM


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Lonely Faces:
I have been interested in instrumental electronic music from a very young age. Originally playing piano and then bass guitar, i made the change to synthesizers by means of my first set of keys when i was in high school. Having always been fascinated with pattern and repetition, it was natural for me to gravitate towards dance and club music. During my late teens and 20s, i was heavily influenced by what was going on here in Melbourne-it was the 90s- there was a thriving rave scene and the music was very fresh and new. You could go out just about every night of the week- it was a very Inspirational time and i feel very honoured to be part of a very exciting era in music.

It was really a decade later that i really became serious about production and really started to build my studio and learn my craft. I had a strong leaning toward analog synthesizers and classic technology form the 80s being a prolific user of many of the Roland instruments from that era, namely the x0x series of devices that we all know and love.

My association with Tempest Recordings and more recently, it's subsidiary Slice Records, began around 5 years ago with the release of some work under the name Guilty Hero (a duo)- a name i no longer use. I decided to forge ahead with Lonely Faces, as this satisfied my various creative desires, and this is where I find myself today....Happily working in my studio, experimenting and exploring.


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

Lonely Faces:
Music has always been a combination of escapism and self expression for me. From a very early age, i had an interest in the process of electronic music making- even long before i knew the techniques, i was compelled my the musical result of sound design and sequencing. I listened to a lot of krout rock and decided that one day I was to create my own technology based art.


Nagamag:
You talk about 80s Synthesizers. Can you please elaborate about the uses of this technology.

Lonely Faces:
I think a lot of people would assume that technology based music would use the most up-to-date equipment at the time....Not so for me, as most of the sound sources i use really have there roots in previous decades. As with many of my contemporaries the TR series of drum machines and of course the 303 are very important devices. The way these instruments sound has always intrigued me, both in use and result.


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

Lonely Faces:
Mike Oldfield "Ommadawn Pt1"


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

Lonely Faces:
Thomas P. Heckmann "Himmel & Hoelle"

Discover & Listen to Lonely Faces

Lonely Faces on Spotify

Lonely Faces' Signature Track

Lonely Faces on Social Media

Sbeady Interview on Nagamag

Categories: Features, Instrumental Hip Hop Features, Instrumental Hip-hop Interviews, Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , |


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

Sbeady:
I never thought about my music in genres or at least subgenres, because it's obviously hip hop, that I make most of the time. Nevertheless, I would never limit myself to a genre. I'm influenced by everything that hits me and gives me emotions in whatever mood. But to be honest, currently I'm all into this lofi hip hop and chillhop thing. I really began to love this sound and I want to dig deeper into it, while keeping and pushing my own unique style and recognition value.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Sbeady:
I started in the early 2000s after I were exposed to music production through a friend of mine. I was a huge hip hop fan, listening to non Phixion, Necro, Mobb Deep, Nas, Cage, Beatnuts and many others all the time, but also German acts like Kool Savas and Azad were running through my headphones frequently.
Over the time, the love for music got bigger and bigger. I made beats 24/7, skipped school to make music together with my friends which used to rap. We hung out and wrote songs as a crew in our own self made studio. Seriously the best time of my life. From time to time, I worked together with other underground acts. For example Millionadi, Peat38, Favourite and Casper. The last one became a bit more known some years later.
As time went by, the old crew drifted in different directions, people lived their own life. We stopped making music together. I took years off from music.
In 2016, I decided to make a beat album. Some turbulent private stuff came along, I needed a break again, so that I eventually finished it at the beginning of 2020. The kind people at the independent label "Vinyl Digital" gave me a chance, agreed to release it in May and I signed a contract there. To work with them is great and uncomplicated (Shout out to Julius).
Only after all that, I really came in contact with lofi hip hop and now here I am!


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

Sbeady:
The first real connection was in my early days as a rug rat. Hardly able to walk, my favourite thing to do at home was putting my dad’s headphones on and listen to his vinyl records. We lived in the former GDR - East Germany - and my dad used to buy his records on East Berlin black markets. He collected music, you normally couldn't get there, because it was forbidden. Blues, Rock and Metal bands were his favourites like Canned Heat, Deep Purple, Genesis, Metallica, Motörhead and Scorpions.
Since I was a small child, I loved to listen to these vinyl treasures and I still do to up until this very day when I dig samples out of the crackling and warm sounding records from the good old days.


Nagamag:
How do you aproach a new Song? Do you start with a beat or do you come with melody first and how do you go on from there?

Sbeady:
I always always start with the melody. Regardless if I start from scratch, have something in mind and begin to write some chords into the piano roll or if I listened to some vinyl records, found a lovely sample, chopped it and played around with the slices on my Maschine MK2. I always start with the melody or chord progression. Then I would add synths or other instruments and the bassline of course. The drums are usually the last thing I write into the song. I know many producers out there that start with the drums, but I never did because I have to feel the vibes the melodic parts give me, before I play the drums. Sometimes I write the whole song arrangement before I even choose the drum sounds.


Nagamag:
Would you ever consider having a feature on one of your tracks?

Sbeady:
As I used to produce beats for rappers and singers for many years and just started with lofi hiphop in 2020, I’m excited to work on my own and don't have to wait till vocals are written and recorded. I can just write the song, finish it on my own, produce the sound design, and release it whenever I want. I enjoy this freedom. But of course, when an artist catches my attention and we have somewhat of a connection, I'm happy to work with him. No matter if it's a rapper, singer, beat producer, pianist or other instrumentalist. If we click, we will rock!


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

Sbeady:
Journey "Don't Stop Believin' "


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

Sbeady:
Turnawai "honeymilk"

Discover & Listen to Sbeady

Sbeady on Spotify

Sbeady's Signature Track

Sbeady on Social Media

Sbeady's Website

Lumiere Interview on Nagamag

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

Photocredits: George Tatakis


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

Lumiere:
I believe that my music style moves constantly inside a square the 4 tips of which are a) Modern classical b) Minimalism c) Indie d) Electronic


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Lumiere:
Apart from 3 years of piano lessons when I was in elementary school and some lessons of sax some years ago, I am basically a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and composer. I formed an indie rock band ("Serpentine") when I was studying Physics in the University of Patras in the early 00s and later I released a couple of dream pop albums through 2 independent Greek labels. Since 2016, I am focused on composing instrumental music, releasing my debut album as Lumiere in 2017 and now looking forward to the release of my second album, "Phases" on the 18th September 2020.


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

Lumiere:
I think the first album that I really loved in its entirety was "Morning Glory" by Oasis, being also one of the first albums that I bought, in my teens. Listening to that album tens of times made me want to write my own songs.


Nagamag:
How does the new album display your growth as Lumiere?

Lumiere:
In my new album, for the first time, I have used extensively percussion and generally rhythmic structures along with the melodic elements for which I have used strings and brass. Apart from that, in almost half the tracks, there are drums and electric bass, creating a music combo of orchestral and indie elements, which is something I have never tried in the past.


Nagamag:
Was there an inspiration behind the rhythmic nature of “Doppler”?

Lumiere:
The Doppler effect in Physics is the change in the frequency of a wave in relation to a moving observer. My inspiration for the music of the song came from this natural effect and as a result came the pulsating drums, marimbas, and the beating of the horns (representing the waves) and the bending notes of the strings (representing the change in frequency).


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

Lumiere:
Piero Piccioni "Right or Wrong"


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

Lumiere:
Per Störby Jutbring "The Thief Bunny Society"

Discover & Listen to Lumiere

Lumiere on Spotify

Lumiere's Signature Track

Lumiere on Social Media

Lumiere's Website

Mark Sutton Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Mark Sutton:
Spiritual
Orchestral
Easy Listening
Cinematic
Nostalgic


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Mark Sutton:
My family are mainly all musicians and music and theatre were encouraged growing up. I've not played live too many times, but one of my highlights was accompanying a ukulele player for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival a few years back.
My main aim is to get my music distributed to as many ears as possible. The positive feedback I receive about my tunes always spurs me on to do more.


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

Mark Sutton:
When I was around 10 years old I remember starting to play the piano. I started creating some small tunes and my parents decided they would send me to have some piano lessons but after 6 months the teacher decided she could not teach me as I played by ear and once I had the tune in my head all the fingering was wrong.
Elton John, Scott Joplin and James P. Johnson were all great inspirers for me growing up.


Nagamag:
How has your music progressed over the years?

Mark Sutton:
Over the last 15 years in particular, my music has more or less been channeled. I sit at the piano and literally tune into my higher self and the tunes seem to flow from my fingers. I've also dabbled with orchestrating my tracks using Logic Pro and these seem to have been widely well received, although my first love and inspiration is from the piano.


Nagamag:
Do you favour a particular type of piano?

Mark Sutton:
At the moment I play a baby grand K.Kawai GL-30. I love the tone and speed of the notes from the way the keys are weighted, they seem to encourage me to play. I've had quite a few pianos over the years, Yamaha, Kaps and a Kemble/Mozart limited edition. All of which have played their part in helping me do mine.


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

Mark Sutton:
Supertramp "Logical Song"


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

Mark Sutton:
Randy Newman "God's Song"

Discover & Listen to Mark Sutton

Mark Sutton on Spotify

Mark Sutton's Signature Track

Mark Sutton on Social Media

Mark Sutton's Website

Padre Tóxico Interview on Nagamag

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


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

Padre Tóxico:
As my first love was hip-hop and 2nd electronica, therefore the outcome is often fusion of these two genres. But I don't like to keep only one direction. Very often during my recording sessions I sit down with an idea to make some hip-hop sounds and I finish with a minimal house or ambient joint. It might sound cheap but I follow my heart (or rather my ears).


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Padre Tóxico:
I have started in November 2019 having no experience at all, no much has changed since then :)
My only help what the fact that I through many years, have listened to thousands of different artists who composed various music genres. Thanks to that, I knew what I want to create.


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

Padre Tóxico:
Sure. I heard Snoop Doggy Dogg's "What's my name" on school corridor. That was the begining of my love for music. But I was a kid then, so it was mainly passive listetner. My urge to create appeared when I have started to consume music consciously and that began when I fell in love for the 2nd time - this time my chosen one was electronic music. Tracks from Jon Hopkins, Kiasmos, Stimming, Synkro, Lapalux, Aparde, Ross From Friends and Four Tet gave me natural high which has lasted till I bought my music gear.


Nagamag:
What is your favourite track off your "Mandala" album?

Padre Tóxico:
I would go with Dopamine Warmness and then Serotonin Reuptake.


Nagamag:
Do you plan to work with other artists?

Padre Tóxico:
Of course, I would love to. I already did "Summer in LA" with UK singer Pri. My dream is to make whole "Life Supplement" album a vocal fueled one - with a help from some hiphop and rnb artists, I hope one day that will happen.


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

Padre Tóxico:
Jon Hopkins "Open Eye Signal"


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

Padre Tóxico:
Kiasmos "Bent" and "Burnt" I love them both the same

Discover & Listen to Padre Tóxico

Padre Tóxico on Spotify

Padre Tóxico's Signature Track

Padre Tóxico on Social Media

Padre Tóxico's Website

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