#introducin

INTRODUCIN’ #114- TOTEM CITY

Salt Lake City’s artful pop duo Totem City answer some questions about how they met, their sound and some of their favourite artists!

01. Hello. How are you doing and what are you up to? We are up watching Spy Kids 2 at 1:17 AM.

02. How did the band come together? We met over social media and collaborated on an EDM track that Nick produced. After working together for a few months, we decided to just be a duo.

03. What was the inspiration behind your name? Totems are spiritual devices that provide protection. Music is like that in a sense. Music can save lives, spark change, and unite the world. Without it, we would be lost.

04. Where are you based out of? What are some of your favourite things about your city? We are based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake is honestly so underrated. The music scene is so diverse here! The restaurants are unique and full of good food. However, we both agree that our favorite thing about Salt Lake, and Utah as a whole, is the scenery. From huge mountains to to cool lakes; there are so many sights to see here, its insane!

05. What was the name of the first song you wrote together? What was it about and did you ever have a chance to perform it live? The first song we ever wrote was called “Tell Me”. The song is about falling in love with someone who is poisonous. We have never performed it in front of a live audience simply because of how our music has evolved. It’s a chill song, but just wouldn’t fit in with our current stuff. It can be listened to on SoundCloud for free.

06. What can we expect from musically this year? We are working on a music video for our song “Prequel” and are wrapping up on a new single. Both of those are expected to be finished and dropped before June of this year.

07. What are some of the bands that you were into growing up? Any artists in particular that made you want to get into making music? Luke: I was raised on the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Eyed Peas, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Queen. All of those bands/artists have helped me discover myself as a songwriter. They set the bar for what it takes to be a musical icon. Michael Jackson though, he was the one who made me want to pursue what I do. The costumes, lights, effects, singing and dancing; it looked like so much fun. So I gave it a try, and instantly fell in love.

Nick: I listened to Queen growing up. Freddie Mercury made me want to be a rockstar, but it was Skrillex that inspired me to get into DJing and producing.

08.  If you could work with any artist in collaboration who would you choose? Luke: I would want to work with Lady Gaga. She is so out there with her creativity. She uses music to provide a voice for those too afraid to speak up. She is a genius.

Nick: I would work with The Piano Guys. My mentor and neighbor is their producer. It’s one of my life goals to work with them in the studio.

09. Any local artists that you are into and would love to share with us?Luke: I love IVOURIES. Their songs are full of catchy riffs, beautiful vocals, and sick guitar solos over triphop beats. It’s unique and I love it.

Nick: Radius, Crook, and Malixe. Radius and Crook are hip hop artists and provide some substance to the local music scene. Even if you’re not into hip hop, you’ll like them. Malixe is a local dubstep producer, and is really good.

10. Any sleeping tips for us? Luke: I have a hard time going to sleep at night just because of how wired my brain is. I have a night routine that helps me prepare for bed and gets me in a sleepy mood. I want to make a YouTube video about it sometime.

Nick: I don’t sleep. Late nights are when I work on music the most and when I’m most creative. So, when starting out in the music business, get a job that is flexible and lenient with your hours.

11. What has been your most memorable touring experience? Luke: We have actually not gone on a tour, but we have played some rad shows around Salt Lake City. Hopefully we’ll have some funds saved up for a tour in the future. My favorite experience at a show however, would be watching the audience clap and dance to our music. Some people even knew the words. It was a dream come true.

INTRODUCIN’  #113 FLOOR CRY

Winnipeg singer-songwriter  Felicia Sekundiak gives us the details on her upcoming music, city and it’s thriving local scene.

01. Hello how are you and what's up? Hello! I am good! right now I am watching 90s skate videos and trying to draw a picture of something I saw in my dream last night. 02. What was the origin behind your band name? I guess it’s sort of a play on ‘war cry’ because music has always been an outlet for me. I also spend a lot of time laying on my floor listening to sad records so it’s poking fun at that. 03. What were some of your favourite songs and artists growing up? Oh wow there are so many. I grew up listening to a wide range of music because my dad has this massive collection of albums. Some of the first artists/bands I started listening to are the Beach Boys, Radiohead, David Bowie, The Beatles, Prince, and Talking Heads. A few of my favourite songs were (and still are) “magic dance” by David Bowie, “All I Wanna Do” by The Beach Boys, and “This Must Be The Place” by Talking Heads. Amazing tunes. 04. What city are you based out of? What are some of your fav things about your city? I am from Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are a lot of things I love about this city but I mostly love the people! I have made so many great friends here…a lot of talented and creative minds and we all support each other. We also have some cool museums and things. 05. What is your process to writing a track? It’s different every time. I’m always writing lyrics. A lot of them have been destroyed in various washing machines because i forgot to take them out of my jean pockets so now I’ve resorted to writing them in my phone. if I really like a lyric idea I’ll try to come up with a tune for it right away. other times I’ll come up with some sort of chord progression first and go from there. In the end every song I record always ends up sounding very different than it originally did in my mind…I think it’s important to give your music room to breathe. 06. What was the name of the first song you ever wrote? Did you have a chance to sing it live and what was it inspired by? I started writing songs when I was about 7 or so but I think it’s safe to say they weren’t great!! I can’t remember the first one I ever wrote (luckily) but the first one I actually recorded is called ‘Mercurial’. It’s a sappy breakup song…I don’t remember if it was inspired by an actual person or not. when I write these types of songs I almost always write based on a feeling rather than a specific person or I’ll exaggerate a situation for the sake of the song. I haven’t performed it live because my style has changed so much since I started playing shows. I still write a lot of sappy songs but that one sounds very folky. 07. What inspires you musically? Old cartoons, sunsets, pastel colours, weird experiences and feelings, gardens, people. 08. What can we expect from you in the upcoming months? A lot of collaborations! and a new album! I have so many projects on the go right now and I am looking forward to finishing them all once life settles down a bit. My friend Polo who makes music under the name ‘Mellow Fellow’ and I are planning on releasing something soon. I’m a big fan of his stuff so I’m very excited for it to all come together. 

INTRODUCIN’  #112- KULT KYSS

Melbourne experimental pop duo Kult Kyss craft boundless and out of this world soundscapes that will blow your mind! Here they give us some answers on their on sound and craft!

01. Hello. How are you both and what's going up? Hello. We’re well thank you. Rromarin is going up onto the roof to take photos with She Is Aphrodite

02. How did you pick your duo name? We wanted a name that was unique but easy to pronounce and remember. Kult Kyss translates differently in a few languages from Cult Kiss to Cool Kiss or Mystery Kiss, which we like.

03. How did the duo come together? We’ve known each other for a while and have made music together in different projects. Kult Kyss was born after making lots of music together and discovering a new sound and vision.

04. What are some of your favourite artists growing up? Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Bjork, Air, Death Cab For Cutie (to name a few)

05. What city are you based out of? What are some of your favourite things about your city? Melbourne. We love the street art and installations, the music scene and party culture, the parks, the river, the Collingwood Children’s Farm and the Museum.

06. What was the name of the first song that you guys wrote together? What was it about and did you ever have the chance to preform it? The first song we wrote as Kult Kyss was Get Up Boy. There are songs that we wrote before KK was officially born that will be on our EP, but Get Up Boy was the first track under the new project. We have yet to perform it live :)

07. What was the inspiration behind Get Up Boy? The idea of living in the wilderness, living in another world in the trees and snow, being untamed and free, and having someone as your friend and companion that you look out for.

08. When did you two pay your first show? Where was it and how was the venue? and how did it go? We have yet to perform live as Kult Kyss. But our first performance together as musicians was many years ago on a 45 degree day, the third hottest day in Melbourne’s history. It was intense.

09. Describe how you two put a song together? It always starts with an instrumental idea, then vocals follow. Once we have instrumental and vocal ideas down we’ll hone and develop the track. We produce and record everything ourselves so are lucky that we can make music any time of the day or night.

10. Any sleeping tips for us? Listen to meditation music or the Joe Rogan Experience podcast as you fall asleep. Both can be found on Youtube. Having a pet cat to cuddle also helps.

11. Any local bands that you are into and would love to share? King IV, I Know Leopard, Braille Face, Lupa J, LANKS, Lucian Blomkamp, North Elements, Milwaukee Banks, Buoy, Habits, Recluse ~ to name just a few. We could go on and on.

12. What are some things you cannot live without musically? Our recording and production gear / our computers / beer / ? our pet cat to chill us out

13. Any new songs we can look forward to in the new year? We have a lot of music underway. The first release for 2017 will be a collab with German producer Mazde, followed by our own music throughout the year. We’re also collabing with various of Australian artists. Lots to come.

BONUS

INTRODUCIN’  #110- NOYUS

Hailing from Vilinus, Lithuania we have producer and experimental dream-pop troubadour NOYUS sharing some thoughts on his sound, his city and dream collaborations! 

01. Hey man! What's up and how are you doing? Hi! I’m doing well! 02. What city are you based out of? What are some your favourite things about your city I’m from Vilnius, Lithuania. It has a small underground life which is cool but I’m not really into it, I’m a watcher. Vilnius has nice bars and other spots, it has beautiful Old Town, parks…

03. What was the name of the first song you wrote? When did you write it and what was it about? Did you ever get the chance to preform it live?It’s “Cocaine". I wrote it in 2015 July 1. I remember that I was tired that night when I wrote “Cocaine", but there always was that one person in my mind. I was thinking that I’m totally addicted to her. Of course it wasn’t love, but I just adored her. And then the lyrics came to my head. I was like “I need your Cocaine, that I’m addicted to, It’s inside, that’s why I love you”. I thought I was genius for those lyrics. I loved them so much that I told myself to go on and create more stuff. Now “Cocaine” is one of my songs, which I like less, but people like it the most. I have never played “Cocaine” live and I never will. I just don’t feel it.

04. How would you describe the sound that you make? Spaces. Places. Echoes. 

05. How would you describe your songwriting process? I’m not a good writer, but I write from my heart. Mostly I write about sad things because that’s my way to get rid of sadness. 

06. How is the music scene in your city? Any great bands from your area we need to know? I think Lithuania has a lot of talented, unique, original bands and solo artists, but my country is definitely conquered by pop culture. But I see that people started noticing great bands like Garbanotas Bosistas, Baltasis Kiras and that’s cool! Actually Lithuania is developing in culture way and that makes me happy.

07.What was the inspiration behind Sailor Moon? This song is very personal. You know… Love. Me and Ükku had a very familiar sad love stories so that’s how “Sailor Moon” was born. It was kind of a shade on someone, but it was like a beautiful memory too. Melody just came to us. We recorded that track in like 3-4 hours with writing.

08. What were some of your favourite artists that you listened to growing up? Everything started from Lithuanian pop and that’s terrible! Then I moved on to international mainstream. I remember I was a huge fan of Lady Gaga when I was nine. Actually sometimes I listen to her music these days too. Basically I was listening to pop until 2015 when I found some cool playlists on Spotify. But there’s one thing that always were with me is my dad’s music that he was listening to. I’m talking about Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, David Bowie and many more. 

09. What is the inspiration behind Wine? I recorded Wine’s first demo in September and it’s name was “letter-L”. I wrote that song few days after releasing “Hypnosis” and I already had an idea for my new album. I was thinking about writing letters to people that I often think about and then to create melodies for them. I made like hundreds of instrumentals after “Hypnosis”. I started experimenting and my first idea for my new record was live instruments so I decided to take my sister’s violin and play some pizzicato sounds. I know how to play piano so I played some simple chords too. After all I wasn’t very satisfied with the result of this song (even now, when it’s done), but it sounded interesting and I thought that I want to publish it.

10. Any sleeping tips for us? THAT POPPY - 3:36 (Music To Sleep To). I’m telling you. It helps.

11. What can we expect from you in 2017? New sounds. I’m already working on something. I’m trying to make something dark and exotic.

INTRODUCIN’ - #109- EMERSON LONG

Melbourne based artist and producer Emerson Long has a penchant for beat soaked melodies that thrill the heart and the soul equally. Here is he on his sound and his city and a recent trip to Europe!

01. Hey. What's up and how are you?

I'm well, thanks for asking! Recently I've just been working on numerous tracks and different projects, and of course running around crazily buying presents for Christmas.

02. What city are you based out of? What are some of your favourite things about your city?

I'm based in my awesome hometown of Melbourne. There's so many neighbourhoods that have their own sub-cultures which keeps everything exciting. Plus there's all kinds of amazing food here too.

03. What artists made you want to get into making music?

The reason I started making music is kind of a funny story (for another time maybe!), though I feel that singer-songwriters had the earliest impact on me, namely Benjamin Francis Leftwich & Bon Iver. However it was definitely listening to Flume's debut album which sparked my interest in electronic music.

04. What was the name of the first composition you wrote? Do you remember what was it about and did you ever get a chance to preform it live?

I don't want to say the name of the first track I made because it's actually online, and it's not great! I put it on YouTube under a different name, and as a little fun fact, I actually still use parts of the track to close out my sets.

05. You recently visited Europe! How was the trip and will be hearing any upcoming music that was perhaps influenced by your trip?

To me, the most amazing thing about the ten countries I visited in Europe was that each and every one of them were nothing like what I had expected. I've got quite a bit of music lined up, including an EP coming out early this new year. Some of it is influenced by my trip but most were written beforehand. I spent some time trying to see how music existed in different contexts around Europe, ranging from folk at the Brazen Head to techno at Tresor, and I have no doubt that those experiences will all influence my future music.  

06. What was the inspiration behind your track Heatwave?

Without going into too much detail I actually shaped Heatwave around the idea of "expectations" in society but this isn't supposed to be evident in the end result, as I wanted to keep the track lighthearted.

07. What are some things you cannot live without musically?

Mainly my laptop, because it can basically do everything. Maybe my guitar too, because even though I'm very average at playing, it takes me to a simpler place.

08. Are there any artists that you would love to do a collaboration with?

I actually thought about this yesterday and there's this Icelandic band called Amiina which makes like ambient indie folk I guess, and I'm intrigued by what would be possible.

09. Any local artists that you are into and would love to share?

There's a producer called HFNR in Melbourne who actually doesn't produce much for himself but more for rappers & vocalists, but I think he's got a good ear and can see him working with bigger names in the future.

10. Any sleeping tips for us?

INTRODUCIN’- #108 BARLEAUX

Pop straight from the heart to beguile the listener. Brooklyn based singer songwriter bedroom pop Barleaux gives us the details on her sounds, city and her upcoming music. Enjoy her words below!

1. Hello what's going on and how are you?

Howdy! I'm pretty good. Besides being a bit fed up with the windiness in NY right now, haha. There is lots going on. As a true New Yorker, it's important to seem busy all the time, even if you aren't. That's a fact.

2. What city are you based out of? What are some of your favourite things to do and places to go to in your city?

I am currently based in NY, but I tend to wander. Spent time in LA and Nashville recently.

There's a lot of amazing things to do in NY. I like trying new places to eat. I like whiskey. There's a techno club in Brooklyn called Bossa Nova Civic Club that I like going to for a night of dancing. Highly recommended.

3. What were some of the artists that you listened to growing up? Any you feel made you want to go into music?

Growing up, I listened to a lot of singer-songwriters. I was pretty into Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton. Still am, actually. Adolescent Barleaux was pretty set on doing the solo artist thing. But I've always listened to the radio and fully enjoyed a well-crafted pop song.

04. What was the name of the first song you wrote? What was it about and did you ever get the chance to perform it live?

The first song I ever wrote was called, "There Are Days When." I wrote it after I came home from my first day of 8th grade. I definitely played it at my fair share of camp and school talent shows. We've come a long way on the title front, I would like to hope

5. Is there a general theme for your upcoming EP?

Definitely. I like to write in themes. But that's also something that just naturally takes shape and happens when you write on a frequent basis.

For the upcoming EP - most of the tracks (besides my current single, “Freedom”) are actually pretty dreary and dark with a lot of electronic textures. They sort of create a fantasy world of deep heartbreak and disappointment (sounds fun, right?)

I've learned that I don't always write in the mood that I'm feeling at that moment. Like if I'm having a shitty year, I need to write a song like my new single, "Freedom," to send me in another direction - a more positive one.

6. What is your songwriting process?

It's different every time. I used to start by sitting at a piano or guitar, but now it comes in the form of voice memos. I demo it, and then I take it to the studio. I like to sit on it longer than I did when I was trying to accomplish more of a singer-songwriter vibe.

7. How would you describe your sound?

I think my sound is ethereal pop, with some tones of dark synths and reflective lyrics. I just really enjoy writing. Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint what exactly it is your sound is until you get feedback from people who have listened to the music and like it.

8. What was the inspiration behind your single Freedom?

Freedom came out very quickly. I wanted to write a positive and upbeat song about moving forward and seeking a change in identity.

9. Any local artists you are into and would love to share with us?

My friends are really thriving right now. I've been listening to a lot of random stuff on SoundCloud - not much locally. My friend Emma White in Nashville just released a few singles. Jesse Ruben is dominating the singer-songwriter scene. Pretty obsessed with queer trio MUNA. Baby Alpaca, iamBADDLUCK, NVDES, Bob Moses (always), and Skela are all on my newest SoundCloud playlist right now. You can find it on the Barleaux SoundCloud account - including my new single, "Freedom!"

10. Any sleeping tips for us?

Put your phone down.

11. What are some plans for you musically in the upcoming year?

INTRODUCIN’ - #107  Sem&Stènn

A typical track from Italian-pop duo Sem&Stènn will fully immerse the listener into a sumptuous and richly emotional orchestra of feeling while they are dancing their hearts out on the club-floor. We have a few questions that we asked this duo about their crafts, signature sounds and their city and they more than graciously answered! 

01. Hello! How are you and what's going on?

Great! We've just got up and had breakfast

02. What city are you two based out of? What are some of your favourite things to see and do in your city?

Milan is the place we met and we live. Must do -Things are: have a walk in Brera, go to the “Museo del ‘900” (museum), all you can eat - sushi, buy clothes in vintage markets, clubbing at Plastic.

03. How did the group come together?

We started chatting on a blog in 2006, but we met physically in 2011 - and we fell in love too! We attended an Electronic Music Production class and being djs for few clubs here in Milan. 2 years ago we started working on our first album: writing music has always been our dream.

04. What were some of your favourite artists growing up?

Sem loves The Doors and Patty Pravo, Stènn is more into Goldfrapp and Robyn, but both of us still have the same teen icon: Christina Aguilera.

05. What was the name of the first song you wrote together? What was it about and did you get the chance to preform it live?

We wrote “Baby Run” and it was magical because it took 4 hours to be done. It is about the growing desire to reach our goals, running to them. We performed live at Plastic, it was our first performance ever!!

06. What was the inspiration behind your track Baby Run? How did you come up with the concept for your video?

We’ve been deeply inspired by Basement Jaxx and Pet Shop Boys, the video represents the run as an escape from a crazy russian girl who wants to kill us because we are gays

07. What are some things you are both missing about your cities that you grew up in?

Sem misses food and sea, the slow peace of life, Stènn misses his grandma and her way of taking care of him.

08. When did you guys preform together for the first time? When and where did that take? How was the crowd and how did it go?

We performed Baby Run live at Plastic on April 24, we remember it was extremely crowded and people were singing with us during the whole performance, it was a huuuge satisfaction

09. What is the process you two have for writing songs?

we first look for the right sound we are inspired by, and start playing some harmonies with our midi controllers or making noises and recording them.

10.What was the inspiration behind Jewels and Socks?

It’s basically a song about our intimate sphere we live, where we feel protect from the outside world - which can be really mean sometimes. It’s the heart of the record.

11. Any sleeping tips for us?

Listen to our song “Far Away With My Brain” and the XX song “Islands” - they help us relaxing. Then drink a hot infusion with lavender

12. Any local bands from your city that you are into and would love to share with us?

Pashmak are really cool, and Etna - amazing producers.

13. Do we have some more music to look forward to before the end of the year?

INTRODUCIN’- #106- LUCKY BEACHES

Now a tasty interview from art-ful and enigmatic pop-rock artist Lucky Beaches  who is based out of city of ten thousand sunrises and sunsets-Los Angeles and crafts explosive pop-rocks candy style sounds!

01. Hey. What's up and how are you doing?

Hello DiamondDeposits! I’m doing great thanks! Glad I get this chance to do an interview with yas!

02. What circumstances brought lucky beaches together?

Moving to America. I’d have to say that was the catalyst. I was living in Liverpool, England & in a strange turn of events, I re-located to California. The experience set in motion lots of things that led to me coining ‘Lucky Beaches’.

03. What was the inspiration behind Pink Champagne?

Selfie-Shrine worship, in general.

04. What city are you based out of? What are your fav things about the city--venues, places to hang?

I’m based out of Los Angeles. My favorite things about the city would definitely have to include the landscape. Sometimes I forget I live in such a beautiful place, I love being reminded by the mountains & meandering hills. Gives the place a magic.

05. What was the first song that Lucky Beaches composed and put together. What was it about and what was it called?

It was a love song about girl I really fancied! (& Still do). I called it ‘Jenny Mo’.

06. What are you missing about Liverpool?

The rain. It’s rare here in L.A! I miss that. Not to say I don’t like the blinding sunshine here. It’s just I miss the smell of gardens in the rain.

07 How would you describe the sound you make?

Absolutely great! Jaw-trembling! The like's you only hear if you listen. Everywhere when you’re there. Haha, something bold & mysterious like that ;)

08. What events inspired Go At It Alone?

A romantic nightmare. Ha! But yes, a close shave. I’m a romantic @ heart so It’s easy for me to get soppy after ‘abuss aorta’. That’s all though.

09. What are some of the local artists that you are into and would love to share with us?

I really enjoy seeing The_Myst play around town when they do, it’s one of the few times I actually make an effort to get tickets & make sure I’m stoned out my mind! 

10. Any sleeping tips?

The_Myst + a ‘dense' indica, maybe a bottle of Merlot if you’re feeling like a ‘wild sort of rocker’ hahaha.

11. Favourite beach to go to? Coral Canyon Beach! In Malibu. I learned to boogie-board there.