Trickshooter Social Club
Trickshooter Social Club Trickshooter Social Club has built a reputation for blending Americana, roots rock, and alt-country with raw energy and heartfelt songwriting. In this interview, the band reflects on its influences, creative evolution, and memorable experiences. 1. Trickshooter Social Club blends roots rock, Americana, blues, and alt-country into a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. How did the band’s musical identity develop, and what influences have been most important in shaping it? We had very similar influences, Social Distortion, early Wilco, Neil Young, Tom Petty. Etc right from the jump. We also each had our own influences that we brought to the table: everything from Johnny Cash to Daniel Lanois to John Lee Hooker to Metallica-which we embraced. It was this soup that fueled our writing. We also knew we didn’t want to be four dudes staring at their shoes. We wanted to connect with each other and the audience and bring raw energy to every record and everyperformance. And as we’ve added Trickshooters to the mix, it’s grown exponentially. 2. Larry and Steve began writing together during late-night studio sessions that eventually sparked the creation of Trickshooter Social Club. What was it about that creative partnership that made the project click from the very beginning?We’ve been pretty blessed to have such a unique, and fulfilling partnership. There’s a distinct lack of ego between us and a huge amount of trust. We’re not precious with material we each come up with.If something works, it will naturally become a thing we both want to work on. And we’re always open to changing things, deconstructing and rebuilding until finally it sounds something that’s distinctly Trickshooter and not something Steve or Larry’s. Even if we’re constantly redefining what Trickshooter sounds like. It’s a weird thing to explain. But it’s an unbelievable gift to be a part of. 3. Your album American Experiment received praise for its contagious energy and evocative songwriting. Looking back on that release, what do you feel it says about the band and where you were creatively at the time?It was our juice cleanse phase, so maybe that. All kidding aside, we had two albums under our wheels, and we were really writing songs that felt like something honest and authentic. We were exploring how to use more voices and different guitar sounds, different instruments and really expanding what the idea of Trickshooter could be. And that came across in American Experiment and those live shows. 4. Having shared stages with notable artists and performed iconic venues across the United States, are there any particular shows or tour experiences that stand out as defining moments in the band’s journey? We’ve worked hard to get into some big, iconic places like House of Blues, Whiskey a Go-Go and Viper Room (LA), the Metro and Lincoln Hall (Chicago) and we’ve loved it. Standing where a lot of our influences have played and soaking in the storied surroundings. That said, some of our favorite shows have been in smaller, sweatier clubs. Like Rockwood Music Hall (NY) (RIP), Fiddler’s Elbo (UK) and Montrose Saloon (Chicago). Something about being packed in with people there to discover something new – it just satisfies our punk hearts. 5. Fans always seem to enjoy the story about playing the House of Blues right after Ted Nugent—and his live buffalo. What exactly happened that night, and where does that experience rank among the strangest moments in Trickshooter Social Club history?Pretty strange. I mean, I think we all wanted a buffalo after that, a dream that’s gone widely unrealized. And we’ve yet to wear a loin cloth while shooting flaming arrows mid-solo. Mostly, it was a push. To always remember the audience. Make moments memorable. The crowd may or may not remember the version of Wango Tango that night. But they remember the buffalo. As did the people who had to clean the stage, we imagine. Trickshooter Social Club
A Taste of Salt
A Taste of Salt A Taste of Salt introduces its debut single, “Safe No More,” a thoughtful and emotionally charged reflection on uncertainty, loss, and hope, blending poignant songwriting with rich collaboration and atmospheric production. 1. Congratulations on the release of your debut single, “Safe No More.” What inspired you to launch A Taste of Salt with this particular song, and why did it feel like the right introduction to the project?Thank you. I’ll be honest with you. It was the first one that finished on time. I guess the proper thing to do would be to release the track that inspired the name ‘A Taste of Salt’ for the project but at the end of the day it’s more important is to keep moving with what you have at any given moment even if it’s not ideal. What matters to me is that this new cycle of songs marks a settle and quite evolution of my work regarding songwriting and production. 2. The song reflects on uncertainty, fear, and the unpredictability of modern life. Were there any specific events or experiences that influenced the lyrics and overall message behind “Safe No More”?I think the song came out as a reaction on the news I was watching at the time. Bombarded houses that who knows what took to be built, scenes of a father who lost his children. Cruel scenes no one can forget or forgive. 3. In the press release, you describe the world as a modern Babel where meaningful communication has become increasingly difficult. How does this idea connect to the themes explored in the song?Well i guess it doesn’t at a first glance and it’s not the main theme of the song but the need for communication plays a central part in my work and I could probably copy and paste this fraise for every one of my releases. 4. Despite the song’s darker reflections on fragility and loss, you also raise the question of whether there is still hope. What answer do you personally lean toward, and how do you hope listeners interpret that message? We need hope. Where would we be without it? Regarding work i hope no matter how dark are the themes i explore with my music, there is always something, a sense of openness that hints to light,Without it darkness would be rather dull. 5. “Safe No More” brings together a talented group of musicians. How did the collaboration with Themis Vasiliou, Costas Stergiou, Petros Lamprides, and Nikos Papavranousis help shape the final sound of the track?Their input was crucial. Much of the track’ s elegant flavor is due to Costas Stergiou’s production, As for the rest, all highly accomplished musicians gave their pound of flesh and soul to the song and I’mgrateful for that. 6. As this is the first release from A Taste of Salt, what are your plans for the future? Can listeners expect more singles, an EP, or perhaps a full- length album in the coming months?There will definitely be a full-length album this year or early next year and maybe it will be proceeded by an EP with 3 songs including these one or two singles. We’ll see. Stefanos Barbalias
Elina Filice
Elina Filice Canadian singer-songwriter Elina Filice discusses the heartfelt story behind “Bury Me,” the art of finding meaning in everyday moments, queer visibility in music, energetic live performances, and her evolving creative journey. 1. “Bury Me” turns a stolen Molson Canadian t-shirt into a deeply emotional story about love and memory. At what point did you realize the song had become something much bigger than the shirt itself?I think it became a song about something bigger than a shirt through the process of actually writing it. It really unfolded for me like it does for the listener. The song opens with us joke-arguing about the shirt (which actually happened). Her joke about being buried in the shirt genuinely took me by surprise and made me laugh – which I was so grateful for after a long day. Verse two continues in a narrative fashion, getting up to go to work, dreaming about the future, chasing our dreams together. And then the final chorus is my response to all of it – reflecting on the love we shared and the life we built together by accident. 2. Your music blends nostalgic punk-pop energy with soulful melodies and storytelling. How did you approach balancing the upbeat, anthem-like sound of “Bury Me” with its emotional core?I was going for the exact balance you mention! Something heartfelt and emotional while being upbeat and engaging, what I hope will be a timeless queer summer anthem. I actually started playing this song solo/acoustic. I met some nice Hamilton boys (incredible musicians) who offered to play on the track and they really helped it come to life, it really took its final form as a pop-punk tune with modern charms. 3. You’ve described the song as being about the ordinary artefacts that narrate our lives. Are there other everyday objects or memories that often inspire your songwriting?I think prescribing meaning to everyday things, moments, and memories is a core aspect of my songwriting, if not all songwriting. I think artistry is simply noticing. Taking the time to really pay attention to the world around you. To me great art is about every-day beauty, small moments, life in the ordinary. The universe has so much to teach and show us. In this song, an inside joke, a quiet morning, a conversation sparked something in me, because I took the time to let it. 4. As an artist who openly advocates for queer visibility, how important is it for you to create songs that feel personal while also resonating with the wider queer community? It’s such a core part of my purpose as a songwriter and artist. For so long, I was afraid to even use female pronouns in my songs. At some point, I felt I had a responsibility, to myself, my art, and my community, to be honest. I’m so blessed to feel like the more honest I was, the more people connected to the music. Of course the tunes are deeply personal, but I feel they’re also about universal and quintessentially queer experiences. I cherish the messages I get from queer folks from all over the world about how they’ve connected to my music. Part of my mission is queer visibility through music, and normalizing our unique experiences. 5. You’ve performed across three continents and built a reputation for interactive live shows. How do you imagine audiences reacting to “Bury Me” in a live setting?I was blessed to be able to play it with a full band live at my recent single launch show! I think people enjoyed it, it’s fun seeing which lines people react to, I hope the infectious energy of the song continues to connect with people. 6. Beyond music, you’re also the founder of Drop Rocket, helping independent artists navigate releases. How has working closely with other musicians influenced your own creative and artistic journey?I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible independent artists who inspire me deeply in my own musical journey. I’m inspired by their tenacity and perseverance. The independent artist life is not for the faint of heart, so it’s great to be able to support them and bring shape and structure to their creativity. I really love working on new ways to get our art out there and navigating the ever-changing music industry. elinafilice Official: TikTok, Instagram, X | Linktree
PIERCE
PIERCE PIERCE enters a bold new chapter with Dirty, a dark and tension-filled release that embraces restraint, atmosphere, and intensity. In this interview, he discusses creative evolution, live energy, and the future of his sound. 1. “Dirty” feels like a defining moment for this new phase. What specifically pushed you to recalibrate your sound and enter this more refined era? I’ve been doing PIERCE for almost ten years now, and I think I finally got to a point where I stopped worrying about what lane I was supposed to fit into. Over the years I’ve made a lot of different styles of records, and I’m grateful for all of it because it helped me figure out what I actually love making. When I looked at the songs I was most excited to play live, they were almost always the darker, more tension-driven records. “Dirty” felt like the moment where I stopped fighting that and fully leaned into it. 2. The track leans heavily into tension and controlled chaos rather than melody. What drew you toward that stripped, pressure driven approach? Honestly, I think tension is what makes dance music exciting. Everyone remembers a big drop, but what gets me fired up is the few seconds before it happens. That feeling where the crowd knows something’s coming and the energy in the room keeps building. With “Dirty,” I wanted to live in that space longer and make the payoff hit harder because of it. 3. You describe “Dirty” as darker and more addictive. How did you shape that atmosphere both sonically and emotionally? A lot of it came from keeping things simple. I wasn’t trying to throw a hundred ideas into one song. I wanted a few key elements that pulled people in and kept them there. Sonically, I focused on sounds that felt a little uncomfortable and hypnotic at the same time. Emotionally, I wanted the track to feel like something you couldn’t quite shake after hearing it. That’s where the “addictive” part comes from. 4. Compared to your earlier releases, what do you feel has evolved most in your production style and creative mindset? Confidence. Earlier in my career I always felt like I had to prove myself. I’d pack records with as much stuff as possible because I thought more was better. Now I trust my instincts a lot more. If a section only needs one sound, then it only needs one sound. I’ve learned that restraint can be way more powerful than constantly adding things. 5. Your live performances are known for their intensity. How do you see a track like “Dirty” translating in a festival or large-system setting? That’s honestly where I think the record shines the most. When I was writing it, I kept picturing a festival crowd at night, right before the drop, when everyone’s locked in and waiting for something to happen. The whole track was built around creating that feeling. On a big system you really feel the pressure and movement in a way that’s hard to recreate anywhere else. 6. With this release signaling a broader shift, what can listeners expect from the next chapter of PIERCE in terms of sound, visuals, and overall identity? I think people are going to see a much clearer version of who I am as an artist. The music is darker, the visuals are more intentional, and everything feels like it’s coming from the same place creatively. I’m not trying to reinvent myself. If anything, I’m finally narrowing in on what PIERCE was supposed to be all along. The records coming after “Dirty” push that even further, and I’m really excited for people to hear what’s next. PIERCE | OFFICIAL SITE
R3b3l I
R3b3l I London-based producer R3b3l I explores growth, identity, and purpose on A Different Frequency, a deeply personal instrumental album. Through lo-fi, jazz, and soul influences, he invites listeners to discover their own stories within twelve evocative musical chapters. 1. A Different Frequency is described as a story told without words. What inspired you to create an instrumental album built around themes of growth, identity, and purpose?The inspiration came from my own journey. There were periods in my life where I was chasing things I thought I wanted, only to realise they were taking me further away from what truly mattered to me creatively and personally. Music became a way of exploring those experiences without needing to explain them directly. I wanted to create something that reflected growth, self-discovery and purpose, but in a way that allowed listeners to find their own meaning within it. Instrumental music creates space for interpretation. Rather than telling people exactly what the story is, I wanted to invite them to bring their own experiences and emotions into it. In many ways, the album became a reflection of learning to trust my own path and tune into what genuinely resonated with me. 2. Each of the twelve tracks represents a chapter in a larger journey. How did you approach structuring the album to ensure that every piece contributed to the overall narrative?The narrative became clearer as I stepped back and looked at the collection as a whole. Many of the tracks were written at different points in time, but when I listened to them together, I realised they were all exploring different aspects of the same journey. The sequencing became incredibly important. I wanted the album to move naturally through different emotional states, beginning with possibility and aspiration, moving through confidence, reflection and self-awareness, and ultimately arriving at gratitude and perspective. Every track has its own identity, but each one also serves a purpose within the larger story. Together they create an emotional arc that feels complete while still leaving room for the listener’s interpretation. 3. Your music blends lo-fi, jazz, soul, and contemporary instrumental influences. How do these genres help you express emotions and stories that might be difficult to communicate through lyrics?Each influence brings something different to the emotional palette of the album. Lo-fi creates atmosphere and intimacy. Jazz brings freedom, playful movement and some unpredictability. Soul contributes warmth and emotional honesty.Together they allow me to communicate feelings that don’t always have clear language attached to them. Sometimes emotions exist somewhere between certainty and uncertainty, between joy and reflection. Instrumental music gives those emotions room to breathe without forcing them into words. I think there are moments where a chord progression, a texture or a simple melody can communicate something far deeper than a sentence ever could. 4. Tracks like Elevate and Level Up carry an uplifting energy, while others such as Heartbeat feel more reflective. How do you balance contrasting emotions across the album while maintaining a cohesive sound? I think life itself is made up of contrasting emotions. For me personally, growth isn’t a straight line. There are moments of confidence and celebration, but also moments of reflection and uncertainty. The key was making sure that every emotion felt authentic to the journey. Even when the mood changes dramatically, the underlying themes remain consistent. The tracks may explore different emotional landscapes, but they’re all connected by the same search for meaning, growth and self-understanding.From a musical perspective, cohesion comes through the overall atmosphere, the production choices and the intention behind the compositions. Different emotions, but the same emotional universe. 5. One of the most intriguing aspects of the album is that listeners are encouraged to create their own interpretations. Have there been any reactions or personal stories from listeners that particularly resonated with you?The album is still very new, so what excites me most at this stage is the possibility of hearing those interpretations. One of the reasons I chose to tell the story without words is because I wanted listeners to have the freedom to bring their own experiences to it. What I find fascinating about instrumental music is that two people can hear the same piece and walk away with completely different emotions or memories. Neither interpretation is right or wrong. They’re simply reflections of where that person is in their own journey. I’m looking forward to hearing those stories over time because, in a way, the album isn’t truly complete until listeners contribute their own meaning to it. 6. The album closes with Ancestors, a track that suggests a connection to heritage and roots. What message or feeling did you hope listeners would take away from the final chapter of A Different Frequency?Ancestors is about perspective. Throughout the album there’s a journey of becoming, of discovering who you are and what matters to you. The final track widens that lens and reminds us that none of us exist in isolation.Whether it’s family, culture, wisdom, experience or the people who helped shape us, we’re all connected to something larger than ourselves. Ancestors is a reflection on that connection and an expression of gratitude for the influences that guide us, often without us even realising it.The feeling I hope listeners leave with is one of connection. Not necessarily certainty, because life is always unfolding, but a sense that they are part of a much bigger story. If the album begins with possibility, Ancestors ends with perspective.A Different Frequency is an invitation for listeners to step away from external noise and reconnect with their own inner voice. R3b3l_I (@r3b3l_i) | TikTok
Geese Da Goon
Geese Da Goon Geese Da Goon returns with SNAP CITY EP, a vibrant tribute to DMV skate culture, blending music, community, and personal growth while bringing the energy of Washington, D.C.’s rinks to listeners worldwide. 1. SNAP CITY EP is deeply inspired by Washington, D.C.’s skate scene. What made now the right time to return with a project that celebrates those roots so directly?A few things came together at the right time.One was my little brother, DJ Prodigy. When he told me he was heading to Mexico to DJ an event called Rolla México, it sparked something creatively. I started revisiting some earlier material and reimagining it for a new audience, which eventually became part of what listeners hear on SNAP CITY EP.What’s funny is that some of these songs technically existed before. The thing is, these versions feel completely different. They don’t feel like songs anymore. They feel like anthems.As I started working on the project, I realized I wasn’t just revisiting old music. I was revisiting a culture, a community, and a sound that helped shape me. The response from skaters and listeners confirmed it. People weren’t treating these records like background music. They were connecting to them the same way they connect to the records that define moments on the floor.That’s when I knew the timing was right.What amazes me is seeing how far these records can travel. This music comes from the skating culture of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. It’s incredibly local. Yet somehow that same energy can catch the attention of somebody in Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and apparently Iceland too.To me, that’s still wild.Something that started from experiences on our skate floors is now reaching people who may have never set foot in a rink in the DMV. That’s what makes this project special. It celebrates where I’m from while proving that good music and authentic culture can travel anywhere.That’s really what SNAP CITY EP represents: honoring where I came from while letting the world discover it. 2. The EP captures the atmosphere of a packed skate session, from the music to the energy of the crowd. How did you translate those real-life experiences into the sound of these four tracks?I wasn’t trying to capture a skate session. I was trying to crack the door open and give people a glimpse of the culture.Not too much. Just enough to make them curious.You know how in Narnia somebody opens a wardrobe and suddenly discovers there’s a whole world behind it? That’s closer to what I was aiming for.SNAP CITY EP is rooted in the skating culture of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you’re from here, you know every area has its own flavor, its own DJs, its own style, and its own way of moving on the floor. The music is part of the identity.A packed session was definitely part of the inspiration, but so were the people, the sounds, the conversations, the regional slang, the skate styles, and the energy that’s unique to this area. I wanted somebody outside the culture to hear these records and think, “What is this?” and then want to learn more.A lot of people outside the culture think skating is just skating. It isn’t. The music drives everything. It influences how people move, how they express themselves, and how communities connect with each other.The goal wasn’t to explain the entire culture in four songs. The goal was to crack the door open, let people see that there’s a whole world behind it, and hopefully leave them wanting to explore more. 3. Tracks like “Prodigy Exclusive,” “Rolla México,” “Vault,” and “Let’s Ride” each have distinctive titles. Can you tell us the stories or inspirations behind these songs?Absolutely.DJ Prodigy is my little brother. When he told me he was heading to Mexico to DJ an event called Rolla México, I immediately started thinking as both a producer and a brother. There was no way I was letting him make that trip without taking some of my music with him.I went back to an earlier song of mine and completely reformatted it for the occasion. That process ended up creating multiple versions of the same idea.“DJ Prodigy Exclusive” became the bilingual version, featuring both English and Spanish. “Rolla México” is the fully Spanish version of the song. The Rearranged Version is exactly what the title suggests, a remixed and reworked take on that same musical foundation.“Let’s Ride” has a connection to those songs as well. If listeners pay attention, they’ll notice it shares the same chorus. It was actually an earlier draft that I originally had no plans to release. It sat in the vault for a while, but eventually I decided there was no reason to keep it hidden. Sometimes the earlier versions have their own energy, and I wanted people to hear that part of the creative process too.In a lot of ways, these songs show how one idea can evolve into several different records. What started as one song eventually became multiple versions, different languages, different arrangements, and ultimately a bigger story than I originally planned. 4. You mention that some people thought you had left the skate scene, but instead you spent time building something of your own. How did that period of growth influence your music and your perspective as an artist? Let’s keep it a buck: I stepped away because the skate scene was starting to get boring to me.Not the skating itself. I still love skating. I still love the music, the culture, and the feeling of being on the floor. But I felt like too many people were focused on the same conversations, the same arguments, and the same small circle of recognition.Meanwhile, I wanted to see what else was possible.So instead of spending all my time worrying about what was happening at one rink or one event, I started building. I learned the music business. I launched Nelson Creative Group. I started releasing music as both Geese Da Goon
Rob Hill
Rob Hill Rob Hill’s Love & Salt Water is a deeply personal collection of songs shaped by a lifelong connection to the ocean, family, and community. In this interview, he discusses creativity, collaboration, and the inspirations behind his latest album. 1. Love & Salt Water feels deeply tied to place, especially your lifelong connection to the ocean—how has living near water shaped not just your songwriting, but your perspective on life itself?I have emotional connections to some of the places I’ve been, for sure, but I think my connection with water is the stronger and the common thread of it all, more than the connection to a specific place. And Ithink that this is not only not unique to me, but that it’s an innate quality in human beings to be drawn to the ocean, whether we realize it or not. Just visit Facebook and see how many people choose cover photos of beaches and oceans, even if they live in Nebraska. We are made of water, we evolved from the water. Going to the ocean is going home. And that’s coming from someone who’s not a surfer or much of a swimmer, I have never had a boat of my own, and I get sunburned easily. I just am happier and healthier any day I can wake up and see water outside my window. 2. Your journey into music wasn’t exactly traditional, from a self-described “desperation album” to campfire karaoke gigs—how did those unconventional experiences ultimately define your sound and confidence as an artist?I had a crossroads moment when I chose a different path professionally. But if music is truly in you, you can’t just shut it off, and so it’s always been bubbling up, including as an obsessive compulsion to record an album before I turned 40 as some indication to myself that I was still breathing creatively. It was a midlife crisis album, I guess. Or a midlife awakening, more accurately. Certainly there are times when I wonder where I would be if I had chosen the road less traveled. But that’s curiosity, not regret. I don’t regret that choice at all, and if you met my three amazing daughters you’d understand why.Campfire karaoke – I think I still own the domain name – was this fun gig I came up with where I and a couple of others would back up singers with vocals and acoustic guitar and piano in live karaoke. This is before all the screens and apps, so we literally had several binders of lyrics and a list of 600 songs that people could choose. So I had to not only remember the songs but be prepared to it in different keys to accommodate the singer’s range and to change up vocal parts accordingly, all on the fly. So that was a period of not only intensive learning but also one where my musicianship had to be turned up and where I had to become comfortable with spontaneity on stage and to expect the unexpected. I wouldn’t say that necessarily made me confident as an artist, but it made me comfortable with my lack of confidence! I’m always afraid of f’ing up. But that fear can be a good thing, because it inspires preparation. 3. The title track balances nostalgia with a clear-eyed view of today’s world—was it challenging to hold onto that sense of joy and refuge while addressing uncertainty and tension?I don’t recall ever being conscious of purpose or message in writing the song “Love and Salt Water” or producing the album until pretty late in the process, although that seems odd when I look at it from here. I have always believed that you are best at teaching when the lesson is one you are still learning yourself. And so I can look at the album now and see its message pretty clearly, and it turns out its lesson is the one I myself most needed to learn. A clear-eyed view of the world today could send me hurtling into an abyss, and I think a ton of people have experienced and are still experiencing that spiral. It’s real and it’s existential, and for people of conscience, it’s impossible to turn away from it, even though it’s tempting, for those not yet personally hurt by it all, just to protect our own mental health. At the other extreme, it’s easy to fall into hopelessness or to feel like it’s unfair for us to be happy when others are in pain or peril. I have been in all of those places, and none of them feels good. So now I am realizing that in times of uncertainty and chaos and danger, we should of course stand for justice and humanity, but it’s very important to allow ourselves joy and love and beauty and all the things, to borrow my own lyric, that make it “still feel cool to be alive and breathing on this shooting star.” 4. You’ve worked behind the scenes for years before stepping fully into your solo voice—what changed for you between Beach Town and this new record that made this moment feel right? Really, I would probably still prefer to be standing behind someone or beside someone. It’s a paradox that I really enjoy performing even though I don’t like being the center of attention. Even though “Love & Salt Water” is a “solo project,” it’s the collaboration with talented people in the creative process that is most rewarding for me. When I was writing with and for Brittany Kingery, there was something very liberating about that because suddenly I was sometimes telling the story of someone other than myself. The best writing I did with her – most of which was on her Dream in Blue album – was music that I could not possibly have done myself. And so, when Brittany stepped away from writing and recording, I went back to writing mostly from my own perspective, which also ended up being liberating because
Maria Grazia Altea
Maria Grazia Altea Italian artist Maria Grazia Altea crafts music that drifts between dream and reality, blending emotion, atmosphere, and introspective storytelling. In this interview, she discusses the inspiration behind “Don do don’t say” and her creative vision. 1. Your music is described as existing between dream and reality. How do you translate that delicate balance into your songwriting and soundscapes? I think it’s a very spontaneous process. I don’t force anything; I most probably just see life as a vivid dream. 2. In “Don do don’t say,” you explore how people can distort reality instead of seeing it as it truly is. What inspired this concept, and how does it connect to your personal experiences? Something that I’ve always found scary Is that we hardly get to know for real even the people who are very close to us…most of the time we see what we want to see. 3. There is a strong sense of melancholy in your work, yet you also speak of comfort. How do you view the relationship between sadness and healing in music? I believe one of the most important things music can give us is the ability to find and recognize ourselves in the lyrics of a song. So, no matter how melancholic it might be, it comforts us and makes us feel less alone and more understood. 4. The beauty and harshness of everyday life seem central to your artistic vision. Are there particular moments or observations from daily life that frequently inspire your songs? I get inspired by everything around me, a beautiful view, a cool breeze, strangers on the street, my emotions, and my personal experiences. 5. Your music paints reality in dreamlike colors. How important are atmosphere and emotion compared to lyrics when creating a new track? They are of the same importance and cannot exist independently. They flow into each other, becoming a completely unified entity. 6. As an artist, what do you hope listeners take away from “Don do don’t say” and from your music as a whole after the song ends?” I hope the listeners can paint their own picture of the scene and make It theirs. Maria Grazia Altea Music – YouTube
Aurealis
Aurealis Aurealis returns with Cursed, a dark cinematic pop journey into fear, self-doubt, and fading hope. In this interview, the artist discusses the song’s emotional origins, haunting visuals, and creative vision. 1. “Cursed” explores hopelessness, inner shadows, and the fear that every dream is destined to fail. What inspired you to tackle these themes, and was there a particular experience or emotion that sparked the song?“Cursed” comes from a very human place: that voice inside you that tries to convince you the ending has already been written. It is the part of the mind that turns fear into prophecy and tells you not to hope too much, because disappointment is inevitable.The song has lived with me for a long time. It was written years ago and already existed as a fully formed song before the current tools were part of the process. It is one of the more personal Aurealis releases, not because it tells one literal story, but because it captures an emotional pattern I think many people know: wanting to believe in something while another part of you is already grieving its failure. I wanted to write about that moment when hope starts to disappear, but there is still a small part of you fighting to keep it alive. 2. The track blends dark cinematic pop, electronic elements, and synth-driven atmospheres. How did you approach creating the haunting sonic landscape that supports the song’s emotional weight?I wanted the production to feel like being trapped inside a beautiful but unsettling room. The sound needed to be cinematic and electronic, but not cold. There had to be movement, tension, and atmosphere around the vocal, almost like the track itself was breathing with the character.The synths and darker textures help create that sense of internal pressure, while the melodic structure keeps the song connected to pop emotion. For Aurealis, the production is never just decoration. It is part of the storytelling. With “Cursed,” every shadowy sound, every lift, and every moment of restraint was meant to support the feeling of someone wrestling with their own reflection. 3. A recurring theme in your work is immersive emotional storytelling. What makes “Cursed” a unique chapter in your artistic journey, and how does it build upon your previous releases?Each Aurealis release opens a different door into the same larger world. “Shadow of a Doubt” explored uncertainty and the pull between fear and belief. “Fire in Rain” was about holding onto the spark inside you even when time, pressure, and change try to extinguish it. “Cursed” goes darker and more inward.What makes this chapter unique is that the conflict is not only around the character; it is inside them. The villain is not a person or a circumstance. It is the voice that says, “This will never work. You are already doomed.” That made “Cursed” feel more psychological, more intimate, and more haunting than some of the earlier releases.It also expands the Aurealis world visually. The mirrors, shadows, confined spaces, and dreamlike nighttime imagery all become part of the same emotional language. 4. The music video plays a central role in the “Cursed” experience, featuring mirrors, shadows, and a mysterious presence. Can you tell us more about the symbolism behind these visual elements and how they connect to the song’s message? The video is very important to the full “Cursed” experience. The mirrors represent self-confrontation – the moment when you cannot outrun what is happening inside you anymore. The shadow figure is not simply an outside force. It is the inner voice made visible: the doubt, the fear, the fatalism, the part of yourself that tries to step out of the mirror and take control.The mysterious presence in the video is meant to feel familiar and unsettling at the same time. It is not a monster in the traditional sense. It is something closer to your own reflection turning against you. That is why the mirror imagery matters so much. “Cursed” is about the fear that the thing haunting you may not be separate from you at all. 5. You describe “Cursed” as portraying the moment when hope begins to disappear, while still fighting to keep it alive. What do you hope listeners take away from the song after experiencing both the music and the visuals?I hope listeners feel seen, especially if they have ever had that private battle with hopelessness. “Cursed” does not pretend that fear disappears easily. It sits inside that feeling honestly. But I also do not see the song as giving up. Even in its darkness, there is still a pulse, still movement, still a voice trying to sing through it.After experiencing both the song and the video, I hope people take away the idea that naming the shadow is not the same as surrendering to it. Sometimes the first act of resistance is simply recognizing the voice that has been telling you that you are doomed – and realizing it does not get to write the ending. 6. “Cursed” was created through a human-led creative process that incorporates AI-assisted production and visual tools. How do you balance technology and personal artistic expression to ensure the final work remains authentic to your vision?For me, the balance comes from knowing what belongs to the human side of the work. The lyrics, melody, emotional concept, and song structure begin with Aurealis. “Cursed” was actually written years ago and existed as a fully formed song before the final production and visuals took shape. Modern tools helped me fully realize the version it was always meant to become, but they did not decide what the song was about.I see AI-assisted production and visual tools as part of the creative toolkit, not a replacement for authorship. The process is still about direction, taste, revision, and emotional truth. I am constantly making choices: what feels authentic, what does not, what supports the story, and what pulls it away from the intended vision.The goal of Aurealis has always been to use technology in service of something human
Kelsie Kimberlin
Kelsie Kimberlin Singer-songwriter Kelsie Kimberlin returns with “Clumsy Girl,” an uplifting pop anthem celebrating self-acceptance, resilience, and hope. In this interview, she discusses the song’s inspiration, filming in wartime Kyiv, and balancing music with humanitarian work. 1. Your new single “Clumsy Girl” carries a strong message about self-acceptance and resilience. What inspired the concept behind the song, and how personal is it to your own journey? I have known so many girls who went through a clumsy, awkward stage during their teen years, so I wanted to express that in a song. And then, I wanted to film the video in Kyiv during the war to show that Ukrainian girls still have to navigate this stage while being bombed every day. 2. After focusing much of your recent music on the situation in Ukraine, this release feels more uplifting and pop-driven. What motivated this shift back to your pop roots at this moment?Yes, many of my previous videos have been very intense to show the terrible effects of war. With Clumsy Girl, I wanted to show that, despite the war, people still need to find love, have fun, and live their lives. So, this song returns to my pop roots. 3. You collaborated with an impressive international team, including Sean P. Jones. How did these collaborations shape the final sound of “Clumsy Girl”?I have been working with Grammy winners on every song for several years, but Sean reached out to me after hearing my song, “The Drawer,” and asked to work with me on a song, so I agreed and flew to LA to record most of the vocals in his studio. It is always amazing to work with top professionals in the industry. 4. The music video, directed by Pavlo Khomiuk, was filmed in Kyiv under extremely challenging circumstances. How did that experience impact you both creatively and personally? Yes, Pavlo is incredible. We filmed during a week of intense drone and missile attacks. In fact, in the apartment where some of the filming took place, the window where we are sitting got blown out after a massive drone attack and took two weeks to fix because so many windows in the area had been broken. But we wanted to show that Ukrainians continue to live, love, and smile. 5. The video highlights a heartfelt relationship between two girls navigating love and life. Why was it important for you to tell this particular story visually?Julia is a good friend, and she is also in my next video, “Everything’s Better.” She is full of life and shows her emotions so well. So I wanted the video to show our love as a reflection for all young girls who look to each other to navigate life’s crazy times. 6. With your humanitarian work and upcoming documentary The Last Message, how do you balance your role as an artist with your mission to raise awareness and inspire hope through your projects?Actually, it is not easy. Half of my life is devoted to business activities surrounding my work. “The Last Message” has become the darling of the global film festival circuit, with 30 awards across many categories. So I have to deal with marketing the film every day. There are so many injustices in the world that I have to pick and choose what to address. This summer, I hope to go to Colombia to film two upbeat videos so people have something to feel good about. In the USA, the political situation has people living in perpetual dread, so I need to give them hope with my music. Singer Kelsie Kimberlin | Kelsie Kimberlin SINGER