Delta Fire
Delta Fire Blending diverse influences and shared passion, Delta Fire discuss their evolving chemistry, psychedelic inspirations, fantasy-driven storytelling, and ambitious plans as they carve a dynamic path toward their upcoming releases. 1. Delta Fire brings together musicians with different journeys—how did the chemistry between you evolve, and how has each member shaped your current sound?Liam is a fantastic guitar player he really shines in rhythm work as his musical knowledge is through the roof- immaculate tonal placements which really brings out the best in Kieron’s lead playing and gives each track a great lift and fresh perspective. Knox is a drumming masterclass – his absolute dedication to the craft means he’s always trying to push his drumming that little bit further each time. It’s Ginger baker all over with Peart/Bonham fills which really elevate tracks.Aidan , although a fantastic guitar player has a real ear for bass lines and his ability to navigate a fretboard is second to none. Often he will come up with a fresh bass line in studio or during a gig which breathes fresh air into tracks and has us doubting which version we prefer. 2. Your latest release blends atmospheric post-rock elements with classic psychedelic influences—how did bands like Caspian, Cream, and Jefferson Airplane inspire the direction of this track?Kieron would consider himself a massive clapton fan so coming up with guitar lines to suit this track was definitely up his street. He pulled influences from David Gilmour as we feel the track is quite alike to comfortably numb in its build up.Knox will forever be a 60s psychedelia fan and channeling Mitch Mitchell will always come naturally. 3. “Eyes Burn Gold” carries strong fantasy and RPG-inspired themes—what drew you to that world, and how does storytelling play a role in your songwriting?Although Liam wrote this track, we understood the route he was taking and matched the guitar parts to suit. We think it would be fair to say, as a band, we are all fans of fantasy settings. Whether that be the written work of JRR Tolkien or the worlds created by Todd Howard within the Elder Scrolls series.One of the first things we all bonded on, as a band, was our love of video games – specifically around the immersion into unknown worlds that are steeped in high-Fantasy. 4. You recorded again at Chem19 Studios with Derek O’Neil—what makes that studio and collaboration so essential to capturing your sound? Kieron had previously worked with Derek at Chem19 on past projects, so the trust was there.Derek is incredibly experienced, the catalogue of artists he’s worked with is as long as your arm. Chem19 is a brilliant studio with just a great vibe.When it came to selecting a studio, Derek plus Chem19 is a perfect combination.When it comes down to brass tacks – the Delta Fire sound on the tracks is as a direct consequence of working with Derek at Chem19 and moving forward there is no one better, AND no place better, to capture us at our best. 5. Compared to your debut single “Lady Danger,” this track highlights a different side of the band—was it a deliberate choice to showcase Liam’s vocals and expand your sonic range?Absolutely. When we first started playing, we knew that Lady danger was the obvious choice for a first single, it’s a punchy rock track but Eyes burn gold was always never far behind it.The talent in the band is near-brimming over the top. There isn’t just one songwriter we all throw our hat in the ring. On Eyes Burn Gold – it’s Liams baby and we wanted to show we arent just a one trick pony and that we can really put out diverse shows and in time Albums. 6. With upcoming shows and more studio time planned, how do you see Delta Fire evolving over the next year, both live and in the lead-up to your album?The music scene is always a hard thing to crack with venues closing, cost of living and the weight of individual responsibilities outside a band, it can be difficult. However we feel with Delta Fire its the beginning of something fresh , a chance to right a few wrongs and try a new sound.If we keep on the same trajectory i.e Write, rehearse, perform and release music on a continual basis the only limits are what we have on ourselves.It’s going to take time to establish those connections but with a “not taking no for answer attitude”, it won’t be long before we are serious contenders in our local scene.Moving forward – we have more music recorded, which we will release in time. we are constantly playing shows across our native Scotland and we are looking to have an album out early next year.We will continue to plug away and make the most of every opportunity we are given, the music won’t stop and neither will we. DELTA FIRE | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree
Milyam
Milyam Exploring solitude, sensuality, and cinematic soundscapes, this interview with Milyam dives into the vision behind “Intimacy,” artistic independence, and her journey of turning emotion into immersive storytelling. 1. Your new single “Intimacy” is described as a cinematic and atmospheric experience. What was the emotional or conceptual starting point behind this track? Throughout my life, the sensual and spiritual realms have always played a vital role. I have always been a devoted reader, and now, through my music, I want to share the vivid imagery and the vast inner world of my soul with the audience. When I was writing “Intimacy,” I was going through a period of profound loneliness. I created this song with the hope that it would provide warmth and comfort to anyone in search of love and light. 2. Your sound blends R&B, soul, and refined electronic production with a strong “Old Money” minimalist aesthetic. How do you approach creating such a distinct and cohesive artistic atmosphere? I write my songs exactly as I feel they should resonate. I don’t let myself be confined by specific genres; instead, my goal is to immerse the listener in an atmosphere and a mood. I want them to step into an entirely different world for those few minutes of the track. To me, it is about telling a story that the listener walks through with me—much like a bedtime story for the soul. 3. Critics have highlighted your “sultry and captivating vocal identity.” How do you develop your vocal style to match the mood and storytelling of your music? For me, the vocals act as a lighthouse, guiding the listener through the soundscape. I strive for a sense of true “presence” in every record. My aim is to create a genuine bond of intimacy with each listener, so we can experience a specific moment together. I want my music to offer warmth in times of loneliness and support when it is needed most. It is less like a standard song and more like a private, personal conversation. My vocals are the foundation of the atmosphere upon which the music is built. 4. As the founder of MILYAM EMPIRE, you are building your own independent artistic ecosystem. What challenges and freedoms come with being both an artist and a label founder? It is certainly demanding to balance so many roles at once. It requires immense dedication, strength, and the resilience to keep moving forward even when doubt creeps in. However, the true heart of this empire is my mother. She is the pillar and the driving force behind everything we do. She handles the management, the promotion, the styling, and secures our interviews and press features. Beyond the business, she is my closest confidante and my greatest support on this musical journey. 5. Your work emphasizes the connection between music and visual storytelling. How important is imagery and cinematic presentation in shaping the full MILYAM experience? I experience life very deeply. I immerse myself in every event and every moment, constantly analyzing and reflecting. When I started songwriting, I realized that this “hypersensitivity” allows me to transform a single fleeting moment into a complete cinematic story and a whole new world. My songs help me navigate difficult times and preserve the most beautiful chapters of my life. 6. With “Intimacy” already resonating with a global audience, how do you envision the next phase of your artistic journey and the evolution of your sound? I believe there is no limit to perfection. As an emerging artist, my focus is on continuously developing my talents and refining my craft. Looking ahead, I am excited to release a new album and I dream of organizing a concert tour across the United States. https://www.instagram.com/iammilyam/
RISE
RISE RISE return with “Always,” a heartfelt anthem of resilience and friendship, exploring loss, renewal, and creative evolution while staying true to their signature sound and deeply rooted emotional authenticity. 1. Your new single Always carries a strong message about support and positivity—what inspired the theme behind this track, and how personal is it to the band?The track is deeply personal, as it really does come from the heart, having support during difficult times is genuinely empowering. We were friends first then a band, we are still friends now, so many years later. 2. The vocal performance from stayMellow really stands out on this release. How did this collaboration come together, and what did he bring to the emotional depth of the song?stayMellow (Sam) has worked with us for a couple of years following the untimely death of our original singer. The style of stayMellow’s delivery is uncanily similar to Steve’s (original singer) in terms of range and power. We did try some different approaches on the vocal takes in the studio, but we all agreed that the raw, edgy vocal worked best for this track. 3. Brian, the guitar work on Always is particularly detailed and expressive—can you walk us through your creative process when crafting your parts for this track?I tend to take the basic track and work at different ideas and sounds, we (Paul and I) will then bounce stems over to each other and develop out the ideas and concepts. This track was pretty spontaneous and the initial ideas were the ones taken through to the final mix. The solo was a mix of two ideas which I merged for the final track take. 4. You’ve mentioned that the “RISE sound” has been developed over many years—how would you define that sound today, and how has it evolved since your early days? Our style hasn’t really changed over the years. We accept that this may not work for everybody, but are trying to be honest to ourselves first and foremost and we write what we want to play. To some, we may be men out of time, but that’s OK with us. 5. Working again with producer Rob Whiteley, what makes this partnership so effective, and how does he help capture your energy in the studio?Rob is very much a man of detail, he is meticulous in his approach. He tries to get the best out of each of us; we also trust him, which is a key element for any producer working with a band. 6. With Always focusing on positivity in a darker world, do you see this track as a direction for future releases, or can fans expect different themes and sounds from RISE moving forward?We are working on a 5 track EP for later in the year (tracks are already complete.). The sound overall is still very much RISE. We do try to keep the positivity going, having said that, one of the tracks is a little darker, but it works for the song. A couple of the songs are a little more complex to play, but overall, we believe that fans and followers will like the fact that we have kept our style going. risemusic1986 | Instagram | Linktree
Ruut
Ruut In this intimate interview, Ruut reflects on revisiting Steinway Sessions, exploring growth, identity, and resilience while embracing raw creativity, personal evolution, and the enduring belief in life’s beauty. 1. Steinway Sessions captures a very intimate period of your life—how did it feel revisiting and remastering these recordings so many years later, both emotionally and artistically? When I recorded these songs, I didn’t talk about them much. The session was almost a private party that I just happened to release as an album. It was such a contrast to other experiences I was having in the music industry at that time: working with producers whose focus was promotion, not art. In revisiting this album, I’ve felt so proud of young me for taking time to do something raw and honest, just for myself, kind of on the side. Just…pure art without an agenda. Stepping back to that time has been like drinking from the deepest well of inspiration. I clearly see now, that there is such a well, that it never runs out, and that it’s the only one I should be drinking from. 2. You’ve described these songs as reflecting a time of searching and growth. In what ways do you see your current self in those earlier recordings, and where do you feel you’ve changed the most? I hear a wisdom in the Steinway Sessions that a lot of my other younger music lacks. The themes I wrote about—love enduring fire, needing an anchor in my life, seizing second chances—are still so relevant to me now. I still love to sit at the piano and just sing, the way I did then. But I’ve also grown in my approach to recording. I love to explore space, creating vast sonic landscapes and layered experiences for my listeners. Still, at the core of everything I record, even now, there is that young piano-girl. All my songs could probably be stripped down to piano and vocals. So, she is always present. 3. Your journey—from Finland to Budapest to Baltimore, and from church stages to independent artistry—has been incredibly unique. How have these experiences shaped your musical identity and voice? My upbringing provided an interesting juxtaposition: we traveled through countries that had rich mythology and culture, not to appreciate all that, but rather, as missionaries. But even though I was there to proselytize, my subconscious absorbed all of it. Even after moving to the States, I returned to Europe on many missions trips. I remember buying a Kíla CD while in Ireland, when I was 16. My brain just soaked it up. It filled me with awe. It wasn’t “bad” music, so I was allowed to listen to it. But now, I see that I was drawn to its pagan, mystical mood. I’m starting to recognize that pattern, more and more. A human darkness broods in all expression, even in mine when I was being groomed to evangelize the world. What’s different now is I’m digging for that darkness. I’m allowing myself to explore what I missed. And it is rich, rich soil for my new music. 4. Signing with Meridian (ECR Music Group) marks a major milestone in your career. What made this partnership feel right for you at this stage, and how does it align with your long-term vision? The team at Meridian has not only understood my artistic journey to this point, but they believe (like I do) that it holds the key to making my best music. It’s refreshing to work with people who see you holistically, as artist and human, to dig out the musical gems that hide in the depths of your soul. My collaboration with them has brought clarity and because of this partnership, my vision not only feels refined but also achievable. I feel like we’re a bit of a small army together. It’s an empowering reality that I’m really grateful for. 5. The upcoming album Motherland suggests a deeply personal theme. Can you share what this record represents for you and how it differs from your previous work? This is so layered. I can’t wait to dive in deeply and really share about that album. For now, I’ll just say that I needed to go there. I needed to write that album and to tell myself, “Dive in, woman. Deeper, and deeper still. When you think you’ve reached the bottom, there’s more.” A time will come to share more about the journey of making Motherland. 6. “Life Is Beautiful” carries a powerful message about acceptance and perspective. How has your relationship with that idea evolved over time, especially through the highs and challenges of your career? I think I wrote that song to process what had happened to me. Quite plainly, I’d lost connections with people I loved because of my choice to leave a controlling religious environment. I was looking for beauty in life while feeling desperately alone. I believed that life would be beautiful, even though the odds felt against that. Now, looking back… I really honor that young woman who had such hope. I honor her courage. When I sing “Life is Beautiful” now, I sing it to her, as if to say, “You were right to believe it. Even without miracles. Even without having all the answers. No… especially then. In the unknowing. In the mess. Life is beautiful.” Ruut
Silent Frames
Silent Frames Emerging from Vienna’s vibrant scene, Silent Frames craft a compelling fusion of jazz and rock, capturing raw, live energy and introspective moments on their debut EP Sonntag. 1. How did the Sunday jam sessions evolve into your debut EP Sonntag? The jam sessions initially revolved around jazz standards as a way to find common ground. But quite naturally, they evolved into something more open, spaces where each of us felt comfortable bringing in ideas. Over time, those sessions became less about interpreting existing material and more about shaping our own sound, which ultimately led to the original compositions on Sonntag. 2. Your sound blends rock and jazz influences—how do you balance improvisation with structured composition? That’s a great question. What we really took from jazz wasn’t so much the emphasis on extended improvisation, but rather its harmonic language. Many ideas were born out of free improvisation, but they were always grounded in a harmonic framework first. That balance allowed us to keep a sense of freedom while still giving the music direction and identity. 3. What inspired the atmospheric contrasts and dynamic shifts heard throughout the EP? Our musical influences definitely played a role, but the EP is also a reflection of where we were in life at that time. Living in Vienna, going through different phases and seasons, emotionally and creatively, those contrasts naturally found their way into the music. The dynamics mirror that sense of movement and change. 4. Can you tell us about the decision to record the project live and keep the production minimal? We consciously chose a DIY, old-school approach. In a time where music is often heavily edited and polished, we wanted to preserve something more immediate and real. Recording live allowed us to capture the interaction between us, the imperfections, the energy, the human aspect of it. Especially now, when technology and AI are such dominant topics, there’s real value in something raw and honest. 5. How did artists like Julian Lage and Pat Metheny influence your approach to guitar work? They’re both masters of their instrument, especially in how they approach harmony and, even more importantly, melody. That had a strong influence on us. What stands out is their ability to create melodies that feel both sophisticated and deeply relatable. That’s something we always strive for, finding that balance between complexity and emotional connection. 6. What does Sonntag represent for Silent Frames as a band, and what comes next for you? Sonntag represents the culmination of a period of intense collaboration and dedication between the three of us. It was a way of capturing a specific moment in our lives and turning it into something tangible. In many ways, it also marked the closing of that chapter. Since then, the band has been on an indefinite hiatus, with each of us focusing on other projects, but the door is always open for what might come next. Silent Frames | Instagram | Linktree
Labrador
Labrador An intimate introduction to Labrador’s Paths, a deeply personal debut shaped by years of exploration, blending emotion, memory, and honesty into a reflective journey of sound and self-discovery. 1. Paths is described as a deeply personal and long-evolving project—can you tell us about the journey of finding a sound that truly felt like your own? It took years of stripping things away rather than adding more.I had to stop chasing what works and start trusting what feels honest. “Paths” comes from a lot of trial and error — learning what I’m drawn to when no one’s watching.The sound is just a reflection of that process. 2. The release explores the lasting traces of love, loss, and life experiences—was there a particular moment or event that became the emotional core of this project? There wasn’t one single moment.It comes from different people and events over time — things that leave marks without you noticing it right away.But around the release, something happened to my father that made everything land differently.It didn’t create the core, but it made it very clear. 3. You mention both visible and invisible “lines” we carry within us—how did you translate that concept into the music and sonic textures of Paths? I worked a lot with contrast.Some elements are very exposed and fragile, while others sit deeper — more something you feel than hear.The layers build and overlap, like experiences over time. 4. The blend of organic instrumentation with vintage analog synths creates a distinct atmosphere—how did you approach balancing these elements while keeping the emotion at the forefront? It comes from a tension in how I work.I love electronic music — space disco, cosmic disco — and especially old analog synths. The warmth and movement they bring is something I’m really drawn to.But as a songwriter, I never fully connected with those structures.I’m more of a verse/chorus person, shaped by playing in bands.So instead of choosing, I started combining them.Let the structure I naturally write in carry the emotion, and let the synth world live inside that. 5. You collaborated with vocalist Sonny Edwards and worked with Mike Schmid on mixing, mastering and keys—how did these collaborations shape the final identity of the release? They helped elevate the parts I couldn’t reach on my own.And that’s what music is about to me — finding ideas in collaboration that you don’t reach alone.Sonny brought a sensitivity to the vocal that really fits the song.Mike added keys and helped shape the track through a close collaboration, both technically and emotionally. 6. As your first solo release, what does Paths represent for you moving forward, and how do you see this project evolving in the future It’s a starting point, but also a line in the ground.It represents choosing honesty over strategy.Going forward, I just want to stay in that space and trust the process. Copy
Vella
Vella Vella opens up about “Dance Without You,” a track born from heartbreak and self-growth, blending vulnerability and empowerment while marking an exciting new chapter in her evolving artistic journey. 1. “Dance Without You” feels like both a breakup anthem and a personal rebirth—can you take us back to the moment or realization that inspired the song? I was in a situationship with someone that didn’t appreciate my time, and I ended it even though I had such a fun time with this person. It’s a shame you have to make hard decisions like that but at the end of the day you have to keep your peace and dance your butt off while doing so!! 2. The track blends vulnerability with empowerment, especially in lines about emotional exhaustion—how did you balance telling a painful story while still making it feel uplifting? I feel like it’s second nature to me when I want to write something that is a mixture of vulnerability and empowerment because I go through those feelings every day, it comes natural to me to be vulnerable, real and empowering. So, writing songs about a situation that was hard to deal with really was a weight off my shoulders to talk about it. 3. You collaborated with major songwriters like Carl Ryden, Will Simms, and Sadie Rose Van—what did each of them bring to the creative process, and how did they help shape the final sound? We all work so well together!!! It’s like a breath of fresh air. We collab on everything. When it comes to the lyrics, to the melody, the track and how it’s supposed to feel. I feel like I get my best stuff when I collab with people that get my sound and just want to have a fun time writing a cool song. So that really helped with the making of this song. 4. The song interpolates Cassius’ “Feeling For You”—what drew you to that classic track, and how did you reimagine it to fit your own story? Gwen McRae!!! She is an icon and one of my inspirations vocally. I grew up with her music so when I found out Cassius did a version of her song I was like “I wanna give it a go!! But make it Vellified” the line “my feelings for you has always been real” really resonate what I was feeling in the situation I was in. It really puts you in the feeling where I was vulnerable and honest with this person about my feelings and putting all my cards on the table. 5. Your music often reflects themes of self-love and personal growth—how has your own journey influenced the message behind “Dance Without You”? Every day I’m growing mentally. So, it’s really nice to put out my personal diary on what I’m feeling in a situation that comes at me and talk about it with you all. It’s therapeutic to me so in a way my fans really help my growth into putting my feelings out there and hoping they relate to it as well! I’ve come a long way mentally and want to show you guys myself and who I am as a person! 6. With your growing global presence and upcoming performances, how do you see this single representing the next chapter of your artistic evolution? I just want this song to feel universal so that EVERYONE vibes to it. To really tell everyone that I’m here to stay doing what I love to do and make more music for me and to everyone out there that wants to have a listen 😉 Vella
Marcus Christ
Marcus Christ In this interview, Marcus Christ opens up about his bold new single “Fuck What You Say,” exploring respect, ambition, creative growth, and the relentless drive shaping his evolving artistry. 1. Your new single “Fuck What You Say” highlights a strong philosophy about seeking respect over love—can you dive deeper into that mindset and how it reflects your personal journey as an artist?Sure! Starting off in my career I wanted to people to resonate with my message. Now these decades later I don’t care if they like my style, lyrics, production, or quality. I just want them to respect the message (If they can understand it). Some listeners of that song in particular, don’t understand the message. They hear love me like a stranger and lose comprehension of what I’m saying. All I’m saying in a nutshell is I’m tired of being Mr. Nice Guy. I’m turning up the volume a bit. Love is love. If you love humans, and the world we live in you, then should be able to love a stranger, gangsta, or baby Jesus in a manger too. 2. There are clear nods to Jay-Z in your lyrics—what does his influence mean to you, and how do you balance inspiration with carving out your own identity?I think Jay-Z has proven himself in the music industry as a person with many different hats. I respect that. That is something I can look up to or even strive to compete with. Aim high, miss high. If I imitate Jay I may fall short but I’ll still be A-tier. If I shoot for trying to out rap or perform Pookie on the corner I may end up next to him singing my should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve’s. As much as I admire and respect Jay-Z if he or anyone else ever came for me lyrically, I would have to put up a good fight. Jay definitely inspired some verses, but the song and album was inspired by personal situation. All I was doing in the song “Fuck What You Say” was saying that if Jay-Z is a legend my turn is coming up soon. 3. The track came out of an intense marathon session where you recorded 13 songs in just 6 hours—how did that high-pressure environment shape the energy and authenticity of this particular song?Well it was my first time working with Georgii at The Room Studios on Melrose. I had a lot of material and I was worried we wouldn’t be focused enough to record a majority of it. I set a strict schedule of 2 songs an hour and even with the short breaks and distractions we were able to meet that standard. I had to take off my rapper hat and put on my record company business owner hat. Then go back to being a rapper to churn out some hits. Georgii was really something special because he could mix as I recorded. So our 6 hour window felt like 3 or 4 hours because we were grinding. All my lyrics were written so it was just the matter of pulling off a believable delivery. We kept most of the tracks and the ones I didn’t like were re-recorded at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood the next day. I think this song was the 3rd or 4th song we recorded so I still had a lot of physical energy, but after the 6-hour session it seemed that Georgii and I were both ready to get outta there. I think the quick pace in the studio lends to my crafting my skills with the pen. 4. You’ve mentioned working with producer Morte Beatz and engineer Gerogii—how did these collaborations elevate your sound compared to your earlier, more DIY recordings? Georgii was able to mix the songs better than I could with my music program at home which used to be called Sony “Acid”. Also the studio provided A-tier equipment so you can hear an immediate difference. Morte Beatz has a unique and almost classical sound. When you have a powerful beat and mid to upper-level engineer it makes all the difference. I can’t blame my poor sales or quality of the songs on my cellphone mic or house made beats anymore. So not only did my sound improve, but I had to take more responsibility for my failures and successes. 5. Recording at The Room Studio in Hollywood marks a step forward in production quality—how important was this moment in your evolution from recording on a cellphone to a professional studio setting?Well most studios I go to are in garages or someone ls house. Going to an actual studio with my own space was comforting, but it was also a job. While it was a significant financial investment I feel it worth it to my fans and myself to see what a fully developed concept looks like done right. My older albums on my YouTube playlist like The Repsonce, The Get Back, and No Doubt were all recorded using Pro Tools but in a neighborhood or garage band setting. Even the Whittier California album was recorded in a garage, and when you go from garage to garage the quality can and most of the time does change based on the equipment and mix. Being in two professional studios gave me a chance to make the songs more uniformed after mastering. I personally feel that this new album “The American Pharaoh” will be my best work. Not only will it be the best because I went to a professional studio, but because I’ve tightened my pen skills and I’ve learned from all or most of my mistakes. 6. You’ve shared a unique vision for future performances, including the idea of hologram shows—how do you see innovation and creativity shaping the way audiences experience your music moving forward?Yea, the hologram show would be the best move I could make. I hate seeing groups from the 1950’s or 1960’s getting up barely able to walk, but be expected
Amy Vee
Amy Vee In this interview, Amy Vee opens up about the raw honesty behind “Better Still,” discussing instinctive songwriting, personal chaos, and the evolving balance between creativity, life, and emotion. 1. “Better Still” feels raw and unfiltered—what pushed you to fully embrace that stream-of-consciousness writing style for this track? Over time I’ve come to think of songwriting as essentially a search for truth. I always feel like I’m doing my best work when I follow my instincts and write from somewhere real and human. It means having to embrace my own flaws and failings, but I think that’s what I like most about it. That was definitely the case with this song… it spilled out onto the page in an unfiltered way and I decided I wasn’t going to edit it. The lyrics are almost exactly as I first scrawled them one night in the throes of physical and mental exhaustion. 2. You describe the song as a reflection of your “daily chaos”—how do you personally navigate balancing music, motherhood, and research? Honestly, often with great difficulty! But typically, just one day at a time. From the outside, it probably looks like I’ve got it together because my life is so full, but every day is completely different and sometimes I manage things really well and sometimes I want to collapse in a heap. I fully recognise my privilege … I get to work in areas I’m passionate about, and I have a beautiful family who love and support me. I know people in my cohort who’ve fallen away from music because it wasn’t sustainable (which is a systemic and cultural issue). I think I’ve just been delusional enough to keep going. But I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. All of my roles are challenging, but I love them equally. 3. Compared to “Blood in the Water,” how does “Better Still” represent an evolution in your songwriting and sound? Even though they sound quite different, “Blood in the Water” and “Better Still” are, to me, sister songs. I recorded them around the same time and had them mastered together. Both are deeply confessional and deal with heavy themes from my own life that I believe share universal human experiences at their heart. “BITW” addresses the power and impact of secrecy and information gatekeeping, while “Better Still” reflects on prioritising others’ needs above your own and how that can cumulatively lead to an implosion. In terms of production, my co-producer and I have been leaning into the blend of earthy, acoustic sounds like guitars, piano, and other stringed instruments with cultivated rhythmic elements and orchestral samples to create a sort of cinematic feel, but also something that feels close, personal and raw. It was really important to me that these songs could be taken out on the road and played in various formats, but especially solo. So we keep things quite minimal and live-sounding. 4. You’ve performed the song live already—what kind of reactions have stood out most from audiences so far? I first played the song a few months ago while opening for Katie Noonan on a few of her regional tour dates. I distinctly remember an audience member approaching me afterward who said she really related to the song and recited some of the lyrics back to me. That’s when I knew it was resonating. The same thing continued to happen when I played it live so I knew I wanted to release it independently as a single. We recently played it for the first time as a band on the first night of my co-headline Australian tour with Anna Weatherup and it was really well received. Looking forward to giving it some more air throughout the year. 5. Your collaboration with Gareth Hudson has been long-standing—what makes this creative partnership work so well? I always like to work quite collaboratively in the studio. I usually come in with a vision for where the song or songs are headed. I’ll often work up demos at home and I usually have the songs fully constructed before I get to the studio. I’ve worked with many producers but what I love about Gareth’s approach is that he listens first, then creates. He’s always focused on creating something I feel fully connected with as the artist. While he is an absolute multi-instrumental and creative wizard, he never tries to put his own stamp on anything. I love his workspace too – he has some great instruments and tools at his disposal and he’s happy for me to tinker. I always feel at home there and able to engage fully with the work. 6. With a new album on the horizon, what themes or directions can fans expect from your upcoming release? I definitely feel like I’m entering a new chapter in both life and music-making. I want to make something that’s authentic and unfiltered. Music has always been about connection for me, and I just want to make something that reminds people of their own humanity. And I want it to be something that translates in a live environment because that’s where I think the real music fans will start congregating, away from the grip of AI. Amy Vee | Music
Emily Dimes
Emily Dimes An honest and introspective conversation with Emily Dimes, exploring identity, vulnerability, and growth, as she unpacks the emotions, influences, and creative vision behind her deeply personal debut EP STAYbilise. 1. Your debut EP STAYbilise explores feelings of uncertainty, identity, and emotional vulnerability. What personal experiences inspired the themes behind this project?These topics are questions that have been coming up a lot as I’ve been going through my 20s and figuring out who I am and why I want to give the world. Especially stepping out of school, where there was so much structure but so little freedom, I had a lot of thoughts on feeling confined and not being able to explore certain parts of myself. More than anything else, this EP is a very honest reflection on growing up and beginning to move past the pressure of who you feel the world wants you to be, and instead moving into an existence that I really want for myself. 2. The title track Stay captures the moment of inner conflict before making a life decision. What was going through your mind emotionally and creatively when writing this song?I was struggling with insecurity and a sense of feeling extremely lost, in a general overarching sense, for the first time in my life, so those opening verses came from a place of overwhelm. I actually stopped writing after the first half of the first chorus and came back to it later to finish it all off – maybe that’s why it starts soft and gets angrier as it goes on! I wanted Stay to convey that desperate feeling of wanting to have it all worked out but also recognising that life isn’t really that simple or straightforward. And sometimes people aren’t who you first think they are, and they don’t bring you what you truly need, and it’s better to find that out sooner rather than later. 3. Your music blends elements of pop, pop-rock, K-Pop, and power ballads. How did you approach combining these different styles to create your own sound?Honestly, piecing together the first song was the hardest part. After that, I felt I had a good benchmark of how these styles fit together and which elements of each to incorporate. Before that, I received some feedback that my taste was too eclectic and the reference tracks I’d found didn’t fit together. But I knew in my mind that it would work, and the most important thing was finding the right collaborators who could also understand and help achieve that vision.The first song we finished first was Till It Fades Away, which is an indie ballad but with a strong K-Pop influence in the production. Rather than the typical upbeat, fun feeling people may initially associate with the genre, the K-Pop influence shows more in the song’s structure, arrangement and layering. After Till It Fades Away started to connect with people and proved that the genre fusion could be done – in a way that felt subtle and natural – finishing the other tracks was about trying to show my different sides, making sure each song felt distinctive sonically while also fitting together cohesively.I really see this first project STAYbilise as a way of introducing myself to the world, who I am at my core, and the ballad influence is definitely strong here. As I keep releasing music, I’d like to keep showing my other sides and incorporate a more upbeat and outgoing feeling into my existing style, while keeping the lyrics thoughtful and introspective. I hope you’ll enjoy STAYbilise and also look forward to what I do next! Emily Dimes · STAYbilise 4. You first gained attention through K-Pop covers online. How did that experience shape your artistic identity and influence the direction of your original music? I think it made me realise that you could be both fun and gentle, both bright and melancholy at the same time. Taking some of the most classic, quirky K-Pop songs and making them into ballads, maybe also making them a bit darker, and seeing that people still connected with it on a different level, that was really cool for me. I’d had some feedback early on in my songwriting journey that my lyrics were too desolate for my age and how energetic and bright I seemed in person, so I had a lot of question marks around how to show myself in a way that felt genuine. It was very freeing to realise that both sides of me could be equally true and that I didn’t have to choose. That I could show both light and shade in the same song.K-Pop also made me a more inventive and thoughtful lyricist, with all the practice rearranging other people’s words into my own through translation.I also was inspired by the breadth of topics across K-Pop songs; once I started translating them, I found everything from commentaries on the social pressure of young people, to motivational messages on reaching for your dream and even rap verses about being too tired to get up. There’s so much variety and it helped me see there really aren’t any constraints when it comes to making music. Your only limit is your own mind and creativity. 5. Artists like Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato, BTS, and Olivia Rodrigo have influenced your style. In what ways have their music or careers impacted your songwriting and performance approach?These artists have all had such impactful and long careers that I can only hope to replicate someday. I definitely take on some aspects of each of their styles in my own music – Avril Lavigne’s vocal flips and alternative energy, Demi Lovato’s power and vulnerability, BTS’s drumbeats and lyricism, Olivia Rodrigo’s edge and performance – but beside that, I’m so inspired by the way they approach the music industry. Their ongoing passion and creativity is so admirable to me and I love how over time, their styles may shift but at the core of what they do there’s always a