Ferdinand Rennie
Ferdinand Rennie In this interview, Ferdinand Rennie discusses the inspiration behind “You Wrote Hallelujah,” the songwriting process, creative collaborations, and how his remarkable career experiences continue to shape his music and artistic vision. 1. “You Wrote Hallelujah” explores the motivations and personal struggles behind songwriting. What inspired you to tell this story, and why did you choose to connect the legacies of Leonard Cohen and John Newton within the song? Andrew Michael Storm the songwriter together with Meg Mc Andrew (my pseudonym as songwriter) are fascinated by the idea to dig deeper into this theme why wrote this guys wonderful songs like they did. 2. The track reflects on how artists draw from their own experiences when creating music. How much of your own journey as a performer and songwriter is woven into the lyrics and emotional message of the song? For Me as singer and cowriter it was important to bring in my life experiences in telling these stories. 3. Having performed everything from musical theatre classics to contemporary ballads, how did your diverse musical background influence the interpretation and recording of “You Wrote Hallelujah”? I never get tired of trying different directions when I am writing and recording, so I just sung my heart out when I was in the recording studio. 4. You collaborated with songwriters Michael Andrew Storm and Meg McAndrew, as well as producer Alan Vukelic. What was the creative process like, and how did each contributor help shape the final version of the song? Via Internet these days nearby everything is possible, so it started with this idea from Andrew who’s lives in Florida, there was this beautiful demo and I knew from the beginning I had to make it mine and produce it. Alan is my trusted producer and sound guy for many years and I am very happy with the result. 5. Throughout your career, you have performed on major television shows, prestigious stages, and even before royalty. Looking back, how have these experiences influenced your artistic perspective and the music you choose to release today? It helped to trust my guts and myself even more over the years and to walk my own path in this crazy music business, without big companies and managements. 6. Following recent singles such as “Why Do We Try?” and “This Is Now,” what does “You Wrote Hallelujah” represent in this current chapter of your career, and what can listeners expect from Ferdinand Rennie in the months ahead? Hopefully in October latest November 2026 I would be very happy to release my new album. Ferdinand – Homepage – Fabscots Ltd – Entertainment and Fashion
Ronetik
Ronetik Ronetik’s latest single “Whole Again” is an uplifting blend of emotional storytelling and dance-driven energy, exploring themes of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. In this interview, Ronetik discusses the song’s inspiration, creative process, and artistic vision. 1. “Whole Again” explores themes of healing and personal growth. What inspired you to write this song, and was there a specific experience that influenced its message? Whole Again was inspired by the idea that healing doesn’t mean becoming someone new, but finding your way back to yourself. Like many people, I’ve gone through phases that were emotionally challenging. I wanted to capture that journey – from feeling broken on the inside to regaining strength again. The song is not based on one specific event, but on emotions and experiences that many people can relate to. 2. The track combines uplifting dance production with emotional storytelling. How did you approach combining energy and vulnerability in the songwriting and production process? From the very beginning, the vocal was the core of the track. It carries the entire idea – both melodically and emotionally. Even the raw vocal melody already works on its own and has this driving, almost hypnotic movement that everything else is built around. I developed the production around it without ever covering that emotional foundation. It was important to me that the track doesn’t feel overproduced, but that every sound supports the vocal. The energy in the arrangement doesn’t fight against it – it grows out of the voice itself. At the same time, the story always stays in the foreground, so it’s not just about vibe or drops, but about making the emotional journey audible. 3. You’ve mentioned that you focus on authenticity rather than following trends. How has this philosophy shaped your artistic journey and the sound of “Whole Again”? I make music that I personally love – but first and foremost, I focus on the vocal. For me, the vocal is always the starting point and defines the emotional direction of a song. I see it like dressing the vocal in the right “clothes”: production, sound design, and energy are built to enhance exactly what the voice is already expressing. In the end, everything has to come together into one coherent statement. Following trends would mean breaking that foundation and adapting music to what is currently working or what the masses want. That might bring short-term reach, but often the song loses its identity. And once a trend is over, the connection to the track often fades and listeners move on. My path is definitely harder because it’s not based on quick results. But that’s exactly why I stick to it. I want to create music that still works years from now – especially in electronic music. Songs that are not just a moment, but have lasting value and can still be listened to in 10 or 20 years. 4. The song encourages listeners to move forward after difficult times. What do you hope people take away from the track when they hear it for the first time? I hope people take away courage and hope. Everyone goes through setbacks, but they don’t define who we are or who we can become. If Whole Again makes someone feel less alone or gives them the strength to move forward, then it has achieved exactly what I wanted it to do. 5. Fans of Martin Garrix, Kygo, and Alan Walker may find familiar elements in your music. Which artists or musical influences have had the biggest impact on your sound? I’m a child of the 80s, so I grew up with classic synthesizer sounds, which shaped me early on and still influence my music today. I love working on synths myself, designing new sounds, and finding textures that perfectly fit each track. Synthesizers are incredibly versatile – they can drive energy, but also carry very calm and emotional moments, like in tracks such as For Eternity. Another major influence is Hans Zimmer. I’ve attended several of his concerts, and I’m always fascinated by how he blends electronic elements with orchestral, cinematic music. That way of thinking – not just in songs, but in scenes and experiences – has had a strong impact on me. Often, I create music with visual images in mind. Every track feels like its own scene or memory playing in my head. It’s almost like a personal film unfolding alongside the music, adding another layer of depth. That combination of sound, emotion, and imagination is what shapes my style the most. 6. Whole Again feels like an optimistic chapter in your catalog. Does this single hint at the direction of future releases, and what can listeners expect from Ronetik next? I still have several tracks ready that are heading in a similar direction. At the same time, I have many vocals waiting for their “clothes.” In the end, the vocal and the lyrics always decide where a song goes. That could turn into a ballad or a melodic house track – anything is possible. What matters is that it feels right emotionally. I stay true to my own path and don’t follow strict formulas. Anyone who connects with my music will also enjoy what’s coming next, because it carries the same emotional core. Right now, my focus is mainly on production and building my catalog step by step. The next logical step for me is moving more into live performances and organizing smaller shows. I want to show how well emotion and dance energy can work together in a live setting. So there’s definitely more to come – and it won’t get boring. Ronetik – Musikproduzent
Keesha Blair
Keesha Blair In this interview, Keesha Blair discusses the inspiration behind “Access Declined,” exploring self-respect, emotional boundaries, healing, and the empowering choice to protect peace while embracing personal growth. 1. “Access Declined” explores themes of self-respect and emotional boundaries. What personal experiences or observations inspired you to write this song, and what message did you hope listeners would take from it? “Access Declined” was inspired by the realization that not everyone deserves continued access to my peace, energy, or emotional availability. It came from learning that love does not automatically mean access. I can care deeply for someone while still protecting the parts of myself that require respect, alignment, and reciprocity. The song is about clarity. It represents the moment when I stopped overexplaining, overextending, and negotiating with situations that continued to disturb my spirit. What I hope listeners take from it is that boundaries are not cruelty. Protecting your peace is necessary self-care. You can love, forgive, understand, or release someone without continuing to give them access to places within you that they do not value or handle with care. 2. The song focuses on choosing peace rather than conflict when a relationship or connection no longer serves you. Why do you think this message is particularly important in today’s world? I think this message is important because many of us have been conditioned to believe that love means unlimited access. Some people assume that because you love them, they will always have a place in your life, no matter how they treat you. That can cause access to be taken for granted. “Access Declined” challenges that idea. Love can still exist, but access requires alignment, respect, and reciprocity. Choosing peace means recognizing what no longer feels safe, healthy, or honest for you, then honoring that clarity without guilt. In today’s world, where so many people are overstimulated, emotionally exhausted, and constantly connected, protecting peace is essential. Our well-being is not something we should have to sacrifice in order to keep a connection intact. 3. Your music often centers on healing, empowerment, and emotional restoration. How does “Access Declined” fit into your broader artistic and creative mission through Divine Purpose Music? “Access Declined” fits directly into the heart of Divine Purpose Music because it is rooted in healing, self-respect, and emotional restoration. My creative mission is to make music that helps people feel seen, supported, and connected to themselves. This song speaks to the empowerment that comes from choosing your own well-being without guilt. It is about recognizing that peace has value, clarity matters, and boundaries do not require agreement from others in order to be valid. Through Divine Purpose Music, I want to create songs that feel intentional and emotionally grounding. “Access Declined” is part of that mission because it reminds listeners that sometimes healing begins when you stop giving access to what keeps pulling you away from yourself. 4. The track combines smooth R&B and soul influences with an intimate and reflective atmosphere. How did you approach crafting the sound and emotional tone of the song? I wanted the sound of “Access Declined” to feel smooth, grounded, and emotionally controlled. The message is strong, so I wanted the song to feel guided by love, peace, and freedom. This song came from the place where the decision has already been made. The R&B and soul influences helped create warmth and intimacy, while the reflective atmosphere allowed the lyrics to breathe. I wanted the listener to feel the calm certainty behind the boundary. We are deserving of peace, and I believe it is our responsibility to give that peace to ourselves without guilt or the need for anyone’s approval. I wanted the emotional tone of the song to reflect that truth. 5. You describe your role as focusing on songwriting, concept, message, and creative direction while using AI to assist with production and vocals. How does this creative process help you bring your musical vision to life? My creative process usually begins with a message, a title, or an emotional truth that is asking to be explored. From there, I develop the concept, shape the lyrics, and guide the overall feeling of the song. As a songwriter and creative director, I use AI-assisted production and vocal generation as supportive tools in the creative process. The technology helps bring the emotional world of the song to life, but the heart of the work is the message. I focus on the story, lyrical direction, emotional tone, vocal feel, arrangement, and atmosphere so that every element works together in service of the song. With “Access Declined,” it was important that the production and vocals supported the feeling of calm strength. I wanted the song to feel intimate and empowering without losing its softness or emotional clarity. I also believe transparency is important when AI-assisted production or visuals are part of a release. Some people have firm boundaries around AI in music and art, and I respect that. I do not have to share the same belief in order to honor someone’s boundary. For me, being clear about my creative process allows people to decide what aligns with them. 6. For listeners who may be struggling with setting boundaries or protecting their peace, what do you hope they feel or discover after hearing “Access Declined”? I hope they choose their own well-being without guilt. Setting boundaries can be difficult, especially when love is involved, but love should not require self-abandonment. I want listeners to feel empowered to stop negotiating with what already feels clear. If a person, pattern, or situation requires you to keep shrinking, overexplaining, or abandoning your peace in order to maintain the connection, it is okay to disconnect. “Access Declined” is a reminder that your peace has value. Your clarity matters. Your boundaries do not need to be understood or agreed with by others in order to be valid. Sometimes protecting your peace is not an act of rejecting others. It is an act of accepting yourself. https://www.instagram.com/divinepurposemusicbykeesha
Magdi Aboul-Kheir
Magdi Aboul-Kheir Magdi Aboul-Kheir opens up about One Last Dance, a heartfelt collection of piano pieces that explores emotion, reflection, and the beauty of life’s most profound and delicate moments. 1. Congratulations on the release of One Last Dance. What inspired this collection of ten piano pieces, and what personal stories or emotions guided the album’s creation? It touches on both the very big questions in life and the very small moments of it – on what is heavy and profound, but also on what is light and weightless. That may sound a little pretentious, of course 🙂 But above all, it is about allowing emotions to come close and feeling them very consciously. Closing your eyes and still seeing something. About touching – and being touched. 2. Throughout your career, you have explored neo-classical, cinematic, ambient, orchestral, and retro synth music. What drew you to create a record focused entirely on felt piano and grand piano? On the one hand, I enjoy crafting larger arrangements and writing for bigger ensembles. On the other hand, I also find it incredibly rewarding to work with a more reduced, focused palette, allowing me to get to the very core of ideas and emotions. Since I come from a piano background myself, expressing myself through this instrument feels completely natural. 3. The album feels intimate, reflective, and deeply emotional. How did you approach capturing such vulnerability through instrumental compositions alone? These are songs without words, yet I hope they still have a story to tell. At least, I hope they do. A piano, too, can sing like a voice. And precisely because this music is so stripped back, I hope it conveys emotion in its purest form—honestly, directly, and without artifice. 4. Melody is often described as the thread connecting your diverse musical styles. How do you develop melodies that remain memorable while conveying complex emotions? Some melodies require careful shaping, and sometimes that means focusing on the smallest details—every single note matters obviously. But at other times, a melody arrives almost effortlessly, already feeling complete. When things go well, I don’t feel as though I’ve constructed a melody; I feel as though I’ve discovered it. As if it had been there all along. 5. The title One Last Dance suggests themes of farewell, remembrance, and acceptance. What does the title mean to you, and how is that meaning reflected across the ten tracks? A composer is not necessarily the best interpreter of their own music. For that reason, I don’t want to burden the listener with too many thoughts about what was on my mind or in my heart while writing these pieces. I would rather everyone form their own emotional connection with the music. There is only one thing I would like to say: I believe we should embrace and savor every dance life offers us. Even when these pieces sound melancholy at times, they are ultimately rooted in an affirmation of life. 6. Having completed such a personal and contemplative project, what lessons did you take away from the experience, and where do you see your musical journey heading next? I wanted to explore how far I could distill my music—how concise and essential it could become without losing its depth or becoming simplistic. And I wondered whether such a reduced musical language could still sustain an entire album with a compelling narrative arc. Whether I succeeded is, of course, for the listeners to decide. As for what’s next, I enjoy exploring different musical worlds—from chamber music to retro-inspired electronic music. At the moment, I’m also working on ambient tracks that incorporate orchestral elements. Magdi Aboul-Kheir Official: Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Solar Flare Alert
Solar Flare Alert Blending Mediterranean warmth with irresistible disco grooves, Solar Flare Alert’s debut album Disco Au Soleil is a vibrant fusion of styles, storytelling, and dancefloor energy. We discuss its creation and future. 1. “Disco Au Soleil” blends nu-disco, funk, Italo-disco, and electronic influences into a distinctly Mediterranean sound. What was your vision for the album, and how did you ensure all these elements felt part of the same musical journey? Honestly, it began as pure fun — no grand plan, just the two of us chasing a feeling. The record travels through the different shades of the genre we love: nu-disco, funk, Italo-disco, electronic. Above all we wanted music you feel in your body, something that moves you before you start to think. But we also had something to say, and that’s how the whole Solar Flare Alert world took shape — the alert, the cosmic story, the comic that grew up alongside the songs. The first twelve pages of that comic will be the booklet of the vinyl edition, out in September. So what really holds everything together isn’t a single genre — it’s that world, with the sun and the dancefloor running underneath all of it. And even when the styles shift, our vocals tie it all together — it still feels like one trip. 2. “Sott ‘e ‘Ngopp” is described as the most club-oriented track on the record. What inspired its energetic direction, and how did the Neapolitan phrase and multilingual lyrics help shape the song’s message about chaos and awareness? “Sott ‘e ‘Ngopp” literally means “upside down” — chaos, basically. We write together, and we’ve lived on the southern coast of Campania for six years now; Davide is from the Cilento. This stretch of coast is a hugely popular summer destination, especially for people from Naples, so Neapolitan is the language we hear all around us in the most fun — and most chaotic — moments of the year. In summer our town goes from about 30,000 people to 120,000, and in every club along the coast you hear languages blending together. Mixing Italian, English and Neapolitan in the same lyric isn’t a concept, it’s about the groove already inside those words — the way they roll and collide. The energy in those summer nights is enormous, and we tried to pour part of that impact into a single song. The awareness underneath it is this: happiness can’t be stored up, you have to spend it all, right now. That’s why the track opens with “wake up — do you know where you are? Open your eyes.” The chorus is pure chaos, but those first words are the way in. 3. You mention that many tracks began as spontaneous jams during the sessions for the New Zone EP. Can you talk about the process of transforming those initial ideas into the fully realized songs that appear on the album? To explain this we have to start with New Zone, which was made in a pretty particular way. Davide had sketched out at least twenty drafts and we picked five; when Maurice came to the studio we tried a few, and on the ones he felt most at home with he improvised around forty minutes straight per track — a kind of stream of consciousness, straight out of Chicago. New Zone was built by sampling those improvisations and giving them structure. But that left us with a lot of drafts full of good ideas and no vocals — and at heart we’re singers, so we just put two and two together. We wrote the lyrics, and once the tracks were properly structured we reached out to Salvatore Palermo, a Sicilian bassist, producer and multi-instrumentalist we’d heard a few years earlier on a project by friends. He came to our home studio for three weeks and recorded all the live instruments on the record — except the percussion, which his brother Christian Palermo recorded at their own studio in Sicily. From there Davide finished the production and the mix, and for the master he passed the ball to Andrea Pellegrini, a trusted professional we work with regularly. 4. Live instrumentation plays a major role throughout the record, from bass and percussion to horns and piano. How important was it for you to balance organic performances with electronic production techniques? Hugely important. Both Davide and Erika have at least ten years of live experience behind us, often in large line-ups — funk, reggae, gypsy jazz, pop. We come from a musical world where having musicians who actually play is simply a given. The electronic side is Davide’s passion: he’s been experimenting with analog synths for years, and one instrument in particular runs through almost every track — the Moog Subharmonicon, a wonderfully versatile machine. There’s also extensive use of sampling, a technique Davide loves and one that was already central to New Zone. Bringing all of this together with genuinely played parts felt like the only possible way to find our own sound. 5. You’ve acknowledged comparisons to Nu Genea while describing Solar Flare Alert’s approach as more visceral and unpredictable. How would you define the unique identity of the band, and what do you hope listeners experience when they hear your music? Solar Flare Alert’s identity is defined first of all by its core: Davide and Erika. We write, we produce, and all the vocals on the tracks are ours. The figures on the covers are us, in comic form. All of it really comes out of the interaction between the two of us — a playful musical exchange that’s grown over the roughly ten years we’ve shared a life together. We’re aware that some people compare us to Nu Genea, but from our point of view we’re completely different. Maybe the only thing we have in common is the purpose we give to music: making people move. We hope for a physical response from the listener — and we imagine they want exactly the
WYCH HAZLE
WYCH HAZLE MICROPHONOLOGY 2 sees WYCH HAZLE expanding his visionary blend of sharp lyricism, Afrofuturist themes, and cinematic storytelling. In this interview, he discusses creativity, collaboration, cultural influences, and the album’s ambitious artistic journey. 1. MICROPHONOLOGY 2 arrives after the strong reception of the original mixtape. How did the success of tracks like WISE MAN, NEW WORD ORDER, and PENCRAFT SIGHTING influence the direction and creative ambition of this new album? The inspiration for the mixtape came from my excitement at the amount of dope underground albums that came out this year. Overall, I feel that set the tone for exploring topics that I wanted to touch on. Ageism in Hip Hop inspired me to write WISE MAN. Older artists are killing it right now. I enjoy them much more lyrically and most times aesthetically. I think NEW WORD ORDER with Mr. Ripley of Rulerz Inc, got the best reception from the grassroots listeners. I plan to do more with them soon. 2. Your music is often described as a blend of Hip Hop intellect, cosmic noir, and Chicago-born storytelling. How do these different influences come together when you’re building a song or developing a narrative? I honestly just put the pen to paper and vibe to whatever soundscape lights me up. The books I read, scientific things I ponder, my life experiences, and my fascination with what lies behind the curtain just spill into my expression. I get an idea, come up with a hook, or theme, then go in til it’s done. And,…til it sounds good to me and whoever I’m working with. 3. The collaboration with Watkinz Da General brings a futuristic sonic edge to the project. What was the creative chemistry between you two, and how did his production help shape the world of MICROPHONOLOGY 2? The first project me and Watkinz did together was MICROPHONOLOGY. I did it with him shortly after dropping DRAMA FICTION 2, which was a serious album on some real life and political shit. I wanted to get back to just emceeing at a more galactic level. I created an inner superhero for that one. He’s on the cover. A combo of me and Watkinz coming from a dimension where Boom Bap is used to communicate high ideas and deep concepts for building the future. MICROPHONOLOGY 2 is a continuation of the experimentation and exploration into my different styles and perspectives within my bars. Some braggadocio, but all laced with intriguing references and a nod to black futurism. MICROPHONOLOGY 2 de WYCH HAZLE X WATKINZ DA GENERAL 4. The album references Dr. James West’s legacy of Black technological innovation. What does that connection mean to you, and how does Afrofuturism inform your approach to music and storytelling? His story and his invention, is supremely inspiring to me as not just a Hip Hopper, but as a black intelligectual who has been misunderstood, understated, and not properly celebrated for such an AMAZING invention. MICROPHONOLOGY 2 is amazing Hip Hop. There is something on it for everyone if they hold tight. Street rhymes, concepts, stories, speculative poetry, and more. The same with the mixtape. 5. Beyond music, your work spans poetry, fiction, and visual storytelling through platforms like Wattpad and BLKWIZFLIX. How do these different creative outlets influence one another, and what does each medium allow you to express that the others cannot? I was a writer before a rapper. My father is author Charles Pugh. I grew up writing short stories in the 80s, mostly horror and Sci Fi because I was a nerd. Once rap came, I needed to know more about the streets…, so I got into Donald Goines, Iceberg Slim, all contemporaries of my Pops, and started kind of blending the two. As a child, I was read Chester Himes stories and ROOTS by Alex Haley. All these readings play a part in the formation of my style and the topics I choose. I cannot do what I do with scripts, stories, and essays as effectively in just Rap. I strive to, but then lose listeners getting waaaay to detailed over beats without something light in there. Soon a lot of the stories, which I encourage all Urban and Hip Hop heads to read, will be movies, and or episodes. Keep an eye out for that. BLKWIZFLIX is not your normal, so you definitely won’t see anything like them anywhere else. 6. MICROPHONOLOGY 2 feels both deeply personal and highly cinematic. What do you hope listeners take away from the album after experiencing the full 10-track journey from beginning to end? First off, I hope they enjoy the sound, the flows, and the places I try to take them with words, melodies, beat breaks, and cadences. I want my range to be seen. A lot of underground Hip Hop coming out now is drug related, or crime heavy. I go in a different direction here, only one cautionary street tale about how violence festers in those raised in violence,…how it comes out when the are triggered. I want to see more balance in underground rap. I also want to see more Hip Hop movies. Not about Hip Hop. Just Hip Hop because that’s the culture the characters come from. Respect the culture. WYCH HAZLE
Sonic Panda and Oblique
Sonic Panda and Oblique Industrial-pop provocateurs Sonic Panda and synth-wave veterans Oblique join forces on “Silence Is In Vogue,” a bold and satirical collaboration exploring modern polarization, creative freedom, and the power of music to challenge perceptions. 1. “Silence Is In Vogue” tackles themes of social hypersensitivity and polarization with a satirical edge. What inspired you both to explore these topics, and how did your different perspectives shape the song’s message? Sonic Panda: Seni is Chinese and I (Pere) have lived in China all my adult life so culturally we are very familiar with the idea of certain topics not being adequate to be discussed in public; But in the last years seeing the increasing tensions in western culture has been quite shocking. Plus we were being constantly warned of things we shouldn’t say in our songs or show in our videos (fun fact: our mv ‘foreigners’ was pulled off the internet in its first 24h, and we had to come up immediately with an alternative to replace it). 2. Sonic Panda’s industrial-gothic energy and Oblique’s synth-wave sensibilities create a unique fusion on this release. How did the collaboration come together, and what did each band bring to the creative process? Oblique: Pere from Sonic Panda contacted us through social media, and we decided to check their Instagram and YouTube. We felt that what we saw and heard was of high quality, so we decided to combine styles to create something different. Oblique contributed the analog synth element, and the Sonja-Pere vocal duo rounded out the equation. Sonic Panda: ‘Silence Is In Vogue’ wasn’t going to be included in our upcoming album, we felt that there was something amiss. But I came across a remix they did for OBK a Spanish renowned artist and I loved their sound. I binge-listened to their catalog on Spotify and those 80s vibes won me over. And it was then that I thought that ‘Silence Is in Vogue’ was a perfect track to do with them. 3. The song is highly danceable while also carrying a strong social commentary. How important was it for you to balance entertainment with a deeper message, and what reactions do you hope to spark in listeners? Sonic Panda: Entertainment and comedy are all part of the message. The lyrics are simplistic on purpose, yet conveying a bigger issue. Complaining about being afraid to say something by kinda saying nothing at all. The music video of a comic nature, fun, entertaining with a seemingly unrelated story but again touching some of the things that you are not supposed to (guns, sex, violence). We don’t really have any expectation regarding the reactions, we just hope people enjoy it for one reason or another lol. 4. Beyond sharing vocal duties, Oblique were also involved in the production of the track. What was the most rewarding aspect of working together in the studio, and were there any unexpected creative discoveries along the way? Oblique: On the creative side – since we were each on opposite sides of the globe – the process involved blending ideas from both bands to craft the final song. A connection formed from the very first minute; everything flowed perfectly, as if we had worked together before. Sonic Panda: I had the feeling that working with them was going to be easy from the get go, and so it was. We clicked, and they really added value to the song, we love Sonja’s voice and that catchy solo synth break in the track, that’s all on them. We cannot forget also Matt Pop, who did an amazing remix and was such a pleasure to work with. 5. The EP’s audiovisual concept is particularly intriguing, with three different videos presenting the same story but leading to different endings. How did this idea develop, and what does it add to the overall experience of “Silence Is In Vogue”? Sonic Panda: Part of the concept of the track is about how we perceive something we read, hear or see. And how we get offended or hurt by it depending on our bias. So since each version of the song has its own personality I thought to also give it three different perspectives and possible outcomes to the same premise. But if you want to know the cannon ending, that’s on the comic book that is also included with the EP lol. 6. This single serves as the first preview of Sonic Panda’s upcoming album Neomelodrama, while Oblique have recently released Until There’s Nothing Left. What can fans expect from your respective future projects, and would you be open to collaborating again after this release? Oblique: With “Until There’s Nothing Left” we offered an almost meditative experience where the music became a space for introspection; and next we are going to be presenting it live on July 17th in Deskomunal (Barcelona). Sonic Panda: On July 10th we will play in Sugar Cube in Tokyo, and after that we will finish up our album with Carlsed our wonderful producer, so that it can be ready after the summer. And about working again with Oblique, wouldn’t it be fun if we say never again? Lol Nah – that’s a yes for sure -well if they have us, we can be intense lol. SONIC PANDA Official: Instagram | Linktree
Nancy Carey Johnson
Nancy Carey Johnson With the release of Shine Your Light, singer-songwriter Nancy Carey Johnson continues her journey of heartfelt storytelling, blending resilience, reflection, humor, and hope into a collection of songs that celebrate life’s challenges and triumphs. 1. Congratulations on the release of Shine Your Light! What was the creative vision behind this EP, and how do you feel it builds upon the foundation you established with Chaos & Grace? Thank you for your good wishes. To answer your question, Chaos & Grace was a labor of love (and fun), and it’s an interesting album because it’s very eclectic. So when it came to making Shine Your Light, the best way for us (my producer Matt Smith and the guys at 6 String Ranch Studio) to build on C&G was to continue making the best possible music we could (which is also an eclectic mix) and have fun doing it. 2. The songs on Shine Your Light explore themes of resilience, reflection, and connection. Were there any personal experiences or moments in your life that particularly influenced the writing of these tracks? Absolutely. Life is hard on everybody, and I’m no exception. In terms of connection, I am a “people person,” so connection is very important to me. In terms of resilience, I spent a long time in a very difficult marriage; consequently, I had to become resilient. And while there are those who cringe at the thought of getting older, for me it is a gift because I’ve lived enough life to be able to look back and reflect with the gift of perspective. When I wrote Shine Your Light, I was thinking about all the unkind things we believe about ourselves and wanted people to dig deeper and see just how wonderful they are. Perfect? Heck no. But you don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. 3. Your songwriting received national recognition with “Birthday Cake For Breakfast,” winning First Place in American Songwriter Magazine’s heartbreak lyric contest. How did that achievement impact your confidence and approach as a songwriter? OMGosh, when “Birthday Cake For Breakfast” won American Songwriter Magazine’s heartbreak lyric contest, I was in shock! For me, writing songs is no different than growing a garden or raising children, in that you spend focused time and attention pouring your heart and soul into them, and then when you deem them finished, the time comes when you put them out into the world and let them go. Winning the contest gave me a big boost of confidence to continue writing, knowing that I must be doing something right. 4. As a Vermont homesteader, mother of four, author, and musician, you draw inspiration from many aspects of everyday life. How do these different roles shape the stories and emotions that find their way into your songs? As a mother of four boys, having a good sense of humor is a must. As both a writer and songwriter, I find that paying attention to detail is essential. I’m not good at “puzzling,” with the exception of words. So as a writer, I dig deep to find the exact word to describe what I’m seeing, feeling, or experiencing. Homesteading (and parenting) takes a lot of work and dedication, and as a musician, the music pours out of me, literally. Like anybody, on any given day you experience things that bring you joy, rage, laughter, bemusement, or empowerment. It’s my job to bring all of that together into a cohesive song and story, one that people connect with. 5. Songs like “Guano Loco,” “She Let Him Go,” and “Take Me To The River” each bring a unique flavor to the EP. Can you share the stories behind one or two of these tracks and what they mean to you personally? I frequently look around at the world and shake my head at what we’ve become. I’m pretty sure most of us have, or at the very least know people who have, gone out with someone who looks great on the outside but underneath that attractive exterior is absolutely batshit crazy. Consequently, I wrote “Guano Loco” as a tongue-in-cheek warning! Back to life being so hard for people. Because that’s true, it’s often easier to focus on what was “done to us” than to look at our roles in the dramas of our lives. To be fair, those same dramas are shaped by a million little incidents and experiences that become an unconscious, cohesive whole. So when I wrote “She Let Him Go,” I tried to paint the full picture of a woman who unconsciously pushed a man away due to all those experiences, tragedies, and small moments that added up over time. 6. Your live performances are known for blending music, storytelling, humor, and heartfelt moments. What do you hope audiences take away from a Nancy Carey Johnson show, and what’s next for you following the release of Shine Your Light? When it comes to playing live, the most important thing for me is connection with the audience. With that, I have several goals: I love it when my shows provide a cathartic experience, but I also want my audience to have fun and leave feeling they’ve laughed, been inspired, and are uplifted and empowered. My next steps are: 1) more performing (I love to play live shows!), 2) more songwriting, 3) more recording, 4) repeat steps 1, 2, and 3. Home | Nancy Carey Johnson
Tyler Brooker
Tyler Brooker Tyler Brooker steps beyond his electro-house roots with Step Aside, a feel-good collaboration with UK rapper PHAZE. In this interview, he discusses creative risks, musical chemistry, and the track’s uplifting summer message. 1. “Step Aside” blends dance-pop, reggae-inspired rhythms, and hip-hop vocals into a vibrant summer anthem. How did the collaboration come together, and what was the creative chemistry like between you both?I started producing the track first before reaching out to PHAZE – I was inspired by the work of Major Lazer and wanted to create an uplifting and summer-ready track, so I ended up using a reggae-style beat with melodic leads and catchy sounds. But that on its own would be too empty – I knew it needed lyrics or labels wouldn’t want it, so I reached out to PHAZE after not contacting him for a few years (which he greatly appreciated), and within two weeks, the track was ready. I didn’t even need to ask for any lyric changes; it was perfect as it was. I knew that rapped lyrics would go well with the track style, and as PHAZE is from the UK, the people in the UK where I live would resonate with his style of rapping better. Once finished, I reached out to several networks, and after a week or so, Deep Elite agreed to sign it. 2. Tyler, this track marks a departure from your usual electro-house sound. What inspired you to explore a more Latin and reggae-infused direction, and what did you learn from stepping outside your comfort zone?After my latest release “The Fruity Man” in March, I remembered I had a sample pack inspired by artist Major Lazer that I hadn’t used before, so I started experimenting with the beats and melodies, and after a day or two, I came up with a really upbeat and positive-sounding instrumental. For me, I never have any issues working on music that I’m not used to – I’ve had the opportunity to work on a lot of genres since I started producing, ranging from house and EDM, to jazz, rock, bluegrass and even classical. It gives me confidence when releasing music like this in the future, if I choose to. 3. PHAZE, your lyrics carry a positive and uplifting message. How do your influences, particularly artists like Canibus and Shan51, shape your songwriting and approach to meaningful rap?Gradually over time the topics they rhyme about rub off and lead to further research.Ultimately their writing techniques and subject matter have an effect on how I think, therefore reflecting in my artistry. 4. The song captures a carefree summer spirit while encouraging listeners to move forward and enjoy life. What message do you hope people take away from “Step Aside”? Remember summertime is the season of love and joy, and regardless of the issues we all have to face in life, remember to have fun and make sure you strive to always be your best self. This song is a reminder to enjoy yourself and let go of the past and look forward to not looking back. Have fun with it and smile! 5. Having previously worked together on “Stuck in the Middle,” how has your artistic partnership evolved, and what makes this collaboration different from your past projects?So “Stuck In The Middle” was a smaller project from a few years ago, a hip-hop grime track that I only planned on releasing onto my YouTube channel on a smaller scale. I needed a rapper, so using the platform SubmitHub, I told users that I needed a male rapper, and PHAZE was the first to get back to me. I sent him the track and let him rap whatever lyrics came to mind, and when he sent it back to me, I was extremely pleased – his voice was great, and I knew I wanted to work with him again. Fast forward a few years, and I knew his vocals would be perfect for this track. It’s rare for me to have rappers on my EDM projects (or just rappers on any of my projects), and yet I knew it was going to turn out good. I feel like PHAZE’s vocals would work on a lot of my future projects, and I’m sure he’d be happy to help out knowing that this track has been a success. 6. With “Step Aside” now released through Deep Elite, what are your goals for the track, and can fans expect more collaborations or new music from either of you in the near future?”We’re hoping the track will be listened to by a wide audience on Spotify, but also on radio stations as now would be the perfect time for it! We’re also hoping it will get attention from various blogs and articles online. I do have quite a few projects up and coming – another artist called MatDanx has created a trance remix of my EDM track “The Fruity Man” which has been signed to LVLD Music, then after that a few more house collaborations that will be released on other labels. It’s going to be a busy year, so please make sure to keep an eye on the YouTube channel as that’s where most of my content will be! Tyler Brooker Official: TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter | Linktree
Keesha Blair
Keesha Blair In this interview, Keesha Blair discusses the inspiration behind “Truth Always Shows Its Face,” reflecting on themes of truth, self-honesty, healing, and authenticity. She shares how personal experiences shaped the song’s message and her mission to create music that encourages emotional growth, inner reflection, and meaningful transformation. 1. “Truth Always Shows Its Face” explores the relationship between belief and truth. What inspired you to examine this theme, and what personal insights shaped the song’s message? The opening question came from my journey through religion, spirituality, and now simply practicing love, self-acceptance, and intense self-honesty. I had many questions along the way, but I was often encouraged to accept things as truth without questioning them. That never sat right with me. Over time, I realized that truth does not need fear, control, or blind loyalty to survive. True love can withstand questions; it even welcomes them. If a belief collapses simply because it is questioned, then I have to ask whether it was ever rooted in truth. That realization became the foundation of “Truth Always Shows Its Face.” 2. The song blends contemporary soul, neo-soul, and a deeply reflective atmosphere. How did you approach creating a sound that supports such an intimate and thought-provoking narrative? I wanted the sound to feel spacious, soulful, soothing, and emotionally honest. Because the message invites deep self-reflection, I did not want the production to overpower the meaning. I wanted it to create a sense of safety around the listener. In my experience, people are more willing to answer difficult questions freely and honestly when they feel safe enough to do so. That shaped the way I approached the sound. As a songwriter and creative director, I wanted the atmosphere to support the emotional weight of the lyrics while still feeling gentle and grounding. The contemporary soul and neo-soul elements helped create warmth, while the slower, more introspective feel gave the words room to breathe. I wanted listeners to feel like they were having a private conversation with themselves, where they could question, answer honestly, and be gently invited into reflection. 3. Throughout your work, themes of healing, self-honesty, and personal transformation often emerge. Why do you feel these subjects are so important to address through music today? Music has been a healing tool for me. I often describe it as music ministry because it reaches places that ordinary conversation sometimes cannot. In today’s society, there is still a lot of resistance around vulnerability, self-help, and healing. Many people have been conditioned to see vulnerability as weakness, when I believe truth and healing actually thrive there. When I began normalizing those subjects for myself, I noticed that others felt safer sharing their own truths with me. That is why these themes matter so much in my work. Many people are carrying emotions they have not had the space, language, or safety to process. Music can soften the heart, open memory, and create room for truth without forcing it. For me, music is not only entertainment. It can also be a mirror, a grounding space, and a reminder that we are allowed to grow, release, and become more honest with ourselves. 4. You describe the song as a quiet revelation that rises through confusion and denial. Was there a particular moment or experience that helped you understand the power of truth in your own life? It was less about one single moment and more about recognizing a pattern within myself. I began to realize that sometimes lies are wrapped in hope. There were times when I wanted to believe what someone was telling me because of how beautiful it would have been if it were true. But deep down, I already knew. I learned that I could often feel a lie before the truth was fully revealed. The difficult part was admitting that I sometimes went against my own knowing because I wanted to believe the other person. Every new lie diminished that hope until the pain, doubt, and humiliation became undeniable. That is reflected in the lyric, “I kept a quiet faith in the back of my mind, but each new lie left some doubt behind.” That realization helped me understand that truth does not necessarily arrive as punishment. Sometimes truth comes to rescue us from the places where we have been hiding from ourselves. It shows up to support us, reveal alignment, and guide us back to what is real. Self-honesty may not always feel comfortable at first, but once I experienced the freedom of it, I wanted to keep choosing it. 5. Through Divine Purpose Music, you focus on creating songs that feel affirming and emotionally grounding. How do you balance artistic expression with the intention of supporting listeners on their personal journeys? For me, the balance starts with honesty. I do not want the music to feel forced, overly polished emotionally, or disconnected from real human experience. The artistic expression has to come from something true first. At the same time, Divine Purpose Music is rooted in intention. I think about how a song may land in someone’s spirit, not just how it sounds. I want the music to hold space for reflection, empowerment, and emotional grounding. My goal is not to tell listeners what to feel, but to create something that helps them feel seen, supported, and safe enough to listen to themselves. 6. “Truth Always Shows Its Face” encourages listeners to remove masks and embrace authenticity. What do you hope people take away from the song after hearing it, and how would you like it to impact their lives moving forward? I hope listeners take away the reminder that truth does not need to be chased or forced. Truth also does not chase us. It has a way of revealing itself when the masks fall away and we become willing to meet ourselves honestly. For me, this song is not about pretending I never lie or that honesty is always simple. It is about self-honesty. Our full truth