DJ Interviews: Means of Production

 

Here's my interview with electronic band Means Of Production who had allot to say regarding their musical careers

How'd you get started in music?

 

Tim: Looking back I was always interested in electronic music at school, I was into 80s synthpop and such, but I never felt it was something I could make because I wasn’t really an instrument player.  I started playing guitar in university so quite late. I was never an amazing guitarist but was always very interested in the potential for getting cool noises out of it so when computers became powerful enough to mess around with audio and MIDI relatively cheaply I fell into it and never looked back.

Jeremy: I was in choirs and bands as a child, but threw that over for visual art in my 20s, taking photographs, creating small press comics, and illustrating. I’m the visual half of the band, providing beat-matched generated graphics and slide decks.

 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

 

Tim: I’m always listening out for new stuff. Right now I’m listening to a lot of weird dark stuff, Surgeon and a noise band called Mandy, Indiana who are phenomenal. Factory Floor are great. The Overmono album a couple of years back was excellent.

Jeremy: At the moment I’m really into frame construction, overpasses and vacant lots (these aren’t bands they’re visual themes!). Music wise I am loving Self Esteem, Viagra Boys, and the new These New Puritans is also great.

 

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

 

Tim: It can be quite hard for new outfits to get started. Don’t expect to get paid a lot at the start!

We looked at our local free press, sent in demos, got a couple of good reviews in there, that made promoters prepared to put us on, word of mouth gets you a long way. It can take a while to build so don’t give up and also don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for support slots. Have an idea of where you will fit in as promoters often want to theme nights. We’re lucky in Oxford in that we have a lot of promoters who are willing to take a chance on new acts at small events.

If there is a local scene definitely get involved, help each other out. Do remixes for each other etc, it’s often easier for a scene to get attention and lift everyone than for a single act.

Jeremy: A great way to get involved is to create zines or take photographs around your local scene, I did this for years before I actually ended up in a band, and it can be an excellent end in itself.

 

How do you set yourself apart from other bands or singers?

 

Tim: For electronic music there has to be something to engage with on stage. It’s really easy to just be a bloke with a laptop but that’s pretty dull to watch. Put some thought into it, people have paid to see you! We do a lot of visuals which are all triggered live from the stage by Jeremy. All the images are by her or cooked up with video synthesizers, and they fit in with the way the songs work and form a kind of visual counterpoint.

Jeremy: The visuals create a thematic key for each track. For some they track the lyrics, others they are more commentary or counterpoint. They offer a way to visually engage with the music. It’s partly inspired by a period of time when I had synaesthesia following a head  injury!

 

How would you say that music has inspired/made an impression on you?

 

Tim: I can’t imagine life without music. In my primary school there wasn’t much of a musical culture but in my secondary school I was suddenly exposed to all this stuff – punk, early electronic stuff, all kinds of things - and I think it had some kind of formative effect on my developing brain. I make my living teaching music tech so I guess you can say it’s been pretty good to me.

Jeremy: I was embedded in music culture and performance from a young age as my dad was a folk singer and I sang in church choirs. But this didn’t feel like my music and as soon as I was able I started listening to pop and electronic on portable radios wherever I went. I can’t imagine living without a musical soundtrack, though I frequently had my radio confiscated at school!

 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

 

Our new album “Joy” has just been released on all platforms. We’re playing a festival  - ApTapFest - at the Apothecary Tap in Banbury on 24^th August, our launch gig is at Common Ground in Oxford on 29^th (Thanks Gappy Tooth Industries who are the promoters) and the All Will Be Wired electronic night at The Library, Oxford on 12^th September. We will be bringing some vinyl to sell!

Special thanks to them & Grace Willliams for this interview & until then I'll catch you on The Flipside! Stay frosty & rock n roll!

 

The Moment That Hooks Us in Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad

Hey there all, normally I do music reviews but this time around I'm sharing a review of a music anime thats been really close to my heart That of BECK Mongolian Chop Squad, it's a really well-done anime & story along with it so if you haven't had the pleasure of seeing it it's something that I highly recommend. so have a look & be sure to post your comments on things.

DJ Interviews: Brook Hodges

 Hey there folks here's my interview with indie singer/rocker Brooke Hodges who shared her humble begging's of her career

How'd you get started in music? 

My mum had a guitar which she'd learnt on as a child. One of the teachers at my primary school ran a group lesson on a lunch time, so I went along to that with my mum's guitar and learnt to play hymns. After that, I was self-taught. I was at secondary school when Brit Pop was at it's height so everyone was playing the guitar. I've dabbled in various bands over the years, but then really started writing my own stuff a few years ago during lock down.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

I love good songwriting, anything with a hook and good lyrics, lyrics are really important I haven't got time for songs where they don't make sense! Fleetwood Mac have been a definite constant in my life and I love a lot of other 70s stuff, like Neil Young, John Martyn, Toto. I've recently been listening again to Ben Folds Five who were my favourite band when I was a teenager, they have some brilliant songs, there's  a lot of humour in there which I really like too and I try to bring that  into my writing at times.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Get up and play! Find local open mics or acoustic nights with a welcoming host and do lots of it. When I was about 13 or 14, we went on a family holiday to Tenerife and there was a live band who played in a bar every night. I was persuaded to get up and play with them, I was beyond nervous and I didn't have a go-to repertoire at that time, it was a bit of a car crash, but we went back the next year and I was prepared and played every night and loved it.

I've only recently got to a point where I don't routinely feel terrified getting up to play, but it definitely gets gradually easier the more you do it. The other thing that I find really useful is to video myself. I joined a Facebook 'Live Lounge' during lockdown where a load of musicians posted a song a day. Prior to that, I would perform but would never listen back to what I'd played for fear of it being awful. Watching my videos back was so useful both for tightening up my performances but also in giving me confidence to realise that what I was doing actually sounded fine.

How do you set yourself apart from other bands or singers? 

There are so many talented songwriters and performers out there, I'm not trying to set myself apart, I just want to be amongst them. But my songwriting is very honest and raw and people seem to connect with that which is lovely. 

How would you say that music has inspired/made an impression on you? 

Writing music allows me to express ideas and emotions that I really can't communicate in any other way. Often writing songs allows me to work through what's going on inside and make sense of it. Listening to music can play with your mood in such incredible ways, from the euphoria of being at a gig where you can feel the music vibrating your bones and everyone is singing along, to the days alone at home wallowing in heartbreak with Jeff Buckley and Radiohead for company.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I've got a few gigs in Sheffield lined up in the coming weeks. The next one is at Mester's Tap on 16th July. My next album is taking shape, I've been writing a lot recently and I'm hoping to start recording early in 2026.

Special thanks to both her & Grace Williams for her collabaration in helping with this interview So until then I'll catch you on The Flipside!

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DJ Interviews: TokyoSOng

 Hey there everyone its your old friend DJ Dizzy here with an interview as done by band. Tokyo song who sat with me to talk about their musicial origins

How'd you get started in music?

I've always had a head full of music that's been itching to get out of me... I was tinkering with some layered wall of sound orchestral indie when training to be a producer back in the late 1990s, and a chance meeting with Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets) and him being bowled over by the weird Beach Boys, Nick Drake tunes I had gave me the belief maybe I had something. Through a few more chance meetings with different folk led to a deal with the Beastie Boy's Grande Royal, festival tours and putting out some songs internationally as the 'Justin Lewis Orchestra', fast forward three years and the label closed and I was back to square one..

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Oh so many, I've already mentioned a couple... I really need a t-shirt that says 'I don't believe in God, but I do believe in Mahalia Jackson', Flaming Lips, Tim and Jeff Buckley, Aretha F, Radiohead, Portishead and lots more besides. In the more modern world I'm super hyped about hey nothing and find their passion, honesty and song writing beauty, Olivia Dean is bringing something special and Jacob Alon is soothing my speakers right now. Love artists that write from the heart.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

The most important thing is to be yourself and know you don't need to be perfect first time. Finding yourself as an artist and a singer is a process - and the important bit is to stay in that process. Bad shows, recordings that don't go anywhere or times when you are unsure where you are heading are all part of it - but just keep heading somewhere, keep learning and don't get too distracted by what works for others. This is your journey as an artist and what works for others isn't what will work for you - stay in the process and find out what special thing you bring to the party, and then attach big bright lights to that and sing it loud and like your life depends on it.

How do you set yourself apart from other bands or singers?

I don't sing like anyone else and I'm more of a singer and a songwriter than a musician. With Tokyosongbird I play everything - which brings it's own challenges and charm, on a good run great things happen by accident and everything falls neatly into place... on some of the stuff you wont hear it's like one of them Bob Dylan songs where he asks everyone to switch instruments. The thing is I'm always looking for beauty and emotion in everything I write. Songs just appear through me and I spend my time trying to do the music in my head justice, and deliver the vocal performances these songs deserve. Maybe in this stretching to find the right quality and capturing the emotional meaning and these struggles adds to the unique emotions of my songs.

How would you say that music has inspired/made an impression on you?

I suspect I would be in trouble if I didn't have music. Listening to the opening bars of Ok Computer or Mahalia Jackson singing at Louis Armstrong's 70th birthday concert, having had to leave her sick bed to get up on that stage. In the modern day we've managed to cheapen music and let it become way too much about posh kids from stage school - but nothing grabs your like great authentic music written from the heart, nothing transports you like a singer giving everything, or a band just reaching their peak.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I've an album almost finished, but I feel like you have to earn an album these days as an artist so suspect that will be next year. My next single in the autumn is going to be a duet about a couple of high school sweethearts that broke up and re-meet in middle-age, both single again and finding the flame is still burning - and rather fine it is sounding too.   

Special thanks to Lee Christian & Grace Williams for their help in this & you can check out Tokyo Song's music via the following links. So until then I'll catch you on The Flipside!

TokyoSong Music 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2CfAXKotma1huAuvyQqGOL?si=ztN4mG2aS9CIkZHpGcDwxw

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gr6q1h169yvak0zvds018/AMhj3SeWwA6b0WcLDYiNQbA?rlkey=4v15958reswfsjdnnbsssrvlm&st=c9ng03rp&dl=0

One more day by Kayvon Harrris

 

Hey there its your old friend DJ Dizzy here & I've got a new song by none other than Keyvon Harris, Its called One More Day & its a special dedication to all of the father's everywhere in honor of Father's Day

You can feel free to listen to it by way of the link below & its evadible thru both Apple music & Spotify 

so feel free to give a listen & to all f the Father's everywhere here's that you all have a happy Father's Day 

One More Day - Keyon Harris

DJ Interviews: Ingvi Thor Kormaksson

Hey there one & all its your old friend DJ Dizzy here & I'm back with another interview this time around enjoy

Intoduction: Award-winning Icelandic composer (and crime author!) Ingvi Thor Kormaksson has a new single 'So Nice' out with his band project Latin Faculty in three forms - English, Icelandic and Instrumental out now on all platforms.

How'd you get started in music? 

   I started playing drums in a boarding-school band. I'd had some
   basic training in a boys' marching band, and some piano lessons as well.
   I remember we did a lot of Kinks covers. Next winter I was in Reykjavik, and
   bought an electric organ (Farfisa) and took private lessons in Jazz theory,
   playing chords on piano along with my mentor grabbing whatever instrument
   was handy to play the melody line. That winter set me going to start playing
   in Dance and Rock bands on keyboard for the next twenty years. Lots of practice that way. When I quit that business I realised I didn't enjoy that stuff at all and turned to songwriting, and played in a Blues/Jazz ensemble (JJ Soul Band) for a while. The band made four albums filled with our own music. Besides that I made albums with various Icelandic singers, that my friends produced, always with versatile top-notch musicians. Lyrics were in Icelandic, but some of this stuff is found as instrumentals on an album called Instrumental Collection.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

First influences were from the beat-groups of UK; Kinks, Animals, Stones, Beatles, etc. Later came War and Steely Dan. Then as I delved more into Jazz-Fusion, it was Headhunters (with Herbie Hancock), the funky Ramsey Lewis Trio (from the early seventies). Brian Bennett drummer from the Shadows was also a big influence with his solo album, Change of Direction. Also the cool and soul jazz guys; Horace Silver, Lee Morgan and many more. Then, not least, is the Brazilian influence in all its splendour, the songwriters and the performers.
   
What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

   I really do not have any advice as a performer, as I tended to stay in the background, but as a songwriter I have only one advice: stay true to yourself and what you stand for.  

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

   On the second album I did, I tried to do some stuff that I thought would be popular, with catastrophic results. That album is nowhere on music sites yet, and maybe never will. It's possible I'll look at it later, and see the bright spots.
   But after that fiasco I decided that I would write only the music that popped up in my head in a natural way, even though it was very much possible that no one would like my endeavours at all. But usually music finds its way to people, if only few, who appreciate it.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I quit playing myself in public twenty years ago but occasionally lend a hand in a studio. Latin Faculty is a collective of musicians, friends and friends of friends, performing my music in the studio only, not elsewhere. So the music is only for recording and eventually being published on music sites. Maybe there'll be a few CDs made. I like CDs, which definitely must mean that I'm old! My current radio single 'So Nice' with Latin Faculty is out now in three forms - English, Icelandic and Instrumental - on all platforms via the HYRNJANDI imprint now.

DJ Interviews: Saphira 79

Hey there guys its your old friend DJ Dizzzy here, & here's my interview with up & coming soundscaoe  Saphira 79 who sat down with me in my little temple to talk of her musical orgins.

1. How’d you get started in music?

I’ve been making music since childhood, but it wasn’t until 2021 that I started sharing it publicly. Music has always been a part of my life - experimenting with sounds, creating melodies, and expressing emotions through it. Over time, my passion evolved, and I decided to release my own tracks to see where this journey would take me.

2. Whom would you cite as your biggest influences & inspirations?

I draw inspiration from many sources, from the ethereal soundscapes of film scores to the hypnotic energy of techno. Artists like Boris Brejcha and MRAK resonate with me, but I also find influence in other genres, from IDM to cinematic music. My goal is to create something that blends these elements into a sound that feels unique and immersive.

My influences started with Modern Talking, Sandra, and Jean-Michel Jarre. Later, I became fascinated by techno music with artists like Marusha, Paul van Dyk, and Scooter. I was fortunate to witness the emergence of both Techno and New Age music, which had a huge impact on me. I’ve listened to almost everything, but Enigma influenced me the most—their music was something truly special and new to me. Beyond specific artists, a lot of my inspiration comes from the emotions and atmospheres I perceive in my surroundings. Sometimes, I even hear beautiful melodies in my dreams that touch and inspire me deeply.

3. How would you say music has had an impact on your life?

Music has been my way of processing emotions and experiences. It has helped me through difficult times and allowed me to connect with others in a way that words alone never could. It’s more than just a creative outlet - it’s a way of navigating life and expressing what often feels indescribable.

4. How do you set yourself apart from other artists & performers & what advice would you offer any aspiring performers?

I think my sound is a mix of cinematic depth and driving techno rhythms, often infused with mystical or otherworldly elements. I don’t follow trends but instead focus on creating something that feels true to me.

For aspiring artists, my advice would be: stay consistent, experiment fearlessly, and don’t get discouraged by numbers or algorithms. Focus on refining your craft and building genuine connections with listeners - it’s a long game, but authenticity always finds its audience.

5. Any new gigs or upcoming albums in the future?

I’ve been releasing new music consistently - over the past six months, almost every week. Starting in April, I plan to release a new track about every four weeks. My latest music video, Emerging Realms, is an experience of its own. It speaks for itself - sometimes, music and visuals say more than words ever could. Some of my recent tracks include Seven Days Raging, Keep Dancing On, and All Time, which has a more playful, lighthearted vibe.

I’m also working on more projects, including music videos and possibly something bigger - so there’s definitely more to come! 

We dogs

Sevendust w/David Draiman // Black

yall don't love me, no way

Amerakin Overdose - Toxic (2024)

Raise the Knife (demo version 1996 - 1997)

DJ Interviews: Dave Eastman of Just say yes or no

 Heres my interview with a familiar guest David Est man as he talks about his new band Yes or No

How'd you get started in music?

The Open Flames’ drummer Evan Sult and songwriter/singer Dave Eastman were high school friends who played Dungeons & Dragons with friends. Dave was Evan’s dungeon master. Evan couldn’t play drums and Dave couldn’t tune a guitar, but that didn’t stop them. Their first song had three notes and was about Republicans. It was called “Blood Red”. Years later,

And now, Dave thinks Evan is a very good drummer. Evan was in the famous band Harvey Danger (of the hit ‘Flagpole Sitta’ heard at the beginning of ‘Peep Show’). Dave still can’t tune a guitar, but he loves writing songs for this band of pros who can: Paige Brubeck is an amazing guitarist and singer and Len Bendel is a groovy bass player inspired by Motown and the Beatles.

 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Pavement, the Velvet Underground, the Pixies, Joy Division, REM, Henry Miller, Robert Frost, John Lennon, and of course, Dungeons & Dragons.

 

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

If you perform, entertain!: Your audience braved the rain to come see you, paid for their beer and ticket, and has to stand through your set, so give them a memory to cherish.

 

How do you set yourself apart from other bands or singers?

In French, we’re “pop noir”. No song is the same, so our album takes you a journey with many crazy stops along the way.

Another reviewer kindly wrote: “By listening to The Open Flames, you’re creating memories in your head…I know it sounds pretty far-fetched, but yeah, it does that.” (Rock Era Magazine)

That sums it up pretty well!

 

How would you say that music has inspired/made an impression on you?

Music is everywhere, in how we talk, honk our horns, hear the birds and trains and rain, and in how we connect with emotions and stories. And there is no higher art form than “Louie Louie.”

 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

You can pre-order our first album, ‘Same Time Next Year’ with Subjangle Records on Bandcamp!

Biography:

Pop Noir: The Open Flames bring equal parts psychedelia and lyricism. Lead singer Dave writes songs between aid missions in war zones and drummer Evan was in the band Harvey Danger of the hit 90s song, “Flagpole Sitta” (heard at the opening of “Peep Show”). 

 

Here are some recent reviews of our music: 

“As sonically alluring as poetically fascinating” – VENTS Magazine

“A dark pop groove through haunting crescendos for a catchy and distorted sonic experience… a cinematic and addictive anthem… A hypnotic showcase of pop power.” - Earmilk

“The storytelling a transcendent element sure to set them on a course for success.” – Music Crown

“It’s the kind of song that sticks in your head for hours, but in the best way.” – Mc Gig Music

“Sonically it’s an easy-going guitar-pop gem with an instantly sticky impact. Lyrically, it’s a sort of hallucinatory brain twister. All together, it’s a splendid debut. No wonder Satan plays it on repeat on his stereo in hell.” – Turn Up the Volume

“Stylishly restrained, casting a dark spell that pulls you into its shadowy world.” – Backseat Mafia

"An exciting force on the London alt-rock scene.“ – Tits Upon Tyne

“A special breed of honesty to paint pictures in your head.” – BuzzSlayer

"By listening, you’re creating memories in your head…I know if sounds pretty far-fetched, but yeah, it does that.” – Rock Era Magazine

Social media links:

·       Website: https://www.theopenflames.com/

·       Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/41yzkrXiDqJGS0qpW7OP7b

·       Music video: https://youtu.be/TaUYqFRxSH0

·       YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5bFcFitUd8

·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_open_flames_band/

·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theopenflamesband/

·       TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theopenflamesband?_t=8mzqCZAdEn2&_r=1

·       X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_open_flames

·       Bandcamp: https://theopenflames.bandcamp.com/

·       Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/vjRgFgkJtSrVa3rs9

·       Twitch: Twitch

I Will Set Me Free

"Hot In The D" Official Music Video

Rusted

DJ Interviews: Dominic

 Heres my interview with singer Dominic who shared his succes

I got started in music the same way as most, growing up and listening to songs. My taste in music has definitely changed over the years as I’ve grown. I sung karaoke with my parents (LeAnn Rimes for example haha) had piano lessons at an early age and since then it’s developed into a healthy hobby of mine. Now I’m trying to create music that I enjoy listening to.

One of my biggest inspirations was JUICE WRLD, his music got me through some really hard times and I think he’s been really impactful on me by having such introspective lyricism. Other notable mentions are J Cole and Drake. There’s a ton of other influences though there are just too many amazing musicians to name them all.

Don’t be afraid to share your pre released music with your friends sometimes when you’re creating a track, you get so into it you have an overly biased opinion of it. There’s times when I’ve asked for feedback from close friends and their advice has made me scrap the whole track or rework it. Friends are vital. A different ear to listen is really important.

Just by being myself, my lyrics, and my music are all produced by myself, and I feel like regardless of whether people like to listen to it, as long as I do and I’m proud to listen to it I can continue creating it. Don’t try to copy someone else’s style. You can of course take pointers from them, but ultimately, you are your own person and you should create music based off your own experiences to make it feel genuine.

It’s corny and cliche to say but without music I don’t think I’d be here today. There’s a certain release you get from listening and singing along with music. It helps you explore your emotions, feelings and thoughts. It gets you through tough times. For me I can’t stop listening to music, it makes impressions on me daily and allows me to think from a different perspective.

I have some prereleases that I’m holding, 2025 is going to be a huge year for me, so far I’ve released 4 songs officially on Spotify, I’m sat holding several others and I plan to continue producing throughout the year.

Gigs, I’ll consider if I ever get enough popularity. It’s hard to break out, there’s a ton of talent and billions of songs out there. That’s why I think enjoying your own music is a core aspect of being able to be a successful artist.

Pimp Daddy

Carmilla Fallen Official Video

DJ Interviews: Detroit Red

Here's my interview with up & coming rapper Detroit Red on how he got started in his musical journey, included are social media links to his music so feel free to check those out as well. Enjoy

How'd you get started in music?

There have been different stages in my life where I would say I started music.  Growing up in a Lutheran school, my first musical interaction was joining the handbell choir.  I joined to get to know a girl I was going to school with (obviously), but that was my first real encounter with sheet music, time signatures and so on.  All of the different handbells playing collectively gave me an appreciation of what things can sound like when combined.

The next stage of my life was the emergence of rap.  While taking a summer trip to visit family in Mississippi, we listened to alot rap on the trip, Eric B. and Rakim to be specific.  It was amazing to hear how they used original songs by James Brown and turned them into a totally different genre of music.  It felt very poetic and infectious.  During that same time, I had heard Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, MC Lyte, Run D.M.C. and LL Cool J.  The greatest impact on me was Rakim, his style was just different.  I began writing raps when we got to Mississippi, and practically wrote the whole summer.

The last stage had me fully immersed in music, a culmination of all of the stages in the past.

- When I was about 12 or 13, I was in a talent show with my friends and I had this break in the show where I was scratching... The crowd's response was hypnotizing.  My part in the talent show was a break from traditionally what I would have done in playing the saxophone.  This was more about being a little more creative than my saxophone background provided and this was music of my peers.  What we did had not been done before and to see teachers and students alike engaged in our show was amazing. A few days later, my dad bought me a Tascam Porta-One 4 track.  The rest is history.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

My oldest brother left for college and became a prominent DJ.  To see him grow in music the way he did inspired me to get better with my rapping skills. He would come home with new vinyl records and would tell me how people were reacting to certain songs. Whenever he was around music or his turntables he would light up.  He was one of my greatest inspirations.  When he died in a car accident in 93, one of his college friends told me how much he talked about me and that he was proud of me.  That pushed me further into doing music.

I have always been inspired by different artists and producers that carved out a unique style in the art of music - Rick James, Prince, Quincy Jones, Sade, Toni Braxton, Rakim, LL Cool J, 2Pac, Redman, Nas, DJ Premier... this list of inspiration goes on and on.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

My advice to anyone aspiring to be in music is to understand why you're doing it.  Although it can be a career, music is an artform and should come from a place of inspiration.  That will keep you grounded and will provide you the opportunity to be around the right people, discover the best fans and be able to enjoy what you love to do.  The landscape of music has changed, so how and where you engage your fans is not going to be easy, but not impossible.

How do you set yourself apart from other bands or singers?

I think the only way anyone can set themselves apart from anyone else in music is to be your unique self.  I may have influences that come out in certain things I do but I do what comes naturally to me and I don't try to sound like anyone but myself.  I also focus on my own path on this musical journey and my path doesn't restrict me where doing things differently is always a possibility.  I also found that by tapping into my past experiences and helping others gives me a sense of satisfaction about my own journey and I also learn new things and even new ways to continue to grow in the art of music.

How would you say that music has inspired/made an impression on you?

Music has given me a voice when I didn't have the words.  Whether it be poetry, a beat, or a rap, I am never without an ability to express myself.  Because of music (and technology), I have been able to work with people from all over the world and that has been the greatest gift I have received from music.  How can you not be inspired by that?

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Currently producing several albums/EP's for release this year:

Cuddle Season - Ntregue & Various Artists

In This Lifetime - Jazmin Sparta

Collaboration with fellow producer Ntrospec, follow up EP to Legacy:Daybreak

Untitled Album - Ntregue

Untitled EP - Jo Mika

Untitled EP - Marianah

Untitled EP in Mandarin - Moon Chew

Untitled EP - Mirodia

Remix album - Final Faze D.J.'s

"1989" - Detroit Red

7 Days Around The World - Rosedale Park

Instrumental EP Project - Stanley Dre 

3rd Rail Records Collaboration Project - Various Artists

SlowFi project

Soundcloud: 3rd Rail Records

Spotify: 

Detroit Red: https://open.spotify.com/artist/68eeyWxa0j2OAbkKkxijK2?si=y1nkLK51TlebHj8j_kS9ig

Jo Mika: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0oE7Ub1j0oH6Bhnnug7WSM?si=P2D2kS_IQbi8EkwByWjC9A

Ntregue: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lQ2lwY3u8CeLcovKsJ5LC?si=F2iKzQa2QXKDBg6NPnuY1g

YouTube: Detroit Red Channel

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Ode to a gaming monk-an original poem

Hey there one & all, I wanted to share a poem that I scribbled down its inspried by a quote that really resonated with me & I'll post it after this but it was inspired by someone with a gentle spirit & kind soul so this is for them.

Ode to a gaming monk

Words of aspirations

Fill me with a sense of inspiration

He’s a gentle giant with a gentle soul

So focused on achieving his goals

A crusader out to do some chaotic good

Staying frosty as he should.

Showing authenticity through his personality

This is who he is with the volume turned high

Never afraid to spread his wings & fly.

Though some bridges were burnt along the way

We rebuild & make up at the end of the day.

There were times he wanted to fall

No matter how bleaj things are

he's always standing tall.

Gaming & storytelling is what he’s all about 

he’s not in it for Fame or for clout.

He’s a gaming monk who bears no shame

Mildra the Monk is his name.

Quote:

'My goal as a content creator, and now as a #vTuber, is to show what's out there. Many will talk about being a gamer, a weeb, and so on. But I want to show that my love for the hobby extends to the totality of it. From the solo dev making his first commercial game to the little teams that could, and everything in between. I'm nobody special, but I want to show that if some nobody from the middle of frozen nowhere can find these high-quality projects, then anyone can. I wanna discover new games and experiences, to challenge myself to never stay put in my shell. While others want to display cynicism, I want to be optimistic about the shifts in the future. While others want to stay in a comfort zone and build ivory towers around themselves, I wanna explore out of it and connect with things I never knew before, people I never thought I'd meet, and so much more. Does that make me foolish? Maybe, I know what I am up against. There's no end of cultural pressure to lower oneself, to allow one to be content. In refusing that, I might be on the losing side...but I don't think it's the wrong one, to reference a certain captain. Still, whenever I get to help people learn about something new, or learn something myself, I have nothing but joy in that moment. "Mildra the Monk" may be my name, but it is more than that. It's not just some mask I wear, it's me. I was "The Monk" LONG before any of you knew my name. The 'character' part is just me with parts of the volume turned up. Anyone who says otherwise is speaking falsehood. Again, I'm nobody special, but I have been blessed with something special in the trust placed in me, my work, and my vision... and I want to do everything I can to ensure that trust is not misplaced. I hope I can continue earning that trust.' 

This is the quote that inspired the poem & when I read it, it had resonated with me in so many ways & its aso a great motivative quote to anyone who wants to do better so here's hoping that it does the same for you. So until then I'll catch you on The Flipside.

Stay frosty & rock n roll!

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