DJ Interviews: Frank Schmitz

 Here's my interview with Frank Schmitz at musik post.com

How'd you get started in music?

I've always been interested in music and enjoyed singing along to my favorite songs, but it wasn't until 2016 that I had the time to buy a guitar and learn how to play. And I was already good at writing lyrics as a schoolboy. So I came up with more and more lyrics. In 2021, the time had finally come for me to release my first song.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

I'm not the youngest anymore, so of course I grew up with all the well-known groups and solo artists that everyone knows. It's important to me that songs are melodic and rhythmic, but I also love ballads. For example, I like some songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bee Gees, Hollies, Elton John, Leonhard Cohen, Eric Clapton, Barry Manilow, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga and other younger groups and artists. And they have certainly inspired me in some way. It's difficult to pinpoint a specific group or artist. 

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

As I said, I'm no longer the youngest, but I'm relatively young in the music industry. As a result, I naturally don't have as much experience from which aspiring artists can benefit. But because of my life experience and the personal development that I have actively undergone, I think it's important not to let family or friends dissuade you from your path. Of course, the first songs are not perfect and later on you will realize that there is still a lot of room for improvement. So go your own way, don't let yourself be put off and, above all, persevere. You don't win fans overnight.

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

It is very important to me to inspire people with my music and my lyrics, to give them food for thought, to give them courage, to cheer them up, to give them joy and also to show them that there is always a way out of difficult situations. Through my life experience, my personal development and the many books I have read, I want to give other people something that will make their lives more beautiful, more colorful and easier. I am also convinced that music can connect people with each other and thus the whole world.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I've only released one album so far and that was in German. With this album I am supporting a hospice that took wonderful care of my dying mother at the time. I plan to release an album with my English songs at some point. But I haven't yet come up with a suitable social idea that I could sponsor.

On 24th May 2024 I'm releasing a great new song that was written in collaboration with a Canadian musician and an English producer. It's about wolves. You will be surprised. We've managed to combine a serious topic with fast-paced and danceable music. And on July 19th, 2024, I'm releasing another song with the same people involved, which is about something very fast and sporty. Let me surprise you

DJ Interviews: Divarella

 Here's my interview with singer, Divarella who sat down with me to speak on her musical  beginnings

Here are the questions

How'd you get started in music?

I started at a very young age. I remember checking my nursery English textbook for rhymes that I could turn into a song, it was more of a hobby for me then. I even wrote a song in the middle of an exam in secondary school. It happens whenever I zone out of my immediate environment(whatever the trigger is) and I find myself in this space right inside my mind, it's beautiful and therapeutic.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Growing up I had none, everyone in my family had different tastes in music, nothing peculiar but along the way, I became drawn to pop music and also interested in sounds like Avril Lavigne, Sia, Taylor Swift and Little Mix. These stars shaped my life- teenage years up till present.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Well as an aspiring artist myself, it's not been easy but I'd say that consistency is really needed in this field. Remember why you're into it in the first place and remind yourself of it, at all times. Tread at your own pace and don't compare yourself to other artists, you're different and let people see why you are.

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

Presently, I'd say everyone has similar sounds but then it's okay. Major difference would be the aesthetic, your aura as an artist. I mostly write songs about my personal life experiences which usually have a sad yet calm vibe to it, although I try to switch up once in a while, so nothing is off limits. My music is my diary which I want to share with anyone who's interested enough to listen. 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I have two singles (titled Roses Are Red and Your Heart) coming out this Friday (May 10) and I'm so excited!  I can't wait to share it with everyone. I'm also working on my releasing my first EP album by late June or early July. Stay tuned.

DJ Interviews: Ghanima Galach

Here's my interview with singer   Ghanima Galach 

How'd you get started in music?

I grew up in an artistic environment (my parents are both musicians) where classical music was prevalent, but I developed a strong passion for rock and heavy metal, so I started to learn electric guitar. Later on, I attended music school at my hometown's main university and eventually joined several rock and metal bands. 

2020 lockdown came, and that's when I decided to go on solo, founding a project based on synths, to explore atmospheric and experimental music. I also have a solo black metal project. 

Who are your inspirations or influences? 

From classic rock acts such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, UFO, Scorpions, and NWOBHM bands to heavier stuff, including several black metal, doom, death, and heavy metal bands,. 

I also share a great love for artists like Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, Alphaville, Kraftwerk, and others.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

If you are not passionate about it, better find another gig. When you do it for the money, you will soon be disappointed. Try to learn something new every day and show respect for your craft. 

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

I really never thought about that. I'd say that the wide variety of influences and styles that are displayed in my musical projects set them apart from the rest.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Regarding my black metal project (Khlyst), a new album is in the making and is expected to be released in October. 

Ghanima Galach, which is my atmospheric/synth/dark ambient act, is now on hold just to let me focus on the production of the aforementioned project.

DJ Interviews: Bottlecap Mountain

 

Here's my interview with Bottlecap Mountain who sat down with me to discuss their musical beginngs.

How'd you get started in music?

My dad’s a drummer, played professionally my whole life, I was always around it. I started with drums and I always sang. Started learning the guitar around 14, played in some high school bands, started playing professionally after high school around Austin. Met and played in a band with Ray (drums) and Doug (guitar, backing vocals) called The Spoiled for a few years. Started Bottlecap Mountain after making what started out as a solo record in 2013. Been great friends with Chris (bass) for years and I met Yvonne (keys, backing vocals) around 2014. 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Lots of those but to name a few:

The Beatles of course, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Springsteen, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Hendrix, The Who, The Kinks, R.E.M., PJ Harvey, The Stones, The Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, Talking Heads…

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Get out there and do it, cut your teeth. Be true to yourself, be honest. Aspire to be great, not for fame or fortune but for the craft, for the cause so to speak. Don’t settle for mediocrity. At the end of the day, are you happy with what you’re putting out into the world?

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

I mean, everyone wants to set themselves apart right? Again, I think being true to yourself, being honest, having a point of view. We try to treat everything we do as if it’s the best thing we’ve ever done, all killer, no filler! Of course it doesn’t always work out that way but just because you don’t think it’s great doesn’t mean that someone else won’t. Respect your audience and respect yourself. Give it your all and that automatically sets you apart. 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Our 7th studio album “Electric Love Spree” comes out on June 4, we’re super excited about it! 

And yeah, we play regularly around Austin so if you’re in the area chances are you’ll have a chance to see us. We might do a little tour this year too but still in the planning stages. You can keep up to date with us by following us on the socials and checking out our website: http://bottlecapmountain.com/

Special thanks to them for this interview & you can learn more about them via the links below so until then I'll catch you on The Flipside! Stay frosty & rock n roll

ttp://bottlecapmountain.com/

Bandcamp:

https://bottlecapmountain.bandcamp.com

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/bottlecap_mountain

Twitter (X):

http://twitter.com/bottlecapmntn

YouTube:

http://youtube.com/c/BottlecapMountain

DJ Interviews: King Of Mars

Here's my interview with none other than King Of Mars

How'd you get started in music?

My family was very musically inclined and I was listening to music throughout my early years to all different genres new and old. I was given computer access at a young age and used FL Studio. I studied music videos for years. I started to write poems in the 4th grade and my teacher believed I had a gift. I kept writing songs and free-styled a lot. I really took a risk and dedicated everything I could possibly handle at the time. I was inspired by my favorite artist and producer. Big Sean and Mike Posner. The Finally Famous albums gave me the motivation to freestyle, write songs, record, and mix until fame. I was 14.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

I did it my way like all the legends. Juice WRLD and Lil Peep (RIP) inspired me to be original and with bountiful genres. Big Sean inspired me to work on my flow relentlessly. Mike Posner inspired me to become a prominent sound engineer. I am a big Juicy J fan. I like to keep his music playing on repeat when I need to get hyped. I think his creativity is underrated. His music is energetic and fun. Mad respect. This list goes on forever…

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Performing is fun, but you don’t make a lot of money until you are famous. Hear me out for a second. Get famous with streaming services by utilizing social media and gain a following that way first. That will get you just as famous if you work smart. If you break the internet you don’t have to do shows. Especially if you are independent. Internet money is now the most valuable work in the industry. A.I. created a way to get money within the server using all resources and especially on social media. The world is a dangerous place. Get rich at home. “If you talk to the internet long enough it will listen.” - Russ. 

A professional studio isn’t shit if you know how to mix. All the legends know that. Make a booth at home. Save yourself time and thousands of dollars. This is how most successful artists start and continue as they 

“Do it your way. Only you are going to make it and not them. Everyone is a domesticated animal on a rock. You are special. Would you take advice from a cat?” - King of Mars

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

I predicted the future in prophecies foretold in my lyrics. The proof is me in the booth. I talked and still talk now about things way ahead of our time and did it for years in my lyrics. I make statements in my music. Those statements of mine become true later on. Listen to my lyrics and look at the release date and you will understand. I am a lyricist farmer and I don’t claim to be a prophet. 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I am never not working on music related activities. I am about to record new music today. If you want to be legendary you have to work like 1000 people at once. Being manic helps. Thank you very much for reading. God Bless! >

DJ Interviews: Summer Lee Carlson

 Here's my interview with up & coming singer Summer Lee Carlson

How'd you get started in music?

I’m from a very musical family and started singing when I was 3 years old. We’d travel around

doing shows and my Mom would stand me up on table tops in Shirley Temple style dresses to

perform.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

I remember a commercial coming on the TV and the line, “I learned the truth at seventeen. That

love was meant for beauty queens,” and immediately ran to the (fairly new development) of the

internet to look the artist up. It was Janis Ian and I proceeded to devour all of her lyrics the way

you would poetry. Same for Leonard Cohen. Their songwriting is incredible. I was also very

influenced by old school movies and musicals with Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and

women with big voices like Barbara Streisand and powerful performances like Tina Turner.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Keep finding a way. There’s always going to be a reason to quit or give up. But don’t do it. Dig in

and scout out the tools you need to keep going. You can always find a way.

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

I am not really trying to be anything other than myself. It’s not that I don’t want to be cool,

believe me I do. I just know I never will be, ha. I’m also just trying to be consistent and work

hard.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Yes! I’m finishing out my “first pancake” and full album this Friday, May 3rd actually. And I’ve

already begun work on the next album with Mute Speaker. I’m so grateful to be working with him

and really pleased with the new direction we’ve taken, which dips much more into Jazzy Hip

Hop, Soul & some new surprises.

DJ Interviews: Daividh Campbell

 Here's my interviwe with Daividh Campbell

How'd you get started in music?

In the late 80’s a DJ over heard me singing in the house we lived in together.  He asked me if I had ever thought of getting singing lessons! Ahahaha my reply was ‘OMG am I that bad’? he replied with ‘no,no quite the opposite, you have a really smooth voice, and would be perfect in a studio, all you need is some vocal lessons to show you breathing technique etc’ .  So that’s what I did.  Got myself my first vocal coach, went once a week and practiced the rest of the week to a cassette recording of the session.

I tried three different coaches – all different styles, learning along the way.  Eventually I found a producer/vocal coach who taught me studio recording techniques and how to structure songs etc.  And from there it just took off, demos of my own tracks, recording guide vocals for other artists.

 

 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

I love the 80’s electro sound.  Synthwave/Electrowave. 

 

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Go for it.  Join a chorus, I am a member of the Brighton Gay Mens Chorus and its not only a social thing, it keeps my vocals in check.  You learn so much in a chorus.  And then when more confident, look at a vocal coach.

 

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

I have very varied tastes and can more or less sing anything.  I can sing well live and have been told I have a ‘very good voice for recording’.  I’m not interested In being ‘famous’…I just want to sing.

 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Well, a few weeks back the Brighton Gay Mens Chorus held the 50^th Anniversary of Abba winning Eurovision at the Dome, that was with 6 Eurovision artist and was brilliant fun.  I am a part time presenter for TransRadioUK with a show twice a week, I am currently collaborating with two artists who have written tracks for me.  I am planning to re-record a track I wrote and demoed in 1997 – taking it from ‘Ambient Pop’ to ‘Soft Rock’. 

And I am also back in the swing of writing brand knew tracks.