Interviews
COY Swede & Camila Carballo Reveal Single Arriving In 2021 — Interview
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EDM lovers will have to read this interview in full. COY Swede and Camila Carballo open up about their upcoming single “Believe In Us,” coming out on January 21st, 2021. The Swedish artists disclose interesting details of this inspirational tune produced in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more below and pre-save it here.
1 – How did the collaboration with Camila Carballo come up?
COY Swede: I have been looking for a singer from my own country for a while. No special reason it’s just that I have been working with more international collabs before. And for this track, “Believe In Us,” I knew I wanted a more Soul vibe in it, so I began searching not only among active or well-known singers but also in the indie music scene. She offers a kind of a new “Sade quality” but still her own sound! Of course, people who know who that singer is will understand the high standard of Camila.
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We started talking through Instagram and we sent back and forth some demos during a period of time. I could hear quite fast that we needed to make this happen. Not everybody has easy access to a studio and also make it fit this pandemic plus other things. I also noted that we in a larger perspective share good life values and have a similar drive and passion.
2 – How was your recording process during this pandemic?
COY Swede: That was a huge challenge for both of us, and as a collab employer, safety must come first, and a very limited amount of people in the studio. And always check before that everyone feels healthy throughout that short period of time. So we talk on the phone about how we should solve this as Camila is based for studies in Cyprus. But most of the time when all was recorded we were home free.
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Camila: Exactly, Coy Swede explains it well. Our first priority in the matter was always the safety and that based on restrictions of the pandemic only we were allowed to be in the studio or where the projects were carried out, and that the persons involved were COVID negative. For me, it was fantastic to be able to do the recording together and right after my midterm exams were written. I got time for both valuable times with the family back home in Sweden and to turn dreams into reality in a safe way quickly and efficiently in just a few hours.
3 – What have you learned from it?
COY Swede: Stay way cooler, take every step by step. More focus on planning it all very carefully. And still, keep the focus on the long run so to speak. I think both of us boosted as good teamwork.
Camila: It was a long time ago, I was in the music business now, about 4 years, so there is a lot you forget that needs to be refreshed both in the studio and in the workaround and all that the music industry involves! Much has changed in a short time and we are constantly learning what works today to succeed in the best way and reach out with our music to as many people as possible. We are both very open to learning, and I think it is a fundamental key to success and understand that not everything happens overnight today but you develop and learn all the time during the journey, and you are never fully learned!
4 – What makes this new song so inspirational for other artists?
COY Swede: We have found our sound. And that is a good tip for others! Test and train yourself, have an open mind. Don’t be negative against other artists. Find your own process and flow and keep it going! But don’t forget to engage in other things in your surrounding with your music and help others! If you feel like people make negative comments about your musical journey, then tell them, pep talk me and boost me or get the hell out of my way! 🙂
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Camila: Just like COY Swede says, I feel that our sound settled right away! I was shocked myself that the result was better than expected and could hardly believe that I was the one who sang as everything felt so genuine and authentic. Both the lyrics and the music have really felt right and “us” since the start. For other artists, it may inspire to make music alongside our careers, we are just passionate about this but see it as something we should not feel pressure or stress in. We want to remain in the flow of music to come to us, and not the opposite that we should force the music out of us. I believe this is when music magic is born!
5 – Please, tell us more about the #WeHold hashtag, what does it represent?
COY Swede: It stands for our teamwork focus with this track we made. Passion, follow your vision, boost each other during the process. It kinda wraps the core “grit” we share and what you need in just one word.
6 – Can we expect a new lyric video or a TikTok challenge?
COY Swede: Haha, no clue yet I heard that every artist needs to be there all the time. If someone wants to do some dance, of course, it would be fun and cool! Love it! But I won’t do it just because everyone thinks you need to be on there!
Camila: Everything can happen! The one who waits will see!
7 – If you were able to change something about today’s music industry, what would it be?
COY Swede: As a producer/composer hopefully I could inspire that there are no limits on variations when it comes to sounds and melodies. And I actually think people are getting tired of all these covers all the time. That being said it’s nothing wrong with it. Just try to create something fresh instead of other than ride on someone else’s royalty or core music and from a finished stem.
When it comes to the general music industry I have more to say, of course, I sure do! And things that I passed along the ride that aren’t so nice. The time comes when I need to deal with that more or less. Why remember shit, leave it, like it is, and be determined and move on!
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Camila: If there is one thing I would like to change with the music industry, it is precisely that many artists today feel impersonal. There are few artists who actually talk more with their fans about who they are, about why they sing their songs, about how the process went, about problems in society or politics. This is progressing, but I wish more artists were more down to earth! I remember myself as a young teenage girl, above all, how you looked up to artists and the music industry in a way that you listened to aliens, it was a different level. I wish we could show that we are just like everyone else, we have our flaws and we go through tough periods like anyone. I think this personal connection is inspiring and important to try to stick to as an artist! We all started somewhere, and as a role model and mental coach I follow knows as Johannes Hansen says: ”All progress began with an ordinary person who was also nervous.”
8 – As indie artists, what are your biggest struggles?
COY Swede: Time, I need more time for just creating music. It’s a big task to handle everything yourself as an indie producer. That being said I don’t complain, it’s just facts and everyone else knows that! Another struggle is the music scams out there that promise things but delivers nothing. So you need to be careful with that.
Camila: I would say that my personal biggest difficulty has been combining music with my studies. I am studying the third year of medicine, which means more than 10 hours of constant studying daily at least to pass with good grades and succeed as a doctor. For me, you create time for what you prioritize anyway, so replacing other things in my everyday life with music has just like training been pure therapy for me, especially in 2020 with the pandemic.
9 – Have you ever wanted to give up on your music career?
COY Swede: No way, it’s part of my life and has been since birth.
Camila: Since the day I chose to pursue my career in medicine over music, I have done neither or I am a hopeless optimist who sees all possibilities in front of obstacles in this world! So I have always been open to keeping up with music on the side and sang when the time was right but mostly covers for my followers or Youtube. Giving up music completely, however… never, that does not exist in my world and I do not even want that idea in the grave.
10 – I’m so excited to hear it, how would you describe your upcoming single in just three words?
COY Swede: Ah… thank you for that question, Erick! None better than me…! 😉 And that message is for you out there, you are the best version of it! So go and pre-save this amazing fresh soul vibe EDM track today! It’s for you!
Camila: Oh, as previously mentioned, I love this song! It is so simple but still, you take it to yourself and can relate it in so many ways! 3 words… Hope, power, and festival nights!
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In a candid interview, Notaker talks about the most important details behind his debut independent album, ‘Echoes In Eternity.‘ He offers his fans a glimpse into the inspiration and emotions that fueled its creation. Happy reading!
1 — In your words, how would you describe the sonic atmosphere of this new album, ‘Echoes In Eternity’?
I would describe it as otherworldly, outrun retro, or dimensional. Those are the kinds of ideas I really aimed at for this project.
2 — ‘Echoes In Eternity’ is an interesting album title. Can you share the story or concept behind choosing this name?
I’ve always liked the famous quote from Marcus Aurelius “What we do now echoes in eternity”. It parallels what I wanted to do with this album which was to make something timeless that I could look back on many years from now and feel proud to have created.
3 — How do you think this album engages listeners on an emotional level?
As it hasn’t been released yet I’m not quite sure. It certainly holds a lot of myself in the music and hopefully, those emotions that I felt creating the music will shine through to listeners when they hear the album.
4 — What steps did you take to connect and work with Danyka Nadeau and Eric Lumiere?
I knew Eric from a collaboration we created previously so it was very easy to reach back out to him and work again. Danyka and I met through her manager Daniel who thought we could create something awesome together, and he was very right. It was a true treat to work with both, they are amazing artists.
5 — How does this material differ from your previous work with mau5trap and Anjuna?
It’s much less confined to any parameter a label might impose upon my work. This is truly a raw and unfiltered look at my music. The most “me” thing I feel I’ve ever created.
6 — Is there any particular track in the album that holds a special meaning to you?
In a way they all are, it’s tough to choose. I think the “Illusion of Time” is very special as I got to make that with one of my friends Kyu who played the hand pan which I sampled for that song. Always great to create things with friends.
7 — How would you describe the evolution of your artistic style and sound as reflected in this album?
In a way it’s cyclical. Finding new things that sound nostalgic to me and then creating them in a new and interesting way. Hopefully, people can hear that in my sound, something new but also familiar.
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Closing out the festival season with a bang, Brazilian talents Öwnboss and Selva team up on anthemic dance hit “RIOT” for their debut on the respected label Monstercat. Not only a mainstage monster, “RIOT” gears up to take on the virtual world as the official anthem in the latest Brazilian-themed season of the sports-based video game Rocket League.
We caught up with Öwnboss and Selva to go behind the scenes on the making of “RIOT.”
1 — First of all, how do you maintain a balance between staying true to your own unique style while collaborating and complementing each other’s musical style?
Selva: I think the fun part about collaborating is to mix things up and see what happens. That being said, presenting ideas with context, staying true to yourself, and respecting the collaborator’s input is the formula to create something interesting that you wouldn’t come up with yourself. For example, Öwnboss has his famous lead synth, but we never forced it in. The progression choices and the energy that builds up until the drop made that synth not only essential but also brought the power we needed for the drop!
Öwnboss: I would say that I don’t have much of that balance because I’d say I don’t follow only a single style, you know? My sound is what I like to play, what makes sense at the moment, and what makes me happy. Of course, “Move Your Body” is a track that defines me in a way and I’m very proud of it, but I always try to evolve and improve my productions, as happened here with Selva. “RIOT” had more than 10 versions that went through various musical styles, which speaks a lot to my trajectory as a producer as well. The final version was our favourite, and it brings a lot of who we are as musicians.
2 — “RIOT” is set to debut in Rocket League’s battle arenas. Is this the first time you have produced music for video games?
Öwnboss: That’s a good question because we didn’t really produce the song thinking about having it in a video game, but that’s exactly what happened in the end. I had the pleasure of having “Move Your Body” on the Formula 1 2022 soundtrack, I believe for the size the track has taken by playing on the stages worldwide. With “RIOT,” I think we were able to produce such an exciting, rebellious song…. almost like a generational anthem, that seeing it as a soundtrack for such an important and young game like Rocket League turns out to be a perfect fit. “RIOT” really has a feel of action and adrenaline.
Selva: Yes, for me it’s the first time. I still am getting used to hearing my kids across the house turning on Rocket League and hearing my song!
3 — What qualities do you like the most about the vocals on ‘RIOT’?
Selva: I think the vocals are the soul of this song. We built the song around it, and we worked really hard for the production to play the role of enhancing the power of those lyrics.
Öwnboss: I agree. I really like the contrast between the vocals of the children singing in a very high-pitched tone and Brian’s voice, more serious. I think it’s a very good balance since the sonorities complement each other. Another thing that catches me is this “battle anthem” vibe of hers, it feels half revolutionary, like… Pink Floyd. It had been a while since I’d received a vocal with this strength, and I believe that’s why this track became so important to us.
4 — Imagine you could incite a riot for change. What goal would you inspire people to stand up for?
Öwnboss: That’s a tough question to answer because the world needs a lot of change, so how do you choose the most important one? Or the most urgent. What comes first in my mind is a riot for people to be themselves, without being ashamed and without worrying about what others will think. Be yourself. I think it is a path of no return to freedom and happiness. Probably the world would be better and lighter if everyone could follow that.
Selva: Interesting question! I think once you create a song and put it out into the world, the meaning of it is no longer yours to choose. Everyone has a different life experience and people digest ideas and messages in a very singular way. At first, this song didn’t have a political angle, but it can absolutely have. I’d say: start a riot in your heart, soul, and mind.
5 — Öwnboss, your busy 2023 World Tour is currently underway. How does the release of “RIOT” fit into your tour’s momentum?
Öwnboss: The release of “RIOT” in the middle of my tour was very important because I was able to play the track on various stages around the world without it being released. People don’t know it, but the music captivates almost instantly, which makes it an important reinforcement for my sets. I see the audience eager to learn the lyrics. I can say “RIOT” certainly arrived at a good time.
6 — Selva, as a platinum-certified songwriter and producer, you have worked with prominent names in the EDM scene. What new things did you learn from this collaboration?
Selva: I think of myself as a songwriter above anything, and I’m blessed enough to work with so many different accomplished and talented artists, including Öwnboss whom I have written a number of songs. “RIOT” is a special one for me, and it just felt right to represent this one by his side. I personally learned to trust my gut more than ever.
7 — Can you capture the essence of “RIOT” in just one sentence?
Öwnboss: RIOT is energetic, revolutionary, and catchy.
Selva: All revolutions start in the soul.
8 — Were there any specific elements that made the creation of this track particularly challenging?
Selva: The chorus. We knew the chorus was potent and strong, but it was challenging to “dose” it through the song. We did a bunch of versions in order to land one that we felt delivered the chorus without being repetitive and enhanced it.
Öwnboss: Yeah, the vocals, for sure. And the collaboration with a children’s choir, which is the “extra touch” and makes it different from anything that I’ve ever produced before.
9 — What specific role did you play while working on “RIOT”?
Öwnboss: The lyrics were written by Brian, so my main role was to help set the musicality of the track, creating a climax on the chorus and the revolutionary footprint we wanted for it. Then, another challenge of ours was to integrate the high-pitched voice of the children’s choir with the other elements of the track, so that it would be dense, dynamic and keep the rebellious tone.
Selva: As mentioned I was on the songwriting. I dove in on the production as well later on, but I’d say I mainly focused on melody and lyrics and let my main man Öwnboss do his thing and create the whole context and drop.
10 — If a future collaboration opportunity arises, what new things would you be interested in exploring?
Selva: I’d like to have another go at exploring a RIOT-like anthemic chorus again, maybe in a higher BPM.
Öwnboss: Each collaboration is the reflection of the moment that I’m living. After that everything changes, so I think it’s hard to answer this question. I will always explore what is true and meaningful to me in that moment, so my music can speak to others.
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Paul Mayson‘s first-ever album, ‘One Life,’ is like a special mix of his love for House music, blended with different kinds of sounds and cool collaborations from artists all over the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this interview!
1 — With the release of your debut album ‘One Life,’ what are your expectations for how listeners will connect with the music?
My goal was to showcase my story and my sound. And for it to be an uplifting, positive, and summery album. Hopefully, it feels like that! It’s a collection of songs made at the moment, to make you feel happy and free. It’s about embracing life, the good things and the bad. And about doing what makes you happy.
2 — You’ve teamed up with a diverse range of international artists on this material. Please let us know how these collaborations came to be.
It was really exciting taking elements from different genres, working with a group of great artists who come from very different backgrounds, and bringing all of these sounds and flavors together on one project. A lot of artists I meet myself, reach out to the people I’m interested in. I often travel abroad to work on music together and do sessions in London or LA. Sometimes collabs can also happen through the label or the publisher, but ultimately it’s great to have an artist-to-artist relationship.
3 – What compelled you to emphasize the themes of life, freedom, and diversity in this album?
I’m very passionate about House music culture and the way it started. Which was all about positivity and celebrating life together. I love that message and think the soulful, feel-good element of House music is what always really attracted me to the genre. And to music in general, including other genres like Soul and RnB.
4 – Can you share more details about the process of integrating experimental elements into the music production of your album?
A few of the songs (like “Tell Me How” and “I Want You”) were basically made during one big jam session. It’s me just trying out completely different sounds, textures, and rhythms and experimenting with live drums, guitars, and whatever I feel like. Letting go of any rules connected to dance music allows for a really fresh approach to the album songs.
6 – How does the artwork complement the album’s concept?
It emphasizes the feel-good element and the overall message of the album. Life is in front of you, it’s there for the taking. You’re in the hallway, step into the light and embrace life.
7 – Will there be another amazing music video like “Have It All,” dropping in the near future?
We released a really cool art piece and visualizer for the album which I’m very excited about!
8 – Given your ambition to push boundaries within the Dance genre, do you think the bunch of producers already out there could make it tough for you to really stand out?
I think individuality is key. Doing something you’re passionate about. Telling your own story. If you go into that process, the outcome will be unique. Not following trends and doing my own thing is what helps me stand out and allows me to be ahead and I try to keep pushing myself.
9 – Among your studio essentials, what’s the item that you consider the cornerstone of your setup?
Quite a lot of my work is digital. I carry my laptop around and can produce and write anywhere with it, whether it’s my home studio, the studio in Amsterdam, a hotel, or even an airport. That’s what makes it flexible and international! Just being able to work anywhere and get the creative process going. At home I also love my Adam A77x monitors and I also use a Prophet synth.