Interviews
Exclusive Interview: DROZE Talks Recent “Never Thought” Lyric Video
DROZE‘s new single “Never Thought” stands out with a lyric video that is worth watching. Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent singer who mingles his soulful vocal style alongside House music beats. You can check out this exclusive interview and read all the details on the making of his captivating song, which becomes an anthem for breakups.
1 — The lyric video of “Never Thought” looks awesome. Where was it filmed? Who collaborated in the creative process of it?
Tamara Stampone is the creative force behind the lyric video. She knows me and my love for my city and when she heard the track she married the mood and the visual into this beautiful full day in Miami. Starting from daytime to nighttime, she nailed the slow crescendo of the song. I’m as big a fan of hers and she is of mine.
2 — Is “Never Thought” inspired by any true event?
This instrumental landed on my lap right in the midst of a very emotional break up. And not just a break up with someone I was dating, but it was a full break up from everything that I had known for 4 years. I had to break up with friends that we just couldn’t share. I had to break up with the idea of what I was trying to build in those 4 years. It was so much more than just letting go of a person and I honestly “never thought” that it would end… especially the way it did. It was such a rollercoaster that I ended up writing this song about it, and somehow my life just kinda synchronized itself with this vibe… the melody… the feeling. You can hear how the story played out in the lyrics.
3 — If there is one person you could dedicate this song to, whom would that be and why?
Well I mean the song is about my ex so I guess it gets dedicated to that person in a way, but I would probably dedicate it to that version of myself during the breakup. The song surrounds the ideas of lies, and heartbreak, and sleepless nights but it doesn’t stay there. It was really important to me that I didn’t dwell there in that dark place so the end of the track speaks to how I survived it and I’m okay being alone again and finding what that relationship with myself looks like again. So maybe I’d dedicate half to my ex and half to my younger self? LOL.
4 — What’s your favorite line from this track?
“365 to survive” is probably the lyric that sucker punches me every time I hear it, partly because it’s a real-time marker for me. It took a full year to stop replaying things in my head, stop replaying the past, stop with the imaginary scenarios of reconciliation, stop focusing on what was. It was a full year before I even felt like myself, so that’s kinda eye-opening every time I sing it.
5 — The emotional/melancholy feel to it, feels powerful. What does this result depend on?
I’ve always been a fan of Trance and so much of Trance and Vocal House tends to have happy music with sad lyrics and I feel that’s kinda always my root for a song. The idea behind my music is to always tell a story, this just happens to be a doozy. The song isn’t really about all the hardship it flows through, it’s more about singing the praises of surviving things that you didn’t think you could. Depending on your mood you might only focus on one side of the story, but there’s a real duality in it that I love.
6 — Did you sample a classic record from the early 2000s for this song?
That’s a question for the producer, QuestionMarQ. The guy is a flow-magician. We’ve worked together on a couple of projects now and I am always immediately drawn to his remixes, or instrumentals, or really anything he’s putting out. We-vibe I think which is crazy considering we’re half a world away from one another.
7 — How do you take care of your amazing voice?
I don’t smoke, so that’s a big one for me. And the moment I think I’m getting a cold I run to grab throat coat teas, dayquil, chloraseptics, etc… And it may sound odd, but I sing every day. I SING EVERY SINGLE DAY. So when I’m sick and I can’t sing it’s almost like being punished. I think it’s important to know your voice and a daily song or two helps me know where I’m at vocally that day/week.
8 — How do you balance your music with other obligations?
This is a really tricky one. I’m not at a level where music is paying my bills just yet so my 9-5 has to continue to fund my passion. I’m very organized so I create a to-do at the beginning of my week and I have to literally schedule myself “DROZE” time; whether that’s lyrics, visuals, reaching out to my team, or just listening to new music. Scheduling is helping me manage my time between both of those worlds.
9 — Are you planning to release remixes of “Never Thought” any time soon?
I love remixes! I love the entire idea of a producer getting this piece of my art and being able to make it their own. Sometimes I get back remixes that sound like a totally different piece of work and that’s always amazing to me. I’ve pushed out the track to a couple of DJs I really like and I guess we’ll see what happens. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
10 — What more stories do you want to tell through your next singles? What else can we expect from DROZE?
Honestly, I still have so much to say as an artist. I feel like I’ve become more comfortable with the songwriting process with every track and it’s easier for me to get a message out now. I think I’ll always have an affinity to write “the blues”, but I think I need to balance that out now with something people find uplifting. So you may see a different side of DROZE coming soon but don’t worry, it’s still me.
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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.