Following the release of his stunning new album Islands, we caught an in-depth interview with Philadelphia-based artist and songwriter Jameel Farruk to talk about his musical journey so far, the process of making the album, and his hopes for the future. Here’s the conversation in full. * * * Hi Jameel – great to be … Continued
Interviews
Around the nineties and early noughties, rock and even general music fans united in the scream and freedom of bands like Pearl Jam, Audioslave, Rage, Green Day – all with unique sounds, yet all offering something decidedly pure, loud, energetic, and of substance. They had something new to say, and they had a new way … Continued
With the explosion of indie music-making and hip hop in particular throughout recent years, many artists are able to get a taste of the scene and briefly reach an appreciative audience, few are able to hold onto that privilege and maintain respect, skill and authenticity along the way. Homeboy Sandman is one of the few. … Continued
“We have a proverb – ‘water does not flow under a lying stone.’ It means that if you are lazy you will not achieve anything. Therefore, working beyond strength – that’s the way the image should be.”
“Touring the US and getting to meet and work with some of the real blues musicians is a real buzz. I learn so much working with them. More than you could learn than listening to a 1000 albums. It’s hands on stuff, you really can’t learn any other way.”
“Although technology is dividing us and making us more narcissistic, it’s also the only tool we have to spread the message of consciousness and mindfulness.”
“From the very first hour my father was not only the biggest fan, but also the best supporter and hardest critic. He always says talent is nothing if you don’t work hard and an idea is always just the start of a long journey.”
“Lyrically, life just inspires me every day. Songwriting has been a therapeutic outlet for me for over ten years and I can’t help but put my experiences into songs.”
Cardiff’s own creative duo The Debutantes have just released their brand new single and video (If Paradise is) Half As Nice. We caught an interview with the band, to find out more about their journey so far, their thoughts on the scene, and their hopes for the future. Here’s how it went. * * * … Continued
“I am not the type to hate on somebody for the music they make and there are songs in today’s day in age that I can appreciate. My music is constantly evolving so it is important that I stay open minded.”
It’s OK not to be a pack animal – to be weird, a misfit, a freak, nerd, rebel and to be, see or do things differently. Some people are threatened by that and see it as an opportunity for a cheap dig to feel better about themselves. We like to call them the “dream police”.
“The main thing we hope that people take away from Famous is just to be yourself and not get caught up in compromising who you are as an individual to keep up with the trends. That’s why it’s Punk rock.”