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Summer Watson Speaks Out About Her Big Return After Surviving Cancer, New Music And Creative Process
A big voice with an even bigger heart, soprano Summer Watson is a singer on a mission. The chart-topping international vocalist aims to inspire as well as entertain. “Go for your dreams and never give up” is the message of this world-class classical crossover artist. Having beaten breast cancer and survived a deadly train crash she knows all too well the setbacks that challenge us in life. But Summer also understands the importance of determination, the healing power of music, and how to let talent flourish.
Hello Summer, welcome to Honk Magazine, we are thrilled to have you with us today!
Thank you so much for having me!!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a British Classical Crossover artist, who now lives in LA. I trained at the Royal College of Music, London, my love of classical music and more contemporary music initiated the spark within me to want to be able to blend classical music with more contemporary music such as Sting and film music on the same album. I signed to Sony and had the honor of recording at Abbey Road studios, London – the album went to #1 on the iTunes charts in the US.
As well as performing the wealth of amazing music out there – I also love to write my own music. My inspiration comes from life’s journey embedded with the love of the phenomenal nature here in LA, Malibu being some of my favorite scenery. I love to reset at least once a week and head to Venice beach to swim.
“Break The Silence” marks your big return after battling breast cancer. What is the lesson you want your listeners to take from this single?
It is crucial for us all to take some time to get quiet, what is our inner self trying to tell us? And then to break the silence and release the authentic you. The Break the Silence song & video represents that many people work their whole lives and are never happy and go against what their inner voice is telling them. It doesn’t matter what we do in this life – but it is crucial that we are being authentic and can break free and live our truth.
You are a stunning warrior! Where do you find your strength?
Aww, that’s so kind of you to say! I pull strength from meditating every day, from the greats before me like Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana. My drive and strength on a daily basis comes from my amazing Mum. She has supported me my entire life.
You have traveled a lot, and your life’s story is truly inspiring. How does experiencing so many cultures influence your music?
I love this question. I think it is so important for all of us, especially artists, to get out of our bubble and experience as many cultures and different ways of living as possible. The weeks I lived in Africa and got to spend time with the Massai tribe and seeing the most amazing safari and landscapes definitely plays a part in the orchestration of one of the new singles in my upcoming EP Unveiled. Visiting Iceland & New Zealand and seeing the most epic scenery allowed for the visuals in my head for the new EP to come to life. Experiencing so many different cultures has allowed me to see that essentially we all want one thing and that is to feel connected and to be happy.
How do you create your music? Do you first write the lyrics or compose melodies?
I am extremely blessed to have been writing with my writing partner Taras for over 6 years now. I tend to share something that is inside of me that I want to express, we write the chord structure on the piano, then a vocal melody usually comes to me, and then together we write the lyrics based off of the story I want to share.
Your latest release topped iTunes charts, do you feel any pressure with your upcoming EP? Can you tell us a little bit more about this project?
Firstly it is still surreal that the SUMMER (Spotify) album with Sony was #1 in the States on the iTunes chart. I am more invested in the process of creativity than the outcome. Obviously, I would love everyone to be inspired by the new single Break the Silence and the whole EP Unveiled, but I personally am extremely proud of it as it marks a new chapter in my life. I have had an amazing year and it has been one of my most creative years to date. In April, my golden retriever Marleigh passed away in my arms and the pain was unbearable. The only way out is through – so I committed to being in the studio every day. Writing and recording every day releasing the pain from within was such a healing process. The other singles on the album represent different stages of the metamorphosis we all have inside of us. Break the Silence and release what’s inside of you, Unveiled is unveiling our inner beauty, This Life celebrates life – showing us that life is so beautiful.
How would you describe your sound?
The best way to describe my sound is to imagine an Adele pop-style vocal with epic Bond-esque cinematic orchestration. Classical, but mostly pop-driven, deep harmonies, and big ensembles for the world stage, with soaring but elegant vocals.
As a crossover singer, you create a truly unique kind of music! Would you give a chance to experiment with other genres like hip-hop or edm?
In a heartbeat – I love collaborating with different artists! I think those genres would lend themselves very well to a classical crossover vocal artist such as myself.
Who are some of the artists you would love to collaborate with?
Drake, Pharrell Williams, Sting, Adele, David Foster
What’s your current favorite song and album?
My friend and amazing singer Connor Duermit & Sam Fischer are two artists I love.
What’s next for Summer Watson?
Really excited to be telling everyone about the upcoming singles. Planning a new video for one of the singles. Lots of time interacting with everyone online. And then the plan is to get writing in the studio again!
Thank you so much!
Thank YOU so much Honk Magazine – it has been truly an honor to be featured in your fantastic magazine.
Follow Summer Watson on Instagram and Spotify.
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Mac Miller’s Long-Lost Album “Balloonerism” Gets Official Release Date in January 2025
Mac Miller’s creative spirit is still alive and well, intricately weaving beats with unfiltered emotions that resonate deeply, giving fans something special to look forward to. One of his most elusive projects, ‘Balloonerism,’ finally ascends from whispers in the ether to an official release. During Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival last weekend, he gifted Mac Miller’s devoted followers an exciting announcement of the release of the long-lost album; ‘Balloonerism’ which will finally be released on January 17, 2025.
The announcement comes with pre-orders available for vinyl, cassette, and CD versions on the late Pittsburgh icon’s official website. This news has electrified fans and will undoubtedly kick off the new year with an emotional bang equal to celebration and catharsis. While every posthumous release brings a twinge of sadness, Miller’s camp has consistently handled his legacy with care, delivering tributes that feel genuine to who he was.
For fans, ‘Balloonerism’ is a collection of songs; it’s a bridge between two iconic albums, ‘Watching Movies with the Sound Off’ and ‘Faces.’ Initially crafted during this period, parts of the album were repurposed for ‘Faces,’ leaving fans speculating for years about the rest. We’ll finally explore these unreleased gems and the artistic overlaps that defined Miller’s creative peak during those transformative years.
2024 has been significant for celebrating Mac’s legacy, especially with the 10th anniversary of ‘Faces’ reigniting admiration for his fearless style. And let’s not forget the echoes of 2023, when ‘Watching Movies’ turned ten, gifting fans unreleased tracks like “The Quest.” Through it all, Mac’s spirit endures, lifted higher by the voices of peers like ‘Vince Staples,’ acknowledging his impact on their lives.
“He changed my life… He was teaching me how to rap on the beat, how to project,” Staples reflected in 2023, encapsulating the selfless, nurturing energy Mac exuded. This human touch elevates his work beyond music, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encounters. As we eagerly count down to the long-overdue debut, ‘Balloonerism,’ fans are ready to celebrate Mac’s heartfelt gift, which he brought to the world through his art. January 17 will be a day to remember an artist who gave so much through his music. Mac’s may have ended too soon, but his story continues to soar wonderfully, reminding audiences of the special magic Mac Miller represented.
Celebrity
Taylor Swift Alleged Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on New Album Shake the Industry
Taylor Swift on a Kendrick Lamar album? The latest big news is buzzing the music world with surprises, as DJ Snake just stirred the pot with a significant claim that got everyone talking! During a live stream on November 19, he casually announced that Taylor Swift might be featured on the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming album, which fans eagerly await. This magnitude of his revelation sparked excitement and curiosity, followed by a dramatic “world premiere” declaration among music lovers everywhere.
Kendrick Lamar, celebrated for his exceptional lyricism and innovative music style, has kept details about his new project tightly under wraps. Fueled by his upcoming Halftime Show appearance at the Super Bowl and a mysterious teaser shared during the brief clip in the “Not Like Us” video, fans have had little information about the album’s title, release date, and other artist confirmations of who else might be involved until now. DJ Snake made a surprising comment about Taylor Swift’s possible appearance on a Kendrick Lamar record, igniting excitement and curiosity among fans and critics alike, especially regarding how such an unlikely pairing could sound.
At first glance, it might seem surprising that these two artists could come together, but if true, this would mark the second collaboration between the two global superstars. In 2015, Kendrick and Taylor teamed up for a remix of her hit song “Bad Blood,” which topped the charts and earned them a Grammy nomination. Their mutual respect is no secret; in a 2023 Instagram post, Taylor reflected on their time together in the studio, praising Kendrick’s meticulous approach to crafting his verses on “Bad Blood.” Her post was a love letter to his artistry: “Watching @kendricklamar create and record… was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.”
What makes this rumored collaboration even more intriguing is its potential deeper meaning. Some fans speculate it could be Kendrick’s way of taking a playful jab at Drake, another well-known rapper with whom he has had a long-standing rivalry. Taylor’s admiration for Kendrick’s music-making process could spark comparisons between the two rappers, putting Kendrick and Drake in a better light and changing how people view both artists.
Until we get official confirmation, fans can only speculate about whether this collaboration is a clever strategy, a genuine reunion, or a mix of both. However, one thing is clear: if Kendrick and Taylor decide to work together again, everyone in the music world will be paying attention. For now, the anticipation is building. DJ Snake’s intriguing hint has raised hopes for a memorable musical moment, leaving fans to wonder: could this be the incredible partnership we never realized we needed? Only time will tell!
