Artist Spotlight

Premiere: S-EM-C Exclusive Interview with Honk Magazine Reporter

S-EM-C Exclusive Interview with Honk Magazine Reporter

S-EM-C is an independent female hip-hop artist, en-route to making it big in hip-hop. Have seen the rapper accumulate a growing following and hundreds upon thousands of streams online gain her attention home and abroad.

After years of positive response from independent releases, she is promoting her second studio EP “Here” on her own self-managed label. Already a lyrical genius in her own right, ‘Here’ will focus more on the vibe and attitude-driven delivery of the message.

We had the chance to talk with female hip hop artist in an Interview, S-EM-C talks more about her music, career and company. We also discussed when she started, tips to help you grow in music and where she is today.

Hello There,

1. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Hi. My name is Sophie Steele (or S-EM-C) and I am a songwriter, artist, music industry professional and media company owner. I originally got into the entertainment space as a rapper and after years of trial and error I learned about the backend business structure of releasing music. After spending around $20,000 on my own career, I was finally able to figure out what worked and what didn’t. Once I did, I started to take on clients so that I was able to apply my skills to benefit other creatives. Now my company helps indie artists and creatives of all kinds monetize, structure, and market their brands.

2. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

The most interesting story?

There’s too many to count. I think that the most interesting aspect in the creative industry is watching things go from just a thought to a huge collaborative project involving many people in many walks of life. It’s also always amazing to find out how small the industry really is. We all know the same people.

3. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

The funniest mistake I made when I was first starting was not knowing my numbers and working for literally $8 sometimes.

I learned you gotta know the score to win the game.

4. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I continue to build my business Kopius Media and provide clients with digital assets on a daily basis. I am also working on a project for a jazz client called The Urban Groove Experiment and we are eventually going to transition into the non-profit space to help underserved communities. I’m working with an indie rock band “Louder Than Quiet” , their label Black Magic LLC and CEO Denver Delaney , which also includes a holistic healing brand , so I’m learning about all the plant medicine. I recently published a book under a pen name (shhh.) And….I’m learning a lot about crypto so in short, everyday is an adventure.

5. Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Everyone I meet is interesting in their own way and I try to draw inspiration from every interaction. The people who are around me on a daily basis and in my network building are so inspiring and I look forward to changing the world with them.6. Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Drink water, eat well, sleep, come up with a routine of some sort and remember, you’re playing the long game. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and you really have to keep that in your mind at all times because this game comes with some crazy challenges and only the strong survive. Create a long term marketing strategy and save up so you actually have a budget. Oh, and use Javoe Rokour for your marketing needs, mention Honk Magazine for a special discount I negotiated for you guys reading this today.

7. You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Knowledge is power. Quality is key… and never say no to a promising opportunity. Trust your gut, your eyes will always deceive you.
8. Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

Everyday I wake up and do affirmations, a gratitude journal, study, drink water and read. I think these four things build a great foundation for any type of career. Also, practice personal hygiene… if you can’t take care of yourself, what makes you think someone is going to hand you an opportunity?

9. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1. There is no limit to what a weak minded person will do when they are intimidated by your greatness.

2. Trust your gut, most people are full of sh*t.

3. You are rare and unique, stop trying to shrink yourself to fit in.

4. Stop playing the short game.

5. Bet on yourself.

10. Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Be at cause, not at effect” is essentially saying, take life by the horns, make it what YOU want it to be. It’s relevant because that’s how I live my life and try to inspire others to do so as well.
11. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

First and foremost, I have to give it up to my fiancé for always holding it down and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Javoe Rokour has been an amazing business colleague and a pleasure to work with. Jerome Grace and Bass Gods for helping me fill in the gaps on the backend business side of things (book a consult with him ASAP) and Denver Delaney for helping me realize my vast skillset. Slice IX for putting me on the crypto wave. Ace Drucci for introducing me to the admin side of things and getting me my first major backed release. Chris Thornton of ULOV Entertainment for my mixing, mastering and visual assets. All my clients, friends, supporters and haters. Really, it has been a cumulative effort of many small interactions that has built me into who I am today and I am so grateful to have experienced it all.
12. You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I’m working on a movement now that will ultimately inspire people to be who they truly are and teach them how to re-program their subconscious patterns and get out of their own way.
13. We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)I’d love to speak with14 How can our readers follow you online?

Text my community number : 3306255454

www.instagram.com/s_em_c

https://www.facebook.com/sophie.marie.5

www.s-em-c.com

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Artist Spotlight

Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”

The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.

Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.

The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.

Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.

Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.

For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Chandra | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice

There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.

The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.

Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.

Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.

For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |