Music
A Candid Conversation with Mr. FoW: On Creativity, Community, and the Challenges of the Music Industry
Mr. FoW, the Nigerian-American neo-contemporary artist, and entrepreneur, is a force to be reckoned with. He’s not just making waves in the music scene with his unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, but he’s also a recognized voice in the tech industry, sharing his insights on the future of work. Join us as we sit down with Mr. FoW for a candid conversation about his music, his entrepreneurial journey, and his passion for making a positive impact on the world.
Q: Mr. FoW, I’m curious, how does being Nigerian-American shape your music?
Mr. FoW: Being Nigerian-American is a huge part of who I am. It’s like a colorful thread woven through my music. You’ll hear it in the rhythms, the melodies, and even in some of the stories I tell. My parents always made sure we were connected to our roots, so that definitely comes through. It’s not just about the sound, though; it’s also about the values and perspectives I bring to the table.
Q: Have you faced any unique challenges or maybe even opportunities because of your background?
Mr. FoW: Definitely. Sometimes people try to put me in a box, like they expect a certain sound from a Nigerian-American artist. But I’m all about breaking those molds. I want to show the world that we can be complex, multi-dimensional, and defy expectations. At the same time, being part of two cultures gives me a wider lens to view the world and a richer well of experiences to draw from. It’s a balancing act, but it definitely enriches my music and my life.
Q: We’d love to know what your creative process is like, where do your ideas come from?
Mr. FoW: Honestly, inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime! It could be a conversation I overhear, a random thought on my morning run, or even a dream. I always have my phone handy to jot down lyrics or melodies as they pop into my head. Sometimes I’ll just start messing around with beats or sounds on my laptop, and the ideas kind of flow from there.
Q: Speaking of creative flow, “mDNA (ft. Duchess)” is a dope track! Working with the Duchess on that must have been awesome. What’s your take on collaborations in general?
Mr. FoW: Thanks, I’m really proud of how “mDNA” turned out. And yeah, Duchess is incredibly talented; working with her was a blast. As for collaborations in general, I love them! It’s always exciting to see what happens when you bring different creative energies together. It can spark new ideas, push you out of your comfort zone, and create something truly unique.
Q: Okay, so, we’ve been talking about your latest track and your overall vibe. But how has your music evolved over time? Have your early stuff and what you’re doing now changed much?
Mr. FoW: Well, my early stuff was a lot more experimental, I was still finding my sound, you know? I was trying out different genres, playing with different instruments and production styles. It was a fun time of exploration and discovery. But as I’ve grown as an artist, my music has definitely matured. I’ve honed in on my signature blend of hip-hop and R&B, and my lyrics have become more personal and introspective.
Q: Mr. FoW, everyone gets stuck sometimes. What do you do when you hit a creative block?
Mr. FoW: When that happens, I try to step away from the music for a bit. Sometimes, just taking a break and doing something completely unrelated can help clear my head and refresh my perspective.
Q: Have there been any major hurdles you’ve had to overcome in your career?
Mr. FoW: For sure! There have been times when I’ve questioned everything, doubted myself, and felt like giving up. I’ve had shows with hardly anyone in the crowd, faced rejection from labels, and dealt with the disappointment of projects not taking off as I’d hoped. It’s tough, man, but it’s all part of the journey.
Q: How did you get through those tough times? What kept you going?
Mr. FoW: Honestly, it’s a combination of things. I’ve got an amazing support system—family, friends, and mentors—who always have my back. They remind me of my strengths and encourage me to keep pushing forward. But I also think it comes down to having a strong sense of purpose. I know that my music has the power to connect with people and make a difference, and that’s what keeps me going even when things get tough.
Q: Mr. FoW, you’re not just making waves in music and business, you’re also using your platform to talk about important stuff like mental health. Why is giving back to the community so important to you?
Mr. FoW: You know, I’ve been blessed with this platform, and I feel a responsibility to use it for good. We all go through tough times, and for a long time, there’s been a stigma around talking about mental health struggles. I want to change that. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s even more okay to seek help. If I can use my voice to encourage even one person to reach out for support, that’s a win in my book.
Q: Besides mental health, are there any other causes or issues you’re passionate about?
A: Absolutely! Education is a big one for me. I believe every kid deserves access to a quality education, no matter their background. I also care deeply about social justice and equality. We’ve got a long way to go, but I believe we can create a more just and equitable world if we all do our part. I try to use my music and my platform to shed light on these issues and hopefully inspire others to take action.
Q: Mr. FoW, this has been awesome! But before we wrap up, I have to ask, what’s next for you?
Mr. FoW: Honestly, I’m just getting started! I’ve got a ton of new music in the works and some exciting collaborations brewing, and I’m always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible. But beyond the music, I’m really passionate about building a legacy that goes beyond just hits and streams. I want to create something that inspires and empowers people for generations to come.
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“Home My Universe” by Santa Cecilie evokes a lush sonic odyssey through the galaxy of her stunning new EP
Santa Cecilie, an accomplished Norwegian artist from Bergen, has recently launched her latest five-track EP, “Home My Universe,” representing a significant progression in her artistic evolution and considerable musical sophistication. This emotive masterpiece expertly merges the sensibilities of classic pop with introspective lyricism, delving into the complexities inherent in the human experience. Crafted in collaboration with Ketil Fersum, Daniel Birkeland (from Studio Havnelageret), and drummer Marius Erster Bergesen, the work serves as a reflective meditation on themes of life, mortality, self-acceptance, and the universal quest for belonging.
The opening track, “Seize,” establishes an assertive sonic landscape with bold arrangements and lyrical depth, delivering a motivational message to embrace transient opportunities. Its vibrant energy transitions seamlessly into “Home,” a soulful ballad articulating a longing for familial connection and evoking the healing properties of love and comfort. It is positioned as a central pivot in the EP’s emotional framework, encapsulating its introspective themes.
The centerpiece of the EP, “Life,” thoughtfully investigates the duality of beauty and fragility within the human experience. Through its captivating craftsmanship and nuanced execution, Santa Cecilie invites the audience to engage with the transitory nature and profound significance of life’s critical moments, creating an emotionally resonant framework. Its universal appeal is further enhanced by a seamless interplay of soulful pop aesthetics and incisive lyricism, highlighting the fleeting nature of our grasp on existential experiences.
Following this, “Keep” presents an anthemic quality supported by dynamic piano lines and infectious rhythms that foster a spirit of resilience and aspiration. It motivates listeners to persist in the pursuit of their dreams, reinforcing the EP’s overarching themes of hope and tenacity. The concluding track, “Rain,” produced collaboratively with Cecilie Nirmala Andersen, Ketil Fersum, and Daniel Birkeland, offers a haunting auditory experience. Its intricate arrangements and pulsating rhythms, entwined with poetic lyricism, invite profound contemplation.
Santa Cecilie’s meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by her layered vocal performances and intriguing instrumentation, is displayed across the EP. The production achieves a delicate equilibrium of melodic brilliance and lyrical profundity, resulting in lush arrangements that demand careful listening. The innovative amalgamation of classic pop sensibilities with stylistic production techniques provides an immersive auditory journey while preserving a cohesive sonic identity.
Ultimately, “Home My Universe” solidifies Santa Cecilie’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary music, presenting a compelling synthesis of authenticity and innovative creativity. This EP constitutes a pivotal addition to the repertoire of any discerning listener, exemplifying the transformative potential of music and Cecilie’s capacity to navigate conventional musical limits. This release promises a richly enchanting adventure for those eager and willing to immerse themselves in her distinctive sonic palette.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Santa Cecilie’s EP “Home My Universe“ on Spotify.
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Indie
Shriya Unpacks Heartbreak, Growth, and Resilience in Her Compelling Debut EP “In a Box”
Emerging artist Shriya has released her raw and evocative debut EP, “In a box”, an intimate and uncompromising exploration of heartbreak, mental health, and self-discovery. Written, composed, and performed entirely by Shriya, this collection of six songs is personal to her and resonates with scratches of raw emotion, making it a heartfelt listen for those dealing with their transitions. Streaming across major platforms, “In a box” is an arresting introduction to Shriya’s artistry.
Writing the songs that would later become her EP as a 16-year-old girl, Shriya combined moments of her life into raw beats and emotional solace. The opening track, “Her,” is a highlight, a cinematic ballad of heartbreak and betrayal, buttressed with the production of Yohan Marshall and the winning touch of Pedro Peixoto and Fili Filizzola. Using classical piano melodies and poignant lyrics, “Her” deepens the agony of broken trust, making it an achingly relatable anthem.
The second track on the EP, “I’m not alright,” takes the focus elsewhere, into mental health and its emphasis on solitude and resilience. Hersh Desai’s thoughtful production surrounds Shriya’s ethereal vocals and fragile harmonies, creating a soothing but forceful anthem for anyone dealing with their internal struggles.
Intended as a collection of ballads for anyone enduring heartbreak, loss, or transformation, “In a box” rises above its teenage roots to speak more broadly of self-acceptance and evolution. According to Shriya, music is her lifeline, and this feeling is evident in this release, note, and lyric.
With “In a box” Shriya extends an invitation to step into her world and take comfort, connection, and catharsis. And this is a sincere roll of the dice to connect with whoever might need comfort in sound. It is streaming now, and you can walk with Shriya on this impressive journey on her first flight.
