Artist Spotlight
EMBRACING RECOGNITION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY—Stratøs
Short and sweet interview with Los Angeles’s rising star, Stratøs! He shares his favorite aspects of making music, working with veterans in the game, and more upcoming fresh music.
Let’s start off by introducing yourself, you know the basics like name, age, where you’re from. As much or little as you’re comfortable sharing.
My name is Stratøs, I’ll be 26 this October 1st, and I’m from Ann Arbor Michigan. I currently live in Los Angeles, California.
What’s the best advice you ever received concerning music?
That the learning process Is cyclical. I don’t need to (and in fact, can’t) learn a concept perfectly before moving on. I’m supposed to come back to concepts again and again. It can be years before I revisit something I’m practicing. This helped me get over the paralysis of trying to get something “perfect” before moving onto the next thing.
What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?
Practice, write, produce, photograph more when I was younger and had more time!
What is still your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge would probably be just navigating the music industry as a whole. It’s a tough industry that’s currently not equipped to sustain actual musicians, and that’s a struggle every day.
What keeps you going when things get tough in the music industry?
The music does. No matter how tough things get, the art is still here. I’ll never stop making art because I simply cannot – it is my purpose in life. Taking a step back from your art is something stigmatized, but is perfectly okay, and healthy, and normal. This industry is grueling. It’s important to take a step back sometimes to gain perspective and preserve your sanity. It’s okay to step away for a bit and come back.
Talk me through your creative process.
There’s a lot that goes into my creative process. I’m a saxophonist, composer, producer, and film photographer, and each discipline takes a different set of skills. These days I’m doing a lot more composing because I’m working on my third album. My composition usually involves taking unrelated elements and try to make them relate. My tunes usually have some sort of concept at the core of them that I’m trying to work out.
How do you currently feel about the state of “Your genre” in general?
The state of “jazz” has always been interesting. Firstly because this style of music isn’t even really called “jazz,” because that was a name originally given to the music intending for it to be derogatory. This music falls under the “Black American Music” umbrella and from its inception it’s always been about progress and pushing boundaries. There’s a lot of amazing “jazz” these days because people from all walks of life and backgrounds are adding to it and making it more and more unique. It’s great!
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I’d love to open for Flying Lotus some day!
How do you solve productivity/scheduling problems and reduce overwhelming situations?
I keep an organized calendar, and I try to write things down.
What are you focusing your time on now?
As I kinda touched on before, I’m currently working on my third album. I don’t wanna say too much, but I’m using all of the resources and knowledge I’ve learned from all parts of the album making process and putting them into this record. Also, since I just moved to LA, I’m focussing on getting connected in the music scene here and just getting settled down.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow me on all social media platforms @stratostones, as well as my website www.stratostones.com. I also have a print shop where you can buy prints of my film photographs here: https://stratos.darkroom.tech/. You can buy my first album Planets here: https://stratosmusic.bandcamp.com/album/planets and my second album Hohenheim Suites here: https://stratosmusic.bandcamp.com/album/hohenheim-suites. I’m also on all of the streaming platforms like spotify and apple music, just search “Stratøs.”
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Feyisayo Anjorin unveils the facade of deception and pretenders in the single “There’s Somebody Here”
“There’s Somebody Here” by Feyisayo Anjorin exemplifies a sophisticated synthesis of Afrobeat and soul-searching lyricism, shining a glaring light on human deception. Inspired by the timeless truth embedded in Lauryn Hill’s iconic “Forgive Them Father” and rooted in the haunting narrative of betrayal and pretense, spotlighting the archetype of Judas, the track mirrors the hypocrisy prevalent within the societal fabric of Nigeria, a milieu he intimately understands, where the outward piety frequently obscures deep-seated dishonesty.
Musically, the song immediately wraps you in a rhythmic pulse reminiscent of legends like Orlando Owoh’s traditionalism, King Sunny Ade, and Majek Fashek while integrating the soulful melancholia characteristic of reggae. This production is enriched with vibrant guitar loops and subtle, hypnotic percussion. Anjorin’s vocal performance is compelling and exudes a sincerity yet magnetic allure, balancing a reflective calm with an undertone of urgency as he positions himself as both a narrative conveyer and a whistleblower.
Lyrically, it’s a masterclass in allegory. The impactful line, “In every gathering, there is always that person who isn’t there for the common good,” resonates with piercing clarity, forcing listeners to reflect on their circles and the masks we wear. Anjorin’s insights transcend superficial critique, echoing the unvarnished truths rather than mere accusations akin to the moral wisdom traditionally imparted by an elder around a communal fire. The Judas metaphor evolves beyond its biblical connotations to foster a broader dialogue regarding distrust and the resilience inherent in navigating such complexities.
What distinguishes “There’s Somebody Here” is its adept pairing of thematically rich content with infectious musicality. It is a cautionary tale woven into its sonic landscape, prompting introspection alongside an immersive rhythmic experience, fostering a desire for repeated listening.
Feyisayo Anjorin’s latest single accentuates his diverse artistic capabilities, positioning him not only as a musician but also as a screenwriter, novelist, and songwriter unafraid to dissect the intricacies of societal norms. Ultimately, the composition stands as an audacious reminder there’s always somebody lurking in the shadows, urging listeners to awaken not only to new possibilities but also to the stark realities that frequently lie hidden behind the familiar facade.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Feyisayo Anjorin’s “There’s Somebody Here“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Feyisayo Anjorin | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
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The entire production process of the song “LONELY” was exclusively executed by Thoresen within the confined sanctuary of her home studio, including recording, mixing, and mastering. It encapsulates a narrative of artistic evolution from a state of introspective subtlety to one of assertive expression. The track’s minimal production ethos accentuates a DIY authenticity that renders it immediately engaging. Intriguing guitar sounds imbue the piece with rhythmic tension, while Thoresen’s vocal delivery adeptly echoes Anna’s struggles and emotional turmoil stemming from her relocation to Los Angeles, juxtaposing the dichotomy of a city that paradoxically feels bustling yet very isolating.
A notable aspect of “LONELY” lies in its dual thematic nature: it is both a poignant meditation on solitude and an anthem of self-empowerment. Thoresen’s lyrics are crafted with an unvarnished truthfulness that strikes a chord with anyone who has grappled with loneliness in densely populated yet emotionally desolate environments. Her capacity to transform these sentiments into a dynamic, cathartic artistic release underscores her formidable songwriting acumen.
Through “LONELY,” Anna Thoresen does more than convey her narrative; she creates an immersive experience that invites listeners to connect with her emotional odyssey. The track serves as a potent reminder that while loneliness can be burdensome, it can sometimes catalyze resilience and personal fortitude. Thoresen’s artistry significantly adds to the music landscape, promising she is an emerging voice of noteworthy potential.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Anna Thoresen’s “LONELY“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Anna Thoresen | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok |
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