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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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Follow on Google NewsArtist Spotlight
“Call It” by Sunset Salore stirs an anthemic tapestry of self-worth
![Sunset Salore](https://honkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/D-17-e1722025257597.jpg)
The Melbourne-based artist, singer, and songwriter Sunset Salore, known for her enchanting alternative pop sound, returns with “Call It,” a compelling declaration of self-worth that’s both a breath of fresh air and a sonic revelation. This track, the first sneak peek into her upcoming EP, ‘Love Kills the Monsters,’ draws clear inspiration from the charismatic styles of Florence & The Machine, Meg Mac, and Baker Boy musical influences. It’s a unique blend of haunting melodies and profound lyrics that addresses the frustrations and disappointments of leaving that often go unnoticed but collectively signal that it’s time to make a change or reclaim sanity.
“Call It” doesn’t tiptoe around the issue with anyone ever feeling undervalued in relationships. It dives headfirst into the micro-moments of relationship dynamics that wear down one’s spirit, capturing the decisive moment when one realizes one deserves more and demands better for oneself. Sunset Salore’s assertive vocals soar over an alternative pop soundscape, making it impossible not to feel the empowerment in her words. What makes “Call It” stand out is its ability to convey a universal sentiment through deeply personal reflections that channel vulnerability into strength.
Musically, “Call It” is a shining example of her sophisticated artistry in production. It was written during a crucial stage in Salore’s creative and introspective period, allowing her to dissect those critical life-changing moments. This makes the song relatable and impactful, enhancing the emotional journey without overshadowing the poignant message.
Sunset Salore challenges the societal tendency to shy away from labeling relationships, emphasizing that how we treat each other holds more weight than any label ever could. Her bold assertion, coupled with her enchanting vibes, make “Call It” a sonic anthem for anyone navigating the crossroads of their self-respect and relationship expectations. It simplifies the equation and raises the bar for what we should demand in our relationships and from ourselves.
For more information about Sunset Salore, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sunset Salore’s “Call It“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Sunset Salore | Instagram | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
Plasma Chasms sparks a cosmic love affair with “Interstellar Baby”
![Plasma Chasms](https://honkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/D-4.png)
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Electric Rabbit Studios, Plasma Chasms’ masterfully crafted latest single, “Interstellar Baby,” is an auditory odyssey that flawlessly blends the timeless charm of vintage soul with modern psychedelic twists. Formed in 2020 by the dynamic duo of Australian Jane Drewett and American Adrian Guerrero, Plasma Chasms have steadily carved out a niche in the indie-pop scene with their retro, gritty, and rhythmic garage sound, and this track feels like a dream, with shimmering, otherworldly sounds a testament to their evolving artistry.
From the first note, “Interstellar Baby” envelops the audience in a cosmic embrace reminiscent of the golden era of Motown. The interplay of Jane Drewett and Guerrero’s vocals stands out, dripping with soulful intensity and complemented by lush strings and horns that evoke the spirit of Marvin Gaye. This sonic adventure through time and space, guided by the rhythmic heartbeat of Latin percussion and R&B grooves, creates a harmonious balance that’s soothing yet invigorating.
The track’s impeccable production quality allows each element to shine while maintaining a cohesive, immersive sound. The new layers of psychedelic rock subtly interwoven into the fabric of classic Soul/R&B create a familiar and refreshingly new soundscape that transports listeners on a cosmic elevator ride through each floor, revealing a different flavor of psychedelia, from blissful reverie to rhythmic euphoria.
“Interstellar Baby” is a stellar example of their innovative fusion, the third single from their much-anticipated debut album, ‘Chrysalis.’ This song promises to leave listeners eagerly anticipating what’s next, with catchy hooks and soulful delivery. Take the ride into Plasma Chasms’ world, and let “Interstellar Baby” transport you to a place where vintage soul and modern psychedelia meet in perfect harmony. By the end, you’re left humming the tune.
For more information about Plasma Chasms, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Plasma Chasms’ “Interstellar Baby“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Plasma Chasms | Instagram | Facebook |
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