Interview

Exclusive Interview: The Kid

We had an opportunity to chat with a 29-year-old Boston-based urban artist, rapper and beatmaker The Kid. He is back with new sounds, and outstanding release the LP The Kid and Friends, a collection of eleven tracks featuring many artists such as Mick Jenkins, Kebma, Rome Fortune, ScienZe, Michael Christmas.

Hello The Kid! Congrats on releasing your LP The Kid and Friends. Can you tell us a little bit more about this project?

Thank you so much! I started this project in 2016 when I decided to finally do something serious with my beats instead of them sitting on my computer. I had an idea to reach out to up-and-coming rappers and see if I could grow with them. Eventually, I ended up reaching out to every rapper I’ve ever heard of if I could get their contact info. The main purposes of the album were to grow as a producer, showcase some awesome talent specifically in Boston where I’m from, and hopefully bring attention to my band Pineapple Jam as well. This ended up taking over my life from 2016 to its release date of November 6th, 2020 and still today as I’m working to promote it.

I created the beats with Ableton Live, Native Instruments, a Roland FA-08 keyboard, and a microKorg. I would send my beats to rappers and let them choose which beat they wanted. They would record their verse and send it back to me. At this point, I would place their verse into the beat and rework it to fit the verse and make the overall song sound cohesive. Once all the verses were received, I then exported all the stems of each track and worked with The Bridge Sound and Stage studio to mix and master. I worked with an engineer Mertz who mixed all the tracks and helped add some key input and things like drops and effects to really make the album come alive. It was then mastered by The Arcitype.

Promoting and marketing the album was another challenge. I ended up working with a great marketer Brandon and his company Showoff Marketing. Almost immediately after we agreed to work Covid hit and we had to make quick and drastic adjustments. We ended up doing a few virtual release parties that were really successful. To further market the album, I’ve also teamed up with Viral New Wave, Music Promo Today, and Big Noise.

I’m also a Graphic Designer with a specialization in cartooning/animation and so I created all the art for the album from the cartoons of each feature, to the album art, to the 3 music videos, the website, and everything in between.

You have worked with plenty of talented musicians – which collaboration are you the proudest of?

I have! I’m so thankful to be able to work with the artists on this album. I’m really proud of the final feature list that ended up being on the album. And I got to showcase the amazing talent of my band members on guitar and keyboard. But overall, I gotta go with CyHi The Prynce. I still can’t believe he is rapping over a beat I made. He’s one of the most talented rappers in Hip Hop and it’s surreal to me that he’s on this album.

What are some other artists you would like to work with in the future?

Too many to name! Kanye and John Mayer are my favorite artists ever so definitely them. I think Anderson .Paak is one of the most talented artists out right now. J. Cole, Kendrick, Common, Rihanna, and Jay-Z are easy choices. And I’d also love to get Saba, Joey Badass, Tierra Whack, Tobe Nwigwe, and Cousin Stizz. Herbie Hancock, FKJ, Melanie Faye, Bruno Mars, John Legend, Norah Jones, Leon Bridges, Tame Impala, Coldplay! I also found some amazing vocalists Stan Taylor and Sam Tompkins and I’d love to get them on a track someday. Anyone who’s really talented and passionate I’d love to work with.

How do you choose the artists you work with? What are some of the requirements you set?

For The Kid and Friends album, I worked with anyone who got back to me haha. I guess I would choose to contact artists who showed they were serious about music and were good at what they did. And the only requirement I set was for them to choose the beat. For future albums, I’m hoping to work with any artist who I am a fan of and who’s style I think would fit best on specific beats, whether it’s an instrumentalist, singer, or rapper. When I work with an artist I like to give them the freedom to record whatever they want. I present my beats, they choose their favorite and then they create whatever they’re inspired to create. I don’t like to box creatives. I feel this creative freedom helps the artist create more genuine and passionate work and that can translate into the overall song. Freedom of expression is basically what it means to be an artist and so I try to facilitate that. Another minor thing I’m focusing on more now is giving artists specific sections of songs to create in.

If there are musicians who would like to collaborate with you, how can they reach out? Do you also sell your beats?

Yes! If anyone wants to collaborate or buy beats they can go to my website TheKidTunes.com. They can listen to my beats on the “Album Pack$” section and contact me through the website. People can also contact me through Instagram DMs (@TheKidTunes). I currently have 160+ beats on the main site and 60+ beats on a “Private Beats” page and I’m constantly updating and revising.

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What inspires you to create music?

I don’t really know honestly. I’ve always played music, mainly drums and singing. And now digitally with Ableton. I just love to create music. When I sit down to make a beat I never have anything specific in mind. I just start tapping the keys and when I find something I like I record it. I usually don’t realize what inspired me to create a specific beat until years later. My dad is an amazing singer and guitarist and so he’s my overall music inspiration. But I will say Kanye is my main inspiration for trying to be as creative as possible when making music, specifically My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I’m so inspired by how much passion, time, and effort he put into that album and how amazing it is from start to finish. I strive to make albums as complete as that.

Your sound is fresh and unique. Where would you put yourself on the genre spectrum?

Thank you! I’m not really sure about this either haha. I’ve made beats of all types, whether it’s funky, chill, high energy, slow, fast, happy, sad. I don’t know what specific style of Hip Hop I’d call myself, but definitely, Hip Hop based combined with Soul, R&B, Pop? I love blues, rock music too so there’s influences from there as well.

Any upcoming plans you would like to share with our readers?

Right now I’m focusing on promoting and marketing The Kid and Friends and I am trying to sell as many beats as I can to help fund more albums. I currently have 3 albums pretty much done, but no budget to mix/master or market/promote. Hopefully, I can sell enough beats, or land a placement, or somehow save up a good chunk of money so I can start working on releasing more music.

Thank you!

Thank you! It’s amazing to be able to share my music with as many people as I can and so I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity.

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Artist Spotlight

San Sebastian shares his creative inspiration and aspiration for the new single “Again and Again” – [Exclusive Interview]

Swedish artist San Sebastian has released his second single, “Again and Again.” Known for his danceable pop sound infused with a nod to club music, San Sebastian presents a sonic vibe that resonates deeply with his audience. Drawing inspiration from notable artists like Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan, he creates a distinctive blend of vulnerability and optimism. His latest single exemplifies a personal journey, exploring the intricacies of navigating complex emotions within a fractured relationship. Here, San Sebastian takes us behind the scenes, providing insights into the creation of “Again and Again,” detailing the production choices that shape its emotional core and outlining his future aspirations.

Questionnaire
1. Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?

San Sebastian: I’m a solo artist, though I often perform with professional dancers Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. My musical inspiration is drawn from renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan.

2. Where was the single recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.

San Sebastian: “Again and Again” was originally written by the well-known Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and songwriters Pär Westerlund along with Petter Tarland. I worked on re-creating the track with senior producer Johan Kronlund, who also produced my debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Both singles were released under the auspices of my record label, Metronica.

3. Regarding production, what aspects of “Again and Again” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?

San Sebastian: I collaborated with the producer, Johan Kronlund, for nearly 2 years, so we have developed a good understanding and shared vision for the desired sound we aim for in my music. The goal was to turn my flaws into something optimistic, capturing a sense of future possibility by blending a melancholy message with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.

4. What inspired you to write “Again and Again”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single? Were there any collaborations on writing the lyrics?

San Sebastian: The song “Again and Again” was initially composed by the famous Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and his co-writers. I immediately liked the idea of the song’s core concept; its melodies and lyrics spoke to me. The producer and I reimagined the sound to make the song reflect entirely my unique artistic identity.

5. How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?

San Sebastian: I want my lyrics to be honest and resonate with many people’s feelings. I try to transform my flaws into something optimistic, showing that everything has a future. I hope that people, by listening to “Again and Again,” will find pieces of their own experiences within the song’s lyrics while still perceiving this growing hope through the positive upbeat and alongside the danceable energy inherent in the production.

6. Please briefly describe the song, the E.P./Album, and the thinking behind the Project. What does “Again and Again” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?

San Sebastian: The song tells the story of a broken relationship, where one person is left behind, feeling shattered and powerless. Unable and unwilling to let go, they cling to the memories of a love that once felt real and the hope that they might reunite. Despite knowing they will get hurt again, the chance to feel happiness, even briefly, makes the pain seem worthwhile. By combining vulnerable lyrics, expressive melodies, and a more positive and hopeful production, the song illustrates those who put on a positive front and hide the absolute truth.

“Again and Again” represents my second single in collaboration with Metronica. I describe my musical style as danceable pop inspired by club music. Both my debut single, “Hear Me Out,” and my recent release, “Again and Again,” follow this musical direction. My active involvement in a DJ duo also keeps my heart closely connected to the club vibe, which naturally influences my music.

7. Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?

San Sebastian: My previous song and debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was recognized across various blogs internationally. The fact that it was so well received is heartwarming and makes me very happy. However, if I have to highlight one thing, it would be all the positive comments regarding my vocal abilities, specifically its range and how I deliver the songs.

8. Did “Again and Again” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?

San Sebastian: A memorable highlight was our spontaneous release party, which drew almost 500 attendees. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see how all these people adjusted their schedules and re-booked engagements, altered travel plans, and other meetings to join. I will be eternally grateful for this display of support and gift of love.

9. How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that San Sebastian’s fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?

San Sebastian: I have actually had the opportunity to perform “Again and Again” live on stage several times with two of my professional dancers, Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. I hope to present “Again and Again” on more stages in the future, incorporating additional live band support from professional musicians and dancers to create an immersive experience for audiences.

10. Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an E.P.?

San Sebastian: I’m not planning to create a full music video for “Again and Again.” However, I have already created teaser videos, which I use in the release marketing and the ongoing song promotion. I have no concrete plans to release an EP that includes “Again and Again.” Instead, I am focusing on my next single, which I plan to release in early 2025.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM San Sebastian’s “Again and Again“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH San Sebastian | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Indie

Interview with Free Mace

Free Mace’s new album “Better off Bitter” is releasing 7/19/24. This new album was independently produced, engineered and funded from a home studio location in Jacksonville, FL. All processes were done by Mason Thomas Staub over 3 years time. Mason sat down to answer some questions in this one-one-one interview…

Mason, your new album “Better off Bitter” is set to release on July 19th, 2024. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this album and what themes, tones, and stories the listeners can expect?

The main inspiration behind this album is the evolution of artistry and production. Free Mace’s previous album, “Media,” was the transition into more Rock and Indie music. “Media” is a genre fusion set in a dystopian, technocratic, and bleak world, inspired by the global pandemic. As soon as “Media” released, I began drafting the early instrumentals to songs (such as Reality). Every album or EP has been a concept and “Better off Bitter” is no different. The main concept of “Better off Bitter” is being better off bitter. Over the 4 years of living in Jacksonville, FL and not being originally from there, I was the new guy in town. Because of this as well as the advantageous disposition of others involved in or surrounding the industry, I’ve faced ageism and superiority, judgment and prejudice, as well as seclusion and loneliness. Add an incredibly toxic relationship that consumed all my mental capacity for a bit (refer to the song Good Time Girl), and you get the varying emotions and experiences of “Better off Bitter.”

“Better off Bitter” describes the tone and tempo of the album, as well as mood of the songs. The goal of this album was to experiment and set a new standard against mainstream concepts, while not being so far removed from them that the music is unrecognizable. I have been describing “Better off Bitter” to people as a “Jazz Orchestra in a Pop-Punk band format.” I’m aware that this is a big claim to make, however, I’m confident that the unique sound that has been created is new and nostalgic at the same time.

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You independently produced, engineered, and funded this album from your home studio in Jacksonville, FL, over three years. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of handling every aspect of the production process yourself?

Some of the biggest challenges were motivation, isolation, and insecurity. When doing everything yourself it requires an incredible amount of discipline and vision. There were countless times I found myself vacationing in the doldrums for extended periods with minimal creative output. The beginning of an album always begins as a peak that declines over a period until release. It’s simple and stressless to explore, create and form new ideas, expressions, and feelings. After this honeymoon-like period, then the reality hits of how much goes into the processes of production. The starting production is always hopeful and motivating, so it’s easy to dedicate double-digit hours in a studio. When you start getting to the nitty-gritty, like listening to the same 10-seconds of audio on loop thousands of times, that’s when things aren’t done as jubilantly. That would bring me back to a creative null for a bit, until I felt confident to approach things again with a fresh perspective. The isolation came out of my own doing when I chose solitude to separate myself from distractions, toxic attitudes, limiting perceptions, and peer approval. I prioritized myself and focused on what was important; the completion of “Better off Bitter.” I became more mindful in the process in regards to how I would spend my time in the doldrums. I had a new motivation that allowed me to be more realistic about what songs would make the album (originally 15 instead of 10), what the context and sound would definitively be, and when a deadline would be. After finally completing it, that’s where the insecurity set in when it comes to the acceptance of the album, “Better off Bitter.” 3 years of work is a lot of time to think about how things will be, but I’ll just have to wait and see.

\Which track on the album holds the most personal significance for you, and why? Can you give us some insight into the creative process and meaning behind that particular song?

I would say that the last track on the album, “The Heretic,” has the most significance to me because it’s the finale. This is the last song someone will hear and the last chapter to the story conveyed in “Better off Bitter.” The idea of “The Heretic” comes from the snake-oil sales in the name of religion. The concept that an individual with certainty can sell others with a promise rather than those individuals being at terms with uncertainty. I wanted to provide an image of an interaction between a salesperson and a potential customer. Eventually getting discovered for their fraudulence, the salesperson is forced to lead a vagabond life until the discovery of reinvention.

Over the course of three years, your musical style and influences might have evolved. How do you feel your sound has changed or matured from your previous work to this new album?

The previous Free Mace album, “Media,” was a transition into more up-tempo music. I would see how people would react at the concerts and the up-tempo would always have a better response from what I could tell. It’s not that the audience didn’t enjoy the slower tempo music, it was more about what their body language conveyed. I started to notice people would be involved dancing and moshing to up-tempo music more than standing still with a head bob to a slower tempo. I wanted to do an album that would capture this high energy from beginning to end, while telling a meaningful story about emotions, experiences, and ideologies. “Better off Bitter” is the highlight album of the Free Mace discography, available everywhere 7/19/2024.

As an independent artist, what advice would you give to other musicians looking to produce and release their own music without the backing of a major label?

The best advice I would give to anyone and everyone would be to always stay true to yourself, no matter what.

What are your plans following the release of “Better off Bitter”? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or other projects that fans can look forward to?

Following the release of “Better off Bitter,” there will be 2-3 music videos available in varying cinematic styles. Currently in the process are one animated video (Available 7/19/2024 on YouTube) and one live-action Frank Sinatra/Edgar Allen Poe inspired video. There will potentially be shows in the future, but am needed a backing band on location for performance, so if you’d like a Free Mace show where you are located and have a professional band to provide, I will see you there!

https://freemace.hearnow.com/better-off-bitter

https://linktr.ee/free_mace