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Exclusive Interview With Music Therapist and Singer Elle McAndrews

Elle McAndrews is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and Music therapist. She is a classically trained musician and professional music therapist who approaches her craft from a profoundly authentic and tender disposition.

We had a chance to talk about her background, career path, and influences in the music industry.

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If you aren’t familiar with her Read on…

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

Elle Mcpeaches– I grew up on a farm outside of Calgary, Alberta, in Canada. I was homeschool and studied classical piano for most of my life. I did end up finishing high school at a catholic school in the city because I wanted ‘normal’ graduation. I went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in classical piano, and a few years later a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano University in Vancouver, British Columbia. Music has always been my solace, my joy, my muse. I was singing in my car seat at 12 months and haven’t stopped! Over the last 8 years, I have focused on my songwriting and making connections in the industry. In 2019, I won the Original Music Showcase top prize in Calgary, and this allowed me to start my debut EP project.

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

Elle Mcpeaches- I believe that when we put things out to the universe, it will answer. That’s how I met Samantha Selci who ended up being the producer for the ‘Hanging By a Thread’ EP. We actually met on the street outside a club on a cold November night in 2018 and became fast friends. Since then, I’ve made many other important connections stemming from the one with Selci.

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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? 

Elle Mcpeaches– I pride myself in being able to fake my way through the nerves when I perform in front of people. In October 2020 at my debut show, in front of 88 physically distanced people in a church, I had two false starts because my piano had automatically powered down from soundcheck. All I could do was laugh it off and dive right into the first song of the night. Showing that you don’t take yourself too seriously is really important.

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

Elle Mcpeaches- I recently just finished working on a track with UK producer Josh Northwood called ‘The Honey Trees’ slated for release on all platforms on May 28th. Josh found me on Instagram and after having several zoom chats, we decided that the fit was great and we would begin working together. I wrote the song with chord progression and lyrics, and Josh cooked up a beautifully atmospheric track to accompany. It was a great experience working remotely. Things took some time because of the time difference but we managed to get the song ready for release in 3.5 months. I am also working on a dance song with producer Adam Caines to bring the people something to dance in their homes, parks, or anywhere too! It’s called ‘Let the People Dance’ and is a modern-day, neon-lit anthem for our time. The song is meant to bring the people together through music and dance and the video will feature a local cast of dancers.

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

Elle Mcpeaches- I am pleased to know a woman named Marlo Brauss. She is the warrior behind Barre Body (@barrebodystudio) who had to close both her thriving Barre studio locations during the pandemic and move to an online platform. It was heartbreaking to see, but Marlo has been a pillar of strength for her community and through showing her vulnerabilities, has shown up and encouraged others to keep pushing forward. Exercise is so important to me as a singer, and Marlo’s classes are lit!

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Another incredible woman I work with is my voice coach Carol-Lynne Quinn (@cqvoice) out of Vancouver. Her years of experience studying and learning, as well as working with some of the top artists in Canada and the US, have turned her into an absolute powerhouse! Through following her 30-day vocal workouts, I have noticed my voice changing – in a good way!

6. Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”? 

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Elle Mcpeaches- Singers: drink lots of water, try not to smoke, eat your veggies and get sleep! Musicians, take time for yourself to create even if it doesn’t turn into anything. If you are focusing all your energy on a diehard goal, you might be forgetting to play and have fun with the process.

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?

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Elle Mcpeaches- Failure in the process is inevitable. You will get doors slammed in your face (not literally) and you will realize that not everyone in the industry is there to support you. Find a tribe of people that will challenge you, but also be encouraging to you. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Be bold! I emailed a big-time producer the other day out of the blue and he wrote me back personally to schedule a meet and greet over Facetime. Keep writing, and keep creating because it’s a muscle that needs to be exercised.

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.

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Elle Mcpeaches- When I wake up in the morning, I get on the mat and do a simple yoga/stretching routine, I do neck mobility exercises and I massage my jaw and face. I also try to do the Wim Hoff breathing exercises before I have my coffee. Sometimes it gives me so much energy I don’t need a coffee! I dry brush my body before I take a cool shower.

Once per month, I go for my Buccal face massage from Samantha Schneider @showmewhatyoulove. Keeping the muscles in my face and jaw is very complimentary to my vocal health. I drink lots of water and eat foods that are rich in gel water (tons of cucumbers, tomatoes, and other veggies). Exercise is essential to my mental and physical well-being. I choose to spin on the bike and do a routine that includes lots of jump squats and jumping jacks, squats, lunges, and pushups.

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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. 

Elle Mcpeaches:

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1. stop comparing yourself.

2. the more you do this, the bigger the universe will open up to you.

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3. not everyone will be your friend or support you, or like what you are doing and that’s ok.

4. There is no such thing as a late bloomer. You are where you need to be right now.

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5. Trust your intuition and it will grow.

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

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Elle Mcpeaches- You are going to wake up every day and see the same damn person in the mirror. You can dislike them, judge them, hate them, and want to change them from an unhealthy place. Or, you can change your attitude, seek truth, educate yourself, and make connections to people who love you for who you are. If you don’t like yourself, it’s going to be very hard for others to want to be around you. Adjusting your mindset is very important to achieving your goals.

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? 

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Elle Mcpeaches- I am so grateful to my fellow musicians who helped me, in the beginning, to see the value in songwriting, and to my friend Yolanda Sargeant of @SargeantXComrade for believing in me and checking in on a regular basis, I want to thank my voice coaches David Wilson and Carol-Lynne Quinn for hearing a bigger voice inside me, and my mom for giving me the freedom to choose a career in music. She is my number one fan!

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. 🙂 

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Elle Mcpeaches- More than ever people are talking about mental health. This is such a good thing. I hope that we continue to normalize our dialogue around mental health. I want people to have greater access to therapies like Hypnotherapy and Guided Imagery in Music. I am also fascinated by the work being done with Psilocybin and PTSD. I want people to understand their deepest potential by tapping into their intuition. Listen to your gut. We have so many incredible tools to work with, we just have to dig deep to realize them.

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, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

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Elle Mcpeaches- Oh my goodness I would just squirm with joy to be able to lunch with Lady Gaga. She is such an inspiration to people all over the world.

14 How can our readers follow you online?

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Elle Mcpeaches– You can follow me on Instagram @mcpeaches and also check out my music via my website www.ellemcandrews.com

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Artist Spotlight

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

San Sebastian

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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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

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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?

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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?

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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.?

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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.

 

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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? 

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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.

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\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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

https://linktr.ee/free_mace

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