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Exclusive Interview With Vincent Poag, The Man Behind Masquerade [LP]

Vincent Poag’s multiple releases have been watched millions of times on YouTube, with “America,” “Stress,” and “This Christmas.” His latest album, Masquerade, is bound to follow a similar trajectory. We had the chance to chat with Vincent about his latest album, upcoming projects and more!

First of all, we really want to congratulate you on the release of the album Masquerade. What drove you to release such a vast genre collection?

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Thank you. Many of these songs were already in the works. I usually develop the songs/ideas as they come to me. Some are prompted by feelings, others by events. In the last two years we had challenges to our country’s freedoms, a presidential election, and an insurrection, all amidst a worldwide pandemic which closed down and changed all of our lives.  Talk about food for thought…Thus the songs “America”, “La La” and “How Lucky Am I.” “America” is a love song for our great country which I felt had lost its way. “La La” is a satirical, perhaps ironic, look at life as well as the heroes through this pandemic. “How Lucky Am I” is just about appreciation of being alive.

We see that the piano, among other instruments, truly shined on this album. Why is that?

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Most of these songs were written on piano. I decided to try to learn to play piano just before the pandemic to stimulate my ears to new sounds. I only took a few lessons before everything closed down. Nevertheless, this expanded my hearing to new creative ideas. If I could play I’d really be dangerous.  Fortunately my talented conductor/arranger Kathy Sommer is an accomplished pianist who performed and expanded upon the simple songs/melodies I had written on piano.

The names of the albums are truly interesting. What was the thought process behind each name? Do they have a connection to one another?

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Let’s see, “Circling back” my first album was my foray back to music and songwriting which I had abandoned years ago to make a living and support my family. “For the Girls”, this one’s dedicated to the girls. How much of what men do is for the girls? Much of what I did was, but I can only speak for myself. We also had some beautiful violinists play on that album.  “Heroes and Demons” refers to the continuing struggle between good and evil. The songs on that album travel to many personal places. I think my song “And the Ocean Rolls” sums it up. “Masquerade ” the title of this album is taken from one of my songs on that album “La La” which resonates with me but doesn’t seem to appeal to anyone else I’ve played it for. Ha. It’s also a play on this new “masked” era. I think all the albums are unique. The only common thread is me.

Tell us more about the design behind the album cover. We see a lot of colors and monuments happening

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It’s all a comical depiction of these last two years of isolation. The artwork was a process. The initial attempts were not artistic enough. We ultimately decided to hire a cartoonist and gave them specific visuals to work with. After a few rounds of new ideas we signed off on it. Comedy can be an effective therapy. We could all use more laughter.

How would you say this latest album differs from your first one “Circling Back”?

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My first recordings were simpler, mostly me on guitar in one session. We brought in a few other musicians for a few additional sessions. These songs were expanded upon by Kathy Sommer. My knowledge of musical arrangements, instruments and orchestrations has grown exponentially, allowing me to experiment with different genres. I prefer not to be pigeon-holed into one category.

How do you think your musical upbringing—being born in the 50’s—differs from other new musicians today?

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I was a fan of standards, Broadway musicals, the 50’s AM radio rock and roll, then the 60’s FM radio generation of singer-songwriters. I was certainly inspired by Bob Dylan, The Beatles and all the great singer-songwriters. I believe we are all influenced by the times we grow up in, by what we’re exposed to and what we gravitate to.

What artists have influenced you the most and you can truly see their mark on your work today?

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Too many to count. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, the Standards, Broadway and so many more.

Are there any upcoming projects on the horizon?

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I’m always working on new material. Mostly, I just can’t wait to get back to being free to resume a normal social life. We’re getting there. We’ll get there.

Vincent Poag links: InstagramYouTubeSpotifyWebsite 

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Artist Spotlight

Louise Goffin Takes Us for an Intimate Ride with “Backseat”

Louise Goffin

Louise Goffin’s new single, “Backseat,” takes listeners on a nostalgic journey, like a late-night drive filled with deep emotions. The Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter offers a heartfelt song that feels personal yet relatable to everyone. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling style of Laurel Canyon, “Backseat” invites you to dive into its rich, soulful sounds and escape the daily hustle and bustle.

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Goffin’s talent shines through in her ability to tell a story reflecting her life experiences. Growing up with famous songwriters, she experienced a world full of creativity and ups and downs, which she beautifully expresses in her music. “Backseat” captures the mix of chaos and tranquility, creating a calming yet powerful musical experience. Her gentle voice flows over various instruments, making it feel like a cozy chat with a close friend.

At its heart, “Backseat” touches on balancing being a passenger in life and taking charge, something everyone can relate to when feeling uncertain about the past and future. Goffin’s gift for sharing her thoughts makes this journey feel shared, showcasing her storytelling talent.

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Louise Goffin is truly coming into her own as an artist, turning the intricacies of life into songs that resonate with many. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering her music, “Backseat” is a song you don’t want to miss—a beautiful celebration of growth, resilience, and the magic of music.

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Artist Spotlight

Rich Kidz’s “Settle Down” Hits a Sweet Spot with Heartfelt Realness

Honk Magazine

Regarding merging authenticity with infectious beats, Rich Kidz pairs up like no other, and their latest single, “Settle Down,” dives into the depths of love and relationships. At the same time, ensuring listeners remain locked in with melodic flows unique to the duo.

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Written in the studio during honest discussions about their personal lives, “Settle Down” is less a song than a heart-to-heart. The two talk about the fact that no relationship is perfect, and that’s just fine. All good things end up being perfect in their unique way. Rich Kidz features relatable lyrics and production that are both contemporary and ancient all at once, teaching us that the beautiful aspects of love are the flaws.

The song offers a luxuriant sound from the very first bars, combining smooth harmonies with a midtempo gait that feels like the auditory half of a cleanse. It’s reflective but also a lift, a duality that aligns with the message of accepting the highs and lows in any partnership. The duo’s storytelling shimmers as the verses progress, mixing personal details with a wider, relatable narrative.

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“Settle Down” is not just a song for romantic couples; it serves as a universal rallying cry for anyone taking the plunge into the complicated tango of human relations. Whether you’re enjoying love’s sweet side or grappling with its thorns, this track has something to tell you.

The way Rich Kidz pairs its introspection with infectious energy makes “Settle Down” extraordinary in today’s music landscape. This is one of those songs that has to be added to everyone’s playlist and shows how much they have grown as a band. With this release, they’re not merely making music — they’re composing a soundtrack to life’s most pivotal moments.

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