Interview
Honk Interview With The Raising Pop-Rock Singer Neomi
Neomi has a pop-rock sound that is rooted in her ability to morph emotions – the good, the bad, and the ugly – into melodic and lyric compositions.
We had the chance to interview the raising pop-rock singer and songwriter who has been winning the heart of millions over the years and next stopped to amazed her fans.
1. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Neomi– I don’t think there was one specific moment that made me realize that I wanted to do music, it was always something I intrinsically knew as a kid. I always loved music and performing and so having a career in music was always my goal from day one. As a young kid, I went into music, singing, dancing lessons, etc. (really anything that would allow me to perform haha). I started performing wherever I could and then when I was 12 or 13 I started writing my own music. Fast forward a couple of years later, I started releasing my own music and I got together with my band and started doing live performances with them and really building my music career from the ground up.
2. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
Neomi- Something interesting that actually happened in the last year is I had been planning for my first big headlining show for my album launch in Montreal at Petit Campus and we actually did the show a little less than a week before lockdown started in Montreal. Immediately after, the quarantine started here. It’s crazy to think back and see how we squeezed that last show in right before everything changed.
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?
Neomi– I had this one moment when I first started performing as a young kid where I went onstage and I entirely forgot the lyrics to the song I was about to sing; I had been practicing this song for months haha. That was a really defining point for me. I decided instead of being freaked out and running offstage or being upset about it to turn to the audience and crack a joke about how I forgot the lyrics. That helped me not be as nervous about performing and potentially messing up onstage in the future. It also taught me that a moment is only as embarrassing as you allow it to be.
4. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Neomi– Right now I’m writing a couple of songs with my band! We’re going in a more pop-rock direction so I’m very excited to put those songs out. We also have a really cool music video that’s gonna be released alongside one of those songs so I’m really excited to release that! Other than that, I’m working with an amazing EDM producer, Shallow, on a track right now. I’m a huge fan of EDM so I’m really excited to get that out.
5. Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Neomi– I’ve been fortunate enough to have met a lot of really cool people in music. An especially interesting person I’ve met is the producer I’m working with right now, Jesse Zito from True Sonix Studio. He takes a very interesting approach to create music by studying what’s really popular right now and why it’s popular. I’ve never seen music dissected that way so I thought that was really cool. Our sessions together are always filled with ideas on how to bring my tracks to the next level and how to take what is working in popular music and use it in my songs to give them that modern feel while still remaining true to my unique sound.
6. Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Neomi– I think the number one thing I would tell people in music is to not feel like you have to put out perfect music, perfect content, or perfect anything really. I feel like if you go into creating your music or even posting on social media which is a huge part of being an independent artist, with the mindset of having to be perfect, you’re never going to truly enjoy what you’re doing and it’ll just be a stressful experience. I think when creating music and building your brand, you have to go into it with a mindset of “I’m not a perfect being and that’s okay. Nobody wants perfect, they want real.” If you’re having fun with what I’m doing, I think that’ll translate to your listeners and help you guys connect
.
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?
Neomi– That’s a great question. I definitely do feel the fear of failure as well, I think that’s a factor for every artist. I think the number one thing you have to ask yourself before starting is: “Am I more scared of failure or am I more scared of never trying and never knowing?” Another thing I would say to aspiring artists is to channel that fear of failure into motivation and use it as something to push yourself to work that much harder.
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.
Neomi– One thing I like to do is yoga every single day. I put my phone and all my electronics away during that time and really just focus on being present in the moment. After yoga, I also like to meditate for 15 – 30 minutes depending on the day. Those two things really put me in the right mindset. I also think that taking one day of the week “off” (as much as you can) is important. For a couple of months, I would work 7 days a week and wouldn’t let myself rest much. Now, I take this rest day on Sundays to recharge myself for the week ahead and I’ve found both my productivity levels for the rest of the week and my mental headspace have improved drastically.
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.
Neomi:
1: Is just starting. When I was younger I really wanted everything I put out to be perfect when it came to music or anything I would post online; that delayed my start in my music career. I had songs that I held onto for years because I wasn’t sure if they were “ready”. With music, I found out that there’s never a perfect place to start, you just have to take the plunge; once you start, you’re always gonna be learning as you go and getting better as you go, but you have to start first.
2: Is to collaborate with other writers. I feel like when you write by yourself, you may find that you have a very distinct writing style and structure, which isn’t a bad thing but to grow as a writer, it’s important to experiment with how you write, and one great way to experiment is to write with others. Collaborating with other people can really open you up to a whole new world of ideas and ways of writing music and will (hopefully) inspire you.
3: Is to not be afraid to reach out to people. You never know until you ask so use your contacts, use contacts you don’t have yet, research things, reach out to people, cold call, cold email, go out and as Nike would say, just do it.
4: This is concerning live performances. I used to be an introvert when I was a kid so I would be really nervous to go out and do live performances. I wish someone had told me back then that most people in the crowd want to like you. As a kid, I would get onstage and assume everyone was judging me, and if I mess up they’re gonna think XYZ about me, and most of the time, these thoughts aren’t reflective of reality.
5: Is don’t compare yourself to other artists. In the music world, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” in terms of how to build a career, so comparing where you’re at to where someone else won’t be helpful to you.
10. Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Neomi– My favorite life lesson quote is “Other people’s actions towards you are not reflective of who you are as a person but who they are as a person”. As an artist, you’re performing in front of people all the time and you have to learn how to not take things personally, for your peace of mind. Everyone’s human, people have bad days, it’s 99% of the time not about you, so don’t take it personally.
11. None of us can 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?
Neomi– There’re so many people that I’m so grateful to have helped me along the way. I have to give a special shout-out to my amazing, supportive parents here though. They have been behind my dream 100% since I first started and I’m eternally grateful for them.
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. 🙂
Neomi– This might sound super corny but I’d love to start a movement of just people being super kind to others, being patient with others, and trying to be as understanding as possible. I think a little goes a long way in that department.
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. 🙂
Neomi– I would absolutely love to have a private lunch/dinner with Maggie Lindemann, an artist I love. She’s super cool and has amazing music. She transitioned from making pop music to more pop-rock music recently so I’d love to pick her brain about that since I’m doing a similar thing in my music.
14 How can our readers follow you online?
Neomi– You guys can find me on all social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube) with the username @thisisneomi and you can find my music on all streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, under my artist name: Neomi. Thank you so much for this interview Jessica and thank you for taking the time to read it guys! Looking forward to connecting with you all 🙂
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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.
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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.
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!