Artist Spotlight
HOW UP-AND-COMING HIP HOP ARTIST ROYAL RASHAD IS HANDCRAFTING HIS CAREER TO HIS FULL ADVANTAGE
Hello Royal Rashad, Thanks for coming to Honk Magazine to talk about your career.
Tell us a little more about when you first got into music?
I got into music at an early age, 13 I believe. I remember hearing one of my cousins freestyle and I was like “yo how do you do that… just brainstorm rhymes on the fly?” He said “man you just flow with the beat and say what’s on your mind” then he started beating on the porch and told me to try.. that’s when history started.
If you could describe your sound/style in one word, what would it be and why?
Sleek. My wordplay is sharp and my cadence is smooth
What would you say to any aspiring recording artists who look up to your work?
Just be yourself and do you and Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you’re passionate about.
What quote or mantra do you live by?
Whenever things go left or go wrong I call it a Minor setback… for a major comeback. And I always bounce back.
What is your hobby outside of music?
In my free time I like to play video games, it allows me to miss and reminisce my first love… sports
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing the path that God has set out for me, which is to evolve and grow with my talents
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
This is what you love to do, just have fun with it.
Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?
Yes I always have hot new music on deck that I can’t wait for the world to hear. Stay tuned
What is the inspiration behind your latest song?
Playa Made. The beat really. It just felt like something I could ride and listen to with the windows down cruising on a beautiful day.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow me on Instagram @royalrashad
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsArtist Spotlight
Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”
The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.
Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.
The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.
Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.
Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.
For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Chandra | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice
There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.
The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.
Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.
Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.
For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |