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Interview With MJ Interview With MJ

Artist Spotlight

Interview With MJ

Exclusive Interview With MJ, a soulful yet determined up-and-coming rapper out of Houston, TX creating to shift the game in Hip Hop. Born in Redondo Beach, CA while raised in Pensacola, FL, MJ has been around both worlds enough to craft her own.  She began creating music in 2011 after being inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kidd, Madd City.” She relocated to Houston in 2016 to further pursue her musical aspirations. She aims for her major breakthrough while taking on a new approach in the female Hip Hop genre. Her lyricism is exciting yet deep and introspective. Her flow is smooth as silk yet can be as lit as a fire. She has released her most recent single, “DREAMS”, featuring the sultry vocals of singer Breana Marin.

Where are you based?
Currently, I’m in Houston, TX
How long have you been making music?
Been creating music since 2011.
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Hip-Hop and Rap.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
In college, I was struggling with what I wanted to do with my new adult life. Music and writing had been in my life on and off since I was 8 years old. There were unique artists coming out that we’re changing the game to one more of substance and lyricism mixed in with a little crazy. There were emotions I wanted to express through art. I love music. I was obsessed with it and I wanted to become a creator myself. So here we are.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Growing up in terms of female influences I loved Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot. Missy in particular produced, wrote, and spit her own work which till this day I greatly admire. In college and beyond my three main artists who helped influence me were Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
Independent Artist.
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
The biggest challenges have been obtaining the knowledge and resources in order to elevate my career to the next level. I am an independent artist which means I don’t have the millions of dollars invested from a label. Nearly everything I’ve done I’ve had to do from scratch while still surviving. I’ve slept on couches and nearly been homeless a few times. But it has allowed me to grow stronger in my abilities and to steady my ship.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I’ve released an EP and six singles along with a mixtape from 2016. In addition, I’ve released several freestyles and have done some work with other artists.
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
Definitely! “DREAMS” was produced by Dreamlife, who recently did some work on Summer Walker’s “Still Over It”. I’ve gotten to chat with him and he is an extremely talented English producer. The hook is sung by Breana Marin, who is an extremely talented and beautiful R&B singer. I wrote my lyrics for the song this past summer after having to overcome several trials in my life. It is a deep song that I feel is one if not my best works so far.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
“DREAMS” will have a music video on my official YouTube channel so stay tuned! I am currently working on creating more visual content in order to expand my reach and for my fanbase to see more of me as an artist and human. I have several new songs in the works as well. So again, stay tuned!

Natalie is a journalism major with a focus on Entertainment and Music who aspires to become a Content Creator For Honk Magazine. Eventually, she wants to be the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief of a major Publishing House. She loves helping people find their voice and passion for writing and journalism, and she can always be found with coffee in hand, editing another article.

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Artist Spotlight

“Home My Universe” by Santa Cecilie evokes a lush sonic odyssey through the galaxy of her stunning new EP

Santa Cecilie

Santa Cecilie, an accomplished Norwegian artist from Bergen, has recently launched her latest five-track EP, “Home My Universe,” representing a significant progression in her artistic evolution and considerable musical sophistication. This emotive masterpiece expertly merges the sensibilities of classic pop with introspective lyricism, delving into the complexities inherent in the human experience. Crafted in collaboration with Ketil Fersum, Daniel Birkeland (from Studio Havnelageret), and drummer Marius Erster Bergesen, the work serves as a reflective meditation on themes of life, mortality, self-acceptance, and the universal quest for belonging.

The opening track, Seize,” establishes an assertive sonic landscape with bold arrangements and lyrical depth, delivering a motivational message to embrace transient opportunities. Its vibrant energy transitions seamlessly into Home,” a soulful ballad articulating a longing for familial connection and evoking the healing properties of love and comfort. It is positioned as a central pivot in the EP’s emotional framework, encapsulating its introspective themes.

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The centerpiece of the EP, Life,” thoughtfully investigates the duality of beauty and fragility within the human experience. Through its captivating craftsmanship and nuanced execution, Santa Cecilie invites the audience to engage with the transitory nature and profound significance of life’s critical moments, creating an emotionally resonant framework. Its universal appeal is further enhanced by a seamless interplay of soulful pop aesthetics and incisive lyricism, highlighting the fleeting nature of our grasp on existential experiences.

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Following this, Keep presents an anthemic quality supported by dynamic piano lines and infectious rhythms that foster a spirit of resilience and aspiration. It motivates listeners to persist in the pursuit of their dreams, reinforcing the EP’s overarching themes of hope and tenacity. The concluding track, “Rain,” produced collaboratively with Cecilie Nirmala Andersen, Ketil Fersum, and Daniel Birkeland, offers a haunting auditory experience. Its intricate arrangements and pulsating rhythms, entwined with poetic lyricism, invite profound contemplation.

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Santa Cecilie’s meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by her layered vocal performances and intriguing instrumentation, is displayed across the EP. The production achieves a delicate equilibrium of melodic brilliance and lyrical profundity, resulting in lush arrangements that demand careful listening. The innovative amalgamation of classic pop sensibilities with stylistic production techniques provides an immersive auditory journey while preserving a cohesive sonic identity.

Ultimately, “Home My Universe” solidifies Santa Cecilie’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary music, presenting a compelling synthesis of authenticity and innovative creativity. This EP constitutes a pivotal addition to the repertoire of any discerning listener, exemplifying the transformative potential of music and Cecilie’s capacity to navigate conventional musical limits. This release promises a richly enchanting adventure for those eager and willing to immerse themselves in her distinctive sonic palette.

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CLICK HERE TO STREAM Santa Cecilie’s EP Home My Universe on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Santa Cecilie | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Vishwa Ganesh stirs a mesmerizing pure rhythmic joy with “Don’t Wanna Go”

Vishwa Ganesh

Hit play to briefly escape the world with Don’t Wanna Go,” an innovative work by emerging artist Vishwa Ganesh. Based in Dubai, this dynamic vocalist embarks on a delightful creative adventure, offering listeners a richly vibrant, intimate, and cohesive auditory experience. Recorded in his hometown of Dubai, “Don’t Wanna Go” pairs rhythmic hooks with lighthearted vibes and infectious energy from the first beat. Vishwa’s velvety vocals float effortlessly over intricate production and instrumentation, while the immersive Dolby Atmos mix elevates the listening experience to a whole new dimension.

Breaking away from his customary narrative-driven style, he adopts a comprehensive role as a writer, composer, and performer, leveraging his multifaceted talents to craft an upbeat track that encapsulates a danceable anthem celebrating the sheer joy of being present at the moment. Each meticulously fused sound feels perfectly placed, enveloping audiences in a kaleidoscope of melodies that inspire their feet to move.

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What truly sets this track apart is its dedication to authenticity. Eschewing pre-made samples and loops, Vishwa crafted this masterpiece entirely from scratch. That raw creativity shines through, making each note, rhythm, and harmony personal and intentional. The result is a standout track in his discography that doesn’t just entertain; it connects.

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Don’t Wanna Go” embodies a sensibility that encourages individuals to immerse themselves in its exuberant rhythms through high-energy dance scenarios or simply enjoying intimate listening vibes with headphones. It reminds us that music can be a profound source of unfiltered happiness, providing a respite from the distractions and complexities of everyday life.

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Through “Don’t Wanna Go,” Vishwa Ganesh conjures an enchanting sonic vibe that merits inclusion on every playlist. He transforms mundane moments into spontaneous dance opportunities while demonstrating his versatility as an artist. This work underscores his musical evolution as a noteworthy trajectory to follow. Set it on repeat, and you will find it hard to let go.

 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Vishwa Ganesh’s Don’t Wanna Go on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Vishwa Ganesh | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok |

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