Artist Spotlight

Los Angeles Producer ArjayOnTheBeat Is Pushing the Perimeters of the Music Industry

To stand out in music, especially a genre like Hip Hop, an artist has to have a presence not only the presence but commanding energy to them that makes you invest in their artistry, which they present for us to buy into. That separates an artist who you only give one listen to and who you start to keep up with. ArjayOnTheBeat brings that confident swagger to his approach that makes you want to stay connected, as he has been unfailing when connecting with his audience and executing vibrant and unique records from a career standpoint.

Arjayonthebeat discussed with us and answered our uncommon 11 Questions. Check it out below.

HONK: Let’s start by introducing ourselves. You know the basics, like name, age, and where you’re from, as much or little as you’re comfortable sharing.

ArjayOnTheBeat: Artist Name: Arjayonthebeat /Arjayonthebeat3x

Legal Name: Robert Dickson Jr

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

HONK: What’s the best advice you ever received concerning music?

ArjayOnTheBeat: The best advice I’ve ever received concerning music was about mixing. I was honored to have had a one-on-one session with a Grammy-awarded engineer, Leslie Brathwaite, who engineered Pharrell’s “Happy,” which headlined Despicable Me 2. He listened to my beats and told me, “everything was great, but one thing, your mixing.” He then said when it comes to mixing your beats, nothing should be panned to the center but vocals”. In other words, every sound in your beat should be panned between the left and right, never down the middle.

The best advice of my life…

HONK: What would you have done differently if you knew then what you know now?

ArjayOnTheBeat: One thing I would have done differently is take more of the presented opportunities rather than rejecting them due to being overly cautious.

HONK: What is still your biggest challenge?

ArjayOnTheBeat: My biggest challenge is finding an artist with the potential/ talent to take them to the top and team up. Until then, the search continues. Most artists don’t take it as seriously as I do. I instead get plaques/awards with one artist repeatedly than try to get one plaque out of multiple artists… if that makes sense.

HONK: What keeps you going when things get tough in the music industry?

ArjayOnTheBeat: My daughters (Indiyah & Xia) and my family are the ones I need to be successful. My goal is to leave generational wealth /money behind for them.

HONK: If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?

ArjayOnTheBeat: Lil Uzi Vert, Chris Brown, or DJ Khaled

HONK: Could you talk me through your creative process?

ArjayOnTheBeat: When it comes to my productions, I never force them. I only make beats when I feel like it, so I don’t burn out my creative juices.

If I’m not working, I typically listen to various genres to get ideas on enhancing my sound daily. Every genre has something you can learn from…

HONK: How do you solve productivity/scheduling problems and reduce overwhelming situations?

ArjayOnTheBeat: I always try to keep the customer/ clients happy, mistakes can occur, so I’ll always offer something in exchange for the mishap to reach a positive conclusion.

HONK: What are you focusing your time on now?

ArjayOnTheBeat: I’m focusing my time on executive producing more projects rather than singles & building my artist (once they’ve been found).

HONK: How do you currently feel about the state of “Your genre” in general?

ArjayOnTheBeat: We need more substance in the hip-hop community and a different topic to rap about rather than hoes, guns, apps & negativity. I feel it’s time to switch it up, or else we won’t get as successful as other genres like folk rock & country music.

HONK: How can our readers follow you online?

ArjayOnTheBeat: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.