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Artist Spotlight

Los Angeles Producer Kosie Is Taking Over The Game

Buzzing producer Kosie is taking over the game one placement at a time. His skill has been carefully crafted over the years, leading him to work with some of the hottest acts in the game. With accolades and recognition growing daily, Kosie is mushrooming in his moment.

If you aren’t familiar with Kosie, let me just give you a hint on what not to expect. ”His just another producer”. Wrong!! his not just any producer, he is the producer and he’s here to prove that by overtaken the spotlight. I had a chance to talk to Kosie and set up a Q&A interview. Check out the interview below and let us know what you think!

Let’s start off by introducing yourself, you know the basics like name, age, where you’re from. As much or little as you’re comfortable sharing.

My name is Alekos Syropoulos but some people call me Kosie. It’s been an old nickname that turned into my producer name. I’m 31 years old and I’m from Philadelphia via Miami, FL. But I’m currently based at Los Angeles.

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

One song will not define you. Most artists are so concerned with being labeled as something they don’t relate to or a genre that maybe isn’t their most preferred. Nowadays, the more songs you put out, the more likely people will come to relate to your vibe or message over time. Make something, put it out, and don’t hold onto it.

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

I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Learning through the experiences and mistakes is what builds character and will power.

What is still your biggest challenge?

Having said what I said about putting a song out without holding on to it, it still is the hardest thing for me to do! I’ve tried for years to be less judgmental of myself and accept where I’m at in the process. This all comes with time and positive experiences with those in your community! Be honest with yourself, develop solid relationships, and you can move past the self-judgment and mental roadblocks.

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

Knowing that being creative is what brings me the most happiness and sense of purpose in my life. Even if I’m not making as much money in a particular project or let’s say a pandemic hits again, I try to cling on to what I know most about myself. Creative freedom keeps me ticking.


If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

I’d love to open for Kaytranada. His music has been very influential to me and I’d love to make the connection.

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

I don’t necessarily feel that I always fall into one genre but I do like where music has been in this past decade. Soul, r&b, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music are all relatively in a cool place. I’m not always up to date on everything that comes out so that I’m not always comparing my music to a standard. Overall though, the 2010’s have been solid!

What are you focusing your time on now?

I’m focusing my time on making my own music, producing for other artists, traveling, and being outside.

 Talk me through your creative process.

Creating songs of my own versus songs for third parties vary in method, but there are many similarities in the process! Typically, when I create my own music, I write chords and melodies at the piano first. In this beginning stage I try to find core inspiration for a song through a particular sound or feeling that defines the identity/vibe/energy. I’ve always loved the use of synthesizers and vintage keyboards so finding a way to create a dark, bright, or a color in between helps unify the theme at hand. If I’m not starting with this direction, I’m building a song based off a groove or tempo that I connect with the most. I always try to listen to what I personally love most and not let mainstream standards dictate my creative templates. Creating for others obviously requires more attention to the artist and the vibe they want to create so that’s another ball game. As the process unfolds, I pay more attention to the arrangement and production as a whole, which is very exciting. Not following one particular song form formula is usually the best way to retain creative freedom and an open mind. This helps productivity when many songs are to be completed!

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

Crystal clear communication, positive reinforcement, consciously setting up warm vibes, and having fun!  As silly as this sounds, the most productive sessions and projects I’ve had with artists/musicians have all stemmed from goofing around and making decisive moves ahead of time. The less the artist feels that the project is a serious, high pressure situation, the more likely they’re able to deliver something that feels most organic and true to themselves. Talking through the details and common goals beforehand keeps the process professional and people relaxed. This may not always relate to the content of the music specifically, but for the expectations for sessions, workflow, and references in common.

How can our readers follow you online?

My artist name is Kosie! My personal music is on streaming platforms under that name. Much of my sideman work is under my real name “Alekos Syropoulos.” On Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook, my handle is @kosiemagee. Cheers!

Artist Spotlight

Emika Love: Rising Music Artist Spreading Positivity

Emika Love

Meet Emika Love, a 19-year-old rising music artist from Sacramento, California. Emika’s unique sound and style are heavily influenced by her love for visuals and storytelling. In this interview, Emika shares how she tackles challenges in the music industry, her creative process, and her focus on making a positive impact on others through her music and interactions. With a big release coming up on May 19th, Emika is all geared up to bring her best self and leave a lasting impression on her listeners.

Honk: Let’s kick things off by getting to know each other a bit better. Tell us your name, age, and where you’re from—as much or as little as you’re comfortable sharing.

Emika: My name is Emika Love, and I am 19 years old. I am from Sacramento, California.

Honk: We all need good advice from time to time. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about music?

Emika: The best advice I got from someone about music was to never stop and to keep pushing my music. One song might not be your favorite, but to someone else, it will be. It’s all about preference. The advice I would give someone is to be unapologetically yourself. It is essential to reach your highest potential!

Honk: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently based on what you know now?

Emika: If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I do, I stand by. I never have regrets, nor do I ever feel guilty. This is me, and every step and era I had and made was to make me have all the knowledge I have now. I am very blessed, honored, and thankful for everything and everyone.

Honk: We all face challenges, but what’s your biggest one yet?

Emika: My biggest challenge is that I love challenges.

Honk: What keeps you motivated and moving forward when things get tough in the music industry?

Emika: The thing that keeps me motivated is that I know where there’s good, there’s bad, and where there is bad, there’s good. Life only gets more complex, but you get stronger. Being able to do what I love is always the solution. So no matter how tough they are, diamonds need pressure. Nothing can take away from my music and motivation because, in the end, I’m doing it for myself and my people. There are going to be challenges, but bring them on.

Honk: If you had the chance to open a show for any artist, who would it be and why?

Emika: If I had the chance to open a show for any artist, it would be Taylor Swift. She brings such a warm, genuine atmosphere to the stage. Very feminine and whimsical energy, and just an all-around powerful, groovy tone. I believe we would bring an undeniable vibration to the stage.

Honk: Take us through your creative process. How do you come up with your excellent work?

Emika: My creative process is definitely all over the place and comes in so many forms. I usually start off with the visual side of things. So I will create a story visual in my head and say, “Now let’s tell the story. The visual part comes with me being a director, so it really sparks my creative process. Once I come up with the story, it’s time to tell it. I like to sit in the sink in my bathroom, look in the mirror, and sing melodies until I come up with the words. There will also be times where I will have a conversation with someone or read or hear about something that sparks it up as well. Once I come up with all of that, then the wardrobe and makeup come in to finish off the story.

Honk: We all struggle with productivity and scheduling at times. How do you tackle these issues and stay on top of things?

Emika: Productivity I don’t struggle with productivity, but there are times when I get scheduled for something, and the dates and times collide. I tackle this based on the cause. What is the job for? Is it for a good cause? Am I making an impact in others lives? It all depends on what is more effective for not just me but for others.

Honk: What are you currently focusing your time and energy on?

Emika: I am currently focusing on how to help others and have a positive impact on them. It is imperative to me that I leave a mark, add to people’s lives, and help them overcome some obstacles. I do that, whether it is to talk to them in person or through my music. I am also focusing on my music. I have a big release coming out on May 19th that has a message that people need to hear. That being the case, it is a project that holds a lot of weight in my heart. So I’m super focused on that and, all around, being the best Emika Amber Love.

Honk: Lastly, how can our readers follow you online?

Emika: To follow me online, you can find my music on all platforms as Emika Love, and my social media accounts are as follows: Instagram: eemikalove; Twitter: eemikalove; TikTok: emikalovee; YouTube: Emika Love; and Facebook: Emika Love.

Emika Love is a force to be reckoned with. Her unapologetic attitude towards being herself, pushing boundaries, and taking on challenges is inspiring. She creates from a place of authenticity, and her creative process is as unique as her music. With a big release on the horizon, Emika is focused on making a positive impact through her music and helping others overcome obstacles. Follow her journey on social media and join her mission to leave a lasting mark on the world.

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Artist Spotlight

DJ Skilz Returns to the DJ Scene as “The Scratch Enforcer”

DJ Skilz

Scratch DJs have been an integral part of the music industry for decades, with their unique style and technique often setting them apart from other types of DJs. Among the most prominent names in the world of scratch DJs is DJ Skilz, whose journey to the top of the industry began in New York in 1989. Since then, Skilz has achieved a level of success that few others in his field can match, with his innovative approach to DJing and his close partnership with American DJ helping to propel him to the forefront of the industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Skilz’s career, his rise to fame, and the impact he’s had on the world of scratch DJing.

Skilz’s success didn’t stop there, as he continued to push the boundaries of scratch DJing with his unique style and techniques. He gained a reputation for his ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music, creating a sound that was entirely his own. Skilz also became known for his creative use of turntables and mixers, incorporating scratching, beat juggling, and other techniques into his performances. His skills and innovation earned him the respect of his peers and a legion of fans around the world. In addition to his work with American DJ, he was able to take his DJing to new heights, performing at major events and festivals across the world. Today, DJ Skilz’s achievements and contributions to the world of scratch DJing remain a fixture in the world of scratch DJing, continuing to inspire and influence the next generation of DJs to follow in his footsteps.

Skilz’s return to the DJ scene was met with great excitement from fans and peers alike, eager to see what new tricks and techniques he had up his sleeve. Skilz quickly proved that he hadn’t lost his touch, seamlessly integrating his classic vinyl skills with new digital technologies and software. He also continued to showcase his ability to blend different genres of music, creating unique and memorable sets that kept audiences on their feet. Skilz’s comeback was also a reminder of his enduring influence on the world of scratch DJing, as he continued to inspire a new generation of DJs to pursue their passion and strive for greatness. With Skilz back in the mix, the world of scratch DJing is sure to be in for many more years of innovation and excitement.

From his early days in New York to his rise to the top of the industry, Skilz’s career has been defined by his relentless drive to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in scratch DJing. His legacy is felt not just in his own work but in the creation of countless DJs around the world who have been inspired by his example. Skilz’s enduring impact on the DJ world is a testament to his talent, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his craft. As the world of scratch DJing continues to evolve, DJ Skilz remains a towering figure, a true pioneer whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

Connect with DJ Skilz on Instagram | Spotify

 

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