INTERVIEW WITH NEWCOMER POP SINGER-SONGWRITER ISA BRUDER
I got to chat with up-and-coming Brazilian-American pop artist Isa Bruder, whose rich vocals, emotional storytelling, and layered harmonics are just in their infancy. I asked Isa about her songwriter, culture, and what’s to come this year in an interview, which you can read below.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Thanks for answering a few questions for The Reclusive Blogger. How has your 2023
been?
ISA BRUDER: Happy 2024 to you and your readers! I am really grateful for 2023 -- I got to travel to new places, spend time with my family and friends, go to incredible concerts, and write lots of music. :)
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk a bit about your background and culture and how that encompasses your music?
ISA BRUDER: Sure! I grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to loving our Samba's swing and percussive musicality, Brazilian people have a reputation for being really fierce music fans -- and I definitely think that passion is embedded in me. The crowd's joy at a concert in Brazil is contagious. It can sometimes take years or even decades for a musical act to make its way to South America, so we're extra excited and grateful to finally witness that music in real life. The energy really is on another level #ComeToBrazil iykyk
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did you normally approach writing and recording as a singer-songwriter?
ISA BRUDER: I am constantly writing feelings and concepts in my notes (notes app girlies rise), so in preparation for a session I usually pull a couple ideas from there that particularly resonate with me. Then I catch up with my cowriter(s), and we talk about our feelings / what kind of song we want to write! Sometimes a producer is included in these conversations / during the session if I have the luxury of being in a physical room with one -- most of my music I write through Zoom since most of my collaborators live in LA! I love writing music with people, as opposed to alone, because I find it takes me out of my own head and helps weed out the good ideas from the less interesting ones.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
ISA BRUDER: Know who you are, because if you don't people will try to tell you. Believe in your vision!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What's your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
ISA BRUDER: I actually find a couple of hours before my show more stressful than being on stage -- I wouldn't say I really get performance anxiety. During the hours before I'm stressing about logistics, if my band is gonna arrive on time, if my outfit is creasing on the subway, if people are actually gonna show up, if I'll remember all the lyrics... by the time I'm about to go onstage, I'm more so relieved that I don't have to think about all that anymore! Performing is my favorite part of being an artist, so I look forward to it and try to book as many shows as I can.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you have a favorite lyric that you’ve written or that you wish you had written?
ISA BRUDER: I have "I wish I wrote that" moments all the time! Today, what comes to mind is What I Want by MUNA. "That's what I want, there's nothing wrong with what I want!" So simple yet so affirming, it's a perfect pop song in my opinion.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Since we’re coming up to the end of the year for 2023 do you have a favorite album and/or song of the year?
ISA BRUDER: My favorite album of 2023 is without a doubt Raye's My 21st Century Blues! She moves across genres and themes so freely -- but still with such a clear vision and identity. I love the production on the record, I love her voice, and I love her honesty and vulnerability. She recently released a My 21st Century Symphony version of the album, which is recorded live from Royal Albert Hall with The Heritage Orchestra. It's so beautiful, you guys gotta check it out!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Lastly, what is up next for you Isa in 2024?
ISA BRUDER: Hmm... I'd love to play a show somewhere other than New York this year since I've only ever played with my band in the city. In a greater sense, my dream and hope for 2024 is that the music I release reaches people who resonate with and enjoy it :)
INTERVIEW WITH… SOUTH AFRICAN POP NEWCOMER WILL LINLEY
INTERVIEW WITH… SOUTH AFRICAN POP NEWCOMER WILL LINLEY
WILL LINLEY
Pop newcomer and Island Records artist Will Linley took some time out and spoke with The Reclusive Blogger about his new project and song “Last Call”, his influences, and artistical self, and growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, and the vibrant music scene there. You can read his interview below and check out his song and music video for “Last Call”.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, How are you doing, Will? Thanks for the interview time!
WILL LINLEY: Thank you so much for having me, I’m doing so so well!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about your origin story and how that relates to the artist you are today?
WILL LINLEY: I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and music has always been a part of my upbringing. From my earliest days as a kid, I remember putting on shows for my dad when he’d come home from work or singing in all the choirs I could possibly be a part of. Music defined my childhood and I think that’s a huge reason why I’m doing music today.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the pivotal moment in music that rang the bell for you to choose this career?
WILL LINLEY: When I met the guys I make most of my music with, David Balshaw and Bubele Booi. We just connected from the first moment and they showed me how easy it was to create with a sense of freedom when you create music with your friends.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let's talk about the single "Last Call". What was the inspiration behind it? And how did the music video come together?
WILL LINLEY: I wanted to create a song that everyone could sing and dance to, in the rooms, kitchens, or at a party! When dreaming of the music video, I wanted to incorporate my fans as much as possible and so I reached out to them and got 50 fans to be in the video as extras. It was such a fun day and I’m so glad we were able to pull it off because they made the video so much more special.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can we talk about your typical creative process when writing? Did your normal writing/recording process change when making 'kill all my feelings', particularly since it was your major label debut?
WILL LINLEY: The process stayed more or less the same. The only thing that we had to work with was doing everything online over Zoom! That was the biggest challenge.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How has hailing from such a culturally rich place like Cape Town, South Africa influenced your sound or aesthetic, if at all? And what is the music scene like there?
WILL LINLEY: The music scene is bumping here in South Africa! There’s such a rich and diverse space here that is truly so special. The pop scene is still growing, but it’ll come! We gonna make it happen.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What three words would you use to define your artistic self?
WILL LINLEY: Energetic, fun, “happy-sad”
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Recommend a playlist or podcast that has been 'on repeat"?
WILL LINLEY: “On Being” by Krista Tippett
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And for my last question, what's up next for you in 2023?
WILL LINLEY: Lots more music and lots more shows!
Thanks for the interview time, Will! You can learn more about Will Linley below!
Stream “Last Call” on all DSP’s here
INTERVIEW WITH... WISTFUL POP SINGER-SONGWRITER KINGS ELLIOT
Kings Elliot is not your typical pop singer and songwriter, while many of today's pop artists turn to a bass-heavy, synth-based sound that is often reminiscent of the 80s and catered to dance floors & clubs. Elliot skirts all of this. On her new EP, Bored Of The Circus, the artist creates a palette of wistfully beautiful cinematic stories set against ethereal pop. Visit The Reclusive Blogger and click the link to read my interview with Kings Elliot
Kings Elliot is not your typical pop singer and songwriter, while many of today's pop artists turn to a bass-heavy, synth-based sound that is often reminiscent of the 80s and catered to dance floors & clubs. Elliot finds inspiration for her sound and lyrics from Disney (she divulges her favorite below), her small hometown in Switzerland, her struggles with mental health, and music from the 1940s & 1950s. On her new EP, ‘Bored Of The Circus’, the artist creates a palette of wistfully beautiful cinematic stories set against ethereal pop. You can read the interview I did with Elliot below. I asked about her childhood, music influences, songwriting process, and more.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Kings Elliot! Thanks for taking time out with me and TRB for this interview. My first question is how has your 2022 been so far both creatively and personally?
KINGS ELLIOT: Of course!! Thank you for taking the time!
2022 has truly been my favourite year on this planet so far! I've had the privilege of going on my first ever tour, and that being a stadium tour with Imagine Dragons which was just absolutely mind-blowing. I've released my second EP 'Bored Of The Circus' which I'm so very proud of and I'm about to lock myself in the studio to write and produce new music which I could not be more excited about.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about how you got start in music? Was music and playing music something that was always present in your life? Particularly growing up?
KINGS ELLIOT: I've always sang and I always made up my own songs, ever since I was in pre-school. Now I know I was 'writing' and it just never left me. It's always been my greatest coping tool and it will never not be that for me.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Growing up in a small Swiss town, How do you think growing up in a small town has shaped your artistry? If it has at all?
KINGS ELLIOT: Because I was kind of the only one in my immediate surrounding chasing this pretty unrealistic dream, I had to learn to prove myself and become very headstrong at a very young age. No one ever encouraged me or said it was a good idea. Many (including myself) doubted that I could make it my profession one day.
I think that made me more dedicated than maybe someone who slipped into it more easily. I finished my education in Switzerland, I worked and saved up money, relocated to a different country and I just kept pushing for it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’d like to ask you about your latest EP, ‘Bored Of The Circus’ and the overall creative process for the EP? How has your creative process adapted or grown over the years?
KINGS ELLIOT: It's honestly always different. I find that question hard because it's kind of like an ever-flowing process. I write down lyrics and melodies randomly when I feel something. My main collaborator Conway (halfrhymes) and I are in constant contact and exchange thoughts and ideas all the time. When I get into the studio we can then hone in on it all and have fun creating the world around the words and melodies. It's always different and it's my favourite part.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I love the haunting, melodious almost lilting quality your song “Butterfly Pen” has. Can you delve into the backstory of the track and talk a bit more the visuals as well?
KINGS ELLIOT: The lyrics in this song are my favourite lyrics of the whole EP. They describe the state of a world that has turned grey after the hurt I've experienced. In the background you sometimes hear a little birdy sing and thats kevin, a small baby bird I rescued and looked after for a week before handing him to wildlife rehabilitation. I love that he has a place in this song forever. The visuals to the song capture the sadness and helplessness one can feel while in a depressive episode where even leaving the bed is a very difficult thing to do.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Where tackling themes of mental health and mental health in love and relationships in your storytelling something that you naturally gravitated towards? How do you make sure that you maintain a healthy balance between creative endeavors and self-care?
KINGS ELLIOT: It's what I've personally mostly struggled with for a lot of my life, so it was natural for me to process that trauma in the songs I write. Making these songs automatically improves my self-care but I'm definitely still working on a balanced and healthy self-preservation..
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’ve read that you grew up watching Disney films and that they heavily influence your music. What are some of your favorites or biggest influences?
KINGS ELLIOT: 'Dumbo' is my favourite Disney movie. 'Baby mine' playing in the scene of dumbo's mum cradling dumbo through the metal bars has me in absolute pieces every time. The song is so gorgeous and so sad, and since it was made in the 40s it has that beautiful feel from that era which I love so much. I started listening to more songs from that era and realised quickly that the 40s and 50s are my favourite years of music and it's now where I draw most of my inspiration from
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What has it been like touring with such an established act like Imagine Dragons?
KINGS ELLIOT: It was absolutely mind-blowing. They are out of this world performers, the show is insane and to make it even better they are all so kind and welcoming. I had no idea I would be accepted with such open arms and honestly being given the opportunity to sing in stadium with one of the biggest bands in the world is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I don't expect it to be topped by anything else!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with the Kings Elliot soundscape and aesthetic?
KINGS ELLIOT: Definitely Dumbo!! He is an outcast, he feels alienated from everyone else and the one person that loved him the most gets taken away from him. He needs some soothing songs and a world to escape to. Makes me cry thinking of it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to put one of your lyrics onto a message in a bottle, what lyric would you choose and why?
KINGS ELLIOT: 'When I'm breaking apart I won't call it a weakness I'll stumble and fall I don't care if they see it.' - everyone who's struggling and feels ashamed of how their mind works needs to hear that.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s one album you could listen to over and over and from start to finish?
KINGS ELLIOT: Banks - Goddess
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: To end, What’s next on the horizon for you, Kings Elliot?
KINGS ELLIOT: More tours and more music! Once I'm back home from the European tour I am on right now I will lock myself in the studio and I can't wait for that!! I also have something really cool coming out in the next few weeks that I can't announce yet but it's a huge bucket list moment for me!!
Follow Kings Elliot:
Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Website
Stream Kings Elliot -“Bored Of The Circus”
SAM SMITH SETS THIRD ALBUM ‘TO DIE FOR’
New Album 'To Die For' Due Out May 1st...
Singer Sam Smith has announced a third studio album titled ‘To Die For’. The upcoming album is available for pre-order here and is due out on May 1st via Capitol Records. Sam also dropped a new single from the upcoming record. It’s a confessional track of the same name which dropped this past Valentine's Day. This evocative piano-led track features a softer vocal take from Sam (and a bit of vocoder). We find Sam ruminating over a time of self-discovery and heartbreak for them. It’s a quietly stunning track that’s full of pain and emotion, something that their known for. The music video echoes that sentiment with some added Sam Smith quirkiness. ‘To Die For’ was written by Sam, their long time collaborator Jimmy Napes, and Stargate, in Los Angeles. You can view the music video for it below.
https://youtu.be/POIK1H3L86k
Stream ‘To Die For’ here
NIALL HORAN RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "NICE TO MEET YA"
Singer Niall Horan is officially back with a new single "Nice to Meet Ya". It's the Capitol Records artist's first song he's released in nearly two years after his successful debut album Flicker. The former One Direction member also dropped a video (that is directed by The Young Astronauts) with it as well. "Nice To Meet Ya" sees Niall experimenting with his sound on the jazzy and soulful piano-driven pop-rock track. It is also the first single off his upcoming second record. "Nice To Meet Ya" was co-written with frequent collaborators Julian Bunetta (who produced it as well), Tobias Jesso, Jr., and Ruth-Anne Cunningham. You can stream the song and watch the video below!
Stream Niall Horan - "Nice To Meet Ya"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jeYJA9bgY
Until then,
Brittney x
HEY VIOLET // CONCERT REVIEW + GALLERY
Pop Rock band Hey Violet delivered an highly energetic and fun set at The Troubadour this past Thursday (May 30th), to an enthusiastic crowd of fans. The opener was Pop R&B newcomer Sage Charmaine whose stage presence was effervescent, her songs spunky and fun. Yet it was clear the audience was there for Hey Violet. The band having just released two new singles "Close My Eyes" and "Better By Myself". The latter which I reviewed here. The band walked out to massive cheers and a crowd that knew every single line and lyric. Lead singer Rena Lovelis voice was surprisingly sweet set against Electro rock numbers and she overcame the slight sound issues earlier in the set very well. Her crowd interaction was amazing. Rena shook hands, gave hugs, and handshakes as she sang even jumping into the crowd at one point, nearly causing some of her fans to freak out. For Hey Violet crowd interaction with fans is key. The band despite how young they are, are all pros. Rena's sister and drummer Nia Lovelis is lively on the drums and the back-beat of the band. Guitarist Casey Moreta is a jack of all trades in Hey Violet truly rounding out the band. The addition of touring live bassist Hayley Jane Batt (who had to learn 15 songs in a week) rounded out to a high energy and fun show at The Troubadour. Check out my gallery from the gig below and the full set list as well.
HEY VIOLET // The Troubadour Set list
All We Ever Wanted
Brand New Moves
Better By Myself
My Consequence
ODD
Queen of The Night
Pure
Unholy
Guys My Age
Where Have You Been (All My Night)
Close My Eyes
Viva La Vida (Coldplay cover)
Clean
Break My Heart
HEY VIOLET // Socials
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Thanks to Capitol Records for the invite out!
Don't forget to subscribe to my emails and like always for the latest and best in music, entertainment and pop culture be sure to stay tuned with The Reclusive Blogger!
Until then,
Brittney x
MYYLO // “CYBORG” - SINGLE REVIEW
Myylo, the Nashville based emerging pop singer-songwriter dropped his new single 'Cyborg' today. The uber catchy song mixes the singers penchant for idiosyncratic lyricism, catchy hooks, unique melodies and his notable falsetto. The song evokes the spirit screw ups in love and heartbreak oh so well leaning into the singers whimsical vibe, where he often draws inspiration from not only classic 70s singer-songwriters like Carole King to pop artists of today such as Kim Petras and Rex Orange County. The Twilight Zone intro to the song says it all and truly introduces you to Myylo as an artist.
"One thing I'm proud of with this song is that it manages to address something heavy while sounding joyful. I'm literally wishing I could talk to God to figure out why I F'd things up with my ex. Its like, yeah, my personal life may be a dumpster fire right now, but we're still gonna dance about it and laugh through the tears." - Myylo
Listen to Myylo ‘Cyborg’ -https://open.spotify.com/track/29zBLebxWlO4CBuZp59ZJZ?si=ldKUSnfqR7aHmx32uTqQ4gMyylo Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myylomusic/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/myylomusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyyloMusic/
