EP release

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THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: CD or Vinyl?

CUBBI: Digital streaming

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell us how you got started as singer and songwriter? Was that something you always wanted to do?

CUBBI: Yeah I guess it’s just been something I’ve always done. In high school I spent the majority of my time writing songs after school. I would even bunk math class and just hide out with my guitar writing songs.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can talk a bit about the backstory and songwriting process behind your two latest singles, “White Lies, Like Flies” and “Buzzkill”?

CUBBI: I wrote WLLF with my looping station. First came the chord progression which I had playing over and over again and about 20 minutes later I had the whole songwriting was done. I was inspired by James Blake’s vocal productions so I added some interesting vocal layers and the song was created. Buzzkill was a collaborative effort between myself and Robokid. I had the vague idea of the song I wanted us to work on in our session before hand as I had written a couple of lines and melody already and felt like it could turn into something cool in the right hands. I played him some of my other music and we chatted about the song and how I wanted it to be minimal and driven by the procussion. I really love how we did a tempo change going into the bridge section, it really drives the song.

TRB: Where do you normally draw inspiration from as artist, producer and musician?

CUBBI: I draw mainly inspiration from relationships, platonic and romantic. And also the relationship I have with myself.

TRB: How has your South African roots influenced your songwriting and your artistry?

CUBBI: Mainly in the production of my music. It might be hard to hear unless you are familiar with music from here. A bunch of my drum patterns are influenced by the gom scene here.

TRB: Do you have a dream music collaboration?

CUBBI: I would love to do anything musically with Tracy Chapman or Fiona Apple. Two of the greatest songwriters ever.

TRB: I’m going to throw in a fun one here … What was your favorite children’s book as a kid?

CUBBI: I’m going to have to pick the Chronicles of Narnia, but the tapes not the books. We used to go on long road trips as a family when we were on school holiday and my parents would play the tapes in the car.

TRB: What music have you been listening to lately? What has been “On Repeat” for you?

CUBBI: The 1975’s new record is bliss. Love It If We Made It, as a song, is a masterpiece.

TRB: And what’s next for you Cubbi?

CUBBI: That’s the question. Shows and shows and touring and shows and music videos and finishing up the next record. Exciting times ahead, I’m looking forward to it.

TRB: Anything else you would like to add? Thank you for your time! 🙂

CUBBI: Hey thank you guys! Check me out on spotify, and follow me on instagram @cubculture_ for updates on live shows and new releases.

Until then,
Brittney x
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So I did my first phone interview with Nashville based Singer-Songwriter Sam Hale. His new EP; Somewhere Between Love & War is out October 12th. We chatted music, Nashville, family and his Iranian heritage …

[The interview has edited for clarity and context]

The Reclusive Blogger: Hi, Sam, How are you today?

Sam Hale: I’m doing great. How about yourself?

TRB: I’m doing fine. So, Sam how did you get started in music?

Sam: The first memory I even have of being alive was like being around music was my parents house parties . They weren’t musicians, my Dad’s an Architect. He kind of has a little like of an artistic being in him. But like basically I grew up in Iran (I moved when I was seven years old). So my family would throw house parties all the time and there were a couple of guys that would always come over and play, one played guitar and one played piano. They would entertain everybody. Instead of like normal kids would do, I was more obsessed with the music being played. I was intrigued and enamored by it. Eventually as I got older at 12 I started taking lessons and at 16 I started writing my own songs. That was when it stuck with me when I could express myself with my own lyrics, melodies and chords. Stuff like that.

TRB: Speaking of Nashville … How has Nashville influenced you as musician and artist? Also how has your prior years in Los Angeles? In what ways can we hear both influences on the new song and EP?

Sam: I came here to just kind of change my mindset and reset myself to be focused in music and just try to see what it’s like to be in an uncomfortable setting where you have to like have to meet people all over again. And you know it was definitely a challenge. So in LA I kind of got more like the pop background you know, cool bars and clubs and music venues that they would always have like awesome synth groups. like you know. When I came to Nashville. It’s a little bit more stripped down out here. It’s like it’s back to the basics with drums, bass and guitars. So being out here I definitely got more influenced by the Americana stuff. A couple artists out here that are awesome are David Ramirez, he’s definitely influenced me. I ended up working with this producer Sam Kassirer. So that was awesome. Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and Andrew Cohen.

TRB: Since we mentioned your new EP and song. Let’s talk about it. Your current single “Can’t Take It” is off the EP “Somewhere Between Love & War”. What was the recording and writing process like for that?

Sam: Well as far as the title goes on I just kind of felt like you know there’s a lot of emotions on the EP that all kind of just figures in a little area, “Supernatural” was more reminiscent for me as it touches on you know me back when I was in Iran. The first single called “Can’t Take It” is about toxic relationships. The EP basically about a lot of things that I went through in the last couple of years.

TRB: Who are your biggest inspirations and influences as musician and artist? They can go beyond music.

SAM: My Dad. He got us to America when we were younger. And you know, he brought us out here so we would be able to follow our dreams. have a free and easier life and he sacrificed his career he’s a great family, man, he’s been married to my mom for I think, like 45 years now. As far as music, I don’t really follow music so much these days. But I would also say, Chris Martin from Coldplay.

TRB: Who Is Your Dream Tour mate?

SAM: Thom Yorke or Trent Reznor.

TRB: What lyric have you written means the most to you?

SAM: “The Tourist” from my new EP.

“Years bend to minutes through the turns. A new generation’s driving. I’m in the backseat pressed to my seat“

– Sam Hale // “The Tourist”

TRB: I usually start out with a quick icebreaker question but this time I’ll end with it… So Coffee or Tea?

Sam: I would say both! I used to be anti coffee because it gave me anxiety, but I drink Coffee in the morning for a boost and Tea (decaf) after dinner.

TRB: Anything else you would like to add?

Sam: Check me out social media and I’m most active Instagram. Check out my website Sam Hale.net and my music!

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Follow ‘Sam Hale’ on Social below:

Stream Sam’s EP “Somewhere Between Love & War” Here.

Sam also has EP release show in Nashville on October 20th at The Bowery Vault!

Thank you for your time Sam!

Until then,

Brittney W.

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Emma Topolski (Childcare) forms new solo project as ‘Saint Clair’ …

Today I bring you, Saint Clair. It’s the solo project of Childcare Bassist (they recently toured with Bastille), musician and singer-songwriter, Emma Topolski. Her debut EP, ‘D2’ was released today (11/14/18) and it’s definitely something not to be missed.
On ‘D2’ we find Emma combining elements of Jazz, Electro-Pop, and R&B music to create a multi-layered EP that’s filled with soulful future pop gems. It provides for a unique contrast against the jazzy tones in her vocals.
The lead single “I’ll Stay” which showcases stunning production through a beautifully haunting track with richly layered power vocals and forlorn lyrics. All echoing from a bygone era of dimly lit smoky jazz clubs. All of this set against a pumping electronic beat and sultry bass line that feels straight out of a Sci-Fi film soundtrack.

Saint Clair says of the track; “’I’ll Stay’ is about wrestling with your demons, trying to keep a sometimes irresistible urge under control. But also about hope and the promise of victory.”

Stream ‘I’ll Stay’ –

https://soundcloud.com/iamsaintclair/ill-stay

Stream ‘D2’ – https://spoti.fi/2Ok5zY1

Saint Clair Socials:
Saint Clair // SoundCloud
Saint Clair // Facebook
Saint Clair // Twitter
Saint Clair // Instagram
Until then,
Brittney W. 🙂