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Maya B is the Los Angeles based R&B singer and songwriter recently signed to Capitol Records

I chatted with Maya B about her latest single “Dollar to a Diamond“, music, touring, and even her favorite children’s book …

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Red Vines or Twizzlers?

MAYA B: Red vines. I have them in every green room.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: For my readers at The Reclusive Blogger can you us how you got started as singer and songwriter? Who and what inspired you to take that journey?

MAYA B: I’ve been writing and singing ever since I can remember honestly. I fell in love with music when I was 5 and started making music when I was around 7. What made me get into music was my mom putting my sisters and I into a girl group. As time went by I started taking it very seriously.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let’s talk about your current single “Dollar To A Diamond”. Can you tell me more about the creative and writing process behind it?

MAYA B: Yeah, so Hydrate (upcoming producer) and Soulshock made this track one night together and played it for me the next day. I fell in love with it and started writing. I wrote and we recorded “Dollar To A Diamond” in a single day.

DOLLAR TO A DIAMOND

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You not only also express yourself as an singer-songwriter but in other art forms as well. What’s a typical creative process like for you?

MAYA B: I don’t have a creative process set in stone honestly. It’s ever-changing because I hate structure haha. The only thing that’s inevitable when I create is: I like looking at photos or colors when I write a song. I like listening to music when I paint or draw.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Since you are currently on tour. What are three must have items for you?

MAYA B: My beats headphones because I’m an antisocial fuck. My iPad because I draw my digital art on there. And my lucky pants because lucky pants are a must.

TRB: Switching gears now … What was your favorite children’s book as a kid?

MAYA B: ‘No David, No’ for sure!

TRB: Are there any artists that have been “On Repeat” for you guys as a band lately? What music have you been digging?

MAYA B: We’ve been jamming to Juice WRLD and we all really love jazz so the guys recently put me on to Gretchen Parlato. I’ve been listening to a lot of XXTENTACION, King Krule, Brigitte Fontaine, and Celebration.

TRB: And what’s next for you, Maya B?

MAYA B: I’m gearing up to release my EP. I’m super excited for everyone to see some different sides of me. I’m also getting ready to drop the “Dollar to a diamond” video.

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

MAYA B: Thank you

Photo credit: Diego Andrade

MAYA B // SOCIALS

https://www.instagram.com/mayabsound

https://www.facebook.com/mayabsound/

https://www.mayabsound.com

https://www.soundcloud.com/mayabsound

https://www.twitter.com/mayabsound

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

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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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Fresh off her opening tour slot with Bastille, Best Laid Plans Records, Singer & artist Akine talks music, her band members and collaborators the Wavewalkrs, plus more at The Reclusive Blogger …

The Reclusive Blogger: Hi, Akine. I always start with a fun ice breaker question so …

The Reclusive Blogger: Morning Bird or Night Owl?

Akine: Definitely Night Owl. I’m most productive from 10pm and 2am. That’s usually when i write too.

The Reclusive Blogger: Can you tell us how you got started as a singer and songwriter? Did you always want to be that?

Akine: Yes. As long as I remember I’ve always wanted to be a singer/ songwriter. It was either that or becoming a Pirate. There was no third option. I started writing lyrics and melodies when I was 11 or 12 and it gradually became an obsession, compulsion. By 16 I had enough material for a few albums. Some of it will never see the light of day but some of the songs are now released or will be later this year. My sister helped me record a few tracks and get them to a label. So here I am now.

The Reclusive Blogger: You released your debut EP, Don’t Foster Fear last year? What was the writing and recording process like for you? Especially being a young debut artist?

Akine: I had written a few songs that came together into a theme. I was going through a rough time at school, feeling like an outcast and just very anxious and fearful of everything. These feelings came to form the concept of the EP. Recording was pretty awesome. James Earp is a fantastic producer and now a great friend. He immediately got me and the music and the lyrics. It was so easy working with him. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in me so i cant say that I’ve had to struggle in that sense.

The Reclusive Blogger: You are currently playing a few shows with Bastille? How has that experience been for you? Have any you gotten any touring tips from your fellow tourmates?

Akine: The experience of touring has been a real eye opener. Watching BASTILLE, their work ethic, the way they prep and perform its just all done on such a high level of professionalism. They have been so supportive of my music from the very start. It’s pretty surreal that I went from being a Bastille fan to performing on one stage with Dan Smith. It’s been incredible, the experience, the people who make it all look so easy when there’s actually a ton of preparation that goes into playing every single show. I cant wait to do more live, its such a high. Also, being able to perform with my friends and band mates the Wavewalkrs it just didn’t feel like work. Physically demanding but also emotionally rewarding, that’s how id summarize touring.

The Reclusive Blogger: Speaking of Bastille … what’s your favourite Bastille song?

Akine: I have a few but I guess I would have to say “Two Evils”.

The Reclusive Blogger: What musician would you love to collaborate with? And Why?

Akine: There’s so many! I would love to collaborate with Fiona Apple, Modeselector, Mitski, Brockhampton or Ben Howard.

The Reclusive Blogger: Is there a lyric that you’ve written that has the most meaning for you or is your favorite?

Akine: In “Cashmere” I wrote about a girl I used to be close with and as we grew apart as friends, our values also changed and it broke my heart a little bit. I guess at one point being cool and popular became a priority for her and in a way I felt like she chose that over our friendship.

“Everything you do, you do it for the camera, the likes and the views. Writing your name on the walls, i was here. Gotta remind them or they will forget”

– Cashmere by Akine

The Reclusive Blogger: Throwing in a fun one here… If you could live in any fictional universe, which would you choose?
Akine: I would either live in Pirates of the Carribean themed universe or Harry Potter world. Definitely somewhere really spontaneous where anything could happen.
The Reclusive Blogger: Are there any artists that have been “On Repeat” for you lately? What music have you been digging?
Akine: Mitski, Mitski, Mitski. I’m a fan

The Reclusive Blogger: And what’s next for you Akine?

Akine: More music. Hopefully I’ll get an album together before the end of the year and release that. Like I said before, I want to travel and play live, I love meeting the people that listen to my music.

The Reclusive Blogger: Anything else you would like to add? 🙂

Akine: Have a great day))

To learn more about Akine go here: https://www.akinemusic.com

Follow Akine on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/akine.music/

Follow Akine on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/thisisakine

Stream/Buy “Don’t Foster Fear” here: https://songwhip.com/album/akine/dont-foster-fear

You can also learn more about Best Laid Plans Records and all of their amazing artists including Akine go here: https://bestlaidplansrecords.com

Until then,
Brittney x

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Leah Voysey, New Jersey native and Modern Pop singer-songwriter. She has just released a new single ‘Poison‘. Leah is at heart a singer-songwriter but her vocals and the production on ‘Poison‘ are in the vein of many modern female pop artists but with a twist. I got to chat with Leah about ‘Poison‘, her songwriting, music in general and much more below …

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Red Vines or Twizzlers?

LEAH VOYSEY: Definitely Twizzlers…and maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but the black licorice is my favorite.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: So Leah can you tell us how you got started? Did you always want to be a singer and songwriter?

LEAH VOYSEY: I’ve always been a lover of music, and I always wanted to be a performer (specifically an actor). It wasn’t until I was in college that I started to believe in myself as a singer and a songwriter. I didn’t think I had the chops to create music until I sat down and actually tried.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You used to play acoustic shows in London as well before returning to your roots in Asbury Park in New Jersey? What are some of the ways the music scenes in both places are same? In what ways are they different?

LEAH VOYSEY: In London and Asbury Park, I feel this strong sense of community. Everyone supporting everyone instead of making it feel like a competition. The biggest difference is the accessibility to music. London is so huge, so if you wanted to go out and support your friends, you could really only see one show a night. In Asbury Park, you can hit up 3 different venues a night if you wanted. Maybe even more. It’s a musician’s playground.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let’s talk about your song ‘Poison’. Can you tell me more about the writing process? The recording process as well. The backstory to this song?

LEAH VOYSEY: To be vague (I don’t want to give away all my secrets), Poison is about fighting with the angel and devil on your shoulder. It’s about realizing you are the one driving your own destruction. I wrote the song in one night. I actually filmed the entire process for some reason. It was really cool watching that back and seeing how the song progressed. I wish I could release that video, but it’s too embarrassing! The recording process was so smooth. Working with MaYaY0 (producer) and Joe Pomarico (sound engineer) was extremely collaborative and encouraging. The three of us have a few more songs up our sleeves for the future!

TRB: It you had the chance to cover any song and give it the ‘Leah Voysey’ treatment what song would you pick? And why?

LV: Well, if you come see my shows on February 23rd and March 6th, you can see this answer come to life! I am covering Pat Benatar‘s Hit Me With Your Best Shot. For the February show, our rendition will be pretty close to the original. But in March, we are going to slow it down and make it jazzy and sexy. I think Pat Benatar is such a cool rocker chick. Even though I am recording modern pop music, I want to show people I have that grit and smoky quality to my voice like a lot of women of the 70’s and 80’s.

TRB: Since your roots are in the acoustic singer-songwriter genre but lean towards pop sensibilities. Who are some pop leaning singer-songwriters that have influenced your sound?

LV: My answer to this is always the same. Halsey, Bishop Briggs, and Billie Eilish. They are all leaning towards pop, but with their own little spice added. They all fit the genre enough to be considered pop, but with very distinctive voices, lyrics, and production techniques. I don’t want to be just another voice in the crowd. When people hear my songs for the first time, I want them to think, “That’s Leah Voysey.”

TRB: Are there any artists that have been “On Repeat” for you lately? What music have you been digging?

LV: My friend Diana showed me this duo, Overcoats. They are so cool! It’s two women, who I would consider to be pop artists, but their sound is heavily influenced by folk music.. The juxtaposition of those two genres is really intriguing.

TRB: Do you have any dream collaborations?

LV: Well, I might as well aim high for this question, right? John Mayer would be an amazing person to collaborate with. His lyrics are so descriptive and unique.

TRB: And what’s next for you Leah?

LV: Besides my live performances coming up, I’ll be releasing a music video for Poison in the next couple of months. Diana, who I mentioned above, directed such an amazing concept that really brings the meaning of the song to life. I’ll also be back in the studio on March 3rd recording with producer, Andrea Morgan. There definitely isn’t a shortage of updates about my career!

TRB: Anything else you would like for me to add? 🙂

LV: If you would like to follow me in my career, check out my Instagram @LeahVoysey, and my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/leahvoyseysa.

Listen to Leah Voysey’ ‘Poison’ here:

Stream Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/61rSdmmO15mDxT1WvgqkfB

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/poison/1447375862?i=1447375864

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/telegraphhillrecords/leah-voysey-poison-master-12

Until then,

Brittney x

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I got a chance to interview Southern California Punk Band WANK recently. I talked with frontman Bobby Amodeo on music, Foo Fighters, and the future of WANK …

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I always start out with an easy and quick question. An icebreaker … So CD or Vinyl?

WANK: VINYL

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And for my readers who don’t know who is WANK and how did you guys come to be?

WANK: We’re the unsigned rock band that KROQ in LA added to rotation. We are the band that Mike Ness of Social Distortion and Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighter produced. Check us out.

TRB: Can you tell us about the first song you guys wrote together as band?

WANK: Fearless from Get a Grip – Generation X meets The Boss.

TRB: What musicians have you guys admired or learned from over the years?

WANK: I’d have to say Mike Ness, Joe Strummer, The Beatles and Elvis Costello. Yes they’re all legendary but they all brought the tunes and lasting stage presence.

TRB: Can you tell me more about your bands’ typical creative, recording and writing process and what goes on behind that?

WANK: Danny presents an idea, we refine it and arrange it as a band, we take it to the studio and track it with a producer.

TRB: Speaking of that … Let’s talk about your new single “Salvation” which was produced by Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett. What was it like working with him?

WANK: Awesome!

TRB: How do you think he added to the track?

WANK: Chris was a blast to work with. He came in very focused – his vision elevated our tune on all levels.

TRB: Here’s a fun one … What’s your favorite Foo Fighters track?

WANK: That’s a hard one! So many great songs but if I had to pick one I’d say LEARN TO FLY.

TRB: Are there any current artists that have been “On Repeat” for you guys lately? What music have you been digging?

WANK: Been really digging THE INTERRUPTERS as of late. Great style and cool tunes.

TRB: And what’s next for WANK?

WANK: We have a full length coming out this December which we’re stoked about! Really our plans involve lots of gigging and getting our new music heard.

TRB: Anything else you would like to add?

WANK: Thank you.

Until then,
Brittney W. 🙂

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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!

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

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.