Music and News

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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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I spoke with Sacramento Indie Rock band Keys and Vices. We chatted about their latest and highly emotional release “Chronic Nostalgia”, songwriting and influences, and music traditions. Check it all out below …

Photo Credit: Jennifer Valdez

Photo Credit: Jennifer Valdez

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Pancakes or Waffles?
ALL: Waffles 100%!

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell us how you guys got started as a band?
KEVIN: We were in a band prior to Keys and Vices so we were already family and synced up with
each other. After the split, Jenn created Keys and Vices as her solo project then slowly pieced it
together by first adding Kris, then reached out to me a while later. We knew we had something
after our first practice as a trio.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell me more about the recording process for this EP “Chronic Nostalgia”?
JENN: I recorded 5 of the songs myself which is where you’ll hear some difference between all 8
of them. The songs I recorded on my own took a lot longer having to write all the parts myself, but the 3 songs recorded with Kris and Kevin were so much faster since we could bounce ideas off each other.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How was the writing process for this EP? Having come from a place heartbreak did you feel this was a cathartic experience?
JENN: Absolutely! Writing music has always been therapeutic and helps me to move on. Sometimes I’ve come to discover things about myself during the writing process that I hadn’t thought of before, and it’s simply because i’m searching for a different way to explain the story.
KRIS: For me it was more on feel. The songs Jenn and I wrote together came from locking ourselves in a room for hours and just playing together till something felt right, and we just knew.

TRB: Being not only musicians but creatives where do you normally draw your inspirations and influences from?
KRIS: I draw inspiration from the talent my bandmates bring to the table. It’s hard not to see and
hear them play and not become inspired to be the best I can be.
JENN: My personal experiences, and collaborating with musicians like Kris and Kevin. Just like Kris said, it’s so much better writing songs with people who know where you’re going with the music before you even get there.

TRB: Do you guys have a lyric that you’ve written that has the most meaning to you or is a favorite?
JENN: Wow that’s a very hard question! I love all the lyrics I write because they all have a lot of
meaning to them. If I had to pick a favorite lyric, I would say one of the lines from the song “Ghost Love”. The lyric, “trying hard to hold back the water in my eyes, I don’t want to show you the wake you’ve left behind”. A way to explain how much you’re hurt that you feel the effect isn’t a small ripple in the water, it’s a wake. I think that’s very relatable for anyone who has been hurt.

TRB: If you had the chance to cover any song and give it the ‘Keys and Vices’ treatment what song would you pick? And why?
JENN: My favorite song to play as a cover is “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. I’ve always loved that song, and now I give it a different feel with the way I sing/play it.
KEVIN: “Won’t back Down” by Tom Petty. I think the song speaks for itself!
KRIS: Any song by Hall and Oates. I loved that band as a kid and I still do.

TRB: Are there any current artists that have been “On Repeat” for you as a band lately? What music have you been digging?
JENN: I listen to a lot of different artists (old and new), but the artists I always have on repeat is Sam Cooke and Elton John’s album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. At my house we have “Sam Cooke Sunday” where we listen to my Sam Cooke vinyl albums every sunday, it’s become a fun
tradition along with cooking a big breakfast. A few months ago I found Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road vinyl album buried in a sea of old vinyls at a shop. I couldn’t believe it was only $3.99, and in amazing condition! It’s one of my favorite albums and every other Friday night
you’ll hear it blaring throughout my house!
KRIS: Lately I’ve been listening to Chris Stapleton’s Traveler album. It’s the perfect mix of blues, and country but it’s also surprisingly soulful too. The man has a great sound.

TRB: If you turn any book into a song what would you choose? And why? KRIS: The Count of Monte Cristo.
The idea of waiting so long to get revenge is crazy and would make for a great song.
TRB: And what’s next for Keys and Vices?
ALL: Although we just released “Chronic Nostalgia”, we have a lot of new music ready to get out there within the next year, and if listeners love our current album, we can’t wait for them to hear the next one!

TRB: Anything else you guys would like to add? 🙂
ALL: Thank you for taking the time to listen to the album! Please hit us up on social media and let us know what you think of the music!

You can follow Keys and Vices on their social media links below as well as listen to their current release “Chronic Nostalgia” (embedded above).

Facebook: @keysandvicesband
Twitter: @keysandvices
Instagram: @keysandvices
https://www.keysandvices.com/

Like always be sure to hit that follow button or subscribe to my emails to catch the latest and greatest in music, entertainment and pop culture from The Reclusive Blogger.

Until then,
Brittney x

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Janos is a Swedish born singer-songwriter who’s inspired by Anderson Paak, Daft Punk, and Bruno Mars. Spending his time between the streets and pubs of Oslo and London, Janos fuses beautiful pop melodies and soulful singing into his music. His newest track “Zero” is a good example of that. It’s a positive anthem about not letting other people getting you down. The song features a euphoric beat and infectious melodies. It all comes together to create a fun and dreamy dance track. “Zero” is one song you will definitely be pressing the repeat button on.

“It’s not a vindictive song, it’s more like a ‘I do me and you do you’ type of thing”, reveals JANOS, “It’s about maximizing who you are and not listening to haters, fake friends and what society tells you to do”.

Stream Janos “Zero” here:

Follow Janos here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanosMusicofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanosBAndersson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janosmusic/

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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English Indie Pop artist The Japanese House (aka Amber Bain) has released her debut album ‘Good at Falling” out today on Dirty Hit. The album is co-produced by her and The 1975′ George Daniel. Whose own band you can hear has been a major influence on her production but her sound as well. On ‘Good At Falling“, her debut full-length record many influences are heard and felt here. The songwriting is honest and vulnerable, with a quiet sadness felt throughout the album. All of it set against lush electronic instruments, bright guitars, earthy drums, and clever purposeful sampling akin to what is done in hip-hop. Amber’s vocals range from soft and pretty to heady with a touch of grit. Her use of different audio processes is only to enhance the sound. Such as the intro of the album, with her use of heavy processing and samples, before segueing into a dreamy 80s like synthpop. Songs like ‘Maybe There’s A Reason“, and ‘We Talk All The Time” we hear more synthpop influences and artists like The Beach Boys and Blondie. Even little things such as chimes and bells. A vocoder effect shows up on her vocals for the song ‘Wild”. While the track musically has elements of 90s shoegaze and modern electro-pop, Amber’s vocal delivery incorporates a bit of modern hip-hop/RnB swag. All in all the debut album ‘Good at Falling” is a promising one showcasing her songwriting talents as she hones in on the little things that make The Japanese House unique.

Stream/Buy The Japanese House ‘Good at Falling‘

The Japanese House Socials:

Twitter: @Japanesehouse
Instagram: @thejapanesehouse

Until then,
Brittney x

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The U.K. chart-topping rock band You Me At Six is back and set to tour the United States and Canada in 2019 in support of their sixth studio album, VI. The tour “Back Again” tour set to kick off in Boston at the Brighton Music Hall on February 22 of next year, with tickets going on sale this Friday November 2nd.

The bands’ latest effort and sixth studio album, VI was released on October 5th via Underdog Records /AWAL and was You Me At Six‘ fifth UK top ten charting album.

Kerrang! raves, “VI serves up a tasting menu of what the future of the band holds, not bound by a single sound but by a revived spirit,” NME gushes, “It’s a pleasure to see them testing the limits of their sonic template” and DIY Magazine declares, “VI not only recaptures but reinvents the magic that has propelled them to be one of the UK’s most successful rock outfits of recent times.”

The album which was recorded in England at Vada Studios along with joint production from the band themselves and Dan Austin (who has produced for Biffy Clyro, Massive Attack, & Pixies) features elements of indie pop, R&B, electronic vibes and beats and of course the familiar with heavy rock instruments and riffs the band is known for.

YOU ME AT SIX

You Me At Six, having already gained a reputation in the United Kingdom as one of the best live bands is ready to make a massive mark in the U.S. They have already toured with such American rock heavy hitters as Thirty Seconds to Mars, Paramore, and Fall Out Boy. Already selling out multiple U.S. headline tours, multiple UK headline arena tours, then headlining both the NME/Radio 1 stage at Reading and Leeds in 2017 and the second stage at Download Festival in 2018. You Me At Six is poised for their big breakout in America. You can view the “Back Again” tour dates below and info to purchase tickets as well!

TICKET PURCHASE LINK:

Tickets for the “Back Again” Tour 2019 go on sale THIS Friday, November 2nd at 10AM ET via: https://youmeatsix.lnk.to/live

Back Again Tour 2019 North American Dates:

  • 2/21 Boston, MA @Brighton Music Hall
  • 2/22 New York, NY @Gramercy Theatre
  • 2/23 Philadelphia, PA @Underground Arts
  • 2/24 Washington, D.C. @9:30 Club
  • 2/26 Toronto, Ontario @The Opera House
  • 2/27 Detroit, MI @Saint Andrew’s 
  • 2/28 Columbus, OH @A&R Music Bar
  • 3/2   Chicago, IL @Bottom Lounge
  • 3/4   Denver, CO @Marquis Theater
  • 3/6   Seattle, WA @Chop Suey
  • 3/7   San Francisco, CA @Great American Music Hall
  • 3/9   San Diego, CA @Music Box
  • 3/10 Pomona, CA @The Glass House
  • 3/11 Los Angeles, CA @Teragram Ballroom
  • 3/13 Houston, TX @House of Blues
  • 3/14 Dallas, TX @Granada Theater
  • 3/16 Atlanta, GA @The Masquerade – Hell         
Follow You Me At Six –
Until then,
Brittney W.