Unfair by Chloe Rain and Kyng Kilo

“Unfair” is an enchanting song complete with lively electric guitar and whopping bass. Chloe Rain is the lead vocalist for the track, fully grasping the power of her raspy tone and mesmerizing belts. Kyng Kilo’s verse comes in after the second half of the song. The change is jarring enough to transport into his realm. Each artist maintained great vocal performances, their emotional chords tied their styles together perfectly. By the end of the song, you’ll want to hear more for both of these bright and developing artists.

Click here to listen to “Unfair” anywhere.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH LOGAN WRITE

The focus on lyricism isn’t dead, and SoundCloud is not a platform of the past. Everything has its peaks and valleys, everything that rises must fall. Hip Hop artist Logan Write lives by this. His music is an infusion of classic rap flows with a shift in experimental writing and instrumentals. His bars run on like train tracks. You wouldn’t believe, once you get to the end, where you started from. He’s studied and nearly mastered his lyricism and boom-bap style. Now, he’s taken that knowledge and created a thoughtful and exciting EP, Late Night. I took the time to ask him about his affinity for music, commitment to staying true to his roots and what’s next for him, as soon as we are all allowed to leave the house.

How has growing up in the Midwest shaped your style of hip hop? You’ve stayed true to a more boom-bap style flow.

LOGAN: Livin on the east side of indy during my childhood it put me in a community where rap and hip-hop was more prevelant. There was a lot of old heads and I think that led me to perfer boom bap styles. But I try to put a spin on it.


You only have two projects and a handful of singles on SoundCloud, yet your music sounds professionally crafted. How long have you been creating music and what drove you to pursue such a career?

LOGAN: Im very self conscious about my music so Im always looking to improve production, creativity, and sound quality. I’ve been makin music for about a year and a half now, still a long way to go. Ive always loved freestylin and I wanted to transition to songs and after I had fully finished my first song I was hooked.


You pledged to remain true to roots in “Still the Same”. What keeps you sane and grounded while developing a name for yourself?

LOGAN: Id say the constant concept of who I want to be as a person and as an artist, Ill obviously change little by little as I grow but I want to stay goin in the same direction always.


How did your collaboration with 9Livez for “Alone” come about?

LOGAN: I was workin on Alone and decided that I was goin to put a feature on it and the first artist to come to mind was 9Livez. Man is amazing and he agreed he actually came through to my studio and recorded the verse right there.


Have you had your first live performance yet? If not, do you have plans in the near future?

LOGAN: I have! I opened for Ugly God in 2019. And I plan to as many more as I can!


What step in the process of creating a song do you find to be the easiest? Whether is the concept, recording, or finding the right beat.

LOGAN: I feel like none of the process is easy for me, I put a lot of time into makin all my material. Finding the right beat would be probably the hardest though.


Your music surely speaks for itself, but what do you feel sets you apart from other artist?

LOGAN: Im always comin out with different styles of music and the music im working on now is unlike what people makin today.

Click here to listen to Logan Write on SoundCloud.

Let It Go by Makai Keyes ft. Moses B

Makai Keyes’ music video for “Let It Go” doesn’t cut corners. Instead, it completely removes them and gives you a closeup and blunt perspective of Makai’s thoughts and views. It’s minimalistic, to say the least. Whether those views are being held upside down from outside of a window by two masked (white) thugs or sitting on a bench atop of a grassy valley. Visually, “Let It Go” is as warm and inviting as Makai’s vocal performance. His rapping is well-paced and versed with soft vocals from Moses B that slide the track from catchy to award-worthy. The two have managed to capture the essence of moving on, the frustration- and freedom.

Click here to watch “Let It Go” on YouTube.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH PULP

Pulp is a young and bright talent that prioritizes stepping outside of their comfort zone. Their music blends together topics and genres in a way that's fresh and unpredictable. The fusion of Hip Hop and Indie stems adds allure to their tracks while their vocals take you on a winding journey. Stumbling across their music can lead to a rabbit whole a bit shallower than expected. Their music is seasoned, yet with a very limited existence online. After listening to their handful of songs, the next course of action was to understand the mind behind the music.

You’ve just recently joined social media and SoundCloud as “Pulp”. What inspired you to become an artist?

PULP: I actually didn’t recently join social media/soundcloud/streaming services. I had about 150 songs released on my old soundcloud before I took them down during a fun little mental breakdown. I also deleted all of my old socials to get a fresh start. I’ve been releasing music for about 3 years, and I’m also the main vocals for my band, GIVE UP STILL HERE.

In regards to what inspired me to become an artist, the first thing that comes to mind is that I’ve always just loved art. I drew so much when I was a kid. I would write stories, comics, poems, you name it.

I’ve been really interested in making music since I was about 10. I’d make up band names and pretend I was in them. I would put my own art in CD cases and imagine that it was my album.

What really drove me to start recording my music was when I was in 7th grade (going through my emo phase) and I decided to relisten to the Marshall Mathers LP. That album inspired me so heavily that I started looking for more rap artists to listen to.

I also have to mention that I absolutely love movies. I’ve always been intrigued by horror, but recently I’ve been watching a ton of different shit. Watching these films inspires me so much. Half the time I’m watching something I have to pause to write lyrics down.


How has the music you enjoyed in your youth impacted the music you create today?

PULP: Growing up, I listened to a lot of different music. Emo, Rap, Indie, etc. I grew up on artists like Eminem and The National. Now I try to listen to most genres. I have to give credit to The Postal Service. Their album genuinely changed my life and I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t listened to it.


Is there a story behind your name?
 PULP: I’ve changed my name a few times, but pulp’s what I’ve stuck with for around two years. It really just stemmed from how much Pulp Fiction inspired me. My first mixtape was called “nose bleeds & tarantino.”


How did your family and friends responded to your career choice?

PULP: Almost every single one of my friends is an artist, so none of them were shocked when I decided I’m going to make art and find a way to live off of it.

I was very nervous about my mom’s response to me leaving college and creating music. She responded so well. My mom is a very talented artist, and I think she understands completely. She consistently tells me she’s very proud of me and loves my work. I send her links to my songs before I release them all the time.

Everyone has been very supportive, especially my girlfriend (aves), BTC, and dilly. I don’t know where I’d be without such wonderful people surrounding me. I could write a book just consisting of people to thank. All of my friends have been calling me pulp for a long time. I really don’t think of it as an artist name anymore. It’s just my name.

Pulp is working towards their 10,000 hours. In a time where it seems pushing out content quickly is king, Pulp looks towards improvement rather than a big break. Their persistence reflects in their music as well as their connection between their online audience. There is something to relate to within each of their songs. Whether it's a single line or a riff that hits the ear just right, Pulp is tapped in. They look for what they want to hear and craft a piece around. It certainly works, because we're all closer than we think.

What inspires your visuals? Each is always more unique than the last.
PULP: First of all, thank you! Recently, I’ve been watching an embarrassing amount of movies from A24. I absolutely love when a movie is inventive and unique. I try to pay really close attention to films when I watch them. A lot of my visuals are inspired by movies, but my personal video work is primarily inspired by shit that’s going on in my life.


Your currently released music is slow and mellow. Do you think you’ll venture into more aggressive music in the near future?

PULP: The songs I’m currently releasing under my personal page have been going in a somewhat sad and lofi direction. That’s just how I’ve been feeling recently.


What led you to venture into a solo career?

PULP: I’ve been making solo music for a long time and I only just started GUSH with BTC last September. There were a lot of things that inspired me to start releasing solo tracks again. I make a ton of music. Every day, I make an average of like 2-3 songs. I think I currently have around 500 in the vault. I felt like I needed to re-release some older shit and show people songs I’ve kept hidden away. I work so hard on my art every single day for a variety of reasons, but most of the time self expression through music feels like the only thing keeping me sane.

I’m brutally honest on so many songs and I often feel terrified to release them. I talk about a ton of shit that’s incredibly meaningful and personal to me. I kind of approach my music like it’s a diary. I vent and open up on songs in a way that I wouldn’t to anybody. Having your diary read by someone would feel awful, and putting it out is really scary. That’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve held off releasing my sadder tracks. A lot of people have told me that my shit is too sad to listen to or get behind, and I understand that. I’m just overly sensitive about anything I create because I give this my all.

I’m trying to push past that fear and let people hear what I make. I worry about my delivery, my production, my mixing, my lyrics, my flow, everything. Any imperfection can make me trash a song. I actually hate most of my shit, but that’s okay.

The thing that really pushed me to release solo music again was my friends. I send my boys almost everything I make and they always gas me up about it all. Constantly telling me that I need to drop songs, giving me feedback, and supporting me consistently. Shoutout the homies.

A lot of my songs with GIVE UP STILL HERE have a ton of screaming in them. I have so many hard hitting songs in the vault. I have big plans for future releases.

Pulp holds music dearly to them. As an artist, they earn their respect from simply being. Tunnel vision towards their art allows their supporters to embrace their music effortlessly. Pulp's inflections and thoughts are organic, and thus their lure is the same. Despite having hit the reset button on their solo career, the old and new fans still flock to their unique sound. They don't try too hard to fit a mold, making their music even more casual and enjoyable. Genres are melted together, acting as an oasis for those searching for peace.

Can you describe your first song and how you’ve evolved since then?

PULP: Oh god. My first songs were just me recording lyrics I wrote in class with voice memos on my phone and some 90’s beat playing off my computer. My first actual, released song was called “OCULUS.” I recorded it with my friend’s Blue Yeti microphone on quicktime, sent the vocals to a friend of mine, and he did his best to make me sound on beat. I remember the first time I heard myself on a beat. I felt like I was on top of the world. It made me feel like I was finally a real artist. In retrospect, the song is fucking terrible and my friends and I quote it and make fun of it. It did like 2k on soundcloud which was insane to me. I think most of the comments were telling me I suck, and rightfully so.

After a few months of recording I realized I wanted to get better at what I was doing. I worked on my writing and technical skills, learned how to use garageband, moved on to logic pro, taught myself how to mix and master, and recently I’ve been doing a lot with production. I work on improving every day.
Since I made my first song around three years ago, I can’t even begin to explain how much my sound has changed over time and evolved. I’ve ventured into so many different genres and I’m always experimenting.

I often relisten to old projects of mine and think about what I could have done better, what I can appreciate about them, and how much I’ve grown. It’s fucking crazy listening to something of mine from 2016 and then listening to current shit I’ve made. I’m actually pretty proud of myself for how far I’ve come.


What’s your next creative milestone in mind? Will we see more collaborations soon?


PULP: I’m always working on a ton of projects. Right now, I’m really focused on finishing up my self produced album, working on my short film, and the next GIVE UP STILL HERE album.

There will be lots of collaborations. I’m always working with people in GUSH. I’m working with Kirby2Cool and vqcant a lot right now. I have songs in the vault with a ton of artists. I’m always down to hop on something if I fuck with it.


From developing a concept for a song to releasing it and performing it on stage, what are the easiest and most fun parts of creating music? 

PULP: I actually haven’t played a show yet, but I plan on doing some as soon as this quarantine shit is over. I’m super anxious and excited to perform.

The easiest part of making music varies depending on the song. Sometimes, I can make a beat super fast and I’ll feel content with it. Sometimes, lyrics just flow out of me and before I know it I have like 3 songs written. Sometimes it’s making the cover art, sometimes it’s getting creative with vocal mixes and working beats around my vocals. For most of my songs, I wouldn’t say that it’s easy to make them. I really try to push myself to make great shit. 

It really depends. They all apply to the fun aspect of creating art. Sometimes my friends and I just fuck around on the phone all night making songs. Once, I spent an entire night making a freestyled mixtape over spongebob type beats. I love making music that’s kind of funny mainly because I want to make my friend group laugh. I try to make songs like that every once and a while because almost all of my “actual” music has pretty dark content. The majority of my lyrics focus on addiction, mental illness, and death. 

I try my absolute hardest to enjoy doing what I do. I recently asked my mom, “Do you have any idea why I make so much art? I honestly don’t know and I’m looking for a reason because you know me well.” Her response was, “Well that’s a good question. I think just asking it helps understand the answer. I believe it fulfills something inside of you that you can’t quite reach. That you’re not understood in this world and that the depth that art takes you to really can’t be found elsewhere. I also think you’re a bit of a perfectionist and you’re continually trying to improve your art. There’s a lot more to it I’m sure but those are my initial not quite awake thoughts.”


Is there any advice you’d give artists stepping into a different genre?

PULP: Listen to lots of that genre. I mean a shit ton. Get a general understanding of what kind of sounds and aspects you appreciate the most and put your own spin on it. Remember that there isn’t anything stopping you from trying new things. Practice until you think what you created is quality. Experiment with your voice and find/make beats that you feel would mesh well with what you want to create. I’d also say don’t try to copy someone else’s style. Instead, look for inspiration from artists of whatever style you’re moving into. Make your music stand out and be creative with your take on that type of sound.


What’s one of the first things you’ll do when quarantine is over?

PULP: I’m planning on booking some shows and getting more tattoos.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to get this interview. I’m sorry my answers were so fucking long, I just have a lot to say. If you made it this far into the interview, thank you so much for caring. I hope you’re doing wonderful. Your support means the world.

Click here to listen to Pulp on SoundCloud.

My Jetta by Seba Hara

“I just wanna drive, but I can’t step in my ride.” Seba Hara creates a calm and euphoric atmosphere in his newly released demo “My Jetta”. Seba performs over enchanting guitar chords and old school drums. His voice is coupled with a high-pitched mimic that brings a light tone to the track. Seba’s use of short soundbites and radio static resembles songs to the likes of Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator’s more recent work. Nonetheless, “My Jetta” pushes the mold for Seba Hara and alters what fans can expect from the young talent.

Click here to listen to “My Jetta” on Spotify.

Sins by Lil Spirit

Lil Spirit is one of the best at keeping promises. He stuck to his word and dropped his single “Sins” Friday morning. The blues track, co-produced by mjNichols and Alec Wigdahl, resembles the ‘90s or an early 2000s RnB hit. Lil Spirit is evidently most comfortable with this style of music. His vocal performance is more dynamic in this song than his previous singles. It’s possible that Lil Spirit Boy is gearing up to launch a project with a similar tone as “Sins”. But, it’s 2020, and Internet Money could have anything up their sleeves.

Click here to listen to “Sins” on SoundCloud.

BIGBABYGUCCI Gives Us Hints For A Girl Is A Gun

Monday night, streaming superstar BIGBABYGUCCI took to his Twitter in order to give his fans a little teaser for his upcoming album. He disclosed that he would be sending out tweets with new lyrics throughout the night. The rapper stayed true to his word and post a handful of tweets only a few hours later.

Fans can speculate what the true themes of this project will be now. The “Droptop Lexus” artist has a great way of vocalizing himself without saying much. At this time, we don’t know the gravity of these lines, but they could be a part of your next favorite BIGBABYGUCCI track.

A Girl Is A Gun debuts Thursday, January 16th.

On My Mind by Dreamkite featuring Gallows

When the girl of your dreams is slipping away and all you want her to do is listen. Dreamkite and Gallows fuse together hip hop and punk in Dreamkite’s latest single “On My Mind”. This one tugs at the heartstrings and acts as a melancholy love letter. The emotional delivery creates a tone of pleading to the one you love to give you a chance, at least to explain yourself. We’ve all been there before, mistake mixed with miscommunication.

Click here to listen to “On My Mind” on SoundCloud.

My Life by EyeKeem

My Life, produced by Charlie Shuffler and John Luther, is an honest summary of the ideals inside the mind of rapper EyeKeem. The music video is used somewhat as an homage. Since the passing of Texas native producer and rapper Hella Sketchy, his family, friends and fans have dealt with his loss while keeping his memory alive. For fans of these talented artists, it’s clear that EyeKeem is taking the loss just as hard as they are. He pairs up with director Grant Decyk to create the starry, yet gloomy mood for the video, presumably matching the juxtaposition of longing for his friend, but remaining hopeful for a bright future in his honor. EyeKeem, knowingly or not, acts as a beacon of hope for his longtime friend’s listeners, and has created a mantra that any fan of theirs for that matter, can use to get through such a difficult time.

​​​“Messed up, but I know nothing gonna ruin my life.”

Click here to watch the “My Life” video.

A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH SORRY X

Sorry X is a female artists exploding within the underground. Her music, based heavily on her angelic vocals and her transparency, has reached thousands of people. Though still young in age and her career, she has managed to release thoughtful projects and singles that connect herself and her audience. I wanted to capture the energy and mindset behind her art as she takes these next big steps in her career.

How did it feel to release your first song on SoundCloud? Did you tell anyone beforehand?

SORRY: I only told a few friends when I first started posting on SoundCloud. At first, I didn’t really want anyone I knew to find my profile because I didn’t want to put limitations on what I could write about. I received a lot of positive feedback on my first song which was really incredible for not having an established name yet and also for how bad it was lol. I think people were excited to have a new female artist in the underground!

Your music meshes angst and honesty together, how did you choose the type of music you want to make?

SORRY: With all of my musical projects in the past, I always found myself writing about darker subjects because it would make me feel better to write out my thoughts. I was once told by a member in one my previous bands that I couldn’t keep writing sad music all the time because they “didn’t want to be known for that” so I decided to start my own solo project on SoundCloud where I’d hoped that my honesty might be more accepted.

Your music references the pains and anxiety of growing up, you even dedicated an entire EP to growing up. What does losing your innocence and growing mean to you?

SORRY: Honestly, this is a topic that I still struggle with. It’s really hard to accept that I’ll never get to be a carefree kid again. I’m constantly in a battle with myself trying to find the balance between my inner child and my adult self. I’d hoped that by writing about such an apparent topic in my life right now that I’d eventually come to embrace it. I think I’m getting there!

How did your family react to you beginning a music career?

SORRY: Most of my family is actually extremely supportive. They believe in me and want me to follow my dreams. They trust that I’ll make the right choices for myself more than I do sometimes lol. 

How has your experience been in the underground, as a female artist?

SORRY: There are positives and negatives that come with it. It gives me an edge that allows me to stand out which I am grateful for, but it also seems like it’s harder to make friends in such a male-dominated genre. There’s less opportunity in the sense that a lot of established people in the scene forget that there are awesome female artists here too!

How do you loosen up to become so emotionally open when recording?

SORRY: My best writing comes when I am starting to feel really emotional about something. Naturally I begin to record because it makes me feel better to work through my feelings and turn them into art. Once I’ve finished a song, it’s therapeutic in the way that it feels like I can move on. I can only hope that when others listen to my music it’ll so the same for them.

Will there be a project from you before the end of the year?

SORRY: I’m always working on something! I haven’t made any announcements yet, but I’m currently working on my second music video and EP. That stays between us and everyone reading this though (;

Click here to listen to Sorry X on SoundCloud.

Lost by Sorry X

Lost is an explosive performance by Sorry X, continuing her reputation of letting go of all of her emotions when recording. Her vocals are polished, relaxing even with the booming bass through the mid-tempo beat. This single is the perfect selection for a nice car ride this fall. Though its topic may be a soft spot for Sorry X, Lost is sure to bring comfort from its already thousands of listeners.

Click here to listen to Lost on Soundcloud.