A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH REESIE WOODS

      

Reesie Woods, a young R&B artist determined to let his spark ignite the music industry. His qualifications are above most, but it’s his spirit that makes his music enjoyable. With a handful of projects and singles under his belt, he has been able to generate an engaged and dedicated audience. Although he’s in the early stages of his career, his knowledge of his craft and his amazing talent are sure to take him much further. I talked to him to learn more about his latest single and what experiences crafted him into a young artist.


You music has a well tuned and mature sound, what are your roots in creating music?

REESIE: First of all thank you! Yes, I believe that my music actually really stems from my actual experiences and growth.When there was I feel like I was (am) growing into myself through these experiences. I feel as if that bleeds in my music, and everything I do creatively. Also my music influences have a big role in it as well. Such as Miguel, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Diddy, John Legend, and of course Usher!


What pushed you to pursue a career in music?

REESIE: What pushed me to pursue to do music was (believe or not) Alicia Keys! I watched a video of her performing on the Soul Train awards on youtube, playing the piano, and singing. The way she was doing it, the way she was so captivating. I just knew I had to at least explore the feeling, so I began piano lessons at 13, and long story short it was wraps! Went to college to study music, discovered my love for singing, started being trained classically. Got my degree in Music Business. Now here I am aspiring to my dreams and aspirations! It hella life lessons that could be taught through learning music, and singing music as well. I am grateful for the rocky process. Truly.

R&B has been rising back into mainstream popularity. What’s something new or back in style that you’re happy about?

REESIE: First of all. This make me extremely happy. Simply because soul music has such an impact in my life. I grew up around various amounts of R&B music being played around me. I love the fact R&B is a little bit more alternative meaning that its incorporating a new sound but with the essences of true R&B. Artist such as SZA, Anderson Paak! Also, please do not sleep on this artist that goes by the name of Yebba!! She has this gospel influence to her! She is the real deal! I love artist who can really go there and really tap into the soul aspect of music. Thats my point tho. I love that the soul aspect is coming back into R&B, BECAUSE that is what R&B is.

Has quarantine helped you or hurt you creatively? How so?

REESIE: I would say it has helped me! It has help me tremendously. I had all this extra time to think, to meditate on so many different thoughts, emotions, fears, and really strengthen myself. To grow in confidence, to forgive, to grow from certain fears. Overall to not stunt my growth as becoming the person I want to be. KEYWORD “I” simply because I was so focused on other peoples opinions when my opinions should be the first and last opinion I think of. Quarantine put so many things into perspective for me, which is why my song Midnight II. just really came so fast, and so naturally. Because I was able to confront my mental barriers. YES that’s a thing. haha Speaking for myself. 

What’s the story or motivation behind “Midnight II”? It sounds like the theme to a good date night.

REESIE: The story behind Midnight is about a girl I was in a situation with. It’s about you two wanting to be together, but these cycles keep happening, and getting in the way of the actual talking phase. Meaning we can never get pass our issues, because of these assumptions. So that why I write the hook. “Love me tease me know you think about me, Hate me but you miss me tell me how you really tryna be” So Midnight II. is literally about a phase in a relationship. Thats why the music video describes it so well. Because by the end of the video is a sense of relief between couple because you know it’s love there but shit keeps getting in the way. Thats Why I say “save me from your midnight” meaning I just want to see you lets talk, lets get through this.

What’s your next step in music as far as keeping fans engaged while concerts are still somewhat far in our future?

REESIE: Definitely more videos! I love video foe real real. More covers, and behind the scene footage of my process. More music is coming, and musical features I am crazily hyped about! Also we have more releases soon with our clothing line Protagnia! So be on the lookout and support!

Will “Midnight II” be a part of larger body of work? When can fans expect more from you?

REESIE: Haha. It still really early for me to tell actually. Because I wrote Midnight II. based off a feeling and I just kinda go with my true feelings. Fans can expect more from me this year for sure. I just getting warmed up. I feel as tho I reach the point were I can really express myself musically, and more is coming sooo sooooon.

Click here to listen to “Midnight II” anywhere.

pof by glasear

The concept that producers are artists in themselves has become more prevalent in the last decade. Producers are pivotal to the recording process and give songs their life force. Producer glasear takes it up a notch, creating a world within his music. His latest project “pof” is a quick look into his creative ideas and possibly his sound at its purest.

The EP begins with The First Step “Monoto”, it has a surreal essence. The tempo changes at glasear’s will. Like a dream, you're at the mercy of imagination. The soft bass and fluttering chords allow the track to flow. It mends perfectly into “Spyro (The Second Step)”. This instrumental sounds like falling deeper into the rabbit hole. The pacing of the drums gives off haste and the feeling that time is running out. It ends with a transition to a much calmer sound, almost like transcendence. Next is “Absorb (The Third Step)”. This track has similar elements to jazz. It’s freeing. Each instrument and sound has its own, distinct identity within the song, but they manage to complement each other and have the space to create something more. “Absorb” feels looser and more carefree than its predecessors. “Bliss (The Final Step)” has a rock influence with heavy drums, distorted strings, and angst that will engulf each listener. On the surface there’s chaos, but only to guard the soft, angelic vocals. Each just as precious.

Click here to listen to pof on SoundCloud.

The Nastiest by Michael Seuss

Michael Seuss has never failed to stay true to Hip Hop. His latest single, “The Nastiest” hits harder than most. His lyricism is boisterous and his delivery is hard-hitting, it’s difficult not to meet his energy. It seems he’s met a point in his journey where things are falling together and others are falling apart. In only a few weeks the song has climbed to the top of his Spotify Popular Songs chart. For those that admire lyrics with a bit of thought behind them, Michael Seuss catalog is more than adequate.

 Click here to listen to “The Nastiest” on Spotify.

Naruto by lil sad boi

Earth can be stressful, lil sad boi takes you into the clouds with his new song “Naruto”. Produced by xCephasx, the beat has a dreamy and uplifting tone. From here, lil sad boi sets the stage. “Running through the forest like Naruto. Tripping on shrooms. I think I’m on Pluto. I’m high, I’m high, like a satellite.” His lyrics are just as free and lighthearted as his dreams. “Naruto” is a great pick-me-up, the instrumental itself is very calming, like a breath of fresh air. This song is the perfect addition to your “Lazy Day” playlist. 

Click here to listen to “Naruto” on SoundCloud.

Storm by D’vyne

D’vyne, a fifteen-year-old rapper from Chicago, is ready with a track that’ll stamp her name on the game. “Storm” is produced, mixed and mastered by D’vyne. It's not out of her element to put the world on her shoulders. The single demands respect. This song is anything but cookie-cutter. She lets her talent speak for itself. The young artist fires out fierce and braggadocious bars. It’s a high energy track perfect to add to your “New Favorites” playlist.

Click here to stream D’vyne’s music everywhere.

Cupid by Pretty Playboi

Pretty Playboi is feeling the hard side of love’s arrow in his new single titled “Cupid”. Produced by Tazuky,  the piano, and the trap-influenced track is upbeat despite its subject matter. It’s a solid song for the recent holiday or any day that feels like it’s missing something from that special someone.

Click here to listen to “Cupid” on SoundCloud.

Oh, Lucy By Connor Andersxn

Connor Andersxn takes an emotional trip in his latest single “Oh, Lucy”. The Wasaga Beach artist sends a tender plea to “Lucy” and begs not to drive him crazy. The song keeps a tight grip on your heartstrings. Despite being cloaked by a metaphor, the deep temptation and desire that’s expressed in his voice are tangible. Connor Andersxn may shift his public perception, as he opens up about his truth.

Click here to listen to “Oh, Lucy” on Spotify.

Billie Eilish Performs New James Bond Film’s Title Song

Billie Eilish has had quite a few golden teenage years. Only a couple of weeks into adulthood and herself and her older brother, and musical partner, Finneas have landed themselves the opportunity to produce and perform a song for one of the biggest and longest running franchises in cinematic history- James Bond. Billie Eilish will be the youngest artist to ever write or record a theme song for the Bond franchise. Miss Eilish, knowingly or not, will be introducing these films to thousands of young girls who may not have been interested in them without her involvement. No Time to Die is set to release in April of this year.

Virtual World by TyFontaine

The future is digital, or virtual, in TyFontaine’s world. The DMV rapper is back with a fresh, genre-bending hit. He joins forces with Nick Mira, the number one producer on Billboard’s ‘Hot 100 Producers’ list and multi-talented producer Rio Leyva for this high-frequency banger. This is a catchy tune to kick off your new year. In only one listen, you’re guaranteed to sing the hook all day long.

“It might sound crazyyy”

Click here to listen to “Virtual World” on SoundCloud.

DAYS B4 III by Lucki

Lucki is at a high point in his journey to becoming one of the hottest rappers in the country. Last Friday, Lucki released his most anticipated and critical project today. More eyes are on Lucki than ever before. His fans are familiar with his confidence and bravado on songs, DAYS B4 III takes them to a new level. Right out the gate, with ”Me Myself & I” Lucki creates the party vibe that his listeners love him for. Consisting of fifteen tracks, DAYS B4 III visits all aspects of the Hip Hop spectrum, cutting the high energy with a slow jam via ”Geeked”. It's obvious that Lucki knows this is a huge opportunity to turn a lot of skeptics into fans. With this momentum it's not long before he has the attention of the whole nation.

Click here to stream DAYS B4 III anywhere.

Backwoods by TheWaterBoy

This weekend has been red hot with new music releases. TheWaterBoy hasn’t strayed from the trend, releasing a new single just about a week before his mixtape is set to drop. Backwoods is lighthearted and bouncy, produced by camgothits. It's the perfect track to start the day off right or add to your favorite playlist.

Click here to listen to Backwoods by TheWaterBoy. 

Real Rockstar by Hefna380

“Real Rockstar”, produced by BarelyBrandon, is the second official single from rapper Hefna380. In this track, he seems to be manifesting his future, already taking the title of a “rockstar”. One can’t argue much against it. Hefna380’s first single, “I Gotta Go” was a smash hit rendering over fifty thousand streams in only a month. For hopeful listeners, this is proof that he’s in it to win it.

Click here to listen to Real Rockstar by Hefna380.

I Gotta Go! by Hefna380

“I Gotta Go!” is the debut single of artist Hefna. The track, produced by JFlex, is bouncy and catchy from the very beginning. Hefna380’s cadence is like no other, it's entertaining and captivating to listen to. His confidence flows as he recounts the hustling he's done and the deception that often comes from relationships and living in the fast lane. With this being his only song available on SoundCloud, and already grossing over fifty thousand streams, I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more of him.

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Click here to listen to Hefna380 on SoundCloud.