Artist Spotlight

Lauren Mayberry is in her Solo Era with Debut Album 'Vicious Creature'

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Photo Credit: Charlotte Patmore

Lauren Mayberry, the frontwoman for acclaimed electro-pop band CHVRCHES released her eagerly awaited debut solo album, Vicious Creature and announced a UK tour for March 2025.

Vicious Creature is both a startling new era in Mayberry’s artistry, and the culmination of two decades of life in a band that came before. Across its songs, she writes about sexuality and empowerment from a profoundly personal perspective for the very first time, reconnecting with the icons of her youth (Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey and Kathleen Hanna) as well as ‘90s British girl groups such as All Saints and Sugababes, whose music made a formative impact on her in the 2000s. 

“So much of this process has been an exercise in empowering myself to listen to my own intuition – something I really trained myself out of,” Mayberry says. “That's ultimately why you start making things – because you felt a feeling, and you wanted to articulate that somehow. I think it was important for me to relearn that kind of independence, and recognise what I bring to any table I choose to sit at.”

For her first full-length release outside of CHVRCHES, Mayberry sought freedom: from rules, expectations and preconceptions. Working with prolific producers like Greg Kurstin, Matthew Korma, Tobias Jesso Jr., Ethan Gruska and Dan McDougall, she accessed not only a new world of inspiration but the deep well of creativity she’s had within her all along.

Watch the video with Lauren to learn more about her favorite songs from the album, the UK tour, and what she listened to in 2024.

The tour kicked off with a hometown show at the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow, before wrapping up at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Prior to the headline dates, Mayberry joined London Grammar for shows across the EU and UK before a major headline tour of North America in early 2025.

See all tour dates below. 

North American headline tour 2025
1/28/25 - House of Blues - San Diego, CA
1/29/25 - Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
1/31/25 - Soundwell - Salt Lake City, UT
2/1/25 - Gothic - Denver, CO
2/2/25 - Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS
2/3/25 - Fine Line - Minneapolis, MN
2/5/25 - Thalia Hall - Chicago, IL
2/7/25 - Concert Hall - Toronto, ON
2/8/25 - Electric City - Buffalo, NY
2/9/25 - Newport Music Hall - Columbus, OH
2/11/25 - Royale - Boston, MA
2/13/25 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
2/14/25 - Empire Live - Albany, NY
2/17/25 - Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA
2/18/25 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC
2/20/25 - Masquerade - Hell - Atlanta, GA
2/21/25 - The Underground - Charlotte, NC
2/22/25 - The Mil at Cannery Hall - Nashville, TN
2/24/25 - White Oak Downstairs - Houston, TX
2/25/25 - Granada - Dallas, TX
2/26/25 - Emo’s - Austin, TX
2/28/25 - Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix, AZ
3/2/25 - The Belasco - Los Angeles, CA

UK headline tour 2025


3/20/25 - Barrowland Ballroom - Glasgow, UK
3/21/25 - La Belle Angele - Edinburgh, UK
3/23/25 - 02 Academy 2 - Birmingham, UK
3/24/25 - Academy 2 - Manchester, UK
3/25/25 - Brudenell Social Club - Leeds, UK
3/26/25 - 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire - London, UK

UK Ticket Link

Connect with Lauren Mayberry

ROZET Releases 'EAT' via TOKiMONSTA’s Young Art Records

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ROZET is a Nigerian/Italian queer singer, rapper, visual artist, and producer signed to Tokimonsta’s Young Art Records, making music that blends electronic sounds with R&B and vibrant, playful rap.

ROZET’s journey coming from a musical background (both parents were musicians) led them to begin performing at the age of 16, growing up as a competitive dancer specializing in voguing & popping rooted in the history of the houses of NY that allowed for the LGBTQ+ community express themselves.

More recently, ROZET has collaborated producers Jesse Boykins III and Machinedrum on ‘Thinking A Lot’ released via Ninjatune. Earlier this year they showcased some of the new music performing alongside Tokimonsta at Austin’s The Concourse Project. ROZET’s new single ‘EAT’ is out now.

How has your background in ballroom, voguing and dance shaped your approach to music and performance?

I've had a pretty strong connection to my Drag King/Butch Queen persona. Since I was pretty young, I started to perform at drag shows to earn extra cash. I realized how crucial the community was for my freedom of expression. They really supported me when I was up and coming as an artist and releasing music. So I feel like the dance community is really what contribute to my confidence and really instills that kind of stoic nature throughout all my art mediums, in a sense.

What’s your best networking tip to connect with the right people in the industry?

Study multiple topics and be well versed. Have your website,portfolio, and assets organized and updated so you can feel grounded in yourself self and present in conversations to sense healthy interactions and not be thinking about everything you have to do. I could answer this question for an hour so I’ll stop there lol. 

What do you hope listeners will take away from your single "EAT"?

I hope when people listen to "EAT" they imagine themselves wearing leather boots and stomping out any doubts they may have while taking up as much space as they need to express themselves authentically. Send that email, request that salary you deserve, and build out your dream life.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to experimental instrumentals and sci-fi movie soundtracks while I study.

What's your favorite way to unwind while you're not making music?

Put on the fuzziest clothing I have. Eat dark cherries, chocolate and jalapeno chips and watch as sci-fi movie.

An album that changed your life.

It’s hard to name one so I’ll name all the ones that come to mind!

  • Any album from Missy Elliott & Timbaland from 1997-2006

  • KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka Sound & Color by  Alabama Shakes

  • How Big How Blue How Beautiful by Florence & The Machine

  • No Shape by Perfume Genius

  • Metropolis by Janelle Monae

  • All n All by Earth Wind & Fire

3 things you can’t live without in your bag

Headphones, my laptop and lip moisturizer. 

Alt-pop's girli on "Matriarchy" Album: Queen Edition

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Singer, songwriter and cult figure girli is a frontrunner of the next gen of alt-pop music and ambassador for the LGBTQIA+ community.

girli released her evocative new album Matriarchy earlier this year and on November 22nd she released the deluxe edition, Matriarchy: Queen Edition led by new singlex '2 Year Itch' and ‘Bulldoze’.

She also recently launched the online experience the girliverse - an innovative digital platform where girli’s community of fans can interact, socialise and keep up to date with the latest happenings in ‘Matriarchy Mansion’ - and uses the platform to have conversations around feminism, sexuality, identity and mental health.

Having full creative control over this project, what’s been the most liberating or challenging part of building the world of Matriarchy?

The most liberating part has been collaborating with so many incredible women and queer people to bring the music videos, artworks and shows to life, and feeling like the vision was executed exactly how I imagined. The most challenging part has been fighting the censorship that social media sites and algorithms place on my content while I’m trying to promote the album.

With the North American tour ahead, how do you prepare for the tour?

I do a bunch of thrifting to put together my tour outfits and find props & dressing for the stage, I rehearse with my fabulous band, and I drink a ginger/turmeric shot every day because getting sick can WAIT.

What’s your favorite way to unwind when you’re not making music?

Going on snowboarding, surfing or camping trips in my micro-camper van. I converted it with my dad using tik tok & youtube videos as guidance - it’s my little home on wheels! I love being in nature, outdoor activities and animals so much. They fill my cup up when it’s empty.

What are you listening to at the moment

The new 070 Shake album Petrichor, Katie Gavin’s new album What A Relief and the latest Sabrina Carpenter album Short n Sweet. Women makeup about 95% of my Spotify library!! 

What advice would you give to new artists trying to grow in the industry?

The industry has changed so much since I released my first songs and that wasn’t even that long ago - TikTok has changed everything. So it’s really hard to give advice because I’m still navigating how to grow in the industry - and I often still feel like a new artist. 

NOURI: My Music is Vulnerable, Honest, and Meaningful

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NOURI is a Kurdish singer and songwriter whose journey began in a Syrian refugee camp, where she was born and lived until the age of three. Her career in the global music scene started in 2018 with her debut single, "Where Do We Go From Here," which gained international attention, hitting #1 on multiple charts and marking her as an artist to watch.

Her latest single, "Change In Your Name," is a gospel ballad that reached #4 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Chart and amassed millions of streams. In the newly released music video, NOURI’s performance captures the emotional weight of the song’s message about faith and transformation.

In this short Q&A for shesaid.so, NOURI speaks about her connection to her roots and how music continues to be her form of expression and healing.

How have those early experiences at the Syrian refugee camp shaped your approach to songwriting and music?

I would say, more so now than ever. It's definitely shaped it in a way where it's a lot more honest and vulnerable. If you don't hear it in the lyrics, you definitely hear it in my voice. I feel like you can hear the experiences in my voice and the feeling that I'm able to give these songs. I'm very grateful to God. I wouldn't be here without God. Looking back at where I've come from, to the positions that God has put me in, I'm very, very grateful, and my songs definitely reflect that more now.

What’s the story behind your single“Change In Your Name”?

I wrote the song in December of 2023 at a very low point in my life. I felt very lost and alone, and it was me simply having a conversation with God, more like a prayer, if anything. And the song just simply happened. I wrote the song in two hours and it's definitely my favorite.

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?

My least favorite is writer's block, because there's nothing worse than going to the studio or setting up to write a song and then nothing comes to you. There's got to be the worst. And then the best thing, I would say, is being able to be so creatively free. As musicians, as artists, as writers, you can go into the studio and literally write about anything, and I think that's pretty cool.

What's your favorite way to unwind when you're not making music?

I would say is to be out in nature. I love being at the beach. I love going for hikes. You know? I love going to the gym. But there's just something about being in nature that really helps me feel at peace and just to kind of forget everything and reset. So definitely nature.

If you had to describe your music using three words, what would they be?

Vulnerable. Honest. Meaningful.

3 things you can't live without in your bag.

My lip liner, my lip balm, and also my blush - I seriously, I can't leave the house without it. If you look at my bag, it's just kind of “On the Go” makeup. That's my that's my thing.

What are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment, I listen to a lot of worship music. I love listening to instrumentals, jazz music in the morning. As a musician, you would think I listened to different types of music, but I'm not. I think it gets a bit much for me, so I just try to keep it simple at the moment. Billie Eilish for sure!

Follow NOURI: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

Red Bull Records' Morgan on Her Newest Project 'Emotional Gangster'

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Morgan is one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars in Pop and R&B, with over 80 million combined streams, a dedicated online following, and a new label home at Red Bull Records. Her forthcoming project, titled Emotional Gangster, features a collaboration with dancehall heavyweight Byron Messia.

Morgan's journey started young—she began performing at just three years old, and by 18, she was touring the world as a vocalist for Rudimental. Her solo career took off with the release of ‘My Year,’ a sparkling pop debut, followed by the hit collaboration ‘Mulholland Drive’ with Ebenezer, which earned over 10 million streams. Her subsequent EP Alien was packed with golden-era pop influences and featured collaborations with Anne-Marie, Cadenza, Dyo, Preditah, and Rudimental.

At 17, she wrote ‘ADCT,’ which later climbed to the top of both TikTok Trending Sounds and the UK Top 50, racking up over 25 million streams. Morgan has also co-written and featured on major tracks like Rudimental & Digga D’s ‘Be the One’ and Sigma’s ‘Adrenaline Rush,’ which sampled Bittersweet Symphony. Recently, she’s expanded her reach by writing for top K-pop artists like NCT’s Jaehyun and will feature on Purple Disco Machine’s upcoming album PARADISE later this year.

Now, with two sold-out London headline shows under her belt and her first UK headline tour set to kick off at the end of the year, Morgan is one of the most emerging talents in the scene. Her latest single, ‘Wheel Up,’ a collaboration with Jamaican superstar Byron Messia, dropped on 25th September via her upcoming sophomore EP Emotional Gangster, out on 25th October.

In this Q&A, Morgan opens up about her new single “Wheel Up”, working with Byron Messia, and what fans can expect from her highly anticipated EP.

Your new EP Emotional Gangster is dropping soon. What is the story/inspiration behind it?

I'm so excited for this EP to drop - it's been a minute since I dropped my own music. The story behind it is pretty simple. Firstly, a lot of people, especially my friends, think that I am this super tough person - I have an extremely tough exterior (it might be the Aries in me - I have a lot of fire). However, I am hugely emotional and sensitive at heart. Secondly, I wanted to create a project that incorporates both sides of my personality whilst also highlighting the versatility in my sound and songwriting. I absolutely hate being put in a box.

“Wheel Up” feels like an homage to Jamaican sound system culture, but also taps into the UK rave scene. How do these two worlds connect for you, and where do you fit in?

I'm half Jamaican and  half British so the connection is plain and simple. I'm a proud product of dual heritage and you can hear those influences in my music. 

What is your top networking tip for connecting with the right people in music e.g. a manager or a record label?

Never rush into a working relationship. Take your time sussing people out and ensuring they have the best possible intentions. I built a relationship with my manager for at least a year before entering a business relationship with her. 

Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day

A producer once told me to keep on creating even when I feel creatively blocked as it helps you get all the s*** out - that stuck with me. I try to keep writing even if I'm not feeling inspired. Even if a session isn't how I have wanted it to go, I've still learnt something that day. 

What advice would you give to artists that are just starting out?

Perseverance and shamelessness are key! 

3 things you can't live without in your bag

You will never see me without a lip gloss or lip liner - it's my makeup staple. I always need my phone - especially when I am in sessions, my notes section is literally where you will find all my song ideas and lyrics. Lastly, my car keys - I literally drive everywhere and always seem to be in my car (it's become a running joke with my team... even every zoom meeting involves me in or next to my car).

Morgan will go on a tour this November, headlining five shows across the UK, including a date at London’s iconic Jazz Cafe. The dates are as follows and tickets are available HERE:

November 25: Glasgow @ The Poetry Club

November 26: Manchester @ YES

November 28: London @ Jazz Café

November 30: Birmingham @ The Sunflower Lounge

December 1: Bristol @ The Louisiana

Ni Maxine's Afro-Centric and Soulful Sound

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British Neo-Jazz singer-songwriter Ni Maxine (hailed as a "Black Woman at The Forefront of the UK Jazz Scene" by Black Ballad), is sparking intergenerational conversations through her music, exploring themes of home, identity, self-esteem, and belonging.

Often compared to Billie Holiday, Sade, and Erykah Badu, her political lyricism and timeless vocals have taken her to the main stages including Liverpool's Africa Oyé, Gilles Peterson's 'We Out Here,' and the EFG London Jazz Festival as well as a BBC Introducing 'highlight' live session, a Manchester Jazz Festival performance broadcast on BBC Radio 3's J to Z, and a live appearance on BBC Radio 4's 'Front Row’.

Her award-winning debut single 'Strange Love,' supported by tastemakers Jamie Cullum (The Jazz Show), YolanDa Brown (Jazz FM), Jamz Supernova, and China Moses (Jazz FM), was played across Jazz FM, Radio 1, 1Xtra, and Selector Radio, marking Ni Maxine as an artist to watch.

Ni Maxine has returned with a new single, a reimagining of ‘God Bless The Child’ and a slew of live performance dates off the back of sold-out live shows.

What initially drew you to music, and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but a career in music isn’t something I really considered until that gap between lockdowns in 2020, if I remember rightly. I went busking to raise some money to pay off a debt and it led to me being offered a residency at the coolest coffee shop and wine bar in Liverpool, Ropes & Twines. I’d invite all of my friends down and I'd sing jazz standards and a handful of Amy Winehouse songs that I loved, with my guitarist, and drink Riesling (I used to drink wine, back then) and it caused a ripple effect because lots of bars and restaurants invited me to sing. It wasn’t long before I started to weave a few original songs into my sets that I’d written in lockdown, and people seemed to like them. I then got to the point, later-on, after pouring my heart out every Sunday to a room full of people who were not listening, that I decided to pursue my career as an artist. I have something to say, and I want people to hear me.

As co-founder of The Wombat Jazz Club, what do you aim to achieve with its monthly events and initiatives like 'The Jazz Project' and 'TOGETHER'?

I always feel selfish when I say this, but I simply wish to create the kind of spaces I needed as a young person, but didn’t have access to! I just want to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and allowed to express themselves, freely. It’s simple! I love jazz music and sometimes feel like it’s been taken out of context, out of the hands of the people it originated with, Black people, and like the idea of saying ‘Hey, Jazz is a Black art form, give it back!’ So yeah, that is the thread that runs through my curation decisions when it comes to programming events for ‘The Wombat Jazz Club’.

How do you balance your roles as a performer, songwriter, and co-founder of The Wombat Jazz Club?

With difficulty, at times, to be honest. I’m writing this through eyes filled with tears. It can be so overwhelming managing all of the logistics for live dates, with session musicians and tight budgets, and doing interviews and sessions on radio as well running events on the side, but I’m building a team around me, and I am hoping it all falls into place soon!

What advice would you give to artists that are just starting out?

My biggest advice to artists starting out is to be confident in your art, what you’re trying to say and how you’re saying it. Everyone will have an opinion, but your art is ultimately about you. If you like it, it’s good enough. Remember that!

Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day

Lean into whatever it is that is making the day difficult and put pen to paper. I hate to be one of those people who says that journaling really helps, but it really does. I think sometimes, I have to remind myself that whatever I write might not turn into a masterpiece, but it might help clear whatever is creating a block.

3 things you can't live without in your bag

  • My airpods

  • Lipgloss

  • A spare pair of knickers

Upcoming Live Shows

23 November 2024 - EFG London Jazz Festival

Connect with Ni Maxine

FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / WEBSITE / TIK TOK / X

IYAMAH's Rootsy Soul Sound and Debut Album, 'In Two Worlds'

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Brighton-born, London-based vocalist and songwriter IYAMAH is carving out a unique soulful R&B sound she calls Rootsy Soul.

Growing up on the sounds of African drumming and reggae music, IYAMAH began to use song writing at the piano as a way of diary-like expression age twelve. By sixteen, she started writing top lines for DnB tracks with Brighton-based label Shogun Audio.

She went on to feature on My NuLeng’s “Senses”, touring the summer festivals including Glastonbury and SW4. In 2024, she has collaborated with Pola & Bryson on “Too Shy” and with DJ Zinc on “Stubborn”.

IYAMAH moved to London aged nineteen to study at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, winning scholarship award for best vocals. She has since been handpicked to tour with the likes of Masego and Mahalia, recorded live sessions for Metropolis Songs, Redbull and Majestic Casual, and sold-out multiple headline shows including The Jazz Café and OMEARA. She has accumulated over 20 million streams and received continuous support from Yazmin Evans and DJ Ace (BBC 1Xtra).

Her debut album, 'In Two Worlds,' delves into her relationship with her past and inner child, exploring themes like nature, success, spirituality and mental health.

Congratulations on the release of your debut album ‘In Two Worlds’! You mentioned that the album started with a Tarot reading. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the album?

Yes ‘in Two Worlds’ started off the back of a tarot reading. I was feeling torn between my dreams and my reality, so I guess it helped me to make sense of how I was feeling at the time and give a perspective I needed to hear. It was mental how the three cards completely reflected my situation at the time and gave some insight into my past, present and future. I decided to base my two worlds on the imagery that was presented to me that day 

‘In Two Worlds’ explores a variety of themes including nature, success, and spirituality. How do these themes reflect your personal experiences and growth as an artist?

My songs are always reflecting where I’m at in my life, or where I was when i wrote it. Nature is something I always come back to, it’s what grounds me, it’s always there whether you see it or you don’t. But my relationship with success is a little more complicated, it’s something I’m still figuring out today. Sometimes it’s important to me and sometimes it isn’t. Spirituality is always evolving and growing into different things each day and then you realise it’s all the same thing. You go in and out, up and back down with all of the above. Nothing is everything and everything is nothing! 

You've described your sound as "Rootsy Soul". What does this mean?

Well my music comes from my roots, it’s all the genre’s that inspired me growing up, reggae, hiphop, soul, jazz, and of course soul. 

As a newcomer in the music industry', can you share a special moment from the album's creation that really stood out to you?

It’s always special when the project finally clicks in to place. For so long it’s just this idea and all these thoughts going round in your head, and it can get confusing, the lines start to get blurred, and it’s easy to overthink and start questioning everything. Until it just makes sense. That’s a beautiful thing when you finally see it for what it is. But I think the most special part of this whole experience has been touring these songs with the band 2 years after it all began. They really brought new life back to the songs which gave me the spark again, and reminded me of how I felt when I first wrote these songs 

What is your top networking tip for connecting with the right people in music e..g a manager or a record label?

If you are your authentic true self, the right people will naturally gravitate towards you. Take note of those who cross your path, because it’s most likely for a reason. One thing that always sticks with me is what I was told that everyone you meet has something to teach you

What's your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?

I love everything about the making of the music, the thing I don’t like is the pressure of money and time 

3 artists you’re currently listening to

Mansur Brown, Bas, Famtoumata Diawara 

3 things you can't live without in your bag

Lip balm, sunglasses, Gucci guilty 

Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day

Go for a walk, then use voicenotes 

Your top advice for new music producers/singer-songwriters etc as an emerging artist

Follow your gut, listen to your intuition and your own voice. Just be yourself and connect with people who make you happy and bring out the best in you 

Artist Spotlight: Salle

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Nigerian artist Salle has amassed a growing fan base with her debut track "Icon," which gained viral attention on TikTok and Spotify. Following the success of the song, Salle released her second single, 'Countdown.'

Produced by Monro and mixed by JAE5, 'Countdown' serves as a preview of Salle's upcoming debut EP. The song is a reflective exploration of impermanence and the significance of embracing the present. Salle's vocals dazzle on this track, cementing her status as an emerging talent worth keeping an eye on.

How did your viral street performance in Lagos influence your decision to pursue music professionally?

It made me grow passionate about music as I’ve neglected and never believed in my talent, after the video went viral I Dre so much strength from everyone who supported me and believed in me.

What 1 valuable lesson have you learned as an emerging artist?

One valuable lesson I’ve learned as an artist is not to acknowledge any kind of pressure whatsoever. It’s me versus me and I’m doing my best to be the best version of myself.

What is your top advice for new music artists 

Be yourself, acknowledge every feeling and every experience you may meet positive or negative and in all improve your craft it’s the only thing that makes us artists.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I’d love to collaborate with lots of amazing artist but since I have to pick one off my list it’ll be “Rema” because of his mysterious tune that I enjoy.

Can you share a favorite moment from your journey in the music industry so far?

A favorite moment from my journey in the music industry so far will be the when I put out “ICON” it was the most liberating and remarkable so far.

What are your goals for the future as you continue to pursue your music career?

My goal for the future is to keep improving in my sound and in all aspect of my life.

3 things I can’t live without in my bag

Sunglasses, perfume and cash.

Artist Spotlight: Kelly Moran

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Kelly Moran, shot by Brandon Bowen

New York-based composer and producer Kelly Moran has spent the past decade challenging traditional piano conventions with an experimental approach.

Moran has collaborated with artists such as Oneohtrix Point Never and FKA Twigs, composing for classical musician Margaret Leng Tan and working with contemporaries like Kelsey Lu and Yves Tumor. Her solo albums, "Bloodroot" and "Ultraviolet," have explored extended piano techniques and received critical acclaim across various genres.

Her upcoming album, "Moves in the Field," moves away from prepared piano techniques and instead focuses on a more experimental use of the instrument, similar to her previous work on "Ultraviolet."

The inspiration for "Moves in the Field" originated from Moran's experience composing a piano duet with Missy Mazzoli in early 2020. During this collaboration, Yamaha Music loaned her a Disklavier—a state-of-the-art player piano, capable of surpassing human capabilities in composition.

During the pandemic, Moran began composing with the Disklavier as her duet partner in isolation. The duets between Moran and the Yamaha Disklavier embody her pursuit of both technical precision and emotional resonance, creating an interplay between human performance and the Disklavier's automation, resulting in multi-layered compositions.

Influenced by both classical minimalism and contemporary electronic music, "Moves in the Field" serves as a bridge between two distinct musical worlds. Mixed and recorded by Dan Bora (known for his collaborations with Philip Glass), and mastered by Joshua Eustis of Telefon Tel Aviv, the album exemplifies Moran's bold artistic vision and technical prowess.

"Moves in the Field" marks a departure from Moran's previous works, positioning her in a compositional league of her own. The album explores themes of humanity versus technology and the interplay between technicality and musicality. Released under Warp Records, it firmly establishes Kelly Moran as a leading figure in modern music.

What sparked your transition from prepared piano to the Disklavier piano, and how did it inspire the new direction for "Moves in the Field"?

My last record was music for prepared piano and electronics that was based heavily in improvisation. When I set out to make a new record, I intended to make another album exploring prepared piano, but this time with more repetitive song structures and loop-based grooves to evolve the rhythmic feel of the previous record. All the music from Ultraviolet was so loose and unmetered, and I wanted to create music people could dance to. But unfortunately after I began writing the record in this direction, I became bored and uninspired by the prepared piano because the pandemic hit. I needed fresh inspiration to feel motivated, and working with the familiar sound of the prepared piano wasn’t doing it for me.

Around this time, Yamaha loaned me a disklavier player piano, and it provided a new way for me to compose and interact with the piano. I suddenly had a flood of new ideas that I wanted to explore, and it was then when I decided to abandon the prepared piano music and head in a fresh direction. 

The album title draws a connection to skating rudiments. How does this thematic element tie into the music and what role did the Disklavier play in bringing these movements to life?

I started figure skating as a hobby a few years ago, and all skaters learn basic patterns to master control over your blade edge. These patterns are called Moves in the Field, as the ice rink is often referred to as the field. You’re supposed to practice small simple patterns so you can build up your skills to achieve more intricate, difficult moves. I saw a lot of parallels in the process of learning to skate and learning how to play music - moves in the field are like scales and arpeggios for musicians.

When I started working with the disklavier, I would often record a simple pattern and then complicate it by adding layers, so it reminded me a lot of the practice of building up skating skills so you can skate more difficult elements.

How did you use the Disklavier in these compositions?

A Disklavier is a player piano that allows you to record your performance and have the piano play it back with expressive and dynamic accuracy. It uses an advanced system of MIDI to translate the touch of a pianist to MIDI information and have the playback sound identical to the performance that was played into it.

One of my favorite aspects of working with this piano is being able to listen to my music being played on the piano from the listener’s perspective. As a pianist, I can be very emotional and get swept up in the music I’m playing because it feels so good physically. But this doesn’t always sound the best from the listener’s perspective - some songs need more sensitivity and control, and I wouldn’t realize this if I weren’t able to listen back to my playing the way the disklavier plays back my performances. 

Did you encounter any challenges or revelations during the compositional process?

When working with a player piano, it’s very tempting to want to over-correct in the editing process. You have the ability to record a take and then delete all your wrong notes, or correct your dynamics. But the more you edit your playing, the less human it sounds, and I had to find a middle ground between perfection and expression.

Moves in the Field seems to bridge classical minimalism with modernized and synthesized textures found in electronic music. How did you balance these influences?

I like to write a lot of dancey patterns that might be found in techno or other dance music - I was working a lot with my synth arpeggiator on early versions of the music. It was fun sending these MIDI patterns to an acoustic piano because it’s the kind of music I would never physically play on the piano, but still sounds very satisfying to listen to. I used a sub bass as the only non-piano sound on the album just to add a bit of weight to the low end because I wanted to keep the focus on the purity of the acoustic piano sound.

The album is mixed and recorded by Dan Bora, known as Philip Glass' sound engineer. How did this collaboration impact the overall sound of Moves in the Field?

Philip Glass has been a huge inspiration for me as a composer and his music always sounds incredible. Because this record is more reliant on the acoustic piano sound and less on electronic elements (than a low of my past works) I wanted to try to work with an engineer who was very experienced in mixing classical music. Dan was extremely thorough and mathematical in his mixing, which is very different from my approach, but I learned so much from him about all the little ways you can make a piano sound better on a recording!

Kelly Moran, shot by Brandon Bowen

Does this album mark a departure from your previous works, defining a new sound? 

It doesn’t feel like a total departure to me, honestly. I’ve made a lot of records and most of them exist in their own unique sound world. This record felt like going back to my roots as a pianist, because piano was the first instrument I ever learned and so much of my experience as a composer has been about combining the piano with other sounds, or manipulating its sound in some way. I tried to restrain myself in some way by working only with the acoustic, natural sound of the piano as the main basis for the pieces, instead of relying on electronic or synthesized sounds.

As a musician, do you draw inspiration from other genres?

I listen to a lot of music, and most of it is not in the vein of music I write. I think I get most of my inspiration from artists who make music completely different to what I make. 

How do you tap into your creativity on particularly tough days?

Get out of your house, get your body moving. I like going on runs to clear my head and reset my energy. Make contact with a friend if you’ve been home alone all day. Even though I make most of my music alone, I don’t recommend letting yourself get too isolated from the world. It’s important to connect with other people and find purpose outside of your own creative practice.

What’s your top advice for artists who want to enter this industry?

In order to pursue music for a living, it has to be your main passion. I never allowed myself to entertain the possibility of doing anything but music for a living because I knew I would be miserable. You have to be in it for the right reasons.


  • Interview by ninakeh for shesaid.so

Moves in the Field is out now on Warp Records

Artist Spotlight: Crystal Murray

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Crystal Murray, Photo by Ottilie Landmark

Parisian musician Crystal Murray has achieved notable success in her music career. She founded her own label, Spin Desire, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists. Additionally, she kickstarted a residency and club night at the renowned Paris venue, Silencio, and has appeared in campaigns for Vogue, Dazed, Paco Rabanne, and Diesel.

But with teenage years intertwined with the industry, Crystal felt stifled. “I got pushed in the ‘neo soul’ direction,” she says. “I was contending with this cliche of the ‘neo-soul woman’ – she's a Black girl with an afro. loved it, but it scared me too. At 16, I was trying to fit a box that wasn't mine – I wanted to rock shit out too.”

Emerging as a mercurial star with the 2020 EP "I Was Wrong," she expanded neo-soul boundaries with mature lyricism. Her 2021 hit "BOSS" and the 2022 EP "Twisted Bases" showcase her evolution in themes of messy relationships and vulnerability.

Crystal declared her revenge in the fierce song "PAYBACK," a preview of her debut album, Sad Lovers And Giants. At 22, Crystal rejects expectations, emphasizing a move towards authenticity in her music, described as tragic, theatrical, and cinematic.

Accompanying the album announcement is a visually stunning Charlotte Wales-directed music video for the new single "STARMANIAK" (out now), described as an anthem for those who feel walked over. Crystal is also set to host a special night at Beaubeaus, London in association with shesaid.so.

As Crystal embarks on this new phase of her career, the album promises to be a transformative experience, weaving together her lived experiences and offering a powerful narrative of emotional strength and release.

Your latest single, "STARMANIAK," addresses the challenges women face in today's society. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this song?

I wanted to highlights the struggles and challenges that many women face in today's society, particularly the pervasive issue of being over-sexualized, disrespected, and mistreated. My acknowledgment of the toxicity that some individuals, can perpetuate is important. Im talking about my own experiences but also shedding light on broader societal issues that need to be addressed.

What was it like collaborating with Charlotte Wales on the music video?

It was amazing, the idea of doing something bizarre came from Stephy Galvani my artistic director and myself. The song came from somewhere so pure and real that I didn’t want to make a visual just to look good, we wanted something that makes you uncomfortable and makes you re-watch the video to understand where it comes from. We pitched the idea to Charlotte and she brought it to a whole other level, that was visual, smart and slick.

Was there a memorable moment during the creation of your debut album, SAD LOVERS & GIANTS?

The whole making of the album was a moment really, when I’m focusing on something I enter this tunnel in my head and can’t get out. It was a lot of soul searching, rage turned to maturity, answers. It was a whole awakening for me. I think something really changed when Kyu Steed came in, I had worked for a little year already but it really helped me find the right direction for it.

What's your top networking tip to connect with a record label?

Mmmm, I think really try to understand if they understand your work and your vision. Ask yourself if you’re ready or if you need a little more time without a label. Cause once you have a whole team, to have the result you need, you need to know exactly where you want to go.

What's your favourite/least favourite thing about making music?

My favourite thing is going on stage, I love the connection I get to have with the public and my musicians and that’s where I really find answers, it’s like therapy for me. And I know exactly why Im making music, I love it.

My least favourite thing is promoting my work. I find it sometimes hard to explain 2 years of work through few questions - and answers, it can get a bit frustrating. Sometimes it feels a bit meaningless. When you try to make it as clear as possible in your music and visuals and give 100% of your emotions in it. But It’s a part of the game, I guess.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

By surrounding myself with the right minds, I believe if you federate yourself around beautifully artistic people, your creative mind will always flow. Being in an environment where people appreciate and engage in artistic expression can help stimulate your imagination and encourage innovative thinking. I always try to surround myself with people or circles where I feel energized and inspired by the creativity around me.

Tips for musicians/songwriters who are just starting in the industry?

Follow your guts, and surround yourself with the right people who understand where you want to go. And really have fun with your music, we do this for art, for emotions, for feelings. If you’re doing it for something else just don’t do it.

3 women that influenced your music

ESG, this group of women that really made me get out of my comfort zone, on stage I always had this punk rock energy and could never find it in the studio. ESG made me get this part out of me.

Ouri riou is an artist, musician, and producer that worked on my album. I really love her because I would start some songs and she would finish them with such warmth, we would finish with some really crazy pop/ rock songs but with so much air and light.

And Macy Gray will always be my one and only (since I was a little girl).

3 things you can't live without in your bag

My vogues, my block note, my swords ( I have these little silver swords, they’re very tiny) they’re my lucky charms. Everything is little cause I like little bags lol.

STARMANIAK Out Now

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM “SAD LOVERS AND GIANTS”,

OUT MAY 31st

CRYSTAL MURRAY & SHESAID.SO 

Presents STARMANIAK RELEASE PARTY

In conversation with Charlotte Wales 

Plus live performances (Crystal Murray) & DJ sets (Emma Korantema, Broodooramses)

BeauBeaus 4 - 6 Gravel Lane, E1 7AW

The event is free but guests must RSVP via this link.

Panel discussion will start at 6:30 pm sharp so make sure you are there to grab your seat.

Music Insider: Zamaera

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Malaysian artist Zamaera is a household name in Southeast Asian music, navigating an 11-year career that transitioned from TV hosting to music. She’s a skilled storyteller who continues to break barriers and recently organized Malaysia's inaugural all-female music festival, 'Queendom Fest' dedicated to spotlighting and empowering talent in the industry.

Zamaera marked her solo debut with the grime-inspired single 'Helly Kelly' in 2017 - featured alongside Malaysia’s hip-hop icon Joe Flizzow and has been independent since 2021. Her music skills flourished in a male-dominated scene, where she had to break boundaries and prove herself.

Her new track 'Big Fish' features Kuala Lumpur-based DJ/producer Daaliah, is influenced by hip-hop, pop, garage, and soul, and reflects Zamaera's desire to break free from her artistic constraints.

The song originated from a candid conversation with Daaliah in July 2023, expressing her feeling of being a 'big fish in a small pond' and her aspiration to step outside her comfort zone. 'Big Fish' is out now through Zamaera’s ‘Mean Malaya Entertainment’.

Tell us more about your collaboration with Daaliah on Big Fish.

‘Big Fish’ is me stepping out of my comfort zone and I really love this new venture. It’s a very different kind of song that I wouldn’t normally do, because I predominantly work on Hip Hop and R&B music (but I've always loved electronic and I’ve always loved House Music and Techno). My relationship with Daaliah is that we were the only German speaking artists in Malaysia and it kind of grew from there. We've known each other since 2019 and made some demos together but never really had the chance to put something out.

I met up with him last year and we had this conversation about how we were doing (just catching up) and I told him in my exact words “I felt like a big fish in a small pond”. That exact sentence was what sparked the idea.

We went to Daaliah’s studio and it was just the right vibe, the right energy as Daaliah had just come back from a tour in Europe and he was really inspired by Garage Music and different types of sounds (that in Malaysia, producers won't particularly look or touch on).

You had a 30 minute time crunch when creating “Big Fish”. How did you tap into creativity and stay focused under pressure?

Honestly for this project, I did not feel like there was any pressure involved just because everything felt so seamless and natural; from the moment that we were talking, to us deciding that we were going to make a song. It really felt like it was exactly what it needed to be. Even though there was this “time crunch”, we were using it as a way to to be even more creative. The time crunch helped us find exactly what we wanted.

It took out that deciding factor, that time to think and decide whether we wanted something “in this way or that way”. For example, there is a sound that you hear (the piano) that’s a sample by an amazing producer and I was writing at the back (coming with the melody) while Daaliah was producing and it just came together. I think the pressure on the time was a great thing for us.

As an independent artist, how do you think the independent music scene in Malaysia has grown?

I do feel that independent music and independent artists have taken a step forward hugely - all thanks to accessibility and information coming via YouTube videos, courses, social media etc. A lot of people understand now that we don't need to rely on traditional mediums such as radio or TV to get to the point of visibility. We can always use socials and also other forms of content for us to showcase our creativity.

Artists are now pivoting to a more independent style that is giving us the freedom and leeway to really be fully and creatively ourselves.

I do feel that a lot of independent artists (such as myself) lean towards working with brands. For example, with Big Fish and our music video premiere party, we got the chance to work with a really amazing global brand (they unearth and uplift independent artists such as myself and Daaliah and graffiti artists in Malaysia).

Can you share a memorable moment from your music career

I would say that the biggest one or the most recent one for me was organising my very first all female music festival. Throughout all my years of being a musician I had never ever organised an event for more than 5 - 10 artists (let alone 15 women and creatives) with the idea of building a strong community and platform to really uplift and showcase their talent in Malaysia.

After 11 years of doing this work, I realised we have all this amazing talent which was not reflected in the live performance space in Malaysia (and I thought that was really necessary). That's one of the most memorable things. I have a lot more, but then this conversation might never end!

What are your goals for ‘Queendom Fest’ in 2024?

My goal is to take everything I’ve learned from the first edition (the feedback, the critique etc) and really look into how we can better manage the festival. As an artist, I tend to look at things more on the artistic side (e.g. whether the artists are going to have a great time performing or how the lighting and the visuals, the music and the sound will be), but there's also this very important aspect which is the management of behind the scenes (running with your project manager, the vendors, the production team, and stuff like that).

I really want to take everything that I've learned and make it bigger, make it better. And of course I want to have more way more artists for 2024 and also hopefully international acts as well. So stay tuned.

What's your least favorite thing about making music?

That's actually quite an easy question to answer. My least favourite thing about making music is that I do not know how to play all of the instruments and that really frustrates me sometimes.

I know that you can learn stuff (make sounds on e.g. Logic or any digital audio workstation) but I feel like I always am so hard on myself because I feel like “oh my gosh, if I just knew how to play the violin, or if I just knew how to play the cello”. It stops me from actually going out and learn.

Thinking that “I can only play the piano or the guitar” makes me feel like it's not enough. I want to be able to do more but I have to take a little step back and chill. You can’t play everything but you can collaborate with so many amazing, talented people out there. So if you play the cello, you know who to call.. (call me, I'm gonna work with you).

What is a valuable piece of advice for an artist that wants to enter your industry?

You should just not think and do it. A lot of people might be worried about what other people might think because of maybe e.g. a taboo that surrounds your passions. I don't think this is only the case with music, it goes with pretty much with anything you want to achieve in your life.

Stopping yourself because of what other people might think and not taking a chance on doing what you love could be one of the biggest regrets.

Don't think about what other people think of you (because people are going to say something anyway, so you might as well just do what you love). Let the music be your life.

Connect with Zamaera

Instagram & More Links

Artist Spotlight: Merry Lamb Lamb

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Hong Kong-born, London-based musician Merry Lamb Lamb has crafted a distinctive and vibrant artistic identity. Her trilingual music weaves together English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, each language revealing a different facet of her personality.

Growing up in Hong Kong and later moving to Toronto, Merry Lamb Lamb faced the challenges of being one of the few East Asian students. Encouraged by her now-creative director, Lung, Merry taught herself Ableton and began her musical journey.

Genesis, her 2022 debut album, explored eclectic '80s pop and thumping house, while its follow-up, Exodus, took a bolder, more club-oriented direction. Beyond her musical talent, Merry Lamb Lamb's visual arts background attracted collaborations with Gucci, Moschino, Chanel, and Acne Studios.

Merry Lamb Lamb joined forces with Miso Extra, and aimei 媚 to create their electronic pop gem, 'Better' - a track expressing resilience after heartbreak, which carries a message of optimism for the future.

The project emerged from a 3-day writing camp organized by Platoon’s 'She Runs The Board,' shesaid.so, and ESEA Music. The project highlights the East and South East Asian music community's female producers, songwriters, and engineers, aiming to elevate and increase visibility for women in the industry.

What's your new song “Better” with Miso Extra & aimei 媚 about and what do you hope listeners take from it?

The song is about a failed relationship that you once spend and you thought that they are going to be the love of your life. You started to get very deep into them and they have been very manipulative and toxic. The worst part is that you feel like you're starting to lose yourself. So you want to get out of this relationship, and to be better without them basically.

I think the song is so special to me, because sometimes life is not about love. There are friends and family that will always be rooting for you, they will always support you. The song “Better” is just not solely dealing with this person, just that. It’s to realise that you have a fragile side of yourself, and you're capable to face your past and to learn from the lessons you have, and to be strong and independent and to be better without them. I think this is “Better” for me.

Name one artist that has influenced you and your music.

When I first started music production, I looked up to Grimes a lot. I remember that I saw one of her performance videos - she was performing her song ‘Oblivion’ on YouTube at one of the very big festivals. I was blown away because she was controlling everything all by herself, from drum machines to synthesisers and to singing and dancing with her dancers. It's just the fact that she does everything herself - from music production to music videos. The DIY style and the way she works with everything is just so admirable and I looked up her a lot. I hope that one day Merry Lamb Lamb could be very strong and independent like her.

If you had to pick one song to introduce someone to music, which one would it be?

I think a very good introduction song to Merry Lamb Lamb’s world will definitely be ‘Empathy’ because I just love talking about a lot of my soft spot to people. These are really common topics that I asked myself a lot growing up as a person.

The song is about feeling very misplaced everytime, from moving from place to place. Sometimes, I wanted to seek for help, maybe just one hug. "I felt very lonely and left out sometimes. I love how the song's (vibe) is so different because the music is so dancey, yet it has very vulnerable lyrics, which I love. What I love about dance music, it's just how it pulls up your heartstrings so much. It just gives you the power to dance to it and listen to it from a club situation, to a long ride solitudes. This is ‘Empathy’ for you.

What’s your top tip for artists who want to follow this industry?

It is very important to not to be afraid to put up sounds that you feel they are not 100% to perfection. To me, there's no such thing as 100% perfect song. As a musician, you will grow day by day and you will learn from mistakes. When you put out songs, listeners do actually love honesty and rawness from music that you've done, music that will feel real about you. So don't be afraid to put out songs.

When you start to write more and you look back to what you have produced or what wrote in the past, you will be like “oh, actually, I’ve been through that faze and I'm glad that I put out the song at that certain time”. You will feel more grown up. You will realise what you’ve been through from the beginning to now. As a musician, it’s a very beautiful thing to know your past and to be honest to people.

‘Better’ is out 16th February 2024

Connect with:

Merry Lamb Lamb

Miso Extra

aimei 媚

ESEA Music & Platoon

Artist Spotlight: Samantha Urbani

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Samantha Urbani is the artist behind the debut LP "Showing Up." From her rebellious roots in Mystic, Connecticut, to conquering Brooklyn's DIY scene with Friends in 2010, Samantha's journey is anything but ordinary.

After her old group “Friends” disbanded in 2013, Samantha chose collaboration over solo stardom, joining “Blood Orange” and diving into various projects. Tragedy struck in 2018 with the loss of close friend and producer Sam Mehran, propelling her into a six-month hiatus.

Nick Weiss, aka Nightfeelings, who pulled her back into music and sparked the creative process for "Showing Up."Co-produced by Samantha and Weiss, the album captures her spontaneous spirit. With contributions from friends like Rostam Batmanglij and Stuart Matthewman, it's a celebration of resilience and creative resurgence.

Want do you want people to get out of your new album ‘Showing Up”?

“Showing Up” that just came out is the health and the power of multiple feelings coexisting at once. There are lyrics and movements and music about a lot of really hard things. Heartbreak and alienation and mental health stuff and really close friends and family dying. And all of that is on this album. But on first listen, you might not know because a lot of it has very sick grooves. And a lot of it is quite danceable. And that was all very intentional. Because I think when you mute multiple feelings and truths existing at once is something that is really powerful to embrace. I think I was I went through a lot of hard things before the making of this album.

And for a while I was writing a lot of songs that really sounded sad. And I knew that that wasn't the way that I wanted to present these experiences. I wanted to find a way to make music that felt cathartic and joyful, and connective and energetic, almost like the breakthrough of celebrating survival through those things versus sitting in the pain of those things. I think that you can still honour the pain of those things. Feeling like a breakthrough or a sense of survival. I want this record to be the upbeat companion for anybody who's having a fucking hard time and anybody who's experiencing grief. Anybody who's had a really close friend leave, you know, this this existence. I want the record to be a companion that feels cathartic and feels optimistic, but also is like a witness to those kinds of experiences.

What’s your top advice to songwriters?

First of all, I think that we need to take these titles off of a pedestal, you don't need to think about yourself as an “aspiring songwriter”, or an aspiring artist, you are an artist, you are a songwriter. Trust your instincts, get in touch with that thread of unique insight and perspective that you have versus being a student, of how other people do their thing. I also always tell people not to let what kind of equipment or education, they have access to stop them from getting ideas down. I talk to a lot of people who are like, Oh, I have ideas for songs. But I don't play a lot of instruments. I don't know how to make a demo. I’m not where I want to be as a producer or something.

Don't let those ideas get away, because you think that they need to be represented more professionally or traditionally. I think that making weird little voice memos, kind of like… scrappy demos, in GarageBand, or whatever you have often is way more interesting and more authentic and cool than if you wait and find an engineer or somebody to help you do it in what you might think is the right way.

Don't let a lack of equipment or knowledge stop you from getting ideas down. Or make you think that your ideas aren't real, because you're not like “a real musician”, or there's something. I think a lot of stuff that's done really properly or traditionally can be boring. So yeah, mess around with whatever it is that you have.

Everybody who has an iPhone, or a MacBook has GarageBand on their phone, or laptop. That's actually how I started making demos for my old band. I had a lot of vocal ideas and melodies. I think if I had waited to do it ‘the right way’, I don't know if I would have ever done it. I started just recording all my vocal ideas to drum loops. And I had ideas for baselines, and I would just sing them and pitch them down. And I had ideas for synth lines, and I'd sing them and pitch them up.

I was a college student in a shitty small bedroom in New York doing that, and it turned into a successful band. So I always try to tell people not to look down on their ideas, because they think that they're not like a real musician. What the fuck does that mean? What does it mean? Just make stuff the same way that you can pick up a pencil on a piece of paper and draw. Pick up whatever you have and get your idea down. And if you want to collaborate with other people on it. That's awesome. I think it's like a very fun, cool, strong thing to do to find your collaborators. But it's great to approach them with a representation of what you want to make. So don't be scared to to make things from scratch and do things in your homemade way.

What has been the most rewarding part of my journey so far?

It's crazy, amazing, beautiful when you travel to parts of the world that you've never been to before, and you play a show, and there are people in the audience singing words that you made up in your bedroom. That is an incredible feeling, especially when those people are not only just reciting them back to you, it's like, they're this mirror, where the emotional thing that you were feeling that you put into words is actually something amazing. As a musician or a writer, that's definitely just seeing things translate and feeling that maybe you could do that for people in the same way that your favourite musicians have done that for you throughout your life.

But as far as my music journey at large, I have loved just time going by and getting a little bit older and being able to sort of be like a big sister figure to people who are at the age that I was when I started making music, any kind of like professional sense.People feel they're supposed to be anxious about getting older or time going by but to me, it's something that is so valuable and beautiful and can't be faked. It can't be rushed.

Having a length of experience that continues and grows is so special to me and being able to realise that I want to pursue more avenues than just making music but also working in music as I did a year I worked for an agile at. I worked for a year as an adjunct professor at NYU mentoring songwriting and production students. And now I work as an A&R at Secretly Group, discovering artists, developing artists, helping advocate for artists on the inside of a company like that. Just finding ways that it feels all of my experience matters good and bad. All the bad experiences that I had throughout my 20s I feel I've found a way to channel those things to really mean something for other people.

Sometimes in the moment, when things are either going good or bad, it's hard to see the value in them and it does take time for things to review reveal sort of their, their meaning or their value. Being able to sort of be like a shoulder and a voice of reason and a big sister and a mentor or whatever to people now is so fun and valuable to me. I wish I had somebody like that when I was younger. To be able to be a support system for other people is amazing.

Things you can't live without in your bag.

  1. A notebook. But not a regular notebook. It has to be a notebook that is like a monthly calendar kind of thing for the year because I really don't do well with Google Calendar. Only remember that I have to do things if I break them down. And also lyrics and stuff like that. I think I'm a lot more creative when there's some tactility to my actual writing and you can physically cross things out or you can kind of keep building by adding words to things. I just feel like there's a tactility to words themselves even the sounds that words make and especially as singers, vocalist, lyricist, whatever. There can be a disconnect in the tactility of words, if you're typing them. You can actually feel the shape of words when you're writing out letters in the same way that you can feel the shape of them in your mouth. That makes sense. No, that's crazy.

  2. What else do I like to have in my bag? I also shades because sometimes you need to be incognito. I often, go to coffee places or get food by myself. You have to kind of be in your own little forcefield world. So shades for sure.

  3. My phone? I hate to say it but how else are we going to record voice memos. I did use to have a cassette recorder and maybe that's cooler. I do like to talk about anti social media. It's nice to have mediums of recording that will also distract you with all the other bullshit that's on your phone.

  4. But maybe most importantly; two types of cards, a regular classic deck of cards, and a deck of monopoly deal. I've been playing cards, especially in the morning with another person. It’s a very centering thing that just feels really meditative. I used to use tarot cards a lot, but now I like to play Monopoly deal. I highly recommend it as something that’s slightly escapist, but not as bad as sprawling bad things.

Connect with Samantha on Instagram

Music Links

Artist Spotlight: Nonô

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We are excited to feature Nonô for this month’s Artist Spotlight. The London-based artist from Rio, Brazil, has been described by NME as "a rising talent ready to become your new favourite artist”.

Nonô has over 200 million streams and has been championed on BBC Radio 1, with notable press support from NME 100, CLASH and Line Of Best Fit. Her single 'Domingo' heated up the summer with her club mix of dance-pop and Brazilian vibes.

Can you share a memorable experience that has significantly influenced your music?

A memorable experience that definitely has shaped my music is going on tour supporting ‘Example’ in 2022. That experience of being on stage every day really taught me a lot about what kind of music I wanted to make and how I wanted to make people feel - because it's a such a high pace energy environment that I just wanted everyone to have fun. I wanted that feeling of the live shows to translate into my music or everything that I was creating.

So after the shows I knew exactly where I wanted to go with my music; how to turn up the BPM, or to make (my music) more electronic. I feel that my shows are my favourite part of doing music. So yeah, definitely going on tour was the most memorable experience that has influenced my music

What's the one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were just starting out as a singer and songwriter?

A piece of advice that I would give to emerging artists is something that I'm also trying to tell myself. It just gets a lot, you know, when you're creating every day, and then you're also having to create content every day. And besides the songs, the marketing the content, you have to stay positive.

So besides not giving up is try to tune out the noise and try not to compare your journey to other people. My whole life, I grew up reading biographies. And something that really hurt me was when I was comparing my journey to all these incredible artists that I had read about growing up. And when your journey isn't going exactly like theirs you start thinking that, Oh, I'm doing something wrong, or it's not going to happen. At least I do that.

I'm pretty sure there's other people out there that might feel the same way; comparing constantly comparing themselves with other people. So if I was to give an advice to anyone that is emerging, is to work hard and to follow their creative dreams. Don't compare yourself. You're on your own path, and everything happens when it’s supposed to happen. The opportunity will come you just have to be ready for it.

What’s the one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were just starting out as a singer and songwriter?

The off days are just as important as the days you’re working. If you don’t allow yourself time to relax then you will end up creating the same song or worse. You might even lose the love for the thing that made you wanna follow this journey.

Building a fanbase and getting noticed in the crowded music scene can be tough. What strategies have you found effective in connecting with your audience?

Playing live shows is the most effective way of connecting with my audience as it’s a real moment! Everybody is there to have a good time plus I can see how they react to songs and in those minutes, we are genuinely forming a connection and our own world.

If you could describe your sound in just three words, what would they be?

Free, Energetic and Vibrant.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself since stepping into the music spotlight

I always knew I was a perfectionist but I didn’t know the extent of how deranged I actually am. I will lose sleep over parts of an unfinished song or merch items that I don’t think are 100% right yet.

Describe your morning routine

if I was to describe my morning routine, it's very simple. Very simple. Very easy. Because I wake up in pain, usually because I'm not a morning person. Unfortunately, I'm very much a night person. I want to be a morning person. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate morning people, but I am not.

So I try to wake up at like eight.

I fail. Then I wake up at nine and I have a chocolate milk because I don't drink coffee. Then I start getting ready for the sessions or whatever schedule program that I have in that day.

I usually start by picking out an outfit. I just sit on the floor and contemplate my whole life for like half an hour. And then I choose an outfit. Colorful outfit, usually. Then I go brush my teeth, get my makeup on, do the hair, put on accessories, out the door, I go to the studio.

So a typical day would be going to the studio. I would wake up, have my chocolate milk, brush my teeth, get my makeup on, get the clothes that I'm wearing, colorful accessories, then out the door, run to tube or bus, go to the session, stay in the session write a banger from like eleven until 06:00 p.m..

Or eleven till 07:00 p.m.. Or twelve till six whatever the time that it takes to create a song or two, depending on what we're doing.

If your music was a color, what color would it be and why?

I think it would be bumblebee yellow as I’m always trying to emulate the vibrancy of Brazil in my music so I think yellow/ orange, quite solar tones are very fitting.

3 things you can’t live without in your bag

Walkers crisps, a jumper and my rock salt luck charm.

If you could choose a famous landmark to host the ultimate Nonô beach party, where would it be and why?

I would definitely choose Rio de Janeiro because I'm from Rio. I would choose Copacabana beach because I grew up there. It's a very famous landmark I think everybody that knows a little about Brazil knows about Copacabana. I would throw it in February or March because that's when the vibes in Brazil are at the highest point. Summer is over there so you know it's gonna be hot. And yeah, definitely Copacabana would be the place for the ultimate Nonô beach party!

Artist Spotlight: Lucy Tun

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We’re thrilled to spotlight the Burmese/British singer-songwriter, producer and DJ Lucy Tun in this month’s Artist Spotlight.

As LCYTN, she found success with her debut project 'Good Nights Bad Stories' and the glossy trap-influenced forerunning single 'Kulture Klub', which has amassed over half a million Spotify streams. She was also courted by the fashion world, having DJed for the likes of Gucci and ROTATE.

But while her music and coming-of-age story as LCYTN was mired with self-doubt, she returns as Lucy Tun: a confident turning of a new chapter as a woman, artist and storyteller.

Lucy Tun’s ‘adhd images’ taken from her Instagram account (July 10, 2023)

What one thing do you hope your fans will take away from listening to your new EP?

I hope that they get a little piece of me because a lot of the songs are quite personal. This is my first project so there is a lot of vulnerability. I hope that they'll see that and appreciate that, and relate to it. The second thing I hope for them to see or hear or take away is the idea that change is a natural process. It has been a natural process since the beginning of time. We're all changing all the time. It's something that we all go through. Because of that, it's something to not be as fearful about as you grow up.

It's okay that change happens. It's okay to change. It's okay that your friends change. It's okay that your circumstances change. It's okay that your life changes. It's natural. And you're not alone in feeling that way.

How do you balance expressing your personal experiences and emotions through your music?

Well, this project is personal. But there are some songs in there, some elements of my music which I'd say I've moved away from. I've always written about me before that. Now I'm kind of wanting to tell different stories and take influence from people I know, things I've seen, things I've dreamt. And it is also personal. I think it's like accepting that you're going to be vulnerable and you're going to be a bit exposed, and people are going to perceive you in a different way, and you can't control that. You can't control how they perceive your music; that's been really helpful, just letting go of all of that.

Your best advice for young people wanting to become music producers, singers, songwriters?

I think that there are two elements of being a musician. There's the creative part of it, and there's the not-so-creative part; the industry. Some people love being in the industry. They love networking. They love meeting people. They see it as an extension of their creativity. Some musicians hate the industry. They don't like the business side of it and the networking side. They prefer to just make music on their own or with a very small circle and not branch out any further. It can be really overwhelming. There are some musicians who probably feel like it hinders their creative process when you care too much about this side. It's this weird, like, weighing scale of balancing it. And I find that when you're starting out specifically this part, the business side, the industry side, doesn't matter.

You need to focus on finding your sound and what matters to you the most; the music you enjoy making the most. That is the first part that you should only focus on. The music industry side, the business side of things, will come later, and it will come naturally. All you should focus on first is finding your sound. You probably don't need a lot of people to do that. You just need yourself or one or two people that you really trust, and you work with creatively. That's it. Find those people.

If you had to pick one song from your new EP to introduce to your music which would it be and why?

I'd say Kulture Klub. Kulture Klub is my pop banger. It's my baby, you know? I'd love to show off my baby and be like, hey, here's my baby. It's a very cute, very poppy baby. Here you go.

If your album was a color, what color would it be and why?

Ultramarine blue or that royal blue. I feel that deep blue color is a primary colour. It feels so intense and grandiose and almost whole and perfect in a way. There are a lot of connotations with that. I want to reference something; to make the ultramarine blue color, they used this stone called Lapis Lazuli in the period of ancient Egyptians.

So this colour has been around for a really, really, really long time. And it creates this intense, perfect, primary feeling that connects to me. Because just like a primary colour, this EP is the foundation of my music as Lucy Tun, so I see the connections there. This is the primary color of my music; whatever might be my second EP, an album, or any music after that, I'll mix in this first batch of music with that color. This EP is my primary, my foundation.

We as young people feel this pressure to be perfect and to be bold and striking and interesting. We want the same feeling of being like a perfectly shined shoe. We want to be that shiny all the time. When we don't feel like that, we tend to go into really existential feelings of like, gosh what am I doing with my life, you know? I think that that blue colour really represents that perfection that us as young people always strive to be. I think as you get older, kind of becomes a little bit calmer. I don't know if that makes sense, but yeah.

What's my favourite and least favourite thing about making music?

They're both the same answer, and it's the unpredictability of making a good song. You never know when you're gonna find, like, creative inspiration to make something. It is not a nine-to-five job. I cannot sit down and be like, hey, I'm just gonna write a good song today.

I think maybe there are some people who can, but I can't. So it always comes off to something, you know, at a random time, four in the morning, 2 p.m., on the train, on the toilet, something will come, and I have to savor this, and I have to write this, and I have to make this song. It's like a pang that comes. So, you know, that's great because you always have to be open, and it can come at really great times when you need it, or it can come at the worst times when you actually need to focus on other stuff. I remember being in uni and not being able to concentrate because all I cared about was making music. So that was when it wasn't as helpful but I did write some really great music during then.

If your music had a signature dance move, what would it be?

Like.. “emotional cramping”. Intense dance movements… but there's some welling up in the eyes. That's how I imagine it. I would love that to happen at a show where people are really dancing their hearts out; they see it as an emotional release. If there are some tears there, as long as they're getting it out (I wouldn't want anyone to just cry, you know, for no reason). But sometimes you just got to let it out. That's how I would love people to kind of dance to my music as a form of release.

What are your top go-to emojis?

The crying face emoji. I always find the crying face emoji can exhibit a lot of different moods. Like I'm so happy I'm crying, or I'm so sad I'm crying, but also not in a way that's too, you know, intense. It's like… you know, unstressed crying face emoji. It can be so many different meanings. It's a very Gen Z emoji. I love it. I use it all the time and people just get it. You know?

Second one; probably a blue emoji. Maybe a blue heart. The third emoji is the safety pin because it ties in a lot with the motifs of my EP, which will be shown later.

Three things you can't live without in your bag.

Number one, my keys! That might be obvious, but I am very forgetful. Number two, lip balm. Lip balm, lip balm, lip balm. When I have dry lips, I feel like a shrivelled-up tumbleweed in the desert.

It's a must. There are so many situations where even just putting on lip balm - emotionally and mentally - it does so much for me because I feel secure. So lip balm.

Number three probably blush. I wear a lot of blush. I love blush. I'm wearing blush right now. I feel a bit dead without blush.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Time travel, time travel.

I would love to like experience the past and see how it's shaped the present and also see the future. That would be amazing to be able to just travel between all of that. That would be incredible, BUT without messing anything up.

Okay, well thank you so much and have a good day.

Artist Spotlight: L U C I I A

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The shesaid.so Artist Spotlight is a series where we highlight new artists from our global community that you should keep an eye on. If you’re interested in submtting yourself or your artist please contact us at hello@shesaid.so

We're excited to feature Cuban/Swedish Grammy-nominated artist LUCIIA for our next #shesaidso Artist Spotlight. LUCIIA has opened for Coldplay in Sweden this month and has been championed by top tastemakers, including BBC Radio London, Vogue Scandinavia, Reprezent Radio, Rinse and many more. She has been working with Grammy-winning producers and songwriters in the US and UK and forged her sound, where classic 90s R&B blends with the future. Watch our video with LUCIIA, read our Q&A and listen to her single 'Same Thing New Man' 🎶.

If you had to describe your music using only three words, what would they be and why?

Nostaligic, Pain & Clarity

My sound takes you back to 00-90s R&B, I tell stories that have been hidden inside me for to long and releasing them hurts but gives me complete clarity at the same time.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Khamari (on repeat 24/7) wait? Have you heard his music? He is so sick, probably one of the best in R&B right now! 

As an artist, what message or emotion do you hope to convey through your music?

Comfort. I want people not to feel like they are alone. I felt lonely all my life until recently, music saved me. I hope my stories can help others the same way. 

If your new single was a movie, who would star in it what would the movie genre be?

Drama. Teyana Taylor 

If you had to describe your music using three emojis, which ones would you choose and why?

I sing about all the feels, what you need and when you need it 

Artist Spotlight: Arlissa

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LA-based singer and model Arlissa (born in Germany but raised in South London), has risen to international stardom as a pop artist. Despite pressure from her previous label, she now embraces her independence to pursue her sound on her own terms. As a proud bisexual, Arlissa is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and recently participated in Spotify's GLOW sessions, collaborating with various artists and speaking on a panel.

Arlissa has written and performed on “We Won’t Move” from the critically acclaimed movie 'The Hate U Give', BTS’s “Spring Day”, Zayne’s comeback hit “Flames”, and “Eyes Off You” for Ariana Grande’s soundtrack for Charlie’s Angels.  She’s previously collaborated with Homeschool, Duckworth, Bartees Strange, Kiana Ledé and Jonas Blue. She’s ready now for the world  to hear her at her most authentic and vulnerable debut album 'The Open Hearted'.

What’s the story behind your debut album, ‘The Open Hearted’?

It was originally called “The Broken-hearted”, but shortly after finishing it, I experienced two huge heartbreaks. The ending of my marriage and a relationship after. I had never been single and knew it was time for me to give my love to myself instead of so freely to others. I’ve never been afraid of loving others but never learnt to love myself. So I changed the title to The Open-Hearted, and it’s really about claiming and honoring myself and my feelings throughout heartbreak. I’ve always been so quick to put others before myself and invalidate my own experience to create as much safety for others. This album is about claiming my power as a human who has experienced hurt in a multitude of ways. And knowing love is never lost. When you find it in yourself again, it follows you everywhere you go.

If you had to pick one song from your new album to introduce someone to your new release, which one would it be and why? 

I would struggle with to pick one song because the album is completely eclectic and each song shows a different side to me which is what I love most about it.

If your new album was a movie, who would star in it, and what genre would it be?

Laura harrier because yes. And it would be a psychological thriller cat and mouse game. 

What’s the most unexpected place you've found inspiration for a song? 

You can literally find inspiration anywhere. Nowhere is unexpected because writing songs is really just channelling from source energy and transmuting it through your own lense and experience…hopefully that makes sense. 

What’s the most important lesson you've learned in your music career

To trust yourself no matter who tells you otherwise. You’re the only one who has to live with the choices you make. So make sure you’re making the best one that’s in alignment to what you’re trying to achieve.  If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The power to not over think. I think we would be limitless without our own self imposed limiting beliefs. 

How do you stay grounded and focused on your music amidst all the attention and recognition? 

I just do what feels good to my body and what pleases me. If you focus and put too much emphasis on the good praise, you rely on that for your dopamine and the moment you reach a dry spell or not as much praise and you expected you’ll be unable yo make your own dopamine. That’s why I just chill and do whatever makes me feel good regardless of what attention comes my way. 

How do you balance expressing your personal experiences and emotions through your music while also connecting with a wider audience

- I just channel and write what helps me understand myself and my feelings, if people like it, that’s a bonus, but I do it for myself first. It’s the only way. Otherwise you’re chasing 10000s of different audiences because we are all so different, we’re not going to love everything so make sure you love what you’re doing first. 


3 values that guide your life 

- Choosing kindness

- Resting without guilt or shame 

- And trusting my intuition 

Tips for finding your creativity on a tough day 

Don’t force it just flow, make yourself a nice snack and do something that you enjoy. If you can’t find something creative to do, celebrate the fact that you are creation itself and love on yourself. The flow will come when it’s meant to. 

Favorite song/music to wake up to

At the moment it’s algo contigo by Rita payes and Elisabeth roma 

'The Open-Hearted' album will be released on June 23, 2023.

Elkka's DJ-Kicks Mix Takes Listeners on a Colorful Journey Through Dance Music

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Elkka is a Cardiff-born DJ and producer based in London. She has released music on labels such as Technicolour, Ninja Tune, and her own label and party femme culture. In 2021, Elkka was awarded BBC's Essential Mix of the Year, showcasing her blend of classic house, breakbeat, and experimental electronica.

Elkka's music is inspired by her deep intuition and communicates feelings that are difficult to put into words. She champions the LGBTQ+ community and women in her music and believes in self-acceptance and community building. She is the next curator of DJ-Kicks - a mix that takes listeners on an intoxicating journey through Chicago house, disco, leftfield techno, and UK bass. Her mix, out this Wednesday, April 26 via K7 records, is a celebration of everything she loves and is a brightly-hued universe for listeners to get lost in."

Watch our Q&A with Elkka across our socials or below for more insights into her music.

Celebrating Iranian Artistry

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At shesaid.so, we are committed to providing a platform for individuals of different cultures and backgrounds in music to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives and to inspire and encourage others. shesaid.so stands in solidarity with the Iranian people in their fight for freedom, justice, and equality and want to use our community to continue spreading awareness of the current revolution in Iran. We hope to do this by shining a light on Iranian talent from our community and by sharing resources via organizations that are actively working to support human rights in Iran.

Maryam Mirbagheri

Maryam Mirbagheri, aka “Maryama”, is an award-winning Iranian American composer/performer/music producer currently residing in Los Angeles, California.

In recent years, Maryama has worked with well-known figures such as Deborah Lavine and Michaell Skloff and has risen to prominence by scoring the music for the short dramatic thriller Forbidden and The Gift, directed by notable Iranian Director Farbod Ardebili.

Her work has earned her much recognition; Her 2014 single In Zendegist and 2017 single Sufi were both nominated for a Hollywood Music Media Award, and she has won the Jazz Downbeat Award with ARC vocal jazz ensemble. Her 2017 debut album, Where the Mermaids Are (mixed and mastered by GRAMMY award-winning producers Marc Urselli and Scott Hull), won the California Video Music Award in 2018.

Mirbagheri is working with Universal Music Group and is a proud member of shesaid.so and She Is The Music.

Visit her official website HERE to learn more and to listen to Maryam Mirbagheri's works.

Obscenity State

Nilly Brook, known as Obscenity State, is an up-and-coming artist, musician, and producer who mesmerizes listeners with her innovative mix of electronica, grand sound design, melodious compositions, and entrancing dance beats. Born into a family fractured by the Iranian revolution, Nilly became highly conscious of the various forms of power abuse. In her quest for understanding, she studied art, global politics, animation, and music at Central Saint Martins, the School of Oriental and African Studies, and the London College of Music. This educational journey, combined with her own experiences, led to the creation of Obscenity State's captivating live audio-visual show, featuring abstract and subversive animations and the grandeur of light to engage and transport the audience into her unique world.

Nilly announced a brand new release with the arrival of her debut single 'Moke Lake', lifted from her debut EP due in January 2023.

"This is an energetic electronic dance track, explores self-discovery through the merging of sound and vision. The cascading melodic synthesis, expansive sound design and psychedelic, overlapping sequences hypnotically immerse you into my alternative world. Weaving throughout are the evocative chants of a Persian Avaz master, a female performer prohibited from singing in public since the revolution of ’79. Of Iranian heritage myself, stemming from a persecuted minority, I have built a digital world to reflect my sense of isolation and driving determination to confront revolutions past and present through the exploration of new identities."

Find out more about Obscenity State on her website.

Tania Atyabi

Photo credit: Graham Hudson.

Tania is a DJ, model and digital marketer. She’s a regular on the London club circuit, UK festivals, and radio shows and has plenty of future projects in the works, including creating original music in her home studio. Tania is proficient in Farsi and usually travels to Iran yearly, but the pandemic and consequent civil unrest have hindered her from doing so for a while. Still, she has kept in contact with her family in Iran, who have been informing her of the hardships they have to deal with on a daily basis.

"Throughout my life, I have seen the impact of oppression against women first-hand, as most of my family out there are women. The basic freedoms that we take for granted on a daily basis are little to none in their lives, and there are generations of people who have never experienced any difference, as it's been four decades since the regime has had control over the country.

I believe we may, at last, be on the cusp of a revolution which is exciting but also extremely worrying. I think it's a critically important time for people outside of Iran to unite and show our support for not only women but also the LGBTQ+ community in Iran, who continue to suffer at the hands of the patriarchal regime. One of my DJ mixes (Eggs of Asia on AAJA Radio) is a show dedicated to Iranian people; please check that out as the second half of the show presents a beautiful curation of music produced by Iranian women and non-binary people." Tania Atyabi

Find Tania on Soundcloud and Instagram

SHIVARASA

Iranian-American producer, DJ, and sound healer Shivarasa (formerly known as Shiva) has been bridging the underground to the mainstream effortlessly, establishing a solid presence in a male-dominated industry. She infuses elements of global bass, electronic, Middle Eastern music, hip hop and ambient soundscapes into her work. 

Shivarasa has performed alongside some of the biggest names in the music world, including CeeLo Green, Nas and Damien Marley, Cypress Hill, and Snoop Dogg as well as for spiritual teachers such as Abraham Hicks, Panache Desai, Michael Beckwith, The Agape International Spiritual Center, Kyle Cease, Peter Diamandis, and XPRIZE.

Inspired by her own wellness journey and passion for personal evolution, Shiva has given birth to RETURN TO SOUND, a meditative bass experience. Bringing meditation music into a new era with bass as a backbone, Shiva takes you on a fully immersive sonic journey that inspires deep relaxation, trance states, and an opportunity to observe within. You can find out more about her work HERE.

Iran: Critical Situation

At shesaid.so we believe it is essential to give a platform to marginalized communities and to those fighting for their rights. We want to use our community to continue spreading awareness of the current revolution in Iran. We hope to do this by shining a light on Iranian talent from our community and by sharing resources via organizations that are actively working to support human rights in Iran.

In September 2022, Mahsa Jina Amini, a Kurdish/Iranian woman, was arrested by Iran’s morality police for her alleged noncompliance with the country’s Islamic dress code. Three days later, she died in police custody. Amini’s death sparked widespread protests over the last few months.

Thousands have been detained throughout the country for joining peaceful protests. At least six people connected to the protests have been sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh or “waging war against God”, or efsad-e fel-arz or “corruption on earth”. At the same time, a growing number of people, including Iranian celebrities and sports people who have expressed support for the protests, have been summoned or arrested.

"The rising number of deaths from protests in Iran, including those of two children at the weekend, and the hardening of the response by security forces, underline the critical situation in the country. We urge the authorities to address people’s demands for equality, dignity and rights – instead of using unnecessary or disproportionate force to suppress the protests. The lack of accountability for gross human rights violations in Iran remains persistent and is contributing to the growing grievances."

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk

Source: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2022/11/iran-critical-situation

To support the people of Iran:

Donate to The Centre for Human Rights in Iran; an independent, not-for-profit organisation made up of researchers, activists and journalists: https://iranhumanrights.org/what_we_do/

Donate to The Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights in Iran, a platform for victims of human rights violations. Find out more:

https://www.iranrights.org/donate

Check more resources at https://mideastmatters.carrd.co/

Artist Spotlight: PortraitXO

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The shesaid.so Artist Spotlight is a monthly series where we highlight new artists from our global community that you should keep an eye on. If you’re interested in submitting yourself or your artist please contact us at hello@shesaid.so

Photo Credit Dan Gorelick

Rania, aka, PortraitXO, is a singer-songwriter, and visual artist, most known for her hybrid music and installation art. In December 2019, she was awarded the AI Mozart prize at Beats & Bits – the world’s first Artificial Intelligence music competition, and in March 2020 she had an artist residency with Sonar+D x Factory Berlin. This year she releases her debut AI album ‘Wire’ from NFT to vinyl on December 9th after premiering it at SXSW as an official artist. As well as all this, Portrait XO plays an active role in many communities, and is the creative director of SOUND OBSESSED, a hybrid arts community working at the intersection of art, sound, science and emerging technologies. We were lucky enough to have Portrait XO perform at our shesaid.so space (in partnership with ZORA) during Amsterdam Dance Event, and wanted to share some of her insights with you. 

shesaid.so: Tell us more about your artist journey and how your sound has developed to where it is today? 

My musical journey started from a young age when I learned classical piano and violin from 4-15 years old playing in recitals,  orchestras, and conservatories in LA.  I decided to stop when my piano instructor wanted to start preparing me for Juilliard and increase classes & practice hours per week.  I never felt called to pursue a career as a classical pianist.  At around 6 yrs old I fell in love with jazz one day when I was with my mom walking past a restaurant and an old lady was playing jazz piano.  My mom never allowed me to learn what I wanted because she was so strict about me learning classical music.  Since then, my relationship with music has been complicated.  It took me a while to figure my own journey from learning how to write and produce my own music to eventually taking vocal lessons.  I consider myself a late bloomer with my artistic journey because I never felt fully satisfied just expressing through music.  In school, I excelled at creative writing, drawing, painting, and music.  Because I didn’t have any role models to guide me, I tried my best to use my intuition to guide my decisions of what I wanted to do in life. Bjork and Radiohead were such big inspirations for me and they set the bar so high in my head that I wished to one day be able to express myself as fully as they do.  I used to do behind the scenes work in the music industry to get a feel for how everything worked from being a session musician to teaching private piano lessons and co-producing and co-writing with other music producers and artists.  Now looking back, I was desperate to break free from form all throughout my youth.  I got jaded pretty quickly from the pop music industry in LA from the way I was treated back then and never felt connected as deeply to the music I was hearing and writing until I discovered trip hop in the 90’s.  I became obsessed with UK music and moved to London from 2006-2015.  It was the most expensive decision I ever made but was worth everything because it was such an eye-opener for me and I grew so much more in ways I never would’ve otherwise.  Not through school, not through my peers or other influences around me.  I grew not just artistically but I learned a lot more about myself and my identity crises I didn’t know I was having while deprogramming how I was socially conditioned that was toxic while perceiving my past from the other side of the world. 

PortraitXO

The dissonance and hardship I felt growing up in E. LA from the systemic racism to generational trauma that is so deeply rooted in the entertainment industry became crystal clear after I moved away.  It’s not to say that I didn’t like any of the music I heard growing up in LA, I just felt a deeper pull to the UK because I fell in love with electronic music production that moved me so deeply.  I became obsessed with hunting for sounds I’ve never heard. 

The darker and quirkier the sounds were, I felt parts of me releasing through sound – traumatic parts of my past that were trying to seek catharsis for healing.  I never knew music could do that.  And it’s such a paradox, how music can be so healing and powerful at the same time, the artistic journey can be so challenging sometimes.  Making music and sound is such an intricate journey for me.  The more complex my feelings are that I want to articulate, the longer I have to take sometimes to play with sounds until I feel they align with whatever it is I’m trying to express.  Whatever I can’t articulate with words or imagery, I turn to sound.  Music helps me communicate what can’t be spoken, written, or drawn, but felt only through sound.  

I hit a creative depression at some point because I wasn’t happy with anything I was creating while living back in LA between 2015-2018.  I was always into looking for new tools and instruments for inspiration to help me break out of ruts.  Around 2015, I met CJ Carr (½ of Dadabots) and since then my life has never been the same.  He was knee deep in his AI for music research and started talking to me about the future of AI and music.  It was so abstract to me at the time, I couldn’t imagine what anything AI generated could sound like.  I was in LA from 2015-2018 before I moved to Berlin and for 1 yr I decided to write as much as I could.  I wrote over 200 songs in a year and was happy with maybe 5% of it.  When CJ and I collaborated during our artist residency at Factory Berlin x Sonar+D from 2019-2020, we decided to use 1 hr of my recorded vocals as the training dataset for our first AI audio experiment.  I handpicked recordings of my singing from unreleased music I liked and whatever I had released up to that point.  In 2 ½ days, CJ trained this recording of my voice into his custom AI SampleRNN model and generated 10 hours of new audio for me to play with.  I had no idea what to expect and allowed myself to surrender completely to these strange outputs that led to discovering a process I fell in love we call ‘neural vocal duet’ – a co-creation of writing lyrics and melodies with my AI ‘other’ voice.  This is what gave birth to my AI audiovisual album ‘WIRE’ that is releasing this December.  It was originally supposed to release in 2020 but after the pandemic hit, I lost energy and decided to pause everything.  I got introduced to Thomas Haferlach who started pollinations.ai and ended up spending most of my lockdowns experimenting with these exciting new open source AI models that helped me create all the visuals I now perform live with, and music videos that will be releasing soon.  My obsession with human-machine collaboration that started from being a music gear junkie from instruments to plugins has grown even deeper with the unlimited potential of AI tools opening new forms of expression.  While I don’t feel like I need AI to be a better artist or producer, I always love discovering new tools that push my boundaries and enhance the way I craft my work.  It’s important that I keep evolving and continue trying new approaches to stay inspired and allow curiosity to lead me to new places I never imagined.  

shesaid.so: When did you start connecting visuals to your music?  

I’ve always been inspired by visuals in some way.  Sometimes while I write music, I write to a scene in my head, or a movie that has a soundtrack or theme I love.  And these scenes are based on personal stories of me and people I’ve encountered who left emotional experiences that trigger me to write about them.  My artist name is actually derived from finding my creative process similar to a portrait painter.  As painters use a canvas, paint, and brush to make a portrait of their subject, it’s the same way I approach songwriting and music making.  When I have finished pieces of music, I immediately need to have visuals that match the music to help complete the storytelling.  I’m also pretty introverted onstage as I am offstage and fell in and out of love with performing because I never enjoyed having bright spotlights on my face onstage.  Since I started performing with visuals, I’ve fallen back in love with performing again.  Visuals to me are just as important as the music.  And I really need the visuals to enhance the music, if they don’t match I don’t feel satisfied.  I want my art and music to be the focus of my performances and give people immersive concerts where they can experience what feels like a journey of many movements.  

shesaid.so: Why did you make the decision to move to Berlin, and how have you found living and creating from there?

I have a tendency to fall in love with people’s stories I admire.  I love David Bowie’s legacy as a creator who was so immersed in expressing himself in so many ways.  I remember falling even more in love with his artistic journey when I went to his exhibition at V&A in London.  The way he expressed himself through fashion, acting, and music was so inspiring.  His period living in Berlin was really intriguing.   I also loved the collaboration he did with Ty Roberts who created the software for Bowie to randomize new words called ‘Verbasizer’.  After I moved out of London, I was interested in Berlin and a small handful of my friends who already lived here convinced me to move.  It was an easy decision for me because 2015-2018 in LA was my second shot of testing myself to see if I can imagine living there again and I felt more drawn to Europe’s way of living and socializing that make me feel more connected.  I also need to be in places that help me feel creatively inspired.  I love that in Berlin no one cares who you are or what you’ve done or been in the past.  You can find the most avant-garde art experiments to higher end produced work and I love experiencing it all.  There’s no paparazzi culture in Europe that influences the way people create their art and music.  There’s way less focus on commercial success which I think is a crucial headspace to be in to create authentically.  I love the public discourse in Europe about art in general, how much is considered in the process of creating.  

AI Self-Portrait

shesaid.so: What do you think are some of the misconceptions people may have about Web3 and creativity? 

I think a lot of people feel put off by ‘crypto bros’ and see NFTs and web 3.0 stuff as temporary hype that’s dying out.  Also because there’s a type of large scale generative art that happened in the first big wave of NFTs that made people associate NFTs not as ‘real art’ but more as visual symbols to be part of this crypto art movement and communities.  There’s still some negative feelings being thrown at people doing any kind of creative work on chain.  I mean, it’s all just software that functions differently to ‘web 2.0’ because the fundamental basis of the technology makes everything transparent, shared, and visible.  All these tools on chain open a lot of interesting questions which aren't really yes or no to do anything in Web 3.0, but in what context does it make sense to do things on chain that we can’t do in Web 2.0.  Like social media I think makes so much sense to be decentralised e.g. LensProtocol.  I love what arpeggi.io is doing - a DAW in Web 3.0 which opens an interesting new way to share stems, create, and share music.  I get triggered when anyone refers to me as a ‘NFT artist’ or ‘Web 3.0’ artist. 

Technology doesn’t define me, I use a lot of different tools for creation from piano, painting, to synths, 3D art, and AI.  It’s so weird that we even have this terminology ‘NFT artist’.  When we started transacting using paypal to buy and sell goods, if you were doing this with art, we never called ourselves ‘paypal artist’ so it’s weird to me.  Like if I was to make music primarily with synths, I’d never call myself a ‘synth artist’.  I’m an artist who makes music and art with a lot of different mediums.

As for Web 3.0, I’m enjoying experimenting and exploring what we can do with new tools that are opening up.  I love going to hackathons and having conversations with people in cryptography to better understand the limitations and possibilities of new technology.  I teamed up with someone new at ETHBerlin recently and won a little award from one of the sponsors - LensProtocol.  We’re about to kick off a little game there soon.  I love learning about emerging technologies as they happen, it’s inspiring to witness and be involved in early experiments because continuous experimentation is what keeps me inspired to create in new ways.  I never want to be pigeonholed or feel boxed into any set ways of creating.  I think it’s good to stay curious and keep our brains active.  

Portrait XO and Richie Hawtin at the ADE 2022 shesaid.so official space

As part of Refraction Festival DAO, SOUND OBSESSED received some grant funding to build a sonic innovation archive which I’m excited about.  We’ve been working with a developer and will be launching the first collection on November 18th using ZORA.  This archive will feature innovative works in and for sound featuring sound artists, musicians, scientists, and robotics engineers.  I’m really excited about creating a new space that will celebrate these exciting movements at this intersection of art, music, science, and technology.  What started as my personal collection of the most inspiring people I’ve met throughout my journey, I’m excited that there will be a home now where I hope will serve to be a way to celebrate the painful and inspiring process of innovation, and also involve more people to be part of the journey to learn about interesting alternative ways to create.  I hope this to be the beginning of what will eventually become a book and expand to involve more people I have yet to meet.  There will be 2 parts of this sonic innovation archive that celebrates the innovators who build new tools, and the validators who create with these new tools and/or integrate them with other tools/their workflow in interesting ways.  

shesaid.so: For musicians interested in collaborating with AI, whether for visuals or sound, are there some tools which you could recommend for them getting started, which are fairly accessible?

Yes, I have 2 published documents on my website https://portraitxo.space/AI-Song-Contest-2021 and https://portraitxo.space/EXPRESS-MINE that feature my workflow, links to tools, and audio examples people are free to download and use however they’d like.  I just ask people to share how they integrate any of my material cause I’m always curious if they do get used and how.  There’s also Dubler by Vochlea that has a smart AI calibration system that allows your voice to be calibrated to their software allowing you to compose from your voice straight to MIDI real-time that works really well.  There’s an amazing new real-time AI audio synthesis plugin for Ableton my friend Moisés Horta Valenzuela created that is releasing soon that’s been really fun.  I’m really into creating instruments from my own datasets so if anyone wants to try a similar approach, the 2 links I provided is how I first experimented creating my own instruments without knowing how to code and using google colab notebooks.  A few months ago, google released a DDSP-VST that now allows people to create their own instrument and do real-time tone transfer with a plugin: https://magenta.tensorflow.org/ddsp-vst.  Examples: https://sites.research.google/tonetransfer.  I haven’t played with a lot of the MIDI related AI stuff mainly because I love working with raw audio.  I love the glitches and morphing that happens.  

shesaid.so: Who are some of the creatives inspiring you at the moment?

Bjork continues to be an inspiration, the level of details that goes into everything she does from what she wears to how she writes and performs.  I just love how she builds entire worlds around her music.  I also love James Blake, FKA Twigs, Joy Orbison, Max Cooper, Floating Points, and have been listening to Jon Hopkins and Aphex Twin a lot again recently.  

shesaid.so: Your work really brings together the worlds of art and technology. Did you always have a brain that was drawn to science and creativity, or has one come more naturally to you?

Photo Credit Factory Berlin

I wasn’t good at all science classes, but somehow I excelled in physiology.  When it came to drawing internal and external human anatomy, I always created really detailed drawings and I was able to hold everything I learned because it was all so fascinating.  I couldn’t get my head around chemistry because it was just too abstract for me.  But the way our human bodies work is so interesting.  I think if I didn’t do music, I would’ve pursued physiology or neuroscience.  My music artist friend Simonne Jones who happens to have a scientific background phrased it once so elegantly, ‘science is art, and art is science’.  I wasn’t always so scientific as a music artist, but the more I became involved and interested in science, the better it helped me create sonically and visually.  I’ve found that the better I understand how things work (the science of how everything works), I can break everything down and get really granular.  I think I’ve become more detailed with how I work because understanding how scientists work with doubt has helped me approach doubt and my own processes in helpful ways that pull me out of getting into existential crises when I feel a creative block like most artists do.  I’m constantly on a search to discover where humanity lies between art and technology.  Scientific methods help me with my ongoing research in different fields of interest, art helps me translate new discoveries, and technology helps me create experiences that translate science into art.  Music is the glue that binds everything and translates emotions and unexplainable aspects of life.  And when you break everything down to its core, everything has a frequency - colors, sounds, flavors, smells, feelings, thoughts, energies, temperature, and even our memories - frequencies beyond sound.

shesaid.so: We’re nearing the end of 2022 which has been a busy year for you! What are you excited about bringing to life next year?

I’m excited about new projects for next year, a lot of new collaborations have been building and forming this year.  I’m looking forward to spending this winter creating new work inspired by everything I’ve soaked up from this year.  It’s been so intense to go from 0 to 1000 but I’ve loved it all so much.  It’s been such an isolating few years for me so connecting with people IRL has brought me back to life.  I can’t wait to release new work next year and would like to tour more.  New things I want to create keep getting added to my ever growing to do list, but I’m really excited I get to collaborate with some really amazing artists and scientists that will be releasing/launching next year.  

shesaid.so: shesaid.so is a community guided by intersectionality. In your opinion, how could the music industry do better in terms of inclusivity? 

Mindfulness and staying curious instead of assuming would be a great place to start all conversations.  Educating each other about the challenges of being part of the industry and helping each other grow in ways that’s emotionally supportive is something I wish I had when I was figuring things out.  I have my own set of traumas from the industry and I stepped away from the music industry for a while to heal and build myself up again.  Having open spaces that allow hardships to be expressed and feel heard and supported is a really great thing to have.  I hope these types of activations continue to be present at events and festivals to be openly talked about.  Having public discourse about really difficult topics is a great way to let people know that they aren’t alone. 

shesaid.so: How have communities played a role in your development as an artist?

While I never felt like I was part of any big community, I have a small pool of people that are like family to me.  I don’t know where I’d be without them and they are my community.  I have ADHD and am constantly working nonstop.  Sometimes I don’t know when or how to stop taking on new work, especially if they’re really exciting and fun.  Because I take on a lot of work, I don’t have a lot of time to spend with a large amount of people on a regular basis.  I divide my time working alone intensely, collaborating with other artists/producers, or on the road at events/festivals.  I have a small community of artists, mentors, and friends who are my backbone to get through really difficult times.  I try my best to give back to communities in whatever ways I can when I have time for it because I think accessibility to new tools is important, especially to groups of communities that would even know about how to access new tools when they emerge.    

shesaid.so: what do you think are the successful ingredients to build a strong community? 

Being able to hold space for each other in times of need.  Being able to feel seen, heard, and supported.  Having shared values.  Manifesto and code of conduct that everyone respects e.g. no homophobia, no sexism, etc.  

Portrait XO at SXSW 2022

shesaid.so: And finally, could you share a few bullet-point top tips for artists just starting out? What would you have loved to hear?

You don’t need the validation of everyone.  Find someone who can be your mentor to guide parts of your journey.  Not everyone will look after your best interest so build a strong community even if it’s just a small number of like-minded friends who are also aiming for similar goals and support each other.  Create goals not plans because plans will always change and learn how to reward every effort instead of seeking gratification from awards, prizes, fame, and anything that’s out of your control.  Filter out opinions because everyone has an opinion.  Be selective with who you ask for constructive feedback when you need it, and ask for it from the right people that are relevant to what you feel will help you.  Getting constructive feedback is very different to asking a random person if they like your work or not.  It’s more valuable to get feedback that’s helpful from someone who is more experienced at what you want to achieve to understand what you can improve/better, and what you’re doing really well in.  But even more experienced people are often times changing and evolving.  It’s a long journey, so staying focused on processes that keep you excited is crucial. 

Journal every part of your journey and celebrate every time you grow and expand and make growth your prime way to feel fulfilled.  If you don’t feel like you’re growing, ask why, and get really granular with understanding what you need help with to move forward.  Journaling is not only the best form of therapy, but it’ll help keep track of your own progress so you can mentally reward your efforts. 

When you do what you love consistently and keep sharing, things do happen over time.  But when the time to go happens, I don’t think anything can really prepare you for the extreme propelling movements that can be really overwhelming.  So having supportive people and mental work like meditating and journaling can help feel grounded when things feel shaky.  The higher the exciting times can lead to feeling really ungrounded after with massive comedowns.  Sit in testing times to feel the ground and breathe, stay in the mental state of gratitude for all the challenges and ask what are the lessons from them.  Accept that what works for you now will and most likely change; continuously evolving and changing is exciting.  And the timeline of when and how things take shape is unpredictable, so learning how to be patient is also vital.  When there are moments of frustration because something isn’t working out the way you thought you wanted, surrender your thoughts into writing and let it all go.  There are always new opportunities and life does support your dreams, just not the way you ever imagined or expect them to happen.  

Check out Portrait XO’s NFT to Vinyl campaign here:

https://marketplace.twlvxtwlv.com/campaign/PortraitXO

Official promo video for Portrait XO’s NFT to Vinyl campaign

Stay up to date with PortraitXO through her social handles, bandcamp and via the following discord channels:

www.portraitxo.space

instagram.com/portraitxo

twitter.com/portraitxo