Carolyn Lederach 10/21/20 Carolyn Lederach 10/21/20

QUARANTINE PROFILE: Handsome Ghost

We’ve launch a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Last month Handsome Ghost made a return with their latest album, Some Still Morning. It's the perfect album to launch us into the Fall season. Some Still Morning’s easy listening styling gives us a perfect embrace for the chilly weather and darker days. Scroll down to have a listen to the new album and check out our chat with Tim & Eddie to see how they’ve been spending lockdown.

Handsome Ghost Online: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

What’s a puzzle you’ve completed during quarantine?

I did one with a bunch of people reading novels that had slight puns or twists on the titles. I don't remember many of them, but Henry Snotter stuck with me... There was also a cat reading The Great Catsby. How charming.

What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?

I got really into making Korean food, especially since I haven't been able to see my parents too much recently because of the pandemic. Most recently was some tteokbokki, which is a dish of little chewy rices in a spicy chili sauce.

What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?

Recently I've been diving deep into the old classics from my younger years. Been digging into songs that I hadn't listened to for years like "Good" by Better Than Ezra, or "Possum Kingdom" by the Toadies. All the old hits I'd forgotten about.

Something keeping Handsome Ghost sane right now: We went on a bunch of sunrise walks to take photos with Echo the dog, also the star of the "Funeral" music video. She's a sweet sweet little lady, and the walks really help keep us grounded.

What’s something you miss the most right now?

We just put out our record Some Still Morning Sept 18th... Usually around any release we'd be taking the songs on the road for a tour. I miss playing shows and meeting people around the country.

Go to quarantine snack:

Lots of beer.

What is keeping you happy?

Cats, dogs and videos on the internet of cats and dogs.

Handsome Ghost · Some Still Morning

Photo Ladies 10/19/20 Photo Ladies 10/19/20

INTERVIEW: Keeana Kee

KeeanaKee Photo Credit Arkady Gluhih.jpg — Keeana Kee

The Photo Ladies Interview

Although she loved music as a child, it wasn't until a modeling career exposed her to the world and gave her the confidence and income to pursue her dreams that Latvian-born artist Keeana Kee decided to pursue a career as a singer.

Having written her first song in Latvia at the age of 10, she grew up idolizing artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and later on, Rhianna and Sia. She spent her teen years in London, pursuing her modeling career and honing her singing and songwriting skills as part of a cover band. Her modeling career then took her to Milan and Paris before she relocated to New York in 2016. With a breezy, tropical vibe the radiates throughout her music, Kee's first hit came in 2016. A collaboration in Miami with famed Latin Grammy Award-winning producer Maffio resulted in her tropical, breezy hit "Coconut Rum and Coke". Although she was discouraged to do so, Kee came out as gay and emphasized the importance of staying true to herself. Her video for "Coconut Rum and Coke" showcased a woman as her love interest and established her passionate support for the LGBTQI community. Her indomitable spirit to empower others to be their true selves, even if it goes against the expectations of others, is a mission for her. Kee has also worked with some of the leading DJs, remixers and producers in the world, including Dirty Disco (“Shoot Me Up”), Yence500 (“Genius”) and Luca Bisori (Deep Vibes remix of “Coconut Rum and Coke”) as well as featuring Latin rapper Kid G on “Open Arms.” “I have great relationships with producers and DJs, so we keep on working on new projects together. It’s like a family,” she says. Just as important to Keeana as her music is giving back to the community, especially her membership in ISINA, Inc., a music talent search and mentoring program with producer Walter Afanasieff, Kenny G., Humberto Garcia and Paul Oakenfold. Turns out Afanasieff, who famously worked with Mariah Carey, heard her song, “Let’s Make Love” and wanted to be introduced to Kee. “Meeting Walter was unbelievable. He’s a legend and I was so honored to be part of it. I may not be a great example right now, but I hope my determination and hard work, never giving up, is inspiring to anyone who wants to make it in this business,” says Kee. Recently we saw the premiere of Kee's latest single and video for "Sweet Heaven", which offers a veiled critique of the US's harsh immigration border policy. Shot in the beautiful and serene desert of Joshua Tree, CA, the video portrays a Latin American father who is deported but finds a way to get back across the border to reunite with his daughter, offering spirituality in the guise of three tribesman – one woman and two men -- accompanying Keeana’s guardian angel, who provides guidance as she oversees those making the pilgrimage. With plans to release more songs and music videos, Kee is definitely an artist to keep on your radar. You can connect with Keeana Key via the following links:

You were born in Latvia and have said that you loved music as a child but never really had the luxury of pursuing it when you were younger. What was it like for you when you were finally able to pursue that dream and why do you feel you were more drawn to more heartbreaking and emotional music rather than happy and uplifting music?

It was a long journey for me, actually, to accept the fact that I was really going to go for it. Nobody in my family was really encouraging, and even when I went for it they were like "Oh, it's just a hobby and she just loves music". It was up to, I don't know, just a few years ago only when they actually were like "Oh, she's actually going for it". I don't know...it was on and off. I was really feeling like I wanted to become a singer, a professional singer, and then something would just discourage me. Like, I don't know...someone would say something. Even my first vocal coach, a lady I went to in Latvia when I was still in Latvia, said "You know how long the journey is. You need to be prepared...". She was saying a lot of things, perhaps just Russian mentality. She was saying all of this stuff to me, like "Oh my god. You have no idea. It's such a long journey. Don't think it's just one year and you're going to become a star." It was like that. I was listening to this and was afraid and thought maybe I should stop, because it was also very expensive. I would always support myself with my own earnings. I would wake up a week later saying that I couldn't live without the music. I really wanted to sing and was going to go for it, and then it would continue like for, I don't know, maybe a couple of years, that something would not happen for me. I would try to sing a song and it would not work and it would be very discouraging. But because of my love for music, I would always wake up one day and say "No, I can't live without it."

You have said that where you are from, people don't really have those aspirations to dream big and pursue those dreams. What do you think gave you the courage to do so? Did you always have that mentality of pushing forward or was there a particular person in your life that gave you that confidence to dream big?

I think, honestly, that it was when I started traveling for my modeling. I started traveling for modeling and went to Paris and Milan. I think because I was so independent at that moment already, I really already knew that I had to take it into my own hands. Nobody was going to help me. Maybe meeting new people that were outside of Latvia helped. Latvia is like a closed box where you can't believe in anything and you have to do what everyone is doing. It's very grey, you know? Everyone is the same color, you know what I mean? I think I started coming out of this box and feeling like there was life outside of it and I could dream and actually do it all myself. I don't need some person helping me. I could actually pay for it myself. The first money I earned, it went to my family...I was helping my mother...and then I also had some money to support myself in my achievements and so I went for it. I guess it's because I was traveling. That's what opened the doors in my path, you know, believing in myself.

How did the opportunity to model come about for you and how do you feel that it has helped you to pursue your dream of music? Do you see them as separate careers or do you see them as connected in your life?

Yes, well the first dream I had, actually, was modeling. I remember sitting with my grandmother a long, long time ago and watching a catwalk on the tv. I remember it really, really well. I said "I wanna walk like that. I wanna be there." And even with that, my mother did not believe in all of that. It was not taken seriously, this profession...entertainment and modeling and all of that is not taken seriously, at least in my family and circles. She actually gave me...she signed me up with a modeling school so I could feel more confident about myself. That's what she was thinking. Not to actually pursue it as my career. She was just thinking it would help me to become a woman and mentally be more confident and, I don't know, grow up. That was my first career target, if I can say that. If you can call it that. The singing was just something in me all of the time. It was there all the time and I was writing my songs. I wrote my first song in English when I was young. I didn't really speak English but I did write it somehow. I always loved it and that has withstood my modeling career.

You spent your teen years in London studying and working as a model while also performing live in a cover band, before moving to the US. What were those early years of performing like for you and what do you feel that you learned during that time that has helped you in your career now?

Oh my gosh! I learned so much and I was so shy. It was very funny, because I would do the catwalk and modeling and I would not be shy at all or be nervous coming out on the floor and walking. But then I would take singing so seriously and be like "Oh my god! I have to sing well", and was actually covering Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston and those kinds of songs. Even people that know me were like "Oh my god! What are you doing?". Even some music/singing teachers, when I would say "Here's a song I want to learn" and they were like "What? Whitney Houston? Let's try something else first". I would leave the teacher and wouldn't stay with the vocal coach, because I would only go to the vocal coach that would work on big songs with me. I was going for it and didn't want to sing anything, like, little and easy. It was always my target to go for very, like, top notch music, you know? My inspirations and my idols. So I was changing vocal coaches and all of that was in London already, when I moved to London, and just changing these vocal coaches taught me a lot. People already didn't believe in me, or themselves, because that was their mentality, right? For me, it taught me to believe in myself, I guess. And then I started performing and I was, of course, really nervous. It took a lot for me to just overcome that stage fear, and it's a different stage fear, you know? As I have said, when I was modeling, I was not afraid of it. It was a different side of me, I guess. It was a lot of experience and I'm still getting experience. I'm still not where I want to be, so I still have a lot to do and to work on.

Your music has a very fun, tropical vibe to it and you have said that style of music is more popular in Florida and the West Coast. What led you to move to New York instead of California and Florida?

I don't know. I'm always traveling. Yes, I'm based in New York but am always traveling to Florida and LA, so it's three of my homes. I don't really feel that I am just in New York. My home is in New York, but sometimes I spend more than half of the year in LA.

Your first big hit came in 2016 when you collaborated with Latin artist Maffio on "Coconut Rum and Coke".

That was in Florida, and it's a very sunshine and tropical song and that's how it all started for me. I spent a lot of time in Florida and wrote a lot of songs there after "Coconut Rum and Coke" and then I moved to LA, which is where "Let's Make Love" came to life. All of those tropical, sunshine vibes were an inspiration for me, with the ocean and palm trees, I guess.

Having that experience of collaborating with Maffio, what kinds of opportunities do you feel like that opened up for you? You have since done a lot of collaborations with DJs and producers, so what can you tell me about the opportunities that opened up for you and what you enjoy about the collaborative process?

I absolutely love Maffio and am so grateful to have done that song with him. I love it. It's my favorite song and it taught me a lot as well. It was my first song recorded in the US and everything here is going a very different way. Maffio's style of recording and all of that was crazy. We would only record at night. We would only go to the studio and work there at night, so it was very different for me but was also very much like me. I have more inspiration at night. Most of my songs were written at night, actually. I don't know why. In the studio, working with him, everyone was having so much fun and it was very easy. We were all enjoying it. It was like going to a party and you are actually just having fun. You're never going there to work. It doesn't feel like that. It taught me that you can be very relaxed and just go to the studio and have fun and dancing. There was always dancing. There was so much positivity there and fun. It taught me to relax more, I guess, in the studio and we came up with several songs on the spot right there. It was so amazing. I really loved it and the people I worked with were so professional and so talented. It was incredible. I'm extremely grateful for that cooperation.

You have talked about facing discrimination in the music industry for being gay but have stayed true to yourself regardless. Having been told that it would be a risk to present yourself as non-traditional and that it could be fatal to an artist's career, what has it been like to be your true self in the face of that discrimination?

It was very hard in the beginning, because I was new here in the US and everyone was telling me their opinions about that and we were filming a music video. I was kind of listening to them and would be scared because I was new here and thought maybe they were right. I thought maybe I shouldn't and maybe I should, I don't know, film a straight music video and actually have a guy there. In the end, I was just...it's my music. Even if it won't go around as well as some commercial agencies think it should go, at least I'd be true to myself and will not regret not being what I want. I was just listening to my heart, I guess, and that's my life. That video, especially, for "Coconut Rum and Coke", is the story of my life. How can you go wrong with what's real, you know? This is a true reality, so how I regret what's actually happened in my life? It was my first song in the US, my first single, and I thought I should be true to myself and show people who I really am. If people love me, they love me and if not, sorry. Someone else will love me.

You have said that the industry has gotten better for gay artists. What role do you feel that social media and the internet have played in the changing attitudes and musical landscapes? How do you feel that being an independent artist has allowed you the freedom to pursue your music on your own terms?

I think social media gives people full power to choose their own podium. People can choose. If they don't like you, they don't have to follow you. If they like you, they'll be the real people that were not forced to like you. They will genuinely love you for who you are and for what you show on your social media, or how you present yourself. It's real fans. People that like me are like "Oh my god. You actually helped me to come out. I actually came out and feel more comfortable". For me to hear something like this is like "Oh my god! Wow!". I changed somebody's, at least, one day in life, and maybe their whole life. It means a lot and staying true to yourself is my target goal, to help people just believe in themselves. So yeah, people follow you and love you for who you are and for who you want to be and you don't have to force anyone to believe in something else. And on social media, it's your real life and you share the reality of your being and people can live with you. It's like living with you. You know, it's like a reality show, if you think about it.

You had the opportunity to perform at last year's Pride Festival in London. What was that experience like for you and how did you celebrate Pride this year?

Oh my god! That experience was absolutely incredible! That Pride I think was the most amazing Pride in Europe that I ever went to. There were so many people and everyone was so, I don't know. You know what I love about it? There were so many straight people. It's not only gay people there. There are so many straight people supporting the LGBTQI community. It was a great experience. I was with DIVA Magazine and it was amazing. And then I was performing on the DIVA stage with some other amazing LGBTQI artists and it was one of the most incredible experiences for me. But this year, it wasn't fun for me because I was literally staying home. Unfortunately, it was the wrong timing this year. I wasn't able to actually go somewhere. I was supposed to perform in Texas this year and it was delayed. The person who was organizing the event, she was really hoping it would still happen and it didn't, so I'm very upset. But as long as we are safe and everyone can overcome this pandemic. I hope it will end as soon as it can end. It is what it is.

What can you tell me about your song "Sweet Heaven", which you have said offers a veiled critique of this country's increasingly harsh border policies? Also, what has it been like for you to witness the attitude of this administration towards immigrants, being an immigrant yourself?

So the song wasn't written as a critique to these immigration policies here. It wasn't written like that. When I just wrote the song, I came up with the chorus-with the melody for the chorus-and literally heard the choir singing with me in my soul. I knew it had to be something very inspirational or something spiritual or encouraging. Also, it was written, like, half a year ago or maybe more already at that time...well, before the pandemic, so it will be a year already. It was just something spiritual. There is this person...it can be God...it's not any particular religion that I am referring to. It's just something spiritual. It can be a universe force, your guardian angel looking after you all the time and helping you to overcome the obstacles in your life...your mother, your kids, whoever that person is in your life. The video was inspired by the crazy story of undocumented immigrants, even living all of their life here in the US, and are separated from their families and their children and the children are being locked up at the border alone in cages. It's ridiculous. I get chills just talking about it. That really touched me and I was like "These are the people I want to dedicate this song to". These kids and families, they need this right now, somebody or something that can help them to go through this situation. That's my dedication to this subject and to these kids and these families. And that's why I filmed the video in California, in the desert, showing the father that was deported and trying to escape and go beyond all of that and still coming back and crossing the border and coming back for his daughter and reuniting with her. And she's sad waiting for him, still here in the US. So it's just my dedication to these kids and families that are separated. But the song wasn't written exactly about this subject. It's a love song, of having that something or someone overcoming obstacles with you, I guess. Like a guardian angel.

You also strive to give back to the community. What can you tell me about ISINA, Inc, the music talent search and mentoring program and how you came to be involved with them?

For me, it was meeting Walter Afanasieff, who is a legend! I still can't believe I met him and worked in the studio with him. It means a lot and I don't know...it makes me believe I'm a great artist. Like, am I already at the level of Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis? She was literally in the studio right before me, with him working. Like, Leona Lewis was working on a song with him. So for me, knowing that I am going into the studio with him after Leona Lewis, was making me, I don't know...really believe in myself even more. Like "Oh my god. Am I actually working with a person at that level?". It's also different, the way of recording in the studio and working with musicians, live musicians, and different levels of people in the industry. It was great to meet him and I'm so grateful. I'm hoping that I'll still be able to work more and more with him, because I'm still in contact with him.

You have talked about getting to travel the world with your modeling career. What are some of your favorite places that you have been able to visit through your modeling?

Oh my god! Actually, one of the most unusual places for me was Beirut, Lebanon. I worked with a company over there and at first I actually cancelled the trip because I was nervous to go there. I had never been to that side of the world and wondered if it would be dangerous. I was going alone which might be kind of dangerous. But then I came there and a group of people from the company met me and showed me the city and I saw it from a different angle. Everything I had heard about it was lies and not what it actually was, so I fell in love with Beirut. And then it was Israel, South Africa, all of these places. But I was all around Europe. I didn't get to Asia, which I really want to go and see. And Australia. I haven't been to Australia yet. I've heard it is so beautiful. It's on by bucket list. And New Zealand and Bali and of these tropical places, because there's just something inside of me that always carries me to these tropical places.

What's next for you? What do you have coming up?

"Sweet Heaven" is coming up next and then I was lucky to be able to film another 4 music videos, right before the pandemic, which is crazy. Right now it is very hard to shoot a music video, even though the day before yesterday we finished another one in New York, which I'm very, very excited about. Even though I am living and based in New York, this will be the first video I have actually shot in New York, which is kind of weird (laughs)! I'm super excited for that one. Right now, I'm going to be concentrating on music that is already done and recorded and the music videos that we have already shot, we will be releasing those. I have so much material to share with my friends and people and fans, so yes, I have a lot up my sleeve that I can't wait to share with all of you guys!

Carolyn Lederach 10/15/20 Carolyn Lederach 10/15/20

QUARANTINE PROFILE: Sarah Dooley

Comedian and Musician Sarah Dooley is gearing up for the release of her new album Is This Heartbreak? on October 23rd. We got a taste of what to find on the album with her latest lovely single “When You’re Gone” (which you can find below). We chat with Sarah about what she’s been up to during lockdown, moving and what’s next with her release.

Sarah Dooley Online: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Where have you been spending your quarantine?

I’ve been in Brooklyn in my apartment that is too small for even one person, let alone two (plus my roommate and I added a third a few months ago--a mouse! We are grateful for Mouse, though, because at least he’s not sick of my stories yet…) BUT surprise twist: I’m about to move to LA and feeling great about it. Mouse is sad, though.

How have you been staying busy during quarantine?

I’ve been fairly busy promoting my upcoming album! It’s called Is This Heartbreak? and it comes out on October 23rd. I’m so proud of it--it took many years of work and it’s my second full-length album ever. My first came out in 2014 so...color me ~nervous~

Go to quarantine snack:

Did you know you can put hot sauce on pasta? It’s called a ‘sauce’ so you are allowed.

Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:

“So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” -Caroline Polacek

Something keeping Sarah sane right now: lying in any patch of grass I can find.

What’s something you miss the most right now?

I desperately wish I could go to the movies. At this point I don’t even need a whole movie, I’d pass out from bliss to even watch trailers in a big dark cold room with a box of Junior Mints melting on my lap.

Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?

I’ve been doing a weekly livestream show on Instagram (@iamsarahdooley) where I take people’s requests and learn them for the next week. We raise money every week for a different Black Lives Matter-related nonprofit. It’s been really nice to connect with people that way and learn about different organizations. A lot of people have been requesting children’s shows theme songs and...I’m here for it.

What’s a puzzle you’ve completed during quarantine?

I got super into a series called ‘Paws Gone Wild’ that features all manner of adorable scenarios--a bunch of kittens napping all over a library, an embarrassment of puppies cutting up in a messy bedroom. I became obsessed. Nothing else will do. I need more Paws and I need them to have Gone Wild.

Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?

I have a new single from my upcoming album coming out on October 8. It’s called “When You’re Gone” and I wrote it as an anthem for myself when I was going through a tough break-up a few years ago. At the time, I had no idea that I would release it years later on the heels of another terrible break-up. It’s kind of like getting a letter you wrote to your adult self when you were a kid. Anyway, it’s a bop. It’s the kind of song that will make you wish you got dumped so that you could have a solo-dance party to it in your room. Or at least, that’s what I was going for.

Carolyn Lederach 10/13/20 Carolyn Lederach 10/13/20

PLAYLIST: Dark & Moody (October Playlist)

We’ve somehow reached the tenth month of the year. We can debate how this might be the best month of the year. It’s getting dark earlier, there’s a chill in the air, leaves are falling, Halloween films are on repeat, there’s a 12-ft skeleton that exists to decorate your lawn, the list goes on. Now what better way to accompany your October mood but with our Dark & Moody playlist. Hope you enjoy!

With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.

“37d03d, or PEOPLE, started as a music festival in Berlin where artist commune, collaborate and celebrate music for a week together before it’s presented to live audiences. This song instantly transports me back to the festival, where I was lucky enough to attend, surrounded by hundreds of strangers hearing new music and watching new bands coalesce right before our eyes. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me always. ”

— Lesley Keller | @tynie626

“Hex Girls just released a music video for this song and I'm so freaking excited about it! I helped with co-writing and production on the video as well as styling the sets and costume design too!” - Alyssa Leicht | @alyssaleicht | Submission: Hex Girls - ‘Cats With No Teeth (Catch No Mice)’

“Her self described musical style of ‘feminist angst horror film feel’ is appropriate all year round, but feels especially fitting for October.” - Julia Simone Paul | @juliasimonepaul | Submission: Alexandra Savior - ‘The Phantom’

“This song always reminds me of the beginning of Autumn, my favourite season. The start of colder weather, Halloween, pumpkins, amazing forest walks and darker shorter days. Oh and there will be a complete full moon on Halloween this year so I can’t wait for #spooktober to start and to play this song on repeat again. ”

— Saar de Graaf | @saardegraaf

“October is my favorite month, and you know I have a good autumnal playlist going all month long! CocoRosie always makes it on the list. While their 2020 release “Put the Shine On” is ethereal and perfect for the season, I felt the classic “Werewolf” from way back in 2007 was apropos for this list. ”

— Judie Vegh | @oyvegh

“Foot-stomping, banjo, sounds of a thunderstorm. Elliott BROOD's music has always felt like my youth growing up in the heart of the Canadian Prairies.” - Jenn Kostesky | @jennyramonephoto | Submission: Elliott BROOD - ‘Cadillac Dust’

“This has always been a haunting song to me and one of my favorite to listen to with headphones. The intro alone set a super eerie and immersive sound with the shifting of sound, I love it!” - Carolyn Lederach | @cled1024 | Submission: To Kill a King - “Howling”

“If you want a dark and moody playlist, be sure to fill it with the voice of Beth Gibbons, lead singer and lyricist of Portishead. Mysterons is one of my favorite songs off their debut, “Dummy” way back in 1994. ”

— Judie Vegh | @oyvegh

“I am no stranger to having bad things on my mind and feeling like I need help to be lifted up, so this song speaks to me on many levels. I love how the mixture of honky-tonk piano with the super charged electric guitar makes it feel like such a moody, gospel, garage rock oriented track. You want to dance, but when you listen to the lyrics you can’t help but relate.”

— Taylor Nettnin | @taylornettnin

Carolyn Lederach 10/6/20 Carolyn Lederach 10/6/20

QUARANTINE PROFILE: Silver Sphere

Silver Sphere takes us to another dimension in her latest EP all my boyfriends. She gave us a deeper insight into the EP and her world of falling in love with an Earth boy (I won’t spoil all the deets) in a trailer titled “portal to the silversphere…” a couple months ago. We had a chat with her to see what she’s been up to during lockdown. See you in the silversphere…

How have you been staying busy during quarantine?

I’ve been writing!! I used to write everything in my room on my guitar, but since moving to New York I’m almost always collaborating or in the studio. It’s been cool to get back to the way I used to do it when writing was just my emotional release.

Album you've had on repeat:

folklore!!! And fetch the bolt cutters

What's a song that is your go to comfort jam?

“Don’t Delete The Kisses” by Wolf Alice. It’s not a happy song but for some reason it makes me feel at ease.

If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?

Real Housewives of New York

Something keeping you sane right now: even if I’m not going anywhere I have to put on a cute outfit <3

What is keeping you happy?

Staying connected with my friends.

What's the best advice you've received during this time?

To take every day as it comes and not get caught up in not knowing what’s coming next.

What's something you miss the most right now?

Dancing! Getting dressed up with my girlies and wearing glitter on my eyes.

Carolyn Lederach 10/2/20 Carolyn Lederach 10/2/20

QUARANTINE PROFILE: Lewis Knaggs

Lewis Knaggs started out as a cinematographer in London and has grown into a wonderful musician over the last few years, releasing a handful of great singles. Plus side of being multi-talented is being able to make his own beautiful videos, which you can see below for his latest single “I’ll Survive”. We chat with Lewis about how his lockdown has been going, coffee and what we should take from all this.

Lewis Knaggs Online: Spotify | Instagram | Facebook

Where have you been spending your quarantine?

In my flat in east London, my sister moved in to keep me company which was great, as I would have been very lonely otherwise…and probably even more crazy by now.

How have you been staying busy during quarantine?

Yeah I've been making loads of music and also lots of videos for my music…and other peoples music…

Anything new you’ve learned? / Something new you’ve done:

I have learnt how to play the guitar a bit better I think…and make really good coffee’s cause I bought a fancy coffee machine just as we went into lock down..you know the one that you put the beans in the top and all that jazz, epic.

What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?

I jumped on that “houseparty” app for, around 1 weekend…then deleted it because I felt like my brain was melting even more.

Song and Album you’ve had on repeat:

Sam fender - Hypersonic Missiles

The song “The Borders” from that album Is my fave right now in the world.

What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?

There's a Song by the Chili Peppers called “Tear” which I love, it feels like a warm hug. Definitely my comfort jam.

Something keeping Lewis sane right now: So this sounds silly, but this road was actually a great saviour during lockdown, I shot like 4 different music videos on this road...as its blocked off at both ends ! It's right near where I live so it meant … — Something keeping Lewis sane right now: So this sounds silly, but this road was actually a great saviour during lockdown, I shot like 4 different music videos on this road...as its blocked off at both ends ! It's right near where I live so it meant I could keep working without technically doing anything illegal. It's also next to the outdoor velodrome where I would go and cycle to keep sane, and test out mixes of new songs!

If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?

Breaking Bad probably, really into Vikings at the moment too…

What’s something you miss the most right now?

Everything !! Normality …

Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?

The Idles Abbey Road live stream is by far the best thing I've seen…ever.

What do you hope we take away from this?

I do feel rested and re-set, it’s made me think about what is actually important in life…The carpet has been pulled from under most people….you take away the routine of work, going out and the hustle and bustle of normal life, and your left with the bare bones of your life. So it’s a good time to think about your past and reflect on how you might want to approach the future differently…

Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?

I’ve been in the studio a lot during this time…as it's just me and the engineer so it’s very socially distanced…So lot’s more music dropping soon! As well as videos that came from the height of lockdown :)

Carolyn Lederach 9/30/20 Carolyn Lederach 9/30/20

QUARANTINE PROFILE: Violet Skies

Somehow we’re in September already and still trying to cope with this year. Therefore we’re still doing these Quarantine Profiles. Today we bring you our chat with the lovely Welsh songwriter, producer and artist, Violet Skies. She’s released a relatable quarantine EP entitled Lonely back in April and has been busy on new music and learning guitar…which you’ll find out more when you read her Quarantine Profile below. She’s also a co-runner of the awesome all-female producer, songwriter & engineer writing camp called sheWrites.

Violet Skies Online: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Where have you been spending your quarantine?

LA, I'd planned to be home in the UK but it's not safe to travel back yet so I'm sticking it out here.

How have you been staying busy during quarantine?

Making music everyday, meditating sporadically, eating junk food, napping in the afternoons, learning guitar, Zooming my family every weekend, RuPaul's Drag Race, Killing Eve and I May Destroy You and Normal People.

Anything new you’ve learned?

I play guitar now! Never used to but I worked on it non stop for about six weeks and now I write with it and it's been the most incredible breakthrough for me musically. I've actually just bought my first acoustic so I don't have to keep using a borrowed guitar.

What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?

Plants. Except I'm pretty awful at keeping them alive. My friend, artist Sarah Close, gives me plant pep talks over zoom in between our writing sessions.

What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?

Sweet potato and butternut squash cakes, and Hawaiian butter mochi cake

Go to quarantine snack:

Whatever is left in the cupboard

Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:

Emilie Nicholas - Let Her Breathe (PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM!!!!!)

What’s your go to song to make you feel less alone?

“No Humans” - Emilie Nicholas

If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?

The Office (US)

What’s something you miss the most right now?

My baby niece. I miss her so much it hurts and I'm really terrified I'm missing important moments

Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?

New music. Songs I've written and are coming to completion with the production soon!

Violet Skies · Lonely

Carolyn Lederach 9/25/20 Carolyn Lederach 9/25/20

INTERVIEW: Agent Envy

Alejandra Jiménez, who goes by the moniker Agent Envy, recently released her debut single, a haunting cover of Deftone's "My Own Summer". Infusing sultrier vocals and a heavier emphasis on synth and industrial elements, she creates her own unique spin on the classic Deftone's hit. Born in San Diego, Jiménez has been singing for as long as she can remember and was immersed in musical theatre since she was a small child. She learned guitar in middle school and discovered her love for rock music, later fronting her high school rock band. She counts Tool, Massive Attack and Nine Inch Nails as a few of her musical inspirations. Having since relocated to Brooklyn, NY, she aims to express the darker side of life through music and art, with her Agent Envy persona drawing from her experiences as a freelancer in the graphic novel industry and her career as an international private investigator. Having worked and traveled continuously over the past few years, music had taken a backseat for Jiménez until this past year. Determined to make music and art a priority, she has created an in-home studio and made time each day for music, resulting in her debut single and impending EP. With plans to release more singles, music videos and behind-the-scenes looks at the making of her music videos, Agent Envy has given us plenty to look forward to. You can connect with Agent Envy via the following links and check out her latest single “Spiral”:

You recently released your cover of the Deftones song "My Own Summer". What can you tell me about the inspiration behind your rendition of the song, as well as why you chose that particular song as your debut single?

I’m a huge 90’s rock and metal fan, so many bands from that era have influenced me as a musician, and the Deftones are no exception. My Own Summer is probably one of their most well-known tracks, and I knew that I wanted to go for a real classic like that. In my rendition, I opted for a more sultry vocal approach with a heavier emphasis on synth and industrial elements, which are a recurring theme in my sound.

What can you tell me the idea behind the video and why you chose to shoot parts of it in red lighting?

To me, this song is about isolation from the rest of the world, whether self-imposed or not. I wanted to create a visual that matched that feeling, something a little dream-like and cyclical, maybe even unsettling at times. The “red section” as we were referring to it during production, represents sinking further into that isolation and the twisting of reality that goes with it. Red neon is also a bit of a running theme in my branding imagery as well.

Your persona of agent envy is described as being born from a desire to express the darker side of life through music and art. In what ways do you feel music and art have been catalysts for this expression?

I’ve always gravitated towards things that are a little dark. Books, movies, and music on dark topics, edgy fashion, dark imagery, etc. I just feel the most comfortable and excited by these things. Music and art are the best ways to express any range of emotions, I just tend to focus on topics that aren’t quite as sunny.

I read that you have drawn significant inspiration from film scores. What can you tell me about your love for film scores and how they've inspired you? What would you count as your favorites?

I’m very visually-oriented and whenever I’m writing music, I’m always thinking about what kind of scene in a movie it would be played in. I feel like this helps me to create a consistent mood around each song that transports the listener. I love action movies, sci-fi and fantasy, so these are usually the types of film scores and sound tracks that I’ll reach for. My all-time favorite movie is the Matrix, which had a really significant impact on me as a kid. The concept, the characters, the music, the aesthetic, were unlike anything I’d ever experienced at the time and it really stuck with me. So many of the artists featured on that sound track have become my favorites over the years.

What can you tell me about your life as an international private investigator, as well as a freelancer in the graphic novel industry? How did you become involved in those lines of work and how have they influenced your music?

I can’t disclose much about my career in investigation, and I prefer to keep my music and my job as separate as possible. The graphic novel work was something I did throughout college and for a little while after. I worked closely with one of DC Comic’s top colorists prepping pages for him in a process known in the industry as “flatting.” It was tons of fun and I got to work on just about every major DC character out there, and always made point of attending Comic Con in either San Diego or New York. There was a point in time when I wanted to make a full time career out of it, and I’d still love to write and illustrate my own graphic novel one day.

You grew up in San Diego and have been performing since you were young and were immersed in the musical theatre scene as both a performer and spectator. What can you tell me about your childhood and growing up in the theatre? Did you grow up in a musical/artistic family?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. My parents actually used to get complaints from my pre-school because I would routinely sing during class. After a few school plays, I ended up auditioning for larger-scale productions locally, started formal voice lessons and continued to act, sing and dance in various shows through my senior year of high school. I started learning to play the guitar in middle school and ended up as the lead singer in my high school’s rock band (which is what we had instead of a marching band), and that was when I realized I really loved being the front woman in a band. That in particular for me was a real milestone because it’s tough as an alto to land leading roles in musical theater, where soprano voices are the most sought after. Rock music is another world, and I started to really come into my own.

My mom is an artist. She’s got degrees in illustration and ceramics, she makes jewelry, she cooks fantastic meals and decorates incredible desserts, and she’s where I get my obsession with “making things.” My dad is a psychiatrist, but played trumpet in a band for many years and I credit him with educating me in all things rock and beyond. Plus he’s the root of my interest in detective novels and action movies.

What can you tell me about moving to New York for college and what that transition was like for you, moving from California to NY? Having not gone to many concerts until you moved to NY, what was it like to start becoming more immersed in the music scene? What do you like to do for fun in the city?

San Diego and NYC couldn’t be more different if they tried. The people, the architecture, the weather, the population density, are all very different. New York is a very competitive place compared to San Diego but there’s a lot to love here too. The awesome thing about the New York concert scene is that basically every artist is guaranteed to perform here, so I got to see so many musicians that never made it to San Diego. I generally spend half of every concert paying attention and the other half thinking about how much I want to be back on stage. Going to shows is a great way for me to find inspiration any time I feel like i’m in a rut.

Outside of going to concerts, I love spending time with my friends doing basically anything. Going to the movies, dining out, grabbing drinks are all staple activities. I also love venturing out into the trig-state area during the summer and fall and renting out a house with friends. Of course, things are a little different now due to Covid, but we try to see each other as regularly as possible.

You talked last year about having the time to think about how you had been living your life and the way you wanted to live it. You mentioned having lost sight of what truly drives you- being creative, making art, dreaming of characters and becoming them, making music, singing and performing. What can you tell me about that revelation and your journey of bringing those things into the present and doing what drives you?

Wow, you’ve really done your homework! A few things happened all at once. I had just ended a relationship, I had a fairly-serious health scare, and I had been working and traveling incessantly for several years. I realized that while I was really successful at what I did, I had forgotten to make time to pursue what I really loved, which is music and art. I read a quote somewhere, the gist of which is that you should be living each day as you wish to live your life, because your days are your life in miniature. That really stuck with me, and I could see that even though I had dreams of pursuing music, I wasn’t actually spending time doing that on a daily basis. To change that, I started carving out 2 hours a night to work on music, and I pretty much haven’t stopped since.

You moved last year into a new apartment that now houses your own in home studio for music production and recording. What has that been like for you to have your own studio? Do you record and produce music for other artists besides yourself?

Having my own home studio has made an enormous difference in my ability to create music more effortlessly. I’ve been able to acquire some more gear and instruments that I didn’t have space for in my previous tiny apartment, and that has really opened up my options creatively. It’s also just psychologically beneficial to have a designated space to make music. When I sit at this desk, I know it’s time to get to work. Currently I’m only working on my own music, but I’d love to work with other artists later down the line. I think it’s really crucial to be protective of your time and energy, so I am trying not to spread myself too thin.

As someone who has traveled a lot, what is your process for making music on the road and how does it differ for you from making music at home?

Depending on how long I’m traveling for and how light I need to travel, I usually opt for less gear for the sake of not having to haul too much through TSA. A laptop, headphones, a midi controller and my songwriting notebook are the basics. I use my phone to capture my initial ideas via voice notes, and then I’ll sketch out the instrumentation and structure from there. When I get back, I’ll record a more solid vocal demo at home. I also love to use travel time to brush up on my theory as well, especially since I usually won’t have access to a guitar.

You have mentioned having a love for analog. What can you tell me about your love for analog in such a digital world? Do you incorporate digital aspects into your producing/recording process as well?

I love technology, but I really hate staring at screens all day. I try to minimize that as much as possible by keeping paper notebooks, calendars, etc., instead of having everything be digital. Of course, these days most production is done digitally but a lot of the instrumentation we use is real-world. My music is a solid mix of both.

You have talked about how one of the things you have struggled the most with during quarantine has been the self-imposed pressure to "maximize" the time you've had to do something productive every waking hour. How have you tried to overcome that struggle and the subsequent anxiety, uncertainty and exhaustion? Are there any lessons you have learned as a result or things about yourself?

I’ve gotten back into journaling which has really helped. I felt like I had totally lost track of the days and yet I was trying to do so much at once. All of a sudden everyone’s time was spent entirely online instead of in-person, and I needed to find a way to get a grasp on reality again. I think a lot of that anxiety also subsided when it became clear that things weren’t going to go back to normal any time soon. I felt less pressure to maximize my time at home while I had it, and could focus more on planning longer term.

What can you tell me about your upcoming single "Spiral", which will be an original song? What can you tell me about your process of creating original music and what can people expect?

“Spiral” is a rather personal song about hookup culture and my tendencies to engage in it, even though I know how it’ll play out every time. It’s about the games we play with other people to try and get what we want while maintaining some illusion of dignity and control. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it and I really love the way it turned out.

My songwriting process usually starts with lyrics and melody at the same time, I rarely write to any accompaniment. I’ll start with singing into my voice memos and build out at least a first verse and first chorus before i move onto any other parts. In terms of subject matter, I always write from personal experience and I make a point of expanding my topics beyond just relationships. There’s a whole other host of topics in the range of human experience that deserve songs too. I’ve got songs about sleep walking, about hospitalization, etc.

What's next for you?

I’ll be releasing the music video for “Spiral” shortly after the song release. I don’t want to give too much away but it’s turning out really awesome and it was pretty exhausting to film. I’m hoping to release a few more singles this year, leading up to my EP, Hybrid. In the meantime, I’ll be publishing behind the scenes videos for each of my music videos, as well as throughout the studio recording phases, for those who are interested in a more in-depth look at my creative process.