QUARANTINE PROFILE: Gatlin
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.
Nashville songwriter Gatlin released her debut EP Sugarcoated earlier this year. It’s packed full of some delightful Folk-Pop infused bops, thoughtful songwriting and been seeing some Spotify playlist love. We’re excited to catch-up with Gatlin to see what she’s been up to during lockdown.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I’ve been in Nashville for most all of quarantine, however I did get my tonsils taken out back in July so spent that month in Florida so my momma could take care of me.
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
I am definitely hooked to TikTok now. I spend an embarrassing amount of time on it!
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
Haim’s Women in Music Pt. 3 !!!!!!
What is keeping you happy?
I’ve super duper gotten into yoga. It’s something I always wish I had more time for in real life. So now I get to do it most days and has been the thing to keep me sane and joyful during this time. The only part of my week that has routine.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
I think I’ve received the most grace from the people around me during this time. My mental health has not been great and sometimes I’ve been bummed about my productivity. Everyone responds with such kindness and empathy! We’re entering uncharted territories with this pandemic and the way we respond is OKAY because it’s so not what humans are supposed to experience.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
I’m currently working on another EP! I’m writing it all with my producer so we’ve been keeping socially distant and working a lot in the studio. Hopefully the project will come out early spring of 2021.
INTERVIEW: Ruby Mack
Ruby Mack
The Photo Ladies Interview
Feminist folk group Ruby Mack, comprised of Emma Ayers (vocals/guitar), Abbie Duquette (bass ukelele), Zoe Young (guitar/vocals), and Abs Kahler (fiddle), explore a unique perspective on the story of Adam and Eve for their recently released debut album Devil Told Me. On the album, they imagine themselves as direct descendants of Eve in a timeline in which she unashamedly bites into the apple in the Garden of Eden, sharing the knowledge she learns with the rest of the world. Hailing from Pioneer Valley, MA, the group was formerly called the Emma June Band but recently changed their name to Ruby Mack, taking their name from their areas Ruby McIntosh apple. Proud of their deep New England Roots, all 4 members feeling deep ties to different parts of the New England landscape. With their new album, the quartet question what it means to be a woman, offering new perspectives through old stories and present their own brand of folk that casts the genre in a different light than folk songs of the past. They give credit to their time spent in Pioneer Valley, MA, a place full of magical energy, inspiration and a cooperative spirit that fueled their music and shaped who they wanted to be as musicians. The band recorded their album in an old church with engineer Andrew Oedel of Ghost Hit Recording, giving the album a decidedly live feel. “We really wanted it to have that special magic of a collaborative performance, and the energy we get from singing together,” explains Young. The result is a group of confessional and uplifting songs. Their goal is to question what society expects of them, embody and express their true identities, and inspire others to do the same...to be themselves in a world that wants to dictate how it feels people should be and the roles they should play, especially womxn. With plan to write and release more singles until they can safely tour again, Ruby Mack is definitely a band to keep on your radar. You can connect with the band and purchase their album via the following links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | iTunes/Apple Music | YouTube | Deezer | Bandcamp
You all met through the Massachusetts folk scene after each making your own music prior. What led you to want to form a band together and what other projects are you a part of outside of Ruby Mack? What can you tell me about your goal as a band of pushing aside societal norms and boundaries?
ZOE YOUNG: Emma and I actually grew up together as family friends (we’ve always called ourselves sisters) and have been singing together our whole lives, so I guess that is where our band story really begins. Then Emma, Abs, and I attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where we started playing music together with a few other folks. Abs and I teach at the Kid’s Academy at Greyfox Bluegrass Music Festival and we made Emma come one year. The three of us started playing on some tunes that Emma had written and things just fell into place. When Emma introduced us to Abbie in 2018, we began playing as a foursome- she was the missing piece we had been needing. The four of us all share the same sense of humor which definitely holds us together in both the tough moments and the happy moments and helped create a space for us to experiment musically. We never set out to be a band that pushed aside societal norms. I think it’s just in our nature to push the boundaries of what society expects from us as women and nonbinary people. Individually, we all have big personalities and we don’t like being told what we can and cannot do in the world of music. Singing together feeds us, fuels us, and inspires us to show up authentically in the world. And we quickly learned that others felt held and fed by our music. So that’s what we set out to do- feed our own hearts and in turn, the hearts of others. Outside of Ruby Mack, Emma has her own solo project under the name Emma Ayres.
You will be releasing your new album Devil Told Me on October 23rd on which you reclaim the story of Adam and Eve and question why Eve shouldn't be able to bite into knowledge. What led you to want to explore this concept for your album? What can you tell me about the recording process, which took place in an old church and gives the album a live sound?
ZOE YOUNG: The theme that runs through this collection of songs is about being brave enough to show up as yourself, and to ask for what you want. Without curiosity and being willing to try things, what is there? Without accepting the good and the bad in life as it comes, as Eve did, what is the point? To us, there is no good without the bad, and there is no bad without the good, both must exist at once.
We decided we wanted to record most of our album live, meaning instead of tracking out each instrument and vocal part separately, we recorded each song all together in a full live take. We wanted our spontaneity and the energy we get from one another to be captured in the recordings. The only song that we did not record live was “Milktooth”, which really came together the day we recorded it in the studio. Abs wrote their fiddle lines live in the studio, making us all cry in the control room as they recorded it. The harmonies were also arranged that day in the studio, and the recording reflects the live collaboration we all value so much.
ABBIE DUQUETTE: It was the icing on the cake that we recorded in an old converted church — not intentional, but damn does it really make the concept of the album come full circle.
What can you tell me about your mission to push social boundaries aside with this album, exploring feminism and social justice through the lenses of religion and mythology? Emma-what can you tell me about your love for oral tradition and storytelling and how that influenced the album?
EMMA AYRES: In the wise words of Pete Seeger: “This machine kills fascists.” Seeger was blacklisted in the 50’s after being accused of being communist by the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). His songs were a vehicle for social justice organizing. When you can get a room full of energized people singing your lyrics, it becomes a powerful and memorable way to spread a message. The weapon of a song, when yielded by queer folk musicians, is dangerous to the white cis hetero capitalist patriarchy. A song can challenge the status quo and put hatred and other forms of oppression “on notice.” This specific lineage of folk music has always been a source of inspiration for me. When I wrote the lyrics to most of the songs on the album, I employed the lens of Greek mythology to amplify, illuminate, and celebrate the working class. Working class folks make the world go round and it is vital that they/our stories go down in history like Homer’s Odyssey. I see a song as an opportunity to shed a holy light on marginalized identities and a church where a bigoted listener can worship a queer god without realizing it. Music is a powerful force of unity and a way to humanize across identities, political beliefs, and religious values. A melody can be the messenger of an urgent message even if the listener doesn’t understand the words. The message subconsciously becomes one with the listener.
With this album, you dig deeper into what it means to be a woman or even to reject this label. What does being a woman or gender non-conforming mean to you? Do you see womxn pushing back more and more in today's society against the societal norms that they have been taught to accept?
ABBIE DUQUETTE: Hell yeah — I think we saw that with the Women’s March in Jan 2017, we saw that over the midterm elections by electing a record number of BIPOC womxn, we have seen it over social media with the 'Me Too' movement, etc. I’m a firm believer that until our most unrepresented humans in this country are treated with the respect and humanity that is their right, we ALL have work to do. I think the collective “we” of non-cis white males are building strength and understanding that we don’t just deserve a seat at the table, but that we can run the table — and we should look around and not see only people that look like ourselves.
For me, what it means to be a “woman” changes every day. I’m sitting here thinking about what it means and how I feel right now when I hear the word, and I just feel power and strength. I think of all of the badass womxn over the course of history across the world, and am so happy we’re part of that giant community. Womxn = Power.
ABS KAHLER: For starters let me say that we could probably spend hours, days, a lifetime talking about gender (I wish we could!). I view gender as more of a journey than a destination. I have a gorgeous print hanging on my wall from Kah Yangni, a Black trans Philly based illustrator, that reads “Trans is freedom, is adventure, is endless!” which I think sums this up perfectly. The gender binary is largely a tool of colonization, and I am learning how to define my identity outside of this false binary. I believe there is a softness, a strength, and a beauty to femininity that is incomparable to anything else in this world. I view claiming femininity in a society that tells me that being feminine is the worst thing I can be as the ultimate display of courage. It’s important to me that I actively choose my femininity and it’s not something I let society decide for me. I embody masculinity in a host of other ways that I’m still learning how to convey and embody, and very much feel my femininity and masculinity inform one another. Being able to present exactly how I feel on any given day gives me a sense of great freedom and gender euphoria, and I hope that everyone, whether cis or trans gets to experience this to their fullest potential. I do very much see womxn are pushing back more and more against societal norms and fighting against patriarchy and the gender norms that harm not only women but greatly harm men as well.
Pioneer Valley, MA has been especially inspiring for you and has been a main inspiration for the new album. What can you tell me about Pioneer Valley and the inspiration it has had on you and your music? How do you feel that the music culture of Massachusetts has helped you to find your identity as musicians?
ABS KAHLER: I’m wildly grateful that fate placed me in The Valley for four formative years in my early adulthood. There were many queer folk artists I met in the folk scene out in western Massachusetts who I was able to collaborate with and fiddle for who are still some of my favorite artists to this day. I recognized at the time how privileged I was to play with such talented artists, and remember the joy of doing so, but what I didn’t recognize back then was how big a part of my identity my queerness would become. Looking back I think that seeing these artists live their lives authentically and hearing their music reflect that authenticity really drew me in and allowed me to explore my own identity in a unique way. Nowadays it’s really important to me to use the platform that Ruby Mack gives me to create a safe space for other queer folks and send all of the love out into the world I possibly can, whether that’s through words or through fiddle melodies.
ZOE YOUNG: I’m not sure what it is about the Pioneer Valley, but the energy here is just magical. Compared to the bustling city life in Boston, life out here feels slower, and more intentional. The folk music scene is vibrant, and people really show up for their communities, and value the local agriculture, music, and art. There are so many local, community organized events, some favorites include the Garlic & Arts Festival and Green River Music Festival, which all highlight local vendors and talent, and value folks coming together to experience all things beautiful together. The music scene in western Massachusetts has absolutely held us and encouraged us throughout our journey as a band these past few years and inspired us to write and play from our hearts, knowing that it will be received with love and support.
You have said that, with regards to changing your name from Emma June Band to Ruby Mack, that your new name grounds you to your New England Roots. Why is that connection important to you?
ABBIE DUQUETTE: New England is our home! It’s where we grew up, and where we learned to be human beings. We all have strong ties to different parts of NE, and through that, have found so much love and support across this area. Venues that have taken chances on us, hometowns have nurtured us, and our family and friends have been our loudest cheerleaders. We are all very connected to our families — birth and chosen — and have nurtured a huge community here. Maintaining our relationships and holding these spaces close are vital parts of our identity as a band.
Two of the songs on the new album, "Jane", a love song for those who feel that they can't exist as their true selves in the world and "Milktooth", a queer coming of age song that you've described as letting go of all of the stories about who you were as a child. What can you tell me about your own journeys of self-discovery and acceptance and using your platform as a way to amplify LGBTQIA voices and issues?
EMMA AYRES: I came out to myself through my lyrics when I was a teenager as it was the most comfortable way for me to share myself at the time. I liked to conceal my identity in metaphors and hoped that maybe someone would crack the code. I would avidly listen to the music of Ani DiFranco and Tegan and Sara, who were my only visible icons of queerness. I hope in using my platform as a musician to talk about and celebrate queerness that one day I can be that social mirror for a young high schooler to see themselves in and smile and take comfort that there are other people out there like them and everything is going to be ok.
I wrote this song in the aftermath of the Pulse Night Club shooting and it is an ode to those who lost their lives on that tragic night and anyone out there reading this post who cannot safely be who they are or is afraid to be who they are. You are not alone. To all straight folks out there—Take a moment of silence for the trans, gay, lesbian, bisexual, non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual and questioning lives that are lost every day on this earth as a result of hate, suppression, misunderstanding, suicide, police brutality, domestic violence etc. Specifically, BIPOC lives. Allies—educate yourselves. Say no to bigotry and hatred. Say no in big ways and little ways. Say no to the white cis patriarchal corporatization of LGBTQIA culture. Fill in the missing colors of the commodified rainbow and reclaim it in the name of we the people. We can do better than THIS.
Your music reflects topics not typically covered in folk music and you have talked about existing in an industry that was not made for you? What can you tell me about your journey into folk music and your journey as musicians in that genre and in the music industry in general?
EMMA AYRES: I think that when you are true to yourself and in your performance, it doesn’t matter what topic you are singing about. People connect with the universality of authenticity and open heartedness. I think that we are unique in that we are unabashedly ourselves and perform from the heart. We are thrilled to continue to work with the industry and push it to continue to evolve into a market that elevates and compensates marginalized voices. The music industry is a state of mind and we can all shape it into what we believe it can be if we work together.
What can you tell me about your love for improvisation, which you have said is where the magic is made for your music?
ABBIE DUQUETTE: Improvisation is what keeps us on our toes and interesting! I personally think it’s how we all grow and learn as musicians. The best part is when one of us tries something new and it inspires another person to do something and then all of a sudden you have this avalanche of new ideas and energy. Another huge part of our work is vocal harmony. We’re at our best when we’re not focused on our individual parts, but rather listening to how we blend and communicate with each other while singing. There’s intimacy and trust that is built through this process.
Emma- You are also the program coordinator and marketing director for Shea Theater. What can you tell me about your work with them and the "Shea Away" concert series that is being held every Wednesday in October, in conjunction with the Great Falls Farmer's Market?
EMMA AYRES: The Shea is the beating heart of the Franklin County arts scene. As the program coordinator I work tirelessly to prioritize the representation of queer local artists and BIPOC artists. The Shea Away concert series is an effort to bring the inside out in partnership with the Garlic and Arts Festival and the Great Falls Farmers Market. I am committed to creating meaningful paid performance opportunities for local musicians. Paying artists and advocating for artists is an intrinsic facet of my political ethos as both a musician and program coordinator.
What's next for Ruby Mack?
ABBIE DUQUETTE: Fabulous question! We finally merged our bubbles after 7-ish months apart, and are itching to write together. Making music makes us happy and even though we can’t perform live, we want to release more tunes into the streaming world. The goal will be to stay connected to our listeners by releasing singles and hit the road again when the time is right and it’s safe for everyone to do so.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Riley Clemmons
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.
Nashville’s Riley Clemmons just released her latest empowering single “Healing”. During this pandemic it’s certainly something we all need. Check out the latest pop single laced single below and read about what Riley has been up to during quarantine.
Riley Clemmons Online: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
Writing, writing, and writing. I’ve been taking a lot of zoom sessions and spending a lot of time at the piano. I’ve also done a good bit of cooking... and I’ve spent time with my family in Nashville.
Anything new you’ve learned?
Cooking (so many new recipes), along with a handful of DIY projects. I learned how to hang drywall and lay sub flooring... I never thought I’d be doing that! Ha!
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
Tie-Dye.
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
The yummiest vegan peanut butter truffles.
What’s your go to song to make you feel less alone? / What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
Coldplay’s “Us Against The World”
The Doobie Brother’s “What A Fool Believes”
Things keeping Riley sane right now: My new Aussie Doodle puppy “Bo,” exercise, and my family.
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
The Bachelor
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
Take it one day at a time & look for the joy in the little things.
What do you hope we take away from this?
We’re all in this together... knowing you’re not alone is important right now.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
My new single comes out October 23, and I’m so excited to share the heart behind it.
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.
INTERVIEW: Keeana Kee
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:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud | iTunes/Apple Music | YouTube | Deezer | Bandcamp
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!
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Sarah Dooley
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.
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.
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. ”
“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. ”
“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. ”
“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. ”
“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.”
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Silver Sphere
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.
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…
Silver Sphere Online: Spotify | Official Site | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
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.