Stingray Rising Stars US

Faouzia | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 20:34:24 +0000

Faouzia | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Fri, 09/24/2021

Faouzia is a compelling vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. The 21-year-old artist was born in Morrocco and moved to Winnipeg, Canada, at one. Faouzia released her first EP, Stripped, in August 2020 and has collaborated with many iconic artists, including John Legend, David Guetta, the Galantis duo, and Ninho.

Her powerful and inspiring pop songs have seduced millions of listeners all around the world. She released two new singles this year, "Don't Tell Me I'm Pretty," and "Hero." She is Stingray Rising Star for October.

You can listen to Faouzia on the following Stingray Music channels:

And more!

What are your earliest artistic memories? 

My earliest artistic memory was playing the piano when I was four on a tiny keyboard. I would watch my sister play because she was taking lessons and was so eager to be put in lessons to learn.

What is your most favourite song that you have done?

My favourite song that I've ever done that is released is probably “Tears of Gold” (Stripped). I have many more favourites; they're just unreleased.

What is your best and/or funniest memory on stage?

One of my favourite memories on stage was when I took a selfie with the crowd. At the time, it was the biggest crowd I had performed to at the time, and so it was so thrilling to ask them if they would take a photo with me.

What are your most favorite songs of all time?

This is such a hard question for me to answer and I feel like my answer changes every day, but as of right now, it would probably be "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga and "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd.

What song do love performing the most on stage and why? 

All of them! I seriously can't pick. I love when I'm singing something up-tempo and the crowd is singing along with me. I also love when it's a more intimate ballad.

If you didn't become a musician, what would you be doing right now? 

I would probably either be a songwriter for other artists or a doctor—specifically a psychiatrist.

Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with next? 

I would love to collaborate with Stromae either as a producer or as a music video director. He's amazing.

What is one thing that your fans don't know about you (a fun fact)?

I taught myself how to play the cello so I could play it at a show!

What is your favorite vacation destination?

I haven't been able to vacation yet, but I'd probably go somewhere tropical since I love the beach.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

Do you and do it great.

What's coming up for you in the next few months? 

Entering a whole new world of music that I have been eagerly wanting to share.

What's one question you would ask your fans?

What's your sense of humour? 😊  

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Amir Obè | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Lucille — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 18:17:04 +0000

Amir Obè | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Lucille Fri, 08/27/2021

Meet Amir Obè, Stingray Rising Star for September!

Amir Obé is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. Obè rose to fame when releasing the mixtape, Detrooklyn in 2014, followed by his second EP, Happening in the Grey Area and then Won't Find Love in the Hills, and None of the Clocks Work. In 2018, he released a trio EP Can’t Be A ____Here, chapters 1, 2 and 3. Next up is his debut album coming Fall 2021.

You can listen to Amir Obè on the following Stingray Music channels:

Rising Stars

Today's Future Soul

Alt-Rap Essentials

And more!

What are your earliest artistic memories?

My earliest artistic memories that sat with me would be tapping into my imagination. I remember drawing a lot, and not typical stick figures; I remember drawing really abstract faces. Musically, I had older siblings that always had guitars and keyboards laying around. I’d imitate them and try to memorize simple melodies on the piano.

What is your most favorite song that you have done?

This is like choosing a favorite child. It’s difficult, but one I always felt checked off everything I admire in a song would be “Cigarettes.” I still feel that song is timeless and was ahead of its time.

What is your best and funniest memories on stage?

My best memory would be getting the news that I sold out two back to back dates in NYC. Funniest memory would be at that same show, where I was very hesitant on stage diving, it wasn’t a confident leap, but I still did it.

What are your most favorite songs of all time?

My favorite songs of all time would most likely be Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” That whole song is a journey. Creative masterpiece.

What song do you love performing the most on stage and why?

It would have to be between “Cigarettes,” “Wish You Well,” and “Free.” First two because of the energy the crowd gives word for word, and “Free” for the emotional connection I feel with people. I’ve seen people cry to that song, so I know it’s dear to them.

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?

I believe I’d be working in architecture or design of some sort. Whether in fashion or art.

Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with next?

I’d love to work with anybody pushing boundaries sonically.

What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you?

That I have always had severe stage fright and anxiety, but we have to get out of our comfort zones.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

My favorite place is Paris, though I’ve never been. Some places I’d love to travel to are Bora Bora, Tokyo, or The Maldives.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

Not compromise creative integrity to make a hit. Instead, shift what is considered pop. I’m a fan of trendsetters in music that don’t follow formulas.

What’s coming up for you in the next few months?

I have a debut album I am very proud of. I also hope to tour and build on the existing foundation thus far.

What’s one question you would ask to your fans?

I’d ask them what their best memories regarding myself or my art they love the most, and I’d also like to thank them for their patience as this album has been long overdue.

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Toosii | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:41:47 +0000

Toosii | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Mon, 07/26/2021

Toosii is one of rap’s most relatable emerging talents. The American artist tells jarringly honest tales of street life and lost love, detailing his journey from a lost kid surrounded by tragedy to a national sensation full of promise. Toosii dropped two career-defining records in 2020: Platinum Heart and Poetic Pain found him exploring an immersive mix of R&B and rap, effortlessly blending catchy melodies. Learn all about the rapper, Stingray’s next Rising Star, in this interview!

You can listen to Toosii on the following Stingray Music channels:

Rising Stars

Today's Hot Tracks: Hip-Hop

2021 Summer Hits

R&B Love Songs

#TURNTUP

And many more!

What’s a day in the life for you?

If I don’t have a show or if I’m not traveling, I wake up, brush my teeth, and go to Starbucks usually to get a grande medicine ball with four pumps of honey and extra lemonade. Then I go home, play a game (COD War Zone usually), and then start recording at my home studio. Sometimes I record first then play the game – it depends on how I’m feeling. Then I might take a break to watch a movie; after that, it’s back to recording. Then I cuddle all night with my girl.

What keeps you up at night?

I got a lot of people to take care of – I have to take care of 10+ people, and I don’t even got kids yet. Siblings, their kids, my mom, everyone. I gotta take care of the family. That’s what keeps me up at night.

What is one thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again?

Sushi, calamari, and oysters… never again. It’s all nasty! Yuck!

What are three things on your bucket list?

Get a big acting role in a film Become a real estate mogul I want to have my own shoe – like a collaboration with a major shoe brand

What’s a hidden talent that you have?

I know how to flip real good – I use to do gymnastics.

Have you ever forgotten a lyric on stage? What is it like?

Yeah, I have, but I just let the crowd sing it, lol. Luckily they usually know all the words.

What’s the weirdest thing that a fan has ever done for you or given to you?

A pair of panties, lol.

What’s the third last picture that you took on your phone? Show and tell!

A photo from a birthday party I just performed at – I just performed at Vince Carter’s daughter’s birthday party yesterday – so that’s that photo.

If you could only perform one song for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

Probably “Truth Be Told” or “Love Cycle.”

What is the most important thing about making music for you?

Touching the people. I make music for my fans and supporters, so them feeling it and loving it is the most important thing.

What failure have you learned the most from?

Probably putting my life in other people’s hands – that’s something I’ll never do again. That goes for my life, my career, etc. I’m responsible for my own success. No one is gonna go harder for me than me.

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Zola Courtney | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:40:41 +0000

Zola Courtney | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Wed, 06/30/2021

We chatted with Zola Courtney, our new Rising Star! Zola is an artist from the West Coast of the U.K. Her debut E.P, Nothing to Lose, has made waves across the Atlantic, and she's about to support breakout star Dermot Kennedy on his September U.K. tour. Her influences range from Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Lianne La Havas to Anderson Paak. Her new single "Superstar" ft. Caleborate was just released, and it's now playing on Stingray Music.

You can listen to Zola Courtney on the following Stingray Music channels:

Rising Stars

Funky Pool Party

Pride Essentials: '90s to Today

Alt-Rap Essentials

And many more!

To date, what is your favorite song that you’ve ever written?

I think it's definitely "Nothing to Lose." I remember writing the song and knowing instantly that we'd written something really cool. I wrote it in a studio next to my management team's office, and one of my managers was in the office. I remember running in and telling him, "I'd just written an absolute banger." From the moment I wrote it, I loved it.

Who inspires you musically?

I'm inspired by a lot of different artists for different reasons. I think lyrically, artists like Amy Winehouse, Marvin Gaye, and Frank Ocean. Vocally, it's artists like Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Leon Bridges. They sing with so much emotion it makes you instantly connect with what they're singing about. Musically, its artists like Anderson Paak, Stevie Wonder, Daniel Ceasar, and Lianna La Havas. Their music has lots of live instrumentation, soulful melodies, and amazing grooves, which is the sort of thing I'm trying to achieve with my music.

What is the best advice that you've been given?

Someone once said to me that labels, managers, and A&Rs have multiple opportunities at getting artist careers right. They can take on lots of different artists and try again and again, however, as an artist, you've got your one chance at making it. You have to make decisions based on what's going to be best for you, even if it goes against what other people are telling you.

If you could have dinner with one musician (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?

I would choose to have dinner with David Bowie. I feel like he'd have some incredible stories and would be a really interesting person to talk to.

When you are performing, what is one thing that you absolutely can't live without?

A gin & tonic! I get so incredibly nervous performing live, I always need a drink before I perform to settle the nerves.

What was the funniest thing that happened to you at a show?

I remember doing a gig on a tiny stage in a pub in St Albans. When I started singing, there was barely anyone watching - I think maybe one or two people. My manager went up to the bar and told people that if they came through to the stage and watched me, he'd buy them a free beer. Quite a few of them took him up on his offer. I didn't find out until after why there was no one there, and then all of a sudden, a handful of people watching me with beers in their hands. I thought it was hilarious!

What's the worst job you've ever had?

I used to live on a farm and had to help out a lot as a kid. Bringing the sheep in from the field was my least favorite job as I'd end up chasing them around the field for about half an hour, getting covered in mud!

What is the best thing that a fan has ever said to you?

A young girl messaged me last year and told me that she listened to my music a lot when her mum was in the hospital. Sadly her mum passed away, but she said that when she listens to my music, it keeps her mum alive in her memory. It was one of the most moving messages I've ever received.

What's the worst lie you've ever told?

I told my manager I was an amazing dancer, and I'm most definitely not an amazing dancer!

What song do you wish you wrote?

I wish I'd written "Strange" by Celeste. The line "strangers to friends, friends into lovers, then strangers again" is one of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard.

If music never happened, what do you think you would be doing now?

I would be doing something in conservation or an animal/nature-based job. I'm really interested in protecting the environment and climate change and how and what we can do to protect and restore lost habitats and species. I want to incorporate some conservation work into my music career at some point in the future.

What are your go-to happy and sad songs?

That first album by Tom Odell, Long Way Down is my go-to sad album. He writes such raw, emotional songs that always make me teary! My go-to happy songs are either "It Was a Good Day," by Ice Cube, "Cyanide" by Daniel Caesar, or "Texas Sun" by Leon Bridges, as it reminds me of being in the LA sunshine.

If you could only listen to three songs for the rest of your life, what would they be?

"Too Late to Turn Back Now" by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose  "My Girl" by The Temptations  "You Send Me" by Aretha Franklin

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Trixie Mattel | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Thu, 27 May 2021 20:39:28 +0000

Trixie Mattel | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Thu, 05/27/2021

Stingray is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, inclusion and diversity through PRIDE month. We couldn’t think of a better Stingray Rising Star than Trixie Mattel for the occasion!

Mattel is an American drag queen, singer-songwriter, comedian, author, actor, entrepreneur, television personality (she won the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars!), and CEO and founder of Trixie Cosmetics. She has released three studio albums: Two Birds, One Stone, and Barbara. It’s no surprise that she’s very busy being awesome! Nonetheless, she took the time to answer our questions.

What’s the most important advice that you would give to future drag queens and drag kings?

I would say drag is not the get-rich-quick scheme it’s drummed up to be. The government wants you to think that if you buy a wig on Amazon, you’re instantly going to be rich and famous. And I’m here to tell you that is not the truth. Okay? I represent the upper percentage of people who really lucked out with my career and just make sure that if you’re going to do drag, you do it because you love it, and you would never expect any return on it other than enjoyment, fulfillment, and artistic voice. Because then if something cool happens financially or you catch a break, it’s a cool bonus, but even if nothing ever happens, even if you never get a paycheck in your life, you still got what you wanted out of it. That’s the most important thing.

What is the worst lie you’ve ever told?

My bigger problem is telling the truth too often, hitting people where they live, not reading the room. Oftentimes in life, I find myself feeling like I’m in the twilight zone where I’m like, “Is anyone going to say what’s really happening here?” I’m always the one, who like after the fact, someone would say, “You didn’t have to say it like that.” Because I’m just like, “What? We had to say it.” So I’m problematic in the sense of just, I would rather air the building and move on. I don’t believe in telling white lies.

What was the funniest thing that happened to you while performing?

Oh, God. I mean, after the fact it’s funny, but one time I was performing at Oasis in San Francisco, and I was lip-syncing, and 30 seconds into a five-minute lip-sync number, I fell off the front of the stage. I fell off so fiercely that my hands wiggled like this on the way down, both of my shoes fell off, and I still had five minutes of a song to do. So then I had to get up and put my shoes back on in front of people and lip sync while people tipped me awkwardly. Tipping me like my face was covered in scabs. Like, “Just give her a dollar. Oh, I feel so bad.” I mean, it was so awful, but it’s part of the gig!

What’s the weirdest thing that a fan has ever given to you?

I am newly an owner of This Is It, which is the oldest gay bar in Wisconsin. And one of our bartenders, Michelangelo, today, before I left, said, “Oh, Trixie, I forgot, I have a gift for you. Don’t open it in front of me.” And I go, “Okay. Right.” I’m thinking it’s a love letter. I’m thinking it’s a ring, perhaps. It’s a little statue of a bald man that says “bald is beautiful” on it. So he’s been fired. No, I’m kidding! He’s in federal prison.

If you were arrested with no explanation, what would your friends think you’ve done?

If I was arrested with no explanation, I think it could be confirmed that I was selling counterfeit pussy. Honestly, if I ever go to jail, if I get arrested, it’s probably going to be like my 13-year-old Napster account being discovered and me going to jail for pirating music or something.

If you could ever be reincarnated as something, what would you want to be reincarnated as, and why?

If I wanted to be reincarnated, I would like to be a bird because I want to fly away. I don’t know where my soul is. I don’t know where my home is. Nelly Furtado.

What does pride mean to you?

Honestly, my pageant answer is pride is about the community and loving one another and making sure everyone’s accepted, and knowing who you are. But honestly, pride is usually the time of year where I do the things that I’m most ashamed of. If you know what I mean!

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Tate McRae | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Lucille — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 15:06:58 +0000

Tate McRae | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Lucille Tue, 04/27/2021

In just over a year, singer-songwriter-dancer Tate McRae has become a superstar. Not only is she one of the most influential artists of 2021, but she’s also bringing a breath of fresh air to the music industry, mixing her vocal ability with her incredible dance moves. The first time Tate made a name for herself was actually as a competitive dancer. She’s now taking over the world with her EP, Too Young to Be Sad, and will be Stingray’s Rising Star this May.

You can listen to Tate McRae’s hits on the following Stingray Music’s channels:

And many more!

To date, what is your favorite song that you’ve ever written?

My favorite song I have released would be between “you broke me first” and “wish Ioved you in the 90s.” I’m a perfectionist, so I can easily get sick of my songs, but these two hold a special place in my heart.

Who inspires you musically?

Post Malone, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, and a lot more artists. I can also find inspiration from rap songs to pop to country songs— they all help my lyrics in different ways.

When did you start writing songs?

I started writing songs when I was around 8. They were terrible, but I had such a strong passion for writing and telling stories.

Do you come from a musical family?

Not really! We all are music heads, so we love finding new artists and really diving deep into songs, however, my parents and brother don’t sing.

What’s the best part of performing for you?

The best part of performing is by far the energy from the crowd. It’s the biggest adrenaline rush ever.

If you could have dinner with one musician (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?

I would love to have dinner with The Weeknd. I would be so intrigued to learn more about his mind and his creative vision behind all his songs.

When you are on tour, what is one thing that you absolutely can’t live without?

I can’t live without throat coat tea on tour.

What was the funniest thing that happened to you on tour?

Right before my first show in Los Angeles, I did a squat and ripped the biggest hole in my pants. We had to think quick and find new ones before getting on stage. It was a chaotic experience.

If you had to choose between singing and dancing, which one do you love more and why?

I could never choose. They both are unique outlets for me in different ways; therefore, I could never drop one of them.

What is the best thing that a fan has ever said to you?

The best thing you can hear as an artist from a fan is “your music saved me.” It’s honestly the craziest feeling knowing that your music and lyrics have that much impact on people.

Want more? Check out our PausePlay interview with Tate McRae!

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Charlotte Cardin | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:57:34 +0000

Charlotte Cardin | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Thu, 03/25/2021

Charlotte Cardin is a pop, electro, and jazz singer and songwriter from Montreal, Canada. Guided by instinct and gifted with a seismic voice, she’s about to release her very first album, Phoenix. We can’t wait to discover this debut full-length piece, which includes the already well-known songs “Daddy,” “Meaningless,” and “Passive Aggressive.” “I’m just a 25-year-old woman who’s obsessed with feelings and wants to share them as authentically as I can. Phoenix symbolizes my growth,” she explains. Charlotte is our new Rising Star, and we took this opportunity to ask her a few questions.

You can listen to Charlotte Cardin’s hits on the following Stingray Music’s channels:

And more!

What are your earliest artistic memories?

My earliest artistic memories are most probably songs by the Spice Girls with my sister when I must have been three or four years old. We were absolutely obsessed with them, and we would learn their songs and invent choreographies to perform them for my parents.

What is your most favorite cover that you have done?

I think my favorite cover is my French version of “Goosebumps” by Travis Scott.

What is your best or funniest memory on stage?

My best memory on stage is definitely performing at the Montreal Jazz Fest in 2019. We played in our hometown for the opening night of the festival in front of over 60 thousand people, and it was absolutely magical.

What are your most favorite songs of all time?

I have so many! But these are definitely top of my list: “House of Cards” and “No Surprises” by Radiohead, “Right Now” by Akon, “Rêver Mieux” by Daniel Bélanger, “Rainfall” by Stormzy, “Circles” by Mac Miller, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” by Nina Simone.

What song do you love performing the most on stage and why?

I have a few, but I would say “The Kids” because it is always a very intimate and special moment with the crowd. The song is much more intimate (just bass and vocals) than the other songs we have, so the moment we play, it is usually a nice, closer moment with the audience.

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?

I would either be a doctor or a first-grade or pre-school teacher.

Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with next?

I have sooo many! But I would say Stormzy, Radiohead, Burna Boy, Frank Ocean would be at the very top of my list at the moment.

What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you (a fun fact)?

I have a huge passion for cooking and eating. Whenever I have spare time or a day off, I go to the market and cook all day.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

To take my time to make and release music that I really love.

What’s coming up for you in the next few months?

I am releasing my debut album in April, and I am so excited. Also, hopefully, go back to touring as soon as we can!

What’s your advice for getting through the quarantine?

Practicing my guitar has helped me a lot during quarantine! So, I guess finding a new hobby and trying to learn new skills would be my advice. It’s so satisfying and fun.

What’s one question you would ask to your fans?

HOW ARE YOUUUU? WHEN CAN I SEE YOU GUYS AGAIN! I MISS YOU!

Want more? Check out our PausePlay interview with Charlotte Cardin!

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Zara Larsson | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:47:18 +0000

Zara Larsson | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Tue, 03/02/2021

Zara Larsson is a new kind of pop star! At just 23 years old, the Swedish sensation is already a multi-platinum-selling artist as her album So Good was one of the most-streamed debuts. The Skokholm-based artist is our Rising Star for March, and answered a few of our questions!

You can listen to Zara Larsson’s hits on the following Stingray Music’s channels:

Rising Stars

Chill Pop

Europe's Future Superstars

Women on Top

And more!

What got you into music?

I honestly can’t tell what got me into the music industry, but it was probably when I was ten years old, and I won Sweden’s Got Talent. That opened a lot of doors for me, meeting people and such... But in music in general? I don’t know! I’ve just been doing music my whole life. I’ve always loved singing, and I’m living my childhood dream right now!

If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing right now?

I would probably do something in entertainment. I don’t really love school... Maybe acting, or hosting stuff like a radio host. It would be really fun because I like to talk! Or I would do something like design, something creative.

What is your favorite song of all time?

It’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen because it’s like five songs in one. It’s a masterpiece, in my opinion.

Who would you like to collaborate with?

I would like to collaborate more with girls, with women. I was so excited to collaborate with Sabrina Carpenter, and I thought she was so lovely to work with and an amazing artist. So, more girls! Kehlani is on top of my list, Ariana Grande, Snoh Aalegra… so look out in the future for the gals!

What are you working on right now?

I’ve just finished my album! It’s ready to go! I guess I’m just working on not being too nervous about it. And when it’s out, I will run back in the studio and make another album. We’re not waiting four years for the next one!

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Avenue Beat | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 19:52:11 +0000

Avenue Beat | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Wed, 01/27/2021

Avenue Beat is the pop sensation whose name will soon be on everyone's lips. Made up of Sam Backoff, Savana Santos, and Sami Bearden, the trio is breaking barriers and forging their path. They dropped "F2020" on TikTok last year, lately remixed with Jessie Reyez. Rather than focusing on the negativity, the musicians from Illinois lean into something more beautiful and empowering. They've just released a new song, "WOMAN.", and are Stingray's Rising Stars for February!

Check out Avenue Beat’s interview and listen to their songs on the following Stingray Music’s channels:

And more!

What is your earliest artistic memory?

Sam: My earliest artistic memory isn’t exactly a memory because my mom just told me this story so many times, and now it feels like a memory, you know! When Savana and I were like five we would get pulled around in my wagon by my mom, and we would just sing at the top of our lungs. I would be singing some wholesome song I learned in Sunday school, or something, and Sav would be singing some dirty rap song she learned from her older sisters blasting it in their rooms! And I just think that sums us up. But really, the first musical memory I have is trying out for musicals at the local community theatre!

What is your favorite cover that you have done?

Sami: In high school we did a cover of Beyoncé’s “Love on Top” for a variety show. We did the key changes by moving the capo up on the guitar, and it made me laugh almost every night.

What does pop music convey like no other music genre?

Sami: I know it’s kind of simple, but I think pop music conveys the current zeitgeist. It’s always changing and reflecting what’s on people’s hearts at a given moment.
Savana: Brutal honesty. I think pop music gives you the freedom to explore things the most candidly because there aren’t many rules or lines you have to fit into.

What is your best or funniest memory on stage?

Sam: The best memory I remember on stage is when we were on tour with Mason Ramsey (The Yodel Kid) and literally nobody knew who we were, but they loved our last song, “Delight,” so much they all put their hands up and started singing along and waving their hands in the air and us softies all started crying and could barely finish the song. We probably sounded like shit, but it was so cute, and we really miss live shows… 😭😭😭😭

What’s it like working together?

Sami: It comes so naturally at this point, I guess we don’t really think about it. We’ve been so close for so long, so we know how to talk issues out. But we always seem to be on the same page about important stuff. It’s a little creepy sometimes.

What is your favorite song of all time?

Sam: My favorite songs of all time UGH I have so many different favorite songs of all time depending on the week… One that comes to mind immediately is “Hard Place,” by H.E.R. That line “If I had to choose, my heart or you, I’m gunna LOSEEEE” I would 100% get those lyrics tattooed on my body.
Savana: “The Grand Hotel” by Regina Spektor, and “Honey” by Kehlani.

What song do you love performing the most on stage, and why?

Sam: I feel like we would enjoy performing “F2020” the most on stage, but we’ve never gotten to really play it out at a show ever! SADNESS! Or maybe our new song “Woman” or this unreleased one called “Stupidmouth”! We did that for a TikTok performance once, and it was really fun! I miss SHOWSSSSS.

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?

Savana: Probably something with videography or graphics.

Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with?

Savana: Kacey Musgraves is always my answer, lol. Just gonna keep putting it out there in the universe until it happens.

What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you (a fun fact)?

Savana: I love spam, lol.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

Savana: Water is the key to life, deadass. Haha!

What’s coming up for you in the next weeks and months?

Sam: I hope in the next few months we get to release a shit ton more music and maybe do some super dope collabs with some artists that we love and admire and actually worship! MUSIC! More music!
Savana: NEW MUSIC! NEW MUSIC! NEW MUSIC!

Advice for getting through the quarantine?

Sami: Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies! I must have tried out a dozen different things: baking, knitting, embroidery, painting. It’s nice to have something low pressure to do other than spiral.

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Devon Gilfillian | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

Stingray — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 15:21:30 +0000

Devon Gilfillian | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars Stingray Tue, 12/22/2020

We’re starting 2021 on a high note with our new Rising Star: Devon Gilfillian!

Devon Gilfillian is a Nashville-based singer whose arts goes way beyond mere genre classification. “To me, the soul of the music is everything,” he says. Gilfillian followed his electrifying 2016 debut EP with upbeat singles like “High” and “Troublemaker” in 2018 and signed to Capitol Records, tapping studio wizard Shawn Everett to produce his full-length premiere. The resulting album, Black Hole Rainbow, is a genuinely innovative and exciting collision of eras, styles, genres, and souls about love—on multiple levels.

Check out Devon Gilfillian’s interview and listen to his songs on the following Stingray Music’s channels:

And more!

What is your earliest artistic memory?

My earliest artistic memory was painting an image of a tree when I was in kindergarten. It was actually not bad.

What is your favorite cover that you have done?

My favorite cover that I’ve done recently that comes to mind is “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. I got to sing it with Grace Potter on my last tour before COVID hit.

What is your best or funniest memory on stage?

One of my favorite and funniest moments on stage had to be in Asheville, NC, at the Grey Eagle as we were on tour with Anderson East. Anderson decided to play a prank on us. During our set, in-between songs, they programmed the on-stage monitors so that they could play samples of their voices back at us. They would say encouraging things, but it was so distracting and also hilarious.

What is your favorite song of all time?

That is such a hard question. I’ll have to go with “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley.

What is your favorite album of all time?

Geez, another brain buster. I have to say Electric Lady Land by Jimi Hendrix is my fave of all time. I think it’s his masterpiece with the Experience playing behind him.

What song do you love performing the most on stage, and why?

I really love play “The Good Life.” I feel like I really get to show people my message during that song and what I’m all about.

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?

I would probably be a therapist or a history teacher. I love history, and I also love to help people understand their deep problems. I’m glad I became a musician and not a therapist, though. In a way, music is my therapy that I can provide for the world.

Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with?

I’m a huge fan of Steve Lacey, Thundercat, Anderson Paak, Mark Ronson, Pharrell. It’d be dope to work with them.

What have you been doing during quarantine to keep busy?

I’ve been writing my butt off. I recorded an entire cover album of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Also, I’ve been teaching myself how to record using Logic Pro. I also produced my first couple of songs this year. I’m pretty proud of them.

What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you (a fun fact)?

I really am not a fan of olives :].

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

It’s best to be the worst musician in the room.

What’s coming up for you in the next weeks and months?

I’m going to release a rendition of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” in the next few weeks. Then I’m going to be writing some more for the second record.

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