Dragonette, the electro-pop band from Canada which formed back in 2005, have just dropped their new album ‘Twennies’.

Known for the huge hit ‘Hello’ with Martin Solveig, ‘Twennies’ is fully loaded with massive moody rhythms.

Dragonette have taken a slightly varied approach to their songs in ‘Twennies’ making it something very unique and a must stream or own.

We speak with Martina Sorbara from Dragonette about all the new album and more!

Shane: Hey Martina, thanks for chatting with us at STG. How did the name of Dragonette come about?

Martina: Dragonette was a word that I *thought* I invented. But, turns out, it is a very popular home aquarium fish.

I liked the counterposing of the a big scary dragon vs the diminutive “ette”, like something all at once rough and dainty.

Shane: If I go back a wee bit to your massive hit ‘Hello’ with Martin Solveig, how did that collaboration come about?

Martina: I met Martin on a bus leaving a festival in Australia to go back to the Hotel. It was the last day of a two week festival we were playing over there.

He told me he had been spinning my song… maybe it was Fixin’ to Thrill… And he said we should do something at some point. Back then artist collabs were not nearly as ubiquitous as they are now.

He ended up reaching out a few weeks later about a collaboration for Jean Paul Gaultier. That was the first song we did together, and from there we did several more, the next one being ‘Hello’. He sent me the track over email and we wrote it by singing each other our vocal ideas. I ended up recording the vocals myself in my little home studio and emailing them to him. The strongest memory I have was that the amazing video for the song had already been shot by that point. They cut it to the instrumental. So we both had that great visual inspiration to work from.

Shane: Your new album ‘Twennies’ has just dropped, with the song of the same name. What is the inspiration behind this track?

Martina: This song has the darkest sonic palette on the album and I guess the darkest content.

It’s about the push and pull of progress versus nostalgia. Which is present in the instrumentation as well: A house track with an acoustic drum solo… Everyone has a point that they let go of the new world, hold on to what is familiar and known a let progress carry on without them. I think about that a lot. I have a lot of nostalgia for earlier times, life without the crazy frantic energy of what the digital / social media age has wrought. But I also have a genuine excitement about current and future knowledge / progress / technical and scientific discoveries. But I know that one day my mind with tend more to favour nostalgia and what is known over the changing world and what is new. ‘Twennies’ is the internal collision of those two polarities.

Shane: ‘Twennies’ is a killer album (well done!) and every track remains true to the Dragonette sound, while at the same time feeling a bit less pop and more grit. Was the intention to turn up the electro-pop theme?

Martina: Thanks so much. I really do love this record and I’m so pleased it’s out in the world having its own journey. It’s true that there is a little less sparkle and high shine on this record. I come from such acoustic, singer songwriter beginnings and I think I was really yearning to allow more of that history into my musical life.

Shane: If you had to describe your new album; ‘Twennies’, in only a few words to someone who had never heard your music before, what would you say?

Martina: I’ve described this album as electro-coustic, homemade pop.

Shane: As well as recording your own music you are an established song-writer, having written for Cyndi Lauper, Carly Rae Jepsen, Keith Urban to name a few. What is your fav song you have written?

Martina: I am going to mention a song that is not yet out. I’ve been writing with and for an incredible artist name Julian Madrid. And I’m not going to say the name of the song yet, but I will say to look out for her upcoming releases!

Shane: With that said, your fav song ever?

Martina: OH come on! I could never answer that. I can tell you that my all time favourite songwriter is Nick Lowe but even if you asked me to choose a favourite song of his I couldn’t, let alone choose a favourite song in the whole wide world.

Dragonette – photo credit: Shervin Lainez

Shane: We all draw inspiration from other creatives, who likely draw the same from us. Who inspires your creativity in music?

Martina: I take a lot from movies and TV shows. So screenwriters tend to be my inspiration a lot of the time. My notes app on my phone is full of turns of phrase that inevitably came from some tv or movie I watched…

Shane: Starting out in the music business is not easy. What advice would you give to a starting out artist or band?

Martina: Make up your own version of what you want your career to be. There are infinite versions of success.

Shane:  And last question – what’s in the future works for Dragonette?

Martina: I have a stockpile of songs on my hard drive that I am excited to record. But first I’ll play some live shows and hopefully have a gallery art show in the new year.

Dragonette’s ‘Twennies’ is now out on all streaming platforms to listen or purchase – we recommend that you should add it it to your playlist, like, now.

The post An Interview w. Dragonette appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Recently Shane from STG was invited to see upcoming Persian x NZ (Kiwi) singer Chaii live at a small performance for JBL.

Chaii has exploded on to the New Zealand (NZ) music scene with a string of high energy singles which were sung on the night.

Shane got to have a chat with Chaii on her music career and aspirations for the future.

Shane: Hey Chaii, thanks for chatting with us! Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got in to music

Chaii: I’m an Artist / producer from Auckland NZ. I got into music as a kid and have always had a passion for making music and being in the creative industry.

Shane: We have seen you perform live with JBL and it’s electric and super energy infused. It’s fantastic. How would you describe your music?

Chaii: Thank you 😊 I would describe my music as upbeat Persian party meets hiphop / R&B.

Shane: You’ve released a few singles over the past couple of years, is there an album coming?

Chaii: Yes, my last 2 releases were EP’s, but am currently working on an Album that I can’t wait to share.

Shane: What other music artists inspire you?

Chaii: Rosalia, Tierra Whack, Childish Gambino, J Cole, Doja Cat

Shane: What’s up next for Chaii?

Chaii: Album then touring. Keen to play more shows overseas and take the Album to all sides of the world.

Shane: Is there any advice you would give to upcoming music artists that are wanting to break in to the industry?

Chai: Make music you feel passionate making, don’t be scared to truly let go and find yourself through your music. Be patient and believe in your work!

Chaii is going to be big, keep an ear out for her sounds, an eye out for her tour dates, singles and album drop abd you can follow Chaii on her official Instagram.

The post Interview w. Persian x NZ Music Artist Chaii appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Thanks to our mates at Universal Music (ANZ & UK) STG is able to have a virtual Q & A session with the iconic Motown legend and Queen of cross-genre music, the incredible and timeless Diana Ross about her just released album ‘Thank You’.

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Shane: Hi Diana Ross, thank you so much for chatting with us! The new album is titled ‘Thank You’ – what inspired this recording or title?

Diana Ross: This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time. ‘As I walk my path you are in front of me, we are one.’  These songs are from my heart, and it brings me such joy to share them from me to you.

Shane: What made recording this album so special to you?

Diana Ross: I recorded this album in my home studio, which made this experience very personal. I woke up every day and started singing. Music is always in my heart and I love the feeling that comes from creating new music. I always want to sing about love and believe in strong lyrics and messages. These songs are gifts of love and I hope you feel my heart when you listen to them.

Shane: So much of your music has the message of love in it. Is that message continued in this album?

Diana Ross: Love is a verb.  “Thank You” is a very powerful, inclusive musical message of love and togetherness.  With gratitude, I dedicate this songbook of love to all of my listeners.  It is my deepest honor to present my “Thank You ” album to you.  It is my wish that you enjoy listening to it as much as I did creating it.  I wish you love and a lifetime of many more great memories. 

Shane: It’s really a stunning album. How did you put together the collaborators and those who contributed to the project? 

Diana Ross: I could not have done this without my team. I wanted not only to surround myself with excellence, but also with individuals who shared in this vision of gratitude and love. I wanted all of us to focus on the now. Not only in creating the music, but also with our thoughts. With our shared dedication, it all came together with fun and joy.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the making of these songs and those that inspired me to create “beautiful love” memories. All the words and thoughts are close to my heart. Thank you to the songwriters, producers, musicians, arrangers, and engineers that came into my life. I have made many new friends. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Shane: Let’s talk about your music and your longevity.

Diana Ross: The music industry feels different today. Yet, the creative part of music has not changed. It starts with an idea. Creation. For me it’s about harmony and love. Hopefully, I’ve said and done good things. I have always wanted to stand for good.

Shane: Are you going to be touring the UK in 2022? What do you enjoy most about performing live? 

Diana Ross: So many people asked me to return to the UK. I’m answering the call, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone next summer. The audiences are really the exciting part for me in the show. There is always a connection that I feel when I am on stage. I love being able to look out and see the faces. When you’re watching me, I’m also watching you. Everything is really about give and take. It’s you and me. It’s us together. It’s never me by myself. My musicians with me are my family away from home. It’s such a blessing this work.

I am so excited to be on stage again – the energy you feel, being able to communicate with an audience. The magic lifts me. I actually feel as if I am levitating, floating out into the room, close to the people. I love performing all the songs I select. I love watching the audience.

Shane: What makes a great Diana Ross song?

Diana Ross: A melody that stays in your head and lyrics that are from the heart.  Music is a vibration that has memory. It’s like a beautiful fragrance.

Shane: How do you select your material?

Diana Ross: I select my music with my heart and a feeling. Sometimes the songs find me.

Shane: It’s clear by listening to the music and the lyrics of this album that it comes from your heart. Talk to me about that.

Diana Ross: It does. I feel so tremendously blessed. I’m grateful every morning when I wake up, and when I go to bed. I say my appreciation and thanks for being here. I’m constantly learning. All I can say is, I’m really blessed, and I know it. I think about it all the time. I have wonderful kids, and I get to spend my time with you, the audience. I’m truly grateful.

This is not just another album. This is not about me. It’s really about everything and everyone else. It’s about the past, the present and now – the new. It’s about appreciation to everyone that has touched my heart.

Shane: With whatever is going on in the world today, what is your wish?

Diana Ross: Just as our world is changing constantly, I am also. I wish for.. Togetherness.  Joy.  Appreciation.  Laughter.  Play.  And Love. Knowing that love can get you through anything. Every day is a gift. Keep a song in your heart.

Shane: How are you maintaining balance in uncertain times?

Diana Ross: Life is about change. These songs walked me through an uncertain time. I wanted to take charge of my body and mind through my thoughts. I asked, “What am I thinking now?” “What do I want to think about right now?” I noticed. Through that, these songs came to me.

Shane: How did you like working with Jack Antonoff? 

Diana Ross: He’s a very thoughtful young man. We became good friends. We talk a lot about life and what’s important: values, family and career.  We worked together on the song “I Still Believe”. It’s a special song.

Shane: How did you spend these last 15 months? 

Diana Ross: Every day I thought about the things that matter to me most. I was reading a children’s book called the “Tao of Pooh” and Christopher Robin asked Pooh “What is it you like doing most – what do you like doing most in the whole wide world?”.  So, I took this time as an opportunity to change my perspective. I wanted to find the silver lining, and I wanted to give a gift of gratitude to everyone. I paused and decided to record a new album. The album is special and dear to my heart.  Every word, every thought and every note is important. It is really about love and giving thanks. Let love lead the way. All is well. Be still and go with life’s flow. “All is well – it’s alright.”

Shane: What is it about this album that makes it so special to you? 

Diana Ross: That it comes from all my lifetime of work. All the Audiences, all the travel, all the love – it’s everything. That is what the album represents. I hold my vision of how I view this work: “As I walk my path you are in front of me, and we are one.”  Do your love and everything else will follow.

These songs are from my heart and it brings me such joy to share them from me to you. Music is a mystery, I think about this often, how it touches and travels.

Shane: During this time of COVID-19 many of us found ourselves in contemplation and being clear about what’s important and where and what we value most. Did this happen to you?

Diana Ross: Yes, and what is important to me is family, and being with my children and my grandchildren. When I couldn’t be with them, I was able to see their faces on Zoom or FaceTime. Or they would send me photographs of my grandchildren, and that to me was the support and love I needed to get through those fearful months. This has been an experience of counting my blessings.  Being grateful. Daily “Thank Yous” and “Appreciations” leads to a better ability to handle life’s changes.

Shane: Can you tell me a little bit about the song writing process?

Diana Ross: I thought that I would sit and write in my journal how I wanted it to be, how I want for us to be at peace and for us to understand that we are capable and adaptable and that we can do whatever it takes for us to find that happiness.

I received inspiration from anything, everything.  The sky. Energy flows all round and inside of us. The song titles really express where I am right now on this beautiful journey. “Come Together”. “Beautiful Love”. “Let’s Do It.” “I Still Believe.” “If the World Just Danced” … And “All is Well.”

Shane: Thank you so much Diana Ross and Universal Music for arranging the Q and A session.

Diana Ross’ new album ‘Thank You’ is out now.

The post Interview w. Diana Ross appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

From soulful pop, deep bass lines and original songs to get your hips and arms swaying Shane from STG was privileged to have a virtual chat to rising singer and song-writer Mareya.

Shane: Hey Mareya, thanks so much for chatting with me at STG today. Tell us a wee bit about yourself and how you ended up writing, performing and producing music.

Mareya: Thank you so much for having me! I guess in a nutshell, I’m a songwriter, singer and music producer, born and raised in NZ. I came into a fairly musical family, my sister is a great songwriter, Mum can sing/play guitar and bass, she also managed a few local bands on the side of her day job growing up. I’d often come home from school to find bands rehearsing in our lounge. It was all just normal to me. Dad was also on the radio, so I was at the station alot when I would visit him. I wrote my first chorus when I was 4, always loved to sing and perform, but I really started songwriting and learning the craft when I was 13. However, I started to dabble in music production at 19.

Shane: How would you describe your style of music to both fans and newcomers?

Mareya: I would describe my style as pop overall, with r&b and hip hop influences with the occasional grunge blanket thrown over the top. I come from a background of playing in bands & writing songs on guitar, plus I grew up around alot of rock music and have an obsession for 90’s grunge so occasionally I’ll dabble in my grunge pop vibes. I love that sound so much. I also want to be one of those artists you can’t fully box into one genre, as I love writing all genres. I can see myself putting out a full rock album one day, maybe just to shake things up a lil. My goal in music is to attempt to empower you in some way, whether it’s an invitation to connect with yourself, feel your emotions and heal or to drop sassy truth bombs on you that educate you or help you feel like more of a badass!

Shane: You’ve recently dropped your single with a music vid ‘Don’t Play With Me’ – available on YouTube and Spotify. What’s the track all about?

Mareya: Don’t Play With Me essentially is a song that says “you can’t play me”. It was my sassy response to something I was personally going through at the time, you know when you find out someone did you wrong, lied to your or just mislead you in someway…yeah it’s really a “I caught you and I hope you know what you’ve done” kind of vibe, haha very much a sassy song of mine. I had a few friends going through similar stuff at the time so I drew from all of those stories too. I guess I wanted to make a semi anthemic song for people who have been through that.

Shane: We have all experienced life in lockdown over the past year and a bit. How do you keep your creative talent going in periods of isolation?

Mareya: Life in lockdown was definitely tough but it was some weird blessing in disguise for me, which I am so grateful to be able to say as I know it was really hard for a lot of us…I missed performing so much but I knew I had to make the most of this time that I had to be really creative and learn. I taught myself how to audio engineer myself to a point where I could record my own songs and still get music out in lockdowns. I love to vocal produce and edit my own vocals, it’s something I like to really be in control of so it was liberating for me to realise I could do that all on my own moving forward. I set up a little bedroom studio and just went for it. I wrote 5 albums during 2020…so I was really just using the time to create, create and create. I was really lucky to not feel blocked creatively during lockdowns, in fact it oddly had the opposite effect on me. I was just so inspired by the fact that I could now record myself whenever I wanted and how I wanted, that I literally just wanted to do that every day I could. Don’t Play With Me was the 3rd song I put out from that big list of songs.

Shane: When can fans expect to see an album release?

Mareya: I would love to put an album out in the next 2 years, as long as people are still listening to them! I was going to release one this year but decided to just get consistent material out first. I’d like to build my catalogue up more and keep refining my sound and brand beforehand. Plus, I really love working with other producers at the moment so I’m currently focusing more on those projects for now.

Shane: What advice would you have for any inspiring song writers and performers out there?

Mareya: My advice to songwriters and performers is probably a bit cliche but really, just be you. Do you. Trust yourself and your vision and always be open to trying new sounds and ideas as you never know where that can lead you next. Also, live, live life, sponge up experience so you have a constant stream to pull ideas from! Put yourself in situations that inspire you and surround yourself with people that make you wanna level up. And lastly, the only person you should ever compare yourself to, is past you.

Shane: And lastly – what can we expect from yourself in the near future?

Mareya: I have a remix of ‘Don’t Play With Me’ dropping on 11/11! It’s a future bass type remix so definitely for the dancers out there. I also just wrapped a music video for a ballad I am releasing very soon called ‘Again Just Friends, so stay tuned! It’s a more vulnerable and raw piece which I’m very excited and nervous to share but I think it will resonate with alot of people. The video is all in black and white, so it is a bit different than anything I’ve done before and is my favourite to date so far in terms of the visuals.

The super and multi-talented Mareya is an inspirational multi-talented artist that very soon we will be seeing on international stages.

Support Mareya on her official Instagram or Facebook and stream her music on Spotify and YouTube.

The post Interview w. ANZ Singer, Songwriter & Producer – Mareya appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

New Zealand duo called DUAL are exploding on to the Australasia music scene with their pumpy beats and catchy tracks.

Having just released their single ‘Two Hands Up’ DUAL are powering ahead with even more musical creativity and more tunes to follow up.

Shane was given the opportunity, thanks to Warner Music, to have a virtual chat with the group.

Shane: Hey DUAL thanks for chatting with us here at STG Music. So, how did you guys get together in the first place and create DUAL?

DUAL: We used to be in a band together in high school called Narwhal. When that started to fizzle out we were both keen to keep creating so we went back and forward just for the sake of writing music. Eventually we had a bunch of good songs together and were invited to play at a house party and the rest was history.

Shane: Hot on the heels of your last track and music video for ‘Two Hands’ you’ve just released another single and video for ‘Wipe Your Tears Away’. What’s the inspiration behind this song?

DUAL: I often find that my subconscious articulates things through my songwriting – things that I haven’t readily admitted to myself yet – which makes things kind of scary cos you don’t realise until after. This song is a true testament to that – a personal moment in my life, a stage where I was at a real crossroads. My parents had broken up and I wasn’t sure if I could / should quit my job and decide to really give this music thing a crack.

I knew I had to break free though. The whole message of the track is ‘do what I want when I like – this is my new life right now’. It’s about breaking free, it’s about us being vulnerable and being okay with that. We hope that people can connect to this message – Maurice

Shane: In a few words, describe the music video for ‘Wipe your Tears Away’.

DUAL: Chaotic, Freeing, Spooky

Shane: New Zealand has had some lengthy lockdowns during the pandemic, how have you managed to stay creative?

DUAL: We’ve still both been writing a lot together over video calls – and with some other NZ artists too. It’s definitely not the same as being in the room together but we’ve managed to make it work in our own ways

Shane: Lastly, what’s up next for DUAL?

DUAL: We have a bunch of new tunes coming out starting with one we’re really excited about dropping early December. Pending what happens this summer we’re really hoping to be able to play some outdoor festivals as well as our own headline show early next year.

Be sure to catch DUAL rocking out festivals and releasing more addictive and original singles rom December and of course in 2022.

The post Interview w. Kiwi Music Duo – DUAL appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Entertainment, music gigs, tech and more Connor Treacy is doing it all.

From being on the promotional crew for Justin Bieber through to wild celebrity parties and his own social app Twenty Shane got to have a distance sit down and chat with Connor about himself and his projects – both past and present.

Photo credit: @iblamerusty

Shane: Hey, Connor thanks for chatting with us here at STG. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got in to Music Management?

Connor: I started in the entertainment industry by throwing house parties in high school. One of them caught nationwide attention, getting on the news for being called the so-called “Real-life Project X” named after the movie. Fast forward 9 years and I have worked for all the biggest nightclubs in Hollywood, got hired by Interscope Records, & helped launch a tech company called Twenty which is partnered with Live Nation, Roc Nation, Endeavor, Madison Square Garden Group, & Tao Group. After being at Interscope for two years I decided to leave to start my own management company which I recently just partnered with Kygo and his manager Myles Shear.

Shane: From promotional gigs to celeb parties and more including working on the crew for Justin Bieber, which has been the greatest experience so far?

Connor: The greatest experiences for me have been when I have hit certain milestones or goals. The best experience was probably when I got hired at Interscope because it felt like what I had been pursuing for so many years finally was becoming a legit thing.

Shane: You have recently released a Social meet-up App called Twenty. What is that exactly?

Connor: It’s a location-based app that focuses on helping people connect in person.

With the current COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns it is a challenge for almost every entertainment industry. How are you getting round this and remaining productive?

Luckily before the pandemic I had just decided to start my own company and was in the mindset that this year I was going to focus on developing new acts. So during this time I have just been setting up facetime recording sessions and marketing plans from my computer. The best way to stay productive right now is just lining up as much as you can for when the social distancing laws start easing up a bit.

Shane: Lastly, what’s next up or in the works that you can talk about for you?

Connor: I’m focusing on my management company for the rest of the year and building it up. We currently have two brand new young acts that we are developing. Haley Sullivan & Caleb Peters. Haley is 15 years old and I discovered her online after Ariana Grande commented on one of her cover videos. Caleb is 16 years old and his story is fairly similar. I happened to stumble upon his profile while it was gaining a lot of attention after Alec Benjamin commented on one of his cover videos. Both of them have already gotten millions of views over the past year online and we are focusing now on releasing their own music. Caleb just released his first track with us called “Carousel” which was just featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday and Haley is flying to LA in a week to finish her EP.

Shane: Thanks for chatting to us here at STG, really appreciate it.

The social app Twenty can be downloaded from either the Google Play store or Apple App store now.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Interview w. Entertainment Executive Connor Treacy appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Having just released their newest single ‘Catch Up’ the WAM Award winning The Hunting Birds are paving their own path through the Australian and global music scene.

During lockdown Shane from STG was honoured to be able to have a virtual distance chat with Connor from the three piece band.

Shane: Hey Connor thanks for chatting with us here at STG. Can you tell us a bit about yourselves, how you grouped together to form The Hunting Birds and got in to the indie pop scene?

Connor: Hey! No worries, thanks for chatting with us. We’re just a band from Western Australia that studied music together in university. We’ve just moved over to Melbourne at the start of the year and really enjoying it. We were in the WA scene for a few years and were lucky to play with some great national and international acts passing through Perth.

Shane: You have just released your new single ‘Catch up’ can you give us a lowdown on the inspiration for the track?

Connor: Kendra and I wrote “Catch Up” with our producer Joel on Kendra’s family farm late last year. We wrote it about feeling out of touch with someone you’re close too. Sonically we wanted to start getting away from the “roots” genres and move ourselves into something more current day and Pop driven. It was a conscious choice that we made, without ruining the integrity of our older work.

Shane: I’ve been told that you have spent the lockdown period hammering through Crash Bandicoot. Has the retro gaming goodness helped you’re musical creativity for any upcoming work? And why was Crash Bandicoot the game of choice?

Connor: Haha! Amazing! Yes, there has been a lot of Crash Bandicoot action in our apartment! I think video games give us another outlet to let off steam and stimulate our brains. Crash is a classic, my Dad got me a PS1 when I was super little and I used to play the first two games to death. In high school, video games were just a huge part of every day life. My friends were all really great players (wish I could say the same about myself) and we spent so many hours partied up online. The old school, nostalgic remasters have been awesome though. Really keen for the new Tony Hawk remasters, the soundtracks to both games were wicked.

Shane: As a band what has the journey been like in getting to where you are now?

Connor: Being together for the better part of the last five years, we have really got to know the ins and outs of the road and taken some great lessons from that. We are seasoned, which is something we are proud of. I think we have worked everything up naturally and nothing has come to us too soon. I think that puts us in a position to be prepared for anything, even this new reality that we are living in.

Shane: Lastly, what’s next up or in the works that you can talk about for the band?

Connor: Just releasing, writing and recording music. With the uncertainty of live music, it’s the most productive thing we can be doing. Staying creative and finding new ways to engage with everyone.

You can stream The Hunting Birds newest single ‘Catch Up’ on Spotify now.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Interview w. Connor from The Hunting Birds appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

New Zealand has a global history of producing stellar and unique music talent.

Recently Shane from STG was honoured to have had a sit down and chat with R & B, Hip Hop artist Taiwere in Auckland, New Zealand. Taiwere who writes his own own electro-fused R & B music and produces it is a rising star both nationally and internationally.

Shane: Hey Taiwere, thanks for talking to us here at STG. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got in to the NZ Music industry.

Taiwere: Hey Shane, great to hear from you! I am from Rotorua originally, I started making music at 16 after I realised inventing a hoverboard wasn’t my true calling. When I started out I worked with a few producers in the underground NZ scene. But then I moved to California on a school exchange in 2016. I quickly figured out who made music in my area and collaborated with a bunch of people, met legends like Shock G in Oakland etc. After a year working on an album I moved to LA, met a reasonably established film producer and crashed on his couch. Then I returned home, told my cousin to drop out of school and come chase our dream. We met amazing people and are now working on a visa situation. However I’ve started working with a lot of amazing artists here in NZ, creating the wave that I’ll take back to the states when the times right.

Shane: Your recently released track Being 19 (music video above) seems to be self reflective, can you tell us a bit more about this one?

Taiwere: Being 19. Such a weird age. The final stage of adolescence. When I turned 19 I was whipping a Porsche and stealing expensive shirts from the mall. Standing at the top of the Hollywood Hills with no food in my stomach! Then I came back home to NZ and worked on making the best music I could without being surrounded by too much noise from the industry. That whole song was a freestyle I produced and recorded in my bedroom.

Shane: You’ve released a few hip hop and R & B singles, is there an album in the works?

Taiwere: I have released a few songs, tapes. I like to throw shit at the wall. Body’s of work are always the product of a time period in your life. When I feel like I’m closing a chapter and opening a new one, I compile my favourite tracks into a body and release it if I feel like it. There is always an album in the works!

Shane: What NZ or international artists inspire you?

Taiwere: My main inspirations are Frank Ocean, A$AP Rocky, The Rolling Stones, Lana Del Rey, Trippie Redd and the people I work with most, Freddy Of Arabia & Luna. I listen to so much different music all the time, but I do love beautiful instrumentation like on Lana’s new project “Norman Fucking Rockwell” there’s nothing that makes me feel more whole.

Shane: With 2020 just around the corner, what is in store for you next year?

Taiwere: All I can say is 2020 is going to be fucking huge. 2019 was spent trying to move forward but also return to a place I’d previously been. 2020 Is all about exploring the unknown. Conquering mountains. I am currently planning to move to London, to both pursue music and modeling. My intentions are to do well enough in London that I can get a Visa to return to Hollywood. With a vengeance.

The post Interview w. Taiwere – NZ Hip Hop Music Artist appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

This year (2019) has been a busy one for House scene musician SKIY, releasing The Guitar Track.

Not only this she has teamed up with White Chocolate to produce the dance anthem Living in the Place.

Just as SKIY is about to embark on her tour down under to Australia the globally renowned artist had a sit down and chat with Shane from STG.

Shane: Hi SKIY, thanks so much for chatting to us here at STG. The last couple of years seem to be very full on and exciting journey for you with 2017’s ‘Who Got the Key’s’, premiering on the house scene and now the release of ‘’The Guitar Track’. Can you take us through how you got in to the house music scene in the first place?

SKIY: Well, I was hugely influenced by my parents growing up. They had such a broad taste in music who gave me a rich musical upbringing. My mother was a Jazz singer and I learned piano at a very early age. As I grew up, I explored more genre landscapes and fell in love with house and techno.

Shane: What artists, music or otherwise inspire you?

SKIY: Solomun, Solardo, ARTBAT, Chris Lake the list goes on! But they are some of my favourites right now. And of course I cannot forget Oliver Heldens, his impact on the house scene and reaching a broader audience is super inspirational!

Shane: Having lived across many countries and continents and experiencing different cultures, have
you been able to bring in some of this experience and flavour in to your own music?

SKIY: For sure! Each place, Germany, Croatia, Brazil all enlighten me and give me fresh ideas for what to produce next. Croatia has a great scene and is definitely a top place to party. I can’t wait to see how Australia inspired me whilst I set off on tour.

Shane: When you’re not writing and recording new material, what do you do in your down time?

SKIY: I love to travel. There’s so much diversity in this world and I absolutely enjoy to see new places, new people and learning about other cultures.

Shane: What’s next for SKIY? More singles, albums, touring, world domination …or?

SKIY: I’m off on my Australian tour! I can’t wait to see how the crowds react to my sets over there, I’m so excited! Keep an eye out for new music too, maybe world domination will be next on my list haha!

SKIY x White Chocolate is out now and can be streamed above.

The post Interview w. Music Artist SKIY appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Recently STG was given the opportunity to have a sit down and chat with the one and only Jay Pryor, DJ / Music Artist / Gamer from the U.K.! 

Jay is globally known for his breezy, catchy crossover pop dance tracks. From being another self-taught bedroom producer with a head full of dreams, to an in-demand artist with millions of streams with previous releases ‘All This’ and ‘Teenage Crime’ collectively streamed over 16 million times and counting.

Jay is also an avid gamer. 

STG: Hi Jay, thank so much for talking to us here at STG. Can you give us a bit of a background of yourself?

Jay: Hey man! Thanks so much for having me. I’m Jay! I’m a music producer, DJ, songwriter and I also love to play video games when I have some free time!

STG: You have mentioned that gaming and music are both a big part of yourself, how did the two fuse together?

Well, I got into working with digital interfaces by playing video games. When I was younger I would make Call of Duty videos and upload them to YouTube. I loved to edit and I actually started to edit for some big clans like FaZe at one stage. It gave me a foot in the door with how certain UI’s work and it went from there. I was into Video Editing, then Graphic Design, then eventually landed upon Music Production! I definitely don’t think I would be making music today if I hadn’t started making those Call of Duty videos.

STG: Video Gaming being a passion, what games do you normally play?

Jay: These days I’m not playing as much as I would like to! But to be honest the only real game I’m playing right now is League Of Legends. I’m not great though. Gold 3 Garen toplane main. I played Fortnite for a long while until I started getting bored. I also like to hop back on Call of Duty every so often, for nostalgia. CoD 4 of course.

STG: How did your rise in the music industry take place and rise above your passion for gaming?

Jay: I started finding a real passion for music after seeing Calvin Harris perform on a holiday with friends. I was 19 and when I got back from that holiday I downloaded FL Studio and started teaching myself how to make music. Obviously, being a video editor in that community is a lot about song selection and I built up a fair sense of rhythm and of how songs are structured through that, so it’s all interconnected.

STG: What’s next up for you in your music career?

Jay: I have a cork pin / vision board hanging above my studio that has all of my goals for the next few years. I can give you a bit of an inside scoop of what’s on that board. For one, I want to release an album. I feel like the music I’m making now is the music I’ve wanted to make since I saw Calvin Harris that night 4/5 years ago. I also have some big plans for shows too. You’ll have to come out to one sometime!

STG: We definitely will mate. Thanks for talking to us today.

Jay Pryor’s music can be found on all major streaming platforms. We have a video above for his hit single ‘So What’. You can stream Jay’s music HERE.

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