Dev (styled ‘dev’) is an independent artist who’s just getting started. He has a unique sound and an undeniable charisma that is visible in every project that he has put out so far.
The Salem, MA native is 22 years old and takes heavy inspiration from the likes of John Mayer, Mac Miller, and Billy Jo Armstrong. His most recent single “Painting Pictures,” was released in July 2020 and showcases his storytelling abilities. In a recent interview with Remixd Magazine, dev shared how he got his start in music and some of his inspirations.
“My mom was big on alternative and rock music,” dev said. “I guess that’s where I would place most of my music, especially the music I’ve been working on now. I was all over the place as a kid. Always getting into trouble. I guess that’s why I turn to music now, to keep me out of trouble, you know?”
When asked about why he was passionate about music, dev responded “I get all the terrible stuff out of my mind when I’m recording. Mental health is important and having an outlet to get your mind balanced is key.”
As a rising talent, dev is quickly establishing a name for himself within the independent music scene.
To keep up with dev and his journey, make sure you follow him on Instagram @dev.us, and check out his music on Spotify below!
“The message I want fans to take away from my music is there is a hope and a reason to keep going, and it’s OK to dance along the way,” Carl B. Phillips said in a recent interview.
Carl B. Phillips is an independent artist who just released his new single “Heaven Help Us All,” which is now out on all streaming platforms everywhere.
The latest single is a cover of the Stevie Wonder song “Heaven Help Us All.” According to Phillips, he chose to sing a cover to this song because he wanted to express his feelings on the recent world events in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19, and protests happening across the nation.
“I selected this song to share my thoughts on what’s going on in the world today from COVID-19 to injustices,” he said. “I am joined on the song by my friends and fellow gospel artists Stephen Anderson and James Murray.”
The Detroit, Michigan based artist said that he had always loved music from an early age, and that he believes that he has a sound and a message in his music that inspires others.
“I am inspired when someone tells me I listened to your song recently and it helped me through a difficult time in my life,” he said. Keep reading to learn more about Carl B. Phillips and his journey in music so far.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
Born and raised in Detroit, MI. Still living in Detroit.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
From a child I’ve always loved music. My parents played Motown, Aretha, and the Blues when I was growing up. I was introduced to gospel music in the early 70s through Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace album. After becoming a choir director in 1976, my passion for gospel music increased and the birth of songwriting to tell my own testimonies and stories was born.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Most definitely, growing up in the Detroit gospel music scene in the 70s and 80s gave me exposure to the beginning careers of now legendary gospel artist such as the Clark Sisters, Commissioned, The Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Thomas Whitfield. I also had the opportunity to see several artists who paved the way for the next generation including Mattie Moss Clark, Rev. Charles Nicks, and my mentor Donald Vails. The mixture of traditional and contemporary artist I listened to and followed help to define the sound I have today.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is a mixture of traditional gospel music with a groove. I love the late 70s R&B from Kool & The Gang, Sly and the Family Stone and The Ohio Players. I like to incorporate those types of grooves into my music. I also write songs which are scriptural based. You may hear the groove first but when you listen to the lyrics you will hear scriptures which speak life.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
My reason for being passionate about my music is I believe I have a sound and a message in my music which if people take the time to listen it will inspire the listener. I am inspired when someone tells me I listened to your song recently and it helped me through a difficult time in my life.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Prior to the pandemic one of my hobbies was traveling to eat. I have a goal of eating in all 50 states. I’ve eaten in 34 states so far. As an introvert to stay creative I have to create a space in my schedule to dream, be it going for a walk, or a drive, or just sitting in the park people watching.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Some of my main musical influences are from gospel music The Clark Sisters, Donald Vails, John P. Kee, and Donald Lawrence. From R&B my influences are Michael Jackson, Sly & The Family Stone, producer Norman Whitfield and Berry Gordy.
What are some of your music career goals for the future?
One of my future music goals is to complete either an EP or just to continue to drop singles.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
I’ve always wanted to be recognized for being a writer. Two projects come to mind which showcase my writing skills. The first is the single “After All These Years” by gospel singer Freddi Rene. The song was released last year and I am one of the writers along with Gregory Pearson and Gabriel Young. The other project is from the 80s by gospel artist Esther Smith. The song I co-wrote with Donny Russell, “Go And Minister To The Lost,” allowed me to see my first royalty check.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
Next for me, I’m wrapping up the video for “Heaven Help Us All” hoping to release the video in a couple of weeks. Also, once things settle looking forward to recording some new music.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
The message I want fans to take away from my music is there is a hope and a reason to keep going, and it’s OK to dance along the way.
Cleveland-based artist Splash Rob has a new turn up anthem for you. It’s called “Right Now,” and its available to stream on all platforms. The track is an uptempo party song that anyone can dance to and play in their cars or in the club.
Not only does this track solidify Splash Rob as a certified hit-maker, but it also shows just how versatile he can be with the pen. He goes by @PartyWithSplash on Instagram, so you definitely know that he’s an authentic party host who knows how to get a crowd to dance. When asked about how he would describe his sound, Splash responded, “My sound is authentic, I want you to turn up like my brand is PartyWitSplash so that alone tells you I’m tryna get you hype but my voice is unique so it’s no autotune its raw.”
“I’m a party host so I know how to project my voice in a commanding way to get people to listen,” he continued. “I wouldn’t honestly say I try to mimic anybody in particular sound if I hear a beat that I would actually take my time to hop on. I just be the missing instrument to the beat and do what I feel is needed to make it a hit.”
When asked about one reason that he’s passionate music, Splash had this to say: “What really motivates me is the haters and non-believers. You need them type of people to make you go harder. Not everybody gone like every song but you can’t let that break you — instead go harder.”
Splash’s past projects are also a testament to the turn up nature of his music. You can check out his Spotify below, which features other notable tracks such as “6am” and “Im Geeked.”
As far as what’s next for Splash Rob, he says that he’s getting ready to release the official video for “Right Now.”
You can follow him on social media @Partywitsplash. Be sure to stream “Right Now,” below.
“It’s a feel good record just meant to create vibes and set the mood,” ALTIE told Remixd Magazine.
ALTIE is an independent R&B artist from the Seattle area. He recently released his latest R&B track with Ye Ali titled “Different / Dreamz” and it’s a dreamy, melodic track that shows off ALTIE’s skills as a vocalist.
His ability to match his crooning lyrics with a smooth R&B beat is unmatched. In past projects for example, ALTIE takes his audiences on a journey as he intricately story-tells and shares his life experiences. The indie artist is undoubtedly one to watch as he’s just getting started and beginning to tap into his abilities.
Originally from Hawaii, the artist told Remixd Magazine that he’s been a singer for most of his life but only started taking his singing career seriously in 2016.
When asked how would he describe his sound to readers who may not be familiar with him, ALTIE responded, “I make music for that drive home after the club. Something to ride to and keep the vibes going. Sometimes I’ll sing, sometimes I’ll rap, just depends on the mood and vibe I’m tryna set. I try not to box myself in.”
Get to know ALTIE below, and keep scrolling to check out his newest single “Different / Dreamz” with Ye Ali.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your soundtoday? If so, how?
I’d say so. I moved around a lot growing up, living in a new city on a yearly basis. That opened the doors to different sounds and genres growing up. I like to implement that into the music as well. I try to be diverse. I like for my listeners to be on the edge of their seat every time I drop a project.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
Honestly, the feedback and hearing how my music makes people feel is the biggest reward for me. Supporters letting me know how a certain song was relatable or changed their life is the biggest motivation.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I like collecting dope vintage stuff like tees, movie posters, and game systems like theNintendo 64.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’d say The Weekend, Bryson Tiller, AFTERTHEPARTY, Drake, and PARTYNEXTDOORplayed a huge part in the stuff I create.
What are some of your music career goals for the future?
Currently, my biggest goal is to open on tour with one of the artist I mentioned earlier. That’d be dope. Kinda make everything come full circle.
Tell us about your new single “Different / Dreamz” featuring Ye Ali.
My latest single is titled “Different / Dreamz” with Ye Ali produced by @YZProd and @DVSTPH. It’s a feel good record just meant to create vibes and set the mood. The last project I dropped was last year titled “AURORA.”
What has the response been like to that project?
It was the first time I actually seen people really messed with my music on a biggerscale.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
So far, I only have my introductory album While You Were Sleeping and my EP AURORA. I loved AURORA because it was a good description of who I am as an artist. Each track wasdifferent and I was able to use various styles to get the music across.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on thelookout for?
Currently, I’m beat searching and grouping tracks together to pump out an EP by the end of2020. That’s the goal at least.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
I just hope each person can relate to the stories I create and can vibe with the music in general.
1TakeOcho officially dropped the visual for “In the Field.”
Still riding high on the release of his latest EP Ocho II,1TakeOcho returns with an official music video for his single “In the Field.” Shot by Blu & Kack Visuals, the “In the Field” video shows how Ocho takes over the city in his own way and how his hustle sets him apart from the rest.
As a follow up to his EP Ocho II that was released earlier this year, “In the Field” marks the first visual from the album. 1TakeOcho is making sure to keep the momentum going and he’s delivering nothing but heat for his fans. The song itself is a melodic track that showcases 1TakeOcho’s singing abilities as well as consistent flow. It’s a standout track on the album and proves just how versatile Ocho can really be.
Known for his R&B-fusion tunes, Ocho is definitely next up and someone to keep on your watchlist. As a member of 1Take (a music clique from Los Angeles known as the 1TakeBoyz), 1TakeOcho’s music career came effortlessly and allowed him to explore different sounds to stand out from other 1Take members. Eventually, he embraced the R&B energy that seemed to come of him with ease.
Earlier this year in June, @JorjaSmith_ revealed her latest single “By Any Means,” which was the singer’s response to the Black Lives Matter Matter movement. Now, she just dropped an accompanying visual that shows her singing against a simple, colorful blue backdrop.
