September 19, 2022 - Remixd Magazine

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

Interview: Taylor Gang signee Fedd The God talks new song “Fortnite,” being on tour, and music journey

Fedd the God is a quickly rising artist to be on the lookout for. From Northside Pittsburgh, the talented rapper and songwriter has been going hard with putting out music, releasing fire visuals, and has been able to perform his music live in front of large crowds this year. In fact, Fedd The God just recently just finished a lineup of festivals this summer, including performing at Smoker’s Club Festival, Lyrical Lemonade Summer Festival, and opened up for Wiz Khalifa and Logic for their Vinyl Verse Tour this summer, which was his first official tour. Fedd The God is also set to perform at Rolling Loud New York in late September.

“What pushed me to just pursue [music] was more so it was the only thing that kept me happy … I seen myself doing it. I saw longevity,” Fedd The God tells RemixMag in an exclusive recent interview through Zoom.

Known for his Sense of Urgency EP which garnered an impressive two million streams and counting, the Pittsburgh native has also worked alongside Grammy Nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa in songs such as “Activated” and “Yea Yup,” which single has garnered over two million streams and earned the lyricist a spot on Spotify’s global playlist New Music Friday.

“Literally Sense of Urgency, I made that mixtape in 3 days.” The 5-song EP includes head banging songs such as “Activated“, featuring Wiz Khalifa, and “Strip Club Jesus”, featuring fellow label mate, Juicy J. He says that he hopes to have future collabs with artists such as Lil Wayne, Linking Park, and Beyonce.

Now, the lyricist returns after a summer full of productivity with his latest release called, “Fortnite.” Fedd The God released this single while he was on tour, accompanied by an official visual. The video showcases the artist’s energetic and fun side, and are of course inspired by the Fortnite video game.

Believing in himself and building a buzz around his region has scored the determined rapper a deal with fellow Pittsburgh native, Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang record label. He jokingly compares the feeling of being signed as being the “new quarterback for the Steelers.”

Aside from creating music, Fedd says he really enjoys performing live.

“That’s my favorite thing to do. I love rapping in the booth, but hitting that stage is where I come up out of it” he tells RemixdMag.

As for what Fedd The God has in store for the remainder of the year, he plans on releasing a new project as well as merging his love for music and video games together.

Check out the “Fortnite” video below and check out the full interview with RemixdMag and Fedd The God below.

Check out the full Fedd The God interview below.

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

Meet Lafayette-based band, Sydney and The SAMS

Sydney and The SAMS are a 5-person band based in Lafayette, Louisiana. The group is best known for their speciality in funk and R&B music, and their latest single “All I Want” does a great job at introducing their group synergy. Lead vocalist Sydney Sam carries the lead in delivering the message while the band supports and reinforces the melodic, powerful energy that exudes from every song.

The emotion and passion are easy to feel within every release, but specifically in “All I Want,” audiences can connect especially to the music and the message. Sydney Sam spoke with RemixdMag in detailing the message behind the song and what it’s about.

“I’m not in a relationship but I wanna be I think we all want love and to be loved,” she says. “When I write love songs, I write it from a place of almost manifestation. Writing about the type of love and partner I would want in my world and how i would want to feel with them in it.”

Sydney and The SAMS are definitely a group you should add to your radar, as the music they release is timeless and defies genres. The talent is clear to see and the dedication to music is passionate. Keep reading to learn more about Sydney and The SAMS below!

Where are you from and where are you currently based?

We’re based Lafayette, Louisiana and are based from different areas in Louisiana ranging from New Iberia to Baton Rouge.

How did you come up with your band name?

Our band name actually came from my name “Sydney Sam” and I ended up giving “SAMS” more of an acronym because I wanted my bandmates to have their own identity as well.

How would you describe your sound for audiences who are not familiar with you?

I would describe our sound as “Alternative R&B” only because i don’t think we really fit in one box. We’re still trying different sounds and not limiting ourselves to one genre . We love experimenting with all sounds.

What’s one reason you’re passionate about pursuing music?

For me at least I think music has always been so emotional for me. I remember when i was younger and I listened to “Have You Ever” by Brandy and feeling everything she felt I thought I got my heart broken too. I took that and wanted to be able to express myself or what I’m going through . A lot of my music holds truths in my life or releasing some pent up feelings.

Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Everyone will say Beyoncé by she works hard and I love creative range. I listen to Jazmine Sullivan a lot as well just studying her harmonies and her vocal confidence . I listen to stuff a little different lol i could name a dozen artists and something about them I admire.

What’s the name of the current release you are promoting?

We’re currently promoting our single “All I Want.” It was released August 26th and we produced and wrote it ourselves. We wanting to make a love song that you could dance with your partner to.

What’s the message/inspiration behind this release?

I’m not in a relationship but I wanna be I think we all want love and to be loved . When I write love songs I write it from a place of almost manifestation. Writing about the type of love and partner I would want in my world and how i would want to feel with them in it.

What’s next for you guys and what should we be on the lookout for?

Right now we’re working on a music video. We don’t have an exact date because we want to make sure it’s absolutely perfect but it’s coming soon!

What message do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope people are inspired by our drive. We work really hard and fund a lot of stuff ourselves and it can get discouraging at times but regardless we keep going. Just keep going.

Listen to “All I Want” below.

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

Intellect opens up on musical influences and latest project ‘Intellectual Ignorance’

Chicago-bred rapper Intellect is defining what it means to be a lyrical rapper in 2022. His style can be described as versatile, unique, confident, and honest — and these themes showcase in his latest project ‘Intellectual Ignorance.’

“This is my most personal, vulnerable album to date, it is an album based on the internal struggle of good vs evil,” Intellect tells RemixdMag. “Choosing to be “Intellectual” or “Ignorance” knowing better vs doing better. That constant internal struggle and conflict we face every day.”

The project includes a few standout tracks “Get Right,” “The Code,” and “Luv The Way,” which display Intellect’s talents and ability to switch up his flow when necessary. When it comes to the message that he wants audiences to take away from his music, Intellect says that he wants people to find their purpose.

“There’s beauty in your journey, learning, growth, healing, acceptance, honesty, that we are more connected than we are apart,” he says. “Find your purpose, find your reason that you choose to be great every single day.”

Keep reading to learn more about Intellect and stream his newest project below.

What city are you from/ Where are you based now?

I am from and still currently in the Chicago land area.

What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?

My name is Kire but my stage name is Intellect. I came up with the stage name Intellect because I wanted to stand out and be different. One day I was freestyling and said “It’s Intellect the name you can’t forget”. That became my mantra because I want my music to stick with you forever.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

My sound is versatile, unique, confident, and honest. My music is basically the score to a movie about being a young adult. A lot of perspective, emotions, vulnerability, fun moments, dumb moments (ironically), and just a navigating through this thing called life. All of the highs, the lows, the good, the bad and the ugly.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

It’s my God given talent and purpose, I really love making music, I love creating music and I love the feeling I get hearing what I create. I love being able to create something that resonates with people. I love being on stage and performing and the energy exchange from myself and the crowd. My greatest inspiration is my daughter, she is my harshest critic, but she loves watching me create, and perform. She lights up with excitement and joy, so I want to make her proud. I am also extremely competitive. I want to push myself to be the greatest version of Intellect I can be. I always want to improve and out due my last album, last song, last hook, last verse. The relentless pursuit of greatness. Life inspires me and people inspire me. The people who believe in me, the people who doubt me, it’s all a source of inspiration.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

My musical influences are Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill and Drake. Sonically as well as a complete artist, from performing, stage design, fashion, and writing. These artists have been extremely influential to me. I can remember being 4 years old, with a hat and glove dancing and singing at holiday parties in front of the family like I was Michael Jackson.

Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?

The name of my album is “Intellectual Ignorance”. Inspiration for this album was honesty, vulnerability and sharing my story and my experiences in hopes it can help others. I wanted to bare my soul, the good, the bad and the ugly. This is Intellect, this is who I am.

Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?

Intellectual Ignorance is available everywhere on September 8^th, 2022.

What is this project about in your own words?

This is my most personal, vulnerable album to date, it is an album based on the internal struggle of good vs evil. Choosing to be “Intellectual” or “Ignorance” knowing better vs doing better. That constant internal struggle and conflict we face every day.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.

Currently my focus is on pushing this album as much as I can. I plan on letting the fans decide which visual they want us to shoot next. Touch the stage and perform these records in front of the people. As for upcoming projects I am also in the studio and creating and in 2023 you can expect another project from me.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?

There’s beauty in your journey, learning, growth, healing, acceptance, honesty, that we are more connected than we are apart. Find your purpose, find your reason that you choose to be great every single day.

Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.

Instagram www.instagram.com/Intellectrfg

Twitter www.twitter.com/Intellectrfg

Youtube www.youtube.com/intellectrfg

Merch www.rfgreatness.com

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

R&B artist Ellen Eritrea delivers etherial vibes on ‘Already Home’

Ellen Eritrea is an R&B singer who delivers the vibes! Her latest project ‘Already Home’ dropped in April and it’s a project that is full of versatility, passion, and of course beautiful vocal range from Ellen Eritrea. The currently NY-based artist got her artist name from the first name being hers, and the last name representing her home country of Eritrea.

With standout tracks such as “East Side,” and “More,” Eritrea is on her way to the top. Combined with her lyrical storytelling and ability to flow to a melody, she’s an artist who’s in a lane of her own

“I want fans and people to know everything they want and inspire to be, they are already that,” she says to RemixdMag.

Keep reading to learn more about Ellen Eritrea below.

What city are you from/ Where are you based now?

I’m from Portland, ME but I’ve been based out of New York for the last seven years.

What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?

My artist name is Ellen Eritrea. Ellen is my first name and Eritrea is where I’m from. When I was thinking of my artist name I wanted to keep my first name and I added Eritrea because it’s part of my story, why I’m able to do what I do. I also want to shine a light on my people.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

The base of my sound is R&B, it’s what I love and grew up on. There’s definitely some influences of reggae and hip hop in my project. As my music grows I want to explore more sounds but I want my base to always remain R&B. It’s home to me.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

I’m passionate about music because of how much it heals all of us. Regardless of what mood I’m in or what mood the track is, my spirit automatically feels uplifted. It’s so powerful and it lights a fire in me. I’m mostly inspired by artists that I can learn from and who have a strong message. I appreciate artists whose music and how they conduct themselves all correlates and is consistent.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Every R&B female artist that’s ever existed! But mostly Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill and Jazmine Sullivan.

Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?

Already Home is the project that I’m promoting. It’s a project I created during the first winter of the pandemic. I started creating it in my room with my producer Bel Aire. It definitely was inspired by the events that were taking place at the time. I was working myself to death trying to pay my bills and to create music. I struggled a lot and that’s where “Relate” began. Then I was able to let go and showcase my playful and seductive side in a way that I have never done before with tracks like “East Side”. Then I end with “Home” and you see how much I have come to terms with who I am and where I’m going.

Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?

My project dropped in April and the visuals will be coming soon!

What is this project about in your own words?

This project is about knowing you’re already home, you’re everything you inspire to be. It’s not a cliche, it’s really something that is true and something I have come to terms with. You have everything you need, it’s just about taking your tools and creating that reality outside of you. I’ve been an artist my whole life and there’s no becoming anything anymore for me, I’m just growing more into who I am.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.

I’m working on visuals for this project as well as creating my next project. No set dates yet for the release of the visuals but follow me on instagram, facebook and twitter for more updates. I also post and share upcoming performances so if you would like to catch me live, you can definitely get all that info off of my socials.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?

I want fans and people to know everything they want and inspire to be, they are already that. No one can make you or take anything away from you. I also want them to know that living authentically comes with a different set of struggles and hurdles but it’s so worth it.

Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.

@elleneritrea is my handle on instagram, twitter and facebook!

Stream ‘Already Home’ here.

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

Jet Plane talks inspiration behind making music and latest project ‘Stoned On a Plane’

Jet Plane is an artist born & raised in PG County, Maryland and is someone who’s been making music because he says it serves as a therapy for him. Inspired by the likes of artists such as Curren$y, Takeoff, Erykah Badu, Diddy, and Lil Wayne, Jet Plane uses his music to express and connect with others.

“I just hope that some songs connect with some of you,” he says. “All I’m doing is expressing myself at the end of the day so hopefully you’ll get to learn a little more about me and my journey, while listening to some great tunes.”

His latest project ‘Stoned On a Plane’ is an example of a release that showcases Jet Plane’s melodic vibes and smooth delivery throughout every track. He’s someone who’s clearly creative and has a unique way of expressing it. As seen on standout tracks “Gang Outside,” and “One Of A Kind,” Jet Plane delivers on the storytelling aspect of his music.

While speaking of ‘Stoned On a Plane,’ Jet Plane told RemixdMag the reason he created it.

“I was at a really down point in life, but then life started changing fast, opportunities started happening out of nowhere, my mindset was changing for the better,” he said. “This project is like a musical expression of the journey upward, shedding all the BS of life off you. Sticking to the positive and just accepting that life is life and we all gonna be gone one day so I’m gonna express myself to my fullest extent.”

Keep reading to learn more about the artist below and stream his project ‘Stoned On a Plane’ below.

What city are you from/ Where are you based now?

Born & raised in PG County, Maryland. I’m still based in the DMV.

What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?

My real name is Jaylen Johnson & my artist name is Jet Plane. I got it from the cartoon JJ the Jet Plane and kinda just stuck with it. It seems to fit with my style of music. Plus I’m a huge fan of Jet Life.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

I definitely would say I give off a stoner music type of vibe, I hope you like strings & bass. But I don’t just always talk about getting blazed all the time. Sometimes I’ll get emotional or introspective over some chill beats.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?

Music is my one true outlet in life. It’s like my therapy. No matter what is going on in my life, good or bad, I can always let it out through making a song and that is an ability I have that I cherish greatly. Family is a big inspiration for me & I don’t want to make things sad but I have a few people whom I was very close with that passed away & they are some of my greatest inspirations in life.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

If I had to say a Top 5 in no exact order; Curren$y, Takeoff, Erykah Badu, P Diddy, Lil Wayne

Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?

My latest project is called “Stoned On A Plane”. I’m stamping this as my first classic project. My life started to take a really positive route once I cut a few things out and stopped my BS. For this project, Growth was the biggest inspiration. I want to show that I truly do this.

Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?

This project dropped on July 10th, 2022 which is International Dab Day

What is this project about in your own words?

I was at a really down point in life, but then life started changing fast, opportunities started happening out of nowhere, my mindset was changing for the better. This project is like a musical expression of the journey upward, shedding all the BS of life off you. Sticking to the positive and just accepting that life is life and we all gonna be gone one day so I’m gonna express myself to my fullest extent.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.

I don’t have any dates set to release anything at the moment but I’m always working on my sound. I’ve been experimenting with slower more R&B type vibes so that’ll probably be what’s coming next. I’m also trying to work on collaborating more. I’ve got somethings in the works with a few dope artists I can’t wait for people to hear.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?

I just hope that some songs connect with some of you. All I’m doing is expressing myself at the end of the day so hopefully you’ll get to learn a little more about me and my journey, while listening to some great tunes.

Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.

All of my social media accounts are @JetPlaneTheJJ : https://linktr.ee/jetplanethejj

Categories

Day: September 19, 2022

Interview: Taylor Gang signee Fedd The God talks new song “Fortnite,” being on tour, and music journey

Intellect opens up on musical influences and latest project ‘Intellectual Ignorance’

R&B artist Ellen Eritrea delivers etherial vibes on ‘Already Home’

Jet Plane talks inspiration behind making music and latest project ‘Stoned On a Plane’