Gracing the cover of our tenth print issue, Lolo Zouaï dives deeper into the world of PLAYGIRL.
At just the tender age of 20, you’d be forgiven for thinking that singer-songwriter Budjerah might still be finding his feet as an artist. But don’t mistake the young Australian’s soft-spoken demeanour for timidity - he’s quietly ambitious, and only just getting started.
Since the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, Overgrown, Wrice has established herself as a refined songwriter — penning feelings of maturity and growth in the most vulnerable yet accessible way — in return gaining a loyal fan base that supports and awaits her every move.
LISTEN Magazine warmly welcomes Anna of the North as our last digital cover star of 2022.
The powerhouse pop artist has graced stages across the globe with her signature bittersweet bangers. Before logging into the virtual world she created on her sophomore album PLAYGIRL, the cybernetic pop star was a girl hustling to make it in New York City.
After five years of releasing music as a signed recording artist, pop prodigy Tei Shi returns fully independent with a fresh perspective on trusting herself and following her intuition.
For the past few years, Scotland-bred producer Sam Gellaitry has been riding the wave of consistent success since his breakout Escapism EP in 2015. From a young age, the rising star has been experimenting with eclectic sounds as if it was second nature.
In the past four years, since his breakthrough hit “Straight Rhymez” exploded on the UK rap scene, the 22-year-old has accomplished beyond what the average 20-something can fathom dreaming nevertheless achieving.
Toronto’s newest shining star Dylan Sinclair has continually been making headway in the R&B scene; with his alternative style generating an ever-growing fanbase and support from his city.
Recent Posts
Q+A: SAL DULU
Producer Sal Dulu based in Dublin, Ireland, takes us on a journey through his debut album, Xompulse. Dulu, with features from Starhh, Fly Anakin, and Koncept Jack$on, brings us a dream-filled downtempo hip-hop album with a touch of the late-night ambiance sound. Each track tells a story of its own; both personable and broad, allowing you to develop your own interpretations of it.
Q+A: ASI KEMERA
Asi Kemera is a 20-year-old R&B singer-songwriter and producer from Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, she learned to play various instruments like bass, piano, and guitar, naturally establishing her love for music at a young age. Kemera draws inspiration from the 70s as well as from a combination of different genres of rock, R&B, Bollywood, and Ethiopian music.
Q+A: KID HASTINGS
Jake McEvoy also known for his moniker, Kid Hastings, released his latest single “Call Me Up” via Ourros. The track speaks to the struggle of expressing one’s own identity when launching into a new relationship, the accompanying visual acts as a delightfully deranged take on the odds of identity as it flows fluidly across time.
Q+A: LANGSTON BRISTOL
At 21-years-old, the hip-hop/R&B artist who initially wanted to “make jazz albums, play the piano, make and sell hip-hop beats to other artists” is now making his waves and building relationships with other creatives through the power of social media.
Q+A: MADELEINE MAYI
Santa Barbara-raised and L.A.-based Madeleine Mayi's intention with her music is simple: “I like to give people enough but not too much. I give you a house and then you furnish it.” Closing out 2020 with her final single of the year, “ITRL,” the 23-year-old gives us the last teaser for the story she’s been dying to tell. She chronicles the experience of grief in her first full-length album, 2/14, out Valentine’s Day 2021.
Q&A: J.I.
In a virtual press conference held by 1824, the rapper/singer is every bit charismatic and welcoming, as he dives deeper into the creative process and meaning behind the first half of Hood Life Krisis Vol.3, going back to his roots, vulnerability, and comparisons, the new New York sound, having infinite love and appreciation for his fans, and how despite the onslaught of accomplishments, he still has a lot to prove.
Q&A: Eric Ryan
The Toronto-based 24-year-old Eric Ryan is back with his new single 8 PM (Cuffin SZN). Over a vintage, slow-dripping swirl of lo-fi R&B and minimal guitar, Ryan finds himself en route to rendezvous with his lover during this snapshot of modern dating.
Q&A: Linchpinmusic
Toronto native Linchpinmusic blends together traditional R&B, Afrobeats, and elements of acoustic on his debut project, Pink and Numb. On his debut, the R&B wordsmith explores themes of heartbreak and vulnerability while adding attributes of color to his music.
Q&A: Love Level
Aimee Van der Kruik & Juliana Ebert are the duo that makes up indie electro-pop, Love Level. Hailing from Gold Coast, Australia, the two bid a farewell to toxic relationships on their latest single, “Bad Bye.” The track is a downtempo hazy gem that combines their silky vocals along with eerie undertones.
Q&A: DACEY
DACEY, a five-member band based in Vancouver, BC, composed of lead singer Dacey Andrada, guitarist Justin Tecson, drummer Marco Marin, bassist Joshua Akow, and guitarist Nathan Chan.
Q&A: Sunset Rollercoaster
After releasing two full-length albums and two EPs, Sunset Rollercoaster returns with their third studio album, Soft Storm expected to be released October 30th. Described as representing the storm surrounding the entire album, “Candlelight” marks an exciting meeting of two forces within Asia’s booming music scene. We recently had the chance to chat with the band about their new single, their unique collaboration with OHHYUK, and the inspiration behind the project.
Q&A: Lassai
The self-proclaimed conjurer of R&B/Soul, House, and gospel sounds and spirits releases his single, “Excellent” in collaboration with long-time friend, Thee David Davis. Lassai creates an ode to the blessings and support he has received despite having a tough upbringing. With that love he creates a world that is a haven for queer people of color. The singer/songwriter blends the best of his influences with his own supernatural artistry to produce smooth vocals and hypnotic melodies.
Q&A: SYCCO
Rising Australian singer-songwriter and producer, Sycco, shares her striking new single, “Dribble.” As the recipient of the triple j Unearthed Level Up Grant, the young singer is creating her own lane on the expanding music scene in Australia. We recently had the opportunity to chat with the rising musician regarding her latest release.
Q&A: RIA MARIE
Nashville-based rising R&B/Pop singer-songwriter Ria Marie has an undeniable passion for creating music that runs as deep as her home town’s country roots.
Q&A: STRAY FOSSA
Reeling you into their dreamy universe from the comfort of their own attic studio are the members of Stray Fossa, a three-piece band based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Consisting of brothers Nick and Will Evans and childhood friend Zach Blount, Stray Fossa has cultivated their sound through lushly layered vocals and guitar riffs with a splash of chillwave nostalgia.
Q&A: KAZUO
Stinging with clever wordplay, aggressive production, and explosive energy is the NYC based Japanese rapper, Kazuo. On his debut project, AKUMA, the rising rapper delivers nothing but versatility, leaping between English and Japanese seamlessly, as well as having an array of songs with a darker, gritty undertone.
Q&A: BAYLI
Swooping in hot with killer production, infectious melodies, and entrancing visuals is Brooklyn native, BAYLI. Formerly the lead singer of the funk-rock band, The Skins, mentored by music industry legend Rick Rubin, the multifaceted musician has set out on her own with a sound that’s undeniably fresh and unique.
Q&A: LOVER
Australian artist LOVER has released his debut EP, It's A Wild World, recently. Flowing with R&B undertones, this project displays themes of vulnerability, heartbreak, and a dash of experimentalism.
Q&A: Sheila Carlito
Rising R&B-pop artist Sheila Carlito released his sophomore single "Highway 95" from his forthcoming debut album Glitter. We had to the opportunity to delve deeper into his world of nostalgia and chat about the birth of Sheila Carlito.
Q&A: Das Kope
Guided by passion, experimentation, and curiosity; the soundscapes and visuals created by Das Kope are that similar to an acid trip on the beach: hazy, languid, yet striking and poignant.
ISSUE 007
Bright ambition: the rise and rise of Cautious Clay.
