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Interview: Hollis Jordan Shares Insights on His Musical Journey

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African Hype  w/ Hollis Jordan

 

We are happy to have you today. How has this time of quarantine been for you? What have you been upto?

Hollis: First, thank you so much for having me today. I am extremely appreciative to be here talking with you today. I haven’t stopped working one bit lol. My team and I have taken this time to correct some things within my brand and get prepared for another prosperous year in 2021.

 

Can you share more with our readers about your latest release “Runaway”?

Hollis: Sure! My new single “Runaway” is available on all musical platforms now! “Runaway” was written and produced by myself along with “Chris Muzikk” and the lovely, amazingly gifted, “Zaire Danae”.  It’s a song about a past relationship I was in. I really liked this girl and she just couldn’t make her mind up if we were going to be together or not. So I wrote the song “Runaway” and made this sad story into a positive, uplifting, dance tune.

 

How did you first get started in music? Run us through your story.

Hollis: I come from a family full of amazing singers. My sister, Lawanna, was really the first one in our immediate family who started taking it seriously and making a career out of it. So I was inspired by her. Also my brother, “Mostaxx”, who is a fantastic music producer, he inspired me on the production side of things. My mom was an amazing singer as well and she taught me really everything I know about singing. My mom was very supportive from the beginning when she discovered that I could hold a note lol. She started putting me in different school programs. There was one particular program at my middle school, “Malcolm X Academy”, called “God’s Little Soldiers”. When I auditioned for the group I was super nervous because I hadn’t really come out publicly and sung before, but I made the group but I didn’t know what to expect from it, which changed my life forever. I was introduced to a thing called, “rehearsal” and I had never heard of that before lol.  We would rehearse every single day after school, 10-12 boys singing. We started singing at different churches and schools. Before I knew it we were traveling the country singing every weekend in a different city. We eventually started doing concerts with big gospel artists like Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, etc. From there on to TV shows and attending award shows and eventually winning awards ourselves. I worked with those guys for about 5 years until they decided they no longer wanted me part of the group for various reasons. Although we were singing gospel music, there were still some questionable characters behind the scenes and there was always some drama. I stopped working with them around 2011 and began my solo thing as an R&B artist. For years I struggled with trying to understand how the business worked and how I could make a name for myself. In 2020, I guess you can say I figured it out, and here I am talking with you today lol.

Interview: Hollis Jordan Shares Insights on His Musical Journey

What music played in your home growing up? Does it influence the music you create now?

Hollis: My mom played a lot of different types of music from Motown greats like Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, The Clark Sisters and many more. These were the first artists whose music I was exposed to, so they definitely have a huge influence on the music I create.

 

Biggest lesson learned in your career so far?

Hollis: Work hard, be patient, be humble.

 

Tell us what inspires your music?

Hollis: People

 

What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?

Hollis: Continue to drop good music, more social media content, more music videos, and hopefully a tour.

 

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Hollis: I honestly don’t have any lol.

 

Thank you for speaking with us! For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?

Hollis: Once again, thank you for having me today, I am honored. And to everyone watching, follow me on all social media @hollisjordan. Also, my single “Runaway” is available on all music platforms. Keep streaming, love.

 

Hollis Jordan Runaway Interview  Hollis Jordan Runaway Interview Interview: Hollis Jordan Shares Insights on His Musical Journey

MUSIC

Alternative Rock Artist Remington Brown Returns with an Immersive Masterpiece “Mill Town Folk” Where He Revives the Spirit of Pop Punk!

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Alternative Rock Artist Remington Brown Returns with an Immersive Masterpiece “Mill Town Folk” Where He Revives the Spirit of Pop Punk! Alternative Rock Artist Remington Brown Returns with an Immersive Masterpiece “Mill Town Folk” Where He Revives the Spirit of Pop Punk!

Remington Brown, alias Auto Music, is not your typical artist. He possesses a unique voice with diverse tones, writing and singing from a place of both tenderness and strength. With alternative and psychedelic rock as his musical foundation, he showcases an innate ability to navigate different sounds while maintaining his unique style. The music here has also been forged through that energetic punk and garage sound, blended with creative finesse to mirror a grunge aesthetic, as Remington showcases an unmatched genre-bending creativity that transcends stylistic barriers in the most innovative of ways.

He returns with ‘Mill Town Folk,’ a haunting and addictive musical gift. This single seamlessly blends captivating elements of grunge and pop punk, enhanced by an irresistible psychedelic feel.

Right from the opening notes, “Mill Town Folk” has a grasp over a listener, refusing to let go until the final notes fade away. The guitar riffs are incredible, showcasing Remington’s virtuosic playing that underscores the track’s energy.

His vocals are distinct, and their dreamy feel underscores the psychedelic quality of this track. The way they ebb and flow through the immersive soundscape breathes life into the song, making it memorable and catchy.

“Mill Town Folk” hits you with its soaring vocals and dynamic tones. There is a driving drum beat that melds with the keys and guitar chops to push the song forward. While the melody is edgier than Auto Music’s usual style, the track remains laid-back yet expressive.

Rocking guitars accompany the mysterious lyrics, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

If you had missed the era of grunge and pop-punk, then Remington Brown brings the era back with this accomplished performance that I have no doubt will serve to further elevate him into international acclaim.

Check the attached link below and add “Mill Town Folk” to your own playlist.

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Imperial 1ne’s “Sacred Grounds” sees the music maker redefine Christian Hip-hop with authenticity and soul

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Imperial 1ne’s “Sacred Grounds” sees the music maker redefine Christian Hip-hop with authenticity and soul

Music has become Imperial 1ne’s voice and has quickly grown into an inseparable love. He is always observing the world through a vivid lyrical lens, pairing meaningful words with ear-gracing instrumentation and collaborating with some of the best talents to create contemporary Christian hip-hop music whose appeal extends well beyond the four corners of the church. At the end of the day, he wants the music to appeal to both believers and non-believers, and that is what propels him to create rhythmically rich tracks.

His latest EP “Sacred Grounds” is not just an album; it’s a spiritual journey, a quest for enlightenment through music and storytelling. With this project, he continues to push the boundaries of music and consciousness, challenging the status quo and redefining Christian Hip-hop with authenticity, soul, and messages that transcend religious boundaries.

And in a world inundated with the sounds of mainstream trap music, “Sacred Grounds” emerges as a refreshing offering in Christian hip-hop. Spanning six tracks and 17 minutes and 28 seconds, this project is a spiritual journey, an exploration of faith, and a celebration of the human experience. The collaborations were spot on with each guest artist bringing their A-game and contributing to this wholesome and memorable listening experience.

The opener “Seek God” featuring Mr.Goodbarz is a personal favorite thanks to the infectious and haunting beats. I just love this slick production and how it continues haunting you outside the track. The captivating beat is backed appropriately by some powerful lyrics that exalt God and acknowledge His presence in our lives. The catchy hooks make this an unforgettable anthem that will continue playing in your head for the rest of the day.

When we talk about soul-stirring and touching, then we are talking about that performance in “Therapy.” This is therapy for your soul as the guest artist DSB emotively performs over the compelling production, his emotional words hitting the exposed soul. This tune is a showcase of soulful vocals and lyrical expressiveness in an honest way, capturing the essence of God’s grace to heal your broken spirit and make you whole again.

“Meet Me at the Altar” is another bona fide standout featuring the incredibly gifted female vocalist Morenikeji who wears her heart on her sleeves, tugging at a listener’s heartstrings with such a heartfelt delivery. This tune sees Imperial 1ne skillfully blend R&B and hip-hop, and the result really speaks for itself. I really felt that performance!

“God’s favor” features a mellow and emotive production as Afrotunes breathes life in a memorable way, speaking highly of the beauty of the Lord.

Well, with “Sacred Grounds,” each track is a testament to Imperial 1ne’s commitment to authenticity and his desire to connect with listeners on a deeper level

But what sets “Sacred Grounds” apart is its universal appeal. While rooted in Christian principles and beliefs, the EP speaks to the human experience in a way that resonates with believers and non-believers alike. Through honest storytelling, relatable lyrics, and infectious melodies, Imperial 1ne invites listeners to explore themes of love, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

This EP is a transformative experience, a reminder of the power of music to uplift, inspire, and unite people from all walks of life.

As Imperial 1ne continues to make waves in the world of Christian hip-hop, “Sacred Grounds” stands as a testament to his artistry and his unwavering commitment to spreading a message of hope, love, and faith. Whether you’re a devout believer or simply a fan of great music, this EP is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

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Italian Songstress Arimatea’s Latest Single, “Loved (I Am Surrounded by Love),” Soulfully and Emotionally Taps into a Common Human Experience.

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Italian Songstress Arimatea’s Latest Single, “Loved (I Am Surrounded by Love),” Soulfully and Emotionally Taps into a Common Human Experience.

All the way from Italy, Arimatea took a keen interest in music from an early age. She then embarked on a dedicated journey to hone her craft and perfect her musical compositions. What began as a budding passion for singing and songwriting transformed into a full-blown obsession that has seen her create beautiful  songs, both released and unreleased. Her 2006 debut album “A Sentimental Journey…from Italy to U.S.A” won her popular acclaim from the music press as well as the hearts of fans and critics. She has been building on her success to create catchy, timeless sounds within the realms of eclectic music. Her sound is diverse, incorporating shades of R&B, pop, jazz, and soul, showcasing a singer/songwriter whose versatility is matched only by her smoothness.

Arimatea’s new single “Loved (I Am Surrounded By Love)” is a soul-stirring journey through emotions, wrapped in a pop-soul melody that tugs at the heartstrings. The track begins with gentle instrumentation that builds slowly, mirroring the introspective nature of Arimatea’s raw and honest lyrics. As her soulful vocals weave through the melody, they convey a raw vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners.

As the song’s structure unfolds like a conversation with oneself, I love how Arimatea’s vocals soar in that chorus, she showcases such impressive range and power as the poignant lyrics paint a vivid picture of inner turmoil, but also offer a glimmer of hope and resilience.

Musically, “Loved (I Am Surrounded By Love)” blends elements of pop and soul seamlessly, with lush arrangements and soulful melodies that elevate the emotional depth of the song. The instrumentation, from gentle piano chords to Rhodes, synth bass, Hammond organ, piano, sampled winds, and drums, creates a rich sonic landscape that perfectly complements Arimatea’s heartfelt vocals.

Overall, “Loved (I Am Surrounded By Love)” is a testament to the universal human experience of navigating through difficult emotions and finding solace in the love that surrounds us, even in our darkest moments. It’s a soulful and inspiring anthem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.

I couldn’t be more excited to recommend this indescribably beautiful and emotional body of work to you. Let it strike a chord with your heart and soul.

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