Interview with Devyn Rose

Hello everyone, I'm back. 

Today, I will be interviewing Devyn Rose, an R&B/Hip-hop/Pop singer from New York, New York. Read below, and hope you enjoy!

Make sure to check out the artist here.

More of her social media links will be posted below the interview. 

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How long have you been making music now? 

Professionally, I have been making music since I was 16.

At what point in your life was the defining moment that made you realize what you wanted to do, as a musician? 

It’s not really one specific defining moment, I have been singing since I was about 7 years old in the choir and It was like I was immersed into music. Growing up I was introduced to different types of music through my friends and people I was around, I wasn't allowed to listen to music in my house, my parents were really strict. I love to learn and explore different types of music, So I may wake up to some Whitney, ride to school listening to some Bone thugs and Harmony, while in the studio listening to some DMX or something like that. So under that type of influence, I would consume all genres I set out on a mission to make what I felt was true music. 

What was your first project? How have you grown since then? 

My first demo was at 16, it was the first time I was in a real recording studio with a real producer. I was so nervous but this was my plan and I knew what I wanted and since then I have grown vocally and lyrically and my sound has changed a lot.

What do you feel sets you apart from the crowd?
When it comes to me as an artist, I am unpredictable, I do all types of music, I have no boundaries…My style is unique in that I am a multi-genre artist who was mainly influenced by Bone Thugs n Harmony and Whitney Houston.

What type of music/artists have influenced you and your music?
Bone Thugs N Harmony, Whitney Houston, Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams, among many others.


If you could describe you and your music in five words, what would they be?
I would have to say my music is eccentric, hard-hitting, powerful, inspiring, edgy.

How do you describe the style/genre of your own music?
My style and genre is an eccentric new generation mix of pop, r&b, hip-hop and more. I do whatever inspires me!

What is the inspiration for your music?
Every song I write is something a family member, a girlfriend or I have been through – they are real life stories, I do it that way simply because I want to be able to connect with anyone who listens to my music. I want the audience to relate and connect with me emotionally, like 'yea, Dev went through the same thing I am going through'.

What type of mindset do you get into before you enter the studio to record? Do you do anything special to prepare yourself?
I go into the studio with the mindset like, yeaaa I’m going to rock this record; I strive for perfection in recording, it has to feel right and sound right. I do my vocal warm-ups and I am ready to go! Just me, my manager, and the engineer.


What do you feel is the best piece of music you've created? Why do you choose this one?
The best music I have created so far in my opinion is the Holiday EP “Holidays At Home” the holiday season is my favorite time of the year, I recorded and wrote 12 songs in 7 days for the EP.

What other artists, musicians, and producers have you worked with? 
I’ve worked with multi platinum producer Dame Grease, Kurupt, Royce Da 59, French Montana, Max B, Jae Millz, N.O.R.E., DJ Webstar, and more!


What plans do you have in the near future for music release/recording? What sets this upcoming project apart from your previous ones? 
I have and I am still growing as an artist, vocally, lyrically, instrumentally, there is no telling what to expect from me. I plan on releasing another EP, touring, collaborating with more artists, and more!

Any upcoming tour plans? 
Yes, no dates set just yet, but we are in the works for top of the year!

What are your thoughts of the current state of the music industry? How do you feel you fit into it?
The industry is what it is – I am doing my own thing so I fit in perfectly!

Where do you see yourself as an artist five years from now? 
I see myself as an internationally known artist, entrepreneur, and actress.

Any words of advice for young/aspiring musicians? 
Never ever give up! :-)

Anything else?
I would like to thank anyone and everyone who has supported me and also shout out those who have doubted me on my journey thus far, Smooches to my Rose Garden. :-)

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Again, guys, that was Devyn Rose. You can check her out at the links below!

Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
SoundCloud

Review of Black and Gold

Hello, everyone. MissTaintedLove back, with another artist review. 

This week I will be reviewing "Black and Gold", a female fronted pop/party band. 
Black and Gold can be found and booked through earcandy, a UK based entertainment agency. 

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"Black & Gold has thrilled audiences at events throughout the UK and abroad. With a mix of your favourite pop party music, this female fronted band will keep your party buzzing all night"
-earcandy's official site

There's no doubt that Black & Gold is fronted by an extremely talented female vocalist. From the samples the website provides of the band, it's obvious to tell that Kelly - the vocalist - is very versatile, and is obviously able to sing a wide variety of styles.
The girl can do great justice to Micheal Jackson's 'Beat It', Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way', and Katy Perry's 'Firework' - plus more. I especially love the band's clip of 'Born This Way'. It's a fun, rockin' twist on an already awesome song.

The muscianship of all members is excellent. Great timing with the drums. Awesome riffs from the guitar.

Their set list for events lists much more music, including (but not limited to) Queen, Ce lo Green, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Duffy, Amy Winehouse, and much more.

It's obvious from the short music/video clips and the outstanding reviews that Black & Gold is a rockin' good time. You can check them out here at earcandy. 

Band Review: The Striped Bananas

Hello, everyone. MissTaintedLove back with a new review. 

This time, I will be reviewing the music of Baltimore's The Strip Bananas, a psychedelic 'basement' rock band. 

Hope you enjoy the review, and make sure to go check out their music here! 

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"Concocted from the brain waves of three social conglomerates, the Striped Bananas are pushing into new sounds for exquisite people-"

-From the band's Facebook

The Striped Bananas is made up of:

-Duncan Shepherd: vocals, guitars, and production

-Chantelle Lussier: vocals, keyboards, and bass

-Andrew Lowdon: drums and backing vocals

Duncan Shepherd is also the main songwriter, unless it's specified otherwise. 

The Striped Bananas' influences include The Beach Boys, The Doors, The Beatles, Nirvana, Neil Young and more. You can find a complete list on the band's Facebook page. Out of all of these, I especially hear the Beach Boys and Nirvana have had a definite inspiration on the band's style. But hey, that's just my opinion. 

They list their favourite interests as jamming, composing, having fun, and gigging.

The band right now is offering a 10 song Debut Album. After listening to every song, this is my review and opinion of the music. One thing I must say first off, is that I feel this music has been very well recorded. It sounds very professional to me, even if it actually was done in a basement. 

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1 -Broken Wings: This has to be my favourite track on the album. It has that perfect "beginning, right out of the gate" feel to it. Though it starts slower, you can feel it picking up (especially the drums) into the first chorus, and it's taking you with it. "Where are we going? We've been here already."

2 -Take My Hand: This song has two really, really great things going for it - catchy, tight lyrics, and some really sick bass licks. This is most certainly a 'feel good' song, or at least it feels so to the brain. 

3 -Mind Desert: If you know me, you know I loved guitar distortion. That main guitar lick has me from the beginning, draws me in, and keeps my attention. The guitar in this song is kickin', and I'm in love with the groove of this track. 

4 -Brain Waves: The way the voices blend together in the beginning is beautiful, and gives way into a song that stays beautiful. This song has a very strong lyrical presence, and some great-sounding acoustic guitar, to boot. I especially love where this song goes at 2:10. Effects? Bring it on. 

5 -Memories: "They never fade away, even when the seasons change." I am in love with this song lyrically. "Times keep changing now that I've lost her," is my favourite line, a section from the chorus. Lyrically speaking, this song is rather catchy. 

6 -Lady Lazarus: Though this song seems to have the most mysterious feel to it than any other song on the record, but it is still rather enjoyable. More than worth the listen. It'd be interesting to know the backstory of the lyrics to this song. 

7 -Into Your Eyes: "Death steps in for a drink". This talking line at the end got me, for sure, and the feeling of it stayed with me. 

8 -Stop Reality: It slows down here, in this song. That's evident with the strong presence of the acoustic guitar, and a chilled out strum. The flowing, story-telling vocals really help bring it home. 

9 -Ghost Girl: This is another song I'd like to know the backstory to. It is very intriguing lyrically, and brought forward brilliantly through the vocals and accompanying music. 

10 -Our Life Flows: The beginning of this song is truly beautiful. The songs of the instruments blend together  in the ears, and prepare beautifully for the vocal's appearance. Though this is the shortest song on the album, it is the perfect song to end it with. 

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Make sure to go check out and download The Striped Bananas' tunes - you really won't regret it!