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taste-in-music · 5 years

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My Favorite Songs of 2018 by Genre

There was a LOT of music this year that I still wanted to talk about but didn’t get put on the other posts I made, so I decided to put yet ANOTHER list together. (Read my top albums and EPs of the year lists if you want some context.) Buckle up, because it’s going to be a long one, folks. Here are the rules for eligibility:

The songs on this list most likely a) weren’t on an album that I loved in its entirety/didn’t feel that strongly about, b) were on an album that I didn’t have time to listen to, or c) were released as singles.

No songs from the albums or EPs I’ve previously mentioned are eligible.

I’ll try my best not to include singles that are for albums coming out next year (for example, I’m not putting Light On by Maggie Rogers or Party For One by Carly Rae Jepsen on the list.) Those songs will be eligible if I do a list next year. If I accidentally do put an album single on the list, it’s because I didn’t know ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Now, presented in no particular order, let’s get to some tunes.

POP

Used to You by Dagny: If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that I’m obsessed with Norwegian pop star Dagny, who I learned about through a recommendation from a friend. This song is one of her best: uptempo but melancholy, with honest, vulnerable lyrics about a strained relationship.

Crush by Tessa Violet: On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we’ve got a bubbly sugar-pop song about having a crush on someone. It’s quite simple as to why I love this song: it’s just so joyfully adorable.

Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max: Okay, why is this not a hit the U.S.? It’s already gotten to number one in Norway, Finland, and Sweden, and is making a splash in the U.K. While I’m iffy on the lyrics, this song has one of the catchiest hooks of the year. It’s a giant guilty pleasure of mine.

Sucker Punch by Sigrid: This was named the eighth best song of the year by Time magazine and it’s easy to see why. It has all the elements that make up a Sigrid song (catchy melody, her signature raspy vocals,) but has just enough quirky touches and eccentric details to it that set it apart from the rest of her discography.

Do Right by Glades: Glades are so underrated, and I’ve mentioned them in a bunch of posts before. This song is them at their best, with one of the stickiest choruses of the year and a sweet synth riff.

Batshit by Sofi Tukker: I first heard this song in an iPhone commercial, oddly enough. I’m not going to say that this song is good, because I’m fairly sure that it isn’t good. The chorus is literally the word “batshit” said over and over and over again. But somehow, it’s perfect? It’s simple while at the same time having so many cool elements that it’s never boring. The funky bass riff, lowered vocals, electronic drop are all so infectious. Sofi Tukker are my guilty pleasure band, so check them out if you’re into strange dance club music.

Chasers by Bahari: This pulsating, electronic groove from California based trio (now duo :/) Bahari is like a dangerous lullaby. The twinkling production and harmonies keep the tone tense but enjoyable. I hope they release more music soon.

Cause You Did by Willa: Willa exploded onto my radar with her powerful, ass kicking anthem Swan, which she released back in 2016. I was so excited to see that she had released new music. This song is a bit different from her previous work, swerving more into the pop lane, but is still charming as hell. (Fun fact, she was in an episode of Supernatural. 10.13 Halt and Catch Fire. The more you know, am I right?)

San Francisco by Fickle Friends: This is my favorite song off of the Broken Sleep EP (I think it’s an EP? It’s only three songs... Check it out regardless.) Fickle Friends’s sound is so summery and tropical, it never fails to put me in a good mood, and this song is a perfect example of that.

F**k U by Kailee Morgue: A whole tell off anthem. Like her other material, this song balances darker material with a sweet and innocent sounding vocal delivery. Just make sure you listen to the uncensored version. Listening to the clean version is like listening to the radio edit of IDGAF by Dua Lipa or “Forget” You by CeeLo Green. It has no bite to it without the title word being said.

Emotion by Astrid S: When I first heard Such a Boy, I knew that Astrid S had the potential to be a pop starlet in the vein of Zara Larsson. This song is a lot of fun, with a whistling hook and Astrid S’s usual sassy delivery.

Cherry by Rina Sawayama: This is a whole BOP, from the whispery intro to the rushing production to the melodic, get-stuck-in-your-head chorus. This song is much like its title suggests: bright and sweet with just enough of a twang to keep it interesting, just like a cherry.

Baby Don’t Talk by LÉON: Of the two singles she released this year, I can’t help but like this one a little bit more (but don’t get me wrong, Falling is a whole bop and a half.) This song is just so likable, from the snappy percussion to the “ooOOooOOhs,” to the unforgettable melody. LÉON is so underrated, I can’t encourage you enough to listen through her three EPs and other singles. They’re all gold.

Daughter by L Devine: I can’t tell you how shook I was when I first heard this song. It’s L Devine at her finest, with a catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and just the right amount of electronic elements. This song is the wlw bop that no one’s talking about that everyone should be talking about.

Carousel by Skylar Spence: I found this gem thanks to Spotify’s Indie Pop playlist. The pulse to this song always makes me want to tap my toes. It’s like if the color yellow was a song. The lyrics are super cute, and the glitchy, robotic chorus just works somehow.

R.E.M. by Ariana Grande: While I found Sweetener as an album a bit uneven in quality, it’s still by Ariana fucking Grande. She could sing What’s The Fox Say and it would sound beautiful. This track is my personal favorite, with the cute little “bum bum bums” and the all around dreamy atmosphere. There’s also a funny amount of self awareness in this song, with the whole “’Excuse me, um, I love you,’” and “does this end?” It adds a layer of charm and personality that elevate this song. Ariana Grande is definitely the pop idol we need in the hot 100 right now, dear Lorde.

Sue Me by Sabrina Carpenter: What a fricking BANGER! This song rocked me to my core. Sabrina Carpenter is one of the best singers to come out of the Disney machine, and she’s always had potential for greatness (remember Thumbs? That song slaps.) There’s something visceral and inexplicably powerful about this song, I feel it right in my gut. It’s my favorite off of Singular Act 1, @eleanorschidis thank you for convincing me to listen through the album.

Love The Lie by Call Me Loop: I don’t feel like I can communicate why I’m so obsessed with this song, but I’ll try. It’s catchy as fuck, the twinkling guitar riff, the beat and melody... it’s all just so perfect. You know what? I can’t do it justice. Just listen to it.

Drink About by Seeb ft. Dagny: This might be my favorite pop song of the year, and I both do and don’t know why. On one hand, the lyrics are repetitive, it’s simplistic, and it’s just another club dance song. But on the other hand, there’s something about it that elevates it beyond that. First off, there’s Dagny, who I’ve said before I LOVE, and her performance brings so much emotion and pain and personality to the song. Then there’s Seeb’s production, managing to make an unforgettable drop and chorus out of only a handful of lines. There was a period of time where I would just listen to this song on repeat, and it never got old or tired despite its repetition. It’s like a rush of euphoria whenever I hear it, and I can’t recommend it enough.

R&B/HIP HOP

Honey Dew by LION BABE: Like Say Lou Lou, I first learned about LION BABE by reading about them in Teen Vogue. I put off checking them out for a while, and when I finally did, I wasn’t disappointed. This songs is one of the chillest I’ve heard this year. Jillian Hervey’s smooth voice and the twinkling pianos and shuffling percussion of Lucas Goodman’s production just meld so perfectly together.

After the Storm by Kali Uchis ft. Tyler, The Creator and Bootsy Collins: There’s something about Kali Uchis’s voice that is so unique and so sultry, I can’t help but get sucked into her music. This song mixes together her lovely crooning, a rap verse from Tyler, The Creator, bubbly production, and uplifting lyrics, and I can’t help but feel happy whenever I hear it. This song feels like emerging from a cold lake, it’s that refreshing. (Also, count In My Dreams as an honorable mention, that song is great too.)

The Kids Are Alright by Chloe x Halle: The song is awe-inspiring, from the powerful harmonies of the opening to the rhythmic switch-ups present all throughout the song. I love the “we are we are we are” mantra that repeats all throughout the song. It almost sounds like a poem put to music.

Blue Lights by Jorja Smith: Mixing a spoken word style hip hop and reggae elements into her usual graceful sound, Jorja Smith manages to craft a pretty sounding R&B song with a meaningful message behind it. Her debut album Lost & Found isn’t what I usually listen to, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, can Jorja Smith drop her skincare routine? How does she get it so dewy and smooth? She’s so hecking pretty, I can’t even.

Honey by Raveena: YouTube played this song as a commercial before a video I was watching, and I fell in love with it. Raveena’s voice is so delicate, fragile even, and just lovely paired with the simple but glistening production.

Summer Pack by Childish Gambino: Okay, I’m putting both songs on here. My only explanation for this EP is that Donald Glover took the entire season of Summer and managed to distill it into two R&B songs. Summertime Magic has a watery, tropical mood that’s always refreshing to hear (am I the only one that is reminded of Wii Sports Resort?) and Feels Like Summer makes me feel like I’m sitting on my front steps in the middle of August with a melting orange popsicle.

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE/ROCK

Baby by Bishop Briggs: While more pop leaning than her usual content, the blatant sexuality, personal lyrics, and Bishop Briggs’s usual powerful vocals sell this song. Also, the music video is AMAZING. I’ve put it on my animated music videos that give me life series, but I can’t reiterate enough how great the animation is. Holy hell.

Gold Rush by Death Cab for Cutie: This song is downright ethereal. It sounds like it’s lulling you to sleep, but in the best kind of way. It isn’t boring, it’s soothing. Hearing this song on the radio is what got me into this band, and while I haven’t heard their entire discography, I know that this song will remain one of my favorites.

Hand It Over by MGMT: Just like Gold Rush, this song is so soothing it’s practically therapeutic. Every time I hear it, I just melt right into my chair. I’d say I’m a casual fan of MGMT, (I haven’t heard their less mainstream albums,) but I really like Oracular Spectacular and Little Dark Age. This is one of my favorite cuts off the latter album.

Idaho by Gorillaz: While The Now Now didn’t leave a big impression on me, this song makes me glad that I decided to listen to it. The production has this swell to it at the chorus, which is just so calming. I really like how the song is dappled with nature sounds, too. It makes me feel like I’m in a cabin next to a lake in the middle of the woods and it’s raining outside but I’m cuddled up in a cozy blanket with a cup of peppermint tea.

Baby You’re A Haunted House by Gerard Way: I’ve never listened to My Chemical Romance, so I didn’t know what to expect from this song, but holy crap. It’s a total banger. The guitars on this track are so fuzzy and aggressive in all the right ways. This was what I had on repeat all throughout Halloween.

Blood and Bones by TRACE: The only word I can use to describe the song is entrancing. TRACE’s smooth vocals and the laid back production always make me feel so relaxed, and the funkier electronic touches and glittery piano riffs add just enough to keep it all interesting.

Nobody by Mitski: I told y’all I be mentioning Mitski on one of these lists! While the entirety of Be The Cowboy was lovely, Nobody stands out as one of the catchiest, strangest, and most depressing songs of the year. How can a song about crushing, isolating loneliness that literally has a lyric about the hypothetical aliens living on Venus bop to the gods? I have no clue, but Mistki pulled it off.

Fruity by Rubblebucket: Speaking of weird lyrics, this one takes the cake: “I said I’d make it to the party / But I’ve got a lot going on / The lioness gave a feast for forty off her body / Then slept on the ground till a flower grew out.” I have no clue what the hell that's supposed to mean, but it works. The little “lalala”s and the whispered vocals make for an interesting listen. Thanks, Spotify’s Discover Weekly!

Pristine by Snail Mail: The brain child of nineteen year old Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail is one of the most intriguing indie rock acts I’ve heard this year. Her debut album, Lush, is full of awesome songs, but Pristine has got to be my favorite. The lyrics about the monotony of party culture, accompanied by an upbeat guitar riff and communicated through her raw vocals, all come together to form a song that you can both headbang and relax to.

She’s Kerosene by The Interrupters: I don’t listen to ska punk, but this song is a just a ton of fun. There’s a sweet saxophone solo, and holy crap does Aimee Allen have a ton of personality on the vocals. Even my dad liked this song.

Body Talks by The Struts ft. Kesha: AND I MEAN THE KESHA VERSION. The original is fine, but when you’ve got a version of a song with Kesha on it, do you really need to hear the other one? This song has such an explosive and rocking chorus and Luke Spiller of The Struts and Kesha have great chemistry. I hope Kesha ventures more into the rock genre in the future, because she, well, rocks at it.

Midnight by Black Honey: A grimy banger complete with bold vocals, a chorus that will get. stuck. in your. head, assertive guitars, and a kick ass synthesizer solo? Yes, please. I loved Midnight from the first time I heard it. I might have mentioned before that I heard of this song through YouTube recommendations, and I’m so happy to have come across this song and this band.

Lavender Bones by Stand Atlantic: As I mentioned in my artist recommendation post, this song is the update to Misery Business by Paramore that I never knew I needed. It’s noisy, it’s angry, it’s so goddamn catchy. I’m not always into the whole punk sound, but this song surpasses its genre. It’s just so good.

Shame by Elle King: Since hearing Ex’s and Oh’s back in 2015, I’ve been obsessed with Elle King’s debut, Love Stuff. It’s one of those albums that I can put on and listen to all the way through. Her follow up, Shake The Spirit, was also pretty good, showcasing her gritty, powerful voice intertwined with rock, blues, and country elements. This song is the standout, explosive, boot stomping, and a whole lot of fun.

Uh Huh by Jade Bird: This song is the epitome of a headbanger. It was a tossup between this song and her other singles, Love Has All Been Done Before and Lottery, for this list, but this one just had to be on it. This is one of my most listened to rock songs of the year. The energetic guitar gives the song an electric pulse, and Jade Bird’s vocals... holy shit does she have pipes. Her voice reminds me of Alanis Morissette. This song sprints at full speed, as over as quickly as it started, and a hell of a rush too.

Fireworks by First Aid Kit: I’m not a big fan of country/folk music, but this Swedish sister duo have surpassed my usual genre bias time and time again. This song is my favorite off of their album Ruins, (they dropped the EP Tender Offerings this year, too. It’s a lovely little slice of folk that I’d definitely recommend y’all check out.) This is a grand, soaring ballad, showcasing the sisters’ harmonization and a showstopping string instrument. Just gorgeous.

Reasons Not To Die (Demo) by Ryn Weaver: Ryn Weaver was one of the first artists I listened to when I was first defining my taste in music. Her album The Fool is what got me into the indie pop and alternative genres. While hopeful that she’d drop more music, I was also pretty sure that it wasn’t going to happen for a long, long while because she doesn’t currently have a label. Then this song came along. Everything about it is beautiful: Ryn’s vibrato-rich voice, the melody, the lyrics, guys. This song’s lyrics are so personal and authentic. As the song continues, it builds up to this crescendo, and Ryn’s voice gets more powerful and yet more vulnerable at the same time, the music swells... and then it drops back down again. This song makes me teary whenever I hear it, and that doesn’t happen that often. Please, Ryn. Drop more music. Lorde knows we need voices like yours in the current music scene.

Listen to the complete mix of all these songs HERE. What were your favorite songs of 2018? Any artists, albums, singles, etc. I should know about? Leave your thoughts and recommendations down below.

#favorites #songs #music #i'm not tagging every artist good lorde #taste in music #taste in music 2018 faves

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l0vemark · 6 years

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Answer the questions below and tag some blogs to do the same.

Tagged by: @finnie-wolfhard, love you babe

The last song you listened to: flying kites by jeremy zucker

A song that comes up when you put your phone on a shuffle: should i stay or should i go by the clash

A song you were recently obsessed with: would you be so kind by dodie

Song you didn’t expect to like but eventually loved: mine by bazzi

What’s a song that gets you in the Christmas mood: winter things by ariana grande

A song that reminds you of summer vacation: dracula by bea miller

A song that reminds you of your crush: i don’t have one??? but see you again by tyler, the creator makes me all soft

A song that reminds you of your best friend: put your head on my shoulder by paul anka and 99.9 by jeremy zucker

A song that reminds you of your ex: icarus by jeremy zucker and you by dodie on my mind by jorja smith (acoustic version) and drive by oh wonder

A song that never fails to get you pumped up: i’d rather dance with you by kings of convenience

A song you listen to when you’re sad: like a fool by keira knightley and still on your mind by ethan derose

A song you’d love to dance with your love to: better together by us the duo (cover)

A song you wish you could erase from your memory: the only exception by paramore (i love it, but war flashbacks)

A song that influenced you a lot: anti-depressant by londrelle

A song that fits your personality: confidently lost by sabrina claudio

The best song to get drunk to: i don’t drink but 3:00 am by finding hope

The best song for sex: um no experience but i’m not as lonely anymore by elijah who

The best song for making love: oh my, uhh, this girl by elijah who

Favorite movie soundtrack: begin again (2013) soundtrack

Favorite TV series soundtrack: no idea, i’m just gonna go with friends because that’s my all time favorite show

Favorite old song: fireflies by owl city

Favorite song from your country: bakit pa ba by jay r

All-time favorite song: i’m yours by jason mraz

tagging: anyone who wants to do this :)

#jay speaks

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umusicians · 4 years

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UM Interview: Janina Bey

19-year old R&B artist Janina Bey is read to make her mark on the world. At the age of 10, Janina began performing in the local choir in Dubai and started taking lessons to become a hip-hop and freestyle dance coach. Inspired by artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna, and J-Lo, Janina has been working on her craft for the last few years. In 2017, she was a contestant on the TV show “Voice Of Germany” where she reached the semi-finals.

Amandah Opoku sat down with Janina Bey to talk about her debut single “So What”, experience on The Voice of Germany and more!

Amandah Opoku: Hi Janina Bey, thank you for doing this interview with UMusicians! Can you introduce yourself to our viewers and tell us about one new song you’ve discovered in the last few months that you love! Janina Bey: Hey, my name is Janina Bey, I’m half German and half Filipina, I currently live in Munich and recently turned 20 years old. A few weeks ago I discovered a song on Spotify called “Kontrol” by Maleek Berry. I love the song because it gives me such a great summer vibe and makes me want to get up and dance.

AO: You’ll be releasing a new song “So What” on July 10th, what was the inspiration behind the song? JB: Girls all around the world who might have experienced a toxic relationship inspired my new song “So What”. Instead of being heartbroken and sad about a guy, they remain self-confident and strong about the situation by thinking - So what.

AO: What was the writing and recording process for “So What”? JB: I wrote “So What” together with an amazing team from Hamburg. We started and finished writing and recording the song within one day only. They prepared some beats and loops beforehand and together we wrote suitable lyrics for it.

AO: Alongside the singles release, you also debuted a music video for the song. How did you come up with the concept for the music video? JB: The idea of this music video was actually quite spontaneous. Due to the current situation of CoVid-19 the famous Spa & Waterpark “Therme Erding” was closed down and we got the chance to shoot our video in all the different amazing rooms they provide. We even filmed one scene inside a waterslide! I’m pretty sure that no one has ever done this before, which makes the music video unique and interesting.

AO: What inspired you to pursue a career in music? JB: Ever since I could talk I always loved performing in front of my family and friends by playing new songs that I learnt during my Piano lessons. Not a day passed by that I didn’t listen to music or watched music videos on YouTube, as I was very inspired by artists who could sing and dance at the same time. I think another great inspiration was that I grew up watching Disney, which of course made me sing along the movies and musicals all the time.

AO: What artists have inspired you musically? JB: The artists that have inspired me most are Beyoncé, Normani, Jorja Smith, Chris Brown, Usher, Ne-Yo, Mario and Khalid. All of them have such a unique style and soul in their voices. I’ve also been to several of their concerts and got so inspired by their way of performing.

AO: In 2017, you were a contestant on The Voice Of Germany. What inspired you to participate on the show? JB: My brother actually sent them an application without me knowing at first. Later on I got accepted after attending several castings and my main motivation were my friends and family who pushed me to get through every round and give it my best.

AO: As a contestant on The Voice Of Germany, what did you take away from the show? What’s one piece of advice you received? JB: I took away lots of great experiences being on stage and performing in front of a huge audience. I received many great technical tips on how to improve my singing and use my voice in a way I couldn’t think of before.

AO: As you pursue your career as an artist and songwriter, what is one of your biggest fears? JB: I think one of my biggest fears used to be: “What if the people don’t like my music?” Throughout the years I’ve learned that I cannot please everyone and that not everyone will like my style or my music. Everyone has different taste and at the end of the day I don’t do music for or because of anyone else, but because I love doing it.

AO: If you could describe your music in three words. What words would you choose and why? JB: Attitude – Because I always try to add a little spice to my songs. Soul – Because what I sing really comes from my heart and I try to show emotions. Positivity – At the end of the day I want to show how much I love doing what I do and spread positive vibes to my audience.

AO: For a new fan that may across your music on digital music platforms, what do you want them to take away from your music? JB: I want them to see how much love and effort I put into everything, but also to just enjoy listening to my music. I want to be able to deliver a good mood and positivity when they listen to it. My audience should be able to identify with the lyrics and hope my songs give them more self-confidence.

AO: Janina, thank you for sitting down with me to do this interview! Before you go, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans and our readers? JB: Thank you very much for this lovely interview. I want to thank everyone for already supporting me and giving me the opportunity to do what I love. This is only the beginning and I’m grateful for everyone who is there to remind me why I want to do music.

Connect with Janina on the following websites: https://www.instagram.com/janina_bey/ https://vm.tiktok.com/o8m4Lw/ https://www.facebook.com/janinabeymusic https://www.youtube.com/c/janinabeymusic

#Interviews #Amandah Opoku #Janina Bey

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onceuponamirror · 6 years

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answer 30 Questions and Tag 20 People

tagged by the lovely @strix and @sylwrites

nickname: my name isn’t very nickname-able. just sarah is fine

gender: the future is female

star sign: libroooooo

height: five feet flat. can’t see nothing in this world

birthday: i think if you went far onto the blog you could decipher it as it’s come up, but i’m not gonna land on specifics. it was fairly recently.

favorite bands: fleetwood mac!!!!!!! TOPS, sylvan esso, rhye

favorite solo artists: angel olsen!! laura marling, joni mitchell, kate bush, sade, blood orange, jorja smith, idk both of these lists change and grows constantly

song stuck in my head: honey lips by part time

last movie I watched: practical magic!! ~inspo

last show I watched: the office, lmao. as always

when did I start this blog: i might be coming up 6 years now

what do I post: meta/analysis, fic, god i really don’t know what else, me trying to joke and it not landing,,,,

other blogs: this one is a sideblog. so i’ve got a few others but they’re tied to my outside life and i keep em separate. but i also have dear--sarah, which was started up by request a couple years ago

do I get asks: i mean, yeah

followers: 13.1k! hi mom!! (also you guys should go follow @strix she’s an angel)

following: i follow a solid couple hundred blogs but they’re almost all for my main blog. but i popcorn around and reblog from all over

average sleep: as i get older and learn that i do not, in fact, function very well on 6 hours, i’ve been trying to do better. easier said

lucky number: don’t really have one but the number 7 is satisfying

dream job: i’m very lucky to be doing professionally what i wanted to be doing as a little girl, though i would love to be able to extend some of my other hobbies into paid work, like writing.

food: listen i’m bougie and i know it, so my favorite meal is black spaghetti with fresh heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese. or heirloom tomato and persian cucumber salad. or toast with spreadable goat cheese with heirloom tomato. or just a tomato. i fukin rage for a fresh tomato

last book I read: rn i’m reading a book called “a thousand eyes: media, technology, law, and aesthetics” which is really interesting examination of the way that theater and drama and publicity play into cultural understandings of justice.

what I’m wearing: big sweater, a beanie because i’m cold and am too cheap to put the heat on, and leggings.

favorite fandoms: i mean i’m only really in riverdale rn, but i do still love ouat and it’s people

as far as tagging, i do not know 20 people lmao. but um @village-skeptic @burberrycanary @soyforramen @gentlesleaze @this-too-too-sullied-flesh uhhhhhhhhhuhhh uhh

#inbox games #tag games #me #lala

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metroidspeedrun · 7 years

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☪Ask me Anything☪ 1-59. 60: do you wanna run away and never look back? I'll meet you half way in New York, we'll find an abandoned factory and steal wifi where we can and buy all our furniture from thrift stores and never have enough food but at least - I don't know

1. selfie Hahaha I look so gross today 2. what would you name your future kids? I really like Imogen, Micah, Uriah, and Wheeler or Scooter3. do you miss anyone? Yeah lw4. what are you looking forward to? Friday even though it’s not going to go as planned5. is there anyone who can always make you smile? Yup6. is it hard for you to get over someone? Very7. what was your life like last year? Um terrible lol8. have you ever cried because you were so annoyed? Literally like that’s mainly why I cry most times9. who did you last see in person? Ummmm… The boys, Zoey, Lauren, Kami, Peej, Alex, Hannah, Michal, and Frederick10. are you good at hiding your feelings? Lol not anymore but I found out why I was being passive-aggressive and I finally figured it out so it’s highkey all good11. are you listening to music right now? No, I should probably download music to listen to at night though12. what is something you want right now? Cheese pizza13. how do you feel right now? Good, but like also lw nervous14. when was the last time someone of the opposite sex hugged you? Either pride or when my siblings came to visit15. personality description Intense but also super shy and insecure, literally Z from Antz 16. have you ever wanted to tell someone something but you didn’t? Yes like 90% of the time17. opinion on insecurities. I think they suck and should be deleted from the sim18. do you miss how thing were a year ago? No lol19. have you ever been to New York? Not yet20. what is your favourite song at the moment? Teenage Fantasy by Jorja Smith like it really is the best song and also such a gorgeous video, some girl should change the pronouns to make it gay in a cover21. age and birthday? 18; August 1822. description of crush. Hair is probs soft af, amazing smile, dad shirts23. fear(s) The dark, commitment, robots, demons (like the Christian kind and the scary movie ones)24. height 5’3 25. role model I don’t have one lol26. idol(s) None really, I just like certain people and think they’re pretty. I don’t think I idolize anyone27. things i hate Robots, wlw written by men, the f word, pizza pockets, Gilbert Godfrey, every Joker except (Caesar’s, Ledger’s, & Monaghan’s) 28. i’ll love you if… you treat me real nice and buy me frozen cheese pizza29. favourite film(s) IWTV, Spirited Away, Hacksaw Ridge, When Marnie Was There, The Wind Rises, Dancer, Martian Child, Juno, X-Men First Class30. favourite tv show(s) Pretty Little Liars, Stranger Things, Steven Universe, OITNB (even though it’s about to ruin my life)31. 3 random factsI hate wearing floral patternsThe more cheeses a pizza claims to have the more I want itMy favorite cheese is pepper jack32. are your friends mainly girls or guys? Girls33. something you want to learn Knit sweaters34. most embarrassing moment Every moment since 3rd grade35. favourite subject ASL, anything remotely physical, and English36. 3 dreams you want to fulfill? Get degreeBecome a social workerTake care of my future kids37. favourite actor/actress John Boyega and Carey Mulligan38. favourite comedian(s) Hannibal Buress, the guy who did the really terrible dick jokes, the fucking scarf parrot guy that I love so much whose name I can’t fucking remember today agghhh39. favourite sport(s) Hockey40. favourite memory Pride probably41. relationship status Single42. favourite book(s) Secret Garden, Black Beauty, Frankenstein, Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea43. favourite song ever Sleepover // Hayley Kiyoko44. age you get mistaken for 12-1545. how you found out about your idol Hahaha N/A46. what my last text message says Oh okay maybe next time ^-^47. turn ons Silk?? Idk48. turn offs Boys49. where i want to be right now In a sensory deprivation tank bc I think they’re cool50. favourite picture of your idol N/A51. starsign Leo sun52. something i’m talented at Being confused about who I am like 100% of the time53. 5 things that make me happy Aesthetic postsGood musicTalking to my close friendsCheese pizzaStandup comedy54. something thats worrying me at the moment What is my sexuality 55. tumblr friends @brooklynbrooklyn & @quod_mirum & @ily-zoey56. favourite food(s) Cheese pizza, chili, samosas, spaghetti57. favourite animal(s) Elephants and giraffes58. description of my best friend Sometimes blond, bi, is wild, honestly too cool for me 59. why i joined tumblr To see what all the hype was about60. FUCK YEAH

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umusicians · 3 years

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UM Interview: Swayla

West London born and bred artist Swayla is just getting started. Influenced by her Portuguese and African roots, she’s been able to create music thats both unique and magnetic.To date, the London native has released two singles “Come ‘Round” and most recently “Piece of Mind” which serve as the perfect introduction of what this young artist has to offer.

Amandah Opoku sat down with Swayla to talk about her new single “Piece of Mind”, musical aspirations, dream collaboration more!

Amandah Opoku: Swayla, thank you for doing this interview today! Before we kick off please tell our readers about yourself and one random fact people do not know about you Swayla: Hey thanks again for reaching out ! Well, I’m a singer / songwriter and content creator in general. I’ve always loved anything art related and creative. I just turned 23 and I currently have 2 singles out. A random fact about myself is that I have an art page for my paintings and a motivational page where I post affirmations and positive vibes.

Amandah Opoku: What inspired you to start writing and releasing music as an artist? Swayla: I’ve always wanted to be a performer, I’ve always made up my own little songs as a child/teen. In terms of inspiration, my older cousin who also mixed and mastered my latest single ‘Piece of Mind’, his name is Young Max and he was the first person in my lif time that I witnessed, being 100% unapologetically themselves, and simultaneously lift others up and share the knowledge. He’s an incredible artist and soul.

Amandah Opoku: If you could describe your music in three words. What words would you choose and why? Swayla: Vibes, Chill, Soul

Amandah Opoku: What artists would you say have influenced you musically both through your sound and lyrically (songwriting)? Swayla: I would definitely have to say Lauryn Hill, lyrically, Jhene Aiko and Jorja Smith I love their sound and really resonate with them musically. Also Drake, I love his vibe and would love to collab one day.

Amandah Opoku: 2020 was an interesting year for us, as we’ve had to adapt to our “new normal”. How has the pandemic affected you as a musician? What have you learned about yourself? Swayla: This pandemic although it hasn’t been the best for most, for me personally it has been truly life changing. I’ve learnt the power of self-discipline and being consistent with my routines and goals. I’ve also learnt that being idle doesn’t do well for my mental health, I need to be active in some form. So this pandemic has helped me be more consistent with creating art and doing yoga, daily.

Amandah Opoku: You recently released your sophomore single called “Piece of Mind” which features Frenchy. What inspired you to write the single? Swayla: This track was actually inspired by a break-up I had just experienced, it was an event I didn’t see coming so I wanted to redirect my emotions and energy into something productive rather than sitting around wallowing in self pity.

Amandah Opoku: How did you come to collaborate with Frenchy on “Piece of Mind”? Swayla: Frenchy had listened to my first ever single, Come ‘Round, and he followed me and asked me to collab, we linked up at Young Max’s studio and the rest is history.

Amandah Opoku: In the future what other artists, producers or songwriters would you like to collaborate with? Swayla: I would love to collab with Misal Eskender, all round incredible artist / content creator. I would love to collab with Jorja Smith. I would love to collab with Disclosure and Kaytranada.

Amandah Opoku: If you had the chance to pitch “Piece of Mind” for any television show and/or movie, what show would you pick and why? Swayla: I think the song would do well in any Rom/Com chick flick situation. If the TV show Girlfriends was still about then definitely that. I love that show and I think the song would do well in the show because it's an uplifting song it's also an empowering song when it comes to love and I think they definitely need that on that show lol.

Amandah Opoku: “Piece of Mind” follows the release of your debut single “Come ‘Round” which you released last year. As you continue to write and record new music, what are you discovering and learning about yourself as an artist? Swayla: As an artist I'm learning that nothing is as hard as it seems, you just need to start and go from there. Also believing in yourself will get you further than anything. I'm also learning that I'm very versatile as a being, and an artist, therefore any limitations that I have, are self-inflicted.

Amandah Opoku: What do you hope to achieve as an artist? Swayla: As an artist I hope to inspire as many people as I can to just follow their dreams and their passions just do what makes you happy everyone says it but you never really take it in until you’re actually doing what makes you happy and it's absolutely facts.

Amandah Opoku: In pursuit of your musical journey so far, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced? Swayla: In the initial stages I struggled with melody's because I was very much in my head and overthinking things. I used to struggle with recording confidence and just voice control and staying on pitch. as I've become more confident in myself everything else has naturally fallen into place, like my voice has just come into itself.

Amandah Opoku: For new fans who come across your music, what would you like them to take away from your music? Swayla: The only thing I want people to take away is the vibes and I hope that the vibes will affect them in a unique way where they can say that my music changed something about their life. It could be a better understanding of their emotions because for me personally the music that I resonate with has always been songs which have helped me understand something that I've been going through which I wasn't able to put into words myself.

Amandah Opoku: With “Piece of Mind” out now, what can fans expect from you this year? Swayla: My next single is being released around the end of March it's called “Higher Up” . They can expect a music video to go along with that which is going to be absolutely fire !! Also stay tuned because this year is going to great for me and my future projects.

Amandah Opoku: Swayla, thank you for sitting down with me! Before we close this interview is there anything you want to say to your fans and our readers? Swayla: The only thing I wanna say is human beings have been creators from the beginning of time. We all have the capacity to create we just have to believe in that which we are creating.

Connect with Swayla on the following websites: https://www.instagram.com/swaylaofficial/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatjjeJrbo_-FPQc3k6OkUQ

#Interviews #Amandah Opoku #Swayla

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