New Artist : Juwan Rowan

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Juwan Rowan is a hip-hop artist from Berkeley California.  Growing up around violence and through struggle, his hope is to connect with his community, and others around the world who may be lost; to be the inspiration, and motivation to keep them focused. He hopes to connect with his listeners through real life situations that they can relate to. If you’re a fan of J.Cole, and Logic you may also find a new favorite with-in Juwan.

You can listen to his music on Spotify, Itunes, and Soundcloud ; as well as follow him on Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photos by Tyvon Spivy

Interview w RevelRelations artist K.Fox

How did you get into music, and what made you want to pursue a career in this industry.

My parents were the ones to first pass me a love of music. My dad played guitar which is initially what started my interest in playing music. Around high school my friends started listening to a lot of electronic music and I was fascinated with how these EDM producers were making these loud, absurd noises with computers, so I began teaching myself electronic production. I’ve been writing different styles of music since then. Music has been the one consistent skill that I have had a drive and passion for, so it’s hard to imagine pursuing any other kind of career.

Are you currently making new music ? If so , we can we expect a sneak peak or release ?

I am working on new music! I’m looking to at least have a new single out by January, so expect to see some teasers and promos in December

 An artist you would like to collab, and or tour with ?

 The dream collab would be with Omar Apollo. He’s an incredibly talented, young musician who I expect to be blowing up very soon. He can write such a catchy tune and I’d love to sit in and jam with him.

How would you describe your genre of music ?

Indie pop. I have a long list of inspirations–from hip-hop to folk artists–that I pull from while writing, but being a pop artist allows me to be almost genre-less. I’ve always enjoyed exploring different styles, so I always tell my listeners to never expect the same thing twice.

For anyone  that hasn’t heard of you before what song would you recommend the listen to first ? why?

 “Hello” is one of my favorites. It’s fun and catchy, and I think the lyrics contain material anyone can connect with.

What is  the story behind your artist name?

My artists name came from a work nickname! There were two Kevin’s at my last job, so to make the distinction one of my managers started calling me K Fox. I was kind of like “Huh, that would make a pretty sweet artist name.” It’s a concise, easy-to-remember name that still feels personal without having to use my full name. And unlike my last project KMPLT (pronounced “complete”) it requires very little explanation for pronunciation and spelling!

What’s your biggest accomplishment as a artist so far ?

 Making connections with talented people through my own creations. There will always be more shows, bigger crowds and more playlists to have your music heard on, but I’ve been privileged enough to meet some incredible artists and people in Portland that have inspired me and taught me new ideas that I’ve carried since meeting them. Gabe Fleck and Pat Kanji are two artists that saw a talent in me before I really believed in it, and I’ve worked with them extensively over the last two years. Very recently I started working with Jame Doe, another incredibly hardworking, talented artist from Portland, and I’m excited to see what happens from this collaboration.

What is something you are passionate about aside from music ?

I love running. I ran two half marathons last year and I’m currently in the process of training for another. I know that sounds absolutely awful to most people, but long runs are honestly one of the best feelings ever. It blows off stress and nerves, and it’s a great opportunity to have time alone to reflect and set my mind straight. It quite literally keeps me sane.

what has the feedback been like for your newest release ?

The feedback for 5900: SUMMER has been unbelievable. I’ve had friends showing me my music rather than me showing them my music. It’s a work I’m proud of and have no issue showing or sending to new listeners  It’s my first true dive into songwriting and singing, so to hear such positive feedback has motivated me to keep creating more music like that and improve upon my songwriting.

If someone who is reading this is going through a rough patch right now, what would you say to make them smile ?

Focus on what you have, not what you don’t. Focus on the parts of your life you can control, because it will eventually impact what you cannot. In my experience, and this is not everyone’s experience, I believe you are in control of your own happiness. Events outside of your control act to control your happiness, but it’s up to you (with extra help from a therapist if you need or can!) to find what makes you happy. It can be a long journey, but even doing one thing per day to make you happy can have a huge impact.

What are some big differences between the EDM music and r&b/pop music? What made you switch genres?

EDM music is formulaic and straightforward, so I just got bored of it. The same could be argued for pop music, but after spending years making EDM there never felt like there is anything new to say. With pop music, there’s always a new story to tell. I love that I can put a feeling into words and then into a song that people can relate with. To put it shortly, I started making pop because I wanted to connect with people.

Photos by Zac Oser

Interview by Cristine Trimarco 

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Upcoming Artist MEÏA’s ” Down by The Water” Music Video OUT NOW!

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 MEÏA is a singer-songwriter from Barcelona recently relocated to NYC. She won over the hearts’ of her audiences’ by singing in her own unique way. She’s an eclectic songwriter whose themes explore love, dreams and social issues embracing both an introspective and an electric performance.  You can find her songs in both spanish and english.

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Interview w/ Gabe Fleck

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Photo courtesy of Alex Norris
1.) What inspired you to start a career in music?
I think a huge part of getting into music for me was impersonating what media was showing me about “being a rock-star”. If we go back far enough, my mom still has a picture of me in sunglasses rocking a dope, Gibson Explorer-looking toy guitar when I was like 6 years old. Same for my sister. My mom is kind of a bad ass like that.
2.) How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
For Bliss, my latest EP, it’s like if MGMT stumbled into a night club. Weird indie pop vibes.
3.) To a new listener, what song would you suggest they listen to?
Take a stab at any of them! But I’ve gotten lucky with the numbers on Colder Shoulders. So if you do check that out and like it, let me know why because I’m curious and still can’t justify the numbers.
4.) What is your biggest goal for this year, musically
Figure out why I’m doing music for sure. That’s usually the biggest goal always. Making sure I’m secure in my messaging and my sound I’m bringing to the scene. It takes a lot of work on your life in general. Art imitates life so if I wish to put out an honest message I must be living that lifestyle and surrounding myself with aesthetics and experiences that influence that message.
5.) What is the meaning behind your most recent release?
Easy is about the inner conflict that occurs around a one night stand ordeal. That experience can be hard to navigate and I was introduced and educated in it mainly in college. Declaring that you’re super into someone but don’t have the energy to invest in them all the way because you have your own critical pursuits is never a fun discussion. But it makes for a fun, open, honest time.
6.) What inspired the visuals to the “ I Want To Be With Myself” music video?
Blade Runner and the magic of Alex Robino. I gave him the back story to making Bliss and some of those aesthetics and he ran with it perfectly.
7.) Will there be any upcoming new releases or tour dates in 2019?
Probably not any personal releases and definitely no touring for this guy. There are many people in the local PDX scene I want to contribute to before coming back to a project of my own. It’s just about approaching collaboration with the same seriousness and importance as my own personal music career. I’m inspired by some of the people around me. I just need to start working.
8.) Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m not sure. I can whistle fairly loud but I can’t do that thing where you make a pocket with your pointer finger and thumb. I’m also a graphic designer if that counts?
9.) Something you want your fans to know?
Every single person is insecure about something. Don’t care about the irrelevant. Be imperfect in the pursuit of your best.
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Photo courtesy of Alex Norris
Interview by Cristine Trimarco
Gabe’s socials  : Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify |Soundcloud 
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