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How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

I’d describe my sound as an upbeat Southern trap style high energy, catchy, and real. It’s something you can vibe to but also feel at the same time.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music (or art) seriously?

I started writing music when I was 12, but I really locked in and took it seriously at 15.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

Growing up, I listened to Beyoncé, Cardi B, Gucci Mane, Young dolph. They all inspired me to create my own music and develop my own sound. 

Outside of music, my biggest influence is my father. He used to rap before I was even old enough to remember, but hearing about it and seeing the impact it had on him gave me the motivation and foundation to start my own journey in music.

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process? 

I was born and raised in Charlotte,NC and later moved to Dallas,TX. Growing up, I was always around different genres of music, and my dad introduced me to rap at a young age. That really stuck with me. My life experiences in both NC and TX shape what I talk about and how I express myself.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

It usually starts with a beat sometimes a freestyle type beat. I catch a vibe, start writing lyrics, and build from there. Once I’ve got something solid, I record in a professional studio, then work on perfecting the sound until it’s ready to drop. I have a small in home studio but I’m not experienced in mixing and mastering so I prefer to record in a professional studio.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

One of the biggest challenges is staying consistent and building visibility while still finding your own lane. It takes time, patience, and a lot of dedication.

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

When I started taking music seriously and when I attended the Roc Nation Summer Academy. The Academy gave me a deeper love for rapping and showed me that anything is possible.

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

I focus on staying true to myself and my story above everything. Growth comes naturally through consistency and continuously putting myself out there.

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

My energy and my perspective. I bring that upbeat Southern trap vibe, but it’s also rooted in my real experiences and how I see the world.

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

“Certified” is definitely a personal one for me. It represents where I’m at right now and the work I’ve been putting in.

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

I’ve learned that I’m more dedicated than I realized. Putting your work out there takes confidence, and it’s helped me grow as both an artist and a person.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

I’m open to working with everyone because I believe every collaboration brings something different. But if I had to choose, I’d say Cardi B Her hit album “Invasion of Privacy” really showed her versatility and impact, and I respect how authentic she is. Her personality and confidence shine through in everything she does, and that’s something I connect with as an artist.

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

They can expect my upcoming “Certified” EP, which will feature three songs. It’s going to bring different vibes but that same energy, growth, and realness just on another level.

1. How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

I usually tell people: don’t come in looking for a lane. My sound isn’t one thing, and that’s not an accident. On any given day, I might be in a studio working on something soulful and R&B-driven, then turn around and write something rooted in worship, then step into a spoken word space. What ties it together isn’t genre — it’s intention. I write music that tries to meet people where they actually are. Not where we think they should be. Not where it’s convenient. Where they are. The production is always polished, the vocals are layered with care, and the writing is specific enough to feel personal even when it isn’t your story. That’s the thread. If you’re coming to me expecting one sound, you’ll probably be surprised. And I think that’s okay.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music seriously?

I’m not sure there was one moment. Music was never separate from life — it was just always there. I started singing in choir around five or six, and by seven I was playing saxophone. I grew up competing in all-city and statewide band competitions in high school, singing in invite-only selective choirs. My father performed with Kool & The Gang. My aunt was a member of The Monitors on Motown Records. My grandmother was a published poet. So in a lot of ways, the question was never really if — it was more about when. Even when I went on a full scholarship to study Chemical Engineering, music was still finding me. The discipline of that program actually made me a better writer, strangely enough. The focus it required carried over. After I moved to Nashville for engineering, the pull of the music community here was too strong to ignore. And at some point, I decided to lean all the way in and start building.

3. Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

Musically, I grew up in a household where R&B, gospel, classical and everything in between weren’t separate categories — they were just what was playing. My mother would put on classical music because it was nostalgic for her; her grandmother was a classically trained pianist. So the range was always present, always normal. The artists I gravitate toward are ones who know how to make you feel something specific, not just something general. Outside of music, my biggest influences are the people I come from. My grandmother’s way with language as a published poet showed me early that words have weight, that the right phrase in the right order can stay with someone for decades. My family’s history in music gave me a reference point for what it looks like to take artistry seriously as a craft, not just a passion. And my faith has shaped how I think about purpose in the work. What is this song for? Who does it serve? Those aren’t industry questions. They’re personal ones.

4. How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

Almost everything I’ve lived informs what I write. The Chemical Engineering background is real, and it shows up in how I approach a song: structurally, systematically. I don’t just wait for inspiration to arrive. I work toward it, build toward it, and then I let creativity take over once the framework is in place. Growing up in ministry, being a preacher’s kid, watching faith show up across five generations of my family’s story — that shapes the way I think about why music matters. It’s not just entertainment. It’s service. And Nashville specifically has given me a community of collaborators who push me. I’ve been in rooms with people doing serious work, and that raises the standard for what I’m willing to put out.

5. Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

A song idea can come from anything: a feeling, a truth I keep circling back to, a concept that won’t leave me alone. From there, I typically start with the melody that best serves that idea. As the writer and creative director on my projects, I want to bring something of substance to the producers and vocal collaborators I work with. I try to give as clear a picture as I can, even if it’s just the vibe or the emotional core of the track, so the sonic identity actually fits what the song needs to say. The back-and-forth in that process matters. And then when it comes to the vocal performance, if it’s my project, I want to make sure it lands the way the song deserves. Lastly, every person who touches a project gets acknowledged. That’s not a formality. That’s accountability.

6. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

Being multi-genre in a world that wants to sort you quickly. The industry, and sometimes the audience, is more comfortable when you fit a clear category. And for a long time, I think I let that pressure shape how I presented myself, leaning into one lane more than others just because it felt like the safer read. What I’ve had to work through is trusting that the breadth is the point. That the range isn’t a liability. It’s the most honest thing about what I do. The challenge isn’t really external. It’s internal. Deciding, every day, to resist the pressure to shrink the work down to something more digestible.

7. What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

There have been a few. But the ones that stay with me aren’t the big-stage moments. It’s the quieter ones. Someone telling me they put a song on during their hard days, when they just needed to be reminded that it won’t always be like this. A little kid singing one of my songs back to me when they recognized me. Those regular moments that most people wouldn’t think to count. Nobody’s writing think-pieces about them. But something in me recognized them immediately as the reason. That’s different from applause. Applause tells you that you performed well. When someone tells you a song met them in a place they didn’t even know they needed to be met, that’s when you understand what this is actually for.

8. How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

I think about it less as a balance and more as a filter. I want all of me to be able to step into a room. And the only way to do that is to be authentic. People feel what’s real. When you’re not actually being yourself, they feel it too, even if they can’t name it. Something reads as off. So when I’m making decisions about what to release, how to present it, who to work with, I keep coming back to the same question: does this actually reflect who I am and what the music is trying to do? If yes, it probably serves both goals at once. If not, whatever visibility it might bring isn’t worth what it costs. I’ve watched artists build audiences on versions of themselves they can’t sustain. I’d rather grow slower and build something that holds.

9. What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?

Confidence. Not the performed kind, the kind you have to discover. There’s something I keep writing around: the space between where someone is and where they know they’re supposed to be, and what it actually takes to close that gap. That shows up differently depending on the genre. In an R&B song it might sound like ownership and self-assurance. In a worship song it might sound like surrender and trust. In spoken word it might sound like grief or reckoning. But the root question is usually the same: what does it take to step fully into who you are?

10. What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

There are so many ways people are being creative and giving excellence to their music right now. What I bring is a different kind of precision. The engineering background isn’t just a talking point; it literally shapes how I think about song construction, about building systems that can sustain a music career, about what a song needs to accomplish. And I pair that with a genuine heart toward service: the song isn’t about me, it’s about what it does for the person receiving it. But here’s what might surprise people: when I step inside the studio, I try to shed all of that. The engineering, the songwriting background, the worship leading, the analytical mind — I try to set it down and show up as my most vulnerable self. To let the sound that’s in me bleed onto the song, so the emotion is felt, not just how technically capable my voice is. The craft gets you in the room. The vulnerability is what makes the song stay.

11. Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

“Give It To Em” is personal in a specific way. It’s an R&B record, confident in tone, but what it’s really about is the moment you stop waiting for permission to take up space. I’ve spent time in this industry being careful, being measured, wondering how much of myself was appropriate to bring into a given room. This song is the answer to all of that: give it to em. All of it. The range, the depth, the complexity, the confidence. Every part of it. It took real work to get to a place where that felt true rather than just declared, and I think people can hear the difference. So for anyone who feels like “Give It To Em” is their anthem… me too. Me too.

12. What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

That I’m more comfortable with the work than I am with the visibility. Making music is private, even when it’s meant to be shared. The moment it goes out into the world, it starts having conversations you’re not in the room for. Learning to let that happen without needing to correct every interpretation has been the real education. I’ve also learned to balance instincts with timing. Early on I second-guessed a lot of creative decisions. The more I’ve worked, the more I’ve learned that the instinct is usually right, but knowing when and how to execute it is its own skill. You can have the right idea and force it down the wrong path and it won’t look like a right idea anymore. It’ll just look like a mistake. So now the work is learning to trust the instinct while also giving it room to find its proper moment.

13. If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

It genuinely depends on the track. I’m a music nerd, and I listen across everything: Jazmine Sullivan, Jonathan McReynolds, KB, Kirby… there are artists in every space I’m working in who I’d love to be in a room with. Picking one is like walking into a candy shop and being told you can only leave with one piece. I don’t think I can do it.

14. What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

More range. More specificity. I’ve been intentional about building a catalog that doesn’t sound like one thing, not because I’m trying to prove something, but because that’s honestly what’s in me. What’s coming reflects all of it: the R&B, the depth, the production, the craft. What you can expect is music that’s been made with real attention to sound, to feeling, to what it actually does for the person listening. That’s the standard I hold. It hasn’t changed.

Introduce your self for our viewers please!

I’m Liam Pilmore, a solo artist from Nottingham, England, making honest, melodic songs that stick with you.

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?
Folk pop, full stop… though that doesn’t give much away, does it? Haha. I’d say it’s melodic, acoustic-led music with a pop heart — like dipping an acoustic guitar in a jar of vegan Nutella. 

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music seriously?
Honestly, only last year, at the start of 2025. I’ve played music for years, but the artist side of it still feels young to me. I never really took it seriously until now, and I guess everything I’ve done has led me to this point.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?
Musically, I’m fascinated by songwriting and what actually makes a song memorable. At heart, I’m pop all the way. Outside of music, I’d say films and TV. They help me switch off, but I also pull a lot from the themes, emotion, and storytelling.

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?
My music is my life, really. Without life experience, I don’t have a song. It usually starts with a memory, an experience, or a feeling, and then the rest unfolds from there.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?
I usually start with words, often before anything else. I tend to write with rhythm in mind, so I’m already thinking about syllables and flow. Once I find some chords I like, it becomes a case of shaping the words to fit the melody. 

You’ve got to be willing to edit, cut, and start over. A lot of the sound comes from the theme in the song, and from there I keep building until everything feels right.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?
Probably collaboration. I love working with other people, but it’s not always easy to find people who are as driven and enthusiastic as I am. I’ve definitely had a few disappointments there.

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?
I’ve had old friends reach out and tell me how much they’re enjoying the music, which has meant a lot. A lot of people have really connected with my latest single Light, and when people take the time to reach out like that, it tells me I’m on the right track.

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?
I think the key is not chasing something just because it might get attention. Growth matters, of course, but the music has to feel real to me first. If I believe in it, I can stand behind it. After that, it’s about finding the best way to get it in front of people.

What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?
Nothing wildly revolutionary — I’d say love, relationships, pain, joy, disappointment, and optimism. I’m fascinated by that push and pull, that yin and yang. A lot of my songs come from very personal stories, whether that’s romantic relationships or family relationships.

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?
There are so many great artists out there, and everyone has their own thing. I think what stands out in my music is that it’s relatable and easy to connect with. People can see their own stories in it. I’m not trying too hard to be obscure or strange — it’s simplicity at its core.

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?
My latest single Light means a lot to me because it set the benchmark for my sound. It’s the first time I’ve really felt comfortable in what I’m doing, and it’s given me a lot of confidence. Most importantly, it sparked my joy for music again.

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?
That I’m not perfect, but I’m close. Haha. Nah, really I’ve learned that backing yourself is a huge part of it. You have to be willing to put your work out there and let it speak, while still listening, learning, and staying open.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?
I’ll stay humble and say I’m open to collaborating with anyone. But, you know… cough Ed Sheeran cough. He’s a huge inspiration, and I’d love to see how he works up close.

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?
More melody! Sweet, sweet melodies. I want people to feel something, but I also want the songs to stay simple, memorable, and real.

Introduce yourself for our viewers:

Hi, my name is Lizzie and I’m a pop artist but I also like to tap into cinematic, theatrical, rock and R&B sounds for my music. I’ve released several singles and a whole album titled Chrysalis in 2024. I’ve performed a lot, including on national television in Italy (where I’m from).

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

I’d describe my sound as cinematic and emotional, somewhere between dark pop and musical theater but with nods to rock, soul and R&B. It’s very visual, almost like stepping into a scene or a story rather than just listening to a song. There’s something dreamy and dramatic about it, like a fairytale with a bit of darkness underneath. I want people to feel like they’re not just hearing the music, but actually experiencing it.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music (or art) seriously?

It’s always been there. I guess I’ve just realized there was no other option for me. I know that my happiness lies in making music.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

A lot of my inspiration comes from musical theater, films, and soundtracks. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and atmosphere. Outside of music, books and visuals influence me a lot too. I’m an escapist by nature and I guess it reflects in my music. I paint a scene to detach myself from the emotions it brought me, the pleasant and the unpleasant ones, but I find myself also creating scenes to lose myself into and maybe help the listener do the same too.

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

My personal life is where I draw my inspiration from. I don’t do well with feelings. I write songs when they become too much. When the numbness wants to be something, when the pain wants to be heard, when the happiness wants to be seen, when rage is tired of staying in the shadows. It’s almost like I don’t write songs, but my emotions do that for me. Sometimes I’ll finish a song and barely remember how I got there. The passion takes over and gives birth to something new.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

It’s honestly a mix of chaos and intention. Sometimes an idea just appears out of nowhere, a melody, a lyric, a feeling, and I follow it. Other times I sit down with a clear vision and build from that. But even when it’s planned, there’s always a moment where it takes on a life of its own.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

Learning how to navigate everything on my own. Being independent means you’re not just creating: you’re also figuring out strategy, visibility, and how to get your work in front of people. That can be overwhelming at times. And by the way, since promoting is by now part of the gig, my album Chrysalis is out everywhere, I even have limited edition CDs available on Bandcamp!  (link below)

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

Performing at Hotel Cafè in Hollywood (LA) for the first time. I felt like I found my home on the stage and my friends in the audience, even though I barely knew anybody. I performed two of my original songs (Not Yours and Chrysalis), and for the first time I was able to fully tap back into the emotions that made me write them. In a way, I understood those songs more in that moment than I ever had before.

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

Authenticity always comes first for me. I don’t try to force something that doesn’t feel right creatively. I think growth happens more naturally when what you’re putting out is honest, so I focus on that and let the rest build around it.

What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?

I often come back to themes like chasing dreams, storytelling, and what it means to be human. There’s also a strong sense of identity and empowerment in my work, especially from a feminine perspective.

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

I think what my sound is evolving to. Considering that I’m now producing, writing and performing my songs, the sound is 100% me, and it’s evolving into something I can only explain as dark pop cinematic very much inspired by musical theater. I strike to tell a story and make you feel like you’re actually living it.

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

My first album, released in 2024, is very special to me. It’s the first round-up of original songs that I wrote ranging from thirteen to eighteen years old. Tracks like Chrysalis and Not Yours stand out to me, they both explore growth although from different point of views. Chrysalis is about growing up on a personal level, while Not Yours reflects a deeper awareness of the world and its realities, especially from a female perspective

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

I’m better than I thought. I still struggle with low-self esteem to this day. Seeing people who barely know me hype me up and complimenting my skills has been helping me change the vision that I have of myself for the better.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Raye. I really resonate with her storytelling and almost movie soundtrack choices in her music. The raw emotion she brings to the stage is a true inspiration.

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

A shift. It’s still me, but more grounded, more confident, more real. The vision is shifting and it’s planting its roots, shifting the sound into more cohesive, more story based, more cinematic, more raw.

LINKS:

INSTAGRAM

https://instagram.com/lizzie_official_music?utm_medium=copy_link

TIKTOK

https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzie_official_music?_t=8Ztln1scLSQ&_r=1

YOUTUBE

https://youtube.com/@lizzie_official_music?si=VYlN5arR9fn-bsbC

SPOTIFY

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5yWZBs0ms3wemZP3gkCHma?si=ypJ5Id7eRZuI8YLyH2MlSg

Introduction:
My name is Betty Ke, and I’m an independent singer-songwriter originally from Taiwan and now based in Los Angeles. I create Indie Pop music that blends Western and Eastern influences, with a warm, mellow vocal style and a strong focus on emotional storytelling. Alongside my work as an artist, I also have experience in independent music production, album planning, event management, music publishing, and digital distribution. That combination has shaped me into someone who cares deeply about both the artistic and practical sides of building a lasting music career. At the heart of everything I do is the hope that my music can create connection, reflection, and a sense of shared self-discovery.

Q&A

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?
I’d describe my sound as warm, intimate, and emotionally reflective Indie Pop. My music often lives in a soft but cinematic space, where mellow vocals meet honest lyrics and subtle, textured production. Because of my background, there’s naturally a blend of Eastern and Western influence in the way I approach melody, feeling, and atmosphere.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music (or art) seriously?
I realized I wanted to pursue music seriously when I understood that songwriting was more than just something I enjoyed — it was the most honest way I could express myself and connect with other people. The more I wrote and created, the clearer it became that music was not just a passion, but something I wanted to build my life around.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?
Musically, I’m most drawn to artists who create emotional intimacy and strong sonic worlds through storytelling, restraint, and atmosphere. Outside of music, I’m deeply influenced by film, memory, relationships, cultural identity, and the quiet emotional details of everyday life. A lot of my inspiration comes from moments that seem small on the surface but stay with you for a long time.

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?
Being originally from Taiwan and now living in Los Angeles shapes my perspective in a major way. I think a lot about distance, belonging, identity, and emotional translation between cultures, spaces, and experiences. That in-between feeling often finds its way into my music and gives it its emotional core.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?
It usually starts with a feeling I can’t ignore, a lyric line, or a melody that keeps repeating in my head. From there, I begin building around that emotion — often with chords, voice notes, or simple production ideas. Once I have the emotional direction, I focus on shaping the world of the song through arrangement, texture, and detail. I spend a lot of time making sure the lyrics, vocal delivery, and production all support the same emotional story.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the many practical responsibilities that come with being an independent artist. You’re not only making the music, but also planning releases, managing communication, building visibility, and staying emotionally grounded through it all. Learning how to keep my creative voice protected while continuing to grow professionally has been a big lesson.

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?
The moments that made it feel real were the ones where people connected personally with my music — when someone told me a song made them feel seen, understood, or less alone. That kind of response reminded me that music can travel far beyond its starting point, and that something deeply personal can become meaningful to others in a much bigger way.

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?
For me, growth should amplify who you already are, not replace it. I’m always thinking about how to reach more people and build momentum, but I never want that to come at the cost of honesty. I believe the most sustainable kind of growth comes from being genuine and creating work that truly reflects who you are.

What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?
I often return to themes like longing, memory, identity, tenderness, emotional distance, and quiet resilience. I’m especially interested in the feelings that don’t always announce themselves loudly — the ones that linger, evolve, and shape us over time.

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?
I think what sets me apart is the combination of my artistic voice and my understanding of the industry from multiple angles. I approach music not only as a songwriter and performer, but also with experience in production, planning, publishing, and distribution. Creatively, I also bring a cross-cultural perspective that influences both my sound and the stories I choose to tell.

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?
“Just Keep Holding On” is a heartfelt indie pop single about finding light in the midst of darkness. Like dust floating in sunlight that filters through the forest, it reminds listeners that even the hardest moments can reveal quiet beauty when seen from a new perspective.

When you feel alone, lost, or on the verge of giving up, this song becomes a gentle whisper — keep holding on, the light will appear.

This project holds special meaning for Betty Ke, a bilingual indie pop singer-songwriter originally from Taiwan and now based in Los Angeles. Known for blending Eastern sensitivity with Western pop aesthetics, Betty creates music that bridges cultures and emotions through honest storytelling and ethereal soundscapes.

“Just Keep Holding On” is her first single produced in the United States and her first international collaboration, symbolizing a new chapter in her artistic journey. Through this project, she experienced firsthand the power of music to transcend language and connect hearts across cultures.

Ultimately, “Just Keep Holding On” is not just a song, but a journey of perseverance, hope, and transformation — a promise that Betty’s voice will stay with you through the night, until the morning comes.

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?
I’ve learned that vulnerability takes courage, but it also creates the strongest connection. Sharing my work publicly has taught me to trust my instincts more, to be patient with my growth, and to understand that the parts of myself I’m most hesitant to reveal are often the ones people connect with most deeply.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with 9m88. Both of us have studied in the U.S., and our backgrounds are quite similar. I admire her unique sound and artistic vision. I hope to exchange ideas and learn from her, as well as work together to shape a new musical style. By blending our experiences in Mandarin music with everything we’ve learned in the West, we could create something truly innovative and fresh. I believe that our collaboration could result in a unique sound that resonates with a diverse audience while honoring our cultural roots.

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?
Listeners can expect music that feels even more honest, textured, and emotionally layered. I’m continuing to explore the space between intimacy and atmosphere, while pushing my storytelling and sound in a way that feels more fully realized. The upcoming releases will still feel true to my core, but with even more depth, clarity, and confidence.

Introduce yourself to people not familiar with your career so far please!

My name is Ta’Kori, I go by Big Fuego as an artist. I’m an upcoming artist focused on turning real life into something people can feel. I’m building my sound, performing, and putting myself out there, but everything I’m doing is with purpose. I’m not just making music, I’m building something that lasts. 

 How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

It’s emotion and energy at the same time. I can be calm and reflective, then turn around and be loud and confident. It really depends on the moment, but it’s always real. I care more about how it makes you feel than just how it sounds. 

 When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music seriously?

When I realized it wasn’t just something I liked doing, it was something I needed. It became a way for me to process things and express myself in a way I couldn’t anywhere else. 

 Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

Musically, Drake, Travis Scott, and Tyler the Creator. They all have their own identity and aren’t afraid to evolve. Outside of music, it’s my life. My family, relationships, and everything I’ve gone through. 

 How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

Everything I make comes from something real. I don’t force songs. If I’m going through something or thinking about something heavy, that’s what comes out. My life is the blueprint for my music. 

 Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

It starts with a feeling or a beat. If it speaks to me, I build from there. Sometimes I already know what I want to say, sometimes I figure it out as I go. Then I go back, clean it up, structure it, and make sure it actually means something before I record it and bring it to life. 

 What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

Staying consistent while balancing real life. Also learning that not everything is about moving fast. You have to move smart and build the right way. 

 What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

Performing and seeing people react to me who don’t even know me. When strangers connect with what I’m doing, that’s when it feels real. 

 How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

I don’t chase trends. I stay true to myself and focus on improving. If it’s real, the right people will connect with it. 

 What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?

Growth, relationships, pressure, and figuring things out. A lot of my music is me trying to understand life while I’m living it. 

 What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

I’m not trying to sound like anyone else. I’m building something that actually reflects me. I care about longevity, not just quick attention. 

 Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

My upcoming project “In My Hands” is probably the most personal. It’s about control, pressure, and realizing that everything I want is really up to me. It’s me being honest about where I’m at and what I’m trying to become. 

 What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

I’ve learned that I’m capable of more than I thought, but I also realized I still have a lot of growing to do. Putting yourself out there teaches you quickly. 

 If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Drake or Travis Scott. They both know how to create moments that stick with people, not just songs. 

 What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

Growth, intention, and honesty. Everything is leveling up. My main record “Go Fuego” really captures that energy and confidence, and the project behind it shows the deeper side of me.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MrFuego_

Introduce yourself to people not familiar with your career so far please!
I go by Banman. I’m a 29-year-old independent hip-hop artist from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

My story didn’t start in a good place. I struggled with addiction to crack cocaine and crystal meth, using intravenously, and I ended up homeless, living out of my car. I hit a point where I had nothing left. But even then, I still had my music. I would sit in my car and practice nonstop, holding onto the only thing I hadn’t lost — my dream. Recovery changed everything. For over a decade, I was stuck in a cycle of relapsing, but I’ve finally
reached a point where the obsession to use has been removed. I found God, rebuilt my life from the ground up, and now I’m focused on discipline, growth, and building something real through my music. I’m almost six months sober, and I’m locked in on becoming who I’m meant to be.

Through chasing my dream, I found God — and in finding God, I found my purpose.

This isn’t just music to me. This is my life.

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

My sound is motivational and emotional hip-hop with real life behind it.
Some songs are confident and high energy, while others are more personal and reflective.

You can hear that in my singles from the Legacy EP rollout. “Rollin” is about momentum and being locked in, and “Ready or Not”, released on March 27th, is about stepping into the next level and knowing I’m about to blow up whether people are ready or not. The rest of the project leans deeper into emotion. Songs like “Game Time,” “Seems I’ve Changed,” and “Make the Choice” all carry a deeper message. “Make the Choice” is about deciding to chase my dream even when people doubted me —including someone close to me who said I couldn’t do it.
“Game Time” and “Seems I’ve Changed” reflect growth, pressure, and realizing it’s time to change my life.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music seriously?

It started about 13 or 14 years ago. I had written a few verses and remember walking home at night, practicing them in my head. I
looked up at the sky, saw the North Star, and had this thought that maybe I could actually go big one day. I remember thinking, that would be so sick.
That was the first time I believed it could be something more.Later, after everything I went through, that same dream came back — but this time with purpose and discipline behind it.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

Musically, artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre are big influences for me. Eminem is my biggest influence. The way he expresses his truth so clearly and powerfully through his words has always stood out to me. That’s something I try to bring into my own music.
Outside of music, my biggest influence is my relationship with God and the discipline I’ve built through recovery. That’s what drives everything I do now

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

Everything I make comes from real experience. I’ve lived through addiction, homelessness, and rebuilding my life from nothing. When I was at my lowest, music was the one thing I held onto. Now my music reflects that transformation. It’s about growth, discipline, and proving that you can
come back from anything.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

It usually starts with a feeling or something I’m going through. When I hear a beat that connects, I start writing from a real place. Then I refine it to make sure the message actually hits — not just the sound. I don’t follow a strict process. Sometimes I start with a topic and find a beat later, and other times the beat sparks everything. I also like to tell my story through full projects. Ups & Downs reflects both the darkness of addiction and the light in recovery, while Legacy builds on that — showing my confidence, growth, and direction now.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

Breaking out while rebuilding my life at the same time. Another major challenge is getting my music heard by the right people. Social media is crowded, and it’s not easy to stand out. I also don’t get much support locally.
But I’ve learned not to rely on validation. I stay focused, keep working, and trust that the right people will find the music.

What moment made you feel like this could really become something big?

When I realized my story could actually help people. I’ve performed before, and my song “What’s Best” made people cry. Moments like that showed me this is bigger than just music.

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

I stay authentic by only speaking on what I’ve actually lived. Growth comes from consistency and discipline — but I’m not going to fake anything just to get attention.

What themes or emotions do you return to most in your work?

Transformation, redemption, discipline, faith, and becoming a better version of yourself. A lot of my music is about proving that you can change your life. My dream kept me hopeful at my lowest point. Through chasing it, I found God — and in finding God, I found my purpose.

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

I’m not talking about something I saw — I’m talking about something I lived. I went from addiction and homelessness to rebuilding my life with purpose. That’s real, and people can feel that. On top of that, I bring versatility. I switch my flow and energy from track to track while still staying true to who I am.

Is there a song or project that feels especially personal to you? Why?

“Seems I’ve Changed” is one of the most personal songs because it reflects how much I’ve grown as a person. It also features Mike Repic, someone who’s been a big part of my life and growth, which makes it even more meaningful. “Game Time” is another key track. It’s about realizing time is running out and making the decision to change your life. Both are on my upcoming EP Legacy, dropping May 15th. Before that, I released Ups & Downs (March 1, 2025), which shows where I was mentally and
spiritually at that time. Legacy shows who I’m becoming now.

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

That being honest is a strength. Being real about my past and my growth connects more than trying to be perfect.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Dr. Dre and Eminem. When I found God during recovery, I felt like I was given a vision for my life. Since then, I’ve been focused on bringing that vision to reality. Dr. Dre represents the level of legacy and impact I’m working toward, and Eminem inspired me early on with how he tells his truth through music.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming releases?

I’m currently rolling out my EP Legacy, which drops May 15th, 2026.
I’ve already released two singles from it. “Rollin” dropped March 6th, and “Ready or Not” was released on March 27th.
The EP shows both sides of the journey — the struggle and the growth.

“Seems I’ve Changed,” “Game Time,” and “Make the Choice” are all part of the project, and they represent some of the most personal work I’ve made.
Overall, Legacy is about growth, discipline, and becoming who you’re meant to be.

https://x.com/Freshmentronic Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/freshm3ntronic/BIO Link: https://ffm.bio/dy9j7v4

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

It’s Jazz with a breeze of international Jazzy Vibez. You can hear it on your sofa or dance to it on the Floor. It is a very melodic Jazz House style with nice riffs and accordes. I have learned to play a keayboard as a young boy.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music (or art) seriously?

I have started with deejaying in the age of 19 but when I started to produce my own Songs in the age of 30 I started to pursue my music seriously. I am 36 now.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

At First my grandparents influenced me in a special way. My Grandfather was a Hammond Organ Player. He told me a lot of about Jazz music and the skillz I actually have.In a musical way I was influenced by the family of my ex wife. Her mother is from Ghana / Accra and I very early heard Arists like Burna boy or Sarkodie, even Osibisa. The westafrican Afrobeat influenced me in the same way like Fela Kuti and his family. I was for 18^th years in a relationship with this woman but i was divorced in 2025.

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

For a good Song I need a whole Night and a lot of Coffee and Energy Drink. I like to form my Songs in the Night when everything around me is quiet and no one could bring me away from the concept of my Song. I have had big losses in the past. Personally and in every other way. The Pain is still in my heart. I miss my three children very often.But I am sure that this is a Dooropener to the melancolic Songs I am producin’ at the moment. Where no emotions are available-no one can produce an emotional Song. I am very convinced by this statement.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

If you have learned to produce your own music by yourself like me, in a process which has taken around 5 years, there will be no difficulties to produce a Song. But the question is if this is the Song you want to produce with a deeper message, an ear catching melody or a rythms from another galaxy. My workflow for this is done when I start to produce the Song. I have formed an idea in my brain. In my imagination I know how the Song should be . The more difficult step is to bring this on a paper. This should mean that it is more difficult for me to realize an idea than to have an idea.I have some methods to bring my idea nearly to the finished song. At first I listen to my productions from the past and try to find aspects which one I would like to change in the new Song. For Example: If the Song has too much headroom or Synths you only hear in the backround I try to develop a concept for a Song with fewer Headroom or Synths with more presence.Producing my Tracks is doin everything my own. From the Sample to the Mixdown and the Mastering. I do not use some extern Mastering Agencies. 

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

Hmm… I have had problems to find the right stage for my music in the past because my individual Sound is not to put in a drawer. Because of this fusion or soundclash existing from Jazz, House, Tech House & Deep House even westafrican styles. It was a little bit difficult to find a label. It was important for me that every genre I am producing should be accepted by only one label I am working with @ the Moment. 1975er Records (UK).

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

I am not sure if I have ever had this feeling but there have been two or three happenings in my musical Journey which comes this nearly. At First my releases on Global Music Records ( Brüssel) and Mojo Headz Records (L.A.) in early ’23 . Especially my EP on Global Music Records ”The Etablissement EP”.  This was the First EP I have build in exactly the style Freshm3nTronic stands for. 

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

Oh I have no prressure in my work. For me it is very important to hold my creative breaks. When I am starting to produce a track I already have an idea. This is a very productive advice I can give to every producer. 

What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?

If a listener will hear to my discrography she or he will find themselves in a spectacular, in storys well ordered,  Lifetime impression paired with my daily experience especially the social contact to the very nice and colored Polulation here in the Ruhr Region of Germany. It is not possible for me to leave my hood here without getting inspired by a lot of cultures and a special emotion for me. It’s my home. My Neighbour is from the arabic area and the next one is from Italy. Multiculture from every perspective and I like. This is pure inspiration and the reason for my creative workflow.

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

I am Freshm3nTronic and I am a Jazz Keyboard Player… Hahah have you ever heard this from some other? I am composing my own accordes and can write you the notes down if this is your wish. I am very recessed in my workflow and everything around the Brand ” Freshm3nTronic”.I can nothing say about this as a recommend to listen to some of my Songs. If the listener like Jazz influenced electronic music he will sure hear the nostalgic patina of the Hammond Organ my Grandfather played in the past. This was Delicious for me to hear this in the age of Six.

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

Yes we have a project here in the Ruhr Region and with the local Radio Station. It is called ”Bürgerfunk Lebenstiefe”. It is a Project with a Rapper, a Hip Hop Producer an artist and me. It is a Podcast with themes from the psychatrical hospital and about people who are psychatrical sick. The only printed german Magazine for the electronic music szene ” Fazemag” wrote an articel about this Podcast. Of course we are playing our own music in this podcast which one is regularly broadcasted on the radio Station ”Radio Vest” here in the Ruhr Region. Of course you can stream this Podcast 24/7 on NRWISION.de .This is the link to the ”Fazemagazine” articel:

https://www.fazemag.de/dj-crew-aus-ruhrgebiet-musik-podcast-ueber-psychische-probleme/ Here you can stream the Podcast 24/7:https://www.nrwision.de/mediathek/suche?query=lebenstiefe

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

I have the meaning that the music industry is very broken. There are so much producers and musicians and a doubled number of promoter s SEO Agents… and everything your heart desired. Patience and a strict non pressure politics that was a rythm between rythms I have  had to learn in the past. Step by step and everything of my focus straight for my music.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Hmm, Atjazz is interesting. It is a UK Producer with a distinctive sound. Haha Maybe he will read this here… OH MY…

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

Yes, there will be some releases on 1975 Records (UK). One Song is called Moonlight (Original Mix). You should imagine an Organ, a house rythm,  monorythm Synths and a shaker. This one is very Jazzy and my personal recommend. 
But Sometimes Freshm3nTronic builds a Banger and this one is the second one which will be released the next time on 1975 Records (UK). This is a Song for the Floor, definitely. With a Hard Baseline and Dark Synths… But every vibe with a Freshm3nTronic note…

Introduce yourself to people not familiar with your career so far please!

I go by Dat Bwoy Fedi pronounced Dat Boy Fetti but most called me Fedi

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

My sound for those that don’t know has that southern rap feel with energy, no autotune!

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music (or art) seriously?

I always pursued music seriously just needed the right opportunity to present itself!

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

My biggest influences are my wife and kids, my family period. Musically, 2 Pac & Trick Daddy!

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

It gives me the push I need and makes my love for music more passionate & stronger!

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

I usually hear a beat and come up with the hook first, then proceed to the verses, record-mix-

master by myself in my home studio!

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

My biggest challenge is having the finances to fund my music career, it’s like no one really

believes in you unless you already got some real money!

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

When I got my first independent record deal with Sound of Atlanta record label in 2000 (R.I.P

Gene Griffin)!

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

I always been an authentic person I can’t and don’t fake being me for nobody. I’m older so what

you see is what you get!

What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?

I stay true to my roots and that’s keeping my music energized and real!

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

For one I don’t and try my best not to use autotune and / or sound like this or that person! I’m

original I feel!

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

Yeah my new single “Cookin Up” is that one. The reason being is I’m always in the studio

working on something so it’s like I won’t stop because the love I have for it!

What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?

I feel I’ve learn I need to be a lil more social but at the same time keep my music authentic!

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Aww man, right now I would say Trick Daddy all the way! I feel our energy would match in the

booth!

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

More energy advertising and a few new videos &

How would you describe your sound or artistic style to someone hearing you for the first time?

My sound is a blend of groove-driven House, Hous tech with some afro elements, and melodic textures. It’s very much about creating a journey, building tension, releasing energy, and shaping an atmosphere that feels immersive and emotional, not just rhythmic!My goal is for both the mind and body of the audience to travel and be moved, physically and emotionally, through the experience.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music seriously?

I always had a strong connection with music. From the age of three, I started classical piano lessons, and by the age of ten, I was already writing my first songs. After graduating from the University in Musicology, it became clear to me that music would always be a fundamental part of my life.

Who or what are your biggest influences, both musically and outside of music?

I grew up in a musical environment, which naturally shaped the way I listen to and understand music from an early age.Beyond that, my influences come from everyday life, travel, different cultures, human connection, and those raw, unfiltered moments that carry real emotion. All of these elements find their way into my sound and the way I shape a journey.

How does your personal life or background shape your creative process?

Living between different places and cultures has shaped my sound a lot. It’s influenced the organic, ethnic, and emotional elements in my music and how I approach building a set as a journey.

Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project?

It usually starts with a feeling or a groove. Many times, the process begins at the piano, as I believe the melodic element is the first thing that truly touches someone. From there, I build the right groove to support and elevate that emotion.I then layer sounds, experimenting with synths, vocals, and textures until a full atmosphere is created. Finally, I refine everything with the live experience in mind, always thinking about how it will translate and connect with the audience in a set.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far as an emerging artist?

Finding balance,between creating, performing, and pushing forward consistently, while staying true to my identity and not getting lost in trends.At the same time, any obstacles that come my way, I choose to see them as opportunities for growth and evolution, both as an artist and as a person.

What moment in your journey made you feel like this could really become something big?

When I started seeing real reactions from the crowd—people connecting, dancing, and fully feeling the set—that’s when I realized this could grow into something meaningful. At the same time, developing my hybrid live set with Korg synthesizers, vocals, and DJing felt like a turning point. I believed it truly represented me and could be an interesting contribution to electronic music, but I could only confirm that once I experienced it live in front of an audience, and when I did, the response made it clear I was on the right path.

How do you balance staying authentic while also thinking about growth and visibility?

I always start from what feels real to me. Growth follows when the connection is genuine, so I focus on building something honest rather than chasing attention.

What themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work?

Connection, movement, tension and release, and that feeling of being part of something bigger, almost a spiritual or collective experience. I’m also drawn to the quieter moments before the tension builds, where emotion feels more exposed; sometimes even sadness can lead to the creation of the most beautiful and honest melodies. 

What sets you apart from other artists coming up right now?

My hybrid approach, combining DJing with live synthesizers, edits, and vocals, alongside my own productions. It creates a more personal and evolving performance each time.

Is there a song, project, or piece of work that feels especially personal to you? Why?

My original tracks feel the most personal, especially when I integrate them into my sets. They represent my sound and identity in a very direct way!
What have you learned about yourself since starting to share your work publicly?I’ve learned to trust my instinct more and to be confident in my sound. The more I share, the more I understand what truly represents me.

If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be and why?

Someone who blends tech and electronic elements in a deep way, artists who focus on atmosphere and storytelling as much as the groove, because that’s where I feel most connected creatively.

What can listeners or viewers expect from your upcoming releases?

Listeners can expect more electronic music with tech and melodic influences, combined with my signature groove and live elements. I aim to bring fresh ideas into my sound, along with familiar elements reimagined with a new energy and form.It’s music that speaks both to the soul and the body, just as I approach my sets, blending emotion with rhythm. Whether you’re in your car or at a festival, the goal is to create a feeling that moves you and a groove that truly shakes you!