feature
Featured topics in Beat's musical universe.
My Exclusive Interview With Kiki Liu and Vivian Ning Wei
In the music world, producers and recording artists are incomplete without each other. While the artist brings their charisma and performance skills, the producer has the tools and expertise to turn a rough demo into a radio-ready song that's bursting with hooks. Some artists produce their own records, but Kiki Liu (producer) and Vivian Ning Wei (recording artist) realized that they work better as a team, and they linked up once again for this in-depth interview that exposes the minds behind the magic.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout 5 hours ago in Beat
Compilation Craze: Revisiting the Hottest Unsigned Bands of 2003
While I haven't bought a CD in years, I always enjoy checking out the old compilations when I browse a used record store. Many compilations have obscure tracks that you won't find anywhere else, and this Budweiser True Music "Future Icons" album has 11 of them, plus four bonus tracks from bands that already made it big—presumably to get you to buy the record. According to Discogs, this CD came free with a 2003 issue of Blender , and I bet that some music lovers still have a copy lying around somewhere.
By Kaitlin Shanksabout 8 hours ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Kayristin
The party doesn't start until Kayristin walks in. As a DJ, it's her job to keep the energy flowing with electrifying sets and exclusive remixes—and now that she's branching out into original music, you don't have to see her in person to enjoy her heart-stopping beats. Her love for music, passion for adventure, and fun, bombastic personality make Kayristin a natural entertainer, and as you read this in-depth interview, you'll realize how much work goes into these sets that seem like a spur-of-the-moment celebration.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Aestrea
Aestrea takes on a lot of personas in her music—a space explorer, a bedroom pop singer, an abandoned bride—but every release has a distinctly ethereal, luminous sound that complements her delicate aesthetic and soft, angelic vocals. With over 10,000 Instagram followers and nearly 60,000 monthly Spotify listeners, the Internet is waiting to see what she'll do next. Luckily, you don't have to wait for a peek behind the scenes: this interview dives into her aesthetic, her early work and her latest track, offering a look at the artist behind the white veil.
By Kaitlin Shanks4 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Alyona Sedliar
Bands are nothing without great management, and Alyona Sedliar has the tools, knowledge and experience to take Septory to the next level. As a metal fan and former musician, she understands the nuances of the music scene and makes connections that help her clients thrive. She's also Septory's biggest fan, and while their audience might appreciate their music, nobody can match Sedliar's drive, enthusiasm and professionalism. When you read this interview, you'll realize that managers are the unsung heroes of the music industry, and your favorite band has someone just like her in their corner.
By Kaitlin Shanks5 days ago in Beat
Record Label Spotlight: Fox Food Records
Based in Mirfield, UK, Fox Food Records is an indie label that signs slowcore, ambient, folk and dream pop artists with a uniquely rustic sound that you probably won't hear on the radio. When you scroll through their discography, you'll see collages, analog photos, original art and other oddities that contribute to the label's DIY vibe. In addition to digital releases, most of their albums come with a physical release that includes a cassette, a thank-you card and a small gift or two.
By Kaitlin Shanks6 days ago in Beat
Green Park Memories and Holiday Melodies: Randy Edelman at Carnegie Hall
Autumn has a way of making even familiar places feel slightly different. A pathway walked a hundred times becomes somewhere to linger. Trees loosen their leaves, the afternoon light turns amber, and suddenly an ordinary park bench can bring back someone you haven’t thought about in years.
By Marquee Current Entertainment News7 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Jane Rey
From ghost sightings in Raleigh to photoshoots with gothic metal bands, Jane Rey's had a lot of adventures in her career. Her photography helps local bands get more exposure and relive their best performances, and while not every photographer is up to the challenge, Rey's skills allow her to capture the perfect shot in the midst of the rowdiest crowds and darkest venues. Luckily, she doesn't hide her secrets from the public; in fact, she was willing to go in depth for an interview that may transform the way you think about music photography.
By Kaitlin Shanks8 days ago in Beat
Chirino:Portrait of the champion of Salsa
Wilfredo Jose Chirino better known as Chirino then Willy Chirino born in Consulacion del Sur,Pinar del Rio Cuba, a proud Guajiro Cubano or in other words a proud Cuban country boy. Willy was the only boy and his siblings three girls. Originally, Willy did not come from a musical family and yet he became legend and icon in Latin Music and music in general. Willy’s life and childhood and life in Cuba was happy and calm and perfect. He became an expert horse back rider and he was also artistic with which he won art awards. Unfortunately, that ended when the regime destroyed the island and Willy’s parents fearing what the regime was going to do their children sent Willy to America ahead of the rest of his family to America through a Catholic program called “Operation:Pedro Pan” which airlifted 14,000 children out and Willy was one of them. He spent one year before reuniting with his family.
By Revista Miko:XCI 8 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Lavender Fire
Lavender Fire isn't afraid to let her performances speak for themselves, and when you listen to her music, you can't help but admire her clean, stripped-down production that allows her piano and vocals to shine through. Most of her songs also tell a personal story, turning her albums into a tapestry of lessons and life experiences. This interview explores her background, her inspirations and the recurring symbolism in her work—and once you're armed with this knowledge, you'll never listen to her albums the same way again.
By Kaitlin Shanks8 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Mia Van De Loo
open book isn't just the title of Mia Van De Loo's debut EP—it's also a fitting description for an artist who puts her heart into her lyrics, talks freely about the songwriting process and uses her soft yet captivating vocals to cultivate an intimate listening experience. She believes that "anyone willing to get to know my heart through my songs deserves to know it in its entirety," and once you've read this deep dive into her past, present and future, listening to her music becomes twice as rewarding. Don't hesitate to listen to "quicksand" afterward; this is your chance to become a day-one fan before she goes viral.
By Kaitlin Shanks10 days ago in Beat
Donald XL Robertson: The Value of Staying Curious and Exploring New Sides of Your Creativity. AI-Generated.
By Donald XL Robertson I've been producing music for as long as I can remember, and I still get excited when I hear something that makes me want to try something new. After all these years, I like knowing there's more for me to discover.
By Donald XL Robertson10 days ago in Beat
