interview

Interviews with top Beat music advocates celebrities, musicians, artists, and icons about their current and past music projects.

Remembering Robbie Robertson
All his music is here Introduction I was shocked to hear that Robbie Robertson died yesterday after a long illness. He was another incredible Canadian musician responsible for many of the sounds that people would think were pure Americana. You can read more about the great man on his Wikipedia page here.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 months ago in Beat
Artist Spotlight with Todd Mosby
With his latest record American Heartland, the award winning composer and guitarist Todd Mosby isn’t simply referencing Missouri, his home state. He’s trying to listen it into existence again - reconstructing its weather, its memory, its inherited silence and song and shaping it into something that exists somewhere between documentary and dream.
By Whitney Miller4 months ago in Beat
"That's Stupid, Punk Rock!"
"That's stupid punk rock. I just think of it as rock 'n' roll, 'cause that's what it is. [...] I like that it's like something new and it's just like, reviving old rock 'n' roll style. And it's raw, and it's for real. And it's fun." "Eugene" "The air in utopia is poisoned. The final joke." Brendan Mullen, owner of The Masque.
By Tom Baker5 months ago in Beat
Ari Sofas Introduces His Approach to Music and Thoughts on Where the Industry Is Headed
Artist Ari Sofas offers a perspective on music that centers less on commercial performance and more on the emotional experience shared between artist and listener. Reflecting on his creative process and place within the industry, he speaks about audience connection, changing music trends, and the assumptions people often make about songwriting. His approach emphasizes observation, personal interpretation, and the value of genuine listener response over traditional measurements of success. When discussing how he defines success, Ari Sofas places the greatest importance on emotional impact rather than statistics. He explains, “When it comes to how I measure success with my music, I measure success through the way someone tells me they really liked my song and why they liked it. When someone describes to me the way a certain song made them feel, I think that has way more value than a number on a screen." For him, the most meaningful form of validation comes from hearing how a song connects with someone on a personal level. A listener explaining the emotions or memories tied to his music carries more significance than streaming numbers, chart positions, or online performance metrics. This perspective reflects a broader focus on human connection within his work. Rather than viewing success through external systems of measurement, he evaluates his music through the reactions it creates and the conversations it sparks. The emotional interpretation of the listener becomes a central part of the artistic experience itself. In an industry often driven by visibility and digital performance, Ari Sofas presents a more personal understanding of achievement. His comments highlight the importance he places on authenticity and audience experience, reinforcing the idea that music can hold lasting value beyond numerical recognition alone.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat
From the Corner to the Culture: CME's Bet on the Future of Music by NWO Sparrow
Built Intentional and Different: The Rise of Corner Music Entertainment by NWO Sparrow CME Co-Founders Aaron Stafford and Chevon Rucker alongside A&R's Richard Flores and Vicey M, and Sirius XM's Jazmyn Summers at "Built at the Table," CME's private industry dinner in New York City, April 2026 PHOTO BY Touissaintvisuals
By NWO SPARROW5 months ago in Beat
Rising Music Artist Eli! Opens Up About the Changing Sound of Music and His Place in It
In an industry often driven by numbers and visibility, Eli! brings a more personal lens to his journey as an artist. His outlook emphasizes genuine connection, creative fulfillment, and the evolving relationship between music and its audience. Offering a personal look into his journey, Eli! reflects on how his understanding of success, awareness of industry shifts, and connection with supporters continue to shape his experience as an artist. His perspective centers on personal fulfillment, evolving sound within the industry, and maintaining genuine communication with listeners. When speaking about success, Eli! moves away from traditional measurements like numbers and streaming performance. For him, the most meaningful moments come from real listener connection. He explains that when people reach out to share how his music has impacted them or encourage him to keep going, it reinforces his sense of purpose. Those interactions, rather than metrics, define what accomplishment feels like. At the core of this mindset, there is a clear intention behind his work—he wants his music to make people feel something positive. Creating happiness and connection through his releases is a priority, shaping both his creative direction and how he evaluates his progress. This viewpoint stands in contrast to common industry standards, where success is often tied to streaming totals, chart rankings, and online engagement. While those markers remain dominant across the music landscape, Eli!'s interpretation places greater weight on emotional response and direct audience interaction. Through this lens, listener feedback becomes more than just support—it becomes a driving force. Encouragement from his audience plays a key role in his motivation, reinforcing a creative process that is rooted in authenticity and connection rather than performance metrics alone.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat
Larenz Tate on Playing Berry Gordy in Michael Biopic as Film Breaks Global Records and Honors Michael Jackson’s Legacy
As Michael continues its historic box office run, currently the number one movie in the world with over $200 million globally, audiences aren’t just watching a film, they’re experiencing a cultural moment. The overwhelming response speaks volumes about the enduring impact of Michael Jackson and the powerful storytelling brought to life by a cast deeply committed to honoring his legacy. Among them is Larenz Tate, who takes on the role of Motown visionary Berry Gordy.
By Tammy Reese5 months ago in Beat
KeiLyn Durrel Jones Steps Into the Quiet Power Behind Greatness in Michael
Biographical storytelling often centers the icon or the legend whose name lives in headlines, history, and global memory. But what about the people who stood just outside the spotlight? The ones who protected, guided, and grounded that greatness? In Michael, the highly anticipated biopic exploring the life of Michael Jackson, actor KeiLyn Durrel Jones brings one of those essential figures to life: Bill Bray, a man widely described as a "second father" to the King of Pop.
By Tammy Reese6 months ago in Beat
cameroN's Latest Debut: TEN
A Journey of Resilience: cameroN’s Rise Through Adversity In the evolving landscape of R&B, few emerging artists embody resilience and reinvention like cameroN. Originally from Flint, Michigan, with roots spanning Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas, his journey is one of transformation—both personal and artistic. With the release of his latest EP, "TEN", cameroN signals a defining chapter in his career, grounded in growth, discipline, and renewed purpose.
By Quentin Perera6 months ago in Beat
Exclusive Interview with Director Antoine Fuqua on the Highly Anticipated Michael Jackson Biopic “MICHAEL”
There's something bigger than a movie happening right now. MICHAEL is turning into a full cultural moment. From the very first announcement, the energy surrounding this film has been undeniable, but the global rollout has taken things to another level. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International didn't just promote a film , they created an experience. From HBCU marching bands honoring Michael Jackson's legacy, to immersive pop-up events in New York City, to premieres in Berlin and celebrations in Gary, Indiana, the world has been moving to the rhythm of Michael once again. Fans have gathered in the streets as DJs spin his music, social media is flooded with excitement, and even the Jackson family has shown up in support. This isn't just hype , it's love.
By Tammy Reese6 months ago in Beat
Alivia Clark Talks "Breathless," Acting Credits, and More
With “Breathless” out now, we took some time to hear from Alivia Clark. Read below to learn more about Alivia Clark, the story behind “Breathless,” and what’s to come.
By Meikhel Philogene6 months ago in Beat
From Expression to Opportunity: Yxngdagger’s Take on Music and the Digital Era
Yxngdagger is an emerging music artist who reflects on his creative outlook, his views on the music industry, and how he defines his artistic identity. His comments offer a direct perspective on how he understands his audience, the role of digital platforms, and the language he uses to describe his sound. Yxngdagger describes his perspective on how listeners engage with his music, sharing, "I believe that people care about my music because I can make them get hyped and have a good time and express themselves while I do too.” He explains that his music is intended to create an energetic atmosphere where listeners can enjoy themselves and express their emotions alongside him. This reflects a focus on shared experience between the artist and his audience. He emphasizes enjoyment and expression as central elements of his work, suggesting that he views music as a mutual exchange rather than a one-sided performance. Overall, his perspective highlights how he associates his artistry with interaction, energy, and collective experience.
By Cloutfly6 months ago in Beat