Nyota Issue 34 by NYOTA Magazine

featuring

Hunter Metts Issue 34

CONTENTS Music The Music Issue Playlist

JESSIA

Hunter Metts 09

Faith Richards

Rum Jungle

Annabel Gutherz

Kaleb Sanders

Dea Doyle

Dipsea Flower

The Moving Stills

How TikTok Can Change the Trajectory of a Song

Olive Louise

#2023Wrapped: NYOTA Team

#2023

THE 3

TEAM

Editor in Chief

Carol Wright is a graduate of American University. At a young age, she became interested in telling stories through photography which eventually led her down the path of creating NYOTA. Now, her passion for storytelling has given her the opportunity to pick the brains of musicians, actors, and influencers across the world.

Art Director Nicole Cox is a American University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. She has always enjoyed the arts, from making pottery to painting and sketching in her free time. Thanks to her wonderful professors at school, she was able to explore her passion for the arts and further implement her skills in her professional career and hobbies.

FEATURES Hunter Metts

JESSIA

Rum Jungle

Faith Richards

Kaleb Sanders

Annabel Gutherz

Dipsea Flower

Dea Doyle

Olive Louise

The Moving Stills

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Sachar Aaliyah Lambert

EDITOR’S LETTER “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” - Bob Marley

2023 has been a mixed bag, and I’m sure many people are ready to start fresh in 2024. One thing that has gotten me through the ups and downs of the past year is music. Whether I needed peace, a pick me up, or a moment to reflect — there has been a song to accompany every moment. As we wrap up the year, I hope this issue gives you a chance to think about the music that’s buoyed you throughout 2023 and many artists to add to your playlists in 2024. With Love, Carol Wright @_carol_wright

I Believe/ Caroline Polachek

Fishtail/ Lana Del Rey

hold me down/ Noname, Jimetta Rose, Voices of Creation

The Music Issue Playlist Curated by Sophie Sachar 7

#NYOTAmusic

TV in the Gas Pump/ Wednesday

Smoking on my Ex Pack/ SZA

Back Then/ Toro y Moi

Better in the Dark/ Jordana, TV Girl

Theme from Western Sky Music/ Jeffrey Silverstein

What’s The Time Where You Are?/ Troye Sivan

Goodbye Evergreen/ Sufjan Stevens

#NYOTAmusic

Hunter Metts Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Blake Oliver

Hunter Metts is an artist, songwriter, and producer who brings a fresh sound to alternative folk music. This year, he released a string of singles independently before recently signing with Position Music. Metts talked to NYOTA about his song “Thread,” his forthcoming album, and his music production process. Who were some of the artists you were listening to and learning from growing up? Some of my earliest “music memories” are spending time with my dad. He has a deep rooted love for music and I remember listening to a diverse range of artists as a kid. I have specific memories of being with him in the garage or truck listening to Pink Floyd and their eclectic grunge and then The Eagles with all the harmonies and that classic rock sound. I also grew up in a southern baptist church and think that has more influence on my musical choices than I like to admit. Alternative folk is your wheelhouse. How did you find your sound within that genre? It’s been an ever growing process, but I think I began to find my sound during high school. I remember hearing Tom Waits, Bon Iver, and Novo Amor for the first time through a friend at a New Years Party after everyone had left. Their music resonated with me, inspiring a desire to create and contribute to the genre’s unique blend of acoustic and experimental elements. I think alternative folk helps me resonate with people in a more authentic way due to its inherent lack of a rigid formula and seems to prioritize personal expression, experimentation, and a raw, unpolished sound. Creating music often seems to be a very collaborative experience or a solitary one. Are you someone who prefers to work alone? If so, how does that inform the music you create? There’s a unique beauty in solo exploration. There are times when I find my best ideas while working alone, tapping into the solitude for inspiration

and self-discovery. It allows me to fully explore my creative instincts and express my individual voice. But collaboration in music brings a different dimension. It breathes a certain life into things that’s almost impossible to explain. Working with others is like weaving a tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives. It injects an energy that changes the creative process, offering fresh insights and unexpected territories that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. For me, the choice between working alone or with others in making music depends on the desired journey and the song itself. Your song “Ships Passing By” has a part that says “Would you tell me you love me / Right by the window / Would you even want this / I’ll never know it.” Although this could be an experience pulled from your personal life, anyone listening could likely conjure up an image that accompanies these lines. When songwriting do you aim to come up with lyrics that can encompass a universal experience? Partially. While the songs are deeply personal, there’s a part of me that wants to capture the essence of universal experiences. I think music itself is a universal experience. I want to create a musical narrative that resonates with people on a personal level, allowing them to find their own stories within the song. There is a focus on building a connection, fostering a shared emotional journey where listeners can apply the lyrics to their own lives. I see songwriting as a means to provide a canvas for interpretations, inviting listeners to weave their own experiences from experiences that I’ve lived through.

#NYOTAmusic This year you have come out with a string of singles from “Nothing To Lose” to “Thread.” Although they are singles and do not make up a body of work, do you see these songs as interconnected? Absolutely. Even though these songs are like solo adventures and not part of a big album, I see them as kind of like puzzle pieces showing my journey to figure out who I am. Each song is like a snapshot. Some feel messy, some feel big, some dark, and some feel happy. They’re all like doodles on the big drawing of life, helping me piece together this puzzle of growing up and finding myself. “Thread” is about hanging onto a relationship that is reaching its end. Was it therapeutic to work on and work through those feelings in the form of a song? Absolutely, crafting this song served as a therapeutic process for me. Delving into the emotions surrounding a relationship approaching its end was a cathartic journey. The time spent in reflection and artistic expression provided a space for introspection. Art, in its essence, becomes a form of self-guided therapy, allowing me to navigate complex feelings, process emotions, and ultimately transform those sentiments into a tangible creation. The creative process becomes a powerful means of working through and embracing the nuances of personal experiences. When it came to the production side of “Thread,” how did you want the melodies, instruments used, and other aspects to affect the listeners’ experience? In shaping the production of this song my intention was to create an immersive experience that embraces the genre’s inherent beauty and rejects a rigid musical structure. The melodies were crafted to evoke a sense of raw emotion. Instruments were chosen deliberately to contribute to a rich, textured sound, incorporating acoustic elements that amplify the organic and unpolished feel. The goal was to provide listeners with a sonic landscape that encourages a personal and emotive journey. By steering away from a strict musical framework, I aimed to offer an experience that feels unrestricted and allows each listener to interpret and connect with the music in their own unique way. In essence, the production choices were a deliberate effort to infuse the song with beauty in its raw form and inviting a more subjective and personal engagement from the audience.

You recently signed with Position Music which is very exciting. How did you know Position Music would be the label to help you grow as an artist? The decision to sign with Position Music was driven by a sense of connection with the people at the label. What drew me to Position was more than just a professional collaboration; it was the feeling of finding a creative family. The individuals within the company demonstrated a genuine understanding of my artistic vision and the company aligns with my aspirations as an artist.The warmth and support I felt from the team at Position played a pivotal role in my decision. Are there any details about your forthcoming album that you can share with our readers? This project represents a significant milestone in my artistic journey. Throughout the process, I’ve been dedicated to finding my authentic voice and channeling it into a collection of songs that resonate on a personal level. The album is not just a musical endeavor; it’s a narrative of self-discovery and a testament to the power of connecting with people through shared experiences. In terms of sound, I’ve been exploring a fresh and innovative direction within the folk world. The goal is to bring something new and invigorating to the musical landscape. I can’t wait to unveil this project and share these stories and sounds with all those who have been on this journey with me. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? For aspiring musicians, my advice is to value the quiet moments as much as the music itself. Authenticity should be your compass, guiding your artistic journey. The beauty of your musical path isn’t just in the final product but in the steps, missteps, and the resilience that propels you forward. Immerse yourself in your creative process, embrace both the highs and lows, and let your unique voice shine. When you really go there you’ll not only find your sound but also connect with others in a way that resonates on a deeper level.

Rum Jungle Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Zac Horbelt

Rum Jungle creates music that is distinctly theirs. Hailing from Newcastle, each of their songs will make you feel like you’re basking in the sun. Rum Jungle talked to NYOTA about creating their EP Hold Me In The Water, being inspired by Australia’s music scene and the feelings they want their music to evoke. Take us back to the beginning. How did Rum Jungle come to be? It was me (Benny), Maje and Josh jamming with acoustic guitars on Benny’s balcony for a couple months just to hang out. None of us really even knew how to play much at that point. Then I wrote a few tunes and we went into a local studio and whacked out five in a day with a session drummer doing three takes of each. Put them out on YouTube originally because we had no idea what we were doing. Then got offered a gig as part of a songwriting competition. I asked this 15 year old kid I worked with at an Aussie burger joint if he wanted to come play the gig because we didn’t have a drummer. We lost the songwriting competition but Fraz never left. Were you inspired by Australia’s vibrant music scene as an up and coming band? Yeah I’d say we were for sure. There’s loads of mad Aussie bands around we take inspiration from but honestly for me at least it’s a lot of UK tunes. From old 60s/70s rock to the sound of now with UK drill. Love it all so can’t wait to head over and hopefully catch a few gigs. This month you released your EP Hold Me In The Water. When comparing it to your first EP Sun & Smoke do you feel that the band has found its distinct sound? I’d say we have yeah. I always find it hard to put us into one genre but I’d say it’s probably straight up Alt Rock. That said we’re always trying new sounds and I can imagine in a few years time we’ll have a few albums out with some starkly different sounds to what we’re doing now.

#NYOTAmusic

#NYOTAmusic Is there a certain feeling you want your music to evoke? I don’t think there’s one specific one. There’s a lot of tunes we have and there’s some that we want people to just feel good but there’s also a bunch on there that are melancholy and have some real deep ideas that we’ve somehow pulled from the backs of our brains. I feel like people reckon we’re just some gronky rock band but if you dig a bit deeper into our tunes you’ll find a lot of meaning. Hold Me In The Water is about ups and downs the band has experienced. Was it helpful to work through and reflect on some of those rough spots while creating the EP? Yeah I reckon it probably was. Especially for “Hold Me In The Water” which Fraz wrote. Though I think the reflection came more while we were in the process as well rather than being fully told in the songs or lyrics. Meaning, that compared to our last EP, this process was a lot easier and more cohesive because there weren’t any problems surrounding us this time it felt. Do you often pull from personal experiences when writing lyrics or do you sometimes focus on certain messages/themes you want to write about instead? Again with “Hold Me In the Water” that’s about something that Fraz had a personal experience with. The others pull from things that have happened and situations but in a bit more of an abstract way for some rather than a direct retelling of our lives. One of my favorite tracks is “Make It Ez.” During the craziness of making the record, did the song serve as a reminder to take time to breathe and take it easy? Yeah it absolutely did, especially against all the other songs that are obnoxious and raucous. That said though recording that song was probably the most turbo recording session we had of the whole EP. Up till the sun came up trying dnb drums and everything we could think of. Decided to keep it chill though which I’m real stoked we landed on. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Just keep having a crack hey. We’ve been charging at this thing for years now and we’ve only just figured out how to even slightly use our own gear. If you love it just keep having a go. Big wins come to those who work themselves to the bone. Just make sure that the work is fun to do.

Kaleb Sanders Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Luke Rogers

Kaleb Sanders is a Florida-raised and Nashville-based singersongwriter who uses his personal experiences to create relatable and affecting music. With his single “Be Better,” he is taking ownership of past mistakes and giving his listeners a nudge to self-reflect. Sanders talked to NYOTA about working with Brad Wagner, joining co-writes, and his advice for aspiring singers. Growing up was country music an integral part of your life? When did you discover your passion for it? Jason Aldean was a big inspiration for me because as I was going through the breakup that inspired “Be Better,” Jason’s early work got me through some tough times. When I was processing the break up alone on a tractor all day, working on a farm, I really related to his lyrics to the point where I learned every song like the back of my hand. I just fell in love with the passion in his voice. Who are some musicians that inspire your work? John Mayer, Whitney Houston and Jason Aldean. John was a huge influence for me. His album Room for Squares was my first CD. When I was a little kid I always had my CD player and my headphones. I listened to that album over and over again. I just loved it - I felt like his beautifully crafted songs made sense to me. Your single “Be Better” focuses on taking ownership over mistakes you’ve made in a relationship and working towards being a better partner. Do you hope that your listeners heed your advice and work on themselves after hearing “Be Better?” “Be Better” is special to me because it represents a time in my life when I realized I needed to make some changes and do what it takes to better myself. Be a better partner, whether or not the relationship the song is referring to worked out, I knew I had to “grow up,” so to speak. The song came when it was supposed to after a long time of reflecting on who I was and how I was acting. I wanted this song to be for others who are struggling within themselves to give them an anthem of how the creative process can help you work through hard times.

#NYOTAmusic

On “Be Better” you worked with Brad Wagner. What did you learn through collaborating with him? So “Be Better” was either the second or third song I worked with Brad on. “Be Better” was the song where I knew this guy just gets me. We get each other. I learned how delicate of a job, and of an art, it is to be a producer and how personal it is with the artist. The relationship is so important. How long of a road Brad had to have, and the years and years of hard work he had to put in to express himself through his production, bringing the song to life passionately would be impossible without him. Your songs are often about your own personal struggles and setbacks. Due to this, has working on new music become therapeutic? So therapeutic. That is where I put my pain for years. Singing for me has always been my outlet for my emotions. I couldn’t stand to not sing and the process of becoming a songwriter has allowed me to communicate to people how to understand me. I think as I grow as a songwriter, it will become less about me because I’m working through things as I go, and more about telling other people stories, or helping them connect to something bigger. You write daily, through doing this have you become a stronger writer? Or have you become more attuned to what works and doesn’t work in your songwriting process? Absolutely I’ve become stronger, and also attuned. So many huge strides have been made over years of relentless songwriting. Even when I knew I wasn’t good at it, I still just had to because it was my outlet. I knew I could get better and find ways of what works for me. The only way I could do that is by learning from other writers. By joining co-writes with others that were better than me at it, I learned how I can improve and I will never stop aiming to change and evolve as a writer. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? No matter what, trust the way you feel. Don’t ever try to fit any mold. Find a way with being out expressing yourself just as you are. And for God’s sake, just let it out.

#NYOTAmusic

Dipsea Flower Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Nathan Mayne

Ari Rosenberg, a.k.a Dipsea Flower, can thank The Lumineers and John Mayer for getting him to take a career in music seriously. Although he only has one song released, the Bay Area native is proving to be an artist who should be on everyone’s radar. Dipsea Flower talked to NYOTA about creating a community on TikTok, his song “Hummingbird,” and his advice for aspiring musicians. When did you start to discover your passion for creating music? When I was around 6 years old I had taken a few guitar lessons, and I begged my parents for a guitar, and they were like “We will buy you this guitar, but only if you promise to keep playing.” So I promised, and then me being a 6 year old, I quit a week later. I eventually picked it back up for real after seeing The Lumineers play live in San Francisco, and then I actually started writing songs when I was about 19 years old. I remember hearing the song “Stop This Train” by John Mayer in the library one day, and being like “Whatever that was, that’s what I have to do,” that really sparked my passion for writing songs. What is the origin behind the name Dipsea Flower? The name Dipsea Flower is inspired by a trail in my hometown in Mill Valley, CA, the Dipsea Trail. The trail starts a few minutes away from the house I grew up in, and it goes through the Redwoods and out to the beach. I liked the idea of incorporating the place where I grew up into my artistry because these places are a huge part of my story and sound. So many of my songs are based in these settings, so it only feels right to have my home be a part of the fabric of my artistry. It takes bravery to pursue music and put yourself out there creatively. Were you nervous at first to tell friends and family you were releasing music? Honestly, I was less nervous and more just wanted to prove myself. Being a musician means that a lot of people won’t take you seriously, and I actually liked that because it just motivated me to work even harder at it. To see it paying off is rewarding because it’s showing that if you believe in something enough, and work really hard at it, absolutely nobody can take it away from you.

Tell our readers about your song “Hummingbird.” What story is the song telling? “Hummingbird” in many ways is a song about letting go of the things that define your youth. Sometimes when you feel the things that you love slipping away, it’s best to just let them slip, and not damage the memory of those things by trying to hold on longer than you should. It’s about trusting that if you let things go, the love that defined those things is kept alive somewhere in the universe, and it’s never really that far. A listener on YouTube said “It has that lay-in-thesummertime-grass vibe. Love this!” When working on “Hummingbird,” did you picture a place that you wanted the song to transport people to? I love that someone said that. I’d like to think that everybody has their own place that they go to when listening. Like I was saying earlier, the song is about your youth and so I’m hoping that people are transported back to those special places in their lives when they hear the song. For me the song definitely has a very windy, and nostalgic feel that takes me back to my home, with the trees and the hills. On TikTok you often post musician and band fun facts. Have you found a community of music lovers on social media? I’ve just been trying to find ways to market the song authentically while also connecting to the communities that surround the bands I love. The TikTok thing has been fun because I feel like I have found a way to stay true to the song and also share it with the exact audience it was intended for. I will definitely keep looking for ways to connect with people, it’s what makes the music so special in my eyes. Who are musicians that inspire you and why? I am really inspired by artists who are unrelentingly themselves. To see other artists lean into their “thing” so heavily inspires me to keep leaning into my own interests, whatever they may be at the time. The band that has inspired me the most in this regard is definitely Houndmouth. I love how they have such a distinct and gritty feel in their music, you can tell that it’s fully authentic to them and their characters. I definitely tend to gravitate towards

artists who can put on a compelling live show too, so I love bands like Mt. Joy and The Lumineers. I think there is something really special about being able to captivate an audience with just your songs and presence. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? One of my teachers at Berklee showed us this quote in my first semester, and I’ve thought about it every single day since. I would say it’s been one of the most inspiring things I’ve heard as an artist: “Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take a while. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” - Ira Glass Really I think the best piece of advice would be just to trust yourself and your taste no matter what, because that is going to be the thing that separates you from everybody else in the end.

#NYOTAmusic

How TikTok Can Change the Trajectory of a Song Words by Aaliyah Lambert

Put a finger down if you or someone you know taped a phone to the ceiling to record everyone dancing to JID’s “Surround Sound” during a Friendsgiving or other gathering this holiday season. The song from The Forever Story (2022) project frequently landed on TikTok users’ ‘For You’ pages, creating a new opportunity for users to showcase their content production skills and once again affirm the power TikTok has in changing the trajectory of a song. As of December 16th, “Surround Sound” boasts over 939K uses, and the #SurroundSound hashtag has accumulated 726.5 million views. In a world where artists are taking every measure to ensure the longevity and reach of their singles or albums, TikTok serves as a vehicle to ignite the flame or resurrect listeners, acting as a discovery platform to introduce users to the next star. If you flashed back to 2020, one might have said the key to a song’s virality was creating a TikTok dance challenge to reach the masses. However, over the last few years, how an artist can intentionally or unintentionally utilize TikTok to amplify the reach of their song has grown. For example, Frank Ocean’s “Pink + White” saw an organic surge on the platform 25

as users paired the song with video compilations of vacation outfits with their partners. This trend caused “Pink + White” to reappear on the U.S. Spotify chart in 2022 for the first time since 2016 and on the Billboard Global 200 at #118 in 2023. We could spend all day recounting how a song has gained popularity via the app and it still wouldn’t be enough time to articulate its influence. TikTok has grown into one of the top search engines in the world, inclusive of music discovery. According to a recent study published by TikTok via Luminate, 108% of TikTok users in the UK discover and share music, while 71% of users in the U.S. would do the same. The study also revealed that viral trends on TikTok drove 13 out of the 14 songs to reach a number on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2022. TikTok is fully aware of its power to impact the reach of a song, and every artist and their team certainly knows the importance of including TikTok in their rollout to guarantee some level of success. In TikTok’s case, it plans to leverage this knowledge to help build its offerings and serve as a true competitor in the world of DSPs alongside companies such as Spotify and Apple Music.

#NYOTAfashion This year, TikTok introduced the Artist Account. This new addition is ‘a toolbox of features and promotional tools developed to forge a closer relationship between artist and fans on TikTok,’ according to TikTok’s newsroom site. Artists can now utilize the ‘Artist Tag’ feature to identify themselves as an artist. Additionally, users will now be able to highlight a new track for up to 14 days before release and for 30 days after the release. Artists can also share insights and stories around the song via the “Behind the Song” option, allowing artists to provide fans with a deeper sense of connection. These new features are working to create a platform that supports more artists, specifically developing and indie acts who desire to share their craft with an audience. One would be remiss to overlook how this platform has transformed the industry on micro and macro levels. Look at how TikTok served as the vehicle to amplify rising South African singer Tyla’s hit single “Water.” The genre-fusion song dropped in July 2023 and gained traction after people saw Tyla dancing to it on stage during a performance. Many now know the choreography to that performance as the #TylaWaterChallenge. As of December 2023, the hashtag has over 687 million views on the platform, and users have created over 1.4 million videos with the song, including content that expands past the original dance challenge. TikTok has surpassed the impact anyone could have predicted it making in music. It is fascinating to witness the evolution of the platform’s usage from a musical perspective and what makes a song rise to the top on the app. Despite dance challenges no longer being the sole way a song can reach the charts on TikTok, a clear formula on how to gain success has yet to be uncovered due to the organic nature of the platform. However, with the changes implemented and resources added to enhance the music experience, one hopes that artists feel a sense of relief with how they engage on the app. Guess this is the long winded way of saying don’t feel bad if TikTok is the way you discover your new favorite song, and artists, don’t be anti-TikTok, as it can change the path of your career in one 15-second video.

Olive Louise Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Alisha Kabir

Olive Louise writes deeply personal music with lyrics so intimate you’d think she took the words straight from her diary. The New York-based singer/songwriter highlights the importance of storytelling in songwriting with every song. Louise talked to NYOTA about her single “Special,” her aesthetic as an artist, and where her love for songwriting stemmed from. When did you discover your passion for music? Very early on. My mom taught me the piano and violin growing up and I would attend all of her concerts as she herself was a concert pianist. My love for songwriting probably came from there being no words in classical music. I spent a lot of time humming over whatever pieces my mom was playing but always wanted words for the music. The songs you write have very descriptive and intimate lyrics. Growing up did you ever write short stories or poetry to strengthen your writing skills? I did! I actually wrote a lot of plays and definitely poetry. I would make my neighbors read the lines I wrote and give them stage directions in their living rooms haha. I need to find my family’s first Apple iMac. If I’m able to find it and it miraculously also works, I would have all of the plays and little musicals I wrote in elementary school. Your song “Special” is dedicated to everyone that wishes to feel more self assured. Does working on music often allow you to grapple with your own insecurities or feelings about situations and find the root causes? Absolutely. I think the most confident I ever feel is after I finish writing a song and if I’m able to take a really rough time I’ve endured and turn it into a song, I feel like I’m almost changing the outcome. Like, at least it created art. It keeps me going. When writing do you often have a person or group in mind that the song is for? Honestly I don’t. I would say though that if you struggle with depression or feeling like you live on 27

the outskirts of what’s considered normal, you will probably really love my music. Being a creative person, do you feel more selfassured once you’re in your element singing or songwriting? I feel more self-assured during the writing process than the recording. I see the story come together as I write. When I record, I get overwhelmed and have a hard time choosing how to deliver. The visuals for your songs have a distinct look. Where do you find inspiration for your aesthetic as an artist? I get a lot of inspo from sci-fi movies and story books I read as a child. You’ve been making music for quite some time now. Have you started to appreciate the music making process even more now than you used to? I appreciate the dictionary more now and the fact that there are so many words to describe things. Having a vast vocabulary makes for better writing, or at least more informed. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? On a technical note, do vocal exercises through a straw into a cup with water. Look it up! It really helps with breath control and keeps everything in good shape.

#NYOTAmusic

JESSIA Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Brittany Berggren

JESSIA is in a new career phase after her first year of releasing music independently. The Canadian singer/songwriter talked to NYOTA about her song “One Before The One,” using social media to connect with fans and touring with OneRepublic. Has singing been a passion of yours from a young age?

Did you get a bit experimental when it came to the production for “One Before The One?”

Yes! I grew up in a very musical household! I have been singing before I could talk, apparently, so this has always been what I wanted to do!

Yes, I wanted it to feel warm when listening to it. I didn’t want the production to be sad with a sad concept. Instead, I wanted this song to give people hope and feel seen. We kept the production minimal so that the lyrics could really shine.

This year was your first releasing music independently. Did you learn a lot about yourself not just as an artist but as a person through this process? 2023 was a HUGE growth year for me. Being an independent artist gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, but that can also be daunting at times. I took this year to really focus on my songwriting and what I want to sound like without having to ask permission from a label. I am so excited about this new chapter! 2024 is going to be amazing!! Are there specific places you go to write music or certain rituals you have around songwriting? I write most of my songs when I am out for walks! All of my voice notes have cars or people in the background, haha. “One Before The One” touches on the feeling of being the practice run partner. Did you pull on personal experiences when working on the song? I feel like we all feel that way when we see an ex move on. It’s been a conversation I’ve had with a bunch of people and I have been trying to write this concept for a while now and finally it just clicked and I am really proud of how it turned out!

After having your song “I’m not Pretty” go viral. Have you been very focused on harnessing the power of social media when it comes to new releases? Yes! I think social media is the most important thing for an artist these days as it provides a direct connection to fans. It’s also a great way to test out a song and see if people vibe with it! You recently toured with OneRepublic. Mentally, how did you prepare to perform in front of such large crowds? I don’t, haha! It’s kind of like a “wind me up and watch me go” situation. If I think about it too much it freaks me out, so I try to just go on stage and have fun! There is no other feeling like looking around when everyone has their lights up and it’s like a room full of stars. It’s incredible! What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Social media is a tool but it does not tell you if your art is good or not. Art is subjective so confidence in yourself as an artist is key. Also consistency is everything. You gotta show up for your fans every day in some way or another! 30

Faith Richards Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Taylor McWhorter

Faith Richards is not an artist who will let anyone put her in a box. Based in France, the up-and-coming R&B singer isn’t afraid to experiment with her sound or be candid and raw with her lyrics. Richards talked to NYOTA about her song “good girl,” writing songs in her early teens, and planning her visuals. Free piano lessons led you to finding your love for music. Do you remember the feeling you got when you were first able to play? Before starting my piano lessons at school, I had a keyboard with a bunch of songs pre recorded on it and the keys would light up while it was playing. I used to spend hours learning songs that way. One of my first songs I learned was “Für Elise” when I was about 13 I think. I was so proud of myself. I’d play it constantly. My grandma had an actual piano and used to love me playing it. I had found something that I connected with, and that came somewhat naturally, and playing piano and singing felt like a safe haven. A lot of people play instruments but that doesn’t always lead them to becoming musicians full-time. When did you discover your passion for singing and songwriting? I wrote many songs in my early teens. One of my first was a heartbreak song about my father. It was the first time I really released all of those built up emotions that I usually tried to suppress. In high school I wrote another song with a pianist and we actually won the talent show with it. That was a pretty special moment. I’m also really grateful that my grandma got to see me sing live before she passed away, because she was the most musical in my family.

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Do you see music and the arts as a tool that can expand someone’s worldview? Absolutely. Music is so powerful. It has the power to transport you into a specific feeling or acts as a getaway when you really need it. Sad songs can comfort you and help you feel less alone, sexy songs can help you tap into your body and confidence, yogi music and sounds help transport you to the most peaceful setting. Art truly has the power to heal the artist and the audience, and through that healing you are able to see the world in a more beautiful way. Your song “good girl” is all about not wanting to be put in a box. As a female musician do you often feel like people are trying to put a lot of parameters around your career? Ugh yes, unfortunately. I love this question, so thank you for asking. The amount of men who have told me to make more upbeat music, more club music, more music like a certain song of mine, etc... It’s so frustrating and that’s not what real art is about. Real art is authentic to who you are at that moment, it’s not about trying to be popular or to please everyone. Which is impossible anyway. I’ve also had a lot of shame thrown my way about the way I present myself, what I wear, the types of songs I write, etc. People who never fought hard for their dreams, love to try to knock yours down. As a woman in the industry it’s hard enough to not compare my music, the way I look, the way I dress, how much money I have, my accomplishments, etc, and then for others to chime in with their unsolicited opinions on what I should be doing, is extremely frustrating. I am an artist because it frees me, so I refuse to let anyone confine me again. The song took two days to create. Were you feeling particularly inspired when working on “good girl?” Yes! I’d had some experiences that summer that woke me up a little bit. I noticed people trying to tear me down, people who didn’t want to see me succeed, and people who were putting labels on me. I was even putting labels on myself. I’m big on manifestation and I noticed that I say certain things about myself often, and I needed to stop. I would judge 33

#NYOTAmusic myself for being shy (the first line in the song) but I realized I’m not always shy. It really depends on if I feel the energy is calling me to socialize. And in the second line, “say I’m picky, I just know what I want” - I’ve had so many men and women tell me that I’m too picky when it comes to dating, and that I need to lower my expectations. Absolutely not. I’d rather be single than to have someone unable to match the way I love myself. I was just over all of the judgments, and that’s where the song started. And for the chorus I had “good girl” in my mind. I used to always be called a good girl because I grew up so religious. It made it so hard to ever step out of that box, because I had been convinced it was my identity. I didn’t know who I was, if I wasn’t being obedient to the rules set by men filling God’s shoes. I then had the idea to juxtapose the idea of being a good girl who takes control when she wants to in the bedroom, because... why not? I make my own rules now. And my producer, Evan Chambers, wrote that high melody “ah” part, which I love! I feel like it was the icing on the cake, and what makes the song catchy but not corny. It was honestly so easy writing this song, and so much fun. The whole time I just kept thinking “this song is going to blow up my career, it’s too good.” How do you usually like to plan out the accompanying visuals for your music? I always have so many visual ideas. When I have a budget and a team, people won’t know how to handle me! Since I fund everything myself, usually I just have an outfit and cover art idea, and tap into my ultra confident ego during the shoot. I like to shoot with people who are friends and also truly believe in my art. For “good girl,” my photographer, Taylor McWhorter, just put on music similar to the mood of my song, and I danced around and we tried a bunch of each other’s ideas. I made a lyric visual with all of the footage afterwards. I prefer doing actual music videos, and always have so many ideas for them, but I couldn’t fit it in my budget this time.

and see these people at multiple different events. Last night I went to an R&B showcase of five French artists, and it was really cool. R&B is less popular in France for sure, but I know it’s about to pop off as a genre here. The R&B/Soul artists are just too good. I was honestly inspired most by everyone’s looks and stage presence last night. The outfits, jewelry, makeup, hair, subtle movements... everything was on point. Maybe I’m biased, but I’ve always felt that R&B artists seem to pay the most attention to detail in everything about themselves as an artist the message, the beat, the outfits, the extra skills (instrument or dancing), hair, makeup, vocal ability, etc. I also am inspired by how confident most of the musicians are here. I still get so nervous every time before I perform, but the confidence I see in so many people here is inspiring and encouraging. I know I’ll get there. To some, moving to Paris from Los Angeles as a musician doesn’t seem like the smartest decision, but I know it absolutely was the best choice I could’ve made for myself. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? As corny as it sounds, just be yourself! Don’t try to fit in the mold of a genre, of your favorite artists, or of what’s popular. Be selective on whose opinions you actually take to heart and consider. Everyone will have an opinion of you, but your opinion is the most important. Don’t let the industry change you and don’t forget why you love creating art. If you stay true to yourself, work hard, challenge yourself, follow your heart, and you are your own number one fan, you will make it. Don’t give up!

Being based in Paris are you often inspired by the arts and music scene in the city? Yes! I love the music scene here - especially now that I’m discovering and becoming a part of the singersongwriter community opposed to just open mics and cover songs, which are also really fun sometimes. People are so talented here. It’s a smaller community than LA, but I love that, because I actually connect 34

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Annabel Gutherz Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Joanie Fortin

After releasing a couple of singles in 2022, Annabel Gutherz has spent the past year honing her sound and pinning down the types of stories she wants to tell through her music. Gutherz talked to NYOTA about her song “Eclipse,” her songwriting process, and her advice for aspiring singers. Do you remember the first time you had a special experience involving music that inspired you to start creating your own? I’ve had many special experiences involving music that inspired me to start creating music of my own! I don’t think there is one particular instance that propelled me to write my own songs, rather a culmination of experiences. Whether it was listening to a song that resonated with me, watching a mesmeric musical theatre performance, attending an electric live concert, singing in the car with friends, or performing on stage, each moment inspired me to create music of my own. Although each of your songs are different they have names like “Saturn’s Rings,” “Interstellar,” and “Eclipse.” Is there a throughline or connected story these songs are telling? I had initially planned to release an EP of songs that orbited about “cosmic” semantics and themes, as those songs describe stories and emotions that I felt would be best explored using spatial analogies and metaphors. “Interstellar” and “Saturn’s Rings” utilized really dramatic soundscapes and melodies, and are contrasting to the music I’m making now that feels most emblematic of who I am today and who I am becoming. The song title “Eclipse” coincidentally followed this trend, but I have since put my spatial explorations to rest, and “Eclipse” is a much better representation of what’s to come sonically and lyrically in my forthcoming body of work! 36

“Eclipse” is about your tendency to compare yourself to others and I think everyone deals with playing the comparison game. Through writing “Eclipse” were you able to get some of these insecurities out on paper and sort through why that tendency crops up? Writing “Eclipse” illuminated my comparative tendency and certainly helped me sort through why it crops up. I am very goal-oriented, but that can sometimes be to a fault when my desired outcomes aren’t achieved and I go down a rabbit hole of comparison. Changing my perspective and celebrating the journey instead of the destination has been a really beneficial takeaway for me in writing this song. I also learned that there are benefits of measured comparison and understanding its role as both a motivator and guiding compass. In your own career have you found yourself having to remember to celebrate the joyful moments and not let comparison put a damper on strides you’ve made? Definitely! I constantly remind myself to celebrate the joyful moments and not let comparison put a damper on the strides I’ve made. I’ve shifted my mindset in this regard by focusing on the progress being made and the experience of learning as opposed to the outcomes or results. Brené Brown says, “Stay in your lane. Comparison kills creativity and joy,” and I couldn’t agree more. Joy begets joy, such that the more attention you devote to celebrating happy moments, the more happiness you will feel! You worked with Mikal Blue and Bret “Epic” Mazur on the song. What was that collaborative process like? The collaborative process with Mikal and Bret was invaluable, insightful, and so memorable. They are both such prolific producers and artists. To experience their expertise and wisdom, and learn from them firsthand was an immense honor and gift. As is the case with most creative endeavors, the process is a little challenging to describe as it wasn’t linear, but it was an iterative collaboration that saw us refining the song for several weeks, exploring different sounds and sonic palettes, and employing different musicians to achieve our collective vision.

Who are some of your musical influences that you like to listen to when you’re in a creative rut? My musical influences both in and out of a creative rut include Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, as well as any musical theatre soundtrack! I love lyricism that strikes a balance between conversational and honest, and poetic and poignant, and the hybridization of synthetic and acoustical sounds! Listening to these artists always inspires me to push the boundaries of my own craftsmanship, striving to create the most impactful and resonant music I can. When it comes to songwriting do you make time to write every day or are you less systematic when it comes to that process? I’m very systematic in my process in that I write a little every day! I think writing songs is like exercising a muscle– the more you practice, the stronger your skills become, and the easier it is to generate ideas and distill feelings that can be developed into songs! What advice do you have for aspiring singers? The advice I would have for aspiring singers is to always share your honest voice and never lose sight of the magic around every musical corner. Your love for music and the rare feeling it elicits in you are what will fuel you on days that see you face more trials and tribulations than triumphs. When I am having one of those days, I think about this poem by Diane Wakoski: Envy? No. Past that. A sense of failure? Perhaps. For I gave up something I loved/ to attain something unknown, and now I have neither. Don’t give up on what you love. Keep going with the comfort of knowing it is just as much out there as it is in you.

#NYOTAmusic

Dea Doyle Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Anna Pacitto

Dea Doyle has been writing songs since the age of nine, so it should be no surprise that she decided to pursue music full-time. The West London-based artist creates music that’s catchy and different from what else is out today. Doyle talked to NYOTA about her advice for aspiring singers, her song “One For Me,” and encouraging others to be more spontaneous. Growing up in a musical family did you always know you’d end up pursuing music full time or were there moments where you saw yourself going down a different path? I think I kind of always knew to be honest, I never really wanted to pursue or was particularly good at anything else. You’ve been writing songs since the age of nine, what were you writing about back then? I used to write these silly little love songs even at that age. I guess not much has changed haha. Tell our readers about your song “One For Me.” What story is the song telling? This is a song about unexpected love and how your life can change for the better when you least expect it. It’s about finishing a random boy’s Guinness in a hostel in Budapest with no idea he was about to be my next love. “One For Me” has a very distinct sound that isn’t really like other music that’s out today. What were some of the production influences for the song? I think around the time of recording this song I was listening to Katy Perry’s first album again and reminiscing on my youth. I love that album so much and I think the songs and production are great so it probably subconsciously influenced this single.

Do you hope that the song can be a reminder to people that sometimes the best things in life can’t be planned? I hope so! I think that applies to everything. A spontaneous holiday or night out always ends up being the best ones and I think that’s the same for relationships too. I think when there’s no expectation you end up being pleasantly surprised. Did you have specific references in mind when working on the accompanying visuals? I asked my wonderful friend Hermione Ross to do the album artwork for the song as I’m a huge fan of her pieces. All I said was that I wanted it to be me having a Guinness with someone and I don’t think it could be more perfect. In terms of the video I had very little input. It was all written and directed by Victoria Lungu, I just kind of gave her the song for a project she wanted to do and then ended up starring in it also. What aspect of your career are you most excited to dive deeper into in 2024? I’ve been writing a lot recently so I’m excited to record them and get more music out there as soon as possible. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Perfect the art of writing a good chorus and gig as much as you can.

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The Moving Stills Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Andrew Briggs Album Art: Garreth Pearse

The Moving Stills create music imbued with sunshine. Hailing from Australia, the Gold Coast influences shine through in the band’s vibrant melodies and catchy hooks. Tom from The Moving Stills talked to NYOTA about the band’s collaborative process on Wabi Sabi, heading on tour next year, and their musical influences. Take us back to the beginning. How did The Moving Stills come to be? Tom: Growing up in Australia, we were listening to an inspiring and diverse range of artists, and it was always such a cool and fun thing to want to be a part of. So after having played instruments for our young years we started a band. Who are some of your musical influences? T: I’d say like most artists and bands we’ve got many influences collectively. To name a few that have influenced us in some way, there’s Coldplay, The Cure, The Drums, Courtney Barnett, Angus & Julia Stone, and many others. Tell our readers about your sophomore album, Wabi Sabi. What was the collaborative process like for this album versus Sunshine Corner? T: Wabi Sabi was a pretty collaborative album. We wrote the songs and made demos, then took them to Izaac Wilson to amp them up and produce them into a finished song. On our last album, for the most part we did a lot ourselves and then had it mixed. So it was rad to collaborate with Izaac this time. We used many parts of the original demos and just added and re-worked where we felt it. Wabi Sabi has songs that are a bit more personal. Is there anything in particular that made you all feel more comfortable being vulnerable in this record? T: After a few years of lockdowns, followed by lots of touring, we had a lot of time to reflect and feel things. The songs reflect moments or things that we’re trying to unpack from the last couple of years. Vulnerability is super important to us and we’ve further opened the gates on this album to let it through some more. We want to be pretty real in our music, and we hope that people connect with our experiences. 42

How much influence did Izaac Wilson have on the production and how did he help you all find the sound you wanted for this album? T: As mentioned, we had a demo of each song with a general vibe when taking the song to Izaac. He had a fresh set of ears on our visions. This was great, and we feel that it made for some really great ideas and vibes on the songs. Izaac was super great at making things sound large and full. We played around with

synths and all kinds of drum sounds throughout the album. It was very much track by track and doing what was most suited for the track, not worrying so much about making it fit with the other songs. We feel working that way was great. We ended up with a fairly diverse album that showcases some new flavors from us. We like keeping the door open genre wise, and for people to not expect just one vibe from us.

#NYOTAmusic “Better” is one of those songs where the lyrics allow you to picture each moment. When it comes to songwriting are you often making observations about the world around you and trying to figure how to bring those observations together through song lyrics? T: Each track is approached differently in terms of which angle the lyrics are written from. “Better” for example, was actually based on someone else’s experience on a TV show. It was very much inspired by the situation on the show, but it quickly became a more personal and relatable theme and story. We definitely bring what we see and hear into our songs. It’s great when you hear someone say an awesome old school saying or sentiment and it inspires you to expand and write. Also when you have a really amazing experience or even a negative experience, it can be so great to get it out through music. In 2024 you’ll be touring around Australia. Are there elements of certain songs you want to change when they’re performed live to create a special experience for audiences? T: We’re super keen for the tour. There’s a couple of more groovy psychedelic songs on the album that we’re likely going to jam out on a bit. We’ve been playing around with adding some guitar solos in too which has been a lot of fun. We’ve played some of the songs live recently at some festivals and they’ve been feeling really nice, so we’re super keen for the tour. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? T: I think the best advice I’ve heard is just keep going. It seems it’s a huge part about showing up and learning a little more everyday. Also to minimize comparison where possible and to be kind to yourself.

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Carol Wright Editor in Chief What was your favorite song of 2023? “Nothing But The Blood” - Forrest Frank & Lecrae What was your favorite album of 2023? The Japanese House - In The End It Always Does

Aaliyah Lambert Contributor What was your favorite song of 2023? Toss up between Jorja Smith’s “Little Things” and Ama Lou’s “Bad Weather” What was your favorite album of 2023? André 3000 - New Blue Sun What was your favorite concert of 2023? Another toss up Drake’s “It’s All A Blur,” and Kirk Franklin’s “The Reunion Tour.” What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2023? Watching one of my favorite childhood movies, The Little Mermaid, and to hear Halle sing “Part of Your World,” was so great. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing The Color Purple remake. I heard that the vocal performances in the movie are top tier!

What was your favorite concert of 2023? Lana Del Rey at BST Hyde Park What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2023? “Pianos + 808 + Beat - “Welcome Home” by Nicholas Britell in Succession

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Contributor

What was your favorite song of 2023? “Let the Light In” - Lana Del Rey What was your favorite album of 2023? Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want to Turn Into You What was your favorite concert of 2023? Weyes Blood at The Orange Peel

Nicole Cox Art Director

What was your favorite song of 2023? “Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood” Yves Tumor What was your favorite album of 2023? Yves Tumor - Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) What was your favorite concert of 2023? I didn’t attend this event, but I really enjoyed watching Tyler, the Creator’s 2023 Camp Flog Gnaw performance online. What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2023?

What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2023? Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” in Bottoms!

#2023Wrapped: NYOTA Team

Sophie Sachar

It’s hard to choose because there were so many great songs throughout this film, but if I had to select one, it would have to be “Self Love” by Metro Boomin’ and Coi Leray from Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse. 46

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