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In the current music industry where radios, TV and streaming platforms are the big players deciding to spread the word about an artist (or not), it becomes more and more difficult for new artists to get their music heard if they don’t meet some criteria. It takes time, it takes patience, it takes talent but above all it takes a lot of hard work. At On The Move Magazine, we give a particular attention to talent no matter where you come from, your musical genre, the amount of followers/views/fans you have got. We don’t talk quantity, we talk quality. We talk quality because we love music with the big M. We carefully choose the artists you’ll discover in this magazine to introduce you to «la crème de la crème». You’ll find big names, you’ll find unknown names. You’ll love what you’ll listen to, or maybe you will hate it but at least, you’ll give our artists a chance. Because at the end of the day, every success story began with a chance given. »
Pamela Charbit founder of On The Move
EDITORIAL
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REWIND Are they worth seeing live ? You Me At Six and Rudimental
INTERVIEW
ZAK ABEL,
Radiant man, selfless musician
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ZOOM ON...
12 ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2019
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SUMMARY COVER STORY
RAJA KUMARI,
When talent meets culture
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NEW SECTION
THE ASIAN HOUSE OF TALENT: DPR
43 What’s next ? The shows not to miss What’s Up In France ? 45 OTM Mag : Meeting the team 47
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REWIN EVERYTHING YOU MISSED AND NEED TO KNOW ARE YOU READY FOR IT?
music video OF THE MONTH
Following the release of his sophomore album «Icarus Fall», Zayn is back with a brand new music video. Directed by Bouha Kazmi , «Satisfaction» follows the story of a romance tortured by war and time. A simple yet heartfelt video, showing the tragedy and reality of life. A must see!
Zayn satisfaction TAYLOR SWIFT ON NETFLIX Celebrating a night of music, passion and memories, the pop star takes the stage in Dallas for the Reputation Tour. If you want to dive into her world or relieve all the magic, you can now stream the concert right on Netflix! Catch a glimpse of all the actions, but, are you really ready for it?
In Case You missed it NIALL HORAN REINVENTS FLICKER
The Irish prodigy did it again. If you already loved «Flicker», you’re in for a treat as Niall released his first live album, featuring most of the songs from his debut album. This live album was recorded with the 45-piece Irish orchestra earlier this year in Dublin. Dreamy and magic, it’s everything we’ve been waiting for!
WHAT’S FRESH IN 2019?
otm playlist ARIANA GRANDE - IMAGINE ZAYN - GOOD YEARS ALESSIA CARA - GROWING PAINS RUEL - SAY CAUTIOUS CLAY - REASONS LANA DEL REY - HOPE IS A DANGEROUS THING... DERMOT KENNEDY - FOR ISLAND FIRES AND FAMILY
BENNY BLANCO
He’s probably the biggest pop-star you’ve never heard of but chances are you already sang your heart out to one of his songs. From «Diamonds» to «Love Yourself», the producersongwriter is now set to have a career on his own. At the end of 2018, he released his debut EP «Friends Keep Secrets», featuring some of his previous work such as «Eastside» or «Roses». Paving the way for bigger projects for the hit maker!
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ZAK ABEL There are people in life that are just annoyingly good at everything they do. From table-tennis player as a teenager to accomplished musician as a young adult, Zak Abel really pulled off his transition. After a solar debut album - infused in soul and African influences - he released in 2017, the London-born singer-songwriter is now heading to poppier territories. Adding a bit of fun and irreverence to his sound, his personality radiates even more. Selflessness, honesty, positivity, passion and yet rigor are among the qualities we can assign to Zak Abel after meeting him... And one hell of a talented and inspired musician!
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Taken from the music video of ÂŤ The Other Âť, the first track Ari Leff decided to release as Lauv.
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n The Move: Hi Zak! Thanks for having us! Coming back to where it all started… Can you tell us one of your first memories involving music? Zak Abel: Yeah, of course! I remember being six years old and I was in a car with my mom, we pulled into this driveway belonging to a friend of us and there was this compilation cassette and I heard Michael Jackson’s «The Way You Make Me Feel» on that cassette. It was the first time I was really taken aback by music. I made my mom replay it and rewind it, replay it and rewind it. And that’s kind of how I got obsessed with Michael Jackson. I made my mom buy me his albums. I guess it kind of set me on track to listen to more of his music. It made such a big influence.
« Keeping a good balance and being aware of all the things you have to get right Is something I took from table-tennis TO MUSIC » On The Move: We know back in your teenage years, you were pursuing a carreer in table-tennis semiprofessionally. Is there anything, any values learnt from sports that help you in your musical journey? Zak Abel: Yes, actually! For anyone who doesn’t know, I used to play table-tennis. In fact, I lived in France for 4 months in Brittany, in a club called Hennebont. There were very lovely people there! A very, very good club. Check them out! Anyway, I learnt many things from table-tennis but one of the biggest things for me -which I see as very relevant now- is this... With tabletennis, in order to be a very good player, you have to have a good backhand, a good forehand, good foot work, good serves, good mentality, on table and off table. You can’t just be good at any of those things alone. You have to be good at all of them. Music is very similar. If you just have high-notes and you have no depths, if you just have low notes and no peaks, it doesn’t work well. If you have no discipline, you can’t turn up on time for a show and you disappoint your fans. You can’t last a long time. If you can’t write songs and you refuse that other people write songs for you, your songs are shitty. So, basically, in the same way as with table-tennis, you have to be good at many areas. With music, there are many things that you have to be
successful at and that you have to focus on. Keeping a good balance and being aware of all the things you have to get right, that’s something I took from tabletennis. On The Move: A really global state of mind! And what usually triggers your creation process? Zak Abel: Something, it’s just me jamming at a piano. A melody comes like that. Recently though, I’ve been writing slightly differently. I’ve been thinking about what I wanna say and then putting a music to that. Not necessarily lyrics, but just like a concept. The other day, for example, I was writing a song about mental health amongst men. I really wanted to write a song about that. So, I went into the studio and I said to the people that I was working with: «This is what I wanna write about». Let’s start from there. It was a different way of writing. In the past, I would have jammed and kinda figured out what the song is about as I went along. But there, it was more focused! On The Move: Your debut album « Only When We’re Naked » came out more than one year ago now, in October 2017. Could you describe it in terms of sounds, for the people who don’t know your music yet ? Zak Abel: The foundation is soul/pop. But actually, there are a lot of African and Caribbean inspired production in there. I love High-Life music which is kind of 70’s Funk and Jazz from West Africa. It’s typically tied to Fela Kuti. I just really wanted to try to draw from that a little bit. It just felt like a lot of the world was listening to that music and I love that music anyway, so I was like, why don’t we try to recreate some of these straight-up soul songs that I already had on my album and just make them into something with a bit of African inspired sound. Just for the fun of it! And it ended up being the sound of the album, the direction, practically by accident. On The Move: Earlier in 2018, you released «Love song» which seems to be more pop infused than the «Only When We’re Naked» tracks overall. What were you searching for with this new single, which is post-album? Zak Abel: I remember that on the day that we wrote it, we had Gnarls Barkley’s «Crazy» in mind. It changed a lot though, on the way. It came through a lot of different versions before ending up the way it sounds now.
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On The Move: As you sing it yourself, «Love song» is anything but a lovesong in the end. Then, which ‘true’ love song do you wish you had written ? Zak Abel: Actually, there is a song called «Love Song» by Elton John. Not many people know that song. It’s a track from one of his albums from the 70’s: «Tumbleweed Connection». He actually didn’t write it. A woman wrote it [ed. Lesley Duncan]. A really beautiful song. I love it! I also really love Bill Withers’ «Ain’t No Sunshine». There are so many 70’s soul legendary songs that are so good! A bit later, «The Lady In My Life» by Michael Jackson. On The Move: A few months ago, you released «You Come First» with Saweetie which we think is brilliantly crafted both musically and lyrically. What’s the story behind the song ? Zak Abel: I wrote this song with two friends of mine. There’s Will Simms. He is French. He is a very sexual and attractive man, the ladies like him a lot. (laughs) I also wrote it with a girl called Iman. She was one of the writers on «Lush Life» from Zara Larrson. She is like super feminist. So, we always have the longest debate, which go on for hours. One of the things that we would talk about was the importance and the normalization of female’s finishing in a sexual situation. So, I was like: «cool! I’ve had this catch phrase for ages ‘You come first’ and I wanna write it with you guys.» I thought it’d be so perfect, the balance between sex obsession and feminism (laughs) So, we put it together! We wrote it, but I felt like it was missing something, a female perspective or some sort of rap part. I found out about Saweetie and I thought: «Wow, imagine if we can get her on the track.» We just reached out and she sent over her verse and it was perfect! On The Move: That’s a personal thought but… With everything going on nowadays in favour of gender equality around the world, I think «You Come First» has something political in it. Did you ever consider that ? Zak Abel: Well, I don’t know if politics come to bed (laughs) Well, probably it does! Actually, we weren’t much debating about that, we all completely agreed on that «You come first» matter. It’s something which has been a personal goal of mine (laughs) ever since I’ve started like, being sexually active. I don’t know, like, I’m quite an introspective person. I like to think about things deeply but I also like to be silly! And talk about things which aren’t that deep sometimes. And this is something I believe, I just put it out there, this
is very different from anything I’ve released before. It’s a lot cheekier, it’s a lot poppier. But I think that you can be both. You can be silly, you can be cheeky but then, you can also talk about mental health for example. Human beings aren’t one dimensional. So, I don’t want my music to be one dimensional either. On The Move: Can you tell us a bit about the music video that came with «You Come First»? Zak Abel: I’ve filmed the video in L.A. with Saweetie and some really attractive people, which was lovely and very suitable regarding the song (laughs). I had so many even crazier ideas for this music video but not all of them made my friends laugh. Maybe that’s a good thing though!
« I don’t want my music to be one dimensional » On The Move: You’re featured in Jonas Blue’s album on « Drink to You ». It is not the first time you collaborate with DJs or producers. What does these experiences as a vocalist bring you? Zak Abel: I was actually involved in the writing process on that one. But yeah, I just tought it was a beautiful song. I like the idea of being part of one of the biggest electronic musical artists in the world’s debut album. I’m really happy that it’s out there. This song was sitting on my hard drive for a while. I’ve done a lot of acoustic versions as well, that could be out soon! On The Move: You’ve also co-wrote a song for Paloma Faith, recorded with John Legend « I’ll Be Gentle ». How is it to write for others? Are you in the same state of mind or does the process change? Zak Abel: I love making music but I also want to be useful to people, right? If having Paloma Faith and John Legend sing a song that I was part of writing, well, if that reaches more people and conveys what we are trying to say more, then so be it! Aretha Franklin didn’t write herself a lot of the songs she was singing, but yet, she changed a lot of people’s lives. And I think that, if I write a song and I don’t end up singing it, or if someone else writes a song and I end up singing it, as long as the song is useful to people, it doesn’t really matter where it comes from. That’s my philosophy.
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On The Move: You toured with Tom Misch at the end of last year. How did it go? Zak Abel: I wasn’t the support act actually. I sang the song we wrote together called « Beautiful Escape ». It’s one of my favourite songs and Tom asked me if I wanted to go on tour with him around Europe, to do that one track, and that’s what I did! It was so lovely because he’s got some really amazing fans. A lot of the people working in the different venues couldn’t believe that these guys were so polite (laughs). They’re like the nicest people! So I just got to jam out with them every night. Tom and his whole crew are genuinely kind people. It was nice to hang out with them!
« as long as A song is useful to people, it doesn’t really matter where it comes from »
Zak Abel’s debut album released in October 2017.
On The Move: You’re headlining an important show soon at the Roundhouse London. Are you excited? What can we expect from it? Zak Abel: Yes, I’m gonna do this European tour in March. So, just to kind of lay the ground works a little bit and to show people that going to their cities or countries was important to me as well. I love performing live and there is always a positive atmosphere at my shows! It gets very sweaty. There’s a lot of dancing. Bad dancing! On The Move: You are a good dancer though... Zak Abel: I’m alright! I can move in time, that’s about it (laughs) I’ve been working with my band for many years now. They’re really really amazing, if I do say so myself. Yeah, it’s always a good time! On The Move: Who are you listening to at the moment? Zak Abel: There is this guy who plays the saxophone and does a key solo on Tom Misch’s show. He’s called Rob Araujo, and he’s got a song called «Nineteen». It’s jazz/piano stuff. I also love Tim Maia but I don’t think he needs any promotion. He’s dead but his music is amazing and timeless!
INTERVIEW BY CORALINE BLAISE PHOTOS BY DAVID FITT EXCLUSIVELY FOR ON THE MOVE
Zak Abel’s latest singles released in 2018.
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12 ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2019 While these past few months have been good to some big musical names -whose returns were very much awaitedthere is a bunch of new talents out there that clearly deserve a part of the light. May have they drawn attention in 2018 or may their names be rather unknown, here are 12 artists whose careers are bound to take off in 2019!
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Pink Sweat$ Meet one of the most promising figures of the hiphop/R&B scene! With his 7-track debut LP called «Orphan», Aaron Aye opened a nice window on his universe - full of scars yet solar. The 22-year-old artist, coming from Minneapolis, litteraly chronicles his young life : «Orphan is an album inspired by my journey as a Midwest kid trying to find my purpose in life while experimenting with love, growing up without parents, battling the struggle of uncertainty, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.» Facing the death of her mother at only 15, Aaron Aye has yet learnt to count his blessings and celebrate life, as his mom did in a such positive way. With wisdom and undeniable talent, a brilliant croon and infectious melodies, Aaron Aye is entering a new chapter in life, marked with growing success and recognition. And it is so well deserved!
TéO
This 26-year-old Philadelphia native (who got his name from wearing pink sweatpants everyday) might soon become the answer to the most asked question of the end of 2018: Who is the king of R&B? Producer, songwriter and vocalist, he can do it all. With his first EP «Volume 1», Pink Sweat$ showcases incredible vocals on a stripped back melody. His style, mellow and honest, reminds us a bit of Frank Ocean. Knowing the fact that he started recording himself less than a year ago, 2019 can only be a year with more Pink Sweat$ in it.
AARON AYE
Writing about new artists in 2019 without mentioning ¿Téo? is impossible! The Colombian singer also known as Mateo Arias is something special. Something you can’t describe with words, someone you have to listen to to get your own idea. His debut self-named album depicts a broad bunch of influences: Hip-Hop, pop/ rock, folk and more. Each song included in his first record is different and his fresh vision for the album has something different to offer to the music landscape. Whether it’s the emblematic «Uno Dos» featuring Jaden Smith or «Thru My Hair» and «Belong In The Sun», the artist will make you travel in no time, without leaving your living room.
Last year, musician, singer and producer Youngr kicked off 2018 by releasing a mixtape called «This Is Not An Album». Rather than being an actual album, the project was a collection of various works, past and present, showcasing his inspiration and evolution. Along his musical journey, the singer - whose real name is Dario Darnell - learned a lot and managed to avoid the trap, navigating through different experiences. «Try to remember the initial feeling you had when you wrote it, or when you first listened to the mix down the next day, the only opinion that truly matters is your own». We could describe his sound as a melting pot of pop, EDM, bass and funk, often with very radio-friendly results.
LOLO ZOUAI Remember his name! Joshua Karpeh, known as Cautious Clay, is an American singer-songwriter and producer who started music doing remixes. One of them really caught everyone’s attention since his remix of «Ocean Eyes» by Billie Eilish was included in her official remixes EP. Cautious Clay then released «Cold War» in 2017, the first single of his debut EP «Blood Type» which was revealed a year ago. A bit later, we discovered his second EP called «Resonance» which according to him is«a brighter more direct perspective on how people see fame, style, and how we treat each other». Inspired by artists such as Kendrick Lamar or Outkast, Cautious Clay knows how to make effective tracks to listen on repeat. If you love R&B, pop, alternative music and a bit of electronic, you won’t be disappointed!
YOUNGR All the way from France where she was born, Lolo Zouaï grew up in the USA. Producer, singer-songwriter, stylist and model, the 23-year-old woman has a lot to offer and is getting bigger and bigger in the musical industry. Her career took off thanks to her single «High Highs To Low Lows» two years ago, in which she talks about the struggles of being an upcoming artist. From then on and after receiving the Songwriters Hall Of Fame Abe Olman award, she spoilt her audience with several other singles such as «Blue», «Brooklyn Love», «Desert Rose» or «Challenge», remaining faithful to her characteristic sound: a perfect mix of R&B, hip hop, powerful lyrics and Franco-Algerian inspirations. With millions of streams on Spotify, Lolo is definitely a rising star to watch in 2019!
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TOM LEEB She is the new American powerhouse! Brought up in a family of musicians in New Jersey, Donna Missal cracked up streaming counters in 2015 with her ambiguous «Keep Lying» - smooth and cutting at the same time. Track after track, she revealed impressive vocals, strong and engaged anthems and a magnetic presence. On her debut album «This Time», she worked with Tim Anderson (Halsey, Banks, Charlotte OC) to shape an impetuous and raw sound, ambitioning to create «a soundtrack to your evolution». «The album is about figuring out who you are, what you believe in, and projecting that inward to find self-understanding and acceptance.» Proud and confident, Donna Missal has come through this inner journey and is now totally embracing her bisexuality - expressing her gender fluid identity through her looks. Recently on tour with King Princess or Bishop Briggs, she definitely joined the team of young women shaking up standards in the industry and beyond!
BRYNN CARTELLI
A versatile artist and a guitar virtuoso, Tom Leeb definitely is a man to follow in 2019. Although being only 29 years old, the handsome Frenchie is an actor – currently in the movie «Edmond» –, a singer, a musician and a humorist in the duo called «Kevin and Tom»! In fact, it seems rather right to say he was destined to evolve on stage. Son of the humorist Michel Leeb, Tom spent five years in New York when he was a teenager. There, he studied cinema, theatre, dancing and singing. That may be one of the reasons why the artist only sings in Shakespeare’s language. Tom Leeb released his first EP in November. Composed of six songs, it is an absolute gem of folk and will be followed by a debut album in 2019! If you love a James Morrison’s vibe and you’re into silky voices, there is no doubt you’ll fall in love with Tom Leeb’s music!
DONNA MISSAL
Crowned as the youngest winner of the televised singing competition The Voice in 2018, Bryanna Cartelli and her soulful vocals are set to make it big this year. Her first official single «Last Night’s Mascara» released through Atlantic Records is a mix of what is working at the moment: a pop radio-friendly melody blended with catchy lyrics. It’s a win for the 15year old singer. Yes, 15 year-old! If you watched her performance of «Beneath Your Beautiful», or her duo with Julia Michaels on the original «Walk My Way», you can easily fall in love with the teenager’s impressive style and she’s definitely an artist to keep your eyes on!
Have you heard about Dominic Fike in 2018? If you haven’t yet, chances are that you’re going to find out about one of the most exciting new artists very soon. The pop-alt 22-year-old artist sparked a label bidding war before even releasing any music. It’s only last October that he finally unveiled his promising 6-track debut EP «Don’t Forget About Me, Demos.». He has already accumulated massive attention from media, industry people and fans, intrigued by his original and eclectic sound, boyish charisma and mysterious overall personality. Dominic is set to have a big 2019 as his songs, whether it is the catchy electric guitar -infused pop/rock track «3 Nights», the urban oriented «Babydoll» or «She Wants My Money», are only a sneak peek of what he’s going to unveil in the next future.
JP SAXE You may know him as Billie Eilish’s producer who happens to be her brother but you should definitely keep an eye on him! Indeed, he wrote many of his sister’s hits such as «Ocean Eyes» or «When The Party’s Over». After making his debut as an actor and in a pop-rock band, Finneas’ solo singing career started in 2016. With no less than 10 singles, from the sensual «New Girl» to «Let’s Fall In Love For The Night», he invited us in his universe. Finneas’ alternative pop music is marked by powerful instrumentals with piano, electronic sounds or even violin in «Life Moves On» and love is a recurrent theme. Indeed, his personal lyrics make his songs sound like a diary. Each single feels unique and different from what we can hear nowadays: «I just want to write things I would love to listen to». An EP or an album is expected in the summertime. 2019 will be his year!
DOMINIC FIKE Another Toronto-born artist is set to take over the world, this time not in Hip-Hop but in the pop world! JP Saxe is already sweeping everyone off their feet by bringing them intimately close to his emotional perspective. After an amazing debut single called «Changed», the pop/R&B artist collaborated with Charlotte Lawrence on «The Few Things» which will touch your soul and is a must-listen. It guides listeners through the subtle intimacies that make up a relationship. On the accompanying music video, Saxe shares, «It’s the first video I’ve directed (along with Dina Shihabi) and it is so biographical, it made the process of creating it, at points, kind of uncomfortable… but if it’s not real, what’s the point? Even if it’s a little too real sometimes.» We insist that you check JP as soon as possible as he’s going to be one of the next big things in pop, we assure you!
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RAJA KUMARI Svetha Rao professionally know as Raja Kumari was a songwriter for big names before plunging deep into the music industry and creating her own universe. Her cultural background naturally flows into her music, bringing something unique and almost traditional to life yet very modern. She’s an independent and ambitious woman who tries to deliver a message of authenticity, empowerment and self-confidence. Discover more about the artist!
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n The Move: Hello Raja! For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us a bit more about yourself, your background? Raja Kumari: I’m Raja Kumari and I was born in Los Angeles, my parents came from India in the 70’s and me and my brothers were all born here so that plays a large role and influence on my music. I’m trained in Indian classical dance so I think the movements and the rhythms of that training influence everything; from my fashion to my music, to my stage show. I’ve always kind of wanted to find a safe place where both cultures could coexist instead of having to choose to be American or to be Indian. So I think my music kind of speaks to that, it speaks to people from all different cultures because I think we all kind of deal with that. On The Move: Did you know from the beginning that you wanted to get into music even when you were dancing or is it something that came after? Raja Kumari: I think the music and the dance are very interlocked, they all lend to each other. I’ve always enjoyed music because you need it to dance. I don’t think I knew I could sing. Actually in 3rd grade, I was watching TV after school, my mom was trying to get me to go somewhere and she was like: «we have to leave, turn the TV off!» and so I turned it off and I just kept singing the song, it was «Heartbreaker» by Mariah Carey and my mom said «I told you to turn the TV off!» and I was like «Did she just think I was Mariah? I think I could sing!» (laughs) and that was it, that’s how my whole journey began. You know I just felt like dance was definitely something that my parents wanted me to do and I’m happy I learned it, it’s definitely a big part of who I am but music was like my rebellion, my own personal expression. Because maybe Indian classical dance was in a language I didn’t speak, you know I wasn’t speaking that language every day, I’m speaking English and living in Los Angeles so music was more my personal way to express myself. On The Move: You started by collaborating with other artists whether it was Fall Out Boy or Iggy Azalea. How different it is to write for other artists than writing for yourself? Raja Kumari: It was a wonderful experience and I continue to enjoy songwriting for other artists because you don’t want to take yourself too seriously all the time and I love to write pop music and kind of step off my box and imagine a world through somebody else’s perspective or imagine how somebody else would feel so it’s not always about me, me, me (laughs). And also songwriting just really allowed me to practice my craft, and get to work
with such amazing producers. You know sometimes as an artist, you only get to work with producers who agree to work on your project but as a songwriter, I was able to get in the studio with the most incredible producers in the world, like so many Grammy Award winners, so many legends. And every single person I worked with taught me something and I brought that with me when I went to make my album, you know.
« Culture is meant to be shared, it’s just letting people know why certain things are done so that they’re educated on it, it’s a gift » On The Move: What do you think is the difference when you work with a band, a pop-singer or a rapper? Do you think there is a specific approach for each genre? Raja Kumari: I think here in America when you are a fan of pop culture, you kind of hear all these genres so I was exposed to all kinds and I’ve always loved all the different types of music. That’s the fun thing about being a songwriter, you don’t have to commit to one, you can just float around. But one thing I tried to do is put a little bit of myself in everything that I wrote. Like even on the Fall Out Boy record, one of the melodies in «Centuries» felt really Indian to me, like when I sing it. With Iggy Azalea, there are Indian vibes too so I just found ways to put what I liked about music and how I heard it with everybody I worked with, you know it’s just figuring out what’s for you and what’s for them but still leaving your imprint on it. On The Move: Your stage name means «crowned princess» right? Raja Kumari: Yeah I always say «daughter of the King» and it’s funny because people would be like «your dad’s a doctor, he’s not a king!» but I’m not talking about my physical father, I’m talking about the celestial God above us, like I’m the daughter of the King of Kings you know and I think about that you know. To have all these opportunities, I’m definitely blessed. I just want to represent that in the best way that I can.
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On The Move: You spent a few years in India working, discovering your culture, working on your craft… So, what’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned there, that you can put into your music in America for example? Raja Kumari: India gave me so much strength because people were so receptive to my music. I think in different regions of the world maybe they haven’t been primed for certain cultural experiences but you know going to India and performing for 10,000 people that are singing the words back to me gave me the strength to know that this can happen all over the world. So what I took back from India is the confidence, you know to conquer more regions and to be authentic. People react to authenticity. India feeds me in so many ways, just being with the people, the love is so next level so I’ll make sure I always spend a good amount of time in India.
« I’m not one of the people that got the opportunity to have the American dream and doesn’t go home to their motherland » On The Move: What’s the difference between the Indian market and the American one? Raja Kumari: It’s so different. The music industry is completely different. In America there are so many independent artists – I don’t mean artists outside labels – I just mean music and in India, the majority of music is with Bollywood films. Here it’s also a lot more competitive but I’ve learned to be myself and I’ve been able to blaze my own trail, even here. I’m always surprised because I have a lot of Brazilian fans lately and a lot of people from Israel have been following me on my Instagram, people are discovering me all over the world and it’s so exciting. Every time I see somebody dancing to the music and they’re not in India, it just reminds me how universal the music is and how it was made for the world and that it’s time to give it to everyone else. Honestly I just put the things that I find beautiful into my art,
so whether it’d be like jewelry or fashion or some instrument like the Indian flute, like on stage I might dance with a classical mask and stuff, I just bring in what I find interesting and I hope that that just opens the door to people’s curiosity about the East. I definitely spent my whole life studying so if anybody wants to learn from me, I’m here to teach (laughs). On The Move: You had a new single released a few months ago, what can you tell us about it? Raja Kumari: «Shook» is the first single off my new EP called «Blood line» and «Blood line» is my second project. The first one was called «The ComeUp» and was really about manifesting ideas and intentions, it had a lot of lyrics about you know “just another dollar and a dream now we’re certified”. I wrote that EP at like 2am after I finished my songwriting, you know it was very much a labor of love, it was like okay it’s time for me to make my own music, it had a lot of hope and a lot of intentions set. And then the thing is I started to manifest all of it. I went to India and I started really doing these things, I started performing, I started getting all these things that I said I wanted in the music. So «Blood line» is really about when you start to get to things that you really truly love and want, like what are you willing to do to protect them and once people are going to listen, what you are going to say. So this album is really unapologetic, definitely a lot more aggressive. I also noticed that when I’m on stage performing, whenever I would rap, everybody would lose their sh*t! I’d just see people’s mouths just drop open, I was like «damn this is very simple for me to do» so I think also this album was a challenge for me because I made a rap project you know, like it’s 80% rap I would say, which I’ve always been a fan of. I’ve always done it in my music but I really let that character lead in this chapter. I’m really excited because it’s a challenge for me and I like to challenge myself, do different things, really step out of the box, push myself lyrically and I think a lot of the lyrics reflect what I’ve learned living around the world. Instead of just putting an Indian melody here, which I have done in the past, I’m saying words that are uniquely Eastern, like in «Shook» my favorite lyric that I like to quote all the time is «send my Benjis over to Gandhi and now we feast» and that’s really my mentality, like I’m not one of the people that got the opportunity to have the American dream and doesn’t go home to their motherland. Whatever I make in the world, whatever I do it’s for the people and then it will go home for them.
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On The Move: Your music videos are amazing and I feel like you have a character in them. Can you tell us about the character that you created? Raja Kumari: I think it’s all me, but as a classical dancer, I played a lot of roles. In Indian classical dance, we usually do stories of the Gods, like we act out the Mahabari, the Rama etc. and I portrayed a lot of very strong female characters like the Goddess Devi so I think I kind of put together all these powerful women and that’s why Raja Kumari is this very royal thing because I just believed that about myself and I believed that about my calling and my purpose and so when I get on stage it’s like I become that, that princess, you know if I’m supposed to speak for the people then I must be strong. Beyoncé’s a huge inspiration I think in every single person’s life on earth and I remember when she talked her Sasha Fierce I was really young and I just understood that that’s how she was able to transform and then it kind of helped me create Kumari to be like who I am, make it bigger than me. On The Move: What’s your advice for artists that are multi-cultural like you? Or not just in the music industry, like in general? Raja Kumari: Though it looks like a very dark time in the world, it’s actually a really exciting time where people are interested and curious about these things that people are trying to subdue. If you are a strong voice for your culture, you know and love your culture and you’re authentic about it, I think people can always relate to that. Authenticity is the thing that I will always try to preach first and foremost. It’s just like whatever is authentic to you, for me I’m a dancer, I really loved the traditional classical things so that’s why I wear the Bindi, Indian jewelry when I’m on stage, it’s not a costume that I want to put on, it’s really an expression of self. So I think that if you’re coming into fashion, if you’re coming into art, the atmosphere and everything I think it’s just about don’t try to tempt to do something like that, just exist in that space and be who you truly are and people will react and they’ll relate. Culture is meant to be shared, it’s just letting people know why certain things are done so that they’re educated on it, it’s a gift. Like the Bindi conversation comes a lot, they’re like «oh you know Coachella, everyone wears Bindis», whatever, I think it’s hypocritical to have something so beautiful and expect to not share it, it’s not fair. But my goal is to tell people that if you are going to wear the Bindi, you know, it’s your third eye illuminated. You choose to see the world through your third spiritual eye instead of the two physical eyes. So if anyone wants to acknowledge that then the Bindi is for
them. It’s just our job to make people aware of those things because it’s not their fault, they don’t know. I’m glad I was born in California because I think it gives me a lot of perspective that maybe if I was born in India it would have been different. I think I’m uniquely equipped to try to be the bridge and try to translate it for both sides in whatever way I can. On The Move: You were talking about «Blood line», do you have collaborations on it or did you prefer to work on your own? Raja Kumari: I definitely have collaborations on it, there’s one from my friend Janine The Machine who is just like a friend of mine, we wrote a lot of music together and we did some songs. I think it’s good to have girls collaborate and I have another collaboration with an epic female artist that’s brand new but we’ll talk about that when the time comes. But I love collaborating, I’m a songwriter so I believe in collaborations. I made the album with Sean Garrett, he’s an incredible songwriter, he’s worked with Beyoncé and Chris Brown, he’s been very instrumental in a lot of really big hip-hop moments and cultural pop moments so he really pushed me. Some of that stuff I was almost scared to do and he was like «why are you scared of yourself?» and I was like «I don’t know!» (laughs). It’s like if two people can agree of the lyrics making sense then there’s a better chance that it will be making sense to everyone.
« Authenticity is the thing that I will always try to preach first and foremost » On The Move: When is it coming out? Can you say it yet? Raja Kumari: It’s going to come early 2019, I think we can tell that. It’s finished, it’s ready to rock, it’s my first US project, everything else has been kind of focused in international building so I’m really excited because I haven’t had a chance to really go all around America and do the same kind of things I did in India so I’m really excited to do that here!
INTERVIEW BY PAM CHARBIT WITH LUDIVINE DESUMEUR PHOTOS BY Jonathan Benbaruk EXCLUSIVELY FOR ON THE MOVE
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OUR BEST ALBUMS
OF JANUARY Every week of the year, a bunch of records are thrown into the world, portraying the singular influences, universes and sounds of artists. Do you get lost in the numerous releases? On The Move Mag is here to help. This month, as always, we opened our ears and dove into what matters most : music! Whatever genre suits you, you’ll find something new to discover... Here are our favourite albums released in January.
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Backstreet’s back! Even though they spent the last two years filling the hearts of millions of teenagers with nostalgia with their «Larger than Life» Las Vegas residency, the 90’s boysband has been working on a brand new album, «DNA». Introduced by the leading single, «Don’t Go Breaking My Heart», the album stays true to their harmony-driven pop sound while also evolving their tracks into a much more modern production, fit for today’s radio landscape. With «Breathe» and «Chances», the 5 boys also tried to push their boundaries by bringing in some The Chainsmokers and Martin Garrix vibes. Fortunately, these new sounds don’t overshadow the boys’ unchanged powerful voices. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Backstreet Boys, it’s time to rock your body one more time!
Top 3 tracks: Chances, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, No Place
BACKSTREET BOYS - DNA
Almost 4 years after «That’s The Spirit» who already marked a slight departure from the band’s metalcore roots, Bring Me The Horizon resurfaced with their sixth album called «amo», probably the boldest and most daring album of their whole 15-year-discography. This record is clearly experimental (we’re plunged deep into experimentation as soon as the aerial intro «I apologize if you feel something» begins), flirting with pop melodies on «in the dark», hip-hop on «heavy metal» (we got that mind-blown effect!) or even transcendental electronic music from the 90s on «nihilist blues». Those new influences are wildly emphasized by the diverse and unique collaborations the band offers: Canadian singer Grimes, metal singer Dani Filth as well as beatboxer and rapper Rahzel. Neatly produced by keyboardist Jordan Fish and singer Oliver Sykes, «amo» doesn’t lack efficient headbanging guitar riffs that made their reputation. This album is probably setting tongues wagging but if the message wasn’t already clear to you, the British quintet is making a point that they’re evolving and they’re not interested in dwelling on the past.
Top 3 tracks: MANTRA, sugar honey ice & tea, heavy metal
Bring Me The Horizon – amo
Do you want to travel? Discover other horizons? If you responded yes to those two questions, then James Blake’s fourth album is made for you. The singer has always been a confessional artist with a singular songwriting and vocals and shows it again, this time by dwelling on the anxieties of new relationships. Each song touches on different issues that could occur in a relationship and how everything could turn upside down in one moment. «Where’s The Catch» and «Are You In Love» depict Blake’s sweetness but also doubts and bitterness. It seems pretty obvious that the entire album is dedicated to someone special and the singer decided to surround himself with some heavyweights such as Metro Bloomin’ and Travis Scott on «Mile High» or André 3000 and newcomer ROSALIA who sings in Spanish in «Barefoot in the Park». Overall, a great album that we will surely listen to for a while.
Top 3 tracks: What’s The Catch, Barefoot in the Park, Don’t Miss It
JAMES BLAKE - ASSUME FORM
This was probably one of the most anticipated pop albums of 2019 and it’s finally here. 30 year-old Mike Posner is finally back with a new 12-track record named «A Real Good Kid» including the catchy and well-acclaimed «Song About You». This new record is the follower of «At Night, Alone» which was a turning point in Mike’s career after he unveiled the smash hit «I Took A Pill In Ibiza» that made everyone go crazy! This third album showcases one more time Posner’s incredible songwriting and ability to put words on feelings and emotions. Whether it was talking about the pain of loosing his father and friend-collaborator Avicii in the past two years, or tackling his own vulnerability while showing an apparent maturity, «A Real Good Kid» includes some real gems that you cannot skip.
Top 3 tracks: Song About You, Move On, Stuck In The Middle
Mike Posner - A REAL GOOD KID
«Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD», or simply «The WIZRD», is the seventh studio album of Future and, without any doubt, a very important project to him. Indeed, the American artist dedicated the opus to a member of his family: «My uncle always used to call me ‘the wizard’, that was his thing». Then, «Hndrxx» is obviously a reference to the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix and also reminds us Future’s sixth album. In fact, with this new opus, the rapper wants to show he has grown as an artist. He even declared people will be able to «hear» his growth. In order to show this evolution, Future offers his fans not less than 20 tunes and surrounds himself with Travis Scott, Young Thug and Gunna. As he says in the opening track entitled «Never Stop», the artist is living his «second life, it’s so amazin’»!
Top 3 tracks: Goin Dummi, First Off (feat. Travis Scott), Temptation
FUTURE - THE WIZRD
Maggie Rogers’ career exploded thanks to her song « Alaska », a selfempowerment anthem which impressed Pharell Williams during a masterclass at NYU. The video went viral and that’s when everything really started for the 24 yearold singer-songwriter and producer. After two independent albums (« The Echo », « Blood Ballet ») and an EP (« Now That The Light Is Fading »), « Heard It In A Past Life » is her debut studio album. The title came to her naturally: « it’s a lot about memory. That moment when you stop making decisions and start remembering them ». Indeed, this album sounds like a therapy. Two of the singles, « Light On » and « Fallingwater », describe the last two years of her life, a « rapid change and how simultaneously scary and electric it can feel ». We also find these overwhelming emotions in « Retrograde » or « Back In My Body », while other tracks are spreading positivity and love such as the third single « Give A Little», inspired by a national school walkout for gun control. If some of the tracks were already on her EP (« Alaska », « On + Off »), most of them are exclusive. Deep lyrics, omnipresent percussion, backing vocals... You will soon get addicted to this rough diamond!
Top 3 tracks: Give A Little, Overnight, Retrograde
Maggie Rogers – Heard It In A Past Life Here is Rudimental’s new call for tolerance! With their third album, the British drum’n’bass collective signs a new eclectic and irresistible opus. Their thirst for hybriding genres is still insatiable and their optimism, unconditional. Piers Aggett, Amir Amor, Kesi Dryden and DJ Locksmith collaborate once again with a great collection of confirmed (James Arthur, Jess Glynne, Tom Walker) and promising artists (RAYE, Raphaella, Elli Ingram), resulting in a multi-faceted record. There’s nothing much new to the Rudimental formula but once again, their record is big, bright, beautiful and their lyrics full of positive and inclusive values. So, no need to force us to join them in this Top 3 tracks: 1by1 (feat. RAYE & Maleek Berry), 16-chapter party!
Last Time (feat. Raphaella), Adrenaline (feat. OLIVIA)
RUDIMENTAL - Toast to Our Differences In 2017, Julia Michael’s third EP «Nervous System» went through the several steps of a relationship and the result was overall very addictive. In «Inner Monologue Part 1», she paradoxically broadens her horizons and collaborations – inviting the pop phenomenons (and also her friends) Selena Gomez and Niall Horan to this still very personal and honest body of work. In 6 tracks, she channels the inner battles of moving on after a break-up – from diving deep in the bath of bittersweet memories in « Apple » to wanting to move forward in « Happy ». In « What A Time », Niall Horans holds the part of her ancient lover on a warm and generous track, not so far from the Irish artist’s sonorities. More introspective, « Anxiety » is a sweet and languish ritornello where both Michaels and Gomez opens up about demons they have in common : « This is a female empowerment thing, but it’s completely different. We’re not throwing our fists in the air, but we’re saying, ‘Hey, we have anxiety, but we’re okay with it.’ » Julia Michaels shares a new page of her story and charms us the simplest way : being uncompromising in her lyrics and brilliant in her pop melodies.
Top 3 tracks: Anxiety, Into You, Deep
Julia Michaels - Inner Monologue PART 1 33
THE ASIAN HOUSE OF TALENT At On The Move, we like to broaden your musical horizons. In this column we are doing just that with artists from the other side of the world. Here, we will talk about Korean, Japanese and Chinese artists that you need to add to your playlist. Ready ?
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DPR For the past few years, Korean pop culture has invaded the world. Although commercials, TV shows and UNICEF campaigns made BTS and GOT7 unavoidable last year, this tidal wave did not limit itself to K-Pop boy bands. Indeed, Hiphop and R&B artist DPR Live had nothing to envy to his compatriots. Hong Da-bin and his crew also had their hands full with CTYL (Coming To You Live) their first world tour. From underground artist to sold-out headliner: here’s the tale of a crew with a vision. DPR or Dream Perfect Regime is a «multigenre music and video group». It consists of: Live (front liner), Cream (producer), +Ian (visual director) and Rem (production director). Even though Live is the face of the “gang” he remains indivisible from the rest of the members. DPR evolves as a tight family, where each decision, whether it is business or creative related, is taken as a consensus. Yet, this harmony doesn’t only find its roots in their friendship. It also comes from the hardships they overcame to make DPR what it is today. It’s hard to imagine that only five years ago, the crew started this crazy adventure. With no money, they’ve had to use Karaoke rooms, hotel lobbies and coffee shops as meeting rooms. Learning the business aspect of the music industry along the way to build everything themselves, from the ground up. To make money and gain credibility, DPR started as a visual company. With the creation of qualitative music videos, Rem and Ian hustled their way into the Korean music industry. Using what they’ve earned, they were able to trade their impromptu meeting rooms for an actual studio. Palpable results of their hard work and dedication. Finally, in 2017, they have blessed us with not one, but two EPs: Coming To You Live and Her. Both served with a big side of high-quality visuals that amassed over 85 million views on YouTube. Coming To You Live is an eclectic EP packed with collaborations (Dean, Jay Park, Crush, Loco etc…). While Her (who reached n°8 in the Billboard World albums chart) is more of an ode to love and relationship in the new age. In this EP, Live gives us an insight into his mind and his heart. Reminding us of a Canadian rapper (hello Drake) known for his sensitivity and that Live happens to admire.
One of DPR latest release, Playlist ( June 2018), demonstrates their versatility. On a Pop Latino infused beat, never heard from them before, Live raps in English and Korean to a girl he just met. The song is as colourful and rhythmic as the video made by the in-house director, Christian. They like to surprise their fans by being unpredictable. The key to their success seems to live in their symbiosis and the unapologetic realness that they share with their fans. Unfiltered and unaccountable, they enjoy total freedom in the expression of their art. An uncommon situation in an industry where entertainment agencies, who managed every aspect of their talents’ lives, are kings. You begin to understand, DPR is a super-talented crew, who seems to be able to achieve whatever they put their minds to. However, they do not only aim at sharing hits and beautiful visuals; they are also here to inspire. Ultimately, they do not care about ratings and charts. They care more about having a positive impact on people and doing what they love. DPR was created on the motto that everything happens for a reason. Their essence is in the name: Dream. Make sure to chase them. Da-bin even chose Live as his stage name to remind himself (and others) to “Live life” in the present. As he said during the world tour: “We all think that we’re going to live forever but we’re not. It’s sad when you think about it but I remind myself to live every day. Do what you want.” True words of wisdom to tackle the new year. With CTYL tour coming to an end, we can’t wait to see what the gang has in store for 2019. If you want to be part of the vision, make sure to follow them all on Instagram (@ dpr_official).
WordS by KHATY ILBOUDO PHOTO: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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ARE THEY WORTH
SEEING LIVE ?
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YOU ME AT SIX N
ot even two years after releasing «Night People», You Me At Six came back with a sixth album called «VI» last October. The band had been through a rough patch, musically as well as personally, but eventually reached the point of moving forward. Four months after the release, the boys are back on tour, more energized than ever it seems. Cologne was the second stop and they treated the public as friends. So good to be back, right? You Me At Six kicked off the show with «Fast Forward», the first song off the new album. It was a perfect choice as the song features what the band does best in rock music and blends it with new electronica elements, which are quite recurrent in the new record. The right energy was definitely there as they moved on to the next songs «Lived A Lie», «Reckless» and «Loverboy» (and its legendary guitar solo from Chris Miller who deserved the loud applause from his bandmates and fans). The band moved back and forth within their discography with the majority of the songs coming from their newest album or from the successful «Sinners Never Sleep» released in 2011 as well as «Cavalier Youth» released in 2014. Unfortunately no songs from «Take Off Your Colours» were played but it didn’t come off as a surprise as the band had been on a special TOYC tour in the UK just before for its 10th release anniversary. We put on our dancing shoes for «Back Again», «3AM» and the seductive bass-fused «IOU», witnessed a beautiful proposal on stage (she said yes!) before the band played «Take On The World», and we sang at the top of our lungs during «Bite My Tongue» (which normally features Oliver Sykes from Bring Me The
WORDS AND PHOTO BY LUDIVINE DESUMEUR
Live from Köln, Germany Horizon) while a circle pit was created in the middle of the audience, it’s kind of a tradition. You Me At Six disappeared for a moment and came back for the encore with «Room To Breathe», «No One Does It Better», «Straight To My Head», and the jumpy «Underdog» which closed the show as perfectly as it began. Too bad that the new album «VI» doesn’t do justice to Josh Franceschi’s voice as much as it does on stage, because there’s one thing for sure, this man has a lot to offer. You Me At Six proved that there’s nothing to be afraid of, especially musically as an artist or as a band. Josh, Dan, Chris, Matt and Max stayed true to themselves and to their fans during this ‘fresh’ start with ambition and creativity and it pays off!
RUDIMENTAL O
n this cold night of February, we could have stayed home and eat some crêpes as the Chandeleur celebration of this particular week-end invited us to do so. But we knew the members of Rudimental were in Paris for the last gig of their European tour and one thing was sure: they would make the temperature rise in the Élysée Montmartre venue! So we pushed back our love for good food and cosy sofa and went to see if the drum’n’bass formation was worth the travel. Spoiler: we didn’t regret it for a second! With Rudimental, there is no such thing as warming up. As soon as Piers Aggett, Amir Amor, Kesi Dryden, DJ Locksmith, their musicians and chorus singers hit the stage, the energy is at its highest and the flashing lights bursts. The band starts its set with «New Day» taken from their sophomore album «We The Generation». With the gimmick repeating «There’s a new day coming», the whole mantra of the band is somehow announced : a new era of love and respect is approaching and we’re here to preach it! For the whole night, they’ll find a great balance between the tracklists of their three albums: «Home» (2013), «We The Generation» (2015) and the latest «Toast to Our Differences» (2019). They carry on with «Right Here» (originally performed with Foxes) and «Not Giving In» (feat John Newman et Alex Clare). It doesn’t matter how old is their material, it always broadcasts that same unalterable positivity! A commitment even stronger on songs like «Toast to Our Differences»: «And would I work in a classless world? / Or would I just get high? / Without rich kids, and immigrants / And big dreams of better things, ooh». At least for tonight, Paris is one and the same! Lighter songs like «Summer Love» or «Sun Comes Up» are obviously part of the set. Even if Rita Ora and James Arthur aren’t here to perform their parts, the band choir brilliantly assure the singing round and the crowd
WORDS AND PHOTO BY CORALINE BLAISE
Live from Paris, France warmly responds. What is so enjoyable in seeing Rudimental live is that their performance is truly collective. No hierarchy, no brighter lights put on any particular member. Even if DJ Locksmith is the frontman mainly adressing the public between songs, every member has its time to shine, whether it be a musician or a vocalist. And that stays true even when Anne-Marie gets on stage! The urban sensation indeed toured with Rudimental for years, and as a strong presence on their two latest albums. But despite her major solo success, AnneMarie isn’t highlighted differently than any other artists here on stage and that says a lot about this band’s integrity! She performs her part on the catchy «Let Me Live» and later returns on electronic infused «Rumour Mill». The shadow of others British hit-makers lingers on this set. By performing «Bloodstream» and «Lay It All On Me», it is as if Ed Sheeran were present as well. The studio version of «Bloodstream», taken from Sheeran’s second album «X», was originally written along Rudimental but was also remastered by the collective in a heavier version. A nice, darker contrast in an overall solar discography. Rudimental also gives a wink to Rory Charles Graham - aka Rag’N’Bone Man - by covering «Human». With «Walk Alone», «Scared Of Love» or «They Don’t Care About Us», Rudimental continues to propose strong and unapologetic anthems, on dense and irresistible melodies. Keys, guitars, drums and horns mingles, having everyone jumping around both on and off stage! Singer Bridgette Amofah gives one last powerful round of vocals on «Sweet Love» before the encore. The bangers «These Days» and «Waiting All Night» achieves that wild set. We would really haved stay here and dance our days and nights away for the rest of time, but every good thing must come to an end. Thanks a lot Rudimental!
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JACOB COLLIER Europe: from February 4th (Munich, Germany) to February 22nd (London, UK) + North America: from March 1st (Boston, MA) to June 27th (Seattle, WA)
DODIE HUMAN TOUR Europe: from February 10th (Antwerp, Belgium) to March 24th (London, UK) + North America: from September 5th (Washington, DC) to October 11th (Hollywood, CA)
ALEC BENJAMIN
Europe: from February 3rd (Copenhagen, Denmark) to February 13th (London, UK) + North America : from March 29th (San Francisco, CA) to May 25th (Honolulu, HI)
LOUIS THE CHILD DEAR SENSE TOUR
WHAT’S NEXT? THE SHOWS NOT TO MISS
Europe: from February 6th (Barcelona, Spain) to February 16th (Brussels, Belgium) + North America: from March 22nd (New Orleans, LA) to July 11th (Morrison, CO)
HALF ALIVE
Europe: from February 18th (Berlin, Germany) to February 21st (London, UK)
JACK & JACK
GAVIN JAMES
Europe: from February 3rd (Barcelona, Spain) to February 23rd (Amsterdam, Netherlands) + North America: from February 26th (West Hollywood, CA) to March 7th (Washington, DC) + Australia: from March 21st (Fortitude Valley) to March 24th (Perth) + Europe: from April 10th (Limerick, Ireland) to April 20th (Belfast, UK)
MAGGIE ROGERS
Europe: from February 14th (Dublin, Ireland) to March 8th (Stockholm, Sweden) + North America : from March 20th (Toronto, ON) to May 5th (Atlanta, GA) + Australia/ New Zealand : from May 21st (Perth) to June 1st (Auckland)
ASGEIR
Europe: from February 13th (Stockholm, Sweden) to March 2nd (Istanbul, Turkey) + North America: from March 11st (Brooklyn, NY) to March 23rd (San Francisco, CA)
RY X UNFURL TOUR Europe: from February 20th (Glasgow, UK) to March 19th (Warsaw, Poland) + North America: from March 23rd (Brooklyn, NY) to April 3rd (Seattle, WA) + South America: April 6th (Mexico City)
Europe: from February 21st (Amsterdam, Netherlands) to March 11st (Dublin, Ireland) + North America: from April 2nd (Englewood, CO) to May 5th (Omaha, NE)
GUS DAPPERTON
HAYLEY KIYOKO
BILLIE EILISH
Europe: from February 6th (Lyon, France) to April 3rd (Helsinki, Finland)
MATT CORBY
RAINBOW VALLEY TOUR He is the folk magician that lulls us as much as he tears our hearts in two since his EP «Into The Flame» in 2011. His sophomore album «Rainbow Valley» is out and its live rendition is absolutely not to miss!
Europe: from February 3rd (Oslo, Norway) to February 15th (Amsterdam, Netherlands) + Australia: from March 21st (Rockhampton, QLD) to April 27th (Perth, WA)
Europe: from February 3rd (Birmingham, UK) to March 3rd (Madrid, Spain)
Europe: from February 11th (Berlin, Germany) to March 9th (Barcelona, Spain)
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WHAT’S UP
IN FRANCE ? Bilal Hassani, A « king » made of confidence
© dr
Karin Clercq, The comeback of a poet
He’s only 19 and he’s taking the country by storm. With his androgynous looks, colorful wig and his outspokenness, Bilal Hassani is slowly but surely making his way into stardom, seducing a whole new generation of fans with his soulful voice and positive outlook on life. Originally, the young boy made sensation among a dozen of contestants on the show «The Voice Kids» with his fierce and incredible confidence for such a young age. Working his way to the top, his talent is now recognized by some of the greatest artists of all time such as Janet Jackson herself. Lately, Bilal released «Roi» a song built on the hateful messages he received following his coming out. Written with Madame Monsieur, who represented France at the previous Eurovision contest, the song works like a self-portrait, putting upfront his courage and need to never back down : «I am the same since childhood, despite the looks, opinion, I cry, I go out and laugh (…). I don’t fit in and it bothers a lot».
At time pop, at times rock, Karin Clercq is exactly what the French-speaking music needed. Through her strong texts and lyrics, the lady gives a voice to the women, celebrating everything that revolves around this soft subject: Feminism, sexuality, intimacy… With her eclectic universe, the Belgian singer manages to surprise us by showcasing different vibes and inspiration such as Alfred Musset on “On ne badine pas avec l’amour” or the tragic life and destiny of “Antigone”. Obviously, she also pays homage to one of the greatest French artists, Alain Bashung, by reinventing and rearranging one of his classic, “Madame Rêve”. Nine years after her third album “La vie buissonnière”, she’s finally ready to put out some new content and share her thoughts and creativity with us. In 2015, a secret session (where a bunch of artists have two hours to create a song from lyrics to music) motivates her to create again and go back to the studio to give birth to a new track “J’avance” who then evolved to become a song about the migration crisis. “La boite de Pandore” was released on November 16th. Don’t waste any more time and go check it out!
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Carrying a strong message, this might be the song that helps France win the next edition of the European song contest - taking place in Tel-Aviv (Israel) this year, following the footstep of Amir who earned the 6th place in 2016.
THE THOUSAND TALENTS OF CLAIRE LAFFUT
Another jewel to add to the Belgian crown! Even if she’s pretty new on the music scene, you’d be surprised to know how many things Claire Laffut has already achieved in a 24 years time. From a very young age, she got interested in theatre, dance, piano and drawing, taking classes for it all. At 10, she started modelling alongside her brother, but really got spotted at around 16 to take her career to a professional level. An industry she didn’t exactly fit in -she confesses it herself- but that allowed her to travel and make precious contacts. At 19, Claire also created her own brand of ephemeral tattoos (Laclaire), which seduced a bunch of major fashion brands around the world. An early success she eventually chose to put a stop to, only to focus onto her two real passions : music and painting. She made her musical debut in March 2017 by releasing «Vérité». A charming piece of retro-pop produced alongside the multiinstrumentist Tristan Salvani, and released under the Gum label (home for The Shoes or Woodkid). But do not sum Claire Laffut up to that apparent soft side... Her work holds a whole lot of nuances and references. In her debut EP «Mojo», you’ll find three other tracks as three other shades of her personality. : «every song has its colors and atmosphere», she says. «Mojo» is a catchy and empowering anthem tinged with warm accents of African music. «Gare du Nord» leans more into jazz territories - the lyrics refering to her sister’s troubled teenage years - while «La Fessée» is a groovy and reggae infused tune where Claire has a go with English language. What pleases Claire so much in music is that « it encompasses everything [she has] already experimented. [She] can act in [her] own music videos, draw [her] own visuals...» and also paint a new ‘Miró-esque’ fresco for each of her track! You can enjoy her bright and bold pieces of work on Instagram : @studioclairelaffut. We really hope nothing will ever stop that fertile and inspiring creativity!
If you love peculiar artists, you’re in for a treat! Coming all the way from Belgium, Juicy is a strange hip-hop duo, made of Sasha Vovk et Julie Rens, ready to live life at its fullest. Earlier last year, the pair shook the music industry by posting various cover of timeless hit on the internet. From a French classic, “La Boulette” to some early 2000’s RnB track like “No Scrub” and “Bills Bills Bills”, Sasha and Julie paved their way to success with a good amount of talent and creativity, as well as some fun. Their first EP, “Cast A Spell” showcases 5 songs, each [one] crazier than the other. At times subtle, at times frank and mature, Juicy is merciless! It’s a whole experience listening to the EP, traveling from various universes and inspirations. Colorful, crazy, inspired and incredibly daring, the two girls are definitely leaving their mark on the music industry!
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© Sarah Schlumberger
Juicy, It takes two!
WORDS by LÉNAELLE FONTAINE AND CORALINE BLAISE
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OTM TEAM founder, editorial director I spend most of my time apologizing to my favorite streaming platform for ripping off their «add to playlist» button. When i’m not looking for new artists to talk to you about I drown myself in a sea containing a mix of old R&B and punk-rock sound. Sometimes I go to concert venues more often than I go to bed and I listen to music even when I sleep. I’ll be probably deaf in 40 years but knowing you’ll discover new artists through this mag makes everything worthwhile.
PAM
CORALINE
graphic designer, co-editorial director Writing about architecture and urban planning by day, writing about music by night. Getting the best of both worlds. I am in love with matter, melodies and words. Drunk with british indie-rock and pop-folk. I guess my wildest dream would be designing and building a gig venue, for which I would decide the opening line-up. In the meantime, I am the curly girl with too much hair, front row. If not at a gig , I’m probably spending the night building this magazine for you.
LéNAELLE
LUDIVINE
COLINE
déborah
HALEY
Khaty
writer If it were possible, I would probably live in a concert venue! Gigs are, without any hesitation, the events I appreciate the most. Addicted to pop music, tattoos, Youtube, The Greatest Showman original soundtrack, TV shows and Disney movies, I always love to discover new artists and talk about them with my friends. Professionally speaking , my biggest dream would be to have a fashion or music-related job. I guess I just need art to be part of my life!
writer A few words about me? In the future I would love to work as a community manager or a web journalist but for now I am just an ordinary student who has always loved writing and wouldn’t consider living without music. I am quite shy in my everyday life but surprisingly become the most sociable person when attending concerts, which I could do every single day. Other than that, I love travelling, making videos, tattoos, cheesecake and think that a whole crowd singing is the most beautiful thing in the world!
writer Meet the youngest of the crew ! A spiring music journalist and communication student, I spend most of my free time surrounded by books and hot chocolate. Basically obsessed with british pop music and indie artists, if you’re looking for me you’ll probably find me singing my heart out at a concert. if i could turn back time, i’d definitely pop to the Panic! At The Disco show in Chicago in 2008.
writer An aspiring entertainment reporter, I am constantly caught between covering the world of pop culture and reading about it. After graduating from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, I moved to Los Angeles to embed myself in the heart of the entertainment industry. If I’m not watching a movie, at a concert or reading the latest celebrity news article, I probably am at the beach.
writer Who am I, in a nutshell? I am a daydreamer, a traveler at heart, a concert addict and I see beauty in everything. Music is my escape route and my best friend. People say that have an eclectic taste in music which is true although you’ll see me mostly at rock shows. Fun fact: I actually own a guitar since I was 4 and I still don’t know how to play. I am also the girl that’s like «Hey you gotta listen to this!» and 2 hours later we’re still on YouTube... Oops!
writer I listen to music from morning till dawn. Literally. Working in a speaker store has its perks. My playlist consists mainly of Soul, R&B and Hip-Hop (Western and Eastern: I don’t discriminate)! When I am not immersed in music, I am probably reading or watching some baking videos, because let’s be honest food is life!
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ON THE MOVE SPREADING TALENTS AROUND SINCE 2012 @OTMfr
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