interview

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

Sierra Hull interview
By Brian D’Ambrosio On Friday nights in Pickett County, Tennessee—the smallest county in the state, tucked up against the Kentucky border—you could find a young Sierra Hull squeezed into a crowded community center, mandolin in hand. The room smelled of hamburgers and hot dogs from the concession stand, and local bands played while neighbors filled the folding chairs. Hull, barely tall enough to see over the microphone stand, was already a fixture on stage.
By Brian D'Ambrosio 5 months ago in Beat
From Rap to Pop: MoneyMadeJay Shares His Next Steps in His Career
In an era where music constantly evolves and genres blend in unexpected ways, emerging artist MoneyMadeJay offers a candid perspective on his creative vision and the changing landscape of the industry. Known for his introspective lyrics and genre-crossing ambitions, MoneyMadeJay shares his thoughts on why listeners should engage deeply with his music, as well as his plans to explore new directions beyond rap. “When it comes to my music, I believe that people should listen to my music because I feel as if they truly listen to what I’m saying, they could possibly relate to most of the music,” he shares. This statement reflects MoneyMadeJay’s focus on connection and relatability, emphasizing that the core of his work is about resonating with listeners on a personal level rather than simply chasing trends or commercial success. For MoneyMadeJay, music is not just entertainment—it is a form of expression and a bridge to understanding experiences that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat
A Look at V2Tuff's Approach to Creativity and Career Independence
V2Tuff is an emerging artist in the music industry known for his versatility, creative approach, and commitment to independence. His work spans multiple genres, and he emphasizes the importance of authenticity and emotional connection in his music. V2Tuff measures success in a distinctive way. He states, “I measure success by being able to move people through music, no matter the numbers.” This statement illustrates that he values the emotional impact of his work over conventional metrics such as chart rankings, streaming statistics, or sales figures. For V2Tuff, even reaching a single listener in a meaningful way is a marker of achievement. V2Tuff highlights his focus on artistry, influence, and connection rather than the conventional markers of commercial success. His philosophy reflects a growing sentiment among independent musicians who prioritize creative fulfillment and audience engagement over mainstream recognition.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat
Why 3Quency Is the Next Big Name in Music
By Sandy Lo This summer, Netflix introduced viewers to a wave of musical hopefuls on Building The Band, hosted by Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. The twist? Their bandmates were chosen Love Is Blind-style, in private booths where the only things to go on were vocal talent and vibe-check conversations.
By All’s Fair in Love & Writing5 months ago in Beat
Tim O'Brien
By Brian D’Ambrosio Tim O’Brien intended for Paper Flowers to be a lighthearted record, a pleasant distraction from worldly strife, following a period of more serious songwriting. Onstage, he playfully embraces the material's cheerful tone.
By Brian D'Ambrosio 5 months ago in Beat
Brian D'Ambrosio interview
Driven To Keep Creating: A Life of William “Bear” Rinehart By Brian D'Ambrosio Son of a preacher, William Rinehart grew up in Seneca, South Carolina, at the high foothills of the Appalachians. His mother taught piano lessons. His father played the trumpet. Music was a mixture of gospel, rural hillbilly, bluegrass, and rock and roll, all slammed together. At age 13, his job on the weekends was to vacuum the old ugly carpet at the church and he liked it when the congregation left their instruments strewn about. In between spells of cleaning, he would pick up a guitar and study the sheet notes.
By Brian D'Ambrosio 5 months ago in Beat
Blizz: The Emerging Music Artist, Sharing His Vision of Authenticity Over Fame
When discussing his career and vision as an emerging artist, Blizz makes it clear that his definition of success is different from what many might expect. Instead of focusing on numbers or accolades, he frames his journey around passion and support. “When it comes to measuring my success beyond just the numbers or charts,” he states, “I believe that if I enjoy what I’m doing in music, and the people that matter to me the most support me, then I am winning.” This belief shows a perspective that is grounded and self-aware. For Blizz, the creative process itself is the true measure of accomplishment. While many artists get caught up in competition, he looks inward, focusing on the enjoyment he feels and the encouragement he receives from those who stand by him. To him, being fulfilled while doing what he loves outweighs chasing recognition. Blizz acknowledges that in today’s industry, success is often tied to streams, followers, and chart positions. However, he views these as temporary markers rather than ultimate goals. His approach protects him from unnecessary pressure and allows him to stay connected to why he began making music in the first place. Music, in his eyes, should never lose its sense of purpose.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat
Xoë Miles on “I Said It,” Her Musical Journey, and What’s Next
By Sandy Lo Nashville-based singer/songwriter Xoë Miles is the very definition of a one-woman powerhouse. She often writes, records her background vocals, and even mixes and masters her songs. On her latest release, the vibey and emotive single “I Said It”, Xoë collaborated with fellow Nashville talent Olivia Gunn to write the track, while Joseph DePrizio served as engineer. The song blends smooth production with lyrical vulnerability, showcasing Xoë’s knack for crafting music that’s as authentic as it is sonically rich.
By All’s Fair in Love & Writing5 months ago in Beat
17-Year-Old Rapper Babychiefdoit Says ChatGPT Writes His Lyrics – And He’s NOT Ashamed (Should He Be?) by NWO Sparrow
The rap game has never been about playing fair. It's about who works the smartest, not the hardest. Back in 2007, Soulja Boy didn't wait for the industry to notice him. He took his music straight to LimeWire, flooded the internet with his songs, and tricked the world into thinking he was bigger than he was. That hustle turned "Crank That" into a global hit and changed the game forever. What made Soulja Boy special wasn't just his music but his understanding of how to manipulate the digital landscape to his advantage. At a time when most artists were still relying on traditional promotion, he saw the power of peer-to-peer sharing and made it work for him.
By NWO SPARROW5 months ago in Beat
Part 2 Mariann Carroll's Interview with Rick Henry Christopher
This interview is my second interview with Rick Henry Christopher. Since then, many changes have occurred. He has two Vocal achievements, over 40 Top Stories, and has written over 330 stories.
By Mariann Carroll5 months ago in Beat
Trey Havens: The Musician Finding His Voice in a Social Media-Driven Industry. Content Warning.
The path to success is no longer straightforward in today’s rapidly shifting music industry. For many emerging artists, the challenge is not only crafting great music but also finding a way to connect authentically with listeners in a landscape saturated by social media and ever-changing trends. Trey Havens is one such artist navigating these complexities with a clear vision and candid insight. As an independent musician still early in his career, Trey Havens offers a unique perspective on what it means to grow, relate, and succeed in today’s environment—one that is shaped by more than just talent alone. Trey Havens feels deeply connected to his listeners because they witness his artistic development in real time. “I feel like people who listen to my music care because I’m still in the phase where I’m still getting better and still developing, and they can see growth from my first few songs to now,” he shares. This honesty about his ongoing journey is a critical part of his appeal. Rather than presenting a finished product, Trey Havens invites his audience to experience the evolution of his craft alongside him. This openness helps create a loyal fanbase that values growth and authenticity over instant perfection. Being an artist without mainstream fame gives him a vantage point that differs significantly from those in the spotlight. “I think being such a small artist and not being famous gives me a different perspective on life than most artists people listen to,” he explains. This grounded viewpoint allows him to relate to listeners on a more personal level. “I think I’m more relatable than the big names because my lifestyle is closer to theirs than someone who is rich and famous.” By sharing this reality, Trey Havens bridges the gap between artist and audience, making his music resonate more genuinely.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat
Meet GMFKV: Building Music That Lasts Beyond the Trends
In an era where the music industry moves at lightning speed, artists often face a choice: follow the wave of fleeting trends or stand firmly in their own artistic truth. For GMFKV, the decision has always been clear. His music isn’t built for quick, viral moments—it’s built to connect, to resonate, and to stay with people long after the song ends. When it comes to GMFKV’s music, he believes that it’s not so much about whether people should care about it, but more about who feels it in their time of need or plays it because of what they’re going through. His music is relatable to a lot of people’s lives and the way they are living and feeling. This focus on emotional connection is what drives his songwriting and performance, ensuring that every lyric comes from a place of honesty.
By Cloutfly5 months ago in Beat