Rap Villain has been gearing up for their November takeover, and what a better way to start it than with Heem Da Dream’s “Lobby Language”. Kicking off RV’s release schedule and also the rollout for his upcoming tape Cosmic Hotel, Heem didn’t disappoint. With a combination of trap and R&B (Trap&B as I like to call it), “Lobby Language” is a song for all occasions. Heem starts the song with the smooth flow most of his fans are accustomed to, but the second verse- where Heem drops the hottest bars with the most perfect delivery- is where Heem shows he is not to be played with. The track boasts of production from Nero Knight. With a track this amazing, we can’t wait for what Heem and Rap Villain have in store for us.
For the past 6 months, I have been working as a music writer at EARMILK as well as running my own blogs. Prior to this, I had little knowledge on how music media actually worked, and my newfound experience in writing has been truly eye-opening. Long before I worked as a writer, I was an artist crafting my own songs, trying to reach out to blogs and magazines hoping to gain exposure. Little did I know, there were a lot of things that could have helped me early on as an artist trying to reach out to writers, so I’ve decided to share some of the knowledge I’ve gained from an insider perspective to hopefully provide some guidance.
When pitching, emphasize what makes you unique
When pitching to writers, try to keep their perspective in mind. Many music writers receive dozens of pitches a day if not more, so they naturally see a lot of repetition. It is important to think outside the box when pitching, as to grab their attention and excite them about an artist’s work. Brainstorm creative ways to express your mission and persona as an artist, as to stick in the writer’s mind.
Don’t be too dry, try to emotionally connect
Try to connect on an emotional level if possible by making your pitch more personal. When writing about your song, touch on the emotions it is trying to convey, and try to emphasize the elements of it that are relatable on a human level. This helps you stand out from the heaps of dry, statistical pitches a writer receives. Overall, if the pitch can emotionally express the artist’s viewpoint clearly, this can make all the difference.
Tell a story
If you can tell a story about your song or album that is interesting and unique, this can help your pitch immensely. Try to think of a story that stands out from the typical narrative the music industry is trying to sell these days. I recommend trying to dig into your life in order to present something emotionally authentic. It does not have to be an overly complicated story, in fact simplicity can often work to your advantage. However, authenticity remains the key factor here.
Avoid relying (too heavily) on streaming statistics
If a pitch is centred primarily around statistical analysis, I am personally much less likely to accept it. That is not to say that you should never include statistics when pitching to writers, but simply that I don’t think that one should lean too heavily on them. I feel that this method has become over-saturated and I find myself glossing over pitches of this nature. I would prefer to write on an artist with no numbers and an intriguing, compelling story, than vice versa.
Overall, there is no “best way” to pitch to music writers, and it is not a black-and-white process. There are many ways that one can approach pitching in their own unique way that can be highly effective. I simply feel that these general guidelines can help an artist’s pitch stand out from the piles of them that a writer receives. As a baseline, I think it is important to be yourself, put effort into thinking outside the box, and to be personal as to connect emotionally.
In today’s independent music market, getting more listeners to click on a track is not easy. With the immense amount of music out there, over-saturation can create many challenges for artists. People these days are used to being bombarded with “new music out” and “link in bio” posts, making it difficult to draw attention to your work, no matter how good it is. It may seem at times that promoting music is like taking shots in the dark, hoping something hits the mark. However, there are certain tactics that can help a song reach more ears, and here are some of them:
1. Consistently share content that tells a story about the song.
Can you create a story behind your release that’s unique to you? If so, this can really help get your release wider attention. An authentic, emotive story behind a release can help differentiate it and connect with an audience. Consistently uploading visual content that tells the story is the key here. People are more likely to pay attention to visuals first, if they tell an engaging story that is emotionally potent.
2. Research blogs and playlists and make lists.
Put some time into research blogs and playlists that feature music that is similar to yours. Try to find their emails or other contact info on their website or “about” section of their playlist, and then, create a table that includes their contact information. Reach out to them with a well constructed pitch that highlights what makes you compelling and unique (view our previous post on pitching music for more info on this).
3. Create remixes
It can be helpful to create remixes to direct ears back to your track. Bringing in guest artists on the remix can expand your reach greatly, and create good networking opportunities. Moreover, the remixes can be adapted to suit different formats, such as crossing into other genres or other cross marketing, which can help spread your track to people that otherwise wouldn’t hear it.
4. Reach out to influencers, start-ups, and other content creators
Reach out to influencers, start-ups, and other content creators and try to add value to their work by offering your music to be used in content. Getting a song placed in an influencer’s video on TikTok or otherwise, or in an ad or promotional video, can help your track gain fast momentum. This can especially help if their audience is similar, or if the creator has similar values or interests to you.
Overall, there are a variety of methods that can help an artist achieve their first 10, 000 plays. As difficult as it is for a track to gain wider traction in today’s world of short attention spans and widespread self promotion, it is possible with dedication and planning. Telling a story around your release and connecting with other artists and creators is key, and it is always important to think outside the box while remaining authentic.
Cleveland artist Lil Hudak has joined forces with Lil Shock for a new single called “Everyday”. This upbeat new song, produced by 1Mallows, combines bright guitars with bouncy drums to convey a sense of hope.
1Mallows’ instrumental for “Everyday” sparkles with energy, as fast-paced guitars ring out over head-nodding percussion. Beneath, rich bass lays a solid groove that makes room for Lil Hudak and Lil Shock to provide their catchy, smooth vocals. They come through with some engaging verses that keep one on their toes, giving this release extra vitality. Overall, this track has a lot of replay value, providing a vigorous, vibrant listen.
Hopefully more is soon to come from Lil Hudak and Lil Shock, two up-and-coming artists to watch. Be sure to connect with them and stream more of their music.
Daniel Javan & Rivio have shared a new song called “Young Again”. The artists, hailing from Sweden and India respectively, have both been consistently releasing catchy, engaging tunes, and this new single is no exception.
“Young Again” is an optimistic, hopeful track, consisting primarily of upbeat guitars and bouncy percussion. Tied together by textured, rich bass, this song contains a head-nodding groove that keeps the listener hooked throughout. Moreover, the vocals on “Young Again” are clean, smooth, and engaging, giving this offering much replay value.
Overall, “Young Again” is an enjoyable joint from two young up-and-coming artists. Hopefully more is soon to come from them, as they continue their streak of quality releases with “Young Again”, further proving their deft skills as songwriters.
Aux Sauce & Garr have shared a brand new single called “Cut-throat”. This upbeat, bouncy song brings warm, nostalgic vibes to the table, making for an engaging, immersive listen.
The instrumental for “Cut-throat” sparkles brightly, composed primarily of drifting guitars. Beneath, head-nodding percussion and rich bass lock in a catchy rhythm that gives this new single much replay value. Moreover, the vocals on “Cut-throat” are evocative and immersive, providing neatly crafted melodies that stick in the listener’s head for days.
Overall, “Cut-throat” is an interesting, exciting offering from these up-and-comers. Hopefully more is soon to come from them, as they show potential on this retrospective, colorful new release.
Italy’s Addict. and Rewind have shared a brand new single called “Have you ever been in love?” On this track, the duo provide bright, reminiscent vibes and a relatable message.
The instrumental for “Have you ever been in love?” is warm and nostalgic, centred around mellow ukuleles that are underscored by rich bass and bouncy percussion. Over top of the beat, the artists provide some wistful, atmospheric vocals full of spacey reverb. This track is vibrant and textured, carrying an uplifting mood with it.
Overall, their songwriting is catchy and this track has a lot of replay value. “Have you ever been in love?” continues the duo’s streak of emotive, relatable tracks, as they provide immaculate vibes on their latest release.
Up-and-coming 19-year-old artist PRAX, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, offers potent music that keeps the listener on their toes. His powerful, eclectic sound is exciting and captivating, as he fuses disparate genres into a blend that is refreshingly catchy. He has had a truly interesting journey in music, beginning as a busker and developing his style over a number of years, eventually connecting with a wide number of fans and achieving millions of streams online. It is his willingness to be emotive and vulnerable that helps him stand out from the rest, as he connects with people on a deeper level through his art.
PRAX’s latest offering “INSANE” is an invigorating blend of alt-pop, emo, and rock, utilizing noisy, dark elements to convey a foreboding mood. Distorted guitars make up the heart of its instrumental, as they ring out in exciting stabs over top of heavy percussion. Accompanied by bristling lead synths and rugged synth bass, this instrumental is immense and imposing while still remaining catchy. Moreover, PRAX comes through with some intoxicating vocals over top, giving a heartfelt performance that matches the beat’s nocturnal flair. He demonstrates his refreshing, expressive style here, adding a lot of personality to the beat and making this track even more fiery.
“INSANE” is an intense ride through the mind of the artist. On this track, PRAX shares his perspective with us in a candid manner, delving into his psyche and facing his shadow side. He tackles his demons head on, exploring difficult emotional territory. An artist unafraid of tapping into such topics as this, PRAX’s honestly makes him relatable, and makes the track more engaging and giving it much replay value.
PRAX has also released a new music video for “INSANE”, conveying the song’s dark, intense sound. The visual’s minimalism is effective in capturing the emotional honesty of the song. Moreover, it is also suitably personal, allowing us to connect with him on an intimate level. Check out the music video for “INSANE” here:
Overall, it is evident PRAX is an exciting rising artist to keep an eye on, as he has remained consistent in delivering potent, emotive songs. “INSANE” is another offering from him that has us hooked. If you want to stream more music from PRAX, go here:
Vancouver’s JML has come forth with a poignant new offering, showcasing his sharp skills as a songwriter. “CAMERAS” is the latest release from the prolific musician, who has risen in recent years through a series of strong singles, including the evocative “Chosen”. For his latest single “CAMERAS” , his expressive, refreshing style shines as he delivers easy-going, memorable verses and a catchy hook. Moreover, he comes through with an authentic, important message, discussing the ramifications of vanity in today’s materialistic society.
In Vancouver’s developing music scene, JML is an artist that provides a breath of fresh air with his honest style of songwriting. He weaves personal, potent narratives over top of cloudy, elegant production, giving his music an ethereal tone. Pairing his dream-like sound with real-to-life topics, the artist combines grounded sensibility with surrealism in a revitalizing manner.
This is especially evident on “CAMERAS”, a song that captures his multi-layered style with its combination of tranquil instrumentation and candid social commentary. Over mellow, glowing keys, JML meditates on the shallowness of today’s society and its pre-occupation with the superficial. Beneath, bouncy percussion and warm bass lock in a head-nodding rhythm, providing a solid foundation for his smooth vocals. As the song progresses, layers of synths are added, ultimately climaxing in a memorable, dynamic chorus. The production on “CAMERAS” as a whole is smooth, catchy, and immersive, giving the song much replay value.
All in all, the honesty with which JML approaches “CAMERAS” is commendable, and he executes his performance well, making for a compelling offering both vocally and instrumentally. The rising artist is certainly one to keep an eye out for in Vancouver and beyond, as his sound is mesmerizing and his subject material is thought provoking. It is evident that he wishes to tell an important, invigorating message with his music. Hopefully more is soon to come from him, as we are certainly hooked in by the elegant, hypnotic sound of “CAMERAS” as well as its truthful subject material.
Heem Da Dream is a rapper from Newark, New Jersey, and is one of the founders of the hip hop collective, Rap Villain. He is currently gearing up to release his debut mixtape titled Cosmic Hotel and dropped the single “Dark Side” earlier this year. We discussed his inspirations, creative process and his upcoming mixtape Cosmic Hotel.
Dami: What was your first introduction to hip hop?
Heem: My first introduction to hip hop was DMX. My mum had me listening to him from an early age.
Dami: What inspired you to start rapping?
Heem: First time I ever tried to rap was because of my 2 older cousins that used to make music but I was like 10 years old so I didn’t take it serious. When I got into high school, I was writing poetry and Rocket found out because we were both in the open mic club at our school. He convinced me to start rapping and it didn’t take a lot since he’s my brother.
Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?
Heem: My biggest inspirations are my team Rap Villain. Alley Rocket, Nick Straight, Bobcat, Tac0o, and Thrizzy all inspire me to create music in different ways and their skills always drive me to push my pen. Outside of my team, my other inspirations are Jay Z, Kanye West, Drake, Andre 3000, 50 Cent and Lil Wayne.
Dami: What’s up with Cosmic Hotel?
Heem: Oh you’re going for the kill now. Cosmic Hotel is in the final stages of mixing and mastering. When that’s done, the rollout for the tape begins. I have a lot of visual content stacked up with the top shooter himself- Shialaboofpack – that I’m excited to drop for the people that support my music.
Dami: What should we expect from it?
Heem: You can expect a new sound from Cosmic Hotel that shows my growth while becoming more comfortable with my artistry and using my voice in more versatile ways as well.
Dami: What’s your creative process like?
Heem: My creative process usually goes 2 ways: When I’m by myself, I like to write at night in my room while I’m smoking with some anime on the TV in the background because that’s my type of vibe. The other way my creative process can go is when I’m with someone from my team (most of the time, its Rocket), we go through beats we get sent from Dren or engineers we work with and we play around with them spitting whatever comes off the top until we find a flow or melody that really sticks with us and we go from there.
Dami: How would you describe your style of music?
Heem: This is still a hard one for me to answer. I would consider my style as vibe music because I have songs that put people in different types of moods ranging from sadness or heartbreak to ‘I never cared about love’ to hype music that you would bump with your homies on a ride. That’s the best way I could put it into words right now if you feel what I’m saying.
Dami: Any dream collabs?
Heem: Some dream collabs I have to make happen one day are Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Kanye West, Drake, Tyler the Creator, and Jay Z. When it comes to the artistry of crafting music, they’re all on a different level.
Dami: What’s next for Heem Da Dream after Cosmic Hotel?
Heem: After Cosmic Hotel, I have a lot of music stacked up that I’ve been recording with Rap Villain’s engineer, Shaun. It’s just a matter of getting with my team when the time comes to decide what would be the best songs to drop and release visuals for.
Dami: What’s your biggest challenge as an artist?
Heem: I would say the biggest struggle is getting support where you’re from. In my experience so far with being an artist, it takes time to get people who know you or come from the same place as you to support you.
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 