Hailing from the great city of Philadelphia, Teyquil is an emerging artist, writer and musician extraordinaire who has just released his newest track, “Flashy”. From the moment the first notes drop, the vibe and feel bring you right back to the synth covered 80s era of pop music that, so profoundly impacted not only forthcoming musicians, but the world as a whole.

His ability to layer tracks on top of one another, in a way that enhances individual instruments rather than hide them, is a fantastic feat. And though this is very much an instrumentally driven track, the moments that his soulful voice does shine through, bring the entire piece together in a dreamy, ethereal manner.

They beckon with both angst and love, and sit in a way that is a perfect compliment to the song as whole. Speaking with Teyquil, he had this to say about his direction in creating the track: The inspiration for Flashy a lot to do with my love for the 80’s pop/new wave and dance era. Music that’s played loud in a secluded club where all the misfits hangout. That repetitive sequence in the music that keeps you moving and takes you somewhere else other than where you are in real time. I’m inspired by artists of that era. Artists like, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Thompson Twins, Devo, Kraftwerk, just to name a few.

“I’m also inspired by newer artists who produce that 80’s sound…Robyn, The Midnight, Sasha Sloan, FM 84, Tove Lo, The Night Game, Moon Child, etc.”, Teyquil mentions.

Teyquil looks forward to continuing to explore many different avenues of creative expression for many years to come. Follow him on his website and social media channels for updates on his latest projects.

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‘Digital Bonfire Remixed’ Album Artwork

Written by Teyquil Skelton

It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon, and the weather was not the greatest in the slightest bit. However, what was great about that day was getting a chance to speak with Philly’s own lovely music couple, Adam Laub and Bailey Walker of DECOUPLR.

Before getting into the interview, I asked how their day was going, amid the messy weather outside our gloomy windows, in separate locations of Philadelphia. Laub mentioned that he was just working all day as if he isn’t a mastermind audio engineer and producer by night. Walker is the voice of silk sounds and soothing raindrops that co-exists beautifully with the creativity of instrumental bliss that only Laub creates. It shows clearly and in full force in this powerhouse remix album, ‘Digital Bonfire Remixed,’ which is absolutely genius on so many levels.

I asked Laub what his process was from a production standpoint, and he told me that he starts out with samples/drum samples almost like shopping, in a sense.

“I keep trying stuff out until I find what I like and from there, the process begins,” Laub explains.

Once he finds his footing, he gets rid of samples and has carved out a pathway to begin creating something entirely original for the current track he’s working on. Laub works in the “Reason software,” so I guess it’s safe to say that his headquarters for inventing all things digital are now in place and ready to breathe life into the empty structure of the track that lies before him.

Laub comes from a background where he usually just made hip-hop and trip-hop beats that were sample-based, but with this new album, Laub wanted to use as few samples as possible and be more original this time around and use real instruments.

I told the duo that their sound reminds me of the band, Portishead, from the 90s that I miss a lot. I continued my thoughts by expressing that their sound stirs mystery with a deeper meaning and how Walker coincides with what Laub creates musically. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness if you’re into that type of approach.

Walker talked about the juxtaposition that Portishead did well with and that’s combining hip-hop/trip-hop and electronic with Beth Gibbons’ vocals. I must say so myself, it was a magical time.

Walker says that she’s using the work that Portishead possessed as a way of inspiration while working from the digital framework giving soul and warmth to Laub’s production style. I asked Walker if she was the only arranger during the process and if there were anyone else working with them on this project.

photo credit: DECOUPLR

“It’s only us working out the kinks of it, all while sharing in on the process together,” Walker explained.

As I switch back and forth with my questions, my follow-up landed on Laub and his thoughts on how he constructs his process with mixing. He mentions, the way he knows that a track is set and ready for mixing is when there is a stretch of good instrumentation across the frequency spectrum. He says whenever the audio hits your body with all that you’ve required in a track and it feels right, that’s when you know you got something.

Knowing that Walker and Laub are a couple, I was interested in discovering if there was something they were trying to convey through their music.

Laub mentions, “The original album ‘Digital Bonfire’ was written during the time of the pandemic and that the songs were written to let people know that it was okay to reach out if ever you were feeling alone or isolated. The ‘Digital Bonfire Remixed’ album was a follow-up in saying we did reach out and by that, they were speaking of other collaborators they wanted to work with musically but couldn’t because of a pandemic that held the world hostage for two years and still counting.”

I asked the duo then what was next for them. Are there any videos in the works, shows, other interviews, etc? Walker says that there are collaborations and that they’re on the ‘Digital Bonfire Remixed’ album.

As far as shows, the duo said that since it’s not 100% safe yet, gigs aren’t on the radar. However, they are looking to play in smaller venues that are outside in November. They’ve also begun working on their next album, but no timeline on when that will be released.

What is ready, is the ‘Digital Bonfire Remixed’ record that you can now purchase and checkout on all music streams and platforms. DECOUPLR brings the heat on this record and the flames are ablaze with each and every track displayed on this beautiful masterpiece.

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What an amazing time I had speaking with the singer/songwriter and instrumentalist, Ms. Jena Rose. I asked her about her busy schedule, as the young 20-year-old pop singer/songwriter is living the life of a busy bee and always doing something.

Rose is on the move and in no way is she thinking of slowing down anytime soon. She has an upcoming EP being released and she’s collaborating with some real heavy hitters, including Nick Furlong of Panic! At The Disco, and producer extraordinaire John Feldmann (Blink-182, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, Avril Lavigne). Being amongst that kind of caliber of talent in such a short time is a wondrous achievement all around.

“It’s so cool that I get to collaborate as both an artist and a songwriter,” Rose admits. “It was a dream come true working with artists/producers that she admired.”

I was curious as to how her training as an instrumentalist and vocalist prepared her for where she is now and what were some of the processes it took? She mentioned that she has learned so much in her training, from piano improv to vocal techniques and how much they’ve shaped her as an artist.

At age 9, Rose‘s teacher taught her improv on the piano and that same night she went home and wrote her first song on the piano. From there the rest was history. Rose values these teachings and uses them quite often when needed. Especially when she’s headed into the studio or on stage, she does vocal warm-ups to gear her engine for performance in either establishment.

Rose talked a little bit about her busy schedule, as she’s living the life of a busy bee. A successful musician is open to promoting their brand in any way possible. Rose is no exception; she’s constantly active and staying creative daily.

She explained that she loves it all; from creating content on TikTok and Instagram Live, to writing and recording songs in the studio, to filming and promoting her video for her single, “Checkmate.” She’s also taking acting and dance classes.

With over 4 million hits on YouTube for “Checkmate,” 450k Spotify listens and so on, I asked the songstress how this newfound success is sitting with her right now. Rose responded, “I am so grateful for the opportunity and so happy that my fans love and enjoy my music.”

The songstress explained that her main goal is to inspire. If she’s able to convey that to others, it would make her super happy, and she would be grateful for that. 

Aside from the busy schedule and the consistencies of always being on the go, I was curious as to what a day is like of Jena Rose, the person, and not the artist. Rose resides in Marina Del Rey, California. Her days are rarely never without doing something in relation to promoting. Either she’s creating content on social media or actively rehearsing to some degree, but when she does have downtime, she makes it a point to have matcha every day. Besides enjoying a matcha, she enjoys going for walks along the water, and meeting with friends. 

When she’s not singing, Rose works on brand partnerships with MAC, Tommy Hilfiger, etc., just to name a few. Rose explained that her management reached out to people, along with Rose attending New York Fashion Week, in addition to building connections with people in that industry.

To me, music and fashion go hand in hand no matter what you do or say. You can’t have one without the other. They both speak a language that is relatable and similar. I have no doubt that Rose would agree on this with me also.

When we got around to talking about her past tours, I mentioned Noah Sierota and how much of a blast I had speaking with him about life, music, togetherness, unity, and so forth. I inquired about her time spent with Echosmith and some of the shenanigans that happened backstage while on tour with them. Rose mentioned that Echosmith pulled a prank on the crew and that it ended up being so funny which to me, speaks volumes as to how much fun touring can be when you’re amongst good, kind, people who share similar values as you.

Rose has also shared the stage with superstars Aly and AJ whom Rose grew up listening to. Rose gushed about her fangirl frenzy she had on Aly and AJ and how much it continued on tour all the way until the end of it. Can you imagine having the opportunity to tour with artists you admired growing up?! Talk about an awesome dream that is one surely not granted to everyone.

This pandemic has been a thorn in the world’s side for over a year, and now that it has somewhat subsided, Rose and so many other artists can do live shows again. She has a few coming up later this year. Like all things, you must work at something to become good at it, and Rose has worked hard at her craft and continues to do so.

Lastly, I wanted to know if Rose would ever consider attending college and she explained that where she’s from the Texas tradition is to finish high school and go to college and get a degree. But for Rose, that tradition doesn’t apply right now. With all that she has going on musically, it would only cause her to put less than 100% into her career. Though school isn’t for Rose now, she highly encourages others to do so because it is important, and I support that entirely.

The road ahead for Jena Rose is nothing but positive and I see bright lights shining with such a beam in her future. Rose is fierce, bold, beautiful, confident, and talented and with all that she possesses, Rose is undoubtedly going to put the world on notice with her gift that will surely soar as high as any eagle is capable of flying.

Connect with Jena Rose

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The Austin, Texas-based indie-pop duo, Summer Salt, has been keeping busy this spring and summer with their debut album, Sequoia Moon, which was released on June 25.

When I had the opportunity to speak with Matthew Terry and Eugene Chung of Summer Salt about their album, I jumped at the chance. The duo’s latest record is out right now and it is absolutely beautiful from beginning to end.

Now that the record has been released, the pair are busier than ever, so I was honored that they took time out of their hectic day to speak with me. I first asked about the big launch.

“It has been awesome to see something we’ve been working on for so long now out in the world for others to hear, it feels good,” explained Terry and Chung.

The duo’s first single, “Hocus Pocus,” is a track about having the possibility to make amends with a loved one.

“With breakups, it’s hard because there’s so much that’s left unsaid. The peace that was once shared between both people has now been interrupted. No longer do you and that person see eye to eye, and so things change, and the temperature shifts as the relationship draws near,” Terry explained.

Terry continued about how there is a villain in every person’s story, and in this case, he is that villain to someone he once knew and loved. He explained that when there is tension present, it is difficult to show your new self, and how you’ve grown during a time when you’ve been in a relationship. Much of your hard work gets lost along the way as the ‘moving-on’ process begins.

The track, “Hocus Pocus,” was created to speak that very thing and how missed opportunities to say what you need to say can end up becoming silenced, as the words you want to convey get left behind, never to be heard of at all.

“It hurts not being able to speak on your behalf,” Chung began. “and closing the book on terms you can live with.” He also added that “looking past the separation allows one to see the turning of a new leaf.”

Summer Salt‘s musical journey began in 2014 when the duo released a track titled “Driving To Hawaii” and during those times the boys were a bit radical to a degree. But the experience has helped them realize their capabilities, Chung answered, and not only realize them but also at a level that people can enjoy and appreciate.

The duo never imagined that they’d be creating music that people would want to hear, but now that they are doing it, it has changed their lives for the better, creatively and musically. Terry also added that he wasn’t expecting to get such a huge response that the band has now, but is grateful to the masses for making it all possible.

The album’s title, Sequoia Moon, came to Terry during a recent trip to California. The word ‘sequoia‘ means ‘redwood tree‘ and in the state of California, you’ll find these beautiful, tall standing statures in nature. He was inspired by the natural beauty and architecture that the state has to offer. The creative beginnings for Sequoia Moon came from the trip, and though, the ‘redwood’ was not the only thing that ignited the band’s creativity, I’m sure it played a big part in activating the engine to the project body.

As the interview winded down, we talked about the contributions that help to make this album what it is and one of them is the wondrous works of audio engineer, Phil Ek (Modest Mouse, Mudhoney, Built to Spill, Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes). “So what is it like to be on the list of that caliber of extraordinary artists?” I ask.

Chung says, “It is a dream to be listed as one of Phil Ek (Modest Mouse, Mudhoney, Built to Spill, Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes)’s projects of artists he’s worked with and just being named alongside other bands that both we listen to on the regular.”

They feel they are blessed to be where they are now.

I ask, “What was the one thing you walked away with working with Phil Ek?”

They say that he told them, “don’t try to perfect everything, but do the best you can in creating.”

Before we went our separate ways, I ended the interview by asking what are their favorite tunes on the album. 

“All of the songs have something special to say and that they all play a major role in both of their lives, so there isn’t one song, in particular, they like most,” Chung explained.

If you’re looking to step away from normalcy for a second, this record offers that freedom; a new way of thinking, and seeing the world from a new set of lenses and perspectives on a much broader scale.

Check out Sequoia Moon on all social media platforms. It is a must-have in your playlist.

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Resilient DJ, songwriter, and record producer, Alice Longyu Gao, just dropped a fiery remix and it’s the track, “Move It To The Side (Alice Longyu Gao‘s Softboy Dancing In The Klurb Flip)” originally released by singer-songwriter, John-Robert.

The track, rebirthed in the form of unforgettable electro-pop, also features vocals from Gao and puts a major spin on the mellow, but sad, mid-tempo single. Gao completely transforms the structure of the song and turns it into a highly energized, electro-pop powerhouse that makes it hard to stand still. The bass slaps hard, as the synthesizers easily flow throughout the track, blending both artists’ vocals to create an explosive sound.

John Robert‘s voice mixes in with the saucy grooves, as his voice modulates up and down, in and out, between moments where hip hop and trap beats meet. It’s a non-stop rush from beginning to end that ignites excitement and encourages you to dance in any way that moves you.

The addictive, repetitive patterns of the remix are what make the track so memorable. For two minutes, you are solely a slave to the rhythm. It holds no prisoners and lets it all out in your ears unapologetically. Wherever you play this tune, you’ve created space for a club setting.

There you have it, that new fever remix dominating the electro-pop circuits around the world. So, gather your girls, gather your guys, and make it a night out on the town. Gao is back with a brand new beat and she’s sweeping cities and clubs one BPM at a time.

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Connect with Alice Longyu Gao

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It seems that the times we’re facing are only getting worse and the world we live in is damaged. People are confused, hurting, separated by loved ones, and walking with severe pressures of societal discomfort. Through it all, we manage to brave the storm and make it to another day. These were just a few of my concerns that I shared with the singer, songwriter, and composer John-Robert during our interview.

I asked him how he was coping in this pandemic and he explained that nothing much has changed as he has been in isolation/quarantining for most of his life. So, what’s a lousy six months stuck inside when you have what you love surrounding you on the daily.

Recently, he teamed up with singer/songwriter, Kathleen, on their track, “Adeline.” He explained that “her professionalism was the one that stood out to him the most and with restrictions on how we communicate and work in space makes things even harder to get things done.”

Due to the COVID-19 setbacks and interruptions on how our daily normalcy is performed has now required a new set of skills to complete tasks and the rapid-fire of its movements is sometimes quicker than lightening. Though Kathleen and John-Robert couldn’t work in the same space, they both worked really well in recording the song in different spaces at different times. In doing this in this way, Kathleen worked around her schedule best she can to get the work done in a strong and sufficient manner. They also made sure to do it according to the COVID-19 guidelines to keep them and everyone else involved safe

However, “Adeline” collaboration didn’t stop there, it also reached new heights as it fell into the hands of instrumentalist Rob Moose who put his spin on it and brought it to life from a different perspective. John-Robert feels that the lyrics from “Adeline” are very conversational, somewhat like a place of comfort and care which to me explains why the need for this song was such a success. There wasn’t any promotion that was posted informing the public of Moose and John-Robert’s amazing collaboration.

Apparently, the fans found the magic and the rest was history from there. You can’t go wrong when the power of music is vital; especially when voices of bliss emerge with a tangle of strings from an 1800’s time period that is always organically elevating in every romantic level possible as it plays on. Once that process met its peak, music producer/extraordinaire Ricky Reed took the wheel on producing it.

John-Robert’s connection to Warner Records is via Reed who is a sole reason for Robert’s stardom and why he’s signed to Reed’s label Nice Life, under Warner.

Before John-Robert and I ended our conversation, I asked him one last question. Did he ever think he’d be where he is right now 1.75 million streams later? He said that he doesn’t base his self-worth off of things like that but much rather put it in the name of humbleness and in the hands of those he loves and respect. People such as his best friend Robbie and his mother whom I would assume are his two biggest supporters.

Be sure to check out John-Robert on all social media platforms and of course the world release video of “Adeline” featuring Kathleen.

Connect with John-Robert

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What you gonna do when the grid goes down? The new album from Public Enemy is nothing short of astounding. It hits you with songs that leave you questioning the state of our country. It creates all sorts of emotions to get you moving and get your fist shooting straight up in the air. It digs deep into the core of the problem in which we deal with daily and the fact that not much has changed in 35 years or so. It still raises the question as to whether racism will ever be abolished. The world is in turmoil and there needs to be action taken into account. In my opinion, this album couldn’t be more relevant to our current society, exposing the failures of a divided and corrupt government that threatens our lives constantly.

The album features iconic artists including Cypress Hill, George Clinton, DJ Premier, AD-Rock, Daddy-O, Run DMC, Ice-T, and PMD to name a few. It’s amazing how this record sticks to the root of Public Enemy’s ’80s and ’90s nostalgic sound as if it was produced back in that era with superb DJ scratches, old school hip-hop beats, and lyrics that spill truths about black culture. PE, Flavor Flav, and Chuck D definitely traveled down memory lane while recording this album. It could have been late-night conversations on Zoom, reminiscing about Public Enemy records from back in the day or the tours they went on during that time. Whatever it was that they did, it reflects strongly on what they’re about and what they’ve stood for, for decades.

Chuck D was never one for biting his tongue and it showed through his lyrics as he told stories of black people and their struggles as well as his own battles. Chuck D and Flavor Flav represented blackness and the power of black skin and what it meant to be Kings and Queens. However, the message remains the same to this day; the only difference is that the younger generation is now given that same opportunity to be supported by one of the most gifted lyrical poets we have in this world as we circle around the moon another day.

One of my favorites on the album is the remix of “Fight The Power” and how this song is needed now more than ever. It strikes hard with real occurrences that are recent and makes the listener face what society continues to ignore. The song meant so much to minorities and African-Americans 30 years ago then and means, even more, today. It’s vital because it touches on things like police brutality, presidential abuse, senseless black annihilation, racist groups, and more.

Another favorite of mine on the album is a song called “Rest In Beats.” Chuck D pays tribute to lyricists like Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Heavy D, Eazy-E, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Jam Master Jay, and the essence of what hip-hop represented some time ago.

Chuck D also shines a light on the simple things in life that we, at the moment, can’t experience due to the massive destruction of the coronavirus. He speaks of the times when life made sense, like, diverse tours, recording studio sessions, and spending quality time with those who meant the most. There were also mentions of lost rap flows that have fallen short, to mumbles over beats and lame memes, as well as the absence of important facts about our black culture, one of them being that we were and still are, black kings and queens as stated above. All of this lies within the song “Rest in Beats,” which I find inspiring and invigorating.

The song “Grid” featuring Cypress Hill and George Clinton is a sure shot of a reality check that touches on the idea of what it would look like if technology didn’t exist in our day and age. Would the corruption and abuse of citizens be of any importance if it wasn’t recorded? Would murderers be imprisoned if technology and new tests didn’t detect crime and locate those who committed it? Would blacks and minorities have a chance at a better America today without technology at all? These are all inquiries mentioned as the song played on. I know, for me, it got me thinking from a perspective I may have never thought of before had I not have listened to this song.

Next up was the song “State of The Union.” It’s truly one for the books, as it talks about the slack and laziness of the presidential duties that are not being attended to. Public Enemy gives it to you raw and uncut as they speak of the unprofessionalism ensued and its white privilege that they fail to admit that they’re portraying.

Moving forward, Public Enemy revives the ever so hit song “Number One” but calls it “Number Won” that features Mike D, AD-Rock, and Run-DMC on the familiar ’80s banger with a different twist this time around. Though there are strong elements on this LP, there’s also a couple of ones that are not as tight. For example, “Beat Them All” is one I could have lived without. The song speaks on issues that are interesting, but the structure of it doesn’t appeal to me. The chorus is slow and the verses tend to sway where I lose interest.

“Smash the Crowd” is another one that I can’t grasp, it just doesn’t give me the fire that I yearn for when I listen to tracks. Though Ice-T throws bars, it still drags a bit for me, unfortunately. The song “Go At It” picks up and carries the record out of the slump it fell in with powerful bass and strings from a rhythm guitar that makes love to your earlobe without apology. The song “Yesterday Man” is truly one I can get behind and love what it represents. It talks about how things are different from what it used to be years ago. As the song repeatedly states, what happened?!

If you’re hoping to be motivated, charged, and encouraged, I highly recommend this respected return from Public Enemy to be placed in your archive. This record and the heart of its spirit never left the ’80s and ’90s era. But in reality, it stands as tall and strong as John Lewis, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Barack Obama, and the very essence of blackness and indigenous warriors across the globe. It’s powerful and full of superhero strength in its own expression of a Black Panther movement.

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As the pandemic continues to stifle the world globally, it’s in our best interest to stay as hopeful as possible and to hold on to as much optimism as we can muster. I know that may be easier said than done, but when you’re granted an opportunity to speak to someone who holds as much hopefulness and optimism as Toby, you’re guaranteed an experience like no other.

The conversation between Toby and I opened up with his thoughts concerning the coronavirus and how he felt trapped with not being able to do the things he had planned socially and musically. For Toby, a.k.a. Reggie Baril, it was a bad position to be in, in regards to the release of his EP and upcoming shows.

So how does one person manage to wear so many hats in the entertainment business? From acting to theatre productions to the recording booth, I was truly eager to hear his response as to how he balances these challenging roles on a day to day basis. Baril, replied that it’s never foreign in regards to his passions for acting, recording and stand up comedy. Wearing these hats feels natural and never arduous in any way. If anything, it’s a world in which he’s most comfortable and to create in a space where everything seemingly flows like a river, is a world where I think could be the closest thing to perfection.

Baril is a lover of locations, it inspires, transforms and opens doors for other possible creative modes and I was interested in how locations sparked those muscles mentally moving forward. “Location is everything,” he says. The smell, taste, the view of wherever you are in the moment leaves room for those creative juices to flow. It influences the product, says Baril, what you hear, see, listen to, or even think about are all things that help enhance the process when creativity takes over.

In his early years of recording, back in his hometown in Haiti, these were the kinds of things he discovered and realized, as his passion for this kind of art began to blossom. It was a wonderful way to articulate how he connected to certain locations and how those gateways gave birth to something new and fresh. It helped him lead in all of his artistic practices across the board.

Since he is so driven by getting inspiration from different locations, I was curious to know what his other inspirational pushes/influences were that added to his creative flow moving forward. Baril began opening up in response, saying he loves instruments and how piano was the first real thing he tried learning. He wasn’t too fond of it though and gave up on it until he started to learn keys to certain songs he really liked. The other thing about piano along with learning tunes that meant something special to him was the fact that maybe, girls would take notice to him but unfortunately, it didn’t work. Talk about an opportunist taking a chance on all counts, only to be overlooked. The woes we endure when you’re a middle school kid.

Though piano didn’t grant him the girls in middle school, it did grant him joy to bring out the beautiful sounds that a piano does make which led him to want to try other instruments. 

As Baril began his search, he came across drums, and then guitar. When he moved to L.A., all of what he has accomplished thus far, brought him to the realization that he loves instrumentation.

Within this process, he found other inspirations that helped influence other possibilities for The Outside EP. He also mentioned that he had the opportunity to engineer his latest project. He cut all of his own vocals, compressed them and even did some light mixing while in the lab. I tell you, the man works hard and when you’re wearing as many hats as this artistic individual, you’re bound to become something great.

In Baril’s work, you can tell he wants so much more. He doesn’t just step into the studio and records. He watches behind the scenes and he asks questions, he watches the board operators and how they function when they’re working on his projects. He pushes himself to go the extra mile and stays hungry and thirsty for more knowledge involving his craft. That’s what makes a great artist and that’s what separates them from everyone else. It creates a space all of its own and when that muscle starts to build, you become one in a million, sifting your way through the meadows.

As far as artists that influences Baril musically and that have inspired him to create are individuals like, Childish Gambino who is what he calls, his career compass, and Phoebe Bridgers, who also is a huge influence on him as well. Though it is uncertain about what’s next after COVID-19, he did mention that he got picked up by Magnetic Moon Records founded by Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation. Magnetic Moon is present in both Los Angeles and San Francisco and is distributed/funded by InGrooves which is under Universal Music Group worldwide.

Connect with Toby

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Music is something that most people gravitate to and it’s been like that for years. It’s therapeutic, relaxing, charging, motivational, emotional, and transcending all at the same time. It’s even better when an artist knows how to tap into these modes of connection through communication.

Reggie Baril, also known as, Toby, does just that with this new project called The Outside. The EP takes you on a ride where the vibe is not your average rap/hip hop material, but a more in-depth journey where creativity is the main focus and the lyrics flawlessly follows like a journey in a dream.

The first song is titled “Osiris,” which is an ancient Egyptian religion that represents God as a multiple of things like, agriculture, the afterlife, resurrection, life, the dead, and vegetation. So to my understanding, Toby is more than just a lyricist but a messenger, composer, enthusiast, and producer. He’s not to be labeled as one thing but respected as an entity of so much more.

The following song “New Car” is the second titled track on The Outside and the vibe is mellow, almost like an indie float vibe that just soothes the soul and could very well count for calm meditation or a long car ride.

As I was listening, I could picture this new project going in many directions and being welcomed by multiple cultures. In this business, the more crossovers that are attempted and executed in the process, the better.

The Haiti native naturally flows within cultures with no problem. I see no limitations but lots of open doors in which his music allows for those opportunities to come forth. The third title track is “Southside” which to me sounds like a gangster lean/head nod that occurs in slow motion but is impacted with loads of artistic language that keeps the pot boiling with curiosity as to what Toby would say next. That’s the kind of thing I like when checking out songs. Keeping me curious and interested in what you’re saying will always win me over every time.

“Playout” is the single that introduces the EP and this track has that hip hop/trap sound that just commands for movements because the beat is hard to resist. Toby is really good at merging melody to beats and this track is a great example of how he balances the two for a good groove that an audience can adapt to.

“Cascades” is my favorite track on this EP hands down. It’s the perfect indie groove that captivates through melody and leaves you wanting more of the short track that’s just too good to end so soon. I’ve found myself playing this song back to back wanting to extend it at least two minutes longer. It’s that good in my opinion and I think you all might feel the same once you take a listen.

The last track is “Wishes” which is kind of like an underground vibe or maybe an album filler. I didn’t really get into it as much as I’d hoped to, but hey, not every song is going to grab you. However, the overall vibe of the EP is awesome and I’m glad it will get the opportunity to be shared with all of you.

Sometimes music and artists have a way of surprising you. And this EP surprised me. When the surprise goes over well you’re guaranteed an amazing time ahead. Toby’s new EP is just that and I can almost guarantee you’ll find something in it for yourself that will surprise you too.

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Timeless means something is not affected by the passage of time; nor does it change in any form or fashion. It withstands obstacles and somehow in the midst of hard challenges, a glimmer of optimism appears, and suddenly, all hope is not lost. There’s a sense of power that kicks in and within that support comes a win over defeat. The cool thing about this defined meaning is that it could easily remind you of something or someone in its regards.

Supreem Da Rezarekta a.k.a. Jemal Carter represents this meaning well as he stands on his own platform in luminosity where nothing else stands as bright as his talent, sense of humor, and lyrical approach in the world of hip hop music. Carter’s stage presence is impactful and notably leaves a mark with each stage he damages. As soon as the music comes to a halt, so does Carter. Just like that, he diminishes in the wind leaving the crowd wanting more.

photo credit: Zamani Feelings

Carter has been slaying the microphone and mastering his craft for years. It is without a shadow of a doubt his one and only dream is to do it as a career. Most artists that work in the underground scene only go so far, but with Carter it’s different; it’s authentic, edgy, and raw. The train he chose to ride has such stability, grit, endurance, and strength.

Though he became popular in the underground scene, his skills took him a step further from where he planted his seeds. Eventually, he evolved and then the music did so as well. Carter made magic with numerously-talented producers, one of them being Dr. Shock who was not only a good friend of his but an important vessel musically. With them both together, there came a collaboration like no other, and the rest was history. However, the elevation didn’t become stagnant. If anything, it enhanced as Carter ventured out to search for other sounds. Though he and Shock stayed in contact and continued to make music, curiosity presented itself in a manner to see what else he can do musically with other minds from different perspectives.

From recording with many artists and touring the world constantly, Carter has catapulted from being not just a hip hop artist but a multitude of things. One of them is being a radio personality on two different radio broadcasts. You can catch him via Facebook Live on WBNCRadio.net on “Wayback Wednesdays” with DJ CL Smooth and his partner in crime, Mark Millz, from 9:00-11:00 pm. You can also catch Carter on Sunday nights on Toxicradio.net with Toxic Mike from 6:00-7:00 pm called “Funky Contradiction.” As you can see, hard work pays off and Carter is no stranger to putting in work. For that, he stands with the best of the best as he swings for the fences and makes his mark in each city he visits. Speaking of “Swing For The Fences,” it’s Carter’s new single, and just like anything else he creates, it’s fire!

I find Carter so fascinating because he wears many hats working from many different angles of the musical spectrum. The ability to adapt and re-transform is not something everyone has the power to do, but he did and still does to this day. In July of 2019, Carter a.k.a. Supreem Da Rezarekta won the Milkboy competition to earn a record deal with Milkboy Productions. The journey to this point was far from being a quick process as it took up to a year maybe a bit longer to fully complete. There were levels to this project but with each phase of the competition, stood a determined, focused, driven artist who refused to take no for an answer. Carter entered in with a purpose and ended in victory due to confidence and endurance. Every obstacle knocked down with the will to survive was Carter’s motto which made him inevitably powerful to take the winning prize home.

photo credit: Zamani Feelings

Once the quarantine ends, Carter has plans on having a single release party to celebrate the accomplishments he’s accumulated as well as do what he loves best and that’s to perform. Be on the lookout for the Concoction solo album and Supreem the New Experience album as well, coming soon. Carter also plans on returning to all live shows with the new experience band as a way of revisiting old roots of beautiful live music with musicians playing real instruments. Supreem and the New Experience consist of DJ CL Smooth and It’s Val, who is the drummer of the band.

Along with the upcoming projects mentioned, there’s a “Paid In Full” Tour on the rise that’s expected to take place once the country opens.

The power of music is a beautiful thing to witness when it’s done right. It’s unstoppable beyond words and emotionally moving when the truth and heart of it are involved. That’s what you get when you’re listening to real artists like Carter, you get the real, you get raw, you get honesty, and you get the man. With that said, mic dropped. Look out for the single and check out any and all things Supreem Da Rezarekta on social media platforms. L.L. Cool J said it best and I quote, “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.” He’s the immortal rebel himself, Carter, a.k.a. Supreem Da Rezarekta.

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