Exclusive | Sonta Me'Shay is Chicago's Next Great R&B Singer

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is rising R&B artist, Sonta Me'Shay! Sonta has a voice that this generation needs to hear! The Chicago singer is signed to Machine Group Entertainment which features G Herbo, Tink and more! Sonta has had major success with her songs You Ain't Shit, Final Goodbye, Friends, And Word To My Ex, all gathering millions of views on youtube! 

Sonta - Crushing (Official Music Video)

We talked with Sonta in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you break into the music industry?

Sonta:  I have been making music since I was old enough to understand that I could sing forreal, but I have been releasing music for 3 years. What broke me into the industry was putting music out while also uploading videos singing, rapping and saying poems that I had written.

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

Sonta: My biggest influences are Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill & Beyonce. My favorite musicians is this girl named Sonta lol, no but I like mostly Chicago artists, some mainstream and mostly old school RnB. Mary J, Destiny's Child, Cherish, 112, Jagged Edge etc.

Question: You're signed to Chicago’s Machine Group Entertainment which features some other major artists in G-Herbo, Tink, and Queen Key! What musicians would you most like to collaborate with for the future and why?

Sonta: Yes, I am. I would like to collaborate with all of the Upcoming Chicago Artists because it's good for the city. I would also like to collab with mainstream artists like SZA, Jhene Aiko, Tank etc.

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

Sonta: I love all of my music equally, but You Aint Shit is my baby.

Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Sonta: What motivates me is God, my Mom, my Family, My Team, those who believe in me & those who don't. I define success as true peace, inside and out.

Question: What projects can people look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Sonta: In the near future people can look forward to me dropping PART 2 to the video series for my project InMyFeelings. In the Future I will be dropping a surprise Trailer introducing my next project.

Question: How do you generate new ideas

Sonta - “Crazy Over U” (Music Video)

Sonta: They usually just come to me because I use everything as inspiration.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Sonta: I describe my music as RnD; Rhythm&Drill. Its like a sweet sound but I'm speaking real sh*t.

Question: What do you believe is the formula to being a successful artist in today’s hip hop culture?

Sonta: I mean just be yourself and if people feel you they feel you.

Question: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Sonta: My Mother, and Sister! Also the people who saw greatness in me in my younger years.

Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Sonta: Beyonce because now that I'm pursuing the same career, I know how hard she works. Have to give credit where it’s due.

Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Sonta: I would say Passion and just emotion period because I go off of how im feeling at the moment.

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Sonta: The sacrifices I have had to make are mainly with time with loved ones and working long hours in the studio.

Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Sonta: Just coming up with new sounds and networking. Nothing discourages me.

Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Sonta: I just take it day by day like SZA said.

Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Sonta: The advice I would give is to stay focused and stay true to yourself.

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Sonta: I don't consider myself a Singer or Rapper. I am a Writer. So what you hear are my Thoughts.

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Exclusive | Laolu Talks Overcoming Depression and Her Return to Music

We talked with U.K. singer, Laolu, in an exclusive interview! This hot new singer was born and raised in South East London, and developed a kinship with music that has spanned much of her life. Laolu graduated in Commercial Music Performance, and it wasn’t long until Laolu was writing her own material and performing across a wide variety of venues including the Indigo O2, Somerset House as part of the ‘What Next’ Campaign supported by Bigga Fish, Cargo, Proud Camden, Street Fest London and the Queen of Hoxton. 

Her involvement in the ‘What Next’ Campaign saw her work with the likes of Little Simz and Katy B, supporting acts including Chipmunk, Ghetts, The Wombats and Miss Dynamite. Laolu worked with DJ and producer Blinkie at the very beginning of her career, who also introduced her to the artists J Warner and Benjamin AD. 

Laolu - “All In Me” (Music Video)

Laos is an honest soul who openly shares a struggle with depression, which  through her music she hopes she can inspire others going through similar issues. 

With her return to music, Laolu discovered a new understanding of the direction she wanted to take her sound and her music. The struggle with depression served as a source of inspiration for her upcoming release ‘All in Me’ which talks the listener through the journey she has experienced.

We talked with Laolu in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Laolu: I first starting singing in primary school around age 10, and started songwriting shortly after. The first time I ever sand was in the school choir and we sand ‘oh happy days’ from Sister act, I just remember everyone coming up to me after saying “oh my gosh you can sing, you can sing!”

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

Laolu: I am a huge fan of Brandy, Andre 3000, Kelis and Faith Evans, new school I like SZA, H.E.R and Toro Y Moi and I’m a huge Janelle Monae fan.

Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?

Laolu: I really would love to collaborate with James Fauntleroy or Syd (The Internetz) both are extremely talented and I feel we’d just vibe and create something special.

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

Laolu: If I’d have to choose I’d say my latest single ‘How To Feel’ I feel I really tapped back into the original R&B that only a few artists are still doing and I just love how the song develops from start to finish.

Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Laolu: I just love creating and being around others who have genuine love for the art of music, nothing beats being around musicians and just seeing the enjoyment on their faces. The love of music motivates me and overcoming depression and making music again.

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Laolu: I go off what I experience in life, what my friends experience, sometimes it’s the energy I get when I’m in a session and the producers start creating.

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Laolu: Honest R&B with a hint of alternative and raw lyricism, I don’t sugar coat what I write or sing about.

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Laolu: No, I think some are lucky but longevity is granted to those who never stop loving what they do and always strive to grow and learn as a musician or artists. I feel right now we are in a time where people just want good music they’re not fussed about popularity they just want real music.

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Laolu: That would be my family, we haven’t had it all the way easy but we never allowed things to deter us from what we all wished to achieve. My sisters a lawyer, my brothers a photographer, my other brothers in music and real estate and my mums been successful in all she’s done as single parent, I only hope to make them all proud.

Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Laolu: Probably Daniel Caesar, I believe his talent is so raw, his vocals are amazing and so effortless I believe him and H.E.R the singer are really doing solid R&B for the younger generation.

Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Laolu: Right now it’s a bit of everything, my E.P ‘All In Me’ that’s coming out later this year, is based off things I experienced whilst battling depression, I speak on every and about where I am now. 

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Laolu: I don’t really have a social life, I’ve always been a home body but I have to invest in my music and my dream so not seeing friends and going out is a sacrifice I’m willing to make. All my money goes towards music so I don’t really see it as a sacrifice more of an investment.

Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Laolu: Most exciting process is getting the music out and performing live, seeing people vibe and just letting you know they appreciate and like what you’re doing. Discouraging aspect would be working towards a timeline and things getting pushed back, you know when you’re excited about a release and when it doesn’t go as planned it frustrating but I believe everything happens for a reason and just to trust the universe.

Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Laolu: Doing tours and being successful, I believe that the best is yet to come and I will continue to make music that’s honest and music that connects with people.

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Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Laolu: Always look towards the end goal, remember why you started and keep going no matter what, it will not be easy some days you’ll question ‘why am I doing this’ you won’t always see results straight away but every seed planted will yield results at the right time. Remember to love what you’re doing and not to lose yourself in the hype.

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Laolu: Please support my music, it’s literally been what helped me out of depression and I hope my music helps anyone else battling through it. Thank you for taking the time to listen and share xX

Laolu, Category: Artist, Singles: How To Feel, All In Me, Top Tracks: How To Feel, All In Me, Biography: Born and raised in South East London, Laolu has developed a kinship with music that has spanned much of her life., Monthly Listeners: 126, Where People Listen: London, Ilford, Brooklyn, Jacksonville, Cologne

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Exclusive | Nayome Discusses Her Debut EP and Pursuing Her Music Career

Nayome is an up and coming singer out of Texas! The 21 year old sing artist was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, but spent her teenage years growing up in the Dallas Metroplex city of Irving, Tx in the Valley Ranch area where she graduated from Ranchview High School. Nayome currently attends Texas State University and is pursuing a degree in Marketing. She loves to sing and dance and owns her own dancing organization called Queen Empire Dance at Texas State where she teaches heel dancing!

Check out Nomi's first music video to her single See You ft Vonte!

Nayome - “Fair Warning” (Music Video)

We talked with Nayome in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Nayome: Music has always been a part of my life and it’s in my DNA as I come from a family of aspiring musicians.  Growing up I always participated in school choirs from elementary to high school. It was in college where I discovered my love for writing song lyrics. Back in November 2017 I made a decision to step out of the shadows and write my first single “Missing You”. It was my first time going public with a song I wrote and I’m glad I made the move. I just wrote down how I felt in that moment in my notes on my phone and I didn’t actually record or finish up until 3 months later. Ever since I recorded that song, I’ve been so eager and motivated to write more and to share with the world!

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

Nayome: Honestly, there are too many to even list out as I have so many musical influences! For creative inspiration I listen to Erykah Badu or Bryson Tiller.  Beyoncé has been one of my favorite artists since Destiny’s Child. Her drive to keep outdoing what’s expected of her is truly amazing. At the moment, some of my favorite artists in my daily playlist consist of H.E.R, Alina Baraz, Xavier Omar, DVSN, Jhene Aiko, Ella Mai, SZA, Kehlani and so many more.  

Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?

Nayome: I’d love to collaborate with Alina Baraz one day!!!!!  I’ve been listening to her since 2015 and I love the way she writes her songs and the structure of her songs are simply amazing. She has that R&B/Electric Vibe that you can really feel while listening to her lyrically. Her most recent project “The Color of You” has been on a repeat since the day it came out. She’s truly a distinctive artist with a distinctive sound and I would love to see how our two styles mix together. 

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

Nayome: My best song so far in my opinion is my single “Fading.” This song is the second thing I’ve released and I pour a lot of emotion to the track. “Fading” is a relevant sequence of events that went on in my life that also played a part in my growth and it means a lot to me. I could say that it is the best yet most underrated song that I have released. I hold a lot of confidence in all my projects but when growth happens in my life it become a creative force to me and I think that’s a big motivator for me to keep going. 

Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Nayome: Knowing that I can do everything through Christ gives me a faith that constantly motivates me to keep pushing towards my passion. My mom is also someone who told me from the beginning to pursue my passion for singing.  I also want her to have everything she wants so if it takes me there that would be such a blessing to have the opportunity to bless her and others. Also, I still find it very surprising that people look up to me. I’ve had people tell me that I’m very inspiring by the way I go so aggressively towards my passions. If what I do with music motivates someone else to pursue their dreams then I think that’s all the success I need. Success is doing something that makes a person genuinely happy in life and everything that comes from that is just a benefit. 

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Nayome: When it comes to my music I get inspired at the most random moments. One way of generating creativity is reflecting on my growth from life lessons and from there I will shut myself up in my room and focus on writing about my experiences. Another way is  I’ll be in my bed thinking about my day and I’ll turn on YouTube,  my TV and type in “R&B Type Beats” and just write down my feelings. I’ll generate new songs/ideas in the most random moments. It’s almost like my instincts tells me to stop what I’m doing and write about a feeling I have. 

Question: How do you describe your music to people?  

Nayome: I think my music is defined as “Vibey.” I would even go as far to say it will put you in the mood and make one feel like they have experienced the emotion I’m portraying in the song. 

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Nayome: I don’t think there is a formula to success other than you HAVE to believe in yourself, stay consistent, and most of all to have FUN. 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Nayome: I would most definitely have to say Beyonce. She’s a hard worker and she goes above and beyond in everything she does, and not to mention how incredibly talented she is!!! She literally masters singing and dancing like its nothing major to do! 

Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Nayome: Once again, I think Beyonce is the most influential artist in the game right now because of how she simply changes the game every time she does something musically. Her live performances are unmatched!!! I’ve had the pleasure of attending her Formation tour and the experience was unreal and being there actually pushed me a step closer to pursuing my passion because one day I would love to sell out arenas and bring happiness to every single person that comes out.  

Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Nayome: Currently, I am writing music that reflects happiness, but it always changes. It depends on what I’m feeling when I’m writing but every time I’m writing the goal is for my listeners to feel like they are in my shoes experiencing the emotion that is reflected in my songs. 

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Nayome: Sleepless nights taking a toll on my academic studies as well as taking a hit on my social life as I’ve lost some friends as I began to focus more on pursuing my music.

Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Nayome: I think the most exciting thing of making music is overcoming challenges. There are so many obstacles I face when writing my music/ recording my music. It’s the greatest feeling to overcome the obstacles that I face. I have become very quick to take on challenges as well such as making a song on a beat I’m not used to or just stepping out of my comfort zone in general, it’s a very fun process. Feeling discouraged is a type of mindset that I try to avoid having. I have to remind myself constantly that I can do anything I put my mind to. 

Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Nayome: In ten years, I see myself inspiring my generation and the generation behind me through my music. It’s a huge goal but with consistent growth in this industry I have no doubt that it can be achieved. 

Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Nayome: Don’t quit, stay consistent, and to stay true to themselves. The music industry is tough and it’s so easy to get discouraged and to remember to have fun with the process. Grow from the obstacles and keep pushing through.  

Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Nayome: I would like people to know that it’s very important to go for their passions. We only live once and it’s a better life when you are in control of your own life. I will try my absolute hardest to make sure my passion in singing/ writing is a part of my day to day life. I am working on my first EP. R E C O V E R Y+ that releases this Summer! I’m so excited to show the world what I’ve been working on and I hope that they catch the vibe!

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Exclusive | R&B Newcomer Damar Jackson is Putting on for Louisiana

R&B newcomer Damar Jackson is a star. The talented singer out of DeRidder, Louisiana has an  impressive confidence that makes it clear he knows exactly where he belongs. As a young prodigy who began playing the drums and keys at his church at the age of 9, Jackson stood in awe of great vocal performances as far back as he can remember, watching greats like Prince and Michael Jackson. His mother, also a singer in the church, fully nurtured his talent, enrolling him in music lessons as soon as she discovered her son’s innate talent.

By the time he was in high school, Damar knew exactly where he was headed; the only question was how. “When I was in high school, if you wanted to get money you were either selling candy, selling drugs or selling mixtapes,” he recalls. “So I had this song I wrote with my boy. And I figured out how to record it on my keyboard and put that one song on blank CDs.” 

A band scholarship would lead him to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and while there, Damar continued to create opportunities to promote his music all while honing his craft. “The whole time I was in school, I was creating my sound,” he says. “So I turned my room into a recording studio.”  He booked and promoted his own shows, which would lead to opportunities to open for artists like Bobby V, Day 26, and Ludacris. 

As he prepared for graduation as a Mass Communications major, a chance Twitter encounter lead him to an internship with Def Jam Record’s Atlanta office. His intern days were not without their share of challenges as Damar recalls sleeping in his car after events to make sure he made it to work on time. Damar continued to perfect his craft as a songwriter and producer, contributing to K-Camp’s success with songs like the hit single “Comfortable.” 

His debut single “ Crazy, ” in which he revisits the last days of the relationship that sustained him during his early years in Atlanta, is an emotional rollercoaster both musically and lyrically. “We got to a point where she saw the success coming,” he explains, “but even though I thought we had been preparing for the late nights and work trips, it started driving her crazy.” As he puts the finishing touches on his debut project, from which the single is drawn, Damar promises more of the same “I be trying to tell both sides of everything. There’s a lot that comes with the decision to choose to take it there with a woman that you don’t plan on marrying. But a lot of guys aren’t honest about the consequences, not just what you’re doing to her, but how it affects you too.” 

With his debut project nearly ready to hit the public, Damar Jackson is set to make his mark on the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

Damar Jackson - No Protection ft. Kash Doll (Music Video)

We talked with Damar Jackson in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Question: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Jackson: For 8 years and I got started playing the drums. I discovered my gifts early and kept sharpening my tools. 

Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?

Jackson: R Kelly, Ryan Leslie, Static Major, T Pain, Usher and more and every artist that made an impact in the game I studied and have been influenced by. 

Question: What musician would you most like to collaborate with and why?

Jackson: Kanye West and I think he might inspire me to create something different if we get in the lab. 

Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?

Jackson: I don’t have best song yet, I’m still growing with the music but my best project so far is Unfaithful. 

Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Jackson: My gifts motivate me, and everyone that’s depending on me. Success is defined by your goals. Being happy with your life and decisions. 

Question: How do you generate new ideas?

Jackson: Always brainstorming and being a forward thinker. 

Question: How do you describe your music to people?

Jackson: ratchet, passionate, raw, soulful 

Question: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Jackson: there’s no formula but there are some basic principles you should know and practice 

Question: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Jackson: God

Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Jackson: Chris Brown, he’s still out here cutting up. Making hits, clothing line, movies etc. salute CB

Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Jackson: passion, it’s a real story.   

Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Jackson: Too many to name, going broke, missing moments with family, losing sleep, working desperately but now working out of confidence. 

Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Jackson: Nothing discounting me because I love the whole process. I’m a real artist so I make the best, mix it, pull up pro tools, record and mix it and upload it to iTunes. 

Question: Where do You see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Jackson: One of the biggest icons in the world. 

Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Jackson: Don’t stop grinding and connect the dots. Stay prayed up. Make the right sacrifices and believe in yourself no matter who doesn’t support you.

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