B E W Y L D

🌴Just casually throwing random W Y L D parties, concerts, festivals, events, blogs, here & there🐬

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B E W Y L D celebrating Record Store Day in a different way. July 17th during the night live performances from Princess Wonderful X Hearts Beating in Time and Ben Bailey

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B E - INDOORS with Luis Ake

Portrait of Luis Ake by Gin. 

With a voice in between bass and falsetto, Luis Ake sings about love without shying away from pathos or vulnerability. Starting off as a techno producer and studio guitarist for some of the biggest recent hip hop tracks, he has now moved on to concentrate on his solo career. With that said, B E W Y L D thought it was a good idea to close off the B E - INDOORS Series by asking him a number of questions. 

B E - Do you own a red kite? And if you taken it out during this time?

Actually I don't. I do own a scooter though. The scooter is red. It's a Honda CF-70 formerly owned by the english designer & writer Norman Potter. James Langdon gifted it to me after we visited the house Potter lived in just before his death. Still so thankful, thanks James!  B E - Being indoors have you felt lonely?

I guess I did, but not because I was locked away. I moved to Berlin just when the lockdown started so this was a different kind of loneliness, leaving behind all my friends and beloved ones. But I can handle it quite well by trying to embrace it as much as I can. I think feeling lonely is really important to maintain this connection you have to yourself. That’s why I enjoy it. But I guess I always was kind of a lone wolf. B E - Do you make music when you're happy, or only when you're sad?

Only when I’m sad or if there is something I think about a lot. And since I’m heartbroken 99% of the time, writing lots of music is no problem lol B E - Has this strange time been just average to you, not good, or actually really good?

Super good for me! I can’t remember when it was the last time I witnessed the arrival of spring so consciously. I also was super busy with making music and finishing up that new EP of mine which will get released soon. Covid made me focus even more on my work. B E - Would you say a horse is your spirit animal?

This might surprise people but actually I like cows a lot more than horses. My second favourite animals are indian runner ducks. With horses it is on a whole different level. I think the whole equestrian lifestyle is interesting on so many layers. Super entertaining and funny but also deeply emotional and artistically intense.

Thanks Luis, all the best with your new released single, and hope to see you someday soon in Malta. 

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B E - INDOORS with Hearts Beating In Time

Portrait of Hearts Beating In Time by Gin.

It’s not always an easy decision for a musician to relocate somewhere else in the world and build a music career there. But for Heats Beating In Time so far its been going well. Because not only did she play a good number of gigs as a solo artist, but she also managed to perform as a duo with her other project - ‘MILFMAFIA’. However with the whole covid19 thing happening, the Maltese synth dream-pop musician came back to Malta for a while. With this news, B E W Y L D decided to find some time and ask her a few questions. 

B E - You've decided to be in lockdown in Malta, rather than in Berlin. What have you been up to during this time? And would you have decided to stay in Berlin rather than Malta?

I always feel like I am split in 2, a part of me is in Malta and the other part is in Berlin. I spent my time in Malta swimming, walking around, making music, writing, catching up with my friends, reading and hanging out at my best friend(Ryan Falzon)'s garage/ art-studio. I also had to work at my old job since the bar I work at in Berlin had to temporarily close. I would have loved to stay in Berlin because Springtime in the city is my favourite time, and it would have been fun to spend the time making music with my other band MILFMAFIA, but I'm very grateful that I got to reconnect with my family and friends here too. Like I said, split in 2. B E - Are you a fan of luna parks? if yes, say why. Yes I am! I got to spend my first birthday in Berlin in a LunaPark with my friend and her kid and I loved it! Lunaparks me of being a kid in 90s Malta, and the sweet anticipation for school to finish and summer to start. I also enjoy the risk of going on a roller coaster ride which doesn't seem to be following any health and safety regulations, and if anyone died the park would be gone without a trace the next day. B E - One track of yours is titled "I wish I was stupid". Why so?

It is kind of a running joke between my friends. We think that life would be easier if we weren't so sensitive about the issues of the world around us and didn't question everything.

B E - What's your affection with Paris?

Paris is one of my favourite cities. The first gig I played away from home was at le Motel in Paris and it was a wonderful experience. It's also one of the few places where I can spend the day just walking around and feel happy. Also everything is so expensive that even having a coffee feels precious. Now Paris is a long bus ride away and I don't even need to plan in advance to go. Also, I love croissants. B E - Do you think space is important to have?

Yes. I think finding your own place in the world is part of the human experience. Whether it's your bedroom as a teenager, your favourite bar, a stage, a skatepark, a club, or if you're lucky your home, creating a space where you feel happy, accepted and secure is a big part of what we live for. I think most artists struggle to find this security, and use their art to carve out their own space. During the 2 weeks I spent in quarantine I thought alot about why I am content with certain songs, and choose to discard others. I believe that a good song feels like a place of shelter, it engulfs you and surrounds you, and it makes you feel at home.

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B E - INDOORS with Good Posture

Portrait of Good Posture drawn by Gin. 

What does good posture mean? Well, it means that you need to be aware of always holding yourself in a way that puts the least strain on your back, whatever you are doing. But to B E W Y L D it also means having Bedroom pop musician performing live at a festival in Malta, and forging a good relationship between one another. So good a relationship that some time ago a chat took place: 

B E - What’s your experience with being indoors - so far?

Well I live with 4 other people in a WG (living community), and together we are being quite strict with our quarantine, as I fall under the risk group. We are very fortunate to have a balcony at our flat, so we can experience the outdoors still in some way, But being cooped up together has its stresses, however we are managing it with the help of the occasional karaoke session or themed dinner night.

I think that's the best we can do right now, just try to stay as sane as possible.

B E - How is it to be isolated in Leipzig?

From what I see on the internet and from friends living else where, there seems to be more of an ease on the lockdown here. There is no strict rules on not going outside, which is a little scary.

Leipzig though is surrounded by a lot of nature and super nice lakes. So we are able to jump on our bikes and be out of the city very quickly and completely alone in the forest by a lake somewhere.

B E - Can you tell us a bit more about your recent livestream with hitness club?

A friend of mine here in Leipzig runs the page and asked a few of the locals bands to take part, so I quickly jumped on the opportunity as well and asked to create a show too. I am sitting right now on a lot of new songs, which I am putting together for a 'real' release hopefully pretty soon, and I saw this livestream as a good chance to play some of them live to get a better feel for them.

It was also a really cool chance to learn a lot of new skills, because I had no idea how this type of livestreaming worked. Plus I was really excited to create the set I used. I have this huge piece of blue satin material, and finally I got to use it.

B E - How do you stay creative indoors?

For me I always like to work with some type of restriction or limitation, it really helps for me to get things finished. For example the music I have released so far was all made on a laptop that was literally falling apart that could hardly run the ancient version of ableton I had, but through these limitations I was able to create these songs and get them finished. These days having a computer that actually works with a lot more options, seems to be a little more challenging for me. But yeah for staying indoors, I recently started planning and shooting a music video and then bang lockdown happened, but the limitation of staying inside really helped me hone down my idea for the video as I was extremely limited on where I could go and what I could film. So basically what I am saying is I look to see what I have available and create with that. I hope that makes sense.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

See this time as a good chance to work on your art or music but don't put any pressure on yourself with having to get things done. If you're struggling financially check your city for any grants or funding available. Even if you're living abroad like me there may be something available for you.

Stay sane and don't forget to water your plants.

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B E - INDOORS with Honey Harper

Portrait of Honey Harper drawn by Gin. 

B E W Y L D first came across Honey Harper, through his earlier project of Promise Keeper. Having had put on a  successful show at ‘Young Falcon Bar’ in Floriana, Malta back in 2016, contact with the multi-talented musician kept going, and recently a few questions were also sent to him. 

B E - You had just released your album ' Starmaker' just before the outbreak. Can you tell us more on the process of writing this album, and the effect the outbreak had on it after it came out?

Like most celestial events, ‘Starmaker’ was a long time coming. We spent about a year and a half recording and 6 months mixing the record. The songs came together as they were recorded, slowly and bit by bit, with my writing partner and wife, Alana Pagnutti. We recorded in London, Toronto, Paris, and Budapest. Like so many other artists the pandemic turned everything upside down. Im not sure the extent that it will have on.

B E - Despite your upcoming tour being postponed, you still kept busy by doing livestreams. Could you tell us more about this experience?

Yeah, so far we have released 14 tracks in the world, so I played one everyday for 14 days along with a cover and just general messing around. I think was important to do this, it kept me a bit sane gave me some purpose. It encouraged me to keep writing and working on new things.

B E -What’s your experience with isolation - to be indoors - so far?

We are lucky we are in Toronto and there is a lot more space here, we are staying with Alana’s parents and they have a backyard which has been really nice. I had a small injury on my foot and was doubly isolated not being to walk around at all for a while, but its healed and things are looking better.

BE - How do you stay creative indoors?

I’ve made a pretty typical routine, I wake up and read and study a bit. ( I am taking online music production classes at the moment.) Then I usually work out for an hour or so before going into my little make shift studio room and start writing some music for a few hours. I also have been writing 20 lines everyday trying to work on lyrics and short stories. As well, Ive been cooking a lot and flexing my muscles in the kitchen.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

It’s hard to stay positive and stay productive but i’ve found its not the most important thing. I would hope everyone stays healthy, mentally and physically. Also, STAY INSIDE, so we can all get back to having lives outside the house again sooner! <3<3

Thanks Honey Harper we hope to see you live outside the house soon again also!

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B E - INDOORS with Aldous RH

Portrait of Aldous RH by Gin. 

Having just released his latest LP - “Respect 4 Devotion”, B E W Y L D decided to send some questions to the the artiste that brought you - some Sensuality, Aries Man, an Arrg. 2 Funk, the Devil’s Avocado, Infinite Bridge, U & Me and so much moire.

B E - What was your experience with being indoors - so far? It reminds me a lot of being a teenager! I spent the vast majority of my time in my bedroom writing music or surfing the net & playing video games so this experience isn’t totally alien to me.

It’s actually proven to be a very creative period for me so far as I can’t do my day job & there aren’t any other major distractions to keep me from working on music.

B E - How is it to be isolated in the UK?

It isn’t taken particularly seriously here at all- the only place I can imagine beating us in this is the US. I’m lucky to live in a city (Manchester) and area where my rent & general outgoings aren’t impossibly expensive like London for instance. I’m also lucky that the music industry/scene is big here in the UK as I’ve been helped with a little funding from a couple of the organisations here which takes a huge stress off my mind; for the time being at least!

B E - With your new record being released in May, any records you're listening to at the moment, and that you highly suggest? I’m really enjoying the 2 new John Carroll Kirby records ! He’s an incredible talent & contributed some really beautiful Rhodes to my record.

The Honey Harper album ‘Starmaker’ that came out this year is super pretty aswell, excited to see them play this live after the lockdown!

i’m digging the military genius record ‘deep web’~ nice homely vibes.

Also digging deep into Ariel Pink’s classic albums again, perfect bedroom lockdown music- similar energy to how it was created.

B E - Can you tell us more about your latest single 'Since 1992'?

It’s one of the oldest songs on my new album but probably underwent the most versions of a song i’ve ever written~ there are some older demos that are quite cool that I may put out at some point.

It was hard to decide the best interpretation but ultimately settled on something semi futuristic but also nostalgic.

B E - What's the first thing you gonna do, once the covid-19 period is over with?

Excited to see all my friends & dance & drink and hopefully play a big old show too.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

I would say use this time to experiment & do things outside of your usual routine/methods. We aren’t bound by the cycles of gigging/releasing & ideas of success in the same way this year so perhaps on a whole we can all reflect on our artistic choices a little deeper. If there were an instrument in my house I couldn’t play right now would be the time to learn.

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B E - INDOORS with Jae Tyler

Portrait of Jae Tyler by Gin. 

Kansas bred art-boy, Jae Tyler now lives in Berlin where he makes disturbingly fun lo-fi pop music inspired by the coming end of days. Finding equal inspiration from classical composers and 80’s-90’s radio as he does the redneck culture whence he came, Jae Tyler turns his white trash genetics into Euro trash aesthetics. And with that said, B E W Y L D took the liberty of asking a couple of questions. 

B E - Having been indoors, was there anything that you really enjoyed doing?

An increased daily self care and grooming regimen, including moisturising all areas of the body, trimming every cubic cm. of body hair, running tons, etc. I've also been doing the art thing a lot. Ya know, writing, recording, entropy, things of that nature. 

B E - How was it to be isolated in Berlin?

I imagine much like it is to be isolated in other places. Exploring new culinary disciplines and styles, doing loads of push-ups, and making music and stuff. It's fun! doesn't really bother me not being social. I find it hard to be bored in isolation when there is the gaping expanse of imagination still yet to be explored. I've always been more of an introverted type anyways. 

B E -Before the covid-19 hit, you just had just finished your tour. How did that impact your lockdown reality?

Well between my wife, Mr. Silla, and I we had a huge sigh of relief coming home from touring Italy and Spain as the lockdowns were happening. It was about a month long tour through all of the regions of countries hardest hit by the virus. We felt like we were running away from it, so when we finally made it home we were happy to just be back without having been "infected". 

B E - Anything you would do, once the lockdown is completely lifted?

I'm going to go to a restaurant. Ya know, the place where you sit at a table in a room with other humans, and someone brings you food and drinks and you sit and eat and chat with your friends in exchange for money? Yeah, I'm excited about going to a place like that again.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there who were finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

I would advise you to breathe deep, remain calm, and dig down deep to find impetus to keep making stuff for other reasons than to perform for, or impress other people. Envision yourself being able to share, and gather, and gauge impressions sometime in the future. 

Thanks Jae, hope to see you in Malta sometime in the future. 

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B E - INDOORS with SUNTA

Portrait of SUNTA by Gin

From supporting the likes of Honey Dijon, DJ Spielberg, DJ Legwarmer, Billy Nasty and more, Malta’s top lo-fi/house/acid DJ is making quite the name for herself not just locally but also abroad, having recently played in Lisbon too. Therefore it was only fitting to ask the in-demand producer a few questions. 

B E - You miss being behind the decks. Anything else you miss?

Being behind the decks, a most definitely being before them. I just miss dancing 🕺

B E - What's the first thing you'd like to do, once we come out of this strange time?

Well, go to Liquid and dance the night away, and meet all my friends at once! I miss them loads.

B E - Any instagram page/s you suggest people to follow?

@trashfashionshit@matieresfecales@salvjiia all your clothing fantasies will be fulfilled

B E - Noticed any positive changes from being indoors?

Actually no. I feel super anxious. No motivation nor inspiration, and that's okay. We're all so pressured to be productive or learn new skills right now, but fuck that.

B E - Any TV series you watched recently and give a reason/s why you liked it so much?

I believe the last one I enjoyed was Unorthodox on Netflix. 

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B E - INDOORS with Alicia Clara

Portrait of Alicia Clara drawn by Gin

Montreal is a city bursting with musicians. There’s always someone new popping up the music scene there, and one of the recent ones is Indie Pop act - Alicia Clara. B E W Y L D took some time to ask a few questions: 

B E - Which is the room you spent most time isolating in?

I live alone in Montreal and my parents and brothers are in Europe, so I decided to spend confinement at my aunt and uncle's (my mother's brother) who live about an hour and a half away from Montreal, that way I'm not alone. I spend most of my time working on music and music-related stuff in the bedroom I'm using.

B E - How have you been spending your time indoors? 

I try to write new music but it can be a bit weird right now given the circumstances. Some days I'll have a lot of inspiration and on others I'll feel empty and drained, kind of like a hamster running on a wheel leading to nowhere. But I've been working on my next single remotely with Dylan (of Sorry Girls), whom I'm collaborating with on production as well as with our friend Michael.

B E - I read on a 'Pop Montreal' article, that you were worried on how this pandemic might affect the future of live performance. Could you elaborate more on this please?  

I was due to play a couple of shows this Spring and then a few showcases and festivals, such as Pop Montreal, in the Fall. I was really excited to get into live performance as I haven't had the opportunity to play live yet, but now it seems like everything will be on hold until at least 2021, which is very frustrating. I'm worried about the outcome because once we're allowed to attend festivals and shows again, there will most likely be restrictions while less people will want to attend, which I suppose could lead to limitations in the number of dates you can play, and the number of places you can travel to. I'm a little scared that livestreams will take over somehow, which I find a bit sad. My little dream was to be able to go on a small North American tour in 2021/22 but now I don't know if that can happen. My predictions aren't founded on any facts or anything so they should be taken with a pinch of salt -- I might be wrong -- but I feel like that's what this whole situation is suggesting right now.

B E - Dylan from 'Sorry Girls' helped produce your newest single. How was the process of working with another musician? 

Working with Dylan has been great, he's really talented. I send him demos and then together we decide what arrangements would compliment the track better. Now our friend Michael (who recently started releasing his solo project under the name solarsine) has tagged along to the collab. He's a talented multi-instrumentalist, and the three of us work really well together. My debut single was done mostly over email with Dylan last summer as we were in the stages of testing this collaboration, but now we're setting up weekly live sessions where we play around with ideas collectively (over Zoom at the moment obviously), which I feel will make my next releases more interesting, and slightly different from the sound of Closing Time at the Gates. It'll be a bit more organic, just like our collaboration.

B E - 'Closing Time at the Gates' can you tell us a bit more about this new single, and video concept behind it?

I wrote this song last year as I was back home in Switzerland for a few weeks while I was in-between places -- I went to university in London, and then I did two internships in New York before finally settling on Montreal for its vibrant music scene (well I'm also half-québécois so it kind of is my second home). I understand that moving around a lot can seem like a weird privilege for some, or just plain weird, but I guess I was a bit tired of some people's semi-hidden judgement when I said I wasn't planning on moving back home anytime soon. I also got sort of thrown back into some teenage drama pretty much the day I got back, which made me want to leave again straight away. I love my hometown and am always really happy to go back when I do, but I do have this sort of love-hate relationship with it which inspired the track. For the video I wanted to illustrate old me vs 'now' me, as well as travelling, which is why I used old home videos from when I was on a trip with my family at age 2, and more recent footage. The snow scene was a homage to my move to Montreal. 

B E - During this time to be alive, any book you read, which you highly suggest, or anything you baked/cooked which you also highly suggest?

I'm slightly ashamed to say I haven't read a book during lockdown yet! I only took two with me which I already read in the past, but I read the first chapter of ‘Cannery Row’ by John Steinbeck online -- I hate eBooks though and I don't even have an eReader or tablet so I'm waiting until I can buy it in paperback. It seems like a funny reflection on society which I guess is topical right now. My cousin and I made her parents homemade ricotta and spinach tortelli from ‘Pasta Grannies’ on YouTube (recipes from real Italian grannies in Italy!), it was really good. Italians might shiver at the sight of what we made but it was satisfying and really tasty for us :P 100% recommend. 

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B E - INDOORS with Bad Hammer

Portrait of Bad Hammer drawn by Gin

With their new single ‘Mystified’ to be released Wednesday May 27th, B E W Y L D thought its a good time to ask the Berlin softrock/pop / adult-sentimental duo some questions beforehand. 

B E - What’s your experience with being indoors - so far? It´s been great, because we HAVE a home. There is nothing to do except for working so we do just that. but of course during these times you rethink and discuss sociopolitically issues a lot...re "experience with being indoors": people who do not have a home cannot stay indoors, families with three children in a two bedroom apt don´t really want to stay home all the time, violence at home etc.. we´ve seen many problems also being discussed in the media nowadays so we basically are just grateful that we HAVE a home and that we are very lucky.

B E - How is it to be isolated in Berlin? In Berlin we´re basically just lucky because of all the parks and big streets and stuff. We can be outside, go for a walk, hang in the sun for a little while. The location factor is goin through the roof right now, Berlin is awesome!

B E - Can you tell us a bit more about your recent livestream with Lockdown Festival? That was good good fun. It´s just really cool, that you guys came up with the idea. it was also a good reminder of how much you can actually do from home. In the same room we shot the video for our song "Ghost". B E - How do you stay creative indoors?                                                  For us it´s not so different...we go to the studio, we jam, we edit videos, we write...pretty much business as usual so far.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time? Don´t judge. Don´t judge other people for hamstering toilet paper or for hangin in groups outside, don´t judge yourself for having irrational fears or not being able to focus. Tomorrow there´s a new day and everyone who reads this is living in the bubble anyways, so remember how lucky you are!

Thanks Bad Hammer, for your time, hopefully people will get to hang in groups outside a concert of yours in Malta! Until then keep mystifying everyone with your music!

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B E - INDOORS with Martha Rose

Portrait of Martha Rose drawn by Gin. 

There are some who like coffee. But there are some who Love coffee. Therefore having released her latest single ‘Coffee Love’, B E W Y L D decided to catch up the Casio Pop Nostalgia musician. 

B E - What type of Coffee you like most, and why?                                      The type that is made for me by a dear friend or brought to me in bed, because it's one of the nicest things anyone can do for anyone.

B E - What does your breakfast consist of? Very varied. I am a huge fan of croissants. Or on the other side of the spectrum, some kind of savoury breakfast soup, any kind of egg. Fun fact, I just remembered that I did a whole statistics project in school on the benefits of breakfast - weird. 

B E - How was the experience playing for Lockdown sessions? It was really fun, and way more technically complicated than I had imagined. It really helped to have a focus in that early stage of our self isolating era. I felt part of a cool secret little gang. 

B E - What's your favourite thing to bake and why? Haha everything! I recently embarked on a sourdough quest, which tasted great, but wasn't that fun to bake. You have to wait for hours and hours. I kept starting too late and then having to set my alarm in the middle of the night to change the bread position or knead it for 10 more minutes or something. The dough gets stuck everywhere. So I guess uh, not sourdough. I think a good old fashioned birthday cake is pretty fun. Sachertorte.  

B E - Would you prefer buying a new book or a new outfit? Justify your answer please. New outfit for sure. I seem to come across books without trying too hard, but one of my favourite hobbies in the world is to rummage through second hand stores and find a whole new outfit for under €10. I often have to drag myself away from a pile of treasures cos I already have too many :'(

Thanks Martha Rose, hopefully a morning concert with some coffee could be an option in Malta one day soon!

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B E - INDOORS with Grip Tight

Portrait of Grip Tight drawn by Gin

Grip Tight’s name had been circulating around the Berlin music scene for quite a while, but through a recommendation of Martha Rose, it was only recently that B E W Y L D ‘s grip got tighter on the broken ballads man. Having performed for ‘Lockdown Festival’, a few questions were sent to his address. 

B E - What’s your experience with being indoors - so far?

5 meals a day and a lot of contemplation.

B E - How is it to be isolated in Berlin?

We’re lucky this didn’t happen in the depths of a Berlin winter. The sun is out,  my bike wheels are greased, I’m ready to go.

B E - You had an upcoming tour with Peggy Sue, which got rescheduled. How did the change of date affect your plans/schedule?

I started projecting concerts from Youtube onto my bedroom wall to fill the void left by all the venues closing. I’ve been missing live music and I’m hoping there’s still some spaces left for musicians to perform in when all this is over. But in the meantime…

”Hello Glastonbury..it’s the year 2000 and I am David Bowie!”

B E - You recently released a new single titled ' In Luck', could you tell us more about the development of that?

Yeah so I signed to Reveal Records recently and this is my first release with them. The timing was strange as it came out the week that most countries went into lockdown but the response has been super nice. There’ll be a few more singles coming out throughout the year before the album drops.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

Plenty of Instagram, bake a cake, be the best you!

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B E - INDOORS with Seb

Portrait of Seb drawn by Gin

Berlin is a city full of musicians. Some wanna leave a legacy behind, some leave one, and some maybe don’t. However despite releasing an EP titled ‘The Legacy’ does that mean the Alternative pop musician Seb wanna leave one also? 

B E - Has being indoors made you work harder to release your new EP?

It has, I decided to use the opportunity of being indoors so much to just go ahead and get the music out there, while everybody is stuck at home.

B E - Your new EP is titled 'The Legacy' what legacy do you plan on leaving?

That's a big question haha. The EP is more about coming to terms with what was left, after the closing of a big personal chapter in my life. And also the irony of it being a debut EP, and I actually have no real legacy thus far of music from this project.

But I really have no idea what legacy I could leave, I'd like for everybody that I have any sort of relationship to or with, to know that I cared about them and the world, and that I also challenged them in some way.

And to leave as little waste and destruction as possible!

B E - Three of your tracks are titled 'Wasted Time', 'I Don't Wannit this Way', and 'Much 2 Me'. So are these titles outcome of what you feeling during this strange time?

The titles don't originate from this strange time, but they could certainly apply. Right now it's very hard to establish routine, appropriate communication, and a feeling of security and trust, so the confused emotions, and passionate yet hindered intent involved in the songs definitely spill over in some way.

B E - Aside from writing new music, have you also been dancing a lot?

I haven't actually been dancing as much as I usually do. I think because I'm getting outside into the beautiful spring to exercise, and watch nature dance, as much as possible. And also in consideration of my neighbours, who are all in this too, so it's hard to let loose... but it is very important!

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

Hmm.. I just hope everybody is doing okay mentally and materially, it's a very insecure time for a lot of people. If we can achieve some time everyday where we turn off our stresses and think about what our creative processes mean to us personally, then that's an achievement in itself :)

Thanks Seb, hope you get to leave that legacy in Malta. If not then everyone can enjoy it in the virtual world. 

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B E - INDOORS with Bark Bark Disco

Portrait of Bark Bark Disco drawn by GIN 

If the witch in Snow White had to ask the mirror, ‘Who is the most humble musician of them all?’ There is a very good chance, the mirror would say ‘Bark Bark Disco’. Joking aside, the guy is really one of the most humble, genuine musicians one can come across. From owning his own bar, to drumming for Malta’s first signed Indie band, this guy has really done a lot. But what has he actually been up to during this time indoors? 

B E - Any movies, books you read during this time, which you highly recommend?

I rewatched all the Miyazaki movies on netflix again. totally recommend.  

B E - How has it been for you so far being indoors?

It's been ok. I enjoy a little isolation. However naturally work etc takes a hit.

B E- You released a single titled 'Hot Summer Love', do you predict summer 2020 is gonna be hot for you personally?

Yeah probably pretty hot stuck indoors.

B E - You also released a single 'Cockblock'. Do you care to share with us some cockblock stories that you have experienced?

The classic one, when u try chatting up someone and another person's glued to you never getting the hint.

B E - You launched a new trippy site. You included chords. Is your intention to help aspiring musicians out there to play some trippy chords?

People used to tell me they play some BBD songs cause they're super easy, so i make sure they can play all of them

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

You have no excuse to stay at home and make that hit album now :)

One can see Bark Bark Disco perform live on screen tonight at Tinymono Online Festival

[bewyldblog]

B E - INDOORS with ‘Lizzy & the Fanatics’

Portrait drawn by Gin

Having uploaded a number of the B E- INDOORS interviews, it seems that this music edition series has caught the eye of some people, and one of them being Montreal based DIY dream pop act - Lizzy & the Fanatics . Via Instagram, B E W Y L D had this new follower, and after some email exchanges, it was decided that why not ask a few questions. 

B E - What’s your experience with being indoors - so far?

I tend to be my best self when I have time to work alone on various creative projects. I've been writing songs, drawing, editing videos and going on photo walks through alleyways. Also, I've been talking to friends and family a lot more than before actually because I'm more intentional about it and I've become closer to my cat haha. So yeah I'm ok but concerned for some friends who are having a rough time now.

B E - You have a single titled 'Far Away', how far away do you feel now during this time?

Yeah, it's funny because I released that song this winter before all of this, it's about feeling physically distant on the internet. My friend Amelie, who plays keys with me, pointed out how relevant it is now. I hadn't noticed I guess because I'm so used to connecting with others online. The longer this social distancing goes though, the more I miss it. The physicality of friendship, how all of our senses are engaged in our interactions with others.

B E - Any podcasts, movies, TV series, books you have seen, read, listened to and suggest?

Answering this question I realize how I haven't really watched any TV series lately (apart from Tiger King but does that even count? ) I think it's because I've been too distracted by TikTok.

I have been watching movies though. About a year ago, I started a 90s film club with my friends. It sounds so pretentious but we just watch nostalgic cute 90s movies together (only in chronological order haha). Since we've all been in confinement, we stream them together on zoom and it has been so much fun to connect that way. We vote online every week for the movie we will watch. Last week we did 1993 with Dazed and Confused and this week we did 1994 with Speed which was an epic distraction from all that's happening.

B E - Are you working on new music at the moment?

Yes, every day I've been writing and or recording stuff. I arrange and produce everything myself, it can be pretty time consuming so it's nice to have more time for that.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

There is so much creativity happening at this time which is amazing but also, I know it can be really tough to be creative if we are feeling depressed because of the times. Sadness and melancholy can be channeled into creativity but when I feel depressed,  it can be hard to do just about anything.  I think we have to give ourselves space, it's ok to do nothing. Actually, if there is one thing I want to learn from this confinement is being good at doing nothing.

Thanks for the 90′s movie suggestions, we’ll make sure to check em out!

[bewyldblog]

B E - INDOORS with ‘Moon King’

Portrait of Moon King drawn by Gin

First time I came across Moon King’s music was back in 2017. I remember being immediately hit by his housey dance tune ‘In & Out’. I decided to reach out, and having exchanged emails with his booking agent at the time, a B E W Y L D show was set up for him in Lisbon, at Anjos70 with support from Sreya.  The show was a great one, but this time around things are a bit different, and therefore I caught up again with him, to ask a few questions. 

B E - What’s your experience with being indoors - so far, and how creative have you been?

Well, I kinda lucked out by finding an apartment in Windsor to quarantine in last minute, at least temporarily. I had been subletting in Detroit and obviously had to get out of the USA, it was pretty touch & go there for a moment. And yeah I do spend most of my alone time working on tracks anyway, so I'm pretty sure I'll have an album done by the time this is over. I think everyone will! haha

B E - what music are you listening to whilst in-doors?

A lot. I made a top 40 playlist to dance in the apartment to when I need to be silly and reset myself a bit. But mostly just digging for tracks which again is what I like to do with my free time anyway.

B E - You had an upcoming tour which got postponed. How did that effect your plans?

Well, yeah I've been living in sublets or touring for most of the last year, and the virus has basically put an end to that run haha. So having the tour get cancelled mostly just meant I immediately needed to find an apartment. I think I would have been in Minneapolis today otherwise.

B E - Any movie, TV series , book you suggest to others to watch, read during this time?

Hmmm I'm reading this book about maps called On The Map which is really interesting. TBH I only watched one movie so far, last night -  Fort Apache, The Bronx.

Oh I do listen to a TON of podcasts though. The Women's War from Robert Evans is totally amazing, definitely check it out. Also Good One, Reply All and Parallax Views.

B E - Do you have any message you want to pass on to creatives/musicians out there finding it hard to cope during this strange time?

I mean, I don't have any answers at all, tbh this really really sucks. I don't think any of us really know what's gonna happen.

[bewyldblog]

B E - INDOORS with ‘Skiing’

Portrait of Skiing drawn by Gin

First time i went Skiing was on the evening of the 23rd of May 2017 at Festsaal Kreuzberg. OK I didnt actually go skiing, but I did see a support act by the name of ‘Skiing’. I remember it was this guy with guitar, and Karaoke looking visuals behind him on a screen. i realised the Karaoke videos was part of his get up, and it still is, as recently he released his new single ‘Playback Artist’. But that’s not all he’s releasing, so an interview with him was due course. 

B E - What's authenticity to you?

Funny you should ask, I've been talking, reading, and thinking about this a lot, and any attempt I made at an answer, just made more questions. It depends where you're standing for one, where your musical allegiances lie, and what you consider inauthentic in the first place.  

B E - So are you a fan of rock or pop?

Are you a fan of rock? or a fan of pop?I asked you first!

B E - You prefer Madonna or Nivana?

Depends on my mood. I'm more partial to Madonna as a possible desert island artist, as she's diverse and just simply has more stuff. Nirvana has a big place in my heart though. I couldn't really decide, so on my new release I covered both artists. (Promotion Alert!) Check out my new album at the end of this interview.

B E - Do you hate being pre-recorded?

That's only half the story, because during the other half I'm live. I guess I prefer my take on a band more than I like being in an "authentic" band, i.e., performing alone with video and playback. There's much less drama, it's easier to coordinate practice schedules, everyone pulls their own weight,... there are of course benefits to having other musicians with you instead of backing tracks though, not the least of which being that no one accuses you of being inauthentic.

B E - What in your opinion are secondary concerns?

All the rest.

B E - Do you like driving and dancing?

I like tapping along with the turn signal. I like being driven, I'm a classic bottom.

B E - Have you ever told jokes at funerals? If so can you remember one that you care to share?

Just at my own. I have actually only ever given funny anecdotes at funerals about the deceased. I got to see my dad give a eulogy this past December and he shared some very funny anecdotes about my uncle, which made the people in the room feel 500 times lighter. Humor is a lightening agent. It’s a true blessing. 

I close this interview, by saying that Im not sure if I’ll get the chance to go Skiing myself, but in the meantime we can get the chance to listen to this lovely album  ‘Let's Dance Vol. 2.’ Available at www.skiing.bandcamp.com