#bewyld

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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.