With musical comparisons such as, John Mayer, Elliot Smith, and Omar Apollo. Reese Posten is a new artist taking the music industry by storm with his new single "One Less" feat FredTheBlackKid. Reese's aspiration is to approach the music industry with a refreshing departure from the exclusively electronic-based music that has been adopted as mainstream, all while remaining marketable and enjoyable to the general public.
Brittany Geertgens sat down with Reese Posten to talk about his new single, biggest musical inspiration, dream collaboration and more!
Brittany Geertgens: Hey Reese, thanks so much for taking the time out to answer my questions. Why don't you introduce yourself to the listeners and share one interesting fact about yourself?
Reese Posten: My name is Reese Posten and I love to write songs. An interesting fact about myself is that I am currently at the Berklee College of Music for music business.
Brittany Geertgens: How would you describe your style of music to a new listener?
Reese Posten: I would say that I write pretty laid-back music that is perfect for driving and going to the beach. It’s kind of indie-popish with some blues pop influence. I try to write songs that are easy and satisfying to listen to.
Brittany Geertgens: Who is your biggest influence musically?
Reese Posten: My biggest influence at the moment is probably a combination of BB King, a band formerly known as Mt. Eddy, and Dominic Fike. These are the people that I love listening to and I aspire to write songs that encapsulate some of the qualities that they have.
Brittany Geertgens: What would you say makes you stick out as an artist?
Reese Posten: I hope that the way I use my melodies is what makes me stick out. I try really hard not to overcomplicate my melodies while continuing to keep them interesting and easy to listen to. My main goal is to write satisfying songs.
Brittany Geertgens: Let's talk about your single "One Less". What inspired this song and what was the writing process like?
Reese Posten: Over the summer I had some issues with a couple of friends from high school and they did and said something that were out of character and really hurt as a friend. I remember being kind of shocked that any of it happened and eventually came to the realization that the best thing to do was to move on and write it off as a blessing in disguise. I wrote the chord progression really soon after everything happened and the lyrics just came out really easily.
Brittany Geertgens: How is this song different from anything you've written in the past?
Reese Posten: I feel like song was better produced than my previous singles and I spent a lot of time arranging it than I did the others. It has some influence of styles that I’ve never really experimented with in my writing and I just got hooked on trying out new sounds and techniques. I was also lucky enough to get FredTheBlackKid to record a verse for this song and it honestly tied the whole song together.
Brittany Geertgens: Where would you like to see yourself as a musician in the next five years?
Reese Posten: Hopefully out of college with my degree and in southern California writing and recording. I would love to work for a label at one point, hopefully producing or recording as an artist. It’s hard to say where I’ll be because the music industry is so unpredictable and inconsistent so there aren’t any guarantees.
Brittany Geertgens: If you could collaborate with any artist dead or alive who would you pick and why?
Reese Posten: I would love to collaborate with an artist who passed away in 2003 named Elliot Smith. He was a phenomenal songwriting and I would love to just be in the same room as him writing a song.
Brittany Geertgens: What can fans expect from you in the new year?
Reese Posten: I just finished mastering a new song that I am hoping to release in the next couple months and I’m really excited for people to hear that. So mainly just new music and hopefully more collaborations. Once things start opening up again, I would really love to do some live shows as well.
Connect with Reese Posten on the following websites:
https://www.reeseposten.com/
https://www.instagram.com/reese.posten/
Happy Valentine’s Day! Amandah Opoku and Brittany Geertgens have curated a 10 track playlist for the season of Love! Check out what tracks made the playlist below and stream the playlist on Spotify!
UMusicians co-founder Brittany Geertgens has curated a 10 track playlist to help you celebrate the Holiday season!
The playlist features 10 of Brittany’s favorite tracks to listen to during this season! Check out what tracks made the playlist below and stream the playlist on Spotify!
New Zealand native, Zac Taylor is ready to conquer the music industry on his own. A former member of Pop Group, Titanium, Taylor found success in the group with their debut single “Come On Home” reaching Number 1 on the official New Zealand Singles Charts and reaching double platinum status in 2012.
After leaving the band in 2016, Taylor has spent his time traveling, writing and working on his music, which he is ready to share with the world. On December 11, 2020 Zac Taylor makes his debut with his solo release “Stay The Night”, where he brings a new wave of Soul, Pop and R&B into the industry.
Brittany Geertgens sat down with Zac Taylor to talk about his new single “Stay The Night”, musical influences, growth as a musician and more!
Brittany Geertgens: Hi Zac, how about you introduce yourself to the listeners and tell us a random fun fact about yourself?
Zac Taylor: People can never usually guess what ethnicity I am so I guess that’s a fun fact. I’m New Zealand/Singaporean. I’ve been doing this singing thing since I was a kid, it’s something I am truly passionate about.
BG: Alright so, for the listeners that's never heard of you before how you describe your music?
ZT: I’m bringing a new wave of soul, pop & RnB. I try to instil a sense of warmth and truth within soothing vocals and tasty melodies.
BG: Your genre of music is listed as soul, pop and rnb. Who are some of your musical influences that's inspired you?
ZT: My inspiration comes from many genres & artists. I grew up listening to a lot of soul music but also a lot of pop. To name a few of my musical influences I would say, Michael Buble, John Legend, Celine Dion, Craig David, Michael Jackson & Elvis Presley.
BG: If you had to pick another genre to pursue which would you pick, and why?
ZT: I love rap. Its something I’ve never really done but I feel you can say a whole lot more within a rap in comparison to a song.
BG: What's your earliest musical memory?
ZT: I remember watching the Michael Jackson concert live on TV with my family. It was a massive event for New Zealanders and I remember how inspiring it was.
BG: Besides music, what are some things you enjoy doing/hobbies you have?
ZT: I love exploring new places, travelling and staying fit & healthy. One of the hardest things about being in lockdown during covid was not being able to go to a gym and just push your body to new limits.
BG: Who inspires you? Musically and personally?
ZT: I think my Mother is my biggest inspiration. Musically I’m just inspired by people who create music that instantly makes me feel something.
BG: You get the opportunity to put together a tour. You're headlining. What three artists/ bands are you picking to open for you?
ZT: Thats a tough one. I would love to bring other musical friends of mine on tour. Being able to go on tour is a blessing but if you get to share that with your friends as well then that’s something special.
BG: Your single “Stay in the Night” is releasing on 12.11. Tell us about the single. What inspired the song and what was the writing process like?
ZT: Stay in the night is the all too familiar story of being with someone and wanting to remain in a time or a moment - not wanting it to end. A direct love song laying down the emotions we all feel, no matter what surrounds us in the time.
I was inspired by an old relationship of mine to write this song, It came about super naturally. Working with two of my close friends who are both incredible musically which made the whole writing process that much better.
BG: Is this single musically different from your previous music releases? If so, how?
ZT: This is my first solo release as an artist. I was previously in a pop group called ‘Titanium’ back in New Zealand so I would say this is very different but being in that group helped shape some of the sound that I have created.
BG: How have you grown this year as a musician?
ZT: Massively, being forced into isolation because of a global pandemic helped me focus in on what I love and gave me the opportunity to dig deep into my song writing. I feel very grounded this year and look forward to going into 2021 with a new sense of freedom.
BG: How has the pandemic affected you as a musician?
ZT: It helped put a lot of things into perspective. No matter what happens in my life. Jobs come and go, people come and go but music literally stays with you through it all.
BG: If you could change anything about the music industry what would it be and why?
ZT: Fairness and transparency. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs and it just seems to be a recurring thing in this industry.
BG: What advice would you give to a young musician just starting their music career?
ZT: Stay true to yourself, surround yourself with people who genuinely care for you outside of music. If you do that, you can’t lose.
BG: What can fans expect from Zac in the new year?
ZT: More music, more visuals & of course live shows.
I want to dive deeper into my artistry moving forward so I’m excited to have you all join me as I go on this journey.
Connect with Zac Taylor on the following websites:
https://www.facebook.com/itszactaylor
https://www.instagram.com/itszactaylor/
https://www.youtube.com/user/ZacRT93
Dallas, Texas native Barret Turner has always been involved with music. The producer and singer-songwriter started making music as a child, when he was a kid and picked up a guitar. Turner was constantly making music but never seemed to let his songs go further than the four walls of his room, until now. For the past 5 years, Barret has been diligently working on his craft to now be able to share with you these new songs, which are both unique and personal to him.
Brittany Geertgens sat down with Barret Turner to talk about his new single “Never Stood”, collaborating with Nick Dean and more!
Brittany Geertgens: Hi Barret, thanks so much for sitting down and talking with me. How about you introduce yourself to the viewers and tell us a little bit about yourself.
Barret Turner: Thank you! Im Barret Turner i am from Dallas Tx and ive been making music since i was about 13. Ive always loved it.. was in a pop punk band with my high school friends and grew up playing hockey… In college i moved to austin to go to college and pursue music. I made an album that was never released down there. to sum it up i moved back to Dallas kept working on music and some how ended up being a co driver on a race team with one of my best friends.. Thats how i ended up getting into video production i would film us racing and the adventures we would go on and i grew to love it. I now do video full time.. ive been making all my music videos for my new music.. My dream would be to make music a full time career.
BG: Let's start out by getting into your background a little. What is your music background and what inspired you to start your music career?
BT: My music background is pretty basic, I had a friend Travis Hammond who taught me how to play guitar at a young age and i would always bug him to show me how to play new songs… full circle moment Travis and i have made a song that i will be releasing in the coming months. We are really excited about it.. I then started screaming in a high school band and then started to try and sing.. I really enjoyed it but was mostly a closet singer.. Then i wanted to play piano and i would go over to my grandmas and play her piano and look up how to play Something Corporate songs i have zero professional learning mostly by ear and just constantly trying to get better and better… I then realized i could record the music myself with equipment for my birthday my parents bought me a 8 track and me and my friend max would go down stairs and make music on it for hours.. It sounded horrible but i always knew the ideas were there.. i would stick my face up to the built in microphone and sing into it and then record sounds and guitars to go with it… Sometimes i wonder if ive gotten better and ill go back and listen to those tracks and it feels good to see progress.. I know produce full songs at my at home studio through studio one.
BG: What artist/musicians inspires you musically?
BT: I always randomly get inspired… its always someone new… right now it would be Dermot Kennedy but life long has been my friend Travis Hammond.. He has always made the most interesting music but still super catchy songs i wish i had his hand for the piano haha
BG: How has your artistry changed since you first started?
BT: It’s changed a ton but its like my core is still there. I like pop music, i like good verses and a really catchy chorus. When I first started it was just me and a guitar more alternative music, some would even mistaken it as country “I never thought that lol” Now its full productions almost could call it electronic music the music has changed but the way i write songs really hasn’t I think i’ve just gotten better at structure and making things fit and sound better.
BG: Alright, so you just released your single "Never Stood" featuring Nick Dean. Can you tell us about the single and about the writing process when writing it?
BT: Yes, I started this song downstairs at my parents i remember sitting there thinking what direction i wanted to go today, I had been inspired by skrillex that week and thought id try making something out of my box.. More earthy just something i don’t normally make… Maybe i didn’t hit the mark but thats how i was going about it. That was a few years ago. Then about 5 months ago i sent Nick a email asking if he would like to sing on it.. I really enjoy listening to his voice and come to find out he is a really nice guy to work with. Not everyone is like that.. We just would email each other and text each other ideas. We might also have another song together coming out :)
BG: How did the feature with Nick Dean come about?
BT: Email.. Email has been my biggest success when reaching out to singers. I had been following him on instagram and listening to his original songs and i felt he would sound perfect on Never Stood.. Kinda in his realm of style. After a few emails he agreed and we started cooking it up.
BG: You have 7 more singles that you will be releasing. What can fans expect from those singles?
BT: Im not really sure. They are all different in their own way i hope they enjoy them… Ive really worked hard on all of them and i just hope it helps people
BG: How would you say this pandemic has affected the music scene? Do you feel like the music scene is going to change forever? If so, how?
BT: Ive honestly never really been in the music scene. So i don’t honestly know… I know its hurt people with live shows but im not there yet so i don’t really keep up with it. I guess, people will always listen to music people need music. I know i need music… I think yes it will change, Maybe the way its sold or the way live shows go.. but music will always be music a good outlet.
BG: If you had to describe your music in three words to someone that has never heard it before what three words would you use?
BT: HAPPY, SAD, INSPIRED
BG: Who are your musical influences?
BT: Illenium, Hootie and the blowfish, Gryffin, and alot more that i can’t think of because its always changing
BG: If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any artist dead or alive who would you pick and why?
BT: Gryffin.. thats what i wish at the moment, i think we would mesh well together.
BG: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
BT: You have to love doing what you are doing because there is really no guarantee… If you love it then just do it. Who knows what will happen
BG: What can fans expect from you in the new year?
BT: MORE MUSIC!
Connect with Barret Turner on the following websites:
https://www.instagram.com/barret_turner/
https://twitter.com/barret_turner
https://soundcloud.com/barret-turner
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWpNARdogqme_F8rSaY4WA
Brittany Smooch recently released a new single ft. Lil Twist. Brittany Ginyard caught up with Brittany to talk about the single an upcoming music plans!
Brittany Ginyard: Introduce yourself and tell us one interesting fact about yourself.
Brittany: Hi,my name is Brittany smooch I am a hip hop artist from NewYork city. An interesting fact about me is before I got my record deal I was training to be a pro surfer.
Brittany Ginyard: Not too long ago you released your music video for your song “Kamikaze” ft Lil Twist. Tell us a little bit about the song.
Brittany: Kamikaze is a song with a little bit of all genres mixed into one. I like to describe it as electronic hip hop. It’s an up beat dance song that makes you want to party!
Brittany Ginyard: What makes you stand out as an artist?
Brittany: My music definitely makes me stand out because it’s not just one genre it’s a bunch of different genres which makes my sound different then others.
Brittany Ginyard: Who are some artist/musicians that you look up to?
Brittany: Britney Spears! Nicki Minaj! And definitely Rihanna!
Brittany Ginyard: You seem to stay busy! What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Brittany: When Im not working I like to watch movies!! That’s my favorite thing to do, I also like to ride bikes through Central Park, and just hang with my family.
Brittany Ginyard: If you had to describe your music using only two words what words would you use?
Brittany: Fun! And GirlPower!
Brittany Ginyard: If you weren’t doing anything music related with your life what would you be doing?
Brittany: I would either be a kindergarten teacher, or a nurse!
Brittany Ginyard: If you had the opportunity to work with any artist dead or alive who would you choose?
Brittany: I would choose T.I. I love him!!
Brittany Ginyard: What’s to come for Brittany Smooch?Any tours or new music on the horizon?
Brittany: I’m working on completing my album right now! And I have a bunch of performances coming up, hope to be touring very soon!
Brittany Ginyard: Any last words for your fans?
Brittany: I love all my smoochers!! I have the best, most supportive fans in the world!!! Thank you!!
Connect with Brittany Smooch on the following websites:
www.brittanysmooch.com
https://www.facebook.com/brittanysmooch
https://twitter.com/brittanysmooch
While on the 8123 Tour, Brittany Ginyard caught up with The Maine in Atlanta to talk about their new album ‘Forever Halloween’. Watch the interview below!
Introduce yourself and tell us what you do in the band:
Dan: Hey, I’m Dan Carter and I play bass and sing back up vocals.
How did Mrs. Skannotto form?
Dan: The band original started in a dorm room at Bates College in Lewiston, ME in 1998.
How did you guys come up with the name Mrs. Skannotto?
Dan: This is before my time in the band (so don’t blame me!), but the band needed a name for its first show. Mark Annotto, one of the original members and still a great friend of ours, mom took the band out to eat before their first show. They decided to honor her and name the band after her with plans of changing it down the road. 15 years later…
You guys were out on tour last month. How was the that?
Dan: One word, long! It was six weeks (42 shows in 43 days across the US) out with the legendary Toasters. But to be truthful, it was great! We were able to learn so much from them and get on a much more personal level with fans.
Favorite venues/states to play while on tour?
Dan: My personal favorite was The Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM. What a great venue and incredible fans. Seattle and Portland have been giving us love too. I could go on and on though, every city we’ve been in has an upside and has given us the opportunity to make new fans.
You guys put out a new album called “All These Evolutions” earlier this year. How have the fans been responding to it?
Dan: I think the fans are digging what we put out there. We continue to try and progress the music and push boundaries. There are still a few fans out there that wish we did another album like “The Long Dark Road”, but I think that happens with every band. To those fans, I just want to say; stick with us, we are still writing music as you read this and who knows, it may be something you love!
Favorite song to play off that album live?
Dan: “Just As Well”. It just hits the audience in the face. Rock and Roll!
Any more tours in the works?
Dan: I’m actually writing this from a hotel in Detroit, so we are currently on a 10 day May regional tour. Then this summer, we will be hitting the road on June 28th for a month tour. We will be getting as far west as Denver.
You guys have been a band for a while now. Since 1998 to be exact! What advice would you give to someone just starting a band?
Dan: Practice, practice, practice. You won’t get anywhere if you can’t play!
How would you describe your music?
Dan: Well, it’s ska, but with all of our influences put into it. We all love different genres of music, so when we write, those influences come out. I’ll leave it up to the fans to describe it!
Any last words?
Dan: Yeah, we love talking to fans and the opportunity to meet new people. If we are playing in your city, come say hi and give us a listen. We think you’ll like what we have to offer.
Connect with Mrs. Skannotto on the following websites:
https://www.MrsSka.com
https://facebook.com/skannotto
