Delta Rae Interview

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It's rare to find a singer who's pitch and tone would make even Florence Welch sit up and take note - in fact, Brittany Holljes of Delta Rae could probably give other female singers notes. In fact, if Florence hit a ten on the ethereal scale on Ceremonials, then Delta Rae hits a Spinal Tap eleven. Gothic, ambitious and epic, this sextet's music defines unique in a predictable music industry.

Coming out of university and finding work hard to come by after the recession, sister and brother combo Ian, Eric and Brittany Holljes decided to throw themselves into their music and form Delta Rae. Living all over America they ended up at College in North Carolina and completed the band with Elizabeth Hopkins, Grant Emerson and Mike McKee. It is thanks to the generosity of their fans that the first album was funded through Kickstarter and soon enough legendary A&R guy Seymour Stein (He signed The Ramones, Madonna, and The Smiths) took them under his wing.Warner Brothers has given them free reign to create so much more than an album - it's more like an experience.

Delta Rae float effortlessly between rock, folk, and R&B overtones with some operatic notes for good measure. Imagine the love child of My Chemical Romance's "Black Parade" and Florence and The Machine and you get some inkling of the ingenuity of the band. The extra bonus with this group is their music videos - forget a verbatim sing along but rather expect a full on Tarantino narrative.

Music News caught up with Brittany and Eric Holljes before their gig at the Barfly in Camden. They chatted about their first tour in the UK, the new album "After It All" and Lindsay Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac laying down some music for them.
Check out the interview below for more.

On their whistle-stop tour of the UK and Holland, you can see them here:
May 16th The Great Escape – Brighton
May 20th Paradiso Kleine Zaal – Amsterdam
May 22nd Liverpool Sound City - Liverpool

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APtheG drops ‘762,’ a Hip-hop Blend Not to Be Missed

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Emerging hip-hop artist, APtheG draws in listeners with his unique rap blend in his latest single, “762.” The Virginia-based hip-hop artist is just getting started but he wants to make sure you hear him loud and clear.

APtheG’s style is a fusion of rap, drill, and hip-hop, with a subtle taste of R&B; his delivery is both authentic and engaging. The rapper’s music is infused with personal experiences that provide a bridge to listeners who have shared similar emotions. No life experience is too small or too large for APtheG, who focuses on both struggles and triumphs.

What’s in a name? For APtheG, his moniker combines two interests—the Greek god of music, Apollo, with The Apollo theatre, renowned as a great performing stage.

When he began rapping, APtheG looked to artists like Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, and Eminem for inspiration. Through these powerhouse artists, he recognized that music was a medium through which people could tell their stories and connect with others.

APtheG was first drawn to hip hop in elementary school. “I started rapping on the bus,” shares the artist. “But my writing got better around early high school. That’s when I started it as a hobby. I used to listen to YouTube instrumentals with my friends and freestyled in front of the radio.”

After graduating from school, APtheG began to consider a life in the music industry. He began mastering his craft and invested in a home studio. He even focused on the business side of music, learning how to market and distribute his own records. APtheG has come a long way from his elementary school passion. “Now I produce my own music,” he adds.

When it comes to writing music, APtheG turns to premade beats—often from two reliable sources—and listens to a handful before choosing the one that most resonates with him. In the case of “762,” the song was created “by accident” according to the artist. “I was just listening to beats and playing around. It all just came together.”

“762” is APtheG’s most powerful single. It showcases his lyricism while enabling listeners to get lost in the flow. “The single is better vocally and more creative [than previous works],” shares APtheG. “Producing-wise, I’m getting better as time goes.”

This year, APtheG looks forward to getting his name and craft out into the world and making a brand. “I’m laid back as a person. I just want people to know they can check out my music on YouTube and Spotify,” he adds.

In addition to his single, APtheG is looking forward to sharing new singles with listeners. He wants fans to know that it’s important to follow their dreams and be consistent. “Be creative. If you like music and got something you can make a song about, then play around.”

Make sure to stay connected to APtheG on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

YouTube
Apple Music
Audiomack
United Masters
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok

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