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Artist Spotlight: FRESA
Photo Credit: @johnny.d.ho
FRESA means strawberry in Spanish, which is fitting to FRESA the R&B artist whose music feels sweet and indulging. With inspirations from Jhene Aiko, SZA, and Ariana Grande, her music is soft and soulful; sounds of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The Seattle-based singer/songwriter began her interest in music at the ripe age of 7 when she started taking piano lessons and was encouraged to both sing and play at her piano recitals. Throughout her educational years, she continued to perform at local events, social gatherings, and school assemblies.
THE INTERVIEW
What have you been up to while in quarantine? What challenges have you faced? What accomplishments have you been able to celebrate?
This quarantine I have been working really hard on a number of different things. I am on my fourth and final year at Seattle University, and am working towards a double major in Chemistry and Spanish. Within this past year I have also moved from Capitol Hill, to Bellevue, and back to Capitol Hill. Though this quarantine was really difficult because I was not able to see many of my loved ones, the abundance of free time that it gave me allowed me to finally start and finish an entire EP- a project that I’ve wanted to do since freshman year of college. Being in quarantine has allowed me to experience new levels of solitude that lead to self-reflection, exploration, and self-awareness that I have never reached before. This newly found mentality helped me really indulge in songwriting and it became an outlet and a form of therapy for me, and for that I have really valued the time given to me by this quarantine. Though its been a struggle trying to juggle online classes, working, music, and living in a pandemic, I have found that music keeps me motivated and passionate about my work.
Who are some women in the arts that inspire you and why?
Some of the women who are big in the music industry that inspire me are Jhene Aiko, SZA, and Ariana Grande. Through them I discovered the healing powers that music possesses, and I see their art as a form of female solidarity. All of these women have been through really hard times and have managed to embody their emotions and thoughts into their music in such a profound way that not only am I able to feel what they feel when I listen to their music, but I am also able to take their experiences and use them to learn and reflect on what I am going through myself. Even though their lyrics can often be quite simple, they are able to express complex feelings and thoughts through their music that I often have a hard time verbalizing. Their ability to capture and communicate the female perspective in such an artful and relatable way is what I want to be able to do for my listeners through my music. I also wanted to give a shoutout to a couple local female artists that inspire me, such as Talaya, Laureli, Anna Therese, and Pink Anbu (just to name a few)!
What is a current goal of yours that you are working towards this year in 2021?
If we weren’t under quarantine right now, one of my goals would be to be able to perform my new EP — My thoughts when I’m alone. Other than that, I am just looking forward to the release of my EP so that people can see who I am and what I do as an artist. I would love to collaborate with other local artists this year, and I plan to continue writing songs and putting as much music out as possible. Who knows, I might even work on creating a visual for one of my songs! We’ll see where this year takes us.
What are your dreams and hopes for women in the music industry?
My hope for the music industry is that women, especially women of color, become more recognized for their hard work and talent. Often women are underestimated and overshadowed by the industry due to their male peers being placed on a higher pedestal. I would love for female artists to be given the same respect and opportunities as male artists, and to see more POC female faces across the music industry. Representation is so important. I would be so proud to see someone that looks like me (an Asian woman) on the list of top charting artists.
What words of wisdom do you have that you would like to share with women?
The home screen on my phone right now is a quote by the female artist H.E.R.:
“To my women, with the utmost respect,
Intellect, we often forget and neglect Intuition can see through elusive intent
Listen to it”
There are so many layers to this quote and it is applicable to so many different scenarios. I feel like I’ll leave it up to the reader to interpret it how they like.
Name 3 things you love doing!
I love singing (duh!), going out to eat, and sunny days at the beach!
How has Totem Star helped shape you as an individual and as an artist?
Totem Star taught me that you don’t need any crazy big production or complicated process to make music. Music can be made in the comfort of your own home, in a small studio with your homies, or even recorded on a voice memo on your phone. Totem Star was my first ever experience in a recording studio, my first ever experience in a jam session, and the first music community that inspired me to explore who I am as an artist. I am so grateful to Totem Star for how accepting they are of artists- no matter what skill level they are or where they come from. Totem Star is truly one of the safest spaces I have ever been in and I know that will never change.
FRESA
FRESA means strawberry in Spanish, which is fitting to FRESA the R&B artist whose music feels sweet and indulging. With inspirations from Jhene Aiko, SZA, and Ariana Grande, her music is soft and soulful; sounds of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The Seattle-based singer/songwriter began her interest in music at the ripe age of 7 when she started taking piano lessons and was encouraged to both sing and play at her piano recitals. Throughout her educational years, she continued to perform at local events, social gatherings, and school assemblies. She found herself securing an annual position as one of the musical performing acts for the Seattle University Vietnamese Student Association’s annual Xuan festival. With encouragement from her local community, she eventually landed a spot on the More Music @ The Moore program- a decades old music program that allows up and coming young artists to perform at the renown Moore Theater in Seattle. After completing the program, FRESA began working on her first official music project. While also months away from completing two bachelor’s degrees at Seattle University, FRESA’s debut EP My thoughts when I’m alone is projected to drop March 25, 2021.
Follow FRESA through these platforms!
Instagram // Soundcloud // Spotify // Bandcamp // Apple Music
Artist Spotlight: Grae Violett
Grae Violett is a queer, POC singer and songwriter that is such a treat to have in our Totem Star family. Although she was born in Nashville, TN, she grew up around the Seattle area and considers Seattle her home. With ‘Real’ being her very first song to ever be released, we are honored to be able to have Grae Violett be featured for our 27th installment of The Song.
THE INTERVIEW
Tell us about your song. What inspired you? What is the message behind the song?
I made this song in 2018 as a response from a time when my mom and I were talking in the car. My mom was reflecting and commenting on how my friend groups differ so much from when I was young vs. today. It made me think -- at the end of the day, you should not ever have to struggle to fit into a friend group. It should just happen. With my friend group, I did not have to change myself to feel acknowledged; I already felt seen. I also wanted to convey the message that outcasts are some of the most beautiful and intriguing people, and that sometimes the people you don't expect to be friends with turn out to be your closest people.
As someone who identifies as queer, I also found that writing this song was a way to write about all of my experiences with all identies. All of my experiences -- they are all real. And we are all working to just be authentically ourselves.
I do art because it's a way for me to work through sometimes complicated emotions and make something beautiful out of something so raw and vulnerable. I'm really interested in emotions and conveying them in my music because at the end of the day, raw emotion is something that everyone has in common.
Who are some of your greatest influences?
Olly Alexander - I want to be as extra as him. I stan it.
The 1975 - Their 80s synth pop, grungy sound. I'm super inspired by the musicality of their songs.
Sza - Her songwriting is just -!!!
What is a goal of yours in music that you want to work towards this year in 2020?
Performing more and putting out an EP! I would love to make an EP.
My long-term goal would be to perform at Bumbershoot -- being able to perform on a stage where I’ve seen some of my favorite artists.
How has Totem Star helped shape you as a person and as an artist?
Being here at Totem Star has given me a lot more confidence to just try things. I am a perfectionist and it has taught me to be okay with the process even if it isn’t perfect the first time. I’ll tell myself, “Okay, I did my very best. This is good!”
I’ve learned to trust the process. To have an idea in my head and to keep it in my head, but to not get super tied down to it. For example, my song ‘Real’ was gonna be a ballad, but now it is more upbeat like a road trip song. You just gotta go with it and see what happens.
I’ve learned different skills and techniques as an artist such as reverse guitar.
Totem Star is my favorite place in Seattle. I was here during the snow day even. I’ve only been here for 7 months, but it feels like I’ve been here forever.
Grae Violett
Grae Violett is singer-songwriter who was born in Nashville, TN but spent her formative years in Washington state, specifically the Seattle area. Being from the South, having parents from NYC, and living in the PNW have led to a lot of road trips where she has had many interesting interactions with the people and places around her. One thing she has learned from travelling cross country is that although we are different, the one thing we all have in common is emotion. Everybody feels, and those feelings lead to amazing stories. A music lover, she considers herself a genre-less artist, but 80s synth pop will always have a special place in her heart. She is extremely excited to share her art with all the beautiful souls out there, and hopes that they will enjoy it.
You can follow Grae Violett | @graedreamer
Breakthrough
(from left to right) Zoser (Photo Source: SassyBlack’s Soul Selection), Mirabai Kukathas (Photo by Amber Zbitnoff), J Blanco (Photo Source: The Residency), Lady Saigon (Photo by: Sarah Nguyen), kidLIO (Photo by: Olivia Lohmann), Aurelio Valdez (Photo by: José)
To celebrate our 2nd anniversary of ‘The Song’, we wanted to highlight our Totem Star artists that collaborated together to create “Breakthrough.” Written by Zoser, Mirabai Kukathas, LIO (formerly kidLIO), and Pak, and performed by Lady Saigon (formerly known as Pink Anbu), Mirabai Kukathas, LIO, Aurelio, and J Blanco, “Breakthrough” is a song that speaks volumes.
THE PERFORMERS
Lady Saigon, Mirabai Kukathas, LIO, Aurelio Valdez, J Blanco
LADY SAIGON
What's your story? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in White Center a.k.a. Rat City.
I come from a household of Vietnamese immigrants and refugees and am one of the first of my people to be born on American soil. Even though I was born and raised in America, English wasn't my first language. Growing up my parents told many stories about the war and famine in Vietnam, the ill intent of its communist government, but more importantly, the culture of it's people. Which gave me a dual mentality on world and social issues. I guess you could say it has made me more open to passion and compassion.
When did music/ singing/ rapping first get introduced to you?
My parents always karaoke’d to Vietnamese music at home. If you don't know what that sounds like, it's a lot of saxophone, cha cha, and ballads, so that was my introduction to music.
My brother and cousins on the other hand would always be playing rap and hip hop. Soulja Boy's "crank dat" is coming to mind. My uncle used to also bump a lot of Snoop Dogg.
I remember being 7 when my older brother played Kanye's "Heartless", I thought it was the most amazing sound ever. It spoke to my heart and I didn't know why. I still think it is one of the best to this day.
My first time singing was actually when my brother and cousin bought the video game “rock band.” They never let me play the guitar or drums, so I was stuck with the mic. Which led me to realize how much I loved to sing.
How would you describe your singing/ rapping style?
I don't really have a style. I'll rap/sing on anything. It don't matter. All with love.
What have you learned from your experience with Totem Star? What are some of the biggest take aways?
Totem Star gives a platform, power in voice, and countless opportunities to people who don't normally have the tools. As an artist, there is always space to grow and learn. They've made me realize I could make a living out of what I love to do which is so powerful. They make such a large impact on the low income community, especially for people who don't have the privilege or ability to access such things. They teach you how to leap and then you do it.
LIO
As this was one of your last Totem Star recordings, what were your feelings during this time? What were you looking forward to, cherishing, excited for, etc.
I wasn't thinking of it as my definite last recording, so I treated it with the same care and intensity that I usually would-- obsessing over word choice, pitch and harmonies from singers, if I sounded honest enough. When you're stepping away from something that consumed your life for so long in a beautiful way, you wonder if you'll ever find anything as beautiful again. But before I even thought about that, I was cherishing the process of being deep in love with something of mine that I created from the depths of my pain (past or present). Even if I never listened to it again it would always be a staple in time for me that made me proud of my progress.
Is music still apart of your life in college? What future ambitions do you have in your art & career?
I love music all the same. I'm not in college currently for music which I believe is healthy because I always want to bring something new to my musical artistry and a lot of time near it can make one repetitive. However, as for future ambitions, I've been really focusing on my absolute devotion to film; nothing is competitive in film the way music becomes in my opinion, it's just people making beautiful things and I'm hoping to use my love for music to be a curator of the soundtrack for one of my own movies, or help produce an album in the future, that sort of thing. I think rapping and singing has become more of a hobby for me, I'm definitely a more behind-the-scenes person which I'm in love with.
MIRABAI
What's your story? Where did you grow up, when did music/singing/rapping first get introduced to you?
I was born in Seattle but I moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when I was a baby and I lived there until I was four, when I moved back to Seattle. I moved again when I was eleven (this time to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) before once again moving back to Seattle to start high school. Through all of this, music has been part of my life and a part of me. I think a lot of artistic people say things like "oh, i've been dancing since before I could walk" or "I've been painting since I was a baby" or something like that, but while it may be cliche, the same is true for me. I've been singing since I was able to make a sound. It's just always felt like the most natural thing; a way to make myself happy
How would you describe your singing/ rapping style?
I grew up on my dad's music, namely 60s and 70s rock, folk, soul, blues, bluegrass, and country. I have a deep respect for all kinds of music so I try to blend genres and create a sound that's unique to me and is the best way to tell my story. But if you know me, you know that I'm slightly obsessed with 60s folk legend and human rights activist, Joan Baez, so I guess you could say that my style is pretty inspired by her.
What have you learned from your experience with Totem Star? What are some of the biggest takeaways?
I wasn't very confident in my ability as a musician or in my value as a person before I came to Totem Star. It's given me a family of musicians and smart mentors who love me and more opportunities than I could ever hope to have. It's helped me to realize that I have a beautiful voice but also that i matter beyond it.
During this time, you were experiencing vocal pain. How did you learn to overcome this during the recording process? Any lessons for self-care learned?
Yeah, so almost exactly one year ago I started having this pain in my throat. My voice felt raw and tired all the time. Always like I was sick or had just spent the past hour yelling at the top of my lungs. I've gone to a lot of doctors, completely augmented my diet and lifestyle, and it's gotten better but it hasn't completely gone away. When we were recording “Breakthrough” we still weren't completely sure about what was wrong with my throat. Every day was a total crapshoot. Would my throat hurt a lot or only a little bit? Would I be able to sing fine without anyone noticing or would I not be able to produce a note? It made me really nervous and then really scared and then just really sad. And I'm still working through that. Still going to lots of doctors, still usually experiencing some vocal pain, and still abiding by those restrictive diet-and-lifestyle changes. I guess what I did to "cope" was 1) be really strict with myself and follow every rule my doctors had laid out for me, 2) CONSTANTLY drinking water and/or throat coat tea and 3) try to stay calm.
What's one accomplishment you've had with Totem Star?
Writing, recording, and producing my original music.
What's something you've always dreamed of doing with your art?
I mean, hell: what artist doesn't wanna be famous? To play on the biggest stage in front of a thousand people who adore you? To record with the (Italian chef kiss) best equipment and have the most artistic freedom? Sure, I want that. But I'd also happily settle for just being able to keep making art. For my art to keep making me and the people around me happy. And (here's the most farfetched part) to be able to afford to live in Seattle with the money I make as an artist.
AURELIO VALDEZ
You're a part of so many programs and extracurricular activities on top of school. How do you balance out so many commitments while still having time for your artistry?
Balancing everything I do is a challenge. I often find myself being overwhelmed. The best way I know how to balance everything out is to keep two things in mind in everything I do: fight for people and fight for myself. Often times these lines between the two blur. When I do this it makes the tired nights and exhaustion all worth it in the end. I also keep in mind how intentional I am in everything I do. I have to be equally as intentional with myself. This means taking care of myself through things such as therapy, playing video games, hanging out with friends, or sleeping in.
What's one accomplishment you've had with Totem Star?
Biggest accomplishment I had with totem star was definitely collaborating with everyone for FESTA, it was my first time directly involving myself with Totem Star and overall first firm collaborating with everyone in my artistry to this extent.
THE SONGWRITERS
Mirabai Kukathas, Zoser, LIO, Pak
MIRABAI
The process of writing this song was a collaboration. Tell us what yall's process was collaborating? What is this song about?
We actually had to write this song for an Arts Corps fundraiser. It was kind of a pain to write; it took forever. There were so many people involved in the writing process, all of whom write very differently than me. (I wrote the intro-verse and the bridge and I helped with a few other words and phrases, but the rest of the song was written by Zoser and LIO.) Everyone was always busy and finding time to write and practice was hard. But when the song came together it felt really true and special and I had nothing but love for everyone who helped make it real. When we recorded it I just felt so blessed.
BIOGRAPHIES
LADY SAIGON
Lady Saigon (formerly known as Pink Anbu), Sarah Maria Tu Nguyen Mai is an American singer, songwriter. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Previously known as Pink Anbu before later changing her name to Lady Saigon in 2019. She loves basketball and bringing concern to world and social politics.
LIO
LIO is 18, ready and thriving. Her interest for social justice led her to the arts and her passion for the arts led her to herself. LIO uses psychology and personal adversity to create multimedia art that brings her to center and that resonates in the hearts of others. Her love for creativity is everlasting.
MIRABAI
Seattle born and everywhere-raised, Mirabai Kukathas has been a singer all her life. She loves nothing (other than perhaps garlic fries) more than stories, no matter the medium in which they are told. Her music is an act of healing; a confusing celebration of her culture, identity, and life. With lots of love, effort, and community, she works to blend folk, pop, jazz, soul, and a lil rock n roll to tell her own unique story.
J BLANCO
J Blanco is a producer/multi-instrumentalist from West Seattle. He gets inspiration from tons of different music, which really shows in the music hes make. Some of his influences are 9th Wonder, Nick Mira, Sidepce, Mac Ayres, Royce David, and many more. He plays trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, drums and ukulele, all self taught.
AURELIO VALDEZ
Aurelio Valdez is a Mexican-American Seattle born Hip Hop artist with a potent style. With a range of topics spanning from politics and history to identity and his upbringing, Aurelio’s music focuses on what it means to truly embody Hip Hop culture by empowering himself and his people. His alluring lyrics provoke thought and reveal his love for Hip Hop culture with every track.
ZOSER
Zoser is a singer/songwriter and music bender with a soulful voice, thoughtful lyrics, and a guitar. As an up and coming Seattle artist, Zoser began playing guitar when he was just 10-years-old. By the age of 12, he began penning his own lyrics and performing to local audiences in his hometown of Augusta, Georgia before relocating to Seattle where he graduated from West Seattle High School in 2018. By culling and synthesizing seemingly disparate musical forms and influences, Zoser has crafted a sound that is wholly and undeniably his own. The result is something spectacular to behold: a voice that conveys a world-weary ache and a bright optimism, and a sense of musicality that is both rhythmic and infectiously melodic. He is a singer, a storyteller and something of a revelation – not necessarily a soul singer but something more rare and precious – a singer with soul.
Mirabai Kukathas
Photo Credit: Amber Zbitnoff
Seattle born and everywhere-raised, Mirabai Kukathas has been a singer all her life. She loves nothing (other than perhaps garlic fries) more than stories, no matter the medium in which they are told. Her music is an act of healing; a confusing celebration of her culture, identity, and life. With lots of love, effort, and community, she works to blend folk, pop, jazz, soul, and a lil rock n roll to tell her own unique story.
What was one of your first experiences with music that made you want to become a creator? Why do you create music?
I don’t have a dramatic moment when I realized that I loved to sing. I think I was born with the knowledge (or maybe the instinct) that I needed to sing. Even before I could speak I was already babbling the lyrics and melody to the hit song “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” Singing has always just been what I do. Growing up I’d sing as I walked and sing at my desk in school (much to the chagrin of my classmates) and I’d make up little songs about whatever I did or felt. I’d sing to calm myself down when I was scared or anxious. I still do that. Singing has always just felt natural. I’ve always known it’s what I’m supposed to do and I always figured it would be what I did (at least in some capacity) for the rest of my life. As I got older I started to realize how much of myself I could communicate through music. I realized that if music could heal me maybe I could use it to help heal other people too, or at least allow them to feel some release or empathy or relatability.
Tell us about your process creating this song?
How this song came into existence actually starts almost two years ago with the amazing kidLIO. She texted me one day and said “I've written these lyrics and I think I want you to sing it.” So the next time we were together in the studio she showed me the lyrics. Almost immediately a melody came to me and I just started singing it. I related to every lyric she’d written and honestly, it just felt like the music poured out of me. It was really a beautiful day.
I wrote a short bridge for the song (which is really just an extended pun) and figured out some simple ukulele chords and then I did not record it. I performed it at a handful of open mics and showcases but I didn’t feel confident enough in myself to record it and anyways I was super busy. Then, at the beginning of this past school year, I made a resolution to start actually using the studio, because despite having been an intern for over a year I had never really used it.
Between my crappy health, busy school schedule, and tendency to overthink every step of the process, it took me the better part of a year to record, mix, and master this song. It was a rough experience and I really hated that song some days, but Matt and Pak were there with me every step of the way and I learned a lot from the whole process.
What is the song about?
To me, the song is about feeling like you're not enough for someone you care about. It's about liking someone so much it hurts. It gives you a bellyache and a headache and all the aches. I think it’s all very relatable. I think a lot of people of all ages have felt that weird jumble of emotions where they think “I want to love this person and I want them to love me but I don't feel like I'm good enough for them and/or they’re not very nice to me and also I'm also very nervous when I'm around them but I really really like them.” It’s about young and confusing emotions.
It’s a very sweet song and I feel honored to be part of the collaborative process that made it. LIO has always said it’s my song, and it does feel very personal to me in both content and also because of the arduous process of producing it, but really, truly it’s a collaboration. It has LIO’s beautiful lyrics, Pak and Matt helped me produce and arrange it, and I wrote the melody and a few lyrics and do my best to sing it with truth and power. The song really feels like a testament to collaboration and to this family that we have at Totem Star.
Gray Luvay
Gray Luvay is an independent pop singer-songwriter from the Seattle area
What was one of your first experiences with music that made you want become a creator instead of a listener?
Music has always been a passion of mine since I was a small child. I grew up listening to mostly 90’s and 2000’s hip hop, west coast hip hop, pop and alternative rock. Being from a Hispanic family, Mexican music has always been an influence to me. My love for creating started in second grade though. I went to a low income elementary school on the central coast of California. My school just got a piano that was falling apart; I don’t even think it was tuned correctly, but I would just play and play whenever I could. I would come up with improved melodies and then preform them for my teachers later on (I’m sure I hurt their ears playing for them but it meant so much to me).
My love for music took off and shortly after I started playing the clarinet with my schools band. Which only had about four other people playing instruments. Shortly after, I was introduced to this free community youth orchestra called Yosal that helped underprivileged youth to play an Instrument, read music and learn how to play and perform. They taught classical history and other genres of music and the history behind them. I picked up different instruments while I was there and grew an ear for music.
In late elementary and early middle school I would write poetry and popish raps in my notebooks. My grandma at the time had a piano at her house, I would go over there and write melodies to my poetry and lyrics and would come up with songs like that. A few years later I moved to Washington state in eighth grade and had to completely start my life over. I hated it but I always felt safe when I had my clarinet or piano with me. I played clarinet from eighth grade to my sophomore year and I think it was sophomore year that I really wanted to start taking my own song writing seriously.
Tell us about your song. What inspired you? Tell us about the theme of the music video. How do you hope listeners will receive your messages?
The song “Remidiez” is about leaving your bad self destructive cycles in the past. It’s about being a teen and having fun with your friends, but also having so much fun you loose sight of what really matters. It’s about wanting to leave that all behind to go after your dreams. I was inspired by my past, especially my early to mid-teen years. I wasn’t in the best place in life but it got to the point where I had enough and wanted to heal. I was shown a different path and I hope I can inspire someone to take that golden path too. In 2016 I went to my first big concert, it was a really spiritual experience for me. It inspired me a lot to where I wanted to stop what I was doing all together and go after what made me the happiest, which was music. It was a new beginning for me and I wanted to write a song about my past destructive ways to help me set my choice in stone.
How has Totem Star helped shape you as an individual and as an artist?
Totem Star has totally inspired and motivated me a lot. I just recently moved to the area and I heard about the program through a friend. I signed up and had no idea what to expect but I was in for a surprise. From the first day I stepped in I was welcomed by everyone. The mentors and students were so friendly and accepting towards me. The energy of the space pulled me in so much. Not to be cheesy, but it was like gut feeling that felt light and beautiful in some way. It felt like I was supposed to be a part of this. I’m so glad I stuck with my gut feeling because I have met so many talented, inspiring, uplifting, motivating, supportive people along this journey and it’s all thanks to Totem star. The mentors are just fantastic and uplifting and I really appreciate. Being a part of Totem Star has also helped me step out of my comfort zone and has pushed me to be more expressive with my music and individuality.
What advice would you give to other young artists?
Don’t stop creating. The world needs more color and creative sound. Don’t pay attention to other people’s progress, it will stop your focus. Write when you don’t have motivation, it will train you to be a better writer and creative. The only person that is stopping you in your work is you and your negative thoughts. Don’t doubt your vision because someone else might be needing to hear or see that vision.
Just be you with your music, don’t copy or try to be something that isn’t you because when you’re not living YOUR truth, you’re just following the herd and where’s the originality in that?
Primoe
What was one of your first experiences with Hip-Hop that made you become a creator instead of a listener?
Probably my friends, just wanting to make music and we would freestyle. Chill, freestyle… After a certain point they told me I was good at freestyles and suggested that I start rapping seriously.
If you could describe your genre of music to an unknowing public, how would you describe it?
Depends, ‘cause like— a mix of grunge R&B. Retro, boom-bap hustle.
Tell us what we should know about your upcoming releases; are they inspired by other musical influences?
Yes, they are inspired mainly by the whole West Coast; DJ Quik, Mausberg, Biggie, etc. I’m working on an album called L.E.V.A [Losing Everyone to Violence on the Avenue], which is about gang violence and growing up, not following the same path as past family members.
How has Totem Star helped shape you as an individual and as an artist?
Totem Star has definitely taught me not to be shy and keep my voice out there. Before, I was really shy and I don’t think I would be where I am without Totem Star. Or I’d still be struggling to upload my songs.
Zoser
By: Edgar Vega
Tell us a little about how you discovered your love for music. Who are some of your greatest influences?
My first album that I ever listened to was heavier things by John Mayer. After realizing how much the record meant to me. I began to put words on pages. My biggest influences are Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Mac Miller.
Tell us about your song. What inspired you? How do you hope listeners will receive your messages.
Ms. Valentine is a basic love that I wrote after chasing someone for a long time. I compare the love to drugs to explain the addiction that I felt for that person. I hope that listeners will relate to it!
What have you learned from your experience with Totem Star? What are some of the biggest take aways?
During my time at Totem Star I've learned to be one with others. I love this community with all my heart and as I grow along with the people I trust. I know who will be there for me during the fall.
Kiddus
Kiddus performing at Sky Church at MoPOP for The 2018 Residency Showcase. Photo Credit: The Residency
By: Edgar Vega
Tell us a little about how you discovered your love for music. Who are some of of your greatest influences?
My old high school had a piano class with keyboards, macs, midis, and mics. We had to create a hip-hop track as a class project. Our objective was to write a hot 16, hook and produce a beat for it on GarageBand. I was inspired to continue. Weeks later, I started producing for more students who rapped in the school. I am/was influenced by Pharrell Williams, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, and Travis Scott.
Tell us about your song. What inspired you? How do you hope listeners will receive your message?
They Tell Me is a song I wrote about my my adolescence in the Hillman City area. I plan to render my message through songwriting, and the visuals.
What have you learned from your experience with Totem Star? What are some of the biggest takeaways?
Create music that’s authentic to you.
Vrhilio
By: Edgar Vega
Whos Virg?
Hi my name is Virgilio Carbajal, my stage name is Vrhilio & I’m an artist.
Tell us a little about how you discovered your love for music. Who are some of your greatest influences?
I discovered my love for music when I would literally remember all the words to any song I would ever listen and I would become my own radio sometimes and just replay songs in my head all the time! Nothing else would be in my head, just music. My greatest influences are mostly, Notorious B.I.G to Tyler The Creator to Andre 3000 to Mac Miller, I’d say, they are all great artist.
Tell us about your song. What inspired you? How do you hope listeners will receive your messages.
Bojack is literally just a song about not listening to anybody who puts you down, especially your friends and family, Man, cause even your best est friends can disagree with your vision and not support you in a way.
What have you learned from your experience with Totem Star? What are some of the biggest take aways?
What I have learned from Totem Star is that I should always have confidence in my music. I should be prepared for the next opportunity and I should always be able to make every moment count.
J Blanco
For the fourteenth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and music newsletter, we present producer / multi-instrumentalist Justus White aka “J Blanco,” with his new beat tape, “Blanco.”
In his interview, J Blanco shares, "Before I came to Totem Star, I was a really shy person and it helped me become more outgoing and not be afraid to share my music with other people and play in front of people.”
Read the entire interview and listen to the "Blanco" beat tape by J Blanco.
Zoë Roberts
Photo Credit: Amber Zbitnoff
For the thirteenth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present singer-songwriter Zoë Roberts with her song “Can’t Help It.”
In her interview, Zoë shares, "I discovered my love for music at a very young age. I would always sing around the house when I was little and tried to learn new songs. At family gatherings at my aunt and uncle’s house, I would always go down to their basement which was basically a band practice area."
Read the entire interview and listen to "Can’t Help It" by Zoë Roberts.
25ilu
Photo Credit: Amber Zbitnoff
For the tenth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present vocalist and producer 25ilu with their new song "HeartHeartHeart."
In the interview, 25ilu shares about their Totem Star experience: "I've met a bunch of other great young artists like myself who inspire me and make really good music too, and continue to open my mind not only to new music, but ideas, values, stories, and friendships; most of all, Totem Star gave me a community and a family that I could rely on when I hit rock bottom or didn't believe in my own vision, and to further me both as an individual and an artist."
Read the entire interview and listen to "HeartHeartHeart" by 25ilu.
Neo Truth
Photo Credit: Lorena Merlin
For the ninth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present hip-hop lyricist Neo Truth with his song "Broken."
In his interview he shares, "'Broken' is about the absence of a father. I wrote this song when I was going through a personal struggle and felt all types of mixed emotions. 'Broken' is very personal to me. I wouldn't normally put something like this out but I hope that some one out there can relate."
Click here to check out Neo Truth's new artist profile page and listen to his song "Broken."
Sharmaine
For the eighth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present singer-songwriter Sharmaine with her new song "Home."
In her interview she shares, "Music really found me and said, "this is a part of you," and I listened. I love how free it makes me feel. I love the community it brings. I love how you don’t always have to use words to express a feeling or emotion but instead through melodies or humming."
Click here to check out Sharmaine's new artist profile page and listen to her new song "Home."
Close to the Sun
Photo Credit: Amber Zbitnoff
For the seventh installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present EDM DJ Close to the Sun with his new song "Me To You."
In his interview he shares, "To all young artists reading this, take inspiration from any happenings in your life. Some of the best stories are true, and your music will sound more experienced with authentic emotions and feelings."
Gio & Ajani
For the sixth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present hip hop duo Gio & Ajani with their new EP "Intuition."
In their interview they share, "Don’t get to caught up on getting popular and instead perfect your craft. Try to be original, still use your inspiration/influences, but take them and make it your own. If you love making music you should definitely follow that passion. Also, take advantage of opportunities to progress yourself in music, especially getting your music available to be heard my people as well as creating connections and collaborating with others."
Click here to check out Gio & Ajani's new artist profile page and listen to their EP "Intuition."
Waiks
For the fifth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight and newsletter, we present singer/songwriter Waiks with his track "Come Through Girl."
In his interview, Waiks shares "I have learned a lot from Totem Star. I'm beyond thankful that Totem Star popped into my life out of nowhere. Without this incredible non-profit organization, I would have never met the incredible friends I have now, and I would have never been able to realize my love for music. Totem Star made me realize the power of a voice."
Click here to check out Waiks's new artist profile page and listen to his track "Come Through Girl."
Jawzilla
For the fourth installment of The Song, our monthly artist spotlight, we welcome Lyricist/Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist Jawzilla with his new song "Family Reunion." In his interview, Jawzilla reflects on how he discovered his love for music: "I used to love hearing Motown hits from the temptations and OutKast with my dad while jamming sweet child o mine and the ghetto boys with my mom."