Inner State 81 – Yung Love @Tuckers__Tweets

Published

6 years ago

June 20, 2018

Blitz

“Yung Love” is the lead single from Inner State 81’s debut album, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The song takes a beautiful sample in “Young Love” by Teena Marie and is updated in a new key with modern, energetic drums and a unique, EDM inspired song structure. The young talent seamlessly melds the sample to create his own fusion of indie, hip-hop, and electronic soul music. His work can be described as psychedelic indie-hop that sets a soothingly polarizing tone, providing listeners with a song for an array of moods – from partying to relaxing.

Inner State 81 is the electronic brainchild of University of Pittsburgh junior, Tucker Nicholas. Conceived by 808s and oscillators, Nicholas began producing over winter break 2016-17. Raised by parents who were avid music listeners, he grew up listening mostly to music from the 70s/80s/90s, as opposed to the contemporary music of the time. As high school progressed, Nicholas was persuaded by a friend to get a Spotify subscription. After having access to unlimited music across all decades, Inner State 81 began to develop an affinity for hip-hop music, and the wave of trap music being spearheaded by RL Grime & Baauer.

From ages 9-12, Nicholas briefly played the saxophone & stand-up bass but quit during his middle school years. In high school, he picked up DJing after listening heavily to Diplo & Friends mixes on BBC Radio 1. IS81 was also heavily influenced in style and sound by Kanye West, Tyler, the Creator, Childish Gambino, Chance the Rapper, Diplo, and Mura Masa. These artists all brought something unique to the table that Nicholas sought to emulate in his own way. After deciding to take production seriously halfway through his freshman year of college, Nicholas began to throw concerts with other college artists in Pittsburgh under the moniker “Inner State 81”.

This past spring, Inner State 81 spent 4 months studying abroad in London where he worked at Blow Up Records, a British record label in East London. Under the mentorship of iconic BritPop DJ Paul Tunkin, he performed at British clubs on three separate occasions. During this time, he also developed a friendship with playlist curator and viral twitter sensation @TEEJUS___ . This friendship helped his music to get picked up in Spotify Discover Weekly playlists & other algorithms. This newfound popularity has helped Nicholas to catch the ear of several industry executives at Interscope Records, who await the release of his July project “A Midsummer Night’s Daydream.

Inner State 81’s production style has been described as eclectic & seamless, encapsulating yet polarizing. His current style has been shaped from influences such as Kanye West’s signature Chipmunk Soul, J Dilla’s sampling talents, and Kaytranada’s effective production abilities. Nicholas combines his love for Jazz & Soul music with his love for Hip-Hop and Electronic music to form a new fusion of genres most alike to artists like Griz and Pretty Lights. He describes the idea behind the project as “taking beautiful music from the past and updating it to add new energy through energetic drums, percussion, and bass-lines to offer a new unique version that keeps the younger generation interested”.

“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

Published

6 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Big C

Flaunting a scorching signature style without comparison, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby unleashes his anxiously awaited new project The Coldest. Across 16 tracks, Skilla Baby levels up from every angle. Production credits on the project include the likes of Southside, MIA JayC, Ben Billions, TooDope, and more. Skilla teased the standout leading single Free Meech, then followed up with an official video. Paving away for the new body of work, Skilla spoke on the project:

I took my time to put this project together… Sometimes, I feel like people try to place me in a box. The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous, but fun at the same time. As an artist, I’m known as the ‘Girl’s guy.’ But I’ll never forget I come from the streets. As a real person, I feel so many emotions (mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc.). I say that to say, sorry for the wait but I wanted to put everything I feel into one project. Grab your coats…

Next up, the Vultures Eat The Most Tour takes him across the country on his most extensive jaunt yet. Headlining the tour with Rob49, you can see him featured on the single Mike Jack with G Herbo. Look for tickets near you here because you don’t want to miss the energy of a street demon taking no prisoners. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the visuals below. As more media outlets take notice, stay connected with Skilla Baby by following him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Videos

Big Steppa’s ‘Neva Fold’: A Motivational Anthem of Resilience

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Atlanta/Louisiana-based artist Big Steppa delivers a powerful message of perseverance and determination in his latest release, “Neva Fold,” which hit the airwaves on March 1st, 2024. Produced by the talented Au1rontheBeat, this track serves as a testament to Big Steppa’s personal journey, drawing inspiration from his own trials and triumphs.

“Neva Fold” stands out as a significant milestone for Big Steppa, marking his debut into the mainstream music scene. Reflecting on his motivation behind the song, he shares that it is a product of his life experiences, channeling the resilience he’s cultivated in the face of adversity. With its infectious beats and empowering lyrics, the track resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding them to stand tall in the face of challenges.

As Big Steppa gears up for an exciting lineup of projects, including music videos and upcoming live performances, fans can expect to witness his evolution as an artist firsthand. With the support of his dedicated followers and the creative process of his producer team, #Au1ronthebeat, Big Steppa is poised to make waves in the music industry. Follow him on Instagram @iambigsteppa6 to stay updated on his journey and be part of the movement towards greater heights of success.

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

21 hours ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.