From soulful pop, deep bass lines and original songs to get your hips and arms swaying Shane from STG was privileged to have a virtual chat to rising singer and song-writer Mareya.

Shane: Hey Mareya, thanks so much for chatting with me at STG today. Tell us a wee bit about yourself and how you ended up writing, performing and producing music.

Mareya: Thank you so much for having me! I guess in a nutshell, I’m a songwriter, singer and music producer, born and raised in NZ. I came into a fairly musical family, my sister is a great songwriter, Mum can sing/play guitar and bass, she also managed a few local bands on the side of her day job growing up. I’d often come home from school to find bands rehearsing in our lounge. It was all just normal to me. Dad was also on the radio, so I was at the station alot when I would visit him. I wrote my first chorus when I was 4, always loved to sing and perform, but I really started songwriting and learning the craft when I was 13. However, I started to dabble in music production at 19.

Shane: How would you describe your style of music to both fans and newcomers?

Mareya: I would describe my style as pop overall, with r&b and hip hop influences with the occasional grunge blanket thrown over the top. I come from a background of playing in bands & writing songs on guitar, plus I grew up around alot of rock music and have an obsession for 90’s grunge so occasionally I’ll dabble in my grunge pop vibes. I love that sound so much. I also want to be one of those artists you can’t fully box into one genre, as I love writing all genres. I can see myself putting out a full rock album one day, maybe just to shake things up a lil. My goal in music is to attempt to empower you in some way, whether it’s an invitation to connect with yourself, feel your emotions and heal or to drop sassy truth bombs on you that educate you or help you feel like more of a badass!

Shane: You’ve recently dropped your single with a music vid ‘Don’t Play With Me’ – available on YouTube and Spotify. What’s the track all about?

Mareya: Don’t Play With Me essentially is a song that says “you can’t play me”. It was my sassy response to something I was personally going through at the time, you know when you find out someone did you wrong, lied to your or just mislead you in someway…yeah it’s really a “I caught you and I hope you know what you’ve done” kind of vibe, haha very much a sassy song of mine. I had a few friends going through similar stuff at the time so I drew from all of those stories too. I guess I wanted to make a semi anthemic song for people who have been through that.

Shane: We have all experienced life in lockdown over the past year and a bit. How do you keep your creative talent going in periods of isolation?

Mareya: Life in lockdown was definitely tough but it was some weird blessing in disguise for me, which I am so grateful to be able to say as I know it was really hard for a lot of us…I missed performing so much but I knew I had to make the most of this time that I had to be really creative and learn. I taught myself how to audio engineer myself to a point where I could record my own songs and still get music out in lockdowns. I love to vocal produce and edit my own vocals, it’s something I like to really be in control of so it was liberating for me to realise I could do that all on my own moving forward. I set up a little bedroom studio and just went for it. I wrote 5 albums during 2020…so I was really just using the time to create, create and create. I was really lucky to not feel blocked creatively during lockdowns, in fact it oddly had the opposite effect on me. I was just so inspired by the fact that I could now record myself whenever I wanted and how I wanted, that I literally just wanted to do that every day I could. Don’t Play With Me was the 3rd song I put out from that big list of songs.

Shane: When can fans expect to see an album release?

Mareya: I would love to put an album out in the next 2 years, as long as people are still listening to them! I was going to release one this year but decided to just get consistent material out first. I’d like to build my catalogue up more and keep refining my sound and brand beforehand. Plus, I really love working with other producers at the moment so I’m currently focusing more on those projects for now.

Shane: What advice would you have for any inspiring song writers and performers out there?

Mareya: My advice to songwriters and performers is probably a bit cliche but really, just be you. Do you. Trust yourself and your vision and always be open to trying new sounds and ideas as you never know where that can lead you next. Also, live, live life, sponge up experience so you have a constant stream to pull ideas from! Put yourself in situations that inspire you and surround yourself with people that make you wanna level up. And lastly, the only person you should ever compare yourself to, is past you.

Shane: And lastly – what can we expect from yourself in the near future?

Mareya: I have a remix of ‘Don’t Play With Me’ dropping on 11/11! It’s a future bass type remix so definitely for the dancers out there. I also just wrapped a music video for a ballad I am releasing very soon called ‘Again Just Friends, so stay tuned! It’s a more vulnerable and raw piece which I’m very excited and nervous to share but I think it will resonate with alot of people. The video is all in black and white, so it is a bit different than anything I’ve done before and is my favourite to date so far in terms of the visuals.

The super and multi-talented Mareya is an inspirational multi-talented artist that very soon we will be seeing on international stages.

Support Mareya on her official Instagram or Facebook and stream her music on Spotify and YouTube.

The post Interview w. ANZ Singer, Songwriter & Producer – Mareya appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

This year, 2020 has been one for the records.

A pandemic touching the entire globe and as we get to the closing out of this year, the legendary UK pop group STEPS return, thus saving 2020.

Even if you weren’t around in the 90’s (or too young at the time) you would’ve heard STEPS songs.

Chart toppers; Tragedy, Last Thing on My Mind, Chain Reaction and the line-dancing anthem 5678.

This month, November, STEPS are releasing their new album, the first in almost a decade.

The new album aptly named What the Future Holds has already had two singles release that have sky-rocketed up the charts and become some of the most streamed songs on Spotify.

Thanks to BMG Music and STEPS, Shane from STG has a virtual sit down and chat with Lee Latchford-Evans, one of the five members of the group on their upcoming album.

Lee Latchford-Evans. Photo by Jamie Hughes – © Lee L Evans

Shane: Hi Lee, thanks so much for talking to us at STG. What prompted the new album and return of STEPS (other than to save 2020).

Lee: Ha, I’m not so sure about saving 2020 but the single ‘What the Future Holds’ which was written by Sia landed on our managers desk almost 3 years ago. Once we heard it we knew we had to record it and that was definitely the deciding factor for us to continue making new music and another new album after ‘Tears on the Dancefloor’.

Shane: To reflect back real quick, fans will remember Tragedy, 5678 and Last Thing on My Mind. How much of the new album is inspired by these mega-hits?

Lee: I wouldn’t say that any new song is inspired by those hits but I do think we have an album that definitely has a nod to the old STEPS as well as the new.

Shane: We have already experienced tasters of ‘What the Future Holds’ by way of now two singles having been released. What can we expect from the full album?

Lee: With ‘Tears on the Dancefloor’ I always say that album was like a bullet train, full of upbeat floorfillers and once you pressed play it just didn’t stop. ‘What the Future Holds’ is more of an emotional rollercoaster hitting you with some great uptempo tracks, more mature ballads and definitely a nod to the older STEPS with some properly fun pop.

Shane: Things are extremely busy for you right now. What do you like to do in your downtime?

Lee: I enjoy the gym, running and kickboxing you can check out @LLEFitness on Instagram for my workouts.

I also like to play video games. I’m a PS4 man.

I’m a keen actor and I’m looking forward to theatres opening again so I can audition but also go and watch some amazing shows.

STEPS – 2020

Shane: STEPS had a long break between 2000 – 2012 and then again from 2012 – 2017. What were you all doing during that time?

Lee: We always say that we never split up (the 2nd time), so this is not a comeback but more a return. After 2012 we always kept in touch but we were off doing our own things, finding our passions, searching our interests and having adventures within our own solo projects. It’s just great that we always have STEPS and such a strong supportive loyal fanbase to come back to.

Shane: Finally, beyond ‘What the Future Holds’ and beyond the upcoming UK tour, if you can see in to the future, what does the future hold for STEPS?

Lee: Hopefully another incredible album, tours and maybe a few trips abroad. We love what we do and we love STEPS. It’s not just our jobs it’s our lives and we are grateful and blessed to have the success and support that we have.

Long may it continue.

Well as long as you want us anyway. 😉

Shane: Thanks again Lee for taking the time out of the album release schedule to chat with us.

STEPS What the Future Holds will be available worldwide on the 27th of November 2020 on all major streaming and music purchasing platforms.

The post Interview w. Lee from STEPS appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Dagny (Norvoll Sandvik) has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters.

Yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim.

Dagny was also nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year at 2019 Spellemannprisen Awards (Norwegian Grammys) – the third year in a row Dagny has been nominated.

Recently Shane from STG was able to have a virtual sit down and chat with the amazingly talented songstress on her new album ‘Strangers/Lovers’

Shane: Hi Dagny, lovely to virtually meet you. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you end up in the music industry?

Dagny: Hi there, nice to virtually meet you too. I’m a songwriter and artist originally from Tromsø, which is a small town in the freezing, but beautiful North of Norway. I started writing songs on my acoustic guitar at the age of 15ish. Once I finished school I did a few years of traveling, and then I moved to London when I was 21. That’s when I got into music and music industry for real. The learning curve was steep and adventurous. I finally release my first single Backbeat in 2015 and that really kicked things off.

Shane: You have released a few singles recently and your new Album Strangers/ Lovers has just dropped as of the 2nd of October 2020. Having been able to preview the album, it has a very heavy relationship focus. Was there a reason for that?

Dagny: I guess that’s been a big inspiration over the last few years. I mean, love is definitely a reoccurring theme in my music. Strangers/Lovers basically follow the course of a relationship from the meet-and-greet to post breakup. Side A, which I dropped already in May, is about the start, and the happy part, of a relationship. Whilst Side B, that completed the album at the start of October, is about the breakup and post breakup.

Shane: From pop to dance and a mix of both, what can fans expect from Strangers/ Lovers?

Dagny: I guess now that it’s out, people can make up their own mind about it. But for me it’s an album that touches on some of the most basic, and also all-consuming, feelings we have as humans. Love, happiness, excitement, frustration, sadness and sorrow to mention a few… I recommend everyone to do at least one listen from start to finish, as we spend a lot of time on the track list to make it feel like a journey.

Shane: What advice would you give to aspiring song-writers and singers trying to break in to the recording industry?

Dagny: I would say: spend time learning you craft, whether it’s singing, playing the guitar or songwriting – and play live whenever the opportunity occurs, it’s training! Try to be honest in your music and stick to your gut. At the end of the day, no one really have the answer to what works or what doesn’t, but authenticity and music-joy always shines through. Also, never give up. I mean, I was 25 when things started kicking off. And I had many opportunities to give up prior to that.

Shane: I realise that your new album has just released – however looking forward, what is next up for you?

Dagny: Because of Covid-19, we not able to tour at the moment, which was originally the plan. Therefor I will just continue to write and record more music for next year. And obviously keep spreading the words on Strangers / Lovers and just enjoy the moment. An album doesn’t just happen every day, so it’s important to take a moment to let it sink it and to celebrate.

Strangers/Lovers has now been released and available on all streaming platforms and online music stores.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Interview w. Singer / Songwriter Dagny appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Worldwide multi-platinum, 2018 Grammy Award winning “Best New Artist”Alessia Cara, the most-streamed new female artist of 2017, has announced the final track listing for her eagerly anticipated second album, THE PAINS OF GROWING, arriving November the 30th, 2018 via Def Jam Recordings.  The 15-track album will include both current singles “Trust My Lonely” and “Growing Pains.” On Saturday, November the 3rd 2018, Alessia will make her Austin City Limits TV debut performing hits “Scars to Your Beautiful,” “Growing Pains,” and more. Alessia is set to perform “Trust My Lonely” at this year’s MTV EMA’s, broadcasting live on Sunday, November the 4th, 2018 from Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain.

THE PAINS OF GROWING is a self-penned, auto-biographical album chronicling her personal experiences over the past several years. For the cover of THE PAINS OF GROWING (photographed by superduperbrick,) Alessia is once again draped in the symbolic, oversized suit she wore in the “Trust My Lonely” and “Growing Pains” videos, as well as her recent appearances on  “Growing Pains” video, Fallon, Colbert and The Today Show. “It’s an artistic way of symbolizing the idea of growing up,” she told the Today crew. “Some­times you kind of feel like you’re drowning and you feel like you’re not ready for the roles life throws at you so this was my way of symbolizing it in an artistic way.”

Alessia recently completed a whirlwind promotional tour of speaking engagements at college campuses, where she discussed her music, her process, and her personal story of growth as an artist and a young woman. The tour encompassed the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Georgia State University in Atlanta, the Detroit Institute of Music Education and Columbia College in Chicago.

“Growing Pains” followed “1-800-273-8255” (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), Alessia’s landmark 5x-platinum collab­o­­­ration with fellow Def Jam artist Logic; and her double-platinum #1 Pop Song collaboration with Zedd. Together with her prior multi-platinum hits “Here,” “Wild Things,” and “Scars To Your Beautiful,” all from Know-It-All, her 2015 debut album, Alessia was named “Most-Streamed New Female Artist of 2017,” with over 8.5 billion global streams to date.  Combined YouTube views for the “1-800-273-8255” video (above) are over 415 million to date; combined views for the “Stay” video are over 150 million to date.

Alessia has earned nominations for Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock at the 2017 American Music Awards, the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Breakout Artist, the Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist, the BET Award for Best New Artist, the BBC Award for Song of The Year, and many other honors.  In addition, she lent her voice to the RIAA platinum “How Far I’ll Go” penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda, official song of Disney’s animated film Moana.

THE PAINS OF GROWING track listing:
1. Growing Pains
2. Not Today
3. I Don’t Want To
4. 7 Days
5. Trust My Lonely
6. Wherever I Live
7. All We Know
8. A Little More
9. Comfortable
10. Nintendo Game
11. Out Of Love
12. Girl Next Door
13. My Kind
14. Easier Said
15. Growing Pains (Reprise)

The post ALESSIA CARA REVEALS TRACK LISTING FOR THE PAINS OF GROWING appeared first on Shane the Gamer.