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Interview By Elmo Chong

On this week’s Sonical.ly Podcast, we sit down with Femi Kuti — Grammy-nominated Afrobeat pioneer, son of Fela Kuti, and a fiercely original artist who has spent decades forging his own path.

In this rare and deeply personal conversation, Femi shares lessons every music creator should hear:

🔑 Key Takeaways for Music Creators:

🎷 Being self-taught doesn't mean being untrained.
Femi reveals how he learned saxophone and trumpet by ear and willpower, after being handed instruments but no instruction — and how that shaped his relentless approach to practice and originality.

🌍 Make music from your soul.
From embracing spiritual discipline to rejecting outside influences in order to find a sound that was purely his, Femi challenges creators to build from within, not to chase trends.

🧠 Music is a philosophy, not just a product.
His upcoming album Journey Through Life (out April 25) was born during a family crisis — and reflects on love, loss, spiritual resilience, and why the hardest revolution might be working on yourself.

🔥 He also breaks down the difference between Afrobeat and Afrobeats, and sets the record straight on decades of music history — including what people get wrong about his father’s legacy.

Whether you're an independent artist trying to find your footing, or a seasoned creator questioning your "why," this episode is a masterclass in integrity, originality, and perseverance.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

What Femi thinks about the future of music creators in the AI era

The moment his father finally gave him his flowers

Why “you can't cheat time” in your artistic process

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️(Full Episode)

Interview by: Elmo Chong

Leroy Sanchez is a name millions first came to know through soul-stirring YouTube covers. But what started as a teen uploading videos from his bedroom in Spain has evolved into a career marked by heartfelt songwriting, powerful vocals, and a global fanbase. 🎤🌍

Now, after years of anticipation, Leroy is releasing his debut full-length album, Sorry for the Chaos, dropping April 4th. On the latest episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, we sit down to talk about the highs, lows, and everything in between on his journey from viral videos to artistic independence.

🎙️ In this inspiring conversation, Leroy shares:
🔹 How uploading covers as a kid in Spain kickstarted his journey into music
🔹 The painful wait to release original songs while under contract with a major label
🔹 Why he threw out an entire album before starting over with Sorry for the Chaos
🔹 What the title track—and the chaotic emotional arc of the album—really means
🔹 The tension between viral fame and building a real community
🔹 How he’s stayed grounded over 18 years in the game
🔹 His advice to aspiring music creators and his thoughts on being independent vs. signed

Key takeaways from Leroy’s journey:

If it’s not the right album, scrap it. Leroy had an entire album completed—then scrapped it when it didn’t feel right. Sorry for the Chaos was born from starting over and trusting his gut.

Major label deals don’t guarantee support. After getting shelved by his label, Leroy relied on YouTube covers to stay connected to fans. He couldn’t release original music for years. His message? “It’s not about being signed or indie—it’s about who’s on your team.”

You can’t fake the ‘why.’ His reason for doing music hasn’t changed since day one: “I wouldn’t know what else to do.” That inner compass has guided him through rejection, reinvention, and self-discovery.

The music industry will test your sanity. Leroy opens up about the emotional toll of tying self-worth to popularity. “Your success doesn’t define your value,” he says. “Surround yourself with people who remind you of that.”

YouTube was about connection, not virality. Leroy reflects on the shift in content creation from community building to chasing viral moments. His hope? A return to deeper, more meaningful engagement.

Still that kid with a guitar. After nearly two decades in music, Leroy still finds joy in sitting down with a guitar or piano and letting the ideas flow. He’s kept the heart of that kid uploading videos from his bedroom alive.

✨ Sorry for the Chaos is out April 4th. Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing Leroy for the first time, this album is a masterclass in storytelling, vulnerability, and musical growth.

#MusicCreators #Podcast #LeroySanchez #SorryForTheChaos #IndieArtist #MusicIndustry #Songwriting #YouTubeArtist #SonicallyPodcast #newmusic 

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode!)

Interview by Elmo Chong

Mereba is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer known for blending soul, R&B, folk, and hip-hop into a sound uniquely her own. Her poetic lyricism and genre-defying music have made her one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music. With her highly anticipated album The Breeze Grew a Fire dropped on February 14th, featuring singles like Counterfeit and Phone Me, Mereba invites listeners into one of her most immersive and introspective projects yet.

In our conversation, Mereba shares:

🔸 The inspiration behind her new album The Breeze Grew a Fire and how slowing down during the pandemic reignited her creativity
🔸 How motherhood reshaped her perspective and her creative process
🔸 The personal story behind Black Truck and how it became an anthem of resilience and self-determination
🔸 Why friendship and community are central themes in her new work, especially in Phone Me
🔸 How she embraced drum-based production to tap into her playful, dance-driven side
🔸 Valuable advice for aspiring music creators on finding your voice, staying patient through rejection, and prioritizing joy in the creative process
🔸 Much more

Some key takeaways:

1. Your path doesn’t have to make sense to everyone. Mereba spoke candidly about being misunderstood early in her career, often hearing “no” from industry professionals who doubted her sound. Her advice? Stay rooted in your "why"—those rejections built the conviction that fuels her artistry today.

2. Vulnerability is a superpower. Songs like Black Truck emerged from a place of urgency and honesty, capturing moments when she was on her "last everything"—dollar, energy, and patience. That rawness resonates because it’s real.

3. Motherhood brings clarity and intention. Becoming a mother shifted how Mereba approaches her art. With less time to “tinker,” she now creates with sharper focus, ensuring every note and lyric has purpose.

4. Start with what moves you. For The Breeze Grew a Fire, Mereba flipped her usual process—building songs around drums and percussion instead of starting with guitar. Why? She needed sounds that would energize her through sleepless nights and long days.

5. Friendships are foundational. Phone Me is a tribute to the friends and chosen family who supported her when things got tough. Mereba reminds us to honor the people who show up for us, even if life pulls us in different directions.

6. Just start—and lean on your community. Mereba encourages aspiring creators to begin producing, even if they feel unsure. Sharing her beats with close friends early on helped her gain valuable feedback and confidence.

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode!)

Interview by Elmo Chong

Ian Axel and Chad King are the Grammy-winning duo behind A Great Big World, known for hits like Say Something with Christina Aguilera and This Is the New Year. Their heartfelt songwriting, soaring melodies, and vulnerability have resonated with millions. With their new EP Then There Were Sparks dropping February 21st, they continue to evolve as artists while staying true to their emotional core.

In our conversation, Ian and Chad share:
🔸 The story behind Say Something and how it unexpectedly became a global hit
🔸 How their creative partnership formed—and what’s kept it strong for nearly two decades
🔸 Chad’s journey living with MS and how it’s shaped their music and perspective
🔸 Why letting go and embracing vulnerability are central to their songwriting process
🔸 How their new EP reflects personal breakthroughs and fresh creative sparks
🔸 Insights into their upcoming musical project and future plans
🔸 Much more

Lean into vulnerability. Ian and Chad emphasize that connecting with listeners starts with honesty. Being open about their struggles—whether it’s Chad’s journey with MS or Ian’s experience with OCD—has deepened their artistry and audience connection.

Collaboration thrives on trust and tension. Their creative process involves friction—but it’s productive. They push each other, fight for ideas, and stay committed to creating something they’re both proud of.

Letting go often leads to breakthroughs. Many of their best songs emerged from moments of surrender—letting go of control and allowing the music to flow naturally. The new EP Then There Were Sparks is rooted in this theme.

Celebrate the sparks. Whether it's the magic of finding the right lyric or rediscovering joy in performing, Ian and Chad chase that "spark" in every project—and encourage other creators to do the same.

Music is therapy. For both Ian and Chad, songwriting isn’t just a craft—it’s a lifeline. They write to process life’s highs and lows, which is reflected deeply in their upcoming release.

🎶 Then There Were Sparks drops February 21st. Tune in to hear the stories behind the music and what’s next for A Great Big World!

#musiccreators  #podcast  #agreatbigworld  #songwriting  #musicindustry  #grammywinners  #sonicallypodcast  #musicinspiration  #ThenThereWereSparks #newmusicrelease 

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode!)

Interview by Elmo Chong

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, host Elmo Chong sits down with legendary producer and record executive Sak Pase (Sham Joseph). With a career spanning collaborations with icons like Rihanna, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott, Sak Pase has shaped the sound of modern music. From co-producing Man Down to his work on Watch the Throne, he continues to redefine the industry with innovative hits, most recently Shaboozey’s record-breaking song, A Bar Song (Tipsy).

This episode dives deep into Sak Pase’s journey, from his childhood in a Haitian immigrant household, to learning music out of necessity in church, to eventually producing multi-platinum hits and shaping the careers of emerging artists as an A&R. He shares insights into music production, artist development, and the intersection of creativity and commerce.

Key Highlights

🎶 Origins in Music – Growing up in a Haitian church, Sak Pase's father encouraged him to play music to save on hiring musicians. Learning by ear from radio hits, he developed an innate understanding of what resonates with the masses.

🎹 Early Influences – His exposure to Sting, Julio Iglesias, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop helped him shape his own sound. The Fugees, and particularly producer Jerry Wonder, became his biggest inspirations.

📀 Breaking into the Industry – After leaving Full Sail University, he got his first paid gig as a producer through an unexpected Yahoo Chat connection that led to a record deal in LA. That moment solidified that he could make a career in music.

👑 Watch the Throne Era – He spent six weeks studying Queen’s discography to craft the perfect beat for Jay-Z & Kanye West. The result? A pivotal production on Who Gon Stop Me.

🔥 Kanye’s Genius & Creative Process – Working on Watch the Throne and Yeezus, he observed Kanye’s obsession with innovation and disruption, describing his ability to extract and transform ideas as "one of the greatest sampling minds in history."

🎤 Shaping Shaboozey’s Success – As an A&R, Sak Pase saw Shaboozey’s potential early on. He encouraged him to lean into his storytelling and world-building rather than focusing on rap alone. This led to the creation of A Bar Song (Tipsy), a viral, record-breaking hit.

💡 The Role of an A&R Today – He explains how his production background gives him an edge as an A&R. His job is to serve as the bridge between artist vision, commercial strategy, and industry execution.

📈 The Balance Between Creativity & Commerce – He emphasizes the importance of embracing commerce as a tool to amplify creativity rather than as a limitation.

Final Takeaways & Advice for Aspiring Music Creators

🎯 Find Your WHY – It will guide your WHAT, HOW, and WHO.
🎯 Dream BIG – Set goals that seem impossible so you stay motivated.
🎯 Treat People Well – Relationships in music last longer than trends.
🎯 Embrace Commerce, but Lead with Art – "Make music for people, not just yourself. The more accessible your music is, the more opportunities it creates."

🎧 Tune in to this insightful episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast!

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode!)

This week on the Sonical.ly Podcast, we are honored to welcome the legendary Gino Vannelli—a music icon whose career spans five decades and 21 albums. From his timeless hit I Just Wanna Stop to the critically acclaimed Live in LA album, Gino has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful voice and genre-blending compositions. Now, he's releasing his most personal project yet, The Life I Got to My Most Beloved, out February 7th—a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Patricia.

In this deeply insightful episode, Gino shares:

🎶 His early musical influences growing up in Montreal and how his father shaped his passion for music.

🎹 The organic evolution of his songwriting and how jazz, classical, and soul shaped his unique sound.

📀 Behind-the-scenes stories of crafting some of his biggest hits and how he balances musical experimentation with staying true to his artistic vision.

🎧 The sonic inspiration and emotional depth behind The Life I Got to My Most Beloved and its powerful lead single, Keep On Walking.

✨ His profound insights on spirituality, creativity, and the resilience needed to sustain a lifelong career in music.

💡 Key Takeaways for Creators:

Master Your Craft – Gino emphasizes the importance of understanding your instrument, whether it's a guitar, piano, or the human voice.

Stay True to Yourself – The music industry is full of temptations, but authenticity is the key to longevity.

Spiritual & Creative Alignment – Music isn’t just about skill; it’s also about the heart, the mind, and the soul coming together to express something truly meaningful.

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode!)

Interview by Elmo Chong

This week on the Sonical.ly Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Lubalin, the multi-talented musician, producer, and viral sensation behind the internet drama TikTok series with over 264 million views and 3.4 million followers. Lubalin’s journey from internet stardom to debuting his incredible album 'Ha Ha No Worries' is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Lubalin shares:

🎸 How childhood exploration of music (and Mario Paint!) sparked his creative passion.
🤔 The challenges of balancing viral success with creating deeply personal art.
🎤 Behind-the-scenes stories from writing 99 Nights for Charlotte Cardin to crafting his own standout tracks like Pale Blue Dot and Dog.
🎶 Insights into the duality of his music—blending humor with heartfelt vulnerability and digital with organic sounds.

💡 Key Takeaways for Creators:

Embrace the Process – Lubalin reveals how pushing through creative doubts and revisiting old demos helped shape Ha Ha No Worries.
Keep Evolving – From viral fame to an introspective debut album, Lubalin shows the importance of honoring your artistic evolution.
Never Stop Exploring – His advice? “Make a ton of work, curate what you love, and don’t be afraid to suck!”

✨ Dive into Lubalin’s unique blend of humor, emotion, and sonic experimentation. Plus, hear his advice for navigating the music industry as a modern creator.

#SonicallyPodcast #Lubalin #MusicCreators #HaHaNoWorries #MusicIndustry #Podcast #ViralSensation #songwriting

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ (Full Episode!)

This week, we’re excited to welcome Grammy-nominated engineer, singer-songwriter, and producer BLK LT$ (formerly known as Andreena Mill) to the Sonical.ly Podcast! Known for her powerful vocals, raw lyricism, and genre-blending style, BLK LT$ has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Drake, French Montana, and Kodak Black. Now, she's gearing up for her highly anticipated project, Honey: The Black Lotus Meets the Killa Bees, set to drop this fall under the legendary 36 Chambers label.

In this episode, BLK LT$ shares: 
🔸 Growing up in a musically rich environment and how her father's reggae band inspired her creative journey. 
🔸 The challenges she faced navigating the Toronto music scene and finding her unique sound. 
🔸 Her collaboration with Drake on Closer and its impact on the Canadian music landscape. 
🔸 The personal and professional transformation that led to her new identity as BLK LT$. 
🔸 Insights into her latest Wu-Tang-inspired project, combining R&B with classic hip-hop influences.

Key takeaways from BLK LT$:

Embrace Your Evolution – BLK LT$ explains why she transitioned from Andreena Mill to her new identity, finding creative freedom in the process.

Genre-Blending Innovation – Her upcoming project puts an R&B spin on iconic Wu-Tang tracks, showing the power of reinterpreting classics while maintaining authenticity.

Stay True to Yourself – BLK LT$ emphasizes the importance of staying true to your vision, even when faced with industry pressures to fit into a particular mold.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about R&B, hip-hop, or the ever-evolving world of music production.

#SonicallyPodcast #BLKLT #MusicCreators #RNB #WuTang #MusicIndustry #Podcast #HoneyProject

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In this week’s episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, we’re joined by the Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Joe L. Barnes—known for his incredible work with Maverick City Music and heartfelt solo projects like Good Shepherd. Joe L.'s music has touched the hearts of millions around the world, and in this powerful conversation, we dive deep into his journey of faith, music, and personal growth.

In this episode, Joe L. shares:

🔸 Growing up in a household filled with music from Usher to Kirk Franklin.
🔸 The balance between Christian notoriety and maintaining authentic relationships.
🔸 The story behind Promises—how a song written for a room of friends became a global anthem.
🔸 How the Good Shepherd album reflects his personal faith journey.
🔸 Advice for aspiring songwriters on being a student of the craft.
🔸 Much more, including his process for songwriting, creativity, and balancing fame with faith.

Key takeaways from Joe L.:

Faith and Music – Maintaining a deep connection to God is central to everything Joe L. does, both in music and life.

Creative Process – Joe L. emphasizes that the most profound creations often come from a deeply personal place. Promises started as a simple song among friends and became an anthem of hope for the world.

Serve, Don’t Sell – Joe L. highlights the importance of serving others through music, rather than seeing it as a product to sell, especially in Christian music.

This episode is filled with inspiration for music creators, gospel lovers, and anyone navigating their creative and spiritual journey.

🎧 Joe L. Barnes Social Media:
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjoe_l/?h...
📌 Tik Tok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjoe_l?_t=8...
📌 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nO7Y... 

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Interview by: Elmo Chong

In today’s episode, we are honoured to host the groundbreaking rap group Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Hailing from the Haisla Nation in Kitimat BC, Young Trybez and Yung D have created a powerful voice in hip-hop,using their music to highlight Indigenous culture, issues, and identity. 

Since forming in 2016, Snotty Nose Rez Kids have released a series of impactful projects,, earning them numerous awards and nominations, including multiple JUNO Award nods.  

They have a new single and video out today called ‘No Dogs Allowed’ from their highly anticipated 6th studio album ‘Red Future’ set to be released on September 13th  and will be on tour all over the US and Canada till the end of the year.

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore the duo’s creative process, the inspirations behind their powerful lyrics, and the stories that have shaped their music.

So, without further ado, let’s welcome the incredibly talented Snotty Nose Rez Kids to the show.

Snotty Nose Rez Kids Socials

IG: https://www.instagram.com/snottynoserezkids/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snottynoserezkids/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@snottynoserezkids

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