My Cherry Pop

A recent chat with musician and internet creator Pearl Future provided some interesting insight into changes going on in the music industry for artists and listeners alike.

1. Your latest music release came out at the beginning of this year. It was a different direction musically than your previous work, tell us about it.

That song was a collaboration with electronic producer Sidney Samson, in his progressive, hard-electro bass style. It has a drop style arrangement, which is a really exciting style to write in. I had done several demos of the tune first which I co-wrote with Spencer Blair. The first track version was a UK garage style done by Rico Tubbs. It’s definitely different. My previous pop/hip-hop tunes focused on catchy melodies mixed with social messages and attitude, but I’ve moved entirely away from mainstream style now.

2. Although you’ve worked with many recognized industry names, you’ve remained independent. Why have you chosen this path?

Well, I didn’t choose this path, but if I had known what I know now I would have! It all just came about. Each step and experience taught me something new. Some ideas took too long to foster and some things didn’t align right business-wise. It all could’ve been less painful, for sure. The main thing to realize is that the business of music is very different than the art of music. Very very different.

3. As a songwriter, how do you begin your creative process?

I usually start with a track I’ve selected and play around with melody and cadence until something grabs me. Sometimes I hear a melody in my mind first and I’ll figure out a rhythm for it next. Definitely always get melody and rhythm going first. Lyrics come from the emotion of the chords or bassline. Sometimes I sing vowels and random words until something fits the vibe, and I will develop lyrics from that word or sound.

4. What is the most important thing a music artist needs in order to get noticed?

On the business side, a team with money and deep connections in media. If you are making art,  a great song with feel-good sonics and performance. Anybody exposed to an undeniably great song will love it, so it really does the work for you.

5. You have a newly created music label called Chaospop in the works. How did that come about for you?

Inside the music industry, many labels are trying to figure out why bedroom creators have larger audiences than their signed acts. I think it has to do with the fact that people actually do enjoy variety and originality in music. They like hearing things other than stale corporate re-works. Many new styles of music are not represented in mainstream media, and there is no place to get get them through to the public. I hear great unsigned music all the time, so I decided to create a boutique internet label to help feature it. I believe more boutique labels are needed actually, and I think it is something the music lovers will really like.

6. Are there upcoming releases we should watch for on Chaospop?

Yes. At the end of this month we will release and promote the first compilation, “INTRO”. It features new styles like trap, moombahton, bassline, g-house and midtempo from up-coming acts like Jameston Thieves, Free Drinkz, martym0ndays, Lemony Snicketts and many more. It’s a free download compilation, not your typical release. It will be available as a streaming playlist on Soundcloud only, with downloads enabled for collectors. Chaospop will not be selling music yet. For now it is just a discovery label, with some merchandise and event collaboration to help support things. Being a reliable curator is what is mainly important right now.

7. Do you think that social media is helpful for artists?

Yes and no. Ideally, the mainstream media would be more open. With no biases, completely merit based. Since that isn’t the case, social media definitely helps. But in order to be effective you have to stay active, so that is tough for music artists. The music art form is one of the most time consuming of them all, in my opinion. So, it could cause trouble for sure.

8. Do you have any upcoming plans for your own music?

No plans yet, but lots of music in the works. I am experimenting with so many new styles and haven’t figured out what direction I am most inspired by yet. I’m still interested in complex melodies over edgy and creative beats though. I hope to have an EP out by the end of the year, but I’m not sure. Going forward, I will try to perform live more, possibly with another art form involved in collaboration.

9. If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Public indoctrination. People can do without the brainwashing they receive now. Music tastes need to be broadened. Music appreciation should be taught.

10. What’s next? Any final things you want to add that we should look out for?

I will be curating at the label more, so expect to hear lots of great music. I’m also working on a special event that will be closely tied in to the label activities on social media. If you like what you hear and see, you should definitely get on our email list and follow me at social media – @pearlfuture @chaospop