Have a Listen: Xavier Leong

A few days ago, I got a request from this kid in NYC for a review of his self-produced rap/hip-hop project. Now, I don't know much about that genre and I was honest enough to admit it to him. But still, I couldn't help but encourage the chap in what he's doing. Xavier Leong may not be a prodigy or anything, but he sure enough is passionate about what he does. "One of my main influences for my upcoming projects is Bedroom," he says. I don't know what or how much to make of his music, but feel like he needs constructive criticism from people who can really help him with his goal of making good music. So, if you are one of such good Samaritans, feel free to drop him a comment on his SoundCloud account or his FB page.

Interview: Bedroom releases new EP "Toys"

Bedroom's debut EP Toys has finally released! Here is a little candid chat with the man behind the music - Noah Kittinger. A limited releasing of tapes of his EP will be out on a label called Furious Hooves. 

AMS:  How did being a "bedroom musician" come about?

Bedroom: I've always made music and have had recording gear and stuff. I just make music in my room away from everything. I like that way you know? It's like just me and creativity or whatever haha. It's great.

AMS: What was it like to produce your own EP? Any difficulties?

B: Not really no. Actually none at all. I recorded this first song which was "Opening/Intro" and I really liked the sound and vibe of it. So honestly the whole dream-pop/chillwave thing just recently came about and I'm sticking with it. It all happened pretty fast. The sound, buzz about the EP, the beginning of a future for me I guess.

AMS: Why name your first EP "Toys"? Any specific reason?

B: My buddy Chance made up some cool photos for me that had toys in them, and he like put Bedroom all over them. So I told him the name should be toys haha. not really a deep, poetic explanation but it sounds cool!

AMS: Do you have a particular musician or song that inspires you to make your own music?

B: Oh yeah for sure. I could go on and on but I think the song writing structure of my songs is really inspired by Youth Lagoon. I listened to his album "The Year Of Hibernation" and loved how it wasn't a verse, chorus, verse type structure. Before the EP, I always tried making my songs like perfect with the usual structure and had a really hard time with it. It took the fun out of making music for me. So recently, it all just kind of happened. My sound I would say is really inspired my artists like Wild Nothing, Beach Fossils, and even some hip-hop honestly. I've always liked the idea of keeping the drums electronic and distant sounding.

AMS: Is there a collaboration with other artists on the cards?

B: I don't know to be honest. That'd be pretty cool though!

AMS: Any live shows lined up in the near future?

B: Yeah! I'm working on getting a live setup together. I want to keep the drums electronic, so I need to work that out somehow. But yeah live shows in the future soon for sure.

AMS: Supposedly, you have a fan club to your name (along with a friend). Tell us about that.

B: Oh wow hahaha. My buddy and I made that back in like the 6th or 7th grade as a joke or something! We would just post random stuff on there for fun.

You can buy the EP here for just $1.50! That is dirt cheap man!! Sample the tracks below:

Artist Review: Bedroom (Noah Kittinger)

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It has been far too long since I last put up a post. I had one thing after another popping out of seemingly nowhere and hence the temporary absence from blogosphere. But worry not, I’m still alive and kicking (ass). :D

And I think you will find this long wait worthwhile if you care to read further. For what I have to offer today is a treat quite different from the usual fare. What would you say if I introduced you to the kind of music that you sometimes crave at night after many a days of hard work and neck pain and taking ‘boohockey’ from your boss, teacher, landlord, and whoever else that is a pain in the rear.

Bedroom is a pseudonym that Noah Kittinger makes music under. All of sixteen and the guy makes one helluva music; a quiet, ambient sort that will lull you into a sleepy, relaxed trance. Bedroom knows exactly where to hit you so as to soothe your frayed nerves. I say this from experience. And I plan to listen to it right before I appear for my biochemistry paper. (God knows I need to relax before that horror strikes!)

There are only two songs out as of now. One being ‘Concrete’ and the other one an intro to the upcoming self-produced EP titled “toys”. Apparently, the idea for ‘Concrete’ struck Noah in a dream. It’s a sweet track that reminds me of childhood memories; of candies and this one particular memory involving a dandelion blossom (dunno where that came from). I never knew a guitar could be capable of taking me to that happy place I knew so long ago. The reverb really adds that touch of dream-like quality to the song. And the synthesizer keeping a constant beat in the background is a stroke of genius! Noah’s voice and the instruments blend into one another so beautifully, you cannot help but dim the lights, close your eyes and remember the smell of fresh-baked apple pies or butterscotch candy. I know I’m being graphic with the description, but sometimes, music is best described with the feelings it evokes.

If you’re in search of a new lo-fi ambient track for your bedroom, then Bedroom’s your best bet. And let me add a bit about the cover(s). I dunno who did the photography for those, but they are freaking awesome! I mean, it is so tasteful, so subtle, and it embodies the soul of the album, the music so well! I would like to specially congratulate Bedroom for that.

Now, a little about the man behind the music: Noah Kittinger is a sixteen year old high school student from Nashville, TN. He’s been playing the guitar since he was about eight years old. He started experimenting with other instruments over the years. So, now he plays drums, bass and the piano too! He started making his own music at the tender age of thirteen. When asked if he was influenced by the country scene in his native city, he’s quick to reply, “Not really. I’ve never really been into country music. I mean, I love listening for those crazy good guitar solos in some country… but I’ve never been a fan of it.”

So, do we have the next Owl City in our midst? I would say no. Noah represents a whole new breed of musicians who love to give their listeners just what they need: one part nostalgia and nine parts great music!

Don’t forget to download the tracks here. Also, give the kid a like on his FB profile. You know he deserves it!