Some artists have monikers that thoroughly establish their sound. When you see the name Metallica, you know what you are in for. The same could be said of acts such as Groove Armada or The Blues Brothers.
Mellow Dive has a name that perfectly encapsulates the sound and mood offered on “The Willow”. Released in August 5 through Dezi-Belle Records, the Italian-based instrumentalist and producer presents a collection of eight tracks on his debut album that are mellow to their very core.
Each track feels like a snapshot, as if the artist has simply sat himself down and started to play while reflecting on the various environments and places he finds himself in. This is established through the extensive use of background sounds – be it children in a playground, birds chirping or the sounds of people in a café. Over the top of these sounds float jazzy guitar chords, minimal electric piano meanderings and the occasional swell of strings.
All of the tracks are short. Most feature down-tempo hip-hop beats and the melodic hints are subtle, suggesting old-time musicals or the nostalgia of a music box tune. Nothing strays above a gentle groove and taken together it is like a trip inside the mind of the artist who made it – an artist who seems at peace with the world around him.
I really, really enjoyed this album. I look forward to the next cold, rainy day where I can curl up with a book whilst having this play in the background. Indeed, I think I will be playing this one as often as I can – as a chance to find calm in a world that seems increasingly hectic.
Interview with Awesome Jazz-Pop Chinese Indie Teen Lvyan
Lvyan
It’s not often when someone mentions music from China that Jazz comes to mind. Especially when it’s a teenager who remains true to himself and dedicates his passion to his own music; independent music.
Lvyan’s Jazz influenced pop is refreshing, bright and joyful.
Lvyan writes with maturity, delicately blending Western elements with sounds and traditions from his own culture, never using his identity as a gimmick. His fun and upbeat debut brings out Jazz pop sounds and rhythms with his youthful vibrancy taking centre stage in the accompanying video.
Lvyan‘s home of Shanghai shaped his unique taste in music, allowing him access to a diverse variety of art and music. A self taught producer and composer, Lvyan aims to be part of the independent movement in China, breaking away from the TV reality route that many stars are currently pursuing. Staying authentic to his music and DIY attitude, Lvyan brings his innovation into his music, creating a unique sound that is authentically his own.
Interview with Awesome Jazz-Pop Chinese Indie Teen Lvyan
MT: Love you’re debut single btw. Who are some of your musical influences and When did you figure out why you needed to pursue music as your career?
Lvyan: I would say I’m influenced the most by the profound Chinese culture. And I really like R&B and soul music, plus with electronic music production techniques that I learn from watching Youtube. I am able to combine these elements into my creative and show the diverse’ taste in my own music. It was at my 15 when I fell in love with genres of music so I decided to pressure to be a professional musician.
MT: How long have you been singing and performing for?
Lvyan: It wasn’t that long actually because I just started this last year.
MT: Your single is a very cool jazz/pop track. Who do you enjoy listening to as a fan?
Lvyan: I am quite into listening to Tom Misch, FKJ, H.E.R, Ella Mai, and PJ Morton, etc. They keep making masterpieces.
MT: When was your very first recording and release?
Lvyan: I recorded my first demo about two years ago, and I put it out on internet immediately.
MT: Can you explain more about the meaning of your debut single, ‘Take Me Away’ and how it ties into your music goals?
Lvyan: This was an improvised song that I wrote right after I graduated from junior high. There is no message in this song and It is more like a memory that I created, to catch the sense of freedom I was feeling at that moment. I think have a goal yet, for now just try to make more music and see where it takes me.
MT: How old are you now and when did you write your first song? Can you describe your current sound?
Lvyan: I’m turning 18 soon and I wrote my first song at 15. Now I’m searching a sound that’s between R&b / soul / funk / pop. I know this sounds too much, and seems hard to find a balance, so remember to check back my music in a year or two to find out what is like.
MT: Do you perform or have you performed anywhere?
Lvyan: Not yet, especially for what is happening around the world now. I’m excited for that day though.
MT: What has been your biggest challenge in your music career so far? How did you overcome that obstacle?
Lvyan:The biggest challenge I have faced was lacking of the understanding music theory. I have the perfect melody of intonationsince I was child. However I have never built a solid foundation of music theory. I used to shrink back when people ask me to explain some complex harmony. Because of that, I have more patience to study music theory and to improve my improvisation skills.
MT: From what you have learned about your challenges in the music business in China? What’s the independent music scene like in China? What advice would you like to give upcoming new artists?
Lvyan: I find it difficult for Chinese independent musicians to stand out. The public exposure is always reserved for the idols and commercial musicians who don’t write their own music, which causing those talented ones are buried behind the scenes. My opinion will be we should always stay true to our own, and create arts that people can relate to.
MT: Besides singing, do you play any musical instruments? How long have you been playing them?
Lvyan:I can play piano, since I was six years old.
MT: What’s a typical day for you? Do you work on your music every day? What other activities or hobbies besides music do you like to do that your fans may like to know about?
Lvyan:I’m still high school now. For the rest free time of my day, I spend half of my day on writing new material and mess around the keyboard. If I feel unproductive, then I will probably hang out with my girlfriend or play games.
MT: Is there anything else you would like to announce for your fans or anything you would like them to know? Do you have more music coming out this year?
Lvyan: I’m planning another single now, and it will be out in next two months maybe.
MT: Thanks so much Lvyan, and all the very best with your music!
Lvyan: Thanks for this interview!
LINKS TO LVYAN BELOW
Interview with Awesome Jazz-Pop Chinese Indie Teen Lvyan
Chinese Teen, Lvyan Releases Unpredictable Impressive Jazz Pop Debut Single
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Tired of the mass produced idol factory culture in China, 18 year old musician Lvyan has released his official debut single ‘Take Me Away’. Influenced by alternative pop artists Tom Misch, Honne and FKJ, Lvyan writes with maturity, delicately blending Western elements with sounds and traditions from his own culture, never using his identity as a gimmick. His fun and upbeat debut brings out Jazz pop sounds and rhythms with his youthful vibrancy taking centre stage in the accompanying video.
Lvyan‘s home of Shanghai shaped his unique taste in music, allowing him access to a diverse variety of art and music. A self taught producer and composer, Lvyan aims to be part of the independent movement in China, breaking away from the TV reality route that many stars are currently pursuing. Staying authentic to his music and DIY attitude, Lvyan brings his innovation into his music, creating a unique sound that is authentically his own
Chinese Teen, Lvyan Releases Unpredictable Impressive Jazz Pop Debut Single
