Name: Chelsea, aka "Chelsea M. Cohen"
Posts by Chelsea M. Cohen:
Ten minutes with David E. Beats
September 30th, 2009
Music producer/artist David E beats is what you’d call a triple threat in the music industry. He’s a musician, producer, and songwriter looking to crave his way into the Nouveau scene. Beats is credited with producing; mixing and mastering; writing and rapping on all the songs. Beats graciously spent a few minutes to speak his mind:
Where did your interest in music begin?
It began at a very early age. I was introduced to music by my parents and I grew up enjoying rock and soul. I later got into hip hop at 15.
What is it like as a young artist trying to establish yourself in both the music and production scenes?
It is hard but I enjoy the challenge! I love learning new things and building new relationships because the joy of things coming to fruition is the best feeling for me.
Have you faced any obstacles on your way to where you are?
I face obstacles everyday. Chasing your dream requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication and discipline. So I rarely get discouraged.
You’re called a hip-hop artist, but you blend genres in your music. What, if any, category do you consider yourself be a part of?
I call it “Nouveau”. It essentially consists of all these newer talented artists like Drake and Kid Cudi whom are able to do more than just rap, but create stories and do something truly musical.
What ideals/messages do you hope to portray through your songs?
I just want people to know that they can achieve anything. If I can do it, anyone can!
You’ve been producing pretty rapidly, releasing 2 mix tapes this year, thus far. Is that a trend you want to try to keep up?
I am releasing a full length album shortly called “EXIT” which will be pushed for the time period of a normal album cycle. I do plan to release content quite rapidly however. This is the digital age, and unless you are constantly in peoples minds with your music they will forget you.
What music, other than your own, do you enjoy?
I listen to literally anything. From Fefe Dobson to Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy, I bump it all.
What other artists inspire and motivate you?
As artists we all kinda go through the same trouble and tribulations so I respect any artist who can make this game work in their favor, and those are the ones I look up to!
What was it like having the chance to tour in your Open Mic-Showcase so soon after releasing your first mix tape?
It was a great experience! It gave me the time to perfect my live show and smooth out my stage presence.
Is your music entirely your own effort, or do you work collaboratively with other musicians/artists?
I usually do everything on my own, then I take it to a larger studio to get the songs mixed down.
What is the songwriting process like for David E Beats?
It all starts with the first bar, once I hear the beat, I think of the best way to start the song. From there it just evolves.
What would you say to any young artists out there trying to make it big?
Constant work and diligence. Just when you think all is lost, the seed you planted blossoms.
What is the one song that never fails to make you happy?
TI – What’s Up, Whats Happenin’
A Summer in Song
August 19th, 2009With a season drawing to a close, the crisp bite of autumn on the air, I find myself looking to seize the last few moments of summer. In my opinion, the best way to do that is through the songs that have gotten you through the past few months. For me, this summer has been mellow though far from mundane, and believe the soundtrack reflects it.
The season started early this year, with the release of “Her Diamonds”, off Rob Thomas’ new album, Cradlesong. A bittersweet musing with touches of anguish and sanguinity, and backed by simple electronic rhythm, the song brings to life the meditative nuances of what is mostly a carefree season.
Balancing Thomas’ melancholy tone is Michael Franti and Spearhead, with “Say Hey (I Love You).” Admittedly, this is a bit of a cheat for this summer’s soundtrack, but I figure that the 2008 release began charting these past few months, so it still applies. Franti’s mix of reggae beats and smooth rock come together in this billboard dynamo, immediately filling the mind with scenes of simple romance and walks on warmer beaches. Simply, this song is a uniquely and distinctly happy song.
Not to be ignored or outdone, the Black Eyed Peas came up with not just a song, but a record of summery goodness. However, featured song “I Gotta Feeling” off the band’s newest album, The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies), sums up the spirit of the season’s energy. The wildly creative synth-hop and energetic lyrics capture a night anyone would be dream of.
Book-ending this summer’s score is “Bonfire” from Third Eye Blind. The soft acoustic sounds in this song of change and all that comes with it serves to compliment the changing of the guard as fall approaches. It holds all the hope of the stars and the defeat of the passing of time.
Mellow, yes; but far from boring. This summer in song has had a full range of sound and emotion, representing a soundtrack greater than the sum of its parts. If autumn is holding anything half this good, maybe the shorter days can’t come too soon.
