Q&A with Karl William

Karl William Wandahl, who goes by Karl William, discusses his R&B sound, the rising music scene in Denmark's second largest city and his favorite animal the monkey. 

“[Monkeys] act like adult humans, just more childish,” says 18-year-old William.

The Danish singer is barely legal and comprehensible (during some parts of the interview). However, if you read on and listen to his music, you'll understand why his EP is highly anticipated this September.

Karl William

Are you behind the vocals and the beats?

I do the vocals myself, but I have a great network of producers. I started playing drums, but realized singing is better for me. Shower practicing, you know! 

Who are your producers?

My producers are Tais and Orbit Crew! They have made all the beats for my EP. It's coming soon! 

Since your lyrics are in your native tongue Danish, can you translate a line for us?

It’s very hard to describe it in English. I love when people talk in pictures (metaphorically), so my favorite line’s gotta be with "Ukendt Kunstners" and” “Guld og diamanter/Gold 'n Diamonds." It translates to: "It’s that weak light from a light chain in a window of a barbecue grill." There’s something in that line that just gets me. I don’t know why.

When is the EP coming out?

I hope by next month, but it’s not easy to find out how I’m gonna do it! 

Do you have any musical influences? 

We are about to build up a crew of new artists in Aarhus, Denmark. We are all in the process of making a new sound for the Danish music scene. We are not trying to get a special sound out of it, but we just made one.


Here's William's music video for "Kostumeramt" released last June. 
The song will be one of the four tracks to appear on his upcoming EP.

For more info. on Karl William, visit his Facebook page here.

A session with Max Marshall

If you haven’t heard her voice yet, you have probably seen her creations on Lady Gaga's crown. Despite her background in wig making and fashion design, 21-year-old Max Marshall is back to pursuing her first love: music. According to a Yinka & Friends interview, Marshall can play everything from the viola to the double bass.

The Baltimore-born, London-based singer's first mixtape "Forgive Me" has a track titled "Neva Believe" with a mashup of Rihanna's "Diamonds" and Frank Ocean's "Novacane" over LL Cool J's "Doing It." She officially released her single “Don’t Trip” with producers Electric on Aug. 12.

Here's a little more background on the Cancer sign singer-songwriter.

 "Don't Trip" screen cap

What lipstick do you use in your '90s-inspired music video for “Don’t Trip"?

I was wearing MAC currant liner and one of its famous reds, either Russian Red or Ruby Woo.

What music player do you use? Name some of your most played tracks.

I have an Ion Block Rocker. My most played tracks include Jhene Aiko, James Blake, the new India Arie and Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail. 

Do you have any hobbies apart from music and wig making?

Something I have always loved doing is creating, whether it be clothing, art or cooking.

Do you have any favorites from the BRIT School such as the late Amy Winehouse, Adele or Jamie Woon, to name a few alumni?

Amy Winehouse will always be a don. Point, blank, period.

"Don't Trip" screen cap

Do you believe that people are born with a musical gift and/or do they also hone those talents through interest and rehearsal?

Musical talents always come to those who have it within them. Then you have people that aren't players, but understand the groove of a song and listen deeper to the lyrics. Music is universal. Therefore, it's in everyone. It's just a matter of delving deeper in yourself to find what moves you.

What’s your current life motto?

Recently, I've had the same motto as I've always had: Put myself first, stay true to myself, speak up when needed and keep my head down and my powder dry.

What can we expect from you?

I'm currently working on an EP, which will be released before the end of the year. There will be loads of new shades of Max painted on these tracks, so stay tuned!

Will you visit the U.S. any time soon?

A stateside trip might happen soon, so I can go check on mom, dukes, my grams and the fam, really. A bit of work wouldn't hurt in New York, too. And Philips is definitely on the list. [There’s] loads of family and friends I've got to reunite with.

For more info. on Max Marshall, visit her official Facebook page here. Watch her music video for "Don't Trip," click here.

FUGUE BTS

Fugue film set in Downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 10-13, 2013

I frantically ran around once, and did a whole lot more of steaming, sitting, snacking, thinking, chitchatting and pantomiming. I survived voluntarily standing by on set four of the five days at Vlad's shoot for Fugue.  

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the talented crew and actors from the downtown L.A. loft and Eat Drink Americano locations.