This track opens with a mellow and familiar sounding guitar riff, which works really well with the rap vocal and melody that introduces the song – it’s refreshing to hear this kind of fusion of genres and sounds. The riff instantly reminded me of ‘Under the Bridge’ by the Chilli Peppers, but the comparison soon fades away as you listen. The track has a lot of personality to it that seems very relevant to these artists involved, there’s a certain air of uniqueness and character, by which I mean you couldn’t really imagine anyone else performing this kind of song – it’s a particular combination of elements, and it works well. This fusion of genres is hugely effective, it crosses over those borders between audiences, it reaches out to a much wider group of listeners, and it sounds mellow and reflective whilst at the same time being very real and objectively honest in terms of the lyricism. You can let it play out as you relax and unwind, or you can hang on every word and every line and feel really connected and involved. That’s a great position for artists to put their audience in.
The melody used in the sung chorus or vocal hook section is one that really, really grows on you as you listen. It has that unusual sort of melodic style to it, an unexpected use of rhyme, a little like the kind of melodic choruses that the likes of Eminem or Hopsin have been known to use in recent years, yet here there seems to be a lot more genuine feeling and sensitivity. There seems to be a quietness to the reflective nature of what’s being expressed here, and it comes across softly but surely throughout the music and the performance.
The song sounds lovely, really, the whole way through – and as mentioned, if you do want to listen intently, it’s not a let down, it’s one worth listening to. A really enjoyable combination of elements, the prospect of more music from this sort of angle is exciting.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Fivestar: I grew up in a small town called Glasgow, Va and the struggle was real. I know everybody is saying that but If you don’t believe me just Google 24555. I’ve been living in San Jose, CA for some time now. I bleed the 408 and can’t see living anywhere else other than the Bay Area, believe that.  I got into the game because I had someone tell me that I couldn’t do it (hip hop) and my music wouldn’t be worth purchasing. Hahaha last laugh huh
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Fivestar: My big brother Spoon came up with the name (Fivestar General) for our crew and I go by the name Fivestar. I added the FSG at the end of my name to let my homie know that what I do is for us and that I will never forget where I came from. The inspiration behind the name is to do everything at a Fivestar level whether it’s GOD, family, work or sports etc. but just do it at Fivestar level and you can never go wrong.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Fivestar: I don’t mind music sharing, I feel like it get your music out to the public a lot faster and easier. I always give my music out for free and if the person feels like they need to make a donation then who am I to turn that down. I hate when people ask me to purchase CD and I haven’t had a chance to sample the product. This happens to me on the daily, I understand that you invested in your craft but you are asking me to purchase something that I know nothing about. ITunes even let you sample the music first before you make a purchase and like to do research before I purchase anything. I respect your hustle but respect my time and money.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Fivestar: Shoot for the stars and remember there is no gig too small for you to show off your craft. Keep pushing the movement because if you don’t, no one will.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Fivestar: I’ll a leave note on my phone of a list of ideas that come to mind while I go thru my day. Maybe a story that has happen to myself or someone I know. My songwriting process can take place almost anywhere but I usually do it in my home studio and then when I think that process is complete. I then I take my craft over to my homie Rico over at Sound Theory www.facebook.com/TheSoundTheory and have him create the miracle, after that it’s a wrap. Game over on to the next project.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Fivestar: No official band website, I mean with all the social media platforms out today it’s almost a waste. I use the major one like Facebook, Reverbnation, Twitter. I would like to send a shot out to www.numberonemusic.com/FivestarFSG and www.soundcloud.com/fivestarfsg for making my life so easy to distribute my music.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Fivestar: Create and Invest in my craft until Fivestar is being talk about on every radio station & magazine
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Fivestar:Â Whenever, I have time to spread the word about my music or I use my marketing team Goltoof Entertainment to handle my East Coast promotion. But mostly word of mouth and social media.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Fivestar: I’m working on my sophomore album right now and the name of the project is going to be called Restitution. I call it that because throughout my music career I feel that people have taken advantage or stole something from me. Now it’s time for me to collect.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Fivestar:Â I would be the Technology geek that I am and continue to selling Storage Solutions
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Fivestar:Â I just use my 24 inch gauge (only my real brothers will understand)
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Fivestar: Great Music and entertainment from your truly.
