Music Review and interview with Harvust (Alien) – Feel this
It’s always lovely to see a little creativity shine through in the form of fusing different genres. Something about the combination of an acoustic guitar with some mellow, reflective hip-hop just gives off a great vibe. The music, the backing track, sounds great – lovely and chilled, expressive in itself. The hip-hop leading vocal has that lovely relaxed kind of sound to it as well, it sounds like what you might call intelligent rap, as opposed to rap for the sake of rap. The lines mean something, and every now and then you catch a line that really makes you think they’re on to something. The track has so much depth, but it’s not intense – it’s expressed in a mellow and joyful sounding kind of manner, which actually makes it far more effective; you can’t help but find yourself listening intently.
The rap style is reminiscent of the likes of Grieves, Asher Roth, Homeboy Sandman – the ideas are calmly put forward, not with angst or attitude, just in a smart and handsome sounding sort of way – the performance is perfectly in keeping with the overall effect of the music, and the lines, each lyric and thought, is equally satisfying along this same kind of vibe. Even after having realised all of this, you then get a superb guitar solo, towards the end, which just smashes this track up to the top of the underground hip-hop list of one’s to watch out for. The music has everything you love if you love live music, and the performance, the lyrics, have everything a thoughtful and reflective fan of poetry or alternative writing might hope for. There’s a huge amount of potential here, and the future looks set for even more great tracks, if the artists involved continue their reign of freedom and create whatever it feels right to create, regardless of genre.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Alien: I was born in Trenton NJ, same place Washington landed when he crossed the Delaware, but I never met him. I moved to Hamilton Township with my family, where I’ve been all of my life. I can’t say that it was my decision to become an artist, I believe it’s just the path that was laid before me. I am trying to be true to it.
Alien:Originally, I went by the name DFlow. A friend of mine in high school said I had a fluent delivery with my lyrics so he gave me that, its been with me since. Most people still call me “Flow.” However, over the past couple of years I’ve grown into a different type of artist. I still flow, but I go by “Alien” on the mic now, embracing a different form of artistic expression. The music I do is not necessarily the flavor for most mainstream / Top 40 listeners, however I am trying to change that. Lyrical or Underground hip hop deserves a place in the spotlight. Regardless of what mainstream says, we still exist and will continue to produce music in vast quantities, no matter how “alien!”
Alien: I love it. I do share music which on certain sites can be downloaded at no cost. I do it for the love of it, for the chance to share my projects with others, and the exposure is good. Of course I would like to be able to get income from my music, but being heard and getting your name out there is important, and music sharing allows you to do that.
Alien: Absolutely. Set some short term and long term goals. Be willing to play for free and participate in fundraisers. Network with other bands and people in your community that share a similar vision. Work before play. Utilize services like “Exposed Vocals” to gain some traction in the digital arena too.
Alien: Life in general. My writing tends to focus on my journey as a human being. Discovering, learning, failing, winning, etc. I can be wordy and sometimes too enigmatic for my own good, so I have to be mindful of how I am sharing my thoughts, so others can relate or understand where I am coming from. I really try to share my vision lyrically in the best way I can.
Alien: Right now, I am compiling music for an album. I have some material that fans can get access to on YouTube B Alien ,SoundCloud (links here) Harvust (Alien) – Feel This by Daniel Babij , and Reverbnation Alien . Also, you can follow updates at @BonafideAlien on Twitter.
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Alien: I would pay off any bills my parents or family may have first. After that, I would pay off some of my own debts! That alone would free up some time and mental space for musical projects!
Alien: Social networking is a great way to get your work out there to be listened to / seen. We are in the digital age and it’s an opportunity to perform on screen whether or not you are performing on stage. The main thing is to stay at it. Surround yourselves with others who share common interests and can help promote your music. Be a friend to other artists and help them realize their visions as well.
Alien: As I said I am currently compiling music for an album. I have so much material to share! I look forward to sharing videos too! People nowadays are definitely more visual and I think videos are crucial.
Alien: Everything that artists do when they aren’t working on their craft! Seriously speaking, I’d probably be acting or teaching.
Alien: Well, I am a father of young children and that certainly is a huge responsibility. I try to be very active in their lives as I understand the importance of being dad, a mentor, a teacher, a steady rock in their lives. I work a 9-5 job as well as keep busy with side work and the operation of a DJ company. It is not easy, but my faith and my family keep me motivated. Life isn’t bad, and I look forward to it only getting better.
Alien: Lyrics. Lyrics. Lyrics. A lot of lyrics, energy, and creativity. God willing.
