I love the dramatic sound of those strings as the track starts up, there’s a little bit of a James Bond vibe to it, so you’re drawn into the intensity immediately – always a good effect with new music. The riff that follows is a little unexpected after this, it’s chaotic, quick, and heavy, although there’s a dark and fairly massive sound to everything about the whole track. The production is brilliant, the big beat and bass really take hold as you listen, the effects and the playfulness within the mix keep it interesting on a musical level. I like what’s been done with the vocals, there’s a lot of creative play, the song kind of runs with the effects pedal in a number of ways – after just one listen you hear a thousand different electronic expressions, though you’re not massively sure what the track was about, I guess there’s always time to go back for round two.
Bahloo Smurf- Commotion featuring Young Country (Produced by Enlite)
Commotion has a good party vibe to it, the lead male vocal has a lot of power, and the strength of the production compliments that really effectively. It’s got a lot to it that you don’t often hear in hip-hop, it seems to fuse and simultaneously welcome a whole catalogue of styles and cultures, which is definitely something valuable. What’s clever about the music is that while this dark and eerie scene is set from the opening few bars, there is an overwhelming sense of good vibes throughout. As mentioned, you don’t get so much creativity in a lot of hip-hop tracks these days, you just get randomly generated backing tracks with some lyrics fired over them. This seems to be a lot more than that, and it’s memorable – the riffs, the big beat, the hook – Let’s Cause a Commotion – you only need to hear it once to remember it.
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?
Bahloo Smurf: I grew up in a small town called Madison, North Carolina. I decided to become an artist to express my inner most feelings. I love music.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Bahloo Smurf: I wanted something unique that would stand out. Something you don’t hear everyday. It’s basically a childhood nickname.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Bahloo Smurf: Online music sharing makes it easy to connect with anyone in the world. You never know who will see your music and connect with your sound.
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?
Bahloo Smurf: Network and stay humble. A simple thank you can open doors. Build relationships with DJ’s. When you approach people always show interest in what they are doing. DJ’s, Club owners, and others in the industry are human just like you. Respect them.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Bahloo Smurf: My inspiration comes from the many artist that struggled from the bottom to become a success story. When I start the songwriting process I start with the hook. That is the bread and butter of a song.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Bahloo Smurf: Bahloosmurf.com is on the way. I engage on twitter, Facebook, instagram, and snap chat. Follow @BahlooSmurf
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Bahloo Smurf: I’d invest in my craft. Also give a percentage to church and charity. I want to give back to my culture.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Bahloo Smurf: Its all about networking and finding out who’s who. Word of mouth is my greatest form of promotion.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Bahloo Smurf: I have a new single out produced by En1ite called “Commotion ft. Young Country”.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Bahloo Smurf: I’d be reading. Knowledge is power. Educate yourself.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Bahloo Smurf: You must stay 10 steps ahead at all times. Leave a little wiggle room for error. Nobody’s perfect. Responsible time management is crucial to progress in music life.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Bahloo Smurf: I’m working on a new project with Pretty Girl Beats and Juse Beats coming soon. Be on the lookout. Also make sure you check out the Commotion Video with Model Zelvonia Swain on Youtube.
