INTERVIEWS

Exclusive interview w/ C.A.L on The Hype 87.3

INTERVIEWS

Tune in w/ TampaMystic as she interviews C.A.L

C.A.L is not just another up-and-coming artist; he carries with him a rich legacy of soul and innovation. As the son of Gerald Alston, the esteemed lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning group The Manhattans, and Edna Alston, a professional dancer and choreographer, C.A.L has been immersed in music and performance from a young age.

Hailing from New Jersey, C.A.L combines a diverse range of influences, including Doopwap, R&B, and intricate lyricism, to create a sound that is both distinctive and universally appealing. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Keith Murray, Fabolous, Jay-Z, Rakim, and Lil Wayne, he has honed his craft with meticulous attention to detail, mastering the art of structure and conceptual bars.

But C.A.L’s talent extends beyond his lyrical prowess; he is also a gifted vocalist, thanks in part to training under the guidance of his father and uncle. Influenced by R&B legends like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Usher, and Jazmine Sullivan, C.A.L infuses his music with soulful melodies and heartfelt emotion, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.

C.A.L’s musical journey has been marked by a series of impressive releases, including his debut EP “M.E.,” followed by the acclaimed mixtape “Freshman.” His latest project, “Rebirth and Revelations,” showcases his evolution as an artist and features the standout single “Honesty Hour,” which is garnering attention on all digital platforms.

I invite you to connect with C.A.L on social media to stay updated on his latest releases and performances:

TUNE IN WITH DeyonWho ON THE HYPE 87.3 FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

INTERVIEWS

Check out TampaMystic’s interview with DeyonWho

DeyonWho, a prodigious talent, has been on a trajectory to stardom since he was a mere 10 years old, crafting his unique sound with no formal training. His remarkable skill lies in blending various genres into enthralling compositions, showcasing his creativity and boundless potential. By the age of 15, DeyonWho had already made his mark with his debut song “Be Without You,” igniting a growing fanbase as he performed across local venues, carrying his fervor for music into his college years with performances that highlighted his distinct musical style across the Southwest.
His music, a harmonious blend of R&B, Pop, Hip-hop, and Soul, breaks the mold of traditional genres. The release of his EP “Climate: April Shower” in 2017 offered a profound commentary on the black experience, resonating deeply with listeners and reflflecting the complexities of life as a young black man in Western society. This was followed by the 2018 mixtape “Make it Make Sense,” which married various musical inflfluences to delve into themes of love, optimism, and perseverance, further cementing DeyonWho’s commitment to his art.
DeyonWho continued to evolve his sound with singles “IDWI” and “On Me” in 2020, setting the stage for his much-anticipated debut album “Boundaries7:17” set to release in the summer of 2024. This upcoming project promises to be a vibrant fusion of dance music, incorporating R&B, house, Afropop, and techno, all imbued with elements of funk and soul, showcasing his ability to innovate and push musical boundaries.
As DeyonWho gears up to release “Boundaries7:17,” his journey from a young musical prodigy to a visionary artist stands as a testament
to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to captivate audiences with his evolving sound. With each project, DeyonWho not only promises to deliver groundbreaking music but also to redefine the landscape of urban music genres, ensuring his place in the annals

Tune in with Sophia Mengrosso on The Hype 87.3 for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEWS

Check out TampaMystic’s interview with Sophia Mengrosso

Artist adjoins Metal to Opera to rage against domestic violence in ‘Demonizer’ 

By Rebecca Haines

LOS ANGELES – A hellacious, new voice is shining a light on the difficult topic of domestic violence in the world with fiery passion, remarkable strength and no shame.

Sophia Mengrosso said her 13-track album “Unforgiven” embodies everything an artist holds dear including personal stories, raw emotion and song lyrics that were born at her piano. This strong, Hispanic female artist beautifully connects one spectrum of music to another – Metal and Opera – particularly with a song that calls out domestic violence in a most powerful way … “Demonizer.”

“’Demonizer’ started many years ago as a story – some feelings I put on music sheets about domestic violence and abuse,” Mengrosso said. “Growing up I saw it a lot. It was hidden. No one talked about it. There was no bringing people to justice. Victims are afraid to be shamed or to be blamed. I was scared, and I wanted to empower people who suffer from these things – to take power back. Sometimes people say forgive, but I don’t believe that. Society pressures us to forgive someone who destroyed your life. It keeps eating us. Destroying us. There was never justice. Some things cannot be forgiven. I believe you have to claim your power back, and take what they took from you … That’s my way of justice.”

The song’s message belongs perfectly under the “Unforgiven” title, and its sound reverberates its boldness. While Mengrosso’s classically trained vocals lure the heart, the Metal thrash exemplifies the emotion. Visuals for the “Demonizer” music video use hellish darkness and flames.  

“I wanted it to be strong and I wanted it to be dark, because it’s a dark subject,” Mengrosso said. “It’s OK to have rage – it’s OK to have the dark energy and to let it out. It gives me power to pull out of darkness. It means I want to have justice and burn out what harms. It’s my rage on those people. It’s what they deserve.

“People who deal with those horrible things feel weak. I have found a way to express that it’s like a storm – something massive you woke up that’s not going to back down until this entity is clear. You have power to push back and not be silent.”

Relating deeply to the societal norms of the vibe “be nice – don’t talk about dark things,” Mengrosso fights the influence of putting limitations on people. Even in music, she found too many rules in the Classical genera and longed to express herself more. She said Rock and Metal was where she found freedom.

“In my years, people have limited me – put in a box to suit some styles – but music is made to make our lives better,” Mengrosso said. “Rock is for strong vocals and this is where I found myself. Something in my brain resonates and stimulates with that sound – I just love Rock and Metal. It soothes my soul and resonates with me with how I feel inside. As a female artist, it gives me power to express myself, makes me feel strong and room to improvise with how to send my message.”

Born in Siberia, Mengrosso fell in love with music at a young age – particularly the piano and later the harp. By the age of 15, there was no doubt in her mind that she was born to create music. She moved to the U.S. when she was 18 and in a few years achieved a position of a polished singer and songwriter that flawlessly connects her classical training and the rebellious world of Rock and Metal.

Today Mengrosso uses her platform to empower women – not just in the face of abuse, but also to pursue whatever their heart desires.

“People will make you feel small for their comfort,” she said. “There is pressure to be nice, quiet, calm – because that’s more convenient for them. My main point is to be loud. Take your place. And don’t be afraid to speak up about problems. Deep inside, you know what’s right for you. When you put it away, that’s when depression happens … Things like this need to be brought up – celebrated. Don’t see it as weakness – it’s a part of you. And if you can help someone else, that’s the best part of being a human being. And for me as an artist, if I can inspire people I’ve never met – that’s the biggest reward.”

As Mengrosso continues to lean into an incredible future in the music industry, she is anticipating a collaboration project with Snoop Dog this summer. Next, she’ll go on a music-filled trip to Europe where she will reunite with past teachers, and then stateside fans will welcome her home with live performances in Texas, New York and LA. Make sure to stay connected to Sophia Mengrosso on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

 

 

Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B0CBQF9W28/sophia-mengrosso 

 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sophia-mengrosso/1697167028 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2v2izImh5Klqia6oxOQC2F 

 YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC0TxBlMHC7tODcQyDKxqOuA 

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophia_mengrosso/