Profiles In Music

Citizens.am
Profiles In Music

Profiles In Music is an hour-long show that aims to introduce new artists and their music through engaging one-on-one interviews. The show provides artists the opportunity to introduce themselves, discuss their music, and share their stories. We want to go beyond the music to get to know the artists, their passions, and what inspires them. We believe that music is a vital instrument for social change. We're interested in learning about the artist's process, challenges, goals, and life's ambitions. Profiles In Music airs every Friday at 5:00pm (pacific time) on Citizens.am radio and is broadcasted and archived on our social media platforms, such as YouTube. 

  1. APR 19

    Voices of Change: K-Syran' Syran, Advocate and Artist

    Today Sean hosts a conversation with the multi-talented K-Syran, also known as Katrina Syran. Originally a star of stage and screen, Katrina began her musical career late in life, and now lifts her angelic voice to advocate for women’s rights. In this interview, K-Syran tells us about the theater company she trained with in her native Norway and their passion for bringing women forward. This early experience, combined with the shock of moving to Switzerland where women still fight for basic equality, lit a fire in Katrina’s heart to stand up as a voice for females worldwide. She tells us about her favorite playwright, Henrik Ibsen, who made women the heroes of his stories. She describes the various Ibsen characters she has portrayed, and shares stories from filming her movie Ellida, which is based on Ibsen’s play Lady from the Sea. Katrina also reveals that she’s involved in a brand-new project that will feature another example of Ibsen’s work!  Sean and Katrina discuss the conservative shift currently going on in the world, and Katrina tells us about her duet with her daughter titled “You Can’t Go Back” – a song inspired by abortion rights. She explains the message behind her hit single “Intimacy”, performed in the UK as the anthem for International Women’s Day. Then we watch the stunning music video for this song. Katrina talks about the shows she put on to support Solidarité Femmes (assistance for battered women) and Human Rights Watch, plus her festival appearances for GayPride. We hear what it’s like to work alongside celebrities like Emma Thompson, Angelina Jolie, and Kylie Minogue. Listen to find out about Katrina’s exciting new project – co-founding a revolutionary platform called Hydrasound, which will empower artists to take control of their own music careers and escape the exploitation of record labels. We conclude the interview by watching the music video for “Red Dream”, a song K-Syran recorded with her son for the Ellida soundtrack, then we play out the episode with a K-Syran single - “L.A.” - about the betrayal of friendship. Visit https://www.k-syran.com/ to follow the work of this amazing artist!

    57 min
  2. APR 11

    Crafting Anthemic Pop w/Amir Higher

    Today we are joined by Amir Higher, an artist who has gained critical acclaim for his ability to craft catchy tunes that mix the genres of pop and EMD. Both a songwriter and a performer, Amir’s two singles “I Am Ready” and “Can’t See You” are blowing up on YouTube and music streaming platforms. Two of Amir's original songs were also featured in "Choices," which won the Best Short Film award at Cannes Film Festival.  Sean and Amir begin the interview by discussing the inspiration behind “I Am Ready” and the impact this infectious song has on listeners. Amir talks about a deal that fell through with a record label in America, and how he was able to grow his music because of the setback.  Next, Amir describes the process of making the music video for “I Am Ready” and importance of color in the production. He goes on the explain the story behind the “Can’t See You” video and his cartoon rabbit alter-ego. He explains the three different versions of “Can’t See You” and their corresponding music videos. Amir tells us why he puts an uplifting beat to his songs even when his music comes from a place of pain. Sean asks Amir to share the story of his journey into music, which began when he was very young. Amir goes on to talk about his early professional career, and now the process that goes into producing his own music. He and Sean discuss his upcoming projects including the soon-to-be-released song “Small Box”. What is it like living in a different country than the places where your music is popular? Amir talks about what it’s like to only experience feedback via the Internet. We play out the episode with Amir’s beautiful duet version of Toto’s “Africa”. You can find Amir Higher’s music videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@AmirHigher

    1h 3m
  3. MAR 22

    From Dreamer to Star: The Musical Journey of Miist

    Today on Profiles in Music, Sean talks with the fascinating new singer/songwriter Miist. Her story is a dream come true tale for anybody who sings along with the car radio and thinks “You know, I could be a star!” In Miist’s case, she tells us it was a friend who encouraged her to jump into music – without any previous experience or training – and start writing songs and playing piano (by ear) at the ripe old age of 33. Miist humbly admits, “I’m doing something, but I don’t understand how I’m doing it.” After her first music release only a few short months ago, Miist’s career has exploded with millions and millions of streams and views. Her hit song Remember Me Again charted #7 on iTunes in January, and her music is being played on radio stations in multiple countries around the world. A Chinese national, now living in the United States, Miist attributes her unprecedented success to the help she’s found along the way in some surprising places, including from Grammy & Emmy winning producer Narada Michael Walden. In her interview, Miist talks about her journey, the inspiration for her songs, and how the emotions she feels while writing determines the genre of each song. Miist loves connecting with people and she feels like music is the key to connection. Miist shares the excitement of an upcoming MTV performance, and we listen to so many of her beautiful songs that Sean gets confused and we end up enjoying one of them twice. Fortunately, it’s a song worthy of a second listen! In this episode, we hear Remember Me Again, I’m Not Afraid to Dream Again, Love Them Away, Move Your Body Slowly, and One More Time.   Learn more about Miist and watch her visually stunning videos at www.mistthesinger.com tiktok.com/@miistthesinger facebook.com/miistthesinger instagram.com/miistthesinger twitter.com/MiistTheSinger

    54 min
  4. MAR 15

    Echoes of Resilience: The Musical Journey of Lily Juls

    On today’s episode of Profiles In Music, we welcome back the remarkably talented Lily Juls, known offstage as Julie Orlova. Julie's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and creativity. From her early days as a multi-instrumental music student in Kiev to becoming a voice that echoes across international airwaves, Lily Juls has carved out a space for herself in the music industry that is uniquely her own. This singer, songwriter, and vocal coach has not only captured the hearts of her listeners but has also inspired many with her journey. Julie’s interview is a testament to the importance of loving the music above chasing success … while, of course, finding success along the way. She first talks about the catastrophic event in her life that served as a catalyst to changing the style of her music, then Julie goes on to talk about her single “Perfectly Imperfect” and how the song’s message of being good enough is the encouragement she strives to pass along to her music students. Julie shares that after releasing her Russian album in 2021, she has converted to strictly writing and singing in English, and she plans to release a new single every 6 to 8 weeks. We hear “Strong Enough”, a soon-to-be released single about the power of resilience. Julie goes on to weigh the pros and cons that have come from recent advancements in recording that have changed the industry. We listen to her song “Drama Queen”, written as a way for Julie to finally express, accept, and appreciate her emotions after growing up in a family and culture that forced her to suppress her feelings. And we hear the humorous account behind the song “Never Sleep Alone.” ------------------------------------------------ Visit Lily Juls official website to watch her gorgeous music videos: https://www.lilyjuls.com/ Follow Lily Juls on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyjuls_official--

    58 min
  5. FEB 13

    Edikit

    Today’s guest on Profiles in Music is dual US-Canadian citizen Jesse Feder, better known to fans as Edikit. Sean opens the show with glowing introduction of Edikit and his exceptional music, then the artist himself joins us from Florida where he practices his music while being “creepily” watched by his tribe of cats. Attorney by day, musician by night, Edikit begins his interview by talking about why he loves Hip Hop music – and it’s not just because he can’t sing! He explains that his stage name is inspired by the concept of having “etiquette” in his lyrical storytelling – a sense of decorum and holding himself to high standing. Edikit writes songs that don’t demean women, aren’t materialistic, and defy many of the typical formulas of today’s hip hop music. While talking about his early inspirations, Edikit teaches us the musical sub terms of boom bap and jazz-hop, then explains that his music is inspired by his environment, personal life, and the friends he’s made along the way. He tells of a childhood touched by tragedy, but ultimately happy, as he and Sean bond over the love they both feel for their departed grandmothers. As the interview continues, Edikit tells us how to differentiate between Hip Hop and rap music, explains the objective of a Hip Hop artist, and talks about the history of Hip Hop and how it’s changed the world. What’s the deal with sing-rapping? Edikit shares stories of struggles with depression, and talks about his own support system and the support he’s given to others. “Blood makes relatives, but bonds make family.” Edikit’s family of friends demonstrate their love as they blow up the live stream with enthusiastic comments.  Big shout outs to the kava community, and especially Southern Florida’s Tribe Tea Lounge. Speaking of kava and kratom, Edikit explains what these drinks are, how they work, and what life-changing benefits they offer. Google Edikit’s non-musical hero, Paul Stamets.  Listen to hear Edikit describe how streaming is changing the music industry and learn his personal “3 rules” that would need to be followed for him to ever sign with a major label. Never sign a 360 deal! And, of course, we enjoy two awesome singles from Edikit’s ten track album dropping in March – “You and Me” and “Vibin’” ———————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edikitmusic BandCamp: https://edikitmusic.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5khwocNA7i8c8UjbJa2xio Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/edikit/1699332053

    1h 13m

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About

Profiles In Music is an hour-long show that aims to introduce new artists and their music through engaging one-on-one interviews. The show provides artists the opportunity to introduce themselves, discuss their music, and share their stories. We want to go beyond the music to get to know the artists, their passions, and what inspires them. We believe that music is a vital instrument for social change. We're interested in learning about the artist's process, challenges, goals, and life's ambitions. Profiles In Music airs every Friday at 5:00pm (pacific time) on Citizens.am radio and is broadcasted and archived on our social media platforms, such as YouTube. 

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