Giving underrated artists the HYPE they deserve! Join podcast host Miles Zornig as he deep dives into the stories of UNSIGNED HYPE! Every week, UNSIGNED HYPE sheds light on new aspiring artists and their journey through the music industry. This podcast is for anyone that loves music, wants to discover new artists and be part of the journey of emerging talent – this is UNSIGNED HYPE!
rache. is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with rache., an emerging singer-songwriter from New Jersey who's carving out her very own space in R&B with undeniable authenticity. Tune in as we discuss: - Why her latest single ‘Patient' defines her sound and artistic identity - Balancing a full-time job in A&R while building her own career as an artist - The power of authenticity in songwriting and why it took time for her to fully express herself … and so much more!
Danny Merritt is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with Danny Merritt from Pasadena, California, a versatile artist carving his own lane with a sound that blends hip-hop, soul, and raw storytelling. Tune in as we discuss: - How his song ‘Maleficent Interlude' went viral on Twitch - The importance of finding your sound and experimenting across genres - Building real connections with producers & the grind of securing the perfect beat … and so much more!
Khary is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with Khary from Rhode Island, Providence, for an intimate conversation about his creative evolution and the hustle behind his artistry. Tune in as we discuss: - Khary's leap of faith: Quitting everything to pursue music full-time - Navigating streaming platforms, fan connections, and artistic freedom - Taking a step back from rapping & being driven by melody in his artistic growth - His upcoming EU tour with Abhi the Nomad … and so much more!
Zafty is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with Zafty, an artist from Perth, Australia, who at only 18 years old outraps some of your favorite rapper's favorite rappers. Tune in as we discuss: + The intimidating process of going from recording in his bedroom to being in a professional recording studio + The challenges of building a career as a rapper in Australia + Finding first opportunities to perform & improving his stage presence … and so much more!
Aka Kelzz is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with Aka Kelzz, a UK artist whose unique sound blends neo-soul, lo-fi, and urban pop. With velvety vocals and introspective lyrics, Aka Kelzz is redefining what it means to create authentic, genre-blurring music. Tune in as we discuss: + Kelzz' journey of overcoming doubts, finding their voice & working on first songs + Building a community in Berlin & the local music scene + The creation of their debut album "Odyssey" … and so much more!
Teo Pasquale is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with Teo Pasquale, an Alternative soulful rap artist from Ambler, Pennsylvania, who's making waves with his unique fusion of soulful melodies and alternative rap. Tune in as we discuss: + Teo's roots in a small town and how Pennsylvania shaped his sound + Moving to LA, overcoming challenges, and landing a sync deal with ABC's Will Trent + Expanding his brand through visual storytelling and making timeless music ...and so much more!
3ee is UNSIGNED HYPE. On this episode, we sit down with 3ee, the emerging New York-based artist who's making waves as an independent singer-songwriter and producer. From their roots as a trumpet player to their evolution as a multi-talented musician, 3ee shares insights into their inspiring journey.
Ainjo is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the artist from California opens up about her independent music career and shares her thoughts on: + Balancing her career as an artist while being in the Navy + The fear of releasing a first album + The process of building a team around her to bring her career to the next level ...and so much more!
Ché is UNSIGNED HYPE! In this interview, New York's rising artist Ché opens up about his independent music career and talks about: + How he transformed his love for writing and literature into powerful lyrics, eventually stepping in the booth to record his first tracks + his relationship with the producer, rapper, and singer Jared Evan, and how this collaboration helped him discover his dynamic, versatile sound + his experience with the "dark side of the music industry", leading to a year-long battle with writer's block, but coming out of it a stronger, more resilient artist ...and so much more!
Malloy James is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the artist from New York opens up about his independent music career and talks about: + The day he decided to give up his career as a professional basketball player to pursue music + Balancing different creative pursuits, from his job as a sound engineer to his love for photography + Chasing after the project that will take his career to the next level ...and so much more!
Shelby Ruger is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the artist from Texas opens up about her independent music career and shares her thoughts on: + Overcoming fear and self-doubt & finally releasing her first song + Her upcoming performance on NPR's Tiny Desk + The process of working with multiple people on a song & the advantages this brings ...and so much more!
Alnev is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the New York-based artist opens up about his independent music career and shares his thoughts on: + The fear of his art going unrecognized in his lifetime + His aspiration to leverage fame to drive real change + The three and a half year long process of creating his debut project "Vincent" ...and much, much more!
MMW is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Atlanta-based artist, who talks about: + The courage it took to step into the booth and rap + Developing his marketing strategy and taking his career to a new level + His approach to transforming his passion for music into a sustainable business ...and much, much more!
Shanuka is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Toronto-based artist, who talks about: + Building a deeper connection with her listeners by showcasing vulnerability on her songs + Battling with imposter syndrome + What success means to her & the challenges she faces as an independent artist ...and much, much more!
LOTSCAST is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the artist from Pittsburgh, who talks about: + His decision to wear a mask & his wish to keep his life private + Giving up what he's built under the artist name oh gasm! & his rebrand under the name LOTSCAST + What he envisions for himself as an artist & the next milestone he wants to reach ...and much, much more!
JR SPECS is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the artist from Maine, who talks about: + His definition of "great" music & his approach to creating timeless songs + His upcoming album "Night School", a concept record he describes as a "multiverse variant of Sesame Street that's for adults" + The next thing he envisions for himself as an emerging artist & his strategy to get there ...and much, much more!
Joda Kgosi is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the South African artist, who talks about: + Releasing her first song, which immediately hit almost 10K plays & was played on South African radio + Experimenting with new styles & rapping on a song for the first time + Her approach to taking her career beyond the borders of South Africa & the strategy she's opting for to get there ...and much, much more!
Stoop Lee is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Detroit artist, who talks about: + Recording his first album under the name Stoop Kid & his first performances at open mics + Rapping a verse for Thundercat and Flying Lotus + Developing a new sound for his city & his approach to always challenging himself as an artist ...and much, much more!
Mâhfoud is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Syrian-German artist, who talks about: + Releasing his debut LP "The Fear Of Dying With Potential" under the label Klassified & why he decided to work with a label on the release + Making his Syrian heritage a part of his artistic self & the reasoning behind it + What drives him to continuously make music that serves as a "peaceful bubble" to people ...and much, much more!
Kennedy Ryon is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Atlanta-based artist, who talks about: + Taking a break from music for seven years & the anxiety of getting back to it + Getting a song placement on the Amazon Prime series "Expats" with Nicole Kidman + Why she prefers to stay independent & declining offers from labels ...and much, much more!
Nuke Franklin is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Cleveland artist, who talks about: + Feeling overlooked as an independent artist sometimes & learning to reaffirm his own confidence + The creation of his latest LP "90FIVE" & the album being a direct reflection of the artist he wants to be + Performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ...and much, much more!
Ti Steele is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Chicago artist, who talks about: + The first song she put out & the uncertainty that sometimes comes with releasing music + Her love for acoustic music & the decision to move away from it to explore new sounds + The approach she takes with her upcoming album & rollout strategies to stand out from other artists ...and much, much more!
ttwig is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the New York artist Josh Braunstein aka JUICEBOX aka ttwig, who talks about: + The birth of ttwig, Josh's new artistic persona / pseudonym + The importance of not boxing himself in and always experimenting with different styles + Quitting his job at a real estate company to do music full time
Juniper is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Brazilian artist, who talks about: + Growing up in Brazil & discovering the power of her voice at a young age + Getting a beat from Sango & eventually recording a full album with him + Overcoming the (creative) pressure she deals with while building her career
TiDUS is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the New Jersey artist, who talks about: + Limiting himself as a musician in the past and overcoming these limits + The lessons he's learned from being a part of the industry for over a decade + Detaching himself from what he describes as "a caricature" in order to find his true artistic self + His approach to recording & his release plans for 2024
Mari World is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Chicago artist, who talks about: + His approach to creating a versatile, yet timeless sound + Using music as a form of therapy and an outlet to be heard by the world + The impact he felt from his song "Hustle" being played on ESPN + What he wished he would've known about the music industry
CD Rose is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Boston-based artist, who talks about: + How a basketball injury led her to writing her first song + What differentiates good songwriting from bad songwriting + What to look out for when building a team around you + How she uses networking opportunities within the music industry to her advantage
Malik Elijah is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Taunton-based artist, who talks about: + Writing his first rap at age 12 & recording his first song over Mos Def's "Mathematics" beat + Studying live shows by artists like Tame Impala, J Cole or Billie Eilish & applying what he sees to his own performances + Opening up for Freddie Gibbs & the benefits this had on his career + Dealing with & overcoming self-doubt as an independent artist
Ré is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Atlanta-based artist, who talks about: + The anxiety of releasing first songs out of fear to be chastized for them + Why he's already reached success as an artist without ever needing to look for external validation + His approach to writing and the importance of not forcing it + The "music industry" and how it keeps great talent down
Lane Beckstrom is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Chicago-based artist, who talks about: + Starting his career in the Hip-Hop band "Kids these Days" and appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien + Releasing his first album after 10+ years of making music and embarking on his own journey to find his sound + The advantages of getting a label involved vs. doing everything by himself + Stepping out of his comfort zone and singing on a record for the first time
Novine is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, you will get first-hand insights into the independent music career of the Berlin-based singer, who opens up about: - The insecurities that come with releasing first songs - Using a marketing strategy to plan music releases vs. not having a strategy - Getting airplay in countries like Italy and the UK - Finding the right balance when it comes to promoting music on Social Media
Prisha Mehta is UNSIGNED HYPE. At only 18 years of age, Prisha has already embarked on a journey of musical self-discovery that led her to finding her own voice and authenticity. In this interview, we talk about that journey, from first lyrics she wrote in high-school, to the many challenges that come with building a career in music. No challenge kept Prisha from creating music that stirs profound emotions and resonates deeply with her listeners – a testament to her unwavering commitment to the art form.
BODHI is UNSIGNED HYPE. In less than two years, the artist from Norwalk, Connecticut has carved out a unique niche in the music scene, with genre-blending alternative R&B releases that are as mesmerizing as they are emotionally profound, taking listeners on a journey through the depths of BODHI's experience with the world. In this interview, BODHI talks about their upbringing, the approach they took for the release of their first song, and using music as a positive outlet to not only heal themselves, but also heal others.
omoidé is UNSIGNED HYPE. Had it not been for a PSP he hacked in high school to make his first beats, maybe the producer from Chicago would've never experienced the musical journey he's been on ever since: Releasing jaw-dropping "flips" of some of our favorite songs and becoming a major production force on SoundCloud, building relationships with and becoming a household name on Soulection Radio, while balancing his passion with a full-time job as a doctor. We talk about it all!
Nanabcool is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the artist from Columbus, Ohio deep-dives into many captivating chapters of his journey: Recording first songs on Dipset instrumentals, organizing freestyle sessions in his basement, selling burned CDs of his music in high-school...All of these experiences built the artistic foundation for everything that was to come: Sponsorships from PUMA, shows in Europe, and the relentless pursuit and tireless dedication to achieve his dream of becoming one of the greats one day.
Jennifair is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the artist from Chicago sheds light on her artistic evolution and personal growth in the music industry: Embracing the journey, rather than always focusing on the next big "thing", navigating self-doubt, detaching herself from streaming numbers, by just focusing on the happiness her talent gives her. Jennifair also shares advice on how to find venues to perform at, talks about the many lessons she learned along her path, all to inspire other up-and-coming artists to keep following their dream.
Justo the MC is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the rapper from Brooklyn, New York reflects on his journey as an artist: The first time he rhymed in front of friends in high school, building relationships with engineers from Jam Master Jay's studio, working with legendary producers like DJ Premier and Showbiz from DITC, going viral on TikTok, all of that while dealing with the many hardships that come with building a career in music. Justo is here to overcome it all and his story is one of hope, growth and great resilience.
Sillyboy's Ghost Relatives is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the Athens-based frontman Babis aka Sillyboy's Ghost Relatives delves into the complexities of artistic growth: The challenge of promoting completed works, insecurities when releasing music and the never-ending dream of filling a stadium one day, all while navigating a full-time career as a TV composer. As Babis says himself in the interview: Music is his speech. And nothing will keep him from talking.
BINA. is UNSIGNED HYPE. In this interview, the songstress from South London candidly opens up about the early beginnings in her career, from recording and mixing her debut EP "Humble Abode" in her bedroom, to playing shows around Europe and building a loyal fanbase that transcends well beyond the streets of London. BINA. also talks about her approach to making songs, the importance of allowing herself to be vulnerable in her art and gives valuable advice on how to start a career in music.
Giving underrated artists the HYPE they deserve! This podcast tells the Incredible stories of emerging artists and their journey through the music industry. New episode every week. Check out the trailer now and subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode! Creator, Host & Editor: Miles Zornig Audio Production & Sound: Lukas Stender Cover Design: Alfred Pierce III Video Content: Marc Willenberg Jingle: Lukas Stender