Betta Lemme, an exciting name in the world of Pop music known for songs such as ‘Bambola’ and ‘Play’, released her song ‘Mommy’ just today. To talk about the release, Betta joined us for an interview.

Hi, how are you?

Hiiiii. I’m great, thank you. I’m excited for Fall and the upcoming releases we have planned for the next year.  How are you?

I’m also great, thanks for asking. So, how did you get into music?

A college music professor told me I wouldn’t be able to study music because I couldn’t read music notes. With time I realized I wouldn’t be able to face myself if I didn’t give it a go. That’s how I initially became determined to work in music. I used to sneak into the music room to write, dream, and then moved to NYC to find people with the same dreams. I sometimes want to email that professor to say thank you.

How did your new single ‘Mommy’ come about and what is the message about it?

I initially wrote the song in London with Danny L Harle. I had a Mrs. Robinson character in mind and was never supposed to release this myself. But while writing it, I wondered why it’s so common to hear people calling their partners “Daddy” but never “ Mommy”? The message behind this song is the double standard that female-identified folx face when it comes to ageism and sexism. It’s also about the discomfort many have when a womxn is confident in both regards. The song is cloaked in an upbeat dance instrumental with coy lyrics… in hopes to first catch people’s ear to then lead to conversation with themselves or others about the meaning of the lyrics. I just wanna flip ageism on it’s head while making people dance.

Were there any difficulties writing the song?

No, because the song was initially supposed to be for someone else. When I’m in that mindset, it’s easy because I imagine who I’m writing for! The frustration only came once the song was completed. I began to wonder that perhaps if womxn made more than 0.79 cents for every dollar that a man makes,  then maybe we’d hear the word “Mommy” more than “Daddy”? Is economic prosperity linked to sexual liberation? Does this song make you uncomfortable? Does anyone even care? Is anyone listening? So here’s another ‘club banger!’.

We’ve seen so many issues and causes get the attention they deserve in 2020, with protests across the globe and people speaking up on social media for example. Tell us your thoughts about sexism and ageism – what are some changes you’d personally like to see in this regard?

Happy to! Ageism and sexism are a part of larger global issues. In 2020, I think it’s most important to acknowledge the Black community and Black Lives Matter movement. Specifically, issues concerning Black Trans womxn. There is an important group called G.L.I.T.S., which helps Black Trans womxn with housing and they also advocate for harm reduction, economic and social justice. You can donate to the project here: https://www.glitsinc.org/donations

You sing in three languages, how does this affect your ability to write songs both lyrically and sonically?

I usually write in English, but sometimes the French or Italian creeps in when it feels right. Sometimes I feel the French language allows me to be more playful, the Italian more assertive. Writing in different languages helps bring out different parts of my personality and helps convey what I want to say. Sometimes certain French or Italian phrases do not have an exact English equivalent, so the idea or the phrase, in my mind, is easier to convey in French or Italian.

Have you discovered any new artists or styles of music since the COVID-19 began?

Definitely. The hours on Spotify and YouTube haven’t changed much since COVID-19 and I’m here to admit I may have a problem LOL. I’ve been really into Sega Bodega, Kate Bush, Ava Max and Chika.

In terms of 2020, do you have any more releases planned?

‘Mommy’ is my last release for 2020, but that’s what 2021 will be for! I’ll be releasing a lot in 2021.

Finally, do you have any advice for any up and coming artists?

Trust your instincts. Stay true to yourself and how you want to sound. Put together a good team when the time feels right and hold on tight.

Netsky, a legend in the Drum & Bass scene, has unveiled his new album Second Nature, today. To talk about the album, COVID-19, and his plans for 2021, Netsky joined me for an interview.

Firstly, how are you, and how have you been coping with the current COVID-19 crisis?

I’m doing good thank you! It’s been a difficult period but with all the cancelled plans this year has also given me time to work hard in studio, reflect on the past couple of years and think outside the box when it comes to getting music out there.

You recently released your song ‘Blend’ with the amazing Rudimental, how did the collaboration come about and how did the idea for the song evolve?

I’ve been friends with Rudimental for a long time. We’re both really feeling dance floor drum & bass right now. I had a sketch I played to them backstage at one of their shows here in Belgium and we decided to spend a couple of days at their studio in London to finish it. We worked on multiple ideas over the past couple of years. I’m sure this isn’t the last collaboration we’ll do together!

You are a household name in the world of Drum and Bass, how do you feel the scene has shifted over the years you have been producing music?

Drum & Bass is a genre that always had a nice passionate loyal fanbase all over the world. Drum & Bass has a massive variety of substreams/sub genres. Musically there’s a lot of ways to go with this genre. I think that’s what helps keeping it fresh.

Your album ‘Second Nature’ comes out on the 30th of October, when did you decide to make another album and what is the inspiration behind it?

This album is all about going back to the atmosphere around 2010, when it all started for me. I tried to have a similar workflow on how I made my first tunes.

It’s about reconnecting to the past but also about taking a step back and isolating from outside distractions.

In terms of new favourites, has there been any contemporary artists you discovered during COVID-19?

I’ve rediscovered a love for English rap and r&b with Loyle Carner and Jorja Smith. Also listened to lots of jazz influenced beats like for example Athletic Progression.

If you could give any advice to a young kid who wants to become a music producer, what would it be?

Collaborate as much as you can. Try find ways to become part of an online community to share knowledge. Don’t release any music that sounds too much like your favourite song. Identity is everything when you’re getting started.

With 2021 looking uncertain, do you have any hopes for a big tour in 2021?

Hopefully yes! I’m hoping to go to New Zealand at the end of the year for a couple of shows to start with. In terms of Europe and UK, nobody knows what’s next.

I think festivals here will have to work together and come up with a plan that follows the same rules all over Europe. Maybe it could involve quick tests at venue entrances? I don’t see a future for social distanced ‘bubble’ events on a large scale. Best case scenario would be a world-wide distributed vaccine of course.