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Hi Berel, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
I’m feeling peachy right now, to say I’m excited to release this new record is an understatement.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “The Blue Line”?
It’s really a special song. It’s giving me life right now.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
It’s like my life in a nutshell, but it’s based on more of a mood than a particular story. I’m always leaving something behind to chase the dream.
How was the filming process and experience behind the video?
It was dope. We went renegade into the woods near Big Bear, the neighbors must have thought it was an alien invasion because we had blue lights and shit setup essentially off some random bend in the road. The sheriff eventually came and kicked us out, but he let us get our last shots in before we had to dip.
The single comes off your new album Thirteenth Floor – what’s the story behind the title?
We made a lot of music up on the 12th floor of this DTLA loft building and I thought it was trippy that the building didn’t have a 13th Floor. I’m from a small town without tall buildings so for me, Thirteenth Floor is way to say to myself that I’ve leveled up.
How was the recording and writing process?
Writing and recording the record was like a party with my friends, every time we cut something new everyone would listen and give their thoughts and input. In that way it became bigger than me.
What role does LA play in your music?
LA is everything for me right now, the friends I’ve made along the way, everyone is so damn talented and cool. It’s made me into a better human and artist, being in LA.
What is it about the 60s and 70s that you find so fascinating?
I love the idea of that free love vibe where everything was new. Where a different classic record was dropping every week. Where people were crowded around transistor radios. I guess we have that now a bit too, cause we’re definitely in a second coming of innovation and culture. I love the soulfulness and style in the music of those eras.
How did you go on balancing all these different genres like jazz and indie experimental?
Its easy cause nowadays Jazz is everywhere. It’s a calling of mine to stay free musically. Plus, who doesn’t love a good minor 9? If it adds the right dose of emotion I’m looking for in music, then I’m here for it.
What made you want to touch on these themes?
I think it’s cool to pay homage to different styles. These sounds are with me embedded in my DNA.
Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Everything’s based on life experience. When you put emotion into a lyric, you better be ready for whatever you were singing about in that song to come true. That’s the power of words. Music is more powerful than a lot of people realize.
Any plans to hit the road?
Hell yes, I want to go everywhere they’re listening to Thirteenth Floor. I do this for the fans, and I can’t wait to meet them in real life.
What else is happening next in BEREL’s world?
Release party at for my EP in LA on October 17th (slide in the DM’s for more info) and I’ve also got a show at Madame Siam’s on October 24th. Thanks Vents. This was fun, peace ✌🏼.
For more info on BEREL:
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Author: RJ Frometa
Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.
