Loss was formed at the start of the pandemic situation, but don’t be fooled by the young age of the project. The musicians are experienced and know what they do; two of them came from “Concreto”, a rock band from Minas Gerais that was active for 25 years. Just before quarantine, Marcelo Loss etched out, between one beer and another, together with friend and guitarist Edu Megale, a new musical project. “We got together to have a chat. Afterwards, Edu sent me some riffs that I liked a lot. I wrote lyrics on top and, within a week, we had a composition ready”, reminisces the bassist and vocalist about the embryonic stage of the group that bears his name: Loss. After about six months they were joined by drummer and ex-Concreto colleague Teddy Bronsk to complete the power trio. The new venture released its first EP “Let’s Go” in October 2020. With four tracks, one of which already has a video clip “Burn Inside”. In April Megale left the band and was replaced by Adriano Avelar (ex-Caxakustica) as their new guitarist. Now that they have been signed by the British label DyMM P&M, they intend to launch another new work soon and promote it through a European tour still under study due to the pandemic. Loss will release the single “The Light” on the 22nd of this month.
- How long have you been performing and recording as Loss, and what is your primary mission as a group?
Loss: Loss started activities in 2020 and our main mission is to make a living from our music, spread our ideas and have fun.
- Who have been your major influences in your writing and playing style?
Loss: We are influenced by classic bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin but at the same time we are looking for a more modern sound and with different influences.
- If I was to turn on your media player right now, which artists/songs would I most likely to hear on your recently played list?
Loss: Certainly Loss :)) classic rock and new bands like Dinamarque, Kevin Vieira and Master Dy.
- What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with rock and metal listeners?
Loss: I think the band has a classic feel that appeals to fans of the style, but at the same time adds a lot of influences because we are experienced musicians. Influences ranging from old school trash metal to Brazilian music, a combination that might sound interesting.
- With the music industry always changing and evolving, what are the things you like and don’t like about it currently? And if you could change anything about it, what would it be?
Loss: I really enjoy the freedom to listen to whatever I want whenever I want on digital platforms. But as a “vintage” guy, I still like to listen to a full album, read the booklet, and see the band’s photos. I wish the new generation could be interested in that too.
- What’s your view on the current state of rock and metal in general?
Loss: I think we are having a great time. There are many new bands emerging and the style will be reborn strongly after this pandemic period.
- Do you ever write a song with current musical trends, formulas or listener satisfaction in mind, or do you simply write, focused on the band’s own vision?
Loss: When writing songs, we always try to make a song that pleases the band, without concessions. We don’t believe in formulas for success. In the case of a band, the only way is the truth!
- Could you describe your creative processes? How do start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Is it a democratic process between the members, and who does what in the band?
Loss: Usually our songs start from a guitar riff created by me or guitarist Adriano. So I write the lyrics and add the melodies. But it is in the studio with everyone gathered that the song takes its final form.
- Where do you do most of your recording and production work?
Loss: We have a studio at our guitarist’s house, so this makes our writing, recording and production process a lot easier.
- What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point for Loss so far?
Loss: We are very proud to have emerged during the pandemic and even without the opportunity to do shows with the audience, we have our music released in over 25 countries, in addition to having been signed with DyMM Records, an excellent partner.
- If someone has never heard your music, which 5 keywords would you use to describe your music?
Loss: Rock, hard, metal, stoner and truth.
- Is there a particular song on your EP “Let’s Go”, in which you feel the band delivered its most perfect performance, on all levels? And is there maybe one song that you keep thinking you should have done a little differently in some way?
Loss: I really like the Let’s Go EP. It sounds organic and direct and that’s what we were looking for at that time. If I could choose a song it would be Burn Inside, which was the first one to be written and it synthesizes well the intention of the band.
- Which would you indicate as the other highlights for fans to watch out for on “Let’s Go”, and is there an overarching theme or backstory to the project?
Loss: I would indicate the track “Até Quando”, as it is written in Portuguese, our native language. She has very strong lyrics that talk about racism and prejudice. And the background of the EP has always been to be direct, to convey our message truthfully and without makeup. Just Let’s Go!
- Could you tell us something about your latest single project “The Light”, out your first full-length album to be released via the DyMM P&M Label?
Loss: We are very excited to release The Light. It’s another song made in partnership by Adriano and me. It is well exposed our Stoner influences that came from our masters, Black Sabbath. The full album will have some surprises and will be an important milestone to strengthen Loss’ trajectory.
- If you had a choice to go on tour with any acclaimed international band, who would you pick and why?
Loss: I know I’ll be repetitive, but… Black Sabbath. 
Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine October 2021
Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine October 2021 – FEATURED THIS MONTH – Sinatic, Lupae Filius and Just A Random, DW, Forest Robots, Aneessa, Lisa Orlando, SwizZy B, Artis O’Neal, Positive Vybez, Rawchaa, Last Song Bea, He Has Heart, Ghumble & Mark Battles – Jamsphere covers all news, reviews, interviews and events of the world’s top independent music artists from all genres. Every month we choose the cream of the crop for our magazine, ready for digital download or to be delivered as a physical printed copy right to your door. Copies are also distributed to industry professionals and music’s top tastemakers, as we continue our quest to make indie irresistible!
Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine October 2021
By Rick Jamm in JAMSPHERE Indie Music Magazine
32 pages, published 10/29/2021
INTERVIEW with Andrey Chmut – A Ukrainian saxophonist, composer and producer
Andrey Chmut is a Ukrainian saxophonist, composer and producer. Andrey works with Bob James, Julio Iglesias jr, Valery Stepanov, Eric Moore, U-Nam, Jamala, Tina Karol and many other artists. His song ‘Moving Forward’ from the album “Smoothability”, which was recorded with American jazz pianist and producer Bob James, became a top song on the American radio giant Sirius XM and lasted more than a year in rotation. Andrey Chmut debut album “Smoothability”, which was also released on Skytown Records, was included in the top 10 Ukrainian albums of the year according to the Aprize 2019 award from Radio Aristocrats.
Andrey Chmut has announced that his new single with Kleo, ‘Amor’, will be released this week. The single is written and produced by Andrey Chmut and sang by Kleo, an exclusive single to deliver smell of love and summer dances under the moonlight even by the mid October. Being far from a stranger to their sound, the opening vocals and the poetic presence of the writing instantly calms the soul – it’s comforting here, safe in the hands of a duo who know how to take you somewhere else. In this case, the song has a beautifully uplifting energy – the return of that powerful contrast between bright melodies and lyrics. The tune is great, a call-and-response set-up that lets the words sink in with ease.
Beautiful music, yet again, and deeply moving. Timeless writing, raw presentation – classic qualities that Andrey consistently master. The work of a songwriter extraordinaire, whom you’d be forgiven for considering as one of the professionals of time; hiding under notes of sax for authenticity or a fresh audience. Their mystique online leaves plenty to the imagination, which simply adds further to that intriguing air of possibility.
- Can you tell us a bit about how you got started with music, and when it seriously became your profession?
Andrey Chmut: I have been living with music since the very childhood. Music became a profession when I started working in Jamala’s team and when I already created my own group, and also when pianist Valery Stepanov invited me to take part in his album “New Beginnings
- Who were your first and strongest musical influences or mentors?
Andrey Chmut: First of all it was my college music teacher Artem Mendelenko. Musicians – Bob James, Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn. Music – Jazz, Smooth Jazz and Gospel.
- Was there a specific recording, performance, or moment that first ignited your interest in jazz?
Andrey Chmut: It was the moment, when I heard one hi class musician who played the saxophone at the music college where I studied.
- For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own sound and style?
Andrey Chmut: Too complicated question. My music style was formed by listening to a huge amount of different music. Even if you’re not copying the music phrase, your brain memorizing it and it comes out later in different interpretation anyway.
- Do you write a song with current successful musical trends and formulas in mind, or do you simply focus on your own personal vision and trust that fans will empathize with your sound and style
Andrey Chmut: Both ways.
- Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you set time aside daily to compose or is it a natural and spontaneous process that only happens when you’re inspired
Andrey Chmut: I’m spending some time to this every day and during this process inspiration and ideas appear.
- Your debut album “Smoothability” was included in the top 10 Ukrainian albums of 2019. How did that recording, and your collaboration with the legendary Bob James come about?
Andrey Chmut: I’m Bob’s fan from childhood. I always dreamed about Bob played solo in my composition. One day I still dared to write to him, and can you imagine he replied he told that he liked my song and he recorded a solo and an accompaniment. Since then we have been friends and have done several projects together and I hope to release new music very soon. My dream just came true.
- Through the years, you’ve worked with a diverse array of musicians in a variety of contexts. Can you talk about one or two artists of any genre, as well as a specific experience, that helped define your playing even more?
Andrey Chmut: It was Bob James and Russian jazz keyboard player Valeriy Stepanov whom I collaborate with.
- What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in career so far?
Andrey Chmut: human factor, communication and the ability to sell myself as a professional musician.
- On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in career so far?
Andrey Chmut: It was a recording and mini tour with Bob James, development and recording of two albums with Valeriy Stepanov.
- Putting aside the accolades or criticisms that fans or the media may afford your music or performances, what’s the one thing about you, or your music, you think people may overlook or misinterpret most often?
Andrey Chmut: Stereotypes … saxophone. People usually think about specific style only. Depends of individual music memory the individual has. I look for specific intervals in myself that catches me, then I watch the reaction of the audience and then making corrections after.
- Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much satisfaction as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different?
Andrey Chmut: Of course it gives back a lot. Last 2 years my dreams comes true – 2 albums and two mini tours. Live performances are the main dialogue btw you as a musician and the public. The more you give, the more you receive.
- Is there a separate tradition of jazz in Ukraine that’s emerging as opposed to what is happening in the USA?
Andrey Chmut: the same as in USA but with some Slav music roots.
14 What is the difference between what you were doing at the very early stages of your career and your working methods now?
Andrey Chmut: at early stages I was just played a lot but now I’m letting other people’s musical thoughts pass through me.
- Could you tell us something about your latest project with Kleo, entitled “Amor”, and what the highlights are to watch out for?
Andrey Chmut: why should I watch out for – cool song! 
Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine November 2021
Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine November 2021 – FEATURED THIS MONTH – Purple Activist, Alpha55, Steve Sperandeo, 4LeafComposer, James Bene, Anita Traci, Jefe Slime, Tonic The Rapper, Wes Dean, Monsters Are Real, SUBNR, Pockets & Tex, Keishh – Jamsphere covers all news, reviews, interviews and events of the world’s top independent music artists from all genres. Every month we choose the cream of the crop for our magazine, ready for digital download or to be delivered as a physical printed copy right to your door. Copies are also distributed to industry professionals and music’s top tastemakers, as we continue our quest to make indie irresistible!
Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine November 2021
By Rick Jamm in JAMSPHERE Indie Music Magazine
32 pages, published 11/29/2021
SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape: Morganne’s Outro
This article is written by Morganne Stephenson and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the inaugural cohort of Sony Music Group Impact Fellows. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here.
What is your favorite aspect of interning at Sony Music?
Interning at Sony Music—where should I even begin?! Sony gave me my first “big girl” internship as a Public Relations intern. There were so many things I absolutely loved about interning here, however, my favorite aspect of interning with the company is definitely the way my SMG team interacted with me and took a genuine interested in my growth and development.
For one, I appreciated working with people who have significant projects and responsibilities (such as the worship leader summer project) so I could learn and work alongside them.
My Sony Music team didn’t treat me like an intern; I was consistently viewed as an equal by all the teammates I worked with. My Public Relations team integrated me into every project and made it apparent my effort and contributions were part of something bigger. Throughout my internship experience, I felt seen, valued, and appreciated.
Tell us about intern workshops and events held throughout the summer. What did you enjoy most about it?
I loved that the Talent Development and Talent Acquisition team ensured a standard of balance. They provided our intern class with well-organized and much needed workshops that supported our professional development, in addition to leisure opportunities to meet and greet other interns. We were able to share our internship experiences with one another, motivate each other, and bring out the best in one another. Our internship program leaders showed that they truly care about us as professionals and individuals, and they did excellent job in ensuring that we get the best out of our internship experience. That level of care, in and of itself, has left an impact on me!
What is one of your main/personal takeaways from your Sony Music internship experience?
#LifeatSonyMusic exceeded all of my expectations. The tremendous personal and professional growth I’ve experienced during since the start of the internship is beautiful. I joined Sony Music as a timid over-thinker and am departing as a strong-minded and confident young professional. All in all, I just want to say to Sony Music Entertainment.
Last but not least, what’s songs are currently in your rotation and on repeat?
- “Run Run” – Shenseea
- “Hazy” – Chloe x Halle
- “My Power” – Beyoncé, Tierra Whack
- “I Wanna Be Down” – Brandy
- “Wait A Minute” – Willow Smith
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