ON THE RISE
Like everyone on Earth in 2020, Regal Rapstar was affected by the coronavirus. Even when he tried to learn more about it through resources like the library, he couldn’t do that because it was closed. However, he put pen to paper to express how he felt about it with this song. And, as time went on, he was able to do the research he wanted to. Written throughout the course of the pandemic, the song is a diss track against the coronavirus and in 2024 - a victory anthem too.
The coronavirus shifted how we do anything and everything but in 2020 we had no idea what we were in for. Regal Rapstar said the feelings of uncertainty, frustration and urgency were the inspiration for the song. He shared he knew people that had caught the virus and has his suspicions that he likely caught it himself as well.
“I felt isolated from the world and the walls were closing in. I felt like a bull looking at a red flag. I was frustrated with the coronavirus and wanted to go heads up with it and beat it.”
He recalled how as a nation, we’d gone through other similar situations where we overcame a widespread virus. Hearing relatable music is something that draws listeners in every time and with Regal Rapstar speaking on this topic, everyone has but no choice to relate to it. It’s something everyone has a perspective on and has been affected by in one way or another.
“I wanted people to realize ‘We have a song about this and we beat it.’ I wanted people to realize we can inspire ourselves to keep on going.”
Regal Rapstar is a West Coast artist but doesn’t let that stop him from being diverse. With love for West Coast legends like Dr. Dre, he prides himself on his wide range of production skills. He has other songs with a strong West Coast vibe but this song is something different entirely. It’s an almost menacing sounding track with no regional ties sonically because the coronavirus affected everyone.
“I can do any style of hip-hop. I’m open to any style…It was not just about the West Coast. It was something that was happening to the whole country and the whole world.”
The footage we’ve all seen from cities on lockdown during the pandemic is practically dystopian and will be etched in our minds forever. Regal Rapstar compiled clips from various sources including films like Contagion for the music video for this track. Inspired by documentary directors like Michael Moore, he wanted the video’s footage to feel like a documentary itself.
Regal Rapstar has been rapping since he was 19 but he calls this release his “first professional step.” He’s kept up with how the music world has changed in real time and knows what he must do to keep up with the streaming era. This track was released through his own label called Regal Records/National Digital and he has plans to release more music in the future.
You can keep up with Regal Rapstar on the following platforms:
ON THE RISE
Imagine listening to a song that sounds like it should be in a movie. Now imagine listening to a whole album of songs like that. This is the shared experience of many who listen to Voltaire’s Ghost.
Their latest single, “‘Till The Break Of Day” is a hauntingly beautiful track that gives listeners another taste of the sounds they can find on the band’s album Black Petals Fallen. The album is available now exclusively on Bandcamp digitally and on vinyl.
Like other songs in the band’s discography,“‘Till The Break Of Day” was first conceived as a demo by guitarist/producer Magnus and transformed into something new through drumming from Josh Eggstaff and vocals from Ruby Juhl. The lyrics of the song Magnus wrote were not changed and he credits Ruby’s delivery of them for taking the song to the next level.
“It’s amazing how much phrasing makes a difference in a song. The way she approached it vocally and slid between the riff gave the song a totally different feel.” said Magnus.
The track echoes feelings of romanticism amongst chaos and captures these feelings through a cinematically immersive soundscape. Ruby’s angelic vocals take center stage and pave the way for a guitar led instrumental break that envelops listeners in the picture the band is painting.
“The song is about a fleeting connection. And people are connecting to it emotionally, more than they have with some of our other songs so that’s been a pleasant surprise.” said Magnus.
Voltaire’s Ghost’s music has been described as Dark Pop and Cosmic Goth as they blend elements of Rock, Gothic, and Classical. They know people are attracted to these elements as they see them as a form of escape from the real darkness that comes from living life. Fans of this will be happy to know they have another single coming on October 16th. Releasing in celebration of Halloween, Magnus described it as a “rock and roll ghost story.”
“Stuff like that is awesome. It’s cool and more dramatic.” said Ruby.
“You can’t just have darkness though. There has to be hope in it, and longing. We try to paint a more complex emotional palette than just darkness.” said Magnus.
This calls back to the subject matter of “‘Till The Break Of Day” and the bittersweet romanticism it captures. The song details how even with life circumstances and fate trying to intervene, love will still try to prevail.
“Love is human nature. It’s something we’re always going to be talking about and thinking about.” said Ruby.
Voltaire’s Ghost has more music, videos and surprises for their listeners on the way as the fall season sets the ideal backdrop for the lifting melodies and haunting imagery of love and loss flowing across their album.
“‘Till The Break Of Day” from the album Black Petals Fallen is available on streaming services now and the album is available for purchase digitally and on vinyl on Bandcamp.
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The Starlight PR Team thanks Voltaire's Ghost for taking the time to speak with us.
