Pop is no stranger to breakup songs, but alt-pop artist ellakate wanted “TAG TEAM” to be an anthem for taking back power. Her accomplice is the talented pop artist Whitney Bjerken. Together, they create a duet that is as much about friendship as it is about vengeance. The lyrics describe a pair of scorned lovers teaming up to make their mutual ex regret past mistakes.

The two had never worked together before this single, so it’s a creative shot in the dark that hits a crooked bullseye. Each brings a slightly different flavor of spooky and sultry to the song. Bjerken pulled off scary in her last single, “Psycho,” and ellakate has a talent for unsettling intensity, which she has demonstrated in her singles, “I’m Yours,” and “High Maintenance.” The combination of these two voices creates something unique. The two singers enhance one another with almost matching voices but maintain just enough distance. An indisputable power is behind it, a playful menace that gives the song something even the most angry of breakup songs don’t have.

Just as importantly, the song is outright fun to listen to. It is catchy, and the pair enjoyed working on it. “It was so fun writing and working with Whitney on this song,” said ellakate in a press release. “We had never worked together before this and are now great friends because of it.”

Between Bjerken’s famous YouTube career and ellakate’s lifelong work as a musician, neither is a stranger to performance. They bring confidence and talent to their collaboration. Comparisons have been made between ellakate’s voice and those of Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey, and her career has long boasted an alternative taste with shades of Billie Eilish. “TAG TEAM” is a single that would appeal to fans of those artists, and it is almost too easy to let Spotify pull you through the rest of ellakate’s songs once it has begun.

A journey through ellakate’s music involves storytelling and strong positive and negative emotions. She has been writing music since she was very young and loved the stories music can bring to life. With hundreds of songs written before she even recorded her first single, ellakate is an artist with a good idea of what she wants to be and what she might become. However, there is still exciting exploration happening in her music. “TAG TEAM” is one more exploration, anchored in Ellakate’s brand of storytelling and infused with the new elements of Bjerkin’s artistic taste and voice.

These voices are so distinct and full of personality that any audience of alt-pop listeners will likely find themselves exploring these young musicians’ work. It is energizing to see the beginnings of these careers and imagine where the future might lead talented artists like these two. Between ellakate’s 23 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and Bjerken’s 1.6 million YouTube subscribers, a large enough audience would be interested in hearing more from the pair.

Interviewer: Today, we have the pleasure of sitting with the incredible singer, Vicky, whose journey is an inspiring tale of unwavering faith and determination. Vicky, thank you for joining us.

Vicky: Thank you for having me. I am excited to chat!

Interviewer: Let’s start at the beginning. You were born in Ukraine but grew up in Russia. How did your early experiences shape your love for music?

Vicky: Well, music and I have been inseparable since I can remember. I sang everywhere, even in class, which got me some not-so-friendly teacher remarks. MTV USA, thanks to my neighbors’ satellite dish, introduced me to Whitney Huston, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey, and that’s when the dream of singing in English took root.

Interviewer: Your journey to becoming a singer involved overcoming financial hurdles at a young age. Tell us about the challenges you faced and how you managed to pursue your passion.

Vicky: At 14, I had to work various jobs—assistant cook, cashier, singing in restaurants, even karaoke—to afford English lessons, music school tuition, and vocal training. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to learn and make my mark.

Interviewer: Fast forward to your time at Gnessin Pop and Jazz College in Moscow. How did that period shape your career?

Vicky: Joining a girl group in my first year and later being cast in the popular Daiquiri group during my second year were pivotal moments. Working on small stages helped me confront my fears and gave me a taste of the industry’s challenges.

Interviewer: “Star Factory 4” marked a significant chapter in your career. Can you share your experience on the show and its impact on your musical journey?

Vicky: Absolutely. “Star Factory 4” was like a music boot camp. Living in a house full of contestants for three months, facing intense competition, and performing on big stages—was both challenging and rewarding. The exposure, recognition, and fan support encouraged me to keep moving forward.

Interviewer: After the show, you collaborated with artists like Timati and the Malikovs. What drove you to take on such diverse projects?

Vicky: While those experiences were valuable, I knew deep down I wanted something different—songs in English. So, I boldly decided to move to Israel with my husband. Unfortunately, my mother’s passing threw me into a dark period, but the birth of my son became the light that guided me back to the stage.

Interviewer: Moving forward, you explored Eurovision and released several tracks, each with its unique story. How did these experiences shape your recent work, especially in the context of the global pandemic?

Vicky: The pandemic brought a mix of emotions. Amidst the challenges, the desire to break free and share my perspective with the world fueled the creation of new songs like “Do It,” “Get High,” and “Dancin.” Each track reflects a different facet of my journey and emotions.

Interviewer: Your upcoming track, “Sweet Sadness,” holds a particularly poignant story. Can you give us a glimpse into the inspiration behind this song?

Vicky: “Sweet Sadness” is about a passionate love that ends abruptly, leaving you with memories and an aftertaste of bitterness. The accompanying video, filmed during a difficult period, reflects my journey through loss and depression. It’s a piece of my soul that I decided to share.

Interviewer: Collaborations are a significant part of your current projects. Can you tell us about working with international artists and DJs?

Vicky: Absolutely. Collaborating with European, American, and English co-authors and DJs has been an enriching experience. It’s about expanding my creative horizons and bringing diverse influences into my music.

Interviewer: As we wrap up, what’s the driving force behind your music, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience?

Vicky: My love for my family, belief in love and higher powers, and an inability to live without creativity are the driving forces. Through my music, I want to convey strength, self-love, and the power of transformation by sharing our stories.

Interviewer: Vicky, thank you for sharing your incredible journey. We look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of your musical career.

Vicky: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure. Stay tuned for more!

In an era when cultural borders are becoming increasingly blurred, music serves as a global language, transcending geographical and linguistic divides. It is a strong medium that entertains, educates, and brings people together. International Stephen, a personality whose impact extends well beyond the Caribbean coasts, is at the vanguard of this worldwide musical interaction. Over the course of his two-decade career, he has been a crucial influence in spreading Soca music, a genre that, while profoundly entrenched in Caribbean culture, has found a devoted fanbase worldwide.

Int’l Stephen’s journey into the realm of music was virtually predetermined. His early life in Trinidad and Tobago was immersed in a rich musical legacy. He was born into a household where rhythms and melodies were as essential as the air he breathed. The legacy of his father and uncle’s 1980s company, “Teacher Sound System,” created a strong base for his musical proclivities. This early exposure to music and culture instilled an immense appreciation for his background in International Stephen, which would later become the foundation of his career.

Stephen’s mother persuaded him to join “IBIS International,” a renowned sound system in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2002, which marked a critical turning point in his life. This was the official beginning of his career as a DJ, where he would succeed while revolutionizing the music scene. Stephen’s primary goal, despite his diversity, has been to support Soca music. The genre captures the exuberance of the Caribbean culture. His quest has carried him across the world, from the African continent to European countries like Spain, France, Asia, and the Americas.

International Stephen’s influence, however, goes beyond his performance. He has been instrumental in the planning and promotion of significant cultural events. Int’l Stephen’s entrepreneurial pursuits include co-founding the Hollywood Carnival and collaborating on the South Carolina Carnival and the Ibiza Soca Festival. He also owns the Atlanta Carnival Experience and founded DSM-Music Group and DSM Events & Logistics. Stephen has promoted Soca music through these projects while providing cultural interchange and celebration spaces.

Int’l Stephen’s career evolved further in 2017 when he delved into music production, a decision he considers an unavoidable step for a DJ of his ability and talent. His entry into this new field was highlighted by an acute sense of sound and melody, which resulted in considerable contributions to popular Soca songs. Stephen’s participation in music production has ranged from co-writing to co-producing, with noteworthy works including “FATTT” by Nadia Batson and “FAMALAY” by Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano, and Skinny Fabulous.

Stephen’s abilities have enabled him to share the stage with several global music luminaries. His performances highlight the diversity of his musical interests and his ability to connect with a broad spectrum of audiences. Int’l Stephen has performed with legendary entertainers like Nicki Minaj, Will & Jada Smith, and Jada Kiss to Soca icons like Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin.

In 2018, International Stephen released his short film “International Love Soca Documentary,” which is considered one of his most notable works by many. This initiative was a first for a Caribbean DJ and demonstrated Stephen’s worldwide love and support. The documentary, which follows him on his 2018 birthday tour, attests to his influence and the international popularity of Soca music.

Stephen’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has won notable prizes and awards at numerous carnivals, including the First Place Atlanta Soca DJ Rama Competition three years in a row in 2003, 2004, and 2005. He also shared the Best Road DJ award at Miami Carnival and Houston Caribest in multiple years. He also received the International Soca DJ of the Year and Best Road DJ. His appearances on BET’s 106 & Park at the Coachella Festival further solidify his image as a notable player in the music business.

International Stephen characterizes himself as an entertainer and DJ with a style similar to that of an artist playing their music. He stresses his participatory style, speaking directly to the audience from the stage. Combining captivating stage presence with musical talent has won him followers and fans worldwide. Int’l Stephen’s favorite place to perform is Grenada, an island with a distinct and mysterious appeal. His career, which began with a small house party event, subsequently took him to large crowds, including over 500,000 people in Harare, Zimbabwe. 

Int’l Stephen’s story is a striking example of dedication and endurance. Stephen’s artistic development has been astounding, from navigating new equipment and songs to headlining international festivals. He continues to be a forerunner in the Soca music field, bringing the genre to new heights and listeners. His forthcoming endeavors, including a planned album, are highly awaited by fans and will likely cement his legacy in the music industry.

As we delve deeper into International Stephen’s story, it becomes clear that his influence extends beyond music. He is a cultural ambassador and inventor, pivotal in the global dissemination of Caribbean music and culture. His path, which has been distinguished by unwavering passion and commitment, continues to inspire and resonate with audiences all over the world.