FROM RENCE:
“When I put out the original version of “Type 2,” I knew it wasn’t done. The song told my side of the story but left out 50% of the perspective it needed, and that’s exactly what Chloe brought. I’m so honored to have her on the song as a friend, but also as the dynamic and killer artist that she is. I love the opportunity to really re-work a record for a new version – not just putting a new verse on it – and that’s exactly what Chloe and I put our hearts into doing.”
FROM CHLOE:
“When Rence approached me I was so excited to do the song, not only because Rence is my homie but also because I really vibe with and relate to the concept. It took me a couple tries to get it sounding the way I wanted it to, especially recording from home (I recorded it on this mic I’ve had since I was 13) I really wanted it to be as good as I could get it.”
“My verse is really about hookup culture as a young person, and my experience with not being able to find someone that really respects me and wants to get to know me.”
Photo Credit: Faith Joyvon
Pop phenom AJ Mitchell has debuted a brand new music video for his track “Unstoppable” (Epic Records). Balancing a dark aesthetic with an array of glowing lights, the piece perfectly captures the moody atmosphere of the R&B-tinged song. Watch it now here.
With his debut album due for release this year via Epic Records, AJ continues to prove himself as one of 2020’s breakout artists. Following the acclaimed release of his recent single “Spring Break”, AJ released a stunning new video for his hit song “Down In Flames” last week. Across the past year, the singer-songwriter has also garnered acclaim from the likes of Billboard, DuJour, Idolator and more, and has received recognition as both an MTV PUSH artist and a 2019 Vevo LIFT artist. Now, he impressively ranks among the Top 500 artists on Spotify with over 8 million monthly listeners.
AJ released his Slow Dance EP via Epic Records in August 2019, which features the smash-hit title track featuring Ava Max. Following performances at the 2019 VMAs as well as on The Today Show and Live With Kelly and Ryan, the song maintained a position on the Top 40 Pop Radio charts for months. To close out the year, AJ continued to showcase his range with a steady stream of diverse tracks including the smooth, stripped back “Like Strangers Do” and the infectious pop anthem “Say It Again”.
Watch the music video for my new single
“Shades of Blue on YouTube now.
I’m here to share my latest single, “Shades of Blue,” taken from my second EP out now.
Even though I wrote this song before we started social distancing, I feel like its message is more relevant than ever.
“Shades of Blue” is a good reminder to reach out and check in on your loved ones – we never know who could be struggling.
I hope you are doing okay during this time and are staying in touch with those who you care for.
Thanks so much for listening,
Cannon is a 21-year-old independent artist from South Carolina who blends strong hip/hop and R&B influences with an organic sound he developed at open mic nights with an old acoustic guitar.
“Conversations” is about ignoring our personal issues for the sake of feeling like we don’t have them. It’s easier to turn to quick tricks to feel better or ignore feeling bad entirely than to really consider and engage with how we feel. There’s a really important difference between talking and having a conversation, whether it’s with ourselves or with others—and this song is emphasizing that difference. It’s easy to talk, but it’s hard to really engage with something enough to actually have a conversation. “Conversations” shows someone not engaging — they tell themselves they’re trying but they’re not really. They’re lying.
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Photo Credit: Anthony Nusca
My second single, “Afterglow,” is out now, following debut “Bright Eyes” – both from Strange Lullabies, a series of songs to be released throughout 2020.
Listen now on YouTube// Spotify// SoundCloud.
“Afterglow” is nostalgic and sentimental. Pretty, but a little dark. Crafted with producer Anthony Jordan (Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, Pressa), we allowed ourselves to play without rules, to step outside of the box.
I tapped into my inner monologue in the wake of past relationships, good and bad, reflecting on the bittersweet parts of both. I had felt invisible to someone I wanted to love, and was experiencing a whole lot that I never had before. This song is about looking back on those times in my life, where things didn’t as planned, that shaped the way the next few years would go.
You’re capable of growth after feeling like you’ve been let down.
Love,
Mikoh
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Actor, singer, composer, director, producer, and screenwriter, Alex’s credits are nothing short of mind-blowing. Alex’s accomplishments include winning “Dancing and Skating With The Stars”, “X-factor” and Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards winner for Favorite Actor (twice). Considered one of the most wanted Bachelors of Europe, Alex now resides in the United States where he is growing his accomplishments. His music video “She’s Crazy But She’s Mine” (written, performed, directed and starring Alex himself) went viral across the globe, and now boasts more than 980 million views on Facebook, and 258 million-plus on YouTube.
Just beginning to take his first steps on the way to his international career he got into an accident, followed by a massive stroke, which paralyzed the left side of his body. During two years of rehabilitation, he had to work hard to get his life back and had to learn from scratch to talk, to walk, and to sing again.
Now Alex stars in the third and fourth season of popular American series UNREAL on Lifetime Channel, and the upcoming May 2020 Netflix show SPACE FORCE on the side of Steve Carell and John Malkovich.
This is the first release since Ravahn departed from her previous moniker DUVV, citing the decision to use her given name was inspired by several “God-led life-changing experiences.”
The ethereal and hypnotic project features two unreleased tracks, “Pieces” and “FUSE”. “Pieces”, produced by Brooklyn-based Space People, explores identity and how we shrink ourselves to appease others. Ravahn’s soothing vocals soar over the dreamy and enveloping synths, creating an ambient electronic track that serves as a striking introduction to her new project. “Fuse”, produced by Ravahn herself, discusses her experiences with seeking God. Her soft vocals are layered above a steady, pulsating beat, creating a reverb-y cacophony of sounds.
After receiving critical interest and gaining attention from esteemed publications with her previous projects as DUVV, from VMagazine, Flaunt Magazine, Fader, and more, Ravahn is now ready to unveil her newest project.
Photo Credit: Christopher Edmonstone
Like most bands and musicians, Small Town Artillery had a different 2020 in mind when they started off the year. After releasing their Bright Side Bandits EP on March 6th, Small Town Artillery embarked on an epic Cross-Canada Tour that was months in the making, and were met with controversy and show cancellations on the prairies due to their political views. And just days later, after barely catching their breath from all of the social media trolling and media attention this brought, the band had to cancel their entire tour due to COVID-19. To say things aren’t going according to plan this year would definitely be a understatement.
So….cut to a brand new plan! Following the release of their Bright Side Bandits EP last month, Small Town Artillery have another EP coming out on May 7th. A Knock At The Door is the 2nd of 4 EPs that the band plan to release this year. It’s the 2nd chapter in a story of growth.The rat-tat-tat of new information. The wider view you didn’t see. Having your principles challenged, tested, tilted. Standing for what you believe in while being open to the beliefs of others. ‘Work’ is an ode two-fold – the long road of the touring band mirroring the long road of personal development while ‘Modern Man’ calls for the accountability of all men and male-identifying people, as much a reminder for the band themselves as for others. Out today, the first single ‘Yellow Light’ is about the barriers preventing us from growth and self-actualization.
“After our entire Canadian Tour went down in a roaring ball of fire, I did an about face and found some work and a place to isolate through family connections on Pender Island, living in a remote cabin with a workshop,” says lead vocalist Tom van Deursen. “We had planned a music video for another song that could no longer be made given the proximity dangers with COVID-19. And with the nucleus of the band spread far apart, it became apparent that if we were going to stick with our release schedule, we’d need to improvise. This song, ‘Yellow Light’ is about the barriers that stand in the way of self-actualization. It all hit me at once – the H.G. Wells words “adapt or perish” – and I was thinking about the heartbreaking divide and anger we saw between ways of thinking as our shows were cancelled on the prairies earlier this year. And honestly, I needed a friend. So, I made the video in one day, in isolation. From a 7AM coffee and a scribbled storyboard on a piece of 1×8, through to a 10PM finished edit. I hope it lands where it needs to.”
Originally from Kaslo, British Columbia, and now based out of Vancouver, Small Town Artillery are often described as a ‘Rock band with a horn section’. To spin up a sonic image of the group, imagine if Billy Talent and Rage Against The Machine met up with Cat Empire and Bruce Springsteen, and wrote an album about the world. Founding members and blood brothers, Tom and Derek van Deursen, have been playing together for 20 years, realizing a lifelong brotherhood dream of seeing the world through their own music.
Small Town Artillery’s new single ‘Yellow Light’ isavailable today on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services. Their new EP will be available on all digital platforms on May 7th. For more information, please visit: smalltownartillery.com
Rising producer pluko has teamed up with Australian vocalist Panama for a lush indie electronic single, “higher.” Using glistening synth-work and a steady, rhythmic drum beat, pluko lays down a blissful musical bed for Panama’s harmonious vocals as the track builds towards moments of true euphoria.
The new single is the latest in a string of dynamic collaborations from pluko, following on the heels of “used to (with Cassette Tapes)” and “blessings (ft. Nate Travellers).” For “higher,” pluko tapped Panama, the Australian vocalist and multi-instrumentalist known for his distinctive, breathy vocals. Panama has recently collaborated with high profile artists by the likes of Poolside, Petit Biscuit, and Satin Jacket, and has delivered numerous successful solo EPs, including the platinum certified Always.
With merely 2 years of activity, 19-year-old pluko has gone from bedroom producer to main stage act. Hailing from the small town of Hollidaysburg, PA, Sam Martinsen — the mind behind the pluko project — has racked up over 50 million plays across platforms while securing festival slots at major North American festivals like Coachella, Firefly Festival, and HARD Summer. In 2018, pluko released his first full-length album, ‘sixteen,’ via Odesza’s Foreign Family Collective and joined the dance duo at their annual Red Rocks show. Last year saw the independent release of ‘CLASS XIX‘ and the announcement of pluko’s own record label and collective Splendid Society. In addition to his own releases, pluko has also become a go-to producer for official remixes, re-imagining tracks for Tycho, Hayden James, Mansionair, Odesza, and more.
Following up on his critically acclaimed debut EP ‘Look Back’ released last year, Nashville-based artist Jordan Lindley is back with a folk love song entitled ‘Bummed’. Written by Jordan himself and produced by Austin Bianco, the song is a folk gem filled with authenticity that gives us an opportunity to discover another side of the songwriter’s work.
Inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan, John Prine and Andy Hull, Jordan Lindley perfectly showcases his well-crafted indie folk sound. With ‘Bummed’, he is taking us on a nostalgia journey through life and its lessons, the ups & downs to, ultimately, help us find the right balance between loss & hope.
Speaking about the song, he shares “It’s a love song that walks us through the actions we take when we miss someone, but never fully articulate. I wrote ‘Bummed’ on a summer afternoon, in which I realized that I was falling for someone that lived hundreds of miles away. I didn’t know where exactly all of the words were coming from, I just knew that I wanted to, sort of, list out the things about this person that I missed and admired. To me, the song shows a sense of happiness, loss, wonder, and hope — and that’s exactly what I was feeling at the time.”
Hailing from Oklahoma City, Jordan Lindley bridges the gap between alternative rock and contemporary folk. His vulnerable storytelling and addictive melodies are a front-row seat to a uniquely personal storm, while remaining familiar enough to universally relate.
His debut EP ‘Look Back’, released in the winter of 2019 was produced by Jake Finch and Collin Pastore (Lucy Dacus, The Pressure Kids, boygenius).
‘Bummed’ is the first song among many new singles to come in the spring and summer of 2020.
A.M SNiPER ups the levels to extraordinary heights as he delivers the cinematic movie in the form of his EPIC music video for ‘DIABLO’. A connoisseur of the music and fashion worlds, the British-Cypriot UK rapper is synonymous with an opulent lifestyle and his video pays homage to the rise of his sound and “family values” spreading consistently “City 2 City”. Fast cars and draped in combinations of designer and street gear, ‘DIABLO’ depicts A.M. SNiPER’s deep Hip Hop sound that he has nurtured over his musical career.
STREAM/PURCHASE: A.M. SNiPER – DIABLO
Steeped with incredible craftsmanship, A.M. SNiPER’s musical discography is a cleverly built body of work that leads him to be the artist and figure we see today. His genre bending style sits on the spectrum of Hip Hop, whilst paying homage to his roots with a tropical twist. His significance in the scene has led him to collaborate and work with some of the biggest names in music such as Chris Brown, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Wiley, Tinie Tempah, Da Beatfreakz and CoolandDre.
Having become a sovereign of Ayia Napa, A.M. SNiPER’s prominence and affluence goes beyond the golden shores of the island and has made an impact worldwide via his music culminating staggering figures, which regularly hit the six figure mark. To date his singles ‘Yea Yea Yea’ and ‘Run’ have hit over one million streams on Spotify and his 2019 music video releases amount to a combined total of over 10 million views. His dedicated fan base has earned him a loyal following of ¼ million Instagram followers, who keep up to date with all the latest movements and lavish lifestyle of the musician and entrepreneur.
Marking the beginning of what is yet to be another groundbreaking year for A.M. SNiPER, the King of Ayia Napa releases ‘DIABLO’.
Stay up to date with A.M. SNiPER by following his socials for news about upcoming releases & more.
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LOUD HOUND is the solo project of East Coast songwriter/ producer Tommy Florio. With influences spanning across all genres and eras, LOUD HOUND’s sound is not easy to pin down, yet his lo-fi guitar sound and lyrical topics seem to be the common denominator. His music carries a weight, a sense of longing and isolation, stemming from never staying in one place for too long. Raised in the desert, the musician moved all around the east coast as a kid, until eventually landing on an isolated island in New Jersey… for now.
With influences ranging from Beck, Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala, Oasis and Gorillaz, LOUD HOUND pulls elements from his vast catalogue of musical idols, combining it with his own distinct style to create a sound that is true to his own. Love, relationships, past life and his coping mechanisms for depression are all underlying themes throughout his songwriting, resulting in brutally honest, heartfelt and relatable releases that each and everyone of us can recognize. The artist explains, “My music has revealed a lot about myself and I’ve realized that I’m not who I always think I am and I, just like anyone else will always have something to work on to better myself.”
His latest release “Melancholy Boy” is an authentic and candid song narrating the singer’s struggles with depression and anxiety. He confides, “The song is kind of like an ode to myself being a sad boy and the indecisiveness that comes with incompatible love that is blinded by infatuation.” Inspired by the in-between period people go through in relationships when they are past the honeymoon phase, “Melancholy Boy” is about falling in love with the idea of someone, rather than who they are. LOUD HOUND admits, “I don’t know maybe it’s just me and the relationships I’ve had, but basically I really loved this girl and our relationship was awesome in the honeymoon period and then after life started settling in and we really got to know each other we just weren’t really compatible. And every time we would break up, see other people, ignore each other for months and then get back together and I would eventually realize that I’m running in circles and I don’t really love her and I love the girl who I thought she was. And I think because of my depression and anxiety problems I often blamed myself.” A truly identifiable story, “Melancholy Boy” is an accurate representation of a modern day love story.
“Melancholy Boy” features drums and mixing by Ricky Berotti (Hoax, Future Generations) and was mastering by Paul Gold (Grizzly Bear, LCD Soundsystem, Animal Collective). The upbeat, move-inducing track is the perfect summer anthem, showcasing distorted guitars and twinkling synths. It’s feel-good sonic soundscapes act as a juxtaposition to it’s somber lyrics.
LOUD HOUND has seen success with his music topping the iTunes charts, as well as having been picked up by various tastemakers and curators, including Spotify official playlists. Last year alone he accumulated 1.5 million streams between Spotify and Youtube. With the hope to continue providing listeners with encouragement to trust yourself, not to give up on the things or people you love and that anything in life is possible with a willing heart, LOUD HOUND is a first-hand example that dreams are never worth giving up on. Showing no signs of slowing down and with plenty of more releases slated for all of 2020, LOUD HOUND is an artist on the rise.
https://www.instagram.com/loud.hound/
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Minhee Jones is an alt-pop artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Los Angeles and now based in London. The half-Korean singer has taken an evolutional musical journey, from her classical piano training at the age of four, to her punk-rock bass playing days in highschool and eventually into her own songwriting exploration in university, leading her into the solo artist she is today. Jones had initially set out to succeed as an instrumentalist, before perfecting her vocals, confiding, “I felt it was my duty to be a female instrumentalist first and challenge stereotypes in a very male-dominated field.”
Jones’s upcoming debut EP showcases her sheer talents with her taking lead on the drums, bass, analog synths, piano and even a vintage harmonium. Leading single “6 Feet” started out as an ode to self-medication, written about all the ways we distract ourselves from reality. Then after Covid-19 hit, it became even more poignant. Jones explains, “I feel like we’re all in a place where our brains don’t want to deal with the full scope of this terrible thing that has taken over the world and we are also – more than ever – surrounded with means to medicate ourselves into avoiding it, be it actual medication, booze, chocolate, Netflix, or social media. So we’re stuck at home and suddenly we’re drinking more and eating more and binging more tv and online ALL THE TIME in an effort to not deal with just how destructive this virus has been to humanity.”
Sonically the single is dreamy and soothing, while the lyrics are very thought-provoking and contemplative. Featuring ethereal vocals, glistening instrumentation and cascading harmonies, “6 Feet” is a relevant soundtrack for our times. With influences ranging from Beethoven and Debussy to Aretha Franklin and Janelle Monae, and everything in between, Jones creates a genre-defying sonic palette.
Jones describes the creation of the music video, “Amidst all the chaos, what I found so intriguing about the pandemic is just how universal it all is. Everyone on earth is fighting this common enemy and for the first time truly united in a purpose. I wanted to put together a video time capsule showing what lockdown was like all around the world and see what bound us together. So I put out a call on social media asking for people to send me short video clips of what lockdown was like where they were and what was helping them cope with the pandemic.”
Growing up bi-racial (black and Korean) Jones found herself struggling with her identity, spending much of her life trying to either fit into a box that people kept saying wasn’t made for her, or rebelling against the box they thought she belonged in. Now, finally finding the courage to do what she wants both musically and in life, Jones hopes she can also help others feel comfortable with just being themselves. “If one of my weird songs or videos makes someone think ‘that girl does not give a fuck. Maybe I should give fewer fucks’ then that would be great.”, shares Jones.
In 2019, the singer teamed up with Fender, Ford, and Co-op Food and broke three Guinness World Records by playing concerts in 51 cities in 7 days to raise money and awareness for Music Venue Trust, without any booking agent, manager or record label. Described as a healthy dose of feel-good bitterness, Jones’s debut EP is set for release 2020.
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Nashville singer/songwriter Jeffrey James is releasing his new single, “Aftermath.” The new track arrives ahead of his debut on NBC’s Songland, airing on Monday, May 4th. Songland follows the journey of undiscovered songwriters as they pitch their original creations to superstar recording artists and a panel of chart-topping music producers in the hopes of creating a music collaboration of a lifetime.
“Aftermath” is a delightful, piano-driven love ballad, complete with soul-baring lyricism and captivating vocals. “It’s about watching a love grow more than you thought was possible,” Jeffrey explains of the new single. “You realize it’s strong enough to make it through any situation and even if everything fell apart around you, you’d have the strength of the bond to help you both rebuild.”
Earlier this year, Jeffrey James released his ‘East London’ EP. The 5-track record was birthed during a month-long songwriting trip to London in early 2019. Jeffrey worked with legendary engineer Geoff Swan (Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay) and producers Jackson Dimiglio-Wood (Shawn Mendes), Dan Weller (SikTh), and Dan McDougal (Liam Gallagher) to create a uniquely cross-Atlantic record that draws on Jeffrey’s Nashville influences and combines them with the blue-eyed soul sounds that have been dominating the UK charts.
Nashville-based, Indiana-born Jeffrey James first developed a love of melodies from his great-uncle who wrote the renowned Hal Leonard Guitar Method book. Over the past few years, Jeffrey’s soul-infused alt-pop sound has been paving the way for Nashville’s pop scene, leading to local opening slots for acts such as X-Ambassadors, Rachel Platten, and Hanson, as well as gigs at national music festivals like Firefly, Bonnaroo, and Forecastle. His music has received millions of plays across platforms and buzzy press from Billboard, 1883 Magazine, Variance Magazine, and more. In addition to his original music, Jeffrey has also penned tracks for numerous artists including Megan Davies, Tungeaag & Raaban, and LU2VYK.
Sarah Grace Photography
Watch the official music video on YouTube, shot in a one-take style with a fun, rom-com feel.
Follow/Like me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more good vibes.
Thank you for listening, and thanks to Live in Limbo for the premiere!
ABBY J Hall
🇨🇦 ✨
Lani Renaldo is an artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles. Her passion and talent for songwriting began early on when she was one of six songwriters chosen to attend GRAMMY Camp at Converse Rubber Tracks in 2012. She then went on to study at USC’s Thornton School of Music, which further catapulted her musical education and career.
Lani’s latest music is written with the intention of being utterly relatable. Her upcoming EP NOHEARTBREAK2020 is an exploration of being in your 20’s. Entirely produced, written and performed by Lani herself, the EP is about accepting where you are in the moment and not being so hard on yourself. The musician reveals, “It’s for 20 somethings that are transitioning and going through a new phase in their life.” The EP touches on women and sexuality, emphasizing the significance of being comfortable with who you are, whatever that may be. Through unbearably honest lyrics, Lani’s goal is to show others the importance of self-acceptance and to encourage others to be themselves, be uncomfortable and be truthful.
Leading single “Love Games” is based on personal experiences, but also on something that lots of people have trouble with… this idea of a ‘love game’ and playing games with emotions. Reminiscent of The Weeknd meets Banks, the moody track features a mosaic of synths, gliding atop funky melodies, a confident bassline and punchy percussion.
NOHEARTBREAK2020 is inspired by artists ranging from the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Hayley Williams, to Post Malone and SZA. Also pulling influence from producers including Timbaland, Pharrell and Greg Kurstin, Lani shows us an insight into her love of the 80’s, with the EP emanating big drums and distorted guitars along with a vocoder.
Lani Renaldo has seen success performing with the likes of Alessia Cara at the AMA’s and opening for Halsey at The Shrine. Her collaboration on “Malibuu” with Matt Dimona topped Spotify’s Global 50 chart and currently has over six million streams. Constantly trying to evolve and understand her emotions, Lani uses music to be the outlet in which she expresses her discoveries, concluding “Do what you love, fuck the rest. If it doesn’t serve you, cut it out. Sometimes your truth will not match someone else and that’s ok. Misery isn’t worth the money. Follow your dreams.”
https://www.instagram.com/lanirenaldo http://www.lanirenaldo.com/
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Moxi is a husband/wife indie pop duo from Los Angeles featuring the dreamy, introspective vocals of Anna Toy overlaid on the cinematic musical landscape crafted by Andy Toy.
https://www.facebook.com/moxilovesyou/
https://www.instagram.com/ilovemoxi/?hl=en
“This is the sound playing in my head when storm surge is washing away neighborhoods and highways and walls of flame are closing in from all directions, and news keeps broadcasting mindless tweets…” -Unequal
Sardy’s impact on rock and alternative music in the last 20 years is hard to overstate. As a producer/composer/mixer his credits include The Who, Oasis, LCD Soundsystem, Spoon, Band of Horses, Hobo Johnson and a litany of other legends too long to list here. As a film composer he has scored massive theatrical releases including End of Watch, 21, Lawless, Zombieland and Zombieland Double Tap. Unequal will feature a wide array of artists each bringing their point of view to a different song.
If we believed in manifestos, this is what we would say: Discord + choice ≠ inevitable consumer product. The experience ≠ the goal. Culture ≠ commerce. The ≠ is the message.
This Statement of No Rights or Responsibilities (“Statement,” “Terms,” or “SNRR”) derives from ≠ Principles, and is our terms of service that governs our relationship with users and others who interact with ≠, as well as ≠ brands, products and services, which we call the “≠Services” or “Services” or Fuck You. By using or accessing ≠, you agree to this Statement and all others to be issued by ≠. You will not find resources at the end of this document that help you understand how ≠ works.
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https://open.spotify.com/album/5Rdc6V3r5cTPucr5Xixm4C
Casii Stephan is a soul pop/rock artist hailing from Minnesota. Now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the impassioned songstress evokes subtle vibrato notes and roller-coaster-like melodies, which immediately grab the listener, while her emotional lyrics share intimate stories. She has been compared to the likes of Florence Welch, Fiona Apple and Carole King, as her vocal timbre possesses a full and warm quality.
Stephan’s voice is fierce and fearless, but this was not always the case. She grew up shy and afraid of her voice until she started writing songs on the family piano in South St. Paul when she was 16. In music, she discovered something extraordinary that allowed her to transcend everyday life and find a deeper sense of self. Stephan moved to Tulsa in 2014 with the intent to give up her pursuit of a music career, however with a little encouragement from a friend, she continued her journey and started releasing music. Her songs were promptly applauded by critics and have since been racking up a number of awards, as well as garnering acclaim from media and fans across the globe.
Stephan’s latest single “Trapeze Artist” was inspired after scrolling through her social feeds and seeing the highs and lows of humanity. The songwriter reveals, “From finding love to accounts of racism. It’s all there and it makes one feel like a trapeze artist swinging back and forth. It’s a growth process to know how to process all of this information and what to do with it and know what I can reasonably do in the community I’m in. No one person can change the world”. Sonically “Trapeze Artist” details Stephan’s velvety vocals, cascading piano melodies, swirling string arrangements and bright brass, building into an anthemic and empowering track. Reminiscent of Brandi Carlile meets Adele, Stephan has created a sound which brings power and color, whilst maintaining a quiet intimacy. The visuals play off the feeling of social media leaving people isolated and how community, friends and music help to bring us back to the reality that hope and change is possible.
An underlying theme throughout Stephan’s music is hope, she explains, “Its such a cliched word and yet there are so many layers to it. Hope keeps us alive. It keeps us moving. But it also feels flighty some days like a pixie that does what it wants. But it’s not a pixie. It’s more like the air we breathe. Some days it’s presence is stronger than we realize and some days we forget in our day-to-day lives that it’s there… keeping us moving forward”. Her music combines her love for the storytelling elements of Disney ballads and the bold, brilliance of The White Stripes, as well as the soul-wrenching R&B melodies of H.E.R.
Casii Stephan has seen success both obtaining and being nominated for multiple awards from the likes of Independent Music Awards, Hollywood Music in Media Awards and USA Songwriting Competition to name a few. She also heads a female fronted festival entitled MisFEST in Tulsa, that has gained recognition both locally and nationally.
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neillfrazer@hotmail.com
