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INsiders Guide

INsiders Guide: Chloe Lilac, Randy Edelman, noelle, Mia Nicolai, Ajay Mathur, Mt Boi, JODY AND THE JERMS, Zilpah Louise, AVIV….

(Credit: Emma Marie Jenkinson)

Artist and songwriter Chloe Lilac has released a brand new single titled “last week.” The song is the first single to be released from Chloe’s forthcoming new mixtape, due for release spring 2022. Stream the song now here. Watch the lyric video here.An understated, guitar-driven ode to the complexities of grief and the delicate aftermath of a loss, Chloe continues to showcase her mastery of melodic alt-pop that drips with a poignancy and self-awareness beyond her years. Speaking on the track, Chloe notes, “I wrote last week about watching a friend mourn a loss of someone who was very close to them, wanting to help but not knowing what to do.”“last week” is Chloe’s first release of 2022 and is the follow-up to her widely acclaimed December 2021 mixtape, when i feel better, an exposé defining Chloe Lilac’s growth over the past yearThe mixtape featured standout singles such as “10 things,” a play on the classic ’90s rom-com which landed a spot on Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ and left outlets like MTV News and EUPHORIA. hungry for more. Single “19” gave listeners a powerful examination of the state of the world as Chloe navigates her own self-examination as a teenager in turbulent times, which was lauded by NPR ‘All Songs Considered. “sick” rounded out the mixtape, a deep-dive into relational toxicity showcasing Chloe’s prowess for biting lyricism.Through the uncertainty that shadowed much of 2020/21, Chloe Lilac tapped into her DIY roots to self-direct and self-shoot two official videos in her Brooklyn home while in quarantine and has also asserted herself a strong activist for social causes. From taking a stand for LGBTQ rights during Pride Month to joining the fight for racial justice, Chloe has become a beacon of strength and a model for young women and artists.Emotive storytelling has been a running theme of Chloe’s career thus far, first sparked by the release of her 2019 debut EP, Manic Pixie Dream, which saw multiple placements on Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ as well as coverage from Billboard for her single “High School.” Her original-yet-relatable anthems, undercut with an unabashed confidence, continued on her following EP, DOUCHEBAG, released in 2020. Garnering praise from the likes of The FADERNYLONUPROXXMTVRefinery29, and PAPER, Chloe has continued to prove her artistry is a force to be reckoned with.Catch Chloe Lilac live May 29 @ So What!? Music Festival in Arlington, TX and Aug 27 @ Wonderbus Music + Arts Fest in Columbus, OH.

World-renowned composer and singer-songwriter Randy Edelman kicks off 2022 with his new single “How Could I Let You Go” featuring up-and-coming vocalist Chioma – released via boutique NYC label Tribeca Records (a SohoJohnny Enterprise).

As the official follow-up to Randy’s 2021 single “Comin’ Out the Other Side”, “How Could I Let You Go” combines modern pop production and classic songwriting with Randy’s undeniable ear for greatness, achieved by decades of experience as one of the world’s most prolific composers.

During his illustrious career, Randy has cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s go-to composers by scoring some of Hollywood’s most iconic soundtracks including Ghostbusters II, The Last of the Mohicans, Dragonheart, The Mask, Beethoven, 27 Dresses, While You Were Sleeping, Kindergarten Cop, The Whole Nine Yards, Twins, My Cousin Vinny, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story to name a few. Joining this are Randy’s scores for hit television shows and series including MacGyver, Mr. Sunshine, Backdraft 2 for Netflix, and Citizen X for HBO.

Aside from bringing Hollywood to life with his sonic creations, the Emmy Award winner has also ventured into composing for historic cultural moments, crafting “Dare Mighty Things” for NASA’s final Shuttle launch and even the NBC “on air” Olympic Theme, of which he has celebrated over 20 years of Olympic themed glory keeping the musical flame alive.

With two UK Top 40 singles, 250K+ Spotify monthly listeners and millions upon millions of streams to his name, Randy took home the BMI Spotlight Award for his work composing the theme of the 2014 Winter Games and has also been interviewed by the likes of Sky TV as well as numerous BBC Radio stations across the UK.

Traversing decades and genres, Randy continued to make history when he co-wrote Nelly’s #1 global hit single “My Place” and has had the likes of Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John, Patti LaBelle, The Carpenters, Kool & The Gang, Agnetha Faltskog (ABBA) and Bing Crosby record his songs – positioning Randy as one of the most sought-after creatives in music for decades.

With “How Could I Let You Go” marking an exciting new era in one of the music industry’s most enviable careers, this single continues to prove Randy as a musical chameleon with so much more still to offer – a modern icon of our times who must be celebrated for his ongoing contributions to music and film.

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Canadian artist noelle, is a 20-year-old emerging pop talent with a modern R&B edge. Initially finding her footing through YouTube, noelle amassed a following of 94.2K subscribers resulting from her viral covers of timeless classics and today’s biggest acts – most notably, Frank Ocean and Sabrina Claudio.

noelle was raised in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, in a family and community that surrounded her with music. Her upbringing exposed her to a vast range of musical genres, from Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan, to the pow wow drum and native wind flute from her Indigenous roots. Just like many others, noelle’s high school years were full of highs and lows, and music quickly became her outlet. Expressing her thoughts and emotions at her piano, coupled with a reality she sought to transcend, noelle began writing her own music as a therapeutic form of self-expression. The artists whose words she once personalized through her covers soon became the major influences behind her own music. After graduating high school in 2017, noelle signed her record deal with Wax Records, and has since developed her sound to create a modern blend of R&B, pop, urban, and jazz influences.

Mia Nicolai shares the epic new video for her latest knockout single Dream Go. 

Watch it HERE

A true storyteller, Mia Nicolai takes us on a journey as she navigates matters of the heart, with flawless execution. The video stars Mia on her quest, searching for answers with empowering prowess.

Dream Go soars with poignance as Mia shares the disappointment and hardship of meeting someone special, and it not turning out the way you had anticipated. Cathartic to write, the gorgeous track is an ode to the anticlimactic moment of letting go of the dreams and plans you made when things were good. Sharing more, Mia said:I was in pain, it felt like the dreams i had in the relationship weren’t even close to coming to the right fruition, it hurt cos i really wanted it to work out but it somehow didn’t seem to, no matter how hard we worked at it.”

Listen on Spotify HERE & everywhere else HERE

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Born in Amsterdam to a Russian mother and Dutch father, Mia Nicolai grew up ready to defy any challenges, with her fearless approach and ADHD. At 3 years old, she defied her music teacher’s wishes of learning the repertoire and would ask for them to improv with her instead, setting the tone for a life of determination. Mia’s adventurous attitude and hunger for experience took her to London, Melbourne, New York and Los Angeles, where she absorbed every experience and channeled it into her artistry. 

Mia’s travels and love of escapism were reflected in her debut single ‘Set Me Free’ which was self released last year. Championed by the likes of Billboard and The Line of Best Fit, it has been winning hearts across the globe. The follow up single “Mutual Needs” was exclusively premiered by Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, and received support from 19 New Music Friday playlists on Spotify worldwide along with 167 Apple Global Pop playlists. More recently Mia shared ‘People Pleaser’ a defiant anthemic bop that scooped support at Clash, DIY, Flaunt and Early Rising. 

Taking inspiration from the likes of Billie Eilish, Lou Reed, Dominic Fike, Gwen Stefani and Russian lullabies.. Mia Nicolai has carved a space for herself creating unpolished raw pop music with a hint of attitude. Expect playful and touching songwriting, distinctive vocals and an artist that’s hard not to route for. 

They say life’s better when you’re laughing. Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist Ajay Mathur echoes this sentiment in his newly released single, “Stuck on 75,” out now! The musician blends punk, jump blues and rockabilly in the upbeat track with lyrics that take a humorous approach to something we all struggle with: procrastination. Mathur is excited to release his new single from his fifth solo studio album, Talking Loud, which comes out March 4, 2022.

Surrounded by the arts his entire life, Ajay Mathur has always had a deep appreciation for music. After a chance encounter with The Beatles at an ashram in Mathur’s birth country of India, the musician decided to build his passion into a viable profession. The songwriter’s career began to take form after moving to Switzerland and reviving popular rock band Mainstreet. After the band broke up in the late ‘90s, Mathur focused on other projects, including writing music for commercials and short films. Currently, the guitarist has released four albums to high critical acclaim, with a fifth album scheduled for release in early spring. 

Mt Boi is an international AfroBeats/AfroPop/Afro-Caribbean/Soca/Dancehall/Reggae artist and songwriter from Nigeria, Africa who is coming to a stage, radio station, magazine, and TV near you after signing to Zobe Records!Mt Boi – “Pop Star” (Debut Album) now available to stream & download worldwide!

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JODY AND THE JERMS release their new single: “Heavenly”.True to its title, it’s a track of divine indie-pop that finds the Oxford-via-Wales band harking back to the genre’s golden era.For a track written in hell-on-earth (i.e. a traffic jam going over Henley Bridge as the band made their way to the studio one day), “Heavenly” defies all expectations with its saintly vocals, shimmering guitars and sunkissed melodies.  A bittersweet love song that will play a serenade on your heart strings, “Heavenly” is all “about the perils of falling for someone head-over-heels and how that plays out” says Jody.Written and recorded on the same day in October of last year, the song is a beam of warmly fuzzy guitar pop laced with all the promises of new romance and new beginnings around the corner, yet spun with the reclusive cautiousness familiar to any indie kid finding their way.  Earning a dedicated fan in the late broadcaster Janice Long, the new single was aired for the very first time when Jody & The Jerms were invited into what would be the DJ’s last ever live session on 20th December 2021, shortly before her passing. “Heavenly” is the lead single and opening track of Jody & The Jerms’ upcoming second album, ‘Flicker’ which they also announce today. Confirmed for release on 4th March 2022 via their own JATJ imprint, ‘Flicker’ arrives less than 18 months after the surprise hit of their lockdown-released debut ‘Deeper’ (released Autumn 2020).

Washington, D.C.-based emerging indie artist, Zilpah Louise, released the official music video for her single titled “Slipping Through The Holes” ahead of her very first EP, “Holes In The Floor.” The EP consists of five introspective songs written by Zilpah Lousie during her adolescence. The songs are haunting and sometimes melancholy in nature. “Slipping Through The Holes’ ‘ establishes itself as a steady lamentation through its brooding lyrics and earnest vocals. The music video opens to a Zilpah Louise wandering the coast at dawn. She walks down the beach and into the crashing waves as the song continues on its ballad-like path. The warm tones of the scenery and the incorporation of piano and acoustic guitar speak to the overall essence of the EP and build its theme of dark serenity. Zilpah draws some of her musical and visual inspiration from artists such as Lucy Dacus and Lana Del Rey. “It has a bit of an ethereal yet sinister feel. I definitely want to engage audiences who embrace contemplative lyrics and reflect on their darker emotions.” – Zilpah on “Slipping Through The Holes”.

You know all of those warm and fuzzy first-time feelings you get as a teenager—the ones you wish you could hold on to forever?

AVIV retrofits those emotions into her songs. The 15-year-old Toronto singer, songwriter, and multi- instrumentalist pens the kind of affecting and arresting D.I.Y. pop that’s both nostalgic and prescient (You could think of it like nineties alternative pop born post-social media). After generating millions of streams independently and receiving acclaim from Atwood Magazine and more, she continues to perfect this approach on a series of singles for Photo Finish Records.

“I’m just a teenager who acts much older, still gets excited about little things, and really loves to over- analyze her emotions and put them into music,” she says. “I try to be true to myself with everything I do. The more AVIV the music is, the better.”

AVIV grew up in a big family of four siblings, including her twin brother. Every Saturday, they went record shopping together on Queen Street in Toronto, picking up classics by Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, and more. “Most families went to the mall,” she smiles. “We went to the record store together.”

At six-years-old, she studied piano under “an old-fashioned teacher who scared me into practicing and getting good!” Around the same time, she developed her voice and eventually picked up guitar. Casual poetry transformed into songwriting as she regularly played her early compositions for friends and family. Throughout high school, she obsessed over the likes of Clairo, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey.

“They’re my three moms,” she laughs.

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Once the Pandemic hit, she found herself listening to more music than ever and, at the same time, writing as well. Working with her big brother’s friend Jackson Follemer as co-producer, she regularly took the train to Montreal to visit them at McGill University and started to record music in 2020. Following “Cookie Dough,” her independent single “Girls In Red” claimed coveted real estate on playlists such as “indie pop & chill” and eventually amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. “Frontlawn” and “Lonely Bitch” only increased her momentum with consistent organic growth.

“Music became a way to convey my emotions,” she admits. “Since I won’t even talk to my friends about a lot of these things, it’s an outlet for me to talk about things I don’t talk about.”

With its glassy synths, simmering guitar, cinematic hum, and candid lyrics, “Black Coffee” represented another evolution. It initially came to life as a guitar and vocal demo by AVIV before producer Rian Lewis [Kiiara, D.R.A.M.] added his touch. The single initially debuted on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” and attracted widespread critical acclaim. Atwood Magazine described it as “a song that acts as an album of memories, a reminder to enjoy the moment and to find a possible way to reconcile,” and Fashionably Early predicted, “This is sure to be a hit.” At the same time, it illuminated her keen melodic instincts and vivid storytelling strained through the hook, “And all of the memories and all of the warnings. Poured it all down in the drain. Yeah, we’re like black coffee. But we could fill it up if we wanna.”

neillfrazer@hotmail.com

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