Soul searching—or the practice of nourishing one’s consciousness has been around for centuries. Taking a metaphorical journey with intentionality to strengthen one’s emotional, spiritual and mental state has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and increase creativity. Olympia, WA-raised songstress Jasmine Jordan sets out to provide viewers a glimpse into her own personal journey with the aid of natural landscapes and original music in her latest release Innermission. out now.
Directed by Andric Booker (Tinashe, Rita Ora), the sun-filled conceptual album, filmed entirely in the scenic Pacific Northwest, has been a project over two year in the making. Initially released during the height of the Coronavirus outbreak in December 2020, singer-songwriter Jasmine Jordan’s Innermission. featured 8 tracks and marked the singers return to music after a five year hiatus. Realizing she had more to say, Jordan took the allotted time provided by the global lockdown and began practicing purposeful self-care which included therapy, practicing stillness, prayer, journaling and more. The songstress then took what she learned and began crafting the concept of this visual musical venture. Wanting to share the importance of healing and share what she learned with anyone feeling similarly. The universal themes of self acceptance, mental health, love, heartbreak and healing can be heard and seen throughout Innermission.
Inspired by the 2016 visual album Lemonade by one of her biggest musical influences, multiple award-winning singer Beyoncé, Jordan created Innermission. with a similar format. She says, “My hope with this project is that it opens up more honest conversation about what true evolution means and looks like in a daily & practical sense and that it inspires people to start this journey and to remove the unrealistic expectation of perfection while on it.”
Emerging dark pop artist Isabel LaRosa unveils the brilliant audio-visual project i’m watching you – accompanying the EP with the thrilling “HEAVEN” music video, which marks the final instalment of her short film trilogy.
Branching off from the brooding lead single “HAUNTED”, LaRosa’s follow-up releases “HELP” and “HEAVEN” take form as a trilogy of addictively eerie pop bops, layering deep, ominous synths and booming beats with LaRosa’s haunting vocals for an alluring soundscape.
Meanwhile, LaRosa’s cinematic experience for the music – co-directed and co-edited by LaRosa herself – sees her creating fully-realized visual worlds for her songs, which she began creating on TikTok. Inspired by LaRosa’s favorite horror movies, the short film begins with the tension of “HAUNTED”; built around the ominous visual of a dark figure following LaRosa through a quiet neighbourhood and an ensuing escape, the visual experience comes full circle in the beautifully melancholic “HEAVEN” video.
i’m watching you marks Isabel LaRosa’s first release since signing a major deal with RCA Records in the US and Ministry of Sound in the UK, in what is sure to be the first of several exciting projects to come.
This song is a cry for help. I started writing it after developing an unhealthy pattern of overconsumption and hyper-consumerism during the winter of the pandemic lockdowns.
At the time, I found myself hungering for something.
I wasn’t quite sure it was but I hadn’t gotten together with my best friends in months.
I decided to put the challenge of collecting used copies of every single James Bond DVD upon myself. I scoured the Value Village shops in town and the rural secondhand stores in hopes of scoring another copy of one of the 25+ action spy films.
I became so focused on collecting objects – attempting to replace all of the conversations, late nights at concerts, and outings with friends that I so desperately missed.
Melancholic, hopeful, and desperate, “FOMO” speaks of this hope for change.
https://music.wiesingermusik.com/fomo
Instead of loving people and using things, we found ourselves using people and loving things during the pandemic.
We all bought an air fryer and collected possessions in order to feel that hole that only connection with others and community can fill.
I hope that as you listen, you can feel inspired to embrace genuine connection and cherish the opportunities we once again have to spend time in person with those who mean the most to us.
Thank you,
WIESINGER
Sydney-based electronic artist Nyxen releases her new single ‘Silence In Motion’ out now via BMG/Tank Top Records. The single serves as the second track off Nyxen’s forthcoming debut album, PNXK (punk), set to be released Friday, July 1 and available now for pre-order here.
A futuristic take on 80s synth-pop, ‘Silence In Motion’ is driven by hazy reverberated vocals, thumping basslines, and organic percussion. Through a mesmerizing blend of new wave and glam rock, the second single off Nyxen’s upcoming album synthesizes Nyxen’s unique sound and further establishes her as an artist to watch this year. ‘Silence In Motion’ arrives on the heels of the project’s titular track ‘PXNK’ (punk).
Nyxen describes the track as “a fast paced journey into what it feels like to be an outsider. An introverted, over-thinker, idolizing the freedom and confidence they see in the people around them, wanting that for themselves.” Nyxen added, “‘Silence In Motion’ felt fitting as a name, the silence of erratic thoughts speeding through your mind, the silent movement of people you cross paths with and the effects of unspoken words as you move through time.”
It’s about the collide. The light with the dark. The old with the new. Emily Jean Flack is an artist. A traditionalist at heart with a love to roam – she continues to captivate audiences with her soaring voice, dynamic arrangements and her honest words. “Growing up playing Celtic music gave me the fire. Listening to country and folk gave me the soul. Emulating female vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Celine Dion, Enya and Allison Krauss — I started to dream. Then I began to write and from there, things started to collide.”
Bassist/vocalist Maddie Jay and multi-instrumentalist/ producer Bobbing found their way to each other in true quarantine style – lurking around on SoundCloud with nothing else to do but stay inside and create. After forming an online relationship, the duo teamed up for the single “Marie” which is available on all streaming platforms today. The song functions as an ode to world famous organizing consultant Marie Kondo and how easy she makes it look to change your whole life around on her Netflix show, even if that isn’t the reality of it. Listen HERE / watch the lyric video HERE.
The bouncing track floats the listener easily through the heavy feeling of watching your world cave in on you, wall by wall. Driven by funk elements, you hardly expect the weight of the lyrics as life seems to spiral. Lighthearted yet still a bit dark, “Marie” reflects how Gen-Z tends to discuss their mental health; burying the more serious topics underneath deflective humor.
“I wrote this song over an instrumental that Bob had made around mid-quarantine,” said Jay. “I had found his music online and was just so obsessed with the sound design and creativity he had. I happened to be watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo at the time and was feeling frustrated that I couldn’t just change my situation and revamp my tiny studio apartment. She makes it look so easy on the show of course, but it almost made me feel worse that I couldn’t clean my way out of my deteriorating mental health and isolation. Self-help doesn’t really work when your circumstances are shitty!!”
It’s Mark Gane from Martha and the Muffins.
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Listen to our rendition of “Save It For Later” by The English Beat:
https://smarturl.it/MATMsaveitforlater
We pitched a cover of it to the Sex Education producers who were looking for a new version to use in their third season trailer. We recorded it in three days, and normally we would spend a lot more time refining things like the vocals. However, the lack of time actually contributed to capturing the spirit of the song while adding our own colours. The music supervisor loved it, but the whole idea was discarded by the producers. “Just hold my hand while I come…to a decision on it.” Clever…would’ve worked really well in a Sex Education trailer!
This left us with a pretty catchy version of the song without a home. We suggested to our manager that maybe all of the artists on his Popguru/Confidence Emperors roster could do a cover, to put “Save It For Later” to good use! And so the Coverama album out May 20th came about.
We added a few embellishments that made our cover almost like an early Martha and the Muffins song. Something about that interesting open tuning Dave Wakeling used on the original inspired my chiming 12 string electric guitar hook. They seem to belong to the same world.
For the video collage, we collected little objects from around the house and random images from the Internet, working intuitively.
Watch it now:
Thanks for your time,
Martha and the Muffins
With influences such as Doja Cat and Ella Mai, Fa’amu Sami’s new single ‘Chocolate Bae’ uses fun, candy inspired suggestive wordplay that aims to empower her listeners through the witty, confident, and charming lyrics. Just in time for Summer, the single has a groovy beat and catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. The first of many more music projects to follow, Fa’amu Sami is definitely one to watch.
Having already established herself on the big screen as Actress Lexie Stevenson, the 2018 Emmy Nominee is ready to dig deeper into the music industry and release music under her alias Fa’amu Sami. Separating her music and acting career, (taking inspiration from Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino), Fa’amu Sami plans to be equally successful in every realm of her artist expression.
Manchester-based hypnotic post-punkers LUCIGENIC unveil their latest single “Joy” today.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
With flecks of Patti Smith, Blondie and Belly, Mancunian post-punk group Lucigenic have shared their jubilant and driving new track “Joy”.
Combining Lucy Davies compelling vocal delivery with dynamic and jangling alt-rock melodies and capacious choruses, “Joy” finds a hypnotic middle-ground between the gritty, overcast punk of earlier single “Still Breathing” and the chiffony dreamscapes on its predecessor “Hope”.
Inspired by the simple pleasures in life away from the desire for fame and veneration, “Joy” is the third of three tracks recorded by the alt-rock outfit in a session at Far Heath Studio. With production by esteemed producer Mike Bennett (The Fall, Fat White Family, Ian Brown) and Angus Wallace on engineering duties, the single is a scintillating slice of grunge-tinged bliss and is the title track from Lucigenic’s limited edition 10 inch vinyl EP set for release later this year.
Adding more sparks of electricity to an already glistening track, Lucigenic are joined by Mark Refoy (Spiritualized, Spacemen 3) on guitar and drumming legend Dave Barbarossa (Bow Wow Wow, Republica) whose unique style and drum beats lend perfect synergy to a punk-tinged track.
Building up to a dynamic climax that nods to classic alt-rock whilst simultaneously carving out its own path, “Joy” is an adroit and exuberant cut from a band swiftly becoming masters of their craft.
Coming as a follow-up to the band’s debut EP ‘1’, released in 2020 and featuring tracks with Spencer Birtwistle (Intastella, The Fall) and original drummer Stewart Burnett (The Cheaters), “Joy” has gained early praise from Neil March (6 Music Introducing panel) who wrote on his blog Trust The Doc: “Nice reverberant production suits the guitar-driven style and big melody that fills the chorus. This is agreeably loud, melodic and bristling with energy and attitude. The Title is definitely appropriate”.
Pioneering Norwegian producer Maud debuts the futuristic single “See Right Through U” as the third release from the upcoming EP In My Haven.
Mixing an eclectic mix of inspirations ranging from euphoric 90s pop to UK house and garage, “See Right Through U” is a hypnotic concoction of dreamy vocals and rapid beats – showcasing Maud’s wide-ranging production know-how. Exploring themes of empowerment and self-discovery in her music, this new single encapsulates the rising artist’s signature dark soundscapes and creative vision.
As with all of her releases to date, Maud continues to take charge of all elements of her music as the artist, composer, producer, singer, instrumentalist, programmer and mixing engineer – finding liberation in this approach.
Talking about the track Maud explains: “The track is based on the ambivalent feeling of being drained, but at the same time feeling rootless. The person in the song is looking for kicks, but is also in need for silence which she’ll only be able to find inside herself. The song can be interpreted as a self-directed talk, where the person is trying to explain to herself that she cannot make her way if she doesn’t look inside herself and come to terms with her own struggles.”
Arkells share their brand new single “Past Life” featuring Cold War Kids, out today on Virgin Music Label. The release is accompanied by their brand new music video, featuring a hilarious guest starring appearance from SNL alum and MacGruber star, Will Forte. Check out the must-see video here.
DOWNLOAD/STREAM “PAST LIFE” HERE
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “PAST LIFE” OUT NOW
“Last fall we were in LA working on music and had this driving 80’s song about being present in the moment, and liberating yourself from the past,” frontman Max Kerman explains. “We wrote the first verse and left the second one open, hoping that Nathan from Cold War Kids might be drawn to the collaboration. CWK were one of our early influences when we started our band, and we’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with them over the years, and honored to record this tune with them.”
Lydia Persaud’s newest album, Moody31, is an intimate portrait of longing, romance, loss, and connection, fuelled by the singer’s undeniably rich voice. How do you heal from a love that never started? she asks on “Unsung,” outlining the record’s emotional gamut – rife with the paradoxes of desire.
Persaud met producer Scott McCannell of Safe Spaceship Music in 2019. “Scott and I shared the same desire to create something new while preserving the classic warmth of the 70s soul and jazz sounds we love.” The two began compiling a collection of demos that eventually became Moody31, a rendering of brokenness, loss of identity and glorified independence commingling with self-assurance, acceptance and new beginnings.
“Ukulele was the foundational instrument I used while writing the record,” she says. “From there, Scott and I would jam each song. The process was always about honouring the music and the story. There were no isolation booths, all the bed tracks were recorded in one room. The music wouldn’t sound the same without our late night hangs, ordering food and listening to music together.”
POESY is the solo project of classically trained singer, songwriter and pianist, Sarah Botelho. She was discovered after she appeared on the first season of hit Canadian music competition show, THE LAUNCH. Her incredible breakout performance propelled POESY to new heights yet unseen, landing her a major label deal with Big Machine Records and an opportunity to collaborate with esteemed composer and producer Stephan Moccio (Celine Dione, Avril Lavigne) on her debut single ‘Soldier of Love’ . This release charted in the Billboard Top 40 and was followed by a four-track long EP entitled Glass Box Confessional. Her singles “Body Language” and “Strange Little Girl” debuted in the Top 20 at Rock Radio. Classically trained in both singing and piano from the tender age of 4, the musical world has become POESY’s playground, having had vast experience in musical theatre, numerous rock bands and even operatic singing. By pairing inspiration from her favourite novels with an air of vulnerability from her own experiences, POESY unleashes her signature siren sound, filled with big drums & bittersweet melodies. POESY has had the recent honour to write and record an original anthem for Canada Games 2022, which she will perform at the opening and closing ceremonies this summer. Her most recent project – her debut LP I Exist – was made in collaboration with UK producer Stephen Lipson (Annie Lennox, Billie Eilish) and explores themes of betrayal and the journey back to one’s truest self. Her live show is a choir girl gone rogue – with her whimsical outfits and charming storytelling, she commands your attention and pulls you headfirst into every song.
EWAN MACFARLANE is back with brand new single: “All Those Years.”
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
Ewan MacFarlane’s debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ emerged to a rapturous reception with praise from countless publications including Rolling Stone, Classic Rock, Louder Than War and The Sunday Times, who declared him to be “the best voice in rock this side of the Atlantic.” Now the former frontman of Apollo 440 and The Grim Northern Social shares his brand new single “All Those Years” as he prepares to release his second album ‘MILK’.
BAKER GRACE
“Pressure“
• “Having ADHD can cause me to be very careless and out of it and forgetful and it has always made me feel like I’m not good enough or that I can’t do anything right. ‘Pressure’ is my way of accepting those mistakes and letting them go. […] it’s important to give ourselves credit for managing to push through and not obsess over what we do wrong.” – Baker Grace
• “Pressure” is the latest track from the 21-year-old indie pop singer-songwriter. This follows her recent standalone single “Shake The Earth” and the Lullaby EP which served as the soundtrack for indie flick Last Survivors, starring Alicia Silverstone, now streaming on Hulu.
• Baker Grace recently appeared alongside Charlie Rodd at Mexico’s massive 2022 Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival and will be releasing her next track “Little Magic” featuring Latin artist Sabino this summer.timbaker.net
instagram.com/heytimbaker
facebook.com/heytimbaker
twitter.com/heytimbakerTIM BAKER
“Lucky Few“
• “‘Lucky Few’ is all about missing people, connection, live music, shared emotion – basically the yearnings of the Covid years.” – Tim Baker
• This is the first release from the forthcoming sophomore solo album by Tim Baker, the former frontman for indie rock outfit Hey Rosetta! The track was recorded in equal parts at the famed Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland and his old home in St. John’s with collaborators Marcus Paquin (Arcade Fire, The National) and Liam O’Neill (Suuns) during the rolling lockdowns of the last two years.
• A true Renaissance man, Baker is also particularly proud of the track’s music video companion piece, a stunning one-take production which he both co-directed and co-produced. Check it out HERE.jonathanroyofficial.com
tiktok.com/@jonathanroymusic
instagram.com/jonathanroy
facebook.com/jonathanroyofficial
twitter.com/jonroyofficialJONATHAN ROY
“Iris” (Acoustic)
• “Iris” is the last acoustic cover Jonathan will release before his next original music is out this summer. Fans originally heard this cover in a YouTube video released last year which has since amassed nearly 1 million views.
• “I was traveling across Canada in my RV and looking for some cool spots to do live sessions. Deep in the woods, we stumbled on an old train wreck from the ’50s. The cool graffitied boxcars just had an insane vibe to them. My band and I got inside one of them and started jamming one of my favourite songs of the ’90s!” – Jonathan Roy
• Jonathan will be busy this summer playing festivals across Canada in support of his new music.
Check out theofficial visualizerfor “AK-Rocker”
Hey there Neill,
Our new song, “AK-Rocker,” is a comeuppance – the moment a gamble becomes a reckoning. A chance for salvation, but a dance with malice.
The track is melancholic but defiant – nostalgic but surging.
As the wave rises, and the heat falls heavy…
…will you dance?
Enjoy this track,
HjNX
Stay informed about our next releases:
HjNX is an Toronto-based duo fronted by multi-instrumentalist Gregory Calderone and supported by co-writer/co-producer/sibling Nicemark.
neill@outloudculture.com
