Connecticut based recording artist and songwriter Lexi Mariah has recently announced a brand new studio work: Queen of Broken Hearts. This ear-catching new Indie-Pop track channels the unique edge of the artist’s personality, while also retaining a more impactful sound that knows no boundaries.
In addition to showcasing Lexi’s phenomenal chops, Queen of Broken Hearts also feels like a perfect introduction to what this singer-songwriter is more than capable of. Opening with a captivating guitar riff accompanied by a line of euphonious vocal harmonies, the song compares the difficulties of being in a relationship to the perplexing gamble of playing a card game, using a clever storyline of metaphors. While there is definitely a lot of depth to Queen of Broken Hearts, there is also a catchy and timeless element to it, which makes the song broadly appealing and very endearing to Lexi’s consistently expanding audience. The focused nature of the production is a great match with the artist’s vision, and listeners will definitely notice from the second they hit the play button. After receiving support on her previous Dance-Pop tracks “Demons” and “Playlist” from outlets such as EARMILK, Rolling Stone IN and PopWrapped, it is not surprising to hear that Lexi is building a strong following with her music.
mine is the artistic self of songwriter and musician, Mia Schuster. The Fargo, ND native has spent her life exploring the world outside of her reality using lyric and song, now studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston she’s experienced incredible musical growth. Over the course of her studies and the writing of her EP, she’s come into her own as a songwriter and started to explore more introspective topics of self-confidence. Her indie-pop style radiates with positivity and freshness, featuring undulating sonic landscapes, warm vocals, and growth-based reflections.
The EP gets started with the track “WILD,” where mine reflects on world that calls her brave for simply following her heart and how that can often feel the complete opposite of brave. Powered by a soft piano and hand clap rhythm, it’s full of bright and cheery instrumentation. While she thinks back on what drives her to keep jumping into the unknown, there’s a distinct feeling of freedom and hope under the fear. It’s the perfect intro to an EP that explores the growing pains that come with chasing a dream.
On “Grave” she explores a world free of the fear of death and where “happy ever after is the only ending.” Rhythmic bass and booming electric guitar build to an explosive pop-rock mix with hints of synthy deliciousness. It encapsulates the mania of a life filled with only positive mindsets.
Next up is the title track, “BLOOM!” An ode to the ability to leave behind what doesn’t work and allow for opportunities to grow outside of yourself. It’s a beautifully fluid melody that ebbs and flows to a tumbling waterfall of a chorus. Layers of vocals float to a calm and present breakdown, a perfect melodic reflection of what it feels like to follow your true calling.
The EP comes to a close with the addictive first single, “H2O.” It celebrates the process of self-acceptance and the eventual freedom that comes with coming into your own. A synthy melody and warm alto vocals float effortless across a sunrise-like sonic landscape— fresh as a summer breeze.
Almost two years since the release of the critically acclaimed Conscious Control, KAYE today releases her latest EP Neon God. In a new era of freedom from former relationships, societal expectations of women in their thirties, and self-restraint, KAYE has created a masterclass in bridging rock, disco and pop. Today’s EP also arrives with an official video for “Respect Me” – watch here.
Beginning with the title track, KAYE kicks off this project on a high note, shredding her way through the worship of rock and roll. Then moving into “Respect Me,” she allows her bass skills to shine through on the funk-driven anthem. Driving listeners through the rest of the five-track offering, KAYE wears her heart on her sleeve lyrically while maintaining an utterly danceable experience.
Having gained over a half a billion streams and press support from areas such as FADER, Billboard, CLASH and more, SHOFFY has developed a credible reputation over the past few years. ‘..Onward’ represents the next step in his evolution and serves as a statement release from an artist set for big things. Speaking on the album, he states:
“this album came together in the last several months. I wrote and produced it, and the music is a collection of my favorite genres, sounds, melodies, and lyrical themes. I recorded it in my home studio in LA, and have one collab with my friend Sidizen King. The cover is a photo I took in Yosemite, one of my favorite places. I go about once a year and walk or bike on that path. I made this album for all my fans out there who like my music, and made it for myself because I love to create, and put new songs out in the world. It’s a pretty cathartic and cool journey. The whole project is a collection of what I love both sonically and visually. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with David Dutton on some of the visuals, he directed Nightmares In NYC and did all the incredible paintings along with his brother. I also can’t wait to go on tour again, see everyone in person, and play these songs live.”
Eclipsing boundaries yet again, gold-certified UK genre breaker JNR Choi reveals a brand new single and music video entitled “Amused” [feat. Fivio Foreign] today. Listen to “Amused” HERE and watch the music video for “Amused” HERE.
The track blasts off on a skittering beat propelled by electronic synths and glitchy percussion. The spacey soundscape offsets a wavy drill-style flow from JNR Choi. Meanwhile, Fivio rolls through with robust delivery punctuated by uncompromising East Coast attitude. The accompanying visual capitalizes on their chemistry with a fast-paced and frenetic display of otherworldly charisma and energy.
JNR Choi exploded as an international phenomenon this year. His breakthrough track “To The Moon” [with Sam Tompkins] just picked up a gold certification from the RIAA. Between the Original, the Gunna Remix, and the Drill Remix with G Herbo, Fivio Foreign, Russ Millions, and M24, it has gathered over half-a-billion streams and counting. Not to mention, it cracked the Top 35 of the Billboard Hot 100 and vaulted to #1 on the Rhythmic & Rap Airplay Charts. Along the way, he received looks from Billboard, Complex, HitsDailyDouble, and more.
“Amused” just paves the way for more music to come from JNR Choi. Buckle up!
buzzing Atlanta rapper Lil 1 DTE drops a new single entitled “50 M’s” via Epic Records.
Listen to “50 M’s” HERE.
The track rides along on a thumping bassline punctuated by melodic keyboard loops. Meanwhile, Lil 1 DTE locks into an energetic flow, cutting through the production with incisive intention. It builds towards an instantly unshakable refrain, showcasing his knack for a hard-hitting hook.
Stay tuned for the premiere of the official music video very soon!
It arrives on the heels of the fan favorite “Demons.” Beyond reacting with listeners, it garnered looks from tastemakers such as Dirty Glove Bastard and HipHopSince1987, among others.
Right now, he’s cooking up more music due for release very soon.
Last year, LIL 1 DTE arrived with a bang, serving up his fan favorite self-titled project LIL 1 DTE. Among many highlights, the breakout single “Homixide” [feat. Playboi Carti] amassed 2.7 million Spotify streams and counting. Right out of the gate, Our Generation Music praised how, “the Atlanta-based rapper spits vicious flows laced with autotune over bumping instrumentals.” Complex highlighted “No Friends” and proclaimed, “The hard-hitting tracks is one of the rapper’s most direct releases to date.”
Now, he’s about to rise up out of Zone 6 as a bold voice in 2022.
RIAA-certified platinum singer/songwriter John K releases an intoxicating new single entitled “Guitars and Drugs.” It comes off the heels of a just-wrapped tour with OneRepublic and is the first taste of the Orlando, FL based artist’s upcoming new project. Listen to “Guitars and Drugs” HERE via Epic Records and watch the official music video HERE.
On the track, whistles wrap around a laidback beat as the guitar strums a smooth and slick riff. Right off the bat, he lays down an instantly irresistible and endlessly repeatable refrain, “We go together like peace and love, windshields and bugs, like guitars and drugs.” Soon after, he predicts, “If we ever break up, think the world would fall apart.” In the black mirror-esque accompanying visual directed by frequent collaborator Erik Rojas [Jessie J, Dillon Frances], John K finds himself attempting to build domestic bliss with an AI femme fatale. It all comes to head with a surprise ending that leaves the viewer wondering if perfection is just fantasy.
Just this weekend, John K wrapped up a tour supporting One Republic, which saw him perform at amphitheaters across the Northeast and Midwest. Up next, he heads to South Korea, where is 2020 album love + everything else is certified 6 times platinum, to perform at the Haus of Wonder Festival. To kick off 2022, he captivated audiences on the road with Marc E Bassy across North America and dropped the fan favorite track “A LOT.” It has already amassed 36 million streams and over 1 million YouTube views on the music video.
“A LOT” notably marked his first new music since his debut album in case you miss me in 2021. in case you me has racked up millions of streams and earned critical acclaim. Billboardchampioned the single “everything” and went on to write, “the song muses on connection under extreme circumstance…John K is too talented not to pull off the concept.” Pop Nerd Lounge described the album as “put together brilliantly,” and Pop Inquirer added, “John K has yet again given us an album that will surely have us playing it on repeat.”
VENNA is an indie alt-pop artist from Alberta, Canada with a passion for evocative lyricism. She holds an immense appreciation for the power that music has to effect change and self-realization, and strives to be the type of artist that can both intrigue and relate to her audience. Pulling inspiration from classic poets, fantasy literature, and countless powerful women bringing “anti-pop” to the mainstream, her music serves to provoke thought and emotion; as an aspiring author as well, she takes great care in crafting her lyrics to this end.
Music and writing have always been the driving factors in VENNA’s life, from the age of three when she told her parents she wanted to grow up to be Michael Jackson, to the day she wrote her first song, and every day since. At the age of 15, VENNA (then Shay Esposito) became the youngest recipient of the Rawlco Radio 10k/20 grant and recorded and released her first album (For Annie) at the age of 16. She went on to release her second album (Sunday) at 19 years old after winning a Factor grant. She has received international recognition for her music as a finalist in the International Songwriting Contest, USA Songwriting Contest, Canadian Songwriting Contest, and as a category winner in the UK Songwriting Contest. In 2018 she made top 10 in the Slaight Juno Master Class, and in 2019, released two singles with as much success, even getting radio play on hit pop stations across Canada.
ANN KING offers listeners a truly unique blend of pop and R&B. Currently residing in the Netherlands, the incredibly talented singer-songwriter blends cinematic influencers with compelling creative narratives to produce music that showcases personal growth and an unapologetic appreciation for being true to who you are.
Having first appeared on the music scene in 2015 as ANEMARY, her personal evolution to ANN KING in 2018 welcomes a new attitude and a new name to match it. Having received an ADHD diagnosis, she found herself trying to heal from a burn-out, and found familiar comfort in music. Taking influence from the likes of Adele, Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne, her true passion for raw honesty and authenticity shines bright. Off the back of several singles and two successful EP releases, ANN KING is back with her latest single “It comes and goes”.
Showing underlying themes of personal growth and tales of staying truthful to who you are, “It comes and goes” offers listeners echoing lyrical bliss, graceful guitar rhythms and mellow melodies. Opening lyrics, “It’s a tough act to pretend” inspired the origins of the euphonious track, giving listeners a magnificent insight into her diverse musical capability. She shares, “I really wanted the bridge to reflect the childlike wonder with which you look at the world as a kid. The hopefulness of your dreams becoming a reality and ending up with a happy ending. It references two of my favorite childhood movies, Mary Poppins & The Sound of Music, but also my favorite song as a kid, “Somewhere over the rainbow.”Sharing the beauty of living with fans around the world, ANN KING has toured extensively with her band across London and Austria. Garnering the support of major radio stations 3FM and Radio 2 in The Netherlands, she has also played major music festivals like Live I Life Festival, Bevrijdingsfestival and Fringe Festival. As she compels fans with cinematic narratives and a truly unique sound, ANN KING is proving to be one to watch in the coming months.
LA-based post-punk four-piece Agender offer a four track EP, Top Bottom Top Remixes, with re-imagined versions of their queer disco-club soundtrack “Top Bottom Top.” Out everywhere now, the project features remixes by JD Samson, Harvey Sutherland, David Scott Stone and lead singer Romy Hoffman.
The EP comes a month after the release of their sophomore LP, No Nostalgia, out everywhere now. The band is made up of Australian lead singer Hoffman, bassist Cristy Michel, drummer Christy Greenwood and synth player Sara Rivas. Together, they make schizo, synthy, paranoid, post-punk with a dash of dysmorphic desire and have been turning heads in the post-punk scene since their debut album in 2014, Fixations. Most recently, they have caught attention for the string of eye-catching music videos accompanying their single releases including the double video for “Trouble & Desire + “Womb 2 Wound” and steamy video for “Top Bottom Top.”
“Top Bottom Top,” celebrates queer love across the spectrum, paying homage to queer sexuality and sheds light on sexual fluidity and individuality. The original track blends disco and punk underneath lyrics that repeat the playful words often used to label the positions and power structures involved in queer sex. It features punky guitar shreds, cow bells and subtle synth sequencers that flutter over a classic disco beat–one that BuzzbandsLA called “deliciously throbbing.”
Thunder Bay pop duo the Lockyer Boys return with two summer jams to add to your beach day playlists! Their new single ‘Daisy’ was written with the same dream team that brought the boys’ previous singles ‘Surfing in L.A.’ and ‘LATKD’–producers Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter, State of Shock) and Alan Poettcker (These Kids Wear Crowns)–and is the A-Side to their double single with ‘All I Can’, created with Scott Helman. Both tracks are out today on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Daisy’ is the 3rd single to be released from Lockyer Boys’ debut album set for release in 2023. The track encompasses some of the Lockyer Boys’ favourite moments in the recording studio.
“On our new song ‘Daisy’, we have Jeff singing backup vocals and Alan adding layers upon layers of tambourine and cowbell–it’s just a good time,” says Charlie. “Hearing it brings back a lot of memories from the past 3 years of recording and growing as artists.”
On her new single “Stupid Kid,” Victoria Anthony takes an unvarnished and unfiltered look at growing up under the glare of the spotlight and the pressures that often come with it. Possessing an insight and maturity that extends well beyond her almost 17 years, “Stupid Kid” offers a lyrical depth and directness that has quickly become Victoria’s calling card.
Listen to “Stupid Kid” HERE
Watch the music video HERE
Following the release of her debut album, “Real Life”, in 2020, and in lieu of following up with an EP, “Stupid Kid” is the sixth single released by the Vancouver-based pop artist since June 2021. With more than a combined 3.8 million streams across platforms and 26 million YouTube views, the connection she has with her fanbase is irrefutable.
Opening with the provocative refrain of “I get why people get high…,” Victoria tackles the song’s subject matter with authority while evoking the spirit of trailblazing artists such as Alanis Morrissette and Avril Lavigne.
Written by Victoria and producer Ryan Worsley, the song comes from a place of compassion for those who are trying to balance the highs and lows of performing, and just looking for someone to understand.
Historically, the entertainment industry has been fraught with artists whose careers (and in far too many cases their lives) were cut short after turning to drugs to cope with the trappings of fame. From a long list of music stars such as Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse to film stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Heath Ledger, the results have been tragic.
But the subject matter extends far beyond those in the spotlight. Our hyper-connected world presents unprecedented challenges and pressures on the youth of today. From getting good grades and fitting in socially, to the added stress brought on by anxiety and depression, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole, especially with a lack of understanding and support.
The music video for “Stupid Kid”, written and co-directed by Victoria and long-time collaborator Anna Baker, conveys the range of uncertainty that underlines the lyrics, while Anthony’s on-screen delivery of genuine, raw emotion lends gravitas to the track.
https://open.spotify.com/track/13Uc9bCHJoIajEPCgnf9kX?si=6e51d5735cb049f8&nd=1
On my new record, Freehand, I wanted to make something romantic and nostalgic, but openly allowing the calamitous to have its place.
I love gadgets and sophistication, being connected, and knowledge, but I also find it curious how much is dictated by the obsession with technology, ‘progress,’ and prosperity.
This album takes a wide scope lens to the overbearing nature of our current times, yet it also cues to simple things like good friendships, adventure, and cheap talk.
Freehand includes “Sweet Relief,” a hopeful and intimate folk song full of internal banter about love and some apocalyptic nature. I wanted this song to embody a feeling of flirtation, jest, and intoxication.
Take a listen to my new album, Freehand, featuring “Sweet Relief” via
Bandcamp ⼮ Apple Music ⼮ Spotify
So maybe we can scavenge for some sweet relief
I like the idea that relief is not easy to find, or may be in odd or mysterious places… This line feels it represents much of the last few years.
I hope that you enjoy listening to Freehand and are able to reflect on your own experiences over this recent period. There is a sense of playfulness in these songs even amidst mild nods to worldly trepidation.
Thank you for your time!
Colyn Cameron
Anyone can rip off The Beatles, Phil Collins, and Frankie Vanilli, but very few can do it with as much style, grace and panache as rock n’ roll missionaries The Ruddy Ruckus.
Recovering from the fatal blow of a cancelled national tour in 2020, Hamilton natives The Ruddy Ruckus have been keeping busy penning new songs in the contemporary stadium rock tradition that has come to define their sound. New EP “Hell On Earth” represents the band’s embrace of the darkness that has altered and defined the course of their lives featuring four songs soaked in melodrama, overdrive and tender revolution.
Starting out as a folk-punk alter ego for frontman Rob Brown, the Ruckus has evolved into arena rock troubadours with the gradual additions of lead guitar player Jackson Dorie, bassist Giordano Modesto and drummer Patrick Brown. Drawing from influences such as Green Day and Big Wreck their sound could be described as a refreshing take on garage rock, the kind of sound you’d want to hear in dingy dive bars and sold out amplitheatres.
In anticipation of the soon-to-be-released album, Messages from Aphrodite, Lauren Monroe releases “Void of Course” on August 5, 2022. The album, produced by Jim Scott and Monroe, will follow on September 9.
The smoldering “Void of Course,” one of the hardest-hitting tracks on Messages from Aphrodite, is powered by Allmans-style double drumming from Rick Allen (Def Leppard) and Beth Goodfellow (Iron and Wine, Allison Russell) and topped off by Monroe’s urgent vocals. The track derives its Physical Graffiti-like exoticism from the droning of a djembe played by Monroe, further deepened by the bowed cello and upright bass of Steve Uccello (Latin Jazz Collective, Dayan Kai) and lightning-flash guitar riffs of Tyler Bryant (Larkin Poe). These sounds deepen the mood of the astrology-inspired lyric—“void of course” is a term that refers to the moon’s transition away from one planet and toward another, functioning as a metaphor for disconnection.
“This song is an expression of anger, fear, desperation and knowing what can heal you but choosing the opposite,” Monroe says. “A pattern of our soul choosing self-love but not being strong enough to stay the course alone.” One of the most rock-based songs on the album, it offers listeners a different side of Monroe, whose previous offerings have leaned more towards Americana and roots/folk.
Based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, recording and performing artist Chudi Harris has taken his distinct sound and live performance experience around Atlantic and Central Canada. With multiple EPs, singles and collaborations to his credit, this Alternative RnB artist and singer-songwriter is poised to make a giant leap into the Canadian music landscape. Highlights of his young career include opening for Rich Aucoin, Born Ruffians, Weaves and Lowell and collaborations with Aquakulture, T. Thomason, Ghettosocks, and Tachichi. Chudi has also had feature performances and coverage from Exclaim! Magazine, TD Jazz Festival, CBC, CTV, Red Bull Radio, The Chronicle Herald and The Coast.
ndependently, The MDz YouTube channel has gained a total of 9.5 million views. Over the years, The MDz has helped put out 15 albums/mixtapes & he’s collaborated with over 100 artists. Currently residing in Los Angeles CA, The MDz (short for Multi Dimensionz) is an American recording artist, producer, engineer who has taken 1st place in music competitions and gained attention from his live performances. The MDz has been an opening act for big names as he uses poetic lyrical delivery & hypnotic harmonious melodies that paints pictures capturing the imagination taking you on a multidimensional musical journey.
Powered by his motto “Through Music, I Live Forever”, he released multiple albums/singles on all music platforms that touched the hearts of people all across the world. He continues to gain millions of views on videos and thousands of subscribers on his YouTube channel. Since The MDz is also a producer & engineer, he spends time on helping other artists get to the next level in their careers.
The MDz released his new album called Multi Dimensionz this summer.
Recording artist Sean Kiez shares a glimpse of the harsh realities of his childhood in “Bag Full of Wishes”. The lyrics prove that intrinsic motivation and undying hope helped Kiez overcome his struggles during his youth.
The Raphael RJ2 produced track delivers a timeless hip hop vibe accompanied by Kiez’s impassioned wordplay. The intensity of the church bells and organs takes him back to a time when he didn’t know what his future looked like.
The emotional track serves as a solemn reflection about his roots, highlighting that he takes pride in his history not defining his future. His wishes surely kept him going.
In fact, the quintessential hustler reminds everyone why his well-documented recitation of past experiences propelled him to grind harder to achieve his dreams. The track demonstrates that he’s in the driver’s seat of his life, fueled by limitless ambition. Additionally, Sean Kiez’s last release “Can’t Stop Tippin” is currently on radio in several markets.
Recently, Sean Kiez celebrated his feature on Death Row Records’ latest project: Death Row Off Lockdown Mixtape Vol. 1. Afterlegendary rapper Snoop Dogg acquired the label, he has made strategic efforts to revolutionize its catalog. As Kiez continues to build on his momentum as a heavy hitter in the industry, he understands how music can greatly impact society.
“The real life experiences from this record shaped who I am and why I move the way I move today,” Sean Kiez said.
Following this week’s surprise announcement of her highly-anticipated single “Cum Yah,” Jamaican American artist Tosh Alexander delivers the tantalizing new track, one day before Jamaica’s Independence Day, available today to purchase and stream HERE.
No stranger to releasing music excellence that fuses her cultural roots as a Brooklyn-born native raised in Jamaica and Florida, Tosh Alexander’s latest release dominates with appeal to all. The Pop artist, who over the years has grown a strong following within several genres from Dancehall to R&B, channels her Caribbean essence just in time for the peak of Summer.
The Jamaican sensation captivates listeners with a chant-like hook on the JonFX (Vybz Kartel, Shabba Ranks, XXXTentacion) produced track and reels-in attention upon first listen. “My time tuh drive di boat, mi ah di captain” — a lyric taken from the release stands as a pledge that she delivers on.
pop-R&B artist Jaeden Zoe makes her musical debut with the romantic single, “What is Love,” the first track from the songwriter’s upcoming debut album, scheduled to be released this Fall.
Inspired by love songs from both past and present, the Houston-based songwriter penned “What Is Love,” a velvety track about the many delicate layers of falling in love.
No stranger to entertaining and performing, the Brooklyn native spent her childhood captivating audiences with her poetry and dancing. As a member of Ingersol Dance Troupe, Zoe graced the iconic Apollo Theatre stage, placing first during one of her many appearances at the famed venue. After relocating from New York City to Los Angeles, Zoe appeared on several reality television shows, including BET’s Chasing Destiny, a talent styled docuseries with chart-topping singer/actress Kelly Rowland at its helm.
Xades (pronounced shades) is the newest creation of the DJ and curator known mostly under MSJY. Whilst MSJY’s DJ sets are known for their heavy bass drip and bouncy rhythmic darkness, Xades is an ode to the sweet latina soul hidden underneath the tiny powerhouse bouncing behind the booth. Whilst it is certainly new to hear the voice behind the sound, MSJY has been spreading her music all over the world for more than 8 years.
By using it as a portal to connect to people and interact with her surroundings, she enjoys exploring its various soundscapes with a sharp mind, sensitive ear and dedicated heart. The Dekmantel affiliated selector as well as a former resident at Amsterdam‘s De School, Groningen’s OOST and Berlin‘s Griessmuehle is known for thought- and playful sets that dig into bass and breaks adding dashes of her passed influences of trip-hop and IDM. As Xades, Jenny explores her voice and songwriting, extending her tentacles into different genres, serving a vulnerable exploration that transitions smoothly from dub, downtempo electronica and contemporary R&B. Her multiplicitous musical and cultural roots (Brazilian mother, Argentinian father, Swiss passport) seep through all the versatile layers of her sound.
A garage groove with both organic instrumentation and spaced out synths meets post-pandemic lockdown poetry by Berlin-based singer-songwriter Xades. The playful energy of the track pays homage to her multi-genre background.
Thanks to Swiss techno and bass trio Atrice the Caribbean vibe of Xades’ “Locked In” is taken underwater. This deconstructed club remix hits heavy. Glitchy but crystal clear sound design plays with the claustrophobic theme of the original tune. Atrice are Lino Schilling and Pablo Chacon-Pino, two composers, sound designers and artists from Zurich. The pairing creates a truly sonic sensation, one that is set to soar in coming months!
The follow-up to 2020’s critically acclaimed ‘Thirteen Dances’, the NYC saxophonist, technologist, dancer and composer returns with a radiant, radical new release.
Comprising 11 songs of his pioneering brand of cosmic jazz, Butler delivers a concept album of maverick instrumentals tied together by a cryptic central protagonist known only as ‘The Sunbather’. As Butler explains:
“The Sunbather does not soak in the sun, he lays in a bath of noise. The Sunbather is a dance, a film, a song, a person. He is me, of me, and not me at all.”
From songs that come alive in the heat of the noonday sun, to those that shiver in the shadows of its diminishing form; Butler delivers a record of extraordinary texture and blinding musicianship, with counterparts that revolve, change and respond with a mesmeric elegance.
Like its predecessor, ‘Thirteen Dances’, all of the songs on ‘The Sunbather’ were performed by Butler in single takes using just a tenor saxophone, a handful of electronic devices, breathing techniques, and body movement (with the exception of “It’s Fine” – which was performed on a Korg Prologue). All of the music was also performed live with no edits, no overdubs, no samples, no loops, and no pre-recorded materials.
Lisabel is a contemporary artist, forming a melodious blend of soul, jazz and pop to create her individualistic soundscape. The Italian born, London based singer-songwriter has become quite the globetrotter having studied in various music schools around the world, infusing her music with a rich musical heritage that shines bright.
Her latest single “Flor de Louis” is a pop/dance/funk track filled with synth pads, arpeggiators, synth leads, powerful grooves, vocal harmonies and a funky bass. Like most music that Lisabel has written and produced together with her long term collaborator Nikola Kovačević, a London based pianist, producer and mixing engineer, the song takes the listener onto an unpredictable journey made of distinctive structural sections that have the power to convey different moods and to surprise the listener.
“Flor de Louis” is about Lisabel’s relationship and bond with her brother, she shares, “I wrote the song a few years ago when I was boarding a plane to go back to London after spending time with my family in Italy. I always had a strong bond with my brother, we inspire each other to grow in our respective careers and lives in a way that to me is very special and unique. It’s hard to live in different countries but we are always connected even when we’re far.”
Lyrically, Lisabel chose to use the metaphor of the Flor de Louis usually known as ‘Flor de Lis’ to describe the colourful aura that her brother emanates. She explains, “I really like the musicality that lives in the phrase ‘Flor de Lis’ and as I researched the history of the term out I found out that in the 13th/14th century it was used by the French Monarchs as their coats of arms and it was often referred to ‘Fleur de Louis’ being that the term was coined by the French Kings. This discovery inspired me even more to write a story that could be perceived as a dedication to a person, as well as a more ‘abstract’ story.”
indie-rock trio Goldpark — the project of Nashville-based musicians Wes Hunter (vocals), Andrew Smith (guitar) and Kyle Neblett (drums) — return with their new single, “I Guess It’s Never Enough.”
Following recent singles like “Covered in Sunshine” and “Lady Lightyear,” “I Guess It’s Never Enough” is another catchy rock tune that oozes rock & roll attitude. Atop grooving instrumentation, Wes’ euphoric vocals deliver lyrics about rising above gossip and betrayal. “No one likes to be talked about. Especially when it’s all lies,” Wes writes.
Goldpark released their debut EP, ‘Goldpark One,’ in August 2021 on Hazel Street Records. Now, after nearly a year of touring around the US with a mix of solo shows, support gigs and festival slots, the trio are ready to share a whole new collection of songs. “[This EP] is special for so many reasons,” they remark. “We had the right songs, the right producer, and the right spirit. This body of work is the best representation of who we are and where we are going. We hope this EP makes people smile.”
London-via-Paris alt-rock trio A VOID return with “5102”, a gripping slice of glam-tinged grunge.
LISTEN HERE || WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Taken from their awaited second album ‘Dissociation’, due 9 September, the discordant new track blends clear and clamouring vocals with steady guitar lines and shadowy drum beats reminiscent of the grunge greats.
Drawing influence from the likes of Hole, Silver Chair, and Babes In Toyland, “5102” sees A VOID craft a sound that pays homage to the past while simultaneously making a hell-for-leather run toward the future.
Seesawing between calmer moments of melancholy and more emotive explosions of throbbing instrumentals and turbulent riffs, the track is rhythmic and riled-up in equal measure. Vocalist Camille Alexander explains:
“”5102” is a sombre grunge track starting with dissonant guitars that slowly progress into a deep emotional outburst. A swim in the moonlight ending in a mermaid attack. The track’s mysterious name is ‘2015’ backwards: the year it was written, long before it was recorded. It’s about womanhood, using the metaphor of witches who have been stripped of their powers and their magic.”
Indie pop singer-songwriter Sam Short is thrilled to release her new single “Naked” alongside the track’s official music video currently featured on Wonderland Magazine.
Sam says, “‘Naked” is essentially an ode to self-love and sensuality. It encompasses all of what it means to not only be independent, but to be empowered as a female in today’s world. I wrote the song in an effort to help myself recover from a tumultuous break-up, and I hope it helps others do the same.”
A prolific songwriter, Sam Short debuted her solo artist project earlier this year, after a snippet of the track “Already Mine” experience viral success on TikTok garnering her over 10M views, 310K total followers, 13M total likes). Upon its official release to DSPs, the track landed a number of major editorial playlists including New Music Friday, Pop Sauce, Get Popped!, Breaking Pop, New in Pop, and more. “Naked” comes on the heels of “Already Mine” with a third track “Taste It” in the wings, both also having achieved level of vitality on social platforms TikTok and Instagram with over 5M total views to date.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Sam currently has songs on hold with A-list artists such as Katy Perry, Fletcher, Shakira and NOTD.
Alternative Pop/Rock duo Evaride are thrilled to release their new single “Vertigo” that is out now along with the lyric video that can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CZMODgrDm4.
The duo says, “’Vertigo’ is a brand new sonic direction and sound for us, this is the first release for us since before the pandemic started. ‘Vertigo’ is all about the ups and downs of a relationship and life. We have all been through a lot over the past couple years and I know at points we’ve felt like we are spinning out of control.”
“Vertigo” is the bands next single coming off their 2021 sync for their song Warrior which was placed as a theme song for the 2021 Tokyo summer Olympics, NBC “World of Dance”, NBC “Titan Games”, and more. Vertigo is an anthemic/energetic song which will be pushed with a larger campaign for future sync, tv performances, radio, and tik tok campaigns.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
