Photo by Jason Quigley
Portland modern jazz ensemble Blue Cranes has long established itself as a forward-thinking entity. The quintet, made up of Reed Wallsmith on alto saxophone, Joe Cunningham on tenor saxophone, Rebecca Sanborn on keyboards, Jon Shaw on bass, and Ji Tanzer on drums, is steeped in the history and sound of the artists that came before them, but too excitable and creative to simply replicate the past. Blue Cranes wants to explore.
That idea has never felt more true than with the group’s fifth and most ambitious album to date: Voices. For the first time, the band chose to record a suite of songs in collaboration with vocalists. Calling on an array of friends and artists that they have long admired—all with connections to the band’s hometown of Portland, Oregon—Blue Cranes sought to bring new energy to their work.
“We wanted to push ourselves and our collaborators into unfamiliar territory,” says co-founder Reed Wallsmith. “It is very much a Blue Cranes album at heart, written and performed in the spirit of collaboration and discovery.”
Making her highly-anticipated return to Monstercat today, Vancouver’s beloved DJ and producer WHIPPED CREAM has teamed up with rising artist Jimorrow for her first original single this year, “Light of Mine.” Upon taking some downtime to find her inner-light and achieve her best self, WHIPPED CREAM is back and feeling more empowered than ever. Arriving soon, the “Light of Mine” music video produced by INFAKTcreative follows her animated character as she illuminates the darkness and defeats the shadow people with her shining beacon of self-confidence. A strength she came to embrace more recently, WHIPPED CREAM hopes the message will inspire listeners to never doubt themselves and let their light shine too.
WHIPPED CREAM shares, “‘Light of Mine’ is a song that resonates with me fully. The meaning behind the lyrics, “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine,” is just something I think we all need to understand. We are all born with this light, it’s just a matter of time until it shines. We all have something to offer and at the right time, the light will find its way out of us and into the universe. Keep the light shining!”
Jimorrow adds, “When Caroline first reached out to me with the idea for “Light of Mine,” she told me it had potential to become a huge, empowering anthem, and I agreed. After six months of working on it, I am grateful I was able to help bring her vision to life. It has been such an enlightening experience making this record, so I’m hoping it can bring a little light to everyone that listens to it.“
Over the last decade, WHIPPED CREAM has seen a transformational journey from a professional ice skater training for the Olympics, to a globally renowned producer playing the world’s biggest events including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, EDC, and more. Her genre-bending productions fusing rap and electronic have garnered massive collabs with the likes of Lil Xan, Jasiah, and Babygoth, as well as support from heavyweights like Alison Wonderland, Diplo, and ZHU. With “Light of Mine” ushering in a brilliant taste of what’s to come, fans can look forward to experiencing WHIPPED CREAM live at Audiotistic in San Diego and EDC Orlando next month.
Tyrone releases the video to his Summer anthem ‘Do What I Wanna Do’ a remix of club classic ‘The Rhythm Of The Night’, bringing his own rap style to the iconic 90’s track, fusing elements of house and soul with UK rap keeping the vibes high before the season ends.
Tyrone is a British rapper and influencer who is flying the flag for Southampton. Making a music debut in 2019 with ‘Told Them Already’ which gained traction across the UK Rap scene. From here Tyrone has grown on each single release with notable tracks such as ‘Get Gassed’ with over 3 million streams on Spotify alone. His musical progression has been huge but that is not all, Tyrone has amassed a global social media presence of over 500,000 fans due to his raw personality as well as his feel-good tunes.
A delicate mix of locations for the music video including a superb country estate mansion. Possessing a very British feel, with Tyrone driving around the streets of England doing exactly what he wants to do. Whether that is playing tennis, dressing up in top attire or vibing in a closed mall at night, it’s an appropriate counterpart to the club anthem.
It is hard to go wrong with such an iconic sample, but what Tyrone has done is pull it into current times. A contemporary adaptation of the track, which sees a soul, house and rap fusion. Solid verses by the lyricist as he opens by saying “I feel like I’m free from lockdown”, exercising his elaborate flows. The chorus is blessed by corona’s ‘Rhythm Of The Night’ sample alongside a separate bridge section brought by Tyrone. The instrumental is heavily supported by a new rolling piano providing a whole melodic rhythm.
Part of a ‘New Dance Revolution’ after a smash hit with Nathan Dawe and Bad Boy Chiller Crew and their track ‘Free’. He’s been playlisted across Spotify’s editorial playlists such as ‘Massive Dance Hits’, ‘The Bop List’ and ‘Party Shutdown’, becoming known as one of the most exhilarating artist/influencers in the UK at the moment. At this current rate, we all know where he’s going and that’s to the top
As the summer draws to a close, East London’s break-through act TiZ EAST is determined to end it on a bang; calling on the likes of BOJ and hit-maker Donae’O, they’ve created the ultimate wheel-up worthy riddim!
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: TIZ EAST FT BOJ & DONAE’O – ‘HELLO’Knocking those fall blues away, ‘Hello’ encapsulates his African roots with no trouble. Welcomed with an energized and percussive production courtesy of Bayoz Muzik, who also lends his vocals to the hook, TiZ EAST bursts through with his hard-hitting verse. Continuing to boast his versatility and authentic flare, he uses this release to display his money-making schemes, and fun-filled spirit. The assisting verses from both BOJ and Donae’O play into the strength of the track as their passion, fire, and spirit collide in one vibrant delivery. Infusing elements of Amapiano and Trap in one sound, ‘Hello’ is a swift trip from London to Lagos!
Gina Naomi Baez is an actress, singer/songwriter, YouTuber and influencer from New York City. With a flourishing acting career having landed roles in Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, Orange is the New Black and numerous Off-Broadway and Regional theatrical productions, Baez has been a name on everyone’s radar. However, her love and passion for songwriting and music has always been the true driving force behind her creativity, with the artist using her platform to spread messages of positivity. Pushing boundaries and defying genres, Baez’s music beautifully blends pop, country and folk, creating a sound reminiscent of Sia meets Taylor Swift.
The title track “My Time” is the ultimate power ballad, providing a beacon of light and declaring words of wisdom. Dubbing this song as a pep talk to herself, the single was written following a period of intense self-doubt and low confidence. Embodying the strength of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, (one of her inspirations for the single, “My Time”) is no short of powerful. Written and produced alongside Matthew Tryba (Taylor Swift, One Republic, Ariana Grande), the song enters with a delayed vocal distortion giving off 1989 Taylor Swift-esque energy.
Her track “Liquor Love” narrates the need to wean toxicity out of your life. Taking inspiration from the likes of Adele and Lorde, Baez draws on alt-pop touches making her music fresh and zesty with a sharper punch to her shimmering vocals. With a pop sensibility, the contrasting dark and light of the production relays the feeling of being weighed down by addiction, whilst also grazing over the beauty of freedom by accepting your situation and healing.
Her latest single “UNIQUEorn” is a feel-good, uplifting, sugary sweet track certain to pull you out of any funk. Inspired by the movie Funny Girl, the single is about embracing your uniqueness, aimed to erase any self-doubt or insecurities. Oozing positive vibes and reminding you that you’re amazing the way you are, the glittery pop song is reminiscent of Charli XCX meets Meghan Trainor. Shimmering with colorful melodies, sparkling synths and metaphorical lyrics, “UNIQUEorn” allows you to reconnect with your carefree, inner-child.
Baez has also seen great success with her YouTube channel which has built an impressive following. Her infamous “Lizzo’s Truth Hurts x Hocus Pocus” parody music video went viral after LIZZO herself reposted it, as well as Bette Midler. The channel features creative, unique original music videos, covers and parodies of popular songs and has garnered worldwide recognition from the likes of PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, The Huffington Post, MTV, Perez Hilton, FOX, E! ONLINE, Ryan Seacrest, Yahoo News!, Stylist and much more! Baez has also just landed a co-star role in the CBS TV show, FBI! Propelling in all areas of the industry, Baez is clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Another product of the Tik Tok world, NDotz is here to deliver his highly anticipated single ‘Check’, following its hype on the social media platform. After expanding into the world of music, ‘Check’ offers an infectious chorus like no other, partnered with a top visual production.
The adolescent teenager represents North London and an Angolan heritage. Entering the scene as a dancer back in 2018 on Russ Millions smash hit ‘Gun Lean’, he then went on to tour with the artist before creating his own music where we are today. Previewing the song ‘Check’ this year caused NDotz to amass 122k followers on Tik Tok, 4 million likes and even saw the likes of Fredo doing the challenge on the platform. This viral track caught the eye of David Sonubi, the founder and day to day runner of No Signal. Forming his own label Seven Twenty Records to embark on his next venture with Ndotz’s ‘Check’ being the first of many releases to come.
A fun instrumental with melodic but rhythmic guitar teamed up with a strong groove from the drums and 808s, with top verses from the young rapper who dances over the beat in stellar harmony but with his own flows. The term ‘catchy chorus’ has never been so relevant and explains why the track went viral before it even came out. “Has she got a smile, check, eyes, check” rings around in the chorus bridge as NDotz portrays his cheeky side to the listener.
With all the videos and dances created on the Tik Tok platform from the original snippet, it was evident they had to do a video to illustrate this tracks danceability. Filmed in the urban areas of London, Ndotz is joined by many of his friends as they show just how entertaining this track is and brings across the mischievous character of the artist.
Setting out his journey on YouTube where he gained 32k subscribers in the first year, the hungry teenager wanted to diversify and grow further. He wanted to exercise his talent in music and that is exactly what we are seeing with ‘Check’. Considering the track was viral before this release, there is no limit to how far this track could go.
ABISHA is hitting our playlists again this Thursday, October 7th with another reimagined version of “If You Were Mine” from Brooklyn artist Talia Goddess. It is the second installment of the all-female artists remix package that ABISHA announced last week along with the release of the first remix by British House legend DJ Paulette. The package arrives ahead of ABISHA’s upcoming new music, which she’ll be sharing in November.
LISTEN TO “IF YOU WERE MINE” TALIA GODDESS REMIX
Bringing her creative vision to ABISHA’s “If You Were Mine”, Talia Goddess takes an invigorating trajectory that makes it the perfect dancefloor banger. Co-signed by the likes of A$AP Ferg, Talia Goddess is a multi-hyphenated artist, DJ, model, producer, entrepreneur, and community leader. She has worked with global brands such as Converse, Tommy Hilfiger, MCM, and publications like Vogue, Refinery29, i-D, etc. As a queer artist and businesswoman, Talia Goddess is known for using her work and platform to create a safe, inclusive space for the queer, black community.
On collaborating on this project, Talia Goddess shares; “When I first heard the original I thought it had a cool groove that felt airy and light. I wanted to add a more driven energy that played off the rhythm, more get-off-your feet feel. I’m really happy that I got to reimagine the song it was a dope experience”
ABISHA adds; “I’ve been keeping my eye on Talia Goddess for a while, I love what she’s got going on in Brooklyn, definitely the face of the future! It’s so amazing she collaborated with me for a remix of ‘If You Were Mine’. She really bought an Underground Chicago house vibe which works so well”
photo credit: Anisha Sisodia
Avant-garde artist Teddi Gold unveils “Popcorn” alongside the release of her new EP entitled Vol. 2—the latest collection of her bold and bright dance-inducing tracks that help you shake out all the bad vibes. The production palette is filled with deep bass, sharp percussion, and a foley of sound bites that come together to form the interstellar essence of Teddi Gold. As a follow up to her 2019 debut EP Vol. 1, this project continues to be an ongoing autobiographical diary entry of self-discovery that is stitched into catchy and cathartic dance-pop. With uplifting messages of self-love, growth, and positivity, it’s an exhilarating 6-track exploration into the undeniable pop sensibilities of one of the most exciting rising talents today.
Speaking on the EP, Teddi Gold says, “On Vol. 2 you will hear about wanting to have fun for the summer, you will hear about leaving your problems on the dance floor, you will hear about how love transcends materialism, you will hear about wanting to be a good friend, you will hear me encouraging you to follow your own dreams, and you will hear about not letting the haters bring you down.” On the EP title, she explains, “I call them volumes because they are collections of songs that are autobiographical in nature and it implies that there is more to come. I also like the idea of volumes because much like self discovery, it never really ends, it just keeps getting deeper.”
ashville-based singer and songwriter Jeffrey James announces his new EP, ‘Songs I Found in the Year I Lost,’ set to release on October 15th. Pulling from a mix of new collaborations, forgotten demos, and previously unreleased songs, ‘Songs I Found in the Year I Lost’ is a melodically sophisticated collection of 5 tracks that showcase Jeffrey’s rich vocals, narrative-driven lyricism, and cinematic instrumentation.Explaining how the EP came about, Jeffrey writes, “2020 by all accounts should have been a big year for me. I released my ‘East London’ EP and featured on NBC’s Songland. However, instead of touring and promoting my new music, I (like everyone else) was forced to stay home, with nothing to do but sit in my studio, work, and think.” Gripped by restlessness while suddenly housebound at the start of the pandemic, Jeffrey escaped into writing, creating and working remotely with collaborators spanning LA, London and Nashville. Out of those sessions came “Sober,” “Making It Up” and “Small Talk.”
Japanese-American artist, Caelan Moriarty, from the international group INTERSECTION has released the global version of his first solo single “Forever With You”. This single is a bittersweet love song and serves as a teaser for the beginning of Caelan’s future global promotions.
“This song is for vibing out, jamming, singing along, and partying. This song is a great song for when you drive on the road and just want to bop your head through something. I hope the people who can relate to the lyrics can also sing out with their full heart as much as I did. I want to say a special thank you to the songwriters and everyone who has helped with this song. There was a lot of hard work put into this. I hope everyone can have fun with this song.” – CAELAN
This synthwave-style track “Forever With You” was produced and written by Grammy-nominee producer J.Que (Bella Poarch’s “Build a Bitch”), David Arkwright, Kinderr, and Theo Ross Rosenthal. Caelan also participated in the songwriting of the single as well as designed the cover art, showing yet another side of his artistry. The release of the global single, comes with a release of the global music video which features Caelan representing a boy character who is struggling with the self-identifying growing pains of becoming a man, and eventually figuring himself out and embarking on a new life journey.
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