Posts

Showing posts from June, 2021

Y-S - Members Only

Image
       Cleveland, Ohio based artist "Y-S" has released a new single titled "Members Only" Right from the get-go, your feet will be tapping to the catchy sound of this new track,. Following a relaxed trap beat, Y-S’ s buttery smooth vocals paint a narrative so endearing you’re hooked from the first second. The rhythm of the song, though, not overly complexed, has a groove so strong it cements itself in your bones forcing you to sway alongside its infectious sound. The production of the track has an integral part to play in its sound, making the flow of the music feel smooth on a whole other level. Most music nowadays does have a respectable level of production but to get a track that highlights its sound in an aesthetically pleasing style in addition to its incredible composition is a real treat. Both the rhythms of the vocal phrasing and the keys used stray far from the simple shores of pop, and other common genres, creating an enticing level of curiosity around th...

Nora Lilith

Image
  Nora Lilith is taking a DIY approach to her music— writing, producing, and mixing everything herself. Her eclectic, mostly genre-less, sound is a compound of various lo-fi electronic tones ranging from experimental bedroom pop style beats to house, r&b and jazz. While she has been singing her whole life, she started teaching herself how to use Ableton merely two years ago. She seeks to truly embrace her naiveté in the field with her unconventional production and writing process— often using found sounds and her own voice to create instrumentation and textured soundscapes. Having grown up with one foot in Berlin, Germany and another in Austin, TX, Nora reflects the movement and disparate nature of her own life onto her music. She draws inspiration from her given name and its connection to mythology, as the character Lilith in Jewish/ Mesopotamian folklore stands to offer a sense of strength in darkness and idiosyncratic liberation. By embracing the symbol of Lilith, Nora seeks...

Nora Lilith - Misfed

Image
  Introducing the brooding, evocative and intimate new single - ‘Misfed’  by Nora Lilith                                                  Instagram || Youtube || Twitter || Spotify  Exuding an exquisite, ethereal and alluring darkness ‘Misfed’ is the alternative, genre-less new single from recent Majestic Casual signee Nora Lilith. Singer, songwriter, mixer and producer, Nora prepares to re-emerge for a run of exciting releases with ‘Misfed’ being the perfect introduction to an entirely new era for this mysterious, intriguing female artist. Limitless in her creativity and her DIY nature, Nora Lilith’s sound captures various lo-fi electronic ambiences as she explores the cracks and crevases of experimental bedroom style beats, house, R&B and Jazz. Unusual, delicate, yet utterly beautiful with this initial offering Nora invites you to delve dee...

Etana - Pamoja

Image
  Modern Reggae artist "Etana" has released an aweinspiring  1 hour album titled "Pamoja" After the ambient, calming, spoken word intro.. The album begins with "Legacy" This track features a wide variety of instrumental styles and it doesn't fail to show the artist's maturation, laced with clever lyricism, an addictive chorus, and upbeat traditional drum beats. The wit and care put into the love driven lyrics makes it uniquely raw and organic. A featured artist is "Naiboi", when his vocals are introduced, you cannot help but bop your head and groove along to the harmonic, smooth tones.  The next track, Melanin , along with it's catchy music, is really meaningful, full of life and emotion. "Black is beautiful"  - these words add a message to the track, and album, bringing people together.  It really hits us with wave after wave of tranquillity and happiness. The lyrics are truly off-the-tongue, fast paced and shows off the ...

Neutron Mendoza - Traffic feat. Jose Guapo

Image
  Atlanta based artist "Neutron Mendoza" has released a new track called "Traffic" , alongside an cinematic official music video. The visual, directed by Jordan Woods, will immediately draw you in with it's mesmerising nature. Now on to the music.. Beginning with ambient, haunting, immersive piano licks, it will leave you on the edge of the seat waiting for the vocals to be introduced. Some elements of the backbeat are quite simplistic, yet intriguing, as this is to give way to some incredible smooth vocals, and off-the-tongue lyrics. Layered over the top are spoken vocal breaks to cleverly chop up the rap sections. It seems to take inspiration from many genres, including a mix of modern rap, and nostalgic hiphop music.. The track has a calming, tranquil style of instrumentation, but the track still manages to hold a high amount of power and structure throughout. Another way to put this would be that it's a record which packs a punch whilst simultaneously m...

Comatose Shadowboy - Not Afraid Anymore

Image
  Beginning with a haunting, ambient introduction, Comatose Silhouette Shadowboy releases "Not Afraid Anymore"  The first thing that will really take you back is the meaningful, reassuring lyrics, saying worthwhile messages such as "I'm afraid no more, I will hide no more"... They work perfectly alongside the structured, constantly changing backing beat. The rhythmic lyrics hit beat by beat, instilling the message of the track in your head, intriguing you, compelling you and drawing you in until you're on the edge of your seat, grooving along, to the worthwhile record. Instrumentally, the track is made all the more significant, and highly illustrative, like many of Comatose's tracks, it's cinematic, deep, creates images and conjures up your own interpretation of the lyrics in your own mind. "Not afraid of the dark anymore" - an aweinspiring, powerful track. Check it out here Comatose Shadowboy · Not Afraid Anymore

Niels H - Better Alone

Image
  Belgian musician "Niels H" has released a brand new 40 minute album titled "Orange Purple Skies" Ft. Katie Johnson, Joey Howard. The album begins with "Better Alone" An action-packed piece of art, "Better Alone" is the perfect introduction track to the album. Displaying a strong, stable structure within the mood changes brought by the heavy, distorted guitar and fast switches to light hearted styles. The smooth vocals are sometimes a little hidden behind the instrumentation, however this doesn't take anything away from it's glory. The track smoothly transitions into "All You've Got" Musically, this song feels like something from an early Arctic Monkeys album, with fast paced electric guitar and heavy percussion creating a perfect early 2000's Indie Rock soundscape. The vocals hold a jazzy, bluesy feel, proving the artist's willingness to experiment with different styles and genres, and creating a unique sound by...

MadLeo - Reminisce

Image
  MadLeo is a singer-songwriter whose journey began back in 2019 when she first released a series of bubblegum pop songs under her real name, “Aprilann.” Since then, she’s been on a mission to find her artist voice, and while in isolation, realized she’s not the artist she once thought she should be. After a year of musical self-discovery, MadLeo emerges with her first single of 2021, “Reminisce.” The spellbinding downtempo ballad reflects on the dormant emotions living in her subconscious. Reminisce was co-written and produced by UK producer Harry James , along with fellow UK rising artist and friend, Katie Sky. The trio finished writing and recording the song after locking themselves in Strongroom Music Studios in Shoreditch London, for 16 hours. The accompanying music video for Reminisce is dropping on July 9. Currently, MadLeo is shooting a live cover series for YouTube and streaming platforms, where she’ll pay homage to artists ranging from Lana Del Rey to Gorillaz , perf...

Fabion 305 - Addict

Image
  Hailing from Miami, Florida, Fabion 305 releases "Addict" . The new track holds the tightness and quality of an fully established artist, topped up with the experimentalism and excitement of one who are just finding their way, and whatever is to come next will almost surely be just as impressive, if not better. To say this is Fabion 305's 3rd released track, it is incredibly impressive. He has played around with all the intricate elements that make up this complex sound, and now he is ready to release it to the world, and this track is undeniably admirable. Mixing rap with synth-pop and other modern styles, the release showcases Fabion 305's glistening, vibrant personality. Refusing to be fully labelled or stereotyped, this enchanting song finds its place in the industry with ease, yet comes across slightly as an outcast. That’s never a bad thing, of course and states that ‘Addict’ is a unique, original, one of a kind track. The rhythmic lyrics are emitted perfectl...

Tripocules, Dame1, Rich Kenny - Little

Image
  Amsterdam based DJ Tripocules , has collaborated once again with 2 UK rappers, " Rich Kenny and Dame1 " to create a new magic masterpiece of music. An Ibiza Party is written all over this track. When you listen to it you can basically feel the heat hitting your sun cream-drenched head. Even if you don’t plan on listening to the track, I wouldn’t be surprised if you heard it at some point in a club over these next few months. The track features some catchy rap vocal hooks that are supported by a strong and upbeat Dance/EDM mix. It’s the perfect recipe for a song that is fit for the clubs over the next few summer months. The track follows suit and travels in a similar direction and structure, which is well thought out and planned, staying well within the boundaries of safe dance pop. The track itself feels very tidy and polished, which when paired with impressive vocal inflections and commanding stance, creates a clean, aesthetic, modern, funky sound.  Check it out here! And...

Nicole Mariee - breaking the rules

Image
  Dallas based artist "Nicole Mariee" releases  "Breaking The Rules" . This latest single provides us with a sweet taste of everything, there is a wide range of styles in this dish of uniqueness and experimentation. As tasteful as the title itself, the opening of this track certainly has the power to tickle your taste buds. Coming in at full swing, the first thing to bless your ears is the fierce strikes omitted from the smooth vocals. And then swiftly followed by the soft thuds of percussion, it is not long before an upbeat melody is served up before you. Likewise, the piano ripples through each note and each beat, instantly providing your body with an excuse to get up and move. I must admit, it’s very promising and intriguing.   It shows maturation, laced with clever lyricism, addictive rhythms and harmonies to top it off. Compact sky high with head-turning licks and soul pumping rhythms, you’ll be left reaching for the repeat button after being blessed with this ...

Mikem Nahmir - From The Inside Out

Image
  Mikem Nahmir is a 24 year old rapper/skateboarder from Long Beach, California. After the devastating loss of his grandmother, and a hiatus from music, Mikem Nahmir is back with a 10 track album project titled "FROM THE INSIDE OUT " TRACK LIST: Side A: Intro Blasphemee Lette Jamal Mashbum Battle of Lost Angeles Side C: Izetreel bob. e. brown my niggaz 4damoney outro  The album perfectly endorses the feelings of Nahmir, as he copes with depression and other issues through his incredible music. From The Inside Out revolves around themes of gang violence in Long Beach, it features clips of TV Interviews and clips associated with gang culture - It's a semantic field of lyrical genius. It interestingly tells the story of the lives of many gang members all around the world and is meaningful to identify and emphasise the lives that are lived in some communities. While there are hardships, this project proves that no matter where you come from or what is going on in your head, ...

noelle - Therapy

Image
 Breakout Pop artist noelle shares a window into her emotional journey over the past year with ‘Therapy’         Instagram | Youtube | Facebook | Twitter | Official Website TORONTO, ON — Following a year of uncertainty, burgeoning pop songstress noelle is ready to share her music and songwriting with the world. Highlighting the importance of connection, the upcoming release of ‘Therapy’ marks the first single from noelle’s upcoming debut album (released via Wax Records / Universal Music Canada) that takes listeners on a journey of being there for someone you love through the toughest of times. Oozing with a dreamy softness and a subtle sadness, noelle’s tone is pure, gentle and utterly heavenly. Pouring her heart into every phrase, ‘Therapy’ represents an emotive plea to all those who are close to us. Overflowing with Love, this newest offering carries a sophisticated yet powerfully healing message from the young artist. Prepare to enter an intricate e...

Era'nay - Elevate EP

Image
   Louisville based artist Era'nay has recently released her debut EP, titled "Elevate" The 6 track journey begins with "Waiting For". This girl’s voice is stunning, it's smooth and atmospheric, and it suits the song really well. There is a little bit of reverb and echo effects that add so much depth to the track. The vocals and lyrics are supported really well by the action packed beat and the harmonic, layered vocals add even more to this beautiful and moving song – It's easy to get stuck listening to it on repeat! The next track is "In My Feelings"   ft. Darrin Lee Jr, and T Real. Dipping into the popular modern territory with spacious, fast paced instrumentation, it really sets the scene right from the start with the tranquil introduction. There are lightbulb lyrics throughout and I’m absolutely certain that there will be people who will relate to this.  "Lesson"  . Exploring her love for a unique style of modern songwriting, th...

PsychCloned - Time Skip (Ft. Ryan Jones)

Image
  PsychCloned and Ryan Jones have cut absolutely no corners in securing the catchiness of this single, "Time Skip" making use of every hook, melody and harmony to ensure the tracks memorability and originality won’t go unnoticed. The beginning of this experimental piece of art is introduced with a calming, tranquil guitar and piano launch. The smooth nature of  this is like toying with swirling, dreamy soundscapes and floating, flowing lo-fi sounds. The next section of this action packed song brings you to a whole new musical style.  The electric introduction and smooth, jazzy feel really sets the cinematic scene for an evening at the bar in downtown Manhattan. The drums play a typical on the beat rhythm at first, but they truly pack a seriously powerful punch with each hit. The groove felt throughout the music is incredibly infectious. The song then blossoms into a thicker level of instrumentation, creating a warm, balanced depth to the more impactful, powerful sect...

C4C - Jesus

Image
  Jesse Aymon Dettwiler, most commonly known as C4C, is a multi-instrumentalist composer and music producer. We will be reviewing the bonus track to his new "Folk-Hop" Movement Vol.II.  The meaningful track is titled "Jesus".  Check it out  here . Beginning with a calming, acoustic introduction, it really manages to intrigue the listener and leaves you eager for the vocals to enter. It's a soothing, healing number that has the power to take over the emotions of millions around the world. The music within this beautiful song would provide a nice ambience in a cosy little pub somewhere as the simplistic instrumentation of guitar and harmonica proves to be captivating and gives you a warm, loving feeling. It expresses so much creative individuality from C4C, which somehow manages to give you a togetherness feel with the purposeful, deep lyrics. The song follows it's melodies and compositions perfectly, and it strays far from any typical genre, making it truly o...

Nolan - Antiquitech

Image
  Michigan based artist "Nolan" has released a new ambient album titled "Antiquitech" Music Video For Opening track "Past Reset" here An intense, powerful, modern beat hits hard with its unique sounds, and sells an immediate sense of grandeur with everything layered on top of that. It’s within this beat of rhythmic paced drums and uber stylised electronic flourishes that the album becomes a powerful compilation of tracks. There’s a lot of life and power within the song alone, as drums break out and the synth grows in intensity and range to a final crescendo.  Not following the current mainstream sound of the world, this unique conjure is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re into listening to music that has an experimental nature, this will be right up your street.  It's a record which packs a punch whilst simultaneously maintaining a mellowness throughout. The soft twinkle of synth sounds hum around the echoing vocals to give off a real floatiness to ...

Ina Shai - What Is

Image
  Evocative soulstress Ina Shai returns with passionate and powerful R&B soaked ballad  ‘What Is’ - After a short hiatus, London based Slovenian artist Ina Shai has returned with the sophisticated, soulful and passion inducing love ballad ‘What Is’. Showcasing the pure and ample capabilities of her stunning vocal, she effortlessly swings from soft and sultry R&B to a powerful, soaring, soul-captivating chorus accompanied by a layered gospel choral backing.  With an impressive range to rival even the most seasoned of vocalists, Ina’s blissful tone is simply made for the recording world. Expertly produced with a multitude of varying elements ranging from electronic drums and synths to a more organic sax solo, ‘What Is’ caters to all musical palates. Filled with emotional eloquence, celestial riffs, depth and dynamic, the track rises like the ebb and flow of the tide, laid back yet ever-evolving. The perfect reintroduction to this next wave of music from Ina Shai, p...

Doug Cash - Emotional Treason

Image
  "Doug Cash is a singer, songwriter, musician, producer and President of Pryor 2 What ? Records & Music Publishing. His genre is country pop soul. His new single, Emotional Treason, speaks to self respect, self esteem and striving to be your own best friend." We're reviewing his brand new single - Emotional Treason.  Keeping it simple, ‘Emotional Treason’ only utilises guitar and vocals, showing that sometimes simple yet affective can be the way to go. The song begins with strummed acoustic guitar chords, Though the lead guitar isn’t overly complexed, its playing style suits the overall vibe of the track’s calmness and tranquility. Doug Cash’s vocals display an admirable level of control throughout the track, performing soft and steady vocals that grow with power and harmonies when the music is in need of a boost. In the latter half of the song, the vocals grow with an almighty strength, standing tall above the ambience of the guitars. The whole atmosphere of the tr...

PulsR - A Memory (EP)

Image
  Cologne based artist "PulsR" releases a new 5 track EP - "A Memory". "What are memories? This 5 track EP deals with the darker and scarier side of the human ability to remember. It's about the comfort, memories provide, but also about the self deception coming with them. There's fear, captivity, excess, regret, the question of free will and everything else you want to hear in it. The variety of genres reaches from Industrial/Synthwave sounds to Dark Techno and even some cineastic/Ambient moments." 1. - "Chronophobia"   - I'd describe this 4 minute song as an excellent display of genre fluidity. The song employs a wide, impressive array of instrumental styles that work together to create a sort of "dream sequence" quality. The atmosphere of the introduction track hits you like a Metal brick and cements the foundations of what's to come.  2. - "Erase the Night"   - Dynamically, the track stays rather similar t...

Blake Red - The Cradle

Image
  Writer, producer and instrumentalist, "Blake Red" has released a new ambient single titled "The Cradle". It never gives a moment of downtime and pushes the listener to a sensory overload in the best ways at several points. A standout moment is the big crescendo at the end, wherein there is a lull in the intensity, before an explosion of noise led by powerful guitar riffs, that hit a notes that are so high and for so long it undoubtedly left someone blue in the face! The guitar riffs are complex, fulfilling and truly headbanging! There’s a very intense feel within the music, with every moment packed with something that holds alt rock vibes and then classic rock vibes thrown in there. Right from the get-go there’s a hurculean guitar, a strong lead vocal, and a fast paced, deep. drums thrown in for good measure and originality. You’re met with classic alternate rock drums that do their job in keeping the tight rhythms whilst the guitars go on their loud adventure. I...

Louise Steel - Aura (Rezzonator Remix)

Image
  "Louise Steel's summer single  'Aura'  has been remixed by Derby producer  'Rezzonator'  (Duncan Rose), using electronic synthesizers and beats. The original version can be found on her latest album 'Sideshow', which was released last October. The song centres on themes of connection- the mysterious, unspoken force which brings people together. The undeniable attraction between two people; mind, body and soul." Electronically decorated harmonies reappear proceeding the climax of the track, which sees a volcanic serge of power. The more delicate aspects of the music retreat to make way for animated ‘80s styled synths and an intricate electric rhythm section. Though the music becomes busier and more complex, the layers of its final destination doesn’t feel like it’s at any point excessive or acts as anything more than it needs to be. With the use of gated reverb on selected snare hits, the song nods its head to eighties pop tunes whilst simultaneou...

Bobby Royale - Elevator Music

Image
  Swedish rapgroup " Bobby Royale " have released a new track titled "Elevator Music" There’s a lot of praise to be given to Bobby Royale , for how tightly they can pack in elements to a song without making it just a noise soup. Instead they have a song that is filled with so many sounds that are all distinguishable at each second, and also succeed in delivering their message by not drowning out the lyrics.  The lyrics are rhythmic, upbeat and modern. The ease with which this track flows brings a funky warmth to your heart. You can feel the stresses float away just for a moment, because for that brief moment you’re drawn into the hypnotic tone that runs through the tune.. Towards the end of the track, there is a brief introduction of keyboard sounds or melodica sounds, which replicates the typical "elevator music" one would hear. It's a really unique element and track overall, and has a fun, upbeat sense in it's well rounded delivery.  Blending mod...

Ria Rik - Favourite Track

Image
  Berlin based artist Ria Rik  has released a song called "Favourite Track" Built upon the foundations of a classic, upbeat sunshine bop, comes a new single from this upcoming musician. This new tune is constructed from a joyful, funky chord progression, dreamy piano, and a playful bluesy electric bassline.  Gently mounting across its runtime, it’s a steady and gentle progression. One bolstered by the subtle introduction of its 80's pop feel. The highlight here is most definitely the smooth, jazzy vocals. Airy and ephemeral at first, they strengthen as the track progresses, bolstered in turn by its love driven narrative. The heart-on-sleeve lyricism, the exquisite production and the confidence in stepping outside his typical genres and approach are all worth highlighting. Rich, if not nuanced, "Favourite Track" showcases the artists innate classic pop sensibility almost perfectly. It's easy to imagine her idiosyncratic brand of pop leaving his bedroom and fi...

Dustin Koykas - Destinations

Image
  Dustin Koykas is 28 year old hailing from Northern New Jersey just outside New York. Beginning playing guitar around the age of 14, Dustin is majority self taught and has tried to remain unique while playing relevant and catchy music. Dustin also works as a freelance audio engineer which gave him the skills to record and mix this album.  If asked to describe the album Dustin would say this: “This album is the culmination of many years of writing and playing brought together. Some songs are well over 10 years old and some brand new. I named it Destinations as it is almost a photograph of the different places I have been in my life, each song represents part of me. “ “The majority of this album is written in the DADGAD guitar tuning. I first heard this as many did in Kashmir by Led Zeppelin and then I began to explore deeper. This led me to many folk, Irish, English and some Eastern and African music, and to the man who really brought all those together Davy Graham. Inspire...