Write a comment Recently, we covered a single by Jizue, where we discussed the sense of humor in their music. With the same cheerfulness, Jizue releases a monumental new album, featuring 30 diverse tracks, under a long japanese name that can be translated and simplified as “Drama of the fridays, border 9”
Write a comment Alfie Templeman delivered a complex and danceable critique of technocracy on June 6, exploring how our perception is increasingly skewed by it. He highlights how big tech companies steal our attention, leaving us indifferent to listening attentively to music.
Write a comment One of the most difficult aspects of living as a music reviewer is finding music every day that feels new, worth writing about, and simply makes you happy to spend your time translating its sound to reason. Of course, this is easier done in some genres than others.
Write a comment A few weeks ago, we covered Iglooghost and his collaboration with Marina Herlop here. This time, the English electronic music producer is back with a full album comprising over 13 tracks under the name of “Tidal Memory Exo”.
Write a comment Today we are reviewing an album sung with a chest of concrete, a voice that comes from brutalist body architecture. Keeley surprises us with “The Hollow,” a collection of small songs with haunting lyrics, piercing voices, and open royal harmonies.
Write a comment Keigo Oyamada returns after a six-year hiatus, and last year, under his artist name Cornelius, he dropped a new album “Dream in Dream”. Recently, three days ago, he added to the previous surprise by giving us a new single, “Too Much Love for Sauna.”
Write a comment In our recent coverage, we recently spotlighted artists like BadBadNotGood and Hiatus Kaiyote, whose unique sounds resonate deeply with audiences. Today, we turn our attention to Crumb, a group often compared to these esteemed artists for their innovative sound and undeniable influence.
Write a comment David Grubbs and Jim O’Rourke were two of the most influential figures in Chicago’s vibrant end-of-the-century music scene. More importantly, they are pivotal figures who shaped the foundations and essence of contemporary experimental music so profoundly that one might argue that current experimental musicians, like those under the Tzadik label and the so-called “laptop composers,” can no longer be defined as “experimental music” but rather as a genre that happens to be called experimental. This statement does not diminish the efforts of these musicians, but it is interesting how many of these experimental musicians sound too similar to the experiments and proposals of David Grubbs, Jim O’Rourke, John Zorn, Otomo Yoshihide, and other geniuses of experimental music born in the '60s and '70s.
Write a comment Mong Tong is a music duo formed in Taiwan by the musicians and brothers Hom Yu and Jiun Chi. The breadth of musical influences this group embraces is overwhelmingly vast: South Asian folk music, 80s Nintendo soundtracks, psychedelic rock, German electronic music—the list goes on. Perhaps because of this eclecticism, the group felt tempted to create a musical “Epigraphy.”
Write a comment Piper Spray and Lena Tsibizoba, members of the acclaimed “Air Krew,” spent three years meticulously planning and producing the delightful album “Debtor of Presence.” Many reviewers have described it as an “unpredictable” musical experience, but i think this album has much more to offer than that, let’s go deeper into the value of this album.
Write a comment Hiatus Kaiyote has released another “blue single” titled “Telescope,” offering a tantalizing glimpse of their upcoming album, “Love Heart Cheat Code,” set to drop in less than a month. Previous tracks from this album have been reviewed here on MusicTalkers.
1 Comment Charlie Puth has released a new track titled “Hero.” If you go to YouTube and watch Charlie break down his super famous song “Attention,” he explains how he made that track. One curious detail from that interview is that Charlie explains how he was hesitant to feature acoustic guitar as a main instrument in the song, even though he recognizes it can be really useful for filling out rhythmic spaces in a song. In his latest release, “Hero,” he does feature the acoustic guitar as almost the prominent instrument. In that interview for “Attention,” Charlie said something akin to, “If you use the acoustic guitar, you instantly become THAT guy, or the song instantly becomes THAT song.” Meaning, Charlie was thinking about the fact that the persona of an “acoustic guitar guy” takes up so much space, and it seems, in his opinion, that persona overshadows some part of the song itself.
Write a comment Alex Kate has just released a new track titled "Animal," brimming with vibrant energy and unique sound elements you won't want to miss. Known for her ethereal vocals and compelling orchestral arrangements, Alex Kate's music draws comparisons to artists like Kate Bush, Bjork, Florence + The Machine, and Birdy. To create her distinctive sound, Alex Kate collaborates regularly with her long-standing writing partner Heather Crawford and has worked with esteemed producers and engineers. For the final touch, Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Andy Walter lent his expertise to the track.
Write a comment Still Woozy has released a new track titled "All Your Life." This song aligns perfectly with their signature dreamy, hazy, and warm indie-pop sound. Still Woozy is one of those artists whose music is reflected in their album covers, especially the ones that are paintings. In fact, Still Woozy is a solo project led by Sven Eric Gamsky. The album cover paintings are created by his long-term girlfriend, Amiya Kahn-Tietz. In an industry where it's increasingly rare to find solo acts that stand out globally, Still Woozy (or Sven) is a prime example of a highly skilled musician and producer who has carved out a unique niche for himself.
Write a comment BADBADNOTGOOD has recently released a new six-song EP titled "Mid Spiral: Chaos." While the album retains elements of BBNG's signature sound, it also incorporates more pop and rock influences. Fans of their earlier work may need to adjust their expectations slightly. The tracks are exceptionally well-crafted, feeling organic and cohesive. The songs often linger on a single musical idea for extended periods, which can be either highly effective or detrimental depending on the band. In BBNG's case, their strong musical chemistry allows them to sustain these grooves compellingly.
Write a comment Billie Eilish has released a new full-length album titled "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT." When it comes to a new Billie Eilish album, the expectations are sky-high. So, when you see the positive reviews and high ratings, you can be almost certain the album is going to be a hit—and indeed, the ratings for Billie Eilish's latest album are excellent.
Write a comment Baauer has released a new track titled “All My Ladies,” which taps into the recent trend of reviving old YouTube EDM genres and transforming them into modern sonic masterpieces. "All My Ladies" radiates good energy and excels in its simplicity, featuring a steady house drum pattern, cowbells, record scratches, and pitched-up vocals.
Write a comment The artist Fie Eike, who you definitely should lend a discovering ear to, has just released a new single titled “The Water''. The song is a ballad featuring soft, sultry vocals with a lot of interesting effects, tasteful piano, low/thuddy drums, and a mix of effects that tie the song together. All the elements used in the song come together very well, and you can tell they were chosen with intention and taste. I think, in some parts, the track kind of flows like water. If not owing to the title, I might not have had that thought, but needless to say, the theme and production are very cohesive.
Write a comment Aluna has just released a new soft head-bop track titled “Ride or Die”. This track is very well put together and offers a pretty good representation of what has been going on in popular music in the past five years or so.
Write a comment Adekunle Gold has recently released a new track titled “Rodo''. This song carries a lot of energy, and absolutely the good kind. It is extremely easy to love, and to dance to. I very much hope that this Amapiano, dance-friendly afrobeat type of track will see a big rise in popularity!
Write a comment Bloody Civilian just dropped an absolute banger titled “Head Start” via Def Jam Recordings/0207 Def Jam UK. This track is impeccably balanced in terms of its sound. Featuring soaring synths, background sirens, tight percussion, excellent drum beats, a moog bass, and not to mention, infectious vocals, it's a complete package. The song carries a "shout out to my haters" vibe, with Bloody Civilian declaring, “Enemies they shake shake. You’re the best dancers”. Personally, I think it's a brilliant line, enough to hold my attention throughout the entire song.
Write a comment The English songwriter and producer Alfie Templeman has released a pop/electro bop. This latest track, called “Hello Lonely,” makes his upcoming album “Radiosoul” sound pretty promising. The song is highly energetic but not annoyingly so. It has a tight groove but does not feel controlled. There are lots of fun sounds throughout that keep you engaged: horns, electric guitars with effects applied, and of course, Alfie’s vocals cutting through the mix in a very nice way. He sings most of the song in falsetto but maintains good power throughout.The English songwriter and producer Alfie Templeman has released a pop/electro bop. This latest track, called “Hello Lonely,” makes his upcoming album “Radiosoul” sound pretty promising. The song is highly energetic but not annoyingly so. It has a tight groove but does not feel controlled. There are lots of fun sounds throughout that keep you engaged: horns, electric guitars with effects applied, and of course, Alfie’s vocals cutting through the mix in a very nice way. He sings most of the song in falsetto but maintains good power throughout.
Write a comment Australian artist Becca Hatch has just released a new track, “Think of You”. It's actually quite hard to find a way to quickly describe the mood of this song. The music (including vocal melody) is bubbly, sad, upbeat, and futuristic. Now, how in the world can a song be upbeat and bubbly but also sad at the same time? Well, what the whole song feels like is individual for each listener. What I am doing is looking at the different parts and how they feel. The vocal melody is a little sad in places and also drives the catchiness in the chorus. The tempo is upbeat and makes the song feel rushed but also a little joyous and excited. There is a lot more to mention, but I think I've covered enough.
Write a comment Glass Beams, a burgeoning band, has recently emerged onto the music scene, quickly gaining traction amidst a growing demand for authentic, acoustic live performances. Their latest album, "Mahal," has made its full debut on streaming platforms, yet fans can already enjoy these tracks in dynamic live performances on YouTube. With a distinct aesthetic that initially drew attention to their first releases, Glass Beams has seamlessly blended captivating visuals with exceptional music, engaging audiences and leaving a lasting impression.
Write a comment The Danish artist and composer, Fie Eike, has just released a new track titled “sad.” This solemn, beautiful piece emphasizes the importance of emotional sustainability in relationships with oneself and others. Fie’s smooth, soulful voice, adorned with intriguing vocal runs, blends seamlessly with the soft piano accompaniment. While her vocals may evoke shades of Lana Del Ray, Ellie Goulding, or perhaps Billie Eilish, searching for similarities among artists often overlooks Fie Eike’s truly unique vocal style. It deserves recognition in its own right, which, in my opinion, it possesses.
Write a comment Alexis Ffrench has unveiled a soulful piano track titled “The Way It Was,” boasting a robust melody that carries throughout. Despite being solely played on piano, it exudes the presence of a full band, evoking imagery of a singer accompanying it. Scheduled for an Autumn release via Sony Classical, Alexis's upcoming album, appropriately titled “Classical Soul Volume One,” will explore his Classical Soul music in depth. If you're captivated by the essence of this track, anticipation for the album is inevitable. Expect a plethora of original piano and orchestral compositions infused with snippets of beloved soul anthems. Still curious about what defines classic soul? Here are some examples that Alexis might consider:
Write a comment Tayler Holder has released a track titled “Climb My Way to Heaven”, featuring Christian music artist Cory Asbury. The chorus sings, “I know I can’t climb my way to heaven, but I can fall.” This line encapsulates the message of having faith in God and accepting that whatever happens was meant to be. For Christian fans who resonate with the writers' sentiments, this message can be greatly comforting. The track blends elements of country and pop, resulting in a highly listenable, soothing mix. Overall, the song delves into Tayler Holder's inner thoughts about his faith in God and struggles in life. Holder rose to fame on TikTok and still maintains a significant social media following, but he has also emerged as a prominent songwriter. It's evident that he's taking his music career seriously and aims to establish a strong foundation with each release.
Write a comment The Layzies have recently dropped a track titled “Not Yet Out Of The Woods.” It comes with a cool YouTube video that I highly recommend watching the first time you listen to the song. It's a slow shuffle with soulful blues coloration. If we delve into the track a bit, we can gather that it draws inspiration from Angela Carter's short story “A Company of Wolves,” found in her collection “The Bloody Chamber” from 1979. This story explores themes like innocence, temptation, and the animalistic nature of human beings. In the information pane of their music video, The Layzies explain the term “Not yet out of the woods.” It's said to reference the troubled state of today's world, while also making a playful nod to the fairytale and folklore theme of the music and video. It's something we often overlook nowadays. Nestling and hiding meanings within meanings is becoming far too uncommon. That's one of the main reasons many people consume art—to interpret its meaning and draw their own conclusions.
Write a comment Norah Jones has just released a new full-length album titled “Visions.” This album is full of smooth and relaxing tracks that come together in a blend of many different genres - too many to count, actually. Norah Jones has always delivered soothing songs that are low-key but never low effort. You can always tell she puts a lot of thought and effort into her tracks, constructing and changing her sound. "Visions" has a lot of interesting little things happening in the background of most songs: synths, birdsong, ethereal arpeggios. It is not always easy to pick out a favorite, but on this album, my personal favorite track is “On My Way.” It has so many gorgeous sounds and interesting little vocal things going on. Then the ending, where it slowly blends the voice with a mellotron and the mellotron gets to finish, is just great.
Write a comment Imogen Clark's latest release, "Big One," has left me pondering its significance as it had me dancing at 6 am mere moments after waking up. It's remarkable how a song can instantly elevate one's mood, and this track is no exception. Scheduled to be featured on Imogen's upcoming album, "The Art of Getting Through," slated for a May release, it holds promise for what's to come. If "Big One" is any indication of the album's direction, I'd say it's essential to keep an eye on her musical journey. Many might listen to this track and wonder why Imogen isn't already an international star. The foundation for a flourishing career seems firmly in place, and beyond that lies untapped potential. Regardless, I really hope she continues to create art.
1 Comment The Black Keys recently dropped a fresh track titled “This Is Nowhere,” and let me tell you, when it comes to tunes outside the realm of Pop, these guys nail it. Their tracks aren't just catchy for the sake of it; they strike a perfect balance, avoiding any hint of annoyance or overproduction. Instead, they're the kind of tunes that make you nod along, filled with just the right selection of sounds.
Write a comment Laufey has recently dropped her latest track, "Goddess." In recent years, she's ascended like a shooting star. Back in 2020, she shared her aspirations of gracing NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert" concept, and now she's fulfilled that dream. From social media sensation to releasing full-scale albums, Laufey has garnered serious attention from music aficionados. Her newest track has been met with widespread adoration from her fans. It's a velvety piano ballad, intertwining her soulful vocals with the elegant simplicity of timely arpeggios in the background. The track unfolds beautifully, with a mesmerizing culmination that I'll leave for you to experience firsthand. Needless to say, the ending ties everything together seamlessly. Laufey's vocal style is enchating and evocative, drawing listeners in with its allure.
Write a comment Artists Fred Again.., Lil Yachty, and Overmono have just dropped an absolute gem of a track. One of the standout features of this tune is how distinctively each artist's voice shines through. If there were a way to quantify the sheer "vibe" a song exudes, this one would be off the charts. It's almost like it boasts dual hooks, with Yachty's mesmerizing "You've got a life, stay in it" refrains and Fred's infectious drops. The instrumentation is incredibly fresh, drawing inspiration from a myriad of electronic music subgenres from both the UK and US scenes. The synergy between Overmono and Fred is palpable in this collaboration, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating more from this dynamic duo.
Write a comment Cigarettes After Sex have just released a new dreamy banger titled “Tejano Blue.” The track is low-key, with soft, sultry, whispering vocals. I would say the track is very much in line with what the band is already known for, with their signature ambient and emotional style. Someone who is used to conventional pop might comment on this and say it sounds dull or lifeless. In the eyes of a fan, however, that is part of the charm. The lead vocalist of Cigarettes After Sex (CAS) says the track was inspired by his upbringing in El Paso, Texas. Also, as for musical influence, he mentions artists like Cocteau Twins and Selena. If you go listen to the album “Heaven or Las Vegas” by Cocteau Twins, for example, you might find some similarities in the sound.
Write a comment Faye Webster has released her fifth album, “Underdressed at the Symphony.” This album is a great new project for her, and the overall shift in sound compared to her previous works marks a more naturalistic sound. I think Faye has thought about the fact that people seem to be craving these acoustic sounds. The tracks were all produced by Faye Webster and Drew Vandenberg. Now, Drew does not have a lot of info about him online, which he might want to keep that way. In any case, we can say that he and Faye have created one heck of an album, together with the other contributing acts, of course. "Underdressed at the Symphony" features collaborators such as Wilco’s Nels Cline (guitar solos) and Lil Yachty, singing on “Lego Ring.” I think Lil Yachty is particularly interesting in this case because he is really doing some pure wizardry. Not just with this song but if you look over how diverse his catalog is, it is really amazing how well it works every time he collaborates with someone. The track “Lego Ring” is infused with his greatness.
Write a comment A new track has been released from Charli XCX, titled “Von Dutch”! This song is happily blending genres and influences. It has elements of hyperpop, bloghouse, electroclash, pop, and club. I mean, with any list regarding genres, you can add 50 words that don’t really mean anything; this is just to give you a gist, but best to have a listen yourself. The production is done by “Easyfun”, a producer Charli has worked with before. One thing that I personally love doing is that if you find a track you really like by a popular artist, see who produced it and look into all the other tracks they have produced. It might actually be a more direct way of finding the particular sound that you’re after. In any case, Von Dutch is a really cool track.
Write a comment Justin Timberlake, one of the absolute kings of music, has released a new track titled “Drown.” This track follows the release of his previous single “Selfish” and is set to be part of his upcoming album “Thought It Was.” This whole album is set to be released on March 15, 2024, which, to a lot of people's happiness, is very soon. The mood of the track is an absolute pre-bedroom banger. It has a lot of dark sounds with modern R&B/Pop elements and Justin Timberlake’s ever so catchy vocal lines. Reaching for a certain sound, his latest single “Selfish” did not do as well on the billboards as one would expect. However, does this really matter? For the artist it might, but as the audience it is better to just listen to the tracks for what they are. Something that is interesting is that if you remember some of the absolute great hits from Justin like “Mirror,” for example, you still hear a very similar choice of melody in his song. He has found his way to greatness and managed to stay in that zone for so very long.
Write a comment Jacob Collier, known for being one of the great virtuoso musicians of our time, has also become well known for releasing really solid solo-written tracks. This latest release is a cover of the classic Simon & Garfunkel song "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
Write a comment Donny Benét just released a new 3-track single titled “Forbidden Love” with previously released tracks "American Dream","Multiply," and the new track being "Forbidden Love." To many indieheads, Donny Benét is sort of a godfather figure. He is not on the same level of popularity as many other indie acts; some would argue undeservingly so. I think so too. As for his fans, I think they are a very dedicated bunch.
Write a comment Ramati is an artist who, in just two years, has gathered over 100k monthly listeners on Spotify. Remarkably, she's achieved this without relying heavily on collaborations, with only 9 singles under her belt. What's more intriguing is her minimalist online presence—no artist website to boast of, just a modest footprint on Tumblr and Twitter. It's evident she isn't pouring resources into heavy marketing campaigns. This serves as a testament to the belief that an artist's true success lies in their raw talent, and Ramati is living proof of that.
Write a comment Jizue's newest single got released a few days ago and it kicks off with a mallet instrument shaping a theme so annoyingly overused and recognizable, akin to a “perfect life in New York before the apocalypse” movie scene. The initial statement is not other than the iconic opening bars of Pachelbel's Canon in D. But wait in your seat, because what follows is an eclectic musical roller coaster with sugar levels reaching diabetical proportions. Imagine this: math-rock intricacies collide head-on with jazzy harmonies and improvisation, sprinkled with stereotypical motifs from a Japanese TV melodrama, alongside occasional quotes from Pachelbel's Canon.
Write a comment Adrianne Lenker has released a drumless and bassless banger titled "Fool." This track would go well over the melting winter snow and a cup of tea. Along with the track follows a video—an extremely wholesome video. The video captures a group of people in cowboy hats dancing weirdly and freely to the track. It also has dogs living their best life. The video goes very well with the song. If you are a regular fan of Adrianne Lenker, you might find that her voice and melodic soul are very well represented in this song, but the instrumentation is a bit different to what you have heard before. Anyhow, it all comes together very well.
Write a comment Jacob Collier's eagerly anticipated "Djesse Vol. 4" album release is now just days away, and the avant-garde virtuoso excites us with a final preview, this time in collaboration with the acclaimed Colombian pop sensation Camilo.
Write a comment The platinum-selling artist, Jordan Davis, brought his pop-country vibe to a sold-out show in Manchester on Sunday night, supported by the emerging talent Ashley Cooke, as part of their ongoing Damn Good Time World Tour across Europe.
Write a comment Dua Lipa is back with another banging hit titled 'Training Season.' Dua Lipa is continuing to push for her title for Queen of Pop, and I would say if she isn’t there already, she is getting closer every day. Following the release of her hit 'Houdini,' she continues in the same fashion with extremely catchy love-themed songs with a little bit of a twist to them. The track 'Houdini' was perfectly simple, like so simple and catchy that you can’t even imagine how much work went into making it that way. The theme of 'Training Season' is that of Dua Lipa searching for the right partner. She is stating her needs and requirements and seems sort of fed up with the whole process of trying to find someone who can truly appreciate her. The featured music video goes hand in hand with this, and I highly recommend you to watch it. It basically shows a lot of men trying to get Dua’s attention, but it seems all of them fail.
Write a comment Girl in Red has just dropped her latest track, titled "Too Much". The accompanying video portrays a couple ensnared in a silent conflict, one desperately seeking attention from the other but failing to garner it, leading them to feel overwhelmed by their own presence.
Write a comment The artist Caity Baser has just released a new track titled “I’m A Problem”, and long with the track follows a music video. The song is a poppy, anthemic tune about not adhering to what anyone is trying to think you should be. Caity is showing that she is her own artist and throughout the whole song, she is swinging little jabs at internet trolls etc. I think that this trope is something that most artists explore at some point. However, most people do it a bit more low key, where they don’t expressively make whole songs about it with such blunt language. This is why Caity’s rendition is actually really refreshing, straight to the point. It seemed like I was going another direction, but I appreciate the bluntness here - more power to her.
1 Comment Owl City releases a new track titled "Boston". This track is about love and starting over in a different town. What is more satisfying than listening to a one-man band where that one-man has absolutely mastered the art of making satisfying synth sounds and catchy melodies? Well, I can think of a few, but it is pretty darn high up there. The song "Boston" sort of starts in a “classic” Owl City fashion, from what I can remember, with the cute synths modified to perfection and an overall bubbly feeling. It is an interesting track because the sonics really follow along with the story. The first part, being more of a lament about how one part in a relationship feels left out and unloved. When the narrative breaks over and the character starts considering the freedoms that go along with moving to another city, all the musical elements change. We introduce distorted guitars, rebellious pop-punk vocals, and much more. I would say this switch-up makes sense, and it is appreciated that someone put so much thought into their song. Just like how getting up and moving to a new city all of a sudden would be a bit shocking, the rock elements kick in at the same time as that lyric starts supporting that shocking feeling.
Write a comment Lizzy McAlpine releases a heart-clenching piano ballad titled “Older”. The soundscape is incredibly full even though it is only piano and voice. This is the type of track I would put on in the late night or in a long car ride to really gain some introspection. Currently, it is 6 am and I just woke up. This song is too sentimental and beautiful to listen to right now, for me at least. But I will indulge.
Write a comment Madison Beer releases a sensual pop banger with lo-fi elements and a steady house beat titled “Make You Mine”. This track was produced by Leroy Clampitt and Madison Beer. Leroy is less known, but if you look into it, he is also, just like Madison, a known bop maker. This track very much feels like something that belongs in a dimly lit room or late-night party. That is because none of the sounds really pop out in the high register; everything blends together in a low-fi sort of way. Now, this could be something very bad, but in the case of Make You Mine, the blend is very nice. A lot of producers who lack experience will make a low effort track and call it lo-fi just because it sounds better than low quality. Then, there are a lot of producers and songwriters like Madison Beer and Leroy Clampitt who have mastered the art of blending lo-fi sounds together to release that comforting energy that lo-fi brings.
Write a comment Little Simz just released a new track titled “Mood Swings.” This track has impeccable production and vocal flow; let’s dive into it. After a few seconds, I can personally say with great confidence that I am going to enjoy this tune a whole lot. The track starts off very minimalistic with dark alien percussion, really hard-hitting 808s, and Little Simz doing what she does. The mix of everything together is very good. The percussive elements are clacky in just the right way, the vocals are naturally fitting where they need to be, and the low end with kick/bass is quite satisfying. The track gives a pretty hypnotic mood, even though it keeps switching up, alluding to the theme of “mood swings.” If you look at the little visualizer that came with the track, it enhances the whole futuristic sound pretty well. If I am not careful, I think I’ll listen to this track 240 times.
1 Comment Bella Poarch, in collaboration with 6arelyhuman, released a new track titled “Don’t Like Anybody.” Both artists have a really interesting path, which if you explained to a musician 30 years ago, would sound made up. But they are both prestigious within their certain genres and branches. Bella Poarch used to be just an enormous TikTok star, but the following she has amassed on streaming services also gives her a lot of validity for being a musical artist in the eyes of the public.
Write a comment BADBADNOTGOOD collaborated with Houston musician Reggie to make this latest 70’s soul-inspired smooth listening song. The song is titled “Take What’s Given,” and a little insight reveals that the song was first brought into this world in 2022 when Reggie happened to be present in the music studio. During that time, even though Reggie was a much smaller artist, he played the band some songs, and they really took to liking something special about Reggie. Be it his energy, unique musical mind, or just his great voice, we don’t exactly know. But this collaboration made for a really nice track.
Write a comment The artist 24kGoldn releases a new track titled “Clarity.” For the most part, I think the song discusses 24kGoldn trying to stay healthy and happy, away from temptation, and focusing on what is good in his life: “I try to keep my heart pure but I’m damned if I don’t, damned if I do.”
Write a comment The UK dub/DnB/Garage artist Burial has recently released a two-piece single titled 'Dreamfear.' The two songs on the record, titled 'Dreamfear' and 'Boy Sent From Above,' are both really cool and each trying to break their own ground. They are a hazy mix between Jungle, DnB, vocal samples, and overall make it sound like the best fever dream you ever had. Burial is known for his reclusive nature, which is kind of ironic. Anyway, this latest release is supposedly made for raves. I love that longer pieces are accepted, and even though these two tracks have more of a dark/unsettling tone than you would imagine your average party-goer to have, I think they will still fit very well over some nights. Also, just listening to the tracks home alone is a fun experience. I think that if you are not familiar with the genre, this is one of those times I would plead for you to just give it a chance. Don’t turn it off if you think it sounds strange in the first few seconds. Let it cook, as they say.
Write a comment Billy Joel releases a new soft piano ballad titled 'Turn The Lights Back On.' This is a beautiful song that was also delivered by the iconic singer during a performance at the Grammy Awards stage. This performance was accompanied by a live orchestra which really supported his already amazing vocals very well. Just before the performance, Joel talked a bit about why he took a break from songwriting and, most notably, why he returned. He talked about a dedicated fan, Freddy Wexler, who actually convinced him to re-enter the creative realm. I think this is pretty cool and shows that fan-artist relationships sometimes bring positive things. I think in general if you think about the relationships that artists and fans have, they are like two lanes on the highway going in opposite directions. It is like the artist has one parasocial relationship going one way with the fans, and the fans have their own parasocial relationship going the other way with the artist. I am not saying this is all bad though. Like most things, it carries with it both bad and good aspects.
Write a comment Ash Grunwald releases a new track with a lot of soul titled “Life Without You”. The song has twangy guitars, decisive steady drums and benefits a lot from Ash Grunwald's vocals. I think the obvious choice would be to suggest this track goes into the main theme of a western movie. The track comes with a pretty cool visualiser that thematically fits really well with the song. The guitar solo is also pretty tasteful, really displaying a good use of the rule “less is more”. By many people, Ash Grundwald would be described as sort of a modern Blues legend. I think he is a hot contender for that status. He is an Australian musician and from what there is to gather, he is about as down to earth of a character as his music sounds.
Write a comment As we draw the curtains on the initial month of 2024, the undeniable truth of time's finitude looms over us. Regrettably, it's impossible to cover all the abundance of exceptional music that exists out there. Thus, our aim here is to compile a roster of noteworthy albums and singles that graced our ears in 2023.
Write a comment The artist Cate just released a pop-country, two-track single with the tracks 'Rocket Science' and 'You Don’t Love Me.' I think a lot of people are craving a fix of that pre-808 and trap drum Taylor Swift sound, and there’s a good contender right here. Both tracks are mixed, recorded, and performed excellently for this genre. None of the sounds are really demanding a lot of attention, and all come together to create a slightly groovy but mostly beautiful soundscape.
Write a comment If you've landed here without knowing who Suzanne Ciani is, a quick search of the name will unveil a lengthy career in sound design, composition, and even logo creation. She's worked on notable sound design commissions for Coca-Cola, designed logos for over 500 companies, and her innovative compositions have earned her 5 Grammy awards throughout her career.
Write a comment @ In their short tenure, spanning just a single and an album, with the debut album dropping last year, they've managed to amass a listener base of 126,577 per month on Spotify — an impressive feat in a music landscape where their genre isn't pop (And for a group whose name makes them incredibly hard to search on the web). While certain tracks may evoke the experimental pop vibes of the UK scene, the rest meanders through an eclectic fusion of rock, folk, classical strains, and prog rock.
Write a comment Just days ago, I found myself at The Town Hall in New York, immersed in an interview with the visual maestro Ai Weiwei, delving into the depths of his latest memoir, 'Zodiac.' In the discourse, he asserted that 'art is about losing control,' dismissing the notion that correctness defines artistic expression. Correctness, he contends, is the domain of machines, particularly formidable AI, which masters the craft by replicating and remixing already perfected works from other artists and writers.
Write a comment There is no doubt that Bruce is a legend. Not just in the satirical sense that a group of frat bros would throw around the word legend. An actual legend. But let’s separate our emotions from the legend and look at “what used to be” and “what is right now” as two separate points to be discussed. I know it sounds like I am setting up for a complete roast of this project. But this is just the springboard. I haven’t even listened yet, let us dive in.
Write a comment Bad Omens and Poppy release a new song titled “V.A.N.” I’d say this song is going to be my soundtrack when I run through a cyberpunk city with a katana on a quest to find the “true truth.” The sound is pretty unique and could break some new ground. But if this was the norm, I think I would lose it pretty fast. It is intense and extremely full of little sonic tidbits and changes in dynamics. I appreciate this song just in the same way I would appreciate a one-off encounter with some random lunatic in a big city environment. It can be a whole range of emotions for both parts involved: anger, confusion, sadness, fear, and more. By the end, I’m usually left wondering, “I wonder what that was about,” but many times, finding no answer. This song is very interesting. But as a whole for me, it definitely crosses the line where interest loses focus and turns into either confusion or just white noise.
Write a comment Benjamin Ingrosso released a single titled “Kite.” This song boasts catchy melodies, a high energy level, and feels like someone put effort into selecting sounds rather than opting for the current template of trap drum/lofi pop. I believe the lyrics pass by very easily, but the song is designed for easy listening, so I'm not really upset with that. The story goes, “I’m a kite and I get high on you, it’s the real thing, I fall in love," etc. Most lyrics are simple like this but have some little themes that set them apart from each other (kite, flying high, hitting the sky), all working together.
Write a comment We have witnessed how Kali Uchis undergoes a dramatic evolution since her appearance on the timeless Gorillaz album "Humanz." Each subsequent release from Kali has brought forth collaborations with renowned artists such as Lana del Rey and Tyler, the Creator. Now, in her latest album, she collaborates with the current biggest hits in Latin America: Peso Pluma and Karol G.
Write a comment After a two-year wait that felt eternal, Hiatus Kaiyote has finally released new musical material – a single with two tracks to listen to. Unfortunately, the second track is "Red Room," which is one of the most popular materials from their previous album “Mood Variant”. So, for this article, let's just focus on "Everything is Beautiful."
Write a comment This January 31, prepare for an auditory adventure as Polygonia unveils its latest masterpiece, "Da Nao Tian Gong" – a musical tale with elements from the timeless Chinese classic, "Journey to the West." Released under the storytelling-focused Midgar Records label.
Write a comment After a 21-year wait, the legendary artist and ex-Genesis member Peter Gabriel has finally released new musical material. Since the beginning of the previous year, 2023, Peter released one song digitally every Full Moon, with its alternative mix released on the following new moon. This continued until December 1st when the official album "i/o" was released. The album, in total, has 12 original songs, each with two different mixes.
Write a comment An unexpected collaboration between Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams has led to the release of a new song “Good People.” It kind of sounds a bit more soulful, something like Imagine Dragons could brew up. The vocals by Mumford & Sons are bluesy and mostly stay in the same tonality for the whole song. The end has an open bridge which rides the song out. The whole song is driven by the repeating eighth-note claps, which everything else sort of revolves around. Many artists are against using monotonous drum samples and patterns in their songs. But remember, if you have one solid anchor that brings the same rhythm to the whole song, then just play with stuff around that; the monotony can actually fit really well. So it does in this song. You often can’t have a song that is pure structure and order with rhythmics and note choices hitting exactly where people expect them to hit. At the same time, you can’t have a song that is pure chaos, with no cohesiveness that leads the listener to just drop interest.
