Rock Musician Andrew Ruoti Drops His Conceptual Album "Odyssey"
New York-based rock musician and storyteller Andrew Ruoti has released "Odyssey", a new 5-track conceptual album spanning a daunting range of genres, themes and emotions.
New York-based rock musician and storyteller Andrew Ruoti has released "Odyssey", a new 5-track conceptual album spanning a daunting range of genres, themes and emotions. Throughout this new release, Andrew reflects on his own personal journey as well as the human collective, all through the unique lens of a multi-instrumentalist musician and meditation teacher. Much of Andrew Ruoti's personal philosophy revolves around transformation, specifically overcoming adversity and trauma and transforming it into resilience. This is expressed musically through a boundless exploration of complimentary sounds and subgenres coupled with a fearless experimental spirit.
The 5 new tracks correspond with 5 original paintings intended to express Odyssey concept. The art was done by Shelly Luan and digital art editor William S. Pierce.
Produced by the very talented two-time Emmy award winning producer, Uly Millan, Andrew Ruoti’s new concept album has something to offer everyone. The album draws from a wide range of eclectic styles and genres including rock, hip-hop, R&B, orchestral and even tribal. Odyssey is a musical journey that evokes a wide range of emotions from dark to gritty, energetic to hopeful and tranquil to triumphant.
With the urge to do something a little different and influenced by the current state of the world, Ruoti started writing on the album in spring of 2020. Despite a hectic work schedule as a full-time music teacher, as well as following another passion as a meditation teacher, Ruoti has put together a thought-provoking journey with his new album “Odyssey”, which he hopes will translate well to listeners from all around the world.
“Diversity is key with this album. Diversity and resiliency.” Ruoti shared energetically during a recent interview. “The big motivation for me was to write something from the heart that people could connect to. During this pandemic everyone feels a certain level of isolation and to a degree even social deprivation. With social media nowadays, you can reach people anywhere at any time. It’s amazing to think someone on the other side of the planet can be listening to your song and establishing a connection with you.” Ruoti goes on to say, “The album is not only about my own personal journey, but the journey of the collective…everyone in the world navigating through these challenging and uncertain times. In that way the album has a very relatable quality to it.” Ruoti continued, “For me, it’s all about connection. Like many, music has always been an outlet for me, so to share what I love and possibly give others an outlet for their feelings and introspection….well that’s a beautiful thing and nothing beats that. I’m really excited about this album.” Ruoti continues with thoughts regarding his producer who he has collaborated closely with on the album, “I love all of his work and I’m a huge fan. His overall vision, scope and talent with regard to producing is immense. He has every studio session working from an authentic heart space, in real time, with spontaneity, which helped with driving home the essence of what the album is all about!”
Speaking of “driving home”, Ruoti says, “Odyssey is all about the journey home, the connection to the untapped reservoir of inner peace at your own heart center”.
Listen to the “Odyssey” album now, and connect with Andrew Ruoti on his social media.
Chicago Indie-Rock Band Red Scarves Release Their Folkier EP "Ghost Hunter"
Chicago indie band Red Scarves collected their leftover recordings after working with Dave Vettraino (DEHD, Lala Lala, etc.), putting together a new EP that shows their folkier side. Listen to “Ghost Hunter” now.
Chicago indie band Red Scarves has been writing and releasing music over the past decade ever since two of their members first met in a class on Bob Dylan in college. They moved to Chicago six years ago after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University. Now with a solidified lineup, each member contributes to songwriting.
Chicago Magazine recently recommended the album (at the bottom of Ari Lindo’s album review), writing “The jangly pop quartet marries throwback sounds with 21st-century neuroticism on this EP, ahead of a full-length album in 2023.”
NPR-affiliate station WGLT in Bloomington, IL wrote their 2017 album Sort of Scarlet is a "pop-rock gem," highlighting the band members' background in jazz and classical makes for "catchy and at times complex pop songs."
Ghost Hunter is simpler but layered, and their jazzy and classical influences still pop up on the EP — just more subtly. The songs range from more baroque pop on the title track “Ghost Hunter” to the wistful twang of "Robin,” featuring pedal steel from Ben Carbone.
They recorded both Ghost Hunter and their upcoming album, Nice Try, on tape with Dave Vettraino (Dehd, Lala Lala, Makaya McCraven) last year.
As songwriter Ayethaw Tun told Psychedelic Baby Magazine, “Tying the EP together is the band recording each song live as a four-piece on 16-track tape at Palisade Recordings in Chicago by local studio wiz, Dave Vettraino. The majority of the songs were born out of living in that space of unease and uncertainty back in 2020, with songs dealing with loneliness, memories of childhood, and inspiration itself.”
He continued, “The term ‘ghost hunter’ comes from the first song, written by our bassist/guitarist, Ryan Donlin. He describes the feeling of having big ideas form in our heads for the next big song/project/solution to a problem/etc. But when we sat down with an instrument and a pen in hand, those ideas begin to escape him and the harder he tries to capture that incredible feeling of that idea, the further it slips away. This EP features the rare moments those ideas are captured and realized in full.”
vi0let Releases Her Debut EP "Believe Me When I Cry", Alongside Her New Single "Cream and Peaches"
Brighton-based singer-songwriter vi0let unveils her debut EP ‘Believe Me When I Cry’, alongside her beautiful new single ‘Cream & Peaches’.
Brighton-based singer-songwriter vi0let unveils her debut EP ‘Believe Me When I Cry’ alongside her beautiful new single ‘Cream & Peaches’.
Standout vocals and floating production depict those euphoric early moments of falling for someone. The soulful focus track comes as a dreamy moment on the EP, offering up a sweet 3.44 mins of escapism. Explaining more vi0let shares: "I was in the honeymoon stage with someone and one morning we woke up and it was a sunny day in Brighton. I had to go to the studio that morning so I left early, grabbed a coffee on the way and felt like I was on cloud 9. I never wanted this feeling to end, feeling so safe and comfortable.
I got in the studio and wrote Cream and Peaches in about 15 minutes, it just flowed out. It's one of my favourite songs I've ever made especially because vocally I really put myself out of my "safe zone" and it motivated me to continue to push myself with what I'm capable of doing. Cream and Peaches is a flirty and fun love letter to the honeymoon stage."
Finding solace in songwriting, vi0let has benefited greatly from the emotional outlet. The EP plays out as a coming of age journey, touching on many feelings.
Sharing more behind the EP vi0let explained: “After many years of chaos I feel like I'm finding my two feet again. I describe the EP as letters to every person in my life and it covers all the relationships in my life - some songs apply to multiple people. There have been times I've felt so much anger and frustrations at life and writing songs like Audience and Over and Over really helped me process the journey of becoming an adult. This EP has helped me communicate my thoughts and feelings and I feel it represents my personality so well, covering all aspects from love to hurt to naiveness. Musically I really pushed myself to honor some of my favourite genres, I loved blending the sexiness of R&B with the excitement pop and melancholy of soul. I'm honored to have worked with the tiny little team I have, it made every minute special."
Earlier this year, vi0let shared “Over and Over” which arrived as a sultry and dark moment that Wonderland described as Empowering and unapologetic, leading the way for ‘Audience’ which followed in July.
Emerging artist vi0let has always had a huge passion for singing as well as producing her own vocals and harmonies. Born in Germany, she spent her early years in Ireland singing, performing and immersing herself in Irish culture— her father’s country of origin. When she returned to Germany she was ready to showcase her immense potential.
She has now spent almost four years in the UK, based between Brighton and London, where she writes, records and performs her own music. She uses her songs as an open diary to help people relate to their own experiences, touching on topics such as relationships, feminism, self-love, and self-empowerment.
Blessed with a breathtaking voice and an incredible songwriting ability, she effortlessly infuses R&B, Pop and elements of Hip-Hop in her music.
Listen to vi0let’s debut EP ‘Believe Me When I Cry’, which features ‘Cream & Peaches’, below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with her on social media.
British Producer LAR Delivers His Dreamy Melodic House EP "Haze" on Monstercat
Following his transportive EP ‘Coast / Together’ with Bound to Divide and miksklim, Stockholm-based producer LAR returns to Monstercat with his deep melodic house EP, ‘Haze.’
Following his transportive EP ‘Coast / Together’ with Bound to Divide and miksklim, Stockholm-based producer LAR returns to Monstercat with his deep melodic house EP, ‘Haze.’ Spanning four soothing instrumental tracks on the package, “Haze” is backed by an elegant blend of jazz-fueled notes and calming piano chords, while “Hardway” immerses listeners in a groovy rhythm of atmospheric breakbeats. LAR continues to shine on Monstercat Silk with this package demonstrating his genre-bending palettes.
LAR shares, “I wanted to create an easy, smooth listening experience but still maintain an organic house groove."
Listen to “Haze” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with LAR on his social media.
DJ/Producer Maggie Tra Delivers Her Introspective New Album "Kingdom of Her"
Australian born Khmer/Vietnamese producer @MaggieTra delivers a project filled with substance, graft and timeless Cambodian cultural influences with her debut introspective album ‘Kingdom of Her’ (K.O.H).
Maggie Tra continues to demonstrate why she’s one of the most highly regarded artists today, and it seems that her versatility and creativity knows no bounds. Australian born Khmer/Vietnamese producer Maggie Tra delivers a project filled with substance, graft and timeless Cambodian cultural influences with her debut introspective album ‘Kingdom of Her’ (K.O.H).
Walking through the album, the contrast in sounds, styles and vision is vast and refreshing. From Electronic, Disco, Techno to Experimental to Meditative Ambient, Maggie pours her heart and soul into K.O.H that brings forth suffering, growth and falling into acceptance, softness and eventually being grounded.
Going back to her roots and her foundational sounds, the 10-track album is a homage to her Cambodian upbringing. With her dark Asian skin and strength from growing up with a single mother, the album is a homage to her mum and The Kingdom of Cambodia which is what inspired the album name.
K.O.H has field recordings from hospital visits with her mum and Khmer interpreter in ‘Tra Family,’ a dark eerie ambient track that follows her mother’s heartbeat as Maggie founds out that her mum’s heart is failing her. To ‘Strong Srey’ where the Khmer vocals prayers repeat ‘the right path’ underneath a Techno beat that represents Maggie’s struggle with anxiety and people pleasing, alongside her current need to be better and strong but also soft to survive in the world. The lead single ‘Kingdom of Her’ is a dance-disco beat that channels the fun and ever-loving character that Maggie omits into the world. A song that represents that the foundation she builds are fun, loving and playful.
“This album is me in its purest forms, from working on it during a heart-break, to then my mum suffering from a heart-attack, those elements pushed me to follow my own true path, my own heart as it will. And to no longer suffer at the hands of others, my ancestors and parent’s trauma that they passed down to me”.
“I want this album to represent a lot of first generation kids who grow up wanting to change and break the cycle that our Asian parents bestow upon us. We can learn so many patterns from our families, and this album is me breaking the cycle. It’s me liberating myself from my past”.
K.O.H is the beginning of a new phase in Maggie’s evolution as an artist. From humble beginnings Maggie continues to embrace her culture by representing her birth countries and ancestry bringing forth awareness to South East Asia and beyond.
Following what’s already been a successful run for the multi-talented artist, Maggie’s infamous debut EP ‘U.L.A’ brought the emerging producer to the forefront where she was featured on DJ Mag, Resident Advisor, Bandcamp, Mixmag Asia, NTS and Worldwide FM. She’s released singles with labels FuFu Records, Shika Shika Collective & Juba’s Assurance Compilation.
With music as her home, Maggie is also the founder of music label & collective SYS Sister Sounds which aims to release music from Asian female and non-binary music producers. Her persistence to fight for equality and to provide a platform for emerging Asian artists’ stand with the time is unsurpassed.
A weaver of musical fibres, her creations entwine melody, genres and tempos to create her own tapestries.
Vibe out to Maggie’s new album “Kingdom of Her” right now and connect with her on social media.
Connect with Maggie Tra: Twitter | Soundcloud | Facebook
Danish Rock Band Vinyl Floor Unveils Their Fifth Album "Funhouse Mirror"
With the “Funhouse Mirror” album, @vinylfloorband has opted for a warm, vintage sound with a clear and nuanced modern production of songs with a strong emphasis on melody and lyrics. Listen to this great new release now.
‘Funhouse Mirror’, the fifth full length album release by Danish rock band Vinyl Floor (formed in 2007), sees the band returning to the experimental and symphonic expression as found on the earlier albums ‘Peninsula’ (2012) and ‘Vaudeville’ (2014). The band, together with the Swedish producer Emil Isaksson, recorded the basic tracks live at Studio Möllan in Malmö, Sweden during the summer of 2021 and did all the overdubbing and vocals at their own studio in Copenhagen, Denmark. The album was mixed at Studio Möllan during the final months of 2021 and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, Nashville, USA in early 2022.
With this album, Vinyl Floor has opted for a warm, vintage sound with a clear and nuanced modern production of songs with a strong emphasis on melody and lyrics. The 10 songs featured here were all written by Daniel Pedersen & Thomas Charlie Pedersen and the two brothers share the lead vocal duties equally.
The band handled most instruments themselves but invited three additional musicians to play on several tracks - adding different flavors and colors to the songs. The Swedish multi-instrumentalist Bebe Risenfors contributed a selection of horns, percussion and organ to most of the album. Bebe Risenfors has previously played with Tom Waits and his work is featured on the Tom Waits albums ‘Alice’, ‘Blood Money’ and ‘Orphans’. Bebe Risenfors has also worked with Elvis Costello.
Bob Dylan’s former bandleader and bass player, the New York native Rob Stoner, is featured here playing bass on 3 songs. Rob Stoner has played with diverse acts such as Joni Mitchell, Chuck Berry, Don McLean, Link Wray, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen and many more. Finally, the Danish violin player Christian Ellegaard, who is a member of the national Danish symphony orchestra, recorded strings for 2 songs.
Lyrically, the songs touch on different themes and aspects surrounding the state of the world today and most lyrics were written during lockdown.
Stream "The Red Eye", the Newly Released Project by Adonis Faison
Los Angeles based artist/producer Adonis Faison just unveiled his 7-track project entitled “The Red Eye”; check out this DOPE release right now.
Los Angeles based Adonis Faison is a fused rapper/singer, songwriter, and producer originally from Calvert County, Maryland who brings so much versatility to the table with catchy melodies that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head, along with his mixed upbeat/metaphorical rap style. His music is influenced by Kazi, Tobi Lou, Blxst, and Bryson Tiller just to name a few.
Adonis recently unveiled his project “The Red Eye”, which was a long difficult road from writing his songs on planes going back in forth from LA to MD, as well as recording sessions till 3 or 4 am. Along with dealing with personal issues, you could tell it was a rough one. Withstanding all those distractions and obstructions, the 7-track “The Red Eye” was completed, and is backed by the single “Medusa”.
Singer-Songwriter Jessie Reyez Drops Her Brand New Album "YESSIE"
Multi-Platinum, multiple award-winning, celebrated truth speaking, multi-hyphenate - recording artist, songwriter, and electric live performer @JessieReyez is back with her sophomore album “YESSIE”.
Multi-Platinum, multiple award-winning, celebrated truth speaking, multi-hyphenate - recording artist, songwriter, and electric live performer Jessie Reyez is back with her sophomore album YESSIE via FMLY / Island Records. Across 11 tracks, Jessie chronicles the journey and range of emotions from love and loss to healing, closure and happiness. The title – her own familial nickname – gives fans a glimpse of the intimacy on this project. Unofficially christened that name at a very young age, the album balances a world of weariness with the clear-eyed truth telling that many abandon after childhood.
YESSIE only boasts one feature from 6LACK, allowing Reyez to remain the standout on this album. This duo is no stranger to collaborations having put out “Imported” from her 2020 debut Before Love Came To Kill Us leading to a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Jessie performed the album's first single “Mutual Friend” and announced it earlier this summer on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Today she shares a VEVO Sessions performance for the album’s focus track “ONLY ONE” - watch here. Jessie also announced a 2022 world tour that starts October 13 and spans across US, UK, and EU with 8 cities already sold out. Dates and information here.
Jessie’s debut Before Love Came To Kill Us charted Top 5 on Billboard’s R&B Album Chart and amassed over 1.2B global streams. She received high praise from The NY Times, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Variety, and more, and performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Earlier this year she performed at Coachella and opened on Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever world tour.
Born in Toronto, Canada to Colombian immigrants, Jessie was raised between worlds. Linguistically and culturally fluid, Jessie has always had music as a universal grounding point. Taught guitar by her father at a young age - Jessie would explore various means of expression from instruments to voice to dance. In a banner career thus far, Jessie released two critically acclaimed EPs, Kiddo & Being Human In Public, has been nominated for a Grammy award for Best Urban Contemporary Album for her sophomore EP, won 4 Juno Awards for R&B/Soul Recording of The Year, Best Video, and Best New Artist, earned the title of Top Female Debut Album and Top R&B Album of 2020 for her debut album, and made a cameo in Beyonce’s Black is King visual album.
Listen to Jessie’s new album “YESSIE” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with her on social media.
Ghanaian-Canadian RnB Artist Kofi Releases His "On Me" Remix EP
Rising R&B artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist @jmgkofi has released a remix EP for his song, "On Me." The Ghanaian-Canadian talent aligned with some of his favorite Afrocentric producers for a collection of tracks reimagining the buzzy single from his latest album, “Why Not”.
Rising R&B artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Kofi has released a remix EP for his song, "On Me." The Ghanaian-Canadian talent aligned with some of his favorite Afrocentric producers for a collection of tracks reimagining the buzzy single from his latest album, Why Not, which dropped May 21, 2022 via Red Bull Records.
The EP features four new remixes of the Afrobeats-inspired original, including a track with Afrojack protégé DISTO, a two-step into retrofuturism with SORENA, and an AmaPiano mix with multi-platinum South African producer Yumbs. For the fourth remix, Kofi tapped Nigerian super-producer KDDO, who helped usher in the international breakthrough of Afrobeats with Davido's hit single "Fall." The jazzy mix also features a fiery verse from Nigerian rapper/singer Peruzzi.
In early September, Kofi will head to Africa to perform the KDDO and Peruzzi remix live in Lagos at the Red Bull Dance Your Style Nigeria National Finals. Following the release of the remixes, Kofi will start rolling out new music from his forthcoming EP, fans can keep their ears out for a single in late September.
Listen to the EP now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Kofi on his social media.
LA-Based Songwriter Cimo Fränkel Releases the Deluxe Edition of His Debut Self-Titled Album
LA-based platinum-certified songwriter Cimo Fränkel has released the deluxe edition of his debut self-titled album, “Cimo Fränkel”. The album includes his emotive live cover of Cam’s hit single ‘Burning House’.
LA-based platinum-certified songwriter Cimo Fränkel has released the deluxe edition of his debut self-titled album, Cimo Fränkel, via Cimo Fränkel / AWAL. The album includes his emotive live cover of Cam’s hit single ‘Burning House’. Cimo Fränkel finds himself among the stars, having collaborated and toured with Armin van Buuren on their song ‘Strong Ones’, reaching #37 on Billboard Charts. He has also helped create several global hits, including the Multi-Platinum single ‘Sex’ by Cheat Codes & Kris Kross Amsterdam, which has been streamed globally over 1 Billion times.
Cimo has received support from well-known industry publications Notion Magazine, iHeart, Medium.com/ Authority Magazine, EDM.com, CLASH Magazine, Your EDM, and Dancing Astronaut to name a few, and has been aired by none other than BBC Radio London’s Judi Love, contributing to his stream count of just over 2 billion worldwide. The songwriter has won a Buma National Award for the Double Platinum release ‘Mooie Dag’ (‘Beautiful Day’) with Jayh Jawson. Additionally, Cimo Fränkel co-wrote Hardwell’s track ‘How You Love Me’ featuring Snoop Dogg and Conor Maynard. Other favourites include Yellow Claw’s ‘Shotgun’, R3HAB & A Touch of Class’s song ‘All Around The World (LaLaLa)’.
Cimo Fränkel was born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He grew up around his father who was a funk musician who would invite Cimo to join him in the studio and enlightened him on the DIY ethos of funk culture. At the age of fifteen, Cimo would explore music production and collaborate with other young and passionate Dutch musicians. The musician has cited the works of Michael Jackson and Huey Lewis as highly inspirational to the artist he is today. This latest collaboration draws strong comparisons with The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean and Tate McRae.
Swooning with soul, the deluxe edition of Cimo’ Fränkel’s self-titled debut album brings listeners several previously unheard remixes, acoustic versions, and more. While the original project brims with alt-pop goodness, the new edition exposes Cimo’s vulnerable side. Up close and personal, we are invited to his world and introduced to a blend of confessional lyricism and intimate instrumentation.
Cimo Fränkel shares how the album came together: “This album is special to me because it wasn’t written and produced in one place. I traveled the world during that time which makes it feel like an adventure. I had to open the album with a song I wrote and recorded with my father because he is one of the main reasons I am in music in the first place.”
Listen to the deluxe edition of “Cimo Fränkel” now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Cimo on his website and social media.
Tel Aviv Hip-Hop Artist Benjamin Elias Debuts His Concept Album "Prana"
Tel-Aviv based hip-hop artist, Benjamin Elias' goes beyond boundaries in his highly-anticipated concept album, “Prana” - out now.
Tel-Aviv based hip-hop artist, Benjamin Elias' goes beyond boundaries in his highly-anticipated concept album, “Prana” - out now.
Featuring artists, TraVoYn, Tony Millions, Guyku, and Soul Special (who is credited as a producer on all seven of the album's songs), Prana taps into the creative flow state as Benjamin wrote the album during a one week creative binge, telling the story of what it feels like to truly live in the now.
Deeply tied to his yoga practice, the album is supported with short, lyrical breakdown visuals (Genius style) alongside some videos explaining how falling in love with yoga inspired him to discover to explore new subject matter in his music and will include a Yoga teacher demonstrating and explaining some positions: exposing the listener to the yogic concept of "Prana".
Swoosh God Releases His New EP "Echo Son" and New Video “Do Ya Sh#t"
Valley Stream, NY based rap artist @SwooshGod returns with his new EP, “Echo Son”, and a new video for “Do Ya Sh#t.” Check out both now!
Swoosh God (AKA “Swoosh Jesus”) is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Valley Stream, NY. A cultural shapeshifter and iconic tastemaker, Swoosh originally made waves during the “Soundcloud Rap” era, and created a virtual cult following before he was discovered by Playboy Carti; who inked Swoosh God to his label imprint at Interscope Records.
After departing his deal with Carti, Swoosh got back on his independent grind and continued to release the music that displays why he was so heavily sought after and labeled a future star; including collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Juicy J, Rich The Kid, Famous Dex, Matt Ox, placement on the NBA2K Soundtrack and an appearance (“Swoosh Me Up!”) on A$AP Rocky’s AWGE DVD release.
Now, with major ties to the A$AP Mob & AWGE, Swoosh God returns with his new EP, Echo Son, and a new video for “Do Ya Sh#t.” Check out both below and connect with Swoosh God on his social media.
Ezza of Choom Gang and Kadaj the god Drop Their Collaborative Album "Chapel Ceilings"
@ezza905 and Kadaj the god have created an epic reunion for the ages with “Chapel Ceilings”, an 11 track journey through the minds of two enlightened emcees with a synergetic chemistry that did not miss a step after nearly 10 years of separation. Check out this DOPE album now!
As classic east coast underground hip hop experiences a triumphant renaissance in this post-pandemic era of rap, emcees from Buffalo, NY have been major torch-bearers for the style’s new-age resurrection.
Now, out of the surrounding Niagara area come two rappers who originally linked up across borders in 2009 under the guidance of the late creative pioneer chuck Nyndees. Around the time of chuck’s passing, Kadaj the god (originally from St Catharine’s, ON) would relocate to North Carolina for a nearly decade-long hiatus while Ezza of Choom Gang held things down in their mutual birth town in Southern Ontario.
In 2022, the two have created an epic reunion for the ages with “Chapel Ceilings”, an 11 track journey through the minds of two enlightened emcees with a synergetic chemistry that did not miss a step after nearly 10 years of separation. The album, which is an absolute treat for any fan of the art form, was just released alongside their debut video “Sam Porter Bridges”.
Check out the visual below, as well as the “Chapel Ceilings” album, below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Ezza of Choom Gang on his social media. Also, be on the lookout for our in-depth review of “Chapel Ceilings” coming soon.
Stream and Share “Chapel Ceilings”
Connect with Ezza of Choom Gang: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Toronto Rapper Nue Releases His Brand New Album "PLAYGROUND"
Having always felt an attraction to the future and experimenting with industrial sounds in rap, Toronto’s Nue takes a step back on “PLAYGROUND” to do something more traditional with rock sounds. Displayed in the cover art is a child in a sandbox in an abandoned city to parallel u met me at a strange time's artwork of the city burning.
You could say that Toronto rapper and singer Nue has an underground sensibility with global accessibility. He's smashing up parameters, but writing some of the catchiest songs you will hear this year. "It's exciting to be putting out music because I went in a whole direction I'd never gone in before," Nue says. "It was a process that I started during COVID, where I thought I had to have different sounding music. My producer Modmaxx sent me some real guitar loops and I made a song that didn't have drums on it, more of a punk vibe. It was out of my pocket from what I usually do and spurred the whole project."
That song, the electro-chaotic rock-rap plea "Wallflower," serves as the latest single from Nue's full-length PLAYGROUND album. "Wallflower" hears Nue express things in a certain way that was new to him, having never made any form of rock music or alternative – whatever you want to call it.
Watch the music video for “Wallflower” below, check out “PLAYGROUND” on your preferred music service and connect with Nue on his social media.
Exciting German/Swedish Teenage Siblings HAVET Release Their 5-Track Debut EP “Mamas Lullaby”
Exciting German/Swedish teenage siblings HAVET have released their 5-track debut EP “Mamas Lullaby”. The record features recent uploads “Child”, “Toxic” and their latest single also out now, called “Mamas Lullaby”.
Exciting German/Swedish teenage siblings HAVET have released their 5-track debut EP “Mamas Lullaby”. The band comprises of sisters Josy (17) and Mimi (19.) The record features recent uploads “Child” & “Toxic” and their latest single also out now, called “Mamas Lullaby”.
The title track “Mamas Lullaby” grapples with the feelings of needing help and feeling alone, head-on. It’s rich in warming production and lyrically emotive like in all their releases to date,
With this debut EP fans will find familiarity in their debut track “Child” featuring on the tracklist along with this upload along with three new, unheard tracks. The EP promises to feel both nostalgic yet contemporary, exploring themes of youth, and coping with what the world throws at you whilst also being songs that’ll make you want to dance. The tracklist & EP artwork are listed below.
Listen to “Mamas Lullaby” right now, and connect with HAVET on their IG.
Connect with HAVET: Instagram
Cinematic Bass Duo Koven Unveil Their Anticipated EP "Higher Ground (Part 1)" on Monstercat
Award-winning cinematic bass duo Koven have just revealed the final chapter to their anticipated ‘Higher Ground (Part 1)’ EP, arriving with the final single and festival set opener “Industrial Strain,” a high-energy drum & bass track with a relevant message.
Award-winning cinematic bass duo Koven have just revealed the final chapter to their anticipated ‘Higher Ground (Part 1)’ EP, arriving with the final single and festival set opener “Industrial Strain,” a high-energy drum & bass track with a relevant message. Having been a staple on the touring circuit this summer, across more than 35 dates ranging from festivals such as Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, and EDC Las Vegas, it epitomizes why the beloved duo have become a mainstage addition globally. Following singles “Take it Away,” “Lions” and “All We Needed,” it’s an impressive offering to a diverse collection of records, each paying homage to Koven’s signature emotive penmanship.
Koven share, “‘Higher Ground’ has been a really fun and unique experience for us. Historically all of our writing happens remotely but this time around, the music was written over a few days at a writing retreat. This also presented opportunities like working with Max's old music theory teacher, Simon Dobson, who helped us with all the string arrangements alongside the Parallax Orchestra. That wouldn't have happened if we didn't accidentally bump into him whilst on the writing retreat. Since the album [‘Butterfly Effect’], we set ourselves a new mantra of 'leveling up' and being the best version of ourselves, and that's the meaning behind 'Higher Ground'. We hope you enjoy ‘Part 1’ and we have even more to show you on ‘Part 2.’”
Returning once more under the Monstercat banner, a figurative home for Koven where they released both their ‘Butterfly Effect’ and ‘Butterfly Effect (Deluxe)’ LPs, they continue to explore a range of dance music genres in their robust compositions. Already securing support from tastemakers including UKF and BBC Radio 1, their ‘Higher Ground (Part 1)’ EP ushers in a new chapter set to redefine the pair. “Industrial Strain” incorporates what Koven are best known for; drum & bass with empathic emotion. The precision and depth of Max’s production merged with Katie’s earnest songwriting and vocals is perfectly embodied through “Industrial Strain,” a track which has marked itself with its epicness by the crowd’s reaction on stage to tens of thousands at Belgium’s Rampage Festival.
Having spent the lockdown period further sharpening their craft, as well as showing the breadth of their creativity through their virtual reality space Another Home, Koven are proving to be artists in the truest contemporary sense. And now ‘Higher Ground (Part 1)’ is complete as dancefloors have returned around the world, leaving fans eager for more to come in ‘Part 2’.
Listen to “Higher Ground (Part 1)” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Koven on their social media.