Author: Jessica Golich

Based in Detroit, Michigan. Owner/Writer of LifeBeyondTheMusic.com.

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Music Reviews

West Coast Indie Folk Musician, Cindy Jollotta, Releases New Single – “Ghosts”

West Coast Indie Folk Musician, Cindy Jollotta, lyrically yearns to turn back the hands of time and get another shot at connecting with an individual who she once perceived differently throughout the release of her latest single, “Ghosts”. Accompanied by a music video that is set amongst a balance of the natural world and the reality of her life back at home, Cindy Jollotta gets down to the bare bones of her feelings throughout “Ghosts” in an inviting and enlightening way for those who are currently experiencing heartbreak.

Having spent some time in Europe on tour in 2018 followed by dates throughout the states which started on December 18th, 2018, Cindy is globetrotting around the world and spreading her love for music in places and environments that captivate the intimacy in which she approaches her musicianship. As a proud supporter of LGBTQ, body positive, sex positive and women in the music industry, Cindy is a thought-leader who has aligned her music with her mission of using her platform to welcome any and all walks of life into her world fully as they are. Carrying a potent degree of mystery while lacing in her roots and musical history, Cindy Jollotta shines throughout “Ghosts” which is her first time spreading her wings and dabbling into a solo project away from her band, The Podunk Poets. Setting the trajectory for what’s to come in 2019, Cindy Jollotta is in exploration mode and her artistic prowess continues to bloom. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as LeAnne Rhymes and Shania Twain, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Cindy Jollotta on Soundcloud.

Cindy Jollotta Social Links:

Facebook • Website • YouTube

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Great Good Fine Ok

Brooklyn Duo, Great Good Fine Ok, have racked in a consistent 1 million monthly listens on Spotify and continue to ride the high tide into the new year with their latest release, “Easy”. I caught up with the guys to discuss balance and making sure that you are taking care of your part in your interpersonal relationships, their three latest singles, escaping from stimulus while on tour and more.

“Change” and “Touch” are great introductions to what is to come within your upcoming album release. Tell us about your creative and recording process so far and what you have learned along the way.

The creative process has been the same since the very beginning. Luke creates the music, sends it to me, and I write the lyrics and the melodies. Or sometimes the opposite, I’ll have a melodic or lyrical idea and bring it to Luke and we’ll work that way. After that initial step, we go back and forth and polish up everything together, but it works for us to separately do the things that we are best at.  This band has taught me the power of collaboration. Years ago I thought that writing with other people could water down my “vision”, but on the contrary, I was limiting my vision by relying solely on my particular skill set.

If you could go back to day one in the studio, would you have thought that both singles would have turned out the way that they did?

Both “Change” and “Touch” (mainly “Touch”) evolved considerably since the day we started them.  Hearing a song take shape over time is part of the joy of what we do. When we started “Touch” it had a very edgy electronic vibe that reminded me of the band Muse.  As it progressed and we added lap steel and acoustic guitar it turned into something completely different.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

For me, 2018 was filled with a lot of life extremes. Love, death, joy, pain and everything in between. I do believe that you learn more from the pain, so in that sense, I am grateful.  Looking at it like that makes it easier to overcome these things.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

Similarly to the way some people are more equipped to do drugs recreationally, and some people, for whatever reasons, should never do drugs, I believe some people are more equipped to handle the social media vortex.  You only see the extremes. Famous/successful people, rich people, or people failing or battling hard times. Most of life is somewhere in between, and that is a much healthier place to focus. I use social media to reach our fans or connect with friends. Period. I try not to get caught up in just scrolling and I know that most of what I am seeing is not reality. Some people have a harder time with that, and it can be triggering and dangerous. I have mixed feelings about the digital world. In some ways, it is endlessly good, but I worry about what it is doing to the generation of people who never lived without it.  

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

Being a good friend, family member and partner is important to me. Interpersonal relationships effect me on an emotional level much more than my career does.  I like when I can nurture those things. I take pride in being kind to others and making a constant effort to see the forest through the trees.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

There is a lot of down time and traveling when we are on tour, so we try to use those times to center and escape from the stimulus. We try to exercise, eat healthy, and explore different cities – helps us stay sane.

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you have collected along the way.

I heard the frontman of one of the bands we toured with say something along the lines of, “You shouldn’t get nervous because wherever you are, you deserve to be there.” I am paraphrasing, but I often think about this sentiment.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with either yourself as a child or yourself as a wizened senior citizen, who would you choose and why?

I would definitely talk to the wizened me. I’d rather learn from myself, than teach myself. The child me would definitely benefit from talking to me, but he needs to learn certain things on his own. So does current me, but…I’d still love to know the things I’ll learn in the next 50 years.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

We are excited for the next chapter. Lots of new stuff coming.

Great Good Fine Ok Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

Categories
Music Reviews

Detroit Rapper, Mack Tr3, Releases New Single – “Dopeman Dream$”

Detroit Rapper, Mack Tr3, makes your speakers bump throughout the release of his new single, “Dopeman Dream$”, which is accompanied by a music video that showcases that he has his sight set on his prize. Delivering the goods just as they are and never fronting about his scars through his artistry, Mack Tr3 may be new to the game in some ways, yet he has been spittin’ since the days of his youth and it’s time from his talent to be recognized beyond the booth.

Filmed with the nitty-gritty feel and appeal of the reality and human experience of those who are putting in the time in the studio while balancing the blue-collar work on the side, Mack Tr3 shines in a way that is both revealing and reassuring to those independent musicians who are following in his footsteps throughout the music video for “Dopeman Dream$”.

Embodying the guts, grind and glory of the 313 while on the grind, Mack Tr3 is steady making the necessary moves to live out his dreams and showcase his talent to a wider audience that continues to grow. Mack Tr3 is an individual with heart who is developing a signature style of wit and wisdom that challenges listeners to challenge their own manner of thinking before hoes, parties and drinking. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Young Dolph, 21 Savage with the old-school twist of Chamillionaire and Paul Wall, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Mack Tr3 on YouTube.

Mack Tr3 Social Links:

Instagram • YouTube • Twitter

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Jess Coppens

Having recently released her well-received debut single, “Rain”, Jess Coppens is just beginning to make a name for herself as an impassioned and soulful Pop Musician. I caught up with Jessica to discuss her view on social media, learning about herself through creating “Rain”, making it a priority to detach from stimulus and more. 

Your latest single, “Rain”, dives deep into your core. What did you learn about yourself through creating that track?

Writing “Rain” was a rollercoaster. I wrote it with my friend and Engineer/Producer, Dan Swank. We wrote most of it in his home studio and I think it was the first time in awhile that a song came somewhat easy to me. I was going through some self-doubting and wasn’t sure of where I wanted to be. The writing process of ‘Rain’ kind of gave me that feeling of, “Oh shit, maybe I CAN do this”, and it was pretty cool.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

Like I was talking about in the last question, I had a lot of self-doubt going on before and after I had released “Rain”. Until that song starting coming together, I didn’t know if I wanted to keep making music. I’m definitely thankful that I was able to overcome that self-doubt and get this tune out to the world. It felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

It is what it is, honestly. I hate the fact that social media is so important, but there’s no going back from it. There’s plenty of positive stuff out there, too, so I typically try to surround myself with that kind of engagement rather than the drama and bullshit that the internet thrives on.

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

When I’m not doing music-related things, I’m working at a local coffee shop. It’s definitely a nice way to express creativity through some other kind of art form. So I guess I take pride in my ability to make good coffee.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

When I’m away from home, I try to make it a priority to “detach” a bit and just enjoy where I’m at. It’s easy to get caught up in my head when I’m away from my usual daily routine, so I try to stay in the moment more often.

Have you been able to heal any of your past life experiences through art and/or creating music?

Not yet, but I know I’m progressing. I feel like every song I’ve been writing lately has taught me something new. It’s slowly helping me

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Thanks so much for all the support! Without it, writing “Rain” wouldn’t have been possible. I’ll have more soon!

Jess Coppens Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Twitter

Categories
Music Reviews

Chicago House Legend, Matt Warren, Shines Throughout ‘Music Is My Life’

Chicago House Legend, Matt Warren, has infused the restoration of Nu-House Music with an electrifying dose of soul throughout the notably charted and well-received release of his latest full-length album, ‘Music Is My Life’. Soaring beyond expectations with prestigious accomplishments such as charting at #1 on Digital Radio Tracker for two weeks in a row in the 4th Quarter of 2018 and playing on a total of 279 US radio stations in rotation or on specialty play, Matt Warren regenerated his creative fuel and put out a release that will stick in the hearts of listeners over time. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts. 

Photo Credit: ACRONYM

Kicking off with the first track, “How Do I Love Thee (Featuring Pepper Gomez)”, horns that energize the rapid mind and compliment the dynamic technical approach that Matt Warren took throughout the production style of the song while the sultry vocal style of Pepper Gomez puts listeners in the mood for deepening the kinetic link between two human beings who yearn to simply be. The second track, “The Way To My Heart (Featuring Pepper Gomez)”, sizzles through the night and creates an atmosphere of intent as Matt and Pepper Gomez’ synergy creates a showcase of musical divinity. “Catch Me If You Can (Featuring Pepper Gomez)” is the third track that picks up the pace with a Miami-fused beat that gets listeners on their feet for a fun night full of glitz and glamour while celebrating the ever-blooming inner rebirths that have stemmed from the sheer joy that comes through release. The fourth track, “Catch Me If You Can (Featuring Pepper Gomez) (Disco Mix)”, sets itself apart with a thumping opening beat that mesmerizes listeners with a entrancing element of Groove that is charmingly unexpected and appealing to the modern-day genre junkie and musical risk takers.

“Get On Up (Featuring Janis McGee)” is the lead single and fifth track that has been a major hit that just passed 22K views for the accompanied music video on YouTube as Janis McGee brings out a bright flower garden of ancient wisdom and soul through her vocals that soothe the spirit and serve as the golden ticket. The sixth track, “Going Deeper”, creates an atmosphere of Jungle and mind-bending Groove that is fluidly laced to serve as a source of comfort for listeners of all walks of life. “Musica Es Mi Vida (Featuring Pepper Gomez)” is the seventh track that captures the pizzazz of the multicultural aura of Pepper Gomez as a Spanish work of musical gold that is medicine for the soul. The eighth track, “Bang The Box”, blasts off with a hard-hitting style akin to the DJ style of musicians that play at Berghain in Berlin that consumes the listener in the most welcoming and enthusiastic way. “La Rosa (Featuring Elena Andujar)” is the ninth track that twists the exotic Flamenco style of Elena Andujar into a banging House beat that shakes up the dance floor and leaves listeners yearning for more. The tenth track, “Sometimes (Featuring Pepper Gomez and Sharkeyes)”, is the black sheep of the family in the most welcomingly crepuscular way that mimics the style of Poe in her ‘Hello’ days. Closing out with “The Dark Storm”, Matt ends by  incorporating the style of the modern-day DJ with a short sample that swiftly shifts into a beautiful piano spill of compassion, tenderness and care. 

Wake Up Music Group is regenerating the lifestyle that naturally was through the vinyl and physical availability of ‘Music Is My Life’ as the value of owning a musical artifact is back with limited copies available to preserve the multi-sensory musical decadence throughout tracks such as hit single,”Get On Up” and “How Do I Love Thee” featuring Pepper G.  Spearheading the movement that is Wake Up Music Group which was founded by Visionary, Pepper Gomez aka MyMy Lady G, Matt Warren and the Wake Up Music Group team are set to awaken their dreams throughout 2019 which is bound to be the most exciting year yet. ‘Music Is My Life’ is a sign that the stars align. Keep an eye out for the upcoming new music video for “How Do I Love Thee” by Matt Warren filmed by Detroit Creative Guru, ACRONYM. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Richie Hawtin and Carl Cox then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Matt Warren on Soundcloud.

Matt Warren Social Links:

Facebook

Wake Up Music Group Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Website

Release charted on the following National Charts (Peak Positions)

— #1 Top 150 Independent Airplay

— #1 Chill Radio Airplay

—  #1 Top Hip-Hop Radio Adds

—  #2 Latin Radio Airplay

— #3 Top Hip-Hop Radio Adds

— #7 Electronic Radio Airplay

— #11 Hip Hop Radio Airplay

— #42 Top 200 Airplay

— Unweighted Radio Airplay #182

— Weighted Radio Airplay #432

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Charming Liars

Charming Liars, Photo by Catie Laffoon

LA-Based Alternative Band, Charming Liars, capture the heart of their former home town of London with their signature high-energy style that is fused with Electronic spontaneity. I caught up with Guitarist, Karnig Manoukian, to discuss the theme behind their latest single, “Something Dark”, being able to lean on your bandmates for mental and emotional support while on the road, putting in the work toward progression as both a human being and musician and more. 

Photo Credit: Catie Laffoon

Congrats on the positive reception of “Something Dark”. Tell us about the personal experience that you encountered that led you toward creating that track.

The key to this song was the energy from the bass synth in the verse. It created a dark mood and our Vocalist, Kilian, straight away turned to me and said, “Something dark lives in this song”, and then we were off! In terms of lyrical content, we had just watched a docu-series on Netflix called The Keepers and it goes into the dark details of the clergy in Baltimore and how they abused children for decades without punishment. That story stuck with us and essentially created a foundation for the song.

What did you learn throughout the creative process of “Something Dark” that will stick with you in the future?

We didn’t really learn anything new but we just pushed the boundaries of where we had already been. Instead of overcompensating the song with guitars we wanted to strip it back and have less. The less we had, the better it would become.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

There is the single challenging thought that haunts us on a daily basis and I don’t think we’ll ever overcome it – Will we be accepted and invited onto the next tour? Will we get back out on the road and play every single night? We won’t ever overcome this no matter where we are in our careers. We always strive to play more shows and never want to stop!

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

In one way, it’s opened up so many doors for people to be able to make a living and promote themselves. In another way, it means that people with no talent or character or personality can find their way to success and financial reward. If used in the right way, social media can really help people but it’s easy to see how a lot of people are negatively affected by it.

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

Personally, putting your head down and working. There’s so much competition out there and so few places. Those people that want to work less and have an easy ride have NO CHANCE at succeeding. So I take pride in knowing that at the end of every day, I did as much as I could to make progress in life.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

It’s a mission. At the beginning of a tour we’ll all pledge to eat healthy and keep fit. A couple of weeks in and we are eating fast food almost every day. Mentally and emotionally the same thing happens and we get worn out. The best thing is to lean on and get help from your brothers or bandmates. That’s how we do it. There are times where we need to lift each other up and we’re there for each other to do that.

Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way throughout your time as a musician that have stuck with you along your journey.

Not too many memorable words of wisdom yet. A couple of key obvious ones stick out though. Firstly, play every show like it’s your last and secondly, record every song like it’s your last.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Thank you for sticking by us and believing in us. Our new album comes out in late February!

Charming Liars Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

Categories
Music Reviews

Sydney Musician, Peter Senior, Keeps Holiday Cheer Alive with “The Christmas Tree”

There are those that find utter delight through the simple experience of the holidays amongst loved ones and Sydney Musician, Peter Senior, stands out from the crowd as one of those human beings throughout the release of his latest single, “The Christmas Tree”. 

Putting a Rock ‘N’ Roll twist into what can initially be perceived as a classic Christmas track, Peter Senior opens with high energy and an abundance of happiness as he lyrically metaphorically creates a descriptive explanation of the simple pieces of Christmas that create feelings of joy within. Though we are just getting out of the swing of things as we kick off the New Year in 2019, Peter is still grooving and keeping listeners moving with this track which received wide praise over the holiday season. 

 

Having released his latest album, ‘On The Edge’, this past September, Peter Senior is a lifelong learner who continues to develop his niche and unique style of expression that incorporates a variety of instruments, mental preparation and wisdom collected from his elders. Peter Senior has lived and breathed music ever since the ripe days of his youth through growing up in a family abounding with insight, experience and a shared passion for musical expression. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Peter Senior on Soundcloud.

Peter Senior Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • YouTube

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Them Evils

Rising California Rockers, Them Evils, are roaring through the world of Rock creating blazing fires with hits such as “Got Me Rockin” which proves that these guys aren’t stoppin’ anytime soon. I caught up with Bassist, Jake Massanari, for a fun chat about how “Got Me Rockin” came together organically, excitement for their upcoming experience at Shiprocked 2019, wisdom with Ice-T, preserving mental and emotional health while on the road and much more.

Congrats on the success of “Got Me Rockin” which has served as a key component of the trajectory of your experience as a musician. Let’s reflect; tell us about the creative and recording experience while bringing that track to life.

That was one song that came together pretty organically. We had showed it to our late Producer, Kato Khandwala, and it immediately peaked his interest. So it was a really fun song to track. Every chance we had to work with him was nothing short of amazing.

Have you ever been on Shiprocked as a fan? What do you perceive is to come with your upcoming appearance on the 2019 Shiprocked experience.

We’ve never been before so we’re psyched! We’ve heard that it’s one hell of a party though, so we’re hoping we’ll make it back in one piece.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

That’s a good question. Well the other day I couldn’t decide if I should go out and drink or stay in and save money before tour, but I caved and went out, and inevitably spent too much money. But that’s showbiz, baby. I’ve learned to live with my poor decisions!

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an incredibly helpful tool and 100% necessary component for anyone trying to “make it” in today’s world. But on the other hand, it’s pretty clear that people are detaching themselves more and more from reality and abusing the technology we have in front of us. People are so fixated on how something is being portrayed to their peers or “followers” that they tend to miss out on the actual experiences at hand. I think there’s a balance to be had between the two.

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

I think the most important thing to me is to just be a decent human being. It’s not that hard, but some people still can’t seem to figure it out. Just don’t be a dick. I was lucky enough to grow up with really admirable and respectable people, and I pride myself on the morals and accountability I hold myself to because of them.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

It’s important to not let little things get to you. Between us and our crew, we very rarely have lost our cool with each other. You just need to find ways to occupy your time and your brain, cause those long travel days can start to get to you if you don’t. I try to find a few good books to read while out on the road, and I’ll often try and find some sort of self-help book to ensure that my mental health stays positive.

You have played a wide variety of festivals and amongst a ton of musicians over the past few years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.

We were playing Rock on the Range in Ohio this past year, and I happened to bump into Ice-T in the bathroom. I talked to him for a minute while we’re – ya know, handling our business, and after telling him about my band he said “Fuck yeah, never stop.” So that has always stuck with me. More of a rad situation than words of wisdom!

Any new music coming in 2019 from Them Evils? Share what you can.

You can expect an excessive amount of music from us this year. We recently just finished a new single that we’re super hyped on and gonna hold on to for a bit. We took a whole new approach to songwriting this time around, and are taking things in a bit of a different direction. Y’all ain’t ready!  

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?

Come catch us on tour throughout January and February, and pour a beer down my throat while I play! Bring your mom’s and dad’s, and cats. Head over to ThemEvils.com for tour dates, merch, photos of Jordan’s mom, etc. Cheers!

Them Evils Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

Them Evils Upcoming Tour Dates with Pop Evil: 
1/16 – Lincoln, NE – The Bourbon
1/17 – Denver, CO – Summit Denver
1/18 – Wichita, KS – The CotillionDallas
1/19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
1/20 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
1/23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
1/24 – Austin, TX – The Lost Well
1/26 – 1/31 Shiprocked – Cozumel, Mexico
2/02 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club
2/05 – Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
2/07 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
2/08 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Clyde Theatre
2/09 – Peoria, IL – Monarch Music Hall
2/10 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
2/12 – Nashville, TN – The Cowan
2/13 – Fort Smith, AR – Temple Live
2/14 – Springfield, MO – The Complex Springfield
2/15 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
2/16 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theater
2/17 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
2/20 – Spokane, WA – The Pin!
2/21 – Seattle, WA – The Funhouse
2/22 – Portland, OR – Paris Theatre
2/23 – Boise, ID – The Olympic
2/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge


 

Categories
Music Reviews

France Electronic Artist, Sound Strider, Releases New LP – ‘Occult Electric’

Electronic Soundscape Master, Sound Strider, creates a technically rich experimental journey into a colorful world of musical exploration throughout the release of his latest LP, ‘Occult Electric’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Helpless Cogs”, a psychedelic trip into a vibrant investigation into intention mimics the likes of Merkaba in their ‘Language of Light’ days with a blissful musical ride into a realm of expansion as Sound Strider draws focus toward awakening tenderness and love within listeners that are aligned with his serene energy. The second track, “Hail Eris”, slowly shakes listeners back into living as the song glides by incorporating the sounds of nature and the natural world into our modern-day influx of bloody entertainment. “Plague of Wizards” is the third track that teases the trickled mind with manic instrumental highs and lows that are sobering in their simplicity yet perplexingly intricate enough to lead the mind to wander. Closing out with “Embracing Chaos”, Sound Strider is simultaneously out of this world and down to earth as he, as stated, puts the feeling of placing a question mark after reality into listeners through an atmospheric array of kaleidoscopic musical appeal.  

It is evident that Sound Strider utilizes his music as a source and tool to induce a state of wellness and spiritual musing and curiosity into listeners. Having recently pursued and taken action toward the next level by creating his own Record Label, Red Tent Records, Sound Strider is taking strides toward sharpening his box of musical tools and gifting himself with the ability to create his own rules. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Merkaba, Bonobo and Desert Dwellers, then do yourself and your heart a favor keep an eye on the ride ahead for Sound Strider on Soundcloud.

Sound Strider Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

Categories
Music Reviews

New Jersey Musician, Sam Fishman, Releases New Album – ‘End of Time’

New Jersey Drummer, Sam Fishman, gathered an army of fellow talented musicians to accompany him along a spiritually rich and instrumentally extravagant musical journey throughout the recent release of ‘End of Time’. Here’s our track-buy-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “The Musings of Your Heart (A Path Illuminated)”, Sam opens up with a dose of psychologically intriguing storytelling that leads listeners to build castles in the sky in mind. The second track, “Sh’ma Sh’ma”, is a soft and slow blast of strings that sounds akin to the likes of Lindsey Stirling in her self-titled debut days back in 2012. “Don’t Forget You Can Breathe” is the third track that is the perfect storytelling reminder to listen to before bed after a long day of absorbing stimulus through simply being in the human experience. The fourth track, “Omens”, picks up the pace of the album with emotive instrumentals that feel as though Sam is encountering a dark space within while vocals from Samantha Cram elevate the denseness of Sam’s current inner world.

“Pure Kinetic Energy (Inside the Labyrinth)” is the fifth track that is abounding with childlike and mind-bending storytelling that is hypnotically absorbed by listeners who perceive and lead life beyond the surface. The sixth track, “Voices Emerge”, opens with an astounding and fluidly meshed array of instrumentals that mimic the likes of Dream Theater and carry a theatrical tone that is as inviting as the opening lyrical line. The eighth track, “Stolen Lives”, is an album highlight that subliminally serves to release the subconscious mind within listeners through instrumentals that take us back to the glory days of bands like Fuel, Our Lady Peace and Trapt. “Sulfuric Fumes of Fury (Enter the Dark)” is the ninth track that showcases Sam’s dynamic approach when preparing the instrumental, musical and production style for the release. The tenth track, “Mantra”, is a whirlwind of delightful juxtaposition that sounds furthest from the peaceful title in the most lovely way with high-power riff’s and drumming that showcases the amount of dedication Sam has put into his artistry. “Final Distance to the Clock” is the eleventh track that lights a flame through the hearts of listeners as a classic instrumental eruption of Rock ‘N’ Roll that is simply good for the soul. The twelfth track, “The Space Between Calm and Catastrophe (Approaching the End of Time)”, keeps the story spilling forward as Sam purposely entwines thoughts that he absorbed through being in tune with a higher dimension and thoughts beyond himself into his music.  “The End of Time” is the thirteenth and title track that begins sounding akin to Phil Collins and Genesis and swiftly leads listeners to being tugged at the core by the hypnotic soulfulness within the vocals of Samantha Cram. Closing out with “A Short Dream Revisited”, intro instrumentals that mimic the likes of Glasser in her ‘Ring’ days soothe the restless mind and spirit and induce a state of emotional tranquility.

Taking over 18 months to bring together this work of musical art, it is evident that Sam Fishman had his heart set out to create his desire from the start throughout ‘End of Time’. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Megadeth, Porcupine Tree and Our Lady, Piece, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Sam Fishman on Spotify.

Sam Fishman Social Links:

Facebook • Website • YouTube