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Music Reviews

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Releases New Single – “Barely Changed”

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, inspires the world by simply being herself. From the ripe age of five-years-old, Jillian has taken the driver’s seat of her life which has transmuted into the sprouting of a creative tree that bears a variety of artistic branches. Between acting, singing, playing guitar, tumbling and simply being a teenager, Jillian continues to prove that she can do it all. Having released her latest single, “Barely Changed”, Jillian has brought forward a Pop hit that carries an instrumental twist of EDM which carries a significant maturation in both tone and delivery. Jillian’s ability to capture and read both her audience and herself led to the track being mastered with precision while meeting the undertone of the Pop world. Jillian lyrically and vocally shines throughout “Barely Changed” in a grounded and moving way that challenges listeners to be more present. 

Being a step ahead of the game, Jillian Shea Spaeder’s accomplishments range from being a presenter at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards to playing the lead of Disney’s Walk The Prank and to name a few. Through her drive, dedication and blossoming heart, it is evident that Jillian has learned and developed the skills to both channel her vision and pour it all forward through her artistry. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara and Camila Cabello, then keep an eye on the promising ride and journey ahead for the young, bright and talented star that is Jillian Shea Spaeder on Soundcloud.

Jillian Shea Spaeder Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Website 

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The J. & F. Band Release New Album – ‘From the Roots to the Sky’

Global Genre-Bending Band, The J. & F. Band, are spread far and wide physically yet entirely in tune through their artistry as one. Stemming from a boundless array of experience, the guys of The J. & F. Band have come together with the intent of unity, peace and the sheer joy that stems from eclectic music throughout their latest full-length release, ‘From the Roots to the Sky’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts. 

Kicking off with the first track, “GS#2”, the guys kick off with a scratchy strum into instrumental contemplation that is synergetic, fluid and organized in a manner to compliment each focal point of the wide-array of instruments that are incorporated. The second track, “Spirit Of The Great Plains”, channels the mysterious unknown while lacing a new musical energy into the world with The J. & F. Band’s smooth and eclectic twist on the modern times of Jazz. “West Bufalino” is the third track that begins with ancient elements coming forward through tribal sounds that provide an air of tranquility that listeners naturally swallow whole. The fourth track, “Dixie Chicken/Mischief”, picks up the pace with a Groove feel that mimics the likes of Grateful Dead as Lead Vocalist, Joe Fonda, stirs the soul. “Gone Too Soon” is the fifth track that is an ode to a human being that made their way beyond the physical over a moody Blues instrumental that carries the dense emotion that comes through the experience of death. The sixth track, “Roz, See You On The Moon!”, traverses into a psychedelic space abounding with color and light that is channeled through a kaleidoscopic array of musical spunk. “J. & F. Duet & Quartet” is the seventh track that is the perfect song for showcasing the soulful energy that the guys of The J. & F. Band lace into their artistry. Closing out with the highlight track, “Super Jam”, the guys of The J. & F. Band end on a high note with a positive stream of instrumental and musical consciousness. 

The J. & F. band are abounding with life experience that naturally flows through their music. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Cannonball Adderley, The Allman Brothers Band and Cream, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The J. & F. Band on YouTube.

The J. & F. Band Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Bandcamp

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Swedish Duo, The Other Life, Release New Single – “Moody”

Swedish Electronic Musicians, The Other Life, have escaped the mundane to blast off into a creative world entirely their own throughout their latest single, “Moody”. Crisp production leads the way through a waxing and waning beat that surges through the soul throughout and subliminally influences the loss of control when out it comes to the common pressures of society. Carrying out the industrial and technical element that bands such as Depeche Mode and Joy Division shared throughout their discographies, there is an ancient dose of mystery laced within “Moody” that provides a euphoric rush to listeners that are in tune with themselves beyond the surface.

The mighty talented and obscure musicians who strategically chose to remain elusive are currently signed to Nu Deal Records and is making waves throughout the wide-ranging and fruitful underground music world throughout Europe and more with “Moody”. Thinking forward in regards to protecting personal privacy and energy, the respectfully unknown musicians behind  “Moody” make it seems like a a walk in the park which showcases their skill and determination to create a world bigger than what they currently know. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Joy Division, New Order and The Cure, then keep an eye out on the promising ride ahead for the bundle of mystery that is The Other Life on SoundCloud. And while you’re at it, check out the  Operator S Remix and Joh Gary Remix of “Moody” on YouTube.

The Other Life Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube Channel • Instagram

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New York Musician, Lillimure, Releases New Single – “WDYTM”

New York Musician, Lillimure, is diving into her boundless abyss of thought to discover previously uncovered wonders and musings pertaining to her journey ahead throughout her latest single release “WDYTM”. Lacing vulnerability and uncertainty into the songwriting behind “WDYTM”, Lillimure exhibits that she has reached a place of nothingness in mind throughout the chorus which showcases the self-awareness that she has reached at the ripe age of 19-years-old. Striving to answer questions that have been lingering through her mind pertaining to a relationship that is occupying her heart, energy and time, “WDYTM” gives listeners a glimpse into her world prior to her album release that is currently set for June 2019.

Having chosen to express herself through storytelling and lyricism that is simple yet carries the intent through with precision, Lillimure has her vision set and has in turn created a track that meets the modern-day Indie feel. As a young, driven and emerging musician who is leading out her day to day life and finding herself as an Artist along the way, Lillimure is packed punch of young and vibrant soul that is setting a new tone. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Norah Jones, Skylar Grey and Joni Mitchell, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Lillimure on Soundcloud.

Lillimure Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Instagram

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LA Musician, Heather Gruber, Releases New Album – ‘Dancing Into The Desert’

LA Singer/Songwriter, Heather Gruber, has spread her wings to extend beyond what she had previously known to find her way back “home” throughout her latest full-length release, ‘Dancing Into The Desert’. Here’s our track by track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Beauty Outside the Lines”, Heather begins with a fun and spirited instrumental that walks listeners into her youthful yet soaring vocal style that is rich in soul. “Here You Go Again” is the second track that carries songwriting that speaks to oneself about stepping outside of a comfort zone that has swallowed her whole. The third track, “Ready or Not”, colors outside of the lines with a cheery intro instrumental that lead into a vulnerable songwriting bundle of love while Heather lays down her armor and surrenders to what she is ready to explore. “Running on Empty” is the fourth track that is an acoustic blend of lyrical indecision and seeing the truth for what it is as Heather faces thoughts that are trying to keep her from taking the next step forward as she keeps in mind that she is simply ready to go. The fifth track, “Lost in Space”, is an album highlight that begins with Heather’s darkened vocals that are full of clarity when it comes to what she knows it best for her and her future.

“Lost My Halo” is the sixth track where Heather lyrically speaks to herself about how she recognizes that she lost pieces of her inner puzzle while chasing something that once felt impossible yet is indeed feasible. The seventh track, “How Do You Feel About Now?”, is written with metaphorical precision as Heather lyrically expresses her enduring love for another that won’t fade away. “Let it Fly” is the eighth track in which Heather lyrically maneuvers through her indecision and attempts to overcome her doubt and set herself free for once and for all. The ninth track, “Perfect Day”, begins with a beautiful and simple opening instrumental that matches the lyrical direction that is an ode to simply being. The eleventh track, “Letting Go”, stirs into the soul of listeners as Heather knows that what she had once collected is no longer serving her life path which continues to broaden as she travels and experiences how boundless the world that we live in truly is. “Stepped Outside” is the twelfth track in which Heather sets sail and lyrically tells the tale of facing the great unknown. Closing out with “What’s so Good About Being Young?”, Heather ends on a high note as she lets go of a relationship that was holding her back as she has come to learn to set her sights on what is best for her.

 

Emptying herself in a gap of civilization while immersed in the mystery that abounds in the wild to return to her core, Heather Gruber yearned for more and expressed her mindful action and emotive experiences along the way throughout ‘Dance Into The Desert’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sara Bareilles, Poe and Regina Spektor, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Heather Gruber on Spotify.

Heather Gruber Social Links:

Twitter • Bandcamp • YouTube

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California Rockers, American High, Release New Album – ‘U.N. Article 14’

California Rockers, American High, are back with intent to awaken the masses to the current state of the climate when it comes to injustice throughout their latest full-length release, ‘U.N. Article 14’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Second Sister”, the guys of American High rock their way into listeners’ hearts with a bold blast of snarky songwriting that points the finger at an individual who has taken the backseat of their own life. The second track, “Cheye Calvo”, instrumentally feels like a Blink 182 track right off bat as lyrics that float in and out of consciousness attempt to confront and hold authorities accountable for their failure to provide proper evidence. “I Can’t Change” is the third track that slows it down with a mellow intro instrumental that feels like it stepped out of a Jimmy Buffett release while the lyrical trajectory takes listeners down the road of contemplation. The fourth track, “Test Pilot”, is an Indie jam that is abounding with minimal instrumentals in the beginning which n shifts into a fury of a chorus that is unexpected yet a showcase of the dynamic range of American High’s approach in the studio.

“Fairfield, CA” is the fifth track that is a lyrical ode to the city that feels like “home” in one of the most beautiful states in the country yet metaphorically creates the impression that home is a woman and feeling. “U.N. Article 14” is the seventh track and title track that is an album highlight that is full of lyrical hope toward a brighter future of freedom ahead. Closing out with “Belly”, vocals that begin sounding like the late and great Tom Petty pour forward over lyrical simplicity that subliminally speaks of the importance of dialing down to what truly matters in your life.

 


‘U.N. Article 14’ is a politically charged and jam-packed bundle of impressive thought that keeps listeners musing upon what they choose to accept throughout their one precious life experience. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Blink 182, Death Cab For Cutie (instrumentally) and alt-J, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for American High on Spotify.

American High Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Soundcloud

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Washington Progressive Rock Veterans, BRAVE, Release New Album – ‘the calm | the storm’

Washington Progressive Rockers, BRAVE, have weaved a synergetic blast of mystery into a dynamic full-length release, ‘the calm | the storm’, that is worthy of praise. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “I Will Wait”, BRAVE stir into the soul over a light and eclectically rich bundle of instrumentals that carry elements of grandeur thought coming forward as haunting vocals from Lead Vocalist, Michelle Schultz, who has sustained her vocal capabilities over a wide-ranging array of musical experience are abounding with passion. The second track, “Mystery”, begins with a bold and emblazoned steer into the direction of Dream Theater in their ‘Awake’ days as songwriting that yearns for clarity pours forward from a vulnerable and open space. “A Thousand Miles of Sand” is the third track that slows it down into an instrumental feel akin to Seether as the Washington Rockers and thinkers set the tone for an atmospheric ride to their emotive side. The fourth track, “No Gravity”, begins with a surprisingly welcoming element of instrumental Folk and Country over a melodic flow that is masterly composed. “Summertime” is the fifth track that picks up the pace and feels like it walked out of a 1970’s Rock show as songwriting that finds peace within the truth feels wholesome and real. The sixth track, “Bay Song”, slows it down into an acoustic spill into a lyrical revelation that has stemmed from letting go and comes straight the soul. “Race to the End” is the seventh track that revs up the engines of listeners over a contemplative lyrical bundle of reflection and haunting memories that are crippling in a welcoming way. The eighth track, “November”, pays lyrical attention to to the wanderlust that has stemmed from heartbreak yet in hindsight serves to teach lessons still unknown. “Electric Ravens” is the ninth track that shifts into a 90’s Rock state as discontentment is laced into songwriting that is bold, fury and intentional. Closing out with “Feel the Rain”, BRAVE ends in a state of lyrical surrender as they tend to their highest desires from a clearer inner space.

BRAVE has hit a home run once again with ‘the calm | the storm’. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Evanescence, A Perfect Circle and Tori Amos, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for BRAVE on Soundcloud.

BRAVE Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Bandcamp 

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Chicago Electronic Musician, Acidic Base, Releases New Album – ‘Purple Skies’

Chicago Electronic Musician and Mastermind, Acidic Base, has cooked up some new Electronic heat that proves that it is never too early or too late to follow your dreams. The notably 12-year-old go-getter is far ahead of his time artistically, spirituality and intellectually throughout his debut release, ‘Purple Skies’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Purple Skies”, Acidic Base trickles in by entrancing listeners with an atmospheric journey into a colorful world with a waxing and waning entry into a portal of his youthful mind that is set on the stars in the most grounded and intentional way. The second track, “Halcyon”, begins with a calming reflective dose of Trip-Hop that flows seamlessly as Acidic Base plays with different synthesizer techniques that astounds the listener who keeps his chronological age in mind. “Chernobyl” is the third track that begins with a mellow groove that ignites the senses and leads listeners into a peaceful state as 8 minutes of minimal expression is the exact right amount of flow. The fourth track, “Blurred”, begins with the feel of an Adventure Club track and travels through an EDM dose of feeling that is fluid and mastered with precision. “Omnidirectional Hyperjet” is the fifth track that blasts off slowly into one of the most impressive Trance tracks that I have heard since the hard-hitting days of The Prodigy and Tricky in the early 90’s. The sixth track, “Mountain Face”, would fit perfectly into an action-packed video game as Acidic Base travels through an escalating beat that begins to hit harder and elevate in expression until the last second. Closing out with “Borealis”, Acidic Base slows it down with a fun and upbeat tone that showcases the vibrancy and aliveness that he is experiencing within his youth.

Balancing the tedious efforts that come with being an 8th grader with the expertise of a seasoned musician at the ripe age of 12-years-old, Acidic Base is a project by Chicago’s Siddharth Goswami that isn’t going to fold. Picturing Siddharth Goswami looking at his parents asking them to provide the tools so he can learn how to make music gives chills to the enlightened and conscious listener. If you’re a fan of fellow artists such as Adventure Club, Suicide Sheep Remixes on YouTube and Tiesto, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Acidic Base on Soundcloud.

Acidic Base Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Twitter

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Canadian Musician, Norine Braun, Releases New Album – ‘Through Train Windows’

Prestigious Canadian Singer/Songwriter, Norine Braun, lets both her talent and soul set free throughout her latest full-length album release, ‘Through Train Windows’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Sleeping Buffalo”, Norine’s vocals instantly captivate over a haunting acoustic guitar that is overcome with emotive prowess that spreads throughout the song in an enlightening way.  The second track, “I’m Going Home”, is a lyrically vulnerable step into confrontation with oneself as Norine attempts to figure out which way feels like home along her ever-changing road. “Jerkwater Town” is the third track that picks up the pace by taking listeners down a metaphorically rich dose of songwriting as lyrics such as “Life was good with a one-track mind” seep into the soul. The fourth track, “Exhale”, instantly begins with the feeling of a Jewel track back in her ‘This Way’ backs as another exquisite stirring of songwriting leaves listeners stopped dead in their tracks by Norine’s sheer writing abilities.

“Climbing Table Mountain” is the fifth track that changes the dynamic of the album as Norine takes the mic in hand and creates an atmosphere of overcoming while instrumentals that have pieces of Jazz flair mesh perfectly. “I’m Moving On” is the seventh track that is abounding with clarity as Norine reflectively tells the tale of a love that has gone sour as she lyrically confirms to herself that she is ready to let go and flow. The eighth track, “Rock the Rolling”, is an album highlight that begins with Jazzy instrumentals that carry an element of Trip-Hop as Norine bares all through mysterious songwriting that is fun, flirty and light. The tenth track, “Rue St. Jean”, feels like it walked out of a 1960’s sitcom in the greatest way as horns enamor and ignite energy reservoirs within listeners. “Crosses and Sweetgrass (Salvation)” is the eleventh track that opens with a haunting piano as Norine lyrically tugs at her side of the rope of a relationship that is losing balance.The twelfth track, “Heaven Only Knows”, eases into a raw lyrical inspection of what Norine could have done if she turned back time and tried again in this maze called life. Closing out with the title track, “Through Train Windows”, Norine ends on a high note with an uplifting dose of soul that makes listeners desire to get out there and live in this boundless creative world.

‘Through Train Windows’ is a poetically rich dose of humanness that is abounding with lyrical remnants of Norine’s life experience coming forward. Through accolades galore ranging from being a nominee for ‘Spiritual Artist of The Year’ by Western Canadian Music Awards to being the 2008 winner of the Los Angeles Independent International Music Awards Female Singer-Songwriter of The Year Jazz Category for her track, “Crystallize”, it is indented in Norine’s blood and veins to artistically bring forward both her light and pain. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sheryl Crow, Paula Cole and Jewel then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Norine Braun on Soundcloud.

Norine Braun Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube • Twitter

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New York City Musician, Anne Steele, Releases New EP – ‘Made Out Of Stars’

New York City Musician, Anne Steele, is embodied and abounding with self-love throughout her recent release of her latest EP, ‘Made Out Of Stars’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Obsessed”, Anne’s instrumental style mimics the likes of the modern-day musical flair laced into songs composed by artists such as Purity Ring and Phantogram as Anne’s voice carries out a youthful vibrancy that is compelling to the light  heart. The second track, “Better”, is Anne’s lyrical proclamation to demanding better when it comes to her interpersonal relationships and stands tall in her decision to put herself in the driver seat of her life. “Love Somebody” is the third track that begins with an EDM beat that showcases Anne’s ability to reach into the souls of listeners of all walks of life as lyrics that make you stop in your track pour forward naturally. The fourth track, “I Miss Those Days”, lyrically travels back to days of struggle as Anne feels a place of comfort in the direction that her life is heading. “Love Can Take Us There (2019 Nash Overstreet Remix)” is the fifth track that is an absolute banger that laces in the early 90’s of House and Techno instrumentally as lyrics that are fun and inviting welcome a night of free and fluid love. The sixth track, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, puts a twist on the Tears for Fears classic in a delightful way with Anne’s Pop vocals that mesh with the psychologically intriguing lyrical subject matter. Closing out with “Love Can Take Us There (Acoustic Version)”, Anne believes in the love that she has found and makes it known from a grounded and mature place.

 

 

‘Made Out Of Stars’ travels through a compelling lyrical narrative that dials back into the simple pleasures of life that are often overlooked or taken for granted. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Caillat and Sara Bareilles, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Anne Steele on Soundcloud.

Photo Credit: Christopher Boudewyns

Anne Steele Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • YouTube