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Music Reviews

Italian Funk Collective, The Black City, Release New Album – ‘Wake Up. The Funk.’

Italian Funk Collective, The Black City, are an idiosyncratic group of musicians that have morphed their obscure thoughts into a creatively detailed bundle of music throughout their latest full-length album release, ‘Wake Up. The Funk’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first and title track, ‘Wake Up. The Funk’, the guys jump in with ease akin to instrumentals of Grateful Dead which invigorates the minds of listeners as they travel down a journey of lyrical simplicity that is pleasing to the soul. The second track, “Stone Free”, is full of groove that will make you move as vocals that soothe the spirit gift listeners with a ticket to the other side and a place to glide through lyrics that pour forward the yearning for love. “Hour of the Beasties” is the third track that kicks up the pace with a fun Jungle instrumental that is mixed with Electronic which leads into a full-blown eclectic mix that sounds akin to a track by Red Hot Chili Peppers. The fourth track, “Cage”, slows it down into a lyrical exploration of freedom from internal incarceration that is accompanied by awareness of one’s personal freedom to embody their truest self at all times. “Be Quiet” is the fifth track that is full of mindfulness as the guys venture through the highs and lows of the experience of silence and the lack of sensory which could lead a mind either into inspiration or depravity.

The sixth track, “Original Sound”, begins with a Low-Fi ease that trickles into vocals that mimic the likes of Tricky as lyrics that speak of the power of vibrations spill forward and inspire listeners to reach toward peace. “Shadow Wake” is the seventh track that begins with a beautiful intro instrumental that showcases the dynamic group of talent that is The Black City as lyrics that speak of attempting to awaken from a long slumber leads listeners down under. The eighth track, “Goosebumps (Remix)”, begins with a bold proclamation of love that is warm to pleasant as funky instrumentals leave listeners spinning in a web of romanticism and sin. Closing out with “Funky Time (Remix)”, the guys close with lyrics that remind listeners that taking the high road is always the way to go.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Grateful Dead, Red Hot Chili Peppers and lyrics similar to Rage Against The Machine, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Black City on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Sydney Musician, Nick de la Hoyde, Releases New Single – “Animals”

Syndey-based Musician, Nick de la Hoyde, is abounding with dynamic and genre-bending talents that pour forward with ease throughout the release of his latest single, “Animals”. Metaphorically rich lyrics that speak of the intense feelings that come about through the intertwining of two souls who are ready to lose all control, “Animals” is proof that Nick’s songwriting talents stretch beyond the comfort of the common member of societies known and reaches into a place beyond the stars to leave listeners lost building castles in the sky in the most delightful way. Romanticism stirs through the veins as Nick gracefully loses his way through an encounter of love throughout “Animals” that is palpable and felt while paired with a dreamy instrumental that makes the track the perfect hit for the summer.

Things just feel right throughout every listen of “Animals”. Accompanied by a music video that is abounding with creative delight, Nick de la Hoyde proves that he is in it for the long run with “Animals”. Through over 50K YouTube hits on he music video so far, Nick de la Hoyde is a star. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Cuco, Glass Animals and Justin Bieber, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Nick de la Hoyde on Soundcloud.

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Interviews

Interview: Potty Mouth

Los Angeles Pop-Rock Band, Potty Mouth, have come a long way since their days in Massachusetts and have used their passion for artistic expression to blend together as a unit of love. As the ladies gear up to head out on tour, I caught up with the impassioned band to discuss the recent release of ‘SNAFU’, money management, recognizing emotions and more.

Congrats on the release of ‘SNAFU’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned about yourself along the way.

Abby: Thank you! This record has been a long time coming so it feels great to finally be putting it out into the world. I think the big thing we learned while recording and releasing this album is just to trust ourselves. Over the course of our career we’ve had a lot of people come into our lives and act as if they knew what was best for us, and we didn’t know any better than to just believe them. We always knew when something felt weird, but it takes experience and perspective to know the difference between growing pains and something that’s just not right for our band. Now we know better and I’m proud of us for powering through it.

What new techniques and/or skills did you learn in the studio through experimentation while working on ‘SNAFU’?

Victoria: At the beginning of the recording process we programmed electronic drums to act as the skeleton of each song. All of the guitars, vocals, etc. were recorded over that. I went in afterward and recorded the live drums you’ll hear on the record. In the past we’ve always recorded drums live with scratch guitars and then gone back and overdubbed everything. This process is great for a lot of reasons, but I was happy to try something new. Our approach to SNAFU offered a different workflow and a new kind of flexibility in conceptualizing my drum parts.

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

Ally: Being in a band really pushes you to wrestle with your own feelings of jealousy. Part of the nature of being an aspiring band/artist is that you also tend to be friends with a lot of other aspiring bands/artists. When you’re on the outside looking in – usually from the perspective of social media – it’s easy to feel like everyone else is getting something bigger and better than you are: more opportunities, more tours, more recognition, more followers, more money, more whatever. That kind of thinking is based on a mindset of scarcity; the idea that there isn’t enough “good stuff” to go around for everyone, so we all need to compete with one another in order to thrive. It’s a yucky and unproductive feeling. Where’s the joy in any of what we’re doing if you can’t celebrate the successes of your peers? Growing with this band has really helped me figure out how to recognize feelings of jealousy for what they are and turn them around into something more productive. I remind myself how much I love being part of a larger network of hardworking, talented creatives that inspire me to keep pushing forward, even when things get hard. Moving to LA has made me feel even more supported in our band’s endeavor because we’re constantly surrounded by so many people with similar goals. It doesn’t feel threatening. It feels exciting, and I feel so lucky to have a part in the journey.

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

Victoria: I use Instagram mostly to post and look at pictures of animals.

Abby: I hate it and I love it. I hate that I get so lost in scrolling through meaningless content, but I also love that it’s an endless source of inspirational art and people. I think it’s important not to spend too much time on social media though, because it’s easy to get lost in comparing yourself to unrealistic standards. Sometimes I have to force myself to take time away from Instagram because when I do I always feel more free and confident. I’m able to focus on my own ideas and where I’m at in my path instead of looking at someone else’s accomplishments and feeling like I’m way behind them.

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.

Abby: I love sewing! My mom taught me how to use a sewing machine when I was pretty young so I use to make most of my clothes in middle school and high school. I love going to Goodwill and finding old clothes that can be made into something new and original.  

Ally: I’m proud about how responsible I am with money! I’ve been financially independent for a long time and it’s forced me to be really “prudent” with how I manage my money. In LA, I pay twice as much for rent and make half as as much money as I did in Massachusetts. It sucks. But I wouldn’t be able to swing it if I didn’t have the responsible money managing skills that I have. Sometimes I’m truly amazed by how much of a shoestring budget I’ve managed to live on out here. Hopefully it doesn’t last forever!

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?

Abby: It’s hard but getting as much sleep as possible is really important. Touring is really rough on the body, the most you can do is be honest with the people around you about how you’re feeling so everyone can be aware and sensitive to the different needs we all have.

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 collected along the way.

Victoria: Play like everybody’s watching.

Ally: Remember that when you play a show, you’re somebody in the audience’s ‘one night out’ that week. Maybe it’s the one night they’ve been looking forward in weeks. Make it fun for them.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old that you were?

Ally: If I looked into my soul, I think I would see the soul of a 60 year old woman. If I think about my heart though, I still feel young.

Abby: I’m 25 now and I’ve felt 25 for the last few years haha!

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

Abby: I hope you love the record as much as we do!!

Ally: Thanks for sticking with us.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nazrin Massaro 

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Music Reviews

London Musician, Ámaris, Releases New Album: ’26’

London Musician, Ámaris, is back with a full force lyrical spin through her her intuitive side throughout the release of her latest album, ’26’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Jelly”, Ámaris bounces right into a metaphorically rich dose of songwriting that is seemingly impeccable as she describes the feelings that she encounters when it comes to connecting with the touch of another that creates a rush within. The second track, “Sunburn”, begins with the feelings of a track by Lorde as Ámaris snaps her way into a lyrical explanation of the remnants of sin that are left on her skin from a lover from the past whose aura continues to linger. “Diamond” is the third track that lyrically dives into the diamond that Ámaris is as she holds another accountable for pushing her limits with bold and expressive jabs. The fourth track, “Numb”, dives deep into the pool of wonder that left Ámaris feeling caught in a web of deceit as she claws her way out. “Last Day In The World” is the fifth track that is an album highlight that carries the feelings of a track by Madonna as Ámaris teases the individual who sparks a fire in her heart and lyrically creates the expectation of another giving her nothing short of their all.

The sixth track, “I Need You”, lyrically tackles the feelings of indecision as she attempts to follow her heart and stay true to herself as the human beings that she surrounds herself with don’t understand how deep her feelings have gone. “Snow Flake” is the seventh track that begins with a hypnotic instrumental that entrances as Ámaris’s songwriting style once again comes to the forefront as the core of who she is. The eighth track, “The Storm”, takes the album for a turn as Ámaris lyrically takes a walk through feelings of betrayal that she encountered within a relationship that just couldn’t make it out to shore. “Thankful” is the ninth track that is slow and sensual and bound to ignite feelings of confidence within a listener that is going through a tough patch of life. The tenth track, “Long Way (Disillusioned)”, begins with a long and fluid instrumental as Ámaris lyrically reminds herself of how far she has come throughout this game that we call life. “Blurred” is the eleventh track that showcases Ámaris’s ability to swing back and forth between Pop and Electronic as she lyrically recalls blurry feelings from the past that weren’t strong enough to be relevant in the present. Closing out with “Supernova”, Ámaris has remastered the track with precision that leaves listeners hanging on the edge of their seats for more of what she continues to explore within.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Lorde, Halsey and Purity Ring, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Ámaris on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Sydney Musician, Aaron Beri, Releases New Single – “Naked”

Sydney Musician, Aaron Beri, is fresh on the map of the music world and is letting his most vulnerable inner facets lyrically unfurl throughout the release of his new single, “Naked”. Beginning with a smooth R&B instrumental which compliments Aaron’s dynamic approach toward his artistry, sultry vocals compliment the back-tale of the track in which Aaron lyrically examines from head to toe the lust toward the apple of his eye. Having fallen in love, Aaron is a man who is tune with both his masculinity and femininity and showcases the balance subliminally throughout “Naked”. Having both the look and the groove that makes the ladies shook, Aaron is the total package and his sensual side takes the ladies and more on a ride to the other side of love and right into sin in mind.

Be on the lookout for the debut album coming from Aaron who is also a successful model who is rightfully shifting his focus to the cultivation of his music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Usher, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Aaron Beri on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Detroit Rapper, Mack Tr3, Releases New Album – ‘Out the Mud’

Detroit Rapper, Mack Tr3, leaves no stone unturned throughout his metaphorically rich new album, ‘Out the Mud’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “False Idols”, Mack begins with an old-school sample and the sounds of a dark, moody storm that lead into the lyrical trajectory highlighting the pressure that he has encountered through following his dreams while ensuring to remind listeners that he can twist and bend words in an manner that’s unheard of. The second track, “Dopeman Dream$”, packs an instrumental punch over lyrics that speak of the lion that roars within Mack Tr3 as he highlights having his Mother in his life as a positive figure that keeps him away from the streets. “Real Life” is the third track that begins with a smooth beat that travels into lyrics that speak of how Mack Tr3 isn’t going to waste his time in conversations that don’t provide for his future. The fourth track, “Tr3 Rated”, jumps right into the lyrical story with zero remorse as Mack reminds listeners that he has opened the fridge to empty rows and nothing is going to lead him to fold. “Suppose 2 Be” is the fifth track in which Mack lyrically dials down to the raw reality that he is not where he desires to be in life and he has no time to waste on faulty relationships that don’t provide the fruit for his ever-growing tree of life.

The sixth track, “Shop Talk”, begins with the feel of a hard Young Dolph track as Mack lyrically brings to listeners attention that he has walked through living hell on earth and isn’t afraid to let the past go and take every single risk to create a brighter life experience for both his and his family. “Out the Mud” is the seventh and title track that lyrically tackles the choices that we make each and every day that either lead us toward a brighter day or back to the slums living life with a heart that gives zero love. “Set of “T**s” is the eighth track that begins with a heavy and bold beat that lyrically speaks of Mack’s relational experiences that haven’t matched with his desire to truly give a woman the best that he can as a mature and accountable man. The ninth track, “Letcher County Wave”, lyrically tackles the daily struggle that Mack experiences as he tries to adjust his behaviors to become the best version of himself for himself and his loved ones. Closing out with “Been Tr3”, Mack lyrically ends with reminding the world how true he has stayed to himself no matter what seasons of life that he experiences.

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.

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Music Reviews

Bloomington Musician, Michael Bruner, Releases New Single – “Don’t Mean Broken”

Bloomington Musician, Michael Bruner, pours out straight from the heart both lyrically and visually throughout his easy and breezy new track, “Don’t Mean Broken”. Stepping out of moments in the darkness and back into a place of tranquility, Michael Bruner reminds listeners that self-love is what revs the engine of peace in the world as peace throughout the world begins within. Extending his ability to entrance listeners with his soft and seasoned vocals that leave the mind in a state of serenity, Michael Bruner instrumentally meshes his lyrical content seemingly perfectly and has created a true Spring/Summer jam.

Artists such as Michael Bruner create music for the right reasons. Giving the world the gift of his spirit, Michael Bruner has worshipped humanness and the ever-fluctuating emotions that we experience and in turn has morphed his into a work of musical art. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Death Cab For Cute, twenty one pilots and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Michael Bruner on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Norway Electronica Artist, Metaspion, Releases New Single – “Pyros”

Norway Electronica Artist, Metaspion, has stepped away from his roots to bring to life a lyrically rich work of musical art within his latest single, “Pyros”. As envisioned through the title, Metaspion kicks off his lyric video with a blast of visual fire that carries the traces of his intent to lyrically burn the pain of the past away at last. Traces of Folk introduce listeners to the reality that the music commonly played on the radio isn’t all that there is as Metaspion spins his way into a bold new world of Poi and more.

Back in the Pretty Lights ‘Finally Moving’ days is where Metaspion takes a seasoned listener and music lover who will instantly swoon over the dynamic richness of soul that is spilled throughout “Pyros”. Tying in the violin fluidly in a manner that Lindsey Stirling has, Metaspion stands out in the world of independent musicians and has quite the journey ahead if he chooses to stick with creating art from the heart. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Gorillaz, Rage Against The Machine and Fever 333, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Metaspioin on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Los Angeles Musician, Jaimie Steck, Releases New Music Video – “Full Moon”

Los Angeles Musician, Jaimie Steck, is stepping into a new dimension as a bold and multidimensional Artist and proves that she has the goods throughout the release of her latest music video, “Full Moon”. Through lyrics that pick at the cells below the skin, Jaimie questions her approach and takes her love full throttle whether the apple of her eye can meet her on the other side or not. Dark and sensual visuals keep listeners leaning into Jaimie’s intention to showcase her highest self as the pouring rain leaves her soaked in sin. It is evident that female empowerment stands at the frontlines of Jaimie’s influence, and her ability to extend remnants of confidence into listeners is notably rich in realness.

Mixing EDM with Pop, Jaimie Steck is super hot and her aura lingers through any room that she enters. Jaimie is the total package as her years of practicing Dance leaves viewers in a trance. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Britney Spears, Halsey and Selena Gomez, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Jaimie Steck on Soundcloud.

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Music Reviews

Austin Musician, Galapaghost, Releases New Music Video – “Jellyfish”

Austin Musician, Galapaghost, is as consistent as it comes as a musician who continues to bloom. Expanding beyond his known to bring together an otherworldly and psychologically intriguing music video for “Jellyfish”, Galapaghost lyrically travels through feelings of despair and anger when it comes to a relation gone wrong. Spinning through each and every hour of the day with feelings of discontentment, Galapaghost has transformed his feelings of resentment into works of sheer art that pull at the heartstrings of listeners. Through the beauty of simplicity and Galapaghost’s ability to exhibit his intuitive side, “Jellyfish” is a dose of visual pleasure that shares his ability to dive into worlds beyond our known.

Wandering through the ever-changing emotional worlds that we find ourselves in and the worlds that we create through displeasure, Galapaghost’s musical nature is laced with sorrow that transforms into tranquility throughout each and every listen of his tracks. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such Modest Mouse, MUTEMATH and We Are Scientists, then keep an eye on the very promising ride ahead for Galapaghost on Soundcloud.

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