Tag: Indie

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Music Reviews

Bronx Musician, C.P. Alx.Zndr, Releases New Single: “Whoa”

Bronx Musician, C.P. Alx.Zndr, teams up with Deacon for a soulful and masterly produced new single, “Whoa”, which instantly attracts listeners through its genre-bending style which hosts elements of R&B, Hip Hop and Soul. Lacing both an intimate lyrical style with potent depth which showcases the cultivated inner world that C.P. has worked diligently to sprout, there’s no doubt that his life experiences endured shine through throughout “Whoa”.

As an award-winning NYC songwriter and musician, C.P. Alx.Zndr stands tall and bold for those that are taking the route of no return when it comes to leading the life of their dreams through their artistry. “Whoa” is both tasteful and unique through a sultry touch that provides just the right amount of lust for listeners both young and wizened.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Miguel, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for C.P. Alx.Zndr on Spotify.

Click HERE to listen to “Whoa” by C.P. feat Deacon

C.P. Alx.Zndr Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Twitter

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Interviews

Interview: Trout Steak Revival

Denver Indie-Folk Band, Trout Steak Revival, have developed a kinship that translates naturally throughout their artistry. Ahead of their March 13th stop at The Ark, I caught up with Will Koster for a great chat about the recent release of ‘The Light We Bring’, building his own house over years in between touring, being proactive about mental and emotional health through taking walks along tour stops and more.

Congrats on the recent release of ‘The Light We Bring’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the release. 

Thank you! For this album we really focused on the strengths that we have individually, as a group, and in our community of friends. We self produced this album which was an empowering and expanding endeavor. The band also did a bunch of composing for the parts that the guest musicians played on the album which includes a string section, trumpet, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute. I drew the art for the album cover as well. It felt good for us to be creatively operating as a unit and experience it all coming together.

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

I just recently started solo-ing on the guitar during a Trout Steak show, I usually just strum the thing and left the solo-ing to when I played the Dobro. The first show of taking some solo’s on the guitar I had a lot of nervous/self doubting thoughts that I hadn’t experienced in some time! It has been an interesting experience feeling that again and trying to focus past the feeling and just be in the moment and stay connected to what I’m playing musically.

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

I just joined the streaming music revolution a few years ago, I was holding out! I think it is an amazing thing to be able to listen to anything you want… anywhere… anytime. I can still get my music shopping fix with vinyl records which seems to be a format growing in popularity again. I think social media is great for connecting people and sharing joy. On the other side of the coin, it can be a distraction from what is right in front of you and really take away from real interaction. Balance seems to be the key to most things in life. 

All Photo Credit: Tobin Voggesser

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 am very much a tinkerer and love learning how to make things. Before playing music full-time, I was a carpenter and learned the trade before building my own house over a handful of years in- between touring. I started drawing a few years ago and am now in the middle of making an illustrated children’s poetry book that adults can also enjoy. My wife is also an artist so dreaming up the next project is an ever-evolving conversation and experiment. 

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 can be very taxing on our mental and emotional energy on the road. The most important thing is that we as a band are taking care of eachother, sometimes the gift of someone making you a peanut butter sandwich in the van is all you needed to overcome your worn-out feeling. Also, we love to take walks when we get into the next town a little early. It’s a great way to stretch out the legs and the mind as well as get a feel for the city where we are going to play a show. 

If you could jump on any festival roster that’s been released already for 2020 and play a set which festival would you choose and why? 

I would choose Telluride Bluegrass! That festival has its own culture which has been growing since before I was born and it is such a special gathering to be a part of. The band started going there a decade ago and the connections made with people during that festival has added so much joy to my life. 

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

Thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for our fans coming out to shows, sharing our music with their friends, and being a part of the friendly and connected community that is the Trout Steak family. 

Trout Steak Revival Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website

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Music Reviews

Chicago Ensemble, Magical Beasts, Release ‘Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching’

Chicago Ensemble, Magical Beasts, tune into their hearts and dive into elements of romanticism, love and connection throughout their beautifully written new release, ‘Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Come Find Me”, Magical Beasts begin soft and slow and instantly mimic the likes of Mumford and Sons over lyrics that seek and speak of guidance when it comes to interpersonal connection that has sparked feelings of adoration in their hearts. The second track, “7 Nights”, lyrically travels down the road highlighting a period of time that meant the world to members of Magical Beasts who swoon over the seven days that were spent connecting with another that has left a lasting imprint of their spirits. “Darling” is the third track which is the dream track for a lady to receive as songwriting speaks to the soul and speaks of the rewards that come when a human being consciously decides to let down their guards and open their minds and hearts to what love can simply be. The fourth track, “In Praise”, trickles into listeners minds with grace as the members of Magical Beasts lyrically tackle the phenomenal feeling of fate that comes when an individual walks into your life and leaves you feeling at peace knowing that a natural connection has begun to sprout.

“Little Buds” is the fifth track that picks up the pace and instantly instrumentally mimics the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as Magical Beasts add in elements of Folk that mesh smoothly while showcasing their ability to expand their talents as a genre-bending act. Closing out with “Farthest Shore”, Magical Beasts lyrically express that they are willing to spread their wings far and wide to receive the love and life that they desire.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and The Head and the Heart, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Magical Beasts on SoundCloud.

Magical Beasts Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Twitter

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Music Reviews

Indie Folk Singer and Twitch Star, Resurrection Fern, Releases New EP: ‘Fern’

Indie Folk Singer, Resurrection Fern, has been staying consistent and true to her bright colors through maximizing the wonders of the digital world. As a rising star on Twitch and soulful musician, Resurrection Fern is in the midst of an exciting time as she has recently released her new EP, ‘Fern’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Coffee”, Resurrection Fern softly strums into the minds of listeners with soft vocals that are smooth and serene as lyrics that are reflective of the journey of an artist make their way to the forefront as they brim with curiosity and contemplation. The second track, “Savanna”, is heartfelt and abounding with soul as Resurrection Fern allows herself to dig deep into the trajectory of a relationship that has run its course yet has meant the world to her at one point of her life. “Hi Lo” is the third track which instantly mimics the likes of Paula Cole as Resurrection Fern takes listeners back to the essence of 90’s grunge as lyrics that are dark and moody speak of her current perspective on a relationship that has grown unhealthy and unwarranted for her current place within. The fourth and lead track, “Siren”, finds its way into Resurrection Fern’s past as she contemplates the highs and lows that she encountered within a period of time that left her feeling low and in need of space to seek peace within.

“Wayside” is the fifth track that highlights Resurrection Fern’s vocal style that carries forward her emotive approach toward life as well as her ability to overcome through a variety of seasons of life. Closing out with “The Way That You” featuring Ub1k, Resurrection Fern adds in the masculine element which provides a sense of balance within listeners that closes the EP with a sense of tranquility.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor and Colbie Caillat then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Resurrection Fern on Apple Music .

Resurrection Fern Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube • Twitch

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Music Reviews

Hip-Hop Artist, Hope, Releases Empowering New Album: ‘Red Man’

Hip-Hop Artist, Hope, empowers the masses through sticking to his gut bar after bar throughout the release of his most recent full-length album, ‘Red Man’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Opening Ceremony”, Hope begins with the instrumental feel of a track by Method Man and Redman back in the early 2000’s as he welcomes listeners into his world that he was born to bring outward. The second track, “Never Fail”, blasts off to showcase Hope’s spiting skills over a minimal beat which highlights Hope’s ability that he has work toward diligently ever since he picked up the pen. “100 Million” is the third track that addresses the division of society that has come through racism and judgement which only serves to separate us further. “Generosity” feat. Mamarudegyal MTHC is the fourth track that puts the lyrical spotlight on starting from scratch and the life experiences that it has taken for Hope to develop a worldly perspective as feminine vocals uplift the chorus with ease, grace and balance. The fifth track, “Rage” feat. Alpha Omega, Doobie and Mamarudegyal MTHC lyrically addresses the traumas that cause bouts of rage inside as Hope brings his episodes forward with zero pity and full embodiment.

“I Scream” feat. Doobie and Mamarudegyal MTHC is the sixth track which is an album highlight that would appeal to the masses as Hope and Mamarudegyal MTHC’s synergy is hypotonic, sensual and pure. The seventh track, “Life Givers”, is an ode to Hope’s familial lineage as lyrics such as “Protect Your Women” stand out and are a beautiful ode to unity. “Fuck That” is the eighth track which is a lyrical message of assurance from Hope in which he stands tall in all of the highs and lows which have shaped him into the man that he is today. The ninth and title track, “Red Man”, begins with a historical speech speaking out the candid history of Hope’s lineage as he shares with the world his pride of being a part of Indian culture. “Think About It” is the tenth track that slows it down into a brutally honest and candid round of songwriting in which Hope reflects about all that he has gone through and how learning to think for yourself is one of the most important aspects of making it anywhere in life. The eleventh track, “IDPNG”, stands for ‘I Don’t Play No Games’ and addresses the hardening of Hope’s heart as he attempts to dial down to the basics and life, breathe and love for his family. Closing out with “Stand Up”, Hope empowers listeners with a message which reminds them to stand for what they believe in and feel no matter what opposition that they encounter.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Method Man, Hopsin and The Underachievers then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Hope on SoundCloud.

Hope Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website

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Interviews

Interview: Bent Knee

Boston Band, Bent Knee, are stepping into a new realm of musical creativity that pours forward an atmospheric touch that leaves listeners swooning in an electric rush. On the verge of the release of their new album, ‘You Know What They Mean’, I caught up with Courtney to discuss growing into a better team player, the dream of taking a yoga training course in the future, the importance of cultivating your sense of self and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of your new album, ‘You Know What They Mean’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new release.

Like most of our albums, I don’t think there’s a definitive message behind YKWTM as much as the hope that folks enjoy listening to it. When we were writing the songs we were focused on finding infectious grooves that make you want to move. In the studio we worked on capturing sounds and performances with a lot of attitude. It’s simultaneously our most accessible and more experimental album to date, and we’re all enthralled with how it turned out. 

Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.

It’s important to cultivate your sense of self. I think it’s easy to get thrown around if you’re trying to read other people’s expressions or parse through different pieces of advice. It’s a volatile industry where just because something worked once for somebody is no assurance that it will be a good thing for you. It helps to be at peace with yourself and the decisions you make, rather than feeling pushed around. At a micro level, being on the road or at shows can be challenging or fun, depending on how much you can meet your own needs in a graceful way. I was always somebody who tried to take the temp of the situation before deciding on what I want. Over the years I think I’ve become better about understanding and articulating what I need, which has counterintuitively made me a better team player.

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

For a long time I felt like I was a bad person, and I had a wicked confirmation bias that ensnared me in some sad basement corner of my life. Some of my bandmates and friends started seeing therapists for various different reasons, and I decided to start working with one myself. With their help, personal work, and time, I’ve dug myself out of that sad pit. I feel good about myself, and I feel more vividly alive than ever have. On sunny days I find myself looking at the sky and getting emotional about the bright blue and the energy radiating in the atmosphere. 

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

It’s a lot to take in! I love Instagram and I get a lot of inspiration and encouragement from it. Still, I don’t like how much of my time it tends to eat, and how quickly my phone becomes a Instagram machine rather than a telephone. When I come off tour, I often try to delete social media off my phone to get back into a rhythm of life. If I’m in line for something I actively try to stare at the wall or look around, and avoid tuning into social media.

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.

Lately I’ve been really focused on yoga. One of my life goals is to take a teacher training course by the time I’m 35, but for now I’ve been trying to practice every day. I’m proud that I vary between hot sweaty yoga and restorative yoga, so I’m not just going to sweat or exercise so much as for my mind. In the last year I ran a half marathon and a 10k, which made me feel really great. I was never super athletic growing up, so I felt really empowered knowing I could run long distances like that. Cooking and baking are also big passions for me, and I’ve been really interested in photography, drawing, and watercolors, too. 

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?

Being on the road is not a big chore for me (I’m lucky). Usually if I’m feeling rough, I just need to listen to myself and do whatever I’m aching to do. It’s always refreshing to walk somewhere alone, or even hop in a ride share to go do something I really want to. Sometimes taking a nap, reading a book with my nice headphones on, or drawing can really make me feel better. On most days I do yoga while we’re waiting for soundcheck, and that helps ground me a lot. I think the toughest aspect of tour is the waiting. Waiting for people to go eat, waiting for lines to be run, waiting for loadout, etc. etc. It’s good to find ways to make that time active and engaging, and avoid being  bummed out staring at my phone. 

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.

I can’t think of anything anyone specifically said to me, but we’ve certainly toured with a lot of kind and thoughtful people. For some reason I thought that people got meaner or more entitled towards the top of the food chain, fighting for the limited space available of being a “big band”. What I’ve learned is that it seems there’s plenty of room for kind and hardworking people, and most folks try to help each other out whenever they can. 

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

So grateful that there are folks out there listening and enjoying our music. We hear you and we see you, and we’re very grateful for your support and your positivity! 

Bent Knee Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website

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Music Reviews

Indie Folk Singer, Resurrection Fern, Set to Release New Single – “Savanna”

Nashville Indie Singer, Resurrection Fern, dials into the nooks and crannies of her heart and draws listeners into a state of heart-wrenching bliss right from the start throughout her beautiful new track, “Savanna”. Strumming away with a light and lush guitar, Resurrection Fern isn’t an artist that is in it aiming for the stars; she’s in it for the love of music that comes straight from her heart. Lyrics that speak of melancholy laced with a bruised heart that has reached a place of facing the truth of the situation, the heart that is cold in Indiana is coming around with awareness and a new outlook on the next chapter.

Having entrusted songwriting duties to a close friend, there is an intimacy spiraling throughout the lyricism and energy of “Savanna” that leads toward the magnetic pull that listeners naturally feel throughout every listen. Being the first single stemming from Resurrection Fern’s upcoming EP, there’s plenty of room to state that we’re in for a delightful bundle of musical joy to come. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor and Colbie Caillat, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Resurrection Fern on YouTube.

Resurrection Fern Social Links:

Website • Spotify • Twitter

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Music Reviews

Vancouver Musician, Aza Nabuko, Releases Otherworldly Self-Titled EP

Vancouver Musician, Aza Nabuko, is in bloom both as a musician and a human being who is bound to stretch beyond the boundaries of her known over the years to come. Experimenting with a variety of seasons of life metaphorically throughout her lyrical back-tale, Aza’s recently released self-titled EP is one that mesmerizes both young and mature listeners. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Strangers”, Aza channels the maturity of Banks as she begins lyrically spinning a web of intense feeling that showcases how two individuals that were once insanely in love can fall apart once lies and thoughts become hidden behind closed doors. “Ordinary” is the second track that showcases self-awareness as lyrics that put concrete truth into Aza’s ability to discern her supposed faults empower listeners to be more of themselves when falling deeper into intimate relationships. The third track, “Fade Away”, begins with a soft and emotive piano instrumental that leads into the highlight of Aza’s seemingly divine vocals that spill forward words of yearning for release.

“Heart of Concrete” is the fourth track that takes listeners down a tunnel of dark and back into the light as lyrical awareness shares Aza’s thoughts of being alone in her mind with her ever-growing brick wall heart that she is aware has grown through the pressures of heartache and pain. The fifth track, “Space Between”, is an EP highlight that speaks to the lucid air that stands between two human beings that once shared their entire lives together as Aza becomes increasingly lyrically aware of the distance that continues to grow. Closing out with “When We Fell in Love”, Aza lyrically reminisces on the moments in which she felt like nothing in the mind of a human being that she perceived as her everything through phenomenal songwriting that is bold and abounding with empathy and truth.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Banks, Grimes and Halsey, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Aza Nabuko on YouTube.

Aza Nabuko Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Instagram

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Music Reviews

Seattle Psychedelic Artist, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band, Release New EP – ‘Fire Sign’

Seattle Psychedelic Artist, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band, have been tuning into the forces of the universe beyond our linear comprehension as they dive into a pool of astrological thought and wonder throughout their latest EP, ‘Fire Sign’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Dope”, we begin with a unique instrumental release of chimes that swiftly mesh into a world of Electronic bliss that showcases the diversity of talent that has come together to create a musical world of their own. The second track, “Lofi Spliff”, begins with a serene blend of sounds that quickly jumps into a pool of musical magic that sounds akin to Pretty Lights as Jared Sand of The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band brings the forces in his mind together synergistically and creatively.

“Super Automatic” is the third track that shimmers into a state of clarity as the soundscape matches the feeling of being amongst nature on a clear, summer day while listeners are naturally led toward jumping out of their own minds and into real time. Closing out with “Let the Dust Settle”, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band end with a journey to the other side which creates a sonic boom of delight within the minds of conscious listeners that are aware of the healing benefits of sound.

The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band is a project that soars beyond the modern-day and incorporates doses of raw heart into every track. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Boards of Canada, Four Tet and Tycho, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band on Soundcloud.

The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp

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Music Reviews

LA Hip Hop Musicians, Young Goats, Release New Album: ‘Goat Life Vol. 1’

LA Hip Hop Duo, Young Goats, mix together the classic flair of the old school with a modern-day dose of love and awareness throughout their latest full-length album, ‘Goat Life Vol. 1’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Welcome to Goat Life”, the guys let the world know exactly who they are over a beat that sounds akin to Drake as lyrics that push boundaries and tell of the confidence that the guys have developed catch the ears of both young and seasoned listeners. The second track, “Only Need You”, lyrically speaks of the love of an individuals life that they can’t stray away from over a summer beat that is bound to bump in the club. “Beautiful” is the third track that begins with a worldly instrumental that brings in some Reggae flair over a fun track that lyrically dials down to the simplicity of recognizing the beauty deep within a one-of-a-kind woman. The fourth track, “Gaze On”, carries an Electronic feel over an infectious beat that showcases the guys spittin’ skills over lyrics that pour a cup of nothing short of romanticism. “Take You With Me” is the fifth track that lyrically speaks of committing to bring the love of the guys’ life to the sacred place that makes them feel at home when the time is right. The sixth track, “Got It All”, is a club banger that reminds the world that the guys of Young Goats have exactly what they need to succeed and can see the same within another.

“Whole Snack” is the seventh track that is catchy with the opening line that showcases the adoration that one of the guys feel for a lady that carries the essence of a Queen from head to toe. The eighth track, “LA Chick”, showcases the reality of a lot of the women in LA that are a genre of women that are hard to lock down as they are striving to get money on their own and live the best lives that they possibly can. “Advantage of You” is the ninth track in which the guys of Young Goats keep it as real as they can as they state with clarity that they aren’t the men that they want to be for their Queen. The tenth track, “Catch My Vibe”, begins by slowing it down as the guys lyrically speak of a lady that is having trouble understanding the men that they’ve grown to be as they try to move past enamoring women with money and nights out that leave you high and dry in the long run. “Don’t Know How To Act” is the eleventh track that showcases vulnerability as the guys tie in an Electronic twist that adds an element of surrender to the theme. The twelfth track, “Too Nervous”, is another one that is fun to dance to as the guys lyrically bring up how they are currently unable to approach the girl that shines in their eyes. “Dubai For The Weekend” is the thirteenth track that is bougie and full of positive energy as the guys charm the ladies with their interest to take ladies on lavish trips around the globe. The fourteenth track, “My Section”, is an album highlight that begins with an entrancing instrumental that leads into the guys spittin’ game about how only beautiful women are allowed in their section at the club. Closing out with “Better Than Them”, Young Suave and Goatey remind the ladies not to miss out on all they bring to the table before they reach their next level in life.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Drake, Jerimeh and Future then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Young Goats on Soundcloud.

Young Goats Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • YouTube