Tag: Indie

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Music Reviews

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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Music Reviews

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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Music Reviews

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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Music Reviews

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

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Music Reviews

Indiana Musician, Bobbie Morrone, Set to Release New Album – ‘Lonely St.’

Genre-bending Singer/Songwriter, Bobbie Morrone, is creating a lane of his own through fusing remnants of Soul, Blues, Funk and Rock ‘N’ Roll throughout the release of his upcoming full-length album, ‘Lonely St.’. We snagged a copy of ‘Lonely St.’ prior to its upcoming February 4th, 2019 release; here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Behind the Walls”, Bobbie begins by strumming into what can be anticipated as a bare-all songwriting spill through the title yet quickly shifts into a highlight of Bobbie’s soothing vocals that mimic the likes of Jason Mraz in a way that tugs at the hearts of listeners. “Get By” is the second track that is a smooth lyrical ode to simply being able to live free doing what one desires to do while taking the risks that lead them toward leading out their most fulfilling life experience; it’s the simple things that gets Bobbie Morrone by. The third track, “Whiskey and Water”, shows the Blue side of Bobbie as he lyrically travels through his moral compass guiding him toward only giving and sharing his love with another that is true and aligned with their mutual best intent. “One of a Kind” is the fourth track that is a romantic and heartfelt work of songwriting beauty that showcases Bobbie’s jaded heart cooling off and trying to come back around to a healthier space and emotional environment.

The fifth track, “Holding On”, slows it down into a moody Blues spill that shows the vulnerable side of Bobbie that is welcoming to both those hanging out around a hole-in-the-wall bar and/or simply enjoying the company of loved ones in the living room. “I Can’t Fall That Far (Intro)” is the sixth track mimics Death Cab For Cutie’s emotion yet travels through soundscapes akin to MUTEMATH which speaks highly of Bobbie’s musical influences throughout the album. The seventh track, “I Can’t Fall That Far”, reaches into the soul as Bobbie’s vocals soar over simple lyricism that reaches into a place of truth that has been blinded by illusions blocking the road toward his clarity. “Walk Away” is the eighth track that carries out a Jack Johnson instrumental feel and slowly walks into a state of lyrical grace that is abounding with good intent, awareness and positive thoughts while his life heads in a new direction. The ninth track, “I’ve Got It”, takes listeners down an Indie Rock ‘N’ Roll turn as Bobbie lyrically contemplates his ride ahead and what energy he will allow into his space moving forward as his focus sharpens. The eleventh track, “Jam”, leaves a picture of a cowboy slowly walking through a West Coast desert while kicking at sand with his boots within the listener as a Blue and Jazz influenced instrumental jam slides into the album at just the right time. Closing out with the title track, “Lonely St.”, Bobbie softens into a place of love and light as he shares exactly how he currently feels within songwriting that is crisp and tranquil.

‘Lonely St’ is a must listen that is well-produced, emotionally serene and lyrically light. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews Band then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Bobbie Morrone on Soundcloud and set a reminder for the February 4th, 2019 release of ‘Lonely St.’

Bobbie Morrone Social Links:

Facebook • Website •  Bandcamp

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Music Reviews

Seattle Band, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band, Release New Album – ‘Live in Studio – 11/14’

Seattle Band, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band, take listeners down a musical rabbit hole of a genre-blending explosion of positive energy throughout the release of their latest album, ‘Live In Studio – 11/14’. Here’s our track-by track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Live in Studio – 11/14″, which comprises of three tracks in one, listeners instantly enter a space of Liquid Trance that mimics the glory days of Commander Tom as a fluid and poised synergy is created and delivered over a hypnotizing groove that soothes the mind and sparks thoughts that are sublime. Meshing “Planer, “Terra” and “Evolver” over a Psychedelic Trance instrumental feel throughout the remainder of the 23-minute release, the guys of The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band bring creative musings and experiences that they have digested out in the wilderness musically forward in a way that naturally leads listeners to be engrossed in the tranquilizing sound that has been blended together with the intent to inject a state of ease within others.

The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band comprises of a variety of seasoned human beings who are composing works of musical art in a way that is compelling, dynamic and fulfilling to hear for the well-worn listener. Even if you aren’t necessarily inclined to travel down the road of expansion when it comes to your musical palette, if ‘Live in Studio – 11/4’ by The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band is simply playing in the background where you’re located, curiosity will spark and you will be intrigued. 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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Interviews

Interview: Sam Waks of Red Tent Records

It is when two idiosyncratic producers collide that musical magic is able to ensue. Sydney Producer, Sound Strider and Ghost in the Chill have come together to reignite both thought and feeling within their artistry and the list of label-mates on their newly founded Record Label, Red Tent Records. I caught up with Red Tent Records Founder, Sam Waks, to discuss what inspired him to bring the label to life, his psychological musings including living in an endless utopia and more.

First and foremost, introduce yourself to the world. Tell us about your vision behind Red Tent Records and what inspired you toward bringing the label to life.

Red Tent Records was hatched by myself and collaborator Ghost in the Chill as an attempt to connect disparate musical and aesthetic universes. We both have very diverse and eclectic tastes and we wanted to create a space where talents from estranged subcultures could meet and collaborate. There’s a physical element to the label as well which is based out of a studio in the french countryside. 2019 will see us expanding into the exciting new domain of immersive 360 sound and ambisonics.

Your latest album as Sound Strider, ‘Occult Electric’, incorporates elements that steer clear from the typical. Tell us about your journey of creating that release and what you learned about yourself along the way.

I’ve been into chaos magic and the occult for a long time and given the state of the world in 2018 I thought it was high time to make those influences explicit. I went quite deep into the magical creative process integrating sigils, invocation and divination into my production workflow. Normally my vocal samples are ripped from radio or tv but for this release I wanted to use some of my favourite magic books and so all the vocals you hear are recited either by myself or a computer. For those who are interested the authors I sampled are Peter J Carroll, Gordon White and Peter Grey.

Tell us about some of your upcoming releases on Red Tent Records that you are proud of.

One forthcoming release I’m very excited about is operating under the working title of ‘Mozart vs Cuba’ and will be showcasing a release format we hope to make ample use of in the future. Basically we created a sample pack with about 15 mins worth of source material ripped from original recordings we made. Half the samples are loops from a live string quartet recording of Mozart in a chapel and the other half are street recordings of musicians from Santiago de Cuba. We’ve sent the sample pack to 4 or 5 electronic producers and we will release the results as an EP.

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

I often worry that I’m not working hard enough, usually I get over it by remembering that life is meant to be enjoyed not exploited.

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

I used to be a bona fide Transhumanist, meaning I couldn’t wait for us all to upload our brains on to the net and live happily ever after in an endless utopia of our own imagining. Now I’m not so sure. At the risk of sounding like a dirty hippy, I’ve realised that we already kind of live in an endless utopia of our own imagining and I’m actually happier and more productive when I spend more time with the birds and the trees, far away from the influencers and their feeds. I will say, this attitude doesn’t really do a lot for my exposure as an artist, birds aren’t very good at building hype.

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.

For the last 10 years, I’ve dedicated a significant part of my life to renovating and maintaining a 19th century agro-industrial ruin in the french countryside. La Briche is a harsh mistress but she makes me very proud.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus through working in the world of Entertainment, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health?

Daily meditation really works wonders. I also like to read a lot, I think the internet has kind of ruined people’s ability to digest anything longer than a paragraph so I find that a nice chunky tome is a great antidote to the hi-octane pressures of modern life.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for admirers of your work?

Thanks for tuning in and Don’t Panic!

Sam Waks/Sound Strider Social Links:

Facebook • Soundcloud • YouTube

Red Tent Records Social Links:

Facebook • Website • YouTube

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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

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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

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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