Tag: Music

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Music Reviews

Houston Ambient Artist, Versal, Releases New EP – ‘Self-Titled’

Houston Ambient Artist, Versal, comes blazing out of the gates with his surprisingly first musical release, ‘Self-Titled. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Eternal”, Versal opens with feelings of bliss as the tranquility stemming from the piano opens a new window of peace in which listeners are able to retreat into. The second track, “Flamenco en Culebra”, is full of global influence and meticulous care when it comes to the production style as Versal explores ancient realms of thought that are strung together through the art-form of music. “Dawn” is the third track that slows it down and leads listeners into a pool of wonder as instrumentals that shed light on the wonders of the natural world unfurl.

The fourth track, “Carrousel”, creates the feeling of adolescence as listeners are subconsciously inspired to dig into their core as Versal’s instrumentals elevate thoughts beyond the shore. “All Together” is the fifth track that sounds akin to a track from the Finding Nemo Soundtrack as Versal explores realms beyond Planet Earth. Closing out with “El Camino a Montserrat”, Versal creates the musical feeling of a walk in the park and the release of stress that leads listeners beyond the dark.

Creating music from the heart with the intent of spreading the feelings of glee that stem from tranquility, Versal overcomes the ego and pours forward from the soul throughout ‘Self-Titled. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Dido, Bonobo and Thomas Newman, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Versal on Soundcloud.

Versal Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube

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Music Reviews

Los Angeles Indie Rock Artist, Eddy Yang, Releases New Single – “In The City”

Los Angeles Artist, Eddy Yang, is back with a new single that stems from the exploration of foreign terrain entitled “In The City”. Traveling to New York from Los Angeles served as means of enchantment and enlightenment as Eddy Yang found inspiration in the bright lights that led him toward the courageous feat of bringing that forward through music. Seeing through the feelings that burn through his heart, Eddy Yang incorporates feelings of being a wandering Rock ‘N’ Roll soul throughout “In The City” as his musicianship continues to grow. Diving deep into feelings of love, lyricism that leads listeners back into their hearts is what keeps Eddy Yang at the top of his game as a human being and artist who is in touch with his soul. 

Leading listeners into a state of clarity and contentment through ending with a long instrumental that is nothing short of peaceful, Eddy Yang proves that he has no equal. Carrying out the ability to tap into a diverse array of genres, it is evident that Eddy Yang finds joy in his ability to challenge himself as a musician. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Eddy Yang on Soundcloud. 

Eddy Yang Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • YouTube

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Music Reviews

Alternative Trip-Hop Band, Saint Mars, Releases New Single – “LOVEGHOST”

Alternative Trip-Hop Band, Saint Mars, have uncovered darkness down under that has morphed into a musical piece of release throughout their new single, “LOVEGHOST”. Mastered with precision and accompanied by a hypnotically dark music video, Saint Mars delves into their wicked realm of heartache that is palpable and felt by viewers. Touching base on the extremity of pain that comes through heartache, lyrics that question the heart of a lover who is dealing with separation are aligned to showcase the depth of passion that one approaches their love-life and beyond with.

Taking the drivers seat of their journey ahead, the members of Saint Mars are musically inclined to take their mission as far as they desire to go. Mimicking Massive Attack in an uncanny way, there are bound to be nothing but bright days ahead for Saint Mars. The band is currently in the studio focused on their first full-length release, ‘Boys Never Cry’, which carries out the concept of a young man experiencing the torture within that comes from being bullied. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Saint Mars on YouTube.

Saint Mars Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Soundcloud 

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Music Reviews

Fort Wayne Musician, Damon Mitchell, Releases New EP – ‘Elise’

Fort Wayne Classic Pop Musician, Damon Mitchell, gathered his army of multi-talented musical gurus to cultivate a tale of the world in the eyes of the apple of Damon eye’s throughout his latest EP release, ‘Elise’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Heist”, Damon bounces in with a playful instrumental akin to a track by Michael Buble as his vocals are rich in depth and soul over a vulnerable lyrical spill about feelings being developed for another over time. The second track, “Just A Face”, takes it back to instrumentals akin to The Marshall Tucker Band as Damon lyrically spills the beans on how someone who he once held near and dear has now morphed into another face in the crowd through expansive life experience and curiosity. “License Plate” is the third track that is a genre-bending album highlight in which lyrics metaphorically tackle Damon’s simple yearning to be with someone he loves as the track universally mimics Death Cab For Cutie. The fourth track, “Salo”, showcases a level of maturity in instrumentals as haunting lyrics speaking of wolves crawling into the bed of a lover leave a deep mind pondering as Damon’s mesmerizing vocals carry listeners into a state of euphoria. “World In Her Eyes” is the sixth track that brings forward elements of Jazz as the songwriting style leads listeners to jump into pools of mystery when it comes to the elevating feelings for a soul that is a walking bundle of smoke and mirrors and Damon knows it. Closing out with “Elise”, seasoned instrumentals that sound akin to Santana light up the track and close out the EP with a bang as Damon lyrically explains the ever-changing feelings for another that he continues to encounter within.

Young and bright-eyed, Damon is stepping into his creative zone and proves that he is aligning with his ability to bring forward his sensitive inner world throughout ‘Elise’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Dave Matthews Band, Death Cab For Cutie and John Mayer, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Damon Mitchell on Soundcloud.

Damon Mitchell Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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Interviews

Interview: Stealth

UK Musician, Stealth, has found the way to bring his passionate inner maze of art forward and is set to make a splash throughout 2019. I caught up with Stealth to discuss the recent release of “Black Heart”, having a conversation with himself as a senior citizen, being a part of a roller-coaster ride as an artist, fulfillment from making music you enjoy and more.

Tell us about what you learned about yourself along the way while creating “Black Heart”.

Make the music you enjoy making! I’ve been trying so hard to write a “banger” and really fell out of love with writing for a brief moment, therefore, I went in and just had fun and the song just kind of happened. Everyone seemed to like it when I stayed true to myself.

If you can have a conversation with either yourself as a child or yourself as a senior citizen, who would you choose and what would you say?

Senior Citizen for sure! I’d ask for the lyrics and melody of the biggest selling song. Then write it and let the Grammy’s roll in. [laughs] But in all in seriousness it would be an older me that I’d want to talk to. I have serious anxiety to the point where I don’t sleep and I’d like the older me to just give me a warning about what not to worry about.

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

I’ve had to cancel my performances at SXSW. I’ve had some delays obtaining my Visa so I can’t make it. I’ve not only let my band and the organisers down but also the people who wanted to see me play a show in the US. However it’s circumstances out of my control and the only way I can overcome it is to pick myself up and dust myself off… and especially plan for next year.

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

It’s all a bit too much, isn’t it?! People over share and not in a good way. I’m all for chatting and being open but social media is often used as a platform to show only one side of you that you want others to see… which means the lives portrayed on social media are often false, in turn making your audience/followers/friends feel insecure about their own achievements and generally inadequate. It’s a marketing tool / gimmick.

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.

A bit of a job interview answer here but I’m a team player. I love being part of a team. Whether that’s as part of family unit, friends, or sports team (fun fact -I play rugby). Although I’m a solo act, I hate being alone and I feel I’m my best self as part of a crowd.

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?

I’ll be honest, I’d be a hypocrite to say anything that could be perceived as advice on this subject. It’s very tough doing a job that is such a rollercoaster and at times I don’t have time to think about how it’s affecting my mental state until it’s too late. I do talk to friends and family and try to keep physically fit which I find helps. But If there is anyone out there in the music industry that has a proven method of taking care of yourself, feel free to contact me.

Tell us three of your favorite thrift stores to go to in the UK.

They aren’t exactly thrift stores as the clothes don’t tend to be that cheap [laughs] but I frequent……

Rokit on Brick Lane in Shoreditch

Beyond Retro in Soho

Absolute Vintage – Near old Spitalfields Market

What do fans of Stealth have to look forward to for the remainder of 2019.

Lots of new music and I have a gig coming up on May 21st at Hoxton Bar and Grill in Shoreditch. 

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

Just a huge thank you. You guys make the rollercoaster all the more worth getting on.

STEALTH Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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Music Reviews

Rising Pop Artist, David Browning, Releases New EP – ‘Now You See Me’

Canadian Modern Pop Artist, David Browning, has traveled around the world and back into himself which is evident to hear throughout the delivery of his latest EP, ‘Now You See Me’. Confronting a once empty space from a place of hope for a brighter future with love, David sets himself free as he comes into a place of clarity throughout each track. Here’s our thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Stay Over”, David Browning knits together a string of yearning throughout the lyrical trajectory that speaks of surrender and joy stemming from simply being amongst an individual who has set his heart in bloom. “Call Me When You’re Single” is the second track that takes the EP for a spin into a more somber space as David begins with a reflective lyrical narrative highlighting the days of innocence that he once shared with a lover that is now sharing their life with another. Closing out with “Always Inside”, David ends from an emotive space as he reminds listeners that the true rubies of life are cultivated within. 

David Browning teamed up with Grammy Award Winning Producer, Ian Prince, for ‘Now You See Me’. David is actively working toward living out his highest dreams by utilizing his life experiences in a highly stimulated space as means of a source of inspiration that is igniting the emotional delivery of his music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Rob Thomas, Sam Smith and Shawn Mendes, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for David Browning on Spotify.

David Browning Social Links:

Facebook• Website• Spotify

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Music Reviews

Chicago Musician, Ivor Lane, Set to Release New EP – ‘Postplay’

Chicago Musician, Ivor Lane, has fluidly laced their empathetic nature into an emotive release in the form of music throughout their upcoming EP release, ‘Postplay’. Through candidly navigating and scavenging through a stripped down inner territory that challenged Ivor Lane to transform pieces of their life experience, ‘Postplay’ exhibits hope in the midst of a soulful catharsis. Given that we were able to explore an early release of ‘Postplay’ prior to its upcoming March 29th, 2019 release, here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Loved Me”, Ivor slowly creeps into a mellow echo of their haunting and beautiful vocals which align with the delivery of Tracy Chapman as Ivor lyrically finds clarity in accepting unrequited love. The second track, “Miss Me”, begins with a haunting dense piano instrumental akin to Death Cab For Cutie as Ivor lyrically traces the scars on their battered spirit with a thread of vulnerability that is abounding with raw and unguarded truth. “Reminder” is the third track that switches it up toward a dose of cryptic dark laced with anger and vengeance as Ivor lyrically sleeps with the remnants of the past that linger through their mind and room as they traps oneself in a state of gloom. The fourth track, “I Wait Too Long”, tricks listeners with an opening instrumental that matches the likes of both Kanye West and Moby as Ivor reaches in their reservoirs of femininity to lyrically bring out a divine trace of pain that has been a serpent that they have been dying to heal. Closing out with “You’ve Got Me”, Ivor elevates his perspective into a realm of hope while lyrically immersing listeners with their experience of gifting themself with another chance to live and love.

Ivor’s voice is rich in empathy with a delivery that showcases that it took serious life experience and hurt to come to a place of peace. Set a reminder for the March 29th, 2019 release of ‘Postplay’ by Ivor Lane. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Bon Iver, Poe and Portishead then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Ivor Lane on YouTube.

Ivor Lane Social Links:

Facebook • Website

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Features

Show Preview: You Me at Six at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit

English Rockers, You Me at Six, have been swooning the masses with their charm that is naturally laced into their eclectic Rock discography. Having experienced success stemming from their sixth studio album release, ‘VI’, the lads are gearing up to set out on their ‘Back Again’ 2019 North America Tour which is set to make a pitstop at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, February 27th, 2019. Between emotive delivery and a stage energy that captures the heart, You Me at Six have developed a reputation for pouring out their artistry while welcoming all for a show that you do not want to miss. 

Grab your tickets HERE for the upcoming Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 show at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit along with all remaining dates along the ‘Back Again’ North America Tour 2019. 

You Me at Six Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Spotify

PHOTO CREDIT: Jordan Curtis Hughes

Categories
Music Reviews

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

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Gatherers

New Jersey Rockers, Gatherers, have spent countless hours on developing a concept and album that served as a dose of their Hardcore roots coming forward with heart. I caught up with the guys to discuss ensuring to keep their friendship at the forefront, comparing success and failure on social media, ‘We Are Alive Beyond Repair’, the importance of eating right and sleeping on the road and more.

Congrats on the success and release of ‘We Are Alive Beyond Repair’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned about yourself along the way.

Thank you! We started writing initial ideas for the album around winter of 2015 if I recall correctly. At the time Adam was in the process of moving into a new recording studio and I believe we initially started writing what would later become the opening track “Spill”. We were going through several member changes at the time so we had to explore a lot of ideas between bass, drums and vocals. In hindsight, I think it was a very healthy way to go about writing in a more focused direction. Eventually, Anthony and Rob joined on guitars respectively. They both provided a much needed perspective on the songs we’d been sitting on for months. We finally finished things off as a complete band by writing “Ann Liv Young” and “Starve.  I think writing and recording this record taught us to be more objective for what best served each song and the album as a whole.

Who did you work with on the album cover/photography for ‘We Are Alive Beyond Repair’ and how did you come up with the visual concept?

The album photography was lent to us by Evelyn Bencicova and is part of a series titled “Asymptote”  She’s an award-winning artist based in Berlin and has an extremely original way of building these “worlds” within her photography and filmmaking.  We discovered the photo early on in the writing process and felt that it also existed in the same world as the album we wanted to write. We reached out to her with demos and the album title and she was very receptive to the idea.  

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

To stop comparing our success and failures based on the facade of social media. It is a habit I battle on the daily, but I’m learning that we should only speak when it counts, to only think about our band within the framework of things that excite us, and to not get caught up in the rat race of everyone trying to “make it” overnight. Above all, I’m learning to value my friendship with my bandmates more.  

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

Any “culture” born on social media is very uninspiring to me. I think things now move at such a pace that the baseline for culture has been lowered, which means trends die even quicker with more people attached to them. I would be a hypocrite to not admit how valuable of a tool social media plays in the promotion of our own band, after all it has become this requisite extension of our music and art. However, I have a distaste for the way it herds people into various (very predictable) patterns of behavior. I notice it especially in new bands, touting the same style of content, the same way of speaking and so on. It’s all feels very commodified.  

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.

We all simply try our best to respect our friendship to one another and to be the best versions of ourselves every day.

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?

Eat right. Sleep right. Avoid excessive time on the phone. Take in the sights and make the most of each show. Also, it’s critical to make each other laugh as much as possible.  

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.

Stay humble. Study other bands. Also, get your shit on and off the stage as quickly as possible!

What do fans of Gatherers have to look forward to in 2019?

We’ll probably end up touring a bit more and then who knows? We’ve been flirting with some loose ideas for our next album, so that might end up occupying our time towards the end of the year.  

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

Thank you for your support. Listen to Great Grief.  

Gatherers Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Website

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hunter Weinberger