Categories
Music Reviews

France Electronic Artist, Sound Strider, Releases New LP – ‘Occult Electric’

Electronic Soundscape Master, Sound Strider, creates a technically rich experimental journey into a colorful world of musical exploration throughout the release of his latest LP, ‘Occult Electric’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Helpless Cogs”, a psychedelic trip into a vibrant investigation into intention mimics the likes of Merkaba in their ‘Language of Light’ days with a blissful musical ride into a realm of expansion as Sound Strider draws focus toward awakening tenderness and love within listeners that are aligned with his serene energy. The second track, “Hail Eris”, slowly shakes listeners back into living as the song glides by incorporating the sounds of nature and the natural world into our modern-day influx of bloody entertainment. “Plague of Wizards” is the third track that teases the trickled mind with manic instrumental highs and lows that are sobering in their simplicity yet perplexingly intricate enough to lead the mind to wander. Closing out with “Embracing Chaos”, Sound Strider is simultaneously out of this world and down to earth as he, as stated, puts the feeling of placing a question mark after reality into listeners through an atmospheric array of kaleidoscopic musical appeal.  

It is evident that Sound Strider utilizes his music as a source and tool to induce a state of wellness and spiritual musing and curiosity into listeners. Having recently pursued and taken action toward the next level by creating his own Record Label, Red Tent Records, Sound Strider is taking strides toward sharpening his box of musical tools and gifting himself with the ability to create his own rules. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Merkaba, Bonobo and Desert Dwellers, then do yourself and your heart a favor keep an eye on the ride ahead for Sound Strider on Soundcloud.

Sound Strider Social Links:

FacebookTwitterSpotify

Categories
Music Reviews

Hong Kong Musician, Todd Warner Moore, Releases New Album – ‘Spark’

Hong Kong Musician, Todd Warner Moore, separates himself from his present time and retracts back to the fluid and free mentality of those living in the 60’s and 70’s throughout his latest album release, ‘Spark’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Prologue”, Todd Warner Moore begins with a simple dose of talk wisdom that can be psychologically absorbed as thought-provoking and abstruse. The second and title track, “Spark”, gives Todd space to showcase his soft vocal style that is complemented by female vocals throughout the chorus that aid in the balance of energy and emotive intensity within the track. “Gift” is the third track that is a soft and pleasant spill of lyrically poetic romanticism and love toward the apple of Todd Warner Moore’s desire. The fourth track, “Noodles”, gives off the vibes of Jimmy Buffett in the intro within instrumentals as Todd lyrically takes the track down the road of metaphorically comparing ingredients and cooking up noodles to a life experience with another human being that he is encountering within his personal reality. “Do You Really Know?” is the fifth track that is a lyrically contemplative and inquisitive dose of reflection that speaks of the rich inner world that Todd has cultivated within.

The sixth track, “Drift Awake”, slows it down into a Bluesy and serene float down a river of instrumental peace as Todd lyrically speaks of the flighty thoughts that are flowing through his currently frenzied mind. “Mess” is the seventh track that begins with a potent line pertaining to carving out expectations with the feel of a John Mayer instrumental back in his ‘Room For Squares’ days. The eighth track, “Gem”, is a bundle of lyrical hope for an insecure mind as Todd lyrically reminds listeners that it is the rubies and gold that we shape within that count when it comes to our unique experience of fulfillment in our lives. “In the Water” is the ninth track that lyrically inflicts the inspiration to reshape the “seeds of who we are”. The tenth track, “Right Inside This Room”, subliminally speaks of Todd’s rich history as a musician as healing thoughts are translated into lyricism that is aware of the devotion that he feels toward his lover whom is right across the room. “Crashing Down” is the eleventh track that burns a hole in the heart of listeners as Todd lyrically tells the tale of chaos and collapse in a metaphorically enlightening way. “Bird’s Eye View” is the thirteenth track that tugs at the hearts of listeners who desire the slower and easy life rather than the rapid and manic lifestyle of those who live within bigger cities. The fourteenth track, “Epilogue”, is a meditative and perfect ending to a well-balanced release.

It is quite evident that Todd Warner Moore has lived a rich and seasoned life through his songwriting style which is abounding with wit, charm and wisdom. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Bright Eyes, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, then keep an eye on the road ahead for Todd Warner Moore on Bandcamp.

Todd Warner Moore Social Links:

WebsiteTwitterYouTube

Categories
Music Reviews

Swedish Native, Lil T-Shirt, Releases New Music Video – “Summer”

Swedish Native, Lil T-Shirt, is a diamond in the rough who is consistently dishing out quality music and visuals that overcome the notion that you must put all of your eggs into one genre basket. Having recently released the new music video for his single, “Summer”, Lil T-Shirt displays a maturity and confidence throughout the visuals that subliminally speaks of his eagerness to join and mingle with the elite in the music industry.  

Visually showcasing the slow journey toward a state of clarity mixed with the sweet and slow burn of a beautiful summer day, Lil T-Shirt matched the lyrical and instrumental energy of “Summer”  seamlessly with the music video. Layered with emotion and feeling, Lil T-Shirt has a vision throughout the music video in which intricate feelings bear witness to the amount of energy that he is willing to tolerate within a personal relationship moving forward. Having features from an array of ladies that are wearing the most natural versions of themselves, Lil T-Shirt incorporates minimalism in a way that is captivating to the open mind and soul who admires the outdoors.

Having grown up in the Punk and Rock scene growing up in Stockholm, Lil T-Shirt has a unique aesthetic within his artistry and name that naturally captures attention. Shocking the masses with a sultry R&B vocal style that is appealing to the soft and vulnerable heart, Lil T-Shirt keeps it candid and real from the start throughout “Summer”. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as ODESZA, 6LACK and Frank Ocean, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Lil T-Shirt on Soundcloud.

Lil T-Shirt Social Links:

FacebookSpotifyWebsite

Categories
Music Reviews

San Francisco Musician, CarnyMusic, Releases New Self-Titled EP

San Francisco Musician, CarnyMusic, is transcending beyond his roots as the Lead Vocalist of Western-Psych Band, The Green Door. Having recently released his new self-titled EP, it is evident that Mike Carnahan has set his sights on getting deeply in tune with himself through his artistry. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Riptide”, CarnyMusic creates an environment akin to one amongst a cozy fire in the middle of a cool summer night as the lyrical trajectory hits the highs and lows of a riptide of emotions that have hit him directly in the chest. The second track, “Beetle In The Sand”, is humbling as the opening abruptly jumps into a soft lyrical journey into our small places in this massive world through our individualism and flows into the chorus that serves as a reminder of the ever-changing weather that has been encountered between two lovers. “Start Another Week” is the third track that lyrically speaks of the common attachment to a life of work and never slowing down that is poisoning the human race as CarnyMusic gently dabbles into the thoughts that have left his mind racing. Closing out with the EP highlight, “Close Your Eyes”, CarnyMusic lyrically carves into the remaining pieces of a tarnished love that still seems to linger in the air no matter the alternating experiences that each individual encounters on their own.

CarnyMusic embodies both his masculinity and femininity in a balanced way throughout his self-titled release which ignites the emotive element of the music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians with depth such as Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens and Sun Kill Moon, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for CarnyMusic on Soundcloud.

CarnyMusic Social Links:

FacebookTwitterBandcamp

Categories
Music Reviews

Southern Rockers, Dead Friends 46, Release New Album: ‘Hardcore’

Southern Rockers, Dead Friends 46, are a wild riot of Rock ‘N’ Roll thunder creating music that is both amusing and pleasing to consume. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts of their latest full-length album release, ‘Hardcore’.

Kicking off with a bang with the first track, “The Firm”, the guys of Dead Friends 46 rile up some daunting energy as aggressive Punk guitar playing smashes through the intro and swiftly leads into a dive into a ball of fire by the name of Don Mazda whose vocal style mimics the likes of Judas Priest. The second track, “Rise Up”, can get a crowd of maniacs tossing beer across a venue as the guys of Dead Friends 46 showcase their lyrical prowess with a politically potent spill of how corrupt our Government has come to be. “Whistling in the Dark” is the third track that is a seemingly spiritual ode to regret as lyrics bash living under the rules of society and how much it can destroy your one shot as a human being. The fourth track, “Banned from the Pubs”, is exactly as it states; rowdy, incoherent and balls-to-the-wall as the guys lyrically attempt to flee a frantic scene that they created.

“The Letter” is the fifth track that intentionally sticks it to the man as a blast of instrumental synergy shreds through with ease. The sixth track, “Mass Hysteria”, puts the cherry on top of the madness that has already come memories of the lack of trust in those who have f**ked the guys of Dead Friends 46 in the past are coming back out of the closet to lyrically confront with no remorse. “Blood Cot” is the seventh track that lyrically highlights a lack of self-discipline and control which is destroying the lives of an individual who is immersed within their own self-doubt. The eighth track, “Lady Doom”, is a lyrical shot at a lady who tried to run the guys of Dead Friends 46 for what they’re worth yet was found guilty in hindsight. “Devil and Don” is the ninth track that reeks of lyrically knowing that it is time to throw in the towel on relationships that aren’t going anywhere. The tenth track, “Black Eyeliner (April Harvey), starts off with streamlined instrumentals that leads into a dose of lyrical anger as the guys metaphorically travel through a chapter of sleeping with the devil. Closing out with “Dead Friends”, the guys pour one out for the ones that have come and gone in a classic Punk Rock way.

Mastered with precision by a group of guys who live and die by and with music, ‘Hardcore’ by Dead Friends 46 is an album that can kickstart your new year the right way. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Anti-Flag, Bad Religion and Authority Zero, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Dead Friends 46 on Soundcloud.

Dead Friends 46 Social Links:

FacebookBandcampWebsite

Categories
Music Reviews

Brooklyn Rocker, Lord Sonny the Unifier, Set to Release New Album: “Final Notice!”

Brooklyn Rocker, Lord Sonny the Unifier, may be the new kid on the block, but his upcoming full-length release, “Final Notice!”, is set to be dynamically rich way to introduce himself to the world of music and beyond. Having released his first single from the album, “Right in Your I”, Lord Sonny the Unifier refuses to be confined to societies ways and sticks it to the man and those who treat others poorly due to their own insecurities unabashedly throughout the track.

Incorporating the sound of the late 1970’s when the world of Rock ‘N’ Roll was full of human beings who refused to be controlled, the rebellious edge in which Lord Sonny the Unifier approaches his artistry is refreshing to independent thinkers. Through tying in instrumentals that don’t overpower the message and intent of the lyrical trajectory, Lord Sonny the Unifier is ahead of the game and understands that his future is in his hands.

We live in a world full of billions of human beings who are actively living out their own individual lives that have nothing to do with you unless you choose to personalize it. Lord Sonny the Unifier is a newcomer to the music scene that is all about equality and ensuring that those who are treating others well get the same treatment in return. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as The Clash, Dead Kennedys and Queens of the Stone Age, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Lord Sonny the Unifier on Bandcamp.

Lord Sonny the Unifier Social Links:

FacebookTwitterSoundcloud

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Justin Symbol

NYC Shock Rapper/Artist, Justin Symbol, is an enigma that is difficult to find out which is exactly the way that he likes being presented to the world. I caught up with Justin to discuss ‘Symbol Season Mixtape, Vol. 1’, the importance of practicing self care, upcoming mini tour, “Star Daddy” and more.

Congrats on the release of ‘Symbol Season Mixtape, Vol. 1’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.

With ‘Symbol Season’ I embraced my hip hop alter ego “Star Daddy”. It was about letting go of preconceptions and just having fun! I learned to trust my producer and do things I was afraid to do. One of these moments resulted in the most well known song, “Goldi”.

If you could sit down with your younger self and give him one small dose of advice, what would you say to him?

Practice self care and connect with others. Life doesn’t have to be a lonely race to the top of the trash heap of our society. Success means nothing if you’re not present and open to being able to enjoy it.

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

Every day is that struggle. The voice in my head saying “You’re nothing. Die.” I’ve wanted to give in to that, but then I keep fighting. I had some people close to me die lately and it became an affirmation of life. Like, these people believed in me. They gave into that voice, but I can be the example to others that they don’t have to! There is an amazing world out there if you’re open to seeing it.

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

I think it obviously has the potential to be quite toxic but it’s also got great possibilities. Some real confidence and empowerment has blossomed. Also you have a lot of divisive “movements” which I question if they are even real or a scheme to tear people apart. All this stuff pitting us against each other, it’s not even worth focusing on. I can only do so much before I tune out. I always try to remember that perception is reality. Nothing can replace a real one on one human connection.

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 have 5 years sober and have been privileged to maybe lead others toward that life style or at least show them that you can be sober and not super boring! I am also proud of my sexuality, and it seems to empower other people. I don’t put labels on myself but I exist outside the mainstream and I know that it can become a beacon to others who feel the same way. Life is too short to live in shame. I often forget how many people still do!

Photo Credit: Kamollio

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 need to do way better in this area. For me, tour becomes this high that then saps my endorphins and I can become quite negative afterwards. I need to be better about making meetings, praying and meditating on the road. Exercise helps too! Toxic people are the worst because they can really drag you down and isolate you. Getting rid of those from my band was a big step in the right direction!

Reflect back to day one in the studio for ‘Symbol Season Mixtape, Vol. 1’, would you have thought that the mixtape would have turned out the way it did?

I didn’t really know what to think. We started with the song “Artistic Shit” and from the beginning I knew we were not going to create a record like anything I was previously known for. The goal was to be totally free and allow ourselves to be upbeat, fun and positive with the music. Sometimes things got very silly. I’ve never laughed so much while making an album! I never thought we’d get so productive that we’d end up having 21 songs!

Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour/show plans that you can fill us in about?

There will be a Justin Symbol West Coast mini tour in late Feb. I am bringing back the old school Justin Symbol vibe in a big way with a new live band of talented people. I’m very excited to reconnect with that part of myself, which I know the fans have been eager for.

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

Stay tuned! 2019 will be a great year for Symbol!

Justin Symbol Social Links:

FacebookTwitterSpotify

Categories
Music Reviews

Rising Texas Rapper, J’Moris, Releases New EP: ‘Extra’

Rising Texas Rapper, J’Moris, is making major plays in the game and we’re delighted to see him bring the wild thoughts that cross his mind to life throughout his latest EP, ‘Extra. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first and title track, “Extra”, crisp production walks listeners into a hypnotic beat as J’Moris showcases qualities of a seasoned vet right off bat with lyrical reminders of the hustle days when his vision was set on the free lunch line rather than the stars. The second track, “Misbehave”, slows it down into a mixture of 90’s R&B and 2000 Hip-Hop as J’Moris candidly puts his sexual urges and fantasies on blast over a beat that incorporates a soft piano so fluidly that it leads listeners into a state of trance. “Not At All” is the third track in which J’Moris takes his fans through the days of his childhood when he had nothing but crumbs on his plate yet switches it up to the motivation that he has cultivated within which has served to his burgeoning lifestyle and shifting experiences. Closing out with “Speed Boat”, J’Moris lyrically puts it all on the line and twists his intention to take no prisoners throughout each bar while tip-top production takes the track to a level that wouldn’t necessarily be expected from an unsigned artist.

Through his ability to get down to the nitty-gritty, J’Moris spits with no pity and 2019 is his time to shine. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Big K.R.I.T, Jadakiss and Meek Mill, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for J’Moris on Spotify.

J’Moris Social Links:

FacebookSoundcloudTwitter

 

Categories
Music Reviews

Delaware Dream Pop Musician, Gina Graves, Releases New Album: ‘And We Rise’

Delaware Dream Pop Musician, Gina Graves, has translated her inner emotional world of feeling into a candid musical work of art throughout her new album release, ‘And We Rise’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Everything You Are”, Gina slowly creates the aura of mystery through medieval instrumentals that lead to her sultry vocals that take listeners down the lyrical road of attachment as Gina comes to realize how deeply connected she has become to another human being. “Glide” is the second track in which Gina lyrically reaches for a place of freedom as she shares the message that she is over the mind games that another plays and it is her time to cultivate her wings and fly away with ease and grace. The third track, “If You Dare”, is a haunting lyrical reminder of the past memories that continue to creep up into Gina’s mind as she attempts to either remove herself or dive fully into from a situation.

“New Star” is the fourth track that slows it down into a mollifying journey into peace as Gina lyrically strives to open her eyes to all of the good that is readily available and alive throughout her life. The fifth track, “Your Beautiful Self”, is a gentle reminder of the remarkable qualities within another that have captivated Gina’s soft, open and vulnerable heart. “I Am Light” is the sixth track in which Gina introspectively challenges herself to see the qualities that shine within herself as she reaches for higher ground. The seventh track, “Bring You Back”, peels back layers of pain and self-imposed agony as Gina lyrically aches to bring back the person, thoughts and feelings that she thought encompassed another human being. “Turn Blue” is the eighth track in which Gina lyrically throws in the towel and leans into accepting the expiration date of a love that once served the awakening of pieces of her soul. The tenth track, “All Your Dreams”, opens the windows to invite in Gina’s dreams as she lyrically makes it known that love is the key component aiding in her day-to-day wellbeing. Closing out with the eleventh track, “And We Rise”, Gina instrumentally trickles her way into clarity and climbs over inner mountains to see a new and promising view.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as KT Tunstall, PJ Harvey and Tori Amos, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Gina Graves and stream ‘And We Rise’ now on HearMeNow.

Gina Graves Social Links:

FacebookYouTubeCD Baby

Categories
Music Reviews

Indie Rockers, Arden & The Wolves, Release New Cover – “Mary Did You Know”

Los Angeles Based Indie Rockers, Arden & The Wolves, are roaring forward with soul-infused fire and make that known throughout their cover of Pentatonix’ “Mary Did You Know”. Trickling into her smokey and deep vocals, Arden & The Wolves travel to wondrous depths to capture an enigmatic and darkened portrayal of the holiday spirit. Having dabbled into the traditional means of going about the holidays within the ripe days of her youth, Arden made the decision to artistically splatter a layer of obscure energy onto a classic holiday hit which is both welcoming and comforting to an idiosyncratic mind and listener. Manifesting an alternative point of view through the traditional holiday lover, Arden & The Wolves cover of “Mary Did You Know” purposely breaks the rule to open chambers of thought.

Reborn and alive in new light, Arden Leigh has restored vulnerability and meaning both within herself and the world around her. Having experienced both sides of the coin, Arden has risen from the ashes with a new awareness and clean emotional slate which has allowed her to selflessly feel compassion and deeply connect with others. Unearthing transformation through choosing not to succumb to the illusions that one can paint through mental hypothesizing, Arden has undergone intense psychological and somatic processing to become an independent and fearless thought leader. Portrayed through her artistry with ease, Arden’s alternative perspectives that sprout through her candid investigations of her subconscious aid in the reorganization of the emotions, the minds and the spirits of listeners. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Evanescence, The Pretty Reckless and Poe, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Arden & The Wolves on YouTube.

Arden & The Wolves Social Links:

FacebookTwitterSpotify