Tag: Spotify

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Music Reviews

Finland Rockers, Daggerplay, Release New Album – ‘Subterranean Reality’

Finland Rockers, Daggerplay, have set out on an exploration of gore, love, pain and more throughout their latest full-length album release, ‘Subterranean Reality’; here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Red Sky”, Daggerplay begins with a Rockabilly instrumental that is both unexpected and welcoming as the track bends through genres to create a rich delivery of spite. “Cruel Wind Blowing” is the second track that begins with the instrumental feel of The Eagles which swiftly runs back into a dose of Punk as Lead Vocalist, Pekko Mantzin, unleashes the fury that he has been building within. The third track, “Don’t Give Up”, is a lyrical blast of acceptance that reminds listeners to no longer tolerate energizing feelings that have expired. “Black River” is the fourth track that instrumentally aligns with Billy Talent as Daggerplay lyrically floats down a blackened river of blood flowing through the veins of a poisoned soul. The fifth track, “Girl, it’s Gonna Get Better Or Just Worse”, slows it down into an intro acoustic which swiftly shifts into a lyrical reminds the apple of their eye that they must take mindful action or simply move on. “Days Like These” is the sixth track that throws listeners right into the pit as a high-strung blast of instrumentals keeps rebellious souls on their toes.

The seventh track, “Four Walls”, sets all wicked feelings free over a track in which Pekko shares that he has dove into substance for a temporary escape from a living hell that he knows he created. The ninth track, “Same Old, Same Old”, is a vent of lyrical frustration as the humans of Daggerplay attempt to overcome pieces of their current life experience that are hindering them from moving forward. The eleventh track, “One Mile Town”, is the musical culmination of a group of people that are on the edge of packing up their car and making it to the next place that they can to awaken a new creative inner land. The thirteenth track, “Ghosts”, begins with the instrumental feel of a 90’s Rock track by Third Eye Blind as the lyrics welcome ghosts that are creeping out from closets that the closet that all were under the impression they had closed. Closing out with “Sinister Blues”, Daggerplay attempts to take on a brighter hue as they find a place of closure with knowing that they are ready to move on to a new city and new life.

Daggerplay is the perfect band of punks that could light up your upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with ‘Subterranean Reality’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and Billy Talent, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Daggerplay on Soundcloud.

Daggerplay Social Links:

Facebook• Website• Twitter

PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Strandberg

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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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Music Reviews

Nashville Rockers, Best Intentions, Release New Single – “Twisted”

Nashville Rockers, Best Intentions, have lyrically and instrumentally put their best and most firm foot forward when it comes to spreading the important message that no one has to accept toxicity in their life in any form throughout their latest single, “Twisted”. It is evident that it took years of experience, pain and a toxic interpersonal connection to sprout the downright hurt throughout “Twisted” which tends to come when the rose-colored glasses eventually fall off. Lead Vocalist, Tony Pietrafesa, makes it felt through his scratchy vocal style that he is tired of enduring something that no longer fits with the self-respect that he has chosen to embody. 

Best Intentions are gearing up for an exciting year as they have their upcoming debut album set to be released this Summer of 2019. Showcasing instrumental synergy and the ability to take listeners to a nostalgic place that is abounding with spite, Best Intentions have taken a turn down a road that not many active bands are going through with lacing in a touch of Emo similar to bands of The Used, Hawthorne Heights and He Is Legend when they were in their prime. The guys of Best Intention have the best intentions heading into a promising career of music ahead. Travel back in time to the days of our mosh-pit, Rock ‘N’ Roll glory with Best Intentions over “Twisted”. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Something Corporate, Taking Back Sunday and Armor For Sleep, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Best Intentions on YouTube.

Best Intentions Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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Music Reviews

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Releases New Single – “Barely Changed”

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, inspires the world by simply being herself. From the ripe age of five-years-old, Jillian has taken the driver’s seat of her life which has transmuted into the sprouting of a creative tree that bears a variety of artistic branches. Between acting, singing, playing guitar, tumbling and simply being a teenager, Jillian continues to prove that she can do it all. Having released her latest single, “Barely Changed”, Jillian has brought forward a Pop hit that carries an instrumental twist of EDM which carries a significant maturation in both tone and delivery. Jillian’s ability to capture and read both her audience and herself led to the track being mastered with precision while meeting the undertone of the Pop world. Jillian lyrically and vocally shines throughout “Barely Changed” in a grounded and moving way that challenges listeners to be more present. 

Being a step ahead of the game, Jillian Shea Spaeder’s accomplishments range from being a presenter at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards to playing the lead of Disney’s Walk The Prank and to name a few. Through her drive, dedication and blossoming heart, it is evident that Jillian has learned and developed the skills to both channel her vision and pour it all forward through her artistry. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara and Camila Cabello, then keep an eye on the promising ride and journey ahead for the young, bright and talented star that is Jillian Shea Spaeder on Soundcloud.

Jillian Shea Spaeder Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Website 

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Interviews

Interview: Weathers

LA Indie Rockers, Weathers, are steadily becoming a force in the world of music with their eclectic instrumental flair and immersive stage energy. Having recently released their new single, “Dirty Money”, the guys are currently out on the road with Magic Giant and Castlecomer. I caught up with the gang when they stopped by El Club in Detroit to discuss “Dirty Money”, maximizing the benefits of Spotify as an artist, ensuring to stay rested and eating healthy on the road, fashion and more.

Tell us about the message that you intended to weave into your latest track, “Dirty Money”. 

Cameron B – We started writing “Dirty Money” with a bottle of Jack Daniels and no expectations with a couple friends of ours in Los Angeles. We wrote the song in about an hour! We actually wrote “Dirty Money” a long time ago. It wasn’t written after our album, ‘Kids In The Night’, it was written during the album. It was a song that stood out on its own so we weren’t sure at the time if we wanted it to be on the album or not. We decided it would be best to release later.

Jessica – I perceive that Los Angeles subconsciously inspires creativity in a way that you don’t necessarily derive naturally in the Midwest. LA is fierce. As you navigate through the city, culture and energy that comes with the territory of Los Angeles, you are inspired by simply being within  it.

Cole – Yeah, totally. It is very competitive.

Jessica – But that very competitiveness can be turned into an opportunity for partnerships and the expansion of your influence. Through streaming, the way that we as listeners receive music has changed. For musicians, it was more common for singles to be pushed as they tend to do better fiscally and influentially if the track stands out from the bunch. Music is a business. Your art and brand are a business. Through the tools and resources that we have readily available now through steaming services such as Spotify and social media in general, it’s all in your hands; you determine how far you want to go and what you desire to achieve. Pushing singles tends to be the best route at this time.

Cameron O – Absolutely. Especially when you have artists like Drake who are pushing out new singles every month. It’s hard to keep up with sometimes, but the tools such as Spotify definitely are there and have helped us grow a ton.

Jessica – For sure. What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

Cameron B – It’s incredible. We can reach all of our fans in an instance which is really awesome. A lot of it can also be very fabricated so in a sense, it is a double-edged sword, but there are pros and cons with anything in life. If you use social media in the right way, it is a great way to express yourself, your creativity and your artistry.

Jessica – How cool is it that you guys have Instagram fan accounts which pragmatically consists of an individual who was so moved by your artistry that they spend their own time to embed energy into showcasing your work? Free marketing, expansion of influence, you can’t beat that. I saw that there is even a Memes account for Weathers (weathersmemesofficial) and I must say, it is hilarious. I don’t think artists should take that for granted.

Cameron B – Definitely not. That account is so funny! It is amazing that we have fans that do that for us and interact with us in that way.

Cameron O – Spotify is getting pretty immersive as well. We can see what every fan is listening to and where they are listening to it. It is super cool. We can see how many people are listening to us at that moment. We can see how many people’s playlists that we are on even if it is a random playlist that we just so happened to get added to. We know exactly how many people listen to us all the time.

Cole – It is amazing, but it is a little Big Brother though!

Jessica – I get it! ACRONYM and I were actually talking about that earlier. There are so many app developers that have laced in coding in which screen recording occurs sporadically on the iPhone. Perhaps I am falling for a conspiracy theory or am slightly delusional, but come on, that has got to raise a hair.

Cole – Totally! But in regards to Spotify, it definitely helps with booking. For instance, if we have 10K listeners in Chicago, you can play a larger room there, you know?

Jessica –  Yes, big picture thinking. 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? 

Brennen – We keep a pretty tight ship on the road. We all eat very clean and take care of ourselves. Being rested is so important. We try to get a lot of exercise whenever we can and especially whenever we have a day off. Our tour manager, Josh, is really on top of it. 

Jessica – Proper nutrition and overall wellness is so important. I live a high vegan lifestyle myself; the more energy I gift myself with, the more I am able to infuse into my art, you know? Tell us about some parts of yourself beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

Brennen – I love being outdoors. Over the past few years, working out and tuning into my nutrition has been huge and so beneficial for me. Also, Cameron is an awesome filmmaker and director. He actually filmed our last three music videos!

Jessica –  That puts you in full creative control. Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Cameron B – Thank you so much for everything. The fans are literally the ones that keep us alive and we couldn’t do this without you.

Weathers Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

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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

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Music Reviews

LA Musician, Heather Gruber, Releases New Album – ‘Dancing Into The Desert’

LA Singer/Songwriter, Heather Gruber, has spread her wings to extend beyond what she had previously known to find her way back “home” throughout her latest full-length release, ‘Dancing Into The Desert’. Here’s our track by track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Beauty Outside the Lines”, Heather begins with a fun and spirited instrumental that walks listeners into her youthful yet soaring vocal style that is rich in soul. “Here You Go Again” is the second track that carries songwriting that speaks to oneself about stepping outside of a comfort zone that has swallowed her whole. The third track, “Ready or Not”, colors outside of the lines with a cheery intro instrumental that lead into a vulnerable songwriting bundle of love while Heather lays down her armor and surrenders to what she is ready to explore. “Running on Empty” is the fourth track that is an acoustic blend of lyrical indecision and seeing the truth for what it is as Heather faces thoughts that are trying to keep her from taking the next step forward as she keeps in mind that she is simply ready to go. The fifth track, “Lost in Space”, is an album highlight that begins with Heather’s darkened vocals that are full of clarity when it comes to what she knows it best for her and her future.

“Lost My Halo” is the sixth track where Heather lyrically speaks to herself about how she recognizes that she lost pieces of her inner puzzle while chasing something that once felt impossible yet is indeed feasible. The seventh track, “How Do You Feel About Now?”, is written with metaphorical precision as Heather lyrically expresses her enduring love for another that won’t fade away. “Let it Fly” is the eighth track in which Heather lyrically maneuvers through her indecision and attempts to overcome her doubt and set herself free for once and for all. The ninth track, “Perfect Day”, begins with a beautiful and simple opening instrumental that matches the lyrical direction that is an ode to simply being. The eleventh track, “Letting Go”, stirs into the soul of listeners as Heather knows that what she had once collected is no longer serving her life path which continues to broaden as she travels and experiences how boundless the world that we live in truly is. “Stepped Outside” is the twelfth track in which Heather sets sail and lyrically tells the tale of facing the great unknown. Closing out with “What’s so Good About Being Young?”, Heather ends on a high note as she lets go of a relationship that was holding her back as she has come to learn to set her sights on what is best for her.

 

Emptying herself in a gap of civilization while immersed in the mystery that abounds in the wild to return to her core, Heather Gruber yearned for more and expressed her mindful action and emotive experiences along the way throughout ‘Dance Into The Desert’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sara Bareilles, Poe and Regina Spektor, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Heather Gruber on Spotify.

Heather Gruber Social Links:

Twitter • Bandcamp • YouTube

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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

Canadian Musician, Norine Braun, Releases New Album – ‘Through Train Windows’

Prestigious Canadian Singer/Songwriter, Norine Braun, lets both her talent and soul set free throughout her latest full-length album release, ‘Through Train Windows’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Sleeping Buffalo”, Norine’s vocals instantly captivate over a haunting acoustic guitar that is overcome with emotive prowess that spreads throughout the song in an enlightening way.  The second track, “I’m Going Home”, is a lyrically vulnerable step into confrontation with oneself as Norine attempts to figure out which way feels like home along her ever-changing road. “Jerkwater Town” is the third track that picks up the pace by taking listeners down a metaphorically rich dose of songwriting as lyrics such as “Life was good with a one-track mind” seep into the soul. The fourth track, “Exhale”, instantly begins with the feeling of a Jewel track back in her ‘This Way’ backs as another exquisite stirring of songwriting leaves listeners stopped dead in their tracks by Norine’s sheer writing abilities.

“Climbing Table Mountain” is the fifth track that changes the dynamic of the album as Norine takes the mic in hand and creates an atmosphere of overcoming while instrumentals that have pieces of Jazz flair mesh perfectly. “I’m Moving On” is the seventh track that is abounding with clarity as Norine reflectively tells the tale of a love that has gone sour as she lyrically confirms to herself that she is ready to let go and flow. The eighth track, “Rock the Rolling”, is an album highlight that begins with Jazzy instrumentals that carry an element of Trip-Hop as Norine bares all through mysterious songwriting that is fun, flirty and light. The tenth track, “Rue St. Jean”, feels like it walked out of a 1960’s sitcom in the greatest way as horns enamor and ignite energy reservoirs within listeners. “Crosses and Sweetgrass (Salvation)” is the eleventh track that opens with a haunting piano as Norine lyrically tugs at her side of the rope of a relationship that is losing balance.The twelfth track, “Heaven Only Knows”, eases into a raw lyrical inspection of what Norine could have done if she turned back time and tried again in this maze called life. Closing out with the title track, “Through Train Windows”, Norine ends on a high note with an uplifting dose of soul that makes listeners desire to get out there and live in this boundless creative world.

‘Through Train Windows’ is a poetically rich dose of humanness that is abounding with lyrical remnants of Norine’s life experience coming forward. Through accolades galore ranging from being a nominee for ‘Spiritual Artist of The Year’ by Western Canadian Music Awards to being the 2008 winner of the Los Angeles Independent International Music Awards Female Singer-Songwriter of The Year Jazz Category for her track, “Crystallize”, it is indented in Norine’s blood and veins to artistically bring forward both her light and pain. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sheryl Crow, Paula Cole and Jewel then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Norine Braun on Soundcloud.

Norine Braun Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube • Twitter