New Music Monday #37

Slug by Matt Champion 

A catchy feel-good melody with a fun play on words. Trickling strings and exciting drums start the song off in a dreamy state. Champions vocals reach a higher pitch creating a sound so unique and enthralling. Lyrically, the song depicts the yearning for someone’s love in an amusingly special way. Keys are incorporated along with synths making a magical listening experience and an infectious feel, “It’s dangerous to look in your eyes / I can’t explain it (explain what) / How I got so mangled in your light.”

Fell in Like by Kabwasa

Music that not only makes you feel but makes you groove! Kabwasa specializes in blending different genres into one to produce sounds that you can’t help but move to. “Fell in Like” has a quick tempo and instrumentals that make the track so special and exciting. Sparkly synths, a deep bass, and drums keep the rhythm steady and buoyant. The lyrics touch on the confusion of understanding what the other person might be feeling and downplaying your own feelings, “I ain’t fell in love I just fell in like”.

Blood on the Reef by Torture and the Desert Spiders

Deep and haunting vocals enter alongside an eerie guitar riff and echoing drums. A chilling melody fills any room you’re in with an overpowering feeling of longing. With each delivery of lyrics, the tempo builds up, producing an atmospheric angst. The closing of the track has a deep bass as the vocals turn into a soft whisper leaving you wanting more, “Give it an answer, I’ll give you an answer…”

R U A Literal Child ? by Astrel K

Taken on a musical journey, Astrel K has produced a track that defies any genre boundaries and summons a feeling of warmth and wonderment. With influences of electronic and indie-pop, the song begins with gentle vocals accompanied by beautiful horns, a consistent bass, and dizzying distortions. Hitting three minutes, the track takes a turn as the tempo picks up, synths intensify, and the bass deepens, allowing this electro-pop infusion to start. It’s evocative, powerful and includes captivating songwriting. 

Run Your Mouth by The Marías

Sleek and cool, The Marías have released another addictive track. With a unique techno flair to it, the production of the track entices the listener onto the dance floor. Its tempo is upbeat and flirty with gentle vocals delivering sassy lyrics. A synth-pop song with instrumentals that carry you into a groovier dimension, “ You'd just call me out / Call me when I'm distant / Always run your mouth.”

Light On by Dehd

A beautifully raw track that sonically evokes the feeling of returning back to someone or someplace. It’s mellow yet striking and lyrically promotes optimism. With punchy drums, a lovely percussion, and familiar guitar strums, this track has a beautiful composition of instrumental breaks and gorgeous continuing melodies, “Every day, every night I will leave a light on / What you want, what you need, I won't be a problem” 

Fire Excape by Zsela

In a slower, more alluring track, Zsela expresses the crazy ride of falling in love. Her distinctive vocals stand out as a gritty guitar plays beside a heavy bass. The chorus sonically creates this boundless feeling of what love can embody. As the track picks up with raw storytelling, glistening synths rise behind Zsela’s voice. Lyrically, “Fire Excape” is intimate with a unique production, “Day breaks on the fire escape and I’m falling in love / I’m falling down.”

New Music Monday #36

Mind & Body by Tolü Makay

Immersed in a celestial sound that travels through the body, “Mind & Body” is a track that defies all musical boundaries. The musical production is intricate with synths and beats that accentuate the song's brilliance. Her vocals mystify you with the message behind her introspective lyricism about finding a way to be present in the now, “Heavy is the head wearing a crown to sleep, not very stable how you been able to get out.”

Mad Sometimes by Nan MacMillan

In the midst of being in your 20s confusion and trepidation flood your emotions. “Mad Sometimes” captures this strange angsty feeling with raw songwriting. Sonically you can feel the anger MacMillan is singing about through the indie-folk production. Something about the punchy drums and gritty electric guitars entrances the listener and makes them feel as if they were there for the story being told, “The fear of losing you did not outweigh the truth which bit me in my back.”

If We Go Down by Stolen Gin 

The groovy local NYC band has blown us away once again. There’s a mix of jazz, funk, and gritty pop, infused in each track, especially “If We Go Down”. Instrumentals range from strings to horns which when combined together create an infectious sound a listener can't help but dance to. A smooth voice enters the track with funky guitar riffs and steady drums. The chorus is upbeat as harmonies beautifully blend into an instrumental break.

Superstar by Sarah Michelle Lee

A cover containing hypnotizing vocals, bewitching melodies, and an overpowering feel of nostalgia. Beginning with a graceful acoustic guitar strum, Lee’s vocals of longing create a mystical atmosphere. There is soul and power behind every delivery, as her rendition opens up a new perspective to be interpreted. In comparison, Lee adds a contemplative emotion with the added instrumentals. Her alt-folk twang adds a unique flair to an already beautiful song, “Loneliness is such a sad affair / And I can hardly wait to be with you again.”

Spin The Block by Rhyan Douglas

A fusion of varying musical elements that encompass the feeling of regret yet eliciting calm. This slow love song expresses the singer trying to win a lover back, with deep soulful vocals and a continuous acoustic guitar strum. Gorgeous harmonies and eloquent keys further create this peaceful feeling as the lyricism shines in honesty. The outro is a suave instrumental with a voicemail asking for a second chance, “I’m trying not to give up on you / Forgot we crossed our lines / Maybe I’m selfish.”

Feel It Love by Kids That Fly

An upbeat and catchy track that’s sure to make you hit replay. Sharp drums and an electric guitar riff begin the track on a high note as the raspy vocals enter. The alt-pop track has a compelling melody with a wistful feeling as the chorus gets stuck in your head. The strong bass combined with the guitar solos within make the rock aspect of the song truly shine.

Go Ghost by Kissimjau

In a riveting electronic disco track, “Go Ghost” has an enticing storyline with a thrilling beat drop. Her seductive vocals carry in lyricism describing the desire to cut someone out of their life. While this is happening a rapid beat dances throughout the track alongside dizzying synths and electronic digital additions that create this stirring track, “I’ve been finding ways to get you off my mind / Saying I don’t usually do this but that only works so many times.”

New Music Monday #35

Stray by The Mysterines

The fierce alt-rock band from London has released an edgy track filled with mystery and intrigue. A guitar riff and heavy drums begin the song off on an intense note. The tempo quickens as the chorus begins with a piercing electric guitar and rapid drums fulfilling this rock-and-roll vibe. The guitar solos placed within, along with the echoed adlibs further sustain this enigmatic meaning of the song. The vocals paired with the captivating songwriting make for an unforgettable listening experience, “Another lesson learnt / A bit too young.”

Illusions by Jalen Ngonda

A voice that feels nostalgic with a timeless sound. In the genre of modern soul, Jalen Ngonda takes the cake for feel-good music with his own unique flair. Vocally, he is strong yet playful with a melody that continually gets better as the song goes on. Gorgeous horns captivate the listener's attention, with a powerful percussion section, and a riveting lyrical journey about the ability of the imagination to create a life with someone, “Illusions of (Illusions) / A life and love, I'll never know.”

gin and wine (ginuwine) by tg.blk

If you're looking for a song to fall for, look no further. tg.blk created a track filled with adoring lyricism, expressing the feeling of young love. The short track has a slow rhythm that allows you to take in the musical production of the song along with the soft airy vocals that transition into a rap verse. The instrumental elements of the deep bass, dreamy keys, and leisurely drums make this love song one that leaves an imprint, “She like gin and wine, girl you 90’s fine.”

NYC by Las Los

A jazzy song by new duo Paul Schalda and Max Shrager, who have produced a track full of tranquil energy and groovy instrumentals. A cool bass carries throughout as slow drums maintain the tempo and horns fill the space. The percussion is sweet and the guitar is inviting as soft vocals deliver a colorful lyrical story. A very chill track that’s melodic artistry is felt throughout the song as the repeating lyrics end and the instrumental break enters, “Drifting in the city (in the rain) x2.”

MONKI by King Isis

With varying musical influences, “MONKI” is a unique track that sonically expresses one’s decision to be their genuine self instead of appealing to expectations from others. A guitar strum invites the listener in as King Isis’ vocals deliver harmonies with a drum preparing to crash into the chorus. The angst is felt not only through the lyricism but also through their longing voice and impressive instrumentals, “Spare me from those awful sounds/ Oh baby, can he save you now?”

Love’s Graveyard by Aiyana-Lee

A compelling story told through song, with every emotion felt through the lyrics and the vocal performance. You are taken on a journey through the passionate songwriting told by Aiyana-Lee and her experience. The harmonies added within make the message all the more powerful with a haunting piano. The melody rises creating a dramatic feel as she transitions to rapping expressing her anger of being done dirty, “Never trust a man with your heart better lock it / He’ll steal it and say he got receipts he bought it.”

Everything We Tried by Geller and valentina cy

An electronic track infused with assorted digital musical elements and emotions sonically expressed. Starting off with a distorted sound that pulses through the listener, Geller’s vocals are layered in through airy synths and a fast-paced bass as the tempo speeds up with every delivery. As the beat slows, valentina cy enters with soft vocals, and the trickling digitized keys continue. The outro feels as if longing for something unfinished, as a string instrument plays till the end.