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.

New Music Monday #34

everything about her by Amie Blu

All that encompasses what a vibey song is, is shown in “everything about her”. Amie Blu’s delicate vocals create a tranquil listening experience whilst delivering raw lyrics of a toxic relationship and the lies within it. The trials and tribulations are showcased through the songwriting and the melody is addictive. Harmonies blend seamlessly with guitar riffs and a heavy beat that create a sonically beautiful track. The poise and control in her singing contrast the lyrics so creatively with instrumentals that make you nod along, “Turns out you're just like her, A liar / Did you forget? How she hurt you, Then blamed you.”

Now I Think of You Unspeakably by Nikita Lev

A dazzling song infused with a passion felt through the music itself. A lovely acoustic guitar strums behind the memorizing vocals of Nikita Lev. The songwriting invigorates the listener with the ubiquitous experience of feelings that you can't seem to get rid of. In the background, there are layers of harmonies that are soft and nostalgic, along with a deep bass that ties the song together, “how I’d talk about you so eagerly / now I think of you unspeakably /sardonic bravado I miss your laugh.”

Sequoia Tide by Evanora Unlimited (Feat. She Diamond

A distorted, rave/punk sound saturates the room in which “Sequoia Tide” is played. With piercing drums, disorienting synths, and dynamic bass, this track contains layers of production that show the musical dexterity of producer Yves Tumor. Repetitive lyricism that cuts deep, and expresses the longing for someone alongside a rhythm that warps you into another reality, “Like a clock you go round and round in my head / the absence of your light cast shadows on my bed.”

Wussup by CHEEYA

A track that’s so good words can’t really capture the feeling it evokes, so the only thing you can do is listen to it. Vocally strong, “Wussup” is a confident, hype-up song with a funky musical production. The chorus is addictive and the lyrics are charming; along with the drums, sparkly keys, and dazzling synths that make this track so special, “So complicated out on this river / I gotta swim in to see things clearer.”

Your Body by Misha, BeMyFiasco, Evil Needle

A slower, more sensual song that has been created within the collaboration of great talent. The R&B track has a deep bass, alluring vocals by BeMyFiasco, and a steady beat that keeps the passion of the song going. Lyrically, they do not hold back from describing the intensity of wanting to be with someone. The translation between the songwriting and the energy created sonically is moving, “Seems like it’s been a while now / I found a smile now.”

supernAtural by dye

Sonically unique, dye is an artist creating multi-faceted music that cannot be confined to just one genre. With harrowing drums enticing the listener, “supernAtural” contains a piercing guitar alongside the whispered vocals that feel haunting. The build-up to the chorus is slow and does not prepare you for the gritty belting as the drums come crashing in powerfully. In the outro, you hear a distant electric guitar and echoed vocals ending the song memorably. 

Devotion by Caius

This electronic house track contains layers of different elements in music to create a feel-good sound. The tempo is upbeat and groovy as the repeating lyrics continue through the musical journey produced by Caius. Beautiful keys trickle in and out as the vocals change from a soft to a deeper octave. The bass creates an infectious rhythm that only makes the listener want to dance more as the distortion settles, “You give us love and devotion.”