New Music Monday #24

Heart Shaped Locket by Shallow Alcove

The essence of nostalgia and desperately holding onto memories is beautifully encapsulated in “Heart Shaped Locket”. The soft vocals deliver the painfully raw lyricism in an alluring fashion, while a delightful guitar supports it. While the message of the song is incredibly powerful, and a sentiment we have all felt, it contrasts divinely with singer, Grace Krichbaum, gentle rendering, “Never have enough time for my scarcity complex / Every moment feels gone before it leaves me”.

When The Devil Speaks… by ThxSoMch

A genre-bending track that's filled with angst, honesty, and lively emotions. It’s perfectly energetic and intense, both lyrically and musically. It has this heavy drum beat and fast-paced melody that makes the track stand out more. Truly introspective songwriting mixed with his versatile performance creates an indescribable vitality, “I know you been moving out your mind, it’s to and from / Hoping that the leaves would change our colors.”

Coffee by Delilah Montagu

Devotionally honest lyrics alongside beautiful harmonies, ‘Coffee’ is a special song with an energy one cannot explain, but rather only feel. This unconditional love expressed through the lyricism creates a warm atmosphere while listening to Montagu’s sweet vocals. Soft guitar strums and steady drum beats during the chorus make the track all the more personal, “If you want me, I would be there in a heartbeat / Call me and I’ll bring you coffee.”

prettygrunge.wav by Artemas

An intoxicating electric guitar flows throughout with a reverb that adds a special depth to the song. The melody is enticing, to say the least, as Artemas’ vocals are deeply sultry and raw. While this is a different version of “if you think i’m pretty” by Artemas, this version’s vibe is more alt-rock and has a slower rhythm, “I know that you’re shitty and you’re bad for me, but I can’t stop thinkin’ bout it.”

OPENHEARTED by anaiis

Gracefully elegant, ‘OPENHEARTED’ transcends the usual R&B track by blending a variety of instrumentals with soothing vocals. A harp opens the track with piano keys floating through the song, while the lyrics express allowing emotions to guide you through life naturally. A mellow drum beat produces a unique sound with the twinkling strings, “We can’t escape / Won’t let our love evade us.”

Walked In The Room by Channel Tres

Exceptionally confident, ‘Walked In The Room’ is THE ultimate groovy dance track for the club. With a sustained melody, a quick beat, and sparkling synths, the song is catchy and energetic. The echoing vocals at the end extend the effortlessly cool vibe,  “I don’t think about it/Show up — I get to work/Don’t doubt me, baby, I kill the chaos with a smirk.”

Send It To Oslo by Sparky Deathcap

Sparky Deathcap has re-released his EP “Tear Jerky”, containing the unique indie rock tracks that you can’t help but replay. With a fun rhythm and distinctive lyrics, the melody elicits head nods. The songwriting keeps you confused while the blend of instrumentals keeps you engaged, “Life is just a quest to get rid of spare change / A change, you’ll change your mind.”

New Music Monday #23

Lover/Friend by KAYTRANADA & Rochelle Jordan

A slick beat with electronic elements makes up this new hit. Lyrically flirtatious and playful, Rochelle’s vocals are breathy yet commanding. The hypnotic club beat along with the catchy chorus makes this a song you could never get sick of, “No defenses, satisfaction / Stopped your heart, just to get a reaction.”

Stars by Tai Verdes

Metaphorically clever, ‘Stars’ by Tai Verdes has elements from various genres making it a track anyone would love. His lyricism creates a catchy lovable chorus with an infectious beat and instrumentals to vibe to. Unshakeable drum beats in the background highlight Tai’s rapping as it moves into his smooth singing of the chorus, “I see stars in your eyes sometimes / With a little pain and they washin’ away.”

Wish You Wouldn't by Kali Claire & Shaé Universe

It’s an in-your-feels song that begins with a gentle guitar strum and then transitions into a steady beat. The vocals flow together effortlessly while depicting the varying emotions that occur after a fight. The lyrical storytelling is detailed and truthful combined with a smooth production, “Rip at my feelings, you settle the fire
/ Till we were frozen in time, why you so good every time?”

Pedestal by Lime Cordiale

Dazzling synths carry the chorus with powerful drums in “Pedestal”. While the track’s title gives away its meaning, the lyrics further express this all-consuming emotion of putting someone above yourself. The guitar smooths out the production while the vocal “ooh's” completes the song. To end the track off strongly the instrumental breakdown is both exciting and impressive, “Now I don’t mean to be, a full cliché / It’s one hundred degrees when I'm in her shade.”

Cherry by Rubi Rose

Incredibly bold, Rubi Rose made a bad bitch anthem with a killer beat and confident lyrics. The track showcases her ability to write music that's amusing yet skillful while also uplifting the listeners. The song's hook is well-written and memorable making it a perfect new track for your playlist, “I ain't talkin’ ‘bout no groceries, it’s green up in my bag.”

Sun Jam- Live 6/17/2023 by Wild Blue Yonder

The variety of instrumentals coalesce creating a unique and unforgettable listening experience. The diligent use of each instrument is heard clearly throughout and expressed in different ways, which is what makes the band so special. At the 7-minute mark, we have a slower guitar strum and drum beat along with cool slick vocals that transition into expressive longing songwriting. The last 3 minutes have a lovely guitar riff and funky bass that ties the entire song together with the final lyrics, “I’m gonna run to the heart of the sun / I might live I might die but I’m sure gonna try in the heart of the sun.”

I’ll Never Leave by Sen Zacarias

Rich and powerful vocals create a tranquil listening experience worth the play. The lyrics beautifully describe devotion to one person with a sweet melody and beautiful harmonies. A jazz track filled with fascinating instrumentals and loving lyrics, “Baby, baby I ain’t goin' nowhere / Honey, honey I’ll always be near.”

New Music Monday #22

I Just Want To Wake Up With You by Helado Negro

His iconic soft echoed vocals begin the song with a groovy melody. The refrain being the song's title makes the meaning behind it self-explanatory; the comfort of being with someone special within the safety of domestic love. The track has a relaxed psychedelic feel to it and an electronic distortion that creates an out-worldly atmosphere while listening, “Islands seem lonely now / Float miles to see your face."

Sadie Hawkins Prom by Eyedress

The soft, sweet melody contrasts the eerie vocals which gives layers to the song’s production and meaning. Lyrically we delve into the concept of growing up, the fact that time doesn’t slow down but we still have to keep going. Quick-paced drums and cool guitar strums at the start evoke head nods throughout and as the song comes to an end the instrumentals become more intense. Possibly showing the inevitability of time only moving by faster as we age, “Take your time, don’t let it burn you out / Driving too fast, you gotta slow it down.”

More Than Happy by WILLIS

A track that contains all the elements needed for a perfect soft rock vibe. The electric guitar takes you on a journey beside the drums that begin slow and pick up during the chorus. The vocals are distinctly deep with a sense of longing behind them and the mix of instrumentals amplifies the confusing and consuming emotions, “How did this happen? / I thought I was dreaming."

Arrivals by Absolutely

The powerhouse behind the vocals in “Arrivals” is Abby Keen, an artist from the U.K.; someone to keep an eye on. This track is filled with intensity with the help of her strong vocals and the instrumentals that take it to another level. The harmonization with herself along with the catchy melody creates a song that cannot just be labeled under the pop genre. She brings so much more to the table lyrically and musically, “When I’m further from you than the moon / Oh, how much love can I hold?”

the girl (that you can’t get over) by Lili-Ann De Francesco

The vivid storytelling in the lyrics takes the listener through the heartbreak Lili experienced. Her vocals are smooth and precise while the lyrics cut deep. It’s a call-out but also a bad-ass pop anthem that's uplifting to those who have been left hurt. The chorus ends the song with a haunting spell, “Is that what you wanted / Kill what you started."

Tell Nobody by Essosa

With R&B notes, “Tell Nobody” has a pop/dance production that makes the song one to dance along to. The piano loop paired with the bass further makes the beat a perfect one to get down to. The song itself gives insight into the excitement of keeping your sneaky link a secret. Essosa is lyrically direct and vocally smooth, “The tension’s too much / I’ll move with you, ‘long as you, Don’t tell nobody."

Lonely Times by Keep Shelly In Athens

The genre-bending duo has created yet another ethereal track that feels mystically unique. The song-writing is fascinating with the distant vocals echoing in the back. Incredible drums thunder with an electric guitar humming alongside the other instrumentals. The lyrics make the listener feel inquisitive, but also entranced by the meaning,  “Wear my evanescent soul / Now she’s coming to rip it away."