by Leigha Stuiso | Jul 6, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Neo-soul artist Ego Ella May released her debut album Honey For Wounds, an album of honest lyrics backed by smooth instrumentals. A year after the release of her debut EP, So Far, this comes as the first release off of John Boyega’s UpperRoom record label. The album has a solid foundation to be a hit with May’s effortlessly warm vocals taking you through a journey of pain, love, and power. The South London artist took to Instagram to share her feelings about the release saying, “I made it to heal myself, but in turn my intention was and is to provide music to heal to for you as well! I hope I’ve done so. I hope it helps you feel validated, and held.”
“Alright” featuring Theo Croker is a great introduction for what is to come on the album. There are few vocals, but they stand strong alongside the delicate sounds of the trumpet. It is the most calming track off the album, although they all have this similar relaxing vibe. “Tonight I’m Drowning” is the end of a relationship, but still missing that person. The steady click of the drums keeps the song moving against the lyrics. Similar to “Song For Bobby” with light melodic patterns, May faces changes and deals with running through memories. Like many others after a relationship, there are these past memories that are haunting. Her vocals effortlessly float through lyrics like, “Raindrops, minimal light, and Etta James / Always the cure when you leave / You show up out of the blue, I cloud you with green / This distant thing still haunts me.” Not only does she reference Etta James, but in “Give A Little” she mentions Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”, “Joni said You don’t know what you got / Til it goes away.” In the midst of her lyrics, she shows some of her music taste, while remaining graceful. Here May is trying to navigate a neutral ground and find her footing, after being down a familiar path of heartbreak.
However, she is not afraid to sing about things other than relationships and heartbreak. Both “Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys” and “How Long Til We’re Home” bring up current societal issues like environmental pollutants, problems for same-sex couples, and with the government and media. Songs about love and breakups might be easy and what sells, but May is not afraid to go beyond those and she does it effortlessly. If one doesn’t listen closely to the lyrics they might end up liking the song without realizing the messages weaved into it. “How Long Til We’re Home” is a perfect example of creating a beautiful song with an important message, but not having it overpower the song. “In The Morning” is a fresh start, indicating the struggles of women with lyrics like, “Reading about trauma In our daughters / Has got me shook I got things to learn, / I got fears to burn … Been here before, kinda sick of myself / But also quite proud / It’s hard, being at the mercy of man / And dealing my cards with my wrong hand.”
“Never Again (Marlissa Interlude)” showcases May’s sweet vocals, with a repeated set of lyrics throughout. It echoes the struggles and feelings she has put into the other tracks. In “Science” the lyrics are very poetic and a personal look into her life. Mentioning little details like a blue Cadillac and her roots in Igbo, provide a clear background about memories in her life. “Table For One” might be the best song on the album. With all the right elements packed into a six-minute track, it shows her vocal range and unique style. May shines here brighter than ever before. She finds her way through all of this on “For Those Who Left”, coming out with lyrics at her most confident. It is simple, but a fitting ending to all the emotions in the tracks before it.
Honey For Wounds already is catching people’s attention and recently was Tidal’s Rising Album of the Week. The production on these 11 tracks is strong with graceful touches of horns and drums to match her delicate vocals. Ego Ella May released a powerful record that comes from navigating and experiencing the ups and downs in life. If you are looking for something new to listen to right now make sure to check out this album, you won’t regret it.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jul 3, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Tell all your friends that Magic Bronson is back with another single off their upcoming album. “Surfin” is a spacey four-minute break-out track from the Long Angeles based duo. Matt Lieberman and Michael Nicastro have made waves in the indie-pop rock scene, gaining attention from names like Kendall and Kylie Jenner, who used the duo’s song, “Nervous”, in an Instagram ad for their fashion line. Magic Bronson is breaking boundaries while delivering powerful and unique music.
They are not afraid to switch things up, giving us different combinations of sounds to create a discordant soundscape. Although you can get lost in the pop-rock beats in the track, it is important to listen to the lyrics. The duo has a way of writing lyrics that fit perfectly together with the beats. With “Surfin”, it gives you the perfect vibes for a trip to the beach, although the lyrics don’t deal with actual surfing. If you’re just finding out about Magic Bronson, they’ll have you wondering where have you been all my life.
Check out “Surfin” streaming now!
by Leigha Stuiso | Jul 1, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Following the release of his last EP, bandaids, Keshi is back with a new track, “More”. With global streams exceeding 500 million, the singer-songwriter continues to expand his fanbase and forge his own path. After teasing the single in a tweet earlier in the year, fans were eager to hear the track. He even delayed the release of this single to avoid taking the focus away from the Black Lives Matter movement that is happening in the United States and across the world.
After two weeks, Keshi released “More” and it definitely was worth the wait. With lo-fi beats and a catchy chorus, he might have another success on his hands. The 25-year-old opens up about being away and this relationship taking a hit, especially with the pre-chorus, “Like hasta la vista, dyin’ to see ya/ In a dream that I had where I sing in arenas/ Hasta la vista, dyin’ to see ya, baby/ It ain’t so bad when there’s nothin’ between us.” Keshi wrote, recorded and programmed the song, showing his talents don’t just stop at his smooth voice. His passion for music definitely shows here so don’t sleep on Keshi, because he might just become your new favorite artist.
Listen to “More” out now!
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 26, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
For the first time in six years Mina Tindle, the project of Parisian singer-songwriter Pauline De Lassus, released the single, “Lions” off her upcoming new album SISTER. Mostly made in New York City alongside producer Thomas Bartlett with additional production by Sufjan Stevens and Bryce Dessner, the album has a depth that departs from her typical alt-pop albums. De Lassus says about her songwriting, “Instead of feeling nostalgic for the past or worried about the future, I’m living more fully in the present, and it makes all the colors feel deeper and more contrasted than they were before.”
“Lions” is a great introduction to the album with silky transitions and airy vocals. The lyrics are about encouraging yourself in the face of self-doubt. “If the roads are made for a parade / Go march with the lions,” gives you the boost to rethink how you act and to be brave. It’s about going on, even when you think you don’t have anything left. Make sure to check out Mina Tindle’s new track “Lions” and keep an eye out for SISTER in October.
Stream “Lions” out now!
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 24, 2020 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
SUMif is releasing her new single, “Move Out”, on June 26. The electro-pop artist takes us through a rough patch of a whirlwind romance. With a catchy chorus and lyrics echoed throughout, she stands her ground in a relationship and pushes for her partner to move on from a past relationship. It sounds like there is a clock ticking in the background at one point, as if time is going to run out if changes aren’t made. SUMif shares a past experience in a relationship and gives listeners something to belt in the shower, similar to artists like Tove Lo and MØ.
Steph Wells, SUMif, reflects on the inspiration for this track specifically by admitting “When I wrote this song I wish that someone had given me this advice: If you start dating someone who lives with their most recent ex and is in no rush to move out, do yourself a favor and run.”
Following the singles “Collide” and “Want Me”, the San Francisco-based artist continues to release songs showing her bold emotionality. If this is what her debut album is going to look like, we can’t wait to see what else she has in store. Check out the new single “Move Out” and be sure to keep an eye out for SUMif’s debut album set to release later this year.
photo by kelly mason
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 18, 2020 | albums, review
Are you looking for fresh music to play this summer? Look no further because there is a new remix album of Diana Ross singles that will give you the perfect tracks to dance along to in the car. Supertonic, which was mixed by Eric Kupper and produced by Diana Ross herself, turned nine of her classic tracks into a collection of party jams. These songs remixed just add to the incredible sonic atmosphere Ms. Ross has been producing for years. Whether it is “Love Hangover,” or “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” you will find yourself bopping your head, if not full out dancing, and singing the lyrics you already know by heart.
Earlier this year “Love Hangover 2020” topped Billboard magazine’s Dance Club Song Chart, making it her fourth consecutive No. 1 remix with a song that had been No. 1 for its original release. This only proves further the power and legendary status Ms. Ross has in the music industry. Not only is Supertonic available now, but she and Kruper released Supertonic: Instrumental Mixes which can be found on digital release and cd or crystal-clear vinyl on June 26. Enjoy the magic of Ms. Ross and stream Supertonic now.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 17, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
Dedicated to COVID-19 front line workers who are helping others during the global pandemic, Pressing Strings released a video for “Brave.” Within the first 30 seconds, we are presented with a quote from Mr. Rogers that says, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Whether it is a nurse, grocery store worker or delivery drivers, these clips take you through the tough days they are facing and how they’re helping. The clips incorporated were sent in by essential workers and fans.
Although the song was written for frontman Jordan Sokel’s daughter, who is featured in the video, this video was put together to show the Maryland-based trio’s appreciation for those who are putting their lives at risk to help others. Towards the end of the video, photo submissions were turned into a portrait of a nurse with boxing gloves and wings, a final tribute to show how brave these workers are in this dark time. The single comes off the band’s latest album Settle In, which you can stream here.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 15, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges teamed up with Terrace Martin for “Sweeter.” The track originally was meant for an upcoming album, but both artists felt the urge to release it now with all that is happening in the country and around the world. According to the announcement, the song is written from the perspective of a black man who is taking his last breath, feeling his spirit leave his body.
I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me. So, I present to you Sweeter.
“Sweeter” takes us through the internal thoughts and story of this black man, something that will stick with you after you listen. The lyrics reference Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the movements he led, which seem to be repeating themselves now: “I thought we moved on from the darker days. / Did the words of the King disappear in the air, / Like a butterfly? / Somebody should hand you a felony. / Because you stole from me, / My chance to be.” Bridges and Terrace gave us the song we need right now, something that won’t distract us from what is happening, but something to focus and reflect on.
Listen to “Sweeter,” out now.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 11, 2020 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
Finnish art-rock artist GEA drops her lead single “Despite” off her upcoming album Call for a Snake. The track starts out smooth and continues to build, growing stronger. As she travels through the forest, with dense trees and flowing rivers, GEA seems to go through an awakening. We are taken on a journey, but in the end GEA walks away despite her troubles.
“We are experiencing an unusually tough period of uncertainty, fear, and loss. I hope with this song we can celebrate our beautiful journey on earth regardless of our troubles,” GEA explained.
The track comes from a part of the album that is dedicated to the spirit of the swan, a representation of grace and elegance, an iconic figure in Finnish folklore. As the first single of the new album GEA sets the tone, a call for transformation and guide to healing the soul.
Watch the video for “Despite” and keep up with GEA here.
