Lead singer and songwriter of The Winter Sounds, Patrick Keenan has brought new and electrifying tracks to the music scene unlike anything that listeners and fans have ever experienced. Not only are his productions unique and completely particular to his style, but they also induce an atmosphere full of perceptual magic tricks and danceable synth draped seconds. “Earth After a Thunderstorm” captures more than just beats and rhythms strung together. It is a work of art that has been pieced together with creative lyricism, laced with some of the best budding talent in the industry. With nuances of dream pop, classic rock, folk and synth pop, this band has created a spectacular array of visual and vocal spectacles that bring critics and fans alike on a journey.
Along with musical talent that is virtually unmatched by many others, this group is able to demonstrate extreme versatility in translating their music to visually appealing videos. Most recently, they have come out with a video for their newest release, “Earth After a Storm,” which brings the viewer on a curious journey between man and mannequin. While some would call it romantic others are mystified by the oddity that their video presents. Not only do the intentional angled shots, lighting and effects give the viewer and intimate experience with this unlikely couple, but it also shows off more of Keenan’s quirky genius. As a stunning follow up track to their successful single, “Heartbeats,” The Winter Sounds have escalated their sound and revitalized their music for the enjoyment of fans worldwide.
Since his successful dynamic duo release, “Stay” with Rihanna, Mikky Ekko has moved on to create new music that is all his own that showcases unique talent and proven skill. Not only has he released a new track this year, but it is only a precursor to a new album that has been in the works and is planned to drop mid 2018. “Moment,” is a powerful statement to the public that is laced with minimalistic beats that allow the poetic edge of Ekko’s words to really shine through. Throughout the song, creative lyricism is strung together with hazy piano chords that add a softer element to the melody which perfectly matches Ekko’s smooth hypnotizing vocal ability.
Throughout the track, Mikky speaks of forgetting the past, ignoring the pressure of the future and simply live in the moment. Not only do these words express issues that are experienced by the majority of those who listen, but it resonates deeply with the struggling souls that are weighed down my the strict demands of daily living. Because of the relatability and smooth nature of Ekko’s music, his music is rendered easy to listen to and relatable by a wide demographic of fans. All of these aspects add to the experience of listening to new releases from this promising artist. As people around the world enjoy “Moment,” the rest wait with baited breath to see what the future album release holds.
Coming out of 2017 with a wildly successful tour under their belts and hailed as one of the best up and coming bands of their generation, dream-pop band BOYS has released their first track of the year, “Hollywood.” Not only has this track already attracted listeners from all over the country, but this golden age group also has faithful fans throughout the United Kingdom. To add to this powerhouse of a band, members Ross Pearce (vocals), Mike Stothard (guitar), Kane Butler (guitar) and Dan Heffernon (bass) have already started to gear up for another line of performances on stages old and new.
“Hollywood” is simply an extension of the foursome’s already dynamic repertoire. Not only does it showcase all of the same sounds and tendencies that are so iconic to the songs they have released in the past, but they also bring a whole new energy. The experiences gained over the last year of touring and performing have only brought BOYS to a whole new level that is sure to propel them forward in the industry. In regard to their recent success the band stated, “Having gained new experiences and ideas from the time we spent in the US together, whilst there we started talking about leaving behind our lives in London and starting a new one in Hollywood, even if it wasn’t a realistic idea.”
Unique and fresh are just two attributes that Kiki Halliday brings to the table when it comes to her new and upbeat track, “Kiss Me.” This new blossoming artist is currently based in the Nashville, but her love for music is deeply rooted in her hometown Los Angeles. Not only does Halliday have a defined and fully developed sound that is impressive for such a young budding artist, but she also has a clear direction of where she wants to go as she progresses in her career. Her music thrives on luscious melodies and bluesy beats that have touched the hearts of her fans throughout the country. She also showcases light heartfelt lyrics that tie her tracks up with a bow.
Recently, she released, “Kiss Me” as a tribute to a love that she lost as she moved across the country this past year to pursue her potential in music. In her own words she explains, “Writing this song made me feel like I had almost grasped love, that I would have it someday.” The acoustic vibes of this song encompass the heartache that comes only when a person has to choose between two loves. With this new track out for the world wide streaming web to love, Halliday continues to work hard to reach new heights and lifelong dreams.
Poetic realism is the bread and butter to Brooklyn based band Stay Inside. With their words and artistry, they are able to speak of real issues not only discussed on the television, but also experienced first hand by the musicians themselves. Vocalist and guitar player Bartees Cox Jr. recounted an experience that he had on night as he was walking the streets back to his home:
A cop ran up on me one night when I was walking home – he thought I was somebody else. Things got heated and I couldn’t de-escalate the situation – we were totally alone and I thought I was going to die. I’m black, so when I’m out alone at night, I try to stay extra aware so I can avoid stuff like this, but this song is about how sometimes there’s not a lot you can do and how it’s terrifying. By the end, I’m begging for an apology – and moreso for people to acknowledge that the lasting impact of slavery and oppression is why these power dynamics exist.
Throughout the EP, nuances of subject aforementioned by Cox adorn the lyrics of their tracks. It is refreshing to have such artistry hit the stages that speak up for the minorities and do not allow for social norms to obstruct the difference between equality and injustice.
Since returning from the international stage under the well-known moniker DJ Cobra, Andrew Grant has felt that he has truly reconnected with his passion. Although he loved his time spent with his talented colleagues, making music that mesmerizes the listener and captivates the soul. Most recently, Grant has released his newest track, “Before” that catches the listener’s ear and holds them in suspense with his blooming base lines and beautifully crafted lyrics. Not only does Andrew Grant have the unique talent of portraying a story within his music, but he also invites his listeners to follow him along a journey of self-doubt that leads into a form of rebirth and new beginnings.
From the start of his career, Andrew Grant has always been an ambitious underdog that would constantly prove his worth in the music career by stunning the community with his tracks. As a student, Grant would spend hours calling record labels in order to sell himself as the Hip-Hop music director the University of Arizona. Of course, he has come a long way since then and has had the opportunity to perform on some of the biggest stages and in front of Hollywood celebrities. Now that he has returned to his roots, dedicated fans of DJ Cobra are preparing to be blown away by future new releases.
Distancing himself from other projects that seemed to tie him down has in turn freed Ryan Lawhon from self inflicting bondage. Since his creation of Mating Ritual – a solo project-turned-duo featuring his brother Taylor – that has just barely reached its year mark, Lawhon has found that his ability to create honest, textural songs has virtually exploded and he has started to experience success like he has never seen before. Speaking of his self discovery as a solo artist Lawhon writes, “…I have always put rules on my songwriting to preserve some (possibly false) sense of continuity with myself. For MatingRitual I let these hesitations dissolve and allowed the songs to go where they needed to…” Now that these binds have been broken, Lawhon’s newest release, “U + Me Will Never Die” has already started to see success among fans throughout the country.
Lyrically, the track speaks of the moment where the week day worried vanish and true personalities are let wild. Throughout the song the dreamy synth loops entice listeners to dig deep and let their funky fly. It is clear that without the bind of social norms and expectations,Mating Ritual will find success among the truth seekers and the lovers of carefree music.
Since their debut as a group in 2009, Candace (formerly known as Is/Is) has created a name for their group in the music industry. Together, Sarah Rose (guitar/bass/vocals), Sarah Nienaber (guitar/bass/vocals), and Mara Appel DesLauriers (drums/vocals) have worked long hours and are happy to announce that they are releasing their next full length album March 2, 2018. Just days after President Trump was elected, the girls decided to take their talent to Iowa to work on new material and continue the momentum that they have been gathering for years now. Not only is Candace releasing this new album, but in order to share their music with fans and music lovers alike they will also be going on tour around the country in the coming months.
Not only have they been gathering fans and followers since the formation of their band, but they have also been working on solidifying a sound that would be uniquely theirs on and off the stage. Their newest album, New Ruins, is proof of their success and work in trying to hold their own in the music world. All of the tracks featured on the album capitalize on their ability to bring out delicious melodies and dreamy rhythms. With so many records and tracks out for their fans to enjoy, it is hard to deny that Candace is a band to keep an eye on!
Despite the fact that Mia LJ is only 19 years old, her future in the music world is becoming more and more secure. With the release of not only her first collaborated track, but she has released several new singles and has announce that this summer she is planning to drop her very first full length album. “Human x Lovebomb” was a combined effort between Mia LJ and Archrfox and has really helped her rise to a new level in her music career. Even more impressive is the video that was created accompany this new release. No doubt Mia LJ has been hard at work in order to gain the experience that she so desperately desires.
Ever since her childhood, Mia LJ has been obsessed with music, and was inspired by music legends Jimi Hendricks and Lenny Kravitz. She also found solace in plucking the six strings on her guitar as she grew up surrounded by a rich supply of soul. When asked in an interview where she finds inspiration for her music she responded, “When it comes to writing music, I am not as inspired by my past as I am by now or the future. Lyrically, words just spill out of me. Occasionally, I use memories of frustration and lust as inspiration when writing about my past experiences. From a more subconscious perspective, self-prophesying lyrics are my favorite. They come with much ease as watching dreams go from my head to reality is incredibly invigorating.” Now that she has built this solid foundation of talent and inspired works, surly there is nowhere to go but up.
