New York City-based composer Coleman Zurkowski, who just signed to Dangerbird Records, is preparing to release a video for “4” off the album Arthur King Presents Coleman Zurkowski – ZERO. L.A.’s Arthur King & the Night Sea is putting a set of music releases, including pairing with composer Coleman Zurkowski for ZERO. Says Zurkowski of ZERO: “ZERO is an exploration of the physical and emotional effects of binaural/isochronic rhythms which are gradually slowing into silence.” In addition to creative work of his own, Zurkowski has also composed for commercials and shows.
The video for “4” combines layered, nostalgic, and rather trippy images with some haunting instrumentals, creating an intriguing and almost foreboding visual and aural experience. The pairing of the experimental composer with a psychedelic band makes for a video like no other.
London-based Allman Brown has just dropped his brand new single, “Moonlight”, after a whirlwind 2017 full of massive steps forward in the musical world and amassing thousands of streams of his songs. Two of his songs, “Sons and Daughters” and “Ancient Light” were even featured on episodes of “The Good Doctor”. He released his first EP, Sons and Daughters, in 2013, followed by a debut LP, 1000 Years. Now Brown looks to keep the ball rolling with the release of his brand new EP, Bury My Heart, on March 16th.
Allman Brown has dropped “Moonlight”, which will appear on Bury My Heart. A soothing, mellow track filled with some remarkably gentle yet well placed guitar, “Moonlight” displays Allman’s ability to display his unique, quiet strength. “Moonlight” certainly evidences his talent in regards to showing off how to handle a softer track with confidence. Allman looks to continue to please his fans with his clear, emotion-filled vocals and well-placed instrumentals. We look forward to hearing the rest of Bury My Heart, out March 16th.
Los Angeles based two-piece The Palms, composed of Johnny Zambetti and Ben Rothbard, are making big strides in the alt-pop world, now more than ever with the release of their 14-track album, Mulholland Dr. After feeling somewhat creatively restricted in their previous band, The Palms was formed as a way for Zambetti and Rothbard to forge their own path and create authentic music. Exploding onto the Californian music scene, The Palms look to expand their horizons and reach many other places. With tracks that can uplift, amp up, and chill out, The Palms tick all the boxes that an alt-pop band seeks to fulfill. Get ready to groove when you put on a record from The Palms.
The Palms answered a few of our questions, and we discovered that pretty much everyone hates the Snapchat update.
As an L.A. based band, did the band’s name inspiration come from the locale, or elsewhere?
100% from the locale. I was living in Venice at the time as Johnny and I were starting our new project and desperately trying to come up with a name. During one of our early Studio sessions, most likely as we were writing Push Off, I took a bike ride to grab some stuff from the local market and passed Palms Blvd. It hit me like a lightning bolt and i texted Johnny. He agreed immediately and that was that.
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Our music has to feel fresh and classic at the same time.. We’re influenced by The Beatles and Beach Boys as much as we are OutKast or Kanye West.
If your band was a color, what would it be?
Purple
Describe each other in a word.
Ben to JZ – Talent
JZ to Ben – Vocal
Favorite live show played to date?
Playing The Troubadour is always a trip being that we’re both born and raised in LA and the history of that place is intertwined in the identity of the LA music scene. Hometown shows are always special too.
Snapchat or Instagram?
Instagram 100%. Snapchat update might’ve been in the fork in that one.
Dream collaboration?
Kanye West or Kevin Parker. That should give you an idea of what we’re going for with this project.
Canadian artist Aphrose has just released a music video for “Move On”, which follows her debut single, “The Middle”. Known irl as Joanna Mohammed, Aphrose is based in Toronto. Influenced by a variety of genres and traditional music while growing up, she created her very own indie-soul sound. While she released her first EP in 2009, she rebranded herself as Aphrose (after her mother), dropped her first single under that name in June 2017 and has continued to the present.
Her new single, “Move On” is accompanied by a black-and-white music video that perfectly suits the track. It displays a group of women (including Aphrose)strutting their stuff to the beat of the song. The highlight of the video is, naturally, Aphrose’s vocals. Not only does the song have quality lyrical content, but Aphrose’s talent is outstanding. At first, it sounds like somewhat like Adele, but then the listener realizes there’s a whole other layer of individuality within the vocals. Aphrose’s crisp, bold, and unapologetic pipes are obviously well-honed and the video only serves to further embellish an already great song. You’ll want to check it out yourself!
Hailing from Sicily, Carlo Barbagallo has released a bonus single, “This Queen” which appears as a ghost track on his latest 2017 album, 9, out via Stereodischi, Noja Records, and Wild Love Records. Barbagallo says of the album: “The meaning of the title 9 could be considered as a measure of time passing, but you could find many other meanings and associations; its shape is a strange loop, not a loop like a 0, not as unlimited as [infinity], yet presents an escape and therefore does not remain within its cycle.” The album was created through Barbagallo’s production accompanied by twenty musicians from around the world.
Along with the release of this track is an accompanying music video directed by Elaine Carmen Bonsangue. “My Queen” is the perfect example of Barbagallo’s inter-genre style. It masterfully combines psychedelic sounds with strings and vocals to create an ethereal listening experience. The music video only serves to further complement the song, full of visual overlays and mystery. Check out “My Queen” by Carlo Barbagallo on Spotify.
Knox White is dropping his brand new track, “You’ve Been My Girl” this Friday, and we couldn’t be more excited. The artist has had quite a star-studded bunch of mentors, meeting Lionel Ritchie and Paul McCartney while bartending in Los Angeles. After moving to New Orleans for a time to get inspired by the music scene there, Knox White is back in L.A. and preparing to release his debut self-titled record this July. “You’ve Been My Girl” is the first single off the EP, and with this small taste of his music, we can’t wait to hear the rest of his songs.
“You’ve Been My Girl” is the perfect marriage of R&B and chill indie pop; the Prince influences shine on this track. It’s got emotion-packed lyrics, smooth vocals, and one heck of a guitar solo – the trinity of a great song.
Says White of the track, “When it comes to love we all have that one person we come back to, no matter what.” Anyone will be able to vibe to this song.
Tim Atlas is truly a man for all seasons, a jack of all trades, and a one man show. The LA-based artist. He’s even gotten to perform for Rihanna herself, inspiring him to pursue his dreams as a musician. Whether it’s playing all his own instruments, booking some of his own shows, or directing and shooting his own videos, Tim Atlas is keen on being himself in every aspect of his musical journey. With the release of his forthcoming record, All Talk, Tim prepares to show the world a brand new take on his consistent authenticity.
“Talk” is taken from his upcoming EP All Talk, out March 6.
The single is a groovy, nostalgic pop song that it is perfect in every way. Catchy lyrics? Check. Soft electronica? Check. Dreamy vocals? Check. Within a three minute song, Tim manages to create a soundscape that will captivate new listeners’ ears as well as his current following. Says Tim of his new music: “When you hear that someone is “Talk”, it means that they tend to promise a lot, but in the end, they don’t deliver. This record is about backing our words up with actions, even in the face of fear.”
Last we touched base with Russian Baths, they were releasing “What’s Your Basement”; now, they are gearing up to drop their debut EP, Penance, on February 23rd. The four track record features “Slenderman”, “What’s Your Basement”, “Poolhouse” and “Black Cross” and is released via Good Eye Records. The Brooklyn-based noise rock band is made up of Luke Koz (guitar, vox) and Jess Rees (guitar, keys, vox) along with Evan Gill Smith (bass) and Jeff Widner (drums). Previous to the release of their upcoming EP, Russian Baths dropped a split single, “Ambulance/Ghost”.
“Slenderman” opens the EP and sets the tone immediately. Filled with intense percussion alongside floating vocals, the track sets the stage for the next song splendidly. “What’s Your Basement” follows “Slenderman”, and is the most noise-rock of the four tracks. With some killer guitar and drums, “What’s Your Basement” takes its place as a solid punk/noise rock track. Check out more about the track here.
“Poolhouse” is next up on the EP, and is closer to the the sound of “Slenderman” rather than “What’s Your Basement”, but still stands alone. Opened with a marvelous minute-and-a-half instrumental interlude, the track provides for a musical tour of an emotional ground zero.Guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Jess Rees says of “Poolhouse”: “This song was inspired by a friend’s tumultuous breakup. The idea can apply to any situation where you wake up and say ‘how the f*** did I get here, I don’t want to be here and I don’t even know who I am’. It’s about an existential crisis.” “Black Cross” closes out the album with some well crafted bass and guitar. The last track finishes strong, leaves you with solid understanding of Russian Baths’ musical style after this tour of their soundscape. Penance is a record that will shake off that dreary winter feeling, and get you motivated to do great things.
Check out Penance by Russian Baths on February 23. Follow Russian Baths: Facebook //Instagram
It’s not A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but Oberon Rose might just fulfill all your musical dreams. New England-based Oberon Rose is gearing up to release their sophomore album, Tell Me All About It on their own imprint, ThouART Records, and are dropping their single, “No Stranger” off the record. The trio is composed of Mike Keyes’ drums, Chris Listorti on bass/keys and Tommy Oberon providing guitar and vocals, with songwriting by the band’s namesakes, Tommy Oberon and Rebecca Rose. Says Rose of her writing: “As a lyricist, I want the listener to bring their own experiences to the song, so I like to keep it open. Let the listener decide what it means.”
Between the musical ideas of the trio and Rose has evolved what many call psychedelic pop/rock – but no matter what you want to call it, you’ll like it.
“No Stranger” is a bit of a retro track, with a 70s feel to it. Oberon’s vocals are accompanied by the the evident talent of his band. If Oberon Rose has got one thing down, it’s teamwork – you can tell how well all the members play together from the first notes. “No Stranger” is just a bop, period.
Check out the track below, and continue the fun with our exclusive interview below!
In your online bio, it relates Tommy and Rebecca to Elton John and Bernie Taupin as both have similar song writing relationships. Have you ever seen these two idols as role models?
I wouldn’t say role models but we are fans. To be clear, we are in no way comparing ourselves to them, it’s just that our method of collaboration is similar.
In order to give your lyrics and song writing the space to allow for people to relate, do you base the lyrics off of personal past experiences?
We like to base the lyrics around universal experiences. Generally, the experience of being human.
What kind of dynamic exists in the creation of music in Oberon Rose?
The dynamic is always different. Sometimes I’ll bring music to Rebecca, and sometimes she’ll bring lyrics to me.
What are your goals for Oberon Rose? Where do you see the band in the near future?
We’re looking forward to playing out as much as possible. We’re currently playing shows in New England, but we hope to do some touring in the near future.
Have you ever thought about expanding your performance locations to the more central or western areas of the United States?
Absolutely. We’re looking forward to getting out that way soon.
Has there ever been a time where you felt connected with an audience above any other time that you have performed in the past?
Connecting with the audience is what it’s all about. With each show, we try to make that connection stronger.
Is there an experience that brought the band together? Or did it just seem to form effortlessly?
I don’t believe anything in music happens effortlessly. Only after a lot of hard work and determination do things start to fall into place.
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Tell Me All About It is out March 30th. Stay connected with Oberon Rose below: Website – Facebook – YouTube
