London-based singer-songwriter and producer James Bakian may be only fourteen, but he is full of motivation to forge his path in the world of music. Singing and songwriting from an early age, he first penned a song at age 6 and a few of his tracks have made it to the UK Songwriting Contest 2016/2017 semifinals. Now fourteen, James recently released an EP, Unstoppable, as well as several singles, including “Usual”, an R&B track.
You wouldn’t think you were listening to a fourteen-year-old, as James’ sound is somewhat a blend of Shawn Mendes and young Adam Levine. “Usual” is one of his most grown-up tracks and it’s hard to not vibe to. While a deviation from his usual beats, James handles an R&B song quite well. The fact that James is self-made shines on his tracks, especially “Usual”, singing, playing bass, keyboard, and producing the track himself. With an easy-going beat, meaningful lyrics, expressive vocals, you’ll likely have “Usual” playing on repeat.
He’s got an impressive track record and “next big thing” potential already; James Bakian is certainly one to watch.
Check out “Usual”, Unstoppable, and more by James Bakian, and keep up with him here.
If you’re looking to expand your musical horizons globally, set your sights to Sweden. Making waves across the Atlantic, Stockholm-based R&B singer Janice (Jah-NEES) is making herself known with her single, “Answer”, featured on her upcoming debut solo album, Fallin’ Up, set to release February 2nd, 2018. “Answer” is already gold, and looks to only grow more, especially as she is being introduced to the US and other countries .
Emotion-filled piano paired with Janice’s strong, soulful voice makes for a solid track, highlighted with some electronic beats and poignant lyrics. While at first listen it seems to be a love song, “Answer” is actually about feeling lost since the passing of her father: “It’s been four years, without you/Daddy can you cover my soul”. Anyone who has ever ached to hear the voice of a parent or loved one just one more time will connect strongly with this powerful single. Janice sings with the confidence of a veteran, and does her musical inspiration, the late Whitney Houston, justice.
Her latest video for “Queen” can also be found below. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Keep an eye out for Fallin’ Up, and check out “Answer”, as well as the acoustic version and more by Janice on Spotify.
Some artists have difficulty reinventing themselves or putting out new content after being in the world of music for awhile. However, in James Mercer’s lengthy music career, this has yet to happen. Following the 2017 release of Heartworms – an album five years in the making – Albuquerque-based rock group The Shins just dropped The Worm’s Heart on January 19. The Worm’s Heart is a flipped album that discombobulates the track listing, instrumentals, and mood of Heartworms. The Shins as a band has always metamorphosed throughout the years, and The Worm’s Heart is only more proof of Mercer’s ability to appeal to a variety of genres and ears while maintaining an authentic sound.
It ends with “Name For It”, while Heartworms starts with that track. “Fantasy Island” changes from nostalgic and slightly morbid to a completely different, upbeat sound – almost as if Buddy Holly and David Bowie remixed it together – and it totally works. As one might expect from a guitar rock group, the guitar on the flipped version of “Mildenhall”is absolutely spectacular, and is one of the best reinventions on The Worm’s Heart. It’s the perfect jam sesh song, whether you’re stuck in traffic or rocking out with friends. “Name For It” is flipped from an upbeat bop on Heartworms to a moody, synth-filled track on The Worm’s Heart. The flipped version of “Cherry Hearts” sounds Beatles-esque, while the original on Heartworms is a definitively 21st century, light electronica song.
By retaining the original lyrics but providing each track with a completely new sound, The Shins display their versatility, talent, and ability to put forth quality content to appeal to a variety of ears. If you already had trouble picking a favorite track on Heartworms, get ready for even more competition for your most-loved song on The Worm’s Heart. The Worm’s Heart is a treasure trove of synth, retro vibes, and a touch into various genres. It’s an absolute treat for the ears, and a fantastic tribute to The Shins’ ability to reincarnate their own music. Last, but certainly not least, the album art for both Heartworms and The Worm’s Heart is AMAZING! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ dark-floral-and-skulls thematic landscape? Mixing the perfect amount of edgy with wistful, The Worm’s Heart is sure to please both old and new fans of The Shins.
The Worm’s Heart
The Fear (Flipped)
So Now What (Flipped)
Heartworms (Flipped)
Dead Alive (Flipped)
Half a Million (Flipped)
Rubber Ballz (Flipped)
Mildenhall (Flipped)
Fantasy Island (Flipped)
Cherry Hearts (Flipped)
Painting a Hole (Flipped)
Name For You (Flipped)
Check out The Worm’s Heart now, available to stream on Spotify and for purchase on iTunes.
Performing under the name Tishmal (“hummingbird” in Luiseno), San Diego native Rachel Brockbank’s is gearing up to release her debut solo EP, Tishmal, on January 24.
The tracks on the EP masterfully juxtapose electronic pop beats with Brockbank’s natural vocal talent. Beyond the instrumentals, the lyrics are perhaps the most riveting part of the album, lending at times unexpected depth to the tracks. Tishmal wastes no time hiding behind a first release, and carries the whole album with refreshing self confidence.
Tishmal revs up with the already released single, “Underneath”, a tantalizing track that provides a delicious contrast of lyrics dealing with unsureness and questions with confident vocals. There is also a phenomenal music video for “Underneath”, which you can see above. It provides riveting visuals alongside Tishmal’s hauntingly beautiful track. “Underneath” is available now and can be streamed on Soundcloud and Spotify.
While “Underneath” offers a wonderful taste of Tishmal’s music, it is far from all she’s capable of. Up next, “Concrete” provides a great blend of conflict and resolution in love. If you’re needing a song to listen to when you’re torn, look no further. It has just the right amount of ‘standing up for myself’ feels alongside “I have no idea what to do.” Fans of Halsey or Tove Lo could easily find themselves vibing to this track.
Tracks like “Connections” and “River” offer a different sound, while still adhering to the thematic landscape of the EP. “River” provides a mellower sound, perfectly placed after “Concrete”. The track itself sounds like it is cloaked in mist, and provides great natural imagery for the song. “Connections” reminds to keep a bond with one’s past, and childhood in particular. Closing the album, it repeats the question, “are you making connections?”
Be on the lookout for Tishmal, coming January 24. You won’t want to miss it. Keep up with Tishmal here.
