Full of emotion and fantastic beats, Mikky Ekko has dropped a brand new single, “What’s It Like Now”. Ekko also recently released a new EP, Advance Copy. His recent releases follow his time travelling all over the world and coming back home to Nashville. “What’s It Like Now” combines an infectious beat with synthy-electronic vocals that still have a natural edge to them. With a perfect chorus, “What’s It Like Now” brings a smooth, rock-tinged side to a modern electronic sound. His balance of old and new, while maintaining a unique sound is certainly a feat. Mikky Ekko certainly knows how to captivate the listener, and “What’s It Like Now” is no exception.
Maryland-based Gallant is back and better than ever with the release of new single, “Gentleman”, along with accompanying music video for the track. As evidenced when he was was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2016 Grammys, Gallant has what it takes to make it big as an R&B artist. A visually stunning video directed by Sasha Samsonova, “Gentleman” also showcases Gallant’s exceptional vocals. Slow motion, aqua lighting, and a shirtless Gallant makes for a minimalistic yet superb video. A seductive and irresistible song, Gallant brings listeners into the track with his falsetto and velvety vocals. The video seals the deal on this slinky track.
Since the release of his 2015 debut Ology, Gallant clearly has come into his own, and continues to impress listeners with his incredible talent, and we can’t wait to see what he puts out next.
Following a gloomy week in Kansas City, April 4 brought crisp and clear weather – and a sold-out show by L.A.’s Billie Eilish at recordBar in support of her Where’s My Mind tour. Some of her fans waited for hours in the cold for a chance to be close to their favorite artist. Imperfect Fifth writer Veronica DeFeo and photographer Michael Porter were there to capture the one-of-a-kind evening. Killer performances from openers Reo Cragun and DJ Kiero got the night off to a great start. Reo busted his lip open a few songs in, but he didn’t let that stop him from delivering a fantastic set, much to the delight of the energetic crowd.
Following Reo and Kiero’s set, anticipation was evident as the concert-goers started chanting Billie’s name. In a moment of electric delirium only found at the best of shows, the lights went down and drummer Andrew Marshall and Billie’s brother, Finneas O’Connell, came onstage to an electronic sample of “my boy”, dressed in white coveralls and Billie Eilish kerchiefs. The crowd went insane when Billie came on seconds later, starting off the night with her acclaimed single, “bellyache”. Every voice knew every word, evidencing Billie’s deep connection with her fans. Not skipping a beat, Billie led the crowd into her hauntingly beautiful “idontwannabeyouanymore”, showcasing her velvety vocals. Next up was “watch”, immediately followed by “&burn”, which features Vince Staples on her record, dont smile at me. Billie not only flawlessly sang “watch”, but also took on Vince Staples’ verse from “&burn”.
Billie gave the crowd a chance to fill in some vocals on the next song, “Bored” (which was anything but boring). Fans were eager to give Billie their gifts throughout the set, and Billie expressed her love and gratitude for everyone who came multiple times, letting them know that she would not be where she is without them. Taking a more serious and mature tone, Billie performed an older track, “Six Feet Under”, which displayed not only her vocal talent, but also her lyrical skills. Billie introduced her drummer and brother to the crowd before inviting Finneas to perform his slinky, moody track, “New Girl”. As her producer, co-writer, backing vocalist and guitarist, but most importantly, brother, Finneas is always supportive of Billie, as well as having his own career as lead singer of The Slightlys and starring as Alistair on Glee.
Billie took the stage once again, enthralling the crowd with a unique cover of Drake’s hit song, “Hotline Bling” – on ukulele. In her next song, “party favor”, Billie showcased more of her ukulele skills during the fun track, which also features hitting lyrics. Billie next treated the crowd to an unreleased song, asking them all to be in the moment with her. The track that got Billie discovered, “Ocean Eyes”, was up next, and the crowd got a unique, lighthearted rendition as Billie accidentally bumped a fan with her mic; following this, Billie closed out the song on a stunning note. An electric, flawless performance of fan favorite “my boy” finished her regular set, but Billie wasn’t done yet. After raucous shouts for an encore brought her back onstage, Billie delivered with “hostage” before taking a selfie with the crowd and hugging fans. Billie closed out her show with a rocking performance of “COPYCAT” that did not disappoint. After commanding her fans to get low during the bridge, the crowd went wild with the signal word “sike!”, and the last seconds of the song were unforgettable.
At just sixteen years old, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than many artists dream to at a young age. When she makes up her mind, she gets the job done; despite her youth, Billie knows her craft and how to work a crowd. Her March 4 performance is not one that will be forgotten. Kansas City can’t wait for Billie to come back.
Kadjha Bonet is to release her completely self-made album, Childqueen, out June 8. Gearing up for this record, Bonet has dropped a stunning lead single, “Mother Maybe”. As her own producer, songwriter, album artist, mixer, and musician, Bonet has complete creative control over her music. The Los Angeles based artist knows herself and how to continually improve her own craft.
Childqueen follows her acclaimed 2016 debut album, The Visitor, and looks to only continue to bring listeners into Bonet’s stunning soundscape. With this first taste of her sophomore record, Bonet solidifies herself as being able to excel in every aspect of her music. Evident in her careful production, well-balanced instrumentation, confident and soulful vocals, Bonet is a one woman show as it should be. With effortlessly gliding vocals and an irresistible beat, “Mother Maybe” makes us incredibly excited to hear the rest of Childqueen. Bonet accomplishes what few solo artists can: excellence in every aspect of her work. It’ll be no surprise that the rest of her upcoming record is equally magnificent and carefully constructed.
Stay tuned for the rest of Bonet’s upcoming record, out June 8.
Pierre Marie-Maulini is a man for all seasons. His previous musical experience includes post-rock project A Red Season Change and touring with M83, but he formed STAL in 2011. STAL has put out We Are Two EP and Young Hearts LP. Their upcoming new EP, Fresh Blood, will be released this summer, and follows Maulini’s 2017 decision to move to Los Angeles from his native France. Maulini is not always a one man show; Renaud Rodier has been playing drums for STAL since its formation and Jeff Di Rienzo brings his guitar skills to form the trio. While previous records were full of spontaneity, Fresh Blood is the result of meticulous production (thanks to producer Eric Palmquist) and is Maulini’s creativity at its finest.
Today, STAL has just come off of an exciting time at SXSW, and are thrilled for their forthcoming EP. Their brand new single, “Magic”, is just a taste of what is to come. Lucky for us, STAL was able to answer a few of our questions about music, must-haves, and their upcoming EP.
Sum up your new single, “Magic ”? Magic is about what we can do for each other as human beings. You can count on me, I can count on you. Be yourself, there’s no judge here.
What’s the best part of being a musical artist today?
Thanks to the internet, you can easily share your music with millions of people. The other great part is touring. Touring has become more and more important. STAL is definitely a “stage” band, so I love that!
Biggest influence for your upcoming EP? My life these past 3 years.
What is a must-have when recording? An amazing producer, some great guitars and a brain that works.
Dream collaboration? The National
What do you want new listeners to know about your music? I want them to feel that STAL is true and sincere and hopefully this EP makes htem wanna come to our shows.
Biggest takeaway from your time at SXSW? The Paradigm showcase with Pale Waves was great. Otherwise, we totally fell in love with Austin and this Salt Lick BBQ!
Currently based in London, Venetian singer-songwriter Jacopo Rossetto (IAKO, in the music world) has just debuted his first single, “Queen of Balance”. He’ll be releasing an EP by the same name, and with this first taste of his music, we can’t wait to hear more. The 22-year old artist has captured a phenomenal amount of emotion into his song, highlighted by his carefully balanced vocals and instrumentation. His title track sounds not only pure and vulnerable, but also mature. Says IAKO of his brand new song, “I wrote ‘Queen of Balance’ around this time last year, at the end of a difficult period that eventually made me lose a very important person. I’d say it’s about the acceptance of masculine vulnerability at its purest state.” It’s evident that IAKO has been able to achieve what many seek (and fail) in a debut: making a statement.
Check out “Queen of Balance” today, and keep an eye out for IAKO’s EP by the same name.
Need a little something to get you going today? Look no further. Indie rock duo Flagship has just dropped a new single, “Philadelphia Babe”, and it’ll get your soul moving. Based in Charlotte, NC, Flagship is made up of vocalist and guitarist Drake Margolnick along with drummer Michael Finster. The duo, both songwriters, joined forces to create Flagship in 2011 after Finster left his previous band, Campbell. Keeping the ball rolling after their 2017 EP, The Electric Man, Flagship will be dropping their upcoming EP, The Ladder, this April.Currently, they’re touring in support of Blue October’s spring tour. Flagship has already previously released a song by the same name, which you can listen to here. “Philadelphia Babe” is a moving, riveting track about the breathless days of finding new love. Paired with an irresistible beat and filled with undeniable motivation and feeling, this song displays some of the best aspects of Flagship. It’s the type of song that brings new listeners into the mix as well as making longtime fans happy
What are you waiting for? Give “Philadelphia Babe” a listen (or a hundred) and keep an eye out for The Ladder, out this month.
Chicago/L.A.-based four-piece Young Jesus has just put out a brand new record, S/T. Young Jesus is made up of John Rossiter (guitar/vocals), Kern Haug on drums, Marcel Borbon on bass, and Eric Shevrin on keys and vocals. Says Rossister on the sound of Young Jesus: “the ethos is to push each other to express things that are not common– like ideas of love and trust within friendships– through being extremely vulnerable and making mistakes. Hopefully those mistakes become framed as an important and necessary part of process. It’s about communication between four people. Hopefully it is the sound of four very good friends who want to let other people into that space.” Their new album is the culmination of the honing of their sound and an exploration of what it means for Young Jesus to be an indie rock band.
Tracklist:
Green – the record starts out with a marvelous track, “Green”. From the get-go, it brings the listener into the indie-rock sound that Young Jesus makes their very own.Check out the music video for “Green” here.
River – you’ll feel like you’re down by the river when you put this one on. Slow, melodic, and composed of a soundscape filled with longing, “River” is a gem.
Eddy – a longer song that is filled with depth of feeling, “Eddy” reminds the listener of simpler times, and the cloud of bittersweet reminiscence that surrounds every memory
Under – an emotional, raw track tinged with well-placed acoustic guitar. Rossiter’s vocals hover on the edge of breaking, really bringing the listener in as the the song develops.
Desert – “every little landscape breaks my heart”, sings Rossiter. This song lends itself to the feelings one associates with places that make and break a person.
Feeling – while every artist generally strives to capture emotion in their music, Young Jesus actually paints them musically for the listener in this track.
Storm – closing out the album is the nearly 13 minute track “Storm”. Through the length of the song, Young Jesus is able to bring the listener along for a look into their nature.
Transylvanian producer and singer Jinka has just dropped her fourth single, “Countdown Forever”, a wonderfully original and perfectly eccentric track. Jinka puts out what she calls “happy trip pop”, and that about sums up her sound. Original, eclectic, and thoroughly fun, Jinka knows how to make a song all her own. Having previously released a few more tracks, Jinka is back better than ever with her new single. Dripping with sonic color and upbeat electronic sounds, “Countdown Forever” will wake you up and shake off all the boring and mundane.
Says Jinka of her new single: “Countdown Forever is about an illusional state of infinite hedonistic experience. The title is paradoxical. But just because something is paradoxical it doesn’t mean you can’t explore the idea of it. I think, what I generally do when I’m writing is that I try to take a different perspective on the mundane, dip crude reality into some sort of surreal glossing, romanticize it without smoothening the contours.”
Jinka certainly pulls of her description of the song, and takes the listener for an journey on her original soundscape.
“Countdown Forever” is a track you won’t want to miss, so give it a listen today.
