“Give Me My Halo” by Yonaka is a real gem of a song that hits you right in the feels. It’s all about finding your inner strength, breaking free from the shackles of your past, and owning your true self. It dives deep into the struggles and desires we all face on our journey to personal growth and self-acceptance.
From the moment the song starts, listeners are captivated by the pulsating rhythm. The melody rises and falls, creating a sense of anticipation and reflecting the emotional highs and lows that the lyrics delve into. It’s a sonic journey that pulls listeners in and keeps them hooked until the very end.
But the chorus, oh boy, it’s the heart of the song. “Let hell rain down on my life and allow me to grow. Burn away the parts you don’t like, I don’t care anymore. I wanna feel untouchable.” These words hit hard. They strike a chord deep within, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. They express a desire to transcend the limitations imposed by society, to break free from self-doubt and insecurity. It’s an anthem of empowerment that inspires individuals to embrace their inner strength and stand tall in the face of adversity.
The bridge brings it home with a beautiful metaphor. “When the tide comes crashing in and I’ve got nothing left to give, will you deem me fit to swim and will you water me?” It’s like asking for support when you’re at your lowest, hoping someone will believe in you and help you keep going. We’ve all been there, and it’s comforting to hear it put into words.
As the song progresses, the intensity of the beat and the emotional depth of the lyrics intertwine, creating a profound musical experience. The combination of Yonaka’s passionate vocals and the driving instrumentals evokes a sense of liberation and encourages listeners to embrace their authenticity.
In a nutshell, “Give Me My Halo” is a song that speaks to our inner struggles and aspirations. It’s about finding strength, embracing our true selves, and asking for support when we need it most. It’s a reminder to break free, rise above, and shine with our own unique light. So go ahead, crank up the volume, and let this song resonate deep within your soul.
The Barenaked Ladies are back at it with another feel-good song full of optimistic energy. “Lovin’ Life” is the Toronto rock band’s first musical release since 2021, and excitement for their comeback shines through in its accompanying rainbow-tinged music video. Band members Ed Robertson, Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, and Tyler Stewart share their unhinged enthusiasm in appreciation of life’s highs and lows, reminding us to take a step back and smell the roses.
It’s hard not to smile while listening to “Lovin’ Life”. Even though it begins bleak, since “the world could end before the end of this song,” the band quickly jumps into why it is so important to not dwell on negativity and instead focus on living in the now. The chorus introduces keyboard synths and rockin’ guitar chords for a high-energy drop. Its catchy lyrics are an anthem to relishing the present moment and all the simple joys of summer. Life is not only “sweeter than a watermelon slice” but also as delicious as a gooey piece of pizza.
The MV’s visuals jump back and forth between the band’s in-studio sessions and their onstage performance of “Lovin’ Life” during their almost-annual Last Summer on Earth tour. As 2018 inductees of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Barenaked Ladies have much to celebrate for across their 35-year musical journey. If you can’t get enough of this single, be sure to check out the Barenaked Ladies’ 2023 Last Summer on Earth tour.
In need of a pick-me-up? Have a listen to “Lovin’ Life” below:
Xadi‘s “Black Rock” EP is a captivating musical journey that delves into dark ambiance, effortlessly blending catchy and chill elements. With its personal anecdotes and explorations of drug usage, Xadi weaves a tapestry of experiences that transcends racial boundaries, touching the hearts of listeners from all walks of life.
The EP’s main track, aptly titled “Black Rock,” stands out as a powerful statement that challenges preconceived notions about the relationship between music and race. The quote, “I didn’t know that music had a [sic] colour,” encapsulates the essence of this song and its overarching message. Xadi’s ability to create a sonic landscape that resonates with anyone and everyone, irrespective of their racial background, is truly remarkable.
The EP opens with a dark and haunting aura that immediately sets the tone for the introspective journey ahead. The production values are top-notch, showcasing Xadi’s skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes that immerse the listener. The combination of electronic elements, ethereal vocals, and carefully crafted beats creates a hypnotic experience that draws you in from the very first note.
One of the EP’s greatest strengths lies in its catchiness. Despite exploring deep and personal themes, Xadi manages to infuse the tracks with memorable hooks and melodies that stick with you long after the music ends. This balance between introspection and accessibility is a testament to Xadi’s artistry and ability to create music that can be enjoyed by a wide range of listeners.
“Black Rock” is also an EP filled with personal anecdotes and adventures. Xadi’s storytelling ability shines through as he shares his experiences with drug addiction, painting vivid pictures of struggle, redemption, and personal growth. The lyrics are thought-provoking and introspective, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and experiences.
As a black British music artist, Xadi brings a unique perspective to his music. While the EP addresses themes that are deeply rooted in his personal journey, the emotions and messages conveyed have a universal appeal. Xadi’s artistry transcends racial boundaries, touching upon shared human experiences that resonate with anyone willing to listen and empathize.
Experienced multi-genre artist Daniel Ellsworth brings all of his prior skills to the table, presenting his first independent project in a set of four LPs. The newly released WHAT is Ellsworth’s first fully self-produced LP and is the third in the set of I HAVE / NO CLUE / WHAT / I’M DOING. Contrary to that title, Ellsworth certainly seems to know what he’s doing, as the five new songs in WHAT display a mature musical sensibility with their clever arranging and the mixing of musical styles.
WHAT holds the listener’s hand via lyrics that tell a story, a diverse array of synths, and a clear progression of styles. Beginning with the welcoming “Lost In the Rhythm”, Ellsworth introduces a beat and whooshing synths worthy of any dance party. It’s feel-good and optimistic, in touch with the speaker’s initial meeting with the love interest.
“Blurry” heightens this euphoria, infusing its pop style with hip-hop influences, to evoke how the speaker is in complete awe of the lover. Panning synths in the catchy chorus create interest in the left and right ears, mimicking how it feels to have blurry vision in an auditory format.
“Flower Underground” flips the switch. Doubt sprouts in the speaker as the relationship with the lover takes a turn toward the uncertain. With indie-pop influences, this song has a myriad of synth timbres, creating an engaging collage of sound. The jazz piano solo hearkens to Ellsworth’s background in jazz piano, adding another new element to this LP.
Ellsworth draws from his experience in techno-pop in “Operator Emma”, as the speaker is in contact with the lover via sparse phone calls. Pleading for “an answer on the line”, Ellsworth’s voice soars into its highest range so far. The sweeping synths toward the end seem to hint at a hopeful conclusion for this complicated situation.
The final track, “I Believe In You”, is about the sun rising at the end of a long night. Circling back to indie-pop, Ellsworth’s voice has that lo-fi, old-time-radio vocal effect. There’s even word-painting when rising synths accompany the lyrics “surrounded by the sunlight”. The relationship has been repaired, and the music reflects that sense of relief and contentment that comes after a test of trust.
Daniel Ellsworth’s WHAT is a prime example of how to intermix musical genres to tell a story. After many collaborations with other artists—Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, Chaos Emeralds, and DARKMINDS—Ellsworth sets out on his own, carrying a vast scope of musical experience with him.
As the video begins for “Cigale Song” by Oracle Sisters, two earphone wires are depicted, stretched out to the ear of a girl with blond hair. One is connected to the ear of a girl with brown hair, at a long, wooden table. They are surrounded by fellow musicians holding guitars, and interacting in a friendly manner, dancing in vintage dresses and suites. They create an existence of sharing small moments over their interest in rock music.
On stage, the singer bounces her legs in rhythmic motions, in her green pants, under the green and blue changing lights. As the video continues, red and orange lights shine over the singers dressed in vintage pink and white dresses. These two stand behind the singer in the green pants. This alludes to how in life, people who are similar stay together in similar circumstances, while those who stand out, often dance to the beat of their own drum.
Concurrently, the singer at the front wears pants, because as people find themselves, they come to realize that how they move and what they wear shapes how people who do not know them well view them. The people watching the performers on stage represent those who do not know them well judging them.
The girl wearing the green pants is reflective of someone who is unafraid to be unique and stand out from the crowd. The two behind her, wearing the same dresses, are reflective of people who feel they must lean on one another while being judged.
The girl wearing the green pants dances when nobody else on stage will. This makes her centerstage and amplifies her presence as the soul of the message of the music; it takes time to find yourself but over time, you do. Once you find yourself, she articulates through dancing alone, you become a leader.
As she takes the lead, the two other girls start dancing in their own unique style, holding their dresses and dancing in small movements. The girl in the green pants dances across the stage with her arms swinging in circular motions. Her presence fills the entire stage. This dominance on stage further represents her as a leader who the other people on stage admire.
Closeup footage captures every person onstage, in front of the audience. “Cigale Song” sends the message that it takes time to find yourself but once you do, you are unafraid to show the world that you can strive while being comfortable in your element.
Oracle Sisters Live Dates 2023 29 July – 17 Degrees Ribeira Sacra Festival, Lugo (ES) 19 Aug – Esférica Rioja Alavesa, Guardia (ES) 01 Sep – Into The Great Wide Open, Vlieland (NL) 02 Sep – End Of The Road Festival, Salisbury (UK)
North America Headline Tour: 13 Sep – Bar Le Ritz, Montreal, QC 14 Sep – Garrison, Toronto, ON 16 Sep – The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls, Millvale, PA 17 Sep – DC9, Washington, DC 19 Sep – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY 22 Sep – Turf Club, St. Paul, MN 23 Sep – Schubas, Chicago, IL 25 Sep – Sunset Tavern, Seattle, WA 26 Sep – The Jack London Revue, Portland, OR 28 Sep – Popscene/Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco, CA 29 Sep – The Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
The arrival of summer comes with the need for captivating folk-pop, and Jonah Kagen is here to deliver. In two short years, singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen has skyrocketed from TikTok fame to wider acclaim, lending his characteristic jazz-inspired guitar playing and personal storytelling to his music. His new single, “The Roads”, premieres today, and is a worthy addition to any summer road trip playlist.
A hallmark of Kagen’s music is his personal hue of melancholy and nostalgia, which “The Roads” wholly leans into. The universally-relatable lyrics detail the pain of an ended relationship, accompanied by the push and pull of dynamic musical contrast. Solo acoustic guitar verses are juxtaposed by the sweeping chorus, expanded with strummed guitar, cello, and violin. Kagan declares that “These roads are changin’ me, but they all lead back to you”, in a memorable and timeless melody.
The expansive rural landscape in the accompanying music video perfectly matches the song’s folk aspects. With truly stunning cinematography, we have a bird’s-eye view of the landscape as well as close-ups with Jonah Kagen on guitar. The sky is cloudy and gray, while the lush greens of the forest burst into view. The contrasts, both visually and musically, emphasize the undercurrent of doubt and regret on the speaker’s part, mourning the loss of love.
Represented by Arista Records, Jonah Kagen has amassed nearly 2 million Spotify listeners and more than 140 million global streams since the release of his debut EP, ‘georgia got colder’. “The Roads” builds upon this journey, as he crafts music full of heart and earnest. Stream the song today on all platforms, and check out the music video on Youtube.
