amsi, “cry”

amsi, “cry”

Have you ever let out a deep sigh, close to tears that you have to hold back? Do you maybe feel that way right now? Pop songstress Amsi gets it, and her new track gives you permission to let go and let it all out.

There were many instances where I was told I was too sensitive or too emotional, but now especially in this past year, I realized that crying doesn’t mean I am weak, it means that I am processing & growing. I hope people find comfort in knowing that it’s okay to cry too.

Amsi’s vocal depth is put on full display, as she impresses with high, boisterous notes as this song slowly spins into ballad territory. Check it out below.

queen bonobo, “throw me in”

queen bonobo, “throw me in”

Jazz folk artist Queen Bonobo is releasing her new single “Throw Me In” this Friday. A song that teeters a line between theatrical and folk music, the lead single from her forthcoming EP draws obvious inspiration from the Irish countryside she resided in while studying the music of her ancestors. This song was born from her time abroad while feeling disconnected and lonely on her new journey. The lyrics hold a powerful message, something to enjoy as we head into the tail end of the week.

Leading up to the release, we actually have your very first listen below. Check it out, and let us know what you think over on Facebook!

wave collector, “the masterpiece”

wave collector, “the masterpiece”

Former indie rocker, Neal Wright, highlights the Chinese board game, “Go”, in his most recent work. Being an avid player for most of his life, Wright honors the abstract strategy game under his project name, Wave Collector. The artist’s new single, The Masterpiece, tells the story of and pays homage to Dosaku’s masterpiece.

Upon meeting The Masterpiece, one is not greeted in a gradual manner. On the contrary, I suggest you prepare for an abrupt “hello”: a “hello” filled with immense variety, and one that will occupy your full attention. 

Within the first 15 seconds, the audience is engulfed by electronic instrumentation, ethnic pulsations, ambient noises and vocal recordings. If this sounds like a lot, your assumptions are correct. This track will, quite literally, take hold of you and lead you through an experiential journey based on novel sounds; and it will not wait for you to give the go-ahead. As a listener, allow yourself to take a step back and let Wright take control. 

As a rising voice in Portland, Oregon’s electronic music scene, Wave Collector is uncategorizable and is anything but ordinary. Forget about that 3:00 pm caffeine crash– in four minutes, Wright will have you feeling re-energized and ready to take on masterpieces of your own.

“and february was so long that it lasted into march” | february 2021’s best new music

“and february was so long that it lasted into march” | february 2021’s best new music

Today, Punxsutawny Phil told us we have 6 more weeks of winter. So, we had to put him at the helm of the piece. Because, you know, his shadow determines how cold we are. Right, east coast? (Who is in the ALWAYS COLD CLUB aside from me?) The Joan Baez lyrics that were chosen for the title of this piece kind of tell it like it is. We don’t mind, though. we’re just going to keep spinning brand new music and be as thrilled as possible with it.

Check out new songs throughout the month at the playlist below. Everything is new, everything is awesome. (Holy hell PLEASE listen to the playlist now, so that the last sentence isn’t stuck in your head all day like it is in mine?)

corey pavlosky, “out of my head”

corey pavlosky, “out of my head”

Artist and producer Corey Pavlosky may be used to crafting tracks for other artists, but he’s taking this time to create something personal, and that is found in his new single “Out of My Head”, which shines the frustrating and possibly even embarrassing moment when you profess your love to someone who would rather just stay friends.  Despite the heartbreak, the tune is a more enthusiastic approach to figuring out what to do when facing such a rejection, opting for a frolic through flower meadows type of therapy instead of crying on your bedroom floor.  Still, the track sees Pavlosky struggling to come to terms with how to move on, a common sentiment that could benefit from a playful track like this one.  Eventually, you learn to be alright given the circumstances and that alone is cause for celebration.  The world needs an optimistic look on an unfortunate situation, and “Out of My Head” is the perfect place to find it.

Pavlosky says of the inspiration behind the track: “[The rejection] was obnoxiously painful, but I’m gonna force myself to be happy.”

not strictly holiday songs | a holiday soundtrack

not strictly holiday songs | a holiday soundtrack

If 2020 has taught me one thing it’s that I don’t have a lot of ancillary sound in my daily life. All of the music, news, podcasts, and conversations are chosen by me. Since I am not going into stores, restaurants, and theaters this year, I am also not in my car very often so my exposure to seasonal music is only what I am hearing at home. That is a great thing! I am able to listen to holiday music, knowing that I won’t have to hear the same 10 songs in a loop. I can also throw in favorites that, although aren’t strictly holiday songs, have the same spirit. 

Are you spending time this month organizing, baking, or decorating? We’ve all got those menial tasks this time of year that could use more joy and movement, and these songs will do just the trick without being loaded with too many holiday frills. (You know what I mean.)

Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC
Grey In LA – Loudon Wainwright III
Carol of the Bells – Los Lonely Boys
Little Drummer Boy/Hot Hot Hot – Wyclef Jean
What Christmas Means to Me – Hanson
Raise Your Glass – P!nk
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings – Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
Merry Christmas Baby – Otis Redding
Oh How the Years Go By – Vanessa Williams
O Tannenbaum – Vince Guaraldi Trio (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie & Bing Crosby
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love