As a well known actor for 25 years on TV, film, and Broadway (receiving praise for the role King George in Hamilton) Jon Patrick Walker has leapt in the music scene of songwriting and singing after the release of his first album The Guilty Party . Soon after Walker released his second album People Going Somewhere. Now, the multi-talented artist is thrilled at the release of You & I, his latest EP. The EP is composed of six tracks, including the title track “You and I.” The first track “Your Open Hand,” is an innocent love song. Jon is joined by actress and his wife, Hope Davis. Their voices blend perfectly together and the lyrics are touching as Hope and Jon sing to each other “Your open hand- and in your open heart, a brand new start.”
“I Can’t Not Do the Robot (When I’m Dancing With You)” is drastically different from “Your Open Hand,” as the song pays homage to early rock and is a funky bop. “I can’t not do the robot when I’m with you!,” Jon enthusiastically shouts. Some tracks take a somber more reflective note like “I Won’t Sit Around & Cry.” Singing on the love that he wishes he had, Jon realizes that while he waits- he won’t be sulking in the meantime. “I want a real love…I want to feel love- but I won’t sit around and cry,” laments Walker. My favorite line is “Say it’s not the destination, it’s the journey no matter how lonely I am.” The folky song will have you feeling wishy washy but a little lifted as you listen to Jon patiently wait, with no tears in the meantime.
My favorite track is “You and I.” This jazzy title track has a little bit of everything; Jon’s soft airy vocals, love infused lyrics, the feeling of a live jazz band in a coffee shop, and even some whistling. “Raise the flag, just so long as it is black- I’ll make it green for earth, blue for sky, red for love- for you and I,” Walker sings on “You and I,” as his beautiful use of imagery shows not only his knack for writing but also for creativity. The EP holds a variety of folk, alternative, and jazz and has something for all music lovers alike.
You & I is available now. Keep up with Jon Patrick Walker here.
With the news of their second album DARE which will release July 13th, The Hunna is excited to share their latest single “NY to LA.” The alternative rock track tells the story of infatuation that may have an expiration date. “From New York to LA I don’t wanna forget girl the way this feels tonight, but we’re running out of time.” To me the song felt vaguely reminiscent of the best boy band rock day- think All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls. The Hunna had me in my feelings as they put down a fresh twist to an old sound, the sound I grew up with (20 something’s you know what I’m talking about.) “NY to LA” is definitely a song worth jamming to whether you’re alone or hanging out with friends on a summer night, the track has something for every one.
On May 9th, 2018 Brighton, U.K.’s rising band Thyla – comprised of Millie Duthie, Danny Southwell, Dan Hole, Mitch Duce – released their single “Blame” via B3SCI Records.This female fronted semi-pop/punk/rock band has definitely captured something extremely energetic. “Blame” begins with a steady but loaded enthusiasm. The picking and sound of the guitar is like that of The Cure. With a sprinting verse the chorus kicks down the door and leads the race with the propulsion of a jet engine. The pulse of “Blame” never runs dry providing a positive and motivating driving force. With enough fuel to get through any morning this would be the perfect track to start the days routine to. The kind of song that after hearing you’d walk out the door with an extra oomph in your step ready to take on the world. The punk like attributes are subtle but enough to show a little attitude. Thyla originated some time ago, however after not wanting to be one of those bands you hear potential in, they refocused and held back until they were ready. Ready they are. With only 5 single tracks available, you can’t help but let the anticipation build for a full length album. The vocals are melodic and at times a little bubblegum pop-ish. Never screeching or whining. The music section sounds very in sync and well rehearsed as if they were celebrating the release of a 5th album rather than a 5th single. Thyla has a commercial appeal that isn’t sleazy or trying to cash in on a female singer. They write realistic and catchy hooks leaving the lyrical content open to interpretation based on however it applies to the listeners life. They offer a modern approach, yet deeper into the heart and core of the band you can hear the 80’s alternative influences. For those of you in the U.K. be sure to catch Thyla as they have a couple of shows lined up. The rest of us will sit biting our nails waiting for a full album.
Tour Dates
MAY 12 @ Norwich Arts Centre
MAY 18 @ The Bees Mouth
MAY 19 @ Brighton StMary
MAY 23 @ The BOILERROOM
JUN 26 @ The Castle & Falcon
You can keep up with Thyla on their website or via Facebook.
The alternative indie DYAN is back after their latest single “What Fiction Is For,” with a cover of the Jose Gonzalez song “Cycling Trivialities.” The cover anticipates their latest EP Absence. DYAN is simply perfect for the cover which was featured on ABC’s Deception. The band brings an ethereal experience to the cover. The electronic sounds are reminiscent of an unknown journey. Even more, band founder Alexis Marsh does an excellent job on vocals, articulating each word perfect and sweetly especially with emphasis on “When it all come down, cycling trivialities.” The cover does a great job of keeping the listener alert while at the same time keeping the pace of a dreamy lullaby. Listen to Jose Gonzalez’s first and then compare the cover. You’ll see the wonderful spin that DYAN puts in “Cycling Trivialities.”
Since the announcement of their first full length debut album, the hype surrounding Moorea Masa and her crew has grown exponentially and on May, 11, Shine a Light dropped and has already been named a success. Based in Portland, Oregon, this wonderfully alternative artist has a multi faceted skill set that keeps her music relevant and interesting with each passing track. Growing up in the musical mecca that is Portland, called her attention the the effect that music can have on people and immediately wanted to be part of such a great movement. After taking some time to explore the world and then finally ending back in her beloved hometown, Masa said, “This year I’ve really been digging deep into my history, my own learning lessons, and the state of the world,” she continues. “I feel like I took a light and shined it into all the darkness and beauty that I was previously too scared to look at.”
Bringing all of her soulful vocals to the level that is displayed within each track on this new album was a much needed journey for this talented young artist. Now that she has had the opportunity to work with artists across a wide spectrum of genres, some time to solidify her sound was key in producing this spectacularly bluesy, soulful album. Most of the music that Masa has release has spoken through some of the issues that our society faces today along with love, loss, hidden pain, and the politics of being a woman. With so much of her soul on the line, it is clear that this album is going to be what separates her from other artists in this genre which is going to bring her sound, yet again, to a whole new level.
LA based duo Freedom Fry is excited about their latest song “Cold Blooded Heart.” “Cold Blooded Heart” is the newest single off is their album Classic which will be out on 6/1. Freedom Fry brings a new sound on “Cold Blooded Heart” teetering between the sound of indie, pop, and alternative. The track tells the tale of a heartless uninvolved lover. “Cold blooded heart, yeah that’s how I pegged you from the start,” sings the duo as their voices are blend seamlessly.
My favorite line is, “Seasons change but winter stays, yeah you can make it go away and all you have to do is not give up.” With the sounds of piano, drums and banjo the track makes for a catchy tune with great writing.
Look out for Classic which will release June 1st. Keep up with Freedom Fry here.
Today, San Diego’s the color forty nine – a music group comprised of Phil Beaumont (Vocals & Tiny Guitar), Jason Hooper (Bass and Vocals), John Meeks (Drums and Vocals), and Matt Resovich (Violin, Tenor Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals) – releases a reverb-filled, lush new track titled “I Will”, and we happen to have the exclusive premiere. With the depth in range of Beaumont’s vocals, this track feels as though it has rougher, old country western vibes, sprinkled amidst a subtle modern alternative sound. Its pace and tone feel dark, though it’s certainly in a more robust and beautiful way than is often found with similar soundscapes. “I Will” is void of any coldness we might otherwise feel tempted toward without this particular collection of talent to deliver.
the color forty nine is doing some amazing things with their music, and we can’t wait to see what happens next in the lead up to their new full-length.
Join the band TONIGHT at The Casbah in San Diego with Acid Mothers Temple. It’s going to be absolute insanity. And their upcoming album is due out June 15th, via Darla. Keep your eyes peeled for all of that and more with the color forty nine here.
Coming out of an artistic hibernation, Australian alternative-rock artist AViVA is back with sass and spunk that is both enticing and intriguing. In the past, AViVA has released songs that have made it to the hot new release lists throughout the world. Most notably, her single “GRRRLS” garnered over 24 million streams–a number which continues to grow as this budding artists gains a fan following who’s dedication and enthusiasm strongly resembles the strength and determination of a wild fire. With all of this success behind her, AViVA continues to look forward to the future with the release of her latest single, “BRN”–a wonderful addition to the ever growing playlist that AViVA has been diligently developing since her debut.
“BRN” is a fierce battle cry meant to ward off anyone who dares to put this feisty artist’s back against the wall. With every moment of this incredibly powerful single packed with hooks and driving beats that are just as intense as they are meaningful. As each second passes, listeners find themselves hanging on each word, each beat, and most importantly, each addicting chorus which triumphantly declares, “You’ll find I’m here to stay.” With all of this strong emotion behind her music, there is no doubt that this same spunk inspires her to continue to develop and increase her musical credibility. Soon enough, the world will come to know as she so boldly states that she is “here to stay” with the vocal skill of an artist far beyond her years and the drive to achieve her life long goals.
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Ava King is a musical artist in every sense of the word. Born in Paris to an British father, American mother, Ava King has been around the world, from New York to China to Europe, honing her own sound while learning from others. Now, she has released a brand new single, “I Don’t Wanna Have Sex”. Glittery and glowing, the track takes a counter-cultural approach to love. Instead of focusing on its physical aspects, King wants the listener to consider alternative approaches. Although painted on a pop soundscape, “I Don’t Wanna Have Sex” is anything but typical. Highlighting King’s clear and emotion-packed vocals, her track features her production skills as well. Says King of her song, “‘I Don’t Wanna Have Sex’ tries to explore those times when you feel sadness and aren’t in the mood for bedroom moves. How do you show love then? How can you still be nurturing and nurtured?”
If you’re tired of hearing the same old things about love and sex in pop music, give “I Don’t Wanna Have Sex” a listen today.
