I’m not sure a more poignant song could have been released during this time. As many of us wait for some pretty important results, we haven’t lost hope. Talena Bricker’s new track “Done No Wrong” meanders along beautifully with a country-laced composition just bursting at the seams with a similar attitude. Admits Bricker of the track:
I think, in the end, the song became about hope. And how hope is a wonderful thing, but can also be a little scary. It can be that extra push to get out of your comfort zone and do something scary.
While Bricker’s soft vocals dance around your current reality, allow yourself to feel the emotions that birthed the track itself. Guilt, loss, despair, confusion, love, hope. And we’ve got your first listen.
A new music video for the single, “Something to Believe In” premiered October 30 via Broken 8 Records. With animation by Fuel Heart Productions, the video brings us a visual representation of singer-songwriter Vanessa Silberman’s latest track. From “road warrior” (Ijpr.org) to “super electrified performer” (GUM), Silberman has already earned herself a number of titles that express her unique sound and artistic persona.
The video illustrates Silberman as a figure sketch embarking on a journey, walking through a variety of different landscapes and destinations. Though a simple concept, the figure’s walk enhances the song with each step. The character’s footsteps beat to a specific rhythm, and in a way, this rhythm perfectly complements that of the song itself. This creates an almost hypnotic effect, inducing a meditative state, which is magnified by Silberman’s mysterious vocals. It almost feels as though Silberman is personally calling upon us; encouraging us to wake up, pay attention and allow her to lead us through this moment as we walk through life together.
“Something to Believe In”, released on September 30, is Silberman’s 7th single to come out this year. The Brooklyn native sports an alt-grunge edge, and is no newbie to the music scene. Between 2015 – 2019, the artist brought her polished, soft-punk vibe to 19 different tours and over 800 shows across the U.S. Like most of her music, “Something to Believe In” was impressively self-produced, engineered, performed, mixed and mastered, with input and drum consulting from Ryan Carnes.
Silberman touches on the inspiration behind her song: “Something to Believe In’ is more about capturing the emotion of moody melodies and mysterious feelings than being so direct. Lyrically it touches on finding light in dark places and changing perspectives.”
Today, Kristen Schaeffer presents us with her rendition of the classic hit, “Don’t Dream It’s Over”.
Taking an altogether new approach to the piece, Schaeffer’s dreamy-yet-powerful cover illuminates a side to the song we didn’t even know we were missing. Compared to the upbeat original by the Australian rock band, Crowded House, Schaeffer takes the time to slow things down. The singer-songwriter proves the strength in simplified instrumentals, and allows us to appreciate her angelic vocals in their purest form.
Behind Schaeffer’s voice there is a story encompassing a multitude of experiences. Growing up in New York City, Schaeffer’s love for music and theatre became clear at an early age. After studying at Berklee College of Music, Schaeffer developed a sound for herself — one that combined her love for theatre with a folky/pop twist. Schaeffer’s most recent successes include her track “Shadows” being featured on the television drama, Charmed.
This cover is brought to us by Salinger Songs as the second installment in The Salinger (*not our) Songs Cover Series. The series showcases artists re-inventing various works, allowing their own interpretations and personal style to take charge. The series will continue throughout the upcoming months, featuring the roster and friends of the Virginia-based publishing company.
Schaeffer reflects on her cover of “Don’t Dream It’s Over”, describing it as even more relevant today than she originally thought:
It felt to me like an urgent call for hope and reflection. Are you who you want to be? Are you prepared to fight for truth, love, and optimism? Can you wade through all the noise to find what really matters? It’s never too late to ask yourself these questions and change course.
Columbus-bred R&B talent I M a N I is coming at us with a sultry, gorgeous new video for her track “Pretty Boi.” Not only does this song perfectly display the artist’s insane proclivity for vocal range, it’s kind of the perfect track for a meet-cute at a (socially distanced) house party. (Or going through your scrapbook of memories and exes alone in your apartment with your cats. Whatever.) Explains I M a N I of the track:
This song has two phases, the love-struck phase and the heartbroken phase. In the beginning I basically explain how I’m “lost in a daze” with this guy, totally not understanding that he is only with me for his pleasure. The second verse goes into me “confronting” him, telling him my intentions while his intentions are easily seen. The guy is “pretty” but he is also a boy which displays immaturity. I knew this situation was pretty relatable and knew that there would be people who can relate this song to their life. I want the people who listen to “Pretty Boi” to understand their worth. You are definitely worth more than a “booty call”. Don’t settle down for Pretty Boys, settle down with someone who has the time and love for you.
The video was shot outside, gorgeous sunsets and greenery surrounding I M a N I as she captivates us all with the most vibe-worthy song of autumn 2020. (Seriously, read the Youtube comments if you’re not convinced. We are NOT the only ones fawning over her.)
Going in to record their latest collection of “existential psychedelic soul music”, Saroon had to get the tape ready. This is to say that every head-turning moment of their new album, Our Transparent Future, was recorded to tape. But the method of recording isn’t the only unique part of this record. From vocal style to the overall highs and lows that it reaches, Saroon have crafted a unique record.
“Masters of the Road” illustrates this with ease. Here, you are reminded that despite social expectations, we are in charge of so much, yet we miss out because we are trapped in the cycle of doing things the “right” way. Mostly consisting of soft-spoken lyrics and a gentle guitar that speeds up towards the end, it has all the elements of a classic folk song. Immediately following is “Old Fashioned Protest Song”, which actually seems to focus on the things we as humans have less control of. Simply put, Saroon call into question those who put money ahead of more important and worthy causes. Seemingly calling attention to current social movements, they make it a point to reject the idea that we should just stand by and let ignorance win. One of the final songs, “Golden Age”, is both a reflection on the past and a nod to the present, urging us to think of the current moment as the height of our lives.
Our Transparent Future makes its way to various corners of life, all which come together to form an idea for what the future may look like not only for the world, but for individuals. It remains hopeful while not shying away from the heartbreak and struggles that come with being human.
Principle songwriter Ayal Alves explains: “There’s always the element of hope to it, and an acknowledgement that the nature of reality is that there is pain and suffering. The relationship between those two things is a transformational process.”
ZANYA’s latest track is an entire ambiance. The lyrics reflect a feeling that so many are experiencing right now, however seductively she frames it with her silky vocals and relaxing instrumentals. “Feel This Bad” is the embodiment of a person zenning out as much as possible heading into the election, a necessary track for the next few weeks and beyond. Check it out below, add it to your voting playlist, and free your mind a bit in the coming weeks.
Milton Keynes native Lydia Singer has released her infectious new pop single, “Lemme Know”. Influenced by stars like Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello, Singer proves to know a thing or two about creating memorable pop songs with catchy hooks and piercing vocals. While these influences are apparent upon listening, she has no trouble creating her own unique sound for fans to fall in love with.
Bursting with confidence, Singer lets her lover know that she knows what they want but wants them to be upfront and clear about it themselves. In the process, Singer remains direct and upfront when articulating what she wants and needs from this lover. This way of writing lyrics makes clear to the listener that she is unafraid and unapologetic of letting people know just how she is feeling. The melody remains one of the most stunning and captivating aspects of this track, and when paired with the perfect dancing rhythm, “Lemme Know” is the perfect taste of what pop enthusiasts need. It is hard not to groove along to the tiny bells and whistles that this track offers.
Demi Lovato has never been shy towards her fans when it comes to speaking her mind, or sharing the more intimate details of her personal life. With less than three weeks left until election day, Lovato releases her new single “Commander In Chief”, an anti-Trump anthem that doesn’t hold back. The songstress begins with her direct message to President Donald Trump, asking the question, “Were you ever taught when you were young / If you mess with things selfishly, they’re bound to come undone? / I’m not the only one that’s been affected and resented every story you’ve spun.”
Lovato’s beautiful vocal progressions and continued critique of the President allow for a spine tingling feeling, as the listener is reminded of the tumultuous repercussions the country has faced over the past four years. Doubling down with the drop of the music video for “Commander In Chief”, Lovato allows for a more direct message to viewers. It depicts a group of Americans of all ages, races and nationalities, coming together as a united country and lip syncing the powerful lyrics of the song. It’s accompanied with a special request from Lovato: “Please join me and vote in this year’s election. Visit https://iwillvote.com/ for more information.”
Following the single’s release just 24 hours earlier, Lovato responded to clapback on her anti-Trump stance through her social media. “I literally don’t care if this ruins my career,” she wrote. “I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans. I’ll take integrity in my work over sales any day.”
Watch the official music video for “Commander In Chief” below.
Yes, that’s right. We got another powerful song about the change this country needs (desperately) to tantalize your earbuds with. While we all rev up for an important day in the United States, let’s celebrate the power behind our collective voice with powerhouse females. JoJo – the only JoJo that matters – released her new track “The Change” recently and the soulful single will inspire your intent, no matter what mood you started today in.
Let her goosebump-inducing vocals and words raise your confidence in what’s to come. We’re in this together, but it starts within each of us.
**Winner for possibly the cheesiest post we have ever published. Sorry – we are too invested in the current unrest to not feel validated by powerful anthems.
