California-based singer-songwriter RIVVRS is gearing up to release his track “Don’t Wanna Know” on February 9th. A guitar-and-drums filled, mellow yet intriguing track with classic rock elements, “Don’t Wanna Know” brings a variety of pleasant sensations to the ears.
A talented artist who has even gotten songs on TV shows, RIVVRS (aka Brandon Zahursky) is no rookie to the music game, but still provides freshness in every track. RIVVRS will be releasing Cosmic Dream this year, having already released its lead single, “Don’t Give Up On Me”. RIVVRS says of his music: “I hope people listen to the songs that I have, and can somehow hear what is happening in their own lives. Everyone wants to feel a connection.”
His single “Don’t Wanna Know” does just that – it is approachable, relatable, and of course, enjoyable. With guitar that has you hooked from the first notes and vocals to match, “Don’t Wanna Know” is equal parts compelling and calming. RIVVRS also brings a hint of Americana to the song with just a bit of twang in his voice. Keep an eye out for not only “Don’t Wanna Know”, but all of Cosmic Dream as well.
This is the year of singles for the singers and artists of Instant Empire. Band members Scotty Saunders (lyrics and vocals), Sean Connaughty (guitar), Lou Kucera (guitar), Jacob Porter (bass) and Tristan Kelley (drums) have started the new year off with their single “I’m Alive” which will be the first in their 12×12 series. They expect to release a single for every month of the year which has their fans over the top with excitement and expectation. As a growing progressive dream punk band in the industry, Instant Empire hopes that his new project will gain the attention of potential fans and critics that will help them project their work into fame and glory.
However, Instant Empire is not new to the scene of music. Having produced seven works that have been listened to and downloaded by fans all throughout the world, this band has started to accumulate the recognition that their hard work has earned. Like their previous work, “I’m Alive” features an intimate set of lyrics as well as well as beautiful rays of light that won’t be easily forgotten. This new single sets the stage for more exciting work to come this new year!
“Formation”, the latest release from Sollunar, shows the same song in 3 different versions. Don’t be confused, this is not a “remix” of the same song. It literally captures how the moment of inspiration from one base element can go so many different directions and produce a totally different outcome and feel.
Sollunar, defined as being influenced by both the sun and moon, has also given a great example of considering both sides of the coin when applying alternate techniques during production.
Josiah Bibb is the mastermind behind this instrumental masterpiece. Considering his Colorado Springs surroundings he has no lack of inspiration. “Formation”, in all its versions, will appeal to fans of Days of the New/Travis Meeks. Similar to Travis, Josiah knows his way around an acoustic guitar. Working the harmonics, demonstrating picking and plucking skills that are similar to the delicate approach of playing the harp. Given the slow to medium pace of “Formation”, this isn’t a sad song by any means, it is the perfect setting for a meditative, introspective journey.
There is a theme with Sollunar that goes beyond the name. “Formation” joins Josiah’s prior releases “The Observatory” and “Collisions”. Notice the trend there?
While there is a theme, Sollunar doesn’t provide an exact direction.”Formation” sets the stage for your individual perception to designate its path.
As an awesome incentive you can pick up “Formation” and it’s 3 alternate outcomes for just $1 via BandCamp.
Alice Boman is no Alison Wonderland,but her new single “End of Time” will leave you at the bottom of the rabbit hole.The track is chilling and Alice’s gentle voice grabs you as she proclaims in the opening lyric“I would take your pain…if I could, I would take it all, I swear I would.”The chorus is equally as chilling with an old timey feel backed by a guitar and Boman stating, “Let me love you and I will love you, until the end of time.”
I liked the song when I first heard it, but you have to watch the video.In fact, I recommend listening to the song first, then watching the video for the full effect.Directed by Jeanne Lula Chauveau, the video loyally backs the 70’s vibe the song deserves while making you contemplate if you can afford flying to Europe and saying good bye to a lover you’ll never see again.For me, listening to end of time felt as if I needed to be in a lavender field while wearing a yellow dress as I proclaimed my eternal youth.Alice’s “End of Time” is good all on it’s own, but an even better way to enjoy it would be with your journal and a glass of red wine.
Vancouver-based, Northern BC born singer-songwriter and voice actor Noble Son (aka Adam Kirschner) is gearing up to release his self-released debut full length album, Joy In Violence on March 30th, having previously released two EPs. Birthed after a period of time filled with indecision and cumulation of talent, Noble Son’s debut LP, recorded with Joel Hamilton (an idol of Kirschner’s) is the result of honing in on authenticity. If the title isn’t enough to entice you, the title track and single provides a glimpse into what Kirschner is about to drop. His unique sound filled with precise piano, guitar, and other instrumentals paired with his clear voice provides for not only an enjoyable listening experience, but also a deeper understanding of Noble Son’s attention to detail.
Keep an eye out for Noble Son’s debut LP, Joy In Violence, out March 30th, and enjoy the title track now.
We caught up with Noble Son about Joy In Violence, and a few questions about his favorite things.
This album has been a long, careful time in the making. Can you pinpoint a particular moment that was pivotal for its creation?
This record actually came very suddenly. The eight songs were written over twelve days and then recorded in under a week. We kept it as live and raw as we could. The most pivotal moment was probably that initial writing period.
“Joy in Violence” is such an intriguing title for an album – how did it come to be?
“Joy in Violence” is the name of the album as well as the title track. The song is about those moments when you wake up, look in the mirror and think, “You old piece of garbage.” But instead of saying “garbage” you swear, y’know.
Favorite animal?
Pandas have such a great lifestyle. Really doing well.
If a color was used to describe “Joy in Violence”, what would it be and why?
Vancouver April grey.
As a Canadian artist, do you integrate your nationality into your work in any way?
Naw. Canada is cool though
What’s your go-to song you’d recommend to a friend?
“The Working Title” – Wolf
If you weren’t playing music, what job would you have?
Cutting their teeth in Chula Vista, California is doom metal band Of Ennui. Band members Christian Cate (guitar), Brian Strauss (vocals and guitar), Angus Garcia (bass and back vox), and Indigo Machado (drummer) have formed together to create music that fans and followers like have come to love. Their artistry truly lies in their ability to emote an amazing amount of feeling in what some have called, “poignant narrative lyricism.” Their latest EP, Tone Poems, is no different from all of the other music that they have put out since forming together in 2015. Not only does Tone Poems embody everything that their fans love about this group, but it also features new, insightful imaginative artistry that projects feelings experienced by the band members themselves. Not only does the music express difficult topics, but also addresses intense issues that make their work relateable to many of their fans.
Tone Poems was recorded in San Diego and mixed by award winning Jerik Centeno. This release has a tone that separates itself from their prior work, but still acts as nice addition to their collection of music that they have produced this far. Those who follow them are excited about this new release and, as always, are avidly awaiting the release of more work in the future as well as attending their live performances.
Tone Poems is out February 23rd. Keep up with the band here.
Formerly known as The Reign of Kindo, Kindo has resurfaced after 4 years with a new single “Return to me” from their latest album “Happy However After” set to be released in April of 2018.
This 6 piece from New York has shown that you don’t need a major label and their money to gain an audience.
Giving the fans a new spin of alternative jazz that is fused with R & B, pop and soul shows that just like topping off your drink, combining old and new, can create something truly refreshing. Not only have they innovated a successful sound, Kindo has also proudly been at the helm of all their recordings.
“Return to me” begins with a rainy day stay in bed piano line. The vocals give a strange appeal to the jazz-ish backing music. Imagine Lenny Kravitz being backed by a piano at a dim lit jazz club applying his pop-rock vocal style and later adding a high gain guitar riff. I am amazed at how Kindoimplements all these musical elements and how they compliment each other. “Return to me” at first listen is calming. Once it sinks in what the lyrics are about it is hard to believe this song is depicting heartbreak. Especially when some of the rhythmic grooves wake you up and influence your body to take the hand of the beat and swing. The atmosphere of musical freedom and exploration is definitely a spark lighting a flame rich with creativity.
Kindo will be touring the Eastern U.S. in March and is surely not a band you want to miss. If they aren’t hitting up your hometown be sure to head over and check out their prior albums which should tide you over until “Happy However After” is released in April.
Brooklyn-based noise rock band Russian Baths will be releasing their debut EP, Penance, on February 23, having recently signed with Good Eye Records. Russian Bath is comprised of Luke Koz (guitar, vox), Jess Rees (guitar, keys, vox) and joined by Evan Gill Smith (bass) and Jeff Widner (drums). They have already dropped their first single, “Slenderman”, and have just released their brand new single “What’s Your Basement”, both of which will appear on Penance.
“What’s Your Basement” certainly packs a punch into just over two minutes, and will leave you wondering what just hit you. A masterful combination of noise rock/punk with intriguing, at times mellow, vocals provides “What’s Your Basement” with the perfect amount of juxtaposing sounds. With clean drums alongside excellent guitar and bass moments, “What’s Your Basement” makes a statement. While Penance will be their debut EP, Russians Baths has also previously released a split single, “Ambulance / Ghost”. Keep an eye out for Russian Bath’s EP Penance, out February 23.
Oakland natives The Minnesota Childjust released their new single “Stay With Me” off of their new EP “Fireflies.”Proclaimed as an indie folk group,the single “Stay With Me” touches on heartbreak and love.Atwood Magazine describes the single as “…some sort of musical magic, ‘Stay with Me’ is a love song, a song of struggle, and a song of acceptance: From the heart, to the heart.”
When I listened to “Stay With Me”I was surprised as the song made me feel calm and tranquil while the background of the guitar and banjo evens the song out.It is definitely a song that would pop up in a local coffee shop or a Nicholas Sparks movie…and I mean that in the sweetest, simplest way.
