by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Straight out of Harlem with a new single that puts an all new twist on classic sounds of the past, is S’natra and “Paper Straight” which was released at the end last month. Coming off of several high priority performances, including is 18 location tour Subject to Change Tour and his debut at Coachella, S’natra is back with more music to share and an all new sound to produce. Unlike some of his past releases, “Paper Straight” is a multi-faceted composition which marries the smooth yet exciting sounds of the 50’s with the latest in hip-hop rap culture. At the beginning of this single, trumpets and other brass instruments immediately capture the attention of the listener which then leads into lyrical, poetic lines that are both articulate and clear.
Throughout the song, listeners have the opportunity to experience the process that led S’natra to where he is today. Regarding this release he stated:
The nature of the record is pretty much me talkin’ bout what they tell us is important where I come from- gettin money, gettin fly, gettin respect. I always thought there was another side to that story and this song is me really tryna figure all of it out – who i am vs who the world sees me as. The musicality of the beat in “Paper Straight” definitely challenged me to step my writing up to the next level and try out new flows and concepts. The more you step out of your comfort zone the more you learn about yourself and the things going on around you.
With a fantastic message and a powerful musical base, this single has everything that the rising generation has come to expect from the current music culture and more. Although this single only lasts mere minutes, S’natra is able to convey a message about breaking down boundaries and exploring options that might have at one point seemed unrealistic. In the future, fans can expect more music, more performances and an even more developed sound from this young, budding artist.
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
Oakland based Wax Idols, are happy to release their fourth and latest album on May 16th, Happy Ending. Members if the band include Hether Fortune (vocals, guitar, bass, organ) with Peter Lightning (guitar, bass, organ, piano), Rachel Travers (drums), and Marisa Prietto (bass, backing vocals). Greer McGettrick has recently joined as a bassist. The post-punk band is versatile with Happy Ending, which explores a variety of topics such as philosophy, politics, and relationships.
Streaming on NPR, their song “Scream” is a punk hit. “Scream” touches in the internal conflict we all struggle with. “So I’ll scream…the only love I’ll have,” the band proclaims with its struggle to find love. “Crashing,” an anthem to the struggles life “This life and I never got along…so now I’m crashing hard,” the track testifies. The song keeps a slow and steady beat before rocking out at the chorus “Now I’m crashing hard.” “Mausoleum” remains a unique track. Wax Idols display their punk roots here with whiny female vocals, sounds of a tambourine, and a classic rock sound. “Mausoleum” is a great display is the versatility that Wax Idols brings to the scene.
Wax Idols Tour Dates
6.1 | Red Museum | Sacramento, CA
6.2 | The Holland Project | Reno, NV
6.4 | Neurolux | Boise, ID
6.6 | The Astoria | Vancouver, B.C.
6.7 | Barboza | Seattle, WA
6.8 | Cryptatropa | Olympia, WA
6.9 | Tonic Lounge | Portland, OR
6.15 | Eli’s Mile High Club | Oakland, CA
6.16 | The Hi-Hat | Los Angeles, CA
Keep up with the band
here and look for their album
Happy Ending streaming worldwide now.
by Madison Blom | May 15, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Speaking up about the monotonous journey that we may sometimes find ourselves on is Fat Tony and his latest single, “Not Another Day.” With so much experience behind the mike as a Houston MC, Fat Tony has already made a name for himself throughout the country. In an area with such a deeply rooted culture, this established artist stand at the forefront of a movement among the next young generation of rappers who hope to put their DIY skills to the test through the employment of both smarts and innovative swagger.
“Not Another Day” addresses a topic that will not only stay relevant throughout the test of time, but it is also a fresh look on what it means to have to stick to a sometimes maddening daily routine while hoping for a better, brighter day. While speaking of this release, Fat Tony said, “Not Another Day is about the impending doom surrounding us in every direction that leaves me numb in bed, clutching a Macbook rewatching episodes of Atlanta during the day when I should be working. The work eventually gets done but the journey is a journey, yet I don’t stop believing. There’s a better world out there for us all and I’ll continue fighting for it, no matter how depressing the whole thing is.”
With all of the killer pop-synth undertones and clever lyricism, it is clear that this song will quickly rise to the top of the charts before too much time has elapsed. This single also embodies all of the independent artists that he looked up to while he himself was trying to find his voice in an ever more crowded arena. From young teen on the streets to seasoned veteran in the music industry, Fat Tony has once again proven to himself and to his fans with this release that he has a right to be on stage and that creativity has the power to take you to where you want to go.
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by Abby Trapp | May 15, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Vacation Forever just released their latest “Kamikaze Love”. The Sweden-based band is joined by producer Jeff Bhasker, who has worked with names such as Kanye and Kendrick. “Kamikaze Love” isn’t rap though. Instead, Vacation Forever brings a sweet indie sound to “Kamikaze Love”. “Take my heart, take my everything,” the chorus belts. The track has a summer sound to it with a hazy feel and remains adorably cheesy, but not to cheesy. The visuals to “Kamikaze Love” are equally as stunning with a 90’s spin.
Keep up with Vacation Forever here.
by Madison Blom | May 15, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Turning the music world on its head with innovative and meaningful lyricism is young, but talented, artist Deanna Devore and her latest single, “Seven Eight”. Along with her natural talent, Devore has brought a mysteriously lush new edge to the pop industry that fans and critics are sure to eat up. “Seven Eight” is scheduled to drop later this month and those who have already started to tune into her delicious sound are eagerly awaiting this new release. Of course, this young artist has added all of her usual flare, however, this single is also inlaid with smooth yet powerful vocals that will continue to rock the status quo that seems to have dominated the recent scene. Devore has a unique emotion behind her voice that will take any listener on a roller coaster from beginning to end. With out a doubt, this dark track will take Devore to a whole new level of experience in her budding profession and will open up doors for her that hold even more opportunities.
As fans listen to “Seven Eight,” they will find themselves escaping from present cares and falling into a whirlwind of feelings that will hypnotize and move them. With the smooth, steady tempo, combined with warm synth overlays, Deanna’s vocals will leave you with an experience we’ve all had when we are unable to control the outcome of our actions. Stunningly beautiful and mysteriously enticing, Deanna Devore’s newest single is sure to make the market explode when it hits the charts.
Keep up with Deanna Devore here.
by Madison Blom | May 15, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Inspired by the sexy, flirty scene that prevails in the night clubs that dot the globe, Sazzie‘s newest single, “Do You Work Out?” is about getting out there and just having a good time. The lyrics to this single were written in Stockholm, Sweden with Kristofer Ostergren from Melody Club. Mocking the overused one liners that so many of us have heard or used, this song came into existence with the intent to get people moving out on the dance floor. This feat is accomplished through not only clever lyricism, but also through intricately laid synth loops that drive the song forward and inspire everyone listening to dance.
“Do You Work Out?” is a very modern single with components that mimic and echo the sound and style of vintage electronic dance music. While the intense beat gets people moving the straight forward vocals are simple to catch on to and has people throughout the world chanting over and over again the key question, “do you work out?” With the addition of the vintage hip-hop spin offs that were added by none other than Mix Master Mike, this new single has the potential to rapidly rise to the top of the billboards. It is as new and innovative as it is vintage and classic, a perfect blend of old and new.
by Gemma Harewood | May 15, 2018 | albums, review
UZ is an artist who has changed the face of trap music since he first emerged on to the scene. Revolutionizing the genre with his own spicy series “Trap Shit,” the Frenchman went on to release with a plethora of labels before creating his own platform. Quality Goods Records is where he has released his newest album The Rebirth, which signals a pivotal point in his career.
The artist is in the midst of a busy year; as well as releasing this LP, he has taken off on Part 1 of a tour across America and Canada, and rebranded his DJ mask. With Part 2 set for later in the year, we urge you to get yourself a copy of this release today. There are some blistering, knife-edge classic trap pieces, whilst UZ proves he is also capable of making something simplistic and ethereal in the form of the closing tune “Castle” ft. Nevve.
The Rebirth deserves a full, uninterrupted listen. You can do so by hitting the link below, or buying a copy here.
Keep up with UZ here.
by Abby Trapp | May 15, 2018 | albums, review
Courtship. recently released their debut album, Denial in Paradise. I had the pleasure of being acquainted with Courtship. earlier this month as I interviewed them. It was then that I fell in love with the first single off their album, titled “The Kind of Woman.” I was lucky enough to have a chance to listen to all of Denial in Paradise, an album where the tracks flow effortlessly to create a one-of-a-kind pop sound. “The Kind of Woman” is just the start and enters with a groovy 70’s feel. Courtship. sings “…the kind of woman I want to be with, you know I’m going to put a gold plated watch on her wrist,” on their idea of the ideal woman. The track even incorporates French. Listening to it made me feel like “the kind of woman.”
Following up “That Kind of Woman” is “Nice Guy.” The infectious track has Courtship. and me wondering as they sing “Why is it so hard to be a nice guy?/Could have had a nice life, friendlessness could never stop…I can’t even fake a smile,” Courtship. declares. “Nice Guy” is the perfect anthem not just for guys, but for a world that struggles to be nice from time to time. “Nice Guy” isn’t as somber as it sounds, the song stays upbeat with its synth and funky sounds.
“Perfect People” has a different, misunderstood and creepy feel to it. The vocals are emphasized here and Courtship. makes another great point “We’d do anything just to be perfect people, blonde and beautiful on the beach.” They are not far off, candidly calling out the societal pressures to look, be, and have “perfect things.” “Live! with D+J” remains the quirkiest track. The track is only 34 seconds long, but samples the band as if they were on a radio station with a DJ. It give the pop album a unique twist. Of course Denial in Paradise is more than just Courtship.’s latest album; it is an array of feel good, wind in your hair, summer night, love sick anthems.
Keep up with Courtship. here.
by Madison Blom | May 15, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Taking the stage by storm with her latest dreamy alt-pop single, “American Nightmare” is up and coming, Minneapolis based artist, JØUR. Not only does this new track show off her amazing ability to dance on the top of wonderfully choreographed notes, but it is a perfect display of how her lyrical genius can speak to even those who associate with other genres of music. Throughout the track listeners can enjoyJØUR’s minimalistic style that perfectly show cases her natural talent as an artist. With an overall solid vocal performance and a universal message, it would not be surprising to learn that this artist goes the distance in her musical career.
While speaking of this new release she stated, “I originally wrote this song several years ago about blindly following the ‘American Dream’ of getting a job, moving to the suburbs, getting married, having kids, etc.,” explains JØUR. “I felt at the time that my life was flying in the face of conventionality when I quit my 9-5 finance job to pursue art and music and everyone was cautioning me about taking such a huge risk, when for me the biggest nightmare and risk would be to have that version of the American Dream.”
Of course, in the economic times that we are currently facing, fear of rejection and failure are often hidden occupants of our minds, however, this amazing track encourages all to break through the traditional mold that folds under the pressure of fear and pursue a life of a better. With the skill of an artist far beyond her years and the emotional stability to continue producing music equally moving and impactful, JØUR is sure to quickly rise to meet her greatest potential.
Keep up with JØUR here.
