by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Skyler Stonestreet, noted songwriter of hits such as Dua Lipa’s “IDGAF” and the Chainsmoker’s “Kanye” has released her own anthem “Bankrupt.” Inspired by her battle and overcome of cancer, “Bankrupt” really touches on leaving the negative emotions in the past. The track hits with as electronic with sounds funky and synth beats. The chorus really touches on the meaning of the song singing “I’m bankrupt emotionally I can’t spend the another moment thinking about you.”
While the song has a somber meaning behind it, you would never know as it plays like a track you can dance to. Skyler brings us the best of both worlds on her well composed “Bankrupt.”
Keep up with Skyler here.
by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
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.”
Keep up with DYAN here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, review
After her tour on NBC’s Emmy-award winning show The Voice season 13, Whitney Fenimore has found herself knee deep in a career that is just beginning. Although she has had so much happen in the space in between her tv appearance and the present, the most exciting news is yet to come as she releases her first ever full EP, Battle Within on May 18. Although the EP is scheduled to drop later in the week, we have had the chance to grab a sneak peak and are excited about Fenimore’s unique ability to seamlessly mesh so many genres–from country to folk and rock to pop.
One of the greatest skills that is highlighted by this Ep is Fenimore’s vocal flexibility. Within each individual track there is such a wide array of emotions that listeners pick up on just by the way she emotes each and every note. With each breath, this young artists draws energy and atmosphere into her long, beautiful melodies. Perhaps The Boot said it best when they proclaimed, “powerful, distinct vocals [and] strong melodies.” All three points accurately sums up all of the highlights presented in this wonderfully written and produced EP. Without a doubt, this will accelerate the career track that she has so clearly set for herself.
From being one of the strongest vocal contestants on America’s favorite pass time show to becoming one of the most credible and content reliable musicians of her time, Fenimore has nowhere to go but up as she continues to develop music that is both relevant and utterly breath taking. At age 28-the amount of quality work that we have seen is astounding. As each single on this track is unique and holds a different feel, fans are inclined to continue listening, viewing several different facades of Fenimore with each passing track. Look out for the release of Battle Within, scheduled to drop May 18. Until then check out her latest teaser, “Stones” which will be included on the release.
Battle Within is out May 18th. Keep up with Whitney here.
by Madison Blom | May 16, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
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.
Follow Moorea Masa & The Mood:
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by Abby Trapp | May 16, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
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.
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.
