by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 4, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Yemi Alade. You may know the Nigerian sensation as the first female African artist to reach 100 million plays on youtube with her hit song “Johnny” in 2014. If not, you may know her as a contributor to Béyonce’s album The Lion King: The Gift. If neither of these accomplishments ring a bell, then let her new song “Boyz” be your gateway into this remarkable MTV Africa Music Award winner. Of Yoruba and Igbo descent, Yemi produces vibrant Afropop music for the world to enjoy. “Boyz” is groovy and bouncy, and Yemi’s enthralling vocals and melodies are supplemented by an unwavering beat. The beat is passed around between voices– the bass, drums, and even Yemi’s vocals. No matter where the beat is, however, it’s constant and driving, transfixing the listener. Yemi also adds a unique touch by using drums to ornament the song here and there rather than simply having them keep the beat.
Created with collaborator Vtek, this upbeat pop gem is just a taste of Yemi’s impending album. A video for “Boyz” is on the horizon as well. In the meantime, you can check out her other four albums: King of Queens, Mama Africa (The Diary of an African Woman, Black Magic, and Woman of Steel. As an acclaimed trailblazer for African music, Yemi’s music is a treasure and unquestionably worth checking out.
Keep up with Yemi Alade here.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 4, 2020 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
Break up songs are ones that pull on our heart strings, but they usually aren’t about the person taking the responsibility for it all. However, Riches of the Poor take a turn and assume that responsibility in “Behave”. Frontman Miky explains:
This song is a criticism of my handling of a break up. I feel that break up songs are mostly „how could you do this do to me you scum“ but basically here the first person assumes responsibility for being the villain and is feeling sorry about it, but not doing anything about it apart from complaining and feeling sorry for everyone involved, which isn’t helping.
It makes for a dramatic story telling perspective, but it isn’t really improving anything.
We are taken through the streets as we watch him walk around town, reflecting upon the failed relationship. The gloomy, cold day matches the lyrics as the video unravels, giving viewers a look into the dramatic point of view.
“Behave” is the third single off the alt-rockers’ The Long Way Down and sets the tone of heartbreak mixed with joy in their songs.
Find out more about Riches of the Poor here.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 3, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
The Hunna released their new single “If This Is Love” ft. phem on May 29th, and a video to go along with it. This seamless blend of
the alt-rock band and
the genre-fluid artist phem feels like
the perfect unity of a couple in love. But “If This Is Love” recognizes that love is more complicated than that. It delves into
the raw, painful moments that come after an intense, genuine love dies. Made within isolation,
the music video features close up shots of what is presumably lead singer Ryan Potter and phem, which evokes a sense of intimacy.
The pair are doused with red and green light, perhaps pointing to
the kind of inner conflict that one faces after a meaningful relationship ends.
The track itself echoes this idea, beginning slow and tender with sparse but comforting music and gentle vocals. It continues to increase in intensity, however, reaching an emotional climax when Ryan sings “and now I never want to see your face.” Here
the music is harsh and unbridled, just like
the pain and anger that emanates from this track.
From Watford, England, lead singer and guitarist Ryan is joined by lead guitarist Daniel Dorney, drummer Jack Metcalfe, and bassist Junate Angin to form The Hunna. Ryan was a fan of phem’s before they met, but it was only by a stroke of fortune that the band happened to meet her at a party thrown by Halsey! The Hunna are thrilled for the opportunity to work with phem, and it’s certainly obvious in “If This Is Love” that the collaboration is a success. If you’re like me and find yourself empathizing with the low spirits in this track, don’t fret! The Hunna will be releasing a track from their new album I’d Rather Die Than Let You In every month up until its debut on October 2nd. These tracks will trace the entire journey of heartbreak, beginning with anger and dejection but eventually shifting to acceptance and ultimately moving on.
You can pre-order the album here.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 3, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Anna Sofia’s “Either Way” is a love letter to someone very important in her life, who was struggling with body issues. The first verse immediately deals with her love for this person, but their hate for everything about themself. The thoughtful lyrics accompany a soft melody that persists throughout the song, setting a strong introduction to her upcoming EP, Broken Perfection. Sofia and producer Jeff Hazin worked alongside Jeff Kleinman, someone the 16-year-old looks up to, on the record.
This single shows that love is there, no matter what you look like. The chorus addresses being stuck in the internal war and the fight put up to deal with these negative thoughts.
Either way you put it, you are going to love this song.
by ImperfectFifth | May 27, 2020 | singles, soundtrack
These are the songs that inspire us. They cover a wide range of sounds which is telling of the music we create. Just like our music, this playlist covers the electric guitar sounds of the 60’s all the way to modern artists such as Twenty One Pilots and John Mayer.
Keep up with The Dragon Berries here.
by Meredith Schneider | May 21, 2020 | albums, premieres
Who else popped their head out of their hole long enough to realize that it’s already Memorial Day Weekend? Yup. It totally is. And we’re looking forward to “treading water” in a rainy, sloppy midwest indoors… but not without an ambiance. And who better to provide said ambiance than stunning indie-pop musical project, fakelife (Matt Couchois). With his new 5 track EP, Fall Behind, hitting airwaves and the collective consciousness TOMORROW, May 22nd, we are pleased to bring you your first listen to the work in its entirety below.
It’s difficult to understand the level of talent that is layered within this gem of a cut, as you can detect something even deeper than raw talent. As Couchois counts varying entertainers and artists as family members and predecessors, his legacy seems to have had an impact on his final product. Whether you’ve been in the mood to sit still and revel in the silence, you’ve been antsy to partake in social interaction, or you’ve been all over the place like an emotional rollercoaster (so, all of us), you will find reprieve in the sonic atmosphere that holds steady throughout each track. So let fakelife envelope you in his storytelling capabilities, and enjoy your holiday weekend with the extra bump of enthusiasm!
Keep up with fakelife here.
by ImperfectFifth | May 20, 2020 | performances
Cancelled Plans Continued, Night II was one of our favorite livestream events. Practice brought some amazing key work to the lineup, and we’re very excited to share the replay with you. Dive into it for some ambiance tonight!
Keep up with Practice here.
by ImperfectFifth | May 19, 2020 | singles, soundtrack
This playlist is all about sounds that make you want to walk with some pep in your step. We love syncopation, funky bass and powerful drums and try to capture that same energy in our own music. Many of these songs are from artists that have influenced us throughout our lives.
Keep up with Trace of Lime here.
by ImperfectFifth | May 18, 2020 | performances
Brothers Devin and Patrick Parker of Til Morning were incredible enough to play for us during Night 2 of our Cancelled Plans Continued on May 14th. We love the plants, and know that Devin is working on some gardening right now as well as some fun new music stuff during quarantine. So, head over and give them a like after enjoying this cool set!
