Nashville-based singer-songwriter Joel Levi has just dropped his self-titled album. Honest and down to earth, Joel Levi explores challenges and difficulties of life on an Americana/indie-folk soundscape. Joel Levi: 1. “Middle of Everything” starts off the record on an upbeat note, setting the indie-folk tone of the album. Showcasing Levi’s great vocals, this first track sets the stage for the rest of the album. 2. “Will We Ever Change?” is up next, starting off with a smooth, angstier sound. As the title suggests, this track explores the fear of being stuck as you are. 3. “Honest Mistake” carries the listener into a more Americana sound, reminiscent of Springsteen. Featuring a great guitar solo towards the second half the song, the lyrics “I don’t wanna bring you down” echo throughout the track. 4. “Easy to Be Alone” is a more laid back folk song that moves along an emotional soundscape, encouraging the listener to hold onto their loved ones and fight for them. 5. “Harder Times” emphasizes perseverance, even through adversity. Well-placed guitar rounds out the track into a solid song. 6. “The Garden” brings the listener into a simple but touching melody, filled with well-constructed metaphors. 7. “All My Friends” changes it up, instantly upbeat and quickly moving into a feel-good chorus that will make any listener appreciative for the important friends in their life. 8. “Sweet Melinda” comes next, a beautiful love song that starts off with some acoustic guitar. An instant classic, “Sweet Melinda” encompasses what a romantic folk song should sound like. 9. “Blind Men Still Dream” is a painfully honest track that explores the challenges we face, and the support that we always can depend on. 10. “Hold On Me” closes out Joel Levi on a simple but touching note with a love song. “Hold On Me” shows just one of Levi’s many musical aspects and gently brings the record to an end.
Seattle-based artist Damien Jurado drops his 13th album, The Horizon Just Laughed, today. In his 20+ year career, Jurado has never self-produced a record – until now. The Horizon Just Laughed is being released via Secretly Canadian.
Jurado says of his record:
From the beginning I have approached this album differently than those in the past. I snuck away to record it without anyone knowing. I sat in the producers seat for the first time in years, where I followed creativity’s every turn. It was fulfilling to watch the things come to life before me with the help of some talented friends. I am so very proud of this album and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.
The Horizon Just Laughed track listing: 1. “Allocate” starts off the record on a mellow but strong note. Highlighting Jurado’s musky vocals, “Allocate” provides a glimpse into what is to come. 2. “Dear Thomas Wolfe” begins with a rhythmic guitar intro reminiscent of Jack Johnson. Featuring great lyrics like, “Was I faking trusting you?”, this song gets the ball rolling into the record. 3. “Percy Faith” takes a different approach instrumentally, and utilizes a storytelling manner to bring the lyricism a nostalgic feel. 4. “Over Rainbows and Rainier” is the leading single off The Horizon Just Laughed. A soft, moving track, this reflective song brings the listener gently along. Jurado has also put out a music video for this track. Check out the video for “Over Rainbows and Rainier” HERE. 5. “The Last Great Washington State” features some nice drum moments and steady vocals. 6. “Cindy Lee” is a beautiful interm track that has some well-placed harmonies, and moves the listener into the second half of the album. 7. “1973” perks up with a gentle but pointedly moving track. 8. “Marvin Kaplan” gets an almost samba sound going, as Jurado is accompanied by soft female harmonies. 9. “Lou-Jean” is closer to tracks like “Percy Faith”, telling a meaningful story through song. 10. “Florence-Jean”, the penultimate track on this record, takes an upbeat take on the tales that Jurado tells in The Horizon Just Laughed. 11. “Random Fearless” closes out the album on a fun note, unafraid of the future.
Coming from a background that includes a mixed bag of past careers–including children’s book author and fine artist–Scott Mickelson has finally found root in a career in music that suits him perfectly. Since moving from Massachusetts to the Bay area in the 80’s, Mickelson has been known to be seen performing on big name stages such as the Filmore and Great American Music Hall. No small feat for an artist that took a break from the music world after producing five full length releases with his band Fat Opie. Since his return to stage, Mickelson has released one full length album and in now preparing to drop his second on May 4th. This album, A Wondrous Life is a compilation of songs that overall tell the story of everyday life in stark and, at times, uncomfortable detail. “No Such Luck,” a track found on this album is a perfect example of this lifestyle clarity. “We tend to keep ourselves in a state of stress, many times by choice. We seem to take on more than we can comfortably handle, then blame ourselves for not doing it well enough.”
Not only does Mickelson perform some of his finest vocals in this album, but unlike his last album, A Wondrous Life was a solo effort meaning that Mickelson performed all of the instrumental components ranging from drums to horns. With all of the effort that went into producing such a meticulous and intricate album, it is clear that this set of tracks fall among some of the greatest work that Mickelson has every has his hand in. Throughout each individual song, the listener is walked through the reality of several aspects of daily life experiences. Not only does this add the Mickelson’s credibility, but it will also allow his music to maintain relevance over the coming years. Unlike some of the one-hot-wonders of the 00’s, Scott Mickelson has the staying power to be known throughout the ages.
Coming off of one of their most successful tracks to date with their latest LP, Parallel Person is Chicago based, garage-pop band, Varsity. Not only is this group composed of some of the most complex, yet beautiful soundscapes in the industry today, but fans are picking up on their unique talents and can’t seem to get enough of their psychedelic rhythms and beats. Before the release of Parallel Person, their last single, “So Sad, So Sad,” racked up a killer 14 million views and is continuing to grow in popularity as word of them spreads throughout the country at a rapid pace. However, more than just garage-pop fans are catching on to their success. Their past work has also awarded them praise from acclaimed critics and was named one of the, “Best Songs of 2016” by TIME. Looking forward to the release of Parallel Person, there are high expectations, but this rising band is sure to deliver.
Along with the bubbly, jangly feel of their music, Varsity brings a lighthearted feel into each of the tracks on their newest LP. Lately, it has been difficult to find a collection of songs that brings such an overall feeling of carefree release that is as infectious and catchy as Varsity’s latest release. One of the aspects of this release that really makes all the difference is the stellar twangy guitar skills that are overlaid with dreamy vocals. As listeners take in the meaning of each song, they will be transported back to the days of the easy 80’s and be enveloped in the artistic anthems that Varsity has put together. No doubt, fans and critics a like will soon be raving over this next release with great enthusiasm.
Coming out of a very successful year with a new album Sweet Decay that has already risen on some of the most acclaimed foreign charts is Ireland based singer/songwriter Ciaran Lavery.Not only has he had the opportunity to play on some of the biggest stages and has gathered thousand of dedicated fans, but he has the skill and talent that support his rapidly growing success. Recently, he has been awarded the Northern Ireland Music Prize for is 2016 album Let Bad In. Along with this tremendous achievement, Lavery has acquired over a million followers on Spotify and he doesn’t plan to stop there.
Throughout this wonderful album, Lavery explores self-growth and reflection through his smooth, hypnotic beats and rhythm. Vocally, it can be said that he has a very melodic voice that blends easily with the beautifully composed guitar and percussion portions of each of the tracks on the album. This attribute of Lavery’s sound is especially highlighted in, “Bones 4 Blood,” which is then followed up by a much lighter track, “Wicket Teeth.” Without a doubt, however, one of the greatest skills that this up and coming artist exhibits is the ability to fill each lyric with the appropriate emotion that almost seems tangible in the atmosphere as one sits and enjoys the musical masterpiece that Lavery has put together for his fans. In he future, this international star hopes to move his success across a grander demographic and hopes to continue to perform for adoring fans that appreciate the poetic lyricism of all of his music.
Sine the release of his wildly successful synth laid single, “Let It Go,” singer/songwriter Lonely Benson has been working towards the release of his newest self-titled LP. Not only is “Let It Go” the perfect sneak peak to this wonderfully laid back LP, but every song that Lonely Benson contains is full of the same indie pop magic that fans have come to love from this artist. Throughout the entire release, the listener is taken through story after story that has been perfectly executed with the use of clever lyricism and dreamy vocals. One of tracks in particular, “Lazy Lover” aligns itself to this description. Lonely Benson is the ideal listen for any occasion or circumstance–whether you are spending time with friends, laying on the beach, or on a drive by yourself in the countryside.
Throughout all of his tracks, fans will fall in love with all of the thrillingly nuanced synth-pop influences and skillful guitar work. Along with this killer skills in his back pocket, Lonely Benson has the unique ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with his music that is both infectious and highly coveted. Without a doubt, this artist has what it takes to make it big time, seeing as there is already a significant amount of buzz surrounding this new project. Since his debut as an artist, he has been featured on Apple Music’s alternative list and has been awarded over 2 million streams on Spotify. Along with killing it with his now millions of stream, he has also created a following through his coverage everywhere from Indie Shuffle to KickKickSnare. No doubt, this new album is going to satisfy all of those who have jumped on the Lonely Benson band wagon.
Fresh off the presses, Jaunt‘s new 5-track EP Cue is ready for your waiting ears. Launched on Friday the 13th, there’s nothing spooky about this release, though it does play with dissonance and ambient sounds to bring you into a whole different soundscape than what you might be used to. While first track “Machined” feels like a slight machine interaction – small noises that lend themselves to its overall 70s-inspired feel -,second track “Best Case” continues at a slow tempo, the occasional guitar riff lending itself to a far more groovy sound.
“Intimate Sunset” exists in a soundscape similar to what the title infers. Beachy vibes almost drop from the speakers, and we’re already feeling like we’re on a much needed vacation. “Faster Interactions” is chill, groovy and psychedelic. With the use of a keyboard organ, soft high pitched vocals, and a variety of electronic sounds “Faster Interactions” stays true to its name. The video for “Faster Interactions” also really displays the band’s creativity with a psychedelic feel of fast paced iridescent lights and unexpected visuals.
Of “Faster Interactions” Jaunt says:
“Faster Interactions” is probably our zaniest track to date! It was one of the first written for Cue, but also took the longest to complete. We quickly knew that it would be a single, and playing it repeatedly live has helped us finesse it’s nuances. Caitlin and Eliza really helped bring a new energy and dynamic, ultimately making the song more joyous. We’re also trying very hard to bring back the sound of cheap keyboard orchestra hits in pop music.
They round out the magic with “Cued”, a slower track with more of a vibey, enchanting sound to it all. It’s the perfect bookend to what we have just experienced, and we’re enthralled enough to hear more.
Kadjha Bonet is to release her completely self-made album, Childqueen, out June 8. Gearing up for this record, Bonet has dropped a stunning lead single, “Mother Maybe”. As her own producer, songwriter, album artist, mixer, and musician, Bonet has complete creative control over her music. The Los Angeles based artist knows herself and how to continually improve her own craft.
Childqueen follows her acclaimed 2016 debut album, The Visitor, and looks to only continue to bring listeners into Bonet’s stunning soundscape. With this first taste of her sophomore record, Bonet solidifies herself as being able to excel in every aspect of her music. Evident in her careful production, well-balanced instrumentation, confident and soulful vocals, Bonet is a one woman show as it should be. With effortlessly gliding vocals and an irresistible beat, “Mother Maybe” makes us incredibly excited to hear the rest of Childqueen. Bonet accomplishes what few solo artists can: excellence in every aspect of her work. It’ll be no surprise that the rest of her upcoming record is equally magnificent and carefully constructed.
Stay tuned for the rest of Bonet’s upcoming record, out June 8.
Borderline legendary duo Matt and Kim recently released their latest music video “Forever”, off of their new album Almost Everyday, earlier this year. Mark Hoppus (of Blink-182) joins Matt and Kim on vocals for “Forever.” The video opens with the duo in a warehouse. Set in black and white, you wonder where the video is going as the beat is poppy and energetic. It breaks to Kim taking drums and the two going back and forth dancing with each other.
The video is carefree, simple, and sweet like the song reflecting lyrics “Together we’ll cause a stampede, running through streets- I can dance better in a seat, as you’re making fun of me.” The song and upcoming album Almost Everyday heavily reflect Kim’s recovery after an onstage injury in 2017. The duo seems to be back and it makes me super happy to see Kim dancing in “Forever.”
