by Abby Trapp | Apr 6, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
The 19 year old artist Yellow Days is blowing up. Haslemere based Yellow Days was recently featured on Donald Glover’s trailer of “Atlanta” and just released the single “The Way Things Change.” The single is jazzy, sultry, and even throws in a bit of the organ for us.
I enjoy this track not only because it is inherently a good song, but it shows maturity for a young artist. For example, Yellow Days tackles lyrics like “My friends think my soul is dead, but I’m just trapped in my own head,” “I cry, you cry” and the impressive “You have to keep going, you have to keep going.” The lyrics are executed by Yellow Days smooth vocals. I am looking forward to what Yellow Days has in store for the future.
Keep up with Yellow Days here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 5, 2018 | show review, snapshot, visual
Following a gloomy week in Kansas City, April 4 brought crisp and clear weather – and a sold-out show by L.A.’s Billie Eilish at recordBar in support of her Where’s My Mind tour. Some of her fans waited for hours in the cold for a chance to be close to their favorite artist. Imperfect Fifth writer Veronica DeFeo and photographer Michael Porter were there to capture the one-of-a-kind evening. Killer performances from openers Reo Cragun and DJ Kiero got the night off to a great start. Reo busted his lip open a few songs in, but he didn’t let that stop him from delivering a fantastic set, much to the delight of the energetic crowd.
Following Reo and Kiero’s set, anticipation was evident as the concert-goers started chanting Billie’s name. In a moment of electric delirium only found at the best of shows, the lights went down and drummer Andrew Marshall and Billie’s brother, Finneas O’Connell, came onstage to an electronic sample of “my boy”, dressed in white coveralls and Billie Eilish kerchiefs. The crowd went insane when Billie came on seconds later, starting off the night with her acclaimed single, “bellyache”. Every voice knew every word, evidencing Billie’s deep connection with her fans. Not skipping a beat, Billie led the crowd into her hauntingly beautiful “idontwannabeyouanymore”, showcasing her velvety vocals. Next up was “watch”, immediately followed by “&burn”, which features Vince Staples on her record, dont smile at me. Billie not only flawlessly sang “watch”, but also took on Vince Staples’ verse from “&burn”.
Billie gave the crowd a chance to fill in some vocals on the next song, “Bored” (which was anything but boring). Fans were eager to give Billie their gifts throughout the set, and Billie expressed her love and gratitude for everyone who came multiple times, letting them know that she would not be where she is without them. Taking a more serious and mature tone, Billie performed an older track, “Six Feet Under”, which displayed not only her vocal talent, but also her lyrical skills. Billie introduced her drummer and brother to the crowd before inviting Finneas to perform his slinky, moody track, “New Girl”. As her producer, co-writer, backing vocalist and guitarist, but most importantly, brother, Finneas is always supportive of Billie, as well as having his own career as lead singer of The Slightlys and starring as Alistair on Glee.
Billie took the stage once again, enthralling the crowd with a unique cover of Drake’s hit song, “Hotline Bling” – on ukulele. In her next song, “party favor”, Billie showcased more of her ukulele skills during the fun track, which also features hitting lyrics. Billie next treated the crowd to an unreleased song, asking them all to be in the moment with her. The track that got Billie discovered, “Ocean Eyes”, was up next, and the crowd got a unique, lighthearted rendition as Billie accidentally bumped a fan with her mic; following this, Billie closed out the song on a stunning note. An electric, flawless performance of fan favorite “my boy” finished her regular set, but Billie wasn’t done yet. After raucous shouts for an encore brought her back onstage, Billie delivered with “hostage” before taking a selfie with the crowd and hugging fans. Billie closed out her show with a rocking performance of “COPYCAT” that did not disappoint. After commanding her fans to get low during the bridge, the crowd went wild with the signal word “sike!”, and the last seconds of the song were unforgettable.
At just sixteen years old, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than many artists dream to at a young age. When she makes up her mind, she gets the job done; despite her youth, Billie knows her craft and how to work a crowd. Her March 4 performance is not one that will be forgotten. Kansas City can’t wait for Billie to come back.
Listen to Billie Eilish
YouTube – Spotify – iTunes
Stay connected with Billie Eilish
Facebook – Website – Instagram – Twitter
**photos by Michael Porter
by Chad Bennett | Apr 5, 2018 | snapshot, visual
New Orleans’ Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind played the Winter Blues Festival in Des Moines on February 9. Ricci, is an award-winning harmonica player who performed on Johnny Winter’s Step Back, which won the 2015 Grammy for Best Blues Album.
Keep up with Jason Ricci here.
by Chad Bennett | Apr 5, 2018 | snapshot, visual
St. Louis-based blues rock artist Anthony Gomes played the Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines on February 9, 2018. The Toronto native and 2017 European Blues Awards winner for Best Musician, rocked the crowd with his ripping guitar solos and soulful lyrics.
Keep up with Anthony Gomes here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 5, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
The pop-folk singer/songwriter Carla Stark just released her latest single “Once a Cheater”, which takes a sinister look at a lover who has been promiscuous. The song is addicting, charming, and will have you grinning from ear-to-ear. My favorite lines include “You were too old for me, and too good looking,” “You can cheat on me and you can cheat on others—but you’ll never cheat your death,” and “And you may think your skin is the best leather, but my knife go through flesh.” From those lines alone, you can see that Carla has a gift for writing cunning and quick lyrics. Not only is she a great songwriter, Carla’s syrupy sweet voice shines on “Once a Cheater.”
Keep up with Carla Stark here.
by Madison Blom | Apr 5, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Seeking to expand her musical resume is Lyric Michelle who has just released her first single, “Free Thoughts, Freestyle” from her upcoming album that is scheduled to drop later this year on May, 18. Not only has her music been marked as exploding with flare and bursting with beats that will have toes tapping, but she has also been busy performing on some of the biggest stages that are meant to propel her music career into the future. Though she is young, this new release is not her debut, but just one more achievement in her career on the stage. Currently based in Los Angeles, Lyric Michelle has also been developing her acting skills by performing in the award winning pilot For Evan’s Sake.
Most recently, the Houston born budding artist performed at SXSW where she turned heads at the HipHopDX showcase. Also, within the next few months, she has plans to perform not only around her home city, but also on some major stages in her adopted city, Los Angeles. With more experience under her belt and a killer new album that is being released in the near future, it is clear that the name Lyric Michelle has carved out for herself is here to stay.
Keep up with Lyric Michelle here.
by Madison Blom | Apr 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Once again, Superheart has produced a new single that has the fans and the music community in general swooning. “Satellite” is the perfect combination of those chill weekend vibes that we all crave and exciting lyricism that makes our toes tap on the road and in the office. Every note and rhythm adds to his intricate soundscape that is both unique and full of creative flare. With every moment full of free-fall suspense and exhilaration, there is no doubt that this final addition to the ‘flower’ trio will be the final piece to the success that Superheart has been chasing after since his debut. This new release a comfortable mixture of 80’s pop beats and new world synth spin offs. If nothing else, it is clear that Superheart is one of those artists that fans need to keep their eye on as he rises to the challenge of pushing himself to the next level.
This new single is scheduled to be released next week as the concluding component of a bigger picture that has already drawn the attention of fans from around the world. No doubt “Satellite” will continue to bring Superheart closer to where he wants to be as the next big thing in a world of quickly rising stars.
Keep up with Superheart here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
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.
Be in the know about Kadhja Bonet:
Website | Facebook | Soundcloud
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
London based newcomer Shaqdi delivers with her new single “Better”. “Better” is a follow up from her previous single “Colorless”. Shaqdi puts herself in a category of her own with her new single “Better”. The song is a mixture of a fresh R&B sound that cannot be put in any category. The song has a certain sound that has not quite been done before.
Shaqdi got her start in music at a young age, having growing up in a small town in Sweden, Shaqdi then learned how to play piano and violin at the ripe age of four. “Better” is a prime example of all the hard work she has put into her music. With Shaqdi’s soft voice, she brings a soft sound to the track.
Keep up with Shaqdi here.
