Finnish art-rock artist GEA drops her lead single “Despite” off her upcoming album Call for a Snake. The track starts out smooth and continues to build, growing stronger. As she travels through the forest, with dense trees and flowing rivers, GEA seems to go through an awakening. We are taken on a journey, but in the end GEA walks away despite her troubles.
“We are experiencing an unusually tough period of uncertainty, fear, and loss. I hope with this song we can celebrate our beautiful journey on earth regardless of our troubles,” GEA explained.
The track comes from a part of the album that is dedicated to the spirit of the swan, a representation of grace and elegance, an iconic figure in Finnish folklore. As the first single of the new album GEA sets the tone, a call for transformation and guide to healing the soul.
Watch the video for “Despite” and keep up with GEAhere.
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.
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!
14 year old Madden Novogratz has just released her first single, entitled “Rain”. The young singer hails from Brooklyn, New York and is just coming onto the music scene.
Novogratz is sweet and angelic and “Rain” is a pleasant journey tinged with spirituality. Her voice is mature and controlled as she effortlessly slips in and out of her head voice and moves into a more commanding tone on the chorus, demonstrating skill beyond her years. Pounding tribal-like drums drive the bright and upbeat tune, empowering the listener and maybe, just maybe, making them want to go dance through a forest in a rainstorm (after quarantine is over of course).
“Rain” is now available on all streaming services.
The first track from Fried Monk‘s upcoming Hurry Up and Wait release, “Welcome”, has a trippy music video to accompany the cacophony of syllables . Shot through the streets of Philadelphia in cold weather, the video brings attention to a few key points that we might not otherwise be focusing on right now.
Having been in self-induced quarantine for weeks at this point, this video really makes me feel a little strange from the get-go. It’s simply the artist walking the streets of a well-known American city. It shouldn’t bring more than a passing thought to my mind in its simplest form. However, I feel nostalgic, yet scared of the idea of being outside where people could be. Conflicting thoughts, however an exploration of a world outside of yourself. And that’s important right now. Add in some layering effects, and you’ve got a video we can all ponder on.
Americana-rockers NicoleBoggs and the Reel are releasing their new single, “I’m Gonna Break Your Heart”, a self-aware confession from someone headed down the wrong path and only capable of reckless love. The single precedes the group’s upcoming EP, None of Your Business, a 70’s style rock n’ roll revival to be released in July of 2020.
The single features distorted bass and tight harmonies as Boggs powerfully navigates the honest track. Of the single, the front woman says, “As a songwriter, I’m always looking for a new approach to tell a story and it felt bold and empowering to tackle a subject I’ve only heard from male artists. I flipped the roles and had to get inside the heads of some dudes that screwed me over.”
A fiery guitar solo breathes additional life to the track, which retains all of the sweet grit from live performance due to the fact that it was (impressively) cut in front of a live studio audience at legendary Ocean Way studio in Nashville.
“I’m Gonna Break Your Heart” is available everywhere on April 24th and EP None of Your Business is to be released in July of 2020.
A welcome slice of warm levity, “Open The Windows”, the freshest release from Oregon-based project The Color Study, is what happens when The Microphones’ “The Glow Pt. 2” meets the demos from Hippo Campus’ latest album Bambi.
Beginning with sunny tambourine met by frontman Scott Oliphant’s chorused vocals, the indie-folk sweetness quickly launches into a dusty, lo-fi indie-punk banger marked by sleigh bells, muddy electric bass, and grounding bass drum as the only things rooting the sky-high dream back down to Earth. Oliphant welcomes the change of scenery, and perhaps the company, musing, “Invite all the ghosts that look inside at me / Open the windows and set them all free.”
Oliphant launched The Color Study in response to the sunset of a 16-year relationship – which makes “Open the Windows” all the more gratifying. Said the musician, “It was an incredibly tough time. I was living in my recording studio while trying to figure out which end was up. I threw myself into making something instead of passing the time doing what I was doing which was not very productive or healthy.”
With “Open The Windows”, Oliphant seems to be taking a deep breath of much-needed fresh air following a period of seclusion – A seclusion not unlike the process of self-recording his first releases as The Color Study, singles “Without” and “Dead Leaves”, both released in 2019. While The Color Study is a solo project, Oliphant is often joined by up to six other members for live performances, including Matt Jackson on bass and Andy Jacobs on drums.
Tomorrow, DoublePlusGood – expertly comprised of Erik Carlson (Singer/Writer), Shawn Michael Thornhill (Guitar), Cole Johnston (Drums), and Jacob Marsh (Bass) – releases their latest track, an otherworldly, slightly nostalgic somehow, song befitting of a true romantic. “Northern Lights” is equal parts dramatic and entirely soulful, intense and relaxing. It is very much like a very palpable, true romance, and we’re all in.
Get your first listen below with our exclusive premiere.
Nashville pop outfit MarqueeMayfield (Who’s rumored to have been a country-pop industry plant in addition to an actual robot in his former life, stand by for debunking) is releasing their new single + music video on March 6th, and this one is GUARANTEED to drag you down memory lane.
Mayfield takes us into a pastel paradise via this majorly nostalgic music video inspired by none other than the 80’s own Miami Vice. While those familiar with Mayfield’s work are sure to recognize the 80s influence from his music, viewers are now treated to seeing his music vision come to life right in front of their eyes through the iconic staples of the era brought back for this video, and it’s sure to have them busting out their ‘Party’ fanny packs and neon-colored, geometric-printed windbreakers from back in the day. Roller-blading and polaroids and cassette players, oh my!
Be sure to check out this throwback inspired number for yourself via our exclusive premiere below and see how many 80s references you can spot, including but not limited to a particularly well-done tribute to Miami Vice’s own fashion icon Don Johnson. We see you Mayfield, and we’re here for it.
