i “wonder” where sharaya summers has been all my life?

i “wonder” where sharaya summers has been all my life?

With a name like Sharaya Summers, you’re either A) bound to success, B) bound to a pretty voice, or C) both.  Sharaya gets a C in my opinion.  The Portland native just released her new single “Wonder” and it could not be sweeter.  I hate to compare Stevie Nicks to anyone but Sharaya Summers is the Stevie for the generation below me, slightly infused with a hint of Lana Del Rey’s sultriness.  Summers’ voice is syrupy sweet with lyrics such as “…hush now don’t you go”, “if we go the right way”, and my favorite “do you still wonder…do you still wonder?’ 

The song touches me, which means she did excellent job, and even reminded me of someone I used to be super close with.  It’s awesome when music has that effect, and “Wonder” will have you head in a circle of thoughts. 

For all things Sharaya, go to www.sharayasummers.com

rainbrother, “black chemicals”

rainbrother, “black chemicals”

Denmark-based Rainbrother – comprised of Bjarke Bendtsen, Aske Fuglsang, Lars Hvelplund, Simon Minke, and Kristian Sejerskilde – is set to release a new album sometime in 2018. While we wait for that gem, they released their new song “Black Chemicals”, which is about the emotions that you feel when you fall in love. The “Black Chemicals” that are addressed in the song are the feelings associated with falling in love or wanting to be loved. The song is saying that love takes on a mind of its own. The black chemicals are like a loose animal that cannot be contained. The strong composition allows the listener to feel all of the emotions that the singer is feeling.

Rainbrother’s “Black Chemicals” is a great song that really sets the tone for what the group is really about and what they stand for.

Rainbrother’s album is set to release later this year. Keep up with them here.

sollunar, “formation”

sollunar, “formation”

“Formation”, the latest release from Sollunar, shows the same song in 3 different versions. Don’t be confused, this is not a “remix” of the same song. It literally captures how the moment of inspiration from one base element can go so many different directions and produce a totally different outcome and feel.
Sollunar, defined as being influenced by both the sun and moon, has also given a great example of considering both sides of the coin when applying alternate techniques during production.
Josiah Bibb is the mastermind behind this instrumental masterpiece. Considering his Colorado Springs surroundings he has no lack of inspiration. “Formation”, in all its versions, will appeal to fans of Days of the New/Travis Meeks. Similar to Travis, Josiah knows his way around an acoustic guitar. Working the harmonics, demonstrating picking and plucking skills that are similar to the delicate approach of playing the harp. Given the slow to medium pace of  “Formation”, this isn’t a sad song by any means, it is the perfect setting for a meditative, introspective journey.
There is a theme with Sollunar that goes beyond the name. “Formation” joins Josiah’s prior releases “The Observatory” and “Collisions”. Notice the trend there?
While there is a theme, Sollunar doesn’t provide an exact direction.”Formation”  sets the stage for your individual perception to designate its path.

As an awesome incentive you can pick up “Formation” and it’s 3 alternate outcomes for just $1 via BandCamp.
mae muller, “jenny”

mae muller, “jenny”

London based artist Mae Muller has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with. it is clear that she not only has a new, fresh sound, but that she has the ability to produce music that is current and relevant to her listeners. “Jenny” showcases all of these traits as well as favors her beautifully smooth and rich R&B-tinged tone. Not only do her vocals match the message of the lyrics, but she also exudes vibes similar to well known female pop artists such as Pink and Gwen Stefani.

Muller’s love of music started young as she wrote songs as a little girl. However, it wasn’t recently that she realized that she wanted to even pursue a career in something that she already possessed so much talent in. From the roots, the idea that music could transform her lyrics into something exhilarating and new. For Muller, her music contains lyrics that pertain to her own personal experiences which gives the music she releases a depth that is very real and relatable. Now that she has pushed through the release of a few songs, she was gathered fans throughout the world who are eagerly awaiting new music from her in the near future. In regards to where she wants to be by the end of this year, she has revealed that she would like to perform live more regularly, which is good news for all those who already love and adore her music.

local natives, “colombia” (demo)

local natives, “colombia” (demo)

Local Natives sound familiar? They should as they just celebrated the fifth anniversary of their LP Hummingbird.  Hummingbird was released in 2013, and definitely allowed the band to make a name for themselves since then.  You may know, them their top singles including “Wide Eyes” and “Dark Days” have reeled in over 30,000,000 streams on Spotify.  The band recently commemorated their success and retention as one of the leading names in alternative by giving us a melodic demo of “Colombia”, co-produced by Aaron Dessner and performed at Ditmas Park in Brooklyn.    

If getting a listen to that wasn’t generous, a behind the scenes look at the making of their new album can be found on their Tumblr.  For all things Local Natives and to keep up with their new album visit them on Twitter.

koda in the pursuit of greatness {video}

koda in the pursuit of greatness {video}

Releasing his newest single is Jordan Sudak under the moniker of Koda. Since his debut, Koda has pulled all the stops in order to chase the greatness that he knows could be within his reach within the coming years. Not only is Sudak an artist that can create an atmosphere for the listeners, but he is also able to relate a strong and powerful message through his creative lyricism. Like many of the other artists in this genre, Sudak feeds off of the brooding intensity of his music that is sincere and fueled by passion that has been growing since he first started performing.

“White Dove”, like much of his other music, brings something different to the scene that fans and critics alike have latched on to and have began to crave and expect. Not only does Koda’s music bring in traditional sounds, but it also overlays many of the hooks with loops that sound foreign and has become a signature of this artist. Now that he has released this new single, fans are really wanting to see Koda perform live more often in order to hopefully show off his unique talent.

Keep up with Koda here.

dana and the wolf, “got me poly”

dana and the wolf, “got me poly”

Dana Lynn Hobson and Daniel Wolf of Dana and the Wolf have dropped a brand new track, “Got Me Poly”. A polyamorous couple of over a decade, they have recently started working as musical partners as well, testing boundaries and in this single, share their thoughts on polyamory. Daniel was a classically trained musician, and Dana has much different musical taste than him, so their project together is very much a melding of their styles. Says Dana of the track: “As open minded as people seem these days, there’s still so much prejudice towards people with multiple lovers. I don’t want it to sound like I’ll f*** anyone. I have a big heart. I don’t see the benefit in closing it off to certain people I meet in my life.” A thoroughly modern single, “Got Me Poly” provides Dana and Daniel’s opinions on their romantic lifestyle, poking fun at monogamy and traditionalism. Laced with tenacious instrumentals, unapologetic lyrics, and sultry vocals, Dana and the Wolf brings something new to the table with this track. Their previous singles “Attitude” and “Him” have been making waves as well. 

Follow Dana and The Wolf:
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the new breed of jazz alternative

the new breed of jazz alternative

Formerly known as The Reign of KindoKindo has resurfaced after 4 years with a new single “Return to me” from their latest album “Happy However After” set to be released in April of 2018.
This 6 piece from New York has shown that you don’t need a major label and their money to gain an audience.
Giving the fans a new spin of alternative jazz that is fused with R & B, pop and soul shows that just like topping off your drink, combining old and new, can create something truly refreshing. Not only have they innovated a successful sound, Kindo has also proudly been at the helm of all their recordings.
“Return to me” begins with a rainy day stay in bed piano line. The vocals give a strange appeal to the jazz-ish backing music. Imagine Lenny Kravitz being backed by a piano at a dim lit jazz club applying his pop-rock vocal style and later adding a high gain guitar riff. I am amazed at how Kindoimplements all these musical elements and how they compliment each other. “Return to me” at first listen is calming. Once it sinks in what the lyrics are about it is hard to believe this song is depicting heartbreak. Especially when some of the rhythmic grooves wake you up and influence your body to take the hand of the beat and swing. The atmosphere of musical freedom and exploration is definitely a spark lighting a flame rich with creativity.
Kindo will be touring the Eastern U.S. in March and is surely not a band you want to miss. If they aren’t hitting up your hometown be sure to head over and check out their prior albums which should tide you over until “Happy However After” is released in April.

Keep up with Kindo here.
russian baths, “what’s your basement”

russian baths, “what’s your basement”

Brooklyn-based noise rock band Russian Baths will be releasing their debut EP, Penance, on February 23, having recently signed with Good Eye Records. Russian Bath is comprised of Luke Koz (guitar, vox), Jess Rees (guitar, keys, vox) and joined by Evan Gill Smith (bass) and Jeff Widner (drums). They have already dropped their first single, “Slenderman”, and have just released their brand new single “What’s Your Basement”, both of which will appear on Penance.

“What’s Your Basement” certainly packs a punch into just over two minutes, and will leave you wondering what just hit you. A masterful combination of noise rock/punk with intriguing, at times mellow, vocals provides “What’s Your Basement” with the perfect amount of juxtaposing sounds. With clean drums alongside excellent guitar and bass moments, “What’s Your Basement” makes a statement. While Penance will be their debut EP, Russians Baths has also previously released a split single, “Ambulance / Ghost”. Keep an eye out for Russian Bath’s EP Penance, out February 23.

Follow Russian Baths:
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