by Madison Blom | Feb 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Though her music has been critically acclaimed as “bedroom-pop” Jay Som‘s new vinyl release has broken out of the traditional mold and has moved into the spotlight. This artist’s music has been known to have a “crushing venerability” that all who know her seem to crave. Her newest hit, “O.K, Meet Me Underwater” was recently released on her 7-inch titled Pirouette, and has taken the indie-pop industry by storm. Not only has the artist featured this new song in the album, but also includes two songs originally meant for her previous album Everybody Works that were deemed “out of place” by Jay herself.
Since the start of this young artist’s career, those who know her have been raving about her debut album Everybody Works which received “Best of 2017” from acclaimed critics such as NPR Music, Rolling Stone and Billboard. Now, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Melina Duterte, under the persona of Jay Som, has once again created a cover that highlights her ability to write and produce relatable music that has blown away listeners. Though not many could predict her success early on in her career, Duterte has surely transformed how the music industry views “bedroom-pop” artists.
As a child, Melina Duterte had dreams of one day attending professional jazz programs, but decided later on to see where songwriting could take her. While enrolled in community college, Duterte created her own personal studio where she could create music the way she believes it should be done. From that small studio, under the moniker of Jay Som, Duterte has turned the corner on one of the fastest growing genres in the indie pop industry.
Pirouette is available now.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Jan 31, 2018 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
No Liars has released the new video for their single “Guilt Trip” off of their debut album The Cause and The Cure and is about regret and being isolated. The song talks about allowing things to get between you and your loved ones. It addresses the trials and complications that get in the way of your relationships, and the realization that it is too late to change what happened. The theme of the song is: What could I have done differently?
Depicted is a young man that gets into an argument with his dad and leaves the house, leading to a party. The argument is the last time he gets to speak to his father. The video is fast-paced but holds a powerful message behind it. The video teaches the listener that you never know what may happen at any second. “Guilt Trip” is guaranteed to pull at your heart strings with the message behind this video.
Keep your eyes peeled for No Liars’ new album here.
by Madison Blom | Jan 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
“Dating can be this never ending game of back and forth,” explains New York based singer/songwriter Joe Wood, “…eventually you reach a boiling point and need to let your frustrations out and move on.” The emotion in this statement is captured in the lyrics and production of Wood’s newest single “Had Enough”, which was recently released to the public. Like his other work, this song features creative loops and hypnotizing hooks and rhythms that create an atmosphere specific to Wood.
This artist’s success comes as no surprise, however, to those closest to him. As a young child, his innate ability to create art through music was apparent and was amplified by natural, perfect pitch. Since then, he has moved to the New York City to see what opportunities would present themselves there. Sure enough, during his time there he would find even more success and support, particularly from his debut on MTV and several other publications that featured his music. Wood has traveled extensively and is now avidly working toward producing a video to accompany his new track. In a recent social media post, he shared with is fans that he would be, “heading to LA in feb to collaborate with some awesome people. More live shows, singles, and continuing to try to make this dream a reality.”
With this newest addition to his musical lexicon, Wood is ready to continue making his name known in the music community — creating music that fans of all ages can relate to. This is especially highlighted in his latest single. In his own words, “‘Had Enough’ is a breakup anthem for someone frustrated and confused and who just needs to scream.”
Keep up with Joe Wood here.
by Kayla Hutton | Jan 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Out of Rochester, NY is the best thing you’ve never heard of,
Ovtlier. (Though, you may have. These guys have a pretty solid and steadily growing fan base, so excuse us if we’re behind on the times here!) For fans of Shinedown, Sevendust, and Beartooth comes this break through, rock radio-friendly tune “Break” off of their E.P.
What doesn’t kill you. The music is rhythmically focused, tight, and leaves no gaps.The lyrical content is a shining moment for those who have reached that breaking point and refuse to be held down by anyone or anything. A very universal and relatable topic, the message is delivered as if it were the advice you take away from hearing the story of someone who lived it.
Just because “Break” is the pastiche of a genre they fit well into, don’t think they lack originality. Ovtlier has a very real and sincere vibe rather than the typical add-on by a major labels producer inserting commercial hooks. The chorus is powerful with a slight increase in tempo and a great unity between a punchy metal riff and applied harmony. The mixing and production quality is top notch and radio-ready. These guys aren’t missing a thing. They came prepared with a skilled arrangement, real life lyrical content, a good balance of originality and commercial appeal. They even look the part with a semi-harsh but freshly showered image. It’s not about “if” these guys will be signed and be the next big thing, it’s when. They have every right to be the ones who choose their deal and guys, don’t let any label take away that true honesty that sets you apart.
So, listeners, if you want bragging rights, “I heard them before they were huge”, here it is, it’s Ovtlier‘s “Break”.
Keep up with the band
here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Jan 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Manchester native and former solo artist Johnny Lucas has just released “High Wire” and “Got It Together” with his new band, LUCAS, joined in Nashville by bandmates Seth Endleman, Dave Dombroski, and Chris Amond. Their EP, High Wire, dropping this summer, was produced and partially co-written by Cage the Elephant’s Lincoln Parrish. Known for stellar loop pedal skills that have even caught the attention of Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Johnny and the rest of LUCAS have their sights set high for this year.
“Got It Together” grabs your attention immediately, with a strong beat and passionate vocals paired with thunderous drums. A rock and roll anthem type of track allows you to feel deeply, “High Wire” cleverly crafts a song around the title that makes the listener feel a surge of adrenaline. Even though it is not quite the same genre, “High Wire” reminds us of Panic! At The Disco’s classic A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. With the release of “High Wire” and “Got It Together”, we absolutely cannot wait to hear the rest of High Wire and anything else LUCAS has up their sleeves in the future.
Keep up with LUCAS here
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by Katie Pugh | Jan 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Pop newcomer Maria Lynn’s “Petty” is the epic vengeful breakup song we’ve all been craving. If you’ve ever wished ill thoughts onto an ex or felt bitter after a relationship ends, this is the song for you.
Catchy vocals overlay an effortlessly flowing instrumental that creates the perfect song to sing (or scream) to the image of any and all ex lovers. A breezy guitar melody combined with beautifully composed lyrics and smooth vocals powerfully invoke feelings of strength and fortitude.
The upbeat tempo, electro drops, and synthesizer blends transform this personal breakup song into a spirited dance mix that somehow emits feelings of reassurance. There is a flawless balance between the calm of the verses and the hard-hitting chorus which, at first listen, is unexpected yet satisfying.
“Petty” exquisitely and refreshingly unites heartbreak with feelings of vulnerability, power, and empathy.
Keep up with Maria Lynn here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jan 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Thank goodness for incredible musical collaborations, as we enjoy indie hip hop sensation Aire Atlantica‘s new track “On My Feet”, which features the vocal stylings of Emily Terran. Beginning with an earthy, robust percussion section and Terran’s smooth as honey vocals, you’re aware even before Terran croons, “I’m just fine on my own” that she might feel that way, but this musical pairing is where it’s at.
With the slight tempo tweaks and fun beat, this song is enjoyed best as smooth listening, though we wouldn’t knock dancing to it. And whether you bust a move in a social setting, or just belt out the empowering and accepting lyrics in your mirror while you’re getting ready, this track should be a staple for every independent person.
Keep up with Aire Atlantica here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Jan 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Copenhagen-based Mattis – a musician whose voice is a reflection of soul and pop with a mixture of gospel R&B and jazz – garnered a lot of attention with his debut single “Loverboy”, and Mattis plans to build on that success with his next single “The Chain”. This track allows Mattis to showcase his soulful vocal range while he dazzles us with the instrumentals and sings of breaking away from an unhealthy relationship.
“The Chain” is a track about enjoying life and all that life has to throw at you. The song is telling the listener to celebrate life instead of allowing every curve ball life throws at you defeat you in every way. Mattis is advising the listener to enjoy life and party your sorrows away.
Keep up with Mattis here.
by Katie Pugh | Jan 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Disco Shrine’s “Up in the Air” grooves hard with a catchy synthesizer/drum mix making it the quintessential song to add to any party or road trip playlist. The uplifting fluidity of the instrumental makes this the kind of song you want to swim in. It’s easy to get caught up in the energetic, electronic beat and disregard the lyrics when a song has such a free-flowing, feel-good vibe. However, the alluringly crafted lyrics of “Up in the Air” invoke the desire to delve deeper into what Jessica Delijani, the mind behind Disco Shrine, is saying.
“Up in the Air” depicts the struggle Delijani’s parents faced immigrating to America from Iran during the 1970s Iranian Revolution.
Delijani beautifully describes the song saying, “’Up in the Air’ paints a picture of them literally on their plane ride over to America, leaving the past behind and looking toward the future.” She continues to explain the symbolism behind the phrase “up in the air” and how it relates to the feelings of uncertainty and unexpectedness her parents were facing by uprooting their lives at the time.
Not only is this song rhythmically appealing with brilliant lyricism, but it also effortlessly and impeccably reflects the current situation in the United States.
Keep up with Disco Shrine here.
