by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 15, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges teamed up with Terrace Martin for “Sweeter.” The track originally was meant for an upcoming album, but both artists felt the urge to release it now with all that is happening in the country and around the world. According to the announcement, the song is written from the perspective of a black man who is taking his last breath, feeling his spirit leave his body.
I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me. So, I present to you Sweeter.
“Sweeter” takes us through the internal thoughts and story of this black man, something that will stick with you after you listen. The lyrics reference Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the movements he led, which seem to be repeating themselves now: “I thought we moved on from the darker days. / Did the words of the King disappear in the air, / Like a butterfly? / Somebody should hand you a felony. / Because you stole from me, / My chance to be.” Bridges and Terrace gave us the song we need right now, something that won’t distract us from what is happening, but something to focus and reflect on.
Listen to “Sweeter,” out now.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 15, 2020 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
Experimental pop and R&B alchemists Black Grapefruit have reanimated their 2019 song “Waist” from their dance-inspired EP of the same name. The duo released a pertinent video and compelling remix that offer fresh takes on the track.
Produced by Not 97, the video features footage from fans, friends, and family dancing to “Waist” from the comfort of their homes. Ironically, the video was put together way before the coronavirus-induced mandate to stay home was in effect. The sense of community present in the video has only gotten more relevant. Black Grapefruit mentioned that this video is a “reminder that we can share energy regardless of distance, and that we are all more connected than we sometimes realize.” It’s something to keep in mind as we all brave the isolating effects of seclusion. There are several cameos in the video as well, such as Emmy-nominated actor Zazie Beetz and model and co-host of MTV’s Catfish Kamie Crawford.
The song itself is quite chill but is also infused with a danceable energy, adding another dimension to the song’s relevance. Black Grapefruit explains the place of “Waist” in light of recent events by saying that “humans have been dancing through pain and turmoil since long before recorded music. With full respect for the moment, this is our creative offering. It’s made from ceremonial, positive intention. We can only hope that its movement somehow supports our collective and continued fight towards justice and healing.” Overall the track has a good continuous flow, but anticipation is created by the few pauses that are thrown in to keep the listener on their toes. The remix takes these pauses further, breaking up the melody into fragments and weaving them together into a fractured tapestry. Despite this, there are still tons of beats to attach dance moves to, preserving the rhythmic essence of the original track.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 12, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Alannah Kavanagh’s indie rock project Grizzly Coast has added a new feel-good indie bop to their repertoire. Inspired by her countless nights in the Toronto music scene, Kavanagh wrote “End of the Night” with the intention to mimic the energy of live music. She fondly recalls how at a show, the music is too loud for anyone to talk, and so it can quell any anxiety over what to say and just allows you to focus on the experience. Even out of the context of a live venue, “End of the Night” delivers on this front.
Kavanagh’s heavenly voice starts the track off by singing “Here we go,” backed up by hazy guitars and a slow tempo before accelerating to the actual tempo of the song. She’s taking you by the hand and leading you to the live show. The rising harmonies and the fuzzy but joyous guitars make the song feel very uplifting– you can feel your own troubles start to alleviate. It’s easy to imagine how this feeling would be amplified if it were heard live. Kavanagh’s voice is the icing on the cake. She effortlessly moves through notes and sings with a freedom that compels you not only to listen, but to be free with her.
“End of the Night” will be a part of Grizzly Coast’s EP Party of One which will be released on July 17th, 2020. The EP will highlight the human need for community and the dividends that pay from having the courage to reach out to those you care about, and who care about you.
Keep up with Grizzly Coast here.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 11, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Buckle up your rocket ship seat belts for this one. Eclectic visionaries Moviestar have released their new interstellar single “Waste of Space.” Band members Infinity Vik, The Octopus Goddess and Anaconda first revealed their eccentricity back in 2018 with their critically acclaimed debut album Stupid People / Happy Days. Now they are here to astral-project far into the future and eradicate boundaries. They are described as “intergalactic archeologists” who formed in the future to produce avant-garde music that dabbles in the genres of art-pop, indie, and sci-fi punk… to name a few.
“Waste of Space” is loud, harsh, and full of energy. The initial obstinate beat and the gritty guitar immediately grabs a hold of you and pulls you along. Each verse is static, the unrelenting pattern of drums, guitar and bass grounds you, but the energy builds like a static charge. When it reaches its peak, all this energy diffuses into a dynamic chorus that coasts through its duration. The second time around, a surprisingly dulcet melody meets you after the chorus, allowing you to fully transcend into space.
This single is only one piece of the puzzle, however. Moviestar’s new album The Curse and the Currency of the Twenty-First Century is a concept album about the state of the world in 2020, but from the perspective of the future. It confronts various issues surrounding social media, technology, the environment, and the human condition. Just like the wonder of space, Moviestar’s music is limitless. They are a ghostly presence from the future that has come to show us the extent of what’s possible. If you’re looking for something idiosyncratic, or are a fan of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, David Bowie, The Kills, or Blood Red Shoes, this band is absolutely for you.
Be sure to check out the video for “Waste of Space” here, and listen to the rest of their earth-shattering album on Spotify and Apple Music.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 11, 2020 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
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 GEA here.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 10, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
This fusion of artists comes together to give you a new song to dance to. R3Hab, TINI and Reik join forces with flashing lights and graphics that fit seamlessly with the song itself. Although there is a lot going on, it never gets dull to watch with all the different elements. The energy stays high between the three artists throughout their scenes, between the dancing and colorful graphics. You’ll find yourself rewatching to focus on different things, or to even learn the dances.
“I am so excited to work with Reik and Rehab. I find it very interesting to explore new musical styles, and Bésame definitely has a special sound, distinctive from other songs. I feel very honored to collaborate with these two great artists,” TINI explained. From TINI’s collaborations with Alesso or Jonas Blue to Reik winning a Latin Grammy for “Peligro” to R3HAB’s millions of streams, these three are a powerhouse together.
The track itself has a beat that keeps your head bopping and might even force you to get up and dance. R3HAB’s bass lines mixed with Reik and TINI’s Latin-infused melodies will give you another song to add to your summer playlist.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 10, 2020 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
Rap aficionado Benny Freestyles has released his latest single and video “Follow Me Home.” The serenade eloquently illustrates the human need for companionship during dark times– whether romantic or platonic. While he was born in Providence, Rhode Island, Benny grew up a traveler, so it comes as no surprise that the video for “Follow Me Home” was filmed in Nosara, Costa Rica. The video sports radiant images of nature that are distinct from, but also closely intertwined with the music. In the opening shot, we drift through a dusky forest and hear a mix of bird calls and electronic tones from the music. The juxtaposition of the sounds is disjunct, but they also complement each other. At times the shots drift in and out of distortion, like a manifestation of the hard times that the lyrics are talking about. Some of the words draw obvious parallels to nature as well, such as “you say it’s windy,” and “just hope it all blows away.”
The electronic music may seem out of place with the nature-centered visuals, but what it does is create a sort of ambient space in which the lyrics can really thrive. Whether it’s the open ocean, eternal forest, or endless night sky, the powerful pairing of these images and the atmosphere generated by the music allows for lyrics like “please forgive me” to ricochet, amplifying their impact.
Freestyles worked with Thomas San Bento in an intense twelve hour session to produce “Follow Me Home,” which features Freestyle’s peaceful voice and the rap skills that earned Benny his name. Since his very first release (a four minute freestyle called “The Ready Freestyle“), the on-the-rise musician has aimed to inspire, putting out multiple projects and going on national tours. Along the way, he has acquired a substantial fan base that really identifies with his music. “Follow Me Home” is simply the next step in Freestyle’s movement to uplift and encourage. Don’t be afraid to let yourself get swept up in it.
Keep up with Benny Freestyles here.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 9, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Sugar Joans is reflecting and moving on in her latest single, “No Patience.” From singing background for Billie Eilish at The Grammys to appearing as a top 12 finalist on NBC’s The Voice, she continues to create a name for herself and grow in her solo career. Joans channels the sounds of Ariana Grande with a catchy hook that will be stuck in your head all day. The song, inspired by a previous relationship and breakup, was written with Sveta Bout and producers Shag and Scoob. “We got in the studio and finished the song in pretty much 3 hours,” Joans explained.
The Pop/R&B artist is all for being your genuine self and following happiness on this track, which is a part of her first full-length personal project. After listening to “No Patience,” you’ll find yourself looking for more Sugar Joans.
**photo by: brittany brooks
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 9, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Singer-songwriter ALIX recently released a new pop hit. Featuring pop sensation NEZZA, “Good” is a timeless track that works through the conflict between finding closure and wanting to move on after a relationship ends. The ballad is a model of classic pop, but the smooth vocals and subtle funk undertones give it a tasty R&B twist. The lyrics are simple but sincere, giving them a kind of universality that ALIX herself values in the music of her favourite artists. NEZZA shared in this universality as she bonded with ALIX over experiencing the aftermath of ex-relationships. From their bond, “Good” was born.
The solace found in the lyrics is enhanced by instrumentals that truly encompass the word “good.” Not the “better than alright but worse than great” definition of the word, but the one that means “pleasurable” and “enjoyable.” The song is in 6/8 time, which makes the music sway, each bar punctuated by a clean guitar chord. The harmonies are dreamy, wrapping you in a tender embrace to comfort you through your heartbreak. Towards the end there’s a satisfying key change that instills within you a resolution to persevere through any negative emotions you may be left with. In the end, “Good” is soothing, uplifting, and freeing.
While this track delights in its meaningful simplicity, one can also endeavor to go deeper and look for touches of California, where ALIX grew up. See if you can hear the gorgeous redwood forests and rolling hills that The Golden State is known for. Growing up near San Francisco meant that ALIX was exposed to an array of musical influences, providing her with a nifty toolkit that she would go on to utilize in her music. The music video for ALIX’s debut release “Come Alive” opened the door for her music career, gaining a million views in the first month. Her forthcoming album Feel Better builds on the momentum she’s created, with “Good” being only a taste of what’s to come.
Keep up with ALIX here.
