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.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 8, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
If you’re a fruitarian or otherwise obsessed with all things sweet, Australian duo Yuto.’s new track “Apple & Peach” will appeal not only to your eardrums, but to your tastebuds. The song itself is smooth as honey, the rhythm something that makes you want to both bounce and just sit completely still, perhaps being a fly on the wall in a club somewhere. (Don’t act like you can’t envision a really awesome, slow-motion music video to this track.) Collaborating with BOY SODA for a second time was the right move, as this track wouldn’t feel complete without his emphatic vocals.
Check out the track below. Add it to your playlists. It’s going to put you in the right mind this Monday.
Keep up with Yuto. here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2020 | soundtrack, videos
Well, PRIDE month is here. So is civil unrest, but that’s been bubbling at the surface for some time. We are going to have some insane new releases this month. Keep your eyes glued to this feature, as we continue to add to our list of favorite new music videos throughout the month.
Let’s start it off with “Fight Like A Girl” by Raye Zaragoza, shall we?
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 4, 2020 | Uncategorized
First of all, just as a reminder, BLACK LIVES MATTER. Period. If you do not agree with that statement or the movement happening right now, kindly excuse yourself from our viewership.
This month has been heavy. But, as I step out of my white privilege and gain new insight every day, I realize how heavy life is for so many others all the time. As a community, we are doing what we can to make an impact. This is going to include highlighting marginalized artists and the voices of our BIPOC brothers and sisters more regularly, merchandise proceeds to Black Lives Matter, financial donations to the cause. This movement will not fall on deaf ears. These changes are being made for good and for the better.
That said, let’s dive into our favorite new tracks of June 2020. You know this soundtrack gets wild, so expect some jams from Glass Peaks, Vilde, RUNN, Grace Gillespie, Caro, Suns Up, and more!
Civil Rights are everyone’s rights. We will not be free until everyone is free.
by Katy Mombourquette | Jun 4, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Yemi Alade. You may know the Nigerian sensation as the first female African artist to reach 100 million plays on youtube with her hit song “Johnny” in 2014. If not, you may know her as a contributor to Béyonce’s album The Lion King: The Gift. If neither of these accomplishments ring a bell, then let her new song “Boyz” be your gateway into this remarkable MTV Africa Music Award winner. Of Yoruba and Igbo descent, Yemi produces vibrant Afropop music for the world to enjoy. “Boyz” is groovy and bouncy, and Yemi’s enthralling vocals and melodies are supplemented by an unwavering beat. The beat is passed around between voices– the bass, drums, and even Yemi’s vocals. No matter where the beat is, however, it’s constant and driving, transfixing the listener. Yemi also adds a unique touch by using drums to ornament the song here and there rather than simply having them keep the beat.
Created with collaborator Vtek, this upbeat pop gem is just a taste of Yemi’s impending album. A video for “Boyz” is on the horizon as well. In the meantime, you can check out her other four albums: King of Queens, Mama Africa (The Diary of an African Woman, Black Magic, and Woman of Steel. As an acclaimed trailblazer for African music, Yemi’s music is a treasure and unquestionably worth checking out.
Keep up with Yemi Alade here.
by Leigha Stuiso | Jun 3, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Anna Sofia’s “Either Way” is a love letter to someone very important in her life, who was struggling with body issues. The first verse immediately deals with her love for this person, but their hate for everything about themself. The thoughtful lyrics accompany a soft melody that persists throughout the song, setting a strong introduction to her upcoming EP, Broken Perfection. Sofia and producer Jeff Hazin worked alongside Jeff Kleinman, someone the 16-year-old looks up to, on the record.
This single shows that love is there, no matter what you look like. The chorus addresses being stuck in the internal war and the fight put up to deal with these negative thoughts.
Either way you put it, you are going to love this song.
