Beabadoobee, one of music’s most talked-about artists, dropped her new single, “Care”. The track is from her highly-anticipated debut full-length album Fake It Flowers, which is set to release later this year. “Care” is all about rejecting sympathy from people who aren’t interested in really getting to know and understand her. A cathartic, to-the-point chorus is a new and explicitly vulnerable direction for her music.
Bea Kristi, beabadoobee, gives fans another bedroom pop song to jam out to. You can feel the real emotions and the anger behind the lyrics, without overdoing it. Some of the first lyrics in the song that stand out are, “I need some help to forget about it / I don’t want your sympathy, stop sayin’ you give a shit / ‘cause you don’t really / care”. Everyone can relate to this feeling at some point in your life and can connect with the frustration felt in this type of situation.
Accompanied by a music video full of outrage and different trippy graphics shot in quarantine, it makes the song more personal. It’s the type of music video that you would love to see premiere on MTV in the early days. Talking about the track and the video, Bea explained, “This song has end-of-a-90s movie vibes, like you’re driving down a highway. It is pretty much me being angry at society, or people around me who I just don’t think know me and don’t care. I don’t want you to feel fucking sorry for me. I just want you to understand what I’ve been through. I never expected to be making the first video from my album during a pandemic! I was so lucky to be locked down with the bedroom guys, it feels like it turned out as one of the most personal, real videos I’ve made.”
“Care” is another great addition to her repertoire and the fans are all for it. The song is brutally honest and exemplifies her struggles, but shows how she still is the same person she’s always been. With praises from Rolling Stone and NPR along with her feature in the worldwide chart-dominating hit “deathbed (coffee for your head)”, which includes a sample of her song “Coffee”, beabadoobee really is something special.
Kacy Hill released her new album Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me Again on July 10th, and we’ve been wrapping ourselves in its loving embrace ever since. But the official music video for “Everybody’s Mother” dropped recently, and we’re absolutely floored by the beauty.
Beauty in the color palette — look at those gorgeous oranges and greens — and in the artist’s bone structure. But aside from that, beauty in her movement, her lyrics, her vocals. There is both a helplessness and a hopefulness in her eyes that is so relatable, so emotional, so vulnerable. And this sense of loneliness has been amplified in recent months for absolutely everyone. So, for the first time in Imperfect Fifth history, I’m going to let the delicate lyrics and vibrant video speak for themselves.
I’m staring at the ceiling no sleep
Thinking what I’d do if you forget me
I know I can be a lot, but I just wanna talk
I just wanna give you all I’ve got, I need distractions
I’d do anything, do anything for a reaction
I’m everybody’s mother and nobody’s baby
been giving too much to feel lonely lately
And I think that I care more than you do, maybe
I’m everybody’s mother and nobody’s baby
Maybe I’m afraid of what’s next
Maybe I’m afraid of success
Am I even making sense?
I’m just asking for a friend
I wanna say it really doesn’t matter, but it’s deeper
The hours everyday move way too slow until I need them
I’m everybody’s mother and nobody’s baby
been giving too much to feel lonely lately
And I think that I care more than you do, maybe
I’m everybody’s mother and nobody’s baby
Toronto-based R&B dancehall artist Lexxicon will soon be releasing a single and video from his upcoming EP Tropical R&B, called “I Don’t Deserve You.” Lexxicon is known for fusing his Jamaican roots with pop and world music genres. For this single, the producer, singer, and songwriter used this fusion to create an ultramodern ambiance that combines the genres of dancehall and electro-R&B. The track hones in on the feelings of desolation and detachment that loom over us during quarantine. Lexxicon found solace in the moodiness of R&B and decided to use it to express his feelings during the lockdown when he wrote Tropical R&B. As he reminisced about better days in the past, he developed “I Don’t Deserve You” to be about finding someone who you can brave the world with. The song is bittersweet, however, because although it expresses a deep love, a feeling of unworthiness is also present. “Sometimes when you finally get the love you deserve you don’t know how to accept it and you feel unworthy,” says Lexxicon.
A somber tone engulfs the music video. It alternates between several different scenes, but Lexxicon is alone in each one. His melancholic vocals gently sound in places like a vacant street or empty home. The loneliness in these settings is augmented by the somewhat sparse texture of the music. Some scenes are under a cover of darkness, others are a room with a soft red light. Even Lexxicon’s facial expressions are solemn, his eyes staring into the camera with a look of poignant longing. There is also a subtle tension within both the music and video. Flickers of overlaid patterns, colours, and scenes put you slightly on edge, and the buoyant beat and melodic ornaments clash against another, gloomier countermelody. On top of the rich scene-setting provided by the visuals and music, Lexxicon’s lyrics are compelling and all-embracing.
To listen to “I Don’t Deserve You” is to feel understood in these trying times. Stream it and watch the video when they are released this Friday, July 17th.
Every morning, news headlines basically present us with nightmares. Every day, just another nightmare. Wake up, a nightmare. Go to bed, probably also a nightmare. Not cool. So, we took it upon ourselves to give you better visuals to get you through your day. Below, find incredible new video releases from an array of talented artists. And don’t just take our word for it, discover your new favorite by pressing “PLAY.”
The illustrious TaylaParx is gracing the world once again with a video for her recent single “Dance Alone.” Parx has an extensive collection of achievements under her belt: Grammy nominations for her work on Ariana Grande’s hits “thank u, next,” “7 Rings” and “My Everything”, Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer, Christina Aguilera’s “Like I Do” featuring GoldLink, The Internet’s “Ego Death” and Hairspray; guest performances on Lizzo and Anderson .Paak’s tours, and the establishment of a songwriting camp called “Burnout.” She was born in Dallas where she trained with the legendary choreographer Debbie Allen. After sharpening her skills in LA, Parx released her mixtape TaylaMade in 2017, which now has over 25 million streams. By the time she released her debut album We Need To Talk in 2019, she had already become the first female songwriter to have three simultaneous top 10 songs in the Billboard Hot 100 since 2014: “7 Sings”, “thank u, next”, and Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes.” We Need To Talk itself was lauded by critics from The New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, and more. The album held characteristics that we also hear in “Dance Alone”: playfulness, a conversational tone, the blend of pop, R&B, and traces of rap, and high notes not unlike those of Grande herself. Parx is a creative powerhouse, already gearing up to release her new album Coping Mechanisms later this year.
The video for “Dance Alone” ties in with the concept of coping mechanisms as well. To cope with quarantine and social isolation, Parx offers a breezy video of her dancing at home in her pajamas. She says “We need human connection, but at least when you’re home dancing in your pajamas while blasting your favorite song, you feel a little less alone.” The video is captivating, drawing you in with an adorable dog shot at the beginning, then keeping your attention as you watch Parx move through her home in elegant pajamas, bathed in dreamlike purple and blue light. Her smooth and carefree moves put a smile on your face. The music is made up of funky bass, guitar, and drums and provides an infectious groove for her to dance to. But instead of the music being simply a foundation for her to maneuver upon, the two feel more like distinct equals, like they are keeping each other company. Parx’s vocals are spectacular as well. She attacks her high notes precisely and deftly, with no need to prepare. They are like little gems that give the track an extra sense of enchantment.
“Dance Alone” is sure to have you dancing the quarantine blues away in no time. Get your dose of sunshine here.
JennyMarch, a Los Angeles based rising singer/songwriter, has released her first single off her forthcoming EP: “November Nights.” This moody track and accompanying music video are inspired by a past relationship, one that maybe wasn’t very healthy but the longing for love and validation made it addicting nonetheless. “November Nights” has March’s signature personal and electrifying sound that empowers girls to have fun. Whether that means going out and partying or anything else that they enjoy, March’s music encourages them to go for it, regardless of what other people think.
The music video is a picture of glamour. March’s several stylish outfits, her dazzling “BABE” choker, and the flashing lights and nighttime setting all point to the partying atmosphere that she unapologetically enjoys. But the inky night that pervades through every shot also reveals some darker undertones, reminding us of the compulsive relationship which “November Nights” was inspired by. From a musical perspective, this song is minimalistic pop that exudes feminine power. There is only an inkling of background music, but this music lays the groundwork for March’s voice and lyrics to really shine. Her lyrics affirm her self-proclaimed reputation as an “open-book” artist, dealing with this deep topic in an approachable way, writing lyrics as though she’s texting.
Watch the video for “November Nights” here, and be sure to check out March’s non-musical endeavors as well! In her weekly Instagram live show “Wednesday Sessions,” March brings in an artist to perform and engage with. She will also be a social ambassador for Rihanna’s SAVAGExFENTY line, giving her an opportunity to combine her love of music with her obviously stellar fashion sense that we see in the “November Nights” music video. She certainly is on the rise, and you’ll want to catch her on her way up.
Electronic duo DivineAstronaut released their new single and music video for “Voices”. This is the group’s second track off their debut album, Made Not In Berlin, set to release sometime in 2020. Inspired by artists such as Radiohead and Bjork combined with the absence of electronic acts, the duo came to fruition in August 2019. Their music is downtempo, alternative electronica with trip-hop and industrial elements weaved in. The track has a menacing feel with airy vocals and deep guitar riffs.
With toned-down colors, singer Livvy Holland walks around an ominous castle. The video was actually shot at Dracula’s Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania, capturing the haunting nature of the track and the mythology of Dracula. The duo tackles how haunting our own voices and inner demons can be. As Warm Audio Featured Artists, DivineAstronaut are partnering with the pro-audio manufacturer on the release of the track to give audiences a chance to win a Warm Audio WA-47JR microphone. The microphone is featured multiple times in the video and you can sign up here for your chance to win. Don’t forget to take a look at the “Voices” video now.
On June 24th, Imperfect Fifth hosted our first official variety show with the indelible Cat Call. An idea sparked by Cat Call founder Brittany Brave, we were more than happen to collaborate it into existence with a badass lineup of incredible female voices. We started the evening with some awkward banter from Imperfect Fifth’s Meredith Schneider, followed by a bangin’ comedy set from Brittany Brave. Jillian Riscoe, Kamber, Jessie Hyde, and Lauren LoGrasso followed, with a night of compliments and good feelings all-around. But, truly, we were there for the talent. And not a single beautiful human disappointed.
Keep your eyes on the scroll for everyone’s tip jars. Remember, we’re all out of work to one degree or another right now, so every little bit helps. Feel free to donate to the Imperfect Fifth Tip Jar, and leave a note for which writer/intern/performer you’d like to support. Enjoy the entertainment, and remember to be kind to yourself and others!
P.S. Please take a moment to adore Brittany Brave, who is the object of our featured photo.
As a player and producer, LesNuby is no stranger to the music world. The virtuoso began in Birmingham, Alabama as the drummer for indie-rock band Verbena but never settled, exploring as many opportunities as he could. Notable endeavours include touring with the esteemed Scottish band Idlewild, as well as playing guitar for Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls and the band Vulture Whale. A marvel behind the scenes as well, Nuby has produced releases for artists such as Will Stewart, Sarah Lee Langford, The Dirty Clergy, and Witch’s Wall. Alongside being the current guitarist and vocalist for Holiday Gunfire, he is finally adding a solo album to his repertoire. Clouded will be released on July 10th, 2020.
“Know What She Said” will be the first single, and it lets you in on the secret of what to expect from this long-anticipated album. The song is quite melodic and emanates exciting but controlled energy, meanwhile the surrounding music is made up of skilled instrument playing. A particularly bouncy bass part especially stands out and would be worth keeping an ear out for. In fact, you could listen to this song over and over again and rediscover it each time as you listen to the intricacies of each instrument. The vocals and overall atmosphere of the single is reminiscent of 80s era R.E.M., but the melody points more towards early 90s power pop, and the two blend together wonderfully.
The video is a captivating, artsy black and white live visual that allows you a brief glimpse into Les Nuby’s live performance. It’s enough to make you yearn for pre-Covid days.
You can look forward to these well-executed aspects in Clouded as well. In a culmination of his musical resume, LesNuby produced, engineered, and played all the instruments on the album, and that care and experience is certainly heard in “Know What She Said.”
Be sure to check out Nuby’s earlier release “Never Falling Away” here.
