stay inside, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out

stay inside, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out

Poetic realism is the bread and butter to Brooklyn based band Stay Inside. With their words and artistry, they are able to speak of real issues not only discussed on the television, but also experienced first hand by the musicians themselves. Vocalist and guitar player Bartees Cox Jr. recounted an experience that he had on night as he was walking the streets back to his home:

A cop ran up on me one night when I was walking home – he thought I was somebody else. Things got heated and I couldn’t de-escalate the situation – we were totally alone and I thought I was going to die. I’m black, so when I’m out alone at night, I try to stay extra aware so I can avoid stuff like this, but this song is about how sometimes there’s not a lot you can do and how it’s terrifying. By the end, I’m begging for an apology – and moreso for people to acknowledge that the lasting impact of slavery and oppression is why these power dynamics exist.

Throughout the EP,  nuances of subject aforementioned by Cox adorn the lyrics of their tracks. It is refreshing to have such artistry hit the stages that speak up for the minorities and do not allow for social norms to obstruct the difference between equality and injustice.

Keep up with Stay Inside here.

nuela charles, “do it right”

nuela charles, “do it right”

Nuela Charles has been making strides in the music industry since her debut album Aware. The JUNO Awards-nominated soul singer-songwriter has released a new single titled “Do It Right”, which is an upbeat tune with a little bit of spice to it. The song starts off snappy with just the right amount of attitude.

“Do it Right” is catchy and has just the right amount of energy to get you up and dancing. The song sums up itself: if you’re going to do it, do it right and come correct at me.

Keep up with Nuela Charles here.

cat turner, “waster”

cat turner, “waster”

In anticipation of her debut EP, electro pop newcomer Cat Turner just released her single “Waster.” The track is promising with its dark beats and slow vocals. The build up of Cat’s vocals fits seemingly into the melodramatic electronic instrumentals.

Keep an eye out as the Galway native producer-singer release her EP Contrast March 9th. Look for more Cat Turner on CatTurnerOfficial.com.

king shelter, “blue pigz”

king shelter, “blue pigz”

“Blue Pigz” Is the latest track to come from rock band King Shelter off of their debut album $hame, a follow up to previous singles “Pick Your Poison” and “Teeth & Claws”. “Blue Pigz” is a combination of sounds from both previous singles, a mixture of alternative and grunge.

“Blue Pigz” is a song about people’s perspective on things and how they feel about certain situations. While the song does not identify one particular issue, the song does state issues going on and people and their pride. The song goes in about people’s values and why they should value other things that are not materialistic. “Blue Pigz” shows how people should focus on more important things in life. The song gives a look onto the darker side of society and why we admire the things we do.

Keep up with King Shelter here.

max frost, “good morning”

max frost, “good morning”

Max Frost‘s new single “Good Morning” will have you walking to a new drum. The artist had been named one of “10 Artists You Need to Know” by NPR and Rolling Stone with good reason. The track starts off as what sounds to be a gospel song. It soon turns to a hip hop beat but while integrating lyrics like “It’s a brand new day” while cues of gospel background vocals. Sunday morning or not, Frost’s new single will keep you uplifted throughout the entire week.

Keep up with Max Frost here.

kayls, modern savages

kayls, modern savages

LA-based electro-pop KAYLS inspires with her latest EP Modern Savages. The EP explores a variety of struggles Kayls has faced spanning from relationship woes to her past industry struggles. Her goal with the album is to encourage listeners and invoke strength within them.

Modern Savages perfectly demonstrates Kayls’ new-found confidence after years of feeling underestimated and mistreated throughout her career, specifically by music industry men. The EP’s second track, “Porcelain,” depicts the hardships Kayls faced. Her honesty and authenticity shine in this track as she expresses the trials and tribulations faced early in her career.

“Champagne” explores Kayls’ distaste for the expensive things in life. The soft yet intense piano ballad superbly showcases her raw yet powerful voice. The following track, “Modern Savages,” continues with a similar theme. Kayls flawlessly expresses her concern for human connection through the lyrics “what can you give me that money can’t buy.”

Both “Carousel” and “Summer” explore past relationships making the album relatable and showing listeners yet another side of such a multi-faceted and complex artist.

Kayls’ Modern Savages EP is supremely cohesive work of art that sends a musically pleasing and powerful message. With its haunting indie pop vocals and electronic, futuristic mix of musical elements, this album creates the perfect indie-pop atmosphere.

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Keep up with Kayls here.

monogem, “get you high”

monogem, “get you high”

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Monogem (aka Jen Hirsch) has released a brand new single,“Get You High”, off her new EP, following the success of her self-titled 2015 EP. Hirsch’s stage name is modelled after a Monogem Ring, the leftover sparkling bits of an exploded star. If this gives you any idea of what her music is like, Monogem will not disappoint you. A slinky, moody track, “Get You High” might just be the musical drug you’ve been looking for. With smooth vocals, Monogem creates a groovy, sensual listening experience. With a hint of nostalgia while remaining modern and fresh, “Get You High” forms a unique and enjoyable soundscape.

Co-written with Sydney Wayser and Ryan Levine, “Get You High” is truly an auditory journey.

Says Monogem of the track: “‘Get You High’ is my outlet to see through the haze, it’s a vibe filled with analog dreams and organic performance. It’s amazing how a new song can breathe life into a new creative path.”

Stay up to date with the latest from Monogem:
instagram –  website –  facebook

andrew grant, “before”

andrew grant, “before”

Since returning from the international stage under the well-known moniker DJ Cobra, Andrew Grant has felt that he has truly reconnected with his passion. Although he loved his time spent with his talented colleagues, making music that mesmerizes the listener and captivates the soul. Most recently, Grant has released his newest track, “Before” that catches the listener’s ear and holds them in suspense with his blooming base lines and beautifully crafted lyrics. Not only does Andrew Grant have the unique talent of portraying a story within his music, but he also invites his listeners to follow him along a journey of self-doubt that leads into a form of rebirth and new beginnings.

From the start of his career, Andrew Grant has always been an ambitious underdog that would constantly prove his worth in the music career by stunning the community with his tracks. As a student, Grant would spend hours calling record labels in order to sell himself as the Hip-Hop music director the University of Arizona. Of course, he has come a long way since then and has had the opportunity to perform on some of the biggest stages and in front of Hollywood celebrities. Now that he has returned to his roots, dedicated fans of DJ Cobra are preparing to be blown away by future new releases.

Keep up with Andrew Grant here.

parker’s “high” will leave you breathless

parker’s “high” will leave you breathless

Parker’s new single is much deeper than the title suggests.  The track starts off slow and psychedelic, but that’s just the buildup for Parker’s breathy vocals.  Yes, the artist mentions talk of drinking and smoking, but she craves something deeper than that.  With lyrics like “…oh I’m getting tired, oh we’re getting tired,” and “searching for a different kind of high” suggests that tangible vices will no longer do for her.  Perhaps, Parker is seeking a spiritual  or personal high.  Either way, Parker’s yearning new single is definitely worth the listen.