Throbbing synths, outer-space vibes and the overwhelming sense of satisfaction that comes with bedroom pop — what more could you ask for? Shouting out her name from the entranced hills and transcendent sunshine of Los Angeles, the multi-talented Olivia Morreale presents her new track, “NO ANSWER”. Arriving as the first piece off her upcoming EP, SPACE DREAMS, the trackdrips traces of the emerging artist’s persona with each pulse.
Having roots in New York City and a background in jazz, Morreale’s unification with the glittery-ness of Southern California has resulted in evident depth as a writer and producer. Sensual vocals with ethereal lyrics results in a listener’s experience of both confusion and contentment. With Morrelae, strangeness is welcomed– even encouraged. As the song progresses, constellation vibrations take the listener far away; all while remaining grounded by the singer’s dream-like voice.
Along with co-writer and co-producer Eli Koskoff, the two have created a track that fits the mentality of a city like Los Angeles. No one really knows exactly where they’re headed, and life often seems too good to be true. Nonetheless, the only option is to keep floating ahead– enjoying what surprises you might discover along the way.
Dreams are very meaningful machines and most of the time they are so much more than we think they are. Dreams tell you what you really know about something, what you really feel and point you toward what you need for growth. So if you want to know your soul and navigate your life, you can’t do much better than turning to your dreams.
Since its inception in 1993, independent record label — Saddle Creek Records — has consistently earned itself a place on the shelf as being home to America’s favorite indie artists. From Bright Eyes, to Spoon and Big Thief; the Nebraska based college-project-turned-business’s roster draws fans from across the globe. Continuing Saddle Creek’s trajectory of success is rock band Ohtis, who just made their appearance on the label’s most recent project: the Document Series.
With roots dating back to 2004, the Ohtis trio is made up of Sam Swimson, Adam Pressley and Nate Hahn. Now presenting their single, “Schatze”, the three are joined by a feature from Saddle Creek’s very own, Stef Chura. The new track and accompanying music video foster a tech-savvy backstory that is irresistible for our current media-plagued generation. The song’s spacey beginning, strong rock anthem and head-bobbing bass line will undoubtedly land the group on top tier, alternative-loving playlists far and wide. Beyond that, Stef Chura provides authenticity– supplying us with realistic responses to someone who, quite simply, is bothering the shit out of you.
The Document Series serves as an effort, on Saddle Creek’s behalf, to allow bands not already a part of their label family to express their own musical communities, creations and desires. According to Ohtis themselves, “Schatze” lays out a character study of the “Selfish Antisocial Male”, primarily told through the lens of Sam’s longtime girlfriend.
These are all the songs I listened to while writing most of the album. Typically I’ll listen to one of the songs I’m most intrigued by and will try to vary up drum patterns and add my own flare with the guitars. Once I have the general mood of the song, that’s when the lyrics start to become apparent on what the idea is about.
This month threw so much talent in our face, and 2021 really feels like something special because of it. Check out some of the best music videos we have seen this month, and check back all year to re-visit 2021’s first releases! Including videos from Bailey Bryan, Evan Stanley, Planned Dilemma, ALPHA HOPPER, and more.
London-based singer-songwriter, CLOVES, does not wait to ask for permission in her newest track and accompanying music video, “Sicko”. Every aspect of the artist’s persona demands attention. With vibrant pink hair, disjointed dance movements and an occasionally-pained facial expression; the twenty-four year old makes it hard to look away during the duration of her three-minute-long production.
In her music video, the Australian-born singer peels back the layers of what it means to be an outsider. We are first introduced to her character via the television: an immediate suggestion to cast judgment onto the girl we see through the screen. We are then brought in for a closer look at the haunting side of isolation and loneliness, and the frailty of it all. Most interesting of all: despite the sadness behind CLOVES’ words, we are led to a chorus that resembles the melody of a lullaby, and there is somehow a sense of acceptance of the singer’s depressed state.
Like a really good horror movie you can’t stop yourself from watching, CLOVES’ “Sicko” touches on the scarier subjects in life– but you can’t help but be obsessed nonetheless.
