We’re tired. We just got really real with the title on this one. We surf through hundreds of submissions a day – and look through another bunch of other, unsubmitted, work via the internet. We know what’s out, what’s new, and what’s captivating us.
So today, we’re sharing our favorite new videos of December. And we’re encouraging you to bookmark this page and come back, as we will add to the list throughout the month.
We are literally preparing the content to play on your projector while simulating a fancy New Year’s party in your basement this year.
It’s ok. Same. But in my 3rd floor walkup with the cats.
Today, we’ve got the exclusive premiere of Devil Love’s “Everywhere Leads The Sound” alongside its new lyric video. The first track off their upcoming release Broken Things (February 12), it sets the tone for an album rich in meaning and replete with the unique blend of genres the band is known for. “Everywhere Leads The Sound” clearly bends to the ’90s alt-rock scene, with lighter vocals that bring the overall tone of the song to a softer place.
Typically, when you hear a song with heavy drums and a rougher guitar riff, you don’t necessarily consider it a lullaby. But Devil Love is here to prove that theory incorrect. The band’s willingness to be vulnerable while exhibiting strength in sound is a testament to their work as men outside of the band. Explains Peter Buzzelle of the inspiration behind the track:
This song was originally inspired by my very busy first born daughter, who was later diagnosed with ADHD. The song then morphed into a more broad comment on society and the need to take in life with gratitude.
We’re excited to learn more lessons with Devil Love as they continue to tease the upcoming album.
New York-based singer/songwriter Nora Lei’s just released her new single “Together,” a dreamy dance track that explores honest feelings of a long term relationship with someone. It’s an ode to love really – but it focuses on the love that exists in a relationship that isn’t tested by a dramatic fate, but more by the time on a clock. Lyrically, her songwriting describes the difficulties a relationship may pose — “I can tell you’re tired/ It’s alright because I am too/ Been so much tension/ Could cut it with a knife” — while the chorus brings the listener to the underlying theme of love prevailing: “We know we’re supposed to be together.” Whether it’s a relatable song or just something you want to dance to, the electronic beat allows you to find release either way.
A self-described “old-soul, hopeless romantic, and heroine of her own life adventure,” Nora Lei is welcoming listeners into her noir-pop world, one song at a time. She began releasing music at the top of this year and has already amassed close to 300K streams and a growing following on her Instagram. Stream “Together” today and be on the lookout for her future EP.
Winding down on the year from hell, let’s check out some of the high points of the month by keeping an updated account of the best new songs of the month. December 2020, you might be the last month of an otherwise difficult and weird year, but we’re going to remember you for the good stuff.
LA-based R&B star Taylor DeBlock is pulling all of our heart strings with his new EP Manque. It is appropriately named, seeing as the running theme throughout the 6-track EP is how it feels to miss someone. The up-tempo spirit of the opening track “NECESITAS” perfectly captures the feeling of losing patience while waiting for somebody that you feel really complements your life. This same sentiment is echoed on tracks like “SAY” and “CALL ME”, both of which showcase the DeBlock’s romantic availability. There is room to slow things down, as highlighted by “RIGHT WAY”, a more vulnerable take on trying to understand the thoughts inside someone’s head.
DeBlock is providing the world with the perfect winter soundtrack for feeling stuck inside not only our homes, but even our own heads. With relatable subject matter that can resonate with a wide range of situations, Manque is here to sooth that often-frustrating feeling of having overbearing thoughts.
DeBlock says of the meaning of the EP:
Originally taken from the French ‘tu me manque,’ meaning ‘I miss you,’ the EP’s title displays a two- fold meaning. A ‘manqué’ is also someone who has failed to live up to an expectation – accepting what has become, the manqué eventually sees where they fell short and must carry on.
As the holidays approach and the pandemic rages on, the feeling of missing things from the past are likely to increase. This is where Meredith Shock’s nostalgic new tune “Maybe This Isn’t Home” comes into play. The track takes us to Shock’s childhood home that she is returning to after starting to build her more grown-up life in Nashville. In a beautiful display of lyricism, Shock adds a personal touch to the song, describing in detail the different things that make her childhood home feel safe and normal. This makes for a more emotional experience on the part of not only the listener, but the singer as well. When all is said and done, it is easy to notice that the song has successful echoes of moving on and growing up while also highlighting the appreciation she has for the home that built her.
Shock says of the track:
I think a lot of people can relate to this song, especially young adults, who have left towns that they spent most of their life in and are beginning to build homes somewhere else. Although it could be considered a sad song, I also want it to be uplifting or hopeful– there’s something to be said about realizing that you are more than just a place you grew up in and have known your whole life.
