by Meredith Schneider | Nov 5, 2020 | premieres, singles
I’m not sure a more poignant song could have been released during this time. As many of us wait for some pretty important results, we haven’t lost hope. Talena Bricker’s new track “Done No Wrong” meanders along beautifully with a country-laced composition just bursting at the seams with a similar attitude. Admits Bricker of the track:
I think, in the end, the song became about hope. And how hope is a wonderful thing, but can also be a little scary. It can be that extra push to get out of your comfort zone and do something scary.
While Bricker’s soft vocals dance around your current reality, allow yourself to feel the emotions that birthed the track itself. Guilt, loss, despair, confusion, love, hope. And we’ve got your first listen.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 30, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Rainy car rides in the fall could use more songs like Irene Skylakaki’s “Sutherland Avenue”. Complete with emotional lyrics and a gentle sway-like melody, it makes you want to embark on a journey of self-discovery of sorts, searching for all the answers as to how you ended up here. Maybe by the end, you will find what you are looking for, as suggested by how the track accelerates into a completely new world after the two-minute mark. It is a story of perplexity, maybe even frustration, about something you love ending and feeling like you have no understanding of how it happened. In her search for her own moment of clarity, she actually provides us with clarity as we are able to work to fully understand not her emotions that inspired the song, but our own emotions that become comprehensible after listening to it.
Irene says of her hope for the track:
I would prefer it if anyone who listens to ‘Sutherland Avenue’ connects with it through their own experiences. The lyrics to the song are quite self-explanatory and raw and after various tries, I insisted on keeping them as they are unsophisticated and honest.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 27, 2020 | review, videos
The members of VALLEY have a strong work ethic and are perfectionists by nature. This shines through in the lyric video for the title track of their new EP, sucks to see you doing better. The video was released as part of a pair of visuals put out from the EP, the other being “homebody”.
Set on a high school track field, “sucks to see you doing better” shows VALLEY taking a more lighthearted approach to the visualization of a tune that expresses some rather heavy emotions about watching someone you love happier with someone new. The band are creative in choosing how the lyrics appear. Rather than simply displaying the lyrics using some magical postproduction software, they opt for a more personal touch, handwriting. Throughout the entire video, members of the band take turns writing the lyrics on the screen while the other members partake in various, sometimes silly, activities behind them. This makes for a viewing experience that you can relate to without having to get the tissues out. The song easily could have been a heartbreaking ballad, followed by a sad visual. Instead, the sadness cuts deep while still allowing you to let loose. Watching the song come to life only solidifies the notion that sadness can be expressed in seemingly myriad ways. It accomplishes their goal of bringing positivity into a negative, heavy world.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 9, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
Relationships in the modern era are anything but simple. Because of social media and other ways that society sets standards, it can be hard to know what love is today. In his new video for “Listenin’”, Reggie Becton gives his perspective on what it is like to be a male navigating love in today’s culture while also confronting toxic masculinity and toxic relationships in general. With influences from past and present R&B artists, it is easy to be taken back to previous eras while also appreciating where music has gone since then.
The stunning visual illustrates the difficulties of being in love with someone when it isn’t easy to be with them for one reason or another. The two love interests appear to be physically separated by a wall, perhaps as a metaphor for how it feels to be in such a situation. This is likely to be the result of something much more complicated than one would initially be led to believe. The lyrics demonstrate that Becton struggles with conflicting thoughts about his emotions. It is evident from this and moments in the video, like the scene where he appears to be trying to work out a science experiment, that he is unsure which path to take when it comes to romance. Becton remains vulnerable when expressing his feelings about love and he does it in a stunning way throughout the entirety of the video. Perhaps many people his age identify with this very struggle.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 8, 2020 | premieres, videos
In the new music video for his song “My Mind”, Trent Toney creates an intriguing visual where he and the subject of all of his woes are replaced by two stuffed animals. This silly interpretation of the track should not take away from the heartbreaking words that he sings, however. In the simplest sense, it is a breakup song. With a dominant guitar, Toney sings about how unbearable it is to go on without his former love. At first glance, it might seem like using stuffed animals takes away from the sadness of the lyrics.
When listening and watching further, the song is loud and clear about how heartbreaking it is to go through a breakup. The video paints this picture well. From going through an old pile of photos from the relationship to trying to keep oneself busy by doing household chores or taking a long drive, Toney does an incredible job of creating imagery that the viewer can identify with. Through a blend of lighthearted storytelling and heart wrenching lyrics, this video is the perfect balance of emotions. It is also a great reminder that animals make perfect music video stars.
by Leigha Stuiso | Oct 2, 2020 | Uncategorized
Although 2020 hasn’t been the best year, there have been some good things. What I mean by those good things is great music and the rise of many new artists. Among those ranks is Dava, a Los Angeles-based artist who isn’t afraid to tell her stories and blend different genres. If you are looking for a sound similar to artists such as Benee and Lolo Zouai, look no further. Dava’s latest single, “Papercut”, is out now accompanied by a music video with trippy visuals. In an Instagram post she spoke about the meaning behind the song and left a message to fans, “I hope this song speaks to whoever needs it.”
“Papercut” is impressive on its own for the clever lyrics, but the icing on the cake is Dava’s voice bringing them to life. You cannot ignore the emotions behind her voice and the talent she has. The Pre-chorus, “when my heads in the clouds and my hearts in my gut / keep your eyes on the prize and your hand on the gun / gave you all that I had but it wasn’t enough,” is something a lot of people will be able to relate to their own experiences and feelings. Her debut EP, Sticky, is set to release via Sony this year. This may only be the beginning for Dava, but she is off to a great start.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 1, 2020 | premieres, videos
by: meredith schneider
Heartfelt songstress Jessie Wagner is revving up to release her new, gorgeous, love-induced track “My Darlin, My Dear” tomorrow. As someone with quite an impressive musical resume, Wagner really knows how to create an ambiance, as she frames a very relatable and unfortunate experience in an enchanting way. Admits the artist of the track:
There’s always that guy that you know is no good for you, but you keep going back anyway. This song is an amalgamation of the guys I wished would love me and not just keep me around for convenience.
To really feel the emotions that went into this track, one must experience it. So check out our premiere of the lyric video below, and try to convince us we aren’t burning a candle and playing it on the big screen on repeat all evening!
“My Darlin, My Dear” is out tomorrow. You can pre-save the track here.
by ImperfectFifth | Sep 30, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
by: tiffany czech
In a world where material possessions meet spiritual growth, one may find themselves just as conflicted as the character in Sir Sly’s music video for “Material Boy”. Here, the material boy is someone who appears to be in a state of distress as he works through his emotions to leave behind any care in the world about material items. Through watching him chew up wads of cash and hide from all of the expensive things he owns; the viewer comes to understand that he yearns for more in his life. He yearns to be free from the material chains that are constraining him. The catchy chorus of the song reminds the listener that our material boy has found a spiritual void within himself and he strives to fill it.
What is great about what we see in this video is that it doesn’t need to follow one meaning for everybody who watches it. It could mean struggling to come to terms with the current political landscape, as the second verse alludes to, just as much as it could represent the struggle to leave an unfulfilling job that pays well. The common theme amongst the profuse number of possible interpretations is the yearning to find something that makes one feel whole. “Material Boy” both fascinates and perplexes, as well as provides the best form of entertainment for the viewer. Lead singer Landon Jacobs notes: “My highest hope is that this video can mean something a little different for anyone that watches it, but at the very least, I hope it is entertaining.”
by ImperfectFifth | Sep 28, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
by: meredith schneider
Are you ready to fall apart to the most emotional country song this side of the heyday of Rascal Flatts? Endearingly so, the latest release from Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell will move you to tears. Reinforcing verbal support during times of trouble is important, especially during these times. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for artists like Amanda and Jason. Not only is their work absolutely delightful, but they stand for the right side in a very important battle in the American landscape.
Shires is one of many country artists speaking out in support of accessible abortion options. She expands:
This song is about making tough decisions and not having to go it alone. To me, ‘The Problem’ is a song about supporting someone you love through a difficult time. It’s about helping without exerting your own will. I support a woman’s right to choose, and I know these choices are never easy.
Get ready to feel those emotions with this new single.
All proceeds from the track benefit the Yellowhammer Fund.
