calan mai, “we’ve got love”

calan mai, “we’ve got love”

Out with an exciting new video, created to accompany one of his greatest singles to date, “We’ve Got Love,” is up and coming, rising talent, Calan Mai. Since the release of the single, fans all over the country have fallen for this infectious Australia-based artist. Due to this positive reaction, it comes as no surprise that the colorful visual spectacle that now accompanies this track is another success on Mai’s resume. At first glance, this music video encompasses a light hearted folk-vibe that fills the room with joy and light. However, as one considers the wonderful lyrics, there is a deeper meaning that speaks of unconditional love and family.

While listening to this beautifully light track, it is hard not to fall in love with the clean vocals and feeling of happiness that often surrounds work produced by Mai. In an article written in Glide, it described Mai’s track as “Distinct folk-pop… soaring vocals delivered with warmth and ease, intricate lyricism and detailed storytelling… the states will certainly be hearing more of his unique song-craft.” Without a doubt this Australian artist has a bright future ahead of him as he continues to team up with those who enhance his already natural and pure sound.

Keep up with Calan Mai here.

brittany campbell leaves bread crumbs to debut album with “my garden”

brittany campbell leaves bread crumbs to debut album with “my garden”

With a blossoming career in music, multi-talented singer-songwriter Brittany Campbell is currently on the cast for Chicago’s run of Hamilton and starring in the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It. The songstress is on the rise in music and nothing will stop her rising career.

Brittany Campbell is getting geared up to release her new album April 28th Stay Gold. From that album is her song “My Garden”, which is a song that gets you to relax. The song has a soulful R&B sound to it and it accompanied by a reggae backdrop. “My Garden” is a great opening to Campbell’s debut album.

Keep your eyes peeled for Stay Gold , which will be released April 28th.

nathan evans fox, texas dust

nathan evans fox, texas dust

Following up on his album Home, singer-songwriter Nathan Evans Fox has released his new album Texas Dust. The Atlanta based singer has a penchant for folk, and is bringing his country roots to his latest work. A North Carolina native, Nathan was immersed in the sounds of folk, bluegrass, rock, and country at a young age. He is also well versed with a range of musical instruments such as the fiddle and the guitar. Texas Dust displays all the talents of Fox’s songwriting, instrumentation, and musical inspirations from his hometown.

A natural storyteller, Nathan’s lyrics tell the tale of his difficulty with religion and heritage growing up. The album is composed of eleven tracks, including the album’s title track “Texas Dust.” Out of those eleven tracks, my personal favorites are “Texas Dust,” “Saint Louis,” and “Great Sky.” A bittersweet ballad to a lost love in Texas, “Texas Dust” tells the story of Nathan’s grandfather- a Southern migrant worker turned Army Sergeant who eventually left the military following the death of his young daughter. The opening line sparks personal and political controversy saying “I was raised by violent men- drinking daddy and Uncle Sam.” The chorus keeps its foreboding tone, “I can’t change all my ways, can’t change the laws of grief—back when I was 21, I was Texas Dust and you were Tennessee.”

“Texas Dust” encompasses the salty and sweet of folk, while staying personal. “Saint Louis,” a wanderlust track, discusses all the places Nathan plans to go across the USA. “It’s been a full year in Saint Louis and we still ain’t getting used to it,” sings Fox. With the Midwest blues, Fox goes on “Now I’m dreaming about that boat taking me where I want to be.” “Saint Louis” holds a feeling of hope and longing, even though Nathan is stuck there. To me, “Great Sky” is perhaps the most uplifting track on Texas Dust. With talks of starting new, Fox sings “What more do I seek from this Heaven upon me?” Fox is looking to turn a spiritual new leaf. While those three tracks remain my favorite, Texas Dust has a little bit of something for everyone- even if you are not one for folk, Nathan’s lyrical talent alone will blow you away.

Look out for Texas Dust and more from Fox here.

hit bargain, “hell is real”

hit bargain, “hell is real”

NPR just premiered the latest from L.A. based band Hit Bargain, “Hell Is Real”, which is off of the band’s LP Potential Maximizer, out May 11th. Nora Singh, Hit Bargain’s front woman, found inspiration for the track from her experiences of small-town Ohio. She describes her experiences as a “self-imposed exile.” The frustrations are evident on this punk-rock track as Nora sings “When we’re afraid we shoot, point blank, point blank,” and “What’s far is unknown, what’s unknown makes us afraid.”

Nora further describes the core of “Hell Is Real” saying:

There is a mural in my partner’s Ohio hometown that prominently features this phrase painted in four feet letters on the side of a building. Opposite is a picture of people suffering in a lake of hellfire. I found it a funny declaration, “HELL IS REAL”, like “THE END IS NIGH”, just this warning of this intangible myth juxtaposed with this very American rust belt town that’s falling apart, losing its jobs to automation and outsourcing. The lyrics revolve around xenophobia and Capitalist complacency.

“Hell Is Real” is not an average punk-rock track and draws on reals problems faced today by many.

Tour Dates
April 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Emerald House w/Post Life, Media Jeweler
May 12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Rec Center
June 16 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Explosion
June 18 – Burlington, VT @ Hope All Is Well
June 19 – Boston, MA @ O’Brien’s Pub
June 21 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville
June 22 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
June 23 – Baltimore, MD @ Joe2
June 27 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
June 28 – Detroit, MI @ Trixie’s
June 30 – Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah (all-ages matinee)

Keep up with Hit Bargain here.

sam himself, “heartphones”

sam himself, “heartphones”

New York based artist Sam Himself has made a name for himself with his new single “Heartphones”. With a classic take on rock, “Heartphones” gives the listener a taste of dreams, hope, and commitment. The song talks about having to take sacrifices to get to where you want to go in life.

“Heartphones” tests the question of how far you are willing to go for something you love. The track is a love song that tugs at your emotions and plays a part in your decision making when it comes to questioning big decisions you have to make in life.

Keep up with Sam Himself here.

alexx mack, “uncomfortable”

alexx mack, “uncomfortable”

Alexx Mack is back with her brand new song titled “Uncomfortable”. The Los Angeles based singer debuted her track after a year long hiatus. “Uncomfortable” is a song about people in relationships that try to bring their partner down instead of lifting them up and encouraging them. The track is all about letting your beliefs that your partner once silenced out and showing that there is more to you than having your dreams questioned.

“Uncomfortable” goes into reclaiming your power instead of letting others bring you down. The song is powerful and makes a statement for those who want to be heard. The track encourages women to show who they are despite what the world says.

Keep up with Alexx Mack here.

lonely benson, lonely benson

lonely benson, lonely benson

Sine the release of his wildly successful synth laid single, “Let It Go,” singer/songwriter Lonely Benson has been working towards the release of his newest self-titled LP. Not only is “Let It Go” the perfect sneak peak to this wonderfully laid back LP, but every song that Lonely Benson contains is full of the same indie pop magic that fans have come to love from this artist. Throughout the entire release, the listener is taken through story after story that has been perfectly executed with the use of clever lyricism and dreamy vocals. One of tracks in particular, “Lazy Lover” aligns itself to this description. Lonely Benson is the ideal listen for any occasion or circumstance–whether you are spending time with friends, laying on the beach, or on a drive by yourself in the countryside.

Throughout all of his tracks, fans will fall in love with all of the thrillingly nuanced synth-pop influences and skillful guitar work. Along with this killer skills in his back pocket, Lonely Benson has the unique ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with his music that is both infectious and highly coveted. Without a doubt, this artist has what it takes to make it big time, seeing as there is already a significant amount of buzz surrounding this new project. Since his debut as an artist, he has been featured on Apple Music’s alternative list and has been awarded over 2 million streams on Spotify. Along with killing it with his now millions of stream, he has also created a following through his coverage everywhere from Indie Shuffle to KickKickSnare. No doubt, this new album is going to satisfy all of those who have jumped on the Lonely Benson band wagon.

Keep up with Lonely Benson here.

dwy, “over you”

dwy, “over you”

Distancing himself from the overwhelming status quo of the modern music is up and coming South-London based artist DWY. Since his debut, DWY has effectively distinguished himself from other artists by producing music with so much soul and unique talent. His most recent release, “Over You,” is further evidence of this truth. Like many of his other tracks, “Over You,” is composed of simple yet beautifully produced pieces that, when put together are the perfect combination of well written lyrics and talented vocals. As fans listen to this wonderfully constructed single, they will experience music in one of its purest forms–without overpowering instrumentals or other effects, just clean simple, beautiful lyrics. DWY transports his listeners to a world that he creates with his smooth emotive voice that both calms and soothes the soul.

Above anything else is the irrefutable fact that DWY brings something unique and beautiful to the music industry. “Over You,” being his most recent addition to his ever growing musical lexicon is no different. For those who have had the please of experiencing his version of soulful electronic pop , the new single will be a welcomed new piece to enjoy. For those who have not yet discovered this young talent, it will be a refreshing, new experience that will capture their attention and renew their view on modern music.

 

tanners, “holy water”

tanners, “holy water”

Tanners just released her debut single “Holy Water.”  The New York based songwriter/producer has already engineered several artists’ records and is taking music into her own hand with “Holy Water, which resides in the world of synth psych-pop.  With the help of Tanners’ sweet voice, “Holy Water” exudes sensuality.  She pulls you in with lyrics like “I can be your Jesus if you let me” and “Come with me and swim into my daydream.”

“Holy Water” is inspired by Tanners’ childhood fondness for the beach.  It revolves around of being born again by water in the purest form.  Tanners comments on the track: “It’s a thank you song to the ocean for teaching me to embrace vulnerability.”

Keep up with Tanners here.