by Sadie Battle | Dec 24, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Eugene, Oregon singer, songwriter and producer khai dreams debuts an acoustic version of their latest track, “Good Advice”. Half Vietnamese and 21 years of age, khai dreams has been releasing music since 2017. Their sound is an eclectic blend of influences ranging from contemporary hip-hop and R&B to modern indie, surf rock, and neo-soul. This dreamy brand of intimate pop has helped them amass more than 490 million career streams and a dedicated online following. With such an impressive background and fan base, there’s still something so humbling about “Good Advice”. With just vocals and strings, khai dreams sets a tone for the listener to just breathe. This acoustic version and accompanying video is such a comforting, feel good vibe that seems to give you a hug as you take it all in. Bittersweet and honest lyrics catch up to you quickly though with this verse,
“And you seem to think that we got time / But we never seem to get it right / Everyday I’m wishing there was more.”
Take our advice and listen to this song today, and listen to even more sweet melodies and indie masterpieces by khai dreams from their spotify.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 24, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
When a French artist teams up with a British rapper, a bilingual, chart-topping, a smash like “Plus Jamais” (which translates to “Never Again” in English) is likely to ensue. To make matters even more exciting, the duo just dropped the spinning video that accompanies the track, which shows the two artists alone in separate rooms struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship but recognizing that it is probably the best thing to do. Throughout the entire thing, both of them work to recognize the importance of getting up and moving on but find it to be a daunting challenge. While one seems to be experiencing regret in giving so much of herself to the relationship, the other is worried that she will find love elsewhere.
With clever artistic choices throughout, the “Plus Jamais” visual is a must-see. It is easy to see why the track has had the success that it has. Not only does it combine two powerful stars and two languages, but it also tells a story using vulnerabilities and frustrations on top of a sentimental instrumental. “Plus Jamais” is an all-encompassing feels trip.
Nakamura says of collaborating with Stormzy: “I was so honored Stormzy said ‘yes’ immediately. I was especially interested in his distinct singing voice. I wanted him to bring that sweetness to the track.”
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 23, 2020 | albums, review
In his return to performing, Glenn Morrow put together a group of talented musicians to form a band, Glenn Morrow’s Cry for Help. Out of that band comes a new album, 2. For anybody yearning for more rock and roll in their lives, 2 is the perfect place to turn. Filled to the brim with some answers to tough life predicaments and a way to move forward, the album is the perfect opportunity to just sit and be cozy while enjoying important stories and comforting melodies.
A major theme throughout the album that creates this heartwarming feeling is simply the idea of moving forward. Tracks like “Soul Hold” and “The Sun the Moon the Scars” are warm reminders that bad times don’t always have to stay that way. The latter song provides a jazz-esque sound, making it one of the most memorable tracks. There are also songs that fall more on the side of yearning for more, namely “Come Back”, “Watch it Burn” and “Other Side of the Dream”. The group provides layers of emotion that truly represent what life can be like, sorrow mixed with some fun, making it a sobering and comforting experience.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 21, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
With a powerful yet heartbreaking dance tune like “Blame”, it makes sense as to why duo Yardhaus was successful in opening for superstars like Marshmello and Zedd. They are superstars themselves. The infectious production of the tune by itself proves why they are a force to be reckoned with. But beyond this groove, there is a story being told. The lyrics speak of the ability to foreshadow that a relationship is going to end pretty much before it even got started. This crash course in understanding toxic relationships could have become the next heart shattering breakup ballad, and we would have loved that, too. But the combination of catchy electronic beats and a sobering story of lost love is what makes Yardhaus the superstars they are. By marrying the two ingredients that many look for, they prove that they want to bring everybody on their journey, and we all want to join.
The duo says of the track: “‘Blame’ is a hybrid between dance, pop, and electronic. The song is about knowing how a relationship will end, even from the start. It speaks to the toxicity and short-sighted nature of transactional relationships.”
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 18, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
In the video for “Silver Cowboy Boots”, Anna Shoemaker prances around a motel room trying to forget about the person that broke her heart. While some of these methods of mind-erasure involve food and drinks, Shoemaker finds that the best way to rid your mind of an unwanted person is by donning a fresh pair of cowboy boots. So, she does. The track itself, which features Invisible Will, is essentially a love story to the boots. The video is the story of how boots are unable to bring you down and put you in a bad place, unlike the relationship she just got out of. Still, there are moments of vulnerability where Shoemaker admits that it isn’t that simple to get somebody off your mind. In any case, “Silver Cowboy Boots” can serve as a reminder to us all that sometimes all it takes is a little something simple, like cowboy boots, to clear your mind.
Shoemaker says of the inspiration behind the track:
I wrote this song after my ex and I broke up for the second time. He seemed to be doing fine and I was still heartbroken. I was in the studio sad, hungover, and wearing these insane silver Fendi cowboy boots I had bought myself and was just like, you know what, maybe this is fine?
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 18, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
Fierce electronica artist Eivør has released “Only Love” from her new album Segl, which also happens to be accompanied by a stunning visual. Featuring vocals from Ásgeir, “Only Love” is a mystical and entrancing track about how powerful it is to be in the gravitational pull of love. The song’s illustrative lyrics paint a vivid picture of what it looks like to be so deep and in love. It is full of clarity in that the feeling of love is really the only thing that can make you feel both so fragile and so powerful at the same time. The electrifying sonics and strong melodies pull you right into the intensity of not only love, but the track itself. “Only Love” is the perfect combination of haunting production and intriguing lyrics made to enthrall every listener.
Eivør says of the process of creating the track:
I wrote the lyrics with David Hopkins and when this song was written I thought about “love” and all the things it makes us do. I will never get tired of writing about this subject. It’s the most complex and yet the most basic of all things. It has so many shapes and shades and on this life journey it takes us through the whole palette of emotions. It’s both strong and fragile at once. It breaks us and makes us whole.
by Sabrina Thurber | Dec 17, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
One object might particularly stand out the first time you watch couchwalker on film. I may or may not be speaking of the large brown couch placed in the middle of the set. Before you judge the couch, however, know that the couch is important. The inclusion of the couch is in fact, very intentional, and speaks to songwriter Jenny Banai’s individuality as an artist.
If you’ve recently been searching for a raw, emotional and authentic performance to satisfy your winter cravings, you might want to reconsider watching that two and a half hour long drama and indulge in Jenny Banai’s twenty minute film instead. With strong musicality, a clear vision and an empty warehouse-turned-living room, the British Columbia native imparts a true unconventional masterpiece.
After selecting various segments from her recent album, couchwalker, Banai and her team (including film director, Matej Balaz; and choreographers and dancers, Joanna Anderson and Kezia Rosen) present the tracks in a refreshing light, accompanied by visual representation. The resulting project features pleasing color coordination, purposeful fashion choices, and strategic bodily movements (fingers included)– providing an intimate explanation of Banais’ most personal questions and convictions.
In today’s world with the absence of live performances, Banai hoped to give an opportunity for fans to connect with her album on a deeper level. Throughout the short film, we are acquainted with an inquisitive yet glamorous girl, a melancholy yet daring girl, and there is both stagnancy and variety to her story. Banai creates a story we can all relate to.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 17, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Out of New Orleans comes trio Kelly Duplex, here to put a spin on your favorite pop/rock vibe. “Hoverround” is kicked off with a spicy guitar lick that, only one second in, seems to cement its place in your favorite rock playlist. It certainly is a special take on pop music in general, or at least what we know pop music as today. The result of such a task is a loud, big band track that makes you want to start your own rock band in the comfort of your own home.
Beyond all the glamor of rock n’ roll is deeper layers that bring you and me closer to the band and the message that they want to put into the world. It’s an honest look at some of the various difficulties that come with life, and they range from struggles with being a parent to even the hardships that come along with diabetes. Despite how specific it gets, the band does not close themselves off from their listener by ensuring some level of ambiguity throughout the song.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 16, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based pop duo MODERNS are showing their adoration for the 80s by giving us exactly what we deserve, an 80s synth-pop extravaganza fit for giant speakers and retro themed parties. “Watch” is special in that while it takes us back in time, it also seems to have a sort of futuristic feel to it, one that works to prepare us for any possible future music trend. In any case, the track celebrates synth pop in a way that may be hard to come by these days. Sure, it’s a flashy production and the decade had its fair share of flash, but MODERNS benefits from technological advances that the 80s didn’t have. By using these to their advantage, they create an authentic scene straight out of a throwback film. If you were looking for your ticket to a different decade, MODERNS has got it.
Member Rosie Okumura says of the partnership: “I can’t describe how excited I am for what Chris and I are creating. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of; it’s so inspiring to me to work with someone so unique and creative.”
