jenny march, “all in”

jenny march, “all in”

Are you a 90’s baby nostalgic for some butterfly hair clips and group choreography music video scenes in a warehouse setting? Then go relish in the stunning 90s inspired official music video for “All In” from rising singer/songwriter Jenny March, the second single off Jenny’s forthcoming 2021 EP, about meeting someone and the type of chemistry that flows strong from the start.

Directed by Colton Tran, and inspired by Jenny’s own 90’s baby memories, the theme and visual aesthetic is a giant salute to the music, fashion, imagery and style of that dreamy decade. Written about that ride or die love of your life, “All In” encompasses that power couple type of romance that makes you feel like you can conquer the world together. No obstacle stands in the way of the love shared, as both parties are “all in” no matter what.

This Ohio-born, Los Angeles-based songstress is a self-proclaimed “open book” and writes lyrics like she’s texting. Her sound and vibe is pure pop, but her aim lyrically is to be honest and unafraid to allow fans, particularly her female fans, to not be afraid of living unapologetically and having just as much fun as anyone else.

Keep up to date with Jenny and her future pop bobs by following her Spotify and Instagram

paola proctor, “how can i”

paola proctor, “how can i”

Though Paola Proctor spent a considerable amount of time traveling in Europe and the Middle East, it was when she arrived in Nashville that she was able to bring to life “How Can I”, a breakup song filled with frustration and confusion.  The track sees Proctor trying to put together the broken pieces in order to understand and process her complex emotions surrounding a recent breakup with someone who already seems to be way more interested in other people.  Beyond the anger, however, there are notes of vulnerability reflected in the chorus as she admits to still missing the person who hurt her.

While the feeling of heartbreak is all too common, what makes this track special is the openness in portraying the contrasting emotions that often come with the end of a relationship.  While some moments may make you feel like you are sitting in on a rant session, other moments feel more tame, trading the fire for quiet moments of reflection that may soon lead to feeling okay again.

trans trenderz releases “all on me” by lady londyn

trans trenderz releases “all on me” by lady londyn

If you are looking for a dose of unapologetic confidence, Lady Londyn provides that and more with her anthemic new track “All On Me”.  The track specifically highlights the empowerment of Black Trans women while also putting a spotlight on the importance of their sexual liberation.  As the iconic anthem that it is, “All On Me” is to be played at full volume, paying no mind to the people in the nearby vicinity.  Lady Londyn’s newest release is a celebration of pride and living without regret, letting the world know that there will be no waiting for permission to be happy and free.  

Lady Londyn says of the creation:

The process of making this song was really magical. It all started with a bass line that Blxck Cxsper brought to me one evening and while I was freestyling ideas on it they came up with the beat on the spot. There’s something about this song that makes you just feel kick ass and I can’t wait to see the girls’ reactions to it.

not strictly holiday songs | a holiday soundtrack

not strictly holiday songs | a holiday soundtrack

If 2020 has taught me one thing it’s that I don’t have a lot of ancillary sound in my daily life. All of the music, news, podcasts, and conversations are chosen by me. Since I am not going into stores, restaurants, and theaters this year, I am also not in my car very often so my exposure to seasonal music is only what I am hearing at home. That is a great thing! I am able to listen to holiday music, knowing that I won’t have to hear the same 10 songs in a loop. I can also throw in favorites that, although aren’t strictly holiday songs, have the same spirit. 

Are you spending time this month organizing, baking, or decorating? We’ve all got those menial tasks this time of year that could use more joy and movement, and these songs will do just the trick without being loaded with too many holiday frills. (You know what I mean.)

Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC
Grey In LA – Loudon Wainwright III
Carol of the Bells – Los Lonely Boys
Little Drummer Boy/Hot Hot Hot – Wyclef Jean
What Christmas Means to Me – Hanson
Raise Your Glass – P!nk
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings – Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
Merry Christmas Baby – Otis Redding
Oh How the Years Go By – Vanessa Williams
O Tannenbaum – Vince Guaraldi Trio (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie & Bing Crosby
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love

nathaniel bellows, three

nathaniel bellows, three

When tragedy strikes, artists often turn to melodies in an attempt to heal the pain.  It was no different for Nathaniel Bellows, who turned to writing to cope with the death of his father.  The result is his forthcoming album Three.  This triumphant masterpiece starts off with “In the Wool”, an address of self-image and finding oneself amidst the chaos of the world.  The heart stopping “Haul Me In” speaks of the need to feel weightless in treacherous waters.  The breathtaking percussion creates the illusion that we, the listeners, are in the danger that he speaks of.  “Split Lip” invites you to step into the feeling of being hopeful despite being surrounded by reasons to be hopeless.  It closes out with “Move Away”, which weighs the pros and cons of leaving a place that has provided you both happiness and sorrow throughout his life.  Here, Bellows reveals his intentions to, one way or another, look to the future.

Three is a raw and emotional record that sees every track masterfully tackling the struggle of falling into a pit and trying to find a way into the light, sometimes by hoping for a shoulder to lean on.  It reflects a vulnerability that resonates with the listener and provides moments of solace and peace.

animal years, “white flag” (joseph cover)

animal years, “white flag” (joseph cover)

While “White Flag” is originally a fast-tempo triumph by Oregon-based trio Joseph about shutting out the noise of the world and putting one foot in front of the other, Animal Years, an indie band from Brooklyn, have released their updated take on the track. Recorded live in Nashville, the band’s cover could not be coming at a more opportune time. Putting one foot in front of the other has sort of become a motto the world has been trying to live by the entire year, and Animal Years are no different.  

The live cover features a significantly slowed down tempo, one that brings the audience closer to not only the band’s performance but the lyrics of the song as well. The personalized aspect is an important part of the music listening experience, especially for a song with a message like this one. As the track brings you close to the band, it begins to feel as though the band themselves are whispering in your ear and giving you the push you need to keep going.  With a tune layered with beautiful harmonies and gentle guitar strums, Animal Years are here for you.

The video was recorded live at Marathon Music Works. Animal Years has admired Joseph since seeing their Tiny Desk session in 2017.

Check it out on your preferred streaming platform!

fretland, “do you think of me”

fretland, “do you think of me”

Standing in the fog at the end of a relationship, you may be tempted to ask that one terrifying question.  Fretland are unafraid to approach this question on their new track “Do You Think of Me” with just as much grace and wonder as pain and sorrow.  With two equally captivating vocalists at the mic, the story of two people going their separate ways comes to life.  With the help of just an acoustic guitar and a glimmer of piano, Fretland create an intimate conversation illustrated by revealing and open lyrics that paint vulnerability on the former lovers’ sleeves.

“Do You Think of Me” is a testament to how even the seemingly simplest of situations can have their layers peeled back to reveal complex emotions and struggles.  After all, we humans are complex beings and the members of Fretland know this all too well. Brainchild Hillary Grace Fretland reveals:

I want to understand all parts of me that make me human so that I can share them, and so maybe someone somewhere recognizes themselves as the villain and learns to love themselves anyway.  There’s so much shame in a failed relationship, we always want to know who’s at fault. It’s never been that simple for me.

oscar lang, antidote to being bored

oscar lang, antidote to being bored

If you have been sitting around looking for the perfect way to entertain yourself as a cure for your boredom, it is perhaps most appropriate to turn to Antidote to Being Bored, Oscar Lang’s folk-rock experiment.  Lang promises a high-volume experience with his newest release, starting with the EP’s title track all the way down to the final track, “Something Has Changed”, and every track in between.  The entire track list is a blesses us with piercing electric guitars and bewitching melodies, perfect for both your winter run around the block or your quiet fireside music listening sessions.  What makes this release stand out is the ability of every song to fit different moods and still be a fantastic choice.  

Lang says of the EP:

I wrote Antidote to Being Bored to be an absolute blow-the-roof-off-the-stadium rock banger and I think it lives up to that. I wanted to get a little darker with this EP, while continuing the sound of the previous one. I feel like I really found a style of music that I love and am just excited to play. So, this release was all about developing that sound further.

nathaniel bellow, “i once did”

nathaniel bellow, “i once did”

Today, we have the exclusive honor of premiering Nathaniel Bellow’s latest track “I Once Did” – along with its accompanying lyric video – ahead of the release of his third full-length Three. Bellow’s signature gravelly vocals lead the track, with a light composition to really add a calm feeling to the audio. When Bellows insists “I don’t feel the weight that I once did,” you can feel it in the instrumentals.

Each of the songs from his upcoming release was inspired by his father’s death in the three years since his passing, so hints of grief and remorse can be found throughout. What we have here is art in its purest form.

Three is out Friday, December 11. Keep up with Bellows here.