modern me, “dead to me”

modern me, “dead to me”

Noctis Magazine describes Modern Me as  …ushering in a fresh new era of indie rock. Noctis hit the nail on the head. Modern Me’s new track “Dead to Me” is a sharp, infectious, tongue-in-cheek epistle for the former lover that twisted your jaw to the point of “don’t text me anymore, I’m SO over it.”    The Southern California natives’ music video to the track opens with a couple in a café and lead singer looking upon them.  His contempt for the girl (ex) sets an absolute theme for the song and the video.

The video  moves to the band in a car unenthusiastically singing their lyrics with expressionless faces.  I love this song because it screams an I-don’t-care attitude while giving you courage to move on.  Modern Me is definitely worth checking out.  To keep with all things Modern Me visit http://www.modernmemusic.com .

the minnesota child

the minnesota child

Oakland natives The Minnesota Child  just released their new single “Stay With Me” off of their new EP “Fireflies.”  Proclaimed as an indie folk group,  the single “Stay With Me” touches on heartbreak and love.  Atwood Magazine describes the single as “…some sort of musical magic, ‘Stay with Me’ is a love song, a song of struggle, and a song of acceptance: From the heart, to the heart.” 

When I listened to “Stay With Me”  I was surprised as the song made me feel calm and tranquil while the background of the guitar and banjo evens the song out.  It is definitely a song that would pop up in a local coffee shop or a Nicholas Sparks movie…and I mean that in the sweetest, simplest way. 

To hear more of The Minnesota Child visit http://theminnesotachild.com

former faces talk process, epic recording adventure

former faces talk process, epic recording adventure

After releasing his debut EP Swimming in Circles in June 2017, founder and vocalist Ryan Parmenter enlisted the help of David Lee (guitar), Abraham Kim (drums) and Brian Blake (bass) to create Former Faces, an incredible indie rock quartet based out of Silver Lake. We’re expecting them to take the world by storm – as if they aren’t already well on their way – with the release of their first full length album Foreign Nature this spring. Learn more about Former Faces in our exclusive, quick interview below!

Your debut album Foreign Nature will be coming out soon. What was the creative process like when it came to developing the album?

Typically, Ryan would bring a sketch to Brian who would help to focus and arrange it. Then the idea would be presented to Abe and David whose musicianship would transform it into a song. Some of the tunes came together quickly and organically, others were reshaped several times. Completing the album was a journey and we learned a lot about the value of collaboration, persistence, and patience along the way.

What was the inspiration behind your new single “Forc# Fi#lds”?

Inspiration for Forc# Fi#lds began as a desire to reconcile the past and open up to the future. It is a song about letting your guard down and being “wide awake” to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors.

What was the best part about developing your debut album?

Our epic recording adventure in Dear Valley, Utah. We packed two SUVs to the brim with gear, trekked up to the mountains just outside of Park City, and reconstructed Brian’s studio in the living room of a friend’s cabin. We tracked for the better part of 5 days. The view and the vibes were incredible. And no plug-in in the world can match the natural room reverb we captured! We’d been playing together as a four-piece for a few months prior to that trip. When we headed back to L.A., we were a band.

What were some challenges when it came to developing Foreign Nature?

With limitless sonic options at musicians’ and producers’ disposal these days, it can be very difficult to define one’s sound. We set out to create a record that was organic, highlighted musicianship, and was true to our live sound. Accomplishing that while still creating ear candy that sonically competes with our idols’ music was definitely challenging (the record is entirely self-produced, a feat in and of itself!), but we feel like we pulled it off and couldn’t be prouder of the results.

What is a typical day like for you all?

Busy. Musical. Sunny. Busy.

What are your plans after releasing your album? Any tours in the future?

No tours as of now but we will be performing all over L.A. and have our sights set on the festival circuit. Foreign Nature is meant to be performed outdoors for a meandering crowd of nature-loving music fans 🙂

Who would you say are your musical inspirations?

The Sun. The Sea. Clouds and colors. Mountains, Bowie, Mercury, Byrne, Harrison, Martsch, Parker, Tortoise, York, Beck, Granduciel, Air… Former Faces is planning on releasing their debut album Foreign Nature this Spring 2018. In the meantime, check out their new single from Foreign Nature “Forc# Fi#lds”:

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Keep up with Former Faces here.

brittany campbell performs on bric tv’s b-side sessions

brittany campbell performs on bric tv’s b-side sessions

If you haven’t heard of singer and actress, Brittany Campbell, get ready. Not only is the Brooklyn native a part of Chicago’s cast of Hamilton, she is also featured on Netflix’s remake of “She’s Gotta Have It.”  Most recently, Brittany has been showing us her musical talents on BRIC TV’s B-Side sessions. Brittany discovered her  for music at a young age when her music teacher insisted she enter an opera competition.  When watching this session I was truly blown away by her smooth yet soulful voice. On “Still In Love” she shows off her impressive vocal range while keeping you drawn in with her passion and energy.  My personal favorite is  Brittany’s “Mean.” This is her final message to a soon-to-be ex lover.  Its jazz undertones and poetic lyrics such as “…and shame on you for letting such a good thing go to pieces, and shame on me too” makes for an emotional performance and will leave you thinking about the  “one that got away.”  With a voice like Brittany’s, it is no surprise that she here to stay.  

Keep up with Brittany by visiting http://brittanycampbellmusic.com and be sure to look out for her album Stay Gold releasing April 10th.  

freja frances soars with “papercuts”

freja frances soars with “papercuts”

2018 is set to be a big year for rising London-based singer/songwriter Freja FrancesWith her new single “Papercuts”, Freja Frances displays her effortless vocal talents. The inspiration behind the track is very deep. “Papercuts” is about feeling isolated and being distant from the real world.

Sonically, the song seems like a fairytale dream. Freja pulls at the listener’s emotions with her raw and real vocals alongside a beautiful piano melody. The song is very relatable. “Papercut” is not only captivating, but it is authentic as well.

Keep up with Freja Frances here.

syre promises smith success

syre promises smith success

Critics have been raving about Jaden Smith‘s newest album Syre since the day it released this last November. American rapper Jaden Smith has become one of the darlings of the music industry and has since received attention from fans across the globe. Not only did the album hit the US Billboard 200 at number 24 for December 9, 017, but it has also received positive reviews from critics. This was a long awaited album, however for Smith’s followers especially after the music video for “Fallen” was released a few months prior. With the support of the social media crowd Smith has since become someone to watch in the near future.
To many who have heard her music, the name Syre was a point of interest and originates from Jaden’s middle name. The album features the many different facets of Smith’s talents. Upon listening to the album, those at Exclaim! wrote, “SYRE changes shape in such a way that it plays like two distinct albums; it’s a sonic playground, and Smith bounces from toy to toy, flexing his artistic muscle throughout.” Not only does the music favor the range and ability of Smith, but it also addresses several different topics of interest. For those looking to enjoy rap, this album is a twist on the norm and requires patience from the listener and attention to detail to appreciate the artistry.

Keep up with Jaden Smith here.

emmy wildwood mystifies music lovers

emmy wildwood mystifies music lovers

Brooklyn based singer siren Emmy Wildwood breaks out of the pop box that fans and listeners have latched onto with incredible force. Since the beginning of Wildwood’s career in 2013, she has defied all limits of the genre by bringing heavy hooks and an experimental style that is unique to her sound. Listening to music produced by this artist has been described as a mystic and lush while it also explores some of the more unfamiliar areas of the industry. Vocally, Wildwood has a past in performing with punk bands, but later broke away from that mold in order to use her inventive spirit to turn heads. As she stepped into the spotlight with a swagger unique to her own style, heads of fans and critics alike were turned.

Most recently, after spending several years to write her second album, she returned last year with her single, “Scream” as well as several mash-ups of some of the most recognized songs in the pop industry. While working on these projects, she has hopped on board with fellow indie pop act Bredhal in order to add a fresh, new dynamic to her repertoire. Not only has she come back with the full force of her vocals, but she has also returned with the full support of expecting fans and critics. With new work out and more coming soon, Billboard has raved, “you’re going to want to check this out.”

Keep up with Emmy here.

kings & associates, “deadwood” {premiere}

kings & associates, “deadwood” {premiere}

Today, Kings & Associates brings their unique blend of soul, funk, blues and folk to a colorful peak with the music video for “Deadwood”, and we’ve got your first look. Taking place in what looks to be a recording studio, the band is able to showcase their talents in a live performance-type scenario, while playing out a quirky timeline in the background. The coloring is warm, vibrant, and lends itself perfectly to a sound of a similar kind. The guitar work is electrifying, so make sure you don’t miss this one!

Keep up with Kings & Associates here.

thoreau, “like we used to” {ft. jeris}

thoreau, “like we used to” {ft. jeris}

When you hear the name Thoreau, you might be thinking of Henry David’s daguerreotype. Well, here to take a completely fresh spin on the name is Denver based Thoreau (irl Harry Myers) just dropped his single, “Like We Used To”, featuring Jeris. Thoreau has seen love from Trap Nation, and was even reposted by The Chainsmokers. An electronic beat paired with emotion-infused vocals makes for a solid song from Thoreau. Thoreau will also be releasing his debut EP later in 2018, which is looking to be quite well received. Teeming with of-the-moment vibes, “Like We Used To” fits right into the modern music scene. With lines like “What if I was being honest/For the first time in a long time”, “Like We Used To” hits the heart and ears in all the right ways. It encapsulates the desire for things to be as they once were in a relationship. One of the most interesting aspects of this song is that even though the subject matter is rather deep, it’s still danceable, and is infused with electronica. We’re looking forward to hearing more from Thoreau throughout 2018 — keep your ears and eyes open for more!

Follow Thoreau: Soundcloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow Jeris: Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify