by Tiffany Czech | Oct 22, 2020 | premieres, videos
Samantha Margret’s newest release is a badass anthem for those who have experienced frustration when talking to someone who thinks they are more “woke” than they are. Margret was inspired by a man who claimed to be a feminist, while his actions seemed to fall short of these claims.
The video reflects the fierceness of the lyrics. With a dark theme present in both the song and the video, Margret takes no prisoners as she exposes the hypocrisy in identifying as feminist while having no issue talking down to the people you claim to support. Perhaps the most defining moments are the close-up shots of her face, letting the viewer know that she is an unapologetic boss who is not willing to put up with being patronized. In every way, it is a gripping visual that asks the viewer to sacrifice comfort in exchange for real commentary on being a woman in 2020.
Margret says of the experience that led to the track:
Sometimes it cuts deeper when that kind of patriarchal hurt comes from someone you think is on your team. I think of myself as really outspoken and try to be the first to speak up when another woman is in trouble, but I sometimes have trouble when the comments are directed at me.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 22, 2020 | albums, review
In the midst of grief, Nathan Oliver turned to music, as many do. That is how his newest release came about. Thank You for your Generosity, which he and his group began working on after the death of a member’s brother in 2017, takes the listener on a journey through the loneliness and confusion that comes with grief.
This journey begins with “Generous Seas”, an instrumental track fit for reflection as a mellow guitar plays over a more chaotic one. Then comes “Isle Of Youth”, a dive into what it feels like to be lost and distant from everything around you. This rock track is a standout on the record, blending soulful lyrics with beautiful guitar playing. This sentiment is also present in “Everybody’s Swimming”, which seems to call attention to the struggle of watching everybody continue to live their lives while you feel stuck in a painful place. One of the most heart wrenching songs is “Even If You Go”, which acts as a sort of promise that even when the subject is gone, they will continue to live with them by their side. The journey closes out with “A Tangent in Time”. A peaceful close to the album, it seems to offer a glimpse of hope, though unsure of exactly where that hope lies.
Thank You for Your Generosity is a vulnerable record that does not attempt to hide any sort of pain that comes along with the grieving process or life in general. Whether it is through the breathtaking lyrics or the gentle way each sound leaves the speaker, Nathan Oliver is working to enthrall every single listener.
01. Generous Seas
02. Isle of Youth
03. Everybody’s Swimming
04. Air Control
05. Even If You Go
06. Stand in Line
07. Runaway
08. A Tangent in Time
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 18, 2020 | albums, review
When Starwolf formed in 2016, they were creating music in rural Illinois, their sound of choice being funk/pop. Four years later, they have released their album, Astro Lobo, filled with other-worldly sounds and expressions.
Something that makes this body of wok stand out is the appearance of Tim Lefebvre on “Bad Feeling”. Lefebvre has worked with well-known artists from David Bowie to John Mayer, so his presence is welcomed. The track benefits from a catchiness that amplifies the message of losing oneself in fear and anxiety. Indeed, it is a standout on the album.
The title track happens to be the longest, reaching over six minutes long. With no lyrics, it is easy for one to create their own interpretation of what it means. Whatever the meaning, “Astro Lobo” lives up to the other-worldly name. And then comes the final track, “Real Love”. Following the theme of love that can be heard on various songs throughout the album, this song’s funk groove guides the lyrics about being in a healthy and real relationship. With this album, the funk roots of Starwolf’s music shines through on every song. The band have achieved the perfect blend of funk and pop that sounds like the quintessential 80s soundtrack with Astro Lobo.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 14, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
When renting an apartment with an ex, one may not expect to feel refreshed and optimistic about a new day. Lauren Hulbert, however, felt just that. This is when she got the inspiration for her bright new track, “Honeydew”, which is to appear on her upcoming EP, Superbloom, out Oct. 30.
Supported by gentle acoustic guitar strums and synths, the music provides a summery warm tone as Hulbert sings about her newfound joy and happiness that she finds herself experiencing at the start of every new day. Comfort radiates from the track as you hear music that might be heard on the beach. By the end of the track, you will understand the happy and free feeling Hulbert has been singing about as a feeling of weightlessness takes over. “Honeydew” is not only a song about loving someone else, it is a song about loving yourself.
Hulbert says of the inspiration for the track:
I think I was happy to be in one place, making a temporary home, in our own space, with a nice, friendly neighbor and a little bodega at the end of our alleyway. It was a really cute spot. We got to make a little life for ourselves. We had a lot of hope for our future together and I remember that feeling really good.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 13, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Ireland’s Lucy Gaffney has crafted a pop/rock dream tune with her latest track, “Send Me Away”. Gaffney worked on the track alongside The Coral’s James Skelly, who produced it, as well as her brother, Thom Southern. The result is a tune that nods to greats like Carly Simon and The Cure, two of Gaffney’s musical influences. In no time after pressing play, you are welcomed into what feels like a mystical dreamland filled with love and hope. With synths that bring out the feeling of dancing along to the end credits of a coming of age film set in the 80s, “Send Me Away” can easily measure up to any timeless masterpiece.
There’s raw freedom that has been captured with this song. It’s the kind of freedom that comes with being young and in love and unsure of what the future holds. This feeling of fearlessness flows from the speakers the minute the music starts and carries all the way through to the final moments. Of the track, Gaffney says, “For me the track really encapsulates the dreamy element in the idea of love, getting lost in intoxicating moments and the electric excitement of the unknown.”
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 13, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Yes, that’s right. We got another powerful song about the change this country needs (desperately) to tantalize your earbuds with. While we all rev up for an important day in the United States, let’s celebrate the power behind our collective voice with powerhouse females. JoJo – the only JoJo that matters – released her new track “The Change” recently and the soulful single will inspire your intent, no matter what mood you started today in.
Let her goosebump-inducing vocals and words raise your confidence in what’s to come. We’re in this together, but it starts within each of us.
**Winner for possibly the cheesiest post we have ever published. Sorry – we are too invested in the current unrest to not feel validated by powerful anthems.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 12, 2020 | albums, review
For anybody needing comfort on a dreary fall day, singer-songwriter ALIX has you covered with her new album, Feel Better. Filled with whimsical sounds splashed with springtime melodies, Feel Better is a collection of songs about feeling free despite some of the curve balls life throws at you.
“Easy Living” takes you on a trip to sunny California with a list of things that bring her the most joy. With a vibrant guitar riff, it has earned its place as the album’s opener. “Golden” is both one of the catchiest and happiest songs. It serves as a celebratory anthem that gives the green light for you to feel content about the place you have arrived at in your life. It can even be a pep talk. Just like life, Feel Better doesn’t come without its share of gripes. “Let’s Leave”, with the Los Angeles based pop group, 1323, offers the perspective of somebody begging to leave the party she is at to find something more worth her time.
ALIX has delivered an album about feeling content with love and life. Whether it is wishing a past love well like the NEZZA assisted “Good”, or finding someone who makes you happy like on “Satisfied”, Feel Better promises to be your companion through it all. ALIX says of the feel of the album: “I wanted to keep the sounds light, comforting and positive to symbolize a lifestyle I want to be dedicated to. But I wanted to include the humanity of needing to talk through feelings and turn frustration into constructive growth.”
by Sadie Battle | Oct 9, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Singer-songwriter Francisco Martin releases his first single “Swollen” under 19 Recordings. A multi-instrumentalist and producer, Martin’s love for music sparked at a young age. He was born and raised in San Francisco, CA and grew up amongst his musically passionate family who supported his growth every step of the way. By age nine Martin was playing drums and singing, and by freshman year of highschool he picked up guitar and piano; leading him to discover his love for producing.
This raw, heart-tugging single was created in his bedroom studio in Nevada. Artists who can write and produce their own music allow listeners to hear more than just a song. Martin allows listeners to hear his story about embracing both sides of what being in love can lead to. The emphasis on pulled guitar strings opens the way for his beautiful vocal talent to take you on a journey of vulnerable heartbreak. “I love the way you say you’re scared to hold me / I hate the way you came and left me crawling” are just the starting point of where lyrically, Martin proves he’s not leaving out any details of his feelings. It’s exciting to know what’s ahead for Martin, as “Swollen” is an incredible way to start the narrative of what’s next.
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.
