by Tiffany Czech | Dec 15, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
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.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 15, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
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.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | albums, review
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.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
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!
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
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.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 10, 2020 | albums, review
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.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 7, 2020 | albums, review
LA-based R&B star Taylor DeBlock is pulling all of our heart strings with his new EP Manque. It is appropriately named, seeing as the running theme throughout the 6-track EP is how it feels to miss someone. The up-tempo spirit of the opening track “NECESITAS” perfectly captures the feeling of losing patience while waiting for somebody that you feel really complements your life. This same sentiment is echoed on tracks like “SAY” and “CALL ME”, both of which showcase the DeBlock’s romantic availability. There is room to slow things down, as highlighted by “RIGHT WAY”, a more vulnerable take on trying to understand the thoughts inside someone’s head.
DeBlock is providing the world with the perfect winter soundtrack for feeling stuck inside not only our homes, but even our own heads. With relatable subject matter that can resonate with a wide range of situations, Manque is here to sooth that often-frustrating feeling of having overbearing thoughts.
DeBlock says of the meaning of the EP:
Originally taken from the French ‘tu me manque,’ meaning ‘I miss you,’ the EP’s title displays a two- fold meaning. A ‘manqué’ is also someone who has failed to live up to an expectation – accepting what has become, the manqué eventually sees where they fell short and must carry on.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 7, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
As the holidays approach and the pandemic rages on, the feeling of missing things from the past are likely to increase. This is where Meredith Shock’s nostalgic new tune “Maybe This Isn’t Home” comes into play. The track takes us to Shock’s childhood home that she is returning to after starting to build her more grown-up life in Nashville. In a beautiful display of lyricism, Shock adds a personal touch to the song, describing in detail the different things that make her childhood home feel safe and normal. This makes for a more emotional experience on the part of not only the listener, but the singer as well. When all is said and done, it is easy to notice that the song has successful echoes of moving on and growing up while also highlighting the appreciation she has for the home that built her.
Shock says of the track:
I think a lot of people can relate to this song, especially young adults, who have left towns that they spent most of their life in and are beginning to build homes somewhere else. Although it could be considered a sad song, I also want it to be uplifting or hopeful– there’s something to be said about realizing that you are more than just a place you grew up in and have known your whole life.
Keep up with the artist at MeredithShock.com.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 4, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Sitting in his third-grade math class, Mike Richards, aka A Note Two Self, realized that he would much rather join the kids who were playing music. That is exactly what he did. Fast forward to the present and A Note Two Self is releasing a new track called “Love Drunk”. What starts off as a simple guitar-heavy track quickly turns to a big band, acoustic production, complete with pumping percussion and electric riffs. The story is that of somebody who is willing to give their entire self to the person they have fallen for, and it almost resembles a worship song, one you would hear in the grandest of cathedrals. Perhaps this is because the track is essentially that feeling of worshiping and wanting to shower your person with love. “Love Drunk” takes you to one of the happiest places a song can go.
A Note Two Self explains:
“Love Drunk” was inspired by that feeling of unconditional love and being so enamored that you’re super caught up in the moment. No matter what happens through the good times, the bad times, when you’re in the middle of the whirlwind you’ve got an anchor keeping you grounded.
