madden novogratz, “rain”

madden novogratz, “rain”

14 year old Madden Novogratz has just released her first single, entitled “Rain”. The young singer hails from Brooklyn, New York and is just coming onto the music scene.

Novogratz is sweet and angelic and “Rain” is a pleasant journey tinged with spirituality. Her voice is mature and controlled as she effortlessly slips in and out of her head voice and moves into a more commanding tone on the chorus, demonstrating skill beyond her years. Pounding tribal-like drums drive the bright and upbeat tune, empowering the listener and maybe, just maybe, making them want to go dance through a forest in a rainstorm (after quarantine is over of course).

“Rain” is now available on all streaming services.

dylan emmet, “dumb”

dylan emmet, “dumb”

Indie-pop singer-songwriter and producer Dylan Emmet released new single “Dumb”. Emmet says inspiration for the track came from his girlfriend, “She was joking about how ‘get away with murder’ when I do annoying things because for some reason, they don’t bother her the same way it does when other people do them. It got me thinking about what real love is.”

The track combines electronic indie and alternative pop with punk guitars and a synth production. Emment’s smooth vocals set over this mix drives home the emotion. While instrumentally “Dumb” feels like any old summer dancey-type song, but lyrically it’s a playful love song.

“Dumb” captures that feeling of letting love take control, even if it makes you do crazy and dumb things for that person. The track enforces the idea of loving another and letting their flaws be one of the reasons for that love.

lorelei rose taylor, “versailles”

lorelei rose taylor, “versailles”

In preparation for her debut EP release next month, singer-songwriter Lorelei Rose Taylor releases the title track “Versailles”. Taylor shares that the track “embodies a sort of cosmic dance between two people very much in love, but very toxic for each other – and everyone around them.”

“Versailles” feels light instrumentally, but lyrically you can sense a tug of war between love and toxicity. The lyrics that introduce the chorus “dance between the lines / dance around your lies”, shows that the main subject is aware of the problem occurring between the two people.

The song starts off with a serendipity feel but becomes more tragic as it progresses. With the use of building up the instrumentation and adding sirens as the song fades out, that progression is driven home.

Taylor’s style lives in the space between alternative, baroque rock, and dream-pop. With her soft, sweet, and raw vocals, coupled with her lyrical storytelling, Taylor is able to create vivid words of love, lust, and loss.

a soundtrack by baron minker

a soundtrack by baron minker

I created my playlist to reflect the music that has influenced my music the most in the past and some tunes I’m currently really into. A lot of it might be obvious and even more not so obvious. Sometimes it’s simply the production style or thematic elements that wind up leeching into my own sound. I’ve been writing a lot during quarantine and these tunes are ones that are lifting me throughout. I’ve dug back into my love for early-mid 2000s French pop hard lately. That’s going to probably be pretty apparent upon my next release I’m already knee deep into. – Dane Forst

my music bible | jo james

my music bible | jo james

These are songs/artists that have inspired me throughout my music career and in all honesty have got me through life. These songs take me back and push me forward. It’s a mix of funk, blues, r&b soul, rap, rock, and pop. This is my music bible. Songs and artist that have and continue to electrify my soul, inspire me to create, and get me through dark times.

I hope you enjoy.

cheat codes, “on my life”

cheat codes, “on my life”

Electro-pop trio Cheat Codes have recently dropped a video for their new feel-good single “On My Life”. Since their formation in LA, the band has racked up some impressive stats with over 4 billion streams to date and collabs with everyone from Fetty Wap to Demi Lovato. Their newest track, upbeat and bright in all its glory,, serves as a temporary escape from reality while the video features a charming montage of the band’s early life.

The video goes all the way back to the beginning, showcasing adorable first piano lessons and garage band days and leading up to present day, offering more depth and insight into the band’s past and letting fans feel more connected to them and their story. Viewers get a glimpse into the boys’ rapidly escalating life, watching them grow up and then live out their dreams. A collage of life, the heart-warming video is dedicated to the group’s late manager while also shedding light on their journey. In a statement, the band said “It’s important to take a minute and reflect on your journey every once in a while to appreciate the small things and realize how lucky we all are. ‘On My Life” tells a little bit of that story for us”.

“On My Life” is available now wherever you like to watch and listen.

between kings, “too young to give a fuck”

between kings, “too young to give a fuck”

Rising alternative pop rock group Between Kings have released their newest EP Antidote.

The title track “Antidote” is a non-judgmental observation on mental health. Currently the track is making constant play across alternative rock radio stations, it is also setting up the overall tone of the EP. With the current state of our altered lives, “Antidote” observes the way we deal with pressure of society.

The EP also features tracks “Bad for Me”, “Show Me What It’s Like to Love” and “Too Young to Give a Fuck”. The latter released with a video using fan participation as a way to bring their fanbase together to celebrate new music even during these unsettling times.

Between Kings combines the nostalgic feeling of when music could save your life and the hopeful look into music’s future. This combination makes their music feel both familiar and new at the same time.

Antidote, introduces listeners to the new musical era of Between Kings, garnering anticipation for upcoming full-length Young Love.