“Checkmate In Two, Donnie”: THE HYBRIS Strikes Again
“Checkmate In Two, Donnie,” by THE HYBRIS is their latest outcry, a track that doesn’t merely ripple but rather tsunamis through the placid waters of contemporary rock. Here in this audial cosmos, we meet again our indefatigable trio—Ringo Rabbit, Beanie Bison, and Malcolm Mandrill—who don their capes not just for show but as armor against societal decay.
Wielding guitars like swords and lyrics sharper than a scalpel’s edge laced with lemon juice and salt—painful yet cleansing—the band from alt-rock’s whimsical corner hurtles toward us on steeds made of distorted chords and pulsating drumbeats reminiscent of ’80s punk spirits dancing under discolored pop art skies.
In “Checkmate In Two, Donnie,” one can almost see these fine superheroes poised over a darkened chessboard sprawled across an alleyway where shadows whisper secrets. Each checkered move narrates tales: thwarting the knavish dash to power by figures veiled behind masks not as charming or benevolent as theirs. It’s all at once a murky fairytale illuminated by fireflies trapped in old jam jars—a beacon for those navigating the foggy streets besieged by political ghouls.
“Checkmate In Two, Donnie”: THE HYBRIS Strikes Again
Imagine if superheroes didn’t swing between skyscrapers but straddled bass drums projected towards horizons tinted by neon rebellion—you’d get close to what THE HYBRIS conjures here. As they crisscross continents—from Nice to L.A., tipping hats off in Cologne—their anthemic resonance echoes within earshot; it reshapes silences into discussions infused with purpose beyond beats per minute; it sparks dialogue seasoned generously with disgust yet anchored firmly in hope—it is very much ‘hybris’, daring greatly despite risk of descent.
As “Checkmate In Two” murmurs its last note amidst electronic applause fabricated from yesteryear claps salvaged from vinyl grooves long thought forgotten—remember this: You’ve journeyed through more than just sound waves; you’ve surfed upon rip currents aiming boldly for shores unknown.
Keep your ears tuned; there’s still more heroism left in these valiant misfits capable of upsetting popular musical myths—with every chord struck stirring revolution one riff at a time.
Heartstrings and “Saviours”: Guillem Gené Latest Tune
In the velvety darkness of Guillem Gené’s latest single, “Saviours,” one can almost feel the tender bruising of a soul yearning for daylight. This Barcelona troubadour, with his strings soaked in rue and honey, plucks more than just tunes—he pulls at the very sinews that tether hearts to bodies.
“Saviours” is a folk-pop lullaby that whispers secrets the night sky has held too long in her star-studded throat. It is as if each note were frolicking across dew-dampened cobblestones, chasing shadows back into the penumbra of forgotten loves and resurrected hopes. Here lies not just music; here beacons a journey from gloam to gleam carved out by chords that seem forged in earnest vulnerability.
Could it be possible that every strum beneath Guillem Gené’s fingertips breeds kaleidoscopes inside our chests? His previous harmonies — “Stand” and “Tamed”—led us through heart-spun mazes, yet “Saviours” aims for something wilder: an anthem for those battling their inner nightfall. Listening feels like watching dawn break over mountaintops known only to those brave enough to weather nature’s caprices.
Heartstrings and “Saviours”: Guillem Gené Latest Tune
The lyrics serve as slender threads sewing patches of light onto dark canvases—hope quilting prayers into war-torn cloaks worn through seasons of solitude. The song fosters belief in redemption and love’s transformative power with its melodic pulses reaching out like hands hopeful for human touch amidst fog-thick despair.
Simple though it may sound—for what are words against such raw emotion—“Saviours” reaffirms why we cling to melodies when waves crash hardest against our hulls.
The ethereal sigh of The House Flies’ new single, “She Hums Mozart,” seems to weave spider webs between reality and a windswept dreamscape where notes from a forgotten opera drip like thick, candle wax off celestial bodies. Alex Riggen’s voice haunts this track with the ghostly precision of a misty figure wandering through an ancient hall; all while dream-laden guitars erupt quietly into frenzies only to descend into melancholic whispers that seem stolen straight from the lips of siren calls lost at sea.
Here, amid shoegaze swirls and gothic whispers, you find yourself abducted by sound waves surfacing suddenly out of the dark post-punk waters. It is as if every string plucked sends ripples through time itself—back when Mozart reigned supreme—for here his spirit gets trapped under layers of grunge distortions orchestrated by Nick Pompou’s thumping drum beats that resurrect old gods long thought asleep. Ozzie Woods’s bass lines are not merely played but seemingly dropped from great heights onto unsuspecting symphonists below.
In “She Hums Mozart,” one swims through shivering reverberations—a sonic drowning clothed in airy veils; every note folds upon itself becoming echo devoid of origin yet full with intent; forever stretched on a timeline lacking finitude or margin. There exists within these bounds no clear delineation between waking life and nocturnal fantasy—even absence has substance as you wade further into their densely packed fever-dream forestry.
The House Flies Buzz with ‘She Hums Mozart’
Yet it beckons—the promise whispered subtly atop fog-strewn landscapes carved meticulously over previous work such as ‘Glimmer’. The project promises more: enticing us forward towards impending edifices named “Mannequin Deposit”. Here they stand—musicians cast against their own looming creations—an ensemble clad in echoes assuming shapes before dissipating fully upon audience gasps.
With “She Hums Mozart,” The House Flies offer up throbs and thrashes structured deceptively simple while daring listeners to unravel complex melodies disguised beneath intentional hauntological static—a beautiful séance spun cunningly around delicate shadow play meant for pondering long after final notes diminish gently like October dusk silently whispering over desolate moorlands.
Simple conclusion? This musical phantasm deserves your ears—and perhaps even parts unknown.
Cian O’Donoghue: The Indie Pop Sensation on the Rise
You’ve gotta check out Cian O’Donoghue – this dude is something else, hiskiller tunes are giving me all the feels lately. He’s an indie pop singer-songwriter with a super chill, acoustic vibe, but also some funky flair that’ll get you grooving. Think Ed Sheeran meets The Neighbourhood with a Charlie Puth twist.
His new single “Read Your Mind” is an absolute jam, all about the butterflies and over-analyzing that come with catching feelings for someone new. The smooth guitar riffs, soulful backup vocals, and relatable lyrics make it impossible not to smile and sing along.
I’m low-key obsessed and can’t wait to hear what Cian has in store for 2024 as he drops more tracks and hopefully hits the road for some live shows. He just has this raw, personal touch to his music that really resonates, you know? Let me give you the full scoop on his inspirations, creative process, and how he got to where he is today making these infectious indie pop gems.
What is your stage name I just go by my name Cian O’Donoghue, I feel it’s more personal that way – I have no ‘persona’ or act, I’m just me.
Where do you find inspiration? My biggest inspiration right now is Quinn XCII, I feel like his energy can be felt through my newest song, ‘Read Your Mind’ – I love the grooves and hooks in his music, combined with the often-sad subject matter it’s such a great juxtaposition. For Irish artists, The Script and Gavin James influenced my early years massively, and I feel like their influence is still there.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? Being a musician was the dream I had from an early age, along with being a footballer, rugby player, and every other sport! As I slowly gained the self-awareness to realise my complete lack of sporting ability, music seemed to be the one dream that never left.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? There’s music in both my parent’s families. My father’s family are very musical, every family gathering the guitar comes out, and everyone does a song or 2, with everyone else joining in. The same can be said on my mother’s side although to a lesser extent – still some fabulous musicians and the late night sessions are always great.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? I suppose seeing the script play live would have had a huge effect on me – I was 12 and it was my first ever concert. They were the band that captured my heart at a young age. While I was always playing music, it was from that moment where I started writing music.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play? I was taught classical piano from the age of 6, but I always wanted to transition to playing chords and singing along – I spent a lot of time figuring out songs by ear and playing them myself, which has become a massive part of my producing skill. Lets just say I’m very thankful that my younger self was too stubborn to look up the chords for songs online!
I was taught classical piano from the age of 6, but I always wanted to transition to playing chords and singing along
How could you describe your music? I always find these questions so hard – I would say pop, mixed with funk and RnB. I tend to not try follow ‘tropes’ (other than whatever I write being in the pop world), I just go with the flow. I love to write happy songs, with nice grooves, Because that’s the music I like to listen to the most – When I put on my headphones, most of the time I want to be fighting the urge to dance in public.
Describe your creative process. Songs always start as chord progressions for me, as that’s where I honed my skills as a child desperately trying to figure out the chords of my favourite songs. Once I’m satisfied with the chords, I’ll find some melodies on top and then the lyrics come last. As a producer, I rarely produce first which is interesting – I might find a cool synth sound and a drum loop to write to on my keyboard/synthesiser, but that’s as far as I go – Generally, once the song is done, then I start producing.
What musician do you admire most and why? I probably admire Quinn XCII the most for his ability to combine hiphop and pop so seamlessly and write the most amazingly catchy hooks.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? When I started writing, it was of course ed Sheeran, singer-songqwriter sad vibes! I feel like every pop musician starts somewhere around there, although I did have a healthy dose of The Script and Gavin James in there too.
When I started producing it became Charlie Puth , as he also produces his own stuff, and I loved his synth work. Now more recently, It has ranged somewhere between Post Malone, The Weeknd and Quinn XCII, largely synth based but with more guitars entering the fold more recently.
Who do you see as your main competitor? The Tiktok and Spotify algorithm! Its so hard to get out there when there’s so many people just like you trying to do the same, but I focus on my problems with the platforms rather than other musicians!
What are your interests outside of music? Outside of music, I love football (soccer depending on where you’re from). I’m a big Liverpool fan. I love a bit of UFC, Golf, Rugby and Formula One too, so my weekend generally consists of watching various sports. After that, finding time for my friends, whether were playing golf (terribly), football (terribly) or just going for some drinks.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing? I love teaching so if music teaching counts then that’s where I’ll be!
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? It’s the promotional side – I have too much Irish catholic guilt to truly ‘sell’ myself well enough!
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? The salaries! But in all honesty I try avoid these questions – ‘It is what it is’ is the most overused phrase in the world, but I rather just deal with the facts, and deal with the situation as it is rather than wishing for a change I know I will never have the ability to make.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project? As I was writing the song with my good friend Molly Cartwright, Read Your Mind just naturally appeared to become the hook of the song, and I find it encapsulates what the song is about – ‘What the hell is going on in the other persons mind, cos I haven’t a clue’
What are your plans for the coming months? I have a lot of projects for other artists like DAWNA, Jamie McIntyre and Michael Runswick to name a few. I’ll be going away in July which I’m looking forward to!
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans I am currently working on a song with a Belgian artist Nina Dewachtere, the song is still in its early days but I am very excited for it, so hopefully we will release it this year!
What message would you like to give to your fans? Thanks for the support, and there’s a lot more to come!
In the parched abyss of modern soul, Drue & The Millions emerge like a raincloud heavy with promise, dripping melodies onto thirsty hearts. Their latest single “The Drought” captures loneliness with such honesty it’s almost scandalous—like peeking through a crack in someone’s armor only to find galaxies swirling inside.
Einav Cohen sings not just with her voice but her marrow. There’s something primally cathartic as she belts out lyrics that tug at the frayed cables of our own desolation. You can hear echoes of Ella and whispers of Badu, yet Einav is startlingly original – a phoenix crooning from its ashes rather than merely rising.
Turning to the music itself – imagine jazz had a love affair with R&B on pop’s sumptuous sheets; that’s where you’ll find Drue & The Millions’ sound nestled. Each note Guy Herling coaxes from his keys seems dipped in sepia-toned memories while other musicians stitch these into rich tapestry beneath Cohen’s vocals — creating an aura both retro and urgently now.
Breaking “The Drought” with Drue & The Millions
As for “The Drought,” it feels less like a song and more an exorcism—of sorrow, isolation, all set against the haunting balm of their melodious craft. The track isn’t just heard; it resonates within your ribcage as if hitting some universal frequency that mends cracked souls.
Thus breaches forth “About Time,” looming on life’s horizon—a debut album promising further journeys across emotional landscapes carved over eight long years under spotlight soliloquies.
Breaking “The Drought” with Drue & The Millions
Simple truth? “The Drought” isn’t mere music—it’s moisture in melody form for anyone feeling too brittle in their human beingness.
A Call for Peace in 'Red, White and Blue' by FireBug
Have you heard FireBug’s powerful new rock anthem “Red, White and Blue” yet? This Southern California duo has been cranking out gritty, bluesy riffs for years, but their latest single takes on a whole new level of meaning and passion.
For Jules and the FireBug crew, “Red, White and Blue” represents a rallying cry for unity amidst all the toxic division plaguing America recently. The hard-hitting lyrics pour straight from the heart, touching on how everyday people from all walks of life are dealing with the same struggles and shouldering the same burdens. Jules’ soaring vocals echo with the simple but vital message – at the end of the day, we’ve got way more in common than what separates us as a nation.
But “Red, White and Blue” isn’t just words. From the first thunderous drum beats that hit like a colonial-era battle cry to the scorching guitar melodies and driving basslines, this is a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll assault on the senses. At times it feels like an unholy collision of The Cranberries’ haunting vocals and Janis Joplin’s raw firepower.
Having a studio legend like two-time Grammy winner Adrian Bushby behind the boards doesn’t hurt either. The guy who’s worked with Muse and the Foo Fighters brought his magic touch to “Red, White and Blue,” injecting FireBug’s bluesy backbone with punchy modern production that makes every component pop.
For a band that rose up from playing local dives to iconic stages alongside legends like Iggy Pop and Iron Maiden, “Red, White and Blue” feels like the perfect next step in FireBug’s journey towards mainstream transcendence. This is a song that deserves to be screamed from rooftops and airwaves across the entire divided union.
More than just a killer rock track, it’s a galvanizing reminder that even as we’re bombarded with hate and negativity, there’s still a unified community out there striving towards hope. If you’re searching for the light in these divisive times, “Red, White and Blue” is one helluva inspirational lighthouse.
Luminous Ballads: Laura da Sousa's 'Dark Moon' in Focus
In the silvery slip of twilight that is Laura da Sousa’s “Dark Moon,” there exists a peculiar and enveloping world—akin to stepping into a reflection on a still pond under the unyielding gaze of night’s new moon. Here, in her latest concoction, classic country twangs weep like willows beside audible gasps of Patsy Cline’s heartache and Emmy Lou Harris’ soulful defiance. It is as if June Carter threw her laugh into the ring while Johnny Cash’s shadow loomed over softly strumming guitars.
The song itself—a tapestry woven with threads glowing from lunar inspiration—is pregnant with an emotional resonance so palpable it nearly outshines its own muse. “Dark Moon” isn’t merely an ode to celestial wanderings; it’s an audacious dive into the turbid waters of personal recollection and universal mythology where every chorus feels both hauntingly familiar yet sharply fresh.
Each melody in Sousa’s arsenal tells tales not just sung but felt—the kind of feeling you get when cold wind pierces warm skin, shocking your system into reverent awareness. The soundscape painted by these tender ballads breathes life into this ethereal love story between artist and astral body, grounding cosmic wonderment with earthen roots carved deep within country soil.
Luminous Ballads: Laura da Sousa’s ‘Dark Moon’ in Focus
Moreover, “Dark Moon” doesn’t solely sing—it echoes through corridors long forgotten; each note a footstep leading back to melodies bolstered by tradition but defiant enough to forge paths aflame with innovative fervor—and always underscored by Laura’s powerful vocals that manage somehow to whisper confessions bold as brass.
Indeed! In taking arms against the omnipresent pull of mainstream cacophony, Laura da Sousa proves herself again as craftsman whose chisels are lyrics sharp enough cut through stardust fabric stretched across our acoustic universe. With ‘Dark Moon,’ she captures more than songs: she traps magic betwixt beats—an alchemist turning melancholic rhythms golden; an adventurer mapping constellations not yet dreamed up.
Simply put—Laura da Sousa has done it once more: captured lightning – no darker nor light than mankind needs be mesmerized at least for spans marking revolutions around suns silent without her music.
Are you listening to Galisko’s new one?‘Get Out’ is a straight up pop rock hit – anthemic and extremely catchy to the extent that for the period that I listened to the song, I found myself singing the lyrics aloud as though this is a song I have been listening to for ages.
For the LA-based singer-songwriter, it marks a huge creative awakening after a painful couple of years of COVID. Just like many others, Galisko had to start wondering about many things that were once taken for granted as the entire world was turned around. But instead of degenerating they used all of that anxiety and desire for change this website into one hell of cathartic music release.
Working with producer Ben Shopen, on “Get Out” Galisko has delivered their most ambitious and expressive sound to date The stacked guitars, punching drums and the shouty vocal performance just scream about the newfound freedom. It’s the kind of fist-pumping anthem which can be perfect for invincible vocals on the stage leaving all the troubles behind.
In this case, Galisko has always spewed a message of determination as well as empowering of self through songs from the group. The themes that Daniels explores in his shorts get amplified to the nth degree when he infuses them with raw feeling and full-blown punk energy in “Get Out. ”If you’re among the people who have had their freedom limited in any way in the past few years, I’m not sure there is a song better suited for a good ol’ cathartic scream.
I recently reconnected with Galisko to talk about its experience with the pandemic, how the song “Get Out” was created, and how this new music is making them feel alive.
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Is there a story behind your stage name? -Galisko is my surname. Basically most of the time no one calls me by my first name, Amit, and from a young age it was always Galisko. I chose to embrace it.
Where do you find inspiration? – I get inspired by things that happen to me most of the time. Situations I’ve been through in my life. Love, family, things that I go through between myself that are difficult to explain in words and I simply find it best in writing.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? – Wow. Music was everything to me from a very young age. I found comfort in her, she was often a loving hug that I needed. She taught me a lot about myself and gave me the gift of my self-confidence.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? – No, I didn’t come from a musical family. But from a young age my parents raised me in a musical education. At the age of 7, they enrolled me in a piano class, then a guitar class, and when I decided that I wanted to sing, they supported me a lot and have always been behind me in every decision I made regarding music. They are very proud of me and always there to support and help.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? – I am very influenced by the biggest rock-pop bands in the world.
Radiohead, Coldplay,
Lena Del Rey, Florence and the Machine..
And also female singers from my country, Ninet Taib, she is really my idol.
But I always try in everything I do to be me and bring something new.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play? – From a very young age it was clear that music was an integral part of my life. I studied piano, guitar and voice development most of the years of my life.
In the army I served in a military band and after my release from the army I did a bachelor’s degree in music.
– From a very young age it was clear that music was an integral part of my life.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? – The first performance I remember is a performance by Aviv Gefen, a huge Israeli artist. I was about 13 years old at a huge rock festival on my country’s independence day.
I left there with light in my eyes. I remember myself literally standing on the irons on the stage and unable to take my eyes off him. and still it has been 16 years and every few months I am at his concert and enjoy it in the same way.
How could you describe your music? My music is a journey. Whoever succeeds in listening to the words through the melody and production will discover a world. I’ve been through a lot in the last few years and I wrote it all in my songs. I decided when I start taking them out, I will help other people get through their difficult times, what is not visible to the eyes, what does not sparkle and shine on Instagram and the networks.
And so I also chose to do all the designed photos of the album. full of contrasts. Very beautiful things compared to hard things, cigarette ash, rising smoke, a fake crown and toilets and everything looks so rich and shiny but real life is not all about the glamorous exterior.
Describe your creative process. – Most of the songs on my album were written during the isolation period of the corona virus. I wrote almost more than half of the album during this period and whenever I could get out of the house I went to record with my producer, Ben Shopen, who was also a full partner in the making of this album. From the melodies to the arrangements to pushing me to write more and find my unique voice.
Working with him was amazing and I love every song on this album so much.
What is your main inspiration? – My main inspiration is the marital systems I have experienced in my life. Somehow it’s easier for me to write about it, I feel like I have something to say and also help others overcome difficulties related to relationships.
Almost every relationship I’ve experienced in the last 10 years has a song on my album.
What musician do you admire most and why? – Radiohead is one of my favorite bands in the world. I love the strange melodies and the bizarre lyrics as well as this sadness that is present in Thom Yorke’s songs.
And like I said, Ninet Taib is the best singer in the world in my eyes. Her voice accompanies me everywhere from a young age. In whatever form she took it. In any musical style she chose to sing. I look at her and strive to get there. To such a level of control, of perfection.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? – for sure. I think I realized that I can do many things with my voice and also stylistically.
I really like to sing sweet ballads, but my album came out more rock kicking in the face.
Although it is very diverse and combines several styles within it.
Over the years I became more sassy and less sweet despite my blonde hair and big green eyes.
Who do you see as your main competitor? – I don’t look at anything as competition. I have my own path that I only look at and it is only before my eyes. Nothing else is interesting and I don’t think there is any competition in music. as musicians we always like to collaborate and do things together that inspire and that’s how I see it.
What are your interests outside of music? – I am a voice development teacher. And I really like to teach and help other people use their voice and go through processes. I think that due to what my country is going through, my perception of music has changed a lot and I take it as a huge healing factor and my love for music also increased with the war, I realized that I can help people with the music.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing? – I would probably manage other people’s businesses or deal with art in one way or another.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
-Because today most of the advertising and virality comes from Tiktok and platforms of this style it is a bit more challenging because you no longer have to be just the musician who writes songs, sings and performs, but also a content creator, a comedian and a real publicist for your life. Sometimes I think I missed the train in my adult years ha ha but I try. It is indeed more challenging
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? – I would return the music to simply be music without all the jungle around.
What are your plans for the coming months? – In the coming months I will release 2 more singles from my debut album, “Unfixable”. And then the rest of the album will be released.
I am very excited and can’t wait to sing the songs from the album on stages.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans – There are currently no musical collaborations planned. I am concentrating on releasing the album and myself to the world first.
I want my songs to reach as many people as possible and help them get through challenging times.
What message would you like to give to your fans? – First of all, I really thank everyone who walks the journey with me and waits all the time in anticipation to see and hear the things that come out. I feel this virtual hug and it gives strength to continue. So stay tuned and see you soon
Riding the Waves of Chaos: An Interview with Whitney King
Prepare yourselves, Whitney King is here with another banger titled “Losing Control”!This is Glasgow’s newest band, they are very young and yet they carry on the tradition of dad-rock with anthemic, singalong guitar riffs, and a stomper of a pogo beat.
Start to finish, tracked straight from their Barras flat, the sound of “Losing Control” is huge enough to rouse even the dead man’s neighbors. It is all about going berserk and this is something the young gunslingers are all about as the movie so vividly portrays.
The artists may be barely out of university, but Whitney King pens songs as mature as they come. Their third single is “Losing Control,” yet one can hardly tell given that track’s shiny, fuzzed-out stomp. While they’re probably just as keen on a brew and an early bedtime as any other native of Glasgow, they’re quickly beginning to establish themselves as one’s to look out for in Scotland’s indie circuit.
I had a chat with the band about inspiration, mayhem when recording, and where songs like this come from. ..
Is there a story behind your stage name? -We wanted to give off a bluesy feel and felt it was important to have something that would look cool written down. Think Albert or BB King. There’s also the added fun when people ask which of us are Whitney.
Where do you find inspiration? -We all have different musical backgrounds, our inspiration comes from all avenues of rock, metal, blues, country and punk music. We’re constantly trying to do something new and are always on the lookout for new musical ideas.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? -All of us were interested in music at young ages, our drummer Shannon learned to play at home and would practice in a shed in the garden. Both our guitarists picked up guitar in school and joined bands. We still play music we listened to in the car with our parents as kids. That stuff is part of our band DNA.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? -Nothing majorly impressive. Though music was always close to us and we were brought up learning the importance of treasuring it. Some of our Dads’ll jam on the guitar and can hold a tune but we’re not related to rockstars or anything.. though I’ve heard Steven’s Gran can play a mean sax solo.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play? -Mostly solo practice at home, some of us started to play because of our parents but that can only get you so far. I think coming up in the age of the internet and youtube gave us a boost. Half the band also attended music school together in Glasgow, this is how we met in the very first place. We had great chemistry and even better teachers.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? -That would be different for each band member, as for me I can’t remember the first concert I saw, but I remember very well going to see Metallica for the first time, it was a big deal, had to travel 500km and while there were on the stage I couldn’t actually believe that they were there and that concert was happening.
That would be different for each band member, as for me I can’t remember the first concert I saw, but I remember very well going to see Metallica for the first time, it was a big deal,
How would you describe your music? -We’re a modern rock band with a heavily blues-influenced guitar-driven sound. Our songs range from heavy metal to the realm of pop, punk and even folk at times. Sometimes I refer to our sound as: ‘loud gig music that people can jump to’ I think this works for us, we like to get a crowd on their feet and keep them on their toes.
Describe your creative process. -It’s like making soup. Music soup.
What is your main inspiration? What musician do you admire most and why? -Again, I take everyone in the band would give a different answer, but as for our style, I think we can all agree that took inspiration from artists like AC/DC, Chris Cornell or My Chemical Romance.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? -Definitely, I’m sure we now find ourselves more unified in style, when we started we were more bluesy, and then we had acoustic period over COVID. These days we get pretty rocky and hell yeah, we love it.
Who do you see as your main competitor? -We don’t think in these terms, music is about fun and staying together for hence, hence even if we wanted to name anyone, no one would come to our minds.
What are your interests outside of music? -Having pints in the pub. But on a serious note, Josh loves making cocktails, he’s really good at it, Zak enjoys recording and probably knows everything about fantasy and horror writers, Shannon knows all the secrets on how to make the best wine on this planet and Steven, believe it or not, loves to go randomly for fishing in Japan. As for me, I’m the nature and hiking guy.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing? -Anything that is fun and pays the bills. I don’t believe that any of us could do a serious job for the entire life.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? -Promoting our music is the most challenging part. It requires lots of work and consistency, and if you have other things on your mind and you work full time, it can be tricky to find time to do it consistently. And even though you put a lot of effort to it, a strong outcome isn’t always guaranteed.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project? -That’s the main line in the chorus, it’s easier to remember the song if you use a repeated phrase from the lyrics as a song title.
What are your plans for the coming months? -Hopefully a bigger tour, that’s our dream. We’ve been doing pretty well locally and we are ready for the next step. We’ll also be releasing more music this year, but that’s all we can say about this for now.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans? -None so far, but we are open to that. It would be awesome to go on a tour with other bands.
What message would you like to give to your fans? -You learned the chorus of “One More Night” and “Under City Lights” so fast that you amazed us, we still can’t forget the first time people sang “One More Night” during our gig in Perth. Let’s do the same with “Losing Control” and “Dead End Road” so we will never have to stop singing together.
Harmonies of the Heart: Bob Gemmell on Music and Life
You know that feeling when a song just stops you in your tracks? The lyrics cut right through and make you think about what really matters in life? That’s the power of Bob Gemmell’s latest track “Lesson Number 2.” The opening line hits you like a ton of bricks – “The first one shows us how to stay alive. The other shows us how to live.”
Bob’s the frontman and songwriter for the band Big Medicine Head over on the west coast. With this new solo single, he’s gone for a gentle guitar, slow drum beats and subtle piano vibe, but the words are what really get you. This song was inspired by the demise of his mother, he said
“When my mother was passing she would drift in and out of consciousness. She would tell us what she saw on the other side, when she had “crossed the river”. She also gave me short lessons – things she considered important for me to know before she crossed over. That all made its way into the song.”
The song features Bob on vocals and guitar, backed by an excellent crew including Lee Takasugi on piano, Jeffy D on drums, and Johnny McGuire shredding away on lead guitar. Together they craft this warm, immersive Americana sound that just draws you right in to Bob’s philosophical musings.
I recently got to chat with Bob about his inspirations, life experiences, and the stories behind “Lesson Number 2” and his other tracks. The guy’s got a true gift for turning life’s hard-earned lessons into powerful, thought-provoking music. Let me share some highlights from our conversation…
What is your stage name Bob Gemmell is my real name and my stage name, although a lot of my music has been released by the band “Big Medicine Head” for whom I am the songwriter/signer/guitarist.
Is there a story behind your stage name? I wish there was! My email address, however, is a different story. In the eighties there was a singer named John Cougar Mellencamp (actually, he’s still around). I thought it would be
cheeky to mashup our names for my email address, which is bob.cougar.gemmellcamp@gmail.com.
Clever enough, I suppose, but John Cougar Mellencamp’s popularity has dimmed, and I’m stuck with this pointlessly long email address
that no one understands!
Where do you find inspiration? I’m inspired these days by the heroism of kindness. Small gestures of grace in what has become a mean spirited world move me. I hope that spirit infuses my music.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? Incalculably large. I read somewhere where Tom Petty said something along the lines of “Some kids take up rock and roll to meet girls – others do it to save their lives.” I probably mangled that and he probably never actually said it, but I fall into the latter category.
I was always drawn to lyrics, and when I was a kid a good lyric could give me gooseflesh.
I probably mangled that and he probably never actually said it, but I fall into the latter category.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? Yes, my dad was a crooner, and my sisters sing and play instruments.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? I suppose Bob Dylan, because he showed at their are no rules – which meant that whatever path you take on your musical journey can’t be wrong if your heart is in the right place.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play? When I was fifteen my mom wanted me to have some direction. She forced me to take guitar lessons. I took a few lessons with Danny Schmidt (father of Eagles bassist Timothy Schmidt).
He showed me some chords, and I took it from there. The most important aspect of my music I suppose are the lyrics, and I learned that craft by listening to Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan albums.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? Bruce Springsteen at Winterland. It transformed me. I’m a Catholic, but going to that concert was like going to church for the first time.
How could you describe your music? Missives from the whiskey and paisley highway. Or as it says on bobgemmell.com, “With words and melody Bob Gemmell paints an American landscape where the roads are travelled by highway kings, evangelists and lost souls – or where there are no roads at all. “
Describe your creative process. Great topic. Most people who are interested assume that I write all the lyrics and build melody around them. That’s almost never true. I usually start in the headspace of an artist I like – say Bruce Cockburn or Steve Earle, for instance – and begin creating a melody out of the sound of words, but not the words themselves.
A may want a lot of hard consonants or perhaps long vowel sounds. The feeling of words comes as much from there sound as anything literal attached to them. It is only after I have a melody and feel through the sound of the words that I begin to wrap a narrative around them. It is also true that sometimes there is no narrative.
In those instances I use language as a camera, and capture impressions that don’t add up to a story. That might be most evident on the song “Lonesome Desert Crawl” from the first Big Medicine Head album. Incidentally, I release solo music now, but I’m still associated with Big Medicine Head.
What is your main inspiration? The endless possibilities of the American highway, and what lies over the horizon.
What musician do you admire most and why? Bruce Springsteen. When right wing political culture mistook his musical affinity for American culture as an indication of nationalism or jingoism, he forcefully rejected that. Plus his music has been informed by John Steinbeck, as is mine.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? Yep – for sure. My lyrics have become more true to my internal experience, rather than topical observation. Plus I fingerpick a lot more. And when I started it was all the sound of whatever I
could squeeze out of a Fender Telecaster, while on my more recent music I’ve played banjo, resonator, mandolin, acoustic guitar and of course my Fender Telecaster.
Who do you see as your main competitor? I’m not sure I have an answer for that. I don’t think about it much.
What are your interests outside of music? Prose – I’m working on a novel called “Tales of the Western Hemisphere”.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? I spent a number of years confusing the lifestyle with the music. Once I realized that alcohol was an impediment to – and not an enhancement of – creativity, my writing really opened up.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? I would like to see more acknowledgment of great writing. Outside of the Americana genre there are very few songs that are popular these days which could stand on the quality of their
lyrics. I like songs where you can just print the lyrics and they stand on their own.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project? When my mom was dying I sat by her bedside. She would drift in and out of consciousness, and come back with tales of what she saw on the other side of the river. She would also offer
little lessons, things she wanted me to know before she left. Since then I have been fond of lesson number two.
What are your plans for the coming months? More music! I’m working on my next release, and also a new track from Big Medicine Head.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans? If Taylor Swift calls and wants to pen something together I would pick up the phone.
What message would you like to give to your fans? “Let everyone you love know how you feel – that’s lesson number two”
Imagine, if you will, a tempest in the ever-morphing skies of rock ‘n’ roll—a vent that erupts not with the fire and brimstone typical of their genre, but with glittering shards of hope and resilience. This is “Crowns” by The Almas; it’s less a song than an uproarious declaration in the court of hard rock.
In the grand carousel of life’s challenges and conquests, “Crowds” booms like a war drum in an enchanted forest—calling on all to gather under its echoing canopy. Charged vocals from Crystal Teigland caper across stormy rifts carved by Frank Slifka’s searing guitar licks while Josh Sukowski adds layers as intricate as ivy twisting through ancient ruins. Andrew Ehredt lays down rhythms that are both a clarion call and heartbeat—urgent yet steady, summoning strength from within chaos.
Rhythms of Resilience: ‘Crowns’ by The Almas
But what cipher lies beneath these explosive harmonies? It’s an intricate dance between darkness draped cloaks waving at despair while holding lanterns aglow with valorous intent towards mental health awareness. Each note seems soaked in shared sorrows then wrung out over audience heads leaving drops that peel away apathy reducing staleness into stirring action—each chord strums against stigma while vibrating vehement support for our veterans’ invisible wars.
There’s irony here too—a band called The Almas meandering amidst heavy metal maelstrom guiding listeners around rugged corners into soft fern-banked clearings filled with light heart-fabric soothing souls through empathic euphony shaped chords!
Leaving us where we began… Considering their momentous journey knitted across tens of thousands miles woven alongside almost daily enact nor heroic standing ovations – How simple it seems now… Listen closely: “Crowns” isn’t just music—it’s evolution sung loud!
Rony Rex’s ‘Dopamine’: A Vibrant Exploration of Dance Music
Hey, have you had a listen to this? Rony Rex is a Finnish producer who has recently released an EP. I would still like to describe “Dopamine” as a crazy track which will throw you to the different sides of electronic music. This fellow has features for days and the whole EP just screams sex appeal and youthfulness. Rony Rex is truly one of The freshest dance music tastemakers in Finland today.
The album begins with the track “Ugly”, a song that does not falter around. Well-defined bassline, synths, and Nigerian American Benni Ola’s hoarse, sexy spoken-word opening create an unapologetically club-ready track. That catchy beat and the happy notes make them characteristic of the summer, which serves as the backdrop for this EP.
Next, there is “Papi” with vocals by Teen Suicide, Kitty from The Pom-Poms. As usual, this is a playful jam, which features thick beats, powerful bass synching, and synthesizing that fits the theme of money scam perfectly to complement Kitty’s playful lyrics. She develops a very smart stories which come with a hint of jeopardy but the smile makes it more audacious.
The song is musically upbeat, but lyrically, the viewer is taken on a very bipolar ride with this song entitled, “I Could Be. ”The chorus is full of the artist’s pleas for her man to stay with her because she’s unsure about herself – a theme of the song would appeal to anyone struggling with their worth in a relationship. Yet, Ravenna takes over at the end of the movie and says to the mirror, “I know that I am good enough. ”
It ends with “Shapes” which has a somewhat ambient sound to it. The dark and bassy verse breaks into the iridescent and vibrant chorus, accompanied by compelling vocals of Australian artist LÂLKA. It is a very peaceful kind of song which can make them dance under the sparkling Disco light.
“Dopamine” is an absolute audio delight that Rony Rex has created, and after listening to the track people are sure to want more and more. Any fan of electronic music should definitely check this EP out as it proves Rony’s versatility and strong skill of mixing elements while keeping the crowd going.
Edie Yvonne on Her Latest Anthem '15 (When I Leave)' and Beyond
Edie Yvonne is a new artist who recently released her new single “15 (When I Leave)” which is a raw, emotional banger about being a teenager. Following in the footsteps of Green Day and Blink 182, the track combines raw guitars, punchy drums and Yvonne’s strong voice to deliver a new yet familiar two and a half minutes of pure punk-pop emotion.
The lyrics are quite descriptive of the melancholic experience of severing the ties with home and familiarity, with lines like ‘I’m leaving. I know it’s not your fault. You never cared at all. At least I tell myself, so it hurts less, when I leave. ’ It’s raw and real in the way it portrays the human mechanisms of dealing with emotional distress.
Yvonne’s vocal performance is the focal point and she articulates both fragility and fierce power perfectly right in the feels. When she sings ‘I know you can’t hear me screaming out’ as the music increases to the climax, it can be powerful and heart-wrenching.
The production is polished but raw, the hooks are infectious, and the vibes are undeniably pop punk, which makes it simultaneously new and nostalgic. In such a short space of time, “15 (When I Leave)” encapsulates the desperation and chaos of youth. It is one moment of freedom and a clear signal of Yvonne’s potentiality.
Is there a story behind your stage name? EY: My mom gave me all of the names on her list of baby names since I’m an only child so Edie Yvonne is abbreviated. My name is Edie Yvonne Bella Rrose. Edie after my Abuela’s favorite singer Eydie Gorme, Yvonne after the artist Yvonne Rainer, Bella after a family member, and Rrose after artist Marcel Duchamp’s alter ego.
Where do you find inspiration? EY: I’ve grown up around artists all of my life that I think have informed my point of view.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? EY: My Abuela is a Nicaraguan opera singer and we would always sing together when I was little. I also took singing lessons with Katie Riggs when I was very young and did tens and tens of musicals at YADA – the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? EY: Aside from my Abuela and her musical career, my mom is an art curator so I grew up around a lot of artists and artists studios.
Aside from my Abuela and her musical career, my mom is an art curator so I grew up around a lot of artists and artists studios.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? EY: Our family friend who is like a Godmother to me Elaine Sir is in the music industry and is a mentor to me and has really encouraged me. She connected me to producer Douglas Boehm who has been an amazing collaborator and she is my biggest cheerleader when she visits me in the studio and in rehearsal.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play? EY: During the pandemic, when YADA performances pivoted to zoom, I found myself in my room alone with my guitar and keyboard. I took a songwriting class with Samantha Aurelio and made a short film titled At Ease. I had the opportunity to write a song for the film credits and that is where it began. I haven’t stopped writing since.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? EY: Florence and the Machine at the Hollywood Bowl.
How could you describe your music? EY: Indie teen anthemic, dream pop.
Describe your creative process. EY: I usually start with a few lyrics or a melody which I then bring to the guitar, sometimes my keyboard. From there I keep on writing and polishing until I can bring it to the studio and work on it with my producers Nicky and Cormac.
What is your main inspiration? EY: Ideas tend to spark from real life experiences but usually dramatized and molded into a more heightened story.
What musician do you admire most and why? EY: I love Alanis Morisette and her honesty and emotionality through her songwriting.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? EY: It’s been an eclectic journey with a lot of experimentation.
Who do you see as your main competitor? EY: I am only just beginning so I see more inspiration than competition.
What are your interests outside of music? EY: Acting and fashion.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing? EY: Along with music I hope to continue acting.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? EY: I’m just starting to perform live so I’m still learning to build confidence on stage.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? EY: I’m still just beginning and experimenting – there’s so much more for me to learn about the industry.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project? EY: I wrote the song about fears and hopes around growing up and adolescence when I turned 15 which inspired the song. This has been a heavy year and I’m fortunate enough to have music to get it all out.
What are your plans for the coming months? EY: Getting ready for more live performances and recording in the studio for the summer!
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans? EY: Recently, a producer named Frank Cervantes sent me songs I was super into and I’ve been in the studio recording them including a song titled Forever Girl!
What message would you like to give to your fans? EY: I’m so grateful for all of the support as I begin to release music and can’t wait to keep performing and connecting!
Mēl Teams Up With Women For Debut Project “FOR MELANIN GIRLIES”
Born out of her desire to enforce creative collaboration among women in not just music but the entire space. Ghanaian sound engineer and multi-instrumentalist Mēl teams up colleague women in the music space for debut project, “fOR MELanin giRLiEs”.
The project is a first step to achieving a goal by calling on fellow creatives in Ghana and the diaspora to speak on topics dear to women but often overlooked by a patriarchal society”. FMG speaks on the themes of community building, abuse, self-love, and breaking from societal pressures and barriers.
Featuring Ria Boss, Seyyoh (of SuperJazzClub), Darkua, Sofie, KiKi Celine, Sh3lter, Ms Fu, Haeven and Rie Osei. The follows her two pre-release songs Siren’s Call and Breathe which were released earlier in the year. With all songs produced and A&R’d by Mēl, FMG is described by Mēl as her way of laying the foundations for her fellow women artists to express themselves on subjects women are passionate about.
fOR MELanin giRLiEs” is now available on all streaming platforms here
Whiskey Haze: Silversel's Anthem for the Broken and Brave
Let me introduce to you an upcoming hottest single called “Whiskey Haze” performed by the great American rock band Silversel. Form Statesboro Georgia this band embodies a sense of Alternative /metal and hard rock as their songs are filled with distorted sounds of guitar riffs that scream to be heard.
Featuring Wally Silver’s gritty and passionate voice, Ricky Saldano’s thunderous drums, Justin Myers and Daniel Durden’s high-energy guitars, Stephen Saxon’s hardcore bass, and Mikey Burress’s burning rhythm guitar, Silversel performs with both aggression and style. The song starts with quite a punchy first verse and a driving rhythm in the verses that can take you to the whiskey haze as the title suggests.
The lyrics effectively portray the concept of fighting with the internal monsters and the process of searching for the way through the inner storm. Phrases such as “Swallowing the sun in a whiskey haze” stick in the mind long after the song is over, distilling the human struggle when confronting the darkness within. But according to the band, from a lyrical perspective, the song is more about the journey of the process of healing and rebuilding which is a long and tiring process.
The quality of the production is superb, something that one would expect for a band of Silversel’s calibre; this production has been worked on by Shane Baldwin – the engineer. It sounds like every instrument is distinct and equal, which makes it sound like a chaotic and liberating kind of music. The song can be best explained with its cover art done artistically depicting a lonely road at dusk against the Misty mountains.
“Whiskey Haze” is a great comeback for Silversel who already has three successful albums and who was nominated for a Grammy for their song “Heard It All Before. ” The album proves that this band can really provide people with meaningful songs which are very emotional. With “Whiskey Haze” as preparation for their fourth studio album to drop in the near future, all signs are pointing to a bright future for Silversel. If you have a chance, go and see them live: Their recent tour with FRACTURED shows that there is no comparison between a live concert and studio tracks.
New Jersey’s Finest: The Local 12 Shines on ‘Abandon’
You know how it is with debut albums – there’s just this buzz of excitement around them. And when it’s an alt-rock album, that anticipation kicks into overdrive. That’s exactly the vibe with “Abandon” by these guys called The Local 12 from New Jersey. From the minute it kicks off, this record just plunges you straight into their unique, multi-layered rock sound.
“Abandon” just nails that alt-rock essence while still feeling fresh and distinctive. It opens up with “Wave At The Window” which sets this really upbeat, melodic tone with the lyrics telling a little story. But then the smooth piano solo and electrifying guitar riff come in and add all these cool layers. Hooks you in right away.
The next track “Godforsaken” shows off how seamlessly these guys can blend genres. The lyrics are very cinematic and the music has the bar just completely vibing between jazz, film score vibes, and trippy sound design. The vocals are on point and the sound production is top-notch.
Through the whole album, The Local 12 keeps their sound super diverse. Tracks like “King of Small Time” bring in this funky groove while “Hitchhiker’s Guide” takes you into this mellow, psych-rock space that’s giving major ’70s prog-rock nostalgia. Every song brings something a little different to the table so you stay engaged and surprised.
They give off this nostalgic feeling that’ll remind you of iconic bands like Blur, Nirvana, and Steely Dan. But they’re distinctly their own vibe too which is what makes their potential so exciting.
As the album keeps going, they don’t let up on impressing you with how versatile they are. The closing track “Stranded” starts as this poignant ballad but then evolves into this massive, uplifting anthem pulling together piano, guitar, strings – all while the lyrics hit you right in the feels.
One thing that really struck me about this album is how cohesive the theme of abandonment ties everything together. Whether it’s a relationship ending, feeling isolated, or a personal transformation – The Local 12 explores all these different shades of that experience. Adds so much extra depth and resonance.
The Local 12 is Dave Iannucci, Dan Ream, Pat Ream, and Eric Bailey – they formed in 2018 but you can hear their tight chemistry and passion for music all over “Abandon”. The rich arrangements and emotive vocal delivery show how dedicated they are to their craft.
Long story short, The Local 12’s debut “Abandon” is an outstanding alt-rock album that showcases their eclectic style and serious musical talent. With its contrasting haunting melodies and driving rock anthems plus the thoughtful lyrics, it’s a must-listen for any rock fan. They set that bar high with “Abandon” which just makes me psyched to hear what they’ll do next.
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LA’s Chapel of Roses veterans are back with their new record, Cast Out to Sea, which successfully encompasses the theme of perseverance and the unstoppable flow of time in the genre of hypnotic rock with punk vegan and sincere lyrics. This EP as well is a noteworthy comeback for the band that is based in Nashville and has been inactive for four decades.
The first song on the list is the title one ‘Cast Out to Sea’ which begins with an entrancing harmony that is characterized by high, reverberating finger plucks which establish an environment of a very captivating trance. The band is completed by the lead vocals of Chris E. Kelley, which also contributes to the band’s overall eerie feeling of being lost at sea.
His attitude looks mysterious and worried at the same time, the feeling which is expressed by the existential motifs of the song. The chorus is especially powerful here, with Kelley singing ‘Cast out to sea’ in an enigmatic fashion, ending in a powerful high-pitched scream. The bridge is done with a stronger voice, barely audible, then the song regains the intensity it had from earlier.
In addition to the other versions, “Cast Out to Sea – Further” is another version of the track with nearly one and a half minutes longer duration. A twisted, foggy tune plays the background as it builds up to a hypnotizing instrumental battle backed by recurrent tapping.
The drums rise gradually throughout the course of the song and their groovy pattern provides the feeling of liberation and drive.
Fans of Chapel of Roses will be delighted to know that they are back in action again coming with Cast Out to Sea, a banger. The EP is a very artistic representation of the human beings and their lives and their struggles and the strength they possess to endure the hardship they go through in life.
Through raw and reflective lyrics delivered by Kelley’s soulful voice and supported by the melodies of Jim T. Graham’s lap steel guitar, listeners are encouraged to get on board and inspired for self-reflection and desire.
Finally, Chapel of Roses has delivered an album that struck a chord with their audience and effectively captures their artistic journey as well as music’s ability to change lives. It is more than a successful return to the stage; it’s the introduction to a promising period in the future of the band’s work. We can only wait with bated breath on what Chapel of Roses will drop out next as they return with a huge welcome.
Freddie Mercury Tribute: CORVYX’s Powerful Rendition of 'The Show Must Go On'
CORVYX, the alt-pop artist celebrated for his impressive five-octave vocal range, has delivered a passionate rendition of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On.” His performance channels the essence of the song whilst at the same time making it his own.
CORVYX, who regards Mercury as one of the greatest singers of all time, found joy in covering this iconic song. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “Freddie’s voice on that track is so emotionally raw and poignant. I wanted to cover it and make it my own – my version is darker and more epic, but it retains the song’s core message.”
This rendition stands out as one of CORVYX’s most notable tracks, transforming the anthem into an intense, despair-laden soundscape. His interpretation aims to evoke deep emotions while conveying a message of hope amid struggle.
This cover also marks a significant milestone in CORVYX’s career. With nearly a million captivated followers on social media, he is poised to release his original music soon. “The Show Must Go On” sets the stage for CORVYX to push his boundaries even further, crafting enchanting, emotional alt-pop music for fans worldwide. Prepare yourself for CORVYX to emerge as a truly astounding talent.
Tidal Water's Debut Single 'Corrupted': Insights from Martin Hovden
Every now and then one stumbles upon a new band worth listening to, enjoying every piece of music created by the group. This is precisely what happened to me when I discovered Tidal Water’s first single entitled “Corrupted. ” This new band that originated from Oslo, Norway comprises of Martin Hovden who is both the vocalist, songwriter and producer, Renato Anesi, Jims Lehner and Markus Matland.
“Corrupted” is just the first glimpse of their upcoming album “Polarity” – and let me assure, it’s an aggressive and catchy song!All in all, all these mambo jumbo in the song fundamentally combines the influences of alternative rock, blues, hard rock, punk and classic rock ‘n’ roll into this innovative, sexy tune. Hovden’s powerful singing is again doing the job and the band as a whole is just fantastic and well knit with their music and coordination.
The finest aspects and several layers of melodies were enthralling me over and over with the repetition button. For someone who rarely listens to this music type, the vibes and such a fine line just clicked in. Everything died down and by the very end of that finale, my need for more from these guys intensified.
Fortunately for us, “Corrupted” is only the introduction or the prologue if you will. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Martin Hovden to talk about the creative process, inspirations, and the story that Tidal Water did with this sickening first release. Well, that’s what he has to say I am sure you would like to listen to him.
Our stage name is Tidal Water, and I, Martin Hovden, am the main producer, songwriter, and vocalist. I’ll be answering the questions in this interview. The core of Tidal Water is Renato Anesi and myself. Renato is an incredible guitarist, an unrecognized genius on par with legends like Hendrix and Vaughan. I’m excited to showcase his talent. Although other band members participate occasionally, Renato and I form the core, especially when preparing for tours.
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Finding an unused stage name was challenging. Initially considering “The Void,” we settled on “Tidevann,” the Norwegian word for Tidal Water, which wasn’t in use. The name resonates with my connection to the sea and the natural phenomenon of tides influenced by the moon. Tidal movements impact ocean currents, symbolizing our music’s stirring effect.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration stems from life experiences, philosophical reflections, and societal observations. Growing up in the northwestern hemisphere, I’ve witnessed how our economic systems exploit other nations, fueling my lyrical content. Musically, we draw from various artists and genres, creating playlists to honor our influences. Philosophers and authors like Steven West and Gregory Roberts also inspire me to question norms and reflect deeply.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music played a significant role in my early years. My mother introduced me to multiple rock and singer songwriters from the 60s and 70s music, while my father played more Scandinavian artists in the later genre. This diverse mix shaped my musical tastes. As I grew older, my interests expanded to include hiphop, indie rock, hard rock, punk, ska and more, reflecting my evolving taste and the playful nature of adulthood.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yes and no. While my parents didn’t play instruments, music was always present at home. My sister plays the guitar, and my grandfather was a brilliant violinist. Reflecting on my family history, I realize we have a strong musical heritage, even if my parents were exceptions.
Yes and no. While my parents didn’t play instruments, music was always present at home.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Meeting talented musicians like Renato Anesi, Txai Fernando and Markus Matland inspired me to join the music industry. Their incredible music and my love for singing and dancing motivated me to take the plunge. Life is too short not to have fun and create music that stirs the soul.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
My musical journey began after a breakup in my mid-twenties. Inspired by my ex’s rapid progress on the guitar, I learned to harmonize and sing. Later, I joined a choir and took vocal coaching, which was incredibly beneficial. AI, specifically BOB, has been a crucial partner in writing, helping me structure rhymes and refine my lyrics despite my dyslexia.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
My sister’s performances were my first exposure to live music. Despite her perfectionism, which holds her back, I see great potential in her. To those struggling with perfectionism, I encourage you to loosen up and seize opportunities, as life is too short to let dreams slip away.
How could you describe your music?
Tidal Water’s music blends rock with funk, punk, blues, and jazz. Our lyrics address societal concerns and personal experiences. For instance, Sensitivity: Internal “Neo-Colonialism” draws inspiration from documentaries highlighting global injustices. We aim to create music that is thought-provoking yet enjoyable, combining serious themes with playful, jammy elements.
Describe your creative process.
Inspiration comes from personal experiences, societal observations, and philosophical reflections. Using AI, particularly BOB, helps structure and refine my ideas. Our songwriting process is dynamic, blending spontaneous studio jams with pre-planned melodies. Collaborations with musicians like Renato Anesi and Jim Lehner shape our sound, aiming for a raw, live feel.
What is your main inspiration?
My inspiration is a blend of personal experiences, societal observations, and philosophical reflections. Growing up with diverse musical influences and engaging with philosophical ideas shape my lyrics and themes. Opposing Edward Bernays’ consumerist views, I encourage seeing ourselves as responsible citizens. Curiosity, playfulness, and a commitment to questioning norms drive my creativity.
Inspirations like the strokes, kings of lean, and many more there are so many important inspirations, id love to honor all by my memory is scrambled..
What musician do you admire most and why?
I admire musicians who work diligently, have fun, and balance creativity with a sense of playfulness. Those who address societal issues through their music and inspire others are particularly commendable. Their dedication, creativity, and positive impact deserve applause.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
This is the start of my career, and the journey has been about discovering Tidal Water’s musical identity. Initially casual and experimental, our style has evolved through studio sessions and collaborations. Embracing a playful, non-perfectionist approach, we’ve blended various genres to shape our unique sound.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t see other artists as competitors. Instead, our competition lies with apathy, boredom, greed, hatred, jealousy, and scammers. These negative forces hinder creativity and progress. By focusing on our art and supporting each other, we aim to create a positive, supportive environment for meaningful music.
What are your interests outside of music?
Dancing: Expressing myself physically and connecting deeply with music.
Nature: Hiking, running, and camping to relax and recharge.
Running: Staying fit, clearing my mind, and finding inspiration.
Women: Appreciating the perspectives, creativity, and support of women in my life.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I work as a consultant to fund my music endeavors and run my own company, which acts as my label. If not for music, I’d focus on writing my book—a mix of fiction, multiple timelines, magic, fantasy, sci-fi, and philosophy. This project reflects my passion for storytelling and exploring complex themes.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
The biggest problems are scammers, time, money, and jealousy. Scammers exploit artists, causing setbacks. Balancing time between music and a day job is challenging. Funding a music career is expensive, and jealousy within the industry can be toxic. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience and support. Sensitivity: Internal
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I’d eliminate scammers and leeches who exploit artists. Platforms like Spotify should provide a list of vetted promotional services to protect artists. Additionally, all song contributors should receive proper credit, not just the main acts and producers. This transparency would acknowledge everyone’s hard work.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
“Polarity” reflects the societal trend towards polarization in various aspects of life. This division is toxic. Understanding and empathy are crucial for fostering a more inclusive society. This project aims to highlight and challenge these polarizing forces.
What are your plans for the coming months?
Tidal Water plans to release singles monthly, promote our debut album “Polarity,” and prepare for potential tours. We aim to avoid burnout by balancing these activities with self-care, taking breaks to recharge, and ensuring sustained creativity and enthusiasm.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Yes, we have ongoing collaborations and are searching for new opportunities. We hope to find a female singer for some songs and explore acoustic versions of our music. Separately, I’m working on a drum and bass project with Papa J, titled “Papa J and Tidal Water’s Digital Noise,” though it won’t be performed under Tidal Water’s name.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Strive to be responsible within your own conscience, and don’t let dogmas bog you down. Stay engaged, question societal norms, and find joy in life’s imperfections. Embrace challenges with a playful spirit and use them as opportunities for growth and creativity.
Dive into the Depths Of Evelí Ray's "Ocean of You"
Another song released May 11th is Ocean of You by Evelí Ray, and I have to say it was quite the rollercoaster. It is as if she decided to create normal electronic beats and then added a double bass for some reasons and then just to throw a twist of something new into the mix, she included some Eastern instruments. We’re talking duduk, tabla, oud—the whole enchilada.
But it is not only Evelí who is doing her thing. Oh yeah, she is accompanied by a whole team of musicians from Barcelona and Latin America. Marcos Exposito plays the bass guitar, Joan Miró plays the guitar, oud, mandolin, and ney, and Pablo Cruz only plays the percussion instruments. And if that is not enough, she has also invited some guest musicians namely Pablo Giménez, Antonio Mazzei and Blai Vidal to the party.
The feeling of the song is kind of difficult to describe. It has elements of that Scandanavian music intrigue but with a hint of that Meditterranean sun that brings a smile to your face. Not shying away from combining elements of art pop with world music, Evelí is ready to shake things up. You can clearly detect some influences from Peter Gabriel and Bjork there for that bold and introspective sound.
It has elements of that Scandanavian music intrigue but with a hint of that Meditterranean sun that brings a smile to your face.
We got some deep stuff happening in “Ocean of You. ”Another song that’s thematically relevant to Khalid and Lorde is Evelí where Khalid diving into the Sufi poem of Rumi about universal love and we are all connected. It is more about love within and coming to terms to the fact that one belongs to humanity.
All recording sessions were collectives and guest musicians recorded from their home studios. That gives this music that genuine, passionate feel which just captures the listener.
If you are ready for music, which will make you ponder, inspire emotions, and possibly, get you tapping your feet, then try listening to “Ocean of You”. Believe me; it is truly an unforgettable one.
In the bubbling cauldron of the modern music scene, where genres intermix like a well-shaken cocktail, Jeff Vidov stirs up an effervescent brew with his latest single, “Oh mi da dey di.” A spoonful of rock, a dash of pop and that twinkling garnish of anthemic choruses make this song not just a dish best served on loudspeakers but also an elixir for the weary soul.
Imagine diving headfirst into a kaleidoscope; colors burst and swirl as if painting directly onto your spirit. This is Vidov’s craft—where every note echoes like laughter bouncing through an abandoned cathedral. His approach melds Canadian stoicism with capricious flights of musical fancy, threading hope and community tightly together until they sing in harmony. The melodies? They rise like balloons escaping towards clouds made fluffy with optimism.
Jeff Vidov’s Anthemic Elixir: “Oh mi da dey di”
The beauty here lies not just in what you hear but how it beckons you forth to join hands—to feel less alone amidst global chaos. It’s communal yet deeply individualistic; every chord strums intimately across heartstrings while simultaneously welding crowds together under their shared human condition framed by resonant reverberations.
Jeff shapes air around him using keys as sculpting tools—with illustrious past stylings from theatre work to teaching—and “Oh mi da dey di” showcases his palate richly saturated by complex experiences. Here he veers off anticipated paths into fascinating emotional landscapes explored via thought-provoking lyrics upheld by robust Neorock vigor.
And does it land? Ah yes! Like soft feet settling upon centuries-old earth after soaring over monumental valleys—the conclusion is simple: Vidov delivers far more than sounds; he delivers connections woven from audible gold threads sparkling wildly against life’s tapestry—a true craftsman working wonders beyond sight or measure.
"Funk, Rock, and Soul: DJ Williams Delivers with 'By Way of RVA'"
Welcome music freaks, brace up for some rocking summer as DJ Williams, electric guitar wizard and producer par excellence, sets off for a 26-city tour across the U. S. This is more than just an ordinary concert – it’s a celebration of his latest album titled “By Way of RVA” that is a testament to the city of Richmond, Virginia where he cultivated his unique creativity.
If you have got the opportunity to watch DJ Williams perform, then you well aware of the fact that this guy is a monster on stage. Premier Guitar even described him as ‘…a monster… an inspiring and efficient and melodic soloist, with a warm sound and extraordinary technical proficiency. ’ Now, he begin and ends his tour on May 3 in New Orleans during Jazz Fest After Dark and on July 13 in Golden, Colorado.
But he’s not doing this alone – DJ is supported by incredibly talented musicians, including Ben Atkind on drums, Steph Orsini on bass, and Macon Mann on keys. Together, they’re going to be ripping through tracks from his latest EP, “By Way of RVA,” released on Projekt Records and highlighting just how versatile of a musician DJ is. We’re talking funk, rock, soul – all in one, and all part of this excellent piece of audio.
This is followed by the opening track on the EP ‘Fade Away’
This is followed by the opening track on the EP ‘Fade Away’, a catchy tune that can only be attributed to DJ Williams but has hints of Lenny Kravitz to it. It has its energy from the power chords, live drum and a guitar solo that will bring anyone to their knees. Next up is “Burning Ash” which features very powerful riffs and great falsetto, and then we’re on the dreamy “By Way of RVA” which features Hip Hop beat and awesome Guitars that take one to another world.
Though, the piece that I found most impressive as generally unorthodox is “Mr. Nobody,” with it’s strange guitar line and extended vocal summit that solves this great tale. There’s also DJ’s take on Nirvana’s heart shaped box, so this is one of those they take it into lo-fi, trip-hop, trap style, this and that, that proves how much of a beast he is. “Turn Of Events” is the final cut with a reggae inflection perfectly serving as a laid-back finale after the musical chaos.
What is even more intriguing is the fact that the album can be regarded as highly personal for DJ. He did the whole thing in his bedroom and even produced some peculiar ideas such as placing drums in the wardrobe and vocals in the shower as it created a natural reverb. Listen to how he stacked like 22 vocals on “Heart-Shaped Box” or just how he went over the top with these orchestral synth arrangements on the title track.
That is the life story of DJ, who was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and who listens to the music ranging from Curtis Mayfield and Nirvana, from Miles Davis and Led Zeppelin. He is currently the lead guitarist for Karl Denson Tiny Universe Band, also performs a solo project DJ Williams Projekt as well as has performed with John Legend, Dave Matthews Band, and George Clinton to name but a few.
And if you are up for the fact filled summer of live music, don’t snooze on DJ Williams ’ tour. And, with his fiery performances and this thrilling new EP, he’s absolutely making an impact on the musical landscape. Don’t wait for the show, take Your tickets, turn up the music on RVA, and let the concert begin!
"The Beginning of a New Era: Melody Alex. Patrick's '1980'
Melody Alex. Patrick, the versatile artist from the French Riviera zone of the world is preparing her first show disc “1980” and from this disc start a seven disc series that she proposed to release and this is called “The Non-Sense Anthology.
With renowned guitarist Lorenzo Sarli by her side, Melody Alex is ready to take on the nation and conquer it. Patrick is excellent and the daring and raw nature of his performance is sure to entice new viewers while leaving long time fans eager for future performances.
“1980” is a contemporal carefree recollection of that period that the new generations have no idea about. The lyrical and musical video for Electro Mix, one of the songs from the track, is a great teaser for the new album as it causes excitement and curiosity. The musicality is evident throughout the album, as Melody showcases her ability to incorporate touches of the contemporary into her music while incorporating a vintage twist as well.
“1980” is a contemporal carefree recollection of that period that the new generations have no idea about.
Sarli is able to incorporate guitar work under the guidance of Melody to enhance the strings and variety of the track by giving a singing quality to the strings and adding incredible force to them.
Her overemotional and autistic inclination pushes her to create art for the sake of the art, turning her past misery into volumes of artistic expressions. This emotional intensity is captured in “1980” and not only provides a throwback to past memories, but also opens a window into Melody’s world, the world that is alive with passion and creativity.
As with all good pop stars, it’s about more than the first song; ‘1980’ is the preface to an artist’s evolution. Melody Alex. This song and music have been created by Patrick and Lorenzo Sarli to give listeners a taste of the future and what the subsequent albums will be like. Through the power of singing and the art of performance, Melody Alex promise to be captivating. Patrick is thus set to make his mark on the music scene of his generation.
Sonic Surge: JUNKYARD REBEL's 'Summer Storm' Unleashed
In the tempest that is “Summer Storm” by JUNKYARD REBEL, Chris Basener conjures a maelstrom where Vivaldi waltzes with voltage, threading needle-thin lightning through dark clouds of throbbing metal. The guitar screams are not mere riffs but primal cries of joy and desolation intertwined—apocalyptic horsemen galloping across strings stretched taut as horizon lines.
Each chord strikes like thundercrack; each silence weighs heavy as the breath between heartbeats in love’s first blush or last whisper. This single booms—a symphony squeezed into a bottle thrown from an electric shore to clash against our eager ears with reckless abandon!
Sonic Surge: JUNKYARD REBEL’s ‘Summer Storm’ Unleashed
Basener’s deft fingers braid classical delicacy with raw metallic sinew creating more than melody—they forge mythology! Such juxtapositions bleed beyond audial realms spilling phosphorescent oil on water puddles beneath moonlit industrial wastelands.
To listen is to be engulfed by crescendos both anciently serene and desperately wild—an echo chamber containing whispers of Dionysian rites conducted under neon skies. Yet for all its explosive energy, it demands recognition not just as sound but fierce artistry puncturing the night itself.
Play loud? Oh no—play monumental! Thus speaks “Summer Storm,” less song than spellbinding seismic event reshaping landscapes at will!
Ghanaian genre-bending singer TiTi Owusu has unveiled her first single of the year “Nobody.” Co-written by the artist and her frequent collaborator Jayso, “Nobody” was released on June 1, 2024. This release coincides with Owusu’s debut appearance at the Ghana Music Awards, where she was nominated for Female Vocal Performance at the 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards. Styled by Debonair Afrik, TiTi radiated elegance at the event, embracing the theme “A Queen and her Blooming Rose.”
Like her previous releases, “Odo Ntia” and “Make Me Believe (Nana),” the seductive dancehall tune takes its inspiration from love and romance. In the words of TiTi Owusu, the track is about “finding someone who truly loves you and not wanting to be apart from them for the rest of your life.” The song was crafted around cherishing true love, a rarity in today’s society.
Featuring production from renowned Ghanaian producer Jayso, “Nobody” fuses modern reggae, dancehall, and R&B, creating an alluring and cozy melody. With its instrumental featuring elements of reggae and dancehall, TiTi Owusu’s sensual and smooth vocals give the song a soulful R&B feel.
For “Nobody,” the Ghanaian songstress dug into her archives, retrieving a song she recorded in 2017. “I was a little nervous when I recorded it because I had not done dancehall at the time,” she revealed. While pleased with the outcome, TiTi held on to the single as she was on a break from music releases. However, feeling that her voice had improved, she re-recorded the song this year, adding a new verse. “Nobody” is a perfect addition to TiTi Owusu’s versatile discography, which includes a variety of genres.
Listen to “Nobody” on your preferred streaming platform.
About TiTi Owusu
TiTi Owusu is a Ghanaian genre-less and genre-bending singer and songwriter who earned the love and attention of Ghanaians after she participated in the nationwide competition, Vodafone Icons. Signed to the UK-based independent label and talent management company Skillions Global, TiTi Owusu has proven to be genre versatile after experimenting in R&B, hip-hop, Afro-pop, lovers rock, highlife, and many more.
TiTi Owusu began music as a child, accompanying her grandmother to the Church of Pentecost in Lapaz. She debuted in 2019 with the women’s empowerment anthem “Karma,” which featured renowned Ghanaian rapper and singer Itz Tiffany. Beyonce, Celine Dion, Nina Simone, Etta James, Asa, and J. Cole are among TiTi’s musical influences. She views live performances as her major strength as an artist because they allow her to interact with a live audience and showcase her powerful, soulful, and dynamic vocal range.
Azato and Jonah Jaxon Unite for "When We Gonna Start?": A Call for Change
Azato, the well-known Roots Reggae Band, is releasing their latest single “When We Gonna Start?” featuring Jonah Jaxon. This song combines Azato’s signature island vibes with Jaxon’s powerful vocals and is expected to become a new anthem for reggae lovers.
“When We Gonna Start?” is a call to action, urging listeners to embrace change and unity. The band’s deep roots in Hawaiian culture are reflected in the song’s relaxed yet compelling groove, beautifully complemented by Jonah Jaxon’s emotive delivery. His voice, blending raw emotion and refined technique, brings a new dimension to Azato’s already rich sound.
The lyrics touch on themes of social consciousness and personal growth, encouraging listeners to consider their roles in creating a better world. Azato’s skill in blending traditional reggae elements with contemporary influences is evident, making this track both timeless and current.
Listen to When We Gonna Start Featuring Jonah Jaxon
Azato means joyful or smilie one in the Fra Fra language in Northern Ghana. I used to play with a highlife Ghanaian band and the lead singer Akaaya Atule gave me the nickname and it stuck.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration musically comes from Jamaican Reggae music especially from the 70’s and early 80’s. Azato Music also has a lot of traditional and World Music influences. Message wise my music come out of my life experience and with the social work I do as well as the struggle. Azato Music also has a strong spiritual element.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music has always played a huge role in my life. Music was always playing in my house and my brother and I were always making mixed tapes from the radio and spending hours in the local music stores as well as going to countless live concerts.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yes my motherʻs side of the family is very musical with many professional musicians including my grandfather, aunties and cousins.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I have had a many older mentors that encouraged me in my music early on. I started to play professionally around 16 years old. Some friends I grew up with had a passion for music so we started writing together and we wanted to share our passion and creative and the rest is history.
I started to play professionally around 16 years old
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I took some piano lessons at young age but mostly I am self taught and play by ear. I have studied West African, AfroCuban and Brazilian drumming for years. I also have a BA in World Music from San Diego State University.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
The first big concert I went to was U2 on their Joshua Tree tour, also opening for them that night was Ice T and Public Enemy.
How could you describe your music?
Spiritual, conscious, roots reggae music.
Describe your creative process.
The best way to describe my songwriting process is it is a prayer. My music is my conversation with the Most High if I remember the songs I will write them out and bring them to my band and further develop them from there.
What is your main inspiration?
Godʻs love in the midst of life’s tremendous struggles.
What musician do you admire most and why?
So many Artists I look up too. Early on I would say Bob Marley not only because of the music but the message and his passion to be a voice for the voiceless and uplift the hopeless.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yes, my lifelong goal is to continue to grow as an artist. I started off as a drummer and keyboardist with many bands. It was a long journey of many years before I started to share my original music and to be the frontman and to release my music as a solo artist.
Jonah Jaxon
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Myself, music is creativity, honestly, and passion. I am only competing against myself to be the best artist I can be, creating the most authentic music that is full of passion.
What are your interests outside of music?
Surfing, diving, hiking, woodworking and construction. I work with a non-profit that helps at-risk teens, I am a surf coach at a local High School. I am passionate about the environment, social justice and love the outdoors.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
All the work I mentioned above, I bring it all together with music. All the social work all I do has music so I cannot separate what I do and who I am.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
As an independent artist it is hard to make a living through music. The industry has changed greatly through streaming, etc.. and it is very hard for most artists to be able to create and support themselves through music alone.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
The selfish cut throat nature of the industry. Too often managers, promoters, labels, even artistʻs are too focused on the money to be made and not focused on the artists, music and the message.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
Bridges Not Walls. The opposite of Love is not hate but fear. We as people too often build walls and not enough bridges. The time for healing of humanity has come. As the chorus of the song says.
Build bridges not walls
See Babylon fall
Spread Love not hate
There’s no time to wait
“Love is the bridge between you and everything.” Rumi
What are your plans for the coming months?
We are going to be releasing a single a month this year and have our album release words the end of the year. We will be having some local as well as international shows this year.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Yes I have many collaborations in the works I will be releasing songs with features from Reggae greats like Luciano, Kumar from Ragin Fyah and Pato Banton. I am also featuring some the greatest Hawaiian artists on some of my tracks including artists Kimie Miner, Irie Love, Trishnalei, Aisea Taimani, Riya Davis, Kawika Kahiapo and Ron Artis II.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Relationships are true riches, love everyone that God puts in your life. Life is hard but keep on moving forward. Aloha ke Akua!
Did you guys get a chance to listen to Lokixximo’s new album called Hijo de Nena?This Latin Pop star has once again provided nine fabulous tracks that use elements of Reggaetón, Hip Hop, Merengue, and others. He recorded the songs during a difficult period of his life, and the body of work highlights this singer’s versatility and impressive falsetto.
The song “Hoy me Levanté” stands out as one of the best, showing fans how much Lokixximo has also evolved into a better artist. I was able to have a chance to talk with him and discuss what he wanted to convey with this music, how he works on it and what it was like for him to make this album, and also the backstory behind this album.
That is why it can be stated that he turns struggle into such melodic, enchanting songs. Music lovers will surely appreciate “Hijo de Nena” as Lokixximo totally gave his soul into the song. This album is stereophonic because it encompasses all styles of the music genre and has graphic lyrical contents. Come with me as I show you a story that revolves around the life of an artist at the pinnacle of his career.
Lokixximo means craziest in english, when i started getting into music we used to do freestyle battles with other neighborhoods, people used to go crazy with the lyrics i came up with, the name stuck and that’s really where it came from.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love to write music, putting metaphors toguether and just playing around with the word play and see people react crazy to it is one of the best feelings in the world.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I grew up listening to a lot of old spanish music, my uncle used to play Leo Dan, Leonardo Fabio, Jose Jose and i just grew up with great music in my sorroundings, i wanted to be an artist since i was very little.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
I’m the first artist from my family, i come from a very poor family and all they did was work and raised their children.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I got inspired by just being a fan of music, Vico C and El General was all we listened to growing up in Dominican Republic.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I always liked to write poetry from an early age and performing in stage was self taught when i recorded my first demo, but i got better with time, i just feel like i was born to do music on how everything was set up in my life.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
The first concert i saw was Johnny Ventura, was a merengue singer from back home.
How could you describe your music?
My approach to writing is to come up with the unexpected lyrics and delivery for the production, my goal is to stand out & bring something new to the game.
My approach to writing is to come up with the unexpected lyrics and delivery for the production, my goal is to stand out & bring something new to the game.
Describe your creative process.
I like to listen to the instrumental very loud and just vibe with it, have a drink and just get in the party vibe to match the energy of the song.
What is your main inspiration?
My inspiration is my daughter and mother, they are my motivation to keep going, my goal is always to make them proud.
What musician do you admire most and why?
I admire Kanye West, the beatles and Jay Z, just how creative they are and the different approach and sound they have for every album.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Not just my style evolved but my mentality on how to approach the music business is different, we go through so much struggle trying to get heard sometimes we get frustrated and feel like nothing is working, once i went through that and i believe we take our passion and put it behind our greed and forget to make music for fun not just for the money, once i started realizing that passion comes before anything everything changed.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I’m competing with my biggest past acomplishments, the goal is to keep making a big impact in the present and plan for the future.
What are your interests outside of music?
I invest in crypto, stocks and i’m also interested in Real State.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I believe i’m currently doing what i love, i’m very grateful of where god has guide me.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
The biggest problem the music industry have is the scammers, people will take your hard earned money and steal it through fake promises, music promoters, managers, Dj’s there’s a lot of scammers looking for hungry artist.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I believe the music scene would be amazing if we all just understand we are one creative unity, you have to creators and the listeners, artists, producers, Dj’s and everyone involved should not steal from one another, there’s plenty of fans out there that would benefit from us all of working together as a family.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
My mother’s name is Nena, the album name is “Hijo de Nena” which means Nena’s son, the project is honoring my mother which the album dropped 2 days before Dominicans mothers day, she loved the album and how people are loving all the songs, she’s very proud.
What are your plans for the coming months?
My plan is to go back to the recording studio and start recording, i believe this album set the tone and invited a whole new fan base, i’m getting a lot of love in Spotify, Youtube and all platform, they need another album very soon.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans.
I’m not collaborating with nobody now.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Never share your projects with anybody, just make sure you work hard and finish it, once is out to the world then make the announcenment, in the process just stay focus and keep the excitement as a fuel to keep working towards your achieveing goals.
Headlong into Change: The Silence Industry Speaks Out
Hi, buddy, I wonder if you are familiar with The Silence Industry?At a time where most bands seek solace and dreaminess in heavy metal, these guys are down to earth with their messages, and inspiring ones at that. And their new single, ‘Headlong (General Strike!)’ is a true masterpiece – an electronic-gothic post-punk track with a clear revolutionary message in terms of music videos.
These are the native sons and daughters of Vancouver and they preach their music with passion and conviction that is similar to those protest singers and activists in the past. It’s like they are reinvigorating that cause for a new era.
Thanks to the opportunity to talk to the leader of the band, I learned what inspires them and how they create such meaningful music. We then discussed the meaning behind the band’s name, how they write and compose their songs, and his own transition from a child who just started listening to music to a musician who speaks for social justice in the present generation.
It is inspiring listening to a band who has so much to say and strive to do it while being aware of the fact that most times the world would rather let the music die. The Silence Industry is not a just an music group – they are revolution. Let me take you with me and tell you more about them and their powerful story.
the Silence Industry. Sometimes this gets abbreviated as tsi or TSI.
Is there a story behind your stage name? I mean, band names are cool and coming up with them is fun. I had kicked around a couple of other ideas but these turned out to already be taken.
“the Silence Industry” made sense to me because in a way I saw what I was doing as a reaction to the way that most of our institutions around music play an active role in alienating people from their own ability to make music and in having a voice in the broader cultural space… which is to say I guess that “the music industry” plays an active role in silencing people. Therefore “the Silence Industry” would be my own voice!
Also, the Silence Industry tends to be pretty noisy and I like irony. It also has a certain dystopian ring to it, especially fitted for the depths of the neoliberal “end of history” moment in which it was born. I mean, it’s just a name, but it has meaning to me on multiple levels.
Where do you find inspiration? Most importantly, from living. The day to day life that we’re all embedded in is the greatest inspiration. Of course I’m also inspired by the other music I hear, whether through active listening or just whatever you hear on as background noise in the shopping mall or whatever. Sometimes I get inspired by the semi-rhythmic noise of the extractor fan of an HVAC system running at work.
I take a lot of inspiration from other art forms, like photography, painting, film, architecture etc. Especially literature. I’ve probably read 300+ trashy sci-fi novels in my life and I’m sure that this has had some impact on how I write lyrics. I’ve taken more active inspiration from poets like Mayakovsky and Neruda.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? When I was about 5 years old I can recall nabbing the little brown yamaha portasound keyboard that my family had gotten for my older sister’s piano lessons, turning on the sustain and hammering out minor chords on the “organ” setting like I was JS Bach or something. It felt awesome and that is something that always stuck with me.
Managed to get my hands on a guitar at about 12 years old. It became my everything.
Are you from a musical or artistic family? Sorta. Neither of my parents took the time to learn to play, but my grandpa used to hammer the banjo pretty hard. I never got to spend much time with him though. Both of my sisters play in some capacity. I think I have some cousins that play as well.
Neither of my parents took the time to learn to play, but my grandpa used to hammer the banjo pretty hard.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? There was never much of a question for me about making and releasing music. It was just a natural evolution of where I was at. I wanted to write and release my own stuff since I was 12 or 13.
I guess the fact that punk-rock as a movement existed, and that there was this tradition of people getting records pressed and released, regardless of whether or not anyone else thought they should or whether they’d been formally trained, or could play or sing or anything like that was encouraging though.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play? I did have the fortunate experience of getting to take some guitar lessons as a kid, but beyond that just from messing around on my own really. I see it as an ongoing process for all of us. Actively engaged listening was part of this process of course.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? Jeez, I’m not sure I can remember… if we’re not counting things like the local highschool bands’ performance (which part of me thinks we should count, actually), maybe U2 during the ZooTV tour?
How could you describe your music? Hmmmm… maybe Progressive-Noise-Goth?! That’s the best I’ve been able to come up with. I keep on inviting people to do better than that for me, but nobody has yet. “Somewhere vaguely between the Cure and Ministry” works as well I guess.
Describe your creative process. I tend to write on guitar or piano. When I’m writing a structured “song” I’ll often switch back and forth several times between instruments to get it to really gel in my brain. Sometimes these days I’ll use my phone to record this just for making notes. Drum sequencing comes after this.
I find it’s good and healthy to switch up the process though. I like doing more experimental stuff and the cool thing about that is that these sort of pieces can start in any way imaginable.
What is your main inspiration? Living life in the 21st century.
What musician do you admire most and why? Interesting question. Do I admire other musicians? I think I admire everyone who is out there flogging their art against all odds. I also admire any musician who has either built themselves a platform or acquired one through dumb luck and uses it for good.
I admire Justin Sullivan from NMA quite a bit, now that I’m thinking about it. Fantastic songwriting. Committed decent human.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? Yes. Not really through an awful lot of conscious choice. Just through the process of always being open to new ideas, new influences, and always wanting to challenge myself in various ways. This is a big part of what keeps the process fresh and exciting for me.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t see underground / alternative artists as being in competition to each other. I really value the friendships of other musicians working in similar territory that I’ve made over the years.
Our main competitors are the tech-bro barons of our increasingly techno-feudal century.
What are your interests outside of music? Political theory. Science fiction. Martial arts (especially efforts to bring traditional wushu into the modern era).
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing? Ha, I am very happy to be able to make music alongside my day job as lighting technician and stagehand.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? Not having enough hours in the day, but I’ve found ways to make time.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? More music. Less pretense
Why did you choose this as the title of this project? It presented itself from the lyrics. I tend not to have titles until a song is finished.
What are your plans for the coming months? Getting a full-length release together. Putting that out. Writing more!
Also gonna play around with offering something like a lyric-book zine companion to the release. Still working on the details.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans Constantly inviting friends and fellow artists to throw stuff down on tracks. A lot of the time it isn’t in ways that are obvious though. Hope to keep doing that. Always down for more.
What message would you like to give to your fans? Thanks for listening as always! Thanks for following tsi for all these years. Y’all mean the world to me! There will be lots more.
Glen Brandon’s Mess:Age: Music, Spirituality, and Rebellion
Hey, listen, let me tells you about this talented musician named Glen Brandon but everybody knows him as Ziggy. He’s the mastermind behind The Mess:Age: The unique mix of the pop rock with elements of spirituality that is represented in a musical project of the same name. It is unique and it feels like you are listening to something that you have never heard before.
“MR W. H. O” is a classic example of what he is all about. It is this laid-back, fun tropical pop song that will make you want to dance but when you pay attention to the lyrics, then the song is actually full of themes of freedom for oneself and criticism of society.
Glen is an outstanding creative person originally from London. Not only is he a musician but is also a composer, music producer, and even a sound engineer. You can surely feel the echoes of Bowie and Kate Bush and something reminiscent of Elton John in his songs.
I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Glen and dive into his journey as the creative force behind The Mess:Age. We discussed all the matters starting from childhood and the works that he is currently working on, and let me inform you that he has such incredible perception about the impact of music in the current society.
In concrete manner, Glen have the unique ability to use his music to touch the hearts of the people, to provoke their minds and to share the message of love. Join me as we explore the world of The Mess:And finally, age and see how Glen is doing it with his art here, you will definitely not want to miss this!
Absolutely, you can blame those within par “ liar “ ment for its creation for it is they who are responsible for The Mess
Where do you find inspiration?
I sometimes channel from the ether or ” holy Spirit “ as on occasions melodies have poured into me when i’m in a relaxed state, either about to sleep , or about to awaken but mainly “ within the physical realm “ from world events and history , or even ignorance within personal family circles or discrepancies within love relationships i like to learn from all man-kinds mistakes and turn them around into something creatively positive, so that in turn within the vibration of my songs, i hopefully will imprint them forever upon ones mind.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
is was like being surrounded at birth, born into an orgy of the greatest musicians,
and later when growing up , many now famous friends, expressing their art forms and orgasms, basically i couldn’t live without it. But if you mean whats was my first ever experience it was playing the piano, then later taking up drums. then eventually guitar, I always sang in church as a child growing up as it felt euphoric.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
yes my uncle and mother played the piano and on my fathers side they were stage actors singers and performers in east London, my great great great grandma apparently was quite a famous concert pianist who escaped persecution within Russia.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Wow there are many “unique geniuses” throughout musical history and ill name some of them here for you, Kate Bush, David Bowie, Billy Joel,{ i love that man with my every single breath } especially not forgetting Prince, but going back in history Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, along with the unforgettable most beautiful velvet voice of Nat king Cole, then of coarse in the 60-70s came Deep Purple,The Rolling Stones,Roxy music,Pink Floyd , and another “Hero of mine” Phill Lynott and the Thunderous Thin Lizzy, Van Halen, Queen, Bryan Adams and Steve Perry and Journey just to add on the end.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
i am self taught , i was brought up in 2 pubs owned by my parents in east London , one of those pubs “in hackney” had a stage where i performed on occasions playing drums or singing, aged 8 i used to read newspapers sitting at the bar counter “ like on old man”, but understood even then wrong from right in the political Arena, i had a reading age of 16 aged only 8 so my teachers at school explained to my parents early on, hence my knack i suppose for words poems and lyrics [ i used to also read keats ,Oscar Wilde, William Blake,Rudyard Kipling, and not forgetting within the more modern era Spike Milligan.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
The Rock Group Boston, “more than a feeling” then Van Halen and White Snake all within the same month.
How could you describe your music?
my music is sacred, it speaks only truth from experiences, it is spiritual commercial pop/rock, it is the essence of my vibration, therefore …i love to paint songs.
my music is sacred, it speaks only truth from experiences,
Describe your creative process.
Ohh thats easy , sometimes in the studio it just flows so easily pouring from me fast and furious, but other times i am literally in agony when “living the song” as “physical tears” have fallen onto my piano keys whilst laying down a song track.
What is your main inspiration?
ha ha another easy one to answer, “LOVE” i only want to spread The Love within Almighty Gods Creation for “ words are more powerful than knives “
What musician do you admire most and why?
ohh wow thats a really tuff Q ? there are many, however if you pinned me down in all fairness, i can only answer you within this way, that equally Kate Bush, David Bowie , and Billy Joel are all geniuses within their own unique way, dare i say the word “ Savant “ and the world would be a very sad, empty and lonely place without their tremendous gifts and awe-inspiring input into the musical realm.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
yes along my musical journey i have kind of polished my unique sound and being a complete “ non conformist “ i am forever and always will be forever James Dean… Ha Ha “ A rebel with a cause “
Who do you see as your main competitor?
a bold statement but id have to say NO ON, as My Music and The Mess:Age are unique.
What are your interests outside of music?
firstly survival, then i like to lay upon a soft sandy beach, guitar to hand, the scent of flowers blowing through the breeze, and hearing the waves crashing against the rocks, for there is a such a place, for i have been there, and it is a place i that i will never ever forget, and still dream of to this day, it is paradise [ but i wont tell you where ..ha ha. ]
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
i think id already be dead, my life has been quite tough growing up on the streets of east London, therefore without music being my best friend, id be “long gone” but my straight answer would be buying, renovating and selling property.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
breaking down doors of total ignorance and very bias deaf ears.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
to rid the controlling powers that be, who constantly spew out utter garbage upon the brain washed masses and to set free the unheard and the unseen “ most talented “ heroes who have only suffered in agony and torture witnessing all their crimes.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
MR W.H.O speaks for itself, it is the key song track Release taken from my new album entitled AGE OF MESS it is“ A beacon of light “ leading the way to enlighten humanity to bring forth and manifest EDEN for our thoughts are energy, we are creators of our own existence therefore combined, we manifest All matter, therefore sing with pride MR W.H.O with all your joyous hearts and manifest and become the Vibe that brings forth All what has been stolen from us for the last two thousand years…Paradise on Mother Earth.
What are your plans for the coming months?
i am currently working in the studio and near completion of my 3rd Album entitled “ SPEED OF LIGHT “ i am also halfway through a forth Album” which is fully written, but currently has no title?
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
Not at present, as i am so overwhelmingly busy, as i also create all the artworks for the lyric booklets and song track covers , along with the editing and production of all my videos.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
after all thats said and done, and your life has just begun. you’l hear somewhere when i’m gone my songs remain, and underneath the setting sun, when you All will sing as one, somewhere when i am long gone …you will remain.
The human spirit is immortal , and it is those afraid of dying that never learn to dance. So spread “only love” upon your journey and Smile ” for you are the children of the dawn “ Ziggy X
Dark Humor and Post-Punk Brilliance: The Chamberlains' Second Album
Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you have heard of The Chamberlains and their new album “Metropolis and Mental Rejects” has just been released. Right with the first song, titled ‘Metropolis’ there is an experience that takes one through the course of the album focusing more on the city and mechanics of the mind.
The one song that I’ve enjoyed until the depths of my soul, however, is “Gremlins. ” Perhaps you could listen to it and enjoy some rather catchy pop hooks while listening to it, but the moment you pay close attention to the words, it is actually an insight into the darkness we all have inside us, the issues we face in the insanity of the contemporary world.
There is what can be considered an absolute hit – ‘Postcards From Jamaica” will take you on this rather nostalgic trip and name it as memories of distant travel and lost love. Either way the songs are so melodic and the lines are so powerful and poetic; so full of desire and despair. And songs such as “Danse Macabre” and “Jack’s Family Portrait” are examples of how Muse penetratingly explore human essence, presenting the topics connected with life and death, family, and face behind the mask.
Either way the songs are so melodic and the lines are so powerful and poetic; so full of desire and despair.
They remind me that each of the songs is an exposure to the very essence of the band, and one has the right to hope that people will also think about what has happened to them.
Absolutely the best example of the album’s energy is the track “Invitation To A Party,” which is akin to an invitation to a party: once you started dancing, you can’t stop and you can’t help but sing along to its upbeat verses. And then “Last Night in Norwich” is delivered with such fierce passion that has that profound, emotional ending…
The album has been written and performed by Mike Stephens and the other members of The Chamberlains and what they offer you here is an extraordinary ride through the seamy side of urban after dark, which is accompanied by thick layers of synth, fuzz sound and drums.
Well, if you haven’t heard “Metropolis and Mental Rejects” yet, go ahead and listen to it right now. It’s a cultural experience that is racy and dangerous, and at the same time makes you think about the state of the society. The Chamberlains have done a marvelous job here and I believe this is the start of even more amazing releases from this band.
