“A fun track about not quite fitting in, ‘Shrug’ highlights OSTON’s vocal capabilities with a nicely varied and energetic performance. Written after moving to LA from Utah, the track is about the insecurities we all feel when forced beyond out comfort zone and the point is that sometimes it is better to simply shrug such feelings off, and stay true to who you are, rather than bend in uncomfortable ways. ”
“A bluebird kind of day vibe permeates the air on this track which is laid over top of a jazz-like piano melody and the soft sounds of birds on a spring day. Lyrically, the piece falls somewhere between self-reflective stream of conscious, and a pointed freestyle about commentary on life and society. The flow comes steady and unrelenting with enough passion to make it interesting , but not so much that it spoils to tranquility of the mood. ”
“Come for the fantastic line about Bill Murray and everyday being the same — Stay for the soulful beat and groove.
The writing sparkles at times on this track, and while there were a few production decisions that felt out of place me, the overall vibe here kept me tethered to the track all the way through. Both vocal flows are engaging, and I found myself closing my eyes and swaying along. In the end, that is all you can truly ask for from a song. ”
“Powerful lyrics and emotional performance gives this track an unrelenting allure that draws you deep into the treachery of heartbreak.
Escaping the memories of a lost love is tougher in this digital age where the current lives and statuses are but a click away, so even when we ‘Don’t Really Want To Know’ what is going on with that ex, the compulsion to check in is a hard one to fight. ”
“Justin Jesso captures you with the emotion and vulnerability of his voice. In this piano ballad he lays out a tender refrain that drips with hope and confidence that what is meant to be will be. ‘If You’re Meant To Come Back’ is about the faith of a lover willing to allow their person to spread their wings and fly, but even they realize that life is unpredictable and you never quite know where another will land. ”
“This is a modern soulful track that drips with trepidation and pending emotion. You can run from trouble, but you never truly escape and this song is about knowing that fact and waiting for the moment when it comes time to pay for the things we have already done.
The vocal tone is intriguing through a variety of delivery styles and the beat and melody add to the rising tension of the track. ”
“I do love a good go to hell song, and Lucy May Walker gives us exactly that with ‘Bad Day.’
Heartbreak is a hard thing and sometimes taking the high road simply is not effective in easing the pain. This fun and light track is for certain low road therapy, but it is smile inducing entertainment and that is a road I will happily travel every single time. ”
“This track from Cimòn brings passion and fire, and feels exactly like the rebirth it is. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Cimòn unabashedly flexes his plumage with choice lyrics and direct statement at those who have doubted or counted him out. The writing is sharp, and the flow engaging, on this single that is as much a proclamation of creativity and art, over commercialism and the pursuit of the dollar as it is a personal statement. ”
“What happens when the one that did you wrong moves on, and you are left not hating them nearly as much as you think you should? This odd mix of emotions is what fuels Sophia Gripari’s new single, ‘Hate You But I Don’t.’
Gripari’s vocals hint at a lurking pain behind the sweet tone, and the production is low key which allows the emotions to seep through making the track sneakily powerful.”
“With the Virus dominating the news cycle, the election has been pushed to the back burner, but this track shifts the focus back for at least a few minutes.
Well-written political refrain is rare in any genre, but Hip-Hop seems to be leading the way and this track joins several others with truth and conviction in a low- key, jazz infused flow. ”
“Once upon a time, much of the mainstream music that came out of Nashville had genuine emotion behind it, but little by little that sound bled out to an over-saturated market of bro fueled party songs that said nothing and conjured even less emotionally. Luke Austin now calls Nashville home, but he hails from Toronto and here on this songwriter styled vibe, he brings exactly the emotion that once thrived in Music City.
I won’t call it country because the modern sound is as unpure as any genre these days, but this song is heavy on the emotion of love, and delivers steady unwavering vocals that some might feel fits what that genre once was. ”
“A track about finding that silver lining, even when you have hit what feels like rock bottom.
Fionn’s vocals offer hope and energy and emotion, which is the perfect combination of emotions for this well-written track about picking yourself up and finding your way when everything doesn’t go as planned.
’Mattress on the Floor’ is an anthem for every Plan B option , for determination, for the very spirit of unwavering perseverance. ”
“With soaring vocals, Molly Hammar brings her latest single, ‘Alone’ to a big bold sound that sweeps you in as a listener — and holds you with the power and emotion.
Being alone can be tough, but being with the wrong person can be so much worse, and far more harmful in the long run. The overall vibe here is tough to pin to a traditional genre as it contains elements of Pop, R&B, and EDM and yet the the blend is very engaging and entertaining.”
“Something about Cloudy June simply hit different from other submissions. Sure, there is a definite Pop vibe to this single, but there is an underlying edge, a sharpness that is perhaps a residue of June’s three year stint as the lead singer of a Death Metal band. A dash of danger, a dose of sex and an infectious set of vocals keeps you tethered to this single with its clever ‘High Waist to Hell,’ an obvious ode to AC/DC. ”
“This buzzworthy Electro Pop track was written pre Covid-19, about emerging on the other side of a hard time, but if ever the idea that ... nothing is ever going to ‘Feel’ the same ... holds relevancy, then this is that time.
The track starts slow and moody before bursting into a more energetic vibe and performance. The overall effect is a single that feels both timeless and strikingly sharp in arriving here at this moment in time.”
“Fresh off his hard hitting EP, Mykel Hawk is back with a fresh track inspired by the current events we are all facing.
Sharp, intelligent lyrics are the heart of this track, but Hawk’s hard-edged, gravel-filled tone is the soul and the pairing gives this track a punch that is both sobering and enlightening. This is Hip-Hop with something to say in a time when it needs to be said. ”
“The 12 Bar Blues with a Jazz infused bit of funky Gospel is how I’d describe this darkly twisted track from SISTER COOKIE.
Energetic and danceable, this one has a retro Rockabilly vibe that makes it perfect for a swing around the dance floor, but don’t underestimate the twisty lyrics of this soulful single. ”
Jackie Duncan Photography
“Seductive and full of cravings is how I would describe Artist Rozette new single ‘Bite’. If you ever desired someone this is the song for you. Rozette new single will have you wanting to grab someone, smell them, kiss them, taste them and even take a’Bite’. She doesn’t hold anything back and her vocals are powerfu.l ”
Unreleased
“All of us ‘Overthink’ things from time to time, and rarely do those jumble of thoughts settle into a groove as smooth or entertaining as this track about that very thing.
Born in Japan, and raised in Colorado, Wez Atlas drops this chill vibe about the treachery of getting stuck inside our own thoughts with a unique and interesting perspective. Nicely produced, and well-written, this is a soulful reflective Hip-Hop that will make you think as much on the third, (or thirtieth) listen as it does on the first.”
“This track from Blank Statues conjures up the 90’s sound with hints of Nirvana, The Black Crowes, and Soundgarden all in the mix, but like the title, the single is a bit of a ‘Chameleon’ as it progresses along giving us a soulful rock and roll refrain early before settling into a sick guitar solo that then ushers in a Cobain-esque outro that stick with you. ”