“Stalwarts of Reggae, Julian Marley and Junior Reid team to deliver this soulful cry for ‘Mother Nature.’ You can feel the scars we’ve inflicted int he tone and emotion of the track which is about performance and the sound, more than it is about clever wordplay or intricate writing.
Close your eyes and let the spirit of the piece come to you. ”
“This track just hits different. With a swagger and a bit of fold school vibe laid over the top of a subtle funk that pulls you along.
Much like every album Shiva has released, K.A.L.A. delivers a story. This particular song, ‘Views,’ is the beginning stages of the story where the main characters observes the lack of soul within the world around him. His veil is lifted and he can see people for who they are and he just goes with it. Coasting among the injustice as a part of his process.”
“This is retro rock tune with a bit of electronic flair and a just an ever so slight hint of hip-hop flow that combines to make this track feel contemporary and nostalgic at the sometime.
Like a pin up from the 50’s, Sofi Bonde’s vocal are sultry in a shy unassuming way, whereas lyrically, the track is surprisingly clairvoyant, giving the track another set of oddly joined, but cohesive qualities. ”
“The beat backing this track is deceptively funky and really drives this flow without overpowering it. Rapta also infuses a bit of funk into this flow in select spots which really drives that hook home and adds an energy that breathes life into the otherwise smooth steady delivery.
’Invitation’ is a single that builds and pulls at you until you have no choice to wrap it all the way around your body and move.”
“The melody captured my attention first ,and then the vocal tone came in with its strong emotive quality to further hook me. The lyrics are also poignant and honest and the elements are well-balanced and complimentary of each other giving this single a well rounded emotional appeal that fits the singer/songwriter genre quite well.”
“Coming with a twisty, exotic snake charmer kind of vibe, ‘Blow The Roof’ is a Pop track with a soaring spirit behind it that just sort of pulls you along. There are hints of Gwen Stefani and a bit of Katie Perry there as well. The melody and arrangement could have used a touch more variation to the mix , but the talent here is such that I can’t wait to hear what Gina Naomi Baez comes with next.”
“Liz Longley drops one of those highly personal tracks that feels like as much confession, or at least expression as it does entertainment. That is not to say the vocals and performance is any less entertaining because of that intimate nature. Longley raised more than $150,000 to buy the album back from her former label so it is a labor of love and passion from not only herself, but her fans and that spirit of determination shines through. ”
“I am not familiar with the original mix, though when I heard Cakeknife’s remix of Male St.’s ‘Rockstar,’ I was instantly captivated.
The energy and build of the track is perfectly matched to the emotional thread of the lyrics. The vocal performance also delivers an emotive gut punch that hits you hard and overwhelmingly. This is a good song brought further to life by an engaging production.”
“Bending and contorting ourselves is something we all tend to do, but bend too damn far and you’ll lose who you are. This bluesy take on the traditional California Folk style is deceivingly well-crafted and insightful. There is a light airy tone to this scintillating track, though the punch of these lyrics hits hard if you let ‘em. ”
“Sad pop connoisseurs, Hymner is back with ‘Nobody’s Fault,’ once again teaming up with Swedish songster Alessandra.
Loneliness is a powerful thing that might lead to questionable decisions. We’ve all been there, right? The unique vocal tone caught my attention, and the emotion of the performance kept me listening. The track has a good linear progression that carries your forward with it.”
“Alex Gibson gives us a soaring love song that elevates energetically as it progresses. Light and airy in a classic kind of way, ‘Dance With You’ delivers that John Mayer-esque vibe that sweeps you along with its upbeat emotion and outright honest fun.
Gibson is a rising talent from Australia, though his time in London has certainly influenced his sound as well.”
“Right about now we need a good Club Banger that will get you moving and put a smile on your face. Big Dayve ain’t exactly taking us to new worlds, but his track ‘Mary Poppins’ is infectious and the beat production behind it is fire.
I could wax on poetically, but what’s the point when the intent of this song is simply to make you move to the groove, and smile while in denial.
So have some fun, and forget about the stress of the world for a couple minutes by giving this track a listen.”
“In a collection of informational clips from the history channel, the news, and social media. Jay delivers his feelings on what has been going on in the world when it comes to brown people like him. The song is poetic and emotional, however he stresses that things can be better than what they have been over the centuries. You may be shock, you may cry, or you may click off but ‘Maybe’ you will at least listen. ”
“Don’t Go” is a new age pop song with a classic pop sound. Shawnee sings about a girl she has falling for and wants to explore the world with. As you listen to the song you can visualize being in a room and following someone you love from place to place in excitement.”
“Elodie Rêverie offers a haunting, almost vulnerable tone to her vocals that draws the listener in and instills the level of connection that can come only from a strong emotional response.
’Crush’ establishes an imagery to go along with those emotions that plays out in the mind like a soundtrack for our own pasts. The EDM style production on the single gives the track enough energy to keep it above a melancholic path.
This is a track you can dance to, or vibe alone while your mind travels through your own experiences.”
“You can miss a person and you can miss a person. This singl hits on both with silky smooth vocals that remind of Fleetwood Mac while bringing in a bit of Florence and The Machine to the overall sound. ‘West Hollywood’ toes that line between nostalgia and contemporary with lyrics that resonate and feel modern and a performance that is simply timeless. ”
“The life of an artist is a struggle that the general world doesn’t fully understand or appreciate. The passion of pursuing your dreams and passion, while trying to make a living comes with some tough decision about dreams for practical logic and this flow captures the spirit of that struggle.
A good energy makes the track also fun and entertaining with a lively beat to carry you along. This track was written pre-Covid but the life of musician and other performing artists has only gotten tougher, so please take the passion behind this track and remember to treat the people that provide the soundtracks of our lives right.”
“Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns drops this vintage love song with vibes straight from the 50’s. Clearly influenced by the likes of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett, this single is a throwback in every possible way. If you dig that old soulful Jazz Funk sound then you will be eager to give this one a listen.”
“The ‘INTERNET’ is that proverbial double edge sword offering good and bad. Connecting the world and making it a smaller place but distracting us from the face to face social interactions that make humanity ... well human.
This track bangs with Lauren Sanderson delivering snappy and edgy vocals over a winding beat and production that feels energetic and alive. ”
“This track offers up a take on current events by splicing in sound clips with a smooth groove and a Hip-hop flow that feels genuine emotionally.
DJ Zenas stays with a mellow chill vibe for what is certainly rambunctious and tumultuous times and this juxtaposition makes for an interesting listen and allows for reflection and thought.”