SINGLE REVIEW: JARED DEMEESTER “LOBSTER SONG”
Staff Pick
Loosely inspired by Phoebe Buffay’s famous lobster tale from the 90s sitcom hit, Friends, “Lobster Song” aims to capture the magical feeling of true love and its melancholy undertone of searching and waiting. Classic cues and emotive strings, laid-back brushes on snares, and untuned piano, Jared Demeester brought back memories of a nostalgic, heartwarming 50s jazz setting its scene in black and white pictures collecting the all-time favorite scenes.
“And when; I hear your name I hear a song. A song that we could sway to. That night; Standing on the stairs alone; With flowers and tuxedo. More light; Than any sun or any moon. My dear it’s true, know my heart; Belongs to you, and only you”
Old fashioned and stubborn with a touch of childlike cleverness and naughtiness reminding you of the old couples who still share the charms and love after years of marriage. Heartwarming and lighthearted, Demeester created the perfect sonic ground for romance blending the classic sound with indie-folk texture.
Stemming from the same aesthetic of vintage records, “Lobster Song” preserves something true and personal to its performance. Growing up in a musical, artistic household with music of all kinds playing in the background, Jared Demeester has developed an intuitive musical sense since a young age.
Diving deeper into Charles Mingus, Ella, and Louis albums, Billie Holidays later, Demeester developed a taste in jazz which pushed him further into the direction. After earning a degree in jazz studies, the artist has been focusing on touring and recording, as well as co-founding a music academy in Michigan.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: ELIJAH MANN “Without My Breath”
Song of the Day
Photo credit: Justin Oppus
Life is a constant motion of ending and new beginnings. Sometimes, even the closest relationships can’t avoid the fate of one outgrown the other. The empty and hurt feelings being left behind aren’t always easy to process. Inspired by the disconnection in a parting relationship, the Brooklyn-based electro singer-songwriter Elijah Mann channeled the raw, sensitive emotions and nerves of a fresh wound into his new release, “Without My Breath.”
When indie-folk meets synth-pop skyscape, the color palettes expand and swirl into new possibilities. “Without My Breath” instantly fill the space with its mass immersion, drawing you into its own sonic space. Outpouring lyricism tells the pain that is straight from the heart. There’s always a line in the song that will touch your heart.
“Another spiral cut,
I’m just another stubborn cork you can’t get open.
So I twist it deeper, put it on myself
Til our communications broken.”
Mann’s expressive, powerhouse performance adds another dimension to the storytelling. Pairing with Ella Jay’s backing vocal, together, they bring a different perspective into its narrative.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: FILIAH “In A Haunted House”
Discovery
Photo credit: Tim Primbs
The haunted house symbolizes a wounded self. No one walks away from trauma and pain without a scar, but in “In A Haunted House,” the artist/producer Filiah discusses moving forward and embracing new opportunities.
The harmonious, beautiful vocal line is stunningly haunting. Light guitar strum with minimalistic drum emphasizing the downbeat, where an emotive string in the background intertwines with the rest of the instruments. An airy, evocative soundscape uplifts the music with reverberance.
"For me, this song feels like a trip through my diary entries. Seeing this whole past toxic relationship of mine pass by me again just made me realize that fighting for this one person had me ending up really tired. I'm saying one final Goodbye and making peace with a ghost I’ve held on to for a long time,” said Filiah.
“In A Haunted House” is the final song and the third release of the artist’s upcoming album. Another wonderful expansion towards a full journey written and produced entirely by Filiah, the talented singer/songwriter/producer hailing from Viena, Austria.
Written by Katrina Yang
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