François Marius On the Making Of "Ça Roule Rastaman"
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Ça Roule Rastaman" and the story it tells?
The phrase “Ça roule” in French is an informal way to say “OK”, “Alright” or “Agreed” depending on context, but in this context we love to think of it as “That’s cool, Rastaman”.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for "Ça Roule Rastaman?"
Well, I move one year ago to Estotia from the Netherlands one year ago. I always wanted to move to this country with extrem weather and knew something will come out of it. You know what, I was so deppressed with the cold winter during my first year, i decided to make this song "Ça Roule Rastaman?" with tropical feeling and groove. So, I would say that this song is a by-product of Estonia.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for this "Ça Roule Rastaman?"
Well, during this long winter in Estonia, I learned to play keyboard and cuica, and after making "Ça Roule Rastaman," I realized that the result was quite original. I contacted Abbey Road studio in London to finish-up the mastering and I was very surprised that Simon Gibson, who received a music Grammy Awards for his work with the Beatles, contacted me back within few hours that he was very interested to collaborate with this project.
Could you share some of your musical influences and how they have shaped your sound?
By fay, my musical influence are Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. I will also add Stevie Wonder. That's why "Ça Roule Rastaman" is reggae, pop and soul music, all together :)
What are your future goals or aspirations as a musician?
My only goal in music is to make people happy. When I make music, I don't focus on my perception, I focus on how people feel it in their heart. I make music on emotion and feeling. Not mine, but how others feel it. I focus on the best feeling of others.
Rusty Reid On the Making Of “Our Love's With You”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Our Love's With You?"
This song was one of my earliest songwriting efforts (this version is recently re-recorded). At the time, I was still struggling to get my balance as a singer-songwriter, still writing some not-so-good songs. But this one stood out as a quality effort. As the melody came together, I knew I had a winner here. Now it was just a matter of finding words that would adequately serve the melody.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Our Love's With You?"
In retrospect, this seems like it might have been a challenge, but it actually flowed through me (as songs and other art often do) fairly effortlessly. I wrote this song on piano, a different approach from my usual guitar starting point. That turned out to be key. My piano songs end up quite different from my guitar songs. I think that's mainly due to sticking closely to a chord progression on guitar, while allowing the melody to more freely evolve on the keyboard. I don't think this song would exist at all if I had tried to come at it via guitar.
What do you like the best about this track?
Well, there is a lot to like about this song. The melody stands out as one of my best, I think. It was written for my little sister, who was at the time graduating high school and soon to leave for college. So it has that personal aspect to it, for me. But I tried to write it so that it might have a more universal interpretation.. Somebody, a "baby," is leaving home. The reason why is not addressed... or where they may be going, except to to escape "the cold" and seek the "sunshine," which I suppose could be any number of things. Some kind of collective (thus the "Our") is offering a final counsel that includes, 1) trust in your young idealism, 2) live life fully, don't hold back, 3) persevere, stay focused, 4) be confident you will succeed, and, most importantly, 5) rest assured that no matter where you go, you are loved. So for a relatively simple love song, it has some valuable messages.
How do you approach collaborations with other musicians or artists?
It's true that occasionally I play all the instrumetns on a song, but I actually don't like doing that. The only reason would be that I like something I did in the demo, and just settle for that version rather than possibly losing the vibe. But I prefer to work with other, better, musicians, who can bring their ideas and skills into the production. I've had very few experiences where that just flat didn't work out very well. This track only has one other person playing. Jed Demlow is a multi-instrumentalist in Nashville whom I count on quite often. All the parts Jed is playing on keyboards were on the earlier version, as well. He nailed the parts, and threw in some of his personality, as well.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I grew up on the plains of West Texas. It was not an exciting place to be, so you had to invent your own entertainment. Like many musicians, music was always around my house as a kid. We had a lot of good to great players and singers on my mom's side of the family. I started piano lessons around the age of 8, then a few years later moved over to guitar mainly. Shortly after I got my first guitar, I started to write songs. I really don't know why I thought I could do it. None of the others in the family were actually writing songs. But I just had this confidence that this is what I should be doing. Literally no one else would have shared that confidence if they had heard the songs I "composed." Even I didn't like them; I knew they were awful... just rote melodies and the blandest of lyrics. But that confidence never went away. I kept at it... for years... until I finally got a song I liked. In retrospect, it wasn't very good either... but it served its purpose as a little reward for my struggles, propelling me onward. Yet, constantly I would hear a song by real songwriters like Bob Dylan or Paul Simon or Gordon Lightfoot and think, "This is hopeless; I'll never be able to write anything like that." Well, that much is still true... but I finally was able to start crafting some songs that I liked, and that - whoa! - others liked, too. I'm still trying to refine the craft and write songs that are memorable... and actually say something unique. I'll probably never reach the mountaintop, but I'm still trying to blaze my own path up through the melodic foothills of the popular song.
San Reetam “Between Hearts”
“Between Hearts” is a stunning and profound single where cinematic soundscapes meet epic vocals in a timeless portray of classic and modernity. The collaborative musical project San Reetam brings together three virtuoso musicians: vocalist Anastasia Quinton Smith, producer MDB and pianist Joe Pike. Together, they explores a vast and diverse palette of sonic expressions in the latest single.
How much emotion can music really hold? San Reetam tests its limit in “Between Heart,” weaving vulnerable, intense storytelling and powerful songwriting into their sensitive, gorgeous sonics. The track sees a glorious blend of nostalgia, spirituality and sincerity, reminding you of some of the greatest songs in the music history.
The duet between Smith and MDB is a special surprise. Being a professional singer with more than 10 years of experience, Smith brings a rich and balanced maturity into the music. Her vocals are polished and effortless, expressive and intimate. MDB, on the other hand, is raw and explosive. His vocal is heartbreakingly authentic and rich of complexity. When you put two vocals together, it’s just a big wow moment.
There’s a dramatic and poetic aspect to “Between Hearts” because it’s presented in a way very keen to music theatre while drawing from the perspective of film scoring, which gives the track a very strong visual stimulation. Different emotions are being tenderly explored with nuance. Lyrically, the exploration of spiritual love and distance is stirring and moving.
The chorus is more than ever epic and wrenching. Hearing a song explodes in such vulnerable way both lyrically, melodically and sonically is a very special experience. From an impressionistic mist at sea to the flooding of heart’s own desire, San Reetam certainly take listeners on an emotional roller coaster, navigating through different soundscapes where the fall of darkness is then met with the rise of golden sunlight.
Doc Fischbach “Walk Away”
Doc Fischbach is a versatile songwriter. His emotive, electrifying vocal stand outs easily among the countless songs released everyday. In his usual downbeat catalogue, he channels the wrenching story of the broken-hearted with vulnerability and sensitivity. With “Walk Away,” the artist takes on a different artistic direction, bringing an upbeat anthem into fruition.
“Walk Away” seems to be more in tune with the sass and unique electrifying energy of his voice. On there, his twists and turns radiate along the intoxicating sonics. The beats carry an roof-lifting, elevating vibe that effortlessly changes the mood in the room. On the latest track, Fischbach weaves the swirling retro aesthetic of disco and funk into the eclectic smash of pop and rock. Bombastic and energy splashing. The euphoric track doesn’t fail to deliver a meaningful message of self worth.
Never settling for something less. Walking away is about treating yourself right and not wasting time on games and nonsense. In the track, Fischbach explores a diverse sonic palette with dazzling colors and vibrant soundscapes in its everlasting empowering anthemic melodies. From the pulsing sonics to Fischbach’s defining vocals, every line seems to deliver a hit into your ears.
The track is intoxicating. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if the mood is richer or the melodies are more satisfying. They are both quite brilliant and hard to forget. “Walk Away” leaves an impressionistic aftertaste in your ears. The positive outlook and the radiating sonic palette, along with the phantom of anthemic melodies make it ever-lasting and desiring.
Victoria Taylor “Pull Up Ft. Love Ian”
“Pull Up” sets its scene in a vintage castle, where the inner Italian character Sophia Loren Goddess of Victoria Taylor came to life.
Victoria Taylor Shines on Self-Affirming Dance Pop “Pull Up Ft. Love Ian”
Photo credit: David Ross Lawn“Pull Up” sets its scene in a vintage castle, where the inner Italian character Sophia Loren Goddess of Victoria Taylor came to life. The self-empowering track feature Love Ian sends out a daring invitation fueled with limitless energy where Taylor’s eclectic voice pulls your heartstring.
Growing up to dance music, Taylor’s music is heavily influenced by the energetic, rhythmic blend of EDM and the swirling pop that never seems to escape your ears. “Pull Up” shares her passion for beats.
The track has a strong rhythmic emphasis that makes it irresistible to dance to, while the luscious pop production layers tightly around Taylor’s cathartic voice, intricately shifting the moods and sonic palettes as the meter runs.
Victoria Taylor has a very magnetic vocal that appeals to and entrances her listeners. The electrifying contrast within her voice is fascinating where her whispers feel like a soft lover’s kiss while her powerful, cathartic passages have a strong, magnetic presence that simply can’t be ignored.
Her studies in contemporary R&B and Jazz tastefully added glare of soulfulness into her performance which creates a very unique blend in her sound.
Dango Rose ‘The Forgotten Years
The Forgotten Years is a trilogy project that documents the different chapters in Dango Rose’s transforming life as an artist, poet, musician, and writer.
Dango Rose’s ‘The Forgotten Years: Vol. II’ Tunes Into a Collaborative, Experimental Chapter of Life
Photo credit: Dog Daze Photos
The Forgotten Years is a trilogy project that documents the different chapters in Dango Rose’s transforming life as an artist, poet, musician, and writer. The second chapter, The Forgotten Years Vol. II dives deep into a more experimental phase along with the deepening and awakening of the mind, taking you on a meaningful ride across the unexpected soundscapes.
Rose’s music is more significant than the sound itself. His use of form and instrumentation is very subtly orchestrated. It naturally flows and glows, communicating deep emotions, spirituality, nature, introspection, and inspirations.
Weaving electronic and world elements into roots, folk, and pop influences, Rose navigates between those intricate shifts in atmosphere and dramatic emotional, textural contrasts effortlessly. “The Singularity” is so brilliantly mixed with all the different influences. It gives you a taste of everything while dives into the topic of self and the world.
Hypnotic and deeply grounded, the project is rooted in an intuitive and reflective approach that naturally appeals to listeners. Dango Rose has an earthy, percussive touch to strumming that gives his music a very unique sound, for example, “Snow” and “The Singularity.”
Although very cleverly hidden in the background, the vocal harmony starts to really become an irreplaceable factor in “Snow.” The interactive melodies and beautiful texture are no doubt a surprise. It reached momentum in “I Fall Away.” From the spoken words that demand your attention to the beautifully illuminating soundscapes, the album is a journey itself.
Written by Katrina Yang
SINGLE REVIEW: SAYANA “SMALL TALK”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Jonathan Lam
SAYANA catches your attention from the very first sound of “Small Talk.” Her vulnerable, luscious vocal instantly drags you into the storytelling that revolves in a melancholy ambiance. In the opening verse, she converts imagery, sound, touch, tenderness, and heartbreak into four short lines: “I go over things that you said in my head, every circle you drew with your finger; I trace on my skin, didn’t burn back then.”
SAYANA’s contemporary R&B vocal style has the vast capacity to capture various stages of emotions. “Small Talk” is a song worth repeating where you can savor every detail in her soulful, expressive performance and sink into the vivid imageries she created with her lyricism where the emotions and experiences behind the words leave a mark under your skin.
Born in Central Asia, SAYANA moved to Canada at the age of 11. Growing up, she has absorbed a wide range of influences from European radio, Middle Eastern melodies, and the folk songs that passed down from previous generations which nurtured her vibrant contemporary R&B vocal style.
SINGLE REVIEW: LOULITA GILL “Will You?”
Song of the Day
Sometimes, when we seek out help by vocalizing our fear and troubles, the eager attempt from the others who always reason on how to fix the situation for us although in good intention can oftentimes leave us feeling unheard and even lonelier. Setting its scene in a gentle, emotive soundscape, “Will You?” sheds light on the lonely voice that is oftentimes being swallowed in defense and reasoning.
Feathery, immersive synth joins a tender piano in healing voices that touches your heart with its genuine, heartfelt lyricism. Simple but efficient, the production completes its aesthetic with a tasteful touch that brings out the beauty of the song even more.
Loulita Gill calls for listening, a simple act of kindness sometimes is all the support one needs from another person to regain the confidence and courage to navigate through a rough time. It is easier said than done, but active listening, being there for someone who is going through a breakdown or a tough time sometimes has the power to save lives. Concluding with a final response, “Then you will have loved me.”
SINGLE REVIEW: LÉVYNE “LOSING SLEEP”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Oscar Keys
The sting of youthful love is always one hard to forget. From the sweetest memories to its painful end, it was the first realization that sometimes, we don’t seem to have control over the other side of the story. Love, even the one that tickles your heart, can come to a natural end no matter how hard we try.
“Losing Sleep” picks up the story from its lowest point when something/someone close to you is being ripped apart from your daily experience. It stings, and it haunts. Lévyne captured that pure energy with her subdued vocal.
Blossoming, lighter-than-a-feather soundscape symbolizes growth and becoming. The process of healing begins with a realization and progresses towards the reconnection with oneself. Finding the joy in life again and learning to love; there is beauty in the embrace of pain.
The music video by Oscar Keys shows a different side of growth from childhood to adulthood, giving the lyrics and sonics another layer of meaning. “Losing Sleep” is hard to ignore. It speaks to you, no matter your age or stage in life.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: EMBLM “SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN”
Staff Pick
Written in the darkest time, “Something To Believe In” emerges from the ground like the lotus flower quietly growing in the dark, spreading its vague fragrance. EMBLM reflects uncertainty, anxiety, and devastation at the same time channels something pure and beautiful from his inner light.
Like many musicians and artists, EMBLM faced the inevitable challenge at the beginning of lockdown. Witnessing many musicians gave up their music careers to maintain their livelihood, there was a time he thought all was lost. The dark time seemed to last forever. “Something To Believe In” was the seed that grew from the rigid ground.
It emerges quietly with tenderness and a sense of fragility, obscure and tiny. Spreading warmth and hope from its very core, it gradually grows and empowers as the voice itself changes its timbre. “Something To Believe In” is glowing firmly and gently.
With a light so bright and gentle, it’s almost hard to connect something so elegant with the darkness itself. “Something To Believe In” is a song that could always guide your way and uplift your spirit even deepest in the mud.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: RAE RADICK “WHO YOU’RE MEANT TO BE”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Melissa Tillmond
Rae Radick’s music is a mixture of a variety of influences and experiences. Like a sponge that absorbs and grows along with its surroundings, collecting even the seemingly insignificant thoughts afloat in the air, her voice is the natural expression of untold stories tracing her footstep. In the spirit of self-exploration and expansion, “Who You’re Meant To Be” has the lighthearted aura of love in its free form.
Approaching the crossover point of the piano and the guitar, a sensational awakening is in process. The exploration of vulnerability leads to true freedom. Narrating around embracing one’s flaws and realizing who one is as a person, the seasoned singer/songwriter channeled love and peace into the musical form.
The calm mixture remains the perfect balance between rock, pop, and country, creating something personal yet refreshing with a dash of metropolitan’s vibrant spirit. Nostalgia and liberating, fearless and truthful, “Who You’re Meant To Be” consists of layers of messages.
The artist encourages you to explore and be brave in a safe, immersive sound cave, coming into a retreat of nature and beauty.“Even at our lowest points, it’s important to be patient and kind to ourselves, and remember that we are our own problem and solution,” said Radick.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: NOELLE “SEASONS CHANGE”
Following on the journey of one of the most promising rising artists to watch, the pop princess noelle is bringing back another jazz-infused single.
noelle returns with sensuous, moody single “seasons change”
Photo courtesy of noelle
Following on the journey of one of the most promising rising artists to watch, the pop princess noelle is bringing back another jazz-infused single. She takes you to a notalgic, ethereal world, filled with feelings, memories, and color palettes.
Written many years ago in the artist’s bedroom, the song has traveled long from its original sparkles through the collaboration with producer Anthony Wright. After the sensational release of “Forever Yours” and hit song “Therapy,” “Seasons Change” marks the third release from noelle’s debut album slotted for a spring release via Wax Records/Universal Music Canada.
“Seasons Change” combines jazz ballad, old-Hollywood cabaret with the tender heartbreak of first love, tackling the theme of unrequited love. The brilliant track has many surprises, like a kaleidoscopic journey that swirls and twirls, it never lacks new patterns. Noelle’s stunning jazz vocal brings you imageries and visions in vintage.
The track introduces a fall-inspired sonic palette that matches a seasonal melancholy and matured theme, brewing the lingering feelings with woozy instruments while the melodic ideas slow dance with sentiments.
SINGLE REVIEW: JACQUELINE LOOR “I Can Fly”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Hector Socorro
From a place of heaviness and sadness, the song gradually shifts its energy and sheds its skin. Epid percussion under the vast skyscape, the birth of new energy and strength inspired something beautiful and liberating. Inspired by the artist’s identical twin sister’s journey in finding courage and leaving a toxic relationship, Jacqueline Loor joined hands with Monica Rizzio for an inspired, female empowerment single “I Can Fly.”
“I knew she was scared to be alone so I wanted to give her something that can help empower her and make her feel like she can fly on her own,” said Loor.
Through an intimate, personal angle, the artist reflects on the collective experience we all share as women in her highly relatable lyricism addressing the issue on a larger spectrum. “I Can Fly” is an anthem and an affirmation that reminds us of the strength we have within cut the cord with toxic relationships and situations and embrace who we are as a person and as a woman. Loor channeled something divine and pure from the core of her inner goddess. The chorus immediately gives you goosebumps.
“I Can Fly” is a song that brings tears to your eyes in a time of difficulty. It offers vast power and encouragement to make the necessary change in your life for a healthier, better future. The singer’s voice is never alone. She was constantly supported by other females and the starry, immersive nature. It reflects on feminism and community. Finding strength in the sharing of our stories and vocalizing our pains, together, we heal together.
Written by Katrina Yang
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PREMIERE:ANATÉ “NONSENSE”
New Music Friday
photo credit: Max Guizzetti
“Nonsense” has a self-built subwoofer that allows the vibration to resonate in your body and soul. In a translucent, dark texture, the song produces a phenomenal soundscape. Butterfly-like echoing vocal flatters into the air, scattering into glistening little pieces. “Nonsense” is epic.
The alchemy between singer Ana and producer Andrea creates a fascinating, natural phenomenon that perfectly emphasizes each other’s personalities and characteristics. Andrea’s production is deep and soul-reaching, while Ana’s voice has a compelling sophisticated, sensational texture. The two interacts and communicates on a spiritual level, becoming the wondrous sonics we hear.
Like its name suggests, “Nonsense” revolves around the absurdity of life. Instead of constantly questioning and searching for explanations or answers, it adapts a free-spirited, liberating, in-the-moment attitude. As opposed to a non-thinker, simplified approach to life, the seriousness in its sound communicates more. Through experience and understanding of life’s randomness, absurdity, and misfortune, one realizes that within everything is nothing and within nothing is everything. The question is the answer itself.
“Nonsense” is a teaser and a sneak peek into the duo’s high-anticipated upcoming debut album Confessions, which can only be assumed to be high-quality and brilliant judging from what we hear today.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: PEKKY SAVAN “GLAD I FOUND YOU”
Discovery
Photo credit: Julia Cox
Pekky Savan has surprised us with a love song “Glad I Found You,” a derivative from her usual style as a sad song princess. The journey of finding love isn’t always easy. Sometimes situation-ship and extended single status create an illusion of fear that we are unworthy of love and that we may never find someone.
“Glad I Found You” sends an affirmation about self-worthiness and love, reminding you of the sparkles and magic during a down time. It might happen when you least expected. “
Glad I Found You” encourages you to have hope. Simple, captivating songwriting blossoming in its naked color. Setting its mood in an intimate, dreamful acoustic environment, “Glad I Found You” has a bubbly aura around itself that brings smiles to your face.
It was exactly what happened to Pekky Savan. After bouncing from situation-ship to situation-ship, the artist was about the give up when she met the person she was looking for during lockdown, the time and place where she’d least expect.
Written by Katrina Yang
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MUSIC REVIEW: NOELLE “FOREVER YOURS”
Exploring a sensual, jazzy side of noelle, “Forever Yours” invites us to the moment of falling in love.
Noelle shares sensuous jazzy single “forever yours”
Following noelle’s breakout debut single “Therapy” early this year, the 20-year-old emerging pop artist noelle has brought forth another work of art. Exploring a sensual, jazzy side of noelle, “Forever Yours” invites us to the moment of falling in love.
Like a rose that blossoms quietly in the middle of the night, noelle's voice is intoxicatingly beautiful with a touch of fragility and distance. The modernity of pop has an edge of moodiness adapted from jazz, a wonderful soulful encounter when you least expect it.
The intricate chemistry between pop, jazz, and R&B has worked into the track’s sound print. The perfect atmosphere and the perfect person, the euphoria of new love unfolds in noelle’s breathtaking voice. “Forever Yours” is a special encounter you couldn’t forget.
From Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan to the music traditions from her Indigenous roots, the Canadian artist was exposed to a vast range of music influences growing up. Expanding the horizon, “Forever Yours” has introduced us to a versatile, sensual side of noelle different from what we expected.
PREMIERE: SABRINA CARMEN “DREAMING WIDE AWAKE”
New Music Friday
In Sabrina Carmen’s exquisite, poised voice, poetic lyrical ideas invited us to an ethereal wonderland with magic and dreams. Reminded of the stunning view at sunset by the shore, “Dreaming Wide Awake” has a calm, healing quality of the ocean on top of its mellow, epic sonic environment. Lana Del Ray-inspired nostalgic flavor is the perfect embellishment.
“Sitting under the stars, in a sea of lights; compass of my hearts, navigate the skies.” A sense of innocence raises as the wandering eyes linger as if seeing the world for the first time. Under the nightlight, by the ocean, where the fairytales and dreams savored in memories.
Photo credit: Mary Vincenti
“Dreaming Wide Awake” has a youthful, adventurous spirit that always searches for more. “The great unknown, where oceans flow, I ride the higher tide Painted dreams, and fantasies, open up my eyes.” There’s always more than what meets the eyes. One’s experience with the spiritual realm is often connected with one’s relationship to nature. Ocean’s mystery and secret whispers reach out to us in feelings and dreams.
“If I wake tonight, it may be the last time Two worlds intertwined, meet me at the divide If I wake tonight (it may be the last time) Fighting with my mind…” As intrigued by the secret of the universe, the struggle to trust our instinct or simply relying on what meets the eyes is the journey of spiritual awakening, but once the eyes are open, can one really return to the darkness?
SINGLE REVIEW: EAMONN CONOR “BLINDED”
Discovery
Influenced by new jack swing, a fusion style that absorbs hip hop, dance-pop production technique with the urban contemporary sound of R&B and jazz, “Blinded” by the Australian recording artist Eamonn Connor is a delight to the ears.
In the lush, glimmering soundscape, accompanied by a welcoming dance beat, the saxophone quietly sweeps into a mysterious, spiritual atmosphere. It sounded like might night of an urban street, walking in between clubs, hearing vague music coming from a distance.
Photo credit: Hardik Shah
Continue to bring in more interesting elements to its sonic texture, Eamonn Conor’s voice tells a different story about love, maturity, and reaching goals. Setting its theme in teen pop and high school romance, Conor’s voice has the charm of bringing to life a sensitive, artistic character who sings about the girl he likes.
It stirs your heart as the lyrics dive deep into his feelings and innermost longings. In Conor’s sweet, alluring voice, jazz, and R&B elements adds a layer of sophistication and maturity to the evolving theme, broadening its horizon to more mature listeners.
In the twinkling, simulating soundscape, saxophone strikes through the air full of personality and attitude. As a huge fan of fusion, Eamonn Connor is not afraid to experiment in his debut album Thought.