EP REVIEW: AVARAJ “OUTSIDE LOOKING IN”
Discovery
Avaraj is a keen observer with a sensitive, gentle heart. Like someone looking at the world from the outside, reflecting on the way each event tells us about ourselves and the world, she documented her truth and message into four songs which have become Outside Looking In. Each and every piece contains a truth or an experience that we could all relate to.
Avaraj is an artist that is hard to be defined. Inspired by a variety of styles and genres, her music conveys that experience into what it is naturally — the mixture of various styles that evokes nostalgic feelings as well as her unique imprint. Her music speaks of authenticity in its sonics as well as her lyricism. Simple and powerful with a light touch of production.
“Drift Apart” discusses the dynamic of toxic relationships. Inspired by personal experience and observation of those around her, the artist reflects on the true nature of the toxic relationships and the realization as she grew out of them. “Lost Hope” has a swishing, darker tone tied with the discussion of how faith and love connected to the concept of hope. Reflecting on the world like an outsider with her unique sensitivity, the lyrics speak the truth.
“Like Tattoos” discusses addiction and obsession that spread out in every corner of our lives and the way social media has isolated us from real physical connections in relatively playful sonics. “World So Cold” begins with an evocative, deep guitar riff, dives into loneliness, disconnection, and religion — when someone couldn’t reciprocate kindness; the way people use religion or God as an excuse to avoid substantial help. “World So Cold” is a song that sticks in your head.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: THE INFINITE DAISY CHAINS “HOPE YOU GROW”
Discovery
Photo credit: Gopi Raghu
“A flicker of hope is what I see, in your eyes, there’s so much to believe; all the while, this love is on trial.” Lyrics of “Hope You Grow”
A semi-transparent, lush soundscape illuminates the gentle light of hope and love. Revolving around love/hate in relationships, the subtle texture is inspired by the gentle energy and spirited connection that intertwined two souls. The swishing synth meets an ethereal vocal, bass-driven drum machine gives it the perfect push for the perfect indie dream-pop sonics.
The Infinite Daisy Chains creates something that is stunningly wonderful to the ears. Crafty, laid-back, and gentle, “Hope You Grow” conveys their passion for music, their love for each other, and their intention for hope into song form.
From meeting at a rehearsal in a dimly lit garage to tying the knot five years later in marriage, The Infinite Daisy Chains project by the duo Ian Dandridge and Kristina Westernik-Dandridge took shape from an inspiration from their honeymoon experience in the California desert.
“Hope You Grow” is a release from their upcoming EP Between You And Me. With an ever-changing color palette always stayed inspired by a collection of experiences and details, the duo combines electronic as well as acoustic instruments weaving into their ideal sound.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: RAGDOLL “FORWARD EMOTIONS (LET YOURSELF GO)”
Song of the Day
Formed in the late 80s by the Cox brothers, the band played until the 90s when they moved to different countries. Two decades later, Covid-19 provided them the opportunity to reconnect. Coming from different walks of life with a blend of social, cultural background and musical environment, the initial fire is re-lit and even brighter in “Forward Emotions.”
“Forward Emotions (Let Yourself Go)” is all about the expanding possibilities when you follow your heart. Brewing in the theme of freedom, reconnection, and memories, tracing back to the authenticity and the pulsation of passion, “Forward Emotions” is electric and festive.
Like a party you never want it to end, the spirit is high and the energy is wild. Soaring guitar and whiskey vocal, fiery drum, and soundtrack-like texture, “Forward Emotions” is a collection of many things. The variety of influences finds a mutual ground in the track where the sound is identical as well as nostalgic.
Guitarist Dec Burke has released several studio albums with named prog acts throughout the years; while drummer Wayne Cox moved to Ireland and worked as a session player, including a top-five sing. Bass player/vocalist Paul Hird moved to California, where he appeared in award-winning short films and is currently working as a producer. Keyboard player/vocalist David Cox moved to Ireland and has starred in numerous musicals.
Written by Katrina Yang
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Edwin Rosen Unveils Sensuous debut EP „MITLEERENHÄNDEN"
In its ethereal electrified, synth-coiled skyscape, melancholy meets a sense of catharsis. „mitleerenhänden“ draws you into its unique storytelling and emotions without getting under your skin.
Photo credit: Zeit Fang
The true beauty lies between the crossover of within touch but out of touch. The distance creates a sense of distance and mystery which makes it irresistible. There is no better word to describe Edwin Rosen’s music. In its ethereal electrified, synth-coiled skyscape, melancholy meets a sense of catharsis. „mitleerenhänden“ draws you into its unique storytelling and emotions without getting under your skin. It leaves you with an unsatisfied feeling that makes you crave for more.
Edwin Rosen is a songwriter/music producer who quickly raise from the Germany's underground music scene. In 2020, Rosen self-released music without the help of label, marketing, or promotional plan in place. Drawing comparison to the likes of Joy Division, Boy Harsher, and Molchat Doma, Rosen's sound sways between self-invented modern Germany new wave.
„mitleerenhänden“
There’s a very unique sense of purity in Rosen’s music. In the well-balanced, nearly perfect sonic and evocative percussion. The ever-changing soundscapes remind you of storms and clouds. It puts you underneath the grey sky where you can never see through the thick, fast-moving clouds.
Revolving around the untouchable and the sense of lacking „mitleerenhänden“ means empty-handed, which is perfectly in alignment with its ethereal, surreal sonic. "It’s about coming to terms with things not going the way you expect them to and things ending too quickly, and the last hope that remains when all seems lost,” said the artist.
Rooted in a sensational, emotional experience, Rosen’s music goes beyond the obvious. His music enters a purer state of the art where the art itself stays inspired and relatable without being tied down to the specifics.
The EP revolves around the feeling of no matter what you do, you just don't feel like it's good enough. „mitleerenhänden“ is an intensified, introspective journey. It reaches climax with“Verschwende deine Zeit.” “1119” takes a deteor with a fresh outlook over chaos and intense feelings with captivating melodic ideas that taste like the rain. “Die Sonnie in deinem Zimmer” highlights melancholy put a haunting ending to the EP.
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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EP REVIEW: WILLIAM SANFORD “COOL MEMORIES”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Christina Sanford
Not everyone has the luxury of time or money to go on a road trip. Constantly consumed by the endless cycle of bills and reality in life, Cool Memories is the dream come true in the wildest and liberating form. From Columbus, Indiana, to Marfa, Texas, to Rothko Chapel, Texas, and Saugatuck shore, William Sanford takes you on a psychedelic trip built on senses and imagination. You’re only one click away from the treat.
“You’re In For A Treat” lifts you up from the moment you hit the road, leaving everything behind in the gorgeous, ever-changing landscape. The steady beat puts you on the driver’s seat behind the open road, heading down the road of freedom and love. Fascinating and entertaining. “Eos Rises Over Columbus, Indiana” invites you to witness the first light of dawn break in darkness, bringing in the renewed energy in its grand, intense form. Capturing the subtle change of color, the touch, the feel, and the temperature, William Sanford depicts the magnificent, powerful scenery of nature as it climbs from behind the thick clouds to its climax, spreading the golden, silvery show of lights.
Marfa is a small town in the Texas desert yet artsy and mysterious. Out of the world in the most unbelievable place. Capturing the awe and wonder as you first witness its beauty and mystery as you drive past the town, feeling in awe by its incredible structure and unbelievable in its existence. From its texture to the mysterious sense, William Sanford seems to know exactly the words in music.
“Together At Rothko Chapel” goes to another work of art in Texas. The meditative space is open to all and belongs to none. It stays welcomes all religions and cultures. “Together At Rothko Chapel” stays loose in its form and travels between languages, time, and space. It taps into the meditative space and welcomes inspirations and messages to pass through without leaving a mark. In continuous change, there’s no limitation with where it could go and no definition to it either. The track dives deeper into the core aesthetic to Cool Memories: creating something descriptive without definition. There are unlimited potentials and possibilities to all.
Like a trip that opens up your perception and vulnerability yet promises you only a good experience without the nightmares, Cool Memories is exactly like that. Full of memories, a walk on the Saugatuck Shoreline in the swirling waves and emotive pianos as the seagull’s sound ringing in your ears is the perfect ending to a wonderful journey.
Written by Katrina Yang
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EP REVIEW: TAMARA JENNA “PLEASURE FROM PAIN”
Discovery
When personal growth meets creativity, they spark something vulnerable and beautiful. Pleasure From Pain from the UK-based artist Tamara Jenna takes shape in it most organic shape. The album collects a wide range of tracks from the darkest of the dark to the warmest of the warm. In its kaleidoscopic mixture of R&B, hip-hop, and Grime rooted in the day-to-day experience, Tamara Jenna is an artist who isn’t afraid to speak up her truth, bringing out something highly relatable and touching in its swirling, dynamic texture.
Not afraid to be aggressive and dark, the artist explores and embraces the dark moments in life. “Under Construction” is daring and enchanting, spinning on the eerie side of destruction and chaos no holding back. Jenna shows her extraordinary skills in vocal performance and wordplay, creating something so visually glaring and sonically extraordinary.
The 15 tracks album is an artistic trip that one could never get enough. Revolving around the melancholy, dark undertone, “Mind Games” has a sense of strength in its sonics, as a rose grows from the grounds. Minimal “Lost My Head” and “Paralysis” are two unique tracks that take a step outside her creative zone into the world of words.
Sonically depicts the mental image of both ideas, Jenna shines in its unique, authentic artistic style in the territory where most people fear to explore. On the emotive side, “Snakes and Ladders” has something to say in its message. “Best of Me” rises in strength and acknowledges its emotions.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: MARI DANGERFIELD “SCREEN TIME”
Discovery
Photo credit: Leigh Kemp
Mari Dangerfield’s music is one that purely depends on individual experience to define. Spinning in its own universe, the artist is bringing us another introspective release with full-on quirkiness and a mixture of sounds absorbing from all around the space where electronic meets alternative and pop and musical theatre with classical icings. “Screen Time” is out of the world yet deeply rooted in the human experience of a digital age.
Taking inspiration from the way digital products continue to consume our intelligence and feed on personal information, Dangerfield explores the topic more in-depth with edgy, artistic sonics and haunting vocals.
“‘Screen Time’ is about how in the modern age, we’re all unavoidably hooked to our phones and computers. It highlights the CEOs of the companies behind these addictions and their greed for our personal information in exchange for huge profits from advertisers” said Dangerfield.
Concerning with glaring discomfort. Sonically designed to reflect our current world and situation, “Screen Time” is not a song to make you feel good about yourself, but a tune to wake you up from toxic, addictive daily routines.
Written by Katrina Yang
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EP REVIEW: THE GOLD SUPPLY “UNDERWATER COMPLETELY”
Staff Pick
Cover Image: Underwater Completely
Formed and twisted during a time of crisis, The Gold Supply is a new female-front band by former major label artists. Characterized by cold, dark tunes, they aim to reflect the new world of turmoil. Grunge, dream pop, and art rock splash into their own bizarre vocabulary with deeply haunting riffs, chilly pianos, and captivating vocals in the warm ruins. Evocative and unforgettable.
Raw with no pretense. They depict the world exactly the way they feel with no false hope or sugary decors. There’s a sense of disappointment and pain from a sensitive, emotive perspective in Underwater Completely. They remind you of Kurt Cobain’s aesthetics. Raw and extreme, but deep-rooted in human experience, which makes the tunes so relatable and touching. The Gold Supply gets under your skin easily, evoking feelings and memories you thought you already forgot.
Through their highly developed senses and perceptions, The Gold Supply dives into the details and soft spots of everyday life, creating something artistically delicate and relatable on a human level. Underwater Completely is filled with those tender, wrenching electric guitar screams and lo-fi vocals dancing in a distance. There’s a constant ring in each song that sounded so strange yet familiar.
Sonically, they create something you could listen to on repeat. Underwater Completely touches on feelings in a multi-dimensional way with so much lingering in the air. It invites you to dive deep into life and your own feelings in a cold, dark night of realization.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: NIGHTLY GATHERINGS “SATELLITE”
Discovery
“Satellite” takes an organic approach to dance music. Tracing back to a simpler time when Nightly Gatherings first fell in love with dance music, “Satellite” captured the touching, inspired moments under the nightlight with swirling visuals.
Nightly Gatherings further explores his color palette in the track. From his last single Affirmations, which has been a sweetheart for blogs and radio stations, “Satellite” takes a step further where the electric celebration meets the breezy night.
“Satellite” makes the perfect fit for a night drive. Captivating melodies linger in your ears for a long. The energy is so uplifting and inspired. Being true to oneself and capturing cherishable moments.
Created and produced entirely in Nightly Gatherings’ home studio, the track gives you a sneak peek of the artist’s upcoming EP Tethered Together. The artist aims to create more unforgettable memories with his music.
Written by Katrina Yang
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ARTIST INTERVIEW: KID FICTION “NORA”
Artist Spotlight
Photo credit: Aaron VIII
“Some people write about specific issues/people/events in their lives. I'm not really that kind of an artist, I tend to treat my music with a bit of distance. Each song has its own calling, and it's my job as an artist to give it what it needs so it can fulfill that calling.” Kid Fiction
Inspired by life, introspective, straightforward lyricism in combination with simple but impressionistic sonics. In this stage of his artistic journey, Kid Fiction focuses more on the storytelling itself than production. “No more bullshit. Just cuts right to the chase and the production reinforces that,” as he put it. The result is as haunting and enriched as it is. Minimalist but meaningful.
“I feel like we got trials every day now; catching only rain on the way down; everything we built is on quicksand; I’m struggling to breathe in my heartland.”(Lyrics of “Nora”) Like the way love always intertwine with society and the part of reality we live in, “Nora” tackles more social issue where the heart wrenches.
“I spend a lot of time reflecting on the world we live in. I can’t help but think that we can do better than we have,” the artist commented. “Nora” is one of the releases from Kid Fiction’s upcoming EP At The end Of The Flate Earth, which dives deeper into the crossover of great loss and the potential for renewal, inspired by a time of crisis.
“We are both unlucky and lucky enough to be living through a time of crisis at the moment. I say "lucky" because while the potential for ruin, and loss is so great the real potential for renewal and regrowth is also here too. That sense of risk and chaos but also beauty and vitality is (I hope) something that defines a lot of the music I make,” he said.
At The End Of The Flate Earth is inspired by the Event Horizon concept in physics, which discusses the point where all the rules and norms of the universe as we understand to start to break down completely. “As a civilization, we’re at that point right now! We can’t even agree on the most basic facts of reality when it comes to huge existential crises like Covid-19 or global warming. The EP is a personal reflection on the anxiety of our time and the hope for something better,” said Kid Fiction.
When it comes to the creative process itself, the artist often finds himself on the more spontaneous and organic side, “I don’t set out to write anything specific,” he commented, “Music emerges naturally from the process. I often number random words into my phone mic, and when you playback the audio, you can infer words. That’s usually the starting point for most of my songs. I think that’s the same for most creative artists. The music (or painting, or design, or whatever it is) is buried deep inside, and the trick is getting your ego out of the way.”
Written by Katrina Yang
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EP REVIEW: PAT ANTHONY “JZMN”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: ANDY LE
JZMN was created over the course of a 6-month long relationship, tapping into moments of memories when the outpouring emotions and lyrics naturally tangled into its artistic form. Pat Anthony’s guitar playing features a deep, rich that reminded you of the vastness of mountains and oceans. Vulnerable vocal and flowing lyricism meet a minimalistic touch of production. JZMN is an album that would for sure impress you.
Opening and closing with the simple deep resonating acoustic-vocal sonics, “Her Song” introduces a type of storytelling that maximizes the listener’s imaginations. Leaving plenty of space and suggestive directions, the track never gets old. “Sade” puts the inevitable end with tenderness and gentleness, channeling all there could be said about a journey and a past person.
From “Color Blue” to “Smoke Kisses” to “JZMN,” Pat Anthony shakes up the soundscapes and color palettes, introducing a different scenario through each song. The dazzling “Smoke Kisses” has a distant, nostalgic, surreal side to the storytelling, parting its way from the darker theme. Between the sound of a vintage piano and a clock bell, “JZMN” draws you into a calming sadness, floating as the flow to the end.
Coming out of deep depression and mental health struggles, the project and breakup have transformed the artist’s life. He also dedicated himself to his health, which he has lost 75 lbs as well.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: SMALL DOGS “VIEQUES & DARK RUM”
Discovery
Dreamy falsetto introduces us to a tropical, ethereal Caribbean-inspired dreamscape where various elements and ideas come together, joining hands in a multi-dimensional, stimulating experience. The interplay between a woozy guitar and captivating vocal, small dogs created a shift of perspectives in its sonics.
Small dogs is an ethnomusicologist as well as a musician who has lived in London, East Africa, and New York. His unique personal experience in the different continents has translated into the groovy mixture of imagery and adventure, becoming a part of his sound.
“Vieques & Dark Rum” features Costa Rican American singer Kelly Vargas’s smokey, saucy voice in an illuminating skyscape. Accompanied by inspired Afrobeat, it interacts with the sonics in an entrancing way.
Reflecting on a time of change, the song happened of an instance, capturing a moment of grooviness and beauty. Unpredictable and hazy, small dogs has shown case his 60s inspired songwriting, introducing non-western rhythmic patterns and elements into the sonics.
Written by Katrina Yang
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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: JACK PANTHER “IF I WAS”
Song of the Day
Photo credit: Frances Carter
Deep-rooted in pain and suffering from a broken reality, “If I Was” drifts into the surreality and fantasy where one has the luxury of smoking joint all day instead of being forced to work every day. Setting its mood in malfunction and inconsistency, Jack Panther reflected on exhaustion and our slightest wishes to escape.
Glassy chaos was constantly blocking the vision. Panther’s voice has exposed the blood and wounds with vulnerability. An ethereal dreamscape emerged from the inside, folding the voice in its cloudlike palms. Infectious melodies and enchanted calling from a dreamscape with emotional vulnerability.
“Sell one, smoke one, smoke two. I’d be so bad at dealing.”
“I was exhausted working in hospitality, sometimes working 8 days straight. The track just rolled off my tongue, it’s a daydream of giving up on work and getting stoned all day instead. I wrote it as a way to empower myself to get through that slump,” said Panther.
“If I Was” makes an impression hard to forget. Highly reliable storytelling touches the exhausting hearts trapped in the endless labor cycle of everyday life. As if malfunctioning parts in a giant machine, wanting to quite one and for all. Our dreams are small.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW:FISHBURN “PRAY TO ME”
Discovery
In a time of difficulty where many are struggling in the aftermath of COVID-19, Fishburn comes back with a catchy, tropical house release “Pray To Me,” calling for faith and prayers. Surrounded by an uplifting, lighthearted 3-D sound bath, there’s a sense of sacredness spreading through the sonics.
Spacious and multi-dimensional with the refreshing mixture of exotic flavor in its texture, “Pray To Me” is an earworm that comes out of nowhere, inspired and entrancing. Swirling into the catchy chorus with an important message reaching out to people in need.
The artist is known for captivating lyricism and powerful messages. Written with nothing but a pure heart, the pop-infused song has incredible energy. As a messenger of Jesus, Fishburn aims to spread love and faith through music. Just as the way Jesus has touched his soul, “Pray To Me” has a purpose to uplift and transform.
With a background in DJ and production, Fishburn’s music is spacious and multi-dimensional, at the same time deep-rooted in human experience. There has always been a sense of holiness in his sound. As a proud Christian artist, Fishburn has never stopped spreading the message and unconditional love of Jesus.
Written by Katrina Yang
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EP REVIEW: SAMMY HAIG “CUCUMBER”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Dylan Garcia
“Cucumber” is infectious. In the striking, near-shoegazing stop-n-motion jazzscape, Sammy Haig charms you with a witty sense of quirkiness. A light electrified edge in his trumpet playing.“Cucumber” is one of the songs that change your perspective.
The initial sparkle of Cucumber first burst into sprout during a difficult time, which gradually grew into a multimedia project featuring more than 70 musicians and artists. Witnessing the collective force of creative minds, Cucumber has preserved the uplifting energy that transformed a time of darkness and isolation with passion and love.
Rooted in jazz vocabulary, the album travels freely between genres and times, blending different influences and collective memories into a perfect balance of pop, funk, and soul at the same time, allowing individuality and uniqueness to shine brightly. “Dreaming Of” introduces us to an immersive, carnivalistic jazz-pop fusion, swirling into landscapes and thrilling passages, psychedelic yet fully lucid. “Dasher II” leans into the funk with close voicing dissonance contrasting with a nostalgic, futuristic dazzling texture where gritty trumpet meets an equally edgy trombone (featuring Jake Handelman) bursting into creative flames.
The sound of the ocean and nature is subtly planted into the background. “Will I See You Tomorrow?” opens with an ocean-vibe ballad that drifts in waves. With tender trumpet solo and emotive strings, the warming vocal has traveled far. While “Cucumber” embraces the world of bizarre and quirkiness in its identical storytelling setting its scene at the shore.
As a recent jazz graduate from Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University), the young artist’s creative endeavor is just the beginning. Off to an ambitious start, one can only expect great things.
Written by Katrina Yang
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EP REVIEW: SINCLAIR 808 “SHADOWS IN MY ROOM”
Album of the Week
Photo credit: Jean Luc
Partially inspired by sci-fi fiction Murderbot Diaries by Martha Well, video game Portal 2, and schizophrenic art, Shadows In My Room”was the auditory representation of one’s desire to understand pain, mental health, and self through looking into the shadows and darkness. In a seemingly robotic, synth-oriented world, Sinclair 808 touches on vulnerability and human-related issues.
Shadows In My Room presents us with a fictional world of perfection with its luscious, swirling synth and ethereal soundscapes. A vocal line was running through native instrument, blurred into the machine-like background, almost indistinguishable from its human tone. A world seemingly distant from human emotions and attachments collapsed as the murder bot struggled with mental illness and illusions, trying to understand his newfound consciousness.
A touch of romance and reminiscence lingers in the remaining warmth of the 80s vibe. Dazzling voice twisted beyond recognition dances safely in its nest, surrounded by fascination and love. It was never clear, but it was the center where everything began and ended. Cinematic and emotive moments occur out of nowhere as if scenes from a sci-fi film. The theme has always been about humanity and warmth.
Sinclair 808 touches on a dark, vulnerable side of our human nature with a personal, creative approach using the murder bot’s story as its carrier. Shadows In My Room is built on a fictional world, but at the same time representing an ongoing search and conversation that one has with themselves and society.
Written by Katrina Yang
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PREMIERE: LUIS AKE “LIEBE”
New Music Friday
Photo credit: Alexander Thesis
Music to Luis Ake is beyond an auditory perception. The artist thrives to create meaningful experiences that absorb, transform, and discuss art and its inspiration. Taking its form in a three-dimensional synth-pop sonic ground, Liebe travels in time & space.
The album presents various perspectives that naturally exist in a multi-dimensional experience, offering insights into life and love itself. The value of creativity and individuality is strongly presented in Liebe. "For me, pop music is an art form that is not exclusively about music," says Ake.
Luis Ake touches on a liquified, spontaneous interconnection at the crossroad between dream and reality, genres and styles. Out of the world yet vividly connected to the one we’re in. To break from his own limitations, the artist retreated into a house in the mountains of France during the creation process of Liebe. Inspired by the natural surroundings and his own journey inwards, landscapes, narrations, and textures weaving into the complex mixture of Liebe.
“I’m more inspired by the things I hate than the things I love,” the artist once states. Making an album about love is surely an unexpected twist in his music development. Expanding his color palette and deepening, broadening emotional content, Ake is never lacking surprises.
Written by Katrina Yang
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PREMIERE: JANNEK “SUNBOW”
New Music Friday
Photo credit: Phoebe Doran
The auditory experience of Sunbow is inspired by Jannek’s experience of meditating on the docks every day during isolation. Coastal influence weaves into a glaring spiritual, indigenous root across the globes that goes beyond one specific culture and genre.
Sunbow is a series of experiences that transform the experience and shifts your perspective in a subtle and inspiring way. It explores and reflects a deep connection between one and nature, the mind and the soul in an unworded ambiance.
There’s a resounding ring within peace and love, revolving around the beauty of simply being. Without the need to rationalize or seize control, Jannek presents you with a powerful, imaginative experience where equality and beauty are being realized in their natural form.
“In a subtle way, this record reflects the eclectic landscape of our minds, having to harbor so many different aspects and influences from the bombardment of media and consumption. sunbow is composed as a portal to visit these disjointed places and join them so they can enter a focused state, which is what my second record will speak of,” said Jannek.
After spending most of his music career working and producing other artist’s projects, Jannek embarks on a personal journey of creative imagination, connecting the dots through experiences and music.
Written by Katrina Yang
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