Keeping It Fresh

This summer has been an interesting time for music. A lot of the new releases we have been hearing are not coming from big-name artists but from more of the lesser known musicians and artists. And that makes this such an interesting time for music because it is almost time to start deciding on the anthem of the summer. And though this track is a little late in the game, I think it has a fair chance in my book of being one of the anthems of the season. So let's get right into it! Louis the Child has always been such a fascinating duo. A lot of their inspiration is drawn from Asia and Eastern Asian cultures. This makes their melodies stand out more, distinguish the duo, and provide a nice respite from the string of pop songs we normally hear over the summer. This is going to be a fun song to talk about especially because it is the latest development in Louis the Child's extensive dossier of music. Though the duo is not as well known as DJs and groups such as Major Lazer, Dil...

I wanted to go ahead and use the beginning of this post to get a little personal. I haven't been posting as much or as frequently as I used to. For years, I had written posts daily, without fail. Even if it meant staying up late to put music out there, I would do it. And within the past few months, my frequency of writing and posting has decreased dramatically. With so many things going on, I found it hard to continue to post every day, and it got to a point where I just didn't care to. But things have changed, and I am back to writing as much as possible. And even though I won't be posting content every day, I will try to do so a few times a week. And that being said, let's get to today's music. I recently heard this song and was captivated by it quickly. Everything about this song has a vibe that you cannot help but enjoy. This song is a joint effort of the band known as The Strike and rapper, SiDizen King. This doesn't seem like the likeliest of duos, but ...

Today I have some music for you which has a unique origin. There are so many styles of music, coming from all over the world and across time periods. One such style of music that we rarely get to hear from is called Pinoy rock. Essentially, this is a brand of rock that was born in the Philipines. Interestingly enough, Pinoy rock is an umbrella term to refer to any kind of Filipino rock, whether it is alternative, ska, heavy metal, punk, or more recently, indie. This is where our band of the day, IV of Spades, comes in. A rather new band who made their first appearance in 2014, IV of Spades represents a new ear in Pinoy rock. The indie band brings something refreshing and beautiful to not only the Filipino stage but the global one as well. The band is incredibly unique and has an individuality which shines through their music and performances. IV of Spades is heavily influenced by the 70s both musically and as a band. Their looks always tend towards some groovy 70s vibed outfits,...

There have been quite a few albums which have dropped over the past few days. One such album comes from the ever elegant Florence + The Machine, and as per usual, the album is stunning and haunting. Florence + The Machine is always such an interesting artist for me to discuss for a number of reasons. For starters, each album tells a deep and powerful story about life and the human condition. Each track on every individual album has such a strong purpose and grandeur, that the story being told is so completely clear while leaving much room for interpretation. Florenc Welch does an exceptional job of creating open conversation, allowing her music to connect the thousands around the world. Her latest album is the most introspective, personal, and vulnerable piece of work. There are so many feelings and sentiments which resonate with the idea of being a human and overcoming the struggles life has thrown. This album is like an artistic autobiography. We get to hear the personal narrati...

Today I have a fun song for you by the artist known as Spark. Now I have to be completely honest, I don't really know much about the artist. The only thing I have been able to dig up so far is his name. But what I do know, is that this is an artist who has incredible respect for EDM and the music he makes. Now, this is going to be a rather interesting exploration, as all the material and thoughts I have are based on this song alone. So Spark. Though we don't know anything about him on a personal level or a level outside of music, there is a lot we can understand about him as an artist. And in order to really get that musical understanding, I want to start by discussing this track. This is a really good song. The musicality behind the track is fantastic and offers us, listeners, a lot of different characteristics which come together and creates a sonically solid and vibrant track. From the beginning, Spark sets a unique, enchanting, and fairytale mood which slowly incorporate...

Today I have some smooth and groovy music for you by the duo known as The Electric Sons. What I find so interesting about this duo, is that neither of them really started out in music. In fact, both of the members have backgrounds in design and illustration. One of them even went so far as to be an illustrator for the ever popular show Archer. But now we have two guys who have come together to make music, and my word is it good. The Electric Sons tends to be more of an alternative and electronic group. Their melodies aren't of the pop variety and they certainly don't fit into the world of EDM. Their music tends to have a more indie and alternative melody and energy while utilizing the electronic instruments available to them. We hear this style of music a lot nowadays. The beautiful and seductive blend of electronic and R&B, soul, and even jazz elements has become a popular direction for musicians and artists. And I understand why! This style of music allows artists like...

Today brings us an artist from Melbourne. Though she only has one single to her name, this debut single is one of the most talked about tracks from SXSW. G Flip made quite an impression at last week's festival, and begs the question, how can a full blown pop song with an irresistible chorus, be so far from generic? One of the most notable things about G Flip, is her ability to create a non conventional pop ear worm. The song gets you hooked from the get go, and doesn't really require much time to grown on you. And in a world where pop seems dominated by electronic rhythms and melodies, with very little room for live instrumentation, G Flip turns the table. Being a tour drummer herself, G Flip brings a lot of percussion and rhythm to her debut track. It is heavy and pounding, a wholesome rattling sensation which blows modern pop out of the water. The song even includes a drum solo, a part of music which we don't hear often in general but even rarer to be heard in pop mu...

Well, I'm back! It's been about a week or so since my last post, but I am so pleased about the music I am bringing to you going forward. This past week was South by Southwest, SXSW, which is a huge festival in Austin. For a week, we get to celebrate the most innovative and exciting new things coming up in technology, film, and music. I had the incredible opportunity to attend some of the SXSW Music events, and my goodness, it was spectacular. I've seen so many new artists and I am very excited to share these new players with you. So start off this exposé, we have an artist from New Zealand. Noah Slee is an artist who has been on my radar for a while, and I couldn't believe that he came to SXSW! Unfortunately, I was unable to see him perform, but that won't stop me from talking about his music. Noah Slee brought his cool soul to the SXSW stage, and I have to admit that Austin is so much better off by knowing his name. His musical style is not unfamiliar to us. N...

Today I have music for you by the California duo known as XYLO. This is dark pop at its finest, a song that is slow and calculated. Every beat and chord has been purposefully chosen and placed. everything strategically put together so that we get something that is ethereal and dark and spectacularly somber. This is a track that is incredibly well rounded and is a fantastic way to debut XYLO's sounds. Their production is way beyond that which we would expect from an indie band. The music and instrumentals serve as the perfect harmonies to the vocals, and the layering of these synth notes gives the song a lot more musical depth and complexity. And that combination between the music and the vocals is what really capitalizes on this dark pop kind of sound. The vocals are haunting and strong, but they don't boom with power and robust vibration. The song drips in this dark melancholy, something that makes that gloomy indie sound burst forth. The whole song is just created in overc...

Today I have some music for you by an artist called Always Never. This is a super nice and chilled out song, something that I have been able to listen for days. It has a seductive smoothness to it, one that can catch you by surprise with its subtly lustful sound. I have to admit, I really like how Always Never has made the song to be so effortlessly smooth and even a but sexy. One of the things to note about this track is how it seems to fall into this newer and growing style of R&B. This emerging style relies a bit more on synths and electronic work to create an ambient sound, while the vocals hang onto a more soulful and R&B sound. Part of what makes this song really work, and one of the things I really like about this song, is that there is a darker undertone to some parts of the song. But this darker undertone is not menacing, melancholy, nor eerie It is an irresistible allure, the tantalizing call of an interaction filled with lust and seduction. Now I have to be hones...

Today I have some music for you by a very very interesting artist. This song is by the singer Tyler Carter. He started out as a metalcore band singer. He actually sang for the band Woe, Is Me which is a pretty hardcore band, I have to say. Now here is where it gets deliciously interesting. This song showcases the big surprise Tyler Carter sprung on us because his vocals make a complete turnaround. And when I say complete, I mean he jumped across the spectrum and has nestled himself on another side. Because in this song, we get to hear how sexy and seductive his voice can be as an R&B singer! It is quite the plot twist if you ask me. I have heard of punk going pop. I mean, there is even a series of albums that deal with that. But a metal singer going solo to sing R&B? That is so unheard of and rare to hear, and I absolutely love it! Tyler Carter is a beautiful example of the dynamism and surprise and utter talent that seems to get overshadowed or lost in the depths of the musi...

Today I have the latest release by the DJ known as Jonas Blue. This DJ happens to be one of my favorite secrets, one of those artists who isn't as popular yet but is on the way to stardom. Why? Because every single track I have heard by Jonas Blue is euphoric. His music tends to be uplifting and hopeful with his music. Even when talking about something like a breakup, Jonas Blue somehow still makes it possible for us to feel good and full in our souls. This track is a bit different compared to the other work we have heard by Jonas Blue. While a lot of Jonas Blue's work is made to dominate our summer playlists, this track is a bit more heartfelt and soulful. In the track, Jonas Blue explores the idea of romance and falling in love. He takes on the journey that a passionate and fiery relationship can have- falling in love after the first date, being happy and in love, only to eventually leave each other heartbroken. And while this seems like a rather dreary topic, Jonas Blue ex...

Today I have some new music for you by an EDM artist who likes to create music under the radar while still being at the forefront of some of the biggest EDM events around the world. Madeon is simply put, a master of electronic music. He is only 20 years old, yet has released albums, EP's and a plethora of singles and remixes. I have to say, he has quite the dossier and the extent to which he experiments with music is quite extensive. The thing about Madeon is that he has such a distinctive style that is completely his own. If I heard a song, I could tell you whether or not it is a Madeon song or not simply by his signature sound. This is where things can be a bit difficult though - his sound is something that is hard to put into words. There is this groove that surfs throughout the sound waves and a softer sound to the overall electronic work. Many electronic artists today have sharper, blunter electronic sounds and programming. But Madeon is a different story. Each note is someh...

Today I have some music for you by a trio of musicians out of Australia. Glades is one of the most chill and smoothest bands out there right now, yet I feel like they haven't gained a huge following in the States. But that is why I am so glad to share this song with you all! Hopefully, you end up falling in love with their music the same way I have. Glades is a very interesting band to take a look at because their fundamental beliefs about the music they make is very different. When you listen to their music, they like to tell an emotion-driven story. In this song, we get the story of a relationship, a very common subject for musicians and lyricists. However, when you take a look at the pop scene, these songs seem to be rampant with overly sexual lyrics or innuendos. But Glades does not do any of that. Their focus is to tell the real story of what it is like to be in a relationship. The lyrics are about the emotional and mental relationship that you have with another person. They...

Today I have music for you by the band Echosmith, and possibly my favorite song by the band. This song is really sweet and romantic and it kind of reminds me of what I want in a man. I love the perspective of this song, as it clearly comes from a sad and even lonely heart. I think the first thing I paid attention to was the lyrics. There are a lot of songs out there that are girls telling guys what they should and should not do for a woman. But this is the first song that is about appreciation and love. Echosmith's lyrics are beautiful and moving and are more about bringing confidence and love into a relationship. As I mentioned earlier, the lyrics are from the perspective of a broken heart. And when I say this, I mean they come from a heart that didn't get what it needed. And this song is all about expressing what a heart craves and needs to survive. These lyrics mean so much more because of that. We can feel the emotion and reality in the words, which is what makes them eve...

Today I have some music for you by an artist known as NYK. I hadn't really heard much about this artist until very recently, but I am a huge fan of his voice. His voice has won him some awards, including a Japanese singing show, so that is pretty darn awesome. NYK has a very smooth R&B style voice, one that I definitely dig. His voice doesn't necessarily stand out as a voice that is easily recognizable or anything, but it is one that suits the R&B style he is going for. I will say though, NYK has a deeper voice than other R&B artists, which makes him stand out in some sense. NYK can also really climb the scale, as evidence from the second verse shows. He very easily and gorgeously is able to climb up to the falsetto notes, something that I really look for in R&B artists. Part of the soulful and seductive element of R&B is being able to play between those lower pitched notes and the high falsettos, something that NYK is able to do very smoothly. So kudos to...

Today I have some music for you by an artist who goes by the stage name BYRAM. This is an aritist who isn't a huge spotlight artist, but that is what makes me love him so much. BYRAM has such a fresh and lovely style, the kind of sound you get from an artist who is only concerned about making music. From what I can tell, every aspect of this song was produced and created by BYRAM. That means he writes the songs, performs them, and produces them. This is such a rare skill set, and that already puts him quite ahead in my book. BYRAM has a very interesting and unique sound. While some of the genre characteristics we hear in this song are not necessarily new and edgy, the way they are blended together is extremely creative and fun. This song is a really nice chilled out one with a very R&B twist to it. What I like about this song is that instead of sticking with something that is just a chill electronic beat and melody, we get something that is more chillhop. This means we get ...

Today I have a nice and smooth sailing song for you out of Australia. Now this song is one that I stumbled upon while perusing through Spotify, and it is quite the gem. As a lot of you know, the whole beachy and tropical sound has made a major surge into the spotlight. It seems like so many artists are taking on this idea of summer vibes and infusing it with dance music. What is so great about this particular sound, is that each artist has their own flavor and style. Even though a lot of these songs exist within the same genre, they all sound different, but never lose sight of that bright and vivacious sound. This song is part of that special group of music. This song features the wonderful production of Kasbo and Keiynan Lonsdale. This song is a sweet combination of Swedish and Australian talent, coming together to create a wonderfully euphoric song. This is just such a feel good song that you can't really get enough. Kasbo does a really good job of finding that fine balance b...

Today I have some music for you that is a remix of a song that I have been unable to get out of my head. This song was originally performed by T.I. and Christina Aguilera, but this remix features just her voice. Skrux and Collin McLoughlin turned this original rap song into a beautifully done melodic dubstep tune. And when I say beautiful, I really do mean it. This song is so wonderfully pieced together and produced. Skrux and Collin  McLoughin  turned this song into a darker, more emotional track, and I love that. Normally, dubstep is devoid of emotion, appealing to being an energetic and hype genre. But this rendition takes a more intense and serious turn, something that makes you remember those harder moments in life. When I hear this song, I actually think of a more futuristic battle scene, when everything is dark and people are fighting. And then the main "hero" looks back and sees everything that is happening, what is really going on around him. Honestly, this video...

Today I have music for you from a musical that was adapted from a movie. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an extremely fantastic movie, one that talks about a lot of things without us even realizing it. Now last week helped bring in a new wave of Broadway shows, so I thought it might be interesting to write about the music from one of these shows. I am completely spellbound and speechless with this soundtrack. There is a special kind of beauty that comes with a choir and orchestra. Now what is cool about this song and the album as a whole, is that each vocalist is a character. They still have the lines of their original characters, and their collective voice is what makes the choir. This is the first song that appears in the movie and in the musical, and it is still my favorite. Even the narrator has a singing version of the narrator lines. And each person has something fantastic to offer. Whether it is the character line they are providing or a part of the choir, each voice is so beau...