Keeping It Fresh

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,...

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 I have a remix of a song by one of the most popular solo artists of the past few years. Ed Sheeran has developed quite a reputation for himself, of not only being a talented singer and songwriter, but of being a phenomenal aritst and musician. He is also one of the artists who seems to cross all boundaries. His music is often categorized as pop muic though he finds way to incorporate rapping into his work. For some songs, the delicate and beatiful instrumentation is set as a background to darker and and more melancholy lyrics. And though he is an English aritst, he has won an award for being the most influential artist in black music. It all goes to show that to Ed Sheeran, music is something that has no boundaries, no stereotypes, no definition tying it down. Now the thing I love about Ed Sheeran's music is that it has the ability to be interpreted and remixed in so many different ways, and this particular remix is done by Speaker of the House. I have to say that this is ...

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 am taking things back to the chilled out and slower side of music. This song is one that I had on repeat for a while because of how smooth and calming it is. This isn't a very energized and hyped up song. Instead, we get something that is wonderfully chill and perfect for lounging around or just doing your own thing. This song is a synth pop breath of fresh air. In all honesty, we hear the same pop songs from all corners of media, but with this song, we get something that is such a nice fresh and unique sound. I will say, Dominique's original work with the song is really nice and still has that calmer and more relaxed sound. But Manotett took this song and remixed it, making this a song that is genuinely amazing and perfectly ambient. I would even go so far as to call this song beautiful. It is not one of those songs that is beautiful because of how moving it is. Rather, there is something mystical and a bit magical to the beauty surrounding this song. Kind of like a ...

Today I have some music for you by the singer, songwriter, and producer known Pim Stones. My first exposure to Pim Stones was through a show called Teen Wolf. And while the show is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine, I cannot deny that the music is really good. Looks like some things about MTV remain! One of the reasons why I really like this song is because it kind of has a distinctly British underground sound. There is an underlying musical vibe that comes from the British underground scene, and this one carries the vibe it had from a few years ago. The song is really smooth and chilled out, but still, has some dynamism and quirks to keep it interesting.When I listen to this song, I think of colors, with no specific images in mind, rather, a great collection of some softer and more muted colors, even pastels. Pim Stones is a very great artist because when he makes music, it has no method in mind, and I feel like that mental coloration reflects that. There is no formula to his mus...

Today I have some music for you which airs a bit more on the bittersweet side. I have always been a huge fan of Andrew Belle. He has a talent and a gift for creating incredibly introspective songs. But what makes them so beautiful is that we know he is speaking from his heart, yet we end up looking at ourselves during the song. In this case, we don't take a moment to step into the artist's shoes. Instead, his music allows us to take the same journey of discovery that the Andrew Belle went through. Our outcomes may be different, and what we discover will vary, but we still go on this introspective journey which is universal. Andrew Belle recently wrote this song, and it had me absolutely spellbound. There is something so enchanting and mesmerizing about this song. And the thing is, most of Andrew Belle's music follows the same stylistic elements found in this song. What I think gets me though, is the lyrical quality found in this song. This song is all about rediscovering ...

Today I have some music by an artist we haven't really heard from recently.  Gotye was at a tall peak of popularity a few years ago with a hit single that was heard all over the world. But, I am not here to talk about a song that pretty much everybody seems to know. Gotye is an artist who has a very interesting an unique style. While none of his songs sound the same, there is this commonality in the way they are produced and performed, which makes them stand out as clearly one of Gotye's. Whether it be a more energetic or a subdued song, there always seems to be an underlying motif that connects all the songs together. Gotye creates music that can be seen as a bold move in the realm of pop music. He is not afraid to make the music completely his and totally out there. This is one of my favorite songs off the album for that very reason. This song in particular is incredibly intriguing because it has this intense energy to it that kind of captivates and holds you tight in its g...

Today I have some more new music for you! This song is by a band who has such a distinct sound that it makes them utterly recognizable. Bastille showed the world their vulnerabilities and allowed us to expose our own with their music. The band has been characteristically known to have a more pensive and melancholy touch with their music, filling the soundscape with somber strings and driving rhythms. This song is very similar but still remains a bit different from what we are used to hearing. Bastille gives us a song that coincides with a lot of structural similarities to their past music. However, I think that their formula for music is so beautiful and utterly moving that maintaining their style is not something I can criticize. When Bastille dropped their debut album, it seemed like the indie band took the European music scene by a storm. And eventually, that bled into the American musicscape, giving their debut single a sensation. But when you listen to the rest of ...

Today I have some music for you by an artist that has stayed under the radar but has remained very active in the music scene. Most people know Ansel Elgort as being a heartthrob for teenage girls, the kid from The Fault in Our Stars who left every girl swooning. And while I cannot deny his talent as an actor, there is a lot more to him that tends to stay in the dark. And if I am to be quite honest, I think his music is way more brilliant than his acting. Why you may ask? Because the man started out as a producer. He spent a lot of time being a DJ, playing at shows like Electric Zoo and has played sets all over the world. I have to say, he is extremely talented in the music department, and I really do enjoy his music. Now what makes this song a little different from what his DJ alter ego produces, is that he writes, sings, and produces for this song. Within the world of electronic music, this is still a very fresh take. A lot of times we see bands and acoustic singers making their own m...

Today I have some new music for you by the French rapper, Disiz la Peste. What I find interesting about a lot of popular music that is being released today, is that there is always some sort of electronic or tropical undertone. It doesn't matter if it is a DJ producing new music or a pop artist releasing a new single, we seem to be surrounded by music that has the same base. Which is why this song was a nice breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy tropical and electro songs, but it's nice to be surrounded by something else. Listening to something else. Disiz la Peste is an artist that has dabbled in a few different styles. However, the man definitely prefers to stay within the realm of French rap and R&B. Disiz is my focus for today because of how interesting this particular song is. It was released about a month ago, and I still haven't been able to shake how strangely eerie this song. One of the first things you notice, is that there is no bas...

Today I have music for you by the English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. She is an artist that really go into the spotlight this past year, and it can be seen as to why that is. Jessie Ware likes to air towards the side of atmospheric music, going with more ambient songs, especially the ones that leave you in the feels. This song is almost hypnotic, with airy and breathy vocals that flood your ears and leave you in a trance. This song definitely has more of kick back feeling to it, a calmer and more controlled instrumental sound. This goes very well with the soaring falsetto that Jessie Ware brings forth in this song. This song is an unapologetic explosion of passion and sparks and love. This is a firework of a love anthem, one that has shimmering synths and warm bass thrums. There is this cool 80s and retro kind of sound to it, although, it is not the peppy kind of sound that most people expect. But the song also has a darker kind of twist on that retro sound, making it a piece that...

Today I have music for you by the California duo known as XYLO. This pop duo started with published songs on the internet and then exploded in popularity and recognition. I must admit, they haven't received the same limelight status as other pop groups, but XYLO has a rich authenticity and sincerity which cannot be shaken, and I love that so much about them. This is dark pop at its finest, a song that is slow and calculated. Every beat and chord have 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 and indie band. XYLO has created something that is tantalizingly hypnotic and delightfully dark. and The music and instrumentals serve as the perfect harmonies to the vocals, and the layering of these synth notes gives the so...

Today's music is by an artist that I haven't been able to stop listening to lately. The Knocks is an awesome musical duo from the great New York City. The Knocks is such a great musical group because they are able to pull off so many sounds without a second's hesitation. This song though is my absolute favorite. When listening to the discography that The Knocks boasts, you get the feeling that this song is a bit unlike the rest of their music. Normally they have a more upbeat kind of sound, something that is more high energy. And this song does have a great dancing beat and movement to it! But this song has that really special kind of energy that makes you feel everything around you. It isn't  every day  that you hear and electronic song that takes you to that special place where everything falls away, and it is just you and the beautiful world. This is one of those psychedelically wonderful songs, taking you to a higher state. This is a song that reminds me of the ec...

Today I have music for you by an artist that has some absolutely incredible and moving music. Aquilo is a musical duo out of London, and they are kind of new to the larger music scene. While they have been making music together for a few years now, they didn't drop a debut album till recently, and I am so proud to see how far they have come from their first released single. Aquilo is one of the music industry's best-kept secrets. Their underground nature and lesser known status keep them open to creating the kind of music that they do create. Finding artists who are good at created this kind of emotional and haunting and soulful music is so difficult. The heart-wrenching nature of the music is somehow eerie and moving at the same time, and the rarity of that sound makes the music even more bewitching. Aquilo pulls it off with ease and grace, giving us something that sounds like magic. If there were an award given out for the most moving and melancholy songs of the year, this ...

Today we are moving on to the world of groovy music. This song is one that I have legitimately been obsessed with for a while now. This is a song that is all about feeling the music and going with the flow of the music. Originally the song is by Miguel, and in his typical fashion, it's super smooth on the ears. Now what I found interesting was that the original version of the song was off the beaten path for Miguel's normal R&B style. The song has a lot more groove and funk to it than the normally smooth and sensual kind of songs we get from Miguel. But Tame Impala swooped in and changed the game even more with this remix. Who would have ever thought of putting Tame Impala and Miguel together? The two artists come from completely different musical genres, yet, this remix is one of the greatest jams I have heard! I have to admit, this remix blew the original song out of the water in my opinion. Not that Miguel's original song is bad. But this version has this dreamy k...

Today I have music for you by a band known as Small Black. This song is a cool and chill song that really takes on the idea of trance and psychedelic music. There is something about this song that really captures your attention. I don't really know what that one thing is and it is so hard to discern when there are lots of amazing things happening in this song. For starters, there is a great correlation of the indie feel this song has with the idea of synthpop. I think the two styles melded very well together and made something entirely new. While still maintaining elements of the indie and synthpop feel, this song took a turn towards more chill style and dream style music. And that, that is one of the greatest things about music. You can start with two totally different things and end up with a new sound and idea. This song has very interesting vocal work. It is almost like a lower quality of recording because the vocals are so far removed from the rest of the music. There is an et...

Today I have some music for you by a solo artist who goes by Big Black Delta. There are so many things to enjoy about this song, from the melody to the lyrics to the music video. This song oozes classy jazz and creativity in all aspects. I like to classify this song as something that is like indie jazz. There are so many elements of this song that make it a jazzy piece. The assortment of brass and woodwind instruments kind of gives that one away. What I think is kind of cool though is that we can hear elements of a group that he used to be a part of shine through the song a bit. Big Black Delta's Jonathan Bates was a former touring member of the band M83. Now seeing how M83 likes to make sounds that are both instrument heavy and electronic heavy, I think it is safe to compare the two artists a bit. Big Black Delta likes to expand the horizons of his instrumental usage. He looks beyond the conventional band instruments like drums and guitars, and opts for more synth, keyboard, and i...