Keeping It Fresh

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...

It has been such a long while since I posted any old school music, so today, I have some music from you that comes from the heart and soul of the 60s. Nina Simone is one of the greatest jazz singers, songwriters, and pianists of all time. Her reach is so far and wide, with her music featured in films, video games, television shows, and even Broadway. Nina Simone casts such a long shadow, an influence for so many musicians and source of social change. This song is considered to be one of the greatest standouts from Nina Simone's incredible career. I wouldn't be surprised if many Bond themes were modeled after this song because it has all the telltale signs of the perfect Bond song. It has the sultry and sensual mystery, the jazzy influences, and makes sure to take its time. Nina Simone exudes sexy confidence in this song, and she makes it seem so easy. This song is rooted in jazz, blues, and classical music. The plinking piano soars, the saxophone blares its tune, and Ni...

Today I have some music for you which comes from one of my favorite cover bands. A lot of times, groups who do a lot of covers get a lot of smack from listeners because they just don't compete with the original. However, Boyce Avenue is a lovely exception. This is a band who spends most of their time working on acoustic covers, and these are some of the best I have heard. Spanning all kinds of genres, from rock to R&B and hip hop, Boyce Avenue has been able to turn so many different songs into lovely and beautiful acoustic covers. I don't know how they do it! But it seems like Boyce Avenue has mastered the art of turning any song into a gorgeous acoustic rendition. The way they strip down each song to the core, and built softly and carefully around it is just incredible. There is so much soul that goes into each cover, and this cover is no different. Drake tends to be an artist who oozes popularity. It doesn't matter if you listen to his rap or his more pop oriented m...

Recently a lot of artists have dropped new tracks and single across all genres, and I for one, am so excited by this. And the cool thing is, it isn't just popular artists who are releasing new material. There are so many older artists and underground artists who are showing us their music and skills, reminding and informing us that they are still around and kicking. One such artist is Flume. Now I wouldn't go so as to say that he is an underground artist. At this point about a year or two ago, I would definitely concede in saying that the man falls into the underground and outsider genre of electronic music. But the hit single producer made so many waves within the pop music industry last year and made his name known to a lot of listeners. However, there is more music to Flume than just that single. And today, I want to talk about Flume's latest and quiet song release. If you have ever heard a song that reminds you of a runway or high fashion modeling, this song would belo...

Today I have some music for you by an artist who has become a sensation within the underground rap world. Logic is nothing short of genius. His music is moving and powerful, and Logic uses his music to be an activist. Masterfully crafted lyrics and beats, Logic creates music that is absolutely stunning and incredibly enticing. When it comes to rap, the genre has this incredible influence. From the beginnings during the 80s and the growth during the 90s, rap has been a conduit for politically and socially charged messages and lyrics. What I love about rap now, is that we are getting a resurgence of this evocative rap. For a long while, the focus of rap switched to more superficial and materialistic topics, which is something we still hear in rap today. The difference is, underground rap has taken hold of its rap roots, and has run with it. We hear two sides of the rap spectrum nowadays, and Logic airs towards the underground platform. As an artist, the focus of Logic's music cente...

Today I have some music for you by a DJ who has really started to mix it up with what kind of music he produces. Calvin Harris became popular with his upbeat and energizing pop songs, only to then follow suit by going on a bit of a quiet streak. While the man was still playing a few shows here and there, his presence in the "new music" game was pretty limited and unnoticed. Until now! Calvin Harris has been very busy in the studio, and has given the world some very interesting and different R&B electronic music. The latest album by Calvin Harris marks a transition for the DJ and producer. He is switching from the pop oriented and stereotypical radio dance song, into something that is more of a summery serenade. We are starting to hear this evolution into something that is breezy and even a bit tropical. Somehow, the man still is able to maintain this ease in his sound. Nothing feels forced or engineered, rather, it feels organic and fluid. Something that Calvin Harris h...

Today I have some new music for you by a band that has made a dramatic shift within the last month. OneRepublic has always been a band that is silently doing work and at all times. Whether they are in the studio, recording albums, or performing on tour, the band is always quite busy. Which is why the lead singer, Ryan Tedder, released a poignant letter to the public. He describes the time and energy and emotional toll that working as hard as the band does, took on him and the band. Because of this, OneRepublic has decided to shed the album idea from now on. The general idea is that the band releases songs whenever they feel like the song is ready. I t doesn't matter the genre or style, as long as the song is something the band can be proud of. Personally, I fully support this move by OneRepublic! I love it because it sends a message about music and the music industry as a whole. It cannot always be about the tours and consistent album churning. It is more about the m...