“Untitled Art,” the musical project of musician/athlete David Sempier has been around for decades. A previous release was in fact featured in this magazine a couple of years ago. I love it when people stick with things for many years and continue to crank out new and exciting artistic content into the void.

W.A.M Part 1 is the most recent release from Untitled Art. Suffice to day that this jam evades easy classifcation. It’s fast-paced retrofuturistic electronic rock with some 80s vibes but without any of the cheesy pop elements. A good way to describe the sound is that it combines 80s electropunk backing music with late 90’s, angsty indie rock vocals. The result is something powerful. This song really gets the adrenaline going. Musically, it’s very dynamic and juggles a lot of complex changes in pacing and tone throughout. It’s very quick witted and unpredictable in that respect. From a technical standpoint, everything is very precise and you can tell you’re dealing with a seasoned musician who really knows what he’s doing, even if this is sort of recording is inherently “experimental” in nature.

The video (which also includes Part 2) is an aesthetic wonder. The animation is badass. If you want to get an idea of what I mean, just picture what it would be like if you watched the original Tron after drinking a cup of coffee that was laced with an unknown substance. Or you could just watch and listen for yourself. W.A.M Part 1 is high energy, melodic and slightly sinister.

For more info:

https://untitledartmusic.com/

Problems is a new jam from Tampa based hip hop producer, “M.A.D. Smooth.” It also features the artists “L-Quote” & “Reason.” The song combines futuristic, synth style beats with minimalist vibes. The rappers’ confidence is apparent and justified as the song frequently breaks into freestyle-like, spoken word poetry bursts. In other words, Problems doesn’t rely on smoke and mirrors and flash, preferring to ride it out on substance. The mellow pacing allows the track to make creative use of timing, with strategic pauses evoking moments of suspense and unpredictability. The accompanying video helps illustrate the song’s story about a couple struggling with (as you might have guessed) relationship…well, “problems.” Both the video and the song are professionally produced and well done. Problems captures the dueling relationship states of confidence and vulerability.

For more info:

https://linktr.ee/madsmoothmusic
IG: @madsmoothmusic, @picassofuego (L-Quote) & @reasonreality (Reason)

Baby Blue is a new album from singer/songwriter Quinn Pickering, a 19 year old artist based in New Westminster, British Columbia. My first impression upon hearing this release is that these songs are precociously powerful. The music is simply very technically advanced and mature for someone so young. In terms of style, Baby Blue displays plenty of versatility within its indie framework. There are elements of acoustic folk, with songs like Cecilia channeling the classic Simon and Garfunkel spirit. Other songs have more of that “rainy day coffee house” vibe, exploring the melancholy aspects of romance with righteous sincerity.The best way to describe the sound is that it’s like a cross between John Mayer and Modest Mouse.

Quinn saves the title track Baby Blue for last, and it’s worth the wait. It’s emotionally charged and features a stellar performance. I have to mention too that Pickering is a worthy vocalist. Though the songs are largely guitar driven, it’s the vocals which ultimately carry them and provide the album with its personality. He doesn’t cut any corners either and is not shy about pushing his vocal abilities right to their limit. It’s a shame that the music industry is so saturated with marketing and performers now, making it difficult to stand out. An album like Baby Blue deserves much more exposure and attention than it is likely to receive. Luckily this dude is only 19 and has plenty of time.

For more info:

https://quinnpickering.org/

Forging a False Reality is a new single from “Oh Well,” a one-piece progressive EDM project based in Chicago, Illinois. Stylewise, Forging a False Reality is actually a very eclectic jam. The song is mellow and melodic. With the addition of some rather charmingly innocent vocals, the sound strikes me as a cross between EDM and The Aquabats. The music features xylophonic tones and “fairytale-esque” vibes. Bright and creative synths evoke a setting which is one part Candyland, one part Alice in Wonderland. Oh Well’s adventures as an experimental, EDM alchemist open the door for the listener to experience an avant garde odyssey.

For more info:

Operation Bifrost is a new EP from Nuell Martin, a conceptual music artist. The electronic compositions on this album are ambient, enigmatic and very avant garde. The music has a very science fiction soundtrack feel to it. Stylewise, I would describe it as “refined retro-futuristic.” The songs contains elements of early 80s electro but without any of the cheesiness. These tracks are more artful and meditative. If listened to chronologically, the songs form a kind of narrative, like a short film. The Gift for example is brimming with intensity and represents climactic action in the “story.” Stealing the Secret operates as an attention grabbing opening, while the mellow Monegros eases us in with intrigue and sets the stage for the rising action. The final track Betrayed features a dark and bleak intro, which transitions into an ethereal finale, the ending open to interpretation. The album is very engaging, and I would recommend it for meditation, especially for those that want to traverse to the darker, more brooding corners of their mind.

For more info:

https://nuellmartin.bandcamp.com/

In A Jam is a new single by TonAsh, a hip hop artist from The Bahamas. The song actually is available in two different versions, a “clean” version and another which features uncensored lyrics. It’s actually kind of a romantic track. The title, In A Jam refers to the feeling of being all wrapped up emotionally in one’s love for a girl. Intense feelings for someone can cause a person to lose control and put their life responsibilities on hold. In the song, our protagonist vows he will “get his shit together” but that it will have to wait until tomorrow.

In A Jam features a colorful, EDM style beat. TonAsh’s delivery is laid back and sincere. His dynamic pitch fluctuations mirror the backing music and are a good fit for the emotional roller coaster associated with the song’s content. The whole thing has a very bright and upbeat feel, and TonAsh’s confidence and willingness to show a vulnerable side is refreshing. Both musically and metaphorically, In a Jam is the good kind of jam.

For more info:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/KingTA242

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tonash-1/tonash-in-a-jam-dirty-produced-by-runaway-muzic

The Mexican Plug is a new mixtape from Pittburgh based rapper “Stunna Quad.” Stunna classifies his sound as “flava music,” and that is actually a pretty apt description, both literally and figuratively. The first track on the album is titled Nachos and includes lyrics like “We make a lotta nachos.” So yeah, some of these jams are ineed flavorful. Most of Stunna’s songs on here are impressively catchy. He utilizes a lot of repetition in his creative delivery and incoporates a lot of interesting vocalizations in addition to just spouting words. His voices functions like an instrument in its own right. Blue Snow is probably the second cathiest song on here after Nachos, and in my opinion Ignition is the track with the grooviest backbeat. Overall, this mixtape showcases Stunna Quad’s lively and vivacious personality. His performance exudes an upbeat confidence while maintaing a chill vibe.

For more info:

https://www.datpiff.com/Stunna-Quad-The-Mexican-Plug-mixtape.934461.html

Closer To Me is a new single from Doc Jazz, a Palestinian musician based in United Arab Emirates. A lot of musicians have unusual day jobs (telemarketers, waiters, shoe salesman, etc) but Doc Jazz is actually a surgeon! He makes music in his spare time. His music is very professional and well produced and he is fairly well known though, so I would say that he is more than just hobbyist.

Closer To Me is a fascinating song in that it appeals for romance as a reprieve from the chaos and frustation associated with geopolitical current events. Doc Jazz is a good singer, and his voice reminds me a bit of Wayne Newton. Closer To Me has a jazzy, lounge music vibe. My favorite part of this song is the organ/electric piano, which has a delightfully groovin’ tone, really just a perfect fit for this style of music. Lyrically and musically, Closer To Me is an endeavor in temporary escapism. Doc Jazz employs a bit of dark humor / casual nihilism to lighten the mood: “While they rule the world outside this room, let’s pretend the globe is far from doomed.” I’m tempted to try some variation of that line on a girl and see if it works.

Anyway, this is a solid song, and Doc Jazz has one of those lively personalities that really adds a bit of flavor to the whole experience.

For more info:

Website: http://www.docjazz.com
Mp3 downloads: http://www.soundclick.com/docjazz