The Jon Johns – Stories

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Stories is a new single from musical duo, “The Jon Johns.” The track appears on their freshly released album, Road Trip Mixtape. Stories, with it’s deep reverb and earthy ambiance, has a recognizably vintage, 60’s folk rock sound. It reminds me a bit of old school Simon and Garfunkel or Jake Holmes. The tone is bright and upbeat, as the song projects a lot of feel good vibes. The reverb/echo has an added effect of giving a kind of “openness” to the music. It’s like the band is performing on mountain top in the middle of nowhere. Stories fits well within the framework of the overall album, and does a good job of conveying the free spirit of travelers on the open road. Right now this band is totally independent and loving it, but if they ever decide to get big and sell out, this song would work very well in a car or airline commercial.

For more info:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5HynWRetQwaVi4v6p6ENPO?si=Nhk3iU4MTFGUIW3_WhbbVA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonjohns/

Lhu Wen Kai – High School Musical Piano Medley

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Singaporean multmedia artist, filmmaker and pianist Lhu Wen Kai has completed a musical project, High School Musical Piano Medley. The project is an homage to the movie, High School Musical, a movie which Lhu credits with being his inspiration to make music. The components of the medley are arranged in such a way as to mirror the emotional journey of the film itself. Believe it or not, I’ve actually never seen High School Musical, so I’m not in a position to pontificate as to whether Lhu’s medley successfully captures the “spirit” of the film. However, his piano playing is exquisite in its own right. Lhu navigates the keys with finesse and attention to detail. The performance is crisp and meticulous. It’s important for an artist to foster a connection with artifacts from his/her formative years, as these things are intertwined with one’s identity (for better or worse.) We must revisit our inspirations from time to time and acknowledge them. Not all of us are as gifted as Lhu Wen Kai, who is able to pay tribute with such skill and technical precision.

For more info:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4MQu0lrJVOmyrTlIjt1hvV?si=kCJsxxG0Qqy34Uiqzkwlgg
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/sg/album/piano-medley-from-high-school-musical-ep/1456882145
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lhuwenkai

Dr Optimiser – Borders

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Borders is a new album from UK based composer and producer, Dr Optimiser. There’s quite a bit of variety on this 12 track release. The songs range from retro-futurist synthwave to house to electro-acoustic. The opening track The Theorist sounds like something about of early 90’s science fiction film, while Dementia reminds me of the music in SNES RPG classics like Secret of Evermore. The final track Memories serves as a lovely acoustic finale and is the least “electronic” sounding song on the album.

Maybe it’s because the production is so pristine and the composositions are so meticulously precise, but I feel like Borders has the feel of a film/television soundtrack. One gets a sense they are not just listening to a record but are experiencing various stages and scenes in some kind of tale or overarching narrative. The songs are aesthetically cohesive while retaining their individual uniqueness. Atmospheric clues are often provided in the brief titles, many of which are associated with border disputes (Crimea, Damascus, County Lines, etc.) Don’t expect overt political commentary or banter on any of these hot button issues though. The album is strictly ambient and abstract in its approach. Borders is an excellent conceptual album and will provide the listener with a lot to meditate on.

For more info:

Website: www.Dr-Optimiser.com

Bandcamp: https://dr-optimiser.bandcamp.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/droptimiser/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAtBmbJ-GGahBSAZfrGpBpg/

David F. Porfirio – Descarado (Between Her Hair)

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Descarado (Between Her Hair) is a new hip hop single from New Jersey based guitarist, David F. Porfirio. The blending of acoustic guitar and hip hop is interesting. When the song begins, it almost seems like it’s going to be a standard Spanish classical guitar song, but then as the beat kicks in and we are treated to vocals from SELGAS and Ken Stout, the track takes on an eclectic, hip hop identity.

The melodic guitar work of Porfirio combined with SELGAS emotive vocals elevate the song above the typical indie hip hop fare, which usually just involves rapping over pre-set beats. Descarado’s composition works in a way that the song could even succeed as a standalone instrumental track. That’s a cozy framework for any song. The vocals enhance the music by providing a narrative. Descarado paints an emotional picture of a troubled couple in a love triangle. I won’t give it away, but the song ties things up in a bold ending, where things don’t turn out all warm and fuzzy. I recommend watching the music video for a clearer understanding of the dynamic. Descarado is a solid song which does a decent job at merging genres to create a unique sound.

For more info:

http://www.facebook.com/david.porfirio.5

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/descarado-between-her-hair-single/1455015425

PaperFace – Moment

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Moment is a new track from PaperFace, a producer and masked DJ who’s been on the scene for a while. The song has an ambient and surrealistic backing, sporting a chill beat and futuristic synths. This isn’t some EDM, pulsepunding Eurobeat jam. It’s a low key, hip hop song (featuring E. Berrios.) The lyrical delivery is contemplative rather than confrontational and takes on an almost dreamlike quality. The pacing is laid back but the tone and material are engaging. Everything blends together nicely. There’s nothing abrasive about this mix at all, and the echoey reverberations bring the listener further out into the ether. Lyrically and thematically, Moment articulates the struggle and uncertainty involved with trying to “make it” and forge a better life. The song is a mental journey, and we soon recognize the artists are working out their own inner demons and seeking to motivate themselves just as much as inspire the audience.

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For more info:

Eric Schettl – Vanish

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Eric Schettl is an actor who transformed into a hip hop artist for a role he’s set to play a in an upcoming movie called The American Dream. Presumably he’s a kind of method actor. There’s a video below where he performs over a beat by producer “TRAV Tha God.” Schettl received instruction and mentoring from Trav and B.I. Beats in preparation for his upcoming role. It may not seem like much at first, but Schettl’s performative transformation is impressive when contrasted with his prior film roles and skits, many of which present radically different characterizations. Her certainly has the aesthetic down. Anyway, there’s not much in the way of actual releases available from this guy to comment on, but watch for him in the upcoming film, The American Dream where we’ll get a chance to further assess the fruits of his ventures into the world of hip hop.

For more info:

Instagram @ericschettl

Website: www.ericshettl.com

White Prospect – Pizza Rolls and Coca Cola

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Pizza Rolls and Coca Cola is a jam from White Prospect, a 17 year old hip hop artist from Indiana. Not only is the cover epic, (actually featuring a pic of Totino’s Pizza Rolls!) but this dude has actual skills. He displays a distinct delivery style, impeccable timing and a solid flow. His freshly pubescent voice conceals what otherwise is a very mature hip hop release. Seriously, though. This track is pimp tight. It also has a groovy, early 90s aesthetic beat and all around old school vibe. This kid’s releases are probably going to get even better as time goes on if he sticks with it and doesn’t burn out too quickly.

Enzo – Light Me Up

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Light Me Up is the latest single from Enzo, a self-taught musician based in Boston, MA. It’s an ethereal, electronic dancepop jam. Brimming with energy, Light Me Up remains musically lustrous and illuminating throughout. The listener can visualize the EDM lightshow which would accompany this song in a live setting. The chillwave backbeat provides a great atmospheric framework. Enzo’s vocals are soft-spoken and upbeat, a great fit for the tone of the music. He also sings rather well and is not afraid to show a little emotion in the lyrics. Overall this is an uplifting genre which captures the positive spirit of EDM.

For more info:

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/light-me-up/1454953400?i=1454953401
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-929058112
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2R8njq4

Charly & The Characters – Don’t Know Don’t Care

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Don’t Know Don’t Care is a crafty new single from Los Angeles based musical artist, Charly (ft. The Characters.)  It’s a poignant indie blues jam that teases, dazzles and finally rocks when the chorus really kicks in. The song straddles the line between blues/lounge and alternative. Charly’s emotive and charismatic vocals drive the song. I can’t stress enough what a dynamic vocal performance this is . The lyrics touch upon themes of openness, acceptance  (“don’t know, don’t care if you’re a boy or a girl,”) and the search for reassurance and greater fulfillment.  The song stands on its own, but I  recommend watching the official music video, which is one of the best produced infie music vids I’ve seen over the last year.

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Zoé Pelloux – writer/producer/director

For more info:

Website: https://www.zoepelloux.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-pelloux/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmyvf-w8NAYr9d6PjvI7Qw

Bearzerk

bearzerk

“Bearzerk” is a Los Angeles based artist management / music company. They also operate their own record label. They tend to focus on EDM, House, Hip Hop, Techno, Trap, R&B and Dancehall genres of music. Bearzerk has also been known to be involved with events and afterparties, usually featuring well known DJs and hip hop artists. Though the entertainment company is headquartered in LA, Bearzerk also operates in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and The Caribbean. Recently they promoted a one-off show in New Zealand featuring R&B icon, Nelly. I don’t know much else about this company, but I have to admit they have a cool logo. They seem to be at the forefront and cutting edge of 21st century musical promotion.

For more info:

http://www.bearzerk.com
https://www.instagram.com/bearzerk_inc/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/bearzerkinc/