Sam Rochford – So Easy
Samantha Rochford’s “So Easy” represents one of those rare opportunities where I get to review something I would actually listen to. One thing that caught me immediately was the style of the video, which refreshingly brings back the sort of playful and innocent aesthetic one would see in indie music back around 2004-2005 (think of the intro song and opening credits of the film Napoleon Dynamite, if you’re wondering what I mean.) The guitar work is excellent and Sammanages to achieve a beautifully bright and sweet tone. She’s a terrific singer as well, much better than one would need to be for this particular genre. Early in the song, there’s a point when she delivers the line “it’s a workout, but it’s never been so easy.” The musical hook at that moment of the track is where it really kicks in that you’re listening to an exceptional song. Suffice to say that I very much enjoyed this girl’s music, and hope that she makes a lot more of it.
http://www.samrochford.com
http://facebook.com/samrochfordmusic
Ari B – Dance Into the Party
“Dance Into the Party” is a new dance release from artist Ari B, which blends an eclectic mix of funk, pop and dance. The production quality on the video is excellent, a professional shoot with clearly a solid team involved on this project (Wayne Isham is credited as the director.) “Dance Into the Party” actually features some well choreographed dancing both from Ari B and her supporting cast (including breakdancing.) Ari B showcases some genuine singing ability here as well. Her voice is able to stand on its own, and the producer thankfully didn’t ruin it with overprocessing or unnecessary autotune effects….an wise choice which puts “Dance Into the Party” in a higher class of music than hundreds of similar songs by other artists in this genre.
http://www.aribofficial.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVdjnzO_X8U
Sky Gandy Feat 2 Mellow – Pictures
Sky Gandy has a new track out featuring 2 Mellow. It’s called “Pictures” and the emotive and positive hip hop vocals are backed by a terrifically bright and minimalist musical number. The backing music reminds me of something you might hear on a classic NES game like Bubble Bobble, even though it’s a complete different genre of music. It just has the kind of tone. The rapping is also precise and impressive and its ability to alternate between fast and slow without missing a beat throughout the song. This is a very professional track with a lot of talent spread around.
Sky Gandy on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsMzk3liVUWYK-5szUtQbA
Maxwell Powers – 6 Things
San Francisco based musician Maxwell Powers has released an indie synthpop EP titled “6 Things.” When I read that apparently it was recorded in the “corner of his living room,” I was expecting something that sounded like it came from a 90’s Fostex 4 track. However, the production quality strikes me as better than a standard indie lo-fi creation. Another element which differentiates “6 Things” from standard indie pop music would be the unique application of effects to the vocals. Synthesized and metallic, Maxwell’s vocals themselves become a kind of instrument in the songs, adding a dimension not typically found in this genre. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it at first, but he somehow makes it work. “6 Things” is a quality debut, which has characteristics that allow it to be approachable to both mainstream normies and indie pop fans.
For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/maxwellpowersmusic
http://twitter.com/maxpowersmusic
https://soundcloud.com/maxwellpowers/sets/6-things-ep
Self Checkout – Summer of 1990
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tEHxVT6Spk
Giorgio Hofmann – Ready Now
Italian-Spanish born artist Giorgio Hofmann has a video out for his new track “Ready Now.” The production quality and artistic direction of the video is impressive (it was directed by Directed by Daniele Testi.) Some really great film making here. If you didn’t know any better, you would think this is a video for a major label release. Giorgio’s musical style is basically contemporary pop / club jams with some Italian flair and high fashion. He kind of reminds me of an Italian version of Marky Mark but with more class and a better wardrobe. There is a lot of energy in this music which is bound to attract people. This formula just works.
For more info:
http://www.giorgiohofmann.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zijx4wijL90
Self Checkout – Mooncoin Mania
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoX_bK6WCQI
Alma Rosae – 23
Alma Rosae has a new video out for her single “23.” It was produced by Kontrabandbeatz and is all set to appear on her upcoming EP “Wildchild Volume 1.” 23 is an assertive hip hop song. Alma displays her attitude throughout and makes it clear she doesn’t take shit from anyone, man or woman. She has an effective delivery style and genuine skills in the rhyming department. This is a solid hip hop single, and the Mickey’s neon sign in the background adds a nice aesthetic touch to the video, subtly reaffirming the ambiance.
For more info:
http://twitter.com/almarosaemusic
http://instagram.com/almarosaemusic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBOcvtZAH6Q
Kozie – Fly
Kozie’s new jam “Fly” manages to transcend genre classification. It has elements of EDM, light hip hop, pop and even alternative. I’m especially impressed with the beat, which has a bouncy superball on a summer day kind of vibe. The track is appropriately titled as the upbeat yet lighthearted energy of the song will put an extra spring in your step. The song’s groovy techno-psychedelic backing could actually make it as its own instrumental dance number. Despite the positivity, the lyrics deal with regret, lost time and reluctantly making the unselfish choice to let someone you love fly away, when you know you’re “wings are tied.” I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this music at first, but I was won over. “Fly” is very catchy, and Kozie’s willingness to tap into the vulnerable side of his emotions and explore themes of despair and humility, makes this song approachable and refreshing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxcVUbJMSfk