All My Lies is a new single from Ontario-based artist, Apricity. Merging elements of pop, alternative, and electronica, the song manages to hit that sweet spot where mainstream appeal and indie cred overlap. Apricity’s style has an edge to it, reminiscent of artists like Shirley Manson, while her crystal clear vocal tone is reminiscent of some of the classic female synthpop singers of the 80s. She has a strong voice and belts out the lyrics with an impressive level of emotional intensity. This song is a good example of how an artist can incorporate musical attributes from the past and manage to create a sound that would resonate with today’s audiences.

For more info:

https://apricitymusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/apricityofficialmusic/?hl=en

Sissy is a new album from Boston-based rapper, activist and influencer, Dean FM (Dean-Fraser Milford). Enveloped by by hypnotic rhythms and a musical backing that’s positively sparkling, Dean FM gives a performance that’s lush with confidence and inspired charisma. The vocal delivery incorporates elements of hip hop and bubblegum pop, and this non-binary artist (who embraces both he and her pronouns) can actually rap.

Style-wise, the presentation is often creative, clever and exotic, while maintaining an impressively choreographed structure. There’s truly a unique artistic persona here. It’s not all fun and games though. The track Bottom Bit sets out to raise awareness about exploitation in the world of prostitution. Compassion, social consciousness and gender neutrality acceptance are essential themes in Dean FM’s work. From a musical standpoint, Sissy is bold, upbeat and radically energizing.

For more info:

http://www.deanfmofficial.com

Align is a new single from North Jersey-based artist, Jaa. He’s half-Caribbean, and claims that his moniker (which also happens to be his initials) is a play on the term “Jah.” This latest track combines aspects of pop, hip hop, R&B, soul and even emo. The vocal delivery is sentimental and expressive, with the atmosphere of the song being greatly enhanced by the guitar-driven backing. Align is a very unique song musically, that transcends the boundaries of genre stereotypes.

Jaa has cultivated a distinctive style for himself. He gives a sincere performance and isn’t afraid to open up about his struggles and vulnerabilities. Thematically, Align has romantic undertones and centers around a relationship where two people realize they just don’t see eye to eye. It’s a timeless tale of living, loving and learning.

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Crazy Over You is a new single from Mississippi-based artist, Zemirah Singleton. After being discovered while singing at a local talent show, Zemirah performed vocals for a song titled I Got the Blues, when she was 16 (though she has been singing since the age of 5). Zemirah has also appeared on ITS Lit TV and BET JAMS.

Up against a sparkling back beat, Crazy Over You does a fine job of showcasing Zemirah’s impressive vocal skills. Her voice is dynamic and her tone is lush with soft sincerity. It’s just really pleasant to listen to, especially as she hits those high notes. This girl can really sing, and her performance radiates with youthful, positive energy. The song itself blends elements of pop, R&B and soul, and is just a clean, well-written jam. Zemirah definitely has a future in this industry.

For more info:

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State Line is a new single from alt country/folk artist, Brad Byrd. With its subtle intricacies and delicate melodies, this track obviously bears the mark of a professional. Enveloped in a modest paced and musically minimalist framework, Byrd’s performance is expressive and emotionally deep. Atmospherically, it captures the timeless spirit of travel and the open road.

The action slowly amps up over the course of the song’s nearly 8 minute run time. It really does convey the feeling of being on a journey. The backing music at times is ambient and more synth-driven than you’d expect from this style of music (I suppose that’s where the “alt” comes in). Ultimately, State Line is a dazzling release that’s full of heart and skill.

https://brad-byrd.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BradByrdOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/bradbyrd/

i kno is a new single from Kiernan Hutchinson’s Kansas City, Missouri-based project, Birthpush. Combining pop, R&B and alt-hip hop, this slick track is flush with sensuality and smooth vibes. Production on this jam is really clean, with excellent sonic detail. Backed by a modest, colorful beat, the vocals are eloquent and fluid. The audio clarity on the voice is refreshing. There isn’t a bunch of unnecessary processing or autotune to ruin the ambiance. The singing is quite good actually and really elevates the song to another level. Lyrically, the content oscillates between sexual, romantic and even spiritual. It’s all expressed rather candidly. i kno is a highly advanced track, and there is definitely a future for Birthpush in this niche musical genre.

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#Yldlyfe is a new album from artists YLD $taxx and Jake Haze. This collaborative hip hop effort is fresh and action packed. With epic track titles like Lighta Fluid, and Vybe Checka, it’s hard to go wrong. The songs have more going for them than just cleverness and aesthetic sensibilities though. The beats are tight and the delivery style is genuinely creative. With an ambiance that’s delightfully haunting and even slightly sinister, this album almost has an alternative vibe. My favorite jam on this release is Totally GAS which features a futuristic beat, complete with laser-like sound effects. #Yldlyfe is a cool little album that’s surprisingly memorable. It’s fun and serious at the same time.

For more info:

http://www.instagram.com/ylildstaxx
http://www.instagram.com/ylildstaxx/jakehazeredtop

Music IS Color is a new full-length album from Florida-based artist, Juśtin. Interestingly, he created this album dealing with a chronic sinusitis, (a condition I’m all too familiar with). It’s difficult to overstate how sweet this album is. The songs are harmonious, smooth and upbeat as Juśtin blends elements of R&B, hip hop and soul. Featuring groovy melodies and an impressive array of vocals, the opening track The Way You Move is stellar, one of the best songs on the album.

Up against a looped sample and minimalist backing beat, Juśtin showcases some real rapping talent on the next track, Zone 6. He maintains a consistent flow at high speeds, and there’s nowhere to hide in the mix. He offers up a solid, no-nonsense performance showing just what he is capable of. Another notable track is Soul Food Freestyle, a well-choreographed and musically satisfying jam, with vocal sets that are expressive and truly a cut above. The album closes out on a contemplative note, with the lengthy, avant garde outro Bonus! Patricia’s Questions. Music IS Color is a very balanced and complete album. It’s stylish, sentimental and classy from beginning to end.

For more info:

Sound Right is a new single from hip hop artist, Jon Oshone. This song rules. Oshone’s style is avant garde, and the track has a stylish, sophisticated feel. Backed by a jazzy, retro-futuristic beat, the vocal delivery is impressive. Jon Oshone may not be overly flashy, but he has genuine skills as a rapper and lets his performance do the presenting.

This is really just a very classic song. It almost reminds me of the kind of artful old school hip hop you’d hear in 90’s coffee houses and galleries. The backing music is excellent. It’s melodically exquisite while retaining an underlying intensity. Sound Right straight up sounds rad.

For more info:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jonoshone/sound-right-3
https://www.instagram.com/Jon.oshone/
https://www.facebook.com/Jon.oshone

Lemme is a new single from hip hop-pop-trap duo, TT(TopTier). This vibrant jam has a fresh and upbeat feel, featuring performances that are brimming with jovial vibes. The song is creatively structured, with a range of vocal effects being employed to give transform the track into a dreamlike, rhythmic collage. It’s complex and well choreographed. I’m not sure how the artists managed to stay on point with the timing, but they did.

Musically, there’s a sweet blend of crisp hip hop and melodious vocals, making this a delightful listen. The lyrics contain elements of romance, sensuality and even nostalgia, juxtaposing neatly with the song’s bright tone. Lemme is a cool, casual track with a hefty dose of stylistic originality packed into its 4 minute runtime.

For more info:

https://www.toptiermusicofficial.com/