Machine is a new album from hip hop artist, Wayz. The title is interesting because the musical backing at times takes on a mechanical, almost industrial synth rock sound. Other parts have more of a computerized, minimalist synth vibe. The album is very futuristic in tone, and sonically it is unlike most contemporary hip hop releases. On a deeper level though, the album’s message is how about we as people have become programmed to act like machines, caught up in our little routines which we do without thinking. Wayz delivers lyrics at a modest pace but with a larger than life, commanding vocal presence. His voice has a rough, bellowing lumberjack texture to it, and he sings with a life-of-the-party energy. Machine also features really impressive synth intros across the board, reminiscent of sci-fi film soundtracks both in ambiance and style. With 11 tracks, this album is full and satisfying on many levels.

For more info:

https://wayzworld.com/

Maya’s Chalice is a new single from hip hop artist, Eli Ramsey. Lyrically, it’s one of the better indie rap songs I’ve heard. Eli’s lyrics are autoiogrpahical and personal, as he ventures into and remains in storytelling mode throughout. The song contains elements of nostalgia and heartbreak. Eli goes into such impressive detail that one can visualize these events as he relates them in a lenthy narration. The delivery combines rap and “spoken word” poetry styles, while a dreamlike beat and delightful female backing vocals set the ambiance. Maya’s Chalice isn’t just about looking backward though, since the artist makes clear he’s hopeful for the connection to be rekindled in the future. It’s a solid song with a story that will keep you interested.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lVcq97usBCMr9ZxQcVVnY

Playin With the Hustle is a new single from Florida based hip hop artist WESS MUSIQ. The song also features iconic rapper, Boosie Badazz. A theatrical musical backing with symphonic vibes gives the track a heightened intensity, while the artists maintain a cool and calculated delivery style. As the title indicates, the song mostly relates to the rappers’ committment to handlin biz, and the lyrics are conveyed in a professional, yet lively fashion. Playin With the Hustle is engaging and high energy. Even though the pacing is relatively moderate, the intensity on this bad boy is dialed up. Both production and performance are high quality. Musically, Playin With the Hustle affords audiences the opportunity to listen to a couple of true contemporary hip hop professionals at work.

For more info:

IG: wessmusiq_
Fb:realwessmusiq
Twitter:Wess Musiq

Pride of Sacrifice is a new single from Indonesian born artist, AMEL D (co-written with Matthew Adkins). Blending elements of alternative, punk and rock’n’roll, this song is powerful and rocks pretty hard. AMEL D’s vocals are passionate as she belts out the lyrics at full throttle without missing a beat. This track features some excellent, professional guitar playing. The groovin’ melodic interludes (around the 2 minute mark) are particularly impressive. There’s also a bit of sentimental piano mixed in to give the music a bit of an “adult contemporary” vibe. Production quality is surprisingly top notch for an indie jam. Actually sounds more like a major label release. The mix is very bright and uplifting, and AMEL D’s emotional performance expresses vulnerability while capturing the spirit of perseverance. Pride of Sacrifice is a good song for anyone who really needs to communicate their feelings and get some things off their chest in a big way.

For more info:

https://www.ameldmusic.com/
https://music.apple.com/id/album/pride-of-sacrifice-single/1501711163

Ignorance Is Bliss is a new single from hip hop artist, Red Dyemond. This hot and fiery jam combines sentimental, spoken word poetry with hard hitting hip hop. The soft, avant garde intro (featuring an exquisite piano backing) sharply escalates as the song kicks into high gear. Red’s delivery alternates between sincere reflection and passionate intensity. Ignorance is Bliss is effectively motivational as Red charismatically instructs people to wise up and take some responsibility for their life choices. Her vocal presence is commanding, she definitely demonstrates some rhyming skills. There are parts of the track where she really gets on a roll, maintaining tight timing even while going at an impressive pace. Ultimately, Ignorance is Bliss calls on people to take control of their own destiny. Listeners will find Red Dyemond’s persuasive tone and choice of words quite convincing.

For more info:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH70-iGOtqs

In case you’re not yet acquainted with Please Save The Space Bees, here’s some brief background info from the artists themselves:

Scott Wood has been in the broadcasting industry for years in Vancouver, Canada. After interviewing countless bands and artists, networking with professionals he decided to use his attained skills and expertise in the field pursue his vision of creating a podcast.

It’s an entertainment sci-fi drama punctuated with subtle commentary on modern issues; “Implants” of several characters are a fusion of the newness-obsolete smartphone technology and Elon Musk’s Neuro-link, soul capturing Ghost-in-the-Shell metaphysics, threat of GMO monoculturing entire planets, cloning ethics & the hyper elite vs political effectiveness rebellion naming a few.

Initially, I had thought this might be some kind of environmental activist podcast dedicated to raising awareness to our declining bee population and the effect its having on our ecosystem. This isn’t that kind of show at all (but someone out there should start such a podcast if they haven’t already). Having said that, Please Save The Space Bees is actually fantastic, and here are a few reasons you should check it out:

1. It’s an actual series. Unlike 95% of current podcasts, Please Save The Space Bees does not consist of people sitting around pontificating about current events. The best way to describe it is that it’s like a 21st century, futuristic audiobook, reminiscent of classic sci-fi radio programs like War of the Worlds. The plots are accessible and easy to get into into, even without being familiar with much of the backstory.

2. It’s action packed. Not a single second is wasted. Nonstop quick witted conversational dialogue hits you from start to finish. The editing style is punchy and to the point. Brimming with subtle humor and occasional sarcasm, this show is never boring and will hold the interest of even those with micro attention spans. The social commentary isn’t heavy handed, but it’s there if you listen for it. There are plenty of “spaced-out” sound effects to level up the ambiance as well.

3. The production quality is very high. This isn’t just some dudes blabbling away into an old Radio Shack omnidirectional microphone (not that there is anything wrong with that) and pots and pans sound effects. Audio and production are pretty much at the level of what you’d expect from something from big budget Adult Swim shows like Aqua Teen Hunger Force. I have no idea what it is costing these people to produce Please Save The Space Bees, but they are getting their money’s worth and then some. Excellent audio clarity, mixing and editing all around.

4. It’s epic. There are apparently 15 people involved in this project, as one might suspect from hearing the myriad of different voices on the show (male and female.) It’s almost unheard of for that many people to be dedicated to an indie audio production like this.

5. It’s free. As far as I can tell, this podcast is available for anyone to listen to on multiple streaming platforms, with no paywall. I listened to a couple of episodes with no issues. It’s actually kind of surprising, because clearly a lot of work and effort has gone into these productions, from some highly talented people. Episodes are available in explicit versions (which include mild profanity etc) and clean versions (for the kiddies!).

For more info:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dark-matter-podcasts/id1495280732

The Glow Up is a new single from New England-based artist, DJ Ažurely (sometimes credited as AŽ’). This is a rather creative indie EDM effort, which frequently alternates in style and pacing, while remaining cohesive musically. The song functions as a kind of vocally driven, cascading collage of emotions, with a vocal performance that’s convincingly heartfelt and impressively dynamic. Backing music consists mainly of a light house beat, ethereal synths and even a bit of rock. Layered backup vocals also constitute an ambient “instrumental” component of the song. Oscillating between high energy and soft spoken expressiveness, The Glow Up is bursting with passion throughout.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/iamazurely/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ynWdYhPVEc

I Would is a new single from Nashville based pop singer/songwriter Bailey Jehl and EDM producer Ruben Gausel Torkelsen (who grew up in Norway.) Things blend together quite nicely in this unlikely collaboration. The audio mix is clean and professional, with Bailey’s innocent vocals backed by light guitars and a minimalist beat. Various synthlike elements appear (often unexpectedly) which emotionally accentuate the track at strategic and climactic points. The result is that I Would retains the credibly organic “singer/songwriter” sound, while distinguishing itself with a 21st century spark that gives the music a bit of a polished edge. This aspect makes the song more pop accessible and allows it to break away from genre stereotypes. For her part, Bailey has a lovely, natural voice that seems tailor made for indie pop, and every delicate detail of it is audibly emphasized in the mix. I Would is a very well balanced song, as Ruben keeps the EDM elements in check and wisely utilizes them to complement the organic sound rather than compete with it. On a collaborative effort like this, it’s tough to know who’s responsible for what creative choice, but there’s a lot of talent apparent in the final product here, and that’s what counts.

For more info:

Ready or Not is an album from Erik Cain, an independent hip-hop artist originally from huntsville, AL. Erik cites his influences as J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Chance the Rapper. His songs are vocally driven, with a delivery fueled by pure passion. Many rappers are willing to show an emotional side every now and then, but this guy really pours his heart and soul into every line. Some tracks like Heart Gold feature a minimalist piano backing, while others have a groovy, almost ’70s style retro record player vibe. Every stage of the music, from performance to production is extremely professional in quality, something listeners will sense almost immediately. It’s a clean, flawless and sonically pleasing album with a lot of variety. What separates it from mere “pop” is really the substance. There’s real concrete stuff here and Erik is willing to dive deep into his emotions. Nothing superficial or cliche to be found in these recordings. A crowded genre, hip hop is becoming an increasingly difficult category to standout in. However, with this release, Erik Cain proves his music is truly a cut above. He has what it takes to go all the way.

For more info:

https://ffm.to/erikcainmusic

Entrepreneur is a single from Sacramento based hip hop artist, Quantum Thought (real name Ricky Canady.) He refers to his unique style of rap as “Scarred Poetry.” The backing music has a peppy pace and impactful intensity as Quantum Thought delivers his lines a charismatic and somewhat motivational fashion. With Entrepreneur, he poetically conveys that he’s overcome hardships ready to handle biz at all times. The track features some spacelike synths which you come at you epic style, setting the tone for Quantum’s larger than life vocal presence and go-getter vibe. This isn’t your standard “slam” poetry hip hop. This guy really does have a different style.

For more info: