Blake Dagley-The Nashville Sessions
Similar to Chicago’s popular album with the same name, Blake Dagley is here to rediscover his sound. The Nashville Sessions is Blake’s latest album release, a triple A side of energetic, whole soul music. With a bit of folk, Americana and blues whirlpool that he entertains, Blake wants to really earmark a signature sound. Though his voice is instantly recognizable, these are his best compositions yet. Let’s get into it. It is important that you realize your strongest suit. Blake has a semi-husky warm voice that is inviting yet invigorating. Ain’t Going Down Like This uses this to his advantage, paired with simple instrumentals. His track entertains the possibility of really letting a progression marinate before exploding into something larger. As this paper plane unfolds, you start to put together Blake’s design, simple yet effective. The Nashville Sessions are underway with a great track. With a much softer opening, Paradox uses the dreamy, floating tone of the electric. Blake proceeds with his pipes on display, touching lyrics that make you pause for a while. It is a bare to the bones approach to watch someone discover themselves through their art. Not only does it chart your progress, but takes a while for honesty to seep through. The instruments do a 50/50 with the vocals, each lifting the other to an elevated state of thought in performance. A tribute to oneself, executed with truth. Songwriting and purpose Milly has another great simple melody and clean progression. We all love hearing a silky, fingerpicking pattern that dictates lot of the song. Milly shows Blake’s passion for reason, and turning infatuation and affection to something bigger to the best that humans can do. Create. The Nashville Sessions see Blake take an acoustic, often skimmed over part as one loses themselves in crafting instrumentals. It is true songwriting skill here. From Melodies: Vol 1, this is a nice step into the wild. It is something that teaches artists who chase complication or massive airtime the essence. Not only of music and songwriting, but drive. This is a three track Magna Carta from Blake Dagley, and he has foraged for his own sound. As you watch Into the Wild or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, you'll hear this perfectly fitting into the setting. So go ahead, and enjoy!
Peter Uher-New Reality
There are genre fusions. There are intra-genre relations that give birth to exciting sounds that are rare to hear. The third category is chasing fumes of otherworldly delight. That is where this artist, Peter Uher comes in. His latest album is a compilation of his work through the years, a debut that tries to create his own envelope with the fragments of sound. This is a New Reality. For a short track, Mirror Door is your transcendental portal to Peter’s dimensions. Mere mortals cannot walk through this door, so Peter holds it open for you. It is a confluence of jazz, rock and classical strokes you witness, in a all out medley of leviathan proportions. Exciting, raw and real-you can hear every note as it was composed, as the other instruments dance around the protagonist. To create a flow like a brooks’ babble, Peter chooses and uses a traditional foundation. The gentle whisper of the flute & soft sax guide the track, Look Ahead. His guitar comes in smoothly, in due course of time, carrying with it the magnanimous effect of a leading dancer. The drama, penchant for frills and flourishes is still there, albeit in a new tempo and style. Time seems to melt away by the time the solo acoustic moments create ambient shells for the guitar to caress. What will be tomorrow is the track that now includes parts of ambient progressive. Hopefully you catch the subtle changes listening on your headphones, because they are a psychedelic introduction to the track. The beats have a dissonant echo while the guitar gets by on its minimal pizazz, creating a layered approach to ambience. Building to the name The title track is a jazz fusion number, with an addictive progression by the bass and the guitar. The drums shine as well, as the silent spine of the song, ever adapting. The tone changes are incredible, truly a sound to behold. The shift in the song is not only unexpected, but an exciting approach to song composition, with different instruments taking the lead every time. A prog-jazz number if you will, by the time the mid-point rolls around, we’re in a Silencers song. The solo jam at the end has to be heard several times to be believed. Vivien’s Dream is a wonderful short track, with the saxophone taking the cake. The guitar gently dances around this, with cat’s feet as it takes no attention away. A track that just melts through the fog and rests in your head for a while. With an R&B approach, Recently is Peter Uher’s sound palette cleanser. It makes the required impact, the strings echoing through to create a beautiful loop that melts through the framework of the song. Second by second, the track bleeds through. Riverse is what you would expect to hear, a song that sounds just as intense and unbelievable in reverse. The magic of jazz being the unpredictable nature of it. All the instruments dance with their destiny in mind, in control of the notes almost. It is a long, progressive track with plenty of elements to unpack. Peter Uher closes the album with a simple Epilogue that seems to weld fragments of his favourite sounds together, with another enchanting tone on his guitar. If this is his debut, I am excited to hear what a young artist like this has in store for us. He has not only stitched a continuous tapestry of fabric for experimentation, but composed it to a level that everyone can appreciate this art. This is a new reality we would choose to explore. When you're in the dissonance of movies like The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo or in a Jack Reacher like thriller film, you better bet this sound will punctuate the gritty scenes!
Gary Dranow-Destiny Road
Gary Dranow has one of those elusive tones. I don’t talk about his instruments, but his phrasing. He and his band, The Manic Emotions, have brought about a unique spectrum, something that is extremely rare nowadays. It is a comfortable slice between Peter Frampton and Gary Moore, if they were to collaborate. This might seem absurd now, but hear it in his single, Destiny Road. With a synth punch and the band kicking in together, this is something you don’t hear much now. People try to build to their sound, but Gary Dranow gives you the whole story together. A beautiful guitar intro brings us into their well sculpted verse. The arrangement keeps the song exciting, trying to blend in the fresh aspects of instrumentals and the lyrical surrealism. The breaks also focus on the magic of the guitar and the kind of shift it can bring, to the style. I’ve loved the synth sound for the entirety of the song, almost carrying the background till it hands the baton to the guitar. This is a song I can definitely hear in films that would be defined by songs, such as Rock of Ages and maybe in The Karate Kid follow-up series, Cobra Kai. It has the definitive early 70s rock touch to it, yet has the soul to ride in to any rock packed film or series. Listen to Fool Outta Me and & Twisted Minds as well, to see his entire dynamic range!
Alec Berlin-Minir Maad
Some artists can’t do without lyrics. Alec Berlin aims to do without them. His songwriting has a vocal ghost that trails it, making each instrumental part seem like choice verse sections. From the time I heard his single Life in the Bog, there was a tectonic shift. Phrasings and alternates to create this saucerful of notes is what we aim to hear. This is his latest single, Minir Maad. Shuffling through minor keys, Alec Berlin takes us through an Arabic wonderland. For this track, call him Scheherazade, because he is narrating an enamouring tale with just his stringed instrument. So the name of the track comes from Minor Mod, and the Algerian strain makes it something exotic! The choice of instrumental sorcery is abundant and scarce, shifting through paths and alleys to show us what he experienced. The “chorus” has some exciting bends and twists, making this song the carpet ride that it is. Here, Alec Berlin details a documentary as a traveller through the Arabian Peninsula. I could definitely see this featured on Somebody Feed Phil and Dark Tourist. Shows that definitely try to expand and broaden the horizons of thought with different takes in culture, that you must check out. If you truly want to hear Alec Berlin’s sound, you better shuffle through his entire catalogue. Each sound and approach is different. President’s Day, What I Wish I Had Said and Patchen Avenue are some favourites. So go ahead, travel the world of sounds with this talented guitar virtuoso.
Harshini Magesh-Seven
Harshini Magesh is a star who will find her own way. Her style is uniform, and comes from a number of instances and inspirations. Though she is inspired by K-Pop and hip-hop, her songs bring in her own take and method. This is her latest single, Seven. Maybe some numbers have a spiritual link. Harshini Magesh talks about waking up at seven and going about her day. It wouldn't be a singer's life if it didn't have a twist. Using a classy pop beat, her lyricism folds and weaves through this to form her verse sections. It is a brilliant, fun way of going about a song and really focusing on what your lyrics mean. There is a levity to her writing, and her sound is engineered to her pitch, making the song that much more appealing. She gives breaks in the instrumentals for her vocals to have the spotlight. The chorus section sees Harshini Magesh have a multi-layered harmonic section. It is inspiring, and a peek into the life of an artist. There is a draw between hip-hop verses and her lyrics, rhymes and the divides you see in the phrasing. It is a sweet and simple single that you want to loop for the day. Her other singles include Carnatic reincarnations, tracks reimagined as an artist inspired. The dynamism in her voice and vocal range allows her to rely on melodic transfusions and the resultant audio miracle. The newest single Seven is a biographical take, something we would love to see in a cinematic reinterpretation of her life. Enjoy watching a new star rise with her single!
Alec Berlin-Patchen Avenue
Alec Berlin can personify any place with sound. He has done it with his unique, vocal like approach to compositions. Each song has a different tonality and aspect of musicality to it. This is the title track from his popular EP, Patchen Avenue. Another guitarist who has this unique ability is Eric Johnson. Each of his songs actually sound like the music he makes, Alec Berlin has the same soul to his music. With a bluesy ring to his guitar, Alec makes a tantalizing composition that has a light marching percussive quality to it. Around this, he makes a simple, ringing chord change. There are some strong alternates to the lead, bringing you down different parts of the lane in Patchen Avenue. It is like he has a direct wiring to the place and completes the soul search with this booming sound. The soaring, joyful sound is accented by the wailing guitar sounds in the far background. The exceptional production work allows every part of Alec Berlin and his guitar voicing to be heard and understood. This is where he excels in his sound and performing capability, bringing the house down with arrangements that stick in people’s mind forever. Another listen, another playlist. This sound would have been a perfect interlude piece in Boyhood, or even in one of my favourites, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It is as fun as it is deep, almost a sketch of the lane and the happenings. Alec’s sound is something that is enviable, and has grown to be more unique and signature to his sound. We expect to keep hearing exceptional compositions from him. Till then, follow and listen to his brilliant compositions here!
The Williams Brothers Band-Queen of the Honky Tonk
The Williams Brothers Band really needs no introduction. They’ve been spreading blues, rock and country joy ever since, and even before they formed. Positioning themselves as a stellar live band, their music is full of soul, emotion and references. This is their 2018 single, Queen of the Honky Tonk. Slide guitar, drawling vocals and a warm, familiar saloon setting are the atmosphere of this song. Not only does the track set itself to a comfortable tempo, it has some great slide guitar work to focus on while listening. The audio is especially great with this kind of visual, a dusty pub where eyes fall on a beautiful damsel. The tones of each of the guitars is easily heard and understood, mastered with purpose. It brings a smooth setting of country vibes, while the blues attack is felt as well. After the George Jones reference, we go into a cool solo that kicks the spice up in this track by more than a notch. Spotlight shining, the song has dynamic edges that aren’t familiar with every band. These extremes come from experience-and the brawl in the pub withstanding. You could picture this in Crazy Heart, Urban Cowboy or any scene with a true, American country pub featured in it. Not only is the narrative interesting to hear, it is essential to hear the attention to detail and sound with this kind of music. The Williams Brothers Band has kept up since then, releasing Outlaw Country and Keep Us Fed. We’re sure they’ll be back for more bluesy, country goodness, so make sure you subscribe!
Juliet Callahan-Spotlight
Juliet Callahan might be climbing up a hill, but she makes it look easy with her sound. There might be countless artists battling for their spot, but Juliet has registered a unique tone and stylistic approach to music. You have heard her before, with Ghost Girl. This is her latest single. Spotlight. Using a relatively scarce palette, it is apparent that all the attention is towards Juliet Callahan’s vocal execution. Crystal clear and devoid of production and extraction, her tone is the uplifting element for this song. The beat makes sure the groove isn’t lost, and the chorus yanks you in for the whirlwind ride it is. The electronic elements pirouette with her vocals, creating an interesting tornado of sound. If the composition had to be considered more ironclad, there are elements to do that as well. Her outro is relatively plain, just focusing on the groove and the condition of the sound. She seems to have sifted through the pop and rock sound with ease, though she modulates her sound for each style. The hip-hop beats seem to be her cushion of sound, and you can see vault to the skies when she blends her voice into something like this. This song would be perfect for songs like A Star is Born, and definitely a biopic of her own life. There is a strength to it that is so definitive and true, it holds for the image she carries. Check out Juliet Callahan with her singles like Numb & Burning as well to explore her sound!
Mad Painter-Rock and Roll Samurai
Mad Painter has the pageantry and aplomb of a star group. Like Meatloaf, you can hear their songs to be visual and audio epics. Their sense of composition and arrangement is unparalleled for an indie project like this. Energy shifts from place to place in their songs, it is never lost. This is their latest single, Rock and Roll Samurai. I don’t know what visual might come to you when you hear that term. Welding a Gibson axe and an all leather karate gi, you can expect mayhem from this warrior. With a Deep Purple like intro, the synth immediately goes on the pedestal. Quick paced, energetic and full of drive, this song is only to be played on 5th gear. The organ support with the distorted guitar gives an Ian Gillian kind of edge to Mad Painter. You can expect nothing to take a backseat in this song. Right from the get-go, you’re treated to a 220V charged band like appeal, the zeal is electric. The chorus is unique and kick-ass, a balance very often lost due to trying too hard. Mad Painter’s way is to create an intensely catchy hook that you’d want to hum and sing when you feel like it. From Rock the Kasbah & School of Rock, this song bleeds rock and roll. It is an instant zap back to the late 70s, where this used to be airplay regularly. The attack and energy would make for some engaging scenes where rock-ery is in full form. Listen to Mad Painter’s self-titled debut and Illusion for some eye-opening rock revival. Devil Horns up and indulge!
Jordan Jones-Sabotage
A universe of sound opens up when you listen to Jordan Jones. From a vocalist to lead guitar, his spectrum of musical influences and styles comes into play. Constantly touring, expanding and improving his sound, he is bringing the best of pop, rock, R&B to make this sharp, exacted sound. This is his latest single from the EP of the same name, Sabotage. You know you’re listening to a different league when his songs play. The library of information is laid out, and he rifles through it in his mind. Creative envelopes constantly overlap, and his pop and rock influences definitely overflow for a nu-rock/metal sound as well. There is a confluence of his original, clear vocals as well as produced styles, creating a chess-like strategic shift in the track. For an opening track, it has everything needed, and it is the superlative confidence of a performer like this that brings the edge. The trap beats still pulsate with the vocals and synth overflows. It is a pleasure to hear this continuously growing artist, bringing new dimensions to his own sound and ever evolving like aural origami. Episodes of The Love Island & Cobra Kai would be perfect for Jordan Jones in many scenes. His bold melodic transitions, well crafted lyrics and appealing sound make for an entertaining listen always. Other tracks from his EP are brilliant as well, especially songs like Stumble & Flawless. His desire to learn and travel creates a catacomb of musical styles that inspire each other. Listen to his music and follow this prolific musician for more exciting music!
ndge-Funk You
Drop a debut like ndge for creating a fanbase. When nothing is known, first impressions matter. With relatively nothing known, we dive into ndge’s music. His first single is called Funk you, and it’s all about the grooves and rhythms. This song can probably change your life. This is one video you have to watch with the song. Equally entertaining, ndge picks up a quick tempo in this single. It flows quick, recedes and whips back into shape. The layers in the instrumentals are the highlight, everything overlapping in perfect time. If he is giving the bird, he is giving it in style. The bassline, piano and guitar rhythm show a syncopation and close quarter ballet like no other song I’ve heard in a while. Short and sweet, it is one song that can be the opening and closing to your party. Keeping it amped throughout the song, you’ll regret it when it ends. This is a promising debut for a prolific composer and funk architect. There is a possibility you’re going to love this more than you thought. Grateful for that loop button, aren’t we? I’d imagine a scene from Superbad, Project X to have this song in their playlist. A great cutaway scene, it brings a lightness and feel to the scene like no other. Short, it can be dramatized in any way, and has a levity to it as well. Listen to ndge’s track and follow him for more catchy songs that are to come!
Josh Long-Tidal Wave
Josh Long is close to mastering putting pictures into words. Usually complicated to imagine if only relayed to you, aided by his instruments, he is someone else. This is an artist that can create an enchanting tale or fable with the minimal. His latest single is called Tidal Wave. The atmosphere of the shore is difficult to capture. I reiterate, Josh Long does it with ease. You can feel the sand between your toes, taste the salty air and watch the sun set at the horizon. As you feel the gentle sea breeze sway, you get imbibed in the song. The slight echo to the vocals with the gentle guitar accompaniment is sea salt caramel. The swing is in every moment, keeping the lyrics with the feel and well framed setting. Overdoing a track like this with layers would have ruined it, but Josh tailors it to the essentials. The ringing out guitar in the verse section with the simple harmonics get stuck in your head. It is a brilliant song, from an artist who is making art that is reaching an evergreen seasonal feel. The solo is simple and bridges two recipes that feels like fusion. I could definitely imagine this in Moonrise Kingdom and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, both having splendid beach scenes. The remarkable visual storytelling and poetic ability from Josh is what makes this an instant hit on the repeat list. You can listen to the unplugged version of this for more of a ballad feel, or his tracks Last June & Love in You. It is the making of a musician who can clip memories for the audience. Follow him for more music and support this raconteur!