Daisy Chapman- She Took Flight
Daisy Chapman pinches at your heart strings with every breath and every storyline she starts in She Took Flight. The Anti-Folk and classical singer is experienced enough to give us a masterpiece of an album. It has everything from cascading orchestra sections to gushing vocals. She has composed and arranged 7 brilliant pieces that deserve an article of their own, speaking at length of how each single is a gem from the bedrocks of the deepest sea and deserves to be cherished and appreciated. Daisy Chapman under the Starlight Starlight begins with a piano section that tumbles in, heralding Daisy’s entrance. She peppers the song with a little bit of everything as she enters. From the expert piano playing, layered with a Violin section where the player literally bends the tune to their will. As she performs all this, each and every element shines. It is not as though one takes the spotlight and one doesn't. But rather, each and every element works in a significant manner. She hones in on her classical expertise and puts them on full display in Starlight. Much like the name, Daisy’s vocals shine through in the song. Waterloo Sunsets Each and everyone contribute to a magical performance encapsulated within each song. Despite that Waterloo Sunset is my favourite track from the album. The classical song has a very musical opening with the piano playing the entrance bar for Daisy. You can imagine an entire performance on stage. She sings about Terry and Julie who are lovers who meet on the Waterloo bridge. The way she has you clutching at your heart as she sings of this couple is a testament to her brilliant storytelling ability. And the way the song is stitched together is a showcase of incredible production quality. Ballad of a Distracted Mother Unlike her other songs, Daisy starts off Ballad of a Distracted Mother with just her voice, accompanied by just the Piano. The song honestly matches the vibe of a tired mother. She plays with classical and blues in this song that. It blooms and flourishes as her voice booms into existence. She immediately goes back into the blues section again creating an interesting texture all within one song. The album’s classical quality makes a perfect album to be turned into a musical of its own. Much like what Anaïs Mitchell did but the album does not meet the vibes of Hadestown. If there ever is a mash-up between Rent and Waitress, this would be it. Daisy Chapman has the outside-looking-in perspective of Roger from Rent while her songs also feels as though they could be sung by Jenna from Waitress. Needless to say, Daisy Chapman is a magician and a mastermind of the current Anti-Folk and Classical scene. She knows how to pick her orchestra as they have added so much character and injected an abundance of life along with Daisy’s wonderful vocals. You must give this album a chance, especially if you're a classical music lover or just a musical fan. You can follow her on her socials linked below.
Taliya Hafiz - Donne-moi
Taliya Hafiz writes a symphony that blends classical and R&B and ignites your senses and leaves you yearning for more. Taliya Hafiz is either a musical nymph or sorceress who bends notes to her will that will you captivated in Donne-moi. She almost immediately transports you to a pocket of time when love wasn’t as instantaneous. Much like love in the early years, she makes us wait with each note almost letting us simmer and boy is it worth the wait! The song begins like a classical period piece with a piano that glides and floats gracefully. This is followed by Taliya’s spellbinding voice. Her voice carries an incredible range of emotions conveying both strength and vulnerability with each note she delivers. The composition of the track is wonderfully lush, incorporating orchestral elements that elevate the composition, elevating the song. The production in this number is squeaky clean, every note from every instrument has its moment. The music video is also pristinely produced, although I can’t wait to see how the official music video will look. The classical elements in the song would fit in wonderfully in The Last Metro by Francois Truffaut. French films have always had a touch of revolution in them and I believe Taliya’s music is revolutionary as well. Taliya Hafiz is now beyond and above proof, we have no doubt that she is a great composer and singer of this era. Her music swells and blends every element, creating a forest of sounds. If you like budget-friendly travel then you must check out Taliya Hafiz because she will transport you to an enchanting new world.
Michael Bakrnčev - ELEGY - LIVE AT BRISBANE MUSIC FESTIVAL, BRISBANE, 2022
Michael Bakrnčev and his captivating performance of "ELEGY - LIVE AT BRISBANE MUSIC FESTIVAL, BRISBANE, 2022" takes listeners on an introspective journey through a realm of haunting beauty. Opening with dark and gloomy piano notes, the song immediately establishes an atmosphere of melancholy and contemplation. Bakrnčev skillfully weaves together elements of classical piano and ambient music. By employing a minor tonality in his music, enriched by occasional major and suspended colourings in the chordal progression. One can sense the composer's deep musical knowledge and sensitivity throughout the composition. The piece exudes an ambient quality, drawing the audience into a world of introspection and self-reflection. The dynamics of the music are vast, ranging from delicate and fragile moments to powerful, emotionally charged crescendos. This is enhanced by the concert hall's acoustics, which add a sense of grandeur and amplify the rich overtones, creating a truly immersive sonic experience. The arrangement of the instruments and the meticulous attention to detail in the production creates an impressive balance in the stereo field. Every frequency across the spectrum finds its place, resulting in a masterfully mixed and mastered performance. A Captivating Musical Journey That Touches Your Soul Michael Bakrnčev's ability to infuse his compositions with exotic rhythmic layers and sublime melodic beauty is truly remarkable. His work transcends traditional boundaries, making it a perfect fit for cinematic experiences."ELEGY - LIVE AT BRISBANE MUSIC FESTIVAL, BRISBANE, 2022" by Michael Bakrnčev possesses a cinematic quality that seamlessly integrates into the narratives of drama and mystery films. With its dark and gloomy piano notes, the composition intensifies the atmosphere, mirroring the psychological twists of a gripping psychological thriller like "Shutter Island." Additionally, Bakrnčev's classical influences and ambient soundscapes provide a tender and contemplative backdrop for a poignant drama, reminiscent of the emotional impact of Jóhann Jóhannsson's compositions in "Arrival." In the ever-evolving indie music scene, Michael Bakrnčev stands out as a multi-award-winning contemporary classical composer. With his ability to craft intricate and emotionally engaging compositions, Bakrnčev has established himself as a true master of his craft. "ELEGY - LIVE AT BRISBANE MUSIC FESTIVAL, BRISBANE, 2022" is a testament to his artistic vision and prowess, leaving listeners yearning for more of his enchanting musical landscapes.
Skar de Line - The One
As Christmas fever sets in, Skar de Line gives us a taste and reminder of the spooky season with his latest release- The One. The track has the mysticism, intrigue and wonder of Halloween through and through. Every element of the song has a way of creeping in and giving you the shivers. Skar is truly a man of detail and it shows. With every embellishment and flair that is embedded in the song, he reaches excellence. The track takes off with a buckle-up announcement which spirals into a rock, goth and classical intro. Skar gives us a taste of his vocals here. It slowly creeps in and makes his grand entrance once he starts belting. Details like this add so much theatre to the song, which makes this song an almost 3D experience. There are moments when the background score shines as much as the vocals. This adding a whole lot of depth to the number. The track feels like a haunted house adventure where we find a new experience behind each door and if we look around, a trapped door full of secrets and details. Every bit of the song reminds me of Phantom Of The Opera, the drama and plotting in both the musical and the song. Skar de Line is a perfectionist and we love it. It is seen in just how detailed the production is on The One. If this isn’t enough, you can follow the links attached above and find out for yourself about just how much a star he is.
Allen Kai-Lang Yu - Cityscapes
Allen Kai-Lang Yu brings out the wondering and curious children in all of us as we listen to his latest composition- Cityscapes. It is in collaboration with Victor Hugo Morales. They have created magic with this number! Also, there is something so special about listening to piano music during this time of the year. It brings out the classic Christmas spirit from within for all of us. The track is part of his album The Winds Of Change and the entire album is in collaboration with Victor Hugo Morales. The track has a gentle start that feels like a good set-up. It almost feels like the duo dropped us in a whole new world and the first section allows for us to steady our feet and get ready for the brilliance that is about to come. What Allen and Victor have brilliantly produced is a cinematic number. It gives us a blow-by-blow depiction of the world they create with just their piano. It is truly wild just how many emotions and images can be produced by just one instrument and the many layers and textures that are uncovered when two artists collaborate. The track could so easily fit into a Studio Ghibli film. There is something so warm and cherry blossom-y about the track. It would fit so well into Kiki’s Delivery Service, you can hear what Kiki see as she is on her delivery job. How unique and amazing music is, it allows us to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Allen Kai-Lang Yu and Victor Hugo Morales have done some outstanding work. You can check out their work by clicking on the links attached above.
Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening - My Soul
Before I tell you how amazing My Soul is, you need to know that Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening is one of the oldest female Choirs that is out there. This Choir is the official female choir of the University of Oslo and was founded in 1895. They have taken all that tradition and that unique sense of identity and poured it into this very special track. Everything about this track is so graceful and vast. I highly recommend that you hear this song with earphones on. They have created a 3D listening experience for us. Both the beginning and end of this song are incredibly seamless. All of it is their voice, you hear it reverberate even within the walls of your own heart. There are moments when you hear the voices echo and before you process what the voice is doing, you are hit with another layer. Every voice has its own essence that contributes to the vast architecture that the choir is building. The track is part of a larger scheme of events, their album- Magnificent which is a collaborative piece of art. Ellen Andrea Wang, Kvindelige Studenters SangforeningMarit Tøndel Bodsberg Weyde have lent their unique voices to the process of this album! The track would work incredibly well honestly, in any film, just because of its malleable texture. It exudes both a haunting and comforting feeling. If I were to place in a film it would be in Ratched. The series is shot and edited with so much care that you feel every detail fill your senses, much like the song. Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening is a band that has to make its way to your playlist, they come with their own chemistry. Words seem to do no justice to how brilliant their art is.
Klein and Jamison - Sailing Symphony
Everything about Sailing Symphony is a descriptive and emotive piece of moving art that shakes the very floor of your beliefs by Klein and Jamison. The duo have unique styles of creation that complement each other on a celestial level. It must be noted that the artwork on this album adds so much character to the album. While the album lasts for about 15 and a half minutes, the music stays with you a whole while longer. The tracks that cling to your heart and tug at its strings. I Sailaway with Klein and Jamison The first track in the album is Sailaway. Sailaway starts out with the Double Bass that adds the base that propels the song toward tumultuous tides. At some point, we move from the waters to the desert (metaphorically) and I think that is because of the trickling effects that the wind instruments bring in. They add a soft, almost tip-toe-sounding texture that builds over the course of the song. You have a plethora of images that form in your head as and when you hear the song. II Doldrums II Doldrums begin with a different sounding set although the use of similar instruments in the orchestra adds a brand effect to the album. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all their tracks are alike. In fact, I believe that Storm is one of the most beautiful and versatile compositions they have. While the next track is named III Storm, It starts off very unlike a storm. It starts off with an almost butterfly like feeling, it flutters its wings for the first time as it gets out of the cocoon. Suddenly, before you know it, you are left to run along with the song. This already adds to the “In the eye of the storm.” feeling of the track. IV Ahoy The incredible amount of detailing in this album adds to so much nuance and drama that you cannot help but create scenarios in your head. IV Ahoy is one of those songs that doesn’t beat about the bush. Ahoy feels like a track that means business and is ready to dock the ship that has sailed into our hearts through our ear-hole. There is so much wrapping up that this track already does. It is Sonic Gold that is on this track. Ahoy leaves you with the imagery of someone standing right at the end of the film. There is a bitter-sweetness to the song. There is so much texture and prompts in this album. The track would be perfect in something as dramatic and I can add a whole lot of textures to the drama with Black Swan. So, hit the play button and let Klein and Jamison take you on a lazy river ride by following the links attached above.
Sambox - Imagination
Dive into the depths of every undiscovered crevice of your soul with the latest release by Sambox- Imagination. The track is the perfect blend of techno and classical. Sambox and Anita Barbereau have given their own unique flourishes to the track. Barbereau brings in her classical sensibilities, owed to the fact that she is a Cello player. Sambox’s ability to sense the right timings for the keys also leaves you awestruck. The track begins like a classical number, we first are introduced to the keys and slowly we hear the Cello kick in. Once the beats kick in it is almost as if we see the spotlights open out onto the player. The track has a unique ability for us to picture a performance of our own in our heads. You can see the dancers/movers have a field day. Much like dance you feel the song in an indescribable way. What Sambox’s and Anita’s music showcase is the power of music, where you feel the music in your bones. You feel yourself dive head-first into the depth of the music and allow it to take control of your thoughts and imagination. A unique film that does a wonderful job of bringing the dance world, the music world and acting together is Suspiria. Suspiria gives us a full showcase of the theatre of emotions on screen and Imagination would be a wonderful addition to this film. Imagination is a unique song that demands your attention. What are you doing if you are not listening to the calling of art? Click on the links attached above and let Sambox rule your imagination.
Claudia Balla - White Bird
Some relationships leave us questioning everything & when we see new waters, we are afraid that it might be a mirage and Claudia Balla. White Bird is a song that makes you understand that we are at the end of the day creatures that are hell-bent on self-preservation and yet we are creatures of love. Every relationship suffers with deaths, deaths of your personality due to evolution and sometimes the relationship itself. Vulnerability is unfortunately and fortunately one of the criteria for love and so is having your heart broken. White Bird is truly worded to perfection. The song showcases Claudia as not just a singer, a brilliant one at that, but as a poet as well. “All I want is the touch and not a merciless clutch” this line, in particular, had the wind knocked out of me! She has so poetically worded the fear of having your heart broken. The track is gentle and soft. It is the definition of both the pure fear of being loved and the desire to be loved, all at once. He’s Just Not That Into You is an evergreen film that has a cult of its own. This cult mostly consists of sensible broken hearted women. The film is also the perfect place for this White Bird to nest and rest. Claudia Balla is a singer-writer who deserves a lot more attention for her work. Considering listening to her will most definitely result in an out-of-body experience. So come, click on the links above and prepare to get enamored.
Harlow Reign - Forbidden Forever
Harlow Reign has intensely inked into every word she writes and sings, especially in Forbidden Forever, her latest release. The singer Australian singer-songwriter spins tunes unlike anything out there. Her music primarily falls into a mix between pop and classical. She conjures up incredible imagery with her art. Her music has the ability for us to visualize a story with every rise and fall in tempo. She reminds us of the power of music also showcasing her power as an artist. Harlow starts with something familiar but she adds a twist of her own. She begins with the keys that sound similar to Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven except there is variation in key. Either way, the familiarity helps us ease into her music like a soft silk pillow. And as we let the music take over and close our eyes, she peppers the track with more and more synth pop, not breaking the slow tempo of it. We slip deeper and deeper into her world feeling the desire she so painfully sings of in this song. Harlow is a magician of a singer, she displays an advanced level of emotions, and it can only be magic. The track particularly exudes a sense of timelessness, owed to the classical element, this gives off a goth touch to the track. Making this a more than suitable addition to the series- The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Harlow Reign is a singer committed to her craft, she trained as a singer from a young age. Her dedication is reflected in the quality of her vocals and a keen sense of detail in the production of her songs. You can see this for yourself by clicking on the links attached above.
Trisha and Thara - So Far Away
Trisha and Thara bring out the softness and grace that is embedded in every female friendship there is with their latest release- So Far Away. It has you swooning with every word and beat that the song homes. The two have history and chemistry that can only come from actual friendship. This duo mean business when it comes to their art. One of the downsides of adulting is the distance between your friends. As life has its own plans, it takes over and steers you in its own direction. This classical and honest number will have you clutching your heart by the end of it. The song recorded at The Bridge Sound Stage studio and produced by Janos Fulop (p.k.a. The Arcitype) .The dynamic duo have their way in this business of emotion. They create the perfect atmosphere to switch on nostalgia within us. Every symphony and harmony makes its way into your neural pathway, makes you want to pick up the phone and call your best friend. The track truly brings out the best parts of friendship, every word of encouragement, every tear drop that was wiped off and most importantly every good moment shared. This song particularly hits home when you have a long-distance best friend. Due to the gravity that these two bring in, it would be a great addition to 13 Reasons Why’s playlist. Trisha and Thara bring a sense of gravity in their work. It makes you giddy enough to lose yourself in their music. If you don’t know what I mean, click on the links above, and you’ll know just what I mean.
Roger Ricks - I Would Do It
The levity that Roger Ricks brings to the stage is truly incomparable in general and I Would Do It holds true to this trademark trait of his. The Swiss musician has the ability to calm a storm with his guitar and his voice. Roger is set to bring about change in the world with his music and he stirs up a voice deep within your soul that yearns to be held. His music does a wonderful job of helping his listeners as he walks us down some emotional paths. I Would Do It is an ode to a lover, we see the lover through his eyes and the acts of services and sacrifices he’s willing to make for them. The track encompasses some big feelings of desire and insecurity. Yet at no point do you feel isolated, he simplifies it all for us with his crystal clear voice and excellent production quality. Even though he speaks of a love that might go unrequited, he laces his words with saccharine, leaving us to dissect his words in retrospect because we were too busy experiencing the joy of his music in real-time. The ease with which he knocks at your senses eases in through the doorways of your brain and nestles in your heart is similar to watching Steve Carelle in a drama. This track would suit the love shared between the father and son in Beautiful Boy. Each time we see Steve in a drama, it always hits us a surprise simply because we’ve seen so much of him in comedies. Roger Ricks holds a multitude of perspectives within himself as a singer. I can imagine the kind of impactful performer he will be live. You can follow the links attached above to get a glimpse of it as well.
