CS Hellmann - Up Til Dawn
CS Hellmann gives the world a real working-class anthem that is vibrant energetic and has a truckload of subtext. In Up Til Dawn Hellmann successfully spreads the worry he has within the song to the listeners, bringing in a new definition for the word infectious. He gives the world the exact kind of melody that is missing to express the anxiety from within. It is truly fascinating to hear Hellmann make such infectious beats that rile you up emotionally. A key element to this rile up is the pacing of the track. This particular pacing is very similar to the retro alt-rock era of music. With the snappy drums and the electric guitar that moving from the background to the foreground, he reiterates that he is truly one with the music. Lyrics like “I can’t sleep” and “What I’m fighting for” has a sense of justice that is not entirely romanticized but is being demanded. This eludes to the fact that the song is both about Hellman and is also bigger than him, like a system. With the wide playground that Hellman has given himself, the production team has done an incredible job at maintaining its vastness of it while also streamlining the atmosphere of the track. This track would be on par with the number of themes that Beef (the series) holds. The rawness of both the track and the series makes it a match made in heaven... or should I say hell? I have no doubt that you will be turning up the volume as CS Hellmann blasts through your speakers. You must give his other tracks a listen as they will ruffle your feathers as much as this one. You can do through the links attached below.
CS Hellmann-Postcards
CS Hellmann disrupts the route popular music takes with just his unique style. Inspired by a lot of live instrument genres, he takes that love for imbibing the instrument and the feel it brings. The music echoes, because he’s hit all the right notes. Melodies don’t get any more addictive than this. This is his latest single, Postcards. So, the title alone gives a lot of space for assumption. I have heard singles with this name in the title, and they go pretty soft. CS Hellmann isn’t lovelorn. The drama in his postcards are resonating a bluesy, new wave rock sound. The beat is an incredible kicker. Something that stood out instantly was the bass line. Traditionally something that runs with the rhythm, this recedes in Hellmann’s music. More than welcome, because his way of telling the tale is his alone. How does one musician sound like The Cult, Joy Division and Johnny Marr at the same time? I struggle to explain it, but it is evident that CS Hellmann is forging a sound of his own. One addictive song at a time. Dreamy tones will ring in your head from this song long after it has finished. I would like to hear this in The King of Staten Island (2020). Though it has a decent closing track, this single would do more justice to the final scene. You can hear singles from him like Up Til Dawn and The Fear I Felt on his Spotify. An artist like this is rare to come across, follow him and show him some love!
CS HELLMANN - Something Simple
Chris Scott, better known as CS Hellmann, has delivered a mesmerizing blend of alternative pop and synthwave in his latest track, "Something Simple." This song is a testament to CS's growth as an artist, showcasing his ability to create a sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. From the moment the track begins, the vivid dynamic range of the drumkit captures your attention, laying down a solid foundation that drives the song forward. The blend of traditional rock instrumentation with shimmering synths creates a carefully crafted stereo field, enveloping the listener in a rich, immersive experience. The groovy turnarounds in the guitar riffs are proof of impeccable songwriting, offering unexpected yet seamless transitions that keep the listener engaged from start to finish. "Something Simple" feels like it could be the perfect soundtrack for intense moments in the Romance/Drama genre. Imagine the song playing during a romantic scene in "50 First Dates" or the tension-filled sequences in "The Notebook." The track's pulsating rhythm and atmospheric layers would enhance the visual storytelling, adding depth and intensity to pivotal scenes. The indie music scene has always valued authenticity and emotion, and CS delivers both in spades. His vocals, though not conventionally polished, carry a raw sincerity reminiscent of Jeff Tweedy from Wilco. This unfiltered emotional expression is what sets CS Hellmann apart and makes his music resonate on a deeper level. CS's journey from a young alt-rock enthusiast in Cincinnati, influenced by the likes of John Frusciante and Bradley Nowell, to a seasoned musician who has shared stages with OneRepublic and Better Than Ezra, is truly inspiring. After experiencing burnout in Chicago, he found renewed purpose in songwriting following a personal loss and a documentary that reignited his passion. This background infuses "Something Simple" with a sense of authenticity and depth, making it a standout track in his discography.