Avi Kytes - Roll Over
Attention attention! A vibrant Alt-pop anthem has entered the chat! Roll Over by Avi Kytes simmers and bursts with energy and the enthusiasm is contagious. With catchy hooks, pulsating beats and Kytes sultry and infectious vocals, the number is an instant mood lifter. Roll Over is Avi's first single that has been released. As the beats roll out of the song, the single gets you in your feet with its excellent wind instrument section. The song begins with a percussion bit that immediately has your ears perked. The song springboards off of these percussion beats and the song pulsates with a rhythm that is hard to resist. The irresistible beats has you closing your eyes and surrendering to it and Avi’s vocals help you drift away into the journey that the song takes you on. It has to be mentioned that the production on this song is incredibly neatly done, every section is stitched together to perfection. So much so that the desire and tension between new lovers is delivered with an uplifting spirit. This makes it impossible to resist and to not relate. Leaving you with an undeniable urge to sing along and dance without inhibition. The danceability on this track is high with its bubbling percussion paired with the incredible wind instrument section. This very fact makes it the best song to be used in Work It. The film has an incredible playlist both for singing and dancing. Avi Kytes has done the world a favour by giving us a mood lifter. So, turn up the volume, and let loose with Roll Over.
Kevin Walsh - Not a Dry Eye in the House
When you feel the weight of the world and you just want to pause time and let the emotions whip out, Kevin Walsh comes in with Not a Dry Eye in the House. The track is a beautiful and gut-wrenching rendition of pain. With Kevin’s theatre background, he has created a pop-operatic single that is ready to take center stage. Kevin embellishes the track with so much cinematic value that it really adds a sense of drama to his descriptive lyrics. This number begins with a slow-burn piano section that propels Kevin's beautiful voice. As he sings, you know that he means every word which is only elevated by the backing voices. By the time the track crescendos, you feel the spot light zero in on Kevin and with no one else around and it feels like a intimate rendition just for you. Everything about the song is spot on, the production, the lyrics, the instrumentals and the vocals. It is unlike any song in the Indie music scene right now. I bet that if we take all of Kevin’s songs, he’ll be able to pull together a musical right away. The quality of the description is very reminiscent of Johnathan Larson. The track would resonate beautifully in the second act of Rent when Angel dies. I bet that if we take all of Kevin’s songs (even the unreleased ones), he’ll be able to pull together a musical right away. This is only one of two songs by Kevin Walsh that is on Spotify. So click on the links above and urge him to write and produce more such wonderful music. He deserves to be celebrated for his wonderful eye for detail.
Jordana Delgado - Autumn Leaves
Jordana Delgado has the weight of the hills falling on earth with the grace of a neem leaf with her latest dramatic release “Autumn Leaves”. The track is everything, it is light and airy because of the piano but due to the same reason, we also feel the gravity of the song. While the song is a cover, it takes its own life with a hint of jazz in there as well. Autumn Leaves and its roots according to Jordana Delgado Congratulations on the release of your new song, "Autumn Leaves." Can you tell us what inspired this song and the story behind it? Thank you! “Autumn Leaves” is a piano arrangement of the famous jazz standard composed by Joseph Kosma in 1945. It has always been one of my favourite songs. Back in 2021, when I started my social media platforms as a musician, I used to post weekly videos of my musical arrangements. I had a lot of fun arranging something new every week! One week, I decided to write a piano instrumental arrangement of “Autumn Leaves”. I wanted it to have a waltzy feeling because I imagined the leaves flying, swirling and dancing in the wind. I had no idea, back then, that I was going to professionally record it and officially release it in 2023. A Melody Box of surprises Jordana carries the track immensely well with a toolbox full of experience when it comes to music. We hear how she brings in a certain theatre to the movement of every key. It almost dances with vibration with our ears and hearts You have a diverse background in music, from classical piano to world music. How has your musical journey influenced the creation of "Autumn Leaves" and your current style? Right after my classical piano degree, I studied jazz harmony and arrangements. At the same time, as you mentioned, I was passionate about world music, so I started playing, analyzing and arranging that type of music too. I don’t think one has to subscribe to one genre only. I think the story you tell in your song leads the way, and then you apply whatever resources you need to serve that story. The wider the music knowledge, the more tools you have, and the better you serve the stories. Regarding “Autumn Leaves”, when you listen to it, I think one can tell my classical music background. I think it ended up being a beautiful blend between classical piano and jazz. The Storyteller's Song Why the name Autumn Leaves? Is there a story behind it? You released your first album, "Rainy Times," in 2021. How does "Autumn Leaves" relate to the overall theme or evolution of your music since then? Since it is a cover, I decided to keep the original title. When listening to the English version of the song (the original was written in French), the lyrics say that the colours of the falling leaves remind him of his summer love. My debut album “Rainy Times” is all original music. However, I also love to write arrangements. “Autumn Leaves” complements my album in that respect. Since it is a cover, it shows how I can transform an existing song into my own personal sound. Every note has a purpose which also speaks highly of the quality of production on the track. While it does that, we also feel how carefully Jordana has taken time out to sculpt her song, note by note. The notes land like feathers on grass to our ears, gracefully, lightly but with an impact that can never be forgotten. The Jordana Delgado and her Brewing Art Can you share some insights into your songwriting (writing your lyrics and the crafting portion of the songwriting process) process? Of course! When I write a song, I like to start by writing the lyrics. The lyrics hold the most meaningful part of the story, and they get most of the attention, so I like to craft them separately. That way I don’t have to fit the words into pre-existing structures, I have total freedom to say what the story needs; I can create the phrases as long or as short as the story needs; the rhyme can also be custom-made to the needs of the story… Once I have the lyrics, adding the music is fairly easy. I always make sure the music matches the story 100%, otherwise the lyrics would lose their power. Throughout this process there is a lot of improvisation. I allow myself to be playful and bold. Once I have the basic structure of the song, it is time to get into the tiny details and, for that part, I get analytical. Is the chord progression flowing well? Is the melody helping the words?... Always, of course, with the story in mind. Sometimes, you may need to sacrifice what you like for what the story needs. Collaboration and Storytelling Your musical journey has included involvement in various bands and projects. How has your solo career allowed you to express yourself differently as an artist post these collaborations? I have been involved in many musical projects: classical music ensembles, acapella bands, and indie-pop bands, I even had my own musical theatre company for a few years! However, in all of them, I was mostly playing other people’s music or my own arrangements of other people’s music. Having my solo career has allowed me to bring to light my own original music. The stories that I have been creating on the side over the years. You mentioned "The Rainy Times Story," a short film connected to your previous album. Are there any visual elements or storytelling mediums associated with "Autumn Leaves"? For those readers that are new to my world, “The Rainy Times Story” is a 9-episode short film that develops through the tracks of my debut album “Rainy Times”, and it can be watched on my YouTube channel. It is a very special story about the pass of time. However, there is one more layer to the story, as “The Rainy Times Story” is also about the struggles of the different stages of the creative process. This story suddenly came to me one day, when I was looking at the track list of my album. I talked about it to a friend who works in the film industry, he got very excited about it, and we ended up filming it! However, that was a very long process and an overwhelming amount of work. For that reason, for “Autumn Leaves”, I decided to keep things simple and there isn’t a visual story, although I did record a music video under a beautiful, colourful maple tree. Receivers Reaction to Jordana Delgado How has the audience received Autumn Leaves so far? Are there any interesting stories that come up, if so would it be okay to share them? What do you hope your listeners will take away from "Autumn Leaves," I am very happy with the audience’s response; they have been listening to “Autumn Leaves” on Spotify non-stop! It had been 2 years since I last released music, so I’m very grateful. I hope my listeners think about my rendition of “Autumn Leaves” when they are walking at the park or the forest, and see all those colourful leaves falling from the trees. Hopefully my music inspires them to be playful and dance with them. I can’t think of any particular story that happened so far, but I can say that “Autumn Leaves” is just the first single of an upcoming EP that will come out in the spring of 2024. The EP follows all the seasons: Fall, Christmas, Winter, Spring and Summer. “Autumn Leaves” was just the beginning of something bigger that I am very excited to share with the world! What must be spoken about at length is the fact that Jordana Delgado has filled this song to the brim with an intensity that words can never bring. Jordana’s art is sophisticated with every element in the art world that will have your attention, hook, line and sinker. This track would be wonderful in La La Land if there ever was a sequel where they meet and talk to each other. This track has the energy of old lovers, making it the perfect song for the film. So, I say, wait no more. Let the drama of emotions sweep you away wordlessly with Autumn Leaves by Jordana Delgado. I urge you to click the links above and bless yourself with great music as they say, music is food for the soul.
Rachael Sage - I Made A Case
I Made A Case is a soundscape made of the finest silk from China, Rachael Sage has made sure, that every inch is filled with craft & grace. Rachel has a keen eye on the ways a song can ebb and flow. We hear it here! We hear her hold back just enough vocally, to only come back with the most gentle yet strong punch. The track is everything! It has you catching new details in every listen. I Made A Case starts off with the most gentle piano and violin combination. We then hear Rachel and Howard Jones gingerly make their entrance. Every inch of the song feels like a ballroom dance floor that is waiting for the couples to step in. The cinematic value within this song is off the chart. With every rise and fall of the instrumentals, you can imagine where the camera is and whom to focus on. The drama that the instrumental section brings in is a chef’s kiss to the number. The duo have such great chemistry that hits us like a wave that takes our imagination on a surf ride. This would be the perfect song for the moment just before the climax when the lead actors in a romance movie realize they are in love on the dance floor. If you thought of Enchanted, you thought right. The way this song would fit like Cinderella’s shoe for when Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsy realize they are in love on the dance floor! I highly suggest you give Rachael Sage a listen, she is an Indie Gem that draws from the earth and gives to the world. Click on the links above and know more about this beautiful and talented artist.
I Panic - Laughing, Talking, Loving
Laughing, Talking, Loving is a pillow of a song to lay on as we seek the comfort and desire that I Panic or otherwise known as Marcel has given us. The track feels like a diary entry that is only for the owner of the diary to know. We are transported back into the disco-funk-soul era of the 1970’s. This is the very reason as to why it is so hard to categorize Marcel. His tracks in general are so versatile. The track is a hue of feelings. We know that there is an immense amount of craft that is present in the song, simply by the mixture of both pop and theatre in the beginning. We hear the piano chime in as the wind herself moves the keys. And then the main attraction sweeps in gently to steal our sleep. The track literally embodies the title- the desire to talk, laugh and love. But this is also laced with a layer of pain and yearning because it isn’t present currently. Making this song a very relatable one to a lot of people at this time of year. I truly believe that the era where they mixed rock and theatre was some of the best years in musical theatre. And because of this very reason Laughing, Talking, Loving would work beautifully in Rent when Roger and Mimi break up. I Panic is going to be ever relative because of his quality of work and because of his diverse genre range. So, you should really give the star of the Indie Music scene a follow huh? Click on the links above and give him a well-deserved follow and some attention.
Gianfranco GFN - Saigon
Gianfranco GFN dawns two hats in his latest release, Saigon, one that of a musician and the other of an architect, he embarks on a multifaceted journey. While the singer-songwriter has his focus on jazz, he brings a unique brand of acid jazz to the table. As a consequence of which his music should come with a warning label as it tends to be highly addictive. Gianfranco brings in expert layering right off the bat. He begins with a slow yet striking guitar section, which is quickly layered with the keys. By then Gianfranco swaggers in with his cool as blue voice. He has an eye for world-building, introducing us slowly and swiftly to each new element. He does all this as he describes the beautiful girls and streets of Saigon. The light and airy guitar brings the vibrant city alive with his voice. He molds the city behind our closed eyelids with lush, and airy instrumentals. As he does this we realize the wonderful layering and production quality that Gianfranco is capable of. It fills our senses and creates its own ambience. It only seems fit for a song with such wonderful theater to get included in a Tony-winning musical like Miss Saigon. While the musical deals with heavier themes, the moments of levity can be filled by Saigon. If there is one thing you do today, let it be allowing yourself to explore the many worlds that Gianfranco GFN creates with his work. You can click on the links attached above and travel, visa-free.
Twice Dark - Telekinetic
Welcome to the technicolored brilliance that Twice Dark brings to the table with his latest number, Telekinetic. The singer-songwriter and genius producer that he is has urged him to experiment with goth and add a romantic touch with retro to his work. He brings alive rhythms with a colourful rendition of sounds that provide a robust listening experience. He says so himself that he is inspired by the melancholic grandeur of decaying industrial spaces. The drums kickstart the song, patiently catching and holding our attention, a spine that runs the length of the song. By the time we hear the keyboard enter the stage, the vocals have taken over the floor. Giving us an elaborate contemporary performance in terms of sounds. There is a chiming sound that twinkles from the keyboard, adding a romantic touch to the song. We hear a tasteful combination of gothic, classical, and retro (the disco era specifically). He weaves techno sounds that add flashes of colour to the song. This tapestry of music is unique to Josh Kreuzman; he adds sharp sounds paired (in terms of his instrumentals) with his soft, more rounded vocals. He seems to be attracted to bringing together opposites—an experimentation of extremes. A song like this would fit in without even a whisper of doubt in The Rocky Horror Picture. Much like the film, the song is brimming with spunk and personality. If you are into all this and more, click on the links attached above and let Twice Dark take you on a ride. Buckle up before you hit play!
Thammarat - Normal
If you are searching for what lies beyond the rainbow, Normal, the latest release by Thammarat is it. A wanderlust of emotions and a fierce embracing of oneself. When the world refuses to make space for you, art does it in the tiniest of ways, and he makes sure that this point shines in this number. The track sticks to his strengths, which are musical theatre and R&B; however, he adds a little bit of synth spice by bringing in pop to the song. He fills the space with a rush of energy right from the start with a thumping bass that is in tandem with your heart. Thammarat wastes no time as his vocals take centre stage and put words to feelings of the discomfort of growth. While the pulsing drums sear straight to the stars, the track feels like a grounding exercise, reminding him that all his feelings and realities are normal. When he says, “Because parents raise but do not decide the you who makes you feel alive; if you lean more toward girl than guy and that feels normal, it should be normal!” he suddenly makes magic. You can imagine the lights dim as a spot remains on him; suddenly it's a deeply personal performance where he looks and lyrically embraces you. The track has a natural musical and storytelling nature to it. The track exudes the angst that Dear Evan Hanson carries along with the awareness and pop culture of The Politician. So if there ever is a world where they collide, this song is it. You can check out more of Thammarat’s work by clicking on the links attached above.