BLOODCAT-catcall$ 4 (director's cut)
Someone like BLOODCAT needs it to be just about the music. The image behind it can be a blur, an enigma. Any image you see of this artist doesn’t show their face, and that's their capacity as an artist. Let's talk about the music, like they would want us to. This is their album, catcall$ 4 (director’s cut). You need to see their growth as a prolific rapper in this year alone. BLOODCAT has released a constant barrage of albums this year, this being a director’s cut version after the deluxe. Their music has always encouraged thought and dialogue, and they don't shy away from ideas. The first single is charcuterie, laying bars over a distorted synth sound. This is a proper club track, but pay attention to the lyrics, and you’ll know what they're talking about. This selection of meats on the boards are deep cuts from their own life, experiences and how they've dealt with them. The groove is deep and executed with confidence. In reason and rhyme The vocals are on highlight with picture purrfect. The brilliance is the back and forth between the vocals and the hip-hop bars. The minimal instrumentals showcase the verses, creating the dissonant reality between the chorus and how it organically builds. As you’re amplified to this moment, vip creates the pedestal on which BLOODCAT has been placed. It deals with the importance and dialogue of being in the spotlight, and the oddities surrounding it, with resolve and finesse. A song like bonsai helps break from the mould as this artist would be placed. It has a reverberating soul to it, the rhyme scheme and attack is different. Though BLOODCAT is adept at navigating pathways of any hip-hop style, their lines are straight and edgy. With this song, they get comfortable and fold with the groove. Bankzy is quicker, working on the dynamism of the background, and the bank they make. There’s a reason raps like this are constantly featured on playlists, this rapper wants only their rap to speak the volumes they need. Two-step pussy brings a different rhythm section to a trap dream. It has an electrifying energy to it, something that you’d like to vibe to. The premise is zealous and exciting, teaching the sound to form around the artist as well. Titrate to the tune Funnel cake has a choir soul to it, in more ways than one. The core is modulating, but tears a hole in the expected aural tone. The verses bite into experiences one by one, and draws parallels that teach from it. In some ways, it is Lamar’s approach to how he raps, everything threaded to the attachment in the tangible world. Starface and 7up use some cool rhythm formed through BLOODCAT and their recording style. The use of pauses and changes in rhyme schemes make this song organic and original, never receding to the plainness of mediocrity. The songs in this cut are perfect for BLOODCAT’s own biography, a film that would be peppered with interesting and exciting happenings. It is something I’d love to see, even though parallels can be drawn from Creed & Champs. You can follow this artist for a steady stream of music on Spotify. Demon Slayer! and picture purrfect remain favourites, though you should listen for the story. Listen to their music and be sure to follow for more!
Proklaim-Priceless
A lyrical mastermind and a seashell in the sand. Proklaim has the story to tell you near the shore, and you’re going to listen. It isn’t the fact that he can balance a groove so well, but also to do with his connection to what he writes. His sound is truly his, and he is on an upward trajectory with wings bent to fly. This is his latest single, Priceless. Within the repetition of the opening of this song, you find the soul that guides you. What is priceless is Proklaim and his ability to traverse through a rap. Hitting hard truths and choosing the spoils in words, this is a jester in the moonlight. The soft, warm bass that echoes in the background makes for his canvas. As the sound is felt, so are the lines and verses, and you’ll have to hear them twice. This song is best enjoyed as an effect first, and as the narrative the second time around. The heat is in the moment, and he holds it for long-like coal embers. There’s a reason Proklaim is on so many Spotify playlists, every true music fan sees a spark that they want to be responsible for honing. From Creed to Just Mercy, you can hear this song be the spine for truth. The embarkation of the lyrical genius in his prime is worth witnessing, and can be seen in the protagonist. In many ways, this artist holds the same power as the film’s lead, kicking the doors open with your own weight. There is a legacy to follow, and some will be following his.
Moon and Aries- Break The Matrix (Episode Three)
Break the Matrix (Episode Three) is the latest release by Moon and Aries- Jordana Moon and Tom Aries. It is a part of a trilogy of the same title that was released over this year and the last. The songs carry forward the same themes as well while maintaining the vibe of each album. The EP is meticulously crafted, it showcases the duo's unique brand of electronic, soul and R&B influences. Illumination Society By Moon and Aries The opening track- Illumination Society sets the tone for the album. It paints a dreamy picture with Moon’s ethereal vocals drawing you in. She sings of the mentality of the population and the dystopian nature of life- how Love can be the aid we need. She goes from the singing of the population and swoops inwards into her own head in this track. The next number on the EP is Never For Me. It starts off with a fresh soundscape entirely with its percussion. It adds a futuristic Mediterranean feel with this and the echoing of Jordana Moon’s voice. She sings about love in this track and her rejection of it saying “It was never for me.” This is such a mood for most women at this point who seem to be playing between “I want a relationship” and “I’m the only one worth my time!”. From Another Dimension From Another Dimension has a trickling quality that is reminiscent of the early 2000s while also managing to sound futuristic at the same time. The synth in this track reminds me of Rihanna’s “Who’s that chick” but a mellow version of it. Aries/Tom's clean production makes this track what it is with the layering of the instrumentations, the choir and Moon’s voice itself. A film that represents futuristic dystopia with regard to emotions is Equals. The film showcases a future that strives to be productive and complications-free. How it wishes to do this is by controlling human emotions and making a regime that propagates an emotionless existence. This rids the human mind of the erratic nature of mental health and stabilises physical health as well. Our protagonists Nia and Silas break this cycle by confiding and falling in love with one another. Break The Matrix’s entire album can fit into the movies playlist exceedingly well. Moon and Aries vocals and production would help amp up the stakes for each of the characters and their scenes. Break The Matrix (Episode Three) is a stunning piece of work that showcases Moon and Aries chemistry through their talent and creativity. The Album stands as a strong example to the power of collaboration and experimentation. The soul-touching R&B and Electronic pop bumber has you hooked and exploring the other two releases. The decision to release the album as a trilogy must be appreciated. It helps the listeners to savour each album one bite/sitting at a time.
Amy Jaime - Into You
https://open.spotify.com/album/0e3c3BOXB6Yle34ZkbkIZT The latest single from Amy Jaime, "Into You," is a remarkable addition to the pop and R&B genre, showcasing her impressive vocal range and songwriting skills. The song's theme of longing and unrequited love is conveyed with emotional depth, making it a standout track among her other releases. The song starts with a delicate piano melody that gradually builds up with the addition of other instrumental layers, creating a perfect backdrop for the powerful vocals of Amy Jaime—her voice soars and dips, conveying the raw emotion and vulnerability of the lyrics with every note. She creates vivid imagery with her words, making the listener feel as if they are experiencing the same emotions as her. The opening lines "I keep staring, I keep thinking about you every single night" perfectly encapsulate the central theme of the song. As the song progresses, the nuances of music production come into play. Her music has an enchanting sonic presence with atmospheric effects filling up the stereo field. Especially noteworthy is the detuning effect of the outro. The song's production approach is flawless, with every element working together to create a cohesive and polished track. The subtle percussion and atmospheric synths enhance the emotional weight of the song, adding a layer of complexity to the already impressive vocal performance. With effective mixing and a catchy groove, "Into You" will prove to be a suitable addition to every playlist. Amy Jaime brings in a new perspective It is a song that can be used to great effect in movies and TV shows that deal with themes of unrequited love and longing. "Into You" would be a perfect fit for a scene in Bridgerton where the character of Daphne is pining for the love of Simon, who is unable to return her affections. In addition, the song would be a great addition to the soundtrack of the movie Call Me By Your Name, which deals with the themes of first love and heartbreak. The song's lyrics, "I hope he understands that I can't ever be with anybody else" would perfectly capture the intense emotions experienced by Elio and Oliver as they navigate their complicated relationship. Overall Amy Jaime's impressive talent as a pop and R&B artist takes shape with her soulful vocals and emotive songwriting. The pop star is undoubtedly a rising star to watch out for in the pop and R&B scene.
Tara MacLean- Sparrow
Tara Maclean released her latest album Sparrow and it is a testament to the healing power of music. Her Memoir “Song of the Sparrow” sheds light on her personal struggles that inspired the album. Her storytelling through words and music is deeply interlinked with each other at its very core. Every song on this album is proof of her excellent craft. Her childhood was filled with hunger, uncertainty and danger. Despite that, her solace was in music and writing, it gave her the strength to create a future for herself. That's Me- Sparrow Version Her single Sparrow is where it all starts. Largely, her first half is soft and mellow, leaning more towards R&B. It starts with abandonment. Sparrow speaks of being left when you need someone the most. While all this is true, she also speaks of themes of resistance in this one. Sparrow could also be termed as a restart rather than a start and boy is it strong and empowering! As the album progresses, it moves towards jazz and blues, having a fuller and sharper soundscape. But before we get to That’s Me- Sparrow Version is where it stops. And we hear the songs transition into different genres slowly. She puts a stop to her soft rounded-off notes and makes space for the Jazz. Divided- Sparrow Version She introduces a different texture of sounds in Divided- Sparrow version. We suddenly hear the percussion creating a baseline for the song to bounce off of and we’re here for it. The change in texture adds so much value to the storytelling with regard to the mood she has created. The character arch from this section is tremendous to the album. She somehow still maintains her heartfelt R&B soul through this section. A special mention to the orchestra in the last three tracks. It adds such an atmosphere of euphoria to the album. The production by Daniel Ledwell is outstanding, bringing together a phenomenal set of sounds and polishing it to perfection. The album evokes such moving images of resistance and overcoming hurdles and hardship. A film that showcases this and adds a little bit of spice to its story with the theme of revenge is Colombiana. The film is an action-packed powerhouse, Tara’s Sparrow would work wonderfully in any part, specifically the end. Where we could use Divided in the last fight scene which by the way did Sansa’s revenge with Ramsey Bolton way before her. Overall, "Sparrow" and "Song of the Sparrow" are both extraordinary works. It showcases incredible talent and strength by Tara MacLean. Her music and writing have touched the hearts of readers and listeners around the world. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity in their life. We can only hope that she continues to create and share her gifts with the world for years to come. You can find the links to socials underneath and don’t forget to give her powerful memoir a read.
Sean Kennedy- Another Life
Can someone call Orpheus cause he needs to know he’s got competition. Sean Kennedy seems to be equally good at serenading his love in Another Life, a song about heartbreak, yearning and longing for his love. Like a delicate rose petal, his voice floats above the instrumentals, carrying the weight of lost love and hope. Kennedy manages to infuse it with a sense of hope and optimism that makes it impossible to stop listening. Kennedy fills the song with large strokes of nostalgia leaving you with vivid pictures of love. A love that was once strong and pure now shattered into a million pieces. He captures the raw emotions of heartbreak perfectly. There is a subtle beauty in the grace with which he describes her going away. “ Well it might not have worked out. We’ll go our separate ways now. But I’m not giving up on you and me.” That’s right I can hear your heart break even over the expertly played drums in the song. Due to the retro quality of the song, it would be a perfect addition on to Letters to Juliet’s playlist. The sweet 2000s rom-com is a not so well known gem that recreates the balcony scene and gives us Darcy’s confession lines from Pride and Prejudice all in one scene. I am sure this is on all the literature girlies’ list of favourite films. Sean Kennedy clearly knows his listeners as he has given them what they want. A stunningly beautiful song that captures the essence of heartbreak and the hope. Another Life is a masterpiece with hauntingly beautiful lyrics that’s sure to bring back memories of past relationships. You must listen to this and more, another song to add to your break up playlist I guess.
Etim-Inyang-Caretaker
Etim-Inyang wants to reimagine R&B through his own frequency. Like an event disruptor, what he does with his style of delivery and music is something else. It is a little pop, a little R&B, and you might hear a funky-jazz feel from soul as well. That’ a lot for a mortal listener's mind to comprehend. You’re hearing otherworldly stuff with this artist. This is his latest single, Caretaker. There are a lot of songs on the expressions of love. If not good enough, the lyrics just seem to blend into the noise. Etim-Inyang approaches it like a recipe. Delicately taking apart the opening, he makes a fluidic, dynamic entrance. The instrumentals itself will give you vibe that you’ll be lost in. The instrumental flourishes and pushes are superb edges, like a slice through the emotions that are involved. He might be a caretaker, but he’s sensitive on all grounds. The vocals tremble with emotion, diving into the depth of the lyrics. Raw and flowing with nasty hooks, this is an instant crush personified. The harmonics add a new layer, a dimension to the song that draws you in to the lo-fi magic of this world Etim-Inyang creates. I imagined this song doing really well in season 3 of Atlanta. From the smooth grooves to sensual rhythms, this artist is a sorcerer that breathes the music he plays. His other songs like She Didn’t Mean It and Lights Out are caffeine pills for R&B lovers everywhere. Follow him and listen to his latest track, to show him the love he’s earned!
Mia Christ- Kiss Me With The Light On
Kiss Me With The Light On is the forbidden fruit in Eden and we are all just helplessly addicted to this creation by Mia Christ. The song’s mellow heartbreak leaves you wanting to put Mia back in one piece. With every note, Kiss Me With The Light On oozes with desire, longing and heartbreak at its very core and it is delivered with honey dripping at every corner. Christ’s emotive Voice has your attention hooked and captive. It becomes the very Backbone of the track. The production of this track is top-notch. It has a slow steady beat that compliments the song’s melancholic temperature. I believe the instrumentals is the “no makeup makeup look” of the song because Christ’s voice reverberates in your soul. It stands out wonderfully because the instrumentals play ninja in the background, letting her voice glide gracefully into your chest. The two complement each other impeccably, creating a rich tone that perfectly conveys the pain of heartbreak and longing. Honestly. the song is so versatile, it can elevate any scene revolving around heartbreak. But one film that would make room for the scene to shine as much as the song is Her. The interesting story behind Her is while Spike Jonez made Her after his divorce, Sofia Coppola, his ex made “Lost In Translation”. Each director immortalizing their heartbreak. Kiss Me With The Light On is truly a song that moves you and deserves to see the light od your playlist. You must catch this track by Mia Christ and more.
Charise Sowells-Obsolescent Adolescence
Charise Sowells controls the atmosphere surrounding sound with her voice. Not only can she navigate seamlessly through genres, she makes it look easy. Her tact and grace in her vocals and compositions create a temperature change that might discombobulate. She brings her first album release here to us, with Obsolescent Adolescence. She chooses to open the album up with some post-grunge goodness. Morning Breath is a track that leans in on melodic syncopation, tones and notes in seeming disarray. It creates for a mysterious, rich connect of sound, while seemingly dropping a haze on the musical machine you observe. Heartbreak Town is the next single, her vocals commanding the mood and attention. If the spotlight is on her, it is a warm, envious glow. The soul & R&B blend is incredible to listen to, an unlikely fusion of tones once again. Charise Sowells creates a stylish walking track with her execution of the powerful, commanding lyrics. Bedroom Eyes is a sensual, swinging song with that shows her dapper movement through symphony. The instrumental flourishes direct you to a different kind of picture. R&B and soul magic I Never Loved You directs you to a scene of a dysfunctional relationship. Her contrast is apparent and strong, ukulele tones offsetting the sombre texture of the lyrics. Charise Sowells is a musician who can project the mood based on her voice, something like what Amy Winehouse did with her lyrics. A flushing wave of positivity comes with Magical Month. The progression, lyrics-all create a shift that flips the tone of the album from then to now. The harmonics might even tend to make you emotional, a beautifully composed song. Even Grace Ages summons resonating, demanding bass notes to complement Charise and her voice. It is an intoxicating sound, the composition crisp with her show of musical talent. Twilight Hour brings you back to psychedelia with some enchanting grooves. The way she can sustain notes, bring you into the fold of the song-summon the drama to you, is unlike any other indie vocalist right now. Still Waiting takes you to a café on the outskirts of Italy- a scene just that kind of rhythm can create. Her vocals are suppressed, long in the distance-as though she is unreachable. I Am The Universe is an exhibit of energy that seems to be contained in pockets. Her lyrics are what intrigue you, making for some perfect contained chaos. To stretch time Pura Vida translates to Good Life, and that’s what she dreams of living. It is a shift in groove, tempo and style to something more. As we approach Validate Me, her experimentation of tones and their intersection has reached a superb peak. Closing off with Better Day, she shows us how going the distance in music really means experimenting without boundaries. Charise Sowells could have created this as a soundtrack for her life, and it would sound essentially perfect. I could see this in Atomic Blonde (2017) though, due to the varying styles of genres and the attempts to drastically shift tone. You can obsess to her album above, and make sure you follow her for more music like this!
Mikalah Gordon- Good Girl (Acoustic)
Mikalah Gordon has you holding your breathe with every breathe she uses to utter a note in Good Girl (Acoustic). The gritty R&B singer released the acoustic version of the Good Girl and it has you channeling thunder; that’s how powerful it leaves you feeling. She lists out every incident that amounts to women and every non-male person being shamed by society. The instrumental version is rich in texture. It is a palatable rendition of heartbreaking stories that most of us go through in our lifetime. The acoustic version on the other hand has you catching and processing every word that Mikalah sings. While everything about the acoustic version of Good Girl is smooth as butter. It would be a lie if I say that the acoustic version seamlessly sits with you because it doesn’t. That’s what sets the song apart. The song makes you feel uncomfortable with Mikalah’s brilliant storytelling ability and her passion. I’d like to think that this is Mikalah taking back agency and owning her narrative. I hope she realises that she is empowering her listeners through this song as well. The song would fit in incredibly well in the world of Awkward. The series is gold. It showcases a school universe for what it is, it’s like Mean Girls except it’s where the men are as flawed as the women. If this isn’t a testament to the talent that Mikalah Gordon holds, I don’t know what is. Good Girl (Acoustic) is gritty, powerful and empowering. She comes in packing the perfect punch that has you hitting the replay button again and again. Petition to release this on Spotify as well. You must catch this queen of emotions on all her socials, attached below.
Destiny Imani-Out In The Open, Pt. 1
Destiny Imani changes tones and temperatures with the kind of music she makes. A singer-songwriter that writes from the heart to the heart, you’ll not find emotive music like this everywhere. She takes special care in the kind of messages and tones she puts together. Her latest album is a collection of themes and sounds that express and bare it all. This is Out In The Open, Pt. 1. To find out how emotive her music is, all you need is to listen to the opening single. Loving You is the first single, and the lights are bright on her voice. The well spread, soft ambience just about complements her vocals, but the story is in the words and notes. You immediately relate to Destiny Imani, this unconditional feeling she holds for someone. The second verse doubles on the beats and how she’s expressing the love grow. Just like the emotion, the music extends its layers as well. It creates a dense and well crafted cake of sound, while her voice slices through. Destiny dives into the essence of soul with her second single. This time, you’ll feel it wrap around you like water. Swelling R&B beats pull you in gently, while the groove marinates. It is an enjoyable, soothing premise, till Destiny Imani brings her voice and sprinkles magic on top. The lyrics are relatable and cause an instant synapse connection. Along with the chorus, the sound skips to another style, a delivery method that is unique. Destiny pushes the lyrics with equal effort, affectional and deliberate. It is a catchy, musical experience that you’ll want to lose yourself in, while dancing. We progress to Until the End, which is the closing track. Obviously, for this Destiny Imani would choose a special aural experience. The swelling instrumental soundscape helps to create a chute for escapism. The euphoria is perceptible, it allows you to really breathe in the song for what it is. Something about Destiny’s way of writing songs makes you feel like it is about you. I especially felt that in this whole collection of tracks. It is an instant way of knowing what words you relate to, what would another human relate to. My heart belongs in different parts now. I would like to hear this in the stellar series, I May Destroy You. Well written and full of emotional twists and turns, this album would be fitting in any of the episodes of the first season. Listen to Destiny’s powerful single Again, and know of her vocal power. Follow her for more immensely powerful music like this!
Talia Grace - Soliloquy
Talia Grace gives a piece of her world to us in her latest single- Soliloquy. From start to finish, she has you hooked. This new single is everything, from introspective to immersive to vulnerable. The enchanting and soulful R&B track takes you on a gentle journey with Talia. Every feeling of hopelessness and loneliness she faces, she has hope and strong interpersonal relationships to counter it. Grace expertly puts on display the hardships she faces with life and its concepts. The lush soundtrack gives you hope along with this loneliness. The line that sticks with you long after the song ends is “My sister little girl still gets excited to see me. Beautifully relentless life still goes on.”. How can you not fall in love with the resilience to find joy and happiness to hold on to and keep life-ing with strength? And she does all this with so much tenderness. She almost makes your heart glow with the gentleness she holds for her listeners. Grace’s velvety smooth voice invokes such strong imagery of toughness through hardships. This particular quality is also seen in Rachel Getting married. Indie films carve their way into your heart, but this one? It’s a tear-jerker, so make sure you have a box of tissues with you while you're at it. I mean this for both the song and the film. I cannot begin to tell you the layering that has gone into this minimal-sounding song that makes it so perfect. To achieve this, the production team is obviously a bunch of magicians. You must check out Talia Grace if you need a ray of hope in your life at the moment and maybe share this with someone and make their day?