Adik Angel- Evasions (Remix)
Adik Angel is a Switzerland based songwriter and composer. She has released over 7 albums in the past 7 years. One of them being “Heartbeat” a peppy number that has very rustic earthy yet upbeat tones within it. This isn’t to say that Adik sticks to a single genere or one kind of song making. With Genres such as Hip- Hop, dance and techno and textures such as rustic balcanic and nature, she caters to large variety of people. Evasions Remix by Adik Angel has a throwback atmosphere to it. With its techno beats and disco rhythm its most definetely going to make you groove. The song slowly begins as the synth does a classic drum like disco take off and we dive right into the song. The song gives you a strong imagery of space and a dance club. The excellently layered and repeating of vocals really help bring out the swerling notes within the song. This song is not about being profound and the sounds doesn't say it as well. Evasion helps you put on your rose tinted glasses, gyrate and pirouette across the dance floor. We can imagine Evasion in so many movies owing to its peppy and relaxed nature. It can be used in a chase sequence like in Tykwer’s Run Lola Run or it could also be in Clueless at the dance. This song has so much potential to amp the themes within a scene up. I can even imagine this track in experimental plays as well. Adik Angel is a one of a kind composer. She uses nature as her inspiration to help us connect with it. If you are a techno fan, I highly suggest you follow her on all social media platforms and keep yourself updated on her beautiful wok.
Vidorra- Green for Go
Vidorra is a UK based singer, songwriter. The artist's songs are unlike anything I've heard before. He creates trippy beats that the body strangely enjoys moving to. MIA, Vidora's hit single is what caught people's attention, which has over 150,000 listens on Spotify. He is an artist that is breaking boundaries when it comes to genres. Vidorra is extremely Avant Garde with the kind of music he puts out into the world. The daring artist is clearly breaking the conventions of music while he still has you taping your feet to his music. Green for Go by Vidorra Green for Go is Vidorra’s new album which is a collaboration with Chanakya Kathuria. The name already evokes images of the forest and traffic lights, two things that are hard to imagine. The album has 10 fresh singles that amounts to a wapping 34 minutes worth of listening minutes. In a day and age where artists release mostly singles, this shows such great commitment and love for the art. The songs in the album have an untypical sense of cohesiveness to them even though they are widely different individually. The album begins with “Your Birthday” for which the video just dropped on his youtube page. The song has such a mellow upbeat texture to it and when Vidorra’s voice makes an entrance, it feels purposefully forced. This feeling is very similar to most birthdays when conventions demand that you be happy and celebrate it even though you might not be happy or want to celebrate it. The other song that follows the opposite tone within the album is “Happiness” that speaks about happiness unironically. “Dropping the Light Switch” demands your attention with its distinguishable beat structure. Every song in this album is so expertly produced. it feels like you are stepping onto a new ride in a carnival each time you listen to a song, just as enjoyable and exhilarating. Todd Phillip's The Hangover is a film that takes turns as sharply as this album. In the movie, you don't know where it's headed. The unexpectedness the film only makes it that much more enjoyable. You can imagine a scene from The Hangover where “Here We Go Again” plays in the background as they are partying. Vidorra describes about his writing process. Where the tracks are created in a flow state. It is seen in his music as well- a Brechtian sort of repetition of certain phrases or sounds. The music is unlike anything I have experienced before, it evokes a vivid range of emotions and imagery.This album has a forest’s worth of variety in it, some songs last for 4 mins and few last for half its time. It is no wonder he has listeners across the US and UK and the base is only growing. You must follow him to catch up to his brilliantly trippy music and even more so to catch his new releases.
Gallowayyys- Angels With Fangs, PT. 1
Gallowayyys has done it again with his fresh release- Angels With Fangs Pt.1. It is an impressive Indie Techno pop album that features a seamless dynamic blend of textures. The track ranges from techno to rock. The album is a bite-sized one that leaves you wanting more. It consists of three tracks- Dye It Red, Pink Lemonade and Sticky Fingers. The tracks really do a great job of parading Gallowayyys' versatility and skill. Dye It Red and Gallowayyys Dye It Red is a high-energy number and it manages this while being low-key. The driving beats and pulsing synths create a beat that you can’t help grooving to. As the song starts this way, it peaks as he starts rapping. The song feels like a haze. It comes, taking you into a disco-lit world, urging you to break free and let the beats take over. Pink Lemonade Pink Lemonade is pure vibes. The tracks comes in barrelling you with its beats, daring you to not groove. The shimmering synths is reminiscent of the video game era. You have to peer your ear to get a hold of the lyrics and this is a theme we see throughout the album. You must let the storm that is the album take you in and dance at the centre of the hurricane. To say that the beats are hypnotics is saying the least. Sticky Fingers Sticky Fingers is a slow-build track compared to the other two tracks. It’s a lot more paced out. What is interesting to note in all his tracks is that the beats and his vocals are in power. There is this sense of surrendering yourself to the music and allowing it to make you feel what it does. This number leaves you in a trance state of mind almost as if you are dancing as you meditate. Emily in Paris is one of those TV shows that leaves you loving it or hating it. But what neither can argue with is the shows excellent take of fashion, it is set in Paris of course. Of course, the playlist of the show is a lot more girl pop but it could really use some Avante Garde expression as well. I can imagine Gallowayyys playing in the background as Emily takes a few risquè decisions which she will pay for later. Much like the show, Gallowayyys tracks urges you to live in the here and now as it shakes you into reality. The album is only eight minutes long but is also only Part 1. This gets you all perked up for the next album. We want to know whether it’s going to be the same or it’s going to do a 180 on us and serve us something completely different. All in all, Gallowayyys trumpets the beginning of the Renaissance of music and he does it with panache.
The Pink Nostalgia- Space and Time
The Pink Nostalgia has come in with a pretty little cloud of a song that squeezes out the youth in you in Space and Time. If Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara had a vocal baby it would be The Pink Nostalgia. All three of them have the ability to encapsulate feelings and periods of time perfectly within 3 minutes. The song is driven by the instrumental that set the stage for a stellar performance by The Pink Nostalgia. It is perfectly complemented by a techno drum section that is reminiscent of the disco classics section. They take the listener on a journey through space and time. They seem to question their youth and how they sometimes think too much and sometimes not be able to keep up with their own body and life, in a world that often seeks to categorize and constrain. The chorus is particularly impactful, with “In my mind i didn’t realise, all i need is space and time.” Serving as a powerful reminder that growth and self- discovery are ongoing processes that require patience and self-compassion. A series that perfectly encapsulates this feeling is The Politician. A song that came to me continuously that Ben Platt has sung in the series is “Vienna”. I think Space and Time would be a perfect addition to The Politician’s soundtrack. "Space and Time" is a beautifully crafted piece of music that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply personal.
Thought Theory - Grand Delusion
Imagine yourself running in a film and there is a track playing in the background; it is most definitely Grand Delusion by Thought Theory. The brilliant fusion of electric music and aesthetic mood music has most definitely gained attention. The hypnotic music holds your attention like no other track out there. The ever-so-talented singer knows how to brand his music because it is clearly unique. As we hear the first few notes descend down our sound pipe, there is a slow build of exhilaration. There is a fever dream quality to the track that is clearly intended by Thought Theory. It is also mildly reminiscent of the flower power era with its trance-like touch that is engineered into the tapestry of the track. The track insinuates to the fact that money is as good as cocaine in giving you grand delusions. The dynamic edge to the track is what sets it apart, of course, you hear the track evolve but you also hear a wild range of texture when it comes to the instrumentals. The earthy techno touch has you immersed in a bohemian mosh pit. A series that, hands down, has the best music out there is Umbrella Academy. And why wouldn't it? Especially when it is based on a comic book series written by a literal punk rock legend- Gerard Way. The series has more than a few classics in its playlist and Grand Delusion would fit in effortlessly. The track is crafted to perfection; the techno prowess, the touch of pop and retro sensibility point towards brilliant songwriting by Thought Theory and a seasoned production team. If you haven’t hit the play button yet, what are you doing? Go give his other tracks a listen as well, they are as good as this one!
LTB - Slow Down
LTB gives us the perfect concoction to savor as we let our memories of past regrets and uncertainties take over our senses with his latest release Slow Down. LTB is keen on bringing something new to the table every time he releases new music. He does so with this as well, he successfully brings together R&B and techno with a vulnerable touch. LTB seamlessly packs his vocals with so much conviction that it has your knees weak. He is an exquisite storyteller and this quality shines in the song. He weaves together a plethora of worries that go on in his head, all in under 5 minutes. There is passion and meaning in his delivery. This track feels like a moment of pause and thought in a man’s life. Therefore, the track is the perfect addition to Lucifer, the Netflix series. So grab a drink, sit down, hit play and allow yourself to float in LTB’s world. You can get more such incredibly produced tracks by him in the links attached above. What are you waiting for? Go on, get your brain chemistry altered with the vulnerability well that LTB offers you with every breathe that leaves his mouth.
Modal Split - One Step
Modal Split ought to pat himself on the back as he gives the world a brand new single- One Step to groove to while they suffer through a heartbreak. The track is a song that is filled to the brim with surprises. The techno-pop track hits the floor running with its techno hook. The poetic ballad refuses to let go of your attention. It has you hooked on the ebb and flow of melody. The beats make so much room for the singer’s vocal range to come through and they perform with conviction. The intensity of the lyrics and the lightness of the beats is a great combination for us listeners to get comfortable with the beats. Working Moms has the perfect setting for One Step to take its place in the series. This estrogen-filled roller coaster of a series is the perfect match for the track. Considering the track is just as masterful as the series, you must click on the links attached above to get your hands on some exquisite music!
Will Sims - You Have a Voice, Use It
Will Sims will have you eating out of his hands by the end of his latest album release- You Have a Voice, Use It. The album is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to lose track of life and thoughts sometimes but the very fact that you have a consciousness is a sign that you are strong enough to pull yourself back together. This rock album will have you on the edge of your seat by the end of it. So buckle up while I give you a blow-by-blow account of this chef’s kiss of an album. If you're a rock lover, this is the perfect album for you! Lose Control with Will Sims The opening act of this grand circus of an album is Lose Control. The track is intense while the rock elements are slowly and steadily injected into the track. The way the vocals come running right at you and hold your attention firmly is magical. The track is the perfect explainer for why the album is called, You Have a Voice, use it. I Should Have Never Given Up On You I Should Have Never Given Up On You is a track that can be set apart in the entire album. You hear that it has a little country/pop and rustic edge to it. This is owed to the amazing guitar work. This track is a good breathing point. It also gets your mind going “Did I hit shuffle by mistake?”. Clearly, Will Sims is a master of all traits and genres. You keep waiting for the rock to come in but nope… Until, What Are You Doing but they pepper the track with a little bit of techno. This is also the track that gives you your “Aha!” moment as you hear “You have a voice, use it.” Where Are You Now Where Are You Now is the perfect end to the album. He literally wraps up the album with the concept of ending as well. And you see this throughout as well, Will is the perfect storyteller because he is telling us a story with every ounce and inch of the track. He does this with the themes, the sounds, vocals and even genre. He moves from hard rock to soft guitar work and then back to rock- a full circle. He sings to us of a lost lover that he pines and aches for. Hear me out, I know it’s odd but I think that the tracks on the album would fit the arch of Zach Efron in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Cile. The intensity of the track helps the twists and turns of his character. You can also imagine Will saying “You have a voice speak up.” as Lilly Collins has to make a decision. All in all, this album is a 10/10. Hit that play button and click on the links attached above and get more information about Will Sims and his upcoming work.
Moose Wrench - Don't Let Me Down
You go into a track expecting melody and respite from the world but Moose Wrench is bent on giving us an experience with Don’t Let Me Down. The track is anything but mainstream and unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. This techno dream ballad falls between rock, techno, experimental and pop. The track makes you wonder what the creation process was like. This is not new for this dream team at all, creating unique ear-worms has always been their forte. The track begins with the slow swagger creep of beats, and from then on, it’s a steady climb upwards. This banger of a track has an evolution of genres within the span of 4 minutes. This also speaks to the exquisite craftsmanship of the producers in the chord progression department. We also hear the track swell in size with the textures throughout. With distinctive sounds that are brought in, right from the trickle-like sound at the beginning to the rock vocals. Half the song is world-building, you hear the lyrics only once we hit the two-minute mark. You don’t even realize the lack of words because the music speaks loud here. This track would be perfect in Coraline or at least a new-age iteration of it. This film is known to have given nightmares to so many people. But the imagery that is painted in both the novel and the film is deeply unnerving and a true work of art. If you haven’t already, don’t be shy to click on the links attached above to know more about Moose Wrench and their work.
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.
Antoine HLT - Acrostiche
I have never seen anyone come close to the kind of commitment Antoine HLT shows in his music. The French composer/producer has released 3 albums so far, one of them being over an hour and 48 minutes long. This happens to be his latest album- Acrostiche. His other two albums are also close to an hour long each. What we are seeing here is dedication to an album to a level of self-satisfaction. The last artists I saw release an album that is an hour-long marathon were Beyonce and Taylor Swift. If this isn’t an indication of the kind of success that awaits Antoine HLT then I will give you more reason to admire him and his work. The only theme that follows throughout his music is the techno elements in them. Otherwise, his tracks are a candy shop full of surprises and flavors. Some of it is starry textured, some are more on the mysterious side whereas others just have a tropical-pop touch to them like II regarde le ciel. Either way, Antoine is a magician who has a few tricks up in sleeves. We will be hearing more about the tricks up his sleeves in today’s post. In Conversation with Antoine HLT Because the album is so vast, we are curious, what is the writing and creating process for Antoine HLT? Where do you draw your inspiration from? Inspiration remains something quite mysterious and random. I have, from time to time, small fulgurances of texts or melodies, which I hasten to note or record. The starting point is therefore generally always impromptu and spontaneous. Often, it’s a pun, or a polysemy, that creates this flash and makes me think: «This can make a song». But then, you have to get in front of the work table: I have to set aside a time or even a place to take these little pieces and work them, embellish them, assemble them… or drop them. Every artist has their own journey with their music, can you tell us your musical journey so far, the difference between this album and the rest of your work? I do not have a «classical» career as a musician. However, I have a taste for creation in my veins. As a child, I spent most of my time making up stories, little magazines, songs… I was not even able to write yet I would ask my father to transcribe for me stories that I invented, and then I would make the drawings! A bunch of tapes were already recorded with my little recorder... I was passionate about it. But it was still a game, in which you shouldn’t interfere unless I asked. My mother suggested that I take piano lessons…and I didn’t want to. Sometimes I regret it, and at the same time, I think it would have held me back. I always had to do what I wanted and understand for myself. The thought was more that I would become a comic book author, but music eventually took over in my life and in my artistic journey. I released my first self-produced single in 2013, so relatively late. By 24 I had very little theoretical knowledge of music. I learned by doing and I trained a lot, except that I chose my training as and when needed. Testing, identifying the brakes, and then correcting them: it’s a much more concrete approach for me and that suits me better than just learning the theory and then applying it. And then, of course, I would delegate to professionals anything I could not handle. From album to album, I think I have progressed, and that is what makes my career interesting to follow. Today, I am very proud of this third album, which is in my opinion more coherent musically, and more accomplished in sound. Your music has so many influences from across the world sonically, can you tell us a bit about the universality of your music? I don’t like things to be the way you expect them to be! In fact, I’m a big music consumer. I have strange tastes, ranging from completely forgotten kitsch 80’s pop to underground text songs, Irish folk or experimental music. And I always want to discover new things. But sometimes I regret that the genres do not intersect more. For example, I may like a pop song and regret that it does not have a beautiful acoustic instrument solo, or I may like a text song and regret that it does not have a little more «punchy» and less conventional arrangement... So I just try to create what I would like to hear as a consumer, and it’s a bit of a mix of all that comes out in my creations. Releasing an hour-long album requires commitment and time. How long did it take to finish the album? When did you know that the album was finished? Yes, the creation of an album is a real long-term work! But it’s a format that I like very much, and that I find very satisfying artistically. Until then, I noticed that each album had required a work cycle of about three years. There is the process of writing the songs, which I have already spoken about, but the most time-consuming parts of the process are arrangements and realization, then mixing. I engage in every step, except in purely technical phases that I do not master. For this album, I also spent much more time on visuals, clips and release strategy. As for when an album is finished: I listen to the songs many times and on all possible sources (speakers, headphones, car...), then I let it rest and I come back to it with hindsight. I am very meticulous and as long as something bothers me in a piece, even a detail, we come back on it. I sometimes despaired Josse, arranger and mixer on the album, as I would come back to the studio with to-do lists on tracks he thought were over! It’s only when I listen to everything again and when the to-do lists are empty that the album is finished. What were the musical aspects that kept you coming back for more and inspired you to write again and again? I always want to be surprised and experience things. For example, Non, non, non is a very 80’s sounding track. One would not expect there to be a flute on it, and as it stands, it could very well have worked without it. Pierre Merciol, the flautist, told me: «I’m not sure that it will be ok». But I said: "Let’s test it and see how it goes." And in the end, he said, "Well, it sounds good." I think this is the kind of thing that has been done little. But let’s be clear, I do not pretend to revolutionize music! I’m just cooking my own little meal, and as good as I think I can. I don’t like to “settle for”. What was the collaboration process on this album like? I usually contact my arrangers when the lyrics, melodies and structures of my songs are already finished. For this album, it was a little different. Some songs were still made like this, but others were already largely made before I grafted a text, a melody or additional arrangements, like Trouble or Narcisse et moi. I asked my collaborators if they didn’t have things to offer me and I had the pleasure of choosing pieces that I really liked (and that for some I had already spotted !). We worked remotely with Fred Bianconi. We worked very closely in the intimacy of the studios With Josse Gérard or Antoine Bridet. About Humilité, with Sofiane Soufi, it was a bit of both. We started from the base of a song of his, and then we reworked and enriched the structure to take the song to its final form. For the mastering, I called on Alex Gopher, who worked with the greatest, which gave this «big» sound to the songs. I went to get some collaborations, and others arrived according to chance and meetings. I met Pierre Merciol at a concert and he invited me on his radio show. From there, he told me not to hesitate if I needed a clarinet or flutes for my songs. It didn’t fall on deaf ears. How has the listener's reaction been so far? Are there any audience interaction stories that you would like to tell us about? Overall, the feedback on this album is very positive and I’m happy about this! Offering music at the crossroads of genres, it’s harder to find your “niche”, but when people cling to my music, perceive and like these different aspects of my work, I realize that they cling really strongly. I have wonderful exchanges with the public. One day, a lady came to see me after a concert to tell me that she had just lost a loved one and that my music had done her good, that it had been her sunshine in her day. In those cases, I think I won. You might want to kick back and relax after the release of your labour of love but do you have any plans for future songs, albums or tours? It’s true that I often think it’s time to take a little break! But there is always something to do, concert dates to get, videos to shoot… Tout reste à faire, as I say in my song! I have some new songs in the works, but it is too early to know what direction to give them, even if I have some ideas. For the moment, I am focusing on the creation and the organization of my concert on March 29 in Essey-lès-Nancy, which will be the presentation of this album and the celebration of the 10 years of my first single release. It will be above all a symbol and a great party to share with those who follow me. A look into music by Antoine HLT The sensibilities that Antoine HLT brings as a songwriter and singer allows him to create a portal with sounds that propel us both back in the past and into the future. He leaves us the Matrix with his music, he allows us to experience every change in a dimension that is far from us. Every single track in Disc 1, Disc 2 and Disc 3 has a world of its own. While there is this much flux in the album, Antoine HLT also brings in a graceful and smooth transition within it. Each disc is a lava lamp of a section, you feel the beats slowly rise and fall like in the lamp. But you also feel the crackle of each note as it hits your earlobe. Making us know that Antoine means business when it comes to the production front of his creation. An album as iconic as this deserves to be featured in a film/series as iconic as itself. As I mentioned before, Matrix feels like the right film for Antoine’s music but not in its existing form. There has to be a twist to it, like a funky collision of time. Much like MIB- Men In Black. So let the joy of new music fill your ears as you click on the links attached above. Antoine HLT will guide you through a variety of sounds to perk up your senses.
Mira Sthira - Up and Down
Dive into a rich ocean of rhyme, rhythm and rock as Mira Sthira shows us the depth of human emotion and connection in her latest single- Up and Down. This funky number is a mix of pop, synth and rock. Mira has the water bubbling with colors as we hear one beat after the other. Up and Down uniquely connects your soul with the outside world. Mira does this with music that isn't necessarily categorized as soothing or calming. This modernist classical-pop-rock number begins with Mira taking center stage right from the start. She plays with a techno-rock vibe that hits us right in the chest. Before you know it, she has a solo section with a drum progression that has us viewing serenity. And she does this right as she says “I’m trying to not go deeper.”. It’s almost like the only state of existence is living to the fullest by feeling every emotion to the fullest. She ends the track by saying “I am Love.” leaving us with a smile on our faces. Anne and Kate’s relationship in Workin' Moms is one of the most essential portrayals of deep love there is in the world. Showing us that romantic love isn’t the only kind of important love. I think Up and Down would be the perfect song for these two. Mira Sthira has given us everything in Up and Down, it has heart, and soul and is painfully real with how we deal with expressing our emotions. We try to not show too much of it in fear of seeming too much until we’re like “Fuck it”. Up and Down is a beautiful expression of “Fuck it” and allowing yourself to be fully human and feel and express.