Review: "Vain Endeavors" Album by Arson Wayne
Arson Wayne, a Denver based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, recently released his debut album “Vain Endeavors”, which explores and articulates the facets of “philosophical nihilism”. Check out our in-depth review for the album.
Arson Wayne, a Denver based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, recently released his debut album “Vain Endeavors”, which explores and articulates the facets of “philosophical nihilism”. Contrary to its connotation, Arson uses his music to ponder some of life’s simplicities with raw, fun, folky-rock n’ roll, energy.
Simply put, Arson is an impeccable artist. His use of layered chord progressions speaks volumes to the overall message of each song on the “Vain Endeavors” album and portrays the true elements of rock n’ roll.
In addition, Arson’s an excellent drummer. The authentic sound of his raw kick drum makes his music distinct from other rock artists because he doesn’t exaggerate them with heaviness, yet, he finds balance perfect within the beats.
Track 6 of “Vain Endeavors”, “Never Seen You Dance” takes you back to that one dive bar that your friends took you to. You were skeptical at first, but then, the simple, and upbeat guitar riff picks you up off your feet and onto the dance floor; falling in love with the simplistic bliss of rock n’ roll.
Throughout the “Vain Endeavors” album, Arson’s ability to translate the theme of “philosophical nihilism” within the rock n’ roll genre is remarkable. Additionally, his skill set with numerous instruments shines through on this album, which allows him to reach others even outside of a typical rock fan.
DCWS highly recommends Arson’s “Vain Endeavors” album, and you can rock out to it right now below on Spotify. You can also check out our exclusive interview with Arson HERE.
Stream and Share “Vain Endeavors” on Spotify
Light In The Attic Presents Live Charity Concert to Support MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund
In hopes of bringing some much-needed joy to the planet, acclaimed archival/reissue label and distribution company @lightintheattic will be presenting a free charity concert this Friday (4/3), streaming live on their @Twitch and @YouTube channels beginning at 4:00 pm PST.
In hopes of bringing some much-needed joy to the planet, acclaimed archival/reissue label and distribution company Light in the Attic will be presenting a free charity concert this Friday (4/3), streaming live on their Twitch and YouTube channels beginning at 4:00 pm PST. Light In The Attic & Friends at Home will feature new performances from legendary artists whose music LITA has re-released over the past 20 years, along with a handful of talented friends from the around the globe, each covering songs from the label's renowned catalog. 100% of all donations will go towards MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund, assisting those in the music community affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
While quarantined at home – from Rio to Tokyo; Cardiff to Austin; Barbados to Italy – each musician will be doing what they do best, sharing the gift of song, maybe in their pajamas and maybe with their kids, and wherever feels comfy and cozy in the privacy of their home.
The artist lineup for Light In The Attic & Friends at Home includes:
Texas soul queen Barbara Lynn
Fred Armisen
British folk legend Michael Chapman
Jarvis Cocker
Italian composer Gigi Masin
Devendra Banhart
Brazilian great Marcos Valle
Jim James (My Morning Jacket)
Sandy Dedrick of sixties soft-psych outfit The Free Design
Japanese ambient pioneers Inoyama Land (Kankyō Ongaku)
Alex Maas (The Black Angels)
Money Mark
Singer-songwriter Lynn Castle Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals)
Leonard Sanders of modern soul-gospel group the Supreme Jubilees
Jazz giant Azar Lawrence Grant & Frankie Olsen (Gold Leaves / Arthur & Yu)
Beach Boys poet and lyricist Stephen John Kalinich
Mark Lightcap (Acetone)
Sessa
Ben Gibbard
About MusiCares:
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly influence the health and welfare of the music community. For more info, visit GRAMMY.com/MusiCares.
About Light In The Attic:
Known for their grassroots success with Rodriguez, the reclusive singer-songwriter whose unlikely story of personal triumph received long-overdue worldwide acclaim in the Academy Award®-winning documentary SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN, Light In The Attic Records has gone on to garner nominations for multiple GRAMMY Awards, including one for Best Historical Album (2015) for Native North America (Vol. 1). Their exuberance and dedication to spreading joy through music has propelled them through the release of 200+ titles worldwide, setting the pace for reissue labels and the archival process. From D’Angelo to Donnie & Joe Emerson, Sixto Rodriguez to Serge Gainsbourg, Betty Davis to Karen Dalton, Lewis to Lifetones, the list goes on and on. Light In The Attic is co-owned and operated by co-founders and high school friends Matt Sullivan and Josh Wright. In addition to the label’s acclaimed output, the company also distributes for nearly 150 record labels. In 2010, LITA expanded from their native Seattle by opening offices in Los Angeles, including a successful music house focused on licensing for film, television and advertisements, along with music supervision. Light In The Attic also operates a thriving physical brick and mortar record store in the KEXP Gathering Space in Seattle.
Connect with Light In The Attic: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Twitch | YouTube
Interview: Denver Based Artist/Producer Arson Wayne Discusses His New Album "Vain Endeavors"
Arson Wayne is a talented Denver based songwriter-singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist who just released his first full length album “Vain Endeavors”. We connected with Arson for an exclusive interview to discuss this new project, and much more.
Arson Wayne is a talented Denver based songwriter-singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist who just released his first full length album “Vain Endeavors”. We connected with Arson for an exclusive interview to discuss this new project, specifically, his creative process for its development, what he felt was the hardest part about his work on it, and much more.
After reading our interview with Arson, be sure to connect with him on Instagram, listen to the “Vain Endeavors” album, and be on the lookout for its in-depth review on tomorrow.
From when you started with piano lessons as a youth to where you are now, what have you learned about yourself as an artist throughout the years?
I’m always learning new things about myself on my journey as an artist. First, I've always had a love for listening. Early in life, I learned my love for playing, and not long after I learned I have a passion for writing songs. Then I discovered my love for preforming in front of an audience. Most recently I learned my love for producing and perfecting songs in the studio.
Congratulations on the completion and release of your album "Vain Endeavors". What would you say was the hardest part about your work on this project?
Thank you. The hardest part was actually getting started. I knew I wanted to make music, and I couldn’t depend on other people to make that happen. I had to buckle down.
It at first felt strange just walking into a recording studio to make an album, as someone who is not much of a techie, and has never really recorded music in a professional setting. But with the help of my sound engineer, I grew really comfortable in the studio and with each session grew more and more confident in my ability to create a record.
I didn’t want to look back and say “oh I wrote so many songs I should of released them” or “I used to be a decent singer, blah blah.” The hardest part of anything is getting the strength to get up and actually pursue it, and keep at it on a daily basis. At least for me. And once that first step is made, it’s easier to go all in.
Tell us about your creative process for the album's development. How long did it take to complete and were there songs that you recorded that didn't make the final cut?
The album is a collection of songs I wrote throughout the years. Most of them recent, but some of them are old ones that I decided to use because I thought they fit the theme of the album or because I liked the dynamic they added or things like that.
I started recording in April 2019 and finished mastering in December 2019. I took a bit longer because I couldn’t go to the studio as often as I wanted to. There were a couple songs that were started that did not make the final cut, but they were not finished. Some of the songs that made the album were changed a lot, and ended up a lot different then how they were started.
What does the album's title "Van Endeavors" mean and what does the cover graphic represent?
I like Philosophy; it’s one of the subjects I studied in college. I wanted to make an album with a philosophical theme. Nihilism is the school of thought I chose for this project. So most of the songs on “Vain Endeavors” are about everyday events, experiences, ideas and thoughts written through a Nihilistic lens.
The cover graphic is something I drew with colored pencils and charcoal that I thought fit the theme of the album.
What can you tell us about your upcoming music video and your second album in development?
I started working on “Vain Endeavors” somewhat spontaneously. Coming in with no studio production experience, it was a learning process. I got a little experimental, but for the most part I kept the much of the album pretty simple compositionally.
Now that I’ve got a little experience under my belt, a better understanding of the equipment, and more confidence in my abilities, I’m really gonna try to up my game for this next one. I’m going to get more complex, try to get more creative, and get more experimental with new sounds. The production of the video is currently on pause with the current situation but hopefully will continue within a few weeks.
Connect with Arson Wayne: Instagram
Congratulations to Tasos Peltekis, the DCWS BattleSound Championship Round Winner for March
Congratulations to Tasos Peltekis, whose song “Mira” tallied the most votes in March’s Championship Round for the DCWS BattleSound music competition.
Thanks to Le Fil, Declan Sheehy-Moss, Dre A.M. and Tasos Peltekis who all participated in the DCWS BattleSound music competition’s Championship Round for the month of March. When the votes were tallied, it was clear that we had ourselves a champion, and that artist is… Tasos Peltekis, with his song “Mira”!
Tasos’s “Mira” came in first place and Declan Sheehy-Moss’s “Don’t Belong” came in second place. He will be receiving a $50 cash prize, free access to our artist subscription service DCWS Access, Dopecausewesaid merch, and a free copy of our e-book “My Music is Dope, But Now What!?! The Strategies For Success in the Music Industry”.
Congratulations to Tasos, and all of the artists who participated in this contest during the month of March.
Listen to Tasos’s winning song below, stream his new EP “Algebraic” on Spotify and connect with him on his website and social media.
Stream and Share “Algebraic” on: Spotify | Apple Music
Stream "Kitchen Sink Dramas", the Newly Released EP by South London Rapper Ultra_eko
South London based rapper Ultra_eko has just released his first EP, ‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’, 6 tracks worth of deep and dark stories.
Ultra_eko is a South London based independent hip-hop artist who began releasing music only since last summer, but in that time has demonstrated a varied, eclectic and wholly unique voice within the genre. Ultra_eko has just released his first EP, ‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’, 6 tracks worth of deep and dark stories, and a full length album is planned for an autumn release.
Whilst his music would certainly be classed as hip-hop, there is not a distinct or identifiable sound by which to recognise it. Rather, it is the unique voice of Ultra_eko himself, the self-professed storyteller, whose powerful writing and vision shines through in every track. His passion is evident, and in every track he has a story to tell, a journey upon which to take his listeners and hold them captive. His are often dark tales, touching on regret, struggles between conflicted lovers, breakdowns in relationships, lies and deceit, the difficulties of understanding ourselves and our place in the modern world. The fragile identities we all cling to, liable to crack and fracture at any time.
There is a depth and authenticity to the voices in which Ultra_eko writes, and this comes from his own wealth of experience. Born and raised in South London, Ultra_eko has lived and worked his life amongst the people of whom he writes. The colourful and dramatic life he has lived, market trader, pro gambler, bootlegger, amongst others, is his source of inspiration.
Speaking about his new release, Ultra_eko says, “‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’ I named after the dreary, depressing English theatrical dramas that were popular back in the fifties. The six stories focus on broken relationships, struggles against adversity, the harm and damage we all cause ourselves and others. It is only twenty four minutes long and so I felt I wanted it to have a cohesiveness and consistency in terms of the sound. I would like to think that people will listen to the whole thing straight through and to see it as one complete piece. I certainly think it is strong in terms of the writing, which have a real lyrical quality.”
Listen to Ultra_eko’s newly released EP “Kitchen Sink Dramas” right now, stream it on Apple Music, and connect with him on Instagram. Also, be on the lookout this week for our exclusive interview with Ultra_eko, as well as our review of his new EP.
Stream and Share “Kitchen Sink Dramas” on Apple Music
Connect with Ultra_eko: Instagram | Soundcloud
Eclectic Rock Band Mother Yeti Drop Their Album "My Best Please"
Eclectic indie rockers Mother Yeti come to us quite happily from left field, purveying noisy, psychedelic and lofi sounds. Their new full-length album “My Best Please” showcases the project's dynamic musical range and free experimentation.
Mother Yeti is an eclectic rock band that hails from the Pacific Northwest. The group began as a jam session between two high school friends from Boise Idaho, and has evolved to become a 3 to 5 piece blend of organized chaos. Inspired by throwback rock, soul, and Americana, while also influenced by low-fi drum machines, noisy guitar riffs and psychedelic experiences. Mother Yeti isn’t afraid to stray from the path, and has been consistently attempting to bend genres to their ears’ content.
Speaking about the album, the band says, “The new Album, "My Best Please" was written and recorded almost entirely by Bill Tracy with a few exceptions on 3 of the songs. The title track My Best Please has Calkins on the keys. The song Push The Weather has our fellow friend Cooper Trail on the keys, and the song Wanted it Funny has Jim Rizzuto on drums. It was just easier for Tracy to record mostly everything himself because he had a full summer off work and nothing better to do than record music”.
The Yetis are just your basic old school rock ‘n’ rollers. They love listening to vinyl, making fun of each other, getting in touch with their spiritual sides, and pumping out tunes that attempt to please ears.
Listen to the “My Best Please” album now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with the band on their social media.
Multi-Instrumentalist/Producer Proud Creature Releases His New EP "'Opening Creature"
Proud Creature's new 5-track EP release “Opening Creature” leans into it's sense of surrealism and should appeal to experimental ambient artists such as Oneohtrix Point Never and Future Sounds of London.
Todd Brozman is a multi-instrumentalist and music producer with roots in piano. He started playing piano at age 6 after convincing his mother to buy him a little demo Casio at an electronics store. He has always had a natural improvisational approach and his musical background is inspired in part by his father's multi-genre 60's and 70's record collection.
Proud Creature is his solo musical project, presenting ethereal and otherworldly compositions informed by jazz, ambient, electronica and psychedelic music. His new 5-track EP release “Opening Creature” leans into it's sense of surrealism and should appeal to experimental ambient artists such as Oneohtrix Point Never and Future Sounds of London.
Regarding his new release Todd says, “Opening Creature EP reflects travels and explorations I've had over the past few years. I'm trying to capture the headspace that opens up when we venture out of our default mindset and into something broader and more abstract. For me, these spaces have been explored through travel, dreams, nature, and spiritual exploration. Musically, there's lots of improvisation with eclectic instrumentation and non-traditional production techniques along with layerings of field recordings from travel, nature and religious prayer. Together, this creates an ethereal and otherworldly tone that underscores the broader themes of the album. As a whole, I am striving for something that feels alive, expansive, mysterious and alluring.
Over the past few years, I have gotten to create some great music with other artists. Now more than ever, I am inspired to release more music as a sole producer and instrumentalist. I hope you enjoy my first album as a solo artist”.
Stream "I used to have fun", the Debut Album by Jackson Price and the Blues Rockets
Jackson Price and his band, the Blues Rockets, have just released their debut album "I used to have fun" featuring all original compositions by Price. With track titles like “Evil by the Plenty” and “Bald, Fat and 45”, you know Price and co are pulling no punches.
Jackson Price was an actor in Los Angeles for 15 years doing guest spots on TV shows, supporting roles in movies, and acting in over 30 national computers. Learning blues guitar in his youth Price started writing his own material as he got burned out as an actor.
Price became the lead guitar player for a Los Angeles based blues band called the Mighty Mojo Prophets. He decided to move to Taos, New Mexico to get out of Los Angeles where he created his own band called Big Swing Theory. The band was well received in Northern New Mexico and inspired Jackson to create a second band to play more of his original blues.
Price and his band, the Blues Rockets, have just released their debut album "I used to have fun" featuring all original compositions by Price. With track titles like “Evil by the Plenty” and “Bald, Fat and 45”, you know Price and co are pulling no punches. Speaking about the album, Price says, “I want to pay homage to the roots of real music in a time where music played by real bands is dropping from the mainstream”.
Listen to “I used to have fun” right now, and connect with Jackson Price and the Blues Rockets on their website and Facebook.
Connect with Jackson Price and the Blues Rockets: Website | Facebook
Interview: Hotel Caviar Talk About Their New Single "Flip Side" and Upcoming EP "3 Star Review"
We connected with Minneapolis based rock band @Hotel_Caviar for an exclusive interview to discuss their newly released single “Flip Side”, their upcoming EP “3 Star Review”, and much more.
We connected with Minneapolis based rock band Hotel Caviar for an exclusive interview to discuss their newly released single “Flip Side”, their upcoming EP “3 Star Review”, how the band came together and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Hotel Caviar, be sure to connect with them on their website and social media and be on the lookout for their EP, “3 Star Review”!
Congratulations on the release of your new single "Flip Side", which will appear on your upcoming EP "3 Star Review". Why did you select this single as the lead release?
Thanks! We were all over the board while writing this EP as far as lead singles go. There were 2 other contenders that at one point in time, each one seemed like it was going to be the lead. I even have final artwork for one of them hahaha, but in the end, and after showing our rough mixes to other people to get opinions, ‘Flip Side’ almost unanimously came out on top as the best ‘single’. That’s not to downplay the awesome-ness of the rest of the EP, but ‘Flip Side’ is a great introduction to us, we think.
What can we expect sonically and thematically from the "3 Star Review"? What there a certain overall theme that the band had in mind while developing the EP's songs?
Well, honestly, there wasn’t exactly an overall theme for this. We are still a new band, and we are feeling everything out and how our sounds mix. With all of us being former members of very different long term bands, ‘Hotel Caviar’ is a new experiment. It’s one that is going very well, and we really love what we have created so far, but I think this EP is more about really finding our sound as a group.
Following up on the last question, were there songs recorded that did not make the final cut for the EP? If so, why did they not?
Yes and no? TL;DR we have dozens and dozens of demo recordings that are in various states of being finished. Some of them we had played around with and thought they were going to make this EP, but then we wrote something better and just kinda forgot about them hahaha.
There are others that we are still working on that will for sure make future releases, but for our debut, we wanted to make ‘3 Star Review’ short and sweet, just to get some music out there and start really building a fan base and showing the world that we're alive :)
How did you guys come together to form the band and where did the name "Hotel Caviar" originate?
Again, the TL;DR version, because otherwise I’d have to write out 10 years of band history BS hahaha. But the short-ish version is that timing really just worked out. The other bands that we were in had sort of dissolved or gone on hiatus. Abisha was performing as just ‘Abisha Uhl’, and was talking to our producer and good friend Wally J. She was looking for basically hired guns at first, but Wally hit Chris and I up, and we went to meet up with Abisha to chat. We had met in the past through various musical whatnots, but nothing super major. So we went over to a legit pirate ship to meet with her (there are pics, I’m not making that part up hahaha). We all hit it off, and just sort of started writing music together. Eventually, people came and went as happens with band shit, but we talked to Mr. John and Ms. Steph about joining the project, and the rest is the history we are hoping to make…or something hahaha.
As for the name 'Hotel Caviar', it's sort of random but stuck. We were playing around with 3 or 4 other names, but nothing was really sticking home. Abisha's cat is named 'Caviar' and I think we made a joke about him being pretentious or something and the whole house was just the 'Hotel Caviar' hahaha.
When it comes to new song development, what is the creative process for the band? Are the melodies developed before the lyrics or vice versa?
That kind of varies. For some of our older songs, like ‘Love Isn’t’ (which we previously released under Abisha’s name), she came to us with an acoustic guitar and just kinda played the base of the song. We took that and built on it to make it what it is today.
For a lot of our newer songs, Chris especially, but any one of us with a random riff or progression will just bring it to the table at band practice, and we hack away at it together as a team to make a song structure. Lyrics and melodies depend, it can honestly go either way. There have literally been songs that had one line dictate the direction of the rest of the song, and other times when we are trying to lock something in last minute in the studio haha. Each song definitely has it’s own story and process to it, but that makes each one that much cooler and unique….at least to us….hope everyone out there digs the new tracks too!!
And on that note, we were slated to release the EP online April 1, with our release show that following Friday….buuuuuttttt….as the world is currently on fire, obviously our show is postponed, and we have decided to hold on releasing the EP until we can at least lock in a new date for the show. But it is coming, I promise!!! Maybe we'll release another track as a single for now to entertain everyone on lockdown. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, and stay safe out there!!!
Connect with Hotel Caviar: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Interview: San Antonio Based Rapper/Producer James Embrace Talks About His New Album "Noddin"
We connected with San Antonio based rapper and producer @JamesEmbrace for an exclusive interview to discuss his newly released debut album “Noddin”, and much more.
We connected with San Antonio based rapper and producer James Embrace for an exclusive interview to discuss his newly released debut album “Noddin”. We also got a chance to pick James’s brain about whether there were songs that didn’t make the final tracklist, how he got his start producing, his goals musically for the rest of 2020, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with James, be sure to stream “Noddin” on your preferred music service, check out our review of the album, and connect with him on his social media.
Congratulations on the completion and release of your album “Noddin”. What are you most proud of with this project?
Honestly, I'm most proud that I was able to release an album that properly represents my feelings about my former addictions, as well as my depression and anxiety. I feel like by representing my downfalls honestly, I was able to create a project that hopefully many people can relate to.
Were there songs that you recorded that did not make the final track list? If so, why did they not make the cut?
There weren't really songs that didn't make the cut. I compiled the track listing as I produced and recorded the songs and I just kept going until I felt the project fully represented the vision I had in mind. Most of the song were made in succession, but a few of them I had already finished.
How did you get your start producing beats and what software/hardware do you use? Also, how do you decide which ones to keep for yourself or sell?
When I got started I was using a cracked version of like Fruity Loops 6. I would then record into Audacity. At the time I had some old interface that I used that I don't even remember the name of.
But currently, I use FL Studio 20 (official and paid for) as well as an Audient iD22 for my interface. I also use Komplete Kontrol S49 with a copy of Komplete 10. All the programs and VSTs that I use now are either paid for or free to begin with.
How would you describe the hip-hop scene in San Antonio and who are some other local artists/groups we should check out?
I'm not really too invested in the scene out here, as bad as that sounds. I kind of keep to myself and just make the music I make. I'm currently 31 years old and I don't spend a lot of time putting myself out there and checking out other artists. Sorry to all the artists that probably deserve mention but aren't getting it right now! My depression, anxiety, and lack of transportation keep me from being as involved as I could or should be.
With “Noddin” out now, what are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2020?
To be honest, I'm hoping I can put out a project that can even match the energy and sense of urgency that I had with “Noddin”. I've been struggling recently due to my depression and anxiety, but that's always a constant struggle. So, hopefully I'm able to follow up with something even comparable.
Read our in-depth review of “Noddin”
Stream and Share “Noddin” on: Soundcloud | YouTube
Will Self-Quarantine From Coronavirus Birth the Next Wave of Dope New Music?
In the midst of my panic about being confined to these four walls due to the coronavirus self-quarantine, I had a revelation: my favorite artists are also stuck inside, so could that mean……new music?
Photo Credit: Burst
If you’re anything like me, the constant coverage and conversation surrounding COVID-19 and the need to self-quarantine may get repetitive and honestly may be a little scary. Yeah, we’re dealing with a global pandemic, but what’s hardest to wrap my head around is the fact that we may have to stay inside for MONTHS. In the midst of my panic about being confined to these four walls, I had a revelation: my favorite artists are also stuck inside, so could that mean……new music?
It’s true that we are literally living world history right now. In ten years, our children are going to be reading about the Coronavirus pandemic in their history books, and there will be loads of award-winning documentaries out there for our viewing pleasure. But if there’s anything I learned from history, it’s that with every “turn of the century, socially defining” moment comes some of the best music and art the world has ever seen.
In light of the hundreds of cancelled concerts and festivals due to COVID-19, artists including John Legend, Keith Urban, Coldplay, and many others have taken to Instagram and Facebook to stream live concerts for fans to enjoy. The #TogetherAtHome concert series was launched by the World Health Organization for artists to perform full concerts for millions of fans, all from the comfort of their homes, while encouraging everyone to keep quarantining to stop the spread of COVID.
While some artists are dusting off their greatest hits from the past, others are hinting at spending this time creating new music. Four-time Grammy winner Erykah Badu responded to a tweet on Monday asking for new music with “looks like I got time now…” sending Twitter into a frenzy as everyone lit their candles and burned their incense, awaiting a potential project from Ms. Badu.
Imagine all the musical greatness that can come from your favorite artist having nothing but time to write their next masterpiece. Imagine if Beyoncé and Jay come together for another collab album while sitting at home with their kids. Imagine Rihanna ACTUALLY releasing her much anticipated "R9 because she’s had the time to get it just right. Or what if a new artist comes and sets fire to the music world because they now have the chance to sit and focus on their craft?
With the coming months of being stuck inside our homes, maybe the light at the end of the tunnel will be the music that gets us through.
Stream "Vain Endeavors", the New Album by Denver Based Artist Arson Wayne
Denver based singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Arson Wayne just released his first full length album entitled, "Vain Endeavors". Listen to his new album right now.
Arson Wayne is a self taught singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Denver, CO who just released his first full length album entitled, "Vain Endeavors". This multi-talented artist wrote the “Vain Endeavors” album and played every instrument on each of its ten songs, with co-production shared with Brian Hunter.
Speaking about “Vain Endeavors”, Arson says, “This album explores the theme of philosophical nihilism applied to relatable situations in life. However, the album is not all pessimistic, and does offer moments positivity, love, and optimism. With so much of the popular music today seemingly being created by focus groups and designed to fit a mold, "Vain Endeavors" is the brainchild of one person, and is artistically original and sincere. If nothing else, Vain Endeavors embodies the spirit of true Rock and Roll, and deserves to be heard by those who would appreciate it's passion and grit”.
We are excited to share Arson’s “Vain Endeavors” album with you, so check it out right now, connect with him on his Instagram, and be on the lookout for our exclusive interview and in-depth album review coming soon!
Connect with Arson Wayne: Instagram
"A Hymn" by Khruangbin is DOPE Because...
We first became aware of “A Hymn” by @Khruangbin through the @JayElectronica song “A.P.I.D.T.A.”, the last track on his recently released debut album “A Written Testimony”. “A Hymn” is DOPE because…
We first became aware of Khruangbin’s “A Hymn” through Jay Electronica’s song “A.P.I.D.T.A.” , the last track you’ll hear on his recently released debut album “A Written Testimony”.
After listening to “A.P.I.D.T.A.”, we went to Wikipedia to find out who produced it. From that search, we discovered the Houston based 3-piece band Khruangbin and their song “A Hymn”, which is DOPE because…
…it transports you to your own secret island getaway. Additionally, it incorporates the happiest and most blissful sounds. When you listen to this song, you’re immediately engulfed into a magical paradise land. The riffs of the electric guitar alone, pull you, melodically into the island breeze.
Soft sounds of the shaker release any stress that was attached to you. Then, you’re greeted with a warm smile and a tropical, fruity, delicious drink. You enjoy the peacefulness of the island and then, you hear the truest, and most pure sound of humanity: a child’s laughter. Releasing you back from the island and into reality. Arriving you safely to the ones who are held closest to your heart. A sweet serenity of a sendoff. It’s as if the island says “Thanks for you coming and we hope to see you soon, namaste”.
Khruangbin’s “A Hymn” is DOPE because it takes you to the happiest part of your soul. “A Hymn” is track 8 on their 2018 album titled “Con Todo El Mundo”, which literally translates to “with everyone”. Thus, making this song, holistic and inclusive in its entirely. Not only does this song transport you to your secret getaway, but it brings you closer… with everyone.
Stream and Share “Con Todo El Mundo” on: Spotify | Apple Music
Watch Soulful Rocker Lisa Ramey's Album Release Party on Twitch.TV This Friday
This Friday, March 27th, 6-8pm, the acclaimed New York based soul-rocker, @lisarameymusic will celebrate the release of her anticipated debut full-length album, “Surrender”. The gritty songstress has decided to partner with the world's leading live streaming platform, @twitch to exclusively host her virtual album release party.
This Friday, March 27th, 6-8pm, the acclaimed New York based soul-rocker, Lisa Ramey, will celebrate the release of her anticipated debut full-length album, “Surrender”. During these chaotic times of social distancing, the gritty songstress decided to partner with the world's leading live streaming platform, Twitch.TV, to exclusively host her virtual album release party. Ramey will perform live with her band from Atomic Sound studios in Redhook, Brooklyn. Grammy-winning performer Tim Young, who has notable vocal credits on the hit albums for Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman, will open for Ramey and take the virtual stage at 6 pm. Stream live on the main page of Twitch.TV and on Lisa Ramey’s Twitch Page. While watching the show, viewers will have the opportunity to donate to the following charities: The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research and MusiCares.
The album is a follow-up to Ramey’s debut EP, “I Am… Lisa Ramey”, where she first enticed listeners with her unique funk-meets-R&B sound in 2018. On her debut full-length album “Surrender”, Ramey gets candid about life, love and music. While on The Voice in 2019, she garnered rave reviews from national music fans and media alike. Entertainment Weekly called her “a force to be reckoned with,” while Newsweek lauded her as “a natural performer.”
To make her virtual album release event possible, Ramey has brought in production company, Diamond Grade Media to film the event. Ramey will perform live with Emmy-nominated composer Frank Cogliano on piano and guitar, Mark Bell on the drums and Lavondo Thomas on the bass. Wanting to make a positive impact during these uncertain times, Ramey is using this event to help support two charities: The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, which currently funds scientists to help find develop the vaccine for COVID-19 and MusiCares, which provides emergency grants to musicians in need.
On Friday, March 27th, 2020, be sure to log on to Twitch.TV or Lisa Ramey’s Twitch page at 6pm to catch a special live performance by Lisa Ramey with special appearances by Tim Young!
Review: "Noddin" Album by James Embrace
San Antonio based rapper/producer @JamesEmbrace spits fire on the furious introspection of his album “Noddin”. Check out our in-depth album review right now.
San Antonio based rapper/producer James Embrace spits fire on the furious introspection of “Noddin’”. Storytelling is the true focus of the album while the narratives that emerge give it a feeling of going on a grand journey. Full of such intense illusions, everything about the album works wonders.
James’s vocals, front and center, have a commanding defiant presence to them. Arrangement further lend the trip a unique darkened spirit. Skeletal, gritty beats have a crispness to them as they have an origami-like approach to them. Melodies go for a haunting quality perfectly tying the whole of the album together in an impressive, dazzling array of color.
Rather thoughtful with its intense self-focus, the hermetic quality has a Tyler, the Creator ferocity to it. Like his output, James draws heavily from his own life. The apocalyptic vibes that run through the album feel so timely given the harshness of the world at large. Extreme honesty defines all that comes through the album for he does not leave a single detail out. Done with tremendous care, he at times harks back to some of Kendrick Lamar’s clear-eyed focus. By assuring that every detail is given the greatest level of care and consideration, James creates a world wholly his own.
“Ghost” sets the tone for what follows, with nimble riffs punctuating James’s rapping. Bleak tones underlay the pain of “Sanctuary” where a sense of drama takes over. Toy box melodies add to the disorienting whirl of “Dissociated” where the handclaps add to the tense atmosphere. Hanging organ swells lead the way over the stately “Piss on It”. 70s vibes run through “Keyboard Warrior” with James’s sly lyricism adding to the playfulness of the piece. Laid-back summery vibes fuse with “Feed Your Circle”. One of the most creative tracks on the album “2ez” bounces off the walls in a crazy, chaotic energy. Easily the highlight of the album, the track is a pure joy to behold.
“Underachiever” goes for a hypnotic trance while things unfurl in their own spectacular fashion. Trying to bring light into the proceedings, “Positivity” tries to bring a sense of hope, however fleeting. With the title track “Noddin’”, James takes on a harsher tact, featuring piano whose heaviness feels outright gorgeous. Further moving the story forward is the contentment of “Now I Wanna Live” where the reach towards something more sustainable defines it. Effortlessly closing out the album is “Alone”.
“Noddin’” shows off James Embrace’s impressive lyrical mastery as the whole of the album has a classic, hard-edged quality to it.
Stream and Share “Noddin” on Spotify
Interview: Nashville Pop Band Paper Ravens Talk About Their Latest Single "Addict"
@paper_ravens is a Nashville based pop band we connected with for an exclusive interview to discuss their brand new single “Addict”, the pop music scene in Nashville, and much more.
Paper Ravens is a Nashville based pop band comprised of Becca Wells, Peter Wells, and Austin Duncan. We connected with the trio for an exclusive interview to discuss their brand new single “Addict”, the music scene in Nashville for pop music, and much more.
After reading our Q&A with Paper Ravens, be sure to connect with them on their website and social media, stream their debut album “Origin”, and check some more of their music on Spotify.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, "Addict". Tell us about your creative process for the development of the song.
The song started with Becca writing the main hook to the chorus when she was at work, just lyrics and melody. We started demoing it and writing the music around that main idea.
There was one day we were all in the studio working on it and Becca came in from the other room singing what is now the guitar riff in the chorus. That was the first instrumental part that started giving the song the life it needed. From there, Peter wrote the rest of the music as Becca finished the lyrics. The lyrics and music really convey the ups and downs of fighting addiction. The juxtaposition of the upbeat, hooky chorus and the dark, eerie verses really brings you through the cycle addiction traps you in.
"Addict" is your first new single since 2018 when you dropped your debut album. Why was there a three year gap between releases?
Most of the gap was due to us finalizing our band members, as well as focusing on our branding. It was once we got those things solidified and started playing more gigs that more people started hearing “Origin”, and we even got our song “Devil” on Nashville’s rock radio station.
We also shot our music video for “Swingin” and released a bunch of live videos toward the end of 2019. After that we started writing again and have been spending time sifting through song ideas and really trying to grab on to the ideas we believe are the strongest.
At the end of 2019, a year and a half after we released “Origin”, we knew we wanted to hit 2020 with as much content as we could. Once the new year hit, we started our podcast, and started tracking new songs. We’re really excited to be getting this content out to everyone!
Can we expect a music video for "Addict" to follow?
Yes! We are releasing a lyric video for “Addict” in the next couple weeks! Austin is producing it and it is in the final stages now.
We know that Nashville is a hot bed for country music but how would you describe the music scene for pop music in the city?
It’s interesting! Haha. When we say we’re a pop band from Nashville, people usually do a double take, but there actually is a rising rock and pop scene here.
The bands in the scene are really supportive to each other, which has been awesome. It slightly limits the local venues available to us since the Honky-Tonk scene doesn’t fit us. But there are some sweet local rock/pop venues here. Nashville is actually the home to one of the best rock bands, Paramore, so that’s pretty awesome too.
With "Addict" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2020?
We’re going to release as much music as we can and then a full-length album toward the end of the year. We’re already working on the next few singles, and we can’t wait to get them out there!
Stream and Share “Origin” on Spotify
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