Review: "Hidden Glitter" Album by Wan

Soulful, sonically adventurous jams dominate Wan’s intricate hip-hop fusions found throughout his newly released “Hidden Glitter” album. Playful compositions run through the whole of the album, as Wan switches between the acoustic and the electronic with such ease. Everything is drenched in sunlight giving the album a distinctly California vibe. Never overstaying their welcome, the tracks are kept to the absolute essentials for each one radiates with a psychedelic charm.

The stylistic potpourri gives the album a living breathing quality, as elements of chillwave, R&B, ambient, jazz, and more are blended into a mix that feels strikingly unique. Featuring a true ear for melody, the melodies shine with so much joy throughout. Best of all, Wan’s poetic delivery and lyricism mesh perfectly with the potency of these pieces.

An incredible array of references filters into Wan’s distinct approach. His gorgeous vocals recall the blissed-out reflection of Frank Ocean. The short yet impactful track lengths further point to Frank Ocean’s influence. Beyond this, the work incorporates the lush arrangements of Moses Sumney’s art pop musings. For the washed-out experiences, Wan draws from Toro Y Moi’s beachy wonder, especially from his earlier pieces. The production positively sparkles as he makes the whole thing a true trip, with every track playing off the last.

“Where Did My Friends Go” opens things up with a toy box melody reminiscent of Boards of Canada’s gentlest output. Triumphant with its glitched effects and jazz samples “Value” goes for a collage take. Clever lyricism serves as the core of “Best Boots”. Bossa Nova tones serve as the anchor for “Hurting + Florida”. A quiet celebration reigns supreme on the low-slung groove of “Away”. Gauzy atmospherics emerge on the mysterious “City of Angels”. With “One Day”, things have a yearning urge to them. Glistening tones take hold as “Hiding” takes its sweet time to unfurl. The casual cool of “Airport” feels just right, going for a surreal soundscape making it the highlight of the album. Spacious echoes give “Hello/Good Bye” a sense of introspection. Bringing everything into a fantastic finale is “Train”.

“Hidden Glitter” shows off Wan’s painterly skill in allowing so much color into these epic soundscapes.

Stream and Share “Hidden Glitter” on Spotify

DTB Chris Releases His Debut Album "Beginning of a Legend"

You are now about to witness the beginning of a legend; specifically, you will be listening to the debut album of a future legend in the rap game. Teenage New York rapper DTB Chris counts Nas, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and more recently XXXTentacion and Ski Mask The Slump God, as his inspirations and began writing rhymes just last year.

After a few months of preparation, he dropped back-to-back singles in October: “Catch an Opp” and “The Spot” featuring Kenzoe. These tracks put his versatility on full display, proving that he could switch easily between hard-hitting verses and melodic trap anthems. DTB Chris returned a month later with two more singles, “The Challenger” and “Masterminds” featuring RockGang Dah, before closing out 2019 with the hit track “Yo Bro!”, featuring Kenzoe.

On March 10th, DTB Chris dropped “Not Lucky”, the lead single from his just released debut album, “Beginning of a Legend”. Accompanied by a music video on WorldStar Hip Hop, the song racked up more than 45,000 views in its first week.

By way of his expanding musical catalog, we can all witness DTB Chris’s growth as an artist and music brand. Listen to the “Beginning of a Legend” album right now, stream it on Soundcloud and connect with DTB Chris on his social media. Also, stay tuned in to DCWS because we’ve got an exclusive interview with DTB Chris and a review of the album both coming soon.

Stream and Share “Beginning of a Legend” on Soundcloud

Connect with DTB Chris: Instagram | Twitter

Interview: Maryland Based Singer-Songwriter Wan Discusses His New Album "Hidden Glitter"

We connected with Eldersburg, Maryland based singer-songwriter Wan for an exclusive interview to discuss his brand new album “Hidden Glitter”. We also got to pick Wan’s brain about how this project differs from his last release “Love Me Forever", which artist he would pick for a guest feature on a song from “Hidden Glitter”, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with Wan, be sure to connect with him on Instagram, stream “Hidden Glitter” on Spotify and check some more of his great music.

We are totally blown away by your new album “Hidden Glitter”; congratulations on its completion and release. What was your creative process for its development and how long did it take to finish?

Thank you appreciate that. My creative process for it was just going in with an open mind. Don't go in having any concepts, just construct the beat first then put words to it. I did want to get more personal with this record though. Diving deeper into my life and everyday issues. I also had a friend help me compose some of the lyrics for these records. Jay was awesome and came with some eclectic content.

I also decided not to be on any social media during the process of the record. I didn't want any outside influences on this project. I would say it took me about two months to finish the project. I think I just knew what sounds I was looking for and stayed focused. The record would have been finished earlier if I didn't have to work.

What does the album’s title “Hidden Glitter” represent?

I would say the record represents someone who has a hidden talent that the world hasn't seen just yet. I think the glitter part is the sparkling euphoria that the music holds. So pretty much-hidden talent haha.

Was the album self produced? If not, who contributed to it?

For the most part, I did construct the album and arrange it. I did have help with mixing and mastering and a couple of additions to the project. My buddy Zach helped master the project and added elements to complete the album.

If you had to select one song from the album to feature your favorite artist on, which song would it be and which artist would you pick?

I would have to say “Best Boots” and add Miguel. Miguel’s voice would be perfect over that dreamy track.

In what ways would you say that “Hidden Glitter” is different than your last project “Love Me Forever”?

I would say from the sonic standpoint it's more chill and nostalgic. “Love Me Forever” was way more uptempo and alternative rockish. I like to create something new each time I make a record. Also with this project, I got more personal and felt vulnerable haha. I would also say that the production has improved from LMF. Also, my songwriting abilities have improved. Lastly, this is the first time I had outside help on a project.

Stream and Share “Hidden Glitter”

Connect with Wan: Instagram

Stream "Cough Up Your Money", the Debut EP by Punk Rock Band Alternative Radio

Alternative Radio is a Milwaukee based punk rock 'n roll band that met at an art school in Chicago, and share a love for 70's bands like the Rolling Stones, Richard Hell, and Johnny Thunders, and the rock and roll they produced. In regards to their music and its impact on their fans, the band says, “We want to bring back that sense of danger and attitude to rock music, and to create music that won't simply get us on the charts, but will resonate with our fans”.

Speaking of attitude and a sense of danger, Alternative Radio has just released their intense debut EP "Cough up Your Money", which features three tracks: “Julie's Got a Gun”, “She Does Art”, and “Room fills with water” that should be a resounding success in the eyes of their fans, and create a lot of new ones.

We’re stoked for you to listen to “Cough Up Your Money” right now, and stick around DCWS for our upcoming exclusive interview with Alternative Radio as we pick their brains about the EP’s development, how they connected at art school to form the group, the punk rock scene in Milwaukee and much more.

Until that interview drops, rock out to the “Cough Up Your Money” EP below, and connect with Alternative Radio on Facebook.

Connect with Alternative Radio: Facebook

Interview: Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer Policy Talks About His New Single "The Oracle"

We connected with Cleveland based multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ, and drum doctor Policy for an exclusive interview to discuss his brand new single “The Oracle”, which will appear on his upcoming album “ECHO CHAMBERS”, dropping on May 30th. We also learned more about how Policy became the drum doctor, how he connected with Annastacia Monroe, who is featured on “The Oracle”, what we can expect on the “ECHO CHAMBERS” album and much more.

After reading our Q&A with Policy, be sure to connect with him on his website and social media, and be on the lookout for the “ECHO CHAMBERS” album when it is released on May 30th!

Tell us about how you got started in drumming specifically, and music generally. Were there any artists or producers that provided inspiration to you when you were younger?

Well, I come from a family of musicians; my grandfather was 2nd trombone for Frankie Carl, my mother, father and my uncles were in a rock and roll show band for over 25 years, performing, recording and touring all over the US and Canada. They released an album on A&M records.

I used to tour with them and the stage was my playground. I started on the drums, eventually starting my training in drumming and then moved on to other instruments and then learning the art of producing and recording. I spend some time in Los Angeles studying with Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Ringo Star).

My family's drummer was my first inspiration. His name is Tommy Cantwell, then as a lot of drummers do, I went into my Neil Peart (Rush) phase and my Danny Carey (Tool) phase. These days it's all about trying to learn and play as Dave Weckl does. I was fortunate to have spent a day with Dave in Chicago and it was just an amazing experience.

Congratulations on the release of your new single "The Oracle"; it's an incredible song. Tell us about what inspired you to create the track and how you connected with Annastacia, who sang on it.

Thank you so much. "The Oracle" is certainly an extraordinary track. I was inspired to do a shuffle groove first off. A lot of my tracks really start with an idea surrounding what groove I want to build upon, then let the track basically write itself.

It was actually titled something different before I connected with Annastacia. I put an ad out on a local website and She answered it. She worked on the song for a few weeks, came into the studio, and just nailed it.

From a sonic and thematic standpoint, does "The Oracle" provide a template for what we can expect from your upcoming debut album "ECHO CHAMBERS"?

There is a concatenation of a few things on this album including alternative, EDM, dance, chill, techno and even a little taste of industrial.

Sonically, absolutely one can expect an amazing produced, engineered and mastered record. Each track is so distinct that the template used was that I wanted all of them to be me as well as who I was collaborating with to be them. At the end of day, the songs only worked if we sat back and we knew they were something new and we loved them.

Besides Annastacia, who are the featured artists on the album and how did you select which artists would fit best on a particular song?

The other featured artists who are all talented singer/songwriters include Amy Jo Scott who I have worked with before on a previous project. She is featured on a upbeat, 4 on the floor, positive, weekend, love track titled "Push Pause". Kelsey Hunter who is on "Art Of Fact" which is a track that starts with a really cool groove and morphs into a kicking EDM beat and then back to the groove. Claire Rasa from Australia, I had connected with her on the Soundbetter platform and she did an amazing performance on a track called "Run Into The Night". Lastly, there is Tina Shest who closes the album with a deep and emotional performance on "Reality". She is also the featured violinist on the track.

For all of the tracks I just asked if they were interested in collaborating, played them the beds and I let them do the toplining where they write the lyrics, melody and perform the recording.

Why should every person reading this interview be ready to stream/purchase "ECHO CHAMBERS" when it drops on May 30th?

Because it's something different and new. It's a journey of highs and lows and its real! It covers a lot of ground and everyone can enjoy listening to it. This whole project was only supposed to be a four song demo that I was just gonna burn out of my house and give to a couple friends. I played a few tracks for my family and they really encouraged me to continue on.

There are a couple emotional, chill instrumentals as well as some kicking EDM and great pop/alternative songs. The tracks also have some very unique grooves to them that make you body move or make you cry and most importantly are the collaborations I did with the featured artists who really shine and it was just awesome to give them a base to show themselves.

Connect with Policy: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

National Indigenous Music Awards to Go Virtual Amid COVID Crisis

The National Indigenous Music Awards are pleased to announce in the face of the COVID19 pandemic, that they will continue in 2020, reacting to a climate where celebrating and shining a light on First Nations artists is even more important than ever. Opening their nominations today, the NIMAs are ready to face the challenge of building and supporting community in a changed world.

The NIMAs are responsive to the health needs of Australians, particularly those in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The NIMAs have always played an integral part in bringing us together as a community and this year we will take the opportunity to innovate, providing a multimedia experience which will celebrate not only music, but also the way technology has transformed Indigenous life, be it in our major capital cities, or our remote communities.

The National Indigenous Music Awards will work with media partners to create a rich program of live music across multiple screens and the ability for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from across the country to connect with the program, the artists and each other with the announcement of new NIMAs Creative Director, Iwaidja, Malak Malak and Badu Island man Ben Graetz.

A fierce advocate for the First Nations, disability, LGBTIQA+ and arts communities, Graetz has served as Artistic Director of the Darwin Pride Festival, Darwin Entertainment Centre, Garrmalang Festival and Arafura Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and was awarded the prestigious Artist of the Year in last year’s LGBTI Australia Awards for his nationally-renowned alter-ego Miss Ellaneous. Graetz said he was excited by the challenge of helming the awards, which usually attract over 4,000 each year in Darwin, even with the additional complexities that COVID-19 has presented.

"The National Indigenous Music Awards are the biggest night on the calendar for First Nations musicians and it is an honour to be welcomed as its first Creative Director, albeit with a different palette than I was expecting to be painting with," said Graetz. "Over more than a decade, the awards have been such an important place of recognition for musicians across the country, both to celebrate successes and provide a platform for new artists to be discovered and I am excited to be taking the reigns of an event with such an important legacy, especially at this time."

"We will create an event where we can celebrate and honour our extraordinary musical community while of course listening to health advice and bringing our community together, this year virtually, to offer positivity and hope in these challenging times."

Nominations for this year's National Indigenous Music Awards are now open at www.indigenousmusic.com.au. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music released between July last year and June this year eligible for nominating. For the first time, all artists who have appeared in the weekly National Indigenous Chart will be automatically considered for the awards.

"We are continuing the evolution of the NIMAs to create a platform that shines a light on Indigenous success and talent across the year, of which the awards are a key part," said MusicNT’s Mark Smith. "We are working closely with Ben to restructure the NIMAs advisory committee and are welcoming new members in 2020 to ensure we have Indigenous voices from across the country advising and leading the future strategy of the event. We are proud to welcome Ben as our first Creative Director as we continue our path towards a NIMAs that is Indigenous-led: an event that not just amplifies Indigenous voices, but one that is determined and controlled by them."

Connect with National Indigenous Music Awards: Website | Twitter

Stream "Hidden Glitter", the New Album by Pop/RnB Singer-Songwriter Wan

Wan is a talented Eldersburg, MD based singer-songwriter who has recently dropped his album entitled “Hidden Glitter”, which follows his last project “Love Me Forever”. “Hidden Glitter” is comprised of eleven DOPE tracks, and we are excited to be able to share it with you right now.

If you are a fan of Frank Ocean, Choker, or Miguel, then you will love what Wan brings to the scene with “Hidden Glitter”. The 23 year old blends pop and RnB seamlessly with his tunes, which are perfect for this spring/summer time of the year. Even though we are currently locked down, we’ve got “Hidden Glitter” to help us get through the cabin fever, social distancing and monotony of it all.

Listen to “Hidden Glitter” for yourself below, connect with Wan on Instagram, and stay close to DCWS because our exclusive interview with him, and our review of the album are both coming very soon!

Connect with Wan: Instagram

A Billion New Fans: Soundrop Expands Distribution to New Music Services in China, Russia

On April 6th, Soundrop started distributing all of its artists’ active catalog to several major music services in key new markets, expanding their potential audience by more than a billion listeners.

Soundrop’s new distribution partners include NetEase, TenCent’s music platforms (QQ Music, Kuguo, and Kuwo), Xiami, Yandex, and UMA (including mail.ru’s mobile music app). Many of these services are the market leaders in their countries and in the case of Xiami, regularly reach more users than the total population of the US.

“With the addition of top music platforms in China and Russia, we continue to add value for our artists as fast as we can. With touring and many ‘day jobs’ paused indefinitely, independent musicians need to find every possible revenue stream, so the Soundrop community is super stoked to be accessing something like a billion new listeners in these territories,” explains Pony, Soundrop’s brand manager. “I think that the type of content we distribute, which includes lots of great cover songs of music from anime, video games, movies and other pop culture sources, is going resonate strongly and generate new fan communities in those countries.”

To reach these new potential fans, Soundrop users simply need to enable Auto Distro to ensure distribution. For more information about Soundrop’s risk-free distribution approach and artist-friendly features (including integrated cover song licensing), see soundrop.com

About Soundrop

Soundrop is a distribution platform tailored to the YouTube-generation artist. Offering quick and affordable distribution to top digital outlets, integrated cover song licensing, and automatic royalty splits between collaborators, Soundrop is the distribution solution for the serial content creator and collaborator. Soundrop is a division of AVL Digital, which is owned by Downtown Music Holdings.

Giveaway: Enter to Win a Free Pair of Soundcore Libery Air 2 True Wireless Earbuds

The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2s are true wireless earbuds with diamond-coated drivers and 4 microphones with Uplink Noise Cancellation. Simply put, they are top notch and some of the best wireless earbuds on the market that you can buy, and we are giving a pair away for free!

Check out Flossy Carter's review of the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 true wireless earbuds below.

One lucky winner will receive a brand new pair of Soundcore Liberty Air 2 true wireless earbuds, a $100 value, with the winner to be announced after the giveaway contest ends on April 30th.

Enter below for your chance to win, and you can also connect with Soundcore on their website and social media.

Connect with Soundcore: Website | Twitter | Instagram

Stream "Since We're Here", the Newly Released EP by RnB Artist Lyfe Harris

Los Angeles based singer-songwriter and producer Lyfe Harris is known for EPs like “No Nights Off” and “Ten” as well as his albums “Dysphoria” and “Watch You Dream 2”. He has gained a fan-base over the years for his polished, emotive future R&B vibes becoming one of the originators of today’s contemporary Trap Soul sound. He dominated that lane along with artists like Roy Woods, TYuS and Bryson Tiller at the time. Fast forward to 2020 and he brings his seasoned ultra well-rounded mastery of the genre with him as he sets the tone for his project ‘Since We’re Here’.

As RESPECT MAG stated in a recent article - “Lyfe Harris’ reverence in contemporary conversations of trap soul authenticates” through his music.

“My sound is airy, R&B with dark undertones and textures. I like anything with a melody I can convey and be more creative that way.” - Lyfe Harris

Lyfe’s new project ’Since You’re Here’ is nothing less than smooth, expertly executed feeling-filled ballads. From big records like “Top Floor” “Medals” “Doll House” and “Pawn” the sonic setting explores the world from which the artist is speaking from. Lyfe’s songwriting explores his lovers, memories and his emotions as the project takes the listener on a journey to a place akin to a sonic glass house. Lyfe orchestrates his mixed emotions over sublimely curated, crispy beats, the best yet to come from his camp. Lyfe’s signature is still his intricate wordplay which he uses at will to weave in & out of a flawless execution of Modern R&B.

Vibe out to Lyfe’s DOPE new EP, “Since We’re Here”, right now, stream it on Apple Music, and connect with him on his social media.

Stream and Share “Since We’re Here” on Apple Music

Connect with Lyfe Harris: Twitter | Instagram

Review: "Kitchen Sink Dramas" EP by Ultra_eko

Darkened atmospherics add to the tension filled flows of Ultra_eko’s “Kitchen Sink Dramas” EP. Incredible storytelling explores the inherent imbalances that define the world at large. Nor is he adverse to incorporating a wide range of stylistic choices into the mix.

Electroclash, industrial, ambient, folk, all of this is anchored by the framing structure of trap and hip-hop. The balance achieved further adds to the journey-like approach of the entire work. Ultra_eko’s lyrics have a sharp insight as they convey a sense of loss, one of urgency, and a call to action. Such attention to these narratives as they chose a sweeping scope feels truly stately.

On “Kitchen Sink Dramas”, Ultra_eko opts for a highly personal take with his work while highlighting the overall injustices inherent within society at large. His critiques of capitalism, the “one or two disasters away from sheer awfulness”, focus upon some of the same material as Kendrick Lamar’s earlier works. For the overall method to the sound itself, he refuses to be pigeonholed at all. Going from a creepy ambiance to something akin to almost noise at times has a Death Grips nimbleness to it. Unlike that outfit however, his approach is not one of pure, unbridled rage but something considerably more thought-out and contemplative.

There are small flourishes for the open “The Seventh Day” which sets the tone for what follows. Tender piano softens the blow of the bleak “Six Numbers”. Here Ultra_eko expresses the sadness of what it means to work oneself to the bone. Lots of the isolation that comes with modernity, the hopelessness is described in vivid detail.

By far the highlight of the EP comes from the literary references of “King of the Wild Things”. Layer upon layer intermingles on the vivid “Soul’s Code” where the melody has a tremendous richness to it. Woozy, haunted nostalgia runs through the eerie “Run Away” with an arrangement that oozes unease, a surreal scope that references Boards of Canada’s more recent, heavier work. Bringing this all to a gorgeous conclusion is the heightened dramatics of “Twisted”.

“Kitchen Sink Dramas” is a resounding success, showing off Ultra_eko’s unique rapping ability, and one that shines the light on his wild, unhinged rhymes.

Stream and Share “Kitchen Sink Dramas” on Spotify

Interview: South London Rapper Ultra_eko Talks About His Newly Released EP "Kitchen Sink Dramas"

Major thanks to Ultra_eko who connected with DCWS for an exclusive Q&A to talk about his just released debut EP “Kitchen Sink Dramas”, as well as his haunting new music video “King of the Wild Things, and much more.

We learned a lot from our conversation with the South London based rapper, and we expect that you will too, so check our interview below, stream/purchase “Kitchen Sink Dramas” on your preferred music service, listen to some more of his music on Spotify, and be on the lookout for our in-depth review of the EP which we’ll be posting tomorrow.

Describe for us your creative process for new song development. Also, what do you look for in the production that you use?

I usually start with a concept, an idea, or best of all, a story that I want to tell. Then I just try to find sounds that bring the words out of me. I find that I usually write best whilst in motion, either driving or walking; my mind seems to enter a different state and the words spring forth.

In terms of production I just go with whatever feels right; I don’t have any particular aesthetic, and the album I am working on for an autumn release, will have a completely different sound and aesthetic than the EP.

Speaking of EPs, congratulations on the completion and release of your debut EP "Kitchen Sink Dramas". First off, what does the EP title represent and how long did it take to complete the project?

Thank you, I’m very pleased with the finished product myself. I think there is a completeness and something identifiable about the piece as a whole, which is what I was aiming for and which I feel I achieved. I have had some incredibly positive feedback, beyond what I was expecting, especially in terms of the writing and content.

I’ve also had others who suggest that there was too much similarity between the sounds of each track, that there needed to be more variety. Anyone who listened through all of the material I have released on Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/ultraeko - would recognize the eclectic nature of my sounds and the material I cover; often it is very flippant and humorous, sometimes absurdly so, others serious, others fantastical and full of science fiction elements, as in my Virus227 series.

With ‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’ though, since it was only an EP, and runs at just 24 minutes, I hoped it would be a piece of work listeners would run straight through with. And so in a sense, having similar sounds was exactly the aesthetic I was looking for – indeed 3 of the 6 six tracks are produced by the same person, SYKO. I wanted it to sound like a cohesive and connected piece of work, and I wanted it to showcase what I felt to be my best writing. The writing side is my true passion, and I felt these tracks represented the best I had to offer lyrically.

A few people who have really connected with the album tell me they’ve had it on repeat, and that the stories within the tracks really only began opening up and making their full meaning apparent after several listens, which really makes me happy to hear. I would love to create the type of hip hop that people do listen to over and over until they know the words by heart; that would be something really special to me, because I pour my heart and soul into the writing. These pieces are all quite serious in nature, but they represent the writing which has meant the most to me.

The title originally was going to be ‘Outsider Artist’; I wanted something that represented how I felt about myself as a person and an artist, someone always on the outside looking in; someone who always distances themselves from the crowd. However, I woke in the early hours one morning and the title ‘Kitchen Sink Dramas’ popped into my head from nowhere, and I tend always to pay upmost respect to any suggestions put forward from the subconscious, so that title was decided straight away.

It’s a very British title, and the term comes from a movement in British theatre during the fifties which also made its way into films, which focused on the dreary, depressing, mundane dramas of everyday life. And the six stories I present in the EP are really just simple reflections of the journeys, the struggles, and the everyday realities we all face; though I hope they are a bit more entertaining to listen to than something classed as ‘dreary’!

The EP itself was written over perhaps 2 months. Though I am usually writing about ten tracks at a time; I like to bounce from one to another; maybe not the most efficient strategy, but it keeps me from getting bored. Also, it gives the verses time to settle and breathe. When I was younger, I never used to have the patience to let something sit for a few weeks before coming back to it and reading through with fresh eyes; nowadays I have so much on my plate that the process seems to happen automatically! In terms of recording it was all done over a couple of days and then sent of to Adam Lewis, who does such a great job of the mixing/mastering.

How would you say that your hometown, specifically South London, has inspired your EP, and your music overall?

Coming from this part of London has certainly shaped the music, in terms of my accent, my upbringing, and thus the stories and narratives that are born out of this. If you listen to my ‘Wormwood Scrubs’ track it will perhaps give quite a lot of insight into the type of background and family I come from. However, it’s not something I really focus on or think about very much. I think that nowadays we are all citizens of the world with the internet at our fingertips. I would cite a masterpiece such as ‘The Sopranos’ as having just as much influence on me as the area I grew up in. Although, having said that, I do have that innate territorialism that is in all of us, and when I see someone from close by it makes me especially proud, or I feel compelled to support them just on account of where they might have been born and grew up.

When someone listens to the "Kitchen Sink Dramas" EP for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?

I guess I would want them not necessarily to have enjoyed the experience, but for it to have made an impression upon them that went a bit deeper than the usual fare. Something that they wanted to return to, that they felt would benefit from repeated listens. That would be incredible.

We're blown away by your new video "King of the Wild Things". How did you and the director come up with its treatment and will there be other visuals for tracks off the EP?

The video was created by Israeli video artist Eli Levi, and it is the ninth music video he has composed for me. He really is an incredibly talented guy, and he creates these beautiful pieces of art using only stock footage. I think we have developed a pretty good relationship together, and he had come to understand my music and typical themes and ideas.

I think my material makes good subject material for a music video because the tracks typically follow a narrative of some sort, and often use quite descriptive and poetic imagery. Usually I will send him a synopsis of the track, along with annotated lyrics, making the meaning very clear. But he is a super smart guy and he gets everything; it’s amazing what he does with the material he has at his disposal. He will then take that, along with the track, and craft a video out of it.

This video is certainly one of his best, along with the ‘Revolution UK’ track I would suggest. The care and attention he pays to every little detail is what makes his work so good. I have videos for three of the EP tracks now - “Wild Things”, “Soul’s Code”, and “Six Numbers”. I’m really making an effort to build my YouTube channel this year and so I will keep posting high quality videos; I even hope to make some of my own featuring myself for the album later this year.

I have been in touch with Eli today actually, and hopefully we will have a video for the ‘Twisted’ track, my personal favourite on the EP, out in 2 or 3 weeks; there will also be an anime video out for this track. I may perhaps also do one for the ‘Run away’ track, and that will be it I imagine for this EP. Having said that, being the completionist that I am, I will probably end up with videos for every track.

Stream and Share “Kitchen Sink Dramas” on: Spotify | Apple Music

Connect with Ultra_eko: Instagram | Soundcloud

Hendrix Harris Unveils the New EP "Falcon" With His Latest Single/Video "Sweat Drops"

With two sensational releases down already in “Should I” and “Aftermath”, Hendrix Harris looks set to impress again with his latest single “Sweat Drops” – the preceding single to his new EP ‘Falcon’ that has just dropped.

“Sweat Drops” is a fluid demonstration of Harris’ natural musical ability. Hendrix dynamically switches between luxurious vocals and rapid-fire lyrical finesse as he speaks candidly about his lover. It’s a clear abundance of skill that is lost on many artists within his reach. Teams up once again with Kevin Froly, the new single comes with a simplistic performance visual that’s a natural accompaniment to a high paced release.

Aforementioned, “Sweat Drops” is the crescendo; the final cut that leads to his debut project ‘Falcon’. An introduction for many to the world of Hendrix, it merges dark and brooding trap-soul production, with soulfully sincere crooning and lyrical flex, all while navigating the innermost thoughts and feelings of our Parisian maverick.

Hendrix is emerging as a bright rising star, with great depth and serious flair not seen too often. A knack for consistently reaching for new sounds and inspirations as seen in his previous work, he is providing a new kind of energy to a thriving musical landscape.

With more than a million streams and counting on Spotify alone to his name, ‘Falcon’ looks set to amplify the hype already surrounding the eclectic artist as he takes over 2020 in style.

Watch “Sweat Drops” below, stream the “Falcon” EP on your preferred music service and connect with Hendrix on his social media.

Stream and Share “Falcon”

Connect with Hendrix Harris: Instagram | Facebook

Interview: Only Lonely Discusses His New Song "Nightmare" and Upcoming Album

We connected with Corbin, KY based pop singer-songwriter Noah Meadors aka Only Lonely for an exclusive interview to discuss his self-produced new single “Nightmare”, as well as his upcoming album, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with Only Lonely, be sure to connect with him on his social media and check out some more of his DOPE music on Spotify.

Congratulations on the release of your new single "Nightmare"; it's an incredible song. You mentioned that you wrote it in 2017; why did it take so long to release?

Well, the reason it took so long to release was because back during that time, after I'd written the song, I was actually still raising funds to buy proper studio equipment for recording at home. I was moving back and forth a lot and had gotten a new job and was struggling pretty hard in order to support me and another person. Eventually, I bought the equipment and I started working on the "Space" EP and the other projects, but I knew I wanted to save "Nightmare" for the album. It had to be on the album.

Would you say that "Nightmare" sounds like what we can expect sonically and thematically from your upcoming full length album? Also, do you have a name for it yet?

Yes, I actually have a permanent name for the record now, it's called "Noah", and thematically, it is a fairly brief exploration of the past ten years of my life, since I started writing music.

Sonically, it's a little diverse. There are songs like "Nightmare" that are more so driven by live instruments, and then there's some songs that rely more on synthesizers, like the record's lead single "Love & Freedom".

Describe for us your creative process when it comes to the development of new music.

Well, I'll hear the song in my head, then I'll write lyrics out, and usually come up with a song title somewhere in between. Then when I get ready, I'll get in my DAW and start working out an instrumental, then record the vocals. I try my best to get it to sound the closest I can to how I hear it in my head. Then I'll just build from that demo.

How would you describe the music scene in Corbin, KY, especially for pop music?

The music scene in Corbin is very heavily country driven and gospel driven. That's what people like around here unfortunately, haha.

There are very few rock musicians that I've noticed around here, and the pop scene is basically non-existent. Except for me I guess. Haha.

How would you say that the current coronavirus pandemic that we are facing has affected you as an artist?

It sucks man. I was like, so ready to go out and perform my own material live for the first time, and maybe later do several more shows if anyone would have me. But now I have to postpone those plans, so it's definitely taken away the opportunity to do something like that, if by chance something like that were to have come up for me.

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Indie Pop Duo Firewoodisland Drops Their Self-Titled Second Album

The Bristol-based indie-pop duo, Firewoodisland releases their self-titled second album, featuring the noteworthy ‘Time Reveals It All’, via Firewoodisland Records. The tracks were written, produced and mixed by Stian himself, while the mastering was handled by Chris Sanson (Highasakite, Thomas Dybdahl). Firewoodisland’s first single of 2020, ‘Sprinter’, secured them A-Listing on BBC Radio Wales while their double single ‘Ataraxic’ / ‘Drop Everything’ was premiered via Wonderland. Magazine.

Inspired by the likes of Bon Iver, Of Monsters and Men, and Oh Wonder, Firewoodisland combine the catchiness of pop with the sensibilities of folk and indie music. The duo’s distinctive sound, christened ‘Mountain Pop’, is a perfect blend of organic and digital elements. 2019 saw the duo add cellist Simon Walker, with the occasional additional session musician, to their live outfit and, although there are only three people on stage, they deliver an epic performance through the use of multi-layering and looping, reminiscent of James Blake or Oh Wonder.

Embracing climatic and orchestral finishes, Firewoodisland show care and dedication to their work with the self-titled LP. The tender and compassionate lyrics that run rifle through the album pair beautifully with the cinematic soundscapes and soaring vocals ranges. ‘Time Reveals It All’ reveals itself as a healing song, providing a warm sonic embrace to the listener with an array of ethereal embellishments to highlight the timeless quality of the track. Pensive and introspective lyrics can be found throughout the Firewoodisland LP however the occasional arrival of a lively piano melody or punchy percussion provide balance to this, ensuring the tone doesn’t fall too low.

"We self-titled this album because we finally felt like we came home to ourselves! During the creation of Firewoodisland, we went through a major maturing season, which is apparent in the songwriting, the sound and the artwork. We have fallen in love with orchestral instruments, strings and horns which, blending with digital and organic instruments help us arrive at our new sound. We really love this album, it's close to our hearts.", Firewoodisland give further insight into their stunning creation.

Listen to “Firewoodisland” right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Firewoodisland on their social media.

Stream and Share “Firewoodisland”

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Interview: Ireland Based Artist Low Life Luke Talks About His Self-Produced New Single "High Life"

We connected with Low Life Luke, a talented vocalist and producer out of Ireland, for an exclusive interview to discuss his brand new single ”High Life”, which will appear on his upcoming album “The Sinners Club”. We also talked with Low Life Luke about the music scene for pop and hip-hop in Ireland, which song in his catalog represents him the most as an artist, and much more.

After reading our Q&A with Low Life Luke, be sure to connect with him on his social media, stream/share “High Life” on Spotify and be on the lookout for “The Sinners Life”, which will be dropping in May.

We're blown away by your new single "High Life". What inspired you to write the song and what was your creative process for its development?

I really appreciate It. The band All Saints which were around In the 90s; I really love how they write their lyrics. I feel like they are hugely underrated.

Also, I believe the recording process was hugely Important to make the vibe happen, as I wanted to create an up front intimate feel while also having a chilled vibe. It took a while to get it right but I always knew the end vision.

Can we expect a music video to follow for "High Life"?

Funny enough I was only thinking that today as before I was not, but the traction it received has sparked some ideas.

Definitely keep your eyes out before the summer.

What can you tell us about your upcoming album "The Sinners Club", which drops in May? Are there any featured artists appearing on it?

“The Sinners Club” has taken myself a year and a half to create my perfect album, in the sense of every genre I love is blended into it.

I really believe in Its diversity to go from singing smooth RnB vibes to going into the heavy hip hop realm. The only feature is a hugely talented beat maker Mayhem & Conquer from Australia who made a beat for my track “Bop”, which I also released. I gotta say a huge thanks to Lurch for helping co produce this album also.

Which song in your musical catalog would you say represents you the most as an artist?

That Is a good question. To be honest I would never say one certain song can define me as you will hear.

I don't stay in a certain genre, but if I had to pick a certain song off the album it’s called “Holy Ghost”. I feel something special about it and I am really excited to share It .

In your opinion, what's the state of popular music (ie pop and rap) in Ireland in 2020? Are local artists supported strongly there and what's the best way to grow your fan base in the country?

I’d say the scene is 50/50; on one hand there's a great set of talented musicians and on the other is a very cliquey media who only put people on who are willing to live on their knees for them. That is just not my style nor I believe that is what music is about, so I don't get involved.

I usually get more love from a lot of media across the seas like you guys who review music in a non biased sense. That is what I believe reveals real talent in the world.

I believe hard work and dedication to your field will always shine through in the end. I don't believe there is a set way to grow an audience as everyone has their own spark that will grab a person who can relate to them. Just know your strengths.

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