Dublin's Strawman and the Jackdaws Will Release Their Debut EP "F∇X" on January 22nd
Dublin based musical project Strawman & the Jackdaws' anticipated debut EP ‘F∇X’ will be released on January 22nd.
Strawman & the Jackdaws is a Dublin based musical project consisting of singer-songwriter Riccardo Ranzani, drummer Michael Reolon, guitarist Jacopo Stofler and keyboardist and saxophonist Rory Fleming. Their anticipated debut EP ‘F∇X’ will be released on January 22nd, containing the anticipatory yet well-known singles ‘Precious Star’ and ‘Swallow’.
‘F∇X’ is a bold opening statement from the band, highly representative of their eclectic nature, a constant within the EP tracks. This eclecticism is always harmonized by joyful and playful tones, even though accompanied by profound metaphors and imaginaries. Distant from simplicity and banality, the band’s first EP's outcome is a set of tracks that are simple to catch and interiorize because of the intense collaboration between the musicians. The EP explores the meanings of the concept and the experience of travelling, driven by the belief that no matter the effort it takes; there will always be something to rely on and have faith in, a symbolic light emerging from shadows.
It was recorded at Flaked Studio with Adam Redmond and Terzo Mondo Studio with Giampaolo Rossi and mastered by Robin Schmidt.
Ranging over-energetic, folkie lines, engaging indie-pop melodies, and distorted riffs, the band’s strength resides in their Live shows and in their ability to entertain the crowd. After performing on Irish, English and Italian stages, the band is already booked for shows and festivals around Europe and Russia in 2021.
Review: "Just After Dusk" EP by Jo-Rel, Featuring Ezza CG
Neatly capturing the surreal moment the world is in right now, Choom Gang’s Jo-Rel and @Ezza905 explore strange terrain with the woozy world of “Just After Dusk”. Check out our review of Jo-Rel's DOPE new EP now!
Jo-Rel and Ezza CG spit pure fire on the flawless flows of “Just After Dusk”. Warped, wonderful arrangements help to punctuate the power of their wordplay, for their verses have a tightness to them as they deftly reference a wide slew of pop culture. Everything about the collection stuns from the way they let an entire universe come into their sound. Samples are twisted and transformed into weird rhythms, though with obvious roots in hip-hop. The beats go way into the red as they have an urgency behind them, one that feels absolutely gorgeous.
References abound throughout the whole of the EP, as Jo-Rel and Ezza CG’s extensive knowledge and playful demeanor draws upon some of Das Racist’s style. Beyond this, the incredible dexterity of their delivery and the rather large swath of styles thrown into the mix recall some of Tyler, the Creator’s work in terms of its shockingly insightful observations. Despite using this as influences, their sound is distinctly their own for they manage to craft a universe that swirls around. Their trap beats further add to the freewheeling nature of the sound.
By far the highlight, the opener “Dusk” features a tremendous number of colors that burst forth. From woodwinds to flipped-around guitar riffs, the song has a force of nature to it. Symphonic with the great degree of joy is the elegant grace of “Move” where the bass underpins the whole of the entire journey.
Layer upon layer comes into the fray on the tense scope of “What Y’all Thought?” where the cryptic melody has an almost haunted quality to it. Going for a disoriented quality the swirl of “Right as Rain” features some fantastic call and response work.
“Gameofthrones” features a certain regal poignancy as they distort the sound through a virtual unlimited number of filters. The commanding presence of “Guardian Angel”, feat. Freelance Flint offers a celebratory presence to it, with an undue amount of swagger. Quiet jazz vamps add to the soulful finale of “Meeiune”.
Neatly capturing the surreal moment the world is in right now, Jo-Rel and Ezza CG explore strange terrain with the woozy world of “Just After Dusk”.
Stream and Share “Just After Dusk”
San Antonio Singer-Songwriter Jeremy Parsons Unveils His New Album "Things To Come"
We excited to share with you the newly released album entitled "Things To Come" by San Antonio based singer-songwriter @JMParsonsMusic. Listen to it and watch the visual for the title track right now!
San Antonio based singer-songwriter Jeremy Parsons grew up soaking in the sounds of Texas music in the dancehalls of the Lone Star State. Over the past decade, Jeremy has played all over the U.S. and in Europe, including numerous venues in Texas. Jeremy has charted multiple singles on Roots Music charts and iTunes sales charts, both domestically and internationally. His videos have earned Official Selection status in dozens of film festivals. Jeremy has been featured in publications such as Americana Highways, Americana Rhythms, Relix, and more. Parsons has appeared on Fox, CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates around the country.
After releasing four singles from his new album, “Things To Come,” including several #1 iTunes charting tracks, Jeremy has finally dropped the full-length collection. The album includes some of Jeremy’s most personal songs to date, including the title track about his past addictions and “Good Ole Days,” about “looking forward to looking back.” The album was released with legendary label Smith Music. It is the follow-up to his hugely successful breakthrough album, “Things I Need to Say.”
Minneapolis Rockers The Soviet Machines Drop Their Self-Titled Debut Album
Minneapolis three-piece rock band The Soviet Machines have just released their self-titled album, "The Soviet Machines". Check it out right now!
The Soviet Machines are a three-piece rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota by high school friends singer/guitarist Jack Swagger and drummer Marcus Jones that initially began in 2006. After two independent releases, the group split up in 2009. In early 2020, the band regrouped with the addition of vocalist/bassist Rich Salsbury and began working on new material.
In September, the band traveled to Seattle to work with legendary producer Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Afghan Whigs). The self-titled album that resulted is filled with everything that makes the band great; big guitars, loud roomy drums and infectious melodies. These elements coupled with Endino’s live, raw production, and use of first takes gives the record a classic charm and vibrancy missing in most modern albums.
The strength of the album was enough to garner the attention of Midwest punk label DC-Jam Records who signed the group less than two weeks after the completion of the album. The LP is out digitally now, and on 12” vinyl on February 12th.
Listen to “The Soviet Machines” now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with the band on their social media.
Jo-Rel Releases His "Just After Dusk" EP, Featuring Ezza of Choom Gang
Choom Gang’s Jo-Rel has released his EP “Just After Dusk”, featuring @Ezza905. Listen to this DOPE new project now!
Choom Gang’s very own Jo-Rel has released his DOPE EP “Just After Dusk”, and features our boy from up north in Niagara, ON, Ezza CG. Jo-Rel was featured in Ezza CG’s last music video “I’m Not One of You REMIX” (watch HERE), which appears on his “Just Before Dawn” album (stream HERE).
We won’t go too much into what we love about this 7-track EP because our in-depth review will be coming soon, but trust us when we tell you that both Jo-Rel and Ezza CG go insane lyrically over the production, and their natural chemistry is what makes it a certified banger.
If you liked Jay Electronica’s “A Written Testimony” album featuring Jay-Z, and better yet, the legendary “Only Built For Cuban Linx” by Raekwon, featuring Ghostface Killah, then you will love Jo-Rel’s “Just After Dusk” EP with Ezza CG. Listen to the project right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Jo-Rel and Ezza CG on their social medias. Also, be on the lookout for our review of “Just After Dusk” coming very soon!
Stream and Share “Just After Dusk”
Connect with Jo-Rel: Facebook
Interview: Dutch RnB Artist Lady Shaynah Discusses Her New EP "Chapter 22: PUZZLED"
We connected with Dutch RnB singer-songwriter Lady Shaynah for an exclusive interview to discuss her newly released EP “Chapter 22: PUZZLED”, and much more.
“Being an artist, and working with other creative people, has thought me to let that go a little and trust the timing of the universe. “It” might not come when or how we want it, but when “it” comes it’s usually greater that what we had imagined.”
Tell us about your latest release and what inspired it?
My latest release “Chapter 22: PUZZLED” is the first part of the Chapter 22 Trilogy. This whole album was inspired by changes that started to happen in my life. From the downs of breaking up with the one whom I though I would marry to the ups of flying to different countries to work with international producers. All those changes made me feel all types of ways and I translated that into music.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
Double fried Belgian fries with peanut sauce. Yes. Definitely.
How did you first start in the music industry?
I come from a very musical family so music was always around me. I started making music from I guess the age of 5-ish. I decided to make it my career after winning several singing competitions and meeting other full-time musicians. There was no way back, once I noticed how happy I felt when performing and sharing my songs.
What are you working on next?
The next part of the Chapter22 Trilogy is almost finished! I’m now in the process of deciding which songs I’d like to put on the last part. I might shoot some videos for the 2nd part too.
What advice would you give others?
Patience! I am a Virgo, so I want things to happen now and in the exact way I envisioned for it to happen. That’s unfortunately not how things go... ;)
Being an artist, and working with other creative people, has thought me to let that go a little and trust the timing of the universe. “It” might not come when or how we want it, but when “it” comes it’s usually greater that what we had imagined.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
I’d kill (not literally though come on…) to work with the producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and the artist H.E.R.
Who is the dopest artist you know?
Well… You got a minute? I’m a big fan of H.E.R., Snoh Aalegra, Ari Lennox, Erykah Badu and (fellow Dutchies) Safa Liron and Sherefa Yorks. They are amazing beyond their music!
What's your favourite studio snack?
Cashew nuts and pistachios!
Eclectic Rock Trio The Dirty Nil Release Their New Album "F... Art"
@TheDirtyNil has kicked open the doors of 2021 with the release of “Fuck Art”, their new album that has jumpstarted the IDGAF attitude, self-aware shamelessness, and uproarious energy of full-throttle rock n roll.
The Dirty Nil has kicked open the doors of 2021 with the release of “Fuck Art” (via Dine Alone Records), their new album that has jumpstarted the IDGAF attitude, self-aware shamelessness, and uproarious energy of full-throttle rock n roll.
The irreverent amp-blowing Juno-winning badasses have injected classic-rock heroism, pop-punk horsepower, '80s indie scrappiness, '90s alterna-crunch, and speed-metal adrenalin into this 11-track collection that balances its moments of astute emotional excavation with no-holds-barred joyousness.
Of the album, frontman Luke Bentham says:
Dear world, we proudly present to you: FUCK ART. Dreams, revenge, joy and death. This is our purest glimpse of truth and beauty. Please enjoy, and as always, much love and hail rock n roll.
The album's release follows a string of high-voltage advanced tracks, including the aforementioned and hardcore basement ode to young love "Doom Boy" the pop-punk reflection on the vices we grow out of on "Done With Drugs," and the pairing of "Blunt Force Concussion" and "One More and the Bill" which take aim at the struggle to combat and avoid the limiting bullshit which clogs up our lives as we continue our journeys through adulthood.
“Fuck Art” is the the trio's most eclectic collection of irreverently exhilarating and fully indulgent rock n roll to date, which Kerrang! called ridiculously infectious while their last album (2018's Master Volume) was praised by Vice's Noisey as the album rock 'n' roll deserves.
Listen to “Fuck Art” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with The Dirty Nil on their social media and website.
Interview: Bay Area, CA Artist/Producer Lance Houck Talks About His New Album "Unborn"
We connected with Bay Area, CA based singer-songwriter and producer Lance Houck for an exclusive Q&A to discuss his newly released album “Unborn”, and much more.
“I can get inspired by anything really...I may hear something in the soundtrack I like and then tweak and change it to be my own. Many of my songs have begun in that fashion.”
Congratulations on the completion and release of your new album "Unborn". Tell us about your creative process for this project's seven songs.
Sometimes my songs will start off as brand new songs and sometimes they will evolve from a huge back catalog I have going back to 1998. In this case, I dipped in there to rework some songs. For example, "Learn to Let Go" was originally called "Feed On" and was written in '98 when I was only 14. And now I have reworked the lyrics to give it new life.
Most of my lyrics were horrible back then. I usually have all my songs written and then I will record demos of them on my phone. Once I feel confident in the process, I move everything to my digital studio. It's super archaic, but does the job for me. From there, I lay down my guitars, bass, drums, and vocal. Then I mix and master and viola... a new song is born.
My personal favorite of this batch was "All the Reasons". The lyrics felt personal to me and the music became almost spiritual the further I dove into the track.
From a sonic and thematic perspective, how would you compare the "Unborn" album to your last album release?
My last album was "Covid Chaos Blues" and it was very much a Blues/Rock album inspired by Zeppelin, Floyd, and Albert King. So right off the bat, the complete feel is different.
"Unborn" has a much more Alternative Rock feel to it, whereas the previous album has a much more Jam Band sound with minimal lyrics. Plus, "Covid Chaos Blues" is harder with more distorted guitars and harder hitting vocals.
What are some things that inspire your creativity when you are developing new music?
I can get inspired by anything really. I recently released a Christmas EP called "Christmas Time" and one of the tracks was inspired by something I heard in a Christmas Hallmark movie. Really a lot of my ideas start from something I'm watching. And I may hear something in the soundtrack I like and then tweak and change it to be my own. Many of my songs have begun in that fashion.
At what point did you realize that you had a talent for songwriting and production, and that you should take your musical aspirations to the next level?
Probably since I was ten. Since the beginning. It's what I have always loved, and even back then I would surprise people (and myself) by coming up with catchy little hooks. But it has always been a challenge as well. I have been gigging for many years, and have recorded over 400 songs since 1998. Actually, I've probably recorded 300, just since 2008, when I got the digital recorder I still use today. That being said, nothing big has ever really happened (with the exception of my song on The Tonight Show), but I keep working at it because it's what I am passionate about, and even through all these years I still feel I have something to say... even if it's as simple as "I love you with all my heart".
Tell us what some of your goals are musically for this new year, and what will you need to do to achieve them.
I hope to have some songs licensed in film or television. Or really any media situation. I'm not looking to have songs on the Hot 100 or anything (though I'm obviously not opposed), but I would love to be able to make a living by having my songs licensed.
I just finished a Christmas EP which I hope to pitch to various companies, and I am working on a concept album about machines taking over our government which (in my opinion) I think could be my best work yet.
Stream and Share “Unborn” on: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp
Connect with Lance Houck: Facebook
Interview: Boston Rock Band Major Moment Discuss Their New Music Video "The Flood"
Big thanks to Andrey Borzykin from Boston based rock band @majormomentband who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss their Tyler Ayers directed music video “The Flood”, and much more.
“...when people hear our band’s name we want them to think about what’s important to them, but also to remember various major moments in history. Whether our moment in history will truly become a major one is yet to be seen, but we’re certainly willing to work for it.”
Congratulations on the completion and release of the music video for "The Flood". Regarding the song itself, what was the band's creative process for its development?
Thank you! The story behind the song development is definitely pretty interesting, kind of unique, because the song started from the band actually falling apart, or to be specific, 4 out of 6 then members quitting Major Moment on the same day, leaving myself [Andrey] and Sasha as the only standing members. Not your average band’s creative process, haha.
So the original theme behind the song was our personal disappointment with the people we trusted and thought we’re on the same page with, and then as we kept writing the meaning became more broad and universal, because all of us at some point have felt this disappointment of being betrayed - by the people in power, by the government, or just in our daily lives when we see people disrespect and mistreat each other, not caring about what’s left after they’re gone. That became the main theme behind the song, reinforced by the French proverb - “Après nous le déluge” (After us, the flood).
The two of us wrote the song, the lyrics, I produced and arranged our home demo, and then we took it to the studio where Kevin [Billingslea, producer] helped us to get the song to where it is today.
Salute to the music video's director, Tyler Ayers. How did you and Tyler come up with the treatment for the visual and was there a collective sigh of relief when the filming ended?
We worked with Tyler and Revelry Studios on our previous music video for “May Leave Scars” and it felt like the right partnership, so we started planning “The Flood” literally two weeks after we were done with “May Leave Scars”. We’re proud to take the credit for coming up with the concept for the music video ourselves, and when we presented it to Tyler he called it “genius”.
Not sure where exactly this idea came from, but we’ve probably watched too much MTV back in late 90s - early 2000s, so we got subconsciously inspired by the era that brought us some of the most visually stunning plot-based music videos. We definitely wanted to keep it as far as possible from the beaten “rock band plays in the warehouse” concept.
We had our fair share of concerns about how we were possibly going to pull off flooding the room, especially on our rather tight (by the industry standards) budget, but Tyler was up for a challenge and said we have to do it and we’ll figure it out. So we started preparing for it: picking props, costumes, looking for friends who would fit the roles, developing scenes, etc. Meanwhile, Tyler was busy building the room… in his backyard.
A few months of preparation for only about 10 hours of filming that was done overnight, and the time went by crazy-fast! No wonder that after the filming was done, there was a collective sigh of relief! However, the work was done for everyone but us and Tyler, haha. It then took us over 2 months to edit the video the way it made sense with our original vision in mind. Very happy with the result though, it was all worth it!
Is "The Flood" a part of an upcoming EP or album? If so, what can you tell us about the project?
It’s definitely a part of something bigger than just a single, haha. The music industry and listeners’ consumption habits have kind of shifted towards short form content, so being an independent artist we’ll probably be working on a single basis for a while, trying to further grow our audience with each subsequent release. With “The Flood” we have something different in mind though, and it’s not something we’ve originally planned, but we think it’s going to be an interesting move. If everything goes well, we’ll be releasing “The Flood: Remixed & Reimagined” sometime early next year.
It’s not an album, not it’s an EP. It’s like a single on steroids. We already have 6-7 different versions and remixes of the song, and they’re all cool and unique. If you’re a fan of the song, you’ll totally find something enjoyable there. Our favorites so far are the 8-bit retro version and the latest version we’ve just recorded in the studio yesterday - fully in Russian.
Being of Russian descent, we would often get asked when we are going to record something in Russian, but we love writing in English, and find it a much more music-friendly language. So frankly, as weird as it sounds, we didn’t see this one coming. Myself & Sasha took it as a challenge to rewrite the lyrics to our mother tongue so meticulously that not only the Russian version preserves the meaning behind the song and rhymes well, but even the amount of syllables is kept exactly the same to not interrupt the flow of the vocal melody.
We realize it probably means nothing to anyone but our Russian-speaking fans (which we do have quite a few), yet we’re super-proud of what we were able to do with it. It’s like working with a 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle, once you manage to get it together, you feel good about it. There are more surprises, but let’s not give them all away.
What would you say has been the greatest accomplishment for Major Moment thus far as a band?
We did get quite a few notable awards for our work in the past, good press coverage, but honestly every new day that we spend doing what we love feels like an accomplishment in itself. If I had to name one other thing - it would be the music video for “The Flood”. We worked so hard on it for so long, and to have your crazy vision finally come to life is truly satisfying.
How did the six members come together to form the band, and what does the name Major Moment represent?
Keeping in mind that we’re a 6-piece band only in theory now, lol… Major Moment represents the strength and the perseverance, the importance of appreciating every moment we spend on this planet with people we care about. Every band or a business had their make or break moment, and it feels good to know that Major Moment survived quite a few of those and only grew stronger from it. Aside from that, when people hear our band’s name we want them to think about what’s important to them, but also to remember various major moments in history. Whether our moment in history will truly become a major one is yet to be seen, but we’re certainly willing to work for it.
Connect with Major Moment: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Streaming Links
Stream "Unborn", the Brand New Album by Bay Area, CA Artist Lance Houck
Bay Area, California musician and writer Lance Houck just released his new album entitled "Unborn". Listen to Lance's new project now!
Fresh on the DCWS scene is Bay Area, California musician and writer Lance Houck, who has been writing, producing, and performing all his own original music since he was ten years old. He gigs regularly in the Bay Area and also plays with a group called Iko Yaya, which specializes in Soul, Blues, Zydeco, and New Orleans styles of music. Their song "Caterpillar" was played and also later performed by The Roots on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Lance has released several albums and his latest, “Unborn”, was just unveiled. Speaking about the 7-track project, Lance says “This is an interesting, fun, and sometimes emotional set of songs with a vintage feel to them. There's definitely a feel good quality to a lot of the songs. Especially the first five. I wrote, performed, and produced everything you hear on the album”.
Fans of The Arcade Fire, MGMT, and Foster the People will definitely relate to and appreciate Lance’s new album, as will rock music lovers in general. Listen to “Unborn” right now, stream it on Bandcamp and Apple Music and connect with Lance on Facebook. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with Lance coming soon.
Stream and Share “Unborn” on: Bandcamp | Apple Music
Connect with Lance Houck: Facebook
RnB/Soul Artist Victor Jackson Releases His Latest EP "Man.Muse.Magic"
R&B/Soul artist @mrglamrocksoul has brought the modern Black, queer love story to life through song with the release of his latest EP “Man.Muse.Magic”. Listen to Victor’s new EP now!
R&B/Soul artist Victor Jackson has brought the modern Black, queer love story to life through song with the release of his latest EP “Man.Muse.Magic”.
In “Man.Muse.Magic”., Jackson uses five songs and two interludes to frame the fondness and infatuation of a new relationship, and each song is meant to articulate the details and tell the story of this newfound love with his friends – the listeners.
“It’s an experience Black, gay and queer men don’t get to indulge in,” says Jackson in describing the world he wants the EP to create. “We are left to grapple with the ideals of Black masculinity: what it means to be strong; what it means to be a Black man; what it means to be the head of a household. We’re not always given the permission to fall in love, to have butterflies, and to fall completely head over heels over somebody. Man.Muse.Magic explores those things.”
While the EP is a project he started in 2019 before the murder of Breonna Taylor and before Black women were thrust into national headlines and attributed to saving the U.S. Democracy, Jackson’s intentions then were to not only share a queer love story, but to center the Black women whom he credits with influencing his life and creativity. Victor Jackson is the Man, Black women serve as his Muse, and that winning combination allows him to produce his Magic.
Cat and Calmell Unveil New "Bedroom Session" Live Performance Alongside "dumbshit" Remixes
Sydney-based newcomers @catandcalmell have released their first “Bedroom Session”: a live, stripped back performance, as well as their “dumbshit” remix pack.
Sydney-based newcomers Cat & Calmell have released their first “Bedroom Session”: a live, stripped back performance, which features their anthemic debut single “dumbshit” as well as a new unheard track titled ‘dramatic’, and cover of The Maria’s track “Clueless”.
The pair have also shared the “dumbshit” remix pack, which features two remixes by Grammy-nominated trio Mansionair and Newcastle-born producer Loods. The new remix pack and live performance come off the back of a huge debut for the fresh new duo who first shared “dumbshit” in October.
Of the release, Mansionair say: “We had a blast working on the remix! The goal was to keep the nostalgia and euphoria that the song had but just crank the dial up a few notches”.
Watch the “Bedroom Session” now, stream the “dumbshit” remix pack on your preferred music service and connect with Cat & Calmell on their social media.
Interview: Singer-Songwriter JRtheBand Discusses His Latest Song/Lyric Video "Blind Eye Beholder"
Multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and composer @JRtheBand1 connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss his newly released song “Blind Eye Beholder”, as well as its lyric video.
“Every song I write tells a story about you and me, where “you” can be anyone, and “me” may or may not be a person, but a concept. ”
Congratulations on the release of your new song "Blind Eye Beholder", and its lyric video. What was your inspiration behind the development of the song itself?
I was a budding songwriter and I had written a bunch of music. I was looking for a singer to sing my first fully complete song with lyrics for verse, bridge chorus, and all the music parts written. Let's just say it didn't work out. But the experience made me realize that pandering to someone to get them to do what you want is never a good idea. I had to kiss this person's butt just to get them to show up to the studio on the days I had it booked. And even then it was a 50/50 shot they'd make it, and you know how expensive studio time can be.
When I finally decided I'd had enough, I cut ties with this person, and felt a freeing sense of relief, like a burden lifted, or like I could walk lighter. I equated it to the lightbulb going off and wondered if this person ever had the lightbulb go off in their mind, in the event they ever looked back and wondered why I had to end things.
I was so inspired by this sense of relief, that I stopped saying "I can't" sing, or "I'm not a singer", and I began taking vocal lessons and finally learning how to use this instrument we call "the Voice" if nothing else so I alone ensure my songs can be heard. Not only did I end up doing the vocals on that song, which became "Live my Grace", but I went on to sing and release nine more originals in just over a year, plus a dozen more recorded but yet-to-be-released.
Up until then, I had written hundreds of "songs", but they were really just chord progressions. It taught me that you can take control back in your life, as long as you have the right mindset. Felt like the perfect story to be told in song form.
Regarding the lyric video, who directed it, and how did you come up with its treatment?
Every song I write tells a story about you and me, where "you" can be anyone, and "me" may or may not be a person, but a concept. First, I imagine the visuals over the lyrics that I had in mind when I wrote the song. I then fully design and direct every single one of my video concepts including sourcing and sequencing much of the footage. From there, I contract with several amazing production partners, e.g.companies like 351 Studio or True Story Films, who turn my vision into the professional quality, well-produced pieces you can find on my YouTube channel and/or website.
Will "Blind Eye Beholder" be featured on an upcoming EP or album? If so, what can you tell us about the project?
That is a great question, one I myself have been wrestling with if I'm being honest. As a relatively unknown songwriter, it's hard to know where your resources are best invested. Certainly, an EP/LP is always an option, but I need to make sure enough people care enough, to that level, about my music.
I think I have a very small, but extremely dedicated fan base. If we can grow that into thousands of people who might buy my album, then I say heck yeah let's do it! Alas, I need to be realistic, and we're just not there yet.
In the meantime, I will continue to release a new track every few months and stay engaged with my fans on Instagram and YouTube (to a lesser extent FB and TW) in between releases. That type of release schedule and engagement rhythm seems to be working wonders for growing my followers and fan base.
As a singer-songwriter and producer, how would you describe your creative process when you are working on new music?
All I can really say to describe it would be "choreographed chaos". I am relentless when it comes to melody and lyrics. So I start everything with chords. Because you can have infinite melodies over any single chord progression. This allows me to explore melodies, but the flip side of that coin is I can latch on to a melody, go into the studio and record it, only to completely rewrite the lyric line and/or possibly the melody. This can happen dozens of times until I've settled on "the one" that becomes the final mix of any given track I'm working on. And I tend to work on 2-5 tracks at a time because I am a melody factory.
Recording allows me to filter out the melodies that don't work as well in the real world as they do in my head. So I've created this feedback loop for myself of *write-record-listen-improve*.
With 2020 ending, what are some of your goals musically for 2021, and is there something that you will do different artistically moving forward?
Man if 2020 has taught me one thing it's "take it as she comes". All I can do is continue to put out music true to my soul, and that I feel lives up to my ardently high-quality standards.
From there, I continue to be a study in learning how best to find the folks out there likely to "get" my type of music. Pieces like this really go a long way to helping get the word out there, so I am grateful for your interest and introduction to your fans.
I am open to any doors my music might open in 2021, and am excited about what the future might hold. Have a happy and HEALTHY New Year!
Connect with JRtheBand: Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkTree
Interview: Brooklyn Rapper Sikario aka Panemera Panama Talks About His New Single/Video "Seasoning"
Big up to Brooklyn based rapper @sikariodahitman aka Panemera Panama who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss his new single/video "Seasoning", featuring Tiff Hollyhood, and much more.
“Usually the beat tells me the topic of the song but I keep topics in the stash that I wrote with no beat, so it kinda just meshed with my catalog. ”
Congratulations on the release of your new single/music video "Seasoning". Tell us what inspired you to write the track and how you connected with Tiff Hollyhood.
What inspired me to write the track was definitely the beat; shout out to beatbusta. His instrumentals been on Oprah Winfrey Network, BET, MTV, and VH1; he’s pretty dope. Usually the beat tells me the topic of the song but I keep topics in the stash that I wrote with no beat, so it kinda just meshed with my catalog.
I connected with Tiff Hollyhood through our kids. My stepdaughter and her daughter were friends and me, her, and then boyfriend R.I.P Crazo was tight, but even if we didn't know each other I would of chose her as a feature. Her work ethic is crazy; she won Female Artist of the Year for Hot 99.1. She’s getting radio spins, all that.
The music video for "Seasoning" is the perfect compliment to the track and is very colorful and lively. Who directed the visual and is it your first music video?
Thank you, I appreciate it. Bovees produced and directed the video. Shout out to Gavin Bovee, a pretty dope director who always got a trick up his sleeve.
This is actually my second video; my first video is called “YKTV” (you know the vibe). That's by $ikario; this is by Panemera Panama.
Can we expect to hear "Seasoning" on an upcoming project? If so, what can you tell us about it?
Yes, “Seasoning” is a single off my upcoming album “Diary of a Hitman”. It’s gonna be a side/b side type project with one side $ikario and the other side Panemera Panama.
Tell us about your experiences with the artist showcases you've participated in and how they have prepared you to take the next step as an artist.
My experiences with showcases have been pretty dope. I just been blessed to get on platforms that got me exposure like Power 105 and opening up for Uncle Murda and doing promo videos with Dramos from The Breakfast Club. It prepared me to take the next step as a artist because when I get off stage people show me love and wanna know more about me so I feel like I gotta give the people what they want.
The harshest critics are the ones right in front of you, so I passed that stage literally lol
With 2020 being a wrap, what are your goals musically for 2021? Also, why should everyone reading this interview follow you on social media and check out your catalog on Spotify?
My goals musically for 2021 are basically to put out as much dope work as possible. More content just to keep everybody tapped in to what I'm doing.
Everyone reading this should follow me on social media because I'm bringing bars back. I’m bringing music back and I’m definitely a entertainer on top that.
Ya’ll should definitely check out my Spotify because I'm an alter ego artist, so you’re listening to one artist but you basically getting two. I got different styles and dimensions you'll never get bored or wanna skip lol.
Connect with $ikario aka Panemera Panama: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara Announce Their Debut Album "FULL SPECTRUM", Out Feb 26th
London duo @tcomasmusic announce the release of their much awaited debut album, “FULL SPECTRUM”, on February 26, 2021.
The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara, announce the release of their much awaited debut album, “FULL SPECTRUM” on February 26, 2021.
The album will be released on all major streaming platforms, with album pre-saves on Spotify available now. Comprising 11 tracks lasting over 67 minutes long, “FULL SPECTRUM” was recorded between February and June of 2020 when Daphne Ang (Singapore) and Andrea Papi (Italy) came together as The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara [TCOMAS] to compose and produce their debut album at their home studio during the first London lockdown.
The duo are fast establishing their niche in music, as pioneers of a new form of expression through the performance of poetry in their genre-defying music. The pair are already making waves with their experimental poetry-infused music. Their latest single, "Love in the Time of Pestilence", was recently featured on the Spotify Editorial playlists, "Progressive Metal" [personalised], and "The oTHERS", consecrating the new band’s music with “the most innovative and forward thinking metal of today”.
The promising buzz from their monthly single release campaigns propelled them to release their full length debut album, “FULL SPECTRUM”, on Feb 26, 2021. Sweeping across the wide spectrum of music genres – from progressive rock to techno, metal to ambient and electronic, and back to rock, with lyrics delivered as – what the band describes as – ‘poetry performance’.
Based out of the heart of London’s vibrant rock scene in Camden Town, London, The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara (TCOMAS) are fast establishing themselves as a formidable collaborative. In less than a year, they introduced themselves to the world with six remarkable self-produced singles amidst the bizarre events of 2020. Their 67 minute-long debut album “FULL SPECTRUM” will include these previously released singles as well as 5 new songs.
Pre-save “FULL SPECTRUM” on Spotify available now at FFM.to/FullSpectrum2021
Connect with The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara: Website | Spotify | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Review: "Man On The Moon III: The Chosen" Album by Kid Cudi
@KidCudi music has represented transformative moments in a lot of lives, and the “Man On The Moon III: The Chosen” album isn’t an exception to that sentiment. Check out our in-depth review now.
Kid Cudi is back. Since “Day ’n’ Nite”, his releases have been catchy and solid but nothing special compared to his initial debut. But that all changes with the release of he hasn’t made such a unique footprint until his 2020 work, “Man On The Moon III: The Chosen”. Cudi conjured up a cosmic album with this work, which some critics were harsh on, but the sound and message is exactly what we need after this mess of a year.
It proved something we’ve known forever: Cudi has been the face of angsty rap for a minute now, and he’s kind of turned it into a genre of its own .At the same time, that emotional vulnerability in his tracks allows him to push past the rapper bravado and air his mental health struggles, which is something that we need more in hip hop. Especially post-pandemic, when a lot of people are dealing with anxiety, depression, and more.
Still, “Tequila Shots” manages to remain upbeat while Cudi airs his grievances, and is one of our favorite track on the album. From the classic Cudi beat and genre-melding flow, this track might sound like a mellow ride, but it talks about the inner battle of Cudi’s brain, which “cant stop this war in me.” He explores his faith and the gloomy themes that run through his music: “Back just where I started, it's the same old damaged song.” And while his demons haunt him at night, he finds refuge in creativity, indirectly encouraging us (night owls or not) to do the same: “Back up on my late night session remedy/ Something ‘bout the night that keep me safe and warm” but follows it up with the reality of depression and how it can unexpectedly rear its ugly head: “Lotta shit is weighin' on me, it's a storm/N ever thought I would be back here bleeding.”
The beat in “She Knows This” and “Dive” tap more into Cudi’s trap side, lightening things up with a faster tempo and a stronger bass-line. We see Cudi on a drill beat for the first time wit Skepta and the late Pop Smoke on “Show Out,” and if the clubs were open, it’s safe to say that DJs would be playing this track non-stop. “Heaven On Earth” also shows off an angrier, sped-up side that we’re not as used to, but he uses lo-fi fuzziness and guitar to make it a signature Kid Cudi original.
Then, all these flashy, racing tracks are follows up by the melancholic “Solo Dolo Pt. III”, which croons: “Yeah, I take it, they don't know 'bout it/Yeah, I take it, I don't need nobody/Deep in Hell in dark corners /Deep in my dreams perceived”. In the verses, he opens up about suicidal tendencies "Say, "I'm waitin' to die," I cry/Many nights I spent gettin' fucked up, livin' a lie" and explores the stages of self-blame, self destructiveness, and the toxic secrets that mental health struggles can cause. “Sad People” is another emo rap track for stoners that’s perfect for when you’re feeling down in the dumps. Still, the chorus lifts up depressing verses with an aspirational chorus: “N***a been in hell, the same ol’/On a mission and I'm gonna fly high (High)/This for the sad people who keep the blunt burning and we/Off on a journey, you learn me.”
For the critics who find Cudi’s new album underwhelming, they simply can’t understand the power of music for mental health. He shares his darkness with us, and lifts up us when we need it most. We’ll admit it - Cudi opening up about addiction and mental health at such a relevant moment in time doesn’t automatically make the album amazing. But the fact that this enjoyable work is also relatable and far from perfect connects this star to us normals, and we think that counts for something.
Cudi’s music has represented transformative moments in a lot of lives, and this album isn’t an exception to that sentiment. If you’re currently going through a low, put “Man On The Moon III” in your headphones as a reminder that you’re not alone in that feeling.