Apollo Brown Releases His New Instrumental Album "This Must Be the Place"
Prolific Michigan producer Apollo Brown is proud to announce “This Must Be The Place”, his first instrumental album in 8 years, is out now on Mello Music Group. Listen to this DOPE new project now!
Prolific Michigan producer Apollo Brown is proud to announce This Must Be The Place, his first instrumental album in 8 years, is out now on Mello Music Group. For the veteran beatmaker, the new album is a self-reflection in beat form over his 15-year career working with artists including Ghostface Killah, Danny Brown, Joell Ortiz, Roc Marciano, Stalley, Raheem DeVaughn, and many more.
Recorded over the past two years of the pandemic in his home studio Brown Study, Apollo Brown transposes the happiness he’s found in his career, family, and circle of friends into his new album, This Must Be The Place. Brown explains the meaning behind the title, “It's that peaceful place in your existence where you've always dreamt of being, the attainment of certain emotional, physical, and spiritual elements that make you whole, and being so comfortable with life, that you could sit on the edge of a cliff and fly a kite.”
The creation process for this album is especially unique when compared to Apollo Brown’s previous work. Highly-revered for digging in the crates and his traditional sample use, Brown chose a different method for making This Must Be The Place, pulling from compositions by some of his trusted sound designer colleagues. Brown explains, “I wanted to craft this album out of modern instrumentation. The result is just what I wanted.” This Must Be the Place is a continuation of Brown’s celebrated 2011 album, Clouds, as well as a departure from it. Clouds was melancholic boom-bap made for the fall, the soundtrack to a ruminative walk through a leaf-strewn park beneath gray skies, but Brown’s new album “This Must Be the Place” trades somberness for warm nostalgia and glimmers of hope. Brown offers moments for reflective gratitude and portals of escape through new permutations of East Coast-rooted boom-bap, his drums hitting with concussive force as snares crack like ice on midwestern lakes.
For every instrumental that inspires reflection, another transports you above the clouds and to the cosmos. At every sonic turn, This Must Be The Place can remind you to appreciate living the life you imagined or push you as you navigate there. Brown concludes, “It definitely encapsulates my gratitude for my career, family, friends, supporters, and the growing world around me.”
Listen to “This Must Be the Place” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Apollo Brown on his social media.
Mass Appeal's DJ Premier: HIP HOP 50th Anniversary EP Drops This Friday, July 15th
@MassAppeal has announced that “DJ Premier: Hip Hop 50 Volume 1” - the 1st EP as part of Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack - will be released on July 15th. The EP will be produced by the legendary DJ Premier, and includes all-new, original music from Nas, Lil Wayne, Run The Jewels, Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma, Rapsody and Slick Rick.
Mass Appeal has announced that “DJ Premier: Hip Hop 50 Volume 1” - the 1st EP as part of Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack - will be released on July 15th. Produced by the legendary DJ Premier, the 5-track project will celebrate the sounds of one of Hip Hops most prolific producers and include all-new, original music from Nas, Lil Wayne, Run The Jewels, Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma, Rapsody and Slick Rick.
Its an honor to kick off this iconic Hip Hop 50 music program. Hip Hop continues to inspire fans across the globe and its incredible to think of what the next 50-years will bring DJ Premier affirmed.
The Soundtrack will encompass a series of 10 EPs of all newly released music that will bring together the industrys most highly regarded producers who are defining the culture in celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop. Following DJ Premiers EP release, fans can look forward to new music curated by Swizz Beatz, Mustard, The-Dream, Mike Will Made It, No I.D., Hit-Boy, Take A Daytrip and Tainy.
The entire series will be distributed via Mass Appeals new deal with The Orchard. Bringing together some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, this project will further solidify the #HipHop50 movement as it not only captures 50 years of culture but will also honor some of the latest and greatest to do it. A portion of all #HipHop50 proceeds will be donated to various charitable organizations, including, the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024.
Mass Appeals massive #HipHop50 initiative includes strategic partnerships, immersive global activations and innovative content/programming in celebration of Hip Hops 50th birthday. Mass Appeal recently announced its partnership with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming. From Park Jams to Festival stages, this partnership will create moments that will bring together the voices that turned Hip Hop into a way of life.
Additionally, Mass Appeal has its #HipHop50 premium content partnership with Paramount + / Showtime, which has aired documentaries such as: YOURE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN and more. Fans can look forward to SUPREME TEAM premiering on July 10th. Last year, Mass Appeal also launched its Spotify Original podcast - The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip Hop - hosted by Grammy-Award winning artist Nas and radio personality Minya Miss Info Oh.
About #HipHop50
With 2023 marking Hip Hops 50th anniversary, Mass Appeal developed #HipHop50 - a massive cross-platform initiative aimed at celebrating Hip Hops momentous anniversary in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible. #HipHop50 is a multi-year celebration that includes strategic partnerships and immersive global activations - all accompanied by charitable elements. As 2023 approaches, #HipHop50 will create once-in-a-lifetime moments featuring the iconic voices that have transcended culture.
About Mass Appeal
Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services stoke Mass Appeals ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.
Pre-Save “DJ PREMIER: HIP HOP 50 VOLUME 1”: HERE
Interview: THISMINORITY Talks About His New Single "MEDI" and Upcoming Album "THE MINORITY REPORT"
DCWS connected with talented rap artist @THISMINORITY for an exclusive interview to discuss his new single “MEDI”, which will appear on his upcoming project “THE MINORITY REPORT”, and much more.
“Poetry came first and then music. I finished college and received masters, certifications, yada yada but felt like something was missing. I thought I would feel some type of success or fulfillment but none came.”
Congratulations on the release of your new track "MEDI"; what motivated you to write it, and how did you decide on Scropio Prodz's instrumental?
I was motivated by my motivation to maintain balance. “MEDI” is me wanting to inspire people to try meditation to achieve some level of balance within self.
The beat Scorpio Prodz was found before the idea came to mind but as I wrote the song it grew to become a trojan horse to those that may need some meditation. I’m not talking only in a traditional sense, but in the sense of having a space filled with something that gives your mind and spirit a break to connect with yourself. Low key, beats like this could be like that for some.
If you could pick any artist to appear on a remix to "MEDI", who would you select?
If I was to go local or indie I’ll go with this fire artist that goes by the name of Yamalisan (IG same name). This dude has the type of energy that elevates the room most definitely. Don’t write but the bars heavy.
If I was to go more mainstream it would be ScHoolboy Q. He’ll bring that aggressive energy but he’ll also make it hit poetically.
"MEDI" will be featured on your upcoming project "THE MINORITY REPORT"; what can you tell us about it, and would you say that it has an overall theme conceptually?
“THE MINORITY REPORT” is a series of my reflections during my change into an artist who wants to provide a service to the masses, through music first. Each track is a different vibe that captures how I see who I am becoming. Acknowledging that I am an individual who knows what he is supposed to serve and have to let go of who I was while not losing touch with who I am. Not lose touch with what molded me and help get me to this level of creation.
Also, I’m very big on introductions so before I get to my service I really want to let people know me on multiple levels so we can work together. The type of work we’re going to do will be breathtaking.
Will you be releasing a music video for "MEDI"? Also, do you plan on dropping another single prior to the project?
I have this snippet video. It’s a good foundation for the track as a whole. After finishing all of the songs for THE MINORITY REPORT”, I thought a good way to promote it was to show videos for each song. The full length video of “MEDI” would be crazy and would cost a lot.
I have crowdfunding link set up here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-minority-report-legal-visual-funding?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Had to plug it lol but I do have two more singles before I release “THE MINORITY REPORT”. Both tracks having a different vibe from MEDI!
Tell us about how you got started writing rhymes and what THISMINORITY represents as a masked emcee.
Poetry came first and then music. I finished college and received masters, certifications, yada yada but felt like something was missing. I thought I would feel some type of success or fulfillment but none came. So I journeyed around my city of New Orleans with some guidance.
Rewind, before I journeyed I saw this amazing public speaker deliver a speech effortlessly. At the time, the thought of me speaking in front of people made me sick. Also at the time, I heard J. Cole say these lyrics in a song “My only adversary was my own mind, Killed my ego now I'm snappin' like it's '09, With a gold mine of inspiration for y'all.” It made me realize I came from a really dark place and maybe I could help people come from dark places.
Going back to the public speaker, I thought he could guide me so I asked: How do I become a better public speaker? His advice was to sign up for toastmasters and take dance classes. Toastmasters for speaking and getting comfortable with speaking in front of people and dancing so I can be comfortable with public speaking. This is that guidance.
Doing these led me to tapping into the artist scene within New Orleans (happened 2016-2017). I saw this amazing poet named ICon and she made me feel like I should be doing poetry. With my meditation, discipline, dedication, and growing sense of self I was able to get to the point of writing a poem that I was willing to share in front of people.
My first time was at the beginning of 2018. I damn-near passed out due to the anticipation of performing but when I got up there I felt like I levitated…
Like everything made since. During 2018-2019 I would build to become an amazing poet and writer. Also in 2019, I had a friend with an in-home studio who wanted to work with me and record my poetry. Somehow when he played some beats I started writing to them. The rest is history in the making!
As for my name, THISMINORITY is a temporary artist name. It comes from the term minorities…
When you hear that term you hear the few. So when you hear THISMINORITY you are hearing the voice of one. The only one that there are no duplicates. The one you can have similarities with and can connect with on multiple levels but still an individual. An individual that goes through their own life changes. That is while I wear those masks. Each mask color is either inspired by the chakra point that the song touches or the vibe the song gives. The mask symbolizes cocoons and different types of metamorphosis I've experienced.
THISMINORITY, the only one and aiming to help you connect with self.
With "MEDI" out now, and "THE MINORITY REPORT" coming soon, do you have any other musical goals that you want to accomplish before 2022 ends?
Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn, wooooommmmmannnnnnnnnnn, or non binary peeeerrrrrrrrssssooonnnnnnnn look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a good bit of insane joints in the vault already finished so while pushing everything to grow my fanbase through marketing I want to release those tracks. On top of that, I want to perform at festivals, events, etc.
Grow my fanbase on multiple levels and collaborate with my fans because that’s what it is about for me, CONNECTION.
Connecting with people massively and them connecting with me and then eventually that connection, love, inspiration, etc. that I put out comes back to me when I need it the most. We are all here together so I’m working to build with y’all!!!!!!!!!!!!
Connect with THISMINORITY: Website | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Los Angeles Trio Somitelle Drop Their Self Titled Debut EP "Somitelle"
Los Angeles based trio Somitelle brings together their influences of pop, electronica, 80s synthwave, jazz, and folk harmonies in their self titled debut EP. Listen to “Somitelle” right now!
Somitelle brings together their influences of pop, electronica, 80s synthwave, jazz, and folk harmonies in their self titled debut EP.
Erik Maroney (vox/bass), Stephen Langer (synth/drums/vox), and Keagan Anderson (guitar) came together through their time at UCLA and the local LA music scene. Their lead single "Left Unsaid", a nostalgic heart-breaking review of an important conversation brings together the disco era of music with folk-like harmonies on the chorus and a guitar bridge similar to up and coming bands like Parcels.
Listen to the “Somitelle” EP below, check them out on Spotify and dm them on Instagram for any partnership or performance opportunities.
Stream and Share “Somitelle” on Spotify
Connect with Somitelle: Instagram
London Based Singer-Songwriter Carmody Unveils Her Debut Album "Imperfect Constellations"
In the face of memory and generational grief, Carmody’s debut album, “Imperfect Constellations”, is split into four main parts (or 'Constellations' - each with their own thematic link) and draws on her own experiences of alternative therapy, entering a world of discovery and recognition.
London based singer/songwriter Carmody has released her debut album “Imperfect Constellations” via Young Poet.
“Imperfect Constellations” follows Carmody's 4 previously released EPs and her 2014 collaborative EP with Tom Misch, 'Out To Sea'. Tom Misch returns to feature on “Imperfect Constellations” alongside Alfa Mist and Laura Misch, as well as co-writes and co-productions with Rahm Silverglade (of altopalo), Avi Barath (Berwyn, Priya Ragu, Pa Salieu) Calum Duncan (Rachel Chinouriri, Alaskalaska) and Conor Albert.
Carmody has long been using music as a way to uncover her subconscious, examining the complex web of relationships that surround her. Rich in detail and emotional substance, her music evokes the timelessness of Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading while nodding to the modern alt-folk of Laura Marling and Big Thief and the jazz-flecked soul of Lianne La Havas and Jordan Rakei.
In the face of memory and generational grief, “Imperfect Constellations” is split into four main parts (or 'Constellations' - each with their own thematic link) and draws on her own experiences of alternative therapy, entering a world of discovery and recognition.
Having recently sold out the new Amazing Grace venue in London Bridge, “Imperfect Constellations” adds to her catalogue which boasts over 70 million+ streams, strong press (Notion Magazine, Clash Magazine, The Line Of Best Fit, Wonderland, Dummy, LISTEN Magazine + more), radio airplay from BBC R1 (Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri), 6Music and BBC R2, alongside huge support from Spotify and Apple Music.
Carmody's debut album “Imperfect Constellations” is out now; listen to it below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with her on social media.
Interview: London Based Singer-Songwriter Gemma Felicity Discusses Her Debut Single/Video "This Place"
DCWS connected with London based singer-songwriter Gemma Felicity for an exclusive interview to discuss her debut single/video “This Place”, and much more.
Congratulations on the release of your debut single, "This Place", and its accompanying music video. Tell us what initially inspired you to write the song and who produced it.
I guess what inspired me to write "This Place" was the fact that I was feeling really lonely living in an environment at university which felt very surface level. Everyone around me seemed to value very superficial things like designer clothes and Instagram likes over things which really mattered. I remember just feeling really sad. People would always tell me that I was so beautiful and must have the perfect life. But what many people didn't realise was underneath the perfect image that I portrayed to people, I felt very deeply alone and unhappy.
Frankie Harper produced this song - he is an amazingly talented guy and lovely to work with!! I feel very lucky to have created this song with him.
How did you and the director come up with the treatment for the music video, and how would you describe the experience of filming your first visual?
Yaro, the director of my music video came up with the idea of using the beautiful location that we used in the music video. We used different areas inside the building, as well as the roof area, and we had a lot of fun with it. I absolutely loved filming my first music video, especially being pampered and having my hair and makeup done. I am an actress and model as well, so I love doing this kind of stuff!
You've mentioned that you have been singing and performing since the age of 9; what are some of your earliest memories of writing songs, and when did you decide to really focus on being a singer-songwriter that records and releases their music?
I wrote songs and poetry and hand-written magazines for my family when I was very young, probably around 9 years old. I recently found loads of them stashed in boxes in my family home. I used to put on fashion shows, plays and music concerts for my family, and force them to watch me to perform to all of them for hours on end!!
I studied Public Relations and Communications for my Undergraduate degree, but I quickly realised that it wasn't my path. I had to take a year out of university to really think about what I wanted to do with my life, and what would make me happy. I decided to apply to do a Masters in Music Performance and Songwriting at Leeds College of Music, which I then went on to do after my Undergraduate degree. Even though I got on the course and had the most amazing time, it took me a while to start believing in myself and to realise that I had the ability to do it as a career. It is only within the past 6 months that I have really started to believe in myself enough to start releasing my own music.
With "This Place" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of the year? Is a follow-up single on the way?
I am currently getting my head around how to do all of the promotion and marketing part of the music releases, which is really challenging and takes a lot of time to work out how to do effectively. I have a couple of songs already written, produced and ready to release, and I plan to release my next single around August or September time, along with my music video which I am currently in the process of planning, and will be filming very soon.
I am also focused on busking and doing gigs with my guitarist at the moment, as well as building up the content on my social media platforms. I want to do some collaborations this year as well with some like-minded brands.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist, and what frustrates you the most?
I love being able to have a flexible schedule where I mostly work for myself, and I also love having a career which allows me to be creative and express myself. Being creative in my job is very important to me.
I think the thing that frustrates me the most is how competitive and saturated the market is. It is so hard to get your music heard, and really difficult to build up a loyal fan base, because there is just so much noise in the industry. So much of doing well has become about social media and especially Tik Tok. I am always being told to spend the majority of my time on Tik Tok and Instagram, when I don't really enjoy these aspects.
Stream and Share “This Place” on Spotify
Connect with Gemma Felicity: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
Review: "The Ocean" Album by Air Show Disaster
Air Show Disaster’s Eric Sporer blends hard rock with progressive rock to create hallucinatory trips with his “The Ocean” album. Read our in-depth review of the new release now.
Air Show Disaster’s Eric Sporer blends hard rock with progressive rock to create hallucinatory trips with his “The Ocean” album. Defiance rests at the very core of the entire experience. Volume is a given for they blast off with nary a care in the world. Here they utilize a cryptic form of storytelling for the lyrics here offer a poignancy. With a clear nod toward acid westerns, the songs seemingly sprawl out into the infinite. Interplay amongst the group is quite spirited. Buildups of the atmospheres result in whole universes that completely wrap themselves around the listener.
The slew of references abounds throughout the album. On the psychedelic western twang side, they bring up illusions of Meat Puppets at their prime. Much of the lyricism features a similar degree of sheer oddity, with the word choice further adding to the dreamy disposition of the entire work. Going more on the progressive rock side of things, they opt for the brutalism of Cheer Accident. Much like Cheer Accident, they embrace a hint of the theatrical adding to the overall sense of glee that they employ over the course of the entire journey.
Starting things up right is the powerful blast of the opener and title track “The Ocean”. Guitars and organ tones get gnarled up together for the rhythm almost seemingly long to be untangled. Punk-like energy reigns supreme on the wildness of “Fireball”. Everything about the song features a forward, wall-like sprawl of sound. A bluesy touch to the proceedings gives “The Dregs” a pensive, reflective stance one that perfectly dovetails with the sprawling experience of the piece itself. Ramshackle old-timey grooves settle down as “The Shortest Day” strips away the detritus for something highly intimate.
Nice guitar athletics and riffage dominate the angular “Liberator”. Full of such heart “Home” has a pining, yearning aspect to it for they once more slow things down to give it a careful meditative quality. Drums play an essential role with the rollicking “A Single Grain, One Million Years”. By far the highlight of the adventure comes with the finale “Converge”. With the amplifiers fully blown out there is a dazed, hazy quality to how it closes things out.
Everything about Air Show Disaster’s “The Ocean” is a pure booming delight, one that feels absolutely liberating to behold.
Stream and Share “The Ocean” on: Spotify | Bandcamp
Rising Pop/Rock Artist Mistine Releases Her Story-Driven Nostalgic Debut "FADE" EP
Emerging from touring with Conan Gray, WizTheMC, and Zeph, log cabin-born but Jersey-bred @Mistinemusic has just released her debut project, “FADE”.
Emerging from touring with Conan Gray, WizTheMC, and Zeph, log cabin-born but Jersey-bred Mistine has just released her debut project. “FADE” tells the story of five meaningful connections experienced throughout one chaotic year. This record will take listeners through a full spectrum of emotions that will have them blasting the songs in their car with the windows down, crying with their friends about a past relationship, and dancing all night long while screaming the lyrics in their bedrooms.
Mistine narrates the beauty of different relationships and explores the intangible feelings that can exist between two people. From a romantic summer fling based down the Jersey Shore to a moonlit midnight club anthem, this record encapsulates nostalgic story-based pop. This EP was made to listen to while you’re driving in your car, right before sunset when the sky is just turning orange, with the windows down, and your hair is flowing in the breeze. Timeless nostalgia. Through high energy guitar guitars, glistening synths, and conversational vocals, this record will without a doubt be playing in your head all year long.
Mistine wrote and produced this EP mostly over FaceTime from various locations around NJ and LA with her old college roomate and new producer friend from the UK. This release is available on all streaming platforms, followed by a music video for the title track, new merch line, and an acoustic version of the entire record, all released before the end of summer. Are you ready to fade into the record?
Interview: Air Show Disaster's Eric Sporer Talks About His New Album "The Ocean"
DCWS connected with Tacoma, WA based multi-instrumentalist Eric Sporer for an exclusive interview to discuss his new album “The Ocean”, released under his solo project, Air Show Disaster.
“The idea of “The Ocean” is that you don’t see what’s beneath it, you just see the surface. Beneath the surface is where all of the life is. Some of the great mysteries of the world are in the depths of the ocean. ”
Congratulations on the completion and release of your recently unveiled fourth album "The Ocean". What were some things that influenced your writing of the album's songs?
"The Ocean" as an album was pretty wide-ranging. Musically, there's a wide variety of influences. The title track and "Liberator" feature electric organ and definitely have some influence from Deep Purple. The last two tracks, "A Single Grain, One Million Years" and "Converge" have a lot of heavy psych influences.
For subject matter, there isn't any singular influence. The title track is about my daughter. The album goes through more pretty personal experiences, from being dumped to homesickness to seasonal affective disorder, before it takes a philosophical turn for the last couple of songs.
How would you compare this new album to your third album "Exodus", which was released last year?
"Exodus" was a real departure for me in a lot of ways. It was all instrumental and written as a flowing story of a lost traveler in the desert. It used a lot of Spanish scales and the songs flowed one into another.
"The Ocean" is more in line with what I've written in the past; it's a return to form. Everything is more rooted in rock and blues with more traditional song structures. It uses more traditional rock instruments.
There's nothing instrumental on "The Ocean", which changes the listening and storytelling experience in a major way. While they both are dear to me, "The Ocean" tells my own stories in a pretty straightforward format.
When I sat down to write "Exodus", I knew what scales to use and what story I was trying to tell, there were almost "songwriting rules". When I was writing "The Ocean", it was more just letting the songs write themselves.
Would you say that "The Ocean" has an overall theme or concept throughout its eight songs? If so, what would you describe it as?
The idea of "The Ocean" is that you don't see what's beneath it, you just see the surface. Beneath the surface is where all of the life is. Some of the great mysteries of the world are in the depths of the ocean.
The songs are all supposed to stick to that theme and be about what's close to the heart. Beyond that, there's not real theme.
Can we expect music videos for any of the album's songs?
I've never done a music video, although I'm considering it more and more.
I've got a very DIY mentality to my work; I play all the instruments, I produce everything myself, I release it myself, I did the artwork myself. If I can figure out how to make a music video myself you might see one soon.
What led you to deciding to create Air Show Disaster as a solo project? Were you releasing music as part of a band before leaving New York in 2017?
I was playing with a band called Half Grand for a while. We never released anything. Aside from that, I was just jamming with people in my free time or playing songs for friends.
When I moved to Washington I had kids and a real job and was in a city without a music scene. I had a bunch of songs ideas and needed some musical outlet. I started setting up a home studio more as a way to just work out the songs by myself. When Covid lockdowns started, things just kind of took off.
With "The Ocean" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2022?
I'm looking to perform some music locally. I've got enough solo pieces that I can put together a small set. I'm also hoping to keep writing and recording.
Stream and Share “The Ocean” on Spotify
Connect with Air Show Disaster: Bandcamp | Soundcloud
Review: "Mushroom Cloud Radio" EP by Rsonal TheBeatChef and Ezza of Choom Gang
The “Mushroom Cloud Radio” EP shows off the undeniable stylistic tour de force that Rsonal TheBeatChef & @ezza905 create with ease. Check out our in-depth review of the project now!
Rsonal TheBeatChef & Ezza of Choom Gang pack their verses with tons of references. Picking them all out runs the gamut from pop culture to ancient classics. A personal journey takes shape with each piece. Over the course of their album, “Mushroom Cloud Radio”, they seemingly conjure up imagery of vast, open spaces.
Samples add to this for Rsonal TheBeatChef & Ezza of Choom Gang make sure that there is a timelessness about it. Besides the various obvious fondness for hip-hop, they bring in elements of vaporwave, chillwave, jazz, trap, and a whole slew of other approaches. The style that they manage to sculpt is one that feels highly unique.
This is not to say that Rsonal TheBeatChef & Ezza of Choom Gang are without precedent. For their rapping abilities, they take a funnier, more languid approach touching upon the stoner rap antics of Das Racist, complete with surprisingly poignant insights. On the rather well-listened ear they employ for the sampling there are traces of MF Doom’s endless crate-digging ways. Quite an eclectic amount of stuff is filtered in their own, faded way. Speaking of faded, the vaporwave laden sound has a heaviness reminiscent of some of Yung Lean’s blissed out stance.
“Sun God” holds nothing back for there is a gargantuan size to the sound. On the periphery of the atmosphere, they bring some much-missed record scratching into the fray. All of it has a churning, yearning aspect to it. Bass frequencies weave their way through the noir-like quality of “New Dreams” featuring some ghostly choruses thrown in for good measure. A good sound system is recommended on the heavy rumbles that adorn “So Surreal”.
Rhythms have an elasticity to them with “Sour Candy” for the song has a bit of glee to it. By far the highlight comes the joking apocalypse of “Mshrmcld”. Here the word choice matters for there is a ridiculousness to the whole thing. Languid pacing rolls through on “Treasure Chest”. With “Sol Invictus” Rsonal TheBeatChef & Ezza of Choom Gang pay respect to the sun god and bring the album to a chilled-out close.
“Mushroom Cloud Radio” shows off the undeniable stylistic tour de force that Rsonal TheBeatChef & Ezza of Choom Gang create with ease.
Stream and Share “Mushroom Cloud Radio”
Stream "The Ocean", the Newly Released Album by Air Show Disaster
Air Show Disaster recently released the project’s fourth album entitled “The Ocean”, which includes eight tracks, and was self recorded and produced in Eric’s studio in Tacoma. The album follows Air Show Disaster’s prior releases — “Exodus”, “Misdirection”, and the self-titled debut.
Based in Tacoma, WA, multi-instrumentalist Eric Sporer’s solo project Air Show Disaster, is a unique blend of grunge, psych, punk and blues, created after leaving the New York music scene for the west coast in 2017. Air Show Disaster’s influences are wide and varied, and its music has drawn comparisons to Neil Young, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Mars Volta.
Air Show Disaster recently released the project’s fourth album entitled “The Ocean”, which includes eight tracks, and was self recorded and produced in Eric’s studio in Tacoma. The album follows Air Show Disaster’s prior releases — “Exodus”, “Misdirection”, and the self-titled debut.
Speaking about the new project, Eric says, “This album is a little more "straightforward" than the last few, and is accessible. No guest artists on it, just me sitting in a little room and recording some songs. It manages to be unique and interesting while staying fairly accessible.”
Listen to “The Ocean” below, and check out more of Air Show Disaster’s music on your preferred streaming service. Also, be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with Eric and review of the album, both coming soon.
Connect with Air Show Disaster: Bandcamp | Soundcloud
Interview: Dallas Based Rap Artist Del3x Discusses Her New Track "Mic Check"
Big thanks to Dallas based rap artist @_del3x who connected with DCWS for an exclusive interview to discuss her recently released track “Mic Check”, and much more.
“I just go off the feeling I get when I’m listening to beats and pull from them feelings.”
Congratulations on the release of your DOPE new song "Mic Check"; tell what inspired you to write it and who produced it.
I wrote it a couple years ago but I’m just now releasing it. I just go off the feeling I get when I’m listening to beats and pull from them feelings.
It was produced by Unknown Instrumentalz.
If you could pick any artist to be featured on a remix to "Mic Check", who would it be?
If I was to do a remix and had to choose who would be on it, I would say Eminem.
Can we expect a music video for "Mic Check" to follow and will it be featured on an EP or album in development?
A music video will be coming out soon and it will be featured on an upcoming project I'm working on.
How would you describe the music scene in Dallas for female rappers such as yourself?
I would describe it as interesting. Dallas has a lot of talent, but at times, it is hard to see.
With "Mic Check" now released, what are some of your goals musically for the rest of 2022?
I plan on releasing a project or two before the year ends.
Connect with Del3x: Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
ABISHA's EP "Everything Falls Into Place" Drops on Friday, July 15th
London queer artist @ABISHA upcoming sophomore EP “Everything Falls Into Place” on Friday, July 15th. It’s a collection of six tracks where she toys with elements of electropop, UK garage, and garage pop.
London queer artist ABISHA‘s upcoming sophomore EP “Everything Falls Into Place” on Friday, July 15th. It’s a collection of six tracks where she toys with elements of electropop, UK garage, and garage pop.
The EP is the follow up of her 2020 debut record “Scorpio”, which is closely tied to her coming-of-age journey of finding self-acceptance while also delving into some of the mental challenges that she faced during the process.
Growing up as the only black queer person in her hometown of Devon, ABISHA has always wrestled with her identity and finding her community. It took many hard years of practicing self-love and discovery that have helped her build her bold artistry. With “Everything Falls Into Place”, she mirrors a more optimistic headspace where she showcases a newfound confidence while also celebrating her relationships that have helped her get through these past few years of uncertainty. The EP includes her fan and radio favorites including the title track “Everything Falls Into Place” ft. Double S and “Home To You.” See their music videos below.
Since debuting back in 2017, the young artist has received support from tastemakers around the globe including DAZED, i-D, Billboard / Billboard Pride, BBC Introducing, COLORSXSTUDIOS, Earmilk, gal-dem, Complex, DUMMY, High Snobiety, NYLON, Gay Times, and many more. Every song mirrors a new side of her that keeps evolving as she continues to work on herself and supporting values she believes in. Beyond music, she is also the ambassador of LGBTQ mental health organization MindOut where she’s been using her platforms to raise awareness and open conversations around LGBTQ mental health.
Be on the lookout for ABISHA’s EP, “Everything Falls Into Place”, on July 15th, and connect with her on social media!
Connect with ABISHA: Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook
Bull City Summit Summer Showcase Coming This Friday, in Durham, NC
On Friday, June 24th, from 6pm - 10pm, Bull City Summit (BCS) and Love Tito's presents a free music and arts evening showcase at Durham Central Park.
On Friday, June 24th, from 6pm - 10pm, Bull City Summit (BCS) and Love Tito's presents a free music and arts evening showcase at Durham Central Park. Come on out for an evening a live music, live and digital art, crafts, food trucks, and more, as they showcase the winners of the Spring 2022 BCS Arts Grant Program in partnership with The Durham Arts Council.
Connect with Bull City Summit: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Imagine Dragons Meets Kanye West With RAGS and RICHES' Debut Album "ALWAYS GOLD"
Kentucky brothers @_ragsandriches have released their debut album entitled “ALWAYS GOLD”, featuring ten tracks all covering a multitude of emotions and feelings they experience in life, including time, stress, money, happiness, anger and faith.
RAGS AND RICHES are an adrenalized, American pop-rock band hailing from Lexington, Kentucky. Formed in 2017, the band features brothers Tanner & Peyton Whitt. Over the last four years, the band has discovered their unique sound, identity and aesthetic.
Through their organic, kaleidoscope of creative abilities the brothers hope to be a light to guide people for owning what it is to be human - to grab life by the horns and live to the fullest, embracing all the twists and turns on the rollercoaster of it all. They share, “Our music is written to inspire others and spark hope for everyone to leave their legacy with the time they are given. No matter what is weighing on you in the present, or if you feel surrounded by your stress and anxiety, let that be a part of who you are and use that as motivation. This world is yours for the taking.”
Their debut album “ALWAYS GOLD” features ten tracks all covering a multitude of emotions and feelings that we experience in life. Touching on themes ranging from time, stress, money, happiness, anger and faith, the album is an honest and true reflection of everyday life. They share, “Since these songs were mostly written in the beginning phases of RAGS AND RICHES, we were focused on what life looks like as a band and a future in the music industry. That is how a lot of these topics popped up.”
A colorful concoction of sounds and styles, the band take inspiration from the likes of Imagine Dragons, Twenty One Pilots and Kanye West. Bursting with life and full of attitude, the album is fast-paced and energetic, as thundering percussion, animated guitars, throbbing basslines and quirky synths provide the foundations to this deliciously extravagant release.
RAGS AND RICHES have impressively clocked close to three million Spotify streams and had numerous TV appearances on shows such as Morning Show, Everyday Kentucky and Good Day Kentucky. With the hope to inspire a generation of dreamers, RAGS AND RICHES continue to forge ahead with the unveiling of their debut album.
LANDR Launches Its First Remix Challenge, Hosted by LXGEND
The one-stop music creation platform LANDR now lets established artists and brands partner with creators and fans to create, release, own and promote songs, transforming casual music listeners and fans into A&R powerhouses.
The one-stop music creation platform now lets established artists and brands partner with creators and fans to create, release, own and promote songs, transforming casual music listeners and fans into A&R powerhouses.
LANDR is redefining collective creation and promotion of new music with the launch of LANDR Challenges. Each challenge will feature established music artists, influencers and brands as “hosts” who provide curated content to be used in the creation of original music or remixes by Challenge contestants. Participation is free, and contestants are encouraged to share their creations with family, friends, and networks. The goal: Gain as many votes for their tracks as possible.
“We’re fostering a new sense of co-creation and community ownership, to support what many in the creator economy are trying to do on their own. The experience will give everyone that extra little nudge to inspire, if they are the host, or to push themselves to up their game, if they are submitting a track,” explains Daniel Rowland, award-winning producer and Head of Strategy and Partnership at LANDR. “The community aspect will open up new connections and new ways of making and sharing music together.”
Finalists for Challenges will be determined exclusively through fan voting, with the host reserving the right to choose between 1 and 20 winners from that list. And unlike most music contests, the fans also have a stake in the outcome as up to 100 voters of the winning track(s) will receive 10% of ownership shares when the song(s) are released, with the rest going to the host and winning contestant(s).
“We see Challenges as a new addition to other fan engagement and promotion approaches,” Rowland notes. “Artists or brands can launch a Challenge to celebrate a new release or to get fans involved in a remix or other creative project or campaign. Fans can find a new way to get involved with the music they love by acting as A&R for the creative community. It puts a different spin on the artist-fan relationship that will encourage creativity and meaningful connections.”
The kick-off Challenge will be hosted by LXGEND, a producer, songwriter, artist, and online educator with a devoted fan community, soon followed by Austin Millz and Social House.
About LANDR
Founded in 2014, LANDR is a platform where music makers can create, master, and distribute their music. Powered by a passionate team of engineers, producers, and musicians, LANDR continues their groundbreaking work at the intersection of music and technology, combining the broadest set of tools and services in the industry under one platform to support both emerging and professional creators.