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Album Review: Mirror – Balms
As I sat down to listen to Balms’ first full length album, Mirror, my thoughts turned to the importance of constantly stretching our tastes and of experimentation in the experience of music. We all go through many phases of listening, and, even if we are more comfortable within certain genres, it does not mean that [continued]
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Essentials: “Icarus” – FATHERDUDE
FATHERDUDE puts his own spin on the hero’s journey in his new single, “Icarus”. Invoking the Greek myth about the boy who flew too close to the sun, the NYC vocalist lays out the struggle of the modern-day artist—how do you pursue success without burning out in the process? Vocally, “Icarus” has FATHERDUDE reaching new [continued]
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Album Review: soul trash – Toro y Moi
In terms of music, we live in a time of great ease and accessibility. Almost anything you want to listen to is available at the push of a button. Find your music app of choice and type your desire into the search bar, and there it is, immediately. For those of us old enough to [continued]
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Essentials: Hotel Garuda’s One Reason Tour Mix
As Hotel Garuda prepares to embark on his “One Reason” tour, he’s released an essential tour mix to give fans a taste of what’s to come at his headlining shows. Revisit our interview with Hotel Garuda, and purchase tickets for the “One Reason” tour on Hotel Garuda’s official website. [continued]
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Essentials: “Face My Fears (feat. Hikaru Utada)” – Skrillex
J-Pop powerhouse Hikaru Utada returns to provide the theme for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 3 alongside dance-music dynamo Skrillex. Though at first this may seem an odd pairing, Skrillex has produced some pretty solid pop, and “Face My Fears” is no exception. Skrillex creates an EDM soundscape over which Utada’s melancholic defiance soars. The song electrifies, arming [continued]
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Essentials: “Play It Cool (feat. Sarah De Warren)” – ALIGN
It’s a soft effervescent sound that opens ALIGN’s “Play It Cool”, featuring Sarah De Warren. The charming vocals, chime-like synth and present yet laidback rhythm make this an easy listen. In short, the track makes good on the title and plays it cool. But this is not at the expense of energy. Quite the contrary, [continued]
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Essentials: “I’m Alright (featuring R.LUM.R)” – Brasstracks
As Brasstracks sets to headline their “Vibrant” North American tour in the next month, they have also released a new single! “I’m Alright” (featuring R.LUM.R) melds the style of both contributors expertly. The horns that gently open the track have a classic jazz feel, a nod to Brasstracks’ school of music training. However, the pace [continued]
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An Interview With: Manatee Commune
We spoke with Seattle-based musician Manatee Commune on his newest single “My Dearest Friend,” his creative passions, and how he got that name. The title of “My Dearest Friend” suggests an actual person. Is the song inspired by someone close to you or rather is it a celebration of the experience of human friendship? Both. [continued]
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Essentials: “Unfair (Full Version)/Been A While” – 6LACK
After a successful sophomore effort, 6LACK ended 2018 on a high note with two singles that emphasize his signature sound. His fusion between hip hop and alternative R&B showcases his versatility that is unmatched by similar artists striving to find their niche. As an extended version of his initial track on East Atlanta Love Letter, “Unfair [continued]
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Essentials: “Coagulation” – Bentley Dean
It’s a slow, tantalizingly eerie start to Bentley Dean’s “Coagulation”. The single launched itself into the world on January 4th as a part of mau5trap’s We Are Friends Vol. 8 and since then, it’s stolen its way into my brain. A single that is relatable, intense, and mysterious, “Coagulation” is pure, undisturbed synth. “Coagulation” sets a steady build-up [continued]