Indie meets psychedelic dream-pop project Di Ivories reveal hypnotising single 'Have U Noticed?'

 

Indie meets psychedelic dream-pop project Di Ivories dive into realms of disco in hypnotising new single ‘Have U Noticed?’. Led by singer, keyboardist and composer Diego Martinez, the immersive project have received praise from Under the Radar, The Stumble Upon, Music Crowns and BTR Radio to name a few. Combining indie rock with unpredictable instrumentation, Diego’s chaotic music may be eccentric but it’s certainly able to win over your heart. Written in fall-winter 2020 where the dark days of the pandemic were still fully upon us, there’s elements of relatability throughout the new release.

Speaking about his electric new single, Diego shares, “Have U Noticed? Came at a time where I had to address my feelings for someone that I’ve had after several years of friendship. This song is probably the strongest song of the EP because it is so emotionally charged. Heart Break is one of the purest forms of raw energy we feel and try to understand while it’s happening to us, but we never really realize how shattered our heart is until after it’s already broken. We tracked this song with an upright piano in the intro and then in a flash the beat drops and you feel the intensity of the song, like something is catching fire in front of you. 

This song brought out the fire in me to do something magical, like try to walk on water. Was written in the Fall-Winter, where the darkest days so far of the pandemic loomed upon us. I wanted to capture the raw emotion of a personal heartbreak along with the pain everyone is feeling and create a chord structure that would help me cry the pain away in order to mold into later strength.”

A huge fan of expressing himself through fashion, Diego comes across as a powerful role model with a passion for colours. Adding to how he created ‘Have U Noticed?’, Diego shares, “It started with an inventive little piano diddle that kind of rattled my emotions in a way that gave off a deep sadness when playing it. It got hooked into my brain and shortly afterwards the words started coming out. That ended up being the verse and throughout the seasons as the days grew colder I started to feel that too and it ultimately shattered me. I was heartbroken, the song beautifully captured my heartbreak while also guiding me towards a new light.”

Be transported into a heavenly production produced by Garret de Block, mixed at Strange Weather Studios and mastered by Alex de Turk. 

Northeast based duo PSiMiTAR reveal vibrant release 'Better Believe It'

 

Northeast based duo PSiMiTAR return with the new contender ‘Better Believe It’. Composed of producer/rapper Steesh aka Baron Von Alias, and vocalist & DJ, LKP, they’ve been putting out their unique take on UK hip-hop soul under this alias since 2020. Receiving praise from BBC Radio 1, Grammy award-winning Brasstracks, BBC Introducing and Narc Magazine to name a few, the duo has had tens of thousands of streams and support from DJs across the globe. Back with the astonishing new single, ‘Better Believe It’ sounds somewhere between the grooves of Tom Misch and the style of Anderson .Paak.

Speaking about their new release, the duo share, “Better Believe is about the little voice in your “head that tells you to never give up, and how we have to have self-belief to succeed at anything.”

Dedicated to self-belief and finding your feet, ‘Better Believe It’ comes across as entirely empowering and able to give anyone a well-needed serotonin boost. Jam-packed with a range of live instruments, the track includes a talk-box, skilful melodic bars from rapper Steesh and soulful R&B vocals from LKP that will leave you with goosebumps. Already receiving great support from Nick Roberts and Lee Hawthorn at BBC Introducing in North East and Yorkshire, HyperTribe and Wayne C McDonald's key tastemaker Sugar Radio show, it’s safe to say, the track is becoming the talk of the town.

Raquel Kiaraa unveils iconic new album 'Defying Odds'

Receiving support from international radio stations, programs and brands such as Natan (Belgium), McDonalds (Switzerland), Shakeaway (UK) and Helly Hansen (Norway), Raquel is making a clear statement that she means business in the industry. A compilation of Raquel's most unique and charismatic songs, this album has a profound meaning. In it, Raquel is owning her power, celebrating the beauty of not only giving life to the child but giving light to herself, her strength, and her music goals.

Powerful and commanding, Raquel shows that she will continue to rise through all challenges as she moves through pregnancy and toward becoming a mom for the second time. The title of the album speaks to women's power to transcend the status quo. Time and again, women rise to the occasion proving to themselves and the world that the impossible is possible, and their dreams are alive, and we are achieving them.

Speaking about leading single “Love Got Me Sick”, Raquel adds, “It’s about the complexities we all face around love, the darker side of it. I have loved and lost. I have loved and changed. I have loved so thoroughly I could no longer tell where I stopped, and it began. I've had passion used as a weapon against me, a tool for manipulation I was too blind to see.

I have felt mad, passionate, love and love as comfortable as a king-size bed. I have loved so hard it hurt, and I've faked a more profound love than I felt. I've withheld love and had love withheld from me. I have run from love, feared my passion and denied truly seeing love. I am no stranger to love. Yet, I have experienced and understand many sides of it – the good and the bad – and am no longer blind to its powerful effects on one's existence. Love is all at once; terrifying and magical, it's one thing in this world that will never be portrayed by words alone, for its feeling lives in every pocket of our mind, body and soul. Love is powerful."

Indie pop artist Christine Sako reveals latest gem 'Coda'

LGBTQIA+ icon and singer-songwriter Christine Sako knew she wanted to be a star after hearing Avril Lavigne’s ‘Complicated’ in 2002. Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Christine drove solo cross-country to San Diego, CA in 2012 with just her guitar and a 25 key MIDI controller. No stranger to the industry, Christine had an opportunity in 2009 to tour with indie-pop band Now, Now. After two years of opening for bands such as Paramore and Paper Route, she decided to head down her own solo venture.

Back with indie-pop infused contender ‘Coda’, Christine had this to say about the release, "“Coda” is about the experience of having a person come back into your life and re-open a chapter in a book you thought was already well-read and closed. This reopening turns into re-writing of sorts - as emotions, conversations, and places are all revisited. It can feel like the revived relationship is being transformed into something new, or at least different, something that maybe this time will last. But none of these changes change the outcome.  Instead they end up being a temporary distraction from the inevitable retelling of the same story. The central tension of the song is on the one hand,  being tired and wanting to move on and on the other,  feeling compelled to relive  history as it repeats itself. In spite of the desire to let go, there is an underlying friction, a tugging in the direction opposite of freedom. It’s this conflicted feeling that results in pleading with the other party to “give it a rest,” since the strength to break the pattern on one’s own isn’t quite there yet.

The word “coda” comes from a musical term in which a passage in a song (the coda) concludes a recapitulated theme. The hope is that this final rendition is truly the final adaptation in the story."

Receiving praise from the likes of The Hype Magazine, Volatile Weekly, Jammerzine and Get In Her Ears to name a few, Christine’s energetic pop music will leave you weak at the knees. Written in the summer of 2021, the track was recorded in the songwriter’s home studio. Musically endearing and everything you’d expect from a Christine Sako

Emma McGann teams up with music legend Mike Shinoda for addictive single 'Teary Eyed'

 

Teaming up with music legend Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park, Fort Minor) for addictive pop number ‘Teary Eyed’, Emma McGann has the world in the palm of her hand. Receiving support from Rolling Stone, Forbes Women, IQ Magazine and Audiofemme to name a few, Emma is a British songwriter best described as a force to be reckoned with. Combining infectious pop melodies with beautifully crafted songwriting, this songwriter refuses to be left in the shadows. 

Speaking about the hypnotising new pop anthem, Emma shares, “Teary Eyed is about being blinded by our problems and anxieties and not reaching out when you know deep down you should. When you’re overwhelmed that way it’s hard to work your way through the chaos to understand why you’re feeling the way you are. And this song is about exactly that - wading through it all and realising that you might need to talk it out to a friend instead of holding it inside. I’ve battled those waves and it’s a pretty dark, isolated way to live. So this song is a reminder to myself and others to be conscious of where your heads at and to remember that reaching out IS the way out.”

Written one evening with a guitar in hand to help overcome an intense panic attack, Emma submitted it to Mike Shinoda who produced the track live on his Twitch livestream early in 2021 via his Shinoda Produce Me initiative. Released via X My Heart Records, “Teary Eyed” is a spacious, relatable pop single that uses jiving rhythms and poetic electric guitar melodies.

Unafraid to be vulnerable, McGann invites fans to get to know and understand the human being behind the songs via her popular daily livestreams. This format has spun her career into a steel web of community, with fans worldwide tuning in each day to her live performances from an immersive, neon jungle studio that encourages viewers to interact with the environment Emma is performing in.

Being one of the first artists in the world to pioneer this format as an indie artist, her music live streams have racked up over 11 million views to date. Her songs have gained her BBC Radio 1 airplay, main stage festival slots across the UK, nominations for US awards including iHeartRadio Music Award & 3 Shorty Awards - all as an artist waving the independent flag.

Eva Westphal evokes optimism in ambitious 'Things Don't Fit'

 

Young singer-songwriter Eva Westphal returns with viral TikTok anthem ‘Things Don’t Fit’. Based in New York City, Eva began writing her own songs at the age of 13. Seven years later, the artist has turned heads across the globe. Though she is classically trained, her transition to pop music has led to various successful gigs, including singing at Fenway Park and Outside the Box Music Festival, as well as being a featured artist on top Boston radio stations such as Mix 104.1 and Country 102.5. Distinguished musicians have commented on her unique voice, with Alicia Keys pointing out Eva's "pure tone" on The Voice: Snapchat, and Mix 104.1 calling her "one to watch”.

Speaking about the iconic new release, Eva shares, “Things Don't Fit is about growing out of your old self -- physical and mental. Inspired by an accidental ripping of an old prom dress, the song details my gratitude for how far I've come in my eating disorder recovery, which led me to become the proud, independent, musical, loud, driven 21 year old I am today. I hope that this song inspires other people to love themselves and their growth, too.”

Empowering and a role model for the next generation, Eva Westphal’s journey hasn’t been all roses and rainbows. Detailing the importance of growth, ‘Things Don’t Fit’ feels like a coming of age anthem that would sit perfectly in an episode of your favourite feel-good programme where the protagonist’s story finally ends right. Inspired by the remarkable ‘Evermore’ by Taylor Swift, the acoustic pop number is certainly chart-worthy and comes across as innovative yet nostalgic to yesteryears.

An advocate for LGBTQ+ causes, which is something close to the songwriter’s heart, Eva regularly teams up with organizations like It Gets Better, Phluid Project, and Project HEAL to spread awareness through music for LGBTQ+ issues and mental health.

Spark Houston reveals astonishing new EP 'Red'

Toronto based artist Spark Houston emerges from the underground industry with his eyes certainly on the prize. Back with his fourth single “Red”, which is taken from his forthcoming debut EP of the same name (the first of a series of three EPs), “Red” showcases his often troublesome relationship with confrontation, competition and ambition. Taking the music industry by storm, Spark Houston has over 615,000 streams on Spotify alone - across three singles. Going into depth about the release, Houston shares, “Red is my competition, my drive, my energy and my bravado. In polychrome as a whole project (split amongst three EPS - Red, Blue, and Green) Red is the manic high before the crash of the depressing blue. Red is me rapping as well as anyone alive, knowing entirely that there is no human force that can stop me. Red is high octane. Red is lewd” 

In the hook when the line "Red mine, red mine, red yours" is said, it's an invitation for all of us, both myself and the listeners, to soak in the atmosphere of my intensity. The pitch shifted voice is used as a motif on red, hinting that, although it feels good to be in a place of righteous anger, that perhaps there is a darker element, a morose, a sadness, to that kind of energy. All of that, however, will be more adequately explained on the next EP, Blue.

Coleo reveals motivational new single 'Been Trying'

Montreal based artist Coleo may still be at the beginning of his musical career, but he’s certainly making a good impression. Delivering a message of encouragement and motivation to anyone who wants to accomplish something in their life, Coleo feels like the type of role model you’d love your future kids to look up to. Coming from a Haitian family background whilst growing up in Canada, Coleo grew up listening to various music, and it’s safe to say that his music is diverse. Known for his melodic signature flows and playful lyricism, Coleo weaves through multiple genres unlike any other artist. 

Explaining the meaning behind the powerful new release “Been Trying”, Coleo shares, “Been Trying talks about the hunger that I have to succeed in the industry and the fact that despite the distractions that I might have had in the past, I'm coming back heavy with fresh new music. Nevertheless, 'Been Trying'' stands for distractions that have ‘been trying’ to knock me down in vain.”

Produced by CJ Ame in a home studio in Trois-Rivières during the 2020 lockdown, the collaboration meant it was time for both musicians to focus on creating music as a distraction. Musically, the track is highly energetic and motivational - aka everything you need from new artists right now. Speaking volumes to people needing a serotonin boost, ‘Been Trying’ champions growth and finding your feet in a hectic industry. 

Wanting to firmly put Montreal on the map, Coleo shares, “I think the city of Montreal is full of talented people, whether it's in music or fashion or any other form of art. I firmly think that it deserves to be put on the map and I want to actively contribute to make it happen.”

JJ Doze releases brooding single 'Who Am I?'

New York based artist JJ Doze is clearly stating he means business in latest offering, ‘Who Am I’. An energetic number with a hard-hitting message, the new single is expressive and speaks upon themes the world needs to hear. Gaining over 100,000 streams on Spotify alone across five releases, JJ continuously turns the heads of Spotify listeners. Sharing his true thoughts, emotions and personal experiences with his fans, JJ is a relatable artist that everyone deserves in their collection. 

Speaking about the release, JJ shares, “In the song 'Who Am I', I talk about my ability to fail on knowing my purpose as I try to find the answers I'm seeking for. However, that would be the problem. As I fail to realize that there aren't any answers, I kept ignoring the fact that there are choices. A choice to be patient with myself. A choice to understand myself. A choice to accept myself. But, that was difficult to do as I kept trying to help everyone around me that I completely forgot about myself.

So, whenever I would feel frustrated, angry, drained, &/or other feelings, I wouldn't necessarily know what to do... so that's when I try to brush it off, which diminishes my path to understand myself, & to know who I am & how I react to certain things during a certain situation. In the song, I bring up other situations that also block that path I deeply want to find. This song means a lot to me. It's a song that can get you feeling hyped (mainly from the chorus) while also leaving you thinking deeply if you listen closely to the lyrics. It surely expresses my vulnerability, & that is exciting to me but also nerve-wracking”

Matthew Joseph returns with electro-pop track 'Chance'

UK based artist Matthew Joseph will become the talk of the town in new anthem ‘Chance’. Receiving praise from the likes of CLOUT Magazine, EQ Magazine and Twisted Male Magazine, Matthew has also collaborated with Derrick Barry of RuPaul’s Drag Race US. Having been featured previously on the likes of The X Factor, Matthew quickly realised the impermanence of that kind of shallow exposure and became determined to forget a meaningful path into the industry. He resolved to write his own music and lyrics, criticizing the current trend of virtual dating and our desperation for ‘online’ status whilst avidly supporting LGBTQ and other minority groups. 

Sharing his thoughts on the release, Matthew Joseph explains, “Chance is a break up anthem about the struggles of a relationship when you still love them even though they’ve had millions of chances to sort themselves out and make it work. It’s an empowering, relatable dance-pop track.”

Adding to the process of making the track, Matthew Joseph shares, “I wrote the track with George Pelham (check him out he’s got a few million streams himself really successful guy ) in May and it’s really relatable I feel, we’ve all been in this stage of a breakup where you kind of want that person back but you’re also thinking no you’ve had plenty of chances! And I was networking with Myah Marie over socials and thought she would be a fun addition to the track - she’s huge in America mainly behind the scenes writing for Britney, RuPaul, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez (and touring with her and Charlie xcx) to name a few, and I was made up when she loved the track and jumped at the chance to feature. She’s so talented and lovely and I’m a huge fan of her and the artists she’s worked with. Chris Hall (The Wanted, The Saturdays produced the track and he’s produced all my tracks so I’m hoping he’ll be my Max Martin.”

New Age Instrumental/Meditation Review: Tom Grant-Sipping Beauty

Release Date: April 7, 2017

Label: Nu-Wrinkle

Website

Tom Grant has over 40 years invested in making music. His latest upcoming release is titled Sipping Beauty. If you happen to be in the market for eclectic music, then this can be your ticket to ride. Taking a journey with music is the only way to travel. They key here is to sip the beauty and enjoy it and not take it all in with one swallow.

Those of you that have a propensity for piano based music will find a lot to appreciate on this recording.

“Feathers Falling Up” was one of my favorite tracks. I am sure I heard the distinctive bass playing of Michael Manring. Have you ever seen a feather go up instead of down (when there is no wind of course)? That would be magical just as the track would lead you to believe. Besides, what is music if it doesn’t have some magic and wonder around it to engage a listener and challenge the imagination?

Tom Grant’s pedigree is an impressive one, playing with some of the jazz greats over the years such as trumpeter Woody Shaw and sax players Joe Henderson and Charles Lloyd, are an indication of his abilities. And that just names a few. His experience in the jazz realm can be heard in his music. That is but one element that you will hear. There are touches of ambient, new age, world, well just about everything under the musical sun you could think of for instrumental forays on one album.

“Wrapped In Love” with whispers and steady breathy background vocals reminded me of the 10cc classic “I’m Not In Love.” I am sure it is coincidental the word love is in the title of the track and I happened to relate it to that one song. 10cc happens to be one of my favorites so it was easy for me to find something in common with the track. I do what everyone else does while listening, I relate it my own life experiences and the different music I have enjoyed since arriving on this planet.

“Arms Wide Open” was another one that got my attention and touched me. The piano is so elegant and inviting along with some strumming jazz guitar fills and some carefully placed acoustic guitar picking lines. The sounds are accented with the culture of Spain. The music comes flying off the fingertips of the creator crafting the sounds, lighting up the song like firefly’s in the night sky.

Even though you can classify this music as new age instrumental and meditation music it is far more than that. The different flavors and colors that interweaves into each song gives it a strong crossover appeal. If you’re a musical purist in any sense of the word you will not appreciate Sipping Beauty. However, if you go into this with your eyes and ears opened wide ready to receive a constant flow of change and transition, then you will absolutely love this album as much as I did. And remember if it doesn’t hit you right upon the first listen, try it again and sip it a little at a time, and you will then discover the beauty waiting for you inside the music.

When the student is ready the teacher will show up, just listen.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 28, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
 
Tracks:
01. Petrichor Perfume
02. Sun-Kissed Beings
03. Sipping Beauty
04. Feathers Falling UP
05. Wrapped In Love
06. Sighs n' Whispers
07. Arms Wide Open
08. Desire Unspoken
09. Moondrops
10. Where Time Disappears

Ginny Vee Releases New Single 'Give Me Dynamite'

Italian born singer Ginny Vee releases dance pop anthem ‘Give Me Dynamite’ after being spotted by former LA producer Christian DeWaldenwho set her up with Vanni Giorgilli and Pete Chiesa at Mind The Floor. The infectious single has a Northern European house sound, with a feel good style featuring Vee’s raw clear vocals. The upbeat single was arranged by Steve Manovski (co producer and co writer of Sigala’s hit single ‘Give Me Your Love’). It was recently taken to the Amsterdam Dance Event where it was immediately snapped up by Disco:Wax (Sony).

Listen here to 'Give Me Dynamite'

It’s been a tough road for Ginny, with her family often suggesting she “get a secure job” any time she spoke of a career in music. Firstly Vee went law school but she soon left to follow her passion and joined a creative arts school. She then worked as a model and travelled to LA where she pursued an acting career, working on set with Michael Rooker. However Ginny’s passion was always singing and the cover group Belle Ma Belle was formed where she has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the Italian music industry. After a few years she made the break from the group and headed in her own direction.

Links:

www.ginnyvee.com

Ginny Vee Releases ‘Give Me Dynamite’ After Being Snapped Up By Disco:Wax – Sony Music

Italian born singer Ginny Vee releases dance pop anthem ‘Give Me Dynamite’ after being spotted by former LA producer Christian DeWalden who set her up with Vanni Giorgilli and Pete Chiesa at Mind The Floor. The infectious single has a Northern European house sound, with a feel good style featuring Vee’s raw clear vocals. The upbeat single was arranged by Steve Manovski (co producer and co writer of Sigala’s hit single ‘Give Me Your Love’). It was recently taken to the Amsterdam Dance Event where it was immediately snapped up by Disco:Wax (Sony).

Listen here to 'Give Me Dynamite'

It’s been a tough road for Ginny, with her family often suggesting she “get a secure job” any time she spoke of a career in music. Firstly Vee went law school but she soon left to follow her passion and joined a creative arts school. She then worked as a model and travelled to LA where she pursued an acting career, working on set with Michael Rooker. However Ginny’s passion was always singing and the cover group Belle Ma Belle was formed where she has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the Italian music industry. After a few years she made the break from the group and headed in her own direction.

Links:

www.ginnyvee.com

Corinna Jane Releases Feisty Single ‘Three Faces Of You’

“Corinna Jane is a seriously talented young woman, with strong

vocal ability, who is also a mighty fine instrumentalist.” – Tom Robinson BBC Radio 6

Franco-British singer-songwriter Corinna Jane brings back the ethos of old school pop music with her new single ‘Three Faces Of You’ taken from her upcoming EP ‘Hard In Love’.

Watch ‘Three Faces Of You’ live here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBjVDBoy2Pg

Fed on a diet of 90s MTV, Corinna had a passion for music from a young age. By the age of five she had taken up piano and singing lessons, soon composing her own music and establishing herself as a sing-songwriter in her teens.

Corinna has never been afraid of being herself, crafting her own unique brand of piano driven alternative rock. The keen actress, model and radio presenter has a quirky style and personality, which has led to her receiving airplay on the likes of BBC Radio 6, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing and making the top 5 solo artists at the Rock The House Competition.

‘Three Faces Of You’ follows the fascinating story of Corinna’s relationship with someone who lived in their own fantasy world with various personalities residing in him. The feisty song is mirrored in Corinna Jane and her band’s performance, which has strong resemblance of the powerhouse of Fleetwood Mac and No Doubt.

Having supported Leddra Chapman and been a guest vocalist/co-writer with German DJ Mark-Oh, it’s clear Corinna is ready to take the music industry by storm.

Links:

www.soundcloud.com/corinnajane

https://www.facebook.com/corinnajanemusic/

https://twitter.com/Corinna_Jane

https://www.youtube.com/user/Corinnajane