Perhaps only in music can intense reflection on very dark moments of life sound so uplifting. This phenomena may have been perfected recently in Tyler the Creator’s “GONE GONE / THANK YOU” as he expresses utter elation at falling out of love with a sound that is overwhelmingly positive and exciting. “D_LETE” successfully achieves the same complex emotional response with its uplifting retrospection, but in a way that is unique to Ali’s new vintage sound.
Why We Like It: Carter Ace’s “Baggage”
The world built on “Baggage” by the lush keys and the unbelievably bouncy bass acts as an antithesis for the struggles Carter Ace details lyrically. The instrumental is as light as air while Carter spills out his frustration with the emotional baggage that weighs him down constantly. There is an element of ‘singing through the pain’…
Why We Like It: STORRY’s “You Don’t Know Me (Nah Nah)”
From the scattered hi-hats and driving bass that start the song, to STORRY’s powerful, yet flexible, voice, to the gorgeous keys and triumphant trumpets, the track oozes a feeling of victory. STORRY details her experience of breaking out of an oppressive relationship and finding self-love. The subject matter and instrumentation work in such harmony, the song is such a statement of strength…
Why We Like It: CIRRRCLE’s “Talkin to Watashi”
“Talkin to Watashi” is a track packed with colour and charisma – a testament to the performance of each artist. The beat A.G.O. provides is unmistakably inspired by the sun of California, but introduces numerous instruments and effects that gives the music a unique feel. The song’s hook is perfectly written and performed by Jyodan, begging the listener to sing along.
Why We Like It: CyphTwo’s “Husoul”
“Husoul” is a song that refuses to sit in the background and be ignored. Substantive, gripping bars cover nearly every second of the track. CyphTwo’s loosely structured but deeply hypnotic flows weave each portion of the song into the following section seamlessly. It’s a lyrical performance that makes you want to restart to the song again immediately after it ends, with each new listen bringing a newfound appreciation for CyphTwo’s pen.
June Spotlight: Caleb Giles’ Under the Shade
Our Essential & Unheard project for July is Caleb Giles’ third solo album, Under the Shade. It is imbued with the energy of summer—a stand-in for the season where white t-shirts become the de facto wardrobe choice, black jeans are only worn by the brave, and the heat sauntering off walls and emanating up out of asphalt is the most immediate feeling. The sun is the antagonist, the album’s name reflecting the peace found in separation from that oppressive heat that hangs longer and heavier in the summer months.
Why We Like It: REMI’s “5 A.M.”
Instead of telling a plain story and letting the instrumental and hook carry him, REMI’s verses are full to the brim with character, infectious delivery and clever turns of phrase. “5 A.M.” is unique and without a dull second.
Why We Like It: C.A.M’s “Sleepwalking”
In today’s age, technology has flooded our lives with content. Caught in the mire are today’s musicians who champion an artform that’s more widely distributed than any other throughout human history. And we, more often than not, overlook the music created by unfamiliar faces because it’s challenging. We’d rather have an easy listen, a known […]
Why We Like It: Freedust’s “Talk To Me”
The title track from Freedust’s upcoming sophomore EP, “Talk To Me” continues the trio’s inspired exploration of swing and retro soul. International collaboration – the three Freedusters hail from Italy, Sweden and the UK – and a love of tradition, heritage and antiquity imbue their pop with a distantly familiar flavour.
Why We Like It: BIG NASH’s “Know Thyself (Freestyle)”
If you’re wondering what kind of artist BIG NASH is, wonder no more: “Know Thyself (Freestyle)” offers a window into the mind of the New Zealand-based emcee. An eerie, brass-laden instrumental underpins his bars on the grind, nefarious record contracts, the stress of his lifestyle and effects on his own mental health.
