ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 
New York’s Iman Nunez has a strong track record as a razor-sharp lyricist, and his latest song “NUMBERS GAME” alongside the prolific HDBeenDope is no exception. The emcees attacks the silvery, electrifying instrumental with precision, in a manner that feels tactical. Underscored by ominous, metallic synths and a creeping rhythm section, they go back and forth with a kinetic chemistry that grips the listener from the get-go. Listen to “NUMBERS GAME” here.
“a la mesa” is the latest offering from NYC-via-Vermont artist rivan, who makes a return to our pages once again for this hard-hitting release. With a triumphant instrumental that takes on an anthemic tone through its usage of expansive synths that give way into a booming rhythm section, “a la mesa” is a track about going big. Droning layers of vocals underscore the instrumental, merging cohesively with the punchy percussion. rivan sounds hungry and focused on the mic as he weaves together dynamic flows that feel as potent and raw as the beat. Listen to “a la mesa” here.
Chris Celestial has shared a new song called “I Surrender”. Celestial’s new song “I Surrender” feels like finding a moment of peace amongst chaos. It’s mesmerizing vocal samples, dream-like keys, and relaxed percussion create an apt backdrop for Celestial’s poetic, soulful style. Like the track’s namesake, his delivery gives the impression of a state of acceptance, as he weaves together lyrics that absorb the listener in their piece-by-piece world building. Give “I Surrender” a listen here.
Ohio-bred, Montreal-based artist cropscropscrops has dropped off a new 2-pack called “4-way stop/ the 20th anniversary death cab for cutie transatlanticism”, produced by stale brick. The new release finds cropscropscrops further refining the detail-oriented, abstract hip-hop sound heard on his project from here, out there with Vaygrnt. With these two songs, crops brings the listener along with him as he adds a magical edge to the mundane happenings of daily life. With the jazzy, down-to-earth soundscapes and observant lyrics of these two tracks, crops and stale brick give a sense that there may be more than meets the eye in each day’s seemingly average happenings. Listen to “4-way stop/ the 20th anniversary death cab for cutie transatlanticism” here.
Myles Clayton has shared a new song called “Slim, Drought (Keep It Pushin’). As an emcee, Clayton tends to sound at home atop dissonant, claustrophobic jazz chords and grimy percussion. His sharp, no-nonsense flow and delivery merge sleekly with gritty, nearly metallic instrumentation, while cutting through the noise, such as on his new offering. On “Slim, Drought (Keep It Pushin’), Clayton brings a sense of stark realism that feels like being awoken out of a slumber, atop sheets of eery samples and grime-soaked percussion. Give “Slim, Drought (Keep It Pushin’)” a listen here.
Valid has dropped off a new single, titled “May 6th”. The Detroit emcee, who has consistently remained a staple in the Motor City hip-hop scene, recently dropped his well-received collaborative project Bill & Isiah with influential rapper Stretch Money, and he returns once again with a refreshing, captivating single in “May 6th”. The song, produced by Balkan Hip-Hop legends Knowwhere2run and Vibin wit DJ Mono, finds Valid reaching back to his ethnic roots with “May 6th ” and puts a modern twist on the traditional holiday known as “Djurdjevdan”. “May 6th” , recognized in Eastern Europe by many as Djurdjevdan (translation: St. George’s Day) is a holiday rich in history for many cultural backgrounds and ethnic groups throughout the region. His new release pays homage to Djurdjevdan both sonically and lyrically, with production inspired by traditional Balkan music underscoring his poignant flows.
“May 6th” builds an energizing, hypnotic soundscape with brisk guitar strumming, atmospheric backing vocals, and organic-sounding, infectious percussion. As rich bass drops in beneath to tie together a catchy groove, Valid comes through with commanding verses that present a nonchalant charisma. Demonstrating his penchant for sharply-crafted lyricism, he delivers a performance that is memorable from the get-go. Listen to “May 6th” here now.
Valid recently appeared in the latest Detroit Tigers jersey reveal video, alongside Stretch Money, Eminem and more. Giving a live performance alongside Stretch Money, Valid represents his city and further showcases why he is an essential member of Detroit’s hip-hop scene. Check out the new Detroit Tigers jersey reveal video here now.
Connect with Valid: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook
By Jacob Ezra
Making emotional connections with your audience is a very important element of promoting yourself as an artist. An effective way to do this is through story-telling. As a part of human nature, people are attracted to stories- and stories can be excellent tools to establish deeper bonds with your fans. Telling stories helps your audience relate to you, and makes them feel like they’re coming along with you on an artistic journey. Storytelling can communicate both your personal values and relatability, making your audience invested in you- and building connection with them over time.
As far as how to approach storytelling as an artist, it’s important to craft a story that is meaningful, vulnerable, and relatable. It can be especially powerful if it is able to tap into something universally and basically human. Everyone loves a good origin story and a come-up story, or a tale of an under-dog overcoming adversity- any story that shows authenticity. There are many types of stories that can help communicate these themes:
6. Experimental: Combining different storytelling techniques or challenging conventional narrative structures can create unique and innovative works of art.
You can use your content and music to communicate your story in numerous ways. It doesn’t always have to be literal, and can also imply your value, message, and identity. But having underlying themes, and an underlying narrative of who you are as an artist, makes your fans invested in you and make them want to cheer for you.
When you tell stories about who you are and what your music represents, it completes your identity as an artist and allows you to stand out. If your story creates a deeper emotional connection with a listener, you will stand out to them and they will remember you based upon how you made them feel. Then, when they see this story that they related to communicated in your music, visuals, etc., they will continue to feel like they are along with you on an artistic journey. It’s like letting them into your world as an artist. It’s also key to approach storytelling with integrity if you want to build trust with your audience. While incorporating trends is entirely fine, jumping between trends without having a core message and core values will just confuse your fans and dilute your message.
Telling relatable, authentic stories through everything you do- from music to visuals to promotion, really helps set you apart as an artist and build loyalty with your audience. To summarize, here are 5 ways that storytelling can help artists promote themselves and build a fanbase:
In essence, a musician’s personal story can serve as a powerful tool to build a strong, relatable identity that resonates with fans and sets them apart in the competitive world of music.
By Jacob Ezra
Wiseboy Jeremy – “Sixthirty Five”
New Jersey’s Wiseboy Jeremy weaves personal narratives on “Sixthirty Five”, taking the listener along with him on a journey through his mind. “Sixthirty Five” exists in the past, present, and future- touching on growing up, grinding for something more, and hoping for a brighter future. Laced with bittersweet, hopeful samples and buoyant percussion, Jeremy comes through with a raw vulnerability that captivates. As he bookends the track with “this shit be from the heart”, one can see for certain that he fully means it.
Semiratruth – “The Star”
Glistening with ethereal sounds and evocative lyricism, “The Star”‘s emotive, freeing feel coupled with Semiratruth’s sharp songwriting makes it an engrossing joint. Putting into the listener into a dream-like hypnosis with warm, kaleidoscopic samples and soothing vocals, “The Star” is a character-rich, soulful song from Semiratruth.
Jaysanityy- “capital man” (ft. Jordan Ali and omontizay)
Jaysanityy, Jordan Ali, and omontizay hail from the DMV area, known for its rich musical history. They tap into the free-thinking sounds of the region with a song that is thought-provoking and hypnotizing. “capital man” appears on Jaysanityy’s album ‘Bag Man Julio’, a poignant collection of layered, lyrical hip-hop offerings that beckon multiple listens to catch everything.
Ryshon Jones- “TSB”/
Refreshing and introspective, Ryshon Jones’ “TSB” finds him reaching deep with his lyrics to connect with audiences. With his outside-the-box vocal approach, underscored by melancholic keyboards and a memorable bass-line, Jones paints vivid portraits that feel almost impressionistic in tone. “Fool”, featuring Loriah, follows up in a two-pack with a ruminative, nocturnal joint with an enticingly hazy atmosphere.
Sedona- “LOST CAUSE”
New York’s Sedona boasts an eclectic style with observant songwriting on “LOST CAUSE”, a vibrant track with a dose of moodiness. When listening to “LOST CAUSE”, its almost as if time slows down and one can visualize each detail, sonically and lyrically. Her song-writing is sharply-crafted and dynamic, and the rich jazzy production adds much character.
Imani Nichele has dropped off a fresh EP, titled dramaqueen.. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Imani began her career as a spoken word artist and quickly gained recognition for her poignant and thought-provoking poetry. In 2018, she was named Detroit’s Youth Poet Laureate, a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her craft. Since then, she has gone on to release potent music that is a blend of hip-hop, soul, and R&B, with a focus on social justice, self-love, and empowerment.
dramaqueen. is characterized by tapestries of rich, dark instruments that weave atop pulsating rhythm sections. Imani delivers poignant, vividly personal narratives that suit the thoughtful nature of the beats. Her voice is calm and confident, and her lyrics sharply-crafted and intentional. “SelfPortrait.” captures her penchant for introspection atop watery, nocturnal keys and punchy drums, while “MixedUp.” provides a project highlight with its infectious songwriting and emotionally layered performance. Give dramaqueen. a listen here now.
Cameroon-born, Houston, USA-based artist ArmstrongWW has shared a new single called “Dreamcatcher”, produced by ENGLESS*. Drawing from his own experiences and the world around him, ArmstrongWW’s music is a powerful blend of introspective lyrics and innovative soundscapes. His latest offering, “Dreamcatcher”, is an uplifting, cathartic song that distills Armstrong’s penchant for genre-bending, infectious songwriting. Elegant, laid-back instrumentation builds dynamically on “Dreamcatcher”, leading up to a truly beautiful, poignant hook that feels like an emotional release. A freeing, warm song, “Dreamcatcher” presents another strong offering from Armstrong as he continues his recent prolific run.
Watch ArmstrongWW perform “Dreamcatcher” live at Rice University:
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 