Nashville’s Dear Me has returned with with a new song entitled “How Did We End Up Like This?”. The eclectic songwriter and poet, who has been gaining momentum for his evocative, relatable style, has been prolific lately, releasing a series of strong singles.
For his latest offering, Dear Me connects with Laeland and Sølace to craft a bittersweet track that draws the listener in to its reflective atmosphere. With an instrumental centred around glowing keys and minimalistic, atmospheric percussion, “How Did We End Up Like This?” is produced beautifully. Moreover, the vocals are sharply-crafted and smooth, yet simultaneously emotive, making for a refreshing mood and sound.
According to Elite Talent Group, the name Dear Me comes from when he started making music – with the music served as little letters to himself. Heartfelt and personal, Dear Me is a talented artist that writes vibrant music anyone can relate to.
Wrek is back with another track titled “All Day”. The 2-minute song has a mellow feel to it, with him painting a picture using clever rhymes and witty bars. “All Day” finds Wrek deliberating on whether he should take “his foot off the pedal to save gas”. He has been progressing a lot recently, and now he wants to take a break and “chisel his own path”. When I asked the New Jersey native what “All Day” meant to him, he told me, “I would definitely choose to be lazy and just do what I like. But obviously, I wouldn’t get anywhere doing that so it’s kinda me complaining about how I’d rather be home, but I know I have to get up, and get to it and make dreams happen”. Wrek also dropped a music video to accompany the track. Give “All Day” a listen here and don’t forget to check out the music video on YouTube.
Vancouver-based Marto’s new single“24 Pills”and its accompanying videopresent a self-directed offering in its truest form. Wearing multiple hats as performer, director and engineer, “24 Pills”is an eccentric and spirited release from the young artist. Martoeffortlessly flows over fast-paced, rage-inspired synth-filled production provided by Ymar & Synthetic. Marto’senergetic vocals are amplified by bright, vibrant visuals in which he shines as a confident and electrifying performer.
Queens, New York rapper Dre A.M. of Faulty Piston Records has shared a new single called “Brady”, produced by La Kosher Nostra. This track features a dark, monolithic instrumental containing menacing organs that swirl over top of heavy, textured percussion. Setting a raw, gritty backdrop for Dre A.M.’s candid, intense vocals, this song paints a grim picture that is simply immersive and enticing. His lyrical ability particularly stood out, as he depicts vivid pictures with words. This joint has us anticipating his next album Bad Kid, GOOD City due this year.
As the duo Karpenters, legendary emcee Kool Keith and talented LA producer Grant Shapiro have connected on “Still Doing It”, an infectious, atmospheric track that grabbed our attention immediately. “Still Doing It” features a layered, dream-like instrumental from Shapiro containing ethereal samples and infectious percussion. Moreover, Keith delivers engaging, commanding verses that capture his renowned wittiness and charm. If you enjoyed “Still Doing It”, be sure to give the remainder of their latest EP under the same name a listen.
Abstract hip-hop act T H R O N E have shared a vibrant new single called “Do It 4”, assisted by rapper ArmstrongWW and producer DeloreanMcFly. A strong offering, “Do It 4” contains a celestial beat with an immersive sound that had us hooked immediately. The beat finds shimmering samples swirling overtop of rich percussion and infectious bass, setting a solid foundation for the emcees dextrous flows. They deliver sublime verses packed with dense wordplay that is thought-provoking and vivid. With a warm, smooth mix that brings the energies of the track to the forefront, “Do It 4” is a blissful listen.
Massachusetts-based artist Jackson Whalan has shared a new single called “No Matter What”, providing a motivational mood that invigorates the listener. Containing a raw, energizing instrumental centred around evocative pianos and bouncy percussion, “No Matter What” is an infectious yet thought-provoking listen. Whalan’s flow here is confident and smooth, and his lyrics are pensive and sharply-crafted. With addictive production and lyrical substance to spare, “No Matter What” will certainly find its place in our rotation during the coming months.
Berlin-based multi-disciplinary artist Mr Pigeons has returned with a new visual for his single “Overflow”. Refreshing and forward-thinking, “Overflow”‘s blend of glitchy, atmospheric percussion and ethereal vocals make for an engaging listen. With swirling, reversed percussion and spacey samples, the instrumental for “Overflow” creates an immersive sound that draws the listener in immediately. Mr Pigeons’ lyrics are thought-provoking, and his vocal performance is filled with character. The latest offering from this expressive artist, “Overflow” has us excited for him to release Blue Heron, his next full-length album due in 2022.
Connecticut artist Nick Rose has returned with a new single entitled “TWEAKIN”. This cut is bouncy and energetic, showcasing Rose’s characteristically elastic flow over top of vibrant production. Spearheaded by bright synths that swirl in layers to create a hypnotic effect, the beat is addictive and psychedelic. Beneath, sturdy percussion creates a foundation for Rose’s charismatic, dynamic vocals, as he uses engaging vocal inflections to keep the listener hooked throughout. If you enjoyed “TWEAKIN”, be sure to check out Rose’s album Ceiling Theory, a solid offering released independently last year.
Terrence Leon: I can’t even pinpoint my introduction to R&B. I can honestly say that it’s always been around me. Be that at home, on the radio, or out in the world, R&B has always been made its way to me.
Dami: What inspired you to start making music?
Terrence Leon: Music for me started as a safe space. I started in band in middle school, then choir in high school, and I’ve just taken everything I’ve learned with me as I’ve grown. Music understood me when no one else did. Music is honestly my freedom.
Dami: Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
Terrence Leon: The Weeknd, Brandy, Chris Brown, and Avant are my biggest influences.
Dami: You got a track dropping this Wednesday titled “Etch a Sketch”. Can you tell us more about it?
Terrence Leon: “Etch a Sketch” is a record I wrote about being in love with someone so much that if you could, you’d tattoo their name across your heart; even if it’s momentary. To appreciate the magic in the moment.
Dami: What’s your creative process like?
Terrence Leon: My creative process is dependant on mood and what I’m attempting to create. Sometimes I start with melody, sometimes I build my melody. I’ve even started with acapellas. I do my best to be obedient to the moment/ song.
Dami: Where do you grab inspiration from when making music?
Terrence Leon: Life. If not my own, I use my friends and families.
Dami: Any dream collabs?
Terrence Leon: The Weeknd, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan, and of course Kehlani.
Dami: You plan on dropping a single every month. Is there any reason behind it?
Terrence Leon: While I love projects, I recognize that we’re more single focused in our consumption of music. And I think that it can be just as beautiful and magical as projects can be.
Dami: What’s the most stressful part about being an artist to you?
Terrence Leon: Wearing all the hats.
Dami: What’s the most memorable thing you’ve experienced so far as an artist?
Terrence Leon: When I did my first SXSW performance, and no one knew who I was- but everyone was so sure I was a rapper. The looks on their face when I got on stage and started to sing. The magic in that moment was most pleasing to me.
Dami: What are you tryna accomplish by the end of the year artistically?
Terrence Leon: Right now, I’m chasing growth and progress above all else. I’m hoping to collaborate more this year, pop out more, and be as consistent as possible but my goal is to level up.
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