ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC

Charlotte-based musician Tim Buds has shared a new single called “BATS.” Inspired by a deep love for hip-hop and rock music, as well as 80’s and 90’s punk and grunge, Buds has crafted a character-rich style through years of songwriting experience. Following up his well-received 2021 EP The Echo Room, “BATS” continues his run of genre-bending, engaging offerings that flirt with a versatile range of sounds.

“BATS” opens with sharply-written, evocative guitar lines before fast, vital percussion drops in to give the song an exhilarating rhythm. With rich bass driving beneath, the song takes on a punk feel, while also showcasing Buds’ characteristically idiosyncratic style. Atop the energizing instrumentation, he delivers a series of addictive, focused melodies before crescendoing into a cathartic hook that lingers in the listeners head long after playing the single.

The latest from Tim Buds, “BATS” finds him once again delivering a thoughtfully-crafted offering that blurs the lines between genres in a refreshing manner.

Listen to “BATS” now:

By Damilola Grey

New Jersey native and member of Rap Villain, Tac0o has been on an insane run of singles from the beginning of the year and what better way to continue the streak than with “Prince of Da 3”. The 2 minute track is a very catchy, and finds Tac0o raps over an upbeat beat. Tac0o switches with different flows as the track progresses. The production, which was done by SoundsbyDax, was nothing short of amazing.

When I spoke to Tac0o about the single’s importance to him, he divulged, “it’s me embracing the sample and understanding that I come from a city full of other people doing what I’m doing but in music; no one sounds like me period. So with that in mind, I stand out like the Fresh Prince but I’m just in the 3 and not Bel-Air”.

Rap Villain have been on a crazy run all 2022 and Tac0o is showing us why he’s an artist to watch out for with what I consider, one of the best drops of the year.

Stream “Prince of Da 3” HERE.

23 year-old New York artist Gio Genesis has shared a fresh new single called “Wasting Away.” The musician, whose nimble, rich melodies are reminiscent of artists like Giveon and Daniel Caesar but with his own refreshing twist, is hot off the heels of engaging singles such as “Shoot For Something” and “Wither (Remix)” from earlier this year, and continues his run of solid alternative R&B offerings with “Wasting Away.”

Packed with emotion, “Wasting Away”‘s poignant songwriting and warm, wistful sound make it suitable for the sentimental months of late summer and early fall. With drifting, atmospheric guitars that create a nostalgic, minimalistic backdrop for Genesis’ evocative melodies, the song shines with simply his voice and the simple yet highly effective backdrop.

The latest from Gio Genesis, “Wasting Away” marks another strong offering from him and has us excited for what may be coming in the near future.

Listen to “Wasting Away” now:

By Todd Anderson

Brizzi Beats just released a hot new beat tape titled “Morpheus”, featuring hits such as “Slang”, “Cobain”, “Desert Eagle” and many others. The project provides a dark mood that gives you all the feels, with a series of hard-hitting, ominous instrumentals that are as imposing as they are addictive.

Some of my personal favorites include “Immortal” and “Stealth”, which utilize nocturnal soundscapes and heavy instrumentation to provide eery sonics while simultaneously hooking in the listener with addictive rhythms. The project’s 14-song run-time is also highly consistent, as Brizzi provides back-to-back songs that are enticing and invigorating, leaving few weak moments.

Check it out here and familiarize yourself with Brizzi Beats:

For their latest offering, Dallas String Quartet transforms the already upliftingand romantic “10,000 Hours” by country pop duo Dan + Shay into a luxurious instrumental arrangement perfect for serenading life’s happiest moments. This exquisite rendition brings the hometown feel with perfectly placed finger snaps, and weaves an elegant tapestry of uplifting and peaceful strings. 

Optimistic, peaceful strings rise in layers over “10,000 Hours,” a dynamic classical release, until they reach an emotional crescendo. This cover is catchy and engrossing, luring the listener deeply into its romantic atmosphere. It is enhanced by rich stand-up bass. This cover from Dallas String Quartet is shimmering and opulent in sound, exhibiting their distinctive style as they skillfully combine classical orchestration with contemporary pop influences to produce a light, evocative offering.

Dallas String Quartet was founded in 2007 by violist Ion Zanca. A fusion of contemporary classical and pop music, DSQ is referred to as “Bach meets Bon Jovi” and is compared to artists like Lindsey Stirling, Vitamin String Quartet, Brooklyn Duo and 2Cellos. They use both traditional and electric strings performing as a quartet with the full accompaniment of drums and guitar and are known for their eclectic renditions of everything from Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” to Shawn Mendes to Camila Cabello’s “Señorita” to their recent collaboration, “You Are The Reason,” with The Piano Guys. 

Listen now:

By Todd Anderson

Ever had an inkling to run out of your job, hop in your car and just ride away from it all? Stayathomedad can relate. Connecting with RVA content powerhouse theMSQshop, who not only filmed and edited the visual but handled creative direction as well as marketing for the song as a whole, the Orlando based singer/songwriter releases the music video for “Work Sucks.” The video for the Rasneek produced Pop song draws inspiration from popular television series ‘The Office‘ and serves as the first single from the Peter $un collaborator‘s upcoming album Music4YourMom, which was precursored by 2021’s Sweet. 

Asked about his thought process when creating “Work Sucks,” SAHD states: “My wife came home from work one day, opened the door and just yelled. She then closed the door and proceeded to punch the air like Tre Styles in Boyz N The Hood. That’s when the concept was born. This record is a sign of the times we’re in on this rock hurling through space.”

Boasting a catalogue containing character-rich blends of Pop, R&B, and Soul, stayathomedyad (formerly known as Awkward Shaman) was born in Texas and grew up traveling all around the United States. He realized his vocal talents at eight years old while harmonizing to The Fugees‘ “Killing Me Softly.” His family immediately noticed his sonic similarities to Lauryn Hill and discovered he could mimic most melodies on the radio.

After high school, he joined the army and started his solo career in North Carolina. He was eventually deployed to Afghanistan to fight in the war, where he honed his songwriting, arranging, and rapping skills. The PTSD he experienced following deployment landed him at rock bottom and in a psych ward for two years.

While battling PTSD, stayathomedad never stopped working. He soon after landed a writing deal with T.I.‘s imprint Grand Hustle in addition toperformance opportunities at both A3C and SXSW, which opened the door for him to sing backup for Richmond rapper Peter $un while he was on tour with Russ. Now a family man, the onc-known awkward shaman is now stepping in full confidence and grace as a stay at home dad making music for himself and others. 

Watch the video for “Work Sucks” now:

By James Solomon

Los Angeles artist Ajna has shared a new album, titled ‘Lifelines.’ Across 10 tracks, the rapper continues his run of lyrically-focused, emotive offerings laced with vibrant, infectious production. With flows reminiscent of a West Coast J. Cole or Drake, he weaves together powerful, personal lyrics that draw the listener into his world.

One of our favorite tracks on the LP is opener “1-10 West”, which contains an elegant, breezy instrumental that enhances Ajna’s introspective verses. “Heart to Heart” makes for a truly vibrant listen, with spacey, lush samples and immersive keys laying a soulful foundation, as Ajna comes through with some of his most powerful, descriptive lyrics. Songs like “Protect Me” showcase Ajna’s versatility as his driving vocals blend with a more hard-hitting instrumental that draws influence from gospel. Closer “Lifelines” makes for an evocative finish to the LP with a smoky, wistful sound that captures the album’s poignancy and emotivity.

The latest from Los Angeles artist Ajna, ‘Lifelines’ finds him delivering some of his most potent and vibrant verses to date atop a series of sharply-crafted instrumentals that flirt with soul, jazz, and more.

Listen now: