Category: Blog

Mississauga, Canada-based artist Francesca Wexler has shared a new single called “Bronzefish”. Following up her moody and expansive offerings “Cherry Fields Forever” and “Princess Diana”, “Bronzefish” once again finds her presenting sharp songwriting atop rich, mercurial production.

Containing elegant reversed keys drifting atop infectious, crisp percussion and rumbling 808s, the instrumental on “Bronzefish” is infectious and sleek. Wexler matches the beat’s energy with equally stylish and confident verses that demonstrate her focused command of the microphone. Here, her lyrics are thought-provoking and her delivery poignant, making for a gripping listen overall.

The latest from the prolific Mississauga, Canada-based artist, “Bronzefish” has us excited to hear what she has coming next, as she continues to expand her sound with each release.

Listen now:

New Jersey writer, recording artist, and producer Xav the Ripper has returned with a new single called “ION EVEN CARE”. At 16, he taught himself how to be entirely self-sufficient in his recording process, learning how to record, mix, and engineer. After a series of sharply-crafted offerings in 2021, as well as 2022’s “No Cry” and “Champ’s League”, Xav has returned with a new offering called “ION EVEN CARE”.

Containing watery, immersive keys and crisp, grooving percussion, the instrumentation on “ION EVEN CARE” creates an appropriately relaxed backdrop for Xav’s calming vocal performance. He delivers a series of engaging melodic rap verses atop the lo-fi soundscape, drawing the listener into the song’s laid-back, warm atmosphere. The latest from the New Jersey artist, “ION EVEN CARE” continuous his prolific release schedule with another infectious offering.

Listen now:

22 year-old Illinois artist Yung Chelsea has shared a new single called “good heart”. Crafting music organically from the confines of his bedroom, he combines genres in an engaging fashion, drawing from a variety of influences including Lil Wayne, Lil Peep, and Mac Miller. “good heart” showcases his unique sound, providing an eclectic spin on mumble rap by combining lo-fi elements with acoustic guitars. Containing warm, grooving production and infectious vocal melodies, “good heart” is an uplifting and laid-back offering that beckons the listener to hit rewind. With dynamically written verses and an ear-worm chorus, “good heart” makes for a smooth and versatile listen.

Listen now:

By Trey Fox

While the South Carolina rapper Savvy Mcfly officially made his debut today, he showed the world flashes of skill and charisma on his “2010 freestyle” in March. On that record, he shined alongside fellow CQCX rappers King $ly and Lil Du Bois. Mcfly has returned in a similar vein, with an honest approach to lyricism and a well-crafted, catchy hook.

Mcfly paints a vivid picture of past memories, reminiscing about being a kid and learning to grow through exploration. He recalls fun experiences with friends, roaming the neighborhood until the infamous street lights beamed across his face. With fond memories beginning to blur as he gets older, Mcfly is still able to pull from his past. “Picking up the pieces, then create another fire verse,” he says proudly. 

Mcfly has found his footing and confidence despite previous spells of self-doubt. The song’s hook is melodic and captivating. “Feet don’t fail me now,” Mcfly cries out. His mountain peak is in clear view, and he knows he’s getting closer. He recognizes he’s on the right path, one that he says his parents are proud of. While the journey has caused some fatigue, he assures us that “baby came around and she grabbed the baton from me.” With support from the people he cares about and undeniable talent, Mcfly’s ascent into music is becoming a reality.

Stream “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” on all platforms HERE.

By Damilola Grey

Testing have finally dropped their highly anticipated single “SMILE”. The 4-minute track sees the Atlanta based group consisting of lucidjason, jimmy, and Joe Kappa drop their most vulnerable verses. Joe Kappa starts the track with the chorus, which was nothing short of heavenly. jimmy follows after with his verse discussing his fears, a friend he lost, and how grateful he is to make it past 25. lucidjason ends the track with a verse touching upon inspirations, dreams, and also his fears. Testing painted an amazing picture with “SMILE”, as listeners will feel the emotions coursing through the track. The delivery and production on the single were also perfect. “SMILE” shows that despite how bad things can get, they can always get better, or as jimmy said “it sounds like love”. As much as “SMILE” is full of emotions and vulnerability, it is also full of hope.

Stream “SMILE” below:

Detroit indie pop band Otto have shared their debut EP, titled Still Picture You. Leading up to the project, they dropped a series of evocative, memorable singles that introduced their sound- an 80’s-inspired brand of synthy pop that feels charmingly nostalgic. Formed in a 9×9 studio-slash-bedroom in Detroit, their origin story is as organic as it gets, something that shines through on this new set of 5 tracks.

Opener and lead single “When I Really Saw You” introduces the project’s vibrant and upbeat persona. The song begins with an energizing intro containing lively, bright guitars and warm, expansive synths drifting atop punchy drums. Then, more dynamics are introduced as the drums give way to a minimalistic soundscape containing airy synths and subtle guitars. Building into an explosive and infectious hook, “When I Really Saw You” draws the listener in with its immersive, balmy synth-pop sound.

“Good Fight” follows up with ethereal synths and sparkling guitars that create a shimmering backdrop for the song’s sharply-crafted and addictive vocal melodies. Then, “Stop Time” brings in a slight electronic influence with pumping percussion and breezy, layered synths. Showcasing the band’s ability to draw cohesively from different genres, it switches up the EP’s sound in an engaging manner.

“She’s Like A (Ghost)” contrasts vivid sonics with darker, more nocturnal undertones. Showcasing the band’s characteristically candid lyrical style, it draws the listener in to its mercurial atmosphere with its evocative songwriting. Lastly, the project closes out with “If You Know”, which brings in grand, starry synths and soaring guitars. As subtle percussion enters beneath, the song’s dream-like vocals captivate with their haunting and infectious melodies.

The latest from Detroit’s Otto, Still Picture You‘s 80’s-influenced synth pop sound and earnest, heartfelt songwriting make the project one that is easy to re-visit. Featuring sharply-crafted and energetic instrumentation that underscores the EP’s candid lyricism, it immerses the listener in its energizing, vivid sound across 5 tracks.

Listen to Still Picture You now:

By Christian Peeney

Just in time for the beginning of summer, Swedish artist Steerner released his latest single, “Emotions”.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think this is a cut off of the upcoming Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2; the hook is infectious, and the beat makes you want to get up and dance. It’s the perfect song for a summer day, poolside with a cold drink and some friends. With graduation parties increasing and pools being opened up, this is definitely a song to throw on your summer playlist.

The lyrics are relatively simple, about loving someone. This, paired with Steerner’s pop vocals and catchy melodies, makes the song easy to sing along with. And when listening to this song, you’re either singing, dancing, or both; it’s incredibly difficult not to.

Listen to “Emotions” now:

West Coast mainstays and frequent collaborators Cashus King and Blu have returned with a new single called “Black Israelis (The New World)”, produced by clouded slum. The first single from King’s upcoming album, The W.O.W. (The Weight of Wind), releasing June 17, “Black Israelis (The New World)” provides an airy, uplifting sound and characteristically vivid, insightful verses from King and Blu.

“Black Israelis (The New World)” opens with warm, atmospheric vocal samples that drift alongside warm guitars, before organic-sounding percussion picks up an engaging rhythm. Underscoring King and Blu’s dynamic, crisp vocals, the beat glistens with ethereal energy.

Regarding the single’s content, King says, “in a way, I consider myself a Black Israeli and a Black Palestinian, conceptually. Black Israelis, not to be confused with Black Israelites, is a metaphor for overcoming hardship and adversity. Both the Palestinians and the Jewish people (although not all Israelis are Jewish) have been historically persecuted, and like the Blacks of America, they thrive on. Blu and I represent the struggle of artistry, the struggle of blackness, and the struggle of humanity”.

“Black Israelis (The New World)” will appear on King’s new album The W.O.W. (The Weight of Wind), releasing June 17.

Listen to “Black Israelis (The New World)” here:

By Jacob Ezra

Genre-blending group illusion hills have connected with aldrch for a new single called “chasm”. Explosive and energetic, the song’s textural, sharply-crafted instrumentation and refreshing blend of punk, indie, and more make for a vital listen.

“chasm” opens up with warm guitars that convey a sense of longing, as rich bass moors the track. The song begins with wistful, calm vocal delivery before an engaging switch brings in driving, distorted vocals. Beneath, clattering, powerful percussion continues to build excitingly until a memorable, infectious chorus is brought in, showcasing the enticing dynamics of the band’s songwriting.

Topically, the song discusses coming of age, change, and the impermanence of youth, making for a relatable offering. Speaking on the track, vocalist/producer warp mj said, “Whether change is positive or negative, it allows you to adjust, grow, and learn in order to get out of the same cycle of stagnation. That’s the ‘chasm’ we are climbing out of – staying the same because it’s comfortable.”

The latest from illusion hills and aldrch, “chasm” is an engaging, enlivening single that continues their streak of forward-thinking, genre-blending releases.

Listen to “chasm” here: