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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The emerging Lubbock, TX native continues to apply pressure in 2022. Deion is fresh off releasing his fourth hit single of the year, “Third Person,” which garnered a rotation on SiriusXM’s Channel 44 Hip-Hop Nation. He has returned with perhaps his most personal record to date.
The gentle piano keys and pitched vocals fit Deion’s mood on the track perfectly. He reflects on the traumatic events that he’s had to witness, which includes the heart-breaking effects of gun violence. Deion carries a melodic flow throughout the song. He opens up about the vices he uses to suppress his pain and grief. He also expresses the sense of desperation people feel when facing financial burdens, but he vows to make a better life for himself and his mother.
Deion touches on losing contact with people he was once close to and how the loyalty he could once count on was broken. “I move solo!”, he sings with conviction. He’s content navigating this path alone because he’s been able to sustain success. Even though he previously had doubts, Deion now “feels like we’re next to win.” With a string of highly successful releases, it appears that he is right.
Ohio R&B artist Monroe Jordan has released his latest single “bound”.
With an ethereal sounding bass-line and smooth guitars, the song is like entering an enchanted forest on a warm, summer night. Fireflies light up the woods, revealing beautiful rosebushes and aged trees, all underneath a starry night sky. From its very beginning, it captures the listener and brings them into his world.
The highlight of the song is Jordan’s voice. Similar to Frank Ocean’s, his voice has a beautiful upper register, and he creates simple, yet incredible harmonies. Clearly inspired by Frank Ocean’s music, Jordan uses those harmonies to create movement throughout the song, fading in and out like waves on a beach. Through this, those harmonies make a satisfying sound that forces the listener to continue all the way to the end.
Sareem has finally dropped his highly awaited self-titled project, his first full-length release in 2 years. The 12-track tape boasts of features from AG3, Alexander the Great, and SPYKid, as well as others. It also features a personal favorite track of mine, “Sareem Abdul Jabaar”.
When I asked him what his self-titled album meant to him, he said “Sareem is me, it’s my family name. Sareem is a way for me to harness confidence that I fought like hell to find when I was growing up. It’s a way for me to search the words of what I’m feeling at that time. I’d say I’m at my most real/vulnerable on this album specifically because I don’t try to frame it as some “I’m better than you” or “I’m flexing this and you ain’t” type shit. I feel like anything that can be seen as flexes rather reflect my flaws on the later songs. I guess that’s what I was trying to go for with some of it, like if I’m flexing, it’s not out of desire or a want, but more out of desperation, selfishness and survival”. Sareem is full of hits and I honestly feel like everyone should check it out, and see why he’s called Sareem Abdul Jabaar.
Jillian Rossi recently released an emotional single called “Not Used To Normal” and our team at Roundhouse cannot stop listening to it. Her vocal range and delivery on the track is outstanding and the song is addicting the more times you listen to it. The catchy lyrics and sad vibe make you feel as if you know Jillian yourself. The song fits perfectly into your playlist that you use to drive with your windows down at night.
Jillian is now gaining the recognition and respect she so rightfully earned. With her name appearing across blogs, playlists, and garnering over 100,000 pre-saves on two singles she is destined to be in every kids mind soon. Jillian is creating a unique lane for her style of pop, her raw emotion is felt in each track. If you have not yet, hit the link below to stream her latest single.
Surrey, Canada artist PEAK has returned with a new song called “SLIDE”, the first single from his upcoming debut album 99 Reasons. Staying true to a prolific release schedule, he follows up recent releases such as “OUTLAW” and “NO HOOK” with another energizing and catchy single that showcases infectious production and sharply-crafted vocals.
Produced by KULTARGOTBOUNCE, “SLIDE” contains smooth, stylish instrumentation that neatly blends R&B and hip-hop influences. Refreshing in sound, the beat is vital and uplifting, underscoring PEAK’s emotive vocal performance. Topically, he discusses persevering through tough emotions and feelings of uncertainty about a love interest. Capped off with a catchy, ear-worm chorus that lingers in the one’s head long after listening, “SLIDE” marks another infectious and vibrant offering from the emerging Surrey, Canada artist.
“SLIDE” will appear on PEAK’s upcoming debut album 99 Reasons, and has given us many reasons to be excited for the full release.
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