Tag: Roundhouse Music

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Valid and Stretch Money share fresh visual for “Sentimental”

Detroit artists Valid and Stretch Money are capitalizing on the success of their recent single, “Sentimental” with a fresh new visual. Cohesive with the song’s retro-meets-modernized sound and style, the video contains a charming throwback feel that makes this release extra engaging. The 80’s pop-influenced, synth-laden sonics of “Sentimental” are reflected in the track’s strong new video, which features fun-loving shots with classic 80’s attire and dance moves. The video even features an infomercial at the end in which they advertise a number, 1-833-ValStretch, which can be called in the USA for more information on the duo’s work.

Directed by Jerry Reid, the vivid visual continues the Detroit artists’ hot streak, making us excited for what may be on the way from these Motor City mainstays.

Watch the video for “Sentimental” here.

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ArmstrongWW shares elegant new project, ‘Recovery’

Cameroon-born, Houston-based musician ArmstrongWW has shared a new project, titled Recovery. Born Armstrong Orock, ArmstrongWW is an alternative hip-hop and soul artist involved in an on-going crusade to liberate his birth country of Cameroon, Africa using music as a medium. The release of his debut 7 track EP. Recovery has been anticipated by recently released singles “Superstar You” and “Run!”, and the project arrives now in its full form- a graceful, mature record that finds ArmstrongWW contemplating potent themes atop a soulful array of glistening instrumentals produced by Domain Brown, Bowen Thi, as well as Armstrong himself, who who crafted the instrumentals for 3 out of 7 songs.

Recovery contains a set of tracks that stick with you upon first listen while also growing overtime, as layers of depth unfold within Armstrong’s versatile songwriting. Songs like the opener “Hello Earth” and “Run!” are clever, focused lyrical hip-hop offerings that remain nimble and light on their feet while also purveying a sense of profundity. Showing another side of Armstrong’s musicianship are soulful tracks “Momma Say” and “Superstar You”, which contain a more melodious performance that smoothly incorporate R&B elements. The heartfelt, warm sonics of Recovery draw the listener in and immerse them in the project’s hypnotic, emotive feel, culminating in the title-track closer, which includes some of ArmstrongWW’s most vivid lyricism, with the lines “even on this earth I’m an outcast, time the only thing I’m trying to outlast, now the stakes are high like outback, I should go to mars for the weekend…” capturing the record’s zeitgeist concisely.

Recovery shines with authenticity throughout its tracklist, inviting one into an intimate, pensive world of character-rich lyricism and velvety, poignant instrumentation. It’s a mesmerizing debut from ArmstrongWW that has us excited for what may be coming from him this year, as he sets off on a strong note in 2023.

Listen to Recovery here:

Connect with ArmstrongWW: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Daydream Review announce upcoming album, release new single “Have You Found What You’re Looking For?”

“Have You Found What You’re Looking For?,” The lead single from Chicago indie rock outfit Daydream Review’s upcoming album Leisure, opens up with a sheet of icy, kaleidoscopic synths before cascading into an irresistible dreamscape of spacey guitars and heavily layered vocals.

Between legato guitar lines and some dense drum work, lead singer Elijah Montez ponders the existential, formatting the lyrics as a series of questions to self.

“Does it seem clear, what you want?/Or what you need?” Montez belts out, his vocals stretching over the instrumentation like warm mozzarella.

In a press release, Montez said the uncertain lyrical tones of “Have You What You’re Looking For?” mirror some of the broader concepts of the album.

“The overarching theme of the song fits quite well in the context of the album,” Montez said. “Being dissatisfied with work, dissatisfied with the state of the world, and dissatisfied with capitalism at large, and searching for something that can fill in the void that all that dissatisfaction leaves.”

The instrumentation pulls back a bit toward the song’s second half, leaving room for Montez’s reflective words to take center stage, where he asks himself perhaps the most important question of all: “I guess you gotta ask yourself .. have you found what you’re looking for?”

Leisure drops April 7.

Stream “Have You Found What You’re Looking For?” Here.

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Nkosi Bourne shares refreshing video for “Drowning”

Brooklyn artist Nkosi Bourne has shared a refreshing new video for his song “Drowning”. A standout track from his well-received EP Glimpse from late last year, “Drowning” contains an emotive, reflective feel conveyed through poetic, vivid lyricism and laid-back production. The new accompanying visual takes on a “day in the life” theme for a retable offering that also captures the sound and thematics of the song well, making for a cohesive addition shot by Cultivison, a production company run by Cult Classic. Containing a thoughtful, hazy atmosphere that is distilled well in the video, “Drowning”‘s new music video captures Bourne’s inner world in a way that intrigues and engages.

As track two on Nkosi Bourne’s mixtape Glimpse, “Drowning” immediately stands out with its precise patterns of rhymes and percussion. It showcases themes of resiliency, constant challenges,  lack of complacency, and more. It’s a solid offering from Bourne that capitalizes on the success of his Glimpse mixtape, and continues his run of earnest, focused releases into the new year. Watch the music video for “Drowning” below and familiarize yourself further with Brooklyn musician Nkosi Bourne.

Connect with Nkosi Bourne and watch for updates from him: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Foreverongo shares emotive release “Danny Phantom” [Video]

Foreverongo has shared a fresh new video for his song “Danny Phantom”. The Indianapolis artist tells an original, uncut story with his music based on experiences, pain, love, and passion in every track he creates. He brings a raw, uncut flow when delivering raps, while also being quick to slow the beat down & soothe his audience when the time is right. Foreverongo brings much potential and consistency with his output, with lots to deliver and prove in his future. His latest offering, “Danny Phantom”, executively produced by fast-rising music company Rare Music Entertainment, continues his run of engaging, emotive tracks alongside a sharply-crafted visual directed and edited by Andrew Coleman.

“Danny Phantom” is an immersive, memorable track that includes strong production centred around booming 808s, watery keys, and crisp, trunk-knocking percussion. Atop the refreshing instrumentation, Foreverongo delivers a series of sleek, clean verses that neatly toe the line between a raw delivery and smooth melodies. “Danny Phantom” is accompanied by a mesmerizing, focused video directed by Andrew Coleman that captures the track’s engaging feel with concise, thoughtful shots and editing.

Watch the visual for “Danny Phantom” here and familiarize yourself with rising artist Foreverongo.

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An interview with Jordan Ali

By Damilola Grey

Dami: What inspired you to start making music?

Jordan Ali: I first started making music when I was 18 for fun with my friends after we had come up with the idea to create a mixtape for our friend group. Secretly, I had always wanted to try it as I was one of the best freestyle rappers in my class and I loved singing at home. I took it as my chance to try something, and I got bit with the music bug. Kept at it even when everyone else moved on.

Dami: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Jordan Ali: Tyler the Creator, Andre 3000, Michael Jackson, Prince, Jay Z, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, and my grandfather.

Dami: Would you say they have a really big influence on your sound?

Jordan Ali: Earlier when making music, they did but now I analyze and feel inspired more by their techniques in production, curation, and work habits. I just recently started making music straight from how my soul feels.

Dami: When making music, where do you grab inspiration from?

Jordan Ali: My own life, interesting paradigms and situations I see or hear about, the Black-American experience, and seeing people vibe with my music at the live shows. Admittedly though, sometimes the shit just enters my mind from absolutely nowhere.

Dami: How would you describe your sound?

Jordan Ali: I’d describe my sound as a dynamic and genre-bending approach to classic soundscapes throughout hip-hop and black art as a whole. For example, my song “Deez Days” sounds very similar to an early Joey Badass/J Cole song, instrumentally. There’s a Tribe Called Quest interpolation at the end, and the flow throughout is more of a 90s gangsta hip-hop approach. I like mixing shit up lmao. Or even “Food4Soul” which is a lo-fi reimagining of a 2010 conscious rap beat, but I use a Southern flow on it with a really chill cadence.

Dami: What’s your creative process like?

Jordan Ali: I either write the song first and beatbox a rough sonic foundation to send to a producer or I have them turn on a beat and freestyle for a long ass time then go back and Frankenstein fly shit that I said to make a fun and compelling track.

Dami: You recently dropped a single titled “Food4Soul”. Tell us more about it.

Jordan Ali: “Food4Soul” was originally a poem I wrote for fun, which later turned into an audition for my university’s spoken word team, then the intro to an EP that never came to fruition, and now sits as a lynchpin song within my debut project. It’s been through a lot of changes, which is kind of funny because the song talks a lot about dealing with change you didn’t know you needed while simultaneously hoping for the change you want. “Food4Soul” is me asking as many questions as possible in hopes I find the answer.

Dami: Why’d the EP never drop?

Jordan Ali: I used to be with a production duo and they went back and forth tackling EPs with me. When it was time for the EP, one of them dropped off the face of the Earth, so I decided to try something new. New vision, new rap name, new message, and all around became a new man.

Dami: What’s next for you after “Food4Soul”?

Jordan Ali: A prelude EP for my debut project, then my debut project. The EP is currently called “Pack Your Bags”.

Dami: What should we expect from it?

Jordan Ali: Expect that it’ll be me once again experimenting and jumping into a new soundscape, but being authentically Jordan Ali. I recently started throwing shows and parties with my homies in Baltimore, so that’s really inspired the new music. The long nights out in the streets, the energy we cultivate in the venues, the days we spend together just discussing life, and all the times we’ve leaned on each other.

Dami: What do you want listeners to take away after listening to your music?

Jordan Ali: That we’re all here together, dealing with the human experience, and no matter how good or bad it gets, it’s a beautiful one. I want people to find the strength to do more and do better within themselves, in the most sustainable and authentic way possible.

Dami: How do you deal with writer’s block?

Jordan Ali: I usually attribute writer’s block to stagnation or burnout in my own life, so I’ll go hang out with someone I haven’t seen in awhile or take a trip to somewhere I’ve never been. You can never go wrong with just being Nature as well.  

Dami: What do you have planned for this year and what do you hope to achieve this 2023 too?

Jordan Ali: More shows, more music, more music videos, more travelling, more life, and more community. You gotta keep up with me to catch it all. The main thing I want to achieve is financial independence off the strength of music, doing 5 shows overseas, and doing right by the Baltimore Art Scene that constantly fuels me.

Stream “Food4Soul” by Jordan Ali HERE.

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On “TRUTH,” Juice Mazelee shares his pain

Chicago hip-hop artist Juice Mazelee loves channeling his pain through song. His 2021 project Hvnsnt (pronounced heaven-sent) is an emotive rumination on hardship, despair and ultimately, personal growth.

His new single “TRUTH,” released on January 5, touches upon a lot of the same sentiments while also packing the same level of emotional punch.

Over a spacey, drawn out synth line and a heavy set of bass kicks, Juice celebrates his successes while drowning in his deepest burdens, all while exuding an undeniable, even-keeled confidence in his delivery throughout.

“I volunteer my heart and story to peers, I saw some shit I always fear so over years I shed tears,” he rhymes, expressing a desire for his personal struggles to be educational for others.

In moments like this, Juice is vulnerable and open, willing to share a piece of himself to the world. In other moments, he’s more closed off, yet every bit as revealing:

“Can never show ’em what I feel, won’t see emotions from me/Mama’s baby coldhearted, stuck with PTSD,” he spits jarringly in the second verse.

Despite the piercing level of emotional intensity, Juice sounds completely comfortable on the mic. His tone is confident and ever-so-slightly gruff, never wavering in his belief in himself.

“TRUTH” sees Juice picking up right where he left off from previous releases. Sharing his pain is his bread and butter, and as the calendar flips to 2023, he is sounding smoother than ever doing just that.

Stream “TRUTH” on Spotify here.

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Cldwaterr and Mugen! The Human officially arrive on new single “LOSE !”

There was a time when labels such as “rising star” and “next up” were often used to describe Chicago lyricists Cldwaterr and Mugen! The Human. Between their soulful odes to the underground rap of a bygone era, their sharp, aware lyricism and a willingness to experiment and evolve, it was only a matter of time before these two young spitters shed those labels, proving to the world that they are here to stay.

On Cldwaterr’s new single, “LOSE !,” both artists show that that time is now.

Arriving just in time for Cldwaterr’s birthday, “LOSE !” sticks to a familiar blueprint for both artists: dusty, old school production, reflective lyricism and piercing deliveries. The only difference now is that both artists are following it better than ever.

“Chop it up with God, fuck it we alive/Got my family by my side, can’t lose if I’m the prize,” Cldwatrr spits triumphantly over some airy synths and a rhythmic snare pattern.

Mugen! pops up in the middle of the song to deliver one of his best verses to date. His deep, groany timbre meshes perfectly with the laid back instrumentation, and his lyrics cut through as always:

“I want more out life than money, but for more the fam I cannot stop/I would trade my life away, could give a fuck ’bout what I got,” he spits authoritatively.

With both artists fresh off of stellar EP releases, “LOSE !” is yet another stepping stone in both Cldwaterr and Mugen!’s ongoing artistic maturation. What is different this time, however, is that they are no longer “up-and-coming.” They have arrived — and are here to stay.

Stream “LOSE !” everywhere here.

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Jah Billz delivers infectious single, “Love Anthem”

Bronx artist Jah Billz has shared a new single called “Love Anthem”. Billz is a very versatile artist who has come from a long line of musicians, with his father being a DJ and his grandfather a prominent reggae musician in Antigua. Billz got his start rapping as a part of a group with his cousins, before embarking on a solo career that became very fruitful. His latest single “Love Anthem” follows up a series of engaging recent releases, providing a bouncy, infectious sound that hooks the listener in immediately.

“Love Anthem” retains a classic New York feel while also keeping its sound refreshing throughout, with airy, soulful samples containing ethereal vocals and sparkling keys drifting atop a strong, grooving rhythm section. Atop the vibrant production, Billz delivers crisp, commanding verses packed with emotion throughout.

The latest from New York artist Jah Billz, “Love Anthem” makes for a catchy, rich track that is smooth and stylish.

Listen to “Love Anthem” now:

Connect with Jah Billz: Spotify | Instagram

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Boyu delivers stellar new album ‘Flower Garden’

St. Louis-bred, Los Angeles-based artist Boyu has delivered a stellar debut album in Flower Garden, a 12 track odyssey into vibrant, rich sonics and mesmerizing songwriting. The project remains versatile throughout, drawing from the best elements of modern indie-pop, alt-rock, and even hip-hop, as it refuses to be boxed in to one style or sound.

Here, Boyu’s emotive, poignant lyricism and sharply-crafted instrumentation shines through across many memorable moments. Opener and title track “Flower Garden” is a sublime, catchy dose of Boyu’s captivatingly colorful sound, embedding itself into the listener’s memory with its focused, ear-worm melodies. Then there are tracks like “Hands Around Your Throat”, which showcase Boyu’s diverse skillset as a songwriting with its bouncier, energizing tempo and driving rhythm. The wistful, nostalgic elegance of “Embers Of Our Innocence” bring back colorful memories of times past, as Boyu weaves together sharply-crafted melodies atop crisp percussion and immersive keys. Closer “Miata Trip” was our personal favorite from the record, with its sunny, airy sonics based around infectious vocals and dreamy, atmospheric guitars.

A truly remarkable sonic journey overall, Flower Garden captivates with its colorful spectrum of influences, drawing the listener into the songwriter’s world with its euphoric instrumentation and heartfelt lyricism.

St. Louis native Boyu began his musical journey as a classically-trained pianist before turning his attention to drums, guitar, and songwriting. Originally setting out on the path of corporate banking, Boyu made the decision to relocate from Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA to follow his true passion- making music. Although he made his debut relatively recently in April 2021, his music and videos gained momentum very quickly and made an immediate impression with listeners, garnering an impressive 1,000,000+ streams independently.

Listen to Boyu’s debut album Flower Garden here and get familiar with the rising LA-based artist:

Connect with Boyu and watch for updates regarding new music and more: Spotify | Instagram