Chris Sunfield "ANTON"

One of my earliest ambitions was to be a great composer of orchestral music. I remember staying up late into the early morning as a teenager trying to write something that would move people the way I was moved when hearing my favorite pieces, and like most people obsessed, I shunned a great deal of the world around me in pursuit of my passions.

So, when I came across Chris Sunfield's song "Anton," which I hear was penned during a migraine-induced haze (and can only assume is about Dvorak) - I felt a certain kinship with the title character in the track. The tune itself is a lovely folk-ballad building to beautiful orchestral swells and a heartwarming story told through poetic lyrics. Better yet, the song comes with an engaging and sweet music video (which I hope you've already watched). This is the first track I've heard from Chris Sunfield, but I'm hoping it won't be the last. 

Carole Sylvan "Something Goin' On"

Carole Sylvan's voice is like a warm ray of sunshine on a chilly day - or like her tone is something tangible you could wrap yourself up in and feel cozy. Her new song "Something Goin' On" has a little bit of black-gospel flavor with its Hammond organ sounds, backup echos, and a big lead voice with gravitas. More than anything, this is a joyful track that would be just as comfortable blaring out of car speakers on a road trip as it would in a jazz club at 10pm on a Friday night. Ms. Sylvan's music is something that deserves to be heard, so do yourself a favor and head over to her Spotify page. 

Hoodie Rob "No Stress"

Hoodie Rob reminds us what it feels like to be lonely in a time when everyone seems more and more interconnected. His lyrical expertise shines in his newest single "No Stress," it's melodic and rapid-fire poetry. Complete with a killer beat that at times echoes the G-Funk of the mid '90s with its high squealing synthesizer, but also subdued ambient pads which give a rather sentimental vibe. It's clear that this gent has come out with another track sure to make waves among his Spotify followers and if I'm making predictions, I'm sure it will garner him many more fans as this song spreads. 

G9 "Say Da"

Here's another ensemble from the Black Tears Media group (seriously, if you haven't checked out the Black Tears folks, do that soon, they have arts, documentaries, and lifestyle in addition to music); admittedly this video is a little old (2019) but it's still a great listen. We have "Say Da" from the Moscow group G9.

An upbeat and fun dance number that ought to be heating up clubs this summer, plus a can't-miss super sexy lead singer makes for an ear-wormy track that is as much fun to listen to as it is to watch. With awesome trap snares and an upscale backdrop, I can imagine Vegas or Miami might be the best tour spots for G9. Luckily they do have quite a bit of new stuff out available on their YouTube channel. 

TK x Amena NFT Project - YouTube Channel

Well, here's an interesting find. I've been rather curious about the whole NFT phenomenon. I suppose that finding a new way to monetize art is something worth considering - and to those artists who have accomplished doing this, may I just say "I'm impressed." Furthermore, I've been very interested in Japanese popular culture since my time in Tokyo during the late 90's - I remember long nights drinking with my college friends, and of course, Globe and Mr. Children were constantly playing in the background (yes, yes, I'm sure much has changed and that young people might not know what I'm referencing). So, it's always nice to see what's new coming from that island, especially when it comes from a veteran composer and minor hero of mine. 

So, when I stumbled across the TK X (Tetsuya Komuro, yes, THE Tetsuya Komuro)Youtube channel I was pleasantly surprised. Here are a number of songs, some in Japanese, others in English (rather poetic English, if you ask me), featuring a variety of singers in a variety of styles. Evidently, these are tracks built from Komuro's stems in order to create new and original works. 

One that really caught my eye was one of the newest tracks "Trust Me," featuring MattzD, who does a fabulous reggae vocal track for the song. It's a catchy tune with off-beat guitars, a pulsating bassline and some very pleasing key-changes. Equally cool, is the music video, showing lyrics and a wonderful animation which is rather stylish. 

Another standout song is "I'll be There," a catchy, lyrically enticing upbeat ballad navigating the space between heartbreak song and existential dread. Female vocals on this one, the singing is very pop-centered, but with an edge that cuts through the mix. 

I'll be curious to see what more comes from this YT channel, they seem to be doing rather well in the engagements and I imagine the model of cooperative music-making will become more and more mainstream in this ever-connected world. 

Pidgie "Just Breathe"

It is in our modern political climate that many people seeking justice, seem to be saying "please empathize with me for a moment." Indeed, I think a lack of empathy and self-reflection are the root cause to most of our problems as a society. Which is why I was happy to come across the new track from the artist Pidgie titled "Just Breathe." Pidgie is speaking (or rather, singing) softly but with a volume that demands attention, on issues facing people who don't always receive said, necessary, attention. 

The song is, in many ways, vignettes about individuals with various struggles - individuals who have to remind themselves to "Just Breathe." Instrumentally, you could think of it as an Indie-Rock ballad with some Country components. The innocent and straight-voiced quality of the vocals sound youthful in a way that comes across as wonderfully individual. I'm pleased to think that her work might cause some introspection in the people who listen to it. 

REBECCA DGD (DAWGGONE DAVIS) "RAY BANS IN THE RAIN"

I remember growing up in a post-punk era. I remember in the 90's there was a strange dichotomy in the "alternative music" scene between the more optimistic music of REM/Depeche Mode, and the more despondent Nirvana, NIN, and later Rage Against the Machine. For sure, punk rock and punk rock attitude has been far from "burn it all down" for a very long time now, which is why it's refreshing to see artists like Dawggone Davis, give her own spin with a straight IDGAF track "Raybans in the Rain." 

The Distorted vocals walk the line between spoken-word poetry and rap - occasionally breaking into the triplet figure made famous by so many trap artists in the late 2000s. The beat has a grungy backing to it, and the hook has some really nice/edgy male vocals (think "Down" by 311, and you kind of get the vibe). The track has got some serious attitude, which is nice to hear from the female creative sphere.