Anya M. Wassenberg's Blog: Art & Culture Maven, page 12

New Talent Alert | Amelie Lucille: Self-Titled (EP) (Independent / 15 June 2023)

New Talent
Amelie Lucille: Self-Titled (EP)
(Independent / 15 June 2023)

Stream It On Spotify

With a big, expressive voice, and a nicely sensitive gift for phrasing, this release by Amelie Lucille will please lovers of well crafted singer-songwriter fare. A student at the famous LaGuardia High School, Amelie Lucille started to write music at the age of 7. That was just seven years ago...

The focus of the EP, as it should be, is on Amelie's rich vocals. It's paired with a mournful violin melody on Mess, a sparkling piano and rhythmic guitar underneath. The effect is a kind of weightless accompaniment against the gravitas of her voice.

Much of the EP offers similar approaches and arrangements, all in a slower tempo. After all the soft songs, sweet violins and heartbreak, the upbeat vibe of Because Of You comes as welcome change up. 

Amelie shares the inspiration and story behind her debut EP in a release. 

"I want to live in any time besides now. I am almost 15 and I envy anyone that was able to experience the world when it wasn't so impersonal. The movies, the style, the people, but most of all, the music. I dream of seeing my favorite bands live - The Cure, The Police, Cocteau twins, Fleetwood Mac, Belle and Sebastian, Björk, and The Sundays. There is so much I feel like I have missed out on. Music is what takes me there. 

This album is my growing up album. It's the first real thing I've ever made. Some of the songs are based on my very first experiences but others came straight from my imagination.  

Even though most of my songs are about love, I am yet to feel the way I write. I can't wait to fall in love, even if it is followed by a heartbreak, because it would have meant that I felt for someone, and I would love to make another album about that."

At just 14 years old, New York based Amelie has plenty of time to refine her indie folk sound. She is a frequent performer at the legendary  Bitter End as part of The Urban Garage series.

Personnel: Joel Arnow – drums/bass, Carolin Pook – violin, Michael Bellar – keyboards, Bill Finizio – keyboard, Paul Orbell - electric guitar, Justin Kessler - engineer drums "Because of you". 

Tracklist: Mess; Token; His Song; Disposable Cameras; The Call; "Because of You" Interlude; Because of You

Official Website: https://amelielucille.com

Music With A Message | Eric H. F. Law: RECREATE (Grace Margin / 16 December 2022)

Music With A Message
Eric H. F. Law: RECREATE
(Grace Margin  / 16 December 2022)

Stream It On Spotify

The music of California artist Eric H. F. Law offers a blend of folk/folk rock/classic rock, spotlighting the acoustic guitar and his soft, expressive tenor musically, while the lyrics tackle today's hot button topics. That includes issues like the killing of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin and other police violence, along with the marked divide in US society.

To the guitar and vocals basics, he adds interesting percussion lines and classic organ harmonies that creates a traditional kind of sound with enough variations that doesn't get old.

He talks about the songs in a release.

"Recreate is a collection of songs that invites listeners to enter deeper into  "why" horrible things happened in our country and communities. Instead of angry songs of complaints that leave listeners overwhelmed and paralyzed, Recreate invites discernments that lead to a spirit of action rooted in our identity as human beings with memory of respect and kindness, with eyes that can see great things in the small and with a common connection to the LOVE that is our true identity – I love therefore I am.   

Instead of just pointing out how bad the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US capital was, "Who Tells Us" invites us to ponder how we got there and who gave us our identity.  Instead of blaming others for not understanding how democracy works, "Win-Lose" and "Hold On-Reach Out" invite reflections on how to be good losers (and a good winner) in any elections where there will be more losers than winners."

Who Tells Us is a standout track with an ominous guitar riff that leads into a haunting rock song that reinforces its message. It verges on prog rock in its combination of intensity and technical virtuosity. There are lovely vocal harmonies on Hold On-Reach Out that reinforce the message.

It's not surprising to find that his inspirations include the albums of Peter, Paul and Mary. He's been writing songs since his early teens, his first efforts focusing on his immigrant roots in New York City in the 1970s.

His resume, though, is an unusual one. First an electrical engineer, he became a priest of the Episcopal Church. He subsequently went on to found the Kaleidoscope Institute for Diverse and Sustainable Communities and author 12 books. These days, he's located in Rancho Mirage, California.

Personnel: Lead Vocal – Eric H. F. Law; Guitar and Musical Director – Dan Cole; Organ and Pedal Steel Guitar –  Max Hart; Drums – Steve Hass; Bass – Dan Lutz

Tracklist: 1. Recreate; 2. Uneasy Glory; 3. Winner-Loser ; 4. Who Tells Us; 5. Hold On-Reach Out; 6. Hand on my Shoulder; 7. I Love-I Am; 8. Slow Me Down; 9. Small Things

Websites:

Official Website: https://erichflaw.hearnow.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.law.165Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/erichflaw

Alternative Metal | breakk.away: I'll See You When the Night Comes (Independent / 1 May 2023)

Alternative Metal
breakk.away: I'll See You When the Night Comes
(Independent / 1 May 2023)

Stream/Download On Bandcamp Stream It On Spotify

Alt metal project breakk.away offers metalcore with a cinematic sensibility. The five members of breakk.away met in high school, although today they collaborate across continents, residing in Canada, France, and Mexico.

Their latest single comes from a place that's full of emotion for members of the band. 

"This song is about addiction but in particular, an addiction to negative, depressing thoughts that can spiral in your head in the middle of the night. It is told from the perspective of someone who has suffered and is in pain. Still, because it has become a standard, almost routine-like part of their life, they develop a sort of Stockholm syndrome and fall into a false sense of security or safety, leading to an addiction to the pain. This song is based on a real experience one of us had and is deeply personal." - Case Fadell (guitar)

Jessica Li melodic soprano floats over an arrangement that builds from quiet keyboards up to an urgent swell of guitar and rhythm section, and back down again. The track has a hypnotic effect that plays with expectations.

"I'll See You When the Night Comes is the first song we made together that made me feel like we worked together as a unit - where each of our distinctive styles added together to become something that none of us had the capacity to achieve on our own" - Jessica Li

"This song represents the roots of our sound; it results from multiple attempts at collaboration, all finally resolved with the first few chords. Once we started writing, it all came together pretty much instantly. It is the darker, more mellow side of breakk.away, and we can't wait to show you the rest" - Jorge Gonzalez Diez Guitierrez (keyboards)

Romain Dammann (guitar) and Tomomi Kimura (bass) round out the band. It's radio-friendly metalcore with a tight sense of production and musicianship.

Links:

Official Website: https://www.breakkaway.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakk.awayTwitter: https://twitter.com/breakk_awayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakk.away

Melodic Pop | Paul Supreme: Ninja Sword (Independent / 2 June 2023)

Melodic Pop
Paul Supreme: Ninja Sword
(Independent / 2 June 2023)

Stream It On Spotify

There's a sleek keyboard riff at the heart of Ninja Sword, a dancey track that's layered with loops and riffs underneath vocals that are raw and emotional. The track builds to a sense of urgency that underlies Paul Supreme's recent work.

The single comes from his album HYW 100, a cathartic release that dives into the hardships he's faced in recent years, including the end of a long-term relationship and the loss of his father. 

Paul's father and uncle were members of The Frogs, a band that influenced the Seattle grunge scene. Paul was playing in popular bands in his local Milwaukee scene until the tragic accidental death of his father. It sent him into a decade-long tailspin.

He's since emerged as a solo artist. 

While the inspiration is difficult, and the delivery emotional, ultimately the mood and message also speak of resilience and optimism for the future.

Links:

Official Website: www.paulsupreme.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealPaulSupremeTwitter: https://twitter.com/RealPaulSupremeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousanddegrees

Atmospheric Pop | LokkisKott: Deep Inside (Independent / 31 March 2023)

Atmospheric Pop
LokkisKott: Deep Inside
(Independent / 31 March 2023)

Stream It On Spotify

Hailing from New South Wales, LokkisKott is a solo artist, also known by the name Lachie Alford. Deep Inside is his latest single. 

Alford's interests extend beyond music to theatre, cinema, and writing stories, and those elements also cross back over into his music.

The song is atmospheric, with a haunting melody that shimmers in layers he crafts from acoustic guitar lines. His vocals range from a soft middle to a harsh upper range that mirrors the emotions of the song. 

His music expresses his philosophy.

"Life is too short for regret. Take notes on what lights that fire in you, and have the courage to go after it! Everything you need will be on that path."

He talks about the inspiration behind his debut release. 

"For Deep Inside, I wanted to create something unique and powerful that would 'whoa' the listener, but wanted room for growth as well. I feel like there is a lot of exciting potential, and I'm driven to keep that fire lit!"

His use of the acoustic guitar is creative, and at times you'll think you're hearing some kind of synth. At times, the lovely tones contrast the urgent delivery of his vocals; at others, they create a compelling harmony. 

It's imaginative and theatrical, an intriguing combination.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LokkisKottInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokkiskott/

Britpop Redux | Brady Harris: Hotel In The Sky (Independent / 14 April 2023)

Britpop Redux
Brady Harris: Hotel In The Sky
(Independent / 14 April 2023)

Buy/Stream On Bandcamp Stream It On Spotify

As a songwriter, Brady Harris has a nice ear for hooks that stick in your head in a retro Brit-pop mode. It's not surprising he lists the Beatles as a major inspiration.

Brady Harris by Darryl Marks
The tracks are musically upbeat. Hotel In The Sky is a piano-driven pop-rock song that could have come out during the 1970s. Economy Of Sound taps into a melodic rock vein that reminds me of what they used to call New Wave with its singing guitars.

Parting Gift is a standout track with a sultry guitar groove. Brady's tenor is expressive and earnest, and it's bolstered by harmony vocals on the earworm chorus.  

Based in California now, the Texas songwriter and producer takes lyrical inspiration from a variety of sources. Hotel In The Sky is about a real world drug den in East London, and Economy of Sound pays tribute to the power of music, especially for lonely teenagers. Chateau Hill was inspired by Colline du Château, which sits above Old Town Nice and the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais. 

Brady's music has been featured on TV, indie films, and ads for European hotels. He's busked in London and Paris, and performs occasionally in France and England as well as in Southern Cali. 

Personnel: Brady Harris: Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Piano, Keyboards, Loops and Programming

Tracklist: 01 Hotel in the Sky; 02 Economy of Sound; 03 Welcome Back to the Comedown; 04 Parting Gift; 05 Chateau Hill

Link:

Official Website: https://bradyharrisband.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradyharrismusicTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/bradyharrisbandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradyharrisband/

Music for Meditation | The Muse Frequency: Diary of an Artist in Love (Independent / Release: 2 June 2023)

Music for Meditation
The Muse Frequency: Diary of an Artist in Love
(Independent / Release: 2 June 2023)

Play or download from the service of your choice

"Diary of an Artist in Love was initially inspired by the published diaries of Anais Nin. There's an allure to reading personal thoughts on love and what it means to fall in love. And then there's the experience of having those thoughts read to you. I began Diary of an Artist in Love with the idea of quietly reading my thoughts on love and the nature of relationships to someone who was sitting very close to me, like a personal performance. Diary of an Artist in Love, by The Muse Frequency, is designed to create a meditative state through the intimate experience of being told a story on love for an audience of one."

Grab the headphones and a comfy place to relax as you listen to music designed for meditation and calm reflection. 

On Love

New York based The Muse Frequency is an artist and producer who's worked with many musicians to create spoken word tracks and meditation music. He's written lyrics for musical productions, and also directed theatre and short films, among others. 

It's music meant for one listener at a time, where a soft, intimate voice recites dreamy poetry, and electronic music fills in the background with atmospheric music. It's quite effective in its goals, with a soundscape that's probably impossible not to relax to.

The tracks are short, none longer than 2:38, and the ideas are both comforting and somewhat abstracted, speaking of love, relationships, emotions. Stay With Me breaks the mould somewhat musically, with more of a melodic approach. 

It's the perfect relaxation and meditative soundtrack to counter the stress of the day.

Personnel: Sébastien Nouat/Sound Designer; Producer Name(s): The Muse Frequency

Tracklist: Love is, I; We Start Here; Love is, II; Let's Try This; Love is, III; Stay WIth Me; Love is, IV; On Love; Love is, V; Wondering

Websites:

Official Website: https://www.themusefrequency.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusefrequency/

Love is, V

Classic Jazz In Contralto | Lyia Meta: Always You (Independent / 16 June 2023)

Classic Jazz In Contralto
Lyia Meta: Always You
(Independent / 16 June 2023)

Stream it on Spotify

With a big voice and a gift for smooth phrasing, it's no wonder why Lyia Meta has won many awards as a singer, songwriter and also as a visual artist. Her repertoire spans a two decade career that ranges from blues to classical music. 

Malaysian born Lyia comes from a musical background, with a range that dips into an earthy contralto. These days she divides her time between Los Angeles and Malaysia. She collaborates with lyricist Denise Dimin on this release. Although it's new music, it has classic lounge jazz grooves and her unique vocal style. 

Lyia shares her inspiration behind this deeply personal new album in a statement. 

"In my entire career as a live circuit performer and an artist, I have found that being true to myself and my influences is what makes me the artist I am proud to be.

What is uniquely 'ME'?

Who I am is very simply heard in my music!

With the album 'ALWAYS YOU'', the story continues as I attempt to retell the words written by songwriter Denise Dimin through my own experiences and emotions.

ALWAYS YOU is my latest chapter as I continue my musical journey!"

Lyia Meta

The arrangements are suitably lush, including piano, horn and rhythm sections. With each track, there's a different mood, from the big band bombasity of Savor Me to the continental delicacy of As We Throw Caution To The Winds. There's a lovely liquid guitar solo on It's Up To You. For You is a standout track, with a strident tone and a sultry groove that makes the most of her rich lower range.

This is a gem of an album for fans of jazz from the mid-20th century or so, with passages filled by piano glissandi and a riding cymbal beneath a velvety voice. 

Personnel: BOB MCGILPIN( guitar, drum, bass, arrangement, mix master); GENE RABBAI (Piano, orchestration)

Tracklist: Always You; Never Enough Time; It's Up To You; For You; Savor Me; As We Throw Caution To The Wind; To Know What It's Like; My Dream Lover

Links:

Official Website:https://www.lyiameta.com/latest-releaseFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/zacklyia/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyiaNMetaInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/lyiameta/

Acoustic Folk | Bill Greenberg: Ukraine (Independent / 15 May 2023)

Acoustic Folk
Bill Greenberg: Ukraine
(Independent / 15 May 2023)

Stream "Ukraine" on Spotify

New York based Bill Greenberg got a guitar as a birthday present from his grandmother at age nine, and he's never looked back. He's since toured Ireland, Belgium, and the US with his band Basic Tracks.

Ukraine is a solo release on a topic that's close to his heart - an anti-war message. Bill's vocals are accompanied only by acoustic guitar; he picks up the harmonica for an instrumental interlude. The song is classic folk in its simplicity and sincerity. It delivers the message effectively. 

The story behind the song...

According to the release notes, "Ukraine"  envisions a Ukrainian soldier withstanding Putin's so-called "special military operation" repelling the destruction of their country and their homes—no matter what the cost to themselves or to their families."

Links: 

Insta:https://www.instagram.com/bllgmusic/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bllgmusic

Americana/Acoustic | Sam Bergquist: Wiser Then (Independent / 3 February 2023)

Americana/Acoustic
Sam Bergquist: Wiser Then
(Independent / 3 February 2023)

Stream It On Spotify    Buy/Stream On Bandcamp 

Boston based singer-songwriter Sam Bergquist's EP Wiser Then is focused on relationships. 

“When it comes down to it, what’s most important is our relationships with others. That’s what the songs on “Wiser Then” explore,” he says in a release.

“These songs reflect my desire as a person and songwriter to keep growing and changing, to keep things new and fresh. I want to convey this in my music.”

He has a deft hand at coming up with catchy alt-country grooves, fleshed out with interesting layers of instrumentation and vocals/lyrics that tell a story. As a singer, he reminds occasionally of Willie Nelson, with an earnest tenor that believes the words he sings.

Each song offers a different mood. On Do Things Different, he adds a nicely dirty guitar line to the texture, with an upbeat rhythm section. Am I Wiser? is the voice of an older man, the lyrics and musical mode reflective and a little melancholy. It ends with a nicely bluesy finish.

Darlin is likewise imbued with a worldly sensibility - that of someone who, at the very least, learns from their romantic mistakes. The song is guitar driven, adding electric to the acoustic about midway for an instrumental riff. 

You Give Me A Reason has an infectious swing and clever lyrics. The electric guitar solo is one of the EP's highlights.

Sam began playing in Boston bands in the 1980s, and recorded his first solo LP in 1989, followed by a second solo release in 1996. After several years playing in bands, he left looking for new musical directions. That's the impetus for his solo release.

Personnel: Sam Bergquist - vocals and acoustic guitar; Finn Bergquist - electric guitar; Jason Altshuler - bass

Links:

Official Website: https://bergquistmusic.com/FacebookTwitterInstagram