The sound of summer is here a few months early with Jonny Dee’s The Human Experience

Music has provided and created many forms of escape for both artists and fans, a way to remove yourself from a world that just isn’t what you need it to be in the moment. So much focus has been put into creating musical worlds to hide in that a niche market has been left for music concerning self-discovery, music that encourages you to understand and love yourself. Alternative rapper Jonny Dee is here to fill this gap in the market with his unique combination of psychedelic hip hop and rap with debut album The Human Experience. An album aptly named when it has been described by Jonny himself as being ‘all about a person getting more in touch with themselves…the act of going out and trying to understand humans.’

Based in San Diego, Jonny has been influenced and surrounded by music basically his entire life with family ties to psych-soul stars 5th Dimension in the form of his great-aunt, Marilyn McCoo, who was a member. Jonny’s own music has been influenced by a variety of genres, the most recognisable and predominant being rap but The Human Experience also contains elements of funk, jazz, soul and even video game music – which is evident in track ‘A Ways Away.’ The song is funky and free, a laid back, fun track to either dance or relax to. Whatever mood takes you, The Human Experience has something just right to go with and elevate that mood. Whether it be a need for supersonic loops or 70s soul funk in lead tracks ‘Rhythm of My Life’ and ‘The Man Who Fell from the Sky’, or even some 60s electric guitar in ‘In the Sound.’ No matter the influence behind the track, every song on The Human Experience screams Soundtrack of Summer, infused with grooving beats that take you on the easiest journey of self-discovery you will ever make.

Get just a taste of The Human Experience by listening to ‘A Ways Away’ here: https://soundcloud.com/iamjonnydee/a-ways-away-prod-claine

After spending some time being told he sounds like other artists already out there, Jonny took a step back from the music scene to re-evaluate what got him into music in the first place. Whilst being influenced by rap artists such as Chance the Rapper, Jonny has also taken music notes from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Prince, the Beatles and has managed to create his own unique sound in the form of psychedelic rap. With his album Jonny hopes his music will be ‘a guideline…to find some freedom and peace from the “everyday struggles”’ but not by becoming lost and avoiding them. Both Jonny and The Human Experience urge us to try to understand people, why we do what we do and how we can better help one another by understanding. Not only is Jonny talented but he is proving to be a true revolutionary in the music scene and after the release of The Human Experience on May 12th will no doubt go on to inspire and influence a whole new generation of musicians.

Links:

Website: http://artistecard.com/iamjonnydee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnotjonnydee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjonnydee
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iamjonnydee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjonnydee/

 

Review by Skye W. Winwood

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Vulpine Smile will seduce you with new single, ‘The Way It Flows’

Keeping the fight going has always been encouraged, to stand with and against what we do and don’t believe in – especially with current events. Countless musicians and songs embody this message but, sometimes, the fight can become tiresome, leaving you feeling like no progress is being made. We all need those small moments of reprieve and there is no shame in it. Vulpine Smile are here to take the stress away with their new single, ‘The Way It Flows’, from their upcoming EP. An intoxicating mixture of psychedelic blues and sultry rock that will envelope you in a swirl of allure.

The three-piece band are based in Cambridge and consists of Josh Page, Jack Page and Mathew Bentley. A band lost in time with a music style drawing from the likes of 20th century blues as well as picking layers from the 70s, 80s and 90s. ‘The Way It Flows’ has obvious multiple influences from various eras but manages to be something darkly alluring, tempting you into the world of Vulpine Smile. A name as cleverly thought out as their music, filling the mind with illusions of cunning and captivating smirks. The slow start of the song languidly pulls you in with soft vocals but accompanied by a continuously increasing beat until the song ends in a climatic crash of chaotic rock. The Jeff Buckley like vocals are soothing but never overpowered, holding a power and strength to keep you captive. ‘The Way It Flows’ has an echo of The Doors and The Cramps laced within it, evoking a strange and unknown world that will entice you to explore more at your own leisure.

‘The Way It Flows’ proves to be only the beginning with Vulpine Smile’s B-side track, ‘Glass Machine’, being just as audibly attractive. A deep, thumping, spine tingling track akin to Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Foxy Lady.’ Fighting against the bewitchment that is Vulpine Smile is simply putting off the inevitable so go with the flow and allow them to wash you away on a hypnotic tide.

Links:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vulpine-smile
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vulpinesmileband

 

Review by Skye W. Winwood

There’s a madness that’s just coursing right through me and it’s Fall Out Boy’s new album, Mania

The wait is finally over. After delaying the release, multiple teasers, singles and a North American tour, Fall Out Boy’s seventh studio album, Mania, is available in full. Having already revealed four tracks from the album, fans were left wondering how much more and exactly what to expect from Mania. With the mixed reaction the first single, ‘Young and Menace’, received, there was debate about which direction the band would take the album in. However, in unpredictable Fall Out Boy fashion, Mania is a collection of songs from previously uncharted waters as well as those already conquered. From the upbeat start of ‘Young and Menace’ through the storm of ‘Church’ to arrive at the calm of ‘Bishops Knife Trick’, Mania is a journey through genres.

Mania begins with ‘Young and Menace,’ a song that already had people on the fence about the album, but love it or hate it, you cannot deny the crucial role it played in the creation of Mania. The track was the one that inspired Fall Out Boy to record a full album after Patrick Stump (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) approached Pete Wentz (bassist) with the early stages of the song.Although not being everyone’s cup of tea, the electro-rock song has proven Fall Out Boy’s power of genre jumping. My initial reaction to the song was overwhelmed by the shock of hearing the band producing this kind of music but now I find myself straining my vocal chords every time that chorus hits. Amazingly, the song sounds even better live, answering worried fans questions about how such a moderated song could be performed.

From the break out of ‘Young and Menace’, the album continues into the more radio friendly ‘Champion’. An uplifting, inspiring song delivered in a familiar, classic Fall Out Boy pop-rock style but still with experimental elements. ‘Champion’ is an underdog anthem full of powerful vocals and an even more powerful message of remembering all you have survived to help you beat what is to come. One of the reasons Fall Out Boy are so beloved by their fanbase is because of how honest they are with their fans and the effort they make to connect with them. Never shying away from sensitive topics but instead shouting them out for all the world to hear, ‘Champion’ is an encapsulation of all of this.

Read a full review on ‘Champion’ by clicking this link

Continuing with the band’s more recognisable sound, ‘The Last of the Real Ones’ and ‘HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON’T’ are two songs with romantic themes. ‘The Last of the Real Ones’ offers a more synth-pop sound and has been described by Pete Wentz as a song about ‘falling in love with somebody whose glitches line up exactly with yours.’ In a world full of fabricated lives through social media, it’s important to remember that nobody is perfect and that’s exactly what we need more of in the world. ‘HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON’T’ is a song that had my heart from the teasers visualising the Mexican Day Of The Dead festival. With the release of the song, it is a captivation of pure beauty and uncontrollable rhythm.

Read a full review on ‘HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON’T’ by clicking this link

The third track on the album is the first to offer something we have yet to hear, an unrelenting track going by the unusual name of ‘Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea.’ Fall Out Boy have always encouraged fans to take up arms against the world that threatens to drag them down, the band also having to fight against the media and personal battles. ‘Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea’ contains themes of celebrity culture and the chaos within that culture but can also be applied to the chaos of everyday life. The stand out lyric is ‘the only thing that’s ever stopping me is me’, meaning the only limitation being placed upon you is you. The world has no domain over who you are, and you should never give it the chance to try.

Read a full review on ‘Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)’ by clicking this link

‘Church’ and Heaven’s Gate’ contain some of the most poetic and one of my personal favourite lyrics from the whole of Mania. Both songs are filled with religious metaphors that connect on a deep, spiritual level that idolise love in pure worship. ‘Church’ is a sobering song dressed in an upbeat sound, the lyrics and narrative provided by the music video painting a picture of forbidden love. If the song had been around during the production of Baz Luhrmann’s modern day telling of Romeo and Juliet, it no doubt would have made it onto the soundtrack. ‘Heaven’s Gate’ is a soulful ballad about a love that transcends the boundaries of earth and is the song that begins to slow down the vibe of the album. Described by Patrick as ‘natural’ to all of the band members explains the complete effortlessness of the track and the simple beauty of it. Both songs are a showcase of Patrick’s phenomenal vocals and the band’s capacity to write such moving lyrics like ‘and in the end, if I don’t make it on the list, would you sneak me a wristband?’

The album ends with ‘Sunshine Riptide’ and ‘Bishops Knife Trick’, the former featuring Burna Boy and being yet another step outside of the box for Fall Out Boy. ‘Bishops Knife Trick’ could belong on the Life is Strange soundtrack and has a feeling of innocent closure to it that is just perfect to close Mania.

In a world slowly descending into chaos, Fall Out Boy have created a collection of songs to help us cope with the madness. Mania is bursting with beautiful lyrics, bountiful beats, gripping hooks, rocking guitar riffs and soulful vocals that deserve a place in your music collection.

Links:

Website: https://falloutboy.com/

Tour dates: https://falloutboy.com/tour

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe3I9BAVCzf9oACYU1EtrxA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/falloutboy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falloutboy

 

Review by Skye W. Winwood

Re-discovering Paolo Nutini

Over the past few months, this blog has published posts discovering new artists. Musicians that are either new to the industry or those who have become lost among the fresh faces of today. Each artist has brought a new perspective to the way I listen to music. However sometimes, when on the search for another enlightening musical experience, it’s important to remember those artists who helped begin the journey. For me, Paolo Nutini is one of those artists, becoming one of the first musicians I listened to outside of the alternative genre. His music infuses a sense of nostalgia within me that stretches beyond his musical talent but I know he is an artist others will thoroughly enjoy. To anyone who has never even heard of him, prepare your ears for a swirling audio mosaic of pop rock, soul and folk music all fused into one.

Born of parents from both Scottish and Italian descent, Nutini was destined to follow his father into their family fish and chip shop business. A place where his musical talent would have wasted away amiss the wafting smells of salt and vinegar. Fortunately, Nutini had an extremely supportive grandfather by the name of Giovanni “Jackie” Nutini who knew of his grandson’s talent before even he really did. With this encouragement pushing him forward, Nutini left school to work as a roadie for Scottish band Speedway. He then went on to have experience working in Glasgow’s Park Lane Studio where he was able to pick up valuable knowledge of the music industry. With this gained combination of experience both in the studio and on the road it was only a matter of time before Nutini released his first album.

After being signed up for his first live show in 2003, Nutini was discovered by business partners Brendan Moon and Mike Bawden – the latter still Nutini’s manager today. Shortly after his 18^th birthday, Nutini created his first demo and was signed to Atlantic Records. Now with a music label behind him, he was able to release his first single, ‘These Streets’, as a free download in 2006. A song about a man and his guitar and the turbulent journey both have been on. The song was Nutini’s first appearance on the professional music scene and a beautiful introduction to his unique voice and music style.

Listen to ‘These Streets’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea3f5R3K96o

From here he continued to release chart topping music until his first album, also named These Streets, in 2006. Nutini worked alongside Ken Nelson on the creation of the album, a producer known for his work with Coldplay. Nutini’s first album had inspirations from his own personal experiences with unsuccessful relationships and offered a glimpse into the artist’s life. These Streets only opened the gates of opportunity further for Nutini as he began playing sell out concerts throughout the UK and supported The Rolling Stones in Vienna.

With the success his debut album brought him, Nutini was able to release Sunny Side Up – the album he is arguably most attributed to and the album where I discovered the Scottish singer/songwriter. Sunny Side Up was released in 2009 and proved to be an instant hit, skyrocketing all the way to number one in the UK charts. The album saw Nutini branching out and exploring himself more as a musician as the album is notably different in sound to These Streets. Although it received a mixed critical response, the success of the album is undeniable with a range of sweeping ballad’s and jaunty tunes to keep you elated in any mood. The album consists of cute coming-of-age songs like ‘Growing Up Beside You’ and always-look-on-the-bright-side pieces like ‘Simple Things.’ However the album also has swinging, jazz inspired songs like ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ that is hilariously accompanied with a music video containing a dancing animated Nutini.

Watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-xd3NuWQI0

The sound of These Streets still remains, however, in songs like ‘Candy.’ A folk rock track that comes across as being about fighting with a lover only to realise you were in the wrong. Containing heart tugging lyrics like ‘I’ll be there waiting for you’ repeated almost endlessly and made harrowing by Nutini’s soulful voice. The song has been said to draw personal experience from Nutini’s own life much like the music of These Streets.

Listen to ‘Candy’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3xYXGMRRYk

Another album was released in 2013 (Caustic Love) where Nutini brought more R&B elements into his music. Lead track ‘Scream (Funk My Life Up) receiving high praise and being likened back to the 70s heyday of soul. Even becoming iTunes Best Album in 2014 and further showcasing Nutini’s talent and how he cannot be pigeonholed into one genre.

Nutini is still active as a musician today and after listening to Sunny Side Up on repeat for the past few days I hope to hear more of his music soon. Whilst Nutini’s other two albums are infused with musical and lyrical beauty, Sunny Side Up will always be a personal favourite and I hope this post encourages more people to discover the joy of it.

Links:

Website: http://www.paolonutini.com/splash/1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaoloNutini/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paolonutini?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/paolonutini

 

By Skye W. Winwood

The NaveBlues self-titled album is a new generation of blues music

When it comes to music some artists focus on sound whilst others are meticulous about lyrics, The NaveBlues are a band who seem to have found the perfect balance of both. Standing at a crossroads of music and managing to take both paths, the four piece Norwegian blues band are bringing back classic blues music with their own personal twist to keep things interesting. Consisting of bass, guitar and drums as the basis of their sound The NaveBlues will both shock and impress you with their peace, love and harmonica approach to music.

The band’s new album, named after themselves The NaveBlues, has a beautifully unique selling point in the form of lead singer Nave Pundik’s insane harmonica playing. Their lead track ‘Possess You’ is a perfect example of Nave’s vocal and instrumental talent for an instrument that hasn’t seen the spotlight for some years.

Watch the music video for ‘Possess You’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c36gUUyVrLs

‘Possess You’ is a spine tingling track that resonates with a similar sound to rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival and evokes images of a desert sky moving rapidly from day to night. The track begins with a guitar riff that is not that unlike something from The Foo Fighters before plunging deep into the pool of blues music. The first two minutes are a showcase of Nave’s rock star level harmonica playing that seems to sing as passionately as any voice could. The vibrating continuous notes soar high and low with an inclination that speaks beautiful words without any sound passing Nave’s lips. The song could work as a completely lyrical-less piece but Nave’s singing at the mid-way point drives home the message of the song. Nave’s vocals compliment his harmonica playing with the same inflection and vocal style that can be compared to Kristofer Dommin of the band Dommin and evokes a similar sound to Type O Negative’s Peter Steele; Nave’s bluesy rock voice is a perfect finisher for the blues inspired track. The song also showcases The NaveBlues potential to slip into other genres such as space rock as ‘Possess You’ also has Muse hints hidden within the sound.

The NaveBlues have also challenged musical conventions by covering Led Zeppelin’s ‘Thank You’ that continues the hint of space rock with their human adapting to a lonely life on mars music video.

Watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt9uzozpzGQ

The NaveBlues push musical boundaries by taking the simple, plaintive song and turning it into something both visually and musically fantastical. Through the band’s adaption the song becomes something more intense than the original and works perfectly for the angle they decided to put on it. The pure passion for music this band embodies is encapsulated in ‘Thank You’ through the unbelievable harmonica solos and Nave’s rustic vocals overlapping with those of a soft female voice. Covering ‘Thank You’ further proves how The NaveBlues cannot be pigeonholed and will fly with ease between different genres such as rock, soul, indie and still manage to hold all the conventions of blues music.

The NaveBlues, and their new album, are the band to listen to for anyone who is a fan of musical genius and insane instrumental talent.

Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4PjTCsYQH7Nu1dsSczZ5HK

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6KVhYc1E4ccnMPtpvzpCQw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNaveBlues/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/naveblues

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thenaveblues/

Website: http://thenaveblues.com/

 

Review by Skye W. Winwood

Lawrence Preston has ‘Something For You’

Music has gone through transformations for both the better and the worst but as musical technology advances, artists seem to be forgetting that creating music is something more than a quick profit. Hiding behind auto-tune and getting lost in pigeon-hole conventions music is slowly becoming a hypodermic needle some consumers are willingly injecting because they know no different. Lawrence Preston is a welcome break from this mass production and stands as a reminder that there are genuine artists still out there. Creating soul music with real heart, the singer/songwriter has returned with his new single ‘Something For You.’

Watch the music video here: https://www.vevo.com/watch/lawrence-preston/something-for-you/TIVEV1725150

Emerging initially in the 90s, Lawrence recorded his first full length album in 1997 that contained the glowing wealth of experience he already had as a musician. Born into a musical family in San Francisco Lawrence was destined for musical greatness before he could even learn to speak, no matter sing! His parents formed a gospel group (The Sensational Travelers) at the local church where his grandfather was a pastor and it is undeniable this connection made it into Lawrence’s incredible voice. By the age of five he was a part of another family gospel group that was known locally as The Gospel Jackson Five but had the official name of Fantastic Four and was only the beginning of Lawrence’s lifelong commitment to music. This unwavering commitment turned Lawrence not only into a singer but also multi-instrumentalist as he is able to play the trombone and guitar but shows his true talent with the bass.

By age nineteen, Lawrence already had a horde of musical talent and personal experience under his belt but just needed to catch one influential eye to showcase this. He caught that eye in the form of Freddie Stone who is the founder of Sly & The Family Stone who recommended him to Dorothy Morrison. Morrison recognised Lawrence’s bass talent and had him play for a significant amount of time in her gospel band in the 1980s. This professional experience lead to Lawrence’s album in the 90s and now he’s back with his new single ‘Something For You.’

‘Something For You’ is a soul infused track that perfectly marries Lawrence’s smooth vocals and his magnetic bass playing. From the first note the song draws you in and maintains a low burning rhythm of ultra-smooth funk that brings to mind the likes of Marcus Miller, Rustee Allen and Stanley Clarke. Lawrence’s velvet vocals make you feel as if he is singing directly to you and is almost a blessing beating upon your eardrum. Available now, ‘Something For You’ is exactly what it promises to be.

Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@law_preston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.preston.37

 

Review by Skye W.Winwood

Crack of Dawn are stealing the spotlight with their new single

When two experienced musicians come together to create a piece of music, expectations are high and the delivery is normally beyond people’s expectations. Yet this occurrence can happen once in a blue moon so Crack of Dawn could be classed as a musical miracle with the musicians they have in their ranks.

The band features guitarist and producer Carly Harvey who has been the lead guitarist for Toots & the Maytals since their Live at Hammersmith album in 1980. Even sharing the group’s 2004 Grammy win and joining them on a world support tour with bands like the Rolling Stones and Santana. Next is sax player Rupert Harvey who is the founder of Canada’s most successful reggae band (Messenjah). Trevor Daley who has played with the reggae group Third World is also on board, along with trumpeter Alexis Baro, keyboardist Bela Hayman, drummer Carl Otway, bassist Charles Sinclair and to finish the jam packed act off is Michael Dunston with his undeniably smooth soulful voice. The combining of these talented musicians with their abundance of musical experience creates something more powerful than a mere band. The group almost becoming a movement of sheer power that will both physically and emotionally move you with their music.

After being discovered by Otis Redding’s producer, Crack of Dawn were the first black band to be signed to a major label and have by passed their contemporaries Earth, Wind and Fire. Despite being predicted for great things and being one of Canada’s greatest musical success stories for nearly 40 years, the band have remained quiet for some time until the explosion of their new single ‘Spotlight.’ A five minute, hypnotic track of expressing both a romance in the form of a heartfelt love song and the band’s love for their fans and all the support they have and continue to receive. The music almost breezes through your mind on smooth tranquil tones with rhythmic bursts of musical light that will make it impossible to stay still whilst the song is playing.

Back in their own spotlight Crack of Dawn have stolen the show beyond their musicals pasts and created something that just solidifies their places as professional musicians. The single is set to be released on November 19^th of this year and promises to be only the beginning of Crack of Dawn’s return.

Links:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoNzxEP5sJc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrackofDawnBand/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crackofdawnofficial/?hl=en

Website: https://www.crackofdawn.ca/ 

 

Review by Skye W.Winwood

Souli Roots Targets World Peace & Christmas Number One

Having grown up in Jamaica, it has been the UK that has most recently taken Souli Roots to their hearts: from her success at open mic nights across London; taking the stage at the Hackney Empire and eventually Wembley’s SSE Arena as part of 2013’s X Factor line-up, Souli now has a new target in her sights – World Peace.

Listen to World Peace Expression here: https://soundcloud.com/souliroots/world-peace-expression-available-now

Featuring ethic percussive sounds, atmospheric electronic swirls of textured background and Souli’s powerful vocals, there are echoes of Miriam Makeba’s indigenous African delivery as well as the more mainstream sound of Bob Marley and the Wailers political statement songs.

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/souliroots

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/search/results/world%20peace%20expression

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/souliroots

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/souli.roots.1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/souliroots

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souliroots34/

 

New track ‘Reload’ by J.J Leone is bringing back the personal connection to music

When fame becomes just a part of everyday life, many artists become lost in management and production teams. J.J Leone is redefining exactly what it means to be an independent artist in the modern day music scene. A daunting prospect for many aspiring artists, to go it alone, but J.J is laughing in the face of this fear with his new track ‘Reload.’

Listen to ‘Reload’ here: https://soundcloud.com/j-j-leone/reload

J.J has risen in the music scene with increasing promise from his first Top 20 EP Rebuild and has sold out the legendary Ronnie Scott. As well as playing for thousands at festivals such as Sundown Festival and Sofar Sounds.

Beginning his career by recording in a DIY style in his own bathroom has continued into his success as J.J is still completely self-managed. Writing, preforming, producing and managing every aspect of his own success and still finding time to communicate with his audience. Something utterly admirable considering the hardships independent artists face these days, trying to make themselves noticeable as an individual among the crowds of many. J.J has managed to more than get himself notice with both his familiar and unique R&B/Soul sound. Overall his musical sound can be narrowed down to a typical modern R&B sound sprinkled with soul-pop however the guitar based nature runs a shadowy sinew through ‘Reload.’ This synth sewn track alone completely transforms the music into something not only extremely pleasing to listen to but also something that continues to resonate long after the echoes of J.J’s voice have vanished.

Being an independent artist doesn’t hold J.J back in any form, even pushing him to explore and interpret subjects or emotions other artists tend to avoid. His young, almost pure, sounding voice leaves the subjects of his songs to strike the listener. The sound almost childlike in some aspects and bringing home that issues in this world will continue to affect the growing generation if nothing is done about them. J.J also draws on his own personal experiences for his writing such as during the beginning of his career when he would busk on street corners. An artist with a clear goal and direction for his music who has the possibility to transform into a voice for those who do not have one.

See J.J live at Septemberfest and Razorlight on September 22^nd!

 

Links:

Soundcloud:  www.soundcloud.com/j-j-leone​​

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamjjleone​​

Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamjjleone​​

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/jjleone​​

Website: www.jjleone.com

 

Review by Skye W.Winwood