After Funk - "Face In The Crowd"
Drawing from a broad base, After Funk's forthcoming LP Santa Barbara nods to R&B, disco, jazz, soul, Latin, and, well, funk. Nothing feels contrived; these myriad modalities are stylistic colors in their compositional palette. Gilding above and grooving in-between it all is the records’ keystone; the velvet, dynamic voice of Yanick Allwood.
Before After Funk, Allwood (who also plays keys), drummer Jaime Rosenberg, guitarist Phil Tessis, and bassist Justin Bontje lived parallel lives steeped in music. Their paths first crossed at the University of Western Ontario. In 2014 they released a self-titled EP and hit the road. Word of their electric live show started to spread, and soon the band was playing alongside Snarky Puppy, Lettuce and more, and gracing the stage at major festivals such as Electric Forest, Harvest Jazz & Blues, and Evolve in Canada.
In 2015 the band released the ‘Til The Sun Comes Up EP, followed by 2017’s FREAK single. In early 2018 After Funk completed their first coast to coast tour of North America. The bulk of Santa Barbara was written, rehearsed, and workshopped in the band’s house on Santa Barbara Road in Toronto.
In addition to the core quartet, the record features performances by: vocalists Kyla Charter (Alessia Cara, July Talk), Stacey Kay, and James Bailey (July Talk), bass clarinetist Jacob Gorzhaltsan (Jack Dejohnette), tenor saxophonist Julian Nalli (Fred Penner), trumpeter Tom Moffett (BadBadNotGood, Arkells), flautist and alto saxophonist Rob Christian, and Cuban percussionist Rosendo “Chendy” Leon (Sultans of String). The record was produced by Jeff Hazin (Yoko Gold) and mixed by Gabe Gallucci (Shawn Mendes).
An imminently engaging, fully-wrought record that takes the listener by the hand and sprints off into a heady journey, Santa Barbara is nuanced, articulate, and profoundly satisfying.
BriGuel Drops Stunning Visuals In “Red Ropes”
Listening closely to this new BriGuel record felt like watching a spider build a web.
The NYC based couple work delicately and swiftly, impervious to the world around them, with an internal logic that becomes clearer after you’ve seen the full picture. “Red Ropes” is their latest single that dropped a couple weeks back - with an awesome message. And it’s not only about TRUMP! At first, the song’s complexity alone is arresting. They seesaw between a myriad of genres, their voice, along with BRBRCK’s navigating almost cryptically. The crafty visuals are there to add a shock factor, and balance between the fun and educational side of the song.
For more on BRiGuel browse their catalog and latest releases on Spotify.
5 Mysterious Classical Music Pieces You Should Listen To
One of the problems with classical masterpieces is that they are often hidden in lengthy and seldom performed operas, well out of the reach of the casual classical listener. Thanks to the internet, we’re still discovering some of the mysterious hidden gems. Classical music seems to have a reputation for being straight-laced, stuffy, and obsessed with rules. But over the centuries, hundreds of composers have tested the boundaries of musical expression in strange and unique ways. While one era embraces perfect counterpoint and avoids harmonic dissonance, other eras embrace the use of clustered chords, repetitive melodies, and even silence. Here are some pieces of Western art music that are so bizarre that even some critics of the day regarded such works as completely obscure.
1- Alexander Scriabin - Piano Sonata No. 6
It will come as no surprise if you start shedding tears while listening to this mysterious, terrifying and incredible musical world Scriabin was able to imagine and bring to life. The composition literally feels like unlocking a door into outer space - a vast, dark, lonely, and terrifyingly infinite space. And Scriabin did it gradually, inevitably, without wanting be be progressive or revolutionary for its own sake. As intangible as this music is, there's nothing forced about it. There's nothing intentionally "strange" or “mysterious” about it, because it belongs solely to its own world. If we had to describe this piece in one word, it would be “Genius.”
2- Arnold Schoenberg - Pierrot Lunaire
Arnold Schoenberg was most famous for inventing the 12-tone series and completely changing Western art music in the 20th century. This piece is a good example of the vocal technique known as Sprechstimme, which incorporates elements of both speaking and singing. His song cycle, Pierrot Lunaire, takes a classic humorous and buffoonish stock character from seventeenth-century Italy and explores the protagonist’s adventures in different songs.
3- Phillip Glass - Einstein on the Beach
When writing an article about weird classical music, we, of course, can’t forget about the minimalist movement of Phillip Glass. The idea behind minimalism is to use the least amount of notes possible to express an idea, usually resulting in endless repetitions of the same motive. Phillip Glass is one of the most prominent composers of today who has built upon the original minimalist ideas of the 1960s. Glass’s “Einstein on the Beach” is his most famous operatic work, with allusions to Einstein’s life, theory of relativity, and scientific findings. Beginning the major “train” scene and ending with the “spaceship,” the chorus sings by repeatedly counting numbers. Visually, the opera is futuristic, energetic, and trance-like.
4- Alan Hovhannes - Symphony No. 2, “Mysterious Mountain”
Alan Hovhannes was a musical genius from Armenian-American descent. He was one of the most prolific 20th-century composers, with his official catalog comprising 67 numbered symphonies and 434 opus numbers. His mightily prolific output sometimes lead to detractors deploring the "same old, same old" nature of his distinctive brand of spiritualism. Despite that, his synthesis of both occidental and oriental has an understated charm here, though the listener might occasionally detect echoes of Hollywood biblical epics, particularly in the opening andante movement.
5- Nico Cartosio - Cocaine March
Nico Cartosio is one of the most recent neo-romantic composers, whose work is both intoxicating and beautiful. Shedding light on some of the darkest aspects of the current system, his latest composition titled “Cocaine March” is a classic act that discovers the depths of this world. Similar to his first creation “Snow Above The Earth,” his audience is set to embark on an intense journey where they are faced with a harsh kind of mysticism, but a tremendously powerful cry from the depths of the human soul.
#LAOnLockExclusive: TeeFLii - Exit (feat. Knotch & Donye'a G. (Prod. by JusJosh)
Following the release of his album "Next Level", TeeFLii is back with a brand new single titled "Exit" along with guest features from Knotch & Donye'a G. Produced by JustJosh. Tune in & comment below!
Fevra - "Keep Things Together" (ft. Joon Jukx)
This is a track off Fevra’s debut LP "Villanova Junction" released on the Singapore based label Darker Than Wax.
All vocals written and performed by Joon Jukx.
Produced, mixed & mastered by Fevra.
Teyar Flow - "Perfect"
This is the latest track from South African recording artist Teyar Flow.
Derez De'Shon - Whaddup Doe feat. Mozzy
New single by Derez De’Shon featuring Mozzy titled “Whaddup Doe”. Tune in below.
Featured Song: Chianne - Return To Love
Chianne’s journey in life has taught her many lessons, but most importantly, shaped her into the blossoming artist that she is today. Her debut single “Return To Love” is the ultimate pop song that has an upbeat and uplifting feel to it. You can dance around, fill your heart and soul with positivity and still manage to learn a thing or two.
“Return To Love” preaches all about love, harmony, peace and spirituality. Nothing in this world could ever mend a broken person’s heart, besides their own actions! You can choose to dwell in the past or create a brighter future for yourself. Chianne’s message is directed to everyone out there that feels like there’s no hope in finding their true self again.
“Open your heart
Return to Love
To who you really are
Turn your face up to the sun
Root your feet on the ground”
On that note, make sure to show Chianne some love on her Instagram and Spotify.
Keithian - "Birds"
Keithian isn’t a name most would recognize, but the next time you hear it, you will. This New Orleans native has written and produced for some of music’s biggest names and was signed to Virgin Records. But after two failed attempts to release music through them, he decided to take control of his own career and give the label system the “bird.”
“Birds,” the first single from Keithian’s upcoming EP “... to my Pain,” comes off the heels of his “Power” EP which was released in 2016. This past summer, Keithian connected with Caribbean producer and keyboardist Oliver Delcros-Sainville during a session working on music for Rhianna. The pair spent a week in the studio and discovered a connection. Out of those sessions was born the beginning of the songs that would make up Keithian’s upcoming EP.
“‘Birds’ was written about me trying to fall in love, but realizing I’m not fully there,” Keithian said. “My heart and mind was on other shit, like hoes and bullshit. I mean, I’m a guy of nature and when I looked at birds at that time in my life, they reminded me of how I should’ve been flying away from bad behaviors and being honest with that someone I was participating in fake love with.”
Keithian fought over the years to stay true to his culture and heritage in his music. Being Cuban and a Jazz musician, the record labels didn’t know what to do with him. They told him it was hard to gain mainstream success in those genres, and were not willing to support his endeavors. So he went back to Louisiana and created an Urban Pop, R&B and Spanish sound that was natural, authentic and felt “damn good” to him.
“Ultimately, I want my music to be known for good vibes, humility, inspiration and truth,” he said. “My soul is a gumbo of music, just like the world we live in. And since I make music for the people, and there’s people of all kinds of taste and stories, I’ll let them choose what music they want from me. The first song I’d like to give them is ‘Birds.’”
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0YJVjw2CC9CHmy11opv77e
To listen to Keithian’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit: https://fanlink.to/Keithian
Landing Page: https://fanlink.to/Keithian
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ikeithian/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/keithian
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/iKeithian/
YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/8XaGTqGfIC4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hoU07f3UrItBlYeEty3md?si=YWSHvmAATDWYXrMasJ8QhA
APPLE MUSIC: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/keithian/512259168
SOUND CLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/keithian
Keithian - “Birds” (official single)
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7JMjFjymTiHGmTFG7PMnJr
spotify:track:7JMjFjymTiHGmTFG7PMnJr
APPLE MUSIC:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/birds-single/1438182003?ls=1
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/birds-single/1438182003?ls=1&app=itunes
SOUNDCLOUD:
https://soundcloud.com/keithian/birds-single/s-ldxzp
*** https://soundcloud.com/keithian/birds-radio-single/s-KCsL8
Bobby J From Rockaway - "Walter White" (prod. by Statik Selektah)
Queens’ own Bobby J From Rockaway cooked up a new banger with producer Statik Selektah on the keys-heavy “Walter White,” a lyrically rich single paying homage to one of TV’s best anti-heroes.
Beyond the clever wordplay and cultural references, what’s most impressive about Bobby’s raps on here is how he pulls in the listener and walks atop Statik’s keys and drums with such a low-key confidence. His bars are sharp throughout his verses, but it’s the way in which he spits them and ramps up his delivery that makes “Walter White” feel so raw.
The track is a follow-up to his August single “Hometown,” which was produced by living rap legend, Kwame. Kwame is also now the head of Make Noise, a boutique record label that, among other projects, is releasing Bobby’s music. The two have been working closely in the studio for years now, so be on the lookout for more from them in the coming months.
“Walter White” is available now through all digital retailers and streaming platforms via Make Noise. Be on the lookout for the visuals dropping soon!
Smart URL: http://smarturl.it/walterwhite
Twitter:
• Bobby J From Rockaway: https://twitter.com/bobbyjrockaway
• Statik Selektah: https://twitter.com/StatikSelekt
Follow Bobby J Online:
• Website: https://www.bobbyjfromrockaway.com
• Spotify: http://bit.ly/BobbyJFromRockawaySpotify
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyjfromrockaway
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyjfromrockaway
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bobbyj
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bobbyjfromrockaway
AWAR - "Rolex Time" (feat. Cyhi The Prynce)
AWAR is a stalwart soldier of this subculture that was born in the Bronx 45 years ago. Since he arrived on the scene with his underrated debut Glory Days in 2005, this devotee of the drum loop has shown unflinching dedication to fly lyricism and sample-based beats. And you want to talk about prolific? Between 2008-2014 he dropped two EPs, two joint albums (one with Vanderslice and one with iCON), as well as his lauded sophomore Laws of Nature.
AWAR is part of a tight knit faction committed to leading New York Hip-Hop back to dominance. If you’re not familiar with his name, just know he has rapped with the best of them — including Roc Marciano, Evidence, and Freddie Gibbs — and has more than held his own.
Today, AWAR delivers the lead single from his upcoming album, "Spoils of War." The track is titled, “Bricks Like ’86” produced by Vanderslice featuring 2/3 of The Lox, Styles P. and Jadakiss. The single is now available for streaming on all platforms, and is also available on a coke white 7" featuring a non-album cut titled, "The 87 Getback" on the B-Side that is also produced by Vanderslice. It should be obvious from the titles, these companion tracks are a throwback to the Coke era, when the rise of crack first made millionaires out of street hustlers.
AWAR's album, "Spoils of War" is scheduled to release October 26, 2018.
Stream "Bricks Like 86 (feat. Styles P & Jadakiss)" here: http://smarturl.it/brickslike86
Purchase the 7" Vinyl here: https://awar.bandcamp.com
Follow AWAR
https://www.instagram.com/awar_official/
https://www.youtube.com/user/awarmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4W7HIIkVBhzh7g3ocfB2Ih?si=iy7eb-oNRZWYcf9jfq8hdw
Indie Artist Vancar Releases “Black Dress”
Producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vancar delivers an outstanding track titled “Black Dress”. Balancing rawness and sincerity with utmost grace, the young prodigy shares the story of a lover who is swept away from him. Vancar wonders where she went and feels the spirit of the girl in the “Black Dress” everywhere he goes.
Make sure to check out “Black Dress” down below, and follow Vancar on Spotify for more.
T-Hood - Mafia Shit [Mixtape] | @TheRealThood
Atlanta’s T-Hood Is on fire just like a basketball player in NBA JAM. His stocks are rising and the stars are aligning. It’s now T-Hood time and his taking his M.A.F.I.A. family with him. His latest project “Mafia Shit” has landed on some big blogs. The project has major features from Guap Tarantino, MPR Tito, Yung Mal, Lil Quil, and more. On the production side of things. Super producer Cassius Jay gave him a hit record called “Seeing Stars”. Producer PyrxTurnMeUp has a record he produced for T-Hood called “VVS Shawty” which is one of my favorites. DJ Plugg and Bobby Kritical laced T-Hood with a record called “Heart Stop”. It’s a sound unlike no other. Overall T-Hood managed to create a project that’s basically set the foundation for him. With labels swarming around T-Hood. The question is will he stay indie or go major?
.@Goddess_Daye "Ring ft. @BillboardPboy, @BottemLine718, @BarryBondz
Video is lowkey lit. It’s so much going on in this video. It feels like you are watching a movie. It;s so many artist on here, it’s hard to name. Make sure you watch this action packed video for “Ring” below.
New Music: @DMobile707 & @CapColorado_ - Hit My Line
D-Mobile is a indie artist on his grind. Right now he’s based out of New York. He’s building a network by throwing events in his city. He’s managing a way to create a platform to support other artist brands and the culture. With saying that, his latest release “Hit My Line” is picking up momentum on the blog scene. The beat make different it from most. D-Mobile grabs up Cap Colorado for one unorthodox record. Check it out for yourself below.
Marshall Law Band - "Runnin"
"Runnin", the 2nd single from Seattle Funk-Hop group, Marshall Law Band. Debut EP, 'A Hero's Journey' coming in November!
Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6yH2m2Mz9gHdunDP5OMLvg
Rae.Dianz - "Black Tea" (feat. Yazzie Mojo)
A 22 year old neo-soul rapper from Philadelphia influenced by her musician parents, that recently found her calling as a rapper/performer under the alias "Rae.Dianz". The final week of August she released an EP titled "BUOCHIC" that conveyed the message of self reflection and overcoming obstacles. She's currently working on an acoustic version of the EP, with guitarist Alexia!
Asanté - "Purpose"
Asanté has been a triple threat performer since the age of three, finding his introduction into the creative world in church in New York. He made his Broadway debut in the original cast of the Las Vegas production of the Lion King as the lead role, young Simba, and performed in Debbie Allen’s spinoff, Twist, at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta. Since then he has been featured in commercials for companies such as Google and Taco Bell, as well as television shows: ABC’s American Crime, Netflix’s Alexa and Katie, and USA’s Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.
His burning desire to be in the spotlight and his intense drive and motivation to succeed has pushed him to fully devote his time to a career in music. Working day and night around the clock, Duane has further uncovered and expanded upon his musical talent, which is made evident through his lyricism and melodic vocals. He is not only able to quickly and effectively write a unique original song, but also able to execute his own lyrics and melodies like a veteran in the industry.
Music:
Asanté has a unique musical style, and is inspired by artists like Stevie Wonder, Miguel, Adele, Frank Ocean, and Michael Jackson. With much to say, Duane expands on his life experiences in his lyrics, creating true meaning and emotional connection with his listeners. “I want people to be able to feel every emotion that I put into my music and not only be able to bop along to catchy tunes. I desire to change the world through my music and be an artist that people can go to when they’re feeling any type of pain, happiness, anger or love for resolve and positive reinforcement, so they know successful people go through the same ups and downs.”
Why does he stand out?
Real meaningful relatable lyrics that make listeners feel the emotional value that he brings in each song. His vocals, combined with his ability to rap, dance, and practice acrobatics, make him similar to an artist like Chris Brown.Everyone who meets Duane loves his personality and can’t get enough of him. He has a spectacular stage presence as he has been in the spotlight for his entire life. He is cool, flashy, everyone loves him and wants to be around him. Brings light to a room and is an entertainer at heart.