Browsing Tag

Berklee College of Music

The Seraphic Soulstress, Cati Landry, Struck Again with Her Sophomore Single, Riptide

Posted on 18 July 2024

Cati Landry defied the confines of material reality with the rush of euphonic etherealism in her sophomore single, Riptide, inspired by an equilibrium of the timeless music she grew up on and the rugged beauty of her coastal Canadian upbringing.

Ensuing from the ring of acoustic guitar chords which tinge the intro with 90s nostalgia, the single quickly oscillates into a diaphanous, quasi-hymnal ballad which reminisces on the most tender and mystifying-on-the-heartstrings facets of a relationship while conjuring a seraphic sense of serenity.

Landry’s crystalline vocal lines take the dreamy indie pop meets alt-country soundscape to a whole other celestial level; you can’t help but surrender to her otherworldly command when immersed in Riptide, which doesn’t stop at washing over your rhythmic senses; the single permeates the soul to implant the reverie rendered into the release.

Cati Landry set the bar high with her 2023 debut single, Mind’s Eye, but she reached nirvana with Riptide and sits alongside Beach House, Mazzy Star, and Chayr in the dream-pop pantheon.

Prior to focusing on her solo career, the Vancouver Island-born-and-raised artist lent her talents to various bands and performed in jazz clubs, bars & theatres. After studying Literature at the University, she pursued a Master’s in Songwriting at Berklee, where she wrote her debut single, which was brought to life in an LA recording room and polished by producer Neil Wogensen.

The dream-folk daytime lullaby arrived on the airwaves on July 11, distributed via Foundation Media, stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Grable Howie cinematised folk in his sophomore release, Don’t Walk Away

Posted on 19 June 2024

Grable Howie’s sophomore single, Don’t Walk Away, is as panoramically expansive as the landscapes he draws his inspiration from. This stellar release showcases Howie’s determination to propel his career forward and do justice to his talents that are as naturalistic as his hometown scenes in Longmont, Colorado.

The lush production elevates folk-pop into cinematic territory, inviting listeners to vicariously live within the environments that shaped his sound. Don’t Walk Away wouldn’t sound out of place on the soundtrack of a Hollywood blockbuster which explores the tender trappings of yearning during a waxing and waning love story.

The rugged timbre of the banjos provides a striking contrast to the rest of the polished classically caressed production which efficaciously highlights Howie’s seraphic vocal timbre; this juxtaposition puts a modern filmic lens on traditional folk storytelling and firmly establishes Grable Howie as a peerless entity within the contemporary music industry.

Don’t Walk Away was officially released on May 31; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

It Goes “From the Grave” Right to the Heart

Posted on 7 January 2023

Listening to Abby Lokelani’s track “From the Grave” is a mixed bag of being devastated by the beauty of the art – to weepy sentimentality over my own lost-love. Her breathy but pitch-perfect performance gives way to an intimate engagement in this tune. The electronic drums help to offset what would otherwise be a guitar singer-songwriter number – all the while a heartfelt and, dare I say, the genuine sound is present. Then we move to the lyrics, I have to say, as a widower the phrase “I’ll love you better from the grave” hits me in a way that I can’t imagine anyone else on earth feels. This is a beautiful piece of music balanced by instrumentation, deep/naked emotion, and honest sentiment.

Seems as though Abby Lokelani is a Hawaii native and plays more than a few instruments including guitar and keys (and of course, her most important instrument – her voice, she sings beautifully). She was classically trained as a cellist – which might go some way to explaining her ear – and moved to write her own music and lyrics.

In her own words “I write music to make people feel something…” which is an apt summary of my experience with “From the Grave.” I can say, from my experience, that Abby’s music was that therapeutic balm I needed on a Friday night after a hectic week. Maybe it can do the same for you.

Ira Sharma Interview: Soaking our hungry souls on the stunning Shy

Posted on 26 December 2022

Dual majoring it up and showing us her boss mentality, Ira Sharma opens the door and lets us into her music life and more. Talking about her latest single Shy, her love for nature and letting us into her early years singing, we find out what it’s like to be chasing your dreams no matter the challenges.

Hello there Ira Sharma. Thank you for chatting with us. Where can we find you today and what kind of breakfast usually puts you in good spirits?
Ira: Hey Llewelyn, thanks for having me as a guest on your esteemed blog. I am currently in Delhi, India and my all-time favorite breakfast, that not only fuels my body but also puts me in good spirits is dosa, a thin crepe made of lentils served with sambar, a spicy lentil-based vegetable stew. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t tried it.

Please tell us about your mesmerizing new single called Shy. What was the inspiration for your latest creation and how did the process develop with your producer, Palash?
Ira: “Shy” is the name of my latest single that came out November 26th on all streaming platforms. It’s an electrifying dance pop track produced by my incredible friend and producer, Palash. As students of Berklee College of Music, Boston, we had a Writing Bootcamp, in which we had the opportunity to submit our tracks to executives from major record labels like, Warner Music Group, Universal, Capitol, and so on… So, naturally, Palash and I were down for the challenge, and luckily enough, out of hundreds of submissions, “Shy” made it to the chosen list of songs in the Electronic Dance Music category presented to the Vice-President of A&R, Atlantic Records. I was incredibly grateful to have had the honor of top-lining as well as recording vocals for “Shy.” Our intention throughout this process was clear— to create an electronic house banger with infectious melodies and unforgettable hooks.

The legendary Berklee College of Music, Boston, is your current home. What’s it like there and are you enjoying it?
Ira: Everyday I’m grateful to be a student at the Prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. It was always my dream school growing up and I can’t believe I finally made it here, that too, all the way from India, thanks to my parents for always supporting my dreams. I’ve made it to my fourth year as a Songwriting and Music Production & Engineering double major. If I had to describe what it’s like being a Berklee student in two words, it’ll be “Musical Heaven.” Everyday I get to swim in a sea full of highly gifted musicians from all over the world. I am truly blessed and grateful for being at Berklee.

If you could have any superpower you desire for 24 hours, what would it be and why?
Ira: If I could have any superpower I desired for 24 hours, it would be to communicate with the natural world of plants and animals. That’s because I love spending more and more time in nature and these days, especially, with our obsession with technology, it’s getting harder and harder to find time to disconnect and simply lay oneself in nature’s arms. Besides, I’m super
intrigued to learn about those secrets of nature that are still unknown to mankind.

Your vocals are so crisp and such an ear-soother in this noisy world. Have you always been singing or when did everything fall into place?
Ira: Thank you, that’s so very kind of you to say! I have, as a matter of fact, always been singing, ever since I was a baby, as my mom told me, it started with babbling. Eventually, as I grew up, I naturally took the course of singing: humming melodies, writing poems and singing them as young as 4 years old. Music became an inseparable part of my life so my parents put me into singing lessons at a very early age at Noida School of Rock. There, I received training in Vocal Performance in for over 8 years and also got a diploma from Rockschool London.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Ira: The best piece of advice that another musician has ever given me is to make music that serves people. The very fact, that I have the gift of creating music is a blessing. With that blessing, I have the responsibility to serve my listeners with music they can either relate with or celebrate with. Music has the power to move people and make them feel emotions they’ve never even felt before. With that power, comes great responsibility, for me, as an artist to create music that is true, meaningful and serves my listeners well.

Last, do you have anything cookin’ music/tour-wise in 2023 that you can share with us?
Ira: In 2023, I am planning to do several shows in Boston as well as the Greater Boston area. Besides that, I am focusing on finishing my debut EP. After its release, I’d certainly have more tour dates announced on all my socials, so definitely stay tuned for that!

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Hear this fine new single on Spotify. See more on the IG page.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Count To Infinity: Duotrio wants that stay to last forever on Light of My Life

Posted on 14 September 2022

Urging for that spark to precipitate so joyously, like a hot summer’s day at the pool, Duotrio rises through the clouds and wants that romance to be something special and different from the rest on Light of My Life.

Duotrio aka Daniel Nissenbaum is a renowned hip-hop fused Brooklyn, New York-based trumpet player, composer and film scorer who graduated from Berklee College of Music.

”As a trumpet player and recording artist, Daniel has recorded with and/or performed with Donald Byrd, Marcus Miller, Bobby Rydell, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, MISIA, Darlene Love, The Drifters, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), The Marvellettes, The Toys, and The Disco Biscuits.” ~ Daniel Nissenbaum giving us further insight into his impressive career so far (taken from nuttreemusic.com)

Showing us where the love is after so much darkness and rain, Duotrio has presented us with that thrilling amorous adventure that should get you smiling again. Dripping in luscious vocals and loaded with a kiss-filled vibe that shall make any day better, this is a sizzling single for when you just want to let your hair down and have fun.

Light of My Life from Brooklyn, New York-based trumpet player/composer Duotrio is a quick-fire track with a groovy beat, rapid raps and soothing vocals, that shall illuminate your day. This is as romantic as it comes, as those heart-healing words move closer like that first kiss, with that huge beam of hope to set two hearts free.

When you know who you want to be with, you only hope that they feel the same and express their feelings.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more news on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Emilia breathes new life into the world just when we needed it most on ‘Paradise’

Posted on 17 July 2022

With her teasingly much-anticipated full album out for release later on this year, the sultry, polished and sweetly natural sounds of Emilia, drifts us into a love inspired wave which might send your imagination into a peaceful dream in ‘Paradise‘.

Emilia is a Toronto, Canada-born indie-pop/RnB singer-songwriter who is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and seems to flow so beautifully into every creation.

”It talks about the exciting beginning feelings of falling in love and wanting to enjoy that time with your person.” ~ Emilia

Showing much enticing progression from her debut release in 2020, called ‘Almost There‘, Emilia graces us with possibly the hypnotic summer lover track of 2022 so far. ‘Paradise‘ is a tasty sip back into that perfect time you get excited about. When nothing else was around. You were in the moment and it felt like you were under the spell of someone so ridiculously enchanting.

‘Paradise‘ from Toronto, Canada-born indie-pop/RnB singer-songwriter Emilia might have you smiling softly to yourself as you feel the wonderful glow of a newbie relationship. That early stimulating part which feels like it will last forever, as your heart stops for a few seconds and you say things you wouldn’t ever reveal about yourself with anyone else in the world.

True love is when you just know, right?

Witness this beautiful release Spotify and see more about this angelic soul on her IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

California hard rockers Fastride speeds up on a road that has a ‘Devil in Your Rearview’

Posted on 20 June 2022

Pulsating us with a song that might give you a comprehensive rush that will take your breath away, Fastride knows they need to get the speed on full to stay away from that dark force that can take your mind away from where you need to be focused on with, ‘Devil in Your Rearview‘.

Fastride is a Los Angeles, California-based 4-piece indie hard rock band formed by Ty Asoudegan who is also a session guitarist at Gemini Musiq.

”Ty, who is an alumni of Berklee College of Music, started his musical journey in Philadelphia. Ty’s skills have been recognized early on in his career. He was the grand prize winner of a nationwide contest hosted by Slash and Guitar.” ~ Ty Asoudegan

Slashing the tires and getting us into a formidable headspace that is only focused on the here and now, Fastride sends us a picture of that race that we are all playing against ourselves in this rather strange world.

”Since relocating to Southern California, Fastride has performed at many clubs in the LA area, such as The Whisky A Go Go, The Viper Room, & Molly Malone’s.” ~ Ty Asoudegan

‘Devil in Your Rearview‘ from Los Angeles, California-based indie hard rock band Fastride is a heavy single that slams right into your face and takes you into a geared-up mentality. With ferocious riffs that send you into a hair-raising psyche, this is a pacey new single that will have you revving up your engine – as you imagine getting away from something evil – that you want no connection with.

Sometimes you just need to get far away from those thoughts that you know will ultimately break you.

See this speedy new music video on YouTube and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Timo Arthur listened to the story that changed his viewpoint about romance with, ‘I Wish I’d Thought Of That’

Posted on 2 June 2022

Showing remorse for not trying extra hard to keep the one that he truly loved, Timo Arthur is rather incredible on his latest single that will sway your heart in wishing you could have made it happen on, ‘I Wish I’d Thought Of That‘.

Timo Arthur is an accomplished Milford, Connecticut-born indie-blues musician who has performed all over the world and is a Berklee College of Music graduate.

”After expressing interest in music at age eight, his parents gave him a guitar for Christmas. He gave his first performance at age 10 at a school talent show.” ~ Timo Arthur

Like a masterful underground legend who lets his music do the talking, Timo Arthur brings us a truly elevated song which could change your mindset into what is actually conceivable if you do whatever it takes to get your lover back from the cold wilderness.

”Hailing from a musical family, his mother was a semi-professional concert cellist, and also played piano and flute at home, while his father played guitar, piano, and percussion at their home as well.” ~ Timo Arthur

‘I Wish I’d Thought Of That‘ from Milford, Connecticut-born indie-blues musician Timo Arthur is a vocally advanced song from a well-respected artist who performs with such class and grit, while taking our minds into this animated picture. Showing us inside that moment when he recognized that there was actually another option to the one that he chose, this is a relevant track for so many who have lost that tenderness in the winds of change forever.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Connecticut’s Alan Fiore wonders why he was with that troublesome insincere former lover on ‘Take the Bait!’

Posted on 28 April 2022

Letting his ex know that it’s really over and that they should move on forever, Alan Fiore refuses to play those silly games late at night and wants to be away from this toxic energy right now on, ‘Take the Bait!‘.

Alan Fiore is a Westport, Connecticut indie music producer and singer-songwriter who grew up in a musical family and started piano lessons when he was just 4 years old.

”His love for music began at home, listening to his dad play the piano before he could even talk.” ~ Alan Fiore

Flying high and finding a new passage to self-peace after feeling that he was used for too long and sucked into a fake world that only turned into a delirious maze of irritation, Alan Fiore cleans up the mess and vows that he is ready for calmer waters with someone who is kind and sincere.

”As Alan approached his teenage years, he fell in love with the Beatles and was inspired to begin writing his own music.” ~ Alan Fiore

‘Take the Bait!‘ from Westport, Connecticut indie music producer, Berklee College of Music student and singer-songwriter Alan Fiore sends a clear message to his ex that it’s time to close the door. Sensing that he has wasted his time as he washes off the afterglow that has surely faded – this is a track that so many have felt deep in their veins – when they knew it was all over. Sung with a real insight by someone who has lived through the misery, this is a passionate single from an emerging artist who sounds in a mood to start fresh again.

Renewing your heart and moving on, is the only way to get over that person who was actually bad for you after all.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more stories on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

What I Tell Myself: Brandon Tuzio returns with new pop-fueled single ‘Resume’

Posted on 16 December 2021

Released off his brand new 11-track album ‘Violet Carpet Walk‘, Brandon Tuzio is back with a catchy new track that will have you looking outside into the world so reflectively on ‘Resume‘.

Brandon Tuzio is an Asbury Park, New Jersey-born, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based indie-pop artist, Berklee College of Music graduate and composer.

”I have folders full of untitled tracks never completed. I needed to clear some of it out of my brain, so I revisited some from the last decade and attempted to make a complete album.” ~ Brandon Tuzio

Bringing us a peaceful melody that is undoubtedly perfect for listening to at the beach as you stare lovingly at the calming ocean, Brandon Tuzio shows us that keeping things simple is actually the best way to stimulate the mind into unlocking all those important ideas that have been hiding away for all these years.

‘Resume‘ from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based indie-pop artist and composer Brandon Tuzio, is a pleasant single that is minimal on lyrics which suits us just fine. The world is so complicated anyway and this is a reminder that we need to use our minds more and rely on overconsuming less, as that is the only way to clear the mind up from all the useless information we have picked up inadvertently.

Life is all about getting that complete picture after all, just like Brandon has done by getting all his creativity out to help his own soul keep burning with freshness.

Hear this new single on Soundcloud and see more via the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen