Browsing Tag

Chicago

Coming Down The Chimney: Chicago singer Jocie Denae drops cheerful Christmas cover classic ‘Happy Holiday’

Posted on 28 December 2021

Bringing us the happy Andy Williams cover that brings you to a smiling place as you get to think about this delightful time of year, Jocie Denae returns with her version of the classic single ‘Happy Holiday‘.

Jocie Denae is a Chicago, Illinois-based indie-pop singer-songwriter and dancer who sings with a youthful vibrance that you can’t help but enjoy.

“Through hard work and determination, my dreams become attainable.” ~ Jocie Denae

As she gets us all into the festive spirit to soothe our trepidations away like a kind angel with a red hat on, Jocie Denae shows us into her take on this well-loved cover that has been woven into our consciousness from an early age. Made famous by Williams in 1963, Jocie helps us shake off the gloom and get us into the mood with her ear-shaking vocals that soon eases you into the holiday spirit.

‘Happy Holiday‘ from Chicago, Illinois-based indie-pop singer-songwriter and dancer Jocie Denae is a sweet effort from someone who clearly loves this treat-filled time of year. She sounds in an inspired mood here – with a track that will bring you back to a time when you loved Christmas like a little kid – who couldn’t wait to wake up early so you could rip open all those presents under the tree.

Hear this lovely audio on YouTube and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chandler Poe shows us a sign of our world-weary times with his latest single, decay.

Posted on 27 December 2021

By starting with the resonant admission, “Every day I wake up and I’m already exhausted”, Chandler Poe’s latest single, decay, is a striking sign of our world-weary times. With the same artistic dejection shared by the likes of Arab Strap, John Grant and Jack Ladder paired with the blisters of soul that yearns for something sustaining and real, Chandler Poe taps into the collective loss of meaning to give us a tragically rare visceral emotion hit.

The Bukowski-style downbeat barfly lyrics become infinitely more powerful through Poe’s deep, gravelly vocal timbre that practically oozes sex appeal around the fiery beats and reverb-drenched keys. With more hits in the same vein as this, Chandler Poe has all it takes to become the next alt-indie icon.

Chandler Poe’s latest single, decay, is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Lake Awaits Us: Chicago’s Treneti ignites our hidden flames with ‘Fast Drive On LSD’

Posted on 16 December 2021

Taken off her brand new 10-track album release called ‘A Fertile Nile‘, Treneti captures our awareness sharply on the ear-warming single all about having a ride you won’t quickly forget on the body-tingling ‘Fast Drive On LSD‘.

Treneti Brown aka Treneti is a multi-skilled Chicago, USA-based vocalist, bassist, indie electronic music producer, professional dancer, singer-songwriter, and is known worldwide for her outstanding work in regenerative arts.

”Treneti infuses a deep understanding of the importance of embodiment, self-introspection, and healing frequencies into her music. Treneti believes the rhythms and melodies of our ancestors are stored within our DNA. In her song composition process, she engages with this remembrance, bringing forth a truly unique emanation of the sacred ancient nomadic and celestial essence of humanity.” ~ Treneti

With a soothing voice that has your valuable mind feeling so much more comfortable than before you pressed play, Treneti is quite scintillating here on a track that has so much magnetic attraction. This is a consciousness-calming experience like no other, as we are let into a whole new way of thinking from a true visionary who is only just getting started.

‘Fast Drive On LSD‘ from the soulfully-stimulating Chicago, USA-based music producer, artist, and elegant dancer Treneti, is that spellbinding song with luscious vocals you have only dreamed of before. With her calming 420-friendly energy that transmits only peace and love, this is a mind-soaring effort that takes you into a more elevated place than before.

Life is all about advancing spiritually, after all, to lift yourself away from anything holding you back.

Hear this nourishing new single on her Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Your Heart Used To Have a Vacancy: Chicago rapper Erik Evy wonders if they can make it happen again on ‘No Harm No Foul’

Posted on 11 December 2021

With his new full project set for an early 2022 release, Erik Evy teases us with a new single that is all about hoping that the timing is better with someone who you really care about on ‘No Harm No Foul‘.

Erik Evy is a youthful Chicago-based indie hip-hop solo artist who shows us his lyrical chops on his latest effort that is made with his signature reflective style.

As he radiates that big grin to show us that he is back in a happy place, Erik Evy verbalises the airwaves in reinvigorated form with a truly chilled-to-the-max performance that showcases his growing talents behind the mic. There is no flashy moves here – only mellow vibes – that has you thinking that he is ready to make things right with a former flame that he wants back in his life.

‘No Harm No Foul‘ from the Chicago-based indie rapper Erik Evy, is a likeable new single all about how you feel like everything would work now with that special love of your life. Rapped with a thoughtful edge and flowing briskly with honest stories, about how things just didn’t match up before as you weren’t quite ready. Sometimes the hands of time just need to be in both of your corners, so that you may lock lips and forget about the past as the future is the only thing that actually matters.

Check out this new music video on YouTube and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Telling Me How To Live: Interior Alaska-born trap artist Owen MacDonald knows that its time to leave on ‘Who Do You Think You Are’

Posted on 4 December 2021

With an almost crystalized beat that has your engaged speakers feeling so carefree and in the zone to succeed, Owen MacDonald brushes off the dust from a selfish ex that was too bossy and ultimately chased him away forever on ‘Who Do You Think You Are‘.

Owen MacDonald is a 19-year-old indie trap solo artist who is based in Chicago currently and was born in the beautifully peaceful wilderness of Interior Alaska.

Owen MacDonald might be one of the most underrated underground trap musicians in the world right now. He sings with an impressively high standard of intent and everything is classy crisp from this young artist who has the world at his feet. If he can smartly navigate the steep pitfalls and evil temptations which can hold you back from that top echelon level that so many crave, you feel like he can fly high like a mighty Alaskan Bald Eagle searching for a new nest to conquer.

‘Who Do You Think You Are‘ from the youthful Chicago-based indie trap solo artist Owen MacDonald, is that encouraging song for us to hear if we feel confined in living a life that isn’t ours. Sometimes we get sucked into moments or people that aren’t really what we are all about – and the mission to escape from that empty space feeling – is so vital to truly live in reality again. Sung with a genuine application from an inventive man who loves to evolve, this is a truly remarkable release that shall help you find your true purpose away from the fake chains that can grab hold of you in this quick-swipe world.

Hear this fresh new track on Spotify and see more of his rising story via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

No Sense Of A Home: Captivating Chicago singer-songwriter Morgan Pirtle would rather run away than be ‘Lost In A World’

Posted on 27 November 2021

Sung with genuine connection and palatable vocals that might have you exuding a small tear, Morgan Pirtle is at her caring and beautiful best with an honest track about finding your way in this strange place we call home with ‘Lost In A World‘.

Morgan Pirtle is an award-winning indie folk/jazz solo artist and storyteller who is based in Chicago, Illinois and sings with such astonishingly real essence on each one of her elegant pieces of art.

”Morgan is a Luminarts Fellow in Jazz and a Downbeat Student Music Awards Winner.” ~ Morgan Pirtle

This is the sweet story that so many of us will definitely relate to. Trying to find that cosy home that makes you feel so warm inside all your bones – seems so much harder than before – as you just feel like running away sometimes but aren’t sure where to go.

Morgan Pirtle shows us her incredible angelic soul in full view with this mesmerizing effort that shall have you feeling so much more relaxed than before. She is on top form with a scintillating display that has authentic lyrics of self-examination, which is a soul-healing gem of an experience that is notably exceptional.

‘Lost In A World‘ from the Chicago, Illinois-based indie folk/jazz solo artist Morgan Pirtle, is one of the more enjoyable listens from 2021. This is a hugely underrated young woman who sings with such a lovable style which gives you happy shivers, as you just lay back – and let her take you into her vividly-described world – that is saturated with that rare kindness we all need to admire.

Hear this fine new release on Spotify and see more via the IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Running Away: Chicago-based pop act The Mietus Touch helps us find the thrill again on ‘Digits’

Posted on 23 November 2021

Featuring sensually stimulating vocals on a sexy 80’s style beat that will take you places previously forgotten about, The Mietus Touch are quite fabulous via the brand new single that will have you dusting off those dance shoes with ‘Digits‘.

The Mietus Touch is a Chicago-based indie-pop solo act that was created by the well-respected multi-instrumentalist and music producer Joseph Mietus.

With genuinely textured music all about friendship, falling in love, heartbreak, and healing, there is much to be impressed about such a wildly talented artist. He manages to somehow grab your attention with a smoothly delivered piece of ear-soothing music that takes your intrigued soul away to a fascinating illusion.

”The Mietus Touch imparts sweet synthesizers, seductive vocals, and sultry grooves on this distinct blend of chilled-out funk glam and golden AM pop.” ~ Joseph Mietus

‘Digits‘ from the Chicago-based indie-pop solo act The Mietus Touch, is a wonderful manipulation of light and sound from a real wizard, who cleverly transports us into a whole new world that is filled with temptation and alluring delights for us to feast with hungry abandon.

Check out the new single Spotify and see more of the stories on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Real Nasty: King Cupid tells it how it is on ‘Only Fans’ (feat. pdwayjayski)

Posted on 10 November 2021

With a rampantly enthused attitude to doing whatever he likes, King Cupid warns the ladies that he is on the prowl to getting that man to join him for some all-night fun on ‘Only Fans‘ (feat. pdwayjayski).

Ellis Lonnie Peal lV aka King Cupid, is a rapper, LGBT activist and social media influencer from the south side of Chicago in the USA.

This is the x-rated story about taking what you believe is yours, from another woman who might not be too happy about what is about to happen. You have seen the opportunity right before you – and are highly intent on grabbing your crush who is clearly into you – as you both gaze happily into each others loved-up eyes.

‘Only Fans‘ (feat. pdwayjayski) from the Chicago-based indie rapper, LGBT activist and social media influencer King Cupid, shows us an artist who knows exactly what he wants. He sees that man who makes him happy and doesn’t seem to mind that there is going to be some competition in this hunt for that lover to be his. On a speaker-bouncing catchy beat that seems to only get better as the track moves to the chorus, this is a cheeky effort that will be in your curious head all night.

Check out this sassy new single on Spotify and follow all the action via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Defend Our Domain: Entertaining Chicago band Shampoo Drive-Thru excite our intrigued senses on catchy ‘Midnight Roomba’

Posted on 3 November 2021

Taken off their debut album called ‘Next Window Please‘, Shampoo Drive-Thru steam in hot with their sunglasses on and their hair-dryers in hand on the catchy bat-swinging single called ‘Midnight Roomba‘.

Shampoo Drive-Thru is a hair-wig-wearing Chicago-based indie synth rock band who bring in a highly unique music style to the mix for us to gulp on naughtily.

Heavily inspired by world class acts such as Devo and also Paramore, you feel a rampaging blend of ravaging riffs and full-blooded vocals you can’t help but be entertained by.

”We are your brand new hairdo pit crew.” ~ Shampoo Drive-Thru

This is an ear-heating single with natural substance, that is highlighted by tasty noises for the soul to nourish on – and includes a real synthy-sandwich mega-meal to munch happily into – as this new band drop this enticingly named single for us to sink our teeth deep inside. With a defend-our-house mentality, this is a fascinating release from an outfit who are packed with creative juices in their cheeky mixer.

‘Midnight Roomba‘ from the fearless Chicago-based indie synth rock act Shampoo Drive-Thru, races into your mind and revs up your mood to start dancing again as you forget all previous worries. This is the story of defending your home when intruders think that they can roam free like wicked night riders, as you show them who is actually boss in this crib. The call to action track presented will have you stirred like a Bond martini, as you make sure that your castle is well-protected.

Hear their new single on Spotify and check them out on socials via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Merch On Me: Chicago rapper Yung Chi wants the respect now while he is alive on ‘Love Me Now’

Posted on 2 November 2021

Taken off his just-dropped project called ‘The Manuscript’, Yung Chi returns with his highly popular new visuals for a heart-shaking track all about remembering to be extra careful who you hang with on ‘Love Me Now‘.

Yung Chi is a Chicago-based indie Hip-Hop artist, singer and music producer who raps with a venom-like delivery that bites all haters away from talking trash about him.

You feel his ravaging intensity on a higher level steam through into the hissing speakers around you, as the underground beat slides in hot to let you know that this is for real and not a movie. In a dog-eat-dog world where loyalties are tested to the limit when you least expect it – you feel that you have just seen a world – that shows you the sadly all-too common street struggles right in your face to view for yourself.

‘Love Me Now‘ from the Chicago-based singer, rapper and music producer Yung Chi, shows us a man on a mission to find that respect while he is still breathing. With so many fake friends loitering around and waiting for him to be gone six feet under, this is a track all about worrying who will claim they were friends with you. Rapped with a warning to those who have alternative options to what is right, this is a stark reminder to be very smart about who you call your family.

See this new visual on YouTube and see more about his journey on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen