Browsing Tag

Classically Trained Pianist

Kaiza used sophistication as a vulnerable mode of volition in her cinematic pop hit, Dead or Alive

Posted on 14 January 2024

Kaiza’s latest single, Dead or Alive, is a striking testament to her evolving artistry in the realm of cinematic pop. Following the success of Girl in Red, which garnered over 160k streams on Spotify, this new release is a narrative woven with the threads of raw emotion and musical sophistication; prepare to be ensnared by the vulnerable mode of volition.

Kaiza, a classically trained pianist and vocalist, who once graced the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall, brings a depth to her music that is both rare and enchanting. Dead or Alive is a showcase of her songwriting prowess, where each note and lyric is meticulously crafted to resonate with maximum impact. The harmonies in this track do not just play; they linger in the melodic air, creating an atmosphere that is elevated, but not to such a degree that inhibits accessibility. Expect to be hanging off every word as the track finds a unique middle ground between the artfulness of Tori Amos and the indomitable spirit of Lady Gaga.

As you crank up the volume, Dead or Alive envelops you in its world and prickles the skin with the presence of goosebumps; a physical manifestation of the song’s emotional depth. Kaiza’s belief in living a life full of stories worth telling is palpable in her lyrics, each line a brushstroke in a larger, more vivid picture.

Stream Dead or Alive on all major streaming platforms including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jisu Jung took her journey of self-discovery in the neo-classic jazz release, Who Am I

Posted on 6 October 2023

After honing her talents in some of the most prestigious music institutions including Dresden College of Music, Berklee College of Music in Boston, and the Manhattan School of Music, the pianist and composer, Jisu Jung’s technical skills transcended into an ability to forge evocative connections with her innovative compositions.

Her latest classical jazz piece, Who Am I, welcomes you into her expressive world, where cello strings visualise the darkness we all need to negate on the path of self-discovery and the piano keys embellish the score with flourishing syncopation to mimic the freedom of personal growth.

As the momentum builds towards the mid-way point in the instrumental release, euphoric zeal starts to underpin the orchestration, marking a radical shift from the ornate air in the prelude to the virtuosic control of chaotic time signatures. Even though the energy doesn’t sustain towards the outro, the innate liberation in the progression lingers before the abrupt silence allows you to take a breath that isn’t influenced by the momentum within the classical Tour De Force.

Who Am I was officially released on September 22; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nostalgia and neo-classic nuance drive Seven Layer Piano Cakes’ latest emotionally-charged synth-led indie single, Remy

Posted on 2 February 2022

From the first deep dive into the sticky-sweet indie magnetism in Seven Layer Piano Cakes’ latest synth-pop single, Remy, we were hooked. If you fused the cool edges of Interpol onto the retro bliss of Grandaddy, the sonic result still wouldn’t be as sweet.

In the infectiously ardent chorus, you’re caught up in a spacey impassioned bop-worthy feat of synth-pop. In the spaces between, you’re arrested by the cuttingly angular indie guitars that blaze around the consistently evolving synths. From playful polyphonic tones to deep grounding notes, the classically trained pianist and harmonically-blessed vocalist plays with them all in the intricate layers of his complex signature sound.

Each new release, Seven Layer Piano Cakes (Justin Hoyt), leaves us even more assured that he is one of the most exciting names to have entered the LA music scene as an independent artist in recent years. His nuanced neo-classic tendencies paired with his ability to make his music as evocative as any of the most revered ‘emo’ artists is a potent combination. With his humbly affectionate charisma, he’s almost the antithesis to every virtuoso that has existed before him. Naturally, we can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Remy will be available to stream from February 4th. It will be available to stream via YouTube, and Spotify.

Follow the artist via Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

I Want You So Close: Rosaleen asks her future lover to be gentle on ‘Crystal’

Posted on 22 September 2021

As she sings with a real integrity and rather sweet innocence to the one who she wants to see closer, Rosaleen opens up her soul to be loved by the right person who truly cherishes and respects her journey on ‘Crystal‘.

Rosaleen is a talented multilingual Manhattan, New York City-born, Orlando, Florida-based classically trained pianist, music producer, arranger and indie RnB solo artist.

”Besides her native language of English; she is fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, and Korean.” ~ Rosaleen

This is an comprehensively absorbing experience from a truly soulful musician – who it seems is only scratching the surface of her profound abilities – as each note is carefully created by such a heart-warming ambiance, that has you feeling incredibly alive inside again. The story of building up your armor to withstand to forces of feeling let down is almost impossible – as we are interwoven into stunningly explained lyrics – which sweetly hopes that the broken glass heart shall be avoided for once.

‘Crystal‘ from the wonderful twenty-two years young Manhattan indie RnB artist Rosaleen, is a charming single all about making sure that they know that your heart is rather fragile. She has been let down before and don’t want it to happen again, as she beautifully explains this to her possible future lover. The atmosphere is so sincere, packed with lovely vocals made with a crisp texture, for our excited palates to bite slowly into.

Love is so precious and needs to be totally treasured, so that its purest form may never be lost into the rushing winds of time.

Heal up with a wonderful vocalist on Spotify and see more on her IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen