Browsing Tag

Michael Jackson

Leon Tikas – Beauty Queen: A Modern RnB-Tinged Echo of Iconic Pop Nostalgia

Posted on 13 March 2024

Leon Tikas stepped into the spotlight with ‘Beauty Queen‘, a standout track from his debut EP ‘Egoist‘, which masterfully nods to the pop greats while smouldering in smoothly stylised RnB innovation.

If Michael Jackson debuted Billie Jean in 2024 while falling in line with contemporary trends set by the likes of The Weeknd, the cult hit would carry the same hypnotically textured magnetism of Beauty Queen, which does far more than scratch at the surface of superficiality while proving that beauty is more than skin deep.

The seamless interplay between the effect-laden vocals and reverb-drenched instrumentals delivers a modernised 80s pop aesthetic, seamlessly integrated with a solid trap-esque backbeat. Tikas doesn’t just replicate the past; he reinterprets it, adding his own innovative touch to a familiar sound.

For fans of the genre, ‘Beauty Queen’ is not just a track to enjoy but a signal of the exciting direction RnB Pop is headed, with Leon Tikas at the forefront. Join him at the vanguard and hit play.

The Egoist EP is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dante Beverley lets the good times roll in his latest funk pop earworm The Party Never Dies

Posted on 10 August 2022

After garnering tens of thousands of streams with his feel-good grooves released since his 2019 debut, the euphorically provocative pop sensation, Dante Beverley has declared The Party Never Dies with his latest single.

The 80s-inspired rhythmic riot exhibits a brand-new sonic signature that you’re going to want scribbled across your playlists; it also sets the tone for his forthcoming EP, due for release in early 2023.

The 22-year-old Rotterdam-hailing singer-songwriter takes influence from the likes of Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Michael Jackson; notably, his inclination to enliven through disco and funk textures led the way in The Party Never Dies. Oscar Wilde would be proud of his revival of 80s synthy hedonistic pop.

The Party Never Dies is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Orlando Indie Pop/Soul band G.W. Souther bust out new track ‘’We Don’t Wanna Talk About It’’

Posted on 17 May 2020

Known for their breakout reggae infused debut song ‘’”Freedom on the Line” from 2016, G.W Souther are back with ’We Don’t Wanna Talk About It’’. It’s a solid song, with all the right moves and top musicianship. This is the final song on their new ‘’F I S H’’ album from 2020.

After working with Christina Milian, G Eazy, Jeremih, and Snoop Dogg lately, this band is growing each day and are making quite a name for themselves with festival appearances in the US. 

I do feel like they should go back to their reggae roots but totally understand the change of direction on new album ‘’F I S H’’. Each band must evolve but I do prefer the earlier releases from ‘’Freedom On The Line’’. They had a special groove going that I miss.

Look out for more quality music from G.W. Souther, a band who seem like good guys that just want to make good music and entertain. They have soul and make people happy, the whole point of music in the first place.

Listen here on Spotify

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A modern and commercial pop hit: The Vision’s ‘Right Now’

Posted on 14 May 2020

Up and coming 3-piece Essex band The Vision drop their new song Right Now, a modern and commercial pop hit that wins its place among major artists’ latest singles.

The upbeat tempo adorned by claps and dense synths widens the harmony without overfilling the structure, and produces some good dance vibes you can’t help but enjoy within the very first minute.

Beautiful pop vocals sing about diversity and acceptance, concepts we’re all sensitive to, while the seriousness of the theme provides a great contrast with the easiness of the music – all for a contagiously fresh outcome.

The Vision’s commercial style handprint must not be taken for granted, so give them some credit by listening to Right Now on Youtube.

Review by Jim Esposito.

Dan Plants and Nate Cronk- Stay: A journey through the sound of Synthwave

Posted on 27 March 2020

‘‘Stay’’ was created by two great friends Dan Plants and Nate Cronk, it dives straight into the Synthwave style as it introduces a variety of different sound effects as well as some catchy vocals.

From start to finish it has this up-lifting beat that gives the track so much energy, there’s a mixture of hard-hitting drum beats, insane riffs on the guitar as well as the synth effects that intertwine themselves into the vocals and instrumentation.

It tells a story throughout about love and heartbreak, but even if it tends to have a more poignant meaning, it still manages to keep your spirits high as the melody is so contagious and it gives off this cheery feeling.

Dan and Nate have made something that’s creative, something that may not be for everyone, considering the overall sound is not as popular as it once was, but even then Stay shows just how good it can be. It has some incredible rhythms and a superb lyrical approach, if you’re one that hasn’t really delved into the world of Synthwave music then you must!

You can check out Stay for yourselves by heading over to YouTube now.

Review by Karley Myall

705 – Put It on Me: A Clash of Cultures

Posted on 1 January 2018

705 is the latest musical venture of a delectably talented underground London based World music artist. It’s almost impossible to deconstruct this track with it’s eclectic base of influences.

The sound behind Put It on Me is packed with pounding momentum as it transgresses through it’s range of styles, encapsulating you in it’s feverish beat which is loosely defined by the Hip Hop, Reggae & R&B genre, influenced by artists such as Tupac, 50 Cent and Michael Jackson amongst 70’s reggae artists to create a playful euphoric sound.

The enigmatic artist has kept on the London underground with his music where he shares his upbeat energy with the crowd curtesy of his afrobeat’s styling which defines his lyrical flow that complements a perfectly rounded beat that rings with synergetic momentum.

Check out the EP 7Heaven via Spotify now:

open.spotify.com/track/49nKtc88OC…JY5D?si=8H1UcQu0

Or head on over to 705’s official website for more information on tours and upcoming releases:

https://www.705beats.com/

Alisabeth Von Presley’s Releases Pop Rock Track – “I’m A Wonder”

Posted on 22 December 2017

If you’ve witnessed such an adrenaline rush that gets you so overwhelmed at the sight of great dive from an Alpine height; a height that’s so far from the level ground but yet irresistibly interesting, and at the same time too dangerous for you not to cower at the thought of trying your confidence. If you have, then you’ll know the feeling that comes forth when you’re transfixed with such a music surge that can make you use a foot stamp to keep yourself aloft in its flawless motion.

Yeah, this song explicitly emits such degree of energy and it’s really interesting to note that the person that wields such a vocal power is no other person but Von Presley.

There’s so much energy in this song and Presley so perfectly worked her magic on this masterpiece making it look like it’s nothing. The sound at the beginning of this song somewhat leaves no clue as to what to expect thereafter.

The beginning of this song gives you that feeling of a perfect EDM and Rock performance whilst the song in its entirety gradually takes a subtle shift to become a well-weaved web in the genre of Pure Rock n Roll music.

This song is amazing on its own, and also unique to every of its attribute. Von Presley’s “I’m a wonder” can be likened to that perfect a soundtrack to an adventurous movie or a theme song can be used in running adverts on television.

For that brand new “Girl Power Song” to rock your ear in a grand style as you await the tidings of this festive period to splurge you with its beautiful aura till it’s officially 2018, then ensure that this song isn’t missing on your new playlist.

It’s actually a very nice song and I’m sure most y’all will be addicted after to trying to check it out the first time.

-LILIAN-DEBRAH.

Dozenz – The Truth: 80’s Pop Hype with A Little Extra Bite

Posted on 4 December 2017

Dozenz is the latest solo project from British singer song writer and producer, that brings the essence of essential 80’s pop to life. His latest track The Truth borders on the classic sound with a contemporary hype. Fans of the genre are in for a treat. His latest track which is now available for download has quickly gained notoriety amongst fans with his unique approach to his music. Inspired by Britpop artists such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood for their playful approach to rhythmic energy and lyrics. Dozenz has created a sound that will almost surely end up just as notorious. He creates an infectiously atmospheric sound, that’s a rich synthesised cacophony as he mixes his unique brand of Hip Hop into the mix

The talent that lies behind Dozens is Saleh Hamed and his passion for mixing trailblazing anthems that are piqued with the essence of diversity. He creates music out of his passion for unity, and uses his platform to spread messages of positivity that can resonate within everyone. With such a charming reproach to music production, it’s hard not to love Dozens.

So, check out the official music video to The Truth on the Youtube link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xEgjz8l8_w

Damask – Inner City: Pop with a Punch

Posted on 7 November 2017

Damask are an innovatively underground act from Essex, UK who have recently celebrated the release of their first single Inner City. Their sound is a concoction of Pop Rock & Funk styling, which is wonderfully produced into an enigmatic universal sound. The idea behind the sound came from band members; Duncan Haslam and Takahide George combined desire to create sweet, soulful vibes with a touch of class.

Inner City boasts the unmistakable soul jingle which introduces the track before it starts to flow with infinite possibility. I adore the darker undertones to this music, it transcends the usual cheap styling of the genre to create a dulcet sound which are resonant of bands such as The Killers, Editors and Chris Cornell.

The lyrics are as catchy as the hooks in the music, put them both together and you get an infectious melody, not too dissimilar for Daft Punk’s cult hit with Get Lucky. However the lyrics have a far Deeper Indie Rock resonance behind them thanks to the monumental vocal arrangements of the lead vocalist.

Check out their debut hit on the Soundcloud link below!

https://soundcloud.com/damaskmusic/tracks

Why not stay connected with Damask via Facebook on the link below?

https://www.facebook.com/akindofmodernlove

Barbara Kiss Releases Cinematic Video For Her New Track “Runaway”

Posted on 1 November 2017

Barbara Kiss is a hard working singer songwriter from Hungary with a raw and natural voice that is capable of expressing a myriad of emotions through a delicate tone that projects her strength and vision. With her brand new video for the song “Runaway” she truly has created something beautiful which is able to capture an audience and immerse them in a cinematic experience all while showcasing her skills in music.

Apart from Barbara Kiss’ natural voice with a gentle vibrato that colours her vocal tone uniquely, and a stunning video to accompany the music, it is evident that this song is very nicely polished and ready for a great success. This young lady’s strong sense of natural style and fashion not only resonates through the video but also through the music itself. With piano and swelling string sounds together with a gentle chorus section in combination with a strong melody “Runaway” is one of those songs which will remain stuck in your head for a long time. It is evident that this girl truly has something special to offer and her voice brings out a unique natural beauty in music that can rarely be found.

-Sarah Marie Bugeja