Browsing Tag

Minnesota

I’m A Fish Stuck In A Well: Beth Ann McDowell swims headfirst into the ‘Killers Of The Early Morning’

Posted on 22 January 2022
Killers Of The Early Morning by Beth Ann McDowell (Littlefoot)

Showing us into a place that has her heart in a twist while she was stuck somewhere she didn’t feel at home, Beth Ann McDowell returns with a thrilling new single that will have you thinking deeply about whether you are in the right place or not with ‘Killers Of The Early Morning‘.

Beth Ann McDowell is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based, Seoul, South Korea-born, indie singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist who makes that truly nostalgic creation you simply marvel at.

”Produced, recorded, and mixed by Walt Vincent who has worked with some of indie rock’s darlings such as Liz Phair, Pete Yorn, Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon Levitt, it was done in the way McDowell was accustomed to recording music: with musicians playing live and the organic result used for the album instead of overdubbing and piecing recordings together.” ~ Beth Ann McDowell

Performed with such class by an elegant creative who leads us into this cinematic story so many have felt before – we are intertwined into her soul for a few minutes – as we find a young woman who feels like her nights were ruined for too long by someone who only cared for themselves.

”I was tapping into the feeling of not being able to give even though you’ve given everything to someone or something.” ~ Beth Ann McDowell

‘Killers Of The Early Morning‘ from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter and world traveller Beth Ann McDowell, is a reflective single that has you feeling rather sad at times. This is the picture of giving so much to someone for so long and then feeling empty, as you go through the motions and wish you were somewhere else.

Finding your true purpose in life has never been more important in this overly-busy world, as we brush away anything that is holding us back from being truly happy.

Listen to her lovely new creation on Bandcamp and find out more about this wonderful talent on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Bed Made Out Of Leaves: Thelia finds that loving escape with the special soul on ‘Treehouse’

Posted on 12 December 2021

As she sweetly gazes at that lucky human who makes her beam so brightly like a shooting star each time she looks in their direction, Thelia lives in the moment and holds onto them close so that they may live in peaceful harmony with only delicious kisses and body warmth needed on ‘Treehouse‘.

Thelia is a highly creative indie-pop solo singer-songwriter and poet who is based in the buzzing lights of New Orleans, Louisiana and was born in a small cosy town in Minnesota.

”This song is about flashing back to the moments of pure bliss when you’re just slow dancing in your living room (or any room for that matter) with the person that you love.” ~ Thelia

Sometimes you hear an artist once and fall deeply in love with their rare genuineness and heart-healing vocals. Thelia is that and more, as she kindly brings us a tremendously passionate single that has you thinking of the one who you truly care about, as you wish you could both just escape into the jungle and be together forever.

‘Treehouse‘ from the nature-loving and free-spirited New Orleans, Louisiana-based indie-pop artist and poet Thelia, is such a romantic single that you will be lighting up the candles next to the bubble-soaked bath to this real gem. Featuring succulently alluring vocals that are classy and loving – the whole melodic soundscape puts you in a dreamy mood – and with a cheeky smile you feel is purifying your delighted soul.

Life should be about being happy in beautiful nature, after all, not stuck in a city block looking at walls with no soul.

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

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Rips Through My Brain: Virgin Winter tried to untangle the vicious web on ‘Syd Jangles’

Posted on 2 December 2021

With his long locks flowing into the wind as he looks up above, Virgin Winter sings with overriding emotion that might have you feeling like this is a track you need to close your eyes with to truly experience accurately on ‘Syd Jangles‘.

Virgin Winter aka Randall Pants is a Saint Paul, Minnesota-born, Roseville, Minnesota-based indie psychedelic rock solo artist.

”I am a dorky hermit who loves art sessions and walks in the suburbs.” ~ Virgin Winter

Virgin Winter shows us his intense best with a splendid presentation that seems to summon your whole soul. This is a creative man who lets his music do the talking, as she shreds through the naked speakers with a stunning ambience that might leave you shaking in delight. His message of trying to get rid of the demons in his head is deeply honest, and you find yourself thinking back to when you burnt the webs of pain in your own world.

‘Syd Jangles‘ from the Roseville, Minnesota-based indie psychedelic rock solo artist Virgin Winter, is a mesmerizing performance from a young artist who sings with such a passionate tone. Each second has those deep lyrics that are so mysteriously intertwined in our mind – with vocals that are hard to hear at times – and cleverly forces you to turn the volume all the way upwards.

Hear this heartfelt encounter on YouTube and see more via his FB page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Demons Got Me: Minnesota hard rock act Störmbreaker feel so broken via their anthem ‘On the Run’

Posted on 23 November 2021

Taken off their fire-filled 12-track album released on the 5th November 2021 called ‘Strike the Match‘, Störmbreaker tries to quickly shake off the energy-draining demons that have brought them to this unwanted feeling while ‘On the Run‘.

Störmbreaker is a powerful 5-piece Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie-rock band who make a riff-roaring blend of heavy music that has been blended expertly with highly likeable vocals that might lift you quickly off your cosy seat.

”Combining soaring melodic vocals, an electrifying dual lead guitar attack, and a pounding rhythm section, Störmbreaker delivers a dose of high energy hard rock.” ~ Störmbreaker

Störmbreaker is in prominent form with a top-notch effort up there with the best rock tracks currently out this year, as they seem to possess something rather distinctive and grasp your easily perplexed consciousness with aplomb on this explosive single.

‘On the Run‘ from the raging Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie rock act Störmbreaker, is a shuddering speaker-rattling effort from a positively underrated ensemble that is surely set for bigger stages. They make a scintillating blend of quality music that is all about finding that special heart, to make you free again from feeling alone on the tempting road ahead.

Being free from yourself is the only mission when you miss someone you loved so dearly.

Check out this top new single on Spotify and see more news via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

You’re A Toaster In The Bathtub: Minneapolis experimental pop artist YYY reminds us that we need to get outside again with ‘And The Swords Don’t Bend’

Posted on 7 September 2021

With his debut album ‘Aquadungeonafterdark‘ due for official release on the 24th September 2021, YYY shows us that by being inside all the time and trying to reinvent the wheel, you are hiding away from those friends who miss you with ‘And The Swords Don’t Bend‘.

Austin Carson aka YYY, is a thriving Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie genre-bending experimental pop artist.

”Creating beautiful transitions between analog bass drones, psychedelic guitar riffs and vocal samples, YYY’s music maintains a lighthearted undertone that challenges the listener.” ~ YYY

Sung with a remarkable poise and true honesty, we are told a real story about the world that spins rather fast if we don’t experience it properly. With a uniquely succulent beat that enthralls you rather quickly and has your glowing body grooving in sheer delight – this is the type of music experience that is all about that ever-evolving creative mindset – which is so needed in this copy-cat world.

”Austin has performed in the Minneapolis music scene as a solo artist and as part of other projects for the last six years.” ~ YYY

‘And The Swords Don’t Bend‘ from the experimental Minneapolis-based indie pop artist YYY, is the message that we all need to hear. Those projects you have been working on are highly important, but by avoiding being out in the world sometimes – we are actually avoiding the real world which we need to be a part of.

Made with a knowledgeable edge, we are washed thoughtfully into a tremendously self-aware track which has you reaching for those keys to see the earth for its immaculate beauty again.

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

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Can Hardly See: Xanacova releases debut sixteen-track hip-hop album that urges us to ‘Send Help’

Posted on 30 August 2021

Powered resourcefully by indie label The Lotto Tribe, Xanacova shows us deep inside his extremely creative mind on the brand new sixteen-track release called ‘Send Help‘.

Xanacova is a passionate eighteen-years-young indie emo hip-hop artist from Austin, Minnesota. He makes that introspective blend of music which is full of deep thoughts and self-doubts, in this harsh world which seems to lack the love it had before.

”Send Help is a 16 track intimate hip hop genre album that talks about Xanacovas own struggle to be someone who matters in the world he lives in.” ~ Xanacova 

There are no fillers here on this quickening heart-beating effort, as he seems to grow majestically on each track. The honesty is quite remarkable and particular gems have to be ‘Working‘, ‘Go To‘ and probably the best track all them all, ‘All Night‘. There is so much sadness, darkness, hope and true integrity on each of these songs especially, that has you admiring his inner strength to show the world his true feelings.

He raps with so much consistency the whole way through and the catchy beats keep you hooked on the line all the way to shore – as you are enthralled by his confident delivery – for such a youthful artist with much promise.

‘Send Help‘ from the emotionally stressed out Austin, Minnesota-based indie rapper Xanacova, is a conscious release which shows you a young man who is looking for his true path, in this confusion-filled life. He feels that he is set for fame and wants it so bad, as he performs with that extra flair that only the few possess. This is the type of album to put on when you are feeling down and need a boost, from someone who lives through his music each day.

You feel like this is the art form which truly sets him free, so he can climb out of his current state of mind and find that self-enlightened happy place of contentment.

Hear this new album on Spotify and check out the IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Anthem For Unity: Michael Loonan calls for acceptance and unity from all with ‘Celebrate This Life’

Posted on 29 July 2021

Featuring the mightily skilled drumming of Noah Levy, Michael Loonan asks us to heal up quickly so we can build a much better tomorrow on his latest single called ‘Celebrate This Life‘.

Michael Loonan is a highly experienced Saint Paul, Minnesota-based indie pop/rock singer-songwriter and is also a supremely talented multi-instrumentalist. He has a calm aura about him, and transmits this wonderful beacon of hope peacefully in his music writing, and the results are a toasty ear-warmer to say the least.

“I actually wrote this song several years ago, but it seems fitting for the world now, as we’re emerging from a pandemic and moving toward better unity each day”. ~ Michael Loonan

With some terrific guitar riffs and mellow feel-good energy, this is a star-gazing creation which has you taking a big breath of relaxation, as you take some time to appreciate what you have. His vocals illuminate through the clouds above and calls for us to find a beach and gather around, to get on the same wavelength again, so we can work much together in the future.

”Loonan has been involved in the Minnesota music scene for decades; he was the renowned ‘Loony Bin Band’ on The Mischke Broadcast and has performed on the same bill with Smokey Robinson, NRBQ and Badfinger.” ~ Michael Loonan

‘Celebrate This Life‘ from the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based solo musician Michael Loonan, heartily shows us a kind man who only wants to promote life in the best version possible. We have had so many worries lately and have been trying hard to carry them on our breaking shoulders – the huge boulders of stress have become too much – and its time to put them down.

Unity and peace is something special that we all need, and its really is possible if we all believe enough.

Stream this exciting new single on Soundcloud and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Gotta Keep Them Guessing: Minnesota-based brothers CSavooo and TimmyT want it all and more on ‘Secret Weapon’

Posted on 20 July 2021

Released as the first track off their four-track ‘Soul Central‘ EP from 2021, CSavooo and TimmyT smell that tasty money in the breezing air and are only keeping things focused as that is their ‘Secret Weapon‘.

CSavooo and TimmyT (Tim Graves), are a Saint Paul, Minnesota-based indie rap brother duo. They fuse their love for music together as a tremendous team, that seems to morph together perfectly as one.

”They have always had chemistry in the studio, and recently they released a joint EP titled ‘Soul Central’. They will continue to grow their separate careers, but never abandon each other, as TimmyT is the reason CSavooo got into music.” ~ CSavooo and TimmyT

With a smoothly textured delivery which certainly has your whole body feeling rather joyous and fresh, this is a feet-tapping performance which is is such a pleasurable listen and has a riveting road-trip feel.

This is the story of keeping things calm as mistakes are made when the emotions reach fever pitch, as they both have a real sense of purpose about where true success is elusively hidden.

‘Secret Weapon‘ from the Minnesota-based indie rap duo CSavooo and TimmyT, shows us a team that make a real statement in this often-selfish world. They ice down the road and show us that their fluid flows are rather versatile, as they cruise in with a sterling display of calmness personified. It feels like these two brothers know where the ideal road is, and are ready to keep on headed to the promised lands away from the horrid pollution of the world.

Stream this new single on Spotify and see more via CSavooo and TimmyT’s IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Sign Was New: Good Morning Bedlam know its time to leave the homely ‘Blue House’

Posted on 2 July 2021

Bringing us the first of eight much-awaited releases in 2021, Good Morning Bedlam take us to a nostalgic place that will have you beaming broadly like a night-lit sky on ‘Blue House‘.

Good Morning Bedlam is a fantastic three-piece indie folk/pop act from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They cleverly fuse jazz and rock into their lovely music melodies, to create a blend of sounds that tastes so good in your willing music palate.

“Blue House is a reflection of childhood. It’s about my parents moving out of my childhood home and how there is a grieving process to leaving behind not only a house, but a lifetime of memories. However, moving forward is a necessary part of life, and it is time to make new memories in new places, and to do that it is time to leave behind the blue house so that a different family can create new memories there. After all, it’s more than bricks that make a home.” – Isaak (vocals/guitarist) from Good Morning Bedlam

Deep down in your soul you feel the efficacious energy brewing from Good Morning Bedlam, as they knock politely on your dusty door so that they may be let into your life, with a breathtaking energy you just can’t say no to. They judiciously turn your frown into a smile – with an effortlessly effulgent nature – which has you feeling so happy again.

‘Blue House‘ from the likable three-piece indie folk/pop group from Minneapolis, Minnesota called Good Morning Bedlam, paints us a clear picture which is intertwined with their common human experience ethos, which drives their music into new levels of unforeseen feet-tapping enjoyment.

Sometimes you just know you need to move on, so that you may grow and experience a new home which you can make your own.

Stream this catchy new single on Spotify and see more stories on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Fixing The Peace: A Broken System sparks up our busy minds with the beautiful electronic debut ‘Lens Flare’

Posted on 13 May 2021

Flowing into nature like a cute butterfly looking for some peace and quiet from this crazy world, A Broken System drops the peaceful debut that will have you feeling positive and fresh called ‘Lens Flare‘.

A Broken System is a creative Mankato, Minnesota-born, Atlanta, Georgia-based electronic producer. He mixes ambient, hip hop, and synth rock into his quality music, to make a tasty pot of intriguing soundscapes for our ravenous ears to enjoy.

You feel the mellow vibe washing all over your body here and the chilled beat has so much loving care attached, as it flickers brightly and shows you where the spark in the world really is at.

This is that type of song that has you putting your pen down, shutting your mind off from the noise outside. This gets you back to a calmer place away from the messy waters of the world, that can keep you from breathing in the world’s stunning nature.

‘Lens Flare‘ from the focused Minnesota-born electronic producer A Broken System, swirls in rapidly like a gusting waterfall, to bring you back to where you need to be on land. This is such a cleverly created song that shows us the massive potential of an emerging producer, who clearly has all the sauce needed to produce that tasty mixture for our hungry souls.

Stream this new sweet-sounding track on Spotify and check out the IG for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen