Browsing Tag

Nature

snailosaur – Nature:  A Panorama of Eccentrically Untempered Alt-Rock

snailosaur’s seminal single ‘Nature’ shreds through the veneer of indie banality with a ferociously eccentric bite. This single, paired with ‘Kaleidoscopic Mind’ in their double A-side release, is a gritty symphony of dissonance and melody, interlocking the spirits of alt-rock, shoegaze, and noise/art rock. Laced with spoken word, the tracks assert themselves as fierce declarations of style.

Emerging from New York City’s music scene, snailosaur has been tearing up stages across NYC and Brooklyn with their unabashedly raw energy. Following their debut album ‘Talk Therapy’ released in January 2024, the band has etched an indelible mark on the indie map with their sonic scriptures of rebellion and introspection.

‘Nature’ channels the nostalgic echo of The Psychedelic Furs and melds it with the anarchic edge of Dinosaur Jr and the quirky kicks of Pavement as the vocal style, reminiscent of Frank Zappa’s iconoclastic drawl, merges into harmonies that subtly nod to the Beach Boys in the chorus.

The track is a visceral punch of tangled harmonies and textured disarray which peaks with a guitar solo that strips back the layers of grunge to bare the skeleton of Snailosaur’s musical genius—unrefined, unapologetic, and underpinned by technical intricacy.

Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind was officially released on September 13; stream the double A-side single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

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

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!

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

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Monique Angele brings back that tender love and much-needed hope on Sing Together on Christmas

As the sleigh bells ring and so many prepare for a special time of year, Monique Angele shines a light on what it all really means for humanity who just need to feel peace for a few hours on Sing Together on Christmas.

Monique Angele is a much-loved Australian/Canadian operatic piano pop singer-songwriter who loves nature and makes memorable songs filled with imagination.

Christmas is a time where we all want to be together, sing together and love one another. Through difficult times we should all try to love one another and care for each other.” ~ Monique Angele

Showing us where the love needs to be in this time of year when many are rather lonely, Monique Angele sings with so much joy and care which shall warm the souls of so many. This is such an incredibly beautiful effort that is a much appreciated entry in 2022.

Sing Together on Christmas from Australian/Canadian operatic piano pop singer-songwriter Monique Angele is one of the more healing entries anyone is ever likely to hear. There is so much supreme class on offer, which is made with true intentions and extraordinary poise.

If we all join hands as one, anything is possible.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more moves on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Melody Is So Sweet: Jessamine Barham loves that free-feeling in Nature

Inspired by Birdy, Within Temptation, and Regina Spektor, Jessamine Barham shows us her love for the outdoors that shall guide you away from the stifling smokey city that is so far from the peaceful climates of Nature.

Jessamine Barham is a San Diego, California-based indie folk/chamber-pop singer-songwriter and writer who makes beautiful melodies that are rather mood-altering.

Most of my music is either about stories I create or personal experiences or issues I’ve had.” ~ Jessamine Barham describing her sound

Gracing us with something rather special and packed with so much love, Jessamine Barham is rather special and shall hug your ear so sweetly. Everything is so pure and genuine to the max, to help us heal from all the trauma that can only be cured by taking in the beautiful parts of our planet.

Nature from San Diego, California-based indie folk/chamber-pop artist Jessamine Barham is a delightful effort that has been made with that rare class and authentic vibes. Vocally enhanced and kind in every way possible, this is an experience for this whole needs a break from the toxic smog that our busy cities can wrap over us.

When you feel that fresh air inside your lungs, everything in your soul changes for the better.

Listen to this lovely song on YouTube and see more news via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A Tearful Goodbye: Castle KYD pays a fitting tribute on ‘Final Tape For A Dead Plant’

As he Sherlock Holmes-y found the sneaky hidden key and got out of a horrid place he wholeheartedly dreaded on previous single ‘Menagerie‘, Castle KYD rocks the chair and says goodbye to a former friend who couldn’t speak back on ‘Final Tape For A Dead Plant‘.

Castle KYD is a supremely skilled professional escapist and solo indie alt-rock/pop musician who makes a blend of meaningful creative sounds that are totally original and pushes boundaries that helps him to be truly unique.

Created as an Alter-Ego for an adult who never knows how to be outspoken about his inner enigmas—realizing that behind the walls he put up, he could still speak.” ~ Castle KYD

With a sad sigh and a regretful wish that there was more time despite the water stream that somehow didn’t help the flow of life, he sings with a deep affection for a helpless creation that was around during some good times. A peacefully transfixing background has been added to perfection here from a marvelous musician and thoughtful human, who feels emotions more than most. This is what makes him such a tremendous artist – easily capable of pulling on your heartstrings and taking them on a journey to a world above – that is much better than the current pollution-rampant one we all reside in.

Final Tape For A Dead Plant‘ from the tremendously original indie rock/pop artist Castle KYD, is a tear-educing track all about saying a final thank you to a missed plant, who sadly shriveled away too soon. Made with love to a quiet nature-loving listening friend who will be missed, this is a peaceful track all about paying tribute to a short but important life.

Hear this caring new track on Spotify and see more of his travels on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Glad That Its Over: Soulful Nashville artist Ally Westover knows that he was actually the ‘Logistical Nightmare’

After releasing two marvelous singles to date called ‘Lullaby‘ from 2019 and her most recent effort named ‘Oh, Colorado‘, Ally Westover draws us a picture of an unwise ex who foolishly didn’t support her vision on ‘Logistical Nightmare‘.

Ally Westover is a lovably dreamy and fantastically authentic Nashville, Tennessee-based, Colorado State graduate, snowboarder, chip enthusiast and indie-pop/rock artist. She is a caring soul who is wholeheartedly inspired by nature and feeling that real rare genuine energy within her whole body.

After a tumultuous year of change and solitude, Westover is releasing her debut EP, Painted Gold in mid October Her songs poke fun of her struggles with mental health and heartbreak while maintaining an upbeat sense of hope. She writes a lot of her music with her long distance best friend and photographer, Chiara Garland.” ~ Ally Westover

With a flourishing vocal ability that soothes your broken heart and has you totally enraptured by her stunning talent, this is a reflective glance to a moment that leads to that to all-important treasure of self-enlightenment.

The making of the music video was a true logistical nightmare because we shot it on Super8 film which then got overexposed and we had to do the entire thing over again. This includes baking a cake and smearing it all over my face.” ~ Ally Westover

Logistical Nightmare‘ from the highly promising and hungry Nashville-based indie-pop/rock artist Ally Westover, shows us vividly explained story which was carefully stored inside her expressive mind, when she understandably felt so emotionally betrayed by the dreaded ex who didn’t understand or truly care about her vision. After rolling around in her bed feeling sad for a short time, she washed off the bad vibes quickly and did her project anyway. This is a strong woman who has creativity oozing from her hungry veins – and sings with such a pure beauty and purpose –  that is always evolving and trying to be the best version of herself, in this rather lonely world.

Sometimes we need to wonder off the tracks with someone we shouldn’t be with for a short while, so that we then know where we should definitely be in life. The heart always knows.

Hear this highly talented artist show more growth on Spotify and follow her cake-lathering and nature-lovin’ adventures via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

That Peaceful Place: South Jersey act Garden State Etheric brings back the natural feel with ‘When A Ghost Meets A Soul’

With a gushing flow of river-like crystal water droplets to calm the busy brain from all the distractions in this click-quick world, Garden State Etheric returns with his latest single after 2021’s reassuring ‘Hey…its gonna work out‘, and this one is called ‘When A Ghost Meets A Soul’.

South Jersey-based indie Garden State Etheric, is an indie rock instrumental act with a yoga-fused ambiance that relaxes your mind and puts you into a better state than before.

This is the story of getting lost in the trees again, to take some time out of the day to experience the world in a more conscious be-here-now style, rather than rushing around and forgetting to look at the sky. The tasty track has your mind feeling way more calm than before, as this soundscape has you closing your eyes and recalling when things were so simple and not highly confusing.

When A Ghost Meets A Soul‘ from the South Jersey instrumental indie rock act Garden State Etheric, is a striking track that has you in a different state than before, as the energy takes you beautifully back to the stunning parts of nature which we need to remember, are there for us to look after and to find true peace too. Life is busy and full of pitfalls, but this is a track to get away from it all for a few minutes.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more news on their IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

‘Lone Wolf’ from Christelle is a real electro-soaked story about toxic people and staying true to yourself

Lone Wolf‘ from Christelle is a real electro-soaked story about toxic people and staying true to yourself. A real tale of life.

This song is about thinking you are better off alone, you are tired of toxic people around you and just need a break. New friends will come but you need lots of time to be out there in nature, listening only to birds and other animals. Not fake stories and pointless gossip. This is your time to get away and learn to be fully independent.

You would rather we alone than misbehave and be in pain. You like making the decisions and have been hurt before by people that have showed their selfish side and you are taking a stand.

Lone Wolf‘ from Christelle is a quality new single from an artist who sings with such strength, the lyrics bite hard and you know that this is a song that is made with truth.

Click here for the Soundcloud link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

DJ Akawave’s ”Yaquanu” is a live loop Hip Hop wonderland

Edgar Weltens or as he is known in the music game- Aka Wave– is a Dutch music producer and performer based in the stunning sea-soaked South of Spain in Europe. This former bboy is a Hip Hop culture fan, sound design and ambient soundscape lover.

After lots of practice and working out what style of music he wanted play, he decided to go for a technique called Live Looping. This style has worked and organic live experiences is what Aka Wave creates.

Yaquanu” talks about the pain and suffering that stems from our modern world ignoring its own roots. We have built a system on top of nature’s system. The current system does not respect or understand the ways of nature we see suffering all around us.

The new album off the same name is an instrumental Hip Hop album that pushes the boundaries and 27 tracks are set to be released. Aka Wave has been busy.

Yaquanu” is a fantastic song and the video is so stunning that it might put you in a difference frame of mind. In a good way.

Check out Synergic Records as they helped on this release.

Stream this awesome track right here on YouTube.

Check out the Facebook page for more info on this emerging artist.

Nature – Correction: Lyrically Charged Progressive Hip Hop

Nature

Orlando-based Hip Hop artist Nature has recently dropped their lyrically-charged experimentally fresh standout single “Correction”.

If you didn’t feel passionate about the BLM movement before hitting play on Correction, you will after the progressive track has faded to a close. Correction kicks off with archaic hazy tones before the rattle of the Trap beats dominate the mix and creates a solid platform for Nature’s bars.

Expect clean and crisp beats with rapid-fire Rap delivery which leaves you hooked on every syllable in Nature’s verses as the track starts. But as Correction progresses, the soundscape drops in tempo making Nature’s lyrics even more resonating.

With lines like “I’m terrified someone wants to end me” after a lyrical attack on the vicious pious prejudiced minds who reinforce systematic racial oppression, Correction hits insanely hard.

You can check out Nature’s single Correction for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast