Browsing Tag

World Music

Bruno Jauregui’s Traditional Mexican Single, Cómo Te Lo Digo, is A Stunning Release of Serotonin

Posted on 21 December 2024

Bruno Jauregui, an artist rooted in Michoacán’s heritage, has rewritten the potential of Regional Mexican music after only a few months in the spotlight. With over 100k streams across platforms—50k in the first month—he’s already proven that earnest storytelling and modern invention can coalesce in impactful ways.

His latest single, Cómo Te Lo Digo, became one of 2024’s most effervescently upbeat productions by freeing expressive inhibitions and weaving intricate layers of sound into every corner of its arrangement.

Expect more than just Spanish guitars strumming in well-worn patterns; this track embraces folk elements to break any lingering monocultural mould. Its meticulously vibrant construction creates a textural depth, while the iridescent vocal lines brim with soul. There’s an unmistakable sense of Bruno’s dedication as each note reverberates with both tradition and fresh perspective. He refuses to settle for the expected, choosing instead to let these diverse influences flourish until they feel as natural as sunlight.

If you want to serenade yourself with the sound of eternal summer, sink into Cómo Te Lo Digo, a stunning release of serotonin (literally and figuratively).

Stream Cómo Te Lo Digo on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Thalia Jailene spun emotion into rhythmic gold with her standout single, Sueñitos

Posted on 9 December 2024

Thalia Jailene’s latest single, Sueñitos, weaves hypnotic rhythms straight into the soul. From the opening notes, choppy staccato reggae guitars tease the senses, making way for warm flamenco licks that unravel through the vibrant sonic fabric. Thalia’s smooth, serotonin-laced vocals glide effortlessly over the textured layers, delivering an exotic and arcane soundscape that feels as seraphic as it is unique.

The Latina singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and music educator, now based in North Carolina, demonstrates her ability to blend her eclectic influences—from Paramore and No Doubt to Amy Winehouse and Bob Marley—into a sound that transcends genres. Her self-described “music alchemy” transforms raw emotions into an intoxicating mix of pop, rock, and reggae, with Sueñitos embodying her commitment to organic euphoria while the rest of her discography attests to how she never shies away from darker themes.

Hi play and prepare for full immersion as your senses are flooded with colour.

Sueñitos is available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kuwaisiana – Gentrification: A Sonic Molotov Aimed at Cultural Erosion

Posted on 27 September 2024
https://soundcloud.com/kuwaisiana/gentrification-aug-mix/s-GGnNrQ0jOK2?in=kuwaisiana/sets/mishriff-ep//s-hQHummCrWZD

Seattle-based trio Kuwaisiana aren’t pulling any punches with their latest release, ‘Gentrification’. From the opening Arabic howl of angst, the band tears into the cold, clinical destruction of cultural roots with brutal fury. As the track shifts gears into English, it doesn’t lose an ounce of its venom. Instead, it hammers home the visceral reality of gentrification – not as a polite reshuffling, but a full-scale assault on heritage and identity.

The track’s aggressive blend of grunge, hardcore, and post-punk catapults Kuwaisiana to the frontlines of protest music. Forget the half-hearted rage of your typical punk track; this is pure, unadulterated chaos. With riffs that cut like jagged glass and rhythms that hit like a riot, ‘Gentrification’ feels like a sonic Molotov hurled at the forces that reduce communities to dust. The gnarled vocals alone could level cities, calling back to the uncompromising energy of Bad Brains and Dead Kennedys.

The lyrical narrative is equally ferocious, painting a vivid picture of the hollowed-out ruins left by gentrification. The reference to ‘Disneyland nose jobs’ alludes to how Kuwaisiana aren’t just on the money, they’re holding the monopoly in the punk scene.

The haunting opening image sets the tone for a journey through displacement, exclusivity, and transience. +Aziz’s Kuwaiti-American identity bleeds through every note, making the track a gut punch for anyone who’s watched their cultural landscape get obliterated by the greed of the powerful.

Gentrification will reclaim the airwaves when it officially releases on September 27; stream the single on SoundCloud first.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Scene by Scene: Shah Brielle’s Cinematic Sound in “Issues”

Posted on 19 September 2024

Shah Brielle injected filmic sophistication into the sphere of contemporary RnB with her latest single, Issues. With echoes of Latin guitars interwoven into the lush production, the Chicago singer-songwriter orchestrated a vignette which mirrors the tremulous journey through love’s intricate labyrinth. Her powerfully crystalline harmonies resound as a beacon through the fog of emotional turmoil, articulating the push and pull of a love that’s as intoxicating as it is flawed.

The track unfurls like a cinematic narrative, each lyric threading deeper into the listener’s consciousness, much like waiting for a film’s climax with bated breath. With lyrics such as “Will I continue to swim through the flood to find your flame?” she encapsulates the desperation and determination of clinging to a flickering hope in love. This emotional odyssey is paralleled visually in a gripping music video that portrays a groom’s resolve as his wedding day unfolds with unexpected trials, prompting viewers to question the resilience of love.

After breaking onto the Chicago music scene in 2013, Shah Brielle has amassed a loyal following with her syntheses of world-music-heightened RnB and soul, which reflects her adoration for icons like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.

Stream the official music video for Issues which premiered on September 6th on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Embracing Diversity: Tora Woloshin Celebrates Togetherness in ‘Unity

Posted on 27 August 2024
Tora Woloshin

No one will divide and conquer in Tora Woloshin’s name after the soulstress released her exotically melodic melting pot of sonic culture ‘Unity’. The fusion of afrobeat rhythms, Latino flair, pop hooks and fiery-with-soul RnB harmonies unravels as a sensuously fresh exposition of how sweet it is to live and love when you look at the world through a lens of pure acceptance and understanding.

With “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change” worked into the fuel-for-the-soul lyrics, the LA-born, Arizona-raised artist gave her listeners a steadfast compass for any time they feel lost amidst the chaos of our ever-divisive world.

With Unity, Tora Woloshin not only became an embodiment of harmoniousness; she proved her mettle as one of the most inspiring voices on the airwaves with a single which is a culmination of her worldly experience, which may have been pierced by painful traumatic experiences, but she’s living and breathing proof that triumphing and thriving over adversity is always possible.

After cutting her teeth at the age of 15 in her first band, an audition on American Idol and X Factor showed the world what she was made of; she may not have gone all the way in the competition, but she was a certifiable success, evidenced by her sold-out album release show shortly after filming, interest in major labels, collaborative work with Jim Jones and Timbaland, and opening for Flo Rida, Pink, and Method Man.

Unity will be available to stream on all major platforms on August 27 via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Catch the fever of euphoria in Bekah Wilbourn’s sophomore single, Lost in Colombia

Posted on 13 August 2024

Bekah Wilbourn took the Latino Pop scene by storm with her cinematically melancholic debut single, Go Numb. On the 19th of July, the airwaves witnessed a different side to the songstress with the unveiling of her sophomore single, Lost in Colombia. Orchestrated as a celebration of multiculturalism viewed through the lens of a one-in-a-lifetime love affair, Lost in Colombia is an instantly infectious fever of euphoria.

As the strident horn stabs meet the mesmeric rhythm of the Latin percussion, a carnivalesque energy sweeps across the panoramic production which enshrines the El Paso-based artist’s expansively arrestive vocals that embody vitality.

In a time when it feels as though division is eroding connection, Bekah Wilbourn did so much more than simply contribute to the airwaves with Lost in Colombia, she served a reminder that, unlike prejudice, love knows nothing of borders.

In her own words,

“Lost in Colombia tells the heartfelt story of a journey driven by love and cultural immersion. The song’s narrative explores a deep, personal connection where the protagonist finds herself yearning to embrace the Colombian culture and lifestyle after meeting a lover in Colombia. The lyrics reflect her desire to step out of her comfort zone and fully integrate into his world, longing to be lost together in the enchanting and magical city of Colombia.”

Lost in Colombia is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: London’s Princess Wonda continues to hold dominion over Afro-Fusion with the sensuously soul-awakening rhythms in Shooby Doo’

Posted on 6 July 2024

London’s Princess Wonda reached the pinnacle of luxuriant radiance with her latest installation of Afro-Fusion, Shooby Doo. With melodies which wash over you with sublime elegance, harmonious harmonies and rhythmically kinetic grooves, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more elevated release than this.

The sensuous, sun-kissed, and sublime on the senses single fuses traditional African instrumentation with elements of modern dancehall and an aura of lush transcendence to envelop the listener in a sense of soul-awakening serenity. The UK-born Nigerian Afro-Fusion icon’s radiant presence shines through, making it an emotionally euphonious experience that surpasses sound.

Recorded at Pirate Studio, with engineering by Dami Bones and production by Mofizzay and Mr Marz, Shooby Doo is set to be the rhapsodic sound of the summer. It’s a testament to Princess Wonda’s artistry, celebrating Afrobeat’s rich cultural heritage while inviting listeners to rekindle their zest for life.

Princess Wonda, known as the “Queen of Afro-Fusion,” continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat with this release, shattering stereotypes and championing the role of women in African music. With multiple UK chart entries, including two number ones on the UK World Music Chart and a sold-out headline show in London, she has established herself as a formidable force.

Following her successful debut album, Fantasy Fair, and her hit singles, Bust My Mind, and My Body, Shooby Doo adds another sublime layer to her impressive repertoire. As we look forward to her upcoming EP in 2024, Princess Wonda’s journey remains as promising as ever.

Princess Wonda Said

“The inspiration behind ‘Shooby Doo’ stems from a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Afrobeat and the dynamic energy of contemporary music. The lyrics resonate with themes of love, passion, and pleasure, inviting listeners to embrace the positive energy as the pulsating beats and sultry vocals capture the aura of joy and celebration.” 

Shooby Doo was officially released on July 5th, stream the single on Spotify and Soundcloud now.

To ensure you never miss a release, follow Princess Wonda on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joanne Louise’ standout score, The Avenue, is a refreshing sojourn through jazz fusion

Posted on 5 May 2024

With her standout score, The Avenue, the rhythmically intuitive composer Joanne Louise captured a distinctive space within the jazz sphere, presenting an easy-listening single that smoulders with classical sensibility and innovative flourishes.

This piece is a testament to the breadth of the Pittsburgh-born artist’s musical education and the depth of her creativity; Louise’s training at The Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia evidently informs the sophisticated orchestration of the track. Her ability to weave hip-hop nuances into the fabric of world music, without overshadowing the jazz foundation, speaks to a refined compositional skill.

The Avenue” itself is an engaging paradox. It is rooted in tradition yet feels entirely contemporary, thanks to Louise’s daring genre amalgamative style. The result is a simmering blend that respects its jazz heritage while introducing an eclectic mix of sounds that serenade the ear and envelop the soul in a lush auditory reprieve.

Stream The Avenue on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mystic Rhythms and Folklore Fusions: Musa Stone’s ‘Woman Please Is a Journey Through Sonic Serenity

Posted on 12 April 2024

Musa Stone added an ethereally mystic edge to the airwaves with the unveiling of his folklore-instilled standout single, Woman Please, taken from his debut LP, Fugue.

By painting from a scintillating colour palette and synthesising swathes of sonic cultures, the level of intrigue which oscillates through the artfully arcane production is off the scale. The celestial timbre of the sermonic layered harmonies feeds effortlessly into the otherworldly atmosphere of Woman Please, which is constructed through Latin rhythms and electronic aesthetics that register as organic as any classic folk instrumentation.

As a truly global artist, Musa Stone allows his sonic signature to span the landscapes that have shaped his material reality. While many artists solely use music as a means of expression or to feed their ego, music gave Musa Stone a home that no other phenomena or place could offer, while acting as a gateway to an emotional world. Hit play on Woman Please, which delivers deliciously imploring soul with a touch of desert folk, and you’ll instantly get a sense of the singer-songwriter’s ability to act as a conduit of the unfiltered essence of the human experience.

Stream Woman Please with the full Fugue LP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Step into a spiritual awakening with DORA GOLA’s alt-folk séance, Humble Your Eyes

Posted on 30 March 2024

DORA GOLA’s latest single, ‘Humble Your Eyes’, is a mesmerising journey into the heart of alt-folk, infused with a deep spirituality that resonates with every note. Born in Poland and blossoming in Ireland, DORAG GOLA’s unique blend of Eastern European folk and traditional Irish folk testifies to her profound connection with music and nature.

The track begins with percussion that awakens something primal within the listener, a call to the roots of human existence. The arcane elements of European folk music add a layer of mystique, enhancing the transcendence of her vocal lines which ascend endlessly to deliver a slice of salvation for the soul and an invitation to attune oneself to the mystical allure of nature.

GOLA’s journey from a childhood steeped in a diverse musical heritage to her immersion in Irish culture and mythology has culminated in this hauntingly beautiful single. Her voice, a powerful and sensual force, draws listeners into a narrative of Earth’s consciousness and human longing. The fusion of Slavic folk, brooding synths, and lavish Eastern sounds reaches the epitome of alt-folk innovation. Do your psyche a favour and hit play.

Humble Your Eyes will drop on March 29th; check out the single on DORA GOLA’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast