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Circles by Clinton N

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Hong Kong-born artist Clinton N released the ambient electronic-dream pop single “circles” from Dublin, Ireland on the 26th of November.

The song “circles” revolves around the idea of being stuck in routines that lead to nowhere, and if that’s not a universal feeling that we all felt at one point or another, I don’t know what is!

In “circles”, there’s no point in an endless pursuit when we end up exactly where we started, and “hoping for some kind of miracle,” as Clinton N sings, but we don’t need to wait for a miracle to break the cycle.

Clinton N himself has traveled around the globe, being born in Hong Kong, growing up in San Francisco, and recently moving to Dublin Ireland. I suppose that moving from one end of the world to another, Clinton N found himself repeating some similar patterns, and perhaps that’s what inspired “circles”.

The production on this track is extremely refined, from smooth and immersive sound design, creative melodic sampling, and massive bass and lead synths. The final mix sounds great, and Clinton N’s singing on this record is heartfelt.

The sampled vocal chops are my favorite element of the song, and they had me playing “circles” on repeat, which I can only say is ironically appropriate.

EP: 33 by Dorian

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Prolific artist Dorian based in Baltimore, US, released a dynamic EP called ‘33’, the new musical addiction that is completely going to smother you with a mashup of different sounds- and a cool surprise too. After his critically acclaimed album: “Dream world p2”. The arrival’, which harbored more than 500,000 digital streams on all streaming services globally, this EP is composed of 3 tracks, and their Acapella versions! Dorian’s new work is really putting him out on the map with his hard work and huge efforts to stay at the top of the creativity mountain. Dorian’s goal is to always transmit his life and personal experience to the listeners in order to completely immerse them in it, leaving a strong mark behind. 

It’s too bad the album is so short and extremely sweet because we couldn’t get enough of the music on this EP. There is no particular way in which we can describe how different each song sounds, and how all of them are totally Dorian! The overall sound of the album is a bunch of passionate and exciting collages of genres and emotions. We’ve got a house, hip hop and acoustic soundscapes all draped into an intense and sexy-looking dress. 

Do ya is the first song on the EP, mastering a fast, house soundscape that introduced vague vocal tunes singing gradually until clear enough to hear, with the addition of intense drums and ambient electronic sound effects. The song has dark undertones that serve a mysterious vibe that fits perfectly into a night scene. By the end, we get an amazing shift into a slower dance mix, with the beat leading with hi-hats. 

The second song, “Blast off”, is a romantic hip-hop soundscape that is very fast, with an uplifting and hyped mood. The musical arrangement includes a melty R&B mood that emits a romantic, flowy sound effect along with small instances of acoustic guitar and passionate vocals. The third song is “Notice me”, with a beautiful and melancholic acoustic guitar soundscape with slow drums and a soft melody. Perhaps it is the most emotive song of all. 

The best part of this EP is the amazing Acapella version of each song. The soundscapes are naturally focused on the vocals only, which make up the musical arrangements and the high and low notes of the songs. They are so moving, hypnotic, and very powerful, especially after listening to the normal recordings of the songs, you really feel how good these Acapellas are because of how well they imitate the original ones! Dorian really went all out with this EP, always proving more of what he can do for the world. 



Wishful Thinking by S J Denney

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Artist SJ Denney based in Benfleet, UK, released an exquisite holiday song called “Wishful Thinking”, on the 2nd of December that will juggle your emotions as you glide into the festive season.  Having a pretty busy year with releasing 4 singles and 2 EPs, Denney is a solo singer and songwriter based in Essex, who fell in love with music at a very young age because of an accidental encounter across some vinyl copies of the Beatles’ white album. He was originally a choir boy and then played some clarinet. This is his first Christmas song ever, and what he really focused on in the song is how to produce a Christmas song that has balance in originality and cliches which calls for an eye for detail and a creative mindset. 

Denney succeeded in making this song sound really distinct from your usual Christmas carol. It can really tend to become boring to hear the same tune and ideas over and over, especially in Christmas music which is naturally overly saturated. The overall sound of the song has a beautiful Christmas allure wrapped up in encouraging lyrical content.  The song speaks about how Christmas is in many ways a new beginning and encourages continuing your life in an exciting and magical way. The best thing about the song is that it promotes Christmas feeling in a way that isn’t hyper-fixated on the event itself but rather what it really feels like to celebrate such a festivity! 

The soundscape is a melodic prop one that is heartfelt. It feels like music from a fairytale. The musical arrangement is special, with what seems to be like a shuffling method of the same melody between the piano, xylophone, and violin that follows the highs and lows of Denney’s vocals. The effect is very beautiful and the instruments are soft yet prominent. Something noticeable is that Denney used the jingle bell sound effects at the very end of the song, something that we expect to hear in a Christmas song from beginning to end. Creative and passionate, this is the out-of-the-box Christmas tune that you’ve been waiting to hear!

 



Tell a Lie by Mikano

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Rising star and prominent hip hop artist in the French and international scene Mikano released a raw and lowkey emotionally striking song called “Tell a lie”, on the 23rd of November from Paris, France. A part of his new EP ‘Akwa l”, which was named after Douala’s districts in Cameron where he spent his early years. This song is part of his more intimate and vulnerable works than his previous work. His first debut was in 2018, and with his eye on the international scope was blessed to have fresh sounds that combine Parisian, African and international elements in one artist. 

This song is about human relationships, honesty, and morals. We see the deep struggle in his lyrics and even speak of needing guidance around the difficult societies in which we live. The overall sound of the song is serious and also energetic with an undertone of confidence and attitude accompanying the shaky topic. The song is incredibly catchy and suits the mood of the difficult topic. With a medium pace, the soundscape is a slow and heavily processed hip hop beat, with the musical arrangement including a harp-like guitar sound effect, a playful hard bass, drums, and a funeral sound effect that is really shaking up the beat. There are female voice snippets and catchy ad-libs repeating some lyrics. We also have to mention some seriously smooth bar spitting from Mikano. Hit this song for a confidence boost that we all make wrong choices! 

 

 

Kryptomarch by Lump200

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Artist Lump200 based in Berlin, Germany will release an electronic banger ‘Kryptomarch’, on the 9th of December. This song is the first single of the “Isles of you” album with the social audio app. Their unique electro-acoustic clash will be released for public participation. Their musical approach is pretty special in that they mention that being in a directionless universe leads you back to yourself.

A true example is an experimental music, this song is a distinct blend of sounds that you will have never heard before. Lump200 really goes out of its way to create something that will be glued to your auditory memory as a special listening experience devoid of anything but originality. The overall sound of the song is magical and electric. It’s like a mix of jazzy, thrashy, and dreamy electronic sounds. It’s like you’re being tickled with the tunes. The musical composition is rich and highly dynamic, with a combination of sounds you never thought existed. There are hints of magical xylophone and windchimes, steady percussion, hi-hats, and drum beats that lead to the medium-paced beat. You will feel extremely satisfied as you go through a wonderful maze of sound with this one!

 

Amazing by Allegra

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London’s new sensation Allegra releases her new addictive dance-pop single “Amazing” on the 28th of October 2022

“Music is all I want to do with my life, I would love to bring joy to people and for them to know me for my talent,” said Allegra. Allegra is a singer/songwriter hailing from London, England; she started recording her original tracks at the young age of 14 growing and developing her influences while making waves with her musical career, one of her most notable singles is her remix with R3hab of ‘Used to Miss You’ gaining more than 1.8 million plays on Spotify.

“Amazing” is a catchy melodic track layered with sweet melodies reminding me of some of Dua Lipa’s songs. With the song’s groovy bass and dance beat, it’s really impossible to stand still and not dance your feet away. Piano chords combined with impressive synths and funky guitars create the song’s ambiance. Having Allegra sing a catchy, sing-along vocal line with her energetic and sweet voice is the cherry on top. The song talks about keeping the party alive without the need for “a special occasion”, with simple rhyming lyrics completing the compelling vibe of the song.

Magic Holiday by Collin Miller

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While everyone is getting ready and preparing for Christmas, Collin G. teams up with Sarah Michelle to capture the spirit of Christmas in their latest romantic single “Magic Holiday”

From Tuscan, United States, Collin Miller, also known by his stage name Collin G., is a singer, songwriter, opera singer, and musical theatre performer studying at New England Conservatory. While Sarah Miller is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from the Mid-Atlantic, United States, she is currently training with the jazz guitarist Dr. Frank DiBussolo who worked with various artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, and others.

The dynamic duo delivers a sweet love anthem infused with Christmas spirit powered by fast piano arpeggios in the verses giving a magical nostalgia feeling. The first verse is sprinkled with crystallized strings, while the second verse is grounded by a deep piano chord. Each verse is sung by one of the two singers, with a warm vocal tone painting a picture of Christmas. While the chorus is a catchy sing-along with Collin and Sarah harmonizing as they deliver the love in the air and unity theme, backed by upbeat drums, sleigh bells, strings, and choir, giving the song its whole energetic ambiance.

I’m Sure by Ayrton Jimenez

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“I’m sure” is the 7th single by Bristol-based artist Ayrton Jimenez and his first record to feature his electric guitar skills. Having played a handful of shows in Buenos Aires, Ayrton is very in touch with his Latino roots and the Latino fans themselves approve of this, as he filled bars and clubs across the city. The new song comes from his love and the influence in his style by great guitar virtuosos and classic rock and blues artists.

With his head in the right space and his hands just on the right notes, Ayrton plays this sensational piece that feels so timeless and ethereal. At first, I thought it reminded me of “More Than Words” by Extreme, and then I thought maybe it’s a little similar to U2-style ballads, and then I was really at a loss for comparisons because of how deceivingly simple this piece is.

There is a simple yet impactful chord progression that the song revolves around and it’s complemented by Ayrton’s sensational tenor vocals to make this a romantic and bright yet slightly melancholic piece. I know that many people overuse the term “modern classic”, but I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I called this song a timeless and genre-less piece that will appeal to a wide demographic of listeners. In all honesty, whenever I enjoy an artist that goes back to basics in the same great way Ayrton Jimenez did with this single, I know the music industry is never gonna be saturated and the listeners will never become satiated when it comes to singer-songwriters making gems with only their vocal cords and guitars.

EP: Come 2 Terms by J-Luv Da Prince

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Rapper and songwriter J-Luv Da Prince released a glistening EP filled with changing, emotive hip hop beats and flows called ‘Come 2 terms’ on the 24th of October from Cuero, US. J specializes in making lyrical storytelling through self-examination and comforting rhythmic poems. His first debut album was in 2009, with 15 projects released, until 2018 when J took a two-year and a half hiatus to think about what he was going to be creating after that. After a lot of contemplation J decided to keep his style, which is influenced by artists like Jodeci, R. Kelly, and Backstreet Boys. 

The first thing you’ll definitely feel after listening to the 3 tracks in the EP is how soft the whole sound of the music pieces is. You feel like the songs easily penetrate the walls of your heart and melt into your veins and you have no idea why. We can start by saying that the EP’s theme is about the betrayal of a friendship. This is from a direct experience from Luv. You can really feel the pain, anger, and frustration channeled in the vocals and music choices. 

The overall sound of the album is smooth, rhythmic, and intense. There is also a hint of an old-school vibe that stands out in the musical arrangements. The soundscapes are mostly slow R&B and faster hip hop, with a lot of juicy bass in tune with the smooth vocals and rapping,  and some piano and acoustic guitar for a more romantic feel. J sometimes sings so passionately in a heartfelt way and when he raps it’s hardcore anger that shakes your bones. 

The songs are a collection of difficult emotions that J Liv set out to release into the world to free his soul and to give us something we can emotionally connect to. Get this EP on for a smooth ride into deep emotions 



Hard Vision by La Biche

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With the countless new tracks released daily, it’s not always easy to spot the odd ones out, but with La Biche; her talent, originality, and professionalism are unmissable.

After the success of her previous single: “Mister” which reached over 17K views on YouTube only, La Biche returns with her 2nd single this year, “Hard Vision” to take us on her personal, exciting, yet mysterious journey. The producer and songwriter’s talents are extensive, where she started as a dancer, choreographer, and model before following her heart and going back to music, her main passion, like her father. The multi-talented artist’s musical style is influenced by: Cymande, and Serge Gainsbourg, with hints of Billie Eilish.

Written and produced by the artist herself, “Hard Vision” is about her journey to defeat her hardships and question her choices while defying and provoking with her lyrics. The instruments buildup beautifully to create a wholesome sound; starting with a distorted-like guitar sound effect, playing a significant motif, followed by the keyboards, paving the way for the vocals to smoothly slide in; giving the song a different aesthetic. La Biche Vocals are the best combination between subtleness, mystery, and seduction. The song is well-curated with a solid structure; it’s not just random sound effects and loops; it’s melodically rich with deep conceptuality and meaning. The track was mixed and mastered by Pierre Luzy (known for his work with Ibrahim Maalouf and Vanesa Paradis) and arranged by Julien Chirol (known for his work with Jane Birkin, M, and Julien Doré). A track, undoubtedly, not to be missed!