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Palette by Night’s Bright Colors

Moataz Gwaily
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Palette by Night’s Bright Colors

It’s a hair-thin line between making professional “Bedroom” pop music, and just… bedroom pop music. Night’s Bright Colors basically lives on top of this line, and in the process, creates a sound that’s one of a kind. Artistic, yet accessible and deeply relatable. Let’s find out more.

Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, Night’s Bright Colors is the solo project of Jason Smith. Having been active since 2003, Jason has put out 8 albums and several EPs. With extensive conceptual themes that span multiple albums, Jason’s music isn’t as simplistic as it first appears, covering deep, touching themes, and spanning the musical boundaries between Pop and Folk with fluidity and ease. Palette is a compilation album, stated by Jason to be an accessible starting point in his expansive discography, and it happens to be just that. An entry point that’s poignant, colorful, and at once full of melancholy, and elation. 

Perhaps it might be helpful to state that a concept that Night’s Bright Colors focused on was that of spending a night in a mental asylum. The visual imagery that the concept brings would be greatly helpful in contextualizing the music at hand, with eerie, hushed vocals, washed-out mixed, and arrangements that explore the polar opposites of concise, clear sounds, and messy haphazard ones. Starting on a point of strength, Blue Eyes/Love In the Asylum has fluttering strums and a very colorful chord progression, and a characterful, double-tracked vocal track that’s going to be a mainstay throughout the album.

Blue Eyes quickly gives way to the contrasting Love In the Asylum. A restrained rhythm with prominent eeriness in the atmosphere, starting from the occasional, gritting sound effect, to the creeping vocal delivery, to an unsettling chromatic passage in the end. The Art of Misdirection is a manic tune that uses the infamous Hit The Road Jack progression. With catchy melodies and a playful arrangement that makes use of splashing piano notes, and a distinctive overdriven guitar, it’s jubilant and equally unsettling.

The coda is a rhythmically confusing staccato line on the piano that leaves a clear mark, which carries over to the next song, Secret Smile. Secret Smile has haunting melodies and an extremely cheerful sound. Dreamy, peppy, and very dynamic, Secret Smiles has mysterious lyrics and a colorful indie sound that utilizes a washed-out palette to create a hazy scene that’s unmistakably indie. 

Portland has a minimal composition with a distinctive sound to the drum line. A minimalistic composition that creates a soothing atmosphere with beautiful lyrics that are half clear and direct, and half ambiguous. The ending features a beautiful clean guitar part that stuck in my ears for a while. Little Lies is a short and sweet Pop gem, with the same distinctive drums carrying over from the previous song. The sound is playful and the lyrics are sweet. One Star Saint is one of the more special songs on the album, with a gorgeous string section and beautiful, loving lyrics that never quite make it clear what this love is aimed towards, making it open for interpretation.

A unique, folkish sound. Collide has a pristine production, a melancholic composition, and eerie, hushed vocals that perfectly fit the vibes. Beautiful Disguise has a folk rock arrangement with pronounced drums and an overdriven rhythm guitar line. The mix is indie and the final result is one of the most simply enjoyable and charming songs on the whole project. Sallisaw has an unsettling intro with a deep, sparse guitar part with a pronounced bass that suddenly gives way to an airy arrangement and a beautiful, driving composition. The guitar work is intricate and colorful, the vocals are still hushed, staying in character.

Woke Up features a driving rock rhythm that’s folky and consistent, with a hypnotic, elongated mid-section that had me lost and not wanting it to end as soon as it did. But when it did blossom back into the main body of the song, it was in the perfect rewarding way I didn’t realize I wanted. A clear highlight. Snow Day is a gorgeous instrumental medley. An ambient piece that’s soothing and delicate and beautifully paves the way for a stunning closer, Family House. In the same key, the segue is smooth and easy. Family House has a simple folk arrangement. With a prominent cello that plays a beautifully orchestrated line and a warm acoustic guitar, both delicately envelop Jason’s characteristic, hushed delivery, and intricate, colorful lyricism.

This album is exactly as described by its title. A palette. A palette of sounds and scenes and colors. The songs are greatly varied in vibrance, character, and mood, but are all essentially a part of the same artistic vision and direction, which is exactly how Jason manages to stay, effortlessly, on the professional side of “Bedroom” pop. An amazing songwriter that deserves a ton of attention and admiration.

Mil Flores by Cielo Pordomingo

Nadine Elwan
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Mil Flores by Cielo Pordomingo

Artist Cielo Pordomingo entertains our ears with an extraordinary, whimsical tune of indie pop called ‘Mil Flores’, on the 1st of September. Based in La pampa, Santa Rosa, Argentina, this song is a real insight into the interesting, unconventional, and different tastes in music Argentina may be hiding from the world. This song is the third single from Cielo’s 4th album ‘Blinkerland’, which is accompanied by a quirky conceptual music video that integrates both elements of fantasy and reality.

The art of storytelling is taken to another level with Cielo. The song talks about a toxic relationship, whose protagonist wants to escape to an imaginary world where she is rescued and filled with color. This song is completely out of the box, serving us a lot of ethereal flavors. The overall sound of the song is glorious and kind of dramatic at the same time.

The soundscape is electronic pop with an exotic tone. The rhythm is slow, and the vocals of Cielo are soft with an edgy tone, almost robotic in a sense that give the song a different taste of storytelling through song. The beat transitions a lot, and the musical arrangement is complicated, with a lot of texture and different sounds and tones. There is a lot of usage of wind instruments, with the flute for a fun touch, and the trumpet guiding the melody. There are also exotic-sounding drum sets that surprise you in the beat multiple times. Notable sounds are clapping sounds and electric guitar sound effects that add boldness to the tone.

From the mid to the end of the song, there seems to be an addition of a  soundscape of violin sound effects that give the song a twinge of oriental vibes. This song is an enriching cocktail of musical experience.

I’m Here Now by PrYmary Colours

Viola Karmy
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I’m Here Now by PrYmary Colours

Some songs begin as the artists’ personal expressions but develop into motivating anthems that others may relate to and be inspired by. Through a peppy sonic barrage, PrYmary Colours is making a strong statement that one should be able to express themselves, be themselves, and refuse to be oppressed.

PrYmary Colours are the duo willing to take us into their own world created by vintage sounds produced with modernity and liberating themes and performances. Their latest single, “I’m Here Now,” demonstrates that they can make fun, meaningful music that offers you both positive energy and an inspiring message.

“I’m Here Now” is a confident narrative with synth-pop flair to manifest what the band’s singer, Cayisha, had to face as a woman of color who grew up in Ireland. The gutsy lyricism highlights the difficulties she faced and how they can serve as stepping stones to success. It’s a personal experience that can reflect on anyone in a society that makes them feel like a minority.

The song discusses the everlasting problem of racism through an upbeat cadence with Italo Disco and Synth Pop sensibilities. It’s like you’re listening to a sophisticated motivational speech in the middle of the dance floor while the bouncy beats move your body and the sincere, sterling vocals move your core.

While we’re enjoying the journey of the retro sound with its echoing bass line and colorful synth notes, we are being taken into a visual daydream where we get to see a student stand up for herself, unleashing her magical inner power and bringing the Pink Floyd lyric “teachers leave those kids alone” into life.

PrYmary Colours are like the party you go home from with a refreshed mood and some clarity of perspective. It’s something that’s better heard than said, so hit the play button below and enjoy the eccentric, vibrant ride.

Lyrics to her song by Andy Louis

Nadine Elwan
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Lyrics to her song by Andy Louis

Brooklyn, US-based solo artist Andy Louis will release a cool and laid-back alternative pop tune called ‘Lyrics to her song’’, on the 30th of October. Totally recorded, written, and produced in his bedroom, this song‘s style is a mix of chill and groovy. It all started with the song being only instrumental for a video on Instagram, but after creating it and letting it sit for months, Andy revisited the song and still liked it, and decided to make a whole song out of it, lyrics and all. Andy started making music in 2015 and is inspired by artists like Daniel Caeser and Photay. Some of the big artists that praised his previous works are Dua Lipa, Justin Beiber, and Selena Gomez.

The lyrics to her song are cheerful song with an upbeat soundscape infused with alternative sounds that tone it down with a chill element. The song talks about a woman who takes on the struggles of life with courage and an open heart. The vocals of Andy are fierce and the lyrics are told like a story. The main sound used as the canvas of the song is a synth sound that creates a soft yet dancey melody. The musical arrangement is made to gradually include different sounds, and the harmony includes a guitar sound effect that changes into other electronic sounds to deliver the same notes which is a really cool addition to the melody of the song. The slow rhythm is interrupted by a really long, mellow, and playful guitar solo. You’re gonna get your chill surge of delightful vibes from this song. 

 

 

Change Your Mood by Gabrielle Sofia

Nadine Elwan
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Change Your Mood by Gabrielle Sofia

All the way from Nova Scotia, Canada, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and vocalist Gabrielle Sofia released a fun and low-key sexy pop song called ‘ Change your mood’, On the 19th of August. It’s her first ever dance release, and the song’s sound was inspired by her own childhood mega pop star influences like Lady Gaga and Rihanna with particular tracks in mind like‘ Fame and Good girl gone bad. She wrote the song with the motive of wanting to create something that makes her feel better, and of course, that will have a ripple effect on her listeners too. 

Change your mood is the literal sound of what that feels like. The song is all about shaking it up and moving from bad or mundane, to good and cheerful. It’s made for dancing, and the lyrics encourage getting up on your feet too. The overall sound of the song is highly uplifting. It’s not your usual pop song because it has the undertone of sexiness and boldness in attitude which is crystalized by the vocalist’s attitude and image. The musical arrangement is rich with a lot of fun vocal tunes that make up the harmony of the song. The rhythm is medium paced and the mood has a contagious surge of energy. Gabrielle’s voice is so strong and she uses high pitch tones. This song is definitely a fan favorite. 



Good Girl by QWEHRKE

Nadine Elwan
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Good Girl by QWEHRKE

Pop artist QWEHRKE based in Denver, US, is teasing us before Halloween with a party song that will be released as soon as the 31st of October, called ‘’Good Girl.’’ This song is really special, it’s reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘’Girls just want to have fun.’’ It turns the tables on the patriarchy, encouraging you in a playful manner to get up, dance, and be yourself.  Qwehrke has a multicultural upbringing, which really made a profound effect on her life. She was born in Guatemala and raised in Colorado. Alongside her musical endeavors, she is the founder of Popcykol, a cyber security awareness company for kids.

If you wanna get up and get groovy all night, this song is a move-buster. To the girls who are forced to be good and obedient all the time, to the girls who are tired of the ‘’too many rules’’  female agenda, and to the girls who just wanna do whatever the hell they want, this one is for you. “Good girl” is all about female empowerment. Here’s to loudly embracing who we are and our own uniqueness, and we have QWEHRKE to thank for this extra push. The overall sound of the song is a positive tone drenched in rebelliousness and strength. The song’s musical structure, lyrics, and vocals altogether feel like a celebration. It just screams free and joyful as you listen to this quirky track. The musical arrangement is simple and like any pop song, the rhythm is fast. The music is composed mostly of magical, spacey sound effects that start slow, with a steady pace of drums sound effects. The vocals are a mix of straight-up singing from the heart and some high-pitched tones. Hit the play button at any party or car to jazz up the atmosphere with Good girl!

 



Wicked by Madison Deaver

Moataz Gwaily
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Wicked by Madison Deaver

Madison Deaver’s latest appetizer from her upcoming album is a song that starts powerful and keeps growing until it reaches dizzying heights.

The Los Angeles-based Madison Deaver has the voice of a diva and the live performances of one too. Already drawing comparisons to greats such as Gwen Stefani’s power and panache and Hayley Williams’s nuanced and refined vocal delivery, Madison seems confident that she’s on an upwards spiral for global stardom. But while Wicked doesn’t necessarily show off her most exciting chops, it clearly shows that the DNA for superstardom is there.

Wicked is a raw and charged anthem that’s full of rage and mystery. The lyrics are difficult to interpret but they speak of someone who’s been wronged and is out to seek some sort of vengeance. The music definitely fits this narrative. A blood-pumping beat that grows more and more intricate and prominent throughout the song is coupled with a shapeshifting and dynamic arrangement that never really settles, sometimes orchestral, and sometimes guitar based and distorted, both colors are executed elegantly and without excess. The singing is extraordinary. The feel and control are sublime, and the range is very impressive, with some backing vocals reaching dizzyingly high notes that show how capable Madison is as a singer.

Wicked is a song packed with neat ideas and amazing performances and real, raw power. Maybe on its own, it lacks some of the elegance that makes a hit timeless, with a production that sadly dulls down some solid lines, and singing that gets sideswiped at times making it hard to pay attention to. Madison is a talented songwriter and an astonishing singer, and I’ll be on the lookout for her debut album, with hopes that the slight issues of Wicked will have been fixed by then.

 

Buckeye State by Kristen Grainger & True North

Moataz Gwaily
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Buckeye State by Kristen Grainger & True North

There’s a wise saying that goes something along the lines of the strongest ones being the quietest. Now I have no idea if there’s an actual saying like that or not, but there should be, and this song would be a perfect example.

From Salem, Oregon comes this song of stark beauty. Buckeye State is Kristen Grainger retelling a tragic true story that ought to make you rethink your rights and wrongs. A story of an Ohio 10-year-old who became pregnant by her rapist, and because of the abortion laws in the state, she was not allowed to have one. The issue of abortion seems to attract a lot of unnecessary attention, with opinions falling anywhere all over the spectrum, from total rejection to the opposite, for all kinds of reasons; cultural religious, and else, and all with perfectly sincere intentions. But there’s nothing more stark than the story at hand. A gorgeous ballad composed solely of Grainger’s husky vocal delivery and a warm, strummed acoustic guitar. The chords are perfectly accommodating, and the guitar sounds warm and rich. Kristen’s performance is also sublime. Heartfelt and full of emotions and dynamics, the tone rises and falls with the ebb and flow of the aggression in the words. A true stunner. The story is also beautifully retold, with a subtle dash of poetry and wordplay that makes the story musically compelling on top of being lyrically touching.

Kristen Grainger & True North have struck a perfect balance with Buckeye State. A dazzling ballad with a serene sound, a soothing atmosphere, and a story that’s ought to make us all rethink the consequences that might follow our perfectly good intentions.

 

Our Autumn Day by Milly Mason

Moataz Gwaily
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0
Our Autumn Day by Milly Mason

Milly Mason could readily be a child star. The 14-year-old from Cardiff has 2 singles out already and they both carry massive potential.

Our Autumn Day, the 2nd release of those 2 singles, sees Milly sing for Autumn Day with her loved ones. A day spent exchanging care and attention, away from those who bring us down, and away from a world that’s gotten too much to handle. A song dominated by the healthy optimism of early teenage years, Our Autumn Day is very bright, both in music and lyrics, so if you’re afraid of the light, consider this a warning. The arrangement and compositions are very simple and flowing, with a driving kick drum beat that, in my humble opinion, needed a lot more snare, and a few sparkly guitars that play perfectly well atop of each other. The true star of the show is certainly Milly’s voice and singing. A capable singer, her voice sounds as strong as any other superstar in the business. Her technique is superb and the accuracy and control speak of a trueborn talent that she has, and her singing alone makes this song worth a listen.

Our Autumn Day is a continuation of Milly Mason’s exploration of her sound and her musical identity. There’s certainly still a long way for her to go, the lyrics might gradually lose the overly optimistic edge, the music might grow more nuanced, and the arrangements might grow more intricate and purposeful, but for what they are right now, they are more than enough. Way to go, Milly, you have an incredible future ahead of you.

Right Wing Planet by Rodeo FM

Moataz Gwaily
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0
Right Wing Planet by Rodeo FM

Continuing the rather unlikely trend of amazing country musicians hailing from Europe, the Berlin-based Rodeo FM has a new single from their brand-new album, Right Wing Planet. The titular song is a toe-tapping slow-burner that would get your body in motion if it weren’t for the rather tragic topics.

Politically charged, the song takes a political stance that’s going to be alienating for a good chunk of its listeners. Not here to comment on politics, we’ve tried to pay our attention elsewhere, and thankfully, found plenty of other things worth taking a look at.

Right Wing Planet is a full-blown Country. Chill, kicking beats, fiddles, banjos, the whole deal. The composition is a very syrupy, optimistic one, broken by a single melancholic chord during the chorus, which might be considered a bizarre choice by some, based on the severity of the words, but in my point of view, this contrast gives a sharp edge to the words, making them more on spot for contemplation, and gives the music a tinge of tragedy that wouldn’t have been so easily achieved if the focus was on writing some sad-sounding music.

The arrangement is simple enough, with the drums, a simple bass, some blazing fiddles playing wondrous, tasty solos, and the remarkable, nasal delivery of the vocals. With a solid mix that puts everything in its right place. Despite the politics, the words are, in fact, sweet. Not throwing any shade or blame on any ‘other’, they lament the blatant corruption of governments and sound genuinely concerned about the state of the peoples, and if it weren’t for the clear political stance, they would have been quite universal.

Right Wing Planet is a sweet, enjoyable, chill song, and if you can skim past the politics, you’ll find a core that’s concerned, worried, and relatable… and we advise that you do this.

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