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Who Shot Them Down by Robbie Rapids

Viola Karmy
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Who Shot Them Down by Robbie Rapids

Three Gwinnett County police officers were murdered in the early morning hours of April 17, 1964, off Arc Road, or Arcadia Way. If you’re a Millennial who forgot about this famous bullet-shot execution, or a Gen Z who hasn’t heard of it, you’ll learn the entire story in “Who Shot Them Down” while enjoying Robbie Rapids’ rocking sound.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based skilled musician, Robbie Rapids, conveys the good old rock ‘n’ roll in his sound. His music is described as jangly pop-rock and it has classic vibes with a funky flavor. His latest single, “Who Shot Them Down” is a collab with the prime musician, David Levene. The single was released in April, the same month as the tragic shooting incident known as “The Dark Days of April 1964.”

The single carries vintage vibes in both the story and the sound. The intro has a fast pace that’s ear-appealing and engaging. The guitar grooves, clean bass lines, dynamic percussion, and vivid keyboard notes all complement each other to give a funky vibe and a genuine rock sound. The melody is catchy and Rapids’ storytelling puts you in the middle of the scene and entices you to want to know the rest and enjoy the outstanding singing with his melodic tone and exceptional performance.

The lyrics adroitly tell the story in an interesting sequence and make you sympathize with a woeful event that happened fifty-eight years ago. It may seem contradictory to tell a tragic murder in an upbeat rhythm, but let’s face it, most of us today won’t hear about it any other way. So, what Robbie Rapids did hear is making us care deeply about three great cops who were murdered by three savage murderers.

If you’re looking for a solid rock single with exquisite songwriting and production. Look no further, and enjoy “Who Shot Them Down” below.

 

YOU HAD TO BE THERE by VALLEY GIRL

Sarah Elzanaty
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YOU HAD TO BE THERE by VALLEY GIRL

Leaving home from where you were raised and grew up is quite difficult, an artist who overcome those hardships who came from a small town in Northern California “VALLEY GRL”, effortlessly created an awesome album “You Had To Be There…” with sick rhythmic beats that were released to the world on 11th of May, 2020 putting all her emotions to the album.

One of my favorites that I listened to throughout this album are “Lost Inside My Head” & “End of the day” which describe every person day who struggles with their depression and anxieties, depending on each person who always feels comfortingly anxious because you keep thinking and hoping for a particular soul to understand that you need their support. She mentioned that she created the lyrics of this album after what she went through in her 9-year relationship. Having those bad thoughts described as demons inside is so relatable for the feelings we have during the day fighting it and the album gives you an understanding that you’re eventually not the only one fighting and don’t forget that you’ll find the light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Also, “Self Sabotage” that I added to my playlist came from a wild girl with words one can relate to with the sick beats and sing along with it from the first words saying “Lately I can feel my bridges burn, but I was told that we live and learn”, those words are on point.

No need to mention the rest of her music in this album is dope that is worth listening to.

“VALLEY GRL” didn’t have any professional training in music that got her to work with but she had the words and that got the meaning out of it that connects her to the listeners. Working with multi-winning grammy producers (Bryan Bliska & Nobu Sounds) she will be a rising star with her immense talent.

Lab Rat by Temperature Falls

Moataz Gwaily
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Lab Rat by Temperature Falls

Temperature Falls is a Norwegian duo of electronic/experimental music that heavily summons to mind Massive Attack and TV on the radio.

In this foray we find the duo venturing into a darker than usual path, utilizing chorused vocals and distorted drums, and other sputtery sound effects to truly bring to mind the image of a toxic laboratory. 

This industrial little song features little to no melody and relies instead on the rhythm. The pentatonics used by singer Camilla provide predictable vocal melodies. But the delivery is sharp and adventurous and doubled with the words and the general atmosphere we get a healthy snack of out-of-the-box pop.

Agreed, it might not be for everybody. But that’s what lab rats are for right? Experiments.

Take On Me by The Magic Epic

Hazem Mahani
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Take On Me by The Magic Epic

“Take On Me (The Magic Epic Version)” is singer/songwriter The Magic Epic and producer Andy Brook’s take on A-ha’s song released in 1985. I always liked this sort of remakes as they say a lot about the artist’s vision and sound. They took the original upbeat tune and turned it into their very own thing. Turning the song’s main melody into a sweet soothing piano melody while adding subtle guitar melodies gave it a whole new feeling. They didn’t stop there, tuning down the vocal melody into a dreamy one using The Magic Epic’s vocal abilities and range to channel a lot of emotions had a great impact on me as a listener giving the lyrics a new perspective, especially when combined with the orchestrations he added. One of the most interesting things about this remake is its arrangement, the way the piano and guitar took parts in building the mood and melody without any of them taking over the other, and how both were joined in a smooth conversation around the middle of the song before it escalates toward the ending sent shivers to my spine as I listened to it over and over.

“Take On Me (The Magic Epic Version)” shows a lot of character. It’s a challenge because it’ll always be compared to the original song and from my humble POV, it’ll definitely hold its ground. It shows a good sense of melody, character, and a lot of faith in their abilities. I’m really glad I had to review it and will be keeping an eye on future releases. Cheers, and waiting for more.

You by Anindya Mukherjee

Hazem Mahani
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You by Anindya Mukherjee

Everyone tends to flex his songwriting abilities but when it comes to love songs, nothing hits more than writing a simple and sincere piece and that’s what Anindya Mukherjee did on his latest single “You”.

“You” is a heartfelt tune full of pure emotions in every note and word carried by Mukherjee’s smooth and fluid vocal melody and his beautiful catchy piano lines. It is a dreamy piece that brings back the memory of a lot of classic ballads that’ll instantly make you smile reminding you of your significant other. With an enjoyable structure, catchy chorus, and smooth progression it shows Anindya Mukherjee’s songwriting, piano playing, and singing talents and more importantly, his deep love that turned all this into such a lively warm tune.

“You” is one of those songs that you’re going to send to your lover once you hear it and will easily take place in your “Love songs” playlist. Would love to listen to more “from the heart” songs from Anindya Mukherjee. Cheers!

 

Interview With Charlotte Hall

Mercedes Thomas
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Interview With Charlotte Hall

‘Hello again’, Charlotte. It is a pleasure to talk more about music with you. We have previously written about your earlier single ‘Telepathy’, and now we are with ‘Plastic Heart’.

Let’s hear first-hand from Charlotte.

  • May you share where you got the inspiration for ‘Plastic Heart’?

It all started with the music; back in 2020 I started listening to quite a few British bands; particularly the big faces of Manchester like The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and early Oasis. One song did get my attention big time, and that was “She Bangs The Drums” by The Stone Roses. It really inspired me to write a song with a more catchy riff, I came up with the acoustic guitar part first that you can hear at the very start of the song. That particular realm of Indie Rock didn’t seem to match where I wanted the song to go, so I did draw some inspiration from Fleetwood Mac. In particular the “Tango in the Night” Era.

  • Despite the song’s topic being about fake personality, boundaries, and toxic behavior… the music is quite upbeat and cheerful. Is there a story behind it?

“Plastic Heart” is about someone who is fake and untrue to their intentions. Actions speak louder than words and I think you can figure out someone’s true motives this way. In this case, it was someone who only flirted to bolster their ego and had no real intention of dating. The song is also about standing up for yourself and I consider it a very good thing to be able to set boundaries; also knowing you deserve to be treated better from past events. I must confess to me it feels sassier playing it live to more upbeat and catchy music; it may have run the risk of being a bit too heavy for what I wanted it to be to write in a minor key.

  • How would you compare ‘Plastic Heart’ to your previous work?

Good Question; for me, it’s kind of going back to my 2018 days when I didn’t overthink the writing process and did it purely for enjoyment. At times I’ve been seriously overthinking the writing process which did restrict my creativity; trying to follow formulas instead of just letting the music flow. From those days I got one of my best songs to date, who knows where this one will go, we’ll have to see!

  • What would be a highlight or more during the creation and production of ‘Plastic Heart’? Any memorable moments?

I think the biggest highlight was the writing process for me; it was from the acoustic guitar riff that the chorus came to me; “You’ve got a Plastic Heart, that you could pull apart.” I was playing around with it for ages, and I finally finished it around six months later; I didn’t force it with this one and just let it come together. I’ve really pushed with some songs in the past and then six months later you’re finding issues with them.

  • “I’ve learned if you’re unsure of your future with music or you’ve lost sight of what you were aiming for, that is the perfect time to take a step back and recharge.”

    This is the answer we got from a previous question about what highlights or takeaways you have about your career. Based on this quote, could you elaborate a bit more about how you came to this realization? And also how do you seek motivation when feeling stuck or unsure? At the end of 2021, I’d released SQUEEZE which is my highest streamed single to date, but I felt pretty exhausted and burnt out by the end of 2021. I planned on taking a break for a week but within those seven days life just blew up in my face; bad news, getting covid which then led to health problems and social media wasn’t helping. The decision to step back was terrifying, but I think if you ever have the thought; “I want a break”, you need a break. Especially if you’ve lost sight of why you’re pursuing it or you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn’t get the motivation back right away, and I’m building back up still. I’ve found that if I do get stuck whether it is motivation or creativity, focus on something else that’s linked in with the music. In 2020, I had bad writer’s block so I composed some solo guitar pieces just so I was still doing music. I started learning more cover songs too, which kicked off a “Women of Rock” series on my Instagram.
  • You mentioned before that you’ve been recording at home due COVID lockdown. Can you share with us and all other music passionate how you found this situation? I’ll be totally honest; in 2020 it was a huge shock to the system. I had just left uni after five years of studying Music, and I had so much drive to get out there and play music. But then in March the industry just shut down, I’m sure I’m not alone in grieving the time that was lost where I could have been playing gigs, maybe even full-time freelancing by now. We can’t change the past but now I’m starting again with a clean slate, and I feel like I need to keep moving forwards now.
    • Follow up Q: Any highs/lows? One good thing that did come out of lockdown was learning to record music at home. It was a bit of a nightmare, to begin with, but now I’ve got the hang of it more. I’m still learning but I can do what’s needed now whether it’s vocal or guitar parts.
    • FQ: anything you would like to share with us about how this situation has impacted your career? And the music industry as you knew it prior to and post COVID? I suppose I had to put my career on hold and work full time during the pandemic whereas I had planned to work part-time on a kind of “gap year” post-uni. I did make the most of Instagram through uploading content there which did get some international followers all around the world from the US to Australia! That may not have happened so quickly if the situation hadn’t happened.
  • Thank you so much for your time Charlotte. To sign off, we would like to know if there are any plans, gigs, or news for the upcoming future that you can share with our readers and us to look forward to?

So I do have another single coming out at some point which is currently underway. I’m kind of feeling this is a good summer release so keep your eyes peeled for that one. Also alongside Plastic Heart is a bonus B Side track; don’t forget to listen to this song too!

Plastic Heart by Charlotte Hall

Mercedes Thomas
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Plastic Heart by Charlotte Hall

Charlotte Hall releases ‘Plastic Heart’, an Indie Pop/ Rock single that marks her 10th track as an independent artist.

The rhythm gets you going and shaking your head right away, as if to celebrate the realization that you don’t need any toxic relationships in your life and you can always say no, instead of going with the flow.

“​​Plastic Heart is a song about someone fake and untrue to their intentions. The song sets an example of putting boundaries in place and calling out toxic behavior.

“Having a solid support network is crucial for bringing the best out of one another and knowing how you deserve to be treated.” –Charlotte Hall.

Charlotte’s vocals, who is no stranger to Rock Era, are dreamy, light, and welcoming. Her voice reflects the passion she puts into her music, the message she tries to get across, and the sound of her work.

The UK-based artist has been featured most notably on BBC Introducing York and North Yorkshire and secured “Record of the Week” for her single “Stratosphere.”

Back in March 2022, we had the pleasure to check out one of her previous singles, ‘Telepathy’, available on Spotify and other major music platforms. Fast forward to today, and we can confidently say she’s one to watch out for.

‘Plastic Heart’ checks all the ticks on the list: a rockin’ tune, a voice that can connect to people, and lyrics with a positive message that encourages self-care.

A Fruitful Tenure by Step Into The Kitchen

Mercedes Thomas
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A Fruitful Tenure by Step Into The Kitchen

‘A Fruitful Tenure’ by Step Into The Kitchen will take you on a six-minute symphonic journey to taunt and trip your musical taste buds.

“Talk about a vibe shift, this otherworldly jam is a true perception-altering adventure, not to be taken lightly.” –Step Into The Kitchen.

This Trip-Hop track goes beyond psychedelic experimentation into a multicolored world of mind-bending notes. The mysterious vocals echo through the slow-tempo music, placing an image of empty street alleys, foggy nights, and neon signs mixing up together.

Just within 2022, we have had the pleasure to review more work from Step Into The Kitchen: in February, we covered their single ‘A Very Different Dessert’, and then in March, we discussed the EP ‘Soups and Starters’.

The experimental sound that Step Into The Kitchen always delivers continues to promise a spatial and dimensional sound that will take you through an exploration of sound levels, contrast, and out-of-this-world experiences.

I Wish I Was Awake by Like Mint

Mercedes Thomas
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I Wish I Was Awake by Like Mint

Dare we say we may have found the Folk version of Nora Jones? Judge for yourselves on ‘I Wish I Was Awake’, the latest album of Like Mint. 

However, one thing is sure: these six songs that clock in almost 25 minutes will pause your life and make every day feel like a weekend morning, where you get to sleep in, sip your hot beverage of choice, and let the hours go pass by quietly. 

“This record is about finding your own voice and looking back at times when you hadn’t found it yet. The realization that many learning processes run like a dream.” –Like Mint.

The music within ‘I Wish I Was Awake’ is an invitation to reflect on life and how all the events you go through shape you to become who you are in the present moment. 

Centrally consisting of a bold, confident, and powerful acoustic guitar, each song counts with the same string instrument as a backbone, and yet each tune is unique and genuine to its nature.

Even with ‘Die Angst’, the one track sung in German, you don’t need to speak the language to get trapped in Like Mint’s haunting voice and remarkable guitar.

In fact, this album is the Berlin-based musical journey over the past 3 years. The songs talk about growing up and finding your own values and attitudes.

“You wake up and see what you’ve been going through and learned. And sometimes you wish you could have been stronger and more observant in these moments.”

The overall music and composition are mellow, easy, breathy, and clean. The sound is fundamental and true to the meaning behind each track as if keeping the messages real, minimal but meaningful, and inspiring a sense of calm and confidence.

 

Take Me by Ohnlé

Sarah Elzanaty
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Take Me by Ohnlé

Who doesn’t love 80’s music vibes added to what we’re listening to these days? The following song was created by the musician, who was born in Georgia, raised in Maryland, and grew up in Houston, Texas. He is the creative artist “Dominyck McCargo” who goes by the name of “Ohnlé”. He creates beating music with a mix of ’80s and hip hop that surprises us by adding in his own sounds and words, as evidenced by his newest release “Take Me” which was recently released on May 27th, 2022.

Exciting to say that it’s a feel-good song with upbeat tempo music with the special atmosphere of Ohnlé’s picks, and who loves the love that emerges with some colorful vibes? “Take me” evokes positive, powerful emotions that get us to connect with one another, telling us a story through his music that touches and connects us in a way that I think is the quickest art form to the soul.

Ohnlé describes his music as soulful and nostalgic vibrating to those music beats that give out a message to show more love, not in an intimate way but by feeling the energy coming from the person’s choice of words and spiritual vibes that are inviting.

The YouTube clip that was added to this music is a visualizing video that gives a great deal of Ohnlé’s vision in creating and entertaining to see the twirls with the colors that were chosen, give the artistic impression of his chilled vibes and the color purple stands out.

The core of making his music is his love for 80’s music, and that’s reflected in his other songs that you can check out: “Close,” “Unity,” “Sometimes,” “Let’s love,” “Fugazi,” “Control” and “Imperfect Man.”

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