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Free Will (VIP Version) by Tally Koren

Cherine Abulwafa
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Free Will (VIP Version) by Tally Koren

Tally Koren’s latest release, Free Will (VIP Version), is a remarkable embodiment of her artistry and personal philosophy. This is an emotional and philosophical journey that reflects resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace life’s uncertainties. Tally herself describes it best: “For me, Free Will is not just a song, it’s a journey about resilience, commitment, and my life purpose to inspire people to make the best choices in life, have the courage to go for their dreams, never give up, and take every rejection to become better.”

The track opens with sultry, rhythmic guitars reminiscent of the Gypsy Kings, setting a vibrant and danceable tone. The stripped-down arrangement highlights Tally’s voice, allowing the emotion in the lyrics to truly shine. Collaborations with guitarist Eric Fernandez and Pascal Magdinie’s arrangements create a rich, layered sound that is both intimate and empowering. The mix by Hez Theo, known for crafting radio hits, ensures every element of the song resonates with clarity and impact.

Lyrically, Free Will captures the universal tension between fear and freedom. Lines like “I am scared to be alone, I am scared of the unknown, but can’t you see that light that reflects on your shadow site” showcase Tally’s ability to express vulnerability while emphasizing hope and resilience. The powerful refrain, “In every step I make… I know my will is free,” serves as a mantra for independence and self-belief, inspiring listeners to unapologetically embrace their own journeys.

The song stands as a testament to Koren’s artistic evolution. Known for her stripped-back yet deeply emotive style, Tally has carved a distinctive niche in the music industry. Her career highlights include performances at the Royal Albert Hall, BBC Radio 2 airplay, and chart-topping remixes that have seen her name alongside industry giants like Taylor Swift and Pink.

With the VIP Version of Free Will, Tally Koren has delivered a track that is both timeless and contemporary. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, perfectly timed for listeners seeking courage and clarity in their lives. This is Tally at her best creative, bold, and undeniably unique self!

This release is indeed a unique vibe; Tally’s Free Will, without a doubt, asserts her creativity with every note and lyric!

Let Me Hold You by Isaac Roosevelt & Timbhai

Moataz Gwaily
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Let Me Hold You by Isaac Roosevelt & Timbhai

Infinitely soulful and charismatic, Isaac Roosevelt’s ‘Let Me Hold You’, produced by Timbhai, is a soul and acid jazz stunner that’s single handedly keeping about a half a dozen traditions going strong, while being an engaging single, sounding fresh, inviting, warm, and truly tight. 

Isaac Roosevelt is a soul musician based in Munich, Germany, and ‘Let Me Hold You’ has been released in late August in support of his studio album Juicy. The cut, and its fantastic production, are exquisite to behold with the punchy rhythms, beautifully balanced and intricate tapestry of timbres creating the song’s expansive and colorful soundscape. A masterful production job by Timbhai.

The single is full of inviting, sweetly melancholic and jazzy progressions that sound rich and familiar with their slick electronic keyboards, tight bass and drum performances, alongside a litany of characterful guitar ad libs, and -of course- Roosevelt’s impassioned-yet-subdued soul vocal part. The progression of the song is smooth and -in spite of a handful of intentionally jarring chords- the song never seems to lose a particular, chic sense of motion that is allowed by a brilliantly dynamic drum performance that is sticking like glue to the rest of the instruments, making the whole arrangement cohesive, dynamic, and colorful.

‘Let Me Hold You’ is an arresting piece of soul that keeps traditions alive. A solidly-written and lovingly performed number, the single is an absolute joy to experience.

In Thin Air by The Jimmy Dixon Group

Moataz Gwaily
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In Thin Air by The Jimmy Dixon Group

Anthemic, patient, and loaded with a fantastic sense of character, The Jimmy Dixon Group’s ‘In Thin Air’ is a charming, soft and stormy, almost-instrumental rock and rock cut that is bound to leave a mark long after it is over.

A group that takes great pride in their valuable and historically significant instruments, the 7 members of the Jimmy Dixon Group all have the surname Dixon, reportedly completely unrelated to one another. Boasting their 1955 Martin D-28 acoustic that belongs to Jimmy, the singer, and the 1959 Les Paul Special that belongs to Chubbs Dixon, alongside a 1968 Hofner, another vintage, 12-string martin acoustic, and a Rickenbacker, the group are one piece short of starting a small museum. 

‘In Thin Air’ heavily featured thunder and rain sound effects in the mix, alongside the roomy and raspy drums, the heavily subdued vocals, buried in the distant storm, and the rock and roll progression that drips with a vintage character that makes the whole song a truly engaging experience. As a group, the Dixons have no real plans with their music, as they state that they get together purely to have a good time and to create, and I honestly cannot think of much better than the ones they seem to be having coming up with their songs.

The loads of character this cut has made it a fine piece of modern time rock and roll, true to the genre in its directness, novelty, rebelliousness, and bold sense of difference. ‘In Thin Air’ is a truly rich listen. 

Alternative Singer-Songwriter Stonehocker Finds Peace Through Acceptance on “Take Everything”

Sistra News Team
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Alternative Singer-Songwriter Stonehocker Finds Peace Through Acceptance on “Take Everything”

Through honest writing of individual personal memoirs, Stonehocker crafts songs that explore and express the pain and joys of life. In a society where mental health issues have become even more prevalent, his goal is to be open, honest and inspire people to have the courage for self-discovery. The musical journey began in a small northern Alberta town and can be traced through the lyrics of the four full-length albums that have been released. Today, the music finds life through Stonehocker‘s sparse Calgary home studio that has slowly come to be.

His vocals are the focal point of the show – complemented by acoustic guitar, underlined by minimalistic beats with samples placed throughout to highlight each song’s alternative edge. All the samples come straight from the recorded music, making Stonehocker’s shows custom and unique. His latest releases are the culmination of years of songwriting and many live shows. Throwing caution to the wind, Stonehocker has poured out his soul and committed everything to the goal of getting their music to those who want to listen.

Latest offering, “Take Everything,” is a purposefully sparse song that allows the emotional vocals and lyrics to take focus. It continues the songwriter’s vein of self discovery and acceptance of what you find. “When I wrote those words, ‘Take Everything,’ it’s like a weight being lifted,” Stonehocker explains. “My burdens broke me. It was inevitable, yet I’m still here to sing this song; because I surrendered.”

This song is about surrender. It begins with the recognition of struggle and turmoil; it acknowledges the lack of control over one’s life. Yet, it leads to surrender, giving over control, allowing for help. I think a lot of people are carrying a weight around, loads of guilt or bitterness or angst. We’re walking alone, despite being surrounded by people, bearing our burdens. – Stonehocker

Auteur Research

Saxy Time (Original Mix) by Bobby Afterlife

Moataz Gwaily
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Saxy Time (Original Mix) by Bobby Afterlife

Addictive and sublime, Bobby Afterlife’s latest single ‘Saxy Time’ is a delightfully peppy display of catchy saxophone riffs intertwined with driving grooves for results that are absolutely infectious.

Chicago-based artist Bobby Afterlife returns with a true banger. ‘Saxy Time’ is a gorgeously produced piece of house that exudes style and warmth. A charming amalgam of conventional and novel musical and production cues, ‘Saxy Time’ is simply a good time to have, even if it does not necessarily break any ground. 

As if crafted especially for playlists, ‘Saxy Time’ is a tune that will effortlessly resonate with the dancefloor, as well as with streaming algorithms. With its rich mix of organic instrumentation witnessed in the clean, jazzy rhythm guitars, and in the characterful namesake saxophone lines, and electronic, high-energy rhythm parts with twisting sub bass and trap beats, the song is a lush tapestry of human and machine generated blissful noise. The simplicity of the composition is what allows the snaking saxophone parts to shine as much. The enjoyable and bouncy bass melody establishes -alongside the 4-on-the-floor beat- a steady backbone that is then populated with catchiest saxophone riffs that repeat, allowing for them to grow familiar and even more enjoyable after a few repetitions.

It seems like Bobby Afterlife is in total control of his craft. Having grown up surrounded and influenced by the house music-rich culture that is prevalent in Chicago, Bobby Afterlife is totally knowledgeable, and capable of creating addictive atmospheres, and ‘Saxy Time’ is a wonderful addition to his catalog.  

Cherry Peach by Ari Joshua

Moataz Gwaily
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Cherry Peach by Ari Joshua

Absolutely inventive and novel, ‘Cherry Peach’ staunchly defies genre boundaries. Acidic, peppy, jazzy, quirky, and wholly exciting, this collective effort of about half a dozen exceptional talents turned out extremely well for all parties involved.

Released under the name of guitarist Ari Joshua, Cherry Peach was created in collaboration with John Medeski and Billy Martin of MMW (Medeski, Martin, & Wood), a legendary Brooklyn jazz trio formed in 1991. The trio of Joshua, Medeski, and Martin was then augmented by bassist Jason Fraticelli, and ‘Cherry Peach’ was produced with Indigo Girls, Duff McKagen, and guitarist Jeff Fielder.

The acid jazz-meets-funk amalgam present on ‘Cherry Peach’ gorgeously bridges the gap between 60s funk, 70s Hendrix-styled blues, and all the way to modern, warm, and effusive acid jazz. The slightly mad distorted solos from Joshua, existing right by the side of his restrained and extremely well colored, subdued riffs, all alongside Medeski’s characterful keyboard riffs, create a melodic foreground that is extremely rich and engaging in its notes and textures. In the background, an uber-tight rhythm section is keeping a solid backbone, made up of Fraticelli’s bouncy and groovy bass, and Martin’s solid, efficient, and joyful drumming.

‘Cherry Peach’ is a piece that displays an extremely confident personality from all angles. Fantastic melodies and performances meet warm and rich production to produce a piece of a singular texture, both in timbre and feel. ‘Cherry Peach’ speaks volumes for the terrific amount of experience its creators have among their respective careers.

 

DPMO by Equation Billionz

Mena Ezzat
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DPMO by Equation Billionz

Equation Billionz’s DPMO: A Powerful Anthem of Truth and Resilience

The London-based Equation Billionz isn’t only delivering a unique hip-hop single but also an important topic that I believe, relates to all of us. Well, let me tell you more about his latest DPMO single and music video.

Even though hip-hop isn’t typically my go-to genre, I firmly believe that artists from outside the US music scene bring a distinct flavor to the table. Equation Billionz delivers an extraordinary theme and musical experience in under three minutes, as he shares a significant moment in his life. He reveals what it truly means to express his truth while remaining unaffected by the opinions of others.

In “DPMO,” Equation Billionz channels genuine emotions into powerful lyrics, turning pain into empowerment. Known for his storytelling prowess, he offers a deeply personal and relatable narrative, inviting listeners to embark on his journey as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience. Additionally, the music video deserves high praise as a crucial element of the track’s success. I appreciated its simplicity in filming and production, yet it cleverly captivates viewers. The video highlights his raw energy and distinctive persona, creating a strong impression as he confidently embraces the spotlight. With its vibrant visuals and engaging storytelling, the DPMO video truly captures the bold essence of the song.

As I previously noted, I have a preference for hip-hop artists beyond the American music scene. Additionally, I want to highlight my belief that UK artist Equation Billionz is destined to become one of the most influential hip-hop artists in the world soon.

 

STONEFRENGE: Black in Space by ZOOLOOK®

Mena Ezzat
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STONEFRENGE: Black in Space by ZOOLOOK®

ZOOLOOK’s STONEFRENGE: Black in Space: A Cosmic Fusion of Sound, Story, and Imagination

It has been some time since I encountered such a rich blend of diversity and creativity in an electronic music release. ZOOLOOK® has truly captivated audiences with his album STONEFRENGE: Black in Space, offering not just a new musical experience but also a visual journey to envision and enjoy simultaneously. Allow me to elaborate further below.

Musically, this album features nine tracks that showcase a rich variety of downtempo, chillout, and ambient elements, infused with creative electronic techniques. It also incorporates clever influences from reggae, dub, and even funk. I appreciated how each track unfolds at its own pace, a refreshing change from the hurried nature of many recent electronic releases. The melodies and beats are essential to the album’s success; they are thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. Additionally, I must commend the mixing and mastering, which are truly remarkable.

While enjoying STONEFRENGE: Black in Space, you’ll observe that the San Francisco-based artist draws significant inspiration from legendary figures like Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, Moby, Kitaro, and Hans Zimmer. However, what stands out is how he incorporates his unique qualities into the music, creating a distinct sound that reflects both homage and individuality.

Now, envision an exciting new realm of music creation that features a narrative about guardians of the galaxy facing earthly dangers. Absolutely! Soul Rebels serve as our animated hero, teaming up with their partner ROXANNE to safeguard our galaxy, alongside HAL-LE, the AI Astronaut Assistant for the SR-420 spacecraft. This concept is truly UNIQUE!

The concept is based on a video as the first of a series of animated music videos featuring ZOOLOOK and his partner, ROXANNE, as animated characters called Soul Rebels. These characters are employed by a top-secret organization called IRIE (Intergalactic Rebels for Interstellar Exploration) that monitors terrestrial threats. They travel the galaxy in their spacecraft called the SR-420, protecting the Universe from the SKUM (Terrestrial Threats) of the Earth.

ZOOLOOK highlighted that the standout tracks from the album are “Natural High” and “Rockers,” while “We Come in Peace (And Love)” stands out as a personal favourite. After listening to the album, I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. It’s not often that I find myself writing a review where I have no criticisms about the music. In conclusion, ZOOLOOK is not only an exceptionally talented artist but, mark my words, will soon emerge as one of the most influential figures in our contemporary music scene. Cheers to that!

 

Call It by Sunset Salore

Mena Ezzat
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Call It by Sunset Salore

I’ve always believed that simplicity has a universal appeal, especially when it’s enhanced with a touch of creativity. Sunset Salore has unveiled her captivating single “Call It,” which made its exclusive debut on AAA Backstage on July 12, 2024. This track has not only charted on both the World Indie Music Chart and the European Indie Music Chart, but it has also become the most streamed song on her EP. Allow me to share more details.

With its innovative music video, captivating melody, and catchy chorus, “Call It” quickly caught my attention. This song offers a distinctive blend of alternative and dark pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Florence & The Machine, Meg Mac, and Baker Boy, making it relatable to a wide audience. The video features Madison Sewell and Sunset Salore, and it recently earned the Special Award at the Season 16 Europe Music Video Awards. Additionally, I must acknowledge the contributions of Adi Ringma and Bec Marshall in videography, directing, production, and color grading, which resulted in a stunning music video that stands out as one of the best I’ve encountered this year.

The combination of the melody, songwriting, and her emotive, powerful vocals makes this track truly captivating, especially as it touches on the relatable theme of micro-moments in a relationship that leads to dissatisfaction, ultimately resulting in the choice to end it. The song embodies a sense of assertiveness and empowerment that arises from recognizing one’s worth. “This song is about addressing all the little micro-moments in a relationship that don’t stack up anymore, and in that moment, deciding to call time on everything. Essentially, it’s saying, I’ve had enough with the status quo – this isn’t good enough, I deserve better. I wanted this track to convey the assertiveness that comes with that acknowledgement, and to feel powerful in that moment. “ – Sunset Salore

“Call It” is featured on her newest EP, “Love Kills the Monsters,” which can be found on all major online stores and streaming platforms.

Lyrical by Paul Cafcae

Cherine Abulwafa
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Lyrical by Paul Cafcae

Paul Cafcae’s “Lyrical” takes listeners on a journey into the depths of vulnerability, offering a stark contrast to the high-octane grit of his previous single, “You Cannot Get to Heaven.” As the fourth release from his upcoming album, this track shifts from social satire and punk-rock punch to an intimate, minimalist ballad that feels like a quiet rebellion wrapped in love.

With a stripped-down production anchored by gentle, fingerpicked guitar and subtle percussion, “Lyrical” creates a serene space for Cafcae’s raw and poignant vocals to shine. His voice carries an emotional intensity that feels almost cradle-like in its ability to comfort, soothe, and transport. It’s a bold departure, but one that demonstrates Cafcae’s versatility not only as a musician but as a storyteller.

The song’s poetic lyricism, with lines like “We’ll have all the time in the world for romance from dawn to the lavender twilight,” paints vivid scenes of escapism and love. Yet beneath the tender melodies lies Cafcae’s signature defiance; a refusal to conform to societal expectations, wrapped in a message of authenticity and human connection. The refrain, “All the same, I am coming to take you away,” feels both romantic and revolutionary, a quiet protest against the constraints of the material world.

“Lyrical” is without a doubt an anthem of emotional rebellion, proving that Cafcae’s artistic courage extends beyond genre boundaries. It’s a soft yet powerful reminder that sometimes, the loudest messages are delivered in whispers.

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