Category: Vinyl Recommends
Review: Blu & Exile: ‘Below the Heavens’
Below The Heavens is a phrase that immediately strikes one when they read it. Coincidentally, it is the title of the 2007 debut album of Los Angeles rapper-producer duo Blu & Exile.
Looking back at Hip Hop in the 2000s, we can place most popular rappers into one of two lanes. Flashy and “hardened” MCs like 50 Cent, Cam’Ron, Ja Rule and Diddy embody the spirit of the “Bling Era,” an aesthetic that many today still associate with rappers. On the other hand, more eccentric MCs, like Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West and OutKast led a resurgence in the popularity of “alternative” hip hop. Generally, compared to their bling counterparts, these alternative rappers employed more sung choruses and “conscious” messages.
This album answers the question: what if alternative rappers hailing from Chicago, like Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco, were from Los Angeles instead? As the name suggests, this album skillfully intertwines religious themes with the stories and ideas of an exceptionally talented underground rapper.
Vocal samples are littered by Exile throughout this project, most notably in the opening track, “My World Is…”. Sections of Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” and The Dells‘ “I Can Sing A Rainbow / Love Is Blue” where they sing “blue” are used in the song’s intro, chorus, and as ad-libs. Blu uses the song to introduce himself and begin the religious motif the album is predicated on. He describes himself as “a product of a God-fearing pastor” in the first verse and exclaims “and my mission’s just beginning, call it Genesis” at the start of the third.
On the fifth track, “In Remembrance of Me,” Blue is backed again by a vocal sample. The chorus of The O’Jays‘ “How Time Flies” repeats as Blu examines and contrasts his childhood, high school experience and current life. Lines like “At 18, I headed off in the streets without guidance / Just the eyes of God watching over me” provide insight into the details of his life. In the next verse, he tells us, “My mom thought that I was too young to make this song / Because I’m only 22, but John Barnes has a long path behind him.” Just like Nas, whose work is subtly referenced throughout this album, Blu, or Johnson Barnes III, is an artist releasing insightful and layered work. When you hear this section, it really grounds the album, making his realness and wisdom more evident.
Track eight, “First Things First” is the broke rapper’s version of J. Cole‘s “Work Out.” In this playful song, Blu does his best to throw game while acknowledging his lack of money, something that girls would usually associate with rappers like him. The lines, “Now, don’t get it twisted broke niggas need love too / And underground rappers like to chill at the club too” encapsulate the feel of the song. We aren’t given a peek into his psyche like we were in prior tracks but instead, we get to feel his personality shine as he skillfully rhymes and progresses the narrative of the track.
On “No Greater Love,” Blu continues the narrative of the last track while returning stylistically to what we’ve already heard. “Theme From Love Story” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles is sampled, so we hear Smokey sing “there is no greater love” throughout the song. The approach is unconventional, but this is a love song nevertheless. Blu exclaims his love for an unnamed woman and explains the title of the song in the refrain. “Yeah nah, ’cause on the real y’all there is no greater love / People try all the time trying to break us up.”
“The World Is… (Below the Heavens),” track 13, is the climax of the album. Exile interpolates a Nas classic, “The World is Yours.” In the first verse, Blu outlines his journey with religion.
I was trained to be a soldier for God
Blu & Exile, “The World Is… (Below the Heavens)”
But as soon as I used my own thoughts
I kinda got lost in this smog called reality, where hell is a fallacy
And Heaven is a fantasy created by man, so don’t believe in it
You came in here with nothing then you’re leaving with
Nothing so retreat from this world of deceitfulness
But my people it’s time to rise
Realize there’s a heaven whether you think it’s inside or in the sky
Reach for it before it’s gone eternally
And you stuck here below the heavens for eternity
Blu explains that he has had problems reconciling his religious upbringing with the harsh reality of life. We are informed by the rest of the album, that Blu is definitely a spiritual man, but now we learn that he isn’t really a religious one. When interviewed by Passion of the Weiss in 2016, in fact, he said “I’m religious without a religion”. In the next verse, Blu talks at length about hell. So often, people describe themselves as “going through hell” or “in hell” but Blu wants us to understand that “heaven” is what we make it. He tells us, “hell is what you choose to call the present,” and in what are likely the most succinctly powerful lines of the album he closes the track, “So you can call it hell but brah… / I can say I’m below the heavens.”
Fifteen years later, Blu is hailed as a legend of underground rap, and this was the beginning of his ascent. He exhibits so many of the qualities of a great rapper. He teaches but doesn’t preach, he is intellectual but digestible, he has the poise and skill of a star but never sacrifices his bars. As outlined by a 2017 Vice article, the release of this album was botched and Blu’s label went under. Interestingly, that only added to the mythos of the project. With only 3000 CDs originally released, secondhand copies went for hundreds of dollars, a testament to Blu and Exile’s skill, ear for good beats and relatability. Each of these songs is powerful in its own right. Combined with the full and lively production of Exile, Blu’s wit, passion, bars and experience make this album a timeless classic.
Review: Gregory Alan Isakov: ‘This Empty Northern Hemisphere’
I think everyone has that one album that really redefines what music means to them and transforms their view of the world and for me, This Empty Northern Hemisphere by Gregory Alan Isakov is that album. When I listen to it, it perplexes me how I could possibly have access to the same 26 letters of the alphabet as its writers who seemed to select the perfect words for each song resulting in one of the most beautiful, tranquil bodies of work I’ve ever heard.
Starting off the album is “Dandelion Wine,” a song that makes me understand why people say less is more. While the song does not feature a lot of lyrics, it doesn’t take away from the listening experience at all due to how impressive the musical arrangement is and when Isakov’s voice does appear to sing a line or two, it balances it out perfectly.
Due to his unique lyricism, Isakov is able to paint very vivid pictures of the stories that he is telling with his music. His ability to do this is clear on songs like “Virginia May” and “That Moon Song,” but it especially shines through with “Evelyn.” Featuring compelling lyrics such as “There’s an old folk song on the radio / Sounding thin and dark and haunted,” and “And she can’t stand the sight of this cul-de-sac / Like an old crow, king of the lamp-post,” the song tells the story of a woman working the overnight shift in a convenience store narrated to the tune of a banjo strumming in a way that makes it impossible not to root for her.
My first introduction to Isakov was through the song “Big Black Car” and despite the many ways my life and musical preferences have changed over time, it has always found its way back home into my rotation since that fateful day I heard it in my freshman dorm room four years ago. The song is soft, but powerful nonetheless. Featuring lyrics like “You were a miracle, I was just holdin’ your space,” and “The past, she is haunted, the future is laced,” there is a good reason the song has become such a fixture in my life and dominated my Spotify Wrapped.
The albums titular track “This Empty Northern Hemisphere” shows off Isakov’s impressive range as a musician, featuring a heavy guitar and powerful vocals that make the song stand out compared to its softer sounding counterparts on the album. While the recorded version of this song is undoubtedly beautiful, as someone who has seen Isakov in concert I wholeheartedly believe that this song should be experienced live as the full band is able to breathe extra life into the already striking number.
Every time I hear the familiar keys of the piano at the beginning of “Words,” I remember why this album holds such a special place in my heart. With lines like “And I wish I could leave my bones / And my skin / And float over the tired, tired sea / So, that I could see you again,” Isakov reminds listeners what makes him so exceptional as a lyricist with a song that leaves me torn as to whether I want to smile or cry when I listen to it.
Featuring folk singer Brandi Carlile, “If I Go, I’m Goin” shows just how heartbreakingly beautiful a song can be. With stunning harmonies accompanying gut wrenching lyrics like “And I will go if you ask me to / I will stay if you dare / And if I go, I’m goin crazy / Let my darlin’ take me there,” this song devastates me every time, but I will gladly continue to pay that price.
Every time I listen to this album it feels profound; I have heard each song hundreds of times, yet each one feels like a new experience. The songs on this album have been in the background of some of the most significant moments in my life and for that I am so grateful.
Review: Little Simz: ‘NO THANK YOU’
Little Simz closed out 2022 with the release of her fifth studio album NO THANK YOU. Announced just one week before its release, the 50-minute album was subsequently accompanied by a ten-minute short film. Simz, an English rapper born to Nigerian parents, is an independent artist who released her first album in 2013. Now, at just 28 years old, she displays the poise, technical ability, and unapologetic honesty of a much more seasoned act. Backed up by choral and orchestral arrangements, she navigates her disillusionment with the music industry and money, her status as a black woman, and the value of self-worth.
The songs on this project are long-winded and introspective as opposed to the hard and punchy tracks that characterize the UK rap scene and much of her earlier work. She battles challenges on all fronts with several refrains on this album referencing her faith in God.
Throughout the whole album, Simz asks a lot of questions. In some cases, these questions are rhetorical and used to brag and in others, they are devices that help drive her narratives. On the first track, “Angel”, she asks “what did I expect from those livin’ the corporate life?” Disillusioned with the payment structure of the music industry, this idea is a recurring source of anger for Simz. “No Merci” is a double entendre; It is both the French translation of the album title and a blunt warning to others of how merciless the industry is. Simz raps “They want you rushin’ life decisions over a three-course meal / Next thing you know, you’re doin’ free tours.” These lines are especially poignant after she canceled her 2022 North American tour just months before the release of this song because of financial infeasibility.
The West African-style drums on “X” combined with the choir, strings, and horns give this track an anthemic feel. “Been beaten on, we been chewed on / But it happened years ago, so we should just move on” is an eerily familiar sentiment that many in the Black diaspora are told by others. As the track progresses though, Simz asserts the strength in her Blackness and her family, specifically mentioning her grandfather whom she was named after. “Simbi”, a shortened version of “Simbiatu”, is a nickname that only her closest family and friends call her. “Broken” is an equally emotional but more somber track. Simz goes between detailing the ways people hide their pain and uplifting those who struggle with mental health and hope. Her second verse ends with a series of positive affirmations to the listener while her third verse ends with “Why is mental health a taboo in the Black community?”.
The aptly named “Heart on Fire” is an outpouring of Simz’s thoughts and emotions. In the lines below, Simz describes how easily money corrupts just by listing a series of wants.
"Do it for the love, nothin' more Nah, maybe to cop mum a house, but nothin' more Maybe to sort my cousin out, but nothin' more Maybe I'll get the new coupe and nothin' more Fifteen to a hundred shoes, nothin' more By the time you know it, that list never stop growin' And you don't know what you even do this for"Little Simz, “Heart on Fire”
The track, and the album as a whole, are thematically reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. In songs like “Wesley’s Theory” and “For Free (Interlude), Kendrick describes how his love of music has waned as the temptations of Lucifer and the music industry have pushed him to be a more material person just as Simz does.
Simz continues her work with producer Inflo, who has credits on every song from all of her last three albums. Similarly, Simz and Cleo Sol extend their long list of collaborations, with the singer-songwriter providing background vocals on most of the tracks.
This album reaffirms Little Simz’s status, not as one of the best female rappers or one of the best in the UK rappers, but as one of the best rappers, period. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (SIMBI), a contender for the best album of 2021, may not have been surpassed, but this is a worthy addition to an already incredible catalog of music. I feel emboldened by her words and think that the radically different production choices seriously add to the album’s value. This is lyrically dense music, but there is value in playing these songs, whether that be alone and listening through headphones or driving around with friends and bumping up the car speakers.
Review: Samia: ‘Honey’
Samia’s introspective new album, Honey, opens with a delusional, searing confession delivered amidst a somber funeral organ. She parallels SZA’s recent hit, “Kill Bill,” and daydreams about killing an ex’s new lover. In recent interviews, she consistently describes her second LP as ‘pathologically confessional.’ True to her word, the album’s lead single and opening track, “Kill Her Freak Out,” feels like the emotional equivalent of a whimper from a wounded animal and it’s not even the most sorrowful track on the record.
In her next song, Samia flips the narrative on its head. In “Charm You,” she no longer cares to bend the truth for her partner. Instead, she’s cloaked in nonchalance, an evolution from her previous LP’s “Limbo Bitch.” In an interview with Atwood Magazine, she stated that each song builds on the next one, which is by no means a new or novel idea for songwriters, but the ability to reference older works and to build cohesive storylines (and to do it well) is an understated talent. Samia’s take on it is refreshing and revealing. Take for example, the three-song run “Pink Ballon,” “Mad At Me” and “Sea Lions,” which tells the story of a friendship gone awry.
“Breathing Song” is the clear standout from the bunch. It lacks the pop appeal of earlier singles like “Honey” and “Mad At Me” and will likely lag behind in streaming numbers. The unsubtle and brutal lyricism makes it hard to hear more than once in a row. It’s a moving and deeply painful account of what can only be interpreted as sexual assault. Perhaps the hardest part to bear is the song’s circular movement. She teeters between accepting her own reality and clinging to her abuser’s version of the story, denying what she knows to be true. There’s no resolution or solace to be found here.
“Breathing Song” was released as a companion to the title track (“Honey”), which tells the same story from a different perspective. The connection is faint and impalpable; it would be missed easily if we hadn’t been explicitly told so. Despite the dulcet tune of the song (pun intended), she describes this as ‘the saddest song [she’s] ever written.‘ Go figure.
But fear not, this story gets a happy ending. The final songs show Samia finding love and romanticizing the mundane (”Nanana”), serve as an ode to her friends (”Amelia”) and beckon forward an age of hope (“Dream Song”). With such a strong and charming second LP, Samia is set to become an indie darling.
Year in Review: Our Favorite Albums of 2022—Staff Picks
As lifelong music fans, our lives are soundtracked by the records we listen to. Our seasons change with each new album we find and cling to. Our favorite lyrics are often the flashlight’s glimmer that shine during the darkest of our nights. Here, Vinyl Mag’s staff reflects on their favorite albums of the year. How does your list compare to ours?
Jake Feinberg, Staff Writer
- JID, The Forever Story
- JPEGMAFIA, LP
- Smino, Luv 4 Rent
- Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
- Westside Gunn, 10
- Fly Anakin, Frank
- MAVI, Laughing so Hard, It Hurts
- Denzel Curry, Melt My Eyes See Your Future
- Pusha T, It’s Almost Dry
- Kenny Mason, RUFFS
Looking back, 2022 was a monumental year for how I perceive music. I dodged viral TikTok songs and commercial hits to find amazing new music and a deeper appreciation for the craft. Rap music, especially, was constantly changing and growing, like a rap music renaissance. We saw quality lyricism take a forefront, with albums like Melt My Eyes See Your Future, the Forever Story and Frank. These albums found artful angles within the “fast rap” style, creating complex rhyme schemes and flows, but never once taking away from the artists’ emotional narratives. I saw Denzel Curry at the Tabernacle, and watched him perform “walkin”, one of his deeper and more lyrically dense songs from the album. Nothing is as impressive as seeing an artist perform with such lyricism, especially when done as effortlessly as Curry. Creativity in production found further popularity as well, giving space for experimental albums to emerge like JPEGMAFIA’s LP, MAVI’s Laughing so Hard, it Hurts and Kenny Mason’s RUFFS. Each approached rap from a different creative angle, such as electronic beats, complex drums and flows or rock-influenced melodies. At JPEGMAFIA’s show at Atlanta’s the Masquerade, I was blown away by the artist’s solo presence with just his experimental background instrumentals. I am thankful for 2022’s expansive musical landscape that allowed me to branch into newer areas of music I hadn’t anticipated. Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T finally returned, after a five-year and four-year hiatus respectively. They delivered masterfully crafted albums, reminding us why they are still at the top. This year, 10 was another important album, where Westside Gunn demonstrated the power of curation. Collaborating with signees from Griselda, the record label he founded, Gunn was able to create one of the hardest and most cohesive albums of the year. In 2022, artists took their talents to the next level and excelled at expressing themselves, ultimately bringing together a beautiful year of music.
Haley Gilbert, Staff Writer
- Noah Kahan, Stick Season
- Lizzie McAlpine, Five Seconds Flat
- Gang of Youths, angel in realtime
- Mt. Joy, Orange Blood
- Caamp, Lavender Days
- Conan Gray, Superache
- Maggie Rogers, Surrender
- The Lumineers, BRIGHTSIDE
- Matt Maeson, Never Had to Leave
- COIN, Uncanny Valley
For me, 2022 was a very transformative year; I know that’s a cliché, but there’s a reason it’s said so often. During times when everything around me is changing and filled with uncertainty, I often cling to music to keep myself grounded. Thankfully, there were plenty of great options to choose from this year. The albums on my list were the soundtrack to the calamity that this year bred. The year started out on a lighter note, with The Lumineers new album Brightside delicately guiding me through the joys and turbulences associated with one’s early twenties. For the days when I just wanted to be angry and not feel guilty about it, Conan Gray’s Superache gave me an outlet to express those frustrations while sing-shouting along to songs like “Jigsaw” and “Memories,” much to the dismay of my neighbors in my thin-walled apartment building. During the more confusing times, I have found support and solace in the words of Lizzy McAlpine, listening to Five Seconds Flat as if it was advice given to me by one of my best friends. After spending a good portion of my year listening to Caamp’s Lavender Days, I learned that it is a great album to fill the empty space with, but I can also just as easily get swept up into it. As the Hannukah season was approaching, I found myself listening to the self-titled Jewish Ed Sheeran himself, Noah Kahan, and gladly spent all eight days unwrapping the gifts he gave the world with his album Stick Season. For all the short days, long nights, and moments in between, the albums on this list carefully and purposefully filled those gaps with glimpses of heartbreak, happiness, and immense awe at what these artists were able to convey with their music. As the year is coming to an end, so is a chapter of my life, and I am grateful it had such talented narrators.
Buket Urgen, Editor-in-chief
- Beyonce, Renaissance
- Taylor Swift, Midnights
- MUNA, MUNA
- Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
- Charli XCX, CRASH
- Lucius, Second Nature
- Rina Sawayama, Hold the Girl
- Angel Olsen, Big Time
- Little Simz, No Thank You
- ROSALIA, MOTOMAMI
My 2022 played out in two acts. Act one—I rounded out my final college semester culminating with graduation. As I went through the motions of preparing for post-grad life, leaving no stone unturned as this incredible chapter came to a sudden, cathartic but ultimately somewhat anticlimactic ending, I was comforted by wildly fun and equally cathartic tunes (CRASH, Second Nature). Act two—post graduation calm followed by me moving abroad. Everything from the scenery to the supporting roles shifted into new territory, which is nothing if not nostalgic. Music became an easy, necessary escape when I couldn’t find the words to communicate in my new everyday language. Naturally, I relied on new music by old favorites (Midnights, MUNA, Hold the Girl). Although, Midnights was a controversial one for me. It features some of Swift’s strongest work (‘Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve,’ ‘You’re on Your Own Kid’) and some of her worst (Vigilante Shit) and also her most average. But alas, her chokehold on my Spotify Wrapped (and me) persists. On a final note, Beyonce’s Renaissance was the strongest album of the year. In the year of house music revival, Beyonce (and her many collaborators) created the perfect one that kept me dancing all summer long. My only complaint is that it wasn’t released sooner.
February Fortunes – Who We’re Watching in 2022
Vinyl Mag staff names nine artists that they’re keeping an eye on in this most transcendent year.
1. Nija
Nija is well-known in the industry as a songwriter and producer. She’s been writing songs for big-name artists since she was 20 years old. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Summer Walker, Cardi-B, Ariana Grande—the list goes on and on. In 2019, she was featured on a track on The Lion King: The Gift alongside Beyonce. In 2021, she finally released a trio of her own singles. Her solo work features her warm voice in silky R&B tracks. There’s a lot to look forward to in a potential full-length album from her. Luckily, she’s been teasing upcoming projects on her Instagram. By Buket Urgen
Listen to: “Ease My Mind (Come Over),” “Finesse,” “On Call”
2. Allison Pontier
Fairly new on the scene is Texan Allison Pontier. She has a transfixing voice with a southern accent that peaks through at select moments which meshes beautifully with how she embraces her roots in her songwriting and overall image. After a string of singles, she released a short EP in 2021. Even before she had released any of her own work, Lord Huron liked her voice so much, he asked her to be on a song with him. By BU
Listen to: “Cowboy,” “Late Bloomer,” “Hell Is A Crowded Room”
3. Pom Pom Squad
Mia Berrin began performing under the name Pom Pom Squad in 2015 when she was just 18 years old. Since then, Pom Pom Squad has transformed into a fully fleshed-out pop-punk band, and they released their debut album Death of a Cheerleader in 2021. The band is crafted around cheerleader aesthetics. However, Pom Pom Squad subverts the typical cheerleader image applying its femininity (the glam, the artifice, the attitude) to ideas that rarely co-exist in the cannon of cheerleaders like queer love.
The result is an authentic reflection of punk and a version of cheerleading that feels freer in its dismissal of everything we believe cheerleading is supposed to stand for—an accomplishment the likes of which Olivia Rodrigo hoped to achieve with “good 4 u.” A carefully crafted homage to punk DIY is, at the end of the day, a re-appropriation of its aesthetics rather than a true embrace of its original intent. But, I’ll step off my pedestal for now. You can catch Pom Pom Squad on tour right here. By BU
Listen to: “Head Cheerleader,” “Lux,” “Crying,” “Popular” (Nada Surf cover)
4. Mustafa
Toronto-born artist, Mustafa, released his debut solo album When Smoke Rises in May 2021. It’s a stunning collection of introspective folk songs about loss and grief. Mustafa began to share his poetry at an early age and his incisive writing comes through brilliantly in his solo work. Originally starting out in hip-hop, he was a member of the hip-hop collective Halal Gang, and produced and released a documentary, Remember Me, Toronto, about Canada’s hip-hop scene. Through his collaboration with the producer Frank Dukes, he has written songs for The Weeknd, Camila Cabello, and Justin Bieber. His minimal production; brassy, gentle vocals; and profound lyrics make him the ideal artist for times of reflection and meditation, even when the challenges you face seem too difficult and painful to approach. By BU
Listen to: “Ali,” “Air Forces,” “The Hearse”
5. Hikaru Utada
With their first full-length release in 4 years, J-pop star Hikaru Utada returns by way of a full-length effort, Bad Mode, whose tracklist boasts nearly an hour twenty of material. The collaborators on the project are not anything to scoff at either, seeing the likes of Skrillex, Floating Points, and A.G. Cook mark their stamp on the tracklist. The tracks veer side to side from lounge music to disco all the way over towards minimal techno. Not to mention the inclusion of the triumphant “One Last Kiss”, featured on the Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 soundtrack. By Jonathan Yim
Listen to: “Somewhere Near Marseilles”, “Time”, “Find Love”
6. Bear1Boss
Atlanta-based rapper, Bear1Boss, has already blasted through the beginning of 2022 with a handful of singles and mixtape, Sicko Space X. The lineage of Bear1Boss’ influences seem quite obvious (see: Sahbabii, Bladee, UnoTheActivist, etc.) yet the 23-year-old rapper continues to push the boundaries of the current hip-hop meta. With some promising collaborations on the horizon and unrelenting release stamina, 2022 will see Bear1Boss add to his already prolific collection of works. By JY
Listen to: “Quit”, “Material Bwoy”, “Yuued”
7. Huerco S.
After 6 years away from the project, Kansas-born producer, Brian Leeds, is returning to the Huerco S. name with LP, Plonk. The hiatus without new Huerco S. has left a void in the hearts of fans fiending for another hypnogogic ambient excursion. But since making decade-end lists and a Frank Ocean co-sign of 2016’s For Those Of You Who Have Never…, Leeds has decided to keep the project away from a possible pigeonhole. Plonk will see Leeds exploring where he is now, or in 2019, rather, as most of the material has been sitting on a hard drive for the past few years. He urges listeners to keep an open mind as the Huerco S. project is free-flowing in form and will simply allow Leeds to make the music he is feeling at any given moment. By JY
Plonk is out on February 25th via Incienso Records.
8. LANNDS
Hailing from Jacksonville, FL, somewhere close to home and quite influential to me in my formative years, I can’t help but think LANNDS is definitely a duo to watch. Recently being spotlighted as Album of the Day by Bandcamp, it is almost a ticking time bomb to watch them increase in following and recognition. LANNDS seems to do it all, bringing achey beats, haunting vocals, and synthy wavelengths to funnel through you. I look forward to catching one of their shows. By JY
Listen: “ninety four”
lotus deluxe has just dropped on Run For Cover Records.
9. yeule
yeule is no one new to the scene, with tracks of their 2019’ album, Serotonin II, compiling multimillion plays on streaming. but, with their recent release, Glitch Princess, growth and evolution is evident. Waking up from a massive software update, the robot — the embodiment of the album — tells us their story of placing themself back into this earthly plane. Gauging the ebb and flow of music and style influence, yeule is someone to watch as we trickle closer and closer everyday into the uncanny valley. By JY
Listen to: “Don’t Be So Hard On Your Own Beauty”
Glitch Princess is available now via Bayonet Records.
2021.5 Staff Picks Playlist
Hey there Vinyl Mag subscribers, long time no talk. To reign in the 2021 VM revival, consider this the first half of 2021’s staff top picks. 2020 and 2021 have definitely been a whirlwind, might I call them… “unprecedented times” (okay, I’m sorry… I won’t say it again). However, that can’t stop the jams from jamming, speakers from blaring. We hope you enjoy our staff playlist!
Acemoma – “A Future”
Bobby Kid – “Blue”
THE BLOSSOM – “CLOVES”
Courting – “Grand National”
Dayglow – “Close to You”
Elori Saxl – “Memory of Blue”
Japanese Breakfast – “Be Sweet”
Matt Ox – “Infinity”
Shungudzo – “There’s only so much a soul can take”
Sorry – “Cigarette Packet”
Sorry – “Don’t Be Scared”
Taylor Swift – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
(Editor’s Note: Yes, the whole thing. I’m not sorry.)
Savannah Stopover Artists to Watch
Savannah Stopover is something of a hidden gem as far as music festivals go. Located in Savannah, Georgia, the three-day festival boasts a packed lineup of up-and-coming artists of all backgrounds and genres. Throughout the weekend, shows take place in small to mid-sized venues across Savannah’s historic district, establishing an intimacy that is rare among festivals today. This year will mark Savannah Stopover’s eighth year running, with no shortage of diverse talent. With March 8 just around the corner, here’s a list of the top 15 must-see artists at this year’s Savannah Stopover Music Festival.
15. Wild Moccasins
There’s something infectious about the unique, eclectic look and sound of Wild Moccasins. With a strong female lead vocalist and vintage beats, their sound is reminiscent of ‘80s pop. Known for their creative costume design and infectious stage presence, they’re sure to put on a good show.
14. John Stickley Trio
If you’re looking for good ol’ bluegrass music you can dance to, look no further than the John Stickley Trio. These extremely skilled musicians take their audience on a musical journey with their flawless technique and exploratory jams. Their sound should fit in perfectly with the rustic, coastal scene of Savannah, Georgia.
13. The Vegabonds
Part Americana, part rock ‘n roll, The Vegabonds seem to be gaining more and more momentum each day. The band has grown a great deal since their start in the college circuit back in 2009. Now with three European tours under their belt, The Vegabonds don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
12. David Barbe & Inward Dream Ebb
College professor by day, punk-rock lead singer by night, David Barbe does it all. Rooted in Athens, Georgia, Barbe has successfully embedded himself deep within Athens’ vibrant music scene. His band’s sound is a product of the evolution of punk and rock throughout the years, bringing with it a sound that doesn’t quite conform to any one genre.
11. KOLARS
KOLARS is a two member band consisting of Rob Kolar and Lauren Brown. The combination of Kolar’s vocals (think David Bowie meets The Killers) and Brown’s innovative performance drumming makes for a strange and wonderful chemistry. KOLARS is a prime example of the extensive musical variety that can be found at Savannah Stopover.
10. Acid Dad
Acid Dad’s sound is reminiscent of something you might hear in an underground club twenty years ago, and don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing. Their ‘we don’t give a damn’ attitude and punk meets hard-rock sound gives them an appearance of self assurance and decisiveness that is often hard to come by in new talent, putting them at number ten on my list of must-see artists.
9. Lola Marsh
Savannah Stopover’s lineup this year is seeing a plethora of strong female vocalists, and Lola Marsh is no exception. Since their impressive self-released EP in 2016, the duo has seen a quick rise in popularity with tours across the US and Europe. Consisting of singer Yael Shoshana Cohen and guitarist Gil Landau, the duo has developed a strong fanbase thanks to their unique, upbeat sound.
8. Stoop Kids
There’s nothing like the infectious energy of bands who look like they’re having a genuinely great time with each other on stage, and that’s exactly the kind of vibe Stoop Kids gives off. The New Orleans-born quintet delivers an updated version of classic sounds found in New Orleans’ rich culture, from hip-hop, to jazz, to rock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIKe2aEnCp4
7. Future Generations
Indie pop band Future Generations has really taken off since their debut album in 2016. The album has seen millions of streams on Spotify and the group has been regularly touring across the US. Their music is reminiscent of bands like STRFKR, Moon Taxi and Portugal. The Man, with an alt-indie sound that is popular among most audiences today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-syx-QNrX0
6. The Bones of J.R. Jones
The Bones of J.R. Jones is the one-man blues and roots act of New York native Jonathon Linaberry. It’s hard not to admire Linaberry’s extensive skills as he does percussion, vocals and a combination of either guitar or banjo, with an occasional harmonica all at once. If not for his musical ability, it’s worth seeing The Bones of J.R. Jones just to witness the passion in his performance.
5. Larkin Poe
This sister duo is keeping the spirit of old school music alive with their soulful, gritty rock ‘n roll sound. Originally from Georgia and now living in Nashville, Rebecca and Megan Lovell draw inspiration from their southern roots, and after growing up in the same household, they’ve developed an undeniable chemistry in their music.
4. Nikki Lane
I just can’t get over how many great female artists are blessing Savannah Stopover this year! Americana wonder Nikki Lane is a bad**s southern woman with her own personal style and distinctive vocals. Her set is definitely worth making it to.
3. of Montreal
It’s hard to describe the art of Kevin Barnes, the mastermind behind of Montreal. With his extended club mix 80’s pop sound, drag looks and out-of-this world performances and music videos, Barnes is making a serious impression on today’s music scene. With a look similar to Andy Warhol and a self-proclaimed paranoia of big government, Barnes seems to have an artistic complexity within himself that is evident in his music.
2. Cicada Rhythm
These folk/americana Athens locals bring a soulful sound that’s largely uncommon today, along with sincere, impassioned performances. The chilling harmonies of Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis put them high on my list of must-see artists, and once you see them live, you’ll understand why their sound is so hypnotic.
1. Wild Child
What started as the brainchild of Kelsey Wilson and Alexander Biggins in Austin, Texas has blossomed into a seven-piece indie-pop band complete with ukelele, violin, cello, trumpet, harmonica, drums, guitar and keyboard. With four studio albums under their belt and multiple worldwide tours, the band has gained a solid, steady momentum and developed a devoted fanbase. Their newest album, ‘Expectations,’ exemplifies a mature, confident sound as the artists drew from inspirations all over the world while writing the music while on tour. It’s hard not to smile while watching the band’s undeniable chemistry unfold as they grin cheek-to-cheek while performing.
50 Bands to See at SXSW 2017
We’ll admit it—scrolling through the list of the year’s SXSW artists is intimidating. But, as we all know, preparation always pays off. You have seven days (March 13-19) to soak in as much music as humanly possible, with a smorgasbord of artists featured at showcases and parties all over downtown Austin.
Enter us. We’ve compiled a Spotify playlist of 50 can’t-miss bands at SX this year. From Atlanta and Nashville to Los Angeles and Canada, the artists on our playlist hail from all over. Leo James Conroy (interview coming soon) is a musician originally from Manchester, England who currently resides in Los Angeles, while Mise en Scene and Jessie Reyez are repping the Canadian music scene.
In case you didn’t hear, we’re sponsoring the 11th annual Athens in Austin Party, To Eleven on Saturday, March 18. The artists scheduled to play at our party (located at The Side Bar) are a) kickass and b) included on the playlist below. Enjoy, at see you out there.
Playlist: Unwind and Relax
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud,” off of his 2014 album, x, has become the first song to hit the 500 million stream mark on Spotify. When it comes to the popular streaming service’s “Sleep” playlists, Sheeran dominates on the charts worldwide, followed by Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and John Legend. It’s no secret that music is a key tool when it comes to relaxation. With that in mind, we’ve created the perfect playlist to help you unwind and take that much needed break from the stress of daily life.