Baton Rouge duo @thisisPlake are back as emotions and thoughts collide in “Bleeding Out”

PLAKE, “Bleeding Out”

The brothers Plake – singer Hunter and guitarist Dakota – circle back to the unique appeal of their first single “Eden” and some of Hunter’s performances on “The Voice” (where he should have gotten into the Top 4) a few years back with “Bleeding Out”.  Taking those times when there are too many voices wrestling for space inside your brain and you can’t make sense of what’s happening around you, the lyrics of “Bleeding Out” are countered by a soft electronic melody and a dreamy vocal by Hunter.  “Bleeding Out” tells it like it is, and doesn’t compromise with a happy ending or closure because some times are tough and the reality of emotions sink deep.  “Bleeding Out” puts these guys back solidly on the pop music map and you’d be remiss if you didn’t take a listen.

It’s downright cool to be “Peachy” as sung by L.A.-based songwriter and producer @EMMinreallife

EMM2

EMM, “Peachy”

Don’t be fooled by its title – “Peachy” is a powerhouse alt.rocker that is all about empowering yourself to be just your cool self.  And let it sink in because it should be nothing more than “Peachy” to be you, like it is for the pop chameleon that is Michigan-born, L.A.-based EMM, despite any ongoing hardships.  There are so many people in the world with anxieties and pressures, many of which are a result of other people diminishing their self-worth.  “Peachy” puts that all to bed with a ferocious vocal and melody that definitely recall No Doubt, Blondie, and Cyndi Lauper.  EMM refuses to compromise her touch-edged lyrics, which makes the song even more powerful.  The musical arrangement is a catchy but haunting contrast to the song’s message.  Listen to the song at the link below and you’ll understand why “Peachy” fits for EMM as well as for others.

Canadians @Rynx and @Kiesza collaborate on powerfully emotional electronica of “All For You”

RYNX and KIESZA, “All For You”

Canadian producer (of Korean and Chinese descent) Rynx, aka Evan Fong, is best known to the online gaming world as Vanoss, however he’s released his own music for the last few years, and remixed for high profile artists like Alison Wonderland and J. Balvin.  Multi Juno Awards winner Kiesza is well known throughout the world for “Hideaway” from a few years back, and within the last year has embarked back on her career as an independent performer, particularly with the fun and flamboyant “Phantom Of The Dance Floor”.  However a serious recent motor vehicle accident left her with a brain injury from which she continues to recover.  Kiesza’s a source of inspiration as she continues to perform and release her own music – albeit under extreme pain and duresse – and we should be thankful for her determination.  Assuredly, “All For You” graces us with one of her best vocals.  Sometimes I think the production holds back a bit, but that does not take away from “All For You” being a beautiful emotional electronic love song.  Even though it is on release with support through Island/Universal, “All For You” comes across more as an underdog that is most deserving of your attention.

Meet new French-American rocker @NordiBlu with her striking debut single “Skin”

NORDI BLU, “Skin”

“Skin” by Nordi Blu impresses right out of the gate as a debut single with powerful, multi-layered production that showcases this rocker’s larger than life persona.  But this French-American singer/songwriter, raised in Berlin, is no newbie.  For as Marie-Claude Rubin, European fans of the TV show “The Voice Of Germany” saw her perform a few years back as part of Mark Forster’s team, where she advanced to the quarter-finals.  It was wise to use that experience as a jumping off point for reinvention, and thus we have Nordi Blu making a striking arrival with “Skin”.  She has a diverse voice full of personality that will make you recall songs by Melissa Etheridge and Alanis Morissette.  I’m particularly taken with how she stays in a low chest voice range during a good part of the song, making the refrain of “you got no skin in it” particularly memorable. A full album is set for late 2019 release.

Meet new French-American rocker @NordiBlu with her striking debut single “Skin”

NORDI BLU, “Skin”

“Skin” by Nordi Blu impresses right out of the gate as a debut single with powerful, multi-layered production that showcases this rocker’s larger than life persona.  But this French-American singer/songwriter, raised in Berlin, is no newbie.  For as Marie-Claude Rubin, European fans of the TV show “The Voice Of Germany” saw her perform a few years back as part of Mark Forster’s team, where she advanced to the quarter-finals.  It was wise to use that experience as a jumping off point for reinvention, and thus we have Nordi Blu making a striking arrival with “Skin”.  She has a diverse voice full of personality that will make you recall songs by Melissa Etheridge and Alanis Morissette.  I’m particularly taken with how she stays in a low chest voice range during a good part of the song, making the refrain of “you got no skin in it” particularly memorable. A full album is set for late 2019 release.

SoCal duo Inspired & The Sleep @insprdandtheslp help us out with “Getting Through”

INSPIRED AND THE SLEEP, “Getting Through”

Although the lyrics are perfectly serious, SoCal duo Inspired And The Sleep (Max and Bryce) are determined to help us all out with “Getting Through”.  Its empowering message compels you to listen, which is countered by a soothing melody carried throughout by a some chipper piano chords, giving it a 1970’s Doobie Brothers kind of vibe (think of songs like “Minute By Minute” or “It Keeps You Runnin'”).  Max’s vocal really shines as well, making “Getting Through” likely the best release I’ve heard from them to date.  It’s definitely indie alternative, and college radio stations should enjoy this one immensely.  But it’s also unique pop music that will stand apart from the rest in a set, not an easy thing to do these days.

Always listen to those voices: “Sounds Like An Anthem” comes from Canadian-German synth duo @LolaDutronic

LOLA DUTRONIC, “Sounds Like An Anthem”

It’s been a while since Richard Citroen and Stephanie B. have graced us with new music as Lola Dutronic, but they return with the engaging “Sounds Like An Anthem”.  They encourage us to listen to the voices in our heads because they could certainly mean something important to either ourselves or someone else.  The duo continue to provide chic 60’s style and sensibility paired with contemporary dance rhythms which seem to be influenced by 80’s artists like Talk Talk or OMD.  While I think “Sounds Like An Anthem” is infectious, if a little long, it might benefit from a remix or two which might help it find its way deservedly into clubland where I would hear it as an anthem for the nightlife.

It’s summer all year long with “Poolside Vibe” by @PrettySister and @therealMarcLo

PRETTY SISTER & MARCLO, “Poolside Vibe”

The sound of “Poolside Vibe” is rich and slick, and will transport you into a summer mood regardless of the weather outside.  It’s chill, soulful, 70’s influenced west coast fun brought to you by two performers that you know from other work.  L.A. singer/songwriter/producer Pretty Sister has had a faithful and engaging cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony” circulating in clubs for the last few years, and you wouldn’t necessarily associate that performance with this one.  Pretty Sister – aka Zak Waters – has also produced or co-written songs for Betty Who, VINCINT, Nathan Sykes, and JoJo.  And Miami’s Marcus Lomax is actually a member of noted production sextet The Monsters & The Strangerz, who during the last 10 years have not only produced Zedd’s massive “The Middle”, but notable releases by Fifth Harmony, Nick Jonas, Jason Derulo, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon 5, and a slew of others.  This time MarcLo offers up his very fine voice (in anticipation of a forthcoming album) and both he and Pretty Sister make the most of this winning collaboration, which bears repeating.

UK singer @NickiFrenchie stirs up quite an anthem with “Raise Your Voice”

NICKI FRENCH, “Raise Your Voice” 

“Raise Your Voice” is a jubilant new anthem that indeed will have you singing along in no time, fists clenched in the air.  UK singer Nicki French follows up songs like “On Your Marks, Get Set, Go Away” and “Teardrops On The Disco Floor” (which like “Voice”, is also co-penned by the esteemed Charlie Mason) with another engaging and well-sung release that will happily lead you to the dance floor in various remixes by Matt Pop – the extended club mix – Ricardo Autobahn, and Sakgra for those of you who can’t get enough. 

Can’t go wrong with a dance record called “Get Funky”, courtesy of @Krydermusic and @djFastEddie

KRYDER & FAST EDDIE, “Get Funky”

Cue up the late 80’s hip hop rhythm and vibes and you should likely find “Get Funky” in your favourite club DJ’s playlist sometime soon.  It’s already supported by just about every big producer/DJ – Hardwell, Cedric Gervais, and the list goes on – which is great news for this collaboration between UK producer Kryder and Chicago’s Fast Eddie.  “Get Funky” milks that famous Bobby Byrd and James Brown sample from “It Takes Two” but amps up the pace, which should create some interesting dance moves from club patrons.  And at festivals, “Get Funky” will definitely make those big crowds bounce.  The song is simply a lot of fun, but with substance and creativity to set it above the average.