“Not by Myself” is a declaration of sonic war from Montreal's Hail to the North, forged in the fire of lockdowns and restrictions. Released to the world on April 11th, 2024, it proves music can be a viable medium to voice one's self in protest. Recorded at Avbury Studios under the aegis of producer/drummer Matt Noztez, "Not by Myself" is a very energetic track replete with musical sophistication that tempers the energy somewhat unexpectedly.

The band, consisting of Jordan, Roy, and pianist Ian, is diverse in the well of influences, drawing from everything from hard rock and heavy metal to classical, jazz, and even musical theater. Something that translates into their sound, where, while based within the hard rock/metal tradition, there are so many sides to the cross-referential genre interplay heard throughout "Not by Myself."

This tune is opened by a driving, knock-down, distorted guitar riff that describes the landscape, quickly joined by a drum pattern, propelling the track forward with momentum. Noztez's influence as a producer and drummer is brought to the fore from the get-go. The drum arrangements are anything but pedestrian, setting fills and shifts that add layers of energy to the song's hard-hitting foundation. That is because of the rhythmic interaction between guitar and drums, which—according to the themes—are confined and fighting for liberty.

Vocals come in with a gritty quality that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of defiance at the heart of "Not by Myself." The melody is catchy without resorting to the predictable tropes of the genre. A melodic contour works here, pointing out the diverse influences of this band; chromaticism and unexpected interlocking leaps add a veneer of polish to the visceral delivery.

The pre-chorus further builds the tension with a rising line and complex progressions. Chordal use and strategically placed passing tones create anticipation, leading fluidly into the explosive chorus. The chorus is an anthem in its own right—a melody layered over a wall of guitars and drums. The drum pattern, with its half-time feel, really makes the verses drive, creating a strong sense of tempo displacement that adds to the overall impact.

The distorted guitars drop out to bring in a much cleaner, melodic passage that spotlights the vocals. That slowly fades out at the outro, leaving nothing but a shadow of this lingering sense of defiance and the undeniable sensation that Hail to the North is a force to be reckoned with.

Hail to the North comes correct with a compelling anthem to fit the current socio-political climate, no less than displaying their incredibly coherent musical vision. With their eclectic mix of influences and arrangements, not to mention unbridled energy, Hail to the North is going to make some serious noise in the scene.

I've listened to "Not by Myself" what feels like a hundred times since its release, and with every listen comes new layers of depth. I encourage you all to give this track a listen and form an experience of your own. Check out "Not by Myself" from Hail to the North now on Spotify.

Norwegian musical polymath Filip Dahl has been etching out a path, from his '70s rock roots to his multifaceted solo career and familial collaboration with Transcending Into the Unknown today. The journey that Dahl takes us on is of an investing creative spirit. With a discography that recalls the greats of progressive rock such as Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Dream Theater, Dahl's music has always commanded both technical skill and depth while possessing a very personal voice. His new single, "If You Saw Me Now," which was released on December 6th, is no exception, but quite possibly with an even more somber and sensitive turn.

Dahl's previous work has well established his signature blend of melodic prog, blues-infused rock, and symphonic textures. His guitar work is often lauded by critics and acts as a unifying thread, weaving intricate tapestries of sound. However, "If You Saw Me Now" is something different, exploring new ground both sonically and emotionally. Dahl refers to the process of songwriting as "therapy and relaxation," an emancipation from the stresses of reality. It is an indication of the personal and maybe even raw lyrical approach that songwriting has taken. The theme of the song, mental health, is a bold and timely choice for the song's core subject. He speaks of the "double-edged sword" of being able to share music publicly while simultaneously opening up one's inner world. If You Saw Me Now is the very definition of sensitive power from Filip Dahl. His previous works have shown to display a mastery of playing and arrangements; this single reveals great coolness to bring forth the emotional heartbeat of the song. The instrumentation in the song is gorgeous: every note is in place and precise to engineer the theme's complexities. The vocals come from the heart, and so one can feel the full weight of his words. That is what makes "If You Saw Me Now" so special—it's a conversation, a shared experience of the struggles and triumphs of life. Dynamic range is well-managed, with tension and release balanced under the masterful touch of an experienced hand.

Where the rock elements are concerned, they're not obtrusive. The energy's still there, like a pulse that drives the song on, but it balances out the composition. Really, this restraint shows the maturity of Dahl as an artist, which I love in his music.

I can only imagine this will be a staple of complex musicianship, promising a thrilling and gratifying listening experience in itself. Be sure to stream "If You Saw Me Now" today on Spotify.

Emerging from the heart of Chicago in 2009, Attack the Sound (ATS) is the brainchild of army veteran and active firefighter Davos Sounds. The dynamic group has created its niche in the city's vibrant music scene, developing their original sound, which they have coined, "Chi-pop," an enticing blend of indie R&B and pop infused with elements of jazz, hip hop, blues, gospel, and rock. Drawing comparisons to artists like Leon Bridges, Black Pumas, and John Legend, ATS stuns the audience with their electrifying tones and sounds. Their talent has not gone unrecognized, leading to associations with eminent artists such as Isaiah Sharkey, Bianca Shaw, Taylor Bennett, and JC Brooks, as well as performances on national television, including guest spots on ABC's Windy City Live and WGN's People to People. From recognition at the Midwest Film Festival for their single Love is War to receiving a sync placement with the Chicago Bulls, ATS has been continuously making strides as they take on key positions as emerging forces in the music industry. 

On their latest single, from the beginning, "Fadiya" sets a serious and R&B tone. The track opens with a sparse arrangement playing a low-key melody in a minor key. This sets the stage for the vocals, which drop in with a contained power that conveys the gravitas of the internal conflict he's dealing with. The pre-chorus continues the harmonic suspensions with a gradual increase in tempo and intensity, adding in a gradual, syncopated hi-hat pattern and a moving bass line. Layered vocal harmonies, reminiscent of gospel choirs, imbue it with charm. The instrumentation changes, bringing in strings to underscore the emotional weight of the words. The harmonic language will probably move through many tonalities, showing feelings of hope. The melody on the bridge is almost like a chromatic line, symbolizing the drop into doubt. The vocals become more passionate, further conferring a sense of urgency on the situation.

The strength of the song lies in its powerful instrumentation and its evocative lyrics. Through confronting the hard questions about duty, sacrifice, and faith, Attack the Sound has put together a work of art that connects deeply with the situation.

"Fadiya" hit me right in the chest. The emotion in Attack the Sound, combined with the intricate and powerful instrumentation, was a jaw-dropping listening experience that delved deep into exploration: fear, faith, and burdens of choices weighed heavily upon my mind in a manner to which I related to and reflected on a lot about my own choices in life long after the music died. Do yourself a favor and stream "Fadiya".

The Sea At Midnight and Chemical Waves jointly released a single, on November 8th, 2024, called "Burning," a sonic flare launched into the sky to gain visibility for the dire problems of climate change. To soundly jolt listeners with uneasy truths, the track plays out like a burning world and loudly cries for attention and action. That is a very obvious signpost signaling ignorance is short-term, though inaction leads to considerably worse consequences.

From the very beginning, "Burning" is a call to arms. The heavy, driving drums evoke early post-punk beats from yesteryear, building an unstoppable pulse mirroring the ticking clock of environmental catastrophe. Enveloping synth textures are interwoven with these percussive elements, adding yet another dimension to this ethereal unease, like a sonic metaphor for this crisis's insidious and pervasive nature. This instrumental soundscape forms a canvas of tension perfectly primed for vocals.

The delivery is brutal and visceral, with frustration and grief attendant on witnessing the decline of the planet. His voice, righteous, navigates the dynamic range of the composition with impressive control. That allows listeners to connect with the song's message not just on an intellectual level but on a visceral one—firsthand urgency and despair.

The collaboration with Chemical Waves, under the direction of Marco Cattani, was fruitful. His music adds new layers and dimensions to the song. The dynamic interplay of driving rhythms, atmospheric synths, and soaring guitar lines paints a soundscape that engages the listener throughout. Helmed by Chris King of Cold Showers, the production is crisp and powerful and allows the emotion of this performance to come through without clouding it with a muddled sonic mess.

One of the most jarring things about "Burning" is its refusal to give in to despair. Though it acknowledges the seriousness of what's happening, the song is a call to action. It tackles many hard emotions but calls for action from its listeners. Such is what music does. It's not a reflection of the world outside; it's an inspiration for changing that world. "Burning" is the much-needed spark to fire under complacency and bring us back to the big realization that this fight is far from over. The Sea At Midnight has written a timely anthem that will connect with listeners. It is a reminder to all of us that we hold within ourselves the power to change the fate of our planet.

I must say that this song hits so hard. The emotion, powerful instrumentation, and urgent message all combine to make for a listen that is deeply moving. "Burning" cuts through the clutter and speaks directly to the heart, so make sure you stream it today.

Mina has built a core track with her blend of contemporary R&B, soul, and jazz influences. With an incredible fanbase and following, she now presents "Broken Boy (Sad Girl Version)," a ravishing departure from her previous dance floor-focused work that illustrates the London-based artist's remarkable ability to create introspective and resonant music.

Ditching the party-starting vibe for this mix from Brando Walker, "Broken Boy" is a far more contemplative and introspective track, with a languid sophistication redolent of Norah Jones, and a melancholy soul akin to Gabrielle. Produced by Brando Walker and mixed/mastered by Phil Marsden, the arrangement is lush and cushioned, allowing Mina's expressive vocals to take center stage.

The listener is plunged into a world of quiet and peacefulness. Mina's voice, full of texture and emotion, swims effortlessly through the song's bittersweet lyrics, painting a picture of the challenges of modern relationships. Her phrasing is outstanding, with each syllable imbued with weight and meaning, conveying a depth of feeling that connects deeply. The chord progressions, with warm, inviting major and minor tonalities at their heart, hem in and flow with a sense of nature. The sparse instrumentation supports a versatile canvas upon which Mina's vocal performance can shine.

"Broken Boy (Sad Girl Version)"manages to feel relatable. Mina's songwriting tackles the difficult issues of modern relationships, themes of emotional vulnerability, and self-discovery with a level of clarity and truthfulness that is all too rare in today's musical landscape.

On top of this, Mina's expressive delivery further raises the ability of the track to connect with the listener on a deep level. Her voice is fragile, navigating the song's emotional arc with a deft touch, transitioning between moments of vulnerability and self-absurdness.

Within the context of Mina's expanding discography, "Broken Boy" (Sad Girl Version) is representative of growth in her vision. Although previous works have shown her ability to construct infectious grooves and hook-laden choruses, this stripped-back version of "Broken Boy" demonstrates her ability to create deeply introspective and emotionally resonant music.

As the song fades out, leaving the listener in a state of contemplative reverie, one knows that Mina has produced something rather special. "Broken Boy Sad Girl Version" is a masterclass in mature songwriting, a work that shows off Mina's amazing voice and compositional skills but tells about her human experiences of love, loss, and the eternal quest for self-discovery. Stream "Broken Boy (Sad Girl Version)" now on your favorite music platform and follow Mina online on your social media page of choice.

Within this growing community of young musical prodigies lies a small figure, exuding nothing but an extraordinary presence. Soleil River Nation is the 10-year-old sensation who has shaken off the jagged streets of Manila to be bathed by the sun-kissed shores of Miami Beach, rewriting the tale of a childhood musician. With fingers dancing across the keys, Soleil transformed self-taught, rudimentary beginnings into something remarkable in the world of artistic adventures. Captivating hearts and ears with her latest single, "Consumerist Dream."

"Consumerist Dream" is a surprising song. The rhythmic bedrock of the track is based on syncopated pop-rock infrastructure that feels very contemporary. The production team for Nation with Young Musicians Unite and YMU Studio has created a song palette that goes well with pop sounds and angular post-punk guitar work. The instrumental arrangement here executes delicate choreography, where guitar riffs punctuate her lyrical narrative. Progressions of each chord feel winningly dissonant as if mirroring the track's thematic tension between consumer culture and personal authenticity.

Vocals by Nation contain a surprising amount of variety; she pulls off dynamic range convincingly, suggesting formal training, yet still retaining a genuine, unfiltered emotional immediacy that keeps the performance from feeling overwrought. In this production, the strategic layering of crisp percussive elements combined with slightly overdriven guitar tones creates a metaphor for the overwhelming sensory experience of the current landscape. It was information overload, masterfully translated into musical language.

The track uses unexpected modal shifts to create perpetual musical tension. To be sure, her use of suspended chords and occasional chromatic passages gives evidence of an intuitive understanding of musical complexity. In this regard, the rhythmic base, a tight, almost mathematical interlocking of drum patterns with melodic phrases, represents a level of compositional sophistication that belies traditional expectations about youth musicianship.

Her collaboration with Young Musicians Unite is a symbiotic one that not only amplifies her artistic vision but also provides crucial developmental support. I've been swimming in the endless sea of emerging artists for years, and on the one hand, I can count the number of musicians who've stopped me in my tracks. Soleil River Nation is more than a blip on the musical radar--she's a supernova. Her proficiency in distilling complicated critiques of society into an enchanting melody that will haunt your playlist is miraculous. If you aren't streaming "Consumerist Dream" right now, you are effectively choosing musical irrelevance. Stop whatever you're doing and hit that play button to witness a generational talent who isn't just making music; she's rewriting the whole rule book.

Born from deep-rooted Texan stucco extending into Mexico, Jimmy Swagg is a musician on an honest search for the roots of his musical storytelling. He takes you on an odyssey through America. From a long time in the underground clubs of Los Angeles to the open roads of his native state, Swagg himself has taken a path from which even the harshest of critics must wince.

Well, his latest single is this new sound postcard called “Alabama," which perfectly illustrates small-town Americana. Indeed, the arrangement promises each first strum of the guitar to facilitate an open-road romance, refreshing and innovative.

This chord progression used in the song reveals that Swagg is well aware of the emotional contour of country music. Traditional chord progression with moderate modal interchange creates a fabric respectful of the country music lineage while making just enough contemporary insistence to hold the listener's ears. The rhythmic backbone provides the kinesis that saves the track from mere nostalgic pastiche.

The song revolves around the struggle of uncertain romance, accompanied by the yearning for something deeper than just a fling. There is an inherent tug-of-war of acceptance situated against a denial of knowing they "shouldn't" feel. It progresses from ambiguity and denial to an easier admission of love, and proposes a question: can the relationship itself attain an ever-deepening meaning?

“Alabama” demonstrates Swagg’s skillful vocal control: his timbre bears testimony to years of storytelling and is colored in with just the right amount of emotion. There is surprising nuance to the way he sings the song, using subtle shifts in dynamics that express much more than the simple literal meanings of the text could ever convey. Each verse functions as a delicately constructed vignette, reanimating an entire cultural memory and evoking sensory details, through which words transform into lived experiences. The description suggests a gleaming counterpoint to the main melodic line, thereby establishing an atmospheric depth that elevates the track beyond standard country fare. In terms of media, “Alabama” exists somewhere in between, using organic, analog-like warmth and enough modern spatial techniques to still feel fresh. Each instrumental voice is given room to breathe, creating a sound stage so expansive and intimate at the same time.

That is the sort of thing whereby “Alabama” really distinguishes itself in emotional authenticity, which speaks. This track is where old country music traditions are acknowledged and participated in a slight evolution. A must-hear for country purists, Americana aficionados, and anyone who craves good old-fashioned musical storytelling. Stream now without hesitation.

With few exceptions, there are truly no artists in music who can come close to the brilliance of Manu Chevalier. His new "Back to My Dream" project is a premier class in fusion, proudly showing its influences yet establishing itself with a distinct sonic identity. This track features Nathan on lead vocals, paying tribute to the Golden Age of pop while making its sound.

One could say that Chevalier's journey, which has led him from his beginnings in the outbursting and eclectic scene of Marseille into a virtuoso navigating across genres, has been quite zigzag. Well-known for being able to dive under the skins of jazz, funk, and pop, he established himself as a meticulous producer and inventive composer. This latest release puts into light an artist performing at the height of his powers; masterfully playing vintage soundscapes with modern-day precision.

The arrangement is like a flawlessly blended cocktail, all infused with a twist. The foundation of the track is a Rhodes-style electric piano that pirouettes through chord changes with all the poise of a seasoned jazz pianist, while a bass sequence prowls beneath, evoking early style but with more bite.

The performing artist Nathan has his unique timbre. Vocally, the verses slide along with a nonchalant chic, as Chevalier's genius for arrangement shines.

Drum programming manages to combine precision with a groove, filling out this rhythm section with life through the use of ghost notes and subtle variations. Just as impressive is the synthesizer work, which uses what sounds nostalgic and fresh.

Undeniably, the essence of old-school vibes is woven into its fabric. Still, Chevalier's production introduces modern variations: subtle sidechaining, state-of-the-art drum processing, and spatial effects that would have been unimaginable in the 80s, making it feel both timeless and uniquely 2024.

This song is bright, whether listened to as the focus or as a background atmosphere, with new layers of mystery unfolding with each playback. The attention to detail, from the carefully considered room reverberations to the seasoned EQ choices, builds an experience that survives serious scrutiny on professional monitoring systems and casual playback setups.

"Back to My Dream" is a tribute to the golden era of yacht rock and an act planting the seeds for its future. "Back to My Dream" has been on repeat in my headphones since I first heard it. Seriously, do yourself a favor and stream this track right now. Hit play, close your eyes, and let the music take you somewhere extraordinary.

Zaritza is a Russian-born artist who is carving out a unique space in the music landscape. She immigrated to the US to find creative freedom and is a classically trained pianist turned experimental pop provocateur, unafraid of disobeying the industry norm.

Her most recent single, 'Shadows', is something of a spiritual journey; a harmonic celebration of fortitude that defies classification or containment. As much as it was written in her native Russian, the song becomes a confession, a language through which she peels away layers of emotional complexity with alarming hedge-fund-like skill. 'Shadows' is a brilliant hybrid, with a classic undertow that gives some substance to the tones, while electronic beats pulse as tension-filled heartbeats. Syncopated rhythms stab and move, adding to an impression of perpetual movement, while her voice slices through this track imbued with years of inner flutter.

But it's the video that makes "Shadows" special and even revolutionary. Beginning in dramatic black and white, the visual plot follows the emotional journey of the song. Blood appears first on her forehead, then spreads across her hands, and across the floor, a metaphor for internal wounds finally becoming visible. We see Zaritza in other sets as well: a claustrophobic bathroom, and night-drenched streets, always followed by something chasing her.

All the same, the cinematography here is breathless; it recreates this visual depiction of how anxiety always nips at one's heels. A sword fight is metaphorically being waged here against internal demons.

Here, Zaritza is not a victim; she's a warrior, taking personal pain and forging it into an artistic weapon. Her red dress becomes a battle flag; her movements, are a press release of survival.

The music video is a manifesto for mental health; it's a visual poem about the reclaiming of a narrative from trauma. Shadowy figures stalk her, representing years of struggle, but Zaritza refuses to be overwhelmed.

Each frame is a point of view: vulnerability is not a weakness but a deep strength. The deeper context of the track makes it even more powerful. Zaritza has discussed publicly her battles with anxiety and self-doubt, with a sense of being "not good enough."

In making "Shadows," she takes those feelings and turns them into art—a beacon calling out to anybody who might be going through such internal slogs on their own. Her journey is remarkable: after a decade of classical training, she immigrated to the United States in search of creative freedom. Since then, she's been not just a musician but an activist, in some ways, fighting the norms and making spaces safer for artistic expression. Honestly, the song is what will be lived with, breathed with, and understood deep down.

I'll be hitting repeat on this one thanks not only to how extraordinary the music is, but because what Zaritza has created is more than a song. This is pure art, so make sure to stream it on Spotify today.

Welcome to 2plumdum's world, the most daring music maverick: led as much by their independent spirit as they are by the unquenchable passion for music, this solo artist took a stab at coming out of the shadows to deliver "Snappin." They are a creative architect who views music as a flexible construct waiting to be dismantled and reconstructed. With "Snappin,"  they deliver a track that blends rap's percussive linguistics, the energy of rock, and some unexpected undertones into a composition that feels wholly revolutionary.

First and foremost, the bass on the track is its weapon of musical destruction. The bass is so well calibrated, it creates a bounce that is so infectious in "Snappin". Cruise down an empty street with the windows down, and suddenly your whole car becomes a rhythm machine—that's the pure, unadulterated power of "Snappin'" bass engineering.

One of the most striking elements of the track has to be the synthesizer architecture: a complex, almost sentient soundscape that grows far ahead of ordinary musical backgrounds. More than just background elements, they are the gravitational core around which every musical element orbits. Each synthesized layer has been engineered to create dense harmonic conversations that make listeners' expectations go up higher.

Almost every syllable in the vocal delivery is a calculated strike, turning language into a precision instrument of melodious emotion. The flow doesn't just fit with the electronic background; it challenges it, forging a dynamic tension that drives the track forward with unstoppable momentum. Entirely recorded at home, "Snappin" levels the playing field between professional studio work and bedroom production. Using a variety of digital applications, 2plumdum's sound feels effortless and thoroughly refined. 2plumdum has found a quantum mechanical interpretation of their song, "Snappin", creating it using the perfect observing laws of music.

But the real magic resides in the musical breakdown of the track: here, synthesizers and keys join in a symphonic eruption to dominate dance floors. Every key hit feels like a precision-crafted sonic weapon, a device capable of triggering movement instantly. The breakdown is a standalone experience, keeping it colliding spectacularly.

"Snappin'" renders the boundaries completely new for their music. With this release, 2plumdum has made a convincing case for pure, unfiltered artistic creativity.

As for me, I am completely hooked on the song. It is going to go straight onto my heavy playlist and get streamed on every platform possible for "Snappin'." 2plumdum has dropped a declaration that needs engagement.