Orrin is a strange dude. A self-described “collective conscious and cyborg sent by a higher civilization to warn humans about the incoming apocalypse”, Orrin exclusively speaks using plural pronouns. They claim to use music as a vehicle to spread their message about disease, famine, environmental disaster and the overall impending apocalypse. Oh, and of course he went on Dr. Phil. Regardless of who or what Orrin really is, there is undeniable musical talent hidden within. “HARLEY”, the first single off his upcoming full length album NO ADLIB, is a hard-hitting alternative hip hop track merging early 2000’s rock sonics with the modern “punch-in” flow made popular by Rico Nasty and Lil Uzi Vert. The rest of the album is loud, bassy, brash and absolutely filthy. We have the clean mixes, but honestly it won’t make much of a difference. If you’re looking for raw and unique alternative rap, WE got […]
Born in Fresno, California, producer/keyboardist Markis Precise took to time-honored traditions of crate-digging to create the sample-based soundscapes that contributed to Central California’s independent hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. His production later evolved to incorporate his lifelong training as a keyboardist, expanding the boundaries of chopped boom bap with the melodic elements unique to live instrumentation. Staying true to his collaborative ethos, Markis independently connected with some of hip-hop’s most talented artists to contribute to his debut studio album The Feeling Of Flying, including features by Brother Ali, Fashawn, Oddisee, Zion I, The Grouch, Ras Kass, Gift Of Gab, Sol and Chuuwee. In its first week of release, the record became the number one added hip-hop album on the national CMJ radio charts, with multiple tracks receiving steady airplay. Following on the success of his debut record, Markis is back with a powerful full-length album No Wings Without Scars […]
Singer-Songwriter Trevor Hall’s new single “My Own” was written about the power of longing to be together, even when it’s not possible. He reflects, “Even though we may be upset at the pain of separation…that pain of separation is actually a blessing to fuel one’s desire to be united with one’s true love.” The song is both poignant and uplifting, with Trevor’s soulful baritone voice projecting a profound sense of longing and emotion. With a building arrangement featuring a gorgeous backup vocal section erupting in the choruses, this song is clearly cut out to be prime montage material. Raised on an island off the coast in South Carolina, Hall discovered at a young age that music was his passion and life’s art. At sixteen he recorded his first album, soon after which he set out for California where he studied classical guitar and was introduced to the practices of yoga […]
The Kickdrums has returned with “Sunshine Guy” – an ethereal burst of indie rock melancholia that lyrically reflects the strange days that we’re trudging through so far in 2020. While the song was written before we lived in a state of pandemic, it perfectly encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster and weird state of mind that most of us have experienced since being locked in quarantine. The song is built on layers of synths intricately arranged and intertwined with a bouncing bassline and reflexive percussion to create a soundscape that feels both otherworldly and intimately relatable. The Kickdrums is the recording alias of producer/singer/songwriter, Alex Fitts. Over the course of his career, Fitts has been celebrated for his incredible dynamism as a songwriter/producer. He’s produced for such legendary artists as Kid Cudi, 50 Cent, K Flay, Lana Del Rey, Freddie Gibbs, and Slaughterhouse while maintaining a sizable cult following on the artist […]
Bay Area hip hop artist Call Me Ace is a millennial professional and disruptor who loves to challenge the status quo. In his new EP Working From Home: Extended, Ace reflects on what “survival” means during these virtually unprecedented times: global pandemic, racial injustice, and social unrest. Following the release of Working From Home in February, Ace delves deeper into his attempts to persevere within an unfair system while struggling with exhaustion, repression, and hopelessness. The EP suggests there’s light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s faint. Although the project’s title continues playing on the corporate phrase describing a flexible work environment, the title also symbolizes how the uncertainty of the future continues to be extended. Call Me Ace’s 2019 album Airplane Mode debuted at #3 on the iTunes Top 40 US Hip-Hop Album Chart as well as #50 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Sales chart. Working From […]
Our society is going through big changes, voices are getting loud and the BLM movement is soaring. The concept behind Yuni Wa’s new single “Dark Matter Theory” is inspired by this movement, but with a bit of a twist. Dark matter is a phenomenon that is unseen and not well understood in the natural observable universe. Though fully invisible, physicists know it exists because galaxies would fly apart if it wasn’t there to hold them together. This song is his personal homage to black strength and how far-reaching black concept art can extend. As with all of his music, “Dark Matter Theory” is inspired by a blend of sociopolitical affairs, science and futurism. Anyone that sends us briefs has surely been pitched some of Yuni Wa’s extensive and diverse catalog at one point or another. He’s just incredible, just be sure to turn it up!
Minneapolis-based solo pianist John Hayes returns with his second full-length release, The Last Best Place. Inspired by the unexpected loss of a friend, The Last Best Place captures a range of emotions as well as Hayes’ intimate recording process. Each piece was written softly, late at night, wanting to tell their own story, yet all finding a way to remain connected to the same narrative. “The Last Best Place was very much an unexpected album for me. After recently moving into a new studio I was dealing with several different anxieties. Being on my own for the first time, another unexpected loss of a friend, trying to progress my music. All these things lead to a great deal of uncertainty in my life. It is funny how we always tend to gravitate towards the things that are most familiar to us during uncertain times. For me, that will always be […]
NYC rapper YONAS is back with another powerful track, his new single “Good Day” has us vibin’ through the highs and rollin’ through the lows. With his inimitable flow and contagious cheerfulness, he infuses the track with happy-go-lucky energy and the sheer joy of being alive, no matter what the circumstances. With “Good Day,” YONAS escorts listeners on an enthusiastic musical expedition, providing sunshine during an otherwise taxing situation. As he introduced the #GOODDAYCHALLENGE to social media, he encourages fans and listeners worldwide to take to Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok & Twitter to describe, via video, what they’re doing to stay positive during the current pandemic. After a run of successful collaborations and acquiring half a billion streams cross-platform, YONAS is at the top of his game. This and the next few singles are sure to take him to new heights, representing some of his most sync-friendly work to date. […]
Uncompromising, muscular and powerful, the music of Two Fingers is also full of subtle touches, humor and a supple sense of rhythm. Originally formed in 2009, the project was the creation of Brazilian-born electro-jazz/breaks/jungle trailblazer Amon Tobin and U.K. drum’n’bass artist Doubleclick, together with several guest MCs whose contributions are integral to the project. Now just one of Tobin’s many alter egos, Two Fingers brings a fundamentally new and dynamic direction incorporating visceral elements of dancehall, dubstep, and grime. “To the haters who said I’d gone soft, I give a long hard stare and boldly present Two Fingers. -Amon Tobin “FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” is the title track off an unexpectedly defiant and uplifting new album, featuring collaborations with Ivy Lab, Little Snake, and G Jones.
Chances are you already know Claire Guerreso and have probably licensed her music at some point. Her massively successful songwriting career has seen an enormous number of sync placements over the years, with her original work being featured in shows like Greys Anatomy, Nashville, Pretty Little Liars, All American, Nancy Drew, Sacred Lies, Love Island, Staton 19, as well as several film trailers, promos and nationally broadcast TV spots. With a deep catalog of incredible music spanning several genres, there are few briefs we get these days that don’t result in us pitching some of her songs. Top shelf. With everyone feeling a lot of stress and anxiety in this moment, there are times it can feel a bit like a nightmare. Claire’s upcoming single “Wake Up” is an epic anthem letting people know they are not alone in their struggles. “Sometimes, we wish the bad things happening in our […]