Now Listening: This Week's Tracks

 

Blue Wilson - “Come Back Soon”

With a voice that reminds you of Mac Demarco, add a soulful slice of Benny Sings, comes an artist with one of the coolest names out: Blue Wilson. I’m guessing his first name came from the fact that his mood tends to have an upside down frown yet, I have to say, “Come Back Soon,” made the corners on my face pick out, a bit. The single is the 3rd track from an upcoming EP, Future Street, and it is one that evokes a blue feeling inside of you - loneliness tends to do that - but the lo-fi shine the beat lays over you makes it hard not to have your downward feelings dance a little. A new kind of artist has arisen after only a single play: one that has the sensibility to write about the sad times while trying to keep optimism as a close friend...Blue Wilson is truly a modern man of music. 

The Knocks - “Sound The Alarm”

American EDM duo The Knocks are back with their new collaborative single featuring Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo and “Overwhelmed” artist Royal & the Serpent. The indie-funk, dance floor single comes with an exciting music video directed by Kevin Eis. The electronic duo’s visual for “Sound the Alarm,” stars child versions of all the musicians, who come together to create music while the rest of the world implodes over an impending meteor bolting towards Earth. The prolific NYC pair deliver a carefree, electronic sound that draws from disco, soul, disco, house and hip-hop to name a few. “Sound The Alarm” incorporates a unique buzz of dizzying pop-filled dance in its melody. The Knocks’ joint project with Rivers and Royal succeeds in capturing sentiments of letting go and the freedom that it provides, both lyrically and sonically. 

Honey Guide - “I Feel Funny”

Honey Guide’s latest single “I Feel Funny” dives into the all too familiar feeling of self-doubt and disconnection. Whilst navigating through the emptiness of that funny feeling, Honey Guide aka Jacob Oliver Andrews offers a beacon of light through the hardships he sings of. Fuzzy folk, gentle vocals, and a riff that unleashes soft rock onto the record, Andrews blends the instrumentation of synth and guitar, with harmonious backing vocals to create a warm, delicate and comforting melody. 

The music video, directed and edited by Joel Johnston, captures the singer in his room, sitting in contemplation. Laid-back and introspective, the song is a happy sort of melancholy which feels both uplifting but still validates the sadness you feel, in an emotive and uplifting way. The music video has a trippy conclusion which adds another layer to the world of Honey Guide. “I Feel Funny” is out now via Bam Bam records. 

Lecx Stacy - “Such”

The children of the internet will define what it means to be a generation. Lecx Stacy, a 1st generation American, seems to want to use sonics to understand what that means. Knowing the cultural landscapes that paint inside his head, it is no wonder that “Such” plays out of tune with any kind of genre while staying in the pocket of them all. Hip-hop, punk rock, emo, and garage are the DNA of Lecx Stacy, and in every inch of this 3:40 song these influences appear. As a young man who is trying to reclaim his past, this song seems to find Lecx trying to reclaim the present as well. Being a child of the internet, or in the age of countless stimuli, it is hard to define modernity because for us it is always slipping away. Not only is Lecx the kind of artist music was created for, he is also the kind of person that can help us understand what we want our lives to be.

Daisy The Great - “Record Player”

Growing pains aren’t reserved for those playground days. They seem to also cause havoc on us as we try to build ourselves into adults. Anytime a person or a loved one or a friend can help you remember when you were a kid is vital to sustaining who you want to become. It really helps when a song can soundtrack your growth chart, and Daisy The Great’s hook popping jam, “Record Player” is the perfect anecdote. The animated tune jumps out at you in the opening seconds, taking you through the journey of self-discovery and finding out what you want your adult years to be defined by. In this crazy world we are in, throw on some headphones then let “Record Player” create a new rhythm in the steps you take. You won’t regret it.

Fonteray - “Flash of Color”

Perspective can brighten and expand even the narrowest of mindsets. As we tick up on the meter of time, it is apparent that we need a flash of color to look into our mirror, and understand the journey that actualized daydream of yourself has been through. Drew McCarty, known as Fonteray, believes perspective has defined his mid-to-late twenties. “Ultimately, I guess [“Flash of Color”] is about the power of perspective and how useful it is when navigating life's curiosities. I often use metaphors of light and colour as a way of visualising these meaningful moments and personal paradigm shifts, and I wanted to lean into that on this one.” Sonics can express themselves yet it takes a true musician to do it. On this track you find that, and more. A euphony of vibrant piano chords, driving basslines, and interwoven synths make your entire body want to dance, escape farther down the timeline of yourself. But, the best type of music comes with meaning. “Flash of Color” has that along with a heavy explosion of beauty, and we have to tip our hats to the man that is going to be at the top of the Melbourne music scene for providing us with this moment: Fonteray. 

Portal in Blue - “Big Screen”

Portal in Blue releases new single, “Big Screen,” a song full of textured acoustics and elements so smooth you’ll be reaching for more. It’s like time traveling back to a mellow moment in the 90s where you find yourself moving around your room to this song. Portal in Blue sampled small treats from his upcoming EP and blending it with elements that are unique in his sound. A mellow but fulfilling song that we can’t get enough of.

Moody Jr. - “Catholic Girl”

Elements full of acoustic sweetness and vocal mystique, “Catholic Girl,” is the song to make it to your fall season. The song is about exploring sexuality in a Catholic environment, an area of differing and clashing ideals. In the song, little sonic elements make the song feel like walking through a park, hazy and cold but through the vocals you’ll find that small hope. “Catholic Girl” is part of Moody Jr.’s upcoming album, Songs from Youth, an exciting sound to expect.

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