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listen to my demons

Giovan has made a haunting debut with ‘Listen to My Demons’ featuring Aria Chablis King.

Posted on 25 June 2021

‘Listen to My Demons’ is the hauntingly introspective debut single from LA alt-indie artist Giovan. The tender ballad pulls in neo-classic nuances that run right alongside contemporary, artful styling that we hope will become synonymous with the Guatemalan-American singer-songwriter’s sound.

Listen to My Demons is easily the best duet released since Alex Cameron’s collaboration with Angel Olsen. Aria Chablis King’s quiescently vulnerable vocals bring an intense depth to the release. You won’t get much choice when it comes to falling into the pensive command of the release that is constructed with intricate piano progressions and layered vocals that conceptually never harmonise.

Giovan orchestrates music to help pull people through the hardest times in their lives; it is safe to say he succeeded in his debut. The way he brings beauty to the raw and alienating concept of your demons being your only friends amplifies the signal that you are never alone in your loneliness. Our superficial reality practically enforces it. Naturally, we can’t wait to hear what he has in store for his sophomore release.

Listen to My Demons will officially release on June 25th; you can check it out for yourselves via Spotify or Giovan’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Grunge Father Let His Demons Out to Play in an Exclusive A&R Factory Interview

Posted on 4 April 2024

In an evocative interview with A&R Factory, The Grunge Father delves into the soul-stirring depths of his debut album, ‘Demons‘, which unravels as a raw, introspective journey through the labyrinth of personal struggles and the relentless pursuit of clarity amidst life’s chaos.

With a nod to the gritty essence of Seattle’s grunge era, The Grunge Father weaves a tapestry of emotive narratives, each track a chapter in a larger story of battling and acknowledging one’s inner demons. His unique blend of melodic grunge, infused with introspective lyrics and acoustic warmth, offers a fresh perspective on the genre.

As he discusses the creative process, inspirations, and the cathartic experience of bringing ‘Demons’ to life, readers are invited to delve into a world where darkness is met with the resilience of the human spirit, a theme that resonates universally.

The Grunge Father, thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your debut album, Demons, what are the emotional themes which underpin this release?

Thank you for having me. With ‘Demons’ I wanted to create a strong theme throughout the album which all tied together. The album is mostly about my own personal Demons and the life experiences I have had with them. I try to shine some light on the darkness and mazes of life and our constant search for clarity among the chaos.

I am aware that everyone has their own Demons and I hope they can relate in some way. I think anyone of age has gone through some kind of personal struggle with their inner Demons. Whether it be with addiction, low points, vices etc. There will be voices in your head which have conflicting views trying to pull you one way and then the other. The Demon is always there lurking in the shadows but you always have a choice in what to do? Will you give in to the Demon or fight it and battle through? This is how I see life. It is a constant fight against the creatures which live inside you.

I wrote the songs and put them on the album in that specific order to tell the story that I have personally been through and tried to cover all the different angles from which I see life. Although the album is quite dark, I do hope people can take a lot of positivity from it with the main theme being ‘acknowledge that your Demons are there and then do your best to slay them or keep them at bay.

We love how the Seattle sound resounds through your uniquely melodic grungy sonic signature, what is it about the era that continues to inspire you? 

Grunge music and the bands which came out of Seattle in the early ’90s had a rawness which instantly resonated with me from the age of 8. I was hooked instantly and listened to cassette tapes on repeat. I don’t know if it’s because I listened to Grunge music so much growing up but whenever I write songs where I am trying to express an emotion through the lyrics, the songs have a gungey vibe and that is completely unconscious. I was in metal bands for years and also have played and written a lot of Jazz and Blues music but I find Grunge is the best way to convey an emotion or tell a story.

For your new listeners, where would you say your sound fits in the grunge genre?

I would like to say I take a unique approach to the genre while keeping the foundations as a baseline. Out of the big grunge bands, my music is definitely more in line with Nirvana and Silverchair than any of the other big Grunge bands. I don’t think I quite fit in with the ‘Post Grunge’ category that much, as I feel the bands which are labelled as this have more of a nu-metal sound.

The acoustic fingerpicked guitars bring swathes of warmth to juxtapose the evocative vocal performance of the lyrics, was this an easy stylistic choice to make? 

Yes to refer back to your previous question this is hopefully where my own style cuts through. Especially on this unplugged album where I felt it needed more depth. My approach here was slightly different to other music I have written previously because your standard power chords don’t round out the sound enough and get lost in the mix. There are a lot of fuller and melodic chords used to fill the space where the distorted guitars would normally sit and the guitar picking parts are opened up to interact melodically with vocals.

How long has the LP been in the making?

I spent a bit of time writing the songs with no real set period and just waited until it all came together organically before going into the studio. As I write and play everything myself, it does take a bit of time because the last thing you want to do is rush it. When I finished recording all the parts I took about a month or so to let it sink in and see if there were any parts not working. I then went back into the studio to mix and master it. All in all, it took about a year.

What was the most rewarding part of bringing Demons to fruition? 

This is my first unplugged/acoustic album to be released and that within itself is really rewarding to me. It was a challenge and a different recording process, but I feel the hard work has paid off. I am also glad that the story of the inner demons seems to have come through and resonated with people.

What’s next for The Grunge Father? 

So for the next few weeks, I will continue to promote the album and my first single ‘Seesaw’ then it will be straight onto the next album which is written with guide tracks ready to go.

While I get things sorted for the next album, I will continue to record some grunge classics. These will go up on my YouTube and social media platforms. I will also start to document and film more behind-the-scenes footage from the writing and recording process.

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Stream Demons (Unplugged) on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Ed Roberts became the guiding light in the EDM scene with Northern Star featuring Amy Wyatt and Roi Aknin

Posted on 22 February 2024

Ed Roberts’ latest single, ‘Northern Star’, featuring Amy Wyatt and Roi Aknin, is a luminous beacon in the EDM universe. This track, infused with metaphorical depth, stands as a testament to Roberts’ burgeoning prowess in a genre often overshadowed by the towering legacy of icons like Avicii.

Roberts, a UK-based producer, draws inspiration from EDM stalwarts such as David Guetta and Armin Van Buuren. His journey, which took a definitive turn at the Amsterdam Dance Event in 2019, has seen him evolve from a vocal producer to a creator of his own distinctive soundscapes. His previous works have already made waves on platforms like Spotify, but ‘Northern Star’ marks a zenith in his artistic trajectory.

The track opens with a subtle, yet captivating melody that sets the stage for the soul-stirring vocals. The production, bathed in the twilight of dreamy synths, allows the emotional resonance of the lyrics to shine through. Each beat, each note, is meticulously crafted to carry the weight of the song’s heartfelt message.

As the song progresses, Roberts demonstrates his mastery of the genre, blending powerful, energetic drops with a sense of emotional depth that is often elusive in EDM. The reverb, far from being just an auditory effect, acts as a vessel for the song’s affective power, drawing the listener deeper into its narrative.

Northern Star was officially released on February 18th; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Hazel Ray’s Musical Alchemy: Unveiling ‘My Demon’ – A Journey of Empowerment

Posted on 19 October 2023

Hazel Ray, the remarkable pop-soul sensation hailing from Melbourne, Australia, has recently graced the music world with her latest masterpiece, “My Demon,” released in July 2023. Produced by the legendary Steve James, whose illustrious career spans iconic bands like The Jam, Sex Pistols, and The Screaming Jets, this track is a testament to Hazel Ray’s artistry and vision. Accompanied by a visually captivating music video crafted by the talented videographer Jarrod from Ourfolklore, “My Demon” is more than just a song; it’s an introspective voyage of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.

Hazel, ‘My Demon’ is a powerful and introspective song. Could you share the inspiration behind the lyrics and what message you hope your listeners take away from it?”

My Demon’ is just as much about a personal journey as it is about the journey of all. Everyone at some point in their life faces the little voice in their heads that tells them that they aren’t good enough or that they won’t amount to anything. For some people these voices become so strong that it can lead them to paths in life that can be destructive to their health emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially. This unfortunately/fortunately was also the case for myself. I say fortunately because it was through facing these inner Demons that has pushed me to live a more fulfilled and inspired life, aligned with my Truth. My Demon is a song of hope and strength, that no matter how dark things become, the light will always prevail. Fear is what cages souls from living their dreams. Face the fears, face the Demon, live your Dreams.

Your collaboration with renowned producer Steve James has garnered attention. What was it like working with him, and how did his expertise influence the creative process for this song?

Steve is an amazing human. Super kind and encouraging. He has one of those minds that must be running with about 50 tabs open at a time. When he is working on your track he gives you all of his attention and is already planning legendary session musos to add flare to different parts of your song from the moment you step into the recording studio. So professional and always willing to explore creative routes.

The music video for ‘My Demon’ is visually stunning. Can you tell us about the concept behind it and your collaboration with Jarrod from Ourfolklore to bring your vision to life?

I came up with the concept for the music video, upon reflecting on what it felt like to have a voice that controlled my every thought and every move. The chess game symbolised the inner fight between the moves that I wanted to make in my life and the way in which the Demon was able to override every decision to make my life a living hell. There is a scene in the film clip where I realise that there are no rules to the game if I don’t want there to be, so I pick up the Queen and place it back in the game. This is the first sign of transformation of control, which puts the Demon on edge. I chose to show the cleansing of the Demon by diving into the ocean, cleaning myself of all those negative thoughts and lack of control. Jarrod did an amazing job capturing the changes between the mental struggle and how the Demon manifests into our reality. He has such a flair for abstract concepts and bringing them to life. I was so grateful for his input and the overall outcome.

Your music has been described as a refuge and a source of healing for listeners. Can you elaborate on how you aim to connect with your audience on a deeper level through your music?

Music that offers healing, answers questions in people that they didn’t even realise they had. It offers empathy in a way that just words can’t. From there the audience feels closer to the artist as for the first time for whatever reason in that particular moment they feel seen and understood. My music can offer this to those who need it. Many of the songs that I write and many of the songs that are yet to be released, discuss the questions of ‘who am I’, ‘why am I here’, ‘what is my purpose’. These very questions are asked by every single human at some point in their life and I hope that my music will be there to guide the future generations as they look inwards to find those answers.

Your sound has been compared to the likes of Adele, Eva Cassidy, and Lady Gaga. How do you feel about these comparisons, and how would you describe your unique musical style and approach?

I am absolutely flattered that people find similarities between my music and sound with these artists. They are definitely inspirations of mine. My uniqueness comes in my very own story and the knowledge that I endeavour to share with the world. For me it’s not just about the music. I have created a unique show called ‘Asleep to Awake’ where I put 10 years of Science teaching, a neuroscience degree, song writing and storytelling together, to invite my audience to explore their true nature and the relationship between Science and Spirituality.

Can you share some insights into your musical upbringing and how it has shaped your career as an artist? Are there any specific influences or experiences from your childhood that have had a lasting impact on your music?

My Grandfather (Ray) was a musician, he played the drums. Sadly, he passed away when I was 10. I really struggled with his passing, which led me down a path of trying to understand death, afterlife. energy, spirit and ultimately how it is possible that I am a soul. I have also had some mental health battles in my life that have taught me so much about who I am and my true nature. These topics of mental health and the spiritual world , for me, overlap and I love exploring their intertwined nature in my songs.

Find out more about Hazel Ray by visiting her website

“Be My Blue Sky” by Meine Stille: A Serene Melodic Journey

Posted on 28 May 2023

Meine Stille gracefully entrances listeners with their ethereal and sparse composition, “Be My Blue Sky.” The opening notes immediately transport the audience into a realm of tranquillity, reminiscent of the meditative soundscape of artists like Misha Kolesoski. The delicate combination of guitar and piano creates a heartfelt and enchanting atmosphere, showcasing Meine Stille’s exceptional musical sensibilities.

The track unfolds with a sense of serenity, allowing space for contemplation and introspection. The sparse instrumentation adds to the song’s meditative quality, with each note carefully placed to evoke a feeling of stillness and calm. Meine Stille’s masterful guitar playing radiates sincerity and beauty, perfectly complemented by the gentle piano melodies. The seamless integration of these two instruments creates a harmonious and captivating sonic experience.

“Be My Blue Sky” demonstrates Meine Stille’s ability to create a soundscape that transports listeners to a place of inner reflection. The soothing ambience of the composition invites listeners to pause and immerse themselves in the delicate melodies, finding solace and peace in the music.

Meine Stille’s social media presence enhances the connection between the artist and their audience. Through platforms such as Instagram (@meinestillemusic) and Facebook (Meine Stille), fans have the opportunity to engage with the artist’s creative process and gain deeper insights into their musical journey. Additionally, the availability of their music on Bandcamp (meinestille.bandcamp.com) allows supporters to directly support the artist by purchasing their work.

“Be My Blue Sky” is a testament to Meine Stille’s talent for crafting introspective and captivating compositions. With their sparse and ethereal sound, they deliver a melodic journey that resonates deeply with the listener. Meine Stille’s ability to blend guitar and piano seamlessly demonstrates their skill as a musician and composer.

In conclusion, “Be My Blue Sky” by Meine Stille is a captivating and meditative piece of music. The combination of sparse instrumentation, heartfelt guitar playing, and delicate piano melodies creates a serene soundscape that invites listeners to embrace stillness and find solace in its beauty. Meine Stille’s ability to evoke a sense of tranquillity through their music is truly remarkable, making this track a compelling addition to any contemplative playlist.

THISMINORITY mediates through the cold souls of his dastardly demons on ‘MEDI’

Posted on 5 June 2022

Showing that he is ready for the next step of his life after many years inside his own head, THISMINORITY is rather incredible on this new single to shake your ears awake like John Wick, ready for a rampage on ‘MEDI‘.

THISMINORITY aka Theo Minori is a mysteriously masked indie Hip hop artist who performs under a pseudonym to add to his thought-provoking enigma.

”This PLACE being one of SELF LOVE and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Took me a long time to find the love that is the foundation and explanation for why I create I create what I create.” ~ THISMINORITY

Guiding us through hardcore rhymes that seem to shatter all the glass barriers you have put up inside yourself without even realizing it, THISMINORITY shows us a level of lyrical skill that has been hiding away for too long. His self-enlightened aura seems to grab your soul and wake it up from that pandemic slumber that has closed your eyes when you needed to be awake the whole time.

”The reason This Minority’s face is hidden is not because of fear— it’s to show change, the metamorphosis out of the shell. A shell that was filled with inherited insecurities and generations of untouched potential. This change will inspire moments that will enhance revolutions.” ~ THISMINORITY

‘MEDI‘ from the underground Hip hop artist THISMINORITY is a devastatingly extraordinary song that shows us it’s possible to win the war inside your head, if you click into action when you’re ready to fulfill your destiny. Slicing his demons into half like a true samurai – this is a ninja-like experience – that might send your mind into overdrive. With a fierce mentality that knows that he is better than those sad small-minded folks who just try to bring you down to their sewage-smelling levels, this might the track your ears have been craving for all year.

When your eyes open at the precise time they need to, you know you’re ready for more than the scraps you have eaten before.

Listen up to this new day-changing single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

VALLEY GRL wishes those brain-filled demons would evaporate forever on, ‘Lost In My Head’

Posted on 14 May 2022

Taken off her brand new 6-track album called ‘You Had To Be There‘, VALLEY GRL knows that she needs to clear her mind quickly before all the toxic juices drown her underwater on, ‘Lost In My Head‘.

VALLEY GRL is a small-town Northern California-born, Los Angeles, California-based indie anti-pop solo singer-songwriter who makes a seductive blend of music that shakes your core each time.

”As a child VALLEY GRL was in the school chorus and musical theater shows. Although she had no professional training in music she always knew it was something that she wanted to do.” ~ VALLEY GRL

Sizzling with her enchanting style that has you totally captivated throughout this heart-beating track, VALLEY GRL might be one of the most thrilling artists around. She is totally herself and doesn’t pretend to be anyone else at all like so many do, as she stuns our earlobes with an incredible effort that is simply excellent.

‘Lost In My Head‘ from Los Angeles, California-based indie anti-pop solo singer-songwriter VALLEY GRL is an honest release from one of the most creative souls you will hear today. Her luscious vocals are dynamic and packed with a punch that wakes you up quickly, as her smartly-penned lyrics take you into her over-flowing mind. This is a single that so many of us will truly understand, as the noise buzzes like a garden service that just won’t stop.

Listen up to this gorgeous new single on Spotify and see her vibe via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

LT Madz rides through the low times on ‘Watch My Crown Fly’ (feat. Pendo46)

Posted on 18 February 2022
https://soundcloud.com/officialltmadz/lt-madz-watch-my-crown-fly?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=1&si=5e93fc2e70334667a04370867ea17c57&utm_campaign=social_sharing&utm_medium=text&utm_source=clipboard

As he slips through the snow-filled roads to find a higher meaning for his life, LT Madz wasn’t sure if he would be breathing but has turned the corner and shows us his tight rhymes on his latest release, ‘Watch My Crown Fly’ (feat. Pendo46).

Marcel Maden aka LT Madz is a Manchester, UK-based underground Hip hop artist who grew up in Hulme and has had a tough life growing up while struggling with his mental health at times.

This is the cinematic-like portrayal of rising about the clouds to find that clean air that sets you free, LT Madz shows us his hard-working attitude and delves into his mind to show us the trauma that almost broke him in half. After keeping his optimistic attitude even though it could have been easier to let the demons win, this is a resolute track that should fill you with hope.

‘Watch My Crown Fly‘ (feat. Pendo46) from Manchester, UK-based Hip hop artist LT Madz is a bar-loaded display from a true underdog who has worked his way from letting those ghouls take control to now dominating his thoughts with only good energy. There is a comeback mentality that is easy to root for, as we see an artist who is on the way up now after previously being close to death as he was locked up and close to the brink of defeat. After washing his face in the sink and vowing to change his story, this is a track for anyone who fears that they might never make it when actually you can if you really want to win.

Listen to this new single on Soundcloud and join his social ride on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Cold Wind: Salt Lake City-based Fearless Union shows us those endless nights on ‘Shadow of My Grave’

Posted on 29 November 2021

Ravaging our delicate souls with a mightily strong display from a character piece about the leader of a revolution, Fearless Union drops a track from his well-built 12-track release ‘The Supreme Leader‘ with an intensely strong effort on ‘Shadow of My Grave‘.

Fearless Union is a Salt Lake City, Utah-based indie dance/hip-hop act which was formed by Brent Walker who is also a writer and music producer.

”Brent’s music draws from a series of original stories based on a sci-fi fantasy world steeped in mythology. “The Supreme Leader” represents the first of those stories, and focuses on spirituality (pain, death, and hope) to bring to life the strengths and flaws of its titular character.” ~ Fearless Union

Fearless Union shakes the nucleus of our vein-popping hearts with a stunning display that has been made with a real show of strength. This is a highly-evolving artist who makes that entertaining music – that is such a wondrous listen – and filled full with a really outstanding beat that grabs you close and never lets go for a second.

‘Shadow of My Grave‘ from the Salt Lake City, Utah-based indie dance/hip-hop solo artist Fearless Union, is a bass-slamming experience that is so naturally stimulating and helps us challenge all of those fears inside our enthralled heart. There is much love and care blown through from the darkness here, to help all of us get through whatever demons we have plastered to our fragile skin.

Check out this fine new single via Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Start: Italian singer Luca calmly brushes off his demons to find that right path on ‘Yet/Still’

Posted on 24 June 2021
https://soundcloud.com/user-565946929/yet-still-1

After unnecessarily worrying about others drama-filled burdens and not following his own dreams, Luca starts his heart-enlightening chapter one to be truly happy in what he is pursuing with ‘Yet/Still‘.

Luca Nesciobelli aka Luca, is a deeply thoughtful The Netherlands-born, Germany-raised, Italian-bred indie RnB singer-songwriter. He has a clear picture of what he wants to portray to the world and prefers to let his music do the talking on his behalf.

”He‘s here on a mission. This mission is also not something to be spoken about greatly, he would much rather just take you by the hand and embark on a journey with you and anyone who will join him. Step on the ship, it‘s gonna be a long and great ride.” – Luca

You feel his dreamy-cool vocals simmer through like a smokey chimney, his kind mind is ready and just needs that final push to do whatever he wishes. His tremendous tone is backed organically by a breathless beat and calm piano, as he tackles his demons down like a perfect Paolo Maldini tackle to win in injury time. With some smartly edged raps too, this is so good to listen to, as you will want a second listen.

‘Yet/Still‘ from the soulfully joyful Italian indie RnB singer Luca, is his reflection on the struggle of aiming for the stars up above – but yet standing still for now at the same time – as he carefully works out how to achieve his greatest desires, You feel like he knows where the slippery key is, and just needs to search a bit more so that he may be free where it matters most. His beating heart awaits this moment of pulsating excitement, when he reaches that destination. This is just the beginning.

Hear this new single that shows his progression via Soundcloud and see more via his IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen