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Ari Khan warned of ‘The Art of Seduction’ in her experimentally meta electro-pop hit

Posted on 13 April 2024
Ari Khan

Inspired by the Robert Greene book, The Art of Seduction, the experimental pop artist and bedroom producer, Ari Khan, mused her latest single, which shares the same title and gives the mind’s perspective under the influence of passionate persuasion. The artfully disorientating drunk on love production efficaciously exposits how control is relinquished and our grip on material reality slips when we surrender to the lust-licked designs of another.

“I wrote this song when I was home (in Alaska) over the holidays because I had recently read the Robert Greene book and realized a certain ex of mine had followed it like an instruction manual. This same ex texted me on Christmas Eve trying to pull me back in. I wrote the first verse right after receiving his text, the lyrics are ‘Regrets, you have none. that’s just a card you play, to see if I am done.’ It was all so obvious to me from a distance. But I remembered how blinded I was when we first met. I was broke and trying to make it in LA, I was in a very vulnerable position. He promised me the world and built up all these fantasies.”

As the soundscape evolves and allows you to fall down the rabbit hole of Ari Khan’s hypnotic artistry, her lush vocals keep the dynamic pace, demurely arcane in one breath, dominantly ensnaring in the next. The vocal progressions are as mind-bending as the breakbeats, especially when the cybernetic distortions confluence the vocal melodies with the genre-fluid instrumental alchemy.

The Alaska-born artist with Iranian and Irish roots can attribute much of her distinctive sonic signature to her unconventional artistic journey, which took her from studying musical theatre in NYC to studying EDM production in LA. Yet, it is her determination to allow energy to take the lead and her complete disregard for genre constraints which sees her music resound with exhilaratingly infectious flair.

The Art of Seduction will be available to stream on all major platforms from April 12th via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Brian Berggoetz gave hopeless romantics hope in his pop-rock serenade, More Than You’ll Ever Know

Posted on 13 April 2024

Sweet enough to give hopeless romantics hope, the standout single, More Than You’ll Ever Know, from singer-songwriter Brian Berggoetz is a melodious ode to a true love that can be alluded to in words but never fully captured.

Springsteen may have been born to run, but Berggoetz was born to bring warmth and depth to the pop-rock scene; More Than You’ll Ever Know is the ultimate attestation to his legacy. With vocals that caress as tenderly as the simple yet profoundly affecting instrumental arrangement, the single unravels as the dreamiest earworm you’ll hear this year.

With the stunning serenade, Brian Berggoetz emanated the aura that resounds through the soul in inexplicable throws of unflinching affection and passion. Lock into the blissful-bordering-on-arcane melodies, and tune into the affirmation that Berggoetz is a superlatively eloquent conduit of soul.

Between the folk strings, the twang of alt-country, the rugged roots of rock and the hallmarks of singer-songwriter pop lies a synergy which has become synonymous with the Tuscon, Arizona-hailing artist who finds influence in a diverse confluence of styles and genres.

More Than You’ll Ever Know is available to stream on Spotify with the latest LP from Brian Berggoetz, Magical Times.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Synthetix – Ominous Data: Meet the Master of Electronica Futurology

Posted on 12 April 2024

Synthetix looked far beyond the binary with the cybernetically harbingering title single from his latest bass-heavy electro LP, Ominous Data. The San Francisco-residing breakbeat producer and live artist Shea Steinbacher founded Synthetix and started cutting his teeth in the rave and nightclub scene in 1999, the same year The Matrix hit the big screen, which may or may not be coincidental, but one thing is for sure, Synthetix has become a moniker synonymous with the futurology of electronica.

As dark, heavy, and brooding as Ominous Data may be, nothing about the polished mix feels oppressive. The reverberating glitchy waves wash over you, allowing your rhythmic pulses to ebb and flow with the syncopated momentum that speaks volumes of the producer’s experience and expertise which has lent itself to 13 LPs and EPs on labels including Anti-Matter Records and Black Magic Records.

Currently operating under his own independent label, ZerosAndOnes Records, the innovative originator is ensuring that if we do have a future to look forward to where our autonomy doesn’t atrophy, he’s going to hold dominion over the breakbeat scene with his kinetic rhythms and synths that carve through the atmosphere with the reverberations of a full-scale invasion.

Ominous Data was inputted into the airwaves on April 5th; stream the track on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Louvie exhibited his unflinching hip-hop narrative of tenacity and providence, Pray for Me

Posted on 11 April 2024

Louvie’s standout release, Pray for Me, is a striking embodiment of hip-hop’s power, deeply rooted in the artist’s personal journey. Hailing from Washington D.C., Louvie, born Ricardo Carter, has been crafting his musical identity since the age of 16, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of genres, with artists such as T.I. acting as his foundational influence.

The single opens with a melancholic melody, its moody waves setting a contemplative tone; the vocals, distorted with saturation, draw listeners into Louvie’s world, until the beat drops and Louvie’s cadence kicks in, ensuring each lyric aches with impact and sincerity.

The track is an unflinching narrative of hardship, resilience, and faith, resonating with anyone who has faced life’s relentless challenges and pushed through adversity with no one to stand with them on the battleground as they fight their way up from a disadvantaged position.

The track is a testament to his skill as a lyricist and his capacity to weave complex emotions into universally compelling music. Pray for Me is not just a testament to Louvie’s talent but a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of being the architect of your destiny.

Pray for Me hit all streaming platforms on March 23; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lie awake in YDV’s hypnotic dream pop vignette of affection, OBSESSED

Posted on 10 April 2024

YDV’s latest single, “OBSESSED,” transcends trends, offering listeners a glimpse into a utopic future for RnB. By seamlessly blending dream pop, 8-bit aesthetics, and the soul of RnB, YDV crafted a hazy vignette that immerses listeners in the intoxicating allure of obsession.

With lyrics that resonate universally and melodies that stir the soul, “OBSESSED” is an otherworldly experience that showcases YDV’s mastery of using soundscapes as a canvas for vulnerable expression. As the beats pop and groove, the vocal lines swirl and vortex into the mesmerising melodies, leaving listeners with an elixir they’ll crave pouring endlessly.

“OBSESSED” serves as the first chapter of YDV’s ambitious project, “DON’T LET THIS END,” a highly personal exploration of love, toxicity, trust, self-love, projection, and self-discovery. The accompanying music video delves into the complexities of relationships, revealing the truths often veiled behind the illusion of love.

YDV, a Bay Area artist now based in New York City, defies traditional genre boundaries, blending elements of Hip-Hop, Pop, Rap, and EDM to create a cinematic journey for his audience. Through his music and visuals, he invites listeners to explore the duality of existence and discover their own truths within his artistry.

With “OBSESSED,” YDV invites listeners to fall into the hypnotic embrace of his sound, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and the journey of self-discovery unfolds. As the first taste of “DON’T LET THIS END,” this single promises an exhilarating odyssey that fans of RnB won’t want to miss.

The official music video for OBSESSED is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Be a (Bar)Fly on the Wall with Jude & The Strangers’ Standout Single Beggar’s Tavern

Posted on 10 April 2024
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Some tracks ensnare you with hooks, others dig to the depths of your soul; Beggar’s Tavern by Jude & The Strangers dug into the trenches of the latter camp.

Imagine sinking beers with Bukowski, drinking in the sanctifying feeling of listening to Journey, experiencing the panoramically artistic gravitas of Father John Misty, and getting your blues rock licks as a courtesy of the Black Keys simultaneously, then you’ll get an idea of what this era-spanning Tour De Force delivers.

With all the infectious charisma of Jim Jones himself, singer-songwriter Aiden Jude doesn’t just command attention, he drenches his work in kinetic emotion. With a sonic iteration of a borstal breakout to conclude the single, it’s safe to say we’re beyond desperate to hear the rest of the Beggar’s Tavern LP which will arrive in May 2023. The New Jersey music scene won’t know what has hit it after the launch.

Beggar’s Tavern is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

One Tree – Beaming Up: A Cosmic Sojourn Through Time and Sound

Posted on 9 April 2024

One Tree’s latest single, “Beaming Up,” invites listeners on a cosmic journey that intertwines the mindfulness of the present moment with the futuristic exploration of the cosmos and a nod to the nostalgia of the happy hardcore era. Hailing from Lakewood, CO, One Tree delivered an interstellar production that transcends mere magnitude, forming a constellation of sound that captivates with each progressive sonic orbit.

In this hypersonic mix, One Tree deftly incorporates intuitively electrifying effects, creating a sonic landscape that resonates with both the exhilaration of the present and the boundless possibilities of the future. The track’s outro leaves listeners with a palpable sense of rejuvenation and a renewed zest for life, a testament to its ability to connect on a profound level.

In essence, “Beaming Up” is an invitation to embrace the now, to let go of the constraints of time and to immerse oneself in the pulsating rhythms of the present. With its fusion of cosmic themes and infectious energy, this single serves as a reminder that the only moment that truly matters is the one we’re living in.

Beaming Up was officially released on March 18; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Weather the storm with Chris Chism’s indie Americana folk exposition of introspection, When It Rains Down on School Street

Posted on 9 April 2024

Chris Chism’s single ‘When It Rains Down on School Street’ is a folk offering steeped in Americana and visceral emotion, reminiscent of a melancholic gaze through a rain-glazed window. This consolingly evocative release spills into the soul, embodying the essence of introspective folk music.

The gentle, finger-picked guitars in the track carry an alt-country flair, intricately woven and effortlessly carrying Chism’s vocal notes. His voice, a shot to the heart, resonates in the celestially timbered vein of Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Ray LaMontagne. It’s this combination of delicate guitar work and soul-stirring vocals that elevates the single to the epitome of pensive solace.

‘When It Rains Down on School Street’ aches for both literal and metaphorical brighter days; Chism’s ability to capture this longing, coupled with a sense of cynicism that often accompanies life’s storms, makes the track a poignant reflection of the human condition.

Raised on a diet of bluegrass and classic country, Chism’s roots are evident in his music. His journey from metal and punk to the folk and country scenes has culminated in a sound that will see him go far. Now a fixture in North Carolina’s folk scene, his music reflects the stories and struggles of working-class people, infused with raw honesty and deep personal connections.

When It Rains Down on School Street was officially released on March 25; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get in harmony with your soul through Skydivers’ indie pop kaleidoscope of 60s hues, Maybe I Can

Posted on 8 April 2024

Slip into the cradle of nostalgia with the latest single, Maybe I Can, from the Boone, NC-based studio project, Skydivers. The tenderly melodic kaleidoscope of 60s hues embody the colour and soul of the Beatles and the Kinks, filtered through a nuancedly modernised indie pop lens.

Hit play and cruise with the shimmering guitars, groove with the intuitively clever percussion, and find nirvana with the ascending keys which defy gravity as they sway through the production beneath the honey-timbered vocal lines as they exude a blissful state of care-free indecision.

In the frantic pace of our era, singles in the vein of Maybe I Can, which give permission to get in harmony with your own soul and slow down should be on everyone’s playlists. The sublime ease of the progressions is an efficacious sonic visualisation of the emotional themes which underpin this superlative release.

Maybe I Can was officially released on March 29; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Harmonising Art and Ambition: Deshon Washington’s Exclusive Interview with A&R Factory

Posted on 7 April 2024

In an intimate sit-down with A&R Factory, Deshon Washington, the soulful voice behind the upcoming single ‘Work of Art’, shares the essence of his growing musical legacy. As he recounts his start in the music industry, from karaoke bars in Conway, Arkansas, to the global stage of Carnival Cruise Lines, Washington’s narrative is a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision. His experiences, including a pivotal appearance on Netflix’s ‘Sing On!’, have shaped his unique sonic signature, turning challenges into stepping stones towards greater heights.

This interview is a deep dive into the heart of an artist who sees rejection as a catalyst for reinvention, and who dreams of one day conquering Madison Square Garden. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of a life dedicated to music, and the ambitious journey of a voice that refuses to be confined by the sea.

Thank you for the opportunity to sit down with you ahead of the release of your next single, Work of Art, what’s the story behind the single?

 “The story behind this single is that I could always look at a painting or any piece of art and seem infatuated by it, but one day I saw a woman who surpassed everything from my past, and it seemed the future, that I ever seen. I knew that the only way I could explain it was through song.”

How do the instrumentals in your upcoming single complement the emotional themes?

The single gives a very free and funky vibe. The song is filled with love and happiness (shout out to Al Green, an inspiration to me).

How and when did you start cutting your teeth in the music industry?

I started in 2018 when I released my first single “Little Time”. I was singing karaoke for 2 years prior in a bar called Kings Live Music, in Conway, Arkansas. I tried to find my voice and my own style before putting my own thoughts and visions into the public eye. Ever since then I’ve been growing and learning more about myself and the music industry. I still have a lot to learn, and I want to make it bigger than I’ve ever imagined.

How have your experiences in the music industry shaped your sonic signature?

A lot of people will see rejection as a sign of failure and let their vision dim. But I have seen it as the torch that lights my way to a brighter future. My experience in the industry hasn’t been all amazing, but the parts that have been, have completely overshadowed the bad parts. I have seen myself in a bigger venue than I already have been and only see myself getting bigger. Getting told no, and being rejected has made me redefine myself and mold myself into a better artist today than I was yesterday.

Your Netflix debut seems to have been a pivotal moment in your career; how did you land a spot on ‘Sing On!’, and what other doors did this opportunity open?

I landed it after competing in the KWC, Karaoke World Championships in Las Vegas in 2019. I made it on the National tryouts after making it past state, and once I made it, I got contacted by a casting director about trying out for a new singing show that would be on Netflix. It has opened a few doors for me, not as much as I thought, but I know the cause of why it hasn’t. I had to get out of my comfort zone, that being my home town, to see what other doors were out there for me to open. One of those doors was Carnival. I’ve had more success and growth in Carnival in the span of 2 years than I’ve ever done at home.

Can you give us an insight into the highs and lows of working as a singer for Carnival Cruise Lines?

The highs of being a singer on Carnival are the consistent work, the opportunity to sing songs outside of your comfort zone and to be able to expand on your artistic abilities. Being around so many different nationalities has its amazing parts as well. You grow as a person on the outside and inside, getting to know and understand the other nations. The lows are mostly being away from home and missing family and friends. It can take a huge toll on you, especially when a family emergency happens, and you can’t get home.

What is it like to release music at sea?

It can be very daunting. It’s a difficult step to get through because of internet issues on the ship and not always being in the same time frame as your producer/engineer. But it has its own rewards as well, because once you release it, you have thousands of people that you can promote your song to, every cruise.

Where do you see your talent taking you next?

My main goal is to sell out Madison Square Garden one day.  I feel like I am in the beginning years of the new and final me. Like I have found myself, my sound, my style, and I’m ready to take it to the world and take it over.

Thank you for your time!

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Stream Deshon Washington on Spotify, discover more about the artist on his official website and follow him via Instagram and Facebook.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast