Browsing Tag

Chicago

Chicago’s Cult Baby rises through the desert winds on ‘Further Heights’

Posted on 3 April 2022

With a landscape-friendly new music video that takes your whole consciousness on a global journey, Cult Baby returns with a sensational story that will take your breath away on ‘Further Heights‘.

Zechariah Funkhouser aka Cult Baby is a Chicago, Illinois-born indie-pop singer-songwriter who uses all of his innovative nature on his cinematic tracks to truly swim deeply into.

“Further Heights is about an individual who hires a personal assistant to drive with them across the world in various cars, on one occasion this person even ships his favorite car to Switzerland.” ~ Cult Baby

Exposing us to something that is replenished with spectacular views and a mellow vocal ability that gets us in the mood to explore the world, Cult Baby shows us into his travel-laden mind that is thinking deeply about what the world has to offer after all this time locked up inside.

”Cult Baby uses his influences from jazz, blues, r&b, rock and pop to cultivate a dynamic sound of his own.” ~ Cult Baby

‘Further Heights‘ from Chicago, Illinois-born, Los Angeles, California-based indie-pop singer-songwriter Cult Baby, is the type of video that sends us into a whole new planet of intrigue. With a dreamy nature that has so many beautiful sceneries to truly be inspired by – this is a mellow track that will be perfect for a summer’s afternoon – when you are thinking about dusting off your lonely passport.

Listen in to this nostalgic track on YouTube and see more of the energy on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chicago rapper Jefe Bates isn’t afraid of any challenge with ‘I Am What I Am’

Posted on 24 March 2022

Steering us into his action-packed life which is filled with activities that he loves to embrace, Jefe Bates returns with his signature motivated outlook that has him telling us that he isn’t changing for anyone on ‘I Am What I Am‘.

Jefe Bates is a Chicago-based indie Hip hop solo artist who flows with tremendous energy and always seems to drop timeless classics that will stand the test of time.

With a highly powerful flow that sends your head into a nodding frenzy, you can’t help but like, Jefe Bates displays his wizardry behind the mic and punches his way to the top with an expressive message that should send shivers down your pulsated spine.

‘I Am What I Am‘ from Chicago-based indie Hip hop solo artist Jefe Bates, is a poetical single that sends us into a whole new world of intrigue. There is a calm aura here and a flourishing beat loaded with treasures for us to open up with intent, from an experienced underground musician – who is only gaining steam like a freight train – as his self-awareness seem to improve after each release. This is the story about letting everyone know that following a lame fad isn’t in his bloodstream, as staying on the track and speeding up, is the only mission that is actually worth it.

Check out this new single on Spotify and see more news via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Michele Thomas lends her gospel neo-soul vocals to easy listening jazz in her single, I Know Because You Told Me So

Posted on 14 March 2022

The jazzy soulstress, Michele Thomas, has recently released her mould-breaking neo-soul single, I Know Because You Told Me So, which may be one of the most narratively-immersive jazz-fusion singles ever released.

The questioning, bold and introspective lyrics come into play once you’re suitably pacified by the mellifluous instrumental grooves. Becoming invested in the narrative that sheds a light on Thomas’ experience in the world is non-optional. Her gospel-Esque chanteuse vocals allow her vibrant and pure-hearted energy to radiate in the single that carries enough ease to fall into the easy-listening category. Yet, thanks to her vocal performance, I Know Because You Told Me So certainly isn’t without its revitalising zeal.

After finding her voice through gospel music, the Chicago-based singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and educator turned her stylistic grace to the freedom in the improvised nature of jazz. The airwaves are infinitely better for it.

I Know Because You Told Me So is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Chicago-based Mission Stark stays calm and finds that anti-venom within on ‘Snake Bite’

Posted on 15 February 2022

While he certainly regrets the move that made him frigid for a while as he felt the claws of that former lover who he cared for slice into his priceless energy to selfishly snatch his superpowers, Mission Stark knows that he will need time to regain his full strength again with his new single, ‘Snake Bite‘.

Mission Stark aka David Stark is an underground Chicago, USA-based indie Hip hop artist who has recently released his 4-track EP, ‘Road of Dark Secrets‘.

”He began freestyle rapping at the age of 14 in high school and he started listening and dancing to dubstep which got him into making his own beats.” ~ Mission Stark

As he rises from the depths of despair after feeling the wicked treachery of that despised ex who had undesirable intentions, Mission Stark washes off the strain that struck him down like a malevolent lightning storm and flies high again with a hungry flow that shows his toughness in this challenging world.

‘Snake Bite‘ from Chicago-based indie Hip hop artist Mission Stark, is a blood-filled track about feeling sapped of your vital warmth by someone who truly swindled you into loving them. After soon realizing that they were definitely up to no good and only interested in taking away your special soul that has suddenly gone cold – this is a heartfelt warning – that should stun many into action before it’s too late.

Rapped with a truthful output that lets you know that he has lived this unnerving experience, this is an insightful release that has you watching your moves and only opening up your heart to those who can look you right in the eye without flinching.

Hear this venom-filled new single on Spotify and check out the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Kate Keller fantasizes about the unforgettable cologne on debut track, ‘Ghosts’

Posted on 30 January 2022

After proceeding into music full-time and with her debut EP set for release in the summer of 2022, Kate Keller fulfils all of her creative desires with a moving and delightfully memorable performance on ‘Ghosts‘.

Kate Keller is a Chicago-based, New York-born indie singer-songwriter who performs with a natural beauty that warms your whole consciousness into feeling alive again.

”After studying vocal performance and psychology in college, Kate went on to immerse herself in the healthcare field, working at Mount Sinai Hospital and recently moving to Chicago to pursue her PhD in clinical psychology.” ~ Kate Keller

You feel the wind gushing gently all over your inner soul when you listen to the transfixing talent that is Kate Keller. She daydreams romantically about the sensual smell and tender touch of a past friend, who could have been a lover but is now a sweet memory in her past life.

‘Ghosts‘ from Chicago-based, New York-born indie singer-songwriter Kate Keller, is the sensationally-performed debut of an artist who is only just getting started. After moving from home she misses the past and what it all could have been but seems ready now to love again in a new city with so many possibilities.

Being in a new timezone and changing your clock but never altering your core, is the best way to stay true to who you are but also adapt to your new environment.

Hear this lovely single on YouTube and see more of her story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Follow You Though: Terry Blade feels rather aggrieved on ‘Eaten Alive’

Posted on 17 January 2022

Taken from his brand new 10-track ‘Neo Queer‘ album, Terry Blade shows us that trapped place that is forcing his mind to wonder why he is in this situation, to begin with on ‘Eaten Alive‘.

Terry Blade is an award-winning Washington, DC-born LGBTQ+ singer-songwriter who is now based in Chicago, Illinois.

”He has drawn comparisons to artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Macy Gray, and Antony and the Johnsons.” ~ Terry Blade

Featuring such a tremendous beat that is smooth and illuminating, Terry Blade is rather superb on a tale that urges himself to avoid listening too much to someone who he knows should be in his past already.

With vocals that catch your attention quickly and bring you fully into this worrying picture, this is a track to play when you are trying to find the strength deep inside you to seek that escape door and move into calmer waters.

‘Eaten Alive‘ from the highly respected Chicago, Illinois-based multi-genre musician Terry Blade, is that striking story about feeling like you are locked away with someone who doesn’t respect you but demands that you respect them. The message is real and has your heart beating – as you peek through the curtains – and see someone who is so unhappy but can’t seem to break away just yet.

Listen to this quality single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Christopher Kremer has released his elegantly poetic allusion to languor ‘Electron’

Posted on 7 January 2022

If you still hold a candle for the melancholia of Elliott Smith, consider the new EP from folk singer-songwriter Christopher Kremer as an unmissable release. Major/Minor carries just enough reminiscences to tease nostalgia as the Chicago-based artist leaves you enamoured by his down-but-not-out authenticity.

The soul-fizzingly sweet lead single, Electron, is equally as instrumentally melodious as the most cathartic singles from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The vocals and lyrics lace the soundscape with an all too relatable languor, but even with the poetic allusions to entropy, the hazy choral textures ensure that Electron resonates as a transcendently uplifting release.

Major/Minor is now available to stream in full via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

See It In Your Eyes: Chicago rock artist Alex Thorn brings the epic 80’s back on ‘Let Me In’

Posted on 29 December 2021

With his long hair flowing into the wind as he looks deep into those sad eyes, Alex Thorn knows that he has something to offer to help soothe that pain away forever on ‘Let Me In‘.

Alex Thorn is a Chicago, Illinois-based indie rock solo singer-songwriter who performs with that old school edge and has our speakers rattling in impressive unison on each one of his creations.

”Starting in his early days as an aspiring musician, opportunity led him into the music industry as he played for bands such as Eroz, The Cause, Dangerous Hope, Hidden Truth, and Evolution.” ~ Alex Thorn

Sending us a riff-packed sensational release that will rattle into your ears as you remember trying to be with someone who has so much rigid pain lodged into their hurt soul, Alex Thorn sends us a helpful reminder that it is possible to heal others through quality music.

‘Let Me In‘ from the Chicago, Illinois-based indie rock solo singer-songwriter Alex Thorn, is a robust single made by someone who truly seems to respect the past and aims to keep this classic genre burning brightly like a campfire in winter. His vocal projection has you in awe of his range and there is much to be enamoured by here on this new pumped-up single. With a story that will resonate with so many, this is a highly worthwhile listen for all those hardcore rock fans out there.

Hear this fine new track on Spotify and see more via the IG channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Coming Down The Chimney: Chicago singer Jocie Denae drops cheerful Christmas cover classic ‘Happy Holiday’

Posted on 28 December 2021

Bringing us the happy Andy Williams cover that brings you to a smiling place as you get to think about this delightful time of year, Jocie Denae returns with her version of the classic single ‘Happy Holiday‘.

Jocie Denae is a Chicago, Illinois-based indie-pop singer-songwriter and dancer who sings with a youthful vibrance that you can’t help but enjoy.

“Through hard work and determination, my dreams become attainable.” ~ Jocie Denae

As she gets us all into the festive spirit to soothe our trepidations away like a kind angel with a red hat on, Jocie Denae shows us into her take on this well-loved cover that has been woven into our consciousness from an early age. Made famous by Williams in 1963, Jocie helps us shake off the gloom and get us into the mood with her ear-shaking vocals that soon eases you into the holiday spirit.

‘Happy Holiday‘ from Chicago, Illinois-based indie-pop singer-songwriter and dancer Jocie Denae is a sweet effort from someone who clearly loves this treat-filled time of year. She sounds in an inspired mood here – with a track that will bring you back to a time when you loved Christmas like a little kid – who couldn’t wait to wake up early so you could rip open all those presents under the tree.

Hear this lovely audio on YouTube and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chandler Poe shows us a sign of our world-weary times with his latest single, decay.

Posted on 27 December 2021

By starting with the resonant admission, “Every day I wake up and I’m already exhausted”, Chandler Poe’s latest single, decay, is a striking sign of our world-weary times. With the same artistic dejection shared by the likes of Arab Strap, John Grant and Jack Ladder paired with the blisters of soul that yearns for something sustaining and real, Chandler Poe taps into the collective loss of meaning to give us a tragically rare visceral emotion hit.

The Bukowski-style downbeat barfly lyrics become infinitely more powerful through Poe’s deep, gravelly vocal timbre that practically oozes sex appeal around the fiery beats and reverb-drenched keys. With more hits in the same vein as this, Chandler Poe has all it takes to become the next alt-indie icon.

Chandler Poe’s latest single, decay, is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast