Browsing Tag

Chicago

The World Will Keep On Turning: Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter Brian Allison tells us to stay strong on ‘Keep Your Head Up’

Posted on 7 September 2021

As he urges us to stay calm despite the stormy seas around as things will always get better, Brian Allison sings with such a caring ambiance on his latest single which is all about gritting your teeth and never giving up on ‘Keep Your Head Up‘.

Brian Allison is a touring Americana singer-songwriter based in Nashville with a highly impressive beard, who has just moved with his wife and four kids from Chicago. He changed cities so he could be immersed into the mecca of live music in the USA, as he has goals that are lofty but definitely obtainable.

”The song showcases beautiful string arrangements, and an emotional message of not giving up in the hardest of times. I wrote this song right after the lockdowns accrued last year during the pandemic.” ~ Brian Allison

He sings with such an intricate understanding and love for humankind, as each lyric performed seems to mean so much to him. Brian reaches notes that are rather outstanding and he turns up the volume quickly, showing us his vocal range which certainly leads us through into a new world of thought from before. His message is interwoven into our fluctuating mindsets, as he helps us understand that we can actually survive anything if we try hard enough.

‘Keep Your Head Up‘ from the Nashville-based indie Americana singer-songwriter Brian Allison, is a lively effort that certainly rattles your bones and wakes you up from the slumber-filled negativity, that is swirling around suspiciously on the empty streets like a vicious wind. This is the marvelous message we all need to consume, as the world will always be turning and there are opportunities out there to succeed.

As long as you are alive and kicking, there is always something to smile about.

Hear this new single on Soundcloud and see more on IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Know We Belong: Courageous Chicago indie-rock trio Jacks and Atoms inspire us to join together as one team on ‘We Stand’

Posted on 29 August 2021

After starting the song and coming back to it as the pandemic ravaged the world like an angry fire that wouldn’t go out, Jacks and Atoms bring us much-needed peace with a wonderfully created new single all about growing despite the wicked fear around during these savage times with ‘We Stand‘.

Jacks and Atoms is an entertaining Chicago, Illinois-based indie-rock trio. They make an elite blend of looking-deeper music which touches on real topics we can all get behind, as they bring a likable energy to this confused world.

With a true story all about doing what is needed to move the suffocating boulders which have taken over our deepest thoughts, this is a fantastic single which has you thinking much clearer than before. Featuring crystal clear vocals and a stunning guitar background to dance the doubts away into the woods, you somehow feel rather reinvigorated after cleaning your soul with this excellent effort.

‘We Stand‘ from the highly enjoyable Chicago-based indie-rock trio Jacks and Atoms, is an important story all about standing up for yourself and not being afraid to rise up tall when needed. They sing with such an uplifting energy, which has us building our mind bridges and staying strong, lifting above all the hate and confusion.

This is the message we all needed to hear, as they bring the world a hopeful effort to all join hands to. As one team.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see their exciting journey on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Wish You Could Of Loved Me Better: Sensational Chicago sister duo CORA show such scintillating class on debut single ‘Homesick’

Posted on 29 July 2021

As they courageously wrote this incredible song whilst their flight home from LAX was delayed, CORA open up their hearts which were sadly broken by two selfish guys who showed their true colors eventually on ‘Homesick‘.

CORA is a captivating Wisconsin-born, Chicago, Illinois-based sister indie pop duo formed by Meghan and Caitlin Foley. They soulfully formulate a lovely blend of excellent music melodies about the struggles of being in love, with the pressures of fake social media always around, as well as the journey to finding themselves.

”A few months ago we decided it was time to rebrand and change our name. We chose the name CORA which symbolizes the heart and honesty, which is what we want our music to represent, too.” ~ CORA 

This is the sad story about being with someone who seems sweet at first – but then shows you how indescribably devious they really are – as they are small-mindlessly manipulative and are only thinking of themselves. You take it on the chin for a while and hope for change but then it becomes too much, as you then know that their time is up and you need to escape quickly, before they control you like an evil nemesis forever.

With lusciously intertwined vocals and a close togetherness brewing so brightly like a shooting star, you sense that they are starting a new journey that they have been waiting for. Their mindset is now aligned and you feel like they will always communicate properly from now on. Their loving bond is alive and bright, as they sing so beautifully in unison to also help those who have been hurt by a cruel lost love.

‘Homesick‘ from the fantastic Chicago-based sister indie pop duo CORA, shows us music vibrations that when you turn on, has your horrid ex stepping painfully onto a sneakily hidden piece of wayward Lego. They have a dynamic fusion together that is so lovingly authentic, and send our reflective minds into a real spin of past flashbacks.

Sometimes you think that you are with the right person who will be there forever, when actually you have just found out that you need a new type. Quickly. That real love is waiting for you however, when you find that special soul waiting to connect with you, in a place you least expected it.

Stream this wonderful debut single on YouTube and see their exciting journey via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Time To Take A Stand: Confident Chicago rapper Demko is ‘Feelin’ so good

Posted on 28 July 2021

With a positive outlook and a cheeky smile which shows that he is in the zone right now, Demko has that all-knowing ‘Feelin‘ that his day is only going to get better with a flow-filled display on his new blaze-filled music video.

Demko is an assertive Chicago, Illinois-based rapper, music producer, singer, actor and artist. He makes that swarming old school hip-hop, which is packed full of meaningful bars which has your mind alive with possibilities.

This is the track all about showing that you are on a mission and the story takes us on a body grooving journey throughout the buzzing city – as the vibe is there in the blood-thirsty veins – and this is a terrific single all about taking yourself into another level from the rest. The self-belief is definitely there and the lyrics just seem to appear as you are walking around, as  you sense his eyes are only locked onto success.

‘Feelin‘ from the clean shades-wearing Chicago, Illinois-based indie rapper, actor and producer Demko, is a bounce-in-his-step type of release that has you beaming from ear to ear. He shows such cleverly-penned lyrics and a lighter-fueled smoke of delight on each verse here, as his grin-stacked charm is oozing in delight. He feels good and wants to let everyone know, that he is only elevating to levels that many of his former friends, wish they could be a part of.

When you feel good you just know it deep inside your bones – as you take a stand with yourself and choose to ignore all of the undesirable energy – which so many choose to breathe, instead of that smartly chosen positive vibration.

Stream this new music video on YouTube and find out more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Let You Slip Away: Chicago’s Babybrutha shows his respect for Paul Weller on ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ (The Style Council cover)

Posted on 21 July 2021

Written by the legendary UK musician Paul Weller, Babybrutha reminds us of our often-selfish ways that need to be extinguished quickly before they ruin our lives on ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf‘ (The Style Council cover).

Babybrutha is a Chicago-based four-piece funk/rock/soul band founded by the lead vocalist and bassist Tim Lee. He makes that soulfully relevant type of music that strikes passionately into your heart, and has you thinking reflectively about your life.

”Paul Weller originally wrote this classic for The Style Council and it is the only cover on the album. Tim Lee has always been a fan of Weller’s and this is one of his favorite songs. The lyrics are the same but the arrangement is all Babybrutha.” ~ Babybrutha

This is the true story about wishing you could take back the moment you took that special soul for granted until they stopped answering your calls, as you think about your actions and vow to never let this happened again.

With a softly spoken vocal ability that shines through so peacefully, there is such a calming nature intertwined into this classic cover song which has you enjoying his terrific guitar-playing. This is a man who usually performs his own music and was so inspired by this true classic – that he felt was important to share this honest track – in this often-selfish world that needs to hear this message.

‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf‘ (The Style Council cover) from the Chicago-based multi-talented funk/rock/soul act Babybrutha, is a new release that sends a tribute to the incredibly skilled songwriter Paul Weller, while also showing his qualities with a peaceful display that will have your feet tapping along. This is a very introspective track which has you thinking so deeply, as you wish you could have some moments back to change what transpired before in your life.

See this new music video on YouTube and find out more on the the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Won’t Stop Till I’m Finished: The roaring Lion Pharaoh soaks the sleepy fish on his guzzling mission with ‘Country Women’

Posted on 13 July 2021

As he grabs the red label and has his smart lookin’ cowboy hat on ready for action, Lion Pharaoh discovers a new world that he rather enjoys fraternizing with on the woods-exploring new single ‘Country Women‘.

Lion Pharaoh is a youthfully ebullient Chicago, Illinois-based rapper. You feel his determined denouement in all aspects of his street-taught master plan which is highlighted by his vivid imagination that is unteachable, just growing fantastically inside his sharply tuned mind.

This is a buoyant exploration from an ever-aware artist who knows that he needs to see nature again, to fully immerse himself into the locals, and see what else is out there for him to experience. He raps so confidently, without a care in the world and pours one out for those who couldn’t be there for the ride of his life.

‘Country Women‘ from the freshly minted South side Chicago rapper Lion Pharaoh, is a fun story that has him enjoying himself whilst the world recovers from all the scar-filled trauma. He sips quickly and shows us what new adventures can be had when you venture away from the serious city, that can destroy your soul if you let it. Sometimes, all it takes to refresh the mind is a mission out to meet new people, so you can have a bit of a relaxed holiday from it all, to meet new lovers and friends who totally get your vibe.

Stream this new music video on YouTube and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Booty On You: Elite Los Angeles artist Shevy O’Shea knows what he likes on ‘#RihannaMove’

Posted on 9 July 2021

With a stacked rack full of oozing charm and smoothly tipped vocals to get the attention of everyone in the room, Shevy O’Shea reminds us why he needs to be talked about more with one of the most stimulating tracks you will hear all year with ‘#RihannaMove‘.

Shevy O’Shea is a Santiago, Dominican Republic-born, Chicago, USA-raised, Los Angeles, California-based indie soul, RnB, pop and Afro-beats fused future superstar, and multi-instrumentalist. He makes an array of dance-happy music that has many speaking his name in high esteem – as someone who will be features in massive music festivals all over the world – when they are allowed again.

”He earned a scholarship to study biology, hoping to become a surgeon, but a series of unlucky events forced him to drop out of school. It became clear to Shevy that if he were to attain the success he longed for, music was the only way to go.” – Shevy O’Shea

With a sexy beat and heart-stopping lyrics that lets you know that he means business, you feel an air of calm when you listen to a talent like this. Everything is effortless and he is to the point – not wasting time with foreplay – and gets straight down to business with a heat-filled track, that lets you know that he likes what he sees and wants it for himself now.

‘#RihannaMove‘ from Los Angeles-based fast-riser Shevy O’Shea, is a body slider of the highest order. He sings with such passionate gusto and you feel his self-belief all over this wonderful new single, that has almost claimed one million Spotify streams already. This is a song that has you taking off those self-doubts and throwing them to the floor – right where you get into the groove –  and party the night away with this supreme effort right at the top of your playlist.

Stream this steamy new single on Spotify and see more from his exciting life on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Was Always Going To Find Out: Efficacious Chicago singer Monica Rose knows that he wasn’t the one on ‘Peter Pan’ (feat. Multi-Band)

Posted on 4 July 2021

Returning with her first release of 2021 which follows her tremendously soulful four-track EP from last year called ‘Wax‘, Monica Rose brings her unique indie-bop bounce with the reflective story about knowing that they can’t be together for long on ‘Peter Pan‘ (feat. Multi-Band).

Monica Rose is a thoughtfully stylish Chicago, Illinois-based indie jazzy/pop singer-songwriter, rollerblader, subconscious mind student, future fashion icon, and skilled painter. She intrinsically fuses that healing melody that helps us deal with our day, as this is a caring musician who selflessly makes music to help others through her art.

”I’d consider myself a very reflective person with an enormous imagination. I’m constantly observing the world around me and conjuring ideas about how I’d like to communicate what occurs behind my eyes. A certain type of success, to me, is to perfectly communicate a thought or feeling.” – Monica Rose

Her tenacious attitude is quite inspiring as she is following her dreams the whole way, as she is joined by her talented band to add so many extra enticing layers to their genuine sound. Each second is so groovy, their underground style is so underrated and you feel like they are building up, brick by brick, to get to where they know they need to be.

‘Peter Pan‘ (feat. Multi-Band) from the wonderfully talented and deep thinker Monica Rose, shows us a supremely creative soul who has a special ability to galvanize your attention on her, as you sit back and intertwine glowingly at these deliciously wondrous vocals. This is the type of song to listen to when you need some reassurance that you made the right decision. Trusting your gut, is always the way to lean after all.

Stream her new track on Spotify and see the vision via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

You Gotta Ball: Chicago underground rapper Dino feels invincible on intent-filled new single ‘No Hook Menace’

Posted on 18 June 2021

With his debut EP on the way soon, Dino dusts off the gloves and gets into the ring with his latest single called ‘No Hook Menace‘.

Brandon Coleman aka Dino, is a self-assured Chicago-based underground hip-hop artist with a ferocious delivery. He makes that raw rap music that swats away the competition easily, with his smartly penned lyrics and confident attitude.

He pulls up with a serious style and makes it known that he is for real. With a potent energy that has you captivated and nodding your head to his sterling effort, that rampages in like a hungry bull who knows where the prey is. He is tired of weak cats talking too much and is only focusing on being better from here on.

‘No Hook Menace‘ from the emerging Chicago-based artist Dino, is a swashbuckling freestyle-type track that leaves no doubt with his intentions. He is on a mission and doesn’t have time for anyone getting in the way of what he wants with girls, or his music career. This determined attitude has him on form here and with a bouncy beat – as this is a quick-fire track that is filled with smokey hard bars – and an artist who knows exactly what he wants.

You gotta ball after all to win in this life.

Stream this new track on Soundcloud and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Maybe I Need Help: Chicago pop singer Rowan Morgan is refreshingly honest on visuals for ‘Imposter Syndrome’

Posted on 6 June 2021

As she looks deep within her confidence to see if she can shake off this dreaded feeling away quickly, Rowan Morgan tells us the story of how she once didn’t know if she was good enough, on her relevantly precise new single named ‘Imposter Syndrome‘.

Rowan Morgan is a youthfully exuberant Chicago, Illinois-based indie pop singer-songwriter. She makes that reflective sound that is influenced by her love and appreciation for her heroes Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande.

”This upbeat yet dark melody came to me at a time when I was doubting my skills in music. ‘Imposter Syndrome‘ is believing that you are not as competent or as good as people perceive you to be and they are going to find out that you are just a fraud. Everyone has been through that fear of being less than, and I was able to put that into words with a harmony heavy, energizing pop song.” – Rowan Morgan

She sings with such valid introspection, as the compare-culture of the world had her in so much doubt-filled sadness, as she had never felt this way before. Her talents are boundless and she is so good – but needs to always be able to switch on her positive energy – so that the darkness and nay-sayers, may be shown the door so that they never return.

‘Imposter Syndrome‘ from Chicago pop singer-songwriter Rowan Morgan, is a flashing bulb of doom from her incredibly skilled mind that stops her by the traffic lights. This is the warning that shows you into the depths of the sewers next to you, to remind you that you need to believe in yourself, to truly be free away from those toxic depths of gloom.

Having that inner determination to do what you truly believe in – is the only way to seeing that green light – that will let you across so you may carry on your path to your destiny, after the teaching-moment detour before.

Stream her new song via YouTube and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen