Browsing Tag

Illinois

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

Crystal Lake’s Statik Hillz shows us where the good times are with ‘Dance tha Blokk’

Posted on 17 February 2022

Taken off his ambitious 19-track ‘Univerzal Overdoze‘ full album, Statik Hillz sends us a sensational song that shall invigorate your mood and get you back to having fun with your friends again on ‘Dance tha Blokk‘.

Adam Reese aka Statik Hillz is a Crystal Lake, Illinois-based indie multi-genre solo artist who somehow fuses in a mix of rock, pop, electronic, hip hop and dance.

”He produces all of his original music on Ableton Live mixing catchy melodies with intricate and smoothly crafted lyrics that touch on mental awareness/hardship, love and human connection.” ~ Adam Reese

Sending us on a fun explorer mission to smell out where the best adventures will be tonight, Statik Hillz whistles his way into our famished hearts with one of the most stimulating tracks to grace our earlobes for a very long time. There is youthful vitality here that is rather translucently thrilling, as we bring our mates back from the cold and get to that party.

‘Dance tha Blokk‘ from Crystal Lake, Illinois-based indie multi-genre artist Statik Hillz, is a wonderful single to return you to the party that is calling your name from the streets. There is a late-night vibrancy here that is like the Bat signal for all of us to get that energy alight again – as we return to normal and keep things simple – while having that all-important fun again to forget the dark times of the past two years.

Get the drinks ready as you delve into his catchy track on Soundcloud and follow the socials 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

No Bricks: Christian rapper D-Rock shows us how he did it ‘Legit’

Posted on 5 January 2022

Taken off his latest 5-track ‘Blessed Up‘ album, D-Rock guides us into his life that only contains those moments that lets you know that he will always be ‘Legit‘.

Derek Johnson aka D-Rock is a Palm Bay, Florida-born Christian hip-hop solo artist who now resides in Macomb, Illinois. After a tough life growing up in the devious streets where he dealt with gang life, drugs, and a stint in jail, we are introduced to a fighter that changed his life around when he found his faith in God and now works in youth ministry.

With a look up at the sky to gain forgiveness at what happened before and gritted teeth at what he wants to achieve, D-Rock is a seriously determined soul who vowed never to see those suffocating bars again and has stood by his word. Easing into the mic with a flow that is packed with intent and so much love for his leader, you sense a reinvigorated artist that is showing the world that it is indeed possible to turn the picture around if you want enough.

‘Legit‘ from the Macomb, Illinois-based indie Christian hip-hop artist D-Rock, is a flip-scripting track that shows his haters that he has moved onto greener pastures and isn’t ever looking back again. With his past firmly behind him, you feel that this is a statement single from an artist who has had a second chance presented to him and isn’t going to waste it.

With a firm flow and lots of stories to tell – you feel like he’s only getting started on this exciting path – that has changed his whole mindset from the dark into the ever-growing light.

Listen up to this new single on his Spotify and check out the IG page for more news.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Multimillion-Dollar Status: Skotti knows that the jealous will feel the pain soon on ‘Full Circle’

Posted on 30 December 2021

Continuing with his smart strategy of releasing singles to build up his name to the masses, Skotti shows us how he has been dealing with so much petty wildness and a mind filled with demons on ‘Full Circle‘.

Scott Franklin Edwards Jr aka Skotti is an underground Joliet, Illinois-born Chicagoland, USA-based indie hip-hop solo artist and actor.

”With East Coast Hip Hop being a primary influence for his sound, he is also influenced by a multitude of artists such as Eminem, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Capital Steez, Mac Miller and many more.” ~ Skotti

Flowing with a real purpose and showing us how rappers should sound, Skotti might be one of the most underrated emcees’s in the game right now. You feel like he is working on his chosen craft with genuine intent, as he seems to deliver rhymes that really hot the spot just right like a Michael Jordan jump shot with the game on the line.

‘Full Circle‘ from Chicagoland, USA-based indie hip-hop solo artist and actor Skotti, is a thought-consuming track all about trying to find yourself again – after your energies have been skillfully consumed – from being around too many greedy fake cats who only wanted to bite off your shine for themselves.

Staying true to your path no matter what you encounter, is the only way to win that marathon of life.

Hear this top new single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

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

No Sense Of A Home: Captivating Chicago singer-songwriter Morgan Pirtle would rather run away than be ‘Lost In A World’

Posted on 27 November 2021

Sung with genuine connection and palatable vocals that might have you exuding a small tear, Morgan Pirtle is at her caring and beautiful best with an honest track about finding your way in this strange place we call home with ‘Lost In A World‘.

Morgan Pirtle is an award-winning indie folk/jazz solo artist and storyteller who is based in Chicago, Illinois and sings with such astonishingly real essence on each one of her elegant pieces of art.

”Morgan is a Luminarts Fellow in Jazz and a Downbeat Student Music Awards Winner.” ~ Morgan Pirtle

This is the sweet story that so many of us will definitely relate to. Trying to find that cosy home that makes you feel so warm inside all your bones – seems so much harder than before – as you just feel like running away sometimes but aren’t sure where to go.

Morgan Pirtle shows us her incredible angelic soul in full view with this mesmerizing effort that shall have you feeling so much more relaxed than before. She is on top form with a scintillating display that has authentic lyrics of self-examination, which is a soul-healing gem of an experience that is notably exceptional.

‘Lost In A World‘ from the Chicago, Illinois-based indie folk/jazz solo artist Morgan Pirtle, is one of the more enjoyable listens from 2021. This is a hugely underrated young woman who sings with such a lovable style which gives you happy shivers, as you just lay back – and let her take you into her vividly-described world – that is saturated with that rare kindness we all need to admire.

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

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

We Had a Future: Marc Rangel wonders what happened to that sweet romance on ‘Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore’

Posted on 23 November 2021

With a reminiscing tone that looks back at when they couldn’t stop holding hands and laughing together, Marc Rangel is full of that sad regret about the moment he knew it was over on the notably impassioned new single ‘Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore‘.

Marc Rangel aka Marc Anthony Rangel is a Los Angeles, California-based indie-pop singer-songwriter who grew up mostly in Rockford, Illinois.

”His biggest musical influences come from 90’s and early 2000’s r&b music.” ~ Marc Rangel

Marc Rangel displays his unparalleled vocal ability on an emotional rollercoaster that has your heart feeling so empty and thinking back to your own romantic troubles. His tone is rather unprecedented and has you turning up the volume, to capture each second of this terrific young musician who is finding his way in this extremely odd world we all reside in.

‘Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore‘ from the Los Angeles, California-based indie-pop singer-songwriter Marc Rangel, shows us a sombre mind that is so disoriented as to what actually transpired. The love was there and he enjoyed each moment to the fullest but is in deep regret at the way things unfolded.

The one that got away is always the hardest relationship to get out of your mind after all,

Feel the emotion flowing through the veins of this heartfelt creation on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Hold Up: Gregory O Screen guides us into ‘The Steppers Club Suite 3- Steppers Party Mix’ (feat. LeSauce)

Posted on 4 October 2021

Bringing us volume three of this catchy track that will have your body grooving to the tune, Gregory O Screen drops more exciting music for us to get excited about on ‘The Steppers Club Suite 3- Steppers Party Mix‘ (feat. LeSauce).

Gregory O Screen is an experienced Illinois-based indie artist who makes that crisp old school feeling-to-the-soul hip hop that brings you back to the good days.

”The Stepper’s Club Suites is three songs, that were originally composed to be an individual instrumental. The original was composed approximately 7 years ago, and shelved for other reasons at that time. Once time permitted, Greg dusted of the original track, and took it to local Music Producer Joseph Wright Jr. at JoRon 2000 Studios, in Midlothian, Illinois.” ~ Gregory O Screen

This is a six-minute fade up all the way with the volume high type of experience, that is all about that all-night sensual journey to keep you into the groove away from the bad moods. You feel like you have just stepped back into a peaceful place, as there is a mellow energy here which has to surely get your feet tapping.

‘The Steppers Club Suite 3- Steppers Party Mix‘ (feat. LeSauce) from Illinois-based Gregory O Screen, shows us into a party that is full of a welcome that grips your attention. With a soulful ambiance which has you feeling so good again, you feel like you are inside the club and enjoying the ride all night long. Featuring lots of soulful singing and drinks to keep you refreshed, this is a track to dive into the whole evening.

Hear this new track on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen