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Jess Fuller lent her jazzy RnB etherealism to soulful realism in her post-breakup redemption arc, My Enemy

Jess Fuller’s seminal single, My Enemy, taken from her debut EP, Alchemy, unravels as a mesmerising blend of jazzy R&B grooves and soul-aching poetry. It’s a luxurious auditory journey, guided by Fuller’s smoky vocal timbre, her masterful command of the keyboard, and the equally as sharp command she holds over her audience as she keeps them captive to her luxe aura.

Fuller, a Los Angeles-based maestro of melody draws inspiration from eclectic influences like Hiatus Kaiyote and Stevie Wonder before crafting soundscapes that are as dreamy as they are grounded in soulful realism. The Jess Fuller Trio, with its rhythmic versatility, adds layers of depth to the track, making it resonate with anyone who’s ever navigated the turbulent waters of love and loss.

My Enemy delves into the complexities of affection turning into affliction. Fuller’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the post-breakup journey. From the ashes of a relationship marred by control and power play to the triumphant stride into newfound independence and regained strength. The production is a cinematic masterpiece, directed by dreamy vox and catchy melodies. Yet, it is the fatalistic shots fired towards the protagonists who need to deplete your power to hold any of their own over you that become the defining feature of this scintillating redemption arc.

Stream the Alchemy EP by Jess Fuller in full via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lana Oniel reached the pinnacle of cerebral electro-pop with her darkly ensnaring sophomore single, hypothalamus

After finding her fire in the City of Angels, Lana Oniel put the devil on her shoulder to release her darkly ensnaring sophomore single, hypothalamus, which reaches the pinnacle of cerebral electro-pop.

The moodily spectral release seductively defies the pop mould with a vocal delivery which finds a way to stylise histrionic eccentricity and a beat that consistently switches, never allowing you to feel complacent in the aesthetic. hypothalamus wasn’t orchestrated to entice you into comfort; Oniel efficaciously used her early years in musical theatre to confront her rapidly growing audience with an earworm which makes no bones about using its claws to sink into your synapses.

If you can imagine meeting Lady Gaga in a dark and nefarious dream soundtracked by Melleefresh and Chelsea Wolfe, you’ll get an idea of what awaits when you delve into this perfect follow-up to Oniel’s debut, Hard Just to Be.

Hypothalamus was officially released on November 2nd. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Skinny G Radio’s latest hit ‘Whatcha Gonna Do?’ is a euphoric indie earworm worth tuning in for.

Skinny G Radio rode their authentic indie pop signature across the cosmos in the latest exuberantly sweet hit, Whatcha Gonna Do? The sugared-with-uninhibited passion vocal lines run in parallel to the experimental instrumentals which dabble in 80s new wave nostalgia while carrying the histrionic flair of a polyphonic pop opera. It is impossible not to get swept up by the soul in this loved-up hit that is potent enough to give even the most melancholic nihilists lust for life.

By taking influence from Billy Joel, Mark Ronson, and John Mayer and always staying true to his own rapturously distinctive style, the Connecticut-born & raised LA-based songwriter, producer, and performer is an unforgettable indie pop icon who is set to make major waves with the release of his sophomore LP, The Heightening, which is due for release in 2024. Whatcha Gonna Do is just a taste of what the rest of the presumably infectiously hook-y album will deliver.

Whatcha Gonna Do is due for release on November 10th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

From Tunisia to LA: Ines Belayouni Talks To Us About Her Journey to International Stardom

Ines Belayouni, the talented Tunisian singer, embarked on an extraordinary journey from Tunisia to Los Angeles to fulfil her musical dreams. With a deep love for Jazz and Arabic music, impressive collaborations, and a versatile language repertoire, Ines’s story showcases her unwavering determination to achieve international acclaim in the music industry. In this interview, we dive into her unique journey, exploring her musical influences and the pivotal moments that have shaped her career.

Can you tell us about your early musical influences and how your family instilled a love for Jazz and Arabic music in you?

My parents instilled the love of music since I was a toddler. My mother grew up in France, she used to play a lot of classical music and popular French songs from various artists such as Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Jaques Brel and many more. My father on the other hand, loved Arabic Music specifically Egyptian, soon I found myself singing with him the songs he would play in the car and he noticed that I was learning fast and sang in tune. When it comes to Jazz music, both of my parents introduced me to it with artists such as  Armstrong, Miles Davis, Sinatra.

“Ijik el Khir” was a significant milestone in your career. How did the opportunity to collaborate with Sabry Mosbah on this track come about, and what impact did it have on your musical journey?

Following the Tunisian revolution that occurred in 2011, our country and us as citizens, experienced violent and scary events for a few months, that changed the course of history. Ijik El khir is the soundtrack of a documentary produced by Coca Cola. This Anthem is an invitation to all Tunisians to express the solidarity found in each of us, which was much needed following the state of turmoil the country was in, and to be reminded that we should remain United. The song was a success, touched many hearts, brought some joy amid the chaos, and for us as artists brought fame, and exposed us to a larger audience through radio and tv appearances.

You were part of the project “Imraa Wahida,” the Arabic version of the song “One Woman,” which was produced for UN Women. Can you share your experience working on this project and performing at the Cairo Opera House on International Women’s Day in 2014?

It was an incredible experience and a memory dear to my heart. I met wonderful and talented artists, singers, writers, producers and musicians. It was my first trip to Lebanon as well. A year later we had the opportunity to get together again and perform at Cairo Opera house. I remember vividly the night we performed, how proud we were to be part of such an amazing and powerful project that aimed to spread a message of unity and solidarity.

You’ve had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events and on various TV and radio shows in Tunisia. Can you share a memorable experience from one of these performances or interviews that had a significant impact on your career?

One of the most memorable experiences was performing at the American Embassy for Independence Day in July 2016. It was such an honor, especially having met The Ambassador of the United States appointed at that time, who gave me great advice, encouraged me to move to the US and aim for an international career. Another memorable event was when I sang the Tunisian National Anthem A cappella for Europe day, I was contacted by the ambassador of European Union appointed in Tunisia back then, who also gave me amazing opportunities and never seizes to encourage me throughout my career till this day. I remain deeply grateful for both of these honorable men, who trusted me as an artist and believed in my potential.

Moving to Los Angeles is a major step in your journey to become an internationally recognised artist. What prompted your decision to relocate, and how has this move influenced your musical career and style?

Tunisia provided a great underground scene for me to evolve as an artist and reinforced my will to pursue a career in singing, but I always wanted more. As being an artist in Tunisia is not easy, I felt stuck, especially when you prefer singing in English. I have always wanted to move to the United States, since my first trip ever, back in 2004. I never lost hope, I have always believed in myself and my potential and wanted to make this dream come true. I was aware of the hardship ahead of me but that did not scare me. I had to get out of this comfort zone I was in, to embrace this adventure. I don’t think there is a better place to do it than the United States, it is the land of opportunities, I feel respected as an artist. I simply feel in my element.

You’ve mentioned your versatility in singing in multiple languages. How do you approach adapting your musical style and expression when singing in different languages, and do you have a favourite language to perform in?

I grew up speaking Arabic and French, I learned how to sing Arabic music from a very young age. Later on when I heard Whitney Houston, I fell in love with her voice and knew at that moment that I wanted to mostly sing in English. I have always been extremely curious of other cultures and languages. When I hear a song that I like, I will be wanting to sing it, thus adding Spanish and Italian to my repertoire. When singing in different languages, I make sure I understand the song even though I don’t speak the language to be able to convey emotions. Understanding the words you are singing is very important.

Could you share some insights into your current and upcoming projects? What can your fans expect from you in the near future as you continue to pursue your musical dreams in Los Angeles?

Last April, I released the first single of an upcoming Ep. The song is entitled “Attention” it is a pop rnb anthem that my producer Jamelle Adisa and I have worked on and co-wrote. We released a music video on YouTube and the song is available on all platforms. We recorded a few other songs and will be ready to release the EP by December hopefully. As I speak fluent Arabic and French I believe in music fusion, I am proud of where I come from and I consider myself lucky to be diverse and to be able to add a taste of my culture in the music I work on. Stay tuned!

For more information on Ines Belayouni visit her website.

 

WD-HAN drove their listeners towards progressive action and revolution in ‘Something’s Gotta Change’

In this year alone the LA-hailing rock outfit, WD-HAN, has riffed right across the rock spectrum with their diverse discography. With their latest single, Something’s Gotta Change, the chameleonic powerhouse turned their vitriol towards political punk-rock to deliver a viscerally empowering hit. If any single has what it takes to spark an anarchist revolution, it’s Something’s Gotta Change.

Starting the hit with the sobering fact that more people are enslaved today than ever in history was an efficacious way for WD-HAN to drive their listener’s compulsions toward progressive action. The collective rise in individualism and apathy created the perfect storm for oppression; we’ve sat back and watched how the marginalised have been attacked – it is only a matter of time before injustice meets everyone who can’t afford to escape into space.

Believing that the issue of human trafficking deserves attention resulted in the release of one of the most impactful anthems we’ve heard this year. The track was created in support of the Foundation for a Slavery-Free World and Operation Underground Railroad. 

Something’s Gotta Change was officially released on August 11th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Max LaMont captured the vibe of Hollywood in the summer with his latest single, The Last Day of June

LA alternative artist, Max LaMont, didn’t hang around bringing the summer vibes this year; his latest single, The Last Day of June, which traverses bitter-sweet teen romance tropes through an alt-bubble gum pop tonal palette, debuted on March 31.

Fans of The 1975 and the Weeknd won’t want to miss out on the intoxicating 80s RnB pop vibes that are superlatively synthesised in the intoxicating hit, which teases what is to come from his forthcoming EP.

The magnetically shy artist’s charisma is undoubtedly a major part of his appeal; everything he turns his talents to is raw and definitively the real sincere deal. Beyond his relatability lies his classically trained virtuosic flair; he is trained in operatic and musical theatre; as a result, he’s been in a myriad of live productions, including Oklahoma, La Boheme and MASS.

Stream The Last Day of June on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Ashes Will Hold Us: HADEE feels that sleep-crashing waterfall brewing closer on Kerosene

Locked away inside a distant memory and waiting for the special moment it rises high in the mind again, HADEE yearns for that close contact on the beat-heavy new track to find the path called Kerosene.

HADEE is a Miami/LA-based indie alternative pop/rock solo artist who explores the reckless themes of romance and its evanescent nature in this spellbinding experience.

It started out as an instrumental idea I had made a couple of years back. It was a bassline that I had then developed, but I couldn’t seem to think of the right words for this one idea. I had almost accepted that it would never become a full song. Fast-forward to this past summer, I had found the original recording of the instrumental, and that’s when the chorus melody we hear in the song came to mind. This allowed me to further get into the storyline and arrangement, so I could create a decent demo.” ~ HADEE

Saturated with excitement and sizzling with a vigorous blend of brilliance to swim deeply into, HADEE is on top form with a stunning track made with dazzling power and precision.

Kerosene from Miami/LA-based alternative pop/rock solo artist HADEE is a rather extraordinary track for many reasons. It glows through the speakers and takes us into a whole new burnt-packed planet. There is intoxicating energy brimming with splendour here, from a fiercely talented performer who is ready with the lighter to spark up our lives.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Starya went interstellar with her cosmically ethereal electro-clash hit, Jealous

Fusing the provocative electro-clash energy and snappy vocal melodies of Peaches with the demure indie cool of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, the luminary art-pop songstress Starya’s latest single, Jealous, is tantalisingly interstellar. But that isn’t all; this alchemically amalgamated cocktail hybridises itself even further with elements of hip-hop, techno and dubstep, giving the bass a kick and the beats an irresistible pulse you’ll want to synergise with time and time again.

LA is known for breeding iconic artists by the applecart, but if anyone has what it takes to rock it and squeeze out new juice it is the singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ who is making light work of transcendent aural domination. Once you’ve had your jealousy fill, stay tuned for the upcoming EP, Find The Key, set to be released in February 2023.

Jealous hit the airwaves on January 31st. It is now available to streams on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Poseidon’s Alley as Vast as the Ocean

Did you ever have that experience of listening to David Bowie’s “Low” and thinking: “damn, this like nothing you’ll hear anywhere…” only to discover that it’s a brilliant blend of styles that never ought to have worked together? A similar, if not identical, experience can be had by listening to  LA-based Poseidon’s Alley AKA Tim Herscovitch.

While writing the above sentences I was indulging in Dr. Gachet, a psychedelic, electronic, chill-wave instrumental track which owes more than a few overtures to groundbreaking alternative artists of the 70’s and 80’s, not to mention a little Miles Davis, for good measure. With lo-fi pads supporting a funky guitar groove we journey through layers of catchy themes played on synths and a host of other instruments. I suppose what’s most impressive is the neo-classical elements of blending different moods and transitioning through them, much like movements in a concerto or symphony. Indeed, Dr. Gachet is never boring – and the captivating melodies, harmonies, and rhythms are augmented by the interesting timbers chosen to carry the same.

Poseidon’s Alley shows first-rate musicianship, which is why I was not all that surprised to find that Herscovitch is a professor of music. A quick look at his rating on ratemyprofessor.com shows that (according to his students) he’s passionate about education as well as music. This is nice to see as I have always felt as though educators ought to always maintain a link to the professional world and it seems that Tim Herscovitch is doing just that.

Skinny G Radio reached the pinnacle of existential humour with his alt-electro hit, Unplug Me!

Unplug Me! is just one of the eccentrically disarming alt-electronica singles found on Skinny G Radio’s funky 8-Bit album, The Heightening. The tongue-in-cheek exposition on the perils of social media in the age when fear and hate are relentlessly pushed to keep us transfixed to platforms is an all too efficacious reminder that we should consume media not the other way around.

Instead of letting the doom and gloom from the lyrical messaging control the track, the LA artist and producer utilises his on-brand sense of existential humour to give back some of the serotonin stripped by doom-scrolling. The playful polyphonic synth sequences make delving back in for repeat listens all too tempting. Can someone protect Skinny G Radio at all costs, please? He’s ingeniously precious.

Unplug Me! is now available to stream on Spotify.

Connect with Skinny G Radio on Twitter & Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast