Browsing Tag

miami

Moving On: Flourishing Florida singer-songwriter Claudia Lopez is so much stronger now on ‘I Didn’t Know’

Posted on 10 August 2021

Taken off her just-dropped ten-track debut album called ‘Running Out Of Time‘, Claudia Lopez sings with such love and determined grace on the glorious single that shows you she knows exactly what she needs to do next on ‘I Didn’t Know‘.

Claudia Lopez is a soothing Cuban-American indie-pop/RnB singer-songwriter, writer and music producer, who is based in Miami, Florida. She sings with a really heartfelt attitude, as this is a personal effort that has been made from so much heartbreak.

After the tragic recent passing of her beloved cousin Jennifer Cordero, who was really her sister due to their closeness, she was so inspired to to make an album that would send a fitting tribute to her soul up above.

“I found myself in the midst of a global pandemic, just wishing that I could fill her in on this crazy life right now. Then it clicked for me. This is how I was going to tell her what was going on, and include how much I needed her and what a hole I had, because she was gone.” ~ Claudia Lopez

This is a smoothly sung track from a terrific singer who has top-end vocal ability, as her luscious voice seems to float peacefully into your awaiting soul, like a love letter sent from an angel. Things have been tough recently with heartache and much disappointment – but she drifts away from the floor where defeat is – and rises up like an Olympic Champion to push all the distractions aside. Her goals are so clear now and this is an exciting development, for a truly sensational musician with talent to spare.

‘I Didn’t Know‘ from the soulful Miami, Florida-based indie-pop/RnB singer-songwriter and music producer Claudia Lopez, is an emotionally charged work of art from a simply excellent artist. She has made a motivated anthem to all those who have been treated badly lately or have felt sadness, as she dusts off the past and walks confidently into the future.

Knowing her true value now and having a set plan, is the only way forward for this young woman with many goals to reach. She remembers those who have helped her along the way, and sings with so much passion and love, which makes you cheer her on all the way.

Hear this new single on her Spotify and see more from this superb artist on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ferris shares affectionate coming-of-age anxiety with his latest indie pop-rock earworm, ‘growing up with u’.

Posted on 23 June 2021

Ferris’ colourful melodies and cutting lyricism have already seen his feisty take on indie pop-rock go viral. After racking up over 1-million streams with his, quite literally, infectious single, Zombie, he’s unleashed his sticky-sweet summer pop anthem, growing up with u, which discernibly deserves to go viral too.

His latest single explores the anxiety that kicks in when youth starts to slip away, and our tendency to look around for affectionate ways to stay grounded. It’s a stellar track. In every conceivable way. The commercial potential is resounding, but more impressively, the way Ferris embraces his authenticity and utilises his pop-punk attitude brings a stark sincerity to growing up with u. The candid and sporadically abrasive lyrics that construct sharp lyrical hooks take this radio-ready indie-pop jam to the next level.

The Miami-based artist and model has exactly what it takes to become a household name. Get him on your radar before he does.

Ferris’ latest single is now available to stream via Spotify.

Connect with Ferris via Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Can’t be loved, Till I love myself: Javii reminds us to be kind to ourselves on ‘Self Love’

Posted on 13 May 2021

With a peaceful whistle and a gentle sound that has you feeling so tranquil, Javii tells us the message that we all need to hear on ‘Self Love’.

Joel Javier Zorrilla aka Javii, is a brave Miami, Florida-based indie folk/pop singer-songwriter. He is a courageous creative who has endured a tough life and has used music as his escape, from a wind-swept upbringing full of storms and carnage. He chose to float away from the thunder on his guitar lifeboat — and is now free to be his own lifeguard — and swims majestically with a calm mind to help others.

This is the true story filled with heart-stopping moments, as you remind yourself to stop being so harsh when you make silly mistakes. The world can be gloomy and grey at times, as you look to love someone else during your journey of doing the same for yourself.

He has such a calming vocal exterior, that seems to brush away the dust that can fog up your mind. Each guitar strum is made with so much peace and care — as you feel like you are drifting from the bad vibes that are easy to soak into — moving into the road that you really want to be on instead.

‘Self Love‘ from Miami, Florida’s Javii, opens the creaking door to where you need to be, as the world blusters over your mind sometimes to shake all that noise on you. Having the self-awareness to take some time to mellow out and worry about yourself for a bit is definitely needed. Being positive and kind to yourself in this quick-swipe and compare society, is the only way to stay sane after all.

Stream this quality single on Spotify and check out the IG music page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Need to forgive: Darren Hoffman is simply brilliant on ‘Redemption’

Posted on 21 February 2021

Taken off his latest sizzling EP called ‘Ballad of Miami: An Opera of Land & Violence‘, Darren Hoffman returns with the story of how her forgiveness is a one way street on the excellent ‘Redemption‘.

Darren Hoffman is a fantastic Brooklyn-New York-based, Miami, Florida-born, multi-instrumentalist and producer, who makes that supremely heart-warming type of music that is deeper than most, due to his ever-growing self-awareness with the world around him.

”Ballad of Miami: An Opera of Land & Violence tells the story of love and hate within a child of the city as they witness industrial destruction, toxic culture and an attempt at redemption. I wrote this piece as a contemplative, abstract and poetic exploration in five movements; examining the past, present and future of humankind’s environmental and cultural attack on the land currently known as Miami, Florida.”- Darren Hoffman 

The spacey sounds unleashes into a groovy experience like none other, as you feel the classy and dedication this creation has endured over many months. You feel like this is a road trip gem, a waterfall of spectacular sounds that are blended with precision, that is taken from a world that is being hurt so unnecessarily.

With the supreme skills of Morgan Guerin on the synths, bass, drums and co-production, this is an ear-hugging experience like no other. They way that they appear to mesh these soundscapes into a smorgasbord of delight, is a treat for us all to savor.

‘Redemption‘ from the delightfully multi-talented NYC producer, drummer, guitarist and singer Darren Hoffman, is one of the better songs you will hear this year and the musicianship here is first class and puts you under s spell that you don’t want to get under from.

Stream this underrated masterpiece here on Spotify and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

King Uche marks 2020 with powerful storytelling on Hip Hop’s ‘Crash’

Posted on 12 August 2020

King Uche is a Nigerian rapper who is back with his latest offering to the world on Hip Hop fused up to the max ‘Crash‘.

The vibe is a like cruising in a fly car while pulling up to the party after a crazy day. This is a quite intimidating beat that is an street Hip Hop beat that catches your attention and then end unexpectedly. A smart move as to get our fingers to click follow. This is a dope track that brings us some better music from this often watered down genre.

Alternating between Nigeria and Miami, King Uche is slowly building up a strong team and fans during his journey of discovery. This is an artist that truly believes that he can reach the very top of the game and I like this confidence.

King Uche’s ‘Crash’ is is a top notch Hip Hop track that is up there with the best. With stylish beats and flows like this, the future African King is going to be at a festival near you in 2021.

Stream this new flow-ride Hip Hop track here on Spotify.

Head to Facebook now to find out more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yeet Yeet!



Posted on 10 November 2017

Any musical genre is built on two forces. One playing by the rules, coalescing the genres traditional sounds and accepting its place in the pact, the other pushing the boundaries, testing new waters, beating fresh paths through previously uncharted territory. Qwest Kidd is defiantly in the latter category.

Yes, Yeet Yeet is built around a hip-hop vibe, a street level honesty and edgy lyrics but not like any you have heard before, this is hip-hop deconstructed to its basic building blocks, the beats and the lyrics, and then put back together using a musical mortar built of R&B grooves, washed through synths and industrial electronica. It is raw and definitely doesn’t pull any punches, is self-referential and brutally direct, but within all of that Kidd leads rather than follows and coalesces cross genre sounds into a new vision of what urban music can be. Not bad for three and a half minutes work.

The Hoy Polloy – Hats Off: Why Stick to One Genre?

Posted on 8 November 2017

The Hoy Polloy are a Miami based quartet of twee audio revellers who use an inexplicable variation of elements to create the perfect cacophony of melodic sound with a relentlessly upbeat sound that’s intoxicatingly fresh.

They’ve created the perfect storm in their track ‘Hats Off’ with their raucous arrangements spinning chaotically around them as they infuse a plethora of sound into their mix; using elements of Psychedelic, Progressive, Alternative and Indie sounds with a Pop Rock & Roll twist! They tether the sound together to create sound waves that are succinct & stylish.

Hats Off is just one of the enigmatic tracks featured in The Hoy Polloy’s 5th studio album ‘Bye Bye Bogata’, all of the tracks on the album were created in the aftermath of the tour with their first album ‘On the Way to Rome’.

The stand out track on the album oozes soulful old school beats with puritanical vocals on top. The vocalist has undeniable talent which his show cased through his ability to inject euphoria into the listener in the same style as some of my favourite vocalists. The band is the collective work of all of the talented musicians, they each bring their own unique style to create a sound that could be compared to Fidlar, Mercury Rev & Modest Mouse.

Check out their spectacular track using the SoundCloud link below:

https://soundcloud.com/thehoypolloy/hats-off

A&R Factory Present: Naïka

Posted on 26 May 2017

Naïka is a singer/songwriter born in Miami, Florida, who developed an interest in music from an early age while living and traveling internationally with her family.

Naïka was born from a Haitian mother and Malagasy father, and growing up with the influence of European, African and Caribbean cultures has shaped her both musically and individually, and continues to define her artistic perspective and outlook. Her music reflects a blend of pop, soul with a World Music influence.

Naïka currently majors in Performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she is pursuing her creative aspirations full time. Within her first year as a student, she was selected to tour with GRAMMY-winning artist Michael Bolton, and participate on NBC’s The Voice. Her songwriting ability also earned her a second place prize in the BMI John Lennon Foundation Scholarship in 2015.

As her academic chapter is coming to an end, Naïka’s music is beginning to flourish. After the release of her debut single “Call Me Marilyn”, the artists’ next pop banger “Ride” is scheduled to hit streaming platforms on May 6th.

Naïka continues to develop her vocal and songwriting expertise with an exemplary work ethic, that will stand her in good stead throughout her journey as an artist, wherein perseverance, dedication and hard work are essential.

Check out her Instagram page here