The wonderful solo artist and multi-instrumentalist, Red Mourning Skies, is the moniker of Chris Aleshire, whose skills were built on a variety of bands and styles to perfect his craft. Now signed independently, Aleshire has started to develop a following on Spotify, with more than 2,206 followers and 4,667 monthly listeners. On his sophomore solo album, Aleshire brings a whole new sound that feels truly his own. Influenced by music as diverse as rock, pop, and R&B, 'Myosotis' finds Aleshire in an easy blend of styles into gorgeous pop songs filled with emotion and master musicianship.

It's been over two years since the self-titled debut of Red Mourning Skies came out. In that time, Aleshire has kept busy with a stunning run of singles that show off his genre-bending skills. The landscape explored on 'Myosotis' is plural in the best sense, with Aleshire having no qualms about experimenting with synthesizer-driven arrangements while keeping lyrical themes deeply personal. The album doesn't waste any time, plunging headlong into Aleshire's expanded soundworld.

Opener "Already Knows" sets the tone, celebrating with its stuttering percussion and sparkling keys; Aleshire's vocals drift atop, painting impressionist lyrics in sun-kissed harmonies. Songs that follow keep working with the gleaming palette of the album. On "Obvious," arpeggiated synths wrap around a danceable pulse, matching Aleshire's carefree vocals and expressing new thrills.

Elsewhere, it's "Over and Outta Here," primed for carefree teenage dances under the disco ball, while "Listen To Me" channels The Weeknd's synth R&B flair. Throughout, Aleshire draws from a deep well of electronic and pop influences without ever sounding derivative. Standouts like "Alone Nowhere" pair arpeggiated synths with powerful beats for an irresistibly kinetic listen. On "How Do I Sleep?" the synthy melodies and crisp percussion wind together for a euphoric rush of color and motion. Another track, "Under Your Spell," adds vibrant guitar riffs to lush synth textures, enchanting the listener with a world of Aleshire's design. Over "Satellite," a light-speed keyboard background keeps the album multicolored; in contrast, the sultry vocals and restrained instrumentation of "Hold Me Back" catch flirtatious melodies spilling over. Throughout, Aleshire imbues even the most personal musings with universality through the deft use of metaphor and illuminating imagery. The closing track "Let Me Fade" brings the journey full circle: twinkling piano, upbeat synths, and uplifting vocals cement how Aleshire has arrived at a style he can call his own.

Being someone who deeply appreciates exquisitely crafted pop music, ‘Myosotis’ from Red Mourning Skies was an absolute treat to stumble upon. At just a little over 45 minutes, 'Myosotis' never wears out its welcome. In 15 cleverly interwoven tracks, Aleshire walks the listener through an expansive range of moods and genres through his singular pop lens. Flawless production carries the listener into the very heart of Aleshire's sonic imagination. On 'Myosotis', Red Mourning Skies shows himself to be a keen student of masterful storytellers in song. It's one of the most vibrant and emotionally rich pop offerings of 2024 so far.

Rusty Reid's "The Meaning of Life" from his remixed album "Head to Heart" is a walk across genres, bringing together indie-folk, pop, country, and rock into one conversing narrative that is riveting with the philosophical question of what life is.

The song starts with a soft, acoustic guitar riff that sends a pensive mood into the atmosphere, much like the ruminative nature of the lyrics. The voice of Reid himself is long in experience and full of emotion as he takes the listener on a journey through a soundscape refreshingly new. His vocal delivery is reminiscent of great troubadours; as it develops, so does the rendition, swelling to include layers of electric guitar and subtle keyboard harmonies that create a replete soundscape enveloping the listener. The rhythm section, a bass line under Isaac Wriston with drums by Hubert Payne, helps to anchor down a solid frame of reference, one that lets the song move with natural ease.

It's this play of the instruments that allows Reid to create a sound so detailed but accessible, in a way that justifies getting lost in its notes.

"The Meaning of Life" is a meditation on the pursuit of happiness, a theme that Reid approaches with sincerity. Lines like "Happiness can be so elusive, but only if we’re hard to please" resonate with a truth that is incredibly important. Reid's way of distilling such a vast concept into relatable imagery shows his skill as a songwriter.

The chorus becomes the mantra, or even an aphorism for action on its own: "Just pursue happiness." It even goes to the extent of explicitly encouraging the journey over the destination. The bridge hammers home this message with Reid's question, "How did we become so good at losing our way?" The inward reflection is offset by the sense of hope in the song and the urging to awaken to the beauty in life.

The song is instrumentally a masterclass in restraint and subtlety, with Ronan Dempsey's acoustic and electric adding texture and depth and Reid's electric guitar lines giving the song a chordal counterpoint that lifts it emotionally. With space within the arrangement, every element breathes, making it sound expansive yet intimate.

"The Meaning of Life" is an outstanding track, rustling up the best of Rusty Reid's ways to fuse musical genres and philosophical themes into a coherent and compelling narrative. The song is a call for introspection about life, at the same time trying to console and inspire listeners. It's the epic of his artistry in every note and deserves to be heard by anyone starving for music that can speak directly to the heart and soul. When I first heard "The Meaning of Life," I was drawn to the deep lyrics and beautiful melodies. It is one of those special songs that manages to hit right at your innermost core, inspiring you on the first listen. And still, every time I come back to it, I find new layers of meaning and emotion. If you haven't given Rusty Reid's magnum opus a listen yet, do yourself a favor and stream it now; get wrapped in its genius and warmth.

Frank Renfordt of The Cumberland River Project, is a musical narrator who started at the tender age of ten years when his parents gave him a guitar. This early encounter would ensure he had a lifelong passion for music, plucking the bass in the local rock band RING during his teenage years in Hagen, Germany. Although he had to break for a career building and creating a family, the love for music never left Renfordt. He now has multiple streams online, with 3,414 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Frank Renfordt's latest, "When The Wind Picks Up," from his The Cumberland River Project, speaks to his maturation as a musician and songwriter. Fittingly, the song—a heart-on-sleeve dedication to his daughter's wedding ceremony—comes off as a modern country song that puts a smile on your face.

Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, the song opens softly, yet it is full of anticipation. Renfordt instinctively knows his way around a melody, as the chords paint a rich tapestry of emotion, drawing listeners in to hear a personal story. The introduction is inviting and intimate, like a hallmark of Renfordt's storytelling ability.

The flowers fall into a full-band performance as the song opens up. The switch from acoustic to electric is seamless, with Andrew Timothy's guitar work adding layers of depth and texture. The riffs are crunchy, lending a distinctive heft to the song's themes. How the acoustic and electric come together is a perfect example of how to balance simplicity with complexity, a trick Renfordt has mastered after decades of roaming the musical landscape.

The vocals by Easton Driver are stunning, and the lyrics are delivered with so much sincerity that they are powerful. His voice carries the weight of the song's emotive core, guiding it through highs and lows with ease. Complementing the vocal delivery is the drumming by Simon Röll, which brings up a steady and driving rhythm that leads this song forward. The percussion by Röll was quite accurate and with expression, adding a pulsating energy underlying this track for its rock influences.

"When the Wind Picks Up" is a powerful rumination of love, family, and the inevitable march of time. The words of Renfordt come with a ring of wisdom and introspection that catch the bittersweetness of the emotions of a father at the opening of another chapter in his daughter's life. This story is personal yet universal; it will strike a chord with anybody who has felt strong joy and melancholy regarding such life milestones.

The track's production quality is faultless. Each instrument and vocal line is balanced to perfection, and the mix is clean and polished, showing through intricate details.

"When the Wind Picks Up" is a seriously seductive addition to The Cumberland River Project's discography. This tune is a tree-top celebration of life's moments and the very reason music can bind people together.

It was a real treat to listen to "When the Wind Picks Up," a musical journey that felt intimate and expansive all at once. If you're searching for that one song that portrays the beauty of love and all the special moments one experiences in life, here is your shot. I wholeheartedly recommend streaming "When the Wind Picks Up" and experiencing for yourself the magic of The Cumberland River Project.

Marc Soucy has been steeped in the sound of music all his life. Born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, he started playing piano at an early age and performed in his first bands in his early teens. Over decades of musical experience, Soucy has worn many hats: keyboardist, producer, and studio musician—continuously refining his sound and skills.

With his latest STIR series installment, "The Tong," renowned producer and keyboardist Marc Soucy delves deeper into his sonic explorations. On "The Tong," Soucy compels his sound into even more daring territory through strategic uses of contrast and dynamic shifts. The track submerges one in a snazzy atmosphere that feels fictional and out of this world.

The piece opens by enveloping the listener in effervescent pads and arpeggiated synth sequences as they shimmer in the higher registers. Soucy vessels have prismatic textures that energize the atmosphere while maintaining an ethereal ambiance. It's a sweeping build as the tempo begins to rise, with layering in of propulsive percussion and risers to further increase the pulse. Then, the downbeat drops, and along comes a busy tech-house groove, full of stuttering hi-hats and rhythmic offsets. Marc shows impeccable production savvy through sleek mixing and meticulous sound design.

The composition takes on a cinematic feeling, with Marc masterfully blending orchestral and electronic elements. Ancestral female vocals float sublimely above the rhythm section, offering transcendental guidance through the song. Halfway through the piece, Soucy stops the action, pulling all the elements out except for subtle pads; the momentary silence lets the anticipation build.

Soucy mentions contrasting hues as the key to "The Tong's" aesthetic—from tension to release, horror to serenity. Eastern string motifs surface hauntingly, building up to a grandiose finale that feels like ascending into another plane altogether. It anchors its dramatics in a 1991 gang shooting in Boston's Chinatown, adding sobriety to the intensity of the journey.

Marc has opened up avenues for me musically that I didn't think were possible. Being an individual who has always been fascinated by the intersection of orchestral music and electronic production, Marc's STIR series is right up my alley. His willingness to create grooves that suck in the listener while layering in these cinematic textures gives way to an endlessly rewarding listen. I am in absolute awe of Marc's vision and versatility; every time I hear his songs, it's like stepping into another dimension.

If his sound intrigues you even half as much as it does me, you need to stream "The Tong" now. The level of artistry and musicianship on display is unlike anything else out there.

With 8k actively following his journey on Instagram and a staggering 31k in monthly listenership on Spotify, Caleb Hart has already managed to cement himself as one of the leading voices in modern Caribbean music, with a growing loyal fan base across the globe.

His incredibly long career has certainly positioned Caleb Hart, one of the most dynamic and captivating performers known throughout the Caribbean, for great things in Caribbean music. From being in the groundbreaking band Tasman Jude to solo work plumbing the depths of the intersection of reggae, soul, and R&B, Hart is constantly pushing the limits and broadening perspectives on what Caribbean music can be. But now, after the hurdles of the pandemic and returning with renewed purpose, Hart has released the most ambitious work to date with the long-awaited 'Emancipation'.

Produced by Canadian-born, Jamaican-raised beatmaker Jayden Brown, 'Emancipation' sees Hart liberating himself from expectations and conventions to deliver the most conceptually expansive and lyrically profound statement he's delivered to date. From the upbeat opening of "Lambeau" floating weightlessly over stunning synths and lightly shuffled drums, it's obvious that this is no ordinary Caleb Hart album. 

Spread over seven tracks, coming in at 20 minutes, Hart covers an astounding array of styles, moving from Afrobeat-tinged dancehall. Through it all, Hart's signature silken vocal delivery weaves itself together with the wise lyricism that addresses perseverance, self-determination, and celebration of one's roots. Standout, "Emancipation" is a soaring anthem resting on a bed of syncopated drums and building rhythmic textures.

It is to the credit of producer Jayden Brown that such a broad sonic palette feels balanced rather than fragmented. He intuitively knows how to cut through Hart's voice within dense arrangements without ever distracting the listener. Everything from the vocals to the ambient textures and bookending enhances the overall narrative Hart weaves. It's among the finest productions to grace a Caribbean album in years.

"Riddim Man (freestyle)" is overflowing with a colorful sheen, seducing listeners to move along while keeping an effortless Caribbean soul. Most impressive is how organic such genre explorations feel: no jarring shifts, no experiments that feel shoehorned in just fluid migrations between styles reflective of Hart living fully in his multidimensional identity. With 'Emancipation', Caleb Hart cements his status at the very top rank of modern Caribbean composers while forging his very own path. 

While there will be some who might quibble that at 20 minutes, 'Emancipation' feels brief, it offers not a second of filler, every moment lovingly chosen for maximum meaning. 

I am so surprised that 'Emancipation' outshines any expectation I may have had; the intoxicating grooves and the emotive vocals of Hart painted over the top made me continue to hit repeat, absolutely in awe of this brilliant evolution in his sound. 'Emancipation' launched Hart's artistry into completely new degrees of sophistication and nuance. I await seeing what heights it helps him reach and what new adventures he takes his eager audience on next. But this is Hart's unquestionable crown jewel release to date and deserves to be in heavy rotation for many plays to come.

LTB is an emerging artist hailing from Annapolis, with a stunning future as a view: he maps emotional territories with unprecedented precision. His latest song, "Skyline," is a chromatic soundscape that drowns the boundaries between atmospheric imagination and pure visceral experience.

Immediately, LTB proves himself a master of his music, as the first moments of the track open like a willfully warped memory-fragmented, luminous, suspended between recollection and immediate experience. His voice, a deep instrument attuned to an almost scientific pitch, moves in ways that are telepathically heavy and buoyant over the arrangement.

The chord progressions speak to a deep understanding of tonal tension, each harmonic shift both unexpected and inevitable at once. LTB's production is found to be acutely sensitive to textural dynamics, layering sounds that seem to breathe and pulse with an organic, almost sentient quality.

That rhythmic framework is a real knockout, adding strong percussion and syncopated sounds in a way that holds the appeal of perpetual motion, fittingly against the track's thematic elements of urban beauty. Subtle percussive treatments-whispered clicks, subdued electronic pulses-act as evidence of deep space and rhythmic suggestion.

The composition is melodically transparent to the coherent musical vocabulary of LTB. His voice drifts and interweaves with synthesizer passages into a polyphonic dialogue that is laboriously arranged. The spatial design is strikingly impressive: LTB can obtain a three-dimensional feeling beyond conventional stereo imaging with avant-garde production methods. The surround sound feels wide, but you can still hear it close to your ears, making it a paradoxical environment. 

Ultimately, "Skyline" symbolizes more than one track; it is a sort of echo that speaks to LTB's potential as a voice to make a difference in today's music landscape. Shunning bonds to tradition within the genre, LTB laces up a technologically new approach and makes songs that sound utterly of the moment.

As the final synthesizer trails evaporate into an elegant silence, you’ll know that LTB isn't just making music, he's rewriting the very parameters of sonic storytelling.

"Skyline" was, for me, just that unexpected emotional gut punch. The first time around, I hadn't even realized my eyes had shut, and completely lost, I was within the exquisitely carved soundscape by LTB. There is just something incredibly cinematic about the way he transforms urban romanticism into pure audio poetry every time a new facet of emotion opens itself to the listener. The track resonates, inhabiting someplace between memory and immediate experience that few today capture quite so delicately and authentically. Stream "Skyline" now on all major platforms and dive with abandon into the sonic universe LTB has created. 

Childhood friends Sam McLeod and Andrew Frazier, who started making music together when they first picked up instruments in their homeschool band at age 11, are pleased and ready to share more of their original indie sound with the world. The dynamic duo called horsebread is thrilled to share their 8th release of the year, "ontherun."

Sam and Andrew first bonded over a love of music legends like Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens.
Their bright, resounding tones capture the best of new wave indie groups Warpaint and MGMT, but with an artistic sense akin to mavericks like Nirvana and Radiohead. With their latest single, "ontherun," all these influences come cohesively together in a track sure to allure fans of modern indie rock. "ontherun" starts with synth pads topping the intro, pulling you in right away with its zestful but delicate vocal notes.

Guitars then chime in, contrapuntally winding melodic lines around the insistent, pounding lower registers. The sweetness of the delivery complements the articulate musical composition and brings an expressive core to these chaotic sounds. Sam's vocals fill the air, while intricate, organic musicianship brings forth a lush sound that has taken me somewhere else with each successive listen. "ontherun" talks of dealing with addiction and the myriad push-pulls between giving in and keeping one's feet on solid ground. The waves of sparkling guitars and ambient pads swirl in, layer upon layer, as the musical textures build upon the overwhelming feeling of being swept away while desperately clutching at the leash of sanity.

"ontherun" impresses because of its technical musicianship: the agile yet atmospheric bass work drives the rhythmic foundation while underlining harmonious subtleties. The interwoven guitar parts sparkle with a precision that is organic in its fluidity. It has this dynamic feel, with new layers emerging with every listen. "ontherun" is a great promise, one sure to linger well past when those reverb-drenched last notes fade.

My obvious passion for storytelling in song left me wanting to dive deeper into their other material. Sam and Andrew have put the time and dedication into cultivating their melodic identity; I will be looking for more new releases, as their innovative approach to indie rock left me riveted and in anticipation of seeing where the talented artists go. This single turned me into an instant fan of this vibrant musical duo. I highly recommend searching online for "ontherun" and listening to get the full experience of Sam McLeod and Andrew Frazier’s huge musical talents.

Since bursting onto the scene a few years ago, Proklaim has continually built up an extremely dedicated worldwide following. The solo hip-hop artist has dropped a string of captivating singles that have left global fans awaiting what he will do next. Booming beats, introspective rhymes, and silky, incredible vocals have become the hallmarks of Proklaim's discography as he continues to experiment with new production styles and flexible flows. This commitment to evolution over repetition is what keeps listeners on their toes and secures Proklaim's place at the forefront of modern hip-hop sounds.

Merging inspiration from golden-era hip-hop legends and the conscious reggae greats, Proklaim created an identity that preaches positivity while eerily and humorously confronting some of society's deeper issues. His songs capture intricate themes with nuance and care, giving poetically vigilant storytelling that can be appreciated by widely varied crowds anywhere in the world.

On October 14th, 2024, Proklaim dropped his latest single, "PROSPERITY," a cinematic exploration into the powerful emotions brought on by recent events, including the high-profile arrest of hip-hop mogul Sean Combs. Recorded at Pen Pushaz Studios and succinctly mixed and mastered by Wojtek Majewski at Audio Art Namibia, "PROSPERITY" puts Proklaim's lyrical dexterity in the foreground, amidst his firm passion for the craft of music.

It sets the tone immediately with the moody, superior production. Subtle piano notes and textured synths build up an air of deliberation before Proklaim's voice finally cuts through, commanding the attention of whoever is listening. His flow is effortless as he toggles between rapid-fire verses and more melody-based hooks. 

The production swells up more as Proklaim's delivery soars above the hip-hop instrumentation. Proklaim is not in it for cheap thrills or to strike a pose; he wants to make songs that mean something and that make people think and feel. "PROSPERITY" is a testimony to that mission—a song that speaks to the soul and traverses genres.

After a year filled with notable hip-hop artists, Proklaim is poised to establish himself as one of the most intriguing new voices in town. Following up with "PROSPERITY," all he's done is seal that title of artist to watch, making him a wordsmith capable of encapsulating raw honesty and undeniable artistry over the complexity of the human experience.

Now showing off new abilities, the song still managed to retain all the characteristics that I had grown to love in his discography. To me, this track is yet another career-defining single from Proklaim. 

Therefore, prepare to be submerged in Proklaim's world, where music has no boundaries and the only limit is that of one's mind. It is now possible for supporters to stream the new single by Proklaim on all major platforms and support this artist with a much more positive influence.

Check out more from Proklaim:

Mac Summer is a New Zealand producer who continues to set the bar high in the Liquid Drum & Bass genre. To those who have been following Summer's diverse discography to date, which has amassed over 350,000 streams on tracks such as "Suddenly The Rain" and has over 4,7k monthly listeners, one thing is known: Summer knows his way around crafting atmospheric and intricate productions in a multitude of electronic music styles. With 2,924 followers on Spotify, Summer has shown herself quite capable of bringing streaming audiences into her fold and building an endearing platform.

He is back with his latest track, "Revitalise," creeping into view with the hypnotic blend of electronic textures and instrumentation gradually emerging from silence. Plush basslines enter to underpin the foundation of the sonic arrangement. As further layers unfold, the bass develops more rhythmic motifs, allowing the composition to slowly unravel its full complexity while keeping up an immersive flow.

The first half progresses to piece together an emotional sonic landscape, as elements are balanced with great expertise. Summer mixes with subtlety, keeping individual sounds clear but effortlessly gluing all components into a single whole. Textures transition to and from the background, keeping interest in the composition without overwhelming listeners. Slowly, the bass frequencies come in much stronger now, driven by uptempo percussion. Simultaneously, shimmering pads and atmospheric synthesizers chime in, building up the high frequencies. Vocal harmonies chime in, too, adding some ethereal qualities to the growing energy. 

Summer mixes and composes with the finest ability, sending listeners out fulfilled but questioning. At just under 5 minutes, "Revitalise" is exemplary of Summer's keen precision for emotive, multidimensional storytelling across long run times.

With "Revitalise", Mac Summer cements his place as a leading figure within Liquid Drum & Bass. This release is a testament to his skills in both songwriting and playing with contrasting sonic atmospheres. Despite its rootedness in the genre, Summer innovates with distinctive textures and vocal treatments. If you like electronic music, "Revitalise" is a worthwhile experience that deserves your full attention. Summer's latest is a career-defining release that will surely win over global audiences and inspire fellow artists alike.

I highly recommend that the readers seek out the full experience of “Revitalise” by streaming it on any platform of preference. It is only upon listening to Mac Summer’s latest work in full that its transformational qualities and minute attention to detail can be appreciated. Be sure to also follow Mac Summer online to stay continuously connected with his creative process and upcoming releases.

At the young age of 18 years, Sophia Stephens has achieved what most musicians twice her age struggle to achieve. Amassing a catalog of over 500 original songs, and with 8k+ monthly listeners, Stephens released her full-length album, "Love & Grief," and it's stunningly mature and emotionally impactful.

Drawing inspiration from the phenomenal, emotional soundscapes of artists such as Florence + The Machine, Lorde, Hozier, and Adele, Stephens brings together the resounding pop-soul-rock that touts her powerhouse vocals and her gift for penning unforgettable melodies. But at the core of "Love & Grief" lies Stephens' remarkably honest and vulnerable songwriting, which spans the complete spectrum of human emotion.

The opener "Muscle Memory" embodies Stephens' singular sound and vantage point, driven by an infectious indie-pop-driven hook and her passionate, expressive vocals. She tackles in the song the emotional hangover of lost relationships and how the physical and emotional connections we make with other people can never really be cut, even as time and space pull us apart.

From the driving cathartic anthem of "Enough is Enough" to the delicate, acoustic "Things Will Never Be The Same" and piano-driven "I'm Still Here," Stephens opens her soul on these 10 tracks. On the pulsing, propulsive "Get Go," Stephens channels her rock influences, unleashing a snarling, cathartic takedown of ruined relationships.

The song "Up in Flames" is one of the beautiful standout pieces on the album: a hauntingly beautiful folk-pop ballad. A delicate guitar and lush string arrangement carry in the song the bittersweet realization that from the very beginning, the relationship was foredoomed, though one couldn't help but not let it go.

"Time Passes By" is a sensual, soul-filled song about how Stephens reflects on the relentless march of time and the blessing of being grateful for love and life lived.

The album's closing track, "Beautiful Life," is a sweeping, cinematic ballad that reflects on mortality and the treasure of every moment. Vocals from Stephens swirl above lush strings and atmospheric keyboards to deliver a message of appreciation for life's beauty amidst its natural hurt and passing.

In "Love & Grief," Stephens grapples with such heavy, multifaceted themes and yet still manages to hold onto a robust, distinctive artistic vision. Songwriting-wise, there's a maturity and surety of self that belies her young years, and she attacks these universal human experiences with a unique perspective and unflinching honesty.

The road to this point in her career has been quite inspiring for Stephens, from a childhood spent reenacting whole Disney movies for the family to center-stage in her school's theater productions. But it wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic forcibly secluded her in isolation that she truly focused on her passion for songwriting.

"Love & Grief" introduces the world to a very particular talent, indeed. This is just the beginning of the breathtaking musical career of Sophia Stephens. On "Love & Grief," she proved herself a singular, crucial new voice in pop music, unafraid to address life's most profound complexities and channel them into music that is as cathartic as it is undeniable. Don't miss the songwriting of Sophia Stephens, so make sure to stream "Love & Grief" on your music platform of choice.