Tag Archives: new single

WATCH: With ‘Take It Away’, Crow and Gazelle Offer Catharsis to Your Inner Child

Posted on by Leave a comment

Photo credit: Carley Du Menil

Crow and Gazelle — the Texas-based Americana duo consisting of Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer Mike McClure, and his partner in music (and in life), Chrislyn Lawrence — offer healing for anyone still processing their childhood wounds with their new single, “Take It Away.”

The single — a tender ballad hallmarked by powerful two-part harmonies and heart-wrenching fiddle tones — is accompanied by a poignant music video inspired by Lawrence’s own healing journey. Lawrence leans upon her own memories to deliver an important message to anyone who has struggled to emerge on the other side of their own traumas.

The narrative for this video came from a very personal place. As a child I didn’t decide for myself that I was ‘unworthy’ and I didn’t make-believe scenes of death and overwhelming pain – in my world those messages and experiences came heavy and early and they were real. We all have childhood wounds. Whether it’s our own tragic experiences and losses, or someone else’s childhood trauma (a teacher or parent) that’s unhealed and spills over on us, we have them and they inform “who and what” we are.

My parents each carry something very deep and painful that happened when they were young. Thankfully, I know that now and have done the work to see how some things that happened in my life were trauma based responses, not done of or by free will. Most of the trauma I’ve carried has been transformed and released through mindful work, and lately a lot of that healing has happened in the presence of my parent’s healing their own wounds. Which has been an amazing gift.

The day before we filmed the opening scenes of this video, my mom shared details of something I had never known before that happened when I was four… it was very painful to hear, and brought back a flood of memories and feelings for us both. But it was also a revelation. And in that sense, it set us free because it was brought to the surface, into the light, where it could alchemize and be transformed. 

Trauma not transformed is transferred. Our hope is that this video, in some small way, moves someone else to lean into their own childhood wounds and to let that little one’s hurt be seen and heard. And that once it’s honored, hopefully it can be transformed and released. 

-Chrislyn Lawrence

Watch the video below, and stay tuned for Crow and Gazelle’s forthcoming album, As Above Now So Below, set for release on Friday, April 26.

LISTEN: On ‘Heart,’ The Atomic Age Cedes the Need for Control

Posted on by Leave a comment

Moving forward in life can often mean learning to let go of all that we cannot control.

The Atomic Age offers an immersive soundtrack to that realization with his newest single, “Heart,” released on February 23.

“’Heart’ is a song about loosening my grip on my aspirations,” said The Atomic Age’s songsmith, JJ Schrick. “It’s so easy to white-knuckle goals like pursuing the things you love, but I’ve found that I’m most at peace when I’m not solely relying on my own abilities.”

“Heart” was constructed from the ground up, beginning with the drumbeat. The mellow rhythm guitar part was performed on a Bass VI, which combines with atmospheric elements to serve the track’s contemplative spirit.

If you’re looking for even more from The Atomic Age, you won’t have to wait long: “Heart” is the final single leading to an EP which is due out on March 20. For now, let this one resonate with you!

LISTEN: The Kentucky Gentlemen Channel Dolly on ‘Beg Your Parton’

Posted on by Leave a comment

Photo credit: Kate McNaney

Twin brothers The Kentucky Gentlemen share a reverance for country music, and a penchant for expressing that love with their own unique flair.

Now… who does that sound like?

These Gentlemen channel the one and only Dolly Parton on their new single, “Beg Your Parton,” as a way of expressing the important role the universally-beloved Queen of Country has always played in shaping their artistic journey.

“Her remarkable career has been a constant source of inspiration and blueprint for us. Watching her has taught us to unapologetically embrace our own unique style and voices,” they said. “Over the years, whenever folks hint at us as being a little over the top, the two of us started joking saying to each other ‘I Beg Your Parton?,’ and after a while that phrase started to serve as a reminder to keep going and doing our thing, no matter the obstacle or whispers we may hear.”

They continued, “Her infectious positivity has shown us the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to who we are, regardless of others’ expectations. We are forever grateful for the inspiration that she has provided, and the lessons she has taught us along the way.”

The up-tempo pop country single begins with a progression reminiscent of Parton’s 1973 mega-hit, “Jolene.” From there, this 2 1/2-minute romp features several lyrical nods to some of Dolly’s most iconic moments, musically or otherwise. In the process, The Kentucky Gentlemen showcase their own tenacity, as they fearlessly continue to blaze their own trail across the Americana landscape.

On ‘Letter to Myself,’ The Wandering Hearts Honor the Innocence of Youth

Posted on by Leave a comment

The thrill and innocence of youth is fleeting. Before we know it, we’re looking back at those years wishing we had treasured them more.

That is the sentiment shared by British folk-rock trio The Wandering Hearts, whose new single, “Letter to Myself,” reaches back in time recalling missed opportunities and days gone by. Listeners will immediately be taken by gorgeous three-part harmonies, which help us remember a time with nothing but blue skies ahead. Timeless piano chords march us forward like the passage of time, while skillfully layered acoustic guitar and organ tones add a solid helping of nostalgia into the sonic landscape.

“I was talking about my sister-in-law,” said vocalist Tara Wilcox, “Every time I saw her, she’d be like, ‘I just turned 21, and I’m turning 22 next year’. She’s always inches away from the next big milestone.”

“Letter to Myself” is included on the band’s forthcoming full-length album, Mother, due out everywhere on March 3. The album is described as “an exploration of motherhood and personal growth, which captures the little moments that assume a much greater significance.”

“I was pregnant when we started making the record, and Tara was pregnant when we finished it,” said vocalist and mandolin player Francesca “Chess” Whiffin. “During the process, we really found ourselves as a band. Motherhood has helped us grow and find meaning. It brought our writing and performing to a different level.”

Here comes a taste of the record! Check out the lyric video for “Letter to Myself” below.

WATCH: Josh Fortenbery Buries the Past on ‘Heirlooms’

Posted on by Leave a comment

“It’s easier to blame
Everyone who gave me my name
Than admit I can change if I wanted.

We all learn from our kin
How to love and how to sin,
And become the same men we once run from.”

On top of finger-picked guitar and lush, cinematic string arrangements, Josh Fortenbery examines the traits we adopt from those who came before us on his new single, “Heirlooms.”

The Juneau, Alaska-based songwriter — who is preparing to release his debut album, No Such Thing As Forever, on March 8 — acknowledges the undeniable impact of our upbringings, while owning the reality that the potential to break the cycle lies squarely in our own hands

“I’m grateful for so much of my upbringing, but I also inherited, or maybe adopted, certain family traits I wish I hadn’t,” Fortenbery said. “Once I got to the age where everyone started having kids or talking about it, I wondered what I might pass on. At the same time, while it’s certainly convenient to blame our parents for becoming them, I recognize that an explanation for a behavior isn’t the same thing as an excuse.”

“Heirlooms” is accompanied by a music video directed by David Rossow. The video follows Fortenbery as he comes to terms with memories of the past, before resolving to bury the physical reminders of who he used to be in a remote location, symbolizing the journey of a man resolving to start anew.

“I’m just trying to be honest about my grief, anxiety, and carelessness, and hope that resonates with people,” he said. “I think a lot of folks feel disconnected from the world, not only because of the physical isolation over the last few years but also the increasing digital and cultural isolation we’ve slid into over the last decade. I’m trying to remember what ties me to the folks I love and folks I’ve never met.”

Celebrate Your Crazy with Yarin Glam’s ‘BURN IT DOWN’

Posted on by Leave a comment

If they’re going to call you crazy, you might as well own it.

On her new single, “BURN IT DOWN,” Yarin Glam explores a sense of ownership of the parts of ourselves that are hardest to love. A ethereal alt-pop soundscape — coupled with Glam’s stirring R&B vocals — paint a liberating picture, inspired by the breakup story of her sister and her ex-boyfriend.

“She’s a person that owns herself 100 percent; she loves her crazy side and she’ll always say it,” Glam said. “‘BURN IT DOWN’ is a song where you can own your ‘crazy’ and celebrate it.”

Go ahead. Watch the world burn…

WATCH: Harris Hills is All About ‘ACTION, MAN’

Posted on by Leave a comment

One of the true gems of the New Year so far belongs to Nashville-based rapper and producer Harris Hills, who combines the soulful sensibilities of Nashvllle with the quick-hitting, grime music influence of his native U.K. on his latest single, “ACTION MAN.”

The well-traveled artist — who also spent his teenage years in Washington state before coming to Music City — pairs slick production with a delivery that moves as swiftly as an independent artist on the rise. A true hustle anthem, “ACTION MAN” adds a fresh voice to Nashville’s already thriving hip hop scene, diversifying Music City’s sonic palette in a way sure to resonate with fans in any location.

The single is accompanied by a video, which features the adventures of Hills and his entourage traveling through many haunts on and around Lower Broadway.

Perhaps these visuals signal what we already know to be true: they’re taking over the city, and it’s only a matter of time.

LISTEN: Marcus King Waits for Love to ‘F*ck (His) Life Up Again’

Posted on by Leave a comment

You may arleady be familiar with Marcus King as a fourth generation, mega-talented guitar virtuoso. Today, you’ll hear him as you never have before.

King explores his potent soul and R&B sensibilities on the new, Rick Rubin-produced track, “F*ck My Life Up Again.” The anguish in King’s voice is palpable, and the emotion put forth is enhanced by gorgeous string arrangements, shimmering organ tones, and a signature King guitar solo given new life, thanks to Rubin’s glitched-up studio wizardry.

Thematically, “F*ck My Life Up Again” pulls no punches, as King reflects on his tendency to chase unhealthy, codependent relationships.

“I was hesitant to record a song with such a foul word in it given my southern, Christian upbringing, but there were no other words I could find to capture the emotion I felt,” King said. “The anger associated with missing someone you know is only going to bring you pain, missing a relationship that only hurts you, (and) feeling hopeless to the point of wanting them to come back, because the only thing worse than the co-dependent hell you created together is the profound loneliness you feel.”

The single is accompanied by a lyric video whose dark, contemplative mood speaks to the emotion of the song. Watch it below!

LISTEN: On ‘Run Girl Run,’ Jess Antonette Confronts Her Trauma

Posted on by Leave a comment

Our old pal Jess Antonette is back with a new name, and a new, devastatingly introspective single.

The artist formerly known as J. Antonette released “Run Girl Run” on January 17. Co-written at SoNash Publishing House alongside Travis Chaney, Keifer Wiley, and Gabe Walsh, the wistful country pop tune gives Jess a chance to ruminate on her previous relationships — and her own role in their demise.

“The timing of both the name change and the creation of ‘Run Girl Run’ couldn’t have been more serendipitous,” she said. “If you know my co-writer, Travis, you understand the magnitude of his heart and how he loves to delve deep into the artists’ vulnerabilities, which is why I gravitate towards working with him. It’s almost like a therapy session.”

The creative process proved cathartic, and required Jess to stretch well past her comfort zone to tell a true-to-life story.

“There were moments when writing this where I was cringing and sinking into the corner of the couch, uncomfortable because (Travis) would push me to get real with my issues,” she said. “I’ve always been self-reflective, but not outwardly; not sharing my issues about my own trauma with my co-writers in the room. The lyrics are exactly what I’m working on fixing within my own heart.“

Run over to Spotify to check this one out. Perhaps it will help you uncover the keys to your own heart…

LISTEN: With ‘Too Many Losses,’ Intellect and Dave East Shine a Light on Urban Hardship

Posted on by Leave a comment

It’s been a minute since we’ve checked in with our old friend, Intellect. Since becoming acquainted in 2019, we’ve always known the hip hop artist, actor, and military veteran to be a Renaissance man who speaks from the heart about his experiences, with music as a vehicle to reach the masses.

Fast forward to 2024, and Intellect has released his first single of the year alongside fellow emcee Dave East. Titled “Too Many Losses,” the single conveys a powerful and gritty message about the struggles and challenges faced in a difficult urban environment — including violence, crime, temptation, and lack of trust.

“‘Too Many Losses’ also highlights the resilience and determination of individuals who continue to fight for survival despite the odds stacked against them,” Intellect adds. “The lyrics capture the raw and harsh aspects of street life, offering a glimpse into the complexities of such an existence.

Intellect and East wrote their verses separately; however, the similarities in their experiences and perspectives seamlessly blend their stories together on “Too Many Losses.” On the production end, Tempur Beats deserves credit for crafting a haunting soundscape that illustrates the hardship of life in the streets, while giving both emcees room to breathe hope into the narrative.

« Older Entries Recent Entries »