tag:mikeocull.com,2005:/blogs/the-sounds-of-chicago-podcast?p=5MUSIC REVIEWS2024-01-25T13:00:00-06:00Mike O'Cull Musicfalsetag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/73400312024-01-25T13:00:00-06:002024-01-25T16:00:42-06:00VONCO ‘I CAN’T LIE (FEAT. CHOPPY FIELDS)’ SINGLE REVIEW - SWEET MODERN SOUL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/8b35a7b06f1d009bdd7574502aad1f36c03d711e/original/0f324114-d19d-4c49-8606-cfb3a9f2f262.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">VONCO FEAT. CHOPPY FIELDS </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">“I Can’t Lie”</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204);"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">R&B artist Vonco is spacious, smooth, and dramatic on his new single “I Can’t Lie” and you’ll definitely want to be there for every note. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The track, which features singer Choppy Fields, drops March 1, 2024 but preorders open up on January 27. The song is an emotionally open breakup story told from the bad side of the split. Fields pours out his heart lyric by lyric and comes across as refreshingly vulnerable and true. His vocal skills convey the depth of despair we often end up living in when our personal lives turn bad and everyone who spins this cut will quickly feel his pain. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Vonco contributes dope lines in his own style and flow that make a fine contrast to the sound. Production on the track is all-pro all the way and the beat perfectly frames both lyrical artists and allows them to get down deep into themselves and deliver a song that’s bound to connect with a whole lot of people. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">“I Can’t Lie” is an outstanding single from an emerging artist well worth your time and attention. Vonco is one of the real ones and true fans of R&B and hip hop will feel him right away. Highly recommended. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">LISTEN ON APPLE MUSIC:</span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1726350548%20" target="_blank">http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1726350548 </a></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr">FACEBOOK:</p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/VoncoMusic">https://www.facebook.com/VoncoMusic</a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/73020052023-11-10T16:28:52-06:002023-11-10T16:32:51-06:00MIKE FREUND ‘KICKING DIRT’ SINGLE REVIEW - OUTSTANDING HEAVY BLUES/ROCK! <p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-0f6fe2bb-bb59-0987-54c1-d15ff2178394"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/06f35a85c5c1f7ba52d0284dd8bfdd971e8f6c70/original/93a71557-79f3-4b70-84e5-70aeae4393e2.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">MIKE FREUND</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">“Kicking Dirt” </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Single review by Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Hot-handed blues/rock guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Mike Freund gives listeners a big dose of the heavy stuff with his new single “Kicking Dirt.” </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The track is set to drop on November 22nd, 2023 and impressively channels several streams of guitar heaviness while still delivering an original sound and a relevant vision. It begins with a harder-than-Zeppelin drum beat that is quickly topped by a low-tuned, power chord blues groove. The resulting vibe is a full-on lamentation of hard times that lives somewhere between Gov’t Mule and Black Sabbath. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Freund also does fine work on lead vocals. His style and mannerisms fit and reflect the song’s difficult subject matter perfectly and you can feel the genuine pain in his voice. The lyrics tell a tough story about despair, loss, liquor, and perseverance that anyone living in the real world will relate to at once. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Freund then intersperses his savage, slashing slide guitar lines to achieve maximum impact. The overall effect is ghostly and trembling. “Kicking Dirt” will haunt you for a long time after your first encounter with it. The way it blends heavy blues with an almost doom metal vibe is refreshing and will appeal to those who like their rock music slow and low. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Mike Freund has been building a legit body of work and a sterling live reputation for a long time now. Blending influences ranging from The Allman Brothers Band and Guns N’ Roses to Bruce Springsteen and The Meters, Freund’s albums <i>Toe The Line</i>, <i>And Now You Know</i>, <i>IN BETWEEN Acoustic Vol 1</i>, and <i>Twenty Twenty</i> have found traction with a whole lot of fans. He is one of the most encouraging new artists to emerge in the last few years and lovers of top-shelf blues and American rock and roll need to hear him at once. </span><br><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mikefreundmusic.com"><span style="color:#ffffff;">https://www.mikefreundmusic.com</span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><br><br> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QFIrbpuBxR8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QFIrbpuBxR8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/72840572023-10-06T15:35:55-05:002023-10-16T09:52:21-05:00STOOP LAUREN ‘STEP BROS’ ALBUM REVIEW - HARD-EDGED NEW RAP STAR! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/52d100d038174d02e53e896147e6c4ec7cdf4e06/original/e03acc4d-045f-496c-8374-3f0a9229d703.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">STOOP LAUREN</span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>Step Bros </i></span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">(Hitmaker Music Group / Ebony Son Entertainment)</span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204);"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Atlanta-based rap artist Stoop Lauren hits the mic hard and deep on his new full-length effort <i>Step Bros</i>.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The album is set to drop on October 27th, 2023 thanks to Hitmaker Music Group and Ebony Son Entertainment and is a much-anticipated follow-up to Lauren’s 2021 record <i>Off The Stoop</i>. It’s an outstanding batch of new tracks that are built on fat beats and carry a strong NYC vibe. A New York native, Stoop has his ideas and flows locked down and uses the new songs to display his intuitive lyrical talent. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">From the snapping keyboard intro of the opening cut “Supreme,” it’s clear that this isn’t going to be just one more hip hop session. Stoop tells his story without flinching but puts down his strong words in a smooth way. The chorus features a permanent ear worm hook that will linger with you long after the listening is done. The production booms, the beat slaps, and Lauren brings the fire that we all want to hear. The best part is the record is just getting started. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Track after track, Stoop puts in work on the microphone and keeps your attention focused completely on him. “Reminder” finds him rocking on top of some massive bass notes and crisp high-hats. His vocal rhythms and cadences weave in and out of the song’s musical elements in hypnotic ways that will quickly pull you into his rhymes. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">“Going Wild” is a fully-powered club banger that brings us Lauren teaming up with Childish Major. This is the cut that’s going to blow up and elevate Stoop to the highest levels of the game. Childish Major is a great compliment to Stoop’s groove and a whole lot of people are going to ride with their combined sound. Be sure not to miss other album highlights like “Walk Thru” and “Top Of The Top.”</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>Step Bros</i> is a big-league record, no doubt, and Stoop Lauren seems well on his way to stardom. Fans looking for the one who’s up next will find him here. Highly recommended. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;">LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AShaEivJLSXztSNG9S71l?si=OXsCMgwISp6_PNRGqNSXIQ">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AShaEivJLSXztSNG9S71l?si=OXsCMgwISp6_PNRGqNSXIQ</a> <br><br>Instagram:</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/stooplauren1/">https://www.instagram.com/stooplauren1/</a> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/72585332023-08-17T15:01:36-05:002023-08-17T15:01:36-05:00OMBROGIO ‘COINCIDENCE (LIVE AT CAPITOL RECORDS)’ ALBUM REVIEW - HOLLYWOOD SONGWRITER ABOUT TO BREAK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/679255fa465130ab72d6bbf5dcfc1fe57b5dff79/original/8ddea947-c2f4-49e9-baa0-29c681acbd8e.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">OMBROGIO</span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>Coincidence (Live At Capitol Records)</i></span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">(Crystoll Records)</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204);"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Hollywood-based songwriter, vocalist, and musician Ombrogio, a.k.a. Maverick Stoll Ombrogio, blends punk, rock, and acoustic influences into a unique and personal song cycle on their new album <i>Coincidence (Live At Capitol Records)</i>. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Ombrogio, a descendant of legendary MGM musical director, conductor, Academy Award-winning composer, and jazz violinist Georgie E Stoll, is a songwriter who has more than his share of the family talent. The songs on <i>Coincidence (Live At Capitol Records)</i> are catchy, lyrical, and edgy. They give listeners a crunching, confident experience brimming with verbal and musical wisdom. Ombrogio uses grit, polish, and attitude in equal proportions and the result is an album of new, relevant rock music that never gets weak or turns belly-up. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>Coincidence (Live At Capitol Records)</i> opens with the tense guitar-and-piano groove of “What You Want.” The sound is open and organic, referencing the best of late 20th Century rock music. The piano tempers the snarling guitars captured here and the two instruments get fully behind Ombrogio’s lead vocal. He’s a mesmerizing singer who easily channels his emotions into the microphone. The mood on this one is October-level melancholy and will quickly pull you in. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The title song “Coincidence” is mid-tempo and on the mellow side. O’s vocals are deeply-felt and will hold your focus. The arrangement spreads out in the middle for a sweet and tasteful guitar break before going back to its original feel. An echo of vintage Pearl Jam can be heard but the song builds on it and stands on its own. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">“Liquor Love” is an upbeat funk/rock tune with a strong acoustic guitar texture and a popping clean electric guitar rhythm part. Ombrogio leans all the way into his vocal performance and tells the story of someone “with heartbreak written on her forehead.” It’s a tough-toned song and one of the best moments on the album. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Deep cut listeners will be rewarded for hanging out by crucial cuts like “Sexy Knows It” and “It’s All Been Done.” <i>Coincidence (Live At Capitol Records)</i> is a fine effort from end to end and displays much talent in all the required areas for a long career in the music game. Ombrogio is clearly on the way to something big. Highly recommended. </span><br><br><br><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gdbWs1gi3zubhi6LIyKCa?si=J1ePgIGSTp-2NOmTTzy4_Q" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gdbWs1gi3zubhi6LIyKCa?si=J1ePgIGSTp-2NOmTTzy4_Q</a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/72428322023-07-16T15:56:19-05:002023-07-16T15:56:20-05:00PARADISE RESET ‘TAKE THE GOLD (THERE WAS ONE)’ SINGLE AND VIDEO - ELECTRO/POP/ROCK!<p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/d7d7ace45dea88c90f22246fa9294a8c695ef798/original/9f105c50-1443-4a52-b351-6f165e255b40.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-dd447bb0-6076-b4d4-231c-1f9e40a6311f"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">PARADISE RESET</span><br><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">“Take The Gold (There Was One)”</span><br> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204);"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Paradise Reset, a.k.a. insanely creative songwriter, musician, performer, and producer Aaron Fitch, pushes the boundaries of how artful a pop single can be with his new song and music video “Take The Gold (There Was One).”</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Available now, “Take The Gold (There Was One)” is an upbeat, melodic pop/rock song rendered in a highly produced, stomping electronic style. It’s a great song that less-inspired minds would turn into a power chord-based pop/punk gem. Fitch, however, is much deeper water than that and has created a sound here that still brings the rock but includes electronic, pop, and dance vibes in a way that sets him apart from just about everybody. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The tune sits on a bouncing, kick drum-heavy beat but tops it with rapid-fire, stuttering sounds, strong rhythm guitar work, reverse delays, and other nicely-handled modern production techniques. Fitch clearly has a vision for his music that’s personal and all-encompassing, a happy fact that makes him a big blast of freshness in our often conformist world. His vocals are delivered in a low-toned whisper, which gives his lyrics a confessional feel that’ll quickly capture your attention. Fitch hits like an art rocker in pop star clothing on this one and it’s a good look. Listen to this once and you’ll walk away with it installed in your ears. The quick-cut music video that accompanies the song is also entertaining and cool, showing us Fitch in many modes of action. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Aaron Fitch is a wide-open talent whose output spans the globe from acoustic emo punk and melodic-metal electro to dreamscape rock and stomp pop. He’s an outstanding multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer with an ever-evolving sound. What he delivers on “Take The Gold (There Was One)” is just one aspect of his musicality and anyone looking for something new that’s actually original needs to dive into this track and the rest of his body of work. Paradise Reset is an absolute contender for the crown and it’s a sure bet that we’ll all be hearing more from this talented artist. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="9BivEalN22A" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9BivEalN22A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71966862023-04-25T13:56:37-05:002023-04-25T13:56:37-05:00WOLFGANG HILDEBRANDT ‘I’D LIKE TO TELL YOU’ EP REVIEW - COUNTRY GOLD!<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-fc323bec-7fff-8a12-cef6-c0827ce9563e"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/9e10afc88a7e7c285aa21b7f3e0ff7042badb2ce/original/9ea21411-b1dd-4bfe-8c17-a9ee959759d6.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">WOLFGANG HILDEBRANDT</span><br><span style="color:#ffffff;"><i>I’d Like To Tell You </i></span><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">(The AMG Corp)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">German singer-songwriter, activist, and philanthropist Wolfgang Hildebrandt takes his fans down a country road on his new EP <i>I’d Like To Tell You</i>.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Hildebrandt is a familiar presence on the international music scene and has created a substantial body of work. This time out, he delivers an EP worth of classic country covers redone in his own unique style. He’s a smooth and effective vocalist with the skills to give a song a new identity, which is exactly what he does on <i>I’d Like To Tell You</i>. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Never one to shy away from greatness, Hildebrandt takes on tunes from some of the finest artists in American music history. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Ray Charles each get The Wolfgang Treatment on the EP and Hildebrandt shows us that he’s as great of a song stylist and interpreter as he is a songwriter. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The set opens with its title track “I’d Like To Tell You.” It’s a sweet and romantic country ballad that features Hildebrandt’s warm vocals and some wonderful pedal steel playing. This is the sound we all love and Wolfgang puts it down like a star. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Hildebrandt then grabs hold of Willie Nelson’s eternal “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.” He transforms it into a duet with the talented Bianca Carina App. Her voice blends well with his and they give it a slightly uptempo acoustic arrangement that shines new light on this legendary song. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Wolfgang also takes on Kris Kristofferson’s iconic “Me And Bobby McGee.” He again employs an acoustic touch on this chilled-out version and makes this rock classic feel like a folk song. He sings it sweetly and clean, replacing Janis Joplin’s bluster with his own mellow energy, and it makes it seem fresh all over again. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Ray Charles/Willie Nelson duet “Seven Spanish Angels” makes a welcome appearance on the EP. Wolfgang chose Ann-Marie Moloney as his vocal partner on this one and their reimagining of this famous song is likely to become your favorite version of it. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Hildebrandt closes the EP with Kristofferson’s personal hymn “Why Me Lord.” His vocal performance of it is sublime and full of emotion. You can tell the lyrics have a lot of meaning for Wolfgang and he puts his whole soul into them. Wolfgang Hildebrandt has a winner with <i>I’d Like To Tell You</i> and his reinventions of these wonderful songs are going to win him a whole bunch of new friends. Highly recommended. </span><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q21vxrIWkupuwl0DdiDKa?si=Ic1-y4kWT9mnXCGD-VzFlw" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ffffff;">https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q21vxrIWkupuwl0DdiDKa?si=Ic1-y4kWT9mnXCGD-VzFlw</span></a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71966232023-04-25T12:08:50-05:002023-04-25T12:17:06-05:00HIGHER HILL ‘GET UP AND GO’ ALBUM REVIEW - MODERN ROOTS MUSIC!<p> </p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2382f9fd-7fff-998e-10c8-ed6d084fae30"><span style="color:#ffffff;">HIGHER HILL</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><i>Get Up And Go</i></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">(Higher Hill Studios)</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/ec03fd67ad214bcf5b1788c22ca11c45420bd1fa/original/9b7be7ff-efca-416e-8470-2d3e83b2fcea.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Higher Hill delivers an enticing batch of melodic, original pop/rock/roots songs on their album <i>Get Up And Go</i>. </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The group is actually a singer-songwriter duo who are also a married couple. Vanessa Ogle and her husband Paul are both talented musicians and songwriters who create dynamic and accessible music full of smart lyrics, top-tier playing, and big hooks that will stick in your ear all day. Vanessa is an outstanding singer with a powerful style and an expressive belt. Paul is a master guitarist and luthier with his own brick at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Together, they’re a high-value musical team who will get you hooked before you even know what’s happening. </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The songs on <i>Get Up And Go</i> do a fine job combining contemporary country, classic rock, and other influences in a smooth, seamless manner. The opening cut, “River,” is a steady rocker filled with nicely-overdriven guitars and Vanessa’s warm vocal tones. She has a velvety sound reminiscent of the great Karen Carpenter that eschews screeching soprano tactics for a more inviting, natural sound. </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The record’s title track “Get Up And Go” is a mid-tempo, road trip tune that will appeal to anyone longing for a well-deserved vacation. This one is all about sharing new scenery and the fun of travel with your favorite person and will get you in the mood to get in the car and keep driving until you reach that hotel you like. Good times, indeed. </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">“Come On Karma” is a blissful roots rocker with a Texas dirt road vibe. The lyrics about an annoying ex who won’t disappear definitely hit home and the studio band puts a whole lot of backbone behind them. It’s one of the best moments on the record and is not to be missed. </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Every bit of <i>Get Up And Go</i> is worth repeated listening sessions, even the deep cuts. Be sure to dig into gems like “Sin,” “Best Life,” and “Lullaby.” Higher Hill absolutely has the songs and the sounds to rate a spot in your daily listening rotation. Get these two in your speakers and keep them there! </span><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">OFFICIAL WEBSITE: </span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.higherhillstudios.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ffffff;">https://www.higherhillstudios.com/</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71891172023-04-12T19:11:49-05:002023-04-12T19:21:01-05:00DELTA BY THE BEACH ‘THE SINGLE OF THE MONTH’ ALBUM REVIEW - HARD, CALIFORNIA BLUES!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/36154cf31b9ae2405a720e67e46cd873102a6032/original/bea4d2dc-60c7-4d5f-9f23-494796224ad5.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a362bcff-7fff-8119-8e23-683854105c1a"> </p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a362bcff-7fff-8119-8e23-683854105c1a"> </p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a362bcff-7fff-8119-8e23-683854105c1a"><span style="color:#ffffff;">DELTA BY THE BEACH</span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a362bcff-7fff-8119-8e23-683854105c1a"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><i>The Single of the Month</i></span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">By Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">California blues outfit Delta By The Beach vibe like the most lowdown jukebox in town on their new full-length release <i>The Single of the Month</i>.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The album title refers to the one-song-a-week-for-a-year recording project that brought Delta By The Beach into existence and also to the choice to craft tight, short songs that might be found on a vintage record machine. Band members Doc Ventura (bass, lead vocals), Milo Sledge (guitar), and Eddie Layman (drums) are a small-but-motivated crew that makes rough-edged blues music for modern ears. They’re the kind of band that really will help keep the blues alive by not letting it turn into museum music but by keeping it charged up with the energy and humanity of its own time. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">What they’re doing must be working because the group is closing in on a cool million Spotify streams and rocks hundreds of live gigs every year. Their authentic Mississippi juke joint style has connected with fans all over the world and demonstrates the eternal relevance of this music. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The songs contained on <i>The Single of the Month</i> are a lively assortment of small-band blues designed for hip-shaking and heartbreaking. The opening cut “Bad Deed” is a razor-sharp Chicago blues with a Muddy Waters feel and an expressive lead vocal from Doc Ventura. Right away, it’s clear that this is lights-out hard music for hard times that tells real, human stories. The shuffle groove, alone, will hit you dead-on at the end of a tough day and pull your pain to the surface, as real blues has always done. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The mid-speed “Give Me Back My Tears” expands on the Jimmy Reed style with tough emotions and a big riff. Still, the sweetness of the beat comes through and will soon have you swaying with its rough-hewn charm. Ventura and Sledge are a solid pair up front, capable of weaving rhythmic spells that mesmerize and fascinate. This isn’t shredding, contemporary blues but the stripped-down, dangerous sound that turned us all on in the first place and it’s glorious. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">“Tired Of My Luck” is way cool garage/blues/funk done right and sounds like a night spent out back drinking and jamming to old records on a single speaker. We can all relate to the title sentiment in one way or another and Ventura delivers his vocals in a way that will make you understand. Sledge’s guitar tone here is sharp and dirty in the best way possible and fits the tune’s atmosphere perfectly. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">All of <i>The Single of the Month</i> will make blues fans happy. It’s a wonderfully energetic record that plays to the core strengths of blues music and refuses to pose or pretend. Delta By The Beach needs to be on your screen right now so you can dig into gems like “1000 Tears” and “You Made A Mistake” without delay. You want the blues? You got ‘em! Highly recommended. </span></p><p dir="ltr"> </p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://deltabythebeach.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ffffff;">https://deltabythebeach.com/</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="N3OiyuMHAQQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N3OiyuMHAQQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71839832023-04-04T13:24:04-05:002023-04-04T13:26:04-05:00NOPH’N ‘CONFUSION FUSION’ SINGLE REVIEW - SMART, PROGRESSIVE METAL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/43970/08bd0f3208094d7db3c53e9feca77a7f7cd10a78/original/e754ac8e-ff20-492f-96d6-eb6457ea96f7.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a9369122-7fff-2b27-014a-c4d1ec63dbd7"><span style="color:#ffffff;">NOPH’N</span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a9369122-7fff-2b27-014a-c4d1ec63dbd7"><span style="color:#ffffff;">“Confusion Fusion”</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Single and video review by Mike O’Cull </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.mikeocull.com/"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><u>www.mikeocull.com</u></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Progressive metal concern Noph’N delivers a shot of smart, original power on its new track and music video “Confusion Fusion.” </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Available now on YouTube, “Confusion Fusion” is a hard, unflinching vision of the internal life of someone who has become paralyzed in an accident. It’s an absolutely compelling song brought to us by Noph’N bandleader Daniele Sentinelli. Sentinelli is a talented composer and multi-instrumentalist who conceived, wrote, and performed the track himself. What makes it unique is Daniele’s completely non-standard metal production approach. “Confusion Fusion” is rendered in acoustic guitars, relatively clean electric guitars, and vocals that are sung, not screamed. No over-saturated wall of distorted guitars or growling vocals are present, yet the song’s spirit is unquestionably metal. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Daniele Sentinelli has been creating music for over three decades. He combines Prog, metal, and electronic ideas into an original whole that is refreshing and intelligent. “Confusion Fusion” is a complex-but-accessible piece built on shifting time signatures, intricate guitar and bass work, and an atmospheric sensibility that quickly worms itself into your mind. Clearly, Sentinelli has a strong and distinct vision for his music and expresses it fearlessly. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The lyric video for “Confusion Fusion” is also quite expressive and artistic. Sentinelli’s free-verse lines and questioning thoughts appear beneath a shifting, dystopian series of images that support the existential despair of the speaker’s situation. It’s a bold and cathartic clip that will stop viewers in their tracks to catch every last frame. Fans of serious modern rock will flip over this beast of a single. Noph’N needs to be heard, full stop. </span></p><p dir="ltr"> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vQQ2yIVaKgc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vQQ2yIVaKgc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71490222023-02-05T13:42:32-06:002023-02-05T13:47:29-06:00TOM GILBERTS ’END OF THE LINE’ SINGLE REVIEW - DEEP, SMART BLUES/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/68a3ce34ebf4602193d07d2adec53aaac37703c2/original/06ce853b-69b6-4176-8a2e-9815fdd96fbb.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
<p>TOM GILBERTS </p>
<p>“End Of The Line” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and physician Tom Gilberts waxes philosophically about the meaning of it all on his new single “End Of The Line.” </p>
<p>The song is available now on all major streaming platforms and is a serious-minded Southern Rock meditation on the end of things. It feels like Gilberts is talking about the end of life but the lyrics can be interpreted in many ways. The track is moody, mid-speed, and spacious, leaving plenty of room for Gilbert’s words, minimalist melodies, and deep thoughts. </p>
<p>What’s interesting about Tom’s lyrics is they come from the Grim Reaper’s perspective. He’s speaking to someone else riding on life’s train tracks, announcing the journey’s end, not delivering an interior monologue. This position lets Gilberts maintain some storytelling distance from the topic and remain calm. It’s a fresh take on the situation and makes for a memorable song. </p>
<p>As a guitarist, Gilberts has tone and taste for days, always understating his case rather than screaming from the rooftops. His sense of restraint is uncommon among guitar players, who usually come off like they’re being paid by the note. Like the greats of old, Gilberts plays only what’s needed and lets the song do the talking for him. His rhythm guitar work here is especially vital, anchoring the tune but never getting so busy that his meaning gets obliterated. Gilberts is a true artist, not merely a guitar slinger, and “End Of The Line” is all the proof of that statement anyone could need. </p>
<p>Gilberts is an actual medical doctor outside of his musical life and it’s easy to speculate that his experiences in that field influenced the writing of this song. It feels like it comes from someone who has given out this kind of news more than once, someone who knows what to do. </p>
<p> In any case, Tom Gilberts remains one of today’s most vital blues/rock musicians and “End Of The Line” is going to hit a lot of listeners where they live. This is the good stuff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6HAlzVZMBaJhxRUGsSz8Sz?si=9VcRfsBmTVGhbeex_2By3g" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6HAlzVZMBaJhxRUGsSz8Sz?si=9VcRfsBmTVGhbeex_2By3g" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6HAlzVZMBaJhxRUGsSz8Sz?si=9VcRfsBmTVGhbeex_2By3g</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.tomgilberts.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tomgilberts.com/" target="_blank">https://www.tomgilberts.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://instagram.com/tom_gilberts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/tom_gilberts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/tom_gilberts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y</a></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71446162023-01-27T15:38:50-06:002023-01-27T15:48:10-06:00TOM GILBERTS ‘FLOW STATE’ SINGLE REVIEW - BLUES/ROCK WISDOM FROM OREGON! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/68a3ce34ebf4602193d07d2adec53aaac37703c2/original/06ce853b-69b6-4176-8a2e-9815fdd96fbb.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TOM GILBERTS </p>
<p>“Flow State” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull </p>
<p>Guitarist and singer Tom Gilberts and his mighty trio groove hard and get contemplative on their new single “Flow State.” </p>
<p>Released January 27th, 2023, “Flow State” is a cracking, mid-tempo blues/rock track that’s all about feel and space. Gilberts is one of those players gifted with a magic touch and the ability to write tight, smart songs that will make you jam and think at the same time. His vocals are cool and emphatic, achieving a chilled-out rock vibe here that’s understated and highly listenable. </p>
<p>As a guitar player, it’s clear from this track that Gilberts is more concerned with time, texture, and tone rather than blowing our minds with a million flailing notes. This makes him instantly more attractive than most of his peers. His riffs are lowdown and tasty and his lead licks are well-phrased, memorable, and in the vein of monster players like Warren Haynes and Billy Gibbons. His rhythm section supports him perfectly, shadowing his every shift and move. </p>
<p>“Flow State” is, as its title implies, an examination of the phenomenon of peak experiences, often called flow states. Tom does a fine job of delivering his non-cheesy lyrics that attempt to get to the bottom of that feeling of being “in the zone” and hitting your personal target in an effortless way. Those moments are tough to describe but we all know when we’re having one. Gilberts and his band sound like they may well be feeling the flow on this cut, themselves, and turn in a high-value performance. </p>
<p>In addition to being a guitar slinger, Gilberts is a board-certified physician, a profession that has allowed him to make music his way without commercial pressure. That sense of purity is obvious on “Flow State.” TG comes across as a deeply-soulful artist, not a salesman, and his whole approach is refreshing. Blues/rock fans in the market for something fresh need to give Gilberts a spin.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.tomgilberts.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tomgilberts.com/" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.tomgilberts.com/</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON APPLE MUSIC:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tom-gilberts/1183945364" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tom-gilberts/1183945364" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tom-gilberts/1183945364</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>YOUTUBE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://youtube.com/@tomgilbertsmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtube.com/@tomgilbertsmusic" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/@tomgilbertsmusic</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://instagram.com/tom_gilberts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/tom_gilberts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/tom_gilberts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/71098832022-11-24T15:19:41-06:002022-11-24T15:21:49-06:00LUNA O’CERO ‘LET IT SNOW’ - LATIN CHRISTMAS MAGIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d9e6add2b146393217670a06feb9c36e60338e64/original/60f46701-de65-46df-88b1-2df906ab9d6b.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LUNA O’CERO </p>
<p>“Let It Snow” </p>
<p>(Ditto Music) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com</a> </p>
<p>Latin pop star Luna O'cero puts an amazing twist on a beloved holiday favorite with the release of his version of “Let It Snow.” </p>
<p>A native of the Dominican Republic, O’cero is a bilingual singer who combines the Salsa and Merengue styles of his homeland with mainstream pop ideas and his own individual soul. Performing in both Spanish and English equally well gives him the power to connect with listeners around the world with his music. O’cero’s reworking of the holiday classic “Let It Snow” is a wonderful example of how he bridges the cultural gaps that so often keep people divided. Backed by a band of ultra-talented musicians, Luna delivers the goods with gusto guaranteed to melt any snowbank anywhere, anytime. </p>
<p>The track begins with an appropriately majestic fanfare from the horn section before dropping into the first of its body-rocking grooves. The beat swings delightfully beneath his warm and inviting baritone vocals and his presence on the microphone instantly convinces you that his Christmas party will be the event of the season. </p>
<p>O’cero quickly takes the tune uptempo, which is where it stays until the breakdown. The entire ensemble is kinetic and cool and puts the kind of magic on this familiar song that few other bands could match. The lineup of Armando Olivero (Arranger, Music Director), Crispin Fernandez (Alto Saxophone), Junior Frias (Baritone Saxophone), Chayanne Duverge (Bass Guitar), Okil Medrano (Congas), Rafael Carrasco (Percussion), Willig Olivero (Piano), German Lorenzo (Sound Engineer), Crispin Fernandez (Tenor Saxophone), Jose Flete (Trombone), and Kaki Ruiz (Trumpet) are a mighty force in the studio, especially with O’cero’s vibrant voice out front. </p>
<p>From there, the tune goes dance crazy from kick drum to horn section and breaks free with passion and precision. By the time Luna comes back to the mic, the celebration is on. Spin this track daily during December and make this holiday season one for the record books.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>YOUTUBE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Djy-Gcti7Zw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Djy-Gcti7Zw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Djy-Gcti7Zw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/15L8ZSgxlXu7JxqZkcaQNZ?si=NXWrYkAAQby_aBV0pyNd6w" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/15L8ZSgxlXu7JxqZkcaQNZ?si=NXWrYkAAQby_aBV0pyNd6w" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/15L8ZSgxlXu7JxqZkcaQNZ?si=NXWrYkAAQby_aBV0pyNd6w</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/70994712022-11-10T12:15:53-06:002022-11-11T14:51:07-06:00ALEX GENADINIK ’KEEP YOUR HEART OPEN’ SINGLE AND VIDEO REVIEW! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2cd4fd688a536790e477867063d3d2acf053947c/original/98395bff-5051-4d43-a76b-18801d94574a.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ALEX GENADINIK </p>
<p>“Keep Your Heart Open” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull </p>
<p>Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Alex Genadinik delivers plain-spoken, emotional truth on his latest single “Keep Your Heart Open.” </p>
<p>Genadinik is a gifted player, creator, and interpreter of sweetly beautiful music that touches his listeners’ hearts in an inspirational way. This time out, he gives us his version of Russian poet and songwriter Bulat Okudzhava's 1959 song “Keep Your Heart Open.” It was originally titled “Open Door.” Genadinik puts his distinct style on this old-school gem and its message of love. The song is a warning to not let the problems and difficulties of life shut you down, close your heart, and prevent you from experiencing joy. </p>
<p>The arrangement begins with just Alex’s voice and delicately-picked acoustic guitar. It’s a lovely, atmospheric musical moment that lets you focus on the wisdom of the words. Genadinik is an excellent singer and he intuitively knows how to approach a track like this. The song builds up and becomes more rhythmic as it develops, adding bass and drum parts that boost and support the vocals. Nothing, however, gets in the way of the song’s meaning or its direct way of communicating it. </p>
<p>Genadinik clearly has a gift for this type of material. Don’t mistake his gentleness for weakness, though. That would be a bad move. This is a song of great personal power. Nothing is harder than living with an open heart after experiencing intense pain and loss. Alex shows us that the only way forward is to risk it all again and live as fully as we can. The world needs this song right now. Hopefully, Genadinik can bring some real healing to his fans with this release. Once you hear it, you will definitely be onboard to see what he does next. Highly recommended. <br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ViqvF59xezA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ViqvF59xezA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ViqvF59xezA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.touchedbyasong.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.touchedbyasong.com/" target="_blank">https://www.touchedbyasong.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>SONG PAGE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.touchedbyasong.com/song/keep-your-heart-open-sweet-song-about-kindness-and-keeping-an-open-heart/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.touchedbyasong.com/song/keep-your-heart-open-sweet-song-about-kindness-and-keeping-an-open-heart/" target="_blank">https://www.touchedbyasong.com/song/keep-your-heart-open-sweet-song-about-kindness-and-keeping-an-open-heart/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>COVERS AND TRANSLATIONS:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.touchedbyasong.com/bulat-okudzhava-poems-and-songs-in-english/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.touchedbyasong.com/bulat-okudzhava-poems-and-songs-in-english/" target="_blank">https://www.touchedbyasong.com/bulat-okudzhava-poems-and-songs-in-english/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/69890042022-06-07T18:39:16-05:002022-06-07T18:47:15-05:00ARIA DROPS DOUBLE A-SIDE, EARTH DAY-ENDORSED SINGLE ‘THE NEXT LIFE’ AND ‘THE LADY IN WHITE!’<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4945ebe8b21cd8df95e0fa600d7acbdd29b11974/original/3f67f4f8-e05e-4bf6-adf5-ffc3e07582d9.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ARIA </p>
<p>“The Next Life” </p>
<p>“The Lady In White” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Renowned Italian producer and composer Aria, a.k.a. Mariano Schiavolini, does more than his part to save the world with the release of his double-A-side, Earth Day 2022-endorsed single “The Next Life” and “The Lady In White.” </p>
<p>The tracks are meant to build awareness of important environmental issues and inspire listeners to work towards solutions. Aria is an enthusiastic environmentalist and humanitarian advocate who has put his music where his mouth is on this project to hopefully improve our planetary conditions and shine a light on the often cruel situations that many animals facing extinction are subjected to around the globe. </p>
<p>Aria first rose to fame as a founding member of the original Italian prog-rock band Celeste, a powerful group that drew comparisons to King Crimson. He has gone on to create the important Italian Rock record label Dischi Noi, collaborate with Kit Woolven (David Bowie, Thin Lizzy), Nick Griffits (Pink Floyd, Roger Waters), and Daniel Boone (The Who, Kraftwerk), and handle concert production for Rock at Midnight on Italia 1 TV. He lives to unite the world through music and has helmed projects in Los Angeles, Prague, and Johannesburg. </p>
<p>“The Next Life” is a gently soulful ballad that preaches a strong message. It’s a song for all the voiceless creatures who can’t speak for themselves who long to be wild and free in the afterlife. Los Angeles author B. Warner wrote the lyrics and rising Houston rap star R Reed spits fire on vocals, giving the track the potential to be a multicultural crossover smash. In our divided times, hearing such a diverse artistic core come together so well is sure to inspire us all to do better. It’s a timeless song for the modern world and needs to be heard. </p>
<p>The second A-Side of the single is a beautiful love song called “The Lady In White.” Aria’s lush musical background of piano and warm synth tones are the ideal home for his emotive vocals. He invokes gospel, hip hop, and pop inflections all at once on this uplifting cut and will absolutely touch your heart with all of it. </p>
<p>Aria has accomplished a great thing by releasing these songs together as equals. He sends a frank, difficult message in a loving way and uses diversity as a tool to show how well different people can work with each other. Hopefully, these songs will reach millions of ears and make our world a better place. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="uAlSjsk0skM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/uAlSjsk0skM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uAlSjsk0skM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: </b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.ariamusicworld.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ariamusicworld.com/" target="_blank">https://www.ariamusicworld.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>EARTH DAY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www.EarthDay.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.earth%20day.org" target="_blank">www.EarthDay.org</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8f8dc609f925e14ee28d27d00ac5392b73e2b151/original/bc859912-3ae2-4e96-b68d-92b64f4db3fd.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/69713002022-05-14T17:37:18-05:002022-05-15T11:59:31-05:00THE EDDIE LIGHTNER AND DUKE PAUL ACOUSTIC DUO: BLUEGRASS FUN WITH A ROCK AND ROLL HEART!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/153f7c972a127c28b52b93aa251a110932cce6a8/original/efda40a9-3723-4f69-b90c-96aad134f070.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com</a> </p>
<p>The Eddie Lightner and Duke Paul acoustic duo deliver a seriously entertaining musical experience every time they step up to play. Lightner (mandolin, vocals) and Paul (acoustic guitar, vocals) have developed their own signature style that blends bluegrass, new grass, and just-for-you-grass with a little rock and roll kick and the chops to field any request that comes their way. </p>
<p>It’s this bold attitude that makes them seem right at home on any stage in the world. These guys are an all-pro pair who know what it takes to keep both crowds and venues listening and dancing. They’re also fine songwriters and have a new single, “Notes of Life,” currently in production. </p>
<p>Lightner and Paul first met in Baltimore, Maryland, introduced to each other by dobro master Matthew Zuckerman, who still frequently sits in on their gigs. Their shared chemistry quickly grew into a performing duo with a strong and continually-growing reputation. They’re currently based in California and have appeared at cool Golden State venues like Pedals and Pints Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks and Left Coast Brewing Company in San Clemente. The San Clemente show was a benefit that raised funds to support youth surfing and the SC Board Riders Club, an outstanding cause that does much to help their local scene. A tour of California is also in the works for later this year. </p>
<p>Eddie and Duke are clearly true believers who honestly love what they’re doing. They have that rare ability to elevate the vibrations of any audience, fill them with joy, and leave them wanting more. Their mix of traditional sounds and outside influences stands tall in all ways and has been favorably compared to the legendary duo work of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. Their music makes friends wherever they play it and would fit in at any club, festival, or event that has the wisdom to book them. </p>
<p>If the thought of an old-school/new-style acoustic show built on heart and energy lights you up inside, The Eddie Lightner and Duke Paul acoustic duo is about to become your new favorite band. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2ComOmCbEhQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/2ComOmCbEhQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ComOmCbEhQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/edwin.lightner" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/edwin.lightner" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/edwin.lightner</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/13c8645d66d42a1f0ff42dfdf18df333b7926b39/original/31cf07db-1512-4664-b04a-b2f6616fc2d1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/67662572022-02-19T11:10:26-06:002022-02-19T11:10:26-06:00THE IMPLIERS ‘COCOON’ ALBUM REVIEW - PSYCHEDELIC INDIE CONCEPT ALBUM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3ee55527c7ca4fc45b7d127f2875e6f1f04dc17f/original/9f3d22d1-674d-4f21-930c-fb6752b053e2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE IMPLIERS </p>
<p><i>Cocoon</i> </p>
<p>(Redbird Moon LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Ambitious alt/indie/psychedelic production duo the impliers bend, shape, and twist their music into new polygons on every song on their debut full-length release C<i>ocoon</i>. Multi-instrumentalists Dan and Charles are fearless creatives who plan to drop C<i>ocoon</i> on June 17th, 2022. The record is a concept album and the first in a series of conceptual releases the pair is working on. The impliers’ sound is built around oddly-tuned guitars, electronic beats, textured synthesizers, Beach Boy-ish vocal harmonies, and introspective lyrics about mental illness, mortality, and other unusual themes. </p>
<p>Each track on Co<i>coon</i> is its own island and puts forth its own vibe. “Bad Bad Man” overflows with synth pop goodness tempered with cool atmospherics and trippy vocals that are warm and inviting. It’s a smarter take on this kind of song than you would have heard back in the old days and rises to its own level. “I Promise” recalls 80s Brit pop with more modern dance music ideas driving its groove. It’s combination of smooth vocals and kinetic beats is instantly attractive and will pull you further into the impliers’ universe. </p>
<p>The moody “Long Live The Quitter” is funky, hypnotic, and strangely beautiful. The impliers’ unique vocal sound is one of the major connecting threads that enables their style-hopping and ties each tune together with the next. The two members have used an eccentric genius coupled with more personal authenticity than most musicians are capable of to make perfect sense out of each new idea no matter how they shift the gears. Other highlights include the slightly warped shuffle of “Stigma” and the haunting “Only The Lonely.” The impliers contribute an outstanding new voice to the indie rock community, one that’s never afraid to speak its own truth no matter what it sounds like. Expect this to get big with people who actually know what’s up. Highly recommended.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.theimpliers.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theimpliers.com/" target="_blank">http://www.theimpliers.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/95459af6369769164e9a05c6bf23d2d9f52ca715/original/255456ba-e67f-4118-af5a-d99094e87389.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/68998072022-02-16T20:04:45-06:002022-02-16T20:08:02-06:00ORGANIC MOOD: DEEP HOUSE PRODUCER AND VITAL NEW ARTIST! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/428224699ab9fda0ac92fadfa4e8d51145aca940/original/5a873998-45e8-404e-ab27-3788e19dd10d.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>Ukraine-based deep house producer Organic Mood is an enigmatic and original presence rapidly being recognized on the global electronic scene. His tracks are built around both synthetic and elemental sounds that work together in a progressive way to inspire listeners to explore their primitive sides and desires. Already, his cut “Fields” has reached Number Seven on the Beatport Deep House Chart, an accomplishment he is eager to duplicate and surpass with his newer material. </p>
<p>Organic Mood creates music filled with drive and atmosphere. He inspires dancefloor euphoria and invites us all to discover our deepest human nature. His arrangements are sparse but not harsh or minimalistic. He uses only the colors he needs to tell each story in a way dancers immediately understand. His beats are slick and smooth, insistently pushing forward towards a rhythmic goal only he fully comprehends. His synth tones are warm and enveloping, often getting topped with disembodied voices that greatly enhance his mystical feel. </p>
<p>Tracks like “Fields” and “Midnight” have done well on SoundCloud and are consistently attracting new fans into Organic Mood’s orbit. A full-length album of new material is currently in the works and is already generating a buzz in house music circles. People want to hear what’s next and can you blame them? Invigorating new artists with their own ideas are what keep music alive and Organic Mood is doing everything he can to take his place among them. </p>
<p>His ultimate goal is to build a community around this music and see it flourish around the world. He gets a strong response from new listeners and his compositions are taking up residence in the headphones of discerning dance music fans looking for the cutting edge. If this sounds like you, spin Organic Mood tonight. You’re going to like what you hear.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/organic-mood/organic-mood-x-alexander-p-fields" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/organic-mood/organic-mood-x-alexander-p-fields" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/organic-mood/organic-mood-x-alexander-p-fields</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/omoodmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/omoodmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/omoodmusic/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/adeaed5bc5d60782003930a73df61af6dfe65ac7/original/6f0c8a1b-4288-4c80-8abd-f5b8e118fb1b.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/68785242022-01-24T18:00:53-06:002022-01-24T18:03:25-06:00ELAINE NOLAN ‘ ENCHANTED’ ALBUM REVIEW - AMBIENT, MEDITATIVE, AND BRILLIANT!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/62b28754da481ecdbcbf96781d1a89c8c8b40f33/original/8357e526-641a-46a3-99b2-917b2b909f1c.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ELAINE NOLAN </p>
<p><i>Enchanted</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>Irish composer, multi-instrumentalist, and soft-spoken creative badass Elaine Nolan explores many inner lives on her new album <em>Enchanted</em>. Scheduled for release on January 28th, 2022, the record contains nine tracks of what Nolan calls “prescriptive meditation music” that were written for certain select individuals who passed through her life between 2016 and 2019. These compositions weren’t done for money but rather to help and heal these people so that they might continue their journey of personal growth. Nolan considers this new set as a follow-up to her previous effort <i>To Sleep Beneath the Stars</i>, which was written in a similar fashion. </p>
<p>The pieces on <i>Enchanted</i> veer away from Nolan’s familiar modern classical style that’s rooted in her cello and piano work into a more ambient, multi-timbral sound that features exotic percussion, electronic sounds, and an entirely different compositional mindset. These are spacious tracks meant to induce long brain waves and bring about new perceptions and perspectives. They refuse any attempt to stuff them into a single genre box and are here to be interpreted by each new listener as they see fit. </p>
<p>“Sow Enchanted” opens the record with a gentle tone ideal for walking the inner path. Nolan’s piano creates a non-linear trail for souls to follow that’s both calming and focusing. She decorates her airspace minimally but masterfully, using percussion sounds and other instruments to craft a delicate firmament that perfectly cradles her intentions. </p>
<p>“Growing Pains” is beautifully unsettling, taking a harder stance that feels intended to accompany the kind of internal confrontation that leads seekers to their next level. It comes across as a serious-but-loving work that could well be of help to those who are honest enough with themselves. Nolan always remains chill but still shows a lot of spiritual backbone here. Like everything on the record, it’s better experienced than described. </p>
<p>“I Am Enough” goes even further into the self, allowing Elaine to speak wordless volumes on seeing your life and person through a clear lens. It’s a seven-minute piece that takes time to reveal itself but shows great power when it does. Other bits of soul work not to be missed on <i>Enchanted</i> include “Hope” and “Walking With The Lion.” Elaine Nolan is one of Ireland’s finest and she becomes more informed and profound with each new release. Buy this, tune in, and turn on. Highly recommended.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www.elainenolan.net" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.elainenolan.net" target="_blank">www.elainenolan.net</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/68502202021-12-23T13:34:50-06:002021-12-23T13:34:50-06:00BOB DEE WITH PETRO ‘IDOLMAKER’ EP REVIEW - MELODIC ROCK MASTERS! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/49a04fc855fc66b9a41c5bd4ad6c062cbe4dfc4c/original/1dc84e3d-3aec-4d3e-8a04-02384b0bf2b0.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BOB DEE WITH PETRO </p>
<p><i>Idolmaker</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>Pop/rock outfit Bob Dee with Petro displays high-end melodicism, killer vocals, and a lot of crunchy guitars on the band’s new EP <i>Idolmaker</i>. Long considered to be one of New York City’s best, Dee and his tight-as-hell group put down the kind of Beatles-but-heavier radio rock we used to call Power Pop, a genre best exemplified by Midwest bands like Cheap Trick and Off Broadway. It requires extra-strength vocals, talented guitarists, and a near-genius level of songwriting chops to pull off but Dee and his crew deliver the goods in a major way. </p>
<p>The band is made up of Bob Dee (vocals, guitar), TJ Jordan (guitar), Alison Jones (bass), and Scott Campbell (drums) and is as fearsome a foursome as they come. The tracks on <i>Idolmaker</i> carry the sound of a fully-connected musical unit that plays as a single life form. The four players have attracted a global following that digs what they do and has shown them the support needed to thrive during these difficult times. </p>
<p>Tracks like “Baby,” which opens the EP, make clear the appeal of Dee and his crew. It’s a heavy, mid-tempo rocker built on a pounding drum groove and topped off with a big hook. It’s the sort of arena-sized cut of which dreams are made and instantly convinces you that this band means business. It’s classic and current at once and will definitely attract new faces to the fold. </p>
<p>“Kissed By The Light Of The Moon” is an emotive, minor key cut with an atmospheric vibe that’s as strong as its pop sensibilities. Dee turns in a spellbinding performance full of guts and soul and the band matches him step-for-step. </p>
<p>One of the best bits captured on <i>Idolmaker</i> is Dee’s hard-edged cover of The Monkees’ anthem “(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone.” He turns this classic rock staple into a heavied-up modern song that gives voice to the tough emotions a lot of us are feeling right now and the catharsis couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It’s the track you need to hear today. Bob Dee with Petro absolutely have their trip going on all over <i>Idolmaker</i> and are a band all fans of great radio rock need to discover. Highly recommended.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.bobdeewithpetro.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bobdeewithpetro.com/" target="_blank">https://www.bobdeewithpetro.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/bobdeewithpetro/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/bobdeewithpetro/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/bobdeewithpetro/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/bob.dee.14" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/bob.dee.14" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/bob.dee.14</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/67989832021-11-04T22:42:23-05:002021-11-04T22:42:23-05:00ELAINE NOLAN ‘MEMORES SUMUS (WE REMEMBER)’ - CLASSICAL CELLO COVID TRIBUTE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d4a30f84a205a0141065af441339e6420e8dcf3f/original/3ab8daf0-f9e9-4a08-83c8-08fbbb9605e3.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ELAINE NOLAN</p>
<p><i>Memores Sumus (We Remember) </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p><b>Irish author and composer Elaine Nolan hits a deep, emotional target with her new work for solo cello <i>Memores Sumus (We Remember)</i>. </b></p>
<p>It’s a brief piece of gratitude and contemplation dedicated to the struggles and sacrifices of nurses and midwives in Ireland and all over the world during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was created for a service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance at the School of Nursing at Trinity College, Dublin and honors the nurses and midwives who have died coping with this difficult situation. 36% of nurses and midwives in Ireland have gotten the virus and The International Congress of Nursing has reported that more nurses have died during the ongoing pandemic than died during World War I. Their selflessness is the stuff of legends and Nolan’s writing and performing skills have crafted a powerful, humble, and inspiring tribute to those who literally gave all they had. </p>
<p>Impressively, Nolan composed and recorded <i>Memores Sumus</i> in a single four-hour session. This fact speaks volumes about the intensity of purpose and emotion the piece contains. It was first performed in June of 2021 in an online broadcast commemorating current and former students of Trinity College, Dublin who had succumbed to Covid. </p>
<p><i>Memores Sumus</i> is a sparse, solemn, and reflective piece of music that sends its love directly to those who were lost so that they might not be forgotten. The solo cello format eschews the grandiosity of an orchestra in favor of a quieter, more personal experience that’s more meaningful and less performative. Elaine’s single-line melodies rise and fall with a somber gracefulness that suits the occasion and intention of the work perfectly and have nothing wrapped around them to distract listeners from what’s being said. </p>
<p>Nolan’s performance of her piece is mindful and sublime. Her cello tones are bold and her musical confidence is high throughout. She has the ability to pull listeners into her instrument like few artists can and uses her own invisible ways to communicate her nonverbal message. The piece is a strong reminder of what one single voice can accomplish and how well it can be heard. Elaine Nolan is one of Ireland’s most captivating musicians and <i>Memores Sumus </i>is a stunning addition to her body of work. Highly recommended.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.elainenolan.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elainenolan.net/" target="_blank">https://www.elainenolan.net/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/67643442021-10-02T15:08:02-05:002021-10-02T15:08:02-05:00LE SONIC FEAT. ROBERT LEE ‘ANY MOMENT’ SINGLE REVIEW - SMOOTH JAZZ GROOVES!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b9ba8de172a2c465badebf2573d04ea6ce01655c/original/68ed047c-abd7-4646-91c8-16b0e2d681b3.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LE SONIC FEAT. ROBERT LEE </p>
<p>“Any Moment” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>New production team Le Sonic gets down with a slick, smooth jazz sound on their debut single “Any Moment.” Released September 10th, 2021, the track is a vibe-filled session by members Mike Rogers and Gary Lefkowith, who are both outstanding producers, artists, and songwriters, and features guitarist Robert Lee, a.k.a. Bobby Balderrama of ? and the Mysterians fame. Other guests on the cut include Dennis Collins, Jim Hynes, and Frank Rodriguez. </p>
<p>Mike Rogers engineered and helped produce Deee-Lite’s Mega Hit "Groove is in the Heart” back in the day and went on to work with major artists Sinead O'Connor, Graham Nash, Erasure, They Might be Giants, The Fat Boys, Arthur Baker, and Flood. Gary Lefkowith is in the radio promotion game in addition to being a musician and has worked records by Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, Meghan Trainer, John Legend, P!NK, and Fleetwood Mac. He’s also been a quarter-finalist in the American Song Festival. The two men together add up to a creative team with deep artistic pockets and an intuitive sense of what makes a hit record. </p>
<p>“Any Moment” is a chilled-out, sophisticated cut with a light and funky groove. It feels like the kind of song you’d play after an amazing night out to carry you through the overnight hours. Robert Lee delivers a tasty, beautifully phrased guitar performance that stands tall but never overwhelms Le Sonic’s soulful arrangement. His tone is sweet and full and his licks tell his story. “Any Moment” is an amazing cut by a studio team we need to hear from again. Spin it and enjoy every second.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="v7lJZEfZe_s" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/v7lJZEfZe_s/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v7lJZEfZe_s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.lesonictheband.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.lesonictheband.com/" target="_blank">https://www.lesonictheband.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/67412622021-09-09T12:31:24-05:002021-09-09T16:30:00-05:00ANTHONY BROWN “THIS IS ANTHONY BROWN” EP REVIEW - TORONTO R&B!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2ace46c0ec1c4956d6505f7e3429fa56d00f31bf/original/4e203334-3fca-41bb-83c4-6dbd7bc34838.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ANTHONY BROWN </p>
<p><i>This is Anthony Brown </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Toronto R&B vocalist Anthony Brown puts down a smooth, modern, and thoroughly unforgettable experience on his new five-song EP <i>This is Anthony Brown</i>. Though only 21 years old, Brown is a sophisticated musical stylist with a breathy, high-register vocal sound and an advanced grasp of phrasing. He knows how to ramp up the emotions his lyrics contain and deliver them over sweet beats guaranteed to get listeners feeling physical. </p>
<p>Brown’s approach seems to be working well for him, as he has already made considerable dents on the Billboard and iTunes charts. Those who know him feel that <i>This is Anthony Brown </i>will duplicate that success and explode beyond it. The tracks on the set are amazingly melodic and atmospheric, pulling fans deep into Brown’s creative headspace. The opener, “Cinderella,” is a romantic and genuine ballad that immediately shines a light on AB’s chill and emotive vocal tones. Production is cinematic and expansive, keeping the focus on Brown’s voice from beginning to end. </p>
<p>“Gentleman” is more upbeat, funky, and pop-influenced. It’s an irresistible song with a tight chorus that’s an instant ear worm. Anthony’s voice is crystal clear, inviting, and warm. He’s a star on the rise and every song on <i>This is Anthony Brown </i>is capable of becoming Brown’s worldwide breakthrough. Be sure to not miss other standouts here including “Mirror on the Wall” and “Destiny.” Anthony Brown may be a new face on the scene for some folks but this young Canadian is making serious ripples right now that have brought him to the edge of global fame. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PRE-SAVE <em>This Is Anthony Brown EP:</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><a contents="https://orcd.co/k7d8xen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/k7d8xen" target="_blank">https://orcd.co/k7d8xen</a></em></strong><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W7DATOf6IUurjV5M5ZWyC?si=f7VMRp9gTaSs_rQ_QhXGhw&dl_branch=1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W7DATOf6IUurjV5M5ZWyC?si=f7VMRp9gTaSs_rQ_QhXGhw&dl_branch=1" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W7DATOf6IUurjV5M5ZWyC?si=f7VMRp9gTaSs_rQ_QhXGhw&dl_branch=1</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/anthonybrownnow" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/anthonybrownnow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/anthonybrownnow</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/anthonybrownnow" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/anthonybrownnow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/anthonybrownnow</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>YOUTUBE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIKwNBPD0f1MDMpdN2yqkg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIKwNBPD0f1MDMpdN2yqkg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIKwNBPD0f1MDMpdN2yqkg</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/67091332021-08-06T14:20:49-05:002021-08-06T14:20:49-05:00WOLFGANG HILDEBRANDT ‘I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN’ EP REVIEW - COUNTRY MAGIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ca743ce671f0f2213d4793b4846aecb3d1bcf703/original/9d9f5288-2c45-4c5e-a715-3e079c8523a0.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>WOLFGANG HILDEBRANDT </p>
<p><i>I Can't Wait To See You Again </i></p>
<p>(AMG/SNY) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>German singer-songwriter and country music specialist Wolfgang Hildebrandt shows a high-level grasp of his genre on his new EP<i> I Can't Wait To See You Again</i>. Hildebrandt has an inborn knack for lyrical songs and the mellow vibes of 1970s radio country that makes his music stand out from both modern bro-country artists and old school 1950s revivalists. His sound is bold, straightforward, and refreshing, all vocals, clean-toned guitars, pedal steel, and fiddle. There aren’t many country or Americana artists out there today mining this particular period for inspiration, which is a shame because it was an era of great singers and songs, but Hildebrandt understands the sound from the inside out and proves it by covering a couple of the biggest songs from those days by George Jones and Kris Kristopherson. </p>
<p>Wolfgang opens the set with his title song “I Can't Wait To See You Again.” It’s a gentle, romantic mid-tempo track that will instantly implant itself in your mind. His vocals are soulful and smooth and the guitar and pedal steel solos are sweet and tasty. “The Running Kind” is a Merle Haggard sort of song that shows a lot of self-awareness in its lyrics. Hildebrandt has a warm and engaging vocal tone that pulls you deep into what he’s doing and makes you want to stay a while. </p>
<p>Hildebrandt also tries his hand successfully at covering George Jones’ immortal “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Kris Kristopherson’s “Why Me Lord,” which are both iconic songs of their times. Hildebrandt handles them both with respect and a knowledge of tradition that makes hearing them a pleasure. Wolfgang Hildebrandt has his country vibe down pat and fans of the twang will love what he’s doing. Highly recommended.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="G0ed-63nUVE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/G0ed-63nUVE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G0ed-63nUVE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/19WR6FnAWK9YhNVchM57lT?si=AMEhUrzRR6Shf88gTkx0pQ&dl_branch=1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/19WR6FnAWK9YhNVchM57lT?si=AMEhUrzRR6Shf88gTkx0pQ&dl_branch=1" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/19WR6FnAWK9YhNVchM57lT?si=AMEhUrzRR6Shf88gTkx0pQ&dl_branch=1</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/wolfganghildebrandtmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/wolfganghildebrandtmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/wolfganghildebrandtmusic/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/wolfganghildebrandt/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/wolfganghildebrandt/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/wolfganghildebrandt/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66602752021-06-15T14:16:27-05:002021-06-15T14:17:36-05:00ALEN HIT ‘NEVER FELT SO GOOD’ SINGLE REVIEW - AMAZING DANCE/POP TRACK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a59f92323cc7a102908b5eeaa0a8661ab44eb2a4/original/2ad859fa-01f7-4a35-bb80-8eff45a6fde5.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ALEN HIT </p>
<p>“Never Felt So Good” </p>
<p>(AMG/SONY) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Extra slick vocalist and songwriter Alen Hit lives up to his name on his new single and music video “Never Felt So Good.” Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Hit shows a smooth, funky style on the track, putting his breathy tenor voice to good use. He’s an excellent technical singer fluent in the ways of the dance floor and he’s clearly on the way to bigger things. Already, he has shown his all-pro skills on Voice 6 in Russia, X-Factor 6 in Ukraine, and he was a finalist at Eurovision in 2018 in Belarus. Hit’s sound is perfectly modern but informed by the best parts of pop music’s glorious past. </p>
<p>The song, along with its accompanying music video, is a pure summertime burner that makes bodies move and hearts beat faster. Driven by a tight bass line, the groove urges you to get up and make something happen while Hit’s soulful voice soars over the top of it. It’s the kind of cut that goes global in a hurry and one gets the feeling that we will be hearing a lot more about Alen Hit in the not-so-distant future. Fans of amazing dance/pop artists should remember his name.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Hk_NE8pCCw8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Hk_NE8pCCw8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hk_NE8pCCw8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/5fYU1aXw9Vlcn92JOJ30FK?si=db00e48540b540a9" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5fYU1aXw9Vlcn92JOJ30FK?si=db00e48540b540a9" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/5fYU1aXw9Vlcn92JOJ30FK?si=db00e48540b540a9</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="http://www.alenhit.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.alenhit.com/" target="_blank">http://www.alenhit.com/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LINKS:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Facebook</strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/alenhitmusic&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/alenhitmusic&nbsp;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/alenhitmusic </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Instagram</b> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/alenhit/&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/alenhit/">https://www.instagram.com/alenhit/ </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>YouTube</b> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/alenhit&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/alenhit" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/alenhit </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Twitter</b> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://twitter.com/alenhitofficial&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/alenhitofficial" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/alenhitofficial </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Tik Tok </b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.tiktok.com/@alenhitpage" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alenhitpage" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@alenhitpage</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66407502021-05-26T14:25:03-05:002021-05-27T13:58:59-05:00ALTERNATIVE ROCKERS SNOWTOWN DROP NEW TRACK “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” JUNE, 11TH, 2021! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c9739d8272ee050596de08f4b71edbba95001a1a/original/4233a14b-947a-462b-837b-02624083ea05.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">ALTERNATIVE ROCKERS SNOWTOWN DROP NEW TRACK “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” JUNE, 11TH, 2021! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Utah-based alternative rock band Snowtown shares a harrowing true experience with their fans on the new single “Happy Birthday.” Set for a June 11th, 2021 release on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms, the track is a somber reflection on the importance of specific birthdays in the life of Snowtown band member Jesse Garcia. Garcia dealt with many unpleasant thoughts in his younger days. One of them is committing suicide. He had even made plans to take his own life after his 15th birthday party after all his guests had left. One friend, however, ended up hanging out for most of the night, completely unaware of Garcia’s intentions and unknowingly saved his life. That real-life situation inspired “Happy Birthday.” </p>
<p>Thankfully, Jesse got himself together soon after and is happy to be here today. The song is a big show of his vulnerability and creative honesty as well as his willingness to write about deeply personal issues. A lot of people are going to feel this one in their darkest places and recognize a kindred spirit. Snowtown is the real deal and it’s time the world knows. See for yourself on June 11th!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>PRE-SAVE LINK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://smarturl.it/o4g7z1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://smarturl.it/o4g7z1" target="_blank">https://smarturl.it/o4g7z1</a></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN TO SNOWTOWN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zLF09pkjh9JdVuqW2b1ur?si=N3R9Q42kR_OoT2yJUfebUQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zLF09pkjh9JdVuqW2b1ur?si=N3R9Q42kR_OoT2yJUfebUQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zLF09pkjh9JdVuqW2b1ur?si=N3R9Q42kR_OoT2yJUfebUQ</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/snowtownband/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/snowtownband/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/snowtownband/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66275222021-05-11T10:47:35-05:002021-05-11T10:47:35-05:00OLIVIA ROYAL & PSYCHE ‘PSYCHE’ MIXTAPE REVIEW: POP/R&B STAR ON THE RISE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fffd2f2f18d509c3eaac9400e3c5cf28daef1c47/original/a3a95987-3d20-4ece-b5be-ef0f6865a933.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>OLIVIA ROYAL & PSYCHE </p>
<p><i>PSYCHE</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Chicago pop singer, songwriter, and producer Olivia Royal shows herself to the world three different ways on her newest release <i>PSYCHE</i>. Psyche is both the name of the record and of the “group” she formed to record it. Psyche the group is made up of three characters that are manifestations of separate parts of Royal’s personality. Cassie is her head, Isabela is her heart, and Yummy is her gut. Together, they add up to one incredibly talented person but each persona has her own job to do. Royal began germinating this project three years ago but it truly blossomed during the pandemic lockdown. It’s really a unique way of expressing herself and Royal deserves a listen based on her concept, alone. </p>
<p>Royal brings out each character in a musical setting that walks the line between pop and modern R&B. Her sound is smooth and well thought out and each character speaks her piece thoughtfully and intelligently. Royal’s voice is a thing of beauty and her lyrics elevate her to another level, entirely. Standout tracks include “Glorious,” “Time,” and “El Dorado.” In a genre often criticized for being shallow, Olivia Royal takes us on a deep dive into her world and welcomes us all inside. Highly recommended.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nWAnBHWNsWg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nWAnBHWNsWg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nWAnBHWNsWg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7j1o0Cz0QAdKvWT4wupmKY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7j1o0Cz0QAdKvWT4wupmKY" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7j1o0Cz0QAdKvWT4wupmKY</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>SOCIAL MEDIA:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.oliviaroyalart.com/psyche" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.oliviaroyalart.com/psyche" target="_blank">https://www.oliviaroyalart.com/psyche</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66237862021-05-06T21:49:21-05:002021-05-06T21:49:21-05:00FLORIDA’S KING P DROPS NEW MUSIC VIDEO “SLIP N SLIDE” MAY 28TH, 2021!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9f54609c8fb3fe9bfea6c9972e88e583b659c7a9/original/e61e41e1-fe45-44a3-bdf2-bc57c80b41c5.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FLORIDA’S KING P DROPS NEW MUSIC VIDEO “SLIP N SLIDE” MAY 28TH, 2021! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Florida’s own King P, a hip hop artist and multi-instrumentalist who is one of the most crucial creators currently working in the South, will be dropping a brand new music video for his track “Slip N Slide” on May 28th. The song is another incredible blast of P’s dancehall-influenced style on the microphone combined with party vibes that could only come from The Sunshine State. Also known as Phillip Solomon Stewart, King P is not only a rocking vocalist but has major skills on drums, trumpet, clarinet, violin, keyboard, oboe, and all saxophone variations. This brings a depth of knowledge and soul to everything he does that sets him apart in a crowded scene. On “Slip N Slide,” he goes so hard in his own unique lane that you can’t help but be swept along with him. </p>
<p>King P’s lyrics on “Slip N Slide” reflect the good-time life of South Florida but he’s about so much more than that. He studied music at Florida A&M University, where his roommate just happened to be future Grammy-winning producer Kendall “Ken Jo” Johnson. Ken Jo knew what was up with the level of P’s talent and gave him the opportunity to play saxophone on the track “Woozy'' from Ludacris’ <i>Release Therapy</i> album, a massive hit that was recognized as Best Rap Album by the Recording Academy in 2007. The experience fueled his fire to keep the faith and continue pursuing a career in music. That same year, King P knocked down the dream gig of Assistant Head Drum Major for Prince’s Superbowl XLI Halftime Show. This was another sign of greatness yet to come. </p>
<p>Since then, King P has gone on to achieve big things in both secular and gospel music, racking up hundreds of thousands of video plays and streams and headlining countless concerts and festivals including the Juneteenth Festival in Orlando, the Soul Beach Festival in Tampa, and the Peace in the Park Festival in Tallahassee. “Slip N “Slide” shows King P coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic in fine style with a new track and video that are going to light up the Summer of 2021. Hip hop fans looking for the freshest new music to be found need to start bumping King P and join the party.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HvuZq0QJ6lA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HvuZq0QJ6lA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HvuZq0QJ6lA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.kingpent.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kingpent.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kingpent.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>STREAM AND DOWNLOAD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://unitedmasters.com/m/slip-n-slide" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://unitedmasters.com/m/slip-n-slide" target="_blank">https://unitedmasters.com/m/slip-n-slide</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.instagram.com/1KingP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.instagram.com/1KingP" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/1KingP</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66205992021-05-03T19:06:33-05:002021-05-03T19:06:33-05:00VALTON JACKSON ‘SHIRTLESS (THE REMIXES)’ - DANCE MUSIC DYNAMITE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/45b2517eadc1ca3e0b2877623723e4a586efb320/original/427748e1-a842-441f-b35a-8a3e8f8852e4.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>VALTON JACKSON </p>
<p><i>Shirtless (The Remixes) </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer Valton Jackson is an immediate and amazing presence on the microphone all over this set of remixes of his track “Shirtless.” Jackson is a large talent who has been internationally successful on stage, screen, cruise ships, and runways and one listen to these tracks will make you understand why. <i>Shirtless (The Remixes)</i> is a five-song EP that features an intro, a remastered version of the original single, and three epic retellings of the cut that each articulate a different side of it and of Jackson, himself. </p>
<p>The original version of “Shirtless” is funky, erotic, and full of killer bass that will pull you into Jackson’s world. He’s an exceptional singer and puts across his sexy vibes in fluent melodic style. The F D TrapD Funhouse Mix slows things down and puts more of a grind on the track as well as putting more space around Jackson’s vocals. Next, the F D RockD Hard Remix pulls “Shirtless” into a more EDM-oriented direction that will fill any dancefloor on earth. Finally, the F D Homosexuality Remix puts even more of a club bounce to the track as well as getting gritty and edgy. Each version is a fine piece in its own right and Jackson’s fans will love them all. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/099aI1xaedrpECqb83pFMr" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/099aI1xaedrpECqb83pFMr" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/099aI1xaedrpECqb83pFMr</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/valtonjackson/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/valtonjackson/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/valtonjackson/?hl=en</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66205702021-05-03T18:28:14-05:002021-05-03T18:28:14-05:00SEPSISS ‘YOU ALREADY KNOW’ SINGLE REVIEW - BIG TIME HARD ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/98189550c221f98f216c9150d7ea5d4c3f0f1f65/original/68858a71-f014-4b9c-bf40-a627c24ff71d.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SEPSISS </p>
<p>“You Already Know” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Sepsiss comes in hot with a new single called “You Already Know” that delivers an overwhelming mix of stuttering rock riffs, incredible melodies, and brilliant production directly into the headphones of the world. The female-fronted New Hampshire outfit has mastered the art of creating memorable modern rock that cuts through culture and conditions and looks at you when it speaks. Lead vocalist Melissa Wolfe is hypnotic and all-encompassing, singing a siren’s song from which there’s no escape. The guitars and drums punch hard when they need to and give way to keyboard space and atmospherics when they don’t. It’s a powerful sound and this track will generate a lot of friction with it. </p>
<p>The lineup of lead singer Wolfe, guitarist/vocalist William Savant, guitarist Cam Loud, keyboardist Mr. Goodbarz, and bassist Johnny Impact is a seriously rocking unit with a ton of chemistry. The vibe they share with each other is undeniable and permeates every second of “You Already Know.” Together, they make up the kind of band that gets big quickly and maintains a large, loyal following. Rock fans take note: this is the song to be listening to this Spring.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/4gkqkBkhPIsNEuxE2r1m8S" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4gkqkBkhPIsNEuxE2r1m8S" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/4gkqkBkhPIsNEuxE2r1m8S</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/sepsissband" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/sepsissband" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/sepsissband</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66137872021-04-26T00:20:31-05:002021-04-26T00:20:31-05:00RIG VEDA “FIRE FIGHT” SINGLE REVIEW - AMBIENT ELECTRONIC ARTISTRY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d2ee19291a5d5a3eab38d33802c5fa9830debad3/original/b9462f14-2519-4a90-a4cb-87c4740cccb1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>RIG VEDA </p>
<p>“Fire Fight” </p>
<p>(Mirrortone) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rig Veda, a.k.a. NYC composer / producer / multi-instrumentalist Jay Rothman, delivers a stirring, atmospheric experience on his recent 12-minute electronic single “Fire Fight.” The piece is welcoming, unsettling, and thought-inspiring over the course of its run time and is inspired by the paintings of self-taught New York artist Gosha Levotchkin, who works in the Ligne Claire tradition. In Rig Veda, Rothman combines the thoughts and textures of electronic music, modern jazz, hip hop, and Indian classical music with his own continually-evolving creative ambitions to bring forth music that’s fresh, original, and idiosyncratic. </p>
<p>“Fire Fight” is a brilliant piece of free form music that becomes more compelling and involving with each successive listening session. The synths, beats, and disembodied voices conspire to pull you into the world of the track but remain unpredictable and terse. Words can’t fully explain a piece like this but it will reveal its nature to you as you build a relationship with it. Rig Veda is crucial, original, and beyond worthy of a place in your rotation. Get small and let “Fire Fight” carry you home.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/35OA4MvPVSVXSKx95yjY6W" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/35OA4MvPVSVXSKx95yjY6W" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/35OA4MvPVSVXSKx95yjY6W</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://rigvedamusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rigvedamusic.com/" target="_blank">https://rigvedamusic.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66137472021-04-25T23:16:55-05:002021-04-25T23:19:36-05:00WINGMAN ‘F UP MY LIFE’ MUSIC VIDEO AND SINGLE - POP/RAP/ELECTRONIC HIT SONG!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e16b16719cd43ba018ba56c498f99238f4fe5ce5/original/c9e42efd-6e9a-46ab-a1ae-f92f877a80c3.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
<p>WINGMAN </p>
<p>“F Up My Life” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Hip hop artist Wingman spent his pandemic downtime putting in work on himself and his music, a strategy that resulted in his bumping new single and music video “F Up My Life.” The track absolutely slaps, putting out a positive message that it’s always possible to burn one’s life down, start over, and live better. The song is a first-class mix of pop, electronic, and rap influences that overlap and inform each other in amazing ways. It’s clear that Wingman has logged the hours needed to develop such an individual style and that his growth will undoubtedly continue. </p>
<p>The video is well done and adds richness and interest to an already-strong cut. Wingman likes to spotlight his skills as a pilot and skydiver in his clips and this one is no exception. For him, the sky really is the limit. He simulates jumping out of a plane in the video, which definitely adds some excitement to the proceedings. Wingman is a killer emerging artist with a tight sound and all the talent he will ever need. Get in on this one right now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="iy-kS8staZA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/iy-kS8staZA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iy-kS8staZA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/wingman/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/wingman/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/wingman/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66113962021-04-22T17:55:09-05:002021-04-22T17:55:09-05:00CHRIS ST. JOHN ‘I’M DREAMING’ ALBUM REVIEW - UNIQUE AMERICANA SONGWRITER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1a88ad974842e3dc36ef789ee8b4aed5295cbf74/original/880e1a32-145b-47bb-878f-290de857cc0a.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CHRIS ST. JOHN </p>
<p><i>I’m Dreaming </i></p>
<p>(HALO Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Long Island singer-songwriter Chris St. John invites us all into his heart and soul on his new album <i>I’m Dreaming</i>. He is a songwriter of uncommon gifts and uses them to speak himself into the lives of his listeners through the stories he tells. Released on HALO Records, <i>I’m Dreaming </i>presents St. John as a purveyor of gentle Americana with a confessional bent. He writes deceptively simple tunes that deal with complex situations and emotions in a kind, conscious way. Gorgeous acoustic guitar tones frame his tales of life, lost love, addiction, and recovery and are supported by keys, fiddle, and pedal steel. St. John’s vocal style is equally chilled out and laid back but listen closely because his lyrics never shy away from his personal truth. </p>
<p>“I Need A Horse” is a cowboy song from someone stuck in an office job dreaming of a different life. St John spent 25 years in the field of law as a prosecutor, judge and practicing attorney, which makes this song a big hint that this was where his soul wanted to be all that time. It’s an honest, emotive way to open the record and makes St. John likable right from the jump. “I Called You Rose” uses beautiful melodies to tell a difficult breakup story over some sweet guitar and squeeze box tracks. The song’s smoothness lets the lyrics catch you by surprise. Consider it a sad song in disguise. </p>
<p>“Two Tender Angels” relates another story of love, this time of those who have earned their wings in the afterlife. St. John puts this one down in a Southwestern waltz style complete with mariachi horns and knocks out another velveteen gem. The whole record practically overflows with Chris’ songwriting talents but some highlights include “Your Baby Loves You,” “A Box For Jewels,” and “Looking At The Sky.” Chris St. John may have taken the long way into the music game but he’s here now and a lot of people are going to like his way of doing things. Fine work, this record.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5F7reudJnL0EyLHE66e0Jk?si=mRiwPKDXSxKKpoAc45htug" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5F7reudJnL0EyLHE66e0Jk?si=mRiwPKDXSxKKpoAc45htug" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5F7reudJnL0EyLHE66e0Jk?si=mRiwPKDXSxKKpoAc45htug</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://chrisstjohnmusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chrisstjohnmusic.com/" target="_blank">https://chrisstjohnmusic.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/chrisstjohnmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/chrisstjohnmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/chrisstjohnmusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66097192021-04-20T21:11:15-05:002021-04-21T22:50:34-05:00CALIFORNIA SONGWRITER NICOLLETTE SULLIVAN DROPS DEBUT ALBUM ‘NICOLLETTE’ MAY 21ST, 2021!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/0100f87250cd8c614455619f48012caeea9a1b62/original/4dd86f7d-16f6-4859-9c0d-14434b1e7b6f.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CALIFORNIA SONGWRITER NICOLLETTE SULLIVAN DROPS DEBUT ALBUM ‘NICOLLETTE’ MAY 21ST, 2021! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>California-based singer-songwriter Nicollette Sullivan is excited to announce the release of her first studio record <i>Nicollette</i>. Set to drop on May 21st, 2021, the album is a crisp and original set of contemporary music featuring elements of jazz, R&B, blues, and pop filtered through Sullivan’s own personal vision. It will be available on Spotify and all other streaming platforms and features guest appearances from Lee Thornburg, Jimbo Ross, Ed Roth, and Tony Mandracchia. </p>
<p>Sullivan is a sophisticated and important new artist who maintains a sense of the glamour of old-school Hollywood while making thoroughly modern music. She draws inspiration from Billie Holiday, Diana Ross, Nora Jones, and others but never crosses over into imitation. Sultry and seductive, <i>Nicollette</i> has a timeless feel that speaks to the ages just as much as to today’s listeners. She is one of the most compelling new voices you will encounter this year or any other. Don’t let this one escape you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>PRE-ORDER <i>NICOLLETTE </i>HERE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://unablerecords.limitedrun.com/products/694378-pre-order-nicollette-sullivan-nicollette" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://unablerecords.limitedrun.com/products/694378-pre-order-nicollette-sullivan-nicollette" target="_blank">https://unablerecords.limitedrun.com/products/694378-pre-order-nicollette-sullivan-nicollette</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://nicollettesullivan.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nicollettesullivan.com/" target="_blank">https://nicollettesullivan.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66069612021-04-17T15:51:44-05:002021-04-17T15:51:44-05:00EN EYE CEE ‘PROMISES’ SINGLE REVIEW - POP/ROCK/R&B STUNNER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1c332e94daefd13978c403f74221655071cb5841/original/b7819eae-5ba7-4be9-8753-f3982b6c534f.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>EN EYE CEE </p>
<p>“Promises” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>En Eye Cee, a.k.a. Nic Chiappetta, is an amazing pop/R&B singer from London with a killer new single called “Promises” that’s ready to take on the world. The song is a tantalizing mix of pop, rock, and R&B sounds delivered with old-school soul and 21st Century energy. Chiappetta is a powerful and dramatic vocalist with a big presence on the microphone. He renders this track in a deeply personal way that blows right through those silly genre boundaries and one-dimensional industry expectations that have diluted music for so long and gives listeners something vital and original. Cee makes no bones about being a fearless creative and takes us along everywhere his ears take him. This confidence makes “Promises” one of the most crucial and exciting bits of new music to drop this year. En Eye Cee is obviously chasing a vision, not a trend, and he’s created an iconoclastic track that’s a multifaceted gem. </p>
<p>“Promises” kicks off with a chilled-out and cinematic synth-and-drum intro that soon gives way to a verse packed with 70s soul/funk DNA. Just when you’re thinking you’ve got this song sorted out, the alt-rock power chord chorus kicks in and rearranges everything. Cee delivers his good-man-done-wrong lyrical message like a boss and wrings out all the pain inside of this moody masterpiece. En Eye Cee is a unique, individual artist in a world of copycats and stands tall where lesser performers would fade into the background. Get on “Promises” right now. This is the good stuff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.eneyecee.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eneyecee.com/" target="_blank">https://www.eneyecee.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/En.Eye.Cee" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/En.Eye.Cee" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/En.Eye.Cee</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/en.eye.cee/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/en.eye.cee/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/en.eye.cee/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66069102021-04-17T14:13:43-05:002021-04-17T14:13:43-05:00INNER CIRCLE AVENUE ‘FACTORY OF DREAMS’ SINGLE REVIEW - BRILLIANT POP/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1561a72044d43925358f050d587f0d05c96744bf/original/9b13205c-fb97-438c-a58e-6add1f4f3c0b.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>INNER CIRCLE AVENUE </p>
<p>“Factory of Dreams” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Pop/rock trio Inner Circle Avenue displays high levels of talent and song craft on the group’s new single “Factory of Dreams.” The track is a compelling mix of modern and vintage pop styles that practically leaps out of your headphones and into your world. Inner Circle Avenue is a skintight family band made up of siblings Logan Alexander (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Eric Alexander (Bass/Backing Vocals), and Allison Alexander (Drums/Backing Vocals) that has been making a big noise since 2015. Each of the Alexanders is classically schooled on several instruments and they share an intuitive musical chemistry that’s beyond enviable. Based in Blissfield, Michigan, ICA has worked with Grammy-nominated producer Matt Dalton and multi-platinum producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank, Jack’s Mannequin, Fiona Apple) and is clearly ready to experience its own global come-up. </p>
<p>“Factory of Dreams” begins with atmospheric electronic sounds that make you think for an instant that you’re about to get an EDM track. The main groove, however, steers the song in an 80s-influenced live instrument direction that recalls the best British pop and ska of that era, including Madness and Duran Duran. Logan Alexander has a strong, expressive voice that positively flies over the muscular pocket Eric and Allison are putting down. The absolutely popping horn stabs make the vibe complete. Eric’s bass work is the heart of the tune and he drives it all the way into town. Inner Circle Avenue is an impressive emerging act built on family bonds and the kind of talent that can’t be taught. Fans of smartly-done pop/rock will find a lot to like here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>PRE-SAVE “FACTORY OF DREAMS” HERE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://orcd.co/dxnkng5" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orcd.co/dxnkng5" target="_blank">https://orcd.co/dxnkng5</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://innercircleavenue.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://innercircleavenue.com/" target="_blank">https://innercircleavenue.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/66052152021-04-15T16:48:19-05:002021-04-15T16:48:19-05:00JON RHOTEN’S ‘RHOTEN’ RECORD REVIEW - BRIT ROCK VISIONARY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3b432d9529f54b4ec1dba10589614970a912bde5/original/f56d0f10-567a-497f-bb36-1dc779b59b30.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JON RHOTEN </p>
<p><i>Rhoten</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rock artist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and visionary Jon Rhoten displays an advanced command of his chosen idiom on his latest four-song album <i>Rhoten</i>. Rhoten wrote, produced, tracked, mixed, and mastered the record on his own at his private Rhoten Studio and ended up with a brief but significant masterpiece that veers from Brit Rock to psychedelia to alternative and back again. Rhoten’s music is intelligent, accessible, and well-executed, relying on unyielding melodies and literate lyrics to carve out its place in the world. The sound is heavy on classic influences but Rhoten’s writing chops are sharp, focused, and original. </p>
<p>The lead-off track, “Undone,” is a superb mid-tempo song about time and its impact on our lives. Rhoten’s piano is the heart of the track, setting an easy, introspective mood for his soaring lead vocals. He uses beautiful notes and melodies to communicate difficult things as all songwriting masters do and it’s thrilling to witness. “Sing My Song” is a cool alt-rock song with a strummy guitar feel and lyrics that deal with the fear of making mistakes. It’s an immediate ear worm with a sweet groove and a hit-single chorus tailor-made for radio greatness. Rhoten’s talent is subtle but immense and his tuneful, emotive songs have the potential to touch millions of people. Be sure to check out the rocking “Pathetic” and Rhoten’s six-minute closer “The Space That Binds” for further proof of star power. Buy this record and support this artist. The world needs more music like this.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0sXvydsPZgLRXUFDz7OdUH" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0sXvydsPZgLRXUFDz7OdUH" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0sXvydsPZgLRXUFDz7OdUH</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/magnifier1973/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/magnifier1973/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/magnifier1973/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65962052021-04-06T18:02:04-05:002021-04-07T20:00:02-05:00ONE HOUSE WORSHIP‘S ’GOOD’ MUSIC VIDEO AND SINGLE - MODERN CHRISTIAN MEETS GOSPEL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5c523bd8d17fdc13e0c8d7a9e869fabc130f8edb/original/658bc521-2ca4-4084-a6a1-a83aec6cca31.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ONE HOUSE WORSHIP </p>
<p>“Good” </p>
<p>(One House Music) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>One House Worship puts forth an energetic, ecstatic vibe on its latest music video and single release “Good.” The group smoothly blends contemporary Christian and gospel sounds in a way that is inclusive and victorious. One House Worship is a large concern of committed creatives who exist solely to see people around them encounter Jesus and their own personal selves. “Good” is a triumphant and anthemic song that features the lead vocals of Naomi Raine. She does a fine job fronting the multifaceted ensemble in the video and on the track itself, bringing a clear, strong voice and an inspiring presence to the joyful proceedings. </p>
<p>“Good” ebbs and flows from calm to rapturous and back again, giving Raine and the rest of One House Worship the time and environment needed to pull listeners into their spiritual life and deliver their message. The group intends for this message to reach people living every kind of life there is and bring them into the fold. “Good” has the power to do exactly that. It’s a cross-generational track that requires no explanation. Simply watch the video and let it do its work. One House Worship will lift and soothe your soul during the storms of modern life. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="u1-bzWdPM4Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/u1-bzWdPM4Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1-bzWdPM4Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/1OmVrilD2BR67KWAZJ3r2p?si=853efc0d00164214&nd=1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1OmVrilD2BR67KWAZJ3r2p?si=853efc0d00164214&nd=1" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/1OmVrilD2BR67KWAZJ3r2p?si=853efc0d00164214&nd=1</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/onehouseworship/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/onehouseworship/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/onehouseworship/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65959002021-04-06T13:26:53-05:002021-04-06T13:26:53-05:00LORDZAMEL ‘NOT OF THIS WORLD‘ SINGLE REVIEW - TRAP/GOSPEL HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ad9847d47d65b1aef077422009f281a353548479/original/2fd2d177-ef88-4861-8175-3567b272485b.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LORDZAMEL </p>
<p>“Not Of This World” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Lordzamel delivers both soul and salvation on his recent trap/gospel single “Not Of This World.” Taken from his much-anticipated upcoming album release <i>The Prophecy</i>, the track features a tough synth-and-drums beat that gives Lordzamel all the power he needs to drop his bars and communicate his message. His lyrics here are inspired by the gospel of John 15:19 (“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”) and celebrate the unique and personal qualities of people at their best. He knows that the individual experiences we all have are what shape us into our highest selves. His style on the mic is bold and confident and Lordzamel wears his own differences on his shirt sleeves for all to see. </p>
<p>What makes this track great is the way it uses a gritty, street-level beat to express high-minded and positive ideas. Lordzamel isn’t anyone’s typical rapper and his willingness to buck the trends and dig into the Bible rather than the streets for inspiration sets him apart from almost everyone currently in the game. “Not Of This World” is a righteous and real blast of amazing hip hop from one of the underground’s most vital artists. Don’t miss it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2J9upX7ecfNa03SYVnhSgR" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2J9upX7ecfNa03SYVnhSgR" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2J9upX7ecfNa03SYVnhSgR</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.instagram.com/lordzamel.b" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.instagram.com/lordzamel.b" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/lordzamel.b</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65830342021-03-23T21:32:19-05:002021-03-23T21:32:19-05:00Proph3t of RAG3 “DEMONIC (FEAT. SAMANTHA BOWER)” SINGLE REVIEW - DARK, GOTHIC HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b0a4a16e306958032713c98be041082dafe4c18c/original/88f72c45-bfe1-4b18-946f-6a7045134190.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Proph3t of RAG3 </p>
<p>“Demonic (feat. Samantha Bower)” single </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Proph3t of RAG3 pulls no punches and lays his darkness out for all to see on his recent single “Demonic (feat. Samantha Bower).” It’s a grinding gothic/hip hop/horrorcore track about doing whatever it takes to satisfy your desires in life and features a mad guest appearance by vocalist Samantha Bower. Proph3t of RAG3 is a Florida artist who puts down a heavy style with occult influences and a street-level toughness that hits hard and fast. His intensity will make you remember the shock of hearing your first crime rhyme and the places it led you to emotionally. Make no mistake: this is strong stuff. </p>
<p>Proph3t of RAG3 is a demon on the microphone, fearlessly spitting bars about invoking dark forces to get what he wants. Samantha Bower is shape-shifting, unsettling, and brilliantly evil in her featured spot and is an ideal vocal foil to the Proph3t. “Demonic” is a killer track that every fan of extreme hip hop is going to claim as their own personal anthem. Wanna listen with the lights off?<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5NqXJwaQqbB6VqHI2Exrf6" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5NqXJwaQqbB6VqHI2Exrf6" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5NqXJwaQqbB6VqHI2Exrf6</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/proph3tofrag3music/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/proph3tofrag3music/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/proph3tofrag3music/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65827442021-03-23T16:16:48-05:002021-03-23T16:17:14-05:00HI LOVE ‘QUEEN & SLIM’ SINGLE REVIEW - CHICAGO SOUL AND R&B!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/495fdf32424c22492d7d94c018be2829ddc83086/original/73615552-fd74-46ff-a1a0-6b849507b8ab.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HI LOVE </p>
<p>“Queen & Slim” single </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>R&B/Soul solo artist Hi Love delivers a stunning, melodic experience on her new single “Queen & Slim.” Taken from her recent EP <i>Cold Wind</i>, the track employs a sample from Kanye West’s “Bound 2” to create an environment suitable for showing off Hi Love’s epic vocal tone and phrasing. The lyrics tell a story about having an immediate and inevitable connection to someone to the point where you know you’re “bound to fall in love.” The production is wide open and fresh like springtime and the beats are funky and big. It touches on elements of 90s R&B and hip hop styles but ultimately channels a modern-day silky-ness that’s seductive and strong. </p>
<p>Hi Love is an exceptional vocalist and uses her talent and vision to communicate real, personal emotion on this cut. There’s no doubt that she’s writing about seeing her future standing right in front of her. She also layers harmonies like a boss and shows a deep sense of musicality few in this era can match. “Queen & Slim” is a commercial and creative smash waiting to happen. It’s a fine showing from a Chicago-based artist who has everything it takes to go global. Listen once and tell me I’m wrong.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/36vj1sk0iPdPXwYmaylu8H?si=188cb2c46d5e4541" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/36vj1sk0iPdPXwYmaylu8H?si=188cb2c46d5e4541" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/36vj1sk0iPdPXwYmaylu8H?si=188cb2c46d5e4541</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.hilovemusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.hilovemusic.com/" target="_blank">https://www.hilovemusic.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/hilovemusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/hilovemusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/hilovemusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65811462021-03-22T01:30:59-05:002021-03-22T01:30:59-05:00GIGI VEGA “WATCHU TRYNA DO?” MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW - DANCE/POP BLISS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e99979b14db2e76d00a2fc4dc3bdb8083ab5c224/original/e1220b94-8197-4308-8d9e-a7fb97e60c33.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GIGI VEGA </p>
<p>“Watchu Tryna Do?” Music Video </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>GiGi Vega likely has another hit on her hands with her brand new single and music video “Watchu Tryna Do?.” The song is a heavily catchy dance/pop track with a chilled-out feel and a percolating groove that lets Vega flex her smooth voice and tell her tale of trouble in love. She has a unique and personal vocal style that sets this track apart from the pop music masses and gives her a strong sonic identity. Look for two distinct mixes of the track: one featuring Rapper TEC and a New Orleans Bounce version featuring Big Freedia and produced by BlaqNmilD (Drake, Beyoncé). You can find the single on all major platforms. </p>
<p>The music video is gorgeous and well-executed. It has a storyline as well as dope visuals and adds a lot of depth and creativity to an already impressive song. Vega comes off as every inch a star and makes the most of her time on-camera. She is no stranger to success, having charted on both Billboard and iTunes, and fans should expect Vega’s brand and popularity to continue to grow. “Watchu Tryna Do?” is a fine effort from a rising talent who is clearly ready for the biggest of things. Listen and enjoy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="H5ydKSz9gaQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/H5ydKSz9gaQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H5ydKSz9gaQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6oYHMPYzAMSVhzS0rhpbdO?highlight=spotify:track:1vO7VHqaWJTZ0w6G5PsKXs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6oYHMPYzAMSVhzS0rhpbdO?highlight=spotify:track:1vO7VHqaWJTZ0w6G5PsKXs" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6oYHMPYzAMSVhzS0rhpbdO?highlight=spotify:track:1vO7VHqaWJTZ0w6G5PsKXs</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.instagram.com/gigivegamusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.instagram.com/gigivegamusic" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/gigivegamusic</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65693572021-03-09T17:44:56-06:002021-03-09T17:44:56-06:00TARAH WHO? ‘MANNERS’ SINGLE REVIEW - INDIE PUNK GRUNGE POWER DUO!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/af09df51b4d90c13ea0d36b2a9df10097d07f694/original/6ddaf396-273d-45f0-b25b-92e3ec9fbd64.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TARAH WHO? </p>
<p>“Manners” </p>
<p>(Independent) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Power duo Tarah Who? gives the world a sonic kick in the teeth on its recent single “Manners.” The group’s punk/grunge/indie rock sound is timeless, aggressive, and heavy. It’s built on the kind of pent-up emotion that has driven the best rock music since the beginning and delivers a terse, edgy experience to those fortunate enough to encounter it. Group members Tarah Carpenter (guitar, lead vocals) and Coralie Hervé (drums, backup vocals) have mastered the art of bare-knuckle rock and roll and put all of that grinding wisdom into this track and everything else they create. “Manners” is at once insanely catchy and exhilaratingly powerful, a road-tested combination that often leads to rock greatness. The song is a thing of bold beauty and definitely packs a satisfying punch. </p>
<p>In days past, Tarah Who? has dropped two full-length records, three EPs, and one single of original music. The band has drawn much praise from many different media outlets for its engaging, punk-flavored sound and straight-ahead rock attitude. They make the sort of music that will pull the world back from the brink of chaos and remind us all that rock and roll is as good a reason to live as any. Fans looking for the best new rock music of our current era will find it here. This is the real thing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2HUIVHPCZsf7XqBqEO9uSK" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2HUIVHPCZsf7XqBqEO9uSK" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2HUIVHPCZsf7XqBqEO9uSK</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://tarahwho.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tarahwho.com/" target="_blank">https://tarahwho.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/tarahwho/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/tarahwho/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tarahwho/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65629422021-03-02T13:24:28-06:002021-03-02T13:25:43-06:00JEFF LAKE & CELLOPHANE FLOWERS ‘PENNY LANE’ ALBUM REVIEW - CLASSICAL BEATLES!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/0c372b39f549a00a467faed379242fc9e2a11bd8/original/7761babd-8235-443d-9cf2-34b9d2478fd4.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JEFF LAKE & CELLOPHANE FLOWERS </p>
<p><i>Penny Lane </i></p>
<p>(Luby Tunes LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Jeff Lake & Cellophane Flowers do a fine and entertaining job of taking the best of The Beatles’ repertoire into the classical music world on their new release <i>Penny Lane</i>. The record came out in January of 2021 and is readily available on all major music streaming platforms and on CD. The group replaces the electric guitar-based sound at the core of The Beatles’ sound with a signature blend of violin, cello, and acoustic guitar topped with Lake’s smooth, eloquent vocals. This free-handed approach yields an amazing reinvention of these overwhelmingly familiar songs that gives them new life, new legs, and plenty of room to breathe. </p>
<p>The group was formed by Lake, an excellent singer-songwriter in his own right, in New York City in 2016 and quickly became popular with Big Apple Beatle fans after gigs at important venues including The Bitter End and The Slipper Room. Listening to Penny Lane, it’s easy to understand the instant appeal Lake and company have. Their interpretations of these timeless songs gives them another level of depth and meaning. From the first notes of the titular cut “Penny Lane” that opens the set, Lake steers the songs into new territory in a sublime, non-pretentious way. “Penny Lane” gets a slimmed-down Baroque-flavored retelling that works brilliantly and emphasizes the soaring vocal melody. “Here Comes The Sun” brings the acoustic guitar into the party and will put a gentle smile on anyone’s face. Lake’s High, clear tenor voice fits this material perfectly and his performances are warm and engaging. </p>
<p>Both “Michelle” and “Yesterday” benefit from having their already classically-informed DNA brought to the front by Lake’s reimagining of them. He gives listeners a chance to hear these songs in a different way that comes off as vital and fresh. Other wonderful moments captured here include “Honey Pie,” “Sugar Plum Lucy,” and “A Day In The Life.” Jeff Lake & Cellophane Flowers are superb interpreters of The Beatles’ landmark songbook and display their love for it proudly. Fab Four fans the world over should hear this record at once.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2E1QvMyg5sKrbfhjbbk1rg?si=_d_NljCLQHuyjfxZgNVKFA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2E1QvMyg5sKrbfhjbbk1rg?si=_d_NljCLQHuyjfxZgNVKFA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2E1QvMyg5sKrbfhjbbk1rg?si=_d_NljCLQHuyjfxZgNVKFA</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://cellophaneflowersmusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://cellophaneflowersmusic.com/" target="_blank">https://cellophaneflowersmusic.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/cellophaneflowersmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/cellophaneflowersmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cellophaneflowersmusic/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/cellophaneflowersband/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/cellophaneflowersband/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/cellophaneflowersband/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1ddaa07a7eddc76d981b4580ae02f2048c662ef5/original/f8aba26c-0a01-4d16-973e-539f8584ba44.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65350032021-01-30T13:01:54-06:002021-01-30T13:01:54-06:00DOUG FERONY “QUANDO, QUANDO, QUANDO” SINGLE REVIEW - CLASSIC ITALIAN POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/963b92b76615303a1444a3e6a1b688f067bc5549/original/61d5d707-21d9-41f3-9c9d-96fbc6d4aca4.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DOUG FERONY </p>
<p>“Quando, Quando, Quando” </p>
<p>(Bongo Boy Records LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>New York crooner Doug Ferony keeps it orchestral and classy on his new single “Quando, Quando, Quando.” Ferony does a fine job interpreting and retelling the classic jazz/bossa nova track that was originally written in 1962 and went on to be recorded by everyone from Pat Boone to Michael Bublé to The Blues Brothers. Ferony is an Italian tenor in the vintage style who has a smooth and articulate vocal sound that will remind listeners of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Dean Martin. He is highly skilled in this type of sophisticated singing and owns his spot at center stage as if he were born to it. </p>
<p>“Quando, Quando, Quando” is a sweetly-spoken song of desire and love that Ferony handles with the touch of a master. The arrangement behind him is lush, romantic, and happy, giving Ferony a gorgeous platform from which to put forth the wishes of his heart. He comes across as a man of respect with an authentic message of longing for his beloved and stands tall when compared to the old masters of this kind of high-level pop. Ferony transports listeners back to the days of tuxedos and martinis in a way they’ll want to experience again and again. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/4BoKn7GJKv0CIoOPmZU0Gy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4BoKn7GJKv0CIoOPmZU0Gy" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/4BoKn7GJKv0CIoOPmZU0Gy</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="392984763" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/858295237_295x166.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/392984763" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.dougferony.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dougferony.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dougferony.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65262972021-01-20T20:50:28-06:002021-01-21T15:43:53-06:00I.K.P. “RADICALIZE” EP REVIEW - NYC HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1de5262529fef758ae96f97b8a93fe64a93361b7/original/8a7100a2-0051-4f27-82a1-4be3dfe27332.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I.K.P. </p>
<p><i>Radicalize</i> </p>
<p>(Reigning Positivity LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>I.K.P., also known as The Infamous King of Positivity, comes out artistically hard on his new EP <i>Radicalize</i>. One of New York’s strongest hip hop personalities, I.K.P. intends <i>Radicalize</i> to be his origin story in a way, to chart and explain his personal evolution into the human and performer he is today. His style is cinematic, dramatic, and full of the lines and lessons that only come from living that life. I.K.P. has dealt with homelessness, addiction, MS, depression, and more in his own life and spits bars that reflect the grit and survival instinct required to get over challenges of that level. </p>
<p>From the first beats of “BRAND NEW // GÜEY,” I.K.P. comes across smooth, serious, and completely comfortable in his own creative skin. His flows and production choices are trendsetting and compelling and he demonstrates a star’s presence on the microphone. “LITE WERK // DAHSSIT” goes even harder and gives I.K.P. the space to drop his own story his own way. His chorus is punchy and aggressive, stating his case in no uncertain terms. All five tracks here are of similar quality and will definitely impact fans looking for new rap music of substance. Be sure to bump “BLACK + BLUE” and “FEEL ME // GUIDABA.” I.K.P. is a truly talented hip hop artist with the goods to go all the way. Start listening and stay with him.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5LlQnK73vjydhHn6ynr8Kr?si=Y_uLp8uyTYS2XTdZi0FxpQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5LlQnK73vjydhHn6ynr8Kr?si=Y_uLp8uyTYS2XTdZi0FxpQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5LlQnK73vjydhHn6ynr8Kr?si=Y_uLp8uyTYS2XTdZi0FxpQ</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.instagram.com/ikp4president" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.instagram.com/ikp4president" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/ikp4president</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65192642021-01-12T17:51:23-06:002021-01-14T12:18:55-06:00ITSENJ “MOONSIDE” MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW - AFRO SOUL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/35e94d7de431b1c2e599ff44daf26d7772fca8c6/original/e03ebf0f-9dca-4af1-8c91-89b8c604194a.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ITSENJ </p>
<p>“Moonside” music video </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>ItsENJ rocks an upbeat Afropop/Afro-soul vibe that’s about to go viral in its new music video “Moonside.” The track is a pulsating, body-moving banger that puts the skills of ItsENJ members Chimdi and OTITO, who come across like major stars both vocally and rhythmically. Also known as The Dapper Duo, the pair put down strong performances and have an amazing on-camera presence in the music video. The video itself combines vibrant colorful footage of Chimdi and OTITO rocking the house with grittier clips shot on the streets of Nigeria, where the two were stuck for a number of months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </p>
<p>In total, ItsENJ stayed in Nigeria for five months, enduring several near-death experiences and having difficulties with the Nigerian police. The group eventually left Nigeria but used the memories of those difficult moments to drive the bravado and kinetic energy on display in the video. ItsENJ is a world-class act with the sound, swagger, and look needed to top the charts around the universe. Play “Moonside” up loud to get your own party started. It’ll work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WDmP1-tzeuk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/WDmP1-tzeuk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDmP1-tzeuk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.enjnyc.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.enjnyc.com/" target="_blank">https://www.enjnyc.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65189652021-01-12T11:22:39-06:002021-01-12T11:22:39-06:00TREY WARNER “MEANT FOR YOU” EP REVIEW - KILLER POP/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/331ea51a7c8a201b040ceba8dbb6920eeb41e01f/original/9222fe70-1add-40bf-9903-8b7783b95d99.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TREY WARNER </p>
<p><i>Meant for You </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Trey Warner keeps it smooth and smart on his new EP release <i>Meant for You</i>. Warner is a musician and actor based in Utah who writes tightly structured and atmospheric songs and who has shared stages with major acts including Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, and Incubus. The tracks on Meant for You combine vintage techno-pop, New Wave, and early 80s pop DNA into a refreshing and accessible sound with a timeless emotional appeal. </p>
<p>Warner is an outstanding vocalist who easily delivers the yearning and romantic longing his original music demands. His title track, “Meant for You,” opens the set with a crisp, uptempo vibe that screams “early MTV” and paints Warner as a skilled descendant of the old school pop masters. “We Found Love, Young Love” is a dramatic ballad reminiscent of Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s mega hit “Almost Paradise” from the Footloose soundtrack. Much of Warner’s music feels cinematic and would fit well in a variety of films. Be sure to stick around for Trey’s closer, the rocking “Teenage Christmas.” Trey Warner has a lot going on with <i>Meant for You </i>and every bit of it is good. He’s deeper than most and his future looks bright.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2Jivt7XkmkMX8ovVpW5LHQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2Jivt7XkmkMX8ovVpW5LHQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2Jivt7XkmkMX8ovVpW5LHQ</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/treywarnerofficial/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/treywarnerofficial/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/treywarnerofficial/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65104492020-12-30T16:12:03-06:002020-12-30T16:12:03-06:00BLEARY “PEACE (SEVER PT. 2)” SINGLE REVIEW - EMO/HIP HOP CROSSOVER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e55b5b3677eaf6faf956bd5646cce0327e4f377a/original/347f6fb5-a97c-4c6d-bdba-cefb954e13f1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BLEARY </p>
<p>“Peace (Sever Pt. 2)” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Portland’s Bleary shows mad artistry and top skills on his recent single “Peace (Sever Pt. 2).” He’s a hip hop/R&B artist with a taste of indie rock/emo to him that gives him a crossover point most rappers have never found. “Peace (Sever Pt. 2)” is the second installment in his three-part “breakup” series that’s all about dealing with the heartbreak and sadness that come when love ends. It’s a brilliantly melancholy track built on a hypnotic guitar figure and a chilled-out drum beat that finds Bleary doing more singing than rapping. He smoothly incorporates some early-2000s rock vibes into his 2020 hip hop and it really does change everything. </p>
<p>“Peace (Sever Pt. 2)” is a deep emotional landscape that lets Bleary explore the hardcore breakup experience and get listeners to share his pain. He wails over the minimalistic beat like a broken soul, taking us through the darkest parts of his separation. His lyrics are strong, straightforward, and bleak, leaving no doubt as to the difficulties he’s describing and puts a lot of genuine feeling into the microphone. Bleary is a new face to many but “Peace (Sever Pt. 2)” will convince rap fans that they’d better start tracking his career.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/4U0DiEMjk1Ksyd96UTgshl" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4U0DiEMjk1Ksyd96UTgshl" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/4U0DiEMjk1Ksyd96UTgshl</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/blearyworld/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/blearyworld/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/blearyworld/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65055362020-12-22T12:05:55-06:002020-12-30T15:17:29-06:00LUKE ATME “QUIERO MÁS” SINGLE REVIEW - POP PLATINUM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/eddec37fd76c13a0144223b7a192d2de84c43585/original/59229c4a-90c2-471a-8531-d8ebdc1457d9.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
<p>LUKE ATME </p>
<p>“Quiero Más” </p>
<p>Award-winning pop artist Luke ATME is about to burn down dancefloors the world over with his new single “Quiero Más.” The track is a strong showing from an established performer and it tells its story of complicated love over a pop/reggae beat meant to inspire much body movement. Luke is a multilingual artist, which adds a lot of flavor to his work. He also has a smooth and breathtaking vocal style as well as a warm tone on the mic. “Quiero Más” definitely grooves hard and delivers a big chorus hook that will remain in your head for days. The synth-heavy production is crisp and never oversteps the song but supports it perfectly. </p>
<p>Luke originally hails from Naples, Italy and is also a skilled dancer as well as a musician. He graduated from the University of West London in 2017 and has rapidly emerged as a pop artist of no small talent. He’s only been releasing music since 2018 but has come a long way in a short period of time. Clearly, his hit-single instincts are right on the money. Luke ATME is an engaging and inspired pop artist with the potential to become a worldwide superstar. Get “Quiero Más” and you will instantly understand why.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/08SQk9Ia4tC74Ikt3k4JTT" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/08SQk9Ia4tC74Ikt3k4JTT" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/08SQk9Ia4tC74Ikt3k4JTT</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="s-ppSpnacYg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/s-ppSpnacYg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s-ppSpnacYg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/imlukeatme/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/imlukeatme/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/imlukeatme/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/65049652020-12-21T17:02:02-06:002020-12-29T12:22:46-06:00LOSK33 “LORD HAVE MERCY (FEAT. FOOGIANO)” SINGLE REVIEW - VIRGINIA HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/0e2a0cf891dc09a2d81b55e6a667add523dffb91/original/cacbefc6-5125-4c61-a459-a13d23e31301.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LOSK33 </p>
<p>“Lord Have Mercy (Feat. Foogiano)” </p>
<p>(No Parole Entertainment) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Virginia hip hop artist Losk33 has an absolute banger on his hands with his new single “Lord Have Mercy (Feat. Foogiano).” He and Foogiano both spit hard lyrics about real life and all it contains over a heavy, thumping beat that will blow the roof of your car clean off. Losk33 has a ton of writing talent and mixes it with his own personal authenticity gleaned from living that life in this world. As you might expect, his lyrics cut quickly to the heart of his ideas and he has a talent for making himself understood. </p>
<p>The music video for “Lord Have Mercy” elevates the track even further and pulls listeners into Losk33 and Foogiano’s world of risk and money. The clip adds to the vibe of the song and has a true-to-life feel that’s addicting and powerful. Losk33 is an artist worth keeping on your rap radar screen. Listen once and you’re gonna agree. Listen twice and you’ll be a fan.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/4rmbmPmNN6BRdwb8guvMVv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5Vkow3ULov2NCBpB8KEWPy" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5Vkow3ULov2NCBpB8KEWPy</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bh9sYpoh7k8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bh9sYpoh7k8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bh9sYpoh7k8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/losk33/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/losk33/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/losk33/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64991162020-12-14T11:31:08-06:002020-12-14T11:31:08-06:00“HEAD FAKE VS DUB FU MASTERS“ EP REVIEW - VINTAGE HOUSE/DANCE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c64a92f1a21212418c6e1002a8acf67c12eff820/original/a852bea8-dc17-4ec1-9592-47bb8fd7adc0.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HEAD FAKE </p>
<p><i>Head Fake vs Dub Fu Masters </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Partially anonymous artist/producer trio Head Fake and collaborators Dub Fu Masters have a slamming new release, <i>Head Fake vs Dub Fu Masters</i>, that reworks some of Head Fake’s previous tracks into club-style versions that recreate the jam-packed nightclub atmosphere that’s been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Head Fake’s sound and vibe are rooted in a retro 80s sensibility which they nail dead on and makes music that would have been multi-platinum hits back in that period. The tracks on <i>Head Fake vs Dub Fu Masters</i> are upbeat, slightly moody, and deeply affecting, making those who were there the first time long for those lost days and nights and making younger fans wish they could have been involved. </p>
<p>The cuts on <i>Head Fake vs Dub Fu Masters</i> are brilliant, body-rocking house jams that stimulate both body and mind. “One Step” opens the set in a results-oriented minimalist style that’s hypnotic and stimulating. The artistic mode created by HF and DFM working in concert with each other is brilliant and makes all the tracks here into pure magic. “Trump Funk” is a major achievement and is guaranteed to set any dance floor on fire. “Overjoyed” creates a somber mood with a big beat and fat vintage synth tones that are epic and unforgettable. Head Fake has a big-time winner in this new one and fans of vintage dance sounds are going to love it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/27BxIvsuPUQAEtWzsB2pfO?si=atHk2CFVTrKO3JJowIGGAQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/27BxIvsuPUQAEtWzsB2pfO?si=atHk2CFVTrKO3JJowIGGAQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/27BxIvsuPUQAEtWzsB2pfO?si=atHk2CFVTrKO3JJowIGGAQ</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/headfakemusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/headfakemusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/headfakemusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64985562020-12-13T13:38:16-06:002020-12-13T13:38:16-06:00DANIELLE HOLLOBAUGH “PEACE ON EARTH” EP REVIEW - NEW CHRISTMAS MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d204538d2cb343acade0fa88489cbd04e945812c/original/911129c1-d692-426f-81db-53ae49bbeda1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DANIELLE HOLLOBAUGH </p>
<p><i>Peace On Earth </i></p>
<p>EP review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Big voiced pop singer Danielle Hollobaugh brings something fresh and new to the Christmas season this year with her brand new holiday EP <i>Peace On Earth</i>. Released on November 27th, 2020, the four-song set is a response to the endless stream of challenges the world has experienced this year and is intended to deliver a feeling of peace to all those left frazzled by the chaos and division that seems to be everywhere. Creating new Christmas music is one of the most difficult creative tasks out there because the traditional songs and carols are so deeply ingrained in listeners’ minds. Hollobaugh rises to the season, however, and brings us all some new sounds and sentiments that could very well become holiday standards for the next generation. </p>
<p>The EP kicks off the celebration with its title track “Peace On Earth.” The song is an uplifting electronic pop dancefloor banger that’s thoroughly modern and instantly memorable. Hollobaugh’s lyrics are unapologetically religious in tone and she delivers them with conviction over a pulsating four-on-the-floor beat and tight synth-heavy production. It’s a very meaningful song that will no doubt connect with a lot of people who aren’t moved by the old carols anymore. </p>
<p>Danielle does fine work on her version of “O Holy Night.” Under her direction, the venerable hymn gets a subdued but effective treatment that then explodes with dynamic glory. Hollobaugh has a beautifully clear and powerful voice that she uses to its full potential here and dispels any notions that her skills are anything but legit. She also treats us to an upbeat take on “Go Tell It On The Mountain” that balances delicate and expressive verse sections with crisp synth bass choruses. Danielle Hollobaugh shows a huge Christmas vision on this new EP and demonstrates the skills and artistry of someone with big things ahead of her. Be sure to add <i>Peace On Earth</i> to your Christmas listening this year for a truly happy holiday.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/39Dqy7G1UZksTRiVv2se7j?si=yWi6uVNmT-umRm5TO2NkPA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/39Dqy7G1UZksTRiVv2se7j?si=yWi6uVNmT-umRm5TO2NkPA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/39Dqy7G1UZksTRiVv2se7j?si=yWi6uVNmT-umRm5TO2NkPA</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/daniellehmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/daniellehmusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/daniellehmusic</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64910072020-12-03T13:37:47-06:002020-12-03T13:37:47-06:00VOCTAVE “THE CORNER OF BROADWAY & MAIN STREET VOL. 2” ALBUM REVIEW - A CAPPELLA!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/849731b066a160afbc4137c575fab9ed50c88e4d/original/e2fb02fe-285a-49c1-ac2b-942587cec0a7.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>VOCTAVE </p>
<p><i>The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Vol. 2 </i></p>
<p>(Jamey Ray Music) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Florida’s a cappella 11-member mega-group Voctave deliver another sweet and lowdown serving of show tunes and Disney music on their new release <i>The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Vol. 2</i>. Vocalists Kate Lott, Tiffany Coburn, Ashley Espinoza, Sarah Whittemore, Chrystal Johnson, EJ Cardona, Drew Ochoa, Jamey Ray, Kurt von Schmittou, Aaron Stratton, and Karl Hudson have been making joyful noises since 2015 and put forth a powerfully human sound that’s uplifting and inspiring. Their gorgeous and complex 11-part arrangements of these familiar songs give them new life and make them feel fresh all over again. All involved come from diverse backgrounds in musical theater, contemporary Christian music, barbershop, pop, and choral music and use these influences to make their vocals-only approach compelling and appealing. </p>
<p>Voctave includes multiple Disney medleys on this new set and each one will make fans of the big D sit up and take notice. The “Disney Parks Medley” and the “Disney Heroes and Villains Medley” are tons of fun and extremely well-executed. The group’s 11 voices create a lush carpet of harmony that will fill your headphones and make you happy. Their takes on stage standards including “Tomorrow” and “The Trolley Song” revitalize these often-heard tunes and show the group’s high levels of skill and vision. Fans of the a cappella genre should prepare to fall in love with Voctave and to give <i>The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Vol. 2 </i>some serious listening time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2gS7MsWhYPElLwFgTmXrhA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2gS7MsWhYPElLwFgTmXrhA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2gS7MsWhYPElLwFgTmXrhA</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://voctave.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://voctave.net/" target="_blank">https://voctave.net/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64903912020-12-02T17:09:58-06:002020-12-02T17:09:58-06:00HOME IS WEST “HERE AND NOW” EP REVIEW - INDIE/AMERICANA STARS ON THE RISE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/bb1bb45fa96f79324ca47215deb3c247a7b4ea54/original/f11c349e-5636-4a73-ad40-f1bc94d6ede8.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HOME IS WEST </p>
<p><i>Here and Now </i></p>
<p>(Mint 400 Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Straight out of San Clemente, California, Home is West displays a big talent for writing amazing indie/alt/Americana songs on the band’s new EP <i>Here and Now</i>. Although it’s only four tracks in length, the EP is a full-on clinic in the “three chords and the truth” method of rock and roll and each cut is melodic, meaningful, and jam packed with the power of simplicity. The sound is indie heartland guitar pop with a Beach Boy vocal influence that makes every song here complete ear candy. The group began tracking <i>Here and Now</i> back in March but, like so many others, had to put the sessions on hold because of COVID-19. Thankfully, they were able to reconvene in July and finish this brief-but-impressive release. </p>
<p>Although the band is highly melodic, Home is West creates music of substance, not fluff. The opening cut, “Mexico,” deals with a personal journey towards inner peace, the kind we all undertake eventually. “Sooner or Later” is a song about the reality of karma that rocks a brilliant, straight-up rock groove and “Eight Seconds” was written after literally overhearing eight seconds of a stranger’s conversation. The group excels at finding the melancholy and bittersweet qualities that underlie their songs and it allows them to connect directly with the emotions of their fans. Home is West is a great rock band in the classic sense and will undoubtedly fly high on the strength of these new tracks. Don’t miss a second of this one.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0K2CNhIo6u7FnQnnKfgLN1?si=QufN2FTiR9iD5403xjdXMA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0K2CNhIo6u7FnQnnKfgLN1?si=QufN2FTiR9iD5403xjdXMA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0K2CNhIo6u7FnQnnKfgLN1?si=QufN2FTiR9iD5403xjdXMA</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/homeiswest/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/homeiswest/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/homeiswest/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64902432020-12-02T14:56:23-06:002020-12-07T17:33:51-06:00ANNA AZERLI “LOVE FOR A DAY” SINGLE REVIEW - DANCE/POP GOLD!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/af48f752ad48ba65175aaaa02b7f1df035f24d5f/original/51f72ccd-98ca-41a4-9447-902817fb67d8.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ANNA AZERLI </p>
<p>“Love For A Day” </p>
<p>(2439669 Records DK) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Classically-trained pop vocalist Anna Azerli brings us her best self on her recent single “Love For A Day.” The song is a sweetly romantic mid-speed ballad dealing with love and longing that shines a bright light on Azerli’s outstanding voice and vocal tone. It’s rendered in a piano-centered arrangement that exudes confidence and class while giving Anna plenty of space to stand and deliver. That track features an instantly memorable chorus hook guaranteed to permanently install itself into the soul of anyone who listens. Azerli is the equal or better of any chart-topping singer out there and seems to be well on her way to an impressive career. </p>
<p>Azerli began her musical journey as an operatic protege at the Accademia Teatro all Scala in Milan, Italy at just 16 years old. She started singing pop music during the economic downturn of 2009 that shut down many opera houses and began forging her own style of modern dance/pop that has proven to be globally popular. A big part of her appeal resides in her streamlined vocal phrasing that never lets her considerable skills overtake her melodies and lyrics. She never over-sings and, as a result, her songs fully breathe and come to life. Pop fans looking for a new and substantial artist to follow will find Anna Azerli much to their liking. Expect to witness her achieve great things.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6WP4DDLuDPoSVupTw8gZ32" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6WP4DDLuDPoSVupTw8gZ32" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6WP4DDLuDPoSVupTw8gZ32</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/annaazerli/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/annaazerli/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/annaazerli/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64898032020-12-01T23:32:17-06:002020-12-01T23:32:17-06:00SPEEDYVILLE NARDY “SR. TWEAK TWEAK” ALBUM REVIEW - CHICAGO HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/445312390e1c0807b09a4cf7e05508ec7b5454ca/original/94abbb4e-463f-426e-8b72-a4c8a2795bec.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SPEEDYVILLE NARDY </p>
<p><i>Sr. Tweak Tweak </i></p>
<p>(Pack Money Inc) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Speedyville Nardy is a hip hop artist, entrepreneur, and designer from the South Side of Chicago who hits the microphone with everything he’s got on his newest album <i>Sr. Tweak Tweak</i>. A follow-up to his first full-length release <i>BraveHeart Musik</i>, <i>Sr. Tweak Tweak</i> hit the streets on Nardy’s own indie record label Pack Money LLC and showcases his gritty, individual style. He’s still a young artist in his early 20s but displays the vision and wisdom of someone with many more years in the game. The tracks on <i>Sr. Tweak Tweak</i> sit on absolutely slamming kick drums and tight trap hats that ring, resonate, and form a permanent foundation for Nardy’s nail-tough rhymes. </p>
<p>Nardy spits about street life, philosophy, and family on tracks including “F**k Da Industry,” “Bars Non!,” and his opening title track “Sr. Tweak Tweak.” His vocal vibe is chilled-out at times but intense when it needs to be. One of his best cuts is a song about his daughter called “Poetic Shakur.” Older heads will get the movie reference but the song works for all generations of fans. Nardy has clearly embraced the artistry aspect of music-making and shows growth and creative development throughout this fine set. Rap aficionados need to find Speedyville Nardy and get this album to break out of Chicago and go global. Y’all know what to do.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5g7ADdYTTEYsZWZsbDoQAW" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5g7ADdYTTEYsZWZsbDoQAW" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5g7ADdYTTEYsZWZsbDoQAW</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://instagram.com/speedyville728?igshid=17uallmt4hxkt" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/speedyville728?igshid=17uallmt4hxkt" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/speedyville728?igshid=17uallmt4hxkt</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4fhBKTit97M" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/4fhBKTit97M/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4fhBKTit97M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64881612020-11-29T18:46:32-06:002020-11-30T20:35:44-06:00SONIC RADIATION “ROENTGEN” SINGLE REVIEW - EDM ENERGY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/601e741d05e26849fc47952f9ae51e2c3c77ff4a/original/f793f5aa-fac3-43bd-a32d-bfca94857514.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SONIC RADIATION </p>
<p>“Roentgen” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Sonic Radiation hits the end of 2020 hard with a brand-new track, “Roentgen,” that’s a monstrously-energetic dance floor banger. Named for a legacy unit of measurement for exposure to x-rays and gamma rays, “Roentgen” pushes against the machine that made it, delivering a relentless EDM beat seemingly meant to drive humans over the edge. Synths and sounds add to the cut’s buildup and keep intellectual interest high. Creator Todd Last’s bass sounds are to die for and he gives his people everything they need to dance into oblivion. “Roentgen” is a perfect example of Last’s signature hybrid of techno and trance ideas and a highly kinetic passport into his unique world. </p>
<p>Sonic Radiation has been emitting rays since its inception in 2003. Musician and producer Last is a true believer in the eternal relevance of electronic music and helps build its future with every track he puts out. Tracks like “Roentgen” keep to the truth of the genre, using a minimal palette of arresting sounds coupled with the power of repetition to achieve a shift in the consciousness of anyone really listening. Last uses the Sonic Radiation brand to fearlessly create that which hasn’t existed yet and bring it to the world. He is an iconoclastic artist who has emerged as a consistently engaging presence on the EDM scene. </p>
<p>“Roentgen” will appeal to fans with an interest in new takes on vintage electronica that move the genre forward. Sonic Radiation is a DJ and producer to add to your daily rotation whose fresh and expansive music will claim you as its own. “Roentgen” is an excellent track with enough radioactive material to alter your chromosomes and jump you into Last’s tribe. If you’re smart, you’ll let yourself go along with the program. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/3iAv4p1ygixnxuxg4rAHhZ?si=6wLUveWESwC7DL3obk-m8A" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3iAv4p1ygixnxuxg4rAHhZ?si=6wLUveWESwC7DL3obk-m8A" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/3iAv4p1ygixnxuxg4rAHhZ?si=6wLUveWESwC7DL3obk-m8A</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www.sonicradiation.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.sonicradiation.com" target="_blank">www.sonicradiation.com</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64844252020-11-23T22:45:00-06:002020-11-23T22:45:00-06:00LUKE CRIMIEL “11TH STREET” ALBUM REVIEW - POP VOCAL MASTER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ff801377c9fabad75bd1d36591ffedfcdb59347d/original/eb73fe18-2f3b-424e-ac80-f2d46353f7a7.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LUKE CRIMIEL </p>
<p><i>11th Street </i></p>
<p>(Bye Bye Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Luke Crimiel flexes some big-time creative muscles on his new release <i>11th Street</i>. Crimiel has a musical theater background and brings a legit stage voice to his pop material, something few of his peers can claim. His style is rooted in vintage 70s and 80s pop and soul and inspired by the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Sinatra. He’s a technical singer with an impressive range and a strong belt that he puts to excellent use all over the tracks on <i>11th Street</i>. </p>
<p>Crimiel’s songs are consistently well-written and exquisitely performed throughout this smooth and powerful set. From the dramatic atmosphere of the opener “Lost” to the flunked-up vocal showcase of “Nothing Left” to the warm immediacy of “Telephone,” each track is a world of its own. No matter what he applies himself to, Crimiel is fluid, passionate, and right on target. Be sure to also spin “Heart In My Hands,” “Breathe,” and the rock-influenced “Nikki.” Luke Crimiel is one of the mightiest voices to come along in many a moon and he looks to have a bright future. Get with him now and see what all the fuss is about.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3F1Uv3CKuqwppZrPg3FGEN" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3F1Uv3CKuqwppZrPg3FGEN" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3F1Uv3CKuqwppZrPg3FGEN</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://lukecrimiel.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lukecrimiel.com/" target="_blank">https://lukecrimiel.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://m.facebook.com/Luke-Crimiel-103436824564614/?ref=bookmarks" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.facebook.com/Luke-Crimiel-103436824564614/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/Luke-Crimiel-103436824564614/?ref=bookmarks</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64752172020-11-11T15:31:51-06:002020-11-11T15:31:51-06:00THREE EYES “THREE EYES” ALBUM REVIEW - FUNKY ELECTRONIC DREAM POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5c1d7629826e097874749d319b9fad6382f4d317/original/2657166d-d26d-4940-972a-70b28ec40ee2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THREE EYES </p>
<p><i>Three Eyes </i></p>
<p>(Third Eye Am) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Experimental electronic music artist Three Eyes displays significant amounts of vision and originality on their brand new self-titled release <i>Three Eyes</i>, which dropped November 6th, 2020. The sound is a blend of dream pop, hip hop, cinematic, and psychedelic ideas that flow over and into each other, resulting in a mind-expanding nine-track record that energetically surges forward yet still pays attention to the smallest details. Three Eyes, a.k.a. Jewel Marsh, is a fearlessly creative musician who demolishes genre lines without apology and writes some of the most crucial electronic compositions to be found in the modern scene. As such, Three Eyes is hook-filled, hypnotic, and wildly entertaining. </p>
<p>The opening cut, “The Value Of Nothing,” begins like a dream but kicks over into a heavier, open-source funk beat overtopped with synths that swirl and speak. The track is emotive, slightly unsettling, and displays Three Eye’s soundtrack-writing ability. “Death As A Current Event” is more tense and uptempo. It sits on top of a simple, driving bass line and an 80s-ish drum machine type of groove that isn’t afraid of going its own way. This gives the track a moody, unpredictable quality that’s entrancing and unforgettable. Like all the selections here, it’s well-conceived and superbly executed. </p>
<p>“Foot Reverie” is a floating, psychedelic masterpiece full of gentle, digital bliss. Three Eyes structures the cut’s dynamics to rise and fall at just the right times to envelop listeners in a shared emotional experience. The melodies and beats create an otherworldly vibration together that makes this one of the album’s best moments. Other standout tracks include “Fingers In The Eyes” and “Apostatic Communion.” Three Eyes has made one of the most artistically-important records of 2020 with this self-titled gem. One listen and you’ll want to stick around and see what comes next.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1QLGexdrLYr91XB6o67RJF?si=x8eJfbRdSzqfMVUgK9N08A" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1QLGexdrLYr91XB6o67RJF?si=x8eJfbRdSzqfMVUgK9N08A" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1QLGexdrLYr91XB6o67RJF?si=x8eJfbRdSzqfMVUgK9N08A</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/threeeyesmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/threeeyesmusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/threeeyesmusic</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/threeeyes_music&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/threeeyes_music" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/threeeyes_music </a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><b><a contents="https://www.threeeyesmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.threeeyesmusic.com/" target="_blank">https://www.threeeyesmusic.com</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64631892020-10-26T00:01:59-05:002020-10-26T00:01:59-05:00LEAH L’ECOLE “TWISTED” MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW - ATLANTA POP/HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4249f611cdd75dca2578183c0c775760834632d9/original/217d1620-99ca-472b-b7d4-b087fcdad260.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LEAH L’ECOLE </p>
<p>“Twisted” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Atlanta’s Leah L’eCole speaks some big-league truth in her new music video “Twisted.” The single is an anthem meant for every modern woman who is sick and tired of disappointingly weak men running their games and causing trouble in their personal lives. Leah’s ultra-smooth hip-hop/pop style is the perfect vehicle for this message and will resonate with women everywhere who have had enough of this all-too-common experience. The track is built on a mellow, funky beat that allows Leah to keep her character and persona in place while she tells her tale of romantic trauma and teaches one of these scoundrels a lesson with the help and support of her closest female friends. </p>
<p>The video is a gorgeous production that pops with color, style, and Leah’s deep personal flow. The narrative is clear, the people are beautiful, and her artistic vision is unmistakable. Her voice is sweet but her words are strong and smart, letting these wannabe suitors know that they have the idea of their own importance twisted, indeed. It’s a great video from an emerging performer with true star power. Leah L’eCole brings it all to the party and is well on her way to becoming a major star. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>WATCH “TWISTED” ON YOUTUBE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Lk3I_TRuq3g" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Lk3I_TRuq3g/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lk3I_TRuq3g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/leah_lecole/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/leah_lecole/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/leah_lecole/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64513772020-10-07T23:02:52-05:002020-10-07T23:02:52-05:00TOMMY BOTZ “FAMILY & FRIENDS” ALBUM REVIEW - PURE COUNTRY/GOSPEL GOLD!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f15544e3055c6e0194db4051ef3975179b50ae09/original/e3f50df3-488a-4854-b311-327883011485.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TOMMY BOTZ </p>
<p><i>Family & Friends </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Country/Gospel artist Tommy Botz tells the heartfelt stories he’s lived out in real time on his new release <i>Family & Friends</i>. The album is about his own struggle with alcoholism and the consequences he faced in its aftermath. In sharp contrast to mainstream country music, a genre that glorifies drinking one’s troubles under the table, Botz aims to use his music to heal the pain of others in the same way it healed him. </p>
<p>Botz took an early interest in alcohol and he was soon living to drink and drinking to live. His dependence progressed and he spiraled downward through broken marriages, lost jobs, and revoked driving privileges, ultimately winding up in jail. Since being set free, Tommy has been sober for 16 years and off the streets for good. He now lives quietly at a halfway house in Ohio, where he “crawled through the doors” on May 3rd, 2004 as a “homeless drunk with nowhere to go.” Somehow, Tommy wrote over 200 songs during all of that and, after several years of good sobriety, he began recording them. Those sessions yielded the six cuts on <i>Family & Friends. </i></p>
<p>Botz is a more-than-capable writer and vocalist with a smooth, articulate style. “Maggie” opens the record and is its first single. It’s a heart-rending tale of someone so far inside the bottle that he leaves his family behind. It states some unpleasant facts but is ultimately a song of regret and apology. Botz conveys the story with the authenticity of one who has been there and reveals the truth of addiction. It’s a powerful track with an understated grit to it and pulls no punches. </p>
<p>“Could You Be The Girl” is more mid-tempo country gold but with a much more positive vibe. The song speaks to one particular woman who our protagonist is wondering about a future with after many years of life’s ups and downs. Tommy comes across as sincere and ready for this new level of life but needs to hear that she is, too. </p>
<p>Vocalist Rose Marie, who is also Tommy’s fiancé, steps to the microphone for the stirring Gospel song “He’s Coming Back.” She brings a June Carter-ish energy to the track and a beautiful, pure country sound. Rose has been by Tommy’s side for 30 years and she is clearly here to stay. She delivers a classic, sanctified performance here made even better by the record’s crisp production. Marie also appears on the gentle “Teddy Bear,” a song Botz wrote for a fellow inmate at an Ohio prison. </p>
<p>All six tracks here are emotional, well-written, and perfectly recorded. Like all true country artists, Botz is intimately familiar with the life he writes about and unflinchingly speaks his piece. <i>Family & Friends</i> is a brief-but-brilliant set of songs that will reveal themselves to anyone who listens. This one has been a long time in the making but it’s here now. Country and Gospel fans are going to like it a lot. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://adrunksdreamcomestrue.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://adrunksdreamcomestrue.com/" target="_blank">https://adrunksdreamcomestrue.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN TO “MAGGIE” ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/7AvgXNDdFckdX69wUWzQKu?si=49KQ77M0ThujgRAJF0cbcA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7AvgXNDdFckdX69wUWzQKu?si=49KQ77M0ThujgRAJF0cbcA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/7AvgXNDdFckdX69wUWzQKu?si=49KQ77M0ThujgRAJF0cbcA</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64442412020-09-28T00:05:17-05:002020-09-28T00:05:17-05:00ST. J “MUTABILITY” EP REVIEW - GARAGE ROCK GLORY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6595ddd1e76c33e95e33890ec5f284bf155bc2a0/original/027af04d-eadc-4398-95b3-86c05afb2126.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ST. J. </p>
<p><i>Mutability</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Lo-fi garage rock power trio ST.J comes straight at you on the band’s new EP <i>Mutability</i>. The tracks are packed with hooks, gritty performances, and meaningful lyrics that will appeal to anyone who likes their rock and roll fresh, real, and free of pretense. Band members Jake Olson (Bass and Vocals), Brett Davis (Drums and Vocals), and Dave Stump (Guitar and Vocal) vibe like a neighborhood outfit that plays for the sheer love of it and has no use for over-production, perfection, or artistic preciousness. Getting the songs across to their fans new and old is all that seems to matter and it’s plenty enough reason to celebrate this fine release. </p>
<p>ST.J puts down real, bare-knuckle DIY rock that’s a whole lot more about function than form. The sound captured here is that of three true believers in a room playing together. It’s the kind of music that started this thing of ours to begin with and it’s exactly the kind that could save it today. From the opening bass riff of the first cut “One Foot,” the group rocks hard, grooves tightly, and is unafraid to be both memorable and unsettling. “One Foot” comes off like a person with a panic attack building, telling themselves “everything’s gonna be fine” over and over. It’s stark, simple production helps put the track over the top and gives everyone listening the skinny on what’s coming up next. </p>
<p>“The Werewolf Song” is a mid-speed chugger about...well, werewolves. It’s an oddball pop song about a less-than-fierce lycan who’d rather hang out and be cool than eat people. Just the fact that it’s about werewolves makes it hard to forget, as wolf rock isn’t a common genre. “Gone Are The Days” is an amazingly catchy track about trying to stay relevant as an aging rocker in a scene that no longer makes any sense at all. “I’m stuck here in an aging form playing guitar” sings Dave Stump, echoing a sentiment a lot of rock fans can relate to. It’s a powerful song that speaks actual truth and deserves some close listening and contemplation. Be sure to also spin “Fantastic” and “Never Enough.” ST.J is a great band that’s smart, fearless, and unrestrained, just the way rock music is supposed to be. Get a copy of <i>Mutability</i> and remind yourself why rock matters.<br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://stjmusic.bandcamp.com/album/mutability" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stjmusic.bandcamp.com/album/mutability" target="_blank">https://stjmusic.bandcamp.com/album/mutability</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64431472020-09-25T17:37:04-05:002020-09-25T17:37:04-05:00MARK NEWMAN “EMPIRICAL TRUTH” ALBUM REVIEW - SLIDE GUITAR TROUBADOUR!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/012316313fdcad7de70232f29112cc58b43349db/original/b0abe859-e106-462a-b854-7194c11ae0b8.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MARK NEWMAN </p>
<p><i>Empirical Truth </i></p>
<p>(Record Label) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mark Newman displays a masterful grasp of American music styles on his recent release <i>Empirical Truth</i>. Based in New York, Newman has forged a smashing original sound that deftly blends blues, Americana, and pop influences with his own high-level skills on slide guitar, dobro, lap steel, and mandolin, lead vocals, and lyric writing. He’s well-known as a sideman and a solo artist and has worked with legends including Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Willy DeVille (Mink DeVille), Sam The Sham, and Bobby Whitlock (Derek and the Dominos). He has also shared bills with John Oates, Sting, Elvis Costello, Travis Tritt, Delbert McClinton, Les Dudek, The Doobie Brothers, Don Felder of The Eagles, David Bromberg, and many others. <i>Empirical Truth</i> is a transcendent effort that shows Newman to be the artistic peer of anyone you’d care to name from your record collection and deserves to be heard by a worldwide audience. </p>
<p>From the opening moments of the first track “Scapegoat,” Newman swings for the fences and delivers a revved-up tale of street trouble happening to an innocent man. The song sits on an aggressive shuffle pocket that’s instantly attractive and gives Newman all the space he needs to be both a storyteller and a guitar slinger at the same time. His slide playing is sweet, lowdown, and perfectly fits the vibe of this cut. </p>
<p>The swampy, mid-tempo “Mississippi Mile” is a compelling song about a lost, roaming soul trying to find love and a safe place in our often insane society. Newman’s guitar work here is throaty and compelling, adding an amazing layer of texture between the band and his lyrics. </p>
<p>“When I Aim My Gun” is a moody, acoustic-tinged minor key statement that articulates Newman’s ideas on the eternal gun debate in the USA and the people involved in it. It’s a powerful and frightening song that demands several close listening sessions. Newman isn’t afraid to speak his piece and ruffle some feathers in the way a proper artist should and proves without a doubt that he’s much more than just another hot guitarist. </p>
<p> “One More Song About A Highway” is a big blast of train-beat uptempo country that talks about the life of a truck-driving man. Newman’s originality is in full bloom here, taking control of and reinventing a genre staple into a wonderfully energetic track that’ll definitely get you a speeding ticket. The entire album kicks major backside, so be sure to hang out for deep-cut gems like “Pipeline,” “Everything You Know,” and the closing cut “Lycanthropy.” Mark Newman is a towering talent who can spin stories and cross styles as well as anyone you’ve ever heard. He should be a whole lot more famous than he is, so start listening to <i>Empirical Truth </i>and spreading the word. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3Y5bQm8AOQPoFGmRyyaPVB" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3Y5bQm8AOQPoFGmRyyaPVB" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3Y5bQm8AOQPoFGmRyyaPVB</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="http://www.marknewman.us/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.marknewman.us/" target="_blank">http://www.marknewman.us/</a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64396842020-09-21T17:39:56-05:002020-09-21T17:39:56-05:00TYLER HUTTON “DIRTHEEL” ALBUM REVIEW - COUNTRY/ROOTS GOLD!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4285f7606df6f4872424b8a919e480129b98aa9b/original/e86c8ce8-4957-4018-b8a0-8f6db3e08448.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TYLER HUTTON </p>
<p><i>DirtHeel</i> </p>
<p>(DirtHeel Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Los Angeles singer-songwriter Tyler Hutton continues his evolution and hits a grand slam along the way with his new album <i>DirtHeel</i>. Hutton followed his country music inspirations this time out and the result is a powerful record that deals in twang, grit, guitars, lyrics, and soul. Call it country, Southern Rock, or American roots music, if you like. It’s a killer set that is Hutton’s finest recorded hour to date as well as a heaping helping of organic, human-made music that cuts through the mountains of plastic, made-to-be-sold tripe that’s been saturating the world for far too long. Hutton brings it all back down to the turf and reminds us that nothing beats real musicians cranking out a project that’s authentic and meaningful to them. </p>
<p>“All By Ourselves” starts the set with a solid roadhouse vibe that supports and defines Hutton’s concept perfectly. The track features an uptempo groove, tight guitar licks, and just enough pop-hook mojo to get it lodged in your ears for days at a time. Hutton is clearly at ease with this sound and setting and lets listeners know quickly what these sessions are all about. “Lovin’ Hate” is a song about resentment, romance, and domestic violence done in a classic 70s country style. Don’t let the mellow groove distract you from Hutton’s lyrics. It could almost pass for a Don Williams tune but Don never touched on topics like this. </p>
<p>“Something To Hold On To” is an emotive rocker with an Allman Brothers’ bent to it that fits well with Tyler’s original pop/rock sensibility. The harmony guitar work is beautifully executed and the vocals are plaintive and entrancing. The song is a great example of the sense of expansiveness that’s crept into Hutton’s songwriting and he wears it well. Other tracks on the Don’t-Miss-List include “The Way Out,” “I Got Scars,” and the closing cut “Funeral.” <i>DirtHeel</i> is a high-water mark for Hutton and shows that he has the skill and creative vision to stand tall and get big. Listen once and you’ll understand.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5K5aXTJ8NV2T3O13DaRnuW?si=f4FESqSuSbqdqpRyebi_kQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5K5aXTJ8NV2T3O13DaRnuW?si=f4FESqSuSbqdqpRyebi_kQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5K5aXTJ8NV2T3O13DaRnuW?si=f4FESqSuSbqdqpRyebi_kQ</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64212922020-08-31T14:37:51-05:002020-08-31T14:37:52-05:00THE HAUNTED NORTH “21 GRAMS” SINGLE REVIEW - INDIE METAL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fd8a30cecec645a9667c81b59df2a7ed2adddaf0/original/4fe5a1a5-64a0-4221-845d-5f98902d73d7.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE HAUNTED NORTH </p>
<p>“21 Grams” </p>
<p>(White Choker Publishing LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Indie metal gods The Haunted North hit hard, smart, and artistically on their new single “21 Grams.” The track has been getting a lot of attention in both the music and gaming worlds and even a single listen makes it easy to understand why. The Haunted North makes rock music that’s cinematic in scope, lyrically brilliant, and heavy as Hell, which is a brutal combination to beat. </p>
<p>The band is known for its unique approach and individual style and “21 Grams” is another outstanding example of how this crew gets it done. Band members Sean Francis (Guitar), Andrew Aubut (Drums), Marty Rubin (Bass) and Randy V. (Lead Vocals) burn hot and pure here and have what it takes to blow minds all over the world. </p>
<p>The song begins with a mellow, emotive guitar intro that soon supports vocalist Randy V’s entrance. His lyrics tell a difficult story about life in the rat race and ask hard questions about finding a better way to live. The band quickly gets heavy but employs arrangement ideas that are far from typical. The chorus is huge and guitarist Francis delivers a burning solo in the middle. The title refers to the supposed weight of a human soul, something the song’s protagonist seems destined to lose. All told, “21 Grams” is a powerful, entrancing effort from one of the best bands in modern rock. Get with this, get loud, and make something happen.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www.TheHauntedNorth.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thehauntednorth.com" target="_blank">www.TheHauntedNorth.com</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VEXA4Krhdr8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VEXA4Krhdr8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VEXA4Krhdr8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64081182020-08-12T16:21:10-05:002020-08-12T16:21:10-05:00ELAINE NOLAN & CARLOW PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY “INNER EXPOSURE” REVIEW - AMBIENT VISUAL MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a342b99f265c0ff7dbdd83da9cb5f36cf5b37c20/original/elaine-nolan-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>ELAINE NOLAN </p>
<p><i>Inner Exposure </i></p>
<p>(Carlow Photographic Society) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Celebrated Irish composer, author, multi-instrumentalist, and all-around Renaissance woman Elaine Nolan has teamed up with the Carlow Photographic Society for a compelling mixed-media long-form work called <i>Inner Exposure</i>. The project features images created by 24 members of the CPS based on the theme “Inner Exposure - The Unsung Song Within” combined with new modern classical/ambient musical pieces by the always-innovative Nolan. The sounds and images are presented as videos that blur the line between the mediums and create an all-encompassing experience that’s nothing short of breathtaking. It’s an impressive showing for all involved and shines a bright light on some of Ireland’s most talented creators. </p>
<p>Elaine Nolan has long been a hidden treasure but her profile is on the rise lately and a great many new fans are currently discovering her brilliance. She excels on piano and cello, writes bravely melodic 21st Century music, and employs electronic elements and production techniques without apology. Her style is often spare and minimalistic but conveys immense amounts of emotion and introspection. She’s also an award-winning author who composes soundtracks for each of her novels but that’s a story for another day. Suffice to say that she’s a fearless creative and one of the most important voices emerging right now in instrumental music. </p>
<p><i>Inner Exposure</i> is available on the CPS website as well as on Nolan’s YouTube channel. The videos are entrancing on all levels and the format of short classical/ambient pieces tied to highly emotive images works swimmingly well as both art and entertainment. Each video features a single photographer’s work set to Nolan’s compositions inspired by said work. It’s a large and ambitious project but is absolutely worth spending some time processing. </p>
<p>The Alphonsus McCarron video that begins the series consists of gorgeous photos of sea and sky and imparts a gentle euphoria to viewers. Nolan’s pieces “Heavenly Moments,” “Peace And Love Are In This Place,” and “Ray Of Light In The Distant Horizon” are as euphoric as the images and create a tranquil state of flow. Nolan’s cello playing is always soul-stirring and her work here is no exception. Joe Rattigan’s photos of a ballet dancer in motion are stunning and artfully done, as are Nolan’s “Crossover,” “Looking Up,” and “Downcast.” </p>
<p>The clip of Ken Hayes’ pictures of 18th Century war reenactments are jarring and immediate, which gives Elaine the opportunity to respond in kind. She uses aggressive percussion sounds and the dissonance they create to raise the tension contained here further and her pieces “Fire,” “Take Aim,” “Charge,” and “Under Heavy Fire” are some of the most commanding in this entire endeavor. Nuala Grogan’s sequence of barbed wire closeups are poignant and stark, which Nolan mirrors with the pieces “Wretched Are The Wires,” “That Prevent Connections, Encounters, and Life,” “That Spinter Vision And Cut Stories Short Of Completion,” and “Break Those Wretched Wires.” The video ends with a soft image of a single feather and a Dali Lama quote that conspire on a soulful resolution. </p>
<p>Every photographer presented here is prodigiously talented and in possession of their own individual vision. You should contemplate and savor all of them and the music they awakened in Nolan. Special notice should go to her collaborations with Regina Fitzgerald, Maria Martin, and Willie McCann as high water marks. <i>Inner Exposure</i> is an outsized artistic success no matter how it’s consumed and it shows Elaine Nolan to be an iconoclastic musician and composer with limitless possibilities in front of her. Experience all of this now.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>INNER EXPOSURE </i>ON THE CARLOW PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.carlowphoto.ie/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.carlowphoto.ie/" target="_blank">https://www.carlowphoto.ie/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="l9p1wRJ5fm8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/l9p1wRJ5fm8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l9p1wRJ5fm8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="A4b0V-t9qHQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/A4b0V-t9qHQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A4b0V-t9qHQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5jK64Q2bv8M" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/5jK64Q2bv8M/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5jK64Q2bv8M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www.ElaineNolan.net" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.elainenolan.net" target="_blank">www.ElaineNolan.net</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/64073802020-08-11T23:42:52-05:002020-08-11T23:42:52-05:00CEO CHINO MARLEY “BLOCC SH*T” AND “SHOOT YO SHOT” MUSIC VIDEOS REVIEWED - ATL HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9876eae20f705f1dd02d98366a410997bf0208d9/original/ee8dba60-9404-4931-9227-3cf681d5fedb.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CEO CHINO MARLEY </p>
<p>“Blocc Sh*t” music video </p>
<p>“Shoot Yo Shot (Feat. Sonta and King Ace)” music video </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>CEO Chino Marley drops a pair of exceptionally well done music videos for his tracks “Blocc Sh*t” and “Shoot Yo Shot” that elevate his music to an elite level. Marley is an Atlanta-based hip hop artist who has toured with Lil Jon, Mike Epps, and Pretty Ricky and was recently declared Southeast Independent Awards’ 2020 Male Hip Hop Artist of the Year. There’s a huge buzz around him and watching these clips makes it easy to understand why. Marley has an outstanding combination of lyricism, realism, and star power within him and it dominates everything he touches. </p>
<p>“Blocc Sh*t” plays out like a hood movie in miniature. It’s bold, dramatic, and daring, depicting the actions of those caught up in that life. It unfolds in chapters, which adds much to its cinematic feel. The track sits on a beat made of big kick drums and rolling trap hats that lets Chino take his bars directly to the house. He hits the mic hard and carries the day with his performance. </p>
<p> “Shoot Yo Shot (Feat. Sonta and King Ace)” is more of a love and romance jam that captures a completely different side of Marley than the first clip. Female vocalist Sonta and fellow rapper King Ace guest on the song and video and help Marley create an engaging vibe that will inspire heat between humans. The video is lighthearted and playful, leaving viewers ready to make a play of their own. This is prime, flirtatious rap at its best and could very well blast off as a hit single. CEO Chino Marley packs the gear needed to become successful in today’s hyper-competitive hip hop scene and deserves some steady rotation in your playlists. Let’s get that going, shall we? You won’t be disappointed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="j5TmOquom3Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/j5TmOquom3Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j5TmOquom3Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BhWhjw7KezU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/BhWhjw7KezU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BhWhjw7KezU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/chinomarley1k/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/chinomarley1k/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/chinomarley1k/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63924692020-07-24T18:11:45-05:002020-07-24T18:11:45-05:00SMALL TOWN JUNKIES “BOMBSHELL” ALBUM REVIEW - INDIE GRUNGE GREATNESS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/25851455feb76a8e900c647bc070c34ce8299a96/original/7ec81d1c-8b0e-4fd2-8bce-5350a96bd63c.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>SMALL TOWN JUNKIES </p>
<p><i>Bombshell</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Underground indie grunge rock wizard Dave Stump and his ongoing project Small Town Junkies take listeners on another journey through their personal world on his recent release <i>Bombshell</i>. Stump is something of a rock and roll purist and still writes gutsy, emotive, and well-crafted songs full of gritty guitars and lyrical angst. His sound is rooted in the Seattle of days gone by but his writing and delivery have both expanded consistently on each new record he has put out. <i>Bombshell</i> shows his songwriting truly coming into its own, combining tight grooves, big melodies, and inventive and meaningful lyrics into a song cycle that proves Stump should be a lot more famous than he is. </p>
<p>“Gone Are The Days” opens the record with a driving lament delivered from the far side of the generation gap. It’s a great, crunchy rock song with lyrics that directly ask Gen Z what it takes to relate to them and criticize the non-stop consumption of the modern world. He admits to being an aging guitar guy with rhythm, soul, and an underperforming old Pentium processor but sings and plays with enough sand that his sarcasm is obvious. Guitarist Mike Durham, drummer Dorian Crozier, and bassist Lee Hendricks round out the band and back Stump with the kind of non-ironic zeal that demonstrates the happy fact that rock and roll is very much alive. </p>
<p>“Time Is A Hurricane” again deals with the passage of time and the eternal human wish of being 17 forever. It’s the story of someone who has been through his wild times, settled down, and learned firsthand why “they all sing about glory days.” The track’s mid-tempo jangle lets Stump’s lyrics lead the parade and articulate his world-weary message. </p>
<p>The title track, “Bombshell,” is a heartfelt hard rock love song with a heavy beat, a huge chorus, and some cool Hendrix-y swirling guitar work. The titular woman described here sounds like a handful but one that’s more than worth the effort. “Paranoia Grove” is a tough-toned song about an intense mental health crisis that rocks hard but maintains a somber lyrical sensibility. Other tracks of interest on Bombshell include “My Distressor,” “As I Lay Here Dyin,” and remixes of “Gone Are The Days” and “Bombshell.” Small Town Junkies is one of the USA’s finest indie rock bands and Dave Stump is a seemingly endless source of great songs. Do yourself a solid and listen to <i>Bombshell</i> non-stop for the rest of the year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://smalltownjunkies.bandcamp.com/album/bombshell-2" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://smalltownjunkies.bandcamp.com/album/bombshell-2" target="_blank">https://smalltownjunkies.bandcamp.com/album/bombshell-2</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63912132020-07-23T15:54:34-05:002020-07-23T15:54:34-05:00PHOEBE O’GRADY: TOUGH-TALKING IRISH POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/876073d6a3ba19dfb5d5b4c4244ec2bc8e742c44/original/337f6194-2279-4a96-933d-c6e3525dcc7d.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Phoebe O’Grady is a young, exciting, and outspoken vocalist currently emerging from Ireland whose music combines classic pop architecture with direct, often confrontational lyrics. Her debut single, “When You Were the Apple,” is a brilliant piece of melodic, radio-worthy pop with a hard and explicit lyrical approach that pulls no punches. Just 22 years old, O’Grady has an artistic fearlessness uncommon for her age and clearly revels in her authenticity. Her single drops August 7th, 2020 on the Big Blue Ball label and is expected to bring a lot of attention her way. Phoebe was gracious enough to jet on over to the Mike O’Cull Music company headquarters a while back and gets us all caught up on what she’s doing. Here’s the best of our conversation. </p>
<p><b>You have your debut single “When You Were the Apple” coming out soon. Tell me all about it! </b></p>
<p>It’s about one of those relationships that just go on and on to nowhere. Then one day the reality sinks in and one of the partners snaps. Life is too short to be anything but feeling good......and too many people seem to just stick in relationships (even dangerous, destructive ones) because they’ve got used to it. I say to hell with that. If it’s not right, move on. Relationships, job, friends, home life. Don’t stand for something that isn’t making you feel better and be healthier. </p>
<p><b>You use much harsher language in the song compared to most pop singers, which is refreshingly real. Do you feel that’s a risky decision or a blast of personal authenticity? </b></p>
<p>It’s just me. I was born and raised in a part of Ireland where it’s just normal conversation. I’ve always been amused by how people get offended by these words. Especially when you have a telly program that is full of violence and then they “bleep out” the “naughty words!” We need to get over it! </p>
<p>In the song, it’s appropriate. The person in the relationship can’t stand the lies anymore....their partner just talks crap and expects them to believe it. So they snap, tell them what they think and get out. So probably more authenticity than being risky and certainly not being sensationalist. </p>
<p><b>How did you get started in music? </b></p>
<p>Used to sing and play in church choirs and garage bands. Ever since I was young I’ve always been in awe of people that make great music. They were my heroes. Music that can take you somewhere else. Put you in a story and make you believe it. I love it and I love to be surrounded by it. So I suppose it was always likely I would record something at some point...... </p>
<p><b>Who or what inspires you to be a recording artist? </b></p>
<p>Just an absolute love of music and a fascination with what you can do when you are with talented people in a studio. It’s a beautiful form of art. </p>
<p><b>Has the pandemic had any impact on your music? </b></p>
<p>Probably made it more downbeat. Maybe a little darker? Certainly like everyone it’s been a challenge to live with the massive changes to life almost overnight. Thankfully we still have amazing doctors and nurses to help us through this. In Ireland, I think our Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and government have done a good job of getting things under control and reducing deaths. Very grateful. </p>
<p><b>Do you have a message to communicate with your songs? </b></p>
<p>I write based on what I am feeling, in the hope that I can connect with those who feel the same. It’s probably naive and less business-minded than music is these days, but it’s all I know to do. </p>
<p><b>What have you been listening to lately? </b></p>
<p>I’ve been obsessing about a California artist called Moxi. I always have Thin Lizzy somewhere nearby. And I just love Alessia Cara at the moment. My music taste is as eclectic as my personality. So work that one out! </p>
<p><b>What comes next for you? </b></p>
<p>Well, I’ve recorded a couple of other songs during lockdown. One is a jazzy pop type track that is probably best for albums and live. Then I recorded one that could be a bit of a big ballad. So hoping to release them at some point. In the meantime, I’m just hoping someone out there listens to and likes WYWTA when it’s out on August 7!</p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63862232020-07-17T00:29:05-05:002020-07-17T00:29:05-05:00KYLE OASHU “I JUST WANT TO SEE THE SUN AGAIN” ALBUM REVIEW: HIP HOP AND SELF-DISCOVERY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/36097c2fdb2629dc9b0f99029c6b87161fbdea4a/original/4231905a-3a8e-4697-ab2a-76cc5ad633ac.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>KYLE OASHU </p>
<p><i>I Just Want to See the Sun Again </i></p>
<p>(Undefined Paradise) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Hip hop artist Kyle Oashu spits enlightened bars detailing his journey towards self-discovery and love on his new release <i>I Just Want to See the Sun Again</i>, which is available now on all streaming platforms. Though it only contains six tracks, the record is an intricate and intelligent chronicle of Oashu adapting to our ever-changing world. His style is far from typical and shows Oashu to be an articulate and thoughtful writer who trades in genuine human emotions rather than street bravado. </p>
<p>From the opening cut “Nimbus,” Kyle is funky and wise. He delivers introspective flows that are genuine and memorable. The production is atmospheric, even when beat-driven, and this excellent use of space does a lot to enhance his rhymes. “My Grandma Lives In Heaven” is hard-edged, personal, and progressive, telling the story of a forsaken killer who admits he’s been his own undoing. It’s a subtle yet cutting-edge track that shows how much artistry hip hop remains capable of. All six songs deserve some love but be sure to appreciate “Glasswinds” and “Pretty Little Monster.” Kyle Oashu is a unique and vital presence on the US rap scene and <i>I Just Want to See the Sun Again</i> proves he’s deserving of a major come-up.<br> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/52LCifdwdLHrskOKbJmuNT" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/52LCifdwdLHrskOKbJmuNT" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/52LCifdwdLHrskOKbJmuNT</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/kyleoashu/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/kyleoashu/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kyleoashu/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63861222020-07-16T18:28:05-05:002020-07-16T18:28:05-05:00BLACC CUZZ GETS “RUSH” FOR THE MONEY - TRAP RAP GREATNESS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f04eeb825c3dde039a0d8b683b2b164b434dbf03/original/38c02f02-6766-4f61-80fe-18d56ec3841d.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Blacc Cuzz is hitting the streets and sending out another single that is on fire. “Rush” explains the high that he gets for the money and how he gets a rush when it is in front of him. This is just another awesome beat from the master rap artist Blacc Cuzz. In his last two hit singles, “Commonwealth” and “Turn on Me” he shared stories of his life in the streets and the things he had to do to obtain this great wealth. At the risk of his own life and freedom, Blacc Cuzz is no stranger to life on the streets. He has been slinging bricks since he was 16 and has seen violence, death, and prison as constant companions. Emerging through struggles that would have broken or killed lesser men Blacc has risen to the top of the pack. Now when surrounded by money he painstakingly gained through his hard work he gets that “Rush.” His new single is the perfect representation of how one feels when looking over the empire they have created. </p>
<p><br><b>Life on the Streets </b></p>
<p><br>If you are tired of hearing lacklustre beats with lyrics that fall short from some phony ass rappers that like to pretend, then look to Blacc Cuzz. He is the real deal and as real as they come, Blacc comes from the mean streets of Lincoln Ave hood in Pittsburgh, PA. He is fully aware of life on the streets and has seen his share of drug dealing and the violence that comes with it. His mission is to become the “new voice of the streets” and replace all the fake rappers who seem to litter the industry these days. Blacc Cuzz uses his true to life experience as a warrior of the streets to craft some truly compelling and mesmerizing hypnotic rap trap beats. Throw in lyrics that are masterfully crafted using real-world experiences and you have a recipe for success. If you are looking for a sick rap artist that actually has the balls to back up his rhymes then look no further than Blacc Cuzz. He is sure to please the most discerning of trap rap fans. </p>
<p><br><b>Masterful Music </b></p>
<p><br>For some of the sickest and best beats in the entire music industry, you need to listen to Blacc Cuzz. By using his real-life experience, he was able to create some true hit singles such as “Commonwealth,” “All on Me,” “I’m Rich,” “Thug Cry,” and “Turn on Me.” These hit songs are winning over the hearts and minds of true rap fans who crave a beat that has an authenticity to it. “Rush” is the next hot beat to hit the streets, describing the high that Blacc Cuzz gets when he is in front of his money. If you are looking for the best in the industry then be sure to check out Blacc Cuzz brought to you from Dream Big Empire. This expert artist is sure to reignite your faith in the rap game and get you crossfaded long into the night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fo9zlUlyCXk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fo9zlUlyCXk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fo9zlUlyCXk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.blacccuzzdbe.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.blacccuzzdbe.com/" target="_blank">https://www.blacccuzzdbe.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63854612020-07-14T20:45:21-05:002020-07-14T20:45:21-05:00CODY PATRICK OF ASYLUM RECORDS: NEXT-LEVEL MARKETING AND A&R!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/82cfeca636649353dbc432a285f5840e3a37f337/original/fea37475-9c01-4c5e-be9c-1454e0ffd8f4.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>Cody Patrick is a music industry pro who has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and pop, including Future, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, T-Pain, and more. He’s well-known for his skills in digital marketing, promotion, and video production and owns Organic Music Marketing, an exclusive agency with an outstanding track record. Recently, Patrick was hired by Asylum Records to be part of its A&R team and use his expertise to identify and develop a new generation of stars. He was gracious enough to stop by the Mike O’Cull Music company HQ to chat about his new job, what he does, and how he got there. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation. </p>
<p><b>Tell me about your new position at Asylum Records. </b></p>
<p>I was recently hired by Asylum Records as part of their A&R team. My main role is to research and discover new artists for potential signing. I also help with administrative work such as organizing audio files for release, gathering producer agreements, and oversight of the recording process. </p>
<p><strong>What do you feel you bring to the scene at Asylum? </strong></p>
<p>I believe I am bringing a fresh ear/eye to the scene at Asylum. I’ve always been able to recognize talent early and I believe I have a true ear for hit records. When I listen to a record, I always think from the perspective of the consumer and leave my personal thoughts behind. I do not let my personal taste determine whether or not a record is good. Even if I do not personally like an artist, I can still tell if the artist has potential to succeed. </p>
<p><b>What’s your background in the music industry? </b></p>
<p>My career in the music industry dates all the way back to my late high school years (2006) when I started out managing urban indie artists and funding some of their hopes and dreams. During that time, I struggled to find any companies that offered legit music marketing services that were accessible for indie artists. I encountered so many companies that were ultimately offering empty dreams, false promises, and some even delivered fake results. Some of these companies / PR agencies weren’t even listening to the records before taking on clients! </p>
<p>After wasting a ton of funds working with just about every music promotion company available to indies that I could find, I realized that I would be better off taking on the marketing campaigns myself. After a ton of trial and error, reading, creating my own unique methods, and studying what the major record labels and rising artists were doing, I was able to personally run my own campaigns that delivered real and drastically better results for my artists than the companies we had hired in the past. After I had some success stories with my own artists, I realized I could use the same methods for other artists and my company, Organic Music Marketing, was born. After working hundreds of digital campaigns of all sizes and types, I learned how to maximize pretty much any size marketing/promo budget for any artist in any genre. </p>
<p>I have also had a lot of experience as a music video producer with one of Atlanta’s most prestigious production companies, Resolve Media Group. We have directed and produced some of the largest music videos to date such as “Bad and Boujee” by the Migos, “Broccoli” by DRAM, “Sassy” by Rapsody, and, most recently, “Jefe” by TI and Meek Mill. Over the years we have worked with practically every major record label and artist, including Future, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, T-Pain, YFN Lucci, Cyhi The Prynce, Mac Miller, Dreezy, and many more. </p>
<p>I believe my well-rounded experience in the game is one of the reasons I am given so many opportunities to work with some of the biggest artists in the world. There are not many elements of the industry that I am not tapped in to. </p>
<p><b>What sets you apart from the other people in the business? </b></p>
<p>I am able to analyze statistics for an artist in a very unique way because of my digital marketing background. I can easily distinguish fake numbers from the real. Being able to combine my marketing knowledge with my eye and ear for talent definitely sets me apart from other A&Rs in the industry. I can also communicate well with artists as I got my start working in management. I also have so much experience in almost every part of the business. I have done everything from artist management, music video production, promotion, and now A&R. </p>
<p><b>What genres do you work with? </b></p>
<p>Hip-hop and pop. </p>
<p><b>What have been your biggest successes to date? </b></p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can’t really discuss most of these due to non-disclosure agreements. However, I would say gaining the position at Asylum is the most successful thing career-wise. </p>
<p><b>Who do you listen to away from work? </b></p>
<p>I always find myself listening to the artists that I work with almost all the time. However, outside of work, I usually listen to old hits from the 2000’s and some of the records that are in the Top 100. I pretty much am always listening to some sort of music, no matter what I am doing. </p>
<p><b>What’s the best part of what you do? </b></p>
<p>The best part of doing what I do is that I have a career that I am passionate about. I have always known I wanted to have a career in the music industry since I was 16 years old. It took many years of trial and error, sweat, and work to ultimately reach success in this game. It was not easy and it feels great to finally be at a point where I feel like I have a long-lasting position in the music industry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="http://www.instagram.com/ceocodypatrick" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.instagram.com/ceocodypatrick" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/ceocodypatrick</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>ASYLUM RECORDS:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.asylumrecords.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.asylumrecords.com/" target="_blank">http://www.asylumrecords.com/</a></b><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/984082da29cdc6797bf2930229dc562ef8cd6aa9/original/9b9b2f59-ccc6-4d5d-8b36-f50290804bb0.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63794162020-07-07T23:00:33-05:002020-07-07T23:02:15-05:00ECHOGLASS “ONE BREATH FROM DEATH” SINGLE - BRITISH INDIE POP STARS IN WAITING!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/50919c77a0a1ee198a79b69ef865789fa7af6b52/original/4784c3a4-90a5-4b1c-9937-3af144efb18b.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ECHOGLASS </p>
<p>“One Breath From Death” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>The Northwest of England’s Echoglass continues its climb to indie pop greatness with a brand new single and music video, “One Breath From Death,” that will be released on July 16th, 2020. Working from Blackburn, Lancashire, the group has forged a continually evolving British pop sound that has its roots in its region’s defining artists, a list that would include Ian Curtis, The Beatles, Oasis, and Morrissey, but also explodes into its own original space in the modern era. “One Breath From Death” proves yet again that Echoglass is playing in the same league as its influences and packs the skills and sensibilities needed to become a breakout success. </p>
<p>Echoglass members D.A. McKenna, Remmy, and Bo have been together since 2016, when they first bonded over a shared love of music, fine dining, alcohol, and fashion. In that time, the three have found a loyal audience for the pop/shoegaze/indie stylings and have racked up hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify and YouTube. “One Breath From Death” will undoubtedly raise those numbers quite a bit. It’s a mid-tempo track with an insistent beat, smooth low-toned vocals, and a darkly melodic vibe that’s timeless and irresistible. Smoky, mysterious, and alluring, it’s quite possibly the finest Echoglass offering to date and balances perfectly between indie darkness and hit-single accessibility. </p>
<p>The track’s arrangement and production are both strategically minimal, which is a refreshing approach that keeps the listener 's attention squarely on McKenna’s compelling baritone voice and lyrics. Bass, drums, and synth pads do most of the heavy lifting and are brilliantly captured. It’s really an incredible cut that delivers proper post-punk angst coupled with an almost Bowie-esque radio friendliness, which should make for an unbeatable combination. In any case, Echoglass clearly needs to be included in all discussions of U.K. up-and-comers and is expanding its artistry before us all in real time. Fans of emotive and exquisitely intelligent pop/rock are going to absolutely flip for this one.<br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>VIDEO PREMIERE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="sXopR3iJNgI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/sXopR3iJNgI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sXopR3iJNgI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63715852020-06-30T16:06:40-05:002020-06-30T16:06:40-05:00KEMPER GRANT “JUNGLE” ALBUM REVIEW - VISIONARY SOUL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/17c3e478d755a8efe6ff6e81c1888015e55f95f5/original/3e262971-063c-4b16-ab77-911362be878a.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KEMPER GRANT </p>
<p><i>Jungle</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Kemper Grant comes at the rap game straight out of Oklahoma on his debut release <i>Jungle</i>. Grant is a multi-dimensional artist with an immediately obvious lyrical talent and a style that encompasses everything from smooth modern hip hop to vintage 1980s disco. <i>Jungle</i> displays Grant’s winning combination of 21st Century skills and the musical passion of the Old Masters, a team-up that puts him light years ahead of most of his peers. Mostly self-produced, <i>Jungle</i> positions Grant as a new visionary voice in the world of rap/soul/R&B music with a bright future just over the horizon. </p>
<p><i>Jungle</i> opens with the chilled-out funk of “All Day All Night,” a vibe-driven track with a spacious beat and a featured appearance by Young Polo. It’s mellow but motivating and sounds the way a perfect summer night feels. “Blind” is another rap/soul hybrid that brings us Grant making magic with guest vocalist Emily Auer. The song is a hit waiting to happen and has to be heard by everyone who loves the smooth stuff. “Electra” drives harder and introduces a more overt EDM production style to this set. “Round-A-Bout” is a sweet piece of neo-soul that lets Grant move in yet another creative direction. <i>Jungle</i> is right on target from beginning to end and will help Kemper Grant quickly make a name for himself. If I were you, I’d get in on this one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/425nkDkYclpJXIRCjSPAjc" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/425nkDkYclpJXIRCjSPAjc" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/425nkDkYclpJXIRCjSPAjc</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/kempergrxnt/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/kempergrxnt/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kempergrxnt/?hl=en</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63701712020-06-29T12:57:52-05:002020-06-29T12:57:52-05:00JASON BIYO “N.U.M.B.” EP REVIEW - SMOOTH MODERN SOUL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/65c50ac96c36ecfca7cd70f847600465bbce86bc/original/ca7baffa-4c22-4a0f-9064-0c8eb8587da2.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JASON BIYO </p>
<p><i>N.U.M.B. </i></p>
<p>(BiYou Music) </p>
<p>By Mike O”Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rising soul/R&B vocalist Jason Biyo makes strong statements of talent and intention on his debut EP <i>N.U.M.B.</i> (Never Underestimate Mr. Biyo), which is now available on all major streaming platforms. Biyo produced all seven tracks here himself and does an excellent job of building his own personal style on top of a base of strong contemporary R&B. He has a smooth vocal tone that fits his material very well but never oversings or pushes these songs too hard. </p>
<p>Biyo opens the E.P. with “No Ghosts (Down),” an understated vocal showcase about being ready for a stable relationship with one particular someone. Biyo immediately takes flight here, hitting the track with genuine emotion and style. “Hey Gorgeous” is a funky late-night sort of cut built around a fat, phased-out electric piano and features a guest appearance from female vocalist Emmillienne. It’s rhythmic, sensual, and evokes the fiery chemistry of mutual attraction. The title song, “Numb,” is also a winner and aims a spotlight on Biyo’s vocal chops and dynamic range. Be sure to also spin “Fall For You” and “Hands.” Jason Biyo is a large talent and fans of sweet modern soul should get used to hearing his name. He is absolutely ready for a big breakout year. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3vfi3mpFZEVmaZi9w24zVL" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3vfi3mpFZEVmaZi9w24zVL" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3vfi3mpFZEVmaZi9w24zVL</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/thejasonbiyo/?igshid=4ctkp2zr05yd" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/thejasonbiyo/?igshid=4ctkp2zr05yd" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thejasonbiyo/?igshid=4ctkp2zr05yd</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63699892020-06-29T10:04:59-05:002020-06-29T10:04:59-05:00PAUL OSKA “SO LONG, MY LONELY GHOST” EP REVIEW - DARK UK FOLK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a21ade59de4ab2f394cb3135c1c069bf53e88ec3/original/b3470686-2bce-4a1c-b7c6-72b4fe4d0703.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>PAUL OSKA </p>
<p><i>So Long, My Lonely Ghost </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Paul Oska is an acoustic singer-songwriter from the UK with a dark folk style that is on full display on his new EP <i>So Long, My Lonely Ghost</i>. The set was released on June 22nd, 2020 on Bandcamp and Soundcloud and will drop everywhere else on July 1st. This new five-song effort is Oska’s first new output in eight years following his previous releases <i>Urban Hermit</i> (2012) and <i>I Think I'm Dead</i> (2007). Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Andy Ross at Astar Studios in Manchester, UK, the EP is full of a constant, brooding energy that borders on the supernatural and a muted intensity that shows listeners that one needn’t scream to command their attention. </p>
<p>The record features a small, capable studio band that includes Oska on vocals and acoustic guitar, Claire Victoria Roberts on violin, Margit van der Zwan on cello, Ed Harrison on double bass, and Bruce Renshaw on drums. The group does fine work supporting Paul and his songs and exhibits that rare ability to get inside of delicate tracks and express them without becoming overbearing. Songs like the opening cut “The Gathering” trade on melancholy sentiments and spacious arrangements that allow Oska’s melodies and lyrics to hold center stage and work their somber magic. </p>
<p>The titular song, “So Long, My Lonely Ghost,” is quiet, abstract, and entrancing. Oska is superb at working in this abbreviated, hushed style of modern folk music and compels those listening to draw ever closer to absorb his topics and poetry. Other important songs here include “Smother” and “Long Lives Are Lost” but, as this is a short release, fans will want to listen to it all in one session and explore Oska’s musical world as deeply as they can. <i>So Long, My Lonely Ghost</i> is an excellent set of new music from a songwriter who deserves a much larger audience of devotees seeking music written on genuine human emotions. Don’t let this record slip by you. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://pauloska.bandcamp.com/album/so-long-my-lonely-ghost" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://pauloska.bandcamp.com/album/so-long-my-lonely-ghost" target="_blank">https://pauloska.bandcamp.com/album/so-long-my-lonely-ghost</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.pauloska.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.pauloska.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pauloska.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63654002020-06-24T18:43:50-05:002020-06-24T18:43:50-05:00THE PROF. FUZZ 63 “OWLS” ALBUM REVIEW - WARPED SURF/GARAGE ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/eac16f3a862f2737f575b0311c209d22e32f4c6e/original/d1617999-b999-48a2-a34c-7b9d00434405.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE PROF. FUZZ 63 </p>
<p><i>Owls</i> </p>
<p>(Sister Raygun Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Dallas’ own avant-garage/surf rock juggernaut The Prof. Fuzz 63 taps into everything that makes rock and roll cool, dirty, and worth living for on its brand new album <i>Owls</i>. Released June 15th, 2020 via Sister Raygun Records, the record is a journey through an entirely new dimension of glorious lo-fi garage rock filled to the brim with fuzz tones and reverb. The band brings us face-to-face with a dope-dealing soccer mom who used to be a punk, an unlikeable owl, and other insane characters over the course of the set, all held up by pounding drums, gritty guitars, and grinding organs. The group also filters covers by Tom Waits and Flipper through its mechanism with equally positive results. </p>
<p>Together since 2014, The Prof.Fuzz 63 are songwriter/vocalist/guitar-owner Professor Fuzz, organist/vocalist Sleepy Redhead, and their love-child drummer Mr. B. They’ve forged a solid reputation by playing more than 200 shows throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, touring Middle America, and putting out three full-length albums and an EP on Dreamy Life Records. The band inhabits a unique and peculiar musical world that’s dissonant, warped, and an incredible amount of fun for like-minded young moderns. Tracks like the opener, “Owls,” rock hard and weird and could draw comparisons to Wall of Voodoo, The Cramps, and The Ramones. </p>
<p>“Sheena Is A Soccer Mom” follows the story arc of The Ramones’ legendary Sheena through punk, a goth phase, and marrying a tax attorney from the suburbs. Now, she drives a minivan and deals Adderall to the other moms in the neighborhood. She’s normal and boring now but at least we know where she ended up. This kind of high-concept surf punk seems to be the band’s stock in trade and will appeal to all those who like it rough, real, and all freaked-out. All eight songs here are well worth your time but be sure to listen all the way to the end to catch The Prof. Fuzz 63’s raging cover of Tom Waits’ “Goin’ Out West.” <i>Owls</i> is a killer dispatch from the true American underground and rock fans everywhere will absolutely want to get loud with it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5ip0VdlAJIhNi7cAvHYots?si=QQcon4WGRI6XYYvGkKH_7w" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5ip0VdlAJIhNi7cAvHYots?si=QQcon4WGRI6XYYvGkKH_7w" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5ip0VdlAJIhNi7cAvHYots?si=QQcon4WGRI6XYYvGkKH_7w</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://pf63.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://pf63.net/" target="_blank">https://pf63.net/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://m.facebook.com/prof.fuzz63/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.facebook.com/prof.fuzz63/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/prof.fuzz63/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63625742020-06-22T15:49:53-05:002020-06-24T10:52:50-05:00LIGHTBODY SOUND “LIGHTBODY SOUND” ALBUM REVIEW - NOW AGE FOLKTRONICA!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/40ba924e2ff8ff5ba75f77277d1c75ff2bdc9363/original/88b888b3-2b7a-4b80-bb59-4f568367c052.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LIGHTBODY SOUND </p>
<p><i>LightBody Sound </i></p>
<p>(Lightstone Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Virginia-based duo LightBody Sound is an original synthwave/folktronica/dream pop outfit made up of married couple Elizabeth and Chris Knudson. The pair have a new record, the self-titled <i>LightBody Sound</i>, that shows them to be a potent and talented combination with their gaze fixed on artistry and originality. Their style definitely leans to the left of the dial and the Knudsons appear to create fearlessly, eagerly shifting gears and stacking influences into something that belongs solely to them. It’s the sort of music that can awaken and heal your soul. <i>LightBody Sound</i> is built around the ideas of synth pop, male and female lead vocals, new age thought, and plant medicine. The two artists have much creative power together and make hypnotic, unforgettable music. </p>
<p>From the opening instrumental, “Unity Song,” and on forward, it’s impossible to guess what’s around each new bar line. Elizabeth and Chris trade off vocals, easily shift from one danceable feel to another, use spoken words, and share their messages with the authenticity of true believers. Tracks like “Ascension Zone,” “Dream of Love,” and “Americronica” are deep and compelling to the point that simply calling them “synth pop” does them a disservice. The songs rise above the sum of their parts and lead listeners down roads they’ve never experienced before. Fans equally in love with ideas, lyrics, and music will be drawn inside them and won’t want to leave. LightBody Sound is making the kind of intelligent, spiritual art our world needs, now and always. Don’t sleep on this record. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/60cCXScST9yMGgPLeJT7dB" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/60cCXScST9yMGgPLeJT7dB" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/60cCXScST9yMGgPLeJT7dB</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://lightbodysound.bandcamp.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lightbodysound.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">https://lightbodysound.bandcamp.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63622522020-06-22T11:45:36-05:002020-06-22T11:46:38-05:00TANTRIX “FUTURE NOW” EP REVIEW - POP/ROCK MASTERS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/86feb7402a4fe9ae56e0cdce9290e63990ae6ade/original/39b24af1-0d1d-492b-b707-d0fd5e3555a6.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TANTRIX </p>
<p><i>Future Now</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Pop/alternative duo Tantrix is an amazing, multi-faceted act based in Toronto that’s been making music since 2016. The group’s new EP, <i>Future Now</i>, is a brief-but-mighty effort packed to bursting with outstanding performances of well-conceived pop/rock tracks with a strong 80s influence. Tantrix members Matt Mio (drums, backing vocals) and Eddie Silver (guitar, lead vocals) are clearly masters of this kind of playing and songwriting and lay down one perfect track after another on <i>Future Now</i>. The pair has already had radio play on more than 65 CFNJ-reporting radio stations across North America and secured sync contracts with major television networks such as A&E, MTV, Discovery, OWN, and Netflix, which is proof positive of the high-level skills both musicians possess. </p>
<p>The first song, “You’ve Got A Way,” is upbeat and rocking with a soaring chorus and some sweet, jangling guitar parts. Eddie Silver has a great, expressive voice that captures listeners’ attention straight away. He knows when to push and when to pull back and, in another era, would be playing stadiums. Matt Mio is pure power on the drums and his feel here supports all the rest of the things Tantrix does well. “We Become One” is a mid-tempo downshift with a wonderful vintage-inspired vibe and a lot of tight, clean-toned guitar. </p>
<p>“Cold Heart” continues the clean guitar theme inside a somber arrangement that doubles down on the song’s alienated lyrics. It’s still got that pop pump to it, however, so you won’t get too sad. The closing track, simply called “Blues Song,” is a fun reworking of the blues/rock sound that is actually one of the best moments on the EP. Silver delivers his hottest playing of this set and leaves you wanting to know a whole lot more about this talented twosome. Fans of killer guitar pop need to spin Tantrix at once and discover their new favorite band. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2sV6nry362H69YENJysxDj?si=vQzKCfSLRSOfKJPBMYzDSA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2sV6nry362H69YENJysxDj?si=vQzKCfSLRSOfKJPBMYzDSA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2sV6nry362H69YENJysxDj?si=vQzKCfSLRSOfKJPBMYzDSA</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/TantrixTheBand/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/TantrixTheBand/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/TantrixTheBand/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63621432020-06-22T10:14:01-05:002020-06-22T10:14:01-05:00INNER CIRCLE AVENUE “GLASS GALAXY” ALBUM REVIEW - ALT/POP GOLD!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/330bf57e12c7358aebac3d476e657bd0376a23f4/original/7bb49410-11fb-482a-acb0-2c1bae8f3855.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>INNER CIRCLE AVENUE </p>
<p><i>Glass Galaxy</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Inner Circle Avenue is an alternative/pop/rock group from Michigan with a crunchy, melodic sound that’s proudly displayed all across the band’s recent album <i>Glass Galaxy</i>. Composed of three siblings who are each classically-trained multi-instrumentalists, the band creates smooth-yet-punchy radio rock full of big vocals and indelible hooks. ICA has already received significant airplay in the USA and one blast through <i>Glass Galaxy</i> makes it easy to understand why. Guitarist/vocalist Logan Alexander, bassist/vocalist Eric Alexander, and drummer/vocalist Allison Alexander are an outstanding unit on all levels and show the kind of promise upon which long careers are built. </p>
<p>“Until Now” opens the record with a driving rock groove and a huge chorus hook. This is the type of song that quickly catches fire with fans of outstanding contemporary pop/rock and is a fine introduction to the band’s world. One listen and you’ll be singing along. It’s all power and precision, right down to the internal keyboard figure that’s an instant earworm. “Ember Eyes” is a brooding rocker that raises the energy even higher and features a cool, angular guitar figure that’s hard to forget. </p>
<p>“The New Trend” is timeless guitar rock with a bit of Green Day to it, a sound that ICA wears quite well. The title track, “Glass Galaxy,” is quirky, cool, and never lets off the gas pedal. The synth work is especially tasty and helps make this one fly high. All 12 songs on the record are on target and deserve some of your listening time. Be sure not to miss deep cuts like “Unopened Letters,” “Counting Stones,” and “Paramour.” Inner Circle Avenue has crafted a winner with <i>Glass Galaxy</i> and the smart money will want to bet on hearing these tracks on radios around the planet sooner rather than later. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7fyFo1pTakIIV99qqFFBVF?si=fIYOsd6wSECtqKYtETz4LQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7fyFo1pTakIIV99qqFFBVF?si=fIYOsd6wSECtqKYtETz4LQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7fyFo1pTakIIV99qqFFBVF?si=fIYOsd6wSECtqKYtETz4LQ</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/InnerCircleAvenue/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/InnerCircleAvenue/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/InnerCircleAvenue/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63542782020-06-15T15:54:53-05:002020-06-15T15:54:53-05:00CAPO CORLEONE & B. GULLIE “HAWALLYWOOD” EP REVIEW - WEST COAST HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4cd2b6fe9419e4f7a51fcf569ec726b0befbbfc3/original/dc8117e6-638a-47a8-94f3-90cab6cc470e.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CAPO CORLEONE & B. GULLIE </p>
<p><i>Hawallywood</i> </p>
<p>(C2 Management) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p><i>Hawallywood</i> is another epic collaboration between hip hop artists Capo Corleone and B. Gullie, a powerful pair with a lot to say. The new EP follows the success of their last two singles, “Paid” and “Don’t Play,” and also contains both tracks. The title of the record references both men’s time in the San Francisco group The Hawals and Capo Corleone’s decision to move the group’s operations to Hollywood. As such, it pays respect to their shared past and to their new home base. The record is a focused, articulate, and well-produced blast of West Coast rap that lights up speakers just as you’d expect it to and shows Capo Corleone and B. Gullie as ever-evolving creative partners. </p>
<p>“Don’t Play” opens the set with a heavy trap-ish beat that sets a menacing vibe. The cut is a bare-knuckle banger that lets both artists stand tall right from the jump. Capo and B. are slick, capable lyricists who have sharpened their language to a point. They never show us weak bars or a dummy line and command the listener's attention. </p>
<p> “Changes” is full of simmering intensity and features a nimble bass line in addition to Capo and B. spitting street lightning. “Paid” is strong and motivating, capturing both men at their peak on the microphone. It’s funky, captivating, and needs to be heard. Other vital moments here include “Lighthouse” and “Howl.” <i>Hawallywood</i> is a triumphant record from front to back and definitely packs the gear to launch Capo Corleone and B. Gullie into the stratosphere. The whole world is going to jam to this one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2w5wVA0oaL9UwezKzacXpz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2w5wVA0oaL9UwezKzacXpz" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2w5wVA0oaL9UwezKzacXpz</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/bigcapeezy/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/bigcapeezy/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/bigcapeezy/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63456362020-06-07T17:15:05-05:002020-06-07T17:15:05-05:00THE MERRY JAYNZ “A PRETTY GOOD RUN” SINGLE REVIEW : FUNKY SOCIAL COMMENTARY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/82d7c894e4d6fae222eecdd1fd3f93cc728c0419/original/f7ccb0fe-53ae-4630-81c9-5ebaa2e23a54.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE MERRY JAYNZ </p>
<p>“A Pretty Good Run” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Underground swamp rockers The Merry Jaynz expands its body of work with a new single, “A Pretty Good Run,” that’ll be released June 30th, 2020 on all streaming platforms. The track is taken from the group’s upcoming album <i>Flying Fall</i> that’ll greet the world later this year. “A Pretty Good Run” is a laid-back stoner funk jam with a sky-high groove and a whole lot of tasty guitar and bass work from TMJ’s resident multi-instrumentalist/visionary/guru Tom Smith. Smith is well-known in the indie scene and has raised roofs and blown minds in New York City, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Memphis, Asheville, and the Bay Area. </p>
<p>“A Pretty Good Run” is a social commentary cut that blends the funky side of the Dead with the darkly sarcastic wit of Frank Zappa. The musical components of it are warm and inviting and make it easy to get hypnotized by the beat the first time you spin it. Closer listening, however, reveals Smith’s true message. “The words deal with how the U.S. has been gutted like a fish,” he elaborates, “It uses the imagery of a murder having been perpetrated against Lady Liberty and hints at the likey suspect in not-so-subtle terms. The song was written because the words resonate with my opinions about current events. We're releasing it because we think a lot of people share those feelings and opinions.” </p>
<p>Subtle yet potent, “A Pretty Good Run” is definitely worth a listen for any Left-leaning, long-haired, freaky people looking for some chilled-out funk with lyrics of substance. Smith and the rest of The Merry Jaynz are one of the coolest crews operating below the mainstream industry radar right now and use that freedom from corporate expectations to fully express their grooves and views. This is righteous indie music that fits 2020 like a latex glove. Be sure to add it into your summer playlist rotation. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/themerryjaynz/pretty-good-run" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/themerryjaynz/pretty-good-run" target="_blank">https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/themerryjaynz/pretty-good-run</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://themerryjaynz.com/pretty-good-run" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://themerryjaynz.com/pretty-good-run" target="_blank">https://themerryjaynz.com/pretty-good-run</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>THE MAKING OF “A PRETTY GOOD RUN:”</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YcYhW9I1lMI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YcYhW9I1lMI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YcYhW9I1lMI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63414922020-06-03T22:05:12-05:002020-06-03T22:05:12-05:00FARR WELL “HARD PILL TO SWALLOW” EP REVIEW - MINNEAPOLIS HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/660c86b52be3c49bcfb8591ab35ad955d6884ac6/original/69994e81-6de2-448c-9de8-11e69cbfe168.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FARR WELL </p>
<p><i>Hard Pill To Swallow</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Farr Well, a.k.a. Farrington Llewellyn, is a Minneapolis hip-hop artist with a deep social and personal purpose to his music. His latest release, <i>Hard Pill To Swallow</i>, is a six-track EP slated to come out July 17th, 2020 that eschews the tales of street bravado so common in the rap game and instead focuses on real-life issues including black identity, activism, gun violence, and mental illness. His songs are built around a funky, vintage soul vibe, authentic truth, and a desire to make life better for all of humanity. No stranger to the mic, Farr Well has appeared with Flo-Rida, Blood Raw, and hip-hop icon Rakim, performed hundreds of shows in the US and Japan, and had his music used in the Greater Twin Cities United Way documentary film on food justice in North Minneapolis <i>With Appetite For Change</i>. </p>
<p><i>Hard Pill To Swallow</i> tells the story of Farr Well’s life from 2015 to 2020. It relates the mental health journey of a community organizer, activist, and traumatized human who found peace by learning to accept the impossible. He made the record in conjunction with Sao Mao (a producer from Long Beach, California who lives with Bipolar Disorder) and Marcus Kar (director of Youth Farm Minnesota, musician/artist, and war veteran) who both added their own insights to the process. </p>
<p>The set opens with “Think,” a spacious slow jam that immediately deals with becoming suicidal, self-medication, and psychosis. Farr Well puts his real self on the line and hides nothing from his listeners. The intense paranoia of the lyrics is a direct contrast to the easy soul feel of the beat underneath and the tension this creates helps us on the outside understand this experience better. “Think” also shows us right away that Farr Well has the skill, guts, and vision to make life-changing music. Few performers are fearless enough to be this open. </p>
<p>“Bipolar Rock & Roller” is an edgy track that unflinchingly brings us the reality of a manic episode. “High speed chase on the highway, Living every day like it’s Friday,” Farr spits, proceeding to work through the details of what happens when he goes off his meds and becomes conspiratorial and grandiose. It’s a frightening look behind the eyes of what many people regularly live with but is personal enough to remain unnerving. Farr Well is one of the most lyrically proficient artists on the modern scene and fills this track and the entire EP with the kind of truth most artists will never attain. Be sure to also spin “Street Forecast” and “Kid Again.” </p>
<p><i>Hard Pill To Swallo</i>w is a major statement from someone who has been there, survived, and lived to tell. Farr Well delivers a hard gospel reminiscent of legendary truth-tellers like Chuck D and KRS-One without ever sounding like anyone but himself. Making the personal universal in an original way is the secret to musical greatness and Farr Well has that trick locked down. Expect him to become a serious contender in the world of real hip-hop. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.farrwell.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.farrwell.com/" target="_blank">https://www.farrwell.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://m.facebook.com/farrwell/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.facebook.com/farrwell/" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/farrwell/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63390542020-06-02T01:12:15-05:002020-06-02T01:12:15-05:00D.K. LYONS: LIFE’S TOO SHORT NOT TO SING YOUR LUNGS OUT! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3fea88839b751432cbf1560eb035b64dbb922b9d/original/e39f8d65-b9e7-4f6e-a0fe-957dc2e6f4cb.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Brooklyn singer-songwriter D.K. Lyons is one of the most promising new voices to emerge from the New York music scene as of late. Lyons writes brilliantly lyrical guitar pop that turns heartbreak into melody and hooks that permanently embed themselves in your being. His upcoming debut album, <i>The Past (Romanticized)</i>, is filled to overflowing with well-crafted pop/rock songs reminiscent of songwriting giants like Elvis Costello, Matthew Sweet, and John Waite along with Lyons’ own creative twists. The record drops June 26th, 2020 and is expected to bring Lyons to the attention of many new listeners around the world who can’t wait to hear their next favorite song. </p>
<p>Lyons has already built a nice little buzz for himself around the advance singles, “Danger" and "Shades of Amber,” that are included on <i>The Past (Romanticized)</i>. The tracks have conspired to achieve more than 15,000 streams on Spotify and have put him in front of a lot of fans who love emotive and eloquent songwriting. He writes about old flames, loss, and the transitions of adulthood in a way that pulls listeners into his yearning and makes them want to stay. It’s all about the emotional release for Lyons, who told us “Life’s too short not to dance, laugh, cry, and sing your lungs out." </p>
<p>D.K. also produces his own tracks but doesn’t fall into the trap of continually repeating a sound or style. Even though he works in the tradition of some of the greatest pop/rock songwriters of the 20th Century, his songs have their own fresh sensibility to them that gives Lyons a strong identity. His literate, creative wordplay, smooth, understated vocals, and in-the-pocket grooves add up to tunes that are great dashboard music but also have much to offer when sitting still. He easily invokes his synth pop, alternative, classic rock, and country inspirations and blends them with timeless melodies and the soul of a poet. <i>The Past (Romanticized)</i> is one of the best efforts 2020 has offered thus far and is going to light up a lot of headphones for the rest of the year. Highly recommended. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FViUprsDHw4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FViUprsDHw4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FViUprsDHw4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://dklyonsmusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://dklyonsmusic.com/" target="_blank">http://dklyonsmusic.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/d.k.lyonsmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/d.k.lyonsmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/d.k.lyonsmusic/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63325992020-05-27T18:59:50-05:002020-05-27T18:59:50-05:00LAILIEN “AGENT AMSTERDAM” AND “VALENTINE” LYRIC VIDEOS - EXPERIMENTAL POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a30e01bebc9bcc79b7cbac68975396b096a2d66a/original/6bc20ea0-1f89-4cbc-be4f-7121955163ac.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LAILIEN </p>
<p>“Agent Amsterdam” </p>
<p>“Valentine” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>High-concept avant-garde electronic pop artist and fictional character Lailien has released two brand-new lyric videos that accompany his tracks “Agent Amsterdam” and “Valentine.” Lailien, the public face of Toronto-based artist, composer, producer, poet, and director Brad Shubat, makes incredibly stylized experimental pop that pulls from influences including electronica, pop, jazz, and rock that sit perched upon Shubat’s classical piano background. He calls his work “Eschatological Tunes” and his songs are intended to reveal time's openings in an already omnipresent and accessible end. By any name, however, Lailien’s music is some of the most gloriously idiosyncratic pop you’re likely to encounter. </p>
<p>“Agent Amsterdam” uses eccentric electronic pop sounds to expound on the struggles of reason versus nonsense and skepticism versus certainty. Lailien respects no genre tropes and drifts in and out of the places his mind takes him. The video is a surreal environment of ever-shifting images that are anchored by the lyrical text on the screen. Lailien throws words, sounds, and colors at the universe like the abstractions they are and carves out an expansive original space that’s epic and inimitable. </p>
<p>“Valentine” is an endeavor into physical, mental, and spiritual romanticism that’s quirky, off-kilter, and engaging. Lailien’s melodies never go where you expect them to and display a sensibility that’s his, alone. Lush synths support his often-perplexing lyrics and his words again hold things together in the fantastic world of the video. Lailien is one of the most individually creative artists dropping music today and stands up for the visionary talents like Bowie and Eno that pushed the boundaries of pop music. These are tracks that need to be heard. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FFqZx_qkcZg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FFqZx_qkcZg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FFqZx_qkcZg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="9ChwHOzbZD8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/9ChwHOzbZD8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ChwHOzbZD8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://lailien.ca/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://lailien.ca/" target="_blank">http://lailien.ca/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63245272020-05-20T21:17:36-05:002020-05-20T21:18:03-05:00ESTELLE CALIFORNIA “MY NAME IS FREEDOM” EP REVIEW - SOULFUL R&B WITH A MESSAGE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/723e8dc963fcbb5238e855c28ba653ec22893fff/original/e3c33169-3f1c-4f40-8a21-091cbbb8667a.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ESTELLE CALIFORNIA </p>
<p><i>My Name Is Freedom </i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Estelle California weaves a tapestry of black velvet on her new EP <i>My Name Is Freedom</i>. A singer-songwriter in the Nina Simone mode, she puts down a melodic, meaningful, and socially relevant contemporary R&B sound that’s equal parts intelligence and beauty. Originally from France, Estelle now works out of The Golden State but makes music with an international flavor and a global vision. Her vocals are intimate and confessional in your headphones and will make you feel like an audience of one. She brings messages of hope and empowerment to her fans and believes in the power of artists to make our world a better place. </p>
<p>The record begins with “Star,” a deeply-grooving late-night jam about getting revenge for the powerless. Estelle’s convictions lift her above the typical love-gone-wrong topics most pop and R&B artists can’t seem to let go of and give her a visceral appeal that modern fluff can’t compete with. Her vocals fly high and her lyrics speak an individual truth that’s undeniable. She follows up with “Who Are You,” a funky meditation on the quest for spiritual identity. Her lyrics deal out life-changing ideas while her band locks down a big pocket beneath her. </p>
<p>“Black Is The True Light” is Estelle’s epic love song to the color and cultural aesthetic that has defined her life and perspective. It’s an incredibly powerful track that uses a strong mid-tempo feel that does much to underscore her vocals and beliefs. It comes across as the centerpiece of the EP and shouldn’t be missed by anyone seeking heartfelt social commentary in a musical setting. Every bit of <i>My Name Is Freedom</i> is worth your listening time and shows Estelle California to be a star on the rise. Become one with this record and let Estelle’s magic into your life. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3qjd6AdW4adhktEV34ZQEq?si=iHqG4LcdRxOQIwfXsioIFQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3qjd6AdW4adhktEV34ZQEq?si=iHqG4LcdRxOQIwfXsioIFQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3qjd6AdW4adhktEV34ZQEq?si=iHqG4LcdRxOQIwfXsioIFQ</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.estellecalifornia.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.estellecalifornia.com/" target="_blank">http://www.estellecalifornia.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63238562020-05-20T14:15:51-05:002020-05-20T14:15:51-05:00MISFIT “MONEY TALK” SINGLE REVIEW - CHICAGO HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/66409aaff74e537e33be32425b4323ead789a732/original/7c4f5219-2270-4f03-ba10-40c7dcd1803f.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MISFIT </p>
<p>“Money Talk” </p>
<p>(Fly Young Individuals) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Chicago hip hop artist Misfit kicks it hard and real on his latest single “Money Talk.” The track is from his upcoming EP <i>The Unchosen Ones</i>, which is slated to drop in July 2020. The song is a chilled-out exhortation to get paid, grind for success, and look good doing it. The beat is built around a smooth classical guitar loop with minimal drums and does an excellent job keeping listeners focused on Misfit’s bars, which are inspiring and articulate. His flows here match the languid energy of the beat and his choice to stay in the pocket in such a way does a lot to let the truth of his lyrics come through. </p>
<p>Misfit has bounced between a musical life and living the corporate dream for the last few years but is firmly back on his creative journey these days. That’s great news because he’s got the right touch to achieve a major come-up with crucial tracks like “Money Talk.” Misfit has the sound, vision, and motivation needed to become the next great rapper to emerge from the Chi. Play this cut just once and you’ll understand. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/0kf0oKJMgv1AXb1YLDuSDH" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0kf0oKJMgv1AXb1YLDuSDH" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/0kf0oKJMgv1AXb1YLDuSDH</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/misfit_gc/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/misfit_gc/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/misfit_gc/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63151962020-05-13T14:55:52-05:002020-05-13T14:55:52-05:00DJ RAW B “UNCORRUPTED” ALBUM REVIEW - BAY AREA HIP HOP GENIUS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f93502e1a6982399907b43ef06f2b5c1671b6531/original/699b65ec-7250-4e12-b3fe-0196fbbb97a1.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DJ RAW B </p>
<p><i>Uncorrupted</i> </p>
<p>(Clean Cut Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>DJ Raw B is a veteran of the San Francisco hip hop scene who has been crafting superior tracks since the early 90s. His latest release is <i>Uncorrupted</i>, which is now available on all platforms on the Clean Cut Records label. The record is a raw and real set that pairs DJ Raw B’s artistic and experimental beats with flows from some of the finest MCs currently working in the Bay Area. It’s a hypnotic, intellectual album that flies in the face of the countless sound-alike rappers that are drowning the urban music genre. Every cut here is mad creative and sounds like nothing you’ve heard before. The beats are original, inventive, and experimental, delivering a fertile sonic context for each performer who rocks the microphone. </p>
<p>A lot of the tracks on <i>Uncorrupted</i> have a chill, downtempo vibe that’s noir-ish and cinematic. The record begins with the amazing “Toscin,” a brilliantly abstract jam that clearly announces that this record isn’t going to be like all the others. B’s style is spacious, gritty, and unafraid and he deftly pushes himself and his listeners into the avant-garde. “Genesis (feat. Emcee Infinite)” follows and raises the intensity level even higher. The beat hits hard and has a menacing feel that Emcee Infinite spits street wisdom across the top like a true bare-knuckle poet. </p>
<p>“Bad Man, Good Heat (feat. Z-Man)” is a funky and confessional track that deals with the life of a middle-aged player and the complicated relationships with women he creates. Z-Man’s bars are honest, believable, and avoid cliches and tropes like the plague they are. “Keynote Speaker” is an unsettling instrumental that displays DJ Raw B’s gift for nonverbal communication. He conveys the feeling of a 4 a.m. alley walk and the heightened awareness required to survive it without a word being spoken. Every track on <i>Uncorrupted</i> kills but be sure to spin “Kill Zone (feat. Luke Sick)” and “The Mca Song (feat. Dan Wolf).” DJ Raw B is a huge talent and this new record shows every one of his abilities. You’re gonna want to get on this one right away. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1zioTmbDpCkqqfExpFOnE6" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1zioTmbDpCkqqfExpFOnE6" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1zioTmbDpCkqqfExpFOnE6</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://twitter.com/DJRawB415" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/DJRawB415" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/DJRawB415</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/63125652020-05-11T16:58:29-05:002020-05-11T16:58:29-05:00JARED DYLAN “KEEP ME ON THE EDGE” SINGLE REVIEW - BIG-LEAGUE POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7fc577a74dd8d227fe3ce047e8f92df73bd5ac1d/original/c9e016b5-4e6d-4787-83c1-cf1b83e43548.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JARED DYLAN </p>
<p>“Keep Me on the Edge” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Jared Dylan is a rapidly-rising pop vocalist and songwriter from New Jersey with a strong new single called “Keep Me on the Edge.” The track dropped May 1st, 2020 and is available on all streaming platforms as we speak. It’s a brooding, minor key rumination from someone who is knee deep in a complex and difficult relationship. One minute Dylan is at his rope’s end asking “Everywhere we go, do you have to start a scene? You take it way too far and with no apologies” and the next he’s deep in love and defending her saying “Leave my baby alone. She treats me right, she turns me on.” </p>
<p>Dylan is an excellent singer and delivers a fine, nuanced performance on “Keep Me on the Edge.” His tone is clear and smooth and he is able to tap directly into the emotional core of his lyrics. Savvy pop fans will recognize him from Season Three of <i>The Voice</i> and Radio Disney. He’s written hit songs with James Walsh (Starsailor) and for several K-Pop and J-Pop groups. Not surprisingly, Dylan has already generated millions of streams on the platforms with his on-target pop instincts and big vocal chops. He tracked his debut EP <i>In Panic</i> with producer Anthony Resta (Elton John, Collective Soul, Duran Duran) and established his blend of Brit-Pop, 80s-inspired vocals, and string-enhanced ballads. </p>
<p>“Keep Me on the Edge” is a highly-dynamic track that ebbs and flows from a near-whisper to a driving, drum-heavy beat and back again. The production is crisp and uncluttered, doing just enough to support Dylan’s voice without ever getting in the way of his words. This is big-league pop from an artist who clearly knows what it takes to reach the top. Jared Dylan is absolutely bound for bigger and bigger things. He packs a lot of heat as a performer and as a writer and is certain to go large if he continues to deliver amazing tracks like this one. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/2tiIDXJny6zPFoMZ8HxaVx?si=5EDaiHqfR3Gf_o-W2-Tj9g" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2tiIDXJny6zPFoMZ8HxaVx?si=5EDaiHqfR3Gf_o-W2-Tj9g" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/2tiIDXJny6zPFoMZ8HxaVx?si=5EDaiHqfR3Gf_o-W2-Tj9g</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www,jareddylan.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www,jareddylan.com" target="_blank">www,jareddylan.com</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/32526db934085e6768152b5c8815823ce35e7631/original/df988f66-d29b-4040-9e69-8bac10eafb46.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62994722020-04-29T22:40:13-05:002020-04-29T22:44:34-05:00THE SPACEMAN TRILOGY “COME WITH US” REVIEW - SPACE-ROCK CONCEPT ALBUM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/984e514c724184a88cb1a6109076814fa1cda9ba/original/482996cb-9e05-4bdd-8fc9-7d718e5580cd.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE SPACEMAN TRILOGY </p>
<p><i>Come With Us </i> </p>
<p>(575080 Records DK) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>The Spaceman Trilogy is a wildly creative avant-garde rock and roll outfit from California that makes music capable of warping and expanding even the most tightly-wrapped minds in existence. The band’s latest effort is the high-concept release <i>Come With Us</i>, a triumphantly artistic set of new songs about an extraterrestrial journey in the company of real, live aliens that will reel you in and make you believe. The group keeps much of its personal information under wraps, which only adds to the mystique the tracks here create and avoids the identity politics so common in this music game of ours. </p>
<p>The album begins with the nine-minute “Spaceman Trilogy Origin Story,” which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an atmospheric narrative detailing the story of how the band encountered a crew of little green space-folks and their flying machine. The aliens seemed to be chill and our humans didn’t want to appear rude so they hung out. Conversation ensued and the aliens invited our humans to travel along with them. All of this is being told to us over a pulsating, undulating sonic exploration that ebbs and flows like consciousness. This flows into “Last Day Of Earth,” a slow-burner built on a deliciously hollowed-out clean guitar part that works itself into the brain and takes up residence. </p>
<p>The creatively interpretive story proceeds from there through differing degrees of space-rock that detail The Spaceman Trilogy’s galactic involvement with their new green pals. It’s easy to key in on the lyrical aspects of the record but the high-flying music the band puts down shines just as brightly as the words do. The trippy guitar work on “I’m A Leaf On The Wind, Watch How I...Ouch” is worth getting this set for all on its own. The band works masterfully with texture and vibe, proving their mettle and pulling us in bar by bar. “Danger! Danger!” keeps the magic going and rocks hard while relating the experience of being out there in the black with no return path in sight. Again, the guitar playing is interstellar and the entire group vibes as a single entity in a heavied-up Floydian mode. </p>
<p>By the time you reach the nearly 18-minute finale “I Left My Wallet On Alderaan,” you’ll be a believer in this story and in this band. The Spaceman Trilogy proves itself to be conceptual rockers of the highest order and flies in the face of the paper-thin music that’s drowning our planet. This is art for art’s sake that never panders to the idea of being commercial and predictable. It’s the kind of challenging, brilliant music that made careers in a better, vanished time. Now, it serves as a living example of how much can still be achieved by a small band of musicians who are dedicated to seeking greatness. No spoilers will be given today, so you’ll have to spin <i>Come With Us</i> for yourself and follow our heroes on their journey. The Spaceman Trilogy is doing the kind of work our world needs and you’d be a fool to let this album slip by you. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6SjktZw1YR5nz0u6OWf9EY?si=t7YLVhkESR-pNxmWXBF1og" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6SjktZw1YR5nz0u6OWf9EY?si=t7YLVhkESR-pNxmWXBF1og" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6SjktZw1YR5nz0u6OWf9EY?si=t7YLVhkESR-pNxmWXBF1og</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/36bf2b8094e78cc3ff03e26773164391cb461f4e/original/ac4323c4-3b16-4cc0-9a3a-460fcb0acd11.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62988472020-04-29T13:34:22-05:002020-04-29T13:34:22-05:00BODA “CALIFORNIA” MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW - HIP HOP STAR ON THE RISE!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e6f32019403111a22d3173199ad6ce3185ca93cd/original/62780626-4372-4041-8cf1-9df9d8b7398f.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BODA </p>
<p>“California” </p>
<p>Music video review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Nebraska’s own BODA continues his climb to the top of the rap game with a new single and music video called “California.” It’s a laidback track full of subtle emotion about a girl with a frozen heart who keeps going through life’s motions instead of switching up and going west to a place that would melt the ice in her soul. BODA is a rising star in hip hop and he’s steadily rocking more-than-respectable numbers on all major streaming platforms. His flow is low-key but confident and he fearlessly reveals his authentic thoughts in his rhymes rather than indulging in the braggadocio so common in urban music styles. </p>
<p>The video was directed by SMPLCARL and is visually and conceptually impressive. It depicts BODA and the girl in question living the West Coast lifestyle that so many of us dream about. The color palette is stunning and its vibrancy adds much to the visual narrative of the clip. The video displays confidence as well as a wistful longing to share the California dream. It’s a full-scale pro effort that does a lot to enhance an already-strong song. This is fine work from an emerging artist who is clearly destined for much bigger things. BODA is on his way and listeners everywhere are going to want to go with him. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="DkCnX01uagE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/DkCnX01uagE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DkCnX01uagE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BAUkPHywPmnUBJhGnmPWT?si=1AbUrVLNQduNdI3891zFng" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BAUkPHywPmnUBJhGnmPWT?si=1AbUrVLNQduNdI3891zFng" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BAUkPHywPmnUBJhGnmPWT?si=1AbUrVLNQduNdI3891zFng</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/joeyboda/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/joeyboda/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/joeyboda/?hl=en</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62983402020-04-29T03:52:59-05:002020-04-29T03:52:59-05:00L.A. SINCLAIR “ACAPULCO GOLD” SINGLE REVIEW - STONY CHILLED OUT POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/185b9619218101c9923add8dc6dc5b7d62d42ce9/original/aac9bec8-c343-47bd-a1db-91193c0f8106.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>L. A. SINCLAIR </p>
<p>“Acapulco Gold” </p>
<p>(Acapulco Gold Music) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>L.A. Sinclair’s new single “Acapulco Gold” is a smooth, dreamy, downtempo pop track that imagines what her American father’s life was like in the Acapulco that existed in the late 1960s. It envisions a simpler life than any of us live today and her soft-toned vocals seduce listeners into her atmospheric vision of those times. It’s also a strongly pro-cannabis song that communicates the positive experiences her father and millions of other Earthlings have had with the most important plant in the world. </p>
<p>The cut has a stony, long-past-midnight feel to it that does much to enhance L.A.’s tale of the mighty green. She’s an outstanding vocalist who knows how to make a slow burner like this simmer perfectly. A lot of listeners are going to bond with this track immediately, especially with the wave of marijuana positivity that’s sweeping the USA. Sinclair is definitely in the right place at the right time with this one and the song is expected to do extremely well. Burn one down tonight and let “Acapulco Gold” carry you away to a better place. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7wzulgqwN45u4xKS3Y7CIv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7wzulgqwN45u4xKS3Y7CIv" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7wzulgqwN45u4xKS3Y7CIv</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/lasinclairmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/lasinclairmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lasinclairmusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62938112020-04-24T18:48:17-05:002020-04-24T18:48:17-05:00SPTHEGZ & VOICE “BIRKIN GIRL” SINGLE REVIEW - HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1c2598029c7bc5c8f9cbac31e6e765db3970dc01/original/0c8d9b4d-d74f-48ee-aeeb-25d5527e6fdf.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SPTHEGZ & VOICE </p>
<p>“Birkin Girl” </p>
<p>(REALGZMAKEGZ) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Spthegz and Voice team up yet again for the smoothly seductive hip hop single “Birkin Girl,” currently available on all major streaming platforms. The track is silky and chill, full of late-night vibes and melodic flows you’ll want to hear over and over. Spthegz and Voice have tracked more than 100 songs together and display the kind of chemistry and connection that makes big things happen. The song is about attaining the sweet love of a deserving woman of obvious means and comes across as mellow and sincere. Both artists turn in fine takes here and give the cut major hit-single potential. </p>
<p>Born Saladean Yusuf Wilson, Spthegz is a native of the South Bronx and first jumped into the hip hop game in 2015. He’s been featured on important releases from artists including Drumma Boy, Project Pat, Big Trill, 2 Milly, Lil Johnny, King Shooter, and Voice and has become one of the most vital emerging voices on the rap scene. He has a trap-informed style that doesn’t disappoint and those close to him feel that big things are in store for him. Modern rap fans looking for some smooth flavor will instantly bond with “Birkin Girl” and will want to keep Spthegz on their screens to watch his star continue to rise. Highly recommended. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="R7PBFxQsGBU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/R7PBFxQsGBU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R7PBFxQsGBU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GevnK8JGhMpgCb41vAGLC?si=-BAYhGmeT324n1v9qA-3uQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GevnK8JGhMpgCb41vAGLC?si=-BAYhGmeT324n1v9qA-3uQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GevnK8JGhMpgCb41vAGLC?si=-BAYhGmeT324n1v9qA-3uQ</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/spthegz/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/spthegz/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/spthegz/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.twitter.com/spthegz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.twitter.com/spthegz" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/spthegz</a></b></p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62897052020-04-21T18:25:10-05:002020-04-23T21:41:29-05:00“POWER OF PRAISE VOL. 1” FROM ELMARK MUSIC - GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4474a11d26e6d528ebfeaac60f737acfa430248f/original/4b0e8663-da0a-45b8-b0f2-e5e3ffb74ee6.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ELMARK MUSIC </p>
<p><i>Power of Praise Vol. 1 </i></p>
<p>(Elmark Music/Grace TMG Street Pride/Wendy City Productions) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Elmark Music shouts the good news from every mountain top on its new compilation release of gospel/inspirational music <i>Power of Praise Vol. 1</i>. It’s a 15-song set of inspirational praise music from top artists including Cameo Profit, J. Love, La’Kesia Rambo-Barrett, Kajmir Kwest, Stephan Ray, Raquel Herring, The Message, Oatmeal Brown, J-Prince, Dunamis L1019, Gem’N.I., and Da’Vid. The tracks encompass a wonderful variety of styles from traditional gospel to rap to world music, which makes the record an outstanding listening experience from start to finish. The songs are also firmly centered in the Word and teachings of Christ and each one delivers a strong message in its own way. </p>
<p>Cameo Profit starts things off with the upbeat funk of “Speak To Your Day,” an uplifting song meant to get your mind right in order to provide you with a blessed day. It’s a body and soul-moving selection that raises the roof with positive energy. J. Love follows with the meditative hip hop cut “Show Me The Way.” It’s a song about longing for a connection with God after too long in the darkness of a difficult three-job life. J. Love brings it in a genuine and moving way that’s clearly backed up by real faith. </p>
<p>“My Storm” by Stephan Ray is a beautiful, straightforward song of deep faith in difficult times. His expressive vocals suit the track’s message well and Ray is smooth and soulful throughout. Oatmeal Brown’s “God is the Plug” rocks the Word in an old-school rap style topped with a pop-influenced vocal. The track is an unexpected gem that helps to redefine the term “gospel music.” Other highlights of this strong set include Raquel Herring’s slinky neo-soul “King Jesus” and David’s low-down hip hop slow jam “Time.” <i>Power of Praise Vol. 1</i> is an excellent collection of music from some of today’s most talented inspirational voices. Gospel fans looking for something new will find it here. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7C9SrS0xJDduGFouuEz9vv" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7C9SrS0xJDduGFouuEz9vv" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7C9SrS0xJDduGFouuEz9vv</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>ELMARK MUSIC:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.elmarkcompany.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elmarkcompany.net/" target="_blank">https://www.elmarkcompany.net/</a></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62825112020-04-14T17:36:20-05:002020-06-02T23:42:16-05:00SOUND ADDICTED SMPAD 5 STUDIO MONITOR ISOLATION PADS REVIEW - THE BEST!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/01433bd11b777c43e60248128f3a3db0ad0870fb/original/7f7f2e60-f6aa-450b-a88a-898c4c84bb22.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SOUND ADDICTED STUDIO MONITOR ISOLATION PADS: THE BEST THERE IS! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Your studio monitors are your main connection to whatever DAW or hardware recording device you’re using. Gone are the days when we mixed haphazardly on stereo speakers or live sound cabinets. Studio monitors are designed to give you a verbatim reproduction of whatever sounds you’re pumping into them so you can make critical audio decisions and record hit after hit. To accomplish this and give you truly accurate reproduction, you’re also going to need a set of studio monitor isolation pads for your monitors to sit on. </p>
<p>Why are studio monitor isolation pads necessary? Because simply setting a pair of monitors on your desk or workstation will make your desk part of their sound and color what you hear. The vibrations of your monitor speakers get directly transferred into the top of your desk and will cause a degradation of the sounds you’re so carefully listening to. Low frequencies will be particularly troublesome and the overall sound of your mix could become quite unpleasant. Isolation pads decouple your monitors from the surface they’re sitting on and allow them to function as they are intended to. </p>
<p>One of the best choices in iso pads are <a contents="Sound Addicted’s SMPad 5 studio monitor isolation pads" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundaddicted.com/products/smpad5" target="_blank">Sound Addicted’s SMPad 5 studio monitor isolation pads</a>. They’re acoustic foam wedges that give users five angles of speaker tilt, including flat, and support up to 22 pounds of weight each. The SMPad 5 pads are sized to fit all types of five-inch studio monitors and Sound Addicted also offers pads for monitors of other sizes. They’re an instant and cost-effective way to improve the sound of any studio and prevent your desk or speaker stands from becoming part of your sonic equation. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ea76f062e659b47a45c06ca6521ce79eff82c835/original/bebcc7cb-0f8c-46c7-ad29-7a3b52ea04fc.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SMPad 5’s will noticeably improve the bass and midrange response of your chosen studio monitors and allow you to fine-tune their physical position to hit the sweet spot where your ears are. They’re super light, well-made, and will make a big difference in any home, project, or professional studio where the room being used is less than acoustically ideal. </p>
<p>Studio monitor isolation pads are a subtle but important bit of equipment that often get overlooked by less-experienced engineers that can result in a mix being either a hero or a zero. <a contents="Sound Addicted’s SMPad 5 studio monitor isolation pads" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundaddicted.com/products/smpad5" target="_blank">Sound Addicted’s SMPad 5 studio monitor isolation pads</a> are among the best iso pads currently on the market and are well worth adding to your list of recording gear. You might say they’re a sound investment. Don’t risk letting your mix turn into an unbalanced, muddy mess. Sound Addicted SMPad 5 studio monitor isolation pads are exactly what you need to deliver professional results every time! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="irIjbK9bfGk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/irIjbK9bfGk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/irIjbK9bfGk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62805252020-04-12T18:34:24-05:002020-04-12T18:42:10-05:00SIGIL VIDEO IS TIKTOK FOR ADULTS! NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b4d668c2295a1001ac86b5b5346c8ff8723e43f4/original/1bcd6006-a1f1-4c7c-bd4f-1903c4fb37aa.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SIGIL VIDEO IS TIKTOK FOR ADULTS!</p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull <a contents="www.mikeocull.com&nbsp;&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>Sigil Video by Sigil Social Network is a recently developed new platform that’s gaining a lot of traction on the ever-shifting social media landscape. It’s a short-form video-based app aimed at the 18-and-over crowd that permits R-rated content and offers creators far less restrictive guidelines about what can and can’t be posted. Sigil is also a completely inclusive community that wants users to be who they are and create the content they believe in. Think of it as TikTok for adults. </p>
<p>TikTok has come under fire by many of its users for its overly-tight Terms of Service and alleged censorship and shadow-banning of accounts owned by LGBTQ, disabled, and obese people. Many TikTok users say they have found their videos deleted for seemingly no reason at all. These allegations make it seem like TikTok is attempting to socially engineer its social media community in order to attract more “beautiful people” and high-dollar sponsors. </p>
<p>Owned and operated in the USA, Sigil Video presents itself as a more welcoming and equitable alternative to TikTok that encourages users to be their authentic selves. It’s an adults-only app that puts no restrictions on users’ looks, orientation, physical ability, or anything else. Sigil fan Marco Lois remarked in the <a contents="Google Play Store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sigil.videoapp" target="_blank">Google Play Store</a> that “With Sigil Video, you can express yourself like never before!” This is the essence of what Sigil Video provides. Users are free to create, edit, and share their content, watch entertaining videos, livestream to a global audience, meet new people, make friends, and become #SigilFamous! </p>
<p>One of the most unique aspects of Sigil Video is the direct line of communication between users and the app’s owners via a dedicated chat powered by Dischord. This level of transparency is almost unheard of in the social media universe but Sigil has dedicated itself to elevating the level of discourse between the inside and outside. This, alone, puts Sigil light years ahead of other platforms that famously stonewall users and could potentially make it an industry leader. Sigil takes user feedback seriously and uses it to provide a constantly improving social experience. </p>
<p>Unlike TikTok, Sigil Video is an independently-owned small business that doesn’t have a monolithic corporate structure holding it together. It has come a long way since first being conceived in 2019 and is growing every single day. Sigil might not have all the features of some other apps yet but its main goal is to exceed the quality of TikTok and all other short-form video platforms. </p>
<p> What Sigil does have, however, is an open, uncensored environment perfect for grown people looking to make new friends. It’s also the right place for influencers who feel discriminated against because of the content they create. Sigil offers a chance to rise to the top of the platform no matter what someone has to say. This makes it a wonderful new setting for musicians, poets, video bloggers, activists, comedians, and all other creatives who might not fit in on TikTok. </p>
<p>Sigil Video is an amazing and innovative new app, community, and social tool that could soon be an unstoppable phenomenon. It’s emphasis on uncensored communication solely for adults allows for a greater range of expression than on any other platform and is attracting new brands and users all the time. Anyone seeking true freedom in social media needs to download it today! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="i5mEWzFcLHg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/i5mEWzFcLHg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i5mEWzFcLHg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://sigilsocialnetwork.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://sigilsocialnetwork.com/" target="_blank">http://sigilsocialnetwork.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>GOOGLE PLAY STORE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sigil.videoapp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sigil.videoapp" target="_blank">http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sigil.videoapp</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>AMAZON APP STORE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.amazon.com/Sigil-Social-Network-Video/dp/B085PNLDY4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sigil-Social-Network-Video/dp/B085PNLDY4" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Sigil-Social-Network-Video/dp/B085PNLDY4</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62719132020-04-04T14:43:39-05:002020-04-04T14:43:39-05:00VITRUVIAN MAN “CAVIAR” & “BAD BOI GAD GURL” MUSIC VIDEOS - CINEMATIC HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c0816647f0dcf5a56584381badf29b0ed57241c9/original/8859f247-69bf-4665-9b13-520fbf95cef1.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>VITRUVIAN MAN </p>
<p>Music Video: “Caviar” </p>
<p>Music Video: “Bad Boi Bad Gurl” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Multifaceted talent Vitruvian MAN is a producer, lyricist, and medium making dope urban music at the highest level. His latest music videos, for the tracks “Caviar” and “Bad Boi Bad Gurl,” are extremely well-executed, cinematic efforts that tell hard-edged stories about the lifestyles of the rich and infamous. His songs and visuals have a modern day film noir mystique to them and will fill viewers minds with fantastic images of the kind of lives most people will never live. </p>
<p>“Caviar” is a funky, minimalistic track set in the exclusive club world where the beautiful people are. It’s a song about getting the best of the best in terms of people, experiences, and material things. Some characters in the video aren’t who they seem to be and this leads to a plot twist you won’t see coming. Pay close attention to how the lyrics tie in with the visuals to get the song’s full meaning. </p>
<p>“Bad Boi Bad Gurl” is a tough banger that’s full of grit. The video is even more of a mini-movie than the last clip and shows our hero getting into and away from some big-time trouble. The narrative video is compelling and engrossing and will put you right in the midst of all the action. It’s a classic gangster scenario that Vitruvian MAN smoothly updates for our current times. Both of these songs could easily break out and go large. Hip hop people looking for the strong stuff will flip for each of them. If that’s you, you’d best get to listening. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qGUljW4RqDw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qGUljW4RqDw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qGUljW4RqDw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BAhGVJosJ94" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/BAhGVJosJ94/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BAhGVJosJ94?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.vitruvianman.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vitruvianman.net/" target="_blank">https://www.vitruvianman.net/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62653412020-03-28T21:58:27-05:002020-03-28T21:58:27-05:00MDMP “LEARN (FEAT. EJ KING)” SINGLE REVIEW - HEAVY ATMOSPHERIC ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/bbad5438a62f5ae8aafb41be1df67ea494c51c2d/original/20027e2c-df24-4c43-a1ad-36960ac9ef52.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MDMP </p>
<p>“Learn (feat. EJ King)” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>MDMP smashes into the future of rock music with its brand new single “Learn (feat. EJ King).” The band is a collaborative effort led by Jeremey Meyer (lead vocals, guitars, backing vocals, bass, drums, synths) and an ever-shifting supporting cast brought onboard to help articulate Meyer’s unique musical vision. “Learn” is a hypnotic, trance-inducing blast of modern rock with hip hop and electronic overtones that’s vibrant, seductive, and iconoclastic. Meyer is a Trent Reznor-type with visionary ideas and the drive needed to bring them into the physical world. The track is built around a heavy, guttural bass line and Meyer’s soaring, esoteric vocals that float upon its menacing mid-tempo pocket. It leans toward the industrial and the psychedelic at the same time without ever fully spilling over into either style completely. </p>
<p>Rapper EJ King drops a verse in the back half of the song that lets MDMP shift gears momentarily and contributes another layer of brilliant unpredictability to an already-compelling cut. “Learn” doesn’t really fit neatly into any one genre and that unique identity is a big part of what makes the song work. So much rock music now follows one predetermined formula or another that Meyer’s willingness to completely go his own way is refreshing and revitalizing. MDMP absolutely has the goods required to break out large, develop a huge audience, and influence the next generation of rock music that’s yet to be written. Anyone partial to intense and intelligent heavy music will be drawn to MDMP within one listen to this epic track. Here’s hoping there’s a lot more where this came from. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oU9ZxGVziOBT4sdglGcPN?si=giSLYnZMRGCZcXrsSp2oVA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oU9ZxGVziOBT4sdglGcPN?si=giSLYnZMRGCZcXrsSp2oVA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oU9ZxGVziOBT4sdglGcPN?si=giSLYnZMRGCZcXrsSp2oVA</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="f1_XExAKtqQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/f1_XExAKtqQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f1_XExAKtqQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://twitter.com/@mdmpmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/@mdmpmusic/" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/@mdmpmusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62563302020-03-20T12:51:48-05:002020-03-20T12:51:48-05:00PAYPHONEWORLD “NO RECEPTION” EP REVIEW - NEW YORK HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e9e545df5da65202f37cf6386ff7d0353aba0729/original/43fde015-c1dd-434b-a631-a1cc4f7bd0b4.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>PAYPHONEWORLD </p>
<p><i>No Reception</i> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>New York hip hop artist Payphoneworld has a new six-song EP, <i>No Reception</i>, that shows the young rapper expanding his sound and shifting his style. Much of the record takes a chilled-out sonic approach that suits Payphoneworld’s laid-back rhymes very well and borders on the experimental. Tracks like the opener “She Don’t Like Me” and “Rising To The Top” take listeners into a mellow, ethereal space that’s hypnotic and intoxicating. Payphoneworld doesn’t cram his bars full of syllables but injects them with a spatial quality that makes every word matter. </p>
<p>“123 Bop” hits harder than most of the other tracks, using a big, gritty synth bass tone that pushes Payphoneworld to grind his lyrics out with more intensity. He also pulls in more special guest artists than on previous efforts, including XXJay, The Kid Daub, and Yungmack, whose performances add some extra seasoning to Payphoneworld’s already-strong sauce. <i>No Reception</i> is a brief listen but packs a lot of great stuff into its run time. Listen today and get an earful of what’s fresh. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/payphoneworld1/sets/no-reception" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/payphoneworld1/sets/no-reception" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/payphoneworld1/sets/no-reception</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://twitter.com/payphoneworld1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/payphoneworld1" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/payphoneworld1</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62460232020-03-11T21:48:44-05:002020-03-13T14:28:19-05:00TAKE1 “ON YA MARK” SINGLE REVIEW - SMASHING NEW HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d213852626c4ed7f97487bb619ef9e6b733e5869/original/541a4b33-48f9-4f0c-91b2-5bde4a902b6b.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TAKE1 </p>
<p>“On Ya Mark” </p>
<p>(Top Floor Visions) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Take1 is an up-and-coming hip hop artist with a fresh style and a perfect voice. His new single, “On Ya Mark,” is taken from his recent solo effort <i>Calculated Chances</i> and stakes a big claim in the realm of lyrical rap music. “On Ya Mark” is all about believing in yourself, standing your ground, and coming out on top no matter the situation at hand. Take1 puts a great deal of personal authenticity into the track and his blend of body-moving beats and real-life flows make him a top contender for fan love. </p>
<p><i>Calculated Chances </i>came out in February of 2020 and demonstrates everything Take1 has to offer. He’s a top talent who could quickly break out to a much larger audience. “On Ya Mark” is straight fire and should get a lot of people looking his way. His style of rhythm and rhyme is as classic as it is current and that’s why he’s going to succeed. Rock this one hard.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/5ZNBylPSq5O7nZh6eUDnOG" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5ZNBylPSq5O7nZh6eUDnOG" target="_blank"><b>https://open.spotify.com/track/5ZNBylPSq5O7nZh6eUDnOG</b></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/takeover_tuggle/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/takeover_tuggle/?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>https://www.instagram.com/takeover_tuggle/?hl=en</b></a> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62460042020-03-11T21:21:20-05:002020-03-11T21:21:20-05:005OFCLUBS “RIGHT DIRECTION” SINGLE REVIEW - SMOOTH EDM POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fee2e2b4c7c20cbbd8faa66ae43bf5594215dec1/original/f59fcdc6-96da-41f9-8f65-995cbe8c3a20.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>5OFCLUBS </p>
<p>“Right Direction” </p>
<p>(Rejoin) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Anonymous EDM/ electronic pop producer and artist 5ofclubs keeps his identity on the down-low but gives amazing music like his new single “Right Direction” to the people of the world. The track is a slice of timeless pop perfection wrapped in modern production techniques and voiced by singer Josh Dreon. The track is smooth and spacious, which gives Dreon all the room he needs to deliver a winning performance. He conveys the positive lyrical message the song carries very well and will help a lot of listeners out there raise their vibrations to match his. </p>
<p>5ofclubs takes his name from the cardology card linked to his birthday. Writing and producing music has gone from a passionate hobby for him to his life’s main focus. He has a deep love for electronic music that’s easy to spot and more tracks like this one are going to get him a global reputation as one of the vanguard artists in the EDM community. This one is subtle so let it sneak up on you. Fine work. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7GAqTRqx81AoBGqnPkoE1v" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7GAqTRqx81AoBGqnPkoE1v" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7GAqTRqx81AoBGqnPkoE1v</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bXRA2aPFkDw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bXRA2aPFkDw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bXRA2aPFkDw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/iam5ofclubs/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/iam5ofclubs/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/iam5ofclubs/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62455932020-03-11T15:13:43-05:002020-03-11T15:13:43-05:00GVNG GREEN “GANG GREEN” ALBUM REVIEW - L.A. RAP DONE RIGHT!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/058e5f08fa96c7740e4061e11a5e50f704de14f5/original/3ee7d348-f17f-4a15-8053-7b2f436df176.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GVNG GREEN </p>
<p><i>Gang Green </i></p>
<p>(FAM Entertainment) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Gvng Green is a two-man hip hop group from Los Angeles composed of the rappers Goddi and StaJe that’s here to spread a message. That message, written large all over their new album <i>Gang Green</i>, is that chasing money is what matters. Instead of focusing on gang violence, territory wars, drugs, and other negatives, Gvng Green pushes the narrative that success is what’s important and what will change people’s lives. Tracks on the record sit on vibe-filled beats with strong, stony grooves and the pairing of StaJe's southern country voice with Goddi's west coast voice gives these cuts more identity than most of their peers. </p>
<p>“Prime” kicks this session off in high style and details the group’s “money on my mind” attitude. The two rappers play off of each other in a smooth and natural way that makes listeners hang out and hear what is up next. “Gang Green” follows and keeps their magic going while dropping equally strong bars. “Geronimo” and “Gangsta Luv” are two more must-experience tracks from this excellent set. Play this record loud and let it take you away. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/00N87UPNyx8ZLQVtvOWBfP?si=WPg3GooZQSqRRcnceaU7cg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/00N87UPNyx8ZLQVtvOWBfP?si=WPg3GooZQSqRRcnceaU7cg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/00N87UPNyx8ZLQVtvOWBfP?si=WPg3GooZQSqRRcnceaU7cg</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://m.facebook.com/GVNGGN/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.facebook.com/GVNGGN/" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/GVNGGN/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62454812020-03-11T13:30:25-05:002020-03-11T13:30:25-05:00GMB GUNNAMAN “222” EP REVIEW - SOUTHERN HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/bc784c2e9b533e2099fabf89e41c1a15aad55d54/original/7570b5c8-37f1-4b5e-a3a5-f6fb74846f62.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GMB GUNNAMAN </p>
<p><i>222</i> </p>
<p>(GMB) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>North Carolina hip hop artist GMB GunnaMan extends his body of work with a new EP, <i>222</i>, that builds well upon the creative and professional success of his previous releases. <i>222</i> is eight songs in length, almost a full album, and presents GMB GunnaMan as a hard lyrical rapper with unique bars and a confident, in-the-pocket style. He delivers moody, emotive flows over cinematic beats that carry his lines deep into the consciousness of anyone listening. “Gamble” is the opening cut and beautifully sets the tone for everything that follows. “Anything that I want, I can get it” he spits, clearly stating the obvious. He’s also strong enough to express love along with street knowledge and his track “Alicia Franklin” demonstrates how he does it. </p>
<p>“Dirt” features GMB GunnaMan getting down over a neo-soul-influenced beat that’s cool and mellow. His lyrics still display his unflinching sense of reality, so be sure not to let the smooth flavor fool you. Other standout tracks include “Which Piece” and “Inner G.” GMB GunnaMan is a mighty new presence on the US rap scene and is definitely playing to win. Heads old and new are going to like <i>222</i> a lot. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2x53U6HCsiUAhCKl6GoIBG" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2x53U6HCsiUAhCKl6GoIBG" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2x53U6HCsiUAhCKl6GoIBG</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/gmb_g/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/gmb_g/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/gmb_g/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62370842020-03-04T10:35:49-06:002020-03-04T10:35:49-06:00RADIOFIX “ALL NIGHT LONG” SINGLE REVIEW - PHOENIX ROCK AND ROLL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d9bbea0a49f27f8831364348d08e14161124e60c/original/e2e683be-5c25-4e0c-afe4-12b4284f17c7.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>RADIOFIX </p>
<p>“All Night Long” </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Phoenix rock band Radiofix is a tight, melodic trio with a hook-filled new single, “All Night Long,” that fans of radio-ready modern music won’t be able to get enough of. The track is an instantly-appealing piece of 21st Century pop/rock that melds crunchy guitars, emotional vocals, and a strong mid-speed groove into a hook-laden track that’s going to do a great deal to raise the band’s public profile. The lineup of Daniel Martin (vocals/guitar), Benjamin Thurston (bass), and Jorge Gutierrez Jr. (drums) has been together for about seven years and has built a strong reputation by performing songs like this in Phoenix venues as well as in California and Mexico. </p>
<p>“All Night Long” puts Daniel Martin’s vocals in the spotlight and he’s talented enough to wear it well. This track is a great playlist addition for anyone into cool melodic guitar rock that has what it takes to become a smash hit. Radiofix is currently trending upward and could very well have its own ticket to ride with this compelling cut. This is one you all need to hear. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Hj3dCwGa2dHw6zfMenOv7" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Hj3dCwGa2dHw6zfMenOv7" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Hj3dCwGa2dHw6zfMenOv7</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/radiofix/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/radiofix/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/radiofix/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://radiofix.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://radiofix.net/" target="_blank">https://radiofix.net/</a></b></p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62370082020-03-04T10:09:11-06:002020-03-06T13:06:25-06:00PARIZ NOIR “LAS OLAS” SINGLE REVIEW - EROTIC R&B FROM MIAMI!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b0f06f935504da2c289d188f185fac2137b751ff/original/7c672183-2f0d-4df0-b33f-d92aa53d8194.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>PARIZ NOIR </p>
<p>“Las Olas” </p>
<p>(VX Records) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Pariz Noir is a slick and skilled R&B vocalist in Miami who has just released an incredible new single called “Las Olas.” The track is a sultry bit of downtempo smoothness that packs a 3 AM vibe and highlights Noir’s understated, breathy singing style. Her voice is sweet, pure, and expressive with ambient overtones that fit the atmospheric production here very well. The song has the potential to become a major hit and elevate Noir to the highest levels of the music industry. It’s a wistfully erotic track of yearning and heartbreak that will appeal to the inner soul of any person paying attention. </p>
<p>Noir has also made a music video for “Las Olas” that’s anticipated to make this track climb even higher. The song is sexy, somber, and hypnotic all at once and gives listeners reason to expect a long and successful career from this fine artist who is clearly making waves. Let this track filter into your mind and stay there. You’ll be glad you did. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dmCoTsQ2g28" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/dmCoTsQ2g28/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dmCoTsQ2g28?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/01Otklsk6gllDmFJB6w29I#_=_" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/01Otklsk6gllDmFJB6w29I#_=_" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/01Otklsk6gllDmFJB6w29I#_=_</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.pariznoir.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.pariznoir.com/" target="_blank">https://www.pariznoir.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62365852020-03-03T23:38:28-06:002020-03-06T12:59:16-06:00CATHERINE CORONA “THE VOICE OF THE STILLNESS” ALBUM REVIEW - NEW AGE/WORLD MUSIC!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5fa15401bebdc18f52fca54f636b5f783af518a8/original/7a271a67-5ba7-40fa-9641-7e5c02b88d89.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CATHERINE CORONA </p>
<p><i>The Voice of the Stillness </i></p>
<p>(Sound of Light Media) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Catherine Corona, a.k.a. Ramalla, is a songwriter, author, meditation practitioner, and filmmaker working in Boulder, Colorado who has recently released her debut album of New Age/World Music <i>The Voice of the Stillness</i>. The pieces on the record were initially composed when Catherine was enduring extensive cancer treatment and became aware of the inner melodies her soul was singing on her daily walks in the Colorado countryside. After a while, she began to record them into her phone and then started to write lyrics for them. The end result is a breathtaking mostly-acoustic record that takes a meditative tone, crosses cultural lines, and shows Catherine to be a deeply intuitive musician, vocalist, and composer. </p>
<p>Corona opens with her title song, “The Voice of the Stillness,” which is a gentle, ethereal track with a traditional Irish influence to it. Synth pads enter as the song evolves then dissolves back into nothingness as Catherine’s voice floats above it all. “Amen” is a hypnotic Christian chant that expresses her great inner love and envelopes listeners like an old friend. “Om Shanti Om” and “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” incorporate different levels of Indian music in their presentations and come across as genuine and true. Other important pieces here include “I Am Free” and “Open My Eyes.” Catherine Corona is an old soul with a talent for writing music that speaks directly to the divine in all of us. Those seeking a peaceful new headspace will find it here. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5f8IG0HEqcM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/5f8IG0HEqcM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5f8IG0HEqcM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0oV2LagWRdgoZSssFP19sc" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0oV2LagWRdgoZSssFP19sc" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0oV2LagWRdgoZSssFP19sc</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/CatherineACorona/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/CatherineACorona/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/CatherineACorona/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/catherineacorona/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/catherineacorona/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/catherineacorona/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62278832020-02-25T22:19:39-06:002020-02-25T22:19:39-06:00WENDY HALO “COMPROMISE” SINGLE REVIEW - PASSIONATE POP FROM SPAIN!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f94fbe5f501d856181d680ca604b1720b394d83b/original/f39c87f3-c787-49b8-b77c-ff6ecd0d8050.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>WENDY HALO </p>
<p>“Compromise” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Wendy Halo’s recent single “Compromise” is a smooth and powerful piece of pop music that uses an understated hook and a simmering beat to evoke an atmosphere of class and passion. Working from Marbella, Spain, Halo has become something of a breakout artist whose name and fame are both rapidly expanding. She connects well with pop fans everywhere thanks to her strong vocals and exotic beauty, both of which have helped “Compromise” run up almost 150,000 views on YouTube, alone. </p>
<p>The track is a quiet anthem of empowerment and boundaries in a difficult relationship and Halo speaks her piece and stands her ground. The production is outstanding, encasing Wendy’s beautiful voice in a sleek, velvety environment that conjures up deep thoughts and images of late-night city skylines. She’s an incredibly soulful vocalist with tone and taste who never lets her chops overtake her song. Wendy Halo is perfectly positioned right now to get herself in the ears of millions of pop fans and, if she has more songs like this, that success is only a matter of time. Spin this tonight and absorb every line. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GOobWDL5-Wo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GOobWDL5-Wo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GOobWDL5-Wo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/31R1pxUBUNFBDLayYpECkD" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/31R1pxUBUNFBDLayYpECkD" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/31R1pxUBUNFBDLayYpECkD</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/wendyhalo/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/wendyhalo/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/wendyhalo/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62275012020-02-25T16:19:42-06:002020-02-25T16:19:42-06:00GOLDIE “FATA MORGANA” SINGLE REVIEW - EXPERIMENTAL FOLK/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/00e8929211f448fecf27a640d8790ad744028b2b/original/b8937740-a594-4289-b8c6-780ff5f3b8ce.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GOLDIE </p>
<p>“Fata Morgana” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Vancouver’s Goldie is a highly individualistic musician, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter with an acoustic-driven style that’s been compared to Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke, and Led Zeppelin. His latest single is the expansive “Fata Morgana” and is taken from his upcoming album Blind! that comes out on March 23rd, 2020. It’s a brilliantly hypnotic experimental folk/rock cut built on swirling guitars, electronic drums, and finger snaps that’s unlike any other song you’ll hear this year. Goldie blends a bit of gentle psychedelia into his folk recipe and it takes you into a headspace you won’t want to leave. Interestingly, the track is an homage to Werner Herzog’s 1971 film Fata Morgana, which depicts mirages in the Sahara and Sahel deserts. </p>
<p>Like Herzog’s film, Goldie’s “Fata Morgana” has an introspective lost-in-the-desert sort of feel to it that will pull listeners in and keep them paying attention. His low-key vocals fit the song’s mood perfectly and enhance its trippy vibe. Fans of indie rock and progressive folk will find a lot to like here and are encouraged to stick around and see what other surprises the new album may hold. Good stuff! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YBZGuHO3myQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YBZGuHO3myQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YBZGuHO3myQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://buygoldiemusic.bandcamp.com/track/fata-morgana" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buygoldiemusic.bandcamp.com/track/fata-morgana" target="_blank">https://buygoldiemusic.bandcamp.com/track/fata-morgana</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62186362020-02-17T23:27:21-06:002020-02-17T23:30:09-06:00FLAME OF LIFE: EXPERIMENTAL LAZER MUSIC FROM THE UNDERGROUND <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/64888360784ca9d61107389f81c0eeb0922b7b2a/original/c67fa63c-f15a-4ca3-a5d1-a55519d3d955.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Flame of Life exists on the fringes of every music scene there is. Together since 2015, the group makes experimental music that defies description, so much so that the band considers itself to be in a genre of its own called Lazer. The members come from backgrounds in industrial, nu-metal, and goth but have created a sound that can’t be bound by such simple descriptions. One listen to their recent 25-track album <i>Red Sunset</i> will confirm that the band is playing music the world hasn’t heard before and doing so in a deeply artistic way. </p>
<p>Flame of Life’s DJ Arxonix was gracious enough to spend some time with the crew and I at the Mike O’Cull Music home office and studio complex not long ago and brought us up to speed on the inner workings of one of the most compelling outsider bands working today. Here are the highlights of our conversation. Check out Flame of Life on SoundCloud at <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/lamefife.&nbsp;&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/lamefife." target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/lamefife. </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>How did Flame of Life begin? </b></p>
<p>It started in 2015 when vocalist Fazer and guitarist The Bottle decided to make music together. They knew each other before. Dead Flower answered the ad and soon joined the band. The guy lived in a cemetery prior to joining. We don’t know why but he did. I met Fazer in the club where I used to work. I was offered to join so I became the fourth member. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Would it be accurate to call Flame of Life’s style experimental or avant-garde? </b></p>
<p>Yes, it’s really experimental. When we first appeared, people didn’t know what kind of music it was. There was nothing like it, so we called it Lazer. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What is your most recent release? </b></p>
<p><i>Red Sunset</i> is the most recent album. It was released in 2019 and there are 25 songs. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Who or what influences your music? </b></p>
<p>We’ve come from different styles but they’re pretty much from industrial, nu-metal and grunge. Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, Alice in Chains, etc. Fazer is a fan of Marilyn Monroe, though. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Describe your creative process. </b></p>
<p>Usually we come together and start to record new songs. Some of us have pretty much material by that time. We like to experiment mixing sounds into something strange or create new effects. Every instrument sounds special. We’re trying to stay away from any other genre to be unique. It’s about song structure too. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Why do you make music? </b></p>
<p>We like this process. We’re not friends but like making music together in the way we do. I’m not sure we’re going to become popular because our style is too strange for most people. Fazer and The Bottle say we must not be too popular. It can kill our underground atmosphere. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Does Flame of Life have a message to communicate? </b></p>
<p>There’s no common concept. Every song has its own message. Our common message is to show people Lazer and share our atmosphere. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Is your music political? </b></p>
<p>No, absolutely not. We don’t like to be too particular. Our songs rarely take up particular events and stuff like that. Usually, it’s about personal feelings. Some of them are about ecology, though. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What do you have planned for the rest of 2020? </b></p>
<p>We have some stuff and plan to record new songs. Also we’re going to promote the latest release. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What have you been listening to lately? </b></p>
<p>Adema, Filter, Society 1, The Mars Volta, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, Mushroomhead (especially the song “Indifferent”), and Pearl Jam! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What’s the most important thing listeners should know about Flame of Life? </b></p>
<p>Flame of Life is the thing you can’t understand completely. We can't even do that. It’s always going to be something unreachable, strange and sometimes scary.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8f3325bd0b8fb28229015e92079754bc911e2756/original/8af06b7f-7ca6-4f5b-8e93-68d02910c871.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62157032020-02-14T17:42:40-06:002020-02-18T12:16:48-06:00DJ AŽURELY “THE GLOW UP” SINGLE REVIEW - ETHEREAL EDM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f4341808a59a33203938f95943f35931ed968771/original/bab04106-5e22-42fa-980f-e54ec7fde991.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DJ AŽURELY </p>
<p>“The Glow Up” </p>
<p>(AŽ)</p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>DJ Ažurely shines brightly on her brand new single “The Glow Up.” She’s a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, stage performer, and songwriter who has spent time at Emerson College and Berklee College of Music forging a personal style capable of reaching listeners around the world. “The Glow Up” is a brilliant mid-tempo track that’s funky on the low end but atmospheric and ethereal up high. It has an expansive, cinematic sensibility to it yet is still a radio-worthy single that will be lodged in your memory after your first spin through it. </p>
<p>Originally from New England, DJ Ažurely has spent her entire life in pursuit of music. After years of appearing in musicals and plays, singing, and learning instruments, she was drawn to the EDM scene. She began as a journalist and promoter but quickly launched herself into being a house DJ. She has since evolved into a respected artist and performer who has been direct support for Mercer at Bijou and shared the marquee with major artists including Mija, OOKAY, Ducky, and Goldfish. “The Glow Up” is a very strong showing for Ažurely and should dramatically raise her profile amongst EDM fans. Listen once and you won’t want to stop. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3Z0baHGyVWp6RdhG0YjnMG" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3Z0baHGyVWp6RdhG0YjnMG" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3Z0baHGyVWp6RdhG0YjnMG</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/iamazurely/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/iamazurely/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/iamazurely/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62142822020-02-13T14:20:38-06:002020-02-13T14:20:38-06:00MIC STRONG “VICE CITY” SINGLE REVIEW - HIP HOP PARTY GREATNESS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b0931d7dfe22550a8f39a9d5c458e58084e58a57/original/e6690c1c-f6ae-4867-968d-42c125fa6fc4.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MIC STRONG </p>
<p>“Vice City” </p>
<p>(POP Global) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull </p>
<p>Mic Strong is a conscious lyrical hip hop artist from Fort Wayne, Indiana with a new single called “Vice City” that will remind you of everything you love about rap music. He’s a man of great faith, growth, and purpose who makes music that demonstrates those qualities while still showing listeners a good time. “Vice City” is all about those good times and spins a story of an ultimate beach vacation and all the fun it contains. Mic Strong is heavily influenced by funk and 90s hip hop and lays down a vibe here that’s upbeat and positive, avoiding the menace and desperation that so many rappers try to project. He is a mature lyricist who has no need to use profanity or shock to get people listening. </p>
<p>“Vice City” builds on a lighthearted funk beat that will instantly win over anyone looking to dance and party. The inspiration from artists including Tupac, Arrested Development, and Will Smith is clear but Mic Strong has his own flow that sets him apart from anyone else. His delivery is relaxed and real, pulling fans deeper into his orbit with every line. This is an outstanding track that brings back that party atmosphere we fell in love with all those years ago and makes it rock for the 21st Century. Be sure to put Mic Strong on your radar and watch him become a star. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/00qOTPsrQPFoAagwy4GK5Z?fbclid=IwAR25QdTHNju3v4KiIaDnW_pi0A2JkQlmggn3Z3oWEQY_r9a6zXiegymOBsY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/00qOTPsrQPFoAagwy4GK5Z?fbclid=IwAR25QdTHNju3v4KiIaDnW_pi0A2JkQlmggn3Z3oWEQY_r9a6zXiegymOBsY" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/00qOTPsrQPFoAagwy4GK5Z?fbclid=IwAR25QdTHNju3v4KiIaDnW_pi0A2JkQlmggn3Z3oWEQY_r9a6zXiegymOBsY</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/micstrong/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/micstrong/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/micstrong/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62126542020-02-11T21:48:58-06:002020-02-11T21:50:52-06:00FIFTH “COST OF DOIN’ BUSINESS” SINGLE REVIEW - TRUE HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a272bd57669139dc0177ff6b49ac9c760fd51784/original/bac93c02-c13b-4fd4-bbc3-d5a541557704.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FIFTH </p>
<p>“Cost of Doin’ Business” </p>
<p>(<a href="tel:1433449">1433449</a> Records DK) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>California hip hop artist Fifth drops a whole lot of soul on his recent single “Cost of Doin’ Business.” He easily mixes Golden Era rap influences with modern intellect and creativity, a combination that shows Fifth to be a lyrical rapper of the highest magnitude. The track is a tough meditation on leaving his upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness behind and the losses he had to accept to be free to live the life he wants for himself. It’s not a topic you’d expect to encounter in a rap song and it shows that Fifth is clearly deeper water than most current artists. </p>
<p>The track sits on top of a funky beat with a vintage influence to it that perfectly supports Fifth’s big vocal tone and hard rhymes. He’s also been profiled on the shows <i>Leah Remini: Scientology</i> and <i>The Aftermath: The Jehovah’s Witnesses </i>recounting his experiences while coming into his own. He’s a literate, confident lyricist who fearlessly shows his true face to the world. Fifth is a powerfully authentic artist with a genuine story to tell. Fans looking for a new poet to groove on need to look right here. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2YJzPSmAaQ7XC1oeCCo6Vu" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2YJzPSmAaQ7XC1oeCCo6Vu" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2YJzPSmAaQ7XC1oeCCo6Vu</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/officialthefifth/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/officialthefifth/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/officialthefifth/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62038812020-02-04T21:22:54-06:002020-02-04T21:22:54-06:00MOJO MAYNE “BOUNCE IT BACK” SINGLE REVIEW - HIP HOP BANGER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6cd75844581597a11f1f91f446c052922d0cf21f/original/dc79e496-3e11-47bd-b597-abaafe9fd54e.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MOJO MAYNE </p>
<p>“Bounce It Back” </p>
<p>(Sweathoggz Music Group LLC) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Independent hip hop artist Mojo Mayne drops a straight up banger with his recent single “Bounce It Back.” Its a big beat club track about a fine young lady with the kind of thick assets that drive young men crazy. Mayne doesn’t hide his admiration of her anatomy and throws down the kind of strong bars that will turn out any club in the world. The beat has some old school to it which blends well with Mojo’s young, fresh approach. It’s a fun, sexy track meant for raising the roof on a Saturday night. Mayne is a quality entertainer with his own mode on the microphone that party people are going to love. </p>
<p>Rap fans have seen Mojo Mayne before, as he has already had a good bit of success. He’s made the Billboard Hot Singles Chart before, as well as the Hip Hop Top 30 and NACC charts. He’s an experienced artist who has put in his work and found an audience. “Bounce It Back” looks to be another upwardly mobile song for Mayne and there’s no doubt that it’ll get a lot of folks moving. Play it loud so the whole block can hear it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/39u3x51ntYkoDPwKye4UEa?si=YNhDKW8MRRSwE1rEfQPsIQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/39u3x51ntYkoDPwKye4UEa?si=YNhDKW8MRRSwE1rEfQPsIQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/39u3x51ntYkoDPwKye4UEa?si=YNhDKW8MRRSwE1rEfQPsIQ</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/WinkLoveLoss/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/WinkLoveLoss/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/WinkLoveLoss/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62032052020-02-04T11:43:14-06:002020-02-04T11:43:14-06:00ANGELLiKEFiRE “HaLLoWWHoLE” SINGLE REVIEW - EMO TRIP POP!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/bdca5311e053a9d50c5d31bb9ef3de75b6776ff1/original/e9616282-fa5e-44fc-91bc-2a8e01035c6d.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ANGELLiKEFiRE </p>
<p>“HaLLoWWHoLE” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>ANGELLiKEFiRE, a.k.a. Seattle native Angelica Marie Dresp, fearlessly pursues her own musical vision on her recent single “HaLLoWWHoLE.” The track is an attention-grabbing example of her self-created genre EmoTripPop, a gritty electronic sound that leans toward the abstract. Dresp is atmospheric, intense, and unsettling all at once in a brilliantly artistic way that listeners new to her work won’t soon forget. She uses hard-edged beats, evocative synthesizers, and emotional vocals to express her muse and the result is music that’s both inventive and important. </p>
<p>Dresp is a longtime underground creative who has worked as an actress, model, singer, and dancer. Knowing that, it’s no surprise that she has developed a musical style all her own that’s unlike anything else out there. She is in possession of an unshakable and forward-thinking sensibility that will keep fans in need of something unique coming back for more. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6n32Sg8oKyywTQhLgAWY8V?highlight=spotify:track:5jC1qFH6kCJBulMmgIpvzX" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6n32Sg8oKyywTQhLgAWY8V?highlight=spotify:track:5jC1qFH6kCJBulMmgIpvzX" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6n32Sg8oKyywTQhLgAWY8V?highlight=spotify:track:5jC1qFH6kCJBulMmgIpvzX</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.angellikefire.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.angellikefire.com/" target="_blank">http://www.angellikefire.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/angellikefire/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/angellikefire/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/angellikefire/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62026992020-02-04T01:21:05-06:002020-02-05T15:06:55-06:00ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2020: TOM SMITH OF THE MERRY JAYNZ BY JON ROSS<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/274fc7570700e85f28623177f4c98ef462094254/original/bd47a36d-0d27-4dc6-8526-d0b8c81cc39c.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>I’m pleased to begin a residency here on MikeOCull.com contributing articles featuring independent artists. Each month I will choose a different artist to highlight, and this month I had the opportunity to interview singer-songwriter and guitarist/bassist Tom Smith. </p>
<p><br>Tom has been playing music for 44 years and has released 3 albums and 35 songs. He produces music under the moniker “The Merry Jaynz” and he’s currently working on the second track in what he calls the “post- third-album era.” Recently, he won first place in a local singer-songwriter competition and was featured in the Maryville, Tennessee Daily Times newspaper some years ago. </p>
<p><br>The aforementioned 3rd album was just released last month, on December 3rd. </p>
<p><br>Originally from New York, Tom and his wife Susan currently make their home in Knoxville, Tennessee, about 3 hours east of Nashville. Prior to settling down out near the Smoky Mountains, Tom spent time in several other cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the much smaller town of Florence, KY. He says the most interesting place he’s lived is Brooklyn, NY, because “nobody there has ever eaten a slice of Domino’s Pizza.” As a side note, being from New York, it’s no surprise that pizza is his favorite food, which he enjoys pairing with a nice pinot noir. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/bc8580ad282eedfdc31f02e93d0f587015f4b53e/original/07a9e5d6-fe6f-4a7b-832e-3abae5e2a2d8.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>When asked how he got started in music, Tom recalls: “My best friend's oldest brother left an old <br>1960's electric bass guitar lying around. I learned all the major 1970s bass riffs on that before I even dreamed of having an amp or a bass of my own. Then my art teacher loaned me an acoustic guitar. I immediately removed those two annoying "extra strings" and proceeded to further my bass career on it. 18 months later I was playing gigs with my own bass and amp.”<br> <br> He credits one of his high school music teachers, Dalnillo Florian, as having a profound impact on him as a musician: “This cat was a white guy who spent his twenties and thirties playing the Harlem jazz clubs in the 1940s and 1950s. He taught guitar and history. When it happened that two students wanted a bass course, he magically created a half-semester bass course for us. I thank him for teaching me chord theory. I parlayed my teeny bit of chord theory from Dal Florian into whatever I could make of it, rising meteorically to the top of the heap of local bass players my age, I wound up playing with much older, much better, much more well-educated musicians as a result.” </p>
<p><br>Tom continues to perform regularly. He plays in 3 different cover bands and a gypsy jazz band in addition to his solo acoustic act. He related to me one funny/embarrassing stage moment when he “accidentally smacked a lady in the back of the head with my Strat on stage. She was the singer and the gig was a benefit for brain cancer surgery FOR HER!” (Oops! lol) </p>
<p><br>I asked Tom if there was a defining moment for him when he knew that music was what he was destined to do, and he recounts the following: “It was a party. I was talked into accompanying my girlfriend's brother to a party full of his co-workers because he wanted to bring his bass and jam with people for the first time. He wanted moral support, so I went and brought my Strat and little battery amp. When we arrived, there was a good crowd, but they were all grooving to Paul Simon's Graceland album which had just been released. When Graceland was over, I started picking. Soon, they shut off the stereo and gathered around to watch me. One of the attendees looked like a biker. A really pissed off biker. Frowny, grinding his jaws, not associating at all. It turns out he was also a bass player. He borrowed my girlfriend's brother's gear and we just started wailing together for three hours non-stop. We had everyone's undivided attention the whole time. While this was going on I intended with malice aforethought to use the music to send healing vibes to this guy, to try to get his head in a better space, lighten him up a little. When we finally took a break, he was all smiles and ran over and gave me a big hug and thanked me profusely. I managed to convince myself that I used music to heal him. There were many other similar stories like that, but this instance stands out the most for me.” </p>
<p><br>As for musical influences, Tom cites The Grateful Dead as the biggest one: “They caused me to view music as something fluid, rather than carved in granite. Because of them, I am a musical risk-taker. I learned more from listening to Jerry Garcia's influences than I have from listening to Garcia himself. I tend to value the effects the music I make has on its listeners more than the value it has on my bank account.” As a listener, right now his go-to jam is Derek Trucks and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and his favorite “guilty pleasure” song is "Ohio" by Chrissy Hynde. </p>
<p><br>Tom describes his musical style as “underground swamp rock” which he says includes a mixture of “garage punk, reggae, rockabilly, folk, bluegrass/country, gypsy jazz, and some Latin.” Phew! Sounds groovy though, doesn’t it? <br>If he could give other artists one piece of advice that he’s learned that he wishes other people to have, he says: “The money is in the vocals. Wanna make money? Be a great singer or align yourself with one and support them (musically).” <br>When not playing or recording music, Tom does IT (information technology) and software work and enjoys reading, particularly Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Elaine Nolan, and watching the New York Jets (that’s American football for those of you not familiar). </p>
<p><br>If you’re anywhere near the Knoxville area you can catch Tom playing with Swingbooty at the Brickyard Bar on Feb. 14th and on Feb. 20th he’ll be at Corner Lounge with the Americana All-Starz. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="http://themerryjaynz.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://themerryjaynz.com/" target="_blank">http://themerryjaynz.com/</a></strong> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/themerryjaynz/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/themerryjaynz/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/themerryjaynz/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PATREON: <a contents="https://www.patreon.com/themerryjaynz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.patreon.com/themerryjaynz" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/themerryjaynz</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>YOUTUBE: <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7iAjL1MXFdqWT6f1gPoSQ?fbclid=IwAR0jgvuQ0lSl6ug3xqRBjj30PYJE84qOBnuFBB5KVF_U1J5vFAzNznxA-ME" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7iAjL1MXFdqWT6f1gPoSQ?fbclid=IwAR0jgvuQ0lSl6ug3xqRBjj30PYJE84qOBnuFBB5KVF_U1J5vFAzNznxA-ME" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7iAjL1MXFdqWT6f1gPoSQ?fbclid=IwAR0jgvuQ0lSl6ug3xqRBjj30PYJE84qOBnuFBB5KVF_U1J5vFAzNznxA-ME</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ijklY8VbFfI8U8B6CS87v?fbclid=IwAR0rTaUlZgSYC6ut3jkCbxOYGyrFzKFrRF15nfwCqBMITMNpoBjv7DZIg0A" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ijklY8VbFfI8U8B6CS87v?fbclid=IwAR0rTaUlZgSYC6ut3jkCbxOYGyrFzKFrRF15nfwCqBMITMNpoBjv7DZIg0A" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ijklY8VbFfI8U8B6CS87v?fbclid=IwAR0rTaUlZgSYC6ut3jkCbxOYGyrFzKFrRF15nfwCqBMITMNpoBjv7DZIg0A</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><em>Nashville-based Jon Ross is an independent singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bridge builder. While these days you can find Jon Ross performing his music in the Nashville area and online (via Facebook live stream), a direct line to his ear is always available to his fans and followers. Newsletters, blog posts, and social media are more than just a way of sharing information. They are how Ross communicates his vision of a more balanced world – one infused with more art, where the heaviness of life is only part of the story. To find out more about Jon’s mission to “change the world, one note at a time” and how you can get a free, exclusive digital bundle, visit <a contents="https://jonrossmusician.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jonrossmusician.com" target="_blank">https://jonrossmusician.com</a><br> </em></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62021352020-02-03T15:49:36-06:002020-02-03T15:49:36-06:00JOHN TONY “WOULD YOU MIND?” SINGLE REVIEW - KILLER SLOW JAM R&B!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6a2c6850d06be2ba029f257d0aefe01b9238380d/original/0805e863-5b55-4f9f-94f0-fb849866c539.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JOHN TONY </p>
<p>“Would You Mind?” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Vocalist and rapper John Tony has jumped into the game with a strong and soulful debut single called “Would You Mind?” that’s sure to bring him many new fans. He’s been rapping and producing music in the underground for a long time but now feels ready to step out into the sunlight and take his rightful place in the industry. Originally from Nigeria and currently living in Canada, John Tony draws on his unique background and a deeply meaningful and introspective style to make tracks that are certain to have worldwide appeal. </p>
<p>“Would You Mind?” is a sensual slow jam love song that shows us John Tony’s smooth side. He pleads his case with the object of his desire in a slick, convincing way over a funky, intimate beat. He has a warm vocal tone that fits the song well and anyone listening would be hard pressed to tell that this is a debut release. This is a radio-ready track with the potential to conquer most of the Urban Music market. Expect to hear a lot more from John Tony. Early indications are that he has more to offer than most. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5EmpEemhbnfqB1kv1GsFNY?highlight=spotify:track:6b4eTglmKGkwTYhGVzxUFx" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5EmpEemhbnfqB1kv1GsFNY?highlight=spotify:track:6b4eTglmKGkwTYhGVzxUFx" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5EmpEemhbnfqB1kv1GsFNY?highlight=spotify:track:6b4eTglmKGkwTYhGVzxUFx</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://instagram.com/JOHNOTONY" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://instagram.com/JOHNOTONY" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/JOHNOTONY</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://twitter.com/TONYOJOHN" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://twitter.com/TONYOJOHN" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/TONYOJOHN</a></b></p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/62020902020-02-03T14:48:34-06:002020-02-03T14:48:34-06:00MARQUETTE KING & ANNABELLE “THIS SIDE” SINGLE REVIEW - POP/HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9ddcb9224468e811826a090397f9d5b62d484f9c/original/571f7482-b5a4-4ce0-a4c4-c78eb3e26d55.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MARQUETTE KING & ANNABELLE </p>
<p>“This Side” </p>
<p>(BU Universe) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Pop-hop artist and performer Marquette King turns in the hottest new jam of 2020 with his latest single “This Side.” King is highly skilled at mixing the elements of pop music and rap into his own individual sound that’s funky and full of industrial-strength hooks. King also features female artist Annabelle on the track, which only adds to the sweetness of this obvious hit song. Both King and Annabelle flow with precision and authority, demonstrating world-class levels of lyrical skills. Beyond that, “This Side” is simply an excellent song that’s catchy and kinetic. Once you hear it, you’ll remember it. The beat is a body-mover that’s sparse but grooves hard and never gets in front of the track’s mighty vocals. </p>
<p>Sports-minded music fans may recognize Marquette King’s name from his time in the National Football League as a punter for the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos. Turns out that King has always loved music but put it aside temporarily as his pro football career developed. These days, he’s back on the microphone and going hard to release the finest music of his life. “This Side” is going to light up a lot of people and take King’s name and brand to another level. Make sure you’re there with him. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/78WVx8YQVSbvu3uRf6LD42" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/78WVx8YQVSbvu3uRf6LD42" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/78WVx8YQVSbvu3uRf6LD42</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/marquetteking/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/marquetteking/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/marquetteking/?hl=en</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://twitter.com/MarquetteKing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/MarquetteKing" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MarquetteKing</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61988192020-01-31T14:22:05-06:002020-01-31T14:22:05-06:00CHUCK W. “FIRST ROAD TO SMALL WORLD” SINGLE REVIEW - EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRONIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/411ccea60b9939c349f03122613bf2307f84f954/original/253e2339-d10c-493e-8449-99b1f98f4772.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CHUCK W. </p>
<p>“The First Road to Small World” </p>
<p>(Chuck W. Records) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Experimental electronic artist Chuck W. colors way outside the lines on his new single “The First Road to Small World.” Working from his kitchen table studio in Amityville, New York, Chuck crafts expressive synth-based soundscapes that communicate his internal fears and anxieties about life in an abstract yet profound way. This track, taken from his upcoming album <i>Small World</i>, is a brilliant piece of outsider art that increases in importance with each successive listening session. It’s comprised of tortured synths and beats that, although initially unsettling, pull us into Chuck’s world by showing, not telling. No words are needed to understand that this track is the sound of one man thinking in the midst of a shrinking world. </p>
<p>Chuck uses the term “small world” to describe the agoraphobia that follows confinement, not in the traditional sense. His is a mind focused inward and living in its own space and time. “The First Road to Small World” is two-and-a-half minutes of raw human angst made digital. Chuck W. is bold, open, and unafraid as an artist, recording his own condition, no matter what it may sound like. His music is vital and real and worth every second it takes you to find your way inside of it. Elevate and investigate. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6j3p5BSzBT5iA9W6OUaCMf?highlight=spotify:track:7r4XXVsvCqOGyVAmLVdt7D" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6j3p5BSzBT5iA9W6OUaCMf?highlight=spotify:track:7r4XXVsvCqOGyVAmLVdt7D" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6j3p5BSzBT5iA9W6OUaCMf?highlight=spotify:track:7r4XXVsvCqOGyVAmLVdt7D</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.twitter.com/ChuckW_Ny" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.twitter.com/ChuckW_Ny" target="_blank">https://www.twitter.com/ChuckW_Ny</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61717122020-01-24T17:07:02-06:002020-01-24T17:07:02-06:00DONNIE AKI “LIFELINE” SINGLE REVIEW - AMAZING MIAMI HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8a1fc13762fe30ce692e48c1c7b3de29213a8143/original/f3d79757-8693-4e09-8137-d2f4d625c6b4.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DONNIE AKI </p>
<p>“Lifeline” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Miami hip hop artist Donnie Aki is fully in his element on his new single “Lifeline.” The track is a touching love song done in Donnie’s unique style that incorporates both rapped and sung vocals as well as an open display of emotion and vulnerability not often found in urban music. Aki is onto something original here and really comes across as an artist who is fully in control of his identity and vibe. “Lifeline” appears to be well on its way to striking gold and has received over 11,000 streams in its first week on SoundCloud. Aki’s fans are latching onto the song in a major way and it’s a beautiful thing to behold. </p>
<p>Donnie Aki has been creating music since the young age of 15 and has given his whole life to the process. He even walked away from an athletic scholarship at the University of Florida to chase his music career full time. He also puts in work with other artists and producers including Hill Carden and his brother Tony Torquoix. Aki is a skilled and experienced creator who has what it takes to become a star. You won’t hear many tracks as strong as this in 2020 or any other year. Spin it and you’ll know I’m right. Put this one on your “Must Hear” playlist. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/donnieaki/lifeline" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/donnieaki/lifeline" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/donnieaki/lifeline</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/donnieaki/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/donnieaki/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/donnieaki/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61716772020-01-24T16:36:08-06:002020-01-24T16:37:09-06:00GUAL “HMMM (THINK ABOUT IT)” SINGLE REVIEW - FUNK/DISCO MAGIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b780c20e57c9c638389dd7d2dfd6677a71d9bf48/original/1d30554a-1f10-405c-ae35-5eb859acafe3.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GUAL </p>
<p>“Hmmm (Think About It)” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Every single person out there who loves to dance absolutely needs to hear artist/producer Gual’s new single “Hmmm (Think About It).” Gual is a Florida-based performer with a wide-ranging and highly contagious style that pulls from funk, EDM, disco, and hip hop. Brand new for 2020, “Hmmm (Think About It)” will grab you by the soul and pull you onto the dancefloor so quickly that no other possible action can even be considered. The bassline and drums groove hard and are undeniably funky. Gual’s rapped lyrics preach equality in rhythm and remind listeners that no one person or culture can lay sole claim to the power and enjoyment of music. This is a feel-good song like no other and Gual makes it clear from the jump that it’s for everybody. </p>
<p>Gual is a DJ, artist, and producer who has been in the game since he was a teenager in the 1980s. He combines vintage sounds, modern techniques, and a sense of humor to great effect in his tracks and is well-known as a wildly-entertaining performer. “Hmmm (Think About It)” is a prime example of how he does it as well as a reflection of his personality. It’s the kind of track that goes around the world, making friends and fans at all stops. Anyone looking for a new favorite song to dance to will find it right here. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/4bPX1aceQFQbUNrFIOALVO" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4bPX1aceQFQbUNrFIOALVO" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/4bPX1aceQFQbUNrFIOALVO</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.gual.info/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gual.info/" target="_blank">https://www.gual.info/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://instagram.com/djgual" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://instagram.com/djgual" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/djgual</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61477122020-01-22T14:16:36-06:002020-01-28T16:27:37-06:00RO$EWOOD RENEGADE “KNOCKIN’” SINGLE REVIEW - TEXAS HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/0b5d0773fa239af4c83081222c7bc6269d45984a/original/8cb5191f-ab10-419d-b734-e7f5c89105ba.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>RO$EWOOD RENEGADE </p>
<p>“Knockin’” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Austin, Texas hip hop artist Ro$ewood Renegade is a skilled and distinctive rap talent ready for his moment in the spotlight. The son of a Texas street legend, Ro$ewood Renegade is working hard right now to generate his own heat with tracks like his new single “Knockin’.” Released in January of 2020, “Knockin’” has already received thousands of streams on SoundCloud and shows no evidence of slowing down. Built on a heavy synth-and-kick-drum beat, the track allows us to see Ro$ewood Renegade as an articulate lyricist with a pure hustle. His flow is tight, individualistic, and bold, which gives him a real shot at developing into a major artist. </p>
<p>Ro$ewood Renegade comes from a family of musicians with its own legacy, which helps understand why he goes so hard on his own tracks. He’s building a reputation of his own as a viable and creative performer well able to spit bars on a world-class level. After being overlooked for far too long, he’s started his own record label, Kommittee Rich Entertainment LLC, with the assistance of his manager Phil Jackson and is primed for big things to happen. “Knockin’” is a big step in the right direction and should make Ro$ewood Renegade a lot of new fans and friends. Get on this one now! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/jay-jimbo-brown/knockin-rosewood-renegade" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/jay-jimbo-brown/knockin-rosewood-renegade" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/jay-jimbo-brown/knockin-rosewood-renegade</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.itsrenegade.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.itsrenegade.com/" target="_blank">https://www.itsrenegade.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61471152020-01-22T13:05:33-06:002020-01-23T14:05:34-06:00YELLACATT “THE WILD ONE” EP REVIEW - SENSUAL AND EMPOWERED POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8c5331bda5cdc6e5c51b2c4d651a2f74ee3fddf9/original/d37f4b32-6b95-40ff-b897-36a9fddf9670.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>YELLACATT </p>
<p><i>The Wild One </i></p>
<p>(Hear Color Music) </p>
<p>EP review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Daniella White, a.k.a. Yellacatt, is a unique and stylized modern pop artist with a sound that melds blues, rock, hip hop, and electronica influences with her own intrinsic creativity. Her recent EP, <i>The Wild One</i>, is a four-track masterpiece that exudes confidence, sensuality, and wisdom in every second of its 14-minute run time. Yellacatt songs are sexy, audacious, and completely her own, having a much stronger identity than most current pop artists. Her inspirations come from nature, the feminine form, mythology, and mysticism as much as music and gives her tracks powers few can equal. </p>
<p>“Super Power Pussy” opens The Wild One with a bold statement of empowered female sexuality that’s an obvious hit single in waiting. Yellacatt delivers her message without flinching or blushing and the track is bound to resonate with millions of women around the world. It’s also funky as all get out and tailor-made for up-close body movement. “Wild Horse” is another great song with global potential. Yellacatt radiates an intense, glowing seductiveness in all that she does and it functions as it’s supposed to. You just can’t turn these tracks off, even for a moment. Pop vocal fans looking for something new and exotic will instantly bond with Yellacatt. She brings it on every song and gives listeners one unforgettable experience after another. This is what you need to be rocking with in 2020. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6eLOdyL3L7pQSZDKDwx8w4?si=Z7pNN88ASZe25FL3H48loA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6eLOdyL3L7pQSZDKDwx8w4?si=Z7pNN88ASZe25FL3H48loA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6eLOdyL3L7pQSZDKDwx8w4?si=Z7pNN88ASZe25FL3H48loA</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/yellacatt.music/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/yellacatt.music/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/yellacatt.music/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://yellacatt.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://yellacatt.com/" target="_blank">http://yellacatt.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61405352020-01-21T17:41:14-06:002020-01-21T18:03:32-06:00ULTRA_EKO: LONDON’S NEWEST HIP-HOP STAR SPEAKS! <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a19ecccdb1cd3c24484eb36491ca1cce2169a049/original/f5382f0b-8a01-4d97-b992-8d58bae5556c.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ULTRA_EKO: LONDON’S NEWEST HIP-HOP STAR SPEAKS! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p> Ultra_eko is one of the newest artists on the UK hip-hop scene but he’s well on his way to being one of its major players. A gifted lyricist with a knack for spitting hard truths, he has already racked up over 100,000 streams on Spotify, alone, and has dropped 20 tracks on SoundCloud in the last year. His songs like “Broken Glass” and “Moolah” hit fans directly and quickly became popular. He’s an important talent doing crucial and original work that insiders feel will soon attract a much larger audience. We were fortunate enough to have him come and hang out at the Mike O’Cull Music studio complex for an evening and sort the crew and I out on what makes him tick and where his music comes from. Here’s what he had to say: </p>
<p><b>You have a lot of music coming out already this year. Tell me about the new releases. </b></p>
<p>Well, the first release of the year is “Wild One,” which came out on the 10th January. This is a mid-tempo piece which is narrated in the first person. It is something of a love letter, an apology to his partner for the life he has dragged her into. He suggests that she might have chosen a more stable partner, with whom she could have enjoyed an easy life, full of material pleasures. Instead, she has been swept up in his manic moments of inspiration and creative force, it has taken her ‘to hell and back’; the only consolation being that she has prized pieces of wisdom and knowledge through these experiences. He suggests that he has been unable to control or stop these choices he has made, rather that they are like a spirit that possesses him, and that to refuse them would be far worse than to let them take him where they willed. </p>
<p> He suggests that he has not thought, planned or ever been in control of these spirits, rather he has always been carried by a great, great wind’. This concept was inspired by the Ojibwe saying, ‘Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, when all the time I am carried by a great wind,’ which is famously used in a final season <i>Sopranos</i> episode. To me, it suggests that we are not really in control of our destiny, that the decisions we make are made a long time before they reach our conscious awareness, and that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. </p>
<p> My next track, ‘Wormwood Scrubs’ will be out Jan 27th. This is a semi-autobiographical piece about origins and family. It opens up by looking at the area in which I grew up, Thornton Heath/West Croydon, and how much of a multicultural area this has become. It then goes back to my childhood, the boredom of being a child, forced to spend time around adults who enjoy drinking, smoking, and gossiping. The title refers to an uncle within the story who goes to Wormwood Scrubs prison and never returns. </p>
<p>After this I have a third track planned for mid-February alongside the release of a first album <i>Outsider Artist</i>. This first album will mark for me the end of what consider an introductory period, a preface, to the music I want to and plan to release. It will be more a collection of singles than an album with an overriding theme or narrative arc but it will mark an end to what I think of as this first period, and the beginning of a second period, in which, I believe, the music will be taken up a level. </p>
<p> I have a wealth of material that I am writing and have to record which I think marks a step up, lyrically and thematically, to what I have so far done. In the excitement of releasing music last year I often rushed material; it was such a buzz getting stuff out there and receiving such positive feedback that I was desperate to keep that momentum going. I am still going to be releasing a prolific amount of material, but it will be more considered and rehearsed. </p>
<p>I am also writing a collection of tracks for a second album that are linked together by an overriding story and narrative arc and are centred around a central narrative figure within the album. This will be accompanied by a change in my own image to reflect the theme and story of the album. I see it as akin to the conceptual characters which David Bowie created and channelled his music through. I want to delve deep into the character of this story, to embody and become him, so as to make this tale as real as possible. </p>
<p>The problem I find with much of hip hop is that rappers identify too much with this self-image, which is usually materialistic, and ego driven. The problem is that they limit themselves creatively, as you can only talk for so long about yourself and material wealth (although Jay-Z seems to have made a career out of it). I see hip hop more as a medium through which to tell a story. I see myself more as a storyteller who is using rap and rarely will I talk about myself as Ultra_eko. In fact, I do not think I have ever used that name in any of my music. If you see hip hop as a medium, much like poetry or prose or writing for the stage, then the possibilities are endless and you are only limited by your own imagination. </p>
<p>I would love to create and build a body of work much like a novelist has a collection of novels to their name, each telling a different story, each embodying a different persona. Of course there will be persistent themes that I see running throughout all of them, these being questions of identity, the social personas we create, who we are as a species and as individuals, dark imagery and horror motifs, ideas regarding spirituality, and following our own paths, not being fooled by illusions of materiality. I will always write about these ideas, but they will be told through different narratives and different characters. I love hip-hop, and I have done since I was a child. I love the sound, and I love writing within that structure; there is a great satisfaction when composing a piece and certain lines come together. I feel that it has a much greater potential than has so far explored; whether I am able to get close to the vision I have as to where I can take it remains to be seen. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bIffU4ERGe4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bIffU4ERGe4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bIffU4ERGe4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Is it true that you’ve only been making music for a short time? </b></p>
<p>I have only been making tracks since last May, and it came about wholly by accident, or at least it was conspired outside of my conscious awareness. I bought a mini-Korg synthesizer for my son to play around on and encourage him to be more creative. Sadly, however, he has shown no interest in it and I began messing around on it, myself. I made a song and rapped over it and sent it to close friends. I was surprised by the positive feedback I got and how surprised they were that I was able to rap like this. A few did not believe it to be me. So this encouraged me, and I started buying these construction kits and putting some stuff together. </p>
<p>The actual music production side seemed a very long process however, and it was the writing and rapping that was of great interest to me. When I discovered Beat Stars and the beats available there, that was when things really came together. I was also fortunate to discover a mix/master guy, Adam Lewis. He is a UK audio engineer who seems to intuitively know exactly what I am going for and he is fantastic. I usually work with the stems of the beat so he is able to change sounds, alter the volume of individual sounds within the track, and just mix everything together perfectly. I always say that he was the best thing to happen to me last year and I am grateful to the help he has given me in terms of creating these great-sounding productions. </p>
<p>Once I had started making music and getting this positive feedback, I have really thrown myself wholeheartedly into it. It has become an obsession of mine; that is the nature of my character. I have never been able to do things by half measures. Having this type of compulsive, driven personality is both a blessing and a curse; it is the cause of unhealthy addictions, as with my drinking etc., or of healthy creative pursuits. I tend to think of Oscar Wilde, who said “Nothing is worth doing unless it is done to excess.” </p>
<p>I think the most difficult transition into making music is not creating the tracks themselves but learning to identify myself as this Ultra_eko persona. We are, or we become, the people we are first by imagining ourselves to be them. I needed to reimagine myself as a hip-hop artist, a rapper. At first, I lacked confidence and belief; I released my material with an anonymous profile. Then, when I started to receive positive responses, I had a cartoon version of myself drawn up. Using the Ultra_eko name allowed me to distance myself from this hip-hop persona, to see him as a character I was playing, a role I was able to step into. </p>
<p>One of the interesting things I have observed about identity during this process, is that we are often the things people believe us to be. So, I started receiving positive feedback, people acted towards me as if I were this hip-hop artist Ultra_eko and so, in turn, I started to believe in it myself; I grew in confidence. After I was interviewed by the Repost Exchange as an artist, I really started to feel the part, and I used real photographs of myself on all my profiles. </p>
<p>I started last year not having any idea that by the end of it I would have released over 20 tracks on Soundcloud and that I would be back deep within the midst of one of the most creative periods of my life. That is not to say it has been without upheaval. My partner has found this change difficult at times, and I have had to drop certain business opportunities in favour of the music, so it has cost me financially. I have given it everything, and those around me have been swept along in the slipstream of this latest obsession; I did think, I did not plan, always carried by a great, great wind. </p>
<p> <b>Your lyrics are deep, complex, intelligent, and personal. How did you develop so quickly as an artist? </b></p>
<p> That creative temperament and sensibility was already there. For a long time, I had wanted to become a writer, so that transition to being a hip-hop artist was not so difficult. I see myself more of a writer than a musician; the music is one part of the whole production, the song, that I am putting together. I create the idea, I write and perform the lyrics and help to put it together but I am not a musician. I merely choose the music to be used within the track. I really wanted to be a writer and to write novels, but ultimately it was not for me. I think I lacked the patience, and also I came from a very working-class background; I think I really lacked the education and the industry and craft needed to make it. It was always such a struggle to get anyone to actually sit and read a novel I had written; you could count the number of people on one hand and this was after months of painstaking work and thought had gone into it. </p>
<p>In the end I suppose I just grew disheartened by the lack of success. Also, writing prose is hugely time consuming and my first child was just about to be born. I felt as if it were time to let go of that dream, that I had given it a good shot but, ultimately, I had not succeeded. I comforted myself with the idea that I would come back to it at a later stage in life. This is perhaps what has happened with the hip hop, and sooner than I thought. I am able to channel all that creativity, all those ideas, the joy of writing, into producing these tracks and people want to listen, it is enjoyable for them to listen. I feel that this is something I can build and grow and distribute all on my own. I can really express myself as an artist. </p>
<p>The key is finding that audience; finding a group of people who are willing to give their time and support. If I am able to do that, even to a small degree, then that would be extremely humbling. I think in order to do that, I need to create works that resonate with people, that empathize with the pain and suffering they might be going through. I want to tell stories that reflect the journeys people are going through themselves so that they might listen and not feel so alone. It’s not about me talking myself up but trying to reach out and connect with people. </p>
<p>This is what I am aiming for in what I consider will be the second chapter of this musical journey. My next batch of songs will be deeper, more heartfelt, better written, better delivered, better composed and produced. I want to create tracks that really hit people, that move them on deep and emotional levels. I had always written my prose to music played on headphones. It was always the music that moved me emotionally and drove the story I was telling. Now, I have found a way to do that myself; story and sound, language and music, together to express something deep about this human experience. </p>
<p> <b>Who or what inspires you? </b></p>
<p>I think inspiration comes from these deep, powerful emotions we all feel. More often than not, these feelings originate from painful experiences. We are more likely to remember painful experiences, since purely from an evolutionary point of view, it is more imperative to remember painful experiences so as to avoid them in future. I try and draw on anything deeply-felt and try to use it as fuel to translate into a song. Perhaps this is why I cover a lot of dark material. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c8f9d5bed1e6ef81d7148856c438500386f2c060/original/f471390e-a615-47ff-b0ac-3006bfae292e.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><b>Is your music political? </b></p>
<p>My music is not political in any sense, nor am I personally interested in the practicalities of politics at this time of my life. There is, however, a certain ideology that runs throughout my work. I would say there is a theme of anti-materialism, of looking inwards rather than outwards for gain and growth. These lives we live are spiritual journeys of deeper understanding. Each of us must find meaning in this life, in the absurdities with which we are assailed, the injustices, the mundanities, the painful process of simply existing. We are each on a spiritual search for meaning amongst all of this random chaos. My own personal meaning is derived through this creative process of being able to turn experience into art and trying to make sense by framing things into a narrative. </p>
<p> Writing for me is a therapeutic process; a means to process, understand and make sense of the world around me. I believe so many people seek meaning outside of themselves, try to fill this void with material wealth, and it will never be enough without turning inward and trying to understand this thing you call the “self.” If the life you live is not one in which you are aware, awake, mindful, conscious, then this life has not been lived at all, except for hedonistic bodily pleasures. This is all a dream, an illusion, and our individual selves will soon be gone and past but that deeper consciousness, the one that is connected and part of everyone and everything, is everlasting and so isn’t it better to try to better understand this, to use this brief moment of separation to try and understand the whole, the one? So, my ideology would be to encourage people to look inward, to better understand themselves, and to see that we are all together and must be there to help each other. I suppose this ideology could be used to drive a political ideology; maybe one day.</p>
<p><b>How do you see your role as an artist in society? </b></p>
<p>I haven’t been able to reach out to enough people yet to really consider this question but I suppose I would hope to entertain, first and foremost. But also, to offer something a little bit deeper, an insight into the human experience, perhaps a new way of looking at it that people had not considered before. Something that might encourage people to question themselves, to ask whether they are doing the right thing, treating people the right way, being true to themselves, and living a life that best reflects the truth of the person they are. </p>
<p> <b>What’s the rest of 2020 look like for you? Any more new music? </b></p>
<p>There will be plenty of new music. I will keep releasing singles, perhaps 2 a month at least, and there is a second album almost written and ready to record. This is a more cohesive piece, with a story arc that runs throughout the album, and a central character whom I will embody, altering my image and appearance, so that the whole release has a sort of theatrical feel to it. </p>
<p>Last year was a sort of explosive, opening year to me, whereby I was releasing material as quickly as possible. I just want to be a bit more considered and make sure I have everything right with every release. Also, I’m having to learn a lot of the mechanics of promotion, which is just as time consuming, if not more. I feel I have done well to grow as I have done in a short amount of time but I need to focus on building an audience, an active audience who can help to support me. </p>
<p> I think that trying to make this next step up in my journey is going to be the most difficult, so I hope I am able to maintain momentum. I am really enjoying writing and producing this music and I don’t want it to end. It is pointless creating music if there is no one to listen to it. My aim is to try and build an online presence within this blogging community. Having third party validation means so much; the vast majority of people listen to what others tell them to. If they see a good review in a magazine, it primes their opinion of the artist so that they are ready to like anything. </p>
<p>At the same time I want to build a website and to extend the idea of Ultra_eko beyond just the music, so that it encompasses podcasts, prose, graphic novels to accompany the music. I want to build a whole community from this website so that other artists and writers can all join and contribute and to use it as a means to promote themselves as well, a type of online commune for artists of similar sensibilities. That is the vision. I’m giving this everything I have, so I really hope it works for me in one way or another. </p>
<p><b>What have you been listening to lately? </b></p>
<p>Radiohead, Elbow, Blur, Dave, Tupac, Arcade Fire, and Stormzy. </p>
<p> <b>Where do you want to be a year from now? </b></p>
<p>A year from now, I really hope that I am still full of as much enthusiasm and drive as I am now. I hope that I am still writing and creating with the same passion and prolific output, that I am as excited by what lies ahead as I am now. The last year, whilst I faced many difficulties, especially financially, has been one of my best years for a long time because I have rekindled that creative spirit within myself. I have found my niche, what I believe I am supposed to be doing and I just want to keep pushing forward. I hope to build an audience, to achieve some recognition from the bloggers and trendsetters; it would be nice to have my writing recognized in a positive light, I think this has always been my aim, right from my days of writing prose. </p>
<p> I just want to find my place within the world, to feel comfortable as an artist; to be able to wake each day with the excitement that comes from being able to create, to imagine, to bring to life and produce from thin air. I am not expecting financial reward; just being able to cover costs would be a great achievement in itself. If I am still here a year from now and we are doing another interview and I am still filled with hope and that desire to create, then I will be happy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zVDRAXOdL6omOvhJ1Sa5Q?si=nPOrj3j8S9ypbMwZDWcKfg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zVDRAXOdL6omOvhJ1Sa5Q?si=nPOrj3j8S9ypbMwZDWcKfg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zVDRAXOdL6omOvhJ1Sa5Q?si=nPOrj3j8S9ypbMwZDWcKfg</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/ultra_eko/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/ultra_eko/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/ultra_eko/?hl=en</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61343272020-01-20T00:16:26-06:002020-01-20T00:16:26-06:00ANNABELLE “XI : XI” ALBUM REVIEW - R&B/NEO-SOUL QUEEN RISING!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/672c670ec0210d56ffb902170c76e2c6d3e48bd8/original/23adceb6-b424-4852-b2c3-09e9b3795a09.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ANNABELLE </p>
<p><i>XI : XI </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Contemporary R&B/neo-soul vocalist Annabelle shines brightly on her latest album <i>XI : XI</i>. The title, Roman numerals for 11 : 11, represents a spiritually significant number for Annabelle that tells her that her life is exactly where it’s supposed to be. It also represents guidance and divinity on her personal journey and Annabelle uses that guidance to interpret and understand all parts of her life experience. Deep stuff, to be sure, but one listen and you’ll hear the depth and vulnerability in her songs and voice. She sings stories of love, dedication, music, and effort that come across as genuine and real over misty beats that long for the small hours of the morning. </p>
<p>Tracks like “Glass,” “Mother Nature,” and “In My Zone” show Annabelle at her best. Her vocals are smooth and evocative and she vibes beautifully with the slick sounds behind her without ever pushing too hard or impeding the beautiful space contained in these productions. As a result, <i>XI : XI</i> wraps listeners in a gorgeously emotive suite overlooking an illuminated cityscape of heartfelt situations and concerns. Other outstanding tracks here include “Playin’ Fair” and “No Promises (feat. Kubla Kahn).” Annabelle is a stunningly talented artist unafraid to show her true self, linger in difficult areas, and invite us in to witness it all. She’s a quiet storm with a bright future ahead of her. Listen tonight. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3fii5fbeN3duNbgnRz4N?si=dHrY_MCqQa6xowZs48wqKQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3fii5fbeN3duNbgnRz4N?si=dHrY_MCqQa6xowZs48wqKQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k3fii5fbeN3duNbgnRz4N?si=dHrY_MCqQa6xowZs48wqKQ</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/thatsannabelle/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/thatsannabelle/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thatsannabelle/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61025692020-01-15T00:00:00-06:002020-01-15T00:00:00-06:00GEMTARRA “FIRE ME UP” SINGLE REVIEW - INDIE ROCK FIRE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fc1e6ac6576f9951b33133871bc91f23cf36701f/original/04d6c493-6398-42c3-bf2e-d6927b8c6935.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GEMTARRA </p>
<p>“Fire Me Up” </p>
<p>(Dove Song Records) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Gemtarra is an energetic and gritty indie rock band from Philadelphia formed by twin sisters/guitarists/songwriters Gina and Tina Cieri. The group’s recent single, “Fire Me Up,” is an invigorating blast of hip-shaking rock and roll constructed on a tight, insistent beat, filled out with crunchy, overdriven guitars, and topped with vocals that show a hint of New Wave. The lineup of the Cieri twins, Bryan Feddish (bass), Sunny Dee (drums), Megan Glaubitz (lead vox) and Tawana Simons (percussion) lays down a great “live band” sound on the track that comes straight from the independent underground and into your room. The Cieri’s writing style contains decades of hit single DNA that’s been renovated, re-thought, and blended with what the two of them think rock music should sound like. What comes out is a unique flavor of vocal-and-loud-guitar music that’ll light up anyone looking for the real thing. </p>
<p>“Fire Me Up” comes from Gemtarra’s impending EP <i>Fired Up</i> that was tracked with Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer Phil Nicolo at Studio 4 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The band has been working towards this release since its inception in 2018 and shows just how much the unit has grown artistically since then. It’s the kind of straight-up rock and roll that once put America on the musical map and could very well do it again. Gemtarra is unabashedly real, vibrant, and creative and is absolutely deserving of your listening time. Play this track loud to achieve the proper effect. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/26vOLxPm1aXWg6jjpmEJ1I" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/26vOLxPm1aXWg6jjpmEJ1I" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/26vOLxPm1aXWg6jjpmEJ1I</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.gemtarra.com/news/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gemtarra.com/news/" target="_blank">http://www.gemtarra.com/news/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/61010682020-01-14T16:48:00-06:002020-01-16T14:40:15-06:00YT “INTO THE D.A.R.K.NESS” ALBUM REVIEW - HARD RECOVERY HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8bc6a4b51bfcf117d2cb62cb7901194d1c1d5424/original/a9232fb3-5d28-48eb-9cea-308b43c2f2c4.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>YT </p>
<p><i>Into The D.A.R.K.NESS </i></p>
<p>(YT Customs LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>YT, a.k.a. Austin Arndt, is a young and vital rapper, producer, sound engineer and entrepreneur with a hard-edged style and a powerful lyrical flow. His new album <i>Into The D.A.R.K.NESS</i> brings the heat to your speakers and headphones and makes a strong statement meant to serve notice to hip hop fans around the world that he’s here to blow their minds. A recovering addict, YT makes recovery music that helps both himself and his audience cope with the realities of life. He toured the USA in 2019 alongside Scum, Rozz Dyliams, Nyro The Madman, and Opie Halogen and is expected to garner even more recognition in 2020. </p>
<p>“T Rex” starts the grind with a simmering sense of menace sent out to haters and non-supporters everywhere. YT is an apex predator on the microphone and he makes it immediately clear that he’s not here to half-step. He rolls his lyrics out with soul and authority, going hard from the very first syllable. “Dark Deals” relates the hardball nature of street life in no uncertain terms, communicating an existential sense of helplessness and violence that’s absolutely chilling. The same vibe continues on “Marvin,” an intimidating and direct track that’ll command your full attention. </p>
<p>“Maniacal Pain” is a killer's confession that’s aggressive and emotional at the same time. YT riffs on the horrors of his interior life, knowing he can’t stop killing until the pain is gone. Rick-E and Lo Key guest on the track and both artists make admirable contributions to its impact. Other highlights include “Like A Track Fiend” and “Boogieman.” YT is an impressive and unforgettable presence on these cuts and he looks to have a bright future ahead of him. Rap fans looking for new jams that are meaningful and intense will want to get all over this one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7yirgHe199ia5kBFF1L68w" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7yirgHe199ia5kBFF1L68w" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7yirgHe199ia5kBFF1L68w</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://ytmusic.us/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ytmusic.us/" target="_blank">https://ytmusic.us/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60996522020-01-14T15:01:53-06:002020-01-14T15:01:53-06:00MENES REBAZZAR KEDAR “QUANTUM HELIX: FRACTAL GALAXY” ALBUM REVIEW - FUTURE POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6045ed30c3809b740eea130e5e64190693f6d3a4/original/0f613774-cb56-483c-9135-1607fa81e87e.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MENES REBAZZAR KEDAR </p>
<p><i>Quantum Helix: Fractal Galaxy</i> </p>
<p>(Intergalactic Wave LLC) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>New York’s Menes Rebazzar Kedar is an iconoclastic artist and musician who is doing the kind of original work that could very well make him an industry leader. His latest release is the stunning new album <i>Quantum Helix: Fractal Galaxy</i>, which dropped November 25th, 2019. Kedar has forged a highly individualistic sound that melds hip hop, blues, R&B, soul, rock, classical, and electronic influences into a new, progressive whole that could only come from a fully realized creator. No one else could make his music and he is clearly conceptually ahead of the entire music scene. </p>
<p>From the first moments of the opening song “Zero Sum Game,” Kedar is captivating and hypnotic. He layers his inspirations one on top of the other and close listeners will be able to hear the different schools of sounds Kedar brings together. Pop, rock, and electronic ideas rule this first cut but immediately give way to hip hop, gospel, and poetry on the next song “Inception.” Kedar is unlike anything you’ve heard before his fresh tracks and ideas will keep you focused and listening. His lyrics encompass science, spirituality, art, and music and display a depth of thought not often found in popular culture. </p>
<p>“Heaven Is Here” is a funky, psychedelic, dream pop gem that defies expectations and succeeds famously. “Clouds of Smoke” drives a rock backbeat under stony, electronic atmospherics and “Quantum Helix” is epic, emotive, and spacious. What kind of music is this? You’ll have to spin it and decide for yourself. Kedar has a vitally important album here and it will appeal to the thinking fans of the music world. Anyone who listens will reap a huge reward paid off in genuine creativity and artistic instincts. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0NEejUriXsXrzuz458cM80" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0NEejUriXsXrzuz458cM80" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0NEejUriXsXrzuz458cM80</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://mnsrk.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mnsrk.com/" target="_blank">https://mnsrk.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60729862020-01-09T01:00:06-06:002020-01-09T01:00:06-06:00KATHY INGRAHAM “CHERISH” SINGLE REVIEW - NEW YORK JAZZ/SOUL BLISS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b3932f787a126a5b81c7b6a9adc23c1dca1f55cc/original/9f194a9f-611d-4a52-961c-1509ea0763a5.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KATHY INGRAHAM </p>
<p>“Cherish” </p>
<p>(Peirdon Production Corporation) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>New York-based singer-songwriter Kathy Ingraham digs deep and swings a velvet hammer on her new single “Cherish.” Released in 2019, the track is a stunning example of Ingraham’s multifaceted style that intuitively blends pop, jazz, and rock influences into her own genre of late night soul noir. Her voice is a sultry, evocative instrument that quickly attracts listener attention and becomes an addiction. “Cherish” also features a band of big kids behind Ingraham’s glorious voice that includes guitarist Elliott Randall (Steely Dan), drummer Joel Rosenblatt (Spyro Gyra), and jazz keyboard icon Pete Levin. The end result of all this tasteful dynamite is an emotive song of love and longing with the power to stop time. </p>
<p>Kathy has officially been an independent recording artist since 2014 and has already created a substantial body of work that includes both singles and solo projects. She even landed a song in the Johnny Depp film The Professor. The world is clearly waking up to her talent and it will be worth it to stick around and see what she does next. “Cherish” makes a fine introduction to her work for new fans and should open a lot of new doors in her career. Kathy Ingraham is a real-deal, significant talent who seems ready to ascend to her proper place in the global musical firmament. Spin “Cherish” and hear her for yourself. You can thank me later. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/kathyingraham/cherish" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/kathyingraham/cherish" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/kathyingraham/cherish</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://www.kathyingraham.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kathyingraham.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kathyingraham.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60729202020-01-08T23:18:02-06:002020-01-08T23:18:02-06:00KAMRYN MARIE “UNDER CONTROL” EP REVIEW - POP FIRE! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ba5d7715a3a6ce0c0ea3e2700d90fd8de8a2e4e0/original/df3af286-1fa0-4ad5-9ade-e5590be3d364.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KAMRYN MARIE </p>
<p><i>Under Control </i></p>
<p>(Songbuilder Studios) </p>
<p>EP review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>American pop vocalist and songwriter Kamryn Marie displays vintage class, modern charm, and a captivating aura on her recent EP <i>Under Control</i>. Originally hailing from Washington DC, Kamryn incorporates a wide variety of inspirations into her music but uses her own honest, authentic creativeness to deliver her fans tracks that are unique and meaningful. Her sound encompasses classic 80s pop, EDM, ballads, and even a touch of country because that’s just how she hears it. <i>Under</i> <i>Control</i> is a smart, fun, and engaging record that takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of her musical world. </p>
<p>The brilliant “Someone With A Broken Heart (feat. NIGHTBREAKERS)” opens the record with a soulful, upbeat, and sexy vibe that goes out to everyone seeking some healing in the arms of another. Kamryn has impressive pipes and the kind of intimate vocal presence we all like in our headphones. It’s clear from her first notes that this could go big quickly. “One More Hi” is moody pop/rock perfection that uses a sweet octave guitar hook to set the stage for Marie’s voice. Her lyrics are also refreshingly unfiltered and fearless, which grabs attention and makes Kamryn come off as emotive and real. </p>
<p>“P.D.F.” is an explicit party anthem that brings us Kamryn sans filter and ready to have a wild night. It’s the kind of dancefloor-packing track that turns late nights into early mornings in the best possible way and lets the young moderns out there in Clubland know that Kamryn isn’t much different from themselves. All in all, <i>Under Control</i> is a fine effort from a continually-expanding artist who knows who she is and where she wants to go. Popstar, anyone? Here’s a great one! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7bNopYqHWJNstPZ8R4CwB7" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7bNopYqHWJNstPZ8R4CwB7" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7bNopYqHWJNstPZ8R4CwB7</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/kamrynmarieofficial/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/kamrynmarieofficial/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kamrynmarieofficial/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60630682020-01-05T22:39:34-06:002020-01-05T22:40:28-06:00KIDRICC JAMES “GRAVY” SINGLE & VIDEO REVIEW - TEXAS HIP HOP!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/dff4161b5c4c2f11365662ad2f47a0cd2a0157c1/original/072ced3e-30c4-4dff-9817-c4fba71eb619.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KIDRICC JAMES </p>
<p>“Gravy” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Texas hip hop artist Kidricc James is a large talent with a brand new single and music video called “Gravy” that’s absolutely straight fire. James is a bold presence on the mic who rips his bars emphatically, using the voice he’s been blessed with to its fullest. James’s lyricism is articulate and on point. He displays both technical skills and the power of street knowledge, which is the ultimate unbeatable combination in the rap game. “Gravy” sits on a booming kick/hi-hat beat that backs up his message loud and clear, putting listeners on notice from the jump and demanding attention. </p>
<p>“Gravy" topped out at Number 82 on Digital Radio Tracker's Global Top 150 Independent Airplay Chart in late 2019 very quickly after being released, which all involved are taking as a good sign of what’s yet to come. The music video for “Gravy” is gritty and compelling. Filmed on the outskirts of Houston, the clip highlights the city as much as it does Kidricc’s flow and delivers an authentic vibe that should help push this banger over the top. Kidricc James is a creative force with a style guaranteed to speak to countless listeners. Give “Gravy” a spin and get yourself up to speed. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5SX8xQjbGM46NORNjFfJbj" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5SX8xQjbGM46NORNjFfJbj" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5SX8xQjbGM46NORNjFfJbj</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="PB-2WefQ3nA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/PB-2WefQ3nA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PB-2WefQ3nA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://twitter.com/kidriccjames" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/kidriccjames" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/kidriccjames</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60447752019-12-24T14:34:23-06:002019-12-26T16:32:46-06:00LIL DREAM “86 NIGHTS” EP REVIEW - NEW TRACKS FROM A RISING STAR!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/59ecbb1062610435bd734e25afa5645d15ed1111/original/4b21e625-d866-4898-b94d-cf5db740fa4f.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LIL DREAM </p>
<p><i>86 Nights</i> </p>
<p>(Swipe Rixh Ent.) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Washington DC’s Lil Dream is a skilled hip hop artist and producer who is primed and ready to make a big splash in the music industry. His latest release is the EP <i>86 Nights</i>, a brief-but-compelling set of music that Lil Dream created, recorded, and produced on his own that demonstrates the length and breadth of his talent and vision. The five tracks on the record operate at a high creative level and deliver the kind of beats and flows needed to become known in today’s ultra-competitive rap scene. </p>
<p>“Wipeout” is wide open, stony, and spacious and makes an outstanding first track for this session. Featuring a guest appearance by dopeSMOOTHIES, it instantly makes listeners part of Lil Dream’s world. The ride continues on “Benz Truck,” a low-down slow jam topped off with lyrics that give us a glimpse inside Dream’s mind. “Trust” is more aggressive but maintains the atmospheric vibe Lil Dream’s sound is built around. “C.D.G.” and “Blow Ya Day” are also worth bumping and will leave you wishing this was a full-length album. Lil Dream clearly has the talent and attitude of a rising star and hip hop heads looking for deep, new sounds will find much to love about <i>86 Nights</i>. Don’t let this one slip by you. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3bJMl5xMALSxtVGWzEvGRZ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3bJMl5xMALSxtVGWzEvGRZ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3bJMl5xMALSxtVGWzEvGRZ</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/1lildream/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/1lildream/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/1lildream/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TWITTER:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://twitter.com/1lildream" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/1lildream" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/1lildream</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60053112019-12-12T14:49:02-06:002019-12-12T14:49:02-06:00JUBILEE “PEACHES” SINGLE REVIEW - BRAZILIAN POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/41dad19858089e97839f4178349fa7a1bfa4481b/original/3c7732c5-e330-4830-a38a-a37a3497e00d.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JUBILEE </p>
<p>“Peaches” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Jubilee, a.k.a. Gia Cezar, is a Brazilian-American artist who has forged a career solely out of artistic vision and personal drive. Her latest single, “Peaches,” is an understated yet palatial slice of bilingual 21st Century pop noir that will ensnare, captivate, and compel deep listeners looking for new music that isn’t a waste of time. Cezar’s vocals are low-key and feel confessional, almost like an intimate after-midnight chat about champagne, desire, and pain. The track is subtle but still grooves. It’s built on rhythms and soul pulled from her multicultural heritage and is exotic but accessible. </p>
<p>In addition to her artistry, Gia is the founder and CEO of Common Luxury LLC, the record label and production company she runs with her brother Jordan Cezar. The company lets the pair produce the music, movies, and artwork they’ve dreamed of since childhood. Jubilee is the firm’s debut release and sets a high and creative bar for future projects. Fans of international pop greatness will be hearing much more from this talented pair. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1sICawRJDS1sY5ZnxjNSZW" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1sICawRJDS1sY5ZnxjNSZW" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1sICawRJDS1sY5ZnxjNSZW</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://jubilee11.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jubilee11.com/" target="_blank">https://jubilee11.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60025762019-12-10T12:39:43-06:002019-12-10T12:39:43-06:00ASHER LAUB “ON THE ROAD” SINGLE REVIEW - EDM VIOLIN VIRTUOSO!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/46527537e3ed80bae49eb9dd392c804a076552c1/original/228298eb-f394-4bc8-a8c6-85d219979854.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ASHER LAUB </p>
<p>“On The Road” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Asher Laub is a phenomenally talented electric violinist, producer, and performer from Long Island, New York with a powerful, eclectic style that combines hip hop, pop, rock, and EDM with acrobatic choreography and breakdancing. His new single, “On The Road,” is a driving instrumental track that uses electronic dance beats to support his highly melodic and expressive violin work and puts his playing in a fresh, new context. Virtuoso violinists aren’t typically heard in this type of modern, accessible setting and Laub uses that fact to his advantage, delivering a cut that stands out and grabs attention. </p>
<p>Laub began playing at the tender age of two and was performing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra by 13. Since those early days, he has grown into a compelling artist and creator unafraid to challenge conventional notions about music and live performance. “On The Road” proves Laub is operating on an entirely different level than most classical musicians and possesses an artistic vision that is his alone. He injects the fire and passion of a master instrumentalist into a cut that will make sense to modern day listeners and will get them to both listen and move. He shows that traditional skills and modern ideas can not only coexist together but can generate the heat necessary to succeed in the 21st Century. Expect to hear a lot more from this amazing musician. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0ujZJQP9fVpn1btl5gQDrX" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0ujZJQP9fVpn1btl5gQDrX" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0ujZJQP9fVpn1btl5gQDrX</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.asherlaub.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.asherlaub.com/" target="_blank">https://www.asherlaub.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/asherlaub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/asherlaub" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/asherlaub</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/60004462019-12-09T17:47:20-06:002019-12-09T17:56:19-06:00ELAINE NOLAN: RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN! <p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c6225ad6a9245b7752432d51debe819cd9009d62/original/a330ee5e-4c78-4c8e-9fd3-950841eb7831.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ELAINE NOLAN: RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Irish author, composer, and literary badass Elaine Nolan continues her quest for world domination with a brand-new book and original soundtrack, <i>Rule 53</i>, that will both delight and entertain her many fans. Elaine is an award-winning fiction writer as well as a classical and electronic musician and always delivers compelling words and music that hit hard and communicate relevant ideas about our modern world. She was good enough to pay a visit to the Mike O’Cull Music studio complex and have a fascinating chat about her new work, where her ideas come from, and what’s up next in her creative life. Visit her online at <a contents="www.ElaineNolan.net" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.ElaineNolan.net." target="_blank">www.ElaineNolan.net. </a></p>
<p><b>You have a brand new project called <i>Rule 53</i>. Details, please! </b></p>
<p>So, this is the sequel to <i>Red Hot Summer</i>, where we were introduced to Leigh Harte, a reclusive Irish software developer, who discovers her late father's duplicitous past as an undercover agent as well as a cop, and at the end of that book Leigh is also immersed in that world. <i>Rule 53</i> continues a short time after that left off and Leigh finds herself shared between two National intelligence agencies, and deployed to Washington DC, USA. She's there to find Karl Gouderhoff, her substitute big brother, lover, and former colleague of her father’s in the world of espionage. Instead of finding him, she stumbles upon another of her father’s ancient cases that continues to have an impact, in the form of an international group called the Conglomerate, who've been controlling everything for decades (though, just to stress, you don't need to have read <i>Red Hot Summer</i> to read <i>Rule 53</i>). </p>
<p><b>What inspired the story? </b></p>
<p>I think I knew I wasn't finished with Leigh. I started writing <i>Red Hot Summer </i>(1st book) in my very early twenties, and returned to her a few times in the following decades, but never finished it until 2009, and published in 2015. There was no real 'A-ha - what an idea, I must write that' moment, but as is with my writing it grew organically… </p>
<p><b>Why do you compose soundtracks for your books? </b></p>
<p>When my first ever book <i>Evolved</i> was launching, it just seemed like the next natural step. After all, films have soundtracks, why can’t books? Now, in saying that, I hadn’t a clue what I was going, or where I was even going to start with this, but it started along the lines of, what would this story sound like if I only had music to tell it…. </p>
<p>This latest soundtrack almost didn’t happen and wasn’t planned until a friend commented about them, and asked when it was coming out. I guess that was the push I needed, and I composed, scored, and produced it in just over two weeks. </p>
<p><b>The soundtrack for <i>Rule 53</i> seems harder-edged than your previous work. Where’s that coming from? </b></p>
<p>I guess it comes down to the book and the plot, it has more action to it, it’s edgier and a bit darker…I don't know, but I felt challenged and a bit braver writing this one, I felt I was getting to know my characters on a deeper level. </p>
<p><b>Did you record the music yourself or are there any additional musicians involved? </b></p>
<p>No, it’s all just little old me, no other musicians involved. I’d need an orchestra to record and they’re not the most affordable method. So I write and score it and use a virtual sound library in the studio. </p>
<p><b>What’s harder to write: the book or the music? </b></p>
<p>Definitely the book. Words are harder to get right, I’m conscious that because I mix Irish, European, and American characters in the novels, that each have their own unique forms within language, such as the addition or removal of the letter U in words, depending on which side of the Atlantic you’re on. With writing in an Irish voice, again, we use words and turns of phrase that just perplex the rest of the world. </p>
<p>Music on the other hand, is universal, it’s international. With or without words added to it, music (I think) conveys more on an emotional level than words ever could. It adds more colour and depth to the world, to what you’re feeling, to what you’re thinking. </p>
<p><b>Who or what inspires you? </b></p>
<p>I’m lucky with my day job, I have get access and updates on some really interesting stuff in the anti-money laundering and other investigative news items which have been great for ideas and plot lines.. I also play around with the 'what ifs'... What if X happened, what would this character do/how would they react… and then there's my characters, who have a tendency to pop up at the most inopportune of times with an idea…. </p>
<p><b>What do art forms like storytelling and music mean in our current world? </b></p>
<p>For me, storytelling or story reading is an escape, and always has been since I was a kid. It’s a way to venture out into the world, and still stay safe. It’s an opportunity to try on another personality, or become the person in the story for a little while. </p>
<p>Take the Harry Potter phenomenon for example; it allowed everyone to believe in magic again, even if it was just for a little while, and by extension it opened the readers up to the belief in a little bit of magic within themselves. I think that’s what really good storytelling does; it puts you into the character’s shoes and you get to experience that. But I also think that in troubled times storytelling becomes a narrative both to make sense of the world, and to offer hope like parables used to do. </p>
<p><b>What have you been listening to lately? </b></p>
<p>Because I’m at work in the day-job, and it’s been mental, I’ve been plugged into Spotify’s ‘made-for-you’ playlists, so I’ve been listening to a lot of new composers and artists from around the world, but in the modern classical genre. I’ve discovered a lot of new artists and loving their music, such as Joep Beving, and Ólafur Arnalds, to name just a few. Spotify keeps lining up contemporary Icelandic music, and I’m liking it… </p>
<p><b>What’s next for you? </b></p>
<p>Next up is to edit the next two sequels – yeah, they’re already written. First off the block will be the sequel to <i>Crossing Lives</i>, (the human trafficking novel), entitled <i>Recrossed</i>, and then I bring the two lead characters, Leigh Harte and Claire Ravenwood together in <i>Chasing Shadows</i>. After that, who knows, maybe a new classical-esque piano album, or I might experiment a bit more…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/14fU9dIJR3i7HcJrcQcJRH?si=lMM2ctrHRSq8xVtCUip3yw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/14fU9dIJR3i7HcJrcQcJRH?si=lMM2ctrHRSq8xVtCUip3yw" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/14fU9dIJR3i7HcJrcQcJRH?si=lMM2ctrHRSq8xVtCUip3yw</a></b></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a342b99f265c0ff7dbdd83da9cb5f36cf5b37c20/original/elaine-nolan-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59941892019-12-05T18:04:30-06:002019-12-05T18:07:18-06:00DAMON PERRY “SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE” ALBUM REVIEW - INTENSE HIP HOP GREATNESS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5b79f904c5f7f2827ddf7401ad28546b18d10fea/original/e02813fa-a4b1-4744-8a80-c885a03f5d08.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DAMON PERRY </p>
<p><i>Side Effects May Include </i></p>
<p>(Dakota South Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Dakota South Records recording artist Damon Perry lets his creativity burn hot on his new album <i>Side Effects May Include</i>. Perry is an elite wordsmith who writes intense interior monologues about the trials of life in this modern world of ours and lets them flow over crisp, motivating beats that deliver both funk and atmosphere. He dives deeper into himself than most rappers do, facing things many would avoid, and uses his pain and experience in ways that allow him to come across as genuine and true. Originally from Spearfish, South Dakota, Perry has been on the microphone since he was 13 and has crafted a sound based in soul, storytelling, and personal truth. </p>
<p>“Throughout The Night” is a hard-edged track about being “addicted to the dead of night” and shows Perry at his best. It’s the existential angst of someone “alone in the dark” and Perry conveys it in a way that will get it inside of your head. He alternates tough boom-bap sections with more ethereal passages, which does much to propel his lyrics, and makes no bones about taking his role as an actual artist seriously. “Intervention” is a pressure-cooker of a cut that speaks the mind of someone who needs one. Perry raps frantically like a man coming undone and takes listeners into the space of someone on the edge. </p>
<p>“Fifty Cent Cigarette” takes on love and loss and the demons they bring to life. Perry is fearlessly emotional here and on all his tracks and it’s this quality that lets him connect with new fans so quickly. He spits his mind no matter what he’s thinking. This, alone, sets him apart from the critical mass of rappers out on the scene pimping phony bravado and lives they didn’t really live. Other tracks of note on <i>Side Effects May Include</i> are “Dark Dreams,” “Side Effects,” and “Coming Home.” Damon Perry is well on his way to becoming a breakout artist and will conquer the world if he keeps throwing heat like this. Get yourself a copy of this one and hear what the next level really sounds like. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>DAMON PERRY ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5qyPi9Dq1srekoowjZ4J8t?si=bmylpAR7SQugVzFtz7_MhQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5qyPi9Dq1srekoowjZ4J8t?si=bmylpAR7SQugVzFtz7_MhQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/5qyPi9Dq1srekoowjZ4J8t?si=bmylpAR7SQugVzFtz7_MhQ</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>YOUTUBE CHANNEL:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCoBZ19OPL29GQdtNTyCRA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCoBZ19OPL29GQdtNTyCRA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCoBZ19OPL29GQdtNTyCRA</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59902742019-12-03T13:52:28-06:002019-12-03T13:52:28-06:00SHADI G “MIND” SINGLE REVIEW - ATMOSPHERIC R&B! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/90635634dae8bb4b830179934f7779f0bcebe3f5/original/c270b329-69e6-48a9-b86d-04f64771e6c3.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SHADI G </p>
<p>“Mind” </p>
<p>(Goldamin Records) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Shadi G is a smooth-as-glass R&B vocalist, songwriter, and producer with an impressive new single called “Mind.” Released on her own Goldamin Records imprint, “Mind” exists in an atmospheric dreamscape that envelops listeners and lifts them up into Shadi’s unique world. The track spotlights her breathy, delicate vocals and intimate style while telling the tale of someone choosing to leave a toxic personal situation and embracing empowerment and self-love. It’s a quietly brilliant song that will make you lean in to hear every second of it and delivers a great deal of true emotion. </p>
<p>Based in Sweden, Shadi G controls her entire creative output by writing, recording, and producing all of her own material. She demonstrates an original take on modern R&B that’s more about melody, phrasing, and lyrical detail than the shouting for attention and over-singing so common in the current scene. More than anything, it’s this that sets her apart from her peers and keeps her in her own artistic zone. “Mind” is an excellent song that will quickly seduce listeners and turn them into fans. Shadi G absolutely has the goods needed to get big and deserves a spot in any R&B fan’s rotation. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1CS1ZBdEmVSVEK0aeXOpmt" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1CS1ZBdEmVSVEK0aeXOpmt" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1CS1ZBdEmVSVEK0aeXOpmt</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.shadi-g.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.shadi-g.com/" target="_blank">https://www.shadi-g.com/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59888082019-12-02T15:21:35-06:002019-12-03T01:07:05-06:00TEX MEX SHAMAN: AN EXPERIMENTAL CONVERSATION <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3dc35521154ecb6075cf8e104f304d4059398c2e/original/631f8c35-8112-4c9c-946c-b2800f89ce30.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TEX MEX SHAMAN: AN EXPERIMENTAL CONVERSATION </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Tex Mex Shaman, a.k.a. Stephen Watkins, is a wildly creative avant-garde guitarist and composer who makes abstract, conceptual funk rock music that shows little concern for typical sonic conventions. His latest release, <i>Fever In The South</i>, combines rock guitar, funk beats, loops, samples, and more into highly-individualized tracks that exist way outside of the mainstream and prioritize art and expression over all else. He keeps most of his personal information on ice, preferring to let his music do the talking and avoiding the spotlight and personality cults that often get in the way of doing meaningful work. </p>
<p>Tex was cool enough to stop by the Mike O’Cull Music home office for a chat recently to give us all some insight into what he does and how he sees the world. Experience his magic on Spotify at <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VEaPZdJfnXEnJ7qTDhJPM?si=vvHsAzFKTzOtDWfEe-PsDg.&nbsp;&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VEaPZdJfnXEnJ7qTDhJPM?si=vvHsAzFKTzOtDWfEe-PsDg." target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VEaPZdJfnXEnJ7qTDhJPM?si=vvHsAzFKTzOtDWfEe-PsDg. </a></p>
<p><b>How did this all get started? </b></p>
<p> <br>Well, as I understand it, the Big Bang is the prevailing theory regarding a description of the origin of the Universe as we know it today. Under this theory, space and time emerged together some 13.8 billion years ago…Oh, you probably meant the … Well it’s been almost a year and a half now that The TexMex Shaman project has been in the works. This is one of a handful of musical projects I’ve been involved in over the years. I started writing for it in the summer of 2018 and began getting serious about the goal of releasing an LP around October of last year. To be honest, I never really thought about it as a working project until then, but once I did, I knew I wanted to go full on with it. The motivation to do so mostly came from me being in a serious funk over a relationship that had ended around that time. I was just getting nothing done. It was ridiculous. That plus the fact that it had been so long since I’d recorded anything and it all made sense. This project pulled me off the couch and got me back into the game. It has been very therapeutic and as fun as you can imagine. That’s the power of music though right? </p>
<p><b>What influenced you to develop your own unique style and approach? </b></p>
<p>For me, and I’m like this with most everything, I really enjoy novelty. Most of my primary influences were the mold breakers or the trend setters. I don’t really consciously think about sounding far out or different though you know? If I think too much about it when writing, it comes out sounding flat. It’s more like that’s simply what comes out when I play and successfully manage to shut off my mind. I started early as a teen thriving on the metal at the time - Priest, Maiden, Metallica … you know, tons of others, but once I got into college and you know all the stuff that happens when you’re 21 and know everything … well I learned I didn’t know much when it came to musical variety. I picked up so much during that time and have also had the best friends on the planet when it comes to sharing new music that we all get off on. I absorbed a lot and it has been reflected over the years in what I write. </p>
<p><b>What’s new in your career? </b></p>
<p>Well, at one time I did call this my career, but now it’s a whole new rodeo. This is a passionate side gig for me let’s say. I’ll tell you though, living lean as an early 20 something year old kid with stars in his eyes and on the other hand, having the means to do a project like this now, as a man in his 40’s, I’ve learned that if your heart is in the right place you will be rewarded regardless of the outcome. The key is not to focus on the outcome, right? You enjoy the journey. This upcoming release <i>Fever in the South - The Full Release LP</i> has been a very new experience for me. I’ve never recorded for vinyl before. The printing company I’m working with had to kick back a few of my songs for remix/master due to me just not being aware of the best way to record digitally to be listened to on vinyl. So I’ve learned that lately which to me is very interesting stuff. I’ve kinda got back into social media with this thing too. I had dropped off most of them …Facebook, Twitter etc.. pretty much for the last 6-7 years. When this project got serious, I had a buddy in marketing tell me I hadn’t even begun to advertise unless I was doing it on Facebook, so I created new TMS accounts and that’s been interesting to get back into - and I do think it’s required these days when trying to be heard for sure. It’s that signal to noise ratio that kills me. </p>
<p><b>Is your music political? </b></p>
<p>Not really, although I have nothing against that kind of music or people who want to make that kind of statement. It can be, and often is, powerful stuff and has been the catalyst for lots of change both socially and politically. That can’t be overstated, you know? I’ve always felt more of a pull towards a different message in my music. One that is rooted less in that kind of ‘us vs them’ energy and more … I don’t know what, like spiritual almost. I feel more compelled to write about or make music that alludes to a certain vibe or feeling that can be universal. I think of music a lot like a paintbrush for the soul. I paint emotion and feeling using sounds. Wait, who’s that guy with the straight jacket Mike?! Kidding. I know it sounds crazy but that’s kinda what I write towards. Since a lot of the stuff on the TMS project is instrumental or the vocals are mostly samples, I can afford to focus on more of whatever it is I feel as opposed to “verse, verse, bridge, chorus repeat” you know? That lends itself to really breaking free from most constraints that could restrict any song that might be limited by its genre. None of this is to say political music can’t be spiritual at the same time though. </p>
<p><b>What’s the one piece of gear you can’t make music without? </b></p>
<p>Well, I’m never far from a wah pedal let’s put it that way. I used to use it like ketchup on french fries, but lately I’ve rediscovered my talk box which is pretty cool too. Both are used throughout the new LP </p>
<p><b>What does the future hold for you? </b></p>
<p>After creating this project over the past year and a half, I’ve realized that this kind of thing will be with me the rest of my life and I’m super happy to have rediscovered that. With technology where it is these days, and I’m sure you know this, you can make some damn good music and make it sound damn good too right in your own bedroom. So why the hell not get a SoundCloud account and put that shit out there? And of course any other opportunities that might come up and are worth getting new shoes for will be considered haha. </p>
<p><b>What’s your “guilty pleasure” band that no one knows you listen to? </b></p>
<p>Ahhhh … well I would say the Bee Gees but I think I’m kinda proud to say I like them haha. I’m trying to come up with one - it’s probably gonna have to be some of the cheesy glam from the 80s. Like beyond just Mötley Crüe and Poison - I like(d) a lot of that deep cut L.A. sleaze. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/eab8c88920423816d4db97e00db30d3962fbfaf0/original/a83909f1-4da2-4a73-8134-14993ee3a982.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59823322019-11-27T15:41:00-06:002019-11-27T15:42:47-06:00A POP PUNK CHRISTMAS CAROL - LOUD HOLIDAY FUN!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/53f46dce7dbcd6f32b9c8c6c19a46268ce24409c/original/b1b38218-96b3-419b-9d0f-c1e6318f86f8.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><i>A POP PUNK CHRISTMAS CAROL</i> </p>
<p>Various Artists </p>
<p>(Gutter Pop Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p><i>A Pop Punk Christmas Caro</i>l is a brand new compilation album from St. Louis’ Gutter Pop Records that makes the perfect gift for any rocker out there looking to heat up their holiday soundtrack. The set features punk bands from Russia, Japan, the USA, Germany, Canada, and the UK blasting through their favorite Christmas songs and doing their best to make the season loud, fast, jolly, and bright. <i>A Pop Punk Christmas Carol</i> includes tracks from punk luminaries including The Radio Buzzkills, The Vindictives, The Black Russians, Pavid Vermin, J Prozac, and many others who have rocked up a bunch of public domain holiday songs we’ve heard our whole lives and turned them into one of the freshest releases of the year. </p>
<p>The Radio Buzzkills get the party started with a crunchy and melodic version of “O Holy Night” that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The Buzzkills pump a lot of wattage into this holiday chestnut’s cottage and the band’s trademark male and female vocals add a brilliant bit of sweetness over the top. The Black Russians put down a scorching take on “Silent Night” that’ll light up your tree all season long and features the best punk guitar solo that’s ever been recorded for this legendary song. </p>
<p>The Vindictives deliver a cover of “Jingle Bells” that will blow the roof off of Santa’s workshop and goes places this eternal Christmas favorite has never gone before. Gutter Romance contributes an acoustic version of “I Saw Three Ships” that dials back the distortion for a moment and makes its bones with sweet female vocals and a festive vibe. J Prozac gives “Angels We Have Heard On High” a full-bore epic rock re-telling that’s both majestic and uplifting and will overheat any caroling session anywhere anytime. </p>
<p>Punk supergroup Jason V and the Casualties steal the show, however, with a full-throttle version of “Joy To The World” that begins with the rock guitar glory of Christmas morning and ends with the flush of a toilet. The band is comprised of some of today’s most crucial punks including vocalists Jason V (The Jasons), Aleksandr666 (TheBlack Russians), and Zac Buzzkill (The Radio Buzzkills), bassist/vocalist Jen Buzzkill (The Radio Buzzkills), guitarists Zenochka Khrushchev (The Black Russians) and Gene Buzzkill (The Radio Buzzkills) and drummer Comrade Mirko Sullivan (The Radio Buzzkills) and used all this firepower to capture what is arguably the greatest rendition of this Christmas classic humanity has ever generated. </p>
<p><i>A Pop Punk Christmas Carol</i> contains more cool music than words can express and is a smashing success on all levels. Other stellar outfits appearing on it include Sad Sally, The Evil O’Briens, You Dirty Rat, and Publicity Stunt. Mad respect to Gutter Pop Records for dropping the ultimate Christmas compilation of this or any holiday season. It might be too much for Grandma but everyone else is gonna love it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://gutterpoprecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-pop-punk-christmas-carol" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://gutterpoprecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-pop-punk-christmas-carol" target="_blank">https://gutterpoprecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-pop-punk-christmas-carol</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59767732019-11-25T21:34:19-06:002019-11-25T21:36:37-06:00ST. GEO “STEAM” ALBUM REVIEW - NEXT-LEVEL HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d6e5ea1d3ee15bd6f7a650ca49f6f55b2d9d462a/original/d732586a-cb66-4ef2-b5eb-55af8b4a1c5a.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ST. GEO </p>
<p><i>Steam</i> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>St. Geo is a future hip-hop icon on the rise and one listen to his latest release <i>Steam</i> is all the proof of that statement anyone could require. Out now on all major platforms, <i>Steam</i> is a deeply lyrical effort that details Geo’s own issues with power, relationships, and drive. He deals with ideas concerning the isolation of modern life and the unfulfilled need for connection so many people exist with. A self-described “glassy-eyed ghetto child,” St. Geo spits his personal truth in ruthlessly authentic flows that don’t sound like anyone else in the rap game and uses his gritty-but-articulate vocal tone to grab your attention and hold it. </p>
<p>The record starts with the title track “Steam,” a brooding pressure cooker of a song about maintaining faith in the midst of Babylon. The production is spacious and atmospheric and uses an insistent beat to drive St. Geo’s message forward. “Dangerous People” is a leather-tough track built around Jack White’s “Seven Nation Army” bass line. St. Geo has a perfect voice for rap music and uses it exceptionally well here. He cuts through the mix like a hot knife and his rhymes and rhythmic cadences are light-years ahead and beyond any would-be competitors. As an album, <i>Steam</i> is an amazing listen from start to finish but standout cuts like “Queen Save The God” and “Look Of Lords” deserve special mention. </p>
<p>St. Geo is on some next-level sounds and ideas on <i>Steam</i> and has the skills, talent, and uniqueness required to hit music’s highest marks. This is music for the thinking and listening fan who is looking for something better than cookie-cutter mainstream rap. Watch this one close because it’s gonna jump. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/14ahhYhDsyHRKAcRTyPwx0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/14ahhYhDsyHRKAcRTyPwx0" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/14ahhYhDsyHRKAcRTyPwx0</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/_st.geo/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/_st.geo/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/_st.geo/?hl=en</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59651202019-11-18T22:40:20-06:002019-11-18T22:41:55-06:00ONEUP “LET ME COME HOME” SINGLE REVIEW - CHRISTMAS MAGIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/38b1d7914ff28cd906e9593f9ceff704438f9c81/original/13d63525-ea29-4574-9119-0f0726f79f0e.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ONEUP </p>
<p>“Let Me Come Home” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>OneUp is the phenomenally talented vocal duo comprised of married couple Adam and Jerome Bell-Bastien. “Let Me Come Home” is their emotional, melancholy Christmas song about people trying to put the pieces of a relationship back together at what should be the happiest time of year. Writing new holiday-themed songs in any genre and making them stick is a tall order but “Let Me Come Home” succeeds where many others have failed. It’s a heartfelt pop ballad that’s genuine and real and avoids the artificially-sweetened pseudo feelings that often dominate Christmas music. Adam and Jerome are both supremely gifted singers and listening to them work together on a song like this is pure magic. </p>
<p>Sharp-eyed fans may recognize OneUp from Season 15 of The Voice, where the guys earned a spot on Team Kelly as the show’s first ever same-sex duo. The two New Yorkers met on a music video shoot and quickly developed both personal and musical connections. “Let Me Come Home” majestically displays the power the two men create together and is the kind of heartbreakingly beautiful track that becomes a cherished part of the Christmas experience for millions of people. Add OneUp to your holiday playlist and start a brand-new tradition. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2DnImugYV0RxUfZAaFng9x" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2DnImugYV0RxUfZAaFng9x" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2DnImugYV0RxUfZAaFng9x</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="http://instagram.com/oneupduo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://instagram.com/oneupduo" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/oneupduo</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vLB4JJQLtzI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vLB4JJQLtzI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLB4JJQLtzI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59586222019-11-12T22:54:49-06:002019-11-12T23:00:53-06:00KING FEMI “YOUNG QUEENS” SINGLE REVIEW - TRAP SLOW JAM! <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e6f5c0458563ba405eaec32ebdb8ac1f88c12185/original/ae4b9507-7a5f-4270-b7fc-b65b7c686b88.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KING FEMI </p>
<p>“Young Queens” </p>
<p>(Royal Family Productions, LLC) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>King Femi is a hip-hop artist and entrepreneur from Bermuda currently making big waves in the Atlanta rap scene. His latest track is the single “Young Queens,” a spacey, slow jam trap cut with a smooth vocal and an after-midnight attitude. Femi glides through the track, shifting gears as needed, dropping his tales of life amongst the young and profitable. He permanently installs the chorus hook into your mind and shows a great deal of creativity in his verse flows. </p>
<p>Production quality is high on “Young Queens,” especially the kick and hi-hat sounds that drive the pocket. The whole track has an enveloping feel to it that seems to come out of your headphones and wrap itself around your consciousness. “Young Queens” was released by King Femi’s own Royal Family Productions, LLC, a bossed-up move that shows his entrepreneurial mindset. He is a man of much influence and it can be seen at all levels of the culture. “Young Queens” is a hot-to-the-touch cut from one of the premier rappers in Atlanta. You’d best get it pumping through your system. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/kingfemiofficial/young-queens" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/kingfemiofficial/young-queens" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/kingfemiofficial/young-queens</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/6xG9RvyUjmcGTs1CQHAuEG" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6xG9RvyUjmcGTs1CQHAuEG" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/6xG9RvyUjmcGTs1CQHAuEG</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/the.king.femi/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/the.king.femi/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/the.king.femi/?hl=en</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59579602019-11-12T12:54:19-06:002019-11-14T12:33:53-06:00DARSHAE KIER “HALASANA GIRL” SINGLE REVIEW - POP REGGAETON MAGIC!<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/755496e84ecdbb1a449c1739be5f92fe7a16bde4/original/9f9dba36-408d-4347-97e9-8089d608b27b.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DARSHAE KIER </p>
<p>“Halasana Girl” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Pop vocalist Darshae Kiér is a Miami-based artist with a new single, “Halasana Girl,” that’s full of body and soul-moving power. The track is constructed around a slamming reggaeton beat topped with chill synths and Kiér’s smooth voice. He takes cues from stars like Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Usher, Chris Brown, and Bad Bunny but has crafted his own musical style and flow that are currently getting a lot of traction in the online world and beyond. “Halasana Girl” is a highly-seasoned and libidinous track that works the male/female dynamic in a wonderful way that’s sure to generate much heat this Fall and Winter. </p>
<p>Kiér got off to a difficult start in life, growing up in the foster care system after losing both of his parents. Still, he found the courage and determination to rise above his circumstances and his positive mind has created a community around him and his music. “Halasana Girl” is going to expand that community by making it dance and has unlimited commercial potential. Darshae Kiér is someone all fans of urban music need to get with and join his ever-growing party. Get ready to move! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/darshaekier/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/darshaekier/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/darshaekier/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2KQXCOHloIOe4vTIYbwnmQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2KQXCOHloIOe4vTIYbwnmQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2KQXCOHloIOe4vTIYbwnmQ</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59574362019-11-12T00:33:56-06:002019-11-12T00:33:56-06:00TYLER HUTTON "INVICTUS" ALBUM REVIEW - EMERGING L.A. SONGWRITER!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b19801d4a4ed1d86de8a0fc82999d86a61b5883b/original/invictus-front-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TYLER HUTTON </p>
<p><em>Invictus </em></p>
<p>(Dirt Heel Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Los Angeles songwriter Tyler Hutton channels the best tunesmiths of the 20th Century on his new album <em>Invictus</em>, which came out September 14th, 2019 on Dirt Heel Records. Hutton has an instantly infatuating quality to his songs comprised of genuine emotion, organic rock grit, and a highly-developed melodic instinct and <em>Invictus </em>is loaded with it. His sound encompasses folk, rock, and guitar pop influences in a way that’s reminiscent of George Harrison’s post-Beatle solo work, which means this record is going to appeal to a lot of people. </p>
<p>The songs on <em>Invictus </em>are built on the sound of real human performance and are only produced as far as they need to be. As a result, they deliver a warmth and authenticity absent from most of today’s electronically-overwrought music. The opening track, “For You From You,” is just the first of many stunners here that stake out a territory somewhere between The Beatles and Elvis Costello and it will remind you of what pop music was supposed to be in the first place. Hutton is an excellent singer and guitarist and his skills make this set a winner. </p>
<p>“Through My Window” is a fantastic song about a moody man with a secret who isn’t sure the one he loves is quite ready to meet his real self. It’s an example of high-level songcraft that’s one big hook from start to finish and conveys a different message than you first expect it to. “Promise” begins as a delicate acoustic guitar ballad, gets psychedelic for just a moment, then explodes into a Wings-like rock instrumental that gets a little trippy before circling back to its acoustic origins. Hutton’s use of dynamics and open space are masterful and they make “Promise” one of the record’s finest moments. </p>
<p>The title song, “Invictus,” is another gem that closes the set in style. Hutton has the unique ability to effortlessly exude the sophisticated pop/rock vibe that defined 70s radio and blend it with his own individual ways of making music. “Invictus” feels like McCartney and Elton John at their best but imitates neither. There isn’t a bad cut on this platter and Hutton is giving off every sign of becoming one of the most vital new artists on the Left Coast. <em>Invictus </em>is worth all the time you can give it, so you’d better get started. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/65hSxjVZbPYIv4nOTlHODx" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/65hSxjVZbPYIv4nOTlHODx" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/65hSxjVZbPYIv4nOTlHODx</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuttonmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuttonmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuttonmusic/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59574082019-11-12T00:05:28-06:002019-11-12T00:10:10-06:00MAXIME “THE HONEST ME P1” ALBUM REVIEW - AMAZING MODERN POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4e378461957804297922a9901d2cde441648c6dd/original/0df58026-3623-4a3c-ae51-e1f3ecc92d88.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MAXIME </p>
<p><i>The Honest Me P1 </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>French songwriter Maxime is a multifaceted musician well-versed in many different dialects of lyrical songs and radio-worthy hooks. His latest album, <i>The Honest Me P1</i>, is the first installment in a cinematic series of records that is chock full of impressive tracks and presents Maxime to the world as a fully-developed pop tunesmith. Born to a musical theater family, he played cello for 11 years but knew his musical path wouldn’t be the same one his parents took. He discovered the guitar during college and began writing music. He wrote over 50 songs and, knowing he needed to get them out of himself, began to record them. </p>
<p><i>The Honest Me P1</i> opens with the shining “Is This Love?,” a breathy Cat Stevens-ish folk song with a lovely orchestral side. The song expands as it progresses and builds to an uplifting theatricality that belies its hushed beginning. Maxime has a clear, strong voice and vocal tone that makes him exciting and accessible here and throughout the album. “WTTW (Welcome To The World)” is an emotive pop ballad with a unique arrangement that will make you hang on every line. </p>
<p>The smoldering “Look At Me Now (Feat. Sheryl)” is a dramatic duet that rises and falls like the lyrical characters involved and is this set’s artistic high point. Maxime puts down a genuinely powerful and individual sound and style that makes this a hit single for the thinking fan. His combination of modern production ideas and classic vocal skills is an immediate winner and deserves to break out to a larger audience. Be sure to also spin “Damned” and “Tonight.” </p>
<p>Maxime is a welcome new presence on the pop music scene and creates sounds tailor-made for young moderns. He’s one of this year’s most compelling emerging artists and will have a long career in front of him if he keeps making records like this. You need these songs. Start listening. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5xkB7PmwRmH4939IKqsV3I" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5xkB7PmwRmH4939IKqsV3I" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5xkB7PmwRmH4939IKqsV3I</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xRaKFD4eKYM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/xRaKFD4eKYM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xRaKFD4eKYM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/maximepretends/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/maximepretends/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/maximepretends/?hl=en</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59545752019-11-08T18:15:51-06:002019-11-08T18:21:52-06:00ECHOGLASS “HARD” SINGLE REVIEW - BRIT POP MASTERS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b1774942c22b0be35d9b069f312f7a9e5de1758e/original/9a9b3772-3d79-4d1a-bb52-08d60f952b02.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ECHOGLASS </p>
<p>“Hard” </p>
<p>(Broken 8 Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>British indie pop outfit Echoglass delivers an entrancing shoegaze experience on its new single “Hard.” Set to drop on November 14th, 2019 on all major streaming platforms, “Hard” is a muscular blast of pounding drums and beautifully-distorted guitars topped with emotional low-toned vocals that convey a dark, confessional vibe. The lineup of D.A. McKenna, Remmy, and Bo has an undeniably eccentric chemistry to its work and overflows with creativity and vision. The band is part of the well-known music scene in the Northwest of England and draws inspiration from the likes of Shaun Ryder, Ian Curtis, Pete Shelley, and Morrissey. </p>
<p>“Hard” perfectly surfs a crashing wave of gritty guitars, synths, and drums without ever losing its melodic and lyrical appeal. The band skillfully employs texture and tone to amplify the song’s energy and ends up with a sound that’s pop, post rock, and goth all at once. The song has a hypnotic quality to it that’s difficult to turn away from, a movie-like feel that makes each chord into part of an unfolding story. Echoglass gets high marks for artistry in execution as usual, showing us all that, despite existing for exquisite dining and fine alcohol-based experiences, the band is all business when the tape rolls. Fans of overdriven guitar headspace will like this straight away. </p>
<p>P.S. - The rumor mill has it that Echoglass has a yet-to-be-released track waning in the wings that may just take the band where it wants to go. It’s a plaintive ballad called “Little House” about the loss of a child that’ll move every heart in the world if given half a chance. Seek it out. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dlUOdOo865I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/dlUOdOo865I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dlUOdOo865I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: </b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="www.echoglassmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.exhoglassmusic.com" target="_blank">www.echoglassmusic.com</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59534962019-11-07T22:54:48-06:002019-11-07T22:59:10-06:00RAE DU SOLEIL “I LOVE YOU CLOSE” SINGLE REVIEW - INDIE JAZZ CHORD POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c6f767631e4b3c41e9cb285e413285ffd31d3608/original/3b83abd4-8300-4463-9a20-62dd7ba051d9.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>RAE DU SOLEIL </p>
<p>“I Love You Close” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rae du Soleil, a.k.a. Raelyn Kaplan, is an intensely individual vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist from San Francisco, California. Her 2019 single “I Love You Close” is a delicious slice of indie pop that melds her emotive singing, jazz guitar chords, and lyrical depth into a track that doesn’t need to shout to stand out. Soleil is still in college but is in possession of writing and playing chops well beyond her years. She performs regularly on the West Coast, sings in French and English, and has appeared at several important music festivals. She’s also writing a book of interactive poetry. </p>
<p>“I Love You Close” is an intimate track with an up-close vibe made of only acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. It’s extremely live-sounding and makes you feel like you’re in the same room with Soleil and the other musicians. It’s a song of passion, people, distance, and desire that rhythmically ebbs and flows like real human interaction. The chorus hook is simple and strong but Soleil’s words and music take a deep and literate dive into the affairs of the heart. The song is a skillfully-executed piece of indie art as well as a kinetic and engaging pop song that gets stuck in the head all too easily. Big things look to be in store for Rae du Soleil if she keeps turning out songs like this. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/5yoJr8H6v1IOMfo62Uhfhq" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5yoJr8H6v1IOMfo62Uhfhq" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/5yoJr8H6v1IOMfo62Uhfhq</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.raedusoleil.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.raedusoleil.com/" target="_blank">https://www.raedusoleil.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KrIz7-sMVZA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KrIz7-sMVZA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrIz7-sMVZA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59534522019-11-07T22:00:44-06:002019-11-07T22:02:24-06:00LUCLOVER “WASTE OF TIME” SINGLE REVIEW - HIP-HOP FROM HOUSTON! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/eafcd72a41de6a3b9fa2bedd24020abdbd310df0/original/6ec5cc1d-669f-44a6-81ff-22236a0c43ed.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>LUCLOVER </p>
<p>“Waste Of Time” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Houston-based hip-hop artist and musician Luclover is a 14-year-old rap prodigy with the passion, personality, and skills required to become a game-changer. His latest release is the single “Waste Of Time,” a lyrical and atmospheric slow jam about unwanted love that “keeps hitting my line, I don’t know how to get rid of her.” The track is built on a spacey, minimalistic beat that allows Luclover plenty of room to vocally roam all over it but he shows the artistic maturity to keep it all in the pocket and never overflows the moment. It’s an impressive cut from a talent with less than a year in the game. </p>
<p>For most of his young life, Luclover’s game was basketball. He first touched a ball at age four and developed into an elite athlete and competitor with the help of his parents. When he felt the fire to make music, he went at it just as hard. His abilities were quickly recognized and he has been streamed many thousands of times on SoundCloud and Spotify. “Waste Of Time” is a hot track that’s going to open doors for Luclover and could very well make him a worldwide star. He’s got a sound that’s perfect for this place and time that’ll make true hip-hop heads pay close attention. Give him a shot today and get in on the ground floor of something good. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5I6e0wPtR85hREuqWiursh" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5I6e0wPtR85hREuqWiursh" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5I6e0wPtR85hREuqWiursh</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>SOUNDCLOUD:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/luclover/waste-of-time" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/luclover/waste-of-time" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/luclover/waste-of-time</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59519172019-11-06T16:54:41-06:002019-11-07T12:50:29-06:00ESTELLE CALIFORNIA “STAR” SINGLE REVIEW - INTERNATIONAL SOUL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1335e058d5e881eb0d160d81e32b3bb34111ef6d/original/4e59d7ea-6077-464b-a85c-4d7b1ab4bb1a.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ESTELLE CALIFORNIA </p>
<p>“Star (Radio Edit)” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Singer-songwriter Estelle California is a multi-talented and multicultural performer with a beautiful sound an international flavor. Her latest single, “Star (Radio Edit), came out in July of 2019 and is a sensual mix of pop and neo-soul styles that vibes like a nighttime ride in a swank custom limousine. Born in France, Estelle came up learning piano, saxophone, dance, and classical singing. She’s been in Oakland since 2013 and has become part of the city’s vibrant and diverse culture. Her love of her new home even inspired her to take “California” as her artist name. She has absorbed the promises of the West Coast and, as a result, is making the best music of her career. </p>
<p>“Star” is an outspoken song of human empowerment that reflects Estelle’s deep commitment to advocating for the overlooked and oppressed among us. It’s built on a slinky, mid-speed groove that perfectly supports Estelle’s intense lyricism and emotive vocal approach. She draws much inspiration from the iconic Nina Simone and displays the same type of social concern as the legendary singer. Estelle makes music with a clear spiritual calling to it that comes from knowing the effects of oppression firsthand. “Star” is a compelling and entertaining track that succeeds on all levels. Make it part of your world. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0Ce2p8z5qZh89P630AKz3O#_=_" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0Ce2p8z5qZh89P630AKz3O#_=_" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0Ce2p8z5qZh89P630AKz3O#_=_</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>FACEBOOK:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/estellecalifornia/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/estellecalifornia/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/estellecalifornia/</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/estellecalifornia/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/estellecalifornia/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/estellecalifornia/</a></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59447922019-10-31T00:55:58-05:002019-10-31T01:40:02-05:00FREAKY LITTLE “MANIFESTO” SINGLE AND VIDEO REVIEW - DARK SYNTH MAGIC!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/989d70ed53f5dc14693adf0539042a493eaaec95/original/cbe2ceb0-ae36-4fc2-893b-2090fcc3613e.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FREAKY LITTLE </p>
<p>“Manifesto” </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Freaky Little is the musical project of one Haviv Rosilio, a visual artist and filmographer from Israel. Best known for his work on the hit Netflix show Fauda, Rosilio also has a background in music that dates to the early 90s when he was a drummer in Tel Aviv’s death metal scene. His latest release is the single “Manifesto,” which is the main piece of music from the short horror/fantasy film Transmuted Rosilio made that’s currently on the horror film fest circuit. The song and its accompanying music video display his growth into an electronic artist who, despite his metal beginnings, has learned to shift gears and do high-level work in a completely different genre. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4513c84e96cc60de4fa028c7855061d608152706/original/7ea07e9d-0d5c-48a7-b76b-9eee3193b0f5.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>“Manifesto” is funky, unsettling, and impossible to pull away from. It’s beat is deep in the pocket and features a powerful, minimalist bass part that hits below the belt. Ironic, interpretive synth horns give the track a slick, cyber-Vegas future lounge feel while the main vocal chants the title until the word becomes a purely phonetic sound of its own. The combination of all this adds up to mid-tempo magic that will make any dancefloor begin to grind. </p>
<p>The music video for “Manifesto” is darkly abstract and artistic. It shows us various masked post-apocalyptic party-goers and musicians dancing and performing in ever-shifting distressed locations and adds a surreal, psychedelic element to an already-quirky track. “Manifesto” is a hit waiting to happen and its underground, non-mainstream coolness is precisely what will get it playing in a million sets of headphones. Go looking for this one. It’s not to be missed. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://amorfix.wixsite.com/havivrosilio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://amorfix.wixsite.com/havivrosilio" target="_blank">https://amorfix.wixsite.com/havivrosilio</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tavponFykFk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/tavponFykFk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tavponFykFk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/61WdPdChra6bjEz8itHXQW?si=BSXe9jMzSW60KpoZ8k96GA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/61WdPdChra6bjEz8itHXQW?si=BSXe9jMzSW60KpoZ8k96GA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/61WdPdChra6bjEz8itHXQW?si=BSXe9jMzSW60KpoZ8k96GA</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59447692019-10-30T23:31:47-05:002019-10-30T23:31:47-05:00JOHN LEBANON “DISCO BOI” EP REVIEW - PROGRESSIVE POP/ROCK! <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/cba2703b1e84edda61e61cb49769817a22d8f097/original/5e2b5df1-18d5-4a3e-ae2f-652af8e69b25.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JOHN LEBANON </p>
<p><i>Disco Boi </i></p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>John Lebanon sounds like a person but it’s really a band built around Lebanese guitarist and songwriter Roy S and fleshed out by a number of collaborators that includes Matt, Alex, Kat, Olivia, Ella, Juliette, Laeticia, Noemie, Wheels, and Soup Wizard. The crew has released a steady stream of singles and EPs that showcase a style that blends progressive folk and experimental pop/rock into quirky, endearing songs that are impossible to forget. </p>
<p>The project began as a creative antidote to Roy’s daytime life as a medical doctor and resident at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He’d been writing music since his teen years in Beirut. <i>Disco Bio</i> is an EP released by John Lebanon in 2018 of collected works written before and during Roy’s residency training and inspired by the loss of a close friend named Jade to suicide. He and the rest of JL made the record with a Minimoog, electric bass, and many organic percussion tools like ping pong balls, coins, bicycle bells, and more. </p>
<p>The title track, “Disco Boi,” gets things off to a cool, moody start and tells a story of love set in Brooklyn, New York. It features male and female lead vocals and a hypnotic bass line that will pull you in and keep you listening. “Get A Cab” is funky indie Euro Pop with artistic overtones and an atmospheric sensibility. As a unit, John Lebanon makes a subtle, smooth noise and never takes anything on <i>Disco Boi </i>over the top, preferring to keep its tracks on a deliberate simmer. The slightly reined-in approach works for these songs and will appeal to those seeking substance over bombast. </p>
<p>“Petit Jean” is a vibe-filled electronic instrumental cut that feels like movie music. “Propane Co” is directly about Jade and his ongoing dismay over the cost of gas. It continues the cinematic, ethereal sound the group has established and features some tasty wah-drenched guitar work and well-executed synth parts. All the tunes here are hooky and memorable and demonstrate a high level of songcraft. Fans of unusual indie pop will find much to like on <i>Disco Boi</i> and need to give John Lebanon an immediate spin. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/4w8F4DA2O4a1IKomyTJNYm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4w8F4DA2O4a1IKomyTJNYm" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/4w8F4DA2O4a1IKomyTJNYm</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/JohnLebanon1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnLebanon1" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/JohnLebanon1</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/40558e002fde83505e98bc384cb051c99b497ca9/original/6a2225c6-b083-482f-acc4-5679e8a7c655.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59377022019-10-24T13:18:04-05:002019-10-24T13:20:06-05:00ROYAL “SUMMER ON MAIN ST.” ALBUM REVIEW - HIP-HOP! <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a4a2ce917cec687c033771d59f5440d2cca2c83d/original/f0751a5d-3994-41dc-b45f-b6a279e23d6a.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ROYAL </p>
<p><i>Summer on Main St. </i></p>
<p>(Occupy Music Group) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Royal is a Delaware rap artist with a positive, funky style who understands the importance of using music to give back to the community around him. His 2018 album release <i>Summer on Main St.</i> is a great place to start exploring his body of work and the record will quickly show you why Royal is a cut above his competition in the modern hip-hop scene. He has a chill, low key flow and confident, well-written lyrics that both help to keep him in his own original realm of artistry. He has developed enough presence in the game to have shared stages with stars like Waka Flocka, Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, YG, and Tory Lanez and used this fame to bring his music into countless middle and high schools in an effort to inspire the next generation. Royal has also donated the money earned at his concerts and events directly to the neighborhoods and the people in them that need help the most. </p>
<p>Every track on <i>Summer on Main St.</i> crushes and makes its own magic happen. “Can’t Relate (feat. Letthabeatroc)” is a strong statement of commitment to the grind of success and details just how he does it for those who can’t understand. “Trappin’ (feat. Cru)” relates the lifestyle Royal lives over a stony beat full of headspace that perfectly fits his lyrical mood. Royal is a master of this type of track and knows how to get his point across and keep the bodies moving at the same time. </p>
<p>“Soy Mexicano (feat. Nicko Rodriguez)” adds a spacy bilingual vibe to the record and finds Royal again explaining his life and world to the microphone. His bars are real, full of truth, and will resonate with those who thrive on actual hip-hop lyricism. Other highlights on <i>Summer on Main St.</i> that shouldn’t be missed include “Letter To Cecil” and “Hall of Fame.” Royal absolutely has the skills to overtop the always-competitive rap scene and has used them to create a monster of an album. Turn this one up and get inside. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5Kd0JyKiibfgdKaAA1uQwS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5Kd0JyKiibfgdKaAA1uQwS" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5Kd0JyKiibfgdKaAA1uQwS</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/theofficialroyal/?hl=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/theofficialroyal/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/theofficialroyal/?hl=en</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59375762019-10-24T11:48:21-05:002019-10-24T11:48:21-05:00KATRINA STUART “BLUE ROSES” SINGLE REVIEW - POP MUSIC!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/cbe54abe5f750b8731f887b2460dbf62b9045d7c/original/c964dab7-23a1-4fcb-954c-43e88a5e7c26.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KATRINA STUART </p>
<p>“Blue Roses” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Katrina Stuart digs deep into the pop music goldmine with her recently released single “Blue Roses.” Stuart is a Canadian vocalist, actor, dancer, and model now working out of Los Angeles who dropped the track in September of 2019. She recorded the song with a high-powered team behind her that included Grammy-nominated producer Trevor Muzzy (Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj) and Swedish songwriter Aleena Gibson (Jason Derulo, Mr. Big, Nick Carter, S Club 7). This proved to be a boss move, as the song has “major hit” written all over it and is quickly becoming popular with Stuart’s legion of fans. </p>
<p>“Blue Roses” is a melodic mid-tempo radio pop cut about loving a less-than-honest person who tries to make up for their misdeeds with flowers and other insignificant gifts. “So you just want to fix my broken heart with blue roses but you let me down,” Stuart sings with a sense of resigned frustration that many people will be able to relate to. She has a clear, toneful vocal sound and a to-the-point style that allows the deeper emotions of the song to fully experienced. </p>
<p>Stuart has the talent, looks, and large social media following needed to blow this track up around the world. Her delivery, lyrics, and production are on point and “Blue Roses” is as good as any chart-topping single of the last ten years. Pop fans will find much to enjoy here and are advised to take a deep dive into Stuart’s previous releases, too, as much great music awaits. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3phXT2dg9fZTjzG35LsbvK" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3phXT2dg9fZTjzG35LsbvK" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3phXT2dg9fZTjzG35LsbvK</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="znyX5DZPkqw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/znyX5DZPkqw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/znyX5DZPkqw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59371042019-10-23T23:49:46-05:002019-10-23T23:49:46-05:00ATTXLA "EBB" ALBUM REVIEW - AMBIENT R&B!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9b93dcd3357a6242e77d20042cd42ee13a222c2f/original/attxla.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ATTXLA </p>
<p><em>Ebb </em></p>
<p>Album review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Attxla is a Houston-centered vocalist, songwriter, and producer who is a truly unique artist with a genre-bending sound that hasn’t been heard before. His songs blur the lines between R&B, electronic, pop, and ambient styles, which allows them to exist in a place of spacious longing and deeply emotive moods. His latest release is the full-length album <em>Ebb,</em> which was given to the world in August of 2019 and is available now on all streaming platforms. The record draws influence from artists including Björk, Little Dragon, Sohn, Baths, Sophie, Jon Bellion, Arca, and James Blake but is a fully-original manifestation of Attxla’s artistry and creative life. </p>
<p>“Choose Him” opens the album like a soulfully-whispered bit of self-talk over some gorgeous new-soul guitar chords. The track has a 3 AM loneliness to it that connects directly to listeners’ hearts and Attxla’s smooth, despairing vocals underline the interpersonal conflict of his lyrics. It’s a stunning track that will make you stop and listen to it. “Feel It” is a gentle pop love song with an R&B feel and brilliant modern production. It lives in a positive space that Attxla occupies fully without ever over-singing or disrupting the ethereal beauty the cut creates. He seems to put a lot of personal, human experience into the songs presented on <em>Ebb </em>and it gives this and the rest of the album a realness most current artists can’t touch. </p>
<p>“Like I Do” features Attxla teaming up with Kenner Wells for another ambient, funky late-night R&B gem that shifts rhythmic gears and dynamic levels in a deliciously unpredictable way that makes every line of the song strong and compelling. “Abyssal Plain” blends slick R&B, hip-hop, and dissonant electronics into another dark masterpiece about a lover who continually pushes away. There’s nothing typical about this track at all and it shows just how far into his own world Attxla is willing to take us. Other must-hear songs on<em> Ebb </em>include “Anneal,” “Deep Sea,” and “Sway.” </p>
<p>Attxla is clearly a groundbreaking and innovative emerging artist with a style likely to turn the heads of everyone who hears it. His words and sounds pull you ever farther into his sonic universe and make you want to stay there. <em>Ebb </em>is a superbly-executed effort that will undoubtedly bring Attxla to worldwide acclaim. You should start listening tonight. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2SF5G5KruxKnvkXcACg2QO" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2SF5G5KruxKnvkXcACg2QO" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2SF5G5KruxKnvkXcACg2QO</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="www.attxla.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.attxla.com" target="_blank">www.attxla.com</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59306622019-10-18T00:49:18-05:002019-10-18T00:49:18-05:00THE NEW STARTS NOW "LOVE AND SECRETS" SINGLE REVIEW - POP/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/75ff47277bceb0bc4838a01fb3672ed1a62b270f/original/the-new-starts-now-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE NEW STARTS NOW </p>
<p>“Love and Secrets” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Chicago-based pop/rock outfit The New Starts Now displays a timeless, hook-filled style on its single “Love and Secrets.” Led by singer/songwriter Jon (just Jon), the group refuses to play the identity game and keeps the full names and details of the musicians involved to itself, making fans and media stay focused on the songs it creates. The band has a strong 90s influence and a general affection for the music of the MTV generation, a combination that results in songs with soundtrack-strength hooks that are flooded with hit-single DNA. </p>
<p>“Love and Secrets” is an alarmingly catchy bit of acoustic guitar and vocal-centered pop/rock that lives somewhere between Oasis and Buddy Holly. The feel is organic, welcoming, and warm and the track is an excellent place to enter The New Starts Now’s universe for the uninitiated. The song is a call to a new love to share their secrets and move closer and a promise to return the favor in kind that’s emotive and genuine. The mood is upbeat, hopeful, and honest and will reel in pop listeners in an instant. Acoustic strumming defines the pocket, which gets ornamented with piano and violin, and the vocals soar above it all just as they should. The accompanying music video is well-shot and effective, enhancing the vibe of the song by following a happy couple around on a fun afternoon. </p>
<p>Clearly, Jon and whoever he’s working with have their acts together. “Love and Secrets” hits the pop/rock target dead on and the track will make you more than a little curious as to what else this crew is up to. The New Starts Now is all about songsmithing on a professionally-high level and has a lot to offer anyone looking for their new favorite song. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FzvqqY5m7xs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FzvqqY5m7xs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FzvqqY5m7xs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="www.thenewstartsnow.net" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thenewstartsnow.net" target="_blank">www.thenewstartsnow.net</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/thenewstartsnow" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/thenewstartsnow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/thenewstartsnow</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59260282019-10-14T11:46:26-05:002019-10-14T17:49:47-05:00GONETCHA "PRAGMATIC" ALBUM REVIEW - EXPERIMENTAL FUNK/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/80557df50ffd74878f9f25889cb5b6f866684e75/original/gonetcha-cover-pragmatic.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GONETCHA </p>
<p><em>Pragmatic </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Experimental French rock band Gonetcha exists in a world of its own creation, one that encompasses free minds, artistic alternatives, and unlimited ideas. Formed in 2017 in Lyon, France, Gonetcha has a new album called <em>Pragmatic</em> that represents the group’s unique musical universe well and dropped in September of 2019. It’s Gonetcha’s fourth record to date and shows listeners an engaging and unusual good time with its quirky blend of funk, rock, goth, and the band’s own creative vision. </p>
<p>Gonetcha is yet another group that chooses to reveal precious little about its members and their background in order to keep people focused on the music at hand. This is a refreshing trend that flies in the face of the global media bombardment we all receive daily and forces fans to listen closely to extract the truth from the songs themselves. The truth of <em>Pragmatic l</em>ies in its hypnotic grooves, dark vibes, and unsettling vocals that keep it from fading into background noise and instead compel listeners to lean in and become involved. </p>
<p>“Biased World” is funky, cool, and atmospheric and opens the record perfectly. It shifts moods from a strong funk pocket to an almost thrash-y section and back again, giving listeners a chance to move while interpreting the well-written, intelligent lyrics. “State Property” keeps the funk pumping underneath low-toned vocals describing the stress of our pay-bills-until-you-die society. The song, like the rest of <em>Pragmatic</em>, is as quirk-filled and distinctive as early Talking Heads, even though the sonics are quite different. “Blackmail Culture” is another high point on the album and features some great, dynamic bass work. Other must-hear moments on <em>Pragmatic </em>include “Cycle of Life,” “Social Slave,” and “Reason.” Gonetcha is a distinctive and talented crew making music you definitely haven’t heard before but need to discover at once. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.gonetcha.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gonetcha.com" target="_blank">https://www.gonetcha.com</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5cwrX0AL9YLvGNgwHgoQFm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5cwrX0AL9YLvGNgwHgoQFm" target="_blank">https://hypeddit.com/link/vldbf6</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="me0nWtGYDcw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/me0nWtGYDcw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/me0nWtGYDcw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59170362019-10-05T22:50:00-05:002019-10-31T18:34:41-05:00HALLOWEEN HOPES "PARTY MUSIC" ALBUM REVIEW - HALLOWEEN JAMS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5ac0114edbcedc71dfbb1452b91e1d741befdc71/original/halloweenhopes-partymusic.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HALLOWEEN HOPES </p>
<p><em>Party Music </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Halloween Hopes is an eclectic and intriguing songwriter based in Southern California. HH writes in multiple genres from punk to rap and has an enjoyable unpredictability to his output that’s fresh and authentic. <em>Party Music </em>was originally intended to be a fun Halloween-themed record for adults and HH already had some appropriately seasonal music together. Unfortunately, life got in the way and some darker, more serious material emerged and changed the character of the album some but it’s still a great set of music for your autumn listening pleasure. </p>
<p>“Halloween Horror Store” is a pop/punk story song about one family’s October adventure in San Diego and opens the record in fine style. It’s a well-executed rock track with a lot of push to it and some great-sounding guitars. It also spotlights vocalist Hana Muftic and guitarist Richard Globisch of the band Asila, who work their magic on a few tunes on<em> Party Music</em>. “Halloween Dreams” is another story, this time about HH’s move from Arizona to California, and features SoCAL rapper Nekro G getting down all over it. It was originally meant to be funny but Nekro upped the intensity in his own inimitable way. He has a cool, gritty vocal tone that really drives the song. </p>
<p>“Blood Party” is a spooky, minor-key party song, which sounds odd but will make perfect sense the first time you hear it. It’s a vampire thing so you’ve got to understand and the track features Steve Rosenbaum, frontman of San Diego rockers Mess of Fun. “Point Of No Return” is a banging cut about facing fears in life’s crucial moments and was inspired by the climbing movie <em>Free Solo</em>. It’s one of the songs that take <em>Party Music </em>out of its party mode but it’s a brilliant track that had to be included. Other bright spots on <em>Party Music </em>are many, so be sure to check out “Seeing Things” and “No Brakes For Wicked.” </p>
<p>Halloween Hopes absolutely puts down sounds we haven’t heard before and has an engaging and creative record here that’ll light up a lot of people. <em>Party Music</em> is a multifaceted gem that showcases strong talents in unique ways. Add it to your Fall rotation and give your season a reason. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tCvCZjB_9Fw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/tCvCZjB_9Fw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tCvCZjB_9Fw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rkV7AdLI6v0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rkV7AdLI6v0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rkV7AdLI6v0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5yV7qAAjuiWT9Oi4n2Wtav" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2TMNTBlPO2QPLkfIU8ox4X" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2TMNTBlPO2QPLkfIU8ox4X</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59166602019-10-05T12:59:30-05:002019-10-05T12:59:30-05:00PROJEKT HORIZON "TIME IS RUNNING OUT" & "ROCKSTAR" SINGLES REVIEWED - SWISS RAP/METAL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a054ce75661015be8bdffe9804c0f75da78a00bc/original/screen-shot-2019-10-05-at-12-53-13-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>PROJEKT HORIZON </p>
<p>“Time Is Running Out” </p>
<p>“Rockstar” </p>
<p>Singles reviewed by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Switzerland’s Projekt Horizon is a hard rock/rap metal duo project comprised of musicians Andri Arpagaus and Luigi Zarra. The music they make together combines the fury of modern rock, the deep grooves of hip-hop, and the kind of strong chorus hooks upon which careers are built. Two recent singles, “Time Is Running Out” and “Rockstar,” are an excellent introduction to the group and deliver the rock and roll goods in a big way. Projekt Horizon throws down like that amazing unsigned California rock band you just discovered today and will absolutely blow the roof off of your listening room. The two tracks have already amassed nearly 40,000 streams on Spotify, alone, and are gaining more traction by the hour. </p>
<p>“Time Is Running Out” comes out like a kick in the teeth. The track grinds with cool guitar work set on top of a relentless beat that builds tension into a hit-worthy chorus that’s instantly memorable. The song preaches a message of “do it now” in regards to chasing down dreams and getting the most out of life and has the type of uplifting energy required to move people to action. It’s an immediate fire-starter capable of rocking any venue in the world. </p>
<p>“Rockstar” is another prime mover that details the life of a triple-platinum artist at the top of his game. Again, tough guitars and a big beat make the magic happen and the song is tailor-made for stadium-sized performances. Projekt Horizon knows how to get listeners’ attention and get them moving and these two cuts are proof positive that the group is well on its way to a major breakthrough. Anyone looking for new rock done with guts and intelligence needs to play these tracks loud enough for the neighbors to hear. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="www.projekthorizon.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.projekthorizon.com" target="_blank"><strong>www.projekthorizon.com</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aStrhA1XuUA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aStrhA1XuUA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aStrhA1XuUA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59131722019-10-02T14:59:32-05:002019-10-02T14:59:32-05:00BATHE IN THE FIRE "TEMPORARY" ALBUM REVIEW - MODERN HARD ROCK!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7c000a828cc1ef4f072f1e64acf82523891f7be1/original/temporary-3000px.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BATHE IN THE FIRE </p>
<p><em>Temporary </em></p>
<p>(Peribang Records) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Bathe In The Fire is the intensely emotional and hard-rocking solo project of vocalist/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist and Berklee College of Music grad Scott Wells. Wells wraps the spirit of the blues in a blanket of alternative rock sounds and does fine work turning real human angst and despair into hard-hitting art. The eight songs on the new Bathe In The Fire release <em>Temporary</em> show Wells to be a master of his craft who is well able to use his skills to communicate authentic humanity without turning the album into merely a technical showcase. The record is set to see daylight November 8th, 2019 on Peribang Records and will be available on all major streaming platforms. </p>
<p>“I Won’t Give In” opens the album in a powerful way, mixing gritty rock guitars with wailing vocals and a narrative about not allowing the outside world topple the inner game. It’s an attention-getting track that punches above its weight and sets a grinding, hypnotic tone. The title track, “Temporary” values melody over rage but still rocks with authority and teaches a lesson on the “this, too, shall pass” way of looking at life and the world. Wells does wonderful work here and on all the tracks, proving his production and arrangement instincts are absolutely on-target. </p>
<p>A cover of Tonic’s gem “If You Could Only See” comes across well and adds a familiar touchstone amidst all the original songs. “Sloe Gin” is a haunting two minutes of guitar-and-vocal desperation spoken by someone seeking peace but finding only rain and reckoning in its place. It doesn’t last long but is one of the best moments captured on Temporary. Other highlights include “We Were Young” and the Isaac Asimov-inspired “The Last Question.” </p>
<p>Bathe In The Fire makes modern rock music for the thinking person seeking a soundtrack to their own quest for meaning. <em>Temporary </em>is a well-executed and substantial release likely to put Scott Wells in the ears of discerning rock fans everywhere. The music here is uniformly excellent and will make you wish the next album was already in the can. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BATHE IN THE FIRE ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kJ3lsUkJnzoNmEnHeApFV" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kJ3lsUkJnzoNmEnHeApFV" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kJ3lsUkJnzoNmEnHeApFV</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PERIBANG RECORDS:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="www.peribangrecords.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.peribangrecords.com" target="_blank">www.peribangrecords.com</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59108762019-09-30T18:41:13-05:002019-09-30T18:41:13-05:00COSMIC ORPHANS - FOUR SINGLES REVIEWED - POP GENIUS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f696d9a148f3002973146315df297d7a76dc9b86/original/cosmic-orphans-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>COSMIC ORPHANS </p>
<p>“Hollywood Is Mine” </p>
<p>“Goodbye Michelle” </p>
<p>“The Ballad of Sgt. Gray” </p>
<p>“The One” </p>
<p>Singles and videos reviewed by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Cosmic Orphans is a quickly emerging musical duo comprised of Englishman Brandon Kirkham and Slovenian Tomaž Goršič, a pair of musicians who have united in the pursuit of greatness. As a unit, the pair writes original 80s-influenced pop, rock, and reggae that references stars from those days like Thompson Twins, UB40, Culture Club, and The Blue Nile without ever feeling like a generational retread. Cosmic Orphans creates pop music of substance that takes on real-life issues in an artistic way, an approach that’s gaining the group more than a little notice. </p>
<p>The Orphans are currently promoting four songs and their accompanying music videos on YouTube and each one is a fine example of popcraft. “Hollywood Is Mine” is a paean to the glorious make-believe of Hollywood’s Golden Era that expresses a deeply-felt yearning for that world that only existed on film. It’s a strong pop/rock track made even stronger by using clips of vintage stars throughout the video. It’s a wonderful introduction to what Cosmic Orphans have on offer and will make anyone who hears it want to keep listening. </p>
<p>“Goodbye Michelle” lives on an alarmingly-catchy bit of dream-pop territory somewhere between The Beatles and UB40. The song puts McCartney-esque melodic and lyrical whimsy on top of a gently-percolating reggae pocket and the result is the greatest breakup singalong in music history. The lyric video that goes along with the tune only underscores just how much pop genius this song contains. The track would have been a major hit in the early MTV days and should be one today. It’s the kind of intelligent pop people say doesn’t exist anymore, yet here it is. </p>
<p>“The Ballad of Sgt. Gray” taps into the emotional story of someone who never came home from the war in a manner more expected from Roger Waters than a pop/reggae duo but is a huge success, nevertheless. The song and video work in concert to create a moving short-film experience with a top-notch earworm as a theme song. Well-conceived and brilliantly executed, the track shows a mastery of craft blended with an authenticity of emotion and will move you to tears. </p>
<p>Right after that, “The One” shows up to get your mood back up in the clouds. “The One” is a love song, plain and simple, and again displays deep, sentimental feelings in a genuine and dignified way. The track is extra catchy, has a great bassline, and truly soars. Cosmic Orphans’ mix of outstanding vocal melodies, songwriting chops, and hip-shaking rhythms is absolutely addictive and any one of these songs will immediately turn your head. Taken as a whole, they point to something big on the horizon. If you’re smart, you’ll keep this talented twosome on your radar. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7s_YwWHyv0k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7s_YwWHyv0k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7s_YwWHyv0k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3ZJXf4JFX_g" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3ZJXf4JFX_g/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ZJXf4JFX_g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8jHtWbjSiUk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8jHtWbjSiUk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jHtWbjSiUk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ST2i62fn_xw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ST2i62fn_xw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ST2i62fn_xw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/cosmicorphans" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/cosmicorphans" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cosmicorphans</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/59088342019-09-28T14:27:57-05:002019-09-28T14:27:57-05:00AVAUNT "T.O.R.N." SINGLE REVIEW - HARD ROCK/METAL POWER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a90d634e40337a9e92951640dd5973a7f62153a4/original/coverfctorn1.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>AVAUNT </p>
<p>“T.O.R.N.” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Avaunt is a rapidly-emerging musical force from Enfield, Connecticut with a powerful style that walks the line between hard rock and heavy metal. “T.O.R.N.” is the band’s second single since bursting onto the US rock scene in June of 2019 and the track hit the streets September 6th. Avaunt’s sound is inspired by acts like Deftones, Killswitch Engage, and Breaking Benjamin but displays a high level of confident originality that keeps the group firmly in its own zone. </p>
<p>“T.O.R.N.” is an outstanding song built on stuttering, odd-time heaviness, huge drop-tuned guitars, and clean, up-front vocals delivering the interior monologue of a man at war with himself. It rocks hard but is also accessible and relatable enough to potentially break out worldwide. A lot of listeners will recognize themselves in the tormented lyrics “There’s no side that’s been winning, I’m slowly giving in.” </p>
<p>The band grinds and grooves beneath the confessional vocals with a committed strength that audiences will no doubt find cathartic live but this studio version is absolutely strong enough to release the rage and tension of modern life. “T.O.R.N.” has already been streamed almost 70,000 times on Spotify, alone, in a very short time, so fans are certainly latching on. </p>
<p>Avaunt has a winner on its hands with “T.O.R.N.” and it’s the kind of track that could get big quickly. The band is clearly motivated and moving fast in everything it does and is tracking a new EP called <em>Behind The Mask</em> for a release in early 2020. Fans of up-and-coming rock groups looking to get a jump on the masses are advised to playlist this one today and join the rest of us waiting for the next record. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ENKVSZYNJ3s" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ENKVSZYNJ3s/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ENKVSZYNJ3s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/avauntband" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/avauntband" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/avauntband</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/avaunt_band" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/avaunt_band" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/avaunt_band</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.twitter.com/avauntb" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.twitter.com/avauntb" target="_blank">https://www.twitter.com/avauntb</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58938892019-09-16T14:42:20-05:002019-09-16T14:42:20-05:00OWL GLANCE SOUNDCLOUD PAGE REVIEW - AMBIENT/SOUNDTRACK MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fe04d0c0648e880dc40f560842922770cda4e673/original/screen-shot-2019-09-16-at-2-38-49-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>OWL GLANCE </p>
<p>SoundCloud page review </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Owl Glance is the highly-individualized recording project of musician and producer Dmitry Rassolov. Rassolov is one of a growing number of artists who prefer to keep most of their background information under wraps, letting listeners focus entirely on their music. This “man of mystery” approach definitely raises interest levels upon first contact and allows fans to imprint themselves on each track as they see fit. </p>
<p>The three songs on the Owl Glance SoundCloud page show Rassolov to be a skilled and capable modern artist making lush ambient/soundtrack/downtempo electronic music with a deeply personal creative vision. “Emotional Transit Way” is a pulsating musical journey with a bit of synthwave to it that never goes where you expect it to. Rassolov mixes synth, bass, and brass tones to great effect and the instrumental track vibes like part of the music from your favorite new sci-fi film. </p>
<p>“Acoustic Technology” is built on the combination of synthetic drum sounds and a steel-string acoustic guitar rhythm part that adds warmth and texture to the track and helps propel the overall beat. It’s uncommonly good and will leave you intrigued. “Action Mallet Inspiration” is more drum-heavy and could work very well in an outer space action movie. </p>
<p>Rassolov is a developing artist still defining his own genre and style but is heading in a fresh and evocative direction. He doesn’t easily fit into pre-made categories but that’s a large part of his appeal and not a detriment. If you love soundtrack music and need some new sounds, Owl Glance is absolutely worth investigating. Fine work. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/owlglance" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/owlglance/tracks" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/owlglance/tracks</a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58937952019-09-16T13:06:52-05:002019-09-16T13:25:01-05:00RUBORG "IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL" ALBUM REVIEW - ROOTS ROCK!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d9d5c56ad154535b8edf1f64addf337b7a86cb7e/original/img-20190504-221625-516.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>RUBORG </p>
<p><em>In It For The Long Haul </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Ruborg is the new solo project from singer/songwriter Johan Ruborg, a gritty, lyrical performer who is deeply influenced by timeless American artists like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Warren Zevon. Ruborg’s latest album, <em>In It For The Long Haul</em>, is a ten-song set that displays Johan’s mastery of straight-up 20th Century roots rock and the bare-knuckle poetry that drives it. The record comes out September 20th, 2019 and will deliver an outstanding listening experience to fans of songs that express the honest moments of human life in a powerful, plain-spoken way. </p>
<p>Ruborg has been a solo artist since 2012 and it’s clearly the proper path for him. His songs are observant, intelligent, and tell their tales in ways any listener can understand. Produced by Wincent Ek,<em> In It For The Long Haul </em>has an unadorned, street-level vibe that lets the characters in Ruborg’s songs speak freely and not be drowned out by a wall of sound. “Hold Up” is a solid mid-tempo track about feeling stuck and unsure about what to do next in life. It’s an attention-getting song that deals with feelings and situations everyone can relate to and is also an excellent showcase for Johan’s strong baritone vocals. It’s a cool rock songwriter moment reminiscent of Springsteen’s Human Touch/Lucky Town period of the mid-1990s. </p>
<p>“Load The Dice” is a smoldering song about coping with a relationship that’s become “a lost cause” and is heading downhill. Ruborg does a fine job communicating the helpless feeling of watching something beautiful die slowly and having no way to save it. “Traces ” is an understated acoustic guitar track that picks up the narrative after the love has died and all that remains are bits and pieces of the person who’s gone. Like all Rubog’s songs, it’s a direct and unflinching window into a personal moment shared without irony or pretense. He has a talent for writing songs that pull listeners into their own particular situations and use that pull to convey universal emotions. Other great moments here include “Road To Exile” and “Damaged Goods.” </p>
<p>Ruborg has a world-class album on his hands with<em> In It For The Long Haul </em>and the record should do much to build awareness of his talents. His songs feel genuine and personal and stake out a lot of relevant human territory too often glossed over by louder, shallower artists. In an age made of plastic, Ruborg puts forth the kind of denim-wearing Truth that sustains long careers. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>RUBORG ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ae5PAKNAn5ktcqqSJtclB?si=BOY5JLcZSeulSJqOWT0POg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ae5PAKNAn5ktcqqSJtclB?si=BOY5JLcZSeulSJqOWT0POg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ae5PAKNAn5ktcqqSJtclB?si=BOY5JLcZSeulSJqOWT0POg</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="http://www.ruborg.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.ruborg.com/" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.ruborg.com/</strong></a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58792802019-09-03T14:34:47-05:002019-09-19T22:07:14-05:00MARK WINTERS "SLIPSTREAM" ALBUM REVIEW - SINGER/SONGWRITER!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/857789bb270fd009c48c67d290c55ea75577480e/original/markwinters-slipstream-cover-high-rez.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MARK WINTERS </p>
<p><em>Slipstream </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Texas singer/songwriter Mark Winters is an understated, positive, and smooth artist and performer with a unique take on alternative rock and guitar pop. His debut album, <em>Slipstream</em>, comes out on September 12th, 2019 and is a strong effort filled with melody and nuance. Winters writes songs that are catchy and engaging that will brighten your day and lift your mood. His music has a gentle quality to it that Winters refers to as “rock with a positive vibe” and that phrase fits what he does very well. His tracks aren’t meant to blow roofs off of roadhouses but to contribute life-affirming ripples to the world at large. </p>
<p>Slipstream is an 11-song jaunt through Winters’ musical life and each track is important to the album in its own way. Three of the songs on <em>Slipstream</em>, “Be There,” “Copper Queen,” and “Strong,” have already been released as singles so there is an immediate familiarity to the full-length album for those who have been following along. “Be There” is a cool, slightly gritty mid-tempo rock song about being in the present moment and not lost in a phone that puts Winters’ voice and lyrics out front where they belong. Vocally, he’s somewhere between Jackson Browne and Paul Simon and uses a similarly laid-back singing style very effectively. </p>
<p>“Brothers” is a chill blues/rock song that’s a call for human unity and features some outstanding lead guitar work. It comes across as almost psychedelic due to the way Winters sings it and the reverb-laden guitar parts, which makes the cut even cooler. “Copper Queen” adds a melodic dream-pop element to the record and feels like a co-write between Chis Isaak and Brian Wilson which, as you might imagine, is a winning combination. Winters also includes a cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” that suits him well and pays respect to a fallen master of the songwriting art. Other must-listen tracks here include “Waiting” and “Life Of 3.” </p>
<p><em>Slipstream i</em>s an excellent record that allows Winters to demonstrate that well-conceived and executed vocal songs are timeless and will always resonate with a large number of music fans. His aura of quiet cool is refreshing in our current age of noise and will likely connect with a large audience. Mark Winters may be a new player on the scene but is absolutely worth investigating. Highly recommended, this one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1dXJDrc8uTyzMHsO9hAhr0?si=4uBz7vy-RuuiUHj1pyqNrQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1dXJDrc8uTyzMHsO9hAhr0?si=4uBz7vy-RuuiUHj1pyqNrQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1dXJDrc8uTyzMHsO9hAhr0?si=4uBz7vy-RuuiUHj1pyqNrQ</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="www.markwintersmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.markwintersmusic.com" target="_blank">www.markwintersmusic.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5c4f8bdd78fd4c8a3cc993b73c1ef1214f52586b/original/3d-mockup.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58767962019-08-31T21:24:13-05:002019-08-31T21:31:36-05:00YOUR ARTIST BIO NEEDS TO KILL! HERE'S HOW TO MAKE IT COUNT!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/440ef3db50e4d75ba9ececd19cbd2a69c56d5444/original/temp-0007.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By Mike O'Cull </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your artist bio probably stinks and that’s a problem. </p>
<p>The weakest part of most artists’ press kit or EPK is their bio. </p>
<p>People will drop big money on studio time, photos, Facebook ads, and a hot-shit website and then try to tie it all together with a bio that sounds like it was written by their sixth-grade cousin. </p>
<p>It used to be that most artists didn’t see many other press kits except their own but those days are gone forever. Go check out the sites and socials of any artist who’s really hooking it up and you’ll find well-written copy that communicates who they are, what they’ve done, and why you should care. </p>
<p>Do some research and you’ll see that you need a great bio that’ll get both new fans and talent buyers excited. A proper bio speaks for you when you’re not there to speak for yourself. It tells your PR story in a way that fits your persona as an artist and makes people want to know more about you and what you do. </p>
<p>I’ve been covering music in print and online since the mid-1990s and have had the benefit of seeing thousands of artists bios in that time, from major rock stars to local cover bands, and I’ve learned what makes a bio work and what gets it deleted. </p>
<p>I’ve also worked with hundreds of artists on bios and other press materials, getting their vibe and identity dialed into where they need to be. Whether you’re writing for yourself or hiring someone like me to help craft your image, here are a few things I’ve learned about getting it right! </p>
<p>1 - YOUR ARTIST BIO ISN’T YOUR LIFE STORY! </p>
<p>Your bio shouldn’t be a chronological retelling of your life from birth to today. Nobody cares about what bands you used to be in that didn’t make it or that you played viola in junior high. A proper bio is about what you’re doing right now, first and foremost. The first few lines need to communicate that in a way that makes people want to keep reading. Your name, genre, latest release, and label need to be there, along with the biggest credits you have to brag about. Remember, this is sales copy and you want to start out strong. </p>
<p>2 - PEOPLE BUY YOUR “WHY!” </p>
<p>The world doesn’t need any of us in order to listen to music of any style. The trick to getting new fans to listen to you and not someone else in your genre often comes down to your “why story.” People want to know why you make your music, what inspires you, and what keeps you motivated. They want to relate and identify with you. What you’re selling a potential fan is a relationship with you, a connection, a chance to know you. Every artist will do this differently but it’s the heart of your bio, so think carefully about what you want to say. </p>
<p>3 - KEEP IT SHORT! </p>
<p>In this era of the internet's attention span, a shorter bio is much more likely to get read all the way through. The people you’ll be sending your press kit to are all flooded with artists fighting for a spot. They won’t read three pages about you. If you’re already famous and have a large fan base, you can go longer but most bands will be better served by two or three great paragraphs. Keep it tight and you’ll get much better results. </p>
<p>4 - END WITH A CALL TO ACTION! </p>
<p>Don’t end your story with a low-energy whimper. Use a strong call to action to get the person reading to hit your website right now. Literally tell them to listen to your new record, book you, or immediately investigate you further. Steer people where you want them to go. </p>
<p>If all of this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. It actually is a lot to think about. Most artists are also not always comfortable writing about themselves and will avoid the task. </p>
<p>If this sounds like your situation, let me help make your artist bio the best it can be. I’ve written over 500 bios in the last two years, alone, and know I can help you craft an artist bio that makes fans, bookers, and bloggers want to hear you today! Visit me online at <a contents="www.mikeocull.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com</a> to get in touch!</p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58717732019-08-27T13:03:12-05:002019-09-06T14:57:54-05:00WILLIAM BEN BROOKS "A BROKEN BEAST" ALBUM REVIEW - AMERICANA SONGWRITER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5e975b9ef399fd34792517e6a09df8537cf0939f/original/cover-williambenbroo1200x1200-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>WILLIAM BEN BROOKS </p>
<p><em>A Broken Beast </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p><em>A Broken Beast </em>is the latest studio album by singer/songwriter William Ben Brooks, a storytelling 60s child from Oklahoma with a knack for contemplative, emotive ballads and soulful folk/rock. Released in July of 2019, the record is a masterfully written and executed dose of lyrical Americana that features Brooks’ lean and literate songs brought to life by an award-winning crew of musicians that includes keyboardist Kelvin Wooten (Al Green, Macy Gray), guitarist/bassist Jon Gordon (Madonna, Suzanne Vega), vocalist Catherine Russell (David Bowie, Steely Dan), and a host of other ultra-talented players. The result of this combination is a deeply personal, great-sounding album that skews toward the more artistic side of roots music and shows Brooks to be a solid talent deserving of a larger audience. </p>
<p>Many of the songs on <em>A Broken Beast </em>have a serious sort of vibe and are meant to reveal the secrets and their aftermath of the characters that populate them. Brooks is not afraid to be confessional and raw, especially on his ballads, and exhibits the kind of creative honesty shown by top-tier artists. “And I Heard” is a slow-but-snarling opening cut that does a fine job balancing grit and atmosphere and is reminiscent of 70s Dylan with fewer rough edges and more lead guitar. “Remedy” is a mid-tempo rock song that lives somewhere between the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Tom Petty’s moodier moments that’s instantly engaging and will stick in your head until the end of the day. </p>
<p>“The Beauty Of It All” is an emotionally honest piano ballad that delves into all aspects of a failed relationship and celebrates the shared ups and downs equally. Brooks truly excels in this sort of quiet moment and quickly pulls listeners into the feelings behind his words. Other must-hear tracks on<em> A Broken Beast </em>include “It Is What It Is” and “Too Soon.” William Ben Brooks is an engaging and inspiring songwriter with no shortage of tales to tell. Fans of meaningful words and music will find a lot to like here. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5cenoj59LW5AAO3MXtR6Eo?fbclid=IwAR0SSJTr8NiWjTLdcQF2Y5MS00w12Y2JLOtrdg-3nK6epHxsIjGeUv9jyH0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5cenoj59LW5AAO3MXtR6Eo?fbclid=IwAR0SSJTr8NiWjTLdcQF2Y5MS00w12Y2JLOtrdg-3nK6epHxsIjGeUv9jyH0" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/5cenoj59LW5AAO3MXtR6Eo?fbclid=IwAR0SSJTr8NiWjTLdcQF2Y5MS00w12Y2JLOtrdg-3nK6epHxsIjGeUv9jyH0</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/williambenbrooks/sets/a-b-oken-beast/s-59uoA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/williambenbrooks/sets/a-b-oken-beast/s-59uoA" target="_blank"><strong>https://soundcloud.com/williambenbrooks/sets/a-b-oken-beast/s-59uoA</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZxBCW0vr7AI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZxBCW0vr7AI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZxBCW0vr7AI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58646632019-08-20T20:50:56-05:002019-08-20T20:50:56-05:00EL MO3 "MORGAN'S MIRAGE" SINGLE REVIEW - ELECTRONICA!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/768a2a561c67bfe1ffa18b49703480b7d34c3dc1/original/attachment-1565585751.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>EL MO3 </p>
<p>“Morgan’s Mirage” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>EL MO3, a.k.a. Morgan Greenburger, is a sober DJ and producer living and working in New York City. His original music cuts across typical EDM boundaries and exhibits a composer’s touch and expression not often heard in electronic music. His latest track, the single “Morgan’s Mirage,” is a hypnotic, house-infused bit of esoterica that combines a pulsating dark-toned bass part against synth arpeggios that pay homage to vintage 1970s electronica. EL MO3 definitely lives on the artistic side of the EDM world but the neighborhood suits him well and a lot of people who thrive on tripped-out synth-head music there will be happy to make his acquaintance. </p>
<p>“Morgan’s Mirage” has a dark, city-at-night feel to it that’s both entrancing and cinematic. He makes interesting use of timbre and space, putting brightly-toned synths above muted kick and bass sounds and never layering so many parts that the air between them disappears. The track also uses a continually unwinding linear structure rather than the typical verse/chorus arrangement, which makes it go down even more abstractly and never numbs the ears with too much repetition. It ends with little fanfare, as well and seems destined to segue right into another atmospheric piece. </p>
<p>EL MO3 packs a lot of creativity into “Morgan’s Mirage” and also shows an iconoclastic willingness to defy tradition and dance to the beat of a different drum machine. He’s absolutely worth checking out if you like your sounds a little left of center and he gives the impression that there’s a whole lot more art where this came from. EL MO3 delivers the kind of fresh air that can only improve our current musical universe, which has become overly commercial and stale. He’s a distinctive presence and one you’ll want to watch develop. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/17UySpAC6gdbgkzGKD4QGk?si=olEd8GCuTWybY7uPBRw-1A" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/17UySpAC6gdbgkzGKD4QGk?si=olEd8GCuTWybY7uPBRw-1A" target="_blank"><strong>https://open.spotify.com/artist/17UySpAC6gdbgkzGKD4QGk?si=olEd8GCuTWybY7uPBRw-1A</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://officialelmo3.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://officialelmo3.com/" target="_blank"><strong>https://officialelmo3.com/</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/995bcf871ddc154adf6791e9a222e0763d54008d/original/attachment-1565641268.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58560552019-08-13T00:41:04-05:002019-08-13T00:41:04-05:00VLADDY MACK "LABADEE" SINGLE REVIEW - HIP-HOP!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7aadfe96665e7f7aeb70ea9509f79ced9f706145/original/vladdy-mack-1.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>VLADDY MACK </p>
<p>“Labadee” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Urban music man of mystery Vladdy Mack is part of a growing legion of artists who don’t give away much info about themselves, preferring to keep the public and press focused on their work, not their personalities. What we do know about Mack is that he’s not part of the Autotuned, Migos-style staccato rap sound that’s been dominant in recent years but has his own more natural style that’s fresh and engaging. His new single “Labadee” is a perfect example of how he does things and what he brings to the game. </p>
<p>“Labadee” is a love song built on a catchy nylon-string guitar sample and a breezy beat with a booming kick drum and a sunny day, summertime vibe that will light up your speakers. It’s a radio-friendly track with a friendly pop feel that has unlimited crossover potential. Mack delivers his lyrics in chilled-out flows with a warm vocal tone that shows he was born for life on the mic. The chorus is an instant earworm that will implant itself into you and not let go, just like a hit single is supposed to do. </p>
<p>Mack is clearly angling for something bigger and deeper than the typical hip-hop artist, so much so that some might dismiss his work for being too far outside of the mainstream. That would be a big mistake, however, because he’s the kind of high-functioning artist who flies in the face of dominant trends and ends up changing them. His goal is to reach people into quality music that features lyrics they can relate to and understand. “Labadee” has what it takes to make that happen and will make you wonder what else he has coming next. Vladdy Mack is a strong new artist with a universal appeal. Be sure to ride out the rest of the summer bumping this track everywhere you go. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/4EvSXDOXDi6O366u0X2Xt8" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4EvSXDOXDi6O366u0X2Xt8" target="_blank"><strong>https://open.spotify.com/album/4EvSXDOXDi6O366u0X2Xt8</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58557692019-08-12T19:23:41-05:002019-08-12T19:23:41-05:00OLIVER BENJAMIN "SCORCHED EARTH" EP REVIEW - HIP-HOP NOIR!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f734ffc78003b27e96c9fb5843bda8cd24af91e3/original/screen-shot-2019-08-12-at-7-19-31-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>OLIVER BENJAMIN </p>
<p><em>Scorched Earth </em></p>
<p>EP review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Bed Stuy Brooklyn hip-hop artist Oliver Benjamin is one of the most individualistic and forward-thinking voices on the New York music scene. His latest release is the EP<em> Scorched Earth</em>, a five-song blast of Benjamin’s cinematic and psychedelic rap style built on sample-based production and delivering a dark pulp/film noir vibe that keeps listeners focused on every bar he spits. He wrote, performed, produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered all five tracks of this project in Bed Stuy and his efforts have resulted in a record that sounds like no one else in the rap game today. It’s the first EP in a series Benjamin has planned and one listen will have you waiting impatiently to find out what’s coming up next. </p>
<p>The opening track, “They Always Quit When The Game Gets Good,” rocks a beat that samples Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla,” one of the greatest riffs of the 70s and shows off Benjamin’s ultra-confident lyrical skills. The track is a call-out to those throwing him shade and backstabbing from within from childhood to today and starts the record off with the right kind of attitude. Benjamin remarks that “haters been ducking me lately” and uses the song to prove that he’s got what it takes to silence any opposition. </p>
<p>“Black Tourmaline Music” is funky and esoteric flow through Benjamin’s mind that opens with him “Splashin’ the Jacuzzi in the back of my Civic” and goes forward from there. He paints with words and images that are often cryptic but still able to steer your emotions where he wants them to go. The production stacks up samples in a way that’s reminiscent of the Beastie Boys legendary <em>Paul’s Boutique </em>and has a lo-fi brilliance to it that’s a welcome break from the overproduced, stale beats that seem to be everywhere. Other highlights of this short set include “Mr. Date Night” and “Paint The Red Flags Green.” Oliver Benjamin is clearly in top form on <em>Scorched Earth</em> and hip-hop fans everywhere need to start feeling what he’s putting down. Buy this record! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a contents="https://oliverbenjamin.bandcamp.com/releases" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://oliverbenjamin.bandcamp.com/releases" target="_blank">https://oliverbenjamin.bandcamp.com/releases</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fd607412c495ddf1d2e47b016b32628a000b2fee/original/oliver-benjamin-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></b></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58508682019-08-07T18:27:15-05:002019-08-07T18:27:15-05:00THE WILDERNESS: EXPANSIVE INDIE ROCKERS ON THE COME-UP TRAIL! INTERVIEW FEATURE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/03db1ea55b4ed0d215bc4b15d96879b0f2ab6b25/original/the-wilderness-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE WILDERNESS: EXPANSIVE INDIE ROCKERS ON THE COME-UP TRAIL! </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. <a contents="www.mikeocull.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>The Wilderness is an indie rock band from Kingston, Ontario that has been turning some heads recently with its new single “Fall (Despite What You Do).” It’s a spacious, emotional track about feeling helpless with a powerful, atmospheric vibe and an indelible hook. This is tough-but-vulnerable songwriter rock done well, rendered with chimey guitars and moody, expressive vocals. It just hit the street July 19th, 2019 and is already getting lots of the right kind of attention. </p>
<p>Lead singer and rhythm guitarist for The Wilderness Jonas Lewis-Anthony was good enough to drop by and hang out with us here at the MikeOCull.com home office/studio complex not long ago and dropped some insider info about how the band works and where songs like “Fall (Despite What You Do)” come from. Here’s a bit of our conversation. To learn more, visit <a contents="https://thewildernessband.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thewildernessband.com/" target="_blank">https://thewildernessband.com/</a>. Check out “Fall (Despite What You Do)” on Spotify right here: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/6uNxU5h7j3KBSFO1cEMMAw?si=aJc5jgY1Se2J8hjBOcw-UQ&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6uNxU5h7j3KBSFO1cEMMAw?si=aJc5jgY1Se2J8hjBOcw-UQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/6uNxU5h7j3KBSFO1cEMMAw?si=aJc5jgY1Se2J8hjBOcw-UQ </a> </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - HOW DID THE BAND COME TOGETHER? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - The band originally formed in 2015 after meeting at an open mic at Musiikki cafe in Kingston, ON. The band hit the ground running, performing locally almost immediately and embarking on their first US and Canadian tours (in Rhonda, their 2000 Honda Odyssey) within the first two years. Over the next two years the band added two additional members and continued to tour, play, and record relentlessly. </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - WHAT IS THE CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE? DO YOU WRITE AS A GROUP? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - The creative process has evolved over the course of the band’s existence. Early songs were primarily written by individual members (specifically singer Jonas Lewis-Anthony, and bassist Karl Tombak), and then workshopped as a group to allow each member their own creative input. Currently the creative process still works like this, but with a much greater emphasis on the communal aspect of writing. </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - WHAT INSPIRED “Fall (Despite What You Do)”? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - The song is about the feeling of helplessness that can accompany being in a touring band. It was originally inspired by a specific tragic event in one of the band members lives that he received while we were on the road. </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - IS MUSIC POLITICAL? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - Music can certainly be political. The beauty of music is that it is simultaneously a means, for the musician, of expressing something to their audience, as well as a way for listeners to contextualize the feelings they have in their own lives. This means that you have not only the intention of the musicians to make a political statement, but also the possibility that the audience will interpret an artist’s message as political or repurpose it to further political agendas of their own. </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - WHAT COMES NEXT FOR THE BAND? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - Hopefully continuing to do what we do now, i.e. playing and recording as much as we can! We’re already back in the studio working on our next single, and plan on hitting in both the US and Canada, and hopefully Europe next year. </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - WHAT GIVES YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - We’ve begun to experience a continuous growth in recent years, both commercially and artistically. That evolution has given us a great deal of hope that our continued efforts as a group are going to pay off with even greater levels of success in the future. </p>
<p><strong>MIKE - WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SONGWRITER? </strong></p>
<p>JONAS - Each member of the band would give you a different answer to that question, but some of the standouts would be Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Levon Helm, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b2f1e473ad0240a3aad994b01899a1d55810422a/original/the-wilderness-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58508652019-08-07T18:03:47-05:002019-08-07T18:03:47-05:00MISSSAIYAH "PARALYZED (SO MUCH)" SINGLE REVIEW - AMBIENT/ELECTRONIC!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2187d6f71349fc31a581749763603bdb40c39417/original/screen-shot-2019-08-07-at-5-58-03-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MISSSAIYAH </p>
<p>“Paralyzed (So Much)” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>“Paralyzed (So Much)” is the new single from evolving singer/songwriter/photographer/videographer/producer MissSaiyah. It’s an incredible chill ambient downtempo track that puts all her musical skills on display and creates a sonic world that envelops listeners from the first bar. MissSaiyah is another artist who’s choosing to downplay her personal information and background, preferring to keep all ears and eyes on her music. Even though she is popular on social media, she withholds most of herself, which gives her music a sense of mystery and intrigue. All we know is that she’s been chasing music since the age of seven and identifies herself as a “100% international mutt.” </p>
<p>“Paralyzed (So Much)” is a smooth, relaxing track that feels like a meditation session rendered in music. MissSaiyah uses the words of the song’s title like a mantra, playing on the sound of the repeated phrases and the emotions they invoke. The synths in the accompanying beat are warm and welcoming and give the cut a floating, peaceful vibe that is instantly engaging. The dynamics ebb and flow but remain in the ambient zone throughout, never becoming harsh or heavy-handed. It’s a perfect song for winding down a wild night or for gazing out at the world from a window, contemplating what it all means. </p>
<p>MissSaiyah is a deeply-inventive artist who isn’t afraid to gain attention by speaking softly. Too many musicians forget this is a viable option. Even though much about her remains unknown for the moment, her artistry speaks clearly and will make fans of ambient electronic music want to hear more. “Paralyzed (So Much)” is a compelling track with an entrancing vulnerability and a Truth that must be interpreted by each listener. It’s a beautiful piece that belongs in your headphones by an emerging artist who belongs on your radar. Get your head right and let it wash over you. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/misssaiyah/paralyzed-so-much" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/misssaiyah/paralyzed-so-much" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/misssaiyah/paralyzed-so-much</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/misss.official/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/misss.official/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/misss.official/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58493652019-08-06T14:03:36-05:002019-08-06T14:03:36-05:00JARRADCLEOFE "BE THERE 4 YOU" SINGLE REVIEW - HOUSE MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/862e5a337f846d1077bf379541a12c993fb02cae/original/be-there-4-u-cover-art-for-spotify-v2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JARRADCLEOFE </p>
<p>“Be There 4 You” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>“Be There 4 You” is the irresistible new single from San Francisco-based DJ, producer, and House aficionado Jarradcleofé. Working seemingly alone and downplaying most personal info, Jarradcleofé keeps the attention on the music and delivers amazing results. “Be There 4 You” is a strong showing from this dance music veteran. Jarradcleofé builds the track on a delicious drum groove and the kind of timeless pop chord progression that big hits are made of. It’s the title cut of his recent album <em>Be There 4 You</em>, which is available now on all streaming platforms. </p>
<p>Strong hooks and intimate vocals push “Be There 4 You” beyond the dancefloor and turn the song into a bona fide radio-ready smash. It has an upbeat, positive vibe that’s instantly engaging and will do much to light up any room you play it in. Jarradcleofé displays a masterful touch here and has created a track with great crossover potential that quickly pulls listeners into its world. It’s a perfect summertime song that works perfectly in the club or blasting out of your car. House Music fans and Pop devotees will find a lot to like about Jarradcleofé and are encouraged to take a deep dive into his universe of beats. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0UbQjeKloTNjik0ghCC7Tq?si=gXOg_8fwS3654J8WERSTIQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0UbQjeKloTNjik0ghCC7Tq?si=gXOg_8fwS3654J8WERSTIQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0UbQjeKloTNjik0ghCC7Tq?si=gXOg_8fwS3654J8WERSTIQ</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.jarradcleofe.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jarradcleofe.com/" target="_blank">https://www.jarradcleofe.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/76fdb0b7e3b32d72538c84a81055919645b7f1da/original/jarrad01.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58458852019-08-02T17:39:35-05:002019-08-02T17:39:56-05:00SESPOOL "(THIS LOVE IS) ETERNAL" ALBUM REVIEW - EXPERIMENTAL HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8bbe70d78f89f7dccdeac7820d2e7f1e8032420e/original/sespool-1.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SESPOOL </p>
<p><em>(This Love Is) Eternal </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Sespool, a.k.a. Sean E., is an intensely creative musician, multi-instrumentalist, and producer working in San Francisco, California. His latest release is <em>(This Love Is) Eternal,</em> an experimental hip-hop album that finds him wildly crossing genre boundaries, spitting hard-edged, personal lyrics, and painting sonic murals on the minds of all who listen. Influenced by artists like Pink Floyd, Imogen Heap, and Travis Scott, Sespool has forged a style that intuitively blends rap, prog, and pop with his own personal headspace. This makes (<em>This Love Is) Eternal </em>one of the most individual and impressive records any of us are likely to hear in 2019. </p>
<p>The set kicks off with “Love Was a Drug,” an angry track about five years wasted with the wrong person. Sespool immediately goes hard, raging on the mic about what’s been lost but quickly shifts gears and displays a softer, more vulnerable emotion. Putting the anger and the pain right next to each other reflects many people’s experience in the game of love and Sespool’s willingness to bleed out for us displays great personal authenticity. He plainly tells us “I’d still give my life for her if she was here / ‘cause this love is eternal and it’s my biggest fear.” </p>
<p>“Overcome” is a fairly abstract, unpredictable beat top-lined with lyrics that reflect an addict’s desperate energy with lines like “Fuck food, Ima buy drugs / and after that shit Ima fall in love / with myself just to see what it does / to my health and if I overcome.” Sespool’s production style is off-kilter in a brilliantly stony way and does a lot to keep him in his own artistic lane, as does his ability to deliver both spoken and sung vocals convincingly. </p>
<p>One of the album’s best tracks is “Five Little Words,” a future-funk masterpiece with an uptempo push and harmonized flows. The harmonies are an unexpected twist that will quickly pull listeners deeper into the cut and signal those new to Sespool that he’s much more than another rapper writing rhymes. All ten tracks on (This Love Is) Eternal are solid but be sure to check out “Pretty Good Friends,” “See U Feel U,” and the title song “(This Love Is) Eternal.” </p>
<p>Sespool has a moody, emotive gem on his hands with (<em>This Love Is) Eternal</em> and has created his own sound that speaks to the lonely and traumatized masses that live among us. He’s one of the West Coast’s most distinctive emerging artists and his innovative approach to this thing of ours could lead him on to a national breakthrough. Get this record in your ears and keep it there. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7aIH140fB5LbMYysdm5aV4?si=c8MotCCKRxeGfVUC6WoOfA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7aIH140fB5LbMYysdm5aV4?si=c8MotCCKRxeGfVUC6WoOfA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7aIH140fB5LbMYysdm5aV4?si=c8MotCCKRxeGfVUC6WoOfA</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="http://www.seanecomebacktolife.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.seanecomebacktolife.com" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.seanecomebacktolife.com</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5b82555101c2e92f6e3f2622480c491e5608c631/original/sespool-2.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58449522019-08-01T23:35:34-05:002019-08-01T23:35:34-05:00ZERFRANZT "AETHER" ALBUM REVIEW - VAPORSCAPE/SYNTHWAVE/AMBIENT!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/857977cecb6d56d7cd9f0a1d990fb03a2365e7a6/original/zerfranzt-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ZERFRANZT </p>
<p><em>Aether </em> </p>
<p>(Kaiseki Digital) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p><em>Aether,</em> the latest release from ambient/electronic musical artist Zerfranzt, is more than a bit of an enigma. Zerfranzt is a storytelling vaporscape/atmospheric electronica composer based in Austria who makes ultra-personal narrative music that each listener must interpret for themselves. His style is cryptic, emotive, and cinematic and definitely lives on the more intellectual fringe of the electronic music universe. <em>Aether </em>is a work of remarkable suggestive power and listeners will quickly find themselves inside of it, even on the first time through. This is music for contemplation that is deceptively engaging. Even so, the spacious synth arrangements, minimalist beats, and disembodied voices that make up this set allow for much free thought and individual experience. </p>
<p>Some of the tracks on <em>Aether </em>have a lush synthwave feel that will pull in fans of vintage electronic music. “Ocho Cinco Ready” vibes like music from the greatest 80s science fiction film that never got made and is instantly hypnotizing. It feels like the beginning of a journey and will swiftly pull you into its unique world. “What It Is” is abstract downtempo headspace built on long, droning synth tones and pulsating, effected percussion that comes and goes. Voices speak in German but are processed enough to feel more like another instrument than a human speaker. It’s almost psychedelic and induces a calm disorientation during a listening session. </p>
<p>“Secret Number” is a haunting composition based on the idea of a Numbers Station, a mysterious radio signal that broadcasts sequences of formatted numerals. Zerfranzt builds the tension here with big analog bass synths in the middle that eventually fade back to the lighter bass and piano sounds of the next section, which soon fade away, themselves. All the while, a female voice keeps reading off the numbers. The overall effect is otherworldly and unnerving. Other crucial tracks here include “Opacity,” “Hope,” and “Metaphysics.” </p>
<p>No matter how you interpret the storyline, <em>Aether </em>is a beautiful and compelling set of electronic music deserves to be heard as foreground, despite its entrancing ambient qualities. Zerfranzt is an artist of no small vision and he makes us decode his message on our own. He’s clearly one of the most important artists currently doing this kind of work and <em>Aether </em>is all the proof of that statement’s truth anyone could ever need. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://kaisekidigital.bandcamp.com/album/aether" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kaisekidigital.bandcamp.com/album/aether" target="_blank">https://kaisekidigital.bandcamp.com/album/aether</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://twitter.com/zerfranzt" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/zerfranzt" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/zerfranzt</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>KAISEKI DIGITAL:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://twitter.com/kaisekidigital" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/kaisekidigital" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/kaisekidigital</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58443742019-08-01T14:32:44-05:002019-08-01T14:32:44-05:00RAIN ON FRIDAYS "LINCOLN'S LICORICE," "SLUMBER PARTY," "WORRY BUG" SINGLES - INDIE ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/39c82682dc8e994594870df834a03207076eb918/original/rain-on-fridays-1.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>RAIN ON FRIDAYS </p>
<p>“Lincoln's Licorice” </p>
<p>“Slumber Party” </p>
<p>“Worry Bug” </p>
<p>Singles reviewed by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rain On Fridays is an engaging and powerful indie rock band based in San Diego, California that blends punk simplicity and energy with memorable hooks and unique lyrics. The two principal band members, lead singer Madison Coe and lead guitarist Jesse Miller, describe themselves as “two girls from San Diego who are ready 2 rock” and that’s a great description of their vibe. Their recent singles “Lincoln’s Licorice,” “Slumber Party,” and “Worry Bug” deftly merge the grit of alt-rock with the melodic sensibilities of pop/punk to create music that punches above its weight and display an unpretentious greatness that could lead to much bigger things. </p>
<p>“Lincoln’s Licorice” begins quietly but quickly turns to solid, power-chord rock that drives hard. It’s a “relationship is over” sort of song with a quirky but irresistible chorus that features Coe delivering the lines “It’s not you, it’s always me / And that’s how it’s always gonna be / So I’m up and leaving / It’s not you, it’s always me / I’m chewing on Lincoln's licorice / “too tart and not at all sweet.” It packs Ramones-like fury but keeps a serious tone, never delving into the goofy humor many pop/punk artists employ. </p>
<p>“Slumber Party” has a distorted dissonance to the guitars that’s appropriately grungy and gets topped with droning, expressive vocals about making plans to kill the “cool girls” at a sleepover. It’s a muscular, sneering punk track that shows that Rain On Fridays means business. “Worry Bug” has a more upbeat sound that shows traces of classic 60s pop but tells the tale of someone worrying their life away. It feels like a happy song at first but the well-written lyrics take it in the other direction. Jesse Miller turns in a fine, understated guitar hook that also helps elevate the whole thing. If you dig smart, uncommon rock songs, Rain On Fridays just might be your new favorite band. This is the good stuff and you really should be listening. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://rainonfridays.bandcamp.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rainonfridays.bandcamp.com" target="_blank"><strong>https://rainonfridays.bandcamp.com</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SPOTIFY: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1clbqsZIkv7ci3xQ9lmGPj" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1clbqsZIkv7ci3xQ9lmGPj" target="_blank"><strong>https://open.spotify.com/artist/1clbqsZIkv7ci3xQ9lmGPj</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.instagram.com/rainonfridays/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/rainonfridays/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/rainonfridays/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/371822b3554eb67219cf65bacaef005af32b9f2b/original/rain-on-fridays-2.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58412362019-07-29T23:35:57-05:002019-07-30T19:12:03-05:00VOLTAIRE SLAPADELIC "89/19" ALBUM REVIEW - PSYCHEDELIC HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/282fd5f62a4fa4c7d876fc4faaa742a2de73ddb2/original/voltaire-slapadelic-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>VOLTAIRE SLAPADELIC </p>
<p><em>89/19 </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Oakland, California-living Voltaire Slapadelic is a hip-hop artist and producer who makes music so individualistic that it’s practically its own genre of rap. He combines glitch and trip-hop, dubstep, bass music, and time-honored East Coast hip-hop influences with his own semi-psychedelic Bay Area creative sensibilities to arrive at a sound with an entrancing, lysergic stoniness that is unlike anyone you’re already listening to. Voltaire’s second and most recent album, <em>89/19,</em> hit the streets July 16th, 2019 and is a good place to start for anyone unfamiliar with what he does and a great place to pick up for those already in the know. </p>
<p>The record is a thoughtful piece of introspective art from a young man about to turn 30 who is taking stock of where he’s been and where he’s going. “My Own Island” is so tripped out that it’s almost avant-garde and shows us Voltaire speaking on being an underground artist who is “higher than usual, locked in my studio...goals to fulfill.” Like a lot of his music, it feels like outsider art, which is a big part of Voltaire’s charm. “Real Rhymes” deals with the unhappy facts that “I can’t affect my reality yet. Thirty years old still cashing hourly checks.” Voltaire’s flows are low-key and understated but communicate his self-awareness and frustration quite well. </p>
<p>“Gloomy Sunday” describes a space and time in Voltaire’s past that’s ten years gone but still on his mind. It’s built on an atmospheric old jazz sample that gives it a smoky, film noir vibe that’s tough to resist. What makes Voltaire so compelling is his ability to speak his heart so plainly over impossible-to-define beats made of shards of every record he’s ever heard. Every track here earns it wings but other highlights include “Panic Attack,” “Earth Angel,” and “Nothing Matters.” </p>
<p>Voltaire draws inspiration from many sources that include MF Doom, Aesop Rock, Earl Sweatshirt, and Tyler the Creator but is a well-developed recording artist and producer in his own right with a strong identity. His sonic universe is different and takes some acclimation but those who dig in will find him to be an iconoclastic artist who only spits his own trippy Truth. Dial <em>89/19 </em>in for your next late-night session and let it soak in. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://voltaireofficial.bandcamp.com/album/89-19" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://voltaireofficial.bandcamp.com/album/89-19" target="_blank">https://voltaireofficial.bandcamp.com/album/89-19</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SPOTIFY: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/08QVAtjoTfnDmXEZbqqS6m?si=T1pCbqypTDGlKV6m62YoiA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/08QVAtjoTfnDmXEZbqqS6m?si=T1pCbqypTDGlKV6m62YoiA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/08QVAtjoTfnDmXEZbqqS6m?si=T1pCbqypTDGlKV6m62YoiA</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HvrmCJXUde8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HvrmCJXUde8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HvrmCJXUde8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2d081e1bef074fccecf6c915f8719d7b64626922/original/voltaire-slapadelic-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58395172019-07-28T15:18:09-05:002019-07-28T21:40:58-05:00TY BLESS "THE BEST OF TY BLESS" REVIEW - HIP-HOP/R&B GREATNESS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7cdcdcd556f71c930d076d632fccce0a99505d86/original/2279e429-fce6-4a2c-b4f2-d36756ac805e.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TY BLESS </p>
<p><em>The Best Of Ty Bless </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Multimedia master Ty Bless is likely to be the most talented artist you encounter this year. Bless is a slick, savvy creative who puts in work as a record producer, recording artist, songwriter, and human beatbox and is currently an on-air hip-hop personality with Team Mind Trip & DJ Eddie B Swift on BREAL.TV. Many people in the entertainment industry wear different hats but few mix styles, genres, and mediums like Bless does. His <em>The Best Of Ty Bless </em>playlist on SoundCloud is instant proof that Bless is more than a few steps above most of his peers in the Urban Music universe. He deftly blends rap, R&B, dancehall, reggaeton, and dance music influences into a stack of tracks that express every facet of his person and has developed the kind of deeply personal sound that all artists strive to attain. </p>
<p>The set opens with a funky dance/pop cover of Ben E. King’s iconic “Stand By Me” that will upgrade your mood upon first contact. Bless brings a new, positive vibration to this classic track that makes it sound fresh all over again and delivers a strong vocal performance. “Takin-My-Money” also references vintage R&B, which it uses to build a thoroughly modern track with unique flows about a girl who is twerking for his cash. </p>
<p> Bless has a certain undefinable thing that he does that gives each song a strong identity and ties them all together at the same time. This is the mark of a fully realized artist who has left imitation behind and found his own vision. “She Love$ Money” is a grinding hip-hop track about another pay-to-play woman giving our man Bless the blues. “I’m in love with her but she’s in love with money,” he tells us, communicating an age-old problem many can relate to. </p>
<p> “Time 2 Get Loose” has old school rap in its DNA but is built on an almost lo-fi beat with a one-note saxophone hook that displays contemporary production ideas. Other highlights include “Dabbin’ (TrapBoxin’), “Livin’ The Life,” and “Each One Teach One (No Handcuffin’).” Ty Bless is absolutely not your ordinary rapper and it would be a mistake to treat him as such. He’s a true rising star in a sea of fakes and you really should be listening to him right now. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/tybless/sets/featuring-ty-bless" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/tybless/sets/featuring-ty-bless" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/tybless/sets/featuring-ty-bless</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Http://www.tybless.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="Http://www.tybless.com" target="_blank"><strong>Http://www.tybless.com</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a21803d729f0dc22f0504ae3402b76e5f3200777/original/7129cbec-3b46-461e-8a7d-b349fbd6721b.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58388612019-07-27T14:36:32-05:002019-07-27T14:36:32-05:00ZAMA RRIPA "SIX WAYS TO SUNDAY" SINGLE & VIDEO REVIEW - POLITICAL SONGWRITER!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ceee7b5f3edada0d5f00b71617a2153794ccc711/original/zama-rripa-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ZAMA RRIPA </p>
<p>“Six Ways To Sunday” </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Zama Rripa is a peace, love, and liberty-minded singer/songwriter working out of Saint Augustine, Florida who often expresses strong sentiments in his lyrics. He’s part of a protest music tradition that stretches from Woody Guthrie to Rage Against The Machine and challenges listeners by taking on tough topics and real life rather than the emotional fluff many songwriters deal in. His latest single, “Six Ways To Sunday,” is a prime example of Rripa’s vibe and dives headlong into the matrix of Deep State manipulation, Russiagate, and American security agencies like the FBI, CIA, and DOJ spinning out of control. </p>
<p>“Six Ways To Sunday” has a mellow, Santana-like feel that pulls listeners in from the first bar. Sometimes, we expect idea-based music to be all anger and confrontation but Rripa chooses to go a different way with this track. The lyrics reflect the current American political landscape and refer to the shocking admission by Senator Chuck Schumer that the Deep State is alive and well and if you cross it, it has "six ways from Sunday" to get back at you. What it all comes down to is societal and political blowback for speaking out, a sad fact of life in today’s world that causes pain, suffering, and the death of liberty. The video features the song’s lyrics superimposed over radar footage of a large, dangerous hurricane. </p>
<p>“It's important to note that this is far from an endorsement of Trump,” Zama says, continuing “Trump is not pro-liberty. It seems Trump might want to hold the Deep State accountable for Crossfire Hurricane (the FBI’s code-name for the Trump/Russia investigation). The problem is, Trump wants to control the Deep State, not end it. It’s about power, not liberty. The Deep State needs to be ended, along with the Fed which helps fund it.” Rripa is a man of convictions and uses the power of plain speaking to communicate his points. Whether or not you share his point of view, Rripa is doing exactly what artists are supposed to do: speaking the truth and provoking thought. Anyone interested in music with intelligence and relevance will want to hear “Six Ways To Sunday” and reflect upon what it’s saying. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8JZGdMrae0k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8JZGdMrae0k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8JZGdMrae0k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> <a contents="http://iamzamarripa.com/?fbclid=IwAR3SHqpeiXonSjcJVNX6LpdmqKROkIavX4-ObWFg8nCiHLJq5-pYQjGwiuw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://iamzamarripa.com/?fbclid=IwAR3SHqpeiXonSjcJVNX6LpdmqKROkIavX4-ObWFg8nCiHLJq5-pYQjGwiuw" target="_blank">http://iamzamarripa.com/?fbclid=IwAR3SHqpeiXonSjcJVNX6LpdmqKROkIavX4-ObWFg8nCiHLJq5-pYQjGwiuw</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/zama.rripa.754" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/zama.rripa.754" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/zama.rripa.754</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58353512019-07-24T15:48:15-05:002019-07-24T15:48:15-05:00PATRICK GODDARD "APPARITION" SINGLE REVIEW - CALIFORNIA POST-ROCK/REGGAE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/882393e7f48ec514446345e3c265cd6a4730421f/original/patrick-goddard-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>PATRICK GODDARD </p>
<p>“Apparition” </p>
<p>(Lung Records) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Guitarist and songwriter Patrick Goddard came up as part of the old-school Long Beach and San Francisco, California scenes of the 80s and 90s with bands including Several Fish, Cara de Nada, Go Pound Salt, and Lost Cabras. He’s a solo artist these days and his latest release is the single “Apparition,” which is backed with the track “Hollow Home” and available on ghostly white vinyl as well as in digital formats. It was released in February of 2019 and all proceeds from the single go to Lung Cancer Awareness organizations. Goddard puts every bit of his West Coast rock heritage into these tracks and both have that cool, stony LBC vibe that mixes post-rock, punk, reggae, pop hooks, and indie angst. </p>
<p>“Apparition” is a moody, mid-tempo track that alternates between a quasi-reggae verse section and a driving rock chorus with a strong vocal hook. Horns are an unexpected bit of fun that add much to the intro and keep the spirit moving throughout the song. Goddard deftly walks the line between grit and melody here and he gives the cut a wonderful aliveness with his creative choices. He gets your attention and he keeps it. </p>
<p>“Hollow Home” is the flip side and finds Goddard going deeper into his reggae bag than on the A-Side. It’s based on the legendary sound of peak 70s Bob Marley and grooves hard in that way but features some dirty lead guitar and vocals with a rock feel. It’s that hybrid California thing that we all love and Goddard and the other musicians involved turn in superb, intuitive performances. The electronic version of the single also includes a dub-style mix of “Hollow Home” that gives it even more atmosphere and headspace than the official release and shows Goddard’s versatility and stylistic understanding. Both tracks on this release show Patrick Goddard as a powerful artist and songwriter in the mold of indie music icon Bob Mould with an additional Left Coast twist. Support one of the real ones and buy this today! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BUY ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://patrickgoddard.bandcamp.com/album/apparition" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://patrickgoddard.bandcamp.com/album/apparition" target="_blank">https://patrickgoddard.bandcamp.com/album/apparition</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/lungrecords/sets/patrick-goddard-apparition" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/lungrecords/sets/patrick-goddard-apparition" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/lungrecords/sets/patrick-goddard-apparition</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LUNG RECORDS: <a contents="https://www.lungrecords.com/products/patrick-goddard-apparition-7-single-white-vinyl" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.lungrecords.com/products/patrick-goddard-apparition-7-single-white-vinyl" target="_blank">https://www.lungrecords.com/products/patrick-goddard-apparition-7-single-white-vinyl</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/683a325f5d4e63cff4c98c8d4d1cbd994a0cf396/original/patrick-goddard-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58304582019-07-19T21:47:05-05:002019-07-24T01:49:06-05:00DAVID VATERS "RED SEA" SINGLE REVIEW - SINGER/SONGWRITER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/762c945dea52d3fc612ff6c2eb8c169a1eeb5d11/original/red-sea-david-vaters-final.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DAVID VATERS </p>
<p>“Red Sea” </p>
<p>(VGroup Music) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Canadian-born singer/songwriter David Vaters checks back in with his considerable fan base with a brand-new single, “Red Sea,” that was released July 18th, 2019 by VGroup Music. The track is the lead single from his upcoming album Volume 3 - A Voice in the Wilderness, the latest installment in an ongoing series of records Vaters has been putting out over the past few years. Vaters is a highly-engaging songwriter who embodies the best of classic rock songsmiths like Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen and blends it with a Christian perspective and his own personal style. The result is a song like “Red Sea,” a radio-ready dose of perfect North American rock and roll with intelligent, meaningful lyrics that deliver a message of faith and hope. </p>
<p>“Red Sea” is built upon a solid and organic mid-tempo groove with a deep pocket. Every instrument sounds full and brilliant thanks to producer Andre Wahl, who clearly got outstanding performances out of everyone involved. Vaters’ lyrics speak to those confused and upended by modern life in a powerfully plain-spoken way. Even when it feels like the world is ending, he reminds listeners that they’ll be delivered to safety “Like when the Red Sea parted and they all walked through / Like when the walls fell down and the trumpets blew.” His faith is an important part of his life and informs the work that he does without apology. His spiritual awareness is a breath of freshness in our often cynical world and he expresses it in an honest way here. </p>
<p>Vaters has made a lot of fans all over the world, to the point of making the iTunes Rock charts in Australia and Mexico and being Reverb Nation’s Number One Christian musician worldwide. He’s both a well of emotion and a bastion of songcraft and hits a level of artistry years in the making. “Red Sea” is an instant earworm and a strong statement of belief all at once. It will make you eager to hear the rest of the new record and find out where this journey goes. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/davidvaters/red-sea" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/davidvaters/red-sea" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/davidvaters/red-sea</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.davidvaters.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.davidvaters.com" target="_blank">www.davidvaters.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/davidvaters/red-sea" target="_blank"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/33800047f7e3404c10ba3c21727702afd89b1cce/original/rsea300x250anim.gif/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58281732019-07-17T23:04:15-05:002019-07-17T23:04:15-05:00SONIC RADIATION "INFRARED" SINGLE REVIEW - EDM, TRANCE, TECHNO!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b2e9faf360954466e70c59f6953c6ace1e7fb870/original/sonic-radiation-infrared3000x3000.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SONIC RADIATION </p>
<p>“Infrared” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Sonic Radiation, a.k.a. Todd Last, is an electronic dance music artist in Dallas, Texas who makes captivating, modern music without ever letting go of the essence of the genre. As a creator, Sonic Radiation has his vision fixated on the future of EDM and is working hard to be one of the people helping to define what that is. His latest single is “Infrared,” a heavily grooving club track that displays Last’s signature blend of trance and techno. He has a knack for intertwining simple parts into a complex whole and he uses it here to give us a body-rocking track that never gets too busy or loses its soul. </p>
<p>“Infrared” is built on a driving quarter-note pulse and topped with percolating synths that use creative repetition to define the track. Other musical and percussive elements come and go but the synths remain and hold the groove and texture together. SR’s sounds are warm and organic and “Infrared” could almost be passed off as “vintage,” especially because it doesn’t have the overcompressed harshness present in a great deal of modern music. He is inspired by titans of electronic music like Depeche Mode, Front 242, Gary Numan, Frontline Assembly, and Astral Projection but maintains his own artistic space and individuality. </p>
<p>Sonic Radiation has his own deep reasons for making this music and his commitment and emotion are obvious. SR is a long-term Spinal Cord Injury patient who had an accident in the waters of Hawaii. Making music was an important early step in his recovery and he has worked diligently to regain the ability to live and to follow his lifelong dream of creating electronic music. His goals are to express his hope, energy, and reverence for both music and life. “Infrared” achieves that and more and shows Sonic Radiation to be an important and evolving presence in the EDM universe. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/5Bm8ZGmDisu6L2f6Vfcpyu" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5Bm8ZGmDisu6L2f6Vfcpyu" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/5Bm8ZGmDisu6L2f6Vfcpyu</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.sonicradiation.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sonicradiation.com/" target="_blank">https://www.sonicradiation.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/sonicradiation" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/sonicradiation" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/sonicradiation</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58276682019-07-17T14:00:09-05:002019-07-17T14:00:09-05:00DK DAVIS "LOVE ME AGAIN" ALBUM REVIEW - POP COUNTRY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d90b6a15633f853388c8aac12152c62a51a5dcf8/original/dk-davis-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>DK DAVIS </p>
<p><em>Love Me Again </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>DK Davis is a male vocalist and recording artist with a track record of success. He made the Billboard charts back in the day with his Number One video, “I Fought the Law (and the Law Won”). It was featured on TNN’s Video Country as well as numerous broadcast stations worldwide. Davis has been riding a comeback wave lately and his latest album, <em>Love Me Again</em>, seems destined to recapture the popularity and excitement of those days and go even further. His smooth vocal style and blend of classic country and adult contemporary sounds is a potent combination and will certainly attract a large new audience. </p>
<p><em>Love Me Again </em>features one new song, the title track “Love Me Again” that was written by Gary Puckett, and 11 of Davis’ past hit songs. “Love Me Again” is an emotional piano-centered ballad that recalls the 70s pop country of Elvis and Kenny Rogers. It’s an “asking for forgiveness” type of song with a heartfelt vibe, a strong bridge, and a beautiful arrangement. Davis lays down a velvety vocal that no one could refuse and it’s impossible to believe he’s being anything but sincere. </p>
<p>The other songs on <em>Love Me Again</em> will be familiar to Davis’ many followers and still sound great. “Goodbye is the Wrong Way” is a solid mid-tempo cut with an unexpected chromatic instrumental hook and lyrics about not letting love slip away. “Suspicion” delivers more of Davis’ signature 70s pop sound and features a dramatic chorus worthy of The King, himself. Speaking of The King, Davis does an excellent job on an energetic cover of Elvis’ gem “Suspicious Minds” that proves that a hit song will always be a hit song. Other bright spots here include “You’re in the Country” and “Don’t Cha Know.” DK Davis is a classic American singer with a style that will appeal to fans of Elvis, Conway Twitty, and many of the 20th Century’s best voices. If that sounds like you, snap this one up. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/27ru8DH3OdvXLNvLHYixyo?si=yzTef37OQKOSbLE9QPR9Eg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/27ru8DH3OdvXLNvLHYixyo?si=yzTef37OQKOSbLE9QPR9Eg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/27ru8DH3OdvXLNvLHYixyo?si=yzTef37OQKOSbLE9QPR9Eg</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.dkdavismusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dkdavismusic.com/" target="_blank">https://www.dkdavismusic.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/dkdavismusic2/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/dkdavismusic2/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dkdavismusic2/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58258422019-07-16T00:47:52-05:002019-07-16T00:47:52-05:00THE RADIO BUZZKILLS "GET LOST!" ALBUM REVIEW - POP/PUNK GREATNESS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c8e3734d90cda4529fa415b5022777cd24e8dbaa/original/the-radio-buzzkills-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE RADIO BUZZKILLS </p>
<p><em>Get Lost! </em></p>
<p>(Outloud! Records) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Does your world need another pop/punk band in it? Why yes, yes it does and The Radio Buzzkills is it. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, The Radio Buzzkills crank out loud, fast, power chord tunes packed with extra-strong hooks and an engaging sense of humor. The band’s new record is<em> Get Lost!</em> and it hit the streets in March of 2019 on Outloud! Records. The Radio Buzzkills’ sound lives somewhere between the Ramones and Screeching Weasel with traces of classic power pop and 50s and 60s rock and roll seeping in through the foundation. </p>
<p><em>Get Lost! </em>is an amazingly entertaining blast of music that will inspire good times, bad decisions, and furious dancing. It’s the kind of wiseacre/teenager-in-love stuff that has launched a thousand house parties and will immediately grab your attention and lift your mood. The opener, “Tattletale,” is a thunderous radio track with multiple hooks, sweet backup vocals, and snotty lyrics about “the queen of the school.” Frontman Zac Buzzkill’s roughed-up singing is real and believable and you can tell at once that this bunch kills on stage. </p>
<p>“The Vampire Of Sacramento” downshifts into a mid-tempo torch song of the undead variety. He just wants to drink her blood and go steady. Is that so wrong? Zac’s best line is “I’m alone in my own world / When you’re dead, you’ll be my girl” but his mix of sarcasm and bloodthirsty teen hormones will reel you in straight away. The instrumental number “Shark Surfer” is a nicely-done bit of timeless American garage rock that hits hard and proves that the band can really play underneath all the humor. </p>
<p>The Star Wars-themed “She Died On That Deathstar” rocks hard, takes the party into space, and laments the fact that “the rebels took my baby away.” Other highlights on <em>Get Lost!</em> include “Cannibal Girlfriend,” “She Hails Satan,” and “The Distance Between Us.” The Radio Buzzkills have a great thing going with this new record and it will hopefully bring the band to a much larger audience. <em>Get Lost! </em>is perfect summertime rock and roll and you should buy it today. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://theradiobuzzkills.bandcamp.com/album/get-lost" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://theradiobuzzkills.bandcamp.com/album/get-lost" target="_blank">https://theradiobuzzkills.bandcamp.com/album/get-lost</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6C58qMQdCLPZresaHe1npX" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6C58qMQdCLPZresaHe1npX" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/6C58qMQdCLPZresaHe1npX</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58258082019-07-15T22:53:41-05:002019-07-15T22:53:41-05:00TOMMY OCEAN "NOBOT" ALBUM REVIEW - ACOUSTIC SONGWRITER! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/ade69df6159fe14b5b6fd95ea1e9dcc308cafeea/original/tommy-ocean-nobot-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TOMMY OCEAN </p>
<p><em>Nobot </em></p>
<p>(Mingle Records) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>German singer/songwriter Tommy Ocean is a powerfully understated artist who is profoundly inspired by the classic American songsmiths and folk singers. He has been building a brand and following over the last few years for his beautifully simple and emotive original songs that he records live and solo. Ocean has a new record, <em>Nobot</em>, that will drop July 26th, 2019 on Mingle Records and will be available via CD Baby. Anyone who has followed Ocean’s career will be able to hear his creative evolution in every cut and he is clearly refining his skills and vision. </p>
<p>Making a record with nothing but acoustic guitar and vocals is a daunting task and depends 100% on the quality of the songs involved. Tommy seems to be blessed with the ability to make this minimalistic format work over and over, however, and his songs feel complete just as they are. “Tell Me” is an introspective mid-tempo number that features Ocean’s strong strum attack, mournful harmonica, and clean, emotional voice. “Revolution” is a bit of social commentary done in hushed tones that make you pull closer and listen. Ocean doesn’t rage here so much as persuade, even though he delivers his message of change in clear, direct language. </p>
<p>“Sometimes” is a delicate fingerstyle ballad about how endings are often beginnings and is one of the best moments on <em>Nobot</em>. It suits Tommy well and makes his low-key vocal style shine. It also adds a meaningful quality to the lyrics, which are poignant and wise. A little Dylan-esque harmonica gives the track the only decoration it needs. Each song on the album has its own particular charms but some other can’t-miss cuts include “El Viento,” “Spring Song,” and the closing song “Meet Me In The Waters.” </p>
<p><em>Nobot </em>is ten songs of well-executed human culture and entertainment that goes down well in a single listen. It has a warm, late-night vibe to it that will make you want to keep it in your regular rotation. Tommy Ocean is growing rapidly as a recording artist and offers fans a subtle-but-compelling musical experience. You’re going to like this record a lot. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://tommyocean.bandcamp.com/album/nobot" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tommyocean.bandcamp.com/album/nobot" target="_blank">https://tommyocean.bandcamp.com/album/nobot</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.tommyocean.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tommyocean.com" target="_blank">www.tommyocean.com</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58244372019-07-14T15:49:52-05:002019-07-14T15:49:52-05:00ELAINE NOLAN "GO DARKLY INTO THE NIGHT" REVIEW - BADASS CLASSICAL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/cfc3961bd1326473517c8958a44a4ddf68a6adf4/original/go-darkly-into-the-night-m.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ELAINE NOLAN </p>
<p>“Go Darkly into the Night” </p>
<p>Music review by Mike O’Cull www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Badass modern classical composer/multi-instrumentalist/novelist Elaine Nolan is one of Ireland’s most compelling creatives. She has a fully legit background but prefers to live in the margins of her art, blurring genre lines and creating music no one else is doing. Nolan’s latest musical release is the track “Go Darkly into the Night,” a spacious and unconventional instrumental piece for piano, cello, and violin. It’s a dissonant and brooding piece of music that shows her transitioning from classical to cinematic more than ever before and compares well to some of the most unnerving and mysterious soundtracks in film history. </p>
<p>Being the Renaissance woman that she is, Elaine wrote the piece, played all the parts, and engineered and produced the recording sessions on her own. This gives “Go Darkly into the Night” an intensely personal feel that large ensemble sessions often lack. It begins with an alternating pair of jarring piano chords, which repeat and get topped with cutting violin notes. The cello adds a chromatic ostinato below, a figure which becomes a major theme of the composition as it unfolds. The violin picks up the ostinato and uses it conversationally with the cello as both instruments transpose it upwards towards a dynamic peak. </p>
<p>Nolan moves on to what seems to be a more delicate piano and cello movement but dissonance creeps in slowly and warps the feel ever so slightly. This is followed by a long unwinding by all three instruments that feels like someone making peace by withholding anger. Tension builds quickly, however, with Nolan’s cello playing the most menacing role. The chromatic figure soon returns on the violin, answered by a tragic beautiful cello sequence that’s one of the emotional centers of this work. </p>
<p>Much of the last two minutes of the piece is centered around build emotion with the chromatic ostinato used in a more acute manner than before with less space between each instrument’s phrases. All three are on it by now, building to a chordal climax and a sparse, unresolved ending. Nolan is knocking on the doors of the emotionally-charged soundtracks to films like Hitchcock’s Psycho and Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut with this work and it channels a simmering bitterness that’s honest and authentic. Elaine Nolan is continually evolving and elevating her craft and “Go Darkly into the Night” is an attention-grabbing step forward for her. She and her music are clearly heading towards bigger things. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/534wMuWG6xJhOEOnKPsE8i" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/534wMuWG6xJhOEOnKPsE8i" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/534wMuWG6xJhOEOnKPsE8i</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://elainenolan.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://elainenolan.net/" target="_blank">https://elainenolan.net/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a342b99f265c0ff7dbdd83da9cb5f36cf5b37c20/original/elaine-nolan-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58238482019-07-13T18:51:55-05:002019-07-13T18:52:48-05:00THREE EYES "NEW REALMS" EP REVIEW - DREAMY INSTRUMENTAL ELECTRONIC!!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/07b2b541cf91c6c67b36ea10712e3398cb85fd30/original/new-realms.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THREE EYES </p>
<p><em>New Realms </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Instrumental electronic composer Three Eyes, a.k.a. Jewel Marsh, is a one-person creative force who makes music that sticks to the walls of your soul. Three Eyes deftly blurs genre lines and crosses philosophical boundaries to achieve a sound that is spacious and modern. Marsh delivers a moody, synth-heavy vibe on the new four-song EP <em>New Realms </em>that comes out July 12th, 2019, displaying a wide-ranging creative vision that’s haunting and beautiful. The music here shows traces of lush dream pop, spacey electronica, and shoegaze sounds mixed with elements of hip-hop, trap, and more that combine to become a poetic soundtrack to the modern world. </p>
<p>Working out of San Francisco, California, Three Eyes keeps most details of their identity out of sight, which keeps all attention on the music being made. This adds a mysterious noir factor to the tracks that only increases the late-night feel these tracks impart. “Old Hex #3” is sensuously ambient and grooves with dark, minor key authority. The song walks tall until the last 30 seconds when it breaks down to a single electric piano part that makes the ending contemplative and emotive. </p>
<p>“Myth Made Real” is constructed over a gentle funk beat that increases intensity over time. The bass line in the larger sections works well and gives the track a good sense of motion. It’s only a bit over two minutes in length but is cool and compelling. Three Eyes has a touch for layering synths and other instruments in a way that never feels overcrowded. Enough air is left between the voices to allow each one to make its point clearly. “Love Theme From The Bottom Of A Well” is especially effective and cinematic. The drums have a trap quality to them that warps the melodic and chordal material above them slightly and keeps every moment interesting. </p>
<p>Overall, <em>New Realms </em>is a strong EP from an artist with a unique and intimate sensibility. Don’t mistake it for background jams just for its lack of vocals. Three Eyes is absolutely trying to tell us all something important. We just need to be sharp enough to understand. Fine work, this one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://threeeyesmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://threeeyesmusic.com" target="_blank">https://threeeyesmusic.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://threeeyes.bandcamp.com/album/new-realms" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://threeeyes.bandcamp.com/album/new-realms" target="_blank">https://threeeyes.bandcamp.com/album/new-realms</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: @threeeyes_music</strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58237482019-07-13T17:10:54-05:002019-07-13T17:10:54-05:00TRAVAUGHN "WELCOME TO INFINITY" REVIEW - CONSCIOUS HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d12b77d1f63e8d330b8985571da369479f4bd25e/original/screen-shot-2019-07-13-at-5-02-59-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TRAVAUGHN </p>
<p><em>Welcome to Infinity </em> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Travaughn is a deeply-soulful conscious hip-hop artist from Houston, Texas who brings a high level of artistry and intellect to the rap scene. His music draws inspiration from many early icons of rap and R&B including Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Ludacris and TLC, legendary stars like The Temptations and the Isley Brothers, and rock bands like Linkin Park and Evanescence. His personal creative vision is strong, however, and this keeps him in his own space and away from imitation. Travaughn’s latest release is the album <em>Welcome to Infinity</em>, a 13-track song cycle that shows him to be one of the most vital new voices in urban music. </p>
<p><em>Welcome to Infinity </em>takes on the paradigm shift that’s currently happening in society, a shift that acknowledges the need to show love to ourselves and to others and to stop acting from a judgment-based point of view. Travaughn’s bars recall the knowledge-filled writing of rap’s Golden Age and he seems to be authentically working toward breaking down, understanding, and improving the world around him. In the song “Oz to Midas,” he says he’s “on a mission for enrichment” and he “grinds hard trying to work on some wonders” and those lines give listeners a glimpse of what his life is about. </p>
<p>“Heaven or Hell” unfolds its lyrics about life being a chance to choose love even when caught in worldly illusions over a mellow, piano-centered beat. Travaughn says “I paint a picture worth the value of life,” which is a telling statement of just how important he considers his words to be. Indeed, he’s giving his listeners the sort of Truth, poetry, and mindful guidance many could benefit from and he reinforces the idea that maybe we can all get through this existence intact. </p>
<p>“Trynna C” finds him thinking out loud about why some people want to see him fail at spreading his messages. It’s a brilliant track that rocks a mid-tempo Boom Bap groove that feels great, even with serious lyrics on top. “Eternal Song” is an introspective track about “waking up to what might have been” and demonstrates Travaughn’s reach as a lyricist. It’s built around a cinematic beat that would make an amazing end-title theme to a film and is one of this set’s best moments. </p>
<p>There are no bad tracks on <em>Welcome to Infinity</em> and any drop of the needle will yield a positive experience. Travaughn takes us all on a journey through his mind that will resonate with anyone who shares his taste for forward thinking. He avoids stereotypes and cliches, choosing instead to speak his heart and let the chips fall where they may. Hip-hop fans looking to think as much as they dance will find much to like here. Get this now and play it loud! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="https://soundcloud.com/travaughn-crawford/sets/welcome-to-infinity" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/travaughn-crawford/sets/welcome-to-infinity" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/travaughn-crawford/sets/welcome-to-infinity</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://travaughn.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://travaughn.com/" target="_blank">https://travaughn.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YifxjigGOwg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YifxjigGOwg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YifxjigGOwg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58218552019-07-11T21:29:12-05:002019-07-11T21:29:12-05:00PIPER LANDON "CAR SOLUTIONS" SONG & VIDEO REVIEW - LATE-NIGHT POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7c7180c9affd8864ed1c9c81714db7a9325a3da9/original/piper-landon-resize-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>PIPER LANDON </p>
<p>“Car Solutions” </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Piper Landon is a fresh, young singer/songwriter and influencer on the Instagram scene and pretty much everywhere else in the world, too. Originally from Kansas, Piper is the daughter of an Inspirational Top Ten singer and has always been involved with music. Her latest release is the single “Car Solutions” and its accompanying music video. Piper co-wrote the track with Ph.D-Lovely and Menebeats and recorded it at Madison Records in Georgia with hereiR Productions. The song is a brilliant bit of hip-hop-tinged pop and its vibe is atmospheric, moody, and hypnotic. </p>
<p>“Car Solutions” seems to be a song about the divide that exists in the relationship between two people who can only communicate honestly with each other in a moving car. The song and the video are both a little abstract and open to interpretation, which makes you listen and watch more closely to extract the meaning for yourself. Still, the overall feel is somber and unresolved, just like many relationships, and it’s the kind of song you listen to while working your own thoughts out on a late-night drive. The video matches the song perfectly, showing an introspective Piper in a sweet Benz taking comfort in the motion of driving before finally parking and rolling off on a skateboard. The clip was directed by Bolt House Media and skips the usual female vocalist cliche shots in favor of a more artistic and dignified approach. </p>
<p>Piper has been a pro since age 15 when she began her life as an actress and singer on the Disney-sponsored sitcom iShine Knect. Since then she has been featured on America's Got Talent and other TV shows, podcasts, and movies. She has also played concerts all over the United States, Canada, and Africa. “Car Solutions” shows fans her artistry and creative vision in a compelling way that will only attract more people to what she’s doing. Piper Landon is an emerging mainstream artist with a promising future. You really should be listening. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kIeApNuBwdU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kIeApNuBwdU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kIeApNuBwdU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.piperofficial.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.piperofficial.com" target="_blank">www.piperofficial.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/piperoninsta/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/piperoninsta/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/piperoninsta/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/PiperOnFace/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/PiperOnFace/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/PiperOnFace/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER: <a contents="https://twitter.com/piperontwit" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/piperontwit" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/piperontwit</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58187192019-07-09T13:20:36-05:002019-07-09T13:20:36-05:00SEPSISS SINGLES REVIEWED - FEMALE-FRONTED METAL!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/871df1eef859b28d8bd820b67db284b43fecc9e8/original/img-5007.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SEPSISS </p>
<p>Spotify singles review </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Sepsiss is a hard and melodic female-fronted Metal band from Manchester, New Hampshire that has been making a big noise in the New England region since 2011. Vocalist Melissa Wolfe and guitarist/vocalist William Savant launched the band and pioneered its distinctive sound. Sepsiss is built around a traditional Metal vibe mixed with raging modern rhythms, synths, and urban hardcore influences. Wolfe sings the clean vocals and Savant handles the harsher, scream-oriented parts and the combination of the two grabs attention immediately. The four tracks Sepsiss has on Spotify right now show the band to be an energetic and innovative outfit with the creative power to carve out a spot in the global rock community. </p>
<p>“Eyes of Empathy” starts off with a quick-but-dramatic buildup that gives way to a driving double-bass pocket in the first verse. The track is an excellent example of what makes Sepsiss great: well-paced and well-constructed songs, intense vocals, and the kind of guitar and drum fireworks that get the blood moving. The drums punch hard, the guitars grind, and Wolfe’s voice soars above it all, while Savant adds vocal grit and color. </p>
<p>“To Write Hate on His Arms” is another heavyweight cut that kicks off with an old-school thrash-inspired groove that hits like a fist to the face. The verse drops to a more atmospheric, half-time feel before the band steps on the gas pedal again. It’s a highly dynamic song that again demonstrates the power and skill that Sepsiss brings to the stage. “The Swarm” shifts into a more mid-tempo feel that puts increased focus on the vocals and leads to an unbeatable chorus. </p>
<p>“Fair to Say” is a chugging rocker with a cool guitar hook and more emotive singing from Wolfe. Sepsiss seems to have a knack for standing rock conventions on their heads to make new, continually interesting music that stands tall above the usual thrash-and-bash of most rock bands. Fans of driving Metal with high-flying vocals and brilliant guitar work will find much to like here. Sepsiss rocks! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AlLSELrqafcIl9Rwf4Xf0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AlLSELrqafcIl9Rwf4Xf0" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AlLSELrqafcIl9Rwf4Xf0</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.sepsiss.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.sepsiss.com" target="_blank">www.sepsiss.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="U_VJDccNad4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/U_VJDccNad4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U_VJDccNad4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58162562019-07-06T23:12:59-05:002019-07-06T23:12:59-05:00MARK WINTERS "COPPER QUEEN" SINGLE REVIEW - DREAMY GUITAR POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6faad4ce8f4375ba16d02383586f96c0a6a99784/original/markwinters-copperqueen.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MARK WINTERS </p>
<p>“Copper Queen” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Singer/songwriter Mark Winters makes extremely well-executed pop/rock music that’s absolutely overflowing with positive vibrations. Hailing from Sugar Land, Texas, Winters’ songs are melodic, meaningful, and built around heartfelt, poetic lyrics that remind listeners of the good things in life. His latest single, “Copper Queen,” is a fine example of how Winters does things and makes a great introduction to his world for new converts. “Copper Queen” is the second single taken from his upcoming album SlipStream, an effort that will arrive in August of 2019. The single was released on June 20th, 2019 and is now available on all streaming platforms. </p>
<p>“Copper Queen” is a slice of gentle, mid-tempo guitar pop Heaven that exists somewhere between Marshall Crenshaw and Chris Isaak with a bit of late-period Brian Wilson coming over to visit. It’s a summertime song about a beautiful woman with a great tan and a “gentle little smile” who is generating some ultra-positive vibes in our humble narrator. The production is influenced by dream pop and surf music, which is a combo you don’t encounter every day, but it’s cool and it works. The song feels like late afternoon on a perfect, sunny California day. Its sound is spacious and wide-open, full of reverb and atmosphere, and features an emotive clean-tone guitar solo that adds a lot to the middle of the arrangement. </p>
<p>Earnestness and believability are what make this kind of songwriting take flight and Winters has plenty of both. It’s much harder to work with a lighter touch as he does here than to pound out sledgehammer rock with everything louder than everything else. Winters has the right temperament and intention to be upbeat and positive without ever coming across as insincere. “Copper Queen” is a moment of sweetness properly captured by the man living it and is as much fun as the Fourth of July. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="INJaFu8jmiA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/INJaFu8jmiA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/INJaFu8jmiA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/2cX3LU06Z3I4AGvWeB1cCk?si=4AScQ9fwQX-i76-5W8w7hA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2cX3LU06Z3I4AGvWeB1cCk?si=4AScQ9fwQX-i76-5W8w7hA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/2cX3LU06Z3I4AGvWeB1cCk?si=4AScQ9fwQX-i76-5W8w7hA</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.markwintersmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.markwintersmusic.com" target="_blank">www.markwintersmusic.com</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58140082019-07-04T15:11:36-05:002019-07-04T15:11:36-05:00TYLER HUTTON "THROUGH MY WINDOW" SINGLE REVIEW - POP ROCK EXCELLENCE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7a892284d10a13156244d5bb3d9798bf4735ac49/original/tyler-hutton-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TYLER HUTTON </p>
<p>“Through My Window” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Los Angeles singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Tyler Hutton creates memorable pop/rock music influenced by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and many other mid-20th Century icons. “Through My Window” is his debut single and is the first of three tracks he will be releasing over the Summer of 2019. A full-length album is set to follow in early September. Hutton recorded “Through My Window” at Psychedelic Thriftstore in Highland Park, Los Angeles with producer Joel Jerome at the helm. He played and sang everything except the drum parts, which were contributed by Trevor Jimenez. </p>
<p>“Through My Window” is a cool, chugging mid-tempo song that recalls the later Beatles sound. Built on a “Walking Blues” sort of quarter note pulse, the track has a hypnotic feel that pulls listeners in from the first bar. Hutton’s well-phrased lead guitar work sits nicely on top of the rhythmic guitar, bass, and piano underpinning of the intro. His lyrics convey a bit of menace once the vocal enters, telling someone “Please don’t look through my window / You won’t like what you see / Please don’t look through my window / Just leave me be.” The song seems to be about an intensely private person in a relationship who is fixated on his partner but still saying “Well, I fall in love every day / It doesn’t end with you.” This is a tale of complex emotions that the speaker is well aware of but shows no desire to change. </p>
<p>Tyler Hutton has a lot to be proud of with “Through My Window” and he shows a great deal of future promise. This first single should build up interest in what he’s doing and his full-length release yet to come. Hutton has a classic, organic style that should be attractive to fans of literate songwriters. His personal twists keep every moment worth your focus and he’s clearly one of the more compelling musicians emerging right now on the L.A. scene. Highly recommended. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="gklzpCvpijM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/gklzpCvpijM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gklzpCvpijM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/4zkU8wphbPvDhdWnVldUBX?si=immAS2oNQJ6k7-aAQ7KruA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/4zkU8wphbPvDhdWnVldUBX?si=immAS2oNQJ6k7-aAQ7KruA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/4zkU8wphbPvDhdWnVldUBX?si=immAS2oNQJ6k7-aAQ7KruA</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuttonmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuttonmusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/tylerhuttonmusic</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/58028762019-06-24T22:59:29-05:002019-06-24T22:59:29-05:00HENDRIX "DISPIRITED" EPISODE 3 SINGLE & VIDEO REVIEW - ELECTRONIC POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/0e938cb52605d7d601c61321be309550887444bd/original/hendrix-dispirited-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>HENDRIX </p>
<p>“Dispirited” - Episode 3 </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>California-based songwriter, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Ian Hendrix, or simply Hendrix, checks back in with his tribe with a new single and video called “Dispirited,” which is Episode Three of his ongoing and evolving music video series. It will be released on June 25th, 2019. Hendrix is that rare modern artist with wide-screen ideas and news of a new clip from him is always a cause for celebration. His songs are the kind of intelligent, well-executed pop the world needs and use both electronic and traditional sounds to make their magic happen. </p>
<p>Written by Hendrix and co-produced by Hendrix and Robert Eibach, “Dispirited” is a somber, mid-tempo track that has a New Wave/Synthwave/Sad Girl/Sci-Fi vibe, a description that will make much more sense once you hear it. Hendrix has a style of his own and his music often defies easy dissection. He deftly blends swirling synths with a delicious bassline, a combination that will instantly transport you to his universe. It’s a great place to be, as Hendrix has a way with melody and atmosphere that will immediately hook anyone into a moody headspace informed by New Order and Neil Young. Vocalist Katie Shorey appears here again and does another excellent job with Hendrix’s material. He and Shorey are a strong team and her smooth, emotive voice and phrasing up the emotional content of “Dispirited” quite a bit. </p>
<p>The anime-styled video was made by Juan Guillermo Cano of What The Hell Studios and is a beautifully-animated piece of art involving a sad astronaut, a desolate planet, and an alien abduction experience. It adds a layer of brain food to the song, which sounds at first like the story of love gone wrong. The visuals take you further into Hendrix’s mind and concept and will make you consider each bar of the song more carefully. Overall, “Dispirited” is another big step forward for Hendrix and his entrancing music. He’s making some of the smartest and most accessible synthwave of 2019 and it’s high time more people know about him. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ksy5hMUniHc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ksy5hMUniHc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ksy5hMUniHc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://hendrixmusic.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://hendrixmusic.net/" target="_blank">https://hendrixmusic.net/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3f4d2a7339ed963f8d542c9c388a73e7dfe6fb9c/original/hendrix-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57976492019-06-19T23:00:00-05:002019-06-19T23:00:00-05:00ROB GEORG "TIME FOR SOME INK" SINGLE & VIDEO REVIEW - COUNTRY MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/550d380c44b022fa7f55b42548ea3852b32311fb/original/timeforsomeink-cover-final.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ROB GEORG </p>
<p>“Time For Some Ink” </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rob Georg, Germany’s favorite country artist, checks back in with his faithful with a brand-new single, “Time For Some Ink,” that again demonstrates his command of and love for American music. Georg may be European but has more true country credibility than many US-based artists, seeing how he is an actual cowboy, a lifetime equestrian athlete, and lives on a ranch with almost two dozen horses, 50 sheep, and nine dogs. Georg writes songs about the life experiences he’s had and the stories they’ve allowed him to tell. This puts him shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest country artists of all time, who personally knew the lives of which they sang. </p>
<p>“Time For Some Ink” is a song about tattoos and their significance in Rob’s life. He is an illustrated man with many impressive pieces of skin art already installed on his body and plans to keep getting more throughout his life. The track is a heavy, grinding country/rock number that employs gritty guitars, throbbing tremolo, and immense-sounding drums to surround Georg’s lyrics and vocals and intensify the meanings of the lines he sings. Scotty Sanders adds a brief-but-brilliant slide guitar solo that takes the song up a level as soon as it hits. The entire band on this session sounds amazing and does fine work bringing Georg’s creative vision and story to life. The accompanying video clip is made up of live performance footage of Georg and company interspersed with scenes of his own ink and the tattoo process. </p>
<p>“Time For Some Ink” would sound right at home on modern country radio and will strike a common chord with many roots music fans who also share Georg’s addiction to the tattoo gun. He always sounds confident of his song’s directions and this new one continues that trend. Rob Georg is a steadily-rising star in the country music world and it’s only a matter of time until he breaks the scene wide open.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HCSeuasd2Q0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HCSeuasd2Q0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCSeuasd2Q0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.rob-georg-music.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rob-georg-music.com" target="_blank">www.rob-georg-music.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="www.facebook.com/robgeorgmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/robgeorgmusic" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/robgeorgmusic</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER: <a contents="www.twitter.com/georg_rob" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.twitter.com/georg_rob" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/georg_rob</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57934762019-06-16T12:38:22-05:002019-06-16T12:38:22-05:00BUD HOLLY "MAKE MUSIC ART AGAIN" ALBUM REVIEW - HIP-HOP!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a1fc78aa235812fe2aba76e5a8dc8588df3a7a45/original/62523164-360516351274790-3861263263681478656-n.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BUD HOLLY </p>
<p><em>Make Music Art Again </em></p>
<p>(Dakota South Records) </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>South Dakota’s own Bud Holly is bringing the heat this summer with a new full-length release, <em>Make Music Art Again</em>, that shows him to be an evolving talent who’s ready to take on the world at large. Hitting the streets in June 2019 on Dakota South Records, <em>Make Music Art Again</em> delivers on the potential Holly showed on his last record, <em>Scientifically Dope</em>, as a young hotshot lyric spitter with both a sharp tongue and a sense of humor. The new set finds Holly in better form than ever and it feels like he’s growing into his role as a recording artist of no small reputation. </p>
<p>Holly is supremely confident on the microphone and easily blends serious topics with party-starters. He also shifts gears from hard, modern rap on tunes like “Started From The Bottom” and “The Game” to the spacey, stony vibe of “420” and the almost pop/rock feel of “Monster” smoothly and effectively. Holly’s versatility and command of the rap idiom turn <em>Make Music Art Again</em> into a worthwhile one-sitting listen. It’s so much more than just a collection of sound-alike singles and is proof positive that Holly takes the sentiment of the title to heart. Longer formats like this reveal an artist’s depth, or lack thereof, but Holly’s ideas, technique, and level of artistry are all world class. </p>
<p>Holly throws down hard on “Don’t Make Me Do It,” which is menacingly confident, but shows a softer, more meaningful side of himself on the downtempo “Stay With Me.” The track humanizes Holly as being capable of more than the brashness and bravado he often displays and is vitally important to the overall feel of these sessions. Other standout cuts here include “If You Don’t Know,” “I Wanna Be Rich,” and “Gone.” Bud Holly is bigger and badder than ever before on <em>Make Music Art Again </em>and the tracks on it have the wingspan required to fly him around the globe. Buy this record and spin it all summer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/15St7HFf0DIXHBY2r8rxNs?si=AYjVbDnfS2mmQkp8Lwcykg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/15St7HFf0DIXHBY2r8rxNs?si=AYjVbDnfS2mmQkp8Lwcykg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/15St7HFf0DIXHBY2r8rxNs?si=AYjVbDnfS2mmQkp8Lwcykg</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>APPLE MUSIC: <a contents="https://music.apple.com/us/album/make-music-art-again/1466931723" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/make-music-art-again/1466931723" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/us/album/make-music-art-again/1466931723</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/budhollyentertainment/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/budhollyentertainment/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/budhollyentertainment/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nGhriTxQniA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nGhriTxQniA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nGhriTxQniA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57879712019-06-11T15:25:47-05:002019-06-11T15:25:47-05:00ECHOGLASS "LONELY" SINGLE & VIDEO REVIEW - ENGLISH INDIE POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/928af8b905e5428baacf2a837148dcacc4ce0909/original/screen-shot-2019-06-11-at-3-19-40-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ECHOGLASS </p>
<p>“Lonely” </p>
<p>(Darkhouse Recordings) </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Echoglass makes highly-evolved and well-executed indie pop music built upon beautiful melodies and emotive lyrics. The group came together in 2016 when members D.A. McKenna, Remmy, and Bo united to create meaningful, eclectic songs that would allow them all to leave behind lives of busking and begging and fulfill their desires for exquisite dining, fine alcohol, and casual terrace wear. The new Echoglass single, “Lonely,” should do a lot towards advancing those objectives. Set to see daylight in June of 2019, the track is a hauntingly elegant soundtrack to heartbreak and intimate devastation that commands attention from the very first bar. </p>
<p>The group hails from Blackburn, Lancashire and is deeply connected to the storied Northwest of England music scene. Inspiration is drawn from the region’s legendary artists and poets like Shaun Ryder, Ian Curtis, Pete Shelley, Gary Aspden, LS Lowry, The Beatles, James, Oasis, Mark E. Smith, Ian Brown and Morrissey and is used to create an original sound that can stand level with any of them. “Lonely” is the most moving and poetic Echoglass release yet and represents a new artistic high-water mark strong enough to physically communicate its pain to those listening. A sparse piano and synth soundscape instantly invoke a feeling of loss and McKenna’s smooth baritone voice floats over it gracefully like clouds on an overcast afternoon. </p>
<p>The lyric concerns two people driven apart by one’s “suffocating love” and eloquently expresses the yearning one feels for something that could have been wonderful but didn’t last. The chorus of “See the tears well in his eyes/See the pain burn in his chest/You caused this, she caused this/Every moment bursts in flames” drives home the downward spiral even the greatest loves can induce. The video is shot in stunning black-and-white and contributes another layer of difficult truth to the song’s effect. Echoglass has a cinematic and personal masterpiece in “Lonely” that indicates the group is elevating its already-formidable artistry to new heights. Let it stop you in your tracks.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="k0voRbc7enE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/k0voRbc7enE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k0voRbc7enE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="http://echoglassmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://echoglassmusic.com" target="_blank">http://echoglassmusic.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/echoglassmusic/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57854642019-06-09T12:52:47-05:002019-06-09T12:52:47-05:00DUTCH "LEARNING HOW TO LIE" REVIEW - EMO TRIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e2a4092dbc542209cdc5c37a920755291da8e97a/original/screen-shot-2019-06-09-at-12-45-48-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>DUTCH </p>
<p><em>Learning How To Lie </em></p>
<p>(Life In Slow Motion) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Dutch is a Houston-based artist and creative who has managed to pull off the hardest trick of all: he has crafted a sound that is both original, emotive, and accessible. His latest release, <em>Learning How To Lie</em>, hit the streets May 22nd, 2019 and the record is a compelling mix of rap, trip-hop, emo, and alternative R&B that grabs listeners by the soul and refuses to let go. Dutch has more in him than most up-and-coming performers and his songwriting displays a masterful grasp of rhythm, atmosphere, excruciating heartbreak, and epic lyrical skills that few can match. He’s among the most vital artists currently emerging onto the national scene and carries with him the type of effective power required to break out to a much larger audience. </p>
<p>The songs on <em>Learning How To Lie</em> combine the best aspects of disparate artists such as Dashboard Confessional and Portishead into an intoxicating blend that defies easy description. They have a solid underpinning of hip-hop that gives them physicality and are topped with melodies and lyrics that allow them to strike the listener’s hearts dead on target and communicate a grinding sense of loss. His vibe is often bleak but is rooted in the kind of intense sadness every human instinctively understands. </p>
<p>“Ceiling Staring (feat. Lil’ Zubin)” opens the record with a cinematic downtempo feel and the co-mingling of insomnia and the late-night self talk it often brings. Dutch grabs your attention like getting doused with a bucket of ice water would and pulls you into his moment at once. He works with dark emotions in a manner that recalls the spirit of ultimate sad man Trent Reznor without ever resorting to sonic imitation. Dutch doesn’t sound like Reznor but writes about his feelings with the same unflinching realness that stops you mid-stride and all but forces you to listen. </p>
<p>“First Time (Goodbye)” is a song of betrayal and simmering anger that mixes soaring vocals, muddy emotions, and a throbbing beat that comes across like the pulsating heart of someone on the edge. Dutch’s mantra of “Get lost, so long, goodbye” seems harsh but can’t conceal the pain beneath his words. “The Contender” is simply brilliant and hits directly on the difficulty of coming in second with someone you can’t live without. The chorus is an enormous earworm despite its melancholy and memory-filled lines like “Take me back to September, I thought I won you over but I’m just the contender.” It’s a tremendously strong song that deserves to be a hit single. </p>
<p>Dutch uses lyrics, atmosphere, and beats to create a big-picture effect on his fans and his music is some of the most creative and individual ear candy you’ll encounter this year. He really doesn’t sound like anyone else in the best way possible and music aficionados who care about craft, inspiration, and being emotionally moved will find a lot to like here. <em>Learning How To Lie</em> is the can’t-sleep-rainy-night record of the year. Buy it today and support one of America’s most promising rising stars.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/2fhluS4Cc05KBHYD5uwN8m" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2fhluS4Cc05KBHYD5uwN8m" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/2fhluS4Cc05KBHYD5uwN8m</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/designerdutch/sets/learning-how-to-lie-masters" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/designerdutch/sets/learning-how-to-lie-masters" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/designerdutch/sets/learning-how-to-lie-masters</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/hilla_mane/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/hilla_mane/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/hilla_mane/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57843102019-06-07T22:00:28-05:002019-06-08T11:36:15-05:00SENSES REELING "TIME'S STILL NOW" ALBUM REVIEW - SMART, BRILLIANT MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/618e52e42fb7a94e55c7f1184e8f4856e1430372/original/senses-reeling-tsn-wallet-front.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SENSES REELING </p>
<p><em>Time’s Still Now </em></p>
<p>(Moments of Pleasure Records) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. <a contents="www.mikeocull.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mikeocull.com" target="_blank">www.mikeocull.com </a></p>
<p>All forms of art have the same purpose: to transfer emotion from one human to another. By that metric, the new record from Britain’s Senses Reeling, <em>Time’s Still Now</em>, is an enormous success. Senses Reeling is a recording project led by Nick Fuller and Paul Midcalf and fleshed out with talented guest artists including Tom Williams, Mike Youé (The Blue Aeroplanes), Matthew Griffin (Rogue Beauty), John Whitehorn (The Varlies), and actress Jane Slavin. Together, this crew makes intelligent, eclectic music that gets wrapped around some of the finest, most emotive songwriting you’re likely to encounter this year. Far from another forgettable batch of guitar pop love songs, Senses Reeling writes about real issues that affect millions of people and provoke real responses. Lyrics are set against a shifting palette of styles that range from clean melodic pop songs to grinding noise to subtle atmospherics and carry the power to stop you in your tracks. It drops June 14, 2019 on Bandcamp. </p>
<p>Fuller is in charge of the writing department and his songs work well with the various combinations of the others involved. The opening track, “Signs Of The Storm,” is a gorgeous bit of gentle pop/rock that deals with the ideas of facing reality and avoiding escapism as virtues but wonders out loud if constantly worrying about the bad that might happen obscures the good parts of life. The song uses a non-rhyming, conversational lyric very effectively without sacrificing any musicality. The chorus ends with a dose of self-awareness, with the speaker realizing “All that preparation’s no more than fooling myself, Maybe distraction’s a better way.” </p>
<p>“Foreign Or Poor” is about the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 and how it was not a rogue event but the culmination of decades of systemic neglect of society’s most vulnerable members. Politicians evade blame, “recommend but don’t make law,” and force those with nowhere else to go to live in life-threatening situations. Just like in many other places, “you don’t count if you’re foreign or poor” and people die as a result. It’s a dark, fuzzed-out call for social change in the Floydian mode that ends with black sheets of guitar noise that accentuate the song’s difficult topic. </p>
<p>“Press For Freedom” is an atmosphere-filled mid-tempo funk track about media accountability, phone hacking, and leaking in the UK. The lyrics chastise an out-of-control press, saying “We left them to their promise to behave then, We watched their self-policing turn to mayhem, Their promises of ethics got attention, But money talks in court when victims have none.” Fierce and right to the point, its observational approach provokes much deep thought. </p>
<p>One of the most difficult-to-hear songs on <em>Time’s Still Now </em>is “Together.” It’s an ambient, soundtrack-ish cut that sets real diary entries from people near the ends of their lives performed by Jane Slavin over gently rising and falling sonics. The words tell of good days, bad days, and age-related life changes that no one wants to consider but are inevitable. Slavin brings a lot of quiet intensity to the track and her lines strike directly into the heart. Anyone with aging parents will likely be moved past the point of composure. This one is so real it hurts and that’s what makes it brilliant. </p>
<p>Senses Reeling has a gem of a record on its hands with <em>Time’s Still Now</em>. This is smart music, well-conceived and executed, that offers substantial takes on topics that many modern people can understand. It’s also extremely well-recorded and moves through styles that touch on everything from vintage Del Amitri to Pink Floyd. Fuller and Midcalf are true artists and have made an album with the power to make listeners think and feel. Buy it as soon as you can.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fw0vfuJstVM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fw0vfuJstVM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fw0vfuJstVM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SENSES REELING ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://sensesreeling.bandcamp.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sensesreeling.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">https://sensesreeling.bandcamp.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>RECORD LABEL: <a contents="https://momentsofpleasurerecords.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://momentsofpleasurerecords.com/" target="_blank">https://momentsofpleasurerecords.com/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57750872019-05-31T11:50:25-05:002019-05-31T11:50:25-05:00GEORGE BLUE GALANOS - "THE BLUES" SINGLE REVIEW - BLUES GUITAR!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7e88efc541a19a9b353bbf9f2935d2d2e36a077d/original/cover-blues-4-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GEORGE BLUE GALANOS </p>
<p>“The Blues” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>George Blue Galanos is a contemporary blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter hailing from southern Greece. Admittedly, Greece isn’t the first place one thinks of when looking for great blues music but Galanos does it up right, slinging a mean guitar and handling lead vocals like a seasoned pro. His latest single, “The Blues,” is a swinging, horn-laden track that shows all of Galanos’ abilities to listeners at once and demonstrates his deep connection to the genre. The track dropped May 16th, 2019 and was recorded and mixed at Studio 133 by Michael Skarakis and mastered at VU Productions by Nassos Nomikos. It’s the first single from Galanos’ upcoming full-length release that’s slated for the early 2020s and will make blues fans the world over more than a little curious about what else might be on that record. </p>
<p>“The Blues” is constructed on a slinky, jazz-influenced groove with a late-night feel and treated to a spacious arrangement that never gets overcrowded and gives Galanos’ guitar and voice plenty of room to work. He rides the song’s energy up and down, doing his emotive best to deliver his lyrics and playing in a way that stands tall when compared to the most established blues performers in the world. Galanos is a powerful, dynamic singer who can belt it out as well as bring it down low and switches gears easily. He is an equally skilled guitar player, taking his cues from icons like Jimi Hendrix, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Gary Moore, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Spiritual Beggars, ZZ Top, Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tinsley Ellis, Dave Meniketti, Phillip Sayce and Richie Kotzen. </p>
<p>George Blue Galanos is a rapidly-rising name on the international blues scene and it’s clear that he has what it takes to succeed. As a solo artist, he’s a force of nature and is steadily building a global audience. Anyone looking for some new blues with its own unique vibe should absolutely look his way. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="http://bit.ly/spotify-galanosblue-theblues" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bit.ly/spotify-galanosblue-theblues" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/spotify-galanosblue-theblues</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/user-709192301/the-blues-george-blue-galanos" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/user-709192301/the-blues-george-blue-galanos" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/user-709192301/the-blues-george-blue-galanos</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.georgebluegalanos.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.georgebluegalanos.com" target="_blank">https://www.georgebluegalanos.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="iZf6pe8219g" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/iZf6pe8219g/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZf6pe8219g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57741322019-05-30T16:44:26-05:002019-05-30T16:44:26-05:00ANDREW FARSTAR - SEVEN SINGLES REVIEWED - SMOOTH VOCALIST!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/babb3dd49a64653eb1ace9200921c8e28c99d7e4/original/andrew-farstar-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ANDREW FARSTAR </p>
<p>“I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love (Remix)” </p>
<p>“Top of The World” </p>
<p>“Sealed With A Kiss” </p>
<p>“A House Is Not A Home” </p>
<p>“Walk On By” </p>
<p>“You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” </p>
<p>“Cry Me A River” </p>
<p>Singles reviewed by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Andrew Farstar is a songwriter, vocalist, and music producer based in Australia with a smooth and individual style encompassing Pop, Jazz, EDM, and light Classical. He also has a background in sacred music and sings in multiple languages. Farstar has been steadily releasing music for the last few years and has garnered many positive reviews of his work, received much radio airplay, and built a strong online base of fans. Today, we’re going to spend some time spinning seven of his singles, all cover songs, that are available on all major streaming platforms and that demonstrate Farstar’s ability to interpret great songs and make them his own. </p>
<p>“I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love (Remix)” is a gentle and heartfelt retelling of the John O’Banion original. The track shows Farstar at his emotive best and is among his most popular songs. It has that “big movie soundtrack” feel mainstream audiences love and is a fine showcase of Farstar’s vocal ability. </p>
<p>“Top Of The World” finds Farstar giving the Sinatra treatment to The Carpenter’s classic, infusing it with a bouncy Big Band arrangement that makes this happy song sound even happier. Andrew has the right feel for this style and, if you loved <em>Songs For Swingin’ Lovers</em>, you’ll find this immediately attractive. It will start your morning off right, that’s for sure. </p>
<p>Bobby Vinton’s “Sealed With A Kiss” is treated to an almost Latin Jazz rendering that ups the emotional ante considerably from Vinton’s version and installs a slinky, late-night vibe to the song that works well. Farstar’s voice suits this cut nicely and he shines throughout. Play after midnight to feel the full effect. </p>
<p>Farstar turns in a gorgeous version of the Bacharach and David gem “A House Is Not A Home” that will pull at your heart and make you feel the loneliness of the lyric. This is another one meant for the wee, small hours of the morning and it seems as if Andrew is whispering the words into your ear so as not to wake the neighbors. </p>
<p>“Walk On By” finds Farstar channeling Dionne Warwick’s effortless 60s pop brilliance through an updated arrangement that’s as subtle as it is captivating. He has a wonderful touch for this sort of material that includes the restraint required to let the song, itself, take center stage. Where many singers would push too hard, Farstar keeps everything in the pocket and delivers emotion. </p>
<p>Farstar also does fine work on a lushly orchestrated take on Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” that’s a bit muted compared to the Wall of Sound production of the original and again puts Farstar into Sinatra territory. This version accentuates the lyric more than Springfield’s does and makes the sentiments expressed the focus of attention. </p>
<p>“Cry Me A River,” written by Arthur Hamilton and popularized by Julie London in 1955, is one of the greatest torch songs of all time and Farstar keeps it burning all night long. He communicates the song’s sadness and resignation extremely well and will hold you spellbound from end to end. This is a particularly good choice of cover song for Andrew and he fits it perfectly. </p>
<p>Andrew Farstar definitely has what it takes to achieve mainstream pop success. He’s been compared to Josh Groban, Michael Buble, and Air Supply and fans of that kind of accessible artistry will find a great deal to like about what he has going on. Anyone who grooves on the smoother side of contemporary music should seek him out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>"I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOUR LOVE (REMIX)": <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/1YitRl7wmG13KyKgBJvMAi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1YitRl7wmG13KyKgBJvMAi" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/1YitRl7wmG13KyKgBJvMAi</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"<strong>TOP OF THE WORLD": <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/0jJ5LaHydVEQGu5NqLbT0v" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0jJ5LaHydVEQGu5NqLbT0v" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/0jJ5LaHydVEQGu5NqLbT0v</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>"SEALED WITH A KISS": </b><a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/6wernUqL0KtTfUpdbkNEWU?si=kZ1Mlf0TQRCBoIsZyoOtxg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6wernUqL0KtTfUpdbkNEWU?si=kZ1Mlf0TQRCBoIsZyoOtxg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/6wernUqL0KtTfUpdbkNEWU?si=kZ1Mlf0TQRCBoIsZyoOtxg</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>"A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME": <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0mXb1E1LsYjy5O8dGvagTu" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0mXb1E1LsYjy5O8dGvagTu" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0mXb1E1LsYjy5O8dGvagTu</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"WALK ON BY": <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0oOJH6FXle7hETTNnMcT6l" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0oOJH6FXle7hETTNnMcT6l" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0oOJH6FXle7hETTNnMcT6l</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME": <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0H9SAGE7tK4iKJQfUrHHcC" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0H9SAGE7tK4iKJQfUrHHcC" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0H9SAGE7tK4iKJQfUrHHcC</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"CRY ME A RIVER": <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7bU7xRBs55d2QA8fgUumtH" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7bU7xRBs55d2QA8fgUumtH" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7bU7xRBs55d2QA8fgUumtH</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="http://www.andrewfarstar.net/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.andrewfarstar.net/" target="_blank">http://www.andrewfarstar.net/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57711032019-05-28T13:22:39-05:002019-05-28T13:22:39-05:00308 GHOST TRAIN "21 GUNS AND A MILLION TEARS" REVIEW - PATRIOTIC ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e337d3ea4bc478297e4d531577e4907d7d0bad0c/original/308gt21guns.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>308 GHOST TRAIN </p>
<p>“21 Guns And A Million Tears” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>308 Ghost Train is a compelling new rock and roll project by lead singer Anthony "Train" Caruso with a tight, straight-up sound and a message to deliver. The band name refers to the Gospel of John 3:8 (“The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”), the Holy Ghost, and Caruso’s nickname with the intent of showing that God is moving him forward with this music in order to inspire others. Caruso’s message is an inclusive one that promotes unity, positivity, inspiration, spirituality, and patriotism. </p>
<p>The latest release from 308 Ghost Train is the single “21 Guns And A Million Tears,” a driving rocker that hit the streets May 24, 2019 and is taken from the upcoming EP <em>Born In The Wild</em>, which will drop on June 18th. The song is dedicated to all of America’s vets and first responders, especially those facing difficult situations, and strives to give them the hope needed to get back to living full and meaningful lives. It begins with a somber bit of “Taps” played on bagpipes but quickly kicks into an upbeat rock groove with a classic feel. Caruso takes on the voice of a service member who has paid the ultimate price willingly, saying “Drop to your knees but don’t cry for me./A folded flag was meant to be” and conveys real emotion with his performance. </p>
<p>The track has an anthemic feel to it and is anchored on great-sounding guitars and a warm analog synth and recalls the best of non-hair-band 80s rock. The chorus packs a strong hook and will touch the soul of anyone who shares Caruso’s love of his country and his respect for these people. 308 Ghost Train is a wonderful throwback to the days when music was more than a commercial and fans connected to their artists on a deeper level. If your heart needs a recharge, turn this one up loud.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/06dfGFjO42JO6JQRl0ohBi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/06dfGFjO42JO6JQRl0ohBi" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/06dfGFjO42JO6JQRl0ohBi</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.308ghosttrain.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.308ghosttrain.com/" target="_blank">https://www.308ghosttrain.com/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57589182019-05-17T20:26:59-05:002019-05-17T20:26:59-05:00TREY WONDER "WARMER" & "SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING" VIDEO REVIEWS - ALT/PUNK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1a1d2c1c2148d8f219125efcde5fe263466aff7d/original/trey-wonder-1.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TREY WONDER </p>
<p>“Warmer” </p>
<p>“Somebody Do Something” </p>
<p>Music videos reviewed by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Trey Wonder is an indie artist living on the Big Island in Hawaii making quirky-but-catchy music that’s highly creative, idiosyncratic, and memorable. His background is in punk, grunge, and metal but his sound is best described as melodic alternative punk with pop-influenced hooks. He’s also somewhat of a minimalist who keeps every aspect of his recordings in service to the song, never overloading arrangements or drifting off into a metallic rage. Wonder has recently released a pair of music videos for the tracks “Warmer” and “Somebody Do Something” that are entertaining and help communicate the abstract, almost surreal sensibilities that lurk just beneath his surface. </p>
<p>“Warmer” is a hip-swaying mid-tempo alt/pop sort of cut that functions as a darkly-sarcastic work song. The lyrics tell of “tying one on” after work on a “pretty good day” but are accompanied by images of heavy-duty mining work in the video, which doesn’t look like much fun at all. Still, the chorus admonishes us “Don’t fly too close to the sun,” which feels like Wonder saying that this existence is difficult and dangerous and we may get burned by expecting it to be anything else. It’s got a bit of Nirvana-esque moodiness to it at first but the chorus is an automatic earworm. The video keeps throwing shifting images at us that pull us in quickly but prevent anything from becoming too comfortable to be dull. </p>
<p>“Somebody Do Something” is a faster, full-on melodic punk track with a classic feel. The drums drive the rhythm along in a cool car-radio way and the guitars crunch as they should. The lyrics deal with helping someone close “figure out” their problems as a priority and they come off as human and real. The video takes the abstract path again, coming at us with seeming-random sequences of eyeballs, high-speed starfish, and two guys filling a house with water until it implodes, which does kind of look like fun. </p>
<p>Wonder never lets us settle in during both of these video clips and that’s what makes them artistic and emotive. He makes us react to his sounds and images in a practically non-verbal way that makes us feel before we realize what’s happening. Plus, both tracks are proper rock and roll and sound good turned up loud. Trey Wonder vibes like something important about to happen. Let’s hope he does. It’d be nice to see something this real break big.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ScMH5VBTBfM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ScMH5VBTBfM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ScMH5VBTBfM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vkp2l_Zok2I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vkp2l_Zok2I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vkp2l_Zok2I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://treywonder.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://treywonder.com" target="_blank">https://treywonder.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/trey.wonder" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/trey.wonder" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/trey.wonder</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57544642019-05-14T15:06:56-05:002019-05-14T15:06:56-05:00ALABAMA ROSE "COME WITH ME" SINGLE & VIDEO REVIEW - ROCK AND ROLL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/be1494d313f5a4d35c6c044bcff32fcc4cb9d6bb/original/alabama-rose-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ALABAMA ROSE </p>
<p>“Come With Me” </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Alabama Rose is a developing rock artist with an original sound that’s dark and hypnotic. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Rose blends vintage rock, soul, blues, and roots music into modern songs that she records live to capture the true human essence of what she does. Her latest release, the single “Come With Me,” is now available on all major streaming platforms and the track is a wonderful bit of driving rock and roll with a hint of reverb-drenched psychedelics around the edges. It was recorded live in Nashville at The Bomb Shelter by Jon Estes (Jon Paul White, Jeff Coffin, Bela Fleck) and mastered by TW Walsh (Sufjan Stevens, Ben Gibbard, The Shins) and these two pros helped Rose bring the heat, translate her energy to tape, deliver us a song that immediately pulls listeners into its universe. </p>
<p>“Come With Me” is a road song of the first order. It’s an invitation to escape and puts Rose’s desire to disappear into the ether never to return front and center. It’s the sort of thing everyone thinks about but few ever accomplish. Everything about “Come With Me” feels like the endless road trip of a lifetime, from its highway-speed groove to the wide-open spaces of Rose’s lyrics and melody. She reaches out to those feeling her message, telling them to “take your cross and come with me.” Rose reminds us that the road is often a place of redemption and rebirth where you can live out a new story any time you need to by simply hitting the nearest interstate. </p>
<p>The video is a travelogue of footage shot by Rose and her husband over the last year or so of the people and places they encountered while shaking their own burdens loose. It has an amazing randomness to it that feels like the blur of memories that have piled up after a long trip. Its homespun vibe is also appealing and honest and enhances an already-strong song. Alabama Rose may be a fresh name to some but she deserves a place in your record collection. She’s providing just the sort of personal authenticity the world needs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nbwLVPGBo3Q" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nbwLVPGBo3Q/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nbwLVPGBo3Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/71OnFojdfEeCJMPa8ra6ct?si=OxvYXkINTCOR_3ilLeZWBw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/71OnFojdfEeCJMPa8ra6ct?si=OxvYXkINTCOR_3ilLeZWBw" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/71OnFojdfEeCJMPa8ra6ct?si=OxvYXkINTCOR_3ilLeZWBw</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.alabamaroseofficial.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.alabamaroseofficial.com" target="_blank">www.alabamaroseofficial.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/user-578023788/02-24-441-alabama-rose/s-UX8H4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/user-578023788/02-24-441-alabama-rose/s-UX8H4" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/user-578023788/02-24-441-alabama-rose/s-UX8H4</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="www.facebook.com/alabamaroseofficial" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/alabamaroseofficial" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/alabamaroseofficial</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="www.instagram.com/alabamaroseofficial" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/alabamaroseofficial" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/alabamaroseofficial</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b55636538fe969563e1992fb5951d0088c48153c/original/alabama-rose-3.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57503102019-05-10T15:49:00-05:002019-05-10T15:49:00-05:00TEXMEX SHAMAN "FEVER IN THE SOUTH" EP REVIEW - EXPERIMENTAL FUNK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/56e9689f22443a218b3e6a9ab531e0e9d4d4047c/original/screen-shot-2019-05-10-at-3-40-39-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TEXMEX SHAMAN </p>
<p><em>Fever in the South </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>TexMex Shaman is a guitarist and avant-garde composer in Dallas, Texas who is evolving an expressive and somewhat abstract strain of instrumental funk rock by jamming styles together until something fits. His latest release, <em>Fever in the South</em>, shows Shaman combining rock guitar, funk beats, loops, samples, and multiple genres with a fearless disregard for convention and a burning desire to subvert musical norms. Shaman works way outside of the mainstream and is the kind of wild, reckless visionary that America once grew like wildflowers. Little is known of his background, as he keeps a lid on his identity, but his creativity commands attention in that love-it-or-hate-it kind of way that all great artists share. </p>
<p><em>Fever in the South </em>contains six tracks, none of which are easy to define. The opening cut, “Yeah, They Deliver,” drifts between Asian-esque melodies and acoustic Delta blues over electronic percussion until the distorted guitar and throbbing bass kick in, both of which are painted in overlapping Jackson Pollock-like splatters of color. It then fades out to almost nothing before building back into a stony funk pocket. Experimental, to be sure, but absolutely valid. “Roll Over Matryoshka” is another fantastic voyage that begins as smooth, mellow, and atmospheric funk before drifting out to sea and coming back as Giorgio Moroder-inspired disco topped with a wah-drenched guitar. Again, completely unpredictable and idiosyncratic but not without a certain charm. Shaman colors across the lines to the point of obliteration and that feels like the point of the whole record. “Peking Bass” is future funk for a party that hasn’t happened yet but seems inevitable. </p>
<p>All six tracks on <em>Fever in the South</em> are worth investing listening time into and letting them pull you into their worlds. TexMex Shaman is doing art for art’s sake and, while his music isn’t for everybody, it will make many music lovers on the left side of the dial very happy. There are enough bands making beer-commercial music out there already to keep the zombies happy for a long time. TexMex Shaman is brave enough to go the opposite way, live on the fringes, and explore the margins. That, alone, should put him on your radar.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/sets/songs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/sets/songs" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/texmex-shaman/sets/songs</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VEaPZdJfnXEnJ7qTDhJPM" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VEaPZdJfnXEnJ7qTDhJPM" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VEaPZdJfnXEnJ7qTDhJPM</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CD BABY: <a contents="https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TexmexShaman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TexmexShaman" target="_blank">https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TexmexShaman</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ktIdTIdlQTU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ktIdTIdlQTU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ktIdTIdlQTU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57479962019-05-09T00:01:02-05:002019-05-09T00:01:02-05:00NUELL MARTIN "OPERATION BIFROST" REVIEW - AMBIENT DOWNTEMPO!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b32acb5a3b6d17a095df5e9e3652368b54f46c3c/original/nuell-martin-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>NUELL MARTIN </p>
<p><em>Operation Bifrost </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Nuell Martin is an ambient electronic musician and composer with a downtempo jones and a sci-fi attitude. He makes instrumental music that deals with some of life’s biggest questions and allows listeners to find the answers each in their own way. His latest release is called <em>Operation Bifrost</em> and is a concept album in which the concept isn’t revealed but is left to those listening to define. This is a left-of-center approach, to be sure, but it gives Martin’s fans a high level of personal interactivity that a traditional album can’t match. Martin has made each component of <em>Operation Bifrost </em>part of the album’s story that’s meant to be interpreted. The title, artwork, songs, and sequence are all specks of a tale of new technologies and old sins that every listener gets to tell themselves. </p>
<p>The record is only five tracks in length but each one is well-conceived and executed, which lets the intended ideas flow from the first moments of the opening cut “Stealing The Secret.” It’s built upon a mid-tempo synthwave-ish groove that’s quietly relentless and supports the synths swirling above it nicely. “Monegros” is throbbing and cinematic and puts minds in a hypnotic, contemplative state. Martin takes his listeners deep into their own selves in an exquisitely dark manner reminiscent of the best science fiction soundtracks and the electronic side of 1980s New Age. His music connects with the elemental rhythms of the body and brain and pours out its secrets all around you. Other highlights include “The Gift” and “Betrayed.” </p>
<p>Every moment of <em>Operation Bifrost</em> is compelling in its own way and the set should really be listened to in order in a single sitting. Its magic is most effective that way and one pass through it will prove that point. Nuell Martin is a name for ambient music aficionados to remember and investigate. His music needs to reach a larger audience and this new effort has the potential to do just that.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://nuellmartin.bandcamp.com/album/operation-bifrost" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nuellmartin.bandcamp.com/album/operation-bifrost" target="_blank">https://nuellmartin.bandcamp.com/album/operation-bifrost</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/stil0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/stil0" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/stil0</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4c87b0d995fc341ba2ef70ae020efdfe7a319afe/original/nuell-martin-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57409212019-05-02T18:58:06-05:002019-05-02T18:59:15-05:00MASSIVE A.K.A. MASS DOG SOUNDCLOUD REVIEW - HIP HOP!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8c9ef154328a7d5bc910ffed0669a9bcdc59129a/original/screen-shot-2019-05-02-at-6-47-33-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MASSIVE </p>
<p>SoundCloud review </p>
<p>By Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>MC/producer Massive, a.k.a. Mass Dog, has been making highly-individualized rap music in Los Angeles since the West Coast takeover of the 1990s. He was mentored by Compton’s Most Wanted’s DJ Slip and DJ Unknown back then and was quickly recognized as an important artist and creator in the L.A. scene. He has given his life to the game, has a discography that goes back to ‘92, and has evolved many times since then. These days, Massive puts down what he calls Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop or Grown Folks Rap, a sound that puts him squarely in his own creative zone and gives him a strong identity as a performer. </p>
<p>Massive has released many tracks in his career but his recent work, displayed on his SoundCloud page <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/massdogmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/massdogmusic" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/massdogmusic</a>, shows him to be a fully-realized artist, lyricist, and producer at this point in his life. He knows exactly what he’s doing and is creating songs that could only come from him. He can do the hit single thing with a track like “What’s Your Fantasy,” which is a smooth-but-banging party cut, but also has a deeper, harder, and more artistic side. This sound comes out on songs like “You Really Want,” a tough modern cut featuring big synths, trap hi-hats, and a hard-nosed attitude. “Let’s Go SM” continues in that same vein. The track is aggressive and dissonant and will appeal to the everyday fan on the street. </p>
<p>Massive has big ears and draws inspiration from performers and sounds that range from Scarface, NWA, Public Enemy, Neo-Soul, and R&B to Hall & Oates, Duran Duran, Nirvana, and Billy Idol. It’s this depth of influence that lets him be his own man as an artist, one with a vision and style that could only emerge from such a radical blend. Mass Dog goes all in on every track he does to make sure listeners always get more than they expected. Hip-hop fans looking for music that goes beyond the latest flavor-of-the-month artists need to align with Massive and level up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/massdogmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/massdogmusic" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/massdogmusic</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CD BABY: <a contents="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/bigmassive" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/bigmassive" target="_blank">https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/bigmassive</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="R4cl3VaQOg4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/R4cl3VaQOg4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R4cl3VaQOg4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57356102019-04-28T19:53:51-05:002019-04-28T19:53:51-05:00HOWARD HERRICK "HOWARD HERRICK" ALBUM REVIEW - ECLECTIC SONGWRITER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/86f1a8defa3883265062611fa4b6e90e0338b46e/original/howard-herrick-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HOWARD HERRICK </p>
<p><em>Howard Herrick </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Howard Herrick is an eclectic and prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known for making music for TV, film, theater, and gaming. He has written and produced music for movies and theater productions including My One and Only, Vanishing on 7th Street, Very Good Girls, Nightlight, and Peter Pan 360. He wrote the music for Shaquille O’Neal’s video game Shaq-Fu: A Legend Reborn, and is currently creating music for the second season of the hit Lifetime beauty competition television series American Beauty Star. Somewhere in and amongst all that work, Herrick found the time to write and record a solo album, the self-titled <em>Howard Herrick.</em> It’s a highly-listenable effort from a versatile, mature artist with skills to burn and more than a little to say. </p>
<p>Herrick is a wide-ranging talent with ears big enough to draw influences from pop, rock, jazz, blues, orchestral, dance, electronic, and indie styles. He’s a tight and inventive songwriter with the discipline to make each line count and put every note in the right place. <em>Howard Herrick</em> opens with the moody pop brilliance of “Hold My Hand,” an emotional and cinematic track that deftly uses melody, atmosphere, and memorable vocal and instrumental hooks to pull listeners into its world. </p>
<p>One of the record’s best moments is “Show Me That One Again,” a tender song of love and concern for a sister rendered with only piano and voice. A song like this could easily turn to overly-sentimental lounge singer mush but Herrick stands tall in this vulnerable moment and delivers a track with genuine emotion that avoids lyrical cliches and hits its target dead on. The simple format reveals the great artistry in Herrick’s work and, if this one doesn’t move you, you should probably check your pulse. </p>
<p>“Go And Hear” is a crunchy mid-tempo rock track with ethereal vocals and great-sounding guitars. “Is Love Enough” nails a vintage 70s pop radio sound while still maintaining its originality and “Nothing Lasts Forever” is smart, lyrical pop done right and well. Other highlights include “Sad Plant” and “Behind Closed Doors.” Clearly, Howard Herrick is a pro at this songwriting stuff and his solo record is an engaging and enjoyable trip through his catalog. Here’s hoping there’s another one of these on the way.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.howardherrickmusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.howardherrickmusic.com/" target="_blank">https://www.howardherrickmusic.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kFr2lfqMOXvmB9sy0Lp5d" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kFr2lfqMOXvmB9sy0Lp5d" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kFr2lfqMOXvmB9sy0Lp5d</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rh7cHo4S_1g" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rh7cHo4S_1g/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rh7cHo4S_1g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57284752019-04-22T14:29:12-05:002019-04-22T14:29:12-05:00YOUNG PIJE "MAMASITA" SINGLE AND VIDEO REVIEW - CHILL POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c553ca9a5c668ff3db5d02cc9e1b194fc28e5802/original/attachment-1555955489.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>YOUNG PIJE </p>
<p>“Mamasita” </p>
<p>Song and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>“Mamasita” is the new track and music video from vocalist/songwriter Young Pije. Based in Aachen, Germany, Young Pije and producer Iavibeats have delivered a low-key gem to the world that could easily be the best song of Summer 2019. “Mamasita” blurs genres, cultures, and sounds seamlessly into an individual style that swiftly pulls listeners inside. </p>
<p>The first thing you notice about Young Pije is his amazingly high singing voice. He is a Super Tenor with a vocal sound tailor-made for hit singles. “Mamasita” features him singing as well as laying down some melodic rap-influenced verses that are quite effective. His voice gives Pije the ability to easily mix styles and he does exactly that on “Mamasita.” The track combines pop, hip-hop, and EDM DNA into something unique that will appeal to all three crowds. Producer Iavibeats keeps it chill, kinetic, and atmospheric all at one, which is a display of deep skills. </p>
<p>Young Pije drops the vocals in German and English but the video gets his message across for those who can’t translate. The clip is about good times with beautiful women and carries an upscale romantic vibe. This really is a perfect song for private moments shared after midnight. One listen and you will understand. Young Pije has crafted a winner with “Mamasita.” It’s a memorable pop song that lives in a cool headspace and should attract a lot of attention. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="jiFKgWZH0YE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/jiFKgWZH0YE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jiFKgWZH0YE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/youngpije/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/youngpije/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/youngpije/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/57003522019-03-29T23:15:18-05:002019-03-29T23:15:18-05:00JASON BEMBRY "WHEN YOU FALL" EP REVIEW - PIANO POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/abfb65342d20e2d6933011d92f4a5efc79930e50/original/j-bembry-2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JASON BEMBRY </p>
<p><em>When You Fall </em></p>
<p>EP review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Jason Bembry is a piano-playing singer/songwriter based in New York City who’s rapidly gaining attention for his classically-trained instrumental skills and a compositional sensibility that displays musical maturity seldom found in a young artist. Bembry is only 22 years old but has already developed a melodic and accessible style of lyrical songwriting that has the potential to grow into a lifelong career. His debut EP, <em>When You Fall,</em> is a well-conceived and executed set of music that shows Bembry on a trajectory that could take him to the realm of mainstream pop icons like Coldplay and Billy Joel. His structures are tight, his words and melodies are memorable, and the emotions he invokes are genuine. His sound is much more organic than the overly-electronic pop usually encountered these days and that human feel is what gives him a strong identity and a competitive edge. </p>
<p><em>When You Fall </em>only contains six tracks but each one is strong and there are no dead spots to be found. “A Walk Inside” opens the record in fine style and features a mid-tempo pocket topped with outstanding hooks and lyrics that describe deep relationship issues without resorting to cliches. The title track, “When You Fall,” chugs along nicely and communicates ideas of commitment and support in times of trouble. Other highlights include “Safe,” “No Sleep,” and “We Stay.” </p>
<p>Bembry has a sound that could launch him to the top end of the music business and reach a worldwide audience. It will be interesting to listen to him grow over the next few years and this EP will make you eager to hear a full-length effort that will hopefully come next. In any case, Jason Bembry is a large talent just waiting to break out onto the international stage. Fans of the craft of songwriting will find much to like in his work. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/57D1jPpZxrqGP63VGGayw3?si=WmRx14c-RZeGl2K7QMEMvw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/57D1jPpZxrqGP63VGGayw3?si=WmRx14c-RZeGl2K7QMEMvw" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/57D1jPpZxrqGP63VGGayw3?si=WmRx14c-RZeGl2K7QMEMvw</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WEBSITE:<a contents="https://www.jasonbembry.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jasonbembry.com" target="_blank">https://www.jasonbembry.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/jasonbembrymusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/jasonbembrymusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/jasonbembrymusic/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents=" https://www.instagram.com/jason.bembry/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/jason.bembry/" target="_blank"> https://www.instagram.com/jason.bembry/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER: <a contents=" https://twitter.com/jasonbembry" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/jasonbembry" target="_blank"> https://twitter.com/jasonbembry</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0Yqur-1FBwg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0Yqur-1FBwg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Yqur-1FBwg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56921252019-03-24T23:24:58-05:002019-03-24T23:24:58-05:00ROB GEORG "DUST" SINGLE REVIEW - COUNTRY!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2a9d8cdf1be6d3da0e31638c8e64a4cd903827f0/original/rob-georg-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ROB GEORG </p>
<p>“Dust” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rob Georg is a country singer and songwriter who just happens to be an actual cowboy, just one who’s from Germany. He has spent his life in equine sports working with Cutting horses. Cutting is a Western-style/discipline ridden on horses working cattle. This gives Rob a big helping of true country credibility and puts him in alignment with other famous real cowboys and songwriters like Chris Ledoux. His latest single, “Dust,” is a gritty slice of rocked-up modern country music about the everyday lives of people in his line of work. It is a song meant to give listeners some idea of what non-Hollywood cowboys do that is never shown in the movies. Coming from an artist with a different background, this type of song and lyric could seem less than genuine but Georg, like all real country performers, knows the life of which he sings and comes at his fans straight and true. </p>
<p>“Dust” is a solid mid-tempo cut with a slow-burn groove and some pleasantly-crunchy guitar playing on it that support Georg’s tales of early mornings, scars, and the dangers of working with livestock in fine style. He’s only been releasing music since 2018 but has the guts, talent, and feel of an industry veteran. He recorded at Saxman Studios and Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville and those Tennessee pros helped him dial in his sound and vision perfectly. “Dust” hits the target it’s aimed at dead on. </p>
<p>Georg has charted on online and terrestrial radio with his songs and seems to have the making of a country music career coming together even though he got a late start in the game. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here but the music he’s already made is compelling and engaging. Rob Georg is clearly an artist on the rise with the talent required to reach an international audience. Country fans should give him a spin and see if this German cowboy gets their boots to scooting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Watch The Video:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4heVqlmE2Vw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/4heVqlmE2Vw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4heVqlmE2Vw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Website: <a contents="www.rob-georg-music.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rob-georg-music.com">www.rob-georg-music.com</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/4OzQKVLJhKhTyzLidpdQeK" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4OzQKVLJhKhTyzLidpdQeK" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/4OzQKVLJhKhTyzLidpdQeK</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/59cbdb5e6a312eb30b5ed2ca1126ef31054884b8/original/rob-georg-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56686562019-03-04T14:43:28-06:002019-03-04T14:43:28-06:00IAN HENDRIX "RELEASE" SINGLE REVIEW - MODERN ELECTRONIC POP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c9501f3e40960955b596ba5b95c0f352d7917b06/original/hendrix-release-cd-cover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>IAN HENDRIX </p>
<p>“Release” </p>
<p>Single and video review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Ian Hendrix is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer based in California who has developed a highly-individualized creative style. A former member of the United States Marine Corps, Hendrix makes music that is futuristic and anachronistic all at once. He uses electronic and organic sounds as well as anything else that stimulates his soul to arrive at a style that is both fresh and familiar. His latest single, “Release,” drops March 12th, 2019. The track is a delicious bit of modern atmospheric pop built on pulsating synths and a hip-shaking bassline and is an excellent introduction to his world for the uninitiated. </p>
<p>“Release” was co-produced by noted studio ace Robert Eibach and Hendrix, himself, at Del Oro Music Studios. The pair has an established and productive working relationship, having done other projects together in the past, and share a musical understanding that elevates this track to the far-from-typical level. Vocalist Katie Shorey is featured on “Release” and absolutely owns the space she is given. Her clear, soaring tones and expressive performance light up the room upon first listening and she was the perfect choice for this song. “Release” is also accompanied by an anime-influenced music video that is Episode #2 in Hendrix’s ongoing video series. </p>
<p>Hendrix draws inspiration from many sources that range from New Order to CSN and Neil Young. This mixing of characters seems integral to Ian’s big-picture writing vibe and does a lot to keep his work out of imitation’s shadow and in its own original light. “Release” has the power to reach modern listeners where they live and will hopefully help raise Hendrix’s profile in the international music scene. This music is his poetry, an introspective statement that’s tumultuous, tender, and completely his own. Those who feel drawn to those qualities will want to start paying attention right away.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hosZWXZwGAQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/hosZWXZwGAQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hosZWXZwGAQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7af674fad384af02884cbcef2b17351a2a8396d0/original/hendrix-release-cd-back-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56674302019-03-03T13:59:05-06:002019-03-03T13:59:05-06:00SPIDA COLLINS "INSOMNIA GANG" SINGLE REVIEW - SOUTHERN HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2a7e2e36c562ccdb37001ee8a984ef83b1d61418/original/spida-collins-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SPIDA COLLINS </p>
<p>“Insomnia Gang” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Spida Collins is an emerging underground hip-hop artist coming straight out of Mount Andrew, Alabama with a new track and music video called “Insomnia Gang” that is 100% straight fire. Collins is a skilled wordsmith with an authentically personal flow that sets him apart from the rest of the rap world. His style is level-headed and deep and he puts his message across in a way that increases its power. The video takes it even further. </p>
<p>“Insomnia Gang” is an anthem to the grind it takes to succeed in the 21st Century and the title refers to the 24/7 effort he puts in to be who he is. The track is packed with the hard-edged soul of someone who has lived the life he writes about and Spida’s realness is the first thing you notice when listening. The beat is low-down and bold and matches up well with Collins’ lyrical delivery and “Insomnia Gang” is balanced perfectly between words and music. Neither one oversteps the other and this balance shows the control and restraint of true artistry. All this track needs is for the world to hear it. </p>
<p>Spida Collins represents Southern hip-hop at its best. He adds his own magic to a familiar stylistic base and the resulting noise is big enough to reach the whole world. “Insomnia Gang” is cutting, classic, and uplifting all at once. Already, it’s easily one of the year’s best new songs. We will all be hearing a lot more from this young artist.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8xiHLvGptwE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8xiHLvGptwE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8xiHLvGptwE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56528312019-02-20T22:55:03-06:002019-02-20T22:55:03-06:00ILLRECUR "EVOLU" REVIEW - EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRONIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/81a3ef844f65f5f71346ca5bdbc654d1662c063f/original/illrecur-2019-img-cllg1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>illrecur </p>
<p><em>Evolu </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>illrecur (all lower case) is the name of the long-running studio project helmed by composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Allen Pursell. Pursell is an amazingly prolific musician and has released 39 albums worth of music since 1997. Working from Columbus, Ohio, he creates experimental instrumental music across many styles. </p>
<p>The latest illrecur record, one of five new albums Pursell gave us all in February of 2019, is called <em>Evolu</em> and it’s a striking set of ambient/electronic/film music with deep emotional underpinnings to each track. illrecur compositions are typically inspired by the connections between music, mood, psychology, and behavior but these come from a slightly different space. These pieces draw life from varying styles of 70s, 80s, and 90s radio sounds, video games, and the soundtracks of popular and cult movies. Each one takes listeners on its own sonic journey but still connects to the larger themes of obscurity, confusion, perception, discovery, and strange adventures that drive Evolu and the other four records. </p>
<p>“Can’t Sleep” opens the set with an anthemic-yet-melancholy vibe that commands attention but remains unpredictable. Pursell displays considerable compositional chops here and throughout the album, never taking the low road of calling random synth drones a soundtrack. “Addendum” is orchestral and brooding in tone and continually evolves its themes and motives. “Struggle for Meaning” continues the slowly-building tension that defines <em>Evolu </em>and makes this 19-track record an engrossing listen from front to back. </p>
<p>Pursell drops a lot of music with illrecur but getting through his tracks is never an overwhelming chore. His music is intellectually and emotionally seductive and you’ll find yourself listening to<em> Evolu </em>in one sitting with even realizing it. Compelling and clean, illrecur should be a big hit with anyone who has been enjoying the electronic soundtrack Renaissance of the last several years. Jeremy Allen Pursell belongs in the ranks of those composers and is in possession of the sounds and sensibilities required to work at the industry’s highest levels. Listen to this today!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://illrecur.bandcamp.com/album/evolu" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://illrecur.bandcamp.com/album/evolu" target="_blank">https://illrecur.bandcamp.com/album/evolu</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="http://www.illrecur.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.illrecur.com" target="_blank">http://www.illrecur.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/625df070435f6c193853f3e520c69991d752558e/original/illrecur-page-ad1-2019.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56466642019-02-16T15:26:47-06:002019-02-16T15:26:47-06:00BLOOD OF HEROES "SYMBOLIC VOICES" REVIEW - METAL!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4b96905546dfc744869e222e9a77a24968d1cfe1/original/blood-of-heroes-symbolic-voices-album-artwork.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BLOOD OF HEROES </p>
<p><em>Symbolic Voices </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Blood of Heroes is a five-piece hard rock/metal band from Danville, Illinois that has been forging its highly individualistic sound since forming in 2016. The band has a tight, modern groove metal approach that is immediately attention-grabbing for its musicality, strong pockets, and sheer heaviness. The group’s new release <em>Symbolic Voices </em>on the AMG/Sony imprint is beautifully violent, corrosive, and inspiring and shows the power and creativity Blood of Heroes brings to both the studio and the concert stage. </p>
<p>BoH calls itself a “band from the dark side of town” and that’s a pretty accurate description of the vibe and sound found on <em>Symbolic Voices</em>. This is serious, crowd-moving music with a deep noir feel attached to an explosive fuse. Band members Rich Treadway (vocals), Phillip Polezoes (guitar), Torbjron Solgard (bass), Eric Abner (guitar), and Nick Polezoes (drums) drop a big hammer on these sessions but balance the rock with powerful vocal and instrumental hooks that permanently install their songs into the ears of listeners upon first contact. The band isn’t afraid to be melodic and dynamic, either, and this makes for an eminently listenable and mind-bending record. Tracks like “F**ked Up Shit,” the opening cut, are a kick in the teeth and guaranteed to cause mayhem in a live setting. </p>
<p>The title track, “Symbolic Voices,” mixes some stony moments into the metal and shows a different dimension of the band. Blood of Heroes is also unafraid to pull influences from outside of its genre, as the seven-minute cover of The Cars’ “Moving In Stereo” demonstrates. It’s a brilliant version of a song few would think of in this type of context but makes perfect sense when you hear it. Blood of Heroes will appeal to fans into Lamb of God, Pantera, Coal Chamber, and Savatage but is well on its way to influencing the next generation of rock music all on its own. Expect this one to break big.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/BloodOfHeroesmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/BloodOfHeroesmusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BloodOfHeroesmusic</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/blood_of_heroes_band" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/blood_of_heroes_band" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/blood_of_heroes_band</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER: <a contents="https://twitter.com/BloodOfHeroes54" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/BloodOfHeroes54" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/BloodOfHeroes54</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56466632019-02-16T15:17:45-06:002019-02-16T15:17:45-06:00BLACK HEBREW "JENN" SINGLE REVIEW - R&B!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/769dfe98f354586b5fa11f39d68d2a017e58c8c1/original/black-hebrew-jenn-2-001.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BLACK HEBREW </p>
<p>“Jenn” </p>
<p>(Ajani Music) </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>“Jenn” is the new single from vocalist Black Hebrew on the Ajani Music imprint and fans of smooth, positive modern R&B are going to want to playlist the track as soon as they hear it. It’s a hit single-worthy slow jam inspired by an attention-getting love interest encountered in a new place of employment. Produced and co-written by Gino, “Jenn” is the story of a crush fueled by positive intentions and emotions, a quality that makes it stand out in today’s over-sexualized and often-disrespectful music scene. </p>
<p>Black Hebrew has the silky tenor voice of a future star and his performance here is soulful and memorable. The chorus hook is strong and BH delivers it in a way that makes it an instant earworm. Gino’s production is understated and right in the pocket, which lets the hook and vocal each do their job. Overall, “Jenn” is a romantic and enticing slice of 21st Century R&B that’s certain to win fans anywhere it gets played. Turn the lights down low and let this music work its magic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/track/7sv49gqpULMtq24cBTqzm4?si=dvVbxIv5Sp6PkbmkDFWVjw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7sv49gqpULMtq24cBTqzm4?si=dvVbxIv5Sp6PkbmkDFWVjw" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/track/7sv49gqpULMtq24cBTqzm4?si=dvVbxIv5Sp6PkbmkDFWVjw</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.ajanimusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ajanimusic.com" target="_blank">https://www.ajanimusic.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/ajanimusiq" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ajanimusiq" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ajanimusiq</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/ajani_music/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/ajani_music/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/ajani_music/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56440382019-02-14T20:02:09-06:002019-02-14T20:02:09-06:00CHASE "THE CURRENCY OF LOVE" REVIEW - HIP HOP!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2dac18d5e60e212889b194dad3be3baf900787a1/original/chase-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>CHASE </p>
<p><em>The Currency Of Love </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Chase A. Matthews is a Hip-Hop artist and producer based in Denver, Colorado who has made his name in the rap music game in only a few short years. He didn’t get serious about music until he was 17 but immediately blew up in his high school and hometown when he did. He knew in his heart that he was meant to make music and started putting in work. His latest release, <em>The Currency Of Love</em>, is his fourth since dropping his first EP in 2016 and is his best effort to date. </p>
<p>Chase is a self-contained Renaissance man who writes, engineers, produces, mixes, and masters all of his own music and, as such, has developed a unique lyrical and musical style that allows him to stand apart from his peers. The tracks on <em>The Currency Of Love</em> deftly combine funky beats and trap-isms, pop hooks, EDM synths, and deeper-than-most lyrical bars into music that hasn’t been heard until now. Chase also has an atmospheric production style that gives his songs a cinematic quality perfectly suited to the mind movies he relates on the microphone. </p>
<p>The single “Miserable” is a fine example of this soundtrack-worthy vibe. It’s a highly personal breakup story that lives in the grey areas between people. Chase dives into his own mind to pull out the wisdom he needs to thrive and survive. Few rap artists show their authentic selves like this, which is why they don’t shine like this. Other must-hear cuts on this set include “Zxmbie Boy,” “333,” and “Beauty Queen.” </p>
<p>Overall, <em>The Currency Of Love </em>is an outstanding effort from a young artist still expanding into his talent. Chase controls his entire process and every beat, note, and word is exactly where he wants them to be. This record is something new for the rap fans of the world and has the potential to introduce Chase to an exponentially larger audience. Here’s hoping that happens sooner rather than later.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/realchasemusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/realchasemusic" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/realchasemusic</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/realchasemusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/realchasemusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/realchasemusic/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/26578a7ed691dac4dbe3a253b0bfa9761640c015/original/chase-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56340872019-02-08T14:54:49-06:002019-02-08T14:54:49-06:00WAV-DR. & BONNIE LEGION "WAV-LEGION" REVIEW - INDIE ELECTRONIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5a92acb571223afd68b52ded6aff7b090fc65b9c/original/wav-legion.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>WAV-DR. & BONNIE LEGION </p>
<p><em>Wav-Legion </em></p>
<p>(All Ears Music Production/Sound Legion) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p><em>Wav-Legion </em>is a collaborative album made by independent artists Wav-Dr. and Shavon Bonnie Legion, which is, among other things, showing the world how powerful underground musicians can be when working together. Wav-Dr. is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and producer and Shavon Bonnie Legion is a singer/songwriter from California. The pair connected on the Blockchain music site Choon and made this record in only seven weeks, which is a pretty brisk pace for new partners. Nevertheless, they crafted 13 original songs that exist in a fusion of Electronic, Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, and other styles that are all mentally and musically stimulating. The sound is lush, unique, and thought-provoking, with a hypnotic, cinematic vibe that immediately gets attention. </p>
<p>The core of tracks like “Heavy Weight,” the album’s opener, is electronic and modern, with an almost cyberpunk sensibility that positively drips intrigue. A throbbing synth bass acts as the foundational heart of the song and gets topped with male and female vocals, tastefully exotic clean tone guitar, and a promise to “scramble your eggs in the moonlight.” The dark, 3 AM feel continues on “They Attack,” and the results are just as brilliant. Wav and Legion excel at creating atmosphere and these tracks hold listeners rapt while still maintaining a great deal of open air. In fact, their not-quite-minimalist use of negative space is one of the most attractive things about this collaboration and leaves plenty of room for the listener to crawl inside. </p>
<p>“Slow Burn” is a more driving song that would be straight rock music if it were rendered with only guitar sounds. As it is, it’s a pounding, glitched-out dance excursion that still remains minimal and human. It’s tremendously refreshing to hear musicians work so well together and produce such a highly-original sound on their debut outing. <em>Wav-Legion </em>treads many stylistic lines while never imitating any of them. This partnership absolutely needs to be pursued and both Wav and Legion should be proud of instant fire they’ve made here. Hey 2019: this is how it’s done.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1u3axKh2iMVhS3Cb1n29AU" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1u3axKh2iMVhS3Cb1n29AU" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1u3axKh2iMVhS3Cb1n29AU</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITES: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WAV-DR. - <a contents="http://daveronaldmusic.com/wav_dr./" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://daveronaldmusic.com/wav_dr./" target="_blank">http://daveronaldmusic.com/wav_dr./</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BONNIE LEGION: <a contents="https://www.soundlegionrecords.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soundlegionrecords.com/" target="_blank">https://www.soundlegionrecords.com/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/56328642019-02-07T20:24:20-06:002019-02-07T20:24:20-06:00THE HAUNTED NORTH "MONSTER" REVIEW - POWER METAL!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/98e28ba9b3651e74b78e902fea63f11a6dea1b04/original/official-cover-high-rez-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE HAUNTED NORTH </p>
<p><em>Monster </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Real talk time, kids: if you live and breathe true metal music, you have got to discover The Haunted North. The band’s debut record, <em>Monster,</em> is a work of brutal genius that mixes modern rage and lyrical themes with the power metal sensibilities of iconic riff wizards like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. <em>Monster </em>isn’t an homage to the old days so much as it is an updated take on the kind of stadium-exploding rock that spread heavy metal around the world in the 20th Century. The sound is hard-edged with powerful vocals and the kind of hooks that could elevate The Haunted North to global Metal God status in its own right. </p>
<p>The tracks on <em>Monster</em> aren’t the atonal modern machine metal heard so often now but are built on actual singing, fierce riffing, dynamics, and ripping pentatonic lead guitar. The lineup of vocalist Randy V, guitarist Sean Francis, bassist ‘JD’ DeServio, and drummer Jeff Fabb is an impressive unit with a vibe that bleeds authenticity and lets each musician’s personality and style be heard. The result is a supremely listenable record that will put your head through a wall. Tracks like “Mojave Moon,” “How Will You Die,” and “Burnin’ Whiskey” hit like a fist to the face made of high-level skills, musicality, and perfect riffs. </p>
<p>2016 Grammy nominee Justin Shturz (Shinedown & Slipknot) put the final mastering sheen on the songs but what will grab you is the raw and physical nature of this band and this record. The Haunted North taps directly into the things that make heavy music great and its kick-ass American-style blues-influenced metal attack will make a lot of fans very happy. Give this record a chance and it will change your life. It’s changed mine, already. Buy it today! Metal up!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/33oEFK3Lsp2qSO4wQl5nIs?si=FnIipbLcRr2J8ji1TXsGSQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/33oEFK3Lsp2qSO4wQl5nIs?si=FnIipbLcRr2J8ji1TXsGSQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/33oEFK3Lsp2qSO4wQl5nIs?si=FnIipbLcRr2J8ji1TXsGSQ</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="http://thehauntednorth.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://thehauntednorth.com/" target="_blank">http://thehauntednorth.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1adbd49f985f31c095f2c47f12e6d354c298d64b/original/hauntednorth-1279-blur-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55814952019-01-04T17:25:51-06:002019-01-04T23:09:01-06:00TONY MARINO "FAMILY AND FRIENDS" ALBUM REVIEW - LATIN JAZZ!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a29b9a40ef6fe2e5609ee84ad3e3060b767ee552/original/tony-marino-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>TONY MARINO </p>
<p><em>Family and Friends </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Tony Marino is considered by many to be one of the finest Latin Jazz keyboardists working today. He has been recording and releasing his original Latin Jazz compositions since 1997 and has cultivated a worldwide fan base that can’t get enough of his writing and playing. Marino’s latest effort, <em>Family and Friends</em>, is an energetic and entertaining blast of Latin, Caribbean, and Brazilian styles and rhythms topped with Marino’s exceptionally melodic heads and solos. Longtime fans will notice that he hasn’t lost one bit of steam since his debut all those years ago and, in fact, would probably say that his music has gotten better and richer over time as Marino honed and perfected his creative chops and vision. </p>
<p>The tracks on <em>Family and Friends</em> show Marino in top form, playing all the instruments himself, and will likely appeal to fans outside of the Jazz community. The type of rhythmic territory in which Marino works is an unspoken global language that communicates using swinging hips and passionate hearts, unlike Jazz’s more cerebral side, which can feel like academic music to many listeners. Such is the power of the Latin influence. The title track, “Family and Friends,” is a full-body motivator with inventive scale-based hooks that will all but force you to get your salsa out onto the floor. “Your Bad Self” is constructed around a memorable fretless bass line and builds itself into an irresistible swing. “Hanging With Rosie” begins with a deliciously off-kilter motive and expands into an elaborate head that never stops making sense. </p>
<p>Marino never wanders off course while playing this set and each of the compositions featured on <em>Family and Friends</em> is worth more than a little of your listening time this week. Tony Marino is a large and articulate talent who’s deserving of a much wider audience. Do yourself a favor and get in with this one-man In Crowd and experience Jazz as a danceable reality. You’ll be glad you did.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents=" https://tonymarino.us" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tonymarino.us" target="_blank"> https://tonymarino.us</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/28fY9SrV6Uu9zoE9DjWezr" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/28fY9SrV6Uu9zoE9DjWezr" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/28fY9SrV6Uu9zoE9DjWezr</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f38f18cf5ad82e17fb2de429ffbb31d393b20371/original/tony-marino-2.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55631602018-12-20T15:37:12-06:002018-12-20T15:37:45-06:00FHERNANDO "ALL I HAVE" ALBUM REVIEW - CHILL EDM!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f919b264a72de928915d66f5e2a188dfdc946f09/original/fhernando-all-i-have.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FHERNANDO </p>
<p><em>All I Have </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>EDM artist and producer Fhernando checks back in with his faithful with a new release, <em>All I Have</em>, that will remind them of why they still hang out with his tracks. Fhernando is fluent in many electronic music styles, including progressive house, ambient, chillwave, and more, and blends them all with the influences of his own Latin culture and life experience to end up with a unique and highly commercial sound that has already been heard around the world. The songs on <em>All I Have</em> were written in Paris, Mexico City, and Ecuador and display the compositional and production chops of a mature international artist hitting a high-water mark. </p>
<p>What makes these tracks so listenable is Fhernando’s not-quite-Minimalist production style. No matter what style or groove territory he is working with, Fhernando resists the temptation to endlessly pile up parts and, instead, takes a less-is-more approach that keeps listener attention on melody, feel, and atmosphere. He uses space effectively and isn’t afraid to make music that is delicate and vulnerable when it’s required. This is an all-instrumental set but the tight structures and strong melodies Fhernando employs make <em>All I Have</em> as accessible as any vocal-oriented record out there. The title track, “All I Have,” is funky and moody all at once and “Gemini” injects an upbeat shuffle into the proceedings that keeps things moving along well. Other highlights include “Youth,” “Some Nights,” and “Something Called Love.” </p>
<p><em>All I Have</em> is Fhernando’s eighth recording and is easily his best work to date. He is a good fit for those seeking a less-frantic style of electronic music to enjoy during more chilled-out moments. He is a self-directed visionary who deserves a much larger audience. You should be part of it. Buy this record!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://fhernando.bandcamp.com/album/all-i-have" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://fhernando.bandcamp.com/album/all-i-have" target="_blank">https://fhernando.bandcamp.com/album/all-i-have</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents=" https://www.fhernando.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fhernando.com" target="_blank"> https://www.fhernando.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c1aafb1c98119204f646376e55da4c5bd2eedea3/original/fhernando-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55274282018-11-25T23:08:17-06:002018-11-25T23:08:39-06:00BACCHUS "BE THE CHANGE" EP REVIEW - ROCK POWER TRIO!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/c4f77b30f803a24207b348c2eba5243c6ab7a748/original/bacchus-1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BACCHUS </p>
<p><em>Be the Change </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Bacchus is a classic no-frills rock and roll trio from Toronto, Canada with an original sound based on the up-in-your-grill energy of seeing a great band up close. The tracks on the group’s new EP <em>Be the Change</em> are writ large in broad, distorted strokes that pull listeners into the experience of the record. The sound is raw and real, the way rock music should be, built on muscular hooks and emotional lyrics that immediately connect. The band melds rock, blues, punk, folk, and disco influences into an aggressively compelling set of music capable of moving a crowd spiritually and physically. </p>
<p>The title track, “Be the Change,” is a prime example of what Bacchus does well. The rhythm section of drummer Keith Babcock and bassist/vocalist Tristan Campbell lays down a throbbing, funky pocket that instantly grabs your attention and gives guitarist/vocalist Rueben O’Dell-Barkow plenty of space to add to the groove, culminating in a memorable straight-up rock chorus. The band plays together with the tension of a high-wire walker, grooving so hard you think they’ve got to crash but never do. That the group was able to capture this kind of onstage energy in a recording session is an accomplishment, in and of itself. “Promises” is confrontational and bitter and builds to another strong chorus filled with attitude. <em>Be the Change</em> only contains five songs and they all have that huge live feel that makes you want five more as soon as possible. </p>
<p>Bacchus is the genuine article, a music-making machine running on sex drugs, rock and/or roll, and pizza. It’s obvious that these three are rock fans as well as musicians and that heart-on-the-sleeve authenticity is a big part of why this record works so well. Anyone who can't stomach one more pre-groomed, fake-ass, and plastic modern performer will find Bacchus to be an effective antidote to that sort of ever-encroaching skullduggery. <em>Be the Change</em> is fine work by a band you should know.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen on Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/1FGi1gpfFCiKIhM8E5I39l" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1FGi1gpfFCiKIhM8E5I39l" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/1FGi1gpfFCiKIhM8E5I39l</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="http://www.rockandorroll.ca" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rockandorroll.ca" target="_blank">http://www.rockandorroll.ca</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Facebook: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/bacchanaliababy/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/bacchanaliababy/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/bacchanaliababy/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Label: <a contents="http://www.standonerecords.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.standonerecords.com/" target="_blank">http://www.standonerecords.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="300670665" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/739074308_640.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/300670665" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55255152018-11-23T16:40:52-06:002018-11-23T16:40:52-06:00MONTAUK "MONTAUK" ALBUM REVIEW - POP/ROCK CONCEPT ALBUM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e83d769fd2e56a3b88c0b2e94b7f764a2f058f95/original/motauk-cover-vers-3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MONTAUK </p>
<p><em>Montauk </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Montauk is the UK-based pop/rock outfit led by lead vocalist and songwriter Drew Richardson, whose songs, vision, and talent comprise the center of the group’s new self-titled release. <em>Montauk</em> the record is actually a concept album based upon the 2004 movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the band takes its name and album title from one of its principal locations. Like the film, the songs on <em>Montauk </em>work with ideas of memory and nostalgia and the places where the emotionally important events of our lives happen. Richardson’s songs do an excellent job of getting inside those moments and transferring their emotions to those listening in a way that feels genuine and true. </p>
<p>The tracks here vary in tone and style but Richardson’s lyrics and yearning vocals are the cohesion that keeps the record together. “Take Him To Montauk” is an atmospheric mid-tempo song with an immediately memorable chorus hook and a cinematic feel that deserves to open a movie of its own. Richardson paints on silence with words and sounds without ever saying too much or mugging the camera, so to speak. He lets each successive line pull listeners deeper into his world and narrative. Another standout track is “Welcome To You,” a gentle, deep ballad that drops listeners directly into the speaker’s mind and feelings. </p>
<p>Besides Richardson, <em>Montauk </em>features fine performances by producer and guitarist Tom Jobling, vocalist Rebecca Chambers, and drummer Sam West, who tracked together in person while the rest of the band, guitarist Jon Wright and drummer Max Saidi, contributed their parts online from their respective UK locations. This is a talented crew that shifts easily from ballads to funk to orchestral bits to rock. Each person is indispensable to the sound and feel of <em>Montauk </em>and to making it one of the best indie releases of the year. You really should buy a copy today.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="www.takemetomontauk.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.takemetomontauk.com" target="_blank">www.takemetomontauk.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Facebook: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/montaukalbum/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/montaukalbum/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/montaukalbum/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dWpfledA8w8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/dWpfledA8w8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dWpfledA8w8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hSBqPgGNqvU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/hSBqPgGNqvU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSBqPgGNqvU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55223472018-11-20T23:51:48-06:002018-11-21T14:09:05-06:00KIRK FARMER "RED EYED NIGHTS" EP REVIEW - ROCK SONGWRITER!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3957b4b32fd6bf4b90a2807a2c7e1ae62b96de1d/original/35820164-353415008515718-290209540031381504-o.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>KIRK FARMER </p>
<p><em>Red Eyed Nights </em></p>
<p>EP review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Kirk Farmer is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player of no small talent who has been performing across the USA for thirty years. His most recent release, <em>Red Eyed Nights</em>, is a four-song EP that displays Farmer’s all-area chops well. His sound has roots in the Dead scene but gets harder than they did, invoking Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd heaviness and atmospherics. He deftly blends rock, folk, blues, and even country sounds, bending them into new shapes that fit his unique vision. </p>
<p>Honestly, the worst thing about <em>Red Eyed Nights </em>is that it only contains four tracks. Farmer has a unique way of delivering the goods that makes more sense the more you listen to it. Four songs in, you really want four more. The songs are heavy, delicate, and ambient all at once and pull listeners into a particular headspace that they occupy with authority. The title track, “Red Eyed Nights,” is a strong mid-tempo chugger that features Farmer’s musical partner Tim “Caesar” O’Sullivan dropping some cool Zeppelin-esque lead guitar playing. “The Bitter Unknown” has an epic feel that contrasts darkness and light, has a powerful chorus, and lets O’Sullivan, a London transplant with a strong British rock background. bring his Pink Floyd/David Gilmour influences to the fore. He is an excellent guitarist and has a sense of phrasing in open space that’s dramatic and uncommon. His rhythm playing is quite good and he employs it with a producer’s touch, using texture to build emotion. The rest of the guitar, bass, drums, and vocals were all Farmer on all four tracks.</p>
<p>Kirk Farmer is a compelling independent artist with an identifiable style and the guts to fully use it. He strikes a balance between skill and soul that many chase but few ever find. This EP is a fine introduction to Farmer’s world and will make you want to drive farther into it to see what else might be hanging around. This is strong stuff that anyone who cares about rock music will want to support. Buy this record!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen on Soundcloud: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/kirk-farmer/sets/red-eyed-nights" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/kirk-farmer/sets/red-eyed-nights" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/kirk-farmer/sets/red-eyed-nights</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="https://kirkfarmer.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kirkfarmer.com" target="_blank">https://kirkfarmer.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Facebook: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/KirkFarmerMusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/KirkFarmerMusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/KirkFarmerMusic</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Instagram: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/kirkfarmermusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/kirkfarmermusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kirkfarmermusic/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55223222018-11-20T23:35:20-06:002018-11-20T23:35:20-06:00ROD GILSTRAP "CAVALIER" REVIEW - COUNTRY SONGWRITER!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/cae57cc0ffad1e3e30ad6f0f93dc1933e3332371/original/attachment-1542047157.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ROD GILSTRAP </p>
<p><em>Cavalier</em> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Rod Gilstrap is a contemporary country singer/songwriter based in Wyoming with a knack for writing melodic and emotional songs and smooth frontman’s voice with which to sing them. His latest release, <em>Cavalier</em>, is a mostly acoustic effort that takes advantage of the minimal arrangements employed and keeps listener’s attention squarely focused on Gilstrap’s lyrics, characters, and stories. Country music is a storytelling art, after all, one that’s been corrupted in recent times and could use a lot more of what Rod has to offer. His songs are simple and direct with an easy spaciousness only a lifelong Westerner like himself could deliver. </p>
<p>Like the best country music, Gilstrap’s songs capture and explore little slices of everyday life, some pleasant and some not. He is unafraid to dive deeper than many songwriters do into life’s difficult moments and introduce us to the real people experiencing them. One of the best songs here is “Liquor Store Parking Lot,” a morning-after story with a “Sunday Morning Coming Down” sort of feeling a lot of us can relate to. “Is There Anyway” is a delicate song of love and heartbreak that is a sure-fire hit single waiting to happen that also features some of Gilstrap’s most expressive vocal moments. Other high points include “Abigail” and “Small Town Boy.” </p>
<p>The biggest thing Rod Gilstrap has going for him is his genuineness. Quite simply, you believe him when he sings to you. He has the ability to put you inside the minds of his characters in a way that lets you feel a little piece of this person’s life. <em>Cavalier</em> doesn’t come off like the work of a Nashville profiteer pandering to radio but as the songs of an actual human that stay in your heart long after the music has stopped playing. Fans watching the indie country underground need to start listening. They’ll find a lot to like on this one.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen on Bandcamp: <a contents="https://rodgilstrap.bandcamp.com/album/cavalier" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rodgilstrap.bandcamp.com/album/cavalier" target="_blank">https://rodgilstrap.bandcamp.com/album/cavalier</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="www.rodgilstrapmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.rodgilstrapmusic.com" target="_blank">www.rodgilstrapmusic.com</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Facebook: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/Rodgilstrapmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Rodgilstrapmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rodgilstrapmusic/</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/55048942018-11-08T11:38:55-06:002018-11-08T11:38:55-06:00THE MERRY JAYNZ "SET ME FREE" REVIEW - NEW SINGLE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d74323cd2bc1ba25b8346a0686807fcaba6cd080/original/setmefreesinglecover.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE MERRY JAYNZ </p>
<p>“Set Me Free” single </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>The Merry Jaynz is a rock/blues/psychedelic/electric/acoustic band based in South Knoxville, Tennessee that has been able to forge new music inspired by familiar influences. Led by guitarist/bassist/vocalist/songwriter Tom Smith and bassist Susan Smith, the Jaynz put a whole new spin on straight-up rock and roll, bending and twisting it to the group’s collective will. The Smiths are one of the most unique couples in the current underground music scene and are never afraid of traveling on a more artistic path than most. </p>
<p>A new Merry Jaynz single has recently hit the streets and that is always a good thing. The track is called “Set Me Free” and is an acoustic hippie blues with slightly psychedelic overtones about love gone wrong, like, really wrong, and the lowdown no-good woman behind the singer’s suffering. It’s a quieter statement than the Jaynz usually make but that just makes it more fun to lean in and listen. The lyrics describe a “wicked witch” only “after my money” who is just about due for a karmic payback for evil deeds done in the name of “love.” Tom channels some Robert Johnson vibes on the guitar but doesn’t follow the typical blues structure, which does much to keep things interesting. Overall, “Set Me Free” is real and raw American music and makes a fine alternative to the plastic pop in which the world seems to be drowning. Good stuff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LCtKANqKGL8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/LCtKANqKGL8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LCtKANqKGL8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://themerryjaynz.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://themerryjaynz.com/" target="_blank">https://themerryjaynz.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="spotify:album:2QwrZbQm3ne8rTlTCCneio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://spotify:album:2QwrZbQm3ne8rTlTCCneio" target="_blank">spotify:album:2QwrZbQm3ne8rTlTCCneio</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54993422018-11-04T16:11:42-06:002018-11-04T16:11:42-06:00J. ASADI "LAZARUS EXPERIMENT/SKY'S THE LIMIT SINGLE" REVIEW - HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/0f1eb6fbd3dabd79f424f8dd17ad8d10935b317a/original/img-20181004-191958-095.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>J. ASADI </p>
<p>“Sky’s the Limit” single </p>
<p><em>Lazarus Experiment </em>EP </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>J. Asadi is an emerging hip-hop artist who already exhibits the power and presence of the genre’s biggest names. He spits lyrics that are direct, unflinching, and honest. His bars fully embrace each win and loss he has taken in his life and music career. </p>
<p>His latest single, “Sky’s the Limit,” is a grinding street anthem and call to action that will motivate anyone within earshot. Asadi is a gritty realist and lays out his mindset here with a skilled, confident delivery that is all tone, taste, and attitude. His influences include 2Pac, Biggie Smalls, Geto Boys, and 50 Cent but he is clearly his own man when it comes to songwriting. The track is easily one of the best independent releases of 2018. </p>
<p>Taken from Asadi’s brand new EP <em>Lazarus Experiment</em>, the single is just one of the head-turning tracks on the set. It’s rare to see an artist come out blazing like this but Asadi is starting at a higher place than most performers ever reach. His style is fully developed and mature, letting him communicate to his crowd as he sees fit with none of the messages getting lost. Tracks like “Never Fall” articulate the space between sin and salvation and display the tough-minded philosophy needed to get through the ups and downs of today’s world. Other highlights include the almost-heavy-metal “Keep Rollin’ (Dark Mafia Anthem)” and the deeply personal “Undefeated (Holy War).” </p>
<p>J. Asadi gives every indication of being THAT guy, that artist who stands tall above his competition just by being himself. His voice is perfectly suited to his sound and he has written one of the finest indie hip-hop records of recent times. Every year brings more contenders trying to get to rap’s top spots but J. Asadi has come out large with <em>Lazarus Experiment </em>and stands a better chance than most of hitting that goal. Fine work. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jasadi/e5K2" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jasadi/e5K2" target="_blank">https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jasadi/e5K2</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA - </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>INSTAGRAM: DA_FALLEN_ANGEL100</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TWITTER: @JASADI20</strong></p>
<p> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54973102018-11-02T14:39:36-05:002018-11-02T14:39:36-05:00FOLKENPHUNK ALBUM PREVIEW - ROCKIN' SOME BLUEGRASS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2590b270339b7f2d3371053b173701ada43aaee1/original/img-5465.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FOLKENPHUNK </p>
<p>New Album Preview </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>FolkenPhunk is, by now, a familiar sight and sound to acoustic music aficionados in the eastern third of the USA. The band has developed a devoted following the old-fashioned way, namely writing great songs and touring like crazy. The FolkenPhunk guys have been working hard in the recording studio, too, tracking for an as-yet-untitled new album that is already showing a lot of promise. The sound is still the group’s winning mix of bluegrass, American and Irish folk, blues, psychedelic rock, and modern pop and rock, which keeps its appeal wide enough to ensnare listeners who might not be full-on bluegrass people while still doing enough picking and singing to entertain those who are. Three songs have been recorded so far and a Kickstarter campaign will be launched to help complete the project. </p>
<p>The three tracks in the can so far are “No Brakes,” “Old Man Joe,” and “Time On My Hands.” All are group originals and have been well-received by audiences at FolkenPhunk’s many gigs in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and New York City. All three strike a perfect balance between vocal hooks and instrumental prowess and it is hoped that a full record of this kind of material will do much to bring Folkenphunk to a larger audience. Core band members are mandolinist Edwin Lightner, guitarist Lowell Neumann Nickey, and bassist Dave Brumberg but the group also augments its sound with Chris Blauciak on percussion and Russ Gottlieb on banjo, which only adds to the fun. </p>
<p>FolkenPhunk is already booking tours for 2019 and expects this new music to help make it a busy year. Festival talent buyers should find this bunch pretty attractive and the band aims to play a slew of new events in the coming year, as well as becoming better acquainted with the folks at the IBMAs and at Bluegrass Today. FolkenPhunk is one of America’s most vital emerging musical acts, one with huge crossover potential backed up with old-school skills and songs. If you’re not already listening, you should be.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: </strong><a contents="www.folkenphunk.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.folkenphunk.com" target="_blank">www.folkenphunk.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bdIF5OTTyZc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bdIF5OTTyZc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bdIF5OTTyZc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="d50f9FYjGpI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/d50f9FYjGpI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d50f9FYjGpI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6c3255b5910cbb3baa511770f775c90a1c3e23d1/original/folkenphunk-moonshadow.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54844282018-10-24T13:06:56-05:002018-10-24T13:06:56-05:00ZAMA RRIPA "AMERICAN SOUL" REVIEW - PROTEST AMERICANA! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/18345e92c0aec7979154a2a3ff58940f2571bec8/original/zama-rripa-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ZAMA RRIPA </p>
<p><em>American Soul </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Zama Rripa is a Miami, Florida-based singer/songwriter/busker who clearly knows the difference between being meaningful and sounding meaningful. He is a direct, plain-spoken writer following in the spiritual lineage of giants like Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Phil Ochs, and Woody Guthrie, men whose messages were never obscured by literary tomfoolery. Like them, Rripa writes songs about the things that matter to him in a way everyone listening can understand. His latest release, <em>American Soul</em>, is due to drop on October 26, 2018, and the set is packed with strong songs and even stronger ideas. His sound is Americana but his attitude is straight-up punk rock. </p>
<p>Rripa writes songs about the social and political aspects of these times we’re all living in. His mind runs towards the concepts of peace, love, and liberty and he displays powerful feelings about each of them on <em>American Soul</em>. “Live and Let Live” is a driving Heartland-type rocker about life in the “bittersweet by and by” built on ideas gleaned from Thomas Paine’s <em>The Rights of Man</em> and William Graham Sumner’s <em>The Forgotten Man</em>, espousing The Golden Rule as applied to 21st Century American life and politics. One of the most affecting and personal songs here is “C503,” a first-person account of an elderly woman left alone in a nursing home facing the hard truth that “when you’re nobody’s memory, time is a long, cold December day.” Rripa does a fine job of getting inside his characters and this ability is what lets his songs transfer emotion to his listeners so readily. </p>
<p>Zama Rripa is a performer who absolutely deserves wider recognition and it is hoped that<em> American Soul</em> will help him achieve it. He is the kind of rough-edged street poet who is seldom seen anymore, not the typical bland songwriter hoping to get a track in a beer or truck commercial. Rripa says what he means and lets the disagreements fall where they may. If you only buy one independent release this year, make it this one.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen on Soundcloud: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/jpzamarripa/sets/american-soul" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/jpzamarripa/sets/american-soul" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/jpzamarripa/sets/american-soul</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="H7aXUgLZJOw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/H7aXUgLZJOw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H7aXUgLZJOw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54741702018-10-17T15:45:54-05:002018-10-18T11:45:14-05:00ALEXIS GERRED "THE DEBUT ALBUM" REVIEW - U.K. POP/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/750affdfdb18e6807b54fc9275e651b74799104d/original/alexis-gerred-cover.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ALEXIS GERRED </p>
<p><em>The Debut Album </em></p>
<p>(Power & Purpose Records) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Alexis Gerred is a well-known face to many TV and theater fans in the U.K. as a star in American Idiot, Our House, and Dreamboats & Petticoats, as well as a semi-finalist on the BBC’s popular show Let It Shine. He is now about to let the world hear his original music with a new release, <em>The Debut Album</em>, on Power & Purpose Records. It will be released on October 26, 2018, and can be pre-ordered right now on iTunes. The record is a collection of highly melodic and emotional pop/rock tracks that shows Gerred to be a better-than-most vocalist and songwriter with a knack for creating radio-ready gems one after another. </p>
<p>Gerred wrote all the songs here himself and displays a mixed bag of influences ranging from Goo Goo Dolls, Train, and Gavin DeGraw to Queen, Rod Stewart, and U2. His expressive and clear tenor voice is the connective tissue that holds the album together. Gerred is a pop singer in the classic sense, able to soar above the band and make listeners actually feel something. Songs like “Sweet Angel,” which has a U2-like texture but develops its melody in a more modern way, and the delicate acoustic ballad “Hold You Close” are instantly appealing and memorable, as is “Rule The World,” which features special guest vocalist Danielle Steers. The duet is dramatic and uplifting, with just enough of an 80s-rock-radio sensibility to tug at the heartstrings properly. Production on the tracks is glorious all the way through, especially the guitar and vocal sounds.</p>
<p>Gerred is able to stand on the shoulders of his influences and uses them to create his own musical style and space, never becoming an imitator. He uses this set of music to show us who he really is, not just what role he is performing, and his authenticity is refreshing. If you think you already know what Alexis Gerred is all about, you might want to think again. Highly recommended, this one. Buy it as soon as possible.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="http://alexisgerred.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://alexisgerred.com/" target="_blank">http://alexisgerred.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Twitter: <a contents="https://twitter.com/alexisgerred?lang=en" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/alexisgerred?lang=en" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/alexisgerred?lang=en</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a2a035c367ca8b7740c8232aa7a24d7619196c3d/original/alexis-gerred-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54661302018-10-11T22:14:24-05:002018-10-11T22:15:11-05:00GIANNI PESSINO "CHASING" REVIEW - JAZZ/FUNK/FOLK/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1ea65c3f10e44143be5115d319ee6309a8fd03f2/original/coverok.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>GIANNI PESSINO </p>
<p><em>Chasing </em></p>
<p>Smiling Face Records </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Gianni Pessino is a guitarist and songwriter from Italy with a remarkable grasp of many different writing and playing styles. His most recent release, <em>Chasing</em>, is packed with well-written tunes that range from jazzy funk to ballads to folk/rock. Pessino is a self-taught musician but plays and sings with the smoothness of a Music Major. His original music is influenced by the artists he has spent his life listening to, both old and new, like James Taylor, Neil Young, CSN&Y, Pat Metheny, The Eagles, John Mayer, and Jason Mraz. He also draws inspiration from Italian artists including Pino Daniele, Fabio Concato and Francesco De Gregori. </p>
<p><em>Chasing </em>is Pessino’s debut album but is clearly the work of a thoughtful and mature musician. The songs here began coming together in 2009 and writing and recording them all has been an ongoing process. Pessino is backed up by an A-List studio band with power to burn that was brilliantly recorded, which makes <em>Chasing </em>full-on ear candy. Tracks like “Hole in My Soul,” “Once,” and “Butterflies” have a lot of commercial potential and it is easy to imagine Gianni breaking through to a much larger audience. Hopefully, this set will garner the attention needed to make that happen. <em>Chasing </em>is a well-executed record on all levels and makes an outstanding fit for listeners who like it smooth, grooving, and melodic. Here’s hoping Pessino has more tracks like these on the way.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen to <i>Chasing</i> on Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5em9p6otZcNkxVLvLIPluB?si=UcngRR8FQ_miXDu112vIHQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5em9p6otZcNkxVLvLIPluB?si=UcngRR8FQ_miXDu112vIHQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5em9p6otZcNkxVLvLIPluB?si=UcngRR8FQ_miXDu112vIHQ</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="http://www.giannipessino.it/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.giannipessino.it/" target="_blank">http://www.giannipessino.it/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="wnVPy5r33U8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/wnVPy5r33U8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wnVPy5r33U8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54652032018-10-11T12:47:40-05:002018-10-11T12:47:40-05:00"ELECTRONEUM MUSIC VIDEO ANTHEM" REVIEW! CRYPTOCURRENCY MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/82c171afe64b3053823e67909171b08ab9f0032e/original/eletroneum-1.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em>ELECTRONEUM MUSIC VIDEO ANTHEM </em></p>
<p>Written and Produced by Logan Evan Thomas <br>Performed by Nave Savage </p>
<p>Video by M-System </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Electroneum, also known as ETN, is a new app-based cryptocurrency specifically designed for mass adoption. It’s built on its own blockchain, allows instant payments, enables a huge new market, and provides a digital payment solution to the developing world. Pretty cool, right? It’s so cool, in fact, that there is a song that’s been written about it. The <em>Electroneum Music Video Anthem</em> is an inspiring and motivating electronic track that was written and produced by Logan Evan Thomas and performed by Nave Savage. The music video was produced by M-System. </p>
<p>The song is a driving, funky, horn-laden bit of crypto positivity that extols the virtues of ETN and all the good things it’s doing, especially in up-and-coming countries. The lyrics give us the impression that ETN is about to blow up and become a very big thing, one that will bring “prosperity to all.” It’s a well-written track that definitely builds listener excitement about this new cryptocurrency. Nave Savage delivers its message in fine style and the video is filled with happy, dancing, and prosperous people from the developing nations of the world. </p>
<p>Overall, the <em>Electroneum Music Video Anthem</em> hits its target perfectly and makes anyone not already clued into ETN eager to learn more. Plus, it sounds great and moves the body quite nicely, too. Give it a spin and get in before the boom!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO: <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bEq4hgm-fw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bEq4hgm-fw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bEq4hgm-fw</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="https://electroneum.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://electroneum.com/" target="_blank">https://electroneum.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/electroneum/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/electroneum/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/electroneum/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-bEq4hgm-fw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-bEq4hgm-fw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-bEq4hgm-fw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54529642018-10-02T21:18:53-05:002018-10-02T21:18:53-05:00STORMCELLAR "SAFE HARBOUR" & "ROGUE STATE" REVIEW - ROOTS ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/3df5532e14e7cf4e467f491c35aa562796de828c/original/stormcellar-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>STORMCELLAR </p>
<p><em>Safe Harbour </em></p>
<p><em>Rogue State </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Stormcellar is an innovative roots music band from Australia that has spent the last 11 years blending many different roots genres with multimedia and human performance. The band has toured the world and performed with blues legends, Mongolian throat singers, American poets, and a vast assortment of other characters. The level of songwriting and play are always high and anyone who has heard the group knows that a new Stormcellar release is always worth a listen. </p>
<p>Stormcellar fans are in luck, currently, because the band’s new release is really two distinct records that both overlap and stand alone. <em>Safe Harbour</em> and <em>Rogue State </em>are the titles and each one shows a different facet of this talented outfit. <em>Rogue State</em> is a wonderfully-recorded band record full of outstanding singer/songwriter roots rock music the likes of which few bands can replicate. Many of the tracks carry a vibe somewhere between the Stones and Counting Crows. The standout cut is “Pirouette,” which also appears on <em>Safe Harbour,</em> but no bad songs live here. Check out “Goin’ Downtown,” “Down & Dirty,” and “Soul Thing” to see for yourself. </p>
<p><em>Safe Harbour</em> is a more acoustic and art-focused record with a concept. The guitar elements on these songs were recorded outdoors at various locations and the environmental sounds of each made part of the recordings. Video was captured along with audio and you can watch the actual takes heard on the record being laid down. The version of “Pirouette” here, recorded on the Dobroyd Sailing Club Pier in Rodd Point, is stunningly emotional done with acoustic guitar, violin, and a vocal. The outdoor sounds bring an unexpected tranquility to the moment, so use your headphones to not miss anything. An instrumental version that’s included is just as beautiful. “Sail Away” is another great song given the same treatment. Vocal, instrumental, and electronically remixed versions are included and each has its charms. </p>
<p>Stormcellar radiates the confidence of an established band comfortably pushing its creativity in public. All of this music is deserving of your time and fans of lyrical songwriting may find this to be their new favorite band. Play these albums for anyone needing a reason to still believe in perfectly-executed guitar-and-vocal music.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Official Website: <a contents=" http://www.stormcellar.com.au" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.stormcellar.com.au" target="_blank"> http://www.stormcellar.com.au</a></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Watch the recordings happen: <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7LKajNgnnk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7LKajNgnnk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7LKajNgnnk</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1498c64698477b43412b99c13da6f9c38f9f82f0/original/stormcellar-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54438842018-09-25T21:52:31-05:002018-10-15T12:25:45-05:00MAJOR MOMENT "ONE SMALL STEP" REVIEW - ALTERNATIVE ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/38c677df1f7baf4b5d360e9ae6475cdf5bddbc6a/original/major-moment.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>MAJOR MOMENT </p>
<p><em>one small stEP </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Major Moment is a multicultural and multinational rock band from Boston, Massachusetts with a body and soul-moving sound that recalls the best moments of thinking-fan’s icons such as Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, and Pink Floyd. The band successfully channels all of that greatness into its new EP release <em>one small stEP</em> and combines it with its own talent and creativity to make this new record one of the most compelling independent efforts of 2018. Produced by Kevin Billingslea and mastered by six-time Grammy winner Adam Ayan, <em>one small </em><em>stEP</em> is a deeply emotional blast of modern rock music that deals head-on with issues like relationships, perspective, and loss. </p>
<p>The best thing about <em>one small </em><em>stEP</em> is its overwhelming humanness. So many rock bands now have that artificial, over-compressed sound that makes listening to their tracks feel much like being beaten around the head and neck. Major Moment sounds like people playing together while being brilliantly recorded and it makes all the difference. The top-notch sonics enhance and expose the lyrical messages in songs like “Before It’s Too Late,” “What It’s Like,” and “How Would You Know” while still providing the guitar-driven energy all great rock music requires. </p>
<p>Even cooler, <em>one small </em><em>stEP</em><em> </em>is dedicated to depression casualty Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, whose life and work inspires so much of what Major Moment is about. The band has released a Bennington tribute single as well, “Leave Out All The Rest,” as a show of love and respect. Major Moment is musically, lyrically, and spiritually important as a creative force in today’s often full-of-shit rock scene and fans seeking something real are advised to purchase this record today. Play it loud, too. You won’t regret it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen to Major Moment on Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/7xcBGNOv1cC06FsUY7wNOU" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7xcBGNOv1cC06FsUY7wNOU" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/7xcBGNOv1cC06FsUY7wNOU</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Official Website: <a contents="http://www.majormomentband.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.majormomentband.com" target="_blank">http://www.majormomentband.com </a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/a4cf61c59668df9138968c6b4c765c5685ca1346/original/ae8u4759.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54322982018-09-17T16:11:21-05:002018-09-17T16:11:21-05:00JILL M. STONE "TAUGHT" REVIEW - INDIE SONGWRITER!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/156b888fdedcd9da90df6a2b06b9dcdd2979c470/original/album-cover-for-tunecore-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JILL M. STONE </p>
<p><em>Taught</em> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Chicago-based poet and songwriter Jill M. Stone has a gift for direct communication. Her songs sound deceptively simple at first but her words and moods convey complex human truths and experiences with plain-spoken genius, like a trusted friend whispering her story into your ear. Her new record, <em>Taught</em>, builds on the style her first release, <em>No Cure For Loneliness</em>, foreshadowed but Stone is bolder and more confident on these sessions and watching her expand and grow is a beautiful thing. </p>
<p>Stone’s songs live somewhere between indie rock and urban folk and tend to tell stories of life’s more difficult moments and the lingering fallout those moments leave behind. The title track “Taught” is plaintive and spare, detailing some harsh but wisdom-imparting truths over a gentle funk groove. Stone lays herself bare emotionally and musically with a brave authenticity that sets the tone for the rest of this impressive set. “Hymn to Another Day” is a strikingly somber look at a life stuck in an endless loop of adult living and invokes a spiritual theme Stone returns to regularly on <em>Taught</em>. Her characters speak of life bounded by the sky above and the mud below and seem to yearn for a larger connection. This is especially true on “The Congregation,” where souls seek redemption on “the remains of a dance floor.” The track drips with the surreal madness of Rain Dogs-era Tom Waits and is one of the best songs here. </p>
<p>Jill M. Stone is a fairly new face on Chicago’s musical landscape. Her emphasis on artistry and emotional impact is a welcome respite, however, from the hoards of vanilla singer/songwriters and their beige wallpaper records with which this town is overrun. <em>Taught </em>is strong black coffee on an introspective hangover day in the rain. It’s a substantial effort that shows the best music still doesn’t sound like a beer commercial. Deep, dark, and cathartic, <em>Taught</em> delivers a take-it-or-leave-it realness that is seductive and compelling. Buy it today.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen to Jill M. Stone on Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/3iGT8zVs2JhETe352zCfIR" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3iGT8zVs2JhETe352zCfIR" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/3iGT8zVs2JhETe352zCfIR</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="http://www.jillmstone.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jillmstone.com/" target="_blank">http://www.jillmstone.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7a4a2ce2e66d5e6a87b428f58c99836ecbb55292/original/jill-m-stone-dyett-high-school.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/54127042018-09-02T18:10:28-05:002018-09-04T13:07:58-05:00HIM & HER "HIM & HER DO TEXAS WOMEN" REVIEW - TEXAS SONGWRITERS!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/89be348979387c5cc7376d0ac4881589a976f957/original/hh-txwomencd-front-square-600x600.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HIM & HER </p>
<p><em>Him & Her Do Texas Women </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Him & Her is a Texas-based acoustic duo that blends country, folk, blues, and jazz influences with high-level original songwriting. Comprised of Brenda Freed on vocals, acoustic guitar, and keyboard and Michael D’Eath (“DEE-uth”) on diatonic and chromatic harmonicas, Him & Her has an instantly attractive Americana sound that builds on the familiar but maintains a strong individuality. <em>Him & Her Do Texas Women</em> is the pair’s third album and features 12 new songs: one co-write by Freed and 11 by other female songwriters from the Lone Star State. The set is an understated gem full of great songs and beautiful playing that all fans of American music will enjoy. </p>
<p>This is a really great record that is all about wrapping beautiful arrangements around excellent songs. Freed is smooth and expressive on both vocals and acoustic fingerstyle guitar and D’Eath’s harmonica skills recall greats like Greg “Fingers” Taylor and Mickey Raphael. Upright bassist Duke Davis co-produced with Freed and adds much to the proceedings, as do special guests like Curtis Clogston on dobro and the great Lloyd Maines on pedal steel, mandolin, and guitar. Tracks like “Full Moon in Austin,” “From Where I Stand,” and “The News” are sonically beautiful, lyrically compelling, and serve as wonderful reminders of just how satisfying acoustic music can be in such competent hands. </p>
<p><em>Him & Her Do Texas Women</em> is a well-conceived and artistically rendered album that deserves to be heard by a wider audience. Freed and D’Eath have the kind of natural chemistry that can’t be faked and they spread it around to all the players supporting them. If you like songwriters, you need this record.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN TO HIM & HER ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5XBKctItgad3MH02VV3V2G" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5XBKctItgad3MH02VV3V2G" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5XBKctItgad3MH02VV3V2G</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents=" www.HimandHerTX.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.HimandHerTX.com" target="_blank"> www.HimandHerTX.com</a></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53961892018-08-21T16:28:59-05:002018-08-23T16:25:21-05:00VANE AWDIS "STATE STREETS SERIES" REVIEW - HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/6ac92f20d1cc2251d041eb1cdf76f7b1e50798be/original/alaska-road-side-a-180817023255.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/adb709c769d834a9b0c3f443035dac7042e92325/original/side-b-track-list-180817023401.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>VANE AWDIS </p>
<p><em>State Streets Series - </em></p>
<p><em>State Streets </em></p>
<p><em>Alaska Road Side A </em></p>
<p><em>Alaska Road Side B </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Vane Awdis is a gifted, literate, and inspired hip-hop artist who makes music that describes the experiences of human life and development. He speaks on love, hate, and every emotion in between with a wisdom beyond his years and is rapidly becoming a compelling new voice in urban music. He is currently deep into a progression of three EP releases, <em>The State Streets Series</em>, each record carrying a street name title. <em>State Streets</em>, <em>Alaska Road Side A</em>, and <em>Alaska Road Side B </em>are their names and they make a strong case in favor of recognizing Awdis as an important emerging performer. </p>
<p>The tracks on both releases show Vane’s addictive blend of heavily funky beats, above-average lyricism, and creative production. The result of this mix is a set of records where each track is distinct and individual. “Love You Down” on <em>Side A </em>is a hit waiting to happen and “Side Tracked” and “Complicated (Feat. Chino XL)” are stony and strong. <em>Side B,</em> produced by Clout Jordan, is another helping of Vane’s singular sound and both records go down well as one long listening session. Highlights on<em> Side B </em>include “That Smoke” and “Trap House.” </p>
<p>A series of releases is an ambitious project, to be sure, but, as an artist, Vane Awdis seems more than up to the task. He is influenced by Tech N9ne, Chino XL, Tory Lanez, Eminem, and Joe Budden but maintains a strong identity of his own, an important factor for anyone aiming for greatness in any genre. Rap fans looking for something better than the typical tales and sounds will find much to like about Vane Awdis. One listen to these EPs and you will want to stick around to see what he does with the rest of the map.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen to Vane Awdis on Spotify: <a contents="https://spoti.fi/2Biftrh" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://spoti.fi/2Biftrh" target="_blank">https://spoti.fi/2Biftrh</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/39dd41264de802614698477f82615dd9c2b211c3/original/state-streets-180817023222.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53946622018-08-20T15:20:05-05:002018-08-20T15:20:05-05:00THE REMNANTS "LIFT YOU UP" REVIEW - JAMBAND ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/db9f0380114c9cfdb7a599c92bb9f77e3761a08c/original/the-remnants-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>THE REMNANTS </p>
<p><em>Lift You Up </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>The Remnants is a jam/hippie/Dead-ish band from Connecticut that has been making quite a large impression on the jam band circuit since coming together in 2009. The group has been spotted at prestigious gigs including Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival, The New Hampshire Hempfest & Freedom Rally, and the Woodstock Reunion at Yasgur’s Farm. Much love has been received from the tie-dyed masses at these shows and the band continues to grow its audience steadily. </p>
<p>The latest release by The Remnants is <em>Lift You Up,</em> a full-length set that does a fine job capturing its gritty live-band sound. The current lineup of bassist/vocalist Josh Lopez, vocalist Jeanine Pray, guitarist Jeremiah Regimbald, saxophonist Jason Smith, drummer Sam Faraclas, and percussionist Gordon Smith grooves well together and, more importantly, writes material strong enough to hold its own on the radio. Tracks like “Singing to the Sunshine” and “Leather Man” are immediately memorable and convey more of an individual identity than a lot of other artists in this genre. Lots of jammy bands play well but don’t always craft the catchiest of tunes. The Remnants exist somewhere between the Grateful Dead and Counting Crows, which makes <em>Lift You Up</em> just as good for listening as it is for dancing. Expect to hear more from this bunch.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen to The Remnants on ReverbNation: <a contents="https://www.reverbnation.com/theremnantsct" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.reverbnation.com/theremnantsct" target="_blank">https://www.reverbnation.com/theremnantsct</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Official Website: <a contents="https://theremnantsct.bandzoogle.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://theremnantsct.bandzoogle.com/" target="_blank">https://theremnantsct.bandzoogle.com/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bVx3s9ETeg0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bVx3s9ETeg0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bVx3s9ETeg0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53855562018-08-13T13:50:32-05:002018-08-13T13:50:32-05:00B-EAZY "LOST IN THE SAUCE" REVIEW - MIDWEST HIP-HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/b15ebf1645ec8e4c7f099e229c4c4c4058013819/original/lostinthesauce2.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>B-EAZY </p>
<p><em>Lost in the Sauce </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Hip-hop artist B-Eazy checks back in with his faithful with <em>Lost in the Sauce</em>, a hot set of 12 new tracks that show B to be a deep well of complex streetwise lyrics and stories. His flows are deep, unsettling, and thought-provoking and anyone listening can tell that he is spitting his own Truth. His style on the mic is laid back and his beats are hypnotic. This makes each track on <em>Lost in the Sauce </em>easy to get drawn into and the overall vibe is definitely easy on the ears. This smoothness is brilliant because it allows the power of his bars to instantly become a listener’s main focus. </p>
<p>B-Eazy has already racked up thousands of plays on all the major music platforms and <em>Lost in the Sauce</em> is likely to increase that number tenfold. Tracks like “Russian Roulette,” “Today,” “Doin’ It First,” and “Buy Me a Whip” show B-Eazy at the top of his game. His sound and feel are based on his own culture and experiences, which makes his music highly individualistic. </p>
<p>B is no imitator and his tracks display the confident style of a firmly-established performer. He shares the microphone with guest stars including JMAYZ, Kihndin Peters, and 45 and these features only add to the impact of the record as a whole. There are a lot of fakes and pretenders in today’s music world but B-Eazy is most assuredly not one of them. <em>Lost in the Sauce </em>is a complete and compelling effort from an artist on the rise. Haven’t heard about him yet? All that is about to change. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Listen to <em>Lost in the Sauce</em> on Spotify: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SXhQZWiqgfs3OU4M6PlZg?si=1VHA0ZHyS46AyEPNrgd2SQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SXhQZWiqgfs3OU4M6PlZg?si=1VHA0ZHyS46AyEPNrgd2SQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SXhQZWiqgfs3OU4M6PlZg?si=1VHA0ZHyS46AyEPNrgd2SQ</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Instagram: <a contents="https://www.instagram.com/beazyezent/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/beazyezent/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/beazyezent/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Soundcloud: <a contents="https://soundcloud.com/beazyezent" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/beazyezent" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/beazyezent</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Twitter: <a contents="https://twitter.com/beazyezent" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/beazyezent" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/beazyezent</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2d6f882dc1b87fa6201eb040d34bf8fffe75d781/original/img-1053.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53740852018-08-03T16:53:54-05:002018-08-03T16:53:54-05:00SMALL TOWN JUNKIES - "THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS DEAD" REVIEW! GRUNGE!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/f345d1aebd84bf0ab335842303ae77be892327c6/original/small-town-junkies-the-music-industry-is-dead-cover-art.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SMALL TOWN JUNKIES </p>
<p><em>The Music Industry is Dead </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Small Town Junkies just keeps getting better. Based in northeast Ohio, the band is the creation of David Stump and makes well-executed and tightly-written post-grunge Alternative Rock influenced by artists including Sublime, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Weezer, Staind, and Seether. The latest STJ release, <em>The Music Industry is Dead,</em> is Stump’s finest effort to date. His genius is his ability to write rock and roll with emotional authenticity, not merely the proper drum and guitar sounds. Stump has a knack for making listeners of any age reconnect with how rock made them feel upon first discovery. He makes you remember the days when music mattered and defined your life and circle. </p>
<p>The STJ songwriting department has never been tighter or more direct in its communications than on The Music Industry is Dead. The title track opens with the lyric “The music industry is dead/I’d rather read a book instead, anyway,” a sentiment that won’t make any friends in the business but connects immediately with true music lovers burnt out on and bored with the way things are today. “The Haymaker” is a driving mid-tempo tale of standing up to a youthful bully that anyone who ever survived sixth grade can feel and the single “We Made It” will resonate with any rock and roll lifer. Stump’s vocals are gritty and emotive in that Eddie Vedder way and fit his stories of life and longing perfectly. </p>
<p>Listening to Small Town Junkies is a visceral experience packed with the Truth of rock and roll. In a perfect world, these songs would find a large audience and be heard blasting out of car radios on everyone’s Saturday night. Even so, <em>The Music Industry is Dead</em> is another great set from STJ and will appeal to anyone seeking music that comes from the soul, not a corporate meeting room. Highly recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN TO SMALL TOWN JUNKIES ON BANDCAMP: <a contents="https://smalltownjunkies.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/preorder-now-available-on-bandcamp/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://smalltownjunkies.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/preorder-now-available-on-bandcamp/" target="_blank">https://smalltownjunkies.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/preorder-now-available-on-bandcamp/</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ON ITUNES: <a contents="https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1407946806?ls=1&app=itunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1407946806?ls=1&app=itunes" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1407946806?ls=1&app=itunes</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53729892018-08-02T22:27:16-05:002018-08-02T22:27:16-05:00ELLA REID "BIG GIRL PANTS" REVIEW- COUNTRY/POP/GLAM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/8d1d9906a77e6698a2a543cc6eb503c8117a465a/original/album-cover.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ELLA REID </p>
<p><em>Big Girl Pants </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Ella Reid is an emerging country singer/songwriter with a strong and individual style. Based in Austin, Texas, Reid has developed a Country/Pop/Glam sound that is commercial, catchy, and ready for the radio but still appeals to fans of actual country music, not the watered-down rock that passes for it these days. Her latest release is <em>Big Girl Pants</em> and the set is a powerful statement from an artist with the capacity to very well be known someday soon by a single name, like Dolly, Loretta, and Emmylou. Reid has mastered the art of modern country pop the way Dolly Parton did in the 1970s. Like Parton, Reid writes and sings material with huge pop crossover potential that is still fully country and brings in that devoted audience. </p>
<p>Reid is sassy, brassy, and an excellent singer but her songs are what make the magic happen on <em>Big Girl Pants</em>. Tracks like “Suck It Up, Buttercup” and “Feelin’ Lucky” do fine work tapping into a modern person’s mindset and turning personal experiences into universal truths with which anyone can relate. Oh, and they are as tuneful as the day is long, too, and will most likely earworm you on your first listen. </p>
<p>Reid’s sound has all the slickness and sweetness required to hit the big time but still shuffles and twangs like a Texas Saturday night. Her genius is in that balance. She isn’t giving an Alt-Country history lesson or veering off into synths and rock guitar like many current acts have done. She is writing real country music with a modern sensibility. Her lyrics convey true emotions and stories, not lists of redneck affectations and talking points, and her grooves will move any crowd anywhere anytime. Nashville cats, pay attention: this is how it’s done.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN TO ELLA REID ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="spotify:album:0FCu1gAYhNFATYKmeQazIz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://spotify:album:0FCu1gAYhNFATYKmeQazIz" target="_blank">spotify:album:0FCu1gAYhNFATYKmeQazIz</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9da2f3ec463ce8cdaca3098f380795296257ff4a/original/mg-9173.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53168662018-06-25T17:33:24-05:002018-06-25T17:33:24-05:00HYBRYDD "HYBRYDD" REVIEW - SMART POP/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2b44782d41dae2d57c284f6e8adbf709cc4d2314/original/17022096-1766015147047758-8980844277270746300-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>HYBRYDD </p>
<p><em>Hybrydd</em><em> </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Hybrydd is a three-member pop/rock consortium working out of Toronto, ON, Canada. The group has a far-from-typical sound built on strong acoustic guitars, compelling, propulsive drumming, and ethereal male vocals that hint at a Moody Blues influence. The recent self-titled release <em>Hybrydd</em><em> </em>finds the band in top form for both songwriting and playing. The music has an identifiable thread running through it all but never starts to sound repetitive or lose any skill in execution. The lineup of vocalist Aukai, bassist/guitarist Be’, and drummer/percussionist Marcell is a potent combination and easily creates a lot of polished, focused sound. </p>
<p>The songs on <em>Hybrydd</em> are clearly the group’s main concern and all other elements are kept in service to each track’s bigger picture. Grooves, melodies, lyrics, and guitars are balanced perfectly to allow the songs to stand out. Points of interest for an initial listening party might be “Foreign Land,” “Galileo's Planet,” “Mockingbird,” and “Nassau” but the record is strong all the way through. Hybrydd seems to be the kind of band that appeals to the more discerning segments of the rock audience, the people looking for intelligent music to make them think as well as dance. Hybrydd accomplishes those goals well and will be a happy addition to some of the world’s finest record collections.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">LISTEN TO HYBRYDD ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/54v5HQdcJy68uguF3Nfz4M" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/54v5HQdcJy68uguF3Nfz4M" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/54v5HQdcJy68uguF3Nfz4M</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/12dae29064cec03c73b040cf00fe138be194b76f/original/24232910-1904998046482800-7189193713939555803-n.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53168392018-06-25T17:23:42-05:002018-06-25T17:23:42-05:00BEEBE BROTHERS - "WELCOME TO ORANGE LEWIS" REVIEW - FOLK ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/1664c92c9e93589491c60caf76fdec2e78c035a4/original/beebe-bros-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>BEEBE BROTHERS </p>
<p><em>Welcome to Orange Lewis </em></p>
<p>(Beebe Brothers) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>The Beebe Brothers are Hal and Norman Beebe and together they make folk-influenced guitar-and-vocal music that displays the ability to be both haunting and memorable. The brothers have a sound that lives between folk music and 20th Century singer/songwriter styles and is quietly enchanting. On <em>Welcome to Orange Lewis</em>, they spin tales and melodies that are organic and honest, two qualities sorely lacking in much contemporary music, and that pull people in and keep them listening. Many of the songs have an atmospheric gentleness to them that recalls the true, original hippie period of the mid-1960s with grace and respect. </p>
<p>Precious little background information accompanies <em>Welcome to Orange Lewis</em> and it seems Hal and Norm want to keep attention focused on the songs at hand. This has become something of an industry trend and seems to be a reaction to the over-hyping ways of our modern world. Thankfully, the songs here are strong and easily carry the day. Listeners will enjoy “Ride the Wind,” “New Eyes,” and “Dreams Come True” but won't be disappointed if they take the record on as one long session. This is excellent, authentically human music that inspires thought and reflection. Anyone searching for cool emerging songwriters for their next playlist will find two of them right here. Good stuff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">LISTEN TO BEEBE BROTHERS ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/5P9jSjxpd7EKXKVLWSw2Lj?si=K4MyayjcTO6Si1g391x7UQ" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5P9jSjxpd7EKXKVLWSw2Lj?si=K4MyayjcTO6Si1g391x7UQ" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/5P9jSjxpd7EKXKVLWSw2Lj?si=K4MyayjcTO6Si1g391x7UQ</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/84741c3258138cab4c2929900e7c61ee0cf96041/original/beebe-bros-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/53168272018-06-25T17:12:47-05:002018-06-25T17:12:47-05:00ITCH "ROUND 2" REVIEW - KILLER FUNK/ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/434823518b17dcdbdc043df39a68944bc8cc2ae3/original/capatain-live-vinyl-itch-band.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>ITCH </p>
<p><em>Round 2 </em></p>
<p>(Latticesphere Records) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>If you like funk/rock with deep grooves, killer songs, and a unique style, let me introduce you to Itch, your new favorite band. Itch is a Serbian band based in Belgrade that has been making its way through the international music scene since 2010 and doing it with the current lineup since 2015. <em>Round 2 </em>is, appropriately enough, the second Itch release to see the light of day and it is a strong statement from a group with the skills needed to break through to a much larger audience. </p>
<p>The first thing one notices upon first listening to <em>Round 2 </em>is the huge pocket the band creates behind vocalist Nina "Buvica" Budjinski. The bass, guitar, and drum interaction is tight, driving, and motivating, giving the songs the propellant needed to move large crowds of humans. This is a style-mixing outfit, however, and no one involved is scared to blast off from their funk platform into full-bore rock energy or even add elements of electronic production to the mix. This gives this set just enough unpredictability to be an exciting listen from start to finish. The recorded sounds are crisp and punchy, too, especially the bass tone, which helps make the whole show happen. Highlights include “Prison Disco,” “Mangata,” and “Captain Love.” </p>
<p>Itch has played some bigger festivals in Europe, gotten airplay and TV time, and is now preparing for an American tour to support <em>Round 2.</em> This can only lead to more success, as Itch is one of those bands that makes perfect sense the first time people hear the tunes. Strong funk like this is universal and the other elements the group stacks around this core just make it more appealing. You can say you heard it here first: Itch is the Truth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">LISTEN TO ITCH ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0xD68Eln2o53aj2Pae6iiY?si=HLuSMQi7RyG3XHWgVgbCEg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0xD68Eln2o53aj2Pae6iiY?si=HLuSMQi7RyG3XHWgVgbCEg" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0xD68Eln2o53aj2Pae6iiY?si=HLuSMQi7RyG3XHWgVgbCEg</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ucccjllJTRQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ucccjllJTRQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ucccjllJTRQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/52770672018-06-05T12:53:24-05:002018-06-05T12:53:24-05:00BUD HOLLY "SCIENTIFICALLY DOPE" EP REVIEW - LYRICAL HIP HOP!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9f96a3d429029b694ecf29c6da3ea23d248377fb/original/34442926-2024306490914383-2473516427915558912-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>BUD HOLLY </p>
<p><em>Scientifically Dope </em></p>
<p>(Dakota South) </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Underground hip hop artist Bud Holly swings a mighty lyrical hammer on his new EP <em>Scientifically Dope</em> on Dakota South Records. Holly is an unfamiliar name to most music fans right now but the oddsmakers in Vegas believe that situation will soon change. Based in Spearfish, South Dakota, Holly has been making waves regionally but <em>Scientifically Dope </em>demonstrates clearly that he has the skills, wisdom, wit, and flow to stand tall as a national act. His sound is modern with a touch of classic rap style, which engages listeners in just a few bars, and it gives him a real shot at crossing over to a larger audience. </p>
<p>The EP is short, only five tracks, but Holly makes each one of them count. The opener, “Hey Miss,” comes old school and wants to infiltrate gated communities with ganja and subversive ideas. The track rocks like a single and serves as an excellent introduction to Holly’s world. Three of the remaining tracks feature Holly teaming up with his Dakota South label mate Damon Perry, which is a collaboration that works swimmingly well. All three are quality but “Devil” absolutely kills and is also another hit single waiting to happen. </p>
<p>Holly shows a Slim Shady influence but easily moves beyond it and carves out his own space as an artist. <em>Scientifically Dope </em>is a short session but it’s an important one. Holly hits these tracks like a man bursting at the seams and it makes you want to hear what he could do with a full-length release. Until that happens, buy this one and memorize it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BUD HOLLY ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/album/0HPaHsXbgOYneGFoakQCba?si=fU-h1cTLTHSqtmJNjdjX0w" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0HPaHsXbgOYneGFoakQCba?si=fU-h1cTLTHSqtmJNjdjX0w" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/0HPaHsXbgOYneGFoakQCba?si=fU-h1cTLTHSqtmJNjdjX0w</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UUitVnwraPs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/UUitVnwraPs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UUitVnwraPs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4a6f6800baa0e8e92a459ac691b5c422ac09bc90/original/34524876-2024309060914126-1853783935939510272-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/52389042018-05-16T18:32:55-05:002018-05-16T18:32:55-05:00CAT ROLFES "HWY 55" REVIEW - FUNKY SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e9db134e3eec614098ccccd1d250b8683da5100d/original/upc-191924852117.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>CAT ROLFES </p>
<p><em>Hwy 55 </em></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Ever wonder how you ended up not hearing about a great musician right in your own backyard? The interns and I here at the home office are wondering that right now in regards to Cat Rolfes. Rolfes is an engaging and talented roots rock vocalist and songwriter based in Chicago but originally from New Orleans. She writes funky swamp R&B, southern rock, and blues into her own take on American music and tops it all with a clear, sweet, and soulful vocal style and hooks that are both instantly memorable. <em>Hwy 55 </em>is her first full-length record and it is one of the strongest independent releases out of our fair city in recent memory. </p>
<p>Rolfes is a bit of an anomaly in the Chicago scene, which is overrun with mild-mannered singer/songwriters, straight blues, punk, and metal. Her stock in trade is a vintage southern soul sound built on cracking pocket drumming, clean-toned guitar, horns, piano, and Hammond organ wrapped around original songs with hooks that go on for days. The opening track, “Momma Said,” is a prime example of Cat’s magic. It’s Muscle Shoals-inspired groove feels amazing and her vocals and wisdom-filled lyrics will put you in the palm of her hand. The rest of the set is just as much fun and highlights include “That’s How It Goes,” “Was It Real,” and “Going Home.” </p>
<p>Rolfes is definitely in the running for “Chicago’s Biggest Secret” but that situation will not likely exist for too much longer. She is a bright and energetic spot in a landscape of similarities and her uniqueness is compelling and immediately noticeable. Fans of all that is funky, bluesy, and lyrical will want to hop on <em>Hwy 55</em> as soon as possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">CAT ROLFES ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="http://sptfy.com/14mC" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://sptfy.com/14mC" target="_blank">http://sptfy.com/14mC</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">BUY "HWY 55" ON CD BABY: <a contents="https://bit.ly/2HVZdM4" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bit.ly/2HVZdM4" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2HVZdM4</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">FACEBOOK: <a contents="www.facebook.com/catrolfesmusic/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/catrolfesmusic/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/catrolfesmusic/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/4b6d60d5092a424a2e380b856ef1010e42f4374f/original/catrolfeswildones.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/52065972018-04-27T18:54:52-05:002018-04-27T18:54:52-05:00DELTIIMO & MARLEY BLANDFORD "ON MY OWN AGAIN" REVIEW - PARTY ANTHEM!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/e139357b6edff34dd9740539ddcd187099fdeff3/original/180314-deltiimo-onmyownagain.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>DELTIIMO & MARLEY BLANDFORD </p>
<p>“On My Own Again” </p>
<p>Single review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>“On My Own Again” is an amazing, dancefloor-packing bit of sonic experience brought into existence by some of the UK’s most gifted modern musicians. Deltiimo is one of the hottest pop production duos now working and is comprised of veteran British songwriter, lyricist, and producer Gary Louca and international songwriter and producer Bradon Grobler. Marley Blandford is a singer/songwriter from Portsmouth who effortlessly blends soul, pop, and folk sounds into melodic brilliance. Put the three artists together and what do you get? An absolute wildfire. </p>
<p>All three involved contributed to “On My Own Again” being born into the world, although it began life as a Grobler original. It has a smoky atmosphere, swirling synthesizers, and Blandford’s deeply emotional vocals laid over a beat that’s genetically engineered to start parties. The track is a huge step forward into the party anthem scene for Blandford but, judging by this first performance, he should do well there. Deltiimo turns in another luminescent, multicolored production that will please the clubs and that melds seamlessly with Blandford’s soulfulness. The song is available two ways: a tight radio cut and an extended club mix. Excellent work all around. Find it today.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="E_Ol8OMI3ZY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/E_Ol8OMI3ZY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E_Ol8OMI3ZY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/DeltiimoMusic/&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/DeltiimoMusic/&nbsp;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DeltiimoMusic/&nbsp;</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://twitter.com/Deltiimo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/Deltiimo" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Deltiimo</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/marleyblandfordmusic&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/marleyblandfordmusic" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/marleyblandfordmusic </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="https://twitter.com/blandfordmarley" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/blandfordmarley" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/blandfordmarley</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/5b68d37b2dde03cc8509ea8009bdccabe691097a/original/marley-blandford-2.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/51981202018-04-23T16:59:21-05:002018-04-23T17:04:34-05:00UNION FIVE "UNION FIVE" REVIEW - FUNKY INSTRO JAZZ!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/fc1f119f8dc5acec4c3beedec0873a9fd8784153/original/cover-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>UNION FIVE </p>
<p><em>Union Five</em> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Anyone into funky instrumental jazz with a touch of smooth needs to discover Union Five. Union Five is a group of working pro musicians who have joined together to make music in a new formation after playing with each other for years in other situations. The music grooves hard, shows a jazz influence, but remains accessible to non-jazz listeners. The tracks on the group’s debut release <em>Union Five</em> are exactly the kind of material that lights up dance floors and festival stages and it is refreshing to hear skilled musicians give their all. </p>
<p>The band is comprised of Evan Suiter on bass and percussion, Steve Dejka on drums, Jeff Nelson on guitar, Jack Maynes and Ryan McCurry on keyboards, Jared Wright on trumpet, and Boothe Iberg on alto saxophone. This lineup is highly talented, entertaining, and fun to listen to. The album is only seven songs, which makes all of them highlights. Everyone has their favorites but take a good listen to “Murf,” “Upside Down,” and “The Blind Kind,” which features guitarist Nelson stretching out nicely. The closing track “H.H.A.” simmers seductively and again displays Nelson well, along with bassist Suiter. </p>
<p>The band bio claims Union Five was birthed from the battle of two legendary b-movie monsters and the mushroom cloud the ruckus created. It’s unclear if that story is true or not but what we do know is that all of this music was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Smith at Scooter's Place Studio in Durango, Colorado. Smith did a fine job of capturing tones and performances and the set flat out sounds amazing. Union Five makes deeply funky and soulful sounds and needs to be appreciated. Pretty much everyone loves velvety grooves like these tracks put down and that should make Union Five appeal to the whole world.</p>
<p>UNION FIVE ON ITUNES: <a contents="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/union-five/1371920759" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/union-five/1371920759" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/union-five/1371920759</a></p>
<p>OFFICIAL WEBSITE: <a contents="www.unionfivemusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.unionfivemusic.com" target="_blank">www.unionfivemusic.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="9UgCLI7-GBc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/9UgCLI7-GBc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9UgCLI7-GBc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/51844502018-04-16T12:56:16-05:002018-04-16T13:08:37-05:00WASABI FIRE ALARM - “Two Fingers In A ‘V’” REVIEW - FUNKY SURREALIST ROCK!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/9d7e3b7550fd2a945badbfeef171c11658419594/original/03ae094f-8b1e-4467-9027-886d9bca00c7.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>WASABI FIRE ALARM <br>“Two Fingers In A ‘V’” </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>If moody, funky, Surrealist rock music is your thing, look no further than Wasabi Fire Alarm. The band is from York, UK and has a new video single called “Two Fingers In A ‘V’” that keeps getting better the more you listen to it. Wasabi Fire Alarm exists in an experimental artistic world of its own creation and it can take new fans a few spins to get their heads right with it. Imagine Beefheart, Deftones, and Portishead in the studio together and you’ll start to get it. </p>
<p>The band is vocalist Sue Egypt, guitarist/keyboardist/ producer Neil (The Offender), bassist Al, and drummer Mike. They make cool left-of-center sounds as a unit and this track certainly does whet the appetite for a taste of what else might be on the upcoming mini-album release mentioned on their website. The video is black and white, captivating, and contributes to the experimental/surreal feel of the song. It’s very creative and very well done. Sue Egypt is a compelling presence on the microphone and in front of the camera and will pull you into her vibe and keep you there. Fine work, this one. </p>
<p>WEBSITE: <a contents="https://www.wasabi-fire-alarm.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wasabi-fire-alarm.com/" target="_blank">https://www.wasabi-fire-alarm.com/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="D_fhLbgCtGc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/D_fhLbgCtGc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D_fhLbgCtGc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wasabi-fire-alarm.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d5bb6288e048f90678c24674b031bbe7fd4b6cc5/original/201803291537241.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/51820092018-04-14T14:24:04-05:002018-04-14T15:01:24-05:00ROBOT RAVEN “SET TO SOAR” REVIEW - TOP SHELF SONGWRITERS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/7ebdaf1de485d140125a2c6fa0549563e45a9242/original/8bc03ef5-9b35-4d3b-a58f-50caa5a8df98.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>ROBOT RAVEN <br><i>Set to Soar</i> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Robot Raven is the name of a studio band/recording entity made up of only two talented performers, John Rigg and Edmond Bruneau. Rigg is the man in charge of all the music and Bruneau writes the lyrics. Together, they write songs rooted in just about every 20th Century pop/rock style possible and show a great deal of mastery over these vintage sounds. Robot Raven’s latest effort, <i>Set to Soar</i>, takes our heroes further down this path. Styles appearing include rockabilly, gospel, and wah-laced 60s rock. The songs are hooky and memorable, no matter the vibe, and fans of tight, entertaining songwriters will find this right on target. </p>
<p>There are a lot of high points on <i>Set to Soar</i>. Rigg and Bruneau drop cool tunes everywhere they go. The minor key rockabilly jam “A Girl Like You” opens the album in fine style with an uptempo groove and tasty surf-tinged guitar work. “The Little Things” is vibe-filled Seattle-influenced guitar pop while “Ready Now” shows itself to be a love song put over a gospel feel. The styles keep shifting but the creative feel glues everything together and makes this set a good full-length listen. Robot Raven has written over sixty songs as a unit and its blend of song chops, classic DNA, and unique arrangements make checking out the back catalog seem like a tremendous idea. Their fourth album, <i>Set to Soar</i>, however, is a great place to start. </p>
<p><strong>Here's a secret way to get any Robot Raven album CD for only $5 including shipping: Just click on any album on this page and eBay will do the rest.</strong></p>
<p><a contents="http://robotraven.com/robotravenalbums.html" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://robotraven.com/robotravenalbums.html" target="_self">http://robotraven.com/robotravenalbums.html</a> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>ROBOT RAVEN ON SPOTIFY: <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5X4ifdASAK8VOsdVq7x7js" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5X4ifdASAK8VOsdVq7x7js" target="_self">https://open.spotify.com/artist/5X4ifdASAK8VOsdVq7x7js</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hDG8DJ5KQXY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/hDG8DJ5KQXY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDG8DJ5KQXY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>FACEBOOK: <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/bostonbooksmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/bostonbooksmusic" target="_self">https://www.facebook.com/bostonbooksmusic</a> </p>
<p>SOUNDCLOUD: <a contents=" https://soundcloud.com/edmond-bruneau" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/edmond-bruneau" target="_self"> https://soundcloud.com/edmond-bruneau</a> </p>
<p>REVERB NATION: <a contents=" https://soundcloud.com/edmond-bruneau" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/edmond-bruneau" target="_self"> https://soundcloud.com/edmond-bruneau</a></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/51666522018-04-05T17:35:43-05:002018-04-05T18:19:59-05:00JENNIFER MAIDMAN “DREAMLAND” REVIEW - MUSIC AND A MOVIE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/2c02c12784fcb529697567fd215f9cab0578f562/original/606732ca-bb32-4389-b1a6-2be11624c49d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>JENNIFER MAIDMAN <br><i>Dreamland</i> </p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com <br>Photos by Dakota Lane </p>
<p>British multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Jennifer Maidman has been making music at the highest levels since the mid 1970s. She has worked with a litany of heavy hitters that includes Joan Armatrading, Boy George, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Linda McCartney, Annie Whitehead, Mark Knopfler, The Proclaimers, and George Clinton. She earned gold and platinum records back when they meant something. If that wasn’t enough, she also has a compelling personal story of courage and transformation to tell. It’s the story of being a female born in a male form named Ian and how that early life put her on the journey to who she is today. </p>
<p><i>Dreamland</i> is her long-awaited solo album, recorded at the Dreamland studio in Woodstock, New York and is also the title of a documentary film by Dakota Lane about Maidman and the making of the album. The entire film was shot on an iPhone and has been selected to be shown at the New York City Independent Film Festival in May, 2018. Taken together, the album and film give an up-close look into one of those amazing human stories that couldn’t have come from fiction. Maidman is fully herself, in the way most of us aspire to be, and serves as an example of how much power can be generated when mind, body, and soul finally align. </p>
<p><i>Dreamland</i> the album is the strong and personal statement of a realized musician. Maidman is a skilled vocalist and songwriter and plays bass, guitar, drums, keys, Chapman Stick, and more. All of her facets get plenty of exercise on the set and she delivers tracks that range from deep funk (“Conspiracy of Dreamers,” “Red Heart”) to mid-tempo lyricism (“The Letting Go”) to piano jazz balladry (“Land of Dreams”). She also gets ample support on these sessions from guests like guitarist/composer/looper David Torn (David Bowie, Jim Carrol, Laurie Anderson, David Sylvian), drummer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, John Mayer, Paul McCartney), and trombonist Annie Whitehead (Elvis Costello, The Spice Girls, Joe Jackson, Charlie Watts). Maidman and Whitehead have been life partners and musical collaborators since the late 1980s and their closeness shows. Maidman’s vocals and writing are the common threads through all of this and make Dreamland a personal expression, not merely a collection of songs. </p>
<p><i>Dreamland</i> the film is an intimate, unscripted look into the recording of the album and into Maidman’s life and history. Director Dakota Lane is an award-winning Young Adult author and journalist who made the film under natural light on a single iPhone. Because of this, Maidman, her associates, and her process are captured as they are. This accentuates the spontaneous humanity so vital to the musical art and shows us the people behind these careers in a personal way. The film gives fans insights into Maidman and her life that enrich the songs on the record. </p>
<p>Both versions of <i>Dreamland</i> combine to form an amazing portal into the music and life of Jennifer Maidman for new converts and old friends, alike. Maidman’s personal authenticity drives her life and work and will probably be the take-away from the film for most people. It’s not often that we see someone this comfortable in her own skin. Dig both when you find them. You’ll be happy. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ByNdN_Ihb3c" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ByNdN_Ihb3c/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ByNdN_Ihb3c?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>'DREAMLAND' ON SPOTIFY!</p>
<p><a contents="JENNIFER MAIDMAN - 'DREAMLAND'" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1kM94tVaJYxHWCWy9WQ412?si=Fxrb_E1KRAyR86DS3-6xSg" target="_blank">JENNIFER MAIDMAN - 'DREAMLAND'</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/edda5588a2e80acb7bffc12344d5e6b00abd9243/original/d7ba3782-14e9-4b84-a0aa-84811be662b1.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/51494962018-03-26T23:09:53-05:002018-03-26T23:09:53-05:00HENRY METAL “DEADLIFT COWBOY” REVIEW - SHRED SONGWRITER! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/d29d4d7986b7d35333b38d9eaedb5bf43df0b115/original/f963fd1e-4ee0-4cf1-97e4-6e7e28d9f3d2.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>HENRY METAL <br><i>Deadlift Cowboy </i></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Where does one begin with Henry Metal? The Los Angeles-based shred guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer displays one of the more individualistic musical styles you are likely to encounter anywhere, one that blends rock music, art, and comedy into an experimental sound no one else could create. His latest recorded effort, <i>Deadlift Cowboy</i>, is his seventh studio record in less than a year and showcases all of Metal’s talents at once. Unlike some musical mad scientists, Metal’s sound is rooted in classic rock and heavy metal and that keeps his tracks listenable and engaging with little art-rock pretense to be found. Most of his experimentation is in the song and lyric department. He shifts tone smoothly from funny to absurd to serious and weighs in on topics including deadlifting, cowboys and indians, sexual harassment, organic foods, and indoor scooters. </p>
<p>Musically speaking, Henry Metal draws from the deep well of classic metal and album-oriented rock. Think Dio, Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Alice Cooper. Metal is an excellent rock guitarist with chops to burn and does fine work on every track. What makes him stand out, however, is a writing sensibility that lives somewhere between Frank Zappa and Tenacious D. Metal is clearly not trying to make anyone’s music except his own. He understands that memorable songs are what this game is all about, no matter how well you play. Highlights are many and include “Indoor Scooter Man” and “Motivation.” </p>
<p>No mere review will give you a full understanding of an artist like Henry Metal. Listeners need to experience this music for themselves, see and feel where it takes them, and draw their own conclusions. What one review can do, though, is give fans of unique songwriters and rock musicians the straight skinny that, out of all the music out there, this is the album they need to hear next. Buy this one when you find it. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZIvjYW2hBnA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZIvjYW2hBnA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIvjYW2hBnA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Mike O'Cull Musictag:mikeocull.com,2005:Post/51423662018-03-22T13:01:45-05:002018-03-22T13:06:04-05:00SMALL TOWN JUNKIES - “STJ MIXTAPE” REVIEW - ALTERNATIVE ROCK!<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/43970/df3346bd7ce26e18d6d0f5639c692c1731b4ff4f/original/1f083e90-0413-448c-b537-37c352f07572.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>SMALL TOWN JUNKIES <br><i>STJ Mixtape </i></p>
<p>Review by Mike O’Cull, independent music journalist. www.mikeocull.com </p>
<p>Small Town Junkies is really Ohio-based singer/songwriter David Stump. Stump creates the material and then records it with the assistance of various side players who help flesh out his strong post-grunge alternative rock sound. The latest effort from Small Town Junkies is the <i>STJ Mixtape</i>. The set contains 15 songs compiled from the last couple of years of STJ releases that are tuneful, lyrically solid, and inspired by the best of the original grunge/Seattle period. Stump has clearly figured out how to make memorable rock music out of simple elements and this plain spoken quality only adds to his appeal. </p>
<p>Stump writes songs about topics like isolation, mental illness, and addiction. His tone is dark, confessional, and cathartic, and it is easy to grasp the genuine emotion in his tracks. No matter the subject matter, Stump remains gritty and listenable and comes off like a breath of fresh overdriven air. “Underground Rock” is an instant ear worm, explicit lyrics and all, and “Hell or High Water” sounds like the result of a collaboration between Kurt Cobain and Matthew Sweet at the height of their powers. Perhaps the most significant cut on the <i>STJ Mixtape</i> is “Fighting the Stigma,” a song that tackles the mental illness issue directly. The song is an unflinching monologue about the difficulties and desires of those afflicted and has the support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a group that uses the song to raise awareness of these troubling conditions. </p>
<p>David Stump’s <i>STJ Mixtape</i> is a pretty cool time for those who like meaningful rock music. Stump bleeds the blood of the 90s, putting in fine work writing songs that channel the greatness of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden while still dripping with his own unique vision. This is full-on ragged glory in action that delivers an indisputable realness of experience. Rock fans need to latch onto Small Town Junkies and play this stuff loud. </p>
<p>Get STJ Mixtape on Bandcamp: <a contents="https://smalltownjunkies.bandcamp.com/album/stj-mixtape" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://smalltownjunkies.bandcamp.com/album/stj-mixtape" target="_blank">https://smalltownjunkies.bandcamp.com/album/stj-mixtape</a></p>Mike O'Cull Music