December 2016 – Music blogger

GEMS Dazzle with “Blow Out the Light”

December 21, 2016by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment

A clever spin on the cliche saying, “We’ll leave the light on!” Well…not this time. “Blow Out the Light” focuses on the end of a relationship, hinting at some infidelity; “Don’t come home to me tonight, you’ve been holdin’ someone tight, you think you’re out there lovin’ someone right.” The soprano-like voices in GEMS provide a stark contrast to the actual harsh words being sung. “I can’t promise that I’ll ever be cool with you, but I’m tryna be kind.” The positivity is in the process of moving on.

These Washington, D.C. natives are starting a new music releasing process by putting out a new single every time there’s a full moon, hence the project title, Every Full Moon. A cool way of introducing new music to their fans that has already garnered some much needed attention to the group. “Blow Out the Light” is different from GEMS’ usual electro-pop. This one is plucking from the R&B/alternative field, with a dash of piano and a sprinkle of electronic, that seems to suit them flawlessly. Reminiscent of groups on the rise, like Broods, Phantogram, and Oh Wonder. The boy-girl coupling makes for a refreshing duet sound that has been growing popular in the music scene.

The most captivating element in “Light” are the snaps that overlap during the chorus as lead singer Lindsay sings sweetly, “blow out the light.” You can’t help but feel like it should be on a 24-hour loop in a Zen center somewhere to help people rid their mind of toxic exes.

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Who You Need: Colouring

December 15, 2016by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment

“Stop all the clocks, I’ll be with you, you’re all that I think about” sings lead singer Jack Kenworthy in a high pop range as an electro beat migrates to the forefront. “About You” is one of their several singles released late this year. London natives, Colouring are doing just that. Coloring music with a blue hue (check out all their single artwork) and poetic lyrics. If One Republic and Coldplay had a baby, it would be these guys…

The group yanks at your heart strings with the sad yet beautiful “Everything Has Grown.” A light twinkle of piano chords played by Kenworthy graces your ears. He told Impose Magazine, “I could always work out melodies by ear on the piano, even before I knew what any of the notes were.” His voice is a steady strong alto as the lyrics overflow with honesty; “Now all these years have passed us by, and every tear has left your eyes, but how we try.” Kenworthy says, “It’s a pretty personal song to me. I think everyone knows the feeling of looking back on a difficult time in their lives and finally finding peace with it.”

This four-some met eachother over a span of years forming what would soon be their band. They played and listened to music together in their house in London. “From early on, we all realized we loved the same stuff. We quickly became pretty close,” said Kenworthy. It’s obvious they all work well together and are motivated to make more music. A debut album is in the works for 2017.

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Kehlani’s “Advice”

December 8, 2016December 8, 2016by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment

kehlani-head-shot — Image: hot1039fm.com

“Advice” is every conversation we’ve had with ourselves after heartbreak. The pain, the denial, the truth we’ve been neglecting to respect. Kehlani sings with a slight plead, “I don’t want you around, cause how is the man of my dreams, not a man of his words?” The chorus comes in strong, “It’s time to take my own advice.” One of the hardest things we as humans often have trouble doing. We trust and believe in others, but can’t seem to apply that to ourselves. It’s too easy to break our confidence and feel rejected. While the song is soaked in broken love, it thrives in hope, and pure honesty. “Advice” serves as her most emotional song to date. Proving her raw lasting beauty in the R&B genre.

Her debut album SWEETSEXYSAVAGE will FINALLY hit shelves on January 27. With a 19-song track list, it’s bound to be a saucy musical brew. In response to her album title, Kehlani tweeted, “As women we are told that we cannot be multi layered.. we are put in boxes.. we can’t be all the above.. reclaim yourself.” Then she goes on to say, “But really.. it’s me reclaiming myself. Me accepting myself. Good & bad. All the way around. It’s me. Thank you for loving me.”

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Chamomile

December 1, 2016by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment

Chamomile. It’s the name of one of my most beloved playlists. It literally means calm, healing, relaxing, etc. It’s what everyone needs a dose of. So in the mornings when I get up before the sun and can’t stand to turn a light on, I throw on some music. Or when I am on my way home from work and the sun is peeking right behind the wintry clouds, I throw on my Chamomile. Or on Saturday morning when I’m making bacon and eggs in my snowflake PJ’s, I turn up the Chamomile. It’s the perfect way to make a moment better. Here are some artists that are always on my Chamomile playlist.

James Vincent McMorrow

His angelic voice lingers so far in your head, you can’t ever get it out. “Cavalier” builds into something poetic, that makes you cry in the best way. His voice barely mumbles, “speak until the dust, settles in the same specific way” making you feel as if you’re already under his spell.

The Head and the Heart

Pack up the granola, converse, and best friends. The Head and the Heart teach us to be adventurous while falling in love with everything around us. Harmonic symphonies of stories prance through every track delicately touching sadness and happiness with the prettiest of acoustic tones. “Winter Song” warms your soul as much as the hot cocoa in your hand. Curl up and feel the warmth.

Coldplay

chris-martin — **Image: independent.co.uk**

Need I say more? But it’s the old ones that comfort me the most. The stand-alone romantic, “Green Eyes,” insanely gorgeous, “Sparks,” and the break-up tune, “Warning Sign.” Rich acoustics echo the lyrics flawlessly, making you fall in love with Chris Martin over and over again. Coldplay never ceases to make you feel.

Hozier

His lackadaisical vocals and slight tinge of folk sets him apart from other alt musicians. “Like Real People Do” is a standout among the rest off his debut album. A quirky guitar melody and “hoo-ing” backup vocals make you rest your head and drift away. The day he records a lullaby album will be the best day of my life.

Jarryd James

Soulful falsetto packs a punch in every track off James’ album High. “Cross my heart and hope to try, I know that tears may fall, but you know I can’t help it,” he sings emotionally. Raw lyrics stripped to the core are James’ specialty, and he does it well. One of the most calm people I’ve ever seen live. His aura is mystical.

Banks

We all know I love her. I will never be sick of her. She’s perfect. Her vocals have power when needed and perfection when desired. In first hit, “Change” she sings, “Baby don’t go, I didn’t know, I’ll change I swear, I’ll change I swear.” Never shying away from her honesty has made Banks a huge force in the alt scene. She is unlike any other artist out there.