Amber Mark’s New EP

(image via ticketfly.com)

Picture yourself in a big bed. One leg draped out of the sheets, one leg in. You look out the glass panel windows and see an ocean sunset. The palm trees wave in the warm breeze as you just start to fall asleep. That’s what Amber Mark makes you feel. MAKES you. You don’t have a choice. You’ll feel it.

“I still really really love you, love is stronger than pride” are the touching lyrics on the standout cover of Sade’s, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” It’s romantic and real in a way that feels so easy to comprehend. The classic backup Mark vocals lull you into a relaxed state immediately.

Conexão feels like a genre all its own. Uplifting, peaceful, and dazzling. “All the Work” starts out with a coffeehouse beat and quickly picks up pace as Amber’s vocals glide flawlessly throughout. While title track, Conexão sounds a bit jazzy and sexy.

Mark recently told DIY mag about the writing process behind this new EP. “I just started writing what I was feeling. I was kind of against that too though, because, as it turned out, it was about love. I don’t really like to talk about that! I was quite hesitant doing that. But people have really appreciated my music because of how honest I was with my feelings, so I ended up just writing about it. I tried to make it as non-cheesy as possible though!” In terms of a full-length album, the NYC native is working on it. She is currently still writing and joining forces with other producers. She says, “I’m still going to be doing stuff on my own, but it’s slowly but surely coming together and figuring it out for an album. It’s a bit intimidating but I’m slowly acclimating.” 


 

Q&A with Northern National + New Single!

Texas natives, Northern National just released their latest single, “Slow Down” off their new EP, D.A.R.K. Channeling their alternative side they’ve mastered so well, you can’t help but compare this one to an Imagine Dragons-esque anthem. Something draws you in with the eeriest sound. The haunting backup vocals and consistent hit of a drum make this stand out among the rest of their discography.

Listen for yourself: 

1.) Explain more about the song meaning
“‘Slow Down’ talks about the realization that we all lie for different reasons and using that realization to change ourselves for the better.

The bridge of the song says, ‘I’m a liar, I am tired, I get higher just to hide that I am a liar’. These lines are the ‘wake the fuck up moment.’ The ‘these lies are exhausting and you can’t keep doing this’ moment. The ‘You have to change for yourself’ moment.

Sometimes you can’t just change for someone else. You have to change for yourself first and foremost and then let that change be shaped by the people around you, and that is what the song is really about. It’s a song about realizing the person who you’ve become after all the years of wearing a mask you’ve shaped for yourself through lies, hiding, and fear. Now that you’ve realized that mask… you won’t back down, you will hold out, you won’t slow down any longer.”

2.) Who are some of your musical inspirations? 

“Everyone in the band has different musical inspirations actually. Our singer’s favorite songwriter of all time is Ray LaMontange, mine (Kanne) is probably a songwriter named Ron Pope, our drummer loves Bombay Bicycle Club, and our bassist/guitarist loves Thrice. It’s crazy the range that a band can have sometimes.
Actually we are all creating playlists currently of our favorite music and what we are all listening too. You can check those out on our Spotify!

3.) Is this a glimpse into what the rest of the EP will sound like?
“‘Slow Down’ was the first single we finished writing and recording in the studio. It helped format the direction of the EP for sure. However, we have a couple different vibes on it. We want to keep the audience guessing and intrigued about what’s coming next. You will really get to see all the sides of Northern National in the EP.”

4.) What are your plans for 2018?
“Releasing this new record and lots and lots of touring! We are currently booking for the summer, but from about May on.. get ready to see us at a city near you! We can’t wait to get on the road and play these new songs and write more for future records.”

To learn more about Northern National, visit their website


 

Who You Need: All Poets & Heroes

all poets and heroes

 

WHO: All Poets & Heroes

WHERE: Syracuse, NY

GENRE: Alternative/folk

TOP TRACK: “Unidentified”

 

 

 

Picture sitting in a white-hued kitchen on a Sunday morning. There’s fresh flowers on the table and the morning sun streams in through every cracked window. That’s how All Poets & Heroes make you feel. Their upcoming EP titled, Where We Lived and What We Lived For (releasing in October) is a 4-track homage to life and the questions we often associate with it.

Opening song, “Day Dreams” sounds like something you’d hear on an early John Mayer album. It’s easygoing while dancing on the border of playfulness. Lead singer Rob McCall’s steady vocal chords sing, “You say I’m in too deep, I say let’s play for keeps.” Each song feels just as comfortable as the one before. Somewhat muted melodies and a thudding drum beat carry each track right into the next.

Philosophical inspiration is a direct theme on this EP. What is the meaning of life? Should I take a chance? Should I let things go? What is my future? The opposite end of the album features a heavier composition. A lyric on the track “Choices” encompasses this underlying theme; “Was this life not meant for sad words and scars?”. Philosophical breakdowns of life and love lull you into a thought process most artists can’t trigger in their listeners.

In just four tracks, AP&H prove what they stand for in an industry that has somewhat lost its luster for real music. These guys bring you back to the basics; music with meaning that’s pulled out of you in the most beautiful way.

 

For more info on All Poets & Heroes, visit their site, here.

 


 

Michael Blume Is Not A Trend

 

michael blume
Image via songkick.com

A horn line blasts through “I Am Not A Trend” as Blume declares his independence with a no f***s given attitude. Something he’s been able to master since the very start. “I dance how I dance, I pray how I pray, I sing what I sing, I say what I say.” The lyrics are simple; be yourself, and do YOU. A happy-go-lucky chorus ties the song together making it an empowering pop/jazz tune.

Blume told me his inspiration behind “Trend” saying, “It’s about living your grandest self, realizing your fantasy is unique to you, and submitting yourself fully to your own truth.” Honesty has been a common theme in this New Jersey natives music as fans heard on his 2016 EP titled, When I Get It Right. He dealt with relationships, love, his career, and did it all in a brash yet meaningful way.

“Trend” is apart of Blume’s new EP to be released this year. Listen here:

 


 

Coldplay’s “Hypnotised”

coldplay-hypnotised
Image via nme.com

After their Chainsmokers collab hit the web, Coldplay has been a hot topic on everyone’s minds. The band just announced their new EP coming June 2, titled Kaleidoscope EP. With just five songs (including the EDM-assisted “Something Just Like This”) the band never ceases to stop creating.

Tracklist:

1. All I Can Think About Is You
2. Something Just Like This
3. Miracles 2
4. A L I E N S
5. Hypnotised

Leader of the pack, Chris Martin, gave fans a tease into what we can expect from this short collection. “Hypnotised” is the first track we hear. Piano notes twinkle throughout the over five minute track bringing that special je ne said quo to life. Martin’s voice is low-key, reminiscient of their early days with songs like, “Sparks” and “In My Place.”

“Hypnotised” is a rebirth of some sort. Finding refuge in someone who resembles love; “Now I’m hyp, hypnotised, yeah I trip, when I look in your eyes, oh I’m hyp, hypnotized, yeah I slip and I’m mesmerized.” The lyrics could serve as a life bible, showing the inevitability of disorder in our society. Martin softly sings, “It’s easy to be lethalI’m learning from the news, it’s a guidebook for the blues.” 

The lyric video is major eye candy. Watch it here.


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