(Image via youtube.com)
Drake’s return to rap is nothing short of triumphant. A 25 track album couldn’t be more poppin with hot beats for the summer (and a few spilled secrets to fuel the gossip columns). Since there are so many to listen to, here’s a list of my favorites off Scorpion.
“God’s Plan”
“8 Out Of 10”
“Mob Ties”
“Summer Games”
“Nice For What”
“Ratchet Happy Birthday”
“In My Feelings”
“After Dark”
(Image via b-sides.tv)
Ashe’s big solo introduction to the world comes out strong on her EP, The Rabbit Hole. After becoming increasingly successful on several feature tracks with Louis the Child, Whethan, and more, the California native is finally stepping out with her own sound.
Opening song, “After Life” immediately takes you on a journey influenced by the 1865 Lewis Carroll story about Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. She gently sings, “Don’t need saving, I’m waking my mind, I’m not waiting until after life.” Ashe’s ability to make any song feel magical is so evident on this EP. We’ve heard similar magic on her single with Louis the Child, titled “World On Fire”.
The Rabbit Hole features trippy, fun, and romantic elements. Each song becomes a stem from the tree of Ashe’s mind but manages tackles a new concept. Her impressive roots are at Berklee College where she focused on swing music, composing for big bands/orchestras, etc. Listen to the enchanting Gatsby-esque “We Get High” and everything will make sense. Vintage trumpets and roller coaster vocals make this one a modern day novelty anthem.
“Real Love” and “Someone To Lose” prove to be the most romantic off the EP. “Lose” features powerful imagery and a bountiful chorus I can’t stop listening to on repeat. While the empowering “Real Love” is catchy as ever – something Ashe has mastered in her writing and melody abilities.
For an EP, I’m blown away and can’t wait to hear a full Ashe production in the near future.
Talk a little more about your background in music? Was it always an interest of yours?
“I grew up playing classical piano quite seriously. I always had a love/hate relationship with it. In fact, as a teen I swore it off altogether. It’s been fun to claim ownership of it again on my terms.”
What/who are some of your inspirations? Whether it be art, movies, musicians, etc.
“Sanrio. Tarot. Blondie. Siouxsie. Processed food. Drag shows.”
What does your studio look like? Who is with you? Is self-producing important to you?
“It’s a corner of my living room with a big stained glass window along the right side. I work with my partner in the studio space, but produce almost everything myself for Madge. I love collaborating and have collaborated on Madge (with Chance Lewis for my single “Alice”), but self-producing is REALLY important to me. It’s at the heart of Madge.”
People seem to stumble over the words to describe your sound. What would you call it?
“ADHD pop. Trip pop. Punch pop. Occult pop. Scary pop. Lo-fi pop.”
Tell me more about your latest single “Alice” and where the inspiration came from?
“Alice is about a poltergeist. It’s the intersection of humor and horror, pleasure and spooks. I felt haunted by her for several years and now she’s like a funny bat that hangs out on my shoulder at night.”
What are your musical plans for the rest of this year?
“I’ll be releasing an EP later this year and playing a bunch of shows this summer. I also have a self-directed / self-edited music video for “Alice” coming out soon!”
(Image via nme.com)
WHO: Jorja Smith
WHERE: Walsall, UK
GENRE: R&B/Alternative
TOP SONGS: “Blue Lights” and “On My Mind”
The 21-year-old just released her full-length debut album titled, Lost & Found. It feels like a soundtrack to a rainy day or even a coffee shop mixed tape. Smith’s voice is similar to fellow R&B angel, SZA along with hints of the late Amy Winehouse.
Her sultry single, “February 3rd” shows off her light and airy vocals; dreamy, often mysterious and full of layers. She sings effortlessly, “so why don’t you lose yourself for me?” The lyrics are romantically poetic in a way that makes you feel a bit tongue-tied until you process what they are actually saying. “February” sets the tone for the remainder of the album; a steady stream of more and more feelings.
Smith carries herself with such youthful poise. She spoke about her future hopes and dreams with Apple Music Beats 1, saying “My plan is to get a lot of people to listen to this music. Also, want to direct some of my videos and perform in bigger venues but make it intimate. Don’t know about this, not being able to leave places without loads of security. It’s weird.”
Listen to Jorja Smith’s debut album here
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