Tag: on the blog
NMF Picks!
On Repeat: “Better Not” – Louis the Child
(Image via billboard.com)
The day before they melted faces at Coachella, Louis the Child released a new single, “Better Not” featuring alt-electro singer, Wafia.
Following suit to most of their vocally driven singles (listen to “It’s Strange” and “Right To It”), this one is just as electric as the rest. Wafia has been garnering a lot of attention lately and is slowly becoming a serious force in her own realm of music. Her soft voice sings loving lyrics; “It’s true love, don’t fake it, you better not, you better not.”
The Chicago based duo have curated their sound to be something so insanely unique to the EDM/pop genre. Keeping a regular pop song structure makes this one radio-ready at any moment. While the drop is meticulous in the coolest way, steel drums and handclaps hover over each verse right before a bouncy drop.
The New Christmas Club
Holiday singles keep sliding onto Spotify just waiting to be played in your living room while you decorate your tree and sip hot cocoa. Here are some of my faves so far!
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – Demi Lovato
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Last Christmas” – Stanaj
“#1HappyHoliday” – DRAM
Who You Need: The Action!
WHO: The Action!
WHERE: Syracuse, NY
GENRE: Rock/Alternative
The Action!’s new album titled 5 is what I wish I had when I was in high school. A fun angst-y colorful collection of songs that make you say both, “get lost” and “wait, come back, I like you.”
With five band members, each one adds another color to the palette. No wonder they work so well together; the group will celebrate their 20th band anniversary next year. Tracks like, “I’m Gonna Beat Up Your Boyfriend,” “Never Been to Boston,” and “Too Scared to Dance” remind you to stomp your feet and have fun. Not only do guitar and drums lead these songs, but the horn section brings this band to a whole new level of musical nostalgia. They come off edgy with a simple speck of vintage medley’s; something not all bands can accomplish. “Styles and genres switch from song to song on this album and I think that keeps things interesting. You never know what’s coming next” the band’s ringleader Mike Gibson says.
Every lyric is fun and honest; imagery spills into your mind with every verse. “She’s cooler than Joey Ramone…hotter than Memphis in June,” lead singer Mike Gibson sings on “Let Her Heart Break.” While the song, “Amy” becomes one of the slowest one off the album, but sends a heartfelt message of love and friendship; “what can I do for you Amy? how can I help you get through?” Written for Amy Helm (singer/songwriter and daughter of Levon Helm from The Band). Gibson said, “Her father’s music meant a lot to me and when he died I wanted to write him a tribute but not something that sounded cliché. So I thought about his daughter – I may’ve lost a hero, but she lost her dad – and wrote this for her…” he continues to say, “Yes she’s heard it, yes she loves it, yes she recognizes me and hugs me when I go to her shows.”
5 should be in everyone’s car, so you can blast it on the highway, curse out your ex, or just be happy about life. Either way, The Action! will get you moving, whether you like it or not.
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