SAID THE SKY & FRND - FADED

These guys are literally two of my favorite new acts out there right now, so when I heard they were releasing a collaboration I was excited to say the least. “Faded” comes to us from producer/artists Said The Sky and FRND, the former having risen to prominence for his lush emotional future electronic compositions such as “Rush Over Me” feat. HALIENE (with Illenium and Seven Lions) and the latter for his sugary alternative/electronic pop bops such as “Substitute” and “Be Happy”. Both artists are unique and recognizable in their own rights, and both make you feel something with their music. This collaboration is no exception. A release via MrSuicideSheep’s Seeking Blue label in partnership with Crooked Paintings, “Faded” features the best characteristics of both collaborators. FRND’s neo-alternative songwriting, vocals and signature choppy/modulated sound design are complemented by Said The Sky’s gorgeously melodic, orchestral, future bass style. I’ll be blasting this one all winter long as I drive around sunny LA with the windows down and the sunroof open.

BASTILLE - GLORY (YOUNG BOMBS REMIX)

2013 was a big year for the British indie-rock band, Bastille. The release of their single "Pompeii" topped charts for months to come post-release. While I personally feared the ensemble would hit a one-hit-wonder wall, the band continues to impress critics such a myself with outstanding new music, while dominating worldwide performances. The release of their sophomore album, "Wild World" in June of 2016 was, undoubtedly, a hit. This album included their acclaimed single, "Glory." While the track is a stand alone testament to the possessive cadence Bastille continuously showcases, Vancouver-based duo, Young Bombs, flipped "Glory" into a tropical house gem. Their remix defies your average house resonance by using a tempo that appears to rise and fall simultaneously. This Young Bombs remix is fitting for a dance party, but avoids hectic, overwhelming production and drops. It is chopped and syncopated subtly, yet showcases the complexity and musical intricacy that defines its greatness. The long haired duo turned Glory into an easy, summery listen, with little to critique and so much to revere. Get beachy with this coastal remix from Young Bombs on both SoundCloud and Spotify. 

SLEEPING LION - STOP IT

A few months ago I was introduced to this Boston-based duo and we've quickly become good friends, as far as cross-country internet friendships go. Sleeping Lion is Nate Flaks (songwriting/vocals) and Noah Longworth McGuire (production/co-vocals) and their press release labels their sound as so-called "dorm soul" which is a fairly apt name considering the two met at Berklee College of Music and make emotionally drenched alternative pop-soul rich with youthful lyrical melodrama and forward-thinking electronic arrangements. A co-write with Flaks' recent ex Abbey Carey and guest vocals from Opia's Jacob Reske, this new tune "Stop It" was released last week via Majestic Casual, and it's a slow-burning story of heartache with an overarching feeling of hope for brighter new beginnings. Take a deep dive into this swirling electro-soul pool of feels y'all.

STEPHEN - CROSSFIRE, PART III (FEAT. SABA, RAVYN LENAE, THE O'MY'S & J.P. FLOYD)

Okay so Stephen is one of my all-time favorites. The LA-based artist has 100% blown me away with everything he’s done and to see him collaborating with a whole crew of artists from my home town of Chicago is so cool. Hell, I’ve fucked with Saba since way before his collabs with Chance back when my college’s student-run record label released a compilation featuring him on multiple tracks. If you know Chicago music, you know The O’My’s have been killing it around the Windy City for a hot minute, and while I’m unfamiliar with Ravyn Lenae and J.P. Floyd, they both bring something incredible to this collab, Lenae with her silky pipes and Floyd with the badass brass swagger. All in all, while turning a track into a trilogy could be seen by some as a lazy move creatively or that he’s “milking” the hit, I for one am not at all mad that Crossfire has turned into it’s own little movement. The song’s message, supported by the powerful track artwork, also speaks to the violence that’s continually prevalent in Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods and the difficulties local children face growing up there that much of us can’t even imagine. I’ve been told 15 percent of all earnings from this record are going to Young Chicago Authors, a creative after school program serving 10,000 youths per year.The only thing better than dope music is dope music with a meaningful message.

NAWAS - WRONG

NAWAS is new, so new that this is only their second official release, but if I am any judge of talent I can already tell that they are going to be big. "Wrong" has a raw energy to it that both stimulates and intrigues. It pushes you off a cliff, but only so that you can spread wings and fly. "Wrong" displays a hidden beauty behind the grit showcased in the harmonies and the downright sexy guitar breakdown about 3 minutes in. The vocal falsetto styling is incredibly interesting and altogether unique, and meshes perfectly with the distorted bass synth and dreamlike bells elevating the record to emotional heights. Get ready to hop on the bandwagon because NAWAS is rising fast.