Karen-Lee Batten – Drinkin’ Song (Spotify)

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“Your "Drinkin' Song" is now available by the fantastic Karen-Lee Batten. Striking Country sound with exuberant voice in the lyrics, are fair enough to feel the rhythm in your vains. Whether you're alone or not, this is an excellent company for the next three minutes!”

-Nagamag.com

Award-winning Canadian country recording artist Karen Lee Batten is thrilled to release her sassy new party single, “Drinkin’ Song”. New on all digital platforms, the track will go to Canadian country radio on April 26th.

Co-written by Batten with Jeff Johnson (Madeline Merlo), and Mitch Merrett (Tyler Joe Miller) – and co-produced by Merrett (Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion) and Johnson (Meghan Patrick) – “Drinkin’ Song” is an intoxicating blend of traditional country sass topped off with the musical equivalent of a lightning shot of moonshine.

Inspired by the ups and downs of a past relationship, “Drinkin’ Song” is Batten’s sing-along anthem for when life’s curveballs call for a loud bar, a stiff drink, and a good laugh.

Speaking about the single, Batten says, “We wrote ‘Drinkin’ Song’ as a party tune to remind us that lettin’ loose is a must in order to take us away from what’s not working. We don’t always need a sad song to get us through the rough times. In country music, we like to think that the answer for everything is in a honkytonk bar – where you can raise your glass, sing along, and have a wicked time with your crew.”

For Batten – a former “Canadian Idol” finalist and 7-time BC Country Music Association Award Winner for Female Artist of the Year – “Drinkin’ Song” follows last year’s well-received single release, “Too Strong”, and comes after winning the 2020 BCCMA Award for Fans’ Choice. “Drinkin’ Song” is the second single from her planned EP, which will be released next fall.

The process of co-writing the majority of the songs on the EP has been a creatively rewarding experience of inspiration and reflection for Batten – with “Drinkin’ Song” being the latest example.

She says, “While ‘Drinkin’ Song’ comes from a challenging time, the process of bringing it to life made me realize and celebrate just how far I’ve come. I hope people can listen to it and be grateful for turning their own hard times into good times.”

Karen Lee Batten will be supporting “Drinkin’ Song” with an official music video in advance of its April 26th release to Canadian country radio.

“Drinkin’ Song” is available across all digital platforms now.

https://www.karenleebatten.com/

Arkson – Victory (Video)

Categories: Rock, The Latest, Video|Tags: , , , , |

“Your favourite guitar chords, piano keys and powerful drums form the sound of “Victory”. Energetic, intense and uplifting composition followed by the expressive singing of Arkson. That progression and very sophisticated transition techniques also reveal a big talent.”

-Nagamag.com

David Park, leader of the Toronto, Canada-based indie-rock band Arkson, is keenly equipped to capture the kinetic energy of now. He is a classical and jazz trained composer with an education in film composition, his diverse background enables him to honor many rich heritages while bursting through temporal and genre boundaries. Fittingly, his upcoming series of singles are eclectically standalone.

https://www.facebook.com/arksonmusic

“I prefer to think that each is song is its own unique moment, and I aim to make them feel different. I like the idea of not looking back and just pushing ahead with constant fresh inspiration,” David notes.

Arkson’s dynamic musicality evokes artists such as Arcade Fire, Arkells, and Imagine Dragons. Arkson songs are ambitiously arranged and densely layered with textures and musical motifs, yet the tracks also brim with unforgettable hooks. David self-produces the music, and handles performing most of the instruments on all the tracks.

http://instagram.com/arksonmusic

David formed Arkson in 2015 when he was still in high school and, since then, Arkson has released 3 EPs, 2 singles, and performed at some Toronto’s most prestigious small venues, including the Horseshoe Tavern and the Monarch Tavern. Arkson was set to be travelling to Portugal in the summer of 2020 as ambassadors for the Bracara Cup in Braga, as they were recently asked to write and perform the inaugural tournament anthem for July 2020. Unfortunately, the tournament has been postponed due to COVID-19.

David’s lyrics seek to frame the divide between past and present, and to capture the moments he experiences. This thematic through line may have something to do with this family, who moved around often as he was growing up. “It gave me a perspective that I don’t think you get when you are stationary. Permanent things felt temporary for me. I always had to make new friends, and I had a feeling like I didn’t belong anywhere but could also fit in everywhere,” he shares.

The single, Victory, was written to be the anthem song for Lank FC and the Bracara Cup in Portugal for the summer of 2020. The song is impactfully arranged, building from ethereal indie rock to emotive anthemics before climaxing with opulent orchestral final chorus. “It is meant to be an intense, energetic pump-up song which captures the spirit of sport—pushing as hard as you can towards the goal, never giving up, and never stopping,” David says. Its words viscerally capture the quest for excellence. Key lyrics include: Shooting high, shooting low/Running fast, thinking slow/We’re fighting till the end, and we’ll do it all again/If I fall before the goal, you’ll see me crawling for it all, And we’ll do it all again.

http://arksonmusic.com/

Julian Brown – Walls (Spotify)

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“The very fresh release of a young skillful artist is here. Soft guitar notes combined with the artist's silvery voice. Also noticeable are the dymanic changes in this fantastic mix that hold you there like a magnet. ”

-Nagamag.com

‘Walls’ embodies the feeling of loving someone paired with uncertainty and hope. It talks about when the timing isn’t right, although the person might be. And even though you’re not with that person at the time, there may be a moment in the future where the relationship makes more sense. Underlined by a catchy guitar riff, ‘Walls’ has an uplifting, almost euphoric arrangement, that creates contrast to its rather thoughtful lyrics and combines, the two controversial elements, hope and bitterness.

https://julianbrownmusic.com/

Sean O’Reilly – My Song (Harper’s Mix) (Spotify)

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“-My Song- composition is rich in one of the oldest instruments, the symbol of Ireland - Harp. Fluctuations in silence and voluminous vocals of -Sean O'Reilly- make even the experienced listener to hold his breath from such quality.”

“Композиция -My Song- насыщена одним из древнейших инструментов, символом Ирландии - Арфой. Колебания в тишине томного голоса -Sean O'Reilly- заставит даже искушённого слушателя затаить своё дыхание.”

-Nagamag.com

Sean O'Reilly restored a 100 year old harp and learning how to play it, putting together a new arrangement based around the Concert harp. Original song was on piano.

JPson – It’s Not Easy (Spotify)

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“Who wants to be away from beloved persons? Sometimes we have to walk alone and it's not easy. Words of emotion from a song that gives courage and hope when we are far from someone like our soulmate.”

-Nagamag.com

Shaped by the two oceans on the shores of South Africa, JPson has ridden the wave of life to Europe and defined a musical style that can best be described as "Fresh Folk". Music that let’s you open up to the groove of the moment, whilst forgetting the troubles of daily life.

Having taught himself to play the guitar on the beaches of Cape Town, South Africa, JPson spent his youth surfing the Atlantic Ocean and exploring vast musical territory, yielding his very own sunbaked infusion of Folk & Roots music. Through his lyrics JPson shares the essence of life that drives him around the world and the lessons he learns whilst traveling. Not only is his music incredibly uplifting but his rhythms and beats will get you grooving in a festive and unifying spirit, bound to inspire reflection and new connection.

JPson left South Africa right after school to go discover his European roots inheritated from his Swiss father. What seemed like a 10- month joy trip away from home turned into a 10-year journey around Europe, which JP refers to as his University of life. Through his travels he realised on a regular basis how he would constantly find peace within lyrics and melodies. Even though the life of a wary traveler can sometimes be extremely tiring, he would often gather warmth and support from the music he listened to and find guidance in the music he created.

Guidance that taught him how to open up, to be happy and live life to the fullest as it is a wonderful gift that should be cherished with every single breath.

https://www.instagram.com/jpsonmusic/
http://www.jpsonmusic.com/

Deer Fellow – Let It Breathe (Spotify)

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“"Let it breathe" is the recent work of a known Folk duo. Feel the romantic air coming from the instrumental notes. Find the absolute balance in the charming singing of Alyssa Kelly.”

-Nagamag.com

“Let it Breathe” is an ode to repressed memories. Despite trying to push it away, the shame of the subject’s past choices still lingers. The regret of words unsaid can no longer be silenced. Set to guitar, piano, and violin, this is the last song of our debut EP, Words Unsaid.

https://instagram.com/deerfellow

Deer Fellow is an indie folk-pop duo with a “new wave soul twist.” Based out of Austin, bandmates Matt Salois (guitar, vocals) and Alyssa Kelly (violin, vocals, piano) met at an open mic and were quick to collaborate. Fast forward to present day and coupledom, the two have built a cross-genre sound that “pulls you in right away, stirring romance and broken hearts.”


The duo's vocal harmonies and unique guitar-violin blends have landed them features on KUTX 98.9 Radio, CBS Austin, and EASTside Magazine. Often compared to the likes of Andrew Bird and The Civil Wars, Deer Fellow's debut EP, Words Unsaid, presents a collection of authentic songwriting and soundscapes that “surround and warm the soul." From live showcases with Austin greats to virtual festivals alongside such artists as Grammy winner John Paul White, their style and substance have garnered attention within the indie music industry.


Fans describe their live performance as an experience that “gives that warm tingly feeling, like taking a bath with a glass of champagne.” The group currently plays all around Austin and plans to go on tour in the near future.

https://deerfellow.bandcamp.com/

Forest May – All the Time (Spotify)

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“Many of us usually suffer from anxiety and are victims of an endless rush. Hopefully there is some nice music to take you back to normal. We suggest this piece with the lovely singing of Forest May and the soothing guitar chords that can cure your soul.”

-Nagamag.com

Artist shared with us few more words behind her project and this song:

"...I have played flute since I was a little girl, played in orchestras, and then in indie bands. I sang large choirs for many years at McGill University. I have been a yoga teacher for 20 years and started Modo Yoga (formerly Moksha Yoga) to help connect peace work with activism. I started writing songs to help people relax in the yoga classes I was teaching. I found that people that had a really hard time being still were able to relax when I sang a song. For years I would just sing a capella, then while teaching in Toronto I started learning guitar as an exchange with an indie musician - he got free yoga, and I got free guitar lessons.

Many years ago while doing an MA in Buddhist Studies with Peter Harvey I wrote this song - Ko-an as a way to share the teaching of self inquiry in yoga classes.

I finally released this song a couple of weeks ago and have been amazed at the response. It has been such a brutal time for everyone that finding ways to relax is so helpful. So - I'm hoping to send this song out as a way to do just that - give people a little break in their day to remember their inner peace, and inner wisdom, always residing, always present.

I'm very inspired by Joni Mitchell. Although I am classically trained in flute (I play primarily bass flute now which is what I played in the band Little Scream for many years), I'm mostly self taught on guitar. I don't know what key I'm playing in on guitar, and I can't just pick up a guitar and play with others the way I can on the flute. It's inspiring to me that Joni also didn't ever know what key she was playing in, and yet her songs are pretty much perfect!

I'm also really influenced by Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and then more indie artists like Joanna Newsom, Blonde Redhead, I loved Fleet Foxes' 1st album,

...Here's part of a post I wrote about the song:

It takes a village to raise a song.

Ten years ago I started a little music project called Forest May. I played a bit in tiny indie rock venues but mostly I played and play these songs to quiet bodies in Savasana. They’re quiet songs. Savasana means corpse pose. It’s a practice in dying - letting go - releasing and relinquishing control and arising from the posture re-born. Either that or it involves planning grocery lists in a prone position - really depends on the day. Ha.

I recorded all of the Forest May bed tracks 7 years ago. Then life happened..."

https://www.instagram.com/heyjessrobertson/

Slam Band and Sam – Black Hole (Spotify)

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“When six artists work together in a song, the result cannot be dissapointing! Find your favourite Soft Rock sounds mixed together in a song that can attract like magnet in a very effective way. Let the instrumental notes feed your imagination and relax.”

-Nagamag.com

Slam Band & Sam’s newest single sees the band taking a big step forward when the world around them seems to be spinning more out of control than ever. It’s called Black Hole, and it was initially inspired by NASA’s groundbreaking black hole photos in April 2019; however, singer/lyricist Adam Vasko sees it now as a functioning parable for hard times – for when your circumstances suck you in and make positivity harder and harder to exude.

It’s a step forward for Pittsburgh’s Slam Band in more ways than one. They’ve now introduced keyboardist Dave Carrera into the band – a change that’s caused a noticeable, fiery upheaval in their sound. His synth, Rhodes, and organ work adds inimitable textural layers rarely heard within the pantheon of East Coast jazz and blues-rock, and “Black Hole” is no exception, featuring cascading, intergalactic synth noises that fill post-chorus pauses like a cosmic fermata.

The song is more experimental than their past work, too, incorporating ever more brass and slap bass than before as the backing vocals trickle in and out in soft “oohs” behind Vasko’s raucous celestial deliberations. A closer listen to the lyrics unshrouds a newly distinct brand of introspection, examining important choices in the face of hardships. What does it mean to choose kindness? Too choose to keep moving when it feels like you’re paralyzed? To choose to keep your head up?

The band has been through some hard times, collectively and individually, and it leaks (perhaps unconsciously) into the song. Interpersonal turmoil, family members getting sick, loss, and grief – it’s all there, but, despite this “Black Hole” is relentlessly energetic; a call for listeners to hang in there and to shrug off the negatives whenever possible.

http://slambandandsam.com/

Lauren Spring – I Remember You (Spotify)

Categories: Audio, Rock, The Latest|Tags: , , , , |

“The first song of Lauren Spring from her latest album brings a warm atmosphere in your room. Her soft like silk voice lighten your tired body and wake up good memories from the past. Listen once and you'll remember for a long time!”

-Nagamag.com

Singer songwriter Lauren Spring is member of the award-winning folk group, The Krickets and the Americana group, The Bo Spring Band. Having what Paste magazine describes as "....a stunning, truly one-of-a-kind sound,” The Krickets (Spring, Emily Stuckey and Rachel Grubb) have released two studio albums and were official SXSW artists in 2018. Lauren produced their latest single, “These Games” and it premiered on American Songwriter’s ‘Best New Music” list in June of 2020, also winning the W.A.M. Song of the Year in the folk category. When on break from touring, she enjoys writing for TV/Film as a voice of First Note Entertainment, a featured artist collaborator with L.A. based Darkbloom Productions and co-writing for other artists.

https://laurenspring.bandcamp.com/

Quote the Raven – Home Is Worth the Blues (Spotify)

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“The melodic ballad -Home Is Worth the Blues- from a gifted country musician -Quote the Raven, creates a genuine harmony of stringed instruments such as guitar and mandolin, vocals and colorful sense of adventure.”

“Мелодичная баллада -Home Is Worth the Blues-, исполняемая кантри-музыкантами -Quote the Raven, это неподдельная гармония струнных инструментов, таких как гитара и мандолина, колоритный вокал и жажда приключений.”

-Nagamag.com

“Written in a former slaughterhouse turned jam space in Calgary, this single was inspired by the environment, the stories told and the history within the building. We want this song to resonate with those who are always working tirelessly to make ends meet and to know their voices are heard.

“Home is Worth the Blues” is dedicated to the people who are working to live - the working class who gives it their all every day at a job that helps them survive and live within the world. The lyrics tell the story of how home is the place in our lives that make our day jobs worth while.

We want this single to inspire listeners to continue their daily grind knowing at the end of the day they get to come home to loved ones, relaxation and to remember why working tirelessly is all worth it.

https://www.instagram.com/quotetheravenduo

An impromptu trip to Nashville set the wheels in motion for the sophomore record from Americana Folk duo, Quote the Raven. The sounds filling the Nashville airways reinvigorated the Newfoundland duo’s inspiration and they found a new home in the Americana genre. Their new record titled Can’t Hold the Light is a summation of the journeys that the pair have experienced over the past two years.

Collaboration has always been at the forefront of everything Quote the Raven has done. Similar to their first record Golden Hour, Can’t Hold the Light features an A-list of collaborators including Chris Kirby, Charlie A’Court, Blake Reid, Andrew Waite, Jessica Pearson, Andrew Sneddon, Nick Earle, and so many more.

In the past two years, Quote the Raven have reached over 500,000 streams, been added to the prestigious “Folk & Friends” playlist on Spotify, and earned showcases and award nominations at the East Coast Music Awards. They’ve performed at the 2019 AmericanaFest in Nashville, been featured regularly on Stingray’s Folk Roots channel, landed on the !earshot chart across Canada, and received multiple sync placements, including the CityTV drama “The Wedding Planners”.

Music Newfoundland & Labrador’s 2019 Group of the Year have embarked on a whopping five tours of Eastern Canada, mapped out a Home Routes trek of Western Canada and performed at the legendary Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival.

Quote the Raven marry smooth vocal harmonies with an, at times, haunting aesthetic that both bewitches and allures the listener. They draw influence from the likes of Joy Williams (Civil Wars), Brandi Carlile, and The Milk Carton Kids. The pair entertain audiences with their quirky, quick wit dynamic that glimpses into the daily lives of touring musicians. www.quotetheravenofficial.com

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