All the Latest Music News on Nagamag
The Latest
All Nagamag’s online magazine music articles in one place. Here you will find our latest posts and whole back catalog of articles.
Lexie Carroll – if I built my home from paper
“A heartbreaking track with such a childish, naive, but from this in the most sincere voice -Lexie Carroll-. Immediately return to such a distant but not forgotten childhood, where the main gift for Christmas was the warm arms of parents and a bunch of gifts for Christmas. Very kind, warm piano track combined with Indie Pop. Thank you, -lexie-.” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Душещипательный трек с таким детским, наивным, но от этого максимально искренним голосом -Lexie Carroll-. Сразу возвращаешься в такое далёкое, но не позабытое детство, где главным подарком на рождество были тёплые объятия родителей и куча подарков на рождество. Очень добрый, тёплый фортепианный трек в сочетании с Indie Pop. Спасибо, -Lexie-.”
-Nagamag.com
After the successes of her recent EP ‘when the sun came up’, released in April 2022, 17 year old singer-songwriter Lexie Carroll returns with her new track ‘if i built my home from paper’, out today. It has already hit New Music Friday and Our Generation on Spotify. The track has been resonating heavily with Lexie's tik tok and instagram fanbase.
‘If i built my home from paper’ is a heart-warming track full of childhood references from familiar fairytale stories, with Lexie’s natural craft for songwriting conjuring up fond and beautiful images. Singing about the tenderness and comfort of that one special relationship and how reassuring that can be, the track begins with simple piano chords, building to celestial strings and atmospheric percussion. Its lyrics, instrumentation, relatable story and vivid imagery make for a hugely impactful song - one which grows in meaning and affection with each play.
"I wrote if I built my home from paper for my mum, but I think the song is applicable to any sort of relationship where someone can make the world feel safer and help to untangle some of the chaos with you. It's a very special thing to have, I feel very lucky and I hope everyone who listens has that person whether they're family or someone else."
With her 2022 single releases and EP having won strong support from Jess Iszatt at BBC Introducing London and Spotify (New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, Our Generation and Lost in the Woods playlists), as well as numerous radio plays, including BBC Radio 2, and good press support (Clash, Line of the Best Fit, Asbo Magazine), Lexie is fast gaining momentum. With tracks that tell heartfelt stories, Lexie’s music is resonating with a fast growing fanbase and she is undoubtedly an exciting young talent to watch.
https://www.instagram.com/l.exiecarroll/
Lupe Fiasco – NAOMI
“The lyrical text goes well with the minimalist and such rainy Bight HIP-Hop. The beautifully spelled out instrumental melody falls very well on the rhythm and gives even more the track of warmth, from which vocals are -lupe fiasco - you admire even more.” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Лирический текст отлично сочетается с минималистичным и таким дождливым битом Hip-Hop. Красиво прописанная инструментальная мелодия очень хорошо ложится на ритм и ещё больше придаёт треку теплоты, от чего вокалом -Lupe Fiasco- восторгаешься ещё больше.”
-Nagamag.com
https://orcd.co/dmiz
The Chicago Native Draws Connections Between The Street-Level and Sublime in His First New Album Since 2018's DROGAS WAVE
Produced In Full By Lupe's Longtime Collaborator Soundtrakk, the New Album is Available Everywhere via 1st & 15th/Thirty Tigers
The Album:
Stylish and substantive, with a supernatural sense of metaphor and a massive vocabulary, Lupe Fiasco is one of his generation's finest rhymers. Returning with his first new album since 2018, Lupe sharesDRILL MUSIC IN ZION. The product of a burst of thoughtful spontaneity, Lupe created the new album over a short period, diving into a folder of beats sent by Soundtrakk and emerging with a fully-realized album in just three days (“Sometimes deadlines are lifelines,” says Lupe). The title juxtaposes the street music of his hometown of Chicago–music that emerged as a way of dealing with hellish living conditions–with the biblical promised land, positing that art created out of pain might not be worth the pain itself.
"I’m trying to find a balance between the whimsy and the profound," says Lupe.
Though it was created quickly, the album is packed with the twisty narratives and layered meanings that have become Lupe's trademark, spliced with incisive social commentary and winking observations about the way we live today. The new album is home to the recent single "AUTOBOTO," a mischievous, playful, and deceptively dense single that finds Lupe weaving his precise barbs around Soundtrakk's arpeggiating guitars, as well as the title track, a jazz-inflected track that slyly comments on how art created amidst strife becomes commodified entertainment for the masses.
Other highlights include "NAOMI," in which Lupe fuses playful political analysis with poignant emotional resonance, and "MS. MURAL," which continues a series of songs that started on 2014's Tetsuo & Youth ("Mural") and continued with his last album DROGAS WAVE ("Mural Jr."). As usual, Lupe stuns with his verbosity, but one of the album's most powerful moments occurs when he decides to hold back, on album closer, "ON FAUX NEM," Lupe spits: "Rappers die too much, that's it, that's the verse." He cedes the spotlight to his sister, the poet Ayesha Jaco on album intro "The Lion's Deen," allowing her to explore various interpretations of the album's title.
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION is Lupe's first new album since 2018's DROGAS WAVE, but the proud Chicago native has already had a busy 2022, marked with sold out shows, new music, and much more. Last week, Lupe shared "Galveston," an Apple Music-exclusive track that explores the origins of Juneteenth. Lupe recently closed out his "Food & Liquor Tour," a series of performances in which he plays his debut album in full. He paid tribute to his hometown in the reflective, self-produced "100 Chicagos," and dug into the archives to share "Hustlaz," a previously-unreleased song originally recorded before the release of the now-classic debut album Food & Liquor.
Lupe recently launched his "LFT" program, a new NFT program that allows fans to get closer than ever to Lupe. Unlike many NFTs, which solely exist in the digital space, the "LFT" program offers token-holders an array of online and offline benefits. The benefits start with a generative art profile pic–each LFT holder gets a unique digital artwork inspired by Lupe's album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool, which celebrates its 15th birthday this year. Beyond music, Lupe continues to focus on the community organizations he founded, including We Are M.U.R.A.L, The Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, Society of Spoken Art, and his cross-cultural content venture, Studio SV.
With DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, Lupe starts another chapter in his illustrious career, but he's not done growing.
“Your whole life you’re physically growing, and as an artist, I feel like I’m taller now,” says Lupe. “Not that I’m at a higher place of morality, it’s that my vantage point and perspective is higher. I can see further.”
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION is available everywhere via 1st & 15th/Thirty Tigers.
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION tracklist:
1. THE LION’S DEEN ft. Ayesha Jaco
2. GHOTI
3. AUTOBOTO ft. Nayirah
4. PRECIOUS THINGS ft. Nayirah
5. KIOSK
6. MS. MURAL
7. NAOMI
8. DRILL MUSIC IN ZION
9. SEATTLE ft. Nayirah
10. ON FAUX NEM
The Background:
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is a Chicago-born, Grammy award-winning American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Rising to fame in 2006, following the success of his debut album, Food & Liquor, Lupe has released more than four acclaimed studio albums; his latest being Drogas Wave released fall 2018. His efforts to propagate conscious material helped solidify him as GQ’s Man of the Year in 2006, and garnered recognition as a Henry Crown Fellow. While musical genius and ingenuity are at the forefront of Lupe’s achievements, the artist extends his innovation to projects that aim to foster creative discourse and opportunities in underprivileged and impoverished communities.
Links:
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION: https://orcd.co/dmiz
"Drill Music In Zion": https://orcd.co/drillmusicinzion
"Galveston": https://orcd.co/galveston-lupe
"AUTOBOTO" ft. Nayirah: https://orcd.co/autoboto
"100 Chicagos": https://orcd.co/100chicagos
"Hustlaz": https://orcd.co/hustlaz
Scott Quinn – Sad Song
“No matter how sad the song is represented by the author himself, it is easy to catch the beautiful, very kind and delicate melody in it, on the waves of which the vocals of -scott quinn-, like a lonely boat in the quiet waters of the silent ocean, elegantly swaying.” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Какой бы грустной не была представлена песня самим автором, в ней легко уловить прекрасную, очень добрую и нежную мелодию, на волнах которой элегантно покачивается вокал -Scott Quinn-, словно одинокая лодка в тихих водах безмолвного океана.”
-Nagamag.com
Yorkshire born, London-based singer/songwriter Scott Quinn today releases new single "Sad Song" - the first new music to be heard following Quinn's 2021 EP 'BETTER FOR ME' which featured the TikTok viral track "Holding On To Letting Go".
Inspired by pop-songwriting staples such as Julia Michaels, benny blanco and FINNEAS, Scott is without doubt making a case to follow in their star-studded footsteps. Already penning tracks for acts including BTS, Zara Larsson and Keith Urban amongst others, the release of new single "Sad Song" today signals the release of a new EP, due for release later this year via V2 Records / Venice.
Co-produced by German production duo SAIN, "Sad Song" was written about the process of entering into a new relationship while you’re still healing from your previous one - and sees Scott weaving classic balladry with rich, modern production flourishes.
Scott had the following to say on the themes behind the new single:
"I personally write songs retrospectively, and I guess I use them as a form of therapy and a way of healing. This song is essentially an explanation as to why I’m not writing songs about my current relationship. I only really write sad songs and so it’s kind of a hidden gesture of love by saying ‘I don’t want to write a Sad Song about you…’.
I also think it’s important to understand the journey of grief, acceptance and letting go. The second verse sums that up for me… ‘I don’t write songs about them in the hope that they hear me, no. It’s not about now but back then it hurt and I guess I’m still grieving’. I’m over those past relationships but the body and mind take a long time to heal the wounds and get stronger."
https://www.instagram.com/scottpquinn/
Ashlyn Mylander – Too Fast
“The world in endless movement, an incredible number of miracles occur every day and among this whole cycle of events it is easy to miss the main musical hits of your heart. The new track from -ashlyn Mylander is one of those that you simply must be heard by you, which we will help you. Enjoy!” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Мир в бесконечном движении, каждый день происходит невероятное количество чудес и среди всего этого круговорота событий легко пропустить главные музыкальные хиты вашего сердца. Новый трек от -Ashlyn Mylander- один из тех, который просто обязан быть услышан вами, в чём мы вам и поможем. Наслаждайтесь!”
-Nagamag.com
"Too Fast" is a bedroom pop, fast paced take on a romantic partner who moves on too quickly. With tight production and wry lyrics, it's a track that pulls on heart strings while keeping feet tapping
https://www.ashlynmylander.com/
Yves Paquet – Year Without Rain
“Instrumental, and especially acoustic music always very organically affects our consciousness, as if you feel the unity of your soul with the god of sound, melody and rhythm. Indie Folk is an ideal option for transmitting the entire atmosphere in full, and the new track -yves Paquet- can easily be built to your personal hit parade on the pedestal. The beauty!” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Инструментальная, а в особенности акустическая музыка всегда очень органично воздействует на наше сознание, словно чувствуешь единение своей души с Богом звука, мелодии и ритма. Indie Folk идеальный вариант для передачи всей атмосферы в полном объёме, а новый трек -Yves Paquet- можно с лёгкостью возвести на пьедестал вашего личного хит-парада. Красота!”
-Nagamag.com
https://www.instagram.com/yvespaquetmusic
ZUSO – Control
“Sometimes you just need to lose control over yourself and rejecting all prejudices and daily rules to relax to the melodic rhythms of Organic House and Techno. Watch the stars on the roof of the highest building and enjoy every second. This track is an excellent option for rebooting your subconscious.” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Иногда просто необходимо потерять над собой контроль и отринув все предрассудки и ежедневные правила расслабиться под мелодические ритмы Organic House и Techno. Наблюдать за звёздами на крыше самого высокого здания и наслаждаться каждой секундой. Этот трек прекрасный вариант для перезагрузки своего подсознания.”
-Nagamag.com
https://www.instagram.com/zuso_music/
Bigmanndrill – Uy
“The magnificent combination of Reggaeton and Latin Pop, with a very positive web, which is instantly captured in the sound vibrations of the new single -bigmanndrill-. The vocals have become a real decoration, so many charisma, uniqueness and energy in it!” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Великолепное сочетание Reggaeton и Latin Pop, с очень позитивным вайбом, который мгновенно улавливается в звуковых вибрациях нового сингла -Bigmanndrill-. Вокал стал настоящим украшением, столько в нём харизмы, уникальности и энергии!”
-Nagamag.com
English
UY is a song with Afro dancehall roots from Jamaica adapted to Afro-Latin, it has sensations of American pop but without losing the Caribbean style, UY is the perfect piece to dance, listen to and enjoy, in the country you are in or the language you speak
Spanish
UY es un tema con raices de afro dancehall proveniente de Jamaica adaptado al Afro latino, posee sensaciones de pop americano pero sin perder el estilo del caribe, UY es la pieza perfecta para bailar, escuchar y disfrutar, en el país que te encuentres o el idioma que hables.
https://www.instagram.com/bigmanndrill/
AJ Wander – Blue Lights
“The new track of the virtuoso master -aj wander-, who is ready to surprise not only his loyal fans, but also new listeners. Excellent work on vocals, its presentation and text, chic arrangement and, as a whole, are very energetic and good atmosphere.” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Новый трек виртуозного мастера -AJ Wander-, который готов удивить не только своих преданных фанатов, но и новых слушателей. Вас ожидает отличная работа над вокалом, его подачей и текстом, шикарная аранжировка и в целом очень энергичная и хорошая атмосфера.”
-Nagamag.com
Thrilled to send you the poignant new single “Blue Lights” from English singer/songwriter AJ Wander. AJ confides on the release, “I wrote ‘Blue Lights’ after seeing someone overdose opposite my old flat. The song is me hoping that he still has a spark of hope left, that it was just a call for help.”
AJ Wander has found success with over 4 million streams on his debut single “Time Out” and has been added to such official Spotify playlists as Home Again and Fresh Finds Pop. His music is a cinematic blend of pop, rock and folk. Thanks for your consideration,
AJ Wander started his journey in the suburbs of south-east London. The son of a pianist, he began honing his unique musical sensibility at an early age. After living in Australia for several years in his youth, he returned to the UK to pursue a formal education at the prestigious Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford. While enrolled, he joined indie band Tors, performing in front of thousands of people as part of the fast growing group.
Heeding the call to further explore his own creative identity as a solo artist, Wander departed Tors after 2 years. Diving deeper into his roots as a pianist, he built a fledgling career performing covers at piano bars and hotels across the UK, developing a ubiquitous playing style while garnering acclaim on a regional level as a rising star entertainer.
As the world reopened, Wander began to attract attention from industry leaders. He landed a management and distribution deal with USA based firm Elevation Group, along with a publishing agreement through BDi Music. His debut single “Time Out” established a style rooted in nuanced piano playing and vocals that have been compared to Lewis Capaldi and Dean Lewis. With over 5 million streams and editorial playlist placements across Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music and Apple Music, his catalog of singles continues to grow and attract legions of new fans. His most recent track “When You Say I Love You” debuted early this year, with more music planned throughout 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/ajwander
Glooms x Baby AK – nightmares
“So that you are not tormented by nightmares, all the most juicy, bright and dynamic hits we advise you to listen to in the morning or in the afternoon. For example, as a new, crazy release from -Glooms and Baby Ak-, in which a huge dose of pure energy Alt Pop will cheer up your body and spirit!” (Automatically Translated with Google Translate)
“Чтобы вас не мучили кошмары, то все самые сочные, яркие и динамичные хиты советуем вам слушать утром или днём. Например, как новый, сумасшедший релиз от -Glooms и Baby AK-, в котором огромная доза чистой энергии alt pop взбодрит ваше тело и дух!”
-Nagamag.com
https://www.instagram.com/glooms
Kat Hamilton – FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING FUCK
“For those moments you need to burst out, "Kat Hamilton" has the right solution. A dynamic Indie Rock single, suitable for anger management instances and for every rebelious mind out there. We recommend to listen loudly for the absolute effect!”
-Nagamag.com
Happy to send you the new single "FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING FUCK" from queer indie rock artist Kat Hamilton. On the track Hamilton confides, the song "is a "shout your heart out" anthem for every side chick who's been blamed for an affair. Oh, and she writes better songs than you do." The single is off of her forthcoming EP I Wish This Was A Love Story which examines a toxic relationship from every angle.
Kat Hamilton has received acclaim from the likes of Earmilk, Atwood Magazine and LADYGUNN among others. She is currently on a nationwide tour.
https://www.instagram.com/kathamiltonofficial/