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.
Luminem, IKSRE – Mind Stroll (feat. IKSRE) (Spotify)
“Sometimes, the music takes you by the hand and leads you away from the surrounding bustle. It helps reflect the endless barrage of fire in the bustling streets of cities. In this case -Mind Stroll- is a great opportunity to build at least for a moment, a high barrier and allow yourself to let go of everything.”
“Бывает, музыка берёт тебя за руку и уводит прочь от окружающей суеты. Помогает отразить шквал бесконечного огня шумных улиц городов. В таком случае -Mind Stroll- это прекрасная возможность возвести хотя бы на мгновение высокий барьер и позволить себе отпустить всё и вся. ”
-Nagamag.com
Luminem’s third release Mind Stroll is quite a departure from her first two releases. With a more sombre undertone, Mind Stroll is an exploration through the recesses of one’s mind.
The left hand plays a steady ostinato throughout, giving some sense of stability, while the right hand moves from melancholic to a more urgent, slightly eery expression.
Featuring Phoebe Dubar aka IKSRE on violas which bring an added depth of emotion, there is an unresolved tension that carries throughout the piece.
Mind Stroll is the third single from Luminem's debut EP set to release mid 2021.
https://www.instagram.com/luminemmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/iksre/
Chafa Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Chafa:
Piano-led, cinematic, & ambient contemporary classical music.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Chafa:
I began teaching myself piano when I was twelve years old, but I always loved music. Growing up in the Bay Area (California), I was introduced to several different cultures and styles of music.
It wasn't long before I felt the need to express my own thoughts and feelings through art, and piano was the instrument I felt the most connected to.
Before the pandemic, I would perform locally, but after spending time recording and releasing my music during this last year, I have my eyes set on creating music for film and potentially collaborating with other composers and orchestras.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Chafa:
Seeing performers on the street as a kid really inspired me. Watching their music move people to dance, smile, laugh, or cry was inspiring. I wouldn't learn an instrument for several more years, but my love for music continued to grow until I felt the urge one day to sit down and play some of the songs I loved so much.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Chafa:
Beirut "Elephant Gun"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Chafa:
Max Richter "Written on the Sky"
Discover & Listen to Chafa
Chafa on Spotify
Chafa's Signature Track
Chafa on Social Media
Chafa's Website
Tom Moriarty – Hurricane (Spotify)
“Drawn by deep and recognizable elements of rock art, multifaceted arrangement, elegant and lively acoustic guitar. Lulling romantic image, a mirage uncontrollable vortex of fire and elegant dance sound modulations.”
“Глубоко прочерченные и узнаваемые элементы арт-рока, многогранная аранжировка, изящная и живая акустическая гитара. Убаюкивающие романтическими образы, мираж неконтролируемых вихрей огня и изящный танец звуковых переливов.”
-Nagamag.com
Artist shared with Nagamag his story behind this song inspiration:
" To be honest I wrote this song about a homeless girl. It's not one I know but it's her story. When I wrote this song I saw her, going from place to place, the arguments, the sorrow. There are those that can not see how people can become homeless, that sometimes there are people that will have no where to go. We are all closer than we like to think. I found this photo below that to me represented that girl. She's trying to make things better but really she's on the run. Sometimes she's running from people and other times she's running from things in the past, things within her. It's often that people might not see the reasons, or know how to deal with them. So I write this line "You've been running for so long, but do you really know what you're running from". For me homelessness in the 21st century is totally unacceptable. People are so prejudice. I met this person once who honestly said, "homeless people want to be homelesss". And I'm like what the fuck. The point is that when you have people like that in power then you have people like this homeless girl on the streets. Things gotta change. Anyway, here's the song about her called "Hurricane.
- Tom Moriarty
https://www.instagram.com/thetommoriarty/
JODOQ – Hunch (Spotify)
“We found a promising work from a new young artist. "Hunch" is not the typical music single, but moves some steps away. By binding Trip-Hop with Classical waves of sound, occurs a mix with dynamic and vibrating progression... surely remarkable and worthy.”
-Nagamag.com
„Hunch“ is about the pain and heartache that comes from desperately craving for someones love and affection, who just can’t quite return these feelings. Attached, unable to get closer or to let go, trapped by your own emotions.
Deep synth-bass, drunk drumbeats and a beautiful string arrangement combined with creative sounddesign and background choirs gently hug JODOQ's voice in a complex but still catchy, dark and dreamy popsong.
https://www.instagram.com/jodoq_music/?hl=de
Zurich's JODOQ kicks off his career with a blast. The experts at M4music, which took place last week, are so convinced by his song „Hunch“ that they voted the track the most promising Swiss pop song of the year.
„Hunch“ is about the pain and heartache that comes from desperately craving for someones love and affection, who just can’t quite return these feelings. Attached, unable to get closer or to let go, trapped by your own emotions.
Deep synth-bass, drunk drumbeats and a beautiful string arrangement combined with creative sounddesign and background choirs gently hug JODOQ's voice in a complex but still catchy, dark and dreamy popsong.
JODOQ is the stage name of composer and singer Cédric Joël Ziegler. After studying film music composition at ZHdK, the 25-year-old now finds his way back to his roots as a singer and songwriter with this incredible debut.
Solar Powered Moon Town – I’m a Monster, Can’t You See? (Spotify)
“Rich in the sonic palette and slightly psychedelic -I'm a Monster, Can not You See -? Is a living example of a creative incorruptible man. Captivates its integrity and self-sufficiency. Love to experiment and tube sound synthpop captured in every note.”
“Богатая на звуковую палитру и немного психоделическая -I'm a Monster, Can't You See?- живой пример творчески нетленного человека. Подкупает своей цельностью и самодостаточностью. Любовь к экспериментам и ламповому звучанию synthpop улавливается в каждой ноте.”
-Nagamag.com
"I'm a monster, can't you see?" is a song about the beauty of emotions, about vegetables, radical honesty and about the wild, animalic creature of love. It's a passionate rebellion against the manner of locking the creature in cages out of fear that it might disappear eventually.
Artist Quote:
"I'm a monster, can't you see?" is a song, that I wrote reflecting back on my marriage and different relationship struggles I experienced. Relationships always felt like cages to me and breaking out of that cage always made me feel like the villain, as if it was a crime to commit. I am wondering if I can ever be honest with myself in a relationship. And I'm wondering if I can ever really be myself in there.
There is a beauty in love and the rush of emotions. I can relate to the need of locking that wild, animalic creature into a cage. But I'm not a friend of zoos apparently."
https://www.facebook.com/solarpoweredmoontow
https://www.instagram.com/solarpoweredmoontown
James TW – Butterflies (Video)
“The most balanced and ironically optimistic lyrics. The song is moderately melodic and with a share of healthy humor. Beautiful arrangement on this emotional solo by-James TW- with his overall radiant positive atmosphere.”
“Максимально сбалансированная и иронично-оптимистичная лирика. Песня в меру мелодичная и с долей здорового юмора. Красивая аранжировка, эмоциональное соло от -James TW- и общая лучезарная атмосфера позитива.”
-Nagamag.com
New music video from platinum selling UK artist James TW.
His new single ‘Butterflies’ has already racked up nearly 4 million streams since its audio release a few weeks ago.
Described as the ‘biggest artist you’ve probably never heard of’, James TW currently has over 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, has generated over 2 billion streams, sold out headline shows on multiple continents, and received acclaim from Billboard, Huffington Post, Teen Vogue, and many others.
Butterflies out now: https://JamesTW.lnk.to/Butterflies
Follow James TW:
https://www.instagram.com/jamestwmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/JamesTWmusic/
https://twitter.com/JamesTWmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@jamestwmusic
Music video by James TW performing Butterflies. © 2021 Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
Nelson Elle – Smile (Spotify)
“In the world, there are many musical works of varying quality. The single -Smile- carefully preserved the great sound of musical parts, melodic solos, and magnificent vocals by -Nelson Elle-.”
“В мире существует множество музыкальных творений самого разного качества. В сингле -Smile- бережно сохранено отличное звучание всех музыкальных партий, мелодичные соло и умопомрачительный вокал -Nelson Elle-.”
-Nagamag.com
Writing to understand yourself better. Singing to give your own context a voice. Developing as a person in and from your own music. For Nelson Elle, this takes the form of powerful, emotional and melodic pop. Firmly grounded in jazz, blues and soul, she is – in her mother’s words – “a bright soul who’s not afraid of the dark, a multifaceted artist who spreads joy with masked sorrow.”
Smile is haunting radio pop, in the best possible way. One of those songs that make you happy while still bringing tears to your eyes. You want to dance and break free, but you’re also on the verge of a breakdown. One of those songs that you want to continue forever.
https://instagram.com/nelsonelle_
Mikael Oterhals – Ludwig (Spotify)
“Only the piano can get so close to the soul. Mikael Oterhals shares notes coming from the depths of his creation. We could say that "Ludwig" is somehow balancing between imagination and reality, melancholy and hope.”
-Nagamag.com
”Ludwig” is a neoclassical piano song with a modern and slight atmospheric sound. There is mostly one single musical theme building this piece, but the harmonic changes throughout the track keeps it interesting for the listener who gets to experience a musical story.
https://www.instagram.com/moterhals
Blue Light Bandits, Ricky Duran – She’s Not The One (Spotify)
“Whether looking for something to express inner thoughts or just please your ears "She's Not The One" may be the right choice! The single that came to stay in your music list for a long time. Rock influenced style and dominating guitar chords that we loved from the first seconds.”
-Nagamag.com
“She’s Not The One” is our fourth single and it’s a co-write with former band member, Ricky Duran. Ricky moved to Austin, TX to chase the blues, and shortly after became the runner-up winner on Season 17 of NBC’s The Voice. The three verses are lead by each writer/singer as personalized accounts of frivolous relationships and the emotional aftermath. As expected, this collaboration comes with a catchy group chorus, rich vocal harmonies, and a soaring guitar solo to finish.
https://instagram.com/bluelightbandits
Monelise – Silver Lake (Spotify)
“Monelise knows very well how to attract and captivate your mind. Different sound styles have been used to produce something unique and "Silver Lake" is the final result. The artist's epic voice and the clarity of mixing, are basic elements of success. Good job!”
-Nagamag.com
Shapeshifting, genre-bending and aesthetically captivating artist Monelise releases ‘Silver Lake’, the latest product of her evocative mission to bring a new, refreshing and mystical quality to the world of experimental dream pop. ‘Silver Lake’ follows the release of ‘Sliding Worlds’ in February. Monelise’s music has gained over 250,000 streams in less than 9 months, and she is becoming known for entrancing audiences with her mysterious audio-visual live shows - both in person and online.
Speaking on the track, Monelise quotes: “Silver Lake is a mythical story as old as time itself; yet woven into a shimmering, kaleidoscopic soundscape that occupies a world of its own. When writing I was inspired by the song ‘Mysteries of Love’ from David Lynch’s Blue Velvet. I wanted to create something transcendent, celestial and unlike anything else out there. A soundscape that blends all of life’s most intense and moving experiences - life, death, love, loss - into one, ultimately beautiful and complete whole. Lyrically, Silver Lake tells the story of a woman who, upon losing her lover, discovers his spirit floating above the mystical silver lake. Their worlds momentarily collide in this liminal space and they manage to touch one last time before she is able to ‘release him’. Yet, we are left with a cliffhanger - during the song’s last moments, does she follow him into the afterlife or accept the fact she can now ‘find’ him only at Silver Lake?
Monelise forges a unique blend of nostalgia and futurism in her work. It is as though she stands at the gateway of past and future as her music weaves an uncanny yet beautiful dance between the two. She proudly defies singular categorisation, having been compared in equal measure to Kate Bush, David Lynch and Sevdaliza. Recently, she began to release a series of singles that mirror the zeitgeist of 2020 -2021 in creative and unprecedented ways. “Clockwork Heart”, “Insane” and “Sliding Worlds” echo the signature hypnotic quality of Hauntology (2019) yet surprises listeners with industrially inspired beats, kaleidoscopic sound mixing and more prominent, cinematic strings.
https://www.instagram.com/monelisemusic/
https://monelise.com/