This piece is about all the memories that we carry with us as we move forward in life. Experiences and people come and go, but some memories stay forever.

Francisco Casarotti is a self-taught pianist and composer from Montreal, Quebec. He was born in Argentina but moved to Canada with his family when he was only 12.

After playing the guitar and drums as a teenager, he fell in love with the beautiful sound of the piano when he was 18 years old and it quickly became his favorite instrument. In 2019, he started composing his own music after spending a few years posting videos of himself covering pieces from other composers on social media.

His first single called “The Emerging Light” was released on May 15, followed by “Motion” on August 7 and “Timeless” on October 16, 2020.

Francisco finds inspiration in nature and life experiences. His music is influenced by modern-classical / minimalist pianists such as Ludovico Einaudi, Joep Beving and Yann Tiersen.

https://www.instagram.com/francisco.casarotti/

Space and time both play a role in pølaroit’s music. A felt connection to Jonas and Marius’ hometowns in Northern Germany, their geography, as well as a sense of pertaining to a specific instant in time, a generation, are both expressed in the duo’s strain of melodic deep house, “We see our music as a snapshot of time and music,” they say. The chosen name for the duo, pølaroit, is a reference to this idea of capturing a moment and it tributes both their northern roots (Polar) as well as the birthplace of techno (Detroit).

pølaroit’s debut EP, ‘expedition into’ (out via Stil vor Talent) defined the duo’s moody sound somewhere in between melancholic downtempo and uplifting melodies, and captivated audiences around Germany. Their current EP, Pure, released via Christian Löffler’s Ki Records, continues to draw on the dichotomy of these two emotions but this time around there’s a bigger sense of presence and liveliness. Through the use of field recordings and vocals, pølaroit wants to rescue the human and organic element of creativity in their music.
https://www.instagram.com/wearepolaroit/

Tafari (pronounced Ta-far-eye) Anthony is a Toronto based artist whose music blends Pop, R&B and Soul. He is an artist who embodies the spirit of the modern musician. Not just a musician, but a creator. Known for his sleek vocal tones, sultry melodies and music which oozes with personality, Tafari leaves listeners in awe – somewhat apt considering his name means “He who inspires awe”.

His influences range from artists like Prince and John Legend, to more contemporary artists like Lennon Stella and Charlie Puth, among others. Often described as a mix of Sam Smith and MNEK, Tafari creates deeply emotional songs that resonate across generations. “All of these artists are creating music that is pop in its own right, but also so different from each other”, shares the musician.

Having taken a break from music in 2018 to focus on creating new material which explored his own personal soundscape, Tafari returned early 2020 with the release of his pop anthems, “Centerfold” and “Live in a Dream.” Now he unveils the emotional “No Good,” produced by Alexander Flockhart (Off Bloom, Vera, Malou Prytz, What So Not, Kill J).

The impassioned song narrates how some relationships are just no good for us, yet we somehow still end up pursuing them for whatever reason. Tafari confides, “It takes a lot of self-reflection to be able to realize these patterns in ourselves and even more to get out of them once we are aware. No Good is the come down and reflection after Centerfold’s blow up! Realizing that you crave the unhealthiness of the relationship. Personally, I often let people treat me like shit for way longer than I should – but once I’m done, I’m done.”

Having found influence in female powerhouse vocalists such as Seinabo Sey, King Princess and Alicia Keys, “No Good” delivers a classic vibe, but through a modern approach. Tafari’s raw, almost broken vocals portray sincerity in his lyrics, while the powerful production emits a fiery atmosphere. The stunning, heartfelt ballad oozes nostalgia with Tafari reminiscing of a love now lost.

Tafari has seen success with his music garnering acclaim from the likes of PAPER Magazine, Gay Times and MTV to name a few. He has been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award and receives regular airplay on CBC Radio, with one of his singles being named one of CBC’s Most Influential Songs of 2016. The singer has also performed alongside Shangela (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and has performed at Toronto’s Dundas Square and Massey Hall. “No Good” is off of the upcoming EP The Way You See Me, due later this year.

Instagram.com/TafariAnthony
Facebook.com/TafariAnthony
Youtube.com/TafariAnthony
Twitter.com/TafariAnthony

When YLLOW finished the first idea of his new instrumental track, he came up with an uplifting & living lead melody and an emotional chord progression. He then contacted Vyel via e-mail a year ago to ask him if he would be in to collaborate with him on his new track. Vyel wrote the lyrics and recorded the vocals, then YLLOW reworked the instrumental multiple times. Soon after the track was 100% finished, the duo sent it to WildVibes for a final mix & master.

This song is about not letting others define the choices and decisions of your life, and having the courage to trust oneself to take action and find your way without paying attention to the judgement of others.

As we are more and more people to feel alone in these strange times, this song is also a reminder that we can learn to appreciate and celebrate the times we spend alone.

If anxiety is often a downside in this situation, self-awareness is also its upside : when you know yourself well, you’re simply doing everyday what makes you happy. Is it listening to music? Is it making music? Or is it running maybe? Playing video games? Travelling the world and exploring? Reading a book? Cooking? Watching movies and series? Learning new skills?

YLLOW :@yllowmusic
Vyel : @vyelmusic
Ensis Records : @ensisrecords

For their new song “Been Too Long”, Dance Yourself Clean teamed up with Lizzy Land to bring her ethereal vocals to their unique approach to indie-pop music reminiscent of The Naked And The Famous and CHVRCHES. A thumping bass line and kick create a solid rhythm section that enigmatic synth pads and stabbing pianos soar over. Lizzy’s crooning voice sings about the relatable feeling of missing a special someone from her past.

Dance Yourself Clean started in Seattle (2013) as an indie dance party that grew into the first touring dance party in North America. After moving to Los Angeles to expand the party and create their own record label (Lights & Music Collective) and producing for other artists for years, “DYC” decided to turn their party into a music project. Releasing original music and remixes using the party’s moniker “Dance Yourself Clean”.
https://www.instagram.com/danceyourselfclean/

With four GRAMMY nominations, twenty Billboard hits, and millions of fans worldwide, David Arkenstone has established himself as one of the foremost instrumental musicians of our time. David Arkenstone has recorded over sixty albums, has toured extensively including performances at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, scored dozens of films and documentaries, is one of the elite World of Warcraft game score composers, and is known for his popular sports themes which include The Kentucky Derby, the Paralympics, and music for the Olympics which is used to this day.

About this song:

Lake Tahoe, Nevada-based rising pop artist Audriix makes stellar inroads into 2020 with sky reaching new single, Deep Breaths. Big room electronic pop showcasing Audriix’s dreamy vocals atop a crystal sharp arrangement, the track serves as a stellar offering ahead of upcoming releases. Speaking on the track, Audriix states:

“Deep Breaths is a women empowerment song drawn from my personal experiences. It’s about standing up for yourself when someone tries to oppress you and unapologetically feeling your emotions.”

When it comes to pursuing her passion for music, Audriix is nothing less than a force of nature. Growing up in northern California, the singer/songwriter begged for violin lessons at age two and soon moved on to also mastering piano, viola, and singing (eventually adding guitar and drums as well). Having started writing songs at age six, she later self-produced her first batch of material in the midst of earning three degrees from Stanford University.

After releasing her debut EP Colors in 2015, Audriix released her full-length debut Status Change in 2019, bringing her voice to a brightly edgy brand of pop built on massive choruses and effervescent melodies. Her new single Deep Breaths continues the theme of empowerment, examining the culture of emotion suppression and silencing, all with a fearless honesty. “None of my songs portray the woman as the victim,” she says. “It’s all about being strong and standing up for yourself. I hope that listeners come away feeling empowered to do whatever they set their minds to.” Look out for more from Audriix soon.

Few words about Audriix:

When it comes to pursuing her passion for music, Audriix is nothing less than a force of nature. Growing up in northern California, the singer/songwriter begged for violin lessons at age two and soon moved on to also mastering piano, viola, and singing (eventually adding guitar and drums as well). Having started writing songs at age six, she later self-produced her first batch of material in the midst of earning three degrees from Stanford University.

After releasing her debut EP Colors in 2015, Audriix released her full-length debut Status Change in 2019, bringing her voice to a brightly edgy brand of pop built on massive choruses and effervescent melodies. Her new single Deep Breaths continues the theme of empowerment, examining the culture of emotion suppression and silencing, all with a fearless honesty. “None of my songs portray the woman as the victim,” she says. “It’s all about being strong and standing up for yourself. I hope that listeners come away feeling empowered to do whatever they set their minds to.”

http://instagram.com/audriix

A non-traditional tech-house tune with sexy builds that are reminiscent of Paris in the 60’s. This is the first official release by Maffmatix under Shrell Records.

Maffmatix is a Producer/DJ based in Bangkok, Thailand. He is one of the founding members of the electronic music group Rock Shreller. In 2020 he started Shrell Records and released his first official single “Te Bouche”. His current forté is electronic music with high energy that keeps the crowds dancing. With some impressive upcoming collaborations to be released and new singles in the mix, this is just the beginning.

https://soundcloud.com/maffmatix

A beautiful piano solo composition inspired by the mythical Cedars of Lebanon.

Few words about Steve Barakatt:

For more than three decades, award-winning composer, pianist, music producer and creative director Steve Barakatt has collaborated with leading artists, record labels, studios, brands, and organizations on hundreds of projects around the globe. As a concert pianist, he has presented more than 500 live performances on five continents. His music has been featured on hundreds of TV programs & series as well as on major sports event TV broadcasts such as the FIFA World Cup and the F1 Grand Prix. As a recording artist, he has sold over five million albums worldwide and his music catalogue reached 100,000,000 views on YouTube.

He had artistic collaborations with Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Yaroslavl philharmonic Orchestra, Lahti Sinfonia, Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre métropolitain, Radio Nacional de Espana, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, El Sistema, Angelique Kidjo, Natasha St-Pier, Nana Mouskouri, Maxim Vengerov, The Alexandrov Choir, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Nic Raine, Yoav Talmi, Christian Vásquez, Yiruma, Richard O’Neill, Shirley Bassey, Leon Lai, Alan Tam, Kelly Chen, Daniel Chan, Agnes Chan, Sincere, Yoko Oginome, Miri Ben-Ari, Noriko Sakai, Audrey De Montigny, Sun Min, Wheesung, John Park, Shayne, Chen of EXO, Lee Dong Woo, Yesung of Superjunior, Sunny of Girls’ Generation, Luna of fx, Wendy & Seulgi of Red Velvet, Taeil & Doyoung of NCT127, Universal Music Publishing, Sony Music Entertainment, SM Entertainment, Yamaha, Roland Corp, Japan Central Music and many more…

The world’s most recognized composer of official anthems, Barakatt is the man behind “Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem”, the Saemangeum MegaCity anthem “One More Heart, One More Dream”, “Motherland” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lebanon, anthems for Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and the world’s 66 Royal Golf Clubs, and compositions for numerous other prestigious organizations and events.

https://stevebarakatt.com/