Some songs grip you within seconds.ASTR’s “Operate” is surely one that envelops you immediately. With it’s soaring synthis, blended vocals, and undeniable presence, this is quite the introdocuton to the New York based duo. It’s the perfect fusion of electro/R&B/pop all conjoined together. Sonically charged and wonderfully executed, there is nothing not to love about this. The accompanying video only adds to the all-around goodness. Watch the video and also download the track below.
Meg Myer’s “Heart Heart Head” is my current musical obsession. It’s the perfect “Fucked over by love” type of song. It’s also the type of song that is bound to produce an equally dramatic visual. My assumption was right. The accompanying video is a fully realized depiction of a tormented love story. Between the brilliant cinematography and highly climactic finish, this is all around captivating. If you have yet to indulge in Meg Myers, the time is now.
When it was first announced that Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu would be joining forces for “Q.U.E.E.N.” , there was no way to contain our anticipation. When the song was finally released, it was met with open arms by fans and critics alike. Though it featured less of Badu than I’d certainly hoped for, there is no denying that this is one of the better collaborations to come from two creative entities.
The accompanying visual is a vibrant optical affair precisely executed with all of the artistic flare we certainly expected. Just like the track itself, the video mirrors the audacious statement of female empowerment. Further signifying Monáe’s unforgiving passion for presenting a new form of beauty, sexiness, and breaking barriers set for female artist, she has surely succeeded. These two ladies are musical movements of seismic proportions, all of which makes this not just amazing, but inspiring. As “Q.U.E.E.N.” is the first single from the Android’s forthcoming album Electric Lady, the tone has been set for greatness. Indulge below.
Let me preface this with saying I have listened to this song a million times before even attempting to write about it.
Rudimental has already got me lifted with their perviously released singles. However, their newest release “Baby” is just as impressive. With the added vocals of MNEK and Sinead Harnett, the track soars to sonic heaven with its relentless synths and heavy house sound. As if the track wasn’t enough, the accompanying video further compliments it even further. Vibrant, nostalgic, and above all, it makes you want to move. Whats not to love? Rudimental’s debut album Home is out in the UK on April 29th. Indulge below.
Put simply, videos aren’t what they use to be. This is dare I say, a dying art from. Needless to say, anytime a conceptually sound, expertly executed, and solid visual presents itself, I am beyond thrilled. After all, whats the point of wasting five precious minutes of your time on some humdrum creation. Such was not the case with Bonobo’s visual for “First Fires,” the second single from his latest album North Boarders. A full cinematic production, the video depicts the haunting memories of a tragic love story. It’s sure to make you more emotional than not, but isn’t that the point, to evoke a response. Indulge below.
Let me preface this with saying I am a lover of ambient and spacey music. Somewhere between the slow-moving wave and usually vocals, I find calmness. Such was the case with Sunny & Gabe’s new single “Fly”. As soon as it begins, your enveloped by the gentle presence of the guitar strings. As the duo swiftly sings over the blissful track, they mark their distinct presence. Expect their debut EP Free Candy in the near future. Their accompanying video for “Fly” is posted below as well. Indulge below.
In support of her stellar Patchwork EP, Szjerdene has unveiled the official video for the project’s undeniable show-stopper, “Go.” Matching the breathtaking allure of the track, the visual is a beautifully-executed interpretation of the song that incorporates the worlds of dance and drama in a compelling, yet unexpected way. Without a doubt, it’s easily one of the best videos that 2013 has offered thus far.
If you have yet to purchase Patchwork The EP, do so now.
CharlieRED is new on my radar and after being introduced to them via their latest video for “Could Be,” I’m pleasantly intrigued. As if the song isn’t great on its own— it’s soulfully charged, utterly relatable, and leaves a lasting impression. With the accompanying visual, the songs lyrics come to life with a full narrative story. Between the constant debates, endless hopes, and sad realizations one endures in a relationship, there is always hope of what “Could Be”. This is all-around impressive. Watch the video below and if you have yet to indulge in the duo, the time is now. Their debut EP, Religion is out now.
Frank Ocean came, saw, and conquered 2012 with his seminal debut Channel Orange. After mounting hype, both surrounding his music and his personal affairs, he delivered. From Grammy’s, sold-out concerts, to working with a whose who of industry, Frank Ocean has arrived.
His latest visual for “Lost” (one of my favorite tracks from the LP) is an introspective view of his musical journey. Between the concert footage backstage access, and intimate moments, you get a deeper glimpse into the man behind the music. While his videos tend to be more obscure and highly conceptual, this more simplistic approach is unexpected, but welcomed all the same. Watch below.
James Blake is back and the world can now breathe one collective sigh of relief. His new album Overgrown is an audio presentation of James Blake the artist more so than his first offering. No longer hiding behind cryptic vocals or wordless musical prologues, his presence is now deafening. In keeping up with his consistent outpouring of art, his latest is a visual for ”Overgrown.” Beautifully captured, perfectly intimate, and wonderfully abstract, this is yet another moment Mr. Blake. Induge in the video below.
Jessie Ware is quite captivating. With her exquisite sounds and melodic voice, she continues to impress the masses. With her latest single, “Imagine It Was Us,” she offered a more jovial and sensual sound than heard previously. However, as we all know, launching a career in the US requires one to up the ante. Her new track is accompanied by an equally enchanting visual. A full display of nostalgia, this is a journey back to the late 70′s—no complaints here (Amir Jamar and I always talk about how we were born in the wrong decade). Great vibes all around. The US Edition and UK Gold Editon of her debut album, Devotion, are out on April 16.
Sometimes you just need a song that makes you feel all-conquering, cheerful, and hopeful. Rudimental‘s new single, “Waiting All Night,” does just that for me. With its relentless sonics and high-octane energy, it’s the type of song that leaves a lasting impression. When it comes to the video, the same can be said. The video presents a compelling narrative detailing the story of BMX star, Kurt Yaeger after an unfortunate accident that resulted in him becoming an amputee. With the strong imagery and mighty presence of the track, this is simply golden. Not only is it an unpredictable approach, it’s incredibly moving. The group’s forthcoming album, Home, will be released on April 29.
If you have yet to indulge in these guys, wait no longer. Watch the video below.
With an impressive buzz surrounding his name, Luke James keeps the momentum going with the official video for his newest single, “I.O.U.” Chronicling a simple love story with an unexpected twist, the visual is certainly an engaging watch. “I.O.U” will appear on Luke’s forthcoming debut album, due later this year.
Laura Mvula is a name I saw floating around for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until her cover of Michael Jackson’s classic “Human Nature” that I delved into the gifted songstress’s music. After being acquainted with her raw and effortless delivery, she instantly gained a fan in yours truly.
Her latest visual for “Thats Alright” is a multi-dimensional optical excursion. From the opening sequence to its artistic bearings, the video is as vibrant as it is enticing. If you have yet to indulge in Laura Mvula, the time is now. Indulge below.
Oh, James Blake, how I love thee.
As it creeps closer and closer to the release of his forthcoming album, Overgrown (due April 9), the musical artisan has premiered the official video for “Voyeur.” In what can be best described as a twisted animated tale of hallucinogenic visuals, this is a purely elevated concept. As the song reaches its zenith, the video too morphs into its colorful climax from its otherwise black and white aesthetic. The hypnotizing track is slated to debut as a single later this month.
Tricky is somewhat of a quiet storm. He doesn’t sing strongly, create super conceptualized visuals or attempt to be in any grand fashion. Yet, he is an extremely powerful artist who instills both thought-provoking and moving messages in his music. There is so much truth and perpesctive to his art, that its almost difficult to even judge it.That said, his latest video, “Does It” featuring Francesca Belmonte is an introspective portrait of the world at large. The questions he poses with both the song and the video are ones that we should be asking ourselves. The central focus is What do we do with our freedom? This is power. This is art. His forthcoming album, False Idols, will be available May 28th. Watch the video below.
