Thursday, September 26, 2024

Johnny Kantor



Johnny Kantor, one of Canada's original bad boys, is known to many who were involved in the rock scene of the 80s and 90s. Having recently spent time in South East Asia to focus on his songwriting, he's now back in the studio. With the release of three new original songs, and more on the way this summer, Johnny has created some excellent new rock songs.

Title track "Everybody's Good Lookin'" is a belter that celebrates one of life's cruel truths. "Circuit Board of Life" draws parallels between our real and computer universes. And the bluesier "Midnight Train" will have you in wistful thought before you even finish listening to the first Verse.

Thought provoking lyrics, a soulful voice and powerful chords - Johnny has lost none of his flare and originality. Recently released on all the main streaming platforms, his new tracks are racking up plays.

https://johnnykantormusic.com/

Monday, September 23, 2024

Dennis van Aarssen



"Just Call It Love", the fourth studio album by Dennis van Aarssen and composer-pianist Jeff Franzel, represents the musical growth of the singer who once won The Voice of Holland as a crooner. Eleven captivating tracks, lyrically more mature with greater emotional depth, while the arrangements are deliberately kept small and intimate. Dennis's warm, resonant voice sounds fuller and more colorful than ever. Dennis; "My voice is more mature, giving me more control. The songs are more fragile, so it's not about the power, but rather the nuances. It has become an intimate jazzy pop album." 

For "Just Call It Love", scheduled to be released in March 2024, a different concept has been chosen compared to the previous big band albums. Most tracks are based on the combination of piano and vocals, while other songs are enriched by arrangements with guitar, drums, bass, and cello. With this approach, the singer has ventured into a crossover of refined pop and jazz. The unique collaboration with Jeff Franzel, a composer and pianist who has previously worked with legends like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Mel Tormé, and lyricist Maria Christensen, who has written lyrics for artists such as Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez, remains unchanged. Jeff Franzel , who has written over 20 top international singles with artists such as Josh Groban, N’SYNC, Taylor Dayne (‘Don’t Rush Me’ - charting at #2) and The Temptations, remarks; "Maria and I have earned our stripes not only in jazz but also in the world of pop music. And Dennis, well, Dennis can sing virtually any genre. While his identity as a singer is anchored in jazz, he can easily transition to pop. So, how beautiful is it to work in the genre where pop and jazz meet? Especially since it allows us to appeal to a broader audience." Artistic Duo From their first meeting in 2019, it was clear that the young Dennis and the experienced Jeff had a musical and creative connection. The seed for a joint album as a duo may have been unintentionally planted during their initial songwriting sessions. Dennis explains; "After two big band albums and the Christmas album, we all agreed that now was the time to make that piano album. The idea had been there for a while, but the timing is just right now. I'm really ready for this change with the choice of more intimate songs. I prepared for this album even better than I always did, for example, by taking demos to my vocal coach. Listening together and discussing how things could be improved. That automatically elevates it to another level." Adding to this, Jeff says; "In music, it's about working with young talent, especially for people of my age. Dennis blew me away with his incredible voice. He's also an artist who can connect with the audience. It felt right from the first meeting. The initiative for this album came three years ago from Dennis's management. The idea was to record an acoustic album with original songs from the both of us. I thought it was a fantastic idea right away. This album now feels like the right project at the right time for the both of us. In fact, I'm simply very proud of this album and the fact that we present it as an artistic duo." 

Additional Arrangements Regarding the collaboration and songwriting process with Jeff and Maria, Dennis says; "We start with a blank sheet and first share our ideas with each other. It can be a concept or a sentence. Maria and I discuss the content, and naturally, it becomes clear what we want to focus on. Then we ask Jeff how he feels about it, and he starts playing. It clicks immediately. And if not, we adjust. A different tempo or a different chord. This slowly creates a chord progression over which I will sing. The arrangements are also done collaboratively. We listen to all the demo versions and note down what each of us envisions. Originally, we were only going to do vocals and piano, but while listening, you discover that sometimes a cello, guitar, or rhythm section is needed." "We were going to record a piano and vocal album," adds Jeff. "But ultimately, we felt that some songs needed additional arrangements because the songs simply called for it. Of course, Dennis also had ideas about arrangements, but if there's one element I would highlight, it's his lyrics. 

Dennis has grown tremendously in that aspect over the years." Spot-on in One Take Dennis, Jeff, and Maria wrote more songs than the eleven that made it onto the album, but according to Dennis, the song selection process was relatively quick: "The puzzle fell together very quickly. The three of us had the same top six songs. Additionally, there was room for a cover. That became 'Waiting For Tonight' by Jennifer Lopez, for which Maria wrote the lyrics. I thought it was great to take a dance track and pull it into our concept. It certainly isn’t a dance track anymore, but it still has a certain vibe. Maria is by far the best lyricist I've ever been in the studio with. She comes up with sentences that, as a Dutchman, I could never think of. Of course, it's the chemistry between all three of us, but Maria is as indispensable as Jeff." However, the album features a second cover: "She" by Charles Aznavour. Dennis explains; "My version of that song just exploded online at the end of the summer of 2023. It went viral on TikTok and Instagram. On an album with songs about love, this song fits perfectly. Since we still had studio time, we asked Jeff to do 'She' again. Jeff worked out all the music in the evening, and we recorded it the next day. Just one take. It was spot-on immediately."

The album was recorded in two and a half days at the renowned Sear Sound Studio in New York. Dennis; "Gregory Porter had just finished his recording session there before us. I immediately felt comfortable with a super-friendly and helpful crew. Jeff had prepared everything musically very well, and everything the studio musicians played was perfect." Regarding the choice of the studio, Jeff notes, "The fact that it was recorded in just two and a half days certainly contributes to the spontaneous nature of the album. The Sear Sound Studio was the best studio to record in. Two reasons for that; the piano is simply better than in other studios, and the feeling is just right." "What was different from the previous times we recorded is that I had more ownership," says Dennis. "We were in the studio with some top musicians and a producer, but if there was a discussion to be made, they all looked at me. I definitely had more control, and I explicitly contributed to how I wanted things. That's now also expected more from me. It's part of my process of growth. And that's crucial for a musician, to keep developing yourself."

https://www.dennisvanaarssen.com/

Friday, September 20, 2024

Lumi



Prepare to embark on a sonic journey like no other with Lumi's latest album "The Rebirth". Known for his exquisite delivery and phenomenal tracks, Lumi has once again captured the hearts of music lovers with this stunning collection of eight songs.


Experience the magic of "The Rebirth" now streaming on all digital sites. Don't miss out on this musical masterpiece that promises to captivate your senses and leave you craving more.

Lumi is an independent rapper from Mullumbimby in Byron Bay Australia.

Lumi has 6 independent music releases and self produced music videos on YouTube.

https://lumimusic.hearnow.com/

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

David T Carter



David T Carter is an Australian singer/songwriter from the Trailer Park Rangers and a pioneering force of the new Modern Americana Era. He was nominated four years in a row as Best Americana Act in the North Bay Bohemian and has been an AAA/AC Radio Artist since 1996.


A few quotes will be listed below:

“A distinctly individual and promising new talent”
-Rolling Stone

“… More home-grown wit in one song than most alt-country bands do in an entire CD.”
-Greenman Review, Mike Stiles

“... anyone who gets excited about inventiveness that is intelligent will find David T. Carter compulsive listening.”
-London Temple, Maverick Magazine, UK Rate: 4.5 stars

“They’ve got the twang but the lyrics are much more imaginative…”
“At every turn the music is impressive”
-Matt Kramer, Pacific Sun


https://www.davidtcarter.com/

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Chris Nelson




Hailing from the rugged foothills of North Georgia, Chris Nelson is a down-to-earth country boy with a heart as genuine as his music. Raised in a tight-knit family of country music lovers, Chris soaked up the sounds of the legendary Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash from an early age. Those inspirations gave Chris a love of country music that never died, despite his life taking and unexpected turn. 

True to Chris’ character, he decided to give up everything and serve his country in the Army at the young age of seventeen. A career soldier, Chris traveled the world but also witnessed the harsh realities of fighting for his country. These experiences have turned Chris into the person he is today, full of pride in America and its veterans that runs as deep as the hills in Appalachia. 
For over two decades, Chris has been quietly penning tunes that reflect the heart and soul of country living. He's the real deal, spinning tales of love, heartbreak, and the everyday moments that hit close to home. His music, born from authentic experiences, became a source of comfort during tough times and a soundtrack for the time of celebrations. 

In August 2024, after losing his father, Chris found the courage to finally share his emotions through music with the world for the first time. The result was a touching tribute that struck a chord not only with him but with an audience who connected with his honest and heartfelt storytelling. Several singles later, including “Feelin’ Alright” and “Saving Grace” Chris has found his audience growing rapidly on music apps and social media. 

Chris's latest single, "No Flag Higher," is a personal homage to his Army buddies who never made it back home to their families. The song is making waves on Spotify and social media, and Chris is gunning for it to hit the airwaves, reigniting a sense of pride in our nation. 

From the battlefield to the radio, Chris Nelson's journey is about keeping it real. He's not just a musician; he's a storyteller, weaving his experiences into a musical tapestry that resonates with folks who appreciate the grit, heart, and soul of blue-collar living. Chris Nelson is the voice of the everyday hero, sharing stories that matter to the hardworking people who make this country tick. Chris is ready to set the country music scene on fire.

https://www.inkstringer.com/

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Lola Balter

 



“I’m going for a feeling with my songs,” shares 17-year-old pop-rock artist Lola Balter. “I want people to experience a deep connection with my music.” The prodigiously talented singer and multi-instrumentalist is an evocative, emotional, and empathic songwriter. Lola possesses an invigorating sensibility that melds the boldly vulnerable singing of big-voiced balladeers like Alicia Keys, Adele, and Lady Gaga with a visceral 1990s alt-rock aesthetic.
 
A fearless and restless creative, Lola began to augment her skills as a vocalist through exploring the guitar, keyboards, and learning the drums. These journeys led her to the expressive possibilities of rock where she found inspiration in 1990s alt-rock icons and modern pop-rock chart-toppers such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Olivia Rodrigo, and Jack Johnson.
 
Despite being a young teen, Lola is already a seasoned vet as a performer. She has won many regional talent contests. In addition, Lola performs at various Canada Day Celebrations, So Far Sound gigs & at the Vancouver Christmas Market, and she regularly performs at invitation gigs.
 
Up next, Lola is feverishly writing new material, finetuning her songwriting, and exploring the unbridled joys of bashing out some garage rock. These will all factor into her upcoming tracks which will showcase her richly vocals within a raw alt-rock style.
 

https://linktr.ee/lolabalter
https://www.tiktok.com/@lolabalter.music
https://www.instagram.com/lolabaltermusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@lolabaltermusic/featured
https://lolanow.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jesD34oQL3fEcEtm6jJDs

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Andreas Aleman




Andreas Aleman is actually a fairly experienced musician, who has released records and made a lot of concerts. But due to various reasons, he has stayed in the "background". Now is the time to take the next step and reach the big audience... He took the first step in March 2023, when he secretly auditioned for ”Sweden Got Talent” at National TV4. It resulted in both a standing ovation and a GOLDEN BUZZER from the jury member Johanna Nordström. This took him straight to the final where he also put in an outstanding performance. Although he did not win, he was praised by the jury who were truly moved by Andrea's soulful singing and incredible voice. Andreas Aleman was born and raised in Södertälje. Nowadays he lives in Gustavsberg outside Stockholm. When he was 3 years old, he started playing piano and writing simple songs. His parents' taste in music was contagious and after school he used to rush home to listen to their records. 

This exposed him to Soul, Funk, Blues & Gospel music and it influenced both his musical taste and future musical style. As a 12-year-old, he got to play with a rock band that consisted of his 4-year-old brother and his friends. Andreas played in various bands during his adolescence and attended a 3-year high school program and at the age of 16, he began working as a musician but also as a bandmaster in various bands and for a lot of gospel choirs. Andreas was, among other things, a pianist in the start-up (and a few years later) of the Tensta Gospel Choir in 1996 together with a choir director. This was started as a project with the aim of working for integration between young people from different cultures. There is no doubt that Andreas has one of Sweden's most beautiful soul voices. He has a capacity to get an entire audience totally wild, for in the next moment, calmly touch them for real. He stands for musical quality at all levels. 

The sound is a fantastic mix of soul, funk, R&B, West Coast and gospel. The voice, the songs and the feeling in the music have caused many to compare Andreas with some of the greatest. He has released 4 albums and various singles with self-written music. Andreas has also written musics for artists as Laura Pausini, Gary Valenciano and others and on the single "Celebrate The Season" he sings a duet with the American soul star and five-time Grammy winner, Michael McDonald. He has performed in Sweden, Europe and the USA at various clubs and festivals.

https://www.andreasaleman.com/