Bringing story, sentiment and authenticity back to hip hop, leading with scene-by-scene depictions of real-life experiences, hardship, and empowerment – founder of Ill Abstract Minds Traé Scott delivers the project of his life this summer, with the depth and dynamic of The Art.
Albums
These back and forth dynamics represent two sides of the same soul, the journey of DaiSY Gee in seeking a fresh start in Japan – some nights wandering train stations and side streets as a dreamer, other nights immersing herself in the hidden clubs and basements of the city as a dancer, and the stylistic variety of Midnight Tokyo captures that duality perfectly well.
Crisp country grooves and reverb-drenched vocals set an ambient, uplifting vibe, as catchy country melodies and lush harmonies lay down a unique fusion of Afrikaans and Western music, for Country in Afrikaans.
Eleven songs make up this album from Vivienne Aerts, something like alternative neo-jazz, with hints of Eva Cassidy, Chet Baker, to the voice and songwriting, but a more alternative edge of electronic design in unison, to keep things secure in this new artistic arena.
Fast bars and creative production blend the grit and storytelling of rock and rap with a seamless lyrical confidence that’s boldly unique. Through adversity to impact, INFERNO is an artist and rapper whose life began in turmoil, and though his journey has been dark, complex and difficult, it provided an unrivalled fire and passion that naturally feeds into his music.
These recordings feel like single takes, moments captured that can never quite be recreated with the same level of uncertainty and longing. Make It Make Sense is a particularly striking example, but the project in full consistently draws you back to this quality, and as such, it’s addictively understanding, comforting, and heart-breaking, to lose yourself here with Sam.
Featuring members of the iconic E Street Band and The Avett Brothers, plus a guest appearance from songwriter Marshall Crenshaw, Abnormal Conditions is a collaborative burst of rock and roll euphoria, and was passionately recorded in just two days, at Rhinebeck’s The Clubhouse (NY).
Consider Obsidian as the perfect introduction, an industrial rhythmic aura, with both optimism and uncertainty walking hand-in-hand. mal_mr asks the question ‘what does it mean to be human in a world where machines are taking over?’, and The Magic Umwelt captures the essence of that experience, and gracefully answers.
Alternative rock performer, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist Primordial Alien reaches the pinnacle of his creative output this year, delivering an album of conceptual weight, musical diversity, skill, playfulness, genre-fusion and cool but cutting narratives, as we dive into the brilliantly eclectic pop-punk and progressive rock vibrancy and shadows of Casus Belli.
Featuring an eclectic playlist of songs built around acoustic guitar and Brian Elodi’s distinctly raspy, relatable and modest indie voice, this album is something of a time capsule from the artist – a collection of moments years in the making, brought together in honour of his daughter.
If you’re looking for songs that feel real, new, purposeful, fascinating – such as the music of Medium Build, Bo Burnham, Father John Mistry – this album is absolutely one to spend time with.
Releasing in perfect harmony with the 4th of July, A LOVE LETTER TO AMERICA celebrates freedom, Faith, sacrifice, neighbours, forgiveness, family, and hope. The idea is to remind listeners that people need each other, that we always find our way back to one another, and that the values we share are what ultimately make for a unified and joyous community and life for us and our children, from now until forever.