Thomas Cole, ‘Late To Bloom’ – Album

Thomas Cole

Words By Sam Wetherby.

With the release of his new album, ‘Late To Bloom’, Thomas Cole brings a sound that is fresher than a box of gum. The kind of artist who never settles for less than the best pushes things to an entirely new level with this 11-track gem, which includes hits that we have previously reviewed, such as ‘Execute The Vision’ and ‘Cringe’, as well as others! However, much to our surprise, he has also unveiled two new bangers, ‘Pass The Baton’ and ‘This World & The Next’. Both of these additions provide something fresh to the album.

‘Late to Bloom’, which is also the album’s title track, kicks off the album. From this song, we get an idea of what the remainder of the album will sound like. It is an effective intro, and it carves out an elegant way to get into the well-known ‘Fairy Tales’. My particular fave is the song ‘Up in Smoke’, which can be found around halfway through the album; it is this song that has been spinning in my ears for most of summer 2023! The album wraps up with ‘Pass The Baton’, a highly engaging track which will ring out for a long time.

Photo Credit: Thomas Cole.

Von Venn, ‘Hero’

Von Venn

Words By Sam Wetherby.

It is always a nice feeling when one discovers a new favorite, and that is the exact way to sum up how I felt after hearing ‘Hero’ by Von Venn. Although I am not unfamiliar with the band and have listened to a large number of their earlier tracks, I cannot help but feel that this song is quite unique in comparison to their others.

I like how it has a warm, groovy vibe to it yet at the same time it fills the air around me with many indie textures. Gary, who possesses his own technique and distinctive quality, is responsible for providing the distinctive delivery of the vocals; he smashes it! Also, another pleasant surprise is the arrival of a female harmony at various points throughout the performance.

Steam below. More updates from Von Venn here.

Photo Credit: Von Venn.

Spectral Display, ‘Slowly’

Spectral Display

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

Spectral Display’s latest track, ‘Slowly,’ embodies the carefree essence of summer in all its splendor. For those of you reluctant to bid farewell to the summer months, this one’s for you! It exudes warmth with an electrifying touch that unlocks the chambers of our hearts.

The already compelling instrumental takes on an even greater level of sophistication with the addition of Prince Chapelle and Lachi’s vocal contributions. Michel, the producer, fearlessly explores new horizons while remaining true to the sound that propelled the group to new heights decades ago, and he delivers a stellar performance here.

Photo Credit: Spectral Display.

Marsha Swanson, ‘Not You’

Marsha Swanson

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

Marsha Swanson’s latest single, ‘Not You’. is an emotional powerhouse that tugs at my heartstrings. Her ability to evoke deep feelings through her music is truly inspiring. It’s like she’s picking up right where she left off with ‘Facing Life’ and then taking it to the next level, leaving me eagerly anticipating her upcoming album, ‘Near Life Experience.’

The vocals on ‘Not You’ are what truly shine for me. Marsha’s voice carries so much emotion, and it’s impossible not to be moved by it. But it’s not just the vocals; the lyrics and music work in perfect harmony, creating a profoundly touching experience.

In just a few minutes, Marsha manages to transport you into her world of emotions and reflection. You can experience it fully below.

Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Francesca Luker, ‘Sunshine’

Francesca Luker

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Francesca Luker just dropped ‘Sunshine’, and I’m totally here for it! Remember how she wowed us with “Promise Land”? Well, this new track takes her vocal game to a whole new level.

The chorus in ‘Sunshine’ is where Francesca absolutely shines (pun intended). She effortlessly glides over the music, belting out those notes like a boss. And she’s not afraid to get a little gritty, adding some serious depth to the song.

But here’s the thing – ‘Sunshine’ isn’t just about Francesca’s incredible vocals; it’s got this chill, feel-good vibe that’s like a musical getaway to paradise. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to close your eyes and just soak it all in.

I can’t wait to see what she does next! You can listen below.

Luke Mock, The Interview Series.

Luke Mock

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Luke, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘What You Deserve’, what is the meaning? 

I created “What You Deserve” as a reflection on a past relationship where I felt unable to provide my partner with what they deserved, primarily due to bad timing and my own journey of self-discovery, revealing emotions of guilt and regret.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, and John Mayer all inspire me and my music!

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

How many different ways there are to share my creativity with the world and resonate with anyone at the right time.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I’ve written most of my songs in my bedroom, especially over Zoom during covid. I love writing in my room because I have everything setup perfectly for me to have a fluent environment for my ideas to flow, and an efficient workflow.

What is your first memory of music? 

My first memory of music is singing karaoke at a bar when I was 9. I sang “The Earth Song” by Michael Jackson.

Photo Credit: Luke Mock.

Artinho, The Interview Series.

Artinho

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Artinho, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Carnage’, what is the meaning?

The meaning of ‘Carnage’ to me is about expressing different situations that lead up to carnage, from growing up in North London I’ve gone through so many things and seen a lot of things that have shaped me to be who I am today. There was a time in life between 16-20 that nearly everyday to me felt like a
punishment.

I was also sent to Angola for 1 year in the year 2011 due to the life I was living and be around the wrong company that almost costed me my life. I take you through my life in the lyrics set in different times in 3 decades.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Stormzy, Dave, PlayBoi Carti,, Solange, Burna boy, Metallica, Doja Cat. They inspire me by reinventing themselves and staying consistent in the times where in. Never breaking away from what put them in there position, just tweaking the faults. The music they are creating is beginning to stand the test of time, and T gradually gets better, from stage presence, to Merch, how they perceived in the public as well.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

There’s more tools to help independent artists, working to what’s best for you, what’s helped me is having a studio in my house, so I can record when I want, I have more time to tune my craft.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I write out of no where sometimes, words come up, and I start rhyming and I find myself writing either in Front Room or the studio are the best place for me to write, the studio because, if there’s other writers there, you want to be better than them or get there approval, and if I’m at home I’ll write in the front room and then head to the studio after I wrote down an 8 or 16 bar to record the idea.

What is your first memory of music? 

My first memory of music, growing up in an African home your custom to listen to African music such as Koffi Olimide, Werrason, Magic System. My parents would play all different type of music, from Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Whitney Houston, UB40, Karyn White, Mario, Brandy, Marvin Gaye, The Gap Band. The older I got I starting discovering more music like Heavy Metal (Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slipknot) Rock (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, Green Day) Pop (Madonna, The Crowded House, Simply Red) Rap (Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes). I also member hearing Return of the Mack by Mark Morrison on radio all time.

The music video I can remember watching was The Fugees – Ready or Not and The Notorious B.I.G.- More Money More Problems as I was doing my Maths homework, I was very intrigued in what they rapping about, but I knew I was too young to know until the age I turnt 11.

Photo Credit: Artinho.

Luke Mock, ‘What You Deserve’

Luke Mock

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Sharing with you all ‘What You Deserve’, the latest pop song from Luke Mock. The track boasts multi-faceted narratives and meticulously crafted melodies to get lost in! Also, amidst the beguiling hooks, Mock’s lyrical creativity prominently shines. His exuberant vocal delivery resonates with profundity, intertwining with a performance that bears the hallmark of a top-tier artist.

The song’s constituent elements synergistically converge to eloquently narrate an emotive anecdote, with the inherent intricacies open to discovery.

Cathy Mpaka, The Interview Series.

Cathy Mpaka

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Cathy, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Distorted Heart’, what is the meaning? 

Hi, yes so DH is basically about heartbreak/about a bad breakup. The pain of a relationship ending that you put so much time, emotion & effort in is truly heart wrenching especially when your efforts fall flat & unappreciated. It’s really about the pain of feeling like you have tried everything & yet it wasn’t enough & that hurts especially when all you want is undying & everlasting love.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

To be quite honest, nobody. 

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

1. Social Media. I have to say that Social Media is truly a great thing. I can promote myself & create my promotional content myself. I can control how my roll out is going to be & what I wanna share first & last. Social Media truly is good for promotional purposes & for your fans to connect with you on a more personal level.

2. You don’t necessarily have to wait to be discovered. You can just post a cover on youtube or scrap a couple 100$ together for a demo & release it yourself with a distribution website, it’s very easy, though a bit confusing in the beginning. A lot of things that were quite out of reach a few years ago are so accessible now a days which is amazing. You’re basically in control of what you do & not somebody else.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

Well, I’d say I just go to my bedroom to write songs but I have also written some songs in the living room. I’d also say that I need some kind of quietness but sometimes some background music makes me feel more creative. There’s truly not that much that I need in order to write a song.

What is your first memory of music? 

My first music memory. I’m not quite sure or I am, I don’t know how to say it. I can say that the first probably was Michael Jackson because my parents had some DVD of his music videos & we would put it in the DVD player so that we could watch it & it had a bunch of old towards new-ish music/videos on it. But then again it feels like at the same time or as far as I can remember I was also very mesmerized by Hannah Montana & the High School Musical series.

Photo Credit: Cathy Mpaka.

Artinho x Matrace, ‘Carnage’

Artinho

Words By Sam Wetherby.

Artinho’s latest offering, ‘Carnage,’ stands out as a compelling track that underscores his skill as a rapper and songwriter. The collaboration with Matrace further enhances its appeal, catering to those with a penchant for a unique hip-hop experience.

Also, his genuine passion resonates throughout ‘Carnage,’ setting it apart from the rest. His rap delivery is both impactful and comparable to the finest in the genre. Complementing this is the contagious rhythm and bass hooks that provide an added layer of authenticity and complexity.

Drawing from his extensive background in the music industry, it’s evident that this much-anticipated single lives up to its expectations. ‘Carnage’ embodies Artinho’s dedication and expertise and we cannot get enough!