Author: ML1

Peacekeepers

Anthony Levone delivers hard hitting truth in his latest single “Peacekeepers”. The rhymes flow effortlessly over a track mixing classic 808 style beats with gentle cascading waves of keyboard and synths. A deep emotion is revealed behind “Peacekeepers” crushing swagger, Levone, featuring Fooly23, is an artist with a message for the people.

Lyrics like, “the smarter man is hated, but never intimidated, he lives to fight another day, kid, while the tough guys don’t make it” exemplifies the honest reality behind what many people experience each day in this world of violence. The track’s hook brings that message to the fore with a chorus of “I’m just trying to keep the peace, all we want is peace” a universal plea for people to realize hatred just creates more violence and that the path of righteousness is that of a man who brings peace to the world. 

Flows like “We sprout thorns and devil horns to protect ourselves, rather inflict pain than be merry and wish each other well” shine a light on the human truth that so many people are living in their daily lives. “Peacekeepers” paints a vivid picture of the way the world is and how each of us can make a difference by being a peacekeeper. 

Anthony Levone’s “Peacekeepers” brings style, flow and clarity to a topic that has none of those qualities. Comparisons to other giants of rap don’t give enough credit to this 22 year old artist just making himself known to the music world. This single is truly inspiring! Listen now on your favorite streaming service and take a dive into Levone’s universe of hip hop.

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube (official lyric video)

Instagram

Let the trade winds blow

“Just sit back and relax, and let the tradewinds blow…” grab a cold drink and get ready to drift off on the warm breezes and chill vibes created by Sam Sims on his latest single “Tradewinds”. This secret treasure of a song will have you groovin along with its reggae/rock feel and ultar singable hook. With a shot of Marley and a long pour of pure Sam Sims’ soulful vocals this track has us listening on repeat! The lyrics are poignant and at the same time light and ultra singable, the personal and emotionally honest verse gives way to a universal message of love. With “Tradewinds” Sam has crafted one of his most enjoyable and enchanting songs to date!  

If you don’t know Sam he is an American singer songwriter with a great catalog of albums and singles available from all major streaming services. Get lost in his most popular songs including “It is Love” “Closer” and another of our favorites “Moments”.

Sam Sims on Spotify

Apple Music

Instagram  

Tim from W.U.P.

Music LIfe Now had a chance to catch up with Tim Montalvo the lead singer and songwriter from the Central Jersey band “Wake Up Paradise”. The band just released a new single “Fever” that is streaming now. (links at the end of this review)

  • Tim, how did this all start for you? Well the band itself started back in 2013. We made 2 EPs together. After I left the band in 2015, they made an EP with a different singer. But, the band has been on hiatus since then, up until 2020. Ironically it probably started back up again because of the pandemic lockdown. I was unemployed, so I had plenty of time on my hands. We’ve all always loved music and have played together in different bands at different stages so it just kind of naturally fell into place during an unnatural time. 
  • “Fever” has a strong pop-punk sound. What are some of your musical influences? Funny you say that because I don’t really listen to pop punk that much. For this song specifically I was just trying to write something catchy and fun for people to sing along to. Then again, putting “mother fucker” in the chorus is rather punk. I guess it is a pop punk song lol. More generally though, I listen to a lot of Dance Gavin Dance, Don Broco, Billy Joel, and anything from the 80’s.
  • Can you tell us a little more about the band members? Well Sal and Roger are the only other original members, besides myself.  Sal rips those sweet jazz guitar licks and is quick with a dad joke. Roger has drummed in almost every band I’ve ever been in and has four cats. Max and Dann are the newest editions to the band. Max is the smoothest bassist you’ve ever heard and is where the band gets its soul. Dann has beautiful long hair and took a vow of silence, so his guitar does all the talking now.
  • The new single has a great sound. Where did you record? I recorded vocals at Audio Pilot Studios with Rob Freeman. I have recorded with him for years and we have a great collaborative relationship. The boys tracked all their instruments at Architekt studio with Shane Stanton , now of Glower Studio. Great guy. Meticulous, in a good way. 
  • Did you have a producer or is this self-produced? I sometimes lean on Rob when it comes to harmonies and background vocal ideas. Shane also assisted with producing at times. He was very good about helping us express our ideas, Roger and I gave him insight on the vocal and drum effects but he made it happen.
  • Your vocals are so emotional. Is it hard to share so much when singing? Lyrically, I try not to write too specifically. I want the most people possible to be able to relate to the lyrics so I try not to tell the listener what the song is about. It’s better for the listener to put their own POV on the lyrics. “Fever” is a special case because it actually is about something specific. Technically, it’s about COVID, even though I didn’t get COVID until after I wrote it. But, lots of things/people/situations give you a fever or make your hands shake or make you lose your breath, so there’s still that interpretation factor that still can be tapped into by the listener. As far as actually singing emotionally, I mean, that’s the only way I know how to do it. I can’t expect people to feel the song if I’m not singing like I feel the song.  
  • “Fever” also features some savage drumming and guitars. How did that element of the song come together? “Fever” started when Sal brought us the riff- the one dude in the band who listens to almost zero pop punk haha. At the time, Roger was listening to a lot of drum & bass stuff and wanted to drive that vibe in the verses. We’ve all had some kind of rock/metal background so that explains the other parts I guess. The rest is Max just pounding it home and Dann doing what he would call “tricks and bullshit” with an e-bow lol.
  • Any upcoming shows where fans can come experience the band live? We would love to get back out at some point but for now the creative juices are flowing and we are more just hell-bent on getting all the ideas out of our heads and and perfected and recorded. Hopefully, that will build some demand then we can supply some live performances.
  • What is it about music that makes you want to continue creating and sharing your art? Most of my childhood memories are tied to music in some way. Music doesn’t need to be translated, for the most part. It’s one language that everybody speaks. My Dad sang us to sleep when we were kids. I wake up already singing a song in my head. Creating a song with other people is insane. The actual moment when a beat, a riff and a melody actually collide at the same time during a jam session is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It sounds so pretentious and artsy whatever, but when everyone in the band starts changing the beat and going into transitions without having to say anything to each other it is like a school of fish thing. Everyone just knows where we’re going and when. It’s a pure and honest -wholesome even, form of networking. You’re taking this substance that can connect the most random fucking group of people ever together and creating love and energy in a room through this one art piece you all had a hand in creating. The whole process from the fuck around jams to hearing it mastered months later is like we all just birthed a kid together or something lmao music is by far the Best. Drug. Ever.
  • Anything you’d like to say to your fans? Saying fans still sounds funny to me haha. We’re not delusional, we’re mid-30s dudes doing this for the love of music, creating, and seeing our friends. It’s of course always way better when other people enjoy what you’ve created so to who, if anyone that does, thank you so much for sharing a common joy with us. I think more than anything We want to make keepsakes for years to come: to show our kids, to reminisce about, to enjoy listening to on our ride to work, all while being fortunate enough to still have our guys night once a week. Anything beyond that is an added bonus.

Wake Up Paradise on Spotify

“Fever” on Apple Music

Fever!

“Fever” is the latest single by Wake Up Paradise. This explosive pop-punk anthem absolutely makes a statement from the electro tinged opener through the incendiary shout chorus. “Fever” is a song that leaves a visceral impression and a crick in your neck from rocking so hard. 

The emotional vocals delivered by singer-songwriter Tim Montalvo provide the gasoline soaked rag that ignites this bonfire of a track. The lyrics and performance are both personal and relatable with a mixture of rage and shared experience. The track features aggressive drumming and stacks of electric guitars that complete the pop-punk feel. Not quite nostalgic, the song feels fresh and perfect for a hot night at the club. A “Fever” builds on these layers and explodes into the chorus revealing the powerful beating heart of this track. 

The lyric “Breathing, just keep breathing” sums up the ethos of this hard working band. You can feel it in every note and drum hit, this is a band that has something to say. “Fever” will pull you in with its seductive intro that quickly moves you into the inferno of the verses and super catchy chorus. The musical intensity only builds as the song’s supremely precise and driving rhythm section creates waves of aggressive riffs that deliver all the way to the closing note. 

Check out the single now on your favorite streaming platform and make sure to follow Wake Up Paradise on Facebook and Instagram for more music and live shows. 

Fever on Spotify

Facebook

YouTube  

Check back soon for the Music Life Now interview with band leader Tim Montalvo!

G/D in 71′

Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 12-10-71

Looking back is not always a good thing. However when it comes to the Grateful Dead it is often a very good thing! On the cusp of the 50th anniversary of the Dead’s historic “Europe 72” album and with numerous reissues planned for 2022, this review focuses on an American show that took place in December 1971, just a few months before the band took off for their first European tour and into rock-n-roll history. 

On this night in St. Louis, the band is in great form, similar to the Europe 72 double album. You can hear it in every backbeat and pounding keyboard lick, this is a band having a great time playing live. There is an energy that could not last from the over the top vocals by Bob and Jerry to the relentless uptempo songs. Unlike Europe 72 which cherry picks the best of the tour, Fox Theatre (yes that’s the spelling) gives the listener a chance to hear one entire show. From tuning between numbers to the occasional banter (see Truckin’) this is a full concert delight. 

Another excellent feature of this album, besides the surprise take on Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run”, is the overall sound of the album. In a world of over re-mastered, loudness war, reissues. This recording feels warm and authentic. If you are old enough to remember tapes, or even better bootleg tapes, you will love the sound of this album. Some Deadheads claim that the 74-76 version of the band was their best, however this album from 1971 reveals a younger excited group that is hungry to jam. 

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/0DS10mXgRXMkkQSxGpfADQ?si=m832m8XdTBmZDnxlT6GtbA 

Published
Categorized as Review

The Strong, Weak, and Weary

KT blends a wide range of American roots ranging from Texas Two-step to Afro-Cuban rhythms on his new album “The Strong, Weak, and Weary”. KTs lyrics are front and center on these songs presenting his plain spoken and direct messages of love, loss and unity. The album opens with a shuffle “Make Love with Me” that would be perfectly at home on an Austin honky tonk dance floor. The song “Johnny Johnson” takes a left turn and presents the story of a gender identity journey from high school to adulthood all over a major key and upbeat tune; a very unique and unapologetic, nonjudgmental, take on modern life in America. 

Another great tune on the album is “Salvage” a ballad that let’s the listener feel the heartbreak of love lost, and love that is found again. The feel is almost southern California cool with KT’s distinctive arrangements. Our favorite track is “United We Stand”. It’s a country kicker with an upbeat and forward looking outlook on America while being critical of the current state of affairs, KT’s message is poignant and well put. It’s one of those songs that you can’t help having a great time listening to while also providing a powerful statement of equality and pride. KT sings “It’s a hard road to hoe, when there is no place Americans go, without finding hatred and anger everywhere.” The vocals are powerful and deliver the best performance on the album; reminiscent of Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard without trying to duplicate the past. 

KT’s offerings on “The Strong, Weak, and Weary” showcase his prowess as a songwriter and have the kind of honesty not often found in today’s pop music. Many of these songs are ripe for the picking and could easily be found on a country album by a popular mega artist. Be sure to listen to KT on your favorite music services and on the Music Life Now Spotify playlist. 

Listen Now

Tyler Quintanilla

The latest single by genre bending artist Tyler Quintanilla is a cinematic journey titled “Sexual Tension”. The haunting keys and beats are accompanied by mysterious voices echoing into the abysse. The track is avant garde reaching across time and space to deliver a transcendent emotional sound experience. We wish this track would keep going and take us farther down the rabbit hole; definitely has us waiting to exhale.  

Quintanilla’s previous single ALGEDONIC is much more in your face featuring crushed drums, bass and angry vocals soaked in reverb. ALGEDONIC is frenetic and gets your heart pumping with the uncertainty of a rollercoaster, not knowing what lies past the crest of the next hill. The world of alternative indie has a champion in the fresh and mysterious soundscapes of Tyler Quintanilla. Definitely add him on your social media and Spotify favorites to stay in step with this emerging artist! 

Listen Now

ASH ACID

Rock has a new heroine in the form of Ash Acid. From the first crack of the snare drum to the last chug of the guitars “Waiting with the Sun” delivers the goods, pure face-melting rock. The song’s psychedelic surf cover art sets a tone of wonder that perfectly invites you to hit play on this savage rocker. Acid delivers sharp edged lyrics with a masterful sneer that reflects her dominant prowess as a long time drummer unafraid to take the spotlight on lead vocals. “I got a pink limousine and I don’t give a fuck about your self esteem, I wait with the sun.” opens the song and grabs your attention with it’s honesty and passion. As the song progresses Acid delivers satisfying riffs and vocals that come together forming the magic element forcing you to react with a visceral head bounce or full on house shaking dance party. 

You can hear the confidence and seasonned attitude in every syllable Acid speaks. Waiting with the Sun was produced by Ash Acid and Ricki Rae with Engineer Chris Blancato, and you can feel the years of experience packed into every note the track delivers. Comparisons to other great rock artists like Queens of the Stone Age and Liz Phair only begin to reflect this sage new voice of rock-n-roll. We can’t wait to hear more from Australian rocker, Ash Acid as she releases new singles and hopefully a full album this year. Make sure to follow her on Spotify and Instagram for news and fresh releases. 

LISTEN

Got Back?

Leemz and Yungphnx dropped “Got Back?” a club beat that sways from mellow jazz vibes to speaker crushing four-on-the-floor with an infectious montra “baby got back”. As the track flows, it breaks apart into sparse segmentations until it almost disappears, only to reappear with a crushing half-time bounce. Got Back? has tons of subtle samples mixed in that emerge as you relisten which is a great touch that adds a lot of interest to the beat. Clocking in at just over two minutes it’s easy to hear how Leemz could easily extend this song and use it as just a small part of a late night set. Listen now on Spotify.

Spotify

Down the Rabbit Hole

The synth-rock single “Rabbit Hole” by L.A. based trio Cherry Glazerr features vocalist Clementine Creevy as she whispers the chorus in our ear “Try too hard not to be distasteful, will you let me down the rabbit hole?” The lyrics are abstract enough to be personal without being specific to Creevy’s point of view. The tone of the song is dark and reminds us of a hot night, top down, drive as the street lights and neon streak past our speeding car. Sonically the song offers infectious electronic drums and synths as well as a cutting guitar solo that reminds us this is a band that can not only create a killer track, they have the chops to perform it too. Listen now or head over to the band website for videos and some gorgeous vinyl.