Thank you to all the artists that have shared their music and creativity with MusicLifeNow. In January 2025 this site will be going off-line. Thank you also to our readers and followers!
Category: Pop
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”.
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.
Check back soon for the Music Life Now interview with band leader Tim Montalvo!
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.
benzii
Freezing cold beats and arrangements invoke a seriously dangerous landscape in this single, Defense Mechanism, by dream pop artist benzii. The vocal performance is white hot and reminds us of the very best of Florence and the Machine and Bjork while still presenting a very personal expression. We were fascinated by the video which had us worried about the fate of benzii as she is enveloped by the black water. Compelling stuff and we look forward to more by this artist (listen to the latest single Commodity now). Check out her Spotify and Youtube channels for more!
Cool Company
Old school, cool, funk vibes that get the speakers bangin’ and bootys movin. Cool Company’s latest single Foatin’ features a deep drum and bass groove, horns, and vocals that provide a time machine of sound. The duo has a knack for finding the pocket and staying right in it. This track features vocals by Philadelphia based Soul Pop artist Nic Hanson. The combination has us hooked on this low key dance record. Definitely check it out on the Music Life Now Spotify playlist as well as the bands website which also has some great merch too!
Cool Company
Nic Hanson
Swaye ~ Feel It
Indie pop rock has a new champion in the fresh sounds of Swaye. The latest single “Feel It” delivers a perfectly sage and satisfying song rich with distant chorused guitars, synth keys and driving drums. The vocals welcome you in and speak directly to the attraction of first love and yearning that all good pop tries to deliver. “Holding on to you, what do I have to prove? Close your eyes and take my hand, tonight we’re gonna make it”. Swaye wears their heart and influence on their sleeve pointing back to classics like Bowie and The Cure while maintaining a fresh and powerful modern presence. We look forward to more singles by this great artist and hope a full album, or EP, is in the works for 2021.
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Numbah
Model, singer, actress Kylin Kalani has her sights set on target with this pop tune “Numbah”. Kylin’s lyrics flow with a hip hop style and somehow still capture the melody with precision and grace “Hey boy, you want my number, got the anesthesia to put you under” the track features up tempo body-movin’ synth strings, claps and beats. The song gives you a sense that under it’s playful veneer lies a serious emotion and mind that has no time to play games. Her style and flow are a wonderful departure from the somewhat sleazy motif of her contemporaries as Kylin puts her personality upfront rather than her appeal. Kylin is quickly making an international presence with her Instagram audience as an influencer, however she has us under the influence of her musical stylings. We can’t wait to hear more from this emerging artist!
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EXUM
Midnight pop that tempts the senses with visions of inner voices and demons with “Dark Kept Secret”. EXUM provides a moody synth pop jam in a minor key. “I am the voice of your demons, I’m leaving”. The track has an infectious drum beat and enough ear candy to keep you listening as the repetitive chorus seeps into your consciousness and leaves an unsettled sense of wonder. Is this track reminding us of an emotional break up, dropping the cross of addiction, or maybe something more sinister? We don’t know, we have this one on repeat… also check out the video on YouTube.
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Naëve
On the irresistible new tune “L.A.M.E.” by Naëve opens with gritty guitar and bass lines joined with joyful hand claps that immediately connect and pull you into the groove! As the track blossoms we are greeted by soaring lead vocals reminiscent of soul greats like Aretha and Winehouse. The musical style can be described as pop, however the vibe is 100% retro soul that swings along as Naëve’s intoxicating vocals lead the way. The track also features wonderful backing vocals, keyboard and horns that create a rich and textured feel. This song makes you want to dance! It is easy to understand Naëve gaining notoriety in the London music scene, as a powerhouse of jazz and soul, and will no doubt quickly ascend with the recent addition of the 10 piece band featured on this song. Another inspiring aspect of this song is the video that Naëve told us, quote ”…is to break stereotypes, hatred, promoting empowerment.” and as a bonus showcases the playful and positive nature of the artist. Be sure you check their social media for upcoming live events both in person and streaming. We look forward to more music from this artist and wanted to speak more about her craft, look for a featured interview to be posted soon!