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Stewart Copeland Announces New Album Police Beyond Borders— The Police’s Greatest Hits With Musicians From Around The World

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 14, 2023

Stewart Copeland Announces New Album Police Beyond Borders— The Police’s Greatest Hits With Musicians From Around The World

The creative duo of two-time Grammy-winning album Divine Tides—Stewart Copeland and Grammy-winning Indian musician/composer Ricky Kej—announce their latest world music collaboration, Police Beyond Borders. Furthering their mission to feature leading talent from around the world, the album, recorded in Bangalore, is a reinterpretation of the seminal 80s band’s classic songs with diverse interpretations and artist representation from South Africa, India, Japan, China, Canada, the U.K., and more.

Copeland and Kej have enlisted top international artists, including South Africa’s Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir; China’s “Father Of Rock” Cui Jian; U.S.-based Berklee Indian Ensemble; Japanese Grammy-winner for Best Global Music Album, Masa Takumi; South Africa’s acclaimed Mzansi Youth Choir; leading Indian composer/singer Shankar Mahadevan; renowned British classical trumpeter Alison Balsom; multi-award winning Canadian flutist Ron Korb; legendary Bollywood composers and brother duo Salim-Sulaiman, hammered dulcimer virtuoso Max ZT; and multi-instrumentalist Serj Tankian of metal band System of a Down.

Of the recording Stewart Copeland said, “It was Ricky Kej who suggested that we make a global album out of the Police derangements. It was a lightbulb moment. Of course! The Police was always a global band; we toured all over it and Sting wrote songs about the bigger picture of humanity.

The idea of hearing the songs in exotic languages was immediately inspiring and Ricky set about finding the magnificent talents on this record. As with all of the musicians and singers on this record, we exhorted them to step beyond, to take the songs into new places. They sure did do that!

The Police’ music essentially derives from Black culture, and it was particularly spine-tingling to hear that culture arriving back in Africa. Every Breath You Take in Zulu! All the flavors of the different languages lit up these tunes that are so familiar. I hope that familiarity will give a comfortable vantage point for anyone to experience music styles that might otherwise sound alien.

Music evolved in Homo sapiens as a bonding social skill. My humble hope is that this record can contribute to that human bonding on this shrinking planet.”

“It was a huge honor to collaborate with my musical idol Stewart Copeland yet again. After having won 2 Grammy awards with Stewart, Police Beyond Borders is now the biggest, most epic album I have ever been a part of. It is a truly global album featuring musicians, voices and languages from across the world. These are songs that I have grown up listening to, songs that have shaped my music career.. so during the making of this album I paid a lot of respect to its legacy. I am certain our listeners will enjoy these legendary songs in a way they would have never imagined, and realize that music is the most universal language,” said Ricky Kej.

POLICE BEYOND BORDERS TRACKLIST

King of Pain (feat. Berklee Indian Ensemble)
Roxanne (feat. Mzansi Youth Choir)
Message in a Bottle (feat. Salim-Sulaiman, Masa Takumi)
Tea in the Sahara (Cui Jian)
Don’t Stand So Close To Me (Soweto Gospel Choir, Ron Korb)
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic (feat. Berklee Indian Ensemble)
Can’t Stand Losing You (Mzansi Youth Choir, Max ZT)
Murder By Numbers (Alison Balsom, Shankar Mahadevan, Max ZT)
Demolition Man (featuring Serj Tankian)
Every Breath You Take (Soweto Gospel Choir)

The recently released Police Deranged for Orchestra (Shelter/BMG) is Copeland’s exploration of the Police’s popular tracks through a new orchestral lens and was inspired by his forays into expansive musical forms and instrumentation. It features performances by locally-based symphony orchestras with a core, six-member band/vocal ensemble. Copeland has now toured with sold-out dates across the U.S. and Europe, and will continue with additional U.S. dates this fall. See updated information at www.stewartcopeland.net/716/events-and-tours

Stewart Copeland has spent more than three decades at the forefront of contemporary music, as a rock star and acclaimed film composer, and across the worlds of opera, ballet, chamber, and world music. Recruiting Sting and Andy Summers in 1977, Copeland is renowned as the founder of The Police, a band that became a defining force in rock music from the 80s to the present day. His career includes the sale of more than 60 million records worldwide and numerous awards, including seven Grammy awards—most recently a 2023 Grammy for Best Immersive Audio Album and a 2022 Best New Age award for Divine Tides, a collaboration with Indian musician Ricky Kej.

He has composed dozens of film and tv scores, including Francis Coppola’s Rumblefish, Oliver Stone’s Wall St. and Talk Radio, Simpatico, The Pallbearer, Boys, Earth Girls are Easy, Silent Fall, Highlander II—The Quickening, The Equalizer, Dead Like Me, and Boys and Girls, among many others. In 2007 Copeland was honored as the Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts in Paris and will be on the Jury at the Cannes International Series Festival, Canneseries, in France this April 2023.

Copeland’s operatic works include two based on the works of Edgar Allen Poe—The Cask of Amontillado and The Tell-Tale Heart; The Invention of Morel, a surreal 2017 chamber opera which premiered at Chicago Opera Theatre; Electric Saint, a 2021 Weimar DNT premiere; Satan’s Fall—an oratorio based on Milton’s Paradise Lost, which was performed across the U.S. in 2021 with UK and European performances still to come; and The Witches Seed, his new collaboration with creative partner and Pretenders lead singer/songwriter Chrissie Hynde.

STEWART COPELAND ON TOUR: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA
September 30: Omaha, Nebraska, US – Holland Center
October 5: Denver, Colorado, US – Boettcher Concert Hall
October 8: Detroit, Michigan, US – Orchestra Hall
October 19: Carmel, Indiana, US – The Palladium – Center for the Performing Arts
October 21: Erie, Pennsylvania, US – Warner Theatre
October 22: Erie, Pennsylvania, US – Warner Theatre

This year also brings the October release of Stewart Copeland’s Police Diaries, published by Rocket 88 Books and available in three editions. The book is based on and includes Copeland’s personal pocket diary entries from 1976-79. With scans of original pages and Copeland’s new background commentary, its pages are illustrated with classic and previously unseen photos from the early “starving years” of a band poised for global success. More information on Stewart Copeland’s Police Diaries can be found here, and read more here in the meantime at Rolling Stone. “It’s full of my original diary pages, hand-made poster designs, ragged accounts, callow observations and other scribblings of a proto-rock star, illuminated by hitherto unseen vintage photos from the deepest vaults,” Copeland told SPIN earlier this year. “It’s a big, noisy book about one heckuva ride.”

Concurrent with his early work with The Police, Copeland developed a solo recording alter-ego, Klark Kent, releasing singles and a self-titled 1980 album on which he played all the instruments, – even vocals. The cult album was re-released on April 14th (Record Store Day) on BMG. Klark Kent was credited with inspiring Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) among many others.

ABOUT STEWART COPELAND

Selena Gomez Announces Inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit Supporting Youth Mental Health

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 14, 2023

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Selena Gomez Announces Inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit Supporting Youth Mental Health

Today, Selena Gomez announced that she will host the inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit. Funds raised at the first annual benefit will support The Rare Impact Fund’s mission to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and expand access to mental health services and education for young people around the world. Confirmed talent for the evening includes Emmy-winning actor Martin Short and Grammy-nominated music producer Marshmello. Additional performers and entertainment will be announced at a later date.

The Rare Impact Fund, launched by Selena Gomez, as part of her commitment to addressing mental health and self-acceptance, was created in 2020, with the goal of raising $100 million to address youth mental health. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez donates one percent of sales directly to the Rare Impact Fund and the Rare Impact Fund raises additional funds with Foundations, Corporate Partners, and individuals. The Fund currently supports 23 organizations across the world, which includes organizations located in North America, Canada, the United Kingdom, broader Europe, India, and Brazil. To date, the Rare Impact Fund has directly impacted more than 740,000 young people, 10,000 teachers and administrators, and 367 educational systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation’s suicide rate increased by 4% between 2020 and 2021 after two years of decline, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death in the United States for people between 10 and 34. The mental health crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing young people today.

“There is nothing more important to me than getting young people access to the resources that they need to support their mental health,” said Selena Gomez, Founder and Creator of Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund. “This is a personal mission and the reason that I created the Rare Impact Fund. I am incredibly proud to host the inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit and look forward to an inspiring night of raising funds for these lifesaving services and showcasing the impact we have made so far.”

The Rare Impact Fund Benefit will be an experiential evening of meaningful impact hosting 350 guests including celebrities, philanthropists, mental health advocates as well as partners, supporters, and grantees of the Rare Impact Fund. The Benefit will take place at Nya Studios in Hollywood, California and will include celebrity hosts, speakers, entertainment, and a live auction. The event will draw guests in a call to action around youth mental health and will be a night of levity, community, and inspiration supporting the Rare Impact Fund.

Elyse Cohen, VP of Social Impact & Inclusion at Rare Beauty, and President of the Rare Impact Fund shared, “We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit, an evening filled with inspiration and purpose. This event will highlight the importance of supporting youth mental health and raise funds for the incredible organizations providing critical mental health tools and resources for young people around the world. With the support of our partners, donors, and community, we hope to further our mission to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and increase access to mental health services and education.”

All tickets support the Rare Impact Fund and are available to purchase online at https://rareimpactfund.org/rare-impact-benefit/.

Fender Honors Multi-Grammy Award-Winning Artist, Juanes, With Signature Stratocaster Guitar And Accessories Collection

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 14, 2023

1

Fender Honors Multi-Grammy Award-Winning Artist, Juanes, With Signature Stratocaster Guitar And Accessories Collection

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today, fittingly debuting on his birthday, announces the launch of the Juanes Stratocaster guitar, a collaboration with multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and philanthropist, Juanes. On the heels of his latest album release, Vida Cotidiana (praised by Rolling Stone as “His best album yet!”), the Juanes signature guitar captures the essence of his sound, tone and look – a distinctive blend of pop, rock and metal fused with the unique folkloric sounds of Colombia, as well as his passion for innovation, culture and philanthropy. Regarded as a leading trailblazer for Latin music and a champion for social transformation, Juanes will give back by donating all artist proceeds to his foundation, Mi Sangre, which empowers new generations and fosters a culture of peace in Colombia and beyond.

With the Latin genre’s continued cultural dominance, generating $1.09 billion of recorded music revenues in 2022, the Juanes Stratocaster marks a first-of-its-kind marketing campaign for Fender, one that continues to connect the brand to Latin music lovers during a time when Latin influence in guitar culture is more prevalent than ever. Through his ever-evolving music, Juanes is not only reshaping the landscape of Latin rock and pop but also captivating music enthusiasts of all preferences. Fender is honored to commemorate Latin music, culture and Juanes’ unwavering commitment to his family and philanthropic endeavors, with the introduction of this signature guitar.

Born in Medellin, Colombia, Juanes began his musical journey as a self-taught guitar player at the young age of seven. After honing his skills and creating his own style of guitar playing– combining elements from the rock world with his Colombian roots–Juanes embarked on a solo career and released his debut studio album, Fíjate Bien in 2000 which earned him a field leading seven Latin Grammy nominations and three Latin Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. Juanes has since garnered over two dozen American and Latin Grammy awards, sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and been hailed by TIME as “One of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.”

“Hoy en día siento que solamente necesito esta guitarra y muchas ideas,” dice Juanes. “Mi relación con Fender empezó cuando estaba viviendo en Colombia. Decidí vender todo lo que tenía para comprarme mi primera guitarra Fender, me vine a los Estados Unidos y grabé mi primer álbum. Y hoy, puedo decir que tenemos una Juanes Stratocaster en Luna White. Es un sueño. No lo puedo creer, estoy muy feliz.”*

Known for his preference for individual notes and riffs that stand out even within chords, the Juanes Stratocaster captures his unique sound with custom-voiced noiseless single-coil pickups to achieve clear tones and note distinction. His left and right hand technique, combined with the use of a Mid-Boost Preamp with an S-1 Switch and a modern-voiced humbucker pickup, allows his guitar playing to act as a secondary voice, sending a powerful message alongside his vocal lyrics. The mid boost preamp amplifies his sound and highlights the right midrange frequencies, making his chord changes stand out and ensuring his music resonates from verse to chorus to bridge and beyond. With its alder body featuring a stunning, moon-reminiscent “Luna White” Satin finish, an ode to his oldest daughter, Luna, which means “moon” in Spanish, this guitar exudes elegance and style.

“Juanes is known for his clean, bright sounds that flawlessly blend his rock and metal inspirations with his Colombian roots. Our goal was to create a guitar that would meet these precise standards with the Mid-Boost Preamp with an S-1 Switch and a modern-voiced humbucker pickup that his playing style is known for,” said Justin Norvell, FMIC’s Executive Vice President of Product. “Juanes has been a loyal Fender player throughout his career, from the Jazzmaster to the Telecaster and, of course, the Stratocaster. Today, we proudly introduce the Juanes Stratocaster, a remarkable fusion of artistry, functionality and unmatched sound quality.”

The artist signature is accompanied by the ‘Juanes Capsule Collection’, curated accessories that embody the artist on stage style including the Juanes Strap Luna White, Juanes 351 Celluloid Picks and the Juanes 10′ instrument cable complete with a shimmering Luna White PVC jacket. These one of a kind accessories feature his signature and handwritten mantra, “La vida es un ratico” which translates to “Life is a moment,” adding the perfect complement to accompany his stunning signature Stratocaster guitar.

In true tradition, the Fender Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments and gear inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. To support the launch of the Juanes Stratocaster guitar, Fender will release a three-part creative video series that delves into the artistic journey and influences that have shaped Juanes’ music. Watch In Conversation with Juanes introducing the Juanes Stratocaster in Luna White.

The video series is part of a larger marketing campaign supporting the Juanes Stratocaster® guitar, Fender’s first 360 artist signature marketing campaign solely featuring a Latin music artist. The campaign features traditional paid media across print and online, wild postings in Los Angeles and New York City, as well as a digital billboard in Miami, a city that’s both a first for Fender’s outdoor marketing as well as Juanes’ first US home base. The Juanes Stratocaster will also be featured on Live Nation digital screens and in Spotify audio ads, where Juanes will speak directly to the listener with pre-recorded audio; the launch will also be supported with buys across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Connected TV.

“Juanes’ passion for music and commitment to social transformation have inspired communities worldwide for decades, but feel even more relevant today with the growing Latin influence in today’s music industry,” said Evan Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at FMIC. “As the first-ever marketing campaign for a Latin artist signature guitar, Fender is honored to continue to bring the impact of Latin music culture to the forefront.”

*”Nowadays I feel that I only need this guitar and many ideas,” says Juanes. “My relationship with Fender began when I was living in Colombia. I decided to sell everything I had to buy my first Fender guitar and I came to the United States and recorded my first album. And today, I can say that we have a Juanes Stratocaster in Luna White. It’s a dream. I can’t believe it, I’m very happy.”

Juanes Stratocaster guitar ($2,299.99 USD, £2599.00 GBP, €2999.00 EUR, $3,999.00 AUD, ¥352,000 JPY)
The Juanes Stratocaster, a testament to Juanes’ unique sound and craft, the alder body features a beautiful custom Luna White Satin Lacquer finish for a balanced tone and clarity. The addition of the Juanes custom mid-boost circuit empowers musicians to explore new sonic territories and infuse their performances with added depth and focus. The guitar’s deep “C” shape maple neck provides comfort and playability, while the 10″-14″ compound-radius fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets ensures effortless and accurate soloing. Equipped with deluxe locking tuners, the Juanes Stratocaster offers exceptional tuning stability and makes string changes a breeze.

Juanes Capsule Accessories Collection:
Designed in collaboration with the legendary Latin artist and twenty-seven Grammy and Latin Grammy award winner, the Juanes Capsule Collection captures the style and charisma of the globally renowned musician. The Juanes Capsule Collection includes:

Juanes Strap Luna White ($32.99 USD, £28.99 GBP, €34.99 EUR, $49.00 AUD, ¥3,850 JPY)
Crafted from durable polyester, the Juanes Signature Strap features Juanes’ handwritten lyrics and is the perfect complement to his stunning signature Stratocaster in Luna White.

Juanes 10′ Instrument Cable ($27.99 USD, £24.99 GBP, €29.99 EUR, $49.00 AUD, ¥2,200 JPY)
Featuring a shimmering Luna White PVC jacket, the Juanes Signature Cable features Juanes’ signature and is the perfect complement to his stunning signature Stratocaster.

Juanes 351 Celluloid Picks ($8.99 USD, £7.99 GBP, €9.99 EUR, $13.00 AUD, ¥1,100 JPY)
Featuring Juanes’ signature and handwritten lyrics, the Juanes 351 Celluloid Picks are the perfect collectible for any Juanes fan.

The J Geils Band + KISS = “Freeze Frame City” Mashup

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 14, 2023

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The J Geils Band + KISS = “Freeze Frame City” Mashup

In a stroke of creative brilliance, video editing virtuoso Bill McClintock has seamlessly merged the unmistakable voice of Paul Stanley from KISS’s anthem “Detroit Rock City” with the infectious rhythm and background harmonies of the J. Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame.”

Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal Is An Electrifying Experience

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 14, 2023

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Attending the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal is an electrifying experience that promised – and delivered – an unforgettable weekend of pure musical exhilaration. Set against the stunning backdrop of Parc Jean-Drapeau, the festival ignites a vibrant fusion of sounds and cultures, where enthusiasts from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passion for music, and for many, their first major festival since that lockdown. As the sun-drenched days transition seamlessly into starlit nights, the festival grounds transform into a pulsating tapestry of performances, where Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keep, Fred Again, The Flaming Lips, The National, Kim Petras, Joey Bada$$, Rema, Sofi Tucker, Rezz, Wallows, Lil Yachty, Cigarettes After Sex, Rina Sawayama and others made Osheaga more than just a gathering; it became an immersive journey of joy, freedom, and the purest form of musical euphoria.

Photo Gallery: Alan Doyle with Donovan Woods, Tim Baker and Fortunate Ones at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 14, 2023

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Photo Gallery: Alan Doyle with Donovan Woods, Tim Baker and Fortunate Ones at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter

Edmonton’s Celtic Rockers Derina Harvey Band Makes CBC Searchlight Top 100

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 13, 2023

1

Edmonton’s Celtic Rockers Derina Harvey Band Makes CBC Searchlight Top 100

The Derina Harvey Band has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a spot in the prestigious CBC Searchlight Top 100! Their extraordinary talent and captivating performances have garnered the attention of music enthusiasts and industry experts alike. With their unique fusion of Celtic folk, rock, and a powerful vocal presence, Derina Harvey Band has effortlessly captured the hearts of audiences across the nation.

https://www.youtube.com/@derinaharveyband3469

Making it to the CBC Searchlight Top 100 is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and undeniable musical prowess. As they continue to push the boundaries of their genre and explore new avenues in their artistry, there’s no doubt that the Derina Harvey Band’s journey to success is far from over.

Alt.Folkster Evan Anstey Finds His Second Musical Escape in ‘Arizona’ with Vibrant New Single

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 13, 2023

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Alt.Folkster Evan Anstey Finds His Second Musical Escape in ‘Arizona’ with Vibrant New Single

We all need to get away sometimes. Depending on where you are, some places are better vacation spots than others. For Middleport, NY-based alternative folk singer Evan Anstey, that place is “Arizona”, as heard in his jubilant new single.

The song opens with a stirring guitar and fiddle intro before Anstey starts singing against a steady train-like rhythm before the banjo launches into the chorus. The rhythm creates a sense of wistful wanderlust that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics as Anstey sings of a place to beat the blues. By the time the chorus comes in, Anstey’s vocals are passionate and soaring as he sings of Arizona and the state’s gorgeous mountain views.

“Sky is still dark, and the sun has yet to rise
A time zone change as the jet plane flies
I have a ticket to escape these winter blues
Who knew this month could have these views?

Arizona, Arizona
Hardly a cloud in endless blue over the mountain view
Arizona”

The single was inspired by the somewhat turbulent events that Anstey experienced while working on the new album “Things Changed”. He states, “Between the fall of 2018 and the fall of 2022, a lot of things changed. I had scrapped half the songs I planned to record, in favor of some new compositions. I left a few bands, joined new ones, suffered through heartache, left my religion behind and endured some of the darkest days of my life.”

Evan Anstey’s musical journey began at the age of 8 when he took up the violin as well as other stringed instruments such as the mandolin, guitar, and electric bass. In 2016, he released his debut EP “Recent Time”.

Since then, Anstey has three other releases, 2018’s “We Will Be At Peace,” 2020’s collaboration with friend James Robert Kibby — “The Weekend Preacher,” the 2021 EP “Alternates I”. His newest release is the album “Things Changed”, which was released in June 2023.

With his body of work, Anstey has crafted a sound influenced by bluegrass pioneers like Flatt & Scruggs and the progressive sounds of Nickel Creek, as well as modern folk stylings of Aoife O’Donovan, John Paul White and Declan O’Rourke.

Florida Hip-Hop Group Bulletproof Soul Releases Powerful New Single ‘The Ascension’

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 13, 2023

1

Florida Hip-Hop Group Bulletproof Soul Releases Powerful New Single ‘The Ascension’

When you’re trying to change your life and aim for something better, sometimes you need a little motivation to get there. One of the most inspirational things can be music, especially if you find the right song. Maybe that song can be from Florida based Hip-Hop group Bulletproof Soul and their new single, “The Ascension”, which features DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ & Nyyjerya.

This song doesn’t waste any time, opening with a danceable electronica beat as well as an introductory lyrics that are ladened with braggadocio, sex, and auto-tune. Bulletproof Soul knows what they want and knows that they can get it, and they will always keep trying their best no matter what.

Moreover, the song’s confidence is especially palpable at the song’s chorus, which also boasts of a love of the West Coast as much as the desire to make it to the top. It’s a fun, good way to sum up the song’s overall message.

“No aim
But I shoot the 3
In LA I diddy bop
West coast fever that I got
I love to see you pop
They hate when we on top
I pray you never flop
In LA I diddy bop
West coast fever that I got
I need you on the hop”

In fact, the single is part of a larger narrative arc present on Bulletproof Soul’s debut concept album “Grasping Things At The Root”. The character depicted in the album digs themselves deeper into a life of crime due to material conditions.

While they eventually come to more understanding through learned experience on “The I”, the album’s last few tracks imply that may not have been good enough. The ending is open-ended by “The Reasons” and “The Ascension”.

Bulletproof Soul is a music and arts collective that consists of members Austin Moore-Farrow, Nyyjerya, eqobKING, SLWJMZ, Lofty305, Amouranth, Angela Davis, DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ, Kengeta, TWENTYN9NE, and Ali Wisdom.

Their first single, “The Whip” was released in June 2023 and sheds light on the masterful sound curation of the group, shifting through neo-soul rhythms, hip-hop-heavy lyrics, and brushstrokes of art pop. Bulletproof Soul’s album “Grasping Things At The Root” is out now.