Childish Gambino’s Fire Fly is taken from his debut album, and was co-produced in its entirety by Gambino’s longtime collaborator Ludwig Göransson.
Toronto Pop Artist Ashley Lyn Gets Candid and Direct About Love & Career in Newest Track “I Want It 2”
Canadian artist Ashley Lyn gets direct — in more ways than one — for her newest single and video, “I Want It 2” — available now!
The Toronto-based Jamaican-Chinese pop powerhouse is all-business, remiss to hold back in song (this one lands as a sultry, attitude-packed track and visual about curving dudes on her quest for true love), and her career (the track’s backstory serves as a manifesto of sorts — read on).
“I wrote ‘I Want It 2’ in a Starbucks with an old classmate of mine from back in University who is now a producer,” she starts. “The lyrical concept was to make a modern-day version of Cassie’s ‘Long Way 2 Go’ mixed with a few of my other influences like Fifth Harmony, Jasmine Villegas, Pia Mia, Tinashe, and Mabel.
“It reflects a lot of my own real life experiences in the way that being picky with dating or ‘hard to get’ often makes guys try even harder in their pursuits,” she shares. “Often, in the most entertaining, or dramatic, or comically off-putting ways.
“I think a lot of people will be able to vibe with the female empowerment aspect and confidence in the track.”
“I Want It 2” may have been Ashley Lyn’s first time recording in a studio, but make no mistake: She was no rookie struggling to keep up. “When it came to the video, I had started talks with the production company and they said I was the only artist they’ve known to come in fully prepared with slides and a full presentation for all the elements I wanted,” she laughs. “I knew the vision, from the location, to wardrobe, to casting, colour scheme, camera angles, and even other music videos as aesthetic references.
“That gave them enough faith in me to hand over the reigns, allowing me to co-direct and produce the project, as well as be involved in every aspect of the decision-making process leading up and during post-production.”
The result is exactly — EXACTLY — what the pop dynamo had in mind. “It’s a visual thirst trap,” she nods. “It’s all eye candy with the fashion, the location, the sea of sexy male models, the luxury car…
“It perfectly encompasses all the elements of a marketable pop video.”
And here, Ashley Lyn pulls back the curtain a bit, revealing she comes by the ‘pop’ formula most often saved for the boardroom table honestly, earnestly, and authentically.
“I’ve had a lifelong passion for music and performing, but I always took the ‘tried and true’ path,” she says candidly. “I was a straight-A student in high school, I graduated Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Arts studying the business side of the music and film industries, and then I landed a full-time job in my sector. These are all accomplishments in their own right, but it felt like something was missing with me putting my own music on the back burner and not even ‘trying’ or giving it a real shot.
“Then, reality set in; I saw most of my peers giving up on their youthful aspirations on this wild journey of adulting. At the same time, I went through a stage for a few years where I was barely singing or putting out any music at all because I was struggling with the inner critic of being a perfectionist, as well as new responsibilities.
“For a while there, I’d declare ‘new music was coming soon’ but then would play it safe with cover songs,” she admits. “I decided I had to put something out by the time I turn 25, or not at all.
“So, I did.
“It was definitely a huge risk backing a project of this scale without a real backup plan, but I was determined and it ended up being extremely rewarding. I wanted to make my mark and challenge the limitations of perceived barriers of what it looks like to be an independent artist in today’s ever-changing musical landscape.
“That, and make art that I love.”
“I Want It 2” is available now.
1-minute tip for artists: Record in another language.
You can just type in your lyrics into Google Translate and voila! Are YOU going to say Dvaid Bowie, Peter Gabriel, The Beatles and Johnny Cash are wrong?
Lewis Capaldi Unveils Stunning Live EP, To Tell The Truth I Can’t Believe We Got This Far
Today sees the release of Lewis Capaldi’s live EP To Tell The Truth I Can’t Believe We Got This Far – a glorious package of carefully selected stunning live performances of tracks taken from his blockbuster debut album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.
Having previously only been released on YouTube, the EP is home to exclusive stripped back versions, as well as performances on the rooftop of the famous Capitol Records building in LA, and the captivating version of ‘Someone You Loved’ that was performed earlier this year to millions across the globe at the BRIT Awards, where Lewis walked away joint biggest winner of the night.
Lewis’ mind-blowing debut album has spent nine weeks in total at number 1, it became the biggest selling album of last year, certifying platinum in just ten weeks and is currently the biggest selling album of this year, and is on its way to certifying triple platinum, with sales fast approaching a million copies. Since its release a year ago, it’s never left the top 10 since – a spectacular feat.
As we approach a year since its release, Lewis is set to perform a special live stream acoustic show of the album in full on Saturday May 16th, in partnership with Dice and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
The last year has been nothing short of remarkable for the young Scot, who shows no signs of slowing down and continues to break records and sell out whatever he puts his name to. A true Scottish superstar.
To Tell The Truth I Can’t Believe We Got This Far – EP Tracklist:
- Before You Go (Live on Capitol Rooftop)
- Forever
- Someone You Loved (Live from The BRITs 2020)
- Shallow
- Hollywood
- Headspace
Jonas Brothers Release XV
Responding to overwhelming fan demand, GRAMMY Award-nominated trio Jonas Brothers have released XV, a special two song bundle featuring their new single “X” featuring Latin GRAMMY Award-winner KAROL G and “Five More Minutes.”
Audiences received a taste of these two anthems in the band’s newly released concert film and documentary Happiness Continues and flooded the band with requests for a proper release. The undeniable and upbeat “X” boasts a guest spot from multiplatinum songstress KAROL G.
Meanwhile, Jonas Brothers first teased “Five More Minutes” with a clip during the 2020 GRAMMY® Awards. This release marks the first time the song will be heard in full.
This special release sets the stage for a full-blown television takeover. Next up, the group will perform “X” with KAROL G for the first time on Lebron James’ upcoming primetime special Graduate Together: America Honors The Class Of 2020 on Saturday May 16. The show airs on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC at 8PM PT/ET and 7PM MT/CT. A few days later, they take the stage to perform on NBC’s The Voice finale on Tuesday May 19.
Be on the lookout for more from the preeminent male pop group of the 21st century soon.
Following a six-year hiatus, Jonas Brothers took the world by storm in 2019 with the surprise release of their critically acclaimed and widely successful single “Sucker.” The triple-platinum single debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, becoming the first #1 for the band and the first #1 debut from a group this century. The band went on to release Chasing Happiness, an Amazon Original film documenting the brothers rise and return to music, before going on to deliver their third #1 album debut with the release of their platinum-selling album Happiness Begins (Republic Records). Throughout the year the band continued to soar with their sold-out “Happiness Begins Tour,” with over 1.2 million tickets sold.
Continuing the journey that began with last year’s Amazon Original documentary Chasing Happiness, Happiness Continues captures the band’s live concert experience and provides an exclusive look into the Jonas Brothers’ lives on the road, including performances of beloved hits like “Burnin’ Up,” “S.O.S.,” and “Year 3000,” and music from last year’s chart-topping “Happiness Begins” album, including their Billboard #1 smash “Sucker.” Happiness Continues gives viewers a front-row seat in fan-packed arenas in Miami, Vancouver, and Mexico City, as well as at the intimate Cobra Lounge in Chicago, in their first time performing there in 12 years. Happiness Continues gives fans a deeper look at how Nick, Joe, and Kevin navigate tour life while continuing to balance music, their relationship with one another, and their new families.
Happiness Continues is available to stream now exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Toronto’s Emerging R&B Artist MALACHI Releases Debut EP, Right Now, Out Today
Toronto’s newest up-and-coming R&B artist MALACHI drops his debut EP, Right Now, today. Comprised of 7 songs including the title track and major label debut, “Right Now,” the EP also features the hot new island infused single, “Aquafina” and the standout track, “Out Of My Reach.”
On the new EP, MALACHI notes: “This is the first body of work I ever created so these songs will always feel special to me. I poured my life experiences from that time into these songs. I’ve been sharing pieces of it up until now. This is the bookend to the first chapter. And I’m most excited for ‘Out Of My Reach’ to finally be released. It’s my most different song sonically and one of my personal favourites.”
Right Now arrives as a genre bending collection of songs that showcase MALACHI’s undeniable vocal strength and songwriting abilities. From the mesmerizing piano ballad, “Soul Is Mine,” to the upbeat “I Got You,” each track draws on the diverse range of musical influences that lead to MALACHI’s distinct sound and style.
Growing up on the outskirts of Toronto, 22-year-old rising artist MALACHI, spent his childhood surrounded by music of all genres. From his Trinidadian-born father’s reggae career to his mother’s favourite R&B singers like Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child, music was always part of his environment. At the age of four, he began grounding himself in music when his grandmother had him join their church’s gospel choir. In 2019, MALACHI took the world by storm with his debut mixtape, Bread Winner, and a number of stand out singles including, “Son of a Gun,” “We Don’t Mind,” “I Got You,” “San Fernando Wine,” and his major label debut, “Right Now.”
Right Now arrives as the first taste of what’s to come from MALACHI, as he sets his sights on breaking through to the R&B music scene and beyond.
Right Now – Tracklist:
- Soul
- San Fernando Wine
- Right Now
- Out Of My Reach
- I Got You
- We Don’t Mind
- Aquafina
Montreal’s Alt Rock Artist And Hoan Frontman ALEX NICOL Says it’s ‘All For Nada’
Canadian alt-rock singer/songwriter and Hoan frontman Alex Nicol has released a new album All For Nada — and single “Two Times A Charm” — via Anniversary and Michel Records.
Directed and edited by Alexander Maxim Seltzer, and produced by Nada Termerinski and AMS Films, the video for “Two Times A Charm” serves as a lushly fevered, retro-drenched dream into the prickly and uncomfortable deception of understanding.
“We know that we don’t control the flow of our ideas, and that they are, by nature, difficult to understand,” Nicol expands. “And sometimes, even if we like to think we have ‘overcome’ feelings, thoughts or behaviours from the past, we are actually deceived by a false sense of self-awareness.
“It is this process of self-deception that’s dramatized in the video, in which thoughts materialize in the form of a blue box which the protagonist is unable to get rid of, even if he tries as best as he can.”
Collaborating with Temerinski — Nicol’s long-time partner who also produced the record and had a hand in everything from song titles to arrangements, to mixing decisions to art direction — All For Nada brings the pair’s creative vision to ultimate fruition across the LP’s eight tracks.
Operating as a unit, Nicol and Temerinski toy with the notions of the stereotypical ‘female muse’ and how ‘she’ is often credited as the primary, if sometimes elusive, source of male creativity. “Instead, we probed into the incandescent spaces where true collaborations — whether creative or romantic — live,” Nicol offers.
The album lands steady as a testament to the creative and emotional labour partners often invest into their loved ones’ work, and the results are narratives summoned and recounted over a sonic terrain, equally haunting and surreal. “Warm, yet full of vigor,” Nicol adds, “it’s a statement of intent from two creative individuals intent on trivializing the status quo.”
As part of Hoan, Nicol has stacked critical acclaim from the likes of the Toronto Star and The Fader for their debut EP Modern Phase (Fantome Records). The band toured North America twice, playing SXSW, Waking Windows, Pop Montreal, CMW, M for Montreal, as well as opening for SUUNS, Half Waif, and Crumb.
All For Nada and “Two Times a Charm” are available now.
Montreal Artist And Filmmaker Anthony Aramouni Weaves Creative Worlds to Release Textural Tribute Track, “L. Cohen”
Canadian singer/songwriter, composer, producer and screenwriter Anthony Aramouni has combined his ear for music and eye for film in this, his richly textural, hypnotically reverent tribute track, “L. Cohen” — available now.
“This is my attempt to pay homage to a man who has deeply touched my life through his music, words, and genuineness,” Aramouni offers of his long-time adoration for the late Leonard Cohen. “He is forever inspiring me to strive for personal growth and excellence while remaining grounded in, what I think, ultimately unites us all as human beings — love, sacrifice, kindness, curiosity, ambition, gratitude, and all we deem sacred.”
With that sentiment deeply ingrained, the Montreal-based artist’s long-time inspiration took ultimate hold one afternoon, seemingly out of the blue.
“I was in my apartment, strumming the guitar aimlessly,” Aramouni recalls. “The progression of certain chords caught my attention and seemed to be laying themselves out with a certain promise.
“An idea dawned on me in that moment: to tell the story of Leonard Cohen and his muse, Suzanne Verdal.”
That, and Cohen’s 1967 classic hit, “Suzanne,” specifically.
“Taking from my personal experience with such short-lived yet incredibly giving relationships, I attempted to tell a universal — yet personal — tale of love and sacrifice,” Aramouni elaborates on his own songwriting for the track. “It was only moments later the song was born.”
The recording process would soon prove to be just as organic and seamless a process for Aramouni, who went into the studio to record a few weeks later. “I was accompanied by a brilliant musician and sound engineer in Montreal, Kento Kataoka,” he shares. “The recording session was as agreeable as the songwriting process. It was not long before it was officially brought to life.”
A tour de force and frequent fixture across many creative scenes, Anthony Aramouni’s songwriting and productions have been featured in award-winning short films; his latest collaboration with soul/blues artist Eric Mercury is set to be featured in the forthcoming film — which he also co-wrote and is producing — Blue Tongues. In addition, Aramouni is the co-founder, CEO, executive producer and music supervisor of Montreal-based film house Film & Blues Production.
This experience naturally led to creating the “L. Cohen” video in-house, as well as a ‘Making Of’ detailing the process.
“I took the final version to film director Youcef Beghdadi here at Film & Blues Production to explore ideas,” he recalls. “After several sittings, we decided to recreate shots inspired by a number of Cohen’s music videos — like ’First We Take Manhattan’ and ‘Dance Me To The End Of Love’ — and also find inspiration in the work of legendary film director Ingmar Bergman.
“We aimed at telling a visual story that would capture the essence of the song while paying tribute to the work done in his music videos,” Aramouni expands. “I was blessed to be accompanied by a wonderful artist and writer, Claudia Emmanuelle, who’s featured in the music video as well.”
“L. Cohen” is available now.
Coronavirus Has a Playlist. Songs About Disease Go Way Back
Tunes about hard times during disease outbreaks have a long history.
2Pac’s Isolated Vocals For “Old School”
Taken from Me Against the World, Old School helped get the album nominated for Best Rap Album at the 1996 Grammy Awards. It lost, but the disc won Best Rap Album at the 1996 Soul Train Music Awards. In 2008, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, in conjunction with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognized Me Against the World as one of the “most influential and popular albums”, ranking it number 170 on a list of 200 other albums by artists of various musical genres.
…and here’s the original: