D.K. Lyons takes us on a journey with The Past (Romanticized)

Introducing The Past (Romanticized), the 2020 LP release by D.K. Lyons. The musical variety and intense
coverage allow this album to be relatable to all its listeners. 

The Past (Romanticized) really focuses on one major aspect, providing relief from a strong or repressed emotion. These songs allude to the emotional cycle that occurs looking back at past relationships, moments of loss, mental state, and growing pains. The examples become apparent with the very first song, “The Getaway.” This track displays hope even when your outlook may appear grim, making it the flagship for what's the come on the entire album. This song details self-exploration, "We're two lost souls heading straight to hell’..."brace yourself, keep your eye on the prize". These lyrics aren't there to discourage you. They're written to inspire you. 

It feels like D.K. has done a bit of growing up since his first EP, Blame My Astrology. The production and songwriter feel more mature and the stories reveal he's gone through deeper revelations. 

The two most notable tracks have to be "Long Way Home" and "Danger" includes declarations of taking chances and falling in love. 

 

D.K.’s first solo release in 2018, called Blame My Astrology, was a lovable exploration of the ideas at the core of his sound with guitar rhythms, vocals, and the ceaseless, head-spinning barrage of hooks, so if you can't get enough of D.K. Lyons, you won't have to travel far for more tunes, but to be fair, D.K. is at least honest with his music and is less concerned about conforming to what the Pop world factory is dishing out. After pumping out 17 tracks in less than two years, we can certainly expect a lot more of his thought provoking stories in the coming years. 

Regardless of what people might think of The Past (Romanticized), D.K.’s already morphed a world
around it with numerous music videos to complement each hit. D.K. clearly believes that The Past (Romanticized) is his masterpiece, and everything around the record suggests as much. While a national tour may be out of the question due to Covid, we can only hope for a barrage of live performances from his living room to yours to give D.K. Lyon fans an installation of live streams from the man himself. 

Our recommendation is to not judge the book by its cover. Instead, dive all in, not just once, but twice over in one sitting. Play both playlists from his YouTube page from beginning to end from Blame My Astrology to The Past (Romanticized) and then reverse it and you will experience all the effects of an over-the-top pop autobiographical masterpiece of D.K. Lyons. 

Find more of D.K. Lyons

Official Website

Instagram 

Twitter

Facebook

Spotify

YouTube

"Same Song" by Beck Pete

Featuring "Same Song" by Beck Pete

Beck Pete is an artist who brings a staggering amount of emotion, authenticity, and talent to every performance. It doesn’t matter if she is doing a full set, acoustic, or anything in between her story telling is sure to hook you in. With vocals that make people’s skin goosebump and a level of passion that demands attention. Beck Pete is definitely somebody you should have on your playlists.

Album Review: Rae du Soleil

Rae du Soleil’s debut self-titled album starts off extremely powerfully and it continues throughout the whole album. The San Francisco native singer-songwriter, Rae du Soleil has released her new album on January 10, 2020 and is now available on all streaming platforms, and it is definitely an album that you NEED to listen to.

Filled with ten very raw singer-songwriter anthems that speak from the soul, this album is super catchy, fun, and heart warming. It’s hard to turn the album off simply because of how utterly addictive it can be. From another track favorite, "Another Road" to her latest single, “I Love You Close” starts off the album perfectly and shows just how wonderful du Soleil’s singing voice can be. The song itself is about relationships and love, something that many have dealt with and is very relatable. She has recently released a music video for the song which also features a cleaver animation that gives it's viewers a subtle visual of her message.

The song “How I Feel” is a dance anthem in itself. The catchy beat makes you want to jump up and down, and is a song that you can expect to hear at any party. The album is stellar, all the way until the last song, “The Gallery”, which is an acoustic piece that showcases Rae du Soleil’s vocal range perfectly.

Overall, Rae du Soleil's debut album is the ultimate listening album. It has tracks that will make you dance or you can just lay down and chill out to. Be sure to check it out on Spotify and Google Play Music.

Visit Rae du Soleil here:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

I'm Your Rain by Amel D

From the highly anticipated upcoming sophomore album, Cross To Hell, AMEL D's new single "I'm Your Rain" is a clear statement to her fans there won't be any disappointment.

"I’m Your Rain" gives fans a preview of AMEL D's new direction and it is a personal journey. "I'm Your Rain" is a story of heartache while in a long distance relationship told in a Alt-Rock melody. Written by AMEL D herself, she delivers one of the most dramatic performances of her career.

We highly recommend when listening to this track, you remove all distractions and listen to it loud.

You can hear the song right now at:
Spotify
Youtube 
Soundcloud 
iTunes

Follow Amel D on Instagram at @therealameld
Website at www.ameldmusic.com 

Interview with Yourz Truly

Rapper, singer, songwriter Quartez L. Binns better known as Y.T (Yourz Truly), started out as a R&B artist and would later go on to prove to be multi-talented as he took on Hip Hop as a freestyle rap battler, showcasing his lyrical skills during his high school years. Known for his diverse style and musical creativity, Yourz Truly is the first artist to be released on the indie label FaSho Records based in Atlanta. While other artists tip-toe around originality, Yourz Truly spent his time developing his song material and craft songs that make his pen separate from the majority of crowd. From R&B to Hip Hop, he found a way to create his own sound in the landscape of urban music. Yourz Truly flaunts a polished, energetic flow , but he also takes his music SERIOUS.

Interview with Yourz Truly 

What inspired you to become a music artist and why did you focus on Hip Hop?

YT: Music was always a way of life for me ever since I could remember so to be a artist came naturally , Hip Hop was a former of art I was inspired to do from freestyle rap battle. Who was your idol growing up?

What makes your music stand alone from other Hip Hop artists?

YT: I've always admired the greats such as Michael Jackson, because of the impact he's had on lives of others. Which I hope to have someday.

Like many genres that have come and gone throughout history, do you think Hip-Hop is here to stay?

YT: Yes , hip hop has always been considered to be a voice for the voiceless , I believe it's here to stay because it's A form of art that speaks to people world wide in a way that they can relate and carry into there everyday lives.

Tell us about your writing process. Are your songs a reflection of your life?

YT: When it comes to songwriting I usually try to write about different subjects which allows me to showcase my versatility . But there are songs that I've written that are a reflection of my life such as (Going In For Life)

For those that have never listened to your music, what do you want people to expect to hear?

YT: I want people to expect versatility. A mixture of styles, creative lyrics, different genres, and Overall Good Music

What is on the horizon for Yourz Truly? A music video, a tour, a new EP? What can fans look forward from you in the coming months?

YT: Yes of course , I have a debut EP (First Impression) comming soon , 3 singles out now (They Don't Put It Down Like You) , (Going In For Life) and (Pretty Girls) , and i currently have new single on the way

Find more of Yourz Truly at http://www.yourztrulyyt.com/

Grace by Glitter Rose, a tragic love story with a happy ending

The award winning Glitter Rose is pleased to announce the new single and music video "Grace" is live on iTunes and YouTube!

Watch the video here: "Grace" OFFICIAL Music Video 
"Grace" is a very personal song for the 8-time award winner and one of the deciding factors of the direction of the new album, Outlaw In Love. Glitter has never shown her vulnerability when it comes to love in music, and at this point in her life, she grew tired of hiding what was really inside.

For years, Glitter was encouraged by someone who she looked up to and admired tremendously, to lie about who she was and her true feelings. She was told its better to hide and be someone else. Now, as she became a woman, and her own person, Glitter came to realize that it's not healthy to hide.

"The story of 'Grace' was a very hard and dark period in my life. I was being forced to leave the person I love and hurt them and myself," - Glitter Rose

At some point, Glitter predicts her future by writing the last verse of this song, resulting in a happy ending.

"Everyone deserves a happy ending, even if you think you don't."

Credits:
Written and Produced by Glitter Rose
Mixed by Professor Jay Henry
Musician's include Glitter Rose (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals),Ian Charlie (lead guitar), Erik Ralston (bass) and Chris Hoffman (drums)
Mastered by Morgan Sizer - Mozu Mastering

A Future Classic: Interview with Brandon Jeffries

Brandon Jeffries is a Songwriter and Cover Artist from Northeastern North Carolina. He has been described as having a gritty, southern style that adds a natural, raw sounding flavor to anything he performs. With heavy roots in various genres of Rock and Country music, his style appeals to a wide range of listeners and age groups. If you happen to be looking for a casual night out with good people and quality acoustic music, then Brandon Jeffries is a “Must See” performer.

Interview with Brandon Jeffries

Tell us about yourself. What made you decide to become a Singer Songwriter? Where did the inspiration come from and what or who lured you into becoming an artist yourself?

Brandon: I started playing music at the age of 14. My father was in a cover band. I would see him every other week or so as a kid. He always tried to get me to play, but in middle school I finally picked it up. Through the years, music has always been something I find myself coming back too. I was a natural and, no matter what, I find myself using music to pass the time, or to vent. It’s just in my bones, if you will. I find everything about music absolutely amazing. Music, in itself, is like a spirit; like the wind. You can’t touch it, but it can touch you. You can’t see it, but it’s presence is experienced.

If you are asking about influences... I listen to just about everything. Depending on my mood or setting. That is another wonderful thing about music. Each song and artist is like a seasoning on a pallet of flavor, certain music for breakfast, and specific tunes in the evening to unwind. I really do mean “...just about everything”. I’ll put on John Meyer in the morning and by lunch I’m listening to Queen. There was a phase were I was heavy into Sinatra, and I still listen to him occasionally has I cook dinner. I grew up in the 90’s, so there is a heavy influence there as well. Green Day, Weezer, Third Eye Blind, Matchbox Twenty, etc..

I prefer the title of songwriter because these days you have to be more than just an “Artist”. In fact, the word “Artist” in some musical circles has become synonymous with the term “talking head”. It takes much more to make it, and you can’t just be a face. You have to write, engineer, produce, finance, and plan everything yourself. I feel like keeping my title as “songwriter” gives a little more credit than the average “Artist”. Especially with how the Pop side of things are run these days. On the same note, sticking with “songwriter” allows me to venture into writing for other genres. Which is something else that I enjoy doing. It helps not to box me in, or define my image to one scene or genre. I feel like, even with society in general, there are too many labels and boxes that we put each other in. Whether it be race, financial status, sexual preference, whatever. Why all the labels. Let’s just play tunes and prosper!

What song of yours do you think represents you the best?

Brandon: I would say “Everything”. Hah! That could get confusing. That song is probably my favorite to play live, and it’s SOOO catchy! My back ground is heavy in Country and Rock music, and I can hear both of those in that track. It’s gotten great reviews too!

“‘Everything’ is one of the best songs on ‘Future Classic.’ This wonderful little love ditty is so well written and executed. I love the brass sections, the innocence nature of Jeffries’ performance, and his lovable scatting toward the end of the tune. ‘Everything’ is one of the most successful pop endeavors I’ve heard this year - it’s absolutely infectious.” ~ Brett Stewart, The Independent Spotlight

You mentioned that you do cover songs as well. What's your favorite song to cover?

Brandon: Oooh! That’s a good one! Im really not sure. I think I go through phases. One month I will play the heck out of one song, and then a week later, there is another one on repeat. I would say at the moment, it’s a toss-up between three,

1. Easy - The Commodores
2. Can’t You See - Marshall Tucker Band
3. In One Ear - Cage The Elephant

If at all, what artists do you like and admire today?

Brandon: There are SOOO many artists that inspire me these days. There are hundreds of people, just like me, trying to do this and make it on their own. First and foremost, THOSE are the people I look up too. We get a lot of ideas from each other, and it really takes a team to make it in this industry. There a few Independents that I really admire these days though, as well; such as Allen Stone, Hooray for The Riff Raff, ZZ Ward, and a few others. Too many to name them all really.

If you could perform and share the stage with any artist (living or dead), who would it be?

Brandon: Oh man, these questions are hittin’ hard! That is another really tough one to answer on the spot. If I had to narrow it down to sharing the stage, I would want in to be a JAM! Like really funk it out. I know my latest EP is heavy in the “Alt Rock” genre, but I have a long history with an acoustic guitar. I think I would like to rock it with Dave Matthews. That would probably the most rad gig I could imagine.

You've been an artist for a few years now. What has been your toughest challenge as a solo artist?

Brandon: The hardest part being an independent/solo artist is figuring out what to do. There really are no rules the game, and as an independent/solo artist, there is no one to lead you by the hand and tell you what to do. It’s very easy to waste time, and/or invest in the wrong assets too early or too late. On top of that, in the industry today, you have to more than one task. Specialization is for insects. Like I said above, “You have to write, engineer, produce, finance, and plan everything yourself.”. It’s so much work, sometimes just figuring out where to start is the hardest part. I would say the most important step is getting your original repertoire up, and getting a solid ear for recording. Those are huge assets.

This is a two-part question. It appears you've had some recent success. You're No. 1 on Reverbnation. You've had a lot of good attention from the press and your fans seem to be pretty supportive. What do you think is the secret to your success? What do you feel like you're lacking in and want to make improvements on in the near future as an independent musician?

Brandon: I would say the biggest key to my recent success is the support of the fans. Without them, I would be nowhere. Their streams and plays help keep me trending, and that’s only a good thing. It was because of the fans that I got the chance to put together this rockin’ EP, and it’s because of the fans that I will continue to work hard, not only to make even better music, but to help improve the life of everyone I come across, as best I can.

As far as where I am lacking.. Hmmm. My ego doesn’t like to think that I’m lacking anything haha. I would say, at the moment my biggest setback is not travelling enough. In my defense, I have been a little spent (financially) since recording this year, and I am just now getting back into regular gigging. I really wanna get back to California. I have a nice bunch of fans there. I plan to hit a lot of places at the start of 2016. For the holidays, I will be playing a few coffee shops, and staying close to family in the Norfolk, VA area.

What is in store for Brandon Jeffries? A new music video? A new EP? A tour perhaps?

Brandon: Well! The EP just released, so I am working on A TON of stuff. I have a “Tunes in the Terminal Tour” coming up. I’ll be in airports performing from Atlanta, to Chicago, to San Fran. For the next couple months, you can find me in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, VA playing some casual/intimate entertainment gigs at coffee shops. Also, my record label (The Uther Geis), is putting together a string of events for a tour where we team up with local artists and businesses and do a really, really fun event with wine and give aways. Oh, I get excited, but I don’t want to give away too many details on that just yet. Just keep your eyes out for a “The Uther Geis Presents:” event! See you on tour!

Find more of Brandon Jefferies:

http://www.Facebook.com/BrandonJeffriesMusic
http://www.Twitter.com/BJeffriesMusic
http://www.Youtube.com/c/BrandonJeffriesMusic
http://www.Instagram.com/BJeffriesMusic
http://www.ReverbNation.com/BJeffriesMusic

Bittersweet Descent: Interview with Ted West

Photo by Cindy Clark

Ted West started his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor, specializing in character work, with roles that varied from Pharaoh to Elvis. A few years back his then-girlfriend was pursuing a career as a recording artist and Ted found himself tagging along to many of the famed Los Angeles recording studios. Fate intervened one day after a producer asked Ted to sing A Capella. Suffice it to say; his relationship didn’t pan out but he returned to the studio several months later to record his own songs at the behest of the producer. 

While it seems like a sharp turn of events, the seeds of West’s songwriting career had been gestating for a lifetime. Like his hero Jim Morison, he carried around a book of poetry he started as a teenager - of which many of the songs on his new album were drawn from. When the opportunity to record presented itself, he dusted off his originals and also mined his record collection for the most influential musical moments of his youth. His covers of Marianne Faithfull and Leonard Cohen showcase a keen ability to crawl inside and breathe new life into the already iconic songs.

  Ted has also gigged internationally - from Copenhagen to Barcelona and has been a regular performer at House of Blues on Sunset. His new album, entitled True West (Out 10-27-15), presents West’s eclectic musicality at its most personal. While the album’s tips its hat to the resurgence of ‘Blue Eyed Soul’, its spiritual overtones are clear. “I’m not really trying to sound commercially appealing” Ted notes. “My heart is really in the performance not the marketplace.”

Interview with Ted West:

Tell us about yourself. How did you get your start in music as a singer songwriter?

Ted: Yea, that’s a long story. If you really want to know it goes all the way back to grade school. I was this shy kid who the teacher asked to audition for a solo in my school choir, and I refused. She gave me the part anyway, to my surprise, and I was too shy to turn it down in front of the class. I didn’t know the words and got confused and sort of botched the performance. I didn’t sing again for years. Later I became an actor, and eventually got asked to do musical theatre roles. I didn’t much care for musical theatre, but I accepted a few goofy character roles for fun. I then moved to L.A. with no intention of being a performer. I happened to meet a woman who was a solo artist and she brought me into the recording studio, where I was introduced to the producer, who asked me to sing. They said I should record, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. Eventually, they coaxed me into the studio, and that led to the recording of my first album ‘Ethereal Gypsy’. It ended up being primarily self produced. Anyway, getting back to the singing, my Mom revealed to me just a couple of years ago that the teacher in grade school who gave me the solo recommended that I go get tested and vocally trained at that time (5th grade). But my father wanted no part of me being a singer, and so I was never told about all this until I was finished making my first album. As far as songwriting goes, I kept a poetry journal for many years, and I always had melodies in my head that went with most of the poems. So I had a lot of stuff already written, and added all sorts of new songs and ideas once I started down the path of record production.

You've been making music for the past 3 years and you've had some popular songs like "A Thousand Kisses Deep" and If Ever I would Leave You" Tell us about your current project. What is your favorite single off your new album?

Ted: Well, the new album certainly marks a transition point from being a cover artist to an original artist. ‘California’ is a pretty care free song about the best parts of being in this state, and it just feels good. I like that one the best right now, but these things can change over time. I’m proud ‘21st Century Worried Life Blues’. Lyrically, I feel like it might be the most important song I’ve written.

Your new album is entitled True West. Tell us about the title. Why did you pick that name and what's the meaning behind it?

Ted: So as you may know, ‘True West’ is also the title of a well known Sam Shepard play. That’s probably where the idea came from. I like the idea of taking a journey to the truth, and the process of self-discovery that comes along the way. I guess you could say there is also an element of spirituality involved in the journey. Part of being an artist is seeking and accepting your own authenticity.

Growing up, who were your music idols?

Ted: The reviews I’ve seen so far have pretty much nailed this one already. Yes, Jim Morrison and the Doors to be sure, and Bob Dylan as well are idols. A couple more that influence the record on ‘California’ are the Eagles and U2. And more recently, Leonard Cohen has become an inspiration. But lately I listen to Pink Floyd the most of anybody. I play ‘Wish You Were Here’ like 5 times a week.

You previous started your career as an actor? Do you plan on pursuing your career in acting or you sticking to music?

Ted: Really, I’m just having a good time making and performing music and have no plans to change that. Understand that as an actor, you are usually being plugged into somebody else’s vision, whereas being an independent music artist allows you to create your own vision — and that’s the funnest part for me.

What is your Top 5 favorite movies?

Ted: Sorry but no big surprises here — I love the ‘Godfather Part I & II’. Stanley Kubrick is a genius, and ‘Dr. Strangelove' still is relevant, as is ‘2001 a Space Odyssey’. It might be fun to do a Halloween show dressed up as ‘Strangelove’. So if I need to round out the list, I think ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ would have to make it based on the soundtrack, cinematography, and amazing character study.

What can fans expect from Ted West in the coming months? A new music video? Possibly a tour?

Ted: I’m open to a music video and have lots of ideas. I’m really just waiting to meet a director who I
think can pull of what I have in mind. I do gigs in L.A., and the next ones are Friday, Oct 2nd, at 7:45 pm at Ebanos Crossing downtown. We have been asked to do another show there on Oct 23rd as well. It would be fun to do a ‘California’ tour up and down the coast — we shall see!



Find more of Ted West:
https://soundcloud.com/tedwest/bittersweet-descent-1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZHzBPR7pxi6Wy24e2uZWpQ
https://tedwest.bandcamp.com

Peter Doran "Sleepless Streets" review and interview

Inspired by the beauty and the struggles of life itself, Peter Doran witnesses a moment and begins the creation of poetry that turns into a beautifully crafted piece of musical art.

That is what you get from Peter Doran. His music is not in your face glam music, nor is it screaming vocals and crashing guitars intent on destroying your eardrums. More importantly, Doran’s lyrics aren’t filled with cheesy, make your face cringe love songs. What you get are well written words translated into music and transformed into memorable songs that could be carried beyond today’s trends and well into future decades to come.

In 2006, Peter Doran released his debut album “Wood”. This album introduced Doran’s acoustic ability to the world and it introduced this singer/songwriter’s amazing gift as an acoustic folk artist. Four years later, Peter Doran released his sophomore album, “Sleepless Streets” in September.

“Sleepless Streets” is a rich blend of natural sounds and it stirs clear from popular rock music. It isn’t mundane nor does the album laying waste alongside in a sea of average acoustic rock bands.

Peter Doran’s music style compares with Damien Rice, David Grey, and Amos Lee. Lyrically, Doran’s style compares to the artistry of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, but remains very much an original writer and he stays clear of forced lyrics, an often trait that many novice songwriters are compelled to overdo.

The most recognizable song on the album is “Sacred Place”. It is probably the most simple song on “Sleepless Streets”. What captivated my attention were the lyrics.

“…you were leaning into shafts of sunlight, you were lit up like a real life saint, you were glowing like a holy icon in a sacred place.”

Words like this only come from truly talented poets.

With the exception of “Hunter’s Sketches”, “The Composer”, and “Twisted Freak”, many of Peter Doran’s songs are ballads of sorts, so if you are looking for an album that mirrors modern rock, then this isn’t the album for you. But, if you’re looking for good listening music with well written stories from a great emerging Irish singer/songwriter, then Peter Doran is a solid choice.

Listen to a special in-depth audio interview with Peter Doran on The Great Unknowns Presents

Find more of Peter Doran on his official website.

Purchase a copy of “Sleepless Streets” at:
Bandcamp
iTunes
Amazon.com


*Peter Doran is an Ariel PR artist and scheduled for The Great Unknowns Presents through Music Xray