Tag Archives: alternative hip hop

Indie, New Music

Darce ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’

Alternative Pop/Hip-Hop act Darce has returned with his new single ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ which is the first single from Darce’s upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’.The track is an all-West Cork affair with the song being produced and mixed by rising female artist Blakkheart and all revenue earned from the track will go to Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) (https://inar.ie/). The Bantry artist has been featured in numerous top publications with Spotify Editorial Playlists (New Music Friday UK), performances at festivals (K-Fest), support slots for the likes of Le Boom and industry showcase sets (Ireland Music Week, Music Cork) along with international TV appearances in both Brazil and The Netherlands, where he appeared alongside The Rubberbandits and David McWilliams of all people.

Floating in ethereal, clean soundscapes with hip-hop beats and fluid rhymes, ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ takes Darce’s sound to a lofi airy dimension. With haunting backing vocals, sticky reverb beats and wispy synths the track has an intriguing spacious atmosphere while Darce’s sharp raps provide warmth and wit through the songs introspective lyrical content. Darce is becoming known for pushing boundaries and crafting his tunes in a unique and dynamic way and ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ reinforces this. It’s a sleek and cool number exuding rich lyrical depth, subtle tones and compelling musicianship. I can not wait for his upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’, if ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ is anything to go by then, it’s going to be a doozy.

Stream ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Rivilin ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ Album

Tackling some intense themes, Rivilin lays everything bare in his latest album release ‘Becoming The Static In Between’. Self produced and engineered, Rivilin had four guest features on this album from friends in his music scene including Sepha, $lothboi, Vishisdead and RipThePetals. His name is a play on Ritalin, a form of medication. Rivilin has been in and out of bands since the age of 15. Recording and releasing under Rivilin, he has released a total of 122 songs, garnering him an impressive following across social media and streaming platforms. An interesting mix of alternative rock and hardcore, Rivilin draws from emo rap, hiphop and trap style music to create his signature sound.

‘Becoming The Static In Between’ is a darkly-themed album laced in biting electronics, hip hop embellishments and raw acid spills of emo rap. Rivilin’s gripping music reveals and immerses the listener in the mangled and depressive thoughts which infiltrated his mind during a difficult period in life and he examines and reflects on his emotions and past situations throughout the album.

Rivilin broods and wallows in haunting electronic soundscapes with light innocent twinkles on keys which provides an icy undertone in ‘I Hate How I See You In My Dreams’. A lamenting guitar adds a melancholic atmosphere to ‘Neverlove’ while the heavier trap style ‘Poison’ and ‘Ash Teeth’ allow Rivilin to sing-rap and wail over chilling keys and sticky beat slaps. With agile production and well matched collaborations with Sepha. $LOTHBOI,  Vishisdead and RipThePetals each song flows fluidy into the next creating a cohesive collection of tracks. The themes expressed within the album are heavy hitting and include ex-lovers, drug abuse and mental health issues. ‘Becoming The Space In Between’ aptly portrays the feeling of being used and the overwhelming sensation of panic attacks through jittery beats, intense soundscapes and swirling electronics while the smooth melodies and subtle R&B elements soften the heavier aspects. 

Within ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ Rivilin creates a sonic palette which delves deep into his angst-filled, melancholic mind. It’s a powerful display of raw, striking poetry that beholds all the beauty, poise and darkly sombre elegance of Rivilin’s passionate and evocative musicianship.

Stream ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Elina Filice Has Released The Music Video for ‘Thinking of You’

Singer-songwriter Elina Filice has released the music video for her most successful single yet, ’Thinking of You’ which has over 215k streams on Spotify.The video features several distinct locations in Toronto as well as vibrant colours, quick cuts, and creative camera work by Toronto-based filmmaker Phil Kim. The video is co-starred by Ally Cantalini. Born to Canadian parents, Elina spent her formative years in Singapore before moving to Canada to attend University. In September 2017 she moved to Dublin to pursue music more seriously, and completed two diplomas at BIMM Dublin. She has released an EP and several singles, and has gigged extensively both on her own and with her band, the Kicks. She founded Red Vine Music, a coaching and consulting service that helps artists and creative businesses with digital marketing, social media, and content strategies.

’Thinking of You’ is a cool slice of indie pop doused in hip hop elements as Elina Filice takes the listener down a lyrical rabbit hole of thought- provoking content. Her vocal delivery is similar to a scribbling of thoughts on paper or stream of consciousness. The jaunty mellow backdrop creates a chilled easy listening accompaniment while a zesty, funk-filled guitar radiates a sun kissed hue over the buoyant beat and jazz infused piano refrains. With sweet backing vocal coos, infectious vibrant chorus and intriguing storytelling, ‘Thinking of You’ marks Elina Filice as an artist to keep an eye on.

The video follows Elina on an adventure from Kensington Market, to the Island Ferry, to Toronto Island, and then finally back home to the bedroom.

About the track Elina says, “The song discusses themes of movement, travel, and adventure, so I wanted to capture that by shooting different scenes across the city.The song is verbose, rambling, and nostalgic, with thoughts and memories swirling and haunting. I wanted to capture that with the scenes cutting forward and back in time. I want viewers to wonder if the scenes with Ally are happening in real time or if they’re memories and flashbacks, and the journey is really happening alone.The video is pretty gay. It’s a little nerve-wracking to be this gay on camera, but… this is my life, this is my friends’ lives. Queer visibility is important, and as a creator, honest content like this is my way of fighting to normalize queerness and queer love. I think it’s important to recognize that feeling safe enough to be openly out, let alone shooting a music video like this, isn’t possible for a lot of queer people around the world.Queerness, especially between women, is usually blatantly oversexuallized, so I wanted the scenes between myself and Ally to be intimate and loving, and not at all sexual. There’s enough of that on the internet.”

Watch the video for ‘Thinking of You’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music

Mac Rose ‘I Need This’

Dublin-based trap-pop singer/songwriter/ producer Mac Rose has released his new single ‘I Need This’. The beat was made by Hill Kidd, with further production, vocal recording, mixing, and mastering by Mac Rose.Born in England and raised in Ireland, Mac Rose spent his teen years listening to grunge, rock, and learning to play a variety of instruments. His releases have amassed over 65k streams on spotify, and he has a growing and loyal social media fan base.

With clean production hazy soundscapes and hip hop flavours ‘I Need This’ displays Mac Rose’s modern pop charm and musical versatility. ‘I Need This’ is a sweet ditty exuding delicate dreamy melodies mixed with smooth R&B to create quite the easy listening experience. Mac Rose tells a story of being vulnerable in love through melancholic beats and superb musicianship. The intricate beats slap between warm bass lines and twinkling guitars. The track travels into an ethereal soundscape while his rasp filled vocals ooze a rock tone and soothing warmth.

Mac Rose is quite the songwriter. The chorus is just immaculate, evoking images of stadium crowds swaying and singing back the lyrics with a watery, cheery glint in their eye. He is building his sound superbly. At present he is walking the intriguing line where hip hop and alternative rock combine and the result is pretty impressive. Mac Rose certainly is an artist to keep an eye on. 

About the track Mac Rose said “Hill Kidd sent me the bones of a sombre, hopeful beat. I remember listening to it and replying to him saying “I need this!” and right away started writing lyrics. The song is about relying on someone, needing someone. Even though there’s shit involved and things aren’t always good, you still need everything they give you. At the end of the day it’s worth it, and you would do anything for the other person.”

Stream ‘I Need This’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Yaffe ‘Orange County’

Alt Rock artist Yaffe has released his latest single ‘Orange County’.Yaffe hails from Oklahoma. Finding his sound at just age 14, after playing around with instruments for many years, Yaffe began to emerge in the music scene. Whilst still at school, he already hit over 1000 Apple Music streams on his previous releases.

‘Orange County’ is a hip hop hued alternative track that drifts and floats delicately upon Yaffe’s authentic musicianship. Moody darkened verses brood and bubble beneath a sticky beat smothered in hip hop tones while the laid back vocals coo over the smooth melody. The track builds to a gritty chorus that swirls around sharp guitar and a rich layered rhythm. The chorus bursts into an alternative expression without destroying the coiling sulky tones as Yaffe creates a scorching emotive track that is fully immersive and enjoyable.

Stream ‘Orange County’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Air Miles ‘Friends’

Bristol based three-piece Air Miles have released their new single ‘Friends’. This gritty cocktail blends alternative rock with hip hop influences and anthemic vibes to create a wholly satisfying listen. Jagged guitars slice and carve their way through the flashing beat heavy soundscape with slick precision while the smooth raspy vocals coo over the catchy melody and lush harmonies. Perfectly layered the sharp fuzzed guitars meander and shift between grainy, rough to light and ethereal seamlessly creating rich textures while the hip hop influences gives a refreshing flavour and dance-able groove to this sublime new track from Air Miles.

Stream ‘Friends’ below


Electronic, New Music

Darce ‘Enlightened’

 

After showcasing at Music Cork and Hardworking Class Heroes, playing support slots for major headline acts such as Le Boom and Sean Kingston and becoming the first artist ever to be streamed in Augmented reality. Irish alternative rap/pop artist, Darce returns with ‘Enlightened’ featuring vocals from up-and-coming Cork producer/artist Blakkheart.

The track which was mixed and mastered at Wavefield Studios is a chilled back number that floods with effortless charm and swagger while submerging you in a dreamy soothing state of ecstasy. Blakkheart’s immaculate vocals are a perfect fit for this track- she coos and lulls over flickering beats and ethereal soundscapes while Darce hops his rhymes over this tranquilizing backdrop. It’s mellow and smooth as silken electronics caress the rippling beat as the track unfolds into its calming state while Darce’s rap keeps it energetic and panache soaked.  Well crafted and polished to perfection this glistening gem is a mature, refined number from the ever surprising talents of Darce.

Stream ‘Enlightened’ below

 


New Music

Darce ‘Valhalla’

Irish hip-hop/alternative artist Darce has released the first single ‘Valhalla’ from his forthcoming EP ‘Night’ which features vocals by up-and-coming Cork soul singer Eve Clague. In 2017 Darce released his debut EP ‘Sunset’ and it has been featured on blogs across the world including Ambrosia For Heads and The Irish Times via Nialler9 (Artist of the week). He has been played on esteemed radio stations such as 2fm,98fm, Cool Hype Radio (Chicago) and Fubar (London).’Valhalla’ has already got it’s UK radio debut on Fubar Radio along with it’s first Irish play on 98fm’s Totally Irish.

 ‘Valhalla’ is a tightly crafted, darkly hued track that smothers you in sparse haunting soundscapes. It’s a breezy biting number with honest lyrics and a smooth creamy chorus melted on top. The rap adds attitude and fiery emotion to the track while Eve Clague’s vocals soothe and coo with a lulling gentle sleekness. The sticky beat adds a rebounding spring to the track while the haunting aerial soundscapes swirl with a chilling icy sharpness. It’s a catchy laid back frosty display from Darce.

When asked about the track Darce said: “It captures youth in rural Ireland. From the nights of backstreet drinking in cold ghost estates to the creeping feeling of knowing you will have to leave eventually.”

Stream ‘Valhalla’ below


Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Population 7 ‘Lowlight’

Population 7 are a nine piece alternative UK hip-hop and neo-soul band from the West-Midlands.The band have released their video for their new single ‘Lowlight’. This chilled effortless cool track exudes soulful breezy swagger and placid grooves.So laid back with velvety vocals lush harmonies which is blended with vocal rapping these guys present a smokey fluid track that evaporates, glides and cruises with ease. A soft beat encases the track in a buoyant blanket while gentle piano floats with fine elegance adding a cold classy chicness. It’s soaked in a subtle panache with a fiery attitude displayed through the rapping but still holds a delicate finesse and soulful passion.

Watch the video for ‘Lowlight’ below