by Jane Lambert

Faint Halos Releases Enchanting New Single “Skyline Hill”

Paul Hashemi, the frontman of Faint Halos, has released his new single “Skyline Hill.”

This is the second single from his forthcoming album I Can See a Million Lights, due out in August 2024.

This track beautifully captures the tranquility of a summer evening at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and reflects Hashemi’s inspiration drawn from the city’s unique blend of intimate locales and expansive views.

During his time at the Mann Center, Hashemi observed the city from a distance, gaining a fresh perspective. He remarked on how Philadelphia’s small, familiar places contrast with the vast, unified view seen from afar, which inspired the song’s lyrics.

“Skyline Hill” features a deliberately simple arrangement with acoustic and electric guitars, keys, bass, drums, and vocals. Lead guitar, played with an eBow, highlights Hashemi’s innovation, using a “fluttering” technique to create a unique sound.

This technique involved playing a trill with his left hand while manipulating the eBow to control volume, a process that required extensive experimentation and multiple takes to perfect.

“Skyline Hill” was recorded, produced, and mixed in Hashemi’s home studio in Berwyn, PA, with additional vocal recordings in North Carolina. As one of the first pieces written for the new album, it stands out with its airy, minimalist arrangement and haunting guitar melodies.

Paul Hashemi’s musical journey spans classical training, touring with rock bands in the ’90s, followed by a hiatus to focus on career and family.

The pandemic really reignited his creativity, leading to the formation of Faint Halos and the creation of I Can See a Million Lights. This debut album delves into introspective themes with poignant lyrics and dynamic arrangements, marking an exciting new chapter.

Connect with Faint Halos: Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify // Soundcloud // YouTube Music

05.23.24

by Jane Lambert

Galactic Monk Releases Ethereal Pop Anthem “Secretly Admire”

Galactic Monk has released his ethereal new single, “Secretly Admire,” out now!

The track invites listeners to embrace self-love and overcome insecurities, delivering a powerful message wrapped in an ethereal pop sound with hints of Tropical House.

“The inspiration for writing and recording this song stems from my anticipation of a relationship with my Twin Flame. My intuition tells me we will have a fiery relationship supported by the divine. This song is a manifestation of the reality I want to create. As a writer and artist with roots in Hip-Hop, exploring singing vocals was a new venture for me,” says Galactic Monk.

He adds, “Recording, mixing, and mastering the track myself was crucial in achieving the ethereal and upbeat energy I envisioned.”

The story behind “Secretly Admire” is one of true perseverance. After prioritizing his mental health with a leave of absence from work in 2015, Galactic Monk rebuilt his recording studio from scratch in 2022.

“Secretly Admire” is the first song completed in his newly equipped studio, symbolizing a return to his creative roots.

Accompanying the single is a new lyric video. Galactic Monk plans to release one song each month until the full album is unveiled. The aim is to empower listeners to step into their authentic power and shine unapologetically, blending ethereal pop, catchy beats, and lyrical magic.

Galactic Monk has dedicated himself to an unwavering pursuit of self-mastery, honing his skills in recording, mixing, mastering, writing, and producing to develop a unique sound.

Starting as a recording engineer, he wrote and recorded his songs during studio downtime, creating each track as a vessel for powerful mantras, affirmations, and manifestations.

At the heart of his art is a profound commitment to his “Star Mission” – a crusade to save planet Earth and activate enlightenment in all who encounter his work. Galactic Monk’s music is a vehicle for transformation, awakening dormant potentials and unlocking inherent power within each listener.

In an increasingly disconnected world, Galactic Monk stands out as a beacon of hope, showcasing art’s transformative power and the human spirit’s limitless potential.

When not in the studio, he shares daily doses of motivational wisdom on social media platforms and plots world-changing initiatives with fellow truth seekers.

Keep up with Galactic Monk here:

Website / X / Spotify / YouTube Music

05.23.24

by Jane Lambert

Discover the Awakening: Tataetano’s Debut Album “MaloKhali Rising” Redefines California Sound

Solo artist and singer-songwriter Tataetano announces the release of his debut full-length album “MaloKhali Rising.”

Hailing from the Bay Area in California, Tataetano is the stage name of Antonio Palazzo. This new album of songs features a blend of Indie and Adult Alternative music.

The concept of “Malokhali Rising” revolves around the theme of awakening and inspiration:

“I wanted the concept of this album to have a recurring theme of some version of an awakening or an inspiration to achieve something with new possibilities. I decided to name the album “Malokhali Rising.” Khali means space, silence, or empty, as used in Northern Indian music philosophy to describe the pause between two beats. It’s the moment of space (the khali) where rhythm is born. Malo in Tongan means “thank you.” MaloKhali to me, means finding and embracing the empty space between when one part of life (usually negative) ends and another one (positive) begins and being grateful for that. So, Malokhali Rising is the state of mind in which this occurs.”

Most of the tracks on the album have hints of this concept, but the second track on the album, titled “Down Here,” is the most prominent:

A great wide darkness swallows me

There’s a trillion stars above every tree

I’m not yet tame, but I am small

The voice I lost shouts “fuck” em all

A strange new breath I feel

Down here

A sunrise spills light on the night

A spirit’s shook by a thunder strike

Above the ocean of oxygen

Lives worlds our minds have never been

In the first verse, the song depicts a person overwhelmed by the pressures of modern society. They glimpse the awe-inspiring “trillion stars above every tree,” igniting a desire to leave behind their known world in search of something deeper.

The second verse describes the realization of this search, celebrating nature’s beauty with lines like “sunrise spills light on the night” and the awakening of a spirit “shook by a thunder strike.” It ends with recognizing the vast, unexplored realms of existence, expressed in “above the ocean of oxygen, live worlds our minds have never seen.” The chorus reflects a sense of wonder and renewal, presenting a breath of fresh air that feels entirely new to them.

Throughout all of the tracks, Tataetano brings together a delectable blend of alternative rock elements, synths, and electronica. He stands out for his pleasing melodies and thoughtful lyrics, which together create a unique California sound.

Tracks “You Are My Friend” and “A Day In Harmony” carry a more mellow electronica sound, while “The Pain I Take” is punchier, with rock beats and percussion.

“The Joy Will Be Restored” is a standout track on this album for its vocal harmonies, strong rhythms, and catchy refrains.

The album’s overall instrumentation blends modern electronic sounds with organic hand drums and sometimes ancient percussive instruments, creating a really unique sound.

Alongside the album, Tataetano has also released a book of poems titled “Borrowed Eden.” The book echoes the themes of his music’s emotional richness, and the album and poetry work together to show artistic versatility and talent for combining different creative expressions.

Malokhali Track List:

The Next Thousand Thumps
Down Here
Let the Sky Cry
You Are My Friend
Peter Pan Parable
The Pain I Take
Santa Monica
A Day in Harmony
Blossom of Desire
The Joy will be Restored
Wild Freedom

Tataetano wrote and arranged all the songs and lyrics, working with producer Tal Ariel, an incredible musician who helped develop the songs and ensured they sounded their best!

Keep up to date with Tataetano on his Website. Follow Tataetano on Facebook and Instagram.

Listen to music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube.

05.17.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH MAD AGNES

The trio, Mad Agnes, is well known for their captivating on-stage charisma and presence as well as their jaw-dropping musicianship. This unique blend has enchanted listeners worldwide for decades, and the group has built a reputation on their uniquely charming and intriguing sound.

Mad Agnes, (Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones, and Mark Saunders), combines elements of folk, Americana, and acoustic styles with intricate harmonies that entice the ear with lyricism and wit, pointing the listener towards internal introspection.

Their latest album release, “Likely Story” shows how each song carries a real intellectual depth, exploring universal themes like love, loss, change and reinvention in a very original way. The arrangements are rich with guitars, mandolin, ukulele, and piano alongside inventive three-part harmonies that infuse each track of this release.

Mad Agnes’ sophisticated vocal harmonies and impeccable musical arrangements have long enraptured music critics, garnering them comparisons to esteemed folk groups such as Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention.

We caught up with Mad Agnes to discuss the music video to accompany their new single release, “Beauty of this World,” written by Margo Hennebach.

Tell us the story of this song. Why did you choose to visualize it specifically in this way?

Because I wrote the song while hiking on the trails around our house in rural CT, I wanted to focus on the beauty I see around me everyday—a beauty that needs no fanfare, flowering trees, sunsets, or dramatic waterfalls. Mark filmed 95% of the video in our backyard on a misty day in early spring. The only scene away from our home is of a group of singers gathered from around the world blessing a table of food, captured from our time in Italy last June. It fit the song’s lyric too perfectly to ignore.

What inspired this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

When I take a moment to slow down, I’m inspired by living in such an extraordinary world.

I’m surrounded by beauty, wildlife and flora, and I hear music everywhere. I’m especially grateful for the humans I can share this with including my larger community, dear friends, and my special someone.

What was the process of making this video?

Originally I wanted the video to be artistically animated with watercolors or oils–colorful and lighthearted–but then we had a deadline! Looking out the window and seeing the misty rain, we both knew how great the light would be, so we sprang into action. I grabbed my red top, we went outside for some test videos and realized very quickly that we had what we wanted. For good measure, we brought out the piano and filmed the beginning and end of the song.

Mark moved the camera around me so I could interact with it more naturally and he could capture more of the setting. We worked quickly because of the threat of heavier rain, and we both knew what we wanted. The video was filmed and edited that day.

Beauty-05-2-3-2 — With grand piano, cello, double bass, acoustic guitar and unexpected background vocals, “Beauty of This World” is a wonderful introduction to spring and summer as nature blooms once again.

Having enchanted audiences across the globe and graced the stages of prestigious venues such as The Bitter End (NYC) and festivals like The Kerrville Folk Festival (TX) and Fairport’s Cropredy Convention (UK), Mad Agnes’ performances are nothing short of spectacular and leave an unforgettable impression wherever they go.

Catch up with their latest album “Likely Story” out now!

Stay up to date with Mad Agnes on their Website.

Check out all of Mad Agnes’ music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube music.

05.05.24

by Jane Lambert

Wren Astra’s New Single ‘Concussed’: A Musical Journey of Resilience and Social Justice

Wren Astra embodies a unique blend of creativity and academia, seamlessly navigating her roles as an indie blues musician and a respected professor at USC.

Her new single, “Concussed”, is a profound exploration of societal issues, drawing from a diverse range of musical influences to tell the story of experiencing concussion at the hands of an abuser.

It is a powerful and emotionally charged song that delves into the harrowing experience of living through physical assault and the complex dynamics of trauma bonds.

The decision to release it on leap year day adds an extra layer of symbolism, reflecting the disorienting and surreal nature of the events depicted in the song:

“This was a very difficult video for the crew and actors to make. I wanted it to be a graphic and realistic retelling of the very real events that survivors live through. I want viewers and listeners to live through and feel why many of us return over and over to our abuser with hope that things will turn out differently.“

The collaboration with guest vocalist Zero Surico of @for3sthills brings additional depth to the vocals, amplifying the intensity of the message. It’s evident that a lot of thought and emotion went into creating both the music and the accompanying video, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of art.

The song also explores the confusing thoughts, feelings, and physical disorientation that occurs in real time of an abuse event. It features Wren Astra reading the legal restraining order for her abuser as she whispers, with haunting melancholy vocals by Surico and the moody strings of guest celloist Christopher McCarthy.

In her dedication to inclusivity, Wren actively collaborates with artists from marginalized communities, diversifying the artistic landscape and fostering a sense of representation and belonging.

Crafting the Wren Astra brand as an outlet for pain and trauma through music reflects a courageous and inspired endeavor. Music’s capacity to convey profound emotions serves as a perfect medium for sharing her story and fostering healing, not only for herself but also for others who have encountered similar challenges.

Through her interdisciplinary approach, informed by her background in social justice medicine and medical writing, she brings depth to her music, offering insights into the systemic issues she addresses.

Wren ensures that her commitment to inclusivity extends to her live performances, creating spaces where individuals of all backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and celebrated.

Her work serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, inspiring others to join the fight for justice and equality through artistic expression.

Keep up to date with Wren Astra on Instagram and Facebook

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube

05.02.24

by Jane Lambert

Lady Charles’ New Single “Bedroom Pop” ft. Zoe Towne is a Captivating Tribute to Indie Spirit

Lady Charles’ latest release, “Bedroom Pop,” featuring Zoe Towne, is a mesmerizing journey into the evocative ambiance of the early 2010s indie music scene.

Channeling the spirit of DIY creativity and the raw intimacy of lo-fi sounds, the song serves as a poignant tribute to an era where artists carved out their own spaces within the musical landscape, often from the comfort of their own bedrooms.

At its core, “Bedroom Pop” weaves a narrative rich in themes of self-discovery, collaboration, and the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of the music industry. Through a lyrical exploration of the protagonist’s journey, Lady Charles confronts the spectre of exploitation and the quest for autonomy in a world where artistic integrity can often be compromised.

The song unfolds like a conversation between friends, each verse and chorus revealing layers of emotional depth and introspection. Zoe Towne’s ethereal vocals provide a captivating counterpoint to Lady Charles’ introspective lyrics, adding an additional dimension to the song.

“I have seen a lot of predatory behaviour aimed at young, talented artists, and I wanted to affirm that if you’re finding yourself disrespected or worse you do not owe anything to these types” says Charles of the lyric.

“I’ve always felt very protective of my artistic friends’ output, and there is little more disheartening than seeing someone’s energy sucked away by the promise of success with a hidden cost. The song isn’t inspired by a particular experience, and that’s partially just because of how unfortunately widespread this is. I have helped bands re-record their demos after producers began to demand dates in return for what was supposed to be free help, I have been kicked out of a band only to find out that a remaining member isolated and verbally abused the other once it was just the two of them. I have seen incredibly talented people absolutely burned out by the ludicrous parasatism of these types.”

Musically, “Bedroom Pop” represents a departure from Lady Charles’ usual style, incorporating a blend of major and minor 7th chords that evoke a sense of harmonic richness and complexity.

The inclusion of saxophone refrains and a soulful guitar solo further enhances the song’s atmospheric allure, transporting listeners to a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

“The song differs a bit from my usual writing. I used a lot of major and minor 7th chords and arranged the progression such that adjacent chords share harmonic content but the entire progression doesn’t stay in one key. It’s effectively like how a lot of jazz is composed, and I did it because it has a certain airy, open sound that I associate with dreaminess – a major tendency with bedroom pop music is a certain hazy dreamlike quality and because the track isn’t actually that lo-fi I think it helps evoke that atmosphere well. The chorus is a bit more like a traditional pop chorus, and I think it anchors the flow of the verses well – here the lyric is far more direct and less stream of consciousness. The guitar solo is completely opposite my playing on Manic Pixie Dream World – a clean, gentle melodic line drenched in reverb not unlike what you might find in bedroom and dream pop of the era.”

Drawing from personal experiences and influences ranging from David Bowie to the glam-rock era, Lady Charles infuses “Bedroom Pop” with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability.

With its thought provoking lyrics and captivating dreamy sound, the song leaves a lasting impression and invites listeners to embrace their own unique voice and creative vision.

Listen to “Bedroom Pop” on Spotify now!

Stay current with Lady Charles:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music