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- Review: "violet" - Lexie Carroll
Watching someone you're close to go through a difficult time is one of the hardest things to deal with. All you want to do is help them, but nothing you say or do gets through to them. They're not themselves anymore and are trapped inside of a darkness. You want to pull them out but sometimes they're in too deep. Their hurt is now your hurt, because you can't bear to see them so sad. 'violet' by Lexie Carroll is an encouraging song that can be the perfect 'pick me up' for anyone fighting themselves internally. Lexie reminds listeners (and her close friend that she wrote this for) that the bad feelings won't last forever. Whatever you're dealing with right now will eventually stop, so don't give up on yourself. Whether it's you or someone you know, most of us have been 'violet' at some point in our lives and can relate to this song. One of my favorite things about Lexie is her soft-spoken vocals. They are so lovely and easy on the ears. I can't help but smile every time I listen to her sing. Her heart-grasping and unique lyricism is relatable for just about anyone. Every song she writes is like listening to a story and you're captivated within the first word. "I don’t know what happened between playing in your mothers kitchen // now everybody’s asking where you are // and heaven knows I hate the ghosts that wore you down and took you over // promise it won’t feel like this for long". It's so thoughtful, vulnerable and poetic; you can't help but admire Lexie's incredible mind. Though Lexie has been known to play around with her unique sound, 'violet' is next level with it's strong and upbeat indie pop vibes - ringing in the new year with a fresh new sound. Lexie Carroll is an indie 18-year-old singer/songwriter from London, UK. Although she has been writing for as long as she can remember, Lexie officially started releasing music in 2020 with her song 'Paint Me in Colours' and debut EP 'Birthday Cake'. After releasing 4 singles and an EP, 'when the sun came up' in 2022, Lexie has grown tremendously as an artist; gaining attention from Spotify, BBC Introducing and BBC Radio, and even going as far as selling out her first ever headline show. There's so much in store for us from Lexie in 2023. Newly signed to indie record label Seven Four Seven Six, Lexie has a brand new EP coming this May with other singles to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LEXIE:
- Review: "Problems" - CeCe
CeCe’s latest single is a fiery pop-rock track that was made to be blasted in the car while driving down the highway with the windows down. “Problems” conveys the vital message of “taking your power back from anyone who has ever done you wrong.” CeCe accomplishes this by spending the entire track exposing her former partner for the toxic person they truly are. Throughout the song, she reveals their harmful behavior through witty lyrics and the catchy hook where she sings, “Problems// I got ‘em// And you’re number one.” She then continues the chorus with the cheeky lines: “Somebody better call up your mama// Tell her ‘come get your son’// Cause I’m about to air out your laundry and laugh while it burns.” CeCe reveals that she is holding nothing back, and is willing to do anything to restore control of the narrative that is rightfully hers. Now that she has the power back in her grasp, she is free to reveal to the world the true nature of this toxic partner. “Problems” is a cathartic release for anyone who has ever been done wrong by someone they thought they loved and provides them comfort in their own heartbreak. “Problems” is the epitome of an angsty pop-rock track that pumps up listeners and replays in their heads. The track kicks off with muffled vocals paired with a soft electric guitar strum that immediately catches the audience’s attention. The vocals start to build, becoming clearer, before CeCe’s lead vocals begin and the full track completely commences. The guitar continues, paired with the drums that guide the listener through the candid storytelling. At the pre-chorus, the drums become muted, drawing focus on CeCe’s voice and the guitar. Then with a unique transition, the full production kicks off at the chorus, enhancing the high energy atmosphere. Throughout the song, CeCe’s powerful voice is filled with an unmistakable fury that displays her strong passion toward the words she is singing. “Problems” is an intense track that showcases CeCe’s clever songwriting and her mesmerizing vocals. CeCe Frey, best known as just CeCe, is a singer-songwriter from Decatur, Illinois. She was a contestant on season two of The X Factor (U.S.) with Demi Lovato as her mentor, and finished 6th place in the competition. Two years later in 2014, she released her debut single “Dead 2 Me”. After releasing one more single in 2017, she went on a five-year hiatus. Then in May 2022, she returned to social media to announce her return to music with her single, “FUEO”. Including “Problems”, these two tracks mark her newest era, introducing her upcoming project. CeCe has a dedicated fanbase that has stuck with her since her X Factor days and anticipate her comeback to music. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW CECE:
- Music Industry Tips for Indie Artists
Success doesn't come easy in the Music Industry, but there are some things you can learn that can make trying to "make it" just a little less stressful. Indie music is bigger than it has ever been before. Less and less artists are caring if they get signed at a major label and rather be in control of their own careers. As someone who has a lot of experience with music business and the behind-the-scenes of the industry, these are the tips and tricks I've learned that make your musical journey on your own just a little more smooth. All of this advice has come from highly experienced people in the industry. Tip #1 - Learn to Take Criticism One of the most important things when it comes to being an artist is that you have to be able to take criticism. I'm going to be completely honest with you - professionals in the industry aren't going to beat around the bush to not hurt your feelings. If they don't like something about you or your music, they're going to tell it to you straight. Even though it can be hard to do, you have to be able to just say, "Okay, thank you for your feedback". It is not productive to get upset, be rude to the professional, or to slow down your career because you're scared of rejection. Everyone faces rejection and we have to learn from it and move on. Once you're able to swallow your pride and take critical feedback without being insulted, it can become on of the most important things when it comes to improving your music and your artistry. In fact, you should be purposely asking for criticism more often. Although you're allowed to disagree with what some may say, learn what others think about your sound, take their words and use it to better yourself. Tip #2 - Network Knowing others in the industry is crucial when it comes to success. Don't be afraid to talk to people and make friends! Get yourself out there and mingle with whoever you can that could help you get higher up in your career. If you're ever in an environment where there's important industry workers, make your name heard and known. You might find someone who is willing to help you. Send your music to blogs, radio stations, influencers and indie labels to help market yourself. Chat with these companies if you can and leave a good impression because they will remember you and want to help you again in the future. Get to know other musicians and talk to each other about your experiences. Heck, do a collaboration on a song together if you want. If you have the time, do an internship at a PR agency, label, management company, marketing agency or music blog and gain experience around other industry professionals. Impress them with your hard work ethic and participate in everything you can to make a name for yourself. Tip #3 - Never Stop Creating You can't be a musician without music. Whether you're a singer-songwriter, producer or instrumentalist - never stop making your art. The most successful artists are ones who are constantly coming up with new songs. Even if they're songs that no one will ever hear, you're getting yourself in the groove of being a full time artist. Some musicians will write a hundred songs within a year, and only 15 of them will make it on their upcoming album. You have to get all the mediocre songs out to be able to pick out the masterpieces that you want people to hear. So write and practice as much as you can! Tip #4 - Perform Live as Often as Possible Performing live doesn't only help you gain experience, but it builds your fanbase. Even if you only play at local coffee shops and bars, you should perform as much as your time allows. Do a setlist that consists of both covers and originals and make sure you tell the crowd when you're going to play your own song. Repeat your name at the beginning and end of your set. If you impress anyone with your talent, they'll for sure be looking you up later on to find their favorite song you played for them. Don't be afraid to also have business cards on hand that have your name and Spotify QR code to make it easier for the crowd to find you. Tip #5 - Build Your Social Media Presence Social media is incredibly important now-a-days. It could be the key to your success and you just don't know it yet. You need to be on every social media platform possible. Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and so on. Post as much as you can and as often as you can, and don't forget to use hashtags! Make sure your photos and videos are high quality, professional and aesthetically pleasing. Show off your personality and your music to the best of your ability. If you're lucky, a video of you singing your original song will go viral and give your music career the boost that you needed. Tip #6 - Spread Your Music Everywhere Make sure your original music is available everywhere it could possibly be. Once you've filed your song with the copyright office and registered with a PRO (Performing Rights Organization), sign up for Distrokid and get your song distributed to all of the important streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio and so much more as well as social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. This way no matter where listeners get their music, they will be able to find you and listen to you. This goes hand in hand with your social media presence. Post singing videos everywhere, even if they're just covers. Make your voice heard and show off! Tip #7 - Be Yourself Last, but certainly not least, is be 100% completely and authentically yourself. Listeners and labels want to find something new and unique, not something that already exists. Don't try to be just like your favorite artist. It's okay to be inspired by someone in your music, but it's not okay to be a copycat. Find things about yourself and your music that is unlike anyone else and write them down. What makes your song more special that the thousands of other songs that released today? Take what's different about you and flaunt it like it's nobody's business. Being yourself is the best way to grab people's attention and gain new followers. Have any other tips and tricks for success you'd like to share? Follow us below and tell us what you think! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Out of Phase" - Ginger and the Peppers
Certain periods of time can leave us feeling invisible. As if everything around you collapses into a never-ending cycle of unfamiliarity and you are left grasping for any shred of normalcy. This feeling was successfully portrayed in Ginger and the Peppers’ new single, “Out of Phase”. The band’s five members share a desire to reach people on an emotional level through art and music. With each new release, they hope to create tracks that represent and illustrate the raw human experience. “Out of Phase” contains well-constructed lyrisism that can be deeply analyzed to determine a metaphorical meaning. For instance, the lines “The talking, it’s jading” and “Can you even see me?” evoke a sense of nothingness and its repetitive nature. Ginger and the Peppers combined electric instrumentation, crisp vocals and purposeful lyrics to create a stunning rock anthem that not only pleases audiences’ ears, but also touches their hearts. “Out of Phase” features thrashing drums, intricate guitar riffs, and powerful vocals. Julia Dillon’s impressive voice ranges from deep and raspy, to high-pitched belts. Her striking long, drawn-out notes, paired with the band’s exhilarating drum and guitar beats, make for a wild piece of art, reminiscent of 70’s classic rock. On January 13th, Ginger and the Peppers released the “Out of Phase” Official Music Video, which has already earned over 19k views on YouTube. The video features warm-toned lighting and stabilized camera movement, creating both a vintage and cinematic vibe. The inclusion of bizarre or unexpected visuals, make for an almost “indie” production style. These peculiar scenes pair nicely with the song’s messaging of being lost in an unusual state of mind. Originating from São Paulo, Ginger and the Peppers is a Brazilian rock band aiming to showcase a true, diverse representation of modern Rock ‘N’ Roll. The five-member music group is comprised of Julia Dillon (vocalist), Alê Masili (guitarist), Paulo Gonzaga (guitarist), Itto Menezes (bassist) and J.P. Masella (drummer). Each artist brings their individual musical experiences to the group, forming the band’s unique sound. Ginger and the Peppers were officially formed in 2020, with their debut single, “Out of Phase” releasing in November of 2022. The band has already amassed over 22.9k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, with “Out of Phase” garnering 97.8k streams and counting. Their second and most recent single, “Plastic Time”, released on January 20th and features more stellar vocals and intense instrumentation. It’s clear that Ginger and the Peppers has the captivating voice and musical capability to fulfill their dreams of helping to revive the rock genre. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW GINGER AND THE PEPPERS:
- Review: "Anyway (feat. RuthAnne)" - Cash Cash
These days it feels like those sappy, kissing in the rain relationships are closed off in tight-sealed glass shields, only for people to look at and not touch. Those glass shields are usually movies and books, outlets that people use to escape reality in order to fill their desolate romantic gap. So, when you do find someone who is just like Noah from “The Notebook” or Ally from “A Star is Born,” it feels liberating. Cash Cash co-wrote their wonderstruck electronic song, “Anyway” featuring RuthAnne, relishing on the feeling of finding someone who loves you despite your flaws; something that is sadly rare in today’s dating culture. The heartfelt synth-pop song is about finally breaking through the glass shield and taking what is rightfully theirs: unconditional love. No matter your company and situation, “Anyway” is the perfect track to dance the night away to on a lit-up cubed floor. Magically optimistic, “Anyway” is heavily saturated in synths, beaming up the technicolor of both the track and the lyrics. Wholly romantic, the catchy pre-chorus sets up the stage, “Seeing through your eyes/Making me feel like that all my wrongs/ They might be right,” preparing for the triumphant chorus, “No matter what I do or say/ You love me anyway/And every part I wanna change/ You love me all the same.” RuthAnne has the perfect rich vocals to make the lyrics soar with the music, allowing the listener to look through rose-colored glasses. Cash Cash also showcases their impressive production skills, transforming the song into a world of bursting color. Forming in Roseland New Jersey, Cash Cash is a high-energy EDM band that first began with friends, Jean Paul Makhlouf and Samuel Frisch. Around 2007, Jean Paul’s brother Alex joined the group, establishing the group to a solid three. Throughout that year they began working on demos and creating rough cuts, while landing on the name Cash Cash and signing with Universal only a year later. After building a loyal fanbase from their 2008 album, “Take It to the Floor,” and their 2012 album, “The Beat Goes On,” they began spreading their wings slowly through hits. Their single, “Take Me Home,” pushed them to take flight in 2016 and they have remained global favorites since. Over the years, Cash Cash has collaborated with a plethora of well-known artists like Julia Michaels, Wiz Khalifa and Fitz & the Tantrums. Now, they are back to business releasing their newest single, “Anyway,” the first since their 2021 album, “Say It Like You Feel It”; a promise to fans that new music is on the way. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW CASH CASH:
- Review: "Everything I'm Missing" - The Thing With Feathers
With the release of their latest single, "Everything I'm Missing," The Thing With Feathers effortlessly marry their alt-rock sensibilities with the style of 2000's pop-rock. The result is the most nostalgic sound in the Nashville band's catalogue, but with the same immediacy of their other work. It feels less like looking back on the past and more like realizing you're living in it. The instrumental leans on the band's strengths: bittersweet bass, punchy drums, and memorable hooks all rendered in a clean and clear mix. The writing, however, softens the track into something more aching than forceful. As soon as one section builds momentum, it releases into free fall. Everything gorgeously rolls like waves, allowing the soft but dominant vocals to coast. The central emotion of "Everything I'm Missing" is much more difficult to pin down than on first glance. The poetry of the lyricism (among the group's best to date) suggests something more nuanced than FOMO. "Lately I'm drawn to this constant commotion / I can't afford to start to settle down." The words skip like a smooth stone over water, threatening to sink to the seafloor. The foreboding sense that everything might suddenly be plunged into darkness at a moments notice is prevalent in the sound and lyricism. Remarking on how disconnected life can make you feel, especially when its changing so fast ("stuck in this daydream, and it keeps going on and on"), the whirlwind of touring and performing is undeniably a driving force behind this song's subject. It's exciting to be caught up in the commotion, but it can also be difficult to process. The Thing With Feathers have made a name for themselves in Nashville's underground music scene for their unapologetic alt-rock jams. Equally as dedicated to introspection as dance, the band's discography is connected by their visceral appeal. "Everything I'm Missing" is just the latest single teasing towards their upcoming EP. 2022 saw the band kicking into high gear: releasing multiple singles, touring, and being featured at South By Southwest. With the forthcoming release, this year is undeniably going to be even bigger for The Thing With Feathers. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW The Thing With Feathers:
- Review: "I Will" - Bertie Newman
“I Will” is a stunning and soulful ballad about how hardships can serve as the catalyst for change and growth. Newman’s writing is startlingly poetic and refreshing - his employment of natural beauty like the sun and sky in accordance with his ever-changing moods adds a second artful layer over the track. The rawness in his voice lets listeners fall prey to his breathy delivery, opening the track to our own interpretation while keeping it true to himself. Newman’s heartfelt and delicate voice captures all the quieter moments of tranquility without sacrificing its highs and lows with its rousing chorus. The flowing sound of overlapping revert guitar lines with the layers of piano, electronic bass, and wide drums add layers of texture over his smooth voice. With subtle moments of experimenting production and a warming sense of honesty alongside melancholy as the piece draws to a close, Newman creates a pleasant and engaging atmosphere to remind you to open yourself to change, to welcome growth and new perspectives. Bertie Newman, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter born and raised in Hackney, London, has seen a gradual but undeniable rise to stardom. First achieving buzz with his most recent single “Seaside Eyes”, Newman was featured on BBC Introducing London. Going viral with his recent cover of “IDK You Yet”, Newman shows his versatility with his delicate handling of a serious topic. “I Will” is only the beginning of Newman’s inevitable climb, offering thoughtful lyrics combined with raw emotions. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW BERTIE:
- Review: "Billy" - Daniel Herr
“Billy” by Daniel Herr is an emotional ballad about a little boy who dreams of being a ballerina. When we are young, some of us have dreams of being the president, or an astronaut; some kids dream of fitting in, and some dare to stand out. We can tell that Billy was special from an early age, and sadly other kids don’t like to let others shine. Life as an adolescent can be such an enigma. In the walls of our bedroom, we feel free and envision ourselves dancing across a Broadway Stage; our parents sit in the living room with beaming smiles as we do the same routine over and over. Then, we get to school and are harassed and beaten down for the same thing we are celebrated for at home. It’s not a coincidence that the one thing we get torn down for is the one thing that brings us back to life. People, adults and kids, who don’t have a passion or deep love for something will try their damndest to make you lose your zest and talent. Jealousy is truly a disease, and these bullies wish so bad to have an ounce of the confidence we exude, so instead of working hard and finding their thing, they’d rather sit back and laugh to mask their deep insecurities. As hard as it may seem to fight through the laughs, the pain, and the hurt, we can not let the outside noise drown out our inner-monologue. We must stand tall, and proud, and remind ourselves the only voices that matter is that of ourself and the people who support us. We will have the last laugh one day, and so will Billy, when they announce his name and he takes the stage by storm, and the world knows him by name and embraces him for all he is. Daniel Herr is an incredible, chilling storyteller. This song plays like a movie in your mind. You can feel the emotion and depth from the moment this song begins to much later because it’s the type of music that sticks with you. It’s the type of music that makes you want to jump through your phone, find Billy, and give him a hug and support. “Billy” is such an important message that is crucial for the world to hear. We just celebrate each other and each others’ differences. The world would be a much better place if people had Daniel Herr’s open heart and outlook on life. Daniel Herr is an American singer/songwriter who was raised in Paris. He has an angelic, calming voice, and he sang lead vocals in the contemporary worship band of the American Church in France which greatly inspired him to begin songwriting. Daniel even taught himself how to play guitar and piano. He returned to the United States to chase his dreams of writing and recording music, and was signed within a year. Daniel has a deep soul and a unique perspective on the world, and with songs like “Billy”, he is going to change the world one song at a time. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW Daniel Herr:
- Review: "Drive Alone" - Carson Ferris
Forging your own path in life can be difficult, especially when you're young and beginning a new journey. People constantly try to tell you what you should do and give contradictory advice, but at the end of the day, you have to do what's best for yourself. Carson Ferris expresses this in his new single, "Drive Alone." The song reflects on his journey as a young musician and finding his own path, making the decisions that will get him where he wants to go. Whether beginning a journey in the music world or not, "Drive Alone" is a song we can all relate to. No matter where we all might be in our own journeys, we can all think of a time where we've struggled to find ourselves in a sea of advice from others. "Drive Alone" is a catchy electro-pop song released earlier this year. The song is a reflection of Ferris' journey in music, which is prevalent in the lyrics. From the start of the song, you can tell the meaning behind the lyrics as Ferris sings, “Should I stay or go, everyone tells me as if they know. Feels like I’m being towed like I’ve lost all control.” "Drive Alone" was inspired by a simple phrase: "take the next left." This came from the GPS giving directions to Ferris' meeting with artist and music producer, Michael Van Wagoner. This small phrase is what led Ferris to begin writing what is now "Drive Alone." The single features plunky guitar strums and smooth, pleasing vocals that would resonate with any fan of electro-pop or fans of artists like Ed Sheeran and OneRepublic. "Drive Alone" also has an acoustic version that is well worth a listen (or several!). From Provo, Utah, Carson Ferris is a young American pop artist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. He released his first single in 2021 called "Can't Be Without You," a collaboration with Trinidad Cardona. Carson won a social media contest in 2021 to be featured in Donny Osmond's Las Vegas show. His second single, "Favorite Time of Year," has garnered almost 400,000 streams within the first year of its release. Carson is featured on the Spotify Editorial Playlist, "This Is Trinidad Cardona," and he has played a couple of festivals in the Provo area, including Fork Fest. Carson's passion for music extends outside of his solo career as he is a member of the groups, One Voice Children's Choir and Voices Elevated. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW CARSON FERRIS:
- Review: "Paradise" - Frankie Orella
Frankie Orella’s, “Paradise ” is a pop song that touches on the negative thoughts that anxiety fools you into believing are true, and allowing it to prohibit living your best life, growing as a person, and creating memories. According to Frankie, she had the “tendency to let anxiety ruin the good moments in life”, and in this song, she reflects on her wants and needs for her career and personal life, but how she felt defeated from the anxious thoughts that were stopping her from putting in action towards receiving them. Sometimes, anxiety can be a feeling of doubt, fear, worry or stress that instills negative thoughts in your mind that trick you into believing you’ll fail at something you want to do. It results in you believing these thoughts, which in return lead you to feeling comfortable with where you’re currently at. It prohibits you from making progress towards the good things you want in life, just like Frankie said. Although these thoughts are not true, it does cause you to feel scared that you might fail in trying something new. It leads you into being stuck, which then has you missing out on the paradise life you desire. With “ Paradise” , Frankie uses her voice to free herself from these emotions and thoughts into a song that many people can relate to. Frankie jumps into describing how anxiety makes her feel by using the words “scared” and “paralyzed.” Scared is used to describe how she thinks she's going to fail when trying to get the things she wants in life. In return, she now has gotten tricked and used to being comfortable with not going after her plans and not making progress, hence being paralyzed. In the singer's mind, she believes that if she doesn’t make an attempt to go after certain things that could bring her paradise, it's a guarantee that nothing will go wrong and that she won't have to worry about her efforts possibly failing. In the intro where this is described, her voice is low and the beat is slow. This is her showing the sad mood she's in when experiencing these thoughts and emotions. In the chorus, she states “ I want more ” multiple times. By feeling stuck, you feel like you can't or shouldn’t even try to go after the things you want. She wants to do more, and she wants things to come her way, but it’s not happening because of this fear of failing and her dreams falling through. She shares that she wants true friends, happiness, and wanting more things that would feel like she’s done enough in her life. With a faster beat, high notes and a projected voice, Frankie is telling herself and the listeners what her goal is. She just wants more. She needs this anxious and fearful feeling to go away in order to get that paradise life that consists of her dreams coming to life and being happy because of that. She just wants to thrive, and she deserves to. She deserves a life of positive thoughts, and a life where she blossoms and flourishes in both her professional and personal life. Frankie Orella is an alternative pop artist from Nashville, Tennessee. Paradise is 1 of 6 songs from her newest EP titled, “ Sad in Paradise” . This album was released just a week ago on January 12th. In an Instagram post about the release, she states that she used this piece of art as a way to let out the negative emotions that she's been feeling and using her voice as a way to “express a lot of what I’ve held onto for years.” She continues, stating that by being able to let go of these hidden emotions that have affected her from creating memories and growing as both an individual and artist, she now feels healed and free. According to her Spotify, Frankie has over 16,000 monthly listeners with her most popular song being, “Come Home”, with over 25,000 plays. Make sure to check out Frankie’s new incredible album, which also includes a piano version of Paradise! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW FRANKIE ORELLA:
- Interview: "Strangers on a Train" - Connor Kirk
“Strangers on a Train” is a tune that has a timeless feel, one that could easily be considered a classic both today and in musical eras gone by. What does this song mean to you? Connor: That means a lot. For me I think the song represents a transition out of the "retro funk" style that I had previously been working in and into a more art-rock-based sound--less defined by decade or previously established aesthetic. I saw on your Facebook page that you listed Bowie, St. Vincent, and Lou Reed among some of your musical inspirations and influences. If you had to choose just one, which of these would you say most gets your creative energies flowing? Connor: Because St. Vincent is currently working today, I'd say that she's the one that most encourages and challenges me to get to work. What are your hobbies and interests outside of music? Connor: I'm fascinated by art in all its forms. If I'm not writing or performing I'm likely making/viewing visual art, reading, or watching some oddball art film. Who would your dream collaboration involve? Connor: There are so many people I would love to work with. A few names that come to mind are Ryan Lott, Ian Chang, and Rafiq Bhatia from the band Son Lux and of course, Annie Clark (St. Vincent). If you could sit down with any artist (past or present) for 15 minutes and have them answer every question you could pose, who would you choose and why? Connor: This is a great question. If they were required to answer truthfully I would have to say, Bob Dylan. There are so many questions about his creative process that I would kill to have insight into. If they didn't have to answer truthfully I'd say the painter Jasper Johns, as he'd be far less likely to lie. What’s coming next on your musical journey, and what should fans be keeping an eye out for? Connor: I've got yet another single coming out next month which I'm really excited for people to hear! It's an acoustic version of a previously released song that allowed me to work in a very different way than I usually do. It's centered on rawness and robust vulnerability, and I forced myself not to meticulously hammer out the idiosyncrasies. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW CONNOR:
- Review: "Strangers on a Train" - Connor Kirk
Most can relate to the dream of finding their true love. Many hopeless romantics have the tendency to envision every passerby as a potential soulmate. Connor Kirk’s new single, “Strangers on a Train” communicates a tale of longing for the perfect relationship, opposed to the more commonly found short-lived romance. The song almost presents itself as a ballad to a love not yet found. Connor’s rich voice and subtle rasp bring an old-school vibe to the tune. The song’s beautiful lyrics bring forth much personality and mystery. For instance, the verse “They’re selling love that’s tailor made for me and you” leaves audiences feeling the butterflies of a blooming romance. “Strangers on a Train” contains groovy instrumentation and hearty vocals that serenade listeners and present a sound to accompany the feeling of real connection. “Strangers on a Train” opens with subtle guitar strumming, soon contrasted with the addition of a booming drum beat. Simple synths add a high-pitched instrument to the single, elevating the romantic and dreamy elements of the song. Connor’s strong voice ranges from rich and deep to angelic and high-pitched. His vocals contain the perfect amount of funk that makes for a nostalgic and classic listen. This fusion of pop and funk-rock is the unique style that has been missing from the modern music scene. His utilization of vocal layering adds an echoing effect that pairs nicely with the song’s vintage vibe. “Strangers on a Train” is the perfect track to evoke passionate dancing and pure glee. Based in Philadelphia, Connor Kirk is a talented singer-songwriter and electric performer. With notes of pop, punk, alternative-rock and funk, Connor’s music caters to a wide audience. His debut EP, titled “Fire in America” was released in 2020 and its song “Your Kind of Love” has reached over 4.1k streams on Spotify alone. In 2022 Connor released four new singles, closing out the year with his most recent bop, "Dancing With The Dogs”. He is active on TikTok, posting content that gives fans a glimpse into the life of a rising musician. Aside from song promotion, Connor posts clips from his live performances, where we can see his lively dancing, audience interaction and some acoustic reinterpretations of his original music. Connor has a star quality stage presence and has opened for bands such as Ceramic Animal and Young the Giant. Connor Kirk’s wide vocal range, creative lyricism and exhilarating personality set him apart as a talented artist with limitless potential. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW CONNOR KIRK:


















