GRUNGECAKE

Category: Lists

  • 5@5: A morning playlist featuring Jet Vesper and Chris Bullinger

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    A mix of smooth and non-interruptive music shines on this morning playlist featuring Jet Vesper, Chris Bullinger, Loose Buttons, , and . Therefore, we believe these records are the best of the week. Check them out below.

    Jet Vesper – Sonny (Submission)

    Australian artist Jet Vesper has recently released a new track called ‘Sonny’ from his sophomore album entitled ‘Casual Viewing Experience’. It is a funky, seventies nostalgic lead single that highlights a beautiful sunny day, a family affair, flowers in his señorita’s hair, and all-around good vibes. Let the warm track be part of your day’s soundtrack or playlist. It might put you in a ravishing mood.

    Chris Bullinger – Fallin’ Things Let Fall (Submission)

    Turning the volume up to make your soul rattle and making you get out of bed, American artist and poet Chris Bullinger’s high-octane song ‘Fallin’ Things Let Fall’ is what you may hear in a motion picture tied to one of the craziest, bad-ass action scenes. Listen to the single. It is the second single from his forthcoming album called ‘Nowhere To Fall’. Unfortunately, we do not have a release date yet, but there’s an intention to release more singles in late Summer/Autumn.

    Loose Buttons – Just a Boy in a Band (Submission)

    This week, New York-native four-piece band Loose Buttons released their new sad yet electric track, ‘Just a Boy in a Band’, about chasing fame, facing self-doubts and rejection. When explaining what the song is about, the lead singer Eric Nizgretsky shared the following:

    “This song is about coming to grips with the fact that I’m frankly just a boy in a band, holding onto that childish belief that maybe, just maybe, we can trick you into thinking we’re something more. There’s so much going on in the world and then there’s us, fumbling around, trying to make something stick. And yet here we are, pouring everything we have into roughly three-minute songs, like it might actually change something. The best part is getting to do it with my bandmates and best friends, still chasing that feeling – like a kid who just pulled off their first magic trick.”

    Listen to the new bold track below. If you are okay with getting deep into your thoughts in the morning, you may appreciate it.

    Nizgretsky is a first-generation Ukrainian American with roots in Kyiv; based on the information we received, within the past year, they organised a series of benefit shows to help wounded and displaced people in the country. If I were in New York City, I would have loved to attend one of their shows to see them in a live setting because I think it is a matter of time before they cross over, achieving their hopes and dreams.

  • 5@5: A morning playlist featuring ThaFirst and KWESI

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    A mix of smooth and non-interruptive music shines on this morning playlist featuring Bat Zoom, OKARO, ThaFirst, KWESI, and Fletcher Tucker. Therefore, we believe these records are the best of the week. Check them out below.

    Bat Zoom – Lemon (Submission)

    Bat Zoo showcases enchanting power through a new track called ‘Lemon’. We get to see men cry on-screen, weep in real life or sing proudly about the lows of their relationships. One could argue that the chaotic sound, which enters at the ten-second mark, is an interruptive (based on ear sensitivity or personal music taste) composition, mellowing out soon after, making it the sort of jam to ease into your mornings.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOLos-xD7vY&h=315]

    OKARO – Like That (Submission)

    Swedish-Assyrian musician—OKARO—real name Delia Okaro has shared what her team seems to think of as a “sleeper hit” or a “slow burner”. Her latest song ‘Like That’ is doused with heavy Hip-Hop drums and distorted bass, telling the unfortunate story about lusting after an individual who “has it like that” and seemingly embodies what she wanted in an intimate partner.

    It’s said that the producer-songwriter plans to take the stage at Sweden’s PLX Tjärö 2025 Festival in mid-August! We would be on the other side of the planet, but we hope to see clips of a stunning live performance on one of her pages.

    ThaFirst – Ran Outta Luck (Submission)

    Last month, the son of Boy Better Know Grimes artist Frisco, North London rapper ThaFirst returned with the official music video to his new track ‘Ran Outta Luck’. Celebrating the city of London in the backdrop, the official shows off “the ends”, the spread-out skyline, and its iconic double-decker buses. When he’s not making music, he graced the runway in shows like fellow Londoner Skepta’s MAINS show and what it takes to earn hefty co-signs from fellow artists like Wretch32, Knucks and Pozer, according to the information received. We cannot wait until his streams match his outstanding profile. To help him achieve that, check out the music video below.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWvbySZ_rzc&h=315]

    And if you’re into the “going to Mars” thing, you and the rising artist fancy the same things.

    KWESI – NEWPHONEWHOTHIS? (Submission)

    Have you enjoyed the inevitable multiple evolutions of Hip-Hop music over the years? I have, and one of my favourites is the dark, rage-infused sounds that have encouraged more new-age artists to sing-rap for over a decade.

    If you ask me, it’s a favourable nod to the distinctive styles with F1LTHY and KP Beatzs at the intersection.

    If you like Lil Uzi Vert and Playboy Carti and anything coming out through his Opium (00pium) label, there’s a high probability you may be into Cincy artist KWESI’s ‘NEWPHONEWHOTHIS?’ It’s the fifth track on his new extended play ‘SHEESH!’. After you listen to this one, it will be difficult to close your eyes again.

    Fletcher Tucker – To Light a Fire featuring Phil Elverum (Submission)

    If you want to head back to sleep (because you woke up too early), we think this track by the self-described “Freak Folk” artist Fletcher Tucker’s ‘To Light a Fire’ may do the trick! It is a ten-minute [plus] work, featuring Phil Elverum (Mount Eerie) on percussion, inspired by surviving “a white-out blizzard in the Sierras and the hypnotics of Hildegard von Bingen”. Stream the song and see if it doesn’t put you in a tranquil state.

  • 5@5: A morning playlist featuring Sokusen and Roses Are Dead

    If you’ve been in a slump because of the global pandemic and the worldwide protests against racism, here’s a list of five songs, with little to no words or lots of words but packed with the energy you need, to wake you up inside featuring explosive songs by Canadian Metal group Sokusen, Iceland’s Hugar, and more.

    Sokusen – Easy (Submission)

    I don’t know about you, but some in quarantine days made me want to scream as I watched Black people get tortured and cry out in fear of losing their lives. ‘Easy’ doesn’t promise that anything will be easy, but it does bring a sense of relief to my current anxiety. Souksen is a Metal band from Canada, they don’t have a huge following, but they ought to have a loyal and supportive fan base. Here’s my attempt at helping that come true, so run it up.

    ill.Gates & UHNK – Trapezoid (Submission)

    Roses Are Dead – Drown (Submission)

    Hugar – A New Renaissance (Submission)

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg-ZFP7EJkY&h=315]

    Flevans – Realisation featuring Laura Vane (Lonely Boy’s Isolation Mix) (Remix by Lonely Boy)

  • Toronto music legend Keysha Freshh launches ‘GRUNGECAKE PRESENTS’ playlist (Interview)

    It’s been a while since Keysha Freshh had one of these moments with me. If you aren’t familiar with the former Sorority member, the Hip-Hop group was named one of Exclaim’s ‘Canada’s Greatest Supergroups’. None of us could imagine the world would turn out the way it has. From the coronavirus outbreak to the global protests against police brutality, we are living in unprecedented times. We caught up to talk about how COVID-19 has affected her, self-care, new artists that should be on my radar, and more.

    Listen to her handpicked selections, totalling in four hours and eighteen minutes, below. It features many obscure artists I didn’t know about until I viewed her tracklisting.

    GRUNGECAKE: It’s been a while since we’ve connected in this way. How have you been?

    Keysha Freshh: Too long to be honest. All is well, I have zero complaints! I see you’ve been out here THRIVING!

    GRUNGECAKE laughs.

    GRUNGECAKE: One day this month (May), you reached out to me to ask if you could make a playlist for GRUNGECAKE. I don’t know why we never thought about it before, but it’s a genius idea. Do you make playlists often? Who are the top three new artists on your playlists? Why should they have our support?

    Keysha Freshh: I know! It just came to me! We live in a generation where the industry, as you know, is single driven. So now, we have the power to create the listening experience we want. I love the fact that I can curate my audio environment, and just let it play. And I wanted to share that with the GRUNGECAKE viewers. Top 3 for me, definitely Leila Dey, Lex Leosis and Kalisway, also (sorry, I know you said 3) Matt B. Those artists are all bringing something new and vibrant to music in my opinion. They each have a unique and confident sound.

    GRUNGECAKE: Are you dealing with any losses? Have you been blessed to create during the quarantine? Any healing or self-care in your daily activity to cope with what’s happening?

    Keysha Freshh: I’ve honestly been cleaning my space, cleansing my space and praying over my space. I personally have not had any close losses due to what’s going around, but I’ve had close relatives who are older, contract it, very scary. I’ve been writing and crafting music for other artists, actually. I’ve been spending more time being me on social media, creating funny videos and classic content. Less music-focused, more visuals focused, short clips on Instagram and the likes. Also, taking this time to network and connect with people who, under normal circumstances may be unreachable. I recently was on Sway Calloway’s IG Live.

    GRUNGECAKE: Do you have any post-quarantine plans? How do you think the world will look after this? Are you worried?

    Keysha Freshh: I plan to relocate after quarantine. Quarantine has given me the courage to go after things that otherwise seemed unattainable. I realize, that we do not control time… so the least we can do is utilize every second of it. The world will be very remote after this, it already is… but it will be at proportions we’ve never seen. I’m worried for the mental health of society after this, especially the essential workers. People who’ve lost their family members, they’ve had to kind of compartmentalize their grief because we are actively dealing with a pandemic, once it settles, this will hit people hard, I think about these things often.

    GRUNGECAKE: Are you binge-watching anything? Are you in isolation with family? Have you become closer?

    Keysha Freshh: I’ve recently binged watched a few things. ‘Money Heist’, ‘Outer Banks’ are my top two quarantine binges. I also really liked ‘Black AF’. I’m quarantining with my parents, brother and uncle.

    GRUNGECAKE: You told me about a new artist today. Tell the people who she is, and why you think people should know about her? Is she on your current playlist?

    Keysha Freshh: Her name is BILLBOARDBABY and let me tell you, she will be a household name very soon. I’m a huge fan, and I’m excited to see her blossom. She’s very confident, her wordplay, her flow, her bars, her style… everything about her is on point. She’s ready for the world. She currently doesn’t have any songs out streaming but she’s working on an EP. If you check her IG (@billboardbaby), you’ll see some videos and freestyles there. You’ll get the exclusive.

    GRUNGECAKE: How can we learn more about what you do? Where can we find you?

    Keysha Freshh: IG (@freekeysha). Twitter (@freekeysha) or just google “Keysha Freshh”.

  • 5@5: A morning playlist featuring Izo FitzRoy and Kyyhky

    Luxgaze – Vivaldi’s Fall (Submission)

    Last week (May 5), Canadian Nu Jazz/Jazztronica musician Luxgaze shared ‘Vivaldi’s Fall’ with the world. Slightly off-kilter in its production, the song is a “chill, experimental” vibe, that takes you to another plane if you let it. I’m unsure where the destination is, but it does give me the feeling of floating and meditating for the duration of most of the composition. If you need a song to help you transition from that sluggish slumber, give her latest song a try.

    SRCMTRL – Quite Unknown (Submission)

    Keeping the tempo and the vibe the same, New York’s Lo-Fi Hip-Hop instrumentalist SRCMTRL isn’t interruptive in our morning efforts. Reminding me of childhood cartoon soundtracks and lazy quarantine mornings, ‘Quite Unknown’ is relaxing in its delivery, and tries to tie in the title with sample audio that features a man talking about a friend who owned a record company. The friend sent a demo of an album he was about to release to him. The sample cuts of there, so it allows the imagination to run wild. Check out the single from his debut album ‘La Vita è Bella’, which is Italian for ‘Life is beautiful’.

    Kyyhky – Let Me Be With U (Submission)

    Bringing the tempo up a little is a Finnish Lo-Fi Bedroom producer with the lead single from his independently released EP ‘I Feel Lonely Too’. Now, if this music doesn’t resonate with any of you during this lonely, scary and uncertain time, I don’t know what will. One to travel, and seemingly, enjoy life to the fullest, the artist was inspired by “long nights spent walking the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo and the late Summers in the Nordic wilderness.” I want to hear the remainder of the project soon, to hear how Kyyhky (pronounced ‘Coo Coo’) transforms his thoughts and feelings into sound. Hear the self-recorded, self-mixed and self-mastered track below.

    Izo FitzRoy – When the Wires Are Down (Kraak & Smaak Remix) (Submission)

    Leading us into the morning with more words and fewer thumps, Kraak & Smaak remake the Izo FitzRoy power ballad original ‘When the Wires Are Down’. All parts of the London singer’s song are beautiful, soulful and bluesy production hugging and fitting her raw vocals like a glove. It’s the kind of production you want to see in a live setting, so you make a day out of it, whether you have a date or not. Here’s the Dutch musical duos rendition of the song described as a “downtempo rework that’s perfect for the late hours or the afterparty.”

    Certain Self – Temporary featuring Mr Dev of MAURICE (Submission)

    Now, that you’re out of bed, let’s walk into the bombastic ‘Temporary’ by primary artist Certain Self featuring a verse by Mr Dev of New York City band, MAURICE. If you ever listened to music by Ninjasonik or even Mindless Self Indulgence, who are fellow New York City blended-genre bands, you may have an appreciation for the Indie Electronic track. From its fun vocal deliveries to the trunk-rattling production, it reminds me of long nights in the Lower East Side on the back blocks of Delancey Street. If you miss being outside, travelling to your favourite dive bars and pizzerias, you’re going to feel this.

  • New Music Sundays: 5 new videos you need to watch featuring Future, Pop Smoke, and more

    Future – Tycoon (Personal)

    Currently trending on YouTube at #46, Future’s latest features a beautiful woman by his side as he sings/raps about transcending from the bricks to the big screen. Sharing some detail about the lifestyle of a hustler, ‘Tycoon’ follows the rules of Future’s signature bombastic production and hypnotising melodic delivery. Watch the clean Elf Rivera-direction below.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLkC4ombo9A&h=315]

    Fivio Foreign – Wetty (Personal)

    Brooklyn’s it-boy Fivio Foreign picks up where he left off with his risky lifestyle in his new cinematic visual for ‘Wetty’. As the love story plays out, he and his girl face a near-death situation, and she doesn’t scurry. To my liking, at the end of the video, he plays out the first verse of the song. It’s what made me like the song the most because who doesn’t like when art imitates life? By the looks of it, Brooklyn Drill is here to stay, and Foreign will forever be on the frontline. Check out the visual now.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRcbKqtjS04&h=315]

    Lil Durk – All Love (Personal)

    One of Chicago’s Drill pioneers, Lil Durk is back with the official visual for his endearing song called ‘All Love’. Looking to take his career to the next level, he talks to friends about connecting to the souls of his fans. Check out the black-and-white video featuring concert footage currently trending at #4, below.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2npm2gFddg&h=315]

    Rich the Kid – Easy (Personal)

    On a Brooklyn Drill beat, Queens-native rapper Rich the Kid brags about his lady wearing Chanel only; no Yeezy’s. Posted up at a laundromat and deli for the linkup, he and some friends hang out, dance to the uptempo beat, and eat pizza. At the end of the video, he pays homage to the late Pop Smoke. Watch the official visual for one of the vivacious singles from Rich the Kid’s new album, ‘Boss Man’ now.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw6wujeTQB8&h=315]

    Pop Smoke – Shake the Room featuring Quavo (Personal)

    The moment of silence at the end is beautiful. Try not to cry as you watch. Currently trending at #13 on YouTube, the posthumous visual for ‘Shake the Room’ features Pop Smoke and Quavo spending time together in Paris, France. As an avid listener and supporter of the Brooklyn Drill movement, not only is this one of my favourite songs on ‘Meet the Woo 2’, it is so good to see them having fun. Pop Smoke was really on his way. I predict this song is going to chart. Watch the video to see our fallen hometown hero in one of his last moments. And thank you to Virgil Abloh and his team for getting this done.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoHaaOpOjqo&h=315]

    Lil Skies – Havin My Way featuring Lil Durk (Personal) (Bonus)

    As both artists offer tight verses on the danceable track, the video for ‘Havin My Way’ opens up with the two—Lil Skies and Lil Durk—tied to the ropes like puppets. Next, they’re in the crowd amid zombie-like people. It isn’t clear how they got there, or why, but it makes for a damned good visual. In particular, Lil Durk’s verse starts with referencing Lil Baby and Gunna’s famous hook on the chart-topping record ‘Drip Too Hard’.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ZI-EFJ-Uo&h=315]

  • New Music Sundays: 10 new artists you should know featuring Asoh Black! and JSPH

    JSPH
    Photo: Instagram

    Prince Wiser, Chris Patrick, and Samad Savage – Evangelion (Submission)

    Prince Wiser, Chris Patrick, and Samad Savage join forces on this hard-hitting track. Each verse starts with rapid-fire punches and slows down without taking the foot off our neck. The intensity of this track leaves you in awe as the song builds, wondering if you’re ready for the following verse. Each artist complements each other on this high powered release and gives us an appropriate showcase of their talents. We hope this isn’t their last collaboration!

    Neak and Since9ine6ix – AbstracT (Submission)

    Listening to Neak and Since9ine6ix’s collaboration, ‘Abstract’ transports us to the 90s almost immediately. From the beat to the flow, we get a nostalgic feel that has you legitimately wondering if this song is new or if you’ve heard it before in your youth. The lyrics are intense and woke, not worried about ruffling any feathers at all. The rappers discuss the stigmas that come with being Black. You can tell that Neak and Since9ine6ix are way ahead of their time and class based on their stylistic choices made on this track.

    Asoh Black! – AP Watch (Submission)

    Asoh Black’s originality and sound are refreshing and perfect for your playlists. His flow in his track ‘AP Watch’ is fun and so different that you can’t stop listening. He talks about blowing up and his plans to buy himself a nice watch and his mom a house, something that we all can relate to. A YouTube commenter referred to him as a “hidden gem” and I couldn’t agree more! Fans will definitely enjoy the style that Asoh Black brings to the game.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtqg-TeDSGU&h=315]

    JSPH – Time in LA (Submission)

    Capping off your playlist needs to be JSPH’s ‘Time in LA’. The beat and his voice are both hypnotic and can ease you back into the work week. He talks about needing to find himself and ground himself in reality, something most casual listeners will understand. The track is motivating, reminding us to keep ourselves on track and get to the bag. He keeps it too real about not being grounded, a reality check we all need as we head into the work week.

    https://soundcloud.com/jsph-2/time-in-la-1/s-kR4x3

    Coma Tek – War God (Hami Remix)

    The soldier sees beauty only in the blood of his enemy.

    Anyone ever read anything as deep as this? Well, Coma Tek’s remake of the Hami original doesn’t stir away from the full-on Dub soundscape, but gives it another dimension of “cool”. It is an incredible rendition of the juggernaut sound. Listen to the explosive track below. (Richardine Bartee)

    My Ugly Clementine – Try Me (Submission)

    After a good turn-up, we’re always looking for a way to quench the flame in us, momentarily. ‘Try Me’ by Austrian band My Ugly Clementine should help you get there. Released last month, the band refers to the record as “as unusual Valentine’s song that was a gift to itself on [its] first birthday”. The Post-Punk outfit delivered a song about loving yourself before anyone else, opening up and communicating to remain your self and still giving everything you can and want for a person you love. It’s deep. The single is from their album ‘Vitamin C’, which comes out March 20. We’re into it. (Richardine Bartee)

    Arkells – Years In The Making (Submission)

    Canadian fun band Arkells share the colourful visual for the high-energy track ‘Years In The Making’. If you haven’t heard a great hook in a while about working hard towards something, the JUNO-Award winning band will do it for you. We all need motivation and inspiration from time to time. There’s positivity in their message; I love that. Check out the well-made music video below by one of Canada’s most in-demand live acts. (Richardine Bartee)

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CdcqGjQvb4&h=315]

    Mannequin Online – I Do (Submission)

    We wrote ‘I Do’ to encompass the late-night rush of escaping a crowded bar or party to be alone with someone you’re extremely interested in. It also doubles as an anthem for when you’re starving, waiting for takeout food, and can physically see the restaurant taking their time preparing your order. Either way, we hope listeners find ‘I Do’ to be a soundtrack worthy addition to their late-night drives and/or questionable evenings on the town as we intended for it to be.

    If you’re looking for a song that seems to be suited for warmer weather, ‘I Do’ by Mannequin Online needs a place on your weekend playlist. Stream the Electro-Pop track by the Los Angeles-based duo below. It’s a feel-good record. (Richardine Bartee)

    Mae Muller – Therapist (Submission)

    How authentic are you when you’re in relationships? Would you be able to be with someone like Mae Muller, who keeps it frank with their assessment of you? How would hearing that you need a therapist change you? Would you listen? If it meant to keep her in your life?

    On the flip side of that, if you were Mae Muller how much would you be able to take before you exit the “one-way” relationship? There’s only so much one person can take of giving to not get anything back in a union. Written by Mae Muller herself, David Pramik (Bebe Rexha/Machine Gun Kelly) and Caroline Ali (Dua Lipa/Ella Mai), the relatable record purveys her honesty. It’s admirable. (Richardine Bartee)

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pDgPv33DCQ&h=315]

    Airospace – The Pleasure Is All Mine (Submission)

    If you love Hip-Hop, in the traditional sense, or lyricism, it will be easier for you to appreciate this one. Delivering his vocals like famed underground rapper Aesop Rock, newcomer Airospace shares ‘The Pleasure is All Mine, a short composition about how his city raised him. One of the lines about someone not wanting to be with you until you’re busy, resonating with me, so that’s what made me get in tune. Listen to the Southeast DC rapper’s latest track below. (Richardine Bartee)

    Solarrio and Niniola – On My Mind (Submission) (Bonus)

    We had a hard time selecting this one because we felt Niniola’s vocals outshines Solarrio’s, but opting out to support the Nigerian vocalist wasn’t fair to us. The French recording artist didn’t record his part in a way that displays mastery, but the lyrics he sings—flatly—are lovely. Flowing like a fluttering butterfly over the World Music production, the famous singer lends her warm vocals in English and Yoruba. If you’re in love or plan to be in the future, we feel the wording of the record ‘On My Mind’ suits said moment. Listen to the track, now, below. (Richardine Bartee)