Richardine Bartee
Lonnie Leo – Wrong (Submission)
It’s a rainy day in New York City, so the more comfort, the better. Lonnie Leo’s voice opens its metaphorical arm to tranquillity and relaxation. As the wind blows through my window, I feel as if the freedom he sings about is present. No judgment or setbacks, just peace. Hear the Nashville, Tennessee-based R&B/Soul singer’s new track below.
The Little Miss – American Dream (Submission)
The Little Miss has a new track out that drove me to question what it is to be an American in 2018. The beauty of the recording takes me back to when I was a young American girl. I didn’t have to worry about American politics, heinous current events, and the ugliness of the world, nor becoming an older American with little to no chance of securing health insurance. As the lyrics suggest, ‘But most of all I would like to be free’. Listen to the patriotic ‘American Dream’ below. It has whistles in the composition, for crying out loud!
Duckwrth – FALL BACK (Submission)
Before we get into the sound of the record could we talk about the cover art for a second? Your man Duckwrth did not come to play. I am not entirely sure, but I think it is the official cover art for his forthcoming project aptly-titled, ‘Falling Man’ out this Fall through Republic Records.
Have you ever told someone to fall back? Or did you fall back from a relationship? Listen, I am so extreme that if I fall back, the hair on my neck is bound to touch the ground, but that sort of behaviour never makes all parties feel good. Thankfully, the incredible artist Duckwrth made a song to make it easier. It’s a hard-hitting record with multiple flows and melodies that will leave your ears in amazement. Is Duckwrth playing any live shows in New York City anytime soon because I’m trying to be there? (Unfortunately, I will not be in town when AFROPUNK is happening, but it looks like he plays Rough Trade on October 19. Someone, from the label, please, make it happen. Put me on that guest list!) Most DJs don’t play the kind of music I like to dance to, and on the Rap/Trap tip, I can’t meet up with Nolita all the time to see her sets. I wish I could.
But that’s enough of my thinking aloud. If you aren’t listening to ‘FALL BACK’ by now, you’re bugging! It’s time to turn all the way up!
SG Lewis – Better featuring Clairo (Submission)
Summertime will always symbolise new beginnings and romance. It’s been happening well before my time, and I reckon it will continue long after my time. Thus, artists make music that matches the spirit of the season often. ‘Better’ is one of those songs that feel like a warm day at a carnival. The smell of cotton candy is in the air. You’re curious, looking at what you like, humans included, and shooting your shot.
If you aren’t familiar with rising artist Clairo, you should check out her music video for a song called, ‘Flaming Hot Cheetos’. It has over 2.9 million hits so far. It’s her first official music video.
CUCO – Summertime Hightime featuring J-Kwe$t (Personal)
Come on now. I just learned about this kid, after watching Clairo’s video. He’s nailing it; putting on for the awkward boys in the world. Watch the well-done music video for ‘Summertime Hightime’ below.
Frankie Leonie – Johnny Cash (Submission)
And as you’ve probably guessed it, like The Little Miss, Frankie Leonie has alluring, clear vocals. I fell in love with various genres of music at a very young age, so musical style doesn’t limit me. Quality songwriting is what often piques my interest, more than anything else. So when I listened to ‘Johnny Cash’, I fell in love with what Melissa Bollea Rowe and Frankie Leonie created. It’s an honest Country song with soulful vocals that go back to her church roots in Austin, Texas.
Check out the track backed by The Texas Gentlemen, produced by Beau Bedford now.
The Bay Rays – Can’t Let Go (Submission)
There’s a vast difference between musicians who can sing and the ones who can carry a note. That wasn’t me being catty. It was me being transparent and real. Without further day, I present The Bay Rays, a group of talented men who sound like they’d sit down with my father in his pinnacle od broadcasting to interview. A love a song that can make me travel in time. How about you?
