Richardine Bartee
Mayten – Movements featuring Ella Joy (Submission)
Early in the morning, you’re not looking to get into anything chaotic, if you’re like me. You like your movements to be minimal unless there’s a sexual pretence underway. The noise levels aren’t too high or interrupting. All things are moving along with the tide. It’s what ‘Movements’ by Mayten reminds of most, the moments of my day when things are going smoothly, as planned. If you’re looking for music to calm you down, lower your blood pressure, the new Big Slide Records release is the one for you.
Brandin Reed – Broken Hallelujah (Submission)
Love songs prevail at all times of the year, but Brandin Reed’s ‘Broken Hallelujah’ is one for the Summer in mind. It’s my first time hearing anything that the Texan singer-songwriter has made, but it will not be the last time. His vocal range and clarity, and sonic accordance and resonance are attractive. Not only is it a beautiful song about deliverance, and the inevitable part about forgiving oneself, happily, it doesn’t call for Christian perfection. And that’s whole other story in itself that we don’t have the time to get into today, but I admire the human connection of the lyrics. Check out the fun-loving track below. It is a collaboration with Reid Shippen, who is a Grammy-award winning engineer and the award-winning drummer, Aaron Sterling.
RuthAnne – Liquid (Submission)
In a similar vocal strain of the likes of Jazmine Sullivan and other singers who possess a smoky voice, Irish singer-songwriter RuthAnne bears her soul on ‘Liquid’. Metaphorically, she does a good job at telling a story, sticking to the theme. It may sound effortless, but it’s not an easy task for many. Furthermore, not allowing what someone says to you, get to you, is a rare master skill within itself. According to the press release received, songs she has written streamed over 1.5 billion times. ‘Liquid’ is the third record release from her forthcoming album set to drop in 2019. It may seem far away, but it isn’t. It’s just a quarter away. In the meantime, have at ‘Liquid’. It’s refreshing!
Noah & Shagabond – Arouse (Submission)
I don’t know about you, but I am not the most patient person. When I want something, usually, I get it. Yeah, I am one of those kinds of people. In the last few months, I have had no choice. As someone with intense emotions and an edgy existence, at times, it feels like I have my back against the wall with my hands tied. Has it killed me? No, I want to believe it has made me stronger, but I am in it right now. It is probably something I will not be able to see until time goes on. Above all, I will say that patience, in this case, has helped me to think about and value others in a way that I never had before.
Vocally, Noah & Shagabond are outstanding. I would love to experience their music in a live setting. Noah & Shagabond, if you are reading this, let me know when you will be in New York City!
Lastly, in my mind, I could hear Floetry or Michael Jackson’s vocals seamlessly floating over the ‘Arouse’ beat. I think it’s why it piqued my interest at the beginning.
GOLDSPACE – Bones (Submission)
I love when worlds collide. Hence, my support for ‘Bones’ by the Boston, Massachusetts duo GOLDSPACE. I think they understand how to blend the best of all musical styles that they implement into their music; crafting their sound. It’s a high-energy track with excellent songwriting, that sounds ready for the radio. The Berklee College of Music students has my attention. I think they have a promising future.
Also, thanks to the duo for submitting to GRUNGECAKE.
