Richardine Bartee
Rude Dude and the Creek Freaks – Dan Halen (Submission)
I don’t know about you, but waking up in the morning is equivalent to winning an award for me. Hence, the idea of making a morning playlist of songs that may join me on that journey. ‘Dan Halen’ is a tune that is bound to wake you up because of its amplified guitar and drum combo. Also, when you pay attention to the lyrics, you’ll see that the attitude of the instrument matches the sentiment of its message. Check out the Savannah quintet Rude Dude and the Creek Freaks’ fiery new record ‘Dan Halen’ now.
Special thanks to the band for only sending this song to us to review. It means a lot to me.
Spirit Award – Wasting Time (Submission)
No one ever wants to waste time. At least, not when you’re aware. And luckily, the Seattle, Washington three-piece band Spirit Award has us in line for when we’re in the mood to be productive. Its drum and guitar patterns are wicked and infectious, ensuring its playback value amongst the busiest people during the busiest time of the day. Although the vocals aren’t the clearest, the instrumentation makes up for what I couldn’t hear. Listen to the new Psych Rock track that warms my heart below.
Neak – Legacy (Submission)
As you all probably know by now, I am a member of the Recording Academy, so ‘Grammy Family’ is my song more than it was twelve years ago. If I could make it my alert tone, that wakes me up in the morning I would, but most songs aren’t ringtones on Apple. How does it all correlate to the artist, Neak? A large part of me wishes Neak was actively making music at this level in 2006 when Consequence released ‘Grammy Family’. He would have easily fit into the mould at that time. It is not to say that his sound isn’t appreciated today. However, in time, I believe the sound will repopularise. There are plenty of musicians out there that still create under the following musical genre. It’s only a matter of time. In the interim, let’s celebrate Neak right now. His songwriting skills, breathing patterns, and lyrical and production execution is perfect. Listen to the self-produced single now. He says the “hard-hitting drums/bass hit, heavy synthesisers, and sample chops make up the landscape for me to rhyme over with heart and soul.”
Special thanks to Neak for sending ‘Legacy’ to GRUNGECAKE only through SubmitHub. We, as a team and company, appreciate you more than you know.
Terje Torkellsen – Sean (Submission)
If this doesn’t sound like the morning to you, I don’t know what will. It reminds me of the kind of music that’s paired with stop animation videos or a romantic comedy that ends with a motivational message and hope. Listen to the pleasant tune by the Norwegian singer-songwriter Terje Torkellesen now. It’s his debut record, tributed to Sean O’Hagan of The High Llamas, an Anglo-Irish pop band formed in the early 90s. We hope he hears it.
Christen Kwame – Heartache (Submission)
As soon as the vocals come in when hearing it for the first time, instantly, I felt the urge to be emotional. Departing from any relationship isn’t ever easy, so when the singer belts out the heartfelt lyrics, the listener may remember a time they’ve had to endure such pain. With my lifestyle, many people come and go, but it’s the nature of the business. Seldom, you meet people who are incredible and seem to be a match to your personality. Thus, you build a report with them, and if things do not work out, you feel it. It is like a knife plunged into the meaty areas of your body, and ripped out and put back in, repeatedly. Loneliness is hard, but it is necessary to activate so we can heal and attract people who are for us, unconditionally.
Ness Heads – Pretty (Submission) (Bonus)
When you know your self-worth, you can fully enjoy uptempo boastful songs like hers. Ness Heads’ three-week-old song ‘Pretty’ is different than ‘Flip Em’, but it’s still a bop. It stirs away from her being the “female Post Malone”, but it is catchy. Check out the new song below.
