Shylah Ray: Singing as Prayer, Living as Art
Mike Hall: Expression Without Consequence
MIKE HALL IS AN INSTRUMENTAL BASSIST who uses a distinct creative approach to his music that involves a blend of harmonics, two handed tapping, slap, pop and flamenco techniques.
Classically trained on the upright bass, Hall went on to form a band which played alongside several pop rock groups such as Blondie and Joan Jett, and he is now striking out on his own with his unique brand of solo instrumental songwriting.
His sound is reminiscent of Victor Wooten, but with more emphasis on a melodic, ethereal, atmospheric vibe. His original songs tell a sweeping story, much like looking at a landscape painting. He uses his instrument as an orchestra, and creates unique melodies on the bass that set his musical style apart, landing himself on our radar of artists to watch.
Hall's music puts us in a good head space, and would be the perfect backdrop to a writing or study session, or even cinematic films, and his growing catalog of stellar cover songs are worth the watch on his YouTube channel. In this interview, Mike Hall shares his intricate songwriting process as well as his thoughts on staying inspired during difficult times, and ultimately choosing self-expression over fear of striking out on his own.
Anna Wolf: Life in Metaphors
I'VE BEEN OBSESSING OVER Anna Wolf since she first sent me her music a few years ago. I love her alternative sound, and I get excited to see anything she releases. She recently dropped a new single that I'm enamored with, entitled "Mother," and I think Anna is a master at vocal delivery, songwriting and music production. She can sound like a lot of different singers all in the same song, but "Mother" is especially a masterpiece of production.
The Vogts Sisters: Old Mountain Music
THE VOGTS SISTERS ARE an Americana-Folk duo from the midwest with soft, haunting voices fluttering together in perfect harmony over their special blend of ethereal, finger-picking goodness. The sisters compliment each other in an otherworldly way, their harmonies unexpected and seamless. They've got something special, and their latest album is the perfect one to add to your forest-wandering playlist. Each and every song on the album is impeccably arranged, produced and performed. There's not a single skip, each track teaming with its own unique magic that brings the entire body of work together in a beautiful way. The sisters are self-taught musicians, but they sound like old souls who've been singing for decades, evoking a peaceful spirit of American folk and Appalachian roots. We love the simplicity and mystical feeling of the arrangements, the smooth harmonies at times tugging at our heart strings, luring us in to listen to the next track.
WD-HAN: Music is Modern Magic
Fidan Aliva: Music is My Remedy
ALTERNATIVE ARTIST FIDAN ALIVA delivers airy, buttery vocals over smooth tracks with a pale ribbon of R&B running throughout a dreamy, ethereal electronic landscape. Her sound has just enough alternative to keep her in a lane of her own, but hints at a seriously smart marriage of the ever atmospheric Bjork and the sultry soul of Sade. We fell in love with every stylistic whisper... each dark, smoky note.
The Eiffels Spin Us Right 'Round
THE EIFFELS ARE AN INDIE POP band that's been on our radar and in our playlists for a few years now. Hailing from Los Angeles, the band has been piling up a stack of accolades from magazine write-ups and radio play in L.A. to landing tracks on video games, hit Netflix movies and MTV series. They've performed at Van’s Warped Tour and performed with artists like X Ambassadors and Plain White T’s.
Graci Phillips: Whispers in the Wind
GRACI PHILLIPS GIVES US SWEET, sweet relief from the stresses of the world with her stunning EP releases, Burning House EP and Stopping by Woods. Her beautifully pure vocals dance over emotive and articulate lyrics, accompanied by an Americana-based indie pop/folk instrumentation, with songs like the balladesque EP title track, "Burning House," and the upbeat folksy swing tune, "Conductor Doctor." Her most recent release, Stopping by Woods, offers the wintery love song, "Rainy Tennessee," along with a few holiday songs that bear her signature sound and thoughtful arrangements — including a haunting and utterly euphonious musical interpretation of Robert Frost's famous poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."
Kim Logan: Elevating the Experience
KIM LOGAN FLAUNTS AN exquisite sultry voice, sexy lion mane of hair, rocker vibe and songs that make us feel like we're throwing back a moonshine at a cool blues bar. Her 2013 self-titled debut album, Kim Logan, is what first caught our attention. "Black Magic Boy" bears a retro soul sound and just enough witchy vibe to make us instant fans. The entire record sweeps us up into a jazzy swamp stomp airboat ride through the Delta, Logan's smooth and soulful voice enticing us with precision and force.
Stevie Victory: World of Another
HE'S A MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST with a distinct personal style. His acting roles can be seen on such independent films as Counting to 1000, a post-modern horror flick that has received the Best Film award from SATO48 — Stevie himself landing runner up for Best Actor. He has a solid background writing and performing music in various formations, and is an incredible portrait artist, painter and a master of the Deitra runway, adding his own personal flair of character stemming from his acting experience. A truly deep soul and creative entity, Stevie has a mind that we could dive into head first. Following is a photo shoot created by Deitra photographer, Leslie Tucker, as well as an exclusive interview that merely scratches the surface of this ultra-talented dude.
Inkblot Astronaut: Into the Stratosphere
INDIE ROCK BAND INKBLOT ASTRONAUT brings us a mix of rock and funk fit for today's pop music landscape. With a flair from 90s and 2000s rock, Inkblot Astronaut was created by vocalist Zak Armstrong and lead guitarist Mike Fowler, and the duo is joined by bassist Ryan Hertia and drummer Eric Gendron.
Dinorah: Magic, Wonders + Dreams
WE LOVE BILINGUAL ARTISTS, and Dinorah delivers that and so much more with her sultry voice and enigmatic interpretive sound. Performing a range of genres including alternative, R&B, soul, Latin rock, psychedelic jazz and Reggae, Dinorah lends an eclectic mood to our favorites playlist. Her expressive raspy voice flutters around the notes with precision and control in songs like "Over You," giving her instant unique identity. "Night Like This" is a deep and dark sensual R&B track, while “Déjame Caer” is a soulful Latin balled fit for the pop charts. Her signature vocals cry with edge and emotion in the alt-rock song "Whatever Happens," just one of the notably listenable tracks on her Cosmic Vision EP.
Born in La Paz — the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur — she grew up during her first years in between borders of Tijuana and San Diego, then later moved to China with her parents. Now based back in California, she has performed in many countries, including China, India, the Philippines, Mexico and the U.S. With exposure to so many different countries, musical tastes, languages, and cultures, it's no wonder that Dinorah delivers a transcendent sound that is all her own.
Lo$ol: A Sound Soul
WHEN A SONG CAPTURES a familiar emotion, it makes the artist relatable to anyone who listens and connects people to the music. In the case of Lo$ol's "You Won't Hurt Me," the feeling of depression is a recognizable wraith and touched an intimate chord in my soul.
The World Over: A Primal Need
STANDOUT ALT-ROCK BAND THE WORLD OVER landed an instant spot on our top ReverbNation Submissions list and a permanent spot in our underground music hall of fame. Comprised of dynamic frontwoman Tiaday Rocke, guitarist Ryan Knecht, bassist Juan Arguello and drummer Alejandro Mercado, The World Over is poised to take their place on the Post-Hardcore throne.
Laci Mercede: A Superpower Love
SINGER/SONGWRITER, ACTRESS, PODCASTER, PHILANTHROPIST. Laci Mercede is doing it all. Hailing from the sunny state of California, her signature soprano rasp vocals caught our attention in the R&B groove track "Penny." Her voice pierces over Luke Mitchell's smooth velvet accompaniment, with an addictive beat and undeniably catchy hook that showcases Laci's versatility as both songwriter and rising star. With a likeness to vocal queens like Bebe Rexha and Rihanna, Laci Mercede's voice has a quality that's crazily irresistible, and coupled with the ability to spin body-rocking tracks and heartfelt tributes alike (ala the heartbreaking ballad "Jake"), Laci Mercede is up and coming pop gold.
Hy Brasil: South for the Summer
AMONG THE MANY SUBMISSIONS from ReverbNation artists, Cali-based band Hy Brasil has always taken a place in our top tier of favorite artist picks. Hy Brasil has infused their unique brand of indie rock pop with 80s synth riffs and a solid beat backbone, topped with vocalist Wyatt Hull’s rangy and enigmatic voice. The 2018 release of their South for the Summer EP is a blend of lysergic 80s electronic and hook-laden power pop. Beginning track "Let Go" caught our attention with its driving rock beat and an incredibly catchy hook that recalls bands like The Killers and Panic! at the Disco. Hy Brasil's 2019 album For the Birds is a smart followup with seasoned and confident tracks like the ambient coastal cruising song "I Will," and "Do-si-do" — a powerhouse of neon-lit, sweeping ambient pop rock. Read more about Hy Brasil in our exclusive interview with frontman Wyatt Hull.
Samantha Paige Lucas: Sultry Poet
POP SOUL SINGER/SONGWRITER Samantha Paige Lucas immediately lured us in with her flute-like vocals and sultry vibe. Her single track "Wish You Were Mine" is a slow groove beat that showcases her unique tone and lyrics straight out of a lovesick diary. With a passion for music and performing on stage, S.P.L introduces a sexier, darker sound to hip hop beats and R&B soul songwriting.
December Fades: Crash and Burn
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| Photo by Erin Laméy |
DECEMBER FADES HAS CAUGHT our attention with his moody, melodic alternative tracks and dark, melancholic lyrics. This is the type of music that melts us into a deeper frame of mind, and brings on a cathartic creative spirit. Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Rogers is masterful and imaginative in his soundscape portrayal of the emotionally raw and gripping moments of tragedy and romantic upheaval. In this evocative interview with the artist, Rogers describes an intimate connection with his own demons, his artful approach to songwriting and his windfall underground successes after the release of the ingenious Is It Love EP.
Greathouse: Bringing Back the Love Song
BRINGING BACK ROMANCE TO a genre he loves, R&B artist GREATHOUSE offers a deep, velvet vocal backed by a classic bluesy gospel sound. His track "Forever" is a soulful ballad that has been popping up on our radar over and over again, officially landing a spot on our favorites playlist. We were excited to get multiple submissions from GREATHOUSE, and even more thrilled to finally interview this genuine, heartfelt singer/songwriter.
July: London Soul
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| Photo by Dean Aladay |
R&B AND SOUL ARTIST July hails from London, UK and offers a sweet, sultry vocal delivered over smooth pop beats. Full of emotion and intensity, July’s songs have a worldwide appeal with songs about life, love, the cosmos and everything in between. Finding a solid space on our playlists, July is at the beginning of a musical career worthy of following.
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