This Toronto based singer has worked hard to create something that the world needs more of. The first single from her upcoming EP, ‘Rise Up!’ is a pop hit with plenty of tricks up it’s sleeve. With plenty of soul, an uplifting infusion of reggae, an emotive video and a great deal of heart and passion in her lyrics it’s easy to see why Liz has such a following. What truly sets this song apart however is the movement behind it. It is a call to arms for people to work together to bring some positivity into their lives and make an impact in their community. To that end Liz has been hosting school workshops to encourage young people to make a change for the better and has been inviting people to join in on social media with the #RiseUpMovement hashtag.
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Album Review: Bon Iver – 22, A Million
Bon Iver – 22, A MillionAlbum Review: Passenger – Young as the Morning Old as the Sea
Passenger – Young as the Morning Old as the SeaTop Tracks: The Only Ocean – So Shy So High
Just recently we have been blessed by the return of dream pop to delight our ears with it’s hazy goodness. It’s the kind of music that’s the perfect soundtrack for quiet reflection, for letting your consciousness disappear into the ether, for feeling like you’re part of a whole different wondrous world. It’s also the kind of music that this California four piece have perfected with their latest single. Having released their atmospheric eponymous debut just last year, The Only Ocean are eager to share more of their music with the world with their forthcoming EP TOO. If this first single, which combines airy dream pop with anthemic indie, and the intriguing artwork are anything to go by then it’s definitely something worth checking out.
Top Tracks: Cosmos & Creature – Young
Sometimes the hands of fate are kind enough to bring people together who are a perfect match. That seems exactly the case with Cosmos & Creature, the electropop duo consisting of Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore. They each first made a name for themselves by writing hits for other artists and have since been gathering their own fanbases for their solo careers. Burnette with his latest EP State I’m In and Moore with her debut release Shadow of the Sun have shown the vast songwriting talent they possess, which has now pooled together for this latest adventure. If the pop perfection of their first single ‘Young’ is anything to go by then Cosmos & Creature are greater than the sum of their parts and are truly a creative force to be reckoned with. It looks set to be the first of a long line of hits for the newly formed partnership of these two talented songwriters.
Album Review: Billie Marten – Writing of Blue and Yellows
Billie Marten – Writing of Blues and YellowsSpotlight!: Jake Davis
With his debut EP The Valley, LA native Jake Davis has shown what it takes to find success. Drive and ambition are essential for the music industry and they are two things that Jake has in spades. The Valley showcases a wide range of styles and genres often within the same song. ‘Half Past 9’ combines heavy synths with a top notch bass line to create a slice of gold standard electropop. ‘Saying It Right’ is a sure fire R&B summer anthem and his latest single ‘So Le Me Go’ throws a slick alternative rock riff into the mix, taking a leaf straight out of Lenny Kravitz’s book to really shake things up. His EP boasts a high standard of production, most of which is the result of Jake himself working from his home studio. There are plenty of people out there who can put out finely polished pop hits, and likewise there are many people who are gifted with vast musical talent and the urge to experiment. Rarely do the two schools of thought meet together in such a perfect match.
The Valley is out now for fans of Chvrches, Oh Wonder and M83
Top Tracks: Dalia Dargazli – Shades of Green
Following on from her Sugarlows EP in March, Toronto based singer/songwriter Dalia Dargazli has released her latest stunning single ‘Shades of Green’. In many ways it is an unusual meeting between two very different worlds. Lyrically it could be an essential summer hit, full of carefree fun and chilled out vibes. Musically however this is something far grander, a mellow kaleidoscope of splendid soundscapes. A single listen feels like a peaceful flight over a boundless and breathtaking landscape. The production is immaculate and the percussion in the latter half of the track builds towards a superb close. Dalia certainly has talent beyond her years and is clearly no stranger to big ideas and memorable melodies. If there’s more music of this high standard on the way then she could well be one to watch!
Album Review: Preoccupations – Preoccupations
Preoccupations – PreoccupationsSpotlight!: Gold Complex
In the words of one of the greatest music movies The Commitments: “Soul is the music that people understand”, and few understand how to create great soul the way that Gold Complex do. This Canadian octet have brought a classic timeless sound into the 21st century and have created something slick and sexy with an irresistible groove. Their signature song ‘Backbone’ boasts a stunning brass section and some funky flourishes from the rhythm section. The more restrained ‘Cities & Lovers’ gives room for lead singer Will Bowes to show off his versatile vocals and the guitar work on ‘O.G.’ wouldn’t sound amiss coming from Steve Cropper. I challenge you to resist the urge to dance when listening to their music, but be warned that it is a challenge that you are bound to fail! Sometimes you need to look back to find the way forward and with the band currently recording their debut album New Soul, due in April 2017, it seems Gold Complex could be key players in a stunning soul revival.
Those looking for something fun, fresh and funky should check out the deluxe edition of their debut EP which is available for free download on SoundCloud.
Belwood Music 