James Ollier’s “All That’s Good” is a Celebration of the Present
Happiness is often short-lived. We crave and pursue contentment, but we always want more once we get it. How do we deal with this innately human tendency? In his song “All That’s Good” from his latest EP “The Nomad Frays”, James Ollier shows that we can derive happiness from appreciating and enjoying moments of happiness by […]
Mike Xavier Cautions Against Selfishness in “Open Letter”
A hunger for success can bring you money and fame, but it can come at the expense of your personal relationships. What does it mean to “make it” and why is it viewed as the only path to happiness? In his new song “Open Letter”, Mike Xavier writes about the perils of this belief and […]
The Emotional Charge of Nikita Afonso’s “Holy, My Heart”
Break-ups tend to suck, don’t they? Of course, they vary in severity and fault, but there’s one particular kind that I think Nikita Afonso is addressing in her new song, “Holy, My Heart:” the kind that takes you by surprise. To start of, the title itself connotes a certain shock. She sings “holy, my heart,” […]
Dance the “Holiday” Away with Retro City
From the city of Cape Girardeau, Missouri — known to some as “The City of Roses” — we have Retro City. Becoming buds at their local college before forming their band, they bring influences from artists such as Colony House, Young the Giant, and The Black Keys. Today they bring us a lively track titled […]
Jared Henry lives life “Running Wild”
From Arkansas, today we have Jared Henry who, according to his YouTube bio, is “a professional downhill skateboarder, singer-songwriter, and full-time adventurer.” One of his many tales of adventure is brought to us today by his song “Running Wild,” in which he spins a tale of a road trip resulting in a stuck jeep and a […]
Remove Life’s Shackles with “Freedom” by Brittany Pfantz
In a time of computer generated beats, EDM drops, rap features, and poppy, repetitive melodies, it is not often you get something raw, an anthemic song that shakes you up and makes you want to do something. Don’t get me wrong. The grocery list of Top 40 music elements isn’t bad. Hell, if you can’t […]
Feel in Control with Isak Danielson’s “Power”
One of the most interesting formats I believe a song can have is contrasted musical and lyrical content. You know those songs that you belt in the car or dance to in your room, but only after reading the lyrics do you realize the true story that’s being told? “Some Nights” by Fun sounds like […]
Get High on Brandon Hoogenboom’s “Feelin'”
Love can trick us into thinking we miss a former lover when, in fact, we just miss the high of love. After a break up, many of us start romanticizing our former relationship, looking past the bad and obsessing over the good. But what if you really do love the person, and made a mistake? […]
Jessamyn Day’s “Spinning” Is A Fairground Delight
Ferris wheels spin. Like a Ferris wheel, you can feel your head start to spin when thinking of a lover or crush. When you’re madly in love, or even just enjoying a soft, subtle love, thoughts of your affection spin through your head constantly, whether you wish it or not. Jessamyn Day sings of this […]
The Story Of Samuel J’s “Broken Open”
Possessing a strong sense of self is the driving force behind how someone accepts a difficult situation. You can embrace the struggle, and Samuel J’s song, “Broken Open,” explores this concept with illuminating clarity. “Broken Open” pervades a minimalistic, yet powerful, folk sound that connects with you on a primitive, earthy, level. This calming, peaceful […]
