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Oriel releases an appealing music video for her “Freedom” single
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Oriel (Oriel Poole) is a half-British half-Filipina singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom. Not too long ago, she released an appealing music video for her “Freedom” single. The video, made in collaboration with Team 3XT, was directed by Ali Roberto and creatively directed by Oriel.
“‘Freedom’ is a call to action. To live and create from a heart-centered life. To step into a life with passion and purpose. I believe we may all find the path and have access to our personal freedom because the truth is in our hearts. Recently, I completed a 10-day silent meditation retreat where we learned about Samadhi. Samadhi can be understood as a return to one’s original state of balance. My time in silence has caused me to understand freedom from a new vantage point, as freedom from the mind. ‘Freedom’ is the liberation from things that keep us small, whether it be with our relationship to external events or circumstances or our relationship to our internal trauma, fears, or negative thought patterns.
‘Freedom’ is a state of being, a road map out of all which keeps us in a state of suffering. For when we release our monkey mind, our attachments, and our cravings, what we are left with is simply the pure nature of our being. When we are able to step into a state of mind untainted by the challenges of life, we find ourselves in a state of inner peace, in an experience of ease and joy. And more importantly, a connection to self-love, and love for each other.” – Oriel explained
Blending the worlds of music, art, and spirituality, Oriel is a multimedia artist who truly defies labeling. With hints of Lana Del Rey and Massive Attack, her music has evolved into a mixture of sensuality, emotion, and honesty that continues to captivate her listeners. Taking the helm of not only her musical vision, but Oriel is also deeply involved with the visual, having creatively directed multiple videos that continue to allure millions: both fans and new viewers alike.
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Three Black Boys book series |
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Eloise Alterman releases a wonderful performance video for her “Carousel” single
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Eloise Alterman is a singer-songwriter from Detroit, Michigan. Not too long ago, she released a wonderful performance video for her “Carousel” single, which tells a heartfelt tale about a young woman who shares a problematic relationship with her significant other. Apparently, the love between them has gone sour, and she is starting to get sick of their relationship. Later, she admits, “I was living the dream until it wasn’t fun. Loving me for both of us. I used to feel like I was enough, maybe, I never was.”
‘Carousel’ contains a relatable narrative and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandi Carlile. The emotive tune possesses electric-guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with contemporary and alternative pop elements. Furthermore, “Carousel” is featured on Eloise Alterman’s latest six-track EP, entitled, “Sad Bird.”
With an understated yet captivating sound informed by longtime influences like Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, “Sad Bird” presents an up-close portrait of heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery. Eloise Alterman boldly pushes outside her comfort zone to craft the kind of timelessly poignant pop songs that cut right to the heart. The project was produced by 8x GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton).
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Tune into Da Hot Spot - our new Editorial playlist |
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Amanda Shires releases a LIVE music video for her “Take It Like A Man” single
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Amanda Shires is a GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter and violinist from Lubbock, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a LIVE music video for her “Take It Like A Man” single, which unfurls with a haunting longing, as Amanda’s bell-like vocals soar. She proclaims, “I was snared by your wrist, I know what the cost is. The octaves of consequence… I know the cost of flight is landing and I know I could take it like a man.” Not only can Amanda “take it like a man,” but more importantly, she can “Take it like Amanda,” as the last line proclaims the clue to the entire album, and perhaps Shires herself.
“I wrote that last line, ‘take it like a man,’ but then I changed it. I realized you can try and do what they say and take it like a man and show that you can withstand anything. But truly you can only take it like yourself. I want people to know that it’s okay to be a 40-year-old woman and be more than just a character in somebody else’s life. The song and the visual representation of the song deal with the emotions that turn prey into predator.” – Amanda Shires explained
Filmed by Weston Heflin, the performance video captures the captivating arrangement of the song featuring Amanda’s tremulous vocals, coupled with the intensity of Isbell’s guitar work and soaring string section. The performance was captured at Columbia Records studio in Nashville; the room’s lauded history includes hosting such iconic artists as Bob Dylan, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Buddy Holly, and many more.
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Zangba's Pick of the Week |
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What I've been listening to this week |
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KUR releases a gritty audiovisual for his brand-new single, entitled, “Seasons”
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KUR (pronounced “Core”) is a rising rapper from Philadelphia, PA. Not too long ago, he released a gritty audiovisual for his brand-new single, entitled, “Seasons,” via DreamChasers/Roc Nation/Republic Records.
Unloading an unbreakable cadence of rapid-fire bars, KUR uses his lyrics as an opportunity to peel back the layers on the different seasons he’s endured in life. Staying true to himself, his confessional lyrics start with detailing his humble beginnings before catching up to his present-day luxuries. The vivid wordplay jumps through the screen of the music video directed by Terrius Mykel with grimy storytelling.
KUR, not caring about nothing, raps wickedly, “He sturdy, he never folded, no creasing. When I f*** his baby mom, we’ll be even.” Apparently, it’s not safe where KUR is from because “it’s kinda hard to make money.” His surroundings filled with armed shooters hopping out of vehicles and dumping shots until their targets are riding lifeless inside trunks stuffed with automatic weapons. Later, KUR raps about people getting aired out for nothing, some tear up because of the struggle, and h*es double back when you blow up.
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Ike Rhein releases an appealing music video for his “Summer Breeze” single
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Ike Rhein is a 20-year-old Miami-based singer-songwriter from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Not too long ago, he released an appealing music video for his “Summer Breeze” single. The steamy video, filmed by Ike Anyanwu (IkeyTV), was captured on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. The visual is just as lovely, if not more lovely, as the single. The colorful clothing and the landscape pay homage to Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture. Also, the video showcases the tremendous on-screen chemistry between Ike Rhein and actress/model, Savannah Lewis.
‘Summer Breeze’ tells a heartfelt tale about a young guy who doesn’t like to be away from his significant other for long periods of time. Apparently, his girl is the love of his life, and he can’t seem to get enough of her.
‘Summer Breeze’ hovers above a love-based narrative and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Kid Travis and TxTHEWAY. The warm, acoustic-sounding summer tune possesses breezy guitar-laden instrumentation flavored with indie R&B and upbeat Pop elements. Furthermore, “Summer Breeze” follows hot on the heels of Ike Rhein’s previously released singles, “Messed It Up” (feat. Luh Kel) and “Violin,” which garnered over 1.5 million streams/views and 2.5 million streams/views respectively.
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Kendyle Paige & Brandon Lee Richardson release their new single, entitled, “BullsEye”
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Kendyle Paige is a rising singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, she and Brandon Lee Richardson released their new single, entitled, “BullsEye,” an ode to Kendyle Paige’s relationship with herself. The song features Brandon Lee Richardson, who added his verse to the track after producing it himself. Later, they added live drums recorded in Kendyle’s attic and felt it was ready. “BullsEye” feels like a critical turning point for both Kendyle and Brandon. A turning point that has the potential to establish them both in the major music scene.
“This single was written from the perspective of looking in the mirror. I wrote it after a night of feeling bad for myself. I knew I was sick of my own patterns, my own bullsh*t. And honestly, I just needed to focus on myself in order to get my sh*t together and be the woman I know I can be.” – Kendyle Paige explained
‘BullsEye’ is also the start of a new era for Kendyle Paige. The likable tune contains a relatable narrative and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Ella Mai, Alessia Cara, and Jorja Smith.
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Jessica Kuka releases an appealing music video for her “Reminiscing” single
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Jessica Kuka is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in Oxford, England. Not too long ago, she released an appealing music video for her “Reminiscing” single, which tells a sensitive tale about an independent woman who was sexually abused at a young age. Apparently, to this day, she’s not the same anymore. Later, she admits, “I know I’m grown now, can’t sit here feeling sorry for myself. But, man, you really f***ed with my health. Now, I doubt every situation.”
“This is personally one of my fav projects. There’s a lot behind it. I wanted to give predominantly women a voice and raise awareness behind sexual harassment which is often overlooked and unseen. I hope you find healing behind my music.” – Jessica Kuka explained
‘Reminiscing’ contains a relatable narrative and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with music lovers. The likable tune possesses piano and drum-laden instrumentation flavored with a contemporary R&B vibration. Also, “Reminiscing” finds Jessica Kuka raising awareness and providing a voice to people who experienced sexual abuse or might be uneducated about it.
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Piper Page releases a wonderful pop tune, entitled, “Do You Want Me Or Not?”
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Piper Page is a singer-songwriter based in New York City. Not too long ago, she released a wonderful pop tune, entitled, “Do You Want Me Or Not?” The song asks the blatant and unfiltered question we’re all thinking (but never ask) when navigating the back-and-forth of a new relationship. With lyrics like “Tired of the back and forth, pickin’ and choosin’ when I’m yours,” Piper perfectly summarizes the wavering that we have all experienced between wanting to make it official with someone and feeling like they are wasting your time.
‘Do You Want Me Or Not?’ contains a relatable narrative, resonant R&B vocals, and captivating melodies that will resonate well with fans of Ella Mai and Becky Hill. The likable tune possesses lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary pop and R&B vibrations. Furthermore, “Do You Want Me Or Not?” is the second single from Piper Page’s upcoming debut album, “Based on True Events,” available in August 2022.
Piper Page's musical influences include Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Ella Mai, and Mahalia.
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martina releases a lovely debut single, entitled, “cloud nine”
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martina is an up-and-coming London-based singer-songwriter from Italy. Not too long ago, she released a lovely debut single, entitled, “cloud nine,” which tells an emotional tale about a young woman who celebrates the feeling of grief while processing losing someone within her inner circle. Apparently, she’s not the same person she was when they last spoke. Also, she misses this individual very much, but she knows what she’s experiencing will get easier over time. Later, she admits, “Many things have changed, some are good, some are bad. Some turned into something nobody could even imagine. But what matters really is that I learned from you that there’s always a bright side.”
‘cloud nine’ contains a relatable narrative, intimate vocals, and introspective lyrics that will resonate well with fans of Ella Mai. The melancholic yet hopeful composition possesses melodic instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, indie R&B, and trap-pop elements. Furthermore, “cloud nine” serves as a wonderful introduction to what listeners can expect to hear from martina in the near future as she continues to release new music.
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Bong Mines Clothing |
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Rep the brand that represents you. If you're looking for comfort, our soft hand-feel fleece hoodie and joggers are just what you need for jogging, walking, or running simple errands.
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Bong Mines "At Home" video series |
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