Albums | comets near me Share Debut EP ‘Don’t Pick the Flowers’
Posted by VMan on June 26, 2024
Rising San Jose-based duo comets near me have just released their debut EP, Don’t Pick the Flowers. This four-track collection, crafted entirely by Maria and Kyle in their backyard shed, showcases their unique sound and heartfelt songwriting.
Maria and Kyle’s journey began in December 2022, when Maria crashed Kyle’s birthday party. They instantly connected over their shared love for Green Day and Bright Eyes, sparking a creative partnership that quickly blossomed. By early 2023, they were spending every moment together, creating music in their shed. One night, they spotted a bright light in the sky, later identified as a comet. Sharing this story with their friend, Patrick, he jokingly asked, “Did you guys Google ‘comets near me’?” Inspired, Kyle responded, “That would be a good band name”, and comets near me was born.
The EP kicks off with “Pedestal”, the first song comets near me ever recorded together. It’s a playful diss track directed at folks that overcompensate for their own shortcomings by judging other people from the moral pedestal they crafted for themselves. The track doesn’t take itself too seriously and approaches the conflict with an open-door policy – “You’ll never change or see my point of view. But if you do, I’ll leave the door unlocked.”
Next is EP focus track “Hallway Light”, a reflection on childhood lies and their impact on adult life. The song questions the purpose of certain teachings and societal expectations, with no clear answers, only a lingering sense of pondering and yearning. Why were we told to believe in Santa? Why were we taught cursive in school? Why am I working this job? These are just some of the questions brought up in “Hallway Light”, which stands out with its juxtaposition of dreary vocals and sparkly bells in the background.
The emotional depth deepens with “The Last Time I Saw Him”, a delicate, finger-picked guitar track about losing a friend to a destructive path. It’s a poignant reminder of the helplessness one feels in such situations. The EP concludes with “Purgatory”, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the melancholic melodies. This track explores the struggle of being stuck in a transitional phase of life, where even simple tasks feel insurmountable. However, it carries a message of resilience and acceptance, encouraging listeners to take things at their own pace: “Maybe in a month, maybe in a year.”
Commenting on the EP, comets near me explain, “We came up with the title for Don’t Pick the Flowers at a photoshoot. One of the photographers knew some of the themes of the EP were growth and loss of innocence, so they suggested we pick some flowers for some shots. Moments later, we got reprimanded by a park ranger and thought it was funny. As a kid, picking flowers is a rather innocent thing. As adults, we continuously pick (or buy) flowers just to watch them die. Don’t Pick the Flowers to us means you don’t need to show off your growth to the world to prove it happened. It’s much better to let the natural growth cycle continue versus potentially cutting it short.” Don’t Pick the Flowers is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
Albums | THMPSN drops new track “Nicole Aniston”
Posted by VMan on June 19, 2024
THMPSN unveils the first single of this new era, “Nicole Aniston,” an official collaboration with Memphis hip-hop legend Kingpin Skinny Pimp, who has become the heaviest sampled artist in the entire phonk genre. Named after the adult film star (who also recorded vocals on the track), “Nicole Aniston” is a drift phonk banger that combines the genre’s signature aesthetic with elegant string arrangements.
“Nicole Aniston” kicks off with haunting piano arpeggios and deep bass tones underlying a spoken passage from Aniston talking about the healing power of reiki. The track then drops into its central phonk beat – a cacophony of trunk-rattling kick-drum patterns, spacious snare hits, and bursts of stuttering hi-hats driving over Kingpin Skinny Pimp’s smooth rap verse.
The track then builds to its cinematic climax, an emotional medley of thumping beats and swirling, lush violin lines.
The track release coincides with an official music video self-directed by THMPSN, who flexes his filmmaking chops on a propulsive, high-energy montage. Kicking off with a shot of THMPSN in a reiki session with Nicole Aniston, the music video then transitions to provocative images of women working on cars spliced with high-speed, aerial shots of drift car racing – an appropriate combination of visuals that emblematize the drift phonk vibe of the track.
The video is also emblematic of THMPSN himself, who, in addition to his loves of electronic music, violin, fitness, and animals, has immersed himself into the drift car world as an amateur driver – yet another addition to the THMPSN lore, a layer that solidifies him as a one-of-a-kind individual.
Albums | Australian newcomer drops first taste of upcoming EP
Posted by VMan on June 13, 2024
Eli is a new project from Melbourne, AUS based upcoming artist/producer Luca Pascucci who is making a unique blend of alternative-dance music with energetic-club and hyper-pop/punk influences, which can be likened to a mix between Skin On Skin, Bladee, and Nia Archives. His eclectic vibe is uplifting and the new music you can check out above now is a very impressive introduction to his sound. Read a quote from him on the release after the jump!
“This first song was the last one I wrote and produced. I made this one quite quickly over just a couple sessions while sitting on a friends couch in their apartment overlooking the shops and busy streets. I had been listening to Scan’s “Bees” on repeat for days and felt like I wanted to make something like that; high energy, rhythmically chaotic with a sense of ‘politely, fuck you’, and as I wrote the lyrics it became clear this was not going to be a typically written track; less ‘verse, chorus, verse’ and more of a continuous train of thought, almost as if it was freestyled. I wanted this track to open the ep as well as showcase the beginning of this project because I feel it very quickly represents what Eli is about. Energetic electronica, more modern club-inspired production, and self-reflective lyricism. The lyrics represent the way I feel about making music and what it means to me—the doubtfulness of creating and the feeling of being out of your depth.” ~ Eli
Albums |
Posted by VMan on June 12, 2024
ZUSO is a project from Australian producer Gabriel Cuenca, who is crafting an invigorating atmospheric-house sound that is incredibly infectious. His new single “Amber” is the perfect vibe to wrap up your week to, so enjoy it now above!
“I’ve really gone for that liquid dnb vibe with this one, combining those fast paced rhythms and drums with my smooth melodic sound. Inspired by the sounds of nature, it almost gives off a jungle type feel, allowing you to escape and get lost in the rhythm and music of the forest. The atmospheres created aim to play off that andI really hope it does the same for you.”~ ZUSO
Albums | Dublin-based rapper Graham releases new LP
Posted by VMan on June 12, 2024
Dublin-based rapper Graham, a key figure in Ireland’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, FACTS. This 11-track project, produced entirely in collaboration with his long-term partner Hikii, promises to be a breakout moment, showcasing Graham’s exceptional lyrical talent, intricate penmanship, and dynamic, soulful production style.
FACTS features a vibrant list of Irish collaborators, including prominent female artists such as Becky McNeice, Hugh Hempner, and Ellen Lyons. The lead single, ‘Falling’, features established and rising alt-pop singer-songwriter Becky McNeice, whose lush, pop-woven melodies and glittering lyricism provide a perfect platform for Graham’s introspective rhymes and flows. The track delves into the complexities of relationships, offering a nostalgic lens that resonates deeply with listeners.
Albums, Techno | ‘Let Me Go’: Hear Luca-Dante Spadafora, MOTi, and VIZE’s Soundtrack To Summer
Posted by VMan on June 8, 2024
Luca-Dante Spadafora, MOTi, and VIZE are absolutely killing it in the music world! Luca-Dante has over 400 million streams and even topped the charts in Germany and Austria with his hit “Mädchen auf dem Pferd.”
MOTi, a global sensation from Amsterdam, has worked with top hip-hop stars like Ty Dolla $ign and Wizkid, and his tracks have hit over 150 million streams.
VIZE has scored got over 2.5 billion streams, sold 1.3 million records, and earned more than 75 gold and platinum awards across 18 countries. These guys are unstoppable.
Their awesome new track, “Let Me Go,” is a festival anthem through and through. It kicks off with a thumping beat that immediately hooks you. Then, it transitions to these grand piano chords that make put you in a heavenly space.
Just when you think you’ve got the vibe, the hard-techno drop slams in, taking the energy to another level. The second drop is goes bigger, with intricate beats that keep you dancing till the end. “Let Me Go” is a rollercoaster of emotions and sounds, leaving you pumped.
Albums | PS1, Jack Kelly & Bertie Scott create deep house magic on ‘After Dark’
Posted by VMan on May 31, 2024
New York City native and hitmaking producer PS1 joins forces with rising Belfast talent Jack Kelly on the emotive deep house cut, ‘After Dark’. Released on their label and management home, Perfect Havoc, ‘After Dark’ features the sublime vocals and writing talents of BBC Introducing “one to watch”, Bertie Scott and is altogether a stunning piece of work.
Starting out aged just 15, the Belfast-born music producer Jack Kelly began his journey by remixing the hits of the moment and uploading them to Soundcloud. Fast forward to the present and Kelly has coined his own distinct sound; a modern and futuristic style of deep house music, coupled with melodic lines and indelible toplines. Success came with singles ‘Backwards’ and ‘Driving’, earning him fans in Nicky Romero, R3HAB and Sam Feldt, and radio support from BBC Radio 1 and KISS FM. Most recently, his debut on acclaimed label Selected, ‘Into The Bloom’ with Tobtok, crashed the 3.5million streams barrier, pushing Kelly further on the trajectory to becoming his nation’s brightest rising star.
PS1, also known as Peter Conigliaro, experienced a remarkable ascent in his music career. He made history with his debut single ‘Fake Friends (feat Alex Hosking)’ on Perfect Havoc in 2020, as the sole debut artist release in the UK tosecure A-list placements on Radio 1, KISS, and Capital, going on to chart at No.19 in the UK Official Charts. This infectious vocal house track set the stage for a series of high-quality singles, including ‘Life Goes On’ which achieved BPI Silver status, plus releases on Sony, Spinnin’ and Selected. With over 62m global streams and club residencies across the States, PS1 has also gone on to collaborate with Mistajam and Digital Farm Animals, and remix for Elton John & Dua Lipa, Nathan Dawe & KSI, and Becky Hill.
For alt-pop artist and producer Bertie Scott, he’s no stranger to working alongside Jack Kelly having appeared on Kelly’s 2023 single ‘Backwards’ on Perfect Havoc. Described by BBC Introducing as “electro-pop with hooks you’ll be remembering for weeks”, Bertie Scott clocked over 34 million Spotify streams in just one year with releases via Ultra, Monstercat, and the Nitro/Sony released ‘Whistle’; Scott’s fresh take on Flo Rida’s hit alongside Laidback Luke and Tribbs. With support from Martin Garrix, KSHMR and Don Diablo, and more exciting collabs in the pipeline, the Bertie Scott sound looks to keep on spreading.
Together this trio have created some dance music magic on ‘After Dark’. Its minimal, pulsating rhythm is captivating from the very opening as Bertie Scott’s vocals take centre stage. It pushes forward with a slow and hypnotic beat, gently building up the smooth grooves into a beautifully constructed deep house arrangement, like only Jack Kelly knows how.
There’s lots more in the pipeline from Perfect Havoc for the rest of the year with tracks landing from P.O.U & Scott Forshaw, Tobtok & Oliver Nelson and much more. Now in its 9th year, Perfect Havoc continues to push the envelope of crossover house music and to build on over 10 billion global streams, six UK Top 20 singles and multiple platinum, gold, and silver awards.