Arielle Silver Finds “What Really Matters” When Facing Tragedy

Americana Artist Pens Single About California Wildfires and Borderline Bar Shooting
 
Los Angeles, CA — Americana singer-songwriter Arielle Silver releases her poignant and driving folk-pop single, “What Really Matters,” to kick the year off beautifully. The timeless anthem is an exquisite fusion of Americana indie-folk, layered with stomping drums, gritty guitars, and handclaps. Inspired by the California wildfires, Silver brings to light the insignificance of material items through her powerful lyrics and tone. “What Really Matters” is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

 

In this first single from her upcoming album, Arielle Silver recalls a harrowing season in California as gunshots ricocheted through a country bar and the surrounding hills ignited with apocalyptic wildfires. With chomping acoustic guitars and layered harmonies, Silver’s lyrics paint a picture of life’s unspoken deceits. Her thought-provoking lyrics question “what really matters” in the face of life’s ups and downs. “I wrote “What Really Matters” in autumn 2018,” explains Silver. “It was a massively terrible week in SoCal – the news cycle was still reporting the tragic Thousand Oaks shooting at the Borderland Bar & Grill when, a day later, the Woosley and Hill fires erupted.” Silver recalls how  “Northern California was on fire, Southern California was on fire. Many of the Borderland survivors of the shooting were among the wildfire evacuees, as were many others in our community. With smoky air and everything covered in ash, a lot of people were scraped down to the bone. From that this song emerged.”

Produced by Shane Alexander, “What Really Matters” features a sterling cast of players with credits from Lady Gaga to KT Tunstall to Lukas Nelson: Denny Weston Jr., drums; Carl Byron, keyboards; Darby Orr, bass; Jesse Siebenberg, steel guitar; and Mike Mullins on mandolin. Michael Gehring tracked the project at Secret World Studios in Los Angeles in the famous Sound City Studios complex, and GRAMMY-winners Brian Yaskulka and Hans DeKline mixed and mastered, respectively. A loyal group of supporters funded the recording through a Kickstarter campaign.

Arielle Silver is no stranger to the music industry. But ten years ago, with three well-received releases accompanied by national tours, she lost sight of her future as an artist. “Though my heart still ached to write songs and sing, I found that I couldn’t do it,” she recalls. She put away her guitar, moved to Los Angeles, and landed a job behind the scenes in the music industry. She penned and published essays and poems, and was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best New Poets. She baked innumerable pies. Everything changed in 2018, when Silver fell back in love with songwriting and began to perform and create music again. She hopes to inspire people not to be afraid of coming back to their dreams, no matter how winding the path.

“What Really Matters” is the first single off of Arielle Silver’s upcoming album, A Thousand Tiny Torches, which is expected to be released in the summer of 2020. The song is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide. Stay up to date by visiting ArielleSilverMusic.com.

Multicultural Songstress Renay Unveils New Album, Pure Love

Rising Pop Artist Promises Genre-Blending Songs Examining Love from All Angles

Los Angeles, CA – San Francisco-based Dutch/Bolivian pop artist Renay has released her debut album, Pure Love, a melting pot of her singular songwriting, production and meditations on love. The album is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide.

Opening the record is the lead single, “Wanna Share,” a song, “about how I’m in a place now where I’m confident, I love myself, and I’m ready to share myself,” explains Renay. This idea is reflected in the track’s straightforward lyrics, sung in Renay’s gently self-assured voice. Musically, “Wanna Share” is detailed and dynamic, ranging from moments of swelling stillness to flurries of percussion, bouncy bass, and eclectic synth arrangements. Resulting from three years of hands-on work from Renay and collaborators such as BTWN Music and 808 Mafia’s Swede (DJ Khaled, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne), the production is meticulous and diverse. Electro-pop slow-burners like “Inspire Me” give way to searing reggaeton beats on the title track as well as “Baila” and “Infinito,” which also highlight Renay’s bilingualism with their Spanish lyrics. In keeping with the record’s multicultural theme, the album’s title track features guitar work from Caribbean artist, EMJE. The tail end of the album takes detours into even more genres, impressively without losing Renay’s core sound: the trap beat on “This Ride,” 90s funk with “Destiny” and elegant electro-reggae on “Butterfly,” the album’s soft rhythmic closer. As suggested in both its title and tracklist, Pure Love as an LP expands on the eagerness for love introduced in “Wanna Share.” In songs like “Inspire Me,” Renay doubles down on romantic and physical love as a larger-than-life, sometimes overwhelming source of inspiration for her, justifying it as the main theme throughout the rest of the project: “this album is a musical ride of my experiences with love’s many facets.”

Renay’s first memories are of her singing – incorporating her diverse background in her melodies as soon as she started writing songs on guitar at age twelve. Before committing to music full-time, however, she pursued academic work across the globe, to help reduce social inequalities she was exposed to growing up. This experience served to further enrich her bilingual repertoire that draws on a large variety of influences. Renay incorporates these influences into her music as not just a writer, but also a producer and engineer, having attended Cre-8 Music Academy’s Music for Commerce program in West Hollywood. Eventually deciding to focus her skills on creating and performing pop songs, Renay has been steadily working up to her debut album, notably winning the John Lennon Songwriting grand prize in the ‘World’ category.

With its varied mix of influences and confident lyrical approach, Pure Love is a proud declaration of who Renay has grown to be as a person and an artist. The album is available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide. You can follow Renay’s journey by visiting RenayMusic.com.

me&you Release Wistful Country-Folk Ballad “S.O.L.”

Rising Singer-Songwriter Siblings Offer Down-to-Earth and Melancholic New Single

Los Angeles, CA – me&you, formed of siblings Connor and Karlee Hormell, have released “S.O.L.”, a country-folk slow-burner lamenting the bad timing of a relationship. The single is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide.

“S.O.L.” is about the frustration of wanting something you can’t have, of wanting love to work out, but circumstances getting in the way. The title is an abbreviation of a prominent lyric in the song: “shit outta luck.” However, abbreviating the lyric for the title doesn’t feel like an attempt to conceal profanity. Rather, it dissolves the vulgarity of the phrase into something more longing and gentle, the same way the Hormell siblings do when they sing the phrase in soft unison. This kind of Americana sincerity is a staple of the band, who never feel out of place embracing it in both their lyrics and the authentic banter they exchange in their live performances. Musically, “S.O.L.” is another one of me&you’s tributes to classic folk and country balladry. Connor Hormell’s delicate singing and acoustic guitar introduce the track, met in the second verse by Karlee Hormell’s piano embellishments and mournful vocals. The arrangement progressively grows to include the duo’s touring band members: Alex Timmons’ patient bass, Brian Simmons’ easygoing triple meter drumbeat and Ben Simmons’ electric rhythm guitar.

“My brother and I always tell each other: all we have is me and you,” explains Karlee Hormell with regards to the band name. Their parents supported their interest in music from a young age, encouraging lessons and new instruments around the house, as the duo jammed on anything from guitar and drums to piano and saxophone. In time, these jams turned into tinkering with songwriting, recording and performing, and evolved into actively pursuing a music career together. When Karlee moved to Los Angeles to study music and work in the music industry, Connor stayed in Sacramento and continued to develop as an artist and producer. Despite the distance, the siblings worked on music remotely each day sending each other ideas and taking turns traveling to each other’s cities to play shows. The duo’s mutual passion for songwriting led them to a month-long campervan trip to New Zealand with a guitar and an overflow of ideas. Returning from the trip, they had enough songs for their debut EP, Chasing Trails (2018). Soon enough, me&you was opening for legendary names in country, folk and indie – backed by their live band that they affectionately call a “family band” due to their drummer and guitarist also being siblings. Now with a headlining tour under their belt as well, the duo is preparing for the release of their new album and an official showcase at the famous South by Southwest festival.

With “S.O.L.”, me&you prove to be a uniquely charming new act in the world of folk and country, making waves with not only quality music, but an unpretentious, genuine demeanor. The single is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide. You can follow me&you on www.meandyouofficialmusic.com.

Rising Musician Nico Grund Releases Rousing Single “Give a Damn”

Songwriter Turns Anxieties About Society’s Expectations Into Pop-Rock Anthem

Los Angeles, CA – International singer and musician Nico Grund has released “Give a Damn,” an upbeat rocker reminiscent of the most electrifying aspects of 90s mainstream guitar music. The single is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide.

“Give a Damn” tackles conformity in today’s world through the lens of Grund’s simple yet engaging lyrics. Straightforward lines like, “You put up a fight, questioning everything I do” stand alongside yearning pleas in, “Why do I care about what they say?” and “I just want to make it end.” The singer’s desperation comes alive in his clean, robust voice, borrowing from angsty pop-punk inflections as much as post-grunge and country crooners. The song’s arrangement is rich and layered: bright guitar riffs compliment thunderous drumming, and decorative piano and acoustic guitar passages – topped off with a searing guitar solo.

Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Nico Grund got his first guitar as part of a school assignment at age fifteen. This started a love affair with music that led him to singing and writing his own songs by the time he moved to the UK for college. Following his graduation from University College London (known for spawning the likes of Coldplay and Alt-J), he signed to Dreamscope Records and started pursuing music full-time. Over the past few years, he performed his wide repertoire of covers and stunning originals in over a hundred venues in the UK and Germany. These originals, which showcase his polished songwriting, were from his self-released 2017 debut Black & White, a blistering 14-track with pristine arrangements and nods to recently bygone eras of guitar music, from soft-rock and country-pop to post-grunge. In addition to standing out with a handful of songs in German that highlight his bicultural identity, the album spotlights Grund’s musicianship, as he plays not just guitar, but bass guitar, piano and cello on several tracks.

“Give a Damn” proves Nico Grund’s knack for writing relatable, down to earth lyrics, and offering a youthful, fresh take on familiar rock traditions. The single is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide. You can follow him by visiting NicoGrund.com.

Rock Artist North Releases “Breaking Me Down” Off Forthcoming EP

British Songwriter and Vocalist Channels Blues-Rock in Blazing Debut

 Los Angeles, CA — U.K. artist North makes her mark with brand new single, “Breaking Me Down.” Heavily influenced by rock and blues, the track pulses with searing guitar lines and heavy bass, elevating North’s raw, powerful vocals. The singer’s gritty performance accurately reflects the theme of desperately needing to break free of a tormenting situation. The song is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

“Breaking Me Down” pays homage to the timeless 12-bar blues structure while also drawing from more contemporary updates on the sound. Co-writer Dan Baune, of the band Monument, assists North in forging a down and dirty slow burner with an unmistakably classic feel. The Animals-esque intro segues into a fiery entrance by North, whose soulful, passionate delivery evokes the likes of Janis Joplin. These more traditional elements are offset by an ethereal bridge, in which a flurry of stunning backing vocals and guitars climax into the song’s laid-back final chorus. Producer Matt Annecharico ensures the crispness of these modern rock touches, as well as coloring the song with additional organs and guitar licks. Lyrically, the song deals with entrapment – the feeling of being stuck in a downward spiral. As North’s thunderous voice laments, “I’m trying to be strong, but this can’t go on,” the listener can identify resilience as much as desperation.

This mix of pain and refusal to surrender is to be expected from the 29-year-old songstress, who’s been through her fair share of trials and tribulations. Her stage name is a reference to the northern part of England where she grew up, “where there’s no such thing as bad weather — only inappropriate clothing!” Perhaps a fitting metaphor for North’s stance in life: she’s heavily influenced by artists such as P!nk and Christina Aguilera because of “the whole strong, feisty and fearlessness thing they portray.” The singer displayed her own fearlessness when, after making her way to London and its grueling music industry, she was one of the victims of a highly publicized fraud case involving music management company BMU. North refused to let this negative experience slow her down, signing to Dreamscope Records shortly after — and continuing to use her music as a way to inspire herself and others to push through life’s challenges.

“Breaking Me Down” is North’s debut and the first single off of her upcoming EP. The song is now available to stream and download on all digital music platforms. Be on the lookout for new music and an EP release later this year. You can follow North’s journey at This1isNorth.com.

Nadia Vaeh Releases Poignant and Personal Alt-Pop Single “Boomerang”

Rising Songwriter To Donate Proceeds to Peace Over Violence For Track About Abusive Relationship

Los Angeles, CA — Alt-pop artist Nadia Vaeh releases “Boomerang,” an emotional recounting of her experiences being in an abusive and co-dependent relationship — set to a potent, soaring synth-pop instrumental. In honor of this message, Vaeh will be donating the proceeds of “Boomerang” to Peace Over Violence, an organization dedicated to building healthy relationships, families, and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. The single is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide.

“When trapped in this relationship, I was broken,” explains Nadia Vaeh. “This song is about being stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors.” The title is a metaphor for how the abused partner in a relationship can feel compelled to keep coming back despite their better judgment. The second verse, however, suggests a turning point, “Can’t keep this circle alive — still dizzy from the last try; time to live with no fear.” Vaeh, who was able to move away from the relationship and change her life for the better, wants to inspire others to do the same. “Our past can shape us, but need not control us. We are more than our pasts.” As part of this aspiration, she will be donating the proceeds of the song to Peace Over Violence, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors who are rebuilding their lives after moving past abusive relationships. The weighty subject matter of the song is complemented by polished, emotive production courtesy of Dion Shaw and Tyler Spratt (Saint Motel, Moby, Dave Matthews Band). Vaeh’s somber vocal melodies move in harmony with captivating piano and strings, backed by drum loops, ascending synths and buzzing bass lines.

Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Nadia Vaeh’s love for music and singing began at the age of two and was nurtured by her parents. Her mother, a poet who shared her love of words and ultimately inspired Vaeh to be a lyricist, passed away when Vaeh was seventeen years old. This shift in her life led to a self-destructive period where she strayed away from music. With endless resilience, she returned to artistry and grew into a performer, creating her own voice and sound. Her music has been played on international radio and she has written over a hundred songs combining elements of pop with R&B, reggae, and Middle Eastern music. With influences such as Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, and FKA Twigs, her sound is a unique collection of pop and personal experience. Through her music, she hopes to help others heal and make waves all around the world.

“Boomerang” proves Nadia Vaeh’s continuing commitment to making music that inspires and uplifts through its honesty, while also forging her own eclectic brand of synth-pop. The single is now available for download and streaming on digital platforms worldwide. You can follow her journey at NadiaVaeh.com.

Josh Lambert Drops Catchy Single “Saturday Girl”

Native Bay Area Musician Captures Los Angeles Party Girl Scene

Los Angeles, CA — Musician Josh Lambert has released his new track, “Saturday Girl.”  The trap-infused track embodies the avaricious girl, comprised of witty lyrics that double as both commentary and critique. Supported by a thumping bass line and guitar, “Saturday Girl” traverses the terrain of mainstream hip-hop with an alternative edge. The single is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

Bay Area native Josh Lambert explores his darker side of music in this new track that bounces between generations. With distinct hi-hats and bass guitar throughout, this song heats up the cold months to follow. In his first self-produced trap song  he exemplifies the money-hungry girl with a carefree attitude. Lambert hopes to inspire listeners to dive into his musicality realms while he explores this boundless journey. “‘Saturday Girl’ explores and exploits the materialistic girl who seems to care more about her belongings and money than anything else,” says Lambert. “Who else in the game is rhyming Klonopin and Moccasins? On a real note, this song shows I can have a simple and catchy chorus with ear catching verses that included rhyme scenes. I’m very particular on my lyrics being thematic and a story to follow.” Inspired by James Bond and the Bay Area,  “Saturday Girl,” carries an air of mystery fused with modern-day sentiment that makes it the perfect song to play in a club or in the middle of an action-packed spy film.

Based in Los Angeles, Josh Lambert isn’t inhibited by genre. Pulling inspiration from all aspects of art and entertainment, including Salvador Dali, the self-produced entertainer makes music that often combines the worlds of trap, hip-hop, and alternative, creating a versatile tone that’s objective is to get the listener

Stream or download “Saturday Girl” across digital music platforms worldwide. You can follow the further adventures of Josh Lambert on Spotify and Instagram.

Teen Songstress Ventresca Releases Video for New Single “Craving”

Budding Pop Singer Deals with the Temptation of New Love in Upbeat Pop Song

Los Angeles, CA – Seventeen-year-old singer Ventresca has released the music video for her single “Craving,” a highly danceable pop sing-along with elements of funk and disco. The lyrics – which question the intentions of a potential partner – are reflected in visuals that are interspersed with Ventresca’s captivating performance. The video is now available to stream on YouTube.

In Ventresca’s gentle, charming voice, the line, “And now you’re gonna make me fall right in – but you don’t care, you never gave a shit” feels somewhat less venomous. Nonetheless, the feelings in “Craving” are unmistakably intense, reflecting the doubts and fears of teenage love and attraction. In the tradition of her heroes such as Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus, the young singer – who co-wrote the single – wraps these feelings in modern, sugary sonics. The song’s arrangement tastefully combines staples of pop, funk, disco and electronic music, switching between glistening EDM-inspired synths and bouncy bass lines, hi-hat heavy drum lines and 80s keyboards. Production credits include Cindy Valentine (Bebe Rexah), who is also Ventresca’s mentor.

Before the two started working together, Ventresca was still figuring out how to make the transition from dancing to singing professionally. Born in Toronto, Ontario, the Canadian teen got her start in show business as part of the Canadian Dance Unit, winning multiple awards as an accomplished young dancer. Inspired by a guitar performance by her brother accompanied by a female singer, she decided to switch her focus onto singing and songwriting, enrolling in vocal lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. With a mini-tour across Toronto and a Grammy week side performance already under her belt, the young talent is back in the studio for more music and a possible full-length project.

With “Craving,” Ventresca showcases talents beyond her years and undeniable pop star potential. The video is now available to stream on YouTube. You can follow Ventresca on VentrescaOfficial.com.

Multicultural Pop Artist Renay Releases New Single “Inspire Me”

Singer, Songwriter and Producer Pens Track Celebrating Her Muse 

Los Angeles, CA — Multicultural songstress Renay released her new single, “Inspire Me,” a richly produced pop track pondering how the burning intensity of love can both inspire and tear down an artist. The song is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

Co-produced by BTWN Productions, “Inspire Me” features elegant, fiery synths over a bed of somber bass and propulsive drums, with Renay’s acrobatic voice dancing over trip hop and electro pop styling. “This song is about how the muse inspires, paradoxically propelling you to create (birth), yet through the intense obsession it devours you (death),” explains Renay. “An intensely positive rendition of the infinite connection between life and death.” The prolific songwriter continues to encourage her listeners to think about these deeper subjects, while maintaining a danceable, catchy sound. “Inspire Me” marks the follow up to her empowering dance-pop single, “Wanna Share,” released earlier this year.

Renay’s first memories are of her singing — incorporating her diverse background in her melodies as she was already writing songs on guitar by age twelve. Before committing to music full-time, she pursued academic work across the globe, wanting to help reduce social inequalities she was exposed to growing up. These experiences served to encourage her culturally rich, bilingual repertoire crossing Latin, electronic music, reggae and even alternative rock. Renay (nee Renee) means to be reborn in French, a name that accurately describes an artist defined by a perpetual renaissance of sound, creating multi-genre music. Getting increasingly involved in the production process of music, Renay was eventually recruited by Cre-8 Music Academy’s Music for Commerce production program in West Hollywood. Honing her musical skills to focus on pop songwriting, she has since released a myriad of impressive singles and won the John Lennon Songwriting grand prize in the ‘World’ category.

“Inspire Me” is the latest addition to Renay’s genre-merging catalog, combining pristine production with catchy songwriting, contemplative lyrics and pleasantly elastic vocals. Download or stream “Inspire Me” now on all digital music platforms.  You can follow the up-and-coming multi-talented artist on RenayMusic.com.

Bad Wolf Drops Nostalgia-Inducing Cover of The Cure’s “Love Song”

Los Angeles Duo Recreates Iconic 80’s Song and Visuals Adding an Alt-Pop Flare 

Los Angeles, CA — With winter approaching, Bad Wolf is giving us all of the dark, romantic feelings we need to cuddle up this season. Their new cover single, “Love Song” originally by The Cure, boasts vulnerable vocals that glide over soft melodic guitars. Combining this well-known track with an eye-catching music video, Bad Wolf is pulling on your emo heartstrings one note at a time. “Love Song” is now available to stream or download on digital music platforms worldwide, and you can watch the video on Youtube.

With such recognizable lyrics, this rendition of an 80’s classic is sure to win over all goths alike. Lead singer, Kota Wade lends her symphonic voice to this original track giving it a surprisingly much-needed female acoustic that is pleasing to the ears. Tommy Oleksyn, the band’s lead guitarist, also lends his voice on the single as a compliment to Wade. “We wanted to cover ‘Love Song’ because it’s always been a favorite, and we thought we could bring an intimate feel to it with duet style vocals, acoustic and spacey guitars, and minimal production,” explained Wade. “We’re both nervous and excited to start putting a new sound forward, and this cover was our first step into the future of Bad Wolf.” “Love Song” was produced and performed by the duo and mixed by Anthony Reeder.

Based out of Los Angeles, Bad Wolf forges sci-fi, fantasy, and a touch of goth rock into a unique brand of alternative rock. With sounds similar to Evanescence, Paramore, and Birthday Massacre, Bad Wolf has the musical advantage paired with their skills of self-production. Together they produce haunting melodies that soar over intricate harmonies while brooding beats and blossoming orchestrals entwine to instill a sense of wonder. Dubbed by their fans as ‘Fantasy-Rock,’ Bad Wolf creates catchy, yet thoughtful songs that bring a unique and imaginative edge to the indie rock genre. The band’s many accolades include performing with Dallon Weekes (Panic At The Disco), Semi-Precious Weapons and garnering over a million views on YouTube. Bad Wolf has also been noted as one of the Top 100 Unsigned Bands of the Year by Music Connection Magazine.

Stream or download the cover “Love Song” across digital music platforms worldwide, or watch the video on Youtube.com. To stay up to date with Bad Wolf’s upcoming releases and future tour announcements, visit WeAreBadWolf.com.