Mike change – Page 3

August 19, 2021

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021 Mike change

Doja Cat songwriter iLana Armida embarks on solo career

Los Angeles-based pop icon, iLana Armida, gives a refreshing new rendition of a love story as old as time on her upcoming hit single, “Summertime Love.” Having written music for several popular artists, including Doja Cat, Etana, and Common Kings, and performing alongside Lil’ Dicky and John K, iLana Armida definitely has the experience and know-how to create the next big pop track, which she undoubtedly will do with her upcoming single of many to come.

Opening with a slow build that grows into a smooth, wavy sound that really sets the tone for the rest of this summer vibed song. The vocal melody perfectly complements the airy synths and thumping bass sounds to create a sound that instantly makes you feel as if you’re driving in a convertible on a warm summer day or relaxing on the sandy beaches of California. Listeners are enveloped in the easy going but passionate nature that has come to define the character that Armida’s fans have come to know and love.

Summertime Love showcases the dedication to craft that has seen iLana wrack up over 7.6m Spotify streams on song writes, while sonically riffing on her trademark optimistic and joyful vibe. Herself of mixed heritage, she remains ‘ethnically ambiguous’ and draws on global influences resulting in music that transcends restrictions to any one location, promoting a spirit of inclusivity in all that she does. iLana Armida creates art that invites all to be welcome, feel accepted, and have a little fun.

I sing songs that incorporate multiple languages and genres purposefully so that people of all cultures and backgrounds and ethnicities can feel connected to the music…I want everyone to feel accepted and united.

Follow iLana Armida:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify

August 17, 2021

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 Mike change

REVIEW: Synthwave connoisseur Michael Oakley shares epic album

Image credit: Jon Simo

Looking for an album that is a pleasant listening experience, regardless of the time of the year? Michael Oakley’s latest album Odyssey via NewRetroWave is a perfect pairing for times like these when you need to hear something hopeful but not heavily reliant on one element to make an impact. Listening to Michael Oakley’s album, one can feel the undercurrent of adventure run through this entire body of work, with upbeat yet changeable instrumentation throughout. Expect laidback anthemic drum sequences and saxophone solos that will melt in one’s ear.

Stream / Download Odyssey LP

The album starts off with the title track ‘Odyssey’ which leads us to think that we are getting a mellow synthwave album from the get-go, but the final seconds on the track proves this album carries an array of emotions when drums start to pound in the last moments. Then the noteworthy ‘Wake Up!’ leaves us feeling pumped up with the idea of planning our next epic road trip with treasured folk. We think it can only go up from here, but then ‘Is There Anybody Out There (Jon Campbell edit)’ which has us questioning the darkest parts that exist in ourselves. Thankfully, ‘Babylon’ calms the cries of its predecessor. The rest of the album talks about finding stability like ‘Glasgow Song’ and ‘Real Life’ – an emotionally complex album without a doubt.

‘Babylon’ stands out as a soothing track, that describes the enigmatic feeling of finding a home in connection rather than a building. ‘Babylon’ is a sleek track with undercurrents of chemistry thanks to its minimal progressions laced with ethereal synthesizers. The sensual and vibrant saxophone added into the mix makes this track one of Michael Oakley’s most sparkling tracks on this album.

Follow Michael Oakley:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

August 7, 2021

August 7, 2021August 17, 2021 Mike change

Music producer KESH shares euphoric electronica single

London multi-hyphenate KESH releases third sonic installment “Mind Maze”.

“Mind Maze is a song about getting in your own way. Knowing you have so much to give. So much to live for and contribute to things bigger than yourself. Yet being consistently drained by emotions and trapped in the narratives of past traumas. Stuck in the never-ending cycles of negative thought patterns. Sinking deeper and deeper. Lost within the mind maze.” KESH says.

The third instalment to complete the body of work entitled ~ Throes, was made with the intention to be listened to loud – the outcome, an otherworldly immersive experience. The complex soundscapes of “Mind Maze” encapsulates KESH’s pain and hope beautifully, slowly building towards a climactic end of electronic euphoria. The heavy hitting expression invites the listener to release. Take “Jadine’s Escape” for example, with it’s opening made up of towering sounds of static and distorted vocals, the reverberating beat is intense and uniquely meditative at the same time. The brutalist architecture of this song is then shattered with ethereal and melodic tones and sees KESH take flight with her soaring, softly sung words. “not gaan out” is comprised of dynamic, industrial sounds that transcend the listener to the darkest depths of the club. It is unconventional, adding a complexity that’s riveting and radical and the sonics are juxtaposed by airy, feather light vocals which explore internal conflicts. It recalls the unorthodox sound design of Richard D. James as much as the raw lyricism of Björk.

An acclaimed visual artist, designer and DJ, KESH’s music is the next chapter in a creative career that has always pushed boundaries. Driving every aspect of the songwriting, she writes, directs and co-produces all of her music from concept to master. Her music has been championed by the likes of Channel 4 News, Dazed, Clash, The Face, Purple, Flaunt and more, firmly placing her at the forefront of experimental music making.

This year, KESH’s originality was celebrated in 8 commissioned self portraits that she produced for the Moschino Picasso collection. She photographed and creative directed 8 images starring herself for the brand which were released via their socials and website. Her work was displayed in the critically acclaimed Christie’s exhibition ‘Say It Loud’ and her debut NFT was successfully sold at Auction with Christies New York in June of this year. Channel 4 News interviewed KESH earlier the year as one of the most relevant digital artists of today and played Jadines Escape to accompany the interview piece. This was broadcasted on National television. Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand SKIMS commissioned KESH to apply one of her continuing artwork concepts to a ten image campaign which was photographed, creative directed and cast by KESH which was released in October 2020 before she dropped her own limited edition “Jadine’s Escape” T-Shirt modelled by actor and long-time collector of her work, Samuel L Jackson.

Follow KESH:

Website / Instagram

August 6, 2021

August 6, 2021August 6, 2021 Mike change

Electro-pop singer Hanne Mjøen shares upcoming EP title-track music video

Image credit: Fabian Fjeldvik

Accompanied by an awe-inspiring music video, Norwegian songstress Hanne Mjøen has released her latest single titled ‘Emotional Fever’ on the 6th of August via Physical Presents. The single is the title track of her upcoming EP, which is penned for release on September 17th. Hanne’s impressive ability to mix up flows is on full display in this single, and her downright emotion riddled lyrics, accompanied by ebullient electronic sounds, promises fans just over 3 minutes of sheer mixed emotions.

Pre-save Emotional Fever EP

Ever been in a relationship where you just cannot commit wholeheartedly and even worse, you’re unable to understand why? ‘Emotional Fever’ is relatable to the everyday person in the sense that it is fervently filled with the highs and lows of relationships. Hailing from the small town of Oppdal in Norway, Hanne Mjøen’s unique style is often compared to the likes of celebrated music artists MØ, Sigrid and Dua Lipa.

Stream/Download: ‘Emotional Fever’ single

‘Emotional Fever’ follows the release of her highly successful ‘Hell With You’ single and official music video, which is currently nearing a million views. Find out more about the single ‘Hell With You’ here. This latest video has rustic qualities with a neutral and ethereal visual palette, an invigorating watch and listen indeed.