As anyone tapped into the digital grapevine knows, HBO’s new drama series The Idol has been a hot topic in the press of late. With TheWeeknd starring as the crazed self-help guru and cult leader Tedros and Lily-Rose Depp as the stardom-seeking lead, the show made its debut on the 4th of June.
Last week, The Weeknd released two tracks from the first episode of the series: the theme song, ‘The Lure’, as well as ‘World Class Sinner / I’m a Freak’. The theme song was written by The Weeknd and heavyweight producer Mike Dean and the second song was sung by Lily-Rose Depp and co-written by Abel and Asa Taccone.
Yesterday, The Weeknd released 3 new tracks from episode 2, which will feature alongside already released records like ‘Popular (with Playboi Carti & Madonna)’ and ‘Double Fantasy (with Future)’ on the official soundtrack album, The Idol, Vol. 1, which is slated for release on the 30th of June.
LLUCID, the talented 26-year-old German musician, singer, and producer, released his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Deep Blue Dreams’, today. This captivating album, filled with twelve mesmerizing tracks, transports listeners to a realm of wistful piano melodies, futuristic sounds, and poignant lyrics, creating an otherworldly experience that defies boundaries.
The journey begins with the opening track, “Silence” as LLUCID’s voice emerges from the depths, evoking a sense of cool, alienation, and warmth. The seamless fusion of spacey elements and soulful undertones sets the stage for an album that pushes creative boundaries and leaves a lasting impression. LLUCID effortlessly combines various genres and influences, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess.
“Manifest” showcases LLUCID’s brash, self-assured rap-trap style, while “Cast Away” envelops listeners in mellow sound waves and melancholic autotuned vocals. Throughout the album, he draws inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Frank Ocean, and Bon Iver, effortlessly blurring the boundaries between rap and R&B.
Collaborations further enhance the album’s allure, with LLUCID teaming up with acclaimed New Zealand artist Kimbra on the extraordinary duet “Wasting Time”. The combination of their voices creates a spacey and heart-wrenching sound that resonates with listeners on a profound level. LLUCID’s masterful use of autotune enhances the instrumental quality of his voice, sparking a conversation around the artistic value of this technology.
Despite being a debut album, LLUCID is no stranger to the music scene. Having studied music in Mannheim and collaborated with notable artists, including Dena Zarrin (Madanii) and Wallis Bird, the artist has honed his music and carved out his unique sound. The release of his six-track EP, “Getting in Touch”, in 2022 garnered significant attention, further solidifying his place as a rising star.
LLUCID’s music transcends borders and defies conventional categorizations. Drawing influence from American artists while infusing his own distinct style, LLUCID presents a collection of songs that resonate with a global audience. The album’s title, “Deep Blue Dreams”, perfectly captures LLUCID’s immersive and imaginative approach to music, blurring the boundaries between fantasy and reality.
To complement the album’s captivating sound, LLUCID collaborated with artist Edgar Koop, whose painting graces the cover art. The artwork, a perfect visual representation of “Deep Blue Dreams”, encapsulates the ethereal and dreamy aesthetic that LLUCID meticulously crafted.
LLUCID’s debut album promises to be a remarkable musical journey that showcases his immense talent, innovative style, and boundless creativity. Prepare to be captivated by LLUCID’s unique blend of sounds and emotions that transport you to a world beyond imagination.
Donovan Keith, the dynamic singer-songwriter known for his classic soul vocals and electrifying stage presence, dropped his latest single ‘Heartbreak Soliloquy’ on April 27th. This emotionally-charged track, written entirely without music accompaniment, showcases Donovan’s unparalleled talent for blending pop/folk and americana into a unique, vintage style that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Originally hailing from the Midwest and now calling Austin, TX home, Donovan has been a prominent figure in the music scene for over a decade. As the frontman of his first project, Soul Track Mind, Donovan’s showmanship and impressive voice won him acclaim from reviewers across the country. Donovan has shared stages with renowned acts such as Enrique Iglesias, Tower Of Power, Charles Bradley, and Erykah Badu, and has been featured in prestigious music festivals including SXSW, Wakarusa Music Festival, and Utopia Festival.
“Heartbreak Soliloquy” is a chill, relaxed, and heartfelt track that delves into the emotional landscape of a breakup, reflecting Donovan’s deep understanding of human connection and disconnection in modern society. The song’s lyrics and melody were written entirely by Donovan, and the instruments were recorded in Madrid, Spain with exceptional Spanish musicians before being completed in Austin with vocals, mixing, and mastering.
Donovan Keith’s latest single “Heartbreak Soliloquy” is a soul-stirring masterpiece that captures the raw emotions of heartbreak with a compelling blend of Americana, pop, and folk. With his unique style and powerful vocals, Donovan continues to captivate audiences and solidify his reputation as a rising star in the music industry.
“Heartbreak Soliloquy” is now available on all major streaming platforms. For more information, visit Donovan Keith’s website at www.donovankeithmusic.com
The Burma are back but with something different. Where their debut album focused on the Indie rock side of things (read our piece on the LP), their latest offering, a single titled ‘23’, leans more toward the Dream Pop side of things, with heavily glazy vocals, soft plucks, and woozy guitar filters. A languid record that drifts among the clouds, ‘23’ sees lead vocalist Tony O Donovan reflecting, looking to the past to inspire the mood that pervades the track.
Will the trio continue to paint the remainder of their forthcoming sophomore album (yes, there is one in the works) with a similar brush, I wonder? Touching on the subject, the band shared: “‘23’” is the first song we wrote and recorded for our second album. It’s one of those songs that came together really quickly. The song you hear now has barely changed from its initial conception, which is a rare thing for us!”
