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
In search of fair treatment, Faroese songstress Marianna Winter says that women deserve to be heard, speaking through her latest song, ‘Consequences’. The song is a tactful approach to protest, delivering the message with grace. That isn’t to say it lacks fire. Rather, it sizzles with the heat of Marianna Winter’s clear voice and strong desire for equality.
What’s more, the singer has published an official music video for the track, which bolsters her message, acting as fuel to the social justice flame therein. But in a fun, light way. Wondering where this all came from, we asked Marianna Winter for the song’s backstory:
What is the story behind ‘Consequences’?
Long story short, the story portrays two women, acting like boys.
We chose to reenact different iconic scenes from movies made by Quentin Tarantino, because of a love for his work, but also because the weird, surreal movie scenes portray our reality quite well.
Here goes the long backstory:
Trygvi, the director, and I were brainstorming on how we wanted to portray the song. Initially, I had imagined a couple, maybe a crazy girlfriend thing. But then we dove a little deeper into the feelings of betrayal, mistrust, and craziness that the song is built on and got to talking about a situation that had occurred a week earlier where I and some other female musicians had put together a girls-only jazz jam because the Faroe Islands is still very far behind on gender inclusivity in the music environment. Most professional musicians are male, and there are almost never any female instrumentalists at the late-night jams. Our girls’ jam struck a chord in a lot of men in the music environment, and it got a lot of weird pushback. We got to talking about how annoying it is to feel less than, as a woman in the music industry, and how I always feel like some men are just waiting for the opportunity to push us down and will call us whiney for pointing out the inequality.
So we decided we would stick it to the guys and give the song and music video an extra layer by making the narrative more about mistrust and inequality in general instead of “just” in a relationship.
What is your worst musical pet peeve?
When I’m at a concert and the musicians or singers have lyrics and notes on stage… I get feeling scared or nervous that you’ll forget the lyrics or something, but I would honestly rather hear someone sing “lalala” and be present rather than the right words.
What are some of your earliest memories of music?
The first time I remember being at a concert and having this screaming feeling of “I WANT TO BE UP ON THAT STAGE” was at a Britney Spears concert in 2009 at the age of 9.
Before that, there was a lot of singing and performing in front of my family, with my pink plastic karaoke machine. Music was a big part of my growing up. One of my family members is in a world-famous rock band and I remember how cool it was to be backstage at huge venues in the US and seeing them work. Music is also a big part of the Faroese culture, where I did most of my growing up. Basically everyone in our country CAN sing, because it’s a big part of our traditions, and it’s something we always end up doing at parties and cultural events.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
I like to start a songwriting session off with a vibe check. Like choosing if it’s a feel-good vibe, sad vibe, sexy vibe, etc.
When going into a session, I usually always have a handful of ideas. I have a million short and stupid-sounding voice memos and notes on my phone. Then I’ll choose, together with my producer, which Idea we both relate to and want to pursue.
Sometimes the idea will be a whole chorus, verse, sometimes just a singular lines, or just a melody. From there on, it’s all about the flow. I like to work with a producer because I find it’s way easier to write melodies and lyrics when I have an underlying vibe going on and never better if it sounds amazing.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
That’s a TOUGH one… I LOVE studio work and music creation because it’s always a surprise which way it goes, and I feel so much lighter after a session.
That being said, performing is also such a huge explosion of energy, love and connection, which leaves me all jittery after. The problem is, as much as I love performing I tend to get really nervous, which obviously is uncomfortable for a while until you feel safe and secure on stage. For me, it takes a couple of songs to feel at place, but when I do it’s all good.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
A very young little girl telling me after a concert that I was such a good singer that she was now going to go home and practice so she could sing just like me.
If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?
So much different music. It wouldn’t even make sense. We’d go through Pop, Indie Rock, Jazz, Americana, R&B, and Soul.
Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show
Mahalia (Love and Compromise), Chet Baker (Chet Baker Sings), Lennon Stella (Three. Two. One.), Beharie (Beharie, the third), America (Homecoming).
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
It looks like performing in front of people, playing concerts around the world, and people showing up. This would also initially lead to living off of music exclusively and not having it be a stress factor.
One last thought to leave your fans with?
Go with your gut, not what other people think is cool.
LT has provided her fans with a music video for her already-released single ‘Act Your Age’. Directed by Brendan Schoenmaker, the visuals came together quickly. In fact, it was “Filmed in one day at Brisbane City Hall,” said the singer.
The video opens with a secretary lost in a daydream and various workers organising paperwork. In the middle of the white shirts sits LT gowned in green. She takes her place at the head of the boardroom table, where she, like the secretary, loses herself in thought.
What is she planning? Where is this going? We don’t have to wait long to find out… Following her lead, her fellow ‘colleagues’ quit what they were doing, choosing to have a good time instead. LT’s falsetto sets the backdrop for this moment of feel-good insubordination. Out now via LT Records.
LT Tour Dates 2023
Thursday 20th April – It’s Still A Secret, Brisbane, Australia
Friday 21st April – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, Australia
Wednesday 24th May – (Secret Show), Liverpool, UK
Friday 2nd June – Levi’s Corner House, Cork, Ireland
Songstress AISTÈ has released the first single from her forthcoming album entitled The Theory of Everything. Originating from the Baltics, she is currently living in the UK where she is currently working to make a name for herself. Signed to Saphira Record Label, she is making progress toward this end, having received press support from the likes of Underground England and Atwood Magazine. Her new single, ‘What’s Going On’, sees her continue this effort. But that is not all. She has also…well, you will have to read the interview to find out more.
If you had to describe your latest song with a single word, what would it be?
The Trip.
What was running through your mind while you were writing ‘What’s Going On’?
Great question! I clearly remember the day when the whole album was written. ‘What’s Going On’ was written in the early afternoon. As I recall, while writing, I had a strong urge to ask and seek the universal truth – the truth that guides you through life. Later on, while listening to the initial demo, I realised that I was inspired by the idea of taking control of my own life and not waiting for someone else to make decisions for me. This song seeks to find an answer to the question: “Who am I?”
What are some of your earliest memories of music?
When I think back to my earliest memories of music, my great-grandfather immediately comes to mind. He was a talented opera composer and folk musician, and live music was always present in his home. As a child, I was captivated by his passion for music and would spend hours listening to him play and compose. I remember the joy he brought to others when he performed, and it left a lasting impression on me.
While my childhood favorites were Britney Spears, I quickly found myself drawn to the retro soul genre as I grew older. The smooth, soulful melodies and groovy basslines felt familiar and comforting to me, reminding me of the music I grew up with. It was so natural that I began writing my own songs, infusing them with the vintage sound that captured my heart.
Now, as an up-and-coming retro-soul artist, I strive to channel that same magic that first captivated me as a child. I want to transport listeners to a different time and place, evoking the same feelings of joy, nostalgia, and serenity that I experienced when listening to my great-grandfather.
My great-grandfather’s love of music has shaped my journey as an artist in countless ways. His passion for joyful music instilled in me a deep appreciation for the art form and a desire to share that magic with others. I am grateful for his influence on my life and my music, and I hope to honor his legacy through my work.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
How this album was written was it all came together at the same time. There was a feeling in the air, and the music was so overwhelmingly beautiful and entrancing. On that sunny day, all we did was follow the sound, but that’s how we got the structure. The rest of it was professionally recorded later, and I also took my time to write the lyrics. I had to feel them out. I didn’t try to be poetic or come up with intelligent innuendos. I felt them out. Simple human stuff. That’s what we’re best at.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
As an artist, I find value in both studio work and performing live in front of an audience. Each presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards.
When I’m in the studio, I have the luxury of being able to experiment with different sounds, instruments, and production techniques without any external pressure. I can take the time to carefully craft each note and lyric until it’s exactly as I envision it. This creative process can be incredibly satisfying, and I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with bringing a new song to life.
On the other hand, there’s nothing quite like the energy and connection that comes from performing in front of a live audience. The thrill of hearing a crowd singing along to my lyrics or seeing them dance to the beat of the music is an incredible feeling. It’s a reminder that my music has the power to bring people together and create a shared experience.
Additionally, performing live offers me the opportunity to connect with my fans on a personal level. I love hearing their stories and how my music has impacted their lives. It’s a humbling experience that reminds me of the importance of creating music that speaks to people’s hearts and souls.
Overall, I believe that both studio work and performing live are essential components of the music creation process. Each offers a unique experience that contributes to the growth and development of an artist. While I enjoy the creative process of studio work, there’s nothing quite like the energy and connection that comes from performing live. Ultimately, both allow me to express myself in different ways and connect with my audience in a meaningful way.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
When I think about the most memorable response I’ve had to my music, the day my album was written immediately comes to mind. It was a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and a sense of freedom that I had never experienced before. I remember feeling completely in the moment, lost in the music and the emotions it was evoking. It was a day of pure joy and happiness, and I knew that the music I was creating was special.
If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?
That’s a great question! Actually, I have my podcast on Patreon called ‘Just Enough.’ At the moment, I’m only playing my own tracks on the show, as they perfectly suit the spiritual, meaningful, and joyful themes that I’m discussing in each episode. However, my personal playlist is full of hidden gems from various genres and artists. I don’t have a specific preference for any particular genre or artist, I simply enjoy music that radiates truth and authenticity.
Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show
It would depend on the theme of the show, but there are five albums that you can’t go wrong with:
Rotary Connection – Self-titled 1968 album
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Dusty Springfield – Definitely Dusty
Aretha Franklin – Amazing Grace 1972 live album
Kanye West – Graduation
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
Helping people to become the best version of themselves.
One last thought to leave your fans with?
My favourite words by Matthew McConaughey ‘If you’re high enough, the sun is always shining.”
