R&B ICON MYA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HER SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM
I had the pleasure of participating in a press conference with R&B icon Mya a few weeks ago. We got to ask her some questions and hear her spill the tea on what it has been like being in the industry for so long and thriving in it. The artist has been on a press tour to mark the 25th anniversary of her debut self-titled album. The album featured tracks like, ‘Movin On’, and ‘It’s All About Me’ where she worked with 90s R&B stalwarts like Sisqo (of Dru Hill fame) and Hip-Hop legend herself, Missy Elliot.
I asked Mya, what is one of your favorite memories from your debut album-making/recording process. Although, she said that she had many memories that stood out. She said the train rides alone to the studio where she recorded her record came to mind. During those train rides, she would occupy time by writing, excited that she no longer had to use a karaoke machine to try to capture all of the melodies, sounds, and lyrics she had come up with. Now she had access and a team behind her with Interscope. It was so interesting to hear her answer for many reasons, but mainly for perspective. People often forget how young she was during her debut (she was 16 going on 17).
Ultimately getting to hear her speaking on not only the accomplishments she’s had along the way and talk about how her best is yet to come with so much more to give was empowering. We are in an industry that often defines women by their youth and sexuality, and when I mean young, I mean under 25. At 43, Mya is now fully independent and releasing music through her record label. To relieve some of those nostalgic and moody late 90s R&Bs vibes, you can stream Mya’s 25th-anniversary edition of her debut with a deluxe edition which is out now on all DSPs.
A LITTLE MORE ON… EM BEIHOLD, THE EARNEST POP SINGER-SONGWRITER BEHIND “NUMB LITTLE BUG”
A LITTLE MORE ON… EM BEIHOLD, THE EARNEST POP SINGER-SONGWRITER BEHIND “NUMB LITTLE BUG”
Em Beihold is currently opening up for Lewis CapALdi and RECENTLY HOPPED ON a collaboration with Lauren Spencer Smith and GAYLE.
Em Beihold is not a fan of rollercoasters because they make her sad. I think… Well, it's a statement she makes loud and clear in the song Rollercoasters Make Me Sad. The track is effusive with punchy melodies and dulcet harmonies, while Em's lyrics often capture dissonant emotions through snappy metaphors. Here Beihold has carved out a niche with songs like the previously mentioned track, Rollercoasters Make Me Sad, Groundhog Day, 12345, and the massive hit Numb Little Bug. Rollercoasters Make Me Sad adds another ace to Beihold's songwriting book with how she succinctly captures feelings and a moment in time. It also should be on your Spotify or Apple Music rotation and playlists if it's not. It was back in March when I got to chat with Em during a presser, learning a little more about her as an artist and songwriter, how her songwriting process works, and even a bit about the inspiration behind her songs, which most of her songs touch on modern-day anxieties, relationships, and mental health/illness. She was also excited to be touring with Lewis Capaldi, a tour she is currently on. I asked her about working with Stephen Sanchez and how turning Until I Found Her into a duet came about. The song has her singing from the girl's perspective. One of the biggest collabs all started from Em liking his reels and her manager noticing, thinking they should do a song together. So, to my fellow creatives, this is a gentle reminder. You never know what might happen and who might see it. Keep creating, and do not be afraid to shoot your shot. I also asked about her future collaborations. Em said her dream collab is with Regina Spektor, an artist she says has been at the fiber of her work and artistry since day one. While Em may not be too fond of rollercoasters, she is currently on the wildest one of her life, and it's only getting started.
Stream “Eggs In The Backseat” out now on all DSPs
INTRODUCING: THE BOMBASTIC ALTERNATIVE POP QUINTET THE SCARLET OPERA
INTRODUCING: THE SCARLET OPERA, THE BOMBASTIC ALTERNATIVE POP QUINTET
If you have not heard of The Scarlet Opera, the exciting quintet fusing Pop, Rock, and, yes, even Opera. Lyricist and frontman Luka Bazulka (whose natural grandeur is ever present and charming), with Colin Kenrick on Keys, Daniel Zuker on Bass, Justin Siegal on Drums, & Chance Taylor on Guitars. The glue holding the band together is friendship and identity. Identity, friendships, relationships, sexuality, love, loss, band life, and the music industry are major themes often explored within their lyrics.
Last month I got a few minutes to speak with The Scarlet Opera during a presser. I asked what the go-to karaoke songs were for everyone, and a fun type of chaos ensued. It seemed like ‘Skyfall’ by Adele was the overall favorite. You could feel the excitement from the guys. They were on the cusp of dropping their now-released new EP “Comedy”, the high of their first late-night tv performance on James Corden, and touring. There was a joy and bombast felt through the screen during the presser. Well aware of comparisons to their predecessors, they were flattered by it all. In an industry where bands and artists can get jaded quickly, it was refreshing to see. Yet, I found it more exciting to see a band that has finally begun to put the puzzle pieces together with their sound finding a niche in the big wide world of Pop music.
MEET JAWNY AND HIS BRAND OF VIBEY, ECCENTRIC INDIE POP
MEET JAWNY AND HIS BRAND OF VIBEY, ECCENTRIC INDIE POP
Los Angeles transplant is on the rise since his brand of quirky, lo-fi, authentic, and emotionally brand of vibe heavy Indie Pop music has garnered him a viral hit with “Honeypie” and now a solid (and dare I say hardcore) fanbase. The artist suddenly found himself with newfound success after that viral TikTok signed to the major label Interscope in 2020, where he dropped his mixtape EP, For Abby. It was a mixtape that was wholly created and conceived in lowdown, with many of those curiosities and insecurities felt on it. Jawnys' sound began to develop with more tools, people, and more at his disposal. It was something that would push you as an artist or drive you crazy with anxiety, but Jawny seemingly just dug into the tide of Gen Z new age sensibilities for his latest projects. The new songs, fall in love, true, plus last year's wide-eyed all capture a breezy California energy with slicker production and insanely catchy hooks. In speaking with Jawny during a presser recently. I asked him what if he got the chance to write a song based on his favorite piece of pop culture, What would he pick? So, ever the Gen Z and pop culture nerd, he chose quite an etched-in-our-skull moment from pop music history. When Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake donned matching denim-on-denim ensembles at the 2001 VMAs. Although, I am unsure if Jawny will ever get a chance to put pen to paper on this subject. I certainly don't doubt that the vibey sound he has been crafting wouldn't do it justice...
HEAR THIS NOW: THE MUSIC SOUNDCHECK EDITION 12
THIS IS EDITION 12 OF THE 'HEAR THIS NOW' THE MUSIC SOUNDCHECK AT TRB
Paramore is back, Arctic Monkeys dropped another brilliant song from their forthcoming album, ‘The Car’, and Sam Smith and Kim Petras team up. All these tracks and more lead edition 12 of my ‘Hear This Now’ roundup where we’ve got a bit of everything for everyone. From lilting soft melodic indie-pop to 60s-inspired Alt-Pop, then bombastic hip-hop numbers, and "Unholy” mainstream pop collabs. This is The Music Soundcheck edition 12.
You can listen to all the music mentioned here and much more in this playlist here, The Reclusive Blogger's Mixtape Melodies..
Buzzy electro-pop band VALLEY have an infectious and optimistic pop anthem out titled “The Problem Song”. Non-binary Bedroom Pop artist Khai Dreams returns with a new track and animated music video for their vibe heavy track “Bugs”. Queer singer-songwriter Darren Hayes (who you might recognize from the 90s band Savage Garden) makes statement in the power of vulnerability laying reclamation to the word “Homosexual” by naming his new album that title. Vancouver artist EKKSTACY drops his new album “Misery”, an album that explores Alternative music and dark side of it and life. You can also watch the music video for his latest single “I’m So Happy” here. For fans of the pop vocal or the group Pentatonix you can check out Scott Hoying’s debut track “Mars” here.
Lastly, there’s new music out from pop artists like North London’s Natalie Shay, Salt Lake City’s Addison Grace, and Canada’s Rêve. The last three all have a penchant for great storytelling that under pin either catchy beats, great pop hooks or euphoric melodies.
CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOS: GLASS ANIMALS AT HOLLYWOOD FOREVER
The new(ish) Indie Pop/Rock band are one the industry’s most exciting live music acts
Indie Rock quartet Glass Animals brought their groovy brand of heat to Hollywood Forever on Sunday with the ‘Dreamland’ tour. It’s a funky blend of nostalgic meets vaporwave that permeates the album but the shows as well. The tour featured the Electro Pop newcomer Binki as the opener. He played a short and engaging set closing out with “Heybb!”. A song you’ve most likely heard from its prominence of being in an Apple iPad commercial. While his energy was great, it was clear the crowd was there for Glass Animals (many didn’t arrive until they were on). The Indie Pop foursome comprised of childhood friends Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer and Drew Macfarlane is anchored by the feverishly bold lead singer, Dave Bayley. All walked out to a stunningly loud crowd full of cheers and energy that was ready to dance. Bayley who held a captive audience all night was also ready to party with us. He hovered somewhere between bewildered and emboldened, in awe of the crowd. Opening up the set with the futuristic lullaby “Dreamland”. Which segued into the tribal drum-heavy dance bop “Life Itself” & the island tinged “Tangerine” to kick off the party. Glass Animals tore through a 17 song setlist with such aplomb. Some of the major set highlights were the tour debut of “Poplar St.”. Where Dave Bayley forgot the lyrics (it had been a while) but powered through like a pro. “Space Ghost Coast to Coast”, which Dave remarked was a bit eerie playing in a cemetery. Their new track “I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” is truly the ultimate dance party. They closed out their fun albeit spooky two-day residency at Hollywood Forever with a two-song encore. Of which included the bands’ breakout hit “Heatwaves” and the glitch-inspired “Tokyo Drifting”. Overall, Glass Animals displayed exciting musicianship. Their knack for writing super catchy lyrics with dynamic pop hooks, all transferred brilliantly into a live setting. You can check out my photo gallery of the show below.
NIALL HORAN RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "NICE TO MEET YA"
Singer Niall Horan is officially back with a new single "Nice to Meet Ya". It's the Capitol Records artist's first song he's released in nearly two years after his successful debut album Flicker. The former One Direction member also dropped a video (that is directed by The Young Astronauts) with it as well. "Nice To Meet Ya" sees Niall experimenting with his sound on the jazzy and soulful piano-driven pop-rock track. It is also the first single off his upcoming second record. "Nice To Meet Ya" was co-written with frequent collaborators Julian Bunetta (who produced it as well), Tobias Jesso, Jr., and Ruth-Anne Cunningham. You can stream the song and watch the video below!
Stream Niall Horan - "Nice To Meet Ya"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jeYJA9bgY
Until then,
Brittney x