Jazz

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Singer Haley Reinhart (and former American Idol alum) released her fourth album “Lo-Fi Soul” today. The soulful singer-songwriter brings together a unique perspective to this thirteen track collective.

Haley’s jazzy and often smokey timbre is the highlight on “Lo-Fi Soul” as she runs through the in’s and outs of love and heartbreak. Something we all can relate too, in one way or another. On the gospel-tinged opening track “Deep Water”, the 60s Doo-Wop inspired “Oh Damn”, and “Shook” where Reinhart’s playfulness and sexy appeal are most apparent. Reinhart’s vulnerability on this album goes beyond that. On songs like “Don’t Know How to Love You” and “Crack The Code” she ruminates over a relationship and all of its issues. The album is peppered with musical analogies (i.e. “Lo-Fi Soul”) some of which are cliche, but fitting hence the album title. The album overall is a cohesive piece of work if perhaps a bit sleepy towards the end. Any fans of Haley Reinhart will be thrilled with delight, while she’ll definitely gain new fans and listeners as well.

Photo Credit: Dana Trippe
Photo Credit: Dana Trippe

Stream Haley Reinhart‘s “Lo-Fi Soul” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4EyTf708dFclXh8ALP4saW?si=lM_WcAYNR2GfIpEqcUJ2_Q

Follow Haley Reinhart here:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram| YouTube | Spotify

Photo Credit: Dana Trippe
Photo Credit: Dana Trippe
Until then,
Brittney x
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I chatted with ‘Austin songtress’ Saint Spicer about her current single ‘On Repeat’, music inspirations, Anime, and much more. Check it out all below!

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Red Vines or Twizzlers?

SAINT SPICER: Twizzlers…if I have to choose.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell us how you got started as a singer and songwriter? Did you always know you wanted to do this?

SAINT SPICER: Yes, I did! When I was a child I had a Barbie karaoke machine and I knew I wanted to be just like Shania Twain. Then when I was 10, I wrote my first song about a crush I had on one of my YMCA instructors.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: So you just released a new song “On Repeat”. Can you tell me more about the creative and writing process behind that? The backstory for this song?

SAINT SPICER: The producer of this song is Born Soul. He actually heard me perform at my first ever concert in Austin. It went horribly, the sound people completely messed up my track and I ended up getting kicked off the stage after my time went up. I was really mad. But everyone who saw that performance came up to me afterwards and said even with the tech issues they were impressed. Born Soul was there and reached out to me after and wanted to work on a new project. So we got in the studio and he pulled out this sample, and I just started singing “I remember back when I was 18…” And he put together the first verse and I wrote the first verse. Then I went home and sent over the finished song the next week. Jason Cherry is the bassist and I realized the song needed a bass player. This was the first song we did together, and now we’re working on a whole album.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let’s talk about the song’s cover art … How do you feel the cover art for “On Repeat” fits in aesthetically with this song and with you as an artist right now?

SAINT SPICER: A creative partner of mine, Aleksandar Tinkovski, took that photo of me. I knew I wanted it black and white, and he had the idea to take it in a bar with the long exposure. The cover photo is very reflective of being still and pensive in a time of chaos. Also, alcohol.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are themes of love and loss something that you feel most comfortable in telling? Or just telling about human relationships overall? Be it good or bad.

SAINT SPICER: Yes, unfortunately. I feel the market for love songs is way oversaturated, but it’s what comes naturally. So when I do write about love I try to be brutally honest about what I’m feeling. The rest of the time, I try to tell stories!

TRB: Where do you normally draw inspiration from as artist and musician? 

SAINT: I draw inspiration from ANIME. I cannot state that enough. Anime is cathartic to me. Japanese culture can be very intense, and their art is a designed as an amazing escapist experience that I can’t get out of my head.

TRB: You mentioned that artists like Nina Simone, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé were huge influences for you. Why have these artists like these have been so inspiring for you? And if you could cover one of their songs which one would you choose and why? 

SAINT: These women are amazing songwriters. Their work holds up over time. Nina has done amazing things outside the boundaries of blues, soul, and jazz, and has an extremely nuance understanding of rhythm. Beyoncé and Gaga are absolute rockstars. I would cover “Save Me” by Nina Simone because it’s saucy and has a good bassline.

TRB: Dream concert venue to play at? 

SAINT: Super Bowl

TRB: Throwing in another fun one here…If you could live in any fictional universe, which would you choose?

SAINT: Avatar the Last Airbender! I’m tryna fly.

TRB: And what’s next for you, Saint Spicer?  

SAINT: Jason Cherry and I are working on an album called Space Cowgirl. It’s based on an anime Cowboy Bebop and follows the archetypical story of the Ugly Duckling. It’s a story everyone can relate to—feeling like you don’t belong, being lost, and then eventually finding your people. It’s a funk album and it’s amazing.

TRB: Anything else you would like to add? Thank you for your time! 

SAINT: Please stream “On Repeat” and consider supporting our recording for Space Cowgirl online at saintsaidso.bandcamp.com! We release new songs every month.

Stream ‘Saint Spicer’ // ‘On Repeat’

https://open.spotify.com/track/5sgG67Y7zhaDxueH7gTknO?si=OSGMHKyfQquiSQu5w7ulUw

Until then,

Brittney x

 

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Today I bring you Cavey a bluesy London based alt-rock four-piece band consisting of Luke Cave on Guitar and Vocals, Alexander Chalstrey on Piano, Organ and Rhodes, Chun-Ting “Refa” Wang on the Upright Bass/Bass guitar, then Adrian Ortman on Drums. They’ve just released a smoky and soulful new song called “About to Start”. The song (produced by Blaenavon’s Frank Wright) which is a ballad harkens back to the days of smoky clubs and torch songs mixed with the precision of early to mid 2000s Alternative Rock flair. It recalls the trials and tribulations of being a working musician and what may or may not come of that. With the rather admirable use in abstract storytelling from Cavey the storyline could very well be interpreted as long lost love or friendship, as heartbreak is the central theme within the songs’ lyrics. The lead vocalist Luke Cave has a soulful tonality and jazzy vibrato to his vocals, which adds a unique touch not often seen in an Alternative Rock band. Therefore making them one to stick out a bit which could be a bad or good thing, in my opinion a good thing. So if you want something old school yet fresh and new plus are looking for something new to add your Holiday Party playlist (hint hint) check out Cavey’s “About to Start” and warm your ears this Winter.

CAVEY // SOCIALS –

CAVEY // FACEBOOK

Brittney W.

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Emma Topolski (Childcare) forms new solo project as ‘Saint Clair’ …

Today I bring you, Saint Clair. It’s the solo project of Childcare Bassist (they recently toured with Bastille), musician and singer-songwriter, Emma Topolski. Her debut EP, ‘D2’ was released today (11/14/18) and it’s definitely something not to be missed.
On ‘D2’ we find Emma combining elements of Jazz, Electro-Pop, and R&B music to create a multi-layered EP that’s filled with soulful future pop gems. It provides for a unique contrast against the jazzy tones in her vocals.
The lead single “I’ll Stay” which showcases stunning production through a beautifully haunting track with richly layered power vocals and forlorn lyrics. All echoing from a bygone era of dimly lit smoky jazz clubs. All of this set against a pumping electronic beat and sultry bass line that feels straight out of a Sci-Fi film soundtrack.

Saint Clair says of the track; “’I’ll Stay’ is about wrestling with your demons, trying to keep a sometimes irresistible urge under control. But also about hope and the promise of victory.”

Stream ‘I’ll Stay’ –

https://soundcloud.com/iamsaintclair/ill-stay

Stream ‘D2’ – https://spoti.fi/2Ok5zY1

Saint Clair Socials:
Saint Clair // SoundCloud
Saint Clair // Facebook
Saint Clair // Twitter
Saint Clair // Instagram
Until then,
Brittney W. 🙂

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Hey, guys! I’m back with the final round up of Arroyo Seco Weekend. Yesterday (Sunday, June 24th) I headed back out for round two with hopes of seeing as many bands as possible. But first on my schedule was an interview with Lisa Coleman (Keyboards/Piano) of The Revolution. We had a very quick chat after their set at the Sycamore stage and a quick photo. The interview will be posted later!

ARROYO SECO WEEKEND

Photo Credit: The Revolution – ARROYO SECO Weekend

The entire day was quite the adventure as a whole. As my plus one and I ended up getting turned around upon arrival. Some super nice security people and workers at the festival helped us get back where we needed to be. We ended up getting a free trip on a golf cart in the process. By happenstance, I met Alanis Morrisette‘s shoe designer and artist in line. He liked my Neon Converse so he gave me a very quick peek of the shoes he designed for her. Alanis wore the shoes at her set that evening onstage at The Oaks. Which I thought was cool.

ARROYO SECO WEEKEND

Photo Credit: Alanis Morrisette – ARROYO SECO WEEKEND

So I ended up seeing The Revolution, Alanis Morrisette, the tail end of The Bangles, and the set I was most looking forward to seeing the entire weekend, Gary Clark Jr He is a favorite artist of mine. It was such a treat to finally see him live. The guitar skills and vocals on point. His band just as exceptional as him. I was headbanging, rocking out and just all around getting down the entire show. By then I was tired, not used to festivals and felt it was time to say bye to Arroyo Seco Weekend. It was very fun and reminded me how much I live for and love live music, so thank you.

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Photo Credit: Gary Clark Jr – ARROYO SECO WEEKEND

Until then,

Brittney W. 🙂 xx

P.S. I am available for booking all summer for freelance photography and music journalist gigs. Please inquire through my email or contact! Prices are negotiable.

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Hey, guys it’s Brittney here! You know what else is here? That’s right the second inuaguaral Arroyo Seco Weekend in Pasadena, CA. The music and arts festival which is billed as a fun also family friendly music filled weekend. It’s definitely is that.

👆🏾👆🏾 My Photography above!! 👆🏾👆🏾

I arrived very early hoping to a quick lay of land and scope out the media tent. Which wasn’t hard to do considering it was all right by the box office. Most of today’s adventures were prep for tomorrow where I have a much Fuller schedule. But today I decided to check out a few of Arroyo Seco’s other offerings. I stopped by the Visit Pasadena tent and did a Instagram post in exchange for a parasol which is much needed and in demand in the Pasadena heat. They also gave out super cute bandanas which were personalized with our initials. After that I realized it was 1:00pm and I had a band I needed to see. So I dropped by the Willow stage and was pleasantly surprised by the unique stylings of ‘Typhoon‘ a super groovy and hard rocking band from Salem, Oregon. The addition of a female violinist and background singer I thought was cool. The crowd was loving it too and ‘Typhoon’ ended up packing the Willow Stage. Definitely my fave today (mind you I did not stay the entire time). Although my partner in crime, my Mom loved the first band we checked out and Arroyo Seco opener, “Maxim Ludwig“. I also got a chance to come heck out the Glasshouse record store which housed a ton of cool, new and rare vinyl including tons from the Arroyo Seco artists. I made two purchases, Joy Division and Ryan Adams. I say a job well done. All in all today was for me to gain my bearings, check out the site, look at some of the activations. Some working better than others. Tomorrow I have a much fuller day (way too many artists to see!) so that means a much bigger recap! Maybe even a few surprises …

👇🏾👇🏾 Peep the official imagery from Goldenvoice in a gallery below! 👇🏾👇🏾

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Until then,

Brittney W. 🙂 xx