In a time of uncertainty for musicians everywhere, pop artist Viana chose to dive straight into her work in the midst of the pandemic. Her latest single, “About the Money,” is available to stream across DSPs today, with a celebratory music video available to watch on Viana’s official YouTube channel.
Despite being recorded and written in the dead and isolating New England winter, “About the Money,” sonically, is a vacation getaway, with an underlayer of rich retro soul production. The music video, directed by Chris Cole, perfectly encapsulates the aura of “About the Money,” and the desire to stay afloat in a money-hungry world.
Viana centered the track around what it felt like to be a working musician during a time where there seemed to be no hope for live music.
“I wrote this during the pandemic when it seemed like there was really no hope in sight for working musicians. I was living with my producer at the time and was just worrying about being able to survive financially. I don’t even care about money or material things, I just wanted to not have to worry and to be able to do what I love. But as the song says, someone has to get paid. I wanted the song to feel like I was driving down the Southern Cali coast line in a classic car, even though I’m singing about being broke and how messy things were feeling. We wrote and recorded ‘About the Money’ at my house in the woods during the Winter and it turned into a total listen to it when it’s sunny out type of song. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” – Viana
Viana represents what it means to be 100% yourself, embracing both your strengths and flaws. She pushes her listeners to quit trying to fit into a certain mold and to create what feels right. After years of fronting rock bands, Viana decided to venture off and start writing her own music about whatever she personally needs to digest. With a style influenced by a combination of being a sucker for a catchy melody, yet still bringing a natural edge brought on by years of being a front woman of her band, this Gemini’s sound has a few different sides. Viana’s mission through music is to connect with people and remember that self expression should be about going with your gut and listening to your own instincts. Viana’s fierce independence has led to the shedding of her past and the incubation of this unapologetically Viana project: new, honest, and always true to who she is.
Viana’s newest single “About The Money” is available to stream on all DSPs today.
Today we want to talk about the pros and cons of learning a musical instrument online. Since the spread of Covid-19, people all around the globe have been studying on the internet. From online courses to music lessons, the web has allowed us to stay on top of our education during these unprecedented times.
If you want to learn a new instrument without leaving the house, the internet has made it possible. It seems like more people than ever before are learning how to play all sorts of instruments online. With Covid-19 restrictions in place in certain countries, music teachers have been forced to advertise their services online. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, there are a few advantages and disadvantages you might want to consider first.
Pro: Learn at Your Own Pace
If you have tried to learn how to play an instrument in a classroom with others, you might have found it difficult. For some, it will take longer to improve their skills. If you are struggling to keep up with your fellow classmates, you might find the process overwhelming, especially when the teacher starts giving their pupils advanced exercises. If you find it hard to follow their instructions, you might pack in the instrument without giving it a proper go.
Hiring a personal teacher over the internet allows you to learn at your own pace. You won’t feel like you have to compete with any other students. The tutor will be able to provide you their full attention during each session. If you are struggling with certain techniques, they can help you figure it out without any added pressure from fellow students.
If you are spending your hard earned money on an online music teacher, you will want your computer or your smart device connected to a fast internet connection. If the internet lags while you are in the middle of a class, you and your teacher might struggle to communicate with one another. If you can’t hear what your tutor is trying to say to you, or if they can’t hear your instrument, they won’t be able to advise you on what to do.
Before paying a fee to a tutor, consider contacting them first through the same platform you will be using for your music lessons. By doing this, you will be able to figure out whether or not your connection is strong enough for music classes. Your teacher might have a preferred video calling platform, so don’t forget to ask them about the service they are currently using. If you have a weak internet connection, you might want to contact your provider about upgrading to a faster connection. Also, don’t forget to test your microphone, headphones, and any other devices you might need to use during the class.
Pros: Stream Tutorials For Free
If you want to learn how to play an instrument, but you are not in the financial position to pay for private online lessons, consider logging on to video streaming services to see the different tutorial videos available. Lots of YouTubers and TikTokers post videos of their music lessons to popular social media sites and video streaming platforms. You can access these video clips without spending a single penny!
Because these videos are rarely live, you can pause, rewind and fast forward whenever you please. You can re-watch the videos as many times as you. Popular YouTubers frequently upload new content, so you should consider subscribing to their channel so you don’t miss their latest episodes.
You can contact these tutors directly, and many of them encourage their viewers to advise them on what to do in their upcoming tutorials. If you want to learn how to play a Coldplay song, ask them to do a video on Coldplay chords. Although they might not do it, there is no harm in asking the YouTuber.
Cons: Hard To Focus
Most music teachers educate their students in a classroom. These classrooms normally consist of a musical instrument and a board for writing. There are very few things that will distract the student from focusing on their class.
However, if you are learning from home, your family members, pets, telephone, television, etc. can all cause us to take our eyes off on what needs to be done. Your tutor won’t be able to see that you have been distracted, so they won’t be able to tell you when you need to regain focus.
If you decide to take on music lessons online, take items out of the room where you will be learning that distract you. Turn off your phone or make sure that you have turned off all of your notifications and that it is on silent mode. This way you won’t be tempted to look at your phone during class.
Pros: Lots of Chords Online
Most traditional music stores stock a range of different music books, which include chords, tabs, and music sheets. However, if you like listening to modern music, it is highly unlikely you will find a music book with songs written by your favorite artist. Learning to play songs that you are familiar with makes the learning process fun and interesting. Instead of searching through all the music stores in your area, go online for chords and music sheets instead. There are plenty of websites out there that are dedicated to Chords for guitar, pianos, and other musical instruments.
Cons: Online Music Lessons is Not For Everyone
Some people need a teacher present to help them with the different techniques and skills. It can be extremely difficult to learn how to play a new instrument, especially during the early days. Some people thrive having a music teacher watching over their shoulders, while others struggle. Having an experienced tutor beside you every step of the way might suit you.
Physical classrooms seem to put pressure on some people. Many find it difficult to learn how to play when they are in a different environment, especially when they are at home.
Pros: Its Cheaper
If you are working off a tight budget, you can shop around for a teacher that you can afford. In most towns and cities, there seems to be a standard fee for music teachers, depending on their experience and the level they are teaching of course. However, because you will be able to have access to music teachers all around the globe, you are sure to find someone who will teach you how to play without breaking the bank. Although most tutors advertise their fees online, if they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask them. Some even provide new students with a free class when they sign up, while others will provide discounts for regular customers. Discounts for music lessons were normally unheard of in the past.
Conclusion
Although it might take a long time before you can produce a nice melody with your musical instrument, it is worth the stress. Playing a musical instrument has a range of mental and physical benefits. Learning how to play an instrument will give you the opportunity to be more creative, and it can help people suffering from depression and anxiety.
Although a lot of countries have managed to get a hold of Covid-19, we can expect virtual classrooms to continue. Online music classrooms are not for everybody, but it is worthwhile\ giving it a shot!
LA-based dreamy, alt rock act, Fox Violet , blends ambient ethereal vibes with dark pop rock hooks and soulful vocals on her new single/vídeo “Torn” (Out 9/24/21) from the forthcoming album Prisms, due out this Fall.
Central songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Thea Stevenson, tells LA Weekly, “Fox Violet exists because we were all looking for a new way to create music without any kind of boundaries, one that incorporated a vision of no-holds-back music where we could be instrumentally wild and lyrically as questioning and unapologetic as we wanted. We live in a dark time, and we live in a weird city, we don’t want to shy away from that. FV is as much about dissonance as it is resonance. We exist for opposites.”
“The soundscape leaves the listener in constant anticipation while honing in on Fox Violet’s ethereal vocals and mesmerizing tones.” –Buzz-Music
Landing high praise from LA Weekly, Buzz Music, Blurred Culture, Yorking Calling, and more, she has also received radio play in the USA, UK and Australia as a buzz band to watch. Heavily influenced by Radiohead, Nirvana, Lana Del Rey, Leonard Cohen, and Pink Floyd, Fox Violet’s lyrics examine the gradual loss of relationships intermixed with apathy, heart break, longing, and the cultural obsession with fairy tales. With soaring layered psychedelic guitars and crunchy synths Fox Violet crafts bold stories that are other-worldy,, relatable and raw.
Fox Violet has played extensively around SoCal and With new music on the horizon, FV plans to tour in 2022. Stay tuned for new material and announcements throughout the remainder of 2021.
Los Angeles, CA [September 21, 2021] Maisyn’s six-track debut EP tells the story of a girl through her own eyes full of trauma, triumph, complexity, and downright coolness. Cool Grl is out now!
“I think Cool Grl is a coming-of-age story in the truest sense – it’s pieces of my childhood, my tumult, my trauma, and my heartbreak that outline a story I’m really proud to share.”
Maisyn on “Cool Grl”
Like a beautiful coming-of-age film, Maisyn’s music is relatable to many while remaining uniquely her own. Listeners of her previous singles sing Maisyn’s praises for the ways in which they so deeply connect to the themes and messages on a personal level. As a whole, the Cool Grl reflects the singer/songwriter’s connections to herself through music: walking through the blurry journey toward finding comfort in your own skin all while writing songs about it. The result is a body of work that details adolescence into adulthood with pure pop piano melodies and a vocal style that is both vulnerable and mature.
Maisyn’s previous singles “Pool Party” and “8.20” showed the world what a real cool girl is: one that opens up about the workings of her innermost identity to make everyone around her feel free to do the same. “Pool Party” instantly became a cathartic offering evocative of the desire to find summer days joyous and celebratory rather than a reflection of one’s disordered tendencies and deeply rooted fears. “8.20” further speaks Maisyn’s goal of peaking into different insecurities that one person can feel, inviting listeners to share in the space that she crafted with comfort and a sense of self-love. Each song on the EP explores aspects of these themes from childhood to the present, fashioned with choruses that are sure to run through your head nonstop.
Working with Grammy-nominated engineer/producer Joey Messina-Doerning (HAIM, Women in Music Pt. III), Maisyn is finally at a place of deep pride as an artist. The singer/songwriter previously DIY toured across the East Coast and played venues that her idols had prior. She gained praise from Flaunt Magazine and Bust and was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds: Pop playlists. The EP as a whole speaks to the gravity of her relationship with herself, using music as a medium to implore everyone to put a mirror to their face and give themselves a serenade.
Stream Cool Grl and stay up to date with all things Maisyn from the links below. Thanks for your time in checking this out!
Protocol Recordings‘ veteran and bass house maestro DØBER recently released his 3-track “About You” EP, and now he’s back with a very special addition to the project. His new release “Cream” is an experimental, lush sonic journey that toes the line between progressive and hard-hitting. Opening with distorted vocals and cinematic melodies, DØBER nearly fools the listener until he coaxes the track into a synth-forward, driving bassline that is guaranteed to have dancefloors moving. Just as “About You” EP was both true to his original sound and dynamic, “Cream” fits the bill by being uplifting and bass-centric. DØBER continues to flex his prowess and refine his style with each new release, so we can’t wait to see what he’s up to next.
Founded by Nicky Romero, Protocol Recordings is one of the leading imprints for innovative electronic dance music. It boasts a roster of heavy-hitters, complemented with immensely talented up-and-comers such as Thomas Gold, Deniz Koyu, Teamworx, Futuristic Polar Bears, Trilane, Marcus Santoro, Stadiumx, Tim van Werd, and Nicky Romero himself, to name a few. All with a diverse range of sounds that are guaranteed to light up a dance floor. Among them is DØBER, who draws his inspiration from artists such as Dogblood, ZHU and Gesaffelstein, promising plenty of dark, hard-hitting tunes to add to the label’s repertoire. He followed his 2020’s debut “Twisted” EP with a remix for Deniz Koyu‘s “Next To You” and original works, such as “Silence” with Monocule, “Focus” with Almero and “Bounce” with RayRay, quickly becoming one of the label’s leading artists. Protocol‘s mixture of veteran heavyweights and fresh new talent makes for some of the most exciting releases in the game, along with the unlimited potential for collaborations. We look forward to more releases from DØBER and the rest of the Protocol team coming soon!
More info on DØBER / Protocol Recordings:
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Images provided by DØBER
Nicky Romero, MARF and Wulf‘s summertime hit “Okay” receives a dancefloor-friendly remix from none other than dance music veteran Afrojack. Taking the original’s emotive vocals and gentle melodies, Afrojack turns the track on its head with a goosebump-inducing buildup and driving, rhythmic bassline that will drive crowds into a frenzy at the next festival or club night. The addition of classic big-room sounds and deep, growling bass is a testament to what has made Afrojack a fan favorite for over a decade. His sound fuses perfectly with fellow Dutch veteran Nicky Romero, making the remix of “Okay” a real treat for any dance music fan. More great remixes of “Okay” will be released on Protocol soon. It’s also worth mentioning that 2 months ago Nicky Romero remixed Afrojack & David Guetta‘s hit “Hero.”
After taking the world by storm with early hits such as “Legacy” with Krewella and #1 single “I Could Be The One” with Avicii, Nicky Romero quickly proved that his talent is ever-evolving and here to stay. After launching his Protocol Recordings imprint in 2012, the renowned performer, producer, and label head continued his personal successes with a string of high-profile releases, ranging from collaborations with Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Mike Williams & Amba Shepherd, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, W&W, DallasK & XYLØ, Timmy Trumpet and Steve Aoki & Kiiara to remixes for the likes of Robin Schulz, Kygo, Rita Ora, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Jess Glynne and more. While showcasing his label’s roster via his weekly Protocol Radio show, Nicky Romero continues to innovate and evolve during these unprecedented times in the music industry. In 2020 he launched his alter ego Monocule, which is dedicated to Nicky‘s never-ending passion for darker and underground vibes. Nicky Romero keeps proving his ability to turn into gold everything he touches.
Since he exploded onto the scene with his hit single “Take Over Control” with Eva Simons over a decade ago, Afrojack has become one of the most influential music names in electronic dance music today. It’s no wonder – with an impressive resume of originals and remixes as well as headlining sets at some of the world’s major clubs and festivals, he has made a massive imprint on the culture we know and love today. His career has seen gold star working with David Guetta, Timmy Trumpet, Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Sia, Chris Brown, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki, Ty Dolla $ign, Luis Fonsi, and Rae Sremmurd among others. He also serves as the head of his own record label Wall Recordings and is a constant fixture as the Top 10 of DJ Mag‘s annual Top 100 DJs poll.
More info on Nicky Romero / MARF / Wulf / Afrojack / Protocol Recordings:
Read more music articles at ClichéMag.com
Images provided by Nicky Romero + Afrojack + MARF + Wulf
Out on now via Humming Records and Warner Music Baltics, ‘No Man Is An Island’ is the next instalment from singer-songwriter and producer NOËP’s forthcoming debut album, which will be released in November.
The track showcases NOËP’s production from a new angle, being the most upbeat song he’s released to date. “A lot of the percussive sounds on the track have been recorded on piano, which gives an organic touch to the sonical atmosphere. As with the album, the single’s meaning can be interpreted on a multi-dimensional level’’. NOËP explains: “The opening line of ‘No Man Is An Island’ paints a picture of an extremist-environmentalist and how he perceives our current situation with climate change and other environmental/social challenges. It sounds cliché, but the success of any meaningful change depends on our ability to face ‘the giant’ not alone, but together.”
Hailing from Tallinn and inspired by artists such as Alt-J, Mura Masa and James Hersey, NOËP’s unique blend of alternative pop with electronic undertones, has captured the attention of music lovers and industry all over the world, amassing over 40 million streams and counting. In addition to his global reach and appeal, NOËP is something of a musical icon in his homeland, having been awarded ‘Pop Album of the Year’ at the Estonian Music Awards in 2019, for his debut EP ‘Heads In The Clouds’. Further afield, he has had airplay on BBC Radio 1, along with DSP editorial support from major markets such as UK and Germany.
Earlier this summer, Donnie Visa was interviewed by DJ Wonder on Shade 45, and subsequently released a hard-hitting song and music video with DJ Wonder titled, “Not One of Them.” Following the release of the record, Donnie Visa garnered attention from DJ Suss One, leading to an interview with the renowned DJ. Donnie Visa makes his return to fans’ speakers with, “Legendary.” “Legendary,” produced by prodbyLow, showcases Donnie Visa’s lyrical prowess and impeccable flow.
The track takes listeners to a place of manifestation. “Legendary” allows listeners to envision the successful life that they can speak into existence, and provides motivation and encourages listeners to claim their legacy. The music video, directed by 3PV Productions, serves to further push that positive, inspiring message by highlighting the Carolina-product’s successes within the Big Apple.
From the verses to the hook to the bridge, Donnie Visa delivers a riveting, hype bop to close out the summer. The rapper, singer-songwriter has so much more in store for 2021 and beyond. Donnie Visa is well on his way to living up to the title, “Legendary.”
Artist’s Bio: Donnie Visa is a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Raised in the Carolinas, he is well known for his eccentric vocal style and laid back vibe. With three mixtapes released, he’s demonstrated his versatility and unmatched talent. Donnie Visa has been featured in various media outlets and was included in DJ K.i.D’s “Quarantine Mixtape” in 2020. The Carolina native, known for his catchphrase, “Approved!” is proving why he is set to become the next global phenom.
Today, Los Angeles-based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Cassie Marin is sharing the official music video for her new single, “Busy Body.”
A sharp-witted commentary on the binary of being both the watcher and the watched in the digital world, “Busy Body” is an addictive listen, both thematically and musically. Drawing inspiration from the 1996 film The Cable Guy, the video reveals a playful yet poignant message about society’s obsession with social surveillance. “For the ‘Busy Body’ video, the idea was to take the song’s main theme surrounding compulsive surveillance to a literal and clear cut place while still keeping it fun and lighthearted through the story and style,” Cassie says.
Growing up in Miami, Cassie spent much of her childhood training as a gymnast with dreams of going to the Olympics. After her gymnastics career ended abruptly when she suffered a serious injury at the age of 13, she found solace in her love for music. Teaching herself how to produce and write songs, Cassie has carried the same grit and self-discipline that inspired her Olympic dreams into the art she makes today.
Slightly secretive and delicately feminine, every song she releases is a single intricate flower plucked from her consciousness and added to her verdurous display. Constantly exploring new musical and visual dimensions, Cassie has emerged as an avant-garde luminary in the left-of-center pop space.
Mummy Diamonds latest release “One More Chance” is a haunting 80’s new-wave inspired project that touches on troublesome personalities, the addiction to drama and how sometimes we find ourselves being the motivator of the toxicity.
“The first lyric that we wrote for it was ‘beg for the fire…’ It’s meant to be about that person who is always wanting drama, or creating chaos. That person who’s addicted to friction and neither of us can stand that personality, and maybe sometimes it’s one of us!” – James Stein, Mummy Diamonds
“A lot of people these days are grappling with whether to persevere or jump ship, to burn it down or repair it. Just like them we’ve gone through these things. ‘One More Chance’ is personal, but at the end of the day it kind of doesn’t matter. It’s art. When you make music, people are going to relate to it however they wish” – Shanna Stein, Mummy Diamonds
Formed and based in Los Angeles, Mummy Diamonds is James Stein and Shanna Stein. MD was formed during a week-long getaway when their good friend and collaborator Zachary Busby was traveling from Delaware. As lifetime artists of various mediums, James and Shanna were embarking on a fresh musical start. They had begun writing and recording all new material unexpectedly congruent with that fateful visit from Zachary.
Maintaining yet building upon signature stylistic elements from James and Shanna’s past musical endeavors, MD represents artistic evolution. Blending a unique combination of musical elements from genres such as alternative, dream pop, island and folk combined with cinematic inspired haunting vocals and harmonies, Mummy Diamonds’ music is acoustic-based with wavy space synths, romantic guitars and grimy bass and drums. MD creates an oceanic vibe that can evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions for the listener. An empathic, spiritual vibe for all moods from romantic to introspective, sexy to macabre, Mummy Diamonds’s music always still somehow manages to uplift and remain life-affirming and hopeful.
LA-based garage punk band Wavy Trees are sending their love to the brokenhearted in their latest single “Hypocrite.” The song’s anthemic melodies and grunge undertones make for a perfect heartbreak sing-along.
What started as an “accident” during one of the band’s jam sessions, “Hypocrite” is an honest and pure testament to the frustrations of losing a relationship. The outlandish video takes the band through door-to-door “The Wavy Way” enlightenment recruitment in the San Fernando Valley. With doors constantly shut in the band’s faces, the four-piece ultimately decide to take their frustration out in the community with vandalism and more.
Zack Smith, the lead vocalist of Wavy Trees, shares the inspiration behind the track and video:
“‘Hypocrite’ is an anthem for those who were left behind by a lover. It’s about being sick of wasting your love on someone! When you love someone so much that even when they leave you, you still want them to take you with them when they go. It’s also the acceptance of losing someone. At the end of the day we all have that hypocritical side of us that wants things that aren’t the best for us.
The concept for the ‘Hypocrite’ music video came to us while driving around Los Angeles. Jason (our guitarist) noticed some missionaries going door-to-door and thought it would be hilarious is we dressed like they did. So, we decided to create our own make believe cult called “The Wavy Way” and use that concept to convey a satirical outlook on life in general. In the end, you will see that we were all hypocrites after all.”
If Wayne’s World and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure collided in an alternate reality House party, Los Angeles based Wavy Trees would be the band playing in the backyard. The cosmic bartender at this gathering would be mixing swaggering hard rock riffs with the attitude and energy of garage-punk, dumping it into a shaker and pouring out a potent cocktail of we-could-give-a-f-ck fun.
Wavy Trees is made up of Zack “Moondog” Smith on lead vox/guitar/piano, Jason Espirito on guitar, Brian Duke on bass/guitar, and Jack Gallner on drums. The band is produced by the legendary Jay Baumgardner (Seether, Bush, Papa Roach, Lacuna Coil, Otherwise).
Check out Wavy Trees’ “Hypocrite” on Spotify today.
Dark pop artist pure xtchas released her newest single, “Bad Dreams” on all DSPs today. “Bad Dreams” is the late-at-night realization of the ending of a toxic relationship, and reliving all of its negative aspects. A track fueled with anger, “Bad Dreams” is the follow up to pure xtc‘s upcoming November 12th release Nobody’s Home EP.
“‘Bad Dreams’ is here to hold your hand while you’re lying awake at night, replaying the worst break up of your life. You’re finally waving goodbye to red flags you blindly ignored for years. The gaslighting, the guilt, the betrayal. The truth twisting into your back like a knife. You can retrace the steps, fantasize and recreate the outcome, but you can’t change it. This song is about that moment of acceptance when you’re not sad anymore, you’re just pissed.” – pure xtc
pure xtc formed during an extremely isolating period for multi-instrumentalist Taylor Hughes. In 2019, she packed her bags and moved to the New York City metro area, living on her own for the first time. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing rooftops, meeting and avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell. Thus sparked the inspiration behind Taylor Hughes’ debut single, “Ghost.” A haunting electro-pop track inspired by her experience with isolation in a new environment, pure xtc explores the sensation of feeling like a ghost amid the excitement and people of a bustling city.
After temporarily relocating to the midwest during the pandemic, pure xtc has intertwined herself in the Kansas City music scene. As a queer artist herself, pure xtc strives to gain visibility and representation for the LGBTQIA+ community through her music. In August, the solo artist performed at Kansas City Pride.
pure xtc, as a project, is taking fans along for the highs and the lows of a very volatile ride.
