Category Archives: Funk

Exclusive Artist Review: Randy Wilde – “Rise Up” & Whatcha Gonna Do” Singles

Posted in Alternative, Careers, EP, Funk, Gospel, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rock, Single, Soul by

LA’s Randy Wilde is no ordinary artist, but more of a manifestation of both passion and musicianship alike. The bass guitar and songwriting pioneer over many years has diligently made his rounds in the industry, garnering a two-time nomination for the Best Bassist category at the LA Music Music Awards and has worked/performed alongside industry heavyweights like Chaka Khan, Louis Johnson, Boo-Ya, T.R.I.B.E. and many others. Now with his solo career off the ground, Randy has brought his masterfully crafted signature sound to the forefront and quickly began hitting the ground running after the release of his first single “Whatcha Gonna Do”, an anthemic, multi layered Alt-Rock track with a 90s sensibility that delivers both nostalgia with its aura and freshness with its innovative textures.

Released last year as his debut single, “Whatcha Gonna Do” comes out swinging with Randy’s smooth bass lines and punchy slaps, giving the rhythm section a strong foundation to really put the song into cruise control. Inspired by the many controversial events of 2020, Randy’s message in this track speaks for itself with the song’s anchor hook “whatcha gonna do when you make a change?” It’s an upbeat chorus that really has that staying power to stay with you even long after it’s over. It’s an inspiring song that could influence change. But the song is also just as strong with its many crucial musicianship factors. Randy’s distinctive mid-range vocal style diligently parallels the multi layered and well-put-together melody choices. Every lead instrument from guitars to keys plays a vital role in this song and effectively showcases several angles of Randy’s songwriting ability. It’s a next-level single that really proves just how next-level Randy is altogether

So with Randy setting the bar high for himself, he knew he would have to deliver on the goods once again, if not more so this time around to maintain the momentum and enhance it at the same time. So he did just that with his recent follow-up single “Rise Up”, another strong track with a strong message of unity, positive change and rising up to make it happen. Randy again serves up his signature crafty bass riffs and really shows an effective sense of subtlety in the verses. We again have an anthemic chorus that has several crucial layers and a vocal delivery of catchy melody choices and diligently structured measures throughout the song’s duration. It’s an exceptional follow up to Randy’s debut single that really brings out his musical authenticity and artistic merit.

Both of these singles will be on Randy Wilde’s upcoming EP, which has garnered strong anticipation since the songs hit the market. His influences include Prince, Jimi Hendrix and his love for Funk and Rock is a major presence in both songs, but is executed in a way that encompasses Randy’s authentic approach. These tracks will leave an undeniable impression on you and will definitely entice every listener to delve deep into his career and discography for many years to come. You can listen to both singles now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Polyphonic Exophilia – “Volume 1” EP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Blues, Careers, EP, Experimental, Funk, Fusion, Indie, Instrumental, Jazz, Music Review, Press Release by

Hailing from the musical landscapes of Hadeland in Norway, Progressive/Alternative collective Polyphonic Exophilia (abbreviated as PPXP) are comprised of several elite musicians with years of collective experience under their belts. On top of being a band, they also run a fully functional recording studio as well as an independent label, operating as a unit that is 100% authentic and DIY – doing just about everything themselves. Known for their very progressive Alt-Indie signature sound, the PPXP collective has put together a dynamic EP series that is comprised of three releases that will take place throughout 2021, and their debut effort from this series is their debut EP ‘Volume 1’.

Solidified as chapter one of the EP series, ‘Volume 1’ is comprised of four anthemic tracks and sequences that really showcase PPXP’s musicianship factors, production value and artistic merit. Each song offers up several flavorful soundscapes that put effective spotlights on each member’s ability as well as the band’s collective style. Opening track “Crocodile Tears” is a perfect example of their progressive formula with several genre textures which includes their Alt-Indie flavor alongside diligently crafted Jazz, Fusion, and Funk elements. This track has an insatiable groovy rhythm section and utilizes dynamic tempos and time signatures that really add crucial elements of their writing style. The lead instruments contain crafty guitar melodies, atmospheric keyboard leads and smooth solid bass lines that tie it all together. The song has a jammy feel with several measures of buildup that eventually lead to a powerful climax, giving the listener a sense of anticipation that is very engaging as well as exciting as the grooves play out. The unique skat-like vocals are cleverly written alongside a melodic duel female vocal, really adding to the flavorful components that are heard throughout the track’s duration. Overall, this track starts the EP out very strongly and also sets the tone for the rest of the record as well.

Second track is “Omoi”, another dynamically rhythmic track with a more uptempo groove. Once again we have a heavy presence of keyboard and guitar leads that really lead the way in terms of melody and progression. This track also has atmospheric and spacey textures, giving the song significantly more ambience in the overall aura. This track is a little more subtle, but is just as effective and well-written. Third track “Post-Traumatic Growth” is another jazzy and atmospheric track that highlights more of the band’s dynamic vocal leads and melodies. Their charismatic approach on this track is cleverly executed and really adds several multi layers to the mix. It’s another brilliant chapter to the EP that highlights PPXP’s signature sound. Closing track “Even Monkeys Fall Out Of Trees” is a groovy number that effectively ties the EP together into one solid anthem. This song combines almost every element from the previous three and still offers up touches of new flavors. The simple yet groovy bass line really carries a lot of weight on this track alongside an ambient piano melody that highlights the song’s key signature. This is also another jammy tune that plays out with solid buildups and climaxes, keeping you engaged with every instrument from start to finish. It’s a brilliant closing track that will easily entice you to start the EP over again for another round of each song.

This debut EP really puts PPXP on the musical map and is a record that is completely ahead of its time. Their craft is very multifaceted and versatile throughout each track’s duration and really highlights each members’ ability in several crucial ways. This EP will definitely have you anticipating what the other two subsequent EPs have in store – but regardless, it has insatiable staying power and will easily become one of your favorites of 2021 so far. ‘Volume 1’ released in June and is currently available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Rob Alexander – “Dream Out Loud” Album

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Blues, Careers, Electronic, Funk, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rock by

When it comes to encapsulating anthemic Rock songs with dynamic lyrics, addictive melodies and top of the line performance and production value in epic proportions, third time is a charm for Rob Alexander‘s newest 13-track juggernaut Dream Out Loud. His third album in three years and easily one of his best yet.

Rob Alexander has done it again and just keeps getting better with time. You can hear from his debut record all the way up to this newest one that he keeps upping the ante on perfecting his craft and tightening his songwriting. Each track on Dream Out Loud sounds like something freshly conjured, but still provides that signature stylization we’ve come to know and love about Rob‘s eclectic swagger. From a tight knit rhythm section, melodically crunchy guitar riffs with catchy progressions and intelligent lyrics, Rob brings it all together into one powerfully multifaceted unit with twists, turns and undeniable versatility throughout every measure of this album.

Opening track “Yesterday’s News” is an upbeat and electronically infused song that is fun and crafty. If you’ve heard Rob‘s previous albums, then you’ll notice that this track immediately showcases a slightly more modern direction, but also satisfies your fancy to hear what new tricks Rob has up his sleeves. Just like his last two records, each song offers up several different Rock and Blues elements, but you can still tell that it’s all coming from the same artist. And Dream Out Loud sticks with that formula, where Rob Alexander diligently showcases several angles of his songwriting and performance ability. Other tracks on this record like “Angel & Johnny” are more piano-driven, subtle, and always delivers a wholesome sound with great vocal hooks and innovative guitar touches. “Hot Potato” is a catchy and ominous track that is insatiably rhythmic with an excitably punchy chorus, while closing track “Game Over” is more visceral with a theatrical and wholesome approach that truly brings Rob Alexander‘s versatility to the forefront; tying the album together and leaving you yearning for more.

Rob Alexander proves with every release just how much he improves each time. Dream Out Loud is definitely his strongest yet, and continues to build on his authentic signature sound that his fans absolutely love. This record has something for everyone and if this is your first time discovering Rob, then strap yourself in for a ride. The album will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and several other digital music streaming platforms. Also, as an impressive highlight, Dream Out Loud was written and recorded in 2020 and features current members of Elton John’s band. It will be available February 5th, 2021. Rob is starting off the new year with a bang and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store for him!

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Exclusive Artist Review: Rootspence & The Groove Makers – “Judgement Day” LP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Blues, Careers, Dance, EDM, Electronic, Funk, Fusion, Hard Rock, Hip Hop, Indie, Jazz, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, R&B, Rap, Reggae by

Now here’s a group you’ll rarely discover in your lifetime. A band of versatility, nostalgia and unwavering talent that showcases multiple angles of their signature stylization, Rootspence & The Groove Makers are a seven-member Mozambican powerhouse tackling their own crossbreed of Reggae/Pop/R&B and Fusion; done in a way that is both multilayered and multifaceted. And if this description entices you, then you will lovingly feel the bliss of this group’s musical power with the fruition of their latest 8-track juggernaut Judgement Day.

With their formation setting its groundwork in 2015 by Helio “Rootspence” Sixpence (vocalist/frontman) in Maputo, Mozambique, The Groove Makers quickly began hitting the ground running and have no intention of stopping anytime soon. The Groove Makers are very well known for their jazzy, African-guitar style and pop approach to reggae featuring live musical instruments. The fusion imprint results from the diverse rhythmic mastery from the band members, entailing Hard Rock, Gospel, Afro-fusion, Kizomba, Jazz and Hip-hop. And when you put this multi-genre concoction together, you get Judgement Day. Eight songs with top notch production and performance value with more layers and hooks to go around. With undeniably catchy choruses embracing every track, it’s songs like “Everything”, “My Heart” and “Beautiful Smile” that truly give The Groove Makers the staying power; the power to stay with you even after the song is over, because you’ll be getting these choruses completely stuck in your head with no escape.

The musicianship factors are completely off the charts with this album. With smooth bass lines, a tight-knit rhythm section with soulful anthemic vocal energy and every other additive each member brings to the table, Judgement Day simply is a record of not just pure talent, but perfectionism too. Every nook and cranny is covered, and with slick guitar progressions and stylistic keyboard parts with on-the-mark backup vocals, Judgement Day also proves that the band is fully comprised of not just top of the line musicians, but principal songwriters as well. Whether it’s on a cruise ship or stadium, The Groove Makers have put together a wholesome sound that never leaves a stone unturned, and that’s exactly what is comprised on Judgment Day.

Throughout their five year career, the band has already acquired a vast array of accomplishments including a 2020 WAM Award Nominee (Best Reggae Music), 7 Times Reverb Nation Featured Artist, Selected for Global Home Music Fest, SongDew TV, Brews Radio, and several others. Rootspence & The Groove Makers are one of those bands you become stoked about after discovering them. And after you take a listen to Judgment Day yourself, you’ll see (and hear) exactly why. The album is currently available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and several other digital music streaming platforms.

For Roots the most rewording thing in the word is “that feeling, you know… when you look deep into someone’s eyes and you just feel great… you don’t care about what you lost because you believe sharing, giving and mending souls is just the right and greatest thing to do”. Baptized Roots as translation of his reasoning style. Paradoxically idealist and man with feet on the ground, he advocates love, respect, compassion, harmony, equality and peace. -Rootspence

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Exclusive New Years Eve Review Special: Mahdi Khene – “Don’t Say a Word” Album/LP

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Americana, Blues, Careers, Folk, Funk, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Rock by

It’s no surprise that something amazing could be conjured from an elite musician since he was the age of 14. A troubadour at heart, Mahdi Khene has been traveling from place to place, making his rounds to Maryland, D.C, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, and Virginia, only to make a full global circle more closer to his roots and find himself back in New York where he often performs his latest Folk/Rock albums and also composes original scores for films and documentaries.

And his 11-track juggernaut, Don’t Say a Word, is insatiable proof that his well travelled and highly skilled self-taught signature sound is a true anthemic payoff of many years honing his craft and well traveled experience. Encompassing a versatile folk sound with a centerpiece of indie rock and 70s-style production calibre, Mahdi blends a multifaceted, multilayered and tightly-knit craft on every track of this record and really showcases his musicianship strengths from many ambitious angles. From undeniably catchy and well put-together clean guitar progressions and carefully mastered multilayered vocals, Don’t Say a Word brings forth a sound that touches on naturally equal parts originality and familiarity; giving the listener a very nostalgic overtone of a very longed-for folk sound that diligently locks in with today’s more modern sensibilities. Each track is consistent, concise, well balanced and really composed. It’s definitely more arranged in a manner of compositions as opposed to your every day songwriting techniques for bands or indie groups.

This album can be considered one unit in its entirety rather than a track-by-track record, very anthemic and direct. A musical piece where you don’t have any need to skip one track. Its consistency and signature style is not only mastered with a fine tooth comb, but executed with a vast array of detail that never outdoes itself. The detailed additives add a perfect amount of intrigue, the intrigue differentiates other folk based acts that may have similarities. But no matter what, always finds a way to stand out on its own.

Don’t Say a Word is not just an album, but one with staying power; where the record stays with you even long after it’s over. If you yearn for that classic 70s folk stylization with today’s modern top notch production value, then this is a must-listen in every regard. Your fandom for Mahdi Khene will be just about instantaneous.

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