Tag Archives: Album Review

Exclusive Artist Review: The Harmalators – “Time Portal To A Better Future” Album

Posted in Album, Alternative, Emo, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Rock by

San Francisco-based Identical-twin-duo The Harmalators have graced our platform before and are well known for their charismatically colorful and catchy signature sound; implementing catchy riffs and sing-songy choruses into a tightly knit package of Indie-Pop Rock goodness with a familiar yet innovative approach. Starting off as a power trio in 2005, this duo has written and released a vast array of prominent records and have been a constant routine request among listeners on radio stations nation, recently taking the #1 slot on Chicago’s BMS Radio.

Now in 2022, The Harmalators duo have put out some of their most notable tracks to date with the release of their newest album Time Portal To A Better Future, a 10-track collection of well thought out versatile songs that showcase several paralleled angles of the brothers’ performance and production value, serving up a tasty concoction of glistening guitars, anthemic vocals and dangerously catchy choruses that are bound to stick with you. “Dream Dream Of Waterfalls” is an excellent example of this formula, starting off with the chorus immediately to set the tone for the rest of the record’s aura and atmosphere. This track will easily charm fans of the older Rock sensibility that they grew up with, putting catchy and easy-to-follow vocals into a structure that showcases crispy guitar swells to give the brothers a complimentary sound you can easily identify with. It’s a nostalgic song with magical vocal melodies, and provides a lovable chorus that will undoubtedly stick with you long after it’s over.

Another notable track on this record is the acoustically-driven piano track “Clean Cool World”, a track with several layers of synth-y and electronic touches. This inspirational song has very atmospheric verses and leads into a simple yet effective chorus that once again never fails when it comes to catchiness. This song in particular is a more experimental effort on the record, shining a light on more musical angles that both brothers explore throughout the song’s duration. One more noteworthy track on this album is “On The Way to Heaven”, a more subtle piece with inspirational lyrics, a serene chorus with very effective backup vocals and an aura of peacefulness that will have you playing this one in your most relaxed state. It’s a feel-good song with a glistening atmosphere from beginning to end, with an almost Pink Floyd type of ambience. This song definitely lives up to its title and is definitely a standout of this album in both performance and execution.

Overall, Time Portal To A Better Future is an exciting release for The Harmalators duo and is definitely a step up from their previous releases. It’ll easily entice new listeners, satisfy current ones and will have you putting this record on repeat anytime you need a musical uplifter in your day. The album is available now on Spotify, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms. You will not be disappointed in the least.

•Apple Music Album Link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-harmalators-time-portal-to-a-better-future/1642526913

•Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/harmalators

•Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/normankay9

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Press Release: Mr. Anderson – “A Dark Alley In Cedar Rapids” Album/LP

Posted in Album, Careers, EDM, Hip Hop, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rap by

Iowa-based producer, engineer and rapper Mr. Anderson has amassed an insatiable career path for himself since emerging into the market. Starting out in the music production realm at the age of 14, his inception into the market has been very pivotal, promising, and easily found himself hitting the ground running with his distinctive signature style, multifaceted production techniques and innovative multi genre approach; quickly becoming known as one of the scenes biggest standouts of his calibre. Signed to music collective Listen Stupid, Anderson has put out a vast array of impressive releases over the last few years, collaborating with several prominent artists in the Iowa Hip Hop scene including Tone Da Boss and Silence who have graced our platform more than once.

With Mr. Anderson having several solid releases under his belt, his newest album A Dark Alley In Cedar Rapids sees the rising artist and producer at the top of his game. This 9-track juggernaut features a collaboration of several prominent artists in the Hip Hop world all at the helm of Anderson’s direction and musical vision, encapsulating a multi genre signature sound that goes hard from beginning to end with several dynamic flavors and nostalgic elements. Opening tracks “If You Wanna Be A Rockstar” and “If You Wanna Be A Pornstar” are perfect examples of this, really delving into Mr. Anderson’s versatile approach; combining an anthemic and high energy Pop/EDM flavor with an inventive Hip Hop sensibility at the forefront. Featuring rappers Tone Da Boss, Saint Josh, Silence, Elliot Ness (Da Band) and Ivy Marie all sharing verses and hooks throughout the songs’ durations, these two paralleling openers really showcase the hard hitting aura and atmosphere right out the gate. Mr. Anderson’s low to mid range bars and rhymes are very flavorful, delivering a flow that is crisp in its clarity and original in its execution. If Hip Hop has its own arena-style approach similar to arena-rock, then these two tracks are exactly that. These are big tracks with huge personality, and you can tell Mr. Anderson’s precise attention to detail is very apparent.

Another standout on this record is “Wild Girl”. This synth-heavy track has themes we’ve heard many times before in the Hip Hop and EDM universe, but not executed quite like this. This track’s female feature artist Devmo serves up a tasty verse that not only gives this song character, but attitude altogether. The subtlety in the drums-only verses add a layer of suspense you don’t hear in many songs, it really provides the room for each artist on this track to take the spotlight and deliver a powerful performance where your undivided attention is in full swing. If you want a familiar theme with a very versatile approach, then this track will not disappoint.

One more major highlight of this album is the upbeat heavy hitter “Goonies”. Featuring in-your-face spits from rapper Buukilo, this dynamic track really adds a layer of uniqueness that explores more of Mr. Anderson’s many articulate angles that he serves up throughout this album. This song also demonstrates his ability to put subtlety and suspense in certain areas of the structure that is not only effective with the track’s execution, but really allows the artist honing the verse to really grab the listener’s attention without any unnecessary distractions or post production theatrics. Anderson on every song let’s the artist do the talking without delving into any cheat techniques that may or may not take you out of the element of content; proving that he’s not only an innovative producer, but an authentic one as well.

A Dark Alley In Cedar Rapids is a record that showcases Mr. Anderson’s ability to wear many hats in the industry. He’s not only a producer, but a visionary as well; implementing an array of different angles while successfully utilizing several crucial artists to bring it to life in the most memorable way. It’s an album with staying power – it has the power to stay with you even long after it’s over. And it’ll also entice you to dive into Mr. Anderson’s discography and career as well. It’s a multifaceted and multilayered album that will easily satisfy old fans and reel in many new ones as well. The album is available to pre-save now on several digital music streaming platforms. You will not wanna miss this one.

•Album Pre-Save Link: https://artists.landr.com/MrAnderson

•Website: https://www.ListenStupid.com

•Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/Listen_Stupid

•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ListenStupid/

•TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Listen_Stupid

•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ListenStupid/

•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0SLWdkx6YHszzV_RknI4Mg?view_as=subscriber

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Radio Drive – “One Breath Away” EP

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Careers, EP, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Rock by

Emerging from the Minneapolis/St. Paul music scene, Alt-Indie recording artist and multi musician Kevin Gullickson (known under his solo monicker Radio Drive) has been writing, recording and releasing his own dynamic breed of eclectic Rock/Pop-oriented material since launching his solo career in 2008. Since then, he has undoubtedly hit the ground running and has amassed an impressive name for himself since emerging into the market; putting out an array of albums and releases at a frequent pace and constantly innovating his signature sound and stylization. He has received numerous glowing reviews and critical acclaim since his inception; receiving an array of airplay on several local and regional radio stations both in the US and Canada for his 2009 album Dream The Impossible, his sophomore 2010 follow up record Life Today as well as his subsequent release I Can See The World From Here. His release Life Today also hit the Top 40 charts on CJSW Radio in Calgary.

Fast forward to 2022 and Radio Drive has brought his inventive and cohesive sound full circle with his newest dynamic 4-track EP One Breath Away, comprised of some of Kevin Gullickson’s best work and most notable tracks to date. Each song is carefully crafted with fine detail, several coherent layers and a signature sound that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity; delivering a solid performance that brilliantly incorporates Rock and Pop elements from older more classic flavors and today’s more modern sensibility. It’s not only a record for fans of the classics, but also for today’s hungry music fans searching for the next fresh take on the genres they have come to love. Fresh from the EP, the song “Be Yourself Tonight” diligently encapsulates the aura and atmosphere that this particular record gives off. It’s a minor scaled piano-driven tune with layers of complimenting clean guitars and a cohesive rhythm section to tie it all together. Kevin’s mid-to-high range vocals are very magnetic and anthemic, encompassing a style that cross breeds Rock vocalists like Sting and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. His melody choices are not just coherent, but brilliantly arranged and executed. His upper third harmonies in the second verse and octaves in the chorus are immediate standouts in this song and really demonstrate Kevin’s ability both as a singer and songwriter. This track will easily impress anyone upon first listen.

Another notable track on this EP is the more upbeat “I Believe I Believe”, a song with several impressive instrumental layers and a dangerously catchy title hook. Definitely the sing-along track of the record, this nostalgic track has surprises around every corner ranging from heavier crunchy guitars, a female chorus of background vocals, violins/strings and an anchor hook that will likely stick in your head like glue. This track definitely has staying power, and will stick with you even long after it’s over. “Don’t You Know” is another track with beautiful string layers and really showcases more of Kevin’s vocal range and arrangements. This Rock number has a nostalgic 90s feel that sounds like a song directly imported from that era. This ridiculously catchy song has shades of REM throughout the track’s duration and the glistening harmonies in the chorus’s “don’t you know, don’t…you know” will be stuck in your head for weeks. Lastly, the acoustic-oriented “Moment By Moment” is the final track and is an anthem all about life and living in that important moment, day by day, hour by hour. This feel-good track is a straightforward song with some tasty three part harmonies and really has that oldies vibe going on, but still has that same innovative signature that Radio Drive is known for. This track fits on this record like a glove and really ties Kevin’s sound together into a tightly wrapped package, with the bow and all.

Altogether, One Breath Away is a record for those seeking that dose of nostalgia, but still being able to indulge in that modern twist that we frequently hear with today’s more contemporary artists. Every track could easily be a radio hit, and the production value diligently parallels the performance value from beginning to end. Kevin Gullickson serves up a tasty platter of Alt-Indie songs on this EP with several key elements in each one offering a more cohesive finish product in whole. It’s a record that will easily capture new fans, satisfy old ones, and entice any listener to dive into Radio Drive’s impressive discography – as well as stay up to date on future releases as well. This is an absolute must-hear in every way.

One Breath Away is available now on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen.

•Website: http://www.radiodrive.net
•Facebook: https://fb.me/RadioDriveMusic
•Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/radiodrivemusic
•Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/RadioDriveMusic
•Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/radio_drive
•Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JZELlsigjpKLVji8J1n3e?si=0z00cEbgReCUflTkYoGsUQ
•iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/radio-drive/313677115

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Interview: Tone Da Boss

Posted in Album, Careers, Hip Hop, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rap by

We recently reviewed Tone Da Boss’s collab album Tone Death and insisted on following it up with another feature for the rising artist. The Iowa-based Rapper has graced our platform multiple times since we’ve gotten to know him, and his fresh modern take on an old school Hip Hop approach is one of the many factors that makes him a standout of his calibre in the industry; proving that he’s not only an effective artist – but an innovative one as well. Tone Da Boss on top of being a solidified Rapper and recording artist also wears many other industry hats including Promoter, Podcast Host, Web Designer, Manager, and is currently the CEO of independent music label/collective T1 Entertainment, an entity he also uses to self-distribute and self-publish his own releases.

Since his inception into the market, Tone Da Boss has amassed an impressive and dedicated following both online and organically through insatiable hard work within his music scene; putting out a vast array of next level releases and collaborations that has taken his name to new heights in the industry and continues to grow. He’s one of the faster growing artists in the market and when you take a listen to one of his releases, it’s immediately apparent as to why he holds that status. That being said, we got the chance to sit down with Tone Da Boss to pick his brain with some exclusive interview questions regarding his past, present and subsequent future to let us and our audience know just what we might be able to expect in the shortcoming, and to also get to know him better as well.

•How long have you been active under your artist name?

Tone Da Boss has been reactivated since 2021. I dropped an album in 2015. And did a great run prior to that in the group Big Bang for a few years. But after the 2015 album I took a break from music to focus on my family, helping the community and developing new artist by starting my promotions and management company T1 Entertainment.

•What music scene/city do you currently represent?

Cedar Rapids, IA. I was born in Chicago but Iowa is my home and is what I represent in the fullest. It’s where I found my sound, developed life long friendships, started my family and am building my empire.

•The pandemic really threw a wrench into the live music experience and for artists altogether. How has it affected you and your career (if at all)?

The pandemic surprisingly is what Jumpstarted my career. That time at home and seeing people lose their loved ways showed me how short life really is and how much we take for granted. I was once only a family, and a team player but now I am an individual, with my own goals dreams and aspirations. I walked away from my 6 figure career, I got divorced, and I found my love for being an artist again.

•What are some of your music influences?

50 Cent, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Tupac, T.I., Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne and Drake. You can hear a lot of their styles and influences built into to mine musically, but they actually influence me more on the business side. The empires they built, getting Artist under them and elevating their careers. Still being moguls after so much time in the game but finding other ways to generate revenue streams outside of music.

•What kind of concepts do you tend to write about as an artist? Shine some light on that.

My music ranges I try to not get boxed in, and I always wanna push the limits or do the things people say we shouldn’t. So I got songs where I go in detail about my divorce and depression, then I have songs where I experiment with Rock and genre blending. My favorite concepts to rap about tho tend to be street gangster music. Although now I consider myself a family and business man, I love reflecting on my time in Chicago and writing emotions down of things I’d do if I still lived there or how’d I’d react to certain situations if I wasn’t in the blessed position I’m in now.

•If you could put together a dream show or tour, what artists would be on the bill?

Young Money vs The Roc – Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kanye with Rihanna, and then I would be the opener

•When is your next release coming out?

Black Friday, November 26th. It’ll mark one year from the previous release I had with Silence titled “Tone Death” and premier my alter ego Black Ricardo. My solo album prior to that was Antonio, reflecting On a broken man trying to be set free. The Black Ricardo album will be the flower that blossomed and the Caterpillar that went into a Cacoon and emerged into a butterfly.

•What’s in store for you for the rest of 2022 and going into 2023? Give us the goods.

2022 has been the biggest year for me as an artist. My song Give Me My Ring was chosen by the Golden State Warriors to be in their Championship celebration video and the Chicago Sky Womens Basketball team did the same for the WNBA. The Black Ricardo album shows the growth in me as an artist and human and has major features on it including a record with Multiplatinum recording artist Trippie Redd. And before we get into Black Ricardo I’m dropping a free online G-Unit mixtape hosted by Dj Whoo Kid. That’s just on the Artist side. It is also going to be the biggest year for my company who just successfully ran Iowa Summer Jam for the 5th year but also introducing the first ever Iowa Music Awards Sunday October 30th honoring artist of all genres.

• Check out Tone Da Boss’s collab record Tone Death here: https://album.link/us/i/1591626323

•Read our review of Tone Death here: https://artistreachofficial.com/2022/08/13/exclusive-artist-review-silence-tone-da-boss-tone-death-collab-lp/

•Check out Tone Da Boss’s exclusive album Antonio here: https://album.link/us/i/1564610414

•Read our review of Antonio here: https://artistreachofficial.com/2021/04/24/exclusive-artist-review-tone-da-boss-antonio-the-album-lp/

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Silence & Tone Da Boss – “Tone Death” Collab LP

Posted in Album, Careers, Hip Hop, Indie, Mixtape, Music Review, Press Release, R&B, Rap by

Hailing from the cityscapes of the Cedar Rapids, IA scene, rising rappers Silence and Tone Da Boss have been pioneering the Hip Hop realm since their inceptions into the market – both putting out an array of releases over the years that have put them on the map in several arenas of the Rap world and beyond. Now with both artists taking the helm on this latest release, Silence & Tone Da Boss’s collab record Tone Death proves that both standalone artists are also a force to be reckoned with.

Implementing an innovative and modern twist on an old school Hip Hop signature sound, this 10-track juggernaut showcases both rappers in a way that parallels their performance and production value effectively and dynamically. Both artists shine very bright lights on their best musicianship factors and essentially set the bar even higher for today’s more modern Hip Hop collaborations. Opening track and anchor single “Who Wants The Smoke” is a perfect example of this, setting the tone for the rest of the record in a way that reels you in from the very first listen. Tone Da Boss and Silence blast right into the chorus hook right out the gate, exchanging lines, hooks, verses and essentially tag team this number altogether. It’s a song with very high energy and feels like a solid punch in the gut with its in-your-face approach and charismatic sensibility. Tone Da Boss in his known fashion explodes into his verse bars with his knack for prestigious word precision and high energy execution – delivering an intense performance that touches on several elements of his originality and familiarity as an artist. Silence emerges into his bars and measures with a solid flow that diligently showcases his lyrical cleverness and vocal presence. He’s a perfect compliment to Tone Da Boss’s approach and it’s apparent throughout this record that both artists challenge each other as well as the tracks play out. But it’s not a competitive nature, it’s more along the lines of getting each artist to set the bar higher – and they do exactly that, quite well I might add.

Another notable number on this record is “Summertime (feat. EMDUBAI)”, a track that does justice to the title and adds additional layers of versatility when compared to some of the other tracks on this album. Featuring a melodic piano progression and dangerously catchy chorus hook, this more R&B-oriented number brings out refreshing angles for both rappers and implements a more ambient atmosphere. Silence especially showcases his ability to sing his own hooks, reminiscent to other artists like Drake, Lil Wayne and others in the game that do the same with or without the necessity of a feature artist. Regardless, this track’s chorus will relentlessly stick in your head. Tone Da Boss also brings out a different side of himself on this number, touching on a more hypnotic flow and textures with his use of syllables and word placement. You can tell he goes over the fine details very closely, something a lot of today’s modern rappers tend to lack in several areas. But precision is definitely this song’s most notable highlight, and will easily stand out as one of your favorites on this record.

One more highlight on this LP is “Mirror Mirror”, another single accompanied by an official music video with colorful production value. This clubbing track’s hypnotic beat is effectively raw and really leaves room for both rappers to throw down their verses in a way that serves up the heat without any distractions or post production tricks. The verses on this track are especially coherent and cleverly executed with its concept. It’s a club-goer’s anthem in every sense, bringing forth the vibes, aura and atmosphere of your favorite hotspot on a Friday night – but executed much more intelligently when it comes to the lyrical angle. If you’re looking for a track that goes hard with the bumps and grinds, then this is one you’ll never forget.

Tone Death is the perfect gateway record for discovering both rappers if you don’t already know who they are. Tone Da Boss & Silence are stand-alone rappers with their own impressive discographies and versatile vocal approaches that have been grinding in the scene for years. That’s why this collaboration is such a powerful one – it diligently proves that they can put a strong release together that not only brings out their best performances individually, but also spotlights their chemistry as a team effort as well. The rap game is full of modern collabs, but this is one that you honestly have to hear to believe. It delivers that modern feel while also implementing old school flavors that not only make it relevant, but nostalgic as well. This is a must-hear in every regard.

•Listen: https://album.link/us/i/1591626323

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved