Music

Asian American Heritage Month – Dolly Ave Debuting ‘Sleep’ Album

Dolly Ave is releasing her debut album titled “Sleep” on May 7th, 2021. Having had a break-out hit with her 2020 collaboration on “Sunlight, Quiet, Flowers” with rapper Charlie Curtis-Beard – which trended #1 on TikTok’s Original Music charts for 7 days straight and over 428K streams on Spotify (and counting) – Dolly Ave is ready to make her own mark on the music scene with her first full-length offering to fans.

Written towards the end of 2019, Dolly’s seven-track record Sleep is a collection of lo-fi songs that sit at the intersection of pop, R&B, and bedroom vulnerability, as the tracks move through the ebb and flows of a relationship. “It’s not a heartbreak album,” Dolly insists, though she created the album freshly after a break-up while she was still in the throes of finding closure. “It’s definitely me finding empowerment in the vulnerability of each stage.”

Dolly Ave is not only an emerging artist in the creative industry, but also an award-winning photographer who has worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and the Migos. Raised in Kansas City, Missouri by two immigrant parents from Vietnam, Dolly Ave speaks of her inspiration to pursue a creative career with an undeniable fervor saying that she makes music “for young artists, for the underprivileged, and for the misunderstood.” Dolly’s parents worked as nail technicians and frequently moved the family between Sikeston, Missouri, and Kansas City in their search for jobs during her childhood. Dolly describes Kansas City as a “very strange place to immigrate to”: a small, midwestern town with not many other Asians, and with just as modest and simple expectations for life — to grow up and get a good job. Still, Dolly dreamed of bigger things. Her family was a creative one – her father played the guitar, and Dolly grew up listening to “all sorts of stuff,” from The Beatles to Vanessa Carlton, who specifically left a sizable impression on Dolly when she was younger because Carlton played the piano and sang at the same time.

In school, Dolly did theatre and choir, where she learned to sight-read and where one of her teachers remarked that the way she sang was “Eastern-wise,” she remembers. The advent of the Internet and with it, the vast and new world of YouTube, also played a significant role in Dolly’s formative years. “I noticed a lot of musicians would turn on the webcam and play their songs,” she says. “It blew my mind, like, ‘Wow people are just putting this out there in the world?’” Though she was shy and didn’t share any original music of her own on the platform, she was writing and singing little songs in her bedroom: sad and sweet tunes about feeling alone. “I was 12 singing about being lonely and sad,” she says now, laughing. As Dolly ventured deeper into the YouTube music community, she followed along as the creators she admired, among them Daniela Andrade, AJ Rafael, Tim Atlas, and Sam Tsui, grew their careers from homegrown cover videos full-blown careers in their own right. “That sparked a lot in my journey in music and the arts,” she says. “This is not just something that always has to be a hobby. There are avenues, or channels to make this a real thing, and [to] enjoy your life making it.” Eventually, at 18, Dolly left the narrow confines of Kansas City for art school in Chicago, where she bloomed. Propelled by the bustling and rich underground music and art scene of the city, one she describes to be tight-knit and immensely collaborative, Dolly found her footing in her own creative endeavors. She navigated the music community by way of her camera, having nurtured a childhood hobby into a career, taking photos and filming videos for local artists. All the while, she continued to write songs on her own.

Artist Spotlight

V of 40M unpacks revolutionary vibes with his new single, “The Score”

“The Score” is the newest single by V of 40M, a renowned artist from the United States, released under the Forty Million Strong (40M) label. This musical piece can be regarded as a sonic manifesto for those who feel disconnected, disillusioned, and rebellious. Through this song, V captures the intricacies of the struggle and channels them into a musical insurgency.

Collaborating with the visionary producer LABACK, V creates a sonic battleground that vibrates with urgency and purpose, where the revolutionary spirit is set to challenge the status quo. With the participation of fellow 40M luminaries, 40M Tye and Hippie G, the chorus of resistance in “The Score” becomes more than a mere musical piece; it is a movement encapsulated in melody.

Drawing inspiration from The Fugees and their timeless legendary, V of 40M infuses his signature revolutionary fervor into every verse. With razor-sharp lyricism and a cadence demanding attention, he paints a portrait of defiance against oppression and a call to arms for those seeking liberation, to be heard and felt.

V’s artistry extends beyond music, encompassing the ethos of the Black Independence people’s movement known as Forty Million Strong (40M). This movement advocates for sovereign land and autonomous rule, and each lyric and every beat in V’s work champions this quest. The message resonates far beyond the walls of the recording studio, making “The Score” a sonic beacon of authenticity.

The song’s distinguishing features are its unapologetic conviction and captivating rhythm, which assertively remind listeners that the struggle for freedom is far from over. Its inclusion in playlists is justifiable, given its significance as a touchstone for a generation seeking their voice. So join the revolution and turn up the volume.

For more information about V of 40M, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM V of 40M’s “The Score“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH V of 40M | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Jeff Lake illuminates the melodic soul of nightlife with “Midnight Sun”

Jeff Lake’s latest single, “Midnight Sun,” is a masterful blend of diverse musical influences interweaving to create a timeless and refreshing sound. The song features a rhythmic, rap-infused vocal hook that draws inspiration from 80s rock anthems, paying homage to the legendary Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” while adding a unique touch.

The lyrics of “Midnight Sun” delve into universal themes of detachment, displacement, and the struggles artists face in navigating a rapidly changing world. Lake’s introspective lyrics resonate deeply, touching on the raw emotions of depression and the quest for belonging.

Jeff is an accomplished songwriter and performer with a rich backstory that adds depth to his musical prowess. The song “Midnight Sun” has gained popularity as a universal anthem with its captivating and melodious tune. Jeff has had the privilege of sharing the stage with esteemed members of bands such as Styx and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Jeff’s love for music has driven him to perfect his skills in the vibrant music scene of Brooklyn. He inspires budding musicians with his unwavering commitment to his art. Jeff performed his first professional gig at 17 and subsequently pursued music as a full-time career, demonstrating his determination and resilience.

“Midnight Sun” represents a sonic exploration of Lake’s unequivocal passion for music and his remarkable ability to encapsulate complex emotions within a melodic embrace. The song’s infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics establish it as a true masterpiece that merits attention from even the most discerning music enthusiasts who appreciate music’s artistry and innovation.

“Midnight Sun” by Jeff Lake shines bright, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the listener’s soul with its radiant melody. Its enchanting vibes transcends boundaries and inspires one to dance, inviting the audience to revel in its boundless creativity.

For more information about Jeff Lake, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Jeff Lake’s “Midnight Sun“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Jeff Lake | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |