Music

Shojizero – Not Hiiiii Enough

Bounding in with his first release of the year, the ever-elusive ShojiZero is haunting on the new drop ‘Not Hiiiii Enough’.

Boasting a broody, trap-Esque rhythm lined with heavy bass hits and a hint of metal flair, the New Jersey-based rapper delivers a track that is ominous, exciting, and entirely unique. Produced by frocious, its gritty rhythm and quick flow changes keep you on your feet, a signature element of ShojiZero’s work. The sinister sound samples reflect the lyrical narrative, which is one of rampant illicit activity due to inflated egos, and how being overly confident can often do more bad than good. “If you follow the lyrics, it tells a pretty violent story” ShojiZero explains, “There’s a shooting involved, drug dealing, and some pretty graphic stuff. My overall purpose with this song is to warn younger people of becoming too confident. Don’t get me wrong, confidence is essential for many things in life. But too many people today think that they’re greater than themselves and that they’re above the natural way of things. “Not Hiiiii Enough” is basically a song about people who pretend to be something they’re not, and it gets the best of them. Average high school and college-aged kids love to act like famous rappers, celebrities, and mobsters when they couldn’t be further from that. Some people simply don’t know how to be humble and I feel like that is a major contributor to the many social issues that we face today. As a young, independent artist the last thing I want to do is continue to promote this blindly arrogant mindset.

Always working on his craft, there is nothing more exciting in the world to ShojiZero than music. His aptitude for bold instrumentals and addictive melodies borrow from a wide range of genres, yet his clever approach to structure switches them into something that is entirely his own. After beginning to write at the age of 14, he has performed in countless local bands, including his current band The Last Martyr, and also dropped his debut EP ‘Leo Season’ last year, which features his biggest hit to date ‘Six Six Six’, racking up over 16,000 streams on Spotify. Focusing on the underbelly of society and the struggle of mental health as the inspiration for his bars, his immeasurable talent at the age of just 21 is sure to develop into an artist who will stand the test of time.

A producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, ShojiZero is a triple threat too good to ignore.

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Artist Spotlight

Hitmaker Janita delivers the rhythmic defiance of rebellion with her soulful-edged recent single “Real Deal”

Janita’s powerhouse vocals mesmerize audiences with each sultry note and poetic lyricism. Her new single, “Real Deal,” bursts forth with the audacity of a rebel anthem, steeped in passion and unflinching authenticity. It emphasizes the significance of remaining true to oneself, the ultimate form of rebellion. The Finnish-born, New York-based artist, who has consistently followed her path, channels the energy of iconic characters from films such as The 400 Blows and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid into a track that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.

“Living life off the grid,” Janita asserts with unwavering conviction, her voice ascending like a battle cry. The lyrics delve into the trials and triumphs of an artist’s life, embracing the chaos with a spirit of fearless defiance. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever dared to defy convention, choosing a life full of passion over predictability.

Musically, “Real Deal” presents an intoxicating fusion of polished instrumentation paired with an unfiltered emotional core. The dynamic production mirrors this dichotomy, emphasizing Janita’s talent as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Every beat and riff feels intentionally crafted to accentuate her extraordinary artistry, skillfully navigating a complex arrangement co-produced by Blake Morgan. The soundscape is lush yet sharp-edged, resembling a blade wrapped in velvet, merging sultry, bluesy grooves with avant-garde elements reminiscent of PJ Harvey’s grit or St. Vincent’s adventurous flair.

With “Real Deal,” hitmaker Janita once again illustrates her status as more than merely a musical star in her native Finland; she stands as a genre-defying global force of nature. This work represents a sonic manifesto for living unapologetically, forming a timeless mosaic of sound and spirit that empowers listeners to feel acknowledged, understood, and motivated to assert their identities on their terms. If this composition is indicative of what’s to come in her upcoming album, Mad Equation, audiences can anticipate an exciting and rewarding musical experience.

For more information about Janita, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Janita’s “Real Deal“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Janita | Instagram | Facebook |

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Indie

Soft Set ignites hope with its dreamy pop new single “Gone”

This stunning reintroduction of the Toronto-based dream-pop duo Soft Set delineates a meticulously layered auditory exploration with their latest single, “Gone,” which resonates long after its final note conclusion. The lead single from their forthcoming EP, “GONE,” embodies a delicate balance of melancholy and an uplifting paradox, reminiscent of a warm, hazy day that culminates in an unexpected chill in the air.

Renowned for exploring introspective and shadowy themes, James Gray and Nathan Athay intricately weave a tapestry of sound that pays homage to their influences, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and My Bloody Valentine, while simultaneously preserving their unmistakable signature. “Gone” drenches listeners in lush harmonies and layered instrumental arrangements from the outset, evoking a dreamlike state one is reluctant to escape. What makes this track truly special is its evolution: conceived initially as a darker, moodier piece, it blossomed into something unexpectedly hopeful through the process of adding harmonies and nuanced textures.

The introspective lyrics possess a cathartic quality, enhanced by its ethereal arrangement. The juxtaposition of brooding undertones and a buoyant, almost celestial vibe gives “Gone” a magnetic complexity, inviting multiple listens to uncover every layer.

Soft Set continues to master the art of merging shoegaze, dream pop, and 90s Britpop into a sound that evokes nostalgia while remaining refreshingly contemporary. “Gone” is a gateway into the next chapter of their narrative, leaving audiences eager for what’s to come. It exemplifies the potential for even the most shadowy ideas to emanate luminosity through time, creativity, and a willingness to embrace change.

For more information about Soft Set, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Soft Set’s “Gone“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Soft Set | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |