Music
Exclusive Interview – Justin S. Grant
The artist behind several hit tracks, such as “Don’t Go!” and “@addicted 2 Mi Phone,” Justin S. Grant has a new hit single titled “Fuego N’ Ice.” The single has garnered much-deserved acclaim and was also released with a compelling music video.
We caught the rare opportunity to chat with the talented artist about his past projects and upcoming hits.
You have recently dropped the track “Fuego N’ Ice.” Can you tell us the inspiration behind it?
Yes! I was inspired to pen a fun fusion song for the dance floor! I hope people will enjoy dancing to the beats, especially as the world opens up again this sweltering summer. With the endless lockdowns n’ painful losses, haven’t we all felt like a tiger in a tiny cage for far too long now? I’m praying we can let loose again soon, and that this jam is part of the party!
The inspo for this song is the Ying/Yang nature within a dynamic woman; not meaning good or bad here, but rather she’s sometimes hot, sometimes cold – all natural, normal, necessary. Also, I’ve lived in So. California my entire life, where our culture is permeated with many influences, including Spanish-Mexican-Latin spices, which were blended into this dance tune.
What is your constant drive to create these tracks?
Well, we would have to ask God about that one! But I can say that life, breath, and inspiration all intertwine to drive the artist to create. An Invisible Hand has impelled me for decades, as a hobbyist, to pursue singing, writing, and music production. Now that I’m older I’m wising up to how brief all of our lives are, as I’ve been experiencing an increased urgency to create and to share in the mainstream world.
Can you drop a few names that have inspired you to become the artist you are today?
Starting with some Americana classics, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and Guns N’ Roses have streamed into my little ears more than any! So certainly, these are great heroes to me, even if what I create sounds radically different. Marley’s music always draws the Spirit, nobody else sings like Axl, and many think Dylan released the first rap music video back in the 1960’s – amazing all!
More recent influences include OneRepublic, Maroon 5, and Post Malone. I love the fusional nature of great modern music and consider myself a genre-less artist.
Has your taste in music and production has shifted in the past few years? Why?
It’s always evolving, of course, and I love using the latest tech to produce musical freshness, but I don’t really chase fads. I think if the art is great, and the marketing too (!), then the people will come. I mean, if Shakespeare were alive today, hordes of us would be all into watching his incredible plays! And the runaway success of the musical Hamilton is contemporary proof of this theory. Well-rounded success is not about fads, it’s about manifesting greatness in any form. I keep my ears open to the best of old and new, while striving to produce timeless sounds.
Should we expect any upcoming releases from you soon?
Yes, always working on a new song and envisioning another music video. My next single is a date night song titled Naked Night. Short n’ sweet n’ sexy. I think people will be touched by it when in the mood for a romantic ballad.
We know that you are also an author, can you tell us a bit about your latest book?
I recently released Spirituality for Busy People, which shines mental light upon how our daily busyness can be effectively fused with our eternal livingness, to the benefit of individuals, groups to which we belong, and even to Planetary Life as a whole. As always, times today are hard, and I believe that when busy people are overlighted by spiritual purpose, they naturally manifest the heroism needed to uplift our imperiled world.
I’ve also recorded some spiritual-but-not-necessarily-religious music to accompany the book. Easy to sing-along, call-and-response affirmations, in plain English. Finally, I’m hard at work transforming the book into an online course, to bring the teachings to life in an entirely new way. Anyone interested can learn more on my website: www.JustinSGrant.com
What drove you to become an author and a musician?
Once again, I would have to vaguely answer “because God”. According to my soul colors and spiritual rays, singing and writing have been in my veins for lifetimes, but why this is so, began eons ago, and so I don’t fully know. We do generally know that what we are good at and what we love to do, are really two sides of the same coin. But the original impulse for this will always be ancient and unknown.
When you are not producing hits or writing, what do you do with your time?
What do you mean? All I do is work! ha ha ha! laughing but crying… Well actually I do believe in a balanced life even though I mentioned I’m now feeling more creative urgency than ever before. So I exercise and meditate every day, read tons and watch all sorts of documentaries, and also watch tv and movies, naturally, naturally. Sometimes dramas, but usually comedy is my fav. And of course, I listen to a lot of music, really a lot!
Please follow along on my socials and website for my latest-and-hopefully-greatests! Thanks for reading people!
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“Every Rain” by Luke Borchelt evokes a soulful tapestry of nostalgic life with introspective memories
Emerging singer-songwriter Luke Borchelt steps into the spotlight, making waves with his highly anticipated debut album, “Every Rain,” a heartfelt ode to life’s quiet moments, comprises a nine-track odyssey that bridges the intimate charm of the Chesapeake Bay roots with the universal resonance of timeless authenticity. This collection demonstrates Borchelt’s unique blend of country upbringing and modern soundscapes, creating nostalgically grounded and refreshingly innovative music.
Spanning just over 32 minutes, the album “Every Rain” is a masterful exploration of life’s imperfections, love’s intricacies, and the enduring impact of personal history. It begins with “Same Old Square,” Borchelt immerses listeners into a euphoric country classic drenched in youthful memory love, capturing the unassuming joy of revisiting familiar places with someone special, driven by heartfelt lyrics and strumming guitars and small-town life with his signature lyrical authenticity. The title track, “Every Rain,” follows with soulful yet melancholic undertones co-written with producer Warren Russell. This centerpiece delivers a vivid mosaic of imagery of life’s imperfections, malfunctioning trucks, and overgrown gutters, embracing the therapeutic warmth of resilience through life’s storms.
Subsequent tracks such as “Itchin’” and “Frostbit Hands“ further broaden the album’s emotional spectrum. The former ventures into unexplored realms with folk-pop soulfulness, while the latter is a modern acoustic classic work reflecting on lost friendships and the reconciliation of past errors with hopeful renewal in personal growth. “Victoria“ shifts the focus to a romantic-soaked ballad influenced by dreamy organ strums, catchy beats, and an uplifting soundscape to paint vivid snapshots of budding memories of romance, evoke late-night calls, and sweet red wine, rendering it an undeniable highlight of the album.
Borchelt’s artistic versatility is manifested in blending enchanting lyrical narrative with sonic sophistication shines in “Accent,” a nostalgic acoustic vibe co-written with Jordan Rager and Mark Irwin. Meanwhile, “Maryland Life“ and “Car Heat“ are poignant tributes to Borchelt’s upbringing and childhood memories, encapsulating his roots with soul-stirring melodies. The album concludes on a hauntingly beautiful note with “Orland, ME,” a heart-wrenching portrayal of heartbreak. Borchelt’s trembling vibrato leaves an indelible mark, lingering long after the final note fades.
Crafted meticulously, “Every Rain” constitutes an intimate adventure through Borchelt’s world. It traverses a landscape of memories characterized by shimmering melodies and genuine authenticity. Each track provides a glimpse into his creative vision, cementing his place as a compelling new voice in modern folk and soul. Luke Borchelt’s “Every Rain” promises to be a valuable addition to diverse musical playlists, appealing to listeners craving introspection and emotionally evocative depth. Don’t miss the chance to experience this profoundly remarkable debut.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Luke Borchelt’s Album “Every Rain“ on Spotify.
Artist Spotlight
Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”
The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.
Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.
The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.
Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.
Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.
For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
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