Artist Spotlight

Expressing Yourself and Pursuing Mental Peace in Floated’s New Video “Wild”

Opening with a hauntingly beautiful piano melody, the “Wild” music video visualizes a night in the life of Maine. “Floating around different moments of NYC in the twilight hours, experiencing life as it comes…” recounts Maine. “Wild” is about expressing yourself freely and openly. It is about pursuing mental peace, even if at the expense of others.”

Directed by Adam Kolodny (know for his work as the Director of Photography on all of the Japanese Breakfast Music Videos), the “Wild” music video perfectly encapsulates that feeling of losing yourself into the night as a cathartic practice. Against the visual backdrop of neon-lit empty club scenes, Maine’s musical and lyrical prowess is on full display showcasing lush arrangements that uniquely combine piano melodies with dancy electronic elements. “This song is about times when you’re feeling crazy, and you’re acting crazy…but when maybe that’s ok,” says Maine. “I think I reached a point in my life where I’m more accepting of who I am. If I’m going through something difficult I’m not going to hide it. If I’m enjoying something I’m not going to hide it. If people think I’m weird that’s cool.”

Floated is the Brooklyn, NY-based project of producer/songwriter David Maine, a 30-year-old lifelong musician. A classically trained pianist and multi-instrumentalist, Maine was previously the bass player for the “Indie Darlings” band Frankie Cosmos where he toured and recorded with the band for four years, often alongside his brother Aaron Maine (of Porches). Under the moniker ‘Floated’ Maine creates a sonic world full of ethereal synths over-driven drums where he shares highly personal lyrics. Floated has become an outlet for Maine to cultivate an imaginative and focused sonic world, capturing snapshots of his life in music and coloring them with inspirations spanning from vaporwave and escape room to grimy upbeat electronic RnB. His single “Daylight” was recently featured in Apple Music’s INDIY playlist, as well as in Acid Stag’s “New Comers” mixtape, and advances a self-titled EP that was written, produced, and recorded by Maine in New York.

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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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Artist Spotlight

“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice

There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.

The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.

Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.

Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.

For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |