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Micki Balder Gets Restless in the Midst of Pandemic with “A Feeling I Once Knew”
Micki Balder’s newest single “A Feeling I Once Knew” (released on October 1st) gives listeners a mix of heartfelt tones and introspective story-driven lyrics set against a dreamy soundscape.
In the midst of the current pandemic, Balder noticed a high number of people experiencing a pandemic-induced life crisis. She took note of the ever-changing lifestyle changes people were making….People were re-evaluating their careers, moving to new cities, and starting new milestones, among other things. Balder found herself experiencing that same crisis and used it as inspiration for her storytelling in her new single “A Feeling I Once Knew”. Detailing the sense of restlessness around her, Balder’s lyrics confront doubt in the face of adversity and the discernment of figuring out if you’re really on the right path. “I started to feel restless, but also stagnant and lacking purpose. I yearned for this pre-pandemic time where everything felt great and busy and exciting and full of life but also felt torn between craving that old life, and needing major change.” Feeling that restlessness within, Balder needed a reminder that she had been happy and content before the pandemic turned everything upside down and that eventually, she would find her way back….. to that feeling she once knew.
Micki Balder is a folksy singer-songwriter writing sad songs for happy people (and ever so occasionally, happy songs for sad people!). Her music is born from a life-long desire to be a character in a musical, unapologetically singing her feelings for the world through simple and poignant lyrics. Though she’s been dabbling with music her whole life, it wasn’t until 2018 when a friendship’s moment of truth unveiled itself in the middle of a Denver coffee shop. She walked home, wrote a song, and has been writing ever since, now a regular at local music venues around her Colorado home. Micki writes from a place of vulnerable storytelling, with people and relationships at the core of her music. She’s been compared to modern folk bands like The Weepies and Mipso, along with classic songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, but she draws inspiration from all over the spectrum — the swing and soul music of her lindy hop days, the earthy folk of Gregory Alan Isakov and Mandolin Orange, the candor and dry humor of John Craigie, or the heartbreak of Sara Bareilles, to name a few.
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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”
François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.
François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.
The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.
“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.
Connect with François Marius on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Twitter || Soundcloud
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RoHaNa and Morpheus von Dobenhausen paint love in shadows and light “WHEN A BOY LOVES A WOMEN”
RoHaNa feat. Morpheus von Dobenhausen, in this new release, “When a Boy Loves a Woman,” This track, recorded in winter, has a hint of gothic style that blends emotional restraint with atmospheric elegance. The track is all about RoHaNa’s emotional singing, which fits perfectly with the carefully crafted production. Her voice shows desire, weakness, and dedication without being too loud, letting each note ring out. The result is a sound that affects people on a personal and universal level. There is a sense of innocence that permeates, capturing the delicate nature of love in its purest form.
Morpheus von Dobenhausen is a guest singer who deepens the track’s emotional journey. Their voices work together to make a conversation of feelings that is both clear and mysterious. The song doesn’t go too fast, so the listener can feel the mood and atmosphere as they go through its subtle changes.
“When a Boy Loves a Woman” is unique because it strikes the perfect balance between modern pop and gothic restraint. The result is a soundscape that is both creepy and easy to listen to. It is a moving story about love and devotion, told with grace and quiet strength.
With this first release, RoHaNa confidently joins the scene, thanks to XanadumusiX’s never-ending creative drive, even when things get hard in the winter. This release not only introduces a new artist with significant potential but also showcases a bold artistic direction in which emotion, atmosphere, and story come together to make a lasting impression.
Connect with Morpheus von Dobenhausen on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Tiktok
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