Music
Critically Acclaimed Songwriter Elisa Nicolas Re-embarks On Solo Career With New Single “No Answers”
Sophisticated pop singer songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Elisa Nicolas makes an unforgettable return to her solo music career – after a twelve year long hiatus – with her new single, “No Answers,” out now. This is the lead single off of her upcoming album, ‘Year of The Locust,’ releasing late October, 2021, in which fans can see the immense growth Nicolas has made over the course of a more-than-successful songwriting career. While taking a break from her own projects, Nicolas was busy contributing her songwriting and performance skills on over 45 works, cultivating her professional reputation, and refining her artistry. This single is the first taste of a gorgeously painstaking recount of the human experience, characteristic of some of music’s most profound songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, and Nora Jones. “No Answers” tells the story of longing for reciprocity in a relationship; the raw artistry that comes through on this track effortlessly immerses listeners into an epic, emotional plea for intimacy by Nicolas.
The Canada born, Ohio raised Asian American displays her honed lyricism and storytelling abilities in this vocals led, guitar forward track. Steady acoustic guitar sets the foundation for the single, conveying passion and angst through heavy strumming and dissonant extensions. Joined by invigorating percussion as the song takes off, honeyed electric guitar adds a breezy glimmer, while bright background vocals and reverberant strings lend an irrefutable sense of epicness to this track. Masterful production and instrumentation coddle Nicolas’ somber lead vocal in colorful harmony tinged with grit; the artist relishes in the rarely found, yet highly sought after cohesion between performance, writing, and insight that makes a song come together in a difficult to articulate ‘magic.’
For Nicolas, the anthemic melancholy emanating from this record finds its roots in the sexual misalignment of a relationship. “Take my hands, take my clothes, I can’t go it alone tonight,” she pleads in the second verse. She begs with a passionate exclaim “Stop whispering, go higher,” before ending the verse in shattered disappointment, “then you’re gone before I take flight.” The chorus is an anthemic moment of frustration – thoughtfully built up to in the verses – in which Nicolas bellows in defeat, “there’s no answer to my questions.”
Nicolas approached this record from a multidisciplinary perspective as a songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, and engineer. The artist created this record over the course of years; she takes the time during the writing process to etch out ideas, marinate in them, and refine the ones she feels are most worth pursuing. After recording the bones of this project and stress testing the songs at gigs, Nicolas was able to pinpoint exactly where she wanted her music to go.
In collaboration with her dream production team, Nicolas articulated her recount of the human experience exactly how she had envisioned. Main contributors are as follows: Jeffrey Ciampa (Happy Chichester, Megan Palmer, Grammy winner for production on Wayne Shorter projects) produced, mixed, and played bass and keys. Kim Rosen (Grammy winning engineer) mastered the record. Thomas Byran Eaton (Caitlin Canty, Miss Tess, Western Centuries), an imaginative guitar player and engineer, created surprising and unexpected colors throughout the course of the record, while singers Nikki Wonder, Megan Palmer, and Cathy Wicks lend epic background vocals. Though the COVID-19 Pandemic made the circumstances for the creation of this album less than convenient, through the assistance of friends in Nashville with recording gear at their disposal, Year of the Locust came together exactly how it was intended. Stream ‘No Answers’ on all major streaming platforms out now.
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsIndie
PEARL MATADOR stirs timeless sonic odyssey with “Apollo”
Mandé Charon, the versatile talent behind PEARL MATADOR, has produced a work of art that merits attention with the unveiling of “Apollo.” This composition represents a compelling fusion of psychedelic rock and alternative pop, imbued with Charon’s distinctive style, which distinctly reflects Nirvana, the Pixies, and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker influences. The song’s dynamic shifts and punchy rhythm reflect the influence of the Pixies, creating an emotionally engaging experience for listeners. It pays homage to musical greats through precise refinement of musical notes, resulting in an excellent piece of music.
The opening guitar chord of “Apollo” immediately captivates the audience with its ethereal resonance, evoking a hypnotic sensation reminiscent of space exploration. Charon’s vocal delivery is exceptional, seamlessly transitioning between introspective verses and powerful, anthemic choruses, skillfully guiding the listener through the composition like an adept astronaut navigating the cosmos.
His voice exudes a mesmerizing quality that evokes familiarity and innovative novelty while exploring uncharted musical territories. Lyrically, “Apollo” embodies a sonic adventure that seamlessly intertwines the past and present with contemporary vibes, resulting in a timeless musical masterpiece with a poetic depth that resonates long after the final note fades.
This intricate and rich composition boasts a meticulously crafted arrangement, producing a vast yet deeply intimate auditory soundscape. Embracing raw, gritty undertones and unrefined vigor reminiscent of Nirvana introduces a visceral depth that establishes a sense of rootedness. Simultaneously, the melodic transitions echo the Pixies‘ adeptness at effortlessly infusing captivating melodies with accessible characteristics. Whether you are a pop enthusiast or seeking a refreshing addition to your playlist, “Apollo” by PEARL MATADOR is a must-listen.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM PEARL MATADOR’s “Apollo“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH PEARL MATADOR | Instagram | TikTok |
Artist Spotlight
“Last Night” by JONNY GEMS delivers a soulful goodbye punch
When the pain of saying goodbye lingers, sometimes music is the best way to express those feelings. JONNY GEMS does just that with his latest single, “Last Night,” which feels like a late-night heart-to-heart. This track draws listeners in with its melancholic embrace, blending personal and universally relatable narratives influenced by 6lack, Bryson Tiller, and PartyNextDoor, while also echoing the atmospheric vibes of Drake and the soulful tones of Kehlani.
The song was recorded in Ottawa and expertly produced by RIPVCTR. Each beat and harmony is carefully crafted to enhance its emotional depth, effectively conveying frustration and sorrow. The meticulous composition mirrors the difficulty of bidding farewell to someone prematurely. The additional vocalizations and harmonies introduce layers of intensity, rendering the sorrow almost tangible.
The melancholic yet catchy melody creates a perfect backdrop for GEMS’s poignant lyrics, weaving through familiar territory as he croons about a love lost too soon and the relentless “what if” that haunt our minds. GEMS doesn’t shy away from vulnerability; instead, he uses it as a strength, turning his pain into a poignant melody. The drums add a dramatic flair, creating a rhythm like a heartbeat struggling to keep pace with the turmoil inside.
This song, “Last Night,” by GEMS, skillfully guides the audience through confronting unresolved emotions. It provides a shared auditory experience, encapsulating a universal sense of heartache and cloaking it in a fresh yet reassuring melody that practically compels one to sing along. This track seamlessly integrates into late-night playlists for R&B enthusiasts, becoming the soundtrack to moments of introspection and remorse. For anyone who has ever grappled with the lingering memories of a past relationship and is seeking soulful solace, “Last Night” provides a cathartic release.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM JONNY GEMS’ “Last Night“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH JONNY GEMS | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok |
