Artist Spotlight
JST SAKO EXHIBITS NEW STREET, SWEET SOUNDS WITH DEBUT EP, “1FIVE20”
As a retrospect of where his musical journey was born, Jst Sako brings you into his world through the release of his creative masterpiece, a 4 track EP titled “1Five20.” Filled with sensational vocal performances and symphonic instrument arrangements met with the sound of the South African streets’ Amapiano log drum, Jst Sako drops his debut EP, “1Five20” which promises to bring a lot of heat to your summer playlists!
The 4-track project is an unparalleled art of great storytelling through heartfelt melodies and it is so-called, “1Five20,” named after the area code of Ekurhuleni’s township, Daveyton, which is where he grew up. The E.P expresses the four pillars that Sako stands for… love, faith, creativity, and reconciliation. This is expressed quite impressively from tracks 1 to 4, giving the listener an experience of his total vulnerability through song. The first track, “Nguye Lo” is a ballad set alight by a strong message of love and lyrical reassurances made over the well-collaborated fusion of Afro-pop, Amapiano, and Soul. Sako has deemed it to be the perfect song for couples who have conquered many obstacles to remain strong in unity and eventually step in the name of matrimonial celebration towards the alter.
“Yintoni” is a song where Sako revisits a case of heartbreak, betrayal, and uncertainty in life’s never-ending journey to acquire true love. The song sees the listener dancing to Sako’s pain as he relives a moment that brings us closer to his experiences in the game of love. As we proceed to the third track, “Mporoma,” this is a street anthem penned for the summer playlist, a song that acknowledges the dance culture of Africa and affirms the fever of this Amapiano era.
An anchor to the project, “Khuleka,” speaks of Sako’s faith as he has embarked on a journey to realize his musical ambitions. With a combination of gospel, rap, orchestral instruments, and the famous Yano log drum, Khuleka is written to elevate your spirit and warm your soul as you hustle to make a difference in your life and the lives of those close to you.
Stream/ download ‘1Five20’ on your preferred music service:
Join Jst Sako’s social community and interact with him on these platforms:
Twitter: @Jst_Sako
Instagram: @Jst_Sako
Facebook: Jst_Sako
Artist Spotlight
CircleKSK ignites an anime-metal collision on “UnBreakable Turn” ft. Anya J
On their exhilarating high-octane track “UnBreakable Turn,” CircleKSK and guest vocalist Anya J aim to combine the technical prowess of Nordic metal with the urgent melodies and dramatic flair of an anime opening sequence. Creating a cinematic and adrenaline-fueled tune with a melodic edge, CircleKSK has risen to prominence as an innovative act.
The deliberate fusion contributes to the single’s captivating nature. J-Pop and anime-song sensibilities contribute emotional hooks and sweeping, catchy lines; precision, dense riffs, and a sense of weight are brought by Nordic metal. Echoing the song’s vivid melodic contours, Anya J’s heroic and personal vocals and demeanor heighten the dramatic impact of the performance. The structure is based on the standard narrative progression: lively, evocative parts leading the way to more somber ones that ground the emotion.
The production relies on contrast so that lighter parts sparkle and heavier parts thud with satisfying force. As if CircleKSK were creating music for the eyes as well as the ears, this piece could serve as the score for a dramatic scene or the music for a violent montage. Not everything is surface-level, though; the emotional core remains. Anthemic and deeply personal, “UnBreakable Turn” combines the vigor of youth with the gravity of experience.
An assuredly inventive single that fearlessly asserts new territory, “UnBreakable Turn” by CircleKSK is sure to please fans of big, dramatic music that isn’t hesitant to mix sweetness and steel, as well as those who enjoy cross-cultural mashups. The single, which has been lauded by curators and tastemakers worldwide, is a strong statement about artists who fearlessly combine cultural genres, showing that passionate J-Pop melodies and intense Scandinavian metal can coexist in one unforgettable track.
Artist Spotlight
Garth Adam keeps the flame of Journeysong burning with the new single “Three Fires”
Garth Adam‘s latest single, “Three Fires,” evokes a warm dialogue in a subdued studio that is intimate, contemplative, and subtly victorious. Adam candidly discusses the exhilaration of uncovering self-assurance in both himself and his songwriting, and this revelation serves as the driving force of the track. At its essence, “Three Fires” is a straightforward commemoration: the delight in transforming a modest idea into something extraordinary through patience.
Adam’s vocal style resides comfortably within a folk-influenced pop genre, which he characterizes as a blend of Neil Finn and The Lumineers, interspersed with elements reminiscent of Coldplay and James Blunt. The reference point is beneficial yet not confining; “Three Fires” represents Adam’s unique creation, an accessible, melodic composition that prioritizes artistry over novelty. The single, recorded in joyful sessions in Perth with long-time collaborator and producer Melvin Tree, exudes the warmth of musicians collaborating in a circle, with the vintage Studer analog desk imparting an analog glow to the final recording. Melvin, Dave Kelly, and a select group of skilled music students contribute backing vocals that enhance the track with harmony and impart a subtly communal, authentic quality.
The lyrics of the song emphasize Adam’s preferred motifs: travel, journeys, and the subtle transformations that occur during the voyage. However, it is not overly forceful; the songwriting is elegant, transitioning from observation to insight with effortless fluidity. Adam’s delivery conveys satisfaction; he is a songwriter who has witnessed minor concepts evolve into completed songs and has learned to trust that process.
“Three Fires” serves as a testament to the notion that skill and perseverance can transform a mere spark into something luminous. For aficionados of melodic songwriting with an analog essence, Garth Adam’s latest work is a comforting, exquisitely crafted ember to accompany one on their journey. It is a song that encourages repeated, soothing auditory experiences.
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