Music

James Chelliah x Cam May “i cannot tell, i do not know”

James Chelliah and Cam May are excited to release “I cannot tell, I do not know” on the 2nd of January 2022. “I cannot tell, I do not know” – a follow up to “Hold On, Pt. 2”, James’s highly-acclaimed collaboration with Moses Boyd and DARGZ – is an existential indie rap project accompanied by a graphic diary created by textile designer and illustrator Grace Joyram, which aims to present a detailed composite representing the range of emotions experienced and explored throughout the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

The project is a clarion call for those blindly walking through a life lived within the preordained boundaries set by others, and a sonic jolt to those whose bodies and minds are tired of the endless fight against the accepted norm. It explores the odd simultaneous contentment and frustration felt by many over the past two years, juxtaposing the tranquillity of monotony against discomfiting feelings of stagnation and aimlessness brought about by pandemic life.

Cam artfully plays with contrasts of light instrumentation and minor melodies to emphasize James’ scathing lyrics, ensuring that frankness is breathed into each piece. ‘Yaldabaoth’ layers mellow guitars with probing lyrics that question the obsession with social media, the transience of young-adult friendships, and living life through a lens, before slamming the listener into ‘Slurp’, a hypnotic and provoking ode to social proof and the desire to belong. As James notes “I looked at the life I was living and decided that I’d had enough. I reassessed friendship expectations, ambitions, communication norms, wants, needs. I started to make changes to reflect what I wanted: less of everything the world told me was important.”

This theme of contrasts continues with the ripe melancholy of ‘Fullish’ and its considered contemplation of the always-online world, and the mocking sonics and lambasting lyrics of ‘Couch’. The use of interludes and instrumental tracks ‘Alone’ and ‘Emptyish’ serve to tease kernels of the potential for us to live alternate lives, and create a space to digest what has been heard prior. The project concludes with ‘Something, at least drawing the listener to relief in recognizing that there can be a route to peace in the gradual acceptance of the different reality thrust upon us. Of the graphic diary, Grace says, “Initially the imagery is complex, jumbled, and caliginous. However, as the pages turn, the visuals get clearer and more comprehensible, representing the gradual acceptance of a different reality as time passed. The outcome represents a new perspective that we were able to gain from each passing day; a slower world allowing extra contemplation.”

The message of “I cannot tell, I do not know” shines a light on a risk we all face – becoming victims of the machinations of capitalist culture which keep us falsely satiated and unquestioning. James says: “We started writing this project when we realized that we weren’t looking forward to returning to a pre-covid life. Every day feels like a fight against conditioning, a fight against the self. The weight of the old world is heavy, what we’ve learned is light. The usual is returning and I cannot stop it. But I won’t participate. I cannot tell, I do not know.”

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Mainstage

Yung Bwill transforms personal victory into pure energy with latest release “THAT DON”

Yung Bwill swings out on “THAT DON,” a hip-hop anthem born of perseverance and determination. Behind the infectious party atmosphere, however, is a profoundly personal story, as the artist turns the aftermath of a life-changing accident that resulted in the loss of a leg into an explosive creative statement. Where struggle shapes others’ stories, Yung B will harness that experience as motivation, transforming pain into confidence and showing that resilience can spark some of the most exhilarating artistic moments.

The infectious spirit of “THAT DON” is established in a flash by the upbeat tempo and lively hip-hop production. The energetic beat makes for the perfect backdrop for Yung Bwill’s charismatic delivery, allowing his confidence to shine through in every section of the track. The “Tony Montanna with the beat” lyrics reinforce the larger-than-life persona of the song, adding another layer of swagger to an already brazen performance. The dynamic production, coupled with a fearless attitude, keeps the momentum high from start to finish, making the song feel equally fitting for celebration and personal motivation.

What elevates “THAT DON” beyond the realm of another party record is the sheer determination that fuels its foundation. And when you know the circumstances that gave life to the track, every burst of energy takes on even more meaning, as it shows the artist’s refusal to be defined by adversity. Yung B’s performance drips with confidence, optimism, and undeniable enthusiasm, proving that music can be a powerful outlet for transformation. “THAT DON” is an exciting hip-hop release that tells a story of resilience and reminds us that strength often lies in the ability to keep going.

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Mainstage

Bill Bonnell lets quiet emotion speak loud on latest release “Your Secret’s Safe with Me”

On “Your Secret’s Safe with Me,” a song that thrives on simplicity, Bill Bonnell delivers a thoughtful and emotionally grounded performance. Built around warm acoustic guitar and soft drumming, the arrangement makes an inviting space for the song’s reflective message to come naturally to the fore. The track favors restraint over elaborate production, with each musical element supporting its themes of trust, forgiveness, and emotional resilience. The result is an intimate, honest, and refreshingly sincere listening experience.

The story’s tone is dominated by references to broken trust and hurt feelings, while lines about trusting your instincts and not staying trapped offer an optimistic outlook. The title of the song is a repeated comfort, both a promise and a reminder that true understanding begins with compassion. These ideas develop organically, with the soft instrumentation providing the song with a calming pace that allows each emotional moment to hit without sounding forced or overdone.

Bill Bonnell lets the emotion take the lead, proving that quiet arrangements can make a tremendous impact when paired with meaningful songwriting. The record, from start to finish, is defined by the sincerity of the message, never a competition with the acoustic backdrop, but rather one that enhances it. It’s a song that encourages self-reflection and offers solace, blending fragility and hope in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Bill Bonnell turns in a release that quietly sticks with you through unshowy musicianship and heartfelt storytelling.

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