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dichotomi – “STF 17”

Introducing Toronto-based alternative rap newcomer dichotomi with their brand new single titled ‘STF 17’. The soulful and infectious lo-fi rap track comes just in time to take over our summer playlists and is the lead single for dichotomi’s upcoming debut EP that is set for release later this year. ‘STF 17’ is the anticipated follow-up to last year’s fan-favourite ‘plush’, which was a massive radio hit with the likes of CBC Music in Toronto, and Wave Of The Bay in Florida, to mention a few.

Produced by fellow Toronto musician Frizzy Astro, ‘STF 17’ is a catchy melodic rap offering, which sees dichotomi – who wrote the song when they were sick during the pandemic and couldn’t be outside – in a very hopeful mood, as they imagine better times and fantasize about being able to enjoy summertime in Toronto once again. Over lush synth keys and sparse lo-fi instrumentation, dichotomi showcases their infectious flow, clever lyricism, and carefree energy, to great effect.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘STF 17’, dichotomi says, “It was the first pandemic winter, and I was really sick… I couldn’t go outside because the weather, and I had no energy or motivation to make life inside more enjoyable because of the mental and physical effects of the pandemic. At a real low point, I started fantasizing about summers in Toronto and told myself that ‘everything will be better in the summer’ – as soon as I said it aloud, I felt compelled to write a song on that theme.

The track quickly took a political lean as I began to ruminate on the social, political, and economic forces that forced me into such a fragile position in the first place. ‘STF 17’ is most definitely a critique of our capitalist society, but with the added goal of offering some levity — allowing us to hope for a more equitable future. Be critical, be angry, be sad, but don’t let the state of this world keep you from turning your face to the sun every chance you get, and tirelessly seek the tiniest moments of joy”.

Highly recommended if you like the sounds of Noname, Tierra Whack or Chance The Rapper, dichotomi is for listeners that like to discover new things every time you listen to a track – they are for fans of lyricism, authenticity and exploring new sounds. Born in Florida and now living in Toronto, dichotomi burst onto the scene in 2019 with resounding music, led by good vibes and wholesome themes that are intended to inspire hope and validate their listeners.

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Listen to dichotomi – “STF 17”

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Artist Spotlight

Lisa Jo turns feeling unseen into self-acceptance with latest release “Oddball Gem”

Lisa Jo

Lisa Jo captures that feeling of being outside the crowd in “Oddball Gem.” The song is about feeling invisible, misunderstood and determined to be yourself. The emotional core is visceral. So many thoughts, not enough words, the draining effort of trying when the fight still feels unfinished. The writing gives you that feeling, makes isolation a familiar, personal thing.

The song then moves to images of becoming ‘a shadow’ and ‘a ghost’ before arriving at a stronger sense of identity. The emotional feeling of not fitting in is at the heart of this song, with the lyric “I was built this way” changing the tone from pain to self-acceptance.

“Oddball Gem,” is a declaration from someone learning to stand comfortably in their difference. The line “I don’t fit in I’m an odd ball gem” is a direct and memorable encapsulation of what the song is all about. Lisa Jo turns that feeling of being left out into a portrait of individuality. She provides the track with an emotional message of staying true to yourself when belonging seems hard today.

Connect with Lisa Jo on Spotify || Facebook || Instagram || Youtube

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Artist Spotlight

Temidayo Balogun bridges tradition and modern expression on latest release “Ori I “Concept of Democracy”

Temidayo Balogun‘s latest release, “Ori I “Concept of Democracy,” blends African musical traditions with contemporary jazz to explore identity and community. “Talking drums, native instruments, but there are also passing notes on the piano and a saxophone for another dimension to the musical language,” the song is characterized by.

The track isn’t rooted in one musical planet, but in the relationship between its different elements. Talking drums are part of African musical traditions. The piano and saxophone add a jazz-oriented dimension. That contrast lets the song explore its themes of identity and community as much through sound as concept.

If you like genre-bending work, “Ori I’ Concept of Democracy” is a thoughtful musical experience. Temidayo Balogun mixes indigenous instrumentation with contemporary jazz textures to keep the focus on the relationship between people, culture, and community. The track works because the sounds come together. It invites the listener to dwell on the musical ideas rather than just pass through them.

Connect with Temidayo Balogun on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

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