Connect with us

Music

Listen to Ralph Curtis Perform “Man You Want Me To Be” Live

The pandemic was a period where many people were forced to reevaluate their priorities and focus more on soul-nourishing activities. For Ralph Curtis, music was what set his soul on fire. In 2020, he kicked off his career with I Was Him & He Was Me. Following the storytelling nature of country music, Ralph Curtis weaved an intricate story of the intimate relationship he shared with his grandfather.

In 2021, he launched his debut EP titled Sandbar Sideways. Some songs in the EP include Whatever’s Left in The Bottle, Life is Hard Living is Harder, and A Yeti and Some Sunshine.

Ralph Curtis is a singer-songwriter based in Naples, Florida. From a young age, he had a knack for music and played in the symphonic orchestra. Other than the cello, Curtis also plays the guitar. He draws his inspiration from artists, including John Mayer and Ryan Adams.

Man You Want Me To Be is a song about what it takes to be a “good man.” Ralph takes us through the promises he makes to his girlfriend, who he ends up marrying, his two little daughters, and his aging mom. It’s easy for a man to get wrapped up in trying to provide a lavish life, but Curtis reminds us that “a shoulder to cry on, a rock you can lean on, a bed you can sleep” is sometimes all that’s needed.

For the live version of Man You Want Me To Be, Ralph Curtis partnered with Juniper Recording Studios and had Hunter McDaniel on the piano. The live version is a quieter, more crisp, and more intimate version of the song. The drums and guitars have all been stripped away to leave Curtis’ baritone accompanied by a piano.

Advertisement

Although it is a bit unusual to have just a piano accompany an otherwise country song, the piano gives this version delicacy and intimacy. The choice of microphone that captures Hunter playing is also brilliant; it captures the small tonal nuances well. Hunter’s playing also shows excellent prowess. He sounds like he is giving the keys just a gentle tap, leaving room for Curtis’ voice to carry the day.

Compared to the studio version, Curtis’ voice in the live version still sounds good, but with more emotion behind it. It is punctuated with little grunts and cracks that are not edited out to make the sound perfect. It makes you identify more with the song, especially when he sounds like he’ll almost shed a tear when he says, “No, I can’t offer much, but I can be the man you want me to be.”

When he sings, Ralph Curtis gets lost in the moment. When he closes his eyes, you can see the song move through him; from how he gently gestures with his hands to the slight furrow in his brows.

If this live version is anything to go by, listening to Ralph Curtis perform should be one of those performances that make a room stand still and listen. Anyone who wants to listen to him live can follow his performance schedule from his social media or website.

Listen to the Live Version on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnQ8LfzCWLY

Advertisement

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3OYFSTfZWKkhKORfrcsx7B?si=0Svfjmk5RvWbwpsFZW1rRg

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ralphcurtismusic/

Website:
https://www.ralphcurtismusic.com/

Advertisement

Album Review

Katie Noir turns hidden emotions into a 23-track journey with debut album “What Is Unseen Still Exists”

Katie Noir

Katie Noir has just released her debut album, “What Is Unseen Still Exists,” a 23-track concept album that turns overthinking, emotions, memories, and things left unsaid into a powerful musical story. The first half of the album explores the themes of the album with different levels of emotion.

“Bitches’ Road” examines how attitude and sarcasm can hide deeper issues, and “Soft Again (Don’t Quote Me On That)” continues the discussion of openness and the challenge of lowering emotional walls. “MC1” shifts into a more intimate space, about private thoughts and attachment, and “Only Us” captures the feeling of holding on to connections that are separate from the outside world. “Out of Touch” is about emotional distance and avoidance, and “Shake That Ass” uses energy and surface-level confidence to show how distractions can be a way to hide deeper feelings.

The following chapter deals with important relationships. “L.I.S.A.” adds an important character to the story of the album, too, and “Hey Sara” gives us a warm moment of thanks and friendship. “Lexi Waited Anyway” is about loyalty, patience, and miscommunication, whereas “The Sisterhood” is about the quiet power of real friendship.

The album then takes a turn into a more introspective mood with “What Is Unseen Still Exists,” where Katie Noir articulates that unseen emotions, memories, and personal experiences still exist and matter. “3:17 AM (Skit)” details the late-night overthinking, while “Morning Fever,” “University Day,” “My Dorm,” and “Hospital Day” explore day-to-day living, personal challenges, and emotional struggles. “Weekend” and “Sad Little Soul” follow the honest reflection through themes of regret and loneliness.

Advertisement

The final chapter is the road to acceptance and hope. “Relapse” is about the struggle to get past it, while “Lighthouse” is about finding the way in troubled times. The “Number 23” connects with the hidden details throughout the project, and “Music” shows the importance of taking your emotions and creating something creative out of them. Katie Noir ends with “Until Soon,” a note of growth and acceptance that tells us all that we experience becomes part of a larger story. “What Is Unseen Still Exists” is a thoughtful debut that gives voice to what often goes unseen.

Connect with Katie Noir on | Spotify | IG |

Continue Reading

Album Review

Patti Zlaket returns with “Dance Again,” an album filled with heart and renewal

Patti Zlaket

Twenty years can change a person, but it can also sharpen an artist’s voice. Patti Zlaket’s new album, “Dance Again,” is an assured, heartfelt return that embraces life’s lessons and clings to optimism. It was produced by Tariqh Akoni with an all-star list of session musicians, including Lee Sklar.

The album opens with “Clock Keeps Tickin’,” a pensive reminder that time waits for no one and a call to take chances, not wait for the perfect time. The next track, “I’ve Got You,” is a song about trust, support, and being with the people that matter, with an air of reassurance. The title track, “Dance Again,” adds a bit more life to the album, telling everyone to loosen up and enjoy life with confidence and excitement.

The good vibes continue with “Let’s Move On”, a song about picking yourself up and making room for better days ahead. The second half is about love and growth from a different point of view. “Second Chance at Love” is a tribute to the guts it takes to find happiness again, and that new beginnings can happen at any age. And the next track, “Someone to Lie Down Beside Me,” is a sweet meditation on the companionship and comfort of meaningful relationships.

“Love is for You” is a simple message that love, kindness, and music only have more meaning when shared with others. Ending the album on the confidence and honesty of Patti Zlaket is “This Is Me.” This one is like a perfect ending to a journey of resilience, self-acceptance, and hope. “Dance Again” is a reminder that each new chapter can start with one step forward.

Advertisement

Connect with Patti Zlaket on | Website | FB | IG | Spotify |

Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending