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Tundra Music Collective Release New Music

Whether delivered via a gritty melodic hue in “Danger,” a distant swing in “Modified” or through a surprisingly rock-inspired mix ala “Suspension of Disbelief,” Tundra Music Collective is all about powerful and driven harmonies in Rawk On. Between the instruments and the vocals, there’s incendiary chemistry that produces some surprisingly sterling foundations for almost every exciting moment this album has to offer, but I wouldn’t say that the disc is an homage to a similarly conventional hip-hop model we saw explode out of the American scene to the south just a decade ago. This is a band that blends together a lot of eclectic influences, but despite their scattered origin, the music they create is anything but unfocused.

Beyond the interplay between the melodic instrumental parts and the vocals, there are plenty of intriguing beats to behold on Rawk On. Take the slick title track or mildly harmony-focused “Kanpe” for prime examples; though both of these tracks are steeped in enormous grooves that aren’t dependent on a drum element in theory, they wouldn’t be nearly as engaging were they not riddled with the potent percussive elements they’re each afforded here. Tundra Music Collective aren’t communicating through singular channels in this LP; for all intents and purposes, they’re utilizing the studio – and their instrumental output – as much as possible in this capacity.

This record has a great flow that allows for otherwise conflicting compositions like “Modified” and “Safe” to sit together in the tracklist rather seamlessly. Rawk On often feels less like an introduction than it does an album that’s been tightly packed with identity affirmations – even at its most simplistic, like the aforementioned “Safe,” it’s got a full-bodied feel that isn’t frequently found in this type of hip-hop release. There are a lot of ways to broach a six-song package, but from where I sit, Tundra Music Collective gives fans more bang for our buck than the average indie outfit does in 2023.

 

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It would be really interesting to hear some heavier material from this band in the future, mostly because the metallic components of these songs suggest a fiery side worth exploring. Aesthetically speaking, I think it would be safe to say that Tundra Music Collective has a lot of rock, soul, hip-hop, jazz, afrobeat, and worldbeat in their daily diet, but they’re not posting up throwbacks in this offering.

They’re still coming into their own, and with the work they lay down here, I can’t wait to hear what they can do with more firepower and room to breathe in the studio.

There’s still a lot of heavy lifting to be done, but the potential that Tundra Music Collective is boasting in Rawk On is unmistakable even to the most novice of critics. 2022 was an interesting year for indie music, but if you’re looking for something consistent and fireworks-laden in 2023, this is one record you won’t want to miss out on. Quality beats quantity every time, and that’s especially true in an album like this one.

 

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Sebastian Cole

 

 

 

 

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Artist Spotlight

Plain Mister Smith unveils a journey of sound, spirit, and reflection with new release “Dream to Be Free”

Plain Mister Smith

Plain Mister Smith’s new single sounds more like a portal than a regular song. “Dream to Be Free” is a powerful meditation that came from a life-changing trip to Kyoto during Diamonji, the festival where huge bonfires are lit on hillsides to guide spirits home. Smith’s work is inspired by this deeply meaningful moment and is full of self-reflection, awe, and emotional release.

Plain Mister Smith is a well-known figure in the Canadian indie music scene. He has worked on projects like Moev and Cinderpop and is now a cellist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. This adds a lot of musical depth to his solo work. His unique mix of indie pop, baroque folk, and subtle textures comes out with ease and style. The result is a piece that has both fragility and vastness, is rooted in tradition, and easily slips into ethereal soundscapes.

“Dream to Be Free” features a variety of instruments and subtle melodic shifts that make it shine. It makes you want to stop and take in its thoughtful mood. The track gives the impression of movement, as if it is following you and guiding you through self-reflection, memory, and small changes. Every passage seems carefully placed, but it flows naturally, letting the emotion grow and echo.

The single goes beyond mere inspiration, it captures a universal desire for freedom, clarity, and renewal. It talks about the deep moment when we reflect on what it means to let go. In “Dream to Be Free,” Plain Mister Smith reminds us that the first step toward freedom often begins with calmness and careful listening.

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Artist Spotlight

Morpheus von Dobenhausen and Buddy Joe claim their space breaking the mold on latest release “I Have To Do It My Way”

Morpheus von Dobenhausen

Morpheus von Dobenhausen’s latest single, “I Have To Do It My Way,” is both personal and purposeful. It is a strong statement of independence and artistic identity, grounded in conviction rather than in giving in. The track is a good example of staying true to your creative vision. It embodies the essence of following your own path, celebrating your uniqueness, and trusting your instincts to help you grow as an artist. Morpheus von Dobenhausen and Buddy Joe, an artist based in the UK, are working together on the project. This gives it a sense of authenticity and dedication. Their work together results in a product that is focused, certain, and truly refreshing.

The song was made by people from different countries working together online with Logic Pro 12 and structured data exchange. This shows that distance doesn’t stop people from being creative together. This modern approach to making music allows the composition to have universal energy while still maintaining a personal touch. The process shows the main idea of the song: to work alone while remaining open to important collaboration.

“I Have to Do It My Way” is a statement for people who value being true to themselves over what society expects of them. It speaks to people who value artistic freedom and self-confidence, and it serves as a powerful reminder that being original often comes from having the courage to trust yourself.

This track from Morpheus von Dobenhausen and Buddy Joe shows how much they care about creative freedom. It’s both uplifting and very relatable. It is a major step forward that has a lasting effect long after the last note fades away.

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