Artist Spotlight
Chapell’s “The Underground Music Show”
There’s nothing quite like Chapell’s The Underground Music Show in the modern musical universe.
I assert that this is a good thing. We don’t need any more cookie-cutter singer/songwriter fare full of quavering sensitivities. Nor do we need paint-by-numbers noise merchants peddling oh-so-indie guitar albums that wear their oddities on their sleeves. Chapell is, unashamedly, himself and nothing more.
The Stamford, Connecticut-born performer and songwriter discovered initial notoriety as a fifteen-year-old prodigy working with Dirty Dancing producer Jimmy Ienner. He later led the East-West fusion outfit Kalki. His tenure with that band served notice that Chapell wasn’t content with finding fame as a garden variety song and dance man. He had bigger fish to fry.
The peak of his musical journey so far comes with the formation of the band bearing his name. Chapell’s 2016 debut, The Redhead’s Allegations, produced by Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, illustrated Chapell’s mammoth growth as a songwriter and human being. Two successors, Soul Man and Love in the Summer of Trouble, solidified his direction and garnered him a loyal following.
I believe it bodes well for the album’s remaining songs when an artist leads off with the title track. There’s a long tradition of this kind of track listing signaling a wellspring of self-assurance. It’s justified in this case. “The Underground Music Show” sets the stage for everything following it. One of its primary merits lies with the vocals. Chapell has an idiosyncratic voice, and further strengthens the singing with The Crush Boys’ backing vocals. Marrying thoughtful lyrical content with the pop predilections of this opener establishes a template that Chapell won’t desert.
However, I’m glad to report there are ample variations. He doesn’t follow a single path. The bright piano-laced pop balladry of “The Space Between Us” is an excellent follow-up to the opener. He builds the song from relatively restrained beginnings into a robust march that simmers with energy. Chapell continues indulging in anthemic pop with the album’s third cut, “When the Music Plays Again”. Violinist Lorenza Ponce is one of the underrated musical forces driving many of these cuts and plays with great confidence throughout this track.
I wondered going in if Chapell was covering John Lennon with the plaintively titled “Grow Old with Me”. However, it’s another outstanding original. He pursues a jaunty trajectory that eschews the anthemic tendencies of the preceding songs in favor of an irresistible pop bounce. “I Used to Say This Could Never Be Me” steers The Underground Music Show into different textural waters. He scaffolds his lyrics about the ironies of getting older around a loping tempo with a surprising amount of swing. It’s one of his best vocals on the release, and he tosses in several understated moves into the imaginative arrangement.
The relaxed gait of “When Sally Left” juxtaposes nicely against a nuanced and often vigorous Chapell vocal. This tune packs an unexpected punch and comes at an ideal place in the album’s track listing. “Like We Just Met” is The Underground Music Show’s penultimate tune, and its hypnotic piano motif supplies an important musical hook for the song’s success. It’s another of the vocal high points with a strong central performance from Chapell and astute multi-tracking scattered throughout the cut. Chapell’s The Underground Music Show harbors a bounty of rewards that listeners won’t readily exhaust. I advise you to check it out today.
Skyler Voss
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Artist Spotlight
“Mimosa” by Proklaim delivers a soulful anthem for the trailblazers and dream-chasing
“Mimosa,” the latest single by Proklaim, hits the airwaves like a breath of fresh, inspiring air in the hip-hop scene, blending soulful vibes with a powerful message of self-empowerment. From the first flicker of soft instrumentation, the track invites listeners into a space where airy beats flutter beneath Proklaim’s steady, confident flow. It’s an understated yet potent musical soundbeat produced by Jake Laiumi that perfectly sets the tone for the reflective lyricism to follow. In contrast, Wojtek Majewski’s mixing and mastering of Audio Art Namibia add clarity to the layered emotions of the song.
Lyrically, “Mimosa” is about daring to be different and staking your claim on dreams regardless of whether anyone else has ventured down the same path. Proklaim’s verses resonate with a sense of purpose and determination, encouraging listeners to push beyond real or imagined boundaries, taking up space unapologetically where they rightfully belong.
What’s striking is the inspiration and humility in his delivery. There’s no bragging, just genuine grit, and hope, underscored by a sound subtly weaves influences from legends like Lauryn Hill and J. Cole with surprising nods to rock icons like Nirvana and Creed. It’s an eclectic mix, giving “Mimosa” a genre-fluid feel still rooted in soulful hip-hop echo.
With an infectious cadence, Proklaim delivers a hopeful yet honest soundtrack that’s sharp, smooth, and compelling. It makes “Mimosa” a soul-stirring song that fires up the ambition within anyone ready to step into their power and have the audience feel like the world is yours for the taking.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Proklaim’s “Mimosa“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
WHIT drops sonic alchemy with her debut EP, “WHIT”
The wait is over! WHIT, the trailblazing artist formerly known as Whitney Miller, has officially unleashed her highly anticipated debut self-titled EP, and it’s every bit as explosive and mesmerizing as promised. This four-track EP brings an extraordinary mix of rock, country, and soul genres into an irresistible sonic adventure from the first note to the last, reminiscent of Jelly Roll, HARDY, and the rebellious early releases of Kelly Clarkson and P!nk for enthralling fans.
WHIT, a South Texas native, has already made waves in Nashville as a former Miss Texas (2012) and Miss United States (2013), an MMA fighter, kickboxing commentator, and a well-regarded podcaster. However, her eclectic venture into music has unveiled yet another layer of her impressive multifaceted phenomenon. Her EP showcases a distinctive sound, rich with evocative storytelling and heartfelt lyrics that dive deep into human experiences.
The EP starts with the hauntingly beautiful “Black And Blue,” where delicate flute melodies and raw lyricism entwine with a brooding instrumental backdrop, setting a profound tone. This track pulls listeners into deep contemplation, immediately establishing her as a force to be reckoned with. Followed by the gritty, soul-stirring rock anthem “Go To Hell,” WHIT demonstrates her ability to craft narrative-driven rock-infused ballads that challenge and empower. It bursts forth with an unapologetic declaration of resilience and heartfelt emotion.
The EP’s third track, “Grass Is Greener,” shifts gears slightly, offering a glimmer of infectious optimism amidst the relational shadows. It is a soulful reflection on the contemplation of better love and relationships with an anthemic spirit that inspires and uplifts, inviting listeners to explore the concept of the illusion of greener pastures in relationships with an enduring message that resonates deeply with anyone who ever dreamed of a better connection. Closing out the EP is “Ready Or Not,” a mesmerizing track that leaves an indelible mark with its introspective lyricism and immersive soundscape. It’s a stirring exploration of love’s unbridled charm, losing oneself in the moment, whether they’re prepared for it or not.
With her four-track debut EP, WHIT delivers a sonic experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Each track is a testament to her versatility, unique artistic vision, and meticulous craftsmanship, proving she’s not just another artist on the scene; she’s here to redefine music in a way that’s as dynamic and intriguing as the artist herself. The EP “WHIT” is a vibrant addition to any playlist for those craving a fresh, introspective take on the rock and country genres. Prepare to be enchanted by her musical brilliance and unapologetic authenticity.
For more information about WHIT, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM WHIT’s EP “WHIT“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH WHIT | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
