Music

Jon Lindsay’s “Dear Assassin” hits the mark with brilliance

Jon Lindsay makes scenes with “Dear Assassin,” a highlight single from his critically acclaimed Big Stage LP. A master of theatrical alt-pop, the song is a swirling, emotionally charged anthem that explores ambition, identity, and the pressures of performance in the modern world. Lindsay’s calling card is razor-sharp songwriting coated in high drama, and “Dear Assassin” is no different. The song threads a line between vulnerability and bluster as Lindsay confronts some unseen foe with a rising emotion. It’s lush without being overblown, catchy without frivolity, and pulsing with the sort of immediacy that seems tailor-made for the times we’re living in.

But it isn’t just the song that has people talking. Helmed by longtime creative collaborator Chris Walldorf, who has film experience, edited Netflix’s Night Stalker, and has worked with Danny McBride’s Rough House Pictures, the video for “Dear Assassin” is more of a short film than anything else. Walldorf’s vision offers a darkly modern twist on Lindsay’s vision, deepening the song’s emotional resonance with strikingly cinematic visuals. It’s not often that a music video feels like a cinematic event, but this one does. From dimly lit hallways to surreal sequences that provide a visual key to some of the subconscious turmoil in Lindsay’s lyrics, there’s narrative weight.

It’s an immersive experience that broadens the world of Big Stage but also stands on its own. “Dear Assassin” succeeds, in the end, because it resists closure. It is art-pop that doesn’t wince, set to visuals that bear repeat views. Jon Lindsay once again shows that he’s not making songs, he’s building worlds. And, with this single, we’re all miraculously asked to come inside. For anyone who likes their pop smart, their tales dramatic, and their music willing to go big, “Dear Assassin” is required viewing and listening. Jon Lindsay is bringing the Big Stage and taking it.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Related Topics:Dear Assassin Jon Lindsay

Up Next

François Marius shares a song for freedom with “Roots of Liberty”

Don't Miss

Sophia B’s breathtaking new single “Just a Glance” blurs the line between precision and emotional truth

Honk Magazine

Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.