Music
Alex Aiono Shares his striking single “Played Out” ft. Jake Miller
Alex Aiono is ready to share his most honest project to date, starting with the release of his striking single “Played Out” ft. Jake Miller, due out June 25th. The fast-rising, multi-hyphenate is a force to be reckoned with. As a Pacific Islander (Maori Samoan,) music was an integral part of his upbringing and the singer-songwriter first got his start when he picked up the ukulele, drums, and piano when he was seven years old. Constantly striving to learn more, Alex started producing his own innovative covers of hit songs and what started as a fun hobby has since blossomed into nearly a Billion views on YouTube, 500 million streams, 6 Million followers across socials, Top 10 hits of his very own, sold-out tours around the world, and starring movie roles.
In this follow-up chapter, we see a side of Aiono that he has never shared before when it comes to his music. This new music is a full reflection of Alex here today; he is the record producer, writer, and performer. “This new era of music for me is special because I’m on an endeavor to continually reach deeper,” shares Alex. “With every release, I see more of me in my music. This next era truly will be the deepest I’ve gone yet, and as I live more life and dive further into who I am, I plan to share it with the world.”
In the intimate and intoxicating new single “Played Out,” glassy vocals packed with emotion usher in gorgeous, anthemic production as Alex muses on all the hardships he’s had to overcome in order to get to where he is now. He shares, “I think at our core as humans we consistently lose the forest for the trees when we are in the thicker situations of life. It’s not until you’re out of the woods or have overcome what it was you were going through that you get to see it all for what it truly is. Whether it’s love (as I refer to in the song), a career, a long term goal, or any budding and flourishing situation, sometimes you have to stop and appreciate how everything ‘played out.’”
“a truly defining moment for Aiono” – Variety
“precociously experienced performer” – LA Times
“a clear intentionality behind all of Aiono’s work” – Wonderland
“Alex Aiono’s ‘Her’ is for everyone” – PAPER
“Aiono’s Drake-like tone has us in love” – Billboard
Aiono has seen a whirlwind of successes over the last few years. He released the unpredictable hybrid album The Gospel at 23 in 2020, which saw him deep in the mix of gospel truth-telling, stark hip-hop swagger, alternative ambition, and pop bliss. The album garnered praise from the masses, from Variety and The LA Times to Wonderland to name a few, and has racked up millions of streams. Early 2021 also saw Alex star in the Ian Bryce produced and Jude Weng directed film Finding Ohana, which marked the start of another burgeoning venture for Alex.
The uniquely talented Aiono has proven himself as a jack of all trades. From writing and producing his own music to his collaborations with artists like John Legend to Jon Bellion, to securing starring roles on major networks, we see Alex continue a soaring career that’s bound to position the star as a household name for years to come.
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“The Tide” by John Doherty stirs an enchanting wave of soulful melodic voyage
“The Tide,” John Doherty’s latest single, exemplifies a masterstroke of heartfelt storytelling and evocative soundscapes. The Irish singer-songwriter, renowned for his soulful vocal delivery, effectively merges the intimacy inherent in traditional folk music with a sophisticated contemporary country music style, crafting a vivid atmosphere that resonates with a timeless charm reminiscent of the ocean.
The composition “The Tide” captivates from its initial notes, sweeping listeners into its wave of introspection and hope. Doherty’s warm vocals, imbued with authenticity, anchor the song as it unfolds melody, accompanied by gentle acoustic strums and a lush instrument arrangement. Co-written with Luca Janzen and enhanced by the expert craftsmanship of producers Tommy McLaughlin and Cormac Butler, the track balances simplicity with cinematic depth.
Lyrically, Doherty articulates the cyclic nature of life, love, and resilience. “The Tide” is employed as a profound metaphor, its fluctuations paralleling human challenges and triumph achievements. His poetic delivery transforms the song into an emotional voyage, where every lyric feels like a personal conversation dialogue. The production is exceptional, featuring intricate layers of melody and harmony that evoke the experience of standing on the shores of the Irish coastline. The influence of Doherty’s extensive touring, including stints performances alongside notable artists such as James Bay and The Staves, is discernible in his polished yet unfiltered authentic artistic approach.
“The Tide” is an auditory invitation for reflection, encouraging listeners to find solace in the rhythms of nature and life. Regardless of one’s musical preferences, whether a folk purist or a country aficionado, this track is bound to leave an indelible mark. Engaging with it will reaffirm why John Doherty’s artistry is an exceptional and worthwhile experience you won’t regret.
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Music
Clay and Kelsy Embrace Darkness and Light in Transformative EP ‘I am’
Clay and Kelsy, the innovative pair at the forefront of Los Angeles’ indie music scene, present their latest project: the emotionally charged and sonically intricate EP, ‘I am’. This work consists of five tracks that delve into the complexities of doubt, emotional pain, and the intricacies of self-discovery, addressing the multifaceted nature of the human experience—from heartache to resilience.
The EP opens with “Insecure,” a raw sonic narrative that unpacks themes of waning self-confidence. Following this, “You Hurt Me” delivers a poignant exploration of betrayal, characterized by its evocative lyrics and dynamic arrangement. The track “I Miss You” amplifies the emotional landscape with its soulful introspection, articulating the challenges of grief and attachment faced while letting go. In “Memories of Me,” the duo addresses the profound weight of despair, tackling themes of existential fragmentation and mental health struggles with brutal honesty.
The titular track, “I am,” emerges as a pivotal moment within the EP—serving as a testament to survival, growth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. This piece balances the turmoil of past experiences with an optimistic outlook on future endeavors, ultimately acting as a powerful affirmation of resilience and readiness to confront forthcoming challenges.
Clay and Kelsy’s exceptional storytelling is complemented by their innovative integration of electronic soundscapes with soulful lyrics and instrumentation, transforming ‘I am’ into a cathartic listening experience. As artists, producers, and co-founders of CKI—an initiative championing women’s empowerment and amplifying underrepresented voices—they infuse their work with authenticity and creativity. ‘I am’ signifies a significant evolution in their artistic trajectory, and the anticipation for their next steps is palpable within the industry.