Music

AURUS Presents a New Song Called “KUHU”

AURUS is a modern mirage. The embodiment of our contradictions.

After the transgressive polyphony of the 3somesisters, AURUS aka Bastien Picot distils Maloya from its roots in an orchestral and percussive pop setting, reminiscent of Nakhane, Peter Gabriel, or Woodkid. After notable performances at MaMa, SAKIFO, Bars en Trans and Francofolies de la Réunion, AURUS becomes Revelation Artist of the Chantier des Francofolies for the year 2021 and Coup de cœur of the Confédération desFrancofolies. His first album Chimera, is a chimera, a hybrid album. Conceived between Paris and Réunion, this opus is an intuitive and tribal journey in which what seems irreconcilable meets and merges: the melancholy atmosphere and the tribal or sometimes military rhythms, the lunar ballads, and the tonic light of the pieces inviting to trance, all of this. spoken in English and Reunion Creole.

At the origin of this album but also of the pseudonym of the artist: the eye of Horus, an Egyptian divinity half-man, half-hawk, symbol of intuition and spiritual antenna allowing to see beyond the palpable.

After the musical adventure of the 3somesisters of which Bastien Picot was one of the founders, AURUS was born as an almost dizzying power to return to oneself following an intense and hectic collective adventure, a deep questioning on its relationship to the world, to the other, to the society. It was in the twists and turns of her own melancholy and her luminous hopes that Chimera was born, like a vertical thread woven from its roots to the heavens.

AURUS has a keen eye on the society in which we live. He questions our relationship to animals (in a duet with Sandra Nkaké), to time, to the mental load or even the distortion of our perception of the world created by the screens that surround us … Chimera is akin to a hypnotic vigil, del dawn at dusk, where madness sometimes comes to tickle the heady riffs and vocalizations of this polymorphic singer.

Creole returned naturally to insinuate itself into the music, just like the traditional instruments of Reunion Island, the Maloya, but also the English-speaking pop which watered his childhood to reconnect with the forgotten teenager and his “American dream”, to the traveler-backpacker and his thirst for adventure, to the vacationer in need of rest or even to the entrepreneur and his myriad of ideas. Musically, it was Anthony Winzenrieth, producer of the 3SOMESISTERS EPs, who was the essential partner in the birth of this album.

After helping AURUS to clarify his vision, he mixed and produced this album by sublimating this chimera inspired by The Knife, Woodkid, Peter Gabriel, Tune-Yards, James Blake, or even Ry X …

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Artist Spotlight

Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”

The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.

Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.

The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.

Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.

Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.

For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Chandra | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice

There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.

The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.

Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.

Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.

For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |