Music

Ben Gage Shares a New Chapter with Soulful, Porchlight Reverie “Flyin'”

With his new single “Flyin,” Ben Gage invites listeners to relax, take a deep breath, and escape into a somber state of reflection. Apt to its title, this song does not walk but quarter-jog in an unstoppable clip swept along by a warm breeze of blue folk textures that sound like the sonic version of an old rocking chair on a serene porch.

“Flyin’” exists there, in the excellent space in between, where late-night soul searching and simple, heartfelt melodies find comfort with each other. From the first few strums, you feel as if you can see the stars emerge through your twilight curtain, the summer night air cooling your skin. Gage’s delivery is refreshingly honest. There is a lot of flashy overproduction or unnecessary layers here, a completely open heart, and what feels like a song written for the listener, rather than to them.

The laid-back groove of the beat also runs through the song like a steady heartbeat line, giving Gage’s voice and lyrics room to shine. His voice is filled with the wisdom of miles traveled, but the story never burdens it. Instead, it soars, spirals, and, appropriately, flies not trailing off so much as leaving the listener with a wistful longing for something hovering just beyond the horizon.

What makes “Flyin’” so special is its timeless and intimately personal nature. It’s not reinventing the wheel but leans hard into the authenticity of folk-blue traditions, making space for a very modern vulnerability. If there’s a verb for such songs, it’s “haunt.” This kind of song you find getting under your skin, a week and a half later, settling into your bones soon after the final chord dissipates.

Ben Gage created a mood, a space you can return to whenever life is a tad too fast or heavy. “Flyin’” is a call to stop, to breathe, and to allow yourself to float for a moment. It’s a small, defiant act against the sound of the world, couched in a melody that flows as easily as a conversation between old friends.

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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

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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.