Music
Blake Morgan – Violent Delights
Indie-music iconoclast Blake Morgan’s highly-anticipated fifth album Violent Delights is out now on ECR Music Group. The native New Yorker, artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist, label owner, and activist is riding high from the critical and commercial successes of his breakthrough singles and music videos of recent months. The New York Times calls Morgan “Disarmingly unselfconscious.” Billboard proclaims, “Morgan has a voice that was made to be heard on the radio…inspired songwriting and passionate performances.” The Washington Post writes, “He’s got killer pop-rock instincts, something that leaps out at you…as well as a flair for recalling the days of pre-digital sound mixes. A natural when it comes to fashioning sharp melodies and catchy choruses.”
“I wanted to make a new record that would evoke a time in music when melodic Rock-’n-Roll hooks weren’t a vice, when optimistic, triumphant love songs with bite poured out of the car stereo,” says Morgan. “If The Police’s album ‘Ghost in the Machine’ and AC/DC’s ‘Back In Black’ had a kid together, that ‘kid’ would be my new record.”
The album gets its title from a line in Act 2, Scene 6 of Romeo and Juliet (“These violent delights have violent ends”), when the young couple is warned by Friar Lawrence that their passions may cost them. This is Morgan’s first record primarily comprised of love songs, and a departure for the artist. “I’ve written breakup records before, but never a ‘love’ record. I’ve never even used the words ‘love’ or ‘heart’ in a song before. Perhaps it helped to be in love, finally, for me to use those words convincingly.”
The reaction to previews of the new album has been clear: The Aquarian, “Mesmerizing.” Post-Punk, “Uplifting power-pop. Striking.” Glam Glare, “Instant classic. An exhilarating, almost spiritual experience.” Pop Passion, “Joyfully defiant.” Vents Magazine, “Great lyrics. Urgently flowing music.” Music Injection, “Brilliant.” Culture Catch proclaims Morgan’s style as, “Pop-rock noir. A much-needed antidote.”
The release of Violent Delights follows multiple successes for the artist including his record-breaking concert series in New York (a six-year run of sold-out concerts at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall), over 200 performances across 160,000 miles of touring with sold-out shows on both sides of the Atlantic, and 20 albums he’s produced and recorded with A-list artists since his own last solo-artist album release.
In the studio, Morgan has recorded and produced music’s brightest luminaries, from Lenny Kravitz to Lesley Gore. Morgan sings and performs all the instruments on this new record except for the drum kit, and he produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the album at Valiant Recording NYC, the Greenwich Village recording studio he’s owned and operated since 2002.
Morgan is also the founder and President of independent global-music company ECR Music Group. His ideas, opinions, and editorials on music have been published regularly by The New York Times, Billboard Magazine, CNN, Newsweek, Variety, The Hill, NME, The Huffington Post, and The Guardian.
He lectures frequently, including at The Georgetown University Law Center, California State University, Syracuse University, NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, American University, and at his alma mater, Berklee College of Music. His music advocacy has taken him to Capitol Hill numerous times where, as the founder of the #IRespectMusic movement, he continues to fight for music makers’ rights in the digital age.
Blake Morgan’s new record Violent Delights is now available on all platforms.
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“Every Rain” by Luke Borchelt evokes a soulful tapestry of nostalgic life with introspective memories
Emerging singer-songwriter Luke Borchelt steps into the spotlight, making waves with his highly anticipated debut album, “Every Rain,” a heartfelt ode to life’s quiet moments, comprises a nine-track odyssey that bridges the intimate charm of the Chesapeake Bay roots with the universal resonance of timeless authenticity. This collection demonstrates Borchelt’s unique blend of country upbringing and modern soundscapes, creating nostalgically grounded and refreshingly innovative music.
Spanning just over 32 minutes, the album “Every Rain” is a masterful exploration of life’s imperfections, love’s intricacies, and the enduring impact of personal history. It begins with “Same Old Square,” Borchelt immerses listeners into a euphoric country classic drenched in youthful memory love, capturing the unassuming joy of revisiting familiar places with someone special, driven by heartfelt lyrics and strumming guitars and small-town life with his signature lyrical authenticity. The title track, “Every Rain,” follows with soulful yet melancholic undertones co-written with producer Warren Russell. This centerpiece delivers a vivid mosaic of imagery of life’s imperfections, malfunctioning trucks, and overgrown gutters, embracing the therapeutic warmth of resilience through life’s storms.
Subsequent tracks such as “Itchin’” and “Frostbit Hands“ further broaden the album’s emotional spectrum. The former ventures into unexplored realms with folk-pop soulfulness, while the latter is a modern acoustic classic work reflecting on lost friendships and the reconciliation of past errors with hopeful renewal in personal growth. “Victoria“ shifts the focus to a romantic-soaked ballad influenced by dreamy organ strums, catchy beats, and an uplifting soundscape to paint vivid snapshots of budding memories of romance, evoke late-night calls, and sweet red wine, rendering it an undeniable highlight of the album.
Borchelt’s artistic versatility is manifested in blending enchanting lyrical narrative with sonic sophistication shines in “Accent,” a nostalgic acoustic vibe co-written with Jordan Rager and Mark Irwin. Meanwhile, “Maryland Life“ and “Car Heat“ are poignant tributes to Borchelt’s upbringing and childhood memories, encapsulating his roots with soul-stirring melodies. The album concludes on a hauntingly beautiful note with “Orland, ME,” a heart-wrenching portrayal of heartbreak. Borchelt’s trembling vibrato leaves an indelible mark, lingering long after the final note fades.
Crafted meticulously, “Every Rain” constitutes an intimate adventure through Borchelt’s world. It traverses a landscape of memories characterized by shimmering melodies and genuine authenticity. Each track provides a glimpse into his creative vision, cementing his place as a compelling new voice in modern folk and soul. Luke Borchelt’s “Every Rain” promises to be a valuable addition to diverse musical playlists, appealing to listeners craving introspection and emotionally evocative depth. Don’t miss the chance to experience this profoundly remarkable debut.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Luke Borchelt’s Album “Every Rain“ on Spotify.
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.
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