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Borboleta Lives In The Moment With New R&B Single “Take Your Time”

R&B singer-songwriter Borboleta reflects on the growing pains inherent to the transition from childhood to adulthood in their new single, “Take Your Time,” out October 4. Alongside a playful music video, the soulful artist expresses the importance of taking the time to stay grounded through the fast-paced whirlwind of growing up. During the transition to adulthood – characterized by juggling school, work, and romance – it is difficult to escape the anxiety of falling short of our responsibilities and aspirations for the future. The Providence-based artist uses “Take Your Time” as a reminder for young adults everywhere to prioritize their own needs, giving listeners the permission to take a moment to breathe through the transition.

“Growing up felt like everything was moving a mile a minute: school, work, romance, etc. ‘Take Your Time’ is about taking that time you need to breathe and putting your feet on the ground. Everything happens for a reason.” – Borboleta

Borboleta’s effortless flow with their textured vocals projects an undeniable swagger on this lo-fi track. Caressed by silky keys, bright electric guitar, and driven with rhythmically creative percussion, “Take Your Time” delivers a chill, soulful vibe reminiscent of the moments of rest and reflection Borboleta sings about. The artist undeniably enjoys their time – showcasing a charming charisma – throughout the music video. Playful delivery in tandem with a retro-glam aesthetic shows Borboleta in their element; this music video embodies freedom, friendship, and perfectly showcases the joy inherent to truly living in the moment.

Though the music video showcases a lighthearted playfulness, it also makes a commentary on the inherent racial bias integrated into photography; light skin tones are thought of as the ‘norm,’ while darker skin tones are characterized as requiring corrective care. Borboleta looked at this project – specifically in the opening scenes – as an opportunity to say their part in breaking the history of Shirly Cards (reference photos initially created by Kodak to aid camera technicians) being created just for white people. “Take Your Time” shows fans that when listening to Borboleta, they can expect glamour, edginess, charisma, and a powerful message.

For Rochelle Leach, music was the first language they understood. While they were never part of a school choir or a particularly musical family, singing privately in their bedroom sparked something magical in their psyche; they knew in their heart, and their soul, that this was the path for them. Eventually, Leach mustered up the courage to sing cover songs at their middle school talent shows, and throughout high school, working on their artistry through writing poetry and lyrics. Like many navigating the tricky territory of growing up, Leach found the experience grueling. It wasn’t until their last few years of high school that they discovered their spirituality: building their first altar at 17, they began to create a nourishing relationship with their spirit and with the universe, gaining confidence in themselves and the way in which they saw the world. Seeing themselves in this new and brilliant light, Borboleta was born.

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Their debut EP UNTIL THAT TIME is a rumination on entering adulthood for the very first time, tackling themes of uncertainty, anger, curiosity, and the chaos that comes with falling in love. The project started four years ago when Leach decided to announce to their college preparatory school classmates and teachers that no, they wouldn’t be going to college after all. “I remember sitting in the library when we were working on college applications and I said it out loud for the first time,” they explain. “I had never even said it out loud to myself. It felt heroic in my body, but then I had to deal with it in the real world.”

As well as Borboleta’s musical inspirations – ranging from Frank Ocean, Kari Faux, and Missy Elliot to classic rock and Black spiritual jazz from the 60s and 70s – the natural world is key to unlocking Leach’s sound. When working two jobs and the weight of the world begins to feel heavy, they’ll often center themselves under a big beautiful tree just outside of their window, take a big deep breath, and giggle about how they’re taking life so seriously. This love for nature is defended on the beautiful-yet-devastating “EARTH,” as Leach mourns the reality of the climate crisis. “I honestly don’t fully remember writing the song, I just remember it flowing through me, like a device for this message,” they say. Teaming tenderness for the planet with crashing waves, birdsong, and acoustic guitar, Leach soon morphs the track into a call-out to those who have done too little, too late. “The Earth is dying and there’s only one to blame: it’s you,” they scold.

This blend of lighthearted pop melodies and crucial messaging is what makes Borboleta’s UNTIL THAT TIME so essential. Expertly capturing the anxieties of their generation, while embodying the kind of timeless musicality that so rarely comes along, Borboleta has created a haven for those seeking something true and bright. “My purpose on a greater scale is to heal,” they explain. “I’ve realized through my journey that music is a tool that heals me and I hope can heal other people.”

 

Artist Spotlight

David Cloyd triumphantly returns with a reflective new album, “Red Sky Warning”

David Cloyd

David Cloyd, a seasoned artist whose creative luminescence has only intensified over his career, makes a noteworthy re-entry following a decade-long hiatus with an emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated new album, “Red Sky Warning,” released via ECR Music Group. This album marks his reintroduction to the music scene as he aims to reclaim the spotlight. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed indie architect Blake Morgan (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, and Janita), the masterful ten-track album encapsulates a significant evolution in Cloyd’s sonic profile, where intricate craftsmanship meets intense emotional exposition.

Spanning ten compelling tracks, “Red Sky Warning” is a profound exploration of openness, identity, and the intimacy of human connection. The very first notes of the opener, Ocean of Hours,” envelops listeners in a euphoric wave of melody, with the magic of Cloyd’s lyricism resonating like heartbeats, consistently engaging while maintaining a clear direction. This immersive tone sets the stage for a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.

It is followed spontaneously byIf We Could Escape,” the second track, delving into themes of emotional ambivalence and quiet longing for escapism. Its soulful balm and shimmering aura capture the ache of unspoken truths, laying bare the intimate confessions Cloyd expresses through his signature vocal warmth and layered instrumentation. Each hypnotic rhyme that follows builds on this honesty, embracing a therapeutic narrative of accepting imperfection.

In the third track,The Day Before,” a contemplative light emerges as Cloyd masterfully blends soul-pop sensibility with mature finesse. It evokes the quiet anticipation that precedes change, revealing Cloyd’s ability to distill quotidian experiences into a resonant metaphor. Conversely, A Far Cry From Nothing presents a robust rhythmic foundation that underscores lyrical potency, driven by piano-centric confidence and heartfelt phrasing that illuminate emotional resilience. InCage of Water,” Cloyd adeptly navigates the emotional landscape through an audacious sonic tapestry that reflects the fluidity of love’s ever-changing tides. This piece captures the inherent unpredictability of romantic experiences, evoking a captivating composition that accentuates its dynamism. The ambientDrive With Me employs lush ambient textures to guide listeners through reflective pathways, invoking the nuances of nostalgic relationships and emotional bonds often left unarticulated.

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Into The Sea dazzles with melancholic elegance, threading love and mystery into a cohesive storytelling framework. Subsequent tracks, such as Climbing Ivy,” maintain this thematic momentum, focusing on unity and the complexities inherent in celebrating brotherhood and kinship through a storytelling lens steeped in poetic nuance.Small Wooden Boat offers a poignant reflection on the past, emphasizing rediscovery and personal growth while capturing the bittersweet clarity that revisiting old memories often brings. The album culminates with the stunning trackWalk the Earth,” a soul-stirring finale that lingers in the heart of listeners long after its chords fade. Cloyd’s use of tremulous vibrato and unwavering vocal performance echoes the weight of lived experience, providing a fitting closure to an album that’s both a personal manifesto and a universal commentary.

Each composition sequentially builds upon the previous one, thereby enhancing the thematic essence of “Red Sky Warning” and symbolizing not only a reawakening but also a rebirth for David Cloyd. His distinctive vocal style as a singer and songwriter approach draws comparisons to notable figures such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, and Peter Gabriel while remaining distinctly his own. With this release, Cloyd effectively positions introspection at the forefront of his artistry, transforming emotional vulnerability into a cathartic experience. This meticulously curated body of work serves as a testament to David Cloyd’s enduring musical vision, establishing it as a timeless addition to any music aficionado’s collection. “Red Sky Warning” is essential for those seeking genuine artistry that transcends genre and invites listeners on an evocative expedition of heartfelt optimism and recuperation.

 

For more information about David Cloyd, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM David Cloyd’s AlbumRed Sky Warning on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH David Cloyd | InstagramFacebook |

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Yonatan’s “Jah Is My Guide” is a soulful journey rooted in faith and island vibes

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Yonatan, the gifted singer from the pulsating island of Martinique, shares his latest spiritual track, “Jah Is My Guide.” This recording is a spiritual song inspired by the timeless Psalms of David, a unique combination of soulful music and a message of faith and inspiration. “Jah Is My Guide” envelops the listener in a tuneful sense of sincerity. Yonatan’s sound boasts authenticity, encouraging listeners to life’s ups and downs through spiritual affirmation. Using the Psalms for inspiration, the song taps a universal longing for strength, wisdom, and protection, which, as themes, never really become aged but instead seem incredibly personal and relatable.

What stands out about this single is the way in which Yonatan is able to incorporate that island reach into the music, however, without sacrificing its holy essence. The rhythms subtly bounce toward Martinique’s rich musical heritage, which gives the song a vital heartbeat that manages to feel both contemporary and timeless. It’s a potent reminder of how old-time spirituality and newfangled artistry mesh seamlessly. Listeners will feel enveloped in a meditative bubble, each verse like a conversation with the divine. Production is slick and slick, taking a backseat to Yonatan’s vocals and the depth in the lyrics. For Yonatan, “Jah Is My Guide” has become a testament to the inspiring power and hope that music can provide.

It provides a spiritual compass for those of us adrift on the uncertain waters of life, and we are all reminded that when faith is our guide, we are never lost both for peace and direction. “Jah Is My Guide” is simply a must listen for lovers of music that feeds the soul and taps into deep spiritual concepts. Yonatan has written a song that reflects the venerable tradition of the Psalms and celebrates his special island identity, a mix that carries with it the potential to inspire and uplift across lands and lifetimes.

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