Artist Spotlight

Canadian Hip-Hop Maestro Johnny Blue Showcases Newest Single “Levitate”

Canadian hip-hop maestro Johnny Blue showcases his skills with buttery smooth lyrics and calm dynamic beats in his newest single “Levitate.” The Toronto-based artist is no stranger to wielding multiple genres to his advantage, as “Levitate” evokes the sensation of a moonlit cruise down city streets, as bumping R&B and jazz dynamics take the wheel.

Listen to “Levitate” Here

The track begins with gentle keys guiding the listener into the passenger seat as a grooving bass line starts the ignition, with Blue’s lyrics slowly pressing on the gas and kicking off a lyrical confession as the tires turn. “Got no room for hate / Too much love to circulate / Too much shine to mess with shade / Tryin’ to resonate/ Illuminate, Levitate…”

Blue’s introspective tendency shines through in this track, with every bar acknowledging the reflections of the world around him and the struggles within himself, with his desires for living a serene and purposeful life taking center stage.

“He thought his squad was solid but snakes are standing beside him / Switch like seasons, okay I change with the time s/ The boy’s a full entree, comes with a couple of sides / Comes with a couple of vibes…”

The tone of the track doesn’t shy away from Blue’s past, with allusions to the type of person he was, his brushes with the law, and the kind of individual he’s trying to be now.

“Johnny Blue’s music is experience-driven and much of it revolves around storytelling. His turbulent past serves as a valuable resource when it comes to his creative process. His work is a reflection of his navigation through life and himself.” — Official Artist Biography.

“Levitate” is just a piece into the mind and soul of Johnny Blue, with the whole picture coming together on his soon-to-be-released EP Until Then.

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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.