Music

Chandra Rhyme Unveils Stunning New Video For “Bullet”

US recording artist Chandra Rhyme has unveiled her latest single, “Bullet”, and its accompanying visuals. The independent Pittsburgh-based artist has already accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify with previous singles, despite only arriving on the R&B scene last year, and she looks set to continue her impressive rise with this latest release.

“Bullet” is an undeniable winner, highlighting Chandra’s impressive songwriting along with her gorgeous and silky vocals. Inspired to write the song by a Tyler Perry TV show, it talks about being in a toxic relationship and is infused with additive melodies and a huge singalong anthemic hook that will no doubt be stuck in everyone’s head after just one listen. With its enormous replay value, it’s clear this is a track from an artist with a bright future ahead, who will surely be making huge waves over the next year, and “Bullet” decisively makes it known that Chandra Rhyme is one to watch.

Speaking further on the release, Chandra says, “I wrote this song after watching one of my favourite shows at the time called The Haves and the Have Nots by Tyler Perry. There’s a character named Wyatt on the show that struggles with drug addiction. At that moment, a light bulb went off in my mind where I wanted to take that concept and relate it to love. ‘Bullet’ is about being in a toxic relationship and being addicted to someone that you know is not good for you. In the end, you wind up staying and ‘biting the bullet’. You know this relationship is not good for you but because of how much you love this person, you still want them in your life, and it is hard to let go. No matter how much you try, you just can’t give them up.” “Bullet” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.

Artist Spotlight

“Home My Universe” by Santa Cecilie evokes a lush sonic odyssey through the galaxy of her stunning new EP

Santa Cecilie, an accomplished Norwegian artist from Bergen, has recently launched her latest five-track EP, “Home My Universe,” representing a significant progression in her artistic evolution and considerable musical sophistication. This emotive masterpiece expertly merges the sensibilities of classic pop with introspective lyricism, delving into the complexities inherent in the human experience. Crafted in collaboration with Ketil Fersum, Daniel Birkeland (from Studio Havnelageret), and drummer Marius Erster Bergesen, the work serves as a reflective meditation on themes of life, mortality, self-acceptance, and the universal quest for belonging.

The opening track, “Seize,” establishes an assertive sonic landscape with bold arrangements and lyrical depth, delivering a motivational message to embrace transient opportunities. Its vibrant energy transitions seamlessly into “Home,” a soulful ballad articulating a longing for familial connection and evoking the healing properties of love and comfort. It is positioned as a central pivot in the EP’s emotional framework, encapsulating its introspective themes.

The centerpiece of the EP, “Life,” thoughtfully investigates the duality of beauty and fragility within the human experience. Through its captivating craftsmanship and nuanced execution, Santa Cecilie invites the audience to engage with the transitory nature and profound significance of life’s critical moments, creating an emotionally resonant framework. Its universal appeal is further enhanced by a seamless interplay of soulful pop aesthetics and incisive lyricism, highlighting the fleeting nature of our grasp on existential experiences.

Following this, “Keep” presents an anthemic quality supported by dynamic piano lines and infectious rhythms that foster a spirit of resilience and aspiration. It motivates listeners to persist in the pursuit of their dreams, reinforcing the EP’s overarching themes of hope and tenacity. The concluding track, “Rain,” produced collaboratively with Cecilie Nirmala Andersen, Ketil Fersum, and Daniel Birkeland, offers a haunting auditory experience. Its intricate arrangements and pulsating rhythms, entwined with poetic lyricism, invite profound contemplation.

Indie

Shriya Unpacks Heartbreak, Growth, and Resilience in Her Compelling Debut EP “In a Box”

Emerging artist Shriya has released her raw and evocative debut EP, “In a box”, an intimate and uncompromising exploration of heartbreak, mental health, and self-discovery. Written, composed, and performed entirely by Shriya, this collection of six songs is personal to her and resonates with scratches of raw emotion, making it a heartfelt listen for those dealing with their transitions. Streaming across major platforms, “In a box” is an arresting introduction to Shriya’s artistry.

Writing the songs that would later become her EP as a 16-year-old girl, Shriya combined moments of her life into raw beats and emotional solace. The opening track, “Her,” is a highlight, a cinematic ballad of heartbreak and betrayal, buttressed with the production of Yohan Marshall and the winning touch of Pedro Peixoto and Fili Filizzola. Using classical piano melodies and poignant lyrics, “Her” deepens the agony of broken trust, making it an achingly relatable anthem.

The second track on the EP, “I’m not alright,” takes the focus elsewhere, into mental health and its emphasis on solitude and resilience. Hersh Desai’s thoughtful production surrounds Shriya’s ethereal vocals and fragile harmonies, creating a soothing but forceful anthem for anyone dealing with their internal struggles.

Intended as a collection of ballads for anyone enduring heartbreak, loss, or transformation, “In a box” rises above its teenage roots to speak more broadly of self-acceptance and evolution. According to Shriya, music is her lifeline, and this feeling is evident in this release, note, and lyric.

With “In a box” Shriya extends an invitation to step into her world and take comfort, connection, and catharsis. And this is a sincere roll of the dice to connect with whoever might need comfort in sound. It is streaming now, and you can walk with Shriya on this impressive journey on her first flight.