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Artist Spotlight

Chapell’s “The Underground Music Show”

There’s nothing quite like Chapell’s The Underground Music Show in the modern musical universe.

I assert that this is a good thing. We don’t need any more cookie-cutter singer/songwriter fare full of quavering sensitivities. Nor do we need paint-by-numbers noise merchants peddling oh-so-indie guitar albums that wear their oddities on their sleeves. Chapell is, unashamedly, himself and nothing more.

The Stamford, Connecticut-born performer and songwriter discovered initial notoriety as a fifteen-year-old prodigy working with Dirty Dancing producer Jimmy Ienner. He later led the East-West fusion outfit Kalki. His tenure with that band served notice that Chapell wasn’t content with finding fame as a garden variety song and dance man. He had bigger fish to fry.

The peak of his musical journey so far comes with the formation of the band bearing his name. Chapell’s 2016 debut, The Redhead’s Allegations, produced by Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, illustrated Chapell’s mammoth growth as a songwriter and human being. Two successors, Soul Man and Love in the Summer of Trouble, solidified his direction and garnered him a loyal following.

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 I believe it bodes well for the album’s remaining songs when an artist leads off with the title track. There’s a long tradition of this kind of track listing signaling a wellspring of self-assurance. It’s justified in this case. “The Underground Music Show” sets the stage for everything following it. One of its primary merits lies with the vocals. Chapell has an idiosyncratic voice, and further strengthens the singing with The Crush Boys’ backing vocals. Marrying thoughtful lyrical content with the pop predilections of this opener establishes a template that Chapell won’t desert.

However, I’m glad to report there are ample variations. He doesn’t follow a single path. The bright piano-laced pop balladry of “The Space Between Us” is an excellent follow-up to the opener. He builds the song from relatively restrained beginnings into a robust march that simmers with energy. Chapell continues indulging in anthemic pop with the album’s third cut, “When the Music Plays Again”. Violinist Lorenza Ponce is one of the underrated musical forces driving many of these cuts and plays with great confidence throughout this track.

I wondered going in if Chapell was covering John Lennon with the plaintively titled “Grow Old with Me”. However, it’s another outstanding original. He pursues a jaunty trajectory that eschews the anthemic tendencies of the preceding songs in favor of an irresistible pop bounce. “I Used to Say This Could Never Be Me” steers The Underground Music Show into different textural waters. He scaffolds his lyrics about the ironies of getting older around a loping tempo with a surprising amount of swing. It’s one of his best vocals on the release, and he tosses in several understated moves into the imaginative arrangement.

The relaxed gait of “When Sally Left” juxtaposes nicely against a nuanced and often vigorous Chapell vocal. This tune packs an unexpected punch and comes at an ideal place in the album’s track listing. “Like We Just Met” is The Underground Music Show’s penultimate tune, and its hypnotic piano motif supplies an important musical hook for the song’s success. It’s another of the vocal high points with a strong central performance from Chapell and astute multi-tracking scattered throughout the cut. Chapell’s The Underground Music Show harbors a bounty of rewards that listeners won’t readily exhaust. I advise you to check it out today.

Skyler Voss

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Artist Spotlight

Lil Wayne to Headline First-Ever Madison Square Garden Concert to Celebrate Album Drop

Honk Magazine

Few artists have influenced hip-hop quite like Lil Wayne, and he’s about to make an exciting mark once again, this time in New York City. On Friday, June 6, the iconic rapper will host his very first headlining concert at Madison Square Garden as he celebrates the release of his highly anticipated new album, Tha Carter VI. This new chapter in the Tha Carter series has been six years in the making, and it’s generating a lot of excitement.

Wayne has revealed that the album cover features a childhood version of himself, complete with face tattoos. This nostalgic artwork connects to the past while showing how he has grown and evolved as an artist. Madison Square Garden is a legendary venue that has hosted many great musicians and athletes over the years, making it the perfect place for Wayne to unveil his new music. This concert feels like a triumphant celebration of his career, a moment of reflection and renewal. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Wayne shared some insights into his creative process for Tha Carter VI.

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He hinted that this album will surprise listeners with its sound. He’s exploring new ideas and collaborations that fans didn’t see coming, which makes the anticipation even greater. This concert promises to be a celebration of Wayne’s legacy and creativity. Whether you’ve been a fan since his early days or just started listening to his music with his last album, June 6 at Madison Square Garden will be an unforgettable night.

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Artist Spotlight

Chloe Bailey’s Acting Career Is Just Getting Started

Honk Magazine(3)

Chloe Bailey, known for her amazing singing as part of the duo Chloe x Halle, is quickly making a name for herself in acting. While she started in music, her new roles in movies and TV show that she has a lot more to offer beyond singing. As she takes on different characters, it’s clear that her acting journey is just beginning, and the future looks really promising.

Chloe’s move into acting makes sense. From a young age, she had a natural charm and the ability to express herself, which has translated well from music to acting. Her background in music, which is full of emotional performances and storytelling, helped her create strong characters with depth and feeling, two important aspects of successful acting. Chloe truly engages with her roles, bringing realness and passion to every character she plays.

One of her first big roles was in the Freeform series “Grown-ish,” where she and her sister Halle appeared regularly. This show allowed viewers to see Chloe’s acting skills in a fun, comedic light and helped her transition to more serious roles. While “Grown-ish” showcased her natural talent on camera, her later roles have pushed her boundaries, showing her ability to tackle more intense and challenging characters.

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In the horror film “The Exorcism,” Chloe demonstrated her bravery by diving into a demanding, scary genre. Her performance was gripping, showcasing her capability to engage the audience through fear, vulnerability, and strength. Horror roles can be tough, but Chloe handled it gracefully, proving she can take on serious responsibilities in acting.

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On the other hand, Jane’s role in the psychological drama provided a completely different challenge. In this film, Chloe explored themes like identity and mental health, diving deep into a character’s mind in turmoil. Her performance was rich and meaningful, revealing her dedication to her craft. Instead of playing it safe, she took a risk with a role that required emotional depth and did it wonderfully.

What’s exciting about Chloe’s acting career is her willingness to try diverse and challenging roles. She’s not limiting herself to just one type of character or genre, which is a smart move for a rising star. Whether it’s horror, drama, or comedy, Chloe shows real enthusiasm for exploring different sides of life. She has shared how much she enjoys becoming different characters and experiencing new stories. This enthusiasm makes her an exciting performer to watch.

Chloe has a magnetic presence on screen. The same intensity she brings to her music is evident in her acting, mixing emotion and passion in a genuine and relatable way. As she grows in this new area, it’s clear that her approach is both professional and heartfelt. She studies her roles, embraces the emotional journey of her characters, and brings her whole self to the screen.

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Additionally, her background in music enhances her acting. Musicians often have a strong sense of emotion and timing, which are invaluable traits in acting. Chloe’s skill at conveying subtle feelings and shifting between different moods is a big part of what makes her such an engaging presence.

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With her acting career steadily growing and gaining attention, Chloe Bailey is establishing herself as a serious and respected actress. She’s not just depending on her music fame she’s creating an acting career that stands on its own. Her desire to challenge herself and seek out new creative opportunities shows that she’s in it for the long run.

In a world where many artists struggle to switch between music and acting, Chloe Bailey proves that talent, hard work, and passion can lead to success in many areas. Her acting journey is just getting started, and if her early performances are any indication, audiences can expect to see even more powerful and engaging roles from her in the future. Chloe Bailey is not just trying out acting she’s fully embracing it and is here to stay.

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