Music
Critically Acclaimed Songwriter Elisa Nicolas Re-embarks On Solo Career With New Single “No Answers”
Sophisticated pop singer songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Elisa Nicolas makes an unforgettable return to her solo music career – after a twelve year long hiatus – with her new single, “No Answers,” out now. This is the lead single off of her upcoming album, ‘Year of The Locust,’ releasing late October, 2021, in which fans can see the immense growth Nicolas has made over the course of a more-than-successful songwriting career. While taking a break from her own projects, Nicolas was busy contributing her songwriting and performance skills on over 45 works, cultivating her professional reputation, and refining her artistry. This single is the first taste of a gorgeously painstaking recount of the human experience, characteristic of some of music’s most profound songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, and Nora Jones. “No Answers” tells the story of longing for reciprocity in a relationship; the raw artistry that comes through on this track effortlessly immerses listeners into an epic, emotional plea for intimacy by Nicolas.
The Canada born, Ohio raised Asian American displays her honed lyricism and storytelling abilities in this vocals led, guitar forward track. Steady acoustic guitar sets the foundation for the single, conveying passion and angst through heavy strumming and dissonant extensions. Joined by invigorating percussion as the song takes off, honeyed electric guitar adds a breezy glimmer, while bright background vocals and reverberant strings lend an irrefutable sense of epicness to this track. Masterful production and instrumentation coddle Nicolas’ somber lead vocal in colorful harmony tinged with grit; the artist relishes in the rarely found, yet highly sought after cohesion between performance, writing, and insight that makes a song come together in a difficult to articulate ‘magic.’
For Nicolas, the anthemic melancholy emanating from this record finds its roots in the sexual misalignment of a relationship. “Take my hands, take my clothes, I can’t go it alone tonight,” she pleads in the second verse. She begs with a passionate exclaim “Stop whispering, go higher,” before ending the verse in shattered disappointment, “then you’re gone before I take flight.” The chorus is an anthemic moment of frustration – thoughtfully built up to in the verses – in which Nicolas bellows in defeat, “there’s no answer to my questions.”
Nicolas approached this record from a multidisciplinary perspective as a songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, and engineer. The artist created this record over the course of years; she takes the time during the writing process to etch out ideas, marinate in them, and refine the ones she feels are most worth pursuing. After recording the bones of this project and stress testing the songs at gigs, Nicolas was able to pinpoint exactly where she wanted her music to go.
In collaboration with her dream production team, Nicolas articulated her recount of the human experience exactly how she had envisioned. Main contributors are as follows: Jeffrey Ciampa (Happy Chichester, Megan Palmer, Grammy winner for production on Wayne Shorter projects) produced, mixed, and played bass and keys. Kim Rosen (Grammy winning engineer) mastered the record. Thomas Byran Eaton (Caitlin Canty, Miss Tess, Western Centuries), an imaginative guitar player and engineer, created surprising and unexpected colors throughout the course of the record, while singers Nikki Wonder, Megan Palmer, and Cathy Wicks lend epic background vocals. Though the COVID-19 Pandemic made the circumstances for the creation of this album less than convenient, through the assistance of friends in Nashville with recording gear at their disposal, Year of the Locust came together exactly how it was intended. Stream ‘No Answers’ on all major streaming platforms out now.
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“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
For more information about Archer Stevens, please visit [website].
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Artist Spotlight
“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
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