Music
“Dead Summer,” A Nostalgic Yet Contemporary Take On The Struggles During The Pandemic
The sun is shining, but people aren’t outside trying to take it all in. Everyone is confined to their homes. Crows are circling in the distance; something must be dead. If you ask Levi Zadoff and Dead Hendrix, it must be the summer.
“Dead Summer” is a joint EP by these two artists about the psychological effects of COVID, which can still be felt even today. “Dead Summer” represents a time when everything slowed down, and what would have been an enjoyable, fun time was anything but that.
Levi Zadoff is a pop-punk musician based in Los Angeles who believes in maintaining a sense of freedom in his artistry. His inspiration comes from pop-punk artists like My Chemical Romance and Nirvana. Dead Hendrix, whose name also fittingly represents his psychedelic sound, is a punk artist based in Canada. He covers true-to-life topics such as drug abuse, heartbreak, insecurities, and trauma in his music.
With a fusion of punk, pop, and rock, Dead Summer takes us through Zadoff’s and Hendrix’s thoughts as they process the pandemic. Love Game and Alone talk about the rabbit hole that has been sitting in your thoughts for too long. Love Game leans towards hard rock. It is loud and aggressive, and the drum chops used at the end give it a strong finish.
Alone is mellower with heavier lyrics; “Yea, I am numb to the core… I’m getting kinda tired of getting stoned and kinda tired of being home.” It is that gnawing feeling of no longer enjoying things that used to make you happy. The song also has some hints of EDM to it, especially with the bass drops and looping in the chorus.
Cant Be God has the most summer feel in the EP. It sounds easy and light. The instruments are muted and alternate between a subtle guitar riff and simple piano chords. They sing, “If I make my bed, I lie in it,” a willingness to accept whatever comes your way.
Dont Think It Could Get Much Better takes a satirical perspective of Dead Summer. Of course, things will get much better, but before they do, Hendrix and Zadoff allow us to wallow in the feelings of things worsening.
Hendrix and Zadoff have added the song Teenage Dirtbag as a bonus track. The sound is nostalgic, with guitar melodies that sound like they were made over ten years ago. The song is about missing someone, but you decide to stab them since you can’t have them.
With Zadoff and Dead Hendrix based in different countries, Dead Summer was created virtually. However, it’s hard to tell. The two bounce off each other’s sound well, making for a cohesive sound. Furthermore, the transition between different song styles is smooth, making for a trippy and enjoyable listen.
Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/7v9FFhJrHoLLDiuNOIXy1H?si=vCrWap8nS8S6zM4iOJHFpg
Distrokid:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/deadhendrixandlevizadoff/dead-summer-ep
Levi Zadoff Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/levizadoff
Levi Zadoff Website:
https://www.levizadoffmusic.com/
Dead Hendrix Instagram:
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Artist Spotlight
“I Just Want You” by Kina ft. Trevor Daniel delivers a heartfelt serenade for beautiful yearning
In “I Just Want You” by Kina, the 24-year-old Naples-born lo-fi pop maestro behind the platinum hit “Get You The Moon,” featuring Trevor Daniel, crafts a stirring sonic anthem that feels like an intimate whispered confession to the soul. The track radiates a sense of vulnerability, merging Kina’s trademark melancholic production with Trevor’s emotionally charged, velvety vocals in a seamless fusion of emotion and sound.
Right from the start, Kina’s minimalist yet lush instrumentals, with muted beats and delicate piano lines, hum in the background like a pulse, setting the stage for Trevor Daniel’s heart-on-sleeve delivery as he croons about yearning for connection. The song’s emotional gravity is undeniable, each lyric feels weighted with sincerity, a heartbeat echoing the universal ache of missing someone.
The production exemplifies Kina’s quintessential hallmark style, which is characterized by its understated but impactful nature. A warm tapestry of lo-fi elements, soft keys, atmospheric synths, and subtle percussion wraps around Trevor’s vocal performance, creating a cozy, intimate, cinematic soundscape ideal for those quiet moments when you reflect on your feelings.
What really makes “I Just Want You” unique is its ability to mix personal vulnerability, timeless vibes, passionate lyricism, and broad relatability. It’s almost as if the artists invite listeners to relive their sweet memories in a cocoon of love, translating unfiltered emotion into a beautiful melody long after the song ends.
In just under three minutes, Kina and Trevor Daniel remind listeners that sometimes, we really need honest expression set to a simple, lovely tune. “I Just Want You” is a sonic open letter to the heart of anyone who has ever loved, making it impossible not to feel the pull of its charm.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Kina’s “I Just Want You“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“The Tide” by John Doherty stirs an enchanting wave of soulful melodic voyage
“The Tide,” John Doherty’s latest single, exemplifies a masterstroke of heartfelt storytelling and evocative soundscapes. The Irish singer-songwriter, renowned for his soulful vocal delivery, effectively merges the intimacy inherent in traditional folk music with a sophisticated contemporary country music style, crafting a vivid atmosphere that resonates with a timeless charm reminiscent of the ocean.
The composition “The Tide” captivates from its initial notes, sweeping listeners into its wave of introspection and hope. Doherty’s warm vocals, imbued with authenticity, anchor the song as it unfolds melody, accompanied by gentle acoustic strums and a lush instrument arrangement. Co-written and produced in collaboration with the expert craftsmanship of Luca Janzen and John Doherty, the track balances simplicity with cinematic depth.
Lyrically, Doherty articulates the cyclic nature of life, love, and resilience. “The Tide” is employed as a profound metaphor, its fluctuations paralleling human challenges and triumph achievements. His poetic delivery transforms the song into an emotional voyage, where every lyric feels like a personal conversation dialogue. The production is exceptional, featuring intricate layers of melody and harmony that evoke the experience of standing on the shores of the Irish coastline. The influence of Doherty’s extensive touring, including stints performances alongside notable artists such as James Bay and The Staves, is discernible in his polished yet unfiltered authentic artistic approach.
“The Tide” is an auditory invitation for reflection, encouraging listeners to find solace in the rhythms of nature and life. Regardless of one’s musical preferences, whether a folk purist or a country aficionado, this track is bound to leave an indelible mark. Engaging with it will reaffirm why John Doherty’s artistry is an exceptional and worthwhile experience you won’t regret.
For more information about John Doherty, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM John Doherty’s “The Tide“ on Spotify.
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