Music
Dolly Ave Pays Homage To The Queen Of Country With Her Dynamic Rendition Of “Jolene”
Independent singer-songwriter Dolly Ave Celebrates the iconic Dolly Parton on her classic hit’s anniversary. Dolly Ave’s cover of “Jolene” is set to release on October 15, exactly 48 years after the original recording. Dolly Ave colors this track with a glimmering contemporary alt-pop color; her interpretation – crystal clear vocals layered over a creative beat that swells into a booming chorus – reflects her defined, innovative artistic vision. The seasoned artistry inherent to Dolly Ave’s music has garnered the attention of major publications like Atwood Magazine, Forbes, and New York Times among many others.
“To share a name with an icon that represents timelessness, light, and activism – I wanted to pay tribute to Dolly Parton with my own version of Jolene.” – Dolly Ave on recording “Jolene.”
Channeling the international icon in this cover, Dolly Ave pays respect to her work with this signature adaptation of the beloved anthem. “Jolene” is the type of art so special that its relevance persists through generations. Forever linked to her namesake artist, Dolly Ave relishes in every live performance of “Jolene;” it only made sense for the emerging Asian American songstress to record this long-lived 1973 masterpiece. For Dolly Ave, this cover of “Jolene” is an opportunity to highlight the significance of Dolly Parton’s impact on the music community and beyond.
Dolly Ave’s music touches on intimate, personal topics over soundscapes that weave between pop, R&B, soul and electronic music. Her Summer 2021 collaboration with rapper Charlie Curtis-Beard titled “Play With It” won 103.5 KISS FM Chicago’s #MusicMeetUp 4 out of 5 nights, topping tracks from Alessia Cara, Bazzi, Dixie D’Amelio and Lil Nas X. Dolly and Curtis-Beard’s previous collaboration “Sunlight, Quiet, Flowers” trended #1 on TikTok’s Original Music charts for 7 straight days.
Following the release of her debut single “Birds” two years ago, Dolly dropped her first full-length E.P. on May 7, 2021, titled SLEEP which garnered her 5 editorial playlists placements, write-ups in Forbes, Atwood Magazine, Live Nation’s One To Watch and two radio adds on the SiriusXM’s channel 88Rising Radio and the influential KEXP 90.3FM.
Dolly was recently named Live Nation’s “Artist of the Week” and she was cited by the New York Times as one of a handful of Asian-American female “Pop Stars Taking Center Stage”. Her recent album release show at The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood sold out. Dolly Ave is touring North America with global star MIYAVI in the fall of 2021.
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.
Connect with Dian Sheng on | Facebook | X | Spotify | Instagram |
Written by:
Faith Koch
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.
Connect with Sporty-O on | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok | Website |
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