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Exclusive Interview with Elton Lee

Elton Lee is a visionary artist who seeks to tell stories through his music. With “Sentimental Curse,” he ventures into uncharted territories, blending instrumental prowess with narrative depth to create a truly unique listening experience. He took some time out from his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

Welcome, Elton. Please tell us about yourself, your music, and how being from Oklahoma City has influenced your music.

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I was born in Roswell, New Mexico, and at a young age, I moved to Oklahoma. Growing up, my dad was a big influence on my music taste, introducing me to rock, country, and blues, while my mom taught me how to play guitar. As I got older, my musical influences ranged from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Megadeth; because of this, my music is not set on one genre. I think Oklahoma City has a very diverse and growing music scene, full of energy, that allows new artists to get noticed.

Your latest album is “Sentimental Curse.” Tell us about the project, how the concept came together, and the recording process.

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“‘Sentimental Curse’ started as what was supposed to be a three-song EP. As time went on, I really got into instrumentals, then had the idea to tell a story through them, and at that point, three songs were not enough. Without lyrics, there is a freedom to where the listener’s mind can go. I try to use the song titles to guide the listener towards the theme of each song.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iBp1etwW41GJneHHW2Uc9?si=StMT4TQtT2–62zX36jh0Q

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What’s your favorite track on the album?

My favorite track on the album is probably ‘Shine’. The way that song came together was special. I also really enjoy Aodhan Mustain’s vocals on that one.

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Live or studio, and why?

The album was studio-recorded. I am very lucky to have space at Onyx Studio to write and record music.

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What’s next on your schedule? Another album, tour?

At the moment, I am already working on writing for future projects. While doing so, I will eventually start looking for musicians and form a solid band to perform.

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Artist Spotlight

Adrie ft. Rulo evokes the groove-soaked rhythmic vibe with her debut single “Bring Back the Light”

Adrie

Adrie’s thought-provoking vibe, “Bring Back the Light,” establishes a sonically vivid kaleidoscope that encapsulates vitality and skillfully merges energetic Afrobeat rhythms and funk-oriented guitar melodies with the soulful combination of English and Spanish lyrics. The debut single from her upcoming concept album bursts forth as a significant representation of artistic innovation. The audacious collaboration with Chilean artist Rulo, recognized for his proficiency in Latin funk and hip-hop roots, infuses the track with a layer of vibrant authenticity.

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The song’s heartbeat is firmly rooted in Afrobeat, establishing a dynamic rhythm that engages listeners from the outset. The funk guitar elements interlace throughout the composition, contributing a timeless energy. Additionally, the bilingual lyrics transition seamlessly between English and Spanish, reflecting Adrie’s diverse cultural heritage. This linguistic interplay underscores the overarching theme of the track: the complex relationship between light and darkness on both societal and personal levels.

Drawing inspiration from the surreal narrative of the television series ‘Twin Peaks,’ Adrie and Rulo explore the equilibrium between fear and hope. The lyrics are imbued with emotional depth, articulating Adrie’s battle with anxiety and her desire to foster positivity. Nevertheless, the overall composition rises above the melancholy theme, characterized by an uplifting rhythm and celebratory tone, encouraging listeners to engage intellectually, contemplate profoundly, and participate physically through dance.

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Bring Back the Light” aims to illuminate these pressing issues and inspire proactive engagement. It is a poignant reminder that even amidst personal or societal challenges, there’s a rhythm in life to celebrate and a spark waiting to be ignited. This represents Adrie at her most creative, and with Rulo’s distinctive flair, the outcome is a dance-floor anthem characterized by both heartfelt and meaningful. Listeners are invited to increase the volume and allow the music to uplift and brighten their spirits.

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CLICK HERE TO STREAM Adrie’s Bring Back the Light on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Adrie | Instagram | TikTok

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Album Review

“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories

Katie Curley

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.

Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.

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Subsequently, the soulful track Closing In On December follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.

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Curley’s versatility is evident in A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. Extra Happy Holidays delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.

Infusing a touch of country flair, Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.

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Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.

 

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For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP Big Colored Lights on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Katie Curley | Instagram | Facebook |

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