Indie
Hannah Ellis Album “That Girl” Is A Captivating Debut
Country music has always had a formulaic blend to it, but some artists know how to utilize it a lot better than others. Hannah Ellis is someone who understands the importance of connecting with her audience and, more importantly, adopting a stylistic profile that fits her voice organically, and this is precisely why her new album That Girl feels as naturally strong as it does. Where others are fighting the idea of embracing the minimalist elements that are comprising a new era of country jams, this is a singer/songwriter prepared to take her place in the center of the spotlight. To me, she’s found a way to take an old-fashioned formula and make it sound incredibly fresh and original, which is no easy feat by anyone’s standards.
There’s nothing one-note about the vocal Ellis is putting up in “Still,” “Wine Country,” “Plans,” or the brilliantly soft “Home and a Hometown,” and I like that she isn’t afraid to be a little indulgent at the microphone in any portion of That Girl. She hits these hooks with everything she’s got at a time when minimalism has been a disturbingly popular trend, and instead of giving us a taste of what we would hear in a concert setting, I get the impression she’s producing as close to a raw, live juggernaut as is possible from within the confines of a recording studio.
“Karma on the Rocks,” “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” and one of my favorite tracks from the record, “Country Can,” present us with an Ellis ready and willing to exploit rhythm as a means of accentuating her lyrics rather than as an agent of progressive exclusively, which on its own puts her leaps and bounds ahead of her rivals right now. She seems genuinely eager to experiment with the limitations of her genre, and yet there’s nothing here to indicate that she wants to abandon the core values of a more traditional country sound just for the sake of getting additional followers on TikTok. Contrarily, songs like “Somebody Else” and the namesake song in That Girl project an affection for the old school that can still exist in the new Nashville provided they’re being presented by someone as alluring as this artist and her work has been to date.
Country’s pop side is getting a surge of buzz like few other genres in America are at the moment, but I can’t say that I’ve heard another singer doing it justice quite as well as Hannah Ellis is. I can’t wait to hear what she’s going to come up with next, but at any rate, I think it’s undeniable when listening to That Girl that Ellis is onto a firm formula for songcraft she could easily ride into the primetime if promoted in the right fashion. That Girl lives up to its lofty title and what it implies about its creator, and although star tracks like “Too Much & Not Enough” and “Country Can” stand out as obvious video/single hits, there’s no unwanted excess here. To me, this was made to captivate a new generation of country music lovers everywhere.
Clay Burton
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Artist Spotlight
Merunisa awakens souls with the mesmerizing artistic brilliance of her debut indie EP “Conscious”
Get ready to be impressed by Merunisa’s evocative artistry as she confidently presents her debut indie R&B EP, “Conscious.” Drawing on her diverse heritage that encompasses Tanzanian, Portuguese, and Yemeni influences and hailing from Northwest London, she has produced a five-track masterpiece that transcends conventional musical boundaries, artfully merging unfiltered emotion with sophisticated craftsmanship. The release of this EP is an introspective auditory charm, acting as a sonic diary where every note resonates with genuine emotion and creativity.
The EP commences with “Intro,” a compelling amalgamation of classic pop and R&B allure that sets the tone with its stirring melody. It is spontaneously followed by the second track, “Inner Child,” a soulful anthem of introspection that perfectly wraps listeners in the euphoric nostalgia of learning something new while reflecting on the essence of childhood with therapeutic undertones. Its uplifting melodies evoke the excitement of revelation, creating an irresistible gateway into the artistic realm of Merunisa. The third track, “The Way You Make Me Feel,” is a heartfelt tribute to emotional honesty regarding shared moods and feelings. It is characterized by poignant lyrics conveying emotional maturity and soulfulness. With her velvety vocals and smooth instrumentation, this song cultivates an intimate soundscape, ideally suited for late-night drives or moments of quiet reflection.
In “Devil in the Red Dress,” produced by Legacy, Merunisa introduces a modern twist to emotive R&B sound. This spellbinding track features vibrant rhythmic piano chords and catchy beats that delve into timeless vulnerability. The soulfully dynamic vibes transport listeners into the nuances of lust, dark attraction, and self-discovery, ultimately making it an undeniable standout piece.
Closing the EP is “Countin’ Sheep,” a hauntingly beautiful track filled with pulsating rhythmic beats. Its enchanting lyricism dives into feelings of fear to love while navigating haunting memories and adversities, yet counting down to one’s romantic aspirations. However, the intricacies of love are further complicated by missteps, all while striving for personal growth. Merunisa’s ethereal vocals linger, leaving a profound impact well beyond the final note fades.
From shimmering melodies to rich instrumentals, “Conscious” distinctly articulates Merunisa’s artistic identity. Her stunningly assertive vocal delivery and intricate harmonies create a symphonic balance that keeps her diverse influences in orbit. Each track is meticulously crafted, integrating themes of love, vulnerability, and personal evolution into a cohesive narrative.
With “Conscious,” Merunisa further amplifies her burgeoning momentum, distinguishing herself as a notable voice to be reckoned with in modern R&B while solidifying her status as an emerging talent. Her remarkable skill and visionary approach resonate profoundly personally while remaining universally relatable. This debut is more than an introduction; it’s an indelible statement from an artist poised for enduring recognition destined to earn a permanent spot on an enthusiast’s playlist, leaving audiences eager to hit repeat. Whether you are a long-time R&B enthusiast or a newcomer seeking fresh vibes, “Conscious” is an essential listening experience, marking Merunisa as a significant artist to watch-out in the evolving music landscape.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Merunisa’s EP “Conscious“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Tell ‘Em” by Terry Blade strips a haunting ballad of whispered truth and roaring hope
As poetic as his lyricism may sound, Terry Blade distinguishes himself as one of Chicago’s most compelling artists and singer-songwriters with his latest single, “Tell ’Em,” a masterclass of musical revelation. It is a stripped-down masterpiece that reverberates with the spirit of legends like Nina Simone and Muddy Waters while uniquely compassing a space. Armed only with his voice and an acoustic guitar, Blade weaves an arresting emotional tapestry of poignant storytelling that is as timeless as it is timely.
Blade’s haunting vocal delivery grips audiences from the first strum, with each note exuding authenticity and intention. His vocal timbre, a blend of soulful grit and quiet vulnerability, conveys the weight of historical struggles, echoing a resilience of standing tall and an unwavering sense of hope that refuses to be silenced. The minimalist arrangement amplifies the emotional resonance, allowing his palpable impact to shine through every chord like a beacon in the dark. It’s the kind of song that encourages listeners to stop, lean in, and truly listen.
Drawing on blues, soul, and folk influences, “Tell ’Em,” produced by Bobby Cole, transcends genres to deliver a universal message: the significance of perseverance and the courage to speak your truth. Blade’s gift lies in his ability to channel the pain and hope inherent in the human experience, resulting in music that doesn’t just entertain but transforms.
In an era frequently characterized by overproduction, “Tell ’Em” is a bold reminder of the intrinsic beauty of simplicity and the integrity of authentic strength artistry. Terry Blade has gifted audiences with a soul-inspiring anthem for the marginalized, reflecting a purposeful approach influenced by genuine life experiences. This work effectively transcends time and carries the blues legacy into a modern era with unparalleled grace, aiming to empower listeners. Audiences should prepare to be profoundly impacted.
For more information about Terry Blade, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Terry Blade’s “Tell ’Em“ on Spotify.
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