Artist Spotlight

Heart of Pine Release New Music

I admire any band willing to balance retro musical attributes, cross-genre interplay, and evergreen lyrical concerns in an increasingly fragmented entertainment world. Heart of Pine takes those chances, and they pay off handsomely. The band’s slender discography is as solid as they come. Their 2019 full-length debut Highly Flammable had that exact effect.

It exhibited strengths so pronounced that it lit the band’s forward trajectory for the coming years and spawned even greater, yet condensed, success with its EP follow-up 2020’s Southedelic. Anchored by the songwriting team of Steven Bagwell and Travis Richardson, the band’s sophomore full-length Southern Soul Revival continues developing the band’s songwriting chops with the aid of a top-flight band, including the talents of drummer Todd Headley, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Boone Hood, and keyboardist Jesse Fountain.

“Gone” is a deeply felt opener. It’s a reflection on longing for the comforts of home and hearth while avoiding the sentimentality that we might otherwise associate with such songs. It’s expressed simply yet thoughtfully. The arrangement peaks and lulls with well-orchestrated movement that never strikes a false note, and the vocals are superlative throughout. Several stirring elements distinguish the track, but the greatest strengths lie with the expert blending of dueling guitar voices and the intelligent dynamics fueling the song.

I’m a great fan of the valedictory “Movin’ On”. Scores of songs have used this title throughout the history of popular music. Heart of Pine’s take on this well-traveled phrase boasts maturity and leave-taking without rancor while spotlighting another handful of the band’s best attributes. Keyboardist Jesse Fountain dazzles with his piano playing, and the band mixes female backing vocals to counterpoint the lead vocals with great effect.

“This Way” pleased me to no end. The rolling quality of the percussion, the introduction of horns into the mix, and a further illustration of the band’s command of dynamics are crucial. Steven Bagwell’s singing is an outstanding piece of Heart of Pine’s identity that reaches a particular peak with this performance.

“Voodoo Leg Bone” is outrageous fun. It’s driven forward by an assortment of powerhouse elements. Tasty guitar work is present throughout, Jesse Fountain’s keyboards provide ample fireworks, Todd Headley’s drumming may be his best moment on the release, and the lead vocals rank among the album’s finest moments.

Covering Bob Dylan is always a tricky proposition, but Heart of Pine aren’t mimics. Nor do they grab onto the most obvious of choices. “She Belongs to Me” is undoubtedly superb, but it’s an obscure gem in Dylan’s discography. However, Heart of Pine treats the mid-60s track as a major work and refurbishes it in a distinctive Heart of Pine way. It’s exuberant without ever losing the essence of the original.

The conclusion, “Phetamine & Pearls”, namechecks Dylan in its first line. I love this energetic character study of a past relationship, albeit with a woman you wouldn’t introduce to your mother, and it’s filled with zest. It closes Southern Soul Revival on an upbeat musical note and leaves listeners sure that the band’s future is brighter than ever.

Savannah Renfro

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Artist Spotlight

Donna Dafi unveils a fearless pop power move on latest release “Primadonna”

Donna Dafi’s latest release, “Primadonna,” is an upbeat pop song with beautiful visuals and strong, catchy beats. The track is meant to appeal to people who want to be close to others and feel comfortable. It shows how exciting it is to learn more about yourself and how freeing it is to accept your strength fully. “Primadonna” is clear, purposeful, and very charming from the first beat.

The single, on the Female Pop, Pop Rising, and Viral playlists, has a polished, new, modern, and emotionally powerful sound. Donna Dafi’s method is both complicated and useful, making a sound space where empowerment and accessibility come together. The song has a happy sound that makes people feel good about themselves and lets them stop needing other people’s approval. “Primadonna” is not an attack, it’s a realization that you can love and feel deeply without losing yourself, a sentiment that speaks to today’s generation looking for authenticity in music and life.

The release is especially interesting because it can make you feel both strong and weak at the same time. The song is fun and energetic, but it also carries a personal message that makes it more than just a pop song. It is a song for people learning to speak up for themselves, set limits, and shine in their own way. The dynamic production adds to this message by blending smooth pop sounds with catchy hooks that stick in your head long after the song ends.

“Primadonna” is a song by Donna Dafi that demonstrates how sound can tell a story. The single, with its empowering theme, catchy beat, and polished pop sound, is a sign of personal growth and self-confidence. This song demands attention and encourages people to be confident and step boldly into the spotlight.

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Artist Spotlight

Eylsia turns inner struggle into radiance with latest release “Desert Learns to Shine”

Eylsia’s powerful new single, “Desert Learns to Shine,” is an emotionally charged anthem about strength, self-confidence, and the quiet strength needed to rise above difficult situations. The song combines a personal confession and a triumphant declaration, capturing the moment when inner light breaks through emotional darkness.

The track is mostly about staying strong even when things are tough. Eylsia makes people very aware of themselves and helps them find strength in their weaknesses. The picture of the desert learning to shine is both clear and meaningful. It reminds us that even the most barren places can grow when they are full of hope and bravery.

This release is especially interesting because it makes you think. Eylsia thinks that listening to her inner voice and letting it guide her will make her stronger. This deep conversation makes the song feel very personal, prompting people to think, breathe, and reconnect with their feelings. The result is a song that feels personal yet easy for everyone to relate to.

The song is full of feeling, and each part shows what it’s like to get over past pain. Eylsia turns tears into things that help you grow and sadness into progress. “Desert Learns to Shine” has a deep emotional impact because it is so real. This one tells you how to keep going and find yourself. Eylsia reminds us that even when things are calm, we are getting stronger. “Desert Learns to Shine” isn’t just a song, it’s a message of hope, strength, and the power of believing in yourself.

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