Music

In Conversation With Canadian Band Hot Mondy

The Canadian band of 5, Hot Mondy, releases a new track “Desert Moonlight.” The song preserves a serene country feel that is perfectly constructed with their unique talents.

We chatted with Matt Rhind, Travis Flint, Troy Arseneault, Mat Budreski, and Matt Brannon for an interesting interview.

Congratulations on releasing your new hit track titled “Desert Moonlight.” Can you tell us what drove you to drop this track?

Our first single Pale Ember was a slower burn and we wanted to follow it with a more uptempo track. The video is also super cool and takes listeners on a wild ride.

What are the essential qualities that make a good musician?

Curiosity, open minded; especially in the context of a band. Nothing torpedoes writing great music faster than ego and a shallow well.

How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements within each other?

We have an easy creative relationship, we don’t always all get what we want but understanding that having elements of everyone’s sensibilities is what makes a band interesting.

How do you guys start discussing new song options?

It usually starts with a single idea, and we decide if we think it’s cool or the start of something and we go from there. Sometimes it’s music other times it’s a lyrical idea.

Who would you like to collaborate with on your upcoming songs?

Depends who in the band you ask but a shortlist would be Kevin Morby, Bahamas, Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves, Brittney Spencer, Charley Crockett, John Mayer.

What kind of band would you classify yourself as?

No clue, we’ve heard alt country but it’s hard to put us in a box. We have a country element for sure, but rhythmically we’re stealing from everywhere and we have two great lead vocalists that bring very different flavors.

How did you find each other?

We started off as an outlaw country band, ripping Waylon, Willie, Merle and the boys. Met at that first rehearsal and took off from there, we all get along so well and aren’t afraid to dream big.

Hot Mondy is on Instagram – Facebook – Twitter – Spotify

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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.

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.