Artist Spotlight

Lupae Filius – This is (Feat. Just A Random)

This year alone, Lupae Filius – a rapper, singer, producer, and beatmaker from Stavanger, Norway – has attracted a lot of international attention for his impressive performances on tracks like “Run”, “Heard It All” and “On A Vybe”. He was definitely setting the bar high, and met all of the expectations that were set for him. Born Sebastian Jonassen, Lupae Filius has been working his craft for well over a decade. Lupae raps and sings with a cool passion that draws you in and intrigues you. He has a certain smooth swagger when it comes to his approach and his lyrics. On top of everything, apart from demonstrating his vocal skills, Lupae’s self-produced beats also sound fantastic, showing that he’s very well-versed on all fronts.

If there is one track that manages to coalesce the many special elements of this rapper/singer/producer/songwriter’s artistry, that noble title would be given to his latest single release, “This Is”. The track dropped on September 23rd and was premiered on a Norwegian radio station and a TV channel on the same day.

On the track, alongside Lupae Filius, we find singer/rapper Just A Random, who also hails from Stavanger, Norway. Though the two artists are both based in the same city, they never knew each other previously.

“This Is” turns out to be very warm and inviting, with a beautiful slow to mid-tempo groove to it, allowing Lupae Filius and Just A Random to narrate the experiences lived in their city.

As he proved on previous tracks, Lupae can be a very technical and profound lyricist, while at the same time he is able to focus on the vibes and grooves, together with displaying sharp, mellifluous, and high-caliber rap-singing. Lupae Filius manages to find a meaty compromise between “This Is” is a clean pop track, and still infectious in its scope of rap and hip-hop.

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Artist Spotlight

Start Forward walks the reflective edge of emotion in his recent gem, “Tightrope”

“Tightrope,” the newest single from Start Forward, the brainchild of Miami-based artist Joshua Sturtevant, offers a nuanced exploration of emotional stability and vulnerability, serving as a poignant representation of lived experience. Derived from the forthcoming album ‘Breathing Under Water,’ this track exhibits an introspective depth that significantly resonates strongly with the listener.

Musically, “Tightrope” embodies the tension inherent in the liminal space between control and chaos, effectively capturing the essence of emotional defenses that, although initially protective, have now become constricting. The production evokes a distinctly 90’s alt-rock aesthetic, drawing inspiration from influences such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead while simultaneously maintaining a unique sonic identity rooted in Sturtevant’s innovative approach: a fusion of haunting melodies and contemporary soundscapes.

The arrangement showcases a deliberate dynamic between tension and release, with gritty guitar lines oscillating between moments of restraint and cathartic expression. The vocal delivery, imbued with a palpable weariness, reinforces this thematic duality, fostering a personal yet universally relatable experience for the audience. The emotional fatigue articulated within the composition is not merely audible but felt deeply, inviting a profound engagement.

Sturtevant’s methodical approach to songwriting and production, as he manages all facets of the process independently, infuses the track with authenticity and intimacy. Each lyric emerges from a space of late-night introspection, embodying a moment of resignation where one yields to emotional currents. The chorus encapsulates the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, illustrating the experience of an individual on the verge of collapse yet finding resilience in vulnerability.

“Tightrope” resonates with anyone grappling with the façade of composure amidst internal turmoil. It masterfully blends vulnerability and incisiveness, offering raw honesty without descending into melodrama. Start Forward doesn’t simply recount an experience; instead, he immerses the listener directly within its emotional landscape.

For more information about Start Forward, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Start Forward’s “Tightrope“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight

“Shining Far Away” by The Domi illuminates the anthemic skyline brimming possibilities

The Domi, the solo project of Paris-based Dominique Lemaire, returns with a quietly dazzling new single, “Shining Far Away.” This infectious indie pop track beautifully balances heartfelt intimacy with a shimmering, upbeat energy, opening a window to an optimistic sunrise filled with possibilities. Right from the first strum of melodic guitars, listeners are immersed in a sonic landscape that feels both personal and expansive, like searching for a light that’s just beyond reach but guiding forward nonetheless.

Lemaire’s vocals are warm and earnest, carrying a sense of vulnerability wrapped in hope. The song’s tempo pulses with a contagious rhythm that invites you to move, yet it never loses that delicate, ethereal touch that sets The Domi apart from many in the indie pop scene. You can hear echoes of inspiration from Metronomy’s playful synths, Tame Impala’s dreamy vibes, and the Strokes’ melodic punch, but Lemaire makes it uniquely his own through subtle acoustic textures and thoughtful production choices crafted entirely in his home studio.

What’s compelling about “Shining Far Away” is its emotional honesty wrapped in a fresh, modern soundscape. It’s a track about resilience and finding your inner light amidst uncertainty, something that resonates deeply without feeling preachy. Whether you’re adding to an indie pop playlist or simply seeking a luminous gem to uplift a quiet moment, The Domi’s latest offering is a radiant beacon.

With its memorable melodies and uplifting spirit, “Shining Far Away” reinforces Dominique Lemaire’s reputation as a self-taught artist, songwriter, and producer unafraid to embrace vulnerability. He masterfully blends introspection with accessibility, creating music that feels both like a comforting friend and an energizing spark. His expanding catalog and artistic evolution speak volumes, promising even more brilliance in the future.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM The Domi’s “Shining Far Away“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH The Domi | TikTok | Facebook |