Connect with us

Music

Micah Edwards Redefines His Concept Of Love In New Single “Jean Leon”

“Jean Leon” is a captivating retro-pop track exploring what it means to be in love with the charismatic stylings of “Mr. Texas Soul” himself.

Critically acclaimed retro-pop singer-songwriter Micah Edwards dives into 2022 head-first with his signature Texas Soul flare on “Jean Leon,” the title track from his upcoming album, on February 3rd. This track is a magnificent showcase of Edwards’ masterful songwriting abilities in which he brings a deeply personal story to life with a picturesque, throw-back inspired soundscape. The inspiration for the track being the story of his parents’ marriage, the title, “Jean Leon,” is a combination of both their middle names. The golden-voiced crooner immediately hooks listeners with the warmth of his angelic vocals; dressed with the boldness of a pristine brass section, the sparkle of a vintage electric guitar, and the subtleness of buttery keys, this track comes together perfectly atop a contagiously groovy bass line. Following his fall 2021 release, “Girl From The Valley,” that has already accumulated well over 100k Spotify streams, the artist’s music continues demanding the attention of listeners from all over.

The final version of “Jean Leon” came to fruition over the course of a few years. Edwards wrote the first version of the retro-pop track in honor of the resilience of his parents’ marriage after withstanding an instance of infidelity from his father. The inspiration came upon the songwriter when they managed to reconcile after approaching a breaking point; at first, “Jean Leon” was a celebratory love song honoring a powerful love. The songwriter explains that “a few months later, [his] dad cheated again, and that’s when [his] mom officially left him.” The artist planned to permanently shelve the song following this hardship, until a fresh wave of inspiration struck after re-discovering the first version of the song in the summer of 2020. He decided to rework it, painting “Jeon Leon” as the toxic love interest he sings to, when in reality the Texas native is grappling with the personified representation of his parents’ dysfunctional relationship. Edwards reflected on this, ultimately concluding that the once celebratory “Jean Leon” now confronts the “dysfunctional expectations [he] had for marriage that [he’s] ready to hand over to Jesus.”

Listeners can stream “Jean Leon” on all major streaming platforms on February 3rd. 

Advertisement

Steeped in complexity—disappointment, failed relationship, maturity, and underlying it all, hope—Jean Leon is the first studio album from “Mr. Texas Soul” himself, Micah Edwards.

Having explored a spectrum of neo-soul, jazz, lo-fi, and pop over the last two years, Micah’s smooth vocals lend themselves to many different styles and genres. But for his debut full-length project, a story about his personal testimony during one of the hardest years of his life, Micah sought to create his own sound. This sound was specifically inspired by his story—an amalgamation of what he loves: Jesus, his wife, Texas, piano, pedal steel, and his mother…mixed with things he’s sought to understand: brokenness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and his relationship with his father.

Micah’s family values were largely shaped by growing up in a large, mixed-race family on the West Coast. As Micah grew older and his family moved to Texas, that view started to be challenged on a regular basis, forcing Micah to reconcile what he thought he knew about the man he wanted to be. What do you do when the man you looked up to as the leader of your family isn’t who you needed him to be? When your family has been let down and hurt, time and time again? And how do you stop yourself from becoming that same man for your own family?

Bitter, yet uplifting—Jean Leon is a healing, soulful exploration of faith from Micah. Searching for answers from God while searching his own heart, you will understand who Micah is as a musician and artist from the unique blend of up-front vocals driven by bass and drums, supported with piano and retro-soul guitar, and embellished with soulful horns and twangy steel guitar.

This debut album is a nod to the artists before him, as a young virtuoso who understands not just the heart, but the musical precision of retro-soul and country music. Someone who pays homage to Curtis Mayfield’s brilliance of guitar in early Impressions records and Etta James’ almost conversational vocal expression, while embracing his classic country songwriting influence through calculated storytelling employing the fiddle and steel guitar. Someone who respects and honors Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marcus King, Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer, Michael Kiwanuka—but leans heavily into the sounds of this particular moment. This is a daring explorer who has created a unique fusion of retro and contemporary elements to defy what has been done before and craft a new genre: Texas soul.

Advertisement

Artist Spotlight

Shawn Mendes Gets Real About Mental Health in Eye Opening New Documentary

HonkMagazine Shawn

Shawn Mendes opens up about his mental health in his recent documentary, he takes that honesty to a whole new level. From the time he was a teenager becoming famous, to dealing with the huge pressures of being a global star, Mendes has talked openly about how it affects his mental well-being. Through his personal stories, fans get an even closer look at his journey, which is filled with ups and downs as he searches for genuine happiness. In his 2020 Netflix documentary, *Shawn Mendes: In Wonder*, the singer of hits like “Stitches” shares a touching portrait of his life at the height of his career.

Despite all his success, he expresses a desire for simpler times. “I’m so grateful. I love these performances and I’ve never had more fun,” he shares. “But at the same time, I just want to spend time with my parents, watch movies, drive around, lie on a soccer field, and hang out with my friends. I miss that right now. It’s pretty intense.” Even when he was at the top, Mendes craved the little joys that many people take for granted. The pressure to keep performing, creating, and looking perfect weighed on him, and he continued to discuss this in the years following the documentary.

Check out this article: Heartbreak Reignites as New Footage of Mo3’s Fatal Shooting Emerges Following Yella Beezy’s Arrest

Flash forward to 2022, Mendes opened up again in a heartfelt social media post. At just 23 years old, with millions of fans and chart-topping songs, he shared that he was still battling feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. “Right now, I feel like a 23-year-old who’s either soaring high or sinking low,” he wrote. “Maybe that’s just what it’s like to be in your 20s, or maybe that’s just me.” His honesty struck a chord with fans who saw him as highly successful. Mendes admitted that despite his accomplishments, he often felt like he wasn’t doing enough. “The truth is, even with so much success, I still feel like I’m failing. I focus too much on what I don’t have and forget to appreciate what I do. I feel overwhelmed.”

Mendes’ willingness to talk about his mental health emphasizes that being famous doesn’t protect anyone from the stress of both personal and public expectations. His experience is not only a reflection of his own struggles but also offers hope to many fans who might feel the same way. In an industry that often emphasizes perfection, Mendes is changing the conversation by embracing being real and true to himself. What makes his story so inspiring is that it’s not just about his challenges but also his growth. Mendes is learning to handle his feelings, stay true to who he is, and understand that success doesn’t always lead to happiness.

Advertisement

Check out this article: Lil Durk Assures Fans He’s “Coming Home Soon” in Emotional Message Amid Legal Battle

His readiness to share his story, no matter how complicated it may be, makes him relatable to his supporters. Through his documentary and candidness, Mendes encourages an important discussion about mental health in music. He’s showing that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness but a strength, a message that will likely inspire many others to be kinder to themselves. Though Shawn Mendes is a global superstar, at the end of the day, he’s just a young man trying to figure things out, just like everyone else. In his honesty, he’s discovered a connection with people.

Continue Reading

Music

FAR FROM GODS ignite deep reflection with “Through the Flames”

HonkMagazine

FAR FROM GODS are back with their new song, “Through the Flames,” a powerful track that resonates emotionally. This alternative hip-hop song follows their earlier release, “Shapes,” and explores the struggle between finding inner peace and dealing with the chaos around us. It’s a mix of sadness and melody, acting as a heartfelt confession and a bold anthem that sticks with you. “Through the Flames” creates a thoughtful atmosphere. The music surrounds you like a thick fog. The song moves with intention, allowing every word to sink in deeply.

The lyrics of “Through the Flames” focus on perseverance. They talk about facing the pressures of a world that often seems overwhelming while trying to keep your spirit alive. The verses feel personal yet relatable, highlighting the responsibility of maintaining one’s true self amid chaos. There’s a sense of pain in the words, but they also convey strength, reminding us that discovering who we are can be tough and sometimes leaves scars. FAR FROM GODS skillfully blends sadness with energy in this track. It never loses its forward momentum, like someone walking through the ashes of their past toward something brighter.

The unique mix of alternative hip-hop elements creates a sound that feels both introspective and urgent. The smooth melodies and impactful lyrics deepen the emotional connection, making “Through the Flames” a reflective experience and a rallying cry for self-care. FAR FROM GODS carve their unique path in the alternative hip-hop scene with this new song. “Through the Flames” is a journey through personal reflection, struggle, and resilience. In a world filled with distractions and pressures, this song is a strong reminder that sometimes, the only way to move forward is to face the fire.

Continue Reading

Trending