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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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?

Advertisement

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

Elijah Noida to Release New Single “Shikari” on September 30th

California-based artist Elijah Noida is set to release his latest single, “Shikari,” on September 30th. The track delves into themes of survival and the quest for truth, offering a fresh and captivating narrative. With roots in Siberia, Elijah moved to California in 2017, chasing his dream of becoming a music superstar. Now residing in NoHo, he is fully immersed in the American music scene, creating and living the life he loves.

“I moved from Siberia to California to follow the damn dream of becoming a superstar, like my favorite music bands that I listened to when I was a teenager.” – Elijah Noida

Advertisement

Accompanying the release of “Shikari” is a thrilling music video that takes viewers on a suspenseful journey. In the video, Elijah uses special glasses to uncover hidden threats among us, revealing reptiles and aliens disguised as everyday people. This gripping visual narrative complements the song’s intense message, promising to change the way listeners perceive the world around them.

Advertisement

Mark your calendars for September 30 to experience “Shikari” by Elijah Noida—a track that’s poised to make a significant impact.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Artist Spotlight

The Project drops a thrilling rock nostalgia in its newest release, “Hold On Tight”

The Project

The electrifying new single, “Hold On Tight,” strum by The Project, is a thrilling dive into anthemic rock charm with a catchy pop twist that grabs listeners’ attention. Led by the mastermind of the Cali-rock veteran, James Davis, the band delivers a high-octane track that feels like a passionate love letter to the best of the 80s rock anthems with a modern pop twist that keeps it fresh. Davis, known for his scorching guitar riffs as lead guitarist since his days with ‘Shameless,’ amps the intensity, proving his back more robust and versatile. This one’s worth holding on to come from the heart of a supergroup built on pure talent and chemistry.

Advertisement

Hold On Tight” has a palpable energy that sets it apart, allowing it to maintain its grit and sleek melodic sound. The razor-sharp guitar riffs, courtesy of producer Dennis Hill’s expert production, punch through the mix with just the right amount of swagger. Jeff Plant’s powerhouse vocals give the song a bold edge, pushing the lyrics with conviction as they echo through the chorus filled with imagery of seizing the moment that channels a sense of urgency like a final call to brace yourself for life’s wild ride. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it’s unapologetically anthemic.

Teaming up with Erik Ferentinos and the heavy-hitting Arron Rossi on drums, The Project has created a nostalgic atmosphere for Davis’ longtime fans and the new generation, honoring the roots that made him a Southern California rock staple while driving headfirst into a sonic time machine of the future. Fans of classic rock and pop will find a lot to love here. The Project’s metallic edge, blended with pop sensibility, makes “Hold On Tight” an exciting listen and the perfect companion for your next road trip. Just be sure to buckle up and lose yourself in the sound soaring in true stadium-rock fashion. It will be a thrilling ride.

Advertisement

For more information about The Project, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM The Project’s Hold On Tight on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH The Project | Facebook |

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending