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Micki Balder Gets Restless in the Midst of Pandemic with “A Feeling I Once Knew”

Micki Balder’s newest single “A Feeling I Once Knew” (released on October 1st) gives listeners a mix of heartfelt tones and introspective story-driven lyrics set against a dreamy soundscape.

In the midst of the current pandemic, Balder noticed a high number of people experiencing a pandemic-induced life crisis. She took note of the ever-changing lifestyle changes people were making….People were re-evaluating their careers, moving to new cities, and starting new milestones, among other things. Balder found herself experiencing that same crisis and used it as inspiration for her storytelling in her new single “A Feeling I Once Knew”. Detailing the sense of restlessness around her, Balder’s lyrics confront doubt in the face of adversity and the discernment of figuring out if you’re really on the right path. “I started to feel restless, but also stagnant and lacking purpose. I yearned for this pre-pandemic time where everything felt great and busy and exciting and full of life but also felt torn between craving that old life, and needing major change.” Feeling that restlessness within, Balder needed a reminder that she had been happy and content before the pandemic turned everything upside down and that eventually, she would find her way back….. to that feeling she once knew.

Micki Balder is a folksy singer-songwriter writing sad songs for happy people (and ever so occasionally, happy songs for sad people!). Her music is born from a life-long desire to be a character in a musical, unapologetically singing her feelings for the world through simple and poignant lyrics. Though she’s been dabbling with music her whole life, it wasn’t until 2018 when a friendship’s moment of truth unveiled itself in the middle of a Denver coffee shop. She walked home, wrote a song, and has been writing ever since, now a regular at local music venues around her Colorado home. Micki writes from a place of vulnerable storytelling, with people and relationships at the core of her music. She’s been compared to modern folk bands like The Weepies and Mipso, along with classic songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, but she draws inspiration from all over the spectrum — the swing and soul music of her lindy hop days, the earthy folk of Gregory Alan Isakov and Mandolin Orange, the candor and dry humor of John Craigie, or the heartbreak of Sara Bareilles, to name a few.

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Pete Miller Explores Duality on “The Dazzling Kimberly”

Pete Miller’s ‘The Dazzling Kimberly’ is a profound exploration of the intricacies of human emotion and the complexity of our relationships. Through its narrative, the song delves deep into the heart of love, loss, and the paths we choose in life. The protagonist’s journey of self-reflection and contemplation, sparked by the enigmatic Kimberly, serves as a mirror to our own experiences with love and the often painful lessons that come with it.

“The Dazzling Kimberly” is a poignant song that narrates the story of two twins embroiled in conflict, who are brought together and eventually reconciled by their interactions with a mystical figure named Kimberly. This song, with its rich narrative and allusions, particularly to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, offers a layered exploration of themes such as rivalry, redemption, and the ephemeral nature of life and relationships.

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The song opens with a vivid depiction of one twin’s sense of guilt and moral ambiguity, contrasting his own cunning with his twin’s straightforward approach. This internal conflict sets the stage for the entrance of Kimberly, a figure whose very existence seems otherworldly, serving as a catalyst for change and reflection in the twins’ lives.

Kimberly, characterized by her wisdom and almost supernatural presence, challenges the narrator to reconsider his values, suggesting that victories won through cunning lack the essence of true love and fulfillment. Her influence is profound, guiding the twins towards a reconciliation that seemed impossible before her intervention.

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The chorus of the song encapsulates the narrator’s deep yearning and the transformative impact Kimberly has had on his life. It questions the value of freedom and the significance of their bond, highlighting the impermanence of life through the metaphor of fading air and shifting sands.

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The resolution of the twins’ conflict, prompted by Kimberly’s disappearance (or passing), symbolizes a newfound maturity and understanding. The once-contentious land becomes a symbol of their shared heritage and reconciliation, underscoring the message that love and unity are more valuable than any material possession or victory.

The allusion to Jacob and Esau provides a biblical backdrop to this tale of rivalry and reconciliation, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning and moral questioning. Just as Jacob and Esau reconcile after years of conflict, so do the twins, guided by the ethereal and loving presence of Kimberly.

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The song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone captures the duality of human experience—the longing for what was and the hope for what could be. The moods and themes you’ve described, from melancholy and contemplation to love, regret, and redemption, underscore the universal struggle with fate and the desire for moral clarity and closure.

For further thematic exploration, the works of Leonard Cohen, particularly for their spiritual and existential undertones, or the poetic narratives of Bob Dylan, might resonate with the themes of “The Dazzling Kimberly.” Both artists adeptly weave complex human emotions with broader philosophical and spiritual questions, much like Pete Miller does in this song.

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–Ralph Grossman

 

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Yung Miami Unveils Exciting “Yams” Era in a Dazzling Comeback Trail, Are You Ready for the Yams Revolution

Yung Miami

Yung Miami Unveils Exciting “Yams” Era in a Dazzling Comeback Trail, Are You Ready for the Yams Revolution

 

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The dynamic duo of City Girls, Yung Miami and JT, is gearing up for a remarkable transformation in 2024. While Yung Miami soared on the business front with her acclaimed podcast last year, the musical aspect faced a setback. Their album RAW didn’t quite hit the mark with sales, leaving fans and critics unimpressed. However, the tides are turning for JT and Yung Miami individually, especially with Yung Miami dropping the fire track “Sideways” over the weekend.

But that’s not all – Yung Miami is set to embrace a whole new era, and she teased it back in January with a cryptic tweet. “Welcome to the ‘Yams Era.’ I’m so excited for this era of my life; we’re about to have some FUN!!!” Fans are still decoding the meaning behind “Yams,” with some speculating it’s a play on how to pronounce Miami or exploring unique definitions on Urban Dictionary.

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Regardless, Yung Miami seems to be fully embracing her roots and infusing it into everything she does. A month after hinting at this fresh approach, she dropped a tantalizing “Yams” trailer on Instagram. In the video, she discusses her comeback while showcasing glimpses of studio sessions and teasing a stylish ginger hairstyle. Yung Miami declared, “Welcome to the YAMs Era! The Yams Era is my Prime time! In the Yams, we do ginger hair…focus on ourselves…& get money! Yams is the new lingo… To my fans, The YAMS…this is the new us. Drop a 🍠 if you’re ready!”

Support poured in from fellow artists like JT, Saweetie, and more, flooding her comments with yam emojis and encouragement for this exciting new chapter.

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What’s your take on Yung Miami’s “Yams Era” trailer? What could it signify – a new album, a mindset shift, or a different musical approach? Who’s poised for a bigger solo year, Yung Miami or JT, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t miss a beat with Honk Magazine for all the latest on Yung Miami. Stay tuned for everything buzzing in the music world! 🎶✨

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