Music

Portuguese Singer-Songwriter Cristóvam Releases a New Single “Golden Days”

Cristóvam is a singer/songwriter from Portugal. Born amongst the deep blue of the Atlantic and the lush green of the beautiful Azores islands, Cristóvam’s music shines with a warmth that you won’t find anywhere else. Growing up, Cristóvam was surrounded by music everywhere he’d turn – his grandfather was a true radio pioneer who started the second oldest radio of the Atlantic and left behind a massive record collection, which Cristóvam would regularly lose himself in.

His love for organic singer/songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Ray Lamontagne, and indie-folk artists including Angus & Julia Stone and Bon Iver is what inspires his music today. Blending these two worlds together, Cristóvam hopes to create something that is both authentic and raw but with a modern twist. Brimming with warm sunny hues, the new single “Golden Days” reminisces the easy-going spontaneity of being in your 20’s. Searching for a way to break the routine and light that spark once again, the song carries an airy and freeing energy, with an element of encouragement to live in the moment. Flourishing with jangly guitars and a hopeful melody, the chorus blissfully depicts the first days of Spring, with the singer expressing, “I think there’s a beautiful parallelism between Spring and youth and I’m hoping that we captured some of it in this song.”

Written in his home on Terceira Island, the artist recalls, “It was a sunny morning and the sunlight had this tonality that reminded me of an old photo I had from 2009. That photograph was taken on a holiday trip with a group of friends. We were all teenagers, some of us approaching 20 and going through that nostalgic feeling of reaching the twilight of our youth. I always think of that specific photo as the perfect representation of the golden days of mine.”

Cristóvam has seen success having won first prize in the “Unsigned Only” category for the International Songwriting Competition 2018. The judging panel featured the likes of Tom Waits, Keane, Bastille, and Lorde, among many others. Cristóvam has also won two International Portuguese Music Awards (Pop Performance and Song of the Year). With these impressive accolades under his belt, there’s no doubt Cristóvam is going to triumph in the coming year!

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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.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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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.