Music

Premiere: Dolly Dirtbag Releases a New Single “All This Time”

Dolly Dirtbag Releases a New Single “All This Time”. “All This Time,” is a melancholy, nostalgic song about yearning for and mourning the loss of a younger, more perfect version of yourself. Written, produced, and recorded by Dolly Dirtbag. She is at times bratty, at times wistful, at times enraged and her songs range from dreamy ballads to experimental sound poems to high energy pop, all with electronic production, catchy melodies, and an affinity for processed or altered vocals. Her diverse influences include Kate Bush, Caroline Polachek, Mitski, Oneohtrix Point Never, SOPHIE, and late 90s Eurodance/pop-infused trance.

In September 2018, Dolly self-released UNCOVERED, her debut EP, and in May 2019, she graduated from CalArts with an MFA in Music Technology. At CalArts, Dolly developed the Infinity Glove and Dolly’s Selfie Stick, two tools to help bring the character(s) to life in performance. In June 2020, Dolly released the single “Broken Shell,” and also opened her online shop, where she sells handmade and reworked clothing and jewelry. She plans to release three more singles in August and September 2021: “All This Time,” ” I Want Everyone to Like Me,” and “Too Little Too Late” before self-releasing her debut full-length album, Slug Dreams on September 14, 2021.

The Dolly pantheon plays with feminine tropes like the sexualized little girl, the bratty teenager, the scorned woman, but also includes a gender-neutral, calm, and heavenly slug and seeks to complicate stereotypes by refusing to occupy a stable persona. Dolly thrives most in areas of tension between supposed opposites or differentiated categories: in between characters, genres, genders, in between high and low-brow culture. The project also straddles the line between playful, over-the-top sarcasm and raw emotional vulnerability and in doing so speaks to the universal struggle to forge a self somewhere in between authenticity and performance.

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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.