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

R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album

In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.

“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.

Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.

The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.

Connect with R3b3l I on | Spotify | TikTok |

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Artist Spotlight

“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings

While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.

“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.

The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.

Connect with Mr Pigeons on | Website | Spotify | X | FB | TikTok | IG |