Music

Rapper Tea Sea Shares Vibey New Single ‘Vanish’

American rapper Tea Sea creates emotional, melodic trap music that oozes with personality. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, he has garnered critical acclaim for his dexterous melodies and witty lyrics. As an artist, he likes to establish psychedelic moods through playful wordplay, bubbling cadences and heartfelt passion. He is also a published poet.

Speaking about his new single ‘Vanish’, Tea Sea shares, “This song is born from loneliness and the feeling of being constantly misunderstood. It’s about seeking refuge in something that threatens to utterly destroy you, whatever that vice may be. The bright colors from childhood begin to fade into the background as you grow older and start to see the world for what it really is. We’re all animals at the end of the day and this is why our purer instincts tend to scare us — we like to think of ourselves as better than nature. The darkness in humanity is almost like some kind of foreign monster in and of itself that most people would rather do away with completely. Unfortunately, we’d lose the very thing that keeps us alive in the process.”

With over 230,000 streams on Spotify alone, Tea Sea’s back catalogue is certainly turning heads within the industry, and ‘Vanish’ will certainly live up to that name too. Based around an infectious trap-beat that would sit comfortably in the charts, it’s Tea Sea’s vocals that steal the spotlight. Adding to the track’s formation, Tea Sea adds, “I wrote “Vanish” near the very end of June 2021 at 10:19 PM (I like to date my lyrics when completed). It usually only takes me 2-4 hours at the most to write a solid record nowadays because I’ve been writing songs for over a decade. I always come up with the melody first unless the hook is just absolutely explosive. I pretty much only use Airbit for beats since they have a wide variety of different instrumental styles for the type of mood you want to convey in your music. My last seven records, including this one, have all been recorded at Aesthete Recording Studio; V is fantastic at his job (he’s the Head Engineer who mixes and masters my latest records).”

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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.