Music

Rising Artist Gregory Griffin Releases Visual for “Salt Flats”

The talent coming from Nashville, TN is indescribable. Singer-songwriter Gregory Griffin is soaring into new heights with the official visual for his latest single “Salt Flats.”

Over the course of the three-day road trip, the singer-songwriter wrote the lyrics intermittently. This song tells the story of leaving behind a bittersweet life to embark on a new one, inspired by the beauty of the Utah Salt Flats.

“In the middle of a global pandemic, I was forced to reflect upon what I really wanted to do with my life, and that was music. I felt there was no better place to make my musical dream come true than Nashville. So, I drove myself and all my earthly belongings across the country from San Francisco, CA to start a new life. As I drove through the desert salt flats of Utah along my journey, I was inspired and began scribbling notes and ideas that would become the lyrics for Salt Flats. The song is mostly autobiographical and it’s a mix of themes and meanings. But the main message behind the song is that it’s kind of a breakup song with California. It’s about the excitement of starting a new life. And who doesn’t love a road trip? It’s such a driving rhythm that was written on and for a great American road trip. It’s totally a road trip song. When I got to Nashville and finished writing the song, I was listening to (and playing) a ton of Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers, and those artists were a huge influence musically on the song.” explains Gregory

Salt Flats was recorded at Saxman Studios in Mt. Juliet, TN with producer/engineer Grady Saxman. The session band includes Kirby Bland on drums, Matt Skates on double bass, Whit Wright on pedal steel, and organ.

You can learn more about Gregory Griffin by visiting his website www.gregorygriffinmusic.com.

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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.