Artist Spotlight

Séhkou brings endurance and spiritual rebirth into focus with latest release “John 11:38-44 (Lazarus)”

“John 11:38–44 (Lazarus)” opens with a cool hi-hat, thick kick, bass and lush synths from Séhkou, providing an atmospheric base that’s grounded from the jump. This is a gritty hip hop song rooted in scripture about perseverance, change and being called out of seasons that felt like the end. The Lazarus connection gives the story a unique spiritual heart but the message still feels timely.

The song’s refrain is “He kept goin’… not knowin’…” and is the core of the song and the theme of perseverance and providence. Séhkou does not narrate the biblical story, but rather employs its themes as a way of talking about survival and spiritual rebirth. The production gives the record room to breathe and the female vocals in the background provide another layer to the arrangement.

The album has an emotional punch, with the soulful vocals of Jamila Thompson offset by the gritty hip-hop base. That’s the balance of rhythm and soulful vocal presence and subject matter rooted in scripture that gives “John 11:38-44 (Lazarus)” its character. “It’s a song about moving on even if you don’t know where you’re going.”

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Gus Ormo finds a gentle balance of sound on latest release “Claroscuro (APAPE)”

Gus Ormo‘s latest release, “Claroscuro (APAPE),” is an instrumental piece built from a carefully selected set of sounds. Clean shakers, piano, bass, trumpet, flutes, acoustic guitars, drums, lead guitar, and tambs make up the track. The vocal element is absent from the foreground; the instruments themselves establish the piece’s character.

The arrangement shows the contrast of its different textures. Bass and piano provide the grounding, with trumpet and flutes supplying the melodic color. Congas, drums, and shakers provide percussion, while the acoustic and lead guitars enrich the instrumental palette. These elements are incorporated into the song’s somber mood, but it remains mostly soft and emotion-driven.

What appeals to “Claroscuro (APAPE)” is its dedication to an instrumental expression that is soft on the heart. It’s not the words that convey the mood; it’s the instruments. Gus Ormo combines strings of rhythm, melody, and texture to produce a piece that sounds deliberately restrained, and each section contributes to the overall musical picture.

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Artist Spotlight

Gus Ormo brings warmth and tenderness on latest release “Latidos”

Gus Ormo’s latest release, “Latidos,” is an instrumental, so it must rely on its musicianship to carry the emotional weight. Instead of a vocal to guide the listener, the arrangement features clean shakers, piano, bass, trumpet, flutes, acoustic guitars, drums, lead guitar, and tambs. The combination is a well-layered musical setting, with a somber character and a soft approach to the heart.

The piano and guitars add important touches to the arrangement, the trumpet and flutes add more color. Percussion, congas, drums, and clean shakers add movement but don’t detract from the gentle nature of the track. The bass anchors the song, while the lead and acoustic guitars provide an additional layer to the instrumental mix.

What sets “Latidos” apart is the quiet emotional intent. Instead of singing of its feeling, the piece creates a solemn and tender atmosphere with its collection of instruments. Still, Gus Ormo’s method stresses the connection between the instruments. It is an instrumental piece that should touch the heart with softness and not in excess.

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