Music

Single Review: Ananda Xenia Shakti – Love Is Where You Are

A joy for life defines “Love Is Where You Are” for Ananda Xenia Shakti maps out a spiritual, life-affirming journey. Meditative, celebratory, soulful, she truly does it all in a way that feels uniquely her own. The number of songs contained within the single piece makes it symphonic. With these series of suites found within it is very easy to get lost in its dreamy psychedelic ambient bliss. Best of all her vocals have a calming, inspirational effect to them with every single word chosen with the utmost of care.

Quite quiet at first, the song zooms out to reveal a whole slew of other sonic details. Lots of love is poured into each verse for there is a cleverness to the way that she lets it all unfurl. Powerful to its very core, the song features such sunniness, such overwhelming light that it is able to make anyone crack open even the faintest of smiles. It helps too that she proves to be exceptional at the arrangements, as the evolution of the long piece proves to be epic. Nods to some of the 70s long-players abound as there is a meditative, reflective presence to the whole thing. By the very end it all comes together in a way that is liberating.

“Love Is Where You Are” revels in Ananda Xenia Shakti’s ability to deliver something quite poignant, a piece of work that draws the listener into a vast musical landscape.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Up Next

Honk Magazine’s Best Songs You Need To Hear Right Now

Don't Miss

dichotomi – “STF 17”

Honk Magazine

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

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

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.