Connect with us
SZA SZA

Music

SZA Shines Bright, Clinches ‘Best International Artist’ Crown at BRIT Awards

SZA Shines Bright, Clinches ‘Best International Artist’ Crown at BRIT Awards

 

Advertisement

SZA emerged triumphant as she seized the prestigious “Best International Artist” accolade at this week’s BRIT Awards, outshining a star-studded lineup that included Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift. The St. Louis songstress stole the spotlight on a night that proved surprisingly subdued for Swift, who notably missed out on nominations in this category.

While Cyrus claimed the “International Song of the Year” title with “Flowers,” Swift’s absence from the contention didn’t go unnoticed. This was a far cry from her prior triumph over SZA for “Album of the Year” at the Grammys.

Advertisement

On a contrasting note, rising rap sensation Central Cee faced a challenging night despite entering with the second-highest number of nominations (4). The promising artist left empty-handed, despite his meteoric rise in the last 18 months and the buzz surrounding a potential collaboration with Drake.

SZA’s winning streak extends beyond the BRIT Awards, as she and Phoebe Bridgers clinched the 2024 Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their track “Ghost in the Machine.” This victory was particularly sweet, given that they triumphed over Swift’s “Karma” featuring Ice Spice. SZA expressed her gratitude on social media, shouting out her collaborator and the entire production team.

Advertisement

“Ghost in the Machine” not only secured its place in Grammy history but also soared to No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying SZA’s status as a chart-topping sensation.

Looking beyond the winners’ circle, formidable contenders for the award included Cyrus for “A Thousand Miles” with Brandi Carlisle, Lana Del Rey for “Candy Necklace” featuring Jon Batiste, and Billie Eilish, whose Barbie soundtrack contribution and feature on Labrinth’s “Never Felt So Alone” garnered nominations of their own.

Advertisement

In the world of music, SZA is undeniably on a roll, leaving an indelible mark as she continues to rise to new heights and collect accolades along the way.

Advertisement

Album Review

“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories

Katie Curley

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.

Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.

Advertisement

Subsequently, the soulful track Closing In On December follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.

Advertisement

Curley’s versatility is evident in A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. Extra Happy Holidays delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.

Infusing a touch of country flair, Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.

Advertisement

Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.

 

Advertisement

For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP Big Colored Lights on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Katie Curley | Instagram | Facebook |

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Artist Spotlight

“I Just Want You” by Kina ft. Trevor Daniel delivers a heartfelt serenade for beautiful yearning

Kina

In “I Just Want You” by Kina, the 24-year-old Naples-born lo-fi pop maestro behind the platinum hit “Get You The Moon,” featuring Trevor Daniel, crafts a stirring sonic anthem that feels like an intimate whispered confession to the soul. The track radiates a sense of vulnerability, merging Kina’s trademark melancholic production with Trevor’s emotionally charged, velvety vocals in a seamless fusion of emotion and sound.

Right from the start, Kina’s minimalist yet lush instrumentals, with muted beats and delicate piano lines, hum in the background like a pulse, setting the stage for Trevor Daniel’s heart-on-sleeve delivery as he croons about yearning for connection. The song’s emotional gravity is undeniable, each lyric feels weighted with sincerity, a heartbeat echoing the universal ache of missing someone.

Advertisement

The production exemplifies Kina’s quintessential hallmark style, which is characterized by its understated but impactful nature. A warm tapestry of lo-fi elements, soft keys, atmospheric synths, and subtle percussion wraps around Trevor’s vocal performance, creating a cozy, intimate, cinematic soundscape ideal for those quiet moments when you reflect on your feelings.

Advertisement

What really makes “I Just Want You” unique is its ability to mix personal vulnerability, timeless vibes, passionate lyricism, and broad relatability. It’s almost as if the artists invite listeners to relive their sweet memories in a cocoon of love, translating unfiltered emotion into a beautiful melody long after the song ends.

In just under three minutes, Kina and Trevor Daniel remind listeners that sometimes, we really need honest expression set to a simple, lovely tune. “I Just Want You” is a sonic open letter to the heart of anyone who has ever loved, making it impossible not to feel the pull of its charm.

Advertisement

 

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Kina’s I Just Want You on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Kina | Instagram | TikTok |

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending