Music

Wotts Takes a Nostalgic Leap with “Be Kind,” a Bridge into Indie Pop Future

In the ever-evolving landscape of indie pop, Canadian duo Wotts is back with a bang and emerges as a captivating musical force to be reckoned with. Their latest offering, “Be Kind,” is a testament to their musical prowess, blending influences from the 90s with a contemporary twist that creates a unique and nostalgic auditory journey, leaving a lasting impression. They have gained recognition by performing at RBC Bluesfest, Canadian Music Week, and Junofest. Their latest single, “Be Kind,” is a beautiful addition to their collection of songs.

Wotts, hailing from Ottawa, Canada, is no stranger to experimentation, and “Be kind” is a testament to their willingness to push boundaries. After the well-received EP “Garden,” the duo decided to revisit their roots, embracing the sounds of the 90s. The result is a track that expertly fuses modern rock elements and retro influences, marking a departure from their signature 80s-inspired sound. This band, consisting of the talented vocalist, multi-instrumentalist Jayem, and the versatile bassist/guitarist Ricky 100, has taken a bold step into the world of the 90s and steadily made waves in the indie music scene.

The lyrics of “Be Kind” resonate deeply with a universal theme of farewells and unspoken goodbyes to the people they never had a chance to find closure with. Jayem’s hauntingly emotive lines, such as “Goodbye! So long, am yours, can’t think of nothing” and “Hope you got somebody to love, doesn’t matter that you really matter now or before,” evoke a sense of longing and introspection. These words paint a picture of parting ways with a touch of melancholic nostalgia, echoing the sentiment of the 90s.

One fascinating aspect of Wotts’ creative process is their reliance on 90s films and shows as inspiration. This method shines through in “Be Kind,” infusing the song with an atmospheric quality that feels like the perfect auditory experience, transporting listeners to a cinematic scene from a 90s indie movie. It’s a testament to the duo’s ability to craft music that resonates and tells a story.

The duo handled every aspect of its creation, from recording to production and mixing, showcasing Wotts’ dedication with Do-It-Yourself spirit and commitment to their musical craft. This hands-on approach has allowed them to craft an authentic and deeply personal song.

Wotts, a talented duo, is worth watching and listening out for, as they promised to release more music soon. Wotts’ music stays fresh and exciting while paying homage to their influences. Their commitment to pushing musical boundaries and experimenting with new sounds guarantees their upcoming releases will continue to amaze and delight their expanding fanbase.

With “Be Kind,” Wotts cements their position as one of the indie pop scene’s rising stars. In the words of Ricky 100, “We’re super excited to share more songs with everyone.” And indeed, fans eagerly anticipate listening to the next phase of their musical journey. Wotts are a great choice to add to any music playlist in their genre, a refreshing reminder that creativity knows no bounds, even in a world where music often feels formulaic. So, dear music enthusiasts, let’s embrace “Be kind” as a beautiful musical bridge to what Wotts has in store for us.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Wotts’ “Be Kind“ on Spotify.

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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.