Julia DeTomaso – “Fake It”
-If you’re a fan of exceptional singer songwriters, definitely take some time to connect with this piece. It’s more than just a “song,” it’s an artful expression. The opening feels like the exact type of indie pop I typically curate. The second half of the song picks up in tempo, but it still preserves the delicate energy of the vocal that cuts right through the recording. I’m not sure there’s a good comp here, but the vocal expression reminds me a lot of what I like about Lennon Stella. There’s a pop singer songwriter style here, but don’t think top 40. This is more like an indie college rock station style… and I’m absolutely thrilled to support this high level of songwriting.
Kristen Ford – “White Man’s Dream – Remix”
-Ok, I’ll be honest, as a white dude I was not sure if I should even write about this. But as I listened, I realized that amplifying this message is a better decision. First of all, it’s sonically very interesting. The vocalist has a raspy energy that makes it stand out right away. Then when you get to the second verse (or is it a bridge) there’s a hip hop verse. This is why it’s alt pop; it’s more than just indie rock or indie pop. It stands on its own. It’s a lyrically intricate track that reminds me a bit of the historical concept Ain’t I a Woman, a speech by Sojourner Truth that discussed the double oppression of black women. This message shows that the themes from that speech so many years ago is still (unfortunately) alive and well in the 21st century. There’s so much to analyze in this fantastic track, but I’ll stop talking… just listen to Ford.
Cassidy Waring – “Reunion”
-There’s a vibrancy to this recording that caught my attention right away. The easy comp for me is Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. The vibe is appropriately vintage, putting forth warm tones that pull the listener right into the sound. I honest-to-goodness thought about those yellow floral print couches from the 70s (you know the ones) while listening to this track. The swoon-worthy sounds of the chorus make the track stand out, but I’m not sure anything the song does will stand out more than the defining line, “I had a dream of a family reunion; most of the guests were dead.” I feel like I could write an essay unpacking that concept alone, but… let’s just say this one is worth your time both in terms of the warm musical quality as well as the intriguing lyricism.
Image courtesy: Julia DeTomaso IG
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