ROUGH ONLINE BEST MUSIC OF THE WEEK #9

Maya Lavelle – House on a Rocky Road

Hailing from the Netherlands Maya Lavelle has a background in contemporary music, winning several awards. She has always been inclined towards experimentation and providing musical elements that are challenging, exciting and original. ‘House on a Rocky Road’ is no different, a song that represents the Universe where she can meet with all her monsters; most of them are lovely, but misunderstood creatures. Her music wanders freely without ever needing to identify with one particular style. ‘House on a Rocky Road’ is taken off her forthcoming album, an album that is inspired by experiences from living in Amsterdam, LA and London.

 2CRE8 – ‘Naughty Boy’

Hailing from the Netherlands, Quincy Deira and Thomas van Ginkel are two 23 year old guys who are better known together at 2CRE8. Playing to their strengths,Thomas’ passion for Djing and production alongside Quincy’s passion for composing, chords, and writing provides for both an interesting and passionate sound. ‘Naughty Boy’ is a track that musically sets them apart from current DJ acts. Combining catchy lyrics with pop, commerical dance and urban influences, the singe is a slender fit for the radio, providing that feel good tune needed to instantly put you in a uplifting mood. ‘Naughty Boy’ is energetic and powerful – sure fire remedy to blow away those winter blues.

 Jamie Cruickshank – ‘Worn Through’

From fuzz guitars to the banjo and mandolin, the music of Jamie Cruickshank is experimentation on strings. In 2014, during his final year of studying mathematics at Oxford University, Jamie was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, an incredibly debilitating illness that left him mostly bedbound. During this isolating time, Jamie set himself a goal to build a studio and whilst the majority of Jamie’s days were for rest, this didn’t stop him from also working on his music, which results in the atmospheric folk-infused, four-track EP ‘Worn Through’. The EP follows Jamie’s journey from the darker days to the brighter ones and is a testament to Jamie’s musical drive and love of his craft. The tracks are in reverse chronological order and trace Jamie’s experience through recovery back to the stressful experiences that triggered his illness. Highly emotive, ‘Worn Through’ gives Jamie an unexpected edge that demands to be heard.

The Parisian / LA duo Unlovable are starting the New Year with a new release. The duo made their debut in 2018 with ‘Just Friends’ and now they’re returning with another slice of their unique, drum-led electronic production. ‘Wait’ pulls out thick washes of wistful vocals, whilst providing a powerful undercurrent of energy with its rhythmical surges and low-end piano chords. A dynamic heartbreak anthem, ‘Wait’ is another stellar sound from Unloveable and sets the bar high for the rest of the 2019.

 Like Swimming – The Ground

Emerging as an act in their early stages in late 2012, they have spent the time sharing their sound with the world, to both an ever-increasing international fanbase online, and in their dynamic live performances that have ranged from tiny living room performances to big stages. Their well-travelled, well-polished sound forges forward fueled by the strength of their musical, vocal and songwriting talent. Following on from the well-received 2018 single Strike A Pose, releasing February 1st, The Ground only proves to further whet appetites for the forthcoming first part of a double EP: ‘Resistance / Relations’. The Ground sees them return to a more organic and upbeat indie-pop style and brings into balance the complex subject matter of the lyrical narrative. The tracks serves as a reminder of what violent grounds humans stand on. It’s a story about how humans got their privileges and how history is dark.

    Kanika – ‘Is It Over Yet’

Born and raised in Belgium, multi-faceted artist Kanika creates music on the go, between L.A., Antwerp and Mumbai. Her sound is the result of her diverse background and upbringing; electronic music from Europe, R&B from the States, and a subtle hint of India. Kanika layers ambient synths with earworm vocal melodies, creating a transformative sound that washes over you with each passing cadence. Now, she shares the honestly pensive lament Is It Over Yet. Flickering between eras of R&B through the ages, Kanika forges a sound both comfortably familiar and refreshingly distinct, with an intimate and honest narrative that’s easily personified. Her debut release doesn’t disappoint.

   Fat Pablo – Shambala

Fat Pablo are a six piece neo-psychedelic band from Dublin. An underbelly of hip-hop inspired bass and drums, psych guitars, a chilling body of synths and gritty, cinematic visuals create a space for vocalist Dave Barrett’s lamenting soulful tones on their emphatic debut Shambala. Debutants they may be, but every element of this poised and triumphant step into the fore is performed masterfully, with this being a perfect introduction to a powerful body of work set to release throughout 2019. The band take great consideration in creating an audio-visual experience for the listener. Dedicated artist, Ross Ryder, works closely with them during the writing process to build bespoke aesthetic narratives for each song.

Ariela Jacobs – ‘Missing You’

New York born and Melbourne bred, indie-pop singer-songwriter Ariela Jacobs was raised on a diet of literature and art. Her songwriting sends the listener on a journey both intimate and other-worldly; with melodies with clear folk-based lines, underscored by lush chords and the pulsing rhythms. Missing You is an honest ode to her former self. The compelling narrative draws you in instantly for layers of her ethereal voice wash over you, sweeping you into the undertow of each passing cadence. The achieved sound completely envelops you and transporting you away into a blissful yet, thought-provoking moment. With vocals veering between the fragile clarity of confession, and the full-bodied howl of a young woman in possession of her own story, Ariela’s music has the power to break your heart, then heal it again.

 Satya – ‘Maybe We Should – Domeno Remix’

Satya is the up and coming Montreal pop / R&B singer-songwriter behind the catchy debut single ‘Maybe We Should’ which peaked at #40 on the USA Top40 Mediabase Chart. Now, following the success of ‘Maybe We Should’, Satya has partnered up with Canadian DJ Domeno to produce the upbeat, electro ‘Maybe We Should – Domeno Remix’. The Montreal artist is known to make the crowds dance from New York to Amsterdam, from Ibiza to Miami. His records are played by the biggest names in EDM like David Guetta, AfroJack, Martin Garrix and Hardwell. Their latest collaboration is influenced by funk, soul and house, creating a mesmerising melody that is impossible to ignore. Domeno’s work instantly makes you want to get up and dance whilst soaking up Satya’s impressive lyrics and vocal talent. Energetic, playful and with a back to roots eurodance vibe, the track is a testament to their impeccable talent, combining Satya’s irresistible vocals with Domeno’s impressive production skills