Les Fils de Joie, Adams Traktor, Kill City and Loiseau deliver blasts from the past, Balbec are right on time, Kovic is in deep, Asta Hiroki dozes off — and that barely scratches the surface of today’s epic-length playlist of new submissions from Groover, a platform that connects artists with critics like me for a small fee. You can (and should) subscribe to my Tinnitist Top 100 playlist HERE, or you can listen to it via the widget at the lower right of every page on this site. If you want to be in an upcoming playlist, click the link just below the widget or go HERE.
Les Fils de Joie | Nous Ne Dansons Plus La Nuit
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Post-Punk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Les Fils de Joie are a French New Wave band (1978-1985) founded in Toulouse. Like The Ramones, all the members adopted the surname de Joie. Their yrics reflect the ’80s as a desillusioned and ideal-less era with a touch of humor. They produced three 45s and vinyl EPs. On March 12, they’re releasing the EP Véronique, Albert et Harry with the very first tracks including the unreleased track Nous Ne Dansons Plus La Nuit (We’re Not Dancing Anymore), their only original sung in English.”
Adams Traktor | Noth’en
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Post-Grunge.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Adams Traktor is a project formed by JR Smith from Seattle to explore, expand, and in many ways bend the music genres that have influenced progressive modern music. Quench, the first album by Adams Traktor, scheduled to be released in May 2021, is highly influenced by alternative rock, the Seattle sound, industrial and progressive dance music. We hope it rocks you, possibly shocks you, makes you smile or shake your ass just a little … or simply moves you in some small way.”
Balbec | Solidaire Des Nantis
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “With a renewed lineup, Balbec have been working a lot since their last album, evolving their sound and ambition, moving between indie-post-rock and math-pop. On Solidaire Des Nantis, they explore Youtube excesses and other memes of our time. This time, it is the universe of self-proclaimed coaches in quick fortune that is hijacked. The music — sometimes caressing and shoegazey, sometimes creaking and chaotic — reveals an indie-pop facet of Balbec, being catchy while remaining deeply honest.”
Yoni Gabali | Sang Bleu
HOME BASE: Israel.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Yoni Gabali is a singer-rapper-songwriter. From a Guadeloupean father and an Algerian mother, he mixed his songs accompanied by strong texts. Sang Bleu is the first single from his first EP entitled J’Annonce La Couleur. He says: “This album is mixed, just like me. You will find six titles with varied tones, ranging from rap to pop to Caribbean rhythms.”
Kovic | Drown
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Mark Kovic is an English singer-songwriter and producer known for his baritone vocal and big choruses. His first single titled Drown was produced by Jonny Coffer (Beyoncé, Emile Sandé) and Mark Crew (Bastille), and co-written with Jamie Scott (Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Justin Bieber). His debut album features a contrasting combination of songs, ranging from soulfully haunting ballads to summer-infused pop.”
Asta Hiroki | Slumber (feat. Dontmesswithjuan)
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Asta Hiroki is an electronica/experimental hip-hop producer and visual artist in Brighton. Drawing from jazz, electronica, post-Dilla hip-hop, lo-fi and glitch music, he builds layered compositions in his own brand of intelligent and modern, soulful electronica. He just released a stunning video to accompany his ethereal collaboration with Colombia-based Canadian vocalist Dontmesswithjuan. Slumber acts as the first taste or Asta Hiroki’s debut album due later this year, and showcases his unique sonic blend. The video is the work of Benn Gabriner, a hand animator and artist with a distinctive storybook style that’s ready to pull you in to a dozy world where Dontmesswithjuan’s vivid lyricism mixes the everyday and the surreal.”
Allan K | Le Bleu Et Le Noir
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “While influenced by French artists such as Miossec, Daniel Darc and Alain Bashung, Allan K does not forget groups such as The Who. His texts are inspired by Balzac’s studies of manners along with the psychology of Carl Jung and his approach to mankind. Allan K transports us between melancholic ballads and energetic songs.”
The Fox | Live & Groove
HOME BASE: China.
GENRE: Electro-Soul.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “The Fox (real name: Valentin Fox) is a French artist based in Shanghai. His music is a fusion of hip-hop, electronic and lo-fi, with touches of jazz and more. The Fox plays multiple instruments and adds them to electronic beats. Stay tuned for his first EP and some international collaborations. Live and Groove is a fusion of soul and old-school hip-hop, with groovy, happy vibes.”
https://youtu.be/5gZLQGsJBQs
Chris Novakine | Focused
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Hip-Hop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Chris Novakine is a hip-hop/rap musician from Brooklyn. Focused is about not giving up but facing down your struggles to be successful. There are deep basses and rich flows that will permeate your speakers. Enjoy the message while bopping to the beat.”
Vndale | Hakai To Saisei (ft. Ryoichi Suemori)
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Metal.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “We’re Vndale from Paris and we’re glad to share our latest single Hakai To Saisei, featuring Ryoichi Suemori from the Japanese band Sailing Before The Wind. It’s a very energetic and melodic song.”
Dibby Sounds | Arc-En-Ciel!
HOME BASE: Switzerland.
GENRE: Rap.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “My name is Dibby Sounds and I’m a queer hip-hop artist from Geneva. I recently released my third album 25. The project was entirely written, produced, mixed and mastered by myself. Arc-En-Ciel (Rainbow) is a very personal song with a deep message denouncing a social problem that can touch a lot of people.”
Bad Guy x Don Doddy | How To Love
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Urban.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Bad Guy is an Asian (Khmer) artist from Mill City on the East Coast. How To Love is the new sound this music industry been missing.”
Cipya | Something Wonky This Way Comes
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Cipya is an emerging electronic artist, producer, DJ, and songwriter in Colorado. With over 10 years experience, he brings precise style and flare to the table. This track is a fun take on wonky riddim dubstep. The booming sub and catchy bass rhythm have made this the most popular song off his latest release.”
Ynna | Asturias
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: EDM.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Let Ynna take you on an auditory journey. This new age production combines two worlds: Stirring electronic music & beautiful classical music. Ynna is a producer, DJ, and singer herself, but for this masterpiece she teamed up with producer Jurij Fedorov, who arranged & produced Asturias.”
Kill City | When The Show Is Over
HOME BASE: Ecuador.
GENRE: Hard Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “When the show is over is part of Kill City’s debut album Last Man Standing, released in December. Their style is hard rock, with influences ranging from Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Stryper and Helloween.”
Loiseau | Give And Take
HOME BASE: Switzerland.
GENRE: Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “”Sébastien Loiseau has just released his first album My Obsession. Influenced by Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Deep Purple and other music from the ’70s, it is tinged with funk, pop and jazz influences. Give and Take clearly reveals his combination of classic rock and his own style and arrangements.”
Zildjianpinky | 2am (ft. urple)
HOME BASE: Scotland.
GENRE: Electro-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Scottish producer Zildjianpinky has gifted us this track from his recent debut EP lo-zi. 2am arrives just in time for summer, with some much-needed positive vibes and lo-fi/ambient/chillhop goodness featuring beautifully uplifting guitar by urple.”
Erik Strauss | Into The Greenwood
HOME BASE: Italy.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Erik Strauss is a music and visual artist from Venice. While he keeps on releasing independent trip-hop and downtempo tunes, he collaborates with artists around the world. Strauss says: “My new single Into the Greenwood is my journey in this deep space. It takes to in a unknown land of trip-hop sounds with pads and reverbed guitar, chilling and meditative.”
HitchcockGoHome! | Half Life
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Folk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “From their inaugural release in 2005, HitchcockGoHome! have veered off the beaten track, deploying feverish banjo, intertwined guitars, electric bows and noisy bloodstrokes in intriguing compositions that draw on ’70s folk-pop and contemporary post-rock. Practising an alchemy that evokes dEUS, Mogwai or Yo La Tengo, under the tutelary shadows of Nick Drake and Neil Young, HitchcockGoHome! invite you to escape, escape, escape on their LP. Half Life was composed in 2012, when bandmember Maël was working on a graphic novel entitled RevENTS, based on the film L’âme en Sang (On the Bridge) by Olivier Morel.”
Jonathan Oliveira | U and Ur Friends, Me and My Friends
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Jonathan has been singing since he was 8. Born in Brazil, he lives in the U.S.A., where he has started making EPs, albums and singles. Jonathan says: “This song is just to relieve frustration with people that have said I could never be an artist!”
Coft | Relationships
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Singer-songwriter.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: None. Coft is apparently content to let his music speak for him.
Twincidi | Let Me Go
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: House.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Twincidi is a French DJ and producer who came from his planet Cidion with Boris his alien friend! In a crazy space universe of deep futuristic sounds, Twincidi oscillates between underground bass house and mainstream future house. He loves the musical freedom and thinks each style has its own qualities. He always tries to bring a good vibe to his productions. Let Me Go is a futuristic and powerful house track, with a groovy, catchy bass, a percussive lead, a powerful and inspiring break and an efficient vocal.”
Blazar | Enough
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Blazar is a collaborative effort by Jerad Finck and some of the hottest writers and producers in music. Jerad says: “I really wanted to expand and bring listeners on a journey because 2020 was such a shitshow. We’ve all had Enough — enough isolation, enough depression, enough loneliness. We’re all struggling and that was where I was coming from. Hopefully this year is better.”
Niño Bueno | Money Wall (ft. Lil B)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Alt hip-hop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Niño Bueno is an artist from Gardena, a small town in the pocket of L.A. Niño Bueno utilizes influences from a range of genres to create alternative hip-hop and rap. Money Wall is a mellow, lo-fi hip-hop song featuring Lil B the Basedgod. It’s an easy song to listen to with any mood.”
Summer 47 | Slight Turn
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Urban.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This song was inspired by me taking the wrong turn while leaving a future girlfriend’s house, which is why it is labeled Slight Turn. It is different from everything that is currently trending right now.”
Peggy James | Head Over Heels
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Roots-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Peggy James defies categories. There is a lot of country in her songwriting and her voice — but a lot of other elements as well. On her fifth album Paint Still Wet, Peggy is a pop artist for the 21st century, eclectic in her sources and strong in her conviction of the power of a well-crafted four-minute song. Is Peggy Americana? Only if the audible influence of The Beatles and Elton John counts as Americana. With a timeless simplicity, Peggy’s lyrics are heartfelt in their profession of love and friendship. Singing in a soft, emotionally resonant voice, the Wisconsin singer-songwriter gives performances that echo with the confident humanity of the Midwest. “What inspires me the most in writing a song is a good story,” Peggy says. “Traveling, observing, listening and reflecting on my own life experiences affords a lot of material because there are so many stories to be told. Putting these stories to music is a way to connect these stories to people on deeper emotional levels.”
Desta French | Ojos Negros
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Soul / R&B.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Desta French is the Latinx artist from Camden, North London. Embracing her heritage and creating her own vision, she sings in a uniquely blended Spanish-English that is as unapologetically Latin as it is British. Everything she does is soulful with R&B and Hip-Hop undertones. Desta French’s new single is tongue in cheek and high drama. This is the Greek drama she creates in her head when she likes someone.”
Darrell Kelley | Vaccine
HOME BASE: United Stated.
GENRE: Soul / R&B.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Darrell Kelley writes music to spread love, unity and acceptance in all his music. The message behind Darrell Kelley’s music is very positive and motivating; he always gives you something to think about. Kelley’s song Vaccine was written out of concern for everyone’s well-being. Says Kelley: “We need to stop Covid-19 from killing our world. Listen to Vaccine, spread the message, continue to pray for all your friends, family and loved ones, and give them as much support as you can. We all need love. We are stronger together and weaker divided.”
NJA | Astro Native
HOME BASE: Hong Kong.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Meet Swiss HK renegade NJA: Rocker, beatmaker, ambient producer and much more. Says NJA: “Astro Native is the new single from my next album Altitude. This song is an energy ball with an intentional hook evolving through gloomy layers.”
Andre Cordova | Envy
HOME BASE: Australia.
GENRE: Dancehall.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Andre Cordova is an Australian singer-songwriter with a knack for versatility. He says: “I’ve brought you a groovy moombahton / dancehall track — with a little Latin influence — about the kind of person who keeps coming back for more. Regardless of what they might say, or how many times they end things, they simply cannot resist the chemistry.”
Ourson Glouton | Lady Carapace
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Reese Desormais is a singer and bass player who knows how to drive the electronic devices in own home studio in Paris. A vocal teacher and choir leader, she also composes for acoustic instruments, like violin or saxophones. Her insatiable curiosity and her melodic skills lead her poetry ship to polyphonic universes and polyrhythmic galaxies. Lady Carapace is a singular pop song: Brassy, swaggering and determined.”
Simulated Youth | NBT (ft. Camoragi)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Dance.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Based in Phoenix, Simulated Youth creates retro and futuristic dance music with a dark twist. You’ll hear chaotic breaks, ethereal drops and clever arrangements. The goal is always to balance the emotion of the track between bright and dark parts, ultimately providing a fun and original sound that invokes deep thoughts as listeners dance away. NBT stand for Nice Bass Track, and the lyrics are about the song itself being in love with the artist — yet to the artist, the song is just their NBT. Definitely a darkwave foundation / cybergoth feel to this one! Vocals are by a rising new singer called Camoragi.”
