Belooga breaks the surface, El Sordo takes off, Manoel Tosto brings you the tropics, Chloé Morgan heads for the stars and more in today’s submissions from Groover, a platform that connects artists with critics like me for a small fee. You can (and should) follow me on Spotify HERE, check out my Top 150 playlist HERE, or 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, go HERE. But first, make some time for these outstanding offerings:
Belooga | Exalted Exhausted
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Electro-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Who the hell is Belooga? Christine Lesieur (La Signora), singer-songwriter, graduate of the Conservatoire National de Marseille in electroacoustic music. What does she do? Composition, lyrics, singing, arrangements, programming and mixing. What is Belooga’s style? Melodious electro-pop, both dark and light, paying particular attention to the choice of sound and the poetry of the words in both French and English. What are Belooga‘s influences? Mostly Anglo-Saxon: Cocteau Twins, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Sound, Portishead, Archive, PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, The Smiths, Dead Can Dance, with some German artists like Can, Canadians like Austra or Marie Davidson, Swedes and Islanders such Molly Nilsson and Kælan Mikla, and more.”
El Sordo | Hasta La Vista
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Reggaeton.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “El Sordo is a young Latin pop and reggaeton artist who sings in Spanish. Hasta La Vista is the story of a girl who is happy to come out of a bad relationship and live unabashedly. To change her mind, she goes out to the beach, in a convertible with her friends, then goes out for the evening.”
Manoel Tosto | Tropical Inverno
HOME BASE: Brazil.
GENRE: World.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Taking inspiration from his travels, nature, spirituality and animals, Mano’s music knows no musical boundaries or genres. The intention behind his music is to help people feel, reflect, heal or awaken in the same way that Mano himself uses music as a tool of self-therapy. Whether its a relaxed evening stroll, meditation or study session, Mano’s hand-crafted instrumental sounds create a soothing and calming energy that will allow you and your thoughts to rest at ease. Contrary to a lot of instrumental music out today, everything you hear is 100% played, recorded and produced by Mano himself. In our vast and globalized world, it takes not only discipline and effort but time and space to find oneself. Mano wants to facilitate and create that safe space for his listeners where thoughts, wishes, aspirations and inspirations are able to arise. Manoel recorded this track again in his tent right at the beach.”
Chloé Morgan | Stars
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Humans have always had a complex and esoteric relationship with the cosmos. Scientists have proven that the human body is made up of elements that literally come from interstellar stardust. Vancouver DJ and singer-songwriter Chloé Morgan has a new single meant to amplify that relationship. Stars is a shimmering, bumping, EDM-meets-disco track about understanding that there is a Creator. We’ve worshipped before the stars and still do today. Stars begins with Chloé’s powerful voice singing acapella about the higher power that makes the “planets and the universe align,” and quickly morphs into and grooving and funky bass dance track. It’s a track that is perfect for those searching for meaning and substance in EDM or those who just want to get down on the dance floor. “This song comes from the perspective of calling to attention the one that’s greater,” Chloé says. “It’s about the awakening that no matter what culture or religion, there is only one Creator at the end of the day and it’s time to unify.”
Langside | Obsessed
HOME BASE: Australia.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Sydney pop artist Langside delivers a sound that walks the line of electronic and acoustic. Combining commanding melodies and vocal layering, Langside is establishing herself as one to watch and listen to. Pulling inspiration from a childhood filled with performances with her touring musical family, Langside’s vocals show hints of her first loves, jazz and blues. She has taken these influences, as well as the likes of Vera Blue, Maggie Rogers, Emily King and Leon, to create a unique sound that entices listeners to sing along. She says: “I was sitting on the steps outside the Opera House in Sydney, Australia, watching the ferries. With the picturesque view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background, I watched a woman stand up on the ledge and pose for a photo. And then she posed again. And again, and again. Obsessed is my ode to the world of social media and our human nature to be curious about each other. Combine them and sometimes we’re left feeling inadequate, troubled or unhappy with a bit of self-loathing in equal measure. Social media is great for connection, it’s no good for comparing your life to someone else’s. Especially if that someone else is an influencer or celebrity whose job it is to look as good as they do and who have all day to get the perfect shot.”
Nda Chi | Amassa
HOME BASE: Cameroon.
GENRE: World.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Born Armand Noël Ntoungchi Kamtchoua, Nda Chi is a young artist from western Cameroon. He is influenced by artists such as Anne Marie Nzié, Kareyce Fotso, Nkodo Sitony, Nina Simone, Claude Ndam, James Brown and Manu Dibango. His music fuses African rhythms and sounds with blues, jazz, soul, pop, rock, gospel, reggae and more. He works hard and aspires to become “the modern pope of African culture and folk music.” He say: “Amassa deals with violence against women — especially domestic violence — and its influence on children. This song tells the story of a mother beaten by her husband but who had no choice to stay for her children.”
Hansom Ēli | Mezcal (ft. Mike Clay)
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Hansom Ēli, the versatile sibling duo from Montreal, reinvent themselves with Mezcal. A catchy banger with Latin vibes, equally pop and experimental, it combines lyrics in French, English and Spanish. As its acoustic guitar loops delicately get under your skin, you’ll slowly melt under the sunset sky to Hansom Ēli and Mike Clay‘s sensual voices. Clay is known as the frontman and founding member of Clay and Friends, and has collaborated with Eli Rose, Ariane Moffatt, Zach Zoya, Sara Diamond, FouKi, Soran and many more.”
Becca Tremmel | Clay
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Folk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I wrote this song and co-produced the track. It’s an extremely important song to me and I think anyone who’s lost themself in a relationship before will understand. All of the imagery is me covered in clay/paint. There will be a music video, also!”
Alias | Why Don’t You Wanna Dance
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Indie Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Composer, dilettante and polymath, Emmanuel Alias went down a variety of paths before arriving at his eponymous psych-rock project. Beginning with musical contributions to TV series including Big Little Lies, Sharp Objects, Mon Fils, and Jouliks, he then worked with Musique Nomade, notably producing the album Dreamweaver by multidisciplinary Oji-Cree/Mi’kmaq artist Anachnid (long-listed for the Polaris Prize). Leaving nothing to chance, he launcheed his first EP It’s Not Funny So Stop Smilin’ on Friday the 13th. The multi-instrumentalist offers a mini-album of six tracks for which he handled lyrics, music, arrangements and production.”
PLO | Montana Crazy
HOME BASE: Switzerland.
GENRE: Hip-Hop / R&B.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “PLO is an artist with roots in Switzerland and a strong connection to London. His music could be described as a mix of hip-hop, rap and R&B. He’s always trying to discover different sounds and integrate them in his own music. PLO released his first song Into You in September 2020. Montana Crazy is his sixth single and first Afro song. He says: “It was written after my first breakup. The uplifting Afro, beat combined with the sad lyrics, creates an interesting song which fits both sunny and rainy days.”
Timothy & the Apocalypse | Start Again (Floating Pyramids Remix)
HOME BASE: Australia.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Timothy Poulton is an Australian musician, composer, songwriter and producer in Sydney, Australia. Continuing to prove the prolific depths of his creativity, Timothy and The Apocalypse return with his sophomore release Ethereal Event. On this album, Timothy’s chosen tools and wealth of electronic music knowledge build on the euphoric yet elegant aspects of ambient music and weave the hallmarks of indie influences into his warm embrace of beat music. Ethereal Event contains a heady and wondrous mix of breaks, soothing textures, and a reassuring feminine presence. Start Again brings the fun of Madchester indie-rave energy into contemporary contexts, slowing the swagger of its groove and placing it in an expansive space where celestial incantations of purity and new beginnings wash away your concerns.”
Savoy Ellis | Favorite Song
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: R&B / Soul.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This is the lead single off my debut album, The Love Album. I am a singer-turned-songwriter and producer out of Los Angeles. This is a fun, energetic, dance song. A song for a night out with friends or someone you are seeing. It taps into R&B/soul and Afrobeat for inspiration. It’s all about losing yourself in the music and the moment and feeling that energy with someone you are connecting with on the dance floor. Your “favorite song” has a way of tapping into your body and making you want to move, regardless of what’s going in your life. That’s what I wanted to bring here.”
Ivy Eye | Make My Way Out (To The Sun)
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Disco.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “U.K. duo Matthew Benham and Rory Sheppard — better known as Ivy Eye — have received huge international recognition since emerging onto the indie scene. Their infectious sophomore single Make My Way Out (To The Sun) further cements the pair’s sound, showcasing their ability to craft a floor filler, drawing influence from house and nu-disco genres while keeping disco-funk as the driving force. Make My Way Out (To The Sun), is a prime example of Ivy Eye’s capabilities as a songwriting partnership, and desire to be a cut above the rest.”
Jovanna | TwentyOne
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: R&B / Soul.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I am a 21-year-old pop and R&B singer-songwriter from Florida. In February I debuted my first single Brain on Fire, which describes my struggles with anxiety and OCD. I love writing about my experiences, the good, the bad, and everything in between. My next single TwentyOne is just as honest. The lyrics relate to aging. I don’t particularly like birthdays, and my 21st was no different. Actually, it is weird to know that I’m 21. I still feel like I’m 15. I am not ready to be an adult, not just yet. The song has a retro vibe with an energetic and upbeat melody with elements of dreamy pop and pop-funk. I am currently working on other songs for an EP, which I hope to release by the end of 2021.”
Frolin | Try Again
HOME BASE: Norway.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I live in the Southwestern part of Norway, just outside of the town Haugesund, surrounded by beautiful scenery like the sea, fjords, small islands, forests and mountains. This scenery is an inspiration for my music, and it is my hope that you can feel this when you listen! I have always been looking for inner peace, to benefit both physical and emotional health and well-being. This inner search has led to my desire to be a part of the solution for others who also desire tranquility through music, meditation and mindfulness. I hope that you enjoy my soothing instrumental music.”
Joshua Ranz | Cello Suite No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 (Arr. J. Ranz For Bass Clarinet): I. Prelude
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Three Cello Suites from clarinetist Joshua Ranz is a truly groundbreaking take on Bach’s legendary works. In this album, for the first time ever, listeners may enjoy three unabridged cello suites by Bach arranged for the bass clarinet. Ranz selected Suites 1, 4 and 2 for this recording because, together, they form a cohesive and dynamic whole. Ranz holds the chair of principal clarinet for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and has played on such blockbuster soundtracks as Toy Story 3 and 4, and Star Wars episodes VII and IX. He can be heard prominently featured in La La Land, Catch Me If You Can and An American Pickle.”
