Groover Playlist 129 | Time For Another Playdate

Enjoy another selection of great new music from here, there and everywhere.

The Moody Game Boy is doing alright, Jeremy Engel takes you to his secret place, Entrée Libre keep it simple, Popol Jack share their bonbons — and they’re just a few of the treats being served 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, it’s time for your latest playdate. Have fun:

 


The Moody Game Boy | I’m Alright

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Electro-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Every month, I’ll release two new songs! I’m Alright is a song that illustrates the challenges that introverts face in life! It’s all about being unique and exceeding expectations.”


Jeremy Engel | Secret Place

HOME BASE: France / Ireland.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “With his captivating voice and intimate storytelling, Jeremy Engel has a unique way of touching listener’s hearts. Inspired by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Rory Gallagher, the French-born, Dublin-based singer-songwriter creates deeply evocative songs. With fluid guitar playing and adventurous soundscapes, Jeremy has proven himself to be the rare artist capable of perfectly capturing listeners’ emotions.”


Entrée Libre | Aller Simple

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Dance-Pop.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Entrée Libre — a Parisian duo formed in 2019 — create a joyfull and spontaneous pop to escape the confinement of these strange days. The two childhood friends took the first letter of their names to create the name Entrée Libre (translation: Free Admission). Following their songs L’Air du Temps and Dehors, they are teaming up again with Leïla Macaire to produce the clip for Aller Simple, as an ode to summer and travel. The song invites you to transform October into July and leave for a one-way disco-retro trip between Blondie, La Femme and Parcels. The lyrics deal with the desire for escape and new life: From romance steeped in novelty to the desire to come back and find one’s bearings.”


Popol Jack | Bonbon Lafess’

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Afrobeat.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Delicacy, pleasure and fantasy are the tasty ingredients of this candy with zouk accents. Perfect for relaxing and letting go.”


L.A.M. | C.O.V.I.E.

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Afropop.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:L.A.M. is an artist rocked by music of various origins since his childhood. Originally from Reunion Island, the self-taught guitarist and beatmaker has always been attracted to Afro music. L.A.M. wishes to make people discover his universe. For his second single, L.A.M. unveils C.O.V.I.E. — inspired by his daily life, similar to many during the crisis. To celebrate deconfinement, he offers us an Afro rhythm for ambience, while evoking the hope of an unrestricted life without Covid.”


Emilie Kosmic | Apollo

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Half-alien, half-human. Touch machines to make music for sensitive Earthlings. Electro-rock-pop from space.”


Aron Leska | En Éveil

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I started making music to copy Diane Warren, of whom I was a fan. Every song I loved was hers. I was able to learn music theory quite easily because it has a lot of similarity with mathematics, my first passion. With my first salary, I bought all the necessary equipment: A computer, a sound card, a microphone and a synthesizer! Now, I have written about 60 songs.”


Elle·Ouest | Once Or Twice

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Elle·Ouest was inspired by Beauty and the Beast, my favorite fairy tale — the West Wing (Aile Ouest) is the Beast’s secret garden. I’ve been singing for 20 years and making music professionally as a songwriter for 10 years. I’m now developing my own universe in French and English, inspired by film scores, Tim Burton, Baudelaire, Serge Gaisnbourg, Aurora, Adèle, Polo & Pan and Billie Eilish.”

https://youtu.be/hZILTFdWX0c


Frankie Bouchier | The Sun

HOME BASE: Australia.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Sydney-based indie singer-songwriter, Frankie Bouchier weaves evocative stories with sound. A classically trained multi-instrumentalist, Frankie is equally at home balancing a trumpet on his lips or his fingers on the keys. Frankie’s unique brand of indie synth-pop soars with a drama that is counterbalanced by hook-rich harmonies and grounded rhythms. His soundscape reflects a soup of musical influences: The guttural Balkan brass beats of Eastern Europe, the sweeping melodies of traditional Romani music, the psychedelic rock of the ’60s and the synth stylings of the ’70s. Says Frankie: “Sound is language, it crosses borders and cultures, the communication possibilities are boundless. I love to listen, I love to make sounds. It begins as an inner conversation and once expressed and recorded there’s the possibility of reaching outside yourself and connecting to others.”


Etoile Marley | Moonlight

HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: R&B.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Singer-songwriter, producer, rapper and dancer Etoile Marley is a quintessential example of a modern artist. On more than one occasion, the self-proclaimed “genre-bending songstress” has been called “the white Sade” for her silky smooth, breathy vocals. Her unique rapping style and ability to effortlessly marry electro-pop with old-school funk / hip-hop and bilingual lyrics creates a signature sound that carries messages of empowerment, smashing stereotypes and embracing your authentic self. The multi-faceted show woman is currently working on her debut album, due for release in mid-2022. Moonlight is an bilingual R&B song about getting sexy under moonlight.”


Carter Savage | I Wanna See You Again Pt. 1 & 2

HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This is a song about loving someone or something that you can not stay away from, even though you know you should. It’s about falling so far in love with the pure energy of another being that even their toxicity will become addicting. Produced by Carter Savage and Rey Diaz, this catchy pop vibe will be an appropriate tune for almost any occasion.”


Payphoneworld | Purple Haze

HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I am dropping three songs in the next month. This track has a nice upbeat beat that is easy to jam out to.”


Stephanie Bernard | Erik

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “My first album Hermes and Snape came out in June 2021. This song is a tribute to Erik Satie. The first four notes are the beginning of Gymnopédie No. 1. I like this composer who collected umbrellas and was so sad. I believe that his sadness has made him a genius of minimalist music.”


Jordane Tumarinson | Dieux et Démons

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “A very passionate and prolific artist, French pianist and composer Jordane Tumarinson has produced five albums between 2018 and 2020, as well as numerous singles. Sometimes misty, sometimes rhythmic, his refined compositions are met with great interest on streaming platforms. Forged around themes important to him, his works offer coherent emotional storylines, navigating freely between neoclassical and romantic contemporary. He is expected to release his sixth album Odyssée in March 2022.”


Ros Gilman | Autumn Colours

HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Autumn Colours is the focus track of the four-track solo-piano EP Seasons.”


Al V | Hugo

HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Al V is a Canadian who is son of Russian Jewish immigrants. He writes about the struggles of making it from an adult perspective, touching on the darkness of mental health with his razor-sharp delivery and one-of-a-kind wordplay. Says Al: “Zone to this EDM rap song about going from good to great and becoming your own boss while navigating the haze of social pressures and media out of control.”


Sodlouz | Crematorium

HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “It’s chilled rap.”


Lardy Miss Clardy | Lurkn

HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: R&B.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Lurkn is an anthem of empowerment and a message to relationship stalkers.”


Mery Per Sempre | Les Laveuses

HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Mery Per Semper are a duo composed of singer Nicolas and musician Aurélien. At the heart the group, there is a love of poetry, an urgency to express this bond.”


Arriola | Deluge

HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Psychedelic Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE:Arriola is back with an EP titled Déluge (2021). Inspired by the creation myth of the Guarani people, he presents a part of the concept album he has been working on for several years. The result: An 11-minute work that takes us on a philosophical journey where each piece is meticulously linked from station to station, creating a daring mix of chanson, electro-pop and psychedelic rock.”


Den Paq | Casablanca

HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I am an author, composer and performer. Welcome to my musical universe. Casablanca offers take 2 action, glitter attraction and killer illusion … The stars come and make intrusion.”


TODAY’S PLAYLIST