Thunderclap returns, Timothy Ivan sees ghosts, DG Solaris recruists some idle hands, TheBe$tJR goes for the gold 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, take the plunge with these artists:
Thunderclap! | Epidemication
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Thunderclap! is a self-taught singer-songwriter with over 30 years of experience. He has been writing songs since he was 13, and has been masterminding all different kinds of rock ’n’ roll and folk outfits since he was 14. Originally from the Niagara region, he has expanded into an international performing artist playing in Lyon, Paris, Berlin, London, and elsewhere across Europe and North America. A one-man band, he possesses the bravery needed to take the stage alone, heightening his vulnerability as a performer, which helps him to create a deeper emotional rapport with the audience. He layers his performances with story-telling, artistic expression and developing the mood with pacing and unique performance styles. This type of performing, which he likes to call ‘guerilla folkestry,’ can be just as powerful performed at a concert or on the street. Now Thunderclap! is embarking on his latest and greatest adventure, a new album Strange Songs for Strange Times that will reflect on all the oddities, heartbreaks and growth humanity has been through these past few years. This song is fun, eclectic & fast-paced, with an experimental meets surf-rock vibe. The aim was to capture the chaos, stress and confusion that the pandemic had on our daily lives.”
Timothy Ivan | Ghosts
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m a New York singer-songwriter, using piano and voice. I released my debut LP in March. It’s a nine-song album produced by Andy LeMaster (Michael Stipe, Bright Eyes) about the state of a being. Each song is part biographies of others I’ve met, and part unknown voices speaking from the rarely explored corners of this city I live in. The video was shot during this Autumn to commemorate the mood of the song’s lyrics and music, and the mysticism of the season.”
DG Solaris | Idle (ft. Jeremy Tuplin)
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “DG Solaris is the project of musician Danny Green. He rejected the standard late-’90s diet of Britpop and Grunge in favour of the Leeds scene, where he discovered post-rock, improvised noise, ambient minimalism and leftfield guitar pop. From 2008-2018 Danny released music under the name Laish, delivering four albums of wry, extravagantly orchestrated chamber pop. In 2018, he came back with the psychedelic pop album Spirit Glow – the first as DG Solaris. The songs are explorations of kindness, freedom, medicinal psychedelia and personal grief. Idle is his third track in duet with Jeremy Tuplin. The three-minute song is like a breathe of fresh air, mixing a soft and deep electric guitar with a haunting and touching voice. “Idle came to us in early 2020,” he says. “A natural process that came from two artists who were almost strangers to each other, meeting in a room, trying to write a song together for the first time. Little did we know that this moment would launch a year-long collaboration.”
TheBe$tJR | GoldenEye
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m a songwriter based out of Chicago. I make energetic rap songs but most of my unreleased material has a melodic element to it. My core values are respect, understanding and most importantly, authenticity. My goal is to inspire my listeners to focus on defining who the best versions of themselves are and live that truth everyday! I’d say this is my catchiest song to date. I believe I can give listeners an enjoyable experience.”
Lupae Filius | This Is (ft. Just A Random)
HOME BASE: Norway.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This year alone, Lupae Filius — a rapper, singer, producer and beatmaker from Norway — has attracted a lot of international attention. Born Sebastian Jonassen, Lupae Filius has been working his craft for well over a decade. Lupae raps and sings with a cool passion that draws you in and intrigues you. He has a certain smooth swagger when it comes to his approach and his lyrics. On top of everything, Lupae’s self-produced beats also sound fantastic, showing that he’s very well-versed on all fronts. If there is one track that manages to coalesce the many special elements of his artistry, it’s his latest single This Is. it is warm and inviting, with a mid-tempo groove that allows Lupae Filius and Just A Random to narrate the experiences lived in their city.”
Aldous | One Day
HOME BASE: Belgium.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Aldous is the meeting of two composers artists and musicians: Pianist Daniel Martin and vocalist Valerie Lemaitre. Daniel has accompanied rappers Akro and Dynamic and is a member of the punk hip-hop band Fokkop Era. Lemaître is an actress and author who composes, writes songs and sings, and founded the group Trouble. One Day is their third single and video.”
Vooo | Kiss You
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Jazz-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Vooo are a jazz-pop duo featuring Anne-Fred (vocals, guitar) and Cédric (keyboards). Before creating Vooo, both had diverse experiences: Anne-Fred’s was more folk, rock and blues oriented, while Cédric’s was based in jazz. Hypersensitive to melody and harmonization, they co-write all their music. “We are just here to share music, what we love, what we feel,” they say. “Kiss You is just a anthem of freedom.”
Enter Kaos | Dark Waters
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Prog-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Enter Kaos is a French songwriter, musician and self-producer. He invites you to come to a musical universe oriented on a hybrid style of rock and synthwave. An atmosphere straight out of action movies and video games is guaranteed.”
https://youtu.be/yvpbhRg4ksw
Hugo Selles & Duo Otero | Rhapsody on Cantabrian Themes
HOME BASE: Spain.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This is a piece composed and performed with Duo Otero: Miguel Diez on cello and myself on piano.”
Elevin | Quantum
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Elevin is a music producer who creates experiences designed to make the audience feel. His music is a mystical and mysterious experience that reflects the geometry of existence. Quantum is the last single release from his album I Believe In Science. “In the quantum universe, a particle is everywhere and nowhere at the same time,” he says. “It is a particle but it is also energy and a wave. It is part of the fundamental framework that allows us to describe nature. I used these concepts to create this melodic techno track that will get you dancing and make you think about the complexity of the universe.”
Le Bestiaire Imaginaire | Léviathan
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “There is a large generational gap for this project, which includes two juveniles (an 11-year-old keyboardist and a 13-year-old drummer) and an old man (a 47-year-old singer-guitarist). Condemned to cohabit during confinement, the proto group combine ancient musical forms and contemporary stories in a modernity that evokes Black Country, New Road for some and Kyo for others.”
Left On Read | Paradise
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “We are a French band. We want to promote our new EP.”
Visavis | Burning Hell
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Hard Rock.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “For 30 years, Visavis, has consisted of Pierre Henri Traux on drums, Pierre Beyssac on bass and Régis Bouyge on guitar and vocals. After a difficult period for the entire music industry and humanity in general, they have returned with their new EP Great! It is the result of a lot of remote composition in the midst of a pandemic. Made with a great deal of hope, their opus is a symbol of enthusiasm and positivism. The goal of Great! was to give a new dimension to the group, moving into a more metal universe and incorporating more professional production with the help of Fred Mateu on recording, Fred Duquesne on the mix and Thibault Chaumont on mastering.”
Ixilès | One Way
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: EDM.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Originally from the North of France, The beginning of Ixilès dates back to 2012. Thanks to hard work and tenacity, he has managed to make himself known to producers who recognize his talent. After working in dancehall music, he has composed songs in EDM, electronica and dance pop. One Way is the perfect balance between a nice piano stab and a heady vocal. This track is an instant booster that invites you to have a good mood and party.”
Zoe Mazah | On Top Of The World
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: Reggae.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Singer and songwriter Zoe Mazah writes soul-infused reggae songs of big and small emotions close to her thoughts and feels. Her lyrics uplift and touch the heart while fat beats, pumping basslines and the sweet skank of reggae guitars seduce and invite you to daydream and relax. On Top Of The World is a soul rebel love song: The story of two brave souls on their way exploring new shores while looking in the same direction.”
Chris Wenner | Maywind
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “German singer-guitarist Chris Wenner has a lifelong musical passion. Since the early 1970s, Wenner has paired his affection for acoustic guitars with a genuine love for songwriting, storytelling and performance. He has played with renowned artists, including the California band Venice. He writes touching stories with gentle vocal harmonies and a stunning acoustic guitar sound, with a repertoire spanning almost half a century of songwriting. Maywind will take you away.”
KURV Architecture | D Dorian Progression
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Kurv Architecture is a Manhattan-based architecture, design and development firm. Kurv conducts research into generative geometric topological forms and constructs. They study the underlying and naturally emerging patterns and structures of 3D computational geometry by way of music and sound vibration. They are architects experimenting with programming, geometry, music and mathematics. People who work long periods of time in front of the computer with headphones on have generally liked our ambient music for their background.”
Zeyi | No
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m Zeyi, an artist, songwriter and producer from Harlem. I’m releasing my debut solo single No, a hard-hitting, eerie, new-age boom-bap composition. My genre is a blend of jazz, soul, R&B and classic hip-hop.”
Loup Miracle | Ashtamanga
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Psychedelia.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m a musician and producer from Normandy. Loup Miracle is my new project that includes collaboration with different singers, musicians and graphist/video designers. The music is based around blues or rock, wrapped in modern electronic production, with a psychedelic touch. Lyrics are about getting from one place to another, and a lot more. Ashtamanga is the first single. I call it psychedelic rock with electro-organic production. Ashtamanga is an invitation to trance, conveyed by Miguel Romero’s shamanic incantations.”
Emilia Tarrant | Stuck On You
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Emilia Tarrant is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Winchester who started playing the piano at the age of 12 and has been writing songs ever since. “All my songwriting is true, from the heart and mind, a way of me escaping from the daily stresses of life,” she says. “It was Moby who inspired me to pursue music production within education.” Tarrant has recently been co-writing with James Walsh from Starsailor, Joshua “Joe” Keogh from Amber Run and Jonathan Quarmby (Tom Walker, Lew Capaldi). Stuck On You is her latest track. She is currently in the studio working with Ed Sheeran-credited producer Will Hicks.”
Loocky Charm | Elle
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Synth-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Discover the new single by Loocky Charm: A poetic and committed song mixing electro-rock and cinematic music, made with the collaboration of Sefi Carmel (David Bowie, Phil Collins, Birdy) and Nathalie Farley (Mc12, Rudy Toussaint).”
Christophe Lorient | On Ne S’en Fait Plus
HOME BASE: Belgium.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Christophe Lorient is a Belgian singer-songwriter born in Lessines. While attending university, he began to write songs and took part in various competitions, eventually becoming an award winner in a festival where he met Eric Abraham, a songwriter with whom he still works today. He also met Plastic Bertrand, who became his producer and manager. Now he is releasing the dynamic and positive On Ne S’en Fait Plus. It is dedicated to his friend Jean-françois R. (Japy), with whom he shared the writing and the intense musical moments. On Ne S’en Fait Plus recalls the good memories that we can live with friends.”
Bocar | Younger
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: R&B.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Originally from Paris, Bocar is an urban R&B singer-songwriter. Through his music, the French-Senegalese artist cherishes the hope of a world without prejudices or labels. Passionate about R&B, Bocar blends singing and rapping in tracks with Afro, pop, and trap influences. Way Out is his first EP. Not afraid to bare his soul with his lyrics, Bocar has released Younger, a song about childhood nostalgia and the observations he makes as a young adult, in an acoustic and melancholic atmosphere.”
Les Mablex | Le Livreur de Steaks en Skate
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Folk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Founded in 2004, Les Mablex are a duo of two young teenagers who have fun playing absurd and “entertaining” music. Mab and Lex first met in a park through mutual friends. “Our first musical improvisation sessions were under the name of The French’s Men, which was soon replaced by Les Mablex,” they say. “We are now closer than ever to expanding our universe to the impossible. Our melodious music is sometimes unruly.”
The Masterminds | Mumbo Jumbo
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Mumbo Jumbo expresses how frustrating it can be when people refuse to speak the truth.”
Bullpup | Aspartame
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop-Punk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “The bombs have dropped, the air is on fire, and in destruction’s wake stand Bullpup, with their new album Be Evil. As the sun sets on humanity Bullpup address how all of this could have been avoided. The record tackles bigotry, the death of innocence, our inability to communicate with each other, and struggling with our place among the mess of the world. The record takes a defeatedly honest, albeit hopeful lens to all of these situations while being ready to tackle them head on. Bullpup acknowledge that their efforts are likely futile, but that won’t stop them from fighting. All of this subject material is housed within their unique blend of musical theater and emo sensibilities, which lends itself to be beautiful and stark raving insane all at once. Bravery is being afraid and acting anyways — there is plenty of evil in the world and this is the band’s best effort at winning a losing battle.”
Blazar | Step It Up (ft. Afroman)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Hip-Hop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Blazar is a collaborative effort between Jerad Finck and some of the hottest writers and producers working behind the scenes in music. Step It Up is a collaboration with Afroman. “We wrote this together during the pandemic trying to self-motivate and push ourselves against the depression of the isolation,” says Finck. “We worked a long time on it.”
Keith Mosfet | I’ve Got This Feeling
HOME BASE: Canada / Netherlands.
GENRE: Garage-Punk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Canadian artist Keith Mosfet has been on a journey of self-discovery through traveling and learning from new cultures. Now calling Amsterdam home, he is the definition of an artist. On his newest single I’ve Got This Feeling, Keith shares a deeper, darker side. The single shares his experience with life-long depression and dealing with the death of his brother. “It’s an anthem for those of us with suicidal thoughts or (who) have lost a loved one. It’s about taking control of that pain and learning to grow with it and be content.” Clearly heard in Keith’s new single are indie-rock influences like Beck, MGMT, Jack White and Cage the Elephant, but it also featured his own unique, psychedelic twist as he uses vocal effects and layering synthesizers to showcase his artistry. The powerful backup vocals are performed by Heather Mazhar from Beams.”
Ivy Eye | Intoxicating
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “U.K. duo Matthew Benham and Rory Sheppard — better known as Ivy Eye — have received huge international recognition from their first two singles. Of course, they say good things come in threes — and their new song Intoxicating couldn’t make that statement any more true. It encompasses all that is Ivy Eye, drawing inspiration from classic disco, funk and R&B records whilst radiating in a warm, laid-back, elegance and shimmering contemporary pop production. Intoxicating evokes feelings of romance, joy and sun-kissed optimism. standing as an ode to the honeymoon period — that feeling of wanting nothing but each other, when the rest of the world disappears for a bit and you become blindsided by the new love that is in front of you, becoming completely intoxicated on each other’s presence.”
