La Coya has some nerve, Kloudok does a whole lotta sampling, James The Prophet and Pab The Kid give it one more shot, Paul Fox and Apache Indian are blood brothers 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 200 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, get down to business with these great sights and sounds:
La Coya | Actitud
HOME BASE: Ecuador.
GENRE: Reggaeton.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “La Coya comes from the navel of the world: Ecuador, where the sun is closest to the Earth. She brings this radiance with her in her music and dance. She left her country at the age of 18 and chose to make room for experimentation and adventure in her life. She lived in Lyon, New Orleans and Paris, where she explored the scenes of these cities, spreading her Latin groove. For her upcoming project Oro, she worked hand in hand with the Franco-Argentine producer and guitarist Mathias Di Giusto. She also won a music production contest that allowed her to work with the American producer Sergio George (JLO, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony). Traditional rhythms from different regions of Latin America are mixed with electronic and urban sounds, in French and Spanish.”
Kloudok | Whole Lotta Dior
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Rap-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “My first musical shock was the French soundtrack of the Manga Video collection on VHS (1995) with Refuse/Resist by Sepultura. These songs stuck with me. I couldn’t forget them. The period that merged rap and rock was a godsend for my ears. Beastie Boys, RATM, Korn, Deftones, Cypress Hill — you will recognize these influences in my productions.”
James The Prophet & Pab the Kid | Last Chance (ft. Jean Tonique)
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Funky Hip-Hop
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “James The Prophet and Pab The Kid were high school friends. James was born in France from English and American parents and wrote his first songs at age 15. Pab is from Lille but spent most of his life abroad (China, Japan, India, Germany) and started making music when he met James in 2018. Their careers have always been intrinsically linked despite their opposite temperaments; James is wise, calm, and collected, while Pab is energetic and playful. With his hip-hop background, James introduced Pab to artists such as Smino, Saba, Isaiah Rashad and Mac Miller, giving him a solid foundation to grow and develop his own sound. This ambitious collaboration with producer Jean Tonique features Daft Punk-like talkbox, sharp flow, melody and catchy composition. Last Chance is the promise of a dancing back-to-school season.”
Paul Fox | Same Blood (ft. Apache Indian)
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Reggae.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Inspired by the ’80s U.K. roots-reggae sound system revival led by Jah Shaka, Paul Fox cut his first tunes in the early ’90s. He has since collaborated with revered reggae artists including Michael Rose, Brother Culture and Alpha & Omega. Here he joins up with U.K. dancehall DJ Apache Indian. The title track from Fox’s album, Same Blood is a call for unity in these fragmented times, reminding us that inside, we are all one. “The lyrics are about the fact that we are all homo sapiens” says Fox, “meaning we really are all the same blood.”
Pattern Primitive | The Given Life
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Pattern Primitive form a hypnotic and meditative soundscape, a soothing antidote comprised of lo-fi noise particles and melancholic memories floating in the air, and gentle melodic breaths caressing the back of your neck as you descend into sonic madness.”
Vanessa Philippe | Parfois
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Author, composer and performer Vanessa Philippe writes all her songs. In contrast with the feeling of mourning, she imagines pop arrangements, with an electro tendency and virtual instruments. She then entrusted the production to Pascal Parisot and the mixing to Angy Laperdrix. Halfway between dream and reality, Vanessa gravitates in a parallel world where she describes her feelings. Always on a metaphorical background, her lyrics are poetic and melancholy, in contrast with her musical joie de vivre.”
François Fougère | Urgent
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I am a French singer, songwriter and producer. I began to write songs in the ’70s. I’ve been influenced by Véronique Sanson, Michel Berger and Michel Polnareff.”
Wix Patton | Outstanding (3:00 AM)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Hip-Hop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Wix Patton is a Georgia-born athlete and artist with the ability to write and develop his own musical style. His forthcoming EP Everything OK is a hybrid of alternative hip hop and rock genres.”
Bantunani | Somebody | Cosmogony (ft. Jesse Jackson)
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: R&B / Funk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Composer, singer and producer Bantunani offers his own electro Afro style based on heavy bass, funky guitars and wise lyrics that describe our deep feelings and the world state. Somebody | Cosmogony is clever mix of electro-disco samba to make people aware of who we are. The bewitching beat carries everything, with very touching and humanist lyrics with a universal message.”
Super Plage | Forêt Magique
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “An electro-pop project from Montreal producer Jules Henry, Super Plage offers a seductive sound flirting with nu-disco sonorities. Very prolific, Super Plage has unveiled three albums in the past two years: Super Plage I, Super Plage II ( winner of the Electro Album at GAMIQ 2021), and Électro-Vacance, as well as 21 remixes of Quebec artists. A little treat while waiting for the new material to come, his latest single Forêt Magique is accompanied by a hallucinogenic video directed by Virginie B.”
Nodfeld | Turbulence
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: Jazz.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Nodfeld was founded in 2020 and is dedicated to minimalist music played on piano and double bass, with a little electronics. The artist behind the project has been producing and publishing electronic music for more than 20 years. His debut album Cloud Code was released in 2021. this is the first single taken from the upcoming new album Off. The track has two elements — piano and double bass — and a jazzy feel.”
Dread Hop King | She Got It
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Rising star Dread Hop King is poised to take the recording industry by storm. His distinct sound and clever metaphors, influenced by his love for hip-hop and reggae music, separate him from conventional rappers. Born in the Bronx to Jamaican parents and raised in Tampa, DHK was exposed to a variety music at an early age, thanks to his father’s reggae band. By age eight, he had performed with Ziggy Marley, Sugar Minott, Burning Spear, Cutty Ranks, Yellow Man and more. In 1999 he helped form Evenin Rhidaz, opening up for T.I., Wyclef, Ying Yang Twins and more. EVR still exist, but each member is taking time to shine as a solo artist as well. “This is a song that caters to women in general,” he says. “She Got It is an up-tempo song to close out the summer.”
Helen Keeling-Marston | Noir
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Noir is a relaxing, minimalistic, sometimes dark, sometimes bittersweet felt piano, cello and violin. I composed this while reflecting on some of the world’s big challenges.”
Luminous Wavez | Revenge Song Spiritual
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Folk-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “The debut song from our new EP Ashes Of The Artist, Revenge Song Spiritual is a brooding contemplation on a feeling many of us have but so few of us will admit: The desire for revenge. Mixed and mastered by Math Bishop (U2, The Killers), and arranged and performed by Leaone with lyrics by Mike Dobbins, Revenge Song Spiritual takes the reins where Johnny Cash left off.”
D Fine Us | A Little Bit Of Rain (ft. Luscious Spiller)
HOME BASE: Israel.
GENRE: R&B / Soul.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Some artists are more than entertainers. They love to connect with the audience through their music, capturing their imagination. This is the case with D Fine Us, also known as Tomer Katz. He makes music based on his experiences, travels, encounters with others and more. He is a huge fan of blues, soul, and R&B but D Fine Us creates a musical language that is indisputably his own. A Little Bit Of Rain has a very immersive tone, while also incorporating familiar styles and influences in a very innovative way.”
Jade Ashtangini | Mother Earth Is Calling
HOME BASE: Taiwan.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Namaste! Jade Ashatngini is a pianist, composer, cellist and singer-songwriter based in Dallas and Taiwan. Her music is soothing and graceful, mixing modern classical, contemporary, minimalist, new age, classical crossover, ambient and more. Her unique soul can arouse people’s inner spirit and bring peace of mind. Modern classical with a mellow and melodic acoustic cello and piano duet, bringing you the most relaxing and beautiful music time.”
Dylan Rafael | Ancestral Groove
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This is my first release inspired by my love for tech house and Afrohouse. I did my absolute best to combine my favorite elements of both genres in a unique style. Fun facts about me: I’m from New York, I’m 23 years old, and I found my passion for DJing at 12. At 20 I slowly started to learn how to produce my own tracks. I started playing at local venues in New York City last year.”
Gateway Girl | Oblivion
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Oblivion is one of my 2022 tracks from my album Detox. It has been likened to Billie Eilish. It portrays the despair and mental-health damage that occurs when people get broken in relationships. Oblivion is the place you get to when nobody around you know what’s really going on. It’s part of the bigger story which the album takes you on.”
Charity Macklin | You Are My God
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Alberta’s Charity Macklin is an independent singer-songwriter crafting soulful, contemporary Christian music for the modern world. An experienced choir director, piano instructor, and performer, Macklin first began honing her skills at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto during her teens and early 20s. Guided by her emotive piano style and passionate vocals, Macklin’s music is honest, raw, and expressive. Drawing inspiration primarily from the Bible, Macklin’s musical inspirations range from Meat Loaf to classical,. Macklin also finds creative inspiration in the hard parts of life, taking time to listen to the stories of people who have found healing and purpose after incredibly and seemingly insurmountable circumstances.”
Frolin | Gratitude
HOME BASE: Norway.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I live in the southwestern part of Norway, 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.”
The English Disco | Something’s Wrong
HOME BASE: Spain.
GENRE: EDM.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m Buster from The English Disco and we’ve just released a lovely Ibiza-inspired house/disco remix.”
Henry Aberson | Vibe A
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Jazz-Funk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Henry Aberson is a drummer, producer and entrepreneur in Tulsa. Please check out Vibe A and support his music.”
Natural Twenty | Date Your Devil
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Jazz-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Natural Twenty are a group of Canadian-born Filipinos living in Calgary. They have over a combined decade’s worth of writing and performing experience. They have dedicated their passion and talent into their rendition of funk, jazz, soul and R&B. With influences like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Ocean, Anderson .Paak, Tom Misch, Hiatus Kaiyote, Snarky Puppy and Steely Dan, they have been compared to Daft Punk and John Legend.”
Valentin Riera | In My Head
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Pop-Punk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Valentin Riera is a singer-songwriter from Toulon who is influenced by Michael Jackson, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth and Daft Punk music. After many years playing in cover bands, participating in local singing contests and making cover videos, he decided it was time for him to write and create his own songs. Romantic by nature, he talks about his own expreriences of life to share his emotions in his music.”
Tenebleu | Coincé
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Tenebleu is a trilingual songwriter who toggles rap, R&B and soul, weaving between abstract hip-hop and the drum & bass jungle, detouring into trap and drill music — and adding his engaged, poetic and impactful lyrics.”
Chubby Hearts Club | My Love
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Montreal band, Chubby Hearts Club make music for your big, fat loving heart to groove to. Inspired by The Beatles, The Carpenters and even a bit of Frank Ocean, My Love is about how love and falling in love can take any shape, at anytime and be anywhere, yet still be that familiar feeling we all know.”
https://soundcloud.com/chubbyheartsclub/my-love/s-uPXolnOrlXi?si=dd26666887c44f2084ab0c0baec4dac4&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Beom | Pretty Ghost
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Thank you, and have a magical day.”
Eric John Kaiser | Chanson Pour L’Auvergnat
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Folk-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Parisian-born Portland musician Eric John Kaiser has carved a unique niche in the Americana scene with his bilingual songs. Exploring the U.S.A. and Canada one song at a time, Eric has performed in New Orleans, San Francisco and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. He has released six studio albums recorded in Paris, Portland, Oregon and Quebec, and shared the stage with Stereophonics, Revolver and The Lost Bayou Ramblers.”
Raf21 | Introspective Whispers
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Introspective Whispers is a modern instrumental work interpreted with a great solo piano finesse. Softly melancholic, this piece invites a moment of calm with its intimate atmosphere and its sound treatment that makes this track gravitate in the waters of neo-classical.”
DVous Music | When I Loved You (ft. Ashley Toman)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m Daniel Vincent, the man behind DVous Music. I’m an award-winning musician who started my music journey at 6 years old. It’s been quite an adventure, having performed in solo and band gigs. My first album Intensity Project was released in 2021. Since then I’ve released several singles that have been very popular on the EDM scene. When I Loved You is a pop love song featuring Ashley Toman, who wrote lyrics and sang about memories of a romance that slipped away.”
Saben | Habits (ft. Öde, Griffin Kenna)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Saben is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Florida who lives in Chicago. He considers himself a fusion artist, and enjoys surprising his listeners by pushing the boundaries of genres. “My music is my therapy, and if it resonates or brings solace to anyone else, all the better,” he says. “This song is about the struggle of taming your habits, how they tend to creep up on you, and the great heights you can come to when you start taking control of them. Take control of your destiny and conquer your thorns.”
Caco Mendes | Morena Má
HOME BASE: Brazil.
GENRE: Samba.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Caco Mendes is a musician and composer who makes Brazilian music filled with a wide range of influences, with emphasis on whistling melodies, unusual arrangements and lyrics that address diverse themes. He mixes jazz, blues, samba, acoustic songs and more, always featuring the unique presence of his guitar. Morena Má has a pleasant atmosphere and punchy rhythm led by soft vocals and the unmistakable touch of Brazilian guitar. The lyrics play with the imagination of those who hear the music. The song — like the rest of his album Sou Eu — was arranged and produced with the great, much-missed musician Arthur Maia.”
Winter Games | Had 2 Go (ft. Alisa Raike)
HOME BASE: Finland.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “We all love a bit of U.K. garage, right!? But have you ever heard an U.K. garage track from Finland? If not, you should definitely check this out.”
Liam Odeon | Ton P’Tit Papier
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Classical Pop.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “My third single is a piano-vocal number recorded at Midilive Studio in Paris with concert pianist Marilou Nezey. it is about the many breakups we go through in a lifetime — social, professional, romantic … they sometimes touch deeply. Everyone reacts differently. Here, the loved one leaves a note, a letter. It was mixed by Nicolas Bénier and mastered at Ferber Studios by Simon Lancelot.”
