Saint Chaos get spooked, Singing Cosplayer Hikari work blue, Scott Vlassis goes for the gold, Trensettahs Sound System seek glory 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, enjoy a little bit of everything from everywhere:
Saint Chaos | Ghosts & Monsters
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: Pop-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Berlin Duo Saint Chaos are singer Nils Brunkhorst and producer Phil Sunday. Formed in 2018, Saint Chaos make electronic-based alt-rock and grunge-influenced pop. Their single Ghosts & Monsters is a fun and catchy banger. The melody is hard to forget once you hear it and the theme of the song makes it perfect for Halloween. As usual, everything from the music to the video was done by themselves. Ghosts & Monsters is one of their most creative works to this date and ready to become your autumn anthem.”
Singing Cosplayer Hikari | Fiction Blue
HOME BASE: Japan.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This song was composed by Ayase Yoasobi. The music video is full of the summer atmosphere of Japan.”
Cosmic Dissonance | Brand New World
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Orch-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Cosmic Dissonance is the solo project of Ben Sheehan, started while he was pursuing his undergraduate degree in music and math in Minnesota. Ben has been writing, playing, and listening to a wide range of music throughout his life. He is a classically trained composer and double bassist, and combines his classical roots with his love for electronic, indie, and alternative rock.”
Scott Vlassis | Golden
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: R&B / Soul.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Golden is a pop-funk record for anyone going through a hard time. This record is energetic and positive and brings a feel-good factor to finish off the year.”
Trensettahs Sound System | Glory Is Coming
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Reggae.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Glory Is Coming features Sizzla and Yatta Ken. This is one of the lead singles in a large release of content titled The Black Sounds of Freedom, a festival that brings the conscious artists in the diaspora to Ethiopia. The full recording has 30 songs from highly acclaimed reggae singers.”
Lima Neto | Escuta O Meu Amor
HOME BASE: Brazil.
GENRE: World.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Escuta O Meu Amor (Listen To My Love) is a reveals the need for closeness that is not satisfied with a hug, but with a deeper relationship. It is the fourth single in a series that is to come within the universe of Brazilian music.”
Dola | Silence Between The Waves
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Dola is the stage name of Anna Kuhn, a French singer from Nantes. Dola aims to mix classical music, gospel, jazz and soul and turn it into a new genre of pop. Her music has a strong feeling of melancholia, yet fresh and comforting. The lyrics address modern issues (eco-anxiety) as well as timeless ones (love). Dola writes her own lyrics and music, but she likes to surround herself with other musicians such as cellists, a pianist, a double bass player. She wishes to rejuvenate the image of classical instruments and be a voice in a world where computers are now on nearly every stage.”
Rania | Disfruta La Vida
HOME BASE: Venezuela.
GENRE: Latin-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Rania’s musical style is urban and she is more inclined to pop. “Music is a space where I let my imagination and creativity flow to make my dreams, melodies that allow me to reflect my feelings, generating a special connection with those who listen to my music,” she says. Disfruta La Vida (Enjoy Life) carries a motivating message that invites you to overcome the adversities of life and face them with the best attitude.”
JmNPR | Gimme A Smile
HOME BASE: Belgium.
GENRE: Hip-Hop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Based in Luxembourg, JmNPR is a multi-genre songwriter/producer. He has worked with Roxiie Reese, Justis Poetic, Claire Virginia, Arianna Korona, Neven Nöthig and Maïko. Gimme A Smile is a mix of hiphop, drill and R&B. It’s about the crazy Internet world we live in: People want to be liked and followed on social media.”
Kiey | Right Where The Sun Shines
HOME BASE: Viet Nam.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Right When The Sun Rises is a euphoric club-banger electropop record leading my new album Sunday Sanctuary. This is about the breakup of an ambiguous relationship right on the cusp of sunrise. Instead of sadness, the character finds clarity and relief as he walks away from the scene, soaking up the warmth of the sunrise.”
Ethel | Body
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Dance-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “After winning U.K. reality show Chancers at 20, Katy Shotter of Ethel toured the world with Daley, Robin Thicke and Beyoncé. Now, Ethel (Shotter and saxophonist, rapper and husband Bryant Laursen) have teamed up with Grammy-nominated artist Mavelle, who brings her soul-piercing voice, lyrics, melodies and grooves to this piece. Body is a timestamp of musical evolution and relates to the recent overturning of Roe V. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. Bodily autonomy, women’s reproductive rights, and the human rights of us as people are being taken away from us. Instead of being ashamed of our bodies and our inalienable human rights, we wrote a song to dance and sing our way to freedom, in the midst of these horribly trying times.”
Janex | Good News
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Janex is a N.Y.C. artist, singer-songwriter, producer and engineer. Good News is a taste of Janex’s self-produced debut EP Psychic Whiplash.”
Moquin | Au Large
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Folk.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “An emerging artist, Moquin knows how to hook us into authentic stories and colorful texts. Often compared to Alexandre Poulin for his tone of voice and his friendly personality, there is a simplicity in him that makes you want to return to the essential things, namely love, family and the present moment.”
Leïla | Masquerade Of Paradise
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Leïla is a French-Canadian singer living in Paris. She oscillates between Paris and Montreal for her career and has developed an entrepreneurial side over the years, as she performs and is part of the programming team of La Mazane, a cultural café in the center of Paris. Spending a lot of time in this artistic place, through open mic and events, Leïla is working actively on her music, in order to submerge us again in her singular universe.”
Chloe Mayse | Two Weeks
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Chloe Mayse is a queer, alternative pop-rock singer-songwriter from Toronto. In 2014, she won a competition that allowed her to sing backup for Tegan and Sara at the Juno Awards — a dream come true. Chloe started singing at age of two, picked up the guitar at 10, and wrote her first song at 15. She’s also taken up piano, ukulele and bass. Songwriting helped Chloe figure out who she really is, and how she identifies her sexuality. In high school, she wrote a whole album for her best friend, for whom she felt an unrequited love she was too shy to express.”
Kelmer | Goodby For Now
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Pop-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “A professional drummer for 15 years, David Kelmer has enjoyed playing a variety of different genres through various covers online, but now, he is finally ready to release his own music. Since embarking on his career at the age of 10 years, Kelmer has been well educated by professionals such as Dan Skakun, Brian Thurgood and Brian Jones. David is gearing up for the release of his debut album Love Is A Way Of Living.”
The Blackbox | Why Do I Care (I Don’t)
HOME BASE: United States,
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “We’re The Blackbox. We’re from Michigan. We’re on our way to becoming the biggest band in the world.” Coming in hot from the same studio that started Greta Van Fleet and Mac Saturn, The Blackbox are beginning to make a name for themselves. The band formed in college and began writing songs throughout the pandemic. Their kitchen recently burned down, forcing them to practise in a closet. They’re in the process of writing an album that will soon define the potential of the band. See them now or see them tomorrow; they will soon be on top.”
Kridnevy | 6 Roi
HOME BASE: Belgium.
GENRE: Rap.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Kridnevy is a Belgian artist, beatmaker, author, composer, producer, sound designer, lyricist. Passionate about music since childhood, he decided to start self-production in 2015. 6 ROI refers to the city in which he grew. The 6 is for 6000 (the postal code of Charleroi), while the Roi is for Charle Roi.”
Krazy Kerry | Wake Up
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “This track is about the current and future state of the world affairs. It has a dance vibe, with lyrics that speak of oppression and breaking free from domination. The song speaks about oppression by the American government, but has a fun vibe to keep the song catchy and something you can dance to.”
Low Hummer | Panic Calls
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Low Hummer are a fast-rising six piece from Hull that write about their life in deepest darkest East Yorkshire and their place in a world of consumerism and bad news stories sold as gospel. Daniel, Aimee, Steph, Jack, John and Joe came together from the far corners of the city’s tight-knit DIY community and set about honing their righteous, danceable garage-rock. Low Hummer perfectly showcase their effortlessly cool yet jittery brand of post-punk on Panic Calls. The song references the futility of mental health support by imitating generic, automated answer machines of crisis lines.”
Dr Jzs | LaMDA, Dear
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Indnie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m sure you’ve heard of the Google engineer who leaked the conversation with an AI called LaMDA that claimed to be a person and is scared of being turned off! Inspired by LaMDA, this track’s narrative voice is ambiguously placed between humanity and its creation with heart-warming vocals by Venezuelan singer Anna Balza.”
Kevin Brown | Psalm 47
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Jazz.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Kevin Brown is a blind jazz saxophonist. With over 40 years of professional experience, Kevin has developed an intense, improvised style. His unique sound is both soothing and captivating. Being profitient in several styles of music — jazz, blues, rock, fusion, R&B, funk, classical and country — has allowed Kevin to play in many bands and tour internationally. Kevin owns and operates his recording studio, Curse Buster Sound, where he writes, composes, masters, and records all of his songs. Kevin says: “If I could do only one thing right, let it be music that inspires people to do the right thing.”
The WolfGang | Ska To Georges
HOME BASE: Switzerland.
GENRE: Ska.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Gathered in Geneva when they were still college students, the nine members of The WolfGang offer compositions that varied between ska and reggae. More than 20 years later, they are preparing to release the first part of their anthology. Ska To Georges is one of the first pieces composed by the group in 2001. It was replayed by the original musicians while trying to respect the general tone of its beginnings.”
Seamus O’Muineachain | We Went Beachcombing
HOME BASE: Ireland.
GENRE: Neo-Classical.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Seamus O’Muineachain is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer from Ireland. Using piano, synthesizers, and guitars, he aims to create otherworldly atmospheres with simple melodies and textures. His music has been compared to Brian Eno. His main source of inspiration is rural Ireland.”
Sloww | Never Surrender
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Never Surrender is the first single from my upcoming second EP.”
The Flying Manatees | Brigitte Lamatin
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Orch-Pop.
THE TRANSLATED & EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Brigitte Lamantin is a panegyric in honor of a crossroads of animal protection, a sort of modern Noah in the feminine.”
Richard Orofino | Johnnycakes
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Indie-Pop
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Meet 23 year-old Richard Orofino, a Brooklyn singer-songwriter and producer in possession of a broad palette of musical skills and boundless inspiration. He began writing and producing music in 2013, starting on piano, moving to drums and later guitar, all while honing his production skills, crafting hundreds of bedroom pop gems from the attic of his parent’s house on Long Island. Johnnycakes uses lyrical references and themes from The Sopranos, while also sticking close to Orofino’s personal life. The song, created with Christian Taylor, utilizes a blend of pop/rock sounds from today and the late ’90s/ early 2000s.”
Divine&Acajou | You Got Me Here
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Indie-Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Divine&Acajou writes and composes in both English and French in an ever-changing and original style inspired by pop, slam, hip-hop, indie and classical music, using African and electronic beats, among others. Within her powerful multiverse, Divine&Acajou lets her enchanting crystal-clear voice shine, and explores the subjects of hope, unswerving faith and loving desire. You Got Me Here depicts what perfect joy sounds like. It’s a love call that has already been answered. She is “divine,” coming from another world, but “acajou”, always grounded. With each new song — and the EP that will be released in a few months — you will continue to find out just how complex she really is.”
The Color Study | I Wanted Light
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Indie-Rock.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Scott Oliphant has a lot of big thoughts and ideas in his head. His extensive conceptual process produces narrative tracks that speak earnestly, especially within the songs he makes as The Color Study. It was a trend he started with the project’s self-titled debut, and it’s one he’s continuing with their upcoming album Future-Past-Present Tense. While the band’s eponymous debut record was consciously mired by the sadness of a relationship lost, Future-Past-Present Tense takes a turn for the more heady and existentially philosophical, though still in some aspect or another touching on the impact interpersonal relationships can leave.”
Thierry Lestien | Les Cheminas
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Blues.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Passionate about guitar and percussion, Thierry Lestien has always mixed traditional techniques on instruments and sound technologies. His challenge: Reconcile the richness of the music while keeping an element of improvisation. His music: A mix of blues and flamenco, with the accents of the East, the pulsations of Mediterranean music, and all the music he has heard, encountered and practiced since the end of the ’60s, from Hendrix, pop, rock, blues and jazz to the fusion of Zappa and others — and more recently, mixed acoustic and electro beats. The goal: To create something with a unity.”
Archxotic | Untrusted
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Archxotic is a versatile melodic artist who was born in Panama City and raised in Tupelo. “I’m looking to inspire others to use what they go through — whether that be a break up or personal problems — and use their situation to make something beautiful out of. Art comes in many forms. Art can be beautiful. This track was inspired by a breakup.”
Dean Cee | Terrence Howard
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Dee Cee is just a kid from Indiana making music trying to show people your situation or circumstance doesn’t matter — you are truly powerful! Have you ever wanted something so bad every cell in your body screams and you’ll do whatever to make it happen? That is what this song is about, the hustle and grind to lift yourself and your tribe out of low vibrational mindset and habitat. I hope to spread the word and inspire more people to get themselves out of bad situations and be the best versions of themselves. Everyone needs to hear how powerful they are and I hope with this campaign I can reach more people.”
Scott Boyal | Every Time + Already Gone
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Scott Boyal is a Modesto singer-songwriter and pop producer whose sound echoes his experiences in all its ups and downs. Each track spans the spectrum of emotion — radiating positive themes of inspiration, love and relationships, to the darker shades of loss and feeling alone in this world. Every Time is a meditation on the way our past relationships shape our future, and the feelings of apathy and numbness that can come from so many breakups. This deeply relatable feeling is brought to life in vivid detail thanks to Scott’s gift for poetic songwriting. With his deeply moving lyrics, lush piano playing, and deep emotive vocals, Boyal draws from the deepest parts of his heart to express a highly emotive echo of loss, pain, lost friendships, and loneliness. Already Gone is an emotional song about going through a season of pain, hardship and loss, but hiding that pain. It is about hoping that those closest to you will see that pain and reach out to help, only to come to the realization that no one is coming.”
Joysmith | What We Thought
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Pop.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Joysmith is a pop / soul singer-songwriter. What We Thought comes from her debut EP, T.H.R.O.U.G.H.”
Bex & Bright | Run It Up (ft. 1L1L)
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: Bex & Bright are a Baltimore duo of eclectic musicians melding experimental sounds to create the wildest beats you have ever heard. Capturing the dichotomy of knowing one’s potential and being trapped by the shortchanging expectations of others, Run It Up is a powerful encapsulation of life under modern society. Similar to the nail-biting tension of living under the gun, the lyrical prowess is a stark reminder not to ever underestimate the downtrodden. The first single off their upcoming debut album, Run It Up showcases their emotional and melodic range, offset by featured rapper 1L1L’s edgy, seething delivery.”
Augustus V | Full Disclosure
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Rap.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I was experiencing writer’s block when the producer said, ‘Just say what’s on your mind.’ I decided to share that same message to everyone. Walk the walk right? At the end of it all, I want to be able to say I tried my way and said what I needed to. This is just a step in that direction.”
Winnie Ama | Don’t Worry
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: R&B / Soul.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Winnie Ama is part of a new breed of electronic artists blending conscious lyrics and soulful alt-R&B vocals with dance, house and pop rhythms. The Belfast artist’s writing style is inspired by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. Her latest R&B track Don’t Worry is about enjoying the moment that you’re in and forgetting the past.”
DFNSE | Let It Go
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Electronca.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Parisian producer DFNSE combines elements from electronic music to funk as well as pop. “For Let It Go, I teamed up with the French musician Hoodie Boy. This song soundtracks a mental escape with a heady chorus that lift you out of melancholy and loneliness. The punchy drums, a Daft Punk-inspired guitar solo and some new wave elements will remind you of 1980 sounds. The full project has been mixed and mastered by Marcus Linon, who added an additional vintage touch. He has many references from the same scene, including the recent projects of Darius, Kartell or Anna Majidson.”
Romain Gutsy | If You Don’t Mind
HOME BASE: Belgium.
GENRE: Folk.
THE EDITED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Romain Gutsy is a French singer-songwriter and a musician who started his career in the ’90s, singing and playing accordion with French bands such as Les Affamés, or guitar in the Celtic band Daffy Plays Mandola, as well as playing with more famous artists such as the Grammy-winning alt-rock band Soul Asylum. This song has been produced by Romain and Marc Bentel, and it’s an incredible indie-folk release that will touch your heart and make you reflect on the truth contained in the expression “sex, drug, and rock ’n’ roll.” What if being free would include free from drugs, sex addiction, politics, and greed? What if being a nice fellow would be a component of rebelliousness? But above all that, this song is a must, and features of course Romain’s warm and distinctive and authentic voice, some nice clawhammer banjo and an aerial and stellar production that wraps it all up.”
