RICHI CAMARENA‘s new single ‘Promise You’, is a stunning expression of the most amazing emotion -love – that showcases Richi’s signature sound that includes wonderful melodies, his iconic background voices and his unique voice.
With 17 releases under his belt, Richi Camarena has more than 100,000 streams on his debut album, an interview for a Canadian TV show, and a daily growth of his social media followers.
Richi said: “I hope this song serves as a constant reminder, that true love does exist. So, whenever anyone wants to say, promise, or demonstrate someone how important they are, how loved they really are, I’ll be more than glad to let my song be a part of that expression”
‘Promise You’ was released last Friday (15th March) on all streaming platforms. Have a listen below…
Sometimes your most rewarding relationship is the one you have with yourself. Over the course of a career that’s taken her from Canada to Nashville—and from the alt-pop/industrial world to the country arena and back again—the phenomenon known as OUDi has learned that lesson all too well. And she’s sharing it on ‘My Old Friend,’ an irresistible high-drama ballad that marks her debut as a solo artist after years of sharing the spotlight.
Built on a plaintive instrumental melody and a mesmerizing clockwork rhythm, the song carries the emotional weight of a conversation you have in the mirror when there’s no one left around to hoodwink. OUDi’s compelling vocal starts off at a seductive purr as she confronts an inner solitude, she might not exactly welcome, but knows she can always count on:
Hello loneliness, can’t say I missed you/But let me tell you this, now I need you
The internal co-dependency fully acknowledged, her amazing voice opens up into a bittersweet embrace of the darkness:
Go and do that thing you do, make me feel and lose my mind/‘Cause I have nothing left to lose, you’ve been waiting all this time/I dare you come a little closer and rest your head upon my shoulder.
This isn’t just a declaration of artistic independence; it’s the story of a life. Born Chrystal Oudijk, she was out of the house and supporting herself by age 16, while pursuing her musical muse through a variety of projects. There was the five-piece alternative band The Perfect Strangers, the pop-industrial project Jakalope (for producer Dave “Rave” Ogilvie) and then—most famously—the pop-country duo Sons of Daughters (with Jimmy Thow). She was Chrystal Leigh by that point, and finding such success as a Billboard-charting, CCMA Award-nominated artist that she had even moved to Nashville from her native Vancouver. There was just one problem:
“Jimmy and I struggled as creative partners,” she divulges. “Add in alcohol, anxiety & depression and we had ourselves a real party!”
The near loss of a family member due to addiction and the confusion of the early pandemic era only deepened her dissatisfaction. When Sons of Daughters parted ways, she took two years to regroup, rethink and write her very first solo album. The release of ‘My Old Friend’ is the opening salvo in her new career—strike that, her new state of being—as OUDi. It also sounds the death knell for what she describes as an adulthood full of toxic relationships and creative compromises.
“I’ve been living in survival mode my entire life,” she reflects. “It’s only been in the past two years I’ve been training my nervous system to relax. I’m excited to finally put my stories to song, for I have a lot of them.”
The year 2024 is going to mark a real renaissance for this woman, she even directed the music video for ‘My Old Friend,’ exploiting a side talent she’s cultivated during her recent period of self-emancipation and reinvention. Her explanation for all of it is as sanguine as the song is bleak, yet equally self-aware:
“I guess it goes to show when you start to live your life authentically and true to yourself, magic really can happen.” Why not watch the video for ‘My Old Friend’ below…
The second song of the day of 2024 comes from ALOYSIUS BELL (a·lo·wish·us bell), the alter ego of Winnipeg-born, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Annick Brémault.
Her single ‘Wreckage’ was inspired after having an argument with her partner. With a captivating ethereal glow elegantly reverbing throughout the almost five-minute production, ‘Wreckage’ carries a valid message that, even though you can be so furious with your person one day, you might not even remember what the fight was about the next – afterall, love conquers all.
Taken from her brand new EP, ‘Warm Thing’, released last Friday (2nd February). Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…
Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.
Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”
With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.
‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…
EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS is a four-piece rock outfit from NYC. Having all met during their time at college, the band quickly saw success with their very first EP, earning placements in a national NBA/Tissot ad campaign and an Alex Gibney documentary. Their music has received critical acclaim alongside multiple Spotify editorial playlists and a placement in Isabel Sandoval’s award-winning film Lingua Franca, as well as a feature on Vulfpeck’s album The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate.
Earthquake Lights kick off 2024 with the release of their new single, ‘Heartbeat.’ Inspired by the loss of a vulnerable family member, the poignant track is a reminder to cherish our loved ones in the face of looming troubles. The band dig into the unpredictability and fear of loss, particularly with losing people sooner than you think. Lead singer Myles Rodenhouse shares, “It’s about that moment before the end – when you know it will end but do not know when exactly.”
The introspective song features a programmatic element to the arrangement, where the kick-drum and bass mimic the sound of a heart murmur. Taking inspiration from Japanese classical composers, Rodenhouse confides, “Melody takes a lot of reflection for me. Being on my own allows me to find something more personal.” ‘Heartbeat’ is dedicated to the Mikel Sisters. Listen to the stunning single below…
New Lease Music 