Timeless trio Karmacoda shares self-empowerment ballad, ‘Try At Me.’

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…

Indie rockers Earthquake Lights tackles the issue of loss in new single, ‘Heartbeat’

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…

Kaitlyn Eve transports us to the early days of romance with stunning ballad, ‘Before Goodbyes’

New York City-based singer-songwriter KAITLYN EVE‘s new single, ‘Before Goodbyes’ brings to life wanting to live in the moment between early romance and falling in love.

The acoustic guitar driven, the indie-pop ballad weaves a bittersweet tale with ethereal piano, romantic cello, and intimate harmonies. The track’s stunning arrangements and emotive lyrics take on a dreamlike state, transporting listeners to the intoxicating early days of romance and inviting us to cherish those fleeting moments of pure, unguarded connection.

Kaitlyn Eve is inspired by artists from all eras, from Carole King and Billy Joel to Sarah Bareilles, Alessia Cara, and Billie Eilish. This mix of pop, rock and soul has influenced her own music. She is especially inspired by the storytelling songwriters craft into their songs and how music has the magic that transports to a specific place and moment in time. When the pandemic shut the world and live music down, she took advantage of the time to develop her sound and purpose as an artist, telling stories of love and heartbreak. Kaitlyn believes there is nothing that can connect and bring people together the way music can.

‘Before Goodbyes’ was released yesterday (19th January) across multiple music platforms. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…

Song of the Day: She Knows – Miranda Joan

‘She Knows’ from Canadian singer/songwriter MIRANDA JOAN, is a celebration of female friendship.

Miranda confides, “Being a woman comes with a complex set of stories that push and pull us in so many directions. The undercurrent is one of immense power, but often its surface is restless with questions of worth in a world that often challenges our value and undermines our personhood. I am increasingly in awe of and grateful for those who live in strength and self-knowing and remind me of our power. This song is in honor of the friends who can see through choppy waters and into the crystal clear hues of your humanity; those who truly see you, who love you, who know you.”

Miranda Joan has found success sharing the stage with high profile artists including Andy Grammar, Lorde, Shawn Mendes, The Killers and more. She has received acclaim from the likes of Consequence, NPR, BBC and LADYGUNN to name a few. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…

Watch Lilith Merlot’s video for single, ‘Easier To Fight’

Singer-songwriter LILITH MERLOT shares the live music video for her single ‘Easier To Fight’. The single is taken from her EP, Shades Of Blue, out now.

‘Easier To Fight’, as a song, is timeless and heartfelt. Merlot’s vocals are encapsulating and soulful, oozing an incredible emotion over the subtle instrumental of Wurlitzer keys and cello. Topically exploring the themes we all feel when stuck in a relationship, it’s an emotionally charged ballad with an incredible message.

The music video is no different. With the audio being a completely fresh and live rendition of the track, it features Merlot shimmering atop an imposing man-made structure as she delivers her sublime vocals with a raw yet gentle delivery befitting of the video and the song. It is slow paced, with incredible panning and shots, putting Merlot at the forefront while the Wurlitzer and cello are performed live alongside her. With the sky bursting with colorful hues amidst a glistening crescent moon in the background, the cinematography is nothing short of epic, a perfect fit for an anthemic love ballad.

Known for her timeless voice, Dutch singer and songwriter Lilith Merlot has been enchanted by harmony and melody from a young age. During her Jazz vocals studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory, Lilith performed in front of American singer Renée Neufville (known for her work with Roy Hargrove, RH Factor), who remarked: “Your voice is just like a Merlot; it’s so warm, deep, and round”. This inspired Lilith to use Merlot as her stage name. Since releasing her debut EP in 2017, Lilith has been experimenting with various genres, from Jazz to Pop and Soul, influenced by Lizz Wright, Jeff Buckley, and Norah Jones, to name a few, creating music reminiscent of Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, and Madeleine Peyroux.

With nearly 5 million streams across platforms and support from tastemakers METAL Magazine, her music has aired across a number of stations under the established Netherlands public broadcaster NPO, earning spins on NPO Soul & Jazz, where she has previously featured as a guest speaker, and NPO 3FM Radio. In the past, she has performed live on the Roodshow on NPO Radio 2, NPO Radio 5, NPO Radio 1. Not to mention airing on Sublime FM. While on Spotify, her music has landed on the editorial playlist Sad Covers.

Watch for video for ‘Easier To Fight’ below…