Song of the Day: Acapulco – The Sometimes Island

THE SOMETIMES ISLAND are a synth-forward pop band based in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. The exciting and highly visual live band is comprised of charismatic frontman Matt Blankenship Jr and anchored by drummer Nick Lopiano.

Their single, ‘Acapulco’ explores the excitement of beginning a new chapter of life, yet the contrasting sentiment that comes with it. Blankenship Jr states, “I wrote the song Acapulco to capture that listless ennui I was trapped under in Los Angeles, framing it with a fantasy of an ignored lover reaching their breaking point, leaving and abruptly buying a plane ticket.” The narrative almost ironically pairs with a dream-pop backing, harmonic rhythms, John Mayer inspired guitar riff and a truly contagious chemistry.

The accompanying cinematic music video for ‘Acapulco’ mirrors the song’s story, as we witness the demise of a relationship, where one party decides to flee and head for a better, more wholesome life.

Their forms of expression and musical ingenuity make The Sometimes Island ones to watch this year. With their previous EP Beverly & Barbara peaking at #2 internationally on Apple’s Alternative chart, rocketing past even the likes of Billie Eilish, the duo have also amounted over 800,000 monthly listeners, with streaming numbers in the millions. The Sometimes Island are becoming true pioneers of pop as we know it.

Have a peep at the official video below…

Baytrees Share Sensual New Single ‘Lover’

Brixton-hailing four-piece BAYTREES have been crafting their unique blend of hip hop beats, funky rock riffs and catchy pop hooks since 2018. Their ew single ‘Lover’ follows recent single ‘Stitches’ but takes things up a notch in terms of infectious danceability. With ‘Lover’, sticky, sensual restrained grooves make way for Baytrees’ aching collective harmonies. The hypnotic track twists and turns as the intensity of the lovers in the accompanying video rises.

Baytrees is made up of brothers Mensah (songwriter, producer, lead singer, keyboard, guitarist and producer) and Kwame Hart (Bass Guitar), who are joined by friends Marcus Harris (drums and vocals) and Cujoe Ryan (guitarist and keys). Collectively, the members of the band have supported acts including The Sex Pistols, grime sensation Kano, and rock royalty The Rolling Stones. As songwriters, Baytrees have worked with legendary Italian artist Gianna Nannini on her album ‘La Differenza’ which reached number 2 in the Italian charts.

On the track, lead singer and songwriter Mensah Hart says: “Inspired by Prince, Marvin Gaye, Bootsy Collins and 90s hip hop, ‘Lover’ is all about the funk with soulful harmonies, guitar riffs and a seriously funky baseline. We want ‘Lover’ to make people dance, and to be something people can hear on a night out and sing to each other and ultimately connect over.”

Check out the video below…

Song of the Day: Lil 5i5 – Cassie Marin

Los Angeles-based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist CASSIE MARIN‘s single, ‘Lil 5i5’ is the final release from her much-anticipated album, also titled ‘Lil 5i5’, out from last Friday (12th August.)

‘Lil 5i5,’ was the first song Cassie wrote for the project and the one that would inspire the trajectory of the rest of the album. The song is a perfect encapsulation of the album, showcasing Cassie’s trademark saccharine vocals and infectious, glittery synth-pop production.

Cassie elaborates on the title track: “While writing ‘Lil 5i5’ I got to this place where I was more forgiving of my inherited and learned limiting beliefs. I was no longer beating myself up about them and I decided to have fun shedding all of this stuff that did not belong with my identity and values. I allowed myself to just let go and be honest, but also not take myself too seriously and have fun. I hope the listeners are able to feel that for themselves when they hear it.”

Constantly exploring new musical and visual dimensions, Cassie Marin has emerged as an avant-garde luminary in the left-of-center pop space. Her upcoming album, Lil 5i5, which will be out on August 12th, is a dynamic 19-track album that shows off Cassie ever-evolving musicality. Pairing the rhythms of dance music with emotive melodies and meaningful lyricism, Lil 5i5 sees Cassie at her strongest and most vulnerable yet. “I started pursuing music as a career because of what music did and still does for me; it saves me every day,” she says. “I want my music to be there for anyone and everyone who needs it the way that music was there for me.”

Have a listen to Cassie’s single below…

Song of the Day: Summer In The Morning – Rob Lea

ROB LEA‘s latest offering, ‘Summer In The Morning’ arrives just in time for the warmer months.

Renowned for his Queen tribute band Majesty, which has toured huge venues across the UK and Europe, Rob’s solo project demonstrates his versatility as an artist, going from an emotive power ballad to a vibrant sun-soaked summer hit.

Speaking about ‘Summer In The Morning’, Rob Lea shares: “This song is about fun, sun, love and freedom. I wanted to create a song you can let go, sing at the top of your voice, dance on the table and have a great time.”

Following on from his debut single ‘Reflection’ earlier this year, ‘Summer In The Morning’ was released via Nashville record label WBA, whose roster includes John Oats, The Little River Band, Michael Londra and many more talented artists. Have a listen below…

Crystal Starr Is ‘Head Over Heels’ In Brand New Single.

Two-time award-winning recording artist CRYSTAL STARR‘s new single, ‘Head Over Heels’, is an undeniable love song not to be overlooked that projects you right in the middle of two current HIT TV shows, “Stranger Things” and “Physical.” Sporting dreamy soundscapes that transports you on a sunny beach, ‘Head Over Heels’ enters a time machine into the fleeting feeling of the 80’s, the soundtrack of endless love and ruthless hope.

Speaking about the catchy, Crystal says, “I wrote the song based on the love I saw my grandparents have for each other growing up. The type of love that doesn’t fade, or envy, or leave when someone gets upset at one another. The type of love that is not selfish and self-seeking.”

Known for her hit songs like ‘All Mine’, ‘I Still Love You’, ‘Again’ and her album #She, Crystal Starr is a timeless artist with an unmistakable voice. Her second album, #She was an inspiration for women to come together and celebrate the power of unity.

‘Head Over Heels’ is taking from Cystral’s forthcoming album, Popstarr. The album track is produced by Grammy Award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Keith Harris, best known for his work on the Black Eyed Peas’; “Imma Be” and Estelle’s “American Boy”, and record producer and engineer Renard Hughes.

Have a listen to the single below…