Song of the Day: Every Time I See the Ocean – Cassie Marin

Infusing harmonic electro-pop beats with ethereal R&B vocals, CASSIE MARLIN’s ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ is an evocative and captivating listen. Confronting the malaise of alienation, Cassie opens her heart to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood. It’s a song about searching for acceptance in a world where people expect you to remain the same, finding comfort in change, and finding strength in the solitude and pain.

The title of the track — ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ — is an ode to Cassie’s upbringing near the beach. Expanding on this, she says, “I didn’t have anyone to play with as a child, but somehow the ocean had a presence so strong I forgot about my feelings of loneliness when I would swim in it. I remember daydreaming underwater and using my imagination in ways that felt so close to magic. I felt I metamorphosed in there. To this day I really do change drastically when I visit the ocean, it’s like taking a vitamin that induces me to refresh and be deeply honest with myself. This song is that to me, a dip into an underwater daydream.“

Arriving on the heels of ‘Tanto’ and ‘Busy Body,’ ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ is the newest glimpse of what to expect from Cassie’s forthcoming 2022 album. With these new songs, Cassie takes a propulsive leap with her songwriting, opening up about her most private battles and innermost thoughts. Instead of succumbing to self-indulgence and pity, she wields her hardships as a portal to empower and transform. “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 ‘Every Time I See The Ocean’ below..

Magi Merlin Shares New Single, ‘Free Grillz’ + Video

After courting a cult following with her underground EPs Drug Music, On My Way to the Listening Party, and subsequent singles, the ever-mysterious Canadian artist, MAGI MERLIN (pronounced MADGE-eye) is stepping into her moment with new single, ‘Free Grillz.’ The new track follows off earlier tips from CRACK Magazine and spots opening for the likes of Lido Pimienta and playing at Osheaga alongside ODIE, Jessie Reyez, etc. She will support the new single with SXSW dates and a debut headline show in Brooklyn at Purgatory on March 9.

Produced by longtime collaborator and beatsmith Funkywhat, ‘Free Grillz’ finds Magi’s vocals gliding over frostbitten hi-hats, tectonic snares, and a shattering bassline showing off the extent of her talents, marrying a sensuous and self-assured rapping style with a wistful hook. Changing tact from earlier releases, Merlin switches out some of those syrupy R&B flavors for the sounds of 90’s house, drum and bass and acid-flecked hip-hop. ‘Free Grillz’ is a track that playfully aspires to the tropes of rap fame while also frankly reflecting on the realities of day-to-day life (like having your name mispronounced, or having to kick out the clingy man who won’t leave your apartment).

Directed by Walid Jabri, the music video for ‘Free Grillz’ shows Magi in an intimidating, cold and yet utterly captivating light. Proudly flaunting her grillz, she embodies the daring attitude of the song and mesmerizes viewers in an array of red hues and fast-moving shots. From motorcycle rides to blowing off a boring guy and mosh pitting, Magi keeps us on our toes as she references the lifestyle in the lyrics.

Check out the fierce video to the equally fierce track below…

Ally Eandi Delivers Heartfelt Break-Up Anthem, ‘Ghost Boy’

Delicately beautiful yet daunting, promising newcomer ALLY EANDI‘s new single, ‘ghost boy’, goes through the process of grieving after a heartfelt break-up, comparing the experience to a death of a close family member. Through her emotive vocal performance, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter ponders whether the one she once called her love, ever crossed her mind.

Since releasing her debut single, ‘My First Dance’ back in June 2021, Ally Eandi was met with instant critical acclaim for her ability to produce emotionally raw yet whimsical lyrics that are often compared to the likes of Girl In Red, Chloe Moriondo, and Olivia Rodrigo.

For her fourth and current single, the teenage songstress has worked with producer Kate Malone (Sam Hunt, Emma White, Alana Springsteen) to bring her well receiving spelling-bounding storytelling further to life.

Have a listen to Ally’s magical offering ‘ghost boy’ below…

OUT TODAY: Listen To Darren Parry’s Single, ‘Unconditional Love’

Hot on the heels of his summer ear worm track, ‘Summer Of Love’, multi-award winning Welsh, singer/songwriter DARREN PARRY returns and treats us to a stunning ballad entitled ‘Unconditional’.

Darren says of the meaning behind the latest single… “If you describe something as unconditional, you mean that the person doing or giving it does not require anything to be done by other people in exchange or return”.

‘Unconditional’ was co-written with ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard and who also co-wrote Darren’s summer track ‘Summer Of Love’) and one of Wales’ top vocalists/performers, Lee Gilbert.

The single was written via Zoom during the lockdown periods, initially for a Hollywood film, which featured a 12-year-old-boy saying a tearful farewell to his father. Due to lockdown restrictions in the US, the film did not go ahead – but the song still remains!

So without further ado, it’s time to listen to Darren new heartfelt single below…

Song of the Day: F**king Like King Kong – Marina Massanova

Artist/producer MARINA MASSANOVA sent shockwaves into the music-scene and beyond with her single ‘F*cking You Like King Kong’. Tik Tok banned her video for explicit content – and YouTube followed closely behind – but despite this, the mere corporate censorship would never slow her down; it would only serve to inspire her.

The single is built on sexually explicit, confident empowering vibes, and unapologetic self-expression – the fact that social media moved so quickly to ban Marina’s art & music only furthered the points she’s been making all along. As a result, “Fcking You Like King Kong” instantly became THE anthem for celebrating exactly who you are, and turning this life into everything you desire.

Providing a whole lotta FUN along the way in the process, the sensational, low-down & dirty electro-based, bass-driven beat is a perfect pairing with the spectacular charisma & X-factor talent of Marina’s extraordinary vocals. Combined with her new video, which intentionally turns the camera back towards society via a Zoom-inspired theme to hold the mirror up to who we are as the truest version of ourselves, ‘Fcking You Like King Kong’ becomes every bit as much of a riot to experience onscreen as it is through the speakers. Exploring what could happen if everyone in the Zoom room just let loose for a moment, turned the music UP where it belongs, and set themselves completely free to do whatever was on their mind – ‘Fcking You Like King Kong’ is ultimately about expression in its most beautiful forms.

Have a listen to Marina’s Risqué offering below…