Month: February 2025

Bad Bubble’s latest EP, ‘Oh My God‘, is a masterful journey into sound that leaves you feeling as if you’ve experienced an emotional transformation in under 20 minutes. From the moment “War” opens with its oozy, fluid rhythms, the EP sets the stage for a personal and expansive narrative. The track is far from conventional; its rhythm sways like a stream of consciousness, unpredictable and free. Vocally, Bad Bubble delivers a performance that ebbs and flows, expanding and contracting with such intensity that it almost feels like the music is alive, growing and breathing with every passing second.

The mood shifts dramatically as we enter the second track, “Hogs.” This track brings a sense of urgency and excitement through its dazzling synths and intricate beatwork. The music propels itself forward, while the vocals twist and spiral, echoing the track’s increasing emotional complexity. The evolution of sound here feels like a push and pull, as the song swings between moments of tension and release. Bad Bubble’s ability to create a sense of movement within his music is on full display, making the listener feel overwhelmed and invigorated by the intensity of the sonic landscape.

“Over Here” ushers in the EP’s third chapter with a rhythmic assertiveness contrasting with the earlier tracks’ more free-flowing nature. The emphatic beats are met with melodic motifs that feel almost like a declaration, a turning point in the sonic narrative. As the song builds, layers of harmonies emerge, cascading and merging, creating a sense of transcendence. It’s a track that feels like an ascent, an elevation from the ground into something clearer and brighter, reflecting Bad Bubble’s artistic mastery in crafting songs, and telling stories through sound.

The EP reaches its emotional zenith with “Gus Died.” Here, the music takes on an almost ethereal quality, with delicate piano melodies that slowly climb in what feels like an organic, intentional movement. As the song progresses, the vocals materialize like a soft, mournful cloud, their melancholy infusing the track with such a palpable sense of loss that it’s hard not to feel deeply connected. Yet, in this sadness, there’s a sense of catharsis, an uplifting of the soul as the music ascends, offering a bittersweet release. This final track brings a perfect sense of closure as if the journey through grief, reflection, and realization has come to an emotionally satisfying end.

Bad Bubble’s ‘Oh My God‘ is an EP that blends electronic music with deeply personal narratives in a way that’s both innovative and moving. The soundscapes he constructs are immersive and expansive, offering listeners not just a collection of songs, but a complete emotional experience. Each track is a testament to Bad Bubble’s commitment to his craft, refusal to take shortcuts, and unwavering dedication to his vision. The EP resonates with raw emotion, through its lyrics and its production and every detail is carefully crafted, every beat purposeful. ‘With Oh My God‘, Bad Bubble has created something truly unforgettable, a work of art that challenges the boundaries of electronic music and also elevates the listener’s emotional connection to it.

Connect to Bad Bubble on Spotify and YouTube

Jake Major is a young artist whose sound defies his age. At just 19, the Newcastle-based musician has already crafted a distinctive space within the electronic music scene. His style pays homage to the synth-heavy pioneers of the 1980s, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Giorgio Moroder, and Vangelis, yet maintains a modern, forward-looking touch. While nostalgia plays a significant role in his sound, Major blends these influences with a contemporary edge, creating retro and refreshingly new music. His inspirations span decades, from the early electronic innovators of the 70s and 80s to the euphoric trance and dance anthems of the 90s, setting the stage for his first major project in the trance/dance world, ‘Amsterdam Tapes, Vol 1‘.

With this debut EP, Major embarks on a deeper exploration of trance and dance music, incorporating vocal-driven tracks for the first time, a departure from his traditionally instrumental work. ‘Amsterdam Tapes, Vol 1‘ marks a significant evolution in his artistry, blending intricate synth textures with heartfelt lyrics while fully embracing the spirit of 90s rave culture. Amsterdam, a city synonymous with electronic music, serves as both the thematic and personal backdrop for the EP. Many of the tracks were conceived during his visits to the city, capturing its vibrant nightlife and unique energy, further enriching the emotional resonance of the project.

The EP’s opening track, “These Pills of Lust and Longing,” sets the tone with a hypnotic blend of euphoria and melancholy. Rooted in 90s trance aesthetics, the track pulses with layered synths and entrancing beats. Lyrically, it explores themes of escapism and fleeting romance, subtly critiquing the hedonistic excesses of rave culture. The line “I don’t care if it’s laced” adds a darker undertone, highlighting the dangers of chasing artificial highs. The combination of atmospheric production and introspective lyricism makes for a compelling start, drawing the listener into the EP’s emotional journey.

“Euphoria Peloria” continues this theme of altered states but with a more organic synth arrangement that enhances its dreamlike quality. The title, a playful take on “euphoria,” references cannabis culture and the pursuit of the perfect high. Its lyrics depict a relationship caught between intoxication and surrender, with lines like “Euphoria Peloria, light and inhale the glory” evoking a sensory escape. The track’s lush textures and hazy atmosphere mirror the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, encapsulating the EP’s overarching themes of desire and detachment.

Shifting gears, “How Can It Be?” injects a dose of Eurodance energy into the EP, contrasting sharply with the previous tracks’ ethereal tones. The song delves into loneliness and emotional turmoil, with Major’s vulnerable vocal delivery amplifying the protagonist’s sense of alienation. “How can it be? I’m alone, and there’s no way out,” he sings, voicing a raw desperation that gradually transforms into resilience. The track’s progression mirrors the complexities of youth, where despair and defiance often intertwine. With its driving beat and 90s-inspired production, “How Can It Be?” stands out as one of the EP’s most dynamic offerings.

Closing the EP, “Vigilante” reimagines a song Major originally wrote at 16, now infused with a cinematic intensity. Featuring a spoken-word section and a bold synth brass arrangement, the track paints a dystopian narrative of a lone figure watching over a crime-ridden city. The lyrics explore both heroism and isolation, reflecting the solitude of the vigilante’s existence. The added elements in this revamped version elevate its storytelling, immersing the listener in a noir-esque, futuristic world. With ‘Amsterdam Tapes, Vol 1‘, Jake Major proves himself a formidable talent, seamlessly merging vintage influences with modern dancefloor sensibilities. Being a homage to the past, this EP signals the beginning of an exciting artistic evolution, one that promises even greater depth in the future.

Connect to Jake Major on Spotify and YouTube

In the ever-evolving realm of electronic, indie pop, and experimental music, few albums manage to weave a deeply personal narrative with such an eclectic sonic range as ‘The Tales of Morpheus‘ by The New Citizen Kane. Based in London, this multifaceted artist presents a 21-track odyssey exploring self-discovery, anxiety, and transcendent love, blending nu-disco, jazz, indie pop, and electronica. Far from being just a collection of songs, the album unfolds as an introspective journey, mirroring the artist’s transformation and emotional rebirth.

The project’s deeply personal nature stems from the fact that The New Citizen Kane wrote, produced, and performed every track solo, using music as a therapeutic expression. Following a period of anxiety and self-reflection, the album emerged as a testament to creative resilience. Tracks like ‘Endless Summer‘, inspired by a blissful trip to Morocco, radiate warmth and authenticity, providing contrast to introspective compositions such as ‘Killer Charisma‘ and ‘Stupid Blue‘, which delve into the complexities of toxic relationships and emotional vulnerability. Each song serves as a chapter in this larger story, capturing moments of joy and despair.

A defining characteristic of ‘The Tales of Morpheus‘ is its fearless genre-blending, resulting in an unpredictable yet cohesive listening experience. ‘Disco Love‘ fuses the shimmering beats of Chicago house with a noir-infused, late-night ambience, and ‘Stupid Blue‘ merges bluesy guitar riffs with trip-hop beats, evoking a hypnotic blend of melancholy and detachment. The album’s stylistic shifts are not just artistic choices but symbolic representations of the artist’s evolution, breaking free from past constraints and embracing a bold, uninhibited creative vision.

Tracks like ‘Gotta Secret‘ introduce smooth jazz-inflected elements, adding a sultry air of mystery, while the ethereal ‘Morpheus Interlude‘ offers a brief moment of dreamlike reflection. The contrast between the deeply human emotions explored in earlier tracks and the surreal, meditative qualities of ‘Morpheus Interlude‘ underscores the album’s central theme: the interplay between reality and dreams, struggle and release. This dynamic approach makes ‘The Tales of Morpheus‘ an immersive emotional experience.

Beyond the music itself, the album’s visual component elevates its impact. Each track is accompanied by a music video, transforming the project into a full-fledged audiovisual experience. Through a combination of abstract animation, pop culture references, and personal footage, the videos serve as more than mere companions to the songs—they deepen the narrative and amplify the emotional weight of the music. A dedicated YouTube playlist offers fans a multi-sensory exploration of the album’s themes, making it a journey that extends beyond sound alone.

Innovative production techniques further set ‘The Tales of Morpheus‘ apart. The artist’s use of cutting-edge tools like Dubler 2, which converts vocals to MIDI, and ROLI’s Airwave, which enables immersive sound manipulation, has led to an album brimming with rich, textured soundscapes. Tracks like ‘Morpheus (Made of Dreams)‘ showcase these advancements, hinting at an even more ambitious future for The New Citizen Kane. With its intricate blend of electronic innovation, raw emotion, and genre-defying creativity, ‘The Tales of Morpheus‘ stands as a personal triumph and a bold artistic statement.

Connect to The New Citizen Kane on Spotify and YouTube

Kelsie Kimberlin commences the year with an emotionally charged and empowering new release, “Sally.” Known for her powerful vocals and thought-provoking songwriting, Kimberlin again demonstrates her artistic evolution with this deeply personal track. As her second release of the year, “Sally” encapsulates themes of loss, resilience, and healing, blending infectious pop hooks with emotionally resonant lyrics. With a signature balance of vulnerability and strength, Kimberlin crafts a song that tugs at the heartstrings and inspires listeners to embrace their journeys of self-discovery and perseverance.

From the first lines, the song grips the listener with its raw storytelling: “Sally did some crying, Sally lost her father, Sally felt like dying, Sally can’t be bothered.” These lyrics paint a stark picture of grief, self-doubt, and the heavy burden of loss. As the song unfolds, however, Sally’s journey takes a hopeful turn. By the second verse, she emerges from the depths of despair, reclaiming her happiness and sense of self: “Sally’s finally happy.” The music reflects this transformation, starting with a melancholic, stripped-down arrangement before building into an uplifting chorus filled with soaring melodies and rhythmic energy. This sonic shift reinforces the song’s message that pain is not permanent, and healing is always possible.

Adding another layer of depth to the song is its compelling music video, which Kimberlin directed herself. Shot in Kyiv, Ukraine, while she was working on a film about Ukrainian resistance, the video brings a poignant visual representation of the track’s themes. Kimberlin portrays Sally, wandering through the cold, gritty streets of Kyiv, her emotions shifting with each passing scene. The visuals capture the raw vulnerability of loss while also symbolizing resilience and the strength to move forward. More than just an accompaniment to the song, the video serves as a tribute to the countless women who have endured unimaginable heartbreak and found the courage to rebuild their lives.

Beyond its narrative, “Sally” carries a broader significance, especially in the context of the Ukrainian war. By choosing Kyiv as the backdrop, Kimberlin highlights the real-life experiences of young women who have lost their fathers in the ongoing conflict. The song echoes the words many of these fathers have left behind: “If anything happens to me, remember, I love you, and you have to carry on for you, for our family, and for our country.” These sentiments resonate throughout the lyrics, turning “Sally” into a universal anthem of perseverance. It speaks to anyone who has faced loss and had to gather the strength to continue, transforming personal grief into a source of power and purpose.

With “Sally,” Kelsie Kimberlin proves once again that music can be a vehicle for healing, storytelling, and global connection. The song’s relatable themes, coupled with its infectious melodies and striking visual representation, mark another milestone in her flourishing career. Having written over 100 original songs and with a growing international fanbase, Kimberlin is undoubtedly on an upward trajectory. With a highly anticipated movie release and an accompanying soundtrack on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the rising star. “Sally” is a statement of survival, self-reclamation, and the enduring power of love and memory.

Connect to Kelsie Kimberlin on Spotify and YouTube

KARMA, the electrifying girl group from Memphis, TN, continues to redefine modern music with its genre-blending artistry. Their latest release, the Amapiano Remix of “SIS (She’s Something),” takes their empowering anthem to thrilling new heights. Known for fusing hip-hop, R&B, and storytelling into a seamless musical experience, KARMA has consistently pushed boundaries while keeping its message of strength and self-love at the forefront. This remix is yet another testament to their artistic evolution, proving that they are not just following trends but creating a signature sound that resonates with a diverse audience.

Originally crafted as an ode to women’s resilience and individuality, “SIS (She’s Something)” quickly became an anthem for empowerment. With the Amapiano Remix, the song transforms, introducing the mesmerizing rhythms and deep basslines that define the South African-born genre. From the first beat, listeners are transported into an infectious groove, where pulsating log drums and smooth melodic layers intertwine effortlessly with KARMA’s harmonies. The remix enhances the track and reinvents it, taking its celebratory essence and giving it a fresh, dynamic pulse.

KARMA’s decision to infuse Amapiano into their music speaks volumes about their artistic ambition and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes. The genre, which has gained worldwide recognition, introduces an exciting dimension to “SIS (She’s Something),” merging their soulful storytelling with an undeniably danceable energy. This bold move expands their global reach while staying true to their core message of empowerment. In seamlessly blending their sound with international influences, KARMA proves that music is a universal language, they speak fluently and fearlessly.

What makes this remix truly special is how it balances reinvention with authenticity. The original track was already a celebration of women’s strength, and the remix only amplifies that essence. While the Amapiano rhythm brings a sense of movement and joy, the song’s empowering lyrics remain as impactful as ever. It’s a rare feat to take a song with such an important message and make it even more powerful, but KARMA accomplishes this with finesse. The result is deeply meaningful and irresistibly danceable, capturing the spirit of liberation and self-expression.

Beyond the music, KARMA is set to amplify its message further with a visual experience that embraces both the cultural significance of Amapiano and the empowerment of women. This upcoming visual promises to be a vibrant celebration of strength, unity, and musical innovation, reinforcing the remix’s global energy. As KARMA proceeds to break barriers and evolve its artistry, the “SIS (She’s Something)” Amapiano Remix solidifies their place as a rising girl group and a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Connect to KARMA on Spotify and YouTube

Born in London in 1985 to an Emirati-British family, Zarooni’s latest track, “WTF!”, is a sonic revelation that seamlessly blends retro-modern indie rock with infectious disco grooves. The song captures his artistic evolution, merging a variety of cultural influences into a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With funky guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and irresistible drum patterns, “WTF!” immerses listeners in an electrifying energy. Beneath its vibrant surface, however, lies a deeper exploration of change and self-discovery. It’s a dance anthem with an invitation to groove while reflecting on the unpredictable nature of life.

Zarooni’s upbringing was a fusion of two rich musical landscapes. Exposed to traditional Emirati melodies and Western rock and pop, he developed an eclectic sound that effortlessly combines Middle Eastern undertones with contemporary Western sensibilities. His music serves as a bridge between these two worlds, allowing listeners to experience his life’s journey through his compositions. His distinctive voice, rich with emotion, amplifies this cultural fusion, and “WTF!” is a prime example of his ability to blend personal heritage with modern artistry.

The song’s title, “WTF!”, echoes the immediate reaction one might have upon hearing its infectious beats and hypnotic groove. At first listen, it presents as a feel-good anthem, a track designed to get people moving. However, a closer look at its lyrics reveals a more introspective message. The song explores themes of embracing change, releasing the past, and stepping into the unknown with confidence. It captures the universal feeling of questioning everything around us, yet still choosing to dance through the uncertainty.

Zarooni’s rise as an artist is just beginning, and “WTF!” highlights why he is an artist to watch. His journey from London to the UAE has shaped his dedication to storytelling, whether through his evocative lyrics or his raw, emotive vocal delivery. His authenticity resonates in every song he creates, allowing listeners to connect with his music on a deeply personal level. This track exemplifies his ability to captivate a diverse audience, inviting them into his world of genre-blurring, emotionally charged music.

“WTF!” is a bold step forward in Zarooni’s career, solidifying his unique ability to merge vibrant soundscapes with meaningful storytelling. The song is an experience that simultaneously ignites the body and stirs the soul. His fusion of energetic disco beats with profound introspection is a refreshing reminder of music’s power to inspire and move. As he continues to carve his path in the industry, “WTF!” stands as both a reflection of his journey and a preview of the groundbreaking music he has yet to create.

Connect to Zarooni on Spotify and YouTube