This is an excerpt from our bi-monthly newsletter. For more, make sure to check us out on Substack! Released in spring of 2019, VALIS brings together elements of folk and psych rock to create a lighthearted, dreamy soundscape rife with bubbly effects and expressions of their Portland enthusiasm. It’s a gaseous album — that is, it can take up as much space in your environment … Continue reading Album Appreciation: “VALIS” by Reptaliens
Yung Slee, more closely known by fans as “Slee,” is a rising rapper/singer who broadcasts his consistent releases exclusively to a SoundCloud audience that has pushed many of his singles above one thousand listens. While 1,000 streams aren’t much compared to what’s coming up on your average “What’s Hot” Spotify playlist, it is a solid base for a solo talent who self-advertises through his personal … Continue reading Hummingbird Spotlight: Yung Slee
Technically considered to be GoldLink’s debut album, Diaspora, released mid-summer 2019 may not have broken into the mainstream. But with a fresh take on the concept of a rap and hip-hop album, it has made waves within the hip-hop scene as well as greater music spheres. Fusing themes from a wide array of sources — primarily that of African influence — Linkie was able to create … Continue reading GoldLink Celebrates DMV, Africana Music on “Diaspora”
With the Hummingbird Rotation, we hope to give folks a closer look at the songs that get the most play at Hummingbird HQ. This installment, hear about Lydia Mendoza, Rayland Baxter, and Mike & the Moonpies. Mal Hombre // Lydia Mendoza Want to listen to an amazing ballad? Trying to learn Spanish? ¿Por qué no los dos? Oh boy, do I have the song for … Continue reading New Music To You: Lydia Mendoza, Rayland Baxter, and Mike & the Moonpies
Fresh, young talent defined 2019’s music scene. While the old heads are still relevant, acts like Tyler, the Creator, Anderson .Paak, JID, and DaBaby inserted electric energy into the final year of the decade. And closing the year with a surefire bang is the Free Nationals, a four-piece funk/soul/R&B band with a flair for creativity and experiment. They’ve gained popularity due to constant collaboration with … Continue reading Free Nationals Burst on the Scene with Tail-Wagging Fun
As expanding artist-driven creative control renders much of modern music genre-less and musicians find the need to distinguish themselves artistically, you may have noticed a trend in the culture of insanely talented solo acts. These dynamos are seldom tethering themselves to a boxed-in sound but rather placing their personality in the absolute center of their work, broadcasting their inner workings through the media of lyrics, … Continue reading The New-Age Singer-Songwriter: A Creative Jack-of-All-Trades
Marking RYAL’s second song of the year, “Feathers” is a mysterious track dedicated to finding one’s freedom. The song naturally captures the scary feelings that can come about when one is approaching a more boundless version of their identity, as producer Aaron Nevezie gives the song plenty of instrumental decor, none of which comes off as frivolous. Singing about not being able to breathe, Jacque … Continue reading RYAL Releases “Feathers,” a Haunted Freedom-Finding Song
This is an excerpt from our bi-monthly newsletter. For more, make sure to check us out on Substack! With elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and lo-fi, GEMS IN THE CORNERSTONE might be the most widely likable album we’ve written about in this newsletter thus far. With Elujay’s baby-powder vocals and J.Robb’s funky basslines and futuristic styles, this album is one of 2020’s best and a strong … Continue reading Elujay & J.Robb’s “GEMS IN THE CORNERSTONE” an Impressive, Timeless Effort [Album Review]
This is an excerpt from our bi-monthly newsletter. For more, make sure to check us out on Substack! This is your yearly reminder that Young M.A. is making some of the best drill and trap music these days. Off the Yak is a noisy collection of heavy hitting beats and undeniable braggadocio. “Hello Baby” sees the Queen of New York body Fivio Foreign, showing that … Continue reading Album Appreciation: Young M.A.’s “Off The Yak” Stakes Royal Claim
Focusing on a strong yet gentle sense of self-assuredness, Muwosi’s recent EP, Of Compassion sees the young artist beautifully cultivate personal and airy lyrics and aesthetics. Produced by LA jazz pianist-composer-producer Lionmilk, Of Compassion displays Muwosi at her core; an empathetic artist seeking to curate gentle and holistic music. She says it’s relieving to finally release the EP, which was inspired by and started in … Continue reading Interview: Muwosi Describes Gentle Confidence, Creating “Of Compassion”
