Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship
Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship
Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship
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Truth AKA Trouble
Charlee Remitz
Contact: avengersproductions@gmail.com Web: soundcloud.com/thetruthsworld Seeking: Label, Music Fest Booking Style: Hip-Hop, Rap
Contact: charlee779@gmail.com Web: charleeremitz.com Seeking: Film/TV, Label Style: Alternative Pop
Perhaps the most skilled rapper we’ve critiqued in years, this Midwest artist makes standard-issue topics seem fresh and compelling. And though he employs a different producer for each track, they all serve the artist’s formula––bombin’ bass, hi-pitched synth-tones and a variable-speed flow that can turn on a dime. “Smokin’ Music” has a Cudi/Busta influence in its hook and melody; “No Matter What” truly THUMPS and has a vocal chorus that drives the song home; and a vintage mixtape vibe oozes from “The Genesis,” whose bassline and piano make it the most accessible track. Yes, he could deepen his lyrical vision, but when it comes to streetwise hip-hop, Truth AKA Trouble shows how it’s done.
Nineteen-year-old Charlee Remitz impresses us immediately with her moody, outsider material and her self-possession, which at times evokes Lorde in theme and execution. “These Veins” is an out-and-out winner, a radio-ready song whose expertly rendered arrangement builds and builds yet never succumbs to clutter. The way she drops the beat in “Rap Gods” allows her voice ample space to totally command the track––so well done, we wonder who’s behind the boards here. Remitz shows even more dimension to her appealing voice (including artful Autotune) in “Spoiled Rotten,” another ditty for the young and disgruntled. We love the confident intelligence of this talented artist.
Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship
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Walter Smith III
The Regal Peaches
Contact: erikprivert@gmail.com Web: waltersmith3.com Seeking: Int’l Booking, Film/TV Style: Jazz
Contact: theregalpeaches@gmail.com Web: theregalpeaches.bandcamp.com Seeking: Booking, Film/TV, Label Style: Rock
High-calibre musicianship can be a pleasure to experience. And when it exists in a combo such as this, you understand the power of live performance. Recording with a “live in studio” reverb (excellent choice) saxophonist Smith and company can deliver challenging, complex material such as “Foretold You” as well as more melodic numbers like “Apollo” with piano colors and guitar fills that are a pleasure to hear. “July” is another outing in which all the players define the term “ensemble,” showing a nimble dexterity that the music demands. Though Smith never overstates his role, the band members clearly follow his lead. Serious jazz listeners in the U.S. and beyond would flock to see these cats.
Anyone looking for a tuneful pop-rock band that refuses to churn out the same ol’ same ol’ will dig this entertaining L.A. foursome. How about a song (“Chicago Typewriter”) about a bank heist? They’ve got one of those—and it’s an upbeat goodtime tune, as well. And what about a sweet pop-rocker (“Blame It On the Weather”) that’s not afraid to feature some sour notes? They’ve got that too. And if you’re in the mood for a Flaming Lips/Lynyrd Skynyrd mashup with great guitar tone, try “Standing In Line” which benefits from the band’s best lead vocals. No question there’s something refreshing about any act that challenges the ear in delightful ways, and has the chops to make it work.
Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship
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Them & Us
LIFE
Contact: themandusofficial@gmail.com Web: soundcloud.com.themandusofficial Seeking: Mgmt, Film/TV, Booking, Tours Style: Electronic Pop
Contact: ryan@rhinestein.com Web: lifemusic.com Seeking: NA Style: Alt-Rock
London based duo (Ami Carmine and Killa Kela) delight in seductive, high-gloss, highimpact “twisted fairytale” numbers that (in “Like Poison”) combine ‘80s sounds (and a vocal nod or two to Brit legend Kate Bush) with a modern M83 electro-pop edge. A more intimate tune is “Oh My God” which, though elementary in tonality, remains compelling due to powerful, multi-layered production that features a dramatic dubstep change-up that works quite well. Film/ TV opportunities (Dragon Tattoo?) could result from the urban/industrial hybrid “The Emancipation,” a dance-y, darkly propulsive theme in which Carmine’s voice is utilized as a sample. We appreciate this duo’s subtle versatility and overall vision.
If Bruno Mars treked to Jamaica he might record a song like “R U D W N” from energetic pop trio LIFE. The tune boasts a strong hook and a vocal that really connects. What kills the hit potential, however, is its altogether lumpy, ill-fitting bridge that’s a total buzzkill. Please delete that section, guys! A similar structural glitch hampers the Maroon 5-ish, reggae/pop-tinged “Kill The Messenger”—while its verse and chorus are strong, it seems they’re from two totally different songs. Maybe a better bridge can save the track, but as it is, the chemistry fizzles. “Kids,” with its mediumcatchy hook, and great drumming, is less tricky and it pays off with a solid song that stays on point all the way.
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Music Connection’s executive committee rates recorded music on a scale of 1 to 10. Number 1 represents the lowest possible score, 10 represents the highest possible score. A final score of 6 denotes a solid, competent artist. For more information, see Submission Guidelines on next the page. 46 September 2014
musicconnection.com