Quick Picks | September 2024

Quick Picks

Album | EP | Single

The Sound Cafe Rating

5 star = essential, 4 star = excellent, 3 star = good, 2 = fans/collectors, 1 = for completionists only

Stephen Gawking: Remember The Dream (Single)

In his courageous battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, South African artist Ijay Swanepoel, performing under the name Stephen Gawking, The Nuclear Lyricist, remains undeterred, turning his challenges into the driving force behind creating uplifting music that serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Drawing from the unyielding Mzansi spirit and the resilience of South Africa's Rainbow Nation in the face of adversity, his latest single, ‘Remember the Dream,’ featuring Nathan Blur and the Botshabelo Sunrise Choir, is a powerful anthem that transcends boundaries. It motivates listeners to hold fast to their dreams and aspirations, while championing unity and a collective vision for a brighter future.

www.stephengawking.online

Ian Roland: Lodestone (Single)

“Lodestone,” Ian Roland’s second single of 2024, is a celebration of the enduring power of music to connect us across time and space. Inspired by the sound of church bells echoing across a Sussex village, the song is a meditation on the purity of music and its ability to resonate with the deepest parts of our being.

ianroland.com

Jordie Lane: Tropical Depression (Album)

Australia-born and Nashville-based acclaimed artist Jordie Lane releases his fourth album, Tropical Depression.

Crafted in the heart of Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Jon Estes (Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell), Tropical Depression is a vibrant fusion of themes, blending introspective depth with infectious energy.

www.jordielane.com

The Fire Once Lost: This Train Is Bound For Georgia (Single)

The Danish Americana scene has a new gem, and it's shining brighter than ever with the latest release from The Fire Once Lost. The band, centred around Aalborg’s own Anders Duus, has taken a bold step into bluegrass territory with their new single, “This Train Is Bound For Georgia.” Known for their deep roots in American music traditions, The Fire Once Lost has crafted a sound that beautifully marries storytelling with the rich, melodic tones of string instruments. But this time, they’ve turned up the tempo and taken us on a whirlwind journey through the world of train songs.

duusmusic.com

Venla Ilona Blom: Nevrak (Album)

Venla Ilona Blom, the powerful vocalist and beatboxer and member of the acclaimed Finnish folk-hop vocalensemble Tuuletar, releases her long-awaited folktronica solo debut album "Nevrak."

The musician embarks on a journey to the green borderlands between sleeping and waking, where we can explore the fantasyland of Nevrak! Blom impresses on her debut with an unusual mix of classical, folkloric, and electronic sounds.

www.venlailonablom.com

Quavo, Lenny Kravitz: Fly (Single)

Following the success of his recent Hot 100 hit "Tough" with Lana Del Rey, GRAMMY-nominated artist Quavo is back with another impressive release, "FLY." This single offers a fresh take on Lenny Kravitz's iconic 1998 track, enhanced by Quavo's distinctive style and melody.

Quavo's lyrics, "Flyest in the room, who Flyer than you? / Flyest in the room, you just past the moon?" are complemented by Kravitz's newly recorded vocals, bringing an electrifying energy to the song.

The accompanying video, directed by Jake Nava, showcases Quavo and Kravitz as a dynamic duo, delivering a captivating performance. Their synergy is palpable, creating an electrifying atmosphere that translates through both the music and visuals.

www.facebook.com/migos.quavoyrn

lennykravitz.com

KATSEYE: SIS (EP)

the first-ever global girl group formed using KPOP artist development methodologies – released its debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong).

Reflecting one of KATSEYE’s core beliefs – Soft Is Strong – the EP’s title also nods to the sisterhood they’ve forged, despite coming from immensely different cultures.

The six members of KATSEYE are: DANIELA (USA); LARA (USA); MANON (Switzerland); MEGAN (USA); SOPHIA (Philippines); and YOONCHAE (South Korea).

www.katseye.world

Emmett Jerome: Rocky Mountain Son (EP)

Emmett Jerome's debut EP, Rocky Mountain Son, will be out on September 18th via 604/Light Organ Records.

He’s sharing his vintage-sounding new single, “Coquihalla Prayer,” in anticipation of its release. The song pays homage to the culture of working and traveling out in his part of the country. The Coquihalla Pass in particular is a nasty stretch of highway very familiar not only to truckers but to musicians, as well, as both often find themselves navigating dangerous highways throughout their career.

www.emmettjeromemusic.ca

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