Virginia – New Music Jason’s Picks

The New Music I’m Listening To Extraneously This Week, March 16 – 22, 2024:

Greetings and smellutations, cats and kittens! Hoo boy, we gots ourselves a humdinger of a New Release week, and I have twelve titles to dazzle your senses. Do it to it!

I’ve got a dancefloor filler from Brazil to start the week. A single released in conjunction with London’s Jazz Room Records features a terrific band performing Brazilian Funk. The two tracks on Goma Laca EP are performed by Afrobrasilidades. They are led by the amazing Juçara Marçal on vocals, who released my favourite album of 2021, Delta Estácio Blues. You gotta get up to get down!

And then, as if on cue, there’s a new remix album for Juçara Marçal’s Delta Estácio Blues. Fifteen tracks, taken from the original album and the follow-up EPDEB are included on DEBRMX. Remixes from the likes of Chrisman, Moor Mother, and VHOOR are giving the dancefloor a workout.

Eagle-eyed readers will note that the Juçara Marçal remix album actually came out last week. It is literally impossible to find everything that comes out in a given week, so I’ve given myself parameters within which to search for New Music. One such parameter is that once I have entered a new Release Week, I don’t include titles that came out previously in my search. Seeing as I’ve already broken that rule this week, I’ve decided to double down on it.

Another title that came out last week comes from Portugal. Ana Lua Caiano is a multi-instrumentalist and Electronic Producer. Her debut album, Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado sees the Artist incorporating traditional Folk elements with ambitious Björk-inspired Production. Charming harmonies, and yet another reason for me to continue my Portuguese lessons.

*Ana Lua Caiano – Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado*

Glass Beams is a trio from Melbourne, Australia that was founded by Rajan Silva, who immigrated to Australia with his family as a child. Ninja Tune Records has just released their second album, Mahal. Steeped in Psychedelia, it incorporates traditional instrumentation with soulful grooves.

An Artist I’ve grown fond of over these past few years exploring New Music is London Percussionist and Composer Valentina Magaletti. Between her various collaborations (Vanishing Twin, Holy Tongue, and more) and her solo work, she transcends norms on the regular. Her latest is LUCHA LIBRE; a four-song EP that takes a disorienting journey of Field Recordings and loops, before closing with the upbeat and groovy DRUM JUMP.

A noisy Punk band representing the Wyoming Hardcore scene released a “sneeze-and-you-miss-it” EP. AWFUL’s 4 SONGS clocks in at less than four minutes. It’s a sharp jolt of energy, with urgent vocals and ripping bass play.

At twelve minutes, this next release is practically luxurious in its scope by comparison. Portland’s THE CELEBRITIES is a collaboration between Joe Sussman and Kel Mason. On the seven-song Redd Karpet they channel 60’s Bubblegum with gritty garage production.

A duo from the Washington, DC area got my attention this week with their latest release. model home utilizes samplers, tape and voice to create a deliciously lo-fi atmosphere. The six tracks on NECROLYF were recorded on March 5 of this year and elicit a rudimentary Hip-Hop vibe, seeped in distortion.

Scott Harren is an eclectic and innovative Electronic Producer from Miami. As Prefuse 73, he has collaborated with the likes of Mos Def and Aesop Rock. His new album, New Strategies For Modern Crime Vol. 1 is a strictly solo effort with an evocative Cool Jazz feel for the After Party.

*Prefuse 73 – New Strategies For Modern Crime Vol. 1*

An Electronic band from Sweden released their fourth album since their 2014 debut. Les Big Byrd is led by Jocke Åhlund, and Diamonds, Rhinestones and Hard Rain contains six tracks, including two extended jams. Entrancing and absorbing.

*Les Big Byrd – Diamonds, Rhinestones and Hard Rain*

I discovered Julia Holter via the pre-release single Sun Girl for her new album. Turns out that Something In The Room She Moves is her sixth album for the LA native, and I just haven’t been paying attention. I’ve been captivated by her sweeping vocals and captivating Production.

*Julia Holter – Something In The Room She Moves*

If you’ve seen recent photos or video taken in Gary, Indiana, you’d be forgiven if you got the impression that it is a Ghost Town. Abandoned factories and houses dot the landscape. However, there is still life emanating from that particular slice of America. Jerrilynn Patton performs as Jlin, and is a Composer and Electronic Producer (and former steel factory worker). Her latest album is Akoma. Intriguing rhythm-play is at work here, with Deep Bass and many twists and turns. Guests include Björk, Philip Glass, and Kronos Quartet. It’s my Feature Pick for this week.

If you made it this far, look under your chair, you’ve won a prize! I’m only joking, but if you looked, I have to say that I worry about you sometimes.

Take care of yourself!

The New Music I’m Listening To With Some Sense Of Decency This Week, October 21 – 27, 2023:

Hello! We’re already at the end of October, and the New Releases keep a-coming. Double digits again this week, with eleven recommendations to plop down in front of you. Plop!

A one track single that came down the turnpike this week comes from Richmond, Virginia’s James Goodson. As Dazy, he released one of my favourite records of the year last March. Dazy is back with Forced Perspective and Goodson’s knack for a catchy hook is still in full force. One of the great writers working in Pop today, and deserves way more recognition.

Dazy – Forced Perspective

Seattle’s venerable Sub Pop Records has a proper Singles Club that releases 7” vinyl records containing one song on each side. Their November release comes from local SynthPop band led by the duo of Alexander Attitude and Kendra Cox. Telehealth’s Mindtrap b/w Bitter Melody is upbeat and lively NerdPop. The A-side features catchy wordplay and energetic drums whilst the flip side is a midtempo lyrical gem that speaks to the search for validation in these disassociated times.

*Telehealth – Mindtrap b/w Bitter Melody*

Olympia, WA, duo Odor Eater is a Synth-based unit led by the enigmatic vocals of Harley Moore. Their second EP, Fairytale, which is released by St. Louis label Rotten Apple, has the cool detachment of early 80’s SynthPop. Think Gary Numan/Tubeway Army or early Depeche Mode, if they were fronted by PJ Harvey.

Rocket is a new quartet from Los Angeles that has been releasing singles these last few months. They’ve compiled their first five, and added two more, to their debut EP, Versions Of You. Uplifting guitars and the warm voice of Alithea Tuttle makes for a euphoric experience.

My BandCamp Wishlist is batting at an MVP level this week, with many of my recommendations coming from this handy little folder. Baton Rouge, Louisiana is where the duo known as SPLLIT is from and their latest album, Infinite Hatch is a Zappa-influenced weirdness, with challenging time signatures and progressions, mixed with straight Pop wonder.

Another entity that bats above league average (musically speaking) is the country/continent of Australia. You can always rely on the Aussies to come through with great Rock & Roll. One such Aussie is Jake Robertson. As Alien Nosejob, he is of the Bedroom Producer, multi-instrumentalist variety. Less than a year ago, I was introduced to him via his album, Stained Class. He’s back already with another full-length. The Derivative Sounds Of…Or…A Dog Always Returns To Its Vomit takes its Kinks-infused Poppy wonder through 80’s College Rock on thirteen tracks.

*Alien Nosejob – The Derivative Sounds Of…Or…A Dog Always Returns To Its Vomit*

If I am not very much mistaken, the next recommendation is my first to be from the Northwest Territories in Canada. PIQSIQ is a duo of female First Nation throat singers that incorporate looping and layering of vocals to create a mysteriously idyllic sound. Spectral Harmonies is nine tracks of new compositions using nothing but my favourite instrument, The Human Voice. Immerse yourself in the gorgeousity.

Also coming from my homeland is French Singer/Songwriter Klô Pelgag. Hailing from Montreal, the Chanteuse is following up her successful 2020 album Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs with a four-song EP. Sieste sur l’oreille droite is a delicately beautiful collection of mesmerizing melodies..

*Kiô Pelgag – Sieste sur l’oreille droite*

Not much this week from the Hip-Hop world, but I do have this one that needs to be shouted out. Uber Magnetic is the duo of Roughneck Jihad and Junior Disprol, and they share the mic on their self-titled full-length debut. Conscious rhymes and terrific production, paired with terrific turntablism from DJ Jaffa, DJ Krash Slaughta and Sir Beans OBE make this a winner.

One of my favourite male voices in the world today is Bristol’s Joe Yorke. His smooth and soulful falsetto brings to mind Jimmy Somerville, and his fierce honesty shines through on his most recent album, Hopeless. It’s a terrific follow-up to his April album with The Co-Operators, A Distant Beat. Lead-off single Man is a Rocksteady bop that takes the gender to task; “I don’t want to see another sister suffer at the hands of a man, no more. ‘Cause I am not a man, if that’s what a man is.” Young’s soaring voice takes you to the highest highs.

My Feature Pick for this week comes from an Artist I discovered last year and she becomes the first Artist to be chosen more than once as my Feature Pick. Marina Herlop is a pianist, vocalist, composer and producer from Barcelona. Her 2022 album Pripyat was a big success, and her newest, Nekkuja is a luscious collection of seven tracks incorporating Herlop’s gorgeous voice, harp, and ambient Electronics. Delicious.

I’m told that there will be a new song coming from The Beatles’ camp next week. In fact, it’s a very old song that has been given fresh life, thanks to film producer Peter Jackson.

One of my guiding principles, while writing about New Music, is to stay away from Posthumous releases, based on the notion that “Dead people can’t make New Music.” As such, you won’t find a recommendation from me for this “new” song. I’ll listen to it, probably once. But I feel nauseous about the whole thing.

I’m going to take care of myself. I’m hoping you all are doing the same. Talk soon!

The New Music I’m Listening To (Not That I’m Bragging Or Anything) This Week, March 18 – 24, 2023:

Greetings and smellutations, dear friends! I do hope your week has been agreeable to your constitution, and you’re coming into the weekend with all limbs intact.

We have another excellent week of New Music, and I’ve found nine titles that are enriching my life. Maybe you’ll feel some way about them.

A single from Guelph, Ontario’s Noah23 was dropped on Wednesday. His album that came out at the beginning of February is on rotation at Casa Enemjay, and I’m pleased to see him working with the legendary MC Kool Keith on Forbidden History. Produced by DJ Wardove, it’s three minutes of deep bass and stoned beats, with contemplative samples.

*Noah23 x Kool Keith – Forbidden History*

A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer from Los Angeles made one of the more exciting releases that came out this week. Known only as Low Leaf, she has released her seventh full-length, MiCRODOSE. It comes with a unique energy, as the artist utilizes harp and piano to accentuate sketchy beats and Low’s warm vocals.

I featured an Afghan Artist based in Berlin around this time last year named Farhot, who released an EP on the occasion of the Persian New Year. He’s back again with a single, in celebration of Nowroz 1402. The track features rapper Khan, and excellent downtempo production with winning hooks.

A label from Guatemala with deep spiritual roots called Resueño released their first compilation album this week. Cacao Dance features over thirty artists across 21 tracks of music, spanning over two hours. It’s the work of Electronic and organic artists from around the world who share a connection with Cacao, and its many positive properties. Meditative and calm.

From Olympia, Washington comes a rip-roaring rough and ready Punk trio called Fugitive Bubble. Aggressive, high-energy drums drive Delusion, their ten track, eighteen minute album. Through fits and starts, their singer frolics with athletic enthusiasm.

In the City of Haale, Germany, south of Berlin, is a Punk/ Experimental Label called Turbo Discos, that consistently releases good albums. This week an artist named simply Jonas, has released a lo-fi gem, as UMA VOX. Golden Agers is eight tracks of guitar-driven Post Punk-Pop, with woozy riffs and double-tracked vocals that sound like they are run through a Leslie Speaker. Features a cover of EXWHITE’s Estray.

A hotly anticipated Hip-Hop collaboration between New York’s JPEGMAFIA and Detroit’s Danny Brown is blowing my speakers this week. SCARING THE HOES is JPEG’s production; booming beats and creative rhythm play. Danny’s rhymes are fast and furious.

*JPEGMAFIA x Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES*

Transcendent vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant is so good she could sing The New York Times Saturday Crossword and make you cry. On most of her latest album, Mélusine, Cécile sings in French, making it largely incomprehensible for me, but the New York Artist’s voice is so evocative, it transmits emotion so effortlessly. Fortunately for a Music lover like myself, she doesn’t just rest on being a pretty voice. She is a dazzling pianist, and has an ear for the Musical road less travelled.

A solo bedroom producer named James Goodson, from Richmond, Virginia, has made an early contender for my favourites of 2023. Recording as Dazy, his new album OTHERBODY is eight tracks, and twenty minutes of the hookiest and clever Pop writing I’ve heard in a long time. Goodson’s double-tracked vocals recall Brian Wilson or Alex Chilton, and the harmonies and arrangements are flawlessly odd and fresh. It also brings to mind the output of The Beatles in the mid-1960’s. With this kind of pedigree it was bound to be my Feature Pick for the week.

Hope you’re able to find something of value to you. If you don’t, maybe just a reminder that you are valuable will suffice. Be kind to yourself!

Smell ya later!

The (mostly) New Music I (And My Children) Are Listening To This Cold Week, February 18 – 24, 2023:

We’ve been pretty fortunate this winter, here in Southern Ontario, in terms of weather. It has been unseasonably mild, with nary a trace of snow. Not a great sign that Global Warming is the scam that they try to tell us it is, but it’s nice.

When the weather has turned fierce, it has been with freezing rain, which has led to school closures for the kiddies. Spending this extra time with my fourteen year-old Noah, and his nine year-old sister Abby, has afforded me the opportunity to hang out and listen to what Music they’re into.

For the past few months, Noah has been very much ‘into’ a band that has not been active since 2011. Tally Hall comes from Ann Arbor, Michigan. They’re a five-piece, comprised of four songwriters; Joe Hawley, Rob Cantor, Zubin Sedghi and Andrew Horowitz. In their ten active years, they released two full-lengths, before moving on to solo endeavours. Both Noah and Abby would deem this band to be their favourite, and I’m so proud of their taste. Well crafted Pop, with ingenious and hilarious lyrics. And weird. So weird. Excuse me, I have something in my eye…🥹

Tally Hall – Cannibal

A fascinating Experimental Album came out last week (2/17) that got lost in the avalanche. Eliza Bagg is a soprano from Los Angeles who has worked with Caroline Shaw and John Zorn, as well as being a soloist for the New York Philharmonic. As Lisel, Bagg releases her own compositions, and her recent release is Patterns For Auto-Tuned Voices And Delay. Throughout the eleven tracks, Eliza plays with the Auto-Tune effect and stretches its limits, with whimsical results.

*Lisel – Patterns For Auto-Tuned Voices And Delay*

A Single to start this week’s nine recommendations comes from Toronto’s Ada Rook. As one-half of Punk duo Black Dresses, Ada got my attention in 2021 with their passionate album. Her latest is a two-song collaboration with Cincinnati MC Chloe Hotline. The A-side Flatline is a catchy banger with teeth. The flipside, Live It Down is a thoughtful midtempo introspection.

*Ada Rook x Chloe Hotline – Flatline/Live It Down*

Discreet Music is a Record Label based in Gothenburg, Sweden, that prides itself as, ‘New Sounds of Swedish Underground.’ Their most recent offering comes from a quartet called Blod. As demonstrated on their album Där Ska Barnet Vara they utilize acoustic instruments including Pump Organ to conjure beautiful delicate melodies, alongside lo-fi Pop.

Also from Sweden, Gustav Horneij is the mastermind behind Organic Pulse Ensemble. His most recent release, A Thousand Hands is steeped in spirituality, conjuring Coltrane modality. Flute takes the lead in several places, and the musicianship is outstanding.

*Organic Pulse Ensemble – A Thousand Hands*

A female-led project from New York City caressed my ears this week. RAZA רזא is led by vocalist Chana Raskin and utilizes over 20 other singers. In their full-length album Kapelya the singers perform what is known as Nigunum, a form of Hebrew religious Music, primarily sung by males. This purports to be the first recording of its kind. With beautiful appropriate instrumentation these group vocals interpret the traditional melodies in a warm and questioning manner.

An ensemble that gathered in Montréal at the behest of instrumentalist and composer Devin Brahja Waldman has created a wonderfully rich new full-length. Calling themselves KADEF (Karma, Agape, Discernment, Enactment & Freedom) their self-titled album spans twelve tracks of delicately-produced immaculate vocal performances from Ziad Qoulaii, buoyed by tasteful instrumentation.

Art thou ready to Rock?! A debut EP from Chicago Punk quartet Cel Ray has me pogoing all over the house. Cellular Raymond is six-tracks in fifteen minutes of throbbing insistent joy.

One of my major pet peeves is shitty Band Names. If you have one goal in naming your band, it should be that it is distinct, and designed to make it easy to find you. A band that hasn’t learned this lesson is Richmond, Virginia’s K9. If you do a quick search on your Music streaming provider for that name, you will find over 40 acts called K9 (and you most likely won’t find this one). Their six-track EP Harmony Kills is on BandCamp, and in the thirteen minutes it takes to play, the band meanders through Power Punk, Pop, and Folky textures. A curious instrument lineup, with two guitars, drums, and violin.

“You…can suck it. I’m fed up with your games. Fuck it, I’ll do it on my own.” This is how Belgian vocalist and songwriter Adja Fassa introduces herself to the listener. ADJA’s debut five-track EP IRONEYE spotlights Fassa’s agile voice, set to scintillating soulful grooves, with no prisoners held.

My BandCamp Wishlist came into this week with twelve titles awaiting release. I started to think I would have too many new titles again this week (Oh, heavens, what’s to become of me?). However, there was a bloodbath in my Wishlist. Most of the releases that I was curious to hear more of just didn’t match up to my psyche. I wanted to like Algiers, Model/Actriz, and Philip Selway’s new albums, but it was not to be.

With ADJA, the only other title that made it to the Promised Land is by an artist that I fell in love with last year. Miss Grit is a bedroom Indie Pop Artist from Brooklyn. She has released her first full-length, Follow The Cyborg, and it is my Feature Pick for this week. Grit’s pensive voice is married to ingenious Electro Pop Production. Dance while your heart breaks.

I hope the sun is shining in your sky, and you’re able to find your joy. Take good care of yourself, friends.