Category: California

Holy Wars Review: IHATEMYSELF

Posted on Posted in alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, California, Classic Rock, dark pop, Electronic Rock, Emo Pop, Facebook, Future Star, Guitar, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Indie Rock, Instagram, Interview, Music, Pop, Pop Music, Pop Rock, Rock, Singer, Spotify, USA, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Holy Wars

Independent

@jocronin65

Editorial

There’s a lot of bad things to say about today’s online influencers. “In this selfie world, we have layers of identities that we hide behind,” Kat mentions.

I am even falling into this whole of hiding behind a mask. When I get into a deep conversation with either my parents or friends, I almost seem to avoid talking about how I really am. I always circle back to my extreme couponing, my job, my blog.

But what I am not talking about is just how hard I am finding it to stay present at the moment. Yes I do meditate, but it’s only for like 5 minutes, although I know damn well I could do 15 minutes.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely am living my best life. I just wish the anxieties of the unknown could just stfu sometimes, so I can just spend a good amount of time in the present moment.

Kat says, “the real truth of us is either buried or forgotten or perhaps we never even knew.  IHATEMYSELF is more like a dare to those who are obsessed with a societal opinion… to strip away the layers and own up to the essence of who we really are”.

Sometime either this week or weekend, I am going to set some time aside to really get to that layer beneath my mask. Rather it be a 15 minute meditation, watching a soccer game without looking at my phone, take my dog to the dog park, or walk the dog without listening to music… Whatever it may be, I am going to be present and let myself enjoy it without a mask (figuratively speaking!)

If you’re having a tough time hiding behind a mask, then I highly suggest you do the same.

Table of Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. Who is Holy Wars?
  3. Inspiration Behind IHATEMYSELF
  4. What’s Next for Holy Wars?
  5. Thank You Notes
  6. Links
  7. Conclusion

Who is Holy Wars?

Kat tells me that she first started her career in making poetry and studying classical piano. “It wasn’t until way later though that I put my poetry to song. The first span of music had an angst piano vibe like Fiona Apple and Tori Amos but then expanded to a full band after an ex told me I couldn’t,” remarks Kat.

She now has a multi-generational fan base that cares deeply for her and the band, and she is grateful to have known and conversed with a lot of them. “I have been very open about the loss of my parents and I think maybe in some small way it gives our fans a chance to get to know me better beyond the music and share their lives with us as well,” she says.

Inspiration Behind IHATEMYSELF

When I first wrote IHATEMYSELF, I wrote it therapeutically in a moment when I was feeling pretty crappy, and as I was starting to write this song that was like an open vein… I realized at that moment that I orchestrated everything that I was struggling in. I know this sounds a little like self-help verbiage but in lyrics like ‘I’m making enemies, all the bullies in my mind, they try to hurt me but it was me the whole time’…  that in a nutshell describes it all.

Kat Leon

There’s a glaring comparison with Holy Wars and Phantogram, but Holy is most definitely more of a heavy alternative. Rather it be the vocals or the alternative heavy rock, there’s something dark about both of these bands. It’s different. It’s raw. It grabs you, and it never lets go.

I love music that grabs your attention. If it makes me feels like the 1st minute lasted 3 minutes, then it’s a solid a$$ song. Some of Holy’s songs do that, such as Welcome to My Hell, IHATEMYSELF, LITTLE GODZ, BORN DARK, and Back To Life (aka their top 5 songs on Spotify). I would absolutely love to hear more songs like these!

The rest of the songs are nice, but I feel like they don’t grab as much attention as the songs I just mentioned above. However, Orphan, Cruel World (also the title of my favorite Phantogram song), and Legends are notable songs from their earlier collection.

Opening for Papa Roach is definitely up there (with the coolest thing we’ve done as musicians) as well as the NAMM show Schecter after party. But also right before I started my first band, I was on a show with Alice Cooper and after hearing me sing, he talked to me about the business and encouraged me to start writing and start a band and his words and encouragement gave me confidence to do it all. I really have him to thank for that initial push.

Kat

What’s Next for Holy Wars?

Kat tells me that, “I usually tend to be all over the place in what I like and want to say in music. The next few releases are going to have a little more piss and vinegar as I feel many of us feel like we want to bitch slap 2020 – so my head is there currently”. So the future will be that, but also carry on their honesty and cross genres.

We can expect more alt-rock music too!

“We plan to release a lot in the coming months and head into 2021 with our second album with plans of European tour if that is still going to be possible with our current global state. In the meantime, we will keep writing music and playing some online live shows because we really miss playing our music live,” says Kat.

Thank You Notes

I would like to thank Kat and the Holy Wars band for waiting for this review and connecting with me on Instagram. They have a bright future, and I’m really looking forward to working with them on their journey.

Holy Wars’ links:

Unedited Music Blog’s links:

Conclusion

Have a great rest of the week, and remember to respect each other no matter what. We are still in a pandemic, so if you’re sick then stay home and if you need to go into public wear a mask.

IHATEMYSELF (2020) by Holy Wars

Waiting for Smith [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Australia, Backstory, California, Chill, Chill Rock, dream pop, dreampop, France, Good Vibes Only, Guitar, In-person, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Indie Rock, Inspirational person, Instagram, Interview, Music, New Zealand, Pop, Pop Music, Pop Rock, Rock, Singer, Soft Rock, Soundcloud, Spotify, Sweden, UK, UKViral50, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Waiting for Smith

Independent Artist

@jocronin65

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, in 2008 and 2010 thirty six lives were taken by avalanches. 36 is the most recorded deaths in one year.

To say the least, I wouldn’t be surprised if the number of people injured caused by avalanches are higher than those deaths. Avalanches are probably one of the scariest and most unpredictable natural hazards.

Harry Lloyd was a ski instructor before he started his solo career. At some point he broke his back in two places during avalanche training. It was when he was airlifted by a helicopter when he decided to dedicate his life to music.

After spending a year in bed recovering and learning how to play the guitar, he started Waiting for Smith.

It all started at a Rolling Stones concert when Harry knew he was meant to be a musician. He joined his first band at age 11 with his best friend Danny.

Now he’s a singer-songwriter with fans across the world. VH1 featured Lines of Love at one point, and Song for Grace was featured in Vis a Vis on Netflix. His main fanbase seems to be in London, Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Hamburg, and Amsterdam.

When these old dudes came on stage I looked at Danny and was like; what’s this all about? Then they starting playing ‘Get off of my Cloud’ and I was instantly hooked. The bouncer saw we were having such a good time, so he lifted me up to the stage and I high fived Ronnie Wood, the crowd went crazy! I will never forgot how loud it was, how they could bring joy to so many. As my feet touched the floor I knew I’d never be the same again.

Harry Lloyd (8/21/2020)

I genuinely really like listening to Harry’s music, because I find it different in a weird way that kind of pushes boundaries of soft pop and singer-songwriting.

I love the song Meditation, and honestly I am surprised it wasn’t either used in a TV or movie production. It has that sound that would be great in a modern western or action movie. I think a lot of his songs follow the same sound so I wasn’t surprised to hear that at least two have been featured in something like that.

I also really appreciate how positive these songs are, it’s been really hard to stay positive people across the world so I think this is music that is much needed now a days!

Most if not all his songs will be added into our Indie Unedited Spotify playlist.

It was very clear to me that music was what I should be doing the minute everything was taken away from me. I experienced this amazing sense of clarity. When you think you might not make it, it becomes so obvious what’s important. It’s not like you have time to go ‘maybe I’ll take up painting tomorrow’. 

Harry’s answer to why a near death experience inspired him to start making music again.

“I love lots of different styles, the next set of tracks have a bit of everything I like in there. But it always seems to come back to a strong desire to make people come away feeling hopeful,” he says about what the future holds for Waiting for Smith.

At the moment, Harry is planning to stay positive, “I believe our mindsets have a huge impact on everything.”

So for now he is going to live his best life, and help lift other people’s spirits…… “If that doesn’t work there’s always pizza,” he says.

I would like to thank Harry Lloyd for patiently waiting for this article, as indicated I interviewed him about 3 months ago so it’s been a while. If you would like to keep up to date with Waiting for Smith, then you can click any or all the links below!

Waiting for Smith’s links:

Unedited Music Blog’s links:

I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and remember to respect each other out there, and if you have to go out into public then wear a mask please!

Lines of Love (2020) by Waiting for Smith

Overall: 4.9/5

Lines of Love: 5/5

Long Life: 5/5

So Much Love: 5/5

Peace in Greece: 4.8/5

Songs for People I Loved: 4.9/5

Windy Cities of the Sun: 5/5

Meditation: 5/5

Trade It In: 5/5

Monkeys in my Head: 5/5

Roma: 5/5

Top Song: Meditation (2019)

YVR [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, California, dark pop, dream pop, electronic, Electronic Rock, Emo Pop, Facebook, Future Star, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Instagram, Music, Pop, Pop Music, Soundcloud, Spotify, USA, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

YVR

Gramophone PR

@jocronin65

Today marks 3 years, 1 month, and 1 day since my last relationship ended. I have worked very hard on myself during that time, but there’s no doubt that being single for this long is something I’m not used to.

It’s been lonely at times, but it’s also been a time of self-discovery. I also realized that I don’t always have to be with someone, but I realized that I don’t always have to be single too.

There are times I’ve wanted to reach out to my ex-girlfriend, but I know that wouldn’t be healthy. She wasn’t healthy for me, and I wasn’t healthy for her… That’s just how it is. It’s for that reason that I refrain from reaching out.

“’How Have You Been’ looks back at the impact that our past loves had on us, how even after years of moving on we still carry pieces of them with us. Not in a romantic way, but in a curious, caring kind of way,” (YVR’s press release from Gramophone Media PR).

Prior to releasing their first EP (Night Days) in 2019, Courtney and Stephen Stahl worked with international acts as Jenae (Courtney Stahl) and Buddro (Stephen Stahl). Courtney wrote numerous songs for major acts like Red Velvet, EXO, and Amber Liu. Stephen produced with the likes of Chris Daughtry, Blasterjaxx, and Morgan Page.

The married couple that call themselves YVR have been making music for others with a resume that includes 4 million records sold and a combined ten #1 singles, but are now starting their own journey together as a duo.

What is your fan base like?

“They are fierce, fun and fabulous.”

Songwriting for me has become very personal over the years. Stephen and I have the best songwriting chemistry of anyone I’ve worked with.

Courtney Stahl to American Songwriter (4/20/2020)

Three things that make a 5 star song in my book are: great songwriting, catchy melodies, and an authentic sound.

Basically every YVR song achieves all of these things, which is no surprise seeing Courtney’s success with writing and Stephen’s success with producing. How Have You Been is a great song that adds on to the depth of their music collection.

To narrow down my five favorite songs, I’d have to say Heartless, Unique, Pay, Talking In Your Sleep, and How Have You Been are my top 5 songs.

When a relationship ends, you always hold a place in your heart for that person, regardless of who ended it. The lyrics in (How Have You Been?) reflect on how breaking someone’s heart can sometimes hurt worse than being heartbroken.

YVR (8/14/2020)

Right now, there are currently no releases that I know of that are planned to be released. Whatever direction they make, however, they say they want to be “completely authentic to ourselves in our music.”

If you want to stay up-to-date with future releases for YVR, make sure you follow and like the links below

I would like to thank Brittany Bowler (Gramophone Media PR) for connecting me with Courtney and Stephen Stahl. It took a while, but I am very happy to review YVR.

YVR Links:

Gramophone Media PR links:

Unedited Music Blog links:

Hope everyone has a great week, and remember to stay safe and wear a mask if you have to go out into public. Also, respect each other out there, it’s really not that hard.

How Have You Been? by YVR (2020)

Overall: 5/5

How Have You Been?: 5/5

Night Days: 5/5

Top Song: Heartless (2019)

Cooper Phillip [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2017, 2018, 2019 Pop Music, 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, California, dream pop, electronic, Europe, Future Star, Good Vibes Only, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Inspirational person, Instagram, Interview, Music, New York City, Pop, Pop Music, Remixes, Russia, Singer, Soundcloud, Spotify, USA, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Cooper Phillip

According to Coalition for the Homeless, in April of this year there were a total of over 60 thousand people who were homeless in New York City. Just over 19 thousand were single adults. But that only counts for the people who live in homeless shelters.

There is very minimal to no information on the percentage of people who were homeless and then proceeded to live a more productive life. But if you ask me what that percentage would look like, I would tell you probably pretty small.

Fortunately, Cooper Phillip is one of those extremely lucky people to rise from the burden of homelessness in a city where the homeless population is the worst in the country.

She came into the situation with endless possibilities. She knew she could accomplish whatever she set out to do, because her mother who was a successful musician saw a lot of talent in her daughter.

“I believe we underestimate ourselves often and our fear takes over. My goal is to show people that they are stronger and can do much more than they think they can”, Cooper says.

Phillip’s story is nothing short from inspirational. And the fact that she is using her story to inspire her listeners makes her one of the up-coming role model figures of today.

Cooper was born in a small town in Russia, raised mainly by her grandmother and Aunt. Her mother was rarely ever around as she was touring the world as a master violin player. With the absence of her mother, Phillip found comfort in music and more specifically Ella Fitzgerald’s music. She taught herself every Fitzgerald song in detail.

As a kid Cooper grew up in an opera house, watching a lot of classic ballets, operas, and classical music. “Growing up in musical theater inspired me to continue learning music,” she says. Not too long after, she enrolled in the well-known Moscow State Classical Academy, where she worked tirelessly on her voice and other musical skills.

When her mother realized her daughter’s pure talent she quit her own career that was flourishing and took her daughter on tour with her across Russia.

At age 17, Cooper moved to New York City with very little money. However, she was determined to pursue a successful career in international music just like her mother. She hustled and worked, performed at weddings and clubs, and slept in the storerooms of restaurants she sang in. She was relentless and set on her goal.

When offered to perform at an important performance in Los Angeles, she didn’t hesitate to take it and never looked back.

With music underlying themes of strength, grace, and empowerment, Cooper has already attracted 10 million followers online with her previous singles. “They love music that makes them feel a certain way,” she says.

“(Living on my own in New York) was a rough experience, but it was so vivid and full of life, so I think it’s one of the best periods of my life. I think it inspired me so much because I saw how many opportunities I can explore. Also, I found a true character in myself because I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone I just found my true self.”

~Cooper Phillip (6/23/2020)

Cooper’s music is a mix of catchy and inspirational pop, there’s a lot to like about her. Thank You Heartbreak really stuck out to me when I was listening to her music, the two parts of what her music usually is were present in this song. The song’s verses were about her story, her chorus was catchy, and the song ends in an empowering way.

Phillip doesn’t really hold anything back in her songs, and seems to be the kind of writer that gets genuinely bothered by holding back something. Her most recent single, Not Perfect, is another example of expressing her true emotions. The song talks about the importance of self-love and confidence.

She hopes this single and her story help people find their own confidence.

“As soon as the lockdown is over I’m going on a world tour.”

~Cooper P.

Cooper tells me that she wants her musical direction to stay honest. “I want my music to speak the truth about me and how I feel about the world,” she says.

She didn’t speak of any more music to be release at any point soon, so I am not expecting much on that end. But nevertheless as always keep your eyes glued to our socials, which you can follow below.

I would like to thank Alex High for connecting me with Cooper Phillip for this week’s article, I am very honored to review such a confident woman and musician.

You can follow Cooper Phillip on Instagram, and Twitter. You can stream her music on Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube.

You can follow Unedited Music Blog on Instagram,  Facebook, and Twitter. You can listen to our playlists on Spotify, and SoundCloud.

Have a fantastic week, and please remember to respect the ones around you and stay home if you don’t feel well. The pandemic feels like it’s settling down, but it isn’t so please stay safe!

Not Perfect (2020) by Cooper Phillip
Not Perfect (2020) by Cooper Phillip

Overall: 4.8/5

Not Perfect: 5/5

Speaking in Tongues: 5/5

Exceptional Feelings: 4.5/5

Thank You Heartbreak: 5/5

Low Key: 5/5

Party By Myself: 5/5

Silence: 5/5

Top Song: Party By Myself (2016)

C.SHIROCK [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, alternative, Artist Bio, Backstory, California, Classic Rock, electronic, Electronic Rock, Facebook, Guitar, Hard Rock, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, Indie Rock, Instagram, Instrumental, Interview, Rock, Soundcloud, Spotify, USATagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Chuck Shirock (C.SHIROCK), taken by Daniella Midenge

I remember the first time I heard Bono’s voice, it was also the first time I’ve ever heard a musician from Ireland. I don’t remember exactly what the first song I listened to by U2, but I think it was either One, Sunday Bloody Sunday, or New Year’s Day.

I never really thought anyone would sound exactly like his voice, Bono has that kind of voice that is so powerful that it will never be duplicated. That’s what I thought before I ever heard of C.SHIROCK, however.

Singer-songwriter Chuck Shirock has been making music ever since he started playing piano at age 4 making up songs on his own. He later got a guitar that his Dad got for him, and soon after started a band. “I wanted to be the singer, and since then I’ve never looked back! Now, making music, singing, writing and performing are the best ways I know how to let my emotions out. It’s one of the only places I know how to truly be free in my expression and my emotions,” Chuck says.

After successfully gaining a huge fanbase with SHIROCK, Chuck’s solo project (C.SHIROCK) is seeing a lot of success with attracting loyal fans. “It means so much me to know that this music that I pour my heart into connects with you, and becomes a part of the soundtrack to your life,” he says.

“I love seeing the familiar names of fans that I remember from years ago – maybe we met at a show or took a picture together, and now years later they’re commenting on a new music video or single… you develop a sense of friendship and family with your biggest fans. When you see them at a show it feels incredible to know that they’ve walked with you through so much life and a very personal journey of songs and lyrics. So to every fan that takes the time to write, comment and reply – thank you!”

~Chuck Shirock [C.SHIROCK] (5/20/2020)

C.SHIROCK’s music shows a great progression in sound over the years, and his best production definitely comes from the last five tracks (averaging a 4.9/5 rating, higher than his overall rating of 4.8/5). Songs that have recently stood out are Stand With Me Tonight and his most popular song that has attracted over 250k streams on Spotify, Lost to the Night.

His newest track, All We Have is this Moment, is about being present and living in the moment. “I am the kind of person that’s always thinking about the next step… about the future, and the steps I want to take to get there. This can be a strength at times, but it can also be a huge hinderance to enjoying the process and being present to life today. It’s so easy to miss, but this very moment is all we have,” says Chuck.

This song has come out the ideal time, a time where everyone in the world has been forced to stop being so busy. It’s a perfect time to learn how to live in the moment, and I truly hope this song will remind the ones who need this the most!

Before moving, I absolutely have to address the remixes I have found in C.SHIROCK’s artist library. While I probably wouldn’t put them in my Songs/Remixes playlist, they certianly bring eclecticism to his collection. Some of his best remixes are Any Minute Now (JT Daly Remix), and Bodytalkr’s remix of Back Against the Wall.

“Over the years it’s changed… sometimes people compare my vocals to Bono, other times I get Peter Gabriel comparisons with the song writing… certain songs have gotten comparisons to Coldplay, some to Prince, some to Bruce Springsteen.”

~Chuck

It is very important to be honest and vulnerable in Chuck’s music, and that is something that he will not lose sight of in the future. All We Have is this Moment is one of those tracks, and it is a single from an upcoming album called Evidence of Things Unseen that will be released later this year. Aside from that, he’s been writing and “dreaming up the next album” during this whole quarantine.

Other than that, he really doesn’t know what the future looks like for C.SHIROCK. “As things evolve with the current situation, I’ll do my best to stay flexible… I was hoping to tour around the release of Evidence of Things Unseen, but given the current situation, that may not be an option. If touring isn’t an option, then my plan is to go straight back into the studio and being workin on the next album,” he says. He is also working on a poetry book and an instrumental album. You can find his latest news on his website (cshirock.com)!

I would like to thank Lydia Reed from LPR Agency for getting me connected with Chuck, and thank you to him for answering the interview questions! Additionally, shoutout to Daniella Midenge for taking the cover photo and Emilia Pare for the featured image!

You can follow C.SHIROCK on both Instagram and Facebook, and stream his music on Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube.

You can follow Unedited Music Blog on Instagram (@unedited_music_blog) and Facebook (@uneditedmb), and stream our playlists on Spotify and SoundCloud.

Just so everyone knows, Sunday June 21st is my birthday! I am planning to release a new logo on that day, and I am very excited about this one! It was drawn and photoshopped by myself!

Have a fantastic week, stay home if your sick, remember that racism is wrong, and congratulations to all college and High School grads of 2020!

All We Have is this Moment by C.SHIROCK (2020)

Overall: 4.8/5

All We Have is this Moment: 5/5

Lost to the Night: 5/5

Eyes Of Sorrow: 5/5

First Snow: 4.8/5

Stand with me Tonight: 5/5

Confess Your Love: 4.9/5

Wake Up: 4.5/5

Any Minute Now: 5/5

Back Against the Wall: 5/5

Haunted: 4.8/5

Water to Sea: 5/5

Top Song: Lost to the Night (2019)

Simply Vika [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2019 Pop Music, alternative, Alternative pop, California, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, Inspirational person, Instagram, Music, R&B, Rap, Singer, USATagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Vika and her Shadow
Simply Vika

For the past few weeks, I have realized how toxic the way we as Americans are living is.

A white person most likely will be diagnosed with a mental health problem at least every day, but a black person will not even have enough money to buy a healthcare plan that would allow them coverage for a quality professional psychologist.

Meanwhile, the best Women’s National Soccer (or Football depending where you live) Team in the world is paid less than one of the worst Men’s Soccer National Team in the world. In other words, the USA Men’s National Soccer Team players average $60k while USA Women’s National Soccer Team players average $40k.

This past Women’s World Cup, USA won the national title. This past Men’s World Cup, USA didn’t even make it to the beginning stages.

So why am I bringing this up? Well for one, it’s not to piss people off… That’s the last thing I want to do! I am bringing this up because that’s exactly what Simply Vika is trying to raise awareness for.

Vika is raising awareness for women empowerment, equality, and personal growth. These topics are certianly being focused on across America and even the world.

But in my opinion, it’s something that everyone should be working on EVERYDAY.

Vika grew up in a very musical family, and she felt it was always only a hobby. “But somewhere on the way, during my childhood and teenage years, I heard the phrase ‘singer is not a career’, and it got to me,” she says. When she was 22 years old, she realized how much it affected her as she came out of the army and started going down her own path. At first, she questioned if she even had a career passion, but then she realized how much music meant to her. “Music excites me, music helps me, music is my way to communicate with myself and the rest of the world,” Vika says. 

“Right after I decided that I am going to make my dream come true, I realised that there is a lot of discrimination issues in our world, I started noticing more and more all the things that are wrong, from the smallest things like dynamics at a work place to larger things like harassments”. Vika says these things that she finds unjust is what inspires her music. She felt like she wanted to be one to help provoke a change in the world, and wanted to help make this world be a better place for everyone. She wants people to chase their dreams like she is, and not let other’s opinions to hold them back like it almost did to her.

Vika is in the beginning stages of her career, so it is hard to gauge what her fan base is like right now. She does know that most of the people that support her music are girls and women.

“We are all different in our unique special way, we all are people, and no matter what what race, gender or nationality we are coming from – we are equal, and we deserve to be treated that way.”

~Vika (6/8/2020)

Vika’s songs are very different compared to other songs I usually review, and I am actually happy about that because not only does it allow me to write about something that is very relevant to what’s going on in today’s USA news… But I am also broadening the Unedited music community as well!

Stigma stood out to me as a very poignant song that wanted to get a message apart, and it did very much that. I think that Vika’s voice is very straightforward in this song, and not to mention how important the song’s meaning is. If I didn’t find passion in music discovery, then this blog would never existed in my life. So I am happy to say that I also stand for following your dreams!

Her newest song I’m Trying will have to be my favorite because of how personal and vulnerable the song is. “It’s basically me pouring my heart out. I talk about how hard it is to succeed, how hard it is to stay creative while everyone talks about money all the time, about how hard it is to stay YOU in our society. So literally, it’s about me trying,” remarks Vika. It is indeed a very cruel and sometimes unforgiving world we all live in. But believing in yourself like Vika is everyday is something that always needs to come first before anything or anyone during your daily life.

“Many of my songs are very sarcastic and criticising society. I am here to tell people that if you want music as a career – do it, if you want to be an astronaut – do it, if you want to get married or if you don’t want to get married – do only what you feel is good for you.”

~Vika

When I asked what Vika has learnt about herself during quarantine, she told me “nothing I didn’t know already. But it proved to me that I am not a home person.  I work the best when I’m busy. I need a crazy schedule to keep moving. Too much free time, I start losing it and I go crazy. My productivity is amazing when I have 0 free minutes on my schedule, so I’m waiting for one craziness to end so my personal one could start again.”

With that said, Vika is continuing to work hard on a project of songs “that (are) going to concentrate on all kinds of abuse and violence,” she says.

After the pandemic clears up enough, Vika is looking into volunteering more with local shelters and organizations to start “change from the inside, to physically help people, listen to their stories, be there for them, support them and help them build a better future. I want to start organizing fundraisers, collect donations and create more awareness,” she says.

These two pieces, her 6 songs she’s working on and the volunteer work she will be seeking out will be molded into what will be her next EP.

I would like to thank Simply Vika for staying in touch and waiting patiently for this article that was in the works for a few weeks.

You can listen to Vika on Spotify and SoundCloud, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

You can follow Unedited Music Blog on Facebook (@uneditedmb) and Instagram (@unedited_music_blog), and listen to other music reviewed on this blog on Spotify and SoundCloud.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of their week, and remember to stay safe and stay at home if your feeling sick! If you are protesting remember to do it peacefully, and know that I want your voice to be heard but wear a mask and remember hand sanitizer!

I’m Trying by Simply Vika (2020)

Overall: 4.7/5

I’m Trying: 4.9./5

Stigma: 4.5/5

In the Air Tonight: 4.5/5

Mama: 4.7/5

Top Song: I’m Trying (2020)

The Mowgli’s [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2019 Pop Music, 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, California, Good Vibes Only, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Magic Giant, Music, Of Good Nature, Pop, Pop Music, Soundcloud, Spotify, USATagged , , , , , Leave a comment
~ The Mowgli’s ~
Katie Jayne Earl (vocals), Joshua Hogan (vocals/guitar), Matthew Di Panni (bass), David Applebaum (keyboard), and Andy Warren (drums)

People who really know me probably also know that I’m a proud sad song fan. For instance, my favorite band is Linkin Park and my favorite song by them is either Keys to the Kingdom or When They Come For Me. If that isn’t emo enough, then I also like to listen to a lot of Blackbear, Bea Miller, Sasha Sloan, Chainsmokers (I am actually a top fan for them on Spotify… Very proud of that), and Twenty One Pilots (|-/).

I infamously live by my motto, which is to listen to music that makes me sad so I can balance it out with a happy life.

With that being said, I am sure 99% of those people who know me would be surprised to hear that I am a fan of The Mowgli’s, American Authors, Magic Giant, the Elovaters, and other bands that make a lot of uplifting music.

Sometimes I just need music to make me look on the bright side of things. Especially during these very crazy times. Sometimes, I think I need this positivity in my life. In fact, I think we all need positivity in our lives. That’s why I wanted to take a break last week and start writing this week about The Mowgli’s… That and also I was excited to review a band with over 200 million streams on Spotify.

¨My favorite band’s growing up made the whole concept of being in a band seem really fun. I never considered it a possibility really, but once I got into it, I realized how many influences were deeply ingrained in me,¨ says vocalist Katie Jayne Earl. The Mowgli’s are a 5 member band from California that have seen a lot of success with over 200+ million streams on multiple platforms including Spotify.

This alternative pop band has been around since 2013 and additionally sold out tours across the nation. The band is known for their hits like I’m Good (2015) and San Fransico (2013).

Just to summarize their success, the band has appeared at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and other shows, venues, and festivals.

On top of that, the Mowgli’s were honored to write and record the title theme song for Disney TV‘s #1 animated show Big City Greens. “We’ve all been raised on Disney” says drummer Andy Warren. “So, having them ask for a classic, vintage Mowgli’s song was kind of a dream come true. It was amazing how fast it came together and how well it fits with the opening montage!” (Quote taken from press release)

¨I think now more than ever, we are all realizing how important ´essential workers´ are to the continued normalcy of our day to day life, but these people were out there grinding long before COVID, keeping our world turning. So I sing it to them now, from the safety of our living room, while they’re on the frontlines.¨

-Katie Jayne Earl, Vocalist for The Mowgli’s (4/28/2020).

Being an essential employee for Riverside Community Care, I was grateful for Katie’s kind words in her quote above. And yes, we definitely deserve a vacation when this COVID-19 crisis ends. But I feel like I’m speaking for the masses when I say that musicians are also essential to our daily lives, because I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without music.

I grew up listening to I’m Good and San Fransico thinking the Mowgli’s were just a bunch of borderline hippies and kids madly in love with each other to a point that is almost unhealthy. But after reading about them, listening to more of their music, and getting to know them a little more… I find that’s not entirely true. They are more like a group of best friend’s who go through up and downs just like every band… They are human, and they celebrate that in every way possible.

I personally love their newer music more than the older music, despite what some fans say about their newer music. These guys have really stayed true to their positive vibes and I really hope this never goes away, cause like I hinted at in my intro, I really need that positivity and so do other people in this world! Especially nowadays!

Speaking of the times, I asked Katie what they are doing to keep in touch and stay connected with their fans. ¨We have been using an app called Community to text directly with fans. It’s been really great! We have also been using Twitch to play music for fans and we’ve had a lot of fun playing Animal Crossing with fans too!,¨ she told me.

¨I swear I dream of waking up,

To find the future scream.

But I’ve been sleepwalking so much,

I don’t remember dreaming.¨

–Clean Light (2013)

Right now the band is trying to embrace the positive sides of these times, using Twitch to stream gig sessions and interact with fans. Playing Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch, texting fans through Community, and just trying to keep themselves occupied the best they can. It’s actually really cool that they and other bands like Magic Giant and American Authors are doing this!

¨We want to make music that is true to who we are, and make sure we say things that matter to us.. other than that, we are open minded and open hearted about ´where´ we take our music,¨ says Katie.

Keep an eye on Unedited’s social medias for updates on the band in the future!

I would like to thank Scott Brown for connecting me with The Mowgli’s, I have been a big fan of these guys way before I even started this blog. For the record, I discovered way more songs by them while preparing this article.

You can follow The Mowgli’s on Facebook and Instagram (@themowglis), as well as listen to them on YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

You can follow Unedited Music Blog on Facebook (@uneditedmb) and Instagram (@unedited_music_blog), and listen to other musicians I’ve reviewed on Spotify.

Since 95% of us don’t have anything else to do, go on Twitch and follow @theMowglismusic and make sure you tune into their streams! Have a great week. Stay home and don’t be stupid!

Vacation (2020) by The Mowgli´s
Vacation (2020) by The Mowgli’s

Overall: 4.8/5

Vacation: 5/5

Weight on Me: 5/5

Wasting Time: 5/5

Fighting With Yourself: 5/5

American Feelings: 5/5

Where’d Your Weekend Go?: 5/5

Kids In Love: 4.5/5

Waiting For The Dawn: 4.8/5

Top Song: San Fransico (2013)

Damien Gibson (unedited) Music Review

Posted on Posted in 2020, alternative, California, Chill, electronic, Facebook, Future Star, Hip Hop, Indie, indie music, Indie pop, Inspirational person, Interview, Music, Pop Music, R&B, Rap, Singer, Soundcloud, Spotify, USA, Warped Tour, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Damien Gibson taken by rollovbaer

I was going to add a nice long quote, like I’ve been doing recently for past articles, but you know what… You can’t really philosophies a philosopher. And that’s how I view Damien, he’s wise beyond his years… And those kind of people you can’t really find wiser words than their own. So I will begin this article by saying something Damien would be surprised to hear… I was actually kind of hesitant to review his work. I was afraid that after 2 years of really exploring and taste testing soo many different genres of music, I would change so much as to dislike his kind of music. But I was pleasently surprised because I actually didn’t hate it. I loved and still love his unique videos (especially his new music video for 18 Pañatas) and his tracks that had a feel of Frenship, Drake, Blackbear, and such artists. All in all, I feel like if you enjoy R&B, hip hop, and electropop then you’d definitely enjoy his most recent album called Domenika.

Then, I was going to dive into Damien Gibson’s answers to my questions about his past… But I think he was high cause here are his answers…

John: are you high? Damien: Depends. John: Okay um so, What inspired you to start making music? Damien: Pass John: What influences your songs? Damien: Totally random stuff John: So, What is your fanbase like? Damien: I don’t know. if you mean demographically or numbers. I’ll just say my fan base is amazing and I love them very much.

I took on this blog because I’ve always had a big passion for music and invested a lot of time in my life to discovering new music. The blog was a thing I wanted to do to prove that a boy from a small town can make something bigger than themselves. But not all people are living to improve the person they were, and that’s okay. This is true for Damien. Sure the guy always wanted to make music for his career, but he isn’t doing it to prove a point. He’s doing it to prove that a dream can be fulfilled through a pure passion. And honestly, that’s really cool because that’s why music is music… Now back to his review…

“What makes (my music) different is there an overwhelming sense of impending doom. Like you can just tell my crazy side is about to pop out at any moment.”

-Damien Gibson (8/8/2018)

I find myself listening to Damien’s music on my own time and keep liking it more and more as I do. His favorite song he’s made he said is Media Mirror, however I can’t find that song so I’ll just have to take his word for it. For a very long time I tried to comprehend what it was about his music that I loved so much. I knew that I absolutely loved the alternative sound mixed with electronic and dark pop… But he said it best with the quote above that refers to the sense of “impending doom” in each song. It’s an infectious sound he’s got, and it’s hard not to like and/or appreciate it.

“I don’t really have any. Just be an entertainer. Make music that feels good. That takes life to the next level I don’t know about five years but I know that I want to have 1,000 songs before I die so there’s that.“

-Damien Gibson

I don’t actually know what is in the works at the moment for Damien, but that’s cause I haven’t talked to him for a while. As soon as he tells me something that he’s working on I’ll probably announce it on Facebook and/or Instagram. Either way as soon as I hear he released new music I will share it on social media.

I wanted to thank Damien Gibson for being very patient with me, it’s been about two years since the interview was done. This article has been a long time coming, and I guess you could say I was waiting for the right timing. Anyways you can follow Damien on Facebook and Instagram. You can listen his music on Soundcloud and Spotify, and watch his awesome music videos on YouTube. You can follow Unedited Music Blog on Facebook (@uneditedmb) and Instagram (@unedited_music_blog). You can listen to other songs that have been previously reviewed on Spotify. Have a fabulous week!!!!

Continue reading “Damien Gibson (unedited) Music Review” →

Miles V [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, California, Guitar, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Indie Rock, Instagram, Music, Pop, Pop Music, Pop Rock, Rock, Spotify, USATagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Miles V. (Press Photo, 2018)

According to the UK’s Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 people for the past week has experienced a common mental health problem. At least most of this population receives help and have a higher chance to overcome or better cope with their condition, but please remember… That’s in the UK, a totally different health care system than here in the USA… Either way, these numbers are small and (although the numbers are small) it feels like a large majority of people we interact with have struggled or are still struggling with some sort of mental health problem. These people can be our family members, our best friends, our colleagues, our close friends, and even our acquaintances. Most of the time the main struggle they’re facing are taking a break from what their minds are fixated on, and they just need someone to talk to. Other times they just feel alone and need to hear someone else’s voice other than whatever is on the television or radio. “It’s True” by Miles V. is about how overpowering our minds can be when it comes to our feelings, and how it can be so overwhelmingly difficult to not give in to our minds. Like I hinted to, most of the time our mind is the mental health problem we are facing. Meditation and mindfulness can help you if that statement is relevant to you or someone you know. I encourage you or them to look into those practices.

Miles started his musical journey by picking up his parent’s old acoustic guitar. “I made this simple riff that I loved and couldn’t stop playing it,” he says. Then in middle school, he formed his own punk rock band and started to write a lot of love songs. (Don’t mind me thinking that punk rock bands write about break ups and stuff (then again I mainly listen to Blink 182 and You Me at Six)). Today he likes to write songs about girls and relationships, but most recently he’s been writing about empathy and spirituality.

“It’s amazing how wrapped up we can be in our own thoughts and made up stories. Thoughts of judgement, jealousy, the future, contentment, am I enough? But something amazing happens when those thoughts stop or you let them pass by like clouds and don’t become attached to them. There’s a sense of peace and freedom that comes with the present moment.”
-Miles V. (1/24/2020)

With a fan base of ages from 16-35, Miles’s influences really reflect what his fans like about his music… 90’s rock and Weezer-like catchy choruses. That’s sort of what It’s True is, but with a touch of pop. To me, it reflects my struggle with anxiety and positive experience with meditation. It also symbolizes the importance of the co-existence of these two subjects nowadays, most of the time people with anxiety are recommended to try meditation. I’ve tried meditation so many times in the past but it just didn’t stick until recently… And to be honest, it’s worth all the hype.

For people in the Las Vegas area, if you want to learn how to play the guitar you can click this link to get connected with Miles for a guitar lesson!

Right now Miles is getting ready for an EP to be released hopefully at the end of the year. His plans are to release a few more singles prior to that end of the year EP. I will certainly keep in touch with him to update everyone on his progress towards the end of the year and beyond!

I would like to thank Miles V. for answering my interview questions and waiting so patiently for this article. I’ve been very busy behind the scenes and I’m very excited for the future all around for this blog so stay tuned. If you would like to follow Miles you can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to him on Spotify. I encourage you if you like this article to click those links below to read related posts I’ve previously written. You can also follow Unedited Music Blog on Instagram (@unedited_music_blog) and Facebook (@uneditedmb). You can also listen to other fabulous musicians that’ve been reviewed on Unedited’s Spotify playlist. Have a fabulous week, and happy valentine’s day to all you love birds out there!!!

Overall: 4.7/5

It’s True: 4.7/5

White Night [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in 2017, 2018, alternative, California, Germany, SpotifyTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

I usually don’t use a conversation as a tool to create content for an article, but I felt the desire to experimenting. Similarly to White Nightś desire to experiment with a violin and electronic beats. All great inventions or productions come from experiments, but most of them don’t even get past that stage. But for White Night this experiment seems to have a sense of hope in it, a much needed hope after moving from San Francisco to Berlin.

Beginning as a long distance duet from San Francisco and Berlin, White Night started in 2017. The long distance lasted until this April and they now live together in Berlin, they have since been performing locally in Berlin  and on the USA west coast and released Golden Heart and the single called You. They have a small following because they have just started the band.

¨We were both classically trained musicians studying in san francisco and we talked about our favourite music in the conservatory hallway. Lizzie than send me some of her recordings and since I was producing electronic music on the side, I really loved what she send me. So we thought: Why not start a duo. It started later than when I was back in Berlin though as a long distance project.¨

-Willi Leinen (3/10/2019)

Willi and Boardman are into a duet that are a lot like them called Sylvan Esso. Willi says that his favorite album is their newest (What Now). Interestingly the two duets are not too different as they have experimented with different sounds. While I wouldn’t hesitate to say Esso are better than White Night, that is because I have a high appreciation for Sylvan Esso´s music. Other bands that they are influenced by include Fink, and Kate Bush. As for producing Willi tells me ¨we usually write the synths and the vocal melodies first. Then, add classical elements like the strings. Lastly, we try to blend them as good as possible¨ he says. In conclusion, White Night seem to have a lot of talent. I like their songs Don’t Care, Summer Love, Reincarnation, and Melodie. I am certainly looking forward to hearing more!

I really love the mix of a violin and electronic beats, itś especially broadcast in songs like Don´t Care. The unique flow of vocal melodies and classical instruments are what make White Night so different from other duets.

Willi says that after releasing a lot of their music they are now focusing on performing. ¨We want to perform more around Europe and North America. We just performed in Seattle, Oakland, and San Francisco so far never on the East Coast. We might in the summer, although” he says. I will keep everyone updated on social media when they are possibly coming to Boston, but until then keep an eye on their Facebook page if you want to see them outside of Boston!

I want to thank both Willi Leinen and Elizabeth Boardman for their request to review their music, and for being so nice to me during the process of preparing the article. Please go like their Facebook page and listen to their music on Spotify. Stay tuned to my Facebook, Instagram (@unedited_music_blog), and brand new Tiktok pages to stay updated, and jam out to our Spotify playlist! Have a nice day and enjoy the weather if you can! 

Golden Heart by White Night (2018)

Overview: 4/5

You: 4/5

Golden Heart: 4/5

Top Song: Dont Care (2019)