From the Inbox – April 26, 2020
Congratulations! You’ve found it!
This is the safest place to be to avoid the news. The only news you’ll hear about is from the wonderful artists I’ve picked out for this week’s From the Inbox and their music.
You’re welcome.
In case you’re new, From the Inbox is a collection of tracks sent to my inbox that I want to share with you. Life gets busy, but when there’s a will, there’s a way!
So, sit back and scroll through these fantastic new singles from this past week and if you enjoy anything, don’t forget to tell your friends all about it.
If albums are more your style, you can read through our latest In No Particular Order here.
As always, do your part by following Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases!
Nathaniel Rateliff – Willie’s Birthday Song
Fun fact: Willie Nelson is turning 87 on Wednesday (April 29th)! The musical legend continues to be a household name and prolific songwriter as he inches closer to 9 decades on this planet.
What better way to celebrate an iconic birthday than with a birthday song? Nathaniel Rateliff had the same thought as me and wrote “Willie’s Birthday Song” to celebrate the man. Featuring Willie’s sister Bobbi Nelson, famed harmonica player Mickey Raphael, Night Sweats members Patrick Meese, Mark Shusterman, and Jeff Dazey, Jonathan Tyler, Matt Pynn, as well as background vocals by Willie’s sons, Lukas and Micah, along with Matthew Logan Vasquez, Nikki Lane, and Courney Marie Andrews. It’s a great sing-along tune for sure.
Plus, after Nathaniel and Willie became friends from their work with Farm Aid a few years back, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats released a special edition cannabis collection under Willie’s Reserve, called Nightstache.
So, “pass me that joint, it’s Willie’s birthday”!
Zaac Pick – Ladder To The Sun
Congratulations to Zaac Pick for being the first artist to be featured on From the Inbox twice (sorry Zaac, I don’t have any accolades set up yet).
The Vancouver indie folk artist announced his new album Passages earlier this year with his lead single “Lighter Side of Blue” and is back with another heartfelt tune “Ladder To The Sun”. Yet again, you can hear Pick’s melancholic voice bring out the sincerity of his lyrics while strumming a bright folk melody.
(Will he go 3 for 3? Stay tuned…)
Jenny O – I Don’t Want To Live Alone Anymore
If you can find yourself relating to this song, I’m sorry to hear that. Quarantine isolation is not an easy lifestlye for many, especially those living alone.
Although this song was written pre-quarantine as a lament about wanting to share her space with someone special, singer-songwriter Jenny O. couldn’t have picked a better time to release her new single “I Don’t Want To Live Alone Anymore”. The single is off her forthcoming album New Truth, out June 19th. On “I Don’t Want To…”, her velvety vocals and slow-burning guitar strumming will surely help relive some anxiety during these strange times.
Adaline – Ghost
Canadian-born/L.A.-based indie pop artist Adaline released her stunning new EP Dear Illusion this past weekend. As an exploration of her queer identity, the new collection is one of her most heartfelt and honest works yet. From the extended play is the single “Ghost”, a ballad about heartbreak from within the LGBTQ+ community. “I want ballads like “Ghost” to speak to the LGBTQ community with an inclusive narrative that explores the heartbreak between two people in love ending something meaningful, regardless of gender,” shares Adaline. “Society unfairly projects an overt sexuality onto this community to the point where it dehumanizes, when in reality we all go through desperate moments in broken promises, betrayal, relationships ending, intense loneliness: we are the same.”
With that sentiment and intensity, “Ghost” finds a way to build into a cinematic synth-driven pop tune. Her ethereal vocals mixed over a backdrop of dizzying textures and electronic soundscapes make “Ghost” a compelling listen. The music video was shot in Joshua Tree, California, matching the song’s expansive aesthetic.
Mint – Turbulence
The only other time I’ve heard of Grimsby is the Sasha Baron Cohen comedy classic “The Brothers Grimsby”, where Cohen plays a stereotypical pub-rat townie.
Well, from that same town is the alternative garage rock group Mint. Taking the grit and blue-collar tenancity of their hometown and turning it into feverish rock n’ roll, Mint release their pent up energy with tarnished hooks and garage/DIY tenacity of the late ’90s. Their new single “Turbulence” revolves around the brash chorus of “This is your captain speaking / never forget this feeling”, encouraging cranked speakers and leaves you ready for another trip.
The accompanying music video is also quite the adventure….
As a little bonus the band created custom ringtones for your amusement.
Nick Hakim – CRUMPY
New York indie songwriter Nick Hakim has a way with creating music that’s slow and somber. Unlike many others who try to build a discography around cerebral, slow-burning tunes and end up sounding washed up and boring, Hakim is able to stay afloat with his subtle richness and laissez-faire style.
His new single “CRUMPY”, which features a guest guitar appearance from Mac DeMarco, has Hakim pleading to a lover to return. The lament is filled with soul and distorted guitar lines, fusing together elements of R&B with dream-gaze to craft a compelling richness.
“CRUMPY” is off his upcoming sophomore album WILL THIS MAKE ME GOOD, out May 15th.
Abigail Lapell – Down By The Water
I will admit – I am not overly immersed in the world of folk-country. Nevertheless, when I hear something compelling and alluring, I need to share it.
Such is the case with Toronto singer-songwriter Abigail Lapell. A seemingly simple recipe of vocals and guitar, her new single “Down By the Water” packs a bigger punch to the ears. It has a similar sound to the softer side of the Dixie Chicks; a powerful female voice that uses its weightlessness to course through the listener.
And speaking of punches, her new music video is a black and white boxing match filled with symbolism and storytelling.
Taylor Janzen – Devotion
At just 20 years old, Winnipeg singer-songwriter Taylor Janzen has been steadily growing her fanbase with her honest sound. She has a certain pop sensibility to her music but without the washed out tropes and artificial deceit of the genre. Her voice is comforting, a welcomed contrast as she opens up about insecurities in her lyrics. Her new single “Devotion” continues that trend, as she tries to rediscover her identiy after being lost in loving wholeheartedly.
She’s like a younger, Canadian Phoebe Bridgers and her music speaks for itself.
ASHS – Don’t Call Me
How often do you combine a self-empowering pop song with a slasher flick? I can’t think of anything, can you?
Juno nominated artist Alyssa Reid, a.k.a. ASHS, decided to take the boldness of her new single “Don’t Call Me” and turn it into an even bolder music video. She thought of the most extreme phone call and then took it one step further.
Her vibrant pop vocals and melody on the single are easy on the ears, which makes up for the music video which is a bit harsher on the eyes.
Hopefully you don’t live alone!
DJDS – No Trust /Feel Nice EP
This is a little bit of a cheat since it’s a three track EP, but if you’re into some electronically-influenced dancehall and reggaeton, DJ duo DJDS (who have worked on Kayne West’s The Life Of Pablo) have collaborated with some talented Jamaican artists Artikal and Projexx on the new EP. It’s fun, it’s chill, and it’s easy listening on a sunny afternoon.
Travis Scott x Kid Cudi – THE SCOTTS
After “performing” on Fortnite this past weekend, Travis Scott premiered his new song “THE SCOTTS” featuring fellow rapper Kid Cudi. Released during a 10 minute performance online through the video game, the new single is a pioneering concept in the world of interactive music videos.
Pop DJ Marshmello did something similar last year which makes you wonder “is this the future of concerts?”.
The technology geek in me is sort of curious where this will go, but the music aficionado hopes live music will remain forever.
What do you think?
