From the Inbox: Go Big Or Go Home (July 27, 2020)
It’s me again.
Back again with a curated selection of some of my favourite new releases this week. From the politically-charged release from Afropop artist Shirazee, to the latest from Hannah Georgas, all the way to the smooth trumpet of Japanese artist Tayuya Kuroda, this week’s From the Inbox covers a lot of ground with 13 new selections.
As always, don’t forget to follow us across social media. You can find Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases. Also, you can find these tracks and more on From the Inbox Spotify playlist or with our Monthly Spotify playlist.
Let us know your favourite and more importantly, if there’s something you love, remember to share it around!
Takuya Kuroda ft. Corey King – Change
Originally from Kobe, Japan, Taukya Kuroda moved to New York City to study jazz back in the mid-00’s. From there, he’s built a prolific career and has released five studio albums with his sixth Fly Moon Die Soon out on September 18th. From the upcoming release is “Change” featuring collaborator, vocalist, and trombonist Corey King. Mixing together soul, jazz, and a dash of hip-hop, “Change” leaves out the intimidating pretentiousness of jazz and instead makes room for a wider audience with its R&B ties and moody melodies.
Odario – Hot Hot Heat
It’s hard to believe it’s been months since anyone has been allowed to go to a club for a night of dancing. While it’s not the real thing, Toronto-based artist Odario was inspired by a friend to write his new single “Hot Hot Heat” after she mentioned how much she missed going out on the town. Mixing together hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk, and whatever else works, “Hot Hot Heat” is a steel-drum driven summer hit.
Hannah Georgas – Just A Phase
With her new album All That Emotion just a few weeks away, indie pop songstress Hannah Georgas has shared her new single “Just A Phase” this week. In Georgas fashion, it’s got sweeping pop arrangements, thoughtful lyricism about change and life, and a Casio-sounding drum beat to tie it all together. Her voice is the main attraction of course, pulling you in as she sings “But I fly free in my mind sometimes” on each chorus.
Yelle – Karaté
French electronic artist Yelle released her hit single “Karaté” just last month, but I had to share this one again because of the energetic new music video. Featuring improvised choreography from Joris Wolfy Gangzi, it’s easy to get wrapped up in his style and spirit. Plus it’s one of my favourite electronic tracks of the year.
Aiza – Sizzlin’
Toronto-based/Montreal-born artist Aiza throws together R&B, Afro-beats, and pop into her music. For her new single “Sizzlin'”, she matches the irresistible trap-pop energy of Cardi B and Lizzo, but manages to have her own thing going on for this absolute summer anthem.
You can hear this song and more of my favourites on my Starting Line-Up Spotify Playlist.
Safehold – Loose Ends
Emo-rap-pop is not a genre you come across too often. It’s certainly a niche sound, but when it works, it works. Chicago artit Safehold released his new album Boyish on Friday, and shared his new video for “Loose Ends”. Heavy electronic beats and throaty pop-punk vocals collide with angsty lyrics about high school for a catchy mix of genres.
Bottled Up – Kilo
Speaking of a mix of genres, Washington, D.C. art-rock group Bottled Up cite Prince, Andy Warhol, Television, and Italian disco as influences for their sound. On their new single “Kilo”, combine the artsy stylings of art-rock and psychedelic with the explosive energy of ’80s post-punk for a song that channels the inner turmoil of self-identity and then releases it into the void of fuzzy guitars and slamming percussion.
Shirazee – Tired
For his new music video for “Tired”, Benin-born, New York City-based Afropop singer-songwriter Shirazee wanted to show the pain and suffering Black lives have endured for generations. The footage and imagery provide a powerful and staggering look into the ongoing social injustices. Shirazee explains,
“‘Tired’ is a three-minute capsule of how my generation feels. The fight, the pain, the anger, the exhaustion from living in permanent dread of just existing as a Black person in this world. There is a new revolution out there ‘cause we are tired. I hope this song urges us all to continue to do the right thing and as a result, becomes a melodic beacon of encouragement and hope to keep demanding for what’s right.”
TOBi – Holiday
Toronto’s own TOBi made waves with his 2019 album STILL and once again with the deluxe re-release this past year. From the deluxe version is the bonus track “Holiday”, and its new music video. Framed in a rusty pane, TOBi sings about finding balance in a relationship with a soulful, jazz-hip-hop sound.
Decoration Day – Sadness In Disguise
On their new single “Sadness In Disguise”, Toronto folk group Decoration Day craft lush musical backdrops to make way for the stripped-down vocals of Mara Nesraallah and multi-instrumentalist Tiffany Wu. Written by Wu during a period of depression and grieving for a lost loved one, “Sadness In Disguise” captures the unfiltered emotions of immense sadness, thrown against soothing sounds of acoustic guitar, clarinet, and vocal harmonies.
Photo Ops – Take the Long Way
Following the death of Leonard Cohen, Terry Price (a.k.a. Photo Ops) was inspired to write “Take The Long Way”. Inspirited by Cohen’s ability to capture the natural landscapes of North America through his music, Price wrote his new single about his move from New York to Los Angeles, and all the sites and changes he witnessed. The uncertainity of it all is at the heart of “Take the Long Way”, blending in folk into his pop songwriting.
Ceara Cavalieri – I Wish
Los Angeles-based pop artist Ceara Cavalieri has been singing since the age of three, and writing music since her teenage years. The lifelong dedication to music is at the foundation of her ascending music career, and with her new single “I Wish”. After experiencing a tumultuous break-up, Cavalieri wrote “I Wish” to express her realization of her self-worth and to provide a relatable pop sound.
Dawson Gamble – Get Myself Over You
Indie pop artist Dawson Gamble is very new to the scene, but on his new single “Get Myself Over You”, he seems established and in control of his sound. Written about “the one” you can’t seem to forget, it’s catchy and airy feel makes for the perfect anthem to come to terms with rejection.
Plus, you can enjoy his live version from a Muskoka cottage. The water and the open air provide some nice acoustics.
