Gwyneth Moreland – Cider
URL: https://www.gwynethmoreland.com/
Gwyneth Moreland’s California upbringing and sense of community greatly informs the songwriting on her release Cider. The ten songs on this album focus, in different ways and focuses, on character and Moreland demonstrates a nearly matchless talent for getting under the skin of her subject matter without ever giving short shrift to the track’s potential. She has secured the services of some amazing accompaniment for these performances, among them Gene Parsons, former pedal steel guitarist with seminal California country-influenced rockers The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Byrds. Her singing and songwriting, however, are the album’s primary attraction. She lives every line of these songs and shows a consistent willingness to throw herself into the moments and experiences depicted within. Producer David Hayes did a fantastic job of giving these songs the best of all possible platforms to get over with her audience. Cider is a memorable moment in the history of modern folk music.
Spayyzee - Work for It
URL: https://spayyzee.com/
The latest release from Spayyzee, otherwise known by his birth name Michael Plotkin, is the second single from his soon to be delivered debut album. “Work for It” is a hard-hitting testimony to the sacrifices required for a performer to end up something more than a flash in the pan sensation and still contains enough entertainment value to show great allure for many listeners. DC Steez is prominently featured in the track as well and his more rugged, swaggering style makes for an interesting contrast with Spayyzee’s take on the material. The production has a stripped down, spartan approach emphasizing the two voices, but the vocals and music alike strike a perfect balance that keeps everything lean and muscular. The song runs just a bit over four minutes and remains entertaining throughout. If this track is any indication of the quality listeners will encounter on the debut, Spayyzee’s forthcoming release heralds the beginning of a fantastically successful career.
Brielle Von Hugel - “Stronger” FT B.o.B, (Exodus and Sweet & Sour Remix)
URL: https://www.briellevonhugel.com/
Brielle Von Hugel’s ascent towards greater mainstream recognition gets a significant boost from her latest single “Stronger”. It’s a collaboration with hip hop artist B.o.B. and House DJ’s Sweet & Sour and Exodus, but Von Hugel is the focal point and she sets the song on fire with an all-encompassing approach that bristles with passion and inspiration. The song has a four minute duration and Hugel keeps it hopping with a variety of approaches that never sound incongruous or strike a false note throughout the proceedings. It’s the latest peak in a career that has seen Hugel take her appearance on Season 11 of American Idol and expand on it with numerous press and television spots as well as teaming with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox to memorable effect. Music runs in this singer’s DNA and she was likely destined from an early age for entertaining a vast audience of eager listeners.
