These releases among others are available to request at wyce.org/request or call (616)742-9923 For a complete list of everything we add visit: grcmc.org/wyce/music/library
Devon Gilfillian - Black Hole Rainbow
As a child, Devon Gilfillian was exposed to a steady stream of classic R&B, Soul, Rock, Blues, and Hip-Hop artists while living in Philadelphia. He was simultaneously living in his father’s album collection of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding while eagerly seeking out artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, and JAY-Z. Each side of his listening habits informed one another and inspired him to cultivate a soulful sound that blends elements of the traditional Motown sound with the current suite of beat-making sounds available to current hip hop producers. His new, debut LP, Black Hole Rainbow, is a beautiful crossroads of raw, emotionally driven vocals paired with instrumental soundscapes shaped by classic soul band sounds mixed with ambient textures and pulsing electronic beats. The resulting experience is captivating, a wonderful nexus of ideas and sounds from a variety of Black American Music sources. It’s no surprise that this artist has toured the world already performing with artists like Brothers Osbourne, Mavis Staples, and Gladys Knight. Devon Gilfillion will open for Grace Potter at The Intersection on February 5th!
Songs to check out: Unchained, The Good Life, Stay a Little Longer
Marcus King - El Dorado
Marcus King has carved out a name for himself as an innovative songwriter who can effortlessly switch between the nuances of writing and performer in a variety of styles, from rock to soul and back again. With this latest release, El Dorado, Marcus King’s vocals are the feature. With the production talents from Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), this release cements him as one of this generation’s soulful, young talents. This collaboration happened when Marcus left the pain of broken relationships and the loss of close friends and moved to Nashville, where he linked up with Dan and was introduced to a host of talented collaborators for him to work with on music. Channeling rock, blues, southern R&B, and country-infused soul alongside these emotions, Marcus has created an album that speaks from the heart and serves to emphasize not only how talented he is now, but how his artistry and talents have staying power. At 23 years old, Marcus is a soulful force that is just getting started.
Songs to check out: Wildflowers & Wine, The Well, Beautiful Stranger
Calibro 35 - Momentum
Calibro 35 is a group that has been active since 2008, and their experiences as collaborators influenced by a rich palette of musical sounds and traditions all come together in their latest release, Momentum. Their sound is described as “cinematic funk,” blending funk, rock, jazz, and improvisational elements into a style that is equal parts grooving rhythms and expansive textures. All across this album, each track reminds me of Jaga Jazzist, as they share an affinity for orchestrating a variety of instruments and sounds from all across the globe into these curated listening experiences. Whether it’s being used as an accompanying track for lyricism by Illa J or MEI, being sampled by Dr. Dre and JAY Z, performing artists like Muse, Sun Ra Arkestra, and Thundercat, or even collaborating with artists like Mike Patton, PJ Harvey, and Stewart Copeland, Calibro 35 is a creative force for good in the world. Treat yourself to a sonic smorgasbord of different influences, instruments, and intimate listening moments that will stick with you throughout your week.
Songs to check out: Fail It Til You Make It, Stan Lee (ft. Illa J), Glory-Fake-Nation
Alexandra Savior - The Archer
Known for her brand of psychedelic and atmospheric infused music often described as “desert rock,” Alexandra Savior wears her many influences on her sleeve. From Jack White to Amy Winehouse to Otis Redding, her lyrical and melodic choices were catalogued early on alongside different guitar techniques on an old tape recorder. Since the days of creating and developing her artistry at age 14, the Portland-based artist has released her debut album Belladonna of Sadness, signed to Columbia Records, and has had hit singles like “Girlie,” which has received over 3 million plays on Spotify. For 2020, she has released The Archer, her second full-length album, a release that blends together elements of psychedelic pop and rock into a polished listening experience that she describes as a “feminist angst horror film feel.”
Songs to check out: Howl, Saving Grace, The Archer
Moon Hooch - Life on Other Planets
Moon Hooch is one of those names you recognize on festival lineups nowadays, but it’s pretty inspiring to see their rise from New York City subways to stages all over the world, including stops along the way to do an NPR Tiny Desk Concert and perform with groups like Galactic, Lotus, and Dopapod. In fact, their subway concerts grew to such popularity that the NYPD had to ban them from certain locations that could no longer handle the size of crowds they drew. Moon Hooch returns with their latest release, Life on Other Planets, an album that continues to infuse electronic elements within their jazz-infused saxophonic dance beats that they call “cave music.” Their range of saxophone techniques are on full display, from growling low notes to shrieking altissimo, all packaged within an EDM inspired vocabulary that makes them appealing to mainly electronic music festivals. If you’re interested in checking out some of the sounds they use on the instruments to make their music, YouTuber Andrew Huang recently did a video where they recorded a variety of samples in his home studio, everything from dubstep builds to shoving a traffic cone in the baritone sax bell to lower the pitch a minor third (check it out here). It’s exciting to see a small group of inventive artists create within their limitations of the instrumentation and simultaneously augment their sounds with a lot of creative equipment and effects, so throw on their album and dance to their saxophone sounds!
Songs to check out: Nonphysical, Candlelight, Bronst
New Music Monday is a collaboration with WYCE Staff and Dutcher Snedeker. These among others are all available for request at wyce.org/request or call (616) 742-9923 For a complete list of everything we add visit: grcmc.org/wyce/music/library
