SONG REVIEW: Desmond Parson - "I Pledge"

By Jessica Klausing

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As featured on the On The Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: Soul glo

Encased in lush neo soul, “I Pledge” is an alluring and emotive newly released single from Desmond Parson. Portraying a message of being in love and a “pledge of allegiance” declaration from new couples and longtime couples alike, this track is the perfect choice for weddings and anniversaries. Parson coos sweetly over a mellow melody while trickling piano keys, warm horns and a heavenly choir of background harmonies bring out the retro R&B aspect into this delightful musical soundscape.

Desmond Parson is one artist not to sleep on. You can hear the Stevie Wonder influences in his music, and I for one cannot wait to see what else he brings to the soul table.

SONG REVIEW: Naja - "Closer"

By Jessica Klausing

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As featured on the On The Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: Soul glo

Heartfelt confessions and sonic backdrops take center stage on Minneapolis based artist Naja’s latest song, “Closer.” Jump starting into the song, Naja pours his heart out to the listener about not “needing no fancy things,” which builds the emotion with a concise drum beat before cresting into a layered echo of background vocals.

According to Naja, “this song is inspired from trying to reject materialism and ego, and trying to pursue spirituality. I’m a recovering drug addict, and although I have been sober for over a decade, I find that drugs are a just symptom of my soul sickness. I’ve always tried to use external things to fix the way I feel internally.”

The profound highlight of the song comes with the piano melody cascading down like gentle raindrops to cleanse and purify the soul. As Naja coos his soulful harmonies delicately, a warm saxophone injects a funky jazz element into this already rich musical soundscape. As the song winds down, Naja leaves us with the overall message that real happiness doesn’t come from outside things, and yes, life is not always great, sometimes it’s full of fear, and we have to walk through it, but we don’t have to do it alone.

Follow Naja on:

Bandcamp

Instagram

YouTube

SONG REVIEW: Conrad Ashton - "Those Were The Days"

By Wanda Whitley

Conrad Ashton

Conrad Ashton

Reminiscing and regret, yearning and letting go, moving forward yet looking backwards…this pure and catchy song by Conrad Ashton reflects loving  (and having lost) that one person who no matter what remains an influence in everything.  These lyrics capture the hold of a true love that got away, a past love that was so strong that still infiltrates the present.  A love that still lives in dreams.  You can’t help but feel a little sad listening to this tale of a love that once was.  At some point we all want to go back in time, to relive the best times of our lives.  This song demonstrates that everything we go through in life does indeed become a part of us – especially when we find love. 

Heartfelt and sincere, Conrad sings from his core – you can feel how much he cherishes the memories of this past relationship.  Love and hurt co-mingles together, and what is encouraging is his acceptance of it all – he is moving forward and realizing that what he shared with this love will always be with him, and because of this experience, even with his loss, he is never truly alone because his memories are always there.

Cool guitar rhythm (who would’ve thought you could jam along with a song about loss)?  Conrad has brilliantly put together a song that we can all relate to – having the best of times with a true love, and then dealing with the aftermath when those times come to an end. 

Check out Conrad’s website for more information.

INTERVIEW: Jeremy Neese of Snowcone For President

Snowcone For President. Photo by Emily Neese.

Snowcone For President. Photo by Emily Neese.

“A vote for Snowcone For President is a vote for a heavy sonic candidate.”

Snowcone For President is an alternative rock band straight out of Carrollton, Georgia. Their high energy performances coupled with the antics of band mascot Snowcone the Bad Panda have earned the band attention within the indie music world.

In this interview frontman Jeremy Neese discusses his musical projects, the new Snowcone For President album and Snowcone the Bad Panda’s origins. Read it HERE.

Follow Snowcone For President:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Spotify
Soundcloud

SONG REVIEW: Aliice - "Sorry Mamma"

By Jessica Klausing

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Singer-songwriter Aliice brings a vibrant pop sound with a carefree Punk attitude into her songs. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Chile, Aliice launched singles from 2017-2019 to her debut Electro Pop album titled Facing the Monster, dedicated to confronting our inner and outer demons and inviting us all to be brave.

Her newest song, “Sorry Mamma” intends to cause a sexual female revolution. Aliice wants her listeners to be proud of their sexuality and never ashamed.

“I was raised in Chile which is very conventional and traditional and women are criticized for everything! So, this is my middle finger song to all those years and remarks about my life and my body,” said Aliice.

“Sorry Mamma” is a sultry anthem that fizzes as pulsing beats and accelerating electronics create a heart-racing soundscape. Aliice seduces her way into your ears as she coos about a steamy encounter with a man. With racy lyrics fleshing out this body grinding danceable beat, Aliice celebrates and embraces her unapologetic sexual confidence. “Sorry Mamma” is a flirty, grooving chic display from Aliice. Don’t sleep on this artist! She’s one to keep an eye on.

Check out Aliice’s other releases! Her music videos are visually stunning with colorful backdrops.

Follow Aliice:
Website
Spotify
Apple Music
Youtube
Instagram

ALBUM REVIEW: Jamie Alimorad - This Is Tomorrow Calling

By Jessica Klausing

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Singer-songwriter Jamie Alimorad returns with his newest album, This Is Tomorrow Calling. Teaming up with legendary producers Gino and Ross Vannelli, this adult contemporary pop-rock album showcases beautiful instrumentation and Alimorad’s powerful vocal range.

The uplifting opener, “Brighter Days” sends a message of hope to anyone struggling with their inner demons. “When living’s hard and you think you’re better off dead/This is tomorrow calling, there are brighter days ahead.” Alimorad wrote the song in honor of a friend who had attempted suicide. It’s a cheerful pop-rock tune that will lift your mood and bring you to your feet to rejoice. The song is currently being used to help bring awareness to and raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can purchase the Brighter Days t-shirts through TeePublic, with all proceeds going to the AFSP.

The tempo slows down with the bittersweet, harmonica-brooding “Down On Golden Shores.” Alimorad reflects on the past with, “My Alex was so full of life/ I thought someday to make her my wife/ But the world is full of best-laid plans/ Made by sea and golden sands.”

The standout track, “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” thrives wonderfully on vibrant and zesty Santana-esque guitar rhythms, while Alimorad belts out pitch-perfect crescendos, on letting us know that he’s in this relationship for the long haul.

“I am Home” delves deep into Alimorad’s emotional songwriting with touching lyrics and delicate guitar while the piano meanders wistfully throughout the track. “Rock Me to Heaven” follows as another tender pop ballad that’ll warm your heart with its sweet lyrics and gentle acoustic guitar.

“Lucky Me” has a surprisingly swanky element with funky guitar riffs and hand drum rhythms as Alimorad recounts falling in love with a toxic woman. “The two best days of my life: One was finding her/ Oh; the second was losing her/ Lucky me.”

“How Could I Love Again?” is melancholic and heartbreaking. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals accompany a distant, pining guitar. The piano-adorned, “A Moment Is All I Ask,” is an emotional track with a loving, swooning melody with which Alimorad expresses his desire to prove his worth to a girl. It’s reminiscent of a Barry Manilow song.

This is Tomorrow Calling is a heartwarming album filled with sublime musicianship. Passion radiates off every track. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys easy-listening and solid, relatable songwriting.

Recommended Tracks: “Brighter Days,” “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” “I am Home,” and “A Moment Is All I Ask.”

SONG REVIEW: Ines Herrmann - "Final Enemy"

By Jessica Klausing

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German singer-songwriter Ines Herrmann releases her newest single “Final Enemy,” ahead of her upcoming EP, Thunder which will release on September 10.

Herrmann has a knack for compelling storytelling songs as she adds a bold flair of her personality with unique instrumentals to create something truly special. Her music can be compared to Janis Joplin, Kate Bush, Charlotte Gainsburg, and Julia Jacklin.

Herrmann refuses to be ignored as “Final Enemy” is a testimony to anyone who dares stand in her way. Honest lyrics and pitch perfect vocals soar over diligent percussion while Herrmann proclaims that she’s your final enemy, “in the back of your mind when you’re ready to face it.”

Follow Ines Herrmann:
Website
Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

SONG REVIEW: Tony Andreas McQueen - "Summer Anthem"

By Jessica Klausing

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Tony Andreas McQueen is half of the duo known as McKQwn. He is a songwriter, producer, arranger, and vocalist based in Los Angeles. McQueen releases his sizzling new single, “Summer Anthem” to kick off those carefree summer days.

“Summer Anthem” oozes R&B elements with a laid back deep soulful smooth earworm melody.

McQueen’s tender vocals cools and sets the perfect scene for a summertime evening chill. This track will make you want to cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway in an open top convertible with your love riding shotgun. Sweeping in its simplicity and eloquent in its lyricism, it’s a romantic charmer without being too sappy.

Follow Tony Andreas McQueen:
Soundcloud
CD Baby
Facebook

CONCERT REVIEW: Aaron Carter @ LA's The Mint

Aaron Carter photo by Jessica Klausing

Aaron Carter photo by Jessica Klausing

Aaron Carter was the “flyest kid on the block” in the early 2000s with his teen party anthem, “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It).” He wooed teenage girls worldwide with “I Want Candy” and rapped about winning a basketball game against Shaquille O’ Neal in “That’s How I Beat Shaq.” Flash forward to 2019, Carter is back with new music and a more mature image. He proved at Los Angeles’ The Mint that Aaron’s Party never stopped!

Check out the concert REVIEW.

Aaron Carter is offering Pizza Party Soundchecks and after show Meet n’ Greets for his 2019 tour!

Aaron Carter at soundcheck. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Aaron Carter at soundcheck. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

I’m a sucker for artist VIP packages so I decided to try them both out. The pizza party sound check was literally announced a few days before Aaron’s Los Angeles show. I had already bought my ticket and the meet n’ greet pass, but I thought, ‘hey, it’s my childhood idol plus pizza. What could possibly go wrong?’

My night started with a text instructing me to be at the venue at 6:30PM sharp. Upon arrival at 6PM, I received another text informing me that soundcheck had been bumped to 7:15PM instead. No biggie. I killed time at a neighboring café until it was time for check in. A few of us had gathered in front of The Mint’s main doors eagerly awaiting check in and…no one was there.

Confused, I decided to text back the number for advice and…no reply. To make matters worse, it started to rain. Go figure. Thankfully, The Mint had a canopy big enough for all of us to fit under. I was a bit frustrated and cold but determined to not let this little mishap rain on my parade, so to speak. At about 7:35PM, Aaron’s entourage arrived to finally let us into the venue.

Inside The Mint venue. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Inside The Mint venue. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

We were told that Aaron was running late and would be here in 10 minutes. I did find it a bit odd that no one checked us in or gave us a wristband. That’s usually the protocol at meet n’ greet type functions. Aaron’s entourage was busy setting up the merch table but assured us that we were fine without a wristband. The venue staff did at least come by to stamp our hands.

The last time I saw our soundcheck pizza. sigh I didn’t even get to gaze upon it’s cheesy magnificence. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

The last time I saw our soundcheck pizza. sigh I didn’t even get to gaze upon it’s cheesy magnificence. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

The venue manager even handed me the pizza for some reason. He took off before I could ask any questions. I looked around for guidance but everyone was just as puzzled. We decided to put the pizza at the bar. Big mistake. That was the last time I saw that pizza. We didn’t even get a slice. As soon as soundcheck started, the venue took the pizza away. First rule of pizza party soundcheck –never turn your back on pizza!

Aaron Carter sets up for soundcheck. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Aaron Carter sets up for soundcheck. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Aaron Carter had arrived around 7:45PM. He was proudly sporting his black LøVë sweatshirt with a blinged out diamond studded LøVë necklace around his neck. Everyone had quickly gathered at the stage for the soundcheck performance. Aaron smiled kindly and waved to all of us.

“Why aren’t you two wearing your LøVë sweatshirts?” He asked me and another fan.

Aaron Carter’s merch booth. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Aaron Carter’s merch booth. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

We looked around and noticed we were the only fans not wearing the shirts. The peer pressure was on so we decided to check out the merch booth. Unfortunately, the booth was only taking cash and we brought credit cards instead. The black LøVë sweatshirts are cute and looked quite comfy. I made a mental note to order mine after the show.

The sweatshirts are $45 dollars. You can order one HERE.

Aaron performed brief 30 second snippets of “Fool’s Gold,” “Bad 2 Good,” and “Dearly Departed.” I enjoyed watching Aaron but the screeching speakers made the audio unbearable at times. Soundcheck had to be rushed in order for the venue to open their doors on time at 8PM.  

Despite the hustle and bustle, Aaron still managed to make some time for his fans. He didn’t have too much time to chat but he at least made sure we all got a selfie with him before he had to leave.

Me and AC after soundcheck. I didn’t have time to put the camera on flash mode.

Me and AC after soundcheck. I didn’t have time to put the camera on flash mode.

I don’t want to knock the pizza party soundcheck experience for other fans. I do believe the staff could have been more organized, but I also take into consideration that the LA show was only the second stop of the tour. The soundcheck party is a brand new perk which has some kinks that I hope will be worked out for future shows.

Keep in mind:

-The experience is very quick. Ours lasted less than 15 minutes. Be camera ready.
-Aaron’s time is greatly limited at soundcheck. He does try to spend as much time as he can with fans but just be prepared.
-Eat that pizza as soon as you get it!

I will say the after show meet n’ greet was a great experience! The actual meet n’ greets are a much more relaxed experience than soundcheck. You line up at the merch booth after the show. A venue staff member will escort you backstage for your photo with Aaron. Aaron is such a sweetheart who really cares about his fans. I managed to chat with him a bit after my picture. He genuinely does appreciate all of the support. Thanks for a great show, Aaron!

Backstage with Aaron Carter.

Backstage with Aaron Carter.