The Most Definitely » The Most Definitely | » Soul

Detroit’s Empty Houses are full of soul(s)

Felipe — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 16:36:14 +0000

This trio of Detroit natives sadly pay homage to their hometown through their band name. Thanks to the auto-manufacturing crisis, the poisoned-water crisis, the housing crisis, the employment crisis, The Detroit Lions crisis (ooh sick burn!), the bankruptcy crisis, and recently the education crisis, we have a Motor City band named “Empty Houses”… womp womp. Back in 1940, FDR gave a famous speech where he included Detroit in what was known as the “arsenal of democracy” (a group of industrial cities that were key in the manufacture of weapons in support of the Allies during WWII). Detroit was once the wealthiest city in America and the fourth largest (currently in a population decline free-fall); now an example of how everything can go down the toilet real fast if we let it. Some say a leopard cannot change its spots. Well maybe it’s time for this (Detroit) Tiger to take note of some fellow pop-punkers and change their stripes. Empty Houses is comprised of a couple members of the pop punk outfit Fireworks after they went on hiatus last year who have evolved in to something wonderfully new, while at the same time, old and fresh: a poppy retro-soul indie Motown feel. Basically they did exactly what Sonny Moore did when he evolved (like Squirtle to Blastoise) from punk outfit From First To Last and became Skrillex – although Empty Houses went to a lively and airy Motown sound while Skrillex became the audible version of assault and battery.

Empty Houses has their debut album Daydream out now and it’s really nice. Here’s some examples.

Feli Says go squat in some Empty Houses

Justly Jonesing for Jones

Felipe — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 14:00:19 +0000

JONES is a singer whose name, btw, is in all caps, similar to receiving a text from your grandma, or an email from your aged boss – “If it’s not in ALL CAPS, then how will you know I’m yelling?!” The producer of this lovely track is none other than previous FeliSaysListen-er, and fellow all caps enthusiast, HONNE. London-based and mainly Eurocentric (although one random Massachusetts date on her tour this year post-SXSW), JONES is being referred to as “neo-soul,” and before you ask, no, it has nothing to do with the Keanu Reeves and the Matrix and whether we live in it and taking red pills or blue pills (although I’m a red pill guy myself… I’d hope) and what that means about our existence in the universe; although… JONES is a big science nerd and reads loads of nonfiction science books. True Story. She “finds quantum physics fascinating.” I can’t say I disagree. So maybe “neo-soul” IS about the Matrix… hmm… Well you know what they say, entropy isn’t what it used to be :-/

(oh you don’t like that joke? Ok fine, how about this one: Higgs Boson walks into a church and the priest says “we don’t allow Higgs Boson in here.” The Higgs Boson then replies “but without me, how could you have mass?”…. (it’s a good one, I promise))

Leach; Leap-Year Legend: Millennial Spirituals

Gaby — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 00:34:46 +0000

Leach; verb
(soluble chemical or mineral) drained away from soil, ash, or similar material by the action of percolating liquid, especially rainwater.

… percolate; verb – gerund to be precise.
1. [Liquid or gas] filter gradually through a porous surface or substance.
2. [Of Coffee] be prepared in a percolator…

Let’s get this straight, a musician who [claims] the fruit of their labor embodies the essence of distilled rainwater in its purest form. Nothing sounds more refreshingly soothing; my thoughts exactly while listening to “What I do.” Luscious vocals lull us on a cloud of choral-soulful-electro/synth-chill-folk-alt ~ just fabulousness. I haven’t heard the organ included in any releases of late; brava, Leach. The variety of instruments, vocal styles, attention to detail, and ultimately raw talent demonstrate an artist ensnared in the vastness of musical possibility. I predict a non-conformist, Sherlock; Millennial Spirituals.

Put it to the test, imagine, your version of crystalline leach –

Millennial Spirituals was released March 15, 2016

female vocals on tracks 2, 5, and 6 – Alyssa Frost
electric guitar on track 3 – Richard Carpenter
drums & percussion on track 5 – Bobak Loftipour
drums & percussion on track 7 – Jeff Taylor
mastering – Mark Chalecki

Seramic ~ “Waiting”

Gaby — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 21:54:18 +0000

Wait no longer; Hot off the press!

Est. London, UK

How is your 2016 going? I heard today that 20% of the year is over… leaving 80% for [some] sensible decisions about: “health,” work, lo0o0o0ove, politics, and if there’s time, you! Besides successfully cooking unburned chili and finishing 1 book with my students (!! screaming internally !!) … not much for me. Enough about me, let’s talk about you – but first, from the pit of darkness – a slap of soul sparks my sedentary thoughts back to sense; not to mention, fierce undertones of funk free your bones to moo0ve. Finally, shall we?

I’m impressed and excited by Seramic’s sound. They first released “People Say” on New Year’s Day (or Dec. 30th whichever is more badass). More recently, 11 days ago to be precise, they’ve graced our cochlea with a groovier approach; a unique sound in our era of synthemaxiwaawaaaa..what kind of pedals? Which brings me to my focal point: “Waiting.” Listen as you read, this London-based group is both mystical in physicality as they are in talent – show yourself! You can find Seramic at a few upcoming underground/bridge festivals I may or may not have frequented in my London life, but to preserve the sanctity of London’s vibrant speakeasy scene, I’ll stop myself there.

Despite the fact an 1/8th of the year is complete, it still feels like just the beginning, and what a way to kickoff 2016, Seramic. Bon a petit, New York.

Go Big on Ady Suleiman’s “What’s the Score”

Felipe — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:00:57 +0000

Not the first Notti-teen you should be bullish on (ie: Saint Raymond), Ady Suleiman teamed up with Joey Basa$$ for his dope new single “What’s the Score.” The soulful Nottinghammer is prime for the big stage with his “classic yet fresh sound” (ugh I hate it when ppl say stuff like that, but here it’s true). He fell in bromance with Joey Bada$$ after they checked out each other’s… umm.. music… :-/ The breezy bongo jam was filmed in Barcelona with some mates and when asked about the weekend he said – “it was proper chill.” Fun fact about Ady here, he may or may not be related to longest reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent, from 1520 to 1566, a distinguished poet and goldsmith (dopest profession) who personally instituted major legislative changes relating to society, education, taxation, and criminal law, and oversaw the “Golden Age” of the Ottoman Empire’s cultural development. —– “**The More You Know **”

Listening to Feli would be the appropriate action

Count Counsellor

Gaby — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:13:20 +0000

Oh yes. On the verge of elevating to stardom, Count Counsellor sends a shock of soul through my bloodstream. I’m reminded of a fifteen-year-old version of myself sneakily peering through a wire fence as a newborn Passion Pit performs in some nondescript daytime location. Counsellor has inspired me similarly, those melted butter synths have me buzzing melodies and childhood reminiscence – as he touches upon nostalgically. If Count Counsellor isn’t on your radar, listen closely and eagerly anticipate his arrival. Need I say more? Just listen.

Sam Dew – Victor

Max — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:04:45 +0000

Dying to see this act live. Missed them at SXSW and then again last week on tour with Ryn Weaver. All good thought, i’ve got a feeling the future is bright for young Sam Dew and that there will be more chances. Add this gem to your every-day Spotify playlist and start getting your mind around the nu-motown vibes.

The Shadowboxers – Ride Home

Felipe — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:39:28 +0000

Not a new band or anything, but these ATLiens (although they have since moved to Nashville) – The Shadowboxers – provide light, dancy, fun, and bouncy soul-funk tunes for your summer playlists. So there’s a win I just tossed ya right out the bat. These boys went to Emory, the school only people from Emory like to call the Harvard of the South… and have been blending their love for D’Angelo ever since. Regardless, these Allen Stone wannabes (which is high praise btw) are mixin’ soul, pop, indie rock, and some R&B tossed in for good measure and it’s quite nice if I must say so myself (which I am, bc I’m literally typing it right now).

Even though we had a haitus, we’re still wondering what Feli would Say #wwfs

Élah – “Say”

Chelsea — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 05:32:31 +0000

It’s always refreshing to find a track that falls under your favorite genre(s) and can happily be played over and over again. Most recently, élah’s “Say” has fit the description. As a soulful singer-songwriter with electronic beats that create her sound, élah provides us with a simplistic drumbeat and entrancing synths that instantly draw us listeners in.

Her relatable words are simple, yet powerful – you can hear the pure emotion that she carries within her raw and soothing vocals. One listen and you’ll be on the élah train – so get listening below.

Marian Hill – Whisky

Molly — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:35:24 +0000

There is no one forreal named “Marian Hill” in the band Marian Hill. This is actually a duo out of Philly consisting of Jeremy Lloyd (production) and Samantha Gongol (vocals), so how they got their name is beyond me. Probably a good story though.

I tend to post a lot of dark-ish R&B, and until I started writing for this blog I had NO IDEA I loved it so much. But I do love it so much, so I was stoked when someone sent me Whisky. This piece is a sensual and soulful summer treat. It’s gonna bring a new level of mystery and sensitivity to my next playlist. Great work, Miss “Marian.”