The Lion's Tunes #8

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it...

·         Song: Revelations

Artist: Lakota Silva
Album: Pop The Mixtape

I recently did a album review for this singer, that if the editors like will hopefully appear in one of the publications soon (but I will update everyone about that if it happens. That aside, I really fell in love with this song.I love how anthemic it is - it has a bit of that Santigold vibe and some reggae undertones, but this song is just so awesome.

"Attention, we're doing it well with our hands to the sky

and a story to tell,

Attention, we're doing it well with our hands to the sky."

·         Song: Howling (Ame Remix)

Artist: Howling

This song is not actually new. I came across this song because, honestly this will sound bad, it was on the Taken 3 soundtrack. Judge away. It is really just such a cool song. It might not be the last song that you would want to listen to before you die, but it got to me and I love the mellow vibe.

·         Song: To You (Radio Re-release)

Artist: Jack Ü ft Aluna George

The combo of Skrillex and Diplo has to my mind been a really awesome one. They have crafted really great music together with this project of Jack Ü that they have been working on and in keeping with their electronic music roots, this song is another solid banger. It has recently been released for radio. Their song with Justin Bieber "Where Are Ü Now?" has done really well on the charts, and the remix of a song they did before that which features Missy Elliot no less, while slipping by under the radar, is really one you should go give a listen to.

Additional Mention: Jack Ü - Take Ü There (feat. Kiesza) (Missy Elliott Remix)

·         Song: Runnin' (Lose It All)

Artist: Naughty Boy ft Beyoncé, Arrow Benjamin.

One of the reasons I love this song is Beyoncé. Obviously.
Another reason why I love this is because of the ridiculously amazing music video. I was spellbound. Regardless of the fact that I think Naughty Boy is really great music producer and creates hit music like "La la la" with Sam Smith and "No One's Here To Sleep" with Bastille and etc...
This song is 50 shades of awesome with a inventive music video that makes me love it.

Shout out to Arrow Benjamin, who I have no clue who he is, because his voice on this song if perfection.

·         Song: Woke The Fuck Up

Artist: John Bellion

I came to know about John Bellion when I was researching for new music a couple of months back. I heard his song Luxury and it was really cool. Then when I discovered he collaborated with one of my favourite EDM artists, Zedd on "Beautiful Now", I was really amped. The cool thing about Jon is that he can SING but the dude prefers to rap. He is in the new generation of artists who rap/sing or sing/rap whichever they prefer. That said, this song is really just so honest, and struck a nerve because I know exactly that feeling he is singing about. 

·         Song: Hourglass 

Artist: Disclosure ft Lion Babe

I have been on a Disclosure tip lately, which is understandable given how they have been teasing their album "Caracal" (which is out now) by lately putting out videos for songs on the album. Other than the grooving Omen that they did with Sam Smith, this song with  Lion Babe, whose lead singer is actress-singer Vanessa William's daughter, really delivers. If you are liking what Disclosure are selling then definitely go visit their Youtube channel.



Additional Mention: Magnets ft Lorde.

Fire. Damn Lorde is definitely going for an adultier sound.



Additional Mention: Their "Caracal" minimix

·         Song: Tender 

Artist: Aramour

Another a slow jam goody.

·         Song: Hanging

Artist: Bastille

I love Bastille, and I am eagerly anticipating whatever they have coming up next. That aside, I saw that they released this song called Hanging. All I can say is that this definitely left me hanging like a cliffhanger, for some more Bastille.

·         Song: Thousand Eyes

Artist:  Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men are just phenomenal, I haven't been able to keep as up to date with the group as I would like given how busy my life gets and that I don't always have time to listen to all the music that I would like to listen to, but I saw this and when I pressed play, I was reminded why I love them. The goosebumps, the lyrics and oh my golly that instrumental that keeps building and building!!! Chils for days. I would very much encourage you to listen to more of their stuff if you can.

·         Song: The Beach
Artist: The Neighbourhood

I love The Neighbourhood. They are just so cool. Much like Of Monsters and Men, it’s been a while since I’ve heard band but boy am I so glad that I did because this song is just so stunning. Jessie’s voice is everything! I love this song. It’s smooth, and casual and just hard hitting.  Their music is something I would suggest you get high on, only because while I have never tried weed, the lead singer of the group is definitely on that tip. So if you're a stoner kid, or want to experience it without actually smoking weed, then the music of The Neighbourhood is for you.

·         Song: Fools

Artist: Troye Sivan

EP: WILD

The South African born-Australian artist released his follow up EP WILD to his first musical effort TRXYE, and WILD is exactly how everyone reacted to the music. I included the first song from his latest EP in the previous music blog, and as part of his "Blue Neighbourhood" trilogy as he calls it, comes the second music video. Blue Neighbourhood is a music video trilogy that came out of Troy realising that three of the songs he wrote for the EP unintentionally fit together in a story narrative. Fools is the second video in that trilogy, and also one of my favourite songs on the EP. I connected with it so much. Also I did include this in my review of his EP here.

·         Song: Hurt Me

Artist: Låpsley

Another random Youtube find, and it gave me chills. There is just something about it I really feel.

·         Song: Writing's On the Wall

Artist: Sam Smith

I am a Sam Smith fan, he recently released his James Bond song for the upcoming movie, Spectre, unfortunately, many people are hating on the song, and his use of falsetto. I assume that is because of the other James Bond songs before and also because usually Sam Smith has a target market for a James Bond movie soundtrack it requires a singer to break out of that. I really like because I know how talented Smith is, I do hope though that given enough time, and the context of the movie, people will realise how good it is.



The Covers:

I came across these covers and I just had to share. I may not always included covers, but these are just so stunning. If you have any other covers that you think I should listen to then please recommend them to me.

·         Song: Let It Go

Artist: James Bae

Covered By: Hailee Steinfeld

In the last music blog post, I covered Hailee's debut single "I Love Me" and recently I came across this cover she did of a superb song. Her cover had me going like, "I need her and James to duet". There is no denying that this girl can sing. I hope she becomes successful because she is just so captivating and have a great voice. Btw...Yes, Hailee is the girl you saw in Pitch Perfect 2, True Grit, the awesome Begin Again, and etc...

·         Song: Drunk In Love

Artist: Beyonce

Duet By: Beyonce and Ed Sheeran

Love this version of it. It is just all kinds of fire. Yonce is definitely all on his mouth like liquor. It starts at the 22 minute mark.

· Song: Where are U Now?

Artist: Jack U ft Justin Bieber
Covered by: Pentatonix

They honestly just win at covers, also because they are a capella, it just makes them 500 times all the more awesome. Here is there recently released one, and also the OMI cheerleader one which is just pure fun!




Additional Mention: Cheerleader

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.   A Great Big World - Hold each other 

2.   Nick Jonas - Levels

3.    Nico and Vinz - That's How You Know

4.   Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? (Acoustic)

 

5. DJ Kent - Don't Let Go

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

PS - The right song will find you at the right time.

Troye Sivan - "Wild" Review

South Africans most commonly know Troye Sivan as the star of the Spud movies, however, Sivan has now made a name for himself as an artist to watch out for following the release of his EP “Wild”.

Last year marked the release of his debut EP “TRXYE” (pronounced as T-R-X-Y-E) where Sivan showcased his ability to sing, but “Wild” is truly where he comes into his own, establishing that while he may be a pop artist, he truly has sound that is his own.

The titular song “Wild” is the most pop sounding song from Sivan,  that allows him to use the rougher texture to his voice, while still crafting a song that doesn’t lack energy.  Songs like “Bite”, “Fools” and “The Quiet” really highlight the artist that Sivan is. These songs sit in the sweet spot of his voice, which really allows him to play with the melodies and show various sides to his voice.

The Youtube star may be known for doing comedic and silly antics online, but when it comes to his music, it is something he takes seriously.

The collaborations he does on the EP help Sivan play with his sound. “Ease” featuring Broods, an New Zealand duo, really stands out on the EP as the voices of Sivan and Broods complement each other on the track- a definite stand out. “DKLA” featuring rap artist Tkay Maidza, brings a darker edge of Sivan to the fore, and it doesn’t feel trivial or misplaced at all on the EP.

1. Wild



2. Bite


3. Fools


4. Ease ft Broods


5. The Quiet


6. DKLA ft Tkay Maidza

The 6 song EP solidifies Sivan as an electro/synth pop artist, and with stars like Taylor Swift and Sam Smith among those who are fans, the South-African born Australian songwriter will be selling out his own worldwide tour soon enough.

He is set to be releasing a full-length album later this year or early next year.

The Lion’s Tunes #7

Welcome to another edition of The Lion’s Tunes.

At the suggestion of a close friend, I decided to put my love of music to good use.

She pointed out to me that since I love music and listen to so much of it, I should share what songs I’m currently jamming to at the moment.

If you follow me on twitter then you’d know I usually tweet about what music has got me all caught up and catching feelings.

I’m by no means a music expert and I won’t pretend to be. Most of what will be written here is information I’ve learned on the net and just my personal opinions on the songs. So have at it...

·         Song: Didn’t Know You

Artist: Karmin

I love how just by browsing Youtube was I able to come across this song. Karmin is most well for their song Acapella and the viral video where the female lead singer manages to Rap Bust Rhymes' verse on "Look at me now". I really love this song, it's moody and poppy but there is nothing annoyingly bubblegum about it. It is just a song that makes you want to be in showdown like the video showcases...

·         Song: Nothing but Trouble

Artist: Lil Wayne and Charlie Puth

I must start off by saying that I didn't like Charlie Puth and I was having a hard time getting into his vibe.
I am not 100% sold on the guy, (maybe because I want to fuck him but I can't have him so that makes me dislike him??? IDK), but dude is talented. You can't hate on someone who is talented because my issues with him aside, he does have one helluva amazing voice. He really has power behind that voice, and also when it comes to getting working with other artists, he really makes a excellent addition to any song.

·         Omen

Artist: Disclosure ft Sam Smith

Album: Caracel

I loved their first collaboration together, Latch, because it was just so damn cool. The Disclosure brothers had teased the release of a new single that they did with Smith all over Instagram, and so by the time that the single came, I was more than ready to let it wash over me. I was really excited about it because while it was recorded a while back, it was the first single that Smith has out following his vocal surgery.

·         Song: Say Love

Artist: JoJo

As part of her comeback, JoJo has released a Tringle, which is a fancy way of say thing that she simultaneously released three songs as her first release for her comeback. She has been out of the music game for quite some time following her legal battle with record label.

I am obsessed with her song Say Love because when you sit and listen to her vocal, you can hear how truly amazing she is. I immediately took to Youtubing live performances and it is as captivating live as what the studio version is.

Additional Mention:

Save My Soul:



When Love Hurts:

·         Song: The Hills

Artist: The Weekend

I wish I had words, but I dont. Chills down my spine for days!

·         Song: Holding On

Artist: Tourist ft Josef Salvat, Nina

There is something hypnotic about this song. Not just the music video (because when you watch it, you will know what I mean) but the song is just so good. I stumbled across this song as what happens when you go into a Youtube rabbit hole. The vocals on the song are just goosebumps inducing and the production is superb as the beat just makes me want to move along.

·         Song: Caviar Dreams

Artist:  PHFat ft Al Bairre

Album: 5fm Mashlab

This song is a 5FM Mashlab, and it is just one superb song. I can't get enough of it. I have nothing else to say. I love how it took Al Bairre's sound and added with Phfat they came together to create this lovely piece of music that more people need to hear.

·         Song: Black Mambo

Artist: Glass Animals

Psychedelic pop is the only thing that comes to my mind when I think of as a way to describe the sound of this group. I love how weird their lyrics and their sound is but there is something about them that is just undeniably awesome. Admittedly their sound is not for everyone but that aside, the song comes from a group that I am just so love in. They are just so cool.

·         Song: Wild

Artist: Troye Sivan

EP: WILD

The South African born-Australian artist released his follow up EP WILD to his first musical effort TRXYE, and WILD is exactly how everyone reacted to the music. No one can deny that the Spud star is quite the talent, and it works in his favour that he is releasing music that is not trying to be something that it isn't. With Troye Sivan's music, it is what it is...and to me it is great. I love the vibe of it, and while I was initially thrown by the song WILD, it is a very good follow-up and I am excited to see where he goes next.

·         Song: Can't Sleep Love

Artist: Pentatonix

I first came to know about Pentatonix, the acapella group, after them winning the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental Or A Cappella earlier this year. The group then popped up again in Pitch Perfect 2 and it was really after that when I then went on a journey of their stuff. They also made the internet take note following their A Capella Michael Jackson medly (which I will share below). If you are not paying attention to PXT, then you better start because they are on the up and up.




Additional Mention: Michael Jackson Medley

·         Song: Let It All Go

Artist: Birdy + Rhodes

I came across this on my Facebook. I loved the music video, and just how saturated and lush colourful tones that they used. The song itself is pretty emotive and lovely to put on if you are feeling a bit emotional. I must admit this resonated with me quite a bit as it touched of some of my feelings about my break-up with the ex, and that is why I love it because it just speaks to the point of where you have to let it go.

Songs on the radio that I’m currently obsessed with –

1.      Major Lazer ft Ellie Goulding & Tarris Riley - Powerful

2.      Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away With Me

3.      Demi Lovato - Cool for the Summer

4.      Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams

5.      Hailee Steinfeild - I Love Me

- Yes, Hailee is the girl you saw in Pitch Perfect 2. I was surprised myself by her solo effort but damn. I love it. Also you can't really go wrong when singing a song about masturbation...especially one so catchy.

All tracks should be available on iTunes.

If you have any suggestions don’t be scared to let me know in the comments below.

Theo. Over and Out.

PS- “The right song will find you at the right time”