Kat Tracks: 2020
This is the final post of my annual list of favorite tunes that I’ve been doing for seven whole years! 2020 was a shitty year for humanity, but at least the music was good. Check out my top twenty picks below the cut.
1: Chicane feat. Moya Brennan- Saltwater (Kevin de Vries Remix)
Kicking off this absolute flaming garbage heap of a year is a nice new house-flavored remix of a beloved classic. I am, admittedly, a sucker for a good remix, especially one that respects the integrity of the original track.
2: Cold Blue- In Madness / Winter Gates
Although the album Winter from which these singles come from was released in November of 2019, the extended versions were released this year. And really, who doesn’t love a good extended mix? In Madness channels much of the frenetic energy I felt while in lockdown.
3: Seven Lions- Find Another Way
This five-track EP proves what a phenomenal producer Jeff is. Each collab sounds more amazing than the last, but my favorite track has to be the title one featuring April Bender.
4: Jorn van Deynhoven- The Future is Now
Yet another title track from an artist album released in March. It’s a downtempo/ambient piece featuring a piano melody, which I am also a sucker for. The buildup is lovely and conveys a sense of hope.
5: Nikola Melnikov & Max Sorokin- Pandawa
Something this nice could only have come from a premier label like Anjunadeep. It has a rather ethereal vibe that you can get lost in and let carry you away.
6: Conki & Mark Wilkinson- I’m on Fire
Yes, I am still listening to indie-flavored house music on SoundCloud. What else would you listen to on that platform, future bass or something? Psh. This is a solid cover of the original by Bruce Springsteen.
7: Elysian- Moonchild
This banger is a collaboration between the Anjuna family’s Ilan Bluestone and Maor Levi, with trance staple Emma Hewitt providing vocals. It’s solid electronica, but I’m also a fan of the trancier OTIOT remix that was released in December.
8: Paul van Dyk- Escape Reality
A full chillout/ambient/downtempo remix album from the legendary PvD? Heckin’ yes please. This is very much the same flavor as Aly & Fila’s The Chillout album from 2015, which you should also listen to.
9: Stoby & G. Coulter feat. Liz Cirelli- Sun is High (Solarstone Vocal Retouch)
Who’s ready for summer? This track makes me want to groove on a beach all day and into the night.
10: Hemstock & Jennings- Mirage of Hope (2020 Version)
Mirage is my favorite track of this year. The title says it all, really, but the lyrics are even more fitting.
11: Crystal Skies feat. Luma- Hear Me Now
I was surprised by the quality of this dnb release on Ophelia, Seven Lions’ label, but after their superb Constellations EP from last year, I gladly gave Crystal Skies my undivided attention once more.
12: 4 Strings- Take Me Away (BLR Remix)
It’s another great remix of a classic, this time with distinct deep house flavor. 4 Strings’ Believe album was one of my first forays into the trance genre and I can’t say enough good things about how this version does justice to the original.
13: Tribu- Sweet Disposition
This is an extremely good deep house cover of the original by The Temper Trap. Tribu is a new alias of Vijay & Sofia, who I’ve followed on SoundCloud for a few years. There seems to be two versions of this track with slightly different vocals. I prefer the one released in April to the second release in July.
14: Craig Connelly feat. Karina Ramage- Life Half Lived (Club Mix)
If you have browsed any of these lists from previous years, you know how much I appreciate the production value of Craig Connelly. This trance track is a more uplifting version of the one found on his A Sharper Edge artist album.
15: Bunt feat. Clarence Coffee Jr.- Unbreakable
I adore the Bunt guys with their “folk house” sound and have been keeping up with their releases on SoundCloud since the beginning. This track basically punches you in the face with self-affirmation and confidence.
16: JPL & Jason van Wyk feat. Cat Martin- Unsteady (Pierre Pienaar Remix)
Going in the opposite direction now is a melancholy trance offering from Pierre Pienaar, featured on PvD’s Vonyc Sessions podcast. What I really love is the breakdown exactly halfway through featuring that unmistakable JPL sound but with an elevated edge.
17: Kristina Sky & Danny Stubbs feat. Evan Henzi- High Tide
I was a big fan of Danny Stubbs’ previous work on Broken, also from the Perfecto label. This track was heavily promoted by Paul Oakenfold. I couldn’t help but fall for the breathy male vocals.
18: Tenth Planet- Ghosts (Darren Porter Remix)
Rounding out the year of classic remixes is this banging new progressive trance offering. I like that Darren Porter parred everything back from the chorus so you can actually hear the lyrics, not to mention he preserved that iconic buildup.
19: Nurko feat. Devon Baldwin- Blindspot (Parts 1 & 2)
So, this is really interesting. It’s two versions of the same song. Both are in the melodic dubstep genre yet they’re very different from each other. Part 1 is a bit more toned down and Part 2 is slightly more elevated. I also like the story being told. Give these a listen and see if you can pick a favorite.
20: Yula- Fade Away (Soul Version)
I never listened to the original release of this track, but I kind of don’t want to because I’m afraid it’ll ruin the emotional resonance of this downtempo version.
Previous Lists: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
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5.6 New Music Monday with host Jacqueline Jax
TODAY'S LIST OF WHAT'S FRESH COMING INTO A.V.A LIVE RADIO. THIS IS A MIX OF INDIE SONGWRITER THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU AND SEND YOU SEARCHING THE ARTISTS PAGES FOR MORE. EPISODE HOSTED BY JACQUELINE JAX.
Listen to the show at 12 pm et across all broadcasts.
The Anchor Fm page: https://anchor.fm/ava-live-radio
iHeartRadio station page : https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-AVA-Live-Radio-Musi-29336730/
The Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2toX0f3dPmI8gmUSOKZicx
FEATURING:
Artist: Tough On Fridays
New Release: Little Italy
Genre: Rock: Alternative Rock
Located in: : Georgetown, TX
Tough On Fridays is a rising alternative rock duo from Georgetown, Texas. Comprised of best friends Katie and Caleigh, the two have turned their shared passion for music into an exciting blend of pop and rock sounds! Inspired by iconic alternative bands like Paramore, Green Day, Basement, and Nirvana, Katie and Caleigh work together to bring a refreshing new sound to the alternative rock genre.
The band’s unique attitude and exciting new sound have garnered serious attention from fans everywhere. As one of 10 songs recorded, the recording of "Little Italy" further defines Tough On Fridays sound as something unique. While many reviewers have tried to categorize the band, the one thing they seem to agree on is that Tough On Fridays, with their edgy, hooky, anthemic songs, may have the ability to bridge the gap between rock and pop in a way that hasn't been done in some time. They refuse to be categorized as a "female-fronted band" as these two can write and play every bit as well as the boys. They have the look, but refuse to let that be the stepping stone that takes them away from the music.
Right now...
Tough On Fridays just reached its initial crowdfunding goal to fund the recording of an album in 2020 with the help of a contribution from a local radio station.
LINKS:
https://www.reverbnation.com/toughonfridays/song/30698131-little-italy
https://open.spotify.com/track/19ljJUXcw6D91AkxCZNDKf?si=SSJqc9XPRg6QF3hXp0qV5A
https://www.twitter.com/toughonfridays
https://www.facebook.com/toughonfridays
https://www.instagram.com/toughonfridays
Artist: Liz Cirelli
New Release: Rise
Genre: Alternative RnB, vapor soul, indie RnB, folktronica,
Located in: London
This song is...
The world feels like quite a dark place at times, especially at the moment. This song was made to provide a short respite...a breath of fresh air. A sensual, catchy and uplifting love song with breathy, ethereal vocals and crisp, bouncy percussion. A memorable, rhythmic organ riff is played throughout the song - and soft pads and strings give the track beautiful layers of texture and emotion.
This song can be about a lot of things. It can be about freedom: to be free from the false and imagined shackles of human existence so that we can soar. It can be about what it feels to be light and liberated, weightless and boundless. It can be about having the courage to accept God's will: to go against the grain of society and 'rise' above the rest. It can also be about feeling stimulated by a lover's desire, to feel their warm embrace during the night and to seek comfort and pleasure in their physical body. Rise: to raise our vibration: to be aligned with love energy.
The music we are creating is...
designed to be deeply healing, deeper than magic...and something that will remain a timeless masterpiece...
Right now we are...
preparing to remix a track from Gavin Greenaway's new album, "Woven", and also preparing to start performing live shows of my recently released album, "Awakening". I've also been releasing music videos for my album - the next one is due to be released on May 17th.
LINKS:
Bandcamp: https://lizcirelli.bandcamp.com/track/rise
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7z5XhfryOERGtjIG9WCJbN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Liz_Cirelli
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizcirellimusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/liz_cirelli
Artist: Kerry Kathleen
New Release: Homegirl
Genre: Pop, chill vibe, some electronic influence
Located in: Santa Rosa CA
This song is...
Dreamy pop with a chill down tempo influence of ethereal harmonies and catchy melodies. This is my debut single and I’m extremely proud of how the production turned out. The song was written about my roommate and is personal to me. I want it to be on everyones chill down tempo playlists similar to Alina Baraz.
Right now we are...
I am playing some awesome local Sonoma county venues this month. Edgy open mic on May 2nd, Belly taproom on May 11, and Elephant in the room on May 19th. The second 2 shows are wth a full band including drums and bass. I am working on my firstEP!
LINKS:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/12R0IOrL6VLClYWiHjfNcE?si=upQ2BGvOQCKwbeD7I3iBww
Twitter @kerrykathleenn
Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/KerryKatheen
Instagram @kerrykathleenmusic
Artist: PyraKite
New Release: Popcorn Brain
Genre: Disco, Pop, Indiepop
Located in: Falun
What happens when you combine Jamiroquai, Boney M and Beastie Boys? You would have to make the impossible possible. This funny, ironic little piece of music is a reflection of our times and a hell of a groovy dance track to get everyone's feet moving on the dancefloor.
The music we are creating is...
in the direct influence of Artificial Intelligence. Our last record wanted to discover the mysticism of life and this time we're heading head over heels into the AI Robotic side of humanitys unconscious.
Right now we are...
releasing Popcorn Brain. This is the first single from the coming album `Conversations with an AI Robot`were we intend to dig deep into the weird situations and problems humanity might face with that new technology. This track is a funny, ironic and groovy disco-track about social media.
LINKS:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dHpJYjILD72LD34tOTjVR?si=Hqs4bB47RM6X3JoRe6-stw
twitter.com/pyrakite
facebook.com/pyrakite
instagram.com/pyrakite
Artist: Haley Esbenshade
New Release: Running Back
Genre: Contemporary Christian
Located in: Lancaster, PA, United States
This song is about coming from a time of darkness and loneliness to joy, finding a purpose in life. The music I'm creating is based on realistic struggles and situations. I'm taking my personal experiences and sharing how I overcome them by speaking truth over my life. I want listeners to be able to hear my music and be impacted in a way that they can overcome their struggles too.
Right now I am in the process of making a music video for my first single. Stay tune for the announcement.
LINKS:
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/AbbeyvilleRoad/song/30755870-haley-esbenshade--running-back
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0NB4LiM5yAAy08YgILOnaa
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/haleyesbenshadee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyesbenshade/?hl=en
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/haley-esbenshade
Artist: Stacy Gabel
New Release: Straight to Voicemail - Release date April 30th
Genre: pop - Adult Alternative - SingerSongwriter - Theatrical Pop
Located in: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania USA (Allentown if you need a specific city)
My first release as a solo artist. This song is an empowering upbeat song with a catchy hook and smart lyrics. It addresses the common issue of cliche pet names by those who are not your significant other. Everyone has faced this issue at some time. The song captured my personality and used my smart lyrics to convey my message in a fun, playful way with some humor thrown in. I play acoustic guitar on the track and other instrumentation would
The Music…
This release is important because it is the first single I am putting out to the world. I am hoping it will help me to build a fanbase that will continue to follow me as I release the next few songs that will become my album. The music I will be putting out will be produced and recorded at the utmost highest professional level and will be complemented with a professional music video.
This independent artist is doing everything she can to reach a broader audience and to connect with them by having great quality music that they will enjoy and relate to. This release is important because it will give me the support and foundation to allow me to continue to pursue my passion as my career.
Right now we are...
Releasing my new single and music video, Straight to Voicemail - Release Date April 30th
LINKS:
www.facebook.com/stacygabel.music
www.instagram.com/stacygabelmusic
twitter.com/stacygabelmusic
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-to-voicemail-single/1459824704
https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Voicemail-Stacy-Gabel/dp/B07QDPN13H/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Stacy+Gabel&qid=1556593146&s=dmusic&sr=1-1
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=B36z5lvjlhc2xrtq76yqxt5lbp4&tid=song-T3v4rqub74auors2nz3eupffgcm
https://open.spotify.com/album/69f0oh15tiXWAB8X2izcQm
Artist: Sound Machine (Band)/Sunil Bhatia (Artist)
New Release: Welcome to my party
Genre: EDM, Techno
Located in: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
This song is...
This an Instrumental EDM, Techno track with a faster beat. Can be a Club Dance number also. Have been making Indie Music as a Singer, Songwriter and Composer with English and Hindi songs over the years and have also released 2 Bollywood songs as composer/lyricist in the past.
Right now we are...
Working on more tracks at the moment, hopefully with vocals. Have also released a Fiction/Humour/Self Help book called "My Feathered Friends & The Book of Poems-Part 1" which is available online.
LINKS:
https://www.reverbnation.com/sunilbhatia/song/30712659-welcome-to-my-party-edm
https://soundcloud.com/sunil-bhatia/welcome-to-my-party-edm
https://www.facebook.com/YoursMusically
https://twitter.com/sunilbhatia
https://www.instagram.com/sonu.sunil.bhatia
Artist: Chanidu
New Release: Gone but not forgotten. Mom's eulogy.
Genre: Alternative rock
Located in: Edison, New Jersey USA
His song eulogizes moms who have passed on. The love they gave to us while they were here, the sacrifices they made to get us where we are not and also where we will be tomorrow.
The music we are creating is...
My music is always about love. Some specific to events and some with affiliation and affinity. People listen and relate and this why I write with experience and empathy.
Right now we are...
I made a video for my last single easy life, a simple and straightforward video. Still trying to upload it on YouTube . I will appreciate it if everyone can check it out. My next single is the title of the album I am trying to put out. Please be on the look out for it.
LINKS:
reverbnation.com/chanidu
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CaxmqQwziSBeaZ9CTwAb5
Twitter.com/chanidu005
Facebook.com/chinedu1
www.instagram.com/chanidu005
www.instagram.com/chanidu1
Artist: The Time Apart
New Release: D-Day
Genre: Pop / singer-songwriter cinematic
Located in: Toulouse, France
This song is the begining of the story of a character to ask ourselves the meaning of our life in the choices we made and their consequences.
The Time Apart made songs has it was part of a movie. Each song is a different point of view from a character who is waiting for his D-Day. The idea is to get inside the mind of this character and tell us about his feelings without any filters. That’s why the lyrics can sound as simple as naive. The production is very cinematic with strings, french horns and huge percussions mixed with electronic sounds.
Right now we are...
We are still producing and we are working to release new titles this summer.
LINKS:
https://www.reverbnation.com/damontwen
https://open.spotify.com/track/1NyPCSoqFa2l3dmtgVDPhX?si=Ebpr9j_pTsGleu_R2X-5RQ
https://twitter.com/TheTimeApart1
https://www.facebook.com/thetimeapart
https://www.instagram.com/damon.twen
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New Single from London Songwriter Liz Cirelli 'Rise'
Artist: Liz Cirelli
New Release: Rise
Genre: Alternative RnB, vapor soul, indie RnB, folktronica,
Located in: : London
This song is...
The world feels like quite a dark place at times, especially at the moment. This song was made to provide a short respite...a breath of fresh air. A sensual, catchy and uplifting love song with breathy, ethereal vocals and crisp, bouncy percussion. A memorable, rhythmic organ riff is played throughout the song - and soft pads and strings give the track beautiful layers of texture and emotion.
This song can be about a lot of things. It can be about freedom: to be free from the false and imagined shackles of human existence so that we can soar. It can be about what it feels to be light and liberated, weightless and boundless. It can be about having the courage to accept God's will: to go against the grain of society and 'rise' above the rest. It can also be about feeling stimulated by a lover's desire, to feel their warm embrace during the night and to seek comfort and pleasure in their physical body. Rise: to raise our vibration: to be aligned with love energy.
The music we are creating is...
designed to be deeply healing, deeper than magic...and something that will remain a timeless masterpiece...
Right now we are...
preparing to remix a track from Gavin Greenaway's new album, "Woven", and also preparing to start performing live shows of my recently released album, "Awakening". I've also been releasing music videos for my album - the next one is due to be released on May 17th.
LINKS:
Bandcamp: https://lizcirelli.bandcamp.com/track/rise
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7z5XhfryOERGtjIG9WCJbN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Liz_Cirelli
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizcirellimusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/liz_cirelli
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