TOP Artists of the Week – Series 6

Hi Everyone

Here is another Week of the MONTH of October 2022, we are presenting our Top Artists of the Week Series 6 for your entertainment and fun. There are lessons to learn from each other as you look and listen to one another’s tracks. The selections are simply our opinion. All artists are great and super professionals in their calling.

How we select top artists.

Indeed, there are many interesting things that my job involves listening to live concerts by solo artists and ensembles whom we might showcase on a weekly series.  You can learn a lot from watching their video or audio recording of course, but not everything.  In fact, the most important thing you can learn from these commercial or demo recordings is that a particular musician or ensemble is probably not destined for the priority list.

In recent weeks we have found ourselves with the opportunity to hear quite a few concerts, live bands, and recorded works from different artists.  It got us thinking about what criteria are we going to rank and prioritize each artist. We have narrowed it down to 3 areas: technique, interest (substance), and communication.

Technical ability is probably the least important, simply because there’s such a high level of proficiency among professional soloists and ensembles these days.  Indeed, it’s probably fair to say that if you ever get the impression at a concert that a piece of music is really difficult and pushing the performer(s) to their limit, then it’s probably more a reflection on the limitations of the artist than the technical problems of a piece of music.  Great performances usually transcend technical difficulties.

So, the more important question is whether a performance is interesting, meaning does it capture people’s attention, and unlocks their imagination? That comes down to choices a musician makes around musical colors and textures, variation, consistency of approach, creating tension, the overall shape of a piece, tastefulness, and context.  Much of this is subjective, which is why it’s okay, indeed healthy, for people to disagree after a video, or live stage watch – whether they liked it or not.

Thirdly, there’s the issue of communication. Unlike a recording, an artist or ensemble on stage with a live audience has to acknowledge the audience is there and perform for them. Singers maybe have the advantage of words to articulate, but instrumental music is a language too, and the live concert experience is about communicating.

The most memorable concerts we have attended are those at which that communication has been strong and convincing. There are many, many musicians and ensembles across the world who deliver at the highest level.  Our lives are more enriched by having exposure to them.

 

Here are the TOP ARTISTS of the Week – Series 6

 

ImmortalBones – Got To Get My Mind Right

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0j0mL5b9LAzGIJv9gDrcKX?si=N3umVVR7RTiLMHjeQ5HbFw&utm_source=copy-link

IMMORTALBONES hailing from Dallas, Texas, the multi-talented musician has showcased a rare talent for weaving meaningful words and delivering them with astonishing penetration from a very young age. His talents soon grew into an amazing aspect of his career and IMMORTALBONES became a known figure in the local rap scene. The most intriguing fact about his music is that he takes inspiration from the day-to-day lives around him and creates thought-provoking lyrical ballads that are highly relatable to the audience.

The upcoming hip hop artist – IMMORTALBONES combines the best elements from hip hop, R&B, and soul in the compelling melodies of his lyrically refreshing soundscape. Dallas, Texas Oct 08, 2022, R&B and soul have a huge influence on the genre of hip hop and its rhythmic aspects. Creative singer-songwriter IMMORTALBONES has established a unique soundscape that has a rich resonance of R&B and soul music. Deeply moved by the soul influence of hip hop, he has recently released a marvelous number, “Got To Get My Mind Right”, which is a work of wonder in terms of exceptional rhythmic diversity.

The second song “I Told You” Is also a multi-dimensional rap banger that has the backdrop of diversified melodic oscillation. Both tracks deal with his purest emotions with great dexterity. They have managed to connect with the audience on so many levels.

Working with his production house ImmortalBones Productions, the brilliant musician is delivering heart-warming soundtracks that heal and inspire lost souls. His most recent creations “Got To Get My Mind Right” and “I Told You” paint a vivid picture of the world around us by staying grounded in the reality. The rhythmic cadence of the songs intermingles with his power-packed vocal performance in perfect accord.

 

Daddy Milagro – Go

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddymilagro/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X0S5CXSk5FPVoFtT04xuN?si=MvQTQzLdTsegybGS5DBAaA

Daddy Milagro is a recording and performing artist based in Los Angeles, California. He is a formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated single father. When he’s not spending time with his eight-year-old daughter or working on music, you can find him at UCLA where he majors in English with a 4.0 GPA.

Daddy Milagro is an independent recording and performing artist. He is a solo male rap vocalist/ Hip Hop Emcee. He has been rapping since he was 12 years old and began recording music at 15 in an unfurnished attic in Milwaukee, WI. He continued to make music in Milwaukee for several years working with local producers like Godxilla and opening up for national recording artist Lil Boosie Badazz thanks to the help of former Alderman Michael McGee Jr.

Daddy Milagro is a Los Angeles based recording and performing artist. Check out the music video for his single “Go” from the Album Bipolar Pop. Daddy Milagro is a formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated single father.

In 2009 Daddy Milagro was sentenced to 20 months to 10 years in prison for Assault W/ Intent to Maim which had a severely negative impact on his career. Despite this setback Daddy Milagro continued to record music in Milwaukee working with Trio Records and Sound Lab Studios.

In 2015 Daddy Milagro became a single parent and completed the AmeriCorps program Public Allies working as a Community Outreach Coordinator for the City of Milwaukee’s Community Development Grant’s Administration Office. Daddy Milagro served in the National Youth Forum on Homelessness from 2016 to 2018. He worked on the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program as a partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

 

Jaclyn Manfredi – Move Along

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynmanfrediofficial/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3JWGvtBd27v8qwQMtDz5AB?si=bd7ca37517df41e5

Jaclyn Manfredi is Manfredi is in a lane of her own, fusing soulful R&B with contemporary beats to create a sound that is uniquely hers. Jaclyn Manfredi’s early music journey was like an accelerated path through her music roots, performing at the acclaimed Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall in New York City at 17, as she retraced the steps of her R&B influences; making it through The Voice auditions to the second round after that; and winning the IMTA national singing talent competition.

Still, she was eager to find her own voice through her own music. She began working with producer/manager Alex Houton of AHM Media, and resulting in a series of EP’s. In 2019, Jaclyn Manfredi would release the five-song EP self-titled “Psychic”, a retro-influenced group of singles that harnessed samples of the ’60s and 70’s mixed with contemporary beats.

This release helped her land a spot on a SONY/ATV-backed Motown tribute covers project on Falcon Music, where she recorded the Isley Bros. classic, “It’s Your Thing”. But it’s Jaclyn’s new material that she is most excited about as they show the evolution of her writing. In 2020 and 2021, working with a variety of super talented new writers and producers from around the world, “Better Match”, “Other Way”, “Vice Versa”, “Move Along”, and a new single “Without You”, are all pushing new directions for Jaclyn; and she can’t wait to see where it takes her.

 

OGW – Say A Prayer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogw.official/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ohPCaA0iYc7Po8HBxmEQB?si=4k58mNoyTxqWltNMe46gFQ

OGW is a British artist who made his debut on the UK rap scene in 2022. While he takes influence from contemporaries such as Eminem, Jack Harlow, and Kendrick Lamar, OGW’s years of experimenting within the hip-hop genre have culminated in a flow and style that are unmistakably his own.

OGW’s music fuses captivating beats with a raw lyrical precision, bringing to life his past experiences in a way that is both uniquely personal and deeply affecting. With a commitment to exploring new sounds, genres, and trends, OGW has firmly established itself as one to watch.

Ideally, a record full of funk and soul that does wonders to the soul on the new song from OGW on the new song “Say A Prayer”. The music brings a nice prayer to feel to the sound, with a fun bassline adding a special touch to make you feel the magic in it.

 

Nico Royale – On & On

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoroyale/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eyWp0fmdRVGl1kqNS25Vc

Nico Royale (born March 7, 1983) is an inspired and talented reggae voice from Italy. Born and raised in a little town in the country, his musical skills came to light when he was little and he used to sing in the church chorus, but his entrance into the dancehall business was at the age of 16 with the Italian sound system Casalypso.

His first recordings date back to the early years of 2000 in the Forward the Bass studio, based in the city of Bologna, Italy. From that time he recorded a number of hits and singles for many labels in Italy, Europe, and America.

In 2005 he left his home for center America where he lived for a year touring Mexico, Panama, Cuba, and Jamaica. Each and every town in the countries he reached had a chance to collaborate with resident sound systems or artists, inspiring Nico with a million styles and influences. While abroad he produced his own first demo CD in 2006.

Thanks to his melodic but at the same time explosive voice he had the opportunity to perform in some of the most important European festivals alongside big artists such as Jah Cure, Lone Ranger, Million Style, Collie Buddz, and Alborosie.

In June 2009 Nico Royale produced his first official album called “Singa” with 14 tracks in Italian that contain lyrics about a natural lifestyle, respect for the roots and for the poor people, love, freedom, and positivity towards life. At the same time, he started to work on tunes in English and patwa in order to reach a worldwide audience.

In 2009 he recorded “Talking To You” on the Rudie riddim by the German-based label and sound Supersonic; in 2009 “Forever” on the Respect riddim for Das Vibes (Jamaica/Germany).

In 2011 “Real Love” for the label “Nite Lite”. In 2013 “One Life” for Shastri Music (Jamaica/USA) And the recent “Sing With My Heart” with the Revolutionary Brothers, a dub duo of producers from the Basque Country, and “Back Again” featuring Mark-one for Dreadsquad label from Poland.

From that period he started intense live activity whether with the band or in a showcase with B.Dub which bring him to some of the major venues and festivals in Europe. In 2010 he toured Mexico alongside with Mark-one, an Italian reggae pioneer from the ’80, and the Mexican collective Bungalo Dub. In March 2014 he produced “Illegale” for Rap Pirata, the label of the Italian rapper Inoki Ness.

The album had a lot of rap and dancehall influences and had a very good favor in the underground scene. In 2015 he signed with Trumen Records, a black music label from Turin, Italy. He released his third album, “Ghetto Stradivari” in May 2016, reaching number 2 in the Itunes reggae album chart. This album goes back to the root sound of Studio One label but also recalls some dancehall vibes in some tunes. You can find him live with the B.Boat band, in showcase with B.Dub or DownBeat Bologna, and unplugged with the guitarist Matteo Ortuso.

 

Roja$ – Gallery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrojasdr/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/42kaTZ6k3HgTkEYXRjG6g7?si=JacQE6v6TuGA31vaNBiRpg

Roja$ is a Dominican singer from Cranston, RI. His powerful vocal ability allows versatility across multiple styles of music like hip hop, afrobeat, and reggeaton. Debuting his first project in 2018 and making several releases after, Roja$ has acquired over 60,000 streams and listeners in over 100 countries.

Only 4 months after the release of his 3rd Mixtape, TROPICAL STORM, Roja$ announced the release of, Palm Pack. His 2nd EP features 5 songs that embody what Roja$’s sound has evolved into, and showcases the versatility of his vocals that continue to gain the attention of listeners around the world.

Palm Pack is highlighted by the tropical style and sound Roja$ has developed over the last 4 years, since his debut. Beginning with the first track, “Gallery”, Roja$ makes a statement with his ability to seamlessly find unique flows on reggaeton beats and create vivid imagery that brings an audience to a beach paradise, feeling the carefree mentality that the music intends for the listener.

“Four Seasons” is the fourth song on Palm Pack and is an ode to Miami Beach, as the song begins, “we pullin’ up now to Ocean Drive”, the source of inspiration for a lot of Roja$’ music and energy. Throughout his catalog, there are signs of this inspiration and he continues to use it while in the creative space. Produced by Greenville, South Carolina beat maker, 864Jakeem, whom Roja$ has collaborated with numerous times to create summary “pop-rap” songs that have come to define his musical perspective.

Palm Pack wraps up with “Only Us”, an energetic dedication from Roja$ to his fans. The second half of the chorus repeats, “It’s me and you, it’s only us, it’s only us…”, indicating the connection Roja$ feels with his listeners. The unique drums and what seems like an unending electric melody, paired with the lyrical meaning, give this record an emotional pull, especially for the “day 1” fan.

 

Sepha – Away From Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sepha.a/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/094ug46k28Q0tdaGPm3WNA?si=mfVIiaPcRtmTQ3AGyg6Hbw

Sepha is an artist, singer/multi-instrumentalist/producer from London.

Sepha is also a conglomerate of talent and an all-around artist and continues experimenting with his artistic sound, playing in the fields of electronic, alternative, and indie-pop music. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, vocalist, and visual artist, Sepha. paints his music with a blend of organic and electronic instruments, brightening the dark undertones of his grim-colored voice.

Honestly, music is something that can divide people just as much as it brings us together. It’s truly something that can be debated limitlessly, but something that brings us together is a record we can relate to. Those records you can hit play on and just know the artist truly gets what life is like bringing relatable substance that gets us through like no other. That type of record is what you get from Sepha on the new song “Away From Me”.

 

WhoisCarter – Up In The Sky

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoiscartier/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7f7coNRiBt5jQqWyB4blNx?si=AMFyuhALQFmUROKN-dEV6w

WhoisCarter is an artist based in Dayton, OH, USA.

This released track is filled with light, calming vibes and airy emotions that stemmed from experiences had at Miami University (Miami, OH) over a decade ago – and WHAT an experience it was!

Honestly, many things can be credited for the rise of music. Sounds working together in perfect harmony that has long been the soundtrack to our life, due to the substance of it that can fit our mood or the times we are in. Something that definitely has played its part in music being a big thing is the soul in it. Those records that you feel every element of giving you a true experience of music. WhoisCarter brings a record that is packed with that soul on her new song “Up In The Sky”.

 

ZMA – Smile

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/33Co9jqkOBtVGs3kkL2M7l

ZMA is an artist based in New Zealand.

“Smile” is his latest release and so far, his favorite that he created. ZMA is a rapper but decided to try something different, all instruments played are live stage. Wait for the saxophone solo at 3:17! Would love to get on your playlist!

Ideally, every artist has a certain intent when making music. Having a certain feel to it that lets it resonate for a certain point, but some artists’ music you hear and just through the care in the music, you know it was meant for something more. Made with a much bigger goal than just music that sounds good, but a true musical experience that pours into the listener to give them an experience beyond words. That’s the beauty of ZMA’s sound on his new song “Smile”.

 

Lorenzo Jesse – Bad Girl

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0vuDISwnXe4yEr69hH2BZJ?si=9ab4ab46bc43451c

Lorenzo Jesse is an artist based in the USA. He has an approach that is very different. Lorenzo Jesse is two 65-year-old retired guys that have been making music for a long time. Lorenzo Jesse said: We don’t make generic music that you would expect from our age group. We are making music for young and old fans. Our sound is not what you would expect. We want to be the most senior group to break into the market. That in itself will draw attention.

Honestly, with as much music as we cover, there are just some songs that truly write about themselves. Those songs that take over our minds, and spirits as we let our honest thoughts fly about the music that has made us fall in love with what we do all over again. When we get a song like that it’s impossible to not cover and Lorenzo Jesse brings one of those ultra-special records with this new song “Bad Girl”.

 

Which is your favorite song? Drop a comment below in the comment section