Hi Everyone
This is another Week of the MONTH of November 2022, we are presenting our Top Artists of the Week Series 12 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 12
West End Junction – Dragula
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westendjunction/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/79toIfbGQxePxk51AT7lj9
West End Junction showcases fresh take on Rob Zombie’s “Dragula”. ST. LOUIS, MO (November 8, 2022) — St. Louis band West End Junction officially announces the arrival of their latest single, “Dragula”. A folk rock waltz with a familiar, hard-hitting chorus, the song is a brand new interpretation of the 1998 Rob Zombie song of the same title.
This is the second single for the band off of their upcoming album, Out Here In The Plains. Formed in 2019, West End Junction is known around St. Louis for their fun live performances and catchy songwriting. “We played ‘Dragula’ as a folk cover at some of our live shows as a kind of humorous gimmick,” says lead singer Cara Ristau, “but after getting some genuinely positive feedback, I wanted to do a studio recording.” When the band initially debuted the cover live, the interpretation was so starkly different that many audience members thought it was an original.
The single’s release party will be held at St. Louis’s own Blueberry Hill Duck Room on November 18, 2022 with support from Goldberry and Michael Blakey. For more information, visit http://westendjunction.com.
Yell-O – 9 to 5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vishnumuzic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JS5rJAsRXbs22qg0rSGjZ?si=UO0-QqKKRKmx32iDS9qoiw
“Yell-O” is an independent music producer base in Dubai, focused on the Hip-Hop/Trap genre of music by experimenting with new sounds and making fire beats on the go.
We are excited to declare the release of the new music single from Yell-O, “9 to 5”, which is now available worldwide on all major streaming platforms as follows; Yell-O is an independent music producer based in Dubai, UAE, who is focused on Hip-Hop/Trap genre of music by experimenting new sounds and makes fire beats on the go. He expresses his feelings through music with real-to-life lyrical tracks.
“9 to 5” is all about a common man’s daily hustle of an office job and the stress associated to it, followed by the revelation and self-reflection which changes his life to live his life, his way.
JayytheKid – Believe In Yourself
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayythekidmusic/?hl=en
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0oDDWopKUawsppqyjnk2SI?si=ZutpRUveTkmyeUUzuAFyig
Jayythekid is a 23-year-old rapper/singer from Arizona who started writing songs and rapping when he was 13 years old.
Dropped his mixtape titled Yours Truly on SoundCloud when he was 16 years old. Has performed at local venues in Mesa and Phoenix, AZ. Julian’s flows are as diverse as the content in each song.
This is seen in his single Love Pains which focuses on love compared to D.D.T. which focuses on mental health. His topics range from his inner monologue, love, teen suicide, loss of someone close, his relationship with his father, the importance of family, and the love for his fans all while trying to conquer demons and the fight to balance It all.
Liliana – Can We?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilianapinheiromusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XChjeaOZ2HqbuVpupd9op?si=ho8CoO0lTiWCeKWXTyZaPw
Dj Conor Donnelly flexes his production muscle in with an edgy, electric, and radio-friendly tune, dripping with sonic goodness! With vocals from the talented Liliana: a singer/ songwriter from Dublin.
Growing up with the shows of her time, artists such as Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato were the main inspirations for what she wanted to be. She’s so happy that she can now share her music with the world in hopes of putting a smile on someone’s face!
P.E. Petrov – Ch 4 The Roadwork
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.e.petrov_the_music/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Lyo0YVgt3RLtDpLwJSLdH?si=cte87VsNRAqTZkoCw-UivQ
P.E. Petrov’s Debut EP, “Ch 4 The Roadwork”, has his debut single Dbl Yllw Lines along with two new singles. The new singles, Bridges & Roadkill, help complete this story about Sadboi, the character on the artwork of this concept album.
This particular chapter is towards the end of the complete album he has planned for the future. The music is influenced by trap-pop production & sounds similar to Lauv, Ryan Tedder, Ariana Grande, & Tate Mcrae. The story in the lyrics of this album is based on personal relationships that he has experienced.
Natel – Get Lifted Remix
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natelmusic/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/59OtXo2h1pS8zePQU7MUpn?si=6u4iPRj7QoelfE9_tlaIAA
Natel is a Jamaican singer, songwriter & producer. Natel, today announced the launch of his latest collaboration “Get Lifted Remix” with Cathy Matete, a production aimed at Giving you a positive vibration that will get you lifted in your first listen.
“GET LIFTED REMIX” is now available across all digital music platforms worldwide. Natel Music Records is thrilled to bring to you a special record that started from a conversation to reality. Listen and enjoy the song.
Makenna Tate – Naked
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makenatate/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/48VlPFmMPcWhVedZP5fpNQ
Makena Tate is an Indie pop/rock artist, who crafts songs on her guitar drawing inspiration from Holly Humberstone, Joni Mitchell, and her mentor, Kate Wallace.
The Santa Barbara native currently attends Berklee College of Music where she studies songwriting and performance. Makena Tate’s captivating lyrics, memorable melodies, and mesmerizing performances guide her audience on an emotional journey of self-reflection to show listeners they aren’t alone.
Makena Tate has big plans for the year ahead. With well over fifty shows just this past summer, she is eagerly lining many more up. After headlining two Berklee shows this fall, she has just announced she will be opening at the esteemed Club Passim in Cambridge, MA, on November 27, for a folk trio.
Working on her growing social media presence and growing her accounts, she hopes her new music will reach a wider audience and eventually gain enough traction in order for her to complete her next goal of playing a larger venue in her hometown, Santa Barbara, California.
Makena Tate confronts the feelings involved when returning to a Past Love, in her New Single, “Naked” on November 18th, 2022. Makena Tate will release her single “Naked”. Tate states this is her most vulnerable and raw piece of work to date. Painfully forthright lyrics beautifully narrate her inner feelings about the ties existing between vulnerability, heartbreak, and insanity when returning to an old, familiar lover.
In the year since her debut single, 2021, Dead End, Makena Tate reappears on the scene after completing her first year at Berklee College of Music. She states, “This song is only the beginning. I’m super excited to share the other bodies of music I worked on with Chris over the summer. The songs tell stories from my life and experiences, but I think everyone will find something they can relate to in them.” Her ability to write honestly is shown through the way she mesmerizes listeners and makes them not feel as alone.
Tate aims to be a voice for the emotions we all feel, but are unable to put into words or are afraid to talk about. By drawing a magnifying glass up to her own experiences, she is able to connect with audiences in a special way. Her music feels like someone reaching out a hand in the darkness and pulling you in with a whisper that says, “You’re not alone”.
Nyasia Chane’l – WastN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyasia_Chanel_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/73axMD27fgWTP6aCtGWqW7?si=XVUItM99QoyZ72GBQpVDSQ
Nyasia Chane’l grew up in the small town of Fallsburg in the Catskills region of Upstate New York. She describes her music as “Neo-Hip-Hop Soul” like her idols Etta James, Mary J Blige, Ashanti & Beyonce’, Nyasia blends traditional soul with pop and Hip-Hop elements crafting a unique sound that brings people together.
In 2020 Nyasia released her smash hit “Can’t Stop Us’ to considerable praise, a fierce socially conscious record which was part of her initiative to raise funds for the Breonna Taylor Justice Foundation. “Can’t Stop Us” which garnered considerable praise, earning radio airplay both national and international. Stations of note include Power 105.1 FM, (New York), Hot 97 (New York), added to Bobby Konders and Jabba’s Hot 97 Massive B Playlist, 90.3FM (NYC), 93.9FM (DC), The Edge 105.3FM (Jamaica), Hitz 92FM (Jamaica), Suncity 104.9FM (Jamaica) and many more.
In July of 2021 Nyasia released her debut “Clubhouse No. 7”, to critical acclaim. The EP spawned the singles “Scandalous Valentine”, “Impatience”, and “Good Good” all three records have received major and independent radio play internationally. “With ‘Clubhouse No. 7’, I endeavor to chronicle the many phases of a relationship from red hot emotions of a new romantic coupling to coming to grips with one’s own self-worth when that relationship ends”- explained when asked about her debut EP.
Recently the New York based “Neo-Hip-Hop Soul ” rocked a three city tour in “The Buckeye State ” after being invited by Dj Spins & Dj Swmp-Thing, with stops in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. Nyasia continues to prove that she is one of the hardest working artists in the game with the release of “WastN”.
Produced by DEVO, Nyasia Chane’l speaks to insecurities faced when one begins a new relationship. With her sultry voice Nyasia sings about wanting validation and security from her partner. The feeling of distance between the two has left her vulnerable and unsure of herself while begging for clarity on how she can make things work. “WastN” speaks to the point after commitment has long been established and the fear of one’s world crumbling around them.
Nyasia Chane’l has been continuously carving out a reputation for being one of the most consistent independent artists in New York, with her hit singles “Can’t Stop Us”, “Sticky Wicked”, “Scandalous Valentine” and “Merry Go’ Round she has been able to garner international and national radio play on stations like Hot 97 (New York), Power 105 (New York), The Heat (Sirrus-XM), The Heat 106 FM (iHeartRadio), The Bridge 96FM (Jamaica),Suncity (Jamaica), 104FM (Dublin) and more. In addition Nyasia has performed at countless venues, concerts, and festivals such as the HBO sponsored tribute to Aretha Franklin at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, she opened for R&B Crooner August Alsina, performed alongside Reggae legend Richie Stephens, veteran Blues singer Slam Allen and the late great Hip-Hop legend DMX.
JayBang – Spotify link address
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jaybangthegreat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32VmPeLkjGwLHbRTZikkyd?si=0g8uXpl4RaqY1sabnYCj4g
Jay bang is an American singer/rapper and songwriter. She’s a native of Dallas, Texas. At the tender age of 7; she discovered her musical inclined gift, connection, and love for music while writing her first song at age 10. Jay bang was heavily influenced by great music artists such as Toni Braxton, the late Dino (from the group (h-town), missy Elliot, Shawnna, the king of pop Michael Jackson, and more.
She’s known for her multi-dimensional skills, uniqueness, authenticity, and natural sexy prowess. Her lyrical content is ranging from abstract, reality, aggressive overtures, and emotional and heartfelt concepts.
Jay bang is sure to raise the bar in the world. However, she still respects all artists who paved the way before her presence. When asked what would she ultimately plan to accomplish in this industry, she responds by saying “to simply touch people’s lives through her story and talent”.
She already has many great singles such as “krushing”, “do yew,” and “get it”! Which turned some heads and opened some ears. Jay bang aka jay bang just did a benefit concert in Arlington Texas.
Pertaining to breast cancer awareness this past September. She has been featured in hype magazine, billboard hip hop, pitchfork music as well as Grammy Global. She says “that music is her peace of mind and her gift to the world“. Upon, success she’s love to start helping communities to educate the youth on being more positive and constructive. She is consistently dropping new music and is currently promoting the newest ep and music video entitled “Buzy Body”, that’s available on all music outlets.
Music has always been the first love for Texas-based rapper, singer, and songwriter Jay Bang alias Jay Bang The Great who started fueling her passion as early as 7 and actually wrote her first song aged 10. She released her debut single back in 2016 and she has been on a steady upward trajectory ever since with numerous accolades to her name- cementing her place as the most sought-after performer from Texas. She exemplifies female lyricist extraordinaire and comes through as an exceptional female emcee who has been rattling the cages, demanding the attention of key industry players as much as new listeners!
Jay Bang The Great’s music draws upon so many cultural influences as she often showcases a meticulous union between rap and melody with emotional and satisfying soundscapes. Her originals reach out in poetic, meaningful ways- both her lyrics and her music speak volumes on behalf of female power and inspiring positivity- she is also not afraid to go explicit with racy lines sometimes the capstone of her hedonistic bangers.
On October 15th this year, Jay Bang released her 3-piece EP dubbed, “Buzy Body” on all streaming platforms worldwide. This is another milestone to add to her already remarkable catalog and as always listeners can expect an A-game delivery from each of the 3 tracks.
Having caught hold of the title track, “Buzy Body”- you can expect a lyrical massacre over blazing hip-hop instrumentation that just makes you want to bop your head, down to your shoulders and feet as you bust some moves of your own like no one’s watching. She of course embellishes the track with hard-hitting and smart bars displaying her versatility by singing over the catchy hooks and going full-blown rap fashionista with the verses.
This release was followed by an official music video for, “Buzy Body” and from what she has seen was perfectly executed. A very catchy song that was complemented by a unique and entertaining music video. Can’t wait to see where this young lady goes. The talent and drive are definitely there and she has what it takes to become a superstar. Follow Jay Bang The Great everywhere so as to get real-time updates on this and her other upcoming projects as she sets out to remind the world, just in case they forgot why her name has a “great” in it!
Jaybad – Prayer
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jaybad_muzik876
JayBad riding the airwaves with his long-awaited album “Fly Out” Clarendon, Jamaica (November 19, 2022) – Twenty-four-year-old dancehall prodigy Stefoy Stephens also known as JayBad is an artiste who is currently on the rise in the dancehall industry.
Born in May pen, JayBad grew up in the working-class farm town of central Clarendon where his love for music evolved. His style is heavily influenced by artists such as Masicka, Sizzla, Vybz Kartel, and Assassin.
JayBad released his album Fly Out on August 1st, 2022, and has been racking up streams and doing well in various markets. The seven-track album has a little bit of everything for all ages. In an era where scamming and being a dunce is glorified, He tells the importance of pursuing your dreams and a life outside of Jamaica. (Every ghetto youth wan fly out) One of the ladies’ favorite tracks is his second collaboration with dancehall artist Clymaxx there is no doubt this album sends a conscious message that will open the mind.
When asked about his hopes and expectations on the Album: “He never really goes into anything with expectations because that often leads to disappointments, what he hopes for listeners to take away from this album is the messages behind each song”.
Antonio Harper – From The Kings of the World
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/On.my.a_game/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ux835hoGnRG8ypcgbPX1m?si=kfmL02p4QAy3ommmJHuG2w
Antonio Harper was born in Dallas, Texas. This PK’s upbringing included hockey, Taekwondo, and TMNT – not so eclectic when you consider that he was homeschooled.
Creating music became a way for him to create space for himself – a necessity in a boisterous home with five active children. Music also provided an opportunity to examine emotions through lyrics, bring order through composition and mixing, and step out of his comfort zone through performances.
Finding that his music resonates with others – bonus! His goal is to use any influence to encourage others – especially rappers – to release their music from the bonds of traditional categories and venues. To learn more about him, listen to his music. His desire is to be authentic – the good, the bad, the “he did what?”
This song describes the feeling of being at the top of your game, if you enjoy the song I recommend you listen to the whole combination album! I’m really just looking for this song to impact and reach more people.
Ash Olsen – BORING!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asholsen/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ttXrMwLh27nHwox4z8BYx?si=UL2d9HWaRe-SMuOibyvh1Q
Ash Olsen’s determination to carve her individual place in the current soundscape is reflected by the relentless delivery of her music. With Scandinavian press already vouching for her victory, Olsen is set to conquer European waters with this next project.
Not many music artists grow up on a farm. Not many farm dwellers become music artists. But 23-year-old Ash Olsen isn’t your average music artist. After releasing her debut EP ‘ASHY’ last year, she was nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year at Norwegian Grammy’s and P3 Gull.
Her voice, both when she flows and when she talks, has a very low pitch, but of which she is, again, proud. People can’t always tell if it’s a woman or a man speaking, she says, and that ambiguity appeals to her. Ash Olsen is now getting ready to show a new side to her music, with a blend of hard bass hip-hop tracks and mellow sing-alongs.
Ash has been named one of the most interesting artists in the Norwegian scene by several Norwegian papers, and she is now ready to meet the international music scene. Ash has also shown what she is good at on stage, with over 30 concerts/festivals in total for her first tour, both nationally and internationally, with concerts in Denmark and England. She is signed to All Things Live in Scandinavia and UTA internationally.
“BORING!” lands as the first single to follow Olsen’s 2021 debut EP ‘Ashy’, which saw her nominated as ‘Newcomer of the Year at the Norwegian Grammys, and as the first installment to her forthcoming project – with already high expectations weighing on its release.
Characterized by a bass-y, buoyant beat, Olsen’s simple yet effective message of the track is heard with tenacious clarity, she explains; “BORING! is straight up about boring and basic people lol”. Accompanied by a motor-themed official music video, the metaphorical drive of the track is illuminated with a high-speed car chase and Olsen’s unstoppable energy.
Anjalts – Miracle 4we
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Anjalts/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rTkwnaxB7QEcvnSadGUdW
Anjalts music represents a refreshing fusion of melodic alternative Pop movements with a charismatic chilled vibe that connects Anjalts‘ sound to her listeners. A multi-instrumentalist, Anjalts composes, produces, and plays everything on her tracks.
The prolific songwriting and divergent style are steadily becoming an influential & futuristic voice for our new era. Anjalts 12-song album titled “Air To Fire” drops in 2022, as a rare female-produced album in its entirety. It will have more bonus tunes and various acoustic mixes of her latest releases already gathered over a million streams total. Anjalts is here to stay with more new music and videos to come.
“Miracle 4we” hits the streaming platforms by rising singer/songwriter Anjalts. A multi-faceted artist who records & produces all her own music. Anjalts upcoming album project “Air to Fire is due out in a month and she shares her inspiration for writing “Miracle 4we” “Artists are reflections of our environment. We are living with fires in the Rainforests, over-pollution & a machine of greed that doesn’t know how to stop & reflect.
Writing “Miracle 4we” was from a nightmare of realization that we are all demanding more than what Mother Earth can give -without allowing her enough time to recover. If we cut one tree down then grow two trees in its place. We grew up learning the importance of balance. So, she’s optimistic in calling out for this miracle, even in a song – if it helps us to remember that we don’t have to look so far away to find it- because it’s here – in each one of us – we are our own miracle”
Mike Flowsta – PJ OOTTERS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mike.flowsta/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4v2pMv0JdJvOELioKTHnVu?si=H8dtf4_vQO2a-tGDGKWVMg
Mike Flowsta is an artist based in the USA.
“PJ OOTTERS” is me expressing the mental struggle that we all go through on a daily basis and sometimes you just feel like nobody can do anything for you and you don’t need anybody but yourself. Hope you listen and enjoy yourself.
Nucclehead – Cashflow ft Ray Gz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.e.o._nucclehead/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xw17e9nBWJZePzfKp7Gum?si=4sgLv2bxSUy-Z-5gLj3Oxg
Nucclehead is a 26th-year-old Rapper/Songwriter. Nucclehead was born in Los Angeles California, and raised between there and Wichita Kansas where now lives. CEO of Cash Flow Business Music Label CFB.
The songs written usually describe his thoughts at that time, like depression, oppression as a young black man, and bad influences that can lead towards those tempting temptations.
Nucclehead writes about developing ways to escape those thoughts and replacing them with fun things enjoyed, solutions to problems, and being around good people living with a purpose. Being a work in process and creating this music and sharing it with others is Nucclehead’s passion and purpose.
Nucclehead raps about developing ways to escape those thoughts and replacing them with fun things enjoying solutions to problems and being around good people living with a purpose. The Nucclehead Show is full of energy, good music, and fun, turning up! Keeping a crowd pumped up and moving is on point.
Which is your favorite song? Drop a comment below in the comment section