2016 Off To A Solid Start
Just a week into the new year and there have already been a handful of great music releases to kick off 2016. Three of my highlights are: RJD2, Birdy, and Diane Birch.
RJD2 ft. Jordan Brown | Peace of What
Philadelphia producer, RJD2, released the first single off his upcoming album this week, titled "Peace of What." It has a funky intro and bright horns that get your head bopping and shoulders swaying.
When talking about the song, RJD2 says:
"When I hear people talk of peace in America, the discrepancy between our words and our actions can get fatiguing. I was trying to reflect the experience of people I know, which often feels like, ‘We're not ACTUALLY trying to do anything about this problem in our country.’"
His new album, Dame Fortune, will be out March 25th.
Birdy | Keeping Your Head Up
Quite different from her well-known somber ballads, "Keeping Your Head Up" is a cheerful, upbeat pop anthem that maintains her heartfelt lyrics and passionate, wistful vocals while also displaying a supportive strength set atop a hyper-motivational melody.
The songs starts with a cheerful, twinkling piano line followed by easing strings that culminate into an explosive chorus driven by supporting vocals, rhythmic clapping and adrenaline-inducing drums.
It's safe to say this is a new addition to my gym playlist.
Her new album is said to be out this Spring.
Diane Birch | How Long & Stand Under My Love
From the piano-driven, soul-pop debut, Bible Belt, to her indie disco pop-rock follow-up, Speak A Little Louder, Birch had already begun to display her multi-faceted self and establish herself as an artist of exploration. Following that establishment one step further, Birch chose to take her upcoming third album, Nous, into her own hands and self-produce it, granting herself full control over the realm of sounds she could explore, craft and release.
In regards to that decision, she shared the following via her Facebook:
after an entire career of being at the mercy of others to carry my music into the world, the feeling of finally being self sufficient is beyond words. 2 years ago I would have never imagined I'd have the skills to engineer, mix and produce myself with no one looking over my shoulder trying to steer my vision or looking for a stupid radio song. In life it's easy to forget that we are in control of our lives and no matter how distant our dreams are, they are attainable. do not count on others to make your dreams come true or blame them when they don't happen. you have all the control. do the work yourself. the rest will follow. #nous #comingsoon
On the horizon of its January 24th release, Birch has shared songs "How Long" and "Stand Under My Love." They're moody and gloomy, the former with smokey horns and a jazzy saunter I just can't get enough of. If you feel the same, head on over to her bandcamp to pre-order the EP for just $5.
Keep it coming, 2016.
xxChris