Dorren Pierre – California Burning

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Fusion of different genres creates intriguing signature sound for Dorren Pierre’s new album ‘Therapy’

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Dorren Pierre is an artist out of Massachusetts with a unique sound. An artist who prides himself in changing flows and riding any beat he touches, he’s about to show the world his standout skill with his new album “Therapy.”

Every song Dorren makes creates a new vibe, and the past four years have been spent perfecting those vibes to an extent that the final product is nothing short of mastery. New fans will be unable to deny the bouncy, wavy, Jamaican and Urban flows that reverberate off this catchy new project from one of the music industry’s fastest-rising talents.

The album is one that Dorren said was first inspired by a situation that happened with his father a few years ago, who was involved in a situation that required him to be deported from the U.S. Because of the difficulty of that period of time in Dorren’s life, music became a constant therapeutic companion and out of that commiseration came “Therapy.”

“Music was very therapeutic at the time – it always had been but at this particular time, it was especially so,” he said. “Music just resonated with me very deeply and besides the situation with my father, I also went through a couple of different relationship issues during that time. I had a couple of friends who were also going through tough times in their lives, and we came together and decided to dive deep into our craft and find therapy through what we want to do.”

Dorren said the sound that came out of those sessions is something that is simultaneously progressive and throwback. The fusion of different genres – from Reggae to Motown to Pop – comes together in a unique way across and undercurrent of Hip Hop so that every song on the album is one that creates new intrigue from the listener. Singles like “Big Mon Sound” (Prod. @d_com_poser) and “California Burning” (Prod. @dilligang & @cstaggz05) are perfect examples of this engaging signature style from Dorren. “Big Mon Sound” is definitively Dorren’s display of his skills as a rapper, complete with heavy bars and lyrics that share the story of his life over the past few years. “California Burning” on the other hand, is heavy on instrumentation – especially saxophone – and has an upbeat, almost dancehall-like vibe.

“All of my music is either stories from my life or my friends’ lives, or maybe what’s going on in the world,” Dorren said. “I try to always be different and give a message to people, but also have it be fun. I want my music to be something you can dance to but also sit and think to and catch a vibe to. And I don’t want all my songs to be just one type of energy, so I try to mix it up from song to song. At the end of the day, I want to be known as someone who, like most other people, has a passion and a dream. The whole purpose of me getting into music was to just let people know they can do something else. There isn’t a set rule in life. Do whatever you want to do that makes you happy. You can rule your life and set your own rules and go wherever you want.

To listen to Dorren Pierre’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/dorrenpierre/

https://www.facebook.com/DorrenPierre/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/08IOpBybJt7ufwYT2hUV8e?si=Jc-juNOZTDGuFa1rhkvG2g

“Therapy” 
https://fanlink.to/THERPY
https://open.spotify.com/album/5XK44PEGhTowi7W6jatoyH?si=c8Ik9sCvQrW5-vZjpOgLRg

“Big Mon Sound”

https://youtu.be/wn6WwXl4QFU

Dotty B – Hurt locker

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

New East Coast artist causes ripples across industry with debut album ‘Daymare’

ROANOKE, VA – Dotty B is a Bronx-born beat maker who’s lifelong love of music has driven him to create an archive of songs that are about to become hits off his debut album “Daymare.”

Described as a “versatile piece of art,” Dotty B’s album features a different vibe on every song in an effort to not only show off his diverse skillset, but also to connect with a wide audience. It’s a project that he said stems from his journey to realize his dreams of becoming a successful musician, and he said the songs are filled with messages that he knows will resonate with listeners all over the world.

“The term Daymare comes from the idea of having a nightmare while you’re awake,” he said. “This album tackles a lot of my hopes and fears and dreams, and it’s just the beginning of more music to come. I want my albums to be a continuous thing, so the next release later this year will be called ‘Daydreams’ and will be more upbeat and vibey. This first album has a darker, heavier tone because it’s me expressing myself and the events I’ve been through or the things I want to go through. That said, there’s a song for everybody and for every type of vibe on there.”

The first single from the project is a song called “Hurt Locker” which Dotty B said was inspired from watching the film of the same name. It’s basically a song about how life can oftentimes be like trying to keep a bomb from exploding, which is the chief plot of the movie “Hurt Locker.” Dotty B uses that metaphor throughout the song while displaying his skill as a lyricist and producer. He said his signature style is one that takes the popular sounds of today’s industry and mixes it with his own experimental sound in a way that is “more clever and more intelligent.”

“I want to bring that type of depth back to music,” he said. “A lot of music today is too simple, but the sound is great. I want to tap into that sound but bring a depth to the lyrical content I’m writing. When people hear Dotty B, I want them to hit repeat over and over again because they’re trying to understand what I’m saying in the song. I want to remain humble while also trying to be a good influence on a lot of people. I’ll never be a guy who teaches the wrong thing, though sometimes I speak on wrong things if they’ve happened to me. But that’s always with the intention of influencing and inspiring others.”

In addition to “Hurt Locker,” Dotty B has another single called “Just Woke Up” which is also from the album and will be featured strongly this summer. A music video for that song is slated to drop before the end of summer and will serve as a kind of springboard into more music from the artist to come later this year.

To listen to Dotty B’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/brian.d.salazar

https://www.facebook.com/Bdotnyc/

https://www.instagram.com/mynameisdottyb/

https://mobile.twitter.com/briansalazar718

https://www.snapchat.com/add/dottyb_718

“Daymare” 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL82CxQlR5-adj1D941AhrGU8RRVnuyfnt

https://open.spotify.com/album/1aN5qT9MTbCa3vU8MQQ42Q?si=W1SJJ_ttSICyYb05E_XXTw

https://music.apple.com/us/album/daymare/1513979831

Mikka Simone – 3:32 (“Synchronicity)

ME Blog, Music, Promo

New music from Mikka Simone launches a distinct Raw n B style for listeners to bounce to

ATLANTA, GA – Experienced singer, dancer and performing artist, Mikka Simone has been thrilling audiences for over ten years. As a singer, she delivers a raw form of R&B which she refers to as “Rhythm n Bounce.” Authentic and captivating, her music is characterized by moving lyrics and intriguing instrumentation choices.

Mikka released her latest single, “3:32” (“Synchronicity”) earlier this month. After putting the piece together, she discovered that she had been born at that time. The song is about moving forward no matter what, especially when things are not working out as planned in relationships, business or any circumstance where you are being held back. “It’s just a matter of moving forward,” Mikka said, “and learning the lesson within the lesson.” She worked on the song’s initial concept with the producer from her previous project and recorded some of the track with him in Atlanta. After deciding on a new direction, she finished recording in Memphis.

Mikka is also getting ready to release her second full project, “The One Time,” which will feature “3:32” and other new music recorded in Atlanta and Memphis. The project focuses on taking chances – from going on a blind date to skydiving. It’s about risk taking and reaping the rewards. She has 14 songs recorded for “The One Time” and is narrowing down to the final ten tracks before releasing the project sometime later this year.

Also recorded in Atlanta and Memphis, the song “Fly Away” may be released as a combination of the two recordings or as two individual tracks. It has a bounce to it, with a laid back chill vibe for enjoying a night out on the town without distractions from anyone. Another track, “My Man” unfolds a crush that one may have, or an experience one may want to dive into with a significant other.

Mikka Simone’s extensive performance experience includes dance and theatre which gives her quite an advantage. She knows what to do onstage and in front of a camera, illustrated by her TEDx visual improvisation performance which can be seen on her YouTube channel. From all of her featured videos, it is clear that she knows how to convert an audience’s energy into a pumped up performance.

Through her music, Mikka is telling her story from her own unique perspective. “I believe my experiences have molded me into the person that I am and the person that I’m becoming, speaking out my higher self on a constant basis,” she said. “I’m just driving into that, allowing it to happen.”

Influenced by all the greats, Mikka’s strongest music influences are Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Gucci Mane, Ciara, J Cole, Nipsey Hustle, Ke Ke Palmer, plus Nina Simone for her lyricism. She also looks up to Maya Angelou (who dabbled in music before becoming a world renowned poet) when it comes to fearless expression.

Mikka likes to keep very busy. She is shooting the music video for “3:32.” Its release will be closely followed by “The One Time” project. Additionally, Mikka is working on another major project titled “Mood AF” which promises to express a variety of moods.

To listen to Mikka’s music or follow her on social media, please visit:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DV62NKBFWHwfkoesMKdN3

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mikka-simone/1446732585

https://www.instagram.com/6mbliss/

https://twitter.com/6MBliss

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwVhOIJgpSVyDmL05wCC1Zw

Relus Baum – Wishing

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music

Texas Native Relus Baum Dropped A Bomb New Single “Wishing” That’s Reminiscent Of The 90’s R&B Era

Relus Baum is a dope Hip Hop artist, born in Germany and raised in Waxahachie, Texas, right outside of Dallas, Texas. Relus has always had a passion for writing raps and expressing himself musically. Being a super athletic person he always pushed to play sports, but music is his first love. His music is like no other, he really brings something different to the table, and his versatility is crazy.

He likes a combination of soulful, live instruments, perfectly blended with complex beats. Vocally, he has a very different sound tone, which allows him to express himself completely. His song “Wishing” is a featured song in season 2 of the urban modern day television classic, 5th Ward, on UMC.TV. Relus has worked with Grammy Award Winning, platinum selling artist/producer Raphael RJ2. Credits: Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, Master P, and more.

Relus also has a publishing, licensing, and distribution deal with MAC A MILLION DOLLAR MAN MUSICK. Credits: MTV, EPIC, VH1, GUNIT, AFTERMATH, ATLANTIC, DEF JAM, NBC, CMT, INTERSCOPE, NBA, GOOGLE, TLC, LIONSGATE, NIKE, VIACOM, and more. Ultimately, Relus has an arsenal of music that everybody can vibe to, and he is looking forward to sharing his unique style with the world.

Music Links:

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/album/6YkEYKIyYl0k3hBTw8fjSz
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/relus-baum/1493608811
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/146554972
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08865FYM6/

Social Media:

Twitter: @RelusBaum
IG: https://www.instagram.com/relusbaum
FB: https://www.facebook.com/relus.baum

Mr Red – Run The Money

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

Chicago Artist Mr Red Is Back With A New Banger Titled “Run The Money”

I got a chance to speak with Mr. Red about his return to the music scene and his new record, his words “I’m just havin fun with this rap shit”. These are the words that you hear Mr Red say time and time again, even though he has taken the thing that he’s “Havin fun” with and turned it into a very viable & very lucrative career.

With hit singles like “Plug” featuring Scotty Music having over 50k spins on fm radio across the country or “I’m an O.G.” featuring grammy nominated rapper King Louie with production from grammy award winning eptone productions which has gotten over 100k downloads to date! Let’s not discount other hits from Mr Red like “Trappin” produced by the legendary Zaytoven and “All Night” featuring one third of the legendary hip hop trio Do or Die.

”My team is the reason why I do it!” this is what Mr Red calls his fans. “To me it seems a bit disrespectful to call them that. They do lots of important stuff like help me get my message out and keep the music going, they are more than fans. They’re family!”

Three albums in and Mr Red has already made his mark in an arena that is almost impossible to break into. Stars are not made, they are born!

On December 10th at 9:30pm on the south side of Chicago a star was born and this fact is apparent when he enters a room. Watch close because for mr red there are big things in the making and there are nothing but great things to come…

Music Links

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6VuHlC4tZ0&feature=youtu.be

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/5udIoeBc1TecGpdlPtkEjv?si=UXFxNiBXQlea6fpX9iNvLA

Social Media Info
Twitter : MrREDceo
IG : MrRedCeo
Fb : Mr Red aka Mr Red Ceo (fan page)
Fb : Alvin Pickin
Sc : Mr Red Ceo

ElyJames and the Backtrakkers – Gypsy-shoed Skinshell Curtain Blues

Blog, Music, Videos

‘Gypsy-shoed Skinshell Curtain Blues’ showcases a unique blend of Rock and Blues from recording artist Ely James

PITTSBURGH, PA – Ely James is the ultimate storyteller as his song lyrics reveal. His music – one part Blues, one part Prog Rock – is the perfect blend of Classic Rock and Progressive. And his sound is perfectly suited for the kind of storytelling lyrics that has been born from a lifetime of honing his skills as a musician which has led to a long list of successful works, many of which can be found on his website at https://elyjamesandthebacktrakkers.com

His most recent project is the ten-song album “Gypsy-shoed Skinshell Curtain Blues.” The name also serves as the name for the title track on the album. This three-song introduction to the larger project – which itself will be released later this Summer – is the perfect continuation for Ely James and for his future Trio Ely James and the Backtrakkers.

“It’s a project that has sway, strut and swagger, in my humble estimation!” James said. “It’s up-tempo Boogie Rock that’s perfectly accentuated by brisk, earth-shaking leads distinctively set between smooth melodic lines. My experience is your experience!”

The three-song LP includes the singles “Forty Minus One,” “She’s got Mona Lisa Eyes” and the title track “Gypsy-shoed Skinshell Curtain Blues.” James said the songs and the larger project yet to come were born from his minding his convocation over the past four years while “boning down on guitar.” It’s the perfect accompaniment to his other released works which are available on Amazon, Apple, iTunes, Google Play and on several streaming platforms including iHeart Radio and Spotify. Among that music following his debut release “Fountain of Youth” from June of 2019 is “Still Undeterred!,” “The Original Outsiders,” and “So I Wakes Up in the Morning” with “Gypsy-shoed Skinshell Curtain Blues” up next and preceding the slated “The El Diego Showdown Shuffle” and “Cruisn‘ for a Bluesn” LPs and CDs.

All of his music is designed with a power Rock-n-Blues trio in mind and in fact he’s currently on the lookout for musicians as bassist and drummer to fill his trio as Backtrakkers.

“I’m looking for people who would mould some of that Classic Blues sound with more of today’s modern sounds,” James said. “I think that I’m from a foundational Blues Purist standpoint and a Prog Rock one somewhere in the middle and imagine that most people would pick that up from my previous compilations, considering they’re evolving. I refuse to be cornered into one specific genre it would seem, and I think this new project really shows that. Today, I’m ready for some more musicians to join me on this journey and am excited about taking my music into future.”

James first got his start in music about thirty years ago. His first album made available to the public titled “Fountain of Youth” blends Powerhouse Rock with Classic Blues sounds like those from the 60s and 70s and was released on June 17th, 2019. Since that time, he has developed and released several other projects which are currently available across streaming platforms and are for sale on the market. James said he thrives on creating multiple projects at once and loves the pressure-packed atmosphere created by information overload.

“I see my best productivity comes out of information overload,” he said. “Usually I’m working on two different songs at once, almost as though working two different machines. One hour I might be working on an upper-tempo Rock song and then the next, I might go to more of a relaxing thing or moderate-paced Texas-shuffle sway. By the end of the month, that type of approach gives me the best results for efficiency and paying attention to detail for what finally materializes. And I think it gives my audience a good experience in a good diverse mixture of Rock and Blues that I’m known for. More than anything, I like to rock people out.”

ElyJames and the Backtrakkers · Gypsy.ShoedSkinshellCurtainBlues.4.2.2020.Brewster.LPReady.WAV

To listen to and to purchase Ely James and the Backtrakkers’ music or to enquire and follow Ely on Social Media, you can amongst other sites visit:

https://elyjamesandthebacktrakkers.com
https://twitter.com/ElyBacktrakkers
https://soundcloud.com/elyjamesbacktrakkers
https://bandmix.com/elyjamesandthebacktrakkers
https://moderndrummer.com/livemarket/join-elys-power-rock-n-blues-trio
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3J6gNULnw7BmFHD5aMtpuW

Aundre’ Raashad – Student Loans

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

New music from Aundre’ Raashad
challenges listeners to consider a different path

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Aundre’ Raashad is an American artist with a message for the world: Consider Something Different.

The young, multitalented musician from Newport News, Virginia has seen his fair share of hard times. He’s no stranger to “bad decisions,” but his love for music is something that gave him a different perspective on the world around him. And it’s that unique perspective that he wants to bring to listeners of his music in ways that encourages them to consider something different.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life,” Raashad said. “I’ve never been locked up thankfully, but I’ve done a lot of senseless things. And when I go back and think over those things and how stupid it was, I realize it wasn’t worth the risk. And so with my music I just want to make people consider their ways and think about whether there’s a better way to do things.”

A perfect example of that is his latest single, “Student Loans.” The upbeat song with a jazz vibe showcases Raashad’s conscious rap in ways that are simultaneously catchy and deep. Taking a cue from some of his favorites artists like J. Cole, the song combines a catchy tune with a message that challenges young people to consider the risk-versus-reward of taking on a student loan.

“There’s this misnomer out there that you have to go to college and get a four-year degree to be financially stable,” Raashad said. “But that’s not necessarily true. Maybe college isn’t for everybody. So one of the things I’m doing with this song is encouraging people to learn trades. But more than that, I’m pushing people to do what they want to do to be happy as long as the consequence of that isn’t going into debt or getting into trouble.”

Raashad said he first got the idea for the song when he saw some of his college friends, who were student athletes, taking on student loans and then spending that money carelessly without thinking of how they were going to pay the loans back in the future. Much of the music he writes is pulled from life experiences like that – experiences that he said most people would think about one way, but through his music, he encourages them to think about in a different direction.

That inspirational music is further explored on his upcoming album, “Thank You For Your Time” which is set to release this summer. Not only is it a project that introduces the world to this young up-and-coming artist, but it’s also one that challenges listeners to stop negative generational cycles that lead to perpetual culture ills – like violence and drug addiction and fatherlessness.

“There’s a different route,” he said. “You don’t have to take the route that’s been shown to you before. Those are the pictures I want to paint with this album so that people who hear it are convinced not to fall victim to the same perpetual cycle.”

Raashad said his sound and style are unique not only for his lyrical consciousness but also for the way he takes inspiration from the sounds and styles of his favorite artists and fuses them with experimental vibes of his own. He points to artists like LL Cool J and Pharrell Williams, or Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Jay-Z, as some of his favorites. But he’s quick to point out that he has a wide-reaching eclectic taste across multiple genres, and fans of his music can expect to see that diversity from him going forward.

Raashad said he plans to drop a new music video for “Student Loans” at midnight on Friday May 22nd, and that following Monday on May 25th midnight, he will release the full album of “Thank You For Your Time.”

To listen to Aundre’ Raashad’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://linktr.ee/AundreRaashad

https://www.facebook.com/Aundre.Raashad.Don.Pablo

https://mobile.twitter.com/aundreraashad

https://www.instagram.com/aundreraashad/

https://www.snapchat.com/add/officiallydre
https://soundcloud.com/ko7sound
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw7zhIjHXF59aIYlI-8D-ZQ

https://music.apple.com/us/album/thank-you-for-your-time/1511273672?uo=4&app=itunes&at=1001lry3&ct=dashboard

https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Aundre_Raashad_Thank_You_for_Your_Time?id=B77g52sc7hmpx7ijuv6kqkwk47e

Dian Rene – Ayudame

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

Latin artist with undeniable talent
drops hot new summer single ‘La Cocinerita’

MIAMI, FL – The world’s next new Latin artist has arrived on the scene. And if you aren’t already paying attention to his music, then you better join the crowd.

Hailing from Cuba but making his home in Miami, Florida, young Dian Rene has the kind of voice that only comes along once in a generation. Already he’s made a name for himself internationally with performances in Cuba and throughout the U.S., and a stint on the television show “The Four” helped catapult him onto a larger national stage. In the two years since that television performance, Dian has been perfecting his unique sound and style. His previous single “Ayudame” has millions of views on YouTube and is the kind of Latin dance track that is perfect for the clubs. And now, he’s set to follow that up with his hot new single “La Cocinerita.”

According to Dian, the song is a mix between Reggaeton and Dance Hall, and tells the story of a guy in a relationship with a girl who genuinely cares about him.

“Basically, she’s treating me better than my ex,” Dian said. “The name of the song in English means ‘the cook,’ and I’m using that as a way of saying that now I have a woman who not only feeds me literally but also goes out of her way to take care of me. There’s a double meaning in the word – I have a girl who cares about me and takes care of me and there’s a depth to the relationship.”

Dian said his writing style is one that embraces double entendres and metaphors similar to “La Cocinerita” in ways that use words to paint pictures and put ideas into the minds of his listeners. When he combines that with vocals that soar and are undeniably talented, it makes for music that cannot be ignored. Add to that his charisma on stage and energy as an entertainer and Dian is easily one of the most important Latin artists to arrive on the international stage today.

In addition to “La Cocinerita,” Dian has plans to release a full album later this summer. Having worked his ways to this point in his career by struggling as a young musician in Cuba before coming to the U.S. with his sister four years ago, Dian said he’s anxious to finally see his dreams become a reality. And while producers and industry insiders with whom he has worked over the years have praised his vocal talent and ability as an artist, he said getting his name and face in front of the masses has been a struggle.

“I’ve been singing since I was born, really,” he said. “It’s not just my dream, it’s my life. I don’t take ‘NO’ for an answer, but it’s not an easy industry to break into. I’ve been working hard to get my music out, and I’m anxious for people to see me as an entertainer. I’ll give you that feeling of joy when you watch me. I just sing because that’s my life.”

To listen to Dian Rene’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/dianrenemusic/ 

https://www.instagram.com/dianrenemusic/

https://twitter.com/dianrenemusic_ 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdMqyFzZn_rx0wcXU5S-iw

“La Cocinerita”

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dianrene/la-cocinerita

Vondo – Too Fast

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo, Videos

Young Chicago rapper Vondo sets bar high for the future with hot new singles

CHICAGO, IL – There’s a lot of darker stuff going on in the world, and Chicago-based rapper Vondo has experienced more than his fair share of those hardships. But his music isn’t the kind of dark sounding edgy content that would be reflective of those difficult times. No … His music is quite the opposite actually, and it’s his hope that more and more of his music going out into the world will uplift people from all walks of life and bring some light to this otherwise dark time in the world’s history.

That’s not to say that he doesn’t carry scars and deal with pain like most others in the world. Those who meet him wouldn’t call him a happy-go-lucky guy, but they would say he’s human and that he finds a way to smile through the hurt.

“I’m a unique person for someone my age,” said the 20-year-old artist. “I’ve been through a lot more than most people, and I want to be a light to the world to help other people through similar situations. There’s a lot of darker stuff going on in this world and I want to be a breath of fresh air, a light in ways that give back. That’s why my music is filled with positive vibes and messages.”

Two of his most recently released singles put that uplifting vibe on full display. The first is a song called “Untitled.” It’s a song that upon first listening people might consider to be a sadder song, but Vondo emphasizes that the whole point of the song is to take listeners on a journey that leads them to a happier place at the end. It’s the first song that he said he wrote, produced and engineered entirely on his own, and the multiple messages encapsulated throughout the course of the song are so numerous that he eventually decided the name “Untitled” was the perfect fit.

That single was followed by “Too Fast,” which is a fun, upbeat song that showcases Vondo’s skills as a rapper. He considers it to be one of his best rap songs and he’s proud of the rapid and choppy flows he’s able to bring to fans with this one.

Vondo said his focus going into the summer is to make a number of music videos to go with his recently released singles, while also working on a larger project that he might drop before the end of the year.

“With all of my music, people will be able to see my versatility and the fact that I do a lot of the stuff on my own, which sets me apart from anyone else,” he said. “By doing that, I can engineer and produce and create different sounds than you might hear otherwise. I do that because I always want to have that creative input in my music and I figured, if anyone is going to make the kind of music I want to listen to, it might as well be me.”

To listen to Vondo’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/vondo_/ 

https://twitter.com/VondoOMA

“Untitled”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QYiyyBP-Es

John Lebanon – If I Fail They Die

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo, Videos

Frontline physician uses experiences treating COVID patients to create anthem for our times

QUINCY, MA – A world filled with fear and separation is a world that doesn’t recognize the hope of humanity banding together for a greater purpose. That’s the truth physician and creator Roy Souaid from “John Lebanon” is trying to bring with their new song “If I Fail They Die.” (IFTY)

The song is inspired by Dr. Souaid’s time as a medical professional on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Having spent most of his life pursuing music as a hobby – including playing gigs with a band along the East Coast of the U.S. as well as performing in parts of Europe and the Middle East – this talented musician couldn’t help but turn to his music as an outlet for the turmoil of emotions he was facing in the wake of the pandemic. And out of that creative struggle came a song that he is certain to be the perfect anthem for today.

“We are connected more than ever, and our actions do make a difference,” Souaid said. “It’s time we take care of one another and of our beautiful earth. Like a lot of people, I was getting stressed out by COVID at the beginning, and I found myself listening to Enya because I was looking for music that would be relaxing. I could not find similar music however, so I decided to create something on my own. What came out was different from anything we usually make, which is more Indie-pop-electro-Jazz. This, however, was ambient sounds with heavy synth and strum guitar. But it was the perfect sound to go with the message I was trying to get across.”

That message was born from Roy’s desire to find proper perspective in the face of the challenge facing the world to social distance and stay physically away from one another. As he began to research the effectiveness of this, he looked toward historical precedent and found himself reading about the Spanish Flu of the early 1900s.

“I saw a picture of some nurses in a hospital who were fighting the flu,” he said. “They were all wearing masks, exactly how you would see our nurses today. But behind them, they had a big sign that said, ‘If I fail, he dies.’ That sign kept playing over and over in my head everywhere I went – whether I was at the grocery store or at work in the hospital or wherever. It seemed ludicrous that we had to all be apart from each other – emotionally painful in a lot of ways – but I realized that even that one little act of isolation could mean the difference of saving someone else’s life. And if everybody is taking part in that active isolation, then we’re all collectively saving lives. If one person fails, then everybody can be affected.”

While Roy admits that the mood of the song starts out in a kind of depressing place, he encourages listeners to embrace the uplifting message that comes through. While using a sample of a fellow physician from the front lines – giving a testimony about a day in the hospital treating COVID patients – Dr. Souaid also emphasizes the importance of everyone staying home and helping in whatever ways they can. The song, therefore, not only becomes a musical history piece, but an anthem for the world.

Following this single, Roy said he’s planning on finishing an album called “Vermont Arab” which he plans to drop toward the end of the summer or perhaps this fall. He said the overall theme of the project is an imaginary man living in an imaginary world, and will tonally reflect more of his Indie, Electro-Jazz style with some Pop elements.