Author Archives: Geoff Hong

Galimatias – Blowback [TMN Interview/Single Release]

Posted by Geoff Hong - August 21, 2017

Galimatias
Blowback

LA-based Danish artist Galimatias has been featured many times here on The Music Ninja. Known for his decadent piano chords and swirling melodies, Galimatias makes some of the most soulful tunes out there today. Transcending genres, he effortlessly blends together aspects of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Galimatias has always hit us with sultry, emotional tunes that can instantly set the mood.

To help kick off your week, I’m excited to share Galimatias’ new sinful single, “Blowback”. Paying homage to one of his main musical muses, Matias samples Barbara Lewis’ 1963 soul classic “Hello Stranger”. Subdued electronic elements overlaid on pulsating rhythms and tight R&B beats create some characteristically sensual vibes on this track. Galimatias throws in his own ad-libs and vocal riffs; part of his effort to incorporate voice as part of his musical arsenal. Lewis’ sensual crooning is not overpowered whatsoever– showing Matias’ mastery of blending together such different musical elements.

As a TMN favorite, Galimatias has been interviewed by us before. I was lucky enough to catch up with him again, as he enters the newest phase of his solo career. Listen to the track above and read up on the interview after the jump: Continue reading →

NVDES – La Nvdité Vol. 1 [TMN Exclusive Interview & EP Review]

Posted by Geoff Hong - August 17, 2017

NVDES
Do You Think About Me

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LA-based music collective NVDES has made a few appearances here on TMN. Led by frontman Josh Ocean, this free-flowing art project is teeming with joyous energy and has gifted us with many feel-good jams, like this one. NVDES’ music is delightfully fun, meshing pop sensibilities with modern punk vibes.

NVDES received global acclaim for his last EP, Life with Lobsters in 2016, earning a feature on Zane Lowes’ Beats 1, and reaching the Spotify Global Viral Chart. So, naturally, we were excited to hear NVDES’ latest EP, La Nvdité Vol. 1, which is out now on Kobalt.

The opener of the 5 track EP, “May and June”, perfectly encapsulates the infectious energy that NVDES songs display so frequently. Dancy beats in combination with the electro-punk sound of that guitar will make you forget that summer’s coming to an end soon. In juxtaposition with this track, “Do You Think About Me” does an excellent job of showing the emotional range that NVDES possesses. This wistful track inspired by a long-distance romance maintains that summery feel while pondering over a melancholy topic like a strained love. Check out the music video for third track “Dancer From New York” below:

I was lucky enough to chat briefly with NVDES’ Josh Ocean about the collective, and this latest project. Read up below!
Continue reading →

[Electronic] Kllo – Virtue

Posted by Geoff Hong - July 13, 2017

Kllo
Virtue

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On the heels of a lengthy world tour, Australian electronic pop duo Kllo have returned to share new music with us. Melbourne cousins Chloe Kaul and Simon Lam have a catchy sound characterized by Kaul’s ethereal vocals overlaid on intricate electronic production. They’ve found much success with previous EPs Cusp and Well-Worn, which is why we’re delighted by their announcement for debut LP Backwater, due out later this year on Ghostly.

In anticipation of their album, Kllo have released lead single “Virtue” today. Kaul’s distinctive singing style rings true throughout the song, while the duo’s electronic production talents shine. The cousins claim to draw inspiration from the xx, which is made clear by their conjunction of moody pop vocals and UK garage/techno style beats. If you’re a fan of this tune, preorder Backwater here or catch them on tour in Europe/Australia at the end of this year.

[Music Video] Kormac – I Believe

Posted by Geoff Hong - June 5, 2017

Dublin-based producer Kormac has got a cure for any Monday blues with his latest single “I Believe” and its accompanying visuals. The minimalist video, which was directed by Benn Veasey and produced by Rufus Pinkerton, details a sequence in which a young woman rises to her feet to give chase to the ocean. Those of you that have ever tried to run in a dream can certainly relate to the feeling evoked by our heroine’s journey to the water. The visuals tie in perfectly with the driving piano syncopation, working together to create anticipation and excitement.

This jazzy dance track follows two successful albums, Wordplay (2010), and Doorsteps (2014). It is Kormac’s most recent attempt to diversify his auditory palette. The distinctly lo-fi sampling is a musical deviation from his normal production sound– it is said to have taken inspiration from “spiritual jazz and old gospel recordings”. You can certainly hear these influences come through on the brassy horn and choir-clapping that interweave with the piano beat. With kick drums and cymbals keeping the pace steady, the track recalls a classic house sound.

Check out this video if you need a little auditory/visual motivation this Monday, and keep an eye out for more funky dance tunes to come from DJ Kormac.

[Event Review] Gabriel Garzón-Montano Delivers a Passionate San Francisco Debut

Posted by Geoff Hong - May 15, 2017

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Gabriel Garzón-Montano at The Rickshaw Stop

Saturday May 13, 2017

Following the release of his debut full-length album Jardín (see our review here) in January, it was only a matter of time before Gabriel Garzón-Montano shared his creation with fans in person. After kicking off his tour to start the month of May, Garzón-Montano introduced himself to San Francisco’s music scene at the Rickshaw Stop this past Saturday. The sold-out crowd enjoyed 75 minutes of passionate soul-baring as Gabriel gave the crowd his all.

With the help of drummer David Frazier, Gabriel Garzón-Montano delivered an incredible musical experience in the intimate, hazy ambiance of the Rickshaw Stop. Highlights included GGM’s sensual crooning on “Six-Eight”, and the funky vibes of popular song “Crawl”. He relied heavily upon a participatory audience during the show, one that was very excited to engage in clapping, snapping, and singing along to Gabriel’s call-and-responses. Furthermore attendees were delightfully treated to a bilingual set. After interlacing a song or two in Spanish throughout his repertoire, Gabriel’s encore was nearly entirely in Spanish with the exception of first track “Bombo Fabrika”.

Garzón-Montano took us through a musical journey of his entire discography, and then some. With his masterfully-crafted music and soulful approach to showmanship, we continue to have high expectations for this artist in the future.

Future tour dates can be found here— don’t miss a chance to see Gabriel Garzón-Montano live! Continue reading →

Shadowgraphs – Scarlet Tunic [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Geoff Hong - February 22, 2017

Shadowgraphs
Scarlet Tunic

Soundcloud

Shadowgraphs is a self-described “neo-psychedelic” rock group that hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. Recently, they have been releasing music through Portland’s Golden Brown, an independent label/artist development group. Today, TMN is premiering Shadowgraphs’ latest single, “Scarlet Tunic” as a followup to their first single “Countryside”, both off their upcoming full-length album that’s due out this April.

“Scarlet Tunic” is an adventurously high-energy tune, continuing off of the retro-cool sound established on the first premiere single. It is an unmistakably psychedelic production that shows influence from 60’s surfer rock. The track features a harmonization of reverb and distortion-heavy guitars, while being anchored by a rock-steady bass line that provides structure in an otherwise frenetic song. Band member Wils Glade describes the song as:

the mental point you get to when you’ve stayed up for way too long, like a day or so, and reality begins to crumble around you.

You can certainly feel this mental battle when you hear the guitar riffs go up against the dream-like, ambient vocals. If you rocked out to this joint, pre-order the upcoming album (out April 7th) on Shadowgraphs’ Bandcamp.

[Album Review] Gabriel Garzón-Montano – Jardín

Posted by Geoff Hong - January 27, 2017

Gabriel Garzón-Montano
The Game

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Musical identity is a nebulous concept that has a significant impact on how listeners interpret, relate to, and appreciate music. It is an amalgamation of many characteristics–only one of which is the sound itself. It determines how we categorize and, often, immortalize musicians (i.e. Biggie and Tupac forever enshrined as icons of a classic era in hip-hop). The release of a debut album is an artist’s single best opportunity to assert their artistic persona–a musical first impression is as important as any. Take Kanye West’s The College Dropout, or Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon Pt 1; two hugely popular albums that put soon-to-be breakout stars’ skills and talents on full display. In a similar vein, Gabriel Garzón-Montano’s debut LP, Jardín, is a bold declaration of Garzón-Montano’s ingenuity– one that gives him the potential to be a mainstay of today’s crowded music landscape.

Brooklyn native Garzón-Montano is the son of Colombian and French immigrant parents, and his heritage certainly contributes to his musical identity. He cites his father’s Colombian roots as a source of inspiration. That appreciation of salsa and cumbia manifests itself in the funky and rhythmic nature of several tracks on the album. Garzón-Montano attributes his original love for music to his mother–a classically trained musician who passed those skills down. The two contrasting influences mix beautifully on “Bombo Fabrika,” a track that features cello accompaniment alongside a syncopated groove that subtly commands you to dance. Continue reading →