Pulse Music Magazine

20/06/2024

A soul shaken and stirred by the complexities of long-lost love and a yearning for adventure; a beautiful dichotomy that’s led Ottawa’s Leif Vollebekk on a search for promise to the ends of the universe.

With an obsession for illustrating stories and images with words, the Montreal-based songsmith has continued to nurture his creative abilities with the release of yet another cohesive collection of songs. 'Revelation' sees Vollebekk combine narrative lyrics and many one-take lead vocal performances with cinematic arrangements, gorgeous sonics, well-placed space, and lush orchestration.

Vollebekk’s 'Revelation' songwriting process was inspired by an exploration that began with Carl Jung’s ''I Ching and continued into the science of alchemy and the mystery of the divine. The final result is at once organic, earthy and celestial, with themes of nature — water, astral constellations, mortality – woven into a meditation on living in an ever-changing present laced with existential doubt, the search for a higher power.

"Moondog,” the first single, offers firm proof of this juxtaposition with its “meditation on love,” fateful meetings, family, and magic, with a lyrical nod to “tessellation” (a pattern of geographic shapes covering a surface). “Was that the wind howling through the trees / Or was that you / Calling to me?” The video accompanying the song was directed by longtime collaborator Kaveh Nabatian and was filmed in Norway.

https://www.pulsemusicmagazine.com/canadian-singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist-leif-vollebekks-latest-project-revelation-out-september-27th-via-secret-city-records/

18/06/2024

With over 375 million collective global streams, JUNO Award-winning pop songstress JESSIA has taken the music industry by storm, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with her raw talent, dazzling pop melodies, and heart-wrenching lyricism. She made her explosive introduction in 2021 with the viral single, “I’m not Pretty” Racking up hundreds of millions of streams and views, the single caught the attention of Grammy-nominated artist Bebe Rexha, who later joined JESSIA on the track remix. She kept the buzz going with the release of her debut EP, How Are You? which was met with widespread attention.

In 2023, JESSIA bravely transitioned to releasing music independently. Last year also saw JESSIA take her music on the road with an Asia tour supporting OneRepublic and a sold-out Canadian tour with Dean Lewis. She’s continued the momentum into this year with the release of viral single, “Care About Me,” and her latest emotionally captivating single celebrating mothers, titled, “The Woman You Are.”

“I’ve been wanting to write a song that celebrates mothers for a while now,” JESSIA writes. “I love seeing strong and powerful women raising strong and powerful women. I grew up seeing my mom as a superhero and dreamed of living a life half as adventurous and exciting as hers. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they realize their parents are just people too, who seek validation and love, just like us kids. ‘The Woman You Are’ is my way of saying thank you to my mom for the years of encouragement and selflessness she has given me. I hope this song sparks more recognition for all the badass moms in this world because we wouldn’t be who we are without them.”

With over 375 million collective global streams, JUNO Award-winning pop songstress JESSIA has taken the music industry by storm, capturing the hearts of fans

29/02/2024

Since bursting onto the scene in 2010 with their multi-platinum hit “Big Jet Plane,” beloved sibling duo Angus and Julia Stone have become a catalyst artist that has gone on to inspire a whole new generation of songwriters. Their music has proven to be timeless.

Along with the announcement of a new album, 'Cape Forestier,' the Aussie duo shared a delicate ballad titled “The Wedding Song.” Set out to write the perfect love song, they passed with flying colours in this magical melody. Julia’s effortless vocals take center stage in a song that has been in their repertoire but never made it on tape until now.

“We’ve received so many requests from fans for a proper recording to use on their special day, so we decided to make that happen,” Angus & Julia explain. “‘The Wedding Song’ was originally written for a friend’s wedding years ago. Since then, we’ve been honoured to play it at several friends’ and family’s weddings, including our mums… We chose it as our first single from our upcoming record because it’s all about love. The song is a celebration of love and human connection. In a world that can feel disconnected and frightening, we want to share something that reflects the beauty of how humans choose to treat each other, love each other, and make promises to build something beautiful together.”

It’s this language of music that forms the basis of Angus and Julia Stone’s new album, Cape Forestier – a collection of heartfelt songs that share the sound of their extraordinary journey together. The new album plays out like a storybook from the hearts and minds of Angus and Julia Stone – reminiscent of their earlier records, with each song revealing itself as a different page.

https://www.pulsemusicmagazine.com/angus-julia-stone-announce-their-sixth-studio-album-cape-forestier-due-out-may-10th/

27/02/2024

A celebrated figure in the London music scene and a beloved fixture of Sofar Sounds, Rose Betts transitioned to Los Angeles during the pandemic, igniting a meteoric rise on social media platforms such as TikTok and Meta with viral moments, amassing tens of millions of streams across her diverse body of work and garnering over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Now signed to Nettwerk Music Group, Rose recently released her emotionally charged single, "War."

With lyrics that delve into the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to break free from its grasp, Betts’ powerful vocals and stirring melodies evoke a profound sense of catharsis.

Rose explains, “Most of us have been in a position where we wanted something from somebody that they could not give. Unrequited love is up there with one of the most painful feelings. There’s also the kind of love which is destructive. It pulls you apart… gets into all the happy places and poisons them. And all the time it’s whispering love into your ear. ‘War’ is a song about emerging from a bubble of that kind of love, suddenly realizing what’s been happening and being able to separate from it.”

A celebrated figure in the London music scene and a beloved fixture of Sofar Sounds, Rose Betts transitioned to Los Angeles during the pandemic, igniting a

22/02/2024

Odie Leigh would never have called herself a musician before the depths of the 2020 pandemic when her rapper roomies made a bet: Whoever records a song that goes viral first, wins. Slightly ticked off that they hadn’t included her in the wager, she decided to hit them with her best shot, and Leigh was crowned the victor when a track she wrote blew up on TikTok.

The folk singer-songwriter’s latest song, “No Doubt,” is out now via Mom + Pop, and was produced by Bay Area producer/musician/engineer Derek Ted and Runnner, along with the track’s official music video directed by Anthony Simpkins.

“I’m not used to people liking me for me; to people meaning what they say and standing by it,” says Odie Leigh about the new single.

Odie Leigh would never have called herself a musician before the depths of the 2020 pandemic when her rapper roomies made a bet: Whoever records a song that

21/02/2024

At the age of three LU KALA's family immigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Canada; first living in Toronto’s Regent Park and later Ajax. Gifted with a talent for writing striking pop tracks and memorable hooks, LU has quickly emerged as a surefire artist to watch.

With over 100 million streams, LU is a force. Finding success on TikTok and IG Reels, her many viral snippets include “Love Sh*t” which was highlighted by fellow songstress SZA, as well as “Pretty Girl Era,” currently clocking in at over 347,000 UGC videos on TikTok and millions of views across platforms. Peaking at #10 in Canada’s Top 40 and A/C radio charts, the track has served to raise LU’s profile, as well as her collaboration with Latto, “Lottery,” which saw LU make her debut in the Billboard Hot 100.

Sharing the story behind “Nothing But Love,” LU KALA expresses; “I wrote ‘Nothing But Love’ on Zoom with a friend from my bedroom, in the middle of the pandemic. The world had stopped and it was the very first time I sat with my feelings and processed the hurt I had never healed from. Moving on after a breakup is hard, especially when you still have love for that person. At least if I hated him, I could completely delete him out of my life and heart. But maturing for me, was realizing that even though things didn’t work out, and I believed him when he said he wanted this for the long haul, it’s still pure that at one point, there was love. I don’t wish him the worst, but instead, I still have nothing but love for him. ‘Nothing But Love’ is the most vulnerable song I’ve ever written, so much so that It took me two years to heal & finish writing it. I hope this song helps heal those in need. I’m okay singing it for the rest of my life if that means it provides love and healing to the heartbroken souls that are in need of nothing but love.”

Every once in a while, an artist appears who is destined to break the mould, LU KALA is one of them. The fiery-voiced songstress with signature vibrant orange

15/12/2023

What better way to welcome the holiday season than with a list of some of our favourites by:

Jade Eagleson
Paul McDonald
The Lumineers
Aqyila
My Morning Jacket
Tyler Shaw 葉銘恆
Tim & The Glory Boys

It's that time of year! Gear up for the holiday season with these renditions of Christmas classics, and original holiday songs:

18/10/2023

Melding melody with memories, and workmanship with wisdom, Charles Wesley Godwin illustrates the makings of his life through his third and most accomplished record to date – 'Family Ties.'

“I decided I was going to write about my life and my family,” explains Godwin. “It’s where my heart was guiding me: to be super personal and dig right into the weeds of my life.”

The songs that comprise 'Family Ties' are themselves portals into Godwin’s life—tuneful tales of the native West Virginian’s friends, family and foundation.

https://www.pulsemusicmagazine.com/charles-wesley-godwin-pulls-back-the-veil-of-life-on-the-intensely-personal-19-track-album-family-ties/

11/10/2023

Over the course of 35 years, multi-platinum rockers Ba*****ed Ladies have sold over 15 million records worldwide, and built up an arsenal of hits such as “If I Had $1,000,000,” “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme.” Widely acknowledged as one of the best live acts on the planet, BNL has hosted a cruise, had their own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavour, and participated in the first-ever “space-to-earth musical collaboration” with astronaut Chris Hadfield. To date, BNL has amassed eight JUNO Awards, garnered two GRAMMY nominations, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Recently, the band released their highly anticipated 18th studio album, 'In Flight.' Brimming with 14 vibrant tracks, the record seamlessly captures the hallmark playfulness and astute observation that have earned BNL global renown, and artfully juxtaposes those signature elements against a contemplative, philosophical backdrop, converging into a resounding impression of growth and wisdom gained. Stand-out singles include: “Lovin’ Life,” “One Night,” and today’s, “What Do We Need?” which explore the band’s journey as Ba*****ed Ladies through the years, reminiscing on what they’ve achieved while looking forward to what the future may hold. tps://www.pulsemusicmagazine.com/barenaked-ladies-in-flight/

Over the course of 35 years, multi-platinum rockers Ba*****ed Ladies have sold over 15 million records worldwide, and built up an arsenal of hits such as "If

10/10/2023

Having lived in multiple provinces across the country and boasting a discography that includes numerous tracks inspired by Canada, it’s clear Dean Brody has a deep-rooted passion for the Great White North.

The celebrated Canadian entertainer and award-winning artist pays homage to the red and white, with the release of his eighth full-length studio album, 'Right Round Here.' Led by the single of the same name, the 9-track album is brought to life by Brody’s unbridled passion for the country he calls home.

“I’m so proud of my small-town roots and in the last few years, I’ve really come to appreciate how special it was growing up in such a tight-knit community, where a strong work ethic was instilled as a part of growing up. I recognize how lucky I was to be raised with these values and know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them."

Having lived in multiple provinces across the country and boasting a discography that includes numerous tracks inspired by Canada, it’s clear Dean Brody has a

13/09/2023

After falling in love with songwriting at a young age, Grace Enger has gone on to find immense attention for her solo music and gained a large following on TikTok through her original songs. Raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, the singer-songwriter has seen many musical successes since beginning to put music out in October of 2022 with her debut single, “The Neighborhood,” and followed it up by supporting Alexander 23 on his Fall North American Tour. Prior to this, she co-wrote the viral hit song “WYD Now?” by Sadie Jean, which has been streamed over 100 million times on Spotify alone since its release in December 2021. Additionally, she recently won the 2022 Abe Olman scholarship via the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2023 has been a year of continued success for Grace, as she has been supporting Maisie Peters on her US tour, alongside the arrival of a stunning new EP.

Featuring pre-released singles “Bad Guy,” “When It Was Over,” “The Cut,” and “The Neighborhood,” 'Well Here We Are' includes impressive contributions from Dan Wilson (Adele, Taylor Swift) and Alexander 23 (Olivia Rodrigo, Tate Mcrae). Across the whole project, 'Well Here We Are' explores various themes, styles, and lyricism that come directly from the heart, making it an earnest, heartfelt collection of tracks that will resonate with many.

After falling in love with songwriting at a young age, Grace Enger has gone on to find immense attention for her solo music and gained a large following on

15/08/2023

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM’s sixth full-length (and first release from their own Rich Mahogany Recordings, distributed via Thirty Tigers), HISTORY BOOKS sees the New Jersey-bred band once again bringing their soulful breed of life-affirming rock n’ roll to explore everything from mortality and mental illness to the more precarious dimensions of human connection.

The heavy-hearted title track – which sees frontman Brian Fallon trading duet vocals with longtime band champion and fellow New Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen – is accompanied by an official music video (directed by Kelsey Ayres) The album was produced by GRAMMY® Award-winner Peter Katis (The National, Kurt Vile) at his Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT.

“When Bruce Springsteen said I should write a duet for us, I think my head exploded,” said Brian Fallon. “It will never get old to me that one of the greatest songwriters in the world, and one of my hero’s voices, will forever be captured in a song I wrote at a small wooden desk, in October, in New Jersey.”

The Gaslight Anthem’s sixth full-length (and first release from their own Rich Mahogany Recordings, distributed via Thirty Tigers), HISTORY BOOKS sees the New

19/07/2023

22-year-old folk artist quinnie began writing songs in early childhood, and casually releasing DIY recordings of her music in high school. The comfort and familiarity of this process have provided quinnie’s vulnerable and intimate lyrics with a safe place to land; in the comfort of her own bed with her cat by her side.

Despite being inspired by folk, ambient, and pop artists alike, quinnie doesn’t have one word to define her music. However, she can promise you this: the music is sentimental and earnest, with a sprinkle of playfulness and a truckload of honesty.

The gorgeous single, “ribbons,” is the latest cut taken from the deluxe version of her debut album, Flounder. An artist of rare emotion and empathy, her work – floral bedroom pop, acoustic in tone and ambitious in ex*****on –sits in a unique place, both beautiful and highly complex. “Ribbons” exemplifies this – refulgent, and striking, it’s a sensual treat, while also packing an emotional punch. A song patiently built and earnestly constructed, it contains a hidden Joni Mitchell reference, a doff of the cap from one female artisan to another.

“‘ribbons’ is about being exhausted with the time and effort it takes to present feminine, and a desire to just be. I was inspired by Joni Mitchell’s ‘Carey,’ and the line ‘got me used to that clean white linen and that fancy French cologne,’ considering these motifs as markers of girlhood and feminine cleanliness.”

22-year-old folk artist quinnie began writing songs in early childhood, and casually releasing DIY recordings of her music in high school. The comfort and

05/06/2023

RIVAL SONS play rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form without apology or pretense. Instead, they simply plug in, turn up, and rip on a path of their own. The 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated band released their hugely anticipated new album, 'DARKFIGHTER,' via Low Country Sound/Atlantic Records this past Friday.

Lead guitarist, Scott Holiday, shares his thoughts on the album:

“It’s a great and accomplished feeling to be able to present to everyone our 8th album: ‘DARKFIGHTER.’ This is most certainly our most focused and well-thought-out album. Something I am very proud of on a personal level. From the early writing and recording to the mixing and mastering… and even the artwork… this is something that represents very much where we are and especially how we have grown. We’ve done our best to push the limits on every aspect once again.”

'DARKFIGHTER' will be accompanied by a stunning companion volume, 'LIGHTBRINGER,' arriving later this year. Both produced by longtime collaborator and 8x GRAMMY® Award-winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell), the two new LPs mark the first new music from Rival Sons in more than four years, following 2019’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated sixth studio album, 'FERAL ROOTS.'

Rival Sons play rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form without apology or pretense. Instead, they simply plug in, turn up, and rip on a path of their own. The 2x

02/06/2023

Sometimes going home is all it takes to find what's next. Turning the key on a new chapter, Grand Ole Opry member and Big Loud Records' powerhouse, Lauren Alaina, is unlocking a new era, releasing her debut EP with the label, on June 9. The six-song set fittingly titled 'Unlocked,' reintroduces the multi-faceted star, stripping back every layer and allowing fans to know her more than ever before.

Standing firmly in who she's always been – an all-grown-up girl from small town Rossville, Georgia, devoted to country music and inspired to make it her own – 'Unlocked' delivers a set of new music anchored in truth, digging deeper and stretching her further, both musically and personally, than past works.

“It's been 13 years since we first met, and until a couple of years ago, I don't know that I ever slowed down for more than a day or two at a time,” Alaina reflects. “I spent more time with the people that matter most to me – my family, my fiancé, my friends – during that period than I had in years. This music comes from my heart and my hometown. I am who I am because of where and who I come from, and I'm more me today than I've ever been. I can't wait to unlock this next chapter with you.”

Sometimes going home is all it takes to find what's next. Turning the key on a new chapter, Grand Ole Opry member and Big Loud Records' powerhouse, Lauren

08/05/2023

Christian Lopez is an artist who puts all of his eggs in one basket. The devoted singer-songwriter spent the last 2 years in a tiny New Mexican town called, Magdalena, writing and recording in a small adobe casita, on a mission to conjure the purest sounds and songs from the deepest depths of himself.

Lopez’s work was interrupted in April 2022 when his little brother tragically overdosed on fentanyl in his hometown of Martinsburg, West Virginia. Heartbroken, Lopez shifted his outlook to focus on one mission: “to leave something real behind..” – 'Magdalena', his fourth full-length album, is just that, with the representation of Lopez’s constantly altering state, his acoustic guitar playing, soaring vocals, and songs that focus less on a hook and more about hooking you to a feeling.

His first new music since 2021’s 'The Other Side,' “Girl & A Gun” is out everywhere with the accompanying music video and is the first glimpse into Lopez’s forthcoming album 'Magdalena,' set to release on June 9th.

Christian Lopez is an artist who puts all of his eggs in one basket. The devoted singer-songwriter spent the last 2 years in a tiny New Mexican town

01/05/2023

A proud Oregonian whose Pacific Northwest roots can be felt in her ethereal, melancholic, sound, Sharaya Summers spent her twenties pursuing her songwriting craft, ultimately bringing her to Nashville. She later spent eight years living in Los Angeles and toured alongside Houndmouth, Ella Vos, and Milo Greene, with her music being featured in acclaimed TV shows like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.

Today, Summers released her fragile, poignant track “Forever You & Me” with a forthcoming album of the same name due out later this year. The track is a gentle reminder of life’s fleeting nature and to hold loved ones close in the present moment.

“Forever You & Me” emerged after Summers returned from her grandmother’s funeral; watching her grandfather observe the slideshow of her life, left shattered in the church pew. This image, of being left alone with a lifetime of memories, haunted her. Opening up about the personal meaning of the track, Summers shares, “As I prepare to release this track I face separation and possible divorce from my partner of 6 years. We have 2 beautiful babies, and have made some incredible memories.” Changes in her personal life have allowed the song to take a new shape over time, as its meaning and life evolves. “The lyrics to this song have taken on new meaning for me.” She continues, “Whether love is lost in life or death, it is something we can never fully prepare for. All we have is the present, so make the moments count.” Though the subject matter can be dark, Summers is determined to conjure pieces of hope and light as she looks ahead to the future.

A proud Oregonian whose Pacific Northwest roots can be felt in her ethereal, melancholic, sound, Sharaya Summers spent her twenties pursuing her songwriting

28/04/2023

23-year-old singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen grew up in Savannah, Georgia and took up guitar at the age of six, diving deep into the instrument’s technical aspects after his jazz musician grandfather showed him performance videos. He further found inspiration in the music of guitarist Andy McKee, whose finger-style technique lit a creative fire within.“ He opened my eyes to what an acoustic guitar could be,” he recalls, as he dove deeper into creating music on his own. “If you can bring somebody something with your music that they can’t get anywhere else, there’s nothing better than that.”

Kagen’s new single, “18,” pairs his signature acoustic-driven sound with lyrics that tug at the heartstrings; exploring the trials and tribulations of young love.

He adds, “‘18′ is a song that I never thought anyone in the world except myself would ever hear. It’s about falling in love as a kid and how that same love can go from absolutely everything to nothing in just a few minutes. I wrote this song from the deepest part of my being, and I hope you find your own story somewhere in the lyrics.”

23-year-old singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen grew up in Savannah, Georgia and took up guitar at the age of six, diving deep into the instrument’s technical

19/04/2023

Blending classical vocal artistry with beats inspired by modern R&B, reggae, and hip-hop, Jorja Smith has risen to become one of Britain’s most exciting soul singers since her debut single, “Blue Lights,” came out in 2016.

Produced by duo Dame Dame, comes Smith’s intrepid and bold new single, “Try Me,” Marking the singer-songwriter’s long-awaited return is a catchy, drum-heavy sound, the inspiration of which stemming from “putting yourself out there, in front of a world that has many opinions,” explains Jorja.

Entering a chapter of her return to music that’s certain to draw in and intoxicate Jorja’s fans and new listeners alike, the question arises: What has changed for her, in the five years since Lost & Found dominated the charts and the soundscape? “I like this world that I’ve just come into. And I’m still figuring things out. Always figuring things out.” Jorja says. “This is the first time I’m putting stuff out there that I can connect with right now.”

Blending classical vocal artistry with beats inspired by modern R&B, reggae, and hip-hop, Jorja Smith has risen to become one of Britain's most exciting

13/04/2023

Born and raised in Purcell, OK, a tiny town with a huge sky, Parker Millsap learned early on how to express gratitude through song while playing gospel in the church band. The acclaimed singer-songwriter shares “Wilderness Within You,” a beautiful rootsy duet with Gillian Welch from his eagerly awaited new album of the same name, available via Okrahoma Records on Friday, May 12th.

“It was such a dream come true to work with Gillian on this song,” Millsap says. “Like a lot of the record, we recorded it live with no headphones and we nailed it in just a few takes. The whole time we talked about wildflowers and trees, it was wonderful.”

The song illustrates Millsap’s understanding of nature as something that humans are not separate from – that life is stunningly beautiful most of the time, but does contain streaks of darkness that are just as natural.

Born and raised in Purcell, OK, a tiny town with a huge sky, Parker Millsap learned early on how to express gratitude through song while playing gospel in the

05/04/2023

Jealous of the Birds – the acclaimed musical moniker of Northern Ireland-based singer-songwriter Naomi Hamilton – has announced her new album, Hinterland, due via Canvasback/Atlantic on Friday, May 19.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Declan Legge, comes the singer-songwriter’s latest single, “Morse Code.” “We often find ourselves navigating what exactly our place is in the world,” says Hamilton, “especially in our twenties and thirties. Suddenly things get serious and there’s a simmering pressure to figure things out. ‘Morse Code’ taps into that and acts as a gentle encouragement that the only thing that really matters is the fact you’re alive, so try not to overthink it and just live as best you can.”

Jealous of the Birds – the acclaimed musical moniker of Northern Ireland-based singer-songwriter Naomi Hamilton – has announced her new album, Hinterland, due

05/04/2023

Originally hailing from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Paris Paloma channels the experience of womanhood into her songwriting, speaking to the female experience, grief, love, death, and power. Her songwriting reads like poetry, drawing inspiration from figures throughout mythology, art history and the Romantics. Ranging from the tender and heartbreaking to the sublimely aggressive and vengeful. Her ethereal sound takes influences from dark pop, folk, and indie genres; creating a magical discography that evokes something primal and innately feminine.

The Surrey-based singer-songwriter recently released her single, “labour.” A wild, stirring yet self-contained anthem, “labour” tells the story of a woman railing against the inequity of labour within heteronormative relationships. With her usual poetic lyricism and beautiful approach to melody, Paris manages to express a familiar feminine rage through this folky, dark pop, offering.

“‘labour’ takes us inside a relationship where the speaker’s self-worth is once again reduced, like many people who find themselves in draining relationships with undeserving people. Taking on all the emotional labour – because we accept the love we think we deserve. But it is a breaking point… it is the first time the speaker acknowledges the toxicity of these dynamics, and the song is about the escape from that relationship.”

Originally hailing from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Paris Paloma channels the experience of womanhood into her songwriting, speaking to the female experience,