ARTIST ALBUM REVIEW | Ana Free 'The Weight Of The Soul' Bliss

By CA Marshall

*Previously posted to Indie Habit*

British-Portuguese (originating in the UK), Los Angeles based Folk Pop Artist Ana Free has been introduced to my music library as of this very moment. No joke. I have downloaded her latest album ‘The Weight Of The Soul’ released December 4^th, 2015 and find myself playing it on repeat for its soulful and uplifting vibe.

Free is not new to the music scene. In fact, the songbird has been songwriting since the age of 11 and has acquired over 600 original songs in the span of her career. The majority of her music relates to her own life experiences and that is reflected not only in the lyrics in her songs, but also in the melody and vocals: this is an Artist who has a very positive and real-life presentation.

In researching her social media, it is safe to say that Free has accumulated a massive fan following globally with at least 20,000+ Twitter followers, 96,000+ facebook fans, and over 100,000 YouTube subscribers. In addition, the Artist has performed in over 60 venues in the span of her career in conjunction with being music Ambassador for a global digital campaign for Volkswagen in 2013. She has earned the respect of Billboard Magazine and has opened for Prestigious Artists such as Shakria, James Morrison, and Ronan Keating to name a few. Free has also performed at the Rock in Rio festival, Meo Sudoeste, and the Miami Reggae Festival. Most recently, she has been chosen as the voice of the grid for the new Disney interactive game TRON.

The ‘Weight Of The Soul Album’ is a seasoned reflection of this Artist and her ability to deliver a truly unique and ‘pleasant to the ears’ sound. The instrumentation throughout is atmospheric and uplifting. The song ‘Killing Kind’s title may suggest a rather bleak track but upon the first few chords and verses, there is no mistake that this sets the aforementioned presence for the remainder of the album. ‘Say It To Me’ is yet another pleasant surprise to the ears: it is a song with an upbeat vibe and catchy lyrics. ‘Remember Me’ is a little more deep. The song speaks of a longing and the lyrics reflect this. Free’s distinctive vocals truly pull you into her heart in this song and you almost feel her pain. ‘City Lights’ is a really fun and exciting ‘summer song’ with instrumentation and lyrics suggesting that ‘new love’ spring feeling followed by the final song on the album called (fittingly) ‘California’, a truly reflective song about life and being brave to make choices despite the odds. This is a song that has a true folk vibe and is supported by Frees proficient acoustic guitar playing heard throughout.  

I feel confident in saying that after listening to this Artist, I am disappointed.....not because of the quality or her sound or her album, but that I want to hear MORE! 

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Olivia Penalva | *NEW* Single 'Outshine The Stars' is GOLDEN

by CA Marshall

When I first heard of Canadian (Vernon, British Columbian) based Recording Artist Olivia Penalva, it was for a Reverbnation contest that Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC) and Bongo Boy TV (www.bongoboytv.com) hosted. Suffice to say, her charisma and charm was noticeably effortless on camera and off: this is a genuinely talented young songbird who carries each lilting note through carefully thought out lyrics and melodies that define her as soulful, classy, and incredibly centered (almost) 16 year old (Psssst...her birthday is in April).

March 21^st will launch the release of Penalva’s new single ‘Outshine The Stars’, a deeply moving ballad about remaining positive even when the world challenges you and leaves you broken. The cleverly written lyrics matched with her powerful vocal ability warms the heart similar to her earlier single ‘Ferris Wheel’ except to say that audibly our little girl (SMC’s January Artist of the Month winner) is growing up. And, I’m not being sarcastic when I say this: I know that Olivia’s vocal ability currently at the age of 15 is just as supreme as it will be in a few weeks, it’s just that time has allotted this young talent even more expression and range and it is evident in this single.

In December 2015, our Contributing writer Randy Wayne Belt wrote a very in depth and insightful interview and review of the young Artist for our second magazine issue, and I encourage anyone wanting to learn more to have a read. (click here). He was right on the mark when he said (quote): ‘As a Singer, her voice has a timbre and character that make one think of a voice like that of Andrea Wittgens, Nora Jones, or Colbie Caillat.

I had the opportunity to meet up with Olivia in Edmonton while she was in town on a Radio tour earlier this month and sadly wasn’t able to but I can assure you that if ever she crosses my path again I will not miss her nor should you! Check out her new single by clicking the SoundCloud link below.

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*ARTIST REVIEW* Phosphene | 'Phosphene' Self Titled Album is On Fire!

By CA Marshall

Editor | Starlight Music Chronicles

(previously posted on Indie Habit)

If I had knowledge of the self-titled album release for Chicago-based band Phosphene on March 19th of 2015, I would have definitely requested it as a birthday gift the next day. There are often many profiles of bands and Artists that cross my desk any given day and it’s not until I get a chance to sit and really listen to the music that I am inspired to write a review. This is the case with the female fronted band comprised of Jeni Leigh (Lead Vocals), Michael Slazar (bass guitar), Dan Bikar (guitar), and Andrew Cantore (drums).

The band debut in 2014 and since, has acquired the attention of several notable media platforms and press appearances such as Alternative Press and Revolver magazines to name a few. In fact, Lead vocalist Jeni was chosen as Revolver’s ‘Hottest Chick in Hard Rock’ shortly following the band’s album release. In addition, their album has been spun on notable radio stations throughout the USA and they have been invited to Vans Warped Tour in 2014 and 2015. Other notable appearances are on FOX News, ABC 7 NEWS Chicago, The Mancow Show, and ESPN’s ‘Friday Night Fights’ show hosted by Mike Tyson (Jeni sang the anthem). They have also toured with The Pretty Reckless, Lacuna Coil and Sick Puppies, Judas Priest, Breaking Benjamin, Foghat, and George Thorogood.

So all accomplishments aside, let’s get into the album review shall we?

Phosphene’s self-titled album is a 12-track Alternative Rock ‘golden nugget’: the tracks ‘Riot’, ‘Hold On’, and ‘Anti Hero’ are consistent in their composition and sound which is truly hard rock at its finest- the guitar riffs are a religious experience throughout the album, but especially in these three songs . The single ‘Scream’ is reminiscent is a mixture of delicate and powerful with Jeni’s vast vocal range followed by ‘Antidote’ which is also similar in composition and sound comparative to ‘Scream’. Going further into the album, ‘Warrior’ is probably one of the most captivating of this album with its powerhouse vocals and lyrics. Instrumentation in the song ‘Lock Me Away’ with piano woven throughout creates yet another layer of genius with this band’s ability to prove they are diverse in sound. Lyrics throughout the album as well as in previous content from the band are purposeful and intentional and support the overall ‘Hard Rock’ image that is portrayed.

Going further, I have taken a look at the band’s website and can see that along with strong affiliations and endorsements they have also acquired an equally strong fan base (120,000 and growing!) through consistent live performances that can be viewed on both photo galleries (website) and their YouTube channel. The kind of band that impresses the masses is the ones that truly remain humble in their approach and that is apparent throughout their connection with their fans. This is apparent with consistent communication with fan and industry feedback on their social media platforms and reflects a band that is willing to spend the extra few minutes a day responding to comments on their posts.

It is safe to say that for a band so early in its inception stages to have already acquired so many accomplishments in a relatively short period of time is indicative that they are going to go the whole distance with their career on all levels. Fabulous!

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Paul Woida | Pulling out all the STOPS in his *NEW VIDEO* 'Hello'

Recording Artist Paul Woida - June 1st, 2015 *EXCLUSIVE* NEVER SEEN photo by Candice Anne Graphics & Photography

by CA Marshall

Photography by Candice Anne Graphics & Photography

So here’s the deal: Paul Woida is BOSS.

The Edmonton, Alberta Musician (who has been rocking local headlines) has recorded and created yet another brilliant masterpiece in his newest video cover of Adele’s ‘Hello’ and we are excited to share our thoughts on the Artist and this video.

Woida has received accolades in last year’s win (June 1^st, 2015) for the Hot 107 FM Radio’s ‘Hot Factor’ contest and was awarded a grand sum of $10,000 which he has been putting towards new and original recordings (soon to come). He has also moved up to the United Way’s top three finalists in the United Way Voice competition and is holding strong with votes among his incredibly supportive friends, family and fans. In addition to this, he has been touring schools with fellow Recording Artist Mackenzie Dayle in an inspiring anti bullying campaign that has already caught our attention and has recently performed in front of 5,000 fans at Northlands in Edmonton, Alberta. Someone who can accomplish all of these things in under a year in an industry that is extremely competitive earns my total respect not to mention the respect of everyone he meets.  

With the many ‘Bang On’ covers he has done in the past such as Maroon5’s ‘Sugar’, Justin Timberlakes ‘What Goes Around’, Katy Perry’s ‘Dark Horse’, and Taylor Swifts ‘Out of the Woods’, and Coldplays ‘Viva La Vida’ to name a few, Woida’s latest video cover of Adele’s ‘Hello’ has truly pulled out all the stops. The video is carefully crafted and genuinely reflects who I know this Artist to be which is truly talented, determined, consistent, concrete in his content, and innovative. The vocals are truly his own classic signature sound combined with the refined looping technique that true Woida fans have become accustomed to. As with all of his content, he goes in, does his magic, then goes on to the next thing, and there is ALWAYS a next thing.

So here’s my advice: subscribe to all of his social media forums in order to keep up – no joke. I have been guilty of not doing so and when I go to ‘check out what’s new with Paul Woida’, I am always surprised and often, feeling totally out of the loop because there’s continuously something new!

Here’s a well known secret among those who know Woida intimately: in addition to his amazing talent, you will never find a more humble human being - he doesn’t have to spam newsfeeds and shove his talent down your throat. The final produced result in his music is proof that this isn’t necessary – it’s pure QUALITY, and this latest video is proof of that fact. (see below)

Keep on knocking them out of the park Paul! 

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