We Speak Music

Devin James Fry releases his post-pandemic masterpiece ‘Retrellion’

Published

3 years ago

May 2, 2023

Don Reed

Devin James Fry is pleased to announce the release of his new album ‘Retrellion’ this April, 2023. ‘Retrellion’ is a departure from his previous sound, which typically featured him fingerpicking a guitar, either alone or in the context of Name Sayers, the adventurous psychedelic rock band he fronts. The new album, which was produced, recorded, and mixed by Fry, features punchy, hip hop-influenced songs that are difficult to classify into a single genre, with otherworldly synths and glitchy electronics throughout.

Early reviews have noted the shift. “Is this post-punk hip hop? We hope so,” wrote reviewer Layla Merino of yourEDM.com, noting that with Retrellion, “Fry might even be creating new genres.”

The album’s title reflects that it is the product of a time (the Covid-19 pandemic) when societal norms broke down and expectations could be set aside.

“I wanted a word that felt like both retreat and rebellion,” says Fry.

Thus, ‘Retrellion’ was born. Some songs, like lead single ‘Black Rainbow’, feature collaborations with rappers like Brooklyn’s Chris Conde and Denver-based rapper and circuit bender Otem Rellik, while others are solo explorations. All were created using a bank of synthesizers and noisemakers including ‘The Jitter Getter’, an analogue sound effects engine Fry designed and built himself, and which is featured in the video for previous single ‘Purple Glue’.

One song, ‘Ash Ode Variation’, is an adaptation of the poem ‘Ash Ode’ by Fry’s friend and hero, poet Dean Young. Fry enlisted the help of another of his mentors, Chicago flutist Lloyd Brodnax King, to create the song and sent it to Young, who replied to say that he was looking forward to listening to it.

Unbeknownst to Fry, Young lay on his deathbed at the time, and Fry is unsure whether the poet heard the song before he died.

The ‘Retrellion’ merchandise is as offbeat and finely crafted as the music, and includes a 180-gram LP, colouring books, incense, lathe cut 7” singles, soap, and matchbooks. Yes, anything seems possible in the world of Devin James Fry.

We Speak Music

DiDi Musiqq Releases New Afrobeats Single “Get Up”

Published

21 hours ago

September 17, 2026

Olivia Long

The danceable new track delivers a feel-good message about leaving negativity behind and embracing life to the fullest.

DiDi Musiqq is back with her latest single, “Get Up,” an energetic Afrobeats track that encourages listeners to stop dwelling on life’s challenges, leave sorrow behind and make the most of every moment.

Built around infectious rhythms and an uplifting message, “Get Up” transforms life’s difficulties into a reason to keep moving forward. Inspired by the familiar idea that life can sometimes hand us lemons, DiDi Musiqq chooses to turn those lemons into sweet lemonade—and invites everyone else to do the same.

With its danceable Afrobeats sound, “Get Up” is more than a song to move to. It is a reminder to embrace positive energy, pursue what makes you happy and live without allowing negativity to hold you back.

“Life is too short, and instead of focusing on the negatives, I’m focused on the positive vibes, which is exactly what this song is talking about,” says DiDi Musiqq. “Experiencing life to the fullest—whether it’s going to a party, love, or whatever it is your heart desires. Get up and go for it.”

The new single encourages listeners to make a choice: get up, keep going and enjoy the life in front of them. Whether the perfect soundtrack is playing at a party, during a night out with someone special or simply while starting a new day, “Get Up” delivers a message of optimism and forward movement.

With “Get Up,” DiDi Musiqq continues to bring her unique energy and positive outlook to her music, creating a track designed to get listeners moving while reminding them that even after difficult moments, there is always a reason to get back up.