We Speak Indie Artist
FRGN-SPCMN’s RIDE AROUND THE SUN: A Masterpiece of Sound, Reflection, and Emotional Depth
North Carolina-based producer duo FRGN-SPCMN, composed of Ronnie Belle and André Jones, have crafted an album that feels as much like a personal diary as it does a universal meditation. RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a vivid exploration of life’s complexities, set against a backdrop of experimental beats, rich instrumentation, and hauntingly introspective lyrics. Known for their collaborations with Coast Contra and TDE’s Lance Skiiiwalker, as well as their contributions to Issa Rae’s Insecure soundtrack, FRGN-SPCMN have taken their own artistry to new heights with this release.
At its core, RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a reflection on the dualities that define our existence—pain and pleasure, chaos and calm, struggle and growth. The title track, featuring Mez and Ace Henderson, serves as the album’s emotional anchor. Mez’s poignant storytelling tackles systemic struggles and personal resilience, while Henderson’s smooth, reflective chorus encapsulates the perpetual search for peace and meaning. The lyric, “Round and round the sun again, I feel like I should go,” feels like a mantra for anyone grappling with the cyclical nature of life’s challenges.
The production throughout the album is strikingly cinematic. Inspired by a transformative trip to Joshua Tree, Belle and Jones weave together sounds that evoke the vastness of the desert. Tracks like “TO THE SKY” and “LOVE IN VEIN” combine earthy guitar riffs, subtle electronic flourishes, and layered percussion, creating a soundscape that feels both grounded and surreal. The duo’s ability to create space within their music allows listeners to lose themselves in its expansiveness while connecting deeply to the themes it explores.
What sets this album apart is its pacing and cohesion. FRGN-SPCMN have mastered the art of creating a narrative arc within their music. From the contemplative opener (“DAWN”) to the meditative closer (“CABANA BLUE”), each track feels intentional and interconnected. The tempos remain largely laid-back, but there’s an underlying tension—a pull that mirrors the unpredictability of life. It’s the kind of album that rewards repeated listens, with new details revealing themselves each time.
Beyond the sonics, RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a call for empathy and understanding. The duo’s message is clear: while our individual journeys may differ, we are all passengers on this shared ride around the sun. It’s an album that doesn’t just entertain but challenges the listener to reflect on their place in the world.
In a time when music often feels disposable, FRGN-SPCMN have delivered a project that demands attention and reflection. RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a masterpiece of sound and substance—a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. For those seeking depth, emotion, and artistry, this album is not to be missed.
We Speak Indie Artist
Feelgood Frequencies: Why CR Srikanth’s “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” Is The Sonic Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve been looking for a track that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug wrapped in shimmering synths, CR Srikanth’s new single “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” might be exactly what you need. It offers a beautiful balance of emotional depth and danceable energy, pulling you out of your head and into a place where you can just breathe, feel, and move. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this track delivers a sense of calm and release.
Srikanth, a US-based Indian composer and sonic storyteller, has carved out a unique musical space with his self-created genre, VS Pop™ (Very Smooth Pop). Drawing from vintage 1980s synthpop, ambient soundscapes, and cinematic orchestral touches, he’s crafted a style that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. “Dancing in the Dark” continues that evolution. It is at once intimate and expansive, polished yet deeply human.
The track features vocals from Junior Paez, whose delivery adds emotional texture to the lyrics. There’s a quiet honesty in lines like “Don’t you think you’re losing your mind again?” and “Hold on, I’ll take you a little higher tonight.” These words speak to the chaos we often feel inside, but instead of staying stuck there, the song encourages movement, connection, and hope. It is music that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to dance through it anyway.
The production is rich with shimmering arpeggiators, retro synth bass, and crisp electronic drums. It brings together nostalgia and futurism in a way that feels effortless. Imagine flickering neon lights, soft motion blur, and the kind of energy that makes you want to close your eyes and sway. It is cinematic but never overwhelming. Every layer serves the emotion at the heart of the track.
What makes “Dancing in the Dark” so appealing is how well it adapts to your mood. Whether you’re heading out for a solo night drive, setting the vibe for a weekend gathering, or simply lying on your bed in need of a reset, this song fits the moment. It never pushes too hard, but it always lands exactly where it needs to. There is something comforting about how sure of itself it feels.
CR Srikanth is not just making music for the sake of it. He is building emotional landscapes for listeners to get lost in and to find themselves again. With “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™,” he offers more than just a catchy tune. He gives us space to reflect, to feel seen, and to find joy in the act of simply moving forward. So press play, turn it up, and let yourself be lifted. This one’s for the heart, the soul, and the feet.
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