We Speak Indie Artist

FRGN-SPCMN’s RIDE AROUND THE SUN: A Masterpiece of Sound, Reflection, and Emotional Depth

Published

5 months ago

November 19, 2024

Music4U

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

Marz Starlife Makes A Striking First Impression With Healing

Published

2 weeks ago

April 4, 2025

Music4U

Every once in a while, a debut comes along that doesn’t just introduce an artist – it reveals a soul. Marz Starlife’s first EP, Healing, is exactly that. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out. Instead, it leans into the messiness of real life – the mistakes, the heartbreak, the isolation – and tries to make sense of it all through music. Born in Jamaica, raised in the UK, and now back on the island, Marz brings a cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling, but at the heart of Healing is something deeply human: the need to reckon with the past in order to move forward.

Across the project’s standout tracks, Marz doesn’t hold back. In Bad Memories, he opens up about years lost to incarceration, fractured relationships, and the weight of regret. “Spent four birthdays locked up, baby remember me please,” he raps, in a tone that’s both matter-of-fact and aching. The production stays subdued and moody, letting the lyrics breathe. There’s no glorification of the streets here, only reflection. He admits to being young and caught up in the chase for fast money, but he also shows growth, making it clear that he’s not the same person he once was. It’s a track that lingers, not because it tries to be flashy, but because it feels real.

The title track, Healing, is where everything clicks. Marz taps into something almost spiritual as he raps, “I turn pain into power, darkness to light.” The song is layered with poetic lines and subtle emotional shifts, balancing toughness with tenderness. There’s a determination to rise above, even when the scars still sting. He reflects on his upbringing, his time in the streets, and the inner battles he continues to fight. “No shrink can understand how I’m feeling,” he says, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe him. The pain here is too specific, too lived-in. But instead of letting it swallow him, he uses it to fuel something greater.

What’s refreshing about Healing is that it doesn’t try to fit neatly into any one genre or narrative. Marz blends elements of UK hip-hop, Jamaican rhythm, and emotional rap into something that feels uniquely his own. He’s not here to be the loudest or the flashiest; he’s here to be honest. And in a world full of over-produced, over-polished music, that honesty stands out.

With Healing, Marz Starlife has given us more than a debut; he’s given us a mirror into his journey, and maybe even our own. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or are just someone who appreciates music with depth and heart, this EP is worth your time. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible, and that sometimes telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.