We Speak Music
Iyla Elise Delivers Beautiful New Single ‘Ain’t Linear’
With “Ain’t Linear,” Iyla Elise delivers a nuanced addition to her growing body of work, further establishing herself within the Americana, country, and blues sphere. The release represents both a creative and professional milestone for an artist whose trajectory has been defined by consistency and emotional clarity.
Elise’s music is rooted in storytelling, shaped by her upbringing on Virginia’s east coast and influenced by an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary artists. From John Denver’s narrative songwriting to the soulfulness of Stevie Wonder, her inspirations surface subtly rather than overtly, allowing her own voice to remain unmistakably present.
Produced by Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist Simon Reid, “Ain’t Linear” unfolds with a relaxed confidence. Blues and soul elements give the track its warmth, while Americana and country textures ground it in tradition. The production favors feel and atmosphere, creating space for Elise’s vocals to carry the song’s emotional weight.
Thematically, the song centers on love that resists simplicity. Elise frames relationships as evolving, sometimes difficult, but ultimately meaningful pursuits. Her lyrics convey acceptance rather than resignation, suggesting growth through perseverance—a perspective that feels particularly resonant in an era often dominated by immediacy and absolutes.
Following the success of her debut EP Outlier and nine subsequent singles, Iyla Elise has received acclaim from outlets including Broken Color Music, Buzz Slayers, and The Sounds Won’t Stop. “Ain’t Linear” not only reinforces her artistic identity but also signals an artist continuing to evolve with intention, depth, and a clear sense of purpose.
The Devil’s Violinist returns!West Coast beat-boss / rhyme capo Dios Negasi finally drops the long-awaited LP, Black Violin 2. Out now via streaming courtesy of Chamber Music Ent / Reagan Era Records this edition tops the grit factor and guest roster of the 2023 first edition.
The project is named after legendary composer Niccolo Paginini (1782-1840) who was nicknamed “The Devil’s Violinist” for his supernatural ability on the instrument and adherence to wearing all black. Negasi also has a similar mastery of dark boom-bap sounds, creating some of the roughest tracks of this century.
Reagan Era Records cohort Skrillz Dior makes multiple appearances on the project and Los Angeles homies also appear including Dyverse, Killa Kali, K-Borne and Chamber Music’s Ominous also guest. However, the guest list on this project also taps a litany of mic legends including Ghostface Killah, Young Zee (Da Outsidaz), Conway The Machine, RJ Payne, Blu and Fredro Starr (Onyx).
Stream Black Violin 2: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chambermusicentpresents/black-violin-2-2
Speaking on working with legends Negasi said “Ominous was dead set on topping Black Violins 1 plus I think he just likes seeing me under pressure. Of course when you are dealing with artists of this caliber, the end product takes longer to complete but I love this album!”
Additional props must be given to M-s BEATZ THE MAD KID from Colombia who produced “Black Scrolls” ft RJ Payne, Chris Scott who sprinkled keys on “Gods Wallabee Clarks” ft Ghostface Killah and “Only God Can Save You” ft Conway The Machine and finally the UK’s Too Nasty who engineered the album.
(rings in the holidays with a blast! Enlisting Onyx’s Fredro Starr for new single “Bust Back” the Dios produced banger combines two of the grittiest lyricists of the West and East coasts.
Listen to “Bust Back” ft Fredro Starr: https://youtu.be/4j0hFml5ly0?si=aBxxuYruhdjq2403
Listen to “God’s Walabee Clarks” ft Ghostface Killah: https://youtu.be/_9e-6RgHQ40?si=bXQRrDDcd9eu2O0i
Listen to “Black Scrolls” ft. RJ Payne:
Listen to “Domingre Gang” ft Young Zee:
Listen to “Only God Can Save You” ft. Conway The Machine:
More Info: https://www.instagram.com/diosnegasi/