We Speak Indie Artist
J. Hoard Shares Captivating New Track “Devil Is A Liar”
J. Hoard, the multitalented artist hailing from New York City, has once again graced us with his eclectic musicality in his latest single, “Devil Is A Liar”. With a remarkable ability to seamlessly blend genres and convey vivid songwriting, J. Hoard has solidified himself as a sought-after collaborator, working with esteemed artists like Black Coffee, Chance the Rapper and Brasstracks.
In “Devil Is A Liar”, J. Hoard sheds light on the struggles faced by artists within the industry. The track immediately demands attention as his phenomenal voice takes center stage, showcasing his masterful vocal production skills. Despite its minimal production, J. Hoard captivates listeners through a dynamic vocal arrangement, enveloping them in lush harmonies that leave a lasting impression.
Reflecting on the creation of the track, J. Hoard shares that it stemmed from conversations he had with fellow musicians in May 2020. These discussions revolved around the challenges of speaking up as artists in an ever-changing and bewildering industry. It was from these exchanges that he concluded, “the devil is a liar”. In this context, the term “devil” represents anything that diminishes one’s sense of place, belonging, and self.
As we eagerly await more music from J. Hoard in the coming months, it is evident that he will continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in today’s music industry. His extraordinary vocal prowess, relentless dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to delivering powerful messages through his music solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with.
Plain Mister Smith returns with Bric-À-Brac Attack, a beautifully offbeat collection of indie-folk, pop and atmospheric songwriting. Released via Amelia Records, the album finds the Vancouver and London-based multi-hyphenate turning fragments of memory, relationships and everyday absurdity into something quietly cinematic.
At its centre is “Grindavik”, a shimmering, reflective track inspired by the Icelandic town shaped by recent volcanic activity. Bright acoustic guitars and steady drums carry a constantly shifting chord progression, mirroring the song’s central metaphor of a relationship under pressure and the hope that its fissures can eventually heal. Featuring Jordan Klassen and Kitt, the track captures the emotional tension that runs throughout the album.
Elsewhere, Bric-À-Brac Attack moves effortlessly between playful guitar-driven moments, lush arrangements and more introspective passages. “Miss Sunshine” brings infectious energy, while collaborations with Findlay Brown, Leeroy Stagger, Krystle Dos Santos and Tyson Mostenbocher add colour to an already eclectic record.
Former guitarist of Canadian darkwave band Moev and a cellist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, Plain Mister Smith brings an unusually broad musical perspective to his songwriting. Yet Bric-a-Brac attack never feels overly calculated. Instead, it has the charm of something discovered rather than constructed.
Warm, strange, melodic and emotionally searching, Bric-À-Brac Attack is a record that rewards getting lost in its details. Plain Mister Smith may remain deliberately mysterious, but the music itself speaks with remarkable clarity.
Photo credit: Sandra Lockwood
-
We Speak Events6 days agoHOT ROD Power Fest Brings Two Days Of Horsepower To Atlanta
-
We Speak Music5 days agoReggie Benjamin Reimagines The Classics On Harmony In Blue: The Duets
-
We Speak Music1 week agoDysmusia Keeps “In your eyes” Honest, Warm And Straight To The Point
-
We Speak Music4 days agoWonderama Kicks Off Global Livestream From Times Square With Launch Partner FENIX360