We Speak Music

Mikel Rafael ‘A Shield and a Sword’ – Folk Music That Speaks to the Heart

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2024

Mikel Rafael’s new single ‘A Shield and a Sword’ might just be the most captivating folk track you’ll hear this year. Blending the deep, poetic lyricism of ancient literature with contemporary folk melodies, Mikel has crafted a song that’s both emotionally powerful and intellectually intriguing. Inspired by Homer’s The Iliad, the song connects the struggles of ancient warriors to the courage displayed by modern-day soldiers, particularly those fighting in Ukraine. It’s an ambitious project, and it’s clear that Mikel pulls it off with grace.

The song’s musical landscape is a beautiful blend of folk, Americana, and a touch of Celtic flair. It feels like a road trip through history, with each chord and phrase adding another stop along the way. The instrumentation is lush and atmospheric, with swirling strings and soft percussion that complement Mikel’s soulful voice. It’s a kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes and let the melody carry you somewhere peaceful, yet deeply thought-provoking.

What really stands out, however, is Mikel’s songwriting. He doesn’t just tell a story—he invites you to live it with him. The lyrics are poetic yet accessible, capturing the emotion of Hector’s farewell to his family before heading into battle, a scene that resonates as deeply today as it did in the time of the ancient Greeks. By drawing a parallel to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Mikel creates a poignant reflection on the nature of sacrifice, courage, and the universal human experience of facing uncertainty.

The beauty of ‘A Shield and a Sword’ is in its simplicity. Mikel’s careful attention to detail and dedication to his craft shine through in the way the song builds naturally. He doesn’t rush the song into its climactic moments. Instead, he lets the tension build, allowing the emotions to unfold slowly but powerfully. This is music that demands patience—and rewards it handsomely.

With this single, Mikel Rafael proves that he’s not just another folk artist. He’s a storyteller who connects the past and present in ways that are deeply moving. If you’re someone who loves music that makes you think, feel, and reflect, then ‘A Shield and a Sword’ is a must-listen. It’s a beautiful tribute to those who fight, both on the battlefield and in everyday life. And with an upcoming EP on the horizon, it looks like Mikel’s poetic journey is only just beginning.

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We Speak Alternative

GINO BLACK RELEASES IMMERSIVE INSTRUMENTAL SINGLE “THE DREAMER”

Published

5 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Ethan Cole

THE DREAMER – A cinematic journey for visionary minds, blending ambient soul, lo-fi textures, and hip-hop rhythm.

Every now and then, an instrumental comes along that doesn’t just play in the background — it speaks, it moves, it stirs something ancient and unnamed within you. Gino Black’s latest release, “THE DREAMER,” is exactly that kind of sonic experience. It isn’t just a track — it’s a soundtrack for visionaries, an audio canvas painted with colors you’ve only seen behind closed eyes.

A Journey Through the Subconscious
Clocking in at just under four and a half minutes, THE DREAMER unfolds like a meditation — equal parts therapeutic and cinematic. From the opening chords, you’re suspended in a cloud of lo-fi ambiance, textured synth layers, and soulful keys that beckon you inward. It’s as if Gino Black cracked open the subconscious and translated its language into rhythm.

The beat is subtle, never intrusive, but it pulses like a quiet heartbeat — steady, deliberate, and full of intent. There are no vocals here, and none are needed. Every note is its own verse. Every chord change is a plot twist in a story only the listener can truly understand.

This is music that trusts its listener. It’s not here to instruct or entertain in a traditional sense. It’s here to accompany you — wherever you need to go, mentally or emotionally.

A Sonic Manifesto
Gino Black, known for his unique fusion of cinematic hip-hop, soul, and ambient production, has built a sonic identity that leans heavily on emotional gravity. With THE DREAMER, he deepens that identity. It’s minimalistic, but never simple. Each sound is intentional, and the spaces between are just as powerful as the notes themselves.

There’s a philosophical quality to this release. It asks the listener
What does it mean to dream, especially in a world that demands you stay awake, alert, and grinding 24/7? 

This track doesn’t offer answers. Instead, it invites you to rest, to visualize, to imagine yourself beyond your circumstances — something revolutionary in today’s overstimulated culture.

A Reflection of the Artist
Behind the music is Gino Black, the South Florida-based producer, artist developer, and founder of Powerblast Worldwide. Formerly known for his cinematic rap collaborations and motivational podcast MUSIC THERAPY & MOTIVATION, Gino Black has become something of an underground philosopher-producer — the kind of artist who blends discipline with depth, hustle with healing.

He’s produced hits for artists like Ari Martin, She Loves No One, B0JACK, Cutty B. Spooky, and BOMBTHREAT, and his solo catalog reflects a man who has lived, struggled, evolved — and most importantly, learned how to articulate emotion without words.

In an industry still dominated by viral hooks and algorithmic trends, THE DREAMER feels like an act of quiet rebellion. It’s art for the sake of expansion — not just artistic, but human expansion.

Final Thoughts
THE DREAMER isn’t for everyone — and that’s its power. It’s not fast food for the ears. It’s a slow-cooked meal for the soul. It demands your presence. It rewards your stillness.
Whether you’re journaling under moonlight, visualizing your next big move, or just trying to breathe deeper than yesterday, this track provides the perfect sonic space to do it in.

⭐ RATING: 9.3 / 10
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