Connect with us

We Speak Music

Set Feux drops spellbinding debut single ‘Say It Again’

Published

on

Set Feux (a.k.a. Toronto based musician, Diana Planche) blends dreamy, sometimes bittersweet, nostalgic pop with lush vocal harmonies, ambient synths, guitars and sax on her debut self titled album, ‘Set Feux’,which is due for release on 19th April 2024.

Planche spent her formative years singing in church choirs and performing in community theatre productions. After finishing her studies in classical music at Queen’s University, she began writing her own songs, and eventually received an OAC and F.A.C.T.O.R grant to produce her first album released in 2009. In 2010, she joined indie rock band, The Paint Movement (Nevado Music) as a singer/keyboard player, and in 2011 released their self-titled album produced by Dave Newfeld (Super Furry Animals, Broken Social Scene). The Paint Movement toured extensively over Canada opening for bands like Yukon Blonde, Zeus and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. In 2015, Planche toured Europe with Toronto singer songwriter, Barzin. Upon returning from the European tour, Planche began working on new material with long time collaborator, Kevin Kralik (wearenotwhoweare, Mass Paves) and her husband, Barzin (Toronto based singer/songwriter) for what would become, ‘Set Feux’.

The album took over 5 years to complete, recorded in Toronto and Hamilton. The songs explore love, passion, loneliness and the overwhelming desire to unravel the mystery of one’s self. “There’s a multiplicity that exists in us all, sometimes I feel unknown to myself and I’m searching for the world to reflect who I am back”, says Planche. “On songs like, ‘Young and Lonely’ and ‘Say it Again’, I was remembering the loneliness I felt in my childhood and the close spiritual connection I felt that brought me comfort and there’s a part of me that’s still longing to recapture some of that. On other songs, like ‘Jumbotron’ and ‘Let Them Stare’, I’m exploring what it would feel like to be completely carefree and confident, to showcase one’s authentic self, no touch ups, no edits, just unfiltered and genuine”, she further reveals.

Musically, the songs reflect diverse influences, ranging from R ‘n’ B/soul to the pop/folk genres that Planche has been inspired by throughout her life. Her influences range from Debussy to Dusty Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Lauryn Hill, Imogen Heap, Wilco, Feist and Solange. But whilst Planche allows all of these influences to come forth on the album, she maintains her own distinct identity and voice as an artist, honouring the journey she’s taken to get here.

The album was mixed by Howie Beck at his studio in Toronto. Howie is a Canadian musician, mixer and producer. He has been nominated for three Juno Awards in Canada on three occasions for Adult Alternative Album, Engineer of the Year and Producer of the Year (2017). He has produced and/ or mixed albums for The Weather Station, Hannah Georgas, Dragonette, Charlotte Day Wilson and Sarah Harmer. The album was mastered by Joao Carvalho, a grammy nominated mastering engineer, who has worked on albums by some of Canada’s finest artists such as KD Lang, Tanya Tagaq, Buffy St. Marie, Carly Rae Jepsen and Charlotte Day Wilson to name a few.

We Speak Music

Fall in Love with Dmillyyy’s New EP “Cupid Pack”

Published

on

Dmillyyy kicked off the month of love with the lead single, “Balance.” “Balance” was Dmillyyy’s first song of the year. The record served as a teaser for his new EP, Cupid Pack, which was released on Valentine’s Day. Cupid Pack is a five-track EP that dives into the intricacies of love. The EP is an eclectic body of work as it utilizes various genres of music, such as Alternative R&B, Melodic Rap, and Reggaeton.

Cupid Pack starts off with the song, “Thunderstruck.” The track is a record that features a wavy beat and Dmillyyy’s smooth flow. The sound is reminiscent of Jaden. The next track, “Balance,” is a fan favorite and for good reason. “Balance” has a bouncy beat that makes listeners want to groove. The record has a Drake feel to it. The catchy hook reels you in immediately. Dmillyyy cleverly sprinkles in some Spanish lyrics, which are a prelude to the third track on the EP. “Q.M. Interludio” follows “Balance.” The Latin Music interlude showcases the versatility that Dmillyyy possesses. The penultimate track, “WYGD,” is a downtempo, love song that is enchanting. The tune has a sample that blends well with the theme of the song. “WYGD” sets up the EP’s closer as “Madness” is another slow jam. “Madness” is the perfect finale. The sensual track embodies passion and love.

The EP’s introspective/extrospective take on love provides all listeners with songs that resonate with them. Although each song has its own flavor and unique sound, they still connect and carry a cohesive message. “Cupid Pack is an image painted to describe different emotions that may arise for particular love interests.” Dmillyyy continues: “Sometimes it isn’t that serious and just the feeling that you want to cherish. Sometimes the other’s existence makes you want to question everything and reflect back on your own life. Either way, both parties are living in the moment and letting that lead the way.” Cupid Pack is only the beginning as Dmillyyy has much in store for the year. While waiting for his next masterpiece, be sure to show love to the immaculate EP that is Cupid Pack.

Follow Dmillyyy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmxllyyy.

This review was made possible by SubmitHub.

Continue Reading

Trending