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South of France Continues To Impress On “1995”

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South of France has returned with his brand-new single, “1995”. The track is the fourth song to be released from his upcoming album, My Spirit Animal My Baggage, and features a sugary yet grimy array of contemporary dancehall-pop/rock vibes with a soaring symphonic Mellotron arrangement and a mesmerising trap beat. With plenty of tasty synth lines, brash guitars, dreamy vocals, witty lyrics and a solid dance groove, this could be the indie crossover of the summer. 

South of France is the creative project of Jeff Cormack from Denver, Colorado, and he’s been building his own brand of dreamy vacation rock throughout the years since dropping his first single in 2015. He’s had songs featured in TV shows BoJack Horseman and Shameless and features and performances for publications such as American SongwriterNPRRolling Stone, etc. And he looks set to continue this momentum with his latest release. 

Released via South of France’s own label, Staycation Records, “1995” is a hazy blissed-out indie dance track that’s loaded with cinematic textures reminiscent of analogue classics with modern melodies and production. With all instruments performed and produced by South of France, the track is a testament to his artistry and originality. Speaking further on the release, he says, “I listen to a ton of old dancehall sets from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, more so than probably anything else, so this type of song has been coming for a while. As a pernickety producer, I really wanted to make sure I got it right. I feel like I did.” 

It’s easy to see why South of France has been gaining buzz opening for bands Portugal. The ManThe Flaming Lips and recently Michigander. And with the album on the way, he will surely be one to watch over the coming months as his impressive rise continues. “1995” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms: https://southoffrance.lnk.to/1995.

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Marz Starlife Makes A Striking First Impression With Healing

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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.

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