We Speak Indie Artist

Stefanie Tom’s Mood: A Pop Debut That’s Unfiltered, Relatable, And Hard To Forget

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Music4U

Stefanie Tom’s debut EP, Mood, is a breath of fresh air in the pop scene, bringing genuine emotion and a raw sense of self to every track. Each song is a slice of life, capturing the highs, lows, and hilarious mishaps of young adulthood with a rare honesty. Stefanie’s lyrics are refreshingly straightforward, making you feel as though she’s sharing stories with you one-on-one rather than performing on a stage. It’s this sense of intimacy that makes Mood such a relatable listen.

The track “Basketball Shorts” stands out as both witty and painfully relatable, as Stefanie unpacks the common experience of falling for an idea of someone rather than who they truly are. Her storytelling is sharp and funny, with lyrics like, “I think that I catfished myself,” adding a twist of humor to a theme that could easily veer into self-pity. Instead, Stefanie delivers it with lighthearted confidence, giving the track a catchy, empowering feel that makes it easy to listen to on repeat.

With Mood, Stefanie Tom is introducing herself as a pop artist with a unique voice and an authentic approach to songwriting. Her willingness to laugh at herself, to reflect deeply, and to be real about her experiences sets her apart in a genre that often favors gloss over grit. This EP is Stefanie’s personal journey packaged in six tracks, and for listeners, it’s a relatable soundtrack for anyone navigating the ups and downs of life and love.

We Speak Indie Artist

FRGN-SPCMN’s RIDE AROUND THE SUN: A Masterpiece of Sound, Reflection, and Emotional Depth

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Music4U

North Carolina-based producer duo FRGN-SPCMN, composed of Ronnie Belle and André Jones, have crafted an album that feels as much like a personal diary as it does a universal meditation. RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a vivid exploration of life’s complexities, set against a backdrop of experimental beats, rich instrumentation, and hauntingly introspective lyrics. Known for their collaborations with Coast Contra and TDE’s Lance Skiiiwalker, as well as their contributions to Issa Rae’s Insecure soundtrack, FRGN-SPCMN have taken their own artistry to new heights with this release.

At its core, RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a reflection on the dualities that define our existence—pain and pleasure, chaos and calm, struggle and growth. The title track, featuring Mez and Ace Henderson, serves as the album’s emotional anchor. Mez’s poignant storytelling tackles systemic struggles and personal resilience, while Henderson’s smooth, reflective chorus encapsulates the perpetual search for peace and meaning. The lyric, “Round and round the sun again, I feel like I should go,” feels like a mantra for anyone grappling with the cyclical nature of life’s challenges.

The production throughout the album is strikingly cinematic. Inspired by a transformative trip to Joshua Tree, Belle and Jones weave together sounds that evoke the vastness of the desert. Tracks like “TO THE SKY” and “LOVE IN VEIN” combine earthy guitar riffs, subtle electronic flourishes, and layered percussion, creating a soundscape that feels both grounded and surreal. The duo’s ability to create space within their music allows listeners to lose themselves in its expansiveness while connecting deeply to the themes it explores.

What sets this album apart is its pacing and cohesion. FRGN-SPCMN have mastered the art of creating a narrative arc within their music. From the contemplative opener (“DAWN”) to the meditative closer (“CABANA BLUE”), each track feels intentional and interconnected. The tempos remain largely laid-back, but there’s an underlying tension—a pull that mirrors the unpredictability of life. It’s the kind of album that rewards repeated listens, with new details revealing themselves each time.

Beyond the sonics, RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a call for empathy and understanding. The duo’s message is clear: while our individual journeys may differ, we are all passengers on this shared ride around the sun. It’s an album that doesn’t just entertain but challenges the listener to reflect on their place in the world.

In a time when music often feels disposable, FRGN-SPCMN have delivered a project that demands attention and reflection. RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a masterpiece of sound and substance—a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. For those seeking depth, emotion, and artistry, this album is not to be missed.