Release Radar: February
Featuring Smushie, Astrachan, Ashley Mayorquin.
Smushie
“Faxing It In”
FFO: Berta Bigtoe, Astro Heart
”Faxing it In” is garnering quite the attention. Released on January 29th (I know, I know, not February, but it was close enough) from Chicago based artist Smushie, has already been featured on Spotify playlists like Indie Fresh Finds.
Austin Konegstein, half of Berta Bigtoe, is the mastermind behind the relaxed indie feels of Smushie. “Faxing It In” falls right in line with their vibe, including rhythmic drumming, catchy melodies, and classic vocals. They always make me feel like I am driving into Cape Cod with a surf board on my roof. (Do I surf? No- but one can dream).
Austin is a talented, determined and hilarious musician who incorporates their witty charm, bright smile and impressive improvisational skills into all of their music. You can listen to the rest of the diamond demos [unmastered] here!
Ashley Mayorquin
“Kentucky”
Photography design credits to Jack Maffucci, hair credits to @Andrita, and outfit love to @wiederhoeft_
Last Friday, Ashley Mayorquin put out a one minute folk song that has been on repeat in my mind and on my Spotify. Ashley’s beautiful voice infatuates the listener and calls them in like a siren with her hauntingly catchy soprano notes. They resonate with my entire body. Also, this release photo? You wish you could level up (I do).
I was always a huge fan of Ashley when I would see her perform at our Alma Mater, but now hearing her release her own songs, her performance has become much more personal, herself, and altogether, amazing. Her lyric style is direct, like taking a peek into someone’s relationship through the window. The insider look makes me feel on edge and yet completely welcomed.
Ashley also put out “Water Glasses” this year in late January, intertwining her speak-sing aesthetic with floating melodies and jazzy drum beats reminiscent of Tom Waits “Clap Hands.” All of these pull together for a broodingly beautiful tune. Find more of Ashley Mayorquin here.
FFO: Joni Mitchell, Pavement (Stephen Malkmus)
Astrachan
“Scandal”
Astrachan, the other half of Berta Bigtoe, is the solo project of Ben Astrachan.
Ben Astrachan is back with another hit entitled, Scandal. I covered his “Ladkah” release not too long ago, [click here to read], and this is another track off the same album. Astrachan paired up with Stanley’s Ryan Gebhardt for this catchy tune- (More to come on Mr. Gebhardt soon). I am never displeased with what these artists come up with. The tunes themselves are always uplifting and fun while the lyrics behind them have weight. If you like this pairing, make sure to listen to their project Astro Heart.
Isn’t it a scandal that we see each other different?
FFO: Astro Heart, Stanley, The Beatles
Hey You! Yeah, You! Thanks for reading. Thanks for listening. Thanks for visiting and thanks for coming back. Your support to me and these musicians is essential at this insane time in the world. You are special!!!!!
Featuring talent from Nashville