CHILLFILTR

We blog about roots music. This song is about you.

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Allan Rayman - Stitch

Allan Rayman is a singer and songwriter who has released three projects - Hotel Allan, Roadhouse 01 and Courtney. With a headline tour of of Europe coming up, his music is ready to reach a wider audience and Stitch will be the track to reach new fans for him.

Although his earlier projects have already given him somewhat of a cult following, not much is known about the young man. Today, Allan Rayman releases his new single and video for Stitch via Republic Records/KIDinaKORNER, which was produced by GRAMMY Award winning producer Alex da Kid and mixed by GRAMMY Award winning mixer Manny Marroquin. The video was directed by Steph Verschuren. Stitch is the lead single off Rayman’s upcoming album, CHRISTIAN, to be released later this year. The video features Canadian designer Daniel Gregory Natale and shows Allan following Daniel as he brings his designs to life with a full runway show.

Rayman brings a unique vocal style and production instinct to the indie rock space. Stitch makes equal use of a pick-heavy bass line and hip-hop beat, which gives the track both a rock feel and a deep sense of swing. With a long-form metaphor about people as clothing, we explore the ready-to-wear relationship, and the lessons we learn from deliberately wearing out the wrong thing. Stitch is an upbeat, riff-happy burner about exploring the world, one outfit at a time.

Singer/songwriter Allan Rayman is based in Toronto. This song is featured on our Roots collection playlist.

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Boo Riley - Boo Riley

Drawing inspiration from classic rock and 80’s pop whilst evoking the magic of a California night drive, Boo Riley drops a little roots-funk on his self-titled single. Equal parts nostalgia and bold promise, the message of Boo Riley is to honor the mystery of what is possible.

Appreciating the music becomes a ritual of sorts, as Boo Riley fuses an electric sense of energy with an uplifting self-talk about rising to the moments of opportunity. The bass-line steps out in front, while a drum-forward mix combines with the type of occasionally doubled-up guitar riffs that might remind you of the Allman Brothers. Boo Riley is both the track and the artist that will get you back onto that dance floor for a good time if you just let the music move you.

Boo Riley is the musical moniker of Manhattanite, Austin Lesch. This song is featured on our Country playlist.

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Alle Farben - Sticker On My Suitcase

German producer Alle Farben showcases his signature dance-pop sound with the title track to highly-anticipated third studio album Sticker On My Suitcase. Touching on the often-ignored travel aspect of the touring musician, Farben muses that it is the journey, not the destination, that is the crucial part of the experience.

Farben's knack for delivering upbeat tracks brings together organic, melodic instrumentals and buttery bass-lines. This Berlin-based DJ and producer has performed on some of dance music's biggest stages, including Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Sziget Festival, and Electric Love. In Germany alone, his music has sold over two million downloads in the last year. Sticker On My Suitcase, the latest from Alle Farben, is a bouncy trip around the world with this multi-platinum groovemaker.

This track is featured on our Groovy Summer playlist.

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Caly Bevier - Hate U Sometimes

You might recognize Caly Bevier from her viral America's Got Talent audition, during which she opened up about being a survivor of stage three ovarian cancer. On 2nd single Hate U Sometimes her emotional, honey-drenched vocal pairs well with the premise of this indie-pop catharsis: which is that acceptance, and the ability to be vulnerable, is what bridges the divide.

The core of a functional relationship is communication - just this kind of open discussion about how feelings can flip from love to loathing, and back again. An intimate exploration of the physical space between two lovers informs the music video, as well as a compelling use of color and a long look at Bevier’s youthful mojo. A fighting spirit and effortless melodic instinct have created a groundswell of support for her music, and her story as a cancer survivor has resonated with fans from around the world. This song and video do much to define her as worthy spokesperson for a generation of unstoppable LGBTQ warriors. By casting real-life boyfriend Sam as her love interest in the video - who recently transitioned from female to male - Bevier is able to tell a personal story, while also bringing a spotlight to her own LGBTQ community in an honest and pure way.

Caly made her television debut on Ellen DeGeneres following a viral video of her singing while going through chemotherapy. This song is featured on our CHILL NEW Songwriters playlist.

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Ryan Whyman - Nocturne

Ryan Whyman’s musical journey began at age six when he started writing short pieces for his classmates, and since then his talent has flourished with compositions for choir and orchestra, as well as a collaboration with rapper and spoken-word artist Watsky. These varied ensembles give a sense of the breadth of Whyman’s art: though many genres are blended together, the common thread is a musical voice that weaves the disparate parts into a connected whole.

With his new release Nocturne, we have an earnest exploration of personal solitude, tucked away behind a loose waltz on the chamber piano. Soon, a long melody on the accordion leads us through a sunset in Paris, over Les Tuileries, on the Sunday of a dream. All is not lost, says Nocturne, if we can still dream of better things - and work towards a future of simple trust and tuneful cooperation.

Ryan Whyman is a composer and performer living in Los Angeles. This song is featured on our Meditation playlist.

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upsidedownhead - circulate ft. PLGRMS

On ‘circulate’, the latest drop from Sydney producer upsidedownhead, the synth-bass keeps the energy simmering while an artful sense of dynamics engages the listener. The melodic-synth counterpoint and vocal hook trade places in the spotlight, by turns showcasing a production that joins an organic rhythmic-feel with a smattering of future-pop and downtempo flavor.

From the dance floor to the late-night DJ set, the sound here feels close to the heart of something vital. A mythologized physical experience feels validated here in the sweaty movement, the temporary darkness, and the flashing lights of a memory that was lost to the moment. circulate, the latest from Sydney’s upsidedownhead, Stimulates the heart and mind with an urgent call to continue moving forward.

This song is featured on our CHILL Angeles playlist.

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ADRIAN CHALIFOUR - OPEN HEART ft. JIMBO (Official Video)

Canadian indie-rocker Adrian Chalifour drops new music video OPEN HEART ft. JIMBO, and makes a statement about embracing diversity as a way of understanding ourselves. Victoria drag-queen Jimbo lays down a captivating lead performance while the dancers of RAINO DANCE create a lively atmosphere around this endearing reminder that some of us were born to be vulnerable.

The message is fun, the feel is part Broadway and part rock and roll: Open Heart is a sonic and vibrant reminder that we need to update our belief systems every now and then. The current worldwide groundswell of visionary art that is rising from the smoke and ashes of neoliberalism is both hopeful, and illuminating. Open Heart reminds us that if we are to build a future worth being proud of, it will be because every story had a chance to be told. This powerful riff-driven rock number joins a distinct vocal style with hooky breaks and a hint of high-energy blues.

Adrian Chalifour has been performing heart-driven original music for more than 15 years. He is currently located in Victoria, BC. This song is featured on our CHILL NEW Songwriters playlist.

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Alexander Wright - Metamorphosis

Perfect for your Monday morning chill, this new track from Australian producer Alexander Wright takes off right away with a little bit of swing, some backbeat, and the swirling digital-flange of a synthesizer. With a smart use of breaks Wright creates a new dynamic floor, from which we rise up into the groove, only to disintegrate once again.

What remains is a circular sense of rhythmic catharsis, a bit like lungs cycling through the process of inward and outward flow. The production elements are well-delivered, and this mix pinpoints a beautiful sense of balance between melodic narrative and syncopated ear-candy. Metamorphosis, the latest from Alexander Wright, is a smooth minute feeling the connection between downtempo percussion, a kick-drum pulse, and tuneful synth artistry.

Alexander Wright is a producer, mixing and mastering engineer from Australia. He currently lives in the United States. This song is featured on our Instrumental Hip Hop playlist.

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Harrison - Infected

After the worldwide success of his releases in 2018, notably a collaboration with Hardwell for Revealed Music on the single Earthquake, UK DJ and vocalist Harrison drops his first track for new imprint Outlaw Records. In the turbulent music video directed by Toni Konrad and Rok Pintarič, we see the metaphor of love as addiction, and as a physical transformation.

Sometimes the need to be with someone eats away at you, and Harrison puts words and sound to the feeling of being unable to walk away from an attraction. A distinctive vocal delivery, driving pulse, and deep synth bass put this song at the meeting between electro pop and EDM, while the music video adds a layer of brooding introspection, and a sense of personal soul-seeking. Infected, the latest from Harrison, is a hooky visitation with the temptation that won’t get out of your head.

Do what you do, your love is redemption; nowhere to run, I feel so connected.

A new dawn is in store for Harrison, with more co-features in the works with Knife Party, Alok, and Lucas & Steve. This song is featured on our CHILL Angeles playlist.

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Neon Dreams - We Were Kings

The goal for Neon Dreams’ music is always to connect a well-told story, a beautiful melody, and an emotional moment of authenticity. On latest track We Were Kings, frontman Frank Kadillac opens up about a past that was both difficult and painful, and finds a streak of beauty in the darkness by weaving the personal connections and the moments of vulnerability into a message of strength.

Neon Dreams first turned heads in 2016 with their gold-certified single, Marching Bands. Since then, they have built a massive following, snagged Best New Group at the 2017 Canadian Radio Music Awards, and performed at the Juno Awards. They even landed a spot on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s summer Spotify playlist. As Neon Dreams explores mood-driven productions with their latest release, the nostalgic references combine to create an exit strategy for anyone who struggles against the world. Beauty is everywhere it has to be, and whenever we can mine the past for for uplifting memories as we let the rest go, everybody wins. We Were Kings, the latest from Neon Dreams, is the story of a tough childhood and the redemptive power of maternal love.

We were kings, before we had a crown. We had dreams; but then, look at us now.

From the artist:

I want to be honest about who I am. I was raised by a single mother who had me when she was only 17. We Were Kings is a thank you to those that helped me get through my difficult teenage years.

Neon Dreams is a pop duo from Halifax, Canada. This song is featured on our Rainy Day playlist.

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Almost Owen - One Lucky Man

With a raspy tenor lead-vocal that reminds us a bit of John Mayer, Canadian indie-rocker Almost Owen is back with new single One Lucky Man, celebrating the power of friendship and the simple luxury of being accepted as you are. This powerful and groove-forward mix is here to help unlock the true you.

It is a peppy snare figure that tumbles the song forward, while Almost Owen finds his sweet spot by staying just a little bit ahead of the beat, and the game. One Lucky Man is an uptempo walk through the moments that we thought we would regret. As it turns out, being yourself is the greatest achievement of all.

Named one of the 25 most influential personalities in Boston by The Improper Bostonian, newcomer Almost Owen is making his presence known on the east coast and beyond. This song is featured on our CHILL Angeles playlist.

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Skinny Beats - My Best Life

LA based electro-pop trio Skinny Beats are living their best life. This combination of stuttered sample-slicing and genuine swing will get you moving in no time.

With a vocal style that doubles up on attitude, Skinny Beats brings a DJ flavor to the breaks while the arrangement mixes elements of indie-pop with pure dance-floor mojo. The result is an uplifting self-talk matched with some party-style brinksmanship and an undeniable groove.

Might as well turn up together - go ahead do whatever… we want.

LA based electro-pop trio Skinny Beats are following up their debut single All Eyes On Me. This song is featured on our CHILL NEW Songwriters playlist.

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Don't Cry (feat. Allen Stone) - The BGP

The BGP have found a simple way to describe the sophisticated arrangements and harmonies that have come to define their sound: Yacht Rock Vibes. Joined by their friend and erstwhile tour-mate Allen Stone on their new track Don't Cry, the vibes are rocking and the band is ready to spread the love.

Frontman Brandon Ghorley built a brotherhood of local musicians and featured artists in the Seattle area, and a loyal PNW following has grown from his hometown of Puyallup through the band’s willingness to play anywhere from Boise to Portland, and beyond. After successfully funding a 2018 Kickstarter campaign, The BGP released 'HurtMeKissMe' - a melodic record of chilled-out dance beats that features new member-producer Phinisey, as well as the vocal talents of close friends Allen Stone and Clara C.

The mix of mid-tempo piano funk and optimistic effervescence is already worth the price of admission, so stick around until the end for the dueling falsettos and the gospel-flavored soul-party. The music video features the best Allen Stone impression ever, and might just melt your cold heart.

From the band:

We used to tour with Allen Stone, and he was kind enough to lend his vocal talents to the track.

This song is featured on our Soul playlist.

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VanRiss - The River

Since dropping his debut album in 2015, VanRiss has honed his aesthetic for folk-flavored indie rock into a mesmerizing new single, The River. A pizzicato intro for acoustic guitar opens up, while we are quickly introduced to the clear bell-tones of Van Risseghem’s lead vocal.

Instead of stacking vocal parts, we have a slow and richly-layered crescendo of ambient ear-candy as the arrangement ebbs and flows with dynamic warmth. The chamber-pop elements round out the production, as the emotional arc of the track is informed by a number of folk-acoustic esoterica, including a prominent harmonium for the coda to lift the energy, and what sounds like a mellotron for the interludes.

The River, the latest from Oklahoman artist VanRiss, is an easy combination of dreamy folk, melody, and introspection that might remind you of a cross between Matthew Mole and Eastmountainsouth.

Jonathan Van Risseghem (VanRiss) is a singer-songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma. This song is featured on our CHILL NEW Songwriters playlist.

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For Fans of Lauv. - Androu: Great

Having also earned a degree in sound engineering, graphic-designer-by-day Androu writes, sings, and produces all of his material, from start to finish - and that includes the art design. The result is a fresh and engaging look at the power of a creative mind to create a world unto itself in the petri dish of New York City.

Completely outside of the confines of the song itself, Androu is able to bring us into the private world of a few different artistic personas, at the same time that we are endeared to the narrative and asked to question our own, internalized systems of self-motivation. We have a song, we have a story, and we have a message, muddled together like an audio-visual cocktail, as that aggressive bass-work pounds away like a stuttered heartbeat. The result is a document of visceral evangelism, as this track encourages everyone to take a deeper look at what is truly important. Great, the latest drop from hip hop artist Androu, is a reminder to surround yourself with the right kind of people - the kind that build you up, continually inspire you, and keep you grounded.

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Ambient Instrumental. - Christopher Willits: Pacific 1

The latest track from Christopher Willits is Sunset 1: an epiphanic album opener from Sunset, which is out now in multi-track spatial audio available only from Ghostly International. It is both mesmerizing and disarming, moving in waves of blissfully-warm synth fade-ins.

As with 2017's opus Horizon, the first ever spatial audio release on Ghostly International, Sunset is produced to listen from within. Using the cutting-edge immersive audio venues and tools of his nonprofit, Envelop, Willits illuminates a landscape for the future of electronic music. As the electronic music industry hurtles towards an uncertain future, Christopher Willits can be trusted to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible, as he joins a mellow and inviting soundscape with this sonic metaphor for celestial rebirth.

Willits is an artist, musician, and guitarist who creates immersive ambient music. This song is featured on our Meditation playlist.

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Scatman John, Lou Bega - Scatman & Hatman

John Larkin, aka Scatman John, had an international mega-hit in 1994 with “Scatman – ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop”. Lou Bega thrilled the entire world in 1999 with his “Mambo No. 5”, and this year he celebrates his 20-year stage anniversary. 1999 was sadly also the year when John Larkin died.

Lou had his heart set on recording a duet with Scatman John, something that unfortunately was no longer possible in-person. So Lou worked with the Hamburg-based producer Roland Spremberg on a new version of Scatman John’s huge hit. Lou Bega knew the personal story of John Larkin and the resistance John had to tackle as a stutterer, and this fun song is as much a celebration of the rich legacy of Scatman John as it is a reminder that Lou Bega still knows how to lay down a sticky groove.

Scatman & Hatman is the welcome revisitation with a dance-club sound from the 1990’s, married here with Bega’s signature modern-mambo. The result is a bouncy and colorful dose of nostalgia that arrives just in time for summer.

Scatman & Hatman contains the infectious worldwide-known hook “ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop” in addition to a new melody and lyrics from Lou Bega's characteristic swingbeat style. This song is featured on our Groovy Summer playlist.