#trafton

[kimsesizbiruh]

[colour-me-music]

Dark pop is a genre that has been growing in popularity as of late but from what I’ve seen it is rare you see someone tackle the genre as well as Trafton has. His new track Risk has these dark beats that create an ominous atmosphere with Trafton’s smooth laidback vocal adding to that atmosphere and then we’ve got the hook that has elements of Lorde’s infamous chorus for her track Team. I also want to add that I adore the music video for this track, it feels like you’re watching an A24 film in three minutes.  

Connect with Trafton: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

[iheartmoosiq]

Hyperreal is used to describe when something seems extremely realistic in detail, to the point that it seems unreal. Well, it truly does seem unreal how gorgeously melting this new artist on our radar is with his latest single, an electro-charged dusky pop serenade named Hyperreal. Trafton, a product of the North Atlantic coast and New England wilderness, fuses sincere alt-pop with gently trap-imbued electronica on his sentimental aria. The singer songwriter and producer from New Hampshire crafts music influenced by the likes of Banks, Lorde, and Glass Animals, but with a darker, moodier aura. You can listen to more Trafton on Soundcloud, here. Hyperreal can also be found on Spotify, here.

[betaeuben]

I can make you feel like you've been flying

When you're lying here, next to me

Next to me

Next to me

[betaeuben]

Don't know where you're going, can't remember who you are

Keep what isn't broken, holding on and hoping hard

Truth is I've been wishing in your name right from the start

Twice a day and lately on a star

I know that you've been running, running, running, running, running from yourself

To hear that coming, coming, coming, coming from somebody else

You just keep running, running, running 'til your icy island melts

But you don't have to run from me

You can run to me

[freespirit-rei]

Good morning to you all, amazing souls! 🌞🖤

[thepermanentrainpress]

UNDER THE RADAR: NOVEMBER 2020

Need a switch-up from all the Christmas cheer on the radio? November’s Under the Radar has you covered with releases from Strange Breed, Trafton, Ludic, Tissa Rahim, Maybe Babs, and Nicole Haber.

1) Strange Breed - “Reputation”

As they say, revenge is a dish best served cold; it might give you enough time to create a badass modern rock anthem that may make you flinch, scream, breathe a little heavier – stronger. The narrative of date r*pe and abuse of power is meant to be uncomfortable, a subject where feeling is complex and valid, but difficult to understand and convey to others. “Reputation” rediscovers a lost strength through the rage and hatred.

“Your fave queer, feminist garage-rockers” have a harsh edge, sonically all fierce vocals and authoritative guitars, it’s a fight. A fight to win and in theme, to reclaim one’s body, and a safe space and mindset. We could always use more cool and empowering people out there, being real and making their authentic music.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

2) Trafton - “Break It Later” 

“Put your heart in danger / We can break it later.”

I’m always drawn to specific lyrics in Trafton’s songs, and those of “Break It Later” feverishly – sensually – blur the line between want and need. The song experiments with vocal effects, his cool timbre leaning into the atmospheric melody with an element of risk. It plays like a make-out jam beneath a city that never sleeps; soaking in the moment and simultaneously setting yourself up for disappointment.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Ludic - “Terrified”

The post-secondary years can be a time of excitement, indecision, straight-up panic – and Ludic knows it. They know and they soak it in, remedying their thoughts with funk-laden pop beats and the breeziest vocal delivery. Max Cunningham and Ayla Tesler-Mabe play off each other’s frustrations intuitively and with kindness, despite the two barely harmonizing on the track. “Terrified” feels a bit like a fever dream-turned-reality; brilliant, beating hearts and feet turned towards the dancefloor.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

4) Tissa Rahim - “Won’t Come Through”

“I don’t wanna lose my mind, for someone like you / In it only half the time, it won’t come through.” 

The Vancouver artist melds pop RnB/soul with her Middle Eastern roots in her new single. It finds worth and value in oneself. Rahim has a modern and playful sound, a comfort level that affords her in both intimate and grandeur sets. Her range is impressive, the composition has a rhythmic freedom, and a very satisfying guitar break towards the end. It’s both stylish, and a callback to the classical foundations of her past. 

Exploring what was once a valuable relationship, we’re past additional opportunities for talk and appreciation. Rahim says enough is enough in “Won’t Come Through.”

Written by: Chloe Hoy

5) Maybe Babs - “Doorstep” 

Ah, the residual left behind from unrequired love, lust and pain tied together with a messy bow. Montreal’s Maybe Babs (Babette Hayward) is a relatable conscience. “Doorstep” is both a sad realization of a pattern of pining after others, and the much needed time for reflection. The unwanted gifts purchased to win hearts and confusion over the lack of affection – the count of the sequence trending upwards. 

It is melancholic indie folk; feelings equivalent to a tender look back to check if the bonsai tree had been taken indoors. The mix of violin and keys with the production is stellar, wistful and contemplative. If you’ve ever given your heart and friendship to have it sorely returned, your memories may come rushing back in “Doorstep.”

Doorstep by Maybe Babs

Written by: Chloe Hoy

6) Nicole Haber - “Wish You Well”

If you can’t find closure from another, say ‘f*ck it’ and write the ending yourself. Toronto’s Nicole Haber did exactly that with “Wish You Well,” the first single off her forthcoming album, Full Circle. I love the fact that it parks the animosity at the door, rather it focuses on the love shared, experienced, and kept. 

“With every up and down / a deeper love we found.” 

Haber has a raw spark. Her sound treads pop rock/EDM, electric and soulful enough to listen to each earnest word. The memories don’t fade, even when feelings appear easier to vanish. It’s alright to wonder and reminisce, a cathartic ‘what could have been’ and words lost in translation. “Wish You Well” leaves a goodbye note on the doorstep – there is nothing more freeing than taking a deep breath, and walking away.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

[music-is-all-we-need]

Put your heart in danger

We can break it later 🥀