Showing posts with label Pop Matters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pop Matters. Show all posts

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Introducing: Avriel & The Sequoias



Another facet to the talented Avi Kaplan of Pentatnoix 

"Rustic and grave, it's a gorgeously somber and symphonic slice of introspective chamber/indie folk that's sure to stay with you."- PopMatters

Avriel & the Sequoias and PopMatters have teamed up to release the gorgeous new video for "Fields and Pier." The track is a first listen from the upcoming debut EP, Sage and Stone, set to drop June 9. "Fields and Pier" pays homage to the wild and beautifully unkempt world Avriel grew up in: "For the video, I wanted to show how my music is deeply connected to nature," he explains. "The strings are represented by the way the leaves tremble in the Northern California wind, the steady finger-picking is represented by the sun-kissed fields of Oregon and the cello by the slow, steady current of the Smith River." Watch the video on PopMatters HERE.

Sage and Stone is the debut independent release from the multi-talented and multifaceted Avi Kaplan, Grammy Award-winning performer and arranger of a cappella phenoms PentatonixSage and Stone is inspired by and purposefully presents the full spectrum of Avi's folk palate without ever abandoning his talent for lush, layered vocals, intricate arrangements and tasteful acoustic performances. It's evident in every note on Sage and Stone, that Avriel Benjamin Kaplan has a reverence and respect for folk music that goes well beyond his years. Songs like "Fields and Pier" and "Sage And Stone" recall the sounds of modern indie folk artists like Iron & Wine and Bon Iver, while tracks like "Song For the Seeker" and "Sweet Adeline" draw clear inspiration from legendary artists such as Simon & Garfunkel and John Denver.

Avi's upbringing - in Visalia, CA, near Sequoia National Park - plays an integral part in his story and is a heartbeat in this new music: the majestic Sequoia trees are where he found inspiration and escape, and where he first discovered music in its most organic and truest form. Sage and Stone simply - and profoundly - pays homage to where Avi's passion for music was born, and is a stunning introduction to this different and exciting new chapter of his musical journey. It is honest and humble. It is thoughtful and unrestrained. It is Kaplan at his core - passionate, emotional, inspired and unapologetically vulnerable.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Cyndi Lauper Lasso's #4!!!

The Odd Couple
Cyndi Lauper + Country Music
Like who knew?! After all these years as a pop icon, Cyndi Lauper decided to go country. Surprise! She rules at it and her country debut "Detour" was number four with a bullet on the Billboard Country Music Chart it's first week of release. Go Cyndi, Go Cyndi, Co Cyndi, Go....!!!

Tell us about it, Cyndi: 

"These songs had a profound impact on me when I was a little girl listening to my Aunt Gracie's kitchen radio in Queens. I grew up listening and admiring Patsy Cline, Patsy Montana, Hank Williams - all the greats from the Golden Age of country. It was an honor to record those beautiful songs for DETOUR and I am so thankful for the fans and the country music community for welcoming me with open arms," Lauper said.

Reviews Don't Lie:

“Cyndi Lauper tackles the genre with characteristically daring eccentricity.” - Keith Harris, Rolling Stone

“Once again [...] Cyndi Lauper has dauntlessly created a triumphantly amazing new release.” - Eileen Shapiro, Huffington Post

“...(Lauper) proves herself not only a competent country vocalist [...] but also a masterful interpreter in the classic tradition of the best female country vocalists of the late-‘60s.” - John Paul, Pop Matters

“[...] like Prince, the Grammy-winning vocalist is also constantly reinventing herself.” Megan Seling, Nashville Scene

“DETOUR makes all the right turns, never missing an opportunity to surprise the listener or stretch Cyndi’s style just far enough to keep things interesting.” - Jonathan Riggs, Idolator


She's So Unusual at:
cyndilauper.com/