For many people, 2017 just was not their year. Wither politics, personal issues, or just worldly problems, the year was filled with a lot of darkness. However, I want to talk about a huge bright spot of the year, the music from Reginald Lamar Williams Jr., or as you may know him, R.LUM.R. I have gotten to know Reggie over the past two years; he is a staple in the Nashville music scene. Not only is he a classically trained acoustic guitarist, but he also loves anime, even studying Japanese as a second language during his time at Florida State University. With almost 1 Million monthly Spotify listeners, multiple cover spots on playlists, a SXSW headlining showcase, a spot on 2017’s ACL Lineup, and the release of his debut EP, Afterimage, we talk with R.LUM.R about his huge year and what is to come.
SUR Tells Us How The California Coast Inspired His Latest Project
Zack Arnett, who you’ll know as SUR, is as smooth as his music. As a musician and producer, his latest project was inspired by a trip along the California coast. Zack became frustrated by the city of Los Angeles so he created a studio in the back of his RV and journeyed throughout the desert and national parks and of course, Big Sur. His music is inspiring, creative, and his personality is nothing short of that, too.
Our Artists To Watch This Year
It’s been quite the year for indie artists and although our Albums of The Year have featured big acts like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar to up-and-comers Anna of the North and Julien Baker, that doesn’t mean we don’t still have our eyes on newer artists that are still paving their way and making waves in the music world. There are so many artists that we loved this year and it’s impossible to name them all but here are some of our favorite new acts to keep up with.
Dylan Hyde’s Shimmering Songs Will Be Stuck In Your Head
Dylan Hyde’s music is so sparkling an full of energy that you can’t help but smile when you listen to it. His song “Clearly” is a shimmering bop with his pristine vocals taking center stage.
How Dalton’s Past Helped Mold His Music
Dalton Rapattoni may not be a household name yet, but keep him on your radar because this guy is seriously the coolest. He’s known for being one of the Top 3 finalists on Fox Television’s hit show, American Idol. Dalton began his journey as an artist at age 12 and since then his musical career has taken off.
New Music Alert: The Rigs Video When We Were Young
When I first saw The Rigs new video for “When We Were Young” it just felt so nostalgic and beautiful. The song is laced with tribal chants and light vocals. I talked to TJ Stafford and Caitlin Parrott about the making of the video and their musical chemistry.
SondorBlue’s Soundtrack Is Sure To Beat Your Winter Blues
SondorBlue is the perfect soundtrack when you’re just driving with the windows down along a coastline. The group is a quartet from Charleston, South Carolina so it kind of fits. The group formed at Hilton Head before relocating to Charleston.
Caroline Romano Has A Message In Her Music
Caroline Romano may seem like your average teen pop songstress, but she’s much deeper than that. Her songs touch on issues like bullying and body image in a way that makes her seem mature beyond her years. This isn’t your typical surface-level pop, it’s music talking directly to young women.
Why Banfi Will Be Your New Favorite Band
Banfi is comprised of Joe Banfi, Aaron Graham, and Chris McCuaig. Their catchy hooks are the perfect alt-pop soundtrack. They’ve traveled throughout the U.K., but it’s seriously only a matter before they make their way across the pond. I spoke to Aaron about the inspiration behind the band, their music and their bigger plans for 2018.
Fever High Has Some Good Advice
Fever High is the Brooklyn based synth pop band you need to listen to. Reni Lane and Anna Nordeen describe their sound as “rebellion/girl-on-girl/rock and pop-new wave”, a hefty description that fits the bill.