Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - April 2023
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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The snow has come and gone yet again, but luckily the new music discovery doesn’t stop either. There’s some new 90s-inspired but current sounding alternative rock, some quality R&B from a very prolific artist, some escape-ready ambient music, and so much more. The hardest thing about these list is cutting down to just 10 songs.
As always, if you see someone you like remember to check the artist out live and buy their merchandise. It’s the best way to keep our lovely independent music scene alive.
Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
The Scarlett Goodbye “Surprised”
I’m still processing what this song is about, but I can hear how much care was put into the arrangement. The spacing of everything in the mix allows every piece its place to contribute to the message. It’s a feeling of sadness, but also of nonjudgmental understanding of the person’s situation.
Ka Lia Universe “I’m Gonna Thank Myself For Leaving You’
This song acknowledges the complex feelings of ending a relationship, and I love how Ka Lia Universe’s vocals are the center of attention. The simple R&B production helps provide that alone-at-midnight feeling where she’s wrestling with the new reality of not having someone, but knowing she’ll be better off in the long run. I believe every word she sings, and it’s one of the best songs she’s released.
Jake Nelson “Better Off”
I think the stars aligned for Jake Nelson’s “Better Off.” The mix of his pop-soul influenced vocals and the sharpest songwriting of his career make this song go down smooth. It’s going to make plenty of sunny summer day playlists.
Foe “Say”
On Foe’s “Say” I can hear influences that span the last 25 years of Rock N Roll. The drums are solid, the lead guitar has a noisy Queens of the Stone Age no-frills texture, and the vocals bring it all together for some turned-up-to-10 indie rock. Press play and get those Devils horns up in the air.
Pamela McNeill “Hollywood Rain”
Only a seasoned performer such as Pamela McNeill can embody a song like “Hollywood Rain.” Her full, happy, and passionate vocals mix flawlessly with the production’s full band film score-worthy arrangement. By the end, I fully believe McNeill isn’t just referencing movies she fell in love with, but scenes she’s lived herself.
Taylor James Donskey “Frances Earnistine”
This song is just fun Rock N Roll. The instrumentation is simple, but has that dirty Rolling Stones vibe that lends itself to the story Taylor James Donskey is telling about fictional writer Frances Earnistine’s crazy life. It’s very unapologetic, which matches the writer’s spirit.
Jason Chaffee “Bliss”
As soon as I was done listening to this piece of music I felt a sense of calmness and clarity. The combination of all these instruments being used with a precise, light touch and then allowing their echoes to fade naturally results in this moment of peacefulness lyric-driven music doesn’t always provide. It’s a sometimes much needed escape in a world of infinite noise.
Zippy Laske “Low”
Zippy Laske conveys so many thoughts and feelings in this one song. The lyrics she sings are the inner monologue of anyone dealing with confidence issues while still taking that step forward, and pulling back the curtain on just how much of a battle it is. The way she changes the speed of her cadence throughout the song as she cycles through the different feelings of this moment is a great audio reflection of her internal fight.
Monique Smaz “Let Me In”
Monique Sanz’s vocals have a indie singer-songwriter vibe mixed with a slight country-soul texture as well. Combined with the country-rock sound, this song is about giving into your drunken mind knowing you’ll feel different in the morning. The song would be right at home on the stage in every small town bar. I’m excited to see where Smaz takes her music from here.
Sophia Eris Featuring Lazerbeak & Bionik “Front Runner”
Sophia Eris’ (aka Lizzo’s DJ) single “Front Runner” is drenched in confidence and swagger. The popping beat gives the song that ear candy catchiness, and Eris’ verses are full fun wordplay and an unapologetic self-assuredness. If you need a morning boost, party starter, or just a pick-me-up, just press play and crank it.
