NEW Music Monday: Jan. Week 4
- Alex Fountain
- Jan 27, 2020
- 6 min read
Say hello to the fourth official NEW Music Monday, I can't believe we are already in week four of 2020 of N.M.M. --- Welcome to your one stop shop on what's happening in the music world and what Fire on the Fountain has to say about it.
It's Monday, you know what happened last night and if you don't, you're about to find out. Let's talk the GRAMMY's.
Now since there are more awards than I can count, I'll spare you all the reading and give you the awards that will be most talked about (almost like you watched it yourself and skipped through the boring stuff nobody's ever heard of) and what the heck the award was for because it can be confusing AF.
Record of the Year- Award to the Artist and Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s) and Mastering Engineer(s)
"bad guy" by Billie Eilish
Album of the Year- Award to the Artist (and Featured Artists), Songwriter(s), and everyone else recognized by Record of the Year
when we all fall asleep, where do we go? by Billie Eilish
Song of the Year- Award to songwriter
"bad guy" by Billie Eilish
Best New Artist- Award to "an artist that achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape."
Billie Eilish
Best Pop Solo Performance- Award to new vocal or pop recording
"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance- Award for new vocal or instrumental duo/group or pop collaboration
"Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
So yes...you read that right...Billie Eilish took home FOUR awards last night making history as the youngest artist to win that many GRAMMY's in the Top 4 categories.
Here's what you missed when it comes to top PERFORMANCES.
1. Billie Eilish
She performed one of her more sober ballads, "when the party's over," which is exactly what the world needed to see. Since Billie hit the radar, all that we have seen of her is exotic hair, her tough exterior, and performances of "bad guy;" while it's a great song, it is nothing compared to her other beautifully written and composed songs. This performance was crucial to proving that she deserved all the awards she took home and she did just that.
2. Demi Lovato
This was Demi's first performance since surviving a drug overdose and she did not hesitate to get real with the world with her performance of "Anyone," which she recorded days before the overdose. Between her vocals, her beautiful gown, and the lyrics...I couldn't help but tear up as Demi was as real and as honest as any artist can be.
3. Ariana Grande
YES. GIRL. So glad that Ariana decided to perform a song that could literally and figuratively vocalize her talent. This performance proved she has massive musical ability aside from her iconic style and perfect ponytail.
4. Jonas Brothers
The JoBro's killed their performance of their new single, "What A Man Gotta Do," as their wives danced in the crowd. And that gold co-ord trio combo they had going on...Cheers to their stylists.
Now that you've got the GRAMMY update. Let's start off with the second most exciting part of my week: TOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS.
It was announced this week that Stick Figure, my all time favorite band, will be completing their first headlining amphitheater tour. Not only am I stoked that Virginia Beach is on the list of tour dates, but my jaw dropped when I saw the artists that will be accompanying Stick on this tour. Take a look because you are NOT going to want to miss this "Once In A Lifetime" Summer Tour.
To keep the reggae train going, Iration recently announced their Spring 2020 Tour and you are going to love the special guests. The "Heatseekers" tour will feature...(drumroll please)... Hirie and The Ries Brothers. As The Ries Brothers are on the rise, it would be a shame to not include that these young brothers have that unique sound that will make them idols in the reggae world soon enough.
In other news, Louis the Child, dynamic EDM duo, has announced their 2020 "Here For Now" Tour and they absolutely killed it with the artists they've included on this national tour. Jai Wolf, Big Wild, San Holo, K. Flay, Crooked Colours, Evan Giia, Ilo Ilo, Memba, Slenderbodies... Literally what more could you want. Although the lineup will vary per location, any combination of these EDM powerhouses will be sure to sell out FAST. With this tour announcement, whispers and rumors are spreading as everyone wants new music from the duo. We will see if new music news comes in the near future (and you know where to get it first).
(Sidenote: San Holo took to Twitter this week to announce that new music is on the way and soon to be delivered. Keep an eye out for next week.)
Although this album didn't come out this week, I did happen to stumble upon it and wonder how I missed it. After listening, I knew it needed to be shared with the Fire on the Fountain Family.
Dreams EP by Slow Magic
So if you're questioning wether you would like the new music, released at the end of 2019, or maybe you've never heard of Slow Magic, check out these songs from the EP and you won't regret it. Slow Magic is a downtempo electronic producer that creates music that is soothing to the mind and the soul and on the way to becoming as mainstream as ODESZA, with a relatively similar sound. Dreams is a little more upbeat than previous projects, also including more vocals than ever before, and I am here for it. Check out these tracks if I've at all sparked your interest.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
Presto by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Presto Is the fifth studio album to be released by PPPP and the first since Pizazz, released in 2017. It has been three years since a new album from the funky rising jam band and Presto Is no let down. With 11 tracks, almost all include the signature Pigeons' jam solos that make you wanna pull out your air guitar skills.
"Dawn a New Day" is the song every jam loving fan needs to set their alarm to. No better way to wake up then to this good vibes track which I can't help but swing my arms around and clap to.
"Avalanche" is another one of my faves that is such a funky vibe, you can tell this group of musicians thrives of jamming out and finding new unique & eclectic sounds.
"Havana" is one of the reasons why I already have my tickets for the upcoming tour (see below). I absolutely love how this group can pick a few chords and turn it into a 6 minute song that I could listen to repeat, and have been for that matter.
Accompanying the release of Presto came a tour announcement! Check out the venues that Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will hit here.
One Life To Live EP by Arise Roots
Although not really a full album, only including 3 songs on this EP, Arise Roots needed to be included in this weeks NEW Music Monday. They already have 3 studio albums released but this recent release is signaling a new era for the band as they begin to collaborate with bigger artists in the reggae scene.
Arise Roots, is a roots reggae band to keep your eyes on. You reggae lovers out there might think this group sounds a bit familiar and you are correct. One of the songs on One Life To Live features all of our favorites; the infamous Slightly Stoopid and the vocal powerhouse of Rebelution, Eric Rachmany; and you've definitely heard it before: "Come and Get It."
The other two songs included on this EP are "One Life To Live" and "Nice and Slow."
Their new EP illustrates their deserving spot in the roots reggae world. After previously touring with Tribal Seeds and headlining their own national tour, this 6 person reggae band is dedicated to sticking to traditional 70's roots reggae while incorporating new sounds and singing about values that matter.
A World Away by Ekali
This new release from Ekali is not one to miss and as a fan, I am getting HUGE Illenium vibes, aside from the Illenium track collaboration. The album is full of melodic, softer bass drops and some beautiful vocals that will definitely bring some attention to Ekali as an artist as well as this new album, A World Away. Check out some of my favorites below.
We Are Deadbeats (Vol. 4) by Zeds Dead
Alright bassheads, this is the release you've been waiting for.
We Are Deadbeats (Vol. 4) has been long awaited and it is finally here as the fourth compilation in the ongoing project. Although some of the tracks were pre-released in 2019, 2020 brings the full featured finished product.
Not only does this release signal success for the duo, Zeds Dead, but also the featured artists on the album who are receiving well deserved recognition and attention. In my opinion, the collaboration songs are some of the best ever by Zeds Dead.
"Bumpy Teeth" featuring Subtronics
"Dead of Night" featuring Ganja White Night
"Rescue" featuring Dion Timmer and Delaney Jane
"Shake" featuring Jauz
"Stars Tonight" featuring DROELOE
Check out some of the other music that was released this week.
"Five In the Morning" by Ripe
"Drown (feat. Au/Ra)" by Ekali
"Grey" by Two Feet
"More Than OK" by R3HAB, Clara Mae, Frank Walker
As you can see, a lot has happened this week but get ready for more new releases next week. Catch up on what's hot with me every Monday.
XOXO. Peace and blessings.
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