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Surviving As An Indie Artist : Music Review (Versal)

I was sent a track titled "Carrousel". This track is from Houston based producer and musician Versal. Versal is the musical alias of Javier Velez. "Carrousel" is an instrumental track. Instrumentals are versatile because they can be used for so many aspects regarding the arts. "Carrousel" is a well crafted instrumental that will be a great fit for movies and video games. The first time I listened to this instrumental, it made me think of  the video game "Mario Brothers". The music is soothing, peaceful and engaging. This track has the potential to make Versal some long lasting revenue, if it is marketed correctly.  Click here to listen to "Carrousel" and much more from Versal Written by Raye Cray

Surviving As An Indie Artist: Music Review (Crooked Flower)

I was sent a music video titled "Around & Around". The video is of a band named "Crooked Flower". I really enjoyed the video and music. The music sounds really good. The lead singer has a sweet, sultry voice. The lyrics of the song are great. The chorus of the song is very catchy. The video is engaging. I enjoyed the use of all the psychedelic colors. The only thing I did not like about the video, is that at certain points, it was clear that the lead singer was lip singing. That made the video slightly cheesy. I love the section of the song that starts around 3:20. I assume this is the bridge of the song. The vocals and guitar during the bridge are soulful and passionate. Overall, this song is a hit. Check out Around & Around by Crooked Flower Written by Raye Cray

Surviving As An Indie Artist: Music Review ( Eddy Yang)

I was sent a tune titled "A New City". This tune was written and performed by Asian American indie artist Eddy Yang. I will start by saying  this is not a song  I will add to my personal play list. The tune sounds a bit outdated. It sounds like a tune from a 90's  teenage melodrama, for example, Dawson's Creek. However, certain elements of this song makes it a solid body of work. The melody of the song is catchy. The guitar solo is excellent. The lyrics and vocals flow well with the music. The song sounds like a mixture of country, rock and pop music and that combination of genres work well together . Yang's EP "A New City" is set to be released April 5, 2019.  Click here to check out the latest tune from Eddy Yang. Written By Raye Cray

Surviving As An Indie Artist: Music Review (Anonymous Thoughts)

  I was sent a track titled "Code of Conduct" by rapper and lyricist Anonymous Thoughts. Anonymous Thoughts is a rapper from East St. Louis, IL. He prefers to remain anonymous , hence the name. The tune "Code of Conduct" has real potential. I can tell that this artist is still new and honing his craft. His voice has a "hungriness" about it. His lyrics are honest and bold. I believe that if he keeps developing his craft, his career will be elevated to the next level.  Check out more from  Anonymous Thoughts Review by Raye Cray

Surviving As An Indie Artist: Music Review (A-Game)

Review by Raye Cray I was sent a body of work for St. Louis hip-hop artist A-Game. The name of this project is "Cross the River". A- Game has opened for artist such as J. Cole, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, Kyle, Lil Bobby, Jhene Aiko, Ella Mai, and Saweetie. Overall, " Cross the River" is a solid body of work. A- Game's powerful vocal delivery reminds me of Tupac Shakur. "Cross the River" would blend right into the songs that are being played on mainstream radio today. Another hip-hop artist is featured on this project as well - his name is Real Early. I enjoyed his contribution to the project. His style of rap reminds me of the group Migos. A-Game and Real Early have two different styles of rap, however, they compliment each other. I am curious to hear what they would sound like on solo projects. Check out this project and share your thoughts.  Link to Cross the River

Surviving As An Indie Artist: Music Review (Solaya Love)

Review by Raye Cray I was sent a body of work titled "Illustrious" by independent singer, songwriter, and musician Solaya Love. Initially, I was only going to review her single "Let It Go". "Let It Go" is not a tune that I would add to my personal playlist. I like parts of the chorus and the rounds at the end of the song. I wanted to be fair, so I listened to some of her other songs. I am happy that I did. There are so many other tunes that could be a better fit for the lead single. I would list those tunes but the body of work- with the exception of "Let It Go"- is marked as private. I believe that Solaya Love has the potential to go far. Her energy is young and fun. Her sound is unique. My last suggestion would be to get better instrumentals for some of the tracks. Check her out and share your thoughts. Link to Let It Go

Surviving As An Indie Artist: Music Review (Weather McNabb)

Review by Raye Cray I was sent a track titled "Cubicle Zombie" by independent artist Weather McNabb. Weather McNabb was born in Minneapolis but now resides in Northern Boston. The tune "Cubicle Zombie" is one that the millennial working class can relate to. The song focuses on how we become so accustomed to the routine of our daily lives that we began to lose sight of who we are- at least that is my interpretation of this tune. The music is a production all by itself. The intro deceives you. The intro gives off the illusion that the song is going to be simply rock or another genre that encompasses mostly the guitar. After a few strums of the guitar, the beat drops and the vocals began. The musical transitions are amazing. I felt like I was on a musical roller coaster ride. Check it out and share your thoughts. Link to Cubicle Zombie