Tag Archives: single review

On ‘811 Freestyle,’ Donny Apollo is More Vulnerable than Ever

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We’ve always known Donny Apollo to share from a vulnerable place. The hip hop artist, producer, and Nashville native has courageously overcome addiction, homelessness, heartbreak, and more; and has never shied away from leaning on his experiences to help others navigate theirs.

With that being said, Donny’s latest single, “811 Freestyle,” sees him open up about his own mental health journey like never before. Through soulful, stream-of-consciousness verses, Donny recalls a traumatic experience involving a relapse — and the recovery process, which includes finding the strength to put out this track to speak on his struggles.

“This is the first single I feel I’ve been this vulnerable within my music. I’ve been through a lot, and harboring this one for a while,” he said in an Instagram post. “I hope you hear me. I hope you understand.”

LISTEN: The Mad Sugars (ft. the Sugar Cubes) Give us ‘Christmas Wrapping’

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Our dear friends The Mad Sugars are in the holiday spirit!

The Nashville-based garage rock dance pop outfit — whom, as you may remember, appeared at The Quinn Spinn’s 10th Birthday Celebration back in September — have unveiled their take on The Waitresses’ 1981 holiday classic, “Christmas Wrapping.”

This time, lead vocal duties are left entirely to The Sugar Cubes — the vocal quartet of Angela Wright, Allyson Rogers, Gracie Calvaneso, and Chelcie Jette. Meanwhile, lead songsmith Adam Lawrence lends support on guitar, drums, and the tune’s famously siiiick bass line.

“As joyous as the Christmas season can be, it can be just as exhausting. In modern life, the year feels like little more than 11 straight months of hustling with a faint promise of some time to relax when December rolls around… until you remember all the parties, family gatherings, and gift exchanges that are set to take place, and all that unfinished business you were trying to get to throughout the year might just have to wait a bit longer,” Lawrence said in an Instagram post. “Even with that hanging around in the back of your mind, the Christmas season still comes with plenty of magic, so you never know what might happen. That’s why I chose to cover ‘Christmas Wrapping’ as The Mad Sugars’ first Christmas release. It’s a song that best captures both the stress and the joy of Christmas in the modern world and it’s as relevant as ever.”

Rounding out the lineup are Sam Ferrara (saxophone), Emmanuel Echem (trumpet), and Curtis Erdek on keyboards and percussion.

Check it out as you head out to your holiday parties… or, as you decide to stay home, and skip the bells and whistles this year. It’s up to you!

LISTEN: With his new Leather Baby Project, Soheill Embraces the Darkness

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We’re no strangers to featuring Soheill here at Underground Music Collective. Several of his cuts have made previous editions of our UMC20 playlist, and we even reviewed his 2020 single, “Can’t Stop Thinking,” riiiight over here.

Through the years, Soheill’s sound and affinity for sonic experimentation have evolved. This fall, he took a turn toward the darkness by unveiling his new darkwave project, Leather Baby.

The project’s debut single, “Weapons,” take us on a steadfast march through the perils of the world. A methodical, yet persistent drumbeat underscores ominous, heavy synths which seem to loom larger as time ticks away.

However, underneath many layers of darkness, “Weapons” offers a message of hope. Listen closely to the lyrics, and you will uncover the story of a love and commitment so strong, that it can weather any storm.

LISTEN: On ‘You, The Devil, and Me,’ Court Taylor Rallies Against Small-Town Gossip

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Single artwork for "You, The Devil, and Me" by Court Taylor.

Nobody among us lives a flawless existence. For that reason, Court Taylor wants us to put all of the gossip to bed.

On “You, The Devil, and Me,” the Georgia-born country singer uses her timeless voice to take a stand for everyday people trying to live their lives — even among the whispers of the peanut gallery.

“This song is speaking out against small town gossip. So many times, the rumor mill starts to turn, and people pass judgment on the situations of others around them,” Taylor said. “At the end of the day, everyone is just trying to survive, and provide themselves and their families with the best lives possible.”

The song borrows its title from the Southern phrase, “keep that between you, the Devil, and me.” According to Taylor, the phrase is commonly used “when you’re talking about someone or a situation that is usually none of your business.” From there, Taylor and her co-writers — Kipper Lee Linville, Michael Saleta, and Mike Meiners — built the song around relatable, hypothetical small-town scenarios.

“Everyone has that person they know who maybe had poor relationships, ended up with children, and had to give up their dreams to support them,” Taylor said. “Everyone knows someone who had a promising future, but then got caught up in drugs.”

Which side are you on, as the rumor mill turns? Reflect on that, as you check out “You, The Devil, and Me” below!

Start Your Week with Something to Make You ‘Dance’

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I was six years old in 1993, when Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers premiered to the world. Like many kids of my generation, I was captivated by this show. In particular, I found myself drawn toward one Ranger in particular. That would be Zack Taylor, the Black Power Ranger portrayed by Walter Emanuel Jones.

Get ready to ‘Dance’
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