Audio Arcade

Classical music has long been a source of inspiration for musicians across genres, from rock to hip-hop to pop. Today's pop music is no exception, with many artists incorporating elements of classical music into their sound and composition. One of the main ways classical music has influenced pop is through its emphasis on melody and harmony. In classical music, the melody is often the centrepiece of a composition, with harmony and other elements supporting and enhancing it. This emphasis on melody has carried over into pop music, where catchy hooks and memorable melodies are often the driving force behind a hit song. In addition to melody and harmony, classical music has also impacted how pop music is produced and arranged. Classical composers were masters of orchestration, using various instruments and sounds to create complex and dynamic compositions. Today's pop producers and arrangers often draw on this tradition, using strings, horns, and other orchestral instruments to cr...

Over the past decade, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever for musicians to produce high-quality music from the comfort of their own homes. Today, home-produced music has become a major force in the music industry, with countless artists using DIY production methods to create music that's just as innovative and engaging as anything produced in a professional studio. One of the biggest benefits of home-produced music is the creative control it allows artists. Without the constraints of a recording studio, musicians can experiment with different sounds and techniques and create music that's truly unique to their vision. This has led to a proliferation of genre-bending music that defies easy categorization, with artists blending elements of electronic, hip-hop, rock, and other styles to create something entirely new. Another advantage of home-produced music is the ability to collaborate with other artists from around the world. With the rise of cloud-based coll...

Karin Dreijer, known as Fever Ray, is an iconic artist of the 21st century, known for their groundbreaking and original contributions to visual media, opera, and live performances that blur the lines of identity and anonymity. Their previous album, "Plunge" released in 2017, was known for its brittle and abrasive sound, exploring queer love with fervour. However, with their latest album, "Radical Romantics," Fever Ray takes a different approach, delivering a joyous and witty exploration of love and relationships. One of the standout aspects of "Radical Romantics" is its inventive production, featuring collaborations with experimental artists and producers such as Vessel and Nídia, as well as the legendary Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross from Nine Inch Nails. The album opens with "Even it Out," a menacing track produced by Reznor, where Dreijer confronts a school bully, blurring the line between dark comedy and terrifying reality. However, despite i...

Barrie, a band composed of five musicians from around the world who have settled in New York, has crafted a debut album that exudes a sense of dreamy optimism. Tracks like 'Tropical' and 'Teenage' are synth-laden journeys that build into oscillating waves, capturing the exhilaration of embarking on something new. Even the faster-paced 'Chinatown', with its computer game-like intro and staccato electronic keys, maintains a laid-back vibe. As the album progresses, 'Saturated' and 'Geology' take a more subdued tone, with the former hinting at a guarded love song and the latter reflecting on the experience of a crush. The enigmatic 'Casino Run' features vocals from each band member, showcasing the diverse range of influences that come together in Barrie's music. Throughout the album, synth sounds dominate, evoking images of a sun-soaked LA road trip or the frenetic energy of a bustling Manhattan. The production on tracks like 'Tropica...

Tommy Lefroy is an up-and-coming duo hailing from the United Kingdom, made up of Canadian singer-songwriter Tessa Mouzourakis and American singer-songwriter Wynter Bethel. They recently released their highly anticipated sophomore EP, Rivals, following the success of their debut EP, Flight Risk, in 2021. The new EP features six dynamic tracks, most of which were self-produced by the duo, with the opening track "Dog Eat Dog" co-produced by Andy Seltzer. The EP's title, Rivals, is a clever satire on society's tendency to pit women against each other. The lyrics of the EP draw inspiration from this theme, with "Dog Eat Dog" addressing external pressures and the defensive behaviour can lead to, while "The Mess" embraces the idea of being imperfect and not conforming to societal expectations. "Worst Case Kid" takes a darker turn, exploring dysphoric thoughts and the allure of unhealthy relationships. Musically, Rivals showcases the duo's ge...

Niko Rubio's "Sunshine" is a vibrant song that will leave you feeling energized and uplifted. The track is infused with a catchy, electronic pop sound that is reminiscent of artists like Daft Punk and Calvin Harris. One of the standout features of "Sunshine" is Niko Rubio's strong vocal performance. Her voice is smooth and effortlessly glides over the infectious beat, delivering fun and optimistic lyrics. The chorus is particularly catchy and is sure to get stuck in your head after just one listen. The production of "Sunshine" is also noteworthy. The song features a blend of electronic and acoustic instruments, with particularly prominent synths and drums. The mix is well-balanced and creates a dynamic soundscape that perfectly complements the song's positive and lively energy. Overall, "Sunshine" is an excellent track that showcases Niko Rubio's musical talent and potential. It's a feel-good song that's perfect for sunny ...

Temples, the British psychedelic rock band, have released a new single titled 'Afterlife', which is the latest track to be revealed from their forthcoming album 'Exotico'. Produced by Sean Ono Lennon and mixed by Grammy award-winner Dave Fridmann, the single continues to build anticipation for the album, set to be released on 14th April via ATO Records. The band members have shared their thoughts on the song and album, with Thomas Walmsley saying that they envisioned a journey across an imagined place, with 'Afterlife' being one of the evening tracks as they move towards twilight. Meanwhile, lead singer and guitarist James Bagshaw reflect on the song as being about long-distance relationships and the balance between love and isolation. He talks about the feeling of loneliness and the hope that seeing a light in the distance can bring, knowing that they will meet again. This latest single follows previously released tracks 'Cicada' and 'Gamma Rays...

London-based singer-songwriter Bakar has released a new single titled ‘Pit Stop,’ following his previous collaboration ‘In Disguise’ with Manchester rapper Aitch. This single is the first glimpse of new music from the artist, but no information about a new release has been shared yet. Bakar's debut album, ‘Nobody’s Home’, was released in February 2021, following the ‘Will You Be My Yellow’ EP from 2019, and the debut mixtape ‘Badkid’ from the previous year. Bakar's music is known for its diverse influences, as he blends elements of grungy jazz and clattering punk, reminiscent of artists like King Krule and Bloc Party. The track ‘All In’ stands out for its King Krule-esque grungy jazz vibe, while ‘Dracula’ has a menacing tone that borders on clattering punk. Bakar's music embodies the youthful eclecticism that characterizes modern British music. ‘Pit Stop’ offers a new sound from Bakar, with a more upbeat and energetic style that is different from his previous work. It showc...

  Nothing But Thieves has been on an upward trajectory, with their last three albums landing in the UK top ten. Now, they're ready to release their fourth album, Dead Club City, on July 7th. The first single, "Welcome to the DCC," is already out, and it hints at a possible concept album. "Welcome to the DCC" begins with a heavy guitar riff that transports you to the 1980s, with strong synths and a pounding beat. The song has clear echoes of various artists such as The Killers, Scissor Sisters, and Daft Punk, but the distinctive quality of Conor Mason's lead vocals sets it apart. It's difficult to pinpoint the origins of Mason's unique voice, with elements of Simon Le Bon in the mix. However, his high pitch adds to the track's uniqueness. The guitar and synth combo provides the song's hook. The track's overall sound and feel show that Nothing But Thieves is back with a bang. The band's focus on strong instrumentation, as well as the un...

Prog-rock was once considered the intellectual and spiritual side of rock, but it lost its appeal with the rise of hard drugs and hippie culture. However, at the turn of the century, it saw a revival in the form of acid-punks which expanded the genre into anthemic kaleidoscopes of death, nostalgia, and drugs. Yves Tumor's latest album, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds), carries its influences on its sleeve and sounds less like Pink Floyd and more like The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, and The Mars Volta. The album is rich in texture and diverse in tone, but often ponderous and wrestling with its structure. While Yves Tumor's previous album, Safe in the Hands of Love, was too surreal and cerebral to pinpoint adequately, Heaven to a Tortured Mind took the various identities of black musicians and formulated them as a unit. Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; is more incidental and associative, wrapping itself loosely ...