Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
When I Get Home
The Moma of the Hood Redefining black class while also finding and envisioning self improvement in terms of seeing better health for yourself, connections to roots and faith, loving yourself, and being proud of who you are in staying true to where you come from. Venturing off into her film of the album and visuals in performances as whole is her testament of setting a new futuristic higher standard and representation of black class in life, with the cherry on top being her creation of worlds, city’s, she’s creating on display with her platforms. The 33-minute short is a mixed-media visualization, featuring scenes set in a desert and the singer’s hometown Houston, 3D-animated dance sequences, candid webcam footage, and more. The LP features guest appearances and production by Playboi Carti, Gucci Mane, Cassie, The-Dream, Dev Hynes, Metro Boomin, Scarface, Raphael Saadiq, Devin the Dude, Tyler, the Creator, and more. A cross hybrid of infused jazz mixed with trap, soul, and r&b. A solid transitional jam session infused album by who I refer to as a black queen in my opinion.
blucreativecoPublished 4 years ago in BeatCatapulted By Vivaldi
When it is all finished, you will discover that it was never random. The day I saw the advertisement for the Behind the Beat Contest, I had read a line in a book titled, “The Clockmakers Daughter” by Kate Morton. I was sitting in a quiet parking lot with my car window down, listening to distant birds and kids playing in an open grass area directly ahead of me. It was a crisp February day, yet the sun was tenderly draped over my arm, as well as the book pages with a calming warmth. I was waiting to pick up my daughter from school when I read the line, “…music has the ability to alter people’s lives – their very minds.” Whether it was a sign or not, it positioned me to decide to enter the contest.
Amy OelrichPublished 4 years ago in BeatA Twist in My Story
There is nothing more enlightening and more life-changing than a song that moves you. A song that makes you feel something so unique and inspiring that you can't help but listen to it all the time. That song for me is 'A Twist in My Story' by Secondhand Serenade. It sounds so corny to think that or even the fact that I heard this song by accident on Pandora one day just a few years ago and yet it spoke to me in ways I cannot begin to describe.
Erika FarrahPublished 4 years ago in BeatThe Legacy of George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was not a one-hit wonder. However, one of his hits is of such towering importance, and represents such a huge proportion of his legacy, that it deserves far more attention than anything else. But before considering The Messiah, let’s have a look at what else he has left us.
John WelfordPublished 4 years ago in BeatI Think I’m Okay
June 6, 2019, the day my favorite musical artist, Machine Gun Kelly, released his song “I Think I’m Okay”, featuring Yungblud and Travis Barker. Less than a year later, I never would have imagined that one song could hold so many fond memories in such a short time frame. I am grateful to say this song unlocked a door for me towards an amazing artist I hadn’t took notice to prior to the release. Yungblud is currently my other favorite artist and his off the wall lyrics have inspired me through some difficult moments. The premise behind the song itself is that despite life continuously aiming to knock you down, in the long-run, everything turns out okay. The line, “I think that something's fucking wrong with me.” acknowledges we all possess impurities, flaws, self-doubt, weaknesses, and so on. Often I feel as though I’m not worth enough, or that I’m less than others, and my whole life I’ve struggled with fitting in and the desire of being enough and being accepted as an individual. This passage tells me and everyone else listening who feels similarly, that we aren’t secluded and others carry the same experiences. “I can taste it on my tongue, I can tell that something's wrong but I guess it's just my life and I can take it if I wanna”, this verse is proclaiming that if you aren’t happy with your life or where you are in life, you can take it back, change it, transform it, you can write your own destiny, and essentially manifest your future. Last summer, I had a small group of three. Every week we’d get together, usually we drove around for hours listening to music. We always ended up listening to this at some point during the night. One of the main memories I have attached to this song, is the three of us were driving down the main street in our town, blaring this song in the car, singing at the top of our lungs. I remember feeling content with life for a few moments, like nothing take our friendship away, like everything in life was okay. A few months later, I receive a call that flipped my world upside down- our trio no longer exists. We lost one to suicide, no one expected it and nothing’s been the same since. At the end of the song Yungblud writes his verse, “You'll find me alone at midnight. Inside my mind, tryna get things right. They want to keep you calling, so you don't wake in the morning.” This verse is recognizing the depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, etc. that so many people have to go through. Although it is a sensitive topic, I think it needs to be addressed more publicly so others know they’re not alone, so we can develop a safe space and community where people don’t have to be afraid to express their emotions. Every time I listen to that verse, I think of him and our trio and I’m instantly pulled back into all the memories we had, the good and the bad. The song is a timestamp for the summer ‘19; the summer I spent with two of my favorite people. In conclusions, at the beginning of the song, the artist is singing about his problems such as paranoia, substance abuse, unintentionally abruptly ending close relationships, towards the end, they go on writing about depression, and to wrap up the title being ”I Think I'm Okay” is stating, despite the downfalls, my story continues. I personally think everyone can relate to the story to some extent, which is why it's helped so many people. Music is therapy.
You're Not Sorry: Marina Solonos
Marina Solonos is a Greek/American singer, songwriter, and music producer. She was born in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and moved to Greece to pursue a music career. Within a year she was signed with EMI Greece (MINOS-EMI) and released her debut album. Her debut single reached the top of the charts and she instantly gained recognition. She has always collaborated with her brother, George Solonos for most of her productions, an award winning musician and music producer.
Shahbaz AbbasiPublished 4 years ago in BeatCD vs The Digital Age
Ever wondered where that favourite CD of yours disappeared too? Surely it’s not just me, that misses the era of buying a shiny, compact disc in which I could see my reflection at the back? I remember the first CD I ever bought. It was Destiny’s Child self- titled debut. It went straight into my yellow Alba all in one, CD player. There was a 2 tape-deck, with a CD insert that sat right at the top. I loved it.
Miss Americana
As a black man, in my early fifties and having grown up in south London, my musical influences and leanings were towards soul and funk with a smidgen of reggae. My clubbing days were solidly soul and funk, moving into house and garage music and embracing the musical mores that surrounded that scene.
Q-ell BettonPublished 4 years ago in BeatREVIEW: Pabandom iš naujo!Grand Final
This Saturday is the final of Lithuania’s National selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. Lithuania has a fairly patchy and unpredictable record at the contest, with their debut entry in 1994 not scoring a single point, and their best result being 6th place. This came from LT United at the 2006 contest. This was met with an onslaught of boos from the Athens crowd, I did however vote for it and have a huge soft spot for the song.
Unwell
"I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell," are the famous lyrics written by Rob Thomas of my favorite band, Matchbox Twenty. I think every human being on the face of the freaking planet can relate to that sentence. Thomas goes on to say, "...just stay a while and maybe then you'll see a different side of me." That final line that everybody wants to tell the person they fall in love with.
ELIYYA LANEPublished 4 years ago in BeatThe Concert that almost was
Last year I heard that Daryl Hall and John Oates would be touring and coming to The Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH (about two hours where I live.) I had plans to go and was about to look online for some tickets when a friend of mine emailed me and made my day.
InSide tHe banD by DarrylPublished 4 years ago in BeatTunes to Get Grooving To - Relationship Edition
Hi all! This week at Tunes to Get Grooving To, I am bringing you two separate editions! As you can see by the title, this week’s theme is all about love. Valentine’s Day is this Friday and if you’re looking for 5 romantic songs that will make your date night extra special, then this is the place to be! Whether you’re on your first date, or you’re having a quiet night in with a loved one, these 5 tunes have got it covered.
Leigh HooperPublished 4 years ago in Beat