Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
The Most Powerful Political Songs of the Decade: The 1960s
Teeming with various issues regarding race, religion, and war, still, even 50 years later, the 1960s is one of the most newsworthy decades ever. From the Civil Rights Movement to the assassination of JFK, to rallies on the war in Vietnam, protest music was everywhere.
Shandi PacePublished 5 years ago in Beat
'Diamond Geezer' - The Story Behind The Song
When R.U.S.S. of UK art and music collective BRED PUDDING writes about his elderly father, who recently died suffering from dementia and in a nursing home, it's both moving and funny at the same time. That it is performed over an alternative rock come post-punk backing track makes it even more compelling. The track is called 'Diamond Geezer' and I had the pleasure of working with R.U.S.S. as he brought the track together.
Paul ConneallyPublished 5 years ago in Beat
#901Spotlight: Preesh Fest
Revisited Josh Stevens of Stu Stu Studios Memphis, for his new Preesh Festival June 8th and we took a few pictures and videos to share. This new festival with 19 acts on three stages, in two venues has been in the making for quite a while, and affectionately named 'Preesh Fest' short for Thanks 'PreciateIt. When one hears why it came into be in the first place, you totally understand the concept behind the name. This is the brain child of our former #901Spotlight feature, Josh Stevens and he did this as a thanks to the many local and touring bands he has worked with, did last minute openings, and just been all around decent people in their dealings. Thirty minute performances made for quick transitions between bands and a pretty solid live music experience. This is our journal of Day One held at the famous HiTone, located in the trendy, up-and-coming creative space of Crosstown here in Memphis, TN.
Virtuosity's NewVMusicPublished 5 years ago in Beat
The Image of Music
When I was researching my article on What Is Metal? a number of people mentioned 'the look' of musicians and how important it is:
Mark CridlandPublished 5 years ago in Beat
The Sexiest Songs of All Time You Need to Hear
Songs can have a variety of emotions that they impart on a listener. Rage, joy, hope, sadness, and even that eerily unsettling calm that can only be gotten once in a blue moon can be found in the right track.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 5 years ago in Beat
Listen Just a Little More
As many people know, rap or hip-hop is continuing its trend of being what is considered "hot" in music. From familiar names like Nas, Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Chris Brown and Kanye holding down the throne, to the game-changers like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, PnB Rock, Bryson Tiller, and the late XXXtentacion, rap always seems to be one step ahead of the trend yet offers the comfort of the music's true essence. But, just what is the true essence of rap and hip-hop? It seems that in an ever-changing world, the definition of this music genre is being stretched every which way, fitting multiple meanings and transcending to any demographic. Frankly put, the essence, the pure art of rap and hip-hop is most definitely the lyrics. Without lyrics, there is no song, just a beautiful rendition of sounds. However, add these lyrics and one may find themselves lost in a world of feels, vibes, and connection. Behind every set of lyrics is a story, and there are many rappers and artists who can exhibit stories to quite an elaborate and poetic level, yet by being overshadowed through hype and fame, many listeners sadly do not truly understand the full meaning and message of a song.
Nate GendlerPublished 5 years ago in Beat
Fed up With Industry Plant Rappers?! You Need to Hear This.
It's a Saturday evening, and the sweltering humidity of the South is keeping me indoors. As I scroll down my Twitter feed, I see a barrage of posts about industry rapper beefs, and baby mamas being disrespected - SMH. I was fed up and about to log out, but then I see a tweeted Souncloud link from a respected colleague with a sh*tload of 🔥 emojis - I clicked play, and floated away.
'Youngblood'
"Talk Fast" This is an interesting song, but I feel it fits well with the feel of the album. A lot of the songs on the album are about breakups and lost love; this is a song about a fling. It talks about the ‘last call'. This is an obvious reference to the last drink call in a bar. The phrase ‘burn, crash, romance' and ‘won't last, I'm okay with that' are all very clear references to the fact that they are happy with the idea of the fling and the whole second verse seems to be the thoughts running through their head as they are trying to pick up a girl. Considering what the rest of the album talks about, I think that this song is a great contrast. As well as that, it has a very catchy melody and lyrics that make this song very hard to forget in a hurry.
Kimberly StylesPublished 5 years ago in Beat
Between the Lines - Part 1
I happened upon this song by accident one day when "YouTube surfing" and I was instantly drawn in by the words and beat that was beautifully intertwined. At times that I have listened to it over and over again, I was stuck between two possibilities. Could this be about a rough breakup, or losing a loved one to the cold clutches of death? However, the more I have thought into it, it could easily be both.
Mel E. FurnishPublished 5 years ago in Beat
The Carters - 'Everything Is Love' Review
Their love knows no boundaries; the passion for their art, no limitations. Together, The Carters—Jay Z and Beyonce—can’t be stopped. They’ve come a long way from “Crazy in Love” and “Bonnie and Clyde.” They even overcame infidelity and mistrust while being in the public eye. As they’ve grown, their music has progressed with them; Lemonade and 4:44 are vulnerable and introspective bodies of work.
Rap DisciplePublished 5 years ago in Beat
Imagine Dragons
As the sun began to set on Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York at the St Joseph Health Amphitheater, Imagine Dragons lit up the stage. The four-man band from Las Vegas, Nevada definitely know how to engage with their audience and put on one hell of a show. The band has been a powerhouse of mainstream hits since 2012 with their first successful single, “It’s Time” off of their Night Vision album. However, it was the song “Radioactive” from this same album that solidified them as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. They opened the show with “Radioactive”, the song which, incidentally, holds the record for spending the longest time on the Billboards Top 100, 87 weeks.
Kimberly CrawfordPublished 5 years ago in Beat
'Pop 2' by Charli XCX
With a fresh new take combined with an interesting electronic sound, Pop 2 by Charli XCX truly subverts and reinvents the genre.
