The universe is full of doors
Jun 19, 2022
Midsummer is almost upon us. The sun is out. Change is in the air. Today’s update brings a new feature: dark mode. If you prefer to view the site with a darker, in vogue color palette, click the Dark Mode toggle in the ribbon of links (above on most pages). The toggle has memory of your selection.
First up is Benny Sings, a Dutch singer/songwriter. He has been prolific in his self-professed realm of “happy music”. And his music is — and does — just that. Besides releasing his popular Art and City Pop albums, he covered Drake’s “Passionfruit”, which I have included below.
The award winning Canadian contemporary folk music artist East Pointers have put out a couple of albums, each one pushing the limits even further. Starting with complex Celtic-inspired tunes, the band has, over time, added vocals and even bits of electronic music.
Kettel (aka. Reimer Eising) is a classical pianist from the Netherlands. He is known for delicate melodies which often feature bits of electronica and jazz.
Marchita by Silvana Estrada is proving to be one of my favorite albums this year. Every track is beautiful and unique. Her voice stands apart from artists in a similar realm (Natalia Lafourcade, Carla Morrison) and evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, longing, and culture. I highly recommend listening to the whole thing; my favorites are below.
Today’s house music is brought by Benoit & Sergio. It’s not typical house, but sometimes “Midnight People” just hits the spot.
Norwegian pop duo Folk & Røvere (People & Robbers) have been prolific since the mid 90’s. Oslo and Bagateller standout. The track “Yess!” was quite the hit in Norway from what I gather.
Ethan Gruska has been another standout singer for me this year. Having produced for the likes of Fiona Apple, Phoebe Bridgers and Manchester Orchestra, he has brought his chops to his solo work. The album is packed with variety and sports impressive features like Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney, and Phoebe Bridgers. Tracks are intimate, subduded, but complex and with the backing of a full chamber orchestra. It is a wonderful album and I am looking forward to where he goes in the future.
