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Testing Melodies
Reviews


STheDon Turns Street Stories Into Sonic Fire in “The Devil Made Me Do It”
STheDon has released another track titled, “The Devil Made Me Do It.” STheDon doesn’t reveal his identity but works with different artists to make a difference in the musical world. He is an upcoming producer. He is currently signed with Samurai Recordings and knows how to pull in underground energy by working with artists like HouseShaker. Katy SP. And 16 Pulse. There’s a mix of Hip-Hop, Dance, Dubstep, and even Reggae influences floating in his catalogue, which makes him fe
Mar 41 min read


“Slow Heat” by Magdi Aboul-Kheir: An Intimate Musical Album of Desires and Love
Magdi Aboul-Kheir has released his latest album, “Slow Heat.” As a music lover and journalist from Germany, Magdi mesmerizes everyone with his performances. You can sense the wide listening journey in him, from baroque to metal to trance, and somehow it all quietly shapes his sound. Even though he’s rooted in ambient here, melody is always at the center. You can tell he’s a pianist who composes from instinct and emotion, not just structure. His music doesn’t feel overthought,
Mar 42 min read


50mething Turns Street Chaos Into a Witty Anthem in “Loose Change (Gone Electric)”
There are very few stories that start even before the plot begins, and 50mething’s story is one. An ex-dancer, former garden builder, and now stepping fully into music at 58, how often do you come across such artists? There’s something interesting about someone sitting with 70 unreleased tracks and finally deciding, “Why not now?” 50mething shares some of his most personal and relatable stories through the medium of music and that really connects. It feels like someone who ha
Mar 41 min read


Fresh Finds Roundup 15 - Rock mall!
This edition of Fresh Finds moves across Rock from ecstatic musicality to immersive instrumentations. Four artists, four distinct approaches, each offering something that resonates in its own lane.
Mar 22 min read


zO-AlonzO’s “Dear Hip Hop” Feels Like a Love Letter Written Straight From the Soul
zO-AlonzO has released a tribute track dedicated to the pillars of Hip-Hop. Listening to zO-AlonzO feels like you are connecting to the roots of hip-hop. He is an artist who is deeply connected with the culture and knows his game. Being from Bethlehem, he carries a grounded, real energy that makes his storytelling feel honest. His spoken word style makes him unique, and his stage presence makes him an overall performer. "zO-AlonzO sounds like an artist who doesn’t just make h
Mar 11 min read


Kelsie Kimberlin’s “Champ” is a Tribute to the People of Ukraine
Ukrainian-American singer-songwriter Kelsie Kimberlin has released a song to pay tribute to the dignity and honor of Ukrainians. Kelsie has been on the path of music since her childhood, when she used to sing with her dad, and has now created her own space in the industry. She is known for blending artistry with advocacy. With over 100 original songs written and recorded by her, she has released a few and “Champ” is her latest track. “There’s a sense of awakening and deep mea
Mar 11 min read


Upgrade Your DNA by Samaistha Feels Like a Deep Breath for the Soul
The very talented Samaistha is back with another track. He makes music that is not defined by any genre. The first thing that stuck with me about Samaistha is how his music feels different from the usual ones that you listen to. His experimental nature keeps things surprising every time he drops a track. The production element in his music feels like a special curation for that particular song, making it a separate space altogether. “Samaistha isn’t just making music, he’s
Mar 11 min read


Testing Melodies – Fresh Finds Mini Roundup
This edition of Fresh Finds zooms in on immersive alternative storytelling and neon-lit late-night vibes. From Philadelphia’s conceptual art-driven sound to Staten Island’s moody R&B-rap fusion, these releases lean into atmosphere, emotion, and identity. “Avatar: Encryption Code” by Ophelia Moon Genre – Alternative / Experimental Philadelphia-based artist, Ophelia Moon expand their conceptual soundscape with their release, “Avatar: Encryption Code.” The track is a perfect di
Feb 282 min read


Fresh Finds Roundup 14 - Move with us
This week’s Fresh Finds moves through shadowy trap landscapes, sharp-edged hip-hop, polished synth pop, festival-ready EDM, and experimental alternative expression. 4 releases, 4 distinct sonic identities, each pushing rhythm and mood in different directions.
Feb 282 min read


Fresh Finds Roundup 08 - Pop with us
This week’s Fresh Finds moves through shadowy trap landscapes, sharp-edged hip-hop, polished synth pop, festival-ready EDM, and experimental alternative expression. 4 releases, 4 distinct sonic identities, each pushing rhythm and mood in different directions.
Feb 282 min read


Larry Mossburg Makes “Everyday” Surprisingly Personal!
Bored with everyday chores? Listen to “Everyday” by Larry Mossburg. Bad joke aside, Larry delivers some genuinely solid bars on this one. He is an artist who comes from Ohio, Colombia and makes music that feels light and easy. His vocals come across relaxed but confident, like he knows exactly knows what he wants to say. His energy in every track feels infectious and fresh to ears. Along with studio recording he showcases his talent on the stage as well. Larry Mossburg "Lar
Feb 271 min read


The Parting Turns Protest Into Poetry on "Requiem for a Homeland"
An EP with a concept is what I always look out for and The Parting’s “Requiem for a Homeland” seems like a solid one. The Parting is musician Brian O’Callaghan’s project that strives to become a socially conscious voice in contemporary music. You can sense that his music comes from lived experiences and real encounters with the subject he chooses and storytelling he does. Since 2018, he’s leaned into politically aware songwriting, but it never feels fabricated. There’s a beau
Feb 272 min read


Fresh Finds Roundup 11 - Tested Melodies
This week’s Fresh Finds moves through shadowy trap landscapes, sharp-edged hip-hop, polished synth pop, festival-ready EDM, and experimental alternative expression. 4 releases, 4 distinct sonic identities, each pushing rhythm and mood in different directions.
Feb 272 min read


Testing Melodies – Fresh Finds Roundup 12: Rock yeah?
This Fresh Finds Roundup discovers a whole new rock territory, spotlighting four acts delivering everything from introspective grit to full-throttle metal intensity. With artists emerging from Australia and across the United States, the lineup reflects the genre’s continued evolution across continents. Here’s a closer look at the latest releases making noise. “Thistroubledsoul” by Highroad No. 28 Release Date – 28 Nov 25 (Out Now) Genre – Rock Melbourne-based Highroad
Feb 262 min read


“Locked N Loaded” by DJThriller: A Dorm-Room Hip-Hop with Sharp Vision
Multitalented artist DJThriller, aka Joshua Hurst, has hooked us on to his recent release, “Locked N Loaded.” Joshua is a rapper, producer, and artist promoter known for creating DIY tracks. Hailing from Ladera Heights, California, the artist is known for merging old-school lyricism with contemporary jazz and alternative hip-hop elements. His tracks aim at spreading mental awareness with a message of childhood love, hope, and self-care. Being a documentary production major at
Feb 261 min read


Gregg Kofi Brown & Ed Sheeran Let “The River (Remix)” Flow With Afro-Swing Energy
The afrobeat master, Gregg Kofi Brown, has surprised everyone with his latest collaboration with Ed Sheeran. Being always amongst big names like Osibisa, Billy Cobham, Sting, Stanley Jordan, Des’ree, Gabrielle, and even Louie Vega Gregg’s latest collaboration carries the legacy forward. His journey from Afro-rock pioneer days to a more Afro-jazz and soul-leaning solo path shows in how confidently he owns his sound. You can hear those decades of experience in his vocals—season
Feb 261 min read


Fresh Finds Roundup 13 - Immersive Sonics
This week’s Fresh Finds moves through shadowy trap landscapes, sharp-edged hip-hop, polished synth pop, festival-ready EDM, and experimental alternative expression. 4 releases, 4 distinct sonic identities, each pushing rhythm and mood in different directions.
Feb 252 min read


“REQUIEM” by Mourning Dove Feels Like a Quiet Conversation With the Afterlife
Mourning Dove has released a track very close to their heart. Hailing from Darfo Boario Terme, Italy, Dove’s music feels like a one-person orchestra with a big emotional range. Their amalgamation of vocals, composition, and lyrics is something very few artists can do. You can sense the classical training in the way the vocals are controlled yet dramatic, almost theatrical in moments. There’s a fascinating mix of influences here — the grandeur of Il Volo and Andrea Bocelli, bu
Feb 251 min read


The Burton D'Agostini Procedure Blurs the Line Between Nostalgia and Now in “Before and After Three”
The “surprise me” duo is back with another track, “Before and After Three.” The masterminds behind The Burton D'Agostini Procedure, Jeff Burton and John D'Agostini, met long time ago at Central Michigan University, and since then, they have been making music together. They stand out with their psychedelic/alternative music. Their sound is inspired by Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, The Flaming Lips, Foster The People, Cage The Elephant, and MGMT, but their own elements feel dist
Feb 251 min read


Garrett Anthony Rice’s “The Prisoner” Is Dark Storytelling Done Right
Garrett Anthony Rice’s “The Prisoner” is one of the tracks I have been hooked to since its release. Hailing from County Dublin and now based in Greystones, County Wicklow, he comes across as someone who thinks big and executes even bigger. After debuting under the alias (i) CONSULT in 2023, he’s stepped into his solo space with serious intent. Working alongside producer Christ Potter (known for working with The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U2, and Richard Ashcroft) already
Feb 241 min read
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