Los Angeles is home to synthpop project nav/attack, founded by Andrew Lynch, who released his self-titled debut album on Dangerbird Records in early October.
The LP itself takes its listeners on a post-computer-age voyage that seamlessly skates between the line of a technology-masked society and the raw human conscience. One of the experimental indie records, “More Wins,” has been channeled into an abstract music video that Billboard is premiering. WATCH HERE…
Today, UTG is elated to bring you the world premiere of The Fuel, the latest dual-effort from Koncept and J57, who over the past seven years have lit the East Coast ablaze with their boundless energy and remarkable rhymes. Armed with eight brand new tracks and an undying devotion to their craft, the NYC duo have rapidly been gaining momentum, and we’re confident that after just a taste of their latest offering, you’ll very quickly realize why. Give it a spin after the break, and let us know if you’re a fan in the replies.
“There are very few artists/producers who are bringing to the table what we’re bringing, soundscape-wise,” J57 told UTG via email. “It’s creative, unique, and has a lot of heart. I think we’ve created the perfect formula. I think it might take a little bit of time for it to really reach people, listeners, and future fans, but when it does, it’s game over.”
Snag your own copy of The Fuel here, and keep an eye out for Koncept and J57’s debut album,Flight, when it hits shelves next year. LISTEN HERE…
Singer-songwriter Tim Easton recruited a renowned collection of Nashville musicians to record a cover of the Bob Dylan outtake “Whatcha Gonna Do?” to raise awareness and funds for the Nashville Rescue Mission. We’re beyond pleased to premiere the cover here and encourage you to help feed Nashville’s homeless.
For the recording, Easton enlisted the help of singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Aaron Lee Tasjan (who also co-produces the track with Easton) and Megan Palmer, in addition Dylan collaborators and American Music Association Award show staples the McCrary Sisters. The song/video was recorded at East Side Manor Studios in East Nashville, with the participants being members of the Campfire Propaganda songwriter collective.
“I simply wanted to do a project that gives back to the community that nurtures us, and use the abundant talent around the neighborhood to make it happen,” Easton says. “My goal is to have Campfire Propaganda create an annual video that employs various locals to raise awareness for local causes. A little more ‘We are the Neighborhood’ than ‘We Are The World.’”
The original song was written and recorded by Dylan during the Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan sessions, but was left off the album. It latter appeared on Vol. 9 of the Bootleg Series, The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964. WATCH HERE…
One spring afternoon about a year and a half ago, I was at a friend’s studio. Around this time, I was on a producer kick. I was unemployed and with so much time on my hands, I was hellbent on learning how to make beats. Jimmy or many of you know him as J57 offered to give me a crash course. And I’m not sure about you guys but when someone as talented as he is offers you free lessons on his craft, you take it.
So there I was, sitting in his Brooklyn studio that has produced tracks for so many notable artists, with this man who could be doing hundreds of other things besides this. What better way to get a jumpstart on producing, right? Jimmy opened up his ol’ reliable, Reason 6 and he went at it. For hours, we drank and I watched while he laid the foundation down, occasionally asking me for my feedback. At one point, I remember him dropping the beat down a half tempo and both of us shaking our heads yes. We both fell in love with it. When I left that day, I did not know what we worked on would become “Crazy is Beautiful” off Koncept & J57’s Fuel EP. I’m still waiting on my co-producer credits for the track. We’ll find out on Friday. READ MORE…
Brown Bag AllStars Koncept and J57 are finally releasing their long-awaited EP The Fuel this Friday, Nov. 20th – and on top of the project’s release, the duo are holding a free listening party (w/ free booze, for those 21 and up) the same night.
The EP, produced by J57, is led by the singles “Porcelain” (and the accompanying video), the title track/video, “Live Free” featuring Dice Raw and the latest joint, “Crazy Is Beautiful.”
The vocals on “Crazy Is Beautiful” are provided by 11 year old Portland-native and family friend Navaeh, with keys supplied by Matt Stamm (of MAK3RS) – a production company in which J57 is a part of. Listen to the song below and grab your pre-order of the album here. LISTEN HERE…