#SocialStatus | March 2018
It’s that time of the month where we round up a handful of our fave artists that caught our eye on the gram (Instagram, that is)! From Australia to Toronto, folk rock to indie pop, we’ve got an eclectic mix coming at you in March's #SocialStatus:
1. DONOVAN WOODS
© 2018 Donovan Woods' Facebook . All rights reserved.
Name: Donovan Woods
Hometown: Sarnia, Ontario
In 3 words: Humble. Mellow. Emotional Lyrics.
Genre: Folk/Rock
Fun Fact: Woods' song "Brand New Gun" was featured in the movie Numb starring Matthew Perry. His song "Wait and See" was featured on Degrassi: The Next Generation and his song "My Cousin Has a Grey Cup Ring" was used in commercials for the Grey Cup.
Standout Lyric: “Like all your men, set in the past, It's better to leave without being asked, So tell me again you'll let me go, Without saying things you already know, Like "it's over" and "you don't know her", But let me tell you honestly, I ain't saying she's better than you, you see, She's just better than you for me” – I Ain’t Saying She’s Better Than You
Why He Made The Cut: As I went on my hunt for new artists this month, Donovan popped up in my feed almost instantly. Turns out, he’ll be performing at the 2018 Winnipeg Folk Fest (which Stingray Music will be presenting a Rising Star Award) – so perhaps we’ll see you there, Donovan? His music also struck a chord with me (pun intended) – I’m a sucker for deeply moving lyrics and Donovan delivers on that.
Listen to Donovan on Stingray Music: Social Status
2. GLADES
© 2018 Glades' Facebook. All rights reserved.
Name: Glades
In 3 Words: Distinctive. Vloggers. Sleek.
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Genre: Alternative/Pop
Fun Fact: The trio met at a high school in the Kellyville suburb of Sydney. Their first single, "Her (Loving You)," landed itself on several viral charts, and their follow-up single, "Drive," had accumulated millions of streams over the course of 2016.
Standout Lyric: “We're making memories in the mayhem, You're showing me dangerous, Got me dancing fine lines, Way too venturous, Took me to cloud nine, We're running on fumes, still refusing to see, The signs that relentlessly tell us to leave” – Dangerous
Why They Made The Cut: Amidst my endless scrolling, hoping to land on a gem, Glades showed up like a ‘hallelujah’ moment and I was immediately hooked. Upon further deep diving on their feed, I really got a sense of who they were as a group and their tremendous love for making music. The tracks are catchy, dancy and all around bomb, I can’t get enough!
Listen to Glades on Stingray Music: Social Status
3. IVY ROOTS
© 2018 Ivy Roots' Facebook. All rights reserved.
Name: Ivy Roots
Hometown: Kansas City
In 3 Words: Soulful. Out of this world vocals. Individualistic.
Genre: R&B/Soul
Fun Fact: People often refer to her as a wonderful blend of Lauryn Hill, TLC, Erykah Badu & Brandy all wrapped up into her own individual style. Ivy was also the official Coca Cola Promo Participant of Los Angeles BET Experience during the 2015 BET Awards Weekend.
Standout Lyric: “It was just another day, I saw you walking past me and I hope that I will see you again. It was just the other day you told me that you loved me I’m not sure I can play pretend” – Hypothetical
Why She Made The Cut: Oh Ivy. That voice. GIRL, it blew me away. I stumbled upon a video for her single ‘Hypothetical’ and I was just in awe of how absolutely gripping her voice was. Although she has pulled vocal inspiration from some big artists in the industry, Ivy is definitely someone to keep an eye (and ear) on. Just listen to Hypothetical and you’ll completely understand what I’m talking about.
Listen to Ivy on Stingray Music: Social Status
4. RIVER MATTHEWS
© 2018 River Matthews' Facebook. All rights reserved.
Name: River Matthews
Hometown: Woking, Surrey
In 3 words: Timeless voice. Expressive. Evocative.
Genre: Soul/Folk
Fun Fact: River developed a deeper relationship with music after working at The Park School, a Special Needs School in Woking, using music as a tool to help build self-esteem and confidence in the students.
Standout Lyric: “And now it’s over, Just like it started, With a melody, Sweet, but more broken hearted, So here’s to the few, Words I’d never say to you, You were more to me, Than any song, you see.” - Over
Why He Made The Cut: When I first heard River’s voice, my heart stopped (I’m alive and well, don’t worry). The amount of raw emotion that comes from his music is enough to bring a grown man to tears. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing more of River this year.
Listen to River on Stingray Music: Social Status
5. MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB
© 2018 @midnightmysteryclub Instagram. All rights reserved.
Name: Midnight Mystery Club
Hometown: California
In 3 Words: Hypnotic. Groovy. Upbeat.
Genre: Indie/Electro
Fun Fact: “Can I get a sure sign, Reflections on your eyes of falling stars, Keep on hitting rewind, Saving mental notes in the reservoir, Shower me in moonshine, Shaking like a leaf blowing in a storm, Kissing on a coastline, Pull me in close just to keep me warm” - Home
Standout Lyric: The name ‘Midnight Mystery Club’ comes from a secret bicycling society in San Francisco, California.
Why They Made The Cut: Although their Instagram feed isn’t updated every hour of every day, I still wanted to include them in this list simply because when I came across an instrumental version of their song “Orange County”, I stopped, listened and ENJOYED what was flowing through my earphones. From there I ended up listening to more of their songs and decided that YUP, this too cool duo deserves a nod. Plus, with a name like Midnight Mystery Club, I was intrigued.
Listen to Midnight Mystery Club on Stingray Music: Social Status
Want to be featured next month? Tag @stingray_music on Instagram and use the hashtag #SocialStatus to get our attention! Happy ‘gramming!
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