PreauXX-“Lost Airpods”

I seek therapy but never commit/I got trauma I could never forget/I got people who gon’ love me no matter/But watch the ones who gon’ hate from the fence…

As you can see, lost airpods aren’t the only concern on Preauxx’s infectious new single, but damn if he wouldn’t like to know where they are. Over understated, hazy production from LEE MVRS, PreauXX tells the tale of a hungover morning that continues to spiral out of control (despite him sounding cool and collected throughout). As we’ve become accustomed to, the Unapologetic rapper once again delivers proof that he’s one of the city’s most unorthodox and outstanding talents regardless of genre.

Frank McLallen-“Manic”

To say that we are living in stressful times would be quite the understatement, so Frank McLallen’s new sweet Beatles-esque pop track “Manic” has come like a much-needed salve. McLallen, a veteran of the local music scene who has been a member of bands including Ex-Cult, the Sheiks, the Tennessee Screamers, and Model Zero, confidently takes center stage on the first single from his upcoming solo album Extra Eyes. A perfect laid-back ditty for these beautiful (if stressful) spring days.

Zen Desire ft. Ronin-“Good Coffee”

Still not relaxed enough? Fair enough! May we suggest “Good Coffee,” the new single from local singer-songwriter Zen Desire? Grounded by Desire’s dulcet vocals and acoustic guitar and featuring an unexpected but welcomed guest rap verse from Ronin, the track blends elements of R&B, folk, and hip-hop to create a breezy and vibey track that is as comforting as–you guessed it–a cup of good coffee.

TANGELA-“Miso”

While one of our primary goals with this segment is to highlight songs that are hot off the presses, we can be convinced to revisit a previously-released track, especially when it goes as hard as TANGELA’s February release “Miso.” Produced by Ethan Hunt & Ryan Peel and featuring Elliott Ives on guitar, “Miso” is an exhilarating hodgepodge of trap, hard rock, and pop that just demands to be played LOUD. Our only complaint is that with a run-time of just under two minutes, we’re left wanting even more.

Bleu Levees-“Vieux Carre”

Earlier this month, Bleu Levees dropped his highly-anticipated debut album The Way of the Cat, which we’ve had on repeat ever since. We’ve been fans of the Memphis by the way of New Orleans rapper for years and his signature sound and conscious lyricism are both in top form throughout the project. One of our favorites is “Vieux Carre,” a sultry late-night jam that takes its name from NOLA’s oldest neighborhood (as well as a bourbon cocktail from the Crescent City). Be sure to check out the upcoming listening party for the album this Saturday (April 19th) at the Memphis Listening Lab!

The post WAMM In Rotation: 5 Songs for April ’25 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Lawrence Matthews ft. Idi x Teco – “Once More & Again (Our Mourning)”

We told you back in January that Memphis musician Lawrence Matthews’ forthcoming album was something not to be missed, and every subsequent single he releases just reinforces why. “Once More & Again (Our Mourning)” is his latest tour de force, a stunning and poignant song that pays homage to Southern traditions. Helping to deliver Matthews’ message is Memphis duo Idi x Teco, who each masterfully open and close the track with powerful verses. You won’t be able to play it (or watch the visuals) just once. It’s haunting in the best way possible.

Blvck Hippie – Basketball Camp

Have you ever wished someone made an album that perfectly encapsulated your high school experience? Blvck Hippie frontman Josh Shaw did, so they went about making it themselves. Basketball Camp is the Memphis band’s newest album and it doesn’t disappoint. The group blends their wide range of influences (part pop, part rock, part punk, part jazz, part everything else) and impressively makes one cohesive soundtrack over which Shaw layers his raw and visceral storytelling. Conjure up your teenage angst and let this one rip.

Rose A. – S4U/GDL/SOS

It’s been a minute since Memphis songstress Rose A. has dropped new music, but this summer she’s gifted us not one, not two, but three new tracks. All three songs feature slithering sensual production courtesy of producer Spek Was Here, over which Rose A. layers her saccharine and delicate vocals. The whole project is impressive, but where Rose A. truly shines is on “S4U,” an intimate reworking of the Britney Spears’ classic “I’m a Slave 4 U”. Her arrangement is like someone stripped away the original production and instead seductively purred the lyrics into your ear. It’s *chefs kiss*.

Marco Alexander – “Wiseman” (Acapella: TRIBE Arrangement)

Choosing to cover another artists’ song is never an easy feat, but choosing to cover a Frank Ocean song? Wheww…that’s not for the weak. It’s safe to say that Memphis musician Marco Alexander understood this though because his version of Ocean’s “Wiseman” is utterly breathtaking. Backed by the talented “TRIBE”, he reimagines the track and flips it into an acapella masterpiece. “This feels like the ‘Amen’ to a prayer” Alexander wrote of the arrangement on Instagram, and honestly, there’s not a better way to describe it.

Gloss Up – Not Ya Girl: Act 1

After dropping her debut album Different Shades of Gloss in 2019, Gloss Up garnered major attention after her appearance on Hitkidd’s hit posse cut “Set the Tone” with fellow Memphis  rappers GloRilla, K Carbon, Slimeroni, and Aleza. She hasn’t taken her foot off of the gas since, which begs the question: If you’re outside and not listening to Gloss Up’s new album Not Ya Girl: Act 1 at full blast, then what are you doing??? It’s summer, Memphis! Turn this shit up.

The post WAMM in Rotation: Our Favorite Music of June ’24 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

MonoNeon ft. George Clinton – “Quilted!”

One thing’s for sure, there’s no shortage of funk in musician MonoNeon’s music. But if y’all had any doubts, he kicked it up a WHOLE notch by enlisting none other than funk legend George Clinton for his latest single, “Quilted”. The duo are just as fly as you’d imagine, trading catchy verses over a groovy bassline. The best part? The hook goes “Look at me mane!” and that’s Memphis as fuck.

Bartholomew Jones ft. PreauXX and AWFM – “Gold On Me”

In last month’s “WAMM In Rotation,” I wrote, “what’s better than one Memphis powerhouse on a track? Two.” and I’m here to admit, I was wrong. Because the only thing that’s better than one Memphis powerhouse on a track isn’t two – it’s three. Case in point: “Gold On Me.” The track finds musician (and Cxffeeblack founder) Bartholomew Jones linking up with fellow Memphis rappers PreauXX and A Weirdo From Memphis and together they create an unstoppable, play-this-at-full-volume anthem. “Gold On Me” has been on repeat since it came out, and that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.

Mulherin – “Blue Moon”

It’s been two years since Memphis duo Mulherin has released new music, but lucky for us the short hiatus is over. This month (thankfully!) they returned with their infectious new single, “Blue Moon.” The track features bouncy, dance-ready production over which the brothers layer their perfectly harmonious vocals. If the rest of their new music is as strong as this one, then the two year wait was absolutely worth it.

Rose Gold Jones – “Beautiful Things Don’t Ask For Attention”

Earlier this month, musician Rose Gold Jones dropped a mysterious trailer for his new album. It was the perfect teaser, intriguing enough to make you pay attention without giving away what’s to come on the actual LP. But now Jones has released the full project and it definitely lives up to the hype. Beautiful Things Don’t Ask For Attention is an impressive collection, featuring vibed out, surreptitious production and Jones’ effortlessly flowing verses. Beautiful Things Don’t Ask For Attention is his debut album on his self-founded independent label, so it’s safe to say this is only the beginning of promising releases from the Memphis musician.

Aaron James – “The Last Day of the Cold”

Allow me to paint a picture for you. It’s a beautiful sunny day; warm but with a cooling breeze so it’s not too muggy. You’re laying on a blanket in a park with your headphones on, fully relaxed and unbothered. What song are you listening to? If your answer is anything other than Aaron James’ “The Last Day of the Cold,” I hate to tell ya but, you’re wrong. The Memphis songwriter’s latest single is the perfect soundtrack to this exact scenario: beautifully light, airy, and carefree. It’s a must-add to your summer playlist.

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R.U.D.Y – “Shine On”

Memphis rapper R.U.D.Y is special. We saw it on his first single “Show Improvement” and we see it yet again on his latest song, “Shine On.” Over triumphant production courtesy of TP808s & B Stylz, R.U.D.Y masterfully delivers one empowering line after another. “Each bar is an affirmation to be the light when you’re surrounded by darkness,” R.U.D.Y says of the song. Damn, if your spirit isn’t lifted after hearing this, then we are not the same. This one will be on repeat for a while.

Cyrena Wages – “Are We Allowed To Fall In Love”

I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for an emotional tour de force ballad. You know what I’m talking about too: that type of love song that you have to start over because it didn’t hurt you enough the first time you hit play. Cyrena Wages’ new single, “Are We Allowed To Fall In Love” is one of these songs. Beautiful and delicate, the song transports you to another time and place and begs you to get lost within its notes. It’s a stunning track; one that once again showcases Wages’ prowess as a songwriter.

Key Glock ft. Young Dolph – “Let’s Go (Remix)”

How can you make a song as massive as Key Glock’s “Let’s Go” even bigger? Add a surprise posthumous verse from Memphis legend Young Dolph. Yea, this shit’s as wildly good as you’d expect. Long Live Dolph.

CMajor – “B?tch…Are You Dropping These?“

Most artists and producers have a folder of songs they recorded that, for one reason or another, never get released. Luckily for us, this isn’t the case with producer CMajor. Instead of keeping these gems to the confines of his hard drive, he decided to share them with listeners on Unapologetic’s UNDRGRNDAF Radio. Featuring some “some pretty high profile people” (Project Pat?!?! Wiz Khalifa?!?! Ty Dolla $ign??!? Say less), the collection showcases CMajor’s wide range as a producer. The tracks are said to only be up temporarily, so hurry up and listen to them before they get taken down and put back into CMajor’s vault.

GloRilla ft. Kevo Muney – “Aite”

Earlier this month, Memphis superstar GloRilla dropped her new mixtape Ehhthang Ehhthang, and on it she enlists the help of a handful of fellow Memphis artists. One of the standout tracks from the project is “Aite,” which features Memphis singer Kevo Muney. The two nicely balance each other out, with his soulful vocals providing the smooth hook in between Glo’s sharp verses. The whole tape is a must listen, but this song is specifically special because, after all, what’s better than one Memphis powerhouse on a track? Two.

The post WAMM in Rotation: 5 Songs for April ’24 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Acclaimed Memphis singer-songwriter Chris Milam is back with a new single, the title track from his forthcoming album Orchid South. In anticipation, we sat down with the artist to discuss “Orchid South,” his upcoming listening event at the Memphis Listening Lab, and the key to writing an enduring song.

1. For anyone who may not yet be familiar with you or your music, give us a quick rundown of your musical career thus far.

I’m from Memphis, but started my career when I went to college in Nashville. I moved to NYC from there and, once touring started ramping up, I wanted a cheaper homebase than Manhattan. So I came back to Memphis and have been a touring artist (plagues aside) for several years now. I have two albums out (Kids These Days in 2017, Meanwhile in 2020) and a third on the way (Orchid South 5.10.24). All 3 are different–I try not to fax a fax.

I’ve been lucky enough to have some really kind press over the years, but that’s because I shamelessly bribe music writers with Dunkaroos and frankincense.

Andrew Trent Fleming

2. You’ve just released your new single “Orchid South,” the title track from your upcoming album. Tell us about the song, and how it fits in to the album.

The album’s about my teenage years, but it’s also set in that time and place. So I wanted it to draw on the music that I fell in love with–and fell in love to–back then. Memphis powerpop, 90’s alt rock, a pinch of psychedelia. Everything feels so heightened when you’re a kid, so I wanted big, layered songs to match those big, layered emotions. “Orchid South” is a natural single–it introduces a lot of the sounds and sights and lyrical themes of the album, and it’s got that big anthemic chorus. I think it’s cathartic.

3. You’ve really made a name for yourself as an exceptionally gifted songwriter, earning high praise from national publications and fellow artists. What do you think is the key to writing an enduring song?

That’s kind, thank you. Enduring’s a great word, because that’s exactly what I focus on/obsess over when I write. For instance, I spend a lot of time and energy making sure my songs have layers. I want the listener to enjoy the first listen, I want the listener to enjoy the millionth listen, and I want the listener to enjoy every listen for potentially different reasons. All of my favorite songs have grown with me over time. I hear something new, a lyric’s meaning might evolve with age, etc.

One song can say a lot of different things.

Tommy Kha

4. You’ll be hosting an album listening party at the Memphis Listening Lab on March 14th. What should fans expect from Orchid South, both musically and thematically?

It’s a rock and roll record! Big, summery rock songs.

Music’s the only thing that has always made me feel like I’m not alone. This started in childhood, but it became the love of my life when I was a teenager. I wanted to make the album that Young Chris would’ve clung to like a life raft, constantly playing the CD in the car, driving nowhere. So, I’ve wanted to make this album since I picked up a guitar–it just took me a while to feel ready.

Also, a lot of the things I saw or experienced in adolescence feel especially relevant now. 2024’s a tumultuous time to be an adult, and it’s always a tumultuous time to be a teenager. So, I hope these 11 songs tell stories from my past in a way that still speaks to the present.

5. Even before hearing the album, I was struck by the excellent band that you put together for this project, including many hometown heroes. Tell me a bit about your musical collaborators on this project and the process of creating it.

Like Kids These Days and Meanwhile, Orchid South was produced by Toby Vest and recorded at High/Low Recording here in Memphis. I really can’t overstate how much working with Toby and Pete Matthews at H/L has meant to me: artistically, professionally, and personally.

I knew that this album’s scope would be bigger than the last two, and that it’s a rock album that deserves a rock band. It was really important to me that, as much as possible, the songs were built around live takes–the band all playing together in a room. That takes time, planning, rehearsal, but also buy-in from the musicians. People record this way less and less because it’s harder. The upshot is that some people love recording this way. Musicians playing music together–who knew?

So I think the band was excited by the process. And everyone had a fondness for the music Orchid South‘s inspired by. If I tell Luke
White “what if the lovechild of [Tom Petty’s] Full Moon Fever and [Big Star’s] #1 Record grew up in the 90’s,” he already knows. I think the band started from a place of shared influences and kind of a musical shorthand. The full credits for the album are at my site, and I’m enormously grateful for every single person who contributed to the album. These songs couldn’t have been in better hands.

The post Chris Milam Reflects On Adolescence On His Rocking Forthcoming Album “Orchid South” appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Talibah Safiya – Black Magic EP

We’ve been anxiously awaiting Memphis songstress Talibah Safiya’s new EP and lucky for us, the wait is over. Black Magic is a spellbinding collection of songs that takes listeners on a journey through the history of Southern music. The production and sound of the project is incredible but it’s Safiya who truly operates in her element as she masterfully moves between bluesy rock, soulful R&B, and every other classic Southern style. It’s a must-listen, because this type of magic doesn’t come around often.

Dame Mufasa – HENNY HENDRIXXX 2 : Project XXX

The first time I listened to Memphis rapper Dame Mufasa’s new project, I thought to myself “yea, this is really good.” But after listening through a few more times, I was like “Oh this is GOOOOOD good.” HENNY HENDRIXXX 2 : Project XXX is a ridiculously smooth experience with Mufasa perfectly pairing his deep, contemplative vocals over melodic R&B production. It’s an excellent follow-up to his first HENNY HENDRIXXX project, proving once again that Mufasa keeps getting better and better with each new release.

Cyrena Wages – “Carried Away”

Memphis singer-songwriter Cyrena Wages is readying the release of her debut album Vanity Project, and recently she released the first single from the upcoming project. “Carried Away” is a light and catchy track that highlights Wages unique ability to seamlessly blend old and new influences in her music. If the rest of Vanity Project follows suit, it’s sure to be a supremely fun listen.

Lawrence Matthews – “Limelight Honey”

I could write a thesis on how incredible Lawrence Matthews’ first single, “Limelight Honey,” and the accompanying visuals are, but I don’t have much space here so I’m going to get right to the point. The song is a triumph. The video is a masterpiece. It makes you feel, it makes you reflect, it makes you celebrate, it makes you mourn. It represents the power and beauty of music, and I can’t wait for more.

Glockianna – The Vault

Theatrical album roll-outs are exciting but there’s something to be said for when artists are just like, “fuck it – enjoy!” and gift us an unexpected drop. That’s how Memphis rapper Glockianna delivered her debut EP, The Vault, a few days ago. The project spans 6 songs and not for one second of those 6 songs does Glockianna slow down or let up. Over booming production, she’s an explosion of energy that commands your attention. But then again, would we expect anything different from Glockianna?

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