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Mas Aya Announces New Album, Enlists Lido Pimienta for New Song ‘Tú Y Yo’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Mas Aya Announces New Album, Enlists Lido Pimienta for New Song ‘Tú Y Yo’

Brandon Miguel Valdivia, the Nicaraguan-Canadian percussionist and composer who records as Mas Aya, has announced a new LP. Coming and Going, the follow-up to 2021’s Màscaras, lands on July 12 via Telephone Explosion Records. The lead single, ‘Tú Y Yo’, is a collaboration with his partner, the Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Lido Pimienta. (Valdivia and Pimienta’s daughter, Martina Valdivia, guests on one song). Take a listen below.

Coming and Going Cover Artwork:

Coming and Going Tracklist:

1. Dora
2. Windless, Waveless
3. Be (featuring Martina Valdivia)
4. Tú y Yo (featuring Lido Pimienta)
5. What Shattering!
6. Ocarina
7. No Trace
8. Abre Camino

Wand Announce New Album ‘Vertigo’, Share New Single ‘Smile’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Wand Announce New Album ‘Vertigo’, Share New Single ‘Smile’

Wand have announced a new album called Vertigo. The follow-up to 2019’s Laughing Matter will arrive on July 26 via Drag City. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘Smile’, which comes with a video directed by Connor Clarke. Check it out below, along with the album cover, tracklist, and Wand’s upcoming tour dates.

Currently a four-piece with Evan Backer, Evan Burrows, Robbie Cody, and Cory Hanson, Wand created Vertigo from 50 hours of live improvisations. The album also features string and woodwinds arrangements by Backer.

Last year, Wand frontman Cory Hanson released the solo album Western Cum.

Vertigo Cover Artwork:

Vertigo Tracklist:

1. Hangman
2. Curtain Call
3. Mistletoe
4. Jj
5. Smile
6. Lifeboat
7. High Time
8. Seaweed Head

Wand 2024 Tour Dates:

May 30 Constellation Room Santa Ana CA
May 31 The Siren Morro Bay CA
Jun 1 Moe’s Alley Santa Cruz CA
Jun 2 Holland Project Reno NV
Jun 5 The Marquis Theater Denver CO
Jun 7 Isleta Amphitheater Albuquerque NM #
Jun 8 The Rebel Lounge Phoenix AZ
Jul 10 Thalia Hall Chicago IL
Jul 11 Mahall’s 20 Lanes Lakewood OH
Jul 12 Darien Lake Amphitheater Darien Lake NY #
Jul 13 Meteor Windsor Ontario Canada
Jul 15 Budweiser Stage Toronto Ontario Canada #
Jul 16 Theater Fairmont Montreal Quebec Canada
Jul 17 Crystal Ballroom Somerville MA
Jul 18 Bowery Ballroom New York NY
Jul 19 Underground Arts Philadelphia PA
Jul 20 Songbyrd Washington DC
Jul 22 The Earl Atlanta GA
Jul 23 Saturn Birmingham AL
Jul 25 Rubber Gloves Denton TX
Jul 26 Parish Austin TX
Jul 29 Club Congress Tucson AZ
Jul 30 The Casbah San Diego CA
Aug 2 Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown CA
Aug 3 Troubadour Los Angeles

# with Red Hot Chili Peppers

Draag Unveil New Single ‘Microgravity tank’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Draag Unveil New Single ‘Microgravity tank’

Draag have released a new single titled ‘Microgravity tank’. It’s the second offering fro their upcoming EP Actually, the quiet is nice, following last month’s ‘Orb weaver’. Check it out below.

“I used to live in a house that had this very unusual energy,” songwriter Adrian Acosta shared in a statement. “It’s the kind of energy I could only connect to that specific house. It was quite haunting. Every few months or so, I’ll have a Deja vu moment that brings me back to that house. When it fades, all I can think about is how my better years are behind me.”

Actually, the quiet is nice arrives on May 17 via Julia’s War.

Amen Dunes Shares Video for New Single ‘Rugby Child’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Amen Dunes Shares Video for New Single ‘Rugby Child’

Amen Dunes – the project of Damon McMahon – has unveiled ‘Rugby Child’, the latest single from his new album Death Jokes, which is out on Friday. Following the previously released ‘Purple Land’, ‘Boys’, and ‘Round the World’, the track arrives with a music video from director Steven Brahms featuring McMahon and dancer Jennifer Florentio. Watch and listen below.

Keeley Forsyth Shares New Single ‘The Hollow’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Keeley Forsyth Shares New Single ‘The Hollow’

Ahead of the release of her new album The Hollow on Friday, Keeley Forsyth has shared its title track. Following previous cuts ‘Turning’ and ‘Horse’, the track comes paired with a music video, which you can check out below.

“The title-track was made in reaction to reading an article about a woman suffering from postpartum psychosis, and a really tragic end,” Forsyth explained in a statement. “I felt so connected and moved by this. I wanted to force myself into the same space that she might have felt, or I imagined that she felt, so I could at least feel that she wasn’t alone. So in the song there is reference to “there is no help here, not for me” and also the highs and the lows of the strings referencing the resonance in one’s mind as you’re losing control to this horrendous mental illness disease.”

Cola Release New Single ‘Albatross’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Cola Release New Single ‘Albatross’

Cola have released a new single, ‘Albatross’, which is lifted from their upcoming album The Gloss. It follows previous offerings ‘Pallor Tricks’, ‘Bitter Melon’, and ‘Keys Down If You Stay’. Check it out via the accompanying video below.

“This song had a few lives before it took its final form,” the band’s Tim Darcy explained in a statement. “We played a much faster version on some later Deep in View tours with different lyrics. When we eventually got to the studio we revisited Ben’s original demo and decided to slow it down and re-introduce a heavier feeling.”

“I then had a spark of inspiration and completely rewrote the lyrics, which center around “an albatross” – something that greatly hinders accomplishment,” he continued. “From there I started thinking about a horse race and perhaps some trainer watching a slow motion replay to try identify what’s wrong with an animal’s stride, hence the chorus.”

The Gloss is set to arrive June 14 through Fire Talk and Next Door Records in Canada.

Album Review: Jessica Pratt, ‘Here in the Pitch’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Album Review: Jessica Pratt, ‘Here in the Pitch’

Whenever I try to conceptualize Jessica Pratt’s music, I think of ‘Casper’, a track from her homespun self-titled debut that came out over a decade ago. “And my dreams are made of ghosts’ skin/ When I wake up in my dark places,” she sings, “And I reach for the misty faces/ That take me down to my favorite ride.” Bluesy, dreamy, ghostly, misty – these are all adjectives that have become associated with Pratt’s particular strand of folk-pop, which people like, depending on their own reference points, to further relate to some decade or geographical area. But if comparing songs to dreams seems a little lazy, Pratt came up with a more useful analogy in a recent interview: sleep talking. “You know, if somebody tells you you said something in your sleep, you’re like, I guess that makes sense,” she explained. “But it also is sort of this uncanny feeling, like it’s coming from another source.”

I get this feeling every time I listen to Jessica Pratt, but it’s hard to articulate. What’s that other place, and is the artist taking you there, or is she also just a visitor? If part of the songwriting process is like sleep talking, how can Pratt’s music sound at once of sleep and outside of it, swimming in the unconscious while also alerting you of all the things you missed when you were lost there? How come she’s both the one talking and waking you? Pratt is so singularly capable of tuning into that hazy space that when she puts out new material after so many years, it’s like realizing you’ve been missing something, been a little lost for a long time. This might sound like an exaggeration, but it’s the only way I can describe diving into Here in the Pitch, her first album since 2019’s Quiet Signs. It might be the most lucid and grounded record of Pratt’s career, but it’s still governed by that uncanny feeling: the ambiguity of time, how it blurs and slips one by, or simply slips, and how a song can suddenly pick it up.

“The power of ghosts is in the fact that they’re unseen, but observing you,” Pratt has said, reflecting on the Stephen King books she delved into during lockdown, where “there’s usually a psychic element where someone has access to knowledge in a way the average character does not.” When you listen to Here in the Pitch, that sense of knowingness belongs to Pratt, but like the listener, she’s also just the character filtering each piece of psychic wisdom through her reality. “Life is, it’s never what you think it’s for/ And I can’t seem to set it off/ And lately I’ve been insecure,” she begins, matter-of-factly, on the opening track. Over a warm, delicate melody, the singer’s musings grow bolder and curiously personal (“You should know the courage of my heart/ Don’t suppose the earth could spin apart”) before the doors slide open and the song spills into something divine: “I want to be the sunlight of the century/ I want to be a vestige of our senses free.”

It happens all the time, this game of consciousness, and Pratt’s trick is landing somewhere between cosmic absurdity and transcendence. Somehow, it makes sense – maybe not literally, maybe not now, but down the road, and you want to follow that thread. As she sways against the bossa nova of ‘By Hook or By Crook’, you’re not quite sure how she arrives at “the end of dreams again,” but the vague truths she carves out feel strangely evocative, haunting even. For Pratt, getting to the end of a chorus may feel like touching ground, but it’s never totally satisfying, never quite as revelatory as the falling itself. So for large swathes of Here in the Pitch, she sounds wonderfully adrift, playing with every element of a song and digging deeper: on ‘Better Hate’, she floats atop the conclusion of a melody, treating the la-la-las in along like a lovely discovery; she does a similar thing waltzing along ‘Get Your Head Out’, a relatively direct composition at once haunted and cradled by Al Carlson’s underlying organ. There’s the watery piano on ‘Empires Never Know’, the subtle horn part that almost sinks the whole thing down. And then there’s the surprising use of percussion, which feels at first like a novelty, a mode of expansion, on a song like ‘Life Is’, and then more textural, like a punctuation point, on ‘The Last Year’.

For much of Here in the Pitch, Pratt relishes in the conflict between light and dark, but also seems to uncover something becalming about sitting in the dark rather than being consumed by it. It’s nothing spectral, nothing to stare off into; it’s just where you’re caught from time to time, what keeps you reaching for sources of light and air. Those things are abundant in Pratt’s music, because they take time, and time is practically all it’s concerned with. You feel her stretching it slightly on ‘Glances’, an instrumental that paradoxically serves a more concrete image than most of Pratt’s lyrics, so the one in ‘The Last Year’ rings all the more true: “I think we’re gonna be together, and the storyline goes forever.” Pratt calls this a “weird optimism,” and it feels weirder still to call it a story. Maybe it’s just light, and maybe it’s just the ride we find ourselves in. Maybe it’s just a feeling. But Pratt is here to ensure you’re coming along, that forever never feels out of grasp, and that it’s your favorite.

Mach-Hommy Announces New Album, Recruits Kaytranada and 03 Greedo for New Song ‘#Richaxxhaitian’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Mach-Hommy Announces New Album, Recruits Kaytranada and 03 Greedo for New Song ‘#Richaxxhaitian’

Mach-Hommy has announced a new album, #RICHAXXHAITIAN, which will drop on May 17, the day before Haitian Flag Day. The follow-up to 2021’s Pray for Haiti and Balens Cho (Hot Candles) features guest spots from Black Thought, Roc Marciano, Your Old Droog, Tha God Fahim, 03 Greedo, HEPHZIBAH, and Big Cheeko, as well as production from Conductor Williams, Kaytranada, Quelle Chris, Sadhu Gold, and more. The title track, produced by Kaytranada and featuring 03 Greedo, is out now. Check it out below.

In a statement, Mach-Hommy said:

All the people I worked with are people who I know and who I’ve worked with before. I like to deal with like-minded creatives. Even if the person has their own panache or je nais se quoi that they bring to the table, there has to be a thread of commonality between us in order for the work to sustain. And not to mention they’re fucking talented, exceptionally gifted at what they do, and the ear that they possess.

…I’ve always wanted to rep for Haiti and the cultural and intellectual richness we’ve provided the world. From our musical styles like kontradans that have influenced world music, our natural resources which provide so much raw material for so many important advancements in technology, our thinkers that pioneered philosophical movements and Black pride, and our spiritual leaders who kept the religious traditions of Guinea alive and intact, the religious traditions of Ayiti…

Fancy Gap Announce Debut Album, Enlist Sharon Van Etten for New Song ‘Strawberry Moon’

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Fancy Gap Announce Debut Album, Enlist Sharon Van Etten for New Song ‘Strawberry Moon’

Fancy Gap – the duo of the Love Language’s Stuart McLamb and songwriter/producer Charles Crossingham – have announced their self-titled debut album. It comes out July 26 via their own Ghost Choir Records. The new single ‘Strawberry Moon’ features Sharon Van Etten, and you can check it out below.

Discussing the new song, McLamb said:

‘Strawberry Moon’ goes back almost a decade for me. Back then, it had similar words and chords, but more of an 80s vibe with pulsing bass and synth. It slipped my mind for years until I stumbled upon it and stripped it down more like a folk song. I still didn’t think much of it until Charles and I talked about making a record together. He heard something in the demo that I didn’t, so we collaborated on the arrangement and were able to breathe new life into it. Rami and Graboff contributed so much to the mood of the song, establishing its time and place sonically.

Around this time, Charles sent me ‘Like I Used To’ by Sharon and Angel Olsen, raving. I mentioned that I knew Sharon from way back, and Charles insisted we ask her to sing on ‘Strawberry Moon.’ Despite my reservations about asking for favors, I sent her the demo and she enthusiastically agreed. We recorded her part when she passed through town a few months later, and her contribution added depth and emotion to the song that wouldn’t be there otherwise. We consider Sharon one of the best that has ever done it.

Signs of Stress on the Body and How to Avoid Them

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Signs of Stress on the Body and How to Avoid Them

Stress is an inevitable part of life. It is a natural response to challenging situations that can help individuals perform better. However, when stress is prolonged and unmanaged, it can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health. Stress can manifest in various ways, and the body can experience different signs and symptoms. In this article, we will explore the signs of stress on the body and how individuals can avoid them.

One of the most common signs of stress on the body is muscle tension. When an individual is stressed, their muscles tend to tighten up, causing discomfort and pain. Stress can also lead to headaches, which can range from mild to severe. Additionally, stress can affect one’s sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and fatigue.

Stress can also have an impact on one’s digestive system. It can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Furthermore, stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. In the next section, we will discuss how individuals can avoid the signs of stress on the body and maintain good health.

  • Recognizing Stress Symptoms
  • Stress Management Techniques
  • Preventive Measures
  • Professional Help and Resources
  • Conclusion

 

Recognizing Stress Symptoms

Stress can manifest itself in many ways, both physically and mentally. Here are some common physical symptoms to watch out for:

  • Headaches: Stress can cause tension headaches or migraines, which can be triggered by muscle tension or changes in blood flow.
  • Muscle tension: Stress can cause muscles to tense up, leading to pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, or jaw.
  • Fatigue: Chronic stress can lead to fatigue, which can make it difficult to concentrate or complete tasks.
  • Digestive problems: Stress can affect the digestive system, leading to stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Changes in appetite: Stress can cause changes in appetite, leading to overeating or undereating.
  • Sleep problems: Stress can interfere with sleep, causing insomnia or restless sleep.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to take steps to manage your stress levels. This can include practicing relaxation techniques, getting regular exercise, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. By recognizing the symptoms of stress and taking action to manage it, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

Stress Management Techniques

Managing stress is crucial in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Here are some techniques that can help reduce stress levels:

1. Exercise

Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and improve overall health. Exercise helps to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It also helps to reduce muscle tension and promotes better sleep.

2. Meditation

Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It involves focusing on the present moment and clearing the mind of distracting thoughts. This can help to reduce feelings of stress and promote a sense of calm.

3. Deep breathing

Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to reduce stress. It involves taking slow, deep breaths, which can help to slow down the heart rate and promote relaxation.

4. Time management

Poor time management can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Learning to manage time effectively can help to reduce stress levels and improve productivity. This can involve setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and delegating responsibilities when possible.

5. Social support

Having a strong support system can help to reduce stress levels. This can involve spending time with friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking professional help when needed.

By incorporating these stress management techniques into daily life, individuals can reduce stress levels and improve overall health and well-being.

Preventive Measures

To prevent stress on the body, individuals should take proactive measures to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming. Here are some preventive measures that can help:

  • Regular Exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve overall health. It can help to release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help to reduce stress levels.
  • Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
  • Adequate Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health and reducing stress levels. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help manage stress.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress levels. These techniques can help to calm the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Social Support: Having a strong support system can help to reduce stress levels. Spending time with family and friends can provide emotional support and help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

By incorporating these preventive measures into their daily routine, individuals can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health and well-being.

Professional Help and Resources

When it comes to managing stress, seeking professional help can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term health problems. Here are some resources that may be helpful:

Therapy

Therapy can be a valuable tool for managing stress and improving overall mental health. A therapist can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop healthier habits. Some popular types of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is another option for managing stress and promoting relaxation. Target Therapies offers many massage techniques that can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and relieve stress. Some popular types of massage include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are practices that have been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Yoga combines physical postures with breathing exercises and meditation, while meditation involves focusing the mind on a specific object or thought. Both practices can help individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, and learn to manage stress more effectively.

Support Groups

Support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging for individuals who are struggling with stress or other mental health issues. These groups may be led by a mental health professional or peer-led, and can offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others.

Overall, seeking professional help and utilizing available resources can be an effective way to manage stress and promote overall well-being. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with stress is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to find the resources and strategies that work best for you.

Conclusion

Stress can have a significant impact on the body, both physically and mentally. It can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. However, there are many ways to avoid or reduce stress.

One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is through exercise. Regular exercise can help to reduce tension and anxiety, and improve overall mood. Additionally, getting enough sleep is crucial for managing stress. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability and fatigue, making it more difficult to cope with stressors.

Another important way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises. These practices can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption. These substances can increase feelings of anxiety and stress, and have negative impacts on overall health.

Overall, managing stress is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. By implementing healthy habits such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and a healthy diet, individuals can reduce the negative impacts of stress on their bodies and minds.

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