Global Musicians Fish Pond

Margo Rey is no stranger to chart success; from her last album release, ‘Habit’ (2012) which we reviewed here, the singles “Let the Rain” and “Between Us” charted in the top 20 in the Billboard AC. A caring Fish Pond family member, she stands out in my mind as a huge advocate of heart-led and natural music, and an inspiration to our global family. She has even gone to the trouble of creating her own genre, Organica, and the Organica Music Group, to make the point; that she recognizes the beauty of an art form that requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to remain true to the music and to the self.

In what turns out to be a super choice of song, Margo releases her own twist on the classic 80’s Squeeze number, ‘Tempted’. Covers can be risky; with such a popular number (which I grew up with, and so I took the trouble to re-acquaint myself with it a couple of times before listening to Margo’s newest single), I was looking for a really excellent take on the original, which was so 80’s, so smooth, and so laid back.  I needed something with a punch, something ‘Margo’…and I got it. She has the voice and the ‘organica’ approach down to a tee, producing an upbeat and beautifully executed version, totally for our times, and funky as hell. Have a listen with me.

It’s a beautiful sunny day, lovely for music listening, and perfect for music reviewing; when it’s Margo, you can be pretty sure it’s going to be a pleasure. Straight in with that voice, it takes me right back to my first listen to ‘Habit’, a diverse album, with each song telling a story instrumentally and lyrically. The keyboard, the accented husky vocal, the runs, and the funky drumming; all a wonderful build up to what is to come. Let the groove commence.

“I said to my reflection
let’s get out of this place,
Past the church and the steeple
The laundry on the hill
The billboards and the buildings
Memories of it still”

It’s reminiscent of the more upbeat tracks on ‘Habit’; a bit ‘Get Back’, and a bit ’10 Reasons’, and clear that she owns the song from the very first verse.  Lyrically, it’s taking me right back to the 80’s and the original, but vocally and instrumentally, this version is an original, a swinging toe-tapper and shoulder shaker, with no doubt. The verse is nicely understated, something of a 3 a.m. listen at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, London.  It makes that build into the chorus so welcome when it comes.

“Tempted by the fruit of another
Tempted but the truth is discovered
What’s been going on,
Now that you have gone,
There’s no other”

It has me genuinely, and broadly, smiling at this point, sitting in a Northern Virginia library and nodding my head, tapping my fingers on the MacBook (I think that’s what the empty space next to the trackpad is for). You can hear the hard work that’s gone into production to keep me listening and satisfied, the little harmonies and attention to detail in the mix of every track. It’s my compliment to Margo, honestly, that I started hearing the very faintest reflections of the seminal ‘Tom’s Diner’ by Suzanne Vega. I love it when a song has hints like that, and can spin you off into memories of other classic works.  It’s bringing on musical immersion :-).

Another verse, another chorus, just as punchy, and it’s noteworthy to me that, as on ‘Habit’, the musicians and the band as an entity are so superbly tight, you don’t notice individual instruments unless you really listen out for them; it works as a piece of music, supporting the main feature, Margo’s vocal.

At just the right time, the song comes down to the bare bones again, highlighting the brilliant lyric of Al Turney:

“I bought a novel, some perfume
A fortune all for you
But it’s not my conscience
Hating to be untrue
I asked of my reflection
What is there to do?”

That lovely keyboard is back again, bringing the song to a swinging and jammin’ climax, soaring harmony vocals complementing; and another signature ‘Margo’ touch, with the briefest of warning notes, the song closes. It’s a super snappy ending to a track that had me wanting to dance along to it all the way.

From my perspective, this deserves all the credit it is currently getting. Margo is not a one-hit sensation; she is a proven phenomenon, musically well-educated, hard working, a principled artist, no stranger to adversity, and a believer in the quality of real music. This is a lovely memory of my childhood, it pays homage to the original, and at the same time it is a fresh new work of art and an excellent follow up to the epic (13 songs worth) ‘Habit’ in 2012. I look forward to seeing where sales go from here.  I expect to be looking up to follow its path.

I suppose the general public agrees. Debuting at number 28 on the Billboard AC, Margo has once again put her unique stamp on a track which I’m sure is set to run and run. Margo, your Fish Pond family are proud of you, and with you all the way to the top.

David Mark Smith
Founder and CEO, The Fish Pond
www.globalmusiciansfishpond.com

You can buy the single on iTunes here.

You can read more about Margo on her Fish Pond profile here.

To keep up with Margo, check out her website here.

We are blessed to share these testimonials from some of our big hitters in the industry. We thank everyone who has made this family the global brand that it has become, and invite you, as a family member, to send us a short piece on what the family means to you as a musician.

One world, one family, one musical heartbeat.

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Anna Zerin is one of the two hosts of exciting new and upcoming daily podcast Entertainment Drive-Thru, heard in over 60 countries on 6 continents. Together with husband Dan Zerin, she brings us band Anna and the Bells, both of them graduating from Hollywood Musicians Institute in LA. With roots in Iceland and Michigan, Anna and Dan together are building an exciting network of individuals in the entertainment industry.

“I heard about Global Musicians Fish Pond after my friend Jonina Aradottir joined it, and after seeing how positive they were, I instantly wanted to join. My band Anna and the Bells joined and a year later my company joined as a partner. Listen to David´s interview on our podcast here and you can hear how amazing and caring he is and the story behind the logo. We´re honored to call him a friend. I highly recommend the Global Musician´s Fish Pond! One musical family!”

Anna Zerin, Co-Founder Entertainment Drive-Thru and Singer/Songwriter, Anna and the Bells

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Josh Doyle has an amazing career and the depth of songwriting talent to support it, heading 2000’s pop-punk band the Dum Dums, supporting Bon Jovi, and producing a hit album which spawned 4 hit singles. More recently, Josh has been producing some incredible work, with a self-named brand new album, winning the 2012 Guitar Center Singer/Songwriter of the Year 2012, and producing superb singles “I Figured the World Out”, “Solarstorms”, and “My Jerusalem”. Josh will be opening for Springsteen later this summer. He joined the Fish Pond family in early 2013.

“It’s wonderful to be part of the global musicians fish pond, I am always looking for music to inspire me and I’ve not been let down by any of David’s recommendations yet. It is great to see what is going on musically all over the world and I feel privileged to be part of the gang. Keep up the good work!”

Josh Doyle, Singer/Songwriter and Guitar Center Singer/Songwriter of the Year 2012

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Ola Weel Skram is a super vocalist, and at 22, made the 2013 Norway Idol semi-finals, posting 9th in the competition. Fish Pond family since 2012, Ola is a great supporter, and has spent years crafting his pitch-perfect vocals. He’s now involved in a project with Leon Frick, and has just released single “Moving On” with new project UAO.

“It`s great to be a member of this family. It`s so inspiring to hear all these wonderful talented musicians from all over the world, and to know that I am considered as one of you guys is truly an honor! In this family we share our music all over the world, and today, using social networks, that’s one of the quickest, easiest, but also the best ways!”

Ola Weel Skram, Singer/Songwriter and Idol Norway Semi Finalist 2013

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Katya Shalayeva is great musician in her own right, behind the very successful European beat duo Stereolizza. She also works with Margo Rey at Organica Music Group, an important partner to the Fish Pond.

“Global Musicians Fish Pond is a great resource for musicians and everybody in the music industry, bringing closer aspiring and established artists all over the globe. It is a place for creativity and a unique platform to get your music out there. Organica Music Group is a big supporter of undiscovered talent and is proud to be a part of the Global Musicians Fish Pond family.”

Kateryna Shalayeva, Organica Music Group

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Haikaa is an amazing all around artist, published author, and successful musician. She is a great advocate that music can, and will, save the world.

“I started my professional career as a member of a girl band a lonnnng time ago, back in 1991, when I released an album by Sony Japan. And with over twenty years in this business, I tell you, people in the music industry can be very unkind. I could go on and on describing some of these unfortunate encounters but I won’t.

Instead, I want to talk about a more recent and very fortunate encounter I’ve had when I came across the “Global Musicians Fishpond.” At the Fishpond, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other musicians across the Globe – Peru, Switzerland, Iceland, Germany etc… and exchange experiences, impressions and contacts. I found a place to share my music and to discover great, new music made by other artists.

It’s blissful for a fish to be back in the water swimming with other fish who share similar stories of love for music, relentlessness and an ability to appreciate treasures that can’t be seen, can’t be measured but that can be lived.”

Haikaa, Author, Singer/Songwriter, and Producer

Deni Hlavinka is a Fish Pond original. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I think she’s the closest thing to a musical genius I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. So when she went to study at Berklee back in the fall of 2011, and met Chris West (who she had already worked with), Bermudan and absolutely amazing vocalist, musician, and all around nice guy, it was a musical match made in heaven. On the 18th May 2013, on the closing leg of a 4 state tour supporting Melissa Ferrick’s full album release of ‘The Truth Is”, The Western Den played 2 shows to a packed house at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA.

Meeting these guys again is fabulous. I last saw Deni and Chris (our first meeting) the day after Thanksgiving 2012, when they played an intimate little gig at a coffee house in Winchester, VA. The setting has changed, but the personalities have not. I meet them at the merch table before the show, and Chris and Deni are exactly the  same humble, grateful, enthusiastic, loving souls, they have always been, and always will be.

They take to the stage, a well-intended mysterious musical start, until the sustain pedal craps out (it’s not plugged in). Actually it’s an intimate introductory moment, memorable in a good way, an ice breaker which allows Deni to “do her thing” and draw the crowd in. Within a minute, they launch into their opener:

“I am not the one,
who can bring you to the altar,
I am not the one who can free you
from your faltering heart”

It’s perfect from the outset, typical Chris and Deni, at its heart a beautiful, mesmerizing vocal from both; clearly they have worked and worked to get to the perfect harmonies they are achieving, amidst guitar harmonics and beautiful piano licks galore.

‘For the Sake of Seeking’ comes next, and introduces the EP. Bringing the brilliant cellist Ro Rowan (pictured) into the performance, once again the vocal is haunting and echoey, using not only lyric but a wealth of well planned “ooh” and “aah” to bring a symphonic feel to the song. Deni’s songs have always been vocally very clever (listen to my favorite of her early works, ‘The Dove and the Boulder’), so meaningful and packed with metaphor and classical reference, and it’s clear that she’s brought all of that and more to her partnership with Chris; Chris, who adds a huge depth that puts the “West” in “The Western Den”, with a voice that’s smoother that silk, and a feel for the guitar – and everything it can do – that I’ve rarely seen in a lifetime.

‘The Minister’ is their third number, and by now the crowd are so with them; louder applause, they realize they are witnessing something special, and Melissa must be pleased. Warming a venue-full of people is exactly what a rock-solid support band needs to do. It’s a remarkable ballad; Chris leads more in this number, showcasing a vocal that I’ve not heard before from him, powerful and comfortable. The cello adds a swell like the ocean tides to the number, as it builds into a wonderful guitar and piano crescendo;

“What can make the minister fall?”

Their next number, ‘Desert Ground’, was written, as Chris announced, about a little boy who witnessed a hot air balloon crash over Egypt; a very recent and painful tragedy which brought Cairo into the press this spring.

“Come on down to the desert ground”

It’s a back and forth between Chris and Deni, using the best of both of their voices; a sad theme, and yet a compelling work which pulls you in. The outstanding feature of this song is the particularly emphasized use of Deni’s two vocal mikes, one with a huge echo for that soaring backing, and one clipped, crisp, and capturing every detail for the lead on the verses. Deni at her absolute best vocal I have heard, Chris proving that he has an amazing songwriting skill which will produce and produce.

The next song is a fascinating story; Melissa Ferrick, the headliner and songwriting teacher at Berklee accompanying on percussion, has a particular connection, because this is the first song Deni turned in for a grade in Melissa’s class at Berklee. As with so many of Deni’s early work, it includes several references to the sea, the Virginia shoreline, shifting tides, and waves. It’s lovely, Melissa is clearly incredibly into it, mouthing the words all through as she adds some perfect percussive ripples.

By the way, Melissa is another story and an epic review to come; quite brilliant as an established musician, guitar player, singer, and songwriter, I had not heard her before this gig (shame on me).  Her headline act was jaw-dropping, masterful, and the fact that she endorses ‘The Western Den’ gives them all the more kudos in the years to come.

Their last is a cover, ‘Round Here’ by Counting Crows. It’s a perfect ending for these two. Flawless vocal brings me, quite honestly, to tears; Chris and his smooth style, and Deni with that amazing classical and contemporary sound. They sing it like they mean it, EVERY time.

“Step out the front door like a ghost
Into the fog where no one notices
The contrast of white on white.
And in between the moon and you
The angels get a better view
Of the crumbling difference between wrong and right.
I walk in the air between the rain
Through myself and back again”

To see The Western Den live is, without exaggeration, perfection. The hard work which they put in is evident, but without the incredible natural talent which they both bring to the table, this incarnation would never be possible. Always on pitch, attention to instrumental detail obvious, and vocal harmonies to absolutely die for. I’ve enjoyed Deni’s music for two years, since her senior high school recital in fact, and always marveled at her musicianship. Chris I’ve met more recently, and come to embrace as a superb musician, and seriously committed young man. Delightful through and through. Watch out for these two, they will be impressing and amazing for years to come.

Finally, I’d like to give a shout out to the very supportive Hlavinka family, who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for years now; they have always embraced my own live performances in Northern Virginia throughout the years (it was my privilege to perform several times on the same stage with Deni). A more encouraging and positive pair you will never meet.  Dave and Patty, you’re a force to be reckoned with, and The Fish Pond family can see the results of your care and nurturing approach in the successful young woman who is already yielding results in this difficult industry.

Also credit to Melissa Ferrick (who I did not get to meet) and Ro Rowan (who I met after the show), delightful people and fabulous musicians both, and wishing them the best on the remainder of their East Coast tour, and all success with ‘The Truth Is’.  They deserve it.

You can read more about Deni at her Fish Pond profile here, and Chris at his Fish Pond profile here.  Expect much more to come from the Western Den.  We wish them all the luck in the world, Fish Pond family from the start, and Fish Pond family forever.

One world, one family, one musical heartbeat.

David Mark Smith,
Founder and CEO, The Fish Pond
Singer/Songwriter, My Lucky Fish

You can listen to The Western Den’s E.P., “Battle Hymns” here.

What do you expect to hear when you think of a Bulgarian singer living in Los Angeles, CA, named Anna Yanova-Cattoor? Probably not an extremely talented singer/songwriter with years of experience releasing her debut album titled; ‘UP’. Since the early age of 5, Anna began discovering her passion for music; taking up piano and vocal lessons, she had little thought it would lead to such a wonderful journey filled with music and love.

At the age of 10, Anna made her first appearance on national TV on the music show “Kato Lavovete”, after which at 13 she was chosen to perform on the stage of “Rock In Rila” festival in front of 20,000 people, that year and the following 5 years in a row. Continuing on her musical journey, she shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Eric Benet and many others in the “Artist for Peace” choir at the Gibson Amphitheater.

In her album-starting track ‘Love Heart Soul’ you’ll hear the playful side of Anna’s music; while still receiving meaningful lyrics that inspire you to look for and bring out the best in yourself. From the guitar intro, I can’t help snapping my fingers along to the beat as Anna sings the first lyric…

“I’m looking at the cars, passing by
I’ve got some heavy thoughts, in my head
Walking down the street, I’m wondering why
Do we always choose red”

The entire song has a lovely rise and fall; not an overly complicated rhythm, there’s plenty of room for Anna’s beautiful voice to seep in and out like hot chocolate; warm and delicious. The guitar holds strong and true throughout. One of my favorite parts about the song musically; when the guitar comes back in with the finger-picking for the outro that made it’s first appearance in the intro of the song. The years of experience shine through in her vocal control and tasteful choice of placement for runs and riffs. The perfect song to start the album; feel-good at some of it’s finest.

Following after a few tracks is a completely different style in ‘I Pray’. Filled with breathy and smokey vocals that create the feeling of a sensual atmosphere in a song, whose lyrics suggest barely holding on to someone you’re losing. It’s a quiet and tensed battle that’s so well put together, demonstrating humble brilliance. It’s hard to hear past the emotion Anna pours into every word and pick out special moments instrumentally, but in my opinion that shows the skill of a great band; to be able to know when to shine, and to be able to know when to fill a song and let the vocals take over. Filling the background setting with steady electric guitar, snare drum beat-keeping, piano with an effect, and the accents of an occasional guitar solo, Anna spins a web with the lyrics…

“You saw me today
Like a ghost in your way
If i turn around and sing
Would you let it ring?
I pray
For your reverie
I stay
If you’ll let me
I hope
You don’t leave me alone”

Second to last on the album is ‘Partners In Crime’ a beautiful piano based tune about two people lost but finding life, love and themselves in each other. Anna shows off more of her range, touching upon some higher octave notes, again showing her vocal control.

“And you reached for the candle
You took off your sandals
Sat beside me
With a bottle of wine
And you told me the story
Of how you lost your glory
Said darlin’ you’ll be just fine
We are partners in crime”

The song peaks it’s instrumental impact in the bridge, dropping off slightly for a few final rounds of “Partners in Crime” sung in a airy and distant way; like angels calling. The piano rings throughout the song like a golden sun shining down, and I can’t help but have the mental image of a summers’s day romance at a little old coffee shop where, through the blinding of the sun, a stranger comes to rescue a lost girl down on love. Taking a turn at the end, where she suddenly realizes that she’s not lost anymore, she has found love, she has found….her partner in crime.

The entire album has a steady thread that links all the songs together, though each one has it’s own “moment”. Anna’s voice is well deserving of the praise it has received, and she has created a strong first album. Feel-good in it’s listen; quality and creative in it’s making; set to repeat on your iPod.

By Pranam Bai Richter
Singer/Songwriter, The Richter Sisters
Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond

With a successful EP; ‘Hope and Heartbreak’ released in 2012, a growing following of her music, and a vocal style all her own; Natania Lalwani releases another stellar single and its official music video titled ‘The Letter’, set to air on VH1 shortly. Making the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles CA when she was 19, Natania began sharing her musical gift with the world. She fuses charming and witty lyrics with beautiful guitar work to create songs that are true to herself yet easily understood to the listening ear. Her personality is present in every song, and it will take you but the second repeat of the chorus to find yourself singing along to any one of her songs.

Her most recent published work; ‘The Letter’ is a reflection of the best of Natania Lalwani, introduced with all the tenderness of a love song turned sad with heartbreak and emotion. Starting off with a beautiful intro of finger-picked guitar, Natania’s voice plays across the notes, gently caressing the melody into life. Musically the song builds slowly; adding to the rhythm with tasteful drums and a short guitar solo almost hidden within the blend. Although by the second verse the complexity of the instrumental side has increased; her voice still lays just above the music with as much affection as at the start of the first verse. This songs’ impact doesn’t come from screeching guitar solos, high octave notes, or massive rhythm builds; it comes purely from the raw emotion that’s sung in every note. The lyrics themselves are cleverly written; with the playfulness you will come to expect from Natania, and the honesty you will have to empathize with, she holds nothing back.

“Now that you’re gone and I’m growing
I can finally see that
You were the ocean
And no matter how hard I swim
I’ll never make it past your wave”

The song reaches it’s peak in the bridge; a guitar solo rings out, adding flavor and a signature moment that creates the perfect setting for a slight drop off into the final round of the chorus. Easily familiar at this point, it won’t be hard for you to sing along; completely lost in the moment she has created with her lyrics…

“I’ll write you a letter
Put it away
Maybe December’s when I’ll send it away
Maybe by next year, things would’ve changed
Cause I’ll be better
And you’ll be better
For me”

The song leaves you lingering on the last phrase; “and you’ll be better” …almost daring you to listen to it again. There’s something that’s somewhat familiar about this song, that most likely anyone can relate to; things left unsaid, people changing, love lost then found again. It is, I feel, a credit to Natania as a songwriter to take a risk and become so vulnerable and open when she sings, because she knows that’s how musical connection is really made.

The music video is very well produced, and contains the imagery to match the emotions and essence of the song. A solid piece of digital artwork, Natania is off to a strong start to a more-than promising career.

By Pranam Bai Richter
Singer/Songwriter, The Richter Sisters
Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond

You can watch the video right here:

Stereolizza is a truly global band on a mission; Lizza and AlecZero have roots in Ukraine, Russia, and Poland, and they are well-recognized across Europe for their brand of sexy Europop; it’s the club scene at it’s best. They’ve kept up with the times, and in “Go Back to your Mama”, delivered everything I wanted from a dance track; there’s a little story, there’s attitude, some beautiful imagery from the Mojave desert in the video, and above all a beat that makes me want to be back in Madrid and re-living that long Saturday night in May 2012, at Kapital.

This song is so Euro, it takes me back to my life 10+ years ago, as dance music evolved over the 80’s and 90’s and into the world of joyful percussive and clever electronica that it’s become in 2013. It’s great in that it retains everything that I like about the genre; simple, dependable, and the more you listen to it, the more it will stick in your head. Club music like this needs to be strong, simple, continuous, but with a little something extra to make it stand out and get the band signed. And that’s exactly what Stereolizza has done here.

You can listen to the song here while you read the review:

The track starts with a nice bit of ambient keyboard sound with Lizza’s vocal showcased beautifully to set the rest of the composition up;

“go back to your mama, go back to your mama
too good to be mine, I cannot handle your drama”

And we begin; I love Lizza’s voice-with-attitude as the beat kicks in. As I listen to this song to review it, it’s a beautiful spring morning, and this is the perfect accompaniment. It makes me want to purse my lips, get some attitude, put my shades on, and say “peace” to the world and drive down some long, open road and do something really badass.

“You gotta let go,
You gotta get low, low”

She tells a story; and I always love the stories that are present in all of our music as we write. It’s a vision of empowerment, being with someone, finding them – quite honestly – completely and utterly inadequate, chewing them up, and spitting them out, forcefully, with every word that’s uttered:

“Go back to your mama”

The beat is relentless, varied with the electronic backing to give us the right amount of change to keep it interesting, yet predictable enough to make it a solid dance track; in short, the sections repeat enough for you to know what’s coming, and really get into it – as with good club music, the song allows you to absorb yourself into the mood of the music and to live it. The sound builds like a wave, and the waves just keep on crashing in.

A really quirky and fitting theme is that there is always a new vehement lyric to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the attitude of the song.

“Don’t look at me like that,
cuz you know nothing about my swagger”

The music dies, but the attitude is still there; “vengeance is mine”, saith Lizza. I have a wry smile on my face, I’m feeling bold. See, I’m from a previous period, a time of raves, Carter USM, the Orb, Fatboy Slim, and perhaps the best of the era (for me), Keith Flint and the Prodigy. And listening to this, I’m in the perfect mood to collect some next generation beats from our Fish Pond family, mix them up with some old school dance music, and go out clubbing. Maybe to Madrid where Kapital kicks out at 7:30 a.m. 😉

I’ll leave the last word to Lizza; with guts and glory like this, how can Sterolizza possibly fail?

“I will say it in your face,
Just like I say it when I mean it,
If you can’t keep up with me,
I recommend you beat it”

“Go Back To Your Mama” has been released in Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and Greece; the releases in Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg are slated for April 2013.

For more detailed information on Stereolizza, you can visit their profile page here or contact:

Sasha Goldberg PR
Tel. 310-432-3474

Promo@stereozzilla.com
http://stereolizza.com
http://facebook.com/stereolizzamusic
http://twitter.com/stereolizza

Born in Ibagu, the Colombian Music Capital; with the passion and upbringing for a destined love for music, Felipe Romero brings his life and heart to shine front and center in his songs. A genuine and warm-loving spirit, he grew up with the family support of a singer as a grandmother and a grandfather that worked as a radio journalist. He was inspired and encouraged from a young age to express his artistic side; and he clearly does just that to this present day.

You can listen to his single; ‘L’aria che Respiri’ here while you read the review:

His single; ‘L’aria che Respiri’ has been a unique piece for me to write. The challenge of giving proper justice and critique to a song sung in both Italian and Spanish, when I speak neither one, has been quite a fascinating experience personally. With the English translation lyric sheet, I was able to fully appreciate the complexity that is required to create such beautiful music. So it goes without saying Felipe is extremely talented, and I am now a lover of Spanish music like never before.

I think that for most people (myself included) it takes a “special effort” to listen and appreciate music that’s in a foreign tongue, when you can’t just listen to a song for what the lyrics are saying, you have the unique opportunity to listen to the song for what the emotion and heart of it truly is. And maybe that’s what we as people need to do more; at least that’s what this song did for me.

Beginning with a soft and delicate intro, the scene is set for wherever the song should decide too go. Without hesitation, it’s followed by a full on Spanish swag; getting you moving before even the first verse. So well crafted with a subtle rise and fall throughout the song; each instrument has it’s own place. Not being overpowered by the other or by the lyric, Felipe’s vocal is rich and so pleasant to listen to. It sits beautifully on the layers of piano, drum rhythm and spanish guitar. There is a fine balance between doing too much when it comes to effects, and not doing enough (where it could be added for a nice touch), that Felipe manages to pull off seemingly effortlessly. In all the right places he creates a ‘distant’ sound to his voice, while in others he adds an echo for an emphasis on the lyric that makes you need to understand.

Musically, the arrangement of the song is very thought-out, though there’s not a particular build leading into a bridge, the consistency in energy never fades; lending a hand to the overall quality of the song. And once I read the English translation, I had such an appreciation for the lyrical style in which Felipe writes, and was more than impressed by his creativity vocally, and word choice to express his emotions. One of my favorite sections of the lyric is at the start of the first verse;

“Where have you been all this time love?
Since you are here I don’t have dark nights.
It’s a fight against the time, follow you with words,
challenging myself for the best rhyme.
But you see, the sky is still blue and i’m still in love.
If the sun burns up over there, the warm is guaranteed.”

To solely read the lyrics you can almost feel the passion; the love that’s poured into what he’s saying…what he feels for that person. And then when you listen to it without understanding the words, but just listening to the emotion in his voice and the inflection to the words he’s singing; it’s enough to make me forget everything else and just immerse myself into the song totally and completely.

The chorus stands out like a shining star. Coming in for the first time at the song, it’s definitely a signature part of the track; and I’m a particular fan of when a songwriters repeats the chorus multiple times throughout the song…hey, if it’s a good chorus, why not, right? It does it’s job, as the chorus of the song should; summing up all the feelings he expresses throughout the verses lyrically, and maintaining all the groove and catchy-ness that the best hit songs in any genre have.

“This sun warms my soul,
giving more strength to this fire,
characteristic of the animals.
And this rain that refresh my fantasy,
remodel giving a color more natural.”

Mixing the best of Spanish/Italian vocals, instrumental creativity, solid lyrical writing, and modern catchy effects; Felipe Romero has added all the right touches to this one in the effort of making this a track that you will have to set on repeat.

You can hear more from Felipe on his Profile here

By Pranam Bai Richter
Singer/Songwriter, The Richter Sisters
Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond

With a strong combination of rock, electric sounds, and musicianship comes the band; Revolution at the Zephyr. They describe their sound as atmospheric yet powerful, with layered electric and acoustic guitars, coupled with modern and inventive percussion. Naming just a few inspirations from many; the earth, the sea and the beauty of surrounding life, helps make their songs filled with creativity and raw inspiration.

Formed in 2011, the core musicians of the group; Dale Cross, Ian Salpekar, Will Glover and Nikki Glover have created their own genre – Surfer/Rock – and have completely run with it. In their song ‘Gethesmane’ you will hear a sound unlike any other. Starting off with a soft intro of snare drum-rhythmn, finger picking guitar, and eccentric sounds, your headphones will fill with a memorable experience. Once the first verse slides in, I’m reminded a bit of some things Prince has done with songs. Heavily laden with voice effects; lead singer Will, brings out a slight metal edge in their style with his voice. And once the tempo picks up, the song goes into full swing.

On another contrasting note comes; ‘Sunshine and Flowers’ a similar feel, referring to the the thread of their style; it’s distantly Revolution at the Zephyr. The tune is filled with a steady head-banging tick and electric guitar riffs, giving the audience a power-packed journey into the depths of their musical fusion.

“When sunshine and flowers combine
it’s a powerful, spiritual and wonderful life
with home and life and all that it tells on this roller coaster ride”

Ultimately the group plays music for the pure joy and adrenaline rush that comes hand in hand with performing. To understand Revolution at the Zephyr you have to understand where their musical drive stems from. Playing with the contrasting sides of dark and light, life and death, breathing and drowning, they strive to capture something as untouchable as a possibility, and discuss it in lyrical form. It’s something more than interesting to think on, and they clearly demonstrate that in their style and ability to create music that reflects what their hearts want to hear, free from commercial restraint or opinionated direction.

To sum it all up, I will quote the band; “where the ocean meets the land …that is where the drama is played out.”

You can hear more from Revolution at the Zephyr here.

By Pranam Bai Richter
Singer/Songwriter, The Richter Sisters
Head of Global Publicity, the Fish Pond

Born in Acapulco, Mexico, Margo Rey has a rich history in music; with a solid 10 year grounding in the classical style, at 16 she fronted rock band The Debs, and went on to lead Latin/Jazz/R&B band Miss Margo and the Lost Souls, with whom she achieved one top 5 and two top 20 pop releases. With a successful career in the theater, and releasing albums ‘My Heart’s Desire’ (2008) and ‘Get Back (The Remixes)’ (2010), her latest, ‘Habit’ (2012) is a beautiful mix of styles. With a genre all of her own, Margo describes her music – organica – as “…basically adult pop music that’s deeply rooted in jazz, with really, really funky grooves; and it’s created by humans, not machines”.

‘Habit’ features “Between Us”, as well as Billboard number 17 chart hit “Let the Rain”, co-written with John Oates, which remained in the charts for 21 weeks.

In so many ways, this album is an interesting work of art to review. Living up to the spirit of ‘organica’, there is so much variation in style, all tied together with Margo’s strong and beautiful vocal. I can only imagine the way these songs evolve when Margo performs them live.

Beginning the album with a strong and softly rocky title track, “Habit” is a perfect introduction to Margo in 2012. Inconspicuous, yet making its point:

“I want to love you, but now I’ve got to leave you,
creating a memory of the things we never did do…
wouldn’t you agree, that you’ve become a habit to me”

Building into the body of the album, it’s a catchy first number; toe-tapping, and reminiscent of late night live country music, dancing, and good times.

“Let the Rain”, featuring John Oates, brings a completely different mood; musically intelligent, and instrumentally well-composed, the lyrics are fascinating – clearly a song with a message. The chorus washes over you, much like the often-mentioned rain:

“So let them run and hide, I like a cloudy sky,
and let the rain wash over me”

Written in challenging times for Margo, as you can hear in her TV interviews, she is a woman who overcomes adversity and writes it out in strong songs like this one. There are particular lyrics in this song which I consider “daring” for a sweet and popular number:

“Winds blow round a plastic bag, a pile of leaves,
and a dirty mag; children yelling, playing tag,
A man lights up and takes a drag; what a drag”

These are not typical images I like to think about, and yet they offset the song beautifully, the rain washing all of these things away, to “sanctify me”. Another great example:

“Rainbow pools of gasoline, another city washes clean,
sparkling like a beauty queen”

I love it. The kind of lyric that isn’t particularly safe, and evokes the power of the title even more, images and colors and people of contrast painted into this powerful little song.

We move onto “Between Us” (also featured on Margo’s Fish Pond profile here). I have to confess, this is my favorite on the album. Right from the start, it makes the very best of Margo’s natural vocal talent, which she’s obviously worked hard to perfect over a long career. It’s catchy, the guitars and the little touch of country violin in the intro creating the perfect setting:

“We are not alone, you and I
Trying to make a home, but there’s something that stands between us”

From verse, to prechorus, to a lovely swelling chorus, this is a study in songwriting. Writing a popular song like this one is very much about being educated in what you’re doing as well as needing to have a natural gift. Creativity is a wonderful thing, but put it together with smarts as much at she has here, and you have a very pleasing number for public consumption, and a hit on your hands.

“What if I held you so close to me,
You wouldn’t see my faults,
And could you ever look at me the same
if you knew my thoughts,
I wanna give myself to you, without the fear of it all”

Equally beautiful, is the use of the violin in the solo and woven throughout the song, it feels like an often-told story. It’s a song I could listen to again and again.

“Get Back” is a completely different direction again; coming off the back of the big hit song on the album, it truly does “Get Back” to Margo’s roots; fast, funky, danceable, and introducing a mood for this two song sub-section of the album. Following on, “I Saw You” is liquid, smooth, and sweet, the funky bass holding down a solid groove, and a great chance for the band to excel and produce a true musicians track. It’s the type of music that would sit well in Ronnie Scott’s club in Soho. All musos, fine Scotch whiskey, and fat cigars as the band produces something truly organic.

“I’ll Give My Heart” transitions us back to pop; it’s a nicely produced ballad. Lyric of the day from this song for me was:

“It took some frog-kissing to prove I was,
I was missing the prince in you”

Throughout the album, Margo surprises with this type of sentiment. The true diamond lyrics are easy to miss in these well-crafted big-hitting songs, if you don’t take the trouble to read through them to understand what she’s singing about. It’s more than worth grabbing a lyric sheet to enhance your listening experience.

“Couldn’t Be More Wrong” fits and follows on, as another ballad which is easy to empathize with. Some of the easiest songs to absorb yourself in on a rainy Sunday are lyrically based on unrequited or cast-aside love. This song is moody and haunting, and uses beautiful strings, my favorite, the cello, providing backing.

“No passion to run wild, no longer fortune’s child,
Betrayed my hopes and all the trust that I had for you,
You’ve lost your fighter’s rage, and settled for a cage”

Once again it’s a strong message for the empowered, and beautifully delivered by Margo’s soulful tones.

It’s chased by “Saturn Returns”, the second John Oates collaboration on the album, poppy and upbeat, and a little reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Genesis in their heyday.

The album takes a political turn with a little reggae feel, and “Plastic Karma”. Cheery and upbeat, yet not a “nice” message, it has to be said it’s good fun. With a serious side, the song is a challenge to “big business”, and in some ways maybe it reveals why Margo went the way she did with “Organica” and the Organica Music Group. Tired of answering to others and being boxed into a non-existent “genre”, and the overly-present focus on financial reward with little regard to humanity in “big business”, she took her own path. And this song feels like a celebration of her success in that, wishing “peace” and farewell to corporate America. It could apply to anything of that nature; the banking crisis and the mantra “too big to fail” (as she sings), or African or Middle Eastern politics, or the worst side of the music business; it’s well-written, and gets an important message across with a smile.

“Roses” is a sweetly heartfelt love song. Wait – no, of course it’s not! Deceptive in title, there are so many lyrics in here to dwell on. Not disturbing, but vengeful in an ironic way;

“Roses are red, violets are blue,
This is a song about me and you;
Violence is golden, revenge is sweet,
You threw me down but I’m back on my feet”

You can only wonder what caused this intensity of feeling. To me, it’s not even necessarily written to an individual; it could equally apply to other adversities in life which challenge, but can be, and have been, well and truly beaten.

“Off in the distance, the church bells ring
The blade sinks deeper and the angels sing;
The sheets turn red, your skin turns blue,
I kiss your lips and whisper “I loved you””

But then again, it really feels like someone really messed with Margo, and got a lyrical beating in return. The thought makes me smile.

“10 Reasons” is back to that funky groove, rich with a head-nodding instrumental vibe. It’s a well-written pop song, and quotes the 10 reasons “why not” (“you want me to kiss you, tell you that I miss you”). It’s a fun listen, and by the end had me really into the vocal and band blend they’ve created.

The album is finished off with a couple of little gems hidden in Tracks 12 and 13. “You’ll Be Coming Back” is close to surfer rock, has a great beat, and feels like a return – musically – to her roots in Acapulco. “She’s Not There” is a delightful end to ‘Habit’; it’s so 60’s, and for me ties nicely to the surfer beat in “You’ll Be Coming Back”; it has me picturing the famous Travolta/Thurman dance scene in ‘Pulp Fiction’. It’s a mover and shaker all right, and the pre-chorus build with the title line, the song is reminiscent of all that was great and free about late-60’s rock and roll, and it gives me a smile as I think of dance hall images in black and white.  Try it; it will make you want to get up and party for sure.

True to her word, in “Habit”, Margo has delivered a thoughtful and organic work of art. It’s intelligent, and it’s well put together, with some superb and varied musicians putting their creative best into the process. Lyrically, the message is often harsh, but with a wink and a smile that Margo is empowered, can cut through glass like a diamond, and is more than able to respond; in short, she’s going to be  more than alright. The musical styles vary a huge amount, as you’d expect from a musician of Margo’s philosophy, so there is something for everyone on a long 13-track album; far from being chaotic, it’s knit together so well that the transitions really work. A great listen, and added to the “repeat plays” for me. Some might even say; “Habit” forming.

You can buy “Habit” here. It’s a superb album, and most certainly deserves the accolades and chart positions it has achieved thus far.

You can also read more about Margo on her Fish Pond profile here.