The Plug’n Play: March (‘22)
March 31, 2022
You can listen to the full playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal
Below are some of our favorite songs from February and a bit about why we love them! The first 17 songs were selected by me, Stanley and the last 17 songs were selected by Kevin.
As always, we hope you find a tune or two you dig and check out the entire album!
Stanley: Gabrielle B. — Out of Time
When I started taking guitar lessons, my instructor would frequently recite a Miles Davis quote — it’s the one where Miles said “you have to play for a long time to sound like yourself…” Every artist, regardless of medium, goes through many iterations of themselves, and by proxy, their art as well. From mimicking your inspirations, to filtering those inspirations through your own creations, it does indeed take time to “sound like yourself.”
One of the things I enjoy most about doing this blog is encountering artists early in their musical journey. Now, having done this website for 6 years, the artists I encountered during their first, or least early, releases have now blossomed in their own ways, finding their voice, or as Miles Davis said, spent the time to begin to “sound like themselves.”
In 2019, following the release of her EP, Feel Something, I got the chance to interview Gabrielle B. a singer-songwriter, from Oklahoma City who was based in Brooklyn, New York at the time. Now, some three years later, Gabrielle B.’s relocated to Los Angeles, and boasts a sound that exhibits both growth and refinement. Her new single Out of Time, features a Gabrielle B.’s signature storytelling and melodic structure, set to the sound of a sultry and patient piano. It’s a wonderful and soul-filled tune!
Stanley: Lucky Daye — Ego
Admittedly, coming into Lucky Daye’s new album, I was a bit skeptical. It’s not that I didn’t think it would be good, but that I couldn’t possibly imagine a more enjoyable experience than I had with his debut LP, Painted. But now, here I stand, some three weeks after the release of his latest album (and several hours of repeated listening), and I can say Lucky Daye’s latest offering has exceeded whatever I could’ve hoped for. Candydrip is more ambitious than I anticipated, while still maintaining many of the elements that made me a fan to begin with. In a world where male R&B acts seem few and far between, Lucky Daye is is extending a tradition that is sorely missed. Also, D’Mile’s continues his hot streak — i’m glad I get to witness his reign!
Stanley: Butterfly Black — I Just Wanna Love You
In the music making process, collaboration can serve as a window, a portal of sorts, into worlds unknown, offering both perspective and new ideas. Earlier this month, veteran Broadway actor and vocalist, Syndee Winters (The Lion King, Motown: The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar), and bassist, composer, and vocalist, Ben Williams released their debut single as Butterfly Black, a venture that sees the duo expand into Pop and R&B worlds. Their new single, I Just Wanna Love, appeals to each of the members sensibilities — Winters’ strong melodies on the hooks and Williams’ dynamic bass playing, it’s the type of musical marriage artists long for. I’m looking forward to future releases!