Prepare yourselves for yet another episode of Bongo Boy TV – a compilation of new music videos featuring incredible independent artists both experienced, and up and coming.
The fourth episode kicks off with Raspin Stuwart and his latest track, “Rumblin’ and Tumblin.” If you’re sauntering along the streets of New Orleans, there’s a 500% chance you’ll hear a song like this leaking from one of its many moonlit establishments. This is a slow, slinking little piece featuring Stuwart’s gravelly voice, some sensual backing vocals, smooth horns, and a repeated chorus (“rumblin’ and tumblin’”) detailing the dependability of volatility.
When watching the second video, the word “apocalyptic” immediately comes to mind. Why? Because GRIPPA, singing her new song, “CRASH,” laments love gone wrong amidst a burning cityscape (apparently, a lover’s explosion of love and light can build and uplift, but after a breakup, utterly destroy). Her voice sticks to a lower register, accompanied by acoustic guitar, some subtle strings, and when the emotion spikes, a smacking of industrial percussion. This is a heavy one, folks.
To lighten the mood, Gary Hempsey’s “Ganja Gnomes” is a plucked, upbeat, country-flavored tune describing…exactly what the title implies – gnomes who grow their own ganja. And, they do it remarkably well considering their collective experience and intuitive bond with mother nature. This is a catchy, mostly acoustic little ditty that’s probably sung with a very big smile.
“When It’s Over,” the latest song from STUDEO, begins when an innocent girl opens a gate – which may have been a mistake, considering an opening guitar riff introduces three wicked fantasy witches looking evocative but ill-intentioned while surveying planes of ice. This is a mid-tempo, fuzzy guitar rocker that, visually, starts ominously (because…wolves!), but greenery appears, granting a glimmer of gentler times ahead.
“Alien,” from Sami Chohfi and Blue Helix, is a stadium-metal rocker that starts with dramatic vocals, moves forward with solid, strumming guitar, and hits an emotional chorus. Heck, there’s even a guitar solo, and a return to the chorus which, by now, you can totally sing along to. Strong and anthemic, “Alien” totally works as a modern rock reflection.
Denel’s “Imperfectly Perfect 2.0,” although perhaps teen-focused pop, has the sweetest message – you’re beautiful for being you, and that includes anything considered “imperfect.” With electronic percussion, a catchy chorus that, vocally, utilizes an emotive falsetto, and a video filled with girls and women embracing their unique beauty, “Imperfectly Perfect 2.0” is an impressive, self-affirming celebration.
When the video started for “Black Ice,” I was suddenly taken aback. Why? Because MAAD is absolutely stunning. Sitting in a warehouse, singing in a manner that’s sultry, relaxed, and confident, MAAD is erotically dressed and surrounded by equally exotic dancers. But… there’s a little more going on here than eye candy. The verses, underpinned by a gritty synth bass, make an unexpectedly dark chord change that you don’t hear often, or at all, in modern R&B. Very interesting. And with capable vocals shifting between a lower pitch and darting falsettos, MAAD conveys various emotional tones simultaneously in a single phrasing. Honestly, if she’s not overtaking Beyonce within the next five years, I’ll be extremely disappointed.
Want to be considered for a future episode of Bongo Boy TV? Then reach out to submit@bongoboyrecords.com with attention to “Bongo Boy TV/Monique.”
Where can you catch the latest episode of Bongo Boy TV? Each episode is in rotation for four weeks across 72+ TV channels. See TVGuide at bongoboytv.com for your local listing.
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BELOW: Watch Bongo Boy TV Season 12 Episode 4, and connect with their website and social media platforms. As always, thank you for supporting real music!