Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - February 2024
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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2024 is here and I am ready for another year of original music from Minnesota. Luckily, I was able to find some more Hip-Hop, rock, our first repeat artist, and more. Honestly there’s plenty out there as long as you’re willing to dig, which I have no issue with.
As always, if you hear a song you like remember to check the artist out live and buy their merchandise. It’s the best way to keep our lovely independent music scene alive.
Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
Juice Lord “The Thrill”
The hook of the production drew me in immediately, with a clear, minimalist style reminding me a little of Swizz Beatz. It provides Juice Lord the perfect opportunity to ask, ‘What more do you want from me?,’ because your definitely paying attention. It’s a question that loaded with feelings of frustration over trying to survive as an artist in the Twin Cities, and more. With production this slick it’s one that sounds awesome turned up to 11.
Lewiee Blaze “Refreshed”
It’s a rare feat where I can understand what the artist is trying to convey after the first couple listens, but Lewiee Blaze did just that on “Refreshed.” The R&B tinged hook that grabbed me at the beginning flawlessly conveyed that feeling of ‘I’m back. I’m ready.’ Blaze’s delivery through the whole song comes off as someone who took some time to mentally reset, and now they’re back with a clearer vision than ever.
Semisonic feat. Jim James “Beautiful Sky”
Lead singer and multiple Grammy winner Dan Wilson has a naturally earnest voice when he sings, which could not be more fitting for a song full of hope. It’s the kind of song that’s perfect for ringing in the new year with a soul-filling message of leading a more fulfilling life. There’s an unfiltered positivity the song’s sound waves seek to fill us with that we could all use a healthy dose of right now.
Adam Brandt “Sierra”
The acoustic guitar mixed with Brandt’s vocals paint a pleasant sunny day with cruising down the road. He’s in a reflective mood about the girl who convinced him to put down roots. I can see him smiling, and feeling like his life is in just the right place.
The Customers “One Delight”
This song hits the ground running with a full sound. It’s an awakening mixture of driving guitars, drums that sound like each hit is smashing the drum head, a sexy, cool saxophone, and more. Frontman Ryan Sexton’s confident and present vocals complete the band’s sound that sits in the middle of a Venn Diagram of grunge, punk, and rock ’n’ roll.
Honeybutter “SWIM”
“This is what I call direct hit music. The production feels very simple on this song, but Honeybutter also fills it with many different ideas that keep me putting this on repeat. There’s the bright pop vocals, the harmonies, the changing production elements that feel random but right, and they all work together to make a joyous indie pop experience.
Anni xo “worth something”
It’s a heartbreaking song that deals with an ingrained pain countless people live through every day. But what hit me the most was how the bright production, including Anni’s vocals, was the tonal opposite of the lyrics. It hit home how it can be a bright, sunny day, but mentally you’re in that midnight darkness that feels like the sun will never rise again — this is the power of music.
Jayanna Sings “Giving Up”
Hearing the weight of the sounds those piano keys make is an instant attention grabber. It’s as if they were made for moments like these when Jayanna needs to pour her heart out, and the piano absorbs some of that pain every time she presses down on a key. Her vocal performance has its own unfiltered arc of heartache, exhaustion, and resilience that needs to be heard to be truly felt.
Dani Erin “Watcha Gonna Do”
The smooth guitar hook intro is just a sample of how tight Dani Erin and her band are. Soon solid drums, Erin’s smooth, controlled vocal delivery, and the rest of her band put us in a nightclub after hours where she’s also providing a warning to those who may going after someone who isn’t interested. Let them be, seriously.
VIAL “just fine”
There’s nothing wrong with being “just fine” especially when it results in a quick, fun song like this. VIAL bring that youthful pop-punk energy that certainly brings to mind No Doubt and Minnesota’s own the Von Tramps. Luckily, being “just fine” for them gives us a ton of fun.
