In the vibrant music scene of Massachusetts, July brought a diverse array of local artists, each with their unique sound and story to tell. From the raw energy of Kimaya Diggs' 'I know that I'm perfect' to the infectious garage rock of Fortuna 500's 'The Lemon Man', the month was a testament to the state's rich musical tapestry. But what makes these artists truly stand out is not just their music, but the personal journeys and creative choices that shape their sound. Let's delve into the stories behind the sounds, exploring the motivations, influences, and the broader cultural context that makes each artist's work so compelling.
Kimaya Diggs: A Voice of Outrage and Agency
Kimaya Diggs' 'I know that I'm perfect' is more than just a song; it's a powerful statement of agency and a personal narrative of resilience. The Northampton musician, who has already pivoted once with her debut album 'Breastfed' and follow-up 'Quincy', is now exploring a new facet of her artistic identity. The song, with its warbling synths and rubbery bassline, hints at a turbulent past, only to unleash a furious indictment in the chorus. Diggs' ability to transition from a composed, introspective artist to a fierce advocate is what makes her music so captivating. The fact that she is now credited as a producer and engineer on her own music is a subtle yet powerful expression of her agency, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey.
DeevoDaGenius & TEGA: Storytelling and Community
Brockton's TEGA, in collaboration with producer DeevoDaGenius, delivers 'Da Story of Tega Brady (Deluxe)', a project that combines authentic storytelling with clever writing and production. The attention-grabbing rollout, including Toxic Tuesdays freestyles, showcases TEGA's writing skills and his ability to flip known concepts in innovative ways. DeevoDaGenius' production, which seems to only get stronger over the years, adds a layer of sophistication to the project. The way TEGA raps forces close listening, ensuring that no detail is missed. The features on the project, including Dun Dealy, BoriRock, Shaykh Hanif, and others, create a seamless chemistry, highlighting the importance of community in hip-hop culture.
Sophie Wellington: Reimagining Tradition
Sophie Wellington, a multi-talented musician and percussive dancer, brings a fresh perspective to old-time folk melodies and ballads. Her album 'Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still' combines ripping flatpick guitar sounds with subtle rhythms, creating a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. Wellington's attachment to traditional music, coupled with her studies at Berklee College of Music, has allowed her to find remarkably original and fresh-sounding ways of making very old songs sound brand new. The album, produced by old-time icon Cathy Fink, is a testament to the power of reimagining tradition.
Coral Moons: Bliss and Hardship in Harmony
Coral Moons, an indie-rock quartet formed in Boston in 2019, delivers an EP 'Calling Me Insane' that traverses the bliss and hardships of being human. The band, now living and writing in the woods of Upstate New York, creates music that is both upbeat and deeply emotional. The title track, with its frantic, buzzing synths and lead vocalist Carly Kraft's cyclical emotions, captures the complexities of a toxic relationship. 'West Coast, Babe', on the other hand, is a beautiful, windows-down track about the electricity of a new romantic connection. Coral Moons' ability to blend bliss and hardship in harmony is what makes their music so compelling.
Fortuna 500: Goofiness and Garage Rock
Fortuna 500, a new band from Somerville, delivers 'The Lemon Man', a single that warns of a predaceous monster that is part man, part citrus. The song, with its blistering guitars, groovy drums, and plodding bass, is a perfect example of the band's goofiness and garage rock style. The members, tried-and-true musicians familiar to the scene, bring a unique blend of humor and intensity to their music. The idea for the song came to vocalist Cole Triedman on a sleepless night, and it's indicative of the band's brand of goofiness, where anything can happen.
Haasan Barclay: Arena-Worthy Bedroom Pop
Haasan Barclay, a musician and producer, delivers 'Four Leaf Clover', an EP that sounds like bedroom pop written for an arena. The music, with its fuzzed-out guitars, frenetic drums, and chintzy-sounding synths, is deceptively pleasant yet tightly written and impossibly catchy. Barclay's quick tempos and aggressive lyrics add a zealous undercurrent to the songs, making them thrilling to listen to. The EP is a testament to Barclay's rapacious and wide-ranging tastes, showcasing his ability to create music that is both catchy and thought-provoking.
The Amplifier Heads: Storming Power-Pop
The Amplifier Heads, a storming power-pop vehicle co-founded by Sal Baglio, delivers 'SUPER 8', an album that celebrates the essence of rock 'n' roll. The opener 'Rock N Roll Riot' depicts the Boston tradition, while 'A Song Called Sha La La' and 'Hot Wax' harken back to the days when the saxophone was as important a rock instrument as the guitar. The album, released by Rum Bar Records, is a testament to the passion, grit, and heart that define true rock 'n' roll. The Amplifier Heads' ability to capture the essence of rock 'n' roll is what makes their music so compelling.
In conclusion, the music of July in Massachusetts is a testament to the state's rich musical tapestry, where each artist brings their unique story and sound to the forefront. From the raw energy of Kimaya Diggs to the infectious garage rock of Fortuna 500, the month was a celebration of creativity and personal journeys. As we reflect on these artists and their music, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the importance of community in shaping the cultural landscape.
