Stealing Oceans – ‘Radio Star’
I mean, we try not to sound biased when talking about our Alumni & their music. No really we do. To be honest though, it’s hard to not always praise what they put out when we curate only the cream of the crop from the jump. So when Brian let us know Stealing Ocean’s new single was dropping we already knew what to expect. Strait up head-bobbing fire. Even though we were ready for it, we still were caught off guard by the Nashville lyricists smooth vocals. Savvy’s modern flip from The Buggles original song “Video Killed The Radio Star”. The piano and Sax that caught my ear. Finally, the honesty about Brian’s own journey in music. Yeah we should be used to this from S/O at this point, but still, color me impressed. Color us impressed.
B.T.S (Behind The Song)
I got a chance to chop it up with Brian on the song and he gave us some background on the track. Radio Star was written with Schmarx, Savvy and Jonathon Jircitano. The song was produced by Schmarx & S/O’s live band Mutual Groove came through to lay down some of the live instrumentation.
Taking a look between the lines; the song starts off talking about how Brian got in to music with his brother Scott teaching him how to play guitar and write songs. Then the song transitions from how he got into music to today; where his childhood dream has turned in to a job and the delicate balance of remembering the reason why he got in to creating music and the business side of it.
Rice’s Reaction
I’m someone who appreciates lyricism and dynamics (and a really good mix + master). This song contains it all. You can hear the honesty along with the comfort and confidence Brian has speaking his truth on his songs. This song is no different. It’s something that makes all the difference in music, and especially in Rap/Hip-Hop. So many cats speak on things that are “hot topics” or “sound good” in their story but you can hear when it’s not them. You know.
That mixed with the smooth production from Schmarx & Mutual Groove that not only highlight the lyrics, but in the same light, highlight the music geniuses they are. Smooth and Catchy are a hard combo to come by (in my opinion anyway). Yet, here I am. Sitting in my room. Lights off. Blinds drawn with a little bit of Nashville Sunlight shining in. Setting a nice mellow mood as I listen to the song on repeat and type this article for you all. That’s the exact vibe the production gives me. From the piano, to the sax, to the guitar, and soft synths.
In conclusion… Overall how I would describe Radio Star. It delivers what I would describe as a “Smooth Truth”.
Take a listen to S/O & Savvy’s new single Radio Star for yourself and formulate your thoughts on it! If you like it, Playlist it like we did on our NU Music Friday Playlist (3/29)
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