Today I got to enjoy one of those moments where I stopped everything I was doing to see who I was listening to.

Terence Ryan? Why did that sound familiar? Who the hell is this kid?

Terence Ryan. T. Ryan. “That July.” AHA. Got it, people, one of the first posts we ever wrote.

Terence Ryan proudly represents the south shore, a few towns over from mine outside of Boston; And like a lot of artists who are repping Mass these days (Sammy Adams, Aer, The Dean’s List), this rising hip hop talent contributes to my belief that Boston is once again becoming a legitimate contender as a musical hub.

“Alan’s Right” cannot simply be categorized as hip hop because Terence beautifully incorporates strings, with a flowing, soulful production that allude to some indie roots. The track was written, produced, and engineered by this young musician, who then grabbed Ryan Sheetz Media to illustrate it in the most impressive way possible; The professionalism portrayed through the video screams “look at how talented I am” in an impressively understated way - quite honestly leaving me wanting more.

If you can’t tell, this is a must download. Skeleton EP coming soon…

And now that you’ve watched it seven times, “What is the feeling?” What is the feeling…

Become a fan of Terence Owen and Fresh Musikk.

posted by: k.roth

Boston’s Boy repped his city to the fullest last night on Conan - Proving that you’re gonna see the kid everywhere this year.

Sammy Adams performed his new hit single, “Blow Up” on Conan last night with the help from DJ Jayceeoh, serving as his first televised performance. Late night shows are usually a little lackluster, especially when pumped up songs are performed mainly for a camera - So while, Sammy’s performance was a little awkward, he closed it on a high note with an added verse shouting out Boston, BBSG, and Team Coco.

What did you think of his debut performance?

Become a fan of Sammy Adams and Fresh Musikk.

posted by: k.roth

Fresh Musikk Presents: A Globally Warmed Winter, December Playlist 2011.

Late Pass.

I was a little pickier this month so for December’s playlist we only have 22 solid songs that reflect the best music we posted last month, including: Y LUV, Sammy Adams, Adventure Club, Asher Roth, The Weeknd, Skizzy Mars, and more…

Stream on 8 Tracks below, or DL the December Playlist here.

FM: A Globally Warmed Winter, December 2011 from kristyn on 8tracks.

Become a fan of Fresh Musikk.

posted by: k.roth

Why not make sure he’s the first thing you’re listening to going into the new year?

Boston’s own, Sammy Adams surprised his fans earlier this week by announcing the release of a pre-album mixtape; Into the Wild, produced by DJ JayCeeOh, features 10 tracks that will give us a preview of what sound to expect on his long awaited album.

The tape starts off big with “Midnight Run”, sampling the Flux Pavilion track of the same name, and keeps the energy amped throughout with heavy electronic production like his last mixtape, Party Records. Interestingly enough, it’s a completely different vibe than his first single off the LP, “Blow Up”, which had a much chiller, laid back sound - reminiscent of his “I Hate College” days. That being said, the production is still catchy and explosive, and Sammy delivers upbeat, pop infused verses.

Give the following a listen:

“Midnight Run”

“Thunderstorm”

“Bullets”

Download Into The Wild

Become a fan of Sammy Adams and Fresh Musikk.

posted by: k.roth

This is Sammy Adams’s best music video to date.

What may have been a year of quiet build up, Sammy Adams rounded out 2011 in a major way; After an incredible tour, minimal, yet quality, new music, a substantial signing bonus, and a prominent new partnership with RCA/Sony Records, Sammy had an extraordinary resurgence into the spotlight.

His video for his hit, new single, “Blow Up” was shot in Allston, MA where he brought it back to his roots, surrounded by his fans; It was interlaced with shots of tour life and sold out shows across the country - which would just be a small percentage of the arenas this kid is about to fill in the upcoming year.

Become a fan of Sammy Adams and Fresh Musikk.

posted by: k.roth

Fresh Musikk presents it’s 7th playlist, “Occupy Dance Floor”.

November was hands down, one of the best months for music all year; We saw albums from, Drizzy, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller - and mixtapes from, OnCue, Mike Posner, B.o.B. - and incredible singles and leaks from other artists on the rise. So to say it was difficult to narrow my 239 new songs from November down to 25, would be an incredible understatement.

As the holiday season approaches, listen to this mix, chill out, vibe out, party on, and occupy that dance floor.

Become a fan of Fresh Musikk. DO IT.

Download “Fresh Musikk: Occupy Dance Floor, November 2011”

posted by: k.roth

Sammy released a promo video for his song, “Blow Up”, his first major single off his new label with RCA/Sony Records. I’d be shocked if a lot of you weren’t in attendance at the many, many shows he did this year that were featured in the video; I spy some Lolla, Bamboozle, HOB Boston, where I was at, Harvard, and more. “Blow Up” has already been put into rotation on the Boston radio waves, and I’m sure is making it’s way throughout the country.

It was just a matter of time kid.

Become a fan of Sammy Adams and Fresh Musikk!

posted by: k.roth

ps…my initial post for the release of “Blow Up” is still getting major hits- it might be the most viewed post. props to Boston’s boy.

Last week we wrote up a review for Sammy Adams pretty banging performance at HOB Boston on Halloween; He debuted his new single, “Blow Up”, off his upcoming album, which he’s spent the better part of the last year developing. The new track definitely has a strong mainstream appeal, and could very well be Sammy’s official breakout song; With an easy beat, and pop sound, it’s only a matter of time until it gets some radio play. It samples The Pixies song, “Where Is My Mind” which could be a shout out to his brand, Eighties Babies, since it came out the year he was born - repping ‘88. Personally, it’s not my favorite track, but the hook is very catchy and has a similar vibe as his infamous, “I Hate College” remix. Regardless, he’s on an exciting journey, so shouts to being on the verge.

Become a fan of Sammy Adams and Fresh Musikk!

Listen to “Blow Up”

posted by: k.roth

ps - had some difficulties uploading show footage, so check back in later.

Koncert Review: Sammy Adams, House of Blues Boston, 10/31/11

The first time I heard Sammy Adams, the self proclaimed Boston’s Boy, I was sitting in my room at BC, repping Iggy A36; Boston’s Boy EP was literally splashed across my iTunes homepage; recommendations, new albums, top ten lists, everywhere. After listening to two songs, I did something very out of character- I bought the entire album.
Within a few months his music had spread through college campuses like wildfire. It’s strange to think how those initial triumphs seem so trivial compared to what he’s accomplished in the year since then. With hundreds of thousands of fans across the world, Sammy is on the verge of a major “blow up” – which is fittingly the name of his new single, which he’ll be releasing tomorrow.

Although I’ve kept up with his musical progression, seeing Sam Adams perform on Halloween night at the House of Blues Boston was my first show; And to be honest, I really didn’t know what to expect. I’ve seen tons of show footage, pictures, clips, etc, and it always looks fun – but would he be memorable?

Simple answer, yes.

Was his set time a little too short? Yes. Were there a few too many 17 year olds in the crowd? Of course. Should I have won that G for my pregnant Beyonce leotard costume? Absolutely.

But aside from all that, there was one ultimate factor that rose above the rest…This kid’s got It. He has always stood out on the forefront of electro rap, and if not the first, he was definitely one of the leader’s in this emerging genre, specifically targeting the frat rap scene. But the difference is that Sammy has the potential to be more than a frat rapper- he has the ear for hits, the attitude, the energy, and the talent to top the charts.

He played all of my favorite bangers, “Comin’ Up”, “Hold On”, “Coast 2 Coast”, and more; He performed “Blow Up” for the first time, which I’m waiting until the drop tomorrow to post the footage. Overall, it seemed a lot more mainstream with a definite pop influence, as opposed to his signature electro/dubstep tracks. Although it didn’t blow me away, I’m still looking forward to hearing it again tomorrow, as well as the entire album, which he’s been working on all year.

Looking back at this show, the thing that stands out the most in my mind was this electrically charged energy that filled the air – the crowd’s excited anticipation was contagious, and really provided a great atmosphere for a great show.
Biggest complaint is that there was no music bumping at the after party..

Oh, and no $1000 for me.

Become a fan of Sammy Adams and Fresh Musikk!

Posted by: k.roth

Yo who else was at this show – what stood out the most to you?

Sound off Sunday

” It’s exciting to see the recent upsurge in the quality of music and up and coming artists out of Boston; With so many creative outlets and inspiration in this historical city, it seems as though it’s on the path to becoming a solid musical hub once again, like New York and LA. “

The first time I touched upon the Boston music scene was 5 months ago, and was ironically spurred on by Aer, before I had joined the team. My words above merely skimmed the surface of what Boston has become in such a short time, and it’s important that people recognize the tune that Boston has begun to play.

Boston’s always been a college town; With a quarter million students annually, I can say from real life experience that they pretty much dominate every neighborhood in town. Boasting some of the top schools in the country (ahem, BC), including one of the leading musical arts schools, Berklee, what spurred this resurgence, and the fact that the leaders of the up and coming artists are Boston bred?

Out of my 240 person high school class, 109 kids applied to BC. 11 got in, 7 went, and a large majority ended up at other Boston- area colleges. With so many great options to choose from, there is a large interconnected community; BC, BU, Harvard, Tufts, Northeastern, UMass, MIT, Bentley, and so many more. These local artists have the ability to tap into this network because many of their friends are dispersed throughout this college based town.

Take a look around - bros, frat stars, and laxstitutes pop up on every corner. Liberal millenials, have grown up in a technological age where we are forced to be early adopters, and that has transitioned across all aspects of our lives; Meaning, we always want to be the first to know of something cool and new. We want to feel part of the process - part of the discovery. And like every other generation, people want to listen to music that they can relate to; And what do college students do best?
Party.
The new ‘frat-rap’ genre was built on the foundation of the millenial’s generation and ideals. They define the genre because they are the driving force behind it; They want to be there from the beginning. So with 250,000 college students in Boston it comes as no surprise that they are standing up behind their classmates, friends, or fellow Bostonians who are making major sacrifices to follow their dreams with the utmost determination.

Now let’s break it down by some of the hottest groups in the area…

Sammy Adams. Aer. The Dean’s List. Timeflies.

Sammy Adams and Aer both rep Wayland, MA, a small, sleepy, suburb on the outskirts of the city. Who thought two acts from Wayland could top the iTunes charts on their first go around? And in hip-hop no less?? People look at these guys, and think, ‘these guys are just like me, they like what I do, they’re laid back, and they just want to enjoy life’.

The Dean’s List and Timeflies both flourished in Boston colleges as well, at Berklee and Tufts respectively. They utilized their musical studies, and local venues to promote their music as well. Timeflies specifically, dominated the social media scene, by creating such a following for their weekly “Timeflies Tuesday” acts that people religiously wait for the releases.

So above all else, what do these groups have that are launching them to the top of the underground game?

They are game-changers. They aren’t releasing the typical ‘frat-rap’ music, they are developing it into something more, and creating their own individual sound. Sammy Adam’s was one of the first on the scene, shocking everyone as a ‘white boy rapper’; Aer’s taking hip hop and remixing it with an alternative reggae infused sound; The Dean’s List is hip hop with some new age production; And Timeflies combines soulful singing & hip hop over a dubstep beat.

Can we attribute all of this individualism and tenacity to Boston? Maybe not.. But our brutal honesty, obnoxious swagger, and cocky attitudes have to be good for something right?

Peace out.

K.roth

Finally got the chance to listen to Bei Maejor’s entire project, maejorMaejor, and it is definitely a solid R&B mixtape. His sweet falsetto is emphasized by easy beats, and love oriented lyrics; Then switched up with party tracks like, “I’m Ragin” featuring Sammy Adams, and “Bout That Life.” I liked Sammy’s verses, but there wasn’t really anything to draw you in, and hook you throughout the song. Personally, I enjoyed the slower tracks more, including, “Enterlude Freestyle Music” (my favorite), “Exitlude (Fortune)”, “It’s On U”, and of course the tracks we gave you the other day…
Overall this singer/rapper/producer made an excellent tape that you should definitely check out, especially if you need some music to help you turn the lights down low with your date.

“Now you’re just somebody that I used to know…”

Become a fan of Bei Maejor and Fresh Musikk!

Download “Enterlude Freestyle Music”

Download maejorMaejor mixtape

posted by: k.roth

Last night I went to Timeflies live taping of “Live All Night” at Emerson College. After a slight mix-up at the door where i found myself as an awkward extra in front of the camera, I made my way behind the scenes and watched the run-through and live show. These guys killed it! You could feel their energy and excitement during taping and throughout their performance. The crowd was bumping, and I can only imagine how great the atmosphere is when they perform at larger venues. I attached a clip of them performing “The Chase”, and I apologize for the grainy quality (click on the video to load, then click the beginning of the stream to play)…
For all you lucky Fairfield kids, Timeflies will be performing with Sammy Adams this Friday night. For other show information you can check out their website at www.timefliesmusic.com.

Become a Fan!

* Shout out to Danny for setting this up - thanks dude

k.roth