Soulful Grooves & High-Energy Beats

This week, we're exploring a diverse soundscape with the soulful melodies of Thee Sacred Souls, the electrifying energy of Duke Deuce, and the atmospheric vibes of River Tiber. Thee Sacred Souls bring a modern twist to classic soul, delivering heartfelt performances that instantly transport you to another era. Duke Deuce, on the other hand, cranks up the heat with his explosive blend of Memphis rap, packed with infectious energy and dynamic beats. Rounding out the trio is River Tiber, whose dreamy production and smooth vocals create a sound that's equal parts ethereal and intimate. Together, these artists showcase the beauty of blending the old with the new, giving us a taste of genres that transcend time and space.

Morning Soul With Thee Sacred Souls

Thee Sacred Souls

Thee Sacred Souls, a soul band hailing from San Diego, have quickly risen to prominence with their blend of sweet soul music and heartfelt storytelling. Formed by Alejandro Garcia and Salvador Samano, the band solidified its lineup with the addition of vocalist Josh Lane, whose smooth tenor voice became a defining feature of their sound. Their 2022 self-titled debut album made waves in the soul music scene, earning them performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. They garnered millions of monthly listeners on Spotify and gained the admiration of artists like SZA, Alicia Keys, and Leon Bridges​.

In 2024, Thee Sacred Souls announced their highly anticipated sophomore album, Got A Story To Tell, set for release on October 4th through Daptone Records. The album, which features 12 original tracks, represents the band's growth and the emotional depth they’ve developed over their years of touring and performing together. Tracks like the lead single “Lucid Girl” showcase their knack for storytelling and their deep appreciation for soul music from the '60s and '70s. This album, recorded at Penrose Recorders in Riverside, California, taps into the band's influences while exploring new sonic landscapes, with contributions from musicians like saxophonist Larry Rendon of Thee Midniters fame​.

Thee Sacred Souls' journey has been marked by their commitment to the timeless elements of soul music. They draw inspiration from classic sounds while infusing them with modern-day narratives and emotions. On Got A Story To Tell, the band members channel their personal experiences into universal themes, with tracks like "Waiting on the Right Time" and "On My Mind" reflecting the complexities of life and love. The album promises to be a richly layered listening experience, punctuated by strings, horns, and haunting vocal harmonies that reward multiple listens​.

To support their new album, Thee Sacred Souls have embarked on their biggest tour yet, which includes stops at major venues like Brooklyn Paramount and Ryman Auditorium. This marks a new chapter for the band, who have already made a name for themselves through sold-out headlining shows and festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and more. The tour and the album both signify that Thee Sacred Souls are not just a band capturing the essence of soul—they are actively shaping its future.

Most Popular Album:

• Thee Sacred Souls

My Favorite Songs:

• Future Lover

• Will I See You Again?

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Crunk o’Clock With Duke

Duke Deuce

Duke Deuce, a Memphis rapper known for reviving the crunk music movement, has made significant strides in shaping his career path in recent years. Rising to fame with his track "Yeh" and the iconic anthem "Crunk Ain't Dead," Duke Deuce quickly gained recognition as a force in the Southern rap scene. His dynamic energy and ability to fuse Memphis rap traditions with modern beats have set him apart. His debut album, Duke Nukem (2021), solidified his place in hip-hop, debuting at number three on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. He followed this up with Crunkstar in 2022, further asserting his signature crunk sound and influence on the genre.

In 2023, Duke Deuce announced a pivotal change in his career—his departure from Quality Control Music, choosing to pursue an independent path. In an interview, he explained his decision, expressing his desire to elevate himself beyond traditional rap confines. "I’m a crunk star. I’m a rock star. Like, I’m a global type of artist," he remarked, hinting at his vision for a more expansive artistic identity. This decision reflects Duke's ambition to push his music further, seeking creative freedom and exploring his role as a multifaceted artist rather than being solely categorized within the trap or crunk genres.

Despite these changes, Duke Deuce remains deeply rooted in his Memphis origins, carrying the crunk torch for a new generation while paying homage to the city’s musical legacy. His recent projects, such as Memphis Massacre III (2022), continue to display his dedication to crunk music and showcase his evolution as an artist who blends gritty street energy with a global appeal. Fans are eager to see where his independent journey will take him and how he will continue to evolve in the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.

Most Popular Albums:

• Duke Nukem

• Memphis Massacre 2

My Favorite Songs:

• Crunk Ain’t Dead

• FALLING OFF (feat. RICO NASTY)

River’s Evening Flow

River Tiber

River Tiber, the Toronto-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, has made a notable return to the music scene in 2024. Known for his unique blend of alternative R&B, rock, and electronic influences, River Tiber has been a significant figure in Toronto's music landscape since his debut with Indigo in 2016. This album brought an imaginatively experimental sound to alternative R&B, featuring textured atmospherics and layered vocals that caught the attention of various artists, including Drake, SZA, and Mac Miller, who sampled his work on their own tracks.

In 2024, River Tiber teamed up with long-time friend and collaborator Justin Nozuka to release two new tracks, "Tell Her" and "Stranger." This collaboration has been years in the making, as the two artists have shared a mutual admiration for each other’s artistry since their teenage years. River Tiber described "Tell Her" as a nostalgic piece, incorporating sounds of late summer in Toronto, which reflects a simpler time in his life. On the other hand, "Stranger" touches on themes of drifting apart and the complexities of staying connected over time​.

River Tiber’s latest album, Dreaming Eyes, released in late 2022, marked his first major project in six years. Unlike his earlier work, this album was written and produced almost entirely in solitude, a result of the pandemic’s isolation. It further solidified his reputation as a genre-defying artist, exploring psychedelic rock, cosmic jazz, and bittersweet soul. His ability to seamlessly weave through genres while maintaining his signature atmospheric production style is a testament to his growth as an artist over the years​.

Although River Tiber doesn't have any upcoming tour dates at the moment, his recent releases have garnered critical acclaim, and his collaborations with other Canadian musicians, like Daniel Caesar, Kaytranada, and BADBADNOTGOOD, continue to highlight his role as a key figure in Toronto’s vibrant music scene​.

My Favorite Album:

• Indigo

My Favorite Songs:

• West

• Sent from Above

Playlist of the Week: 
Otherworldly Classics

This week’s playlist, "Otherworldly Classics," is a journey into the cinematic, jazz-infused, and psychedelic sounds of artists who dared to break musical norms. With Michael Small's hauntingly beautiful film scores, Piero Piccioni's lush, jazz-driven compositions, and Hareton Salvanini's orchestral grooves, each track feels like a deep dive into another realm. These artists captured moods and moments that transcend time, creating music that feels as fresh and innovative today as it did decades ago. Let these timeless, otherworldly tunes sweep you away to a place where jazz, soul, and cinematic soundscapes blend effortlessly.