Must Hear: Sam Smith’s Top 6 Songs

London born singer Sam Smith has made waves with his distinctly versatile British falsetto. His popularity has grown almost overnight from his humble beginnings in the UK. Raised in Great Chishill, a small town nestled comfortably between Cambridge and London, Smith set out on his journey to conquer the music world with his soulful sound and affable personality. After years of hard work, the 22 year-old singer struck at luck when EDM group Disclosure asked him to be a feature on one of their tracks. This propelled the young singer’s career on the fast-track to stardom. Inspired by the R&B diva Beyonce, and his desire for a married man, among many other things, Sam Smith took to the studio and recorded what would become his debut album “In The Lonely Hour“. It topped the charts in the UK and became the second highest selling debut-record of 2014 in the United States with total sales reaching 746,000 in just five months. Smith’s young career is only getting started…

Here is our list of the top 6 Sam Smith songs you should hear.

 

Stay With Me

 

Nirvana

 

Latch (feat. Sam Smith)

 

La La La (feat. Sam Smith)

 

Safe With Me

 

I’m Not The Only One (feat. Asap Rocky)

 

Is there another favorite Sam Smith song you think should be on this list? Comment below.

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Buy Tickets: samsmithworld.com/live/

One Republic: Counting Stars (Single Review)

 

“No More Counting Dollars, We’ll Be Counting Stars”

“Counting Stars” is just one highlight of an understated album amassed with an array of awesome tracks. A few fillers here and there, but on a whole “Native” is a must-buy. The chart-topping single’s opening chorus – using an acoustic guitar backdrop – acts as a gravitational pull to a listeners ear, luring them into a false feeling of melancholy as Tedder croons lyrics laden with love references before a beat of a drum brings the track to life. A catchy repeat of the chorus follows which is probably a key component in why listeners have been captivated by the track enough to make it the groups most successful single yet.
 
The lyricism in each verse is luxurious, proof of why One Republic are such a well-loved, world-renowned band with a bright future ahead of them. Although I can’t comprehend why the Colorado five-piece have never sustained success, “Counting Stars” is surely a step in the right direction and a few more releases off of “Native” could hardly harm either. What do you think of “Counting Stars”? Let us know in the comments below.

 

 

Trev Rich: Pain (Single Review)

“This Whole Fucking Year, I’ve Been Suffering From Depression; A Lot Of First Impressions And A Lot Of Second Guessing”

 

 

Trev back – now more than ever – according to my recent interview with one of the hottest rappers coming out of Colorado right now. In an attempt to reinforce that statement, the Squizzy Gang artist dropped a second single from the third instalment of his highly praised “Heights” series. Produced by BrinkyBeats, “Pain” is a track in which Trev projected that his fans would love most due to its introspective, emotionally resonating nature which seen him suit Joe Budden’s MME group perfectly. As I’m sure is evident by now, after a plethora of positive reviews, I’m a big fan of the “Dreams” rapper but there is a reason I’ve never written a review for the first single – “Go Get It”. Trev Rich is an artist I have often applauded for his consistency in his entire catalogue. Even before “Heights”, Trev was making marvellous music in under the pseudonym of Rockie G5 in the “Gold Dreams” project. Unfortunately, “Go Get It” just wasn’t for me. I was reliant upon “Pride” to reinstore my faith for “Heights 3“, and thankfully I was not disappointed.

BrinkyBeats is becoming a producer that Trev Rich fans are fast becoming used to, he has created a vast array of amazing instrumentals for the rapper including “Numbers To Letters” and “L.A Interlude”. It appears that Brinky will be a regular name on the “Heights 3” project as he has a produced both singles from the highly anticipated mixtape – to be released on the 19th of November. The “Pain” beat is beautifully pieced together with a blend of delightful drum patterns, captivating piano chords and a sampled voice which isn’t dissimilar to the Ellie Goulding sample on Drizzy and Hov’s “Pound Cake”.

The brilliant production provides a phenomenal foundation fit for Trev’s fantastic ability to rip his heart out and lay it in a verse. The layout of the track seems scattered, and that might be the one downfall. I was convinced the sections in which T spits “You don’t wanna be sober, don’t want be hopeless, don’t wanna be lonely no more” was the hook, but turns out a segment saying “I smoke, I drink, I’m supposed to stop but I can’t” might be more appropriate for that title and the former is more of a bridge. Aside from that confusion, Trev’s lyrical contribution throughout the track isn’t far from flawless.

Trev’s built a name for himself for his frank honesty in his verses and is more aware than most artists as to why his fans love him so much. So when he spits “truth of the matter is the pain got us here” I’m curious as to whether this entire song is another about his career cleverly concealed as a love song – of sorts – similar to Eminem’s “25 To Life”. This could be backed up by the bars in which he essentially – arguably egotistically – crowns himself king of the city (Lets be honest, could anyone else claim the throne?) as he raps:

“City up for grabs, everybody wanna claim; like I didn’t have a six year reign.”

The problem with that perception of Trev’s wonderful words is that why would he be “addicted to anything that make the pain go away”? For the record, despite the mention of “you”, I understand that Trev is talking about himself. Is this a case of Trev wishing his career way? I doubt it. So maybe the song is purely a twisted love song, and the “Heights” artist wishes he could make the pain go away for his loved one rather than they turn to drugs and alcohol. But then, isn’t that the beauty of Trev’s music? It’s open to interpretation, and anyone can relate. TREV BACK!

What do you think? What is your interpretation of the meaning of the song? Do you like it? Are you excited for “Heights 3”? Let us know in the comments below!

Trev Rich: Heights 3 Interview

“When I say Trev’s back I mean it now more than ever.”

Every other one of my posts on this site – and my own blog for that matter – seems to focus on or mention Trev Rich. It can hardly be considered a bad thing, bearing in mind that milehimusic.com was created to give spotlight on Colorado’s hottest talents because as far as I’m concerned Trev epitomises that very goal. Not only do I believe he is the hottest musician coming out of Colorado right now, he’s a permanent name in any of my top five lists – dead or alive. So it is an absolute honour that since taking up blogging almost a year ago, that I now have the chance to consistently conversate with someone I consider an inspiration; In the latest of our formal interviews, I interrogated Trev about his upcoming mixtape, “Heights 3“, his newly found relationship with Atlantic Records and what ever happened to “New Forever” which was followed by a couple of fan questions which were submitted through Twitter.

Hello Trev, thanks for agreeing to another interview with me. How are you and what have you been up to over the summer?

Trev Rich: All work no play type of summer. It’s been pretty wild musically a lot has happened in my life in which I don’t want to spoil for the tape. I’ve been great though. Couple ups and downs but that’s life.

 

 The big news is that this month, you’re releasing the third edition of Heights 3. Is the recording finished?

Trev: Yes my portion of the recording is done! Finally it didn’t take that long to get back in a zone after a little while so the process was a lot easier this time.

 

You claim Heights 3 to be project of the year, what makes it so much better than others?

Trev: I’ve heard some pretty dope projects this year. A lot of dope production as well as substance but when I say Trev’s back I mean it now more than ever. I risked it all with this project.

November has produced some brilliant tapes already (including my own – Class President) and it’s only 5 days in. What have you been vibing to recently?

Trev: H3 getting everything ready I’ve skimmed through a couple other projects that dropped as well. I’m confident in 3. Very.

 

You’ve also stated that Heights 3 has a different style to the other two, what makes H3 different to your other projects?

Trev: I feel like a lot of my fans love the emo style I offer. The poetic Trev. They haven’t really got to see another side of me that much. This project shows my versatility more than any other. I talk about it all.

 

I’ve spoken to you before about my love for Dear Ma, what track do you expect to be a fan favourite from the new tape?

Trev: Going back to the last question I know what my loyal fans want and I expect “Pain” and “Migraines” to make a lot of noise this time around. Also “Old Thing” which has a familiar twist to it.

 

What is your favourite track and why? Do you tend you like tracks you enjoy recording more than those you don’t?

Trev: I love them all! I can’t pick a favorite they all mean something different to me but equally special. I didn’t want any fillers so I went the extra mile to make sure none of the tracks could be considered such.

 

@igot_theblunt got in contact on twitter and asked if we’ll ever hear a collaboration project between you and Jimmie Murphy?

Trev: Me and Bro are always hard at work I’ve been working on 3 and he’s been working on Descendre 2, so somewhere  in the middle we’ll meet and make magic. Like always.

 

Does he feature on Heights 3?

Trev: Yes, on a track called “Cocaine.” Which is geared towards the women but the fellas will understand just as much. I tend to do this a lot but always different and better than the last in my opinion.

 

What other features can we look forward to? Who’s got the best featured verse in your opinion?

Trev: I’m not telling yet. When the official track list drops you’ll see. There are a couple features still in the works so depending on those I’ll put it out there very soon.

 

I’ve not seen the full tracklist yet, any chance of you sharing the full thing with us now?

Trev: Not a chance. We got two weeks left and when we start to push all the dominoes will fall around the same time. You’ll see very soon.

 

Outside of recording the mixtape, you’ve been writing for Atlantic Records, how did that come about?

Trev: It’s still in the beginning stages so I can’t really discuss too much but much love to the entire Atlantic and APG staff. I look at them like family now.

 

As I imagine you can’t disclose who you’ve written for. Who would you like to work with from that label?

Trev: If I said that you’d know who I’ve written for [Laughs]. Having absolutely nothing to do with my writing opportunity I’d love to work with Kanye West. And a close second Adele.

 

Before H3 was even mentioned, you were promoting New Forever..what happened there?

Trev: I’m still a new artist. A lot goes into an album that I just wasn’t ready for yet. I’m getting to that point though. The album is still in the works as well.

 

@beatinodds got in touch via Twitter to ask if Heights 3 follows a story line?

Trev: You guys are ruining all of the surprises. You can say that but, I won’t tell you the story I’ll see if you guys can catch on to it first.

 

@2_eazzi asked a question which asks how you have such bars. What advice would you give to aspiring rappers when it comes to lyricism?

Trev: Be very observant. Then think of a second way to look at everything. Then a third. From people to words to situations. Then the bars will surface.

 

Thank you for the interview, any last words?

Trev: Trev Back!

Kid Vegas: Fuego (Single Review)

“Taking Her Clothes Off While She Dancing On The Table; She Fuego!”

 

I have no idea what the hell “Fuego” is or what it means, but one thing for sure is it makes for a superb song which hypnotised my ear drums and left me desperate to replay due to its addictive instrumental and captivating chorus. Despite the fact I’ve been covering the MileHi states Hip Hop scene for over six month now, I have not heard a rapper as commercial from Colorado as the radio-ready Kid Vegas. Despite mainstream music currently connoting that the artists on the radio aren’t as talented as those underground, it is arguable that Kid Vegas is as talented as the top-tier emcees from Colorado. The only thing is he is talented at something, many Hip Hop heads ridiculously refuse to respect.

Vegas has a knack for creating club-hop tracks, and they’re enjoyable and entertaining from  remixing “FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt” to “Addicted 2 Tha Lif3” which samples “Walking On A Dream” – A track which is a spark of genius for a Hip Hop remix hook. Despite club-hop being synonymous with being monotonous, Vegas manages to keep me paying thorough attention by remaining versatile. One song the Denver rapper is sounding similar to Squizzy Gang’s L Keys, the next I’m noticing shades of Lil Wayne.  “Fuego” itself is pretty similar to Gabriel Alexander’s “Electric City” mixtape verses with an equally brilliant beat to Bbeck’s production.

Whatever “Fuego” is, I’m disappointed I haven’t been introduced to the song before. Denver’s clubs should be playing this Kid Vegas track. He may not be the best rapper, or the most intelligent lyricist, but Vegas is a very entertaining artist and one I will be eager to hear from again. You can listen to Kid Vegas via his SoundCloud (Click Here) and I highly recommend “Elope” if you’re not a big fan of Club-Hop. Let us know what you think in the comments below!