CH3LS - "Love On the Rocks"

By Jessica Klausing

Love on the Rocks” is a testament to Chelsee Foster’s (CH3LS) growth as an independent rock artist. It strikes a perfect balance of soulful vulnerability and evocative emotion. This song isn’t just for anyone who’s gone through a tough breakup—it’s for anyone who’s ever truly felt the complexities of love in all its forms!

“It’s definitely about love and trying not to give up hope of finding it after being burned,” says CH3LS. “But I also know that, at the end of the day, I always have a good whiskey and my own company to enjoy.”

Written with Los Angeles producer Ryan Maker and recorded in Nashville, the track is driven by heavy rock 'n' roll riffs, brawny drums, and a fierce howl that surges with adrenaline.

With this release, CH3LS has cemented herself as an artist to watch, offering something real and relatable in a genre often dominated by superficiality. You can catch CH3LS on tour now, performing with the legendary band, Starship.

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Matthew Phillips - "Time Fades Love"

By Jessica Klausing

Alternative rocker Matthew Phillips has recently released his third single, "Time Fades Love." Following the success of his previous hits in 2023, "So In Love" and "Till It’s Over," Phillips received recognition by winning the "Best Pop Artist" award at the San Diego Music Awards. Coinciding with this achievement, the official music video for "Time Fades Love" was recorded live in front of a full audience.

Matthew Phillips is recognized for his thoughtful lyrics and vibrant pop style, as evidenced by his captivating storytelling in “Time Fades Love.” The emotional depth of his vocals enhances the rawness of the song's message about the fleeting essence of love. Poignant lines like “When love fades away, there is hope/don’t you give up on me now, I need you,” resonate over a sorrowful guitar and piano backdrop, eventually giving way to a transcendent soundscape that lifts the listener.

When asked about the song, Phillips says, “It is about never giving up on someone you care about. It’s not strictly a romantic song, I am also referring to friendships and anyone who you care about. Sometimes we can get so busy with life we lose connection. It’s a song of hope and asking whoever this may be in your life to not lose faith in you. We need each other more than any of us would like to admit. The song is about working through conflicts, seeing them through, and coming out stronger together.”

Save the date - Matthew Phillips is set to play a free show at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on August 29th as part of the “Twilight in the Park” concert series. “Twilight in the Park” is a non-profit that makes it possible to keep the arts alive and free in the local community.

OnTheFlipsideMusic's 25 Days of Christmas Playlist

By Jessica Klausing

Merry Christmas!

It’s time to deck the halls again, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with music! Whether you prefer the good old fashioned classics or the modern hits, we’ve curated a holiday playlist that offers a little something for everyone. 

In no particular order here are our 25 Days of Christmas playlist:

  1. “A Marshmallow World” - Dean Martin

Even though the song about the winter landscape, it’s still considered one of the Christmas classics. The lyrics compare the snowfall to marshmallows covering the ground along with other dessert-like metaphors making this a holiday comfort song.

2. “All I Want for Christmas is You” - Mariah Carey

Holiday retail workers either love this song or loathe it with a passion! It’s a cheerful melody, but Mariah’s pitch perfect high notes are the real stand out on this track.

3. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” - *NSYNC

This is the quintessential feel-good modern day Christmas song. With catchy bubblegum pop lyrics like “It’s a wonderful feeling/feel the love in the room/from the floor to the ceiling,” it’s guaranteed to put any Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.

4. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” - Brenda Lee

This classic is a must for any Christmas party playlist! The lyrics and melody are catchy, but the best part is when the beat stops on “Voices singing, let’s be jolly/Deck the halls with boughs of holly.”

5. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” - Alan Jackson

This is another popular Christmas classic. Alan Jackson’s honky tonk rendition gives it a small town country feel.

6. “This Christmas” - Joe

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Joe delivers with this sultry, R&B melodic Christmas hit. It’s another highly recommended one to liven up the holiday party.

7. “Sleigh Ride” - TLC

TLC took a classic and re-worked it into a fun-filled festive R&B ditty with new lyrical hooks, playful banter, and of course, an epic rap from Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” - Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé’s warm vocals give all the cozy vibes. This is one to listen to snuggled up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.

9. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” - Bing Crosby

It’s not a true Christmas playlist without Bing Crosby. While this is another popular classic covered by many artists, there’s just something special and nostalgic about listening to Bing regale about a town getting ready for Christmas.

10.  “O Holy Night” - Carrie Underwood

A beautiful Christmas hymn performed by one of the most iconic voices in Country music.

11. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” - Bruce Springsteen

The Boss captures the rock ‘n roll spirit with this energetic rollicking rendition.

12. “Blue Christmas” - Elvis Presley

Christmas music and The King of Rock ‘N Roll go together like peanut butter and bananas. Elvis will tug on your heartstrings with this sentimental ballad. However, if you’re looking for a good laugh, the Porky Pig version is definitely worth a listen!

13. “My Only Wish (This Year)” - Britney Spears

Britney charms her way into our hearts with this sweet song that’s filled with catchy wholesome lyrics and a bouncy pop melody.

14. “Christmas Time” - Backstreet Boys

Perhaps the most gorgeous harmonies featured on a modern pop Christmas song.

15. “Wonderful Christmastime” - Paul McCartney

Paul’s cheery spirit is quite infectious on this one! It’s hard to resist singing and bouncing along to the beat.

16. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” - John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and The Plastic Ono Band

Recorded as a protest against the Vietnam War, “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” has become a Christmas song standard. 

17. Winter Wonderland” - Alexander O’Neal

Reaching #54 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, Alexander O’ Neal dazzles with his soulful rendition of this timeless classic.

18. “Christmas Time is Here” - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Famously known as the opening theme in A Charlie Brown Christmas, this comforting classic brings a smile to all ages.

19. “Zat You, Santa Claus?” - Louis Armstrong

 An underrated swingin’ holiday tune with all the Creole Jazz goodness. 

20. “Mary, Did You Know?” - CeeLo Green

This one is a real tearjerker! CeeLo delivers a beautiful, heartfelt performance that embodies the true meaning of Christmas.

21. “Run Rudolph Run” - Chuck Berry

A fun, high energy performance by the Father of Rock ‘N Roll.

22. “Please Come Home for Christmas” - The Eagles

Only The Eagles can take a bittersweet song about spending Christmas alone and turn it into a beautiful rockin’ masterpiece with a wailing guitar.

23. “Christmas in Dixie” - Alabama

This country song is a celebration of Christmas in the southern American states.

24. “Step Into Christmas” - Elton John

Elton brings the Christmas spirit with ringing bells, angelic choirs, and lots of high energy!

25. “Christmas Vacation” - Mavis Staples

As featured on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it’s a holiday banger that will easily get stuck in your head.

Follow and listen to the OnTheFlipsideMusic’s 25 Days of Christmas Playlist on Amazon Music!

Matthew Phillips - "Till It's Over"

By Jessica Klausing

San Diego-based musician, Matthew Phillips, is trailblazing across worldwide stages, pairing electronic elements, cinematic soundscapes and classic hook-filled lyrics that breathe new life into the alternative genre. On July 2nd, Phillips and his band took to the Main Stage at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the single and video release concert of his debut single "So In Love” with thousands in attendance. As for the reminder of 2023, the multi-instrumentalist shows no signs of slowing down with the release of his newest single, “Till It’s Over.”

“Till It’s Over” showcases a vulnerable side to Matthew Phillips as he grapples with moving on from a toxic relationship. 

Phillips says, “I wrote “Till It's Over” from a place of uncertainty. Not really knowing where I stand with this relationship. The one thing I knew is it was very toxic. I needed to move on from but chose to stay out of fear of being lonely. It hurt deeply and during the recording of the song I had a few moments where I completely choked up and had to stop. “I am a shattered heart, I am a shattered soul” is exactly how I felt when I had to let go. It really hurt. “It's not over till it's over, but it's time to get over you” speaks to the notion that while there will always be history with this person. At some point it's time to move on and take a chance on finding someone else who will value you.” 

Melancholic lyrics brood over a lamenting guitar and piano before a frenzied electric soundscape surge in intensity throughout the track. Phillips’ vocals effortlessly convey heartbreak through the ebb and flow of the cinematic instrumentation. Despite the pain Phillips offers a glimmer of hope, “Love would be the emotion I am trying to convey. While in the moment it might seem like it's the end of your world. We have to make a choice to get out of the relationship and love ourselves. While the song is about heartbreak, it's more about making the difficult choice to set yourself free.”

“Till It’s Over” is a must listen for anyone healing from a breakup and trying to find the inner strength to move on. 

Check out the music video for “Till It’s Over.” The video was filmed live at the House of Blues San Diego on Nov 18. 

Matthew Phillips - “So In Love”

By Jessica Klausing

Matthew Phillips returns with a new single, “So In Love,” and a video release concert on July 2nd. 

According to Phillips, “the song is about being so in love.” He says, “It’s the things we are willing to do in that state of mind. An incredible thing about music is when people take a song like this and make it their own. I have my story as to what it means to me. I think it's incredible when we play it live and others will tell me what it means to them. Music is such a beautiful form of expression.”

On The Flipside Music was given early listening access to the song and here are my thoughts:

Tastefully layered with catchy guitar hooks, a synth bass and spirited drums, “So In Love,” is a vibrant musical delight that showcases Phillips’ ability as a compelling storyteller. The cinematic soundscape is complimented with earnest lyrics that hit hard through passionate vocal delivery. The melody pulses like a racing heartbeat as he professes, “I would do anything to have one more day with you/And I would say anything to have one more night with you.” Just when listeners think the song is winding down, in comes a rip roaring guitar solo that soars over the backbeat. The recording and mixing on this track is flawless and smooth from start to finish. 

Phillips says about the recording, “We recorded it with producer Jerrell Ayran and layered the arrangement in his studio. I went back and started tracking all my guitars and cut the lead local with Roy over at Rarefied Recording. We had 4 Mics across 2 amps and I couldn't be more satisfied with the tone we captured. I then linked up with producer Joel Piper over at Farmhouse Studios. We tracked all the backing vocals, he added a synth bass in the chorus and layered his incredible drum sounds to give it that final touch. It's something we are really proud of and it's time to share.” 

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SONG REVIEW: Conrad Ashton - "Those Were The Days"

By Wanda Whitley

Conrad Ashton

Conrad Ashton

Reminiscing and regret, yearning and letting go, moving forward yet looking backwards…this pure and catchy song by Conrad Ashton reflects loving  (and having lost) that one person who no matter what remains an influence in everything.  These lyrics capture the hold of a true love that got away, a past love that was so strong that still infiltrates the present.  A love that still lives in dreams.  You can’t help but feel a little sad listening to this tale of a love that once was.  At some point we all want to go back in time, to relive the best times of our lives.  This song demonstrates that everything we go through in life does indeed become a part of us – especially when we find love. 

Heartfelt and sincere, Conrad sings from his core – you can feel how much he cherishes the memories of this past relationship.  Love and hurt co-mingles together, and what is encouraging is his acceptance of it all – he is moving forward and realizing that what he shared with this love will always be with him, and because of this experience, even with his loss, he is never truly alone because his memories are always there.

Cool guitar rhythm (who would’ve thought you could jam along with a song about loss)?  Conrad has brilliantly put together a song that we can all relate to – having the best of times with a true love, and then dealing with the aftermath when those times come to an end. 

Check out Conrad’s website for more information.

INTERVIEW: Jeremy Neese of Snowcone For President

Snowcone For President. Photo by Emily Neese.

Snowcone For President. Photo by Emily Neese.

“A vote for Snowcone For President is a vote for a heavy sonic candidate.”

Snowcone For President is an alternative rock band straight out of Carrollton, Georgia. Their high energy performances coupled with the antics of band mascot Snowcone the Bad Panda have earned the band attention within the indie music world.

In this interview frontman Jeremy Neese discusses his musical projects, the new Snowcone For President album and Snowcone the Bad Panda’s origins. Read it HERE.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Jamie Alimorad - This Is Tomorrow Calling

By Jessica Klausing

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Singer-songwriter Jamie Alimorad returns with his newest album, This Is Tomorrow Calling. Teaming up with legendary producers Gino and Ross Vannelli, this adult contemporary pop-rock album showcases beautiful instrumentation and Alimorad’s powerful vocal range.

The uplifting opener, “Brighter Days” sends a message of hope to anyone struggling with their inner demons. “When living’s hard and you think you’re better off dead/This is tomorrow calling, there are brighter days ahead.” Alimorad wrote the song in honor of a friend who had attempted suicide. It’s a cheerful pop-rock tune that will lift your mood and bring you to your feet to rejoice. The song is currently being used to help bring awareness to and raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can purchase the Brighter Days t-shirts through TeePublic, with all proceeds going to the AFSP.

The tempo slows down with the bittersweet, harmonica-brooding “Down On Golden Shores.” Alimorad reflects on the past with, “My Alex was so full of life/ I thought someday to make her my wife/ But the world is full of best-laid plans/ Made by sea and golden sands.”

The standout track, “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” thrives wonderfully on vibrant and zesty Santana-esque guitar rhythms, while Alimorad belts out pitch-perfect crescendos, on letting us know that he’s in this relationship for the long haul.

“I am Home” delves deep into Alimorad’s emotional songwriting with touching lyrics and delicate guitar while the piano meanders wistfully throughout the track. “Rock Me to Heaven” follows as another tender pop ballad that’ll warm your heart with its sweet lyrics and gentle acoustic guitar.

“Lucky Me” has a surprisingly swanky element with funky guitar riffs and hand drum rhythms as Alimorad recounts falling in love with a toxic woman. “The two best days of my life: One was finding her/ Oh; the second was losing her/ Lucky me.”

“How Could I Love Again?” is melancholic and heartbreaking. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals accompany a distant, pining guitar. The piano-adorned, “A Moment Is All I Ask,” is an emotional track with a loving, swooning melody with which Alimorad expresses his desire to prove his worth to a girl. It’s reminiscent of a Barry Manilow song.

This is Tomorrow Calling is a heartwarming album filled with sublime musicianship. Passion radiates off every track. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys easy-listening and solid, relatable songwriting.

Recommended Tracks: “Brighter Days,” “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” “I am Home,” and “A Moment Is All I Ask.”

SONG REVIEW: Ines Herrmann - "Final Enemy"

By Jessica Klausing

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German singer-songwriter Ines Herrmann releases her newest single “Final Enemy,” ahead of her upcoming EP, Thunder which will release on September 10.

Herrmann has a knack for compelling storytelling songs as she adds a bold flair of her personality with unique instrumentals to create something truly special. Her music can be compared to Janis Joplin, Kate Bush, Charlotte Gainsburg, and Julia Jacklin.

Herrmann refuses to be ignored as “Final Enemy” is a testimony to anyone who dares stand in her way. Honest lyrics and pitch perfect vocals soar over diligent percussion while Herrmann proclaims that she’s your final enemy, “in the back of your mind when you’re ready to face it.”

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INTERVIEW with Guitarist Sean Hurwitz

Sean Hurwitz performs at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Photo by Candace Hogan.

Sean Hurwitz performs at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Photo by Candace Hogan.

Israeli-born guitarist Sean Hurwitz has played amongst the big leagues in the music world. He’s toured with Enrique Iglesias and Smash Mouth, and played with Gin Blossoms, Anna Nalick, Chris Wallace, Judith Hill, just to name a few. When he’s not on the road, he’s hard at work recording, writing, and producing for music and film. Technical mastery and keen precision to detail make up his trademark skills on and off stage.

Sean took time to chat with us about his guitar gear, collaborating with other artists, and how he spends his time off tour.

INTERVIEW

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