Sonny Smith: Ayahuaska

Almost reminiscent of tracks from Lou Reed and John Cale’s speak-sung collection of curiosities Songs for Drella, Sonny Smith’s “Ayahuaska” is an eight minute-long monologue on adventure and consumption set upon noirish drums and synths. Ayahuaska is actually chapter five of (and the first single off) the greater album, Sees All Knows All (out 15 January 2016)—an hour-long tale of a life in crisis with …

Phony Ppl: Why iii Love The Moon

Though their album Yesterday’s Tomorrow will soon celebrate its one-year anniversary, “Brooklyn Soul” crew Phony Ppl has finally given the jazzy, laid-back R&B track “Why iii Love The Moon” the music video treatment. Biking through the streets of Brooklyn as video art is projected onto buildings and fences (even the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch at Grand Army Plaza), Phony Ppl sing of their gratitude to …

Saul Williams: The Noise Came From Here

Activist, artist, actor, poet and all-around Renaissance man Saul Williams won’t rest until the world is free. Creating music to march to, his newest track “The Noise Comes From Here” channels the energy of a restless people, sampling chants and claps. Sometimes it’s easier to “shut out” the global issues of inequality, poverty, war and more, but Williams’ work inspires listeners to look at the …