February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
Read moreFebruary 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
Read moreFebruary 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
Read moreFebruary 6, 2023
SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely
Read moreFebruary 4, 2023
Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.
Read moreFebruary 5, 2023
Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire
Read moreFebruary 5, 2023
The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all
Read moreJanuary 31, 2023
Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming
Read moreJanuary 31, 2023
Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are
Read moreJanuary 31, 2023
Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because
Read moreFebruary 1, 2023
Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI
Read moreJanuary 28, 2023
What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
Read moreA Four-Part Odyssey
"Hardstone Psycho" has four distinct parts, each offering a unique musical journey. The album opens with the featureless cuts "Kryptonite" and "Tore Up," setting a powerful tone before Kodak Black enters on the third track, "Brother Stone." The first chapter concludes with "Attitude," a collaboration featuring Charlie Wilson and Cash Cobain. This track, which recently received a narrative-extending video with a cameo from Travis Scott, highlights the thematic continuity of the album.
Across the remaining three chapters, Toliver enlists an impressive roster of collaborators, including Teezo Touchdown, Future, and Metro Boomin. These partnerships enhance the album's dynamic range, while Toliver's unique voice remains the driving force behind the project.
The Rise of a Distinctive Voice
Don Toliver's instantly recognizable voice is a significant part of his appeal. His rapid rise to fame, beginning with his signing to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records, can be attributed to his ability to impact any track immediately. "Hardstone Psycho," his fourth album, feels like a coming-out party, encapsulating everything he does well while introducing fresh and exciting musical ideas. This album is undoubtedly his best release to date.
The Singles that Set the Stage
The anticipation for "Hardstone Psycho" was built on the strength of its singles. "Bandit" offered a stunning teaser with its classic rock sample and stuttering beat, while "Attitude" saw Toliver and Cash Cobain remaking a beloved Pharrell track. These singles set the tone for an album that is both musically bold and consistent in its quality. Tracks like "Backstreets," a memorable duet with Teezo Touchdown, and "Inside," featuring Travis Scott, highlight the album's diverse soundscape.
Solo Triumphs
While the features on "Hardstone Psycho" are notable, Toliver's solo tracks are where he truly shines. Songs like "Last Laugh" and "Tore Up" showcase his newfound confidence and vocal prowess, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Final Thoughts
"Hardstone Psycho" is a testament to Don Toliver's evolution as an artist. With its bold musical direction, impressive features, and immersive gaming experience, the album is a multifaceted project that offers something for everyone. As Toliver continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, fans can look forward to even more innovative and exciting music in the future.
What can aspiring artists learn?
Don Toliver's multifaceted approach in "Hardstone Psycho" offers invaluable lessons for new and up-and-coming artists. His ability to blend genres like hip-hop, R&B, and rock creates a unique sound, highlighting the importance of genre experimentation. The innovative production techniques and dynamic features from rising stars to legendary artists demonstrate the value of creative collaborations and strategic feature selection. Toliver's recognizable voice and vocal versatility, combined with a cohesive narrative and emotional depth, showcase how artists can maintain listener engagement and convey genuine emotion. Integrating strong visual elements, as seen in his narrative-extending videos, enhances the overall artistic experience. Balancing solo tracks with collaborations further solidifies his presence as a solo artist while benefiting from the strengths of others. Aspiring musicians can learn from these strategies to create innovative, engaging music that resonates widely.