SEARCH FOR: LAICA

2021 has very much been an up and down year for most, but it’s undeniably been a phenomenal year for music. In fact, I enjoyed listening to so many releases that I’d forgotten some even released this year. Not only has there been plenty of stylistic/genre variety, but also artists of all types (small, emerging, mainstream) actively releasing their art. To showcase my appreciation, I decided to put together a list of my favorite projects; (in no particular order) all of which remain in my rotation heading into the new year. I hope you discover an album, EP or mixtape that you might have missed! Last but not least, this list is also a token of gratitude to each and every person that has read a Lyrical Lemonade piece of mine. I wish you a happy and fulfilling New Year. – – – – – Issa Gold: Tempus (album) Genres: Introspective hip-hop, Conscious rap Favorite track: Cold Summer   Amaria – Bittersweet (EP) Genres: R&B Favorite track: Lose Control   Richie Quake – Voyager (EP) Genres: R&B, Indie Favorite Track: Sensitive   Jean Deaux – Most Wanted (EP) Genres: Hip-Hop, Modern R&B, Electro-Trap Favorite track: Stay Down Marlon Craft – How We Intended (album) Genres: Hip-Hop, Jazz …

The euphorically rich style of Laica returns to the digital pages of Lyrical Lemonade today for her new music video, “love u lately.” Capturing a romantic infatuation that leads to love potions, sleep darts, and a kidnapping, the Cooper Leith-directed video paints a humorous narrative that echoes the song’s love-spell story.  Brought to life by synth layered R&B production, Laica intimately details the difficult world of dating and how sometimes falling for someone and expressing that feeling is the hardest thing to do. Laica describes this grey area with precision, explaining the unrequited back-and-forth felt when trying to feel out a romantic situation. The new single and video come off of the impending release of Laica’s upcoming album, i’m so fine at being alone, set to release in June. Read what Laica had to say about her new song and video below, saying,  “‘love u lately’ is basically about the dating game and trying to figure out how the other person is feeling/thinking but getting mixed feelings so you do the same cause you reciprocate whatever energy or vibes they give you” Watch the new video for “love u lately” by Laica below.

The beautifully delicate vocals of Abu Dhabi-born, Philippine-raised singer-songwriter Laica returns with a sparkling five-track debut project entitled, Forever. Comprised of tender vocals, ethereal production and a lush array of unquantifiable elements that make a project whole are unquestionably present and accounted for on her 15-minute debut. Opened softly by warm chords and Laica’s incredibly indulging vocals, the eclectic debut welcomes listeners with a gentle touch on the EP’s opener, “Keys.” This reserved but simultaneously engulfing production creates an airy soundscape for the Los Angeles based artist to welcome listeners into a project that carries an incredible amount of replay value and emotive expression. Transitioning into the more defiant lo-fi guitar instrumentation of the proceeding record “Close to Me,” Laica showcases her range ever so subtly through the song’s melodic chorus allowing the metallic strumming of her guitar counterpart to echo the emotion and longing in her voice as she pleads for something more tangible. The project’s halfway mark, and previously covered lead single, “Nobody Else but You,” is the EP’s highest level of pace but an ultimately deceiving preamble into the proceeding soulful fourth record, “Pls Be Patient.” Not much is used to create a backdrop for the gifted …

The lush vocal stylings of California based artist Laica sound refined, the production is complimentary and simultaneously uplifting, the combination of these two elements results in a bright mixture of R&B and Pop fusion. Her newest, and first single to hit streaming platforms, “Nobody Else but You” is a resounding display of a dynamic vocalist and songwriter that has a clear capability to create records that are not only sonically appealing but lyrically strong. “Nobody Else but You” begins softly, allowing listeners to be gently greeted by Laica’s sterling vocals. Immediately engulfed in the emotional weight of the song’s subject matter, growing electronic production, courtesy of frequent co-collaborator Cooper Leith, bubbles into a stirring bright and dazzling chorus. This bright fixture, which is ever-present throughout the single, compliments the longing and emotionally draining nature of Laica’s vocal performance. It seems very clear that in no way should the proverbial “new artist” term detour you from being completely and totally in awe by the clear and present talent of Laica. Listen to “Nobody Else but You” by Laica below.