𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 - this week: Keep Going - KRISS

Welcome all to 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿, a series of weekly reviews by Charles Connolly - an artist in his own right. Here, Charles delves into the greatest brand new singles brought to you by the best unsigned artists on our electrifying and eclectic set of 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 playlists.

𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙂𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 - 𝙆𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙎

Charles quotes Jimi (Hendrix, you fool): “Are You Experienced”?

I have been doing what I do for many years, now. Not these reviews, but making songs. Writing, playing, singing, producing and mixing songs. When I started, I was, shall we say, less good. This is altogether rather unsurprising. And yet, So many people seem to think they can simply dabble from the get-go and be brilliant from day one. One can get caught up in the thrill and excitement of the idea of creating something oneself and releasing it to the masses, and then to be shrouded with praise and applause for one’s efforts. This is rarely the case, however. I think it is not so much arrogance as blindness. Or, should I say deafness. The inability to step back and be self-critical. This isn’t really the fault of the artist, because by this point they frankly don’t know what to listen for. They have no experience. Talent or a ‘gift’ is an excellent start, but it is not by a long way the be-all and end-all. Experience can and will come from much time, effort and determination - and raw talent. One needs to have drive and a willingness to push harder and further. It usually needs to border on obsession, or even go deeper into compulsion…! I am writing this, not to deter artists who have recently started their musical journey, but more to make them realise the work often involved, and that it is worth battling on with it all, as long as you are honest with yourself, and that you don’t start hating what you are doing.

The second one starts to think of music as a chore, one should maybe either take a step back for a while - possibly overdoing it - or suggest to oneself that this is maybe not for them. Be honest with yourself. We all want to be able to do things that we know we will never be able to do. For those of you who are still very much enjoying what you’re doing and seeing the improvements over time from your heavy efforts, I urge you to keep going. Which brings me to this week’s artist: a man who has pushed and pushed, and become technically astounding from years of sheer practice and tireless determination. Please welcome the one and only KRISS, with a song from his brand new debut album, both of which called Keep Going.

Both myself and KRISS have been toing and froing, bouncing back and forth in messages for weeks lately, and I have come to realise who he truly is. He was born to be a guitarist. It’s as simple as that. His virtuosic playing I never thought I would be lucky enough to hear outside the world of Steve Vai, John Petrucci and Joe Satriani. Through much chatting, I also realised how much he idolises an artist called Plini. Not to get confused with a certain style of pancake, or a rather delicious peach cocktail, Plini is frankly a unique and astounding musician who crosses genres as easily as stirring a cup of tea (this should be an easy task for all of you). KRISS has taken what he loves, and simply made it his own. A rock-fusion fanatic at heart, but also loves to slide into the deep, dark world of jazz, and even metal! Shame he isn't Italian, or his name might too have ended with an I.

The patient Swede manages not only to play all his guitar and bass parts single-handedly - well, obviously not literally single-handedly as that really would be a feat (enough about hands and feet) - but he also programs his drum parts with the most incredible precision and realism. If not pointed out, I never would have guessed that there was not a lean, sweaty drummer behind those skins. KRISS has such a wonderfully innate sense of key. He uses and chooses chords that not only enhance the piece and modulate the song, but give it new found heights. 1:32 and 2:21 are particular favourite moments for me in terms of chords. He is not afraid to change from minor to major and back again. Some of you may realise that this is one of the very few instrumental songs I have reviewed. For me personally, the music or sound has to truly stand out if there is no vocal to carry us through. Others who have in the past achieved my seal of approval from their instrumentals are Saiid Zeidan, SovRin and TFM - that is all.

The reason I chose to review KRISS, is because he is living proof that practice makes perfect. He has honed his skills and refuses to lower his standards. I urge you not only to listen to this piece of art, but also to immerse yourself in his brand new demi-album (in between an album and an EP). Oh, and you won’t be the only one listening - within one day of release KRISS managed 30,000 streams on Spotify alone…!

Take KRISS’ advice: Keep Going.

Listen to 𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙂𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 on the Connolly’s Corner Spotify playlist HERE!

Listen to 𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙂𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 on the Connolly’s Corner Apple Music playlist HERE!

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