Musical Portraits of Contemporary Fathers
Contributing writer Charlie Maybee celebrates Fathers list of contemporary pop songs that commemorate the good and bad of fatherhood.
Father’s Day can be a sentimental or challenging day depending on individual perspective, but there is no doubt that dads have a significant influence over the way that many people move through the world, and how they express themselves through music. This year, I am deciding to move against the grain a bit and discuss some contemporary pop songs about fathers or fatherhood that run the gamut from positive to negative experiences, often landing somewhere in between.
I want to be clear from the get-go that this is not a ranked list of songs nor a definitive guide to portrayals of fatherhood in music. It is more a think-piece that explores a general theme found across a variety of songs and styles.
Without further ado, here are some songs that come up for me, and please feel free to listen along with our official playlist.
Antigoni x Zion Foster Collaboration is “Messy” in All the Right Ways
Recent Articles U.K. hip-hop recording artists Antigoni and Zion Foster trade verses on the new single highlighting some relationships can get “Messy.” Bubbling with pop personality, “Messy” utilizes an infectious Greek energy and seductive deep bass to create a sexy yet dangerous undertone for what might happen when two bodies become one on the dance floor. Written […]
Hunter Hayes Describes Journey of Manhood in “About A Boy”
More to Watch Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and platinum-selling artist Hunter Hayes has released the music video for “About A Boy” from his first independently released album Red Sky, due April 21. Hunter Hayes – Photo by Andrw Zaeh “About a Boy” observes the rough edges of youth being softened and rounded over by the consistent rushing of […]
Janae Daniels is Staying Ready and Versatile with ‘4FOR4’
Beneath the sensual attack of her pop melodies and rapping, Janae Daniels is a DC baby born-and-raised in some of the city’s hallmark musical cultures. With equal roots singing in church choirs and go-go bands, she began developing a distinct personality and rhythm to her musical expression from an early age. And as her prowess began to earn her acclaim, she dug in deeper. Between her go-go roots, the inspiring voices of women in her church choir, and some external influences, Janae has shown up continually with unshakeable presence. Learn more about her latest EP, 4FOR4, with contributing writer Charlie Maybee.
Post ‘Modern Love’: Iconic Songs About Contemporary Love
Contributing writer Charlie Maybee finds himself singing David Bowie’s famous song “Modern Love” to himself a lot without knowing why it’s in his head. “Perhaps I’m drawn to the hopeful yearning in the pre-chorus line ‘But I try / I try’ or the danceable confusion about love and sexuality that seems to permeate the song’s lyrical core,” he reflects. But that confusion also hinges upon a foundational question: what is modern love? In honor of Valentine’s Day, Maybee looks back at some iconic love songs that have changed and defined romantic values in popular culture during the age of post-modern love. If your favorite song didn’t make the list, be sure to let us know what we missed!
Brandon Camphor: ‘I Haven’t Given Up Because I Know the Promise Looks Different Than the Present’
Christian pop and urban gospel artist Brandon Camphor defines his calling by one word: purpose. The Gospel Billboard-charting songwriter won his first music competition at age 10 and has since continued to build on his successes. This Black History Month, join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she sits down with Brandon Camphor to discuss his band, Brandon Camphor & One Way; the opportunities and challenges of being an independent artist; what he believes is the secret to his band’s longevity; how he emerged from a dark season of depression; the role of faith in his journey; and details on his new single, “Forever.”
Hunter Heflin’s Latest Single “CGI” Takes Listeners Down The Rabbit Hole
Recent Articles By Daniel Warren Hill Most of us believe that somewhere in the world is the right person, just for us, a unique relationship capable of all the command and presence of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, or Neo and Trinity. Behind those feelings of destiny, lay the groundwork for imagining how […]
Electro Pop Artist MIZZI: ‘Sometimes You Have to Break a Rule to Create Something Special and Unique’
RIAA Certified Multi-Platinum songwriter and producer Heather Jeanette Miley, who performs under the stage name MIZZI, knows the secret to writing a hit pop song. The Virginia Beach-born and Los Angeles-based artist has penned songs for some of the most popular artists of our generation. Learn more about MIZZI’s journey with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including the top three things she misses about Virginia, her favorite celebrity collaboration, and her special message in honor of Women’s History Month.
Watch Gigi Vega Bring Her Creative Outlets Together In “Down Crazy”
More to Watch by Daniel Warren Hill Most artists today appreciate the need to diversify their talents. Some do this by prioritizing their contribution to songwriting or production, while others like iTunes and Billboard charting artist and triple-threat Gigi Vega highlight her background in music, dance, and acting. The best example of this is Vega’s […]
LaVance Colley Is ‘On Top of the World’
Recent Articles By Jaci Jedrych https://youtu.be/xAd3uE3kBCU This reading of Alchemical Records content provides a multimedia experience for our audience while increasing the accessibility of our content to persons with hearing loss, low vision, dyslexia, physical or motor disabilities, or are on the autism spectrum. Like, comment, subscribe, and please let us know how to improve […]
