TRACK REVIEW:
Dana McKeon
Street Art
9.6/10.0
Street Art is available from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plpvYkMT24E
Purchase the E.P. Street Art at:
http://danamckeon.bigcartel.com/
Written & Composed by:
Dana McKeon
Produced & Recorded by:
Treana Morris, Vernon Lake, Daniel Cassar, Dana McKeon
Main Vocals & Beatbox:
Dana McKeon
Backing Vocals:
Treana Morris, Vernon Lake, Dana McKeon
Instrumentation :
Treana Morris, Vernon Lake, Dana McKeon, Daniel Cassar
Music video by:
Take 2 Entertainment
Concept & Story:
Dana McKeon, Carlos Debattista, Abigail Mallia
Director:
Abigail Mallia
Production:
Mirko Galea, Julian Calleja
Director of Photography:
Mirko Galea
Camera:
Isaac Fenech
Assistant Director:
Julian Calleja
Editing:
Abigail Mallia
Colouring:
Mirko Galea
Makeup, Hair & Body Art:
Justin Brincat
UV & Reverse Graffiti:
Moose Curtis, Amands Ericsson
Street Art E.P. Photography by:
Pink Portico
Artwork by:
Andrea Meli
GENRES:
Pop, Soul, Beatbox-Pop, Acoustic-Folk
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Over the coming weeks, Dana McKeon will be seducing the nation's capital. Having established her name and reputation in Malta, her blend of Beatbox (and Pop-cum-Soul) beauty stands her aside from the competition. Street Art is a vibrant, bursting and uplifting song (from one of the most fascinating artists currently working). If you need a redemptive and inspiring tale; something to compel the mind and heart- look no further...
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I have been lucky enough to review a string of different...
songs, from some very diverse artists. Canadian bands that provide Grunge and Indie have sat alongside British Electro.Pop- every time a track comes to my attention I am provided with something new and alert. Giving me a chance to investigate an artist or band- in a wider sense- it also points as to what new music is coming up with. Not just contended to project the minimum of intrigue, the world's freshest and most urgent acts are to be commended- the quality coming through is quite startling. It is not just the range and diversity that is impressive- the passion and conviction summoned is breathtaking. Because of this incredible competitiveness and choice, the market is going to see quite a battle- the artists that make it to the mainstream are those that truly separate themselves aside. There are loads of Indie bands; a lot of Pop acts- our fair share of Grunge acts. When someone comes along that gives the listener something unexpected and fresh- THAT is what is going to stand them apart. My featured artist is someone I am very excited about. Hailing from Malta, it gives me a chance to return to the country- a nation that has provided Fran Galea (Chess). One of my regular review subjects, Chess is one of Malta's most distinctive and popular musicians- her stunning songs have won awards and airplay; she is going from strength-to-strength. Being a fan of Dana McKeon, Chess is familiar with her work- she has told me how impressed she is by the music and stunning effects it elicits. Keen to seek her out, I was bowled over by how approachable and friendly she is. Keen to connect with fans and followers, she is one of the nicest and warmest musicians out there- that personality is equalled by her scintillating and magnificent music. Before I introduce her to you, I want to mention (a practically unheard-of genre): Beatbox-Pop. Being a devoted boyfriend to London, I bask in the capital's warmth as much (as my wallet will allow me)- my first port-of-call is always Covent Garden. Escaping from its cramped and tourist-packed lifts, I make my way out of the tube station- if you do so during a Friday evening, you are in for a treat. Leading into the weekend, a selection of Beatbox artists play outside of the station- their freestyle and stream-of-consciousness is exhilarating and hugely entertaining. Drawing in huge crowds, the vocals are phenomenal- they rap with authority; the tics and mannerisms are perfect; the passion and flair is electrifying. Sound effects are thrown in too; the Beatbox masters provide the sound of percussion, electronics and instruments- all siphoned through their elastic and multifarious pipes. Two things stagger me (when considering them): why do we not see more of them; how come it seems male-dominated? Perhaps there are parts of London- and the world- where there are a lot of female Beatbox purveyors- around London there seems to be far more men. The genre and style is something that instantly connects with people- tourists and pedestrians stop and are entranced; they applaud widely and are caught up- it is the most immediate and gripping form of music out there. Mixing in Pop and Soul elements- to Beatboxing- can give it an extra layer of beauty and style. Drawing in mainstream and contemporary touches makes it primed for glory. There is a huge gap and space waiting to be filled- there are so few Beatbox-Pop/Soul acts being played on commercial radio, it stuns me slightly. Dana McKeon is capable of bringing about a revolution- changing attitudes and giving the world a much-needed dose of magic. Being a new follower of hers, I have been seduced and overwhelmed by Street Art- in addition to her videos and collaborations. Having performed with the likes of Bruno Mars; enticed and inspired legions of people- it seems like a matter of time before she is familiar to everyone. Before I carry on, let me introduce her to you:
"With her debut single Street Art topping the Airplay Charts in Malta and featuring on radio stations worldwide, Dana McKeon is making waves with her fresh Beatbox-Pop music. Dana is a Maltese singer-songwriter & international beatbox pioneer, having officially represented Malta and single-handedly putting the island on the Worldwide Beatbox Map. Dana's music is a unique display of genre-fusion and versatility, showcasing world-class vocal percussion techniques, a captivating voice and synchronised multi-instrumentalisation. Her musical ventures have taken her all around Europe, with performances ranging from intimate, high-profile acoustic gigs to large-scale concerts where she got to turn up the volume for audiences of up to 5000, both solo and alongside her band." Top Gig Listings Duke of Edinburgh Award Forum, 2012 ft HRH Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex & the President of Malta The 2012 Paralympics, London Coca-Cola Beatbox stage Runway Gibraltar, 2013 | Runway Malta, 2012 MTV Malta Music Week, 2010 World Beatbox Battle Convention, 2010 Malta Music Awards & Bay Music Awards Various festivals in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Finland & Malta Track Record: Female finalist (ranked #5) @ 2012 World Beatbox Championships Female Vice-Champion @ 2012 & 2013 UK Beatbox Champs 1st place @ 2008 University of Malta's Singer-Songwriter Showcase
Quite a stunning C.V. from one of most beautiful and talented musicians in the world. With the likes of McKeon putting Beatbox firmly on the map, she is capable of recruiting a mass of new followers- for anyone that may balk at the idea, then listen closely. If you have encountered street performers and their art- not been impressed by it- do not assume that McKeon is just the same. She has the phenomenal talent and ability; her music goes deeper and aims wider- marrying Pop, Folk and Soul into her cannon- the sounds she offers are as fully-rounded and stunning as any you will hear. That central Beatbox core is what gives the music such an urgent and vibrant grip- every note and lyric is nailed into your brain. In various reviews I have been complaining about some mainstream artists- how impersonal and detached they are. With little regard for their fans, they provide no transparency- regressing into the shadows, they are not exactly warm and welcoming. For this reason, you do not get a full impression of an artist- their music is the only source of biography. Dana McKeon is someone who appreciates the importance of connection- ensuring her music is available far and wide, she is one of the most open artists I have seen. With an official website that is bold and informative, the first image you see is her smiling face- the synonym and definition of her artistry. Wanting to ensure her sounds gain exposure and representation, Street Art is a song that sets the tone- a dazzling and unmatched display of raw talent. It is a song that you are hard-pressed to compare with any others; such is its distinction, the track will never shift from your mind- you repeat it just to get a grip of things; understand and take in all it has to offer. The Street Art E.P. is going to be the chance for the world to witness McKeon in her full glory- it will contain the same sort of treats and sounds as its self-titled lead-single. With new music providing a lot of great sounds, McKeon is going to be one of the biggest names to watch- her future is going to be very bright. Commentators on YouTube have provided ample praise for Street Art; reviewers and listeners have been keen to highlight its wonder- if is a fresh and sizzling cut from one of the country's most promising and inspirational artists.
Street Art- the single and E.P.- sees McKeon collaborating and drawing in various instruments and sounds- it is the first example of our heroine going out on her own. Her singular and distinct personality is what comes through sharply; the true testament of an incredibly hungry and talented artist- it is worth looking back and seeing where she came from. In her past, McKeon has collaborated with a number of different artists- lending her voice to other musicians' tracks. A few months back, McKeon collaborated with DJ Pioneer and TJ. Renowned in the underground and House scene, McKeon lent her vocals to the track Circles. Backed by some entrancing and insistent beats, our heroine puts her soulful blends into the mix. The song catches you with its energy and sense of passion. The lyrics see her drawing someone close in- they are not close enough; she seductively entrances them forth. Alluring and tender, the vocal is terrifically standout and impressive- it backs wonderfully with the insatiable and gripping beat. After the swelling and punchy intro, that sense of drive and relentlessness continues- providing a mixture of danger-cum-serenity. McKeon's smooth and gorgeous vocal makes every word stick and resonate. Being one of her last words- before Street Art- is gave the world a taste of what she is capable of. Previous to that, McKeon played at Beat Box/Sofar London (#618). A live performance recording, Hip-Hop sounds begin a rushing and instant turn. Intoxicating and mind-melting vocal projections grab you right from the start. Our heroine's Beatbox rushes and mannerisms are a wonder to behold- her frantic and unpredictable delivery is like few you have ever heard. Her voice summons the sounds of Trance beats; Hip-Hop percussions and trumpets- an entire urban orchestra is elicited. Drawing in some samples of James Brown, it is a mixtape of captivating scintillation- staccato and syncopated; pulverising and intense, you can not ignore her glory. Cinematic and epic; operatic and tender, McKeon demonstrates just why she is just a huge name. The same sort of flair and talent that made her name in London; hypnotised the London crowd- the reaction she gains (at the end) is ecstatic. Between this recording- and her collaboration- you get a full sense of what McKeon is capable of- the Beatbox luster and energy; the soulful and Pop-inspired passion. These threads and strands are tied together in Street Art. Beatbox beats are what we hear at the top- our heroine lets her vocals offer some percussion. The track has a wonderful fresh and contemporary vibe- the vocal draws in some elements of Ellie Goulding and her peers; that warm and bird-like beauty shines. With a clear and concise delivery, the words speak of redemptiveness and uplift- our heroine is effusive and elliptical throughout. Looking at ambitions (and not limiting your mind), the song urges the listener to look inside themselves and unleash their potential- let their colours come out onto the canvas. Employing metaphors and literal scenes, the song is a gripping and layered example from a brilliant young talent- someone who has huge mainstream potential. Street Art is the sort of song that could be on rotation at Radio One and Two- in addition to some of the underground and specialised radio stations. Drawing in her Beatbox majesty and distinctions, it is a full-bodied assault on the senses- you are caught up in the light and charm that comes out. It is a confident cut from our heroine- something that develops from her earlier days. Before Street Art, McKeon had built her name and performed with a range of artists- there was little chance to see her fully-rounded personality come out on its own. With the single giving the public a glimpse of the Maltese star, it shows a great leap forward. Few acts are that vibrant and confident out of the blocks- most go in with cover versions and restrained performances. McKeon showcases instant authority and direction- she has cemented a sound that blends sights of the mainstream with underground Beatbox swathes- the fusion gives the music such a distinct and incomparable edge. The rest of Street Art (the E.P.) will see this developed and built- the tracks will augment this pride and passion. The future is likely to see McKeon's multi talents emphasised and experimented with. Being such a vocal force, she has unlimited potential- she can bend her voice and make it sound natural in any setting. Just as home in Jazz and Soul and Pop and Electro., she has so much room for maneuver. This will lead to a very exciting and tantalising future- if she does put out an album, who knows what will come forth? Few artists have so much potential and promise: McKeon is an act that will be making music for years to come; making sure her sounds reach as many people as possible. The early signs are encouraging and prosperous- off of the back of a few recordings, so many people are lining up to pay tribute to her. With growing social media numbers, we clearly have a star in our midst- make sure you get in on the ground level.
When thinking about other artists- that inspire McKeon- I am faced with a difficult task. Most acts usually have some obvious influences; our heroine is so distinct, that there are few that I can point to. When her voice instills Pop beauty and soulful passion, I catch hints of Ellie Goulding. When reviewing Nina Schofield- last time out- I caught glimmers of Goulding in her music. McKeon has that same arresting beauty and urgency (Goulding possesses). When thinking about the best comparison, one should look at Halcyon- Goulding's most recent example. On that album, she showed her epic, luxurious and insistent voice- it made all of the tracks compelling and nuanced. The album looks at a variety of topics and ruminations- from young love through to uplifting the soul; it is a deep and rounded album. Appealing to young listeners and older alike, it hit hard with the critics. McKeon has a similar talent and gift. Her voice has that richness and huge impressiveness; she presents myriad themes and scenes- aims to welcome as many people in as she can. Able to move and shift sounds and genres- within the space of a verse in some cases- she showcases a similar mobility and innovation. Big choruses and huge hooks add weight and measure to her voice- the well-crafted and perfected songs show such detail and colour. Goulding's voice has emphatic sweetness and tenderness- she is as authoritative when introverting as she is bellowing and rallying against the world. The vocal- from Goulding- warbles and strings itself out; original and striking, it really stands out in your thoughts. McKeon incorporates a measure of Goulding's sounds and style; tying it around her own unique and tailored pipes- seamlessly and deftly drawing in melodicism and vibrancy. With McKeon's voice being high in the mix; the compositional elements consist of cut-up fragments and samples- you can a bit of Halcyon offer itself up. The same way Goulding experimented with sounds and genres; manipulated her voice to elicit the greatest effect- that is what impressed reviewers most. Gargantuan synth. stylings and long-form anthems were contained within Halcyon- McKeon compresses this potency into Street Art. Pulsating buoyancy, crisp beats and enigma makes Goulding such a huge prospect- to my mind, McKeon is even more mesmeric. Before I highlight a few other influences- and relevant names to Dana herself- a couple of Hip/Trip-Hop names come to my thoughts. Portishead and Massive Attack are two legends of the '90s Trip-Hop/Dance scene. Portishead are mentioned because of their experimentation and stylisations. Their self-titled album is dark and dangerous; deep and trippy; it is a collection of songs that demand your attention. The dreamlike qualities the band infuse in the album emphasise all of the numbers- transcend them beyond the ordinary. Beth Gibbons's emotive and Siren voice floats in the mix and haunts the listener- beautifully working with the captivating backing. McKeon instills plenty of drama, atmosphere and fascination into her music. Perhaps not as disturbed and dark as Portishead- or Dummy for that matter- but it does match the band's sense of ambition and assuredeness. McKeon mixes sounds and samples- often created by her own voice- to whip up a heady and psychotropic atmosphere- with her gorgeous and rainbow voice, our heroine perfectly blends darker and more intense undertones with sweeter highs. When thinking about Massive Attack, their Mezzanine album strikes my thoughts. If you look at songs like Inertia Creeps, the range of effects, sounds and eerie atmospherics make it a standout cut- I can apply these considerations to McKeon. When hearing our heroine Beatbox and enthrall crowds, her voice elicits electronic instruments; takes in Hip and Trip-Hop elements; fuses dark and seedy undertones with electronic light- she is a Massive Attack album all in one! That earthy and ethereal blend- on Mezzanine- is pulled off due to some hugely talented performers. McKeon is as gifted as all the performers on that album; her ear and eye for texture and rhythm is expert and assured- few other artists have such an ability to melt so many different sounds and styles into a single song. Two female singers- that came to mind- are Nelly Furtado and Lana Del Rey. Furtado's debut album Whoa, Nelly! was a staggering and incredible debut release. The music on the album is multicultural and relentlessly upbeat- heartfelt and hopeful, it is designed to put the listener is a better mood. Furtado's restless vocalisations see her scat and rap; she rapidly repeats and bends notes- melismas come out when the moment calls for it. McKeon reminds me of the audacious songwriter (in Furtado). On Whoa, Nelly! you hear notes bent and contorted; she is bare-naked and honest- laying her emotions out it is a frank and soul-bleeding album. McKeon is a like-minded and nurtured act: she does not have the same over-eagerness and naivety (as Furtado)- possessing more confidence and concision. McKeon's curriculum pull together exotic hybrids and cosmopolitan sounds- together with the vibes and beats of the street. That rare fusion is what sets the starlet aside (from her peers); Furtado's huge worldwide grasp made her album such a varied and jam-packed thing- one that housed multiple genres. Juxtaposing surreal sounds, Furtado instantly marked herself out; some found it quirky and endearing, others took time to wrap their heads around things- McKeon is likely to strike a chord much more instantly. Another female singer- a bit more modern and relevant- is Lana Del Rey. If you look at Del Rey's Born to Die album (released in 2012); the magnificent melodies and superbly-crafted Pop songs were made for radio- few tracks pushed the listener away. Whilst Del Rey is more laconic and somnambulistic, McKeon elicits her own ethereal beauty with power and grace. Del Rey- criticised for being a "pneumatic marionette"- was able to haunt and seduce; her songs dug deep into the soul and caused huge results. McKeon is a most more assured and confident artist; she is ready to play and means serious business- the slightest hint of Del Rey is incorporated. When McKeon's sweetness and spectral sides come out, you can detect embers of Del Rey- the similar sense of passion and serenity comes out. A trio of artists- that have meant a lot to our heroine- are James Brown, Bobby McFerrin and Tracy Chapman. Encapsulating a wealth of soulfulness and powerful prowess, the distinct singers have inspired a lot of McKeon's current movements. If you listen to James Brown albums like In the Jungle Groove; that disc it is profoundly funky and upbeat- one of the finest albums from the Godfather of Soul. An exceptional and unparalleled band leader, Brown showed his chops as a sonic innovator and rhythmic guider. The way he bends notes, introduces tics and effects; powers through lines and verses is exhilarating and exhausting. Inspiring millions of Hip-Hop followers, the album transcended boundaries and barriers- spoke to a whole new generation. I can hear Brown in McKeon- when hearing her live testaments, that same irresistible and unquenchable power and control is evident. The dance workout and unstoppable grooves stand up to the test of time- Brown is an artist that has inspires legions of new artists. McKeon has that flair, drive and panache- when she is solo, she commands presence and grips the audience; a natural-born leader, you know how much music means to her. Bobby McFerrin's legendary reputation for vocal acrobatics can be applied to McKeon. McFerrin could switch from bass notes to falsetto- virtuoso displays that made his music so distinct. Listen to albums like The Voice and you see this come out with force- one of the finest vocal albums of all-time. McKeon has a huge talent for octave-jumping and transformations- her Beatbox work is a paragon of experimentation and expectation-defiance. Tracy Chapman is an artist that must have inspired- our heroine's- young mind. The emotional resonance that comes out- on Chapman's self-titled album- mixed with modern and relevant scenes (compiled around classic production values). Chapman displayed activism and gutsy performances; keenly observed writing make the songs timeless and genre-defying. The beautiful Folk and Pop meltings can be heard on McKeon's latest cut. Our heroine's ability to pen modern-day gems and slice-of-life codas find their lineage in the work of Chapman- completed by astonishing vocal conviction and you have an artist that could be a modern-day comparable. All of these examples give you some background and reference- McKeon is so distinct that you will struggle to hear anyone else come out in her voice. The way she commingles vocalised beats and Pop lyricism aside one another is an endeavour few attempt- she should provide guidance for up-and-coming stars.
All of this brings us to the key coal point: Street Art. The song has been gathering a great deal of praise and fervency; its video has impressed YouTube viewers with its original storyline and incredible scenes- its reverse-graffiti tableau is not often covered. A yearning and aching electronic yawn brings the track into life. Accompanied by McKeon's powerful and Beatbox percussion, the vocal divinity starts to come into effect- it is a stunning open to the song; it does not go in with too much force; plenty of intrigue and curiosity is elicited. Soul-inspired serenity makes the sonic elements seep into your consciousness; you are relaxed and calmed by the swaying smoothness (of the electronics); arrested and stood up by the firecracker beats. Our heroine steps to the microphone, with an enlivened and gorgeous vocal. With a smattering of Ellie Goulding's choral beauty, it is a sharp and stunning sound- imbued with passion, force and urgency. McKeon speaks to her friends; a subject is being addressed as she implores "Tip-toe, stay low"- the cops are near-by; if (her subject) gets caught then they are going to go to jail. Given the song's title and street scenes, one instantly feels that graffiti has been crated- mistaking it for vandalism, you can hear the echo of the sirens forthcoming. If the song's focal point is locked away, they will never get to see the day when they can realise their ambitions- everything will be squandered and wasted. The vocal projection means the words trip and flow; the gorgeous and effective delineation gives the early moments a terrific flow and consistent energy. Propelled and supported by insistent and punchy beats, the track grows in meaning and stature- with every new word, you are given a new piece of the puzzle. The hero will lose; ruin things because they "can't let go." Early impressions revolve around that song title. Our hero is painting the city with tags and unique designs; choosing to project their art on concrete walls- it is going to see them taken off of the streets and behind bars. Capable of so much more- by embracing the street and respecting it- they have the chance for freedom and development- scenes and thoughts of love are tempted in. Whether literally referring to graffiti (or the colourful and lasting impressions of heartache), McKeon cleverly keeps the full truth bridled and enclosed. One part of you looks at graffiti murals and boys running from the police; the other sees someone heartbroken and bereft. Defining the limits of his mind, the hero is encouraged to let their personality shine- go out onto the streets and project the colours of his soul. Advising not to "sleep at night" more tantilisation and intrigue is proffered forth- some ambiguity teases the creative mind. Whether encouraging the song's hero to go out and literally paint- or as a metaphor for embracing the people and sounds of the city- you are left to imagine. That drive towards dream-fulfillment and ambitions comes through blindingly: our heroine's voice is filled with so much passion and drive you cannot ignore the potency of the words. With a great melodic sound, an upbeat and rousing chorus, it is not long until the song starts to become infectious and irresistible. At night, there is no time for sleep- there is so much quiet and solitude; the chance is there to work. Such a black-and-white city- you wonder if London is being referred to- there is incentive to make it sparkle. Picking up the palette of colours, the hero- or heroine: my apologies- is pushed to go forth and be overcome. The green lights provide inspiration and spikes the mind- the way the lines are delivered make them sound elementary and completely essential. Some thoughts are syncopated in a flow; others stuttered and carefully deployed- that range of considerations makes the track fresh and unpredictable. The city is a canvas that is waiting for something fresh and daring- someone to come along and liven it up. Every boring shade and concrete pertinence has the potential to be transmogrified and reborn- the sheer delight and passion McKeon gives to her lyrics makes you wonder if she is referring to herself. That hunger and soulful passion mingles Goulding-esque delivery with something much more unique- when the pulsating rhythmic beats are uttered; it can be nobody else but Dana McKeon. Colours focus highly on the song's lyric rostra: the heroine uses them as metaphors and jumping-off points- the hero is 'blue' inside and has a chance to change that. The unique and spellbinding mixture of shades makes the song sound so different and refreshing- you are as captured by the different colours as you are the scenes unfolding. The hero has so much ambition and inner longing, that repression is threatening to explode. Dreams and talent should not be denied; a person's true self should not be denied- McKeon is providing social commentary and relevance; the likes of which Tracy Chapman would be proud. When the chorus swings back around, the meanings and truths start to come through with clarity. Wrapped up in the addictive and insatiable appetite of the vocal, you start to sense that things will change- the song's focus will rebel and paint the city with colours. It is terrific how the mind stays split and open: to a degree I was thinking that love is being assessed; someone has been heartbroken and being advised to go out there and not give up. Taken literally, the song could refer equally to art as music itself- with the big cities lacking necessary bite and vitality; the opportunity is there for the most talented and original to make their mark. Refreshingly ambitious and fresh, the song is mesmeric enough to draw in multitudes of fans- it is not just reserved for the younger Pop-orientated minds. Juxtaposing my earliest impressions, our heroine decries the lack of tolerance and acceptance- the graffiti is "fleeting." Being eradicated and discouraged, it was providing true meaning and purpose; the subjugation and repression is leading to anxiety and heartache. With the likes of London distinctly grey and samey- beautiful but not bright- there is ample room for some multifarious inputs; eye-catching deigns would lend an original and much-needed flavour to the skylines. The original sinner is the vigilante of London- the one who roams at night seeking fresh canvases. Musical and personal ambitions are encouraged: on a level you sense that the song may have a lot of personal relevance; McKeon is representing herself to a small degree. With so much narrowly-defined and constricted musicians out there, her potent and startling voice is the spark of light needed- the antidote to the miasma of the mainstream. Enraptured in the charm and swirl of the composition- it packs in a myriad of notes and injections- the vocal rides highest. Sweet and passionate; inflamed and climbing, it is a magnificent performance. While the final moments approach, you get another taste of that Beatbox rawness- a perfect conclusion to a tale that has its heart on the city streets. You wonder whether a satisfactory resolution was arrived at; if the hero managed to overcome forces and add colour to the night. Such is the curiosity and fascination presented, you are left speculating and theorising- I would like to think that thinks worked out for the best. It is that deliriously beautiful and elliptical vocal that makes the song such a treat for the ears- the way the lines are delivered takes your breath away. With enough urgency and quality to sit alongside this year's most addictive songs, Street Art is a track that has no limits- you will be listening to it when you need inspiration and necessary boost. Spirited, defiant and uplifting, it is what the music world needs right now.
With music lacking necessary economy and prosperity, it is terrific to see what new music is promoting- the likes of Dana McKeon are going to be names of the future. Having been intoxicated and mesmerised by her Beatbox work- that utterly disengaging and overwhelming sound- I could not wait to investigate Street Art. If the rest of the E.P. has the same flair and memorability- as the title cut- then it will represent one of the most potent opening moves of any new artist. Being Maltese and a proponent of Beatbox-Pop, McKeon already stands out- how many others do you know that promise this same diversity and combination? With heart-melting looks and a voice that could stop traffic, it seems our heroine should be formulating plans- I hope a lot more music is in her mind. Street Art is a song that makes you smile- simple as that. With impassioned and insatiable vocals; a huge and all-encompassing melody- you get a track that hits you instantly. Revealing treats and hidden treasures upon future listens, the track is a studded and glistening number- something that has put me in a much better mood. Before I get down to specifics- highlighting particular standout elements- I will wrap up the song evaluation. The lyrics have a unique and ever-relevant voice- looking towards desires and dream fulfillment; they are strange in their redemptiveness. Few artists project something inspiring and positive- it makes McKeon a fresh and unexpected treat. Tight and focused, Street Art covers a huge amount of ground; unveils a lot of story and development- keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Backed and bolstered by a huge and life-affirming chorus, it is going to be a track that will set many dancefloors alive. Like Nina Schofield, Dana McKeon has an authority when it comes to Pop and melody- able to summon up a magisterial amount of energy and joy, it is great to see these innovators come through. Few tracks possess so much heart, soul, grit and passion- the key components for every great song. It will be interesting to see what else Street Art offers up- whether the remaining tracks are packed with the same sparks and fascinations. Kudos must go to McKeon herself: a clear star with a big future, her endless authority and conviction defines the song. Elevating it to rarefied heights, that insatiable and gorgeous voice gives the song smile, charm and kick- when her vocals portray beats and Beatbox, she is equally potent. A skilled and intelligent songwriter, there is nothing juvenile and inexperienced being offered- Street Art is a song that is instilled with maturity and a terrific amount of skill. Able to unify genres like Pop, Trip-Hop and Urban; our heroine is a daring and mesmeric talent. These are the very early days; the moments where personality and ambition are starting to build- the ensuing years will see just how much potential and longevity McKeon has. Judging her first solo effort, things seem to be very rosy indeed- it is clear the Maltese star has an unending passion for what she does. I wonder whether the audiences and crowds compel and inspire her- if the creative output is the reciprocity from the enraptured reception (she receives). Let us hope that our heroine does not relent touring; brings her music to the masses- I for one need to catch her in her natural environment. Having obtained just a few sides to McKeon, her E.P. will expand her promise and sound- the public will get the chance to witness something quite compelling and spectacular. I hope that the likes of McKeon inspire new songwriters to do things in a similar way: break away from predictable avenues and do something different with music. When you open your imagination and infuse originality, the results are quite stunning.
Hopefully I have provided a good overview of Dana McKeon- as well as Street Art. Her name and profile is starting to gain some serious momentum- the amount of supporters she is gaining shows you just how hard her music is resonating. Already a big name in her native Malta, McKeon has played all around Europe- performing to various-sized crowds, she has been very busy indeed. Over the coming months, our heroine will be playing throughout the U.K.- including a host of gigs around London. The capital is providing some of the world's most distinct and exciting urban and street acts- artists that take Rap, Hip-Hop and R 'n' B- providing a new spin and sense of adventure. With so few Beatbox artists around- fewer that mix in Pop, Folk and Soul into it- we need to embrace and promote acts like McKeon. Her talent and authority is hard to deny; there are few artists that sound so confident and assured. Mixing in lyrics that make you think and assess situations; topics that delve deep and take their soul into myriad avenues- Street Art is a thought-provoking and gripping song. The perfect introduction to a wonderful E.P., we are being given a chance to witness one of the nation's best young talents showcase her work- the next few years are going to be exciting and prosperous. I am not sure where McKeon will head from here. Having a huge draw in Malta and around Europe, it is clear she will be touring and gigging internationally- who knows what markets will come calling. Having a contemporary flair and multitudinous sound, I would not be shocked to see her transcend to the U.S.- there are plenty of venues and stations that would eat her music up. For that matter, large parts of Australia and South America would welcome her in- the potential she has is immense. Perhaps wanting to keep her feet planted (for now), McKeon is watching the effect Street Art has on people- its striking and unforgettable video scores a song that is as insistent and memorable as any I have heard in a long while. One of the best things about my reviewing role is being exposed to genres and forms of music I would not usually seek out- highlighting sounds that are not widely played and pervaded. That mix of multiple instruments; stunning vocal projection and spellbinding technique makes all of McKeon's output sound elementary and absolutely vital. Being so close to London, I have no excuse for missing out on the live experience- seeing our heroine in the flesh and seducing crowds. Make sure you investigate Street Art in its full glory; snap up the E.P. too- keep Dana McKeon at the top of your thoughts. Before I go, I want to focus again on Beatbox and the genre- a style of music that we need to hear more of. It may not be to everybody's taste, but that is not to say we should ignore its impact- too many people turn their noses up without giving it a chance. Assuming it is going to be uninspired and jarring, they tend to bridle and pull away. In order to broaden your mind and welcome in something new, you have to be brave and bold- take a chance on music and give it a fair shout. After investigating Street Art, I have been inspired to check out similar acts and sounds- delve deep into the history of the form. McKeon infuses elements of Pop and Soul; beauty and passion sit alongside insistent and vibrant beats- all backed by her inspiring and incredible voice. With a multifaceted ability (few others possess), she is going to have a huge future. Collaborating with other artists means that an album may be in her thoughts- she has enough drive and potential to turn in an incredibly striking and varied L.P. Again, I shall not get ahead of myself- instead just let you focus on the here and now. For those that bury your heads in confined and samey sounds; are nervous about embracing something unexpected and unfamiliar- do not let your mind shrink and contract. One listen of Street Art and you are hooked in; our heroine wants to embrace and welcome as many listeners as possible. An artist that is so warm and open should not be left to chance and serendipity; she is making some huge impressions right now- make sure you do not let Dana McKeon get away...
EMBRACE her instead.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plpvYkMT24E]
About the Author:
http://musicmusingsandsuch.wordpress.com/about/
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Follow Dana McKeon:
Official:
http://www.danamckeon.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DanaMcKeonMusic
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Dana_McKeon
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/DanaMcKeon
SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/danamckeon
ReverbNation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/show/13702052
MySpace:
https://myspace.com/danamckeon
Last F.M.:
http://www.last.fm/music/Dana+McKeon
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Dana McKeon's videos are available via:
https://www.facebook.com/DanaMcKeonMusic/app_212104595551052
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Dana McKeon's music can be heard here:
http://www.danamckeon.com/#!music/c10tw
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Tour dates available at:
http://www.danamckeon.com/#!gigs/c9a0
