Jeeni Blog

Helping the next generation of talent to build a global fanbase

Maple Sky, ‘Vision’ Single Review

/ By Doug Phillips
Maple Sky, ‘Vision’ Single Review

The already multi-faceted smooth jazz outfit, Maple Sky broaden their sound once more with this explosive, brand-new funk banger, named ‘Vision’.  

Maple Sky have been a key component of Jeeni’s jazz channel (https://jeeni.com/channel/all-channels/jazz/) since last September and after a few different iterations, it seems that the group have found their most effective formula of members and mindsets.  

Maple Sky have evolved. Their sweet lounge jazz tracks have their place and are performed and written superbly however, the control and dare I say, vision contained in this piece is so far, unparalleled in their work. Each instrument expresses individuality and flows with different breathes and personalities, yet they still exist solely in the context of each other and act as a part of a dynamic and expressive synergy.  

Maple Sky told Jeeni that drummer, Ed Jordan handles the production of the group’s latest work and he’s done a fantastic job handling all of the energy that Joel, Olivia, Christian and of course, himself brings to this track. Ed gives more space to the instruments via natural-feeling reverb which creates physical dimensions and atmosphere to the funky soundtrack.

Keyboardist, Joel Bamigboye also has a hand in production and produced the entirety of the group’s self-titled EP from 2020. The group’s consistent musicianship has meant that this change-up of producers has so far not created any kind of conflict or contradictions in their tone and sound. 

Following ‘Free Her’, their new EP, set to be released later this year is shaping up to be their strongest yet. 

‘Vision’ is set to be released on Saturday, the 5th of February. 

Follow Maple Sky on socials: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mapleskyband  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MapleSkyBand/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleskyband/  

Check out Maple Sky’s showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/maple-sky/  

How can Jeeni support artists like Maple Sky?  

JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.  

• We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  
• We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  
• We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  
• Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team. 

11
Jan

Maple Sky - 'Wearing Red' Single Review

As the first track on their self-titled EP, ‘Wearing Red’ is the perfect sonic epitome for the smooth jazz inspired outfit, Maple Sky. The track sets the pace and the grand standards the group has built as a means of reinventing the lounge jazz sound with modern approaches and mindsets.  From as early as the introductory descending piano sequence, ‘Wearing Red’ conjures up an inviting and seductive smokey cabaret nightclub in which the listener watches as well as listens. Maple Sky paints this vivid imagery by borrowing the romantics of 50s and 60s lounge jazz such as the more upbeat cuts like ‘Happy Talk’ and ‘Little Unhappy Boy’ from Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderly’s collaboration from 1962.  The track’s stylistic lyric video (available, here) uses more cozy coffee shop imagery like a steaming cup, a laptop, and sketched illustrations; certainly a more modern take on a jazz setting. Romantic and warmly illustrated imagery in the animated video acts as a perfect display of the track’s dreamy lyrics.  This group has been giving Jeeni’s jazz channel substance and flair since October last year, with their light-hearted and accessible variety of smooth jazz. Their sweet name is a perfect title for their dulcet, honeyed melodies and musicianship and we can’t wait to see what they do next. If you're a jazz artist, consider joining ranks with the likes of Maple Sky and become a part of Jeeni's jazz channel, where we can promote and support you as a blossoming artist. Check out ‘Wearing Red’ now, on Jeeni: https://jeeni.com/m0xmhvftkita/ How can Jeeni support artists like Maple Sky   JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.   • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team.  Check out Maple Sky’s Jeeni showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/maple-sky/ 

12
Oct

Jeeni Monthy Round-Up, September

Welcome to our new monthly blog update where we will discuss the latest news on topics such as streaming, music, performing, tech and all the other industries Jeeni aims to support.   Firstly, seeing as this is the beginning of the monthly round-ups we have broadened our news to cover the last few months. We wanted to begin by highlighting the long-awaited reopening of live music venues and the return of festivals to the UK! A Mast Journal on COVID-19 stated, “the COVID-19 outbreak has been framed primarily as an economic crisis, in which the music-based products and practices through which revenue is derived have been abruptly and, arguably, irreparably disrupted by a global public health emergency.” Many musicians struggled financially during this time, with many pleading to the public to help the industry. Thankfully by June 2021, the venues were able to reopen and festivals such as Reading, TRNSMT and Victorious were able to run once again. Members of Team Jeeni did an amazing job at Victorious, interviewing artists and showing our support to the industry and independent musicians. A BBC article stated “Artists cannot truly operate without their fandoms. Fans can still congregate online while we wait for their return.” While everything was shut down artists had to change the way they communicated with their fans and find ways to gather in virtual spaces. Jeeni believes that even now when venues are open, artists and creatives will use online spaces more and more. Jeeni is a great platform for them to do this as it is more ethical than most of the larger corporations and Jeeni artists keep 100% of everything they earn.   The next topic we wanted to highlight was brought to our attention from an NME article: “Fewer than 800 UK musicians make a living solely from online streaming,” and also “A particular finding points to artists making a “sustainable living” from streaming alone, revealing that approximately 720 British artists are able to. Those 720 musicians fall into the 0.4 per cent category of those who are achieving more than one million UK streams.” It is clear it is already challenging for independent artists to make decent earnings from streaming but "Spotify’s New Marquee Promotion Feature Is Forcing Artists to Pay to Reach Fans They Already Have — As Much as $0.50 Per Click” says Digital Music News. The big players in streaming are continuing to rip off artists and their fans alike. The article goes on to state that “it would take artists anywhere from 100 to 167 streams (on Spotify) to break even on just one sponsored click. That means each person who clicks on a sponsored Marquee campaign would have to listen to a new album roughly 12 times for the artist to break even on that fan’s interest." Thirdly, Twitch and the music industry clashed back in 2020 over licensing streamed music. Now a deal has been struck, but streamers are unhappy. Many streamers on the platform were hoping for a change but the deal remained virtually the same. "Only listen to safe music." All Jeeni royalty-free songs on the site are safe to use while streaming.   Fourthly, the New York Digital News site published a story surrounding TikTok and the platform’s new massive impact on music. Stating “TikTok is evolving into a very different kind of music streaming giant. TikTok creators who aren’t musical creators themselves are using music. Musicians get paid off the back of that, and it can become a healthy revenue stream. It helps break songs and artists, consumption goes up on the other platforms, more tickets are sold, a bigger live-streaming event can happen etc.”  Lastly, only just falling into the monthly round-up we wanted to highlight the release of the latest James Bond film No Time To Die. “One of the most famous pieces of film music of all time, this has featured in every single Bond film in some form or another since it played over the opening credits of Dr No back in 1962 is the John Barry & Orchestra, Monty Norman – James Bond Theme (1962)” Each film has a title song dedicated to it including the new track by Billie Eilish- No Time To Die. But the all-time Jeeni favourite has to be Paul McCartney's "Live And Let Die", which was written on the Wings Bus that Jeeni helped to rescue, and which goes back on the road next year.  Watch this space for exclusive info on that one!

17
Aug

Jeeni awarded Mover and Shaker status

Crowdcube have awarded Jeeni Mover and Shaker status. As of noon today, Jeeni is officially a "Crowdcube Hot Investment Opportunity." Many thanks to our investors for making it happen, and to Crowdcube for the accolade in recognition of us raising two-thirds of our target in less than a week. We now look forward to even greater success, as we aim towards 100% and then onwards to overfunding. With our detailed expansion program in place, the Jeeni traction continues to gain momentum. Today's audit is showing 2,395 active artist showcases, audience access of 2,693,700 worldwide, and a month-on-month growth rate of 4.1%. If you are happy to take Crowdcube's advice that Jeeni is a Hot Investment Opportunity, then who are we to disagree. Thanks again! Within days of going public on Crowdcube, Jeeni reached 67% of our overall £150K target. As you can imagine here at Jeeni HQ we are celebrating. After all our extremely hard work we are delighted that so many investors share in our vision. Jeeni is a fast-growing entertainment company that rewards independent musicians and performers ethically and safely. Where artists get to keep 100% of everything they make. Check out our pitch and grab your share today. *Capital at Risk https://bit.ly/3BhEeia