Track of the Day: Anthony J Milan – Hell 1 (2023)
Coming into this world surrounded by music, and I mean literally as his singer-songwriter aunt Lynn sang him a song soon after birth, Anthony J Milan discovered his passion for music without even knowing it. As a baby, his parents introduced him to Queen, the Beatles and Johnny Mathis among others. As he grew, he discovered more musical sounds from rock to reggae, hip hop, funk, folk and classical; yet it was “the epic nature of classical music, the complexity of jazz, and the authenticity of folk that most appealed to him”.
In 2017, Milan released his debut EP, To Grow, to critical acclaim followed by his genre-diverse single ‘Memo to M.E.M.’. After a brief hiatus, he returns to the music scene with a unique flair. Melding orchestral tones with ambient sounds gives his songs a cinematic quality offering something entirely new to our ears in 2023. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Hell 1’.
On the heels of his singles ‘Anyone Else’ and ‘In Need of Conviction’, ‘Hell 1’ is the third track off his upcoming album That Is The Question – an album to be released track by track over the next two years. Shifting to a new gear with ‘Hell 1’, Milan brings a powerful jazz composition to our ears. From the opening sample of him entering the room to pick up his acoustic guitar to the striking saxophone and the almost spoken word ending, ‘Hell 1’ is a rollercoaster of sexy jazz from the first chord.
While the groovy vibes from ‘Hell 1’ are soothing, warming and laidback, the complexity of the arrangement is outstanding- A simplistic guitar opens in a hushed manner before a crashing piano takes over with underlying percussion. Driven by the gymnastic stylings of the jazz piano, you are tossed from pillar to post – metaphorically of course. Then, just as you drown in the piano, a sassy saxophone bursts into the melody. Underlying jazz drums bring a smooth beat, but it is the interplay between the sax and piano that has us tapping our toes.
Gentle and soothing, Milan’s dulcet tones carry you away in the mellow flow; however, a quick change from mellifluous to sharp vocals introduces a rap flavour to ‘Hell 1’. The guiding force for Milan’s music is that of hope and while ‘Hell 1’ finds you on the smoky edge of hell, it is also optimistic striving for a better place.
Find out more about Anthony J Milan on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
