New Zealand brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley build on their early acclaim as Balu Brigada with their debut album, ‘Portal.’ In this exclusive commentary, they discuss key tracks from the project and share insights on their creative process. Their affection for early 2000s New York rock ‘n roll is on display on “So Cold” and on the lead single “Backseat,” which is “stompy, aggressive, and sassy” — just like New York City, the brothers tell SoundCloud, while “Sideways” has a “fun bounce” that energized the rest of their writing sessions for the album. Hear more from Balu Brigada, only on SoundCloud.

Voice Notes: Balu Brigada on "Backseat"

Multi-instrumentalist Jackson Stell, who answers to the stage name Big Wild, reflects on the making of his long-awaited album, ‘Wild Child,’ in this SoundCloud-exclusive commentary. He explains how the track “Love Any Longer” is an ode to reconnecting with your inner child, while “You Belong Here” is his “get together” anthem. “Universe” might be “the most important song on the whole album,” says Big Wild, who is known for exploring lush sonic influences spanning electronic, pop and alternative. “It really embodies being a free spirit,” he tells SoundCloud. “Too Loud” came together with key input from Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel, while “Anymore” was another true collaboration: “I love the colors on that song,” he says. Listen now, only on SoundCloud.

Voice Notes: Big Wild on "Stardust"

Voice Notes: Big Wild on "Anymore"

On her new album, ‘The Prophet and the Madman,’ Moroccan singer Ami Taf Ra worked with modern jazz great Kamasi Washington to create a unique blend of spiritual jazz, soul and traditional Gnawa music. In this exclusive commentary, Ami talks about the making of key tracks and what inspired her creative process. The album’s lyrics are based on two books by the late Lebanese-American poet and writer Khalil Gibran, whose book ‘The Prophet’ is beloved for its philosophical guidance. The unusual blend of musical styles came together beautifully, Ami tells SoundCloud: “Somehow they feel like they belong to the same family.” The album’s reflections can be summed up in the song “Speak to Us”: “It’s a reminder that the search for enlightenment is a lifelong journey.” Listen now, only on SoundCloud.

Voice Notes: Ami Taf Ra on "How I Became a Madman"

Voice Notes: Ami Taf Ra on "Love"

Voice Notes: Ami Taf Ra on "Speak to Us (Intro)"

Voice Notes: Ami Taf Ra on "Children"

Voice Notes: Ami Taf Ra on "The Prophet"

Voice Notes: Ami Taf Ra on "Gnawa"

On RM47’s latest project, 2025’s ‘CYBER,’ the LA-based duo blend alternative R&B and experimental club music to bombastic effect. Following their 2023 debut album, ‘Stuck With You But I Like It,’ ‘CYBER’ sees MAAD and Raleigh evolve as producers, songwriters and performers. In this exclusive commentary, they break down their creative process and the inspirations behind key tracks from ‘CYBER.’ “D.W.U” — “Don’t Wait Up” — sends the message that they’re not waiting around for anyone. “We’re just gonna go get it,” says Raleigh. The track “EOD” is about the vibes at the end of the day: “A lot of us need to learn how to relax,” MAAD says. And “KNOCK KNOCK” sticks to the group’s usual script with its collaborators. “We hear something we love, write to it and the beat gets freaked,” says MAAD. Hear more from RM47, only on SoundCloud.

Voice Notes: RM47 on "KNOCK KNOCK"

SoundCloud Stories elevates artists’ creative journeys, spotlights vibrant music communities and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the defining sounds of today and tomorrow. Original content includes the Sound Advice interview series, exclusive track-by-track artist commentary on Voice Notes, and the Weekly Download playlist, which highlights essential scenes and groundbreaking artists.

New tracks tagged # Voice Notes