“Feel Alive” is the newest single from Beatnik, sending you layer upon layer of sonic bliss that pulls you into an irresistible groove. The rhythm slowly fades in, tension gradually builds, and then you are thrown right into a lush sonic landscape complete with saxophones, synths, keys, bass, and infectious rhythms. Then warm vocal sounds from Peter LaBarge emerge, wrapping you in what is best described as a cosy musical blanket that encourages you to let your hair down and get on the floor.
“Feel Alive” lures you into an ideal mix of deep existential reflections and irresistible funk grooves. It is danceable, catchy, groovy, and introspective—all wrapped in the magical sound of disco. Whether you’re in for beats or for the right kind of introspection, this track will strike you squarely between the eyes.
Behind Beatnik is Peter LaBarge, who contributes both vocals and production while playing guitar, bass, synths, keyboards, and percussion. Beatnik started up as a side project during a hiatus from his main band. The first single dropped amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. The name ‘Beatnik’ came from a road trip stop at Powell’s bookstore in Portland, where Peter loaded up on Beat poet literature. Reading “On The Road” by Kerouac while he himself was on the road felt fitting and reflective of the project’s ethos.
Informed by influences like Prince, Daft Punk, Chic, George Duke, Steely Dan and Michael McDonald, Beatnik has developed a signature style all his own — one that is at once comfortably retro and exhilaratingly new. The single was laid down in the sanctuary of home where many recordings have been created, including genius guitar work by Benton Wood of Panthermilk and Zane Peterson on saxophone, among other friends with talent to spare. The collaborative recording was mixed and mastered by Brecken Jones of Strange Familia, with additional production also by Jones.
“Feel Alive” and its upcoming EP, “Life Sucks, Then You Dance,” came out of a place where they wanted to grasp the moment, feel the music, and dance away the pain life brings. The song is born from a post-pandemic, soul-searching feeling around elements of alcoholism, purpose, and the existential question: What does it mean to feel truly alive? Drawing from eastern philosophy and the lessons of Alan Watts and Ram Dass, the song preaches one should “Be Here Now.”
The biggest takeaway from the production of “Feel Alive” was Peter’s newfound confidence in his multi-instrumentalist abilities. It is his debut on bass, which he plays since 2017, and this track contains some heavy synth work. A little more soulful, Zane Peterson records the sax solo in one pass. In Peter’s words, “It’s existential funk, about what it means to Feel Alive.”
So, if you’re ready for a ride with a song full of everything from soul to groove, go straight ahead to “Feel Alive” by Beatnik. And if this speaks to your soul, do share with friends. I think we could all use more music these days that really makes us feel alive.
You can find more of Beatnik at:
You can listen to ‘Feel Alive’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.