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Trickster | A Symphony of Survival Embodied in ‘Still Kicking’

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From humble beginnings in Austria to an adventurous life strewn across ninety-seven countries, Trickster – a musician who’s more than just his music, echoes a story of resilience, adventure, and the continual spirit of giving.

Born amidst familial discord and the gritty pathos of life, Trickster’s tale is not less than an opera. At tender age of ten, he set off on an audacious journey to reunite his parents, laying a wireframe for his life emblazoned with courage and expansive ambition. Music, his passionate pursuit began when he was just three, strumming the first notes on a piano, which later saw him performing at the heart of nightlife in strip clubs.

However, Trickster’s life spun in unexpected whirls, a few brushes with trouble – financial missteps leading to repercussions barely out of his teens. But, what’s a plot with no twist, right? These setbacks transformed Trickster, never creating a chink in his armor. His prowess extended beyond music to mastering eleven languages, earning his wings as a pilot, and ultimately donning the uniform to serve as a soldier.

Navigating the intricate tonal maze of his life, Trickster journeyed through fleeting moments of ecstasy and plummeted into abyssal, soul-crushing lows. Yet, amidst this emotional roller coaster and the unpredictability of his days, one golden thread remained steadfastly woven into the fabric of his existence— his indomitable commitment to philanthropy. This trait of altruism didn’t just simmer beneath the surface; it blazed brightly, especially when he amassed substantial wealth through audacious oil and gas trades across the volatile terrains of Latin America.

Rather than simply luxuriating in the spoils of his ventures, he channeled a significant portion, nearly half of his amassed wealth, into bettering the lives of the marginalized. He was deeply invested in uplifting those ensnared in dire circumstances, consistently and passionately supporting an array of charitable endeavors, all in a bid to reshape the world one act of kindness at a time.

In 2017, his life writhed into a perilous spiral when he met with a fatal car accident in South France. His latest single release ‘Still Kicking’ echoes that daunting episode when he lost it all – assets consumed by fire, leading to another run-in with the law. Yet, in a startling turn of events, he stepped unscathed from the vehicular inferno, confounding everyone left in its wake.

His survival further emboldened his conviction in resilience and gratitude, which is poignantly encapsulated in ‘Still Kicking’. Check out the music video, here. This ordeal nudged him onto a path of supporting nature-oriented projects, meanwhile leveraging his success in music.

To top his ventures, Trickster’s intentions for the foreseeable future vision a monumental talent factory right in the heart of England. It tunes into providing a nurturing platform for young talent, much like him, who had scarce guidance during their formative years.

Within the vast and diverse realm of music, Trickster stands as a luminous beacon, epitomizing the indomitable triumph of the human spirit and the deeply healing and transformative power of melody. Driven by passion and an insatiable desire to share his narrative, he is resolutely determined to enchant audiences around the world. Every song he produces, every note he crafts, is imbued with the rich tapestry of his experiences, creating sonnets that resonate deeply and mirror the myriad hues of his life’s journey. Through his music, Trickster invites listeners to partake in his saga, celebrating the resilience and determination that define him.

What propels this cause are powerhouses from the music industry. Still Kicking, a single from Trickster Recordings, penciled to be out there on all prominent platforms, documents Trickster’s illustrious journey. Crafted by Guy Chambers (known for his work with Robbie Williams), Richard Flack and Trickster himself, the single features an ensemble of industry stalwarts including Guy Chambers on the Keyboard, Richard Flack in Producer’s chair, Ian Thomas on the Drums, and many more.

From Robbie Williams crew to veterans collaborating with Mike Oldfield, Tom Jones, James Blunt, the ensemble paints ‘Still Kicking’ in vibrant sonic colors. Matching the rhythm and groove are Dionne Douglas, Trevor Mires, Jim Hunt, Tom Rees lending their niche skills to the single. Full-throated support comes from Holly Brewer and Nicole Simpson with their soulful back vocals, rounding off the musical symphony.

As we gear up for this exciting release, here’s reminding you that ‘Still Kicking’ is float on all major music platforms.

Be sure to stay updated with the latest from Trickster on his website or you can follow him on Instagram. The stage is set, spotlights are pointing, and the curtains are soon to rise as Trickster’s tale continues to unfurl through his music.

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

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iurisEkero Proves Pop Music Doesn’t Have to Be Loud to Be Good

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iurisEkero

There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t chase volume. “I don’t make music to sound loud. I make music to sound deep,” says iurisEkero, and after diving into his catalog, you get exactly what he means.

Born in Mendoza, Argentina, iurisEkero (stylized in lowercase, like his approach to fame) grew up in a house where music wasn’t just background noise—it was the main conversation. His grandfather recorded albums as a vocalist, his father played trumpet, and young Iuris absorbed it all. But here’s what’s interesting: instead of just carrying the torch, he’s completely reimagined it.

Now splitting time between the USA and Argentina, iurisEkero creates what he calls “sonic exploration”—pop mixed with electronic textures, ethereal vocals, and these atmospheric moments that genuinely make you want to hit pause on everything else. He pulls inspiration from unexpected places: cities at night, red wine, those comfortable silences between people who know each other well, and what he describes as “the glitch of memories.”

His latest single, “This Summer Night,” dropped on August 19th and perfectly captures that specific magic. At 3:17, it’s packed with synths that stick in your head and a melody that somehow feels both nostalgic and brand new. Other tracks like “The Sun, The Wine and You” and “Midnight Drive” show his range—each one catching different emotional frequencies while keeping that distinctive warmth that comes from his bicultural perspective.

The numbers tell their own story. Nearly 3 million Spotify streams. Over a million YouTube views. But when you mention this to iurisEkero, he seems genuinely surprised. “I don’t even understand those numbers,” he admits. “I just enjoy and am grateful.”

What he hopes listeners take away is simple: that urge to play a song again, whether you’re remembering someone, dancing alone in your kitchen, or waiting for something you can’t quite name yet. Even his breakup songs somehow feel optimistic—there’s always this undercurrent of possibility in his work.

Currently working on a new album featuring various guest artists, iurisEkero seems ready for whatever comes next. The sound explorer from Mendoza has found his frequency, and people are definitely tuning in.

Find iurisEkero’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other streaming platforms, or visit his official website and follow him on Instagram.

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Alain Mékani Confronts Success and Solitude in New Single ‘Quiet’

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Alain Mékani

What happens when you achieve everything you dreamed of before turning 23, but there’s no one around to celebrate with? That’s the question Alain Mékani wrestles with in “Quiet,” his introspective new single that dropped August 1st, 2025.

The Dubai-based artist, who grew up in Beirut speaking Arabic with his mom and French with his dad while MTV played in the background, has been carving out his own corner of the Middle Eastern pop scene since his 2023 debut “Fool.” But this latest track hits different. It’s raw, honest, and uncomfortably relatable for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a room full of people.

Written during a period of professional success while living abroad, “Quiet” runs just over three minutes but packs an emotional punch. The track opens with Mékani reflecting on his younger self’s dreams—the car, the new place, all achieved before his 23rd birthday. But here’s where it gets real: “I left it all behind just to find myself / But am I really free?”

The chorus doesn’t pull punches either. When he admits “I’ve been going through some changes and my mind is fucking racing,” you feel that restless energy. It’s not polished pop perfection; it’s someone working through their stuff in real-time. The official music video, which premiered July 31st, visually captures this internal conflict.

“Quiet” by Alain Mékani

Family threads through every verse — and you can feel it. There’s the promise to make his mother proud, the desire to share his victories, and that gut-punch line about missing the people who matter most. The bridge transforms into something between a mantra and a desperate reminder: “Be somebody if you’re nobody.” It’s less motivational poster, more survival mechanism.

Since emerging with tracks like “Awlad El Haram” and his licensed reimagining of the Lebanese classic “Tallou Hbabna” earlier this year, Mékani has built a reputation for blending French, Arabic, and English lyrics with what critics call a “melancholic awakening” sound. Regional outlets including Musivv and Buro 24/7 Middle East have taken notice of his ability to pair cross-cultural production with genuine vulnerability.

The artist, who taught himself guitar after starting on accordion at eight, turned to songwriting as therapy following his father’s death in 2015. While working a marketing day job in Dubai, he spent nights and weekends learning production, eventually creating the demos that would launch his career.

Currently working on collaborations with Rayan Bailouni and Jay Janith, Mékani is pushing further into French territory with his upcoming releases. It’s a natural evolution for someone who grew up switching between languages at home. As he puts it: “I write in three languages because some emotions need more than one passport.”

“Quiet” is now streaming across all major platforms. Connect with Alain Mékani on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Anghami, Instagram, TikTok, and at alainmekani.com.

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Siren Built Her Entire Sound in Secret and Now She’s Ready to Surface

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Siren

The first thing that hits you about Siren isn’t just her voice—it’s the sheer audacity of someone who taught themselves everything. No formal training, no music theory classes, just pure instinct driving her to create something that sounds like Rammstein got into a late-night conversation with Lana Del Rey while Massive Attack played in the background.

At 24, this LA-based artist has already written around 70 songs, most still unreleased, sitting in her vault like secrets waiting to surface. Born June 13, 2001, Siren started making music in 2019, and what’s emerged since then defies easy categorization. Her sound pulls from trip-hop pioneers like Portishead, the industrial weight of German metal, and the cinematic drama of Tchaikovsky—yes, the Swan Lake composer.

“Every ache must be turned into art,” she says about her approach to music. It’s this philosophy that drives her self-described “raw confessions where melancholy meets beauty.” Her mezzo-soprano voice shifts between whispered vulnerability and soaring intensity, creating what she calls “cold waves of sound that mesmerize like a siren’s voice in the night sea.”

Siren

The artist’s journey started unexpectedly early. One of her most vivid childhood memories involves her grandmother singing Russian folk songs on a winter swing—an experience she describes as “blue, cold, wintry, dark, nostalgic, deep, soulful, and melancholic.” By twelve, she’d discovered Rammstein, which she credits with awakening “strength, courage, resistance, and the spirit of a fighter.” The band shaped about 60% of her musical taste, while Lana Del Rey, who she calls her “musical mother,” opened up the other side of her artistic personality.

What’s striking about Siren’s work is how she balances opposing forces. She describes her music as reflecting both her anima and animus—the feminine emotional vulnerability paired with masculine instrumental drive. This duality shows up everywhere in her sound: acoustic piano meets electric guitars, string arrangements collide with rock drums, trip-hop grooves support orchestral swells.

Her latest release, “Devil 2019,” dropped on August 3, 2025, running 3:28 and showcasing her hypnotic vocal control. But it’s just a taste of what’s coming. Her debut single “Siren Heroine,” released on June 13, previews her upcoming album “Blue Blood,” which promises an oceanic, siren-themed concept drawn from songs written three to four years ago.

Siren

Beyond music, Siren works as a visual artist, filmmaker, and photographer, creating her own visual concepts exactly as she imagines them. She admits to both loving and fearing the ocean—thalassophobia mixed with an obsession for deep blue imagery. “I reflect what I fear. I am what I fear,” she explains.

When asked about dream collaborations, she mentions Hans Zimmer, Rammstein, and Lana Del Rey—though she notes that most of her musical heroes are dead. Her approach to creation remains uncompromising: “I don’t write for people—I write for myself. Music is how I let you know me.”

For those curious to dive deeper, Siren’s music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and her website. Follow her journey on Instagram and TikTok.

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