alternative recording artist and songwriter honestav announces his new single “Growin’ Pains,” arriving on February 14th. Pre-save HERE.
Backed by the simple strum of a guitar as the budding star sings of his hometown friends and the feeling of growing apart, “Growin’ Pains” was first teased the track at the end of the year on socials, to immediate virality and praise – amassing millions of views and likes.
The news arrives on the heels of his 2025 headline solo ‘No License Tour,’ with tickets on sale now HERE. The 15-city tour kicks off on March 6th in Nashville, TN at Basement East, with additional stops in Indianapolis, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago and Pittsburg, and more before wrapping up on April 4th in Lakewood, OH at Mahall’s. Special guest Damien Styles will join as support on all dates and recording artist Z will join for select shows.
honestav is touring in support of his debut EP hara-kiri, which was released last November. The 12-song EP features his lead track “Hurts to Fall in Love” which debuted to 650,000 organic streams in its first week and has continued to grow, currently sitting in the Top 40 at Alternative Radio. Since its release, hara-kiri has peaked at #10 on Apple Music Chart and garnered over 120 million streams and counting,
hara-kiri also includes honestav’s breakout track “I’d Rather Overdose” which examines the deaths of his father and brother. The track took off like wildfire and has since amassed 104 million streams globally. A subsequent remix, “I’d Rather Overdose – MOD SUN Remix”, (listen here) charted at #21 on Billboard’s Alternative Chart; it also appeared on Billboard’s Hot Alternative Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Hot Alternative & Rock Songs charts.
honestav 2025 SOLO TOUR DATES:
3/06/25 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
3/07/25 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival
3/08/25 – Indianapolis, IN – Turntable
3/15/25 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
3/17/25 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
3/19/25 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
3/20/25 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium
3/21/25 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
3/27/25 – Kansas City, MO – Record Bar
3/28/25 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop
3/30/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache
3/31/25 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall
4/1/25 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
4/3/25 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter
4/4/25 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s
The year has changed over but Alice Chater’s flame remains white-hot, evidenced by the release of her new single, “Bed of Lies,” available now. The fiery new anthem, the follow-up to Chater’s October single, “Come Alive,” is produced by Kris Eriksson, and is paired with its Thom Kerr-directed music video, which you can watch here.
Just one week after the electrifying release of her must-listen single “Only You,” Jada Kingdom is back with a show-stopping music video that you won’t want to miss. Watch it **HERE** and make sure to stream “Only You” HERE, proudly released under Jada’s label, Kingdom Mab.
This music video is set to ignite the winter season, firmly establishing “Only You” as a leading contender for song of the summer. With its infectious rhythm, the track is already taking over airwaves and social media, earning Jada recognition like never before.
Directed by the talented Djuvane Armstrong, the sultry video captures a vibrant day in the sun, showcasing Jada and her friends living life to the fullest. This summertime vibe could be a clear indication of Jada’s ambitious plans to dominate the music scene in the months ahead.
The track is now featured on popular playlists such as WORLDWIDE RIDDIM , RUN TINGS , TUN UP and PRESSURE DROP on Apple Music. Additionally, it’s making waves on Spotify’s SILK SHEETS playlist. Jada is also proudly showcased on the cover of Pandora‘s DANCEHALL QUEENS’ playlist and Audiomack‘s WOMEN IN MUSIC: CARIBBEAN EDITION PLAYLIST.
Don’t miss out on “Only You,” watch the official music video HERE today.
Rising folk and acoustic artist Tariq Abou-Bakr will release his highly anticipated new single, “Hold Your Ghost,” on Valentine’s Day, February 14th! The track is a deeply personal song, marking both a milestone in his music career and a special moment in his relationship with partner, World Cup and Olympic Qualifying Skier, Jeanee Crane-Mauzy.
“Hold Your Ghost” marks Tariq’s third single, following the success of “Cold” and “Run Baby Run.” Written solely by Tariq, the track weaves his signature soft guitar strums with heartfelt vocals and a soulful piano backdrop, delivering a sound that is both deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
The release is especially meaningful as it will be the couple’s first Valentine’s Day together and Jeanee will be competing in the Freeski Halfpipe World Cup on the same day, adding to the uniqueness of this moment.
“Hold Your Ghost is a pure love song,” says Tariq. “It talks about loving deeply and passionately. However, more specifically, it is about holding a place in your life for the ones you love, even after they are gone from it.” He continues, “It is dedicated to my partner Jeanee Crane-Mauzy, and the first hand account of not only our romance, but her own tragic life experiences. She has been through a lot of adversity in prior years, and with this song I wanted to show her how I feel about the importance of a truly deep long lasting love.”
This is the new single “Enjoy Youth” by acclaimed LGBTQ+ artist Bright Light Bright Light featuring platinum selling Welsh superstar Donna Lewis. The English and Welsh language version features the timeless hit maker known for “I Love You Always Forever” adding her stunning ethereal vocals. Complimenting the production crafted by Bright Light Bright Light and Jon Shave, who was recently GRAMMY-nominated for his work on Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’, “Enjoy Youth” is a must hear collaboration. The song is partly translated into Welsh by fellow Welsh singer-songwriter Al Lewis, honouring Rod’s own homeland and personal roots growing up in Wrexham, North Wales. Speaking about the new version, Bright Light Bright Light says: “As a teen growing up in Wales, I feel so absolutely in love with Donna’s voice on ‘I Love You Always Forever’, ‘Without Love’ and ‘Silent World’ from her debut album. When I thought about ways to honour where I’m from, I thought about singing in Welsh and as a deeply 90s child, I immediately heard Donna’s voice on the song. She’s an absolute sweetheart who has kept her ethereal voice somehow exactly the same over the decades. I’m absolutely floored that this artist I’ve loved so long is helping me pay homage to my homeland. It feels so magical.”
Austin-based indie rock group Sarah and the Sundays are excited to share their third studio album, Like A Damn Dog. Like A Damn Dog is a raw and poignant exploration of the tangled emotions and realities that come with stepping into adulthood. Across 12 heartfelt tracks, the album captures the push and pull between hope and disillusionment, love and loss, certainty and doubt. It wrestles with the chaos of a world that feels simultaneously wide open and out of control, inviting listeners to sit in the discomfort of uncertainty and find solace in shared experiences. Anchored by songs like “Policy,” which critiques systemic failings and the distant forces shaping our futures, Like A Damn Dog delivers a vulnerable yet defiant soundtrack to navigating modern life.
Cameron Sage From is an 18-year-old pop riser hailing from Toronto, Canada. Now based in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter is known for her soulful vocals, undeniable stage presence, and heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics. Cameron began singing before the age of two, quickly discovering a passion for performing. Her childhood was filled with music, dance, and the stage. She was a member of the acclaimed Toronto Children’s Chorus, and played lead rolls in various high school musicals including Roxy Hart in Chicago, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Young Nala in The Lion King, to name a few.
As a teen, Cameron threw herself into songwriting, musicianship, and music production. It was while studying music production that her instructor recognized the potential of her original songs and told her to start recording her own music. Creating her own brand of infectious pop music at 17, she debuted her singles “Back to U,” “Superficial,” and “Disappointment” in early 2024. Her willingness to experiment—with bold production choices, raw lyrics, and her evolving vocal delivery—has established her as an artist to watch. In under a year, her music has already racked up nearly a million plays, and she has received praise from outlets like tmrw Magazine and Melodic.
Her new single, “She’s Not Me,” is a sun-kissed pop banger produced by Nashville-based Josh Frigo, known for his mixes for Niall Horan and Fletcher. “She’s Not Me” tells the relatable story of unrequited love. The song feels like a diary, detailing the emotional journey of a love triangle. She shares, “I really wanted the feel of ‘She’s Not Me’ to contrast the instrumental with the lyrics. If you dive into the lyrics, it’s quite depressing, but it’s masked by a warm, upbeat instrumental. It’s kind of like how the lyrics say, ‘You have no clue how I feel, and I’d like to keep it that way.’ The friendship feels like a game of pretend in this situation.” The single entices with its colorful synths, lush guitars, and addictive chorus. Cameron’s magnetic vocals take center stage as she sings over colliding beats and breezy soundscapes.
Dakota 66 is an indie rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The band’s influences include The National, R.E.M., Radiohead, and a wide variety of artists, drawing from country rock, and post-punk crafted artists such as Lou Reed and David Bowie.
The album, If Not Now When, says it all. The band has been together for more than 10 years but has only decided to release their first album. As they say, “it’s taken a long time to craft songs with something to say” and they are reflections on life, people, and emotions. The album includes songs like “Reeling Back The Years,” bringing back the carefree feeling of youth we all search for, “Bubble,” about friendship, and “Ode To A Friend” which touches on the sensitive subject of loss. The band includes J Gallagher on vocals, Brian Grace on guitar, Brian Curran on bass, and Thomas Leonard on drums.
The album drawings by Declan Considine reflect the lyrics in a picture. Hope, dreams, love, loss, and friendship.
The band will release a second album in Spring 2025.
Rising genre-blending artist JAntho CHO is back with his latest sonic odyssey, “Sheath”—a mind-expanding track that fuses conscious rap, psychedelic soundscapes, and hypnotic melodies. From album Cloud 180 2, “Sheath” continues JAntho CHO’s exploration of self-actualization, enlightenment, and the transformative power of music.
“Sheath” immerses listeners in an otherworldly experience, weaving
together ethereal production and introspective lyricism. With themes of
transcendence, spiritual awakening, and cosmic connectivity, the track
paints a vivid picture of JAntho CHO’s journey through psychedelics and
self-discovery. Trippy, melodic, and vibrantly psychedelic, “Sheath”
pushes the boundaries of hip-hop and alternative music. The song’s
hypnotic rhythm and atmospheric beats transport listeners to a lucid
dream-like state, reminiscent of artists like Kid Cudi, Flying Lotus,
and OutKast.
Kentucky, the musical project of Canadian artist Jordan Holman, has revealed the first single from his upcoming album Second Chance Music. Titled “No More Tomorrows,” the track is a reflective and emotionally charged song that pays tribute to those who serve as guiding lights through life’s darkest moments. With heartfelt lyricism, and a soaring chorus, “No More Tomorrows” is a testament to perseverance and reclaiming one’s own path.
LISTEN TO “NO MORE TOMORROWS” HERE
“No More Tomorrows” isn’t just the opening track of Second Chance Music—it’s a reckoning. Written late in the album’s creation, the song is both an introduction and a battle cry, laying bare the struggle between self-destruction and survival. Inspired by a moment of stark realization on a cold Toronto night, it captures the weight of life on the edge and the resolve to push forward. Through soaring melodies and raw conviction, Holman transforms that pivotal choice—to fight for another day—into something universal, a song that honours both the darkness left behind and the light ahead.
Holman, influenced by legendary artists such as The Tragically Hip, Bryan Adams, Neil Young, and R.E.M., brings an intimate yet universal touch to his songwriting. “No More Tomorrows” captures the essence of his sound—melding acoustic rock and indie folk into a composition that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
With its evocative melodies and powerful chorus, “No More Tomorrows” embodies gratitude for the people who have been unwavering beacons of hope. The song acknowledges past struggles while celebrating personal growth and the triumph of becoming one’s true self. It carries the energy of a stadium singalong—listeners raising their voices, lighters in hand, united in the song’s defiant spirit.
“No More Tomorrows” offers the first look at Second Chance Music, an album shaped by Holman’s experiences of perseverance and self-discovery. Through more than 100 performances across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond, Kentucky has been forging bonds with audiences across the country. With this new single, he deepens that connection, turning personal reflection into a shared anthem.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
