Ren Genevieve, a rising singer and songwriter known for her storytelling lyrics, is back with her new and bold single, “gods to ground.” This track, the second single off her upcoming debut EP, tongue tied, captures the essence of confidence, self-empowerment, and unapologetic self-expression. “gods to ground” is now available to stream and download on all major platforms.
Unlike her usual songwriting process, Ren Genevieve began “gods to ground” by crafting the track itself—a dynamic and daring instrumental that became the foundation for the song’s confident tone. “This song was a project I wrote for a class assignment, and the track felt really bold, so the lyrics reflect that,” Genevieve explains. “It’s about feeling confident and empowered to be yourself. There’s something freeing and fun about stepping into your own power, and that’s what this song captures for me.” “gods to ground” invites listeners to immerse themselves into the pulsing beat of the song, with its lavish imagery and heartfelt lyrics, the track pulls listeners deep into Genevieve’s diary-like songwriting. Genevieve’s ability to balance bold instrumentation with introspective storytelling shines through in “gods to ground.” The song offers a celebration of self-expression, inviting listeners to embrace their individuality and find joy in self-discovery. Its layered production and commanding vocals highlight Genevieve’s versatility as an artist and her dedication to pushing creative boundaries.
Atmospheric, nostalgic, and at times hypnotic, Marina Fleming transports her listeners into a realm betwixt reality and dreams. Inspired by ’60s Folk Music, ’90s Grunge, and 2010s Indie Rock, Marina’s music consists of tongue-in-cheek lyrics sung sweetly over churning guitar guitars and a bed of saw tooth synthesizers. With influences like The Smiths, Cat Stevens, Laura Nyro, Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, Baxter Dury, and Alex G, Marina Fleming pulls from many worlds to create something new.
Jimmy & The Veil, the solo project of James Wright, is an indie/alt-rock artist from coastal Virginia who brings raw and emotional depth to his music. His moniker “Jimmy & The Veil” derives from his childhood nickname, “Jimmy,” and symbolizes the genuine substance he aims to unveil behind the elusive facade of everyday life. This project emerged as a form of music therapy, allowing him to pour his heart into his music and explore the darker feelings he faced.
Wright began his musical journey as a lyricist in high school and later began playing guitar in college. Although music has always been a part of him, he prioritized family and corporate life, which made his musical journey more of a marathon than a sprint. He has been involved in several musical projects in adulthood, learning a great deal from the musicians he has played alongside.
Wright’s approach is mature and sometimes cynical, channeling his emotional battles with mental health, society, and faith. His sound, often likened to Jimmy Eat World getting “beat up on the playground,” promises a moody and introspective indie/alt-rock experience. Jimmy & The Veil’s debut single “Diamonds” offers listeners a glimpse into this raw and heartfelt journey.
The song is co-written by Jake Arthur, mixed by Bryce Roberts, and features a stellar ensemble of musicians who create a stripped-down roots soundscape that perfectly highlights Charlotte’s soaring vocals. Already gaining praise for her authentic storytelling and dynamic performances, Morris and her upcoming album Both Sides are making waves in the folk and Americana world, with previous recognition from outlets like No Depression and Music Mecca.
Charlotte Morris, a Philadelphia native, is a rising folk artist known for her earnest, purpose-driven style and dynamic performances. Inspired by artists like Brandi Carlile and The Chicks, she has released impactful music, including her debut EP To New York, With Love (2018), her album Songs For My Next Ex (2020), and her internationally praised 2023 album, Wild Child. Following a 30-city international tour in 2024, she is now back in Philadelphia, preparing to release her next album, Both Sides, the title of which is inspired by Joni Mitchell’s seminal work “Both Sides Now.”
“Same Old Things” explores the emotions of yearning for past friendships, reflecting on what could have been. Written by Reli during a period of detox, the song captures the complexity of mental health—balancing the ache of missed connections with the therapeutic power of creativity. “Mental health can feel like a double-edged sword,” Reli explains. “On one side, there’s nostalgia and longing, while on the other, there’s the catharsis of creating something that captures that moment.” With emotive vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and piano melodies, she brings the intensity of those feelings to life, crafting a song that serves as both a tribute to the past and a reminder of the healing process. “This song almost feels like a theme for that time in my life,” she shares. “It’s a reminder of how music helped me through it. Cheers to my brain.” “Same Old Things” resonates with anyone who has navigated life’s changes, reflecting on love and friendships that linger even as time moves on.
Geepers! is the musical brainchild of Edison Roberts, a Long Beach-based alternative indie-pop artist raised in Ballston Lake, NY. Known for crafting vibrant, self-produced tracks, Geepers! blends infectious grooves with introspective themes to create a kaleidoscopic soundscape filled with quirky charm, funky rhythms, and heartfelt storytelling. Over the past four years, Geepers! has independently written, recorded, and mixed every note, resulting in a distinctive sonic identity that feels both nostalgic and fresh. From the shout-along energy of “Work!” to the dreamy introspection of “Fine Line,” Geepers! explores life’s highs, lows, and everything in between with a playful yet poignant touch. With a growing discography and an ever-evolving sound, Geepers! is here to soundtrack your day with songs that make you think, dance, and—above all—feel.
Co-written by Nick Cain, Zac Maloy (of the hit songwriting team 4 Horsemen Music), and Drew Lawrence, the single features production by Grammy-winner Brandon Bell (Joni Mitchell, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile). Recorded in Nashville, it showcases top-tier musicians like Tim Galloway (Academy of Country Music’s 2023 Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year) and Shaun Richardson (Béla Fleck), creating a vibrant and dynamic soundscape.
Nick Cain’s journey into country music is as inspiring as his songs—after attending the Watershed Music Festival at 39, he picked up a guitar and never looked back. Nick has infused his entrepreneurial spirit and blue-collar grit into every note, from performing at fairs and festivals to running a live music venue. His authentic, relatable style has captivated fans, with “That’s What The Whiskey’s For” continuing this exciting chapter and kicking off 2025.
Rooster Blackspur, an award-winning singer-songwriter known for her raw,
evocative voice and powerful storytelling, has never been one to follow the
conventional path. Having made a name for herself in New Mexico, Rooster
has now embraced a bold new chapter in Nashville, Tennessee, with her new
album The Cinderella Sessions. This 7-song collection captures the essence of
her musical evolution while introducing a fresh, Nashville-inspired sound.
Recorded at the legendary Cinderella Sound Studio, The Cinderella
Sessions marks Rooster’s first full-length project in Music City – a place she
believes offers her the best chance at fully expressing her songs.
Reflecting on the album’s title, Rooster says, “This record is a moment in time
and that moment was captured at one of Nashville’s oldest working recording
studios called Cinderella Sound Studio. I wanted to pay tribute to my time
inside those iconic walls, as well as acknowledge my first time ever making a
record in Nashville.” The album’s title, The Cinderella Sessions, feels fitting not
only as a nod to the historic studio but also as a symbol of her transformative
journey from the expansive, rugged terrain of New Mexico to the heart of
Nashville’s vibrant music scene.
This transition didn’t happen by chance. According to Rooster, “Looking back
it was fate. Someone came up to me and said ‘I think you need to go to
Nashville,’ and the long and short of it is they paid for my studio time, and all
I had to do was make my way to Nashville. Everyone says ‘I have a friend
with a studio’ but this person happened to be friends with the owners of
Cinderella Sound Studio. It was a life-changing experience.” Rooster’s arrival
in Nashville set the stage for what would become a monumental step in her
musical career.
Giift is back and starts the year strongly in the shape of bold new single “Pussy” that is also self-written & self-produced. The South African-born and Copenhagen-based artist has also announced her forthcoming EP “Desires” will land on February 21st. There will be performances of the song at this year’s Eurosonic Noorderslag on Janury 16th & London’s Soho Calling on February 26th.
Rising singer-songwriter Ruti (they/she) kicks off the new year with the release of a cover EP titled ‘The Perch Cover Sessions’ – a collection of four stripped-back, acoustic renditions of classics from different eras. The EP features Ruti’s mellow reimaginings of Outkast’s ‘Hey Ya!’, ‘There She Goes’ by The La’s, Lord Huron’s ‘The Night We Met’, and Beyoncé’s ‘Halo’. Accompanied by her guitar, Ruti transforms these typically upbeat songs into stunning ballads.
MARIS
Gravity (Stripped)
• “Reimagining the songs from my debut EP, Gravity, in a stripped-back style at the stunning Spotify x Coke Studio in LA was such an incredible privilege. Having the chance to create and share music means everything to me, and I hope these raw, intimate versions reveal a fresh perspective to my universe.” — MARIS
• Standout track, “Was It A Dream?,” reflects on the heartbreak of a fleeting love, as MARIS questions whether their intense connection was real or just an illusion, blending searing emotion with her signature ethereal vocals.
• MARIS recently wrapped up a nationwide tour with indie band Melt this past November and is now preparing to return to the road, supporting cosmic-pop singer Maude Latour, this spring.
GRANT GILBERT
“West of Fort Worth”
• Grant Gilbert shares a comforting country ballad, “West of Fort Worth,” showcasing his guttural vocals and timeless country melody. As a Texas native and 2024 T3R Texas Music & Radio Awards nominee, Grant brings vivid imagery of Texas landscapes to this track, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption.
• “I’m super excited about ‘West of Fort Worth.’ I feel like it’s what I’ve been chasing and trying to say as a songwriter for a long time. I love it even more since it’s about where I’m from – it’s as real as it gets for me.” — Grant Gilbert
• After wrapping up his tour last fall, Grant is getting ready to hit the road again on January 16th, joining Hudson Westbrook for shows throughout the South this winter and spring.
Created from the vision of a guitarist/producer and anthropologist, Monotronic combines his love for music with his inspiration from other cultures. Much of these influences are a result of his extensive travels throughout India and Southeast Asia. Spending two years backpacking throughout the world and studying Indian music in Calcutta, Monotronic later returned to Southeast Asia as a graduate student and lived among the Orang Rimba tribe in the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia for 2 years. Living this “collective” mode of life where the group is valued over the individual and everything is shared is an idea brought to Monotronic, where every musician is encouraged to bring their own creativity to produce truly “collective” music.
“Monotronic is a concept, whereby each instrument can be heard as a continuation of the other and the music sounds as one distinct whole, emanating from a single source.” The artist takes a hands-on approach, producing both the music and videos for Monotronic. The band’s work, specifically the singles “Kids of Summer” and “Buy Yourself a Dream”, have garnered radio play and both songs premiered at #1 on VEVO’s Incoming Indie playlist.
Iconic French duo Polo & Pan, consisting of Paul Armand-Delille (Polo) and Alexandre Grynszpan (Pan), return with their new single “Disco Nap” featuring English band Metronomy. This collaboration blends the best of two worlds: the sun-drenched, ethereal sound of French house with the quirky, indie-electro energy of British alt-pop.
A sonic journey of yearning and acceptance, “Disco Nap” weaves heartfelt storytelling with infectious disco-infused beats, delivering a track that feels both timeless and effortlessly cool. The single captures the essence of both Polo & Pan’s breezy, retro-futuristic aesthetic and Metronomy’s distinctively playful yet introspective style.
After the worldwide success of “Natura” — a track which became a staple of last summer’s parties — wunderkind musician Orsay is kicking off 2025 in the best way possible: he’s teamed up with the acclaimed Maxi Meraki for “Amado”, to release a sentimental tribute to Orsay’s late father, releasing on Adriatique’s Siamese imprint. Having been tested on the road not only by their authors but also melodic techno and afro house giants such as RÜFÜS DU SOL, WhoMadeWho, Adriatique, Carlita, and many others, the collaboration gears up to become an early anthem for spring and summer festivals around the world, empirically proven.
“Amado” is a testament to true love, legacy, and the everlasting impact of those who once marked our paths. “‘Amado’ — ‘loved ones’ in English — is dedicated to the ones who are not here anymore, yet are still so close to our hearts”, says Orsay, who built the backbone of the single with his late father in mind. He recalls, “This track is very special to me because I made it a few months after my father passed away. The original vocal on it was a voice message that he left me and that I used as inspiration to create all the melodies and feelings in the track”.
rising Alt-Pop artist Dela Kay released her first single of the year, “Remedy” – an electrifying track that captures the bittersweet emotions of navigating love after a relationship ends. With high energy, playful melodies, and an undercurrent of yearning, the single showcases a fresh sonic direction for the artist while staying true to her distinctive alt-pop roots. Written by Dela Kay, alongside Nick Cozine and Whitney Fenimore, and produced by Cozine and Stefano Pigliapoco, “Remedy” took shape in the creative hub of East Nashville. Dela Kay recalls starting the session with melody ideas sparked on her way to the studio: “I came up with the word ‘Remedy’ as the key phrase and started building from there. I loved the indie feel we were creating with those Lord Huron-inspired guitar loops, and we blended it with the alt-pop sound my fans know and love. It’s a mix of playfulness and hope, and I can’t wait to share this new side of me with everyone.”
Tickets On Sale Friday, January 17, at 10 AM CST: HERE
Allied Presents is proud to announce the inaugural Camellia Music & Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of music, art, and Southern culture, taking place April 25–27, 2025, at The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama. The festival will feature a star-studded lineup of hip-hop and R&B artists, celebrating the profound influence of Southern musicians on contemporary culture.
Fans can secure early access to tickets by registering for the exclusive pre-sale at www.camelliafestival.com. The pre-sale begins Thursday, January 16, at 10:00 AM CST, with VIP and general ticket sales opening on Friday, January 17, at 10:00 AM CST.
The Camellia Music & Arts Festival celebrates creativity, artistry, and Southern influence at its core, boasting a stellar lineup led by five-time GRAMMY-nominee and multi-platinum songstress Kehlani, one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary R&B. Joining her is Alabama-born and Atlanta-based hip-hop icon Gucci Mane, whose decade-long impact on the genre is undeniable. Rising Atlanta star J.I.D, a GRAMMY-nominated rapper and songwriter hailed as “one of rap’s best storytellers,” brings his lyrical prowess and loyal fanbase to the stage. Rounding out the headliners is the legendary Big Boi, a cultural juggernaut who helped put Southern hip-hop on the map and one-half of the iconic duo OutKast, who made history as the first and only hip-hop artist to win the GRAMMY® for “Album of the Year.”The festival’s lineup goes even deeper, catering to true hip-hop and R&B fans of all generations. It features contemporary stars like Amaria, Black Party, Pamè, Huntsville by way of Chicago’s Mick Jenkins, along with local Huntsville talents such as Chelsea Who?, Element XI, DJ Carl, DJ Zach Alan, DJ Donye West, Dray the Voice, Jazz McKenzie, Meme B Jones, O’Rian, Pat Jamar, Rachelle Shire, DJ Soy, and DJ Tesha Jay.Together, these groundbreaking artists round out the first-ever music and arts festival hosted at the prominent Orion Amphitheater, promising an unforgettable celebration of music and culture that honors the profound influence of Southern artistry on the world stage. VIP and General Admission tickets for the Camellia Music & Arts Festival go on sale Friday, January 17, at 10:00 AM CST.
The Camellia Music & Arts Festival offers more than just a concert series—it’s an immersive cultural experience. Opening Day kicks off on Friday, April 25th, from 6 PM – 10 PM, with a free Camellia Community Day, offering an evening of local talent, food, and culture, the Camellia Community Day will shine a spotlight on some of Huntsville’s finest artists, including Pat Jamar, O’Rian, Meme B. Jones, and Jazz McKenzie. In addition to live performances, attendees can enjoy a curated selection of local vendors and food trucks, showcasing the best of what the community has to offer. The Camellia Community Day is a family-friendly event and an exciting way to kick off the festival weekend, celebrating Huntsville’s rich culture and creativity.
The Camellia Festival is keeping the energy alive, even after the main stage lights dim, with official after parties at Jeff and Blues featuring Huntsville’s own DJ Skeme on April 26th and DJ LIsha on April 27th.
For more information, including the full lineup and ticketing details, visit www.camelliafestival.com
Based in Los Angeles, Clay and Kelsy are celebrated for their innovative blend of electronic production and heartfelt songwriting. As artists, producers, and founders of CKI—a queer woman-owned company designing electronic instruments—they are trailblazers in music and technology, empowering women and underrepresented voices. Partners for 13 years, they officially began their musical journey as a duo in 2021, quickly gaining recognition for their bold storytelling and creative vision. Their rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” for Apple TV’s The Morning Show soared to #1 on Apple Music’s soundtrack charts, earning over 640K Spotify streams. With praise from Earmilk, buzzbands LA, The Luna Collective, and Grimy Goods, Clay and Kelsy are redefining what it means to innovate in today’s music industry.
Ahead of the release of their seventh studio album, ‘Asphodels’, The Veils share their stirring new single “Mortal Wound”, pairing twinkling keys and soaring strings with vivid lyrics about the restorative powers of love.
“This is a song about the quietly held hope that love is fundamentally a healing force”, shares Finn Andrews, “It’s by far the most bombastic song on the record, which is strange because, in many ways, it has the gentlest sentiment of them all. I like that the title sounds like a 90s goth band – it’s an intentionally misleading title which amused me anyway.”
“This song was recorded on a beautiful Steinway grand which had just been shipped down here to New Zealand from the Royal Festival Hall in London – I’m told it was the same piano that Nina Simone performed on at her infamously brilliant Meltdown festival performance many moons ago. Anyway, I couldn’t help but think about her hands while I was playing it.”
GUS ENGLEHORN is back with the brand new single “Metal Detector”.
STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
A surreal doom-folk meltdown featuring Butthole Surfers’ Paul Leary, Gus Englehorn’s latest single, “Metal Detector”, is available today across all platforms. Accompanied by an evocative music video directed by Estée Preda, “Metal Detector” is a spellbinding exploration of Englehorn’s singular vision, melding doom-folk intensity with absurdist storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from a friend’s tipsy late-night conversation with a talking shrub in Portland (yes, you read that right), Englehorn has crafted a hypnotic tale of chaotic beauty. “This one is pretty dada,” Englehorn explains, “but I imagine someone trying to play metal in their garage and one of their neighbors busting in the door and unplugging the amps.”
Los Angeles’ heavenly harmonic trio Trousdale today announce their new album Growing Pains is set to arrive on April 11 via Independent Co. Releasing the warmly defiant title track and its video, Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones introduce a new body of work centered around three strong, independent women facing the threats of loneliness, broken hearts, loss, and more, and converting it into transformative, uplifting music — Stream “Growing Pains” / Pre-save the album.
Opening on a ripping electric guitar and bolstered by their trademark harmonies, today’s lead single perfectly encapsulates the feeling of working so hard for what you wanted and skating on the edge of burnout. As transcendent as Trousdale sound when they lean into their gold-hued pop, the group work their country flair into the material more masterfully than ever before.
The trio’s Lauren Jones shared, “The idea for this song came about pretty naturally by discussing one of our favorite subjects: how exhausted we are. It really is so disorienting at times to have a career that is your passion, but also your work. Your boundaries are constantly being pushed and pulled, and you’re always willing to put in the overtime because you care so much. Over time, this can really start to look like burnout if you’re not careful. ‘Growing Pains’ is about living the dream while acknowledging that the dream can be pretty hard sometimes.”
rising NYC five-piece dreamgaze band, PANIK FLOWER shares “alkaline,” the first single off of their upcoming EP titled rearview (arriving on April 30). With this track, band members Sage Leopold, Mila Stieglitz-Courtney, Jordan Buzzell, Max Baird and Marco Starger create a haunting atmosphere of rising and crashing; a system of pushing and pulling. Implementing a lush soundscape that careens into driving hooks, the song is filled with a sense of desire and longing. “alkaline” is where the best of dream pop and the unmistakable shoegaze sound exist in harmony, the ideal first taste of the band’s sophomore EP —
The pensive presentation on Geiger’s latest instalment, After Later exists in a parallel-universe of 1960’s avante-pop where a prism has refracted the familiar into a modern collage. Produced in the historically cool & sonically vibey Sound City Studio in LA by Geiger and collaborator Will Maclellan (Grammy Award Winner: Boy Genius, Phoebe Bridgers), After Later turns the spotlight on the song-craft by embracing a minimalist arrangement that steers focus towards an evocative vocal and beautifully subversive saxophone swells by Sam Gendel. Following his first two rhythmically energized singles, Steps Taken & Lemonade, Geiger reveals the depth and diversity of his forthcoming full length with a look at the more intimate side of his songs.
The ten track debut LP, Some Nights was produced alongside longtime friend and collaborator, Will Maclellan between Sound City (LA) and a Brock’s StudioB in Calgary, AB. With a long history of creative trust and a mutual openness to exploration, the collection of songs morphed and moulded from Brock’s recording experimentation into a refreshingly diverse and dynamic record. As the insular collaboration process grew, it came to include a heavyweight crew of musicians including Matt Chamberlain, Sam Gendel, and Gabe Noel, as well as some of Geiger’s longest standing collaborators, like Clea Anaïs contributing performances.
The songs unfold like character pieces, each containing their own personality, mood, and decisive sonic statement. As Geiger puts it, “the songs are a representation of the multiplicities of experience. I didn’t feel tethered by needing anything to sound a certain way because I wanted the collection of work to be an honest reflection of the diversity of what I’m interested in.” Glued together by a strong pop sensibility and inviting, relatable vocals, the ten songs on Some Nights range from kinetic and groove centric to intimate and ambient while all maintaining a refined focus and grip.
The legendary Isaac Mizrahi will return for another exclusive winter engagement at Cafe Carlyle from February 4-15. ISAAC MIZRAHI: I KNOW EVERYBODY brings his signature blend of humor, storytelling, and song back to the iconic stage. Known for his magnetic stage presence and witty storytelling, Mizrahi is celebrated for captivating audiences with his unique style. Described by The New York Times as “a founding father of a genre that fuses performance art, music, and stand-up comedy,” his shows are a must-see event each season.
Beyond his performances at Café Carlyle, Mizrahi has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry as a performer, host, writer, designer, and producer for over 30 years. He most recently starred as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of CHICAGO and has graced stages at venues across the country, including Joe’s Pub, The Regency Ballroom, and City Winery locations nationwide.
Mizrahi is also known for his work in film and television. He is the subject and co-creator of the documentary Unzipped, which chronicles the making of his Fall 1994 collection and won an award at the Sundance Film Festival. His television career includes hosting The Isaac Mizrahi Show for seven years and serving as a judge on Project Runway: All-Stars throughout its seven-season run. Mizrahi has directed productions of A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Annually, he directs and narrates his production of the children’s classic Peter and The Wolf at The Guggenheim Museum in New York. In June 2023, Mizrahi launched his podcast HELLO ISAAC, where he engages with celebrity guests in candid conversations about success, failure, and everything in between.
Mizrahi also has his own production company, IM Entertainment, under which he has several projects in development in television, theatre and literature. He is currently working as a producer on the new Hulu sitcom, MID CENTURY MODERN, premiering later this year. His New York Times Bestselling memoir, I.M., was published in February 2019.
Tickets are available online via Tock. General Seating $150 per person / Premium Seating $200 / Bar Seating $120. Café Carlyle is located in The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (35 East 76th Street, at Madison Avenue). For more information and updates on these exciting events, follow Café Carlyle on Instagram @cafecarlyle and Facebook.
PET NEEDS break into the new year with “Punk Isn’t Dead (It’s Just Up For Sale)” (Acoustic).
The track is peeled from the upcoming new album ‘Kind of Acoustic’, which arrives on 24th January.
A track that has found the Essex four-piece parading their punk with pride, with tongues firmly in cheeks, since their very earliest days; this January the band deliver us a fresh rendition of this favourite cut.
Of this new acoustic reworking of “Punk Isn’t Dead (It’s Just Up For Sale)”, Johnny of the band says:
“We tour the world making a living playing shows and selling t-shirts that proudly shout, “Punk Isn’t Dead (It’s just Up for Sale!)”…. The irony isn’t lost on us. Talk about life imitating art!
We didn’t know it at the time, but by writing this song we have subjected ourselves to a lifetime of questions by punk rock gatekeepers – is punk dead? Are we punk? Is it punk if it has a guitar solo?…”
While the original version of “Punk Isn’t Dead (It’s Just Up For Sale)” was written many years ago after Johnny spent a morning on a train to London alongside tattooed commuters rolling down their shirt sleeves to go work in the city, fast forward to 2025 and its lost none of its zest or biting commentary in its stripped-back form. Arriving complete with a new official video, Johnny adds:
“It was a joy to revisit and reimagine the tune in a dilapidated church on the west coast of Wales. And the video of course had to be a collaboration with our amazing fanbase who keep us in a job. They’re the best.”
Déyyess becomes an instand one-to-watch on her brand new single “if i was ur boy.” The breezy indie-rock single is the perfect teaser for her first headline show at The Lower Third (February 20th) that is almost sold old, and comes one day before her eagerly anticipated first EP titled “Claire” (February 21st) via Common Knowledge.
Award-winning Plains Cree country-rock artist Jarrid Lee releases his latest single “One Less Face” today, available on all major streaming platforms. This poignant track, described by Jarrid as “the saddest song I’ve ever written,” offers an intimate exploration of grief, memory, and the universal experience of losing someone who once lit up the room.
With his trademark humour intact, Jarrid quips, “Don’t listen to this song—it’s too sad, and you’ll probably cry.” But behind the light-hearted delivery lies a heartfelt truth: “One Less Face” is an emotional gut-punch, a song that invites listeners to sit with their sorrow and honour their memories of those they’ve lost.
Jarrid often describes his career as an “Everest”—a climb past obstacles of doubt and hardship. Despite the odds Indigenous artists face in mainstream spaces, he’s carved out his place with perseverance and talent. His music is an act of both defiance and gratitude. “I could’ve been a statistic,” he’s said, reflecting on his path. Instead, he’s become a storyteller whose voice amplifies resilience and love with unmatched authenticity.
Chest Fever, the Official Revival of The Band, and alter ego of San Diego rock band Mrs. Henry, are kicking off their North American tour with a string of tour dates in British Columbia starting on February 1st in Roberts Creek and ending on February 7th in Vancouver at The Rickshaw. The group will then head back down south for their U.S. tour dates, returning to Canada at the end of March to finish the tour in Ontario and Quebec. And since they’ll already be there, Mrs. Henry will be the opening act for the tour dates to support their new album Keep On Rising – A 21st Century Rock Opera (available now via Blind Owl Records). See below for the full tour listing.
2025 marks Chest Fever’s 3rd year on the road touring North America and second tour with Mrs. Henry supporting and performing an opening set of original music. This is their 2nd time returning to most of the Canadian markets, but will be their first time in Victoria and Montreal.
“The group absolutely loves touring in Canada, and we’ve felt such a warm embrace for both our original music and our celebration of The Band’s timeless catalog,” says guitarist Daniel Cervantes. “Every tour we do is unique and tailored to that journey, and fans can expect a show unlike any we’ve done before. As high energy and as high level as you can get!”
Slaughter Gang’s own 21 Lil Harold kicks 2025 off with a brand new single and music video, “Word on the Street,” featuring New Orleans-bred star Rob 49.
The new song is produced by Shel, and its Freewater-directed video depicts Harold and Rob traversing the streets of Atlanta, where they take the slick talking and money counting from the apartment balcony to the shopping plaza. Apropos, considering the song title.
East London’s multi-creative musical talent NIJI (FKA Niji Adeleye) continues to ignite the UK jazz scene with the release of his brand new single ‘Mo ti délé’, which stands as a vibrant display of his artistry and versatility. The track features a gorgeous array of sensory stimulation, seamlessly blending the trickling of water and distant wildlife sounds with shimmering brass jazz instrumentation. With a harmonious mix of natural and celebratory tones, this single offers an uplifting listening experience.
Rising folk singer-songwriter Charlotte Morris has unveiled “As Is,” the third single from her upcoming album Both Sides. This evocative track explores the beauty of loving someone as they are—flaws and all—while reminding listeners that imperfection is part of being human. With heartfelt lyrics and a raw, emotional delivery, Morris offers a moving yet lighthearted perspective on unconditional acceptance. “As Is” is now available for streaming on all digital music platforms.
“As Is” expresses a longing for empathy and understanding in love, but it does so with a playful and relatable charm. Through her vivid storytelling, Charlotte Morris paints a picture of a love rooted in authenticity and vulnerability, pleading for acceptance. She sings, “If you take me as is, I can promise / My heart and my time / My soul and my mind / Just like this / If you love me as is.” In another verse, she humorously references a Diet Coke addiction, adding a quirky touch to a song that is both deeply personal and delightfully down-to-earth. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Morris shares, “‘As Is’ is about embracing our flaws and finding someone who loves us just as we are. It’s not about the grand gestures; it’s about simple acts of compromise—the beauty in everyday gestures of love.” Co-written by Charlotte Morris and Jake Arthur and mixed by Bryce Roberts, “As Is” features masterful production and musicianship. The track’s instrumental contributions come from an impressive ensemble, including Wayne Killius on drums, Pat McGrath on acoustic and electric guitar, Dave Francis on bass, and Chris Nole on keys. Together, they craft a stripped-down roots soundscape—rich and emotive yet playful—that perfectly complements Morris’s soaring vocals.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
