“The modern world needs more wry Folk Punk as it is the perfect way to distill all the madness going on in a digestible form for all. Caelen Perkins is an artist adept at that ranging from political to tongue in cheek looks at life and ‘Happy Song’ is a great gateway to his music for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure. This song is a bit like South Park in musical form as there is always a bit more going on than you first assume. ”
“Ava Della Pietra achieves what is truly difficult on this Holiday track, which is to give us a song that feels like Christmas without coming across as derivative of the many classics we hear over and over again. ‘You Make It Christmas’ is an a nostalgic track that takes you back in time with acoustic charm and talent.”
“Most of the time I like to use my own words int he reviews and songs I post. But occasionally I am compelled to share the artist’s thoughts. This is one of those times ...
’Phantasmagoria’ is a broad collection of ruminations on the overall state of the world in the year 2025. As we try to navigate our roles and responsibilities during a time of rapid, volatile change, we become beaten down and desensitized to the massive scale of suffering taking place on this shared, warming planet. People are lonely, fatigued and scared. We grapple each day with chronic doom-scrolling and feelings of inadequacy and helplessness, watching the world burn from our phones, while the ultra-wealthy amass seemingly infinite capital, while the poor become poorer and the powers-that-be continue to decimate the planet. It’s an anthem for the apocalypse.
... that summaray says more than I ever could. This is a song to hear and feel, and likely you’ll ponder the lines long after the song has faded from your speakers.”
“Meredith Adelaide delivers an emotive and honest set of lyrics on ‘What Do I know.’ The singer/songwriter taps into a soft emotional side to unfurl an almost stream of consciousness look inward and in her own vulnerability the listener can tap into their own psyche and set of emotions. The vibe is calming and peaceful and lands between Folk and a tender Pop style bit of Adult Contemporary. Though the build ramps up in tension much inthe same way our brain tends to spin on our deeper thoughts.”
“Goldford has a sound that some will compare to artist such as Teddy Swims in that it is Soulful Folk or maybe Bluesy Pop. No matter what label you attempt to slap on this song, you will feel the emotion and longing deep down in your bones.
’Stay’ is a song that speaks to the soul while creating a smooth easy groove that makes you want to move and sway along to the beat. ”
“Timmy Skelly gives us a fun brand of retro nostalgia on ‘Nowhere Land.’
Self-described by the artist as Midwest Y’allternative, the track has that old school jam band feel that harkens back tot he hey dey of Laurel Canyon and the music landscape that sprung from that time and place.”
“Ava Valianti is a talent that shines on any stage or demographic, but I’d be remiss if I did not mentiont he fact this rising star is but fifteen years old and already establishing herself as a musical force. I’ll turn of my voice to hers as she talks about this track ...
”‘Buttercups’ is a song that encapsulates the experience of love, loss, and searching for purpose. It’s a song that’s centered around memories that are hard to let go of - the cinnamon smell, the creaky doors, the buttercups - and how even when things are complicated, those memories remind me why I cared in the first place. This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever created, I truly had so much fun making it, and I hope that comes across when you listen!” ~ Ava Valianti
The tender love that went into writing and performing this track shines as you listen.”
“Folk Pop just might have a new star in Zev. This former professional jump roper has transitioned from winning athletic championships to the musical stage. ‘How To hurt’ is an emotionally charged track about the bumps and bruises we all take over the course of life in the pursuit of meaningful love. Of course the physical is easier to deal with than emotional wounds and that is the true crux of this song.”
“Inspired by the NYT Bestselling novel by Kristin Kobes Du Mez, ‘Jesus and John Wayne’ is a bold, soul-searching anthem about reclaiming faith from the grip of politics and exclusion. Written by googly eyes reimagines spirituality as a source of healing, belonging, and radical love, especially for those the church has pushed aside.
Joy Oladokun and Allison Ponthier jin googly eyes to bring this thoughtful track to life. This is a track you can vibe to by feeling the music and hook ro you can truly reflect and feel the full power by diving into the poignant lyrical build.”
“Unrequited love is an emotional roller coaster and Eva James unleashes a torrent of emotion about that very thing on her latest single, ‘The One You Lose.’ The tender and vulnerable delivery is paired with a tempo and beat that feels like the hammering of your heart as you feel it ache.”
“Ava Valianti is one of those rare talents that seem to defy age. Both in her performance and writing she comes across as more savvy and wise than any fifteen year old ought to be. ‘Distant’ is a track about losing that tight bond you have with friends as you grow older. Sometimes the shift is about growing different directions and sometimes its about logistics but either way it can be tough and bewildering to let go of what once was so magical and important. Valianti captures the spirit and emotions well n this tender heartfelt song.”
“Chicago singer/songwriter Sean Skyler has been carving a place in the musical landscape while honing his craft. His latest track, ‘Follow’ You’ is a an upbeat and energetic ode to love and reckless abandon that only love can bring. A perfect feel-good summer track to put some bounce in your step and a whistle in your lips.
Or hey ... it could be a jaunty song about a stalker. Only sort of kidding but the track made me smile so I hope it does the same for you.”
“Bonfire joins forces with Ellysse Mason to give us ‘Tide Shadows.’ An emotional Indie Rock track with hints of Folk, the song features Mason’s haunting and vulnerable vocals as well as the added layers as the track builds to give it even more emotional depth and power.”
“Kylie Rothfield is ready to take the unexpected path on ‘Where the Diamonds Hide.’ The track has an Indie Pop Folk vibe and was co-written and recorded with the band, The Rare Occasions.
This is one of those track you’ll swear you’ve heard before because it so seamlessly enters the musical landscape and will leave you ready for another listen as soon as you finish the first time.”
“Lonely nights of retrospection out beyond the glare of city lights. That’s what Kito Rayburn’s latest track, ‘Thunder’ brings to mind for me.
Actually the track has hit me differently each time I’ve listened to it. The songwriting is superb and the emotion tangible so sit back and listen and let your mind dance along with this calm storm of the heart.”
“Dripping with nostalgia, this track tells an emotional story of thinking you have more time. Emily James sets the stage of ‘Suburbia’ with young love and the false notion created by naivety that said love will be eternal with nothing but good times ahead.
Reality hits us all at some point but this song also offers hope of redemption and frankly could be taken a number of ways depending on your own experiences and mindset. Which is always the case for truly great art. This is an artfully delivered story song and video that will have relevance for anytne with a beating heart.”
“We all go through some lulls in life and it is those dark places and times that lend to the good and hopeful times feeling all the more uplifting. Madisyn Gifford gives us a soundtrack for those transformative moments when the clouds lift and the sun finds its way to our smiling faces once again. ‘Die Happy’ is a Pop Folk track that feels like emerging from a heavy, emotional cocoon. ”
“Our views of our parents definitely change as we age and experience our own turn as the head of a family. Kurt Lee Wheeler captures that journey brilliantly with ‘Hesitant Father.’
The acoustical track is emotive and emotional. You can call it Folk or simply Singer/Songwriter but really the heart of this one is universal. The reflective and personal nature is one that we can all fall in and feel.”
“Italian singer/songwriter, Damien McFly wrote ‘I’m Getting Older’ as a letter to his younger life. The track is meant to mark his feeling ten years into his music career and despite the personal nature of the track the lyrics have a broader relevance we can all understand and appreciate.
Life’s journey is fraught with ups and downs, and we all need to take some time to celebrate the growth and miles we’ve put behind us. This song does a great job and I dare you to listen because we all should take stock of our lives from time to time. ”
“Loving someone and watching them struggle with mental health issues is a gut-wrenching thing to do. Joshua Golden highlights the track with a touch of wry humor and a whole universe worth of compassion. ‘The Moon Is A Spaceship’ takes a tangible look at a journey fraught with pitfalls and dangers, but man is it absolutely full of humanity.”