DISCOVERING THE NEW MUSIC UNDERGROUND AROUND THE GLOBE
Afrobeat/Review Debra Can - HAPPY
Emerging from the pulsating heart of Lagos, Nigeria, Debra Can is an exciting new voice in the Afrobeat scene, poised to capture the attention of fans of genre heavyweights like Burna Boy and Wizkid. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant street life and infectious energy of her hometown, Debra Can channels the spirit of Lagos into her music, creating soundscapes that are both authentic and exhilarating. Her artistic vision embodies the joy and resilience of African culture, translated through contemporary Afropop sensibilities that resonate with global audiences.
Hip-Hop/Review Christopher Rodriguez - Whom Seek Ye
Christopher Rodriguez, hailing from Pueblo, United States, is a talented artist who seamlessly blends poetry into soulful songs. As a devoted husband and father of five, his music is a heartfelt reflection of his life experiences. With a deep-rooted passion for sharing his narratives through music, Christopher is set to captivate audiences worldwide with his authentic and introspective approach to songwriting.
Country/Review Essence & Gold Country - Father's Daughter
Sixth-generation San Franciscan, Essence Goldman, is an award-winning singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and founder of Believe Music Heals, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the healing power of music to those who need it most, including programs at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and in hospice care. She has shared the stage with Sheryl Crow, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Tom Petty and gained national and international recognition through NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.
Country/Review Celeste Marie Wilson - Willow
Celeste Marie Wilson is a singer-songwriter based in Montgomery, TX, who has never been what she appears to be at first glance. During Prohibition, Southern women would gather in tearooms—delicate settings, fine cups, and every appearance of gentility. What was sometimes poured into those cups wasn't tea; it was whiskey. The cup looked fragile; what it carried was not.
Pop/Review C'batch - Fluorescent Buzz (Next Time - You Got Me Falling)
Stephen H. Cumberbatch, a/k/a C'batch, is a composer, author, producer, and musician (guitarist) from White Plains, New York, United States. He is also a keyboard, synthesizer, and sampler programmer who has worked in association with many music professionals. Stephen proudly stands as a distinguished member of ASCAP.
Pop/Review Echoes Of MLO - We Glow
Echoes Of MLO marks the next step for Danish artist Michael Leonardo Ostrowski. Based in Copenhagen, he brings together the storytelling spirit of pop-country with a modern electronic edge, shaping songs that are both heartfelt and forward-looking. Michael has been making music since his early teens, playing in bands across Copenhagen’s underground scene before carving out his own path.
Pop/Review Kaitlin Corbett Jones - Make The World Stand Still
Kaitlin Corbett Jones is a classically trained vocalist whose extraordinary five-octave range and commanding stage presence have established her as a rare crossover artist capable of moving seamlessly between the grandeur of opera and the emotional power of contemporary anthems. Known for her technical precision, expressive depth, and striking vocal control, Kaitlin brings a distinctive artistry that blends classical discipline with modern vocal intensity.
Metal/Review Matt Wolejsza - The Beast I'm Meant to Be
Matt Wolejsza is a Gaithersburg, MD-based artist whose musical foundation was built on the powerhouse riffs of Metallica, a band he's studied intensively since childhood while learning guitar. His approach to songwriting reflects this influence, channeling those iconic thrash metal elements into his own compositions. Through his dedication to craft development, Wolejsza has immersed himself in the Baltimore songwriter community led by Diana Hanson-Young, where he refined his abilities through assignments, peer feedback, and collaborative growth.
Blues/Review Juice Tha Black Beethoven - Big Boy Drawers
Born in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Julius J. Davis, Jr., known as Juice Tha Black Beethoven, brings a lifetime of musical depth to a sound rooted in blues, R&B, and gospel traditions. A third-generation musician, pianist, choir director, and educator, Juice was raised in a home where faith and music were inseparable, shaping both his discipline and expressive voice.
Jazz/Review Jeff Dwyer - Wind Beneath My Wings
Jeff Dwyer was born on May 14, 1946, in Union City, NJ, not far from Hoboken, the birthplace of Frank Sinatra. Jeff’s father Gerald sang several times on the local radio station. Jeff remembers his father, who died when Jeff was 11, as having a pleasant light baritone/tenor voice. Jeff used to sing with his father and, at age 8, had his first solo in his grade school singing “White Christmas” as a boy soprano.
Rock/Review Mosh Pit - No Returning
Mosh Pit, hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel, is a dynamic trio consisting of a talented singer, a skilled producer, and a powerhouse drummer.
Jazz/Review Suzanne Grzanna - Cat's Meow XO
Suzanne Grzanna is an award-winning songwriter, saxophonist, vocalist, arranger, producer, music publisher, and sync music library creator who composes both music and lyrics. She is a member of the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA, the Society of Composers & Lyricists, and the Guild of Music Supervisors (Friend). Suzanne has released multiple albums on her label, Diva Records, and has recorded over ninety songs.
Folk/Review Mark Moule - Only Love
Mark Moule is a singer-songwriter from Busselton, Australia, whose deeply emotional writing style draws inspiration from legends like Cat Stevens and Phil Collins. With a gift for crafting lyrics that resonate on a profound level, Moule has been honing his craft through local open mic performances, where his heartfelt songs have earned memorable praise—including one audience member declaring his music deserved to be "played in a stadium."
Pop/Review Teto - About me and you
Emerging from Cainta, Rizal, Philippines, Teto represents a bold new voice in contemporary music, crafting socially conscious anthems that challenge listeners to reimagine the world around them. The creative force behind Teto comes from the songwriting partnership of Jasper and Angel Nicolas, who channel their observations of modern society's dangers and challenges into powerful musical statements.
Pop/Review Tonje Gravningsmyhr - Maze
Tonje Gravningsmyhr is a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist from Moss, Norway. She sings and plays the trumpet, flugelhorn, and piano and has carved out a distinctive space in the Norwegian music landscape with her warm, intimate vocals and signature brass tones.
Rock/Review Jojo Gold - Parachutes
Jojo Gold releases haunting, emotional tracks that explore the search for love and meaning in a world that feels both vast and intimate. Anchored by powerful, rich, and breathy vocals that build from quiet vulnerability into an expansive, soul-stirring release. Blending atmospheric textures with raw emotion, capturing the longing to be seen, chosen, and understood—resonating with listeners drawn to deeply personal storytelling and cinematic soundscapes.
Rock/Review LED - "Your Perfect"
LED is an indie pop-punk, rock, teen Los Angeles-based trio—Layne Olivia, Lockett Pentz, and Edie Yvonne. They met at film camp and wrote their debut song, Lies All Lies, for the short film they were making at the Pac Theater. They have been writing, rehearsing, and playing shows locally ever since. They are in the studio working on their debut EP.
Folk/Review Ramblin' Ricky Tate - The Magnolia Sessions
Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Ramblin' Ricky Tate is a seasoned country-blues troubadour who has been captivating audiences across the United States for two decades. As both a solo artist and member of the celebrated Steel City Jug Slammers, Tate has earned his stripes in the folk and jug band tradition, culminating in his induction into the prestigious Jug Band Hall of Fame.
R&B/Review C'batch - C'batch - The Vault 2 Soul / R&B / Pop / Rock / Reggae
Stephen H. Cumberbatch, a/k/a C'batch, is a composer, author, producer, and musician (guitarist) from White Plains, New York, United States. He is also a keyboard, synthesizer, and sampler programmer who has worked in association with many music professionals. Stephen proudly stands as a distinguished member of ASCAP.
R&B/Review Written by T. Brown - The Way She Goes
Written by T. Brown is a songwriter-first music platform created by T. Brown, dedicated to exploring the emotional depth and adaptability of songwriting through multi-genre reinterpretation.