Discovering the new music underground around the globe
Pop/Review colby! - Dead Giveaway
colby! grew up in Fort Worth, TX, surrounded by live music, and spent her time exploring creative passions like singing, writing, baking, painting, and performing. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at age 8, she spent three years in intensive therapy to learn how to slow her brain down enough to try to read. Creative arts helped her cope, and she started singing and writing at a young age.
Folk/Review Old Tom & The Lookouts - Northeastern
Led by Alex Calabrese, Boston-based indie-folk band Old Tom & The Lookouts blend the introspective grit of Americana with the emotional rawness of indie rock. Known for their brooding lyrics and powerful storytelling, the band explores themes of mental health, love, and resilience. Drawing influences from artists like Tom Waits, Frightened Rabbit, and Phoebe Bridgers, Calabrese’s evocative vocals and poignant songwriting strike a chord with listeners searching for authenticity and emotional depth.
Rock/Review Trash Pals - Power Hug
Trash Pals is an indie rock duo formed by multifaceted artists Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider. Their warm, upbeat songs encourage listeners to lean into how they feel, whether it’s the messiness of processing loss, the urge to dance until their legs fall off, or everything in between. After meeting as little kids at summer camp while both homesick, these pals’ friendship spans nearly 15 years; their music is an extension of their trust in one another and a form of processing the joys and challenges of living life fully.
Hip-Hop/Review Rice - C’est La Vie
Making it big in hip-hop and rap, dynamic entertainer, songwriter, and singer Rice is breaking through all barriers. Apart from being a budding singer-songwriter, Rice is also a seasoned entrepreneur. A trove of talents, Rice remains inspired by the belief that music is a universal language and a powerful medium to inspire, empower, and connect with others. Melding real-life experiences with stimulating rhythms, Rice has also performed at several live gigs and shows, including the Easter Seals Benefit and the 2018 Beats and Barbeque, where he opened for Styles P and Sky Zoo.
Blues/Review Paul Philip Studer - All My Love
Following the tragic loss of Diane, Paul Philip Studer recognized the signs of an impending breakdown. Without his wife to get him through it, he begged to be admitted to the hospital but was refused. After physically laying down at Foss Park Hospital’s entrance, his cab driver convinced the staff to admit him. Before long he was transferred to a Scarborough hospital where he was told he was being sectioned.
Blues/Review John Doe Trio - Railroaded
John Doe Trio has established itself as one of the most exciting emerging bands on the British blues circuit. The debut album ‘Stranger’ received critical acclaim both internationally and in the UK and was described as “A Masterpiece” and “Most Excellent” by British blues broadcasters. They continue to wow audiences around Britain's blues clubs and festivals with their pure, unbridled musicianship, often described as virtuosic. A must-see band for all blues fans, young and old.
Folk/Review Romain Gutsy - In the Moonlight
Romain Gutsy is a French singer-songwriter whose jazz-tinged, folky chansons charm with their smoke-filled gruffness and a friendly joie de vivre with every raspy note. Influenced by Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, and Nina Simone, Romain Gutsy is an authentic craftsman writing songs for God and the Devil, with the knack of finding humor in tragedy and drama in the mundane.
Folk/Review Christopher Parris - Golden Sunrise Of The Summerlands (feat. Jennifer Lee Ridley)
With so much uncertainty in the world today, it is crucial we are all aware that we all have the power to change the world. We all have a purpose here on earth, and realizing that purpose and then making a positive contribution to life is why we are alive. This is the message from singer-songwriter Christopher Parris—a progressive, nonconforming folk artist who is pushing the boundaries of the genre into a spiritual and truly cosmic dimension.
Pop/Review Michael Defo - Void
Michael Defo - Void
Rock/Review The Sea At Midnight - Burning (feat. Chemical Waves)
The Sea At Midnight, hailing from Los Angeles, United States, is making waves with their original single "Burning." Led by songwriter Vince Grant, the project features a collaboration with Marco Cattani of Chemical Waves, infusing a rock sound with emotional intensity. The artist's journey towards this release has been driven by a passion for addressing climate change, culminating in the creation of a powerful track that resonates with listeners.
Rock/Review Larusta & The Dead Dogs - The Life You Save May Be Your Own
Larusta & The Dead Dogs is a London-based songwriter and singer. Born in a dead-end country town in southern Germany, he initially underwent an unstable development. After graduating from high school, followed years of changing places of residence and musical projects. The decisive step to London marked a new beginning. There, he found not only a musical home but also an audience for his work, which he calls ‘Dark Lyrical Alternative.’
Pop/Review Ava Valianti - Wishing Well
Ava Valianti is a multi-talented artist, captivating audiences as a singer-songwriter, actress, photographer, and musician. Her journey began at the age of nine when she started writing songs and composing music, eventually blossoming into a rising star in the music industry. Surrounded by a rich tapestry of musical influences at home, ranging from the iconic sounds of the Beatles and Elvis Costello to the soulful rhythms of New Orleans jazz, Ava’s artistry is a fusion of diverse inspirations.
Pop/Review Edie Yvonne - Epitome
"Epitome" was released on Edie Yvonne’s 16th birthday. 11/22, marking two years of recording and releasing music.
Punk/Review The Hammerbombs - Talk To Me
Originating from the revered pop-punk scene of the East Bay Area in Northern California, The Hammerbombs emerged as a serendipitous side project by a group of seasoned veterans, eventually solidifying into their primary endeavor a decade ago. With a raw and authentic sound reminiscent of East Bay pop-punk, The Hammerbombs defy conventional influences, opting to carve their own unique path in the music landscape.
R&B/Review KARMA - The Mistletoe
KB, Keymah Renee & Miesha MonRoe, friends hailing from Memphis, TN, drawn together by their aligned values and true musical passion that has withstood the test of time and space, are international recording artists performing as a group named KARMA. They don't associate with a particular genre but instead tap into any and all music styles, choosing to express their feelings and thoughts onstage like it's their personal playground.
Hip-Hop/Review Eric Cohen - Held Together
Eric Cohen, a Missouri-based hip-hop artist, has rapidly ascended in the realms of Christian music and alternative hip-hop. His journey has been marked by adversity, stemming from a tumultuous childhood of poverty, drug addiction, and suicide attempts. Despite grappling with personal demons, Eric found solace and redemption through his faith in Jesus Christ and his passion for music.
Country/Review Robert Bacon - What Christmas Means to Me
Robert Bacon was born on an army base in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Coming from a military family instilled in him a patriotic love for his country. Robert grew up on a farm in the Midwest listening to country legends George Jones, Loretta Lynn, The Oak Ridge Boys, and The Statler Brothers. But it was the musical talents of Alan Jackson and George Strait that developed a love and passion in Robert to pursue country music.
Folk/Review Sami Fitz - Some Hills Were Once Islands
Sami Fitz is a British-American experimental pop and ambient musician whose sound is rooted in deeply emotive, introspective spaces. Based in London, Sami’s journey began with classical voice training under Maestro Dino Anagnost at Lincoln Center, yet she found herself drawn to a broader sonic landscape. After a break from music, a chance encounter with New York’s experimental music scene reignited her passion, introducing her to drones, ambient textures, and avant-garde jazz.
Pop/Review LTB - Mystique
Annapolis-based pop and R&B artist LTB is best known for his rich tone and beautiful vibrato that evokes the ubiquitous sound of classic singers from the mid-twentieth century. His definitive talent for composing, singing, and producing his own music makes him an artist to watch in the coming years. Best known for his love of emotion-provoking lyrics, unexpected beats, and jazz influences, he easily crosses the pop and R&B music genres.
Rock/Review Fuentes de Vida - Alice's Descent
Fuentes de Vida is a bilingual American singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, New York. Raised on Patti Smith, Bjork, and Salsa music. His lyrical style is often highly confessional, reminiscent of the raw honesty found in Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos. Inspired to reinvigorate audiences with a New American heartland sound. Fuentes paints his songs with a mean brush stroke of raw social commentary on timely social issues with unnerving honesty & dark humor.