DISCOVERING THE NEW MUSIC UNDERGROUND AROUND THE GLOBE
Rock/Review No Lonesome - Am I What I'm Not?
No Lonesome is the DIY project of Chicago-based musician and producer Jeb Backe. Their mixed-fidelity sound shows a forward-thinking ear while flexing a studied understanding of what has come before. Backe is an ongoing collaborator with musicians Smushie, Astrachan, and Berta Bigtoe in the Chicago music scene.
Rock/Review John Michael Hersey - Democracy
Singer/songwriter/actor John Michael Hersey has released twenty-one albums of his music, including the October 2025 album, Democracy, where he continues his fertile fusion of rock, pop, folk, blues, and country.
Rock/Review Shouse - Jaded
Shouse, hailing from Jackson, KY, United States, is making a triumphant return with his long-awaited original album, "Jaded." This marks his first release in 15 years, and he's brought along an impressive lineup of guest musicians to elevate the project. With guest solos from renowned legends such as Michael Angelo Batio, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, and Tony MacAlpine, as well as the stellar drumming of Charlie Zeleny and bass work by James Amhelio Pulli, the album is a dynamic and captivating musical journey.
Rock/Review Highroad No. 28 - Ache
Formed in late 1998, Highroad No. 28 quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the Australian heavy rock scene. Their first two EPs, Obscure Madness (1999) and Dynamic Introspection (2002), showcased a band unafraid to explore the depths of anguish and despair—yet always infused with a relentless “never-give-in” attitude.
Country/Review Michellar - We Both Can Fall (feat. Gracie Lou)
Michellar hails from the vibrant music scene of San Francisco, United States. She has been writing songs from the age of 15 and had a 40-year hiatus from the skill. Until recently, her songwriting craft has been ignited by a confidence-boosting acceptance to The de Young Museum Open Call Exhibition in 2023.
Pop/Review Jasio - Fantasy
Jasio Kulakowski is a Canadian guitarist, songwriter, and producer who first broke through as a core creative force in the Juno-nominated rock/metal band Kobra and the Lotus. His decade-long run with the group included co-writing five studio albums, international touring, Billboard-charting singles, and over 25 million streams—cementing his place in the modern rock world.
Folk/Review Steel & Velvet - People Just Float
Steel & Velvet is a folk-rock group born, in 2021, from the friendship of Johann Le Roux (vocals) and Romuald Ballet-Baz (guitar), Breton musicians who both followed a solid classical training. Soon joined by another guitarist friend (also Breton), Jean-Alain Larreur, more rooted in blues-rock, they offer a collection of songs recorded in a spirit similar to that of Johnny Cash’s "American Recordings."
Hip-Hop/Review Inticome War - Ayıp Memleketim Ayıp
Inticome War is a Turkish artist who uses artificial intelligence as a canvas for human emotion. His work stands at the intersection of technology and truth—transforming digital sound into raw social expression.
Hip-Hop/Review Peter Haeder - AI Buddha MK 2
Peter Haeder, a talented artist hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, is making waves in the music scene with the release of his original album, AI Buddha MK 2. With a unique vision and innovative approach to music, Peter Haeder is set to redefine the boundaries of electronic music. His fusion of Edgar Allan Poe's poetry with EDM and techno creates a mesmerizing sound that captivates listeners and transports them to a new sonic landscape.
Rock/Review Grace de Gier - Done
Grace de Gier is a Colombian singer-songwriter based in the Netherlands who collaborates with multi-instrumentalist Edgar Grimaldos, forming a strong musical partnership with a distinctive indie rock-pop sound. Her music, blending Spanish and English lyrics, resonates with audiences across generations.
Rock/Review OGGY - Another Dream
OGGY is a singer/songwriter/performer. Her musicality can be defined through the experiences that helped her become the person she is today. She expresses herself with emotions, and she likes to describe her musical style as Disney & Rock. Living a little girl's dream!
Hip-Hop/Review Earatik Statik - Glory
Underground hip-hop veteran Los Polk, known for his lyrical prowess as one half of the iconic duo Earatik Statik, is stepping back into the spotlight with his powerful new solo single, “Glory.” While his longtime collaborator Sef Rich is no longer involved, Polk will continue to release music under the revered name Earatik Statik, honoring the group’s legacy while forging a bold new chapter.
Metal/Review Aran Prog Project - Everything Ends
Aran Prog Project, hailing from Barcelona, Spain, is making waves in the progressive music scene with their unique sound. Led by Massimiliano "MarFi" Gentilini, the band's bass player, composer, and producer, Aran Prog Project is a fusion of talent and creativity. MarFi, originally from Italy, has been based in Barcelona since 2010 and is known for his work as a teacher at Jam Session school and his popular YouTube channel, Bass Tunes.
Folk/Review Scott's Tees - We Move As Fast As Storms Allow
Scott's Tees, hailing from Edmonton, Canada, is the creative force behind the captivating original single, "We Move As Fast As Storms Allow." Drawing influences from iconic bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Iron & Wine, Scott's Tees brings a unique blend of alt-rock and folk sensibilities to their music.
Rock/Review Pennan Brae - Paint (feat. Steve Ferrone)
Pennan Brae is a Vancouver musician whose music is influenced by 1970s & 80s rock & roll. Pennan enjoys the marriage of music & film & composed a pair of soundtracks for films he wrote ('The Astronot' & '2 Below 0'). His latest album, 'Paint,' features the legendary Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty, Eric Clapton) on drums. Pennan's music has received airplay on Sirius XM, North American college radio, & community radio in the UK & Australia.
Rock/Review DownTown Mystic - Mystic Highway
DownTown Mystic is the alter ego of American rocker Robert Allen, whose passion for “old school” recording borders on obsession. Robert is joined by a stellar cast of musicians, including drummer extraordinaire Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Wings/Elton John/Ian Hunter) & Paul Page (Dion/Ian Hunter) on bass, as well as one of the great rhythm sections in the history of American rock and roll—Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
Rock/Review Ben Reel - Bring It Back to Life
Ben Reel began his music career in 1989 at the age of 17 with his first band, Promised Land, later renamed Trim the Velvet. Formed at Crossmaglen High School during the Troubles, music became an escape from an abnormal reality. The band gained a reputation as a powerful live act across Ireland before disbanding in 1997.
Folk/Review Ezra Vancil - Island (feat. Cozi)
Ezra Vancil is an American singer/songwriter based in Dallas, Texas. While in the past he has written and recorded in the rock, pop, and experimental genres, a more mature Vancil has now found a sense of permanent belonging and connection within the community of Americana artists. His life experiences shared in song can be serious and contemplative—touching on themes of addiction, depression, and divorce—but Vancil chronicles his escape from darkness with expressions of hope and love of life that are both inspiring and healing.
Metal/Review ALL I LIVE FOR - Into The Ether
ALL I LIVE FOR is a four-piece metal band hailing from Leeds, UK. Despite the heavy breakdowns, the band are not shy about exposing their heartfelt side. Their unique sound is focused around powerful guitars, empowering lyrics, and a choral section saturated with emotive vocal harmonies.
Metal/Review Jenks - Deathtrap
Jenks, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, is an emerging artist who has poured his heart and soul into his music. Without the support and encouragement of a close friend who understood the power of music as an outlet, this project may never have come to fruition.