ARTILLERY SAINTS UNVEIL GLIMPSE — A BOLD NEW ALBUM OF TWISTED POP AND DARKLY COMICAL LYRICISM
Artillery Saints, the project of Scottish musician Ally McKenzie, returns with its most ambitious work to date: the forthcoming album Glimpse (2025), expanding the textured, cinematic avant-pop sound that has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
After early projects including ’90s indie act Fly and the 2000s electronic venture Cities People And Parks, McKenzie rediscovered his musical spark post-lockdown when he spotted a gleaming Epiphone guitar in a shop window. That rediscovery reignited his passion for songwriting and production — soon joined by bass, synths, and Ableton Live — leading to the creation of Artillery Saints.
THE NEW SINGLE — CONTROL & THE COUSINS
The album’s lead single, Control & The Cousins, takes a sardonic look at the misadventures of a fictitious rock band navigating the ruthless music industry:
“To get to the stage we had to sneak through the back door.”
Driven by a hypnotic bassline, sparse synths, jagged machine-gun guitar bursts, and a haunting chorus, the track exemplifies McKenzie’s signature blend of dark humour, surreal storytelling, and avant-pop sensibilities.
THE ALBUM — GLIMPSE
Glimpse sees Artillery Saints moving into fresh sonic territory while retaining the twisted pop and blackly comic lyricism of previous albums Maneki-Neko and Fixed Grin Of A Wallpaper Star. Glimpse continues McKenzie’s evolution toward a distinctive electronic sound — blending avant-pop precision with cinematic textures and his trademark dark wit.
Across eleven tracks, McKenzie merges futuristic electronic sounds with natural textures like woodwinds, ambient flourishes, and jazz-inspired elements.
Highlights include:
- High-Rise Sun Tribe: a lyric-less, quasi-classical opener.
- Jelly Legs: hypnotic bass, skittish drums, sci-fi synths, and earthy sax riffs tell the story of an explorer trapped in parallel worlds.
- Beauty Retreat: a darkly satirical vision of the Gaza Strip turned into a Trumpian “Vegas of the Middle East.”
- Hick In Suburbia: a sweetly melodic pop tune masking a bitter revenge fantasy.
- House Mother Console and Glister: experimental ambient tracks suggesting exciting future directions for the project.
Fans of Brian Eno, Roxy Music, Magazine, John Foxx, and Japan will recognize influences, but McKenzie’s music is uniquely his own — home-recorded, technically polished, and emotionally rich, offering a cinematic, often surreal journey through contemporary anxieties, humour, and beauty.
ABOUT ARTILLERY SAINTS
Hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, Ally McKenzie draws from a rich musical lineage, including family connections to organ and piano, and an early immersion in literature, art, and film. A graduate of English Literature at Sunderland University, McKenzie’s work reflects a lifelong curiosity about culture, society, and human emotion.
Beyond music, he enjoys cycling, nature walks, photography, and film — often incorporating these influences into Artillery Saints’ visual and musical universe.
Follow Artillery Saints
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artillerysaints/
Website: https://artillerysaints.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/artillery-saints
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yIH3sA1L0fZIUNui6c9hq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?
Twitter: https://x.com/ArtillerySaints
Amazing Radio: https://amazingradio.com/profile/artillerysaints
Shyfrin Alliance Return With Bold Second Album In the Shadow of Time
With the Kabbalah influenced project the motto Music of the Mystic,
Mystics of the Music is at the forefront of The Shyfrin Alliance project.
Shyfrin Alliance return with In the Shadow of Time, the much-anticipated second album from the ground-breaking musical project founded by award-winning author, businessman and scientist Eduard Shyfrin.
It follows on from the success of their 2024-released debut Upside Down Blues, which made the playlists on radio stations across the US, UK, and Europe, racked up half a million streams on Spotify, and marked its writer as a singular talent. In the Shadow of Time expands Shyfrin Alliance’s extraordinary musical and lyrical alchemy: thrilling blues rock, Eduard’s distinctive authoritative bass voice, and his quest to push the boundaries of scientific and philosophical concepts.
In the Shadow of Time, Eduard takes a fearless step into the unknown: the complex topic of time. Each of the seven blues-rock songs – recorded with top rock musicians from France at Paris studios Barillet, Ferber and Grand Armee – is dedicated to different aspects of time and how we tackle it. At moments, listeners fall deep down into the Black Hole of sound and thought, only to be carried back into the realm of the Pendulum, where time swings endlessly between light and shadow.
“I don’t think there exists an album dedicated purely to the topic of time,” Eduard says. “You will not find another album like this. My principle is I may always be afraid to enter new areas, but I will always enter them. Even if it means daring to hit the Wall of Time.”
The album continues Eduard Shyfrin’s deep exploration of Kabbalah and science, the subjects of his Amazon bestselling book From Infinity to Man: The Fundamental Ideas of Kabbalah Within the Framework of Information Theory and Quantum Physics.
Already, Shyfrin Alliance have shared one new single from the record, Buddha Blues – an enthralling and uplifting earworm blues-rock melody with irresistible guitar licks, piano, hammond organ and a gospel-blues chorus. Its message? A Buddhism-inspired one of time as a healer.
The title track imagines time as an ominous figure controlling us mortals, a dramatic soundscape of rolling drums and threatening bass baritone portraying the feeling of torment as Eduard grapples with time’s unfathomable nature. He compares its unrecognisably mysterious forms to an abstract expressionist painting such as by Jackson Pollock, because “we don’t know who is there. It’s a great mystery. Who is this pushing us to do something, when we are in the shadow of time? He’s shapeless.”
Not that Eduard would relish taking on a topic that was anything other than challenging. “All my research on Kabbalah and science is challenging. There is no other author on this topic. We cannot provide the final answers – that’s not realistic on such a difficult and unique topic. But we shouldn’t stop searching.”
In the Shadow of Time may be a bold enterprise, but the more you delve in, the more you are drawn into its captivating world. As Eduard himself puts it: “Take a mind-bending journey with me – through mysticism, science, and the music of time itself.”
The time for Shyfrin Alliance is now.
Follow Shyfrin Alliance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shyfrin.alliance/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CO30ZGs7QaqrP3KKdMzaj
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shyfrinalliance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shyfrinalliance/
Website: https://shyfrinalliance.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/shyfrin-alliance
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShyfrinAlliance
Brooke Moriber Unveils Bold New Single “Your Jesus” Out Tuesday, November 18
Nashville, TN – On Tuesday, November 18, acclaimed singer-songwriter Brooke Moriber announces the release of her latest single, “Your Jesus.” This powerful track marks a new chapter in Moriber’s evolution, combining her Broadway-born vocal prowess and intimate storytelling with a fresh pop-country
“Your Jesus” is an incisive, emotionally charged anthem exploring themes of surrender, identity and the complex intersections of faith, love and self-worth. With vivid lyricism and a soaring chorus, Moriber reflects on what happens when someone else’s idea of salvation becomes your own and whether the real redemption lies in finding your own path rather than accepting someone else’s. The track balances vulnerability and strength, featuring layered instrumentation, rich harmonies and Moriber’s signature clarion voice.
Preview “Your Jesus” – HERE!
Brooke Moriber is a singer/songwriter and native New Yorker who has paved an unconventional path for herself in Country music. After getting her start at a young age professionally performing on Broadway, Brooke turned to songwriting as a teenager to cope with losing her eyesight to a rare eye disease. When the disease went into remission after a difficult four years, Brooke began traveling to Nashville to tell her own stories. Praised for her “clarion voice” (Associated Press), she went on to release her first single “Cry Like A Girl” independently and later signed with Nashville’s Reviver Records.
Brooke’s music has been featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday Country (Half A Heart, Little Bit Of You, Down to Nothing) and Country Christmas playlists (All I Want for Christmas is You), Sirius XM’s Velvet, CMT online, Music Choice Network and the Music Row Country Breakout radio chart. Hailed as a “stellar songwriter and a powerhouse vocalist” (Country Swag) and a “force to be reckoned with in Country music” (Celeb Secrets Country), Brooke has shared the stage with artists ranging from Scotty McCreery, Cyndi Lauper and The Gin Blossoms to Dylan Scott and Caroline Jones.
The former Broadway star and current Reviver Records country music sensation also hosts her bi-monthly “Nashville in New York (NINY)” Songwriters in the Round series, bringing a Nashville-style songwriting round to the heart of New York City; this most recent show featured an intimate acoustic performance with Brooke alongside the legendary Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Little Anthony of The Imperials, and rising country star Charly Reynolds, hosted by guest MC Jim Murphy, Director of Country Programming at the Music Choice Network.
Previous NINY shows have showcased the talents of Jeff Cohen, Smithfield, Sinead Burgess, Melanie Dyer, Imogen Clark, Blake O’Connor, Little Anthony of The Imperials, Averie Bielski, Brennley Brown, Calista Clark, Kara DioGuardi, Ian Flanigan, John Hampson, Cassandra Kubinski, Toby Lightman, Charly Reynolds, Terre Roche, Emily Shackleton, Smithfield, Shane Stevens, Jon Stone, Claire Wyndham and members of the 615 Collective (which includes tunesmiths Aaron Goodvin, Sarah Darling, Michael Logen and Nicole Witt). The series has also boasted top guest MC’s like Jim Murphy, Director of Country Programming at the Music Choice Network. Kelly Ford from THE WOLF and multi-platinum hit songwriter Sam Hollander. Brooke also hosted and performed with songwriters Randall Fowler, Matt Stell and Erin Kinsey (and special guest star Kenya Reese) at Wild Goose Saloon in Denver, CO for a special “Nashville in Denver” event.
When she is not bringing Nashville to New York or Denver or performing somewhere else on the road, Moriber is hard at work in the studio with some of the industry’s top writers and producers, including Todd Lombardo and Craig Alvin (Kacey Musgraves), Karen Kosowski (Mickey Guyton), David Pittenger (GAYLE, Parmalee) and Sol Philcox Littlefield.
Circus Mind Drops Emotional New Single “What a Mess” – Out November 17th
New York, NY — Circus Mind returns with their sixth single since May, and this month’s release, “What a Mess,” marks a striking shift in tone; the band’s first-ever ballad. Known for their groove-driven energy and adventurous blend of funk, rock, and soul, Circus Mind takes a contemplative turn here, delivering a track that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically rich.
“What a Mess” finds the Circus crew in a beautifully dark space, where lush production and a moody groove invite listeners to sway and reflect. At its heart, the song is a lament on the fractured state of America; a divided nation worn down by chaos, misinformation, and fatigue. Songwriter and frontman Mark Rechler channels this disillusionment into a plea for empathy and unity,
addressing both a lost friend and a broken world. “I guess I was pissed off when I wrote this one,” Rechler admits. “It’s just a frustrating time to exist. We’re
being intentionally divided and manipulated. I’m worried about the future, I’m just pleading for people to come together, now more than ever.”
Musically, “What a Mess” drips with vintage soul and classic rock textures, featuring stunning backing vocals from Cenophia Mitchell and shimmering
pedal steel by Skip Krevens. The result is a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and urgent, echoing the timeless craftsmanship of artists like Elton John, Leon Russell, Billy Joel, The Allman Brothers, and Steely Dan. With “What a Mess,” Circus Mind showcases their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, offering listeners a song that feels like both a reckoning and a release.
ABOUT CIRCUS MIND:
Circus Mind is a New York-based rock outfit and the brainchild of ringleader Mark Rechler. The band’s latest release “Bioluminate”, a delightful mashup of rock and Nola funk mixed with late-Beatles pop, received rave reviews from Relix, The
Rocktologist and countless other entertainment news outlets. The band features
Mark Rechler on Keys and Vocals, Brian Duggan on Guitar, Michael Amendola on Sax, Mathew Fox on Bass, Steve Finkelstein on Percussion and Dan Roth on Drums. Circus Mind is able to daringly swing from jazzy grooves to reggae roots then shoot out of a cannon into rock without missing a beat.
The boys deliver a modern take on influences such as Traffic, Steely Dan, Little Feat and Mott the Hoople while mixing in NoLa influences likeDr. John, The Meters and The Neville Brothers. Over the course of their career, Circus Mind has performed at Jazz Fest, The Fat Friday Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Brooklyn Bowl,
The Capitol Theatre, B.B. King’s and many other prestigious venues.
Follow Circus Mind:
Linktree | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify
Pianist Anna Records Mozart’s Sonata No. 13 at the Historic Atrium Žižkov in Pragu
On Friday, October 31st, pianist Anna brought new life to Mozart’s Sonata No. 13 in B-flat Major during a special recording session at Atrium Žižkov, one of Prague’s most inspiring artistic venues.
Set within a sensitively restored former Baroque church, Atrium Žižkov offers exceptional acoustics and a uniquely creative atmosphere—an ideal setting for a classical piano performance.
Anna described the experience as “deeply inspiring,” noting how the venue’s peaceful ambience and artistic energy allowed her to fully immerse herself in Mozart’s music.
A highlight of the session was performing on a Steinway grand piano, renowned for its rich, expressive tone. The instrument’s remarkable sensitivity enabled Anna to capture the intricate nuances and emotional depth of Mozart’s composition, resulting in a performance that is both elegant and heartfelt.
The recording reflects not only Anna’s technical precision but also her profound connection to the classical repertoire—a testament to her artistry and passion for the piano.
About Anna Smerdova
Anna Smerdova is an award-winning Czech pianist celebrated for her technical brilliance and artistic depth. With multiple international competition victories in 2025 alone, she is rapidly building a global career, performing in leading concert venues across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Follow Anna:
Facebook: Anna Smerdova Facebook
Website: Anna Smerdova — The Legacy of Music in Her Fingers
Ms. Diamond Presents “Broke N*gga”
The world could use more warriors like Erica Thomas—a natural-born leader devoted to uplifting others, creating music in the name of reclamation and empowerment. For Thomas, music is sacred ground: a place to speak her truth, heal old wounds, and spark lasting change in her community and beyond. But music is just her latest chapter. The Georgia-based artist has always been a writer first, sharing her perspectives through poetry, books, and plays. Her sharp wit and fearless honesty soon caught the attention of other artists, leading her to break into the industry as a ghostwriter.
Raising children as a single mother, learned the true meaning of perseverance—balancing family, creativity, and ambition while keeping her dreams alive. Now on track to graduate from law school next year, she continues to grind toward her goals, championing justice and supporting her loved ones every step of the way. There’s never been a better moment for Thomas to step into her own light, to build her empire brick by brick. Her debut single, “Broke N*gga,” lays the foundation, setting the stage for a bold new catalog of fiercely unforgettable songs that cut deep, linger long, and ignite a movement all her own.
From the jump, Ms. Diamond refuses to shy away from the raw, unvarnished truths that shape the human experience. Dripping with sass and savvy, “Broke N*gga” spotlights an intergenerational problem plaguing communities like Ms. Diamond’s own. As a single parent, she knows firsthand the struggle of trying to reason with—let alone raise a child with—men who are “broke” in more ways than one. Ms. Diamond isn’t just calling out a financial situation, but a mindset—men who plant seeds only to walk away, expecting the mother to handle it all graciously. Rapping with razor-sharp precision and intensity that nods to hip-hop’s golden era, she spares no mercy—her frustration fueling every (well-deserved) insult. For Ms. Diamond, it’s not just about redemption, but evolution—sparking a dialogue about breaking a destructive cycle. She doesn’t want to see her children and grandchildren suffer the way she has. Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward a solution, and with stories like Ms. Diamond as bold, unfiltered reminders, the human family moves one step closer to a world where no one ever has to curse out a “Broke N*gga” ever again.
It’s one thing to hear Ms. Diamond tear into the “bum” who caused her so much duress, but it’s another entirely to see her story come alive in the “Broke N*gga” music video. Teaming up with her college friend and professional filmmaker, Byron Henderson, Ms. Diamond delivers a striking debut visual that mirrors her lived experience, unraveling the conflicts of a dysfunctional couple navigating parenthood. Featuring her children and grandchildren—MiyaGalore, OsooReal, AriTheActress, BigLou, and more—following in her footsteps, the unfolding scenes hit almost too close to home.
The video magnifies the growing tension and emotional strain of two parents trying to make ends meet when one isn’t pulling their weight, a burden that often becomes too heavy to bear and, in the end, tears families apart. As gut-wrenching and thought-provoking as the story is, it’s also bursting with untamable fire and spirit. Thomas and the women around her wrap things up with a fierce, defiant chant—a warning to any man bold enough to cross them again: turn around, and walk the other way.
Follow Ms. Diamond
https://www.instagram.com/msdiamond2024/
Nic Bearde Makes a Triumphant Return With the Vibrant, Genre-Blending ‘Never Say Die’
After nearly a decade away from releasing new music, legendary singer, songwriter and performer Nic Bearde returns with ‘Never Say Die’, a bold and invigorating single that reaffirms his place among the greats. For more than 35 years, Bearde has mesmerized audiences from San Francisco to Tokyo with a velvet baritone, sharp wit and effortless charisma, qualities that once again take center stage on this comeback moment.
Raised in Nashville on late-night radio staples and the voices of Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, and Lou Rawls, Bearde has long carried the torch for elegant, roots-driven storytelling. His latest release channels that lineage while breaking new ground. Part of the forward-thinking Never Say Die project led by longtime collaborator Tom Donald and hiTrecords, the track pushes Bearde into fresh territory without losing the warmth and sophistication that define his artistry.
“I never thought I’d do a ‘rap’ record, and this isn’t that,” Bearde explains. “But through experimentation, and with Tom’s help, we found a way to tell this story of aging gracefully, and to quote Dylan Thomas, of not going ‘gentle into that good night.'”
Musically, ‘Never Say Die’ is a jubilant collision of funk, blues, and rock, built on brass bursts, warm piano, gritty guitar lines, and gospel-tinged backing vocals. The arrangement lifts Bearde’s performance with cinematic flair. vibrant, playful, and bursting with life. The accompanying studio-shot video captures the chemistry of the full band, underscoring the joy and communal energy that have made Bearde such a magnetic performer for decades.
With ‘Never Say Die’, Nic Bearde evolves. The track stands as a testament to an artist still willing to take risks, to reinvent, and to remind listeners that the blues, and Bearde himself, remain timeless.
KELE LE ROC REIMAGINES RADIOHEAD’S “CREEP” IN A HAUNTING SHORT FILM AND SINGLE FOR SINC RECORDS
Double MOBO Award-winning vocalist Kele Le Roc, the unmistakable voice behind UK Garage classics “My Love” and “Things We Do for Love,” returns with a bold reinvention of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Presented as both a single and a cinematic short film, the release fuses music, fashion, and film noir in a striking meditation on creativity, technology, and self-identity.
Directed by British filmmaker Chris Manoe, the film places Kele at the heart of a dark, neo-noir narrative exploring the impact of AI on human creativity. Portraying three versions of herself – each more fractured than the last – Kele delivers a performance that captures the song’s timeless sense of fragility and alienation.
Shot with cinematic precision by Director of Photography Samuel Hosier, the film also stars KAi Le Roc and Angel Le Roc, supported by a creative team spanning film, fashion, and live music. Its visual aesthetic – a blend of neo-noir futurism and raw emotional realism – perfectly complements the re-imagined soundscape produced by Desmond Lambert, Kele Le Roc, Chris Manoe, Alle Pearse, and Ross O’Reilly.
“‘Creep’ has always spoken to that feeling of being seen and unseen at the same time,” says Kele. “I wanted to explore what that means in an age when artists are being digitally cloned and replaced. The song’s fragility — its truth — still belongs to human emotion, not code.”
Produced by Agency105 and Singers Inc., the concept – co-created by Kele and Manoe – uses a Ferrari 458 Spider (courtesy of the Charles Gordon Trust) as both a visual motif and a metaphor for speed, seduction, and self-destruction in the digital age.
The release forms part of TRINITY, the forthcoming album from SINC Records, the music division of Singers Inc. Featuring an all-star line-up including Louise Dearman and Portia Emare, the album is due for release in 2026.
Fresh from acclaimed roles in the British independent films 198 Grand, The Hook, and Look to the Light, Kele’s seamless transition between screen and studio has cemented her status as one of
the UK’s most multifaceted creative voices. From commanding the stage with Garage Classical at the Royal Albert Hall to stepping into cinematic roles, her artistic reinvention continues to
captivate audiences old and new.
Creep is available now on all streaming platforms, with the official short film premiering on Halloween 2025 via Singers Inc. Records YouTube and @singersincworld.
Follow KELE LE ROC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keleleroc
Website: https://www.keleleroc.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kele-le-roc-1
Twitter: https://x.com/keleleroc
Night Of The Orphan Train – A Musical Novel by Brent Maher
Night Of The Orphan Train – A Musical Novel is an audiobook by award winning producer and songwriter, Brent Maher, and it’s loaded with a great soundtrack centered around the story of over 250,000 orphans who were swept off the streets of New York City and shipped off on boxcars to every US state during the late 1800’s to early 1920’s. The soundtrack is combed throughout the story, which is narrated by Maher himself, and helps unfold the story with 21 tracks built around the over three-hour narration as we meet with three of the aged eleven fictional children and follow their life’s journey.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/brentmahermusic/
The story of The Orphan Train Movement is an overlooked chapter in U.S. history, and Maher took interest and drew inspiration from it for his own project after discovering National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, Kansas. Maher set out to tell the story through original music and narration, and the outcome is a special combination of historical storytelling with Americana, Bluegrass and Classical music with a percentage of proceeds going to the Youth Villages of Middle TN. Timely released during November, which is National Orphan Awareness Month, when various organizations bring awareness to the well-being of orphans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVON8-yw1IA
The audiobook plays seamlessly with the 21 tracks placed in and around the narration of Maher, and three video clips help depict the story with the first being first musical piece “The Haves and Have Nots” featuring The French family Band, co-written by Maher with Joe Robinson and Seth Hopkins, compelled to create after meeting the band and finding out they could connect through Nashville, via Australia, where Robinson is also from, and Maher resides, which provided the perfect scenario for the project. “The Haves and Have Nots” is a brilliant track and accompanying video, and it all goes from there with an adventurous narration.
“Orphan Train” is the overture, featuring Trey Hensley on vocals and guitar, Ickes *Hawaiian guitar and vocals, Tammy Rogers on fiddle and vocals, and Marc Rogers on upright bass, all featured in the video for the song which these three video pieces taken from the soundtrack stand apart but comes from the audiobook to promote the music. This is another strong piece with everyone shining on the Bluegrass ballad with a narrative approach fitting the overall story with a seriously good string bending part of the story that begins in Kansas City and proceeds graphically to play out.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Night-Orphan-Train-Musical-Novel/dp/B0FLRLQVTS
Also released with Night Of The Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, is the third video directed by Roger Pistole, “I Will Hold You In My Heart” by Brook Spencer and Sarah Hollbrook. And this is yet another brilliant musical piece with angelic vocals and a heartfelt part of the story, in which Maher sets up in the narration, as with all 21 audio tracks featured on this epic project which comes highly recommended for all it’s worth, and compositions any real and true music lover can appreciate from the first notes to the last to the outstanding Brent Maher and company’s credit.
Gwen Waggoner
Reduction in Force Presents “What’s Next”
Create in the same room long enough, and it’s likely to become a three-dimensional map of one’s personality. That’s especially true for musicians. Step inside a musician’s home studio, and music listeners will know exactly what kind of music he makes — and more importantly, how intense his attachment to that music is.
The stop-motion animated music video for “What’s Next?,” the debut single from Reduction in Force, is about as comprehensive an introduction to pop-rock singer and songwriter Mike Mills as any listener could ever want. In the video, Mills’ bursting music room comes alive, and every object has a story to tell. Mix tapes, Vox, a Sony Sports walkman, Fender, colored vinyl spinning on a turntable, Fillmore posters, and a whole life laid out in memorabilia and photographs testify to his devotion to a vision. A future meticulously crafted – rooted in transformation. And, there’s a time stamp. The stack of childhood photos validates how long his desire to create has been with him (30+years). A sports page from the San Diego newspaper trumpets, “Dreams Do Come True,” grounding him in Southern California while also providing a glimmer of hope in a childhood full of wounds stemming from rooting for a perennial loser.
But mostly, it’s the LPs on the wall that let fans know exactly where Mills is coming from. He’s covered his room with the classics of new wave, post-punk, and ’80s and ’90s alternative rock: Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Human League, New Order, and Peter Gabriel’s third. From this DNA comes “What’s Next?” Mills builds upon the sound and feeling of his musical heroes with a track that channels the mystery, the reflection, and rebellion, and the urgency of the music that he embraces. That slashing overdriven six-string, the throbbing synthesizer, the relentless electronic beat, and the deadpan — but magnetic — vocals are all indebted to the Second British Invasion, the golden age of college radio, with some updates under the hood.
In attitude and disposition, Reduction in Force is completely modern. The yearning for human connection that radiates from this track marks it unmistakably as of our times. The video, too, could only have been made by somebody who has not only survived but thrived and emerged from life with more than a few stories to tell. Mills makes a stuffed rat (his name is Norman – a dear childhood relic) the protagonist of the “What’s Next?” video and sets the little quadruped upon the big world. What this underdog achieves over 3 minutes is nothing less than confronting, transcending, and incorporating a fortress made out of memories into his new life. A life envisioned some 30+ years earlier. A distant vision guided by drums, guitars, synths, and the undeniable power of rock music.
Follow Reduction in Force
http://www.reduction-in-force.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTlU0QuqIcPKOOzTm6lSXRA
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551339354709
https://www.instagram.com/reductioninforce/
Stauch Moderates Present “Bigfoot’s Football Live”
Aspen-born cultural collective Staunch Moderates has never been content to stay in one lane. Founded by Greg Simmons and Bo Persiko, the movement began as a grassroots initiative to bridge America’s political rift. Over time, it has evolved into a cultural force—expanding into music, film, live performance, and even sports—while remaining true to its mission of promoting civil discourse. With their mascot DJ Staunch and a crew of collaborators, the group has developed a reputation for weaving satire, social commentary, and genre-bending hip-hop into something bigger than entertainment: a platform for conversation and creativity.
Their three albums, The First Realm, Mission Peace, & 2023 offer a clear window into the movement’s ethos. The First Realm chronicled the turbulence of the 2020 election and pandemic year, a narrative often likened to a “current-day Hamilton.” Its follow-up, Mission Peace, widened the arc, spotlighting the pursuit of unity, love, and even the dream of a professional football expansion team. Together, the records 2023 and Staunch Moderates Experience Live, which features the newest single “Bigfoot’s Football Live,” reveal the Moderates’ distinctive approach to pairing reflection with playful spectacle.
Their latest track, “Bigfoot’s Football Live,” carries that ethos onto the field. Featuring rappers Kyle Knight and Casanova Ace alongside DJ Staunch, the song plays like a sports anthem filtered through hip-hop. Lyrics celebrate touchdowns, Super Bowl dreams, and the swagger of a team destined to “run over competition,” all with tongue in cheek. “The energy of football, the rhythm of hip-hop, and the voice of our mascot all collide here,” notes Simmons. By blending football bravado with rap cadences, the Moderates turn the imagined franchise of “The Bigfoots” into an infectious rallying cry that both entertains and unites.
The video amplifies the track’s spectacle, capturing the roar of the crowd, the performers’ charisma, and DJ Staunch’s larger-than-life presence. Cheerleaders, sideline antics, and the mascot’s oversized personality create the feel of a halftime extravaganza spliced with a hip-hop concert. Each moment underscores the Moderates’ flair for crossing boundaries, fusing parody with genuine celebration. The result is a fast-moving, visually charged reminder of how the group thrives at the crossroads of music, sports, and cultural commentary.
With “Bigfoot’s Football Live,” Staunch Moderates once again prove their creativity shines brightest in unexpected intersections. Fans can expect more projects in the months ahead as the group continues pushing forward across music, film, and performance. For now, the invitation is simple: press play, join the movement, and get in the game.
Follow Staunch Moderates
https://www.staunchmoderates.org
https://www.youtube.com/@staunchmoderatesnews
https://www.facebook.com/StaunchModerates
https://www.instagram.com/staunch_moderates/
Shaheed & DJ Supreme Present “Knowledge Of Shelf” + “Brainstorming”
For nearly two decades, Alabama ambassadors and dynamic duo, Shaheed & DJ Supreme, have used their talents in classic hip-hop to uplift their community and bring positivity to a world often marked by crisis and struggle. Hailing from Birmingham’s hip-hop scene, the pair have made a lasting impact by consistently showing up in educational spaces. Through their nonprofit, K.R.U. (Knowledge, Rhythm, and Understanding), they use music as a tool to inspire youth and empower future leaders. With their music videos, “Brainstorming” and “Knowledge of Shelf,” the duo expands this mission, crafting two revolutionary stories of education, mindfulness, and the belief that art can spark meaningful change.
Libraries are becoming rare in an age dominated by technology. It’s easy to forget how much a library offers: internet access, a quiet place to study or recharge, endless research resources, and a true sense of community. For Shaheed, the library was practically a second home; as the son of a school principal, he grew up surrounded by books and learning. DJ Supreme shared a similar connection — his aunt was a librarian — though neither realized those early influences would later shape their artistic collaboration.
Recognizing that rap music today doesn’t celebrate education, the duo set out to change that, blending their signature sound with a tribute to libraries. They had already used the library as a community hub, hosting events such as an environmental awareness program in partnership with The Black Warrior River organization, and even a punk rock/hip-hop dance night. So when it came time to film the video, the location chose itself: the Birmingham Public Library, known locally as the “Downtown Branch.”
With an energized, respectful performance, the clip encourages people to rediscover the library, highlighted by lyrics like, “We must go visit the library / ‘Cause reading books can expand your whole vocabulary.” Beloved evening anchor Brittney Decker from NBC WVTM 13 even makes a cameo after arriving to cover the shoot. Through this project, Shaheed & DJ Supreme honor a historic and irreplaceable institution, celebrating the scent of aged books, the nostalgia of turning pages, and the inspiration that only knowledge can spark.
Shaheed & DJ Supreme’s 2023 single “Brainstorming” is reintroduced through a sleek black-and-white music video, visually reminiscent of early 2000s sneaker shop displays, the kind that made you walk out feeling cooler, lighter, and in rhythm with every step. Although the song was released two years ago, it takes on new life with the addition of vocalist Lauren Strain, whose soft, airy tones add another layer of depth to this hip-hop gem, already intentional and emotionally rich. All three collaborators appear in the video, nodding along to the track’s smooth cadence and irresistible groove. “Brainstorming” tells the story of creating from a place of clarity, having a clear head and open heart, free from negativity and outside noise. Shaheed considers it one of his favorite songs he has ever written; the process brought a calming sense of peace and served as a reminder that when your mind is centered, you can envision and manifest what you want out of life.
Follow Shaheed & DJ Supreme
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The Road Eats You Alive (and That’s the Point): Midnight Sky’s Bleak Beauty on ‘Dark Stretch of Road’
Tim Tye doesn’t write songs so much as he exhumes them—from some cold ditch along an Ohio highway where love, regret, and an old Gibson went to die together. “Dark Stretch of Road” isn’t your Friday night feel-good Americana jam. It’s the soundtrack to that three a.m. moment when you realize your coffee’s gone cold, your faith’s gone missing, and your GPS is just a smug little liar blinking “Recalculating.”
There’s something perversely comforting about this kind of despair. The song opens like a fog creeping in on bald tires—Tye writing, “It wasn’t snowing when I left St. Paul…”—and before you can even reach for the defroster, you’re sliding headfirst into the existential skid. The guitars drone with that rusted shimmer of busted neon; the drums don’t so much keep time as measure the distance between hope and breakdown. It’s Springsteen’s “State Trooper” if the Boss had finally given up and decided the trooper was his only friend.
The voice is the cracked dashboard light guiding you through it all—half preacher, half penitent, completely spent. You can hear every mile in his phrasing, every bad decision in his breath. There’s no polish, no pretense—just a man and his ghosts in a snowstorm, praying his tank and his heart both make it home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDYY943Jz-0
And yeah, you could talk about how Midnight Sky’s Americana-rock production has this vintage, analog warmth—like they recorded it in a haunted VFW hall with bourbon instead of coffee—but that’s missing the point. What makes “Dark Stretch of Road” hit so hard is its emotional ugliness. It doesn’t flinch. It’s not asking for sympathy, or even salvation. It just wants to tell the truth about what it feels like to keep going when the map’s long gone and the light ahead might be the oncoming train.
By the final chorus, when the singer moans “It’s a tough night to be on this dark stretch of road,” you believe him. You’ve been him. Maybe you still are.
Forget the playlist algorithms and the soft-focus filters—this is raw humanity with all the makeup scraped off. Midnight Sky isn’t trying to save you. They’re just showing you the mirror. And on a night like this, that’s salvation enough.
–Leslie Banks
Ron Brunk Presents “Windowsill Cat”
Ron Brunk has never shied away from exploring his extraordinary cosmic connection to the living world through his music and from asking questions that strike a chord and linger. But in May of 2024, Brunk experienced something extraordinary—an encounter that completely changed his life, bringing profound bonds, bold new undertakings, and an endless well of inspiration. Nine furry, feral felines appeared at his back door, peering through the glass and directly into his soul. It was as if they were looking for HIM, and he for THEM. As if he was always meant to be their fierce protector, their dedicated caregiver, their haven. Though there are still days of struggle, it seems as if the dark clouds have parted, and Brunk’s life has been flooded with light, laughter, and a kind of companionship he never knew he was missing. Out of that renewal comes new music at its most inspired—direct from the heart, bursting with creativity, and written for those who understand just how deeply a cherished animal (or a few) can touch a sensitive, compassionate soul. Those nine precious kittens have transformed Ron Brunk, and now he couldn’t imagine his life without them.
“Windowsill Cat” feels like what might happen if Cat Stevens and Ron Brunk joined forces—two prolific storytellers merging their genius to craft a soul-stirring, cinematic ode. The gentle acoustic sweeps of “Moonshadow” seem to echo through the opening verse, wrapping the soundscape in a blanket of intimacy, as if Brunk were watching his cats scamper and sprawl across every corner of his home. But as the song progresses, the signature Brunk intensity builds, layering soulful harmonies, percussive bursts, and haunting piano chords before plunging into a sea of orchestral strings that prowl with feline grace. He captures something in the quiet companionship of a windowsill cat—their steady, enigmatic presence offering a kind of serenity that transcends words, “wherever I roam, wherever I’m at.” His latest—and 37th—record, NOW IS THE NEW THEN, gifts fans with not one, not two, but three versions of this dreamy reverie—a chance to step inside the vivid scene: one of those eerie, windswept nights, raindrops clanging against the windowpane, and there, framed in shadow, the silhouette of a mysterious, watchful companion, gazing out at “all the cosmos standing still.”
Fans of “Mr. Hank” and Brunk’s ever-growing catalog of visuals starring his personality-packed quad squad will be delighted to discover a brand-new animated adventure—one that stretches the limits of imagination even further, capturing the wild, wonderous spirit of windowsill cats just like Brunk’s own. Designed once again from a collage of photos and video clips, the “Windowsill Cat” visual offers a much-needed escape from the “outrageous world” beyond the glass, transforming Brunk’s real-life feline friends into living works of art. The animated landscapes shift and shimmer—from luminous stained-glass mosaics to Mondrian-esque abstractions to sweet, storybook-style sketches. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Brunk himself—guitar in hand—appearing and fading with the scenes, seamlessly woven into the dreamlike animation. More than anything, it’s a kaleidoscopic love letter to his feline muses—part fantasy, part reflection, and all heart—purring with the warmth of someone who’s found their joy once again.
Follow Ron Brunk
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Pam Ross Reads Between the Lines—and the Wreckage—on ‘Reading Your Text’
Pam Ross doesn’t just write songs; she lives them, breathes them, and sometimes crashes straight through them. Her new single, “Reading Your Text,” feels like one of those late-night, soul-searching drives we’ve all taken—when the road hums beneath your tires, your heart aches in your chest, and that one message, that one goodbye, keeps replaying in your mind no matter how fast you go.
Ross found the seed for this song in real life, the way the best writers do. Driving down the road one afternoon, she watched the car in front of her swerve erratically. She thought the driver was drunk. But when she passed, she saw something worse—a woman texting. The image stuck. “I wondered what makes a person act so stupid,” Ross recalls. “Then I thought… maybe it’s love.” That revelation became the ignition point for “Reading Your Text,” a song that turns modern distraction into timeless heartbreak.
The opening verse sets the scene with cinematic precision: “I’m changing lanes with my signal off / Check my rear view for the cops.” You can almost smell the asphalt. Then comes the knockout line—“You took my heart and I took your word / Then crashed into you when the lines got blurred.” Ross has a knack for language that’s both literal and metaphorical, pulling you into her story while holding up a mirror to your own.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6eJtF9LAXBlCaO0SLmVmAs?si=w9176j-WRgiJmwO0CkraSA
The chorus hits like the emotional climax of a confessional road movie: “I’m shifting gears with the sun in my eyes / While I read the text where you said goodbye.” It’s a moment suspended between motion and memory, between letting go and holding on. Ross’s delivery—gritty but vulnerable—makes you feel every mile, every mistake, every word she should’ve deleted but couldn’t.
Musically, the track rolls with the confident rumble of Americana grit and the lyrical punch of modern country poetry. There’s slide guitar smoke, heartbeat percussion, and that signature Pam Ross phrasing—steady as a highway line, trembling at the edges.
“Reading Your Text” isn’t just a breakup song; it’s a meditation on distraction, connection, and the dangerous ways we try to hold onto what’s already gone. In true Pam Ross fashion, she turns a fleeting moment of frustration into a song that lingers—long after the last note fades, long after the headlights disappear into the dark.
–Lonnie Nabors
THE JAZZ SPY: A TALE OF RHYTHM, ESPIONAGE, AND EXTRAORDINARY LIFE — PETE GOODALL’S STORY SET FOR PAGE AND SCREEN
Musician, producer, and one-time covert agent Pete Goodall unveils The Jazz Spy — an extraordinary memoir blending music, espionage, and a lifetime at the heart of British and global pop culture.
Born in 1945, Goodall grew up on Merseyside as the son of a GI, a gifted child who could play piano at four and mastered the guitar soon after. By 11, he was performing with local groups — even catching the attention of Brian Epstein and Bob Wooler, who sought to sign him before The Beatles rose to fame. But his father’s wisdom kept him grounded, and Goodall soon carved his own path in the industry.
By 18, he had moved to London, where his precision and ear for perfection made him one of the city’s most sought-after session guitarists. Working alongside names like The Tremeloes, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, Thunderclap Newman, Percy Sledge, and The Foundations, Pete quickly became known as “the musician’s musician.”
But behind the music lay a secret life. During the height of the Cold War, Goodall was recruited by MI6, becoming “The Jazz Spy” — a touring musician with a mission. From apartheid South Africa to communist Eastern Europe and beyond the Berlin Wall, his gigs doubled as cover for intelligence work.
After decades in the music business, Goodall founded Pandora Music in Stratford-upon-Avon, collaborating with the Royal Shakespeare Company and continuing to produce acclaimed records, including Pick n Tell, co-written with Cream lyricist Pete Brown. His work under the
Speakeasy Label remains highly respected among collectors and jazz enthusiasts alike.
More recently, Pete curated “The Birth of The Beatles”, an acclaimed travelling exhibition featuring 69 historic Liverpool recordings — including the earliest known tracks by The Quarrymen. The show, which includes talks from John Lennon’s sister Julia, continues to tour internationally, delighting Beatles fans across the globe.
Now in his 80s, Goodall shows no signs of slowing down. His next multimedia project,
NAKUPENDA — Swahili for “I Love You” — launches October 2026 at Brixton Library, blending art, poetry, and music to explore the legacy of slavery and Black artistry. A UK tour and an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will follow.
Interest in The Jazz Spy memoir has already drawn attention from major UK and US publishers,
and Pete Phillips of The Young Vic has expressed intent to adapt the story for film, television, and radio.
“Most of my friends are dead,” laughs Pete, “but I’m good for a few more battles — just not the spying kind!”
Follow Pete Goodall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodallpeter?igsh=enljNDNlcm5ubjBq
Website: https://petegoodall.com/index.html
Website: https://www.petegoodall.com/
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Dancehall Pioneer Dutty Desi Returns with New Single “Si Señorita” — A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Connection
Dancehall Pioneer Dutty Desi Returns with New Single “Si Señorita” — A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Connection
Si Señorita Streaming Link
Renowned dancehall artist Desi Dee, also known as Dutty Desi, makes a powerful return with his latest single “Si Señorita,” a bold and rhythmic blend of Dancehall, Afrobeat, and Latin flair that showcases his trademark charisma and musical depth.
Having first risen to prominence in the 1980s as one of the early deejays on the legendary Saxon Sound System, Dutty Desi helped lay the foundations for the UK’s dancehall movement. His performances alongside icons such as Maxi Priest, Smiley Culture, Papa Levi, and Asher Senator cemented his reputation as a key voice in the evolution of British reggae and dancehall culture.
Born in East London, UK, and raised from the age of 13 in Kingston, Jamaica, Desi Dee later returned to the UK in 1981. His journey reflects the fusion of Caribbean roots and British sound system energy. His early beginnings on Jamaica’s renowned Arrows Hi-Fi sound system, followed by his influential years with Saxon Sound, shaped his unique lyrical style — one grounded in “Roots, Reality, Culture and Humour.”
Now, with “Si Señorita,” Desi Dee bridges generations and genres. The track bursts with energy, mixing classic dancehall storytelling with modern Afrobeat grooves — a reflection of his ability to evolve while staying true to the genre’s core.
Beyond the music, Dutty Desi’s multifaceted life adds depth to his artistry. A professional in the IT industry with a background in sports and a commitment to health and wellness, Desi brings discipline and balance to his creative process. His belief in respecting everyone’s freedom of thought and expression mirrors the inclusive spirit that defines his sound.
“Dancehall has always been about unity and joy,” says Desi. “Si Señorita is a song that celebrates life, rhythm, and connection — no matter where you come from.”
With upcoming media appearances and renewed focus on live performance, Dutty Desi continues to prove that authentic dancehall never fades — it evolves.
Follow Dutty Desi
Website: https://www.n1m.com/duttydesi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duttydesi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009604989535
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dutty-desi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/duttydesi
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DNyrgPZ8Bo
Brazil Ceará Coast Tour – Taíba, Trairi & Jericoacoara
The Secret Charm of Brazil’s Ceará Coast
The Ceará coast tour is not an ordinary tour of Brazilian beaches but rather an exploration of some of the most beautiful, unexploited scenery in Brazil. It is unpredictable, which makes it a favorite amongst professionals. You find yourself riding on golden sands one minute, then a minute later, you are having coconut water and enjoying the palm trees blowing in the wind.
The area of this coastline conceals spots that even an experienced traveler could not notice. Amongst Taibas, Trairis, and Jericoacoras, there are innumerable lagoons, hidden coves, and sandy roads in place of asphalt. What makes it special? Each twist is like an allusion to be made. People who are familiar with the beat of winds and tides say that this is a coast not traveled to but experienced.
Taiba -Where Wind and Waves Rule
Beyond the Kiteboards: the magic, not told, of Taíba.
You still have not seen the actual performance, in case you believe Taíba is the kite surfing place. The winds are not accidental; they have specific patterns of the seasons that the professionals arrange months in advance. Mornings are very peaceful and lagoons mirror-like- a photographer’s heaven.
Local guides talk of tiny pieces where the coral reefs show at the lowest stage of the tide, and make natural pools that are only seen during an hour or two. It is this type of insider timing that makes the first leg of the Ceará coast tour so spectacular.
Ceara Coast Tour Start Expert Advice.
Begin in Taíba, though not at noon. The first beach walk by professionals has to happen at sunrise when the air is cool and the dunes are positioned at the right angle to capture photos. Bring polaroid sunglasses–you will need them to keep off the wet sand glare.
Coconut Grove eco-lodges provide a relaxing experience without the comparative noise. And you want to pursue those ideal dawn winds, the natives will say to you: The wind always gets up before you.
Trairi -The Dream of the Lagoon Lover.
Hidden Lagoon -Discovery on Private Trairi Lagoon Tours.
Only a few miles further West of Taíba is Trairi–a silent fairy-world of lakes of mirrors and dunes. The Trairi lagoon tours have lagoons that change color as the day progresses, being turquoise to jade. Others, such as Lagoa do Jegue, are accessible by buggy only by sand tracks, which local guides are familiar with.
It’s not just about the view. These are breathing lagoons, which are living. Fish are flickering, and herons are flying in the air. It is that rare that you can nearly hear the silence here.
The Lagoon Checklist of The Professional Traveler.
- Important items: Light towel, waterproof bag, and eco sunscreen (the sun is no fun here).
- Photography tip: Take photos in the early afternoon, when the lagoon is a mirror image of the dunes.
- To be missed: Natural mud spots off the coast- the locals say it is the spa cure of nature.
Even experienced travelers lose sight of how the mood of the lagoon may be changed by the tides. There are days of calm and days of wind sufficient to bethink soft waves. That is what makes the Trairi lagoon tours so good, you never see it the same way twice.
Jericoacoara- The Jewel of the Ceara Coast Tour.
Jericoacoara Beach Stays That Redefine Luxury.
And now we will speak of Jericoacoara–only the locals refer to it as Jeri. At this, simplicity is mixed with luxury in the most natural fashion. Jericoacoara beach accommodation is located in the dunes, so that you have a beach view of the ocean without any buildings in front of it.
No more loud resorts, professional athletes are attracted to dune-side villas that are operated by solar energy. The interiors are usually adorned with driftwood furniture and hammocks, which are woven by the local artisans. The stars at night seem near enough to touch. And the best part? The village center is forbidden to cars, all sandy walks, and barefoot walks.
This is where the passengers stop and understand: it is not perfect, it is crude.
Secrets of the Sunset Dune
They all go to the historic Sunset Dune to have a glimpse. Experts, however, have a secret that the actual magic lies on the lesser northern side. It is possible to view there how the wind patterns are reshaping the shape of the sand each evening. Bring a light scarf–in this place, winds are not to be depended on. The dunes are flecked with gold dust with the setting of the sun sets into the Atlantic. People of this area occasionally meditate here because they think that here the day is saying goodbye to the ocean. When you are watching its salty wind, it is difficult not to feel that the Ceara coast tour leaves the best to the end.
Striking Between Taibai, Trairi & Jericoacoara Like a Pro.
The journey between these seaside beauties is an adventure. Dune roads are what highway roads are all about. To access the various locations, professionals drive using 4x4s or private buggies, which will allow them to slice through beaches and tidal plains which is not visible to most tourists.
Knowledgeable drivers can know which routes will be submerged in water and which ones will have solid tracks of sand. The golden rule? Start early, end before dusk. Tides are shifting quickly, and GPS cannot follow through all the time. That is why experienced travelers trust locals; it is not only navigation, but it is also intuition. Nature is the director on this stretch, and that is precisely what renders the Ceara coast tour unforgettable.
Food, Culture, and Nightlife You Would Miss without Locals.
When you are in a hungry mood after the fishermen. At Taiba and Trairi, there are open-fire grills of stingray or shrimp stew made of coconut milk. The music spills out of beach bars at night to forro music, and the locals will be dancing barefoot on the sand. Jericoacoara gives an artistic touch to it, with sand artists, crafted jewels, and lacework being lit up by lantern light.
The people who are familiar with the locals could be invited to dine directly along the shore. The secret? Be respectful, smile frequently, and speak less than you listen. That is the way to savor the authentic taste of the Ceara coast tour.
The Ultimate 5-Day Ceará Coast Tour Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Start in Taíba. Ride the winds, relax in eco-hotels, and awaken early for mirror-like seashore perspectives.
- Day 3: Move directly to the Trairi lagoon tours. Spend your day floating in calm lagoons and tasting homemade tapioca.
- Day four-five: End in Jericoacoara. Choose from relaxed Jericoacoara seashore stays, climb the dunes for sunset, and allow the waves to sing you to sleep.
Pro tip: Try a moonlit horse trip in your ultimate nighttime—it’s non-violent, surreal, and something you’ll never forget. The Ceará coast has a rhythm, and once you locate it, you’ll want to dance along.
Conclusion
The Ceará coast excursion isn’t approximately luxury or lists—it’s about connection. With wind, water, and sand. With locals who live by using the tide. With yourself. From Trairi’s quiet lagoons to Jericoacoara’s wild beauty, every step looks like part of a bigger story that nature is nevertheless writing. When you stand on that final dune, looking at the solar fade into the ocean, you’ll comprehend—this coast doesn’t simply live in your memory. It remains with your soul.
Opening The Trunk: Noble Hops Unpack America’s Ghosts
There’s a line near the end of “The Trunk” where Utah Burgess sings, “I’ll be me for me.” It sounds simple enough, but that’s the whole damn point—after three and a half minutes of generational heartbreak, war trauma, and working-class grit, he lands the plane on something that feels almost revolutionary in its humility. Be yourself, not the machine that made you. Not your father’s shadow. Not the government’s guilt. Just you.
Noble Hops don’t play rock and roll so much as they bleed it. The guitars don’t shimmer—they snarl like worn-out carburetors on a steel mill parking lot. Burgess’ voice isn’t polished, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s that ragged barroom instrument that tells you this guy has seen some things, maybe too many. There’s a whole lot of Springsteen in there, sure, but also Mellencamp’s corn-fed realism and even a whiff of Woody Guthrie’s righteous anger filtered through fuzz pedals and Pennsylvania rust.
“The Trunk” is less a song than a confession dressed up in power chords. It opens like a movie you’ve stumbled into halfway through: a son finds a box of his father’s past—letters, photos, ghosts—and suddenly the family history spills out like smoke from an oil drum fire. Vietnam, PTSD, factory layoffs, divorce—it’s all there, but Burgess doesn’t sermonize. He just holds up the mirror and says, “Here. This is what we did to each other. This is what’s left.”
https://open.spotify.com/track/68YDSOjR85AIWlLqJbhI4V?si=8f43abdabcea4653
And let’s talk about that rhythm section: Johnny “Sleeves” Costa on bass and “The” Brad Hulburt on drums drive this song like a midnight Greyhound bus, steady and relentless. Tony Villella’s lead guitar licks dart in and out like memories you can’t quite forget, and producer Jazz Byers adds just enough acoustic backbone to keep the whole thing from toppling over into despair.
What makes “The Trunk” special isn’t just its craftsmanship—it’s the honesty. In an age of auto-tuned sincerity and digital gloss, Noble Hops sound like men who’ve actually lived the songs they write. There’s no irony here, no posturing, just the plainspoken ache of people trying to make sense of where they came from and what it cost.
You can’t fake this kind of truth. You either lived it… or you didn’t. And Noble Hops? They damn sure did.
–Leslie Banks
Judith Owen Returns With “Judith Owen Swings Christmas” and New Album on the Horizon
Judith Owen Returns With “Judith Owen Swings Christmas” and New Album on the Horizon — A Story of Resilience, Reinvention, and the Joy of Jazz
Artist: Judith Owen
Single: Judith Owen Swings Christmas Release Date: Out Now
Judith Owen Swings Christmas Streaming Link
Acclaimed Welsh-born, New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Judith Owen continues her extraordinary creative journey with the re-promotion of her much-loved holiday collection Judith Owen Swings Christmas and the announcement of a new album coming early 2026.
A dynamic performer celebrated for her wit, warmth, and world-class musicianship, Owen has earned global praise from outlets including The Times, Rolling Stone, JazzWise and Jazz Journal for her bold reinvention of the jazz and blues canon. Her 2022 release Come On and Get It — a
joyous homage to unapologetic female trailblazers of the 1940s and ’50s — marked a turning point, amassing over 3 million streams and propelling her into sold-out shows worldwide.
Now, Owen’s next chapter blends the joy of jazz with deeply personal storytelling — touching on themes of mental health, resilience, womanhood, and creative freedom.
A Life in Music, A Legacy of Courage
Born into a musical Welsh family and raised in London, Judith’s life has been defined by her lifelong passion for performance and her unflinching honesty about mental health. Following the loss of her mother to suicide as a teenager, Owen channelled her grief into art, openly discussing her lifelong journey with anxiety and depression.
“I wanted to do music that made me smile, lit up my face, and made me laugh,” she explains. “After years of therapy and healing, joy became my rebellion.”
Her openness has resonated with fans around the world — inspiring conversations across media on mental health awareness, female empowerment, and creative rebirth.
Jazz, Joy, and Feminine Fire
Working with New Orleans musical director David Torkanowsky, Owen continues to collaborate with some of the most respected names in jazz. Her upcoming work builds on her reputation for celebrating strong, unapologetic women, echoing the sentiment of recent global conversations around women’s visibility and recognition in later life — a message Owen embodies with both humour and conviction.
Her admirers include Helen Mirren, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Goodman, Jamie Cullum, and Jennifer Coolidge, who have all praised her brilliance and authenticity on and off the stage.
Tour Dates and Highlights
- 30 Oct 2025: Toulouse Theatre, Los Angeles (Headline)
- 30 Jan 2026: Jamboree Jazz, Barcelona, Spain (Headline)
- 1 Feb 2026: Splendid, Saint-Quentin, France (Headline)
- 8 Feb 2026: Pizza Express Live, Holborn, London (Headline)
- 28 Mar 2026: Jazz à Toute Heure Festival, Chevreuse, France (Headline)
- 30 Mar 2026: Jazz Cat Club, Bellinzona, Switzerland (Headline)
(Further dates in Italy, Germany, UK, and USA to be announced)
Beyond the Stage
Outside of music, Judith shares a vibrant life with her husband Harry Shearer in New Orleans, where the couple host their annual Christmas Without Tears charity concert in aid of the Innocence Project New Orleans. She’s also the proud owner of two beloved dogs, Aretha and Franklin — a nod to her soulful roots.
Her 10-part podcast, Unapologetically Judith Owen, co-hosted with Bibi Lynch, dives deep into her world with humour, candour, and a passion for conversation.
A Story Worth Sharing
Judith’s story spans music, health, spirituality, and female empowerment, offering numerous media angles — from women’s magazines and mental health features to arts and culture outlets. Her upcoming releases promise to blend her signature wit and vocal brilliance with themes that go far beyond the music — reminding audiences that joy, strength, and vulnerability can coexist beautifully.
Follow Judith Owen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithowenmusic/?hl=en
Website: https://judithowen.net/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/
