With an American alt-pop sound that’s unique from start to finish, this is the year of the Babe. The design of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Evans, he draws inspiration from his Great Lakes upbringing. Perhaps most notably so by deriving the name Paul Babe from the giant, superhuman lumberjack of Northwood’s lore who’s faithful companion was the Blue Ox, Babe. The music is based on ambition, raw feelings, natural occurrences; moments big and small that were always meant to happen. His sound is both genuine and rich in spirit, as his upcoming music is truly a labor of love. He makes beautiful sounds and then butchers them, obsesses over spaces but is not entirely minimal. The finished product often depicts a deceptively dense greenhouse of sound. The drum arrangements sway a little bit electro and a little bit organic. In his hierarchy of songwriting and production priorities, melody always reigns supreme. When the cake finally comes out of the oven it is often a homemade and gritty but bonafide result. Made during a period of significant loss in Evans’ life, the songs ultimately carry undertones of positivity and hope for the future. Moments of trying to find the good in horrible situations. Of realizing that there is beauty in the scars. These elements helped to inspire and mold his music into what it has become today, and what an odyssey it is.

“The World is a Goner” is the first single from the newest album coming from Diane and the Gentle Men. Written at home during a pandemic, she says “the song came about from looking for alternate ideas for creativity, while dancing around my house by myself in an effort to feel alive and well. We sometimes take for granted that when we are out and about on a daily basis, inspiration is endless. Being forced to stay indoors for a longer period of time allowed me to venture down a rabbit hole of podcasts, You Tube documentaries, old radio programs and television programs of yesteryear. The song emerged when I was feeling content about being locked in and lonely, seeing the world through a window and being grateful I wasn’t sleeping on the street. Like the cover, the crooked dilapidated house not wanting to fall, I found Influence from old films like King Kong, Mad Max, American Graffiti and songs by Diana Ross and the Supremes, Otis Redding, and of course, The Kinks. I got to work this song up with Derek Cruz (Jesse Malin band) for a live broadcast I was working on and then when things felt a little more safe, we went out to Atomic in Brooklyn with the other guys in Jesse Malin’s band and put down the song. My other players were unavailable at the time because of the pandemic (they have kids). I am grateful to Derek Cruz, James Cruz, Randy Cover Art Gillian Stoll Schrager and Rob Clores for their musicianship and of course for Malin and his never ending generosity not to mention Merle Chornuk and Geoff Sanoff for their genius. Lastly, Don Dilego, producer, writer and friend at Velvet Elk Records who tirelessly puts out my records while delivering great tunes himself. I feel very lucky to be a part of a beautiful music community.” The video for the new single was filmed by Photographer/Artist Dina Regine in an afternoon in an apartment in NYC and edited by Dave Stekert, with whom Diane has often collaborated.

West Point Band clarinetist Kristen Mather de Andrade had revealed a new phase of her illustrious music career with the debut of her first single, “Côco Tara Tá Tá”. The song takes influence from de Andrade’s fascination with Brazilian music that she discovered from her husband, who is from Brazil. She uses the rhythms of Brazilian style music and some traditions of American big band for this song and the rest of her debut album, Clarão, which is Portuguese for “flash of light”. De Andrade’s passion for music is on full display with this beautifully arranged single.

De Andrade puts her primary instrument, the clarient, on full display in “Côco Tara Tá Tá” along with Brazilian style percussion and an accordion. The song, which was composed by Severino Araújo, combines the feeling of a traditional big band with the feeling of a Brazilian ensemble. The result is an infectious groove that can get anyone on their feet to dance along. And it is no wonder that Kristen Mather de Andrade is such an acclaimed clarinet player, with her solos adding a passionate flare to the instrumentation. “Côco Tara Tá Tá” is just what people need to get excited about more of the music Kristen Mather de Andrade will be putting out in the near future. 

We are so grateful for the epiphany that de Andarde had that led to the creation of Clarão. Her musicianship is undeniable and her fire is not going to go out anytime soon. Make sure to stream “Côco Tara Tá Tá” as soon as possible and be on the lookout for more music from the insanely talented Kristen Mather de Andrade.

Jordan Davis is making waves with the release of his new EP “Lights Up.” The North Carolina based artist just released a compilation of 5 country/hip-hop tracks that are sure to take your breath away.
Going by DAVIS88, Jordan Davis has brought a new innovative sound to the game. Not only is he combining country and hip-hop, but Davis is giving it a hard rock feel, which he credits to the nu-metal bands he grew up on. First picking up a guitar in college, Davis worked hard to teach himself guitar as well as familiarizing himself with other instruments to better prepare him for studio sessions. Releasing one EP and several singles since 2012, Davis is about to make 2021 his year with his latest release “Lights Up.”

“…everything from Hootie and the Blowfish to the doobie brothers through his home boom box are some of his earliest memories.” His influence from these bands is extremely visible through his music. By combining the traditional sounds of southern rock, such as crunchy wailing guitars and organ, with his hip-hop/nu-metal vocals reminiscent of Linkin Park, Davis brings a heavy hitting and catchy new vibe to hip-hop. The title track of the EP preaches the chorus “Lights up, let’s go, all in, let’s roll,” and serves as a song for those who have felt they’ve been doubted in their journey. A call for never giving up, and assembling those who have felt the same to continue their journey and remain persistent no matter what others say. He wraps up the EP with his own rendition of Cage the Elephant’s “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked.” Incredibly done, this cover adds a new level of southern rock grit to this hit, with a rap thrown in to complete a great cover that perfectly reflects the feeling you get while listening to DAVIS88.

DAVIS88’s latest EP “Lights Up” is not one to miss. We can’t wait to hear what else is coming from Jordan Davis in 2021!

Dallas String Quartet releases a flavorful music video for their latin-jazz hit ‘Sabor’ featuring pianist extraordinaire, Jesús Molina on the keys. The video transports you into a welcoming and sunny summer feel, bursting with dancing, rhythm, and spice. This instant hit was released on May 7 and has gained attention on Spotify’s All New Jazz and Pandora’s Classical Crossover editorial playlists, as well as dazzling fans worldwide!

Dallas String Quartet is referred to as “Bach meets Bon Jovi” and compared to artists like Lindsey Stirling and 2Cellos. DSQ was founded in 2007 by violist Ion Zanca. A fusion of contemporary classical and pop music, they use both traditional and electric strings performing as a quartet with the full accompaniment of drums and guitar. DSQ has performed for Presidents Obama and Bush, the College Football Playoffs, NBA, and NFL organizations. They’ve sold out concert venues like the House of Blues and symphony halls and have played alongside Josh Groban, Chicago, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. You’ll find the group’s music featured by ESPN, A&E, The Wall Street Journal and prominent Spotify playlists such as Pop Goes Classical and Sinfonía Hipster. DSQ has over 50 million streams on Spotify and one million streams per week on Pandora.

Find DSQ via:

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Formed by Nick Schofield and Stefan Christoff in Montreal, Rêves sonores provides a platform for inspired improvisation to interact with contemporary classical compositions, reinforced with experimental electronic production techniques. Their new album, Crépuscule, out now via Youngbloods, was recorded in New York City and Montreal, produced at the Banff Centre and mixed by Radwan Ghazi Moumneh at Hotel2Tango studio. The focus track, “Swan Song,” is inspired by violinist Ari Swan whose enchanting melodies elevate the piece to new heights. “Swan Song” begins with warbling piano hits and smoky saxophone loops, but Ari Swan brings a brilliance to the music, like a bright moon emerging from the clouds on a midnight walk.