D. Columbus has been active in the music industry for over 30 years. Notable for his versatility, the self-taught multi-instrumentalist — who is a seasoned guitar player, bassist, backing vocalist, singer, live sound engineer and music producer — has taken part in fourteen studio albums, earning recognition from the Maple Blues Awards and more.

Best known for his collaborations, it’s D. Columbus’ turn to debut his own solo album, demonstrating a mastery of writing catchy feel-good songs that speak to the heart and bring people together. Produced with Angel Forrest and Ricky Paquette, 11 Dollar Bill is a stompin’ good time. Spirited and fun, the track “Saddle Me Up” conjures a euphoric feeling. 

Sensitive yet powerful, D. Columbus has an impressive vocal range. While surrounding his precise yet gravelly voice with full orchestrations that combine guitars, bass, drum, keys, fiddle and pedal steel, he unveils an honest country-pop music — there’s an emotional rawness to it and that’s what makes it so real. 

DJ Karaba’s music is electric and spicy. There is no moment of pause or slow down. Her intensity, her wish to see people dance and feel the music the way she feels it, is aspirational, all-consuming. DJ Karaba is currently working on her own project – an EP that will combine her love of creation and movement for music lovers, and her desire to master production – alongside Young Galaxy’s Stephen Ramsay, whom she cites as a key mentor and collaborator during this process.

New single, “Roots,” recreates the style of South African Amapiano and is a feel good track that was made for the dancefloor. The song’s title is a statement to DJ Karaba’s Congo-Brazzaville origins and feels like a return to Africa for her.

https://soundcloud.com/djkaraba/roots-masterbyphil/s-X1ZbP8w3JAz

Carleton Stone is an award-winning artist, a songwriter with a growing list of credits, and a founding member of Port Cities. Having recently added the role of producer to his list of accomplishments after working with Willie Stratton on his track “The Way She Holds Me,” Stone  will spend the fall producing Willie’s new record, songs by Chudi Harris, and his very own solo release due out in June 2022.

The seed of new single, “Ice Age,” came from an article Stone read about a couple who had been discovered after being frozen in ice for almost a hundred years. Written in a castle in Colditz, Germany, “Ice Age” paints a fantasy world where whatever problems you are having in your relationship disappear – the romantic idea of being frozen in time with someone before things can get any worse. 

As a teen, Ben Sefton’s budding love of songwriting quickly developed into an obsession, fueling the creation of hundreds of unreleased songs. Driven by his deep love of earworm pop melodies and a passion for candid lyrical witticism and word play, he has effectively created a style all of his own. Backed by hours of focused guitar practice, Sefton matches his ceaseless song creation with considerable vocal and instrumental prowess.

New single, “Harrison,” is an indignant attempt at turning the private pain of a teenage misanthrope into an anthem. Sefton creates a tone of pure relatability that will bring listeners back to the days of heavy backpacks, rampant acne and unbearable anxiety. The video takes those ideas and plants them firmly through the lens of a John Hughes 80s film.

Self-proclaimed “dread-pop” artist—better known as heavy metal musician and sci-fi author Quinn McGraw—takes his first departure from the world of heavy music as Mylo Quinn. 

In the form of melancholy lyrics, emotional soundscapes, and undeniable honesty, his forthcoming debut EP, Light, bears the message that ultimately we each have the ability, responsibility, and choice to break the cycle and turn our lives around.

Joel Jovan aka Joel Quartuccio of Being As An Ocean is featured on the title track, the video for which explores Mylo’s consciousness.

Mylo recounts, “There was a period in 2020 when I was reflecting a lot on my own mortality… It made me wonder whether or not I’d die with a heart full of love and passion, when the journey can sometimes leave me feeling broken down and defeated… It’s as much about temptation as it is redemption, while knowing the whole time there is no clear path forward if we can’t tap into, and listen, to our hearts.”

Drawing from her twin passions for Americana and classic soul, Charissa weaves new, original stories that are at times gleefully hopeful, tearfully heartbreaking, and always a perfect blend of modern and timelessness.

“People Like You” was written in honor of Charissa’s late friend in hopes of shining a light on positivity and love. “Sometimes when we go through hard times, I think we can forget the impact we have on people’s lives, so it’s a reminder that we are all special in this world. Even when you feel small, I hope you know that you matter.”