by Jane Lambert

Wayward Sparrow Introduces a Story Driven Sound with Latest Release “Wayward Sparrow”

Songs get written for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes they’re just there to pass the time, sometimes they’re chasing a feeling and sometimes they’re built around nothing more than the urge to tell a story and see where it lands. “Wayward Sparrow,” the new track from Rich Clark’s project of the same name, is one of those songs that started with a simple idea and trusted itself enough not to overcomplicate things.

It began as an attempt to write something in that bluegrass tradition. Something certainly narrative driven, something that moves. The story itself is a familiar one: an innocent young girl who ends up heading down the wrong path without really meaning to. No big dramatic twist here, but very much a story that is something you have heard before. And this is what makes it work.

Musically, the single stands out as the most rhythmically driving track on the album. While the forthcoming record Devil By My Side as a whole leans more into sparse, atmospheric acoustic arrangements, “Wayward Sparrow” introduces a subtle forward momentum without compromising on its stripped down identity. Acoustic guitar remains the focus here, supported by understated vocal harmonies that drift in and out like texture. Small details that add depth without disrupting the minimal framework.

This atmosphere carries over into the recording process itself. Each song on Devil By My Side was self-recorded and self-produced by Clark, who chose early on to invest his time into learning the craft of recording rather than relying on traditional studio environments. This comes across in how honest the music is in its execution and being completely self-made.

“I create music mostly for myself because I enjoy writing,” Clark says. “That said, I hope people connect with these songs as something made passionately and genuinely – something they want to return to and listen to again.”

That ethos runs through Wayward Sparrow as a whole: music built on instinct, space and clarity over perfection. Slight imperfections become part of the overall language, giving the songs a sense of character that polished production often smooths away. And in the case of “Wayward Sparrow”, it’s exactly that balance. – between movement and stillness, story and space, that sets it apart.

About Wayward Sparrow

Wayward Sparrow is the independent project of Detroit based songwriter Rich Clark. Originally starting out as a heavy metal guitarist, Clark gradually found his way into country, folk, and Americana drawn to the storytelling and simplicity of the form. That shift shaped a sound built around space and atmosphere rather than layered production.

All music under the Wayward Sparrow name is self-recorded and self-produced, reflecting a deliberate choice to learn the craft and keep the process entirely hands-on.

Connect with Wayward Sparrow on Instagram

Stream music on Soundcloud and YouTube Music

04.08.26

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH IAN WARD

There’s something easy and relaxing about the way Ian Ward’s “You and Me” exists. It’s just about two people choosing each other and letting everything else fall away.

That same energy carries into the music video. Shot out in Malibu with almost no setup, it leans into the moment instead of trying to control it anything. And you can feel that ease in the production too with the lighting, the space and the sense that nothing is being forced.

We caught up with Ward to talk about the song, the decision to keep things simple and why sometimes the best way to tell a story is to stop trying so hard to tell one.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

“You and Me” is about two people choosing each other, even when there’s outside noise… opinions, doubt, or people not fully understanding the relationship. It’s about tuning all of that out and saying, “it’s still you and me.”

Visually, I wanted something that matched both the feeling of the track and some of the imagery in the lyrics. The song has this light, open, almost coastal energy to it, so it felt natural to place it somewhere that physically reflects that sense of freedom and connection.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

The inspiration really came from the feeling I get being by the ocean… freedom, playfulness, and love without pressure. There’s something about the beach that strips everything down to what matters.

We shot the entire video in Malibu, and the goal was to just exist in that environment… to let it feel easy, spontaneous, and alive. It’s less about a structured storyline and more about capturing that carefree, “nothing else matters but us” kind of energy.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The process was intentionally simple. It was just the two of us, an iPhone, and my guitar. No big production, no overthinking.

We timed it around sunset, and honestly, the light, the waves, and the environment did most of the work for us. We just leaned into the moment and let it unfold naturally, which I think helped the video feel real and unforced.

Listen to “You and Me” here:

Keep up with Ian Ward on his Website

03.20.26

by Jane Lambert

GAB SAFA Illuminates the Beautiful and the Bleak on “BEAUTY TEARS”

GAB SAFA has returned with BEAUTY TEARS, a debut single that confirms her as one of the most compelling emerging voices in contemporary pop. Out now, the track is intimate and expansive – a meditation on love, grief and the stubborn persistence of the human spirit.

Sonically, BEAUTY TEARS is anchored in forward thinking pop and high energy dance movement, but it refuses to stay in one lane. Producer duo Myya Lal and Keandra Lal craft a soundscape that balances luminous synth textures, pulsing rhythms and experimental flourishes with moments of quiet introspection. GAB’s vocals are vulnerable and assured, taking the listener from fragile confessional verses into widescreen almost transcendental refrains.

Listen in here:

What makes the track remarkable is its thematic ambition. BEAUTY TEARS explores the coexistence of beauty and suffering, of light within darkness and of resilience amid loss. GAB’s perspective as a third culture kid shapes the song’s narrative, giving it a richness and depth. Yet, despite its introspection, the track manages to resonate culturally as it taps into universal feelings of longing and hope.

The song’s emotional arc mirrors a kind of prayer: a reckoning with what we carry and a celebration of the ways we continue to choose love, even in difficult times. It’s a rare combination of danceable energy and contemplative depth, a reminder that pop music can be both cathartic and transcendent.

But BEAUTY TEARS is not just any single. It’s an invitation into GAB’s singular creative universe. When everything around us seems so uncertain and void of hope, she cements herself as an artist who is unafraid to explore the paradoxical, messy and beautiful elements of life and to turn that exploration into music that is cinematic and also deeply human in its themes.

About GAB SAFA

GABS channels raw emotion into bold, immersive art defined by storytelling, ethereal rhythms and a daring vision.

An amalgam artist at heart, she moves fluidly across genres and mediums as a singer, songwriter, actress and multihyphenate creative force, blending music, film, writing, creative direction and performance into her own singular artistic language. Identifying with the third culture kid experience, she often returns to the feeling of being from everywhere and nowhere, delving into themes of identity, where to call home, and all of the spaces in-between.

Her work reflects on love, grief, resilience and the emotional legacies we carry. Never one to exist inside a box, especially ones she didn’t build herself, GABS approaches every medium as an act of authorship, self-sovereignty and liberation, creating immersive worlds that invite audiences to experience the beauty in life’s complexity.

Connect with GAB SAFA on her Website

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music

03.20.26

by Jane Lambert

When Feelings Catch You Off Guard – A Is for Atom’s Brand New Single “Out of the Blue”

If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to songs that deal in nostalgia but don’t get stuck there, songs that understand the past is only really useful when it collides with the present, then A Is for Atom might already be on your radar. And if not, the new single Out of the Blue, which is the title track of the upcoming album, is as good a place as any to start.

We’ve all heard songs about that moment. The sudden shift, the emotional plot twist, the “how did I not see this before?” realization. But what makes “Out of the Blue” work is that it lingers in the build up, in the shared history and in the small, seemingly insignificant details.

Listen in here:

Trying to pin the sound down is a bit like trying to describe a memory you’re not quite sure you remember correctly. There are shades of indie rock, of course, but also a gentle electronic undercurrent subtle enough to shape the mood. Guitars shimmer rather than shout, rhythms move with a quiet insistence.

“Out of the Blue” isn’t really about a big moment of realization. It’s about that in between space when something has shifted, but you’re still figuring out what it means and what to do with it. The song looks back to childhood, to shared experiences and the kinds of bonds of friendship that only time builds, but it also acknowledges that life does not stand still long enough for you to examine these feelings deeply. Things change. People change. And sometimes, those changes arrive without any warning and ask you to catch up emotionally.

What does that all mean? It means “Out of the Blue” is one of those rare songs that could easily be about your life. It’s about recognition, not just of someone else but of yourself and how you have changed without noticing.

About A is For Atom

A Is for Atom is the creative project of songwriter, producer, and multi instrumentalist Mike Cykoski. His music is thoughtful indie rock mixed with subtle electronic textures and a strong sense of atmosphere.

With a background that includes a Master’s in Music Technology from New York University, as well as time spent at The Juilliard School, Harvest Works and Dubspot, Cykoski brings technical precision and creative instinct to his work. That balance is a defining part of the A Is for Atom sound – structured but exploratory and polished.

Over the years, he has performed internationally, with highlights including shows in Ireland, Mexico City and Toronto (NXNE and Canadian Music Week), alongside appearances in major U.S. music hubs such as New York City and Austin. Releases like Song for You and Last Man on the Moon have earned critical acclaim for their depth and detail, establishing A Is for Atom as a quietly distinctive voice in the indie music landscape.

03.03.26

by Jane Lambert

Siren Finds Grace in Grief on Premiere of the Music Video to “February’s Son”

On their latest single, “February’s Son,” Siren deliver one of the most sincere and emotionally grounded songs of their career to date. Rooted in personal loss and shaped by compassion, the song is a quiet testament to the power of music to honor memory and transform pain into connection.

Written by frontman Rob Phillips, “February’s Son” was inspired by the passing of his family member Reese Puckett, who died at age 20 due to fentanyl. Rather than framing the story through metaphor or distance, Phillips approaches the subject with real openness and humility.

Complementing the song is a lyric video directd by Wayne Joiner, who brings a symbolic and understated visual language to the project. Centered on the image of an old chest releasing photographs and memories, the video mirrors the song’s reflective tone. And rather than illustrating the lyrics directly, it creates an atmosphere of quiet reverence, inviting viewers to engage on a personal level.

From the opening bars, “February’s Son” establishes its emotional tone with soft guitar lines and understated rhythms creating a warm, open space where the song can unfold naturally. There is no rush toward dramatic peaks or sweeping climaxes. Instead, Siren allows the music to move at the pace of memory itself.

Phillip’s vocals are central to the impact of the song. His voice balances sorrow with tenderness. Ths subtlety gives the song its authenticity. It feels honest because it doesn’t try too hard to be profound – it just is. The recording, completed at Madison Studios and engineered by Wyatt Oates, reflects this same philosophy. The production preserves the natural textures of the performance.

What makes “February’s Son” especially compelling is its emotional balance. While the theme of the song is grief and loss, the song never becomes overwhelmed by it. Instead, it focuses on love, legacy, and on the bonds that endure beyond loss. It acknowledges pain without being defined by it, offering listeners a sense of comfort rather than despair.

With the release of this new music video, Siren remind us that some of the most powerful songs are sometimes the quietest ones. The songs that speak softly, listen closely and stay with us for a long time when words fall short.

About SIREN

With a history dating back to the 1980s, Siren is known for their fusion of melodic rock, progressive, and blues influences. Since their formation in the 80s, the band has built a dedicated fan base and earned critical acclaim for their innovative sound.

Led by Rob Phillips and drummer/engineer Mike Cupino, Siren have continued to evolve.

Siren recently released their latest album “Listen”, building on the success of their previous work. Phillips and Cupino embarked on a journey to explore a Middle American roots rock sound, crafting songs that capture the essence of everyday experiences, from youth’s innocence to adulthood’s complexities.

They recorded in Atlanta’s Madison Studios with engineer Wyatt Oates, and the result was the release of their single ‘Small Town’. The response to the “Small Town” video was immediate, with over 1 Million views on TikTok and critical acclaim from within the Industry.

Connect with Siren via:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube I Spotify I Soundcloud

02.26.26

by Jane Lambert

“Palomino”: Where Memory, Movement and Melody Converge

With a light footed blend of samba rhythms, bossa nova elegance and personal storytelling, Todd Mosby releases “Palomino,” a buoyant, memory soaked single that dances gracefully between nostalgia and forward motion. It’s joyful, reflective and quietly philosophical.

Taken from his forthcoming album American Heartland, “Palomino” captures the spirit of Mosby’s early years growing up on his family’s farm, where mornings were shaped by animals, open skies and unspoken lessons in patience and trust. Inspired by the horse he first learned to ride, the song becomes a metaphor for learning when to guide, when to follow, and when to simply listen.

Musically, all the familiar Mosby hallmarks are present and correct. There’s the gentle propulsion of a fast bustling samba groove, the galloping pulse of classic bossa nova, and those signature harmonic twists that refuse to settle for the obvious route. Influenced by the elegant tradition of Brazilian bossa nova, yet filtered through Mosby’s own sophisticated lens, the track feels both timeless and quietly adventurous.

Layered over this rhythmic shimmer are Mosby’s nimble electric guitar lines, weaving in and out of the arrangement like sunlight through trees, and the soaring vocals of Lola Kristine, which adds lift and an emotional clarity. Together, they have created an effortless sound, even though every note has been clearly placed with care and intention.

But “Palomino” is more than just an exercise in musical elegance. As with much of Mosby’s work, the real magic lies in how the sound serves the story. Close your eyes, and the imagery unfolds naturally; dust rising from hooves, early morning light across open land, a quiet dialogue between rider and horse. It’s music that describes a scene and then asks you to step inside it.

And in that sense, the song becomes a perfect introduction to the wider world of American Heartland. While the album as a whole explores landscapes, history and regional identity, “Palomino” focuses on something smaller and more intimate – a single relationship, a single moment, a single lesson that echoes through a lifetime.

There’s also a subtle philosophy at work here. The track reflects Mosby’s belief in grace through awareness, in learning through observation rather than domination.

In transforming a childhood experience into a richly layered musical narrative, Todd Mosby once again shows why he remains such a compelling voice in contemporary instrumental music. “Palomino” simply rides alongside you for a while, painting a scene you can step into.

About Todd Mosby

Todd Mosby is an award winning composer, guitarist and musical innovator based in St. Louis, Missouri. His music brings together elements of jazz, folk, New Age, blues, rock, bossa nova, and North Indian classical music to create richly textured landscapes.

A multiple Global Music and Zone Music Reporter Award winner, Mosby has spent more than a decade developing immersive, place inspired conceptual albums that translate memory, landscape and culture into music. His acclaimed discography includes the “elements” trilogy, beginning with Eagle Mountain (2016), and Land of Enchantment (2023), both celebrated for their emotional depth and visual storytelling.

Mosby studied at the Berklee College of Music and Webster University and spent thirteen years studying classical North Indian music with Ustad Imrat Khan, becoming the only guitarist inducted into the prestigious Imdadkhani Gharana. He also played a key role in designing the Imrat guitar, an 18 string hybrid instrument that bridges Eastern and Western musical traditions. Throughout his career, Mosby has collaborated with many of the world’s most respected studio musicians and released seven albums to date.

Find out more about Todd Mosby on his Website

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music