With over 45,000 YouTube subscribers, and more than 32,000 monthly Spotify streams, singer-songwriter Shane Hellman has a wide reaching and fast growing International audience.
His latest release, “Psalm 51 (Forgive me)” forms part of The Psalms Project; an ambitious project to set all 150 Psalms to music.
Each album release from The Psalms Project shows Heilman’s adeptness at bringing together contemporary melodies with ageless Psalms, captivating audiences worldwide.
Collaborations with renowned musicians and producers coupled with a firm commitment to keeping the essence of the ancient texts within a modern composition, have really solidified this project’s standing in worship music.
“Psalm 51 (Forgive Me)” draws inspiration from King David’s plea of forgiveness. Through introspective lyrics and emotive melodies, this song offers a poignant respite and exploration of human frailty and redemption. And it tackles a difficult and deep topic.
Shane shares:
“As you probably know, it was written by David after committing adultery with Bathsheba and trying to cover it up by having her husband killed in battle.
I was hesitant to even try to write a song that captured all of Psalm 51 with music.
Charles Spurgeon, the famous preacher, even put off writing a commentary on Psalm 51 for weeks because he felt no words could to it justice!
He said, “Such a psalm may be wept over, absorbed into the soul…but commented on – ah! where is he who having attempted it can do other than blush at his defeat?”
Yet, I’m happy to report, I did write, compose, and record a song (with some friends of mine) for all of Psalm 51!
I think it’s one of the best songs we’ve ever done.”
This soothing and beautiful rendition of Psalms 51 set to music is not only inspiring, but really demonstrates the transformative potential of music and faith. The very talented singer, Trot Lifto, provides exquisite vocals, with haunting piano chords and soaring strings.
This song captures a sensitive treatment of what is a complex Psalm and subject matter, with simple melodies and accompaniment to create a very beautiful Psalm rendition.
As the Psalms Projects drums up increasing popularity, Shane’s continues to have a steadfast commitment to translating all 150 Psalms to music, bringing universal themes of hope, forgiveness, and Divine love to the fore.
The Psalms Project is led by singer/songwriter/producer Shane Heilman, and includes the collaboration of more than 70 accomplished musicians, including Grammy nominees Phil Keaggy and Jeff Duo to name just a few.
Singer-songwriter Heidi Vincent is making a poignant return to music, armed with newfound clarity about her identity and direction.
After dedicating several years to raising her remarkable daughter, exploring healthy love, and undergoing a phoenix-like self-evolution following a later in life ADHD diagnosis, Heidi steps back into the music scene with a series of singles. The opening track, “Dear ADHD,” reflects her vulnerability and uplifts as she embraces a newfound power.
Heidi is based in Vancouver, BC, and embodies a unique storytelling talent that delves into the depth of emotions, identity and transformative life moments. Her musical aesthetic seamlessly fuses earthiness with elegance, as she eloquently describes herself as “bare feet in the dirt, but can still hang with the judges.”
Blending elements of indie, pop, rock, folk, and country, Heidi’s songs feature personal, playful, and relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners.
In her pop-country anthem, “Dear ADHD,” Heidi fearlessly challenges and dismantles the stigma surrounding life with ADHD. She underscores the profound ability of art, music, and self-expression to unite hearts, describing the song as a genuine expression from her heart to the listener’s:
“The amazing thing about art, music, expression is that it connects our hearts; this song is from my heart to yours!”
Vincent’s life journey has been profoundly influenced by a complex upbringing, raised by “Greatest Generation” patriarchal grandparents and “Silent Generation” matriarchal grandparents. A strained relationship with her mother, who passed away suddenly at 42, adds layers of complexity to her narrative.
Reflecting on her mother’s challenges in understanding her ADHD, Heidi says, “I know my mother fiercely loved me, but I know she had challenges with parts of who I was because she didn’t understand my ADHD.”
Having previously released two full-length albums, Vincent’s active presence in the Canadian and North American music scene includes features on television, terrestrial and satellite radio, and placements in films and TV programs. Her latest single, “Dear ADHD,” has garnered critical acclaim, secured curated playlist spots, and earned airplay on satellite and international terrestrial radio.
Following “Dear ADHD,” Heidi will release two more singles, including the country ballad “What Love Can Do” and the playful “Criminal.”
Keep up to date with Heidi Vincent on her Website, and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.
Renowned as “San Francisco’s Favorite Crooner,” Russ Lorenson has emerged victorious over cancer, showing his dedication with the release of a never before heard live jazz-cabaret album, “Standard Time: Live In New York.”
Published under the independent label LML Music, Lorenson celebrated the album’s launch on December 4th at The Triad Theater in New York, presenting an exceptional line-up of singers including Billy Stritch, Mary Foster Conklin, Lennie Watts, Jennifer Roberts, and #1 Billboard Artist Spencer Day. All proceeds from the event were to support the American Songbook Association.
A devoted advocate of The Great American Songbook, Lorenson has charmed audiences across the United States and Europe with his rich tenor and warm charisma. With three critically acclaimed albums under his belt, including two Christmas albums still enjoying a heavy radio rotation nearly two decades later, Lorensen faced a life-altering diagnosis of HPV-positive tonsil cancer in 2021.
Overcoming this health challenge through early detection, he now finds himself in remission. While cancer may have taken his ability to sing, it hasn’t silenced his voice. With deep gratitude and a renewed purpose, Lorenson is channeling his creative energies into various projects, including reintroducing his back catalog, a children’s book inspired by his fan-favorite holiday track “Jingles, The Christmas Cat,” and notably, his first album in 8 years, “Standard Time: Live in New York.”
“Standard Time: Live in New York” offers a captivating glimpse into Lorenson’s live performances at the iconic Metropolitan Room in New York, recorded in 2008. The album demonstrates Lorenson’s vision that The Great American Songbook continues to evolve, featuring a “modern classics” program of songs.
Throughout his musical career, Lorenson masterfully interprets a range of compositions, from a haunting rendition of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” to heartfelt performances like “How I Will Say I Love You,” “Diamond In The Sky,” and the beautifully nostalgic “It’s Raining Memories.” Each track carries versatility and a deep connection to jazz’s profound history.
“Raise the Roof” stands out as a dynamic and energetic musical piece, crafted by composer Andrew Lippa. Infused with a lively, rhythmic melody and spirited jazzy undertones, the song radiates infectious enthusiasm.
“Standard Time: Live in New York” serves as a seamless bridge between the classics of the past and the potential classics of the future, influenced by contemporary greats like Michael Feinstein, Harry Connick Jr., Tony DeSare and John Pizzarelli.
Reflecting on the album, Lorenson remarks:
“Many have deemed that The Great American Songbook is going extinct. But in 2008, I saw it differently. I put together a show of “new standards,” demonstrating that songs with soul and depth were still being crafted. My show, “Standard Time,” was a tribute to love and relationships, shedding light on the fresh pages being added to The Great American Songbook of the New Millennium.”
Beyond the album, Lorenson has exciting plans, including a series of children’s books, starting with his Christmas book in 2024, and other special offerings. His career, and music, have been fuelled by his desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy, and these future endeavors show this lasting commitment.
Standard Time: Live in New York” is a reminder of the timeless appeal of classic song-writing and performances. Lorenson invites listeners to embark on this soulful musical expedition, rekindling their love for The Great American Songbook’s perennial charm, while embracing the promise of tunes that resonate with today’s audiences.
“While initially recorded with the intention of a 2009 release, this album of songs from the sorely missed Metropolitan Room nightclub had been shelved. But now, 15 years later, these rediscovered gems validate my belief: many have indeed evolved into the new generation’s standards.”
Standard Time: Live In New York was co-produced by René Wieland, Dutch music producer, engineer and radio host of The Great American Songbook Radio Station.
Listen to “Standard Time: Live in New York” on Spotify.
Since making his breakthrough club debut in 2005, Russ Lorenson has solidified his standing as one of the foremost interpreters of jazz standards in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether gracing the stage of a grand concert hall or engaging an audience in the more intimate setting of a cabaret, Lorenson’s singing prowess shines.
Drawing comparisons to the likes of Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé, and Chet Baker, his voice is both memorable and savored, earning him the title of “San Francisco’s Favorite Crooner.”
Lorenson’s musical finesses has not gone unnoticed. Downbeat magazine hailed him as “a showman of taste and discretion,” recognizing his sophisticated command of musical language. The Los Angeles Times commended his “supple voice and strong sense of characterization,” noting his ability to infuse each song with depth. The San Diego Union-Tribute praised his “relaxed, easy deliveries,” deeming them natural and heartfelt. In simpler terms, the Coronado Journal deemed him nothing short of “irresistible.”
George Collins takes listeners on a poignant and personal journey with his soul-stirring song, “My Wish For You.” Born out of a profound life moment, this heartfelt composition tells a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and emotion.
The origin of the song dates back to a hot August day in 2012 when Collins, a late-blooming father at 50, was walking home from the hospital after witnessing the birth of his daughter. Overwhelmed by the emotions of that transformative experience, Collins received what he describes as a “download.”
The chorus of “My Wish For You” arrived almost fully formed, compelling him to capture the moment in a notebook, tears streaming down his face.
A decade later, Collins revisits those heartfelt lines as he writes songs for the “Songs for Grown-ups” EP. Inspired by the scenario of a father cuddling his newborn daughter and expressing hopes for her life, the song takes shape as a timeless piece of musical storytelling.
The chorus, with its recurring “May you…” and the resonant hook, “That is my wish for you,” becomes the emotional anchor of the song. Drawing inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wisdom in “Letter to His Daughter,” Collins crafts a poetic list of wishes, distilling it down to the ten that find a home in the final lyrics:
“I pulled out my notebook and jotted down the lines – I still have that paper to this day (but then again, I never throw away anything – much to my wife’s annoyance!). I was sitting on a stone wall around the corner from the hospital, tears streaming down my face as I scribbled as fast as I could – attracting numerous stares from passers-by, but I didn’t care.”
Collins’s meticulous attention to emotional impact, rhythm, and singability results in a composition that tugs at the heartstrings. The connection between the lyrics and personal moments, such as Collins cuddling his newborn daughter and singing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” adds a layer of authenticity and relatability.
“My Wish For You” transcends a conventional song; it becomes a vessel for the universal hopes and dreams of a parent for their child. Collins’s journey from a finance career to becoming a full-time dad and embracing creative pursuits is mirrored in the song’s narrative, making it a tribute to the enduring power of life experiences and artistic inspiration.
As the lyrics unfold, listeners are invited into a world where wishes are crafted with care, where the profound and the mundane converge, and where a father’s love becomes an everlasting melody. “My Wish For You” is more than a song; it’s a heartfelt wish encapsulated in music, resonating with anyone who has felt the depth of a parent’s love and the boundless hope for a child’s future.
George Collins has crafted not just a piece of music but a timeless expression of love and aspiration that lingers in the soul.
Sound Strider’s latest single, “Psychedelic Ritual,” marks a captivating exploration into the realms of electronic music.
The artist, with a musical journey spanning decades and performances across Sydney, Australia, France, and Berlin, Germany, showcases a diverse and eclectic approach that breaks away from conventional norms.
In this new track, “Psychedelic Ritual,” listeners are treated to a mesmerizing fusion of acoustic and digital sounds. The composition includes pulsating rhythms, harmonies from a harpsichord, and spoken word delivered by British independent scholar and shaman, Julian Vayne. The result is a departure from traditional psychedelic music, embracing the avant-garde with a touch of what can be described as “spectral alchemy.”
Kevin from Indies & The Underground aptly describes the music as “deliriously trippy psychedelia,” acknowledging Sound Strider’s departure from the norm in electronic music. The track reflects a creative and imaginative approach to the genre, aiming to transport listeners to a space where reality blurs, and the imagination takes the reins.
“Psychedelic Ritual” effectively captures a sense of creative freedom, showcasing Sound Strider’s commitment to exploring the unknown throughout the track. With its outlandish and boundary-pushing nature, the music invites listeners on a journey where the established boundaries of psychedelic music are transcended.
Artwork for the single cover was designed by Avery Von Ringle, and the track was mastered by Anti-Logic, Berlin.
Ariel Arbisser’s latest single, “Bred for This,” marks a significant stride in her evolution as a mature and compelling force in the realm of dramatic electro-pop.
Drawing influences from musical artists such as Sara Bareilles, Adele, Alice Russell, and Laura Nyro, Arbisser skilfully weaves together hypnotic melodies and powerful vocals.
Her latest single, “Bred for This”, shows Arbisser’s musical prowess, featuring strong vocals and a mesmerizing melody. The song is very well crafted with memorable lyrics and a solid professionalism in performance. Arbisser’s vocal discovery adds richness to the rhythm track.
Her musical journey, originating from her middle America roots in Iowa to her current base in Ithaca, New York, reflects her unwavering commitment to her true calling in music. Her debut solo album, “Risk of Love,” released in the face of personal challenges, demonstrates her resilience.
Looking ahead, Arbisser’s upcoming album, “Ingenue Corrupt,” scheduled for January 2024, promises to be a revealing chapter in her evolving narrative. The album explores themes of love, lust, sub/dom relationships, and societal issues, and overcoming these challenges. Through therapy, journaling, and community support, she emerges as a fully embodied, sexy, and energized artist.
“Bred for This” serves as a beautifully crafted prelude to Ariel Arbisser’s transformative journey, leaving listeners eager to delve into the forthcoming album. As she continues to navigate the complexities of human emotion through her music, Arbisser establishes herself as an artist worthy of close attention.
“Bred for This” is out via all digital platforms now.
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