Category Archives: New Releases

08.04.23
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We’re Falling in Love with Deirdre Murphy’s “Sweet and Strong”

Deirdre Murphy

Deirdre Murphy’s “Sweet and Strong” is a neo-folk gem that captures the magic and exhilaration of falling in love. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and warm, summery vibes create a sense of expansiveness and wonder, akin to the feeling of the golden hour when everything appears vibrant and full of possibility.

The song’s simple yet satisfying groove lays the foundation for the delicate percussion and sweet harmonies that weave together seamlessly. The addition of the striking cello adds a layer of depth and emotion, elevating the song to a truly captivating experience. The instrumentation, expertly produced and engineered by Oli Ryan, strikes the perfect balance between folk-inspired elements and an alt/indie sensibility.

But the real standout centerpiece of the song is Deirdre Murphy’s vocals. Her voice is light and carries a warmth similar to that of Moriarty meets Ani DiFranco. Her poetic and wordplay-filled lyrics add to the song’s charm and authenticity, making it easy for listeners to connect with the emotions she conveys.

As a musician and interdisciplinary artist, Deirdre’s background in various performance genres shines through in her music. Her passion for dance and the body, combined with her skills as a guitarist and ukulele player, creates a unique and captivating musical experience.

“Sweet and Strong” is a demonstration of Deirdre Murphy’s artistic versatility and her ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. It’s a neo-folk masterpiece that showcases her talent as both a songwriter and performer.

With its enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, “Sweet and Strong” leaves a lasting impression and a smile on the faces of its listeners. Deirdre Murphy’s musical journey is one to watch, and her ability to capture the essence of love and life through her music is a true gift to the music world.

Connect with Deirdre Murphy via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify / Apple Music

06.23.23
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“Wig Glue”: Ray Levier’s Inspiring Ode to Resilience and Groove

Ray Levier, a seasoned drummer and highly sought-after sideman, unveils his most poignant and personal track to date with “Wig Glue.” This jazz funk fusion composition pays tribute to the legendary guitarist Mike Stern, renowned for his work with Miles Davis and other esteemed jazz and fusion acts. “Wig Glue” is a spirited and groove-filled piece that embodies resilience and determination, inspired by Stern’s remarkable journey of overcoming a devastating accident.

The backstory behind the song adds a layer of depth and inspiration. In 2016, Stern suffered a severe accident, breaking both of his humerus bones and causing nerve damage. This left him struggling to hold a guitar pick, threatening his ability to continue performing. In a stroke of fortuitous creativity, Stern discovered a solution in wig glue—a conversation with fellow musician Etienne Stadwijk led him to Ray Levier, who had been using wig glue on his drumsticks after his own accident.

Levier, a highly skilled drummer, generously shared his unconventional method with Stern, resulting in a remarkable breakthrough. By using wig glue, Stern regained his ability to hold the pick and continue playing. Grateful for the solution, Stern highlighted Levier in interviews and expressed deep appreciation for the fortuitous suggestion. Together, they formed a bond and playfully referred to themselves as members of the “wig glue club.”

“Wig Glue” serves as a dedication to the resilience of both Ray Levier and Mike Stern, embodying the idea that even if something is broken, it can be glued back together, allowing the journey to continue. The track itself captures the spirit of funk, infusing it with elements of jazz and fusion to create an infectious and dynamic sound. Levier’s rhythmic prowess takes center stage, driving the groove and delivering captivating musical moments.

Joined by Etienne Stadwijk, Mike Stern, and esteemed bassist Will Lee, known for his exceptional contributions on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ and collaborations with renowned figures like George Benson and The Brecker Brothers, Ray LeVier and friends embark on a melodic enchantment with “Wig Glue.” This harmonious convergence of musical talent amplifies the impact of the track, elevating it to new heights.

With its infectious rhythms, captivating melodies, and spirited performances, “Wig Glue” captures the essence of overcoming adversity and pushing forward in the face of challenges. It serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, and Ray Levier’s tribute to Mike Stern stands as a powerful symbol of the strong bonds and mutual support that exist within the music community.

Listen to “Wig Glue” and embrace its empowering message of resilience:

06.23.23
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Night Wilds Drops Debut Single “City of Strangers”

The debut single “City of Strangers” from Seattle’s Night Wilds drops today. It is the first release from a 17-track debut Rock-opera album All That Should Have Been, which much like Pink Floyd’s The Wall, along with modern inspiration from Tool, Radiohead, and even Rage Against The Machine, blurs the line between entertainment and enlightenment. 

When Night Wilds singer-songwriter Seth began writing “City of Strangers” 15 years ago, he couldn’t have known that the song would turn into the first single, but it serves as the perfect launching point for a collection of songs that reveal a deeply personal and sometimes painful story.

Regarding the creative process, it could be said that the song grew with him, as the first verse of “City of Strangers” came at a time when Seth had not yet begun the journey of recovery and sobriety. 

The somber ballad starts with: Well they shut and locked the door to my cell now/And they called lights out so long ago/And I don’t think I can take this darkness anymore/All my walls are falling down. And follows with: And down that corridor I hear/Men throw themselves against steel cages/Oh God, tell me this is not what we’re living for/Oh tell me there’s more. 

“The beginning of the song, which is really a sort of desperate story of this guy listening to people slam themselves against these steel cages and screaming, you know, ‘God, is this really what we’re living for? Like, this can’t be why we’re on this earth, just to slam our bodies into these cages.’ That’s the part that was written 15 years ago,” says Seth. 

The track bends from the darkness into the light, just as Seth’s path into sobriety, with this ending: And brother, you’re not broken you’re just tired of the cold/And you have built the prison, and you guard the door. 

“The whole end of the song was just finished a few months ago as it sort of came into focus in the whole arc of the album,” says Seth. “So with recovery, that’s where I began to realize the second half of the song.”

“City of Strangers” was tracked at Robert Lang Studios (Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Foo Fighters) and Electrokitty Studios (U2, Dave Matthews, Kendrick Lamar) with longtime Heart drummer Ben Smith and mastering and mixing engineer Tom Hall, and features a strings arrangement and performance by Yoed Nir. 

After taking in the song’s musicality and lyrics, the listener is left with a message of hope and a belief that things can always get better, but first, we must venture into the darkest caves to understand that we’ve had the key to access the light all along.

Listen to “City of Strangers” now on  Spotify and all streaming platforms

Check out the Night Wilds Website

Follow Night Wilds on Instagram


06.12.23
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Rock Band Kickstand Jenny Shares Debut Album with a Song Featuring Mark Slaughter

Kickstand Jenny is an alternative rock group based out of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. With inspiration coming from all genres of music, from Van Halen to Prince, they have been inspired from all the good stuff, forming their diverse original music.

The band is known for their hard work and humble spirits, and the success of their music has allowed them to tear up the stages with some of their idols, including Slaughter, Living Colour, Sebastian Bach, L.A. Guns and LIT.

The 4-man rock band just released their debut rock album, Between the Lies. The 10 song album explores  the death and rebirth of a soul. The songs are upbeat and heavily reminiscent of the likes of Slaughter, Van Halen, Aerosmith, and even Bon Jovi.

The project is inspired by the “death of live music” caused by the pandemic, and the desire to march on and rise up like a phoenix. The album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with famed producer Chas Sandford.

But the standout song on the album is the song “Solo,” which features Mark Slaughter himself. “Solo” was actually the first song from the album the band recorded. “We sent Mark some songs to check out, and he chose this one, as he said it reminded him of his early days when he was in the band, Vinnie Vincent Invasion,” shares Preston Morelock, Kickstand Jenny’s frontman. “Mark really put his stamp on the song, yet it remarkably sounds unique and different from his other works.. Interestingly, the song is about going solo and leaving a situation, which is what he did in 1989 when he left Vinnie Vincent and formed the band Slaughter.”

Connect with Kickstand Jenny via:
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify

05.12.23
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Lauren Waller Reveals Debut Pop Album ‘Talking to Myself’

Los Angeles pop singer-songwriter Lauren Waller has released a brand new album called Talking to Myself.

Talking To Myself delivers a bittersweet intoxicating cocktail of indie, synth, and pop capabilities, with fresh, forward-thinking sounds. Lauren nails it with playful invention, swagger, lyricism, introspection, and theatricality. From luminous dreamscape pop to catchy dance songs, Lauren’s emotionally generous storytelling and distinctive voice provide an antidote for the run-of-the-mill. Comparisons can be made with the likes of Lorde, Hayley and Kiyoko.

Her choruses are catchy and memorable in each song of this album, with the standout being Lauren’s hooks.

Stay current with Lauren Waller on her website, and social media channels Instagram , Facebook, Twitter and YouTube // TikTok. 

Stream her music on YouTube, / Spotify and Soundcloud

05.12.23
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Saint Luminus Reveals His Latest Guitar Masterpiece “Echoes of Light”

Prepare for a celestial journey with Saint Luminus’ latest instrumental masterpiece, “Echoes of Light.” This progressive and space rock guitar piece is a captivating sonic experience that combines triumphant melodies, pulsating synths, and innovative sound effects.

But it’s not just about the music – “Echoes of Light” carries a profound message, urging listeners to disconnect from the noise of TV and media and instead embrace the hidden wonders of the past, waiting to be discovered by simply looking up to the echoes of light.

According to Saint Luminus, “Echoes of Light” was crafted to take people on an unexpected journey. It goes beyond the confines of a traditional rock song, incorporating a rich tapestry of instrumentation to deliver something fresh, inspiring, and memorable. As a guitarist, Saint Luminus believes in pushing boundaries and offering listeners a unique experience that transcends genres. With this single, he not only explores the vastness of Electro Space Rock but also reminds us that the universe of music is waiting to be explored.

Amidst the darkness, division, and hatred prevalent in our world, Saint Luminus seeks to remind us of the wonders that lie hidden in plain sight. He encourages us to direct our attention to the “Echoes of Light” and discover the beauty and inspiration that can be found within. In a world inundated with noise, his music provides a respite, inviting us to embark on a meditative and transformative sonic journey.

Saint Luminus, known as William Rustrum in his earthly form, is an instrumental guitarist-composer who has mastered the art of the cosmic vacation. After honing his skills as a guitarist in the world of thrash metal, he faced a setback when his physical playing ability crumbled. Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of rediscovery and emerged with a renewed dexterity and an enlightened approach to his craft. Today, his sublime and melodic instrumental compositions blend the sounds of the universe with progressive rock, creating harmonious sonic landscapes that captivate the imagination.

Listeners will be enchanted by Saint Luminus’ ethereal atmospherics, skillful passages of lyrical shred, and evocative musical motifs that evoke a bluesy longing reminiscent of David Gilmour from Pink Floyd. His music transcends mere notes and melodies, inviting listeners to explore the boundless realms of the cosmos through sound.

“Echoes of Light” is a testament to Saint Luminus’ artistry and his ability to craft music that transports us beyond the mundane. It’s a sonic odyssey that challenges conventions and leaves a lasting impression on those who embark on the journey.

Connect with Saint Luminus via:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify