Laura Reznek has never liked to talk about herself. If you listen closely to her music, however, you’ll hear murmurs of naked disclosure — fragments of grief, anger, and complicated joy riddled through her melodies. In her new micro EP Leap Year (Birthday Cake Records), Laura wrestles with time during which everything and nothing happens, and the betrayal of boredom in the midst of life-changing loss. Laura layers meticulous arrangements with found sounds, crafting plush sonic textures that occasionally bristle with something darker.

Released as an experimental standalone between two major projects, Laura’s “Time In The World” has the character of an interlude. Starting life as a self-soothing lullaby in times of anxiety, that original melody developed into an apocalyptic soundscape with elements of trip hop, industrial rock, and electronica. The song speaks to the anxieties of a generation too: it’s released alongside Pippa Johnstone’s acclaimed six part audio series, Expectant, (listed as one of the best new podcasts of the year by CBC, Apple Podcasts (Canada), and Amazon Music (Canada) which deals with the climate crisis and intergenerational trauma.

Laura explains, “There aren’t very many lyrics in this song, but I wanted to have some sense of comfort in what is otherwise a bleak song, by imagining my own mother telling me to relax so [the lyric] ‘I’ve been soothing myself the way that she used to, so now and again I find myself saying ‘all the time in the world’ helped me kind of tie it together.”

Released on the heels of the Lovable EP (Nov. 2023), ROKI’s new single “Foolish Heart” showcases a darker and broodier side of her pop sensibilities, delving into the intricate conflict between emotions and logic. With “Foolish Heart,” ROKI demonstrates her versatility as an artist, unafraid to explore the complex nuances of human experience through her music.

ROKI’s ability to infuse her music with both depth and energy further solidified her reputation as an artist with a unique perspective and an undeniable talent for storytelling. As she carves her niche in the alternative pop landscape, ROKI stands poised at the forefront of a new wave of artists redefining the boundaries of contemporary music, one captivating melody at a time.

Mike Evin has been wearing his heart on his sleeve for over 15 years, writing immediate and disarming piano pop songs with adventurous melodies that live inside you. The new jazz-tinged breakup ballad, “I Almost Called You Babe,” his first new release in four years, may be his most emotionally raw song yet.

The intense track was written freshly after a big breakup, a couple of weeks before Evin was scheduled to go into the studio to record a new batch of songs. Almost pulling the plug on the recording sessions, Evin set aside some time to write and process his feelings. “I Almost Called You Babe” is a snapshot of those murky days after a breakup. Though never intended to be heard by anyone else, Evin and producer Chris Stringer (Rose Cousins, Timber Timbre) realized the song’s potency and captured it during an agonizing couple of hours in the studio.

1. Tell us the story of this song
   
   I wrote this song shortly after the end of a relationship, never actually intending for anybody else to hear it. It was just for me to process what I was feeling – a lot of mixed stuff regarding holding on and moving on from the relationship. Once we recorded it, I realized that it had a certain potency, and that I want people to hear it. So it was a natural choice to want to make a video for it.
   
2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
   
   I’m a big fan of simple, yet powerful, video concepts. I worked with Merging Forest Films on this video, and we gravitated toward an intimate performance video – because the song is just so intimate. But we also wanted to subvert the idea of the traditional performance style video. So that’s how the idea of me getting up and walking away from the piano toward the end came about. For me, it has resonance because it could symbolize me trying to move on from the relationship, but still being confused and drawn to it. After the fact, I realized that the piano in this video could also symbolize the relationship. I have so much love for the piano too!
   
3. What was the process of making this video?
   
   Making this video was an exercise in paying attention to details. The team was very focused on the look of it – the lighting, the composition, the wardrobe. And I was very focused on the performance aspect, and the arc of it. We knew that we wanted to get it all in one shot, so we had to rehearse the flow of it a lot – and we had to make sure it looked good at all times, because the goal was not to have to do any edits. We ended up doing over 30 takes! And the take we used was one of the last ones. For me, I was just trying to stay connected to the song and the lyrics, because it had to be authentic and emotional. 

In a melodic reverie reminiscent of a bygone era, the latest offering from Adrianne Blanks & The Oracles, “The Zodiac,” conjures the ambiance of a clandestine 1950s jazz haunt straight out of the silver screen. Crafted in collaboration between lead singer Adrianne and keyboardist Matt Blanks, this enchanting composition transports its audience to the enigmatic confines of “The Zodiac,” an underground nexus of beatnik culture immortalized in the timeless film “Bell, Book, and Candle.”

Adrianne’s entrancing vocals, intertwined with Matt’s evocative keys, Dillon Young’s expressive guitar, and Elias Grimsley’s rhythmic precision on drums, coalesce into a mesmerizing fusion of swing, pop, and jazz infused with hints of psychedelic rock and soul. This distinctive blend, aptly dubbed “Spellbinding Jazz & Rock,” serves as a testament to the band’s penchant for genre-bending creativity.

Reflecting on the genesis of the track, Adrianne shares her inspiration drawn from the allure of “Bell, Book, and Candle” and the evocative imagery of “The Zodiac.” Collaborating with Matt, she envisioned a sonic narrative that seamlessly transitions from Latin-infused storytelling to the exhilarating crescendo of surf rock—a sonic journey that mirrors the revelry of its cinematic counterpart.

Hailing from Asheville, NC, Adrianne Blanks & The Oracles have carved a niche for themselves with their enthralling performances, weaving tales of witchcraft, maritime mythology, and urban intrigue. Drawing from influences as diverse as Jacques Demy’s visual aesthetics and the musical legacies of The Zombies and Serge Gainsbourg, their sound marries lush orchestration with the raw energy of vintage surf rock, captivating audiences across festivals and speakeasies alike.

Building upon the success of her debut single, “Words Are Spells,” Adrianne’s latest release, “The Zodiac,” reaffirms her prowess as a vocalist and storyteller. With accolades such as the Best Costumes & Wardrobe award at the 2023 Music Video Asheville and recognition from esteemed publications like Enchanted Living and The Wild Hunt, Adrianne continues to enchant listeners with her enchanting blend of musical mystique and theatrical flair.

Renowned Brazilian singer/songwriter and iTunes chart-topper Gabby B has just released two exciting new songs – “Si No Sabias” and “Lickorish.” The artist has garnered international recognition, performed sold-out shows, and shared the stage with artists including Flo Rida, Ja Rule, Justina Valentine, Shaggy, Jax, and others.

 The Miami-based Gabby B’s two newest music videos and tracks continue her mission of empowering women, while having fun and exuding confidence that exemplifies her influence within relationships.

The Reggaeton-infused anthem “Si No Sabias” is about empowerment, independence, and moving on from past relationships. Sung in Spanish, Gabby B remarks, “Being a Brazilian Latina, there’s a lot about the rhythm in Reggaeton that’s similar to what I grew up listening to.” “Si No Sabias” is produced by Carlos Vidal Meijias (@CameBeats) and directed by Sebastian Andrade (@sebasfilms) of ORANGE. This Reggaeton was released on February 2, 2024, to fans worldwide via Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, iTunes, and various other streaming platforms. 

With “Lickorish,” Gabby takes inspiration from Brazilian Funk, delivering a high-energy track about rebellion, breaking free, and embracing one’s independence. Sung in Portuguese and English, the lyrics convey a playful and confident vibe, celebrating sensuality and living in the moment. The collaboration is written by Gabby B and Joseph Lopez (@MrHitRecord), with music produced by Lopez and a video also directed by Sebastian Andrade (@sebasfilms) of ORANGE. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this new music video is out today February 16, 2024, to fans worldwide via Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, iTunes, and various other streaming platforms.

 “Brazilian Funk is a fun experience,” says Gabby B. “The lyrics are more playful, and sensual, and have repetitiveness. The chu-cha sound and repetitive ad-libs are my favorite part of every funk song.”

 In addition to her recording career, the multi-talented, multi-lingual Gabby B, based in South Florida, co-owns the independent label, Muy Bueno. She is also responsible for creating her choreography and she designs and makes all her performance costumes.

In 2023, Gabby released her single, “Leche,” produced by Emmy winner Joseph Lopez (@MrHitRecord) featuring Latin pop singer Vikina, a Mr. 305 Inc. (Pitbull) recording artist. Global Filmz (@ThinkGlobalFilmz) produced the video which has over half a million views across platforms. The Latin crossover has also garnered airplay support from Pitbull’s Globalization on Sirius XM from DJ Laz and DJXray, as well as WBTT 105.5 The Beat.

Marzzhia Janine (MJ) Ancheta, mononymously known as MARZIA, is a Filipino-Canadian R&B singer born and raised in General Santos, Philippines. She has gained recognition around the world for her live performances and vocal range. MARZIA carries a strong influence from R&B, Soul and Pop music, citing Ariana Grande, H.E.R. and Giveon as inspirations.

Now releasing her debut single “SHE IS HER,” the artist shares: “I wanted to emphasize how taking a hold of the right person is so important that instead of looking for the right person, be the right person. On the other hand, it’s also about a guy forgetting a girl’s value and it’s to remind him of how much she really means to him. It’s a realization on either partner’s side that you never realize what you have until it’s gone.”