Kelle grew up surrounded by music. Coming from a family of musicians, she found herself naturally drawn to music at a young age through stories of her Father’s band in Australia and hearing the constant hum of his guitar through her early years. As a product of the late 90’s/early 2000’s, Kelle takes inspiration from all that is pop culture.

Her song “Tampa” is emblematic of how Kelle processes pain. During a time in her life where I was experiencing a lot of different emotions, she frequently found herself in the place where anger and shame coincided, which, in turn, only fueled her anger further. 

There is something to be said about the way women are viewed when they are justifiably angry, and the pressure to continue along the high road, in fear of being painted as crazy, bitter, or scorned. In “Tampa,” Kelle chooses to embrace the scorned woman trope, and provide her with support and empathy instead of shame. Through a narrative lens, we can dramatize these heavy feelings and find joy, humour, and celebration in their place. 

The “Tampa” music video is a fun, glamorous expression of femininity, rage, and is inspired by campy 80’s slasher movies, early 2000’s hot pink, and the fascination of the idea of women as murderers. The cast features Kelle, Lara Hamburg, Sara Hinding, Elisa Verrilli, Bennett Aitchison, and Madi Langon. 

Watch the crazy fun music video directed by Elisa Verrilli here:

Mike Dubue has released music under the name HILOTRONS since 2001, in addition to producing and recording for other artists including The Sadies, Ian Tamblyn, and Timber Timbre – which he also plays keyboards and tours with. 

Inspired by film scores of the 1960’s and 1970’s, “Lonely Cinema (Omission of Sin)” is a 19 minute fantasia composed of four movements with the third movement as a separate song cycle in two parts. 

This piece of music is the fourth addition in a series, following Lonely Cinema I & II and the EP Suicide Kingdom, that HILOTRONS released in 2020 and 2021. Twangy surf guitars and an orchestra of synthesizers weave together ever-changing complex arrangements and soundscapes built on funk and rock rhythms that serve up ethereal melodies and sudden bursts of noise. 

Composed, arranged, produced, performed, recorded and mixed at his studio (Studio Cimetière) in a 167 year old church in Quyon, QC, Canada, Michael Dubue creates a soundtrack that takes the listener on an anxious and unpredictable ride, only to arrive in the rain where gloomy characters emerge and an operetta begins. 

“Lonely Cinema (Omission of Sin)” features crooner, musician, songwriter, producer and actor Geoffrey Pye (Yellow Jacket Avenger), who also wrote the lyrics and vocals in the song cycle, as well as musicians Mike Feuerstack (Bell Orchestre) on pedal steel and Olivier Fairfield (FET.NAT, Last Ex) on drums.

The Americans are an acclaimed Indie-Folk-Americana band who hail from Los Angeles. This coming Friday July 21the group is set to release their new EP, Strays, with their second single out today for  “Kingdom.”

The band’s distinctive, powerful works have captured the attention of a number of stars. They’ve backed Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams, Ashley Monroe, and Devendra Banhart, and twice joined Ryan Bingham on national tours. They worked closely with Jack White and T Bone Burnett, joining Nas, Elton John, and Alabama Shakes in thePBS primetime series American Epic. Additionally, they appeared on The Late Show (CBS), and their music was featured in the films Texas Killing Fields, A Country Called Home, Little Glory, and the TV series, No Tomorrow.

Listen to “Kingdom” here:

Connect with The Americans:

WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

The upcoming EP Strays is an impressive demonstration of the band’s ability to reinvent rock & roll through the prism of early folk and blues. Patrick Ferris (vocals/guitar), Zac Sokolow (guitar), and Jake Faulkner (bass) deliver an album that lands somewhere between Bruce Springsteen and Nathaniel Rateliff.

The Americans’ last two releases, Stand True (2022) and I’ll Be Yours (2017), helped catapult the band into the spotlight. Revered producer T Bone Burnett called them “genius twenty-first century musicians that are reinventing American heritage music for this century. And it sounds even better this century.” Acclaimed music journalist Greil Marcus (Pitchfork) writes, “From the first rolling guitar notes, carrying sadness and defiance like dust, this sweeps me up: I want to know everything about where that feeling came from, and where it’s going.”

Patrick’s resonant vocals shine again on the hard-hitting second single “Kingdom.” Layered with ripping guitar riffs from Zac and exquisite bass grooves from Jake, the song examines the power of one-way desire. Patrick snarls, “You hold the key to the kingdom / Wrapped ’round your wrist like a weapon.”

“We write our songs inside-out,” says Patrick. “We grab hold of something minuscule and primitive—a simple turn of phrase or an unusual beat—and try to build a song around it. It’s inefficient, but when it works, it works.”

Strays is an EP that’s full of catchy hooks, soulful vocals, and innovative arrangements. The Americans have once again proved themselves to be one of the most exciting and talented bands in the roots music scene.

The Lost Messiahs have been steadily establishing their reputation in the music industry, and their most recent offering, “Radiance of Moon,” serves as evidence of their ongoing evolution as a collective. This captivating and evocative composition, accompanied by an enthralling music video, possesses a haunting beauty that resonates deeply, drawing the listener into a realm of self-reflection and intense feelings. The track begins with a gentle guitar, its delicate notes beckoning you into its embrace. Its slow, contemplative melody immediately seizes your attention, drawing you deep into its world. Frontman James O’Connor’s vocals enter the mix, commanding the spotlight with their power and emotion. His delivery of the lyrics exudes raw honesty and vulnerability, forging a connection that is both captivating and relatable. The accompanying vocals of bandmate Martha Cummins swirl around like a gust of strong wind, as prominent handclaps find their way into the release.

Ollie Plunkett of The Lost Messiahs shared some insight on the release: “Radiance of Moon” was like a little drop of magic dropped  onto my guitar. From the moment I  started playing the guitar riff I got the vibe immediately and the lyrics and the sentiment just flowed like a natural spring. The song is a love song and is written from the perspective of gratitude for finding one’s soulmate in life. I could visualize myself in a beautiful garden with the most beautiful person in my life  in front of me. and the moon’s rays outlining her beauty. For the video I wanted to capture in some way that scene but didn’t want to represent it too literally. So the video is a bit more abstract but I think it still captures the feeling . The transitions between each frame  is deliberately slow to allow the lyrical content to gradually reveal itself.”

As the song unfolds, the instrumentation gradually intensifies. Drums, bass, and layered guitar work seamlessly join in, infusing the track with a growing urgency and tension. The accompanying video intrigues with stunning visually imagery with the lone, captivating character, making their way throughout the world. The intricate video seamlessly aligns with the song, as if it was tailor-made for it. Its imagery evokes a nostalgic ambiance, while incorporating visual metaphors and symbolic elements that enrich the overall experience, adding layers of depth. The chorus rises with exceptional strength, its unforgettable hook etching itself in your mind long after the song fades. The interplay of haunting vocals and intricate guitar work weaves an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere, evoking a sense of mysticism and wonder that truly captivates the senses.

Connect with The Lost Messiahs:  Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube | Website

LA based band The Americans take over McCabe’s Guitar Shop this Sunday, July 16, to play a very special release show for their EP, Strays (out July 21). At the show attendees will be able to purchase an advance copy of the vinyl that evening.

The night also features special guest, singer-songwriter Gill Landry as the opener.

The band’s distinctive, powerful works have captured the attention of a number of stars. They’ve backed Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams, Ashley Monroe, and Devendra Banhart, and joined Ryan Bingham on four national tours. They worked closely with Jack White and T Bone Burnett, joining Nas, Elton John, and Alabama Shakes in the PBS/BBC primetime series American Epic. They have appeared on The Late Show (CBS), and their music was featured in the films Texas Killing Fields, A Country Called Home, Little Glory, and the TV series No Tomorrow.

$20 / TICKETS

Find The Americans via:

WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

As a singer-songwriter,  Michel combines the lyrical sensibilities of Leonard Cohen, the musical styling of Jason Isbell, and the vocal versatility of Billy Joel. His songs are musical journeys that dig deep into the human experience, with ear worm worthy melodies and quirky, intelligent lyrics.

As a professional motivational speaker, Michel also peppers his live shows with stories and conversation that keep the audience engaged beyond the music. 

Michel’s debut LP Kiss The Rock comes from an at first contradictory kayaking method.  When you are in white water and approaching a jutting rock your instinct is to paddle away from the impediment, in reality the safest method is to lean into contact with the rock and let the current push you to its side.  The metaphor of kissing the rock to life is all about embracing our challenges.

The collection of songs is a dynamic blend of Americana and singer-songwriter, where Michel’s unique artistic voice and inspirations meld.  Focus single “The Road” is a reflective and vulnerable track, whilst being driving in tone and cathartic in meaning.  An allegory to our personal journey as we travel through existence often in an uncertain space. 

“we are all ‘driving through the night with one headlight, but it’s better than driving blind’.”