The title track of Tristan Armstrong’s forthcoming album (available early 2025 on Littleknown Records), “The Lonely Avenue,” is a cathartic release of rock-and-roll energy inspired by the dualities of urban life and a longing for home. Written during his early days in Toronto after moving from Vancouver Island, the song melds raucous rhythms with an undercurrent of melancholy, creating a dynamic sound that captures the bittersweet transition of leaving behind the familiar to chase a dream.
Rooted in rock, indie, and roots traditions, “The Lonely Avenue” showcases Armstrong’s signature guitar-driven aesthetic, blending a Queens of the Stone Age-inspired groove with vintage rock-and-roll swagger. Produced in part at Lincoln County Social Club with John Dinsmore and recorded in Armstrong’s Toronto basement studio, the track features lush mellotron strings and chugging guitars that evoke both grit and nostalgia.
I wanted this track to be a good time – a release of rock-and-roll abandon that’s cathartic for me and fun for listeners. “The Lonely Avenue” captures the energy of urban life and the yearning for something deeper. – Tristan Armstrong
Nicki Richards’s latest single, “You Become More Beautiful” is a transcendent ode to love, gratitude and the quiet moments that leave a lasting impression on the heart.
Released just before the holiday season at the end of last year, the track is a really lush R&B ballad that wraps listeners in a warm embrace.
The origin of the song is as poignant as the track itself. While driving through the sunny streets of Florida with her mother, Nicki found herself enveloped in a moment of pure contentment and connection.
Inspired by the soft glow of sunlight and the blessings of life, the phrase “You Become More Beautiful Each Day” came to her, drawn from the spirit of Joe Sample’s Carmel album. That single lyric became the heart of a song that celebrates the profound beauty of relationships that continues to grow richer over time.
Musically, the single blends elements of classic R&B, jazz, and subtle Latin influences to create a sound that is both expansive and deeply grounded.
The rhythm section is driven by jazz-fusion legend Lenny White on drums and the iconic Marcus Miller on bass whose grooves provide a flawless foundation. Cyrus Chestnut’s piano work adds elegance, while percussionist Bashiri Johnson brings a gentle vibrancy to the arrangement. Acoustic guitarist Marcus Machado injects a soothing groove, layering the track with definite texture and heart.
Backing vocals from Catherine Russell, Carolyn Leonhart, and Everett Bradley create a choral warmth that complements Nicki’s voice, as she glides effortlessly between tenderness and power.
Her vocal delivery is nothing short of mesmerizing, balancing technical precision with true vulnerability. Every note feels deliberate, every lyric like a gift carefully unwrapped for the listener.
While “You Become More Beautiful” is infused with the festive spirit of the holiday season, its themes transcend the moment. It’s a song about cherishing the people who matter most, about finding beauty in life’s fleeting yet profound moments. This emotional resonance is what makes the song feel so deeply personal while still managing to speak to listeners on a broader scale.
About Nicki Richards
Nicki Richards’s has a talent for creating meaningful music, something that has ensured longevity in her music career.
From her early breakout on Star Search to her collaborations with legends like Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, Nicki has consistently proven herself to be a creative force. Yet what really makes her music endure is the way she imbues it with her own experiences and insights, creating songs that are unique while also relatable.
“You Become More Beautiful” from Nicki Richards is a gift that will keep giving, long after the holiday season has passed.
Meggi Faye’s latest single, “Moon & Back,” is a moving ode to unconditional love. Inspired by her bond with her daughter, Faye crafts an emotional journey through the stages of a child’s life – from infancy to adulthood. With her signature alternative folk sound, Faye’s heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies deliver a universal message of devotion and vulnerability.
Known for her captivating voice and raw storytelling, Faye blends nostalgic and contemporary tones reminiscent of influences like Kathleen Edwards and Jenn Grant. Her ability to write from a place of honesty shines in “Moon & Back,” creating a deeply resonant listening experience.
“Moon & Back” highlights the universal struggles and joys of parenthood. Anchored by a stunning violin arrangement and ambient lead guitar, the song’s delicate instrumentation mirrors its poignant lyrics.
This song didn’t stand out to me at first, but after sharing it with my friend Justin Latam, his encouragement convinced me to refine and perform it. I started including it in my shows, and the response was overwhelming. Seeing how much it resonates with others has been truly rewarding.
Robert Thomas and the sessionmen invite listeners to embrace the simple joys of the season with their new single, “Little Things.” Drawing on folk, Americana roots, and the timeless warmth of Christmas music, the song is a heartfelt reflection on the small, meaningful moments that make the holidays truly special. Whether it’s the crunch of fresh snow underfoot, the joy of watching children by the Christmas tree, or the gratitude for a loved one, “Little Things” captures the magic of the season with a nostalgic and intimate touch.
Known for his storytelling prowess and evocative songwriting, Robert Thomas’s voice shines as he delivers this uplifting track. Joined by his talented acoustic duo, the sessionmen – Ray Legere and Jon Arsenault – the song melds East Coast traditional folk with the warmth of Appalachian-inspired arrangements.
With “Little Things,” I wanted to express the simple joy of Christmas. The song is about capturing the feeling of being joyful and carefree because of the small things we often overlook – and it’s also a way to express my gratitude to my partner for bringing me so much of that joy, especially at Christmas. – Robert Thomas
Scarborough’s rising talent ZYHIER steps into the spotlight with his sultry new single, “FEVR DRM.” The track, an intoxicating blend of R&B, hip hop, and pop, showcases ZYHIER’s knack for weaving personal experiences into genre-bending melodies.
Born from the spontaneity of a perfect studio session, “FEVR DRM” channels an unforgettable dream that inspired ZYHIER to freestyle the entire song. With sexy, romantic, and chill vibes, the single highlights his ability to craft emotionally resonant music while pushing the boundaries of contemporary R&B.
The vibe was perfect – everything that could’ve gone right, did. I ended up freestyling the entire song, and it blew everyone’s mind. – ZYHIER
Brooklyn-based duo The Dream Eaters deliver a playful yet deeply introspective musical journey with their latest EP, Deathbed Visions, produced and recorded themselves. Since 2015, Elizabeth LeBaron and Jake Zavracky have blended indie pop, dream pop, and new wave sounds into a unique musical identity, and their latest release captures their evolution toward raw honesty.
Inspired by fever dreams Jake experienced during a bout with COVID-19, Deathbed Visions weaves together themes of longing, escape, and personal reckoning. The thread starts with the title track, then continues through songs like “Invite Me Over” and “Tiny Grass is Dreaming,” exploring a longing to escape suburbia and achieve something greater.”
The focus track, “SPANK BANK,” is a cheeky, upbeat ode to sexual fantasy, highlighting the pair’s knack for humor and authenticity. With hundreds of thousands of social media views, the track resonated with fans long before its release.
We wanted to write a positive song about sexual fantasies. It’s all just fun; we’re all human, and we all have urges. It’s playful and lighthearted. – The Dream Eaters
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