by Jane Lambert

Eric Selby – Crafting Timeless Sounds with a Modern Edge in Latest EP “Starting to Sync In”

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Eric Selby’s latest EP, “Starting to Sync In“ is a masterclass in blending rootsy Americana with psychedelic folk and a splash of rock and soul.

Recorded between Virginia and Nashville, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, this collection is full of music that is timeless and contemporary too.

Listen in here:

Opening with “Issues” Selby immediately sets the tone with a wry and self aware groove that channels ‘70s funk and white soul. The track’s playful yet introspective lyrics, born out of an offhand moment with his wife, capture the everyday struggles we all face but with a sense of humor that keeps things light. The chorus – instantly catchy and endlessly relatable – makes this an easy standout and opening track.

“Wine Stains” takes things in a more psychedelic direction. Drawing inspiration from the experimental textures of Revolver and Pet Sounds. With its swirling tablas, deep cello lines, and a dreamy vocal delivery the song feels like a lost relic from the golden age of studio experimentation.

The lyrics push back against over-intellectualizing life’s scars summed up perfectly in the chorus: “I don’t need a sommelier to tell me, it’s just wine stains.”

It’s a clever emotionally sound track that highlights Selby’s knack for balancing weighty themes with effortless melodies.

Then there’s “Because of You,” a heartfelt love song that leans into shimmering rock territory. A song about connection in an increasingly disconnected world, it offers the listener a real sense of warmth and hope. The lush instrumentation and earnest delivery make it one of the most poignant moments on the EP, a perfect closer that leaves listeners feeling uplifted.

Selby has always had a gift for crafting songs that feel lived – in yet utterly original. “Starting to Sync In” is an EP that shows not only his musicianship but the ability to create soundscapes that transcend genre.

He has already made a name for himself with award-winning albums, but with its sharp songwriting, rich production, and undeniable heart, this EP is a must-listen for anyone looking for music that moves both the feet and the soul.

About Eric Selby

Hailing from a small town in Maryland and now calling Virginia home, Eric Selby is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music defies easy categorization.

Blending elements of Americana, Psychedelic Folk, and roots-driven storytelling, his sound is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Nestled near the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, Eric draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding him, channeling it into songs rich with emotion, texture, and thought provoking lyrics.

His fourth solo release for Soul Stew Records, Starting To Sync In, shows his talent for blending genres. Recorded in Arlington, VA, with his band and in Nashville, TN, the EP features an all-star lineup, including Seth Rausch (drums – Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town), Luis Espaillat (bass – The Guess Who, Trace Adkins, Jim Messina), and Justin Ostrander (guitar – Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Steven Tyler). The final touch came from Andy Walter at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, whose mastering credits include The Beatles, David Bowie, and Radiohead, ensuring the EP’s sonic depth and cohesion.

Eric’s previous album, Dang Fool, landed in the Top 10 National Alternative Folk Albums of the Year (2024), according to Roots Music Report (RMR). His past releases, Do, Baby. and Where You Born At?, were also named among RMR’s Top Contemporary Folk Albums of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking artist with an ear for both classic and contemporary influences.

Eric is a Soul Stew Records recording artist and a proud endorser of SonoTone Premium Guitar & Bass Strings, Canopus Drums, Soultone Cymbals, and other leading musical brands.

Whether behind the drums, at the mic, or producing, his commitment to authenticity and innovation remains unwavering.

For music, tour dates, and more, visit www.ericselby.com

02.14.25

by Jane Lambert

Dan Lowe’s Latest Single “Creatures of the Radio” Is a Rock & Roll Time Capsule

Dan Lowe’s latest single “Creatures of the Radio” is the kind of song that takes you somewhere.

It’s a highway at dusk, headlights stretching out ahead and the radio dial tuned to something that just gets you. It’s a love letter to the days when music crackled through the airwaves and felt like it was speaking directly to you. Because back then, it was.

From the opening bars, there’s an undeniable pull. The guitars shimmer with that unmistakable classic rock warmth, the rhythm section pushes forward with a steady drive, and then there’s that saxophone —rich, full-bodied, a little Springsteen, a little Seger, but entirely its own thing.

Patrick Lamb’s solo tells a story, cutting through like a late-night signal from some distant station.

Dan Lowe’s voice carries the weight of the song. It’s soulful, and with just the right amount of grit. The lyrics capture the magic of growing up with the radio as a constant companion, a lifeline to something bigger. And when the chorus hits it’s anthemic in the best way, built for rolling down windows and belting it out under the stars.

This song is really a reminder of why rock and roll sticks to your bones. And the way it came together makes it even more special.

Lowe recorded “Creatures of the Radio” as part of an “Artist in Residence” program, bringing in students from a digital audio program to be part of the process. That kind of organic, hands-on approach bleeds into the sound; there’s a live energy that makes it feel like it was meant to be heard loud, in a room full of people who just get it.

The timing couldn’t be better for Lowe. He just advanced in Tennessee Songwriters Week after a standout performance at Motif on Music Row, landing himself a spot at the Franklin Theatre showcase on March 1st. If he makes it through, he will perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. A place where careers are made and stories are told.

“Creatures Of The Radio” is the first of a set of tracks planned to be released monthly during 2025 – capping it off with the release of the full album (also titled “Creatures Of The Radio”) to coincide with the final track release in December.

This is the follow-up to “No Running From The Storm (Songs Of Life, Love, And Loss)” – the previous release by Dan Lowe & The Skeletal Remains.

Lowe is certainly tapping in to the magic of music here, with much more to come.

Keep up to date with Dan Lowe and The Skeletal Remains here:

Website / Facebook / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music

01.23.25

by Jane Lambert

“Clear Blue Waters” Sets the Tone for Brooks J Martin’s Most Revealing Album Yet

There’s something quietly powerful about Brooks John Martin’s new single “Clear Blue Waters“. It doesn’t beg for attention or push too hard. It just is, like the tide rolling in.

Brooks John Martin has always had a way of making music that feels lived-in. Songs that sound like they’ve been with you forever. This one is no different.

There is an openness to it and a sense of movement. You can feel the road stretching ahead, and you can feel the ocean right there beside you. It makes sense, then, that the video to accompany the song was filmed along the Pacific Coast Highway.

That winding stretch of California coastline where land meets sea, where the road feels endless, is the perfect companion to a song about clarity, renewal and the pull of something familiar. But with the devastation of the recent wildfires, those images carry more weight. Beauty and loss, destruction and rebirth. This is all wrapped up in the song’s quiet insistence that we keep moving forward.

Brooks doesn’t overcomplicate things. The lyrics are simple but that’s what makes them carry more emotional weight: “I come from clear, blue waters. Come back to the clear blue water with me.” There is no forced nostalgia here, no pretense.

And then there is Brooks’s voice. It’s not flashy or trying to prove something, but on the contrary is like someone who has been through enough to know what really matters. The arrangement mirrors that same restraint – lush but not overdone, layered but never heavy.

“Clear Blue Waters” is the kind of song that sticks with you and makes you want to get in the car, roll down the windows and just go.

About Brooks J Martin

Brooks J Martin is a singer-songwriter from Cedar Falls, Iowa, and is known for his introspective folk music, evocative lyricism, and lush, cinematic arrangements.

Over the years he has recorded under various monikers including Toast, The Blue Danes, and Frank Hansen. But his latest self-titled release marks a turning point – an unfiltered, deeply personal artistic statement.

Taking inspiration from legends like Woody Guthrie, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen, Martin writes songs that favor mood over strict narrative, allowing listeners to find their own meaning within his impressionistic storytelling.

Stream Clear Blue Waters now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Watch the video on YouTube for a stunning drive down the Pacific Coast.

12.26.24

by Jane Lambert

The Flip Phones Strike Gold with Whimsical Indie-Pop Gem “It’s a Sign”

With their effervescent new single, “It’s a Sign,” The Flip Phones have created an indie-pop delight brimming with charm, quirk, and an unexpected dose of introspection.

Inspired by Los Angeles’ iconic Happy Foot/Sad Foot sign – a whimsical podiatry advertisement once used by locals to divine their daily fortunes – the track explores the thin line between taking charge of our lives and surrendering to fate and superstition.

Listen in here:

The duo, Lindsey and Ryan, blend instrumental talent with an unpretentious energy to create a sound that feels as timeless as it is refreshing.

Lindsey’s background as a classically trained pianist and flutist shines through in the lush textures of melodica and electric piano that weave throughout the song. Her lyrical storytelling brims with vibrant imagery and clever wit, while Ryan’s self-taught guitar stylings, steeped in influences like The Beatles and Blur, add a jangly, upbeat undercurrent that grounds the song’s playful tone.

This isn’t the first time Lindsey and Ryan have made musical magic together. Their earlier collaboration in North of Canada laid the foundation for the unique synergy that defines The Flip Phones.

Since forming their new project in 2013, they’ve honed their craft, releasing the well-received EP Better in the Dark in 2022 and building a reputation for vibrant live shows at festivals and celebrated mid-Atlantic venues like Jammin Java and Songbyrd.

Produced by Dave Mallen at Innovation Station Music, “It’s a Sign” radiates the energy of their live performances, while also showcasing a shift toward a more playful sound palette.

Influences from the B-52s and Gorillaz are clear, with the melodica lending a whimsical edge, yet the track retains the narrative depth and layered arrangements that have become their signature.

As the lead single for their upcoming EP Spinning Adrift (set to drop in spring 2025), “It’s a Sign” is both an irresistible and thought-provoking anthem for those caught between luck and intention. With its buoyant melodies and clever interplay between Lindsey and Ryan’s vocals, this is indie-pop at its finest.

Connect with The Flip Phones:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

11.22.24

by Jane Lambert

Laura Baron’s “Beauty in the Broken” is a Mesmerizing Meditation on Vulnerability and Hope

In a world where music often feels crafted to fit industry molds, chasing trends or filling a commercial void, Laura Baron’s new album Beauty in the Broken stands out for its authenticity and artistic intuition.

Her songs don’t follow any pre-set formulas or calculated gimmicks but, instead, they flow with a natural grace, shaped by genuine emotion and life’s unpredictability.

Listen in here:

Guided by the rhythms of experience, each track feels like a reflection of a specific moment.

From the uplifting energy of “Walking on Water” to the quiet introspection of the title track, Baron lets the music lead her and allows for an organic exploration of joy, heartbreak, and healing.

It’s this sense of freedom – this refusal to cater to anything but the soul of the song – that makes Beauty in the Broken such a compelling listen. Baron’s warm and dynamic vocals have the ability to glide over the upbeat instrumentation.

In the title track, “Beauty In The Broken”, the song marries delicate acoustic guitar and tender strings, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. The poeticism in the lyrics conveying a profound sense of healing and acceptance, reminding us of the grace that can emerge from even the most challenging experiences.

Then there’s “Misfits and Renegades,” a celebratory track that pulses with energy and infectious optimism. Blending folk and blues, the song’s vibrant piano lines and vocal harmonies create an empowering narrative about embracing individuality and defying expectations.

Baron also brings a touch of romance and intimacy with “Enchanté,” a lush and atmospheric track that blends folk and jazz in a way that recalls the emotional complexity of early Nick Drake. The song’s soft, tender melodies underscored by rich guitar work and a dreamy vibe that transports you into the world of quiet longing and connection.

Perhaps most surprising is her re-imagining of the 1931 classic “Dream a Little Dream.” With its gentle, stripped-down arrangement, Baron gives the song a new life, elevating it with intricate guitar work and lush vocal harmonies. It’s a beautiful moment on the album, showing an ability to take something familiar and turn it into something completely her own.

Produced with precision by Marco Delmar, the sound is lush and inticate without being over produced.

With the title to guide us, we are swept up in the flow of the album. The great thing about music like this is that the listener can allow the music to conjure our own thoughts, allowing enough space to take its own unique message and arrive at its own conclusions about life.

As an artist, Laura Baron has always been known for her ability to connect deeply with her audience, and Beauty in the Broken is no exception.

A longtime fixture of the DMV music scene, Baron has earned accolades for her work, including multiple Wammie Awards for her previous album, Heart of the Great Unknown.

But wiith Beauty in the Broken, she builds on this legacy even more and delivers a collection of songs that feel timeless in their emotional honesty and artistic integrity.

Keep up to date with Laura Baron here:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

11.19.24

by Jane Lambert

Blonde & Grey’s New Album Release “Drifting Through The Universe” – A Journey Across Decades and Emotions

Blonde & Grey’s latest album release “Drifting Through The Universe” is a thoughtful, immersive dive into classic rock-inspired melodies layered with a contemporary edge.

Kathy Olsen and Neil Friend have created something special here – this is a record that feels as though it’s been lovingly pieced together from the past while gazing firmly toward the future.

The lead single, “All The Time,” is the perfect opener, with Olsen’s soulful vocals and Friend’s effortlessly smooth guitar work creating a sound that is comforting and fresh. It’s a song that sticks with you, warm and melodic, like it’s been waiting on your favorite playlist.

Listen in here:

Friend says about the song:

“I started looping a beat and then record 20-30 seconds of some music on top of that and then toss on some lyrics without spending time worrying about what was coming out – just record it! I took 10 of these and asked the Blonde & Grey community which they like best and this one won.

I used the initial lyrics as the chorus – “All the Time Wondering how it’s gonna be…” I later added verses and a bridge.

I suppose the thinking is we are always wondering what’s to happen next, based on what/who we’re following, decisions we make, where we’ve gone. And it’s an endless process.“

The rest of the album unfolds like a story as it moves through tender reflections and lighter, playful moments.

“Since I Got You” has a breezy sweetness, while “Let’s Jangle” lives up to its name, full of charm and bright energy. Olsen’s flute dances through the arrangements, adding a magical, almost whimsical quality to the songs. It’s a touch that sets them apart and reminds you of the days when rock was unafraid to experiment.

This album feels like a leap forward from their previous release, Face the Music. There’s a stronger sense of identity here, as though Blonde & Grey have really leaned into what makes them unique.

Tracks like “Mud Mills Road” and “Gracie’s Grace” from their earlier work hinted at their potential, but Drifting Through The Universe delivers on it, with a sound that is both cohesive and diverse.

Blonde & Grey have always been about connection, and you can feel that here. Not just in the songs, but in the spirit of the album. They’ve built a reputation as incredible live performers, whether that is in small, cozy venues or online streams, and that authenticity translates beautifully into this record.

About Blonde & Grey

Blonde & Grey, the dynamic duo of Neil Friend and Kathy Olsen, are a true example of the enduring power of music to bridge time, generations, and genres.

Based in Danbury, Connecticut, the duo bring together their unique musical backgrounds into a sound that’s as heartfelt as it is versatile.

Neil Friend, singer-songwriter and guitarist, brings decades of experience from playing in New York’s iconic CBGB scene to crafting songs that traverse decades. His partner, Kathy Olsen, adds a touch of elegance with her virtuosic flute playing and radiant harmonies and draws on her classical training and years as a music educator.

Together, they have cultivated a style that is equal parts folk, rock, and modern pop, infused with nostalgia and innovation in equal measure.

If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, The Moody Blues, or just music that feels honest and deeply human, then their new album “Drifting Through The Universe” deserves your time.

Keep up to date with Blonde & Grey on their Website.

Listen to “Drifting Through The Universe” here.

Stream music on Spotify and Soundcloud.