by Jane Lambert

Animals In Denial Deliver Pulsing Industrial Rock with Single “Operator”

Animals in Denial’s new single “Operator” is an exploration into heartbreak, wrapped up in a gritty industrial-electronic sound.

The story behind “Operator” is as compelling as the song itself. The beat has been living in the artist Christian Imes’s head since they were 14, back when they were cruising the streets of Canton, NC, and obsessing over The Matrix.

At the time, they didn’t even have a synth – just a guitar and a lot of ideas. Years later, using a lite copy of Ableton Live and some old-school drum samples, the track finally started to take shape. It came together fast at first with the initial demo finished in just 30 minutes, but the final version was elevated thanks to a collaboration with industrial icon Steven Seibold (Hate Dept, Pigface).

Seibold’s fingerprints are all over the production. From tweaking the vocal delivery on the third verse to suggesting subtle backing harmonies in the chorus, he brought a fresh perspective to the track.

Listen here:

The pair even recorded the vocals in Seibold’s home studio, which was a full-circle moment for the artist, who’s been a longtime fan of Seibold’s work. The result is sleek and dynamic, with just the right amount of edge.

Musically, “Operator” is a study in restraint. An earlier version included guitar parts, but the final mix strips them away to let the synths and beats carry the weight. That choice gives the track a sharp, metallic vibe that feels perfectly in line with its themes of emotional distance and digital disconnect. The song pulses with a hypnotic rhythm, pulling you in as layers of sound build and shift. It’s dark, atmospheric, and relentlessly captivating.

But the heart of “Operator” are the lyrics, which draw from a relationship that left its mark. The “operator” in the song is a nod to late-night phone calls and AIM chats with an ex who once felt like a lifeline, but who eventually became a source of pain. It’s brutally honest and deeply relatable especially for anyone who’s navigated the murky waters of young love.

Whether drawn to its cyberpunk aesthetic, its honest lyrics, or its sheer force, this is definitely a song that grabs your attention.

Keep up to date with all things Animal In Denial on the Website.

12.13.24

by Jane Lambert

Thomas Michael Link Swings Into the Holiday Spirit with “I Can’t Wait for Christmas”

Thomas Michael Link’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” feels like it was made for that perfect holiday moment. Maybe, when you’re trimming the tree or sharing a warm drink with someone you love.

The track leans into big band nostalgia with a modern spark, blending jazzy brass, a lively rhythm section, and Link’s smooth baritone for a holiday tune that is fresh, catchy and brimming with the kind of joy that makes you want to hit repeat.

The horns pop, upbeat swing, the drums shuffle, and the bass keeps everything bouncing along, laying the foundation for Link’s charismatic vocal. There is a personal touch too – lines like “Every day is Christmas as long as I can hold you near” take the sentiment beyond the season, making the song as much about love as it is about sleigh bells and snowy nights.

The arrangement is where the magic really happens. Collaborating with Studio Pros, Link crafted a sound that’s as full and rich as your favorite holiday spread. The guitar solo, with its Wes Montgomery-style warmth, is a standout moment, while the female backing vocals, added late in the process, give the track a classic 1940s feel that ties it all together.

Link’s musical journey makes this track feel even more authentic. A self-described blender of music genres, he has spent years pulling together elements of rock, jazz, blues, and pop into his own unique sound.

Link says:

“”I Can’t Wait for Christmas” started out as just melody and a chorus and grew from there. I walked around humming it to myself as it grew, and it seemed to organically sprout lyrics inspired by the underlying idea of being in love at Christmas and having that feeling year-round. I was also conceptually inspired by some classic Christmas/holiday songs such as “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and that feeling that you never want the season to end.

He’s not one to stick to formulas, and “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” reflects that spirit of experimentation – it’s a big band tune at heart, with a modern energy that is fresh and inviting.

For fans of Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., or even those old Bing Crosby records, this song has all the makings of a holiday favorite. It’s joyful, romantic, and just the right amount of over the top – a perfect soundtrack to the season’s best moments.

Make sure to save this to your holiday playlists now!

Stream “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” on Spotify here.

Find out more about Thomas Michael Link on his Website.

12.10.24

by Jane Lambert

Collin Derrick’s “Holiday Hallelujah” – Indie Pop Meets Festive Cheer in this Holiday Gem

Collin Derrick, the wildly uncool (his words), middle-aged indie pop maestro with a knack for turning life’s quirks into sonic joy, has struck gold with his latest single, “Holiday Hallelujah.”

This track, a centerpiece of his newly released EP Christmas, Vol. 2, is a jubilant celebration of all things festive, bringing classic holiday nostalgia together with Derrick’s signature modern indie pop sound.

Listen in here:

From the first notes, “Holiday Hallelujah” grabs your attention with its vibrant mix of jangly guitars, upright bass grooves, and shimmering sleigh bells. It’s a track that radiates the kitschy charm of Christmas Vacation and the timeless coziness of Burl Ives. The infectious hook, “Holiday Hallelujah,” is impossible to resist, daring you to sing along as the song builds to an exuberant finish.

Derrick wrote, recorded, produced, mixed, and even mastered the track himself, showing his talent as both artist and producer. Notably, Derrick picked up an upright bass for the first time and revisited his long-neglected drum skills to bring this song to life.

Beyond his holiday releases, Derrick has been carving out a unique space in the indie pop world.

He first gained attention with the quirky track “LaCroix LaCroix,” co-written with Grant Michaels (who has worked with Sia, SZA, and Weezer), and followed it up with the synth-laden single “You’re Magic.”

A former member of the prog piano trio The Fire Tonight, he toured the Southeast for 10 years, releasing three full-length albums and three EPs with the band. As a mix engineer, Collin has worked with Grammy-winners Jeff Coffin and Nir Felder as well as prominent artists like Offset, 2KBABY, and Quando Rondo. His production and co-writing credits include collaborations with Allyn Aston (Atlanta), Anne Reburn (Los Angeles), and Ivy Ash (London).

But Derrick’s holiday music holds a special place in his discography – and his heart. Inspired by his wife’s admittedly high standards for Christmas gifts, Derrick began writing her original holiday songs, a tradition that ultimately led to the Christmas series.

With Christmas, Vol. 2, he expands on the themes of joy and nostalgia, delivering a collection that resonates with listeners while still keeping it lighthearted and fun.

In “Holiday Hallelujah,” Derrick captures the essence of what makes the best holiday songs endure – nonsensical yet unforgettable lyrics, unrelenting cheer, and a sense of warmth that can melt even the coldest winter day.

It’s the perfect addition to a seasonal playlist, bringing a dose of indie charm to your holiday celebrations.

“Holiday Hallelujah” and the full EP, Christmas, Vol. 2, are available now on all major streaming platforms.

Connect with Collin Derrick on Instagram, TikTok and 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.

10.29.24

by Jane Lambert

Stephen Jaymes’s New Single “The Evidence Against Her” Speaks to the Psyche of Today

Stephen Jaymes continues to impress with his mysterious new single, “The Evidence Against Her“, a thought provoking exploration of inner turmoil and spiritual conflict.

In this brand new single, Jaymes goes deep into the murky and mysterious waters of Jungian psychology, exploring the relationship between a man and his anima – the feminine aspect of his psyche who seems to have turned against him.

The track has an eerie ambience with its stormy instrumentals which build tension, and the inclusion of a chorus without words adds to this overall atmosphere. The listener is drawn into the depths of both dread, impending doom, and beauty.

Listen in here:

While Jaymes is building a name for himself with his unique blend of punk and new wave, you also find some folk influences all of which work together to create something entirely unique.

The other thing about Jaymes’s songs is that the lyrics actually mean something. Something beyond the usual theme of the day, something that goes deeper and speaks to the psyche of the modern day. The uncertainty, the turmoil, the darker side of things if you like.

“The Evidence Against Her” takes a long and hard look at the importance of maintaining a sense of harmony with one’s spiritual muse, or could you say “higher self”, in the midst of so much adversity. These factors combine to make his music something memorable.

“The evidence against her, laps at the window and doors, Every day there’s more of it, It’s pooling up through the floors, And suddenly I’m drifting, On a sea so vast, No wind and no sail, No way to make love last. But I refuse to dive in. Though it says it will save my soul. I know the evidence against her. Hides a deadly undertow. Is it better to be rescued. Or to drown in sight of land. When to see you captured. Is the fate that she had planned?”

The accompanying music video takes these themes further, portraying Jaymes as a figure adrift at sea who is grappling with his internal struggles. A striking visual presence, complete with curly mohawk, reinforces the song’s message.

The Evidence Against Her not only marks a significant addition to Jaymes’s growing discography but also serves as a sort of thematic companion to his earlier single “Chief Inspector“. Both songs delve into Jungian concepts, reflecting on the battles between the self and the unconscious.

But this song is also an eerie reminder that, whether we are aware of it or not, we are all able to explore how we have reached this new world we are in.

Listen to “The Evidence Against Her” on Spotify now!

Keep up to date with Stephen Jaymes:

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