by Jane Lambert

Sixteen Years Sober – Ray Ray Star Turns Survival into Song with “One Step Away”

There’s nothing manufactured about Ray Ray Star’s new single “One Step Away.” This is the kind of song that bleeds truth – a cathartic, guitar driven confession from an artist who’s had experience of every lyric.

Released to coincide with the Canadian Convention of Narcotics Anonymous, “One Step Away” is more than a song about addiction however. It is a deeply personal portrait of endurance, of redemption and the fragile hope that comes with choosing to stay sober one day at a time.

Written over five years ago, “One Step Away” emerged from one of the darkest chapters in Ray Ray’s life. “I was barely holding on,” he recalls, “fighting like hell just to make it through another day.” The song sat unfinished until recently, when a speaking appearance at an NA convention reignited something in him – the realization that his story might serve others who are still in the fight.

That was the spark became the foundation for finishing the song, a raw and honest anthem for those on the path to recovery:

The track itself is a powerful slice of modern rock with soaring guitars and a dynamic production that echoes the push and pull between despair and determination, while Ray Ray’s voice carries an honesty that refuses to let you look away. There is no studio gloss to soften the message.

For Ray Ray Star, “One Step Away” is the culmination of a long, complex journey. A guitarist, record producer, executive producer and entertainer, he’s spent decades moving fluidly between onstage performance and behind the scenes production. His resume includes international tours and co-producing NBC’s Real Music Live, but it’s in his personal transformation that reveals his musicianship. Sixteen years clean and sober, Ray Ray channels that experience into both his music and his psychic work, forging a creative path that blends spiritual insight with true rock ’n’ roll energy.

The title of the song is a direct nod to the first step of Narcotics Anonymous, a concept that speaks volumes. At its heart, “One Step Away” is about the moment when everything could go either way. The choice to give in or to keep fighting. Ray Ray doesn’t romanticize recovery, he honors its difficulty. The song’s strength lies in the willingness to admit that even after sixteen years, the battle still exists, but so does the victory.

This is a track for anyone who has struggle with addiction, but also with the weight of being human. Ray Ray Star takes his scars and turns them into something defiant, something redemptive and ultimately, something beautiful.

Find out more about Ray Ray Star on his Website

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music

09.02.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH MARCO DI STEFANO

In his latest release, “Angels on Our Shoulders,” composer Marco Di Stefano melds orchestral grandeur with cinematic storytelling to honor the heroes of World War II. It is also a stark reminder that the shadow of conflict persists even today.

A track from his upcoming album Far Inside, this piece captures the emotion of heroism through live orchestral performance, layered with modern instrumentation and brought vividly to life in a compelling new video.

We spoke with Di Stefano about the inspiration behind the song, the creative choices in visualizing it and the intricate process of bringing both music and story together.

From conducting a live brass ensemble to incorporating AI generated imagery of soldiers amid the ruins of war, this interview reveals how he bridges past and present, history and emotion in a work that is as cinematic as it is profoundly human.

Watch here:

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

This song tells the story of heroes and honors the fallen ones of World War II, therefore I wanted to evoke classic movies such as “Saving Private Ryan” with specific color grades and introducing some AI generated clips of soldiers staring at the destruction of war.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

Even if World War II is a century beyond us, war is present in our modern world.

This song is composed using a modern language and instrumentation that evokes the spirit of that era and drama. The video starts with footage from the live recording of the orchestra where I personally conducted the brass section.

It ends with clips of soldiers starting at the destruction of war, while the music evokes past memories from the battles.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The video was recorded during a live session with a brass orchestra. The other instruments, from strings to percussion and synth, were added in post production using sample libraries, therefore I used footage from another recording session for the intro.

The final footage of the soldiers was created using AI, I wanted them to make clear to the viewer the context of this song.

Connect with Marco di Stefano on his Website

08.29.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH ANIMALS IN DENIAL

Animals-in-Denial-shallow-cover-rock-grunge-metal

With its emotion and frenetic energy, “Shallow” stands as one of Animals in Denial’s most striking and personal songs.

Written by Christian Ines during a tumultuous and destructive relationship, the track captures the chaos of love that is built on lies, obsession and abandonment.

Now paired with a haunting new video directed by Jon Paul Anderson, “Shallow” plunges viewers directly into Ines’s headspace – a first person descent into a relationship unraveling in real time.

We sat down with Christian to talk about the story behind the song, the inspiration for the visuals and how a chance discovery on YouTube led to a creative partnership that brought his vision vividly to life.

Watch the Official Music Video to “Shallow” here:

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

Well I wrote the song when I was going through a horrible relationship. It was full of drama and part way through I started to realize that this was just some sort of game and that the feelings she claimed to have for me, were completely shallow. It was one of those songs I knew I wanted to have a visual component ie video for, but I was a bit stuck at how to do it.

I wanted it to convey the vibe of where my head was at, and to make a person watching feel like they were a fly on the wall in my head. So the choice to visualize this way was really me finding the right video maker with the right eye and sense of frenetic clarity. The director/maker Jon Paul Anderson, and I hit it off and he completely understood the vision and really fleshed it out more and really nailed it. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to take the lead on the project.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

As far as the inspiration for the new video, it was always a song I wanted to have a video for, as it’s really meant to look like you’re inside of my head while I’m going through a relationship that’s really just a train wreck in disguise. I wanted it to feel frenetic yet clear, as during that time and relationship hot and cold can’t even begin to describe it. One minute you’re feeling like you and this person can withstand the weight of the world, and others you don’t even know if she likes you. I wanted it to also convey a feeling of loneliness or more like abandonment as that’s what I was feeling when I wrote the song.

So the video takes a first person view, to try to make you feel like you’re me and going through the motions of something even though you know in your gut something isn’t quite right. Me and the director went back and forth over email and then he went to work filming and editing and what he turned in needed no revisions. I loved it when I saw it and thought he completely nailed it. I hope you like it.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The process for the video wasn’t mine, but it was basically me and the director going back and forth over email. I started looking for cool music videos on YouTube and found a really talented YouTuber named Jon Paul Anderson. He did a video for a nine inch nails song, called “Vessel” that I was blown away by. I reached out to the guy and we hit it off chatting and so I then told him I had a song I really thought his approach would be perfect for if he was interested. He said to send him the track and I’ll let you know. He came back super enthusiastic, and asked if I had any ideas, I replied with what I was thinking about being a fly on the wall inside of my head.

He followed up with me quickly, that he had some footage that he thought would be perfect he also had some ideas for some stuff he could shoot to add. The end result was something I was beyond proud of.

08.26.25

by Jane Lambert

Moments Of Hit Hard with their Latest Single “Threshold”

With “Threshold,” Portland’s Moments Of come out boldly. It’s their first official single, but it doesn’t feel like a band still figuring out their footing. It sounds like a group that knows exactly what they want to say.

“Threshold” lives in that uneasy space between comfort and collapse, the realization that what once felt safe is now slowly suffocating.

Listen in here:

Ben Wilson’s vocal delivery is heavy with that tension while Jackson Howard and Adam Howarth’s guitars twist and collide in a way that mirrors the push and pull of the lyrics. The verses feel like they are holding something back as they coil tighter and tighter until the chorus cracks everything open.

That’s where the rhythm section really shines. Dan Dunham’s drums thunder underneath, and Kyle Gravel’s bass keeps the whole thing locked to a pulse that is impossible to ignore.

What is striking is how alive the song is. Producer Adam Cichocki lets the edges show and resists the urge to sand everything down. It’s raw but not messy, polished but not sterile – the kind of recording that makes you feel like you are in the room with the band.

There is a late ’90’s / early 2000’s DNA running through it, but it avoids coming off as just another nostalgia trip. Instead “Threshold” feels like a bridge between that era and now.

As far as debuts go, this one is bold. It throws the door open wide and dares you to follow. It’s hard not to wonder just how big Moments Of are about to get.

About Moments Of

Moments Of are an alt emo five piece from Portland, Maine who balance melody and grit with a skill for writing songs that hit straight at the heart.

What began as frontman Jackson Howard’s solo project quickly grew into a full band with the addition of co-vocalist Ben Wilson, guitarist Adam Howarth, bassist Kyle Gravel and drummer Dan Dunham.

Together they have built a sound that pulls from late ’90s and early 2000s emo and pop-punk while pushing it into sharper and more modern territory.

Their debut single “Threshold” marks a definite turning point. It’s unapologetically honest and sets the stage for their forthcoming album At Least You Found a Way to Disappear.

Keep up with Moments Of on their Website

08.02.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH MOMENTS OF

Fresh off a string of high-profile shows and the release of their emotionally charged single “Threshold”, Portland, Maine’s Moments Of are proving they’re not just riding the emo revival wave. They are helping shape it.

With a sound that bridges early 2000’s emo and the grit of modern alternative rock, the band has quickly built a reputation for delivering high energy performances that stick with you.

In this exclusive interview, the band opens up about the creative process behind their “Threshold” Official Music Video – why they chose a performance driven concept over a narrative, how nostalgia for the late ’90s and early 2000’s shaped its aesthetic, and what it was like shooting under the intense glow (and heat) of vintage stage lighting:

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

We really thought long and hard about the direction we wanted to take as a band for the Threshold music video. The talk of building a narrative story behind the video was had but we really thought that due to the energy of the song and our timeline to get it done by that a high energy performance video would be best for Threshold. We also wanted to bring high quality, and a high energy performance video back to the scene as a cornerstone for our new music and sound. And when people see us live, we bring that same energy, so we wanted people anywhere in the world to be able to get a sense of that from Threshold.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

For us a lot of the inspiration comes from the late 90’s early 2000’s videos not just music videos but entertainment and tv in general. The warm feeling and soft focus bring in those themes that you’d see on tv back then and also plays on many techniques how soap operas were shot. Giving off that heaven like feeling. The set being well lit and showing the gear, flight cases, rigging around gives it that feeling of watching a band at a theater or opera house where you would see rigging, cases, amps in the background.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The making of Threshold was done in a soundstage environment where we had full control of the space. The decision was made to use older tungsten film and stage lights to really play into the theme we wanted and to be immersed in the set. Warm, cozy, heavenly, euphoric even and the focus would just be the band well-lit and slamming hard. We shot the video setup to takedown in about 5-6 hours. Of course, we did many takes of the video individually and full band during that window to get the shots we needed. It was challenging at times dealing with old school stage and film lights as they admit a crazy amount of heat, so staying hydrated was key and avoiding knocking over or brushing up against lights and stands because everything was hot enough to cook food on. But we think it was the right move once we saw the finished video! Threshold is a raw and basic take on a well-lit and shot performance music video that will be timeless and invoke feelings from a simpler era in music.

Keep up to date with Moments Of on the Website

07.29.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH REEYA BANERJEE

After a string of visually striking and concept driven singles, Reeya Banerjee brings things home both literally and figuratively with the music video for “Upstate Rust,” the fourth and final release ahead of her upcoming album This Place set for release on August 22nd, 2025.

Filmed at Lorien Sound in Brooklyn, the video captures Banerjee and her band The Merseyside Darby in their natural habitat – laughing, sweating and absolutely living inside the music.

Unlike the stylized visuals of her previous singles, this video opts for raw honesty and full band energy, spotlighting the chemistry, connection and joy that fuel Banerjee’s live performances.

It’s a fitting choice for a track that closes the album with heart and clarity.

We sat down with Reeya to talk about the story behind the song, and the decision to film a stripped down performance.

1. Tell us the story of this song – why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

Upstate Rust is the closing track on my album This Place, and in many ways, it’s the emotional resolution.

It’s a song about leaving a place you’ve loved – not with regret, but with trust, love and a little bit of fear. It’s about grown-up decisions, emotional survival and believing that what you’ve built can last, even when the geography changes.

The three singles before this had quirky, stylized videos – animation, photo essays, rogue guerrilla no-permit filming in Grand Central.

With Upstate Rust, I wanted to do something totally different. I wanted to showcase my band, The Merseyside Darby, because this song feels like a full-band anthem. Even though they didn’t record it with me originally, they’ve learned it, owned it, and made it their own.

This video is a celebration of that live energy – of how much fun we have together in the room. It’s the first time we’re all on screen together, and it felt like the right way to bring this song to life.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

The inspiration was really simple: let’s just show the band being the band. Upstate Rust is a big, reverb-heavy, U2-flavored banger, and it’s also my favorite song on the record. We wanted to show what it actually feels like to play it together – no gimmicks, no heavy storyline, just real joy and connection.

We shot the video at Lorien Sound in Brooklyn, which is a studio run by my lead guitarist James Rubino and his business partners Austin Birdy and Jack Quigley. Our rehearsal space is the live room at the studio, and Jack also directed the video. We pumped the master track through the PA and performed it together thirteen times – close-ups of everyone, wide shots of the room, no lip-sync fakery, just full-out playing.

Jack’s footage captured our chemistry and the joy we feel making music together. Luke Folger, our drummer (also my creative partner, co-writer, and the producer and composer for the record) is a beast on drums and has a smile that could light up a room. He’s a full-on beam of sunshine.

There’s a moment where I’m singing along with Daria Klotz, my bass player, and we’re just in the moment together. I’ve known her for ten years – we’ve sung in harmony together in so many bar bands and performances and other contexts, and it was lovely to capture that shared history on camera.

Sam Levine is our rhythm guitarist and the newest member of the band. He’s incredibly talented and smart, and a bit shy – but by the end of the shoot, he was rocking out and singing along, and it was just so endearing to watch him come into his own.

My favorite part is in the final chorus where James and I are literally jumping up and down together. We’ve also known each other for ten years – he’s my ride-or-die best friend. It felt like having a dance party with my little brother. Neither of us are spring chickens – we both have bad knees – so it was probably a terrible idea, but we couldn’t resist. At one point, James’s hat flew off mid-jump and he kicked it toward Sam, who had to duck to avoid being beaned in the face. We could not stop laughing. I’m almost sad that moment didn’t make the final cut.

3. What was the process of making the video?

This was honestly one of the most fun and relaxed shoots I’ve ever done. We met at Lorien Sound, and Jack set up a click track for Luke so we could stay locked in with the master. Then we ran the song thirteen times – two close-up takes for each band member, and three full-room passes to capture the in-between moments and the group dynamic.

The goal wasn’t perfection – it was connection. We weren’t trying to make a slick, overly produced performance video – but that said, what Jack delivered is the most polished of the four videos I’ve made to support the singles from This Place.

We wanted to show what it actually feels like to rehearse this song: sweaty, joyful, slightly chaotic, and deeply connected.

I think that comes through in the video.

Find out more about Reeya Banerjee on her Website