by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH MADAME Z

In a world increasingly defined by crisis – climate change, social division, political dysfunction, and a profound disconnection from nature and one another – art and music can serve as both mirror and medicine.

For Madame Z , music isn’t just an outlet. It is a lifeline. A writer at heart, and a musician by calling, she brings a deep emotional honesty to her work, balancing the stark realities of the present moment with a fierce and unwavering belief in our collective potential to heal and transform.

Her latest release “Save The World” is a heartfelt plea for unity in the face of collapse. It is a song born out of sorry and yet steeped in hope. A reminder that while we may feel powerless as individuals, together, we still hold the power to change course.

In this Exclusive Interview, Madame Z opens up about the inspiration behind the track, the challenges of being a one woman creative force, and why the video’s poignant visuals are just as essential as the lyrics themselves.

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

It can be deeply disheartening to reflect on the state of the world – the pollution, the relentless destruction of our planet on so many levels, the poisoning of our oceans and waterways, the mass extinction of countless species (thanks, unsurprisingly, to human activity), the reality of climate change (whether some choose to acknowledge it or not), and the ever-present forces of bigotry, racism, war, genocide, political dysfunction, division, and hatred. The list feels endless – and it is catastrophic. The energy of the planet itself seems to echo this pain.

As Einstein once said, “Man invented the atomic bomb, but no mouse would ever construct a mousetrap.” In so many ways, we are engineering our own downfall – driven by capitalism, greed, and a profound disconnection from one another and from the Earth. This song, I believe, speaks volumes without needing much explanation. Yes, it’s painful to witness and experience all of this. It can feel overwhelming, even hopeless. But the message at the heart of it is powerful: we need to come together. It’s not too late. We still have the ability to make a difference – even if it’s just by being a light in the darkness and holding on to the possibility of change.

Similarly, the video itself highlights much despair and destruction but also intertwines moments of hope and potential. The current state of the world may feel bleak but there is potential for humanity to turn it around.

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

As noted, it coincides with the lyrics themselves. Despair (which many of us have been feeling as of late) but looking to the future of possibility. As one person, I may not be able to change the entire world but TOGETHER we can make an impact.

3. What was the process of making the video?

I chose to use AI for this video because, simply put, I’m a one-woman operation.

I have three kids and a demanding executive-level corporate job that often spills into evenings and weekends. Music isn’t my primary or even secondary priority in terms of time – but it’s essential to who I am. It’s as vital to me as the air I breathe. At my core, I’m a writer. Music is one of the few ways I can fully express the emotions and thoughts I often struggle to put into words. But with the limited time I have, I have to rely on the tools available to me to help bring my ideas to life.

My publisher has been encouraging me to pair videos with my releases, but since it’s just me doing all of this, I lean on resources that make that possible. I’d love to shoot and produce videos from scratch – but right now, that’s just not a realistic option. So, I do what I can. I created short video snippets and pieced them together to help visualize the message I wanted to share through this song. It might not be perfect – but perfection is overrated anyway.

What matters most is the message, the emotion and the intention behind it.

Stay connected with Madame Z:

Website / Instagram / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music

05.16.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH MOLLY THOMAS

Molly-Thomas-Even-the-Strong-04-13-25-copy

Rooted in Southern soul and shaped by years of touring, collaborating and creating from the heart, Molly Thomas has carved a distinct path as a songwriter, musician and storyteller.

With a voice that carries both grit and grace, Molly’s music brings together an authentic honesty and depth – qualities that shine through in her latest single “Even The Strong” and self-made video.

Following a transformative season of healing and reflection, Thomas brings us a visual companion to a song that speaks to resilience, vulnerability and the quiet strength it takes to lean on others when life demands more than we can carry alone.

In this Exclusive Interview, we talk with Molly about the story behind the song, the creative process behind the video, and how a spontaneous trip to Spain – and a crash course in video editing – helped bring it all to life!

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

This song is about the idea that even in strength, we all need someone to lean on. Old habits can creep back in, but finding grace, truth and sometimes a shoulder to lean on can help one rise above. I decided to visualize the song in black and white because I wasn’t sure how to allude to the overall feeling any other way. I found a way to add color and added it at the pinnacle moment of the song to heighten the level of visuals to match the song.

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

The song was written in the summer of 2023, just before my car accident.

Ironically, the test of strength was thrown my way and the message of resilience and hope proved to be just what I needed to get through it. A little over a year after the car accident, my husband and I took a celebratory trip from time healing and we went to Spain.

We were both inspired and took lots of video footage in hope to create a video at some point. I wasn’t sure which song the footage would be for, but it presented itself when I started. This song is the first single, to be released May 16, 2025. The footage that we gathered seemed to tell the story I was looking for and so I just went for it.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The process was a bit tedious, considering I was/am fresh at learning Premiere Pro.

In fact, I just got it 3 days ago and have SO much to learn. I initially created the video in imovie. I sent it to my friend, who is a professional filmmaker, and she set me straight, in a loving manner. It took me 2 days to make it once I sat down and loaded all of the footage into my project. I guess because I have experience in imovie and also Pro-tools, the learning curve came a little bit easier.

Thanks to Youtube University (HA), all of my questions were answered as I went along. I’m sure I could have kept going with perfecting it, but decided to let it go, especially because there is a deadline. Also, the realization that I’m a musician just trying to get my song out to the world. I am not a professional videographer. It’s similar to producing and recording a song. At some point along the way, there comes a time when nothing more can be done with the tools at hand, and you have to let it fly.

Stay connected with Molly Thomas on her Website

05.14.25

by Jane Lambert

No More Holding Back: Grace Elly Drops Soulful Anthem “I Don’t Care Anymore”

Grace Elly’s latest single, “I Don’t Care Anymore,” has struck a powerful chord with listeners, delivering a haunting, emotionally raw experience wrapped in gorgeously layered pop vocals. Marking a significant moment in her evolution as a solo artist, the track blends ethereal production with a sense of cathartic release—offering both nostalgia and empowerment in equal measure. Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Grace for an exclusive interview that explores her creative process, the inspiration behind the single, and how she’s come into her own as a solo musician.

Grace’s passion for music began early—at just six years old—when she first dove into a wide spectrum of genres including folk, pop, rock, and classical. This eclectic foundation helped shape the distinct sound she’s known for today: a seamless fusion of atmospheric textures and emotionally resonant storytelling. “I Don’t Care Anymore” is a testament to that sonic versatility, showcasing Grace’s ability to turn vulnerability into strength.

Before stepping out as a solo act, Grace was part of the girl group Chosen5, formed during the height of the pandemic. Their debut project, The Every Christmas Album, and performances across the country not only gained them a loyal following but also gave Grace invaluable experience as both a performer and songwriter. As the group evolved into The Chosen Girls, Grace’s individuality and artistic vision began to take center stage—ultimately paving the way for her solo debut.

Now forging her own path, Grace Elly is creating music with a clear purpose: to uplift, empower, and resonate with anyone navigating life’s emotional landscape. In this interview, she opens up about her journey from group member to solo artist, the personal truths behind “I Don’t Care Anymore,” and the creative principles that continue to guide her.

From discussions about musical influences to reflections on self-discovery, Grace shares what it means to stay authentic in an ever-changing industry—and how music has been both her outlet and her anchor.

Don’t miss this candid conversation with Grace Elly—an artist whose voice is as powerful as the story behind it.

05.06.25

by Jane Lambert

After Hours Alchemy in MASSEY’s latest single “3:00am Funk”

In the quiet chaos of 3am when bars have emptied, streets glisten with after-rain shimmer and the city feels like it’s catching its breath, MASSEY drops a groove that captures the electricity of that fleeting in-between hour.

“3:00 AM FUNK” isn’t just a vibe. It’s a fully formed nocturnal world built from rhythm, introspection and soul.

Listen in here:

It all opens with a steady, low-slung pulse courtesy of Charlie Wooton’s bass and Doug Belote’s hypnotic drums. Together they work to create the heartbeat of the song, which is measured, magnetic and endlessly listenable. This is a groove that knows how to hold space without rushing forwards. It invites you in and makes you stay.

Guitarists Peter Oravetz and Daniel Groover add fire and texture — dueling one moment and swirling the next — creating a mood that shifts between a swagger and a dream. Their use of reversed guitar loops gives “3:00AM Funk” a psychedelic hint. The 504 Horns (Jason Parfait on saxes and Ian Smith on trumpet and trombone) burst into the mix with brass lines that flash like headlights. All bold, stylish and unmistakably alive.

But “3:00AM Funk” doesn’t just skim the surface of party scene; it digs deeper. MASSEY sings about late night wandering, social saturation and emotional absence. Of longing for something genuine in a world built on performance. And yet, the song is not cynical in any way. It does hold space for beauty too. For those fleeting moments of eye contact, laughter or vulnerability that pierces the surface.

The accompanying music video, which was shot on the vibrant pulsing streets of Denver, matches the song’s mood perfectly – part fever dream, part soul search:

With “3:00 AM Funk,” MASSEY gives the listener a soundtrack for dancing and for feeling. For when the party fades and the questions echo louder.

Find out more about MASSEY on his Website

Stream music on Spotify and Apple Music

04.28.25

by Jane Lambert

Roxana Labatt Finds Strength in Vulnerability on Latest Release “Someone to Call”

On her latest single “Someone to Call,” Austin-based singer songwriter Roxana Labatt delivers an achingly beautiful ballad that speaks directly to the heart of human loneliness.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Kfir Gov at Evil Snail Studios, the track pairs intimate, soaring vocals with polished modern pop production.

Drawing from a deeply personal place, “Someone to Call” captures the sharp ache of realizing you have no one to lean on during life’s most pivotal moments. When you look down at your emergency contacts, and realise nobody is there to call on except yourself.

Inspired in part by a moment in Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana documentary and a memory from her own life – waiting alone at a doctor’s office after a frightening diagnosis – Roxana transforms these painful experiences into a universal song for anyone who has ever felt isolated at a time they most needed connection.

The song opens with a gentle, melancholic atmosphere that allows Roxana’s voice to take center stage. The vocal performance is stunning. Rich with emotion but never overdone, carrying a natural weight that makes every lyric feel lived-in. As the track builds, layers of harmonies and instrumental textures swell around her voice, amplifying the emotional stakes without ever drowning the vulnerability that defines the core of the song.

With the lyrics, Roxana exhibits many of the same strengths that have earned her acclaim since her debut in 2020 – vivid storytelling, visceral emotion and a strong ability to articulate complex feelings with clarity. Every word in “Someone to Call” feels purposeful. And it is very much the product of Roxana’s background not just in music, but also in years of expository and creative writing.

“I was inspired to write a song about that feeling. I think it is often during our highest highs and our lowest lows that we feel that lack of someone to call most acutely (that’s the idea underlying the chorus lyric in my song “shouldn’t there be someone to call . . . to cheer me on whenever things got good, and when I thought they never would”). The themes reflected in “Someone To Call” – of feeling alienated/isolated from other people and of being in a lot of pain on the inside when things maybe look pretty great from the outside – recur in a lot of my songs.

As for the production of the track, I had for some time been wanting to produce songs with a more commercial pop sound, without losing the emphasis on lyrical content and dramatic musical moments that are characteristic of my songs. When I wrote this track, I immediately had the feeling that, out of all of the songs that I’d written up to that point, it was the one that had the most potential to achieve that goal. So, I hired a Producer in Austin who I had read had experience in that type of pop production (Kfir Gov at Evil Snails Studio) and we produced this track. Songs I especially looked to for inspiration in deciding how to approach the production of this track were P!nk’s “Turbulence” and “A Million Dreams” and Céline Dion’s “Ashes.”

And while the subject matter of the song is heavy, there is a thread of resilience that runs throughout. By confronting lonliness head on, Roxana ultimately offers listeners a quiet hope, a reminder that feeling isolated doesn’t mean you are truly alone. Also, that the ache for connection is something that binds us all.

“Someone to Call” does showcase a more modern pop sensibility for Roxana , while still staying true to her indie roots. The balance of programmed elements with live instrumentation, especially the clever interplay of rhythmic tectures, creates an expansive backdrop for the emotional narrative to unfold.

With this latest release, Roxana Labatt continues to establish herself as a distinctive voice in indie-pop storytelling. She is not afraid to dig deep, expose the raw places and remind us that even in our loneliest momentswe are seen and heard.

Her next chapter includes new music set for 2025, but for now, “Someone to Call” stands as one of her most moving releases to date.

Keep up to date with Roxana Labatt on her Website

Stream music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music

04.25.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH REEYA BANERJEE

Reeya Banerjee’s new single “Misery of Place” isn’t just a standout moment on her upcoming album “This Place”. This is the album’s emotional thesis, wrapped up in crunchy guitars, sharp lyrics and a healthy dose of self-aware swagger.

Inspired by a haunting question that first surfaced in her teenage years – “Are you experiencing misery of place, or profound, lifelong misery of self?” — the song digs into the complex relationship between geography and identity, asking how much of our discontent is rooted in where we are. And, how much in who we are.

To bring those layered themes to life visually, Banerjee teamed up with longtime friend and visual literacy expert Kelly Kingman-Joslyn, whose work translates complex ideas into striking hand-drawn images.

The result is a music video that’s anything but traditional. It is more of a moving sketchbook full of flickering memories, half-thoughts, bold colors and scribbled commentary. It’s part animation, part stream-of-consciousness and entirely unique.

In this exclusive interview, Banerjee explores the origins of Misery of Place, the question that’s haunted her for over 20 years, and the deeply personal (and creatively rich) process of making the video with Kingman-Joslyn.

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

“Misery of Place” is essentially the thesis statement of my upcoming record, “This Place” — a collection of songs exploring how the places we live leave emotional imprints on us.

The song was inspired by a question that’s been rattling around in my brain since high school — over 20 years ago(!): “Are you experiencing misery of place, or profound, lifelong misery of self?”

It came from a teacher, passed along through a friend, and at the time, I was furious. I was 17, and it felt cruel and unhelpful — like, what kind of teacher says something that brutal to a kid still figuring out who they are?

And yet… the question stuck. Through every move and transition in my life, I kept coming back to it. It shaped how I think about identity, belonging, and change — how much of what we feel is about where we are, and how much is about who we are.

This song wrestles with that tension — between geography (physical and existential) and self — and it does it with crunchy guitars, narrative lyrics that nod to Bruce Springsteen’s character-driven storytelling (with a smirk), and the sonic swagger of the 90s power pop I grew up on. It felt right to kick off the album cycle with this one, because it asks the question the rest of the record is trying to answer.

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

I didn’t want a traditional narrative video for this song — the song itself is full of characters, but it’s also packed with doubt, cheek, and internal monologue. So I teamed up with my dear friend Kelly Kingman-Joslyn, a visual literacy expert whose job is literally to transform spoken ideas into powerful, hand-drawn visuals. She works with keynote speakers at corporate events, sketching huge live illustrations on whiteboards or easel pads to help visual learners absorb complex ideas — and she also creates animation videos for clients like Goldman Sachs.

That combination of clarity, creativity, and abstraction made her the perfect person to bring Misery of Place to life. I wanted the video to feel like flipping through someone’s subconscious — a swirl of memory, sarcasm, self-doubt, and scribbled footnotes.

Instead of telling a linear story, the video leans into abstraction: sketchbook textures, bursts of color, and hand-written text that echo the psychological layers of the song. It’s part inner monologue, part visual essay — and it adds a new dimension to the song’s central question.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The video was a true collaboration, but also an act of deep trust. I gave Kelly the track and a brain dump of what the song meant to me — a mix of stories, reflections, and the emotional weight behind the lyrics. Then I stepped back.

I trusted her completely to take all of that and filter it through her own artistic lens. Her ability to translate words and feeling into image is extraordinary, and I knew the best thing I could do was give her the space to do what she does best.

There was also something quietly full-circle about working with Kelly. She’s married to one of my closest friends — we met freshman year of college, and after graduation, we were roommates for nearly a decade. He moved out when he married her! So asking Kelly to make this video kind of felt like calling on family. That trust wasn’t just creative — it was personal.

Kelly is based in Beacon, NY — a small city in the Hudson Valley with an enormous artist community. It’s a place filled with visual artists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and musicians, many of whom I’ve crossed paths with over the years. I lived there for a long time, and it was one of the most creatively rich chapters of my life. So in a way, this video wasn’t just a collaboration between two artists — it was a product of a larger creative ecosystem I was once part of.

A community-rooted project in every sense. We didn’t storyboard it traditionally. Instead, Kelly treated it like a live sketchbook in motion, responding to the song’s tone and energy in real time. What she created was a moving mural — quirky, emotional, and raw — that mirrors the rhythm and spirit of the song itself.

Keep up to date with Reeya Banerjee on her Website.