Artist Weekly
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Artist Weekly

Music

Ashes Awaken Praise the Lord and Pass the Distortion on “Hallelujah”

Ashes Awaken Praise the Lord and Pass the Distortion on “Hallelujah”

August 15, 2026

There are worse ideas than turning a praise song into a metal song. There are certainly more boring ones. Ashes Awaken’s “Hallelujah” begins with a proposition so uncomplicated that sophisticated listeners may instinctively distrust it: sing, praise, repeat. No crisis of identity required. No graduate seminar on the meaning of the chorus. No coy ambiguity concerning whom Michael Stover is addressing. He means God. He says so. Frequently. And somehow that’s part of the fun. “Hallelujah” originally surfaced in another guise through Dust and Grace, whose recording became a Top 5 CDX Positive Country chart hit. Ashes Awaken take Stover’s composition and put considerably more electricity through it. The theology remains intact; the guitars don’t. The basic lyric could fit on the back of a church bulletin: “I wanna sing something to ya I wanna sing hallelujah.” That’s either admirably direct or dangerously simple, depending on your tolerance for praise music. But simplicity has never disqualified a song from rocking. Chuck Berry wasn’t writing The Waste Land. Neither were the Ramones. Sometimes the trick isn’t finding more words. It’s finding the right few and making people want to shout them back. Ashes Awaken understand this. “Hallelujah” works because the band

Metalcore Band NVSN Explore Addiction on “Paralyzed”

Metalcore Band NVSN Explore Addiction on “Paralyzed”

August 8, 2026

Some songs are written to get a crowd moving. Others leave a mark long after the final breakdown. NVSN’s latest single, “Paralyzed,” manages to do both, pairing crushing riffs with a story that feels painfully real. Hailing from Biloxi, Mississippi, NVSN have spent the last few years building their name in modern metalcore. Their mix of metal, hard rock and hip hop gives their sound plenty of punch, while their lyrics tackle the struggles that many people quietly carry every day. Since forming in 2020, the five-piece have shared stages with bands including A Day To Remember, Underoath, Sleeping With Sirens, Seether, P.O.D. and Drowning Pool, while also earning attention through previous releases and a packed touring schedule of more than 120 shows. “Paralyzed” feels like another step forward for the band. Written about the grip of alcoholism, the song captures the frustration of wanting to change while feeling completely trapped by addiction. Rather than telling the story from the outside looking in, NVSN places listeners right in the middle of that battle. The result is intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore. Bands in this corner of the genre have written about addiction for decades, and the strongest of those

badsoma Steps Into a New Psychedelic Chapter

badsoma Steps Into a New Psychedelic Chapter

August 7, 2026

badsoma is chasing a new sound. The Los Angeles group is deep into a follow-up record, one that leans into psychedelic textures and takes fresh risks with song form. The band chose to self-produce again, a move that speaks to the sharpening work of badsoma founder Armin Fard as a producer and arranger. Early hints of that direction already live online. Listeners can stream the SoundCloud release of Dragonflies to catch where the group is headed. What Keeps badsoma Collaborative The group works as a genuine collective. Six players share the writing, and each one shapes the final result. badsoma describes itself as more than the sum of its parts, and the music follows that idea. The songs carry social and environmental themes, and they move easily between personal detail and wider concerns. Followers can keep up with the band through badsoma’s Instagram page, where the group posts news and show updates. Recognition for the Self-Titled EP The self-titled EP put badsoma on the map. It featured on Bandcamp’s New and Notable, and it drew coverage from the NPR-affiliated station KMUW. The record also climbed to number 144 on the North American College and Community (NACC) chart. That placement signaled

Single Review of Ananda Xenia Shakti and Love Power the Band, Devotion

Single Review of Ananda Xenia Shakti and Love Power the Band, Devotion

August 7, 2026

By Claire Montgomery Some records are written. Others feel discovered. Devotion, the latest release from Ananda Xenia Shakti and Love Power the Band, belongs firmly in the second category. Inspired by a deeply personal experience during a meditation retreat in the mountains of Andhra Pradesh, India, the single is a work of uncommon sincerity, a recording that treats music not as performance but as prayer. That may sound like a lofty ambition, but Devotion succeeds precisely because it never strains for grandeur. Instead, it unfolds with remarkable patience, allowing its message to emerge naturally, one breath at a time. Ananda’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Long before she became known for devotional music, meditation, and spiritual teaching, she performed under the name Xenia Holliday as a member of the pioneering all-female punk band the B-Girls. She shared stages with the Clash, performed at legendary venues such as CBGB, and even contributed backing vocals to Blondie’s AutoAmerican. The transformation from punk provocateur to spiritual artist might seem dramatic, but listening closely, it becomes clear that the impulse driving both chapters of her life is remarkably similar. Punk has always been about authenticity, independence, and rejecting artifice. Devotion

Elvira Kalnik’s ‘Summer Time’ Is a Welcome Invitation to Rediscover Joy

Elvira Kalnik’s ‘Summer Time’ Is a Welcome Invitation to Rediscover Joy

August 7, 2026

By: Caroline Bennett By the time the first chorus of Elvira Kalnik’s “Summer Time” arrives, one thing becomes immediately clear: this is not a song interested in irony. It isn’t weighed down by cynicism, obsessed with heartbreak, or searching for darkness beneath every bright moment. Instead, Kalnik embraces something far more difficult to achieve in contemporary music, unapologetic joy. Originally featured on her 2017 album Magical Child, “Summer Time” returns as a vibrant celebration of freedom, optimism, and the simple pleasures that often become lost amid the demands of adulthood. Built on an energetic electronic foundation, the track combines bright synthesizers, danceable rhythms, and a memorable chorus with a message that feels increasingly important amid constant distraction and uncertainty. Kalnik has never been an artist who confines herself to a single creative lane. Throughout her career, she has worked as a singer, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, fashion designer, actress, model, and television host. That multidisciplinary approach is evident throughout “Summer Time.” Even without seeing the accompanying visuals, the song feels cinematic. Every element serves a purpose, creating an atmosphere that is both playful and immersive. From its opening moments, “Summer Time” establishes a carefree mood. The production is polished without becoming

The Hands That Built a Life: Richard Lynch's "Wait For Me" Finds Grace in the Smallest Moments

The Hands That Built a Life: Richard Lynch’s “Wait For Me” Finds Grace in the Smallest Moments

August 4, 2026

By Melissa Morris There are country songs that announce themselves with a bang, and then there are songs like Richard Lynch’s “Wait For Me,” which arrive quietly, take a seat at the kitchen table, and remind you that the most important stories are often the ones that never make the evening news. The thing about country music, and particularly the traditional strain that Lynch has spent his career preserving, is that it has always understood the value of ordinary lives. Long before arenas, streaming numbers, and social media algorithms entered the picture, country songs were telling stories about the people who held families together, worked until their hands ached, and considered sacrifice less a burden than a responsibility. “Wait For Me” exists squarely within that tradition. The song opens with a devastatingly simple image: a son sitting beside his sleeping mother, holding her hand while memories begin to flood his mind. From there, Lynch and co-writer John Lee build an entire world from details so familiar that listeners immediately recognize pieces of their own lives inside them. The central image, of course, is a mother’s hands. In lesser hands, no pun intended, that kind of symbolism could become unbearably sentimental.

Lorde and Charli xcx Turn Lollapalooza Into a Viral Pop Reunion

Lorde and Charli xcx Turn Lollapalooza Into a Viral Pop Reunion

August 1, 2026

Lorde brought Charli xcx onstage during her July 30 Lollapalooza headline set in Chicago for the “Girl, so confusing” remix. The surprise linked two consecutive festival headliners and revived a collaboration shaped by public comparisons, candid lyrics, and earlier live appearances. Here is how the moment unfolded and why it resonated. Key Takeaways Charli xcx joined Lorde during her July 30 headlining performance at Grant Park. The pair performed the Lorde remix of “Girl, so confusing” before ending the appearance with an embrace. Charli xcx was scheduled to headline the festival the following night. The performance appeared within Lorde’s 20-song set, between “Man of the Year” and “Green Light.” Lollapalooza 2026 runs from July 30 through August 2, featuring more than 170 artists across eight stages. The reunion arrived late in Lorde’s opening-night performance. After “Man of the Year,” the word “girl” repeated through the production, signaling the next song before Charli xcx appeared onstage. The two artists exchanged their sections of “Girl, so confusing,” moved across the stage together, and embraced as the performance ended. The entrance prompted an immediate crowd response and quickly became one of the first widely circulated clips from the festival weekend. The appearance was

Bob Augustine Finds Meaning in the Search on "Four Leaf Clover (Remix)"

Bob Augustine Finds Meaning in the Search on “Four Leaf Clover (Remix)”

July 31, 2026

By Melissa Ross There is a particular kind of songwriter who understands that the destination is rarely as important as the pursuit. Bob Augustine has always seemed to belong to that tradition. His songs rarely present life as a neat collection of answers. Instead, they linger in the questions, exploring the spaces between disappointment and hope, heartbreak and perseverance. With “Four Leaf Clover (Remix),” Augustine returns to familiar territory, but he does so with renewed energy, transforming an already compelling song into something even more immediate and emotionally resonant. At its heart, “Four Leaf Clover” is a song about longing, not merely for luck, but for purpose. The title itself invites a certain expectation. Popular culture has conditioned us to think of the four-leaf clover as a symbol of chance, as though happiness might be waiting somewhere beneath the next stone we overturn. Augustine wisely challenges that idea. Throughout the song, he suggests that fulfillment comes less from discovering fortune than from maintaining the faith to continue searching for it. The remix amplifies that message. Where the original recording carried the intimacy of a late-night confession, this new arrangement opens the doors wider. The instrumentation feels fuller, the rhythm section

Tamara Lee’s ‘FORBIDDEN FRUIT’ Is the Soundtrack to a Summer Romance

Tamara Lee’s ‘FORBIDDEN FRUIT’ Is the Soundtrack to a Summer Romance

July 31, 2026

Some pop songs are made to be played with the windows down, and “Forbidden Fruit” has exactly that kind of energy. Bright, confident and full of personality, Tamara Lee’s latest single is a fun reminder that sometimes the best moments come from taking a chance. Based in the UK, Tamara Lee is an independent pop artist whose music blends catchy melodies with honest storytelling. Drawing on her background in musical theatre, acting, and dance, she brings a cinematic feel to both her music and visuals. That creative mix has helped her build a loyal audience while earning support from BBC Introducing and coverage from respected music publications, including Earmilk, Music Crowns, Flex, and We Speak Media. Her ability to combine performance with songwriting allows every release to feel like more than just a song. Each track is supported by a strong artistic identity, where the visuals, lyrics, and production work together to create an immersive experience. This creative approach has helped her stand out in the independent pop scene while continuing to attract new listeners with every release. Her newest release, “Forbidden Fruit”, puts the spotlight firmly on attraction, chemistry, and the excitement of wanting something that feels just out

Why Tylden’s “I Feel Unstoppable” Is Worth Adding to Your Playlist

Why Tylden’s “I Feel Unstoppable” Is Worth Adding to Your Playlist

July 31, 2026

Some artists spend years trying to figure out who they are. Tylden already has a clear sense of direction. The Oslo-based singer-songwriter continues to build a catalog that feels honest, uplifting, and easy to connect with, blending heartfelt songwriting with memorable melodies and clean guitar work. Having started out on classical piano before making guitar his main instrument, Tylden brings a natural musicality to everything he releases. His growing body of work moves comfortably between emotional ballads and feel-good anthems, showing that he isn’t tied to one sound. Instead, he’s focused on writing songs that feel genuine. His versatility as a musician allows him to move effortlessly between different moods and styles without losing his artistic identity. Whether delivering reflective acoustic moments or energetic pop-driven arrangements, Tylden consistently puts strong songwriting at the center of his music. That commitment to authenticity has helped him develop a sound that feels both personal and widely relatable. That approach has already taken him a long way. Collaborations with artists in Norway and beyond have introduced his music to a wider audience. He’s also performed on stages across the country and appeared on The Voice Norway, continuing to gain experience both in the studio

Alexandra John’s ‘The World’s Winking At You’ Is a Feel-Good Pop Anthem Full of Hope

Alexandra John’s ‘The World’s Winking At You’ Is a Feel-Good Pop Anthem Full of Hope

July 30, 2026

By: Aman Jalan Some songs have a way of making everyday moments feel a little more special, and “The World’s Winking At You” does exactly that. Alexandra John’s latest release is packed with uplifting energy, reminding listeners to slow down, notice the little signs around them, and believe that life might just be pointing them in the right direction. Alexandra John is a Nashville-based retro pop twin duo known for blending nostalgic influences with modern pop, disco-funk grooves, and rock energy. Their feel-good live shows have already seen them open for David Archuleta on the West Coast leg of his Earthly Delights tour. Alongside growing press support, the duo continues to build a reputation for music that feels joyful, relatable, and full of personality. Drawing inspiration from timeless pop while adding their own contemporary style, Alexandra John have developed a sound that feels both familiar and refreshing. Their chemistry as a duo shines through every performance, allowing their harmonies and vibrant stage presence to create an engaging experience for audiences. This combination of strong musicianship and positive energy has helped them steadily expand their fanbase. Their newest single, “The World’s Winking At You,” leans into the idea that life is

Pawnshop Motel Releases Their New Indie Rock Song ‘The Haunting’

Pawnshop Motel Releases Their New Indie Rock Song ‘The Haunting’

July 30, 2026

Some songs capture the moment a relationship falls apart, while others focus on what comes after. Pawnshop Motel’s latest single, “The Haunting,” lives in that difficult space where letting go should be easy, but never is. Pawnshop Motel is a Denver, Colorado-based indie rock duo made up of Matt and Stew. Formed in 2021 after years of playing in bands across Kansas City and the Denver and Boulder area, the pair have built a sound inspired by guitar-driven rock with honest songwriting at its core. They have recorded with producer Dean Miller at Nashville’s Sound Emporium and have played well-known Colorado venues including Lost Lake, Globe Hall, Larimer Lounge and Herman’s Hideaway. Their growing reputation has also brought press attention for previous releases. Drawing from years of experience as musicians, Matt and Stew have developed a style that balances powerful instrumentation with thoughtful storytelling. Their chemistry as a duo is evident throughout their music, allowing every song to feel natural and emotionally grounded. Rather than following passing trends, they continue to embrace the timeless appeal of authentic indie rock driven by meaningful lyrics and memorable melodies. “The Haunting” takes listeners through the emotional exhaustion that comes at the end of

Eddy Mann Finds Hope in Revelation on The Unveiling

Eddy Mann Finds Hope in Revelation on The Unveiling

July 28, 2026

By Jonathan Miles For more than three decades, Christian singer-songwriter Eddy Mann has built a career on a simple but profound principle: write songs that point people toward love, grace, and God. While musical styles have shifted and the ways artists connect with audiences have changed dramatically, Mann has remained remarkably steadfast in his mission. His latest album, The Unveiling, may be his most ambitious work yet, drawing inspiration entirely from the Book of Revelation, a section of Scripture often associated with fear, mystery, and apocalyptic imagery. Yet Mann approaches it from an entirely different perspective, uncovering a message rooted in hope rather than anxiety. Looking back on his journey, Mann says the world around him has changed, forcing him to adapt the ways he reaches listeners, but never altering the heart of his calling. “As the landscape of the world has changed, so has my approach in reaching folks,” he explains. “I’ve had to evolve and figure out how to make those changes work for me. But the message has always been the same: ‘Love one another!’” That unwavering focus has become the defining thread running through Mann’s extensive catalog. Whether writing worshipful ballads or reflective folk-inspired songs, his

Amanda Returns with “Too Deep,” an Electrifying New Chapter

Amanda Returns with “Too Deep,” an Electrifying New Chapter

July 21, 2026

For British singer and songwriter Amanda, music has never been simply a career choice. It has been a lifelong pursuit that began in the quiet countryside of Cumbria, carried her onto some of the United Kingdom’s most prominent stages, and eventually led her across the Atlantic to Los Angeles. Now, with the release of her latest single, “Too Deep,” Amanda is opening a new chapter defined by electronic energy, emotionally direct songwriting, and a renewed sense of artistic freedom. “Too Deep” marks a confident evolution in Amanda’s sound. Blending infectious electronic production with vulnerable storytelling, the track explores the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming experience of becoming completely consumed by another person. It captures the moment when attraction grows into infatuation, emotions begin to overpower reason, and the excitement of a new connection becomes almost impossible to control. Wrapped in sleek, contemporary dance production, the song balances euphoria with emotional intensity. Its energetic sound creates an immediate sense of movement, while the songwriting reveals something more personal beneath the surface. It explores the vulnerability of falling quickly and the uncertainty that comes with giving in to emotions before fully understanding where they may lead. The result is a track designed to

Charting Hearts and Horizons: The Perfect Storm Finds Its Voice on Maiden Voyage

Charting Hearts and Horizons: The Perfect Storm Finds Its Voice on Maiden Voyage

July 21, 2026

By: Caleb Mercer Every memorable debut album carries a little tension. It has to introduce a band while convincing listeners they’re hearing the beginning of something with staying power. Maiden Voyage, the first full-length release from alt-pop rock trio The Perfect Storm, succeeds because it never mistakes spectacle for substance. James Krakat, Matty Kirtoglou, and Ethan Lynch aren’t trying to reinvent rock music. They’re reminding listeners why emotionally honest rock songs continue to matter. That’s a surprisingly bold proposition in 2026. The Perfect Storm has spent the last several years earning its audience rather than chasing it. Through independent radio success, charting singles like “Song for My Friends” and “We Fell in Love,” and growing recognition within the independent music community, the band has steadily established itself as a group whose greatest strength isn’t image or gimmick. It’s connection. Maiden Voyage captures that identity in full. The album’s title immediately establishes its central metaphor. This is a first voyage, certainly, but it’s also a leap into uncertainty, documenting the moment three longtime friends stop treating music as a pastime and begin living it as a calling. That sense of risk gives the record emotional momentum from its opening moments. Musically,

Robert Ross's "For You Girl" Is Country Romance the Way It Ought to Be

Robert Ross’s “For You Girl” Is Country Romance the Way It Ought to Be

July 21, 2026

By: Hattie Jones There was a time when country music wasn’t afraid to wear its heart right out there on its sleeve. A man could sing about falling head over heels in love, making grand promises, and chasing the girl of his dreams without anyone worrying whether it was fashionable or cool. Robert Ross takes us right back to those days with his delightful new single, “For You Girl,” and honey, it’s a trip worth taking. Robert Ross has always struck me as the kind of artist who knows exactly who he is. Born in New Brunswick, Canada, seasoned by more than eleven years in the Canadian Army, and later finding a second home in Australia before making his way to Nashville, Ross has lived enough life to understand that authenticity can’t be faked. That’s probably why his music feels so comfortable in its own skin. His latest offering is a sweet reminder that country music’s greatest strength has always been storytelling. The song opens with a simple observation: “My whole life got turned around / When I saw you painting up the town.” Now that’s how you start a country love song! No complicated setup. No trying to reinvent

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