We Talk About Music

JOCELYN’s album MISSING RIB is a transformative journey through faith, love, and self-discovery. Rooted in her personal relationship with God and a deep commitment to spreading His Word through music, the project masterfully blends genres and showcases JOCELYN’s extraordinary vocal and lyrical prowess. This collection isn’t just an album; it’s a declaration of purpose and a heartfelt invitation to listeners from all walks of life to connect with something greater.

Pete Lacey and Alison Steele have crafted a song that feels more like a tribute than a single. “Home,” released on October 18th, 2024, draws on the harrowing experiences of the 2020 California wildfires, which ravaged the landscape, upending lives and altering the very essence of the valley’s natural beauty. With its poignant lyrics and memorable melody, “Home” is a soulful expression of resilience, honoring the memories of what was lost while celebrating the collective strength of a community that’s begun to rebuild.

Truenemy, Detroit’s hard rock torchbearer, has conjured up an electrifying experience in his latest EP, Curse of the Lightning Ball. With a title track inspired by the elusive natural phenomenon of ball lightning and covers ranging from classical to video game lore, Truenemy has pulled off something bold, blending metal’s intensity with imaginative, Halloween-ready soundscapes. We spoke with lead man Paul Vuocolo about this unique release, where he shared insights on the EP’s creation, his song choices, and his vision for Truenemy’s genre-blending future.

Jordan Anthony and Mackenzie Sol, known now collectively as J+M, have captured hearts with their single “Don’t Ya.” Released on October 25, this collaboration brings together two of American Idol season 22's most promising talents in a track that’s an excellent hybrid of dreamy, atmospheric pop and soulful, expressive melodies. It’s a smooth, irresistible tune that spotlights both artists’ unique strengths while creating a seamless, captivating blend.

Finis Smith is riding high on the success of his debut single, "Ain’t Love Grand," but he's proving that he's not a one-hit wonder with his latest release, a stirring cover of J.D. Souther’s 1979 classic, "You’re Only Lonely." The original song was a Billboard Top Ten hit, and Smith's rendition pays beautiful homage to Souther’s songwriting while infusing it with his own unique style. For fans of classic country, this track is a welcome reminder of the genre's roots, but with a modern twist that makes it feel new and vibrant all over again.

Kalamazoo-based musician Alix Heffron emerges with his debut album The Moon Is Looking at Me..., a brooding, atmospheric concept record that dives deep into the psyche of an artist spiraling into madness. This dark rock opus took four years to craft, with Heffron handling nearly every aspect of production in his home studio. The result is a haunting, introspective journey through the mind of an unraveling protagonist, where Heffron's talent as a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller shines.

Wildcat Hawkins’ 2021 album Pre-Copernican marks a striking departure from his usual acoustic piano-driven compositions, showcasing his versatility and passion for sonic exploration. This time around, Hawkins dives headfirst into the world of hip-hop, blending his innate melodic sensibilities with beats that are fresh, upbeat, and remarkably well-produced. It's a bold move, but one that pays off, giving listeners an infectious, genre-bending experience that reflects Hawkins’ adventurous spirit.

In a world where conformity often reigns, XOLEX—aka Alexis Curran—is unapologetically carving out her own path in country music. Her latest single, “Rebel Child,” reflects the fire and grit of a woman who refuses to fit into anyone’s mold. With its stripped-back arrangement and raw, emotional vocal performance, the track showcases XOLEX as a true non-conformist in the genre, blending her soulful country roots with pop sensibilities and a rock ’n’ roll edge.

In their longest and most ambitious track to date, “The Oak,” Graham and The Band Upstairs take listeners on a sprawling sonic journey that encapsulates everything great about Americana music. At 7 minutes and 48 seconds, the Atlanta-based band, led by singer-songwriter Graham Waldrop, weaves a tapestry of introspective storytelling, lush instrumental layers, and a sense of timelessness. It's a deeply personal song for Waldrop, but like any great folk narrative, it’s left open for interpretation, inviting listeners to find their own meaning in its winding lyrics and meditative mood.

The Lehigh Valley has birthed a lot of musical talent, but few acts have shown the relentless work ethic and creative dynamism of Smooth Retsina Glow. Their latest album, Through the Needles Eye, is a testament to the band's resilience and evolution, having survived lineup changes, a global pandemic, and countless obstacles along the way. What emerges from the other side is not just a collection of songs but a refined, genre-bending piece of indie rock that’s full of surprises.