We Talk About Music

Josh Westover is no stranger to introspection, but on Songs of Reflection, his latest five-song EP, he turns that gaze deeper than ever before. Known for his indie/alt-rock sensibilities and DIY ethos, Westover wears his influences—Radiohead, Muse, Coldplay, Massive Attack, and Pink Floyd—proudly on his sleeve, yet molds them into something uniquely his own. The result is an atmospheric, deeply personal record that balances melancholy with hope, darkness with light, and raw emotion with meticulous production.

Rapper lilqueen continues to delight his listeners with surprises, revealing himself with a new side in his new track “Ghost in My Bed”, which is like an emotional journey through heartbreak and the haunting memories of lost love. Breaking away from his signature sound, this track showcases a raw, introspective side of the artist, blending elements of Rap, Alternative Pop, and Hip-Hop into a vibe that resonates deeply with anyone navigating the aftermath of a breakup.

With his ambitious debut, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, Valley of Salt has delivered a progressive rock opera that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. Helmed by composer, guitarist, and lyricist Brian Stemetzki, this album reinvents the story of John the Baptist in a sweeping, emotional journey that marries intricate storytelling with masterful musicianship.

Isabella Chiarini is a name you’ll want to remember, and her latest single, “Gotta Be,” cements her place as one of Canada’s most exciting emerging pop artists. With masterful production, introspective songwriting, and a chorus that practically demands to be sung at the top of your lungs, “Gotta Be” is a radiant blend of pop sensibility and emotional depth.

In our above interview with Isabella, she opened up about the inspiration behind “Gotta Be.” For her, the song represents a journey of self-discovery and reflection, a theme that resonates strongly in both the lyrics and the musicality. Co-written with Teresa Nocita and Brian Melo, the 2007 Canadian Idol winner, the track is as much about personal empowerment as it is about connection.

Kane Luke, better known as The New Citizen Kane, has emerged from the Dublin theatre scene and a whirlwind of international artistic endeavors to deliver a captivating one-two punch: a shimmering new single, Lonely Christmas Lights, and the emotionally rich EP Could Have Been. These releases reveal an artist deeply connected to his roots while boldly pushing the boundaries of his craft, blending lush alt-pop soundscapes with heartfelt lyricism and an evocative nod to 80s new wave.

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.