The Refusers

Blasting through the establishment’s twisted goals, The Refusers perform songs of musical defiance. The Refusers speak today’s spirit of rage and simmering revolution against the establishment. As audacious as some think they are, The Refusers passionately refuse to go along with the program. Could they know something we don’t? Yes ladies and gentlemen. Punk rock has always been all about fighting the man, but now it’s about fighting for your life.

Battle lines have been drawn and these Pacific Northwest rockers encourage their viewer to dismiss the notion to 'build back better”, but instead 'fight back bitter'.

https://therefusers.com/

Sami Jo

Sami Jo has had a pen in her hand since day 1 and picked up a guitar to accompany her writing by the time she reached high school. She moved to Nashville, TN out of college and developed a name for herself around town, notoriously writing all the personal, gut wrenching details of life and disguising them with pretty, catchy melodies. 

When you hear a Sami Jo song, artists like Noah Kahan, Colbie Caillat, and Kacey Musgrave may come to mind. Though her writing styles vary, her artistry stays true to her folk pop/americana roots. Sami Jo’s move to Nashville began with a simple email on November 1, 2015 with a return sender: The Bluebird Cafe. Although famously known for their long audition process, the legendary music venue personally reached out to Sami Jo inviting her to play a Sunday Writer’s Night. Since that date, she has been recognized as NSAI’s “Ones to Watch,” has won the #1 song in SUSC International Songwriting competition, and a top 12 finalist in American Country Star worldwide competition. 

Though new to releasing music, her latest single, “Black & White Reality” hit 22k streams in the first 3 months with the top countries: United States and United Kingdom. She regularly plays to packed audiences in Nashville and in the past year she has led a successful International tour through England and Ireland where she performed on iconic stages including The Cavern Club, The Jacaranda, The Adelphi Hotel, and more. When Sami Jo is not touring Internationally, she is Nashville’s beloved host of “Sams Jams” bi-weekly writers round at the prestigious Virgin Hotel on Music Row. She uses her networking and promotion skills to provide a platform for nearly 800 artists per year to share their original music with industry professionals.

https://www.samijosongs.com/

Adagio Drag

In 2018 Javier Hinojosa and Isaac Mendiola began to weave themselves into the threads and fabrics of what is now Adagio Drag. Starting out as an acoustic duet they began writing original songs and preforming them at local pubs and bars in the Rio Grande Valley. In 2019 they released their first EP Sketches with Alexander Valdez on drums, Javier Hinojosa taking up the work load of playing, guitar, bass and keyboards and Isaac Mendiola writing all lyrics and recording vocals. Their next EP Never Be the Same was released in 2020. The EP embraced a weightier sound, giving rise to a more somber perspective, distinctly audible in the track "Paranoia." This transition enabled the band to explore fresh dimensions of songwriting and paved the way for innovative ideas in preparation for their upcoming album entitled Handcuffed to the Ferris Wheel, which was released in 2023. Having already produced two EPs and an album, Adagio Drag embarked on the creation of their upcoming single, "Pick A God And Pray," scheduled for a 2024 release.

"Pick a God and Pray" by Adagio Drag is a journey that blends hooks that stick, melodies that linger with a rhythm that just won’t quit. The lyrics deliver a message of hope that remain long after the music has stopped. With roots deeply embedded in the Rio Grande Valley, Adagio Drag brings a touch of smooth sounds and a hint of solid vibes just waiting in the wings to be on the airwaves.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/handcuffed-to-the-ferris-wheel/1699299894

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnNJZTEH1DeQ4MBywz5Trvg

Dennis van Aarssen. New studio album

 

 

'My voice is more mature, giving me more control.'

"Just Call It Love", the fourth studio album by Dennis van Aarssen and composer-pianist Jeff Franzel, represents the musical growth of the singer who once won The Voice of Holland as a crooner. Eleven captivating tracks, lyrically more mature with greater emotional depth, while the arrangements are deliberately kept small and intimate. Dennis's warm, resonant voice sounds fuller and more colorful than ever. Dennis: 'My voice is more mature, giving me more control. The songs are more fragile, so it's not about the power, but rather the nuances. It has become an intimate jazzy pop album.' For "Just Call It Love" a different concept has been chosen compared to the previous big band albums.

The song "She", one of the tracks on the album, went viral on TikTok; it surpassed the 2 million views within the first 48 hours. 

 

https://www.dennisvanaarssen.com/en

Merenco

 

 

Merenco teams up with German remixer Formwandla for a genre-blending hit: "Here and Now (Formwandla Remix)"

In an exciting fusion of country charm and dance-pop energy, country musician Merenco and renowned German remixer Formwandla are proud to announce the release of "Here and Now (Formwandla Remix)", hitting all streaming platforms on last April 12, 2024. This groundbreaking collaboration promises to captivate audiences with a unique blend of genres, maintaining the soulful essence of the original country track while infusing it with an electrifying dance-pop rhythm.

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kOvztcK6RI

 https://www.facebook.com/people/Formwandla/100065048075063/

 https://twitter.com/formwandla

Lauren Minear

Lauren Minear is a critically-acclaimed indie folk-pop singer-songwriter, licensed psychotherapist, and mother based in New York. Her heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and undeniable wit have captivated audiences at New York City music institutions such as The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, and Brooklyn Music Kitchen. Lauren’s debut album, Invisible Woman, explores themes of identity, love, and loss, magnified by her experience of being postpartum during the pandemic. The album embodies the basic desire for connection and purpose during a uniquely isolating time. After hearing the title track, Andrea Stople, multi-platinum songwriter, wrote, “[Lauren has] a gorgeous ability to write about difficult things... and really connect...”. 

Raised in Nashville, Lauren honed her craft under the mentorship of George Marinelli (long-time guitar player for Bonnie Raitt), folk legend Steve Earle, acclaimed country music songwriter Alice Randall, singer-songwriter Joe Croker, and folk artist, Tom Prasada-Rao. Deeply passionate about mental health, Lauren skillfully weaves her storytelling musical roots with contemporary sonic influences to give language to human experience in a way that is both healing and affirming to her listener. Lauren's much-anticipated second album, a colorful exploration of visibility and self-discovery, is expected late spring 2024. Lauren performs in and around NYC with her band. 

Her music can be found on all streaming platforms and at www.laurenminearmusic.com.

The Offliners

The balance between big global goals and very local, based on personal preference, is the theme of this song, and reflects a very human mindset that isn't always super-rational. The inspiration for the song comes from a chance meeting between strangers, each with their own focus areas in everyday life – coupled with a sincere interest and curiosity to familiarize themselves with and understand the other party.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/519294119615012