Archives: press_release

Los Angeles, CA – Alternative-pop artist Izzy Strigel has just released her captivating new single, “Breathe.” Mixing together unique instrumentals with an infectious beat, this lyrical masterpiece bends genres in a mesmerizing way. “Breathe” is available on streaming platforms worldwide. 

“After the breakup, a lot of emotions and clarity flushed forward, and the only way I knew how to process it was to write about it,” explains Strigel, who wrote “Breathe” about her personal experience with feeling trapped in a relationship with a past lover. Her statement is supported by anthemic lyrics, “push me away; I’ll disappear, scared to face my fears.” “Breathe” captures these complex emotions in a poetic way, resonating Strigel’s message to those who have experienced similar feelings.

Fusing a powerful message with a colorful tonal cascade, “Breathe” incorporates a range of melodies. From soft and mellow to buoyant and energetic, Strigel’s rollercoaster of emotions is mirrored through the musical concoction of this track. The song was co-written by Strigel and Anthony Kayser, also known as Kaijac, who also produced the track.

Izzy Strigel began singing when she was a young child. Born in Durham, North Carolina, and now Los Angeles-based, Strigel has shown to wear many hats. After picking up piano, guitar, and drums, she began using music to channel her emotions and explore her feelings in ways indescribable with words. Strigel takes musical inspiration from major pop artists like Justin Bieber and The Chainsmokers and lyrical influence from the likes of Mo, Remi Wolf, and Dominic Fike.

“Breathe” is a modern-day genre-bending breakup anthem. Izzy Strigel’s storytelling, mixed with luminous melodies and powerful beats, breathes life into the track. You can follow Izzy Strigel’s musical and personal adventures on her Instagram, @izzystrigel. Download or stream “Breathe” on digital music platforms everywhere.

Seattle, WA – Adrian Libertini and Mariko Langan, better known as The A.M.s, have released their third single from their forthcoming debut studio album, Ignite the Sky. “Smoke” is a slow-building folk track about reminiscing on good memories and wishing those moments lasted longer. The new single is now available on streaming platforms worldwide.

Like much of the duo’s forthcoming album, “Smoke” was created during quarantine in 2020. As time passed, like everyone else, Mariko and Adrian found ways to visit with their loved ones outside, oftentimes around a fire. Speaking on the concept for the song, the duo says, “There is something comforting about the smell of campfires, and now living through a pandemic, it’s come to symbolize togetherness even more. Smoke is mysterious in its shape, the way it lingers even after you think you’ve washed it away.” “Smoke” uses organic instrumentation to highlight Adrian and Mariko’s emotional chemistry as their voices soar in harmony throughout the song.

The A.M.s is an Americana duo that consists of Adrian Libertini and Mariko Langan. Founded in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the duo wrote over 50 songs while in quarantine, of which, thirteen ended up on their debut studio album, Ignite the Sky. The album is slated for release on October 28th. Though a thousand miles apart, with Langan located outside of Seattle and Libertini in San Luis Obispo, CA, the two came together after meeting three years ago to record their debut album at Earwig Studio in Seattle, WA. In 2022, the band began rolling out the album’s singles “Torn Vine,” an introspective track that tackles Mariko’s personal struggle with identity as an adoptee, and the title track “Ignite the Sky.” The band has been touted by American Songwriter, The Alternate Root, and Grateful Web.

“Smoke” is now available on streaming platforms worldwide. The song marks the third release from The A.M.s forthcoming debut album, Ignite the Sky, set for release later this year. To follow along with The A.M.s journey, follow them on instagram @the_a.m.s_music.

Los Angeles, CA – Indie-pop artist Hamid J has released his debut full-length album, cycle of a relationship. The 12-track album combines unapologetic narratives with ‘80s-inspired synth style to chronicle the journey through a romantic relationship, from first meet to post-breakup healing. cycle of a relationship is now available to stream and download on digital platforms worldwide.

cycle of a relationship connects the stages of a romantic relationship, with each consecutive track offering an authentic account of each phase. Hamid J credits the narrative to his own experiences with love. “I see myself first and foremost as a storyteller,” he explains. The tone of the album is set by previously released singles: “do you get this feeling,” an upbeat track about the vulnerability of opening up in a budding relationship, and “ain’t thinkin bout you,” a powerful anthem of moving on post-breakup to prioritize self-worth. Between those tracks lies the relationship; narratives including the beginning of the end, the breakup and the desire for revenge complete the full cycle of a relationship. The track “just a rider” shows the stage of letting a guard down to be vulnerable, while “sad stuck” expresses the feeling of losing the romance and feeling the other person pull away. Blending honest and personal relationship difficulties with Hamid J’s signature synth bassline, cycle of a relationship perfectly captures the ups and downs of romance, understanding that both are part of the full cycle.

A self-taught artist, Hamid J knew from a young age that his passion was to authentically entertain. His music is inspired by personal experiences, both good and bad, that he shares with powerfully honest lyricism. “Hamid J’s candid approach to creating his art is intuitive and trusting, and his raw talent is honed by his passion,” raves Matt Cady, who produced Hamid J’s album and has worked with artists including Madonna, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran. “Being on Hamid’s creative team has been deeply inspiring and enriching, and I’m honored to be on his team.” Inspired by musical storytellers like Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson and Sia, as well as his own experiences as a gay Iranian-American, Hamid J is committed to blending ‘80s inspiration with what makes him unique in each song he writes.

Hamid J’s music is honest about both the good and the bad, infused with messages of optimism and self-love. His new album, cycle of a relationship, authentically narrates the passage through any romance, intertwining sincere and candid storytelling with funky beats that have audiences dancing. cycle of a relationship can now be streamed on digital platforms worldwide. To keep up with Hamid J’s journey through love, breakups, and the space in between, visit HamidJ.com and follow him on Instagram at @OfficialHamidJ.

Los Angeles, CA – Rock band Astralux have unveiled their new single, “Desert Dream.” Thrilling, powerful, and enigmatic, the track is a sonic journey through the surreal and inspiring places we travel when the “Sun goes away.” The single is available for streaming now.

“The creation of the song itself almost feels like a dream,” explains Will Schlich, guitarist and vocalist for the band. “It started as a simple jam to warm up during a rehearsal, but as soon as we found that beat, the rest of the song came pouring out of us in a frenzy. In many ways, it’s the culmination of all our chaotic, creative energy.”

“Desert Dream” arrives as the latest release from Astralux’s forthcoming self-titled debut album due out later this year. Self-produced by the band in collaboration with engineer Tyler Lyons of Midnight Village, the track blends searing guitar riffs with a powerful shuffle beat and desert imagery into an indelible rock anthem. “In some ways, it represents the truest expression of the sound we’ve been chasing,” bassist Cam Fadl shares. “The song is a blend of the influences and inspirations that make us… us.” Like previous releases “Nocturnal” and “Speaker for the Dead,” the song was recorded at legendary Sunset Sound Studios and mixed/mastered by Grammy Award winners Jon Kaplan and Dave McNair.

For Astralux, a band whose name translates to “starlight,” music has always been about freedom. “I believe starlight has a deeper meaning, being the source of all creation,” explains drummer Michael Lieberman. “We stand out because we’re really writing music for ourselves.” Their music is a collaborative process, showcasing the eclectic mix of musical styles that inspire the band with each song they release. Introduced through a mutual ex-girlfriend, Lieberman and Schlich instantly formed a unique musical chemistry. Joined by bassist Fadl shortly after, they began writing music sparked by their collective creativity. The addition of guitarist Tai Ayres cemented the group’s lineup, and Astralux has been a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene ever since– playing venues like The Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, The Mint, and most recently, a showcase with Breaking Sound.

Astralux is a close-knit band that brings together fierce, back-to-basics guitar riffs and infectious rhythms that have audiences dancing, thrashing, and head-banging to each song they write. “Desert Dream” combines those elements with a layered, complex lyrical tapestry, giving them a sound akin to The Black Keys, Queens of the Stone Age, and Tame Impala. “Desert Dream” is available for streaming on music platforms worldwide. To keep up with Astralux’s musical journey, follow them on Instagram and TikTok at

@​​AstraluxMusic.

Pop Songwriter Dives Into Dating History with Nod to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Los Angeles, CA – Pop artist and songwriter Taylor Watson has released her newest single, “Not My Type.” Inspired by Watson’s past romantic experiences, the song contrasts her track record of toxic relationships with her new, healthy relationship. “Not My Type” is now available to download and stream on digital music platforms worldwide.

“Not My Type” intertwines Taylor Watson’s signature powerful vocals with an introspective look at her dating history. The danceable track focuses on moving past unhealthy partners to find a relationship that thrives, even though it may not fit the criteria for a previous romantic type. “The song is about letting go of your ‘type’ if your ‘type’ isn’t good for you,” Watson explains. “It’s not uncommon for people to romanticize toxic relationship patterns, and even mistake them for attraction or love. If your ‘type’ is toxic, at some point, you have to find someone who isn’t your type. I did, and this song is about him.” Honest lyrics like, “I still want you even though you’re nice,” authentically depict Watson’s reflection on her past love life.

Produced by The 87’s (Mike Mac and Jordan Baum) and written by Baum, Mac, and Watson, “Not My Type” is an unconventional love anthem of realized self-worth. Watson credits the song’s narrative to the stark comparison between some of the volatile and jealous partners she’s experienced in the past contrasted with entering her new relationship for the “right reasons”. As a Grey’s Anatomy fan, Watson also pays a subtle tribute to the show with her lyrics, “you’re like coming up for air, when I was unaware I was drowning.” This is similar to a line Derek Shepherd says to Meredith Grey in Season 2 and again in Season 11, “you were like coming up for fresh air. It’s like I was drowning, and you saved me.”

For Watson, who grew up writing and performing songs about her life, music has always been about unapologetically telling her story. Her authentic vulnerability is a staple of each of her songs. “I remember sitting in a publisher’s office once, playing a song I’d written about missing my ex, and when it was over, she told me no one wanted to cut a song that made women seem weak,” Watson recalls. “But writing raw, honest lyrics that are both self-deprecating (at times) and self-embracing feels more like strength to me than hiding my moments of weakness or insecurity.” Her music is powerful pop that has audiences dancing and singing along while simultaneously encouraging them to prioritize self-love through the hurt. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, and Katy Perry, Watson is committed to inspiring others to unapologetically be themselves.

With effortless danceable synths that underscore a fresh perspective on love, “I’m so fucking glad you’re not my type” is a tag Taylor Watson penned to encourage listeners to stop romanticizing their attraction to a certain “type” of person if it’s for the wrong the reasons. The latest single is surprisingly self-aware, brutally honest, and endearingly romantic all at once. “Not My Type” can now be streamed on digital platforms worldwide with a music video to follow. To keep up to date with Taylor Watson’s journey through romance, self-love, and everything in between, follow her on Instagram at @TaylorWatson or on TikTok @TaylorWatsonOfficial.

Pop Artist Articulates Living in the Unknowns of Love

Los Angeles, CA – Bri Oglu has released her debut single, “Slowly,” an alt-pop exploration of the brief moments following a confession of love. The song talks about living in the unknown and being unsure if one is at the beginning of a new romance or at the end of a friendship. “Slowly” is currently available on all digital streaming platforms worldwide.

“Slowly” truly sets the tone for who Bri Oglu is both as an artist and songwriter. The track, off the rising star’s forthcoming EP, follows themes of love, potential loss, and growth. These themes reoccur throughout Oglu’s creations as she uses her raw emotions and detailed storytelling to express a relatable experience through her lyrics. The soulful-pop artist stated that this single is actually something she wrote a few years back and later revisited. “I wrote this song in 2019 and then shelved it because I couldn’t quite figure out its voice,” Oglu shares. “I wrote it about the person who ended up producing it years later; it was a pretty surreal full-circle moment.” With lyrics such as, “why is it before the rise we feel so small?” and “if I’m gonna lose you, please don’t say it just yet,” Oglu gracefully describes the anxieties of facing the unknown. Adding onto an epic, cinematic production from Will Snyder alongside Oglu’s sweet yet unique vocal textures, this song is sure to make a listener feel moved. “Slowly” was mastered at Sterling Sound by Idania Valencia (Shawn Mendes, Sam Smith, X Ambassadors).

Bri Oglu draws her musical influences from a wide range of artists and genres. While she enjoys the grit of Amy Winehouse and the boldness of rock music, she also dabbles in jazz, soul and even has a background in musical theater. Oglu made it evident that music and singing is her ultimate passion. “I was initially intimidated by the scene, so I leaned into acting (another passion) — I procured an agent and manager and started going on auditions while working at a karaoke bar (I got into trouble a couple of times for singing too much on the job). I ironically ended up working way more as a singer than actor and went with it.”

As a rising artist, Bri Oglu is coming out of the gate strong with her first single, “Slowly,” with more music to come. With a unique vocal tone, bold instrumentations, and emotionally evoking lyrics, Bri Oglu is an artist that is coming into her own and exploring new ways to push musical boundaries. Be sure to stream “Slowly” on all digital platforms, and keep up to date with Bri at BriOglu.com.

Los Angeles, CA — Fast-rising pop singer Katja Glieson has released her newest single, “Starseed,” alongside the accompanying music video, “Diamonds.” The imaginative new track, inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe, shares the story of a woman involved in an affair that ends up having catastrophic consequences for her. “Starseed” is now available on streaming platforms worldwide.

A sultry jazz ballad, “Starseed” finds Katja faced with the difficult decision of whether or not she should leave the man she loves, despite knowing he’ll never fully reciprocate those feelings and they may never be together. The track’s sparse instrumentation enables Katja’s vocals to work as “Starseed”s centerpiece. In the music video, this unreciprocated love is escalated even further. Katja, dressed as Marilyn, is confronted by her lover as he threatens her to get her little red diary, which contains all the evidence she has against him. The confrontation between the two eventually erupts into a physical altercation, with Katja at one point being pinned down to the floor and threatened by the man she loves. A heartbreaking tale of deadly romance that explores the conspiracies surrounding the death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, the music video demonstrates Katja’s artistry fully realized and leaves the door open as to what she’ll do next to further her artistic creativity. “Starseed” and “Diamonds” have already won awards, including Best Song at LAFA.

Born in Australia, Katja Glieson first garnered media attention for singing and rapping in the viral “Princess Rap Battles” as “Elsa.” Since then, Katja has gone on to release a number of singles, including the hit “Come Thru,” which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B Charts, as well as recent singles “Better View” and “California Dream.” Katja’s personal experiences with abuse, poverty, and her willingness to be open about these experiences have resonated with fans worldwide, and she ensures that openness follows her as she tours across Australia and the United States.

“Starseed” by Katja Glieson is available now on all streaming platforms worldwide. The accompanying music video can be viewed on YouTube. To follow along with Katja on her musical journey, follow her on Instagram @KatjaGlieson.

Seattle, WA — Eclectic indie-folk duo, The A.M.s have released the title track off their debut album, “Ignite the Sky.” The single merges Adrian Libertini’s expressive and dynamic vocals with ethereal and tender vocals from Mariko Langan. The song builds by incorporating layered guitars, additional piano, and multiple drum tracks to capture the orchestral percussion. “Ignite the Sky” is now available to stream on digital platforms worldwide.

The cinematic yet empathetic track gives listeners a deep understanding of the profundity and emotional care The A.M.s possess through their nostalgic lyrics. “Humans coping with separation – whether because of adoption, quarantine, distance, or death – try as we might, we can only do so much,” The A.M.s state. “Continually, we hope for the stars to align so we can all be reunited once again.” The six-minute track centers around the feeling of longing for someone in hopes of reuniting with them once more. “But clouds begin to gather, the night no longer clear. Celestial friends move on, I’m wishing they were near,” is a line expressing both metaphorically and literally times of separation. “I like to write in metaphors, and I often use nature as inspiration. The richness and sonic range of textures attempts to capture the immense vastness of the sky while the moments of quiet remind us of being solitary, separated within that vastness,” says Langan. According to Libertini, “Spiritually, we’ve been a band way longer. Probably from a past life.” The track depicts that the stars will align again and bring people together.

The indie-folk duo consists of Adrian Libertini (vocals, guitar, bass) and Mariko Langan (piano, backing vocals), long-distance friends that met when Libertini tuned Langan’s piano. He asked her if she wanted to play together, which led to the birth of The A.M.s. With Libertini now based in California and Langan based in Washington, the duo currently writes music by sharing ideas back and forth using the cloud, with the occasional video band practice. Despite the distance, the duo has amassed numerous songs across a variety of genres, and is working towards releasing their debut album later this year. The album, named after this single Ignite the Sky, was recorded at Earwig Studio in Seattle, WA, with Jason Edwards on drums.

The A.M.s’ new single, “Ignite the Sky,” brings a combination of desolation and desire together to their upcoming album. The track is available to stream worldwide on digital music platforms. To witness their journey follow The A.M.s on Instagram @the_a.m.s_music.

Brooklyn, NY – Filmmaker and rising indie-pop artist, daddi ru, has released their debut single “My Parasite” featuring legendary hip-hop purveyor Grandmaster Caz. The dark, electro-pop track, reminiscent of 2019 Billie Eilish, centers around a toxic relationship that finds Ru feeling used by their partner and at their wit’s end. Their debut single, “My Parasite” ft. Grandmaster Caz is now available on all streaming platforms worldwide.

“My Parasite” serves as an introduction to a new artistic side of daddi ru they haven’t shared before. With eerie, dense electronic production by Duddy Brown, the track finds daddi ru desperately begging and pleading for their partner to leave them alone and go find someone else to use. Their raw and brutally honest lyricism is further enforced by their powerhouse voice as the track’s emotional intensity grows. The single features an equally intense verse from rapper Grandmaster Caz. “Working with Grandmaster Caz was such an incredible experience,” Ru said about the collaboration process. “It made me feel validated as a creator that someone like him could feel the impact of the song.” “They laid the groundwork for something special and when I heard it I knew I had to be a part of the process,” Grandmaster Caz praised.

daddi ru, also known as Daryen Ru, is a Brooklyn-based, non-binary filmmaker who received acclaim for their 2019 short film DENIM, which starred transgender icon Jazz Jennings. The film was screened at film festivals worldwide and earned Ru a nomination for Best Short Film at the 2020 Downtown Urban Arts Festival, and was touted by publications like Dazed and GLAAD. Their musical journey started as a teen in New York, singing and playing guitar in parks. Much of their musical inspiration stems from Motown and 80s rock, with modern influences spanning from Miley Cyrus to Billie Eilish.

“My Parasite” ft. Grandmaster Caz is available now worldwide on all streaming platforms. The song serves as the first single from daddi ru’s debut EP, slated to be released later this year. To keep up with daddi ru’s musical journey, follow them on Instagram @daddiiruu.

Los Angeles, CA – Singer-songwriter Hamid J has released his newest single, “ain’t thinkin bout you.” Combining breathy harmonies and an ‘80s-inspired synth bassline, the track is a breakup anthem focused on prioritizing self-love. “ain’t thinkin bout you” is available to download and stream on digital platforms worldwide.

“ain’t thinkin bout you” follows themes of love and budding relationships found in Hamid J’s previously-released singles. The track, which is the second single off his upcoming full-length debut album cycle of a relationship, focuses more on the process of moving on post-breakup. “ain’t thinkin bout you” narrates the post-breakup realization that the sadness and anger are over, and the healing has begun. “After a breakup, there comes a moment when you realize you’re no longer interested in your ex,” Hamid J explains. “You’re not angry. Not mad. Not bitter. You’ve just moved on.” Seamlessly blending a funky bassline that gets audiences dancing with powerful lyrics like, “The fool you’ve been with was too blind to see the magical way you shine light in the dark,” the song inspires a message of valuing self-worth while still recognizing the difficult realities of any romantic breakup. “ain’t thinkin bout you” was produced by Matt Cady (Madonna, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran) and Hamid J, and mixed and mastered by Donny Ingram (Dreamcatcher Studio).

A self-taught, Iranian-American queer artist, Hamid J sees himself most notably as a storyteller. He’s committed to inspiring honest conversations through the narrative of each of his songs, which he credits to his own experiences with love, heartbreak, and everything in between. “My stories are based on personal experiences that are wanting to be shared, whether about love, dating, insecurities, sex and sexuality, inner doubts, bullying, and self-love,” Hamid J explains. “All of the elements that make me unique as a human being are what inform my sound.”

Hamid J is an authentic storyteller whose music uniquely blends vulnerably honest lyrics and funky ‘80s-inspired bass lines that have crowds dancing and singing along. His new single “ain’t thinkin bout you” is an anthem of self-love and moving on from those who don’t value your worth, complete with his signature bouncy and upbeat sound. “ain’t thinkin bout you” can now be streamed and downloaded on digital platforms worldwide. To stay up to date with Hamid J’s musical journey through romantic love, self-love, and everything else, visit HamidJ.com and follow him on Instagram at @OfficialHamidJ.