Archives: press_release

Los Angeles, CA – Brazilian indie-pop artist, Libra, feels a little lost in his newest single, “Flakey Town (featuring Elyse Cizek).” Libra frontman, Zeh Monstro, uses spicy melodies to share how overwhelming and disorienting a major city like Los Angeles can feel. The upbeat single is now available on digital music platforms worldwide.

Uprooting your life and moving to a whole new city is an experience that is both exciting and terrifying. In 2014, Zeh Monstro took this leap as he moved from his hometown of São Paulo, Brazil to Los Angeles. Although he has lived in the United States for the last seven years, he can’t help the out-of-place feeling many foreigners experience. In most of his projects, Zeh Monstro tends to reflect on his own experiences within the city of LA. This holds true in his latest single, “Flakey Town,” as he highlights the struggle of people finding their place in a town that begins to feel unknown. Whether that be due to the misjudgment of relationships, culture shock, or having to deal with flakey people, we all eventually yearn for home or for how things once were. “Since I moved to LA, I have been inspired by the relationships born out of living in a fast-paced city,” explains Monstro. “With ‘Flakey Town,’ I am trying to speak to a universal struggle many people in big cities experience, whether that city is Los Angeles, NY, Paris, or my home São Paulo. In addition, quarantine and the relative isolation that comes with it shines a light on the true nature of the fragile social connections we all have, and I think many people will relate the experience of learning about the true nature of their friendships and relationships during these lonely times.” Fellow Los Angeles musician Elyse Cizek makes an appearance on the single, and the harmonies between her and Monstro’s voice are the driving force of the track. The vocals, the classic indie guitar riffs, the use of an 80’s synth, and Sylvain Carton’s soulful saxophone addition make for a unique indie sound that feels as if summer may be starting a little earlier this year. The single was recorded, mixed, and co-produced by Will Golden at SirTiger Studio and mastered by Mark Chalecki.

Libra is the brainchild of Zeh Monstro, a Brazilian native who began his musical career playing drums in a punk rock band at the age of fifteen. After playing in several bands in Brazil, he decided that it was time to come to the United States to play music with his band called Name the Band. They had a prominent career as they played Lollapalooza, reached a million hits on Spotify, toured all over the US, and released two albums. In 2019, he started his solo project Libra, born out of six years of observations by an outsider looking in, a South American taking on what it means to live, love, and party in LA. Monstro plans to collaborate with a different local artist to blend vocals and bring different styles to the project for each single. Libra’s first single, “Freak Show,” featured singer Lily Waters, giving it a unique pop & rock n’ roll aesthetic. Monstro’s sound is rooted within rock and punk rock; however, his vision for Libra is the genre-fusion of pop, rock, and indie. He draws on influences such as David Bowie, Sade, The Strokes, Lana Del Rey, and Metronomy with Brazilian Bossa Nova to culminate his sound. He also draws on other influences outside of music as he is an avid painter and fashion-oriented.

Feeling out of place and disconnected from your peers is something that people deal with throughout any city, and by shedding light on this fact, Libra can bring comfort to listeners as they realize they are not alone. Download or stream “Flakey Town (featuring Elyse Cizek)” now on digital music platforms worldwide. To keep up with Libra’s journey, follow him on Instagram @LibraMusicOfficial.

Indie-Pop Artist Creates A Source of Light During Painful Times

Indie-pop artist, Payson Lewis, dropped his new single “In Your Heart,” an emotional look into how paralyzing toxic relationships can be. “There are so many people who are trapped in abusive and toxic relationships. It’s a shadow pandemic we are living in,” says Lewis. “I don’t pretend to have the answers, but I hope this song can help those who need to hear it.” “In Your Heart” is available to download and stream on digital music platforms worldwide.

“In Your Heart” guides listeners through tenacious times. This chill-pop anthem is carried by steady guitar strums played by Adam Tressler that highlight Lewis’s gentle vocals. The premise of the song is on a defective, taxing relationship that seems impossible to leave. “I had a friend who was trapped in a toxic and emotionally abusive relationship,” explains Lewis. “She needed out.” He created this song to remind those feeling suffocated in toxic relationships that it is not their fault. Passionate lyrics hug listeners’ ears to comfort those in difficult relationships, showing them that it’s possible to say goodbye with love. “Even in parting, we always hold a place in our heart for those we loved,” explains Lewis. “In Your Heart”  was recorded by Ben Soldate and Dan Viafore, produced and mixed by Ben Soldate, and mastered by Eric Boulanger at The Bakery Mastering.

Born and raised in Philly, Payson Lewis taught himself to sing and play piano by pouring over his big brothers’ CDs and learning by ear. He moved west to continue his evolution as a musician and songwriter at USC and find his place as an LA artist. Lewis’s soaring vocals and natural knack for dynamic performance landed him instant success and led to a Top-4 finish on NBC’s The Sing-Off. Since then, he has lent his voice to symphony orchestras in Taiwan and Korea, starring in theatrical performances in Chicago and Las Vegas and singing on multiple major motion picture soundtracks. Last year, he released his debut record, Take Me Apart, to universal acclaim. The record has amassed over half a million streams on Spotify, and has been featured in nearly 100 different music publications and curated music blog posts, and inspired three music videos with their own following, racking up well over 100k views.

Payson Lewis radiates warmth and comfort in “In Your Heart.” Getting out of a toxic environment can be an agonizing process, but Lewis reassures listeners that they are never alone. Download or stream “In Your Heart” now on digital music platforms worldwide. To keep up with his musical journey, follow him on Instagram @PaysonLewis.

Folk-Pop Duo Drop Lively Track as a Thank You to Moms Around the World

 Folk-pop duo Fox and Bones have released their lively new track “Call Your Mother,” thanking their moms and celebrating moms worldwide. With their modern folk-rock sound fused with pop, the duo brings a breath of fresh air with this soulful single. “Call Your Mother” is now available to listen and watch on all streaming platforms worldwide.

Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore deliver gritty and powerful vocals on their boisterous new track celebrating moms. “Ever since we both started writing music, our moms were our biggest fans, and for years, they would periodically ask us when we were going to write them a song. One night, we set up all our gear in the living room for an all-night jam, and this opening riff came to us. The song started to write itself, and we quickly realized it was the very song our moms had been asking us to write,” the duo explains. The single is a soulful anthem riding on a catchy beat, with cheerful and radiant guitar riffs. “‘Call Your Mother’ is a thank you to our moms, but it’s also universally grateful to all the moms out there who put their time and love into raising all of us; we’d be nothing without them!” The track really came to its own in the studio with producer Matt Greco at the helm, fusing the upbeat energies of Jeramy Burchett (drums), Matt Salinas (guitar), and Joe Intile (bass) into an amalgamation of feel-good, pop-rock splendor.

The Portland-based folk-pop duo, comprised of Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore, is the product of life on the road. The duo has been applauded by the press at American Songwriter, No Depression, PARADE Magazine, Pop Matters, and The Boot. Their music is full of captivating vocal harmonies that pull at the heartstrings and with a rich lyrical landscape. They’ve spent their five-year career on the road, relentlessly touring the greater United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Their sophomore collection, Better Land, showed an influx of modern folk-pop trappings as the influences of producer Dominik Schmidt and engineer Matt Greco began to merge with the tour-worn stylings that were born from life on the road. Their upcoming record, American Alchemy, is a collection of songs fully formed with elements of folk, pop, Americana, and soul-fused lyricism blended with modern vintage goodness.

“Call Your Mother” blends Fox and Bones’ contemporary folk sound with booming vocals and heartfelt lyrics dedicated to their biggest supporters. Download and stream “Call Your Mother” now on digital music platforms worldwide. To keep up with Fox and Bones’ journey, you can follow them on Instagram @foxandbones or visit foxandbones.com.

Why-Axis just released his new lighthearted and upbeat track “Shoulders,” expressing his thoughts and reflections about a rocky past relationship. The catchy song has an undeniable groove and bounce to it, alongside his unique flow and lyricism. “Shoulders” is now available to stream on all digital music platforms worldwide. 

“‘Shoulders’ is about my relationship with a partner that kind of goes between loving her and also being annoyed by her at the same time. The track is just showing how I talk about things annoying me from her, but also being a bit lost without her,” explains Why-Axis. The buoyant new track shows his immense versatility while giving Why-Axis the space to vent about this rough relationship’s mixed feelings. The dynamic beats and instrumental is driven along by his effortless flow and creative vocals. The breezy fluidness of “Shoulders” highlights Why-Axis’ impressive and artistic ability to create a unique and innovative new sound in and outside of the rap genre.

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Why-Axis has opened shows for Doja Cat and played for Cardi B and Future. The genre-bending artist first discovered his love for music through producing since the age of 14. The name Why-Axis originates from valuable lessons learned, both in and out of the classroom, about finding the good in adverse situations and creating positive solutions. After producing for other artists, Why-Axis found his own voice and unique sound, realizing it was an outlet to express his thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Why-Axis has continuously released music that defies genre, transforming the rap genre in an unforgettable and refreshing way. With bits and pieces of other artists’ influences found within his music, Why-Axis is functioning in new territory and wants to keep it that way. His music is already making waves in his home country of Ireland and across the world. His six EPs have garnered much attention from outlets like EARMILK, Soul Doubt, Breaking Tunes, District Magazine, and more.

Why-Axis isn’t bound to one genre and is continuously reinventing and leveling up his fresh and modern sound.  “Shoulders” is now available to stream on all digital platforms. To stay up to date with Why-Axis’ upcoming projects, you can follow him on Instagram @why__axis, or Twitter @axis_why.

Emerging pop-Americana artist, Tara Kelly, has released a new music video for her single “The River.” This dynamic folk/pop-country crossover is a stomp and holler break-up anthem with a melodic structure bound to catch any pop listener’s ear. Her empowered female voice illuminates her lover’s infidelity, while the lyrics portray a dark and stormy dive into a cascade of deception. “The River” is available now to download and stream, and watch on YouTube.

Co-starring Hunter Garner, the moody and vulnerable video follows Tara Kelly as she discovers and contemplates her partner’s infidelity. Shots of the happy couple together are juxtaposed by somber yet stunning frames of Kelly as she comes to terms with the reality of her rocky relationship. Putting a new spin on cosmic country, Tara Kelly’s songwriting style evokes a dark and mysterious edge as her lyrics reflect a gamut of lived experiences from heartache to mental health awareness, all of which are perfectly displayed in the striking video. “I’ve been writing and experimenting with sounds and deeply learning lessons about myself as an artist,” she says. “It has allowed me to collaborate more effectively, speak my truth with kindness, and build my dream team of writers and creatives.” Co-written with Stefan Pajaro-van de Stadt and produced by Alex Wilke, the driving acoustic guitar line in “The River” is laced with pedal steel licks, a cinematic violin, and full harmonies. The production is underpinned by the soft sounds of a storm rolling through, parallel to her southern gothic storytelling.

Hailing from a rural town in southern New Jersey, Kelly moved to Los Angeles to write and perform, securing a show at the iconic venue, Troubadour. Kelly was also asked personally by Rhett Miller of Old 97’s to sing his hit duet “Fireflies” with him on a stop in Los Angeles after posting a cover of the song on her Instagram. Kelly’s sound is deeply influenced by cosmic American music, fathered by Gram Parsons in the late 1960s and popularized by the likes of Linda Ronstadt and Brandi Carlile. She also draws inspiration from bands like Fleet Foxes, The Civil Wars, and Mandolin Orange; while her songwriting is shaped by the word-play of Kacey Musgraves, the raw vulnerability of James Bay, and the unabashed and fierce-feminine power of Maren Morris.

Highlighting themes of infidelity, heartbreak, shame, and love – Tara Kelly’s epochal video “The River,” is bound to make an impact. With her desert-chic appearance stemming from  Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin’s fashion influences, this folk-Americana singer puts a new spin on romance and modern folklore. Download or stream “The River” on Spotify and watch the new music video on YouTube. Keep up with Tara Kelly’s musical journey on social media @tarakellymusic and subscribe to her YouTube channel, Tara Kelly.

Los Angeles CA – Psych-rock collective The Gama Sennin has released their debut single, “I Kill You.” The anxiety fueled, grungy track is reminiscent of a 90s rock sound, while its dark chords and eerie vocals prepare us for their forthcoming self-titled album. “I Kill You” is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

The turbulent dynamics of “I Kill You” are fueled by heavy melodies, massive riffs, and a long night down the open road, driven to hypnotic new heights by lead singer Kevin McGuire’s mysterious, shamanic lyricism. “‘I Kill You’ is pure energy, raw and very addictive,” explains McGuire. “It’s the introduction to a journey beginning with the destruction of ego.” The track begs the question, how do you convince yourself that nothing matters? How do you sell yourself on the lies and the disinformation while life everywhere seems to devolve? The lyrics are the inner monologue of a human on edge, trying to convince himself not to step over the line, while his inner voice is clearly screaming “Do it.” The song was recorded at the famed Rancho De La Luna and Panoramic House with co-producer Peter Franco (Daft Punk), mixed by Dan Lerner (Daft Punk), and mastered at Capitol Records by Ian Sefchick.

This collective is full of talent with lead singer/ guitarist Kevin McGuire at the helm. The Gama Sennin is abetted by John Avila (Oingo Boingo/Mariachi el Bronx) on bass, Adam Maples (Earthlings?/Sea Hags) on drums, Dimitri Coats (OFF!/Burning Brides/Ten Commandos) on guitar, Chris Caswell (Daft Punk/The Muppets) on keyboard, Art Pacheco (Jamaica) as a percussionist and very special guest David Catching (Rancho de la Luna/Earthlings?/Queens of the Stone Age). With an assortment of respected musicians, the California based collective fuse alternative energy, psychedelia, expansive desert grooves, and spaced-out prog into a pulse-pounding, mind-bending original sound, clearly capable of both transcendent power and searing emotional range.

With an elite cast of players on “I Kill You,” there is no question The Gama Sennin is about to turn some heads with their unmistakable West Coast sound. Download or stream “I Kill You” on digital music platforms worldwide. Pre-order the upcoming album on vinyl, along with other merchandise bundles by visiting the band at TheGamaSennin.com.

Detroit, MI – Detroit-based psychedelic R&B group, Cousin Mouth, has released their new album, MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer, following the debut of the album’s first single and music video for “New Memories.” Showcasing its canorous and dreamlike sound, the collection of tracks enter the psych-pop realm that Cousin Mouth is known for. Their signature groove and beat-based style encapsulate how our past selves, experiences, and relationships inevitably influence our present. MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer is available to download and stream on digital music platforms worldwide, while the vinyl may be purchased on Bandcamp.

MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer touches on experiences with pain, hate, anger, suffering, and the pursuit of joy. “I’m generally inspired by things that express a space or a mood through texture or structure,” explains lead singer Alex Burns. “I feel like music has the ability to transport and transform when it shows both the musicians and the context in which music is presented.” The album, released on Feeder Loft Records, was recorded with the vocal talents of Salakastar (Aja Dier), Supercoolwicked (Morgan Hutson), and Sara Marie Barron, and features Sasha Kashperko on bass, Jake Shadik on flute and saxophone, Ian Fink on keys and synthesizer, and Will Daniels on drums. The 10-track album reflects nostalgic sounds of Burn’s past as he has recently indulged in gospel music. “Music with the intent being a reflection of something divine really resonates with me,” he says.

The album’s lead single, “New Memories,” is about learning to overcome past experiences and use them to find inner peace. A music video for the song was released last month. The song “Fellows” was created with the intention of bringing darkness, juxtaposing the otherwise light sounding album. The words speak to the insecurities that often bubble in relationships. Due to its dark side, it sonically occupies a different space than the rest of the record. When composing “Every Bad Man,” Burns was seeking to create something that was both musically beautiful and delicate while also heavy and direct. Writing the lyrics from an honest and conversational space, the song conveys the quiet vulnerability in relationships simultaneously alongside the heavy, grim parts. “From a musical standpoint, I wanted to reflect the intensity of the lyrics—the second half of the song becomes a giant wall of sound.” The gripping emotion is clearly shown through the band’s musicianship, the song’s triumphant instrumental crescendo. MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer perfectly showcases the band’s ability to mesh psychedelic with soul, indie, and RnB, resulting in a beautifully unique sound.

Cousin Mouth is the brainchild of songwriter and producer Alex Burns. Their sound is inspired by artists like James Blake, D’Angelo, and Todd Rundgren; moody and sultry R&B with some pop influence. The use of minimal and deeper textual components in his music writing is mostly inspired by James Blake. When naming the band, “Mouth” came from Burns being a singer foremost, and “Cousin” comes from the familial connection they access through music and the community that it builds. MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer is their second studio album following their 2018 debut album, Medusa, released by Detroit record shop and label Paramita Sound.

The gospel-like melodies of MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer resonate with both the technical complexity of a jazz group and the directness of a pop group. Download or stream MayflowerPeacemakerHolyredeemer now on digital music platforms worldwide or purchase the vinyl on Bandcamp. To keep up with their musical journey, follow Cousin Mouth on social media @CousinMouth.

Los Angeles, CA – International alt-pop artist, Amiena, dropped her new single “Halo,” a clever song about hypocrisy. In a world where it can be easy to blend in, she is not afraid to stand out and mix a blend of genres, powerhouse vocals, and unique storytelling. “Halo” is available to download and stream on digital music platforms worldwide.

Diving into her personal experiences, the song’s storytelling mocks hypocrisy with snarky lyrics and reality checks. Lyrics such as “Go print more cash before you run out of ink” and “Just stage more pics for all to see” tackle the need for constant validation in an ironic way. With a daring beat combined with the sassy, warm tone of Amiena’s voice, “Halo” is a bold anthem that deserves a spot among the heavy-hitters of the alternative-pop genre.

Amiena teamed up with two-time Emmy winner Lars Deutsch to bring the single to life, resulting in a bold and bombastic sound bound to make the floor shake. “Halo,” written by Amiena and Deutsch, was the result of a discussion about the shows they had recently seen, Messiah on Netflix and Gemstones on HBO. “It is about how people blindly follow others, the constant need to be liked and how we create a facade,” explains Amiena. “Basically, we miss out on real life trying to be someone else.” With flashing synths and hard beats, the music is the perfect counterpoint to the lyrics. The song was mixed by multi-platinum engineer, Irko (Mac Miller, Sia, Jay Z) and mastered by Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering.

Amiena is an internationally recognized artist with a unique voice. Her music has appeared in various media formats, including the hit TV show Bones. She is a voting member of NARAS/Grammys and has worked with some of the most respected musicians, co-writers, and producers in the business, including Juno Award winner and Grammy-nominated producer Adrian Bradford, two-time Emmy winner Lars Deutsch, Jeff Cardoni, Dwayne Larring, Kenneth Crouch, Chris Mann, and Nitin Sawheny. “Halo” is the first single of her full-length album, Flares & Halos, due out later this year.

Amiena’s lyrics are bold and honest and her sound stands on its own. Download or stream “Halo” now on digital music platforms worldwide. To keep up with her musical journey, follow her on socials @amienamusic or visit Amiena.com.

Italian Singer-Songwriter Pays Homage to His Jazzy Roots

Los Angeles, CA – Singer-songwriter Anthony Lazaro starts the year off strong with his new single, “Someone Like You,” a relaxed jazzy ballad. He takes us back to his roots with this gentle anthem a year after the release of his jazz-infused EP, Strangers In Disguise. “This song marks a homecoming to the sound of my vocal jazz songs,” said Lazaro. “Someone Like You” is available for download on digital music platforms worldwide.

Anthony Lazaro wants to start the year off strong by bringing back his vocal jazz style.  “A lot of things have gone wrong in the last 12 months, so I think it’s better to start the year with a smile, whereas last year we left with tears,” explains Lazaro. Mixed by Danny Humming, “Someone Like You” is a jazz-infused ballad that is suspended between the contemporary sound of Norah Jones and Melody Gardot and the classic crooners of the early 60s. Soft brushes and round walking bass partnered with his delicate vocals create a sound that makes him memorable. “I used soft percussions, a double bass, and a gentle guitar to accompany my warm vocals to start the year with a drop of jazzy romance,” said Lazaro.

Anthony Lazaro is an Italian artist based in Hamburg, Germany. He has a diverse sound allowing him to move through a range of genres effortlessly. With over 354K monthly Spotify listeners, Lazaro has an incredible talent for bringing out a wide range of emotions in his listeners. Lazaro brings a classic sound, which helped him land a spot on the official Spotify’s Jazz Pop and Cafe/Croissant playlists and won him a passionate audience across the world. His music has been licensed to Starbucks, Cosmopolitan, Bofrost, and the Amazon Prime series Russian Affairs.

“Someone Like You” is the perfect song to add to your jazz playlist in this new year. The comforting and compassionate ballad shines a light on what’s to come from Lazaro in 2021. You can download or stream “Someone Like You” now on digital music platforms worldwide. To keep up with his musical journey, visit AnthonyLazaro.com.

Los Angeles, CA – Singer-songwriter Samantha Margret has released her compelling new two-track EP, Mine // Negative Space. Margret’s stunning vocals and heartfelt lyrics deliver a beautifully poignant EP just in time for Valentine’s Day. Mine // Negative Space is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

“Everything has two sides—every great personality trait comes with a few bad habits, every good feeling eventually gives way to an equal opposite; that’s what I believe. And, every holiday has space for celebration and sadness,” explains Samantha Margret. “This EP is my gift to people who want to settle into Valentine’s Day with a little heartbreak this year.” Mine // Negative Space is a sentimental two-track EP produced by Margret and John Caviness AKA Easy Morning. Margret brings introspective and impassioned lyrics about love and past relationships in the first track, “Mine.” The melancholic ballad pines for a past love and reflects on the pain of letting someone go and seeing them move on without you. “Mine” revels in the melancholic revisit of heartbreak and betrayal that her audience can relate to. The tear-jerking single embodies the honest journey of a relationship and will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a sharp pang in your heart. “I never get tired of playing it—of the lights going down, no percussion, no flash, no glitter, just me and the piano. Sometimes a sad song is the simplest and most potent thing in the world,” she explains. With the dazzling second single, “Negative Space,” Margret delves deeper into the absence of someone you love being gone from your life and the void they leave. “I learned about the concept of negative space in middle school art class: the idea of looking at the space around or between things to see them more clearly. Sometimes a person or a place will leave a gap—the place where it used to be. This song is about the strange mixture of suffering and sweetness that exists in that nostalgia, that negative space.”

Hailing from San Francisco, Samantha Margret is a songwriter, artist, and producer. Her music seeks creativity and originality while delivering authentic storytelling. Margret’s soulful ballads showcase the inspirational power of the female voice, with gripping lyrics about mental health, acceptance, and love. Her upbeat pop songs don’t shy away from a good time, and the diversity in singles shows her unique and captivating sound. Reminiscent of artists like Julia Michaels, Marian Hill, Sara Bareilles, and Andra Day, Samantha Margret blends unique production with raw and intimate lyrics creating a fresh, fun, and original style.

Samantha Margret’s emotional EP delivers powerful vocals with a passionate and heavyhearted look into her past with love. Download or stream Mine // Negative Space now on digital platforms worldwide. To keep up with Margret’s journey, follow her on socials at @samanthamargret or visit SamanthaMargret.com.