The Hill, a Philadelphia based folk artist, follows up their 2025 LP Noble Station with a new single about a dog entitled “Catch.” The song is a tribute to the artist’s mixed breed dog that passed away last year. “I normally don’t like to direct the listener on the story behind my songs, but this one is in memoriam, so I think it may make sense here,” says Jon Kowit the singer/songwriter behind The Hill. The single follows his relationship with Valerie, a mixed breed basset hound and is the second song about dogs by Kowit. “Dogs impact our lives in so many ways, how can they not be written about?” asks Kowit. Kowit had been behind the scenes with Ascend Records and had never released his own music until The Hill’s debut album in 2024. The debut LP Get In Line and follow up, Noble Station have received radio play in North America and overseas. A following developed in places like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. “It’s such a gratifying experience to see Shazam results coming from places like Johannesburg and Brisbane. To know the music has traveled thousands of miles to a cafe and someone wanting […]
Benjamin Tissell Unveils Reflective, Live-Recorded Album Inspired by T.S. Eliot
Portland-based singer-songwriter and theatre artist Benjamin Tissell returns with a beautifully crafted new album titled Quick Now Here Now Always — an emotionally rich, melodic collection that invites listeners into deep reflection, renewal, and lyrical storytelling. Drawing inspiration from T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” the album explores the surprising hope that can arise from endings, and the transformative power of surrender. Quirky yet grounded, playful yet profound, Tissell’s songwriting dances between contrasts with ease and intention. Across 11 live-recorded tracks, Quick Now Here Now Always showcases Tissell’s signature folk-rooted sound paired with bluesy undertones and a rock-tinged edge. His distinctive, powerful voice carries each song with conviction, echoing the emotional storytelling of artists like Billy Joel, David Gray, Ben Folds, Neil Young, and Hozier — all while maintaining a sound uniquely his own. With acoustic piano, rich guitar work, and an ear for melody, Tissell delivers songs that feel timeless yet refreshing, grounding yet elevated. What sets this album apart is its genuine soul and grit. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial production, Benjamin Tissell offers something authentic and human — raw emotion, lyrical depth, and the kind of melodic precision that can only come from years of live performance […]
Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks’ Offers Enchanting Cover of “Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day)”
“The moment we reunite, all the time we’ve spent apart disappears.” This line is the first thing that came to mind when I heard Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks’ new song, “Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day).” The music wraps you in a nostalgic embrace, carrying you to a place where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur. The soothing melodies and heartfelt lyrics take you on a journey to a serene place where time seems to stand still, making you feel like you’re right there, waiting for that special someone. It’s a beautiful tribute to the timeless themes of love and longing that connect us all. Gina Marie and the Golden Bucks have been turning heads in Chicago’s Americana and vintage music scene. Led by Gina Marie DeGregorio, a multi-talented drummer, vocalist, arranger, and producer, the band brings together some of the finest musicians to create a unique blend of Western Swing, Blues, Old Country, Rockabilly, Early Jazz, and Folk. Gina’s musical journey began after a vocal injury pushed her to explore new genres and sounds. Her passion for early American music led her to the city’s vibrant dance community, where she […]
Glastonbury 2014 – independent weekend review
2014 festival shows how diverse cultural roots are inspiring pop mainstream With 200,000 people, or a veritable city, airdropped into a huge farm in Somerset, promising performers of all persuasions were going to attract a crowd. Acknowledged As acknowledged by Sophie Ellis Bextor, pop and disco have once again found their places at Glastonbury, allowing audiences and acts to bond over some classics to sing along and dance to. Eager faces of all ages could be seen lip-synching to every word along with Ellie Goulding, Bryan Ferry, Caro Emerald and Dolly Parton. It was wonderful to see the return of lighter mainstream genres, popular for good reason that they are great to let your hair down to, singing and dancing along, rekindling happy memories. Fans can be themselves Compared to some harder dance genres that have dominated the charts, pop and disco say “I like this whatever you think” and are free of the occasional self-consciousness of rap or hip-hop while leaving fans to be themselves without prescription dress, moves and lingo. Evident this year was the rise of the DJ to rock star stats, as Sasha, DJ Pierre, David Morales, Shy FX, Above and Beyond and many more entertained […]