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 […]
Tracygirl Brings Soulful Vocals and Country Two-Step Grooves to ‘California in Ink’
Independent artist and songwriter Tracygirl announces her new album, California in Ink, arriving September 25, 2026 on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and SoundCloud. The six-track record opens with “Inglewood/Compton Flavor” and closes on “Bel Air Dreams,” moving through “Driving Down Sunset,” “Waves Wash Worries Away,” “Urban Shopping Home” and “Endless Blue Promises” in between. It’s a love letter to the state written from ground level, neighborhoods, coastlines, long drives and the small joys that make a place feel like yours. California in Ink continues the sound Tracygirl has built her name on, soulful vocals, a country two-step pulse and grooves that make you want to move in your own kitchen. There is no lead single: the album lands whole, all six songs at once. Every track is written, recorded and released independently, a deliberate choice that keeps the music entirely hers. The album follows Two-Stepping Paradise, which found its audience the same way: one listener at a time, through songs about everyday moments, love, loss, family and finding joy in the simple things. Tracygirl is an independent artist and songwriter creating music straight from the heart. Blending soul, country two-step and feel-good grooves, her […]
JD Rotate Explores Love, Life and Ambition on ‘All These Voices’
The incredible new album ‘All These Voices’ from JD Rotate is a collection of songs exploring the ideas, people, books, mistakes, relationships, ambitions and little moments that shape who we become. Many of the songs began with things JD Rotate had been carrying around for years — thoughts about risk, gratitude, love, parenthood, work, time, and trying to figure out which voices in his head are actually his own. Creating the album became a way for him to turn some of those thoughts and experiences into music — a little poetry in his truth. Sonically, ‘All These Voices’ moves through electronic, indie-dance and more intimate downtempo moments, while maintaining a common thread throughout: the importance of paying attention while life is happening. JD Rotate is a New York-based producer and songwriter creating electronic music about the lives people build, the people who shape them, and the strange distance between who we are and who we are becoming. Outside of music, JD Rotate is a founder, tech CEO and father — experiences that provide plenty of inspiration for his music. Listen to ‘All These Voices’ by JD Rotate on Spotify
‘Limerence’: Serag Baddar Transforms a 15-Year-Old Idea Into a Post-Rock Journey
Limerence began with a guitar riff written by Serag Baddar when he was 15 or 16. He loved the idea behind it, but at the time he felt he wasn’t yet good enough at songwriting or guitar to turn it into the song he imagined. He therefore put it aside until he could do it justice. More than a decade later, Baddar finally returned to the idea. Originally called “Lotus,” the track has a small connection to Buckethead’s Padmasana, whose rhythm guitar influenced one section of the song. “Padmasana” means lotus pose, which inspired the original title. Over time, “Lotus” evolved into “Limerence.” Musically, the song grew from Baddar’s love of the clean sections found in heavier bands, particularly groups such as Opeth and Tool. Rather than treating those sections as a break from the heavier material, he wanted to explore what would happen if that cleaner, atmospheric side became the foundation of an entire song. One of Baddar’s favourite aspects of “Limerence” is that the instruments aren’t simply following one another. Each part is doing something different, yet together they form a cohesive piece. At the end of the song, Baddar demonstrates this concept by playing the three riffs […]
Amari Jaxx Makes a Positive Connection With New Single “A Better Place”
Amari Jaxx is an independent artist project built around soulful songwriting, strong melodies and contemporary production. The music moves between modern soul, R&B and dance influences, with an emphasis on memorable hooks, emotion and accessible songs that can connect across different audiences. Rather than being confined to one sound, the Amari Jaxx catalogue explores different sides of contemporary music while maintaining a strong emphasis on melody, rhythm and songwriting. A Better Place is an uplifting, soulful track centred on positivity, connection and the idea that someone special can change the way you see the world. Blending contemporary R&B and soul with a vibrant, accessible production, the track has a warm emotional character while retaining enough rhythm and energy for radio. The song represents the soulful side of the Amari Jaxx project and has been selected as the current focus for radio and media promotion. AMARI JAXX – OFFICIAL ONLINE LINKS
J. MAURICE Drops “The Best Part” Alongside an Immersive Official Music Video
The Independent Artist Delivers A Soulful New Release That Blends Laid-Back Vibes, Captivating Melodies, And Striking Visuals. Independent recording artist J. MAURICE returns with his latest single, “The Best Part,” accompanied by an official music video that is now streaming on YouTube. The new release highlights the artist’s continued evolution, offering listeners a refreshing blend of smooth alternative R&B, infectious melodies, and an immersive visual experience. With its warm production, effortless groove, and memorable hooks, “The Best Part” invites listeners into a feel-good atmosphere that is both intimate and uplifting. The single showcases J. MAURICE’s versatility as an independent artist, expanding his sound while remaining true to the authenticity and emotion that define his music. The accompanying music video elevates the listening experience through cinematic visuals that complement the song’s mood and message. Together, the music and visuals create a compelling artistic statement that captures the essence of the record and gives fans another reason to connect with J. MAURICE’s growing catalog. As an independent artist, J. MAURICE continues to build momentum by creating music that resonates through originality, emotion, and creative freedom. “The Best Part” represents another milestone in his artistic journey, demonstrating his commitment to crafting songs that […]
Best Hip Hop Album Pick: Nexx Impresses with ‘Commander Down 2’
‘Commander Down 2’ is the incredible new full length album from ‘Nexx’. Featuring 16 tracks of modern melodic Rap, Hip Hop and R&B tinged gems that tell a story throughout the album. Commander Down 2 is a personal and reflective hip-hop/R&B project that explores growth, accountability, relationships, ambition, faith, and the challenges of navigating life under pressure. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, military service, personal setbacks, and hard-earned lessons, the album combines honest storytelling with melodic hooks and modern production. The project captures the mindset of someone learning from adversity while continuing to push forward toward a greater purpose. Nexx is an independent recording artist, songwriter, and U.S. Army Military Police Soldier. His music blends hip-hop, R&B, and melodic rap with authentic storytelling rooted in real-life experiences. Rather than chasing trends, Nexx focuses on creating music that reflects personal growth, resilience, ambition, and human relationships. His goal is to connect with listeners through honesty, relatable experiences, and memorable songwriting. Talking about the album Nexx said “Commander Down 2 is intended to be more than entertainment—it’s a reflection of personal growth, lessons learned, and perseverance through adversity” Online: Album: https://unitedmasters.com/m/commander-down-2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3lt9RsIQCtF6erTcf1Mnkw?si=Opfnbt2gQV-DIU7_2G6euA Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/commander-down-2/6781494844 YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kYeQVubF_zr0q4YzFvDp-DzznDuq_TEM4&si=ofRZCWivR0jxvLEl Instagram: https://share.google/kP3yVVOvx1HXU1yh6 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatguynexx?_r=1&_t=ZP-97cGAxz315C
Sleeping With The Enemy by Maria Milis Is a Smooth, Cinematic R&B Masterpiece
Maria Milis makes a striking entrance onto the music scene with her debut single, Sleeping With The Enemy. The track is smooth, sleek, and gloriously melodic, wrapped in a sensual allure that feels both classic and fresh. With a polished yet mellow production, it weaves in a subtle R&B twist while showcasing a modern, confident vocal delivery. The song has an epic, majestic quality that draws you in from the first note, offering cool, entrancing vibes and a cinematic urgency that lingers. While it doesn’t sound like Sade, it carries a similar sophistication and poise, making it a standout debut. The single explores the emotional conflict of loving someone who isn’t right for you. It was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Leah Haywood, known for her work on Justin Bieber’s Purpose album. Maria Milis is a 23-year-old singer and songwriter from London. She launched her career independently in June, and within just three weeks of release, her debut single entered the official iTunes chart — all without any label support. It’s a powerful start for an artist who clearly has something special. Follow Maria Milis and listen to the single here:SpotifyInstagram