Tag: music

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Jamal J. shares cinematic, thought-provoking album ‘My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah’

Jamal J. has shared a new album, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah. The LP follows his earlier release, Babilu (Redition), with another monumental record built with the tension, depth, and world-building of a short film. On My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah, each track is infused with a sense of clarity and dimension, pairing intricate, mind-expanding lyrics with elegant, ethereal instrumentals that give the album a refined, cinematic quality. Moments of rawness and haunting beauty coexist as self-aware, detailed lyrics flow across soulful, boundary-pushing production with calm, collected ease.

The hypnotic, immersive sound of Saint Kay–produced tracks like “Salmonella” and “The Titan Kronos” draws the listener into the album’s ethereal atmosphere early in the tracklist, as Jamal J. demonstrates a unique ability to weave disparate phrases and words into vivid, fresh imagery. “Dichotomy,” produced by Reallyhiiim and featuring ANKHLEJOHN, layers a shimmering, infectious loop with organic production that sits neatly beneath the emcees’ poised, memorable lines. “Mudras & Gang Signs,” featuring Israel Jones, creates a hazy, thought-provoking atmosphere, bolstered by the duo’s richly poetic verses. “Weigh Me Down,” featuring Sol Chyld, stands out near the album’s culmination with reflective lyricism atop soaring samples and organic percussion.

Both meditative and invigorating, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah is a layered record that draws the listener deeper into Jamal J.’s world. He continues to prove himself as a musician who cannot be boxed in- an artist who follows his own path with conviction while delivering emotive, expressive work.

Listen to My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah here now:

Listen HERE on all platforms.

Connect with Jamal J.: Instagram | X

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Review: Sugar Bomb brings the funk on ‘Sweet + Explosive’

For Asheville, North Carolina jazz trio Sugar Bomb, 2025 has been a coming out party of sorts.

In May, the trio released their debut EP Sweet, a four track effort centered around spaced out melodies and slow-burning grooves. In September, they released a companion EP EXPLOSIVE, a funkier, more upbeat effort than its predecessor.

Now, the trio — made up of bassist Eli Kahn, drummer Joe Enright and keyboardist Jacob Bruner — has re-released both EP’s as one project, Sweet + Explosive, a debut album that pairs the somber, lyrical lead writing of the first EP with the head-knocking, improvisational focus of the second.

The intro track, “Rubber,” kicks off with some breathy legato synth chords and steady brushstrokes from Enright. It’s a gentle, eery start to the record, easing the listener in with a pleasant kiss on the eardrums. Let us not forget Kahn’s contributions, whose grumbling, pulsating bass lines lay down the perfect backdrop that ties it all together.

The slow cooking feel continues on the second track, “IDK,” which has a guest feature from saxophonist Dylan Hannan, whose earthy, moaning saxophone lines float perfectly over the relaxed instrumental grooves laid down by the trio.

The next two cuts bring more of the same. “Kerosene,” despite its title, is a moody, mid-paced number driven by Bruner’s dreary synths, while “Lullaby” closes out the first half of the project with some more spacey keyboard work and some rhythmic percussion lines from Enright.

The vibe of the project completely changes in its second half. Track five, “Frenzy,” abandons the slow-paced, melodic focus from the first half, pushing the tempo with its driving, off-beat drum patterns and pressing lead melodies that eventually cascade into utter chaos near the end of the song.

The next two tracks, “Issa Vibe” and “Eli Special” are both funky dance numbers, erected upon nifty staccato bass work and some heavily technical improvisational chops from Bruner.

The project closes with “Dance Tune,” which is perhaps the biggest ear worm on the entire record. Alternating between a moody, stripped back melodic riff and a fast-paced dance riff, the trio slowly builds momentum in the song’s closing moments before a satisfying release of tension that closes out the record.

While Sweet + Explosive is essentially a tale of two halves —one half moody, the other half funky — what brings this project together so nicely are the catchy melodies, airy soundscapes and demonstrably high level of musicianship from everyone involved.

Photo credit: Camilla Calnan

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Lil Derik shares soulful new EP ‘Red Dragon’

Lil Derik has shared a fresh EP, titled Red Dragon. From the South Side of St. Louis, Lil Derik moves between two worlds. By day he’s a substitute teacher and basketball coach. By night he’s one of the city’s sharpest independent hip-hop voices. Raised on the words of Rakim, 2Pac, OutKast, and Wayne, he started rapping in high school and formed the collective “More Than Music” with his closest friends.

After graduating and heading to Mizzou, he created Huey vs. Riley: The Mixtape in 2018, a release that quietly became a local cult classic. In the years since, he’s built an impressive body of work with five solo albums, four collaborations, thirteen EPs, and countless singles, all leading to his 2025 studio album Enter The Dragon, released on his twenty-seventh birthday.

The project opened doors. Festivals, co-headlining shows, a Connect The Dots freestyle, and a spot in the 2025 St. Louis Freshmen Class all followed. Now, with momentum at his back, Lil Derik begins the next chapter, starting with Red Dragon, a three-track EP crafted alongside UK producer Brey10.

Lil Derik weaves together potent, poetic lines filled with hard-earned introspection, resting them gently in Brey10’s warm and textured soundscape. His lyricism feels lived-in and honest, soulful without trying to be and focused without ever feeling forced, with a butter-smooth flow that glides across every beat he touches.

The EP opens with “Buick Lesabre,” carried by laid-back, silky loops that feel like a slow drive through familiar streets. Derik’s verses move with a graceful ease, blending memory, reflection, and calm confidence into something intimate and effortless.

“Fall In Love” follows and widens the world of the project. Expansive sampling and organic grooves create a vibrant backdrop for Derik’s raw and engaging flow. He shifts between vulnerability and swagger with natural rhythm, making it one of the project’s standout moments.

The EP closes with “Til Death Do Us Part,” a cathartic finale built on rising, evocative instrumentation. Here, Derik sharpens his pen, offering pensive lines that linger long after the track fades. It is a closer that reaffirms his voice, his craft, and the emotional clarity he brings to every release.

Together, the three tracks form a vivid and soulful snapshot of where Lil Derik stands today: grounded, expressive, and fully locked into his artistry.

Listen to Red Dragon here now on our platform:

Listen to Red Dragon on all platforms HERE.

Connect with Lil Derik: Instagram | X

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The immersive sonic world of Noah Genesis’ ‘another hornet didn’t make it to spring’

Noah Genesis has shared a new album, another hornet didn’t make it to spring. Genesis is a 20-year-old producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Seattle, now based in Los Angeles. His music- entirely self-produced- fuses alternative pop, indie rock, and hip-hop into raw, experimental soundscapes. His new album, another hornet didn’t make it to spring, is a showcase of his diverse, emotive style, drawing from alternative pop, indie rock, hip-hop while maintaining deeply personal themes and an abstract approach. It’s the type of record that draws you in further and further across its run-time, immersing you in its introspective atmosphere and raw feel, as Genesis paints a vibrant picture of his inner world across 11 songs.

another hornet didn’t make it to spring is an album that cannot be boxed in to one genre or style. While it maintains a cohesive sound throughout, it pushes the boundaries through a blend of everything from alternative pop to hip-hop. From the indie and folk flourishes of opener “parasite”, with its expansive guitar riffs and bittersweet vocals- to the rich, energetic “northside story”’s hip-hop tones- another hornet didn’t make it to spring is a record that has something for everyone. Elements of folktronica and minimalism appear on tracks like “stinger”, while closer “nicolas sheff” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad.

The album presents a lived-in kind of intimacy for the listener, as many of its songs feels like a special nostalgic item one has re-discovered again after many years, of the kind they believe they might never find again. It’s a heartfelt, powerful record that brings you both potent points of sweeping instrumentation and vocals, as well as quiet, hidden moments that reveal themselves over time. Listen to Noah Genesis’ new album another hornet didn’t make it to spring here now.

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Watch Noah Genesis’ short film ‘where will i land?’ here:

Connect with Noah Genesis: Spotify | Instagram | YouTube

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Kueen releases a revitalizing summer project with ‘Got Juice?’

North Carolina born, New York based artist Kueen has returned with a new mixtape called Got Juice?. A multi-talented musician, entrepreneur and all-around hustler, Kueen has been pursuing music full-time for the better part of the decade, while she is also the CFO of innovative wellness company RAYFM. Receiving attention from some of hip-hop’s biggest names such as Pharaohe Monch, Rapsody, DJ Eclipse, as well as wide-ranging praise for eclectic projects such as Tales of Gotham, and more, Kueen has been steadily carving out a lane as an impactful, versatile voice in independent music.

Kueen’s latest project Got Juice? feels like the perfect soundtrack for a summer in New York, while maintaining a vibrant universality. Blending both influences from her North Carolina roots as well as NYC, is like a refreshing, organic dose of pure hip-hop, R&B, and soul that resonates for its sonic catchiness, spiritual depth, and dynamic versatility.

“Kleopatra’s Return” kicks off the project with a refined charisma interlaced into warm, jazz-laced instrumentation, sturdy grooves and sharply-crafted, intricate rhymes. “Give Thanks”, featuring Vibe Jonez, is a track that brings a feeling of clarity, with a spiritual, self-aware feel that transports the listener to another dimension. “D.H.A.D.” is breezy and heartfelt, featuring atmospheric guitars, rich backing vocals, and lively rhythms that complement Kueen’s smooth vocals cohesively. Tracks like “Pineapple Ginjah” and “Light my Spliff” contain a transcendent sort of beauty in their sound, adding to the overall uplifting feel of the project.

For nearly a decade, Kueen has been carving out a name for herself as a standout artist and songwriter, known for a rich, genre-blending sound that fuses hip-hop, jazz, soul, R&B, and beyond. Her work is marked by a raw authenticity- gritty and powerful, yet emotionally resonant- which has helped her build a strong and diverse following. Kueen proudly represents her Southern roots while channeling the dynamic spirit of NYC into her artistry. Beyond music, she also serves as the CFO of RAYFM Essentials, a lifestyle brand offering daily wellness products, including health juices, skincare, apparel, and more.

Listen to Kueen’s new project Got Juice? HERE on Bandcamp and support the artist directly.

Get the project on even.biz HERE.

Connect with Kueen: Website | Instagram

Visit the RAYFM store HERE.

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Valid’s New Documentary ‘PLACES’ Bridges Detroit and the Balkans Through Hip-Hop

Detroit emcee Valid has unveiled his latest project, a compelling documentary titled PLACES, chronicling his recent tour across the Balkans alongside the legendary DJ Head. Directed by Katarina Radmilović, the film offers more than just performance footage- it’s a layered, cultural exploration that highlights the universal language of hip-hop.

Produced in collaboration with Valternativa Records, PLACES takes viewers on a journey through Eastern Europe, with stops in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Slovenia, and beyond. For Valid, the tour is deeply personal- his roots trace back to Serbia, and returning there as an artist allowed him to reconnect with his heritage in a profound way.

At the heart of the film is the merging of two worlds: the soulful grit of Detroit hip-hop and the rich musical traditions of the Balkans. Valid and DJ Head captivate audiences, many of whom are already familiar with Valid’s work. The reception speaks volumes- not only to Valid’s talent, but to hip-hop’s ability to cross borders and create genuine connection.

Early in the documentary, we learn how Valid’s journey with Valternativa Records began- through a chance connection facilitated by Ma Dukes, the mother of the iconic producer J. Dilla. This led to his collaboration with Vlada Stojanović, the label’s co-founder, who brings Valid to his hometown of Valjevo, Serbia, offering a personal lens into both Valid’s backstory and the vibrant spirit of the region.

What makes PLACES stand out is its blend of musical performance, cultural immersion, and heartfelt storytelling. Valid and DJ Head not only share the stage with well-known Balkan artists, but they also engage in meaningful exchanges with local emcees and producers who have helped shape the region’s growing hip-hop scene. These moments underscore the documentary’s central theme: hip-hop is a global force, capable of uniting people from different backgrounds through shared rhythm and raw emotion.

As much as PLACES is about music, it’s also a visual love letter to Balkan culture. The film features rich snapshots of local traditions, daily life, and the deep hospitality of the communities that welcomed Valid and DJ Head. There’s an undeniable warmth in the interactions, from backstage conversations to street-side hangouts, capturing the genuine bonds formed along the way.

PLACES is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of hip-hop. For Valid, it marks not just a return to his roots, but a step forward in his artistic journey- one that invites viewers to explore what it truly means to belong, connect, and create.

You can watch PLACES now and experience the cultural and musical exchange for yourself.

Connect with Valid: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook

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6 important things for independent artists to know in 2025

By Jacob Ezra

  1. Defining your identity and tell your personal story

Determine the style, themes, and message that resonate with you and your work. This should reflect your unique artistic identity, whether it’s through visual art, music, writing, or any other form. 

Share your journey—why you create, what inspires you, and the struggles you’ve overcome. This can be in the form of posts, videos, blogs, or even podcasts. A compelling narrative helps people feel more connected to you as an artist and will foster loyalty.

Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience. Share the highs and lows of your creative journey. People are more likely to support you if they feel they know the real you, not just the curated version.

2. The power of relatability and vulnerability

Personal storytelling and relatability are essential for independent musicians because they help build an emotional connection with your audience, differentiate you from other artists, and foster trust. 

Sharing your story humanizes you as an artist and encourages a deeper, more meaningful relationship with your fans. When they feel they know you, understand your struggles, and can relate to your journey, they’re more likely to support you and share your work with others. When they relate to you personally, they feel more invested in your success and your art.

Vulnerability is powerful: letting people into your world—whether it’s about love, loss, growth, or the challenges of being an independent artist—creates a sense of empathy. When you show vulnerability, it makes you more accessible. People often feel like they’re not alone in their experiences if they see you express your own in an honest way.

3. Building community as a foundation

When your listeners feel like they’re part of something meaningful, it fosters deeper loyalty, as they further engage with your content- sharing your music, and spreading the word. This kind of engagement leads to organic growth, where word-of-mouth promotion and genuine connections help amplify your reach and visibility. By fostering a sense of belonging, your community will stand by you across your career.

In addition to the emotional support, building a community can also provide financial stability and professional opportunities. Platforms like Patreon and crowdfunding allow you to monetize your fanbase, giving you the resources to continue creating. A loyal community can also open doors to collaborations, live performances, and direct feedback, which help you grow. With a strong community backing you, you’ll feel more resilient in navigating the ups and downs of the music industry, and the connections you cultivate can help you sustain a fulfilling and successful career over time.

4. Creating lasting relationships with listeners

Independent musicians thrive on building genuine, personal connections with their audience. These connections go beyond simply gaining streams or social media followers—they’re about fostering trust, loyalty, and a sense of community that keeps listeners engaged with your music for the long haul.

One of the most effective ways to build these relationships is through authentic, consistent communication. Whether it’s through social media, newsletters, live streams, or responding to fan messages, showing up as your true self helps listeners feel like they’re a part of your journey. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, personal stories, or the emotional process behind your music can also make listeners feel more connected to you.

Another key aspect is showing appreciation for your listeners. Acknowledging their support through shoutouts, exclusive content, or even hosting events like virtual meet-ups or Q&A sessions can make them feel valued. When listeners feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to continue supporting you in meaningful ways—whether that’s purchasing your music or merchandise, attending your shows, or simply spreading the word to others.

5. The importance of consistency and patience

As an independent artist, you’re often navigating a landscape without the infrastructure or support that comes with labels, so consistency in your work, content, and engagement becomes a highly valuable asset. By consistently releasing music, posting on social media, and engaging with your fans, you keep yourself visible and relevant. It’s this regular presence that helps build momentum over time and keeps your audience engaged. When listeners know that they can count on you for new content, updates, and meaningful interaction, it strengthens their connection to your brand and music.

However, consistency alone isn’t enough; patience is equally important. Building a career as an independent artist is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take years of hard work and dedication before you see significant results, and in the meantime, there will be moments of doubt and frustration. It’s crucial to have patience with the process, knowing that progress often happens slowly. Small wins, whether it’s a handful of new fans, a positive review, or a successful live show, add up over time.

6. Leveraging collaboration

Working with other artists, brands, or platforms in your field can help broaden your reach and introduce your music to a wider range of listeners.

Collaboration often brings new ideas and approaches to your music. Working with another artist can help you push your boundaries creatively, try out new genres, techniques, or sounds, and break out of any artistic ruts.

Collaboration is a powerful tool for independent musicians. It opens up new opportunities for networking, creativity, exposure, and personal growth. By working with other artists, you can diversify your sound, reach new audiences, and refine your skills. Plus, it offers a chance to stand out in a crowded market and build a strong support system.

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Building Community as a Blueprint for Independent Artists

Written by Jacob Ezra

We as independent artists are always in need of clever and practical paths to navigate the industry on our own. With the bloating of social media with content and the saturation of the music market, it has become more necessary than ever to seek new alternatives that differ from old models. In order to do that it can be important to re-frame our thinking around what success looks like in the creative industry. 

A method that directly reaches a group of people, focuses on their needs and interests, and eventually cultivates togetherness in a community, is a useful approach in today’s landscape. This differs fundamentally from the more traditional path of seeking accolades, co-signs, and streaming numbers. It’s not that those things don’t matter, it’s just that as artists operating independently we have a finite amount of energy- and focusing our energy in a different way is likely to yield more useful results at a ground level. That is to focus on finding like-minded individuals and creating a sense of commonality and community around your music and art. This might not bring about big streaming numbers, major co-signs, and the like- but it is likely to build true fans that will support you consistently, provide a quicker path to earning from your creativity, and allow artists to operate with greater freedom.

Let’s talk about effective ways to create community. It doesn’t have to centered around anything too grandiose, as these communities typically build slowly and methodically through consistency. It first involves establishing your identity, which can be done through telling your personal story, showing vulnerability, and letting people into your world. Creating emotional bonds with listeners is the first step to creating community, as they will be able to feel this commonality, and as if they are a part of something.

As this is being established through consistency, give people avenues to join your community. Starting a discord, group chat, mailing list, and cultivating this community through communication on social media are great foundations. Through authentically speaking with this community, providing them with relatable content, and providing incentives, you can strengthen your community bit by bit. Some examples of incentives you can provide could include discord events, contests, behind the scenes content, personalized merchandise, concert giveaways, a patreon, and more. The idea is to have people feel like they know you personally, to establish a relationship with them where they feel seen, and to give them ways to connect with other like-minded individuals in your community.

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4knova shares energizing single “18weeks”

There’s a certain urgency to 4knova’s new single “18weeks” – like someone rapping with one foot on the gas and the other in quicksand. Built on the relentless bounce of Jersey club, the track moves fast, but the emotions hit even faster. It’s not just about the sound (which does knock), it’s about the friction: between ambition and love, loyalty and loss, drive and distraction.

4knova isn’t trying to sugarcoat the grind. He knows what he wants – success, money, freedom – but “18weeks” is about the weight that comes with chasing it. There’s paranoia. Isolation. Temptation. Moments where it feels like the closer you get to your goals, the more everything else starts to fall apart.

Lines like “I just made less friends & more enemies” and “Wanna touch a M / But she wanna fuck / I cannot be him till my money up” don’t just rhyme – they carry the tension of someone figuring it out in real time. Vulnerable, but still locked in. Tired, but not slowing down.

Engineered by 4knova and Yeah Josh, the production is tight and purposeful – clean, minimal, but heavy where it needs to be. It gives the lyrics space to breathe without ever losing momentum.

Hailing from Dallas with Palestinian roots, 4knova continues to blur the lines between genres and influences. His music pulls from real-life pressure and internal battles, pairing melodic delivery with club energy and sharp storytelling. As an independent artist, he’s not waiting for permission – he’s building something real, one track at a time.

Listen to “18weeks” here:

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Connect with 4knova: Instagram | X

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Crokomoko shares meditative new release “U Can Be New Again”

Colorado artist Crokomoko has shared a fresh release called “U Can Be New Again”. With a refreshing mood expressed through glowing, ambient-tinged instrumentation with psychedelic undertones- “U Can Be New Again” makes for a potent release. The track brings forth a feeling of healing and renewal, as waves of breezy instrumentation wash over the listener. “U Can Be New Again” is atmospheric in its approach but also sharply-crafted, with patient, blooming melodies that rise above soft nature sounds. It’s the type of listening experience that puts one into a contemplative, yet blissful, meditative state.

Crokomoko is a rising artist from Colorado whose sound blends elements of ambient, new age, electronic, and more into lush soundscapes. His latest offering “U Can Be New Again” is now available via Balloon Head Tapes on his Bandcamp. Check it out HERE and support the artist directly.

Listen to Crokomoko on Spotify HERE.

Connect with Crokomoko: Instagram | Twitter