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Blog Roundhouse Features

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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Blog

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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Blog For the Record

808 BEEZY shares infectious new EP, ‘4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS’

808 BEEZY has shared an infectious new EP, titled 4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS. A prolific, versatile artist who has been on a run of late, releasing potent singles like “STILL 30 FOR 30”, “Need Some Mo 2”, and more- 808 BEEZY returns once again with an energizing, emotive EP in 4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

The triumphant, powerful intro “GATEKEEP!” displays 808 BEEZY’s commanding flows, sharp lyricism, and engaging songwriting. The atmospheric, sweltering instrumentation of “STILL 30 FOR 30” creates an ominous, immense feel, further enhanced by 808 BEEZY’s raw vocals and focus on the mic. “THE BLOOD” makes for a passionate closer that pairs haunting, poignant production with a standout performance from 808 BEEZY that matches the track’s electrifying rhythms and sound.

The eccentric 808 BEEZY is what happens when optimism meets melodic trap. The Arkansas-raised artist wraps emotional storytelling over hard-hitting 808s. From concept to delivery, rising artist, 808 BEEZY effortlessly captivates and woos his listeners with witty punchlines and ear-grabbing production.

After undergoing a rebrand in late 2023 (formerly known as YB), the artist now producer has continued his streak of catchy releases. 10+ million independent streams later, 808 BEEZY is just getting started.

Take a listen to 808 BEEZY’s latest offering, 4 SUCH A TIME AS THIS here now:

Connect with 808 BEEZY: Spotify | Instagram

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Blog Roundhouse Features

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 4knovaInstagram | X

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Blog Roundhouse Features

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

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Stevan comes through with another summer anthem in “Sand Storm”

Stevan has shared a fresh song called “Sand Storm”. Following up a potent run of singles that included the likes of “Nostalgia” and “City of Angels”, ahead of his anticipated upcoming project Arrested Development, “Sand Storm” presents another strong offering from the Burundi-Australian artist. Sunny, vivid soundscapes consisting of waves of atmospheric, warm guitars, rich bass-lines, and organic, grooving percussion make “Sand Storm” a perfect summer anthem. Vocally, Stevan shines with sharply-written, immersive melodies that rise above the dynamic instrumentation. Demonstrating his signature penchant for expansive, genre-bending sounds, the release marks another from Stevan that further proves he cannot be placed in a box.

With roots in Burundi and a childhood shaped by life in Australia, Stevan crafts music that slips effortlessly between genres. His sound weaves smooth R&B influences with a laid-back indie edge, creating a style that’s both rhythmically rich and emotionally raw. Collaborations with boundary-pushers like Cosmo’s Midnight and Tommy Richman, alongside performances at standout festivals like SXSW Sydney and BIGSOUND, reflect a bold versatility and a creative voice that’s always in motion.

Listen to his newest single “Sand Storm” here now and get ready for Stevan’s upcoming anticipated album Arrested Development.

Listen on all platforms HERE

Connect with StevanInstagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Spotify

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Fuzhjin releases meditative EP ‘sun’s eternal’

Fuzhjin has dropped off a new EP, titled sun’s eternal. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Fuzhjin has been consistently carving out his own lane for his introspective, vivid blend of heartfelt lyricism, and poignant, soulful production. His latest offering, sun’s eternal, continues his run of focused, character-rich releases that are often thoughtful in tone, with a set of 5 tracks that captivate throughout.

“4ward” makes for a graceful opener that conjures a subtle sense of triumph through warm horns, weaving keys, and rich rhythms that create a potent backdrop for Fuzhjin’s immersive flows. “minutes” includes a dusky, hypnotic soundscape perfectly suited to Fuzhjin’s imagery-rich, evocative verses, while “virtue”‘s layered, atmospheric sonics and sharp vocals make for a memorable listen. Closer “steps” distills the EP’s spiritual tones and themes of self-growth with intricate lyricism that brings forth a welcome sense of depth, backed by ethereal sample chops.

Listen to Fuzhjin’s latest EP sun’s eternal here now and further familiarize yourself with the rising Florida artist.

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Connect with Fuzhjin: Spotify | Instagram | X (Twitter)

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Sammyoffthewall delivers energizing EP ‘Fuera De La Pared’

Sammyoffthewall has delivered a new EP, titled Fuera De La Pared. Full of soulful, vulnerable tracks that resonate from the get-go, Fuera De La Pared provides a varied and captivating listen across its 5 tracks. Engaging grooves, layered sampling, and raw, emotive rhymes characterize Fuera De La Pared‘s sonics, while detailed, personal lyricism dominates with enriching narratives and re-playable lines.

Sammyoffthewall brings forth an energetic, passionate style on Fuera De La Pared which gives the project added character and depth. With a gritty, present flow, he attacks a series of sampling, emotive beats with ease. The title track makes for an expansive opener that sets the pace with soulful loops and introspective, commanding flows. “Slow Dance” introduces a blazing, bass-heavy instrumental with crystalline instrumentation that creates a vibrant foundation for Sammyoffthewall’s gripping verses. “Take Over” adds further dynamics and diversity with a dark, ominous boom-bap cut, while closer “The Storm”, with Isaiah Velez, makes for a particularly heartfelt finisher with its powerful sound and lyricism.

Take a listen to Sammyoffthewall’s latest EP here now and be sure to connect with him while you’re at it.

Connect with Sammyoffthewall HERE.

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Boot Raymond shares soulful new album ‘maim’

Rising rapper Boot Raymond has dropped off a new album called, maim. Coated with an air of warm nostalgia, and paired with vividly detailed, personally rich lyrics- maim makes for a thought-provoking and immersive listen. Showcasing Raymond’s innate lyrical ability atop a set of abstract, soulful instrumentals, the album draws the listener in from the get-go with its emotive feel.

Opener “black sambas”, with KIDD, uses a pastiche of layered sampling and gritty, organic percussion to create an apt backdrop for Raymond’s imagery-laden poetics. “ego trip”‘s weaving, psychedelic production provokes deep thought while Raymond reflects on his past, and how it brought him to where he is now, as well as his hopes for the future- making for a relatable cut. “fein4love”, mixed by @croko.moko, makes for an uplifting offering and a project highlight, with cathartic vocals that ring out clearly, chalk full of emotion. The hypnotic feel and lucid lyricism of “another praise” feels laid-back and pensive, with a certain soulful wistfulness that shows up throughout maim and gives it its own character.

Boot Raymond’s latest offering maim is a heartfelt project full of enticing moments that draw the listener into his world. It paints a personal portrait in a vivid manner while demonstrating sharp lyricism and a keen ear for engaging instrumentation. Listen to maim here now.

Cover art by @who.azan

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Blog Roundhouse Features

Tsavage shares engaging new project, ‘Don’t Overthink It’

Chicago artist Tsavage has shared a new project, titled Don’t Overthink It. His new offering is an infectious, versatile set of songs that presents Tsavage’s focused, character-rich sound in a potent fashion. Boasting sharp songwriting, engaging, versatile sonics, and emotive lyricism, Don’t Overthink It makes for a refreshing listen that immerses the listener in its atmosphere from the get-go.

“Grownish” is a motivational opener that showcases abilities as both a rapper and singer, with crisp flows and emotive melodies that make for a dynamic listen, set to inspiring instrumentation. “Easy” is a smooth, introspective joint that provokes thought with its tightly-woven lines and vivid imagery, while “All In”‘s catchy grooves and atmospheric instrumentation make it a hit-worthy track. “Here On” makes for a cathartic closer that features soulful production and vocals, laced with captivating lyricism and enticing flows that

Hailing from the northern suburbs of Chicago, Tsavage is no stranger to the hip hop scene. Introduced to music early on through his father- a producer, engineer, and songwriter- Tsavage’s passion for the industry grew naturally. After dabbling with other creative outlets like cinematography, he ultimately found his true calling in music, where his talents and dedication now shine. As he continues to steadily build a captivating, engaging discography, take a listen to his latest offering Don’t Overthink It now on our platform.

Stream Don’t Overthink It here on our blog.

Listen to Don’t Overthink It on all platforms HERE.

Connect with Tsavage: Spotify | Instagram