KHNG – No Problems

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Videos

KHNG pairs Island vibes with Hip Hop on new EP ‘Coronation’

TORONTO, CANADA – A new EP from Toronto-based artist, KHNG, is the perfect upbeat, Island vibe needed during a tough year. “Coronation” is KHNG’s first project, which consists of 6 songs, executive produced by Emtee Cup Gang and Execution Records, KHNG’s own label. This rising musician has already established himself as an international artist, and the new EP is set to take that even further with songs that celebrate party vibes inspired by KHNG’s Guyanese culture and Caribana, which is celebrated every year in Toronto.

“This project dives deep into my roots and my personality, it has a very upbeat vibe,” KHNG said. “I incorporated the carnival theme which is a big thing in my culture and since we couldn’t celebrate Caribana this year, I decided to bring a little bit of that energy and vibes to the people.”

Released on Aug. 13, the EP taps into the signature sound of this fast-rising artist who pairs Island vibes with Hip Hop for a unique blend that works perfectly with his original flow. This project also features a bit more vocals from KHNG, especially on the two breakout singles “Dive In” and “No Problems.”

With “Dive In,” KHNG expresses a personal experience. “It’s a situation where sometimes you know better – but still keep doing the same things over and over and you can’t help it,” he said. “I was nervous about releasing this song. This was the first single off the project and I knew I needed to come strong. I think the song took a lot of people by surprise – they’ve never seen that side of me.”

The second single, “No Problems,” has more of a playful vibe and is fully equipped with its own quarantine music video. “The song is perfect for today’s tumultuous cultural climate in that it encourages listeners to throw away life’s worries and just enjoy the moment.”

“The team had a blast recording this and we recorded a few parts in falsetto, which is the first time I’ve ever taken that risk too!”

“What I want more than anything is for my music to reflect my individuality while also embracing the good vibes and positive energy that my roots have inspired. I hope people are able to really feel me,” he said. “If my songs are able to make a difference in someone’s life – whether through meaningful lyrics or through the sound – that alone, brings satisfaction to me. The key factor is spreading that positivity.”

To listen to more of KHNG’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/whatupkhng/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/whatupkhng
https://www.facebook.com/whatupkhng/
https://soundcloud.com/whatupkhng/sets/coronation
https://open.spotify.com/album/0pyDlXsHTCU3SuxiZd45wH
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MFIyGIS7IKHLlJD-RWYXw

Ruger Rome – Anything Can Happen

ME Blog, Music, Promo

Pain and power take center stage on new album from Pittsburgh Rapper Ruger Rome

PITTSBURGH, PA – The music from Pittsburgh performer Ruger Rome can best be described as a sound born from pain. This young man with a signature voice has experienced a lot in his life. He lost his mother at the age of 10 and his father was in and out of jail and battling a drug addiction. He moved from youth home to youth home and family member to family member. At the age of 15, he became a father. At 16, he lost two very close cousins to gun violence, and then to cap it all off, he began to lose his eyesight in 2015. Corneal eye failure made him go blind, and he both literally and figuratively went to a very dark place for a while.

Out of that darkness came some of the most heartfelt and powerful music the industry has heard in years and it takes center stage on the new album “The Phoenix,” set to drop across all streaming platforms this October. It’s a project that takes the painful stories of his past and uses them to inspire listeners to keep pressing on and chasing those dreams. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Ruger Rome is an artist who has overcome the odds and is now on a trajectory to superstardom.

“I started rapping with my boys in 2013, formally known as Grimey Click to the Pittsburgh underground music scene.  We had a good run and did a bunch of work that was getting us noticed,” Ruger said. “But in 2015, I started losing my vision because of corneal eye failure, and when I started going blind, I quit rapping. I went through a lot and it felt like life was over for me. I came to a dead end and didn’t want to do anything. I was blind and losing my damn mind. The only thing that saved me was that I kept writing. Wrote this whole album while I was blind – the pain, the anger, the good and the bad. There’s a whole lot of emotions on this project. After I got a cornea transplant, it gave me back 77 percent vision in one eye and that helped pull me out of my depression. But it ain’t over yet and I know I have to keep pressing. But I’m like a phoenix who is rising from the ashes, and I’m on fire. My style is kind of aggressive – I’m raw and you’ll hear my pain because I’ve been through a lot. My music reflects my pain, sorrows and my hunger for more.”

A great example of that is with his debut single, “Anything Can Happen.” Produced by Brodie Cassonova, it’s a song that explores his journey from the first moments he started rapping as a 7 year old up to the success he’s experiencing today. A video for the single is currently available on his YouTube channel and was shot by Case Filmz.

To listen to Ruger Rome’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

www.rugerrome.com

https://twitter.com/rug3rrome
https://www.facebook.com/rugerromemusic/
https://www.instagram.com/og_ruger_rome/
https://tidal.com/browse/artist/18342621
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mQmaso1yVCyR620uF8K7E
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ruger-rome/1498634951

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumdTmOsXH3YOhtU_IC_tCg

IR Fantastic – Power Nap

Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo, Videos

I.R. F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C. creates sound that bends and breaks with powerful liquid flow on forthcoming album ‘My Liquid Thesis’

GOODYEAR, AZ – Bruce Lee had a theory that every martial artist should embrace the idea of being like water – free flowing and powerful. That’s the perfect description for the music coming from Hip Hop artist I.R. F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C. He calls it “liquid” and it’s a style that takes center stage on his new album “My Liquid Thesis” which is set to drop on his birthday on Nov. 6.

“It’s the kind of music that goes around and under shit and seeps through cracks,” I.R. said. “It’s also the powerful kind of music that’s brutally honest and touches on some really personal stuff. I don’t regret anything. I believe regrets are for the dead and the dying. I was shot at the age of 12 and doctors said I might not ever walk again. Until the book is closed, I can’t say that getting shot was the worst thing that ever happened to me because in a lot of ways, it’s what taught me to be resilient and to work hard. It’s all about defying the odds from the beginning, and this album embraces that. Through this collection of songs, you’ll get a good grasp and ambiance of what my life is. I believe it’s liquid because it has to have the ability to stretch and flow, destroy and create.”

With hits like “I am I.R.” and “Power Nap,” I.R.’s forthcoming project is an undeniable powerhouse of raw talent. It shows why he embraces the name “Flying Above Non-Believers That Always Said That I Couldn’t.” Born and raised in Gary, Indiana but now operating out of Goodyear, Arizona, I.R. creates atmospheric music that lives in the genre of Hip Hop but breaks that mold by fusing different sounds and styles in original and eclectic ways. He calls that process of creating new sounds “slow cooking,” meaning the process was a “necessary evil in order to get my current level of readiness.”

“Every track I record and release is based on my actual experience,” he said. “It’s in that way that I manage to avoid boxes. I believe that music should be freedom in the way that it bends and breaks.”

Today, at the age of 38, this talented artist is assembling his collection of music under the new independent label E.A.R.F.U.L.L.A. Music (Emancipated Artist Recordings Featuring Unfiltered Love Life and Music). In recent years, he’s been writing and recording as much as possible while using his label to help motivate younger artists who are trying to get a foot in the door of the industry. And with this new album, he hopes to show the world that when music comes from the heart and a vulnerable place, the vibe will be undeniable. His music is available on every major platform including Tidal, Pandora and TikTok. 

To listen to I.R. F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/i.r._fantastic/

https://twitter.com/Irfantastic13

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100036670040790

https://soundcloud.com/baraka-berry 

https://www.youtube.com/user/triplebnovember

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmzmLYsVMVqdSZIXwB1v8Lg

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LEKYVOLRl6K2jriNA94Jw?view_as=subscriber

“I am I.R.”
https://youtu.be/no7w3p_sBzg

https://tidal.com/track/152701039

Jake Exavier – Lost in Our Love

Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Soulful vocals take center stage on new R&B album from Jake Exavier ‘On My Way’

NEW ORLEANS, LA – At only 23 years old, Jake Exavier is a bona fide star. This gifted singer/songwriter is a pioneer in the industry whose sound is best described as a throwback, old-school vibe with an urban edge. It’s a sound that takes center stage on his new album, “On My Way,” which is currently available across all streaming platforms.

With a distinct R&B vibe that shows off skillful lyricism, catchy hooks and harmonies that will resonate with a diverse audience, “On My Way” is a project that explores all the ins and outs of relationships and love. He uses his talent to talk about things that everyone can relate to, with a vibe that fully embraces that feeling of eager anticipation that comes when you’re mere moments before getting to be with the one you love the most – “when you’re on your way to see your significant other and you’re so in love with them that you always want to be around them.”

The debut single from the project, “Lost in our Love,” is a perfect example of this soulful singer’s talent. Starting off with a bouncy beat emphasized by stylized synthesizers, Jake’s soaring vocals come in and break the heart with their soulful sound. The Pop and R&B fusion of sound creates a sway that’s perfect for spending time with a significant other.

“It’s about wanting to embrace the positive side of a relationship,” he said. “It’s about always wanting to be around someone and being lost in the connection that the two of you have. Like most of my songs, it started with the beat and the vibe I got from listening to it. When I find a beat I like, I get in the car and ride with it for a while. I’ll usually end up writing it while I’m driving or maybe parked somewhere. And I usually like to take influences from the situations I’m going through or by someone I know. Mostly, I talk about relationships because I really like to talk about love.”

Growing up in Zachary, Louisiana – a small town not far from New Orleans – Jake developed a love for music at an early age. Even as a young child, music was his top priority. He was drawn to legends like Usher, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. And from the very beginning, he used their influences to create music that people could feel. In 2014, at only age 16, he performed and twice won first place at The Apollo Theater, and he hasn’t looked back since. He has performed to large crowds at the Voodoo Festival and the Lil WeezyAna Festival, and has returned to perform at The Apollo.

Today he records under the label Oaks Way Recordings, and he’s excited for a new wave of fans around the world to check out his new album. Videos for “Lost in our Love” and another hot single from the project, “Viral,” are set to be released in the next couple of weeks.

To listen to Jake Exavier’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

www.twitter.com/jakeexavier_
www.facebook.com/jakeexavierworld

https://www.instagram.com/jakeexavier_/
https://open.spotify.com/track/4eHKwBR2z3rJKBMTvMOLhg?si=6UOeRuRRSUqc3ediQQCO_g

Mandi Macias – Alive

Blog, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Young Pop star Mandi Macias drops quintessential summer single ‘Alive’

LOS ANGELES, CA – A new Pop princess is on the scene and her latest singles “Alive” and “Bad Boys” are the kind of summer jams that will soon have her music being played in places all over the world.

LA-based Mandi Macias is a 17-year-old singer, songwriter, actress and dancer who had been slowly building a career as an entertainer over the past few years. At a young age, she’s already made a splash in the industry by performing at some of the biggest venues on the West Coast such as the iconic Whisky A GoGo, as well as collaborating with some of the biggest names in music such as The Black Eyed Peas and The Plain White T’s. She was part of the BET Experience and they invited her back as an alumnus to speak to new and upcoming artists. She joined notorious stars such as Robin Thicke on the panel, emphasizing her importance to the industry and her relevance, and a Pop artist who deserves recognition. And now, with the release of her latest singles, she’s announcing to the world that she’s a Pop artist that demands attention.

“Alive” is the most recent release, having dropped in mid-July and already receiving more than 50,000 streams on various digital platforms. Produced by AJ Smets, it is the quintessential summer single. Its chill vibe invites listeners into an atmosphere that’s immediately reminiscent of good times in far-off locales on the beach with the sound of ocean waves crashing and the perfect breeze blowing by.

“I used real nature sounds in the production of it,” Macias said. “There are ocean waves and wind sounds to create the beat, and you’ll hear birds chirping. I brought the outdoors and paradise to us since we can’t really travel as much this summer. I thought I’d bring paradise home.”

Lyrically, the song talks about falling in love and the scary feeling that comes in the midst of a relationship when you begin to wonder if that relationship will go the distance or if it’s time to cut ties.

“It’s about being so in love that you want to stay in that happy paradise forever,” she said. “You just want to be happy and in love, even though you’re worried about whether or not you’ll make it out alive if it doesn’t work out.”

“Alive” comes on the heels of the success of the other single she released earlier this year, “Bad Boys,” which has garnered more than 155,000 streams since it dropped in early April. Produced by Wiicked Keyzz, the song has an upbeat R&B and Pop vibe that is equal parts throwback and modern. The song has a deep personal appeal to Macias as she nods to the rich music history of her family – both in the song and with the cover art which features an old throwback photo of her grandfather.

“Even though we shouldn’t love them, we’re always attracted to a good bad boy,” Macias said. “This song is kind of a warning to all the other girls to fight that attraction. It’s a fun song, and I love that the cover art is a picture of my grandpa. It’s an old-school picture of him and his friends. They were definitely bad boys, and when I saw the photo, I knew I had to use it. Everyone who sees it thinks it’s a photo of an old movie star because he has such a Marlon Brando look.”

Macias said both singles feature unique sounds that she likes to incorporate into her songs – something she considers to be her signature style. “Alive,” for instance, was inspired by a lot of different sounds she was hearing while living through a global pandemic.

“Every time you hear a song from me, you’re going to hear something interesting or out of place,” she said. “It might be a car door closing or the click of a seatbelt. I hear those things and I think, ‘What if we recorded that and put some auto-tune on it and make a song about a car.’ Since I was young, we used to watch the rain and make songs out of it. I’m a very outdoorsy person – I like hiking and nature – and I love all those sounds and they make their way into all my music. But at the end of the day, I want my music to be known for empowering women. Too often today, music views women as objects or that they’ll never be able to make it without a guy. My music is empowering and encouraging other women to live in the moment and be happy with where you’re at. I want to change the idea that women are objects or sad without or that we need guys.”

Macias has more music in the works and is working toward finalizing a deal with co-founder of Pandora, Tim Westergren. Westergren is also the co- founder of Sessions, a live online streaming app/website for live concerts, which was launched early May 2020.  Macias is also working to reschedule a European tour that was put on hiatus during the pandemic.  

To listen to Mandi Macias’ music or to follow her on social media, please visit:

www.mandimacias.com

www.linktr.ee/Mandimacias 

Instagram.com/OfficialMandiMacias

facebook.com/amanda.macias.3954
https://twitter.com/mandi_macias
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc21JUaG8h1cUzkNTvXZSjw

SnapChat:  Mandimacias

Joshua Flores – Attention

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

EP inspired by ‘Quarantine Summer’ showcases young musician’s diverse musical abilities

DALLAS, TX – A young new heartthrob has been making his way onto the music scene for the past few years, and his new EP, “Quarantine Summer” is the perfect project to propel him onto a wider global stage. Joshua Flores has been a recording artist throughout much of his teenage years, and now at age 21, this Pop crooner is creating music that is drawing attention from all corners of the industry and gaining a rapidly increasing fanbase worldwide. Slated to drop on Aug. 21, this five-song EP was inspired by his time during quarantine and offers five different vibes that he says most others who have experienced the quarantine will be able to relate with.

“Each song is based on a certain style of music – like different types of genres that branch out and show the different things I like to try to do to get outside of my comfort zone,” he said. “I’m always trying to incorporate the different things I like because I like to challenge myself and try new things when it comes to my music. Even when I’m doing a Pop song or any song, I always try to incorporate that soulful sound. I make music that is catchy and relatable to people. I try to write songs that cover a broad range of topics. Everyone has experienced heartbreak or relationships. Sometimes people want to have fun. Each song on this EP has a different feeling and people can relate to it by the vibe they feel.”

The project opens up with “I’m Done,” an Alt-Pop track that is perhaps the greatest departure from anything he’s ever created before. Nodding to influences like Billie Eillish or 21 Pilots, this darker-toned song uses strings and background vocals to evoke deep emotions that come from a breakup.

This is followed by “Attention” which Joshua said is a Club song with an upbeat vibe that will make people want to get up and dance. Even when not at the club, however, it’s a song that he said is great to just listen to and vibe with and chill to while having fun with friends. The concept of the song is about a guy seeing a girl at a club and she’s catching everyone’s eye. He wants to get her attention so he’s doing a lot of things to attract her and entice her to have a good time.

The third song on the EP is “Slow,” an R&B track that is perfectly suited to showcase Joshua’s voice. It’s more of a sexy song than he’s ever created, he said – perfect for some alone time with that loved one. Immediately following this is “Vibe” which has a very electronic-forward sound. It’s entirely produced by Flores who said he’s always been attracted toward more of an electronic style.

“This is the most quarantine-forward song,” he said, “because it’s all about being stuck at home and wanting to go out and have fun but you can’t. All you can do is vibe at home and dance around and have fun with where you’re at.”

The EP ends with “Farewell” which is a Hip Hop track in the style of Post Mallone. Joshua said he based the song off the negative emotions that come from a breakup after having given the person multiple chances. It’s a “so long, farewell, screw-you-for-hurting-me” kind of song, he said.

To listen to Joshua Flores’ music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBnMtAiv6o1KHvyUYELIig
https://soundcloud.com/joshua-nicholas-flores
https://www.instagram.com/joshuafloresmusic/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJoshuaFlores/
https://twitter.com/joshuafloresmus?lang=en
Tiktok  @joshuafloresmusic

Smurf G – Holiday

Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

Sounds of the South take center stage with Smurf G’s new album ‘Arkannibal’

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Smurf G is a native of Camden, a small town in southwest Arkansas, on the banks of the Ouachita River – AKA “Queen City.” Smurf G has been in the Rap game for many years, working the underground circuit, mixtapes, singles, traveling, promoting, and hustling to manifest his vision. His lyrics reverberate a thick southern drawl that is intriguing as well as distinctive. That Deep South style is the cornerstone of the unique sound that Smurf G executes in his lyrically impressive music. His upcoming new album “Arkannibal” is a work of art that will enable Hip Hop fans all over the world to get up close and personal with him and find out what’s going on with this self-proclaimed “country boy” from Arkansas.

“I sound like a ‘country boy,’ just like my hit with Bun B. and Charlie Boy released in 2019 tells you,” Smurg G said. “My sound is original and I’m real with it. I don’t want to sound like anybody else. When you listen to the radio, everybody sounds the same. My southern dialect stands out. It is what it is. And I’m bringing the heat. I’m bringing that fire to your soul. When you hear my music, you’re gonna be like ‘Damn! That’s that dude from Arkansas. He’s straight jamming!’ Arkansas has been overlooked for too long, and it’s our time!”

Smurf G is ready to work with his stylistic contribution to Hip Hop that’s authentically stirring.

“I’m hype and I’m ready to ‘show up and show out,” he said. “The barriers gotta come down. Watch for G Entertainment because Arkansas has so much talent – so many diamonds in the rough. Arkansas’ ready to stand up!” 

“Arkannibal” features the single “Holiday,” a show-stopper with a new sound that sets the momentum. The upbeat vibe encourages family, friends and get–togethers, and Smurf G says it’s not restricted to one occasion because it’s an inspirational movement. “Holiday,” he said, provokes everyone to “treat every day like a holiday.”

“You never know what tomorrow may bring, so live everyday like it’s your last,” he said. “Especially in these uncertain times and with all that we are dealing with daily in this season.”

“Go and Get It” is another hit on the album with a pounding beat and lyrics to motivate the listeners to “get up off ya’ ass and go get it by any means necessary … just make sure you’re smart in your mission.”

“Push It,” which features Dallas-based artist Enchanting, is another single from the highly anticipated album that’s best described as a club song with a ton of energy.

“It’s impossible to sit this one out,” Smurf G said.

True to the rhythm of the entire album, this masterpiece magnifies Smurf G’s talent and allows him to continue grinding his way to higher levels as he solidifies his position in the game. 

“Arkannibal” is currently available across all streaming platforms, and Smurf G said that he’s working on even more extraordinary music to be released later this year.

To listen to his music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.instagram.com/smurfgmuzik/

https://twitter.com/SmurfG870

https://www.facebook.com/870SmurfG

“Go and Get It”

https://youtu.be/qg_5Fx3WPiA

.thrax – Like Nana

Blog, ME Blog, Music

Fast-rising artist from Upstate New York prepares to drop truly original album ‘Social Disconnect’ on Sept 4

SALAMANCA, NY – Talk about starting with a blast! The new artist out of Upstate New York known as .thrax is going to leave the rest of the music industry behind once the world catches a taste of his one-of-a-kind sound. Already his music has gained more than a million streams and more than 100,000 monthly listeners just from his first five singles. And with the release of his forthcoming album “Social Disconnect” on Sept 4, this 21-year-old phenom is set to propel into global stardom.

The Salamanca, New York-native has amazed a wide range of fans so far with his innate ability to create music in a variety of genres – from Indie to Pop to Neo-Soul to Rap and everything in between. “Social Disconnect” showcases that diversity perfectly while also tapping into his unique point of view as a young African-American trying to overcome the stereotypes that are often associated with his demographic and age.

“It’s an album about problems that many people my age face day-to-day,” he said. “But it can also be something that a wide array of people connect with because it’s for anyone who has to work a 9-to-5, or who has family or relationship issues, or even for people who deal with things like addiction or overcoming the stereotypes that so many of us are working against. It’s an album that everyone can relate to.”

The album shows off .thrax’s ability to be vibing melodically but with energy that excites listeners to get up and dance. It’s like he’s tapped into the brooding vibes of Billie Eilish but taken that to another level that is perfect for parties and clubs. His flow is completely different from anything else out there today – with songs that either encourage people to dance or to sit down and vibe out.

Such as his debut single “Creep” to a pre-released single on his album “Like Nana” – show off .thrax’s ability to switch from emotional songs to party songs. “Creep” – which peaked at No. 24 on the Spotify Hong Kong Top 50 playlist – talks about how we all have problems that we don’t want to face, and we try to hide them in our closet but they come out. “Like Nana” encourages the free-spirited youth to dance and to have fun on social media platforms, such as Tik Tok.

“My lyrics have a different vibe and meaning. I’m not talking about luxurious stuff that isn’t realistic. Each song has a vibe or feeling that you will feel deep. In some cases, it won’t be until the fourth or fifth time that you hear it that you’ll actually understand how deep it is. But that’s what I want my music to be known for – that wow factor. People listening to my music should hear the message that they can do anything they put their minds to as long as they don’t let other people push them onto a different plan.”

To listen to .thrax’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:

https://twitter.com/thraxofficial 
https://www.instagram.com/thraxofficial/ 
https://www.facebook.com/Thrax-104164911386823/ 

“Social Disconnect” (Album) 

https://soundcloud.com/sreneofficial 

The Stewarts – His Door Is Open

Blog, Industry Spotlight, ME Blog, Music, Promo

Old-school and new-school collide on timely new single from The Stewarts

CINCINNATI, OH – Del and Garry K have been making music for nearly five decades and their latest single, “His Door is Open” is yet another in a long line of many successful tracks. And it’s a song that offers the perfect kind of message for a day and age when the world is filled with so much doubt and hopelessness.

One part R&B and one part Gospel, “His Door is Open” is like Motown meets modern-day Soul, with some Pop vibes thrown in for good measure. It’s the perfect song to continue the legacy of these two brothers and the uplifting messages they’ve been passing along through music for the past 45 years.

“Everybody is welcome in God’s house,” Garry K said. “No matter what color or race, you are welcome in God’s House. That’s what this song is about. We want to honor Christ and bring everyone to his home and let everyone know that everyone is welcome.”

The contemporary Pop and Christian song is one that the duo originally wrote about four years ago, but with the state of affairs in the world being what it is, they decided it was time for a re-release.

“The message is positive and something that everybody needs to hear,” Del said. “The video just enhances the lyrics – showing everybody of different races and colors coming together. People need to hear that no matter what you’re going through, don’t ever give up hope because He’s right there for you. It doesn’t matter your situation, you just have to reach out to Him and He’ll come right in. His door is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.”

Over the course of their career, The Stewarts have developed a signature sound that they call Christian Pop. They’re incorporating old-school sounds with new-school vibes paired with positive lyrics for something that’s truly original. They started their career in 1975 when they released their first single “How Far Can Our Love Go” which led to a chance meeting with Motown songwriter and producer Hal Davis. The Stewarts auditioned for him at the Downtown Cincinnati Playboy Club, and in 1976 were invited to play on television for the Gwen Conley Show.

They’ve continued to release music ever since, winning multiple awards and racking up millions of plays on various streaming platforms in recent years. In 2019, their song “Family Affair” won the Blue Chip Community Media Award for Best Musical Performance, and their song “The Truth” also won a Blue Chip award for Best Inspirational Song and Video. “The Truth” and another song called “Faith” won the International Berlin Flash Film Festival Monthly Category award. While their song “Walk With Me Jesus” was a semi-finalist in the Near Nazareth Festival in Afula, Israel.

“We believe with God all things are possible,” Del said. “We want our music to be known for being positive, encouraging and giving out hope. We’re putting God first in our lives, and we want people to see that and hear that and feel that through our music. The message that we’re trying to convey is a strong message about Christ our hope and not giving up on our dreams. We’ve been around since 1975, and that alone should attest to other people that whatever dreams you have are not over until God says it’s over. Sometimes, you’ve got to fight for your dreams.”

To listen to The Stewarts’ music or to follow them on social media, please visit:

https://vm.tiktok.com/JLYmcTA/ 

“His Door Is Open” 
https://youtu.be/KQdFJGDE-0k

Cameron Nino – I Can’t Breathe

Blog, Industry Spotlight, Music, Promo

Progressive artist Nino fuses multiple genres and sounds to create musical experiences on new EP ‘Out’

LOS ANGELES, CA – Avant garde is not a term one should throw about lightly when describing a new artist, but it’s a term that fits perfectly for West Coast musician Cameron Nino. His signature sound is new and unusual and experimental in the best of ways, fusing sounds like electric guitar and cello with harmonic vocals and elements of Hip Hop. It’s a style that is equal parts original and intriguing, and it begs to be given more attention on a global scale.

That takeoff to global stardom is set to begin with his latest EP “Out.” Featuring six different songs that explore a variety of different feelings and moods, this project is one that is already turning heads within the music industry and gaining this young artist an ever-widening fanbase. The concept, he said, is to put all of his different musical experiences into a single project in an artistic and attractive way.

“I felt a lot of the times when I was making music I was put in a certain box – I’m a guitarist or a rapper or a singer,” Nino said. “I felt sometimes I wanted to fit into that box, but overall with this project, I wanted to just say that I can’t be put in a certain box. I create musical experiences that are driven by feelings, thoughts and concepts. I listen to all genres of music – Rock, R&B, Hip Hop, World, Classical, Jazz, Blues … I find that most of my music is driven by my experiences, not genres. I use elements of different genres to realize that experience. When I create a song, I might create a feeling that I want to share about a certain thing – like social justice. My music is a vehicle for sharing and encouraging principles that expand the human experience. In that regard, I hope people see me as a music visionary.”

One great example of this approach is his recent single, “I Can’t Breathe” which features fellow West Coast artist Trinity Rose. Nino’s skill with the electric guitar takes center stage right out of the gate. The vibe of the song is brought to the listener’s attention almost immediately with Nino’s screaming of the lyrics “I Can’t Breathe!” shortly after some traditional Hip Hop 808s make way for Cameron’s rhythmic flow. That soon makes way for some harmonies with Trinity Rose on the hook, before she too, lets out some impressive flow. And all throughout the song is the walking line of a cello in the background which creates an ominous vibe that elicits the perfect feeling for the song.

“The message is about social justice and the abuse of power by law enforcement,” Nino said. “They need to know they’re not above the law. Police and institutions are outdated and don’t serve all the citizens in America … at all. When an institution no longer serves the citizens, it needs to be abolished and replaced. The song is thought provoking and I felt it needed a second voice to deliver the message. And we definitely fused a lot of genres together to give it a lot of different elements.”

That single has been gaining Nino some attention since its release earlier this year, and now with the launch of his EP, that notoriety is set to jump to even greater lengths. He said he’s especially excited for fans to hear different sides of his sound and to have fun with the music. He points to the debut single from the EP, “Tropical,” as a great example of how he not only creates thought-provoking songs but also music that’s fun just for the sake of being fun.

“Tropical” features a Reggae and Pop fusion that definitely elicits an Island vibe. It has a bouncy, wavy sway that makes the listener bop his or her head, or lean back and smile while relaxing with the sway. The slow–moving rhythm is the perfect chill vibe to go along with lyrics like “Wishing that this day would never end. These are the days we pray for.”

“I was looking outside my window while I was making this song and just thinking about how lonely everything seemed right now,” Nino said. “I was listening to some Reggae songs and it was making me think about good times. That was the feeling I wanted to convey in the song. I tried to make a feel-good, vibey type of song that literally just makes you feel good – like you’re at the beach vibing and relaxing and chilling.”

“Tropical” and the other songs from the EP “Out” are currently available across all streaming platforms. Nino said he’s also working on a new song that he plans to release later this fall or early winter – one that he promises will be “intergalactic.”