Category: interviews

Alternative, Indie, interviews, RockLeave a comment

rlyblonde is Some Kind of Prophet with “Dumb Blonde”

Sometimes, it’s not all that bad (life that is)… New York City artist, queer muse, and indie-alt darling Carina Allen sings under the moniker rlyblonde; her alter ego embodying the many faces of Allen’s creative journey. The rlyblonde character is only one aspect of Allen’s work, and under the bubble-gum haze, a track like “Dumb Blonde” was bound to happen sooner or later. Carina Allen aka rlyblonde is as fresh as anyone could hope for. The alt-angel came across my desk when my musical catalog felt like a desert, and I was begging for anything but a soulless pop track. Along … Continue reading rlyblonde is Some Kind of Prophet with “Dumb Blonde”

interviews, Pop, R&BLeave a comment

Don’t Mess with the Princess: Maya J Fires Back

by Amaris Pollinger “I’d really love it if people wouldn’t make me put my Slytherin scarf on…” I’ll start by saying that Maya Jenkins aka Maya J, is hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at her wit and the comedic truth bombs she dropped with more bubbly finesse than the pop of a champagne bottle. By far my favorite quote by the Florida-born, LA- based actress/singer is probably:   “I would really love it if people wouldn’t make me put my Slytherin scarf on.”  This is in reference to Maya J constantly being labeled nothing more than a “sweet, nice girl” who can … Continue reading Don’t Mess with the Princess: Maya J Fires Back

interviews, RockLeave a comment

Pandemic Please—Phatt James Has Just Begun

By Amaris Pollinger The world was on pause… Consisting of Matt James (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Wilson (drums) and Matt Christoforo (bass), the Connecticut trio, Phatt James (a college nickname given to a reluctant Matt James that he later decided to own) were set to play their debut show at the infamous Toad’s Place, but leave it to COVID-19 to crash a party. With the onset of quarantine, Phatt James headed into the studio to work on their debut album, Just Begun.  “It [the pandemic] definitely made us more connected as a band,” says James, “all the time spent in the … Continue reading Pandemic Please—Phatt James Has Just Begun

Experimental, interviewsLeave a comment

It’s Time for the Turns: Stephen Lawrie of The Telescopes on ‘Experimental Health’

by Amaris Pollinger “I wanted to turn over and over again to a fresh new page…” The most important thing to know about The Telescopes’s fourteenth album, Experimental Health is that it is entirely transportive and all-encompassing. It’s so transportive that I went into a meditative state and decided to sketch a gift for my husband, and I hardly pick up a graphite pencil these days.  It really does take you somewhere else. Quite frankly, my time spent listening to Experimental Health has been some of the most relaxing moments I’ve had in March. There is something so peaceful, so serene … Continue reading It’s Time for the Turns: Stephen Lawrie of The Telescopes on ‘Experimental Health’

Pop, ReviewLeave a comment

JESSIA Puts Toxic Relationships in Review

I’m so sorry to myself for justifying a narcissistic hell… JESSIA has a penchant for creating relatable, stinging tracks about heartache. Her newest single, “Care About Me,” is no different. The Canadian pop singer might have a sugar-rush sound, but her lyrics and vocals are all pain and soul.    “Care About Me” is all about the quick unraveling of a relationship: “Rip my heart from my chest/and I’ll still apologize for making a mess” is probably the mantra of every survivor of a toxic, narcissistic relationship ever known (actually, JESSIA throws a line in there about that too, “I’m so … Continue reading JESSIA Puts Toxic Relationships in Review

Pop, R&BLeave a comment

Celebrate with R&B “Princess” Maya J

Happy Birthday Maya J! R&B/pop artist Maya J releases her sassy new track, “Princess,” to celebrate her birthday! Already garnering attention and positive acclaim from critics and fans, “Princess” is the go-to track for anyone in their confidence era. Blending elements of pop, trap, and R&B, Maya J utilizes her skills as a violinist by performing all the strings on the track, showcasing her many talents. “Princess” is hot off the trail of her previous single, “Chills,” which landed on Apple Music’s Best New Music Playlist. Maya J is also an accomplished actress. For more Maya J, head to her … Continue reading Celebrate with R&B “Princess” Maya J

ALt-Pop, News, PopLeave a comment

“Care About Me” by JESSIA Out Now!

“Care About Me,” the latest single by Canadian pop sensation JESSIA, is out now. A lyrical treat that will tug at your heart, this soul-stirring ballad captures the moments of a relationship that is quickly unraveling.    “I knew it was a special song as soon as I wrote it, but I didn’t know if anyone would relate,” says JESSIA.   The JUNO award-winning singer has seized the hearts of fans worldwide with her relatable, raw prose and heart-stirring tracks, resulting in over 375 million global streams. In 2023, JESSIA joined OneRepublic for a tour across Asia and supported Dean Lewis … Continue reading “Care About Me” by JESSIA Out Now!

PopLeave a comment

Leah Marie Mason is Here to Say Your Boyfriend Sucks

Nashville singer Leah Marie Mason breaks away from her country roots with her new track, “Your Boyfriend Sucks.” The ultimate Galentine (and anti-Valentine) anthem, “Your Boyfriend Sucks” celebrates the importance of honest friendships and female empowerment (yasss queen).  Inspired by a friend of Mason’s who was dating a guy who grossly mistreated her, Mason penned this raw song that she says is “brutally honest, but I believe it’s for the better because that’s what a real friend does.”  Leah Marie Mason’s debut EP, Honeydew & Hennessy, generated millions of streams, with PEOPLE magazine comparing Mason to the likes of Taylor Swift … Continue reading Leah Marie Mason is Here to Say Your Boyfriend Sucks

Pop, Pop culture, pop music, ReviewLeave a comment

Almost 10 Years Later, 1989 Still Hasn’t Gone Out of Style

1989 is back and better than ever! Although it’s hard to outdo an album as original as is iconic, the new and improved 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by far surpassed all odds. Not only did the album gain the beloved Taylor’s Version behind its title, but it also gained five new remarkable vault tracks. These songs are new to the album but contain the familiar 1989 spunk. Taylor Swift covers everything from pining love to snowmobile accidents – Let’s dive right in! The first vault track, “Slut!” shocked us all, to say the least. While most expected it to be an … Continue reading Almost 10 Years Later, 1989 Still Hasn’t Gone Out of Style

Indie, interviewsLeave a comment

Rachael Jenkins Sings From the Heart & She Isn’t Sorry About It

by Molly Reeves Rachael Jenkins is something else. If you haven’t listened to this soulful powerhouse, then we can’t be friends (kidding…kinda). Jenkins has been singing her whole life but got serious about music in 2020. During the Pandemic, Jenkins started releasing covers on TikTok, where she quickly gained a following.  Her first song, “Untitled,” is about the hardships the singer has experienced, and like much of her work, “Untitled” is autobiographical. I sat down with the Utah-born singer, and after a few shared laughs and a mutual love for Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, we talked about her life … Continue reading Rachael Jenkins Sings From the Heart & She Isn’t Sorry About It