Category: New Releases

“I’m Never Where I Am”: Impressive New Release from Grammy Nominated Recording Artist Chris St. John 

Multi-genre Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Chris St John is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated new single, “I’m Never Where I Am,” set to drop on Monday, August 19th. The track will be available on Spotify and all major music platforms, offering fans a fresh glimpse into his evolving artistry. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend genres, St John continues to push the boundaries of his sound, delivering music that resonates across diverse audiences.

“I’m Never Where I Am” promises to capture the essence of St John’s introspective and emotionally charged songwriting, a hallmark of his previous works that have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. The upcoming release is expected to build on the momentum of his previous chart-topping hits and Grammy-nominated projects, showcasing his growth as an artist while staying true to the authentic, heartfelt style that has defined his career. As St John prepares to unveil this new chapter, anticipation is high among fans and industry insiders alike, all eager to experience the latest offering from this versatile and accomplished musician.

World renowned seasoned Musician Chris St. John has had seven number one hits on the World and European Indie charts, and several other top ten hits over the past several years. Chris was recently nominated and accepted for Grammy consideration for his album “Fly Away”, for best Americana album, and “Lost Without Your Love”, for best pop song.

He has charted on the following charts: Billboard Chart (top 150), The Americana Album Chart (95), Weekly Top 50 Country Album Chart (13), the Weekly Top 50 New York Album Chart (15), the Weekly Top 50 Americana Country Album Chart (9), the Weekly top 50 Country Song Chart (21), the Weekly top 50 New York Song Chart (12), and the Weekly top 50 Americana Country Song Chart (9)

Chris incorporates multiple genres, including singer/songwriter, traditional rock, soft-rock, pop, folk, jazz, classical, and swing elements to give the listener a distinctive Americana feel.

He has traveled extensively, living in China during college and navigating five continents for recreation and mission work, providing healthcare, school supplies, clothing, and food for impoverished people, particularly orphans through his HALO Missions. This varied life experience has given him a deep well out from which to draw intelligent, and thought-provoking lyrics. He combines catchy, beautiful, and unique melodies, interesting time signatures, and unique tempo changes to provide a wide landscape for his poetry.

Listen on SoundCloud

Watch on YouTube

Like on Facebook

Follow on Instagram

Follow on Twitter

Visit ChrisSt.John.com 

JOHN LEGEND TO RELEASE MY FAVORITE DREAM,
AN ALBUM OF SING-ALONGS AND LULLABIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, VIA REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY ON AUGUST 30, 2024.

Produced by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, the project features nine original tracks written by Legend as well as three bonus covers of Fisher-Price® songs.

Listen to the lead single, “L-O-V-E,” HERE

Watch the accompanying music video HERE

Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend today announced that he will release My Favorite Dream, an album of sing-alongs and lullabies for children and families,  via  Republic  Records: Kids  &  Family  on  August  30.  

Produced  by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, the project features nine original tracks written by Legend. As part of a collaboration with Fisher-Price, the album also includes three bonus tracks with covers of songs from their beloved toys. In conjunction with the album announcement, Legend shared the lead single from the project titled “L-O-V-E.” The bright, up-tempo anthem, featuring his wife (Chrissy Teigen) and two oldest children (Luna and Miles Stephens) on backing vocals, with single artwork created by Luna.

“I’m right in the thick of fatherhood,” says Legend, father of daughter Luna (8), son Miles (6) and two toddlers, daughter Esti and son Wren. “My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids. We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”

And that’s what sparked My Favorite Dream. At his wife’s suggestion, Legend played his own interpretation of one of his babies’ favorite songs, “Maybe” — the hit single about a Purple Monkey in a Bubblegum Tree from the award-winning Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. Teigen and Legend later shared a video of him serenading their daughter Esti at the family piano. The heartfelt moment inspired fans to encourage Legend to release an album of children’s songs and lullabies.

“Once I started thinking about it, I decided I wanted to write a whole new children’s album,” recalls Legend. “I just took it on as a challenge to write some original lullabies and children’s songs that I would want my kids to hear, something we could share with kids and parents all over the world.”

Regarding the album’s lead single “L-O-V-E,” Legend said, “Love is the central theme in so much of my life from family to music to philanthropic work to everything I do in business,” he adds. “This song captures the spirit of what I always wanted this album to be. I wrote it as an anthem to celebrate our common humanity and bring a smile to people’s faces. I hope this song is uplifting and inspiring for everyone.”

Legend broke precedence with “L-O-V-E” and the album’s eight other original songs by writing all of them at home on the family piano. “I usually write most of my albums at the studio,” he explains. “But I wanted to write this album with my family around.”

And the family affair doesn’t end there. All of the original songs’ themes and lyrics were inspired by conversations and life messages shared with his children, ranging from the power of love (“L-O-V-E”) to family (“We’re a Family”), comfort (“Always Come Back”) and dealing with sadness (“When I Feel Sad”). Rounding out the set are Legend’s reinterpretations of two popular songs — “Three Little Birds” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

Legend co-executive produced My Favorite Dream with singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, who also doubled as the project’s producer. In crafting the album, Legend wanted the first half to mirror the “catchy and fun” rhythm and energy of the music classes that his children attend, where they sing along and play percussive instruments. In turn, the latter half exudes a more calming, ready-for-bed vibe.

Of working with Stevens for the first time, Legend praises the indie artist’s “sense of whimsy, adventure and dreaminess. I just felt his musical approach would be perfect for building arrangements and soundscapes to complement the songs. When I was thinking about who could bring these songs to life with me, he was the first and only choice. I’m so glad he said ‘yes’. ”

At a time when social discord is at an all-time high, My Favorite Dream — with its mix of bright grooves, lush orchestration and universal themes — stands out as an inspirational beacon. “Quality music is timeless, so I wanted to make these songs so that parents would love to listen to them too,” says Legend. “Love helps us empathize with and see each other’s value and humanity despite differences that we may have. It may sound like a utopian fantasy, but a world where we actually put that kind of love into practice would be transformational.”

MY FAVORITE DREAM TRACKLIST:

• We’re a Family

• When I Feel Sad

• Three Little Birds

• L-O-V-E (feat. Chrissy, Luna & Miles)

• Deep in the Ocean Blue

• For You

• You Are My Sunshine

• When We Fly

• Safe

• Go to Sleep

• Always Come Back

• We’re a Family (Solo Piano)

• Great, Great Day (Bonus Track)

• Friendship (Bonus Track)

• Maybe (Bonus Track)

Legend, who is gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his double-platinum 2004 debut album Get Lifted, is currently performing his solo piano show, An Evening with John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories at select venues across the country. These special performances feature intimate reimaginings of his greatest hits (“All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), selections from his latest album LEGEND (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”) as well as unexpected stories from his life and career. For more information, please visit: johnlegend.com.

ABOUT JOHN LEGEND:

John Legend is an EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, who has garnered 12 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award and three Emmy Awards, among others. Legend is one of only nineteen people in the prestigious EGOT club and released nine celebrated albums over the course of his career, including Get Lifted (2004), Once Again (2006), Evolver (2008), Love in the Future (2013), Darkness and Light(2016), A Legendary Christmas Deluxe (2019), Bigger Love (2020), LEGEND (2022), and most recently, LEGEND (Solo Piano Version) (2023).

In 2022, John’s critically acclaimed Las Vegas Residency, “Love In Las Vegas,” took place at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Upcoming, Legend will be a coach on Season 27 of NBC’s The Voice. Beyond his music career, Legend is a co-founder of Get Lifted Film Co., a production company which has developed projects with major networks including ABC, NBC, FOX, HBO, Showtime, Netflix, and FX, alongside co-founders Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius. Aside from film, TV and theater, Get Lifted has partnered with Zando to form Get Lifted Books, which builds upon Get Lifted Film Co.’s mission of spotlighting stories from dynamic creatives.

In 2023, Legend launched Loved01, his effective and affordable unisex skincare brand formulated to treat the needs of melanin-rich skin. As an activist, Legend launched FREEAMERICA in 2015 to change the conversation surrounding criminal justice policies and to end mass incarceration.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY:
Kids & Family launched as the official children’s division of Republic Records in 2022. The newly created division caters to audiences ages 0-12 with fun and family-friendly music, collaborations, and experiences tailored to early development. Aimed to entertain the whole family, it offers engaging, educational, and explorative content, leveraging innovative partnerships with trusted brands such as Nickelodeon and many more. With an emphasis on high quality music and world-class presentation, Republic Records: Kids & Family appeals to little ears and beyond.
 

ABOUT MATTEL:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

Dub Rock Reggae masters IRIEspect present the “IRIESPECT LP”, their eagerly awaited debut offering on Dubshot Records – now available on Spotify and all the major music services.

LISTEN TO THE IRIESPECT LP

Recent digital highlights include their single “Blasting” being featured as the best new single in the Tun Up Reggae playlist on Apple Music, achieving 1,000 album streams on Apple Music within the first day of release (July 20th), and accumulating 10,000 all-time streams on Apple Music.

The band has had several recent notable performances, including the Great South Bay Festival in NY with Pepper, Badfish, Tropidelic, and more; supporting the legendary Long Beach Dub Allstars in Richmond, VA, and Ocean Mist, RI; a live on-air performance and interview at Irie Radio at Seacrets Ocean City, MD; and shows with The Quasi Kings at Bowery Electric, NYC, and with Sensamotion at Mercury Lounge, NYC.

IRIEspect has also expanded their reach to markets in RI, CT, MA, NH, PA, upstate NY, NJ, MD, VA, and down the East Coast to FL. They have shared the stage and collaborated with notable artists such as Ballyhoo, Pete Francis of Dispatch, Alific of Stick Figure, Ras Ajai of Dutty Rock (Sean Paul’s record label), Marley of Rebelution, Gary Dread of The Movement, Dale & The ZDubs, Roots of Creation, Expendables, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Sid Mills of Steel Pulse, The Grouch, Treehouse, Joe Samba, Sundub, Half Pint, HR of Bad Brains, and many more.

IRIEspect is set to support The Wailers at Paramount NY on October 20th, promising an unforgettable performance. IRIEspect is a six-piece band known for their versatile sound that blends elements of roots, rock, reggae, live dub, hip hop, dancehall, Latin, and more. Their energetic live shows have captivated audiences across over 200 performances in the LI/NYC markets and the surrounding East Coast. Their music appeals to fans of Sublime, Stick Figure, The Elovaters, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Rebelution, Iration, and more.

LISTEN TO “BLASTING” OFF OF THE IRIESPECT LP!

Indeed, on You Are Here lilting steel guitar melds in a dreamlike swirl alongside dusty standup bass, soaring cellos, and Cochran’s myriad acoustic and electric guitar flourishes, with a splash of electronic production thrown-in for good measure. The album revisits the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and longtime recording engineer’s instrumental side heard on his 2021 release, Unsung. Save for one song with vocals, You Are Here sprawls out across the course of its nearly hour-long runtime, covering a vast expanse of distances and moods; Cochran applies his time-honed songwriting acumen to what he refers to as “songs that just happen to not have words.” 

“No doubt,” he continues, “it’s the atmosphere of the music that people will notice right off the bat, since I’m not spelling things out so much. And it wouldn’t necessarily be wrong to describe this music as ‘ambient Americana,’ whatever that’s supposed to connote. But in terms of structure, buildup and dramatic payoff, I was very much trying to write songs. I also found myself being drawn away from monochromatic emotions. This album was made during a time when so many people were losing people around them, when it felt like we were all kind of traversing this giant chasm together. But, to my ear, it doesn’t come across like an elegy.” 

“Sure,” he continues, “the mood is speckled with mournfulness. I mean, I was certainly in that kind of space at times while making this music. But when I listen back, mourning is just one color in a larger mosaic of sensations that I get from these tunes. And honestly, I couldn’t even tell you quite what the mood is on most of them, and I’m the one who made them. It wasn’t planned that way; that’s just how it fell into place. A lot of the album actually feels very spirited and alive to me — almost defiantly so, even though it’s very gentle music. ” 

Cochran, who now splits his time between the rural English county of Devon and gritty East London, half-jokingly refers to himself as a “displaced Kentuckian,” but it would be too convenient to say that You Are Heresimply reflects his separation from home, or any sense of rootlessness from a life that’s turned into something of a long migration — first from Kentucky to New York City, then to London, then France and, eventually, back to England. And there’s something almost ancient and primordial in the wellspring of American stylings he’s able to tap into. 

“If you’d told me prior to moving overseas that I would someday live in Europe,” he explains, “I’d have laughed at the idea. I’d have had no idea how to even envision what such a life would look like. But I’ve been away from the States for decades at this point. One of the most important things I got from Kentucky was this intense sense of place. On the other hand, there are times when it feels like ‘home’ is an abstract concept that slips through my fingers. And yet, here I am after a crazy adventure of a life, close enough to see my granddaughter regularly. Things don’t necessarily come back around, but they kind of settle of their own accord. You get to where you don’t fight it. This album reflects all of that on a number of levels. Kentucky will always be a part of who I am, but in some ways I was ‘displaced’ before I ever  even left. It’s the same with the styles that come through in my writing. I look at all the stuff I grew up listening to as ‘American music.’ The lines between them don’t exist for me anymore. And I like it that way.” 

Myles Cochran

You Are Here

(2-LP, CD, and digital)

July 26th, 2024

tracklist:

1. Flag

2. Making Something Out Of Nothing

3. Signs And Symbols

4. So This Is Now

5. True

6. Glint

7. While You Were Sleeping

8. On The Other Hand

9. If You Could See Me

10. The Deepest Sea

11. You Are Here

12. The Stories We Tell Ourselves

13. Making Nothing Out Of Something

14. Twice Shy

MYLES COCHRAN ONLINE

WEBSITE | BANDCAMP | SPOTIFY | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Emerging Singer/songwriter Calliope Wren presents “Fading”, now available on Spotify and all the major music services.

Calliope Wren’s latest single, “Fading,” is about letting go of control. submission to the universe. The lonely, uncomfortable, blissful journey of oneself.

In “Fading,” Calliope captures the profound sense of longing for a sense of home and belonging that sometimes seems to slip away. The lyrics vividly portray the internal struggle of holding onto memories of better times while recognizing the painful reality that those moments are slipping away.

The harrowing rock melody amplifies the emotional intensity of the song, blending powerful vocals with compelling instrumentals. This juxtaposition of raw emotion and rock energy creates a deeply moving listening experience.

“Fading” is a testament to the resilience required to move forward after loss. It speaks to the universal human experience of seeking comfort and stability, and the courageous journey towards finding oneself.

With “Fading,” Calliope Wren once again demonstrates her ability to translate deep, personal experiences into relatable and evocative music, solidifying her place as a rising star in the music industry.

“Fading” is the follow up single to Another Stupid Love Song, which came after one of last year’s most anthemic and provocative singles “Her and I”.

Additional past releases include “No Excuses”, “We’re Not Really Strangers” and “They Don’t Understand Me”, featuring a guest appearance by Corbin Bronson. Earlier this month, Calliope Wren was also featured on Zig9y (Kyle Ziegler)’s track “These Drugs”.

Recently, Calliope Wren impressed at a well received performance at the legendary The Bitter End on Bleeker Street in NYC and regularly plays at The Spotlight at the Paramount in Huntington.

Catch her LIVE at East Northport St. Anthony’s Fair on June 28th, Jones Beach Bandshell on July 18th, Alive After Five in Patchogue on July 25th, and more get full info at www.calliopewrenofficial.com

As is said of the wren, “for such a small bird, it has a remarkably loud voice”, and Calliope Wren has been stretching those powerful pipes with over a decade of performance and stage experience.

Not unlike her ancient ancestral namesake, Calliope is “pure eloquence. Her poetry is epic! The ecstatic harmony of her voice makes her the Chief of all Muses”.

“hope u feel ok” stands out for its dual narrative approach, allowing listeners to understand the breakup from both sides. The lyrics convey the male and female protagonists’ individual journeys, highlighting their unique emotional responses while also revealing a shared thread of mutual concern and empathy. This balanced storytelling gives the song a depth and relatability that resonates with anyone who has experienced a breakup.

The emotional core of the song lies in its depiction of the nuanced feelings that linger after a relationship ends. Both characters express a blend of regret and hope, each wishing the best for the other despite their separation. This mutual wish for the other’s well-being adds a layer of maturity to the narrative, showcasing a sense of enduring care that transcends their breakup. It’s a reminder that even when love doesn’t last, the bonds and feelings often do, evolving into something different yet still meaningful.

Musically, “hope u feel ok” complements its lyrical themes with a hauntingly beautiful melody that underscores the song’s emotional depth. Eberle’s vocal performance is both vulnerable and sincere, drawing listeners into the introspective journey of both characters. The instrumentation enhances the poignant atmosphere, making the song a moving and immersive listening experience.

In essence, “hope u feel ok” is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and healing. Rob Eberle’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music makes this single a powerful addition to his body of work. It speaks to the universal experience of navigating the end of a relationship, offering solace and understanding to those who have faced similar journeys. The song’s relatable themes and emotional authenticity ensure it will resonate deeply with listeners, cementing Eberle’s reputation as a talented and insightful songwriter.

This is Rob’s third major offering, after the release of the critically acclaimed singles “Half Of You” and “ILYM” which were presented earlier this year and will also be included on the forthcoming “COLLATERAL DAMAGE” EP.

SPOTIFY | HITMKR

Rob Eberle is a young, versatile singer, songwriter, and producer, originally from Long Island, NY. What sets Rob apart is his extraordinary talent for capturing both his own life experiences and those of others through his music. He is the creative force behind all his songs, crafting both lyrics and melodies and collaborating with various producers to infuse each track with unique moments. Eberle’s songs serve as windows into the stories and moments of his life and the lives of those around him. Influenced by a diverse array of artists ranging from FINNEAS, Elliott Smith, Billie Eilish, Jeremy Zucker, Olivia Rodrigo, all the way to Alexander 23, Eberle has carved out his own genre-bending niche in the realm of darker alternative pop-rock.

Rob Eberle is not just a singer but also a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, piano, ukulele, bass, and even drums, which he’s recently taken up. His journey as a songwriter began at the tender age of 12, nurtured within a musical family. At 8, he received his first left-handed guitar, a gift that ignited his lifelong passion for music.

During the challenging period of the pandemic, Rob turned his focus to music, teaching himself production and piano while navigating the uncertainty of quarantine. In the past year, his music journey has taken him to remarkable places. Just recently has been signed to EarthProgram-Virgin Records for Distribution.