ascending dawn, “choosing prog-style melodic metal/rock”

ascending dawn, “choosing prog-style melodic metal/rock”

Progressive metal/hard rock genre is always considered to be very niche and always about screaming vocals, and I have always believed otherwise. I feel that it should expand to many ears. It has everything! So I came up with this list to show what I consider are the best qualities of this glorious modern sound. Heavy riffs, melodies, complex rhythms, hooks, amazing production….Would love to know how people feel about this genre after listening to some of these bands. all of these bands have influenced our writing in some way.

Keep up with Ascending Dawn here.

payson lewis, “when love was young”

payson lewis, “when love was young”

Who hasn’t wished to go back to the early days of a love?
Philly’s own Payson Lewis, now LA-based, is gearing up to release his single, “When Love Was Young” on March 9. Lewis was previously acclaimed for his Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Zayn Malik covers/mashups, landing him features on Mashable, Huffington Post and even Perez Hilton. Now, has his own music to put out. Having covered big pop stars, Lewis knows what works and now, utilizing this knowledge in the best way through his new release. “When Love Was Young” reminisces fondly on a past relationship along a perfect pop soundscape. Featuring Payson’s confident vocals and a catchy beat, “When Love Was Young” is a bop you’ve been needing to hear and didn’t even know it.

You’re gonna want to check out “When Love Was Young” today.

Check out Payson Lewis’ cover of “Out of The Woods,” with Rumer Willis and his mashup of Rihanna’s “Work” and Zayn’s “Pillow Talk“.

Connect with Payson Lewis:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

flagship releases relatable track “the ladder”

flagship releases relatable track “the ladder”

The indie-rock duo Flagship showcases their new song “The Ladder.” The North Carolina natives share a gripping message on their pleading track. Listening to “The Ladder” for the first time was very relatable to me. It talks of how as members of a society, we just are expected to climb that ladder. So many of us do, and yet we end up in the same place.

The lyric “I’ve been working overtime,” really resonates with me as a young person, because I try to work as much as possible while balancing school and my personal life, which at times can be rough. The message I ultimately took away is that you can climb your ladder, but go at your own pace…or don’t at all. It’s your life and it’s up to you.

Tour Dates with Blue October
4/18 Little Rock, AR – Metroplex
4/19 Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
4/20 Chicago, IL – House of Blues
4/21 Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
4/22 Flint, MI – Machine Stop
4/25 Niagara Falls, NY – Rapids Theater
4/26 Toronto, ONT – Opera House
4/27 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
4/29 Wilmington, DE – World Café Live at the Queen
5/2 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
5/3 Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
5/4 Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
5/5 Orlando, FL – House of Blues
5/9 Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall
5/10 Baton Rouge, LA – Varsity Theater
5/13 Springfield, MO – Gillian Theatre
5/16 Colombus, OH – Athenaeum
5/17 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls
5/18 Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
5/19 Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
5/20 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore So

Keep up with Flagship here.

jimmy, “jimmy”

jimmy, “jimmy”

After releasing his self-titled track, “Jimmy,” Jimmy has worked tirelessly to produce a music video to accompany his soul searching single. Lyrically, the new release explores demons of all shapes and sizes most of which are popular topics of discussion not only in the news, but among the general public. Some of these include gender equality, addiction, peer pressure and mental health issues. Within the very nature of this song, Jimmy breaks boundaries and explores every corner of the music realm to develop his music that he hopes will inspire listeners to break down the pretentious boundaries that may hold them captive.

Although his music is generally defined as dark pop, it is evident that there are hints and nuances of several diverse genres of music that range from pop to even some rock vibes. This creates contrast between Jimmy and the rest of the rising generation of musicians and performers and allows his creative spirit to avoid being tied down to one specific genre. With this new release, he visually represents breaking out of social boundaries and outside pressures that might inhibit one from living a life they are meant to lead. Strong visuals and an even more spectacular vocal ability are only a few highlights of what this budding artist has in store for the music community and he has fans waiting on the edge of their seats in clear anticipation for future releases and performances.


Keep up with Jimmy here.

crøw, “feel good” (ft. miranda glory)

crøw, “feel good” (ft. miranda glory)

CRØW recently dropped his new single, “Feel Good” (styled as “feel l good”), a beautiful pop/R&B track featuring accompanying vocals from Miranda Glory, out via NYC record label Tommy Boy Records. Aside from “Feel Good”, CRØW has also released dozens of other singles, available on multiple platforms.

With a very on-trend beat that lends itself to a modern audience, “Feel Good” ticks all the boxes. CRØW’s dreamy vocals paired with Miranda Glory’s will leave you speechless. Along with soft percussion and smooth guitar, the lyrical content of “Feel Good” is #relatable. Who hasn’t wanted to ignore all their problems and just feel good? The singers vocalize what everyone feels from time to time.

This track isn’t one you’ll want to miss, so check it out today!

Keep up with the latest from CRØW
Facebook –  Twitter –  Instagram –  Spotify –  Soundcloud

deanna devore, “a cause”

deanna devore, “a cause”

Deanna Devore opted in 2006 to go to Chicago and pursue her musical dreams., finding a gig everywhere until 2007 when she released her first EP, on which she played every instrument. With her unique sound built on a blend of different genres, Deanna Devore went on to release a second EP titled X Number of Days. This time, Devore Is back with a song from her new album titled “A Cause”.

“A Cause” is a true depiction of Deanna Devore as an artist. The song is a dark track with Devore’s powerful vocals making you feel every ounce of her emotions. The song is well worth the listen from the moment you press play. “A Cause” is so powerful you won’t take it off repeat.

This track sets Deanna Devore’s stance as an artist, if ever a moment before this did not. “A Cause” has the power to keep Deanna Devore in the music industry for a long time so remember her name.

Keep up with Deanna here.

roaming herds of buffalo, the bugbears

roaming herds of buffalo, the bugbears

Roaming Herds Of Buffalo consists of William Cremin, Jared Fiechtner, Neal Flaherty, Scott Roots and Joe Shultz. Together the band makes dark music that makes you feel something, intensely. The band released a new album titled The Bugbears, an work that is thoughtful but takes you on a dark journey at the same time.

The album consists of 7 songs that can be classified as indie pop with a bit of rock. One of the songs from the album is called “Night Owl”, and it is a song that you can get up and dance to. The song takes a different tone from the rest of the album which is dark. “Winter Sun” sets the tone with its beat. The song has a rock vibe to it with a bit of a surf sound.

We’re floored by the album in its entirety, and know you will be too!

The Bugbears is available now.

stíne norse, the whale

stíne norse, the whale

Recently, Bergen-based folk artist Stíne Norse released four track stunner The Whale. Stine Norse’s vocals leave their mark on each track, soft and full, taking the listener into a trance, mesmerized with each new tune. If we’re being honest, the entire album is a delight to listen to. One of the songs on the album is titled “Blue Ridge”. “Blue Ridge” is a song about traveling but not knowing where to go. The singer is singing going places but not wanting to go to the direct route she wants to go.

A personal favorite from the album is “Don’t Fall” which takes your heart in mind. The song teaches you to love yourself first before you love anyone else. The other songs from the EP are titled “November 9th” and “Glittering Gold on Boundary Road”. Four songs are simply not enough from Stine Norse. The EP is well worth the listen and will leave you desiring more from her.

Keep up with Stíne Norse here.

tiny fighter, “new century”

tiny fighter, “new century”

New and young the music world is fresh young band Tiny Fighter who have been together for less than a year. Despite their new appearance on the music scene, they have pulled out all the stops to start on an accelerated path to reach their dreams. Australian/Swedish group Tiny Fighter have been working on building a thriving reputation on the stage as a group full of fire and potential. Together, the group has put together a repertoire of catchy indie-pop tracks with a bittersweet edge—a style that is exploding in this genre. Along with their powerful lyricism and vocal skills, they have teamed up to create a music video for their newest release, “New Century” which embodies their sound in a beautiful and edgy way.

Although not always seen at face value, Tiny Fighter have pushed boundaries of technical capabilities in order to produce a visual spectacle that captures and demands the attention of viewers from around the world. Focusing on the urban beauty of some of their favorite landscapes, this budding duo is out to take the world by storm. In the near future, they are planning on going on their first tour through Europe and Australia and are even considering an exciting tour in the US to push their boundaries even further. Though fresh in the industry, there is nothing holding Tiny Fighter back from real success.

Keep up with the band here.