DISCOVERING THE NEW MUSIC UNDERGROUND AROUND THE GLOBE
Electronic/Review Bekim! - We Belong Together
Bekim! is a Germany-based music producer and curator creating feel-good electronic and pop music rooted in nostalgia and emotional connection. Active since the 1990s, his journey began with vinyl collecting and mixtape culture before evolving into decades of behind-the-scenes production across multiple genres. His sound blends Eurodance, dance pop, and pop R&B influences with modern production, drawing inspiration from 50s–90s music and early-2000s club culture.
Electronic/Review Fleanger - Behind the Smile
Fleanger, an electronic music prodigy hailing from the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel, and currently making waves in the creative hub of Berlin, is a true testament to the boundless power of music as a channel for self-expression and connection. Born with an innate passion for the harmonious convergence of sound and emotion, Fleanger has emerged as a dynamic force in the electronic music scene, leaving an indelible mark with his innovative compositions and profound storytelling.
Electronic/Review OCCULTRA - Heart Of The Hunter
OCCULTRA is a dark, cinematic synthwave project blending aggressive analog synths with beautiful, haunting melodies. Drawing from retro-futurism and modern electronic intensity, the sound balances neon-lit nostalgia with a colder, heavier atmosphere. OCCULTRA’s music moves between high-energy propulsion and immersive mood, evoking late-night cityscapes, danger, and distorted romance. Influenced by the raw drive of Carpenter Brut, OCCULTRA delivers synthwave that is both visceral and melodic.
Pop/Review Audren - We're All Lost
Audren is a good witch, a highly intuitive multidisciplinary artist. Her main goal in life is to heal and uplift people, giving them food for thought and bringing them joy through her art. When Audren started her musician life, David Guetta told her, “We’re not playing in the same field. You make music for musicians.” Even though she never knew if Guetta’s statement was meant to be a compliment, Audren received it as a confirmation of her musical signature.
Pop/Review Space Memory Effect - Blue
Space Memory Effect is the project of Amy Wallace, an independent artist based in Snoqualmie, Washington. Amy writes, performs, and produces deeply personal songs that weave storytelling, emotion, and sonic experimentation.
Jazz/Review Stefan Lovin - Heaven Shines Like Silver
Stefan Lovin is a Romanian jazz pianist, composer, and classical performer known for his innovative approach to music. With a master’s degree in piano performance from the National University of Music Bucharest, Lovin blends classical traditions with improvisation, bringing a contemporary and subtle flair to his interpretations. Lovin’s journey began in 2005 at the Sibiu Jazz Festival, where he first garnered attention for his use of prepared piano techniques and modern jazz composition.
R&B/Review Ashon Galaxy - Let Me Know
Ashon Galaxy is the embodiment of one man's profound yearning to share his musical universe with the world. That man is Sean Wilburn, born and raised in Oakland, California—a city that birthed legends like Too Short, MC Hammer, En Vogue, and Tony Toni Toné. From an early age, Sean was immersed in the sounds of his family’s vinyl collection, full of albums spanning the 50s to the 80s. When his family moved to Vallejo, California, Sean discovered a new world of music.
Folk/Review Powers of the Monk - Sleepy Fields
Powers of the Monk reformed in 2020 and are based in the Pontiac-Detroit-Ann Arbor, Michigan, area of the USA. POTM consists of David s. Monk: Vocals, guitars, keyboards, and CasSondra "Pontiac" Powers: Vocals, violin, bass, keyboards. John O'Reilly Jr.: Guest drummer. Produced by Powers of the Monk (Detroit-based) Mixed by Bryan Cook (Los Angeles based) Mastered by Brian Calhoun (Nashville-based).
Rock/Review Chiimis - Mend
Chiimis - Mend
Rock/Review Scott's Tees - Cope
Scott's Tees - Cope
Electronic/Review Tony Frissore - Self Soothe
Musician, producer, and music enthusiast Tony Frissore blends styles from across the globe to bring unique grooves. Educated in Boston and New Orleans, Tony developed a love for funk, jazz, and jam sessions before heading to Europe, where he built relationships with top DJs and club owners across the continent. Today, Tony can be found playing in the band Pop Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Tony's music routinely appears on MTV, Discovery, TLC, HGTV, OWN, and DIY Network.
Pop/Review Alexia Vegas - Kiss Me (Like You'll Really Miss Me)
Alexia Vegas’ music has been called "melodic masterpieces disguised as infectious pop tunes!” At 25 years old, she’s already an industry veteran with more than eight years of experience. In that time, her songs appear on TV and streaming services such as Apple TV, Netflix, and CBS, on shows that include "The Morning Show," "Dynasty," and "Stargirl." They also include public venues such as airports and all your local shopping malls, as well as numerous national commercials.
Folk/Review JD Days - Christmas Anthology
JD Days is a UK-based creative collective led by singer-songwriter James, blending pop-rock, folk, and cinematic visual storytelling. Their mission is to create timeless music and imagery that celebrate love, forgiveness, and the shared humanity at the heart of the holiday season.
Folk/Review Nice Verdes - Magic in Minutiae
Nice Verdes, a musical duo formed in 2003, creates a distinctive blend of original music inspired by the rhythms and melodies of Cuba, Colombia, and beyond. With Cuban tres, accordion, guitar, harmonica, and rich vocal harmonies, they weave together soundscapes that are vibrant, textured, and full of energy. Moving fluidly across genres, they have crafted a sound uniquely their own within the world of indie global folk.
Metal/Review Nordic Hamster - The Battle For Christmas
Nordic Hamster is a progressive-metal duo from Orlando, Florida. After years as an instrumental guitar project, the band evolved with Cody Nordine stepping up on vocals and Cody Hamilton on guitar. Lifelong friends, full-time dads, and part-time riff machines. Proudly signed to Indian River Music Company.
Hip-Hop/Review Mike Quintor - TRANCE
Born on October 25, 2001, Mike Quintor is a Mexican/Yemeni psychedelic hip-hop artist/producer from San Ramon, CA. Quintor expresses his unique insights through music, offering a profound reflection of his inner world. As an artist and producer, he seamlessly blends together his Mexican and Yemeni heritage into his sound.
Rock/Review Erro - Shadowland
Erro is a Pittsburgh-born, female-fronted pop-rock collective led by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nikki Stagel, whose vision is to anchor the project in an unmistakably human sound. Built on the belief that modern music can still feel alive, Erro creates songs the old-fashioned way: instruments in a room, feelings on the surface, press record.
Classical/Review Hilgrove Kenrick, Ǣfendrēama, Chloe May Evans - Four Songs for Christmastime
First a cathedral chorister in Birmingham, UK, and then jazz gigs across the West Midlands, Hilgrove Kenrick eventually settled in Worcestershire, where he writes award-winning music for film, television, and games alongside classical and choral commissions. Composer, chorister, and musician Chloe May Evans has connected with millions of international listeners through her careful, evocative compositions, including crossover classical piano pieces, traditional choral scores, duets focusing on motherhood, and performances at Arte Laguna, Venice. Founded by Hilgrove Kenrick and Chloe May Evans, Aefendreama (styled as Ǣfendrēama, literally “Evening Song”) is a passion project borne out of a love of choral music and The Marches.
Hip-Hop/Review Chandra Edinburgh - Crashing Out
Chandra Edinburgh, also known as CJ KanGuru, is a talented hip hop artist hailing from the vibrant music scene of Coachella Valley, California. As a three-time cancer survivor and outspoken LGBT advocate, Chandra infuses her music with raw emotion and personal experiences. With a passion for producing, writing, and graphic design, she crafts music that resonates with listeners on a deep level, setting her apart in the industry.
Jazz/Review Jill Desiree - Broken
Few artists embody the spirit of classic soul, jazz, and R&B like Jill Desiree. Born in Australia, raised in Indonesia, and educated at the Berklee College of Music, Jill follows in the tradition of artists like Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston by blending evocative vocals with the expert musicianship of some of LA's most creative and virtuosic players.