DISCOVERING THE NEW MUSIC UNDERGROUND AROUND THE GLOBE
Blues/Review BLUES.NOIR - Främlingar på tåg
That’s the mission statement and vision of BLUES.NOIR hails from the musically acclaimed city of Gothenburg, Sweden (also home to Monolord, At the Gates, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Graveyard, and countless other bands). As the blues over decades has become ever more stagnant, turned into easy listening, or performed in concert halls, this power trio brings it back to pummeling rhythms, amp volume, and blistering guitar.
Folk/Review Neo Brightwell - An American Reckoning
Neo Brightwell is a genre-defiant songwriter and performance artist crafting what he calls Moonshine Disco—a fusion of Americana grit, queer gospel, and cinematic storytelling. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Brightwell writes mythic, soul-struck songs that bridge roots music and rebellion, weaving the sacred and the outlaw into one voice. His lyrics read like scripture carved from firelight: haunted, poetic, and redemptive.
Folk/Review JD Hinton - Trying To Get It Right
A singer/songwriter, JD Hinton has composed songs and music for Hollywood films, including GLORIA, TICK-TOCK, and Mark Medoff’s film CHILDREN ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS. This 1942 period film features his song I HAVE TO DREAM sung by Celine Dion. JD takes his original music into Los Angeles and New York clubs with sold-out shows at Rockwood Music Hall, Vitello’s, Rockwell, House of Blues, and Viper Room.
Rock/Review Giovimo80 - Become a World
Giovimo80 is an Italian songwriter/producer crafting modern, melody-forward songs that mix rootsy soul with cinematic flair.
Rock/Review Reptyle - Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils
Dark. Intense. Timeless. Reptyle has been a vital force in the gothic rock underground for over 27 years—and they're not slowing down. Emerging from Bielefeld, Germany, the band continues to evolve while staying true to the roots of the dark alternative scene. Originally founded as a classic gothic rock outfit, Reptyle’s sonic journey has expanded far beyond genre borders.
Rock/Review My Glass World - It Only Takes A Minute
My Glass World in its current incarnation has two members: Jamie Telford and Sean Read. They are ably assisted by a range of players such as Steven Gilchrist, Jon Kensington, Little Barrie, and Jimi Scandal, who all have notable pedigrees.
Rock/Review DownTown Mystic - Somebody's Always Doin' Something 2 Somebody
DownTown Mystic is the alter ego of American rocker Robert Allen, whose passion for “old school” recording borders on obsession. Robert is joined by a stellar cast of musicians, including drummer extraordinaire Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Wings/Elton John/Ian Hunter) & Paul Page (Dion/Ian Hunter) on bass, as well as one of the great rhythm sections in the history of American rock and roll—Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
Jazz/Review Elena Andreoli, Paolo Tomelleri - Beautiful Love
Elena Andreoli is a jazz singer, actress, and voice-over artist based in Milan and winner of the Anello d’Oro Award as Best Female Voice at the international “Voci nell’Ombra” Festival. Her warm, versatile voice moves through swing, blues, and early jazz, blending elegance and irony. Paolo Tomelleri, clarinetist, bandleader, and arranger, is a true institution of Italian jazz. A graduate of the “Giuseppe Verdi” Conservatory in Milan, he has spent over sixty years in music, collaborating with artists such as Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Giorgio Gaber, and Enzo Jannacci.
Pop/Review Exzenya - Ugly When You Love Me
Exzenya is a globally based, genre-defying artist blending pop, R&B, rock, jazz, Latin, soul, techno, indie, and more. Her sound is as fluid as her passport—bold, emotional, and unpredictable. From lush harmonies to raw vulnerability, every song is handcrafted with intent, range, and story. Her songs introduce a voice that’s unapologetically human—no autotune, no AI, no shortcuts. Every lyric is written by Exzenya. Every vocal is sung live in paid sessions with her vocal coach.
Hip-Hop/Review JESUS THE APOLLO - THE VILLAIN!
Meet JESUS THE APOLLO, a multi-talented artist from London, now based in Manchester, UK. Born on August 13, 1997, his passion for theater and sound scoring emerged early. By 2009, he began songwriting, refining his craft throughout high school. Influenced by horror and thriller films, particularly Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. He pursued acting and music technology, earning a degree in 2020. His love for horror Foley led him to explore sound’s role in building suspense.
Hip-Hop/Review Eternal Tone - Here's to Hoping (feat. Iziik)
Eternal Tone from McPherson KS, United States, is an artist who gives hopeless optimism, perseverance, faith, and dedication a powerful voice and strives to be not only an offering of hope to every listener, but also a musical oasis, and road map for anyone looking to find peace, their truest selves, and bring more love and light into this world, believing that through music, art, and togetherness, we can continue to make this world a brighter and thriving place to experience this beautiful gift of life.
Rock/Review Cherry Flavoured - Povej Naglas!
Formed in Celje and now based in Ljubljana, Cherry Flavoured is a four-piece alt-pop rock group bringing together powerful vocals, layered guitars, and honest storytelling. Active in their current lineup for over three years, the band has built a loyal following through energetic live shows and relatable, Slovenian-language songs that bridge emotion and modern rock sensibility.
Electronic/Review Rachel D - Powersuit
Rachel D - Powersuit
Country/Review Whippoorwill Hill - Wish Me Home
Whippoorwill Hill - Wish Me Home
World/Review Aco Takenaka - Ancient Seeds
Aco Takenaka is a Tokyo-based singer-songwriter weaving ancient chants and contemporary ambient soundscapes into deeply moving songs. Singing in Japanese, English, Portuguese, and ancient languages from various traditions, her music calls to the spirits of nature—both within and around us. Aco is the founder of Kazoku—The Singing Tribe, an overtone choir rooted in deep listening and connection.
Pop/Review Less - Instead of Making Love (Say Hello)
Born in Naples in 2001, Less experienced a nomadic childhood as the daughter of two leather workers, learning suddenly the value of resilience and change. As her family finally moved to Florence in search of a better life, she lost her grandmother, a key figure in her childhood. At 14, Less realized her sexual orientation, leading to conflicts within her family. She began to write songs as a shelter to be herself without filters.
Hip-Hop/Review Mike Chek - The Ghostface Tape 3
Mike Chek, hailing from the heart of Detroit, emerges as a beacon of raw talent in the underground rap scene. With a pen dripping in authenticity and a voice that resonates with the streets, Mike Chek is more than just a rapper; he's a lyrical maestro, weaving narratives of urban struggle and triumph. Born and raised in the gritty neighborhoods of Detroit, Mike Chek found solace and expression through music at an early age.
Rock/Review You All Will See - You All Will See
Emerging as a mysterious offering to the indie music landscape, You All Will See is an independent project with deep roots in Minneapolis.
Rock/Review CAR287 - Opening Song
CAR287 emerged from Winnipeg's music scene in 2014 when four musicians united in a basement, driven by their admiration for rock legends. Jay Yarmey (vocals/acoustic), Travis Wog (guitar/vocals), and Terry Ferguson (bass) initially aimed to replicate the sounds of their idols, inspired by Canadian icons like The Tragically Hip and global acts such as The Killers.
Metal/Review Bastion's Wake - Go Tell the Bees
Bastion's Wake, hailing from Wilmington, DE, United States, is a band that has sculpted a unique sound blending melodic death, doom influences, and symphonic power metal. Formed in 2016 by Sami and Ray, the duo's journey evolved as they overcame the challenge of finding the right members to complete their lineup. With the addition of drummer Rob Westbrook and bassist Ben Westbrook in 2019, Bastion's Wake has solidified their sound.