DISCOVERING THE NEW MUSIC UNDERGROUND AROUND THE GLOBE
Metal/Review Ten Ton Devil - Bad Hombres
Ten Ton Devil is the uncompromising sonic vehicle of The Mighty Caputo, a Wilmington, NC-based artist who refuses to be constrained by genre conventions or political correctness. Operating primarily as a studio project with occasional contributions from anonymous collaborators, Ten Ton Devil represents a fearless approach to extreme music that draws from the raw energy of early thrash pioneers like Overkill, Exodus, and Megadeth while forging its own caustic path.
Electronic/Review Remik Erikson - Nacho
Remik Erikson is a Windsor-based artist whose creative journey began in the most romantic of circumstances—crafting lyrics for his wedding day song. This unconventional entry into songwriting has shaped his distinctive artistic voice, one that blends affection and lifestyle in ways rarely heard before. Erikson's music emerges from genuine, lived experiences, transforming everyday moments into compelling sonic narratives. Working from his basement studio, he has developed a raw, authentic approach to music-making that prioritizes emotional honesty over polished convention.
Hip-Hop/Review Lil' Mike - The Halloween Part2 (feat. Evička & Onii)
Emerging from Goldtown, France, Lil' Mike is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends music production with cinematic storytelling and choreographed performance art.
Jazz/Review Martina Lupi - Dannate Salvatrici
Martina Lupi is more than just a voice: she is a seeker of invisible frequencies, an artist who has successfully carried the ritual power of ancestral instruments into the sophisticated textures of contemporary songwriting.
Pop/Review Gray Harbor - Sweet Angel
Gray Harbor is the adult contemporary songwriting project of Michael Gray—a fresh creative endeavor built around one simple idea: great songs, brought to life by exceptional voices. Drawing inspiration from the timeless craftsmanship of Billy Joel, Sting, and Elton John, Michael crafts emotionally rich, piano-based music that lingers long after the last note fades. Each song is performed by one of three distinct vocalists, giving the project a dynamic range of expression while staying true to a sound rooted in melody, feeling, and honesty.
Rock/Review Shortout Kid - Toy Shop
Shortout Kid is a one-of-a-kind artist. For over 15 years he worked in seclusion, building an instrument yet unseen by the human eye, with the fused looks and sounds of an electric guitar and a chainsaw. It took him another 3 years to get his hands permanently attached to his razor belt and to learn to play it virtuously.
Rock/Review Ghost of Panama - The Last Food on Earth
Ghost of Panama are a West London-based duo comprising Keith Welham (instruments and voice) and Cristabel Liu (lead voice and instruments), who have carved out a distinctive sonic identity that deliberately sidesteps easy comparisons. Their sound bridges decades with finesse—channeling a 1980s vibe infused with punk and post-punk energy while remaining firmly planted in the 2020s contemporary landscape.
Metal/Review Frequency Overload - Sunburn
Frequency Overload is a Long Island-based metal band delivering a hardcore-infused twist on crossover thrash. Founded by guitarist Corey Schaefer and drummer Kevin Daily, the band draws from their deep roots in metal, with Corey’s history in bands like Uncle Jack and Misery Kills and Kevin’s background in Exit Verona and Akalamathesia. Vocalist Mr. Bush (formerly of Social Disease and Pummel) and bassist Steve Little (Cobalt 60, Ionize) round out the lineup.
Rock/Review Tom Minor - Bureau of Change
Hailing from London N1, singer-songwriter Tom Minor feels inspired by indie rock, new wave and punk, power pop, psychedelic and garage rock, soul, and R&B. After several years of all kinds of hack writing for others Minor now focuses on his own brand of existential indie, gathering high praise all across the blogosphere for his albums Eleven Easy Pieces on Anger & Disappointment and Ten New Toe-Tappers for Shoplifting & Self-Mutilation.
Classical/Review Afaq Art Production & Distribution - Bejamalen (With Beauty)
Afaq Art Production & Distribution is an Egyptian record label founded in 2021, specialising in musical works that blend the authenticity of Arabic music with a contemporary artistic vision, driven by the belief that music is a universal language capable of connecting cultures. The company released its debut work, "Althulathia" (The Trilogy), in 2023.
R&B/Review Deja Renee - Close
Deja Renee is a pop and R&B singer-songwriter from San Diego, California, known for crafting emotionally driven records that blend intimate, expressive vocals with polished pop production, creating songs that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable. With a background in classical voice and jazz, Deja earned her Associate of Arts in Music Performance from MiraCosta College, bringing technical precision and versatility into her contemporary sound.
Pop/Review Matthew Phillips - Battlefield Of Love
San Diego-based musician Matthew Phillips, the rising pop sensation from Southern California, continues to captivate audiences with his infectious melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Pairing electronic elements, cinematic soundscapes, and classic hook-filled lyrics that breathe new life into the alternative genre. Matthew's guitar playing has caught the attention of the top guitar manufacturers in the music industry: Fender, Ernie Ball, Taylor, Seymour Duncan, JHS, RJM, and Walrus Audio, to name a few.
Country/Review Neo Brightwell - Break Me Like a Promise
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.
Pop/Review Michael Waters - La La Love Song
Michael Waters is a songwriter and composer creating high-quality pop and indie ballads defined by emotional depth and unforgettable melodies. Writing both music and lyrics, his songs blend meaningful storytelling with instantly memorable hooks—ranging from deeply reflective moments to uplifting, feel-good tracks. After making songwriting a central focus, Michael began recording with world-class musicians in New York in late 2025.
Classical/Review Marcin Sanakiewicz - Unfolked Piano. Some Polish Themes
Marcin Sanakiewicz - pianist, arranger, soloist, and respected accompanist. Since 1996, he has been an artist at the legendary Piwnica pod Baranami in Krakow. Janusz Radek's long-time stage partner in the cult recital "Serwus Madonna" (produced for TVP and Polish Radio, Universal Music Polska album). He also collaborated with other outstanding artists of the Polish scene, such as Anna Szałapak, Kamila Klimczak, Rafał Jędrzejczyk, Ada Fijał, Jacek Wójcicki, and Agnieszka Chrzanowska.
Electronic/Review A:M Club - Resistance
A:M Club, hailing from Darwen, England, is a solo artist from Northern England. Drawing inspiration from iconic soundtrack composers of the 70s and 80s, A:M Club seamlessly blends elements of dance music with sci-fi film influences, creating a one-of-a-kind sonic experience that transports listeners to a futuristic realm.
Rock/Review ReeToxA - You Deserve Better Than Me
ReeToxA originally emerged as the brainchild of Melbourne’s own Jason McKee, a lifelong songwriter whose musical awakening took place as a teenager against the gritty backdrop of 1990s Frankston, although life quickly got in the way of his creative dreams.
Hip-Hop/Review Lil' Mike - Shuryo
Emerging from Goldtown, France, Lil' Mike is an artist unafraid to tackle the darkest corners of society through his music. With influences drawn from Don Toliver and Lithe, he's crafted a distinctive sound that merges compelling flows with unflinching social commentary. Working closely with producer Ingué, who helped shape the tonal qualities of his vocal delivery and harmonic choices, Lil' Mike has developed an artistic voice that speaks directly to listeners with urgency and purpose.
Metal/Review Watch Me Die Inside - Infinity Fall III
Watch Me Die Inside is the work of Aleph, an artistic universe that documents the modern human in a state of internal collapse. Through Fragments, the project exposes states suspended between function, identity loss, emptiness, and resistance. Multiple Fragments form an Autopsy: not merely a collection of songs, but the dissection of a psychological wound. The audience is not treated as passive listeners but as witnesses—observers of a condition that is not softened, only made visible.
Pop/Review Teanko - We still believe the voice
Teanko is the recording project of Dutch singer-songwriter Theo Konst, now based in Portugal, creating melodic pop, rock, and indie music built around authentic songwriting and modern production.