Singer-songwriters Casey Wickstrom and Taylor Rae are joining forces for the release of their highly-anticipated single “Post,” which dropped on all streaming platforms on March 26. The single has had a long and unique journey to its final stage, creating a sense of emotional investment for both the artists involved and their fans. Originally written by Wickstrom in 2010, “Post” is a musical story about a nuclear holcaust, set to a melodious, indie-folk lullaby. Ten years later, Wickstrom met well-known Santa Cruz singer-songwriter Taylor Rae and immediately knew her voice would be perfect for a new, definitive version of the song.

Wickstrom faced many life changes from the conception to the birth of “Post.” The aftermath of a near death car collision with a drunk driver in 2011 sent him spiraling into four years of drug addiction, PTSD, and suicidal depression. Finally able to get clean in 2015, Wickstrom continued to expand on an accomplished catalogue of music, writing, and videos. In 2020, Wickstrom and Rae raised over $3,500 from fans for the recording and promotional aspects of the release. “Post,” even in its demo form, was a favorite song of Wickstrom’s listeners, who eagerly pitched in to the new project. Taylor’s musical sensibilities and talent—she was Santa Cruz’s Nextie Musician of the Year—along with Wickstrom’s experience and musical vision for the song, created a perfect match for the tune. Together, the two brought “Post” to a new level, with lush three- and four-part harmonies, for a musical arrangement that is as moving as it is beautiful.

listen to "Post" now

Casey Wickstrom is a multi-instrumentalist and live looping artist, vocalist, music producer, writer, and film editor. He sings and plays guitar, lap slide guitar, cigar box guitar, bass, harmonica, and other instruments. Born in Northern California, Wickstrom was raised in the small mountain town of Durango, Colorado, where he was influenced by the sounds of Paul Simon, Ben Harper, as well as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A full time musician, he’s released five studio albums, and a long list of singles, live recordings, and EPs. His songs have charted on Apple Music Blues charts, and he has been named among the Top 100 Unsigned Artists by Music Connection Magazine. He’s also a published author, writing extensively on his website blog. In his spare time, he teaches guitar, yoga, and mindfulness classes in Silicon Valley, CA.

Taylor Rae is a guitarist/singer/songwriter born and raised in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California. She has consistently been releasing albums and singles since she was a sophomore in high school. Now at 27, Taylor has found a way to modernize her unique 60s & 70’s inspired sound while blending jazz, psychedelic folk and classic blues/rock into a melting pot of organic music she calls "Soul and Roll". In 2017 she was awarded the Santa Cruz NEXTies "Musician of the Year." She is a full-time performer - averaging 200 shows per year. She now resides in Austin, Texas and has immersed herself in the live music scene there. She is currently recording a self-engineered and produced acoustic album that will include thirty original songs.

Queerfolk Fest 2021 recently announced their debut festival, showcasing LGBTQ+ identifying artists and bands with a free live-streaming event from Club Passim in Cambridge, MA on June 12th. Sara Gougeon, a queer folk artist and graduate of Berklee College of Music, made this her mission after realizing the lack of venues highlighting artists like her. Gougeon embarked on her journey to amplify queer folk artists with the creation of her music company, Pineworks Creative. Pineworks Creative is working in partnership with Club Passim, a legendary folk music venue and music school in Cambridge, Massachusetts to put on Queerfolk Festival.

The pinnacle of live folk music, Pineworks Creative and Club Passim have taken the initiative to create opportunities that the music industry lacked for these powerful artists. Club Passim bases their reputation on their passion for outstanding live music, while Gougeon has deeply embraced queer culture and folk music in her career as an LGBTQ+ identifying artist. Marrying the two resulted in a groundbreaking platform in support of queer musicians; Queerfolk Festival will feature performances from an unmatched lineup. Artists such as GRAMMY-Nominated Mary Gauthier, the effervescent singer songwriter, lewloh,  and the female-fronted trinity, The Accidentals are set to make magic on the Queerfolk Festival live stream.

Programming to run virtually on June 12, 2021.

Featuring Mary Gauthier, The Accidentals, lewloh, Melissa Ferrick, Daisy O’Connor,

Jaimee Harris, Skout, Izzy Heltai, and more. 

In celebration of Pride Month, Queerfolk Festival makes its debut with the firm intention of returning for an annual show. The festival connects LGBTQ+ folk music lovers of all backgrounds. Offering a compassionate and celebratory safe space to these artists is a unique opportunity for all; the community created by this event will only continue to flourish. 

Audience members can experience the festival virtually on June 12 at Queerfolkfest.com, Passim.org, or watch the livestream on Queerfolk Fest or Club Passim’s Facebook or YouTube accounts. The show is accessible to all with a suggested ticket price of $20 per viewer. Tickets help support festival costs, artist payments, and the future of Queerfolk events.

Queerfolk Fest is sponsored by Bluegrass Pride, a San Francisco-based non-profit whose mission is to uplift LGBTQ+ musicians and creators in roots music. 

Connect With Queerfolk Fest: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Independent singer-songwriter Alex McCue opens a window into a reflective, shimmering world with his smooth new single “Shape of Years” out October 20. Accompanied by a whimsical music video capturing the raw beauty of a picturesque lakeside in a Massachusetts reservoir, this project nourishes the soul with its spiritual freedom. Incorporating elements of meditation with introspective, poetic lyricism, this hypnotic track draws listeners out of their heads, and into a mellow relaxation. Fans of artists from Lianne LaHavas to Frank Ocean will feel at home in the artistic depth and sonic allure of McCue’s music. The artist effortlessly melds a variety of genres - from folk to R&B - in this exploration of mindfulness, nature, serendipity, and navigating dark times with compassion.

With the origins of this song set pre-pandemic, “Shape Of Years” developed into the final product from 2019 into 2020; this dramatic shift gave new meaning to the track. McCue found himself reflecting on the coincidental foreshadowing realized in this project. He pondered, “Would I really have wanted to see how things were going to unfold when I started writing the song in early 2020?” In collaboration with former band members Saketti (producer) and Jonte Samuel (saxophone), McCue was able to harness a free-flowing synergy between each of the talents that the trio brought to the table. The mesmerizing rhythm, introspective guitar, and honeyed saxophone bring this spell-binding project to life. This track was mastered by Tony ‘Hamstank’ Hamoui.

“Shape Of Years” introduces itself with thought-provoking riddles in the first verse. Initially, the lyrics explore how the worlds that we live in are merely projections of our own minds, and the second emphasizes the importance of health and wellbeing. The song then turns into a prayer arising from confusion and desperation. He sings with buttery vocals, "show me how we're meant to be...cause I gotta know, we've been moving fast, we've been learning slow," imploring listeners to reflect on where they have themselves not been fully present in the fast paced environment of the modern world. The music video, filmed and edited by Nuno Miguel, set the perfect scene to catalyze such introspection, showcasing the venerable beauty and spirituality of the sunset-bathed landscape.

Stream “Shape Of Years” on all major streaming platforms out October 20, 2021

More About Alex McCue:

Alex McCue is an Albuquerque-born vocalist and multi-instrumentalist currently based in Valencia, Spain. McCue uses his ethereal vocals and narrative sensibilities to paint pictures of utopia, apocalypse, and a world in between. His work is heavily influenced by his daily meditation practice, and is inspired by contemporary greats like Frank Ocean, Jordan Rakei, and Lianne LaHavas. His music has also been touched by his time in Mexico and his love of reggae, folk, and soul music. McCue's versatility allows him to perform acoustic sets with piano or guitar, indie R&B sets merging instrumental tracks and live instruments, or full-band sets with the talented musicians of The Group Activity. Alex and The Group have brought their well-planned and often improvised set to venues like Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, Blue in Portland, ME, GreenSoul in Philadelphia, and venues around the Boston area. McCue has also been featured in the Boston Globe, and has played at restaurants and cafes around Mexico, where he was featured on Radio UDG/PV in Jalisco, MX. Throughout his exploration of music, McCue uses his smooth rhythmic sensibilities and wide vocal range to chart a journey inward, on which much is still being discovered...In keeping with the social themes of his music, McCue and uses the power of art to draw attention and fundraising to social and environmental justice causes run by the people they are designed to serve.

NYC based Americana jam-band mainstay PJ LaMariana follows the recent release of his debut single “Cold War” with his soulful debut album, For You, out December 22nd. LaMariana puts his entire chest into this album, exploring the colorful range of feelings — from longing, to despair, to hope — he discovers within himself through the stories told on For You. While primarily known as a bassist, he quells any doubts about his all-around musicianship through each of these 11 tracks; the artist dishes out heart-wrenching lyrics, groove-infused melodies, and smoother-than-butter vocals, all of which are caressed in an epic soundscape constructed with electric performances from a group of undeniably masterful instrumentalists. LaMariana is thrilled to bring the album to life on stage at NYC’s 11th St. Bar in East Village on December 29th. This album is a long-awaited moment for the artist in which he takes the spotlight with a voice finding a home at the center of attention. The songwriter named the album For You for a reason: LaMariana wants to share his catharsis-laced stories with the world, and that all starts with you. Fans can stream For You on all major streaming platforms on December 22nd.

PJ LaMariana is a New York City based musician, songwriter and performer. His music is both fresh and familiar; by blending emotive lyrics, soulful grooves, and heavy crescendos, PJ creates a bridge between genres. His music has been described as an amalgam of folk, R&B, and jamrock. The singer-songwriter’s colorful songwriting style is a direct product of his diverse experience as a professional bassist. Having played since grammar school, PJ grew up immersed in the sound of the 1970’s. Both of his parents were avid music fans and they took him to all the live music any child could ever wish for. They also had an eclectic, yet comprehensive, record collection. This early exposure had a significant impact on him and formed his soulful aesthetic.

A music lover at heart, PJ constantly finds himself seeking out live music to enjoy. His love and respect for the art of live performance is a key aspect of his artistic identity. PJ’s music is characterized by a contagious energy, thoughtfully crafted instrumentation, and an authentic relatability only demonstrated by seasoned musicians. In the last few years, PJ has taken a huge leap into the spotlight; having developed his guitar, vocal, and songwriting skills, this passionate musician found himself itching to bring the melodies that have meandered through his head over the years to life. After a chance reconnection with an old high school friend-turned-producer, Matt Pedrone, the two eagerly combined their talents and jumped into creating music together.

He reached out to Matt and the two immediately began again as if no time had passed; the pandemic, however, struck only a few short weeks into their renaissance. They formed a Covid pod with friends and family. At the first opportunity, their pod had a socially distant, awkward, get together. Always an instrument in hand, PJ played a song for Matt. The two snuck off and started tracking. Matt asked if he had more tunes and was surprised to learn that PJ indeed had tunes — lots of tunes. They began recording what would become PJ’s first solo record, For You. They created a perfectly imperfect record that is filled with hope, heartache, and grit. PJ and Matt have assembled a strong lineup of some of NYC’s finest musicians and are dedicated to sharing PJ’s songs. These are songs for everyone. These are songs for you.

Independent folk artist Jake Swamp and the Pine, brought to you by Drew Zieff, reflects on the feeling of being young and free with his single “Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes” out October 21st. Similar to his previously released single, “Don’t Be Afraid on Sundays,” this track invites the quintessential aspects of folk music that mingle with the raw, simple wonders of natures simplest (yet most enamoring) sensations like smelling the smoke from the campfire on a chilly fall evening. Essentially, “Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes” tells the story of an adult who reflects back on their teenage years, wishing that they didn’t take that time for granted. This track embodies an upbeat, contagiously anthemic sound reminiscent of artists like Ed Sheeran and Vance Joy.

“Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes” has a central theme: nostalgia. Ultimately, the artist is reflecting on his debauchery from high school, and how in that moment, he didn’t recognize that was the most free of responsibility he will ever be. Zieff also realizes that he wished he took more pictures, spent more time with friends, and recognized that everything will work out. A COVID-induced downtime made the singer watch almost every music documentary on Netflix, including the Shawn Mendez documentary, where Zieff saw the artist visit his hometown; inspiration struck, and thus “Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes” was born. The artist gives a big band sound with the assistance of violinist Corinna Smith of Adam Ezra Group, five-time Boston Music Awards Session Musician of the year (2016-2021) Johnathan Ulman, and multi-faceted producer Josh Gold. For Zieff, he hopes that listeners will dance and sing their hearts out to the track.

Stream “Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes” on all major streaming platforms October 21st.

Philadelphia based indie-folk artist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Monaco delivers his newest offering, “Nevermind,” available on all major streaming platforms April 7th. Monaco’s seasoned artistry shines through on this track, having refined his craft over years of collaborating with other musicians in the Philadelphia music scene in addition to spending his free time giving back to his community at large. After years of expending his creative energy helping others, Monaco embarks on a new era of cathartic, purposeful work as a solo artist with “Nevermind.” Following his recent instrumental release, “The Willows,” Monaco is set to deliver a lush, colorfully harmonic introduction to his work with “Nevermind” that sets the stage for his debut album coming in late 2023. This single embodies Monaco’s uniquely raw, heartfelt quality that allows his fans to feel - not just hear - his music. Inspiration from artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Lord Huron, and Darlingside come forth on “Nevermind.”

Collaborators:

Composed, Arranged, and Written by: Adam Monaco

String Arrangement by: Peter Oswald

Co-Produced by: Peter Tramo and Adam Monaco

Executive Producer: Jonathan Cohen

Engineered by: Peter Tramo and Mike Richelle at Rittenhouse Soundworks

Adam Monaco: Lead Vocal, guitar, banjo

Chris Peace: Bass Guitar

Catelyn Monaco: Back-up vocals and Wurlitzer

Julia Finegan: Back-up vocals

Adam Pasqueal: Drums

Peter Oswald: Cello

Joseph Arnold: Violin

Ilan Isakov: Synth

This single invites listeners with the mesmerizing harmony of angelic coo’s (Catelyn Monaco, Julia Finegan) before Monaco’s pure, honeyed vocal takes listeners on a journey towards inner peace and mutual respect. The stripped, acoustic soundscape on “Nevermind” allows Monaco’s poetic lyricism to resonate fully with listeners, uninterrupted by the delicate instrumental it exists within. Monaco wrote, composed, and arranged this track on his own, and collaborated with a variety of instrumentalists, producers, and engineers to bring his vision to life. The soulful crooner sings in the second verse, “Gathered in our holy spaces / Different minds and finding graces / Lineage from different places / Nevermind, Nevermind,” ultimately encouraging listeners to take a step back in moments of conflict; to reflect and to recognize the value in finding common ground instead of indulging ourselves in triumphing over each other.

Stream “Nevermind” on all major streaming platforms April 7th.