Mon, 03/22/2021 - 8:04 am

Award-winning R&B/soul singer-songwriter Laura Cheadle has released the music video for “Everybody Say,” the first single from her forthcoming album "Shine This Lifetime." It can be found on her VEVO channel at the link below. The accompanying upbeat anthem made its debut on PopWrapped last week and is now available on all digital and download streaming platforms!

Download/Streaming Link

Laura Cheadle takes us on a journey through a technicolor world with the music video for the lead single off her upcoming project. Marked by warm, vibrant colors and beautifully animated animals, mountains and flowers, it does an outstanding job of capturing the positivity of the song.

“The music video with this song really shows a lot of fun and inspiration. I was so joyful filming this video and I think it comes across on screen. I want people to hear and see this song and feel amazing!” - Laura Cheadle

This inventive take on the typical music video manages to run with an out-of-the-box idea while sticking to a clear storyline. Cheadle utilized KXB Studio’s unique style along with Robin Prentice’s character design to craft a world that is entirely her own. During dark times, everyone can use a little more sunshine and inspiration. This video delivers just that, allowing Laura Cheadle’s radiant personality to shine throughout.

“Everybody Say”
Written by Laura and James Cheadle
Recorded, Mixed and Produced by James Cheadle at Swedesboro Music Studio in Swedesboro, NJ
Mastered by Peter Humphreys
Video by KXB Studio
Directed by Klementina Budnik
Character Design by Robin Prentice

Mon, 03/29/2021 - 10:38 am

Award Winning Blues/Roots Artist Katie Knipp releases her EP "The Well" available now on digital and streaming sites. "The Well" was released on March 12, 2021.

Knipp brings to Americana what Shakira does to pop: incredible versatility and an unforgettable, distinctive vocal delivery. Her music is sure to be a hit with fans of Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Rait and Amy Winehouse alike. Although her original sound defies labels, the songs on this record often cross into the same bluesy realm of Americana that artists such as Anderson East occupy. Although “The Well” was recorded in Knipp’s home state of California, Cajun and Mississippi Delta influences come through loud and clear. It’s very much the “gumbo pot of crossover blues” Knipp promised.

From the moment you hear the guitar player plug in, “Sad-Eyed Lover'' is off and running. This opening track just oozes attitude -- it’s much more biting than the title would lead you to believe. It gives first-times listeners a great overview of the intricate, lively orchestration that undergirds the bulk of Knipp’s work. Though the ode to a pitiful ex packs all the punch of a grand finale, “The Well'' runs deeper still.

“Soul, soul, soul. Lots of mood and good lyrics. Very distinct vocal, tons of character and sincerity, great energy from all in the band with earthy tones and minimalistic approach, but just the right amount of notes. Ya. Do it. I think ‘Sad-Eyed Lover’ is my fave.” - (Gabe Nelson, Cake)

Knipp slows it down for the next tune: a downtempo waltz entitled “The Gospel of Good Intentions.” It introduces the softer side of her otherwise sassy persona. Complete with horn swells and mellow slide guitar, this track proves that Knipp has mastered the art of subtlety. It’s said to be a favorite of accomplished touring keyboardist Lewis Stephens.

In “Better Me,” Knipp temporarily turns away from the full-band arrangements that pervade the rest of the EP in favor of bare-bones minimalism. Though the power of her soulful voice alone is more than enough to carry the song, the accompaniment of a gospel choir in the bridge somehow manages to push this effort to explore even more stylistic territory.

It is only after these three gems that we arrive at the lead single; it does not disappoint. “Chamomile and Cocaine” is an apt description of the duality of Knipp’s talent. As everything leading up to this track demonstrates, this two-time SAMMIE Award winner has the chops to make music that’s as soothing as it is addictive. 

“Bullet Train” is the perfect conclusion to this hard-hitting set of songs. Relatively gentle but driving nonetheless, it captures the wistfulness of the nascent stages of a relationship. It’s guaranteed to leave you wishing “The Well” had not yet run dry.

Given her degree of involvement in its creation (Knipp wrote, co-produced and played keys and dobro on this release), the strength of “The Well'' is truly a testament to Knipp’s artistic prowess. If this EP is any indication of what’s to come, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for what this legend-in-the-making has in store.

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 4:40 pm

The much anticipated release of New Jersey Native, Megan Knight’s new single, “Hard Way To Go” is finally here! With elements of rock mixed with country, this song is sure to make you want to crank the radio with the windows down and just drive. "Hard Way To Go" premiered exclusively on COWGIRL MAGAZINE, "The single radiates with confidence and vulnerabilities that outline a perfect balance between modern and classic sounds, and pull inspiration from many different genres." "Hard Way To Go" is now available for streaming everywhere. Click here to listen.

Streaming & Download Link

With the power behind her voice it makes it that much easier for her to show that she means business. Sometimes picking up and having to leave is not always the easiest thing to do. It really makes you think and see the struggles of having to fend for yourself without the help of any others.

Throughout the song she explains the obstacles she faces as she explores her new life of having to leave and move on with her life. “I’m barely getting by and I'm scared for my health.” Those lyrics hit hard as they show just how risky it can be to pick up and leave.

"Nothing worthwhile in life comes easily and that’s the exact thought that sparked “Hard Way To Go.” Writing this new single was like ripping pages straight out of a diary! " -Megan Knight

The intensity that is incorporated in her voice serves as a warning letting anyone know who is thinking about choosing this lifestyle, be careful!

This is just the start for Megan and she has killed it in this new single!  We can definitely expect more from Megan in the near future.

Credits

Vocals: Megan Knight
Acoustic and Electric Guitars: James Leblanc
Drums: Tommy Harden
Drums and Percussion: Jimmy Nutt
Piano and Synths: Jonathon Brown
Background Vocals: James Leblanc
Produced by: James Leblanc, Jimmy Nutt and Megan Knight
Recorded Mixed and Mastered by: Jimmy Nutt at The NuttHouse Recording Studio in Sheffield, AL.
*Additional recording by Tommy Harden at Tommy's Dungeon Nashville, TN.

Tue, 11/02/2021 - 10:54 am

Weaving stories of grief, hope, death, disillusionment, and euphoria through the eyes of a twenty-something New Englander, John Noble Barrack stops at nothing. The Brooklyn-based folk/rock singer-songwriter has appeared on stage in New York City, Saratoga Springs, NY, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and Savannah, Georgia - all while writing his first four singles (coming late 2021), appearing on TV twice (Bull; The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and navigating a thankfully waning laundry list of day jobs.

John Noble Barrack is also a man of great athletic ability with a heart of gold, and has raised money through biking and running for cancer research, and has given his time to amazing charities that benefit many important causes.

Charities John Noble Barrack has been involved in include the Pan Mass Challenge: https://www.pmc.org/, where he raised over $10,000 in 2020 and biked 190 miles for cancer research. He has also run in races such as the Boston Olympic Triathlon, Oceanside Half Ironman, NYC Central Park and Far Rockaway triathlon and has raised money for nonprofits such as National Disability Theater and The Actors Fund. Barrack has most recently become heavily involved in The Theater Offensive, whose mission is to present liberating art by, for, and about queer and trans people of color that transcends artistic boundaries, celebrates cultural abundance, and dismantles oppression.

Just in time for the conclusion of fall, John Noble Barrack’s new song “Salem” is sure to draw you in, in anticipation of what is to come. Beginning with a simplistic, stripped back guitar picking melody, the entrance of John’s soft vocals are sure to give audiences alike instantaneous goosebumps. The melody, while enticing, is evidently somber and insinuates the emotions that breathe life into the lyrics. 

From first listen, it is immediately evident lyrically that John is met with a dilemma of loving his partner who he knows is causing great suffering in his life. The heartwrenching lyrics “I sink so she breathes, hurt so she heals” describes the sacrifice that he is making so that she can shine, be happy, not feel angry, breathe easily and heal from her past trauma. The name of the song, “Salem”, is highly significant because of his metaphorical mention of going to hell, being under her spell, his hangman not letting him breathe, and John’s unapologetic instructions to send him to Salem and put him on trial. The articulated words repeating “Tears come well but hell is worth my while” embody the timeless act of selfless and sacrificial love. 

John’s breathtaking use of storytelling through relating his choice to stay in a relationship that is putting him through hell to committing a crime as prevalent as the Salem witch trials is true testament to his natural songwriting abilities and his true talent for capturing conflicting emotions and crafting them into his art.

Sat, 09/24/2022 - 11:25 am

Heavy and western rock band The Comancheros released their second single from their upcoming album Memphis to Mexico, titled "Happy Birthday to Me," available on all streaming and download services. With a rocking and unfortunately relatable chorus that's written for those who hate their special day. the track makes it obvious that The Comancheros know their audience and don’t hold anything back.

Opening with a rousing guitar solo and uptempo drumming, the tone of “Happy Birthday To Me” is far from melancholy. Though lead singer Tanner Jones croons about his birthday being forgotten, the first chorus blatantly calls listeners to sing to themselves: “Happy birthday to me / Nobody’s singing or celebrating how I came to be / I’ve had these days before / This one is no different / I’ll still wind up on the floor."

Produced by Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters, the single along with the rest of upcoming LP Memphis to Mexico shines with intention and bravado that comes easy to The Comancheros. "We're always trying to figure out what heavy and western sounds like," the band says. The upcoming album, their third, is set for release in November and shines a light on what the band has discovered about themselves amid working with a mentor producer on this new material and playing shows for audiences across the map.

Touring and performing nonstop since 2015, The Comacheros have stormed the stage with Randy Rogers, The Cadillac Three, Drake White, The Steel Woods, Alabama, Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. With endless energy and a distinct sound, the three-piece band’s catalog spans six years, two albums, and a 2022 cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic “Mississippi Kid.”

Living the rambling man lifestyle and following where the wind blows has sharpened their spurs and inspired the band to create a sound that exemplifies what it means to be a modern-day cowboy: heavy and western.