Presented by ConvertKit, the Creator Marketing platform, the bi-weekly series, Creator Sessions delivers another set of remarkable performances intertwined with inspiring stories from an exceptional group of artists. The sessions has feature performances and intimate discussions from Drew Holcomb from October 15th, Joy Oladokun from October 29th, and Judah Akers coming up on November 5th. 

ConvertKit aims to  encourage creatives to make their living by pursuing their passions and doing the work that ignites their soul. Via Creator Sessions, the platform delivers encouraging and relatable performances from a variety of unique personalities including musicians, artists, videographers, and photographers, that resonate with viewers long after the session has ended. Previous sessions have showcased candid performances from Mandy Moore, Tyler Hilton, SNT JMS, Alt Bloom and many others. Uninhibited storytelling drives each Creator Session and provides audiences around the world with insight from members of the creative community. Current sessions with Joy Oladokun, Drew Holcomb, and upcoming Judah Akers promise more of the stirring, candid stories and performances that have popularized the series.

Joy Oladokun, a Nigerian-American singer-songwriter whose sound transcends genre, makes music that speaks to the human condition. Heavily influenced by her identity as a queer woman of color, Oladakun knows to never underestimate the power of words, “Words are such a powerful tool. I remember all of the best and worst things anyone has ever said to me,” she says. During her performance, Olakodukun discusses how she’s mindful of the art she puts out into the world, “I try to keep how my work will affect other people in mind, cause I think that’s really important and it’s something that we don’t challenge our artists to do enough.”

Returning to the series for a second time, Americana artist Drew Holcomb aims to instill a feeling of hope through the music he creates. “Everybody is trying to fight their way through some sort of hell;” says Holcomb, “people wake up every morning and there are dragons they have to slay that day. What I’ve learned is that music is here to help us overcome and get through life and survive those moments.” In this latest session, Holcomb details the beginnings of his music career and how his father reacted to his choice. “He said ‘Promise me that if it ever gets to where you know it’s not going to work, you’ll have the courage to walk away from it,’ and so far I haven’t had to walk away.” 

Judah Akers of the folk-rock trio, Judah and the Lion, attributes inspiration for some of the band's most popular songs to some of the hardships he faced. Their latest album, Pep Talks, touches on the impactful themes of divorce and alcoholism. “For me, songwriting is some of the best therapy,” Akers says. “I don’t believe in writer's block,” he explains during his session, “I think that means you’re just in a season of discovery, and you’re needing the rest.” 

These thoughtfully produced sessions illuminate the spirit, sentiments, and individuality of the creators in a way that invigorates others to continue their work and pursue their passions. 

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming sessions. The full series can be found on YouTube as well as on the Creator Sessions website.  

Freedom Heartsong is a Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and multimedia artist. In late 2019, he signed a global distribution deal with Dark Star Records, Sony Music, and The Orchard which released his first album “Get A Heart On” on May 23rd, 2020. That same year, he became the #1 artist on the entire record label, and also one of only two artists submitted for a Grammy consideration, with his song “Ecstatic Magic.” In 2021 he was again considered for a Grammy with his single “Evil Grieves.” Blues is the foundation of all of his music, and the heart and soul of his sound. His original music as well as his solo and power trio live performances bring bluesy, soulful, rockin' and rollin' tunes filled with positive energy. He has rocked a variety of notable venues, from The Mint and The Viper Room in Los Angeles, to The Cutting Room and Otto’s Shrunken Head in NYC. He has garnered artist endorsements from Blackstar Amplification, Warm Audio, and Thimble Slide. His album Get A Heart On was produced, mixed, and engineered by Barry Pointer at Riott House Studio and mastered by Mike Wells Mastering. This summer, he will release his full length album entitled The Humane Experience, which he produced entirely, was mixed and engineered by Benjamin Cunill of Left Coast Label, and was mastered by twelve-time Grammy nominee and four-time Grammy winning mastering engineer Gavin Lurssen.

An all around self-taught creative, life experience and the learn by doing approach have been essential to Freedom’s growth and development. In addition to music, throughout his entire life, he has made countless artistic creations in a wide variety of disciplines including design, sculpture, woodwork, ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and poetry. From the rainforests of Costa Rica, to the cultural art and music centers of Africa, to the legendary clubs of Los Angeles and NYC, a rich diversity of cultures have influenced him along the way. With an international presence in the music and art communities, his fans and artwork can be found in many countries around the world. His work is infused with socially aware messaging and poetic meaningful lyricism overflowing with good vibes. He creates music with the loving intention of inspiring all people to be their best selves and enjoy life to the fullest.

Freedom Heartsong will release his new album, The Humane Experience, on June 17th, 2022 via Dark Star Records / The Orchard. 

The A.M.s released their newest single, “Torn Vine.” The folk and blues-infused track blends rich, smooth vocals from Adrian Libertini with imploring, driving piano from Mariko Langan. “Torn Vine” is now available to stream on digital music platforms worldwide.

The passionate and raw lyricism shown in this newest track gives listeners a glimpse into The A.M.s’ wide range of emotional depth. “I wrote these lyrics nine months before my milestone birthday. I was thinking about my birth parents, where they were in the world, and perhaps forty years later, they would be thinking about me too,” says Langan. “When you’re adopted, you just want to know who you look like, and who you can unfairly blame for all your bad traits.” The track focuses on identity, and the confusing feelings adoptees can face. “Am I accepted, am I enough? Are these vines sutured with love?” is one of the profound lines presented in this single, highlighting questions that resonate with many adoptees. “Adrian sent me his musical idea: a lyrical line over strumming harmonics, and I immediately heard percussive piano underneath it. We’ve been building on that idea ever since, creating layers upon layers further illustrating the complex notion of identity,” says Langan. The track is just the beginning of this journey of self-discovery and reconnection.

The indie-folk duo consists of Adrian Libertini (vocals, guitar, bass) and Mariko Langan (piano, backing vocals), long-distance friends that met when Libertini tuned Langan’s piano. He asked her if she wanted to play together, and soon The A.M.s was born. Currently, they are writing and producing music separately across the West Coast — Libertini is based in California, and Langan is in Washington. Despite the distance, the duo has created over 50 songs and is working towards releasing their first album later this year. Their debut album, Ignite the Sky, was recorded at Earwig Studio in Seattle, WA with Jason Edwards on drums.

The A.M.s’ debut single “Torn Vine” introduces the heartfelt project and is the first single off their upcoming album, Ignite the Sky. The track is available to stream worldwide on digital music platforms. Make sure to follow The A.M.s’ journey by keeping up with them on Instagram @the_a.m.s_music.

Alternative acoustic rock band, Phil Firetog Trio & Co., has released their merry and bright new single, “Long Island Christmas Eve.” Blending comforting acoustics, a cheerful beat, and personal, storytelling lyricism, the track has listeners reminiscing on their own family’s holiday traditions. “Long Island Christmas Eve” is available now on all streaming platforms.

Establishing a traditional festive sound from the get-go, “Long Island Christmas Eve” sets the mood with beautiful acoustics and bright, cheerful orchestration. Soft, harmonic background vocals complement lead vocalist Phil Firetog in his nostalgic ode to reuniting with long-distance friends and family for the holiday season. Confirming this vision, Firetog sings, “And no matter the distance, we couldn’t miss this; let's keep our tradition of a very merry Long Island Christmas Eve.” Continuing to articulate his relationship with Christmas Eve through his lyricism, Firetog captures the heartstrings of listeners by inviting them to relate and reminisce on their own individual relationships with the holiday. “‘Long Island Christmas Eve’ is a festive and nostalgic reminder of the friendships we all have, keeping in touch with those who may have moved far away,” exclaimed Firetog. “This song is based on my own personal tradition of a Christmas Eve dinner, meeting up with friends who may live out of town, but return home for the holidays.”

Beginning as a solo singer-songwriter, Phil Firetog discovered his musical passion after experimenting with songwriting and teaching himself how to play the guitar. Shortly after debuting his solo EP, Portrait Songs, he expanded to a trio that is now Phil Firetog Trio. Forming in 2015, the band consists of Phil Firetog (lead vocalist/guitarist), Johnny “Pots” Potocnik (drummer), and Liam Gordon (bassist). The expansion of the trio, to Phil Firetog Trio & Co. is Tye Granger (saxophone) and Gabriel Nekrutman (flute/clarinet/alto sax), and a rotating cast of characters that Firetog has added to the mix. Entertaining the industry’s toughest critics, Phil Firetog Trio & Co. debuted their first EP, Circles, in 2016. Most recently releasing their fan-favorite single, “Fall,” the first track to include the “company” performing alongside the trio, the band continues to display their rare and transformative sonic work. Taking inspiration from iconic musicians such as Dave Matthews Band, John Butler, and John Mayer, Phil Firetog Trio & Co. are continuing their busy schedule of live performances and composing new music.

“Long Island Christmas Eve” instills joy and nostalgia in listeners as they paint their own picture of what the holiday season looks like for them. You can follow Phil Firetog Trio & Co. on Instagram @PhilFiretogTrio and Spotify to keep up with their musical journey.

Americana artist Juliana Riccardi has released her latest single, “Right On Time,” an inspiring country-folk tune about owning your choices and having the confidence to forge your own path. “Right On Time,” the first single in her forthcoming 2-song series, The Nashville Session, is available to stream and download on all digital platforms (available March 1st, 2023).

Blending a roots Americana sound with soul and folk influences – distinctive of Riccardi’s hybrid, fluid musicality – “Right On Time” creates a sense of uplifting nostalgia, the wistfulness of looking back on your journey with tenderness and gratitude. Led by guitar and soulful vocals, the song is warm and grounded, without foregoing its dreamy, cinematic qualities. An authentic, romantic portrayal of prioritizing herself and gaining perspective in the track, Riccardi warrants her commitment to growth, vulnerability, and joyfulness. “Right On Time” reminds you that you’re not too late or too lost; and that you can make a turn whenever you want,” she comments. “I wrote this song at the top of that year as a mantra to challenge my old, limiting beliefs.” Beneath its gentle exterior, “Right On Time” is narrated with the confidence gained through hindsight and time passing – as its lyrics say, “You’re right on time... So, get out there, and please enjoy the ride.” Riccardi crafts an older presence looking over her younger self’s shoulder, reassuring herself and others that there is no such thing as wasted time.

Blooming out of a time of change and embracing the thrills of new, fresh experiences, “Right On Time” is one half of Juliana Riccardi’s The Nashville Session recordings, a project born out of what Riccardi defined a ‘perfect mixture of risk and preparation.’ Co-produced and mixed by Nick Bullock, a producer-engineer from Neal Capellino’s The Doghouse Studio (Dolly Parton, Allison Kraus, Sheryl Crow), The Nashville Session singles were recorded live across an eye-opening, three-day trip bustling with creativity which gave Riccardi a groundbreaking studio vocal performance. “It was a big risk going there with all the ‘firsts’ happening at once, but they aligned,” she reflects. “Nashville was new to me, but I had a feeling of home there during those three days.” The single features Lauren Stockner on bass and Grammy award winner Will Hensley on guitar and piano. Hensley, who is known for his engineering and mixing work with artists like John Mayer, Mat Kearny, Coldplay, and Gavin Degraw, also arranged and co-produced the track alongside Riccardi, Stockner, and Bullock.

Juliana Riccardi proudly walks in her ever-evolving journey as an artist and woman– one that's taken the New York City native to Los Angeles, where she began turning heads and bending ears. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Vocal Performance from the City College of New York in Harlem, and has over a decade of lead performance experience– all of which lay the groundwork for her evocative songwriting and stage presence. After some deep losses and soul searching, Riccardi shared her voice in a new way by building a remarkable live band, releasing her noteworthy studio recordings, and continuing her love for spontaneity on some of LA's best original music stages. Her sophomore EP Full Cup earned praise from champions like CMT, Americana Highways, DittyTV, Rock & Blues Music, Fargo's KRFF "Other Side Of Country" FM radio show, and West Virginia’s Roots Down Under Radio Show. Her music has been featured on countless playlists, including the Spotify official playlist “Healin Blues.”

Juliana Riccardi is committed to energetic, emotional performances and being “Right On Time” – taking the long way, trusting herself to craft her own path, and doing so with the confidence and sensibility of a true icon. To keep up with Riccardi’s journey, follow her Instagram and Tik Tok @julianariccardisongs or visit her website JulianaRiccardi.com.