Joan As Police Woman shares 'Anyone' video from 'The Real Life Anniversary Sessions'

February 24, 2026

Renowned NYC artist Joan As Police Woman presents a live performance video for her now-classic track “Anyone”, following another recently-shared video, "The Ride". Both of these personal and up-close offerings preview "The Real Life Anniversary Sessions", a string of videos commemorating the 20th anniversary of her much-loved debut album "Real Life", released via UK independent Reveal Records.

Joan Wasser, known professionally as Joan As Police Woman since 2004, is a critically acclaimed musician and producer. As a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, she defies easy categorization, crafting her own sound that blends various genres. She has released ten albums of original material, two cover albums, and an anthology.

Recorded live on November 11, 2025 at The Owl Music Parlor, these endearing videos feature Wasser delivering a powerful, stripped-down performance on vocals and piano, accompanied by fellow NYC artists Will Graefe (guitar and vocals) and Jeremy Gustin(drums and vocals).

"I wanted to take “Anyone" out of its original 6/8 triplet-based soul ballad territory. Will Graefe, Jeremy Gustin and I have been creating a new sound together since we began touring in October 2024," says Joan Wasser, adding "This arrangement came together quickly when we shifted it into a more exploratory folk / jazz feeling reminiscent of Van Morrison".

Joan As Police Woman is a sought-after collaborator who’s collaborative spirit has guided her to record and/or perform live with hundreds of artists,including Afrobeatlegend Tony Allen (with whom she made the The Solution Is Restless album) Lou Reed, Anohni & The Johnsons, Meshell Ndegeocello, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, David Byrne, Dave Okumu, Chris Dowd, Lau, Scissor Sisters, Sparklehorse, Beck, Laurie Anderson, Lloyd Cole, Afel Bocoum, Dave Gahan, Tanya Donelly, David Sylvian, Steve Jansen and Damon Albarn who duetted with Joan on her song Get My Bearings and invited her to feature on the Gorillaz album Song Machine. She's currently enjoying life as a member of Iggy Pop's touring band (playing keys and singing).

Joan As Police Woman will soon be touring, bringing more "Real Life" to audiences internationally. While tickets for the Real Life 20th Anniversary Tour can be obtained at https://linktr.ee/japw or www.joanaspolicewoman.com/tour.

CREDITS
Lyrics & Music written by Joan Wasser
Joan Wasser - vocals, piano
Will Graefe - guitar, vocals
Jeremy Gustin - drums, vocals
Adam Sachs - audio recording engineer, mixer
Ehud Lazin - videographer
(c) Sweet Police under exclusive licence to Reveal Records 2026
Joan As Police Woman photos by Judi Rosen
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

London-based Liverpool troubadour ANDREW DEEVEY shares 'Money Can't Buy Me Love' single

February 23, 2026

English troubadour Andrew Deevey presents his new single 'Money Can’t Buy Me Love', a lean, hook-laden cut that taps straight into the anxiety of belt-tightening Britain. A timely and true reflection of our credit-crunch era, the track pairs melodic immediacy with a clear-eyed take on life where paychecks feel fleeting and everyday expenses steadily chip away at what’s left.

This is Deevey's latest offering in what can only be described as a storied musical career. After being a member of The Decemberists (UK), Hellfire Sermons, The Caretaker Race and The Bitter Springs, Deevey has stepped into a bold solo chapter, stripping his sound back to its essentials while sharpening his songwriting focus.

Following up his impressive 'Northern Soul' album, Deevey's new single is about valuing love and personal connections over money or material goods. Built around driving vocals, ringing guitar, harmonica and drum machine, the track delivers melodic indie-pop with soulful undertones and a sharp eye on modern financial pressures.

"'Money Can’t Buy Me Love' reflects on austerity-era realities — the squeeze of the credit crunch, rising costs, having no money and the sense that even when you do earn money, it quickly disappears," says Andrew Deevey. “It feels like someone is always making money out of you — taxes, parking, fines, bills — it never stops. But the things that really matter can’t be bought.”

With its raw, minimal setup and anthemic hook, 'Money Can’t Buy Me Love' captures Andrew Deevey at his most direct and self-assured — an artist distilling decades of experience into a lean, resonant statement. showcases Deevey’s evolution into a self-contained, uncompromising solo artist whose strength lies in melody, authenticity and direct connection.

Recorded at One Cat Studios, Antenna Studios in South London, this single was mixed, produced and mastered by Jon Clayton, reknowned for his work with The Monochrome Set, Band of Holy Joy, Vic Godard and The Subway Sect, The Near Jazz Experience and Carter USM frontman's project Jim Bob.

Originally from Liverpool, Deevey cut his teeth in the city’s rich music scene. Early projects gained London shows and coverage in the music press, Single of the Week recognition in NME. After relocating to London in search of new opportunities, he narrowly missed out on joining The La's — arriving just minutes too late to secure the role.

He soon joined The Caretaker Race, touring the UK and Europe extensively, including dates with The Darling Buds and The House of Love. During the 'Hangover Square' sessions, producer Stephen Street famously described Deevey as “the next Johnny Marr,” while Melody Maker praised his playing as “a guitar incendiary of startling hugeness.”

He later played guitar for The Bitter Springs, contributing to 'Everyone’s Cup of Tea' and 'The Odd Shower', touring as the backup band for Vic Godard and The Subway Sect, and recording a session for The Marc Riley Show.

Deevey recorded the album 'Northern Soul' within a year of going it solo, with the lead track 'I Got The Feeling' earning international airplay and receiving Album of the Weekaccolades on numerous UK stations. With songwriting shaped by the melodic guitar traditions of The Beatles and the direct acoustic energy of Jake Bugg and Gerry Cinnamon, Deevey now performs in a stripped-down format, embracing independence and immediacy on stage.

Andrew Deevey shares, “I wanted the songs to work acoustically or with a full band. I now play live with guitar, harmonica and drum machine — no waiting around. I’ve been playing these songs and getting good feedback from people. At one festival, someone told me, "You just blow them away"... That’s the reaction I’m after.”

As of March 2, 'Money Can't Buy Me Love' will be released via Waterline Records across digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where it is now available for pre-order.

Robin Ross & The Melodynes unveil 'Mind Space' album & ‘Campfire on the Moon’ video

February 20, 2026

Indie rockers Robin Ross & The Melodynes present their new 'Mind Space' album. Their second album, released via Pennsylvania indie imprint RPM Entertainment on February 20, showcases their diverse sound, mixing their own flavor of indie rock and classic rock sounds. The band also presents their new video for focus track 'Campfire on the Moon'.

Previewed by the B-52s-esque lead track 'Spill No Mo Wine' and the single 'Echo of Love', a shimmering anthem of sonic intimacy, 'Mind Space' is a head-trip with heart, blasting off from bedroom daydreams into a technicolor inner universe. Built from raw acoustic bones and lit up with electric spark, it balances cosmic drift with dance-floor swagger -- a joy-chasing, freedom-fueled reminder that the wildest frontier is the one inside your own head.

Robin Ross & The Melodynes is not just about music - it's about big fun between like-minded artists, including Wharton Tiers, JoEllen Gaetani, Katlyn Albrecht, Emery Rhodes, Tony Anniello. Joe (Bass) Torres, TW Howell and Nancy Isola. That shared joy is woven into every note, creating an infectious energy that invites the listener right into the heart of the party.

"Into my mind we roam. If we close the world around us and keep your eyes open, you can see prisms if you let them through. 'Mind Space' is a world of prisms -- some reach far and some are close. The title track 'Mind Space' is about resting in bed and drifting to the stars. Being the captain in your mind you can go wherever you want. Other songs like 'Spill No Mo Wine' and 'Shiny Blue Shoes' are our party stamp songs. Whatever world you land on, let's hope joy and spirits are plentiful," says Robin Ross.

"Other songs are about the journey. 'Follow' is aboard a spaceship en route to Mars, while 'Campfire On the Moon' is about all of your campfires in life together with others in a secluded sphere like the moon. We give in life as we move along the 'Echo of Love', which is a song about love by JoJo. I wrote the music on an acoustic guitar and built from there, adding the Strat later for the edge. 'Cause I Do' is something we do when we fall in love along life's flight. 'Taking All of My Heart' is another change ball, more of a pop love song about being swept off your feet on your journey. 'Come On In' is about being welcome -- come in let's dance. And 'Curious Mind' is about being tossed around in a dream but waking up to hope and beauty in someone someday".

This album was recorded at Baa Baa Leaf Music Studio in Milford, Pennsylvania, whereRoss produced and engineered it, along with famed engineer Jonathan Duckett (Phillip Glass, Kenny G, David Sanborn).

"This album wouldn't be complete if it didn't have a few side pocket tunes. 'Free the Young'is one of those songs, recalling castles and kings, where tyranny was born to a new generation -- a crest that is upon us now. This is a message for youth to question history and fight for freedom," saysRobin Ross.

"The other side pocket song is'Sweet Jane', a blues riff song about a pooch named Jane. We were chilling with Sweet Jane and hit the blues and her master, Tony, wrote up some lyrics. We put this down in the studio and have been playing it ever since."

Emerging from the New Jersey and New York music scenes in 1988, Robin Ross has grown into a central figure in the creative pulse of Milford, PA. A multi-faceted musician, songwriter, and producer for cover thirty years, he has released numerous album while helping launch and develop several recording spaces, includingTriple R StudiosandSound Complexnear NYC. He has since grown his current hub,Baa Baa Leaf Music Studiointo a creative sanctuary and production house.

In the early ’90s, Ross co-foundedLaughing Jack(later renamedJack’s Maze), praised for a progressive rock style echoing the grandeur of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Though business pursuits eventually pulled him down a different path, 2021 marked a return to form: he built Baa Baa Leaf Music Studio and reunited with bandmates Frank Cinquegrana, Scott Cowan, and Joe Torres to record new material, with a fresh Jack’s Maze release anticipated later this year.

As of February 20, 'Mind Space' is available on digital platforms, including Apple Music,Spotify, Amazon and Bandcamp, where his 2025 debut'Back To The Forest' EP asRobin Ross & The TW Howlers, is also available. CDs can be obtained athttps://robinrossmusic.com/ music.

CREDITS
Recorded at Baa Baa Leaf Music Studios (Milford, PA)
Produced & Mixed by Robin Ross
Supervising Engineer: Jonathan Duckett

Robin Ross - Guitar, bass, keys, vocals

JoEllen Gaetani - Vocals

Wharton Tiers - Drums

Tony Anniello - Vocals

Katlyn Albrecht - Vocals, percussion

Emery Rhodes - Vocals

Dan Engvaldsen - Guitar

Joe Torres - Bass

TW Howell - Vocals, guitar

Jack Kowat - Sax

James Henry - Djembe

Nancy Isola - Background vocals

Tina Ross - Background vocals

Sandy Broxmeyer - Background vocals

Photography & videos by Tina Ross
Album artwork & design by Tina Ross
Publishing & booking: RPM Entertainment Enterprises, LLC
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

NYC's Laptop reveals “Xanadu,” a sun-soaked tale of ambition and the cost of wanting more

February 13, 2026

NYC alternative pop outfit Laptop presents 'Xanadu', the latest offering from their forthcoming album "On This Planet", which starts out sounding like a love song, but slowly reveals itself as something darker. A duet between frontman Jesse Hartman and Nevis vocalist Anna Hadeed, the track explores the American idea of settling down — building a life, owning something permanent — and how that dream can quietly go wrong. It’s less about romance than what happens when good intentions collide with money, power, and the pressure to create something lasting.

Formed in the late ’90s, Laptop released three albums with Island Records, earning praise from NME, The Guardian, and others for their stylized blend of synth-pop, irony, and emotional precision. Now revived as a contemporary project with his son Charlie Hartman, Laptop has become a vehicle for Hartman grappling openly with adulthood in this chaotic world — not as a clean resolution, but as something messier and harder to define. “Xanadu” captures the moment when the art dream runs into the desire for stability, and neither comes out untouched.

The title nods directly to Citizen Kane, where “Xanadu” names Charles Foster Kane’s vast, illusory estate — a symbol of success that ultimately exposes loneliness and regret. Laptop updates the idea for a modern American setting. In this version, Xanadu isn’t a castle; it’s a mid-century dream house, full of hope and expectation, carrying the belief that ownership might finally bring peace. This is love song disguised as a hard look at the pitfalls of American materialism.

Filmed on Oualie Beach in Nevis, where overdubs for Laptop's coming album were recorded, the video juxtaposes Hartman and Hadeed's chilled beachside duet with glossy, candy-colored visual sequences involving a separate couple. Gently mocking the modern semi-colonialist belief that paradise can be packaged, purchased, and controlled, we see a slick couple sail toward their dream, only to see it sink beneath the waters of their own ambitions and end up in flames. Kitschy postcard titles like "The Good Life” and “Live the Romance" punctuate their journey, underscoring the bitter irony of it all.

Jesse Hartman got his start as a Voidoid with Richard Hell, before founding indie rock band Sammy with Luke Wood, and releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records. Since reviving, Laptop is on a roll on the strength of the singles “Indie Hero”, "Confused", "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know" and “Weirder”, mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Julian Lennon), collectively drawing millions of views and reintroducing Laptop's humor and sounds to a new generation.

“Xanadu” will be released via Hurricane Cove Records on February 13, available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Laptop’s much-anticipated "On This Planet" album will be released on June 5. The band performs next at NYC's Mercury Lounge on April 9, along with UK rockers Art Brut.

Get the single https://ditto.fm/xanadu_995c7dd3
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/7Lrqg7giyk2K8ffCq8P2K8
Bandcamp https://laptoptheband.bandcamp.com/single/xanadu

CREDITS 
Written & produced by Jesse Hartman
Published by: Exurbia Music, Inc. (BMI)
Released by Hurricane Cove Records 
Jesse Hartman — vocals, guitars, keys, synths, piano, bass
Anna Hadeed — vocals
Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson — vocals
Kendelle Thomas - bass
Mike Desmarais — drums
Lluísen Capafons — conga, percussion
Matthew Dakoutro — cello, viola, violin
Siuxx — electric guitar
Artem - horns
Engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, Edward Douglas & Jesse Hartman
Mixed by Edward Douglas & Jesse Hartman
Mastered by Dave Trumfio
Artwork Painting by Jesse Hartman
UPC/EAN 5063904538524
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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Tombstones In Their Eyes drop dark jewel 'You Never Have to Love Me' from 'Under Dark Skies' LP (plus B-side)

February 4, 2026

LA psych-rock outfit Tombstones In Their Eyes present the single 'You Never Have to Love Me', occupying the uneasy space between collapse and clarity, tracing a moment where survival demands self-reckoning and the realization that repair begins from within. It is showcased by a superb layered and color-rich video by Francesca Bonci, who earlier created videos for the singles 'Under Dark Skies' and Alive and Well', dedicated to guitarist Paul Boutin, who recently lost his battle with cancer.

'You Never Have to Love Me' is lifted from the band's latest (and now acclaimed) album 'Under Dark Skies', released via Little Cloud Records (North America) and Shore Dive Records (UK and EU). Recorded and engineered by Paul Roessler (The Screamers, Nina Hagen, 45 Grave) at Kitten Robot Studios, which was co-produced by John Treanor and mastered by multi-platinum engineer Alex DeYoung at DeYoung Masters (Michael Jackson, BTS, Macy Gray, The Linda Lindas, TSOL).

What began a decade ago as two childhood friends (John Treanor in LA and James Cooper in NYC) swapping demos quickly grew into a full-fledged band. Today, Tombstones In Their Eyes is made up of John Treanor (vocals & guitar), Stephen Striegel (drums), Courtney Davies (vocals), Phil Cobb (guitar), Nic Nifoussi (bass) and Clea Cullen (vocals). Guitarist Paul Boutin remains a member of the band in spirit, having passed away in mid-October 2025.

"'You Never Have to Love Me' was written in September 2023 during a fertile period of writing. I was not doing well emotionally, and there was no intended meaning to the song as I wrote it. But as I look back on it now, this song seems to be about acknowledging my failures and attempting to find grace. The idea that “you never have to love me” is really about how I first need to love myself before I can attempt to make things right," says John Treanor.

"There are a lot of musicians on this track, with 3 guitar players, 6 people contributing vocals, 2 bass players and 1 drummer and 1 keyboard player. We split the bass parts as Joel was not longer going to be in the band and Nic was coming back in. I had them both do parts and we used some of each. Phil did an amazing outro guitar part that to me is a highlight of the song."

Complementing the A-side is another psychedelic gift in the B-side 'Everybody's Dead', which thrives on instinct rather than intention, letting subconscious fragments spill out in a way that is both sincere and surreal. It also marks a quiet origin point for the band, capturing the beginning of long-running creative partnerships that would go on to shape their sound for the next decade.

John Treanor explains, "We originally released this song on our 2016 'Bad Clouds' EP, which we didn't promote at all. I just let words come out of my mind impromptu while singing over the track, allowing things to seep out of the subconscious, sometimes real and sometimes nonsensical. This was the first record fully done at Kitten Robot Studio with Paul Roessler and the first time we worked with drummer Stephen Striegel, who is still in the band today. It was the start of 10 years of working with both of them."

'You Never Have to Love Me' is out now digitally, including Spotify, Apple Musicand Bandcamp, where the 'Under Dark Skies' album can also be found. The album is also available on vinyl via Little Cloud Records (North America) and Shore Dive Records (UK and the EU).

CREDITS
Written by John Treanor

Recorded & Mixed by Paul Roessler at Kitten Robot Studios (Los Angeles, CA)

Produced by Paul Roessler and John Treanor

Videos by Francesca Bonci
Band photos by Karin Johansson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

NYC's Nevaris brings healing groove on ‘Remedy - Live’, previewing 'SoundSession' EP

February 2, 2026

Manhattan-based artist Nevaris shares 'Remedy - Live', the second offering from his forthcoming 'SoundSession' EP, blending ultimate groove and rhythm, jazzy saxophone, a slick bassline and addictive lap-guitar with cinematic soundscapism and turntablism. This is the sound that brilliant film soundtracks are made of.

'Remedy' arrives on the heels of the lead track 'Ninth Sun-Live', a fruitful and soulful extended improvisation that also brings in Afro-Latin, dub and funk elements. 'SoundSession' follows the path Nevaris set out on with his debut album 'Reverberations', releas ed in 2023 via M.O.D. Reloaded, earning praise from the one and only Carlos Santana as "a work of supreme creativity”.

'SoundSession' is the fourth collaboration between percussionist Agustín Nevaris,legendary bassist-producer Bill Laswell, and this particular lineup of musicians. The nine-piece ensemble involvd in this live studio recording includes DJ Logic, Jonathan Maron, Angel Rodriguez, Will Bernard, Peter Apfelbaum, Jojo Kuo, Lockatron and Matt Dickey.

"The title 'Remedy' speaks to the power of music to bring healing to our bodies and minds, especially during troubled times like the present. The song was originally written by Bill Laswell and me, and Jonathan Maron does an amazing job of bringing the basslines to life in this version. We all need remedies in this world, and hopefully, the song will have a positive effect on those who hear it," says Agustín Nevaris.

Recorded live in a single session on May 30th, 2023, 'SoundSession' was captured in Laswell’s Orange Sound studio in West Orange, New Jersey. Originally planned as a virtual performance, the band scrapped that idea to instead focus on the simplicity of playing live with multiple cameras documenting the process. With no edits or overdubs to this recording, all instruments were captured synchronously in real time.

Recorded and mixed by James Dellatacoma and mastered by Michael Fossenkember at Turtletone Studios, this recording features interpretations of music previously written by Nevaris and Bill Laswell, including specific basslines that were written by Laswell, which bassist Jonathan Maron learned and performed when Bill was unable to participate in the recording for health reasons.

Agustín Nevaris is a percussionist, keyboardist, vocalist and composer, heavily influenced by Afro-Latin, dub, and funk music. From the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Nevaris also performs under the name Loud Apartment with an evolving lineup of musicians, most notably Bernie Worrell of P-Funk and Talking Heads. Of European and Mexican descent with multi-generational roots in NYC and LA, Nevaris is a visual and multimedia artist, with a vast array of creative projects across mediums. He also co-founded Nolej Records, Nolej Studios and the Uncomun Festival.

"SoundSession is about playing together live without being stressed by ticket sales or a venue accommodating so many musicians. Bill Laswell's studio in West Orange, New Jersey has always been an inspiring place with so much history. (It was built for Franki Valli originally.) The live room is something magnificent. We had never used it in a way that fully took advantage of it," says Nevaris.

"So this was a chance to do so, using the full space of this sizeable room. From the first notes, we could tell there was something good happening. And the recording documents it exactly as it was, with no overdubs or edits. Every note feels right from my perspective; exactly how it happened in real time."

Already in the works is a second studio album that features some truly exciting special guests, which will be released via Bill Laswell's label M.O.D. Reloaded later in 2026.

'Remedy - Live' is available via Bandcamp, where the 'SoundSession' EP can now be pre-ordered. On February 27, 'Soundsession' will be released digitally everywhere including Apple Music and Spotify.

CREDITS
Written by Agustín Nevaris, Bill Lasswell, DJ Logic, Peter Apfelbaum, Jojo Kuo, Will Bernard, Lockatron, Angel Rodriguez, Jonathan Maron & Matt Dickey
Agustín Nevaris - timbales, bongos, Hammond Organ
Angel Rodriguez - bata drums, shekere, congas, darbuka
Jojo Kuo - bata drums, shekere, misc. percussion
DJ Logic - turntables
Peter Apfelbaum - sax, flute, melodica, reed organ
Will Bernard - guitar
Lockatron - drumset
Matt Dickey - guitar
Jonathan Maron - bass
Produced by Agustín Nevaris
Recorded at Orange Sound in West Orange, New Jersey
Recorded & mixed by James Dellatacoma
Mastering by Michael Fossenkember at Turtletone Studios
Artwork by Realize
Artist photos by Michael Black
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Nevaris

Charlie Nieland & Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf) share 'Making of Today' video & original stop-motion video Nieland's acclaimed 'Stories From the Borderlines' album is out now

February 2, 2026

Renowned NYC songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland and the iconic Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf, Ryan Adams) present the 'Making of Today' video, a glimpse into their latest single 'Today', a hymn of loss and acceptance that finds its power in the absence of knowing and transmutation of personal darkness into a universal meditation on the beauty of the finite.

This behind-the-scenes video complements the video for 'Today', a beautiful Alex Dar-directed stop-motion interpretation that is devastating and yet hopeful. The new clip shows how Nieland and McGinty collaborated to create this song, including studio footage and Joe touring us through the instruments that he used on this track. These latest clips highlight the beautiful optimism and creativity that has gone into Nieland's newly released (and now acclaimed) album 'Stories From The Borderlines'.

"When you get a chance to work with keyboard whiz Joe McGinty, you take it. I knew Joe; I’d been singing in his long running NYC performance series "The Loser’s Lounge"and he was also a guest on my podcast "An Embarrassment Of Prog" in 2023. He is a deeply empathetic person and an accomplished player who always knows what to add to make an arrangement sing," says Charlie Nieland.

"When I was working on 'Today', I realized it needed something more than my keyboard parts, so I asked Joe to play on it and he enthusiastically said yes. Joe and I have a great time talking about our Prog Rock upbringings, so I asked him if he could create some layers that had the feel of the semi-obscure Jon Anderson/Vangelis song 'So Long Ago, So Clear'. Of course, he knew exactly what I was talking about. He fired up his vintage and new keyboards (he has quite a collection) and bathed the song in a unique glow that really elevated the feeling of hope and sadness."

Apart from vocals and guitar, Charlie Nieland contributes Mellotron violins and flute, e-bow guitar and bass. Joe McGinty plays multiple synths (Freeman String Symphonizer, Moog Muse, Oberheim Xpander, RMI Keyboard Computer, Sequential Pro 3, Therevox ET 5, Waldorf Iridium and Yamaha CP35), sharing “It was a bit of a tall order, but a good excuse to use some of my favorite keyboard instruments, vintage and new, for this arrangement. It was a delight to work on this song."

With sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, 'Stories From The Borderlines' is an act of imaginative resistance, passionately mining for light and truth in a darkening world. Named Artist of the Year by The Manc Review, this is one of his most profound albums, known for his work producing and writing for the likes of Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters. Presenting a visceral blend of post punk, glam, dream pop and progressive rock, this immersive journey is a personal exploration of themes such as connection and severance.

Following the 2025 EP 'The Ocean Understands', Nieland shared the singles 'Win' feat. Staten Island rapper spiritchild and 'Shame' with a firecracker videoby NYC artists Hypnodoll and Alice Teeple, these cinematic and poignant songs also involving drummer Billy Loose and guitarist Dan McAssey.

Nieland's decades-long backstory as a writer, performer and producer is extensive. He was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (with Glenn Close), Showtime's pilot episode of 'The L Word' and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Nieland's debut solo album 'Ice Age' (2014) was followed by 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016) and ‘Divisions' (2021). After 20 years with Her Vanished Grace, he is half of the literature-inspired duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, and produces and co-hosts the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

The 'Stories From The Borderlines' album is out now digitally, including via Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Nieland performs next in New York City from February 19th to 21st at Joe's Pub for 'Loser's Lounge Presents REM Vs. The Replacements', and on April 12th at 503 Social Club (Hoboken, NJ), together with Renee Maskin and Karyn Kuhl.

CREDITS
All songs written by Charlie Nieland, except 'Win' (by Charlie Nieland & spiritchild   )
Charlie Nieland - vocals, 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic and e-bow guitars, lap steel guitar, fretted and fretless electric basses, upright piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Korg MS20 analog synth, virtual Mellotrons and string machines, autoharp, glockenspiel, percussion
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Brutalist Monuments' & 'You Fell Down'
spiritchild - Vocals on 'Win'
 Joe McGinty - keyboards on 'Today'
Recorded at home and at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn, NY
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
© 2025 Athame Music, xspiritmentaleyez Music (Win)
Album cover art by Hypnodoll™  
Videos for 'Today' and the 'Making of Today' videos by Alex Dar
Videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown' by Hypnodoll™
Video for 'Shame' by Hypnodoll™ and Alice Teeple
Artist photos by Alice Teeple and Bob Krasner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Pittsburgh postpunk-shoegaze outfit LOWSUNDAY unveils 'Soft Capture' from new 'White EP'

January 28, 2026

Legacy postpunk-shoegaze outfit Lowsunday has shared 'Soft Capture', with a new video by Jer Herring. This is the second single from the 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine - White EP', following 'Love Language'. Released via Projekt Records and ranking second among Post-Punk.com's Best EPs of 2025, this is the band's first record of all-new material since 1999.

Born in the mid-1990s within the local Pittsburgh scene, Lowsunday (initially known as Low Sunday Ghost Machine) emerged as a "retro-futurist" pioneer, blending darkwave and shoegaze long before the genres saw their modern revival. Their legacy was cemented with their debut album 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine' and the 1999 masterpiece 'Elesgiem', both of which were re-released via Projekt Records over the past 18 months (for their 30th and 25th anniversaries, respectively).

The band dissolved, leaving behind a cult reputation for mercurial sounds and blistering guitar work that set the stage for subsequent generations of alternative artists. Following a nearly 25-year period of inactivity, the band resurfaced as a duo in 2025—consisting of original members Shane Sahene (vocals, guitar, synth, bass, drums) and Bobby Spell (bass, guitar, drums).

"With 'Soft Capture', we wanted to layer vintage synths over a droning bass line, topped with a wandering guitar melody. As the guitar descends, we felt it taking on a darker tone, but then it creates a bit of a silver lining as the melody climbs back up. We used the lead guitar feedback almost like a theremin, letting it melt through the background," says Shane Sahene.

"Lyrically, we were thinking about the traps of life and the ways we often submit to things, but the song eventually circles around with an optimistic glimpse of having the opportunity to run away. We feel like the backing vocals on the chorus are what really bring that sense of strength and hope to a situation that might otherwise feel like a surrender."

Serving as both a reflection and a resurgence, the 'White EP' ushers in a welcome return, marked by superb production and a renewed creative clarity, bridging three decades of distinct sonic legacy with balanced doses of escapism, dreamlike sounds, drones and feedback. This first of a two new EPs planned this year, their crystalline shimmer, classic song structures and melodic hooks shows their atmospheric sound to be as timeless and relevant as ever.

The 'White EP' is a natural expansion for Lowsunday, building upon guitar-driven atmospheres, synth textures, emotive vocals and drum beats. A confident return to form that explores darker yet more expansive sonic territory, they bring atmospheric noise and, at more delicate moments, a dream pop air of deeper melancholia. Distilling years of sonic exploration and inspiration, lyrically and sonically, classic post-punk rhythms and atmospheric layers merge to express raw and geniune emotion.

The 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine - White EP' is out now digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, and as a vinyl release, limited to 200 copies. The 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine' reissue and limited edition 7" of 'Static / Besides' can also be found on these platforms.

Laptop presents new single 'Confused', a sonic response to a fracturing democratic reality

January 24, 2026

NYC alternative pop outfit Laptop presents their new single “Confused” — the emotional and thematic center of their forthcoming album "On This Planet" and their most definitive song to date. Written in response to January 6 (now the 5th anniversary), the track captures the psychological whiplash of watching democratic reality fracture in real time, filtered through the perspective of a man glued to the news, overwhelmed by noise, grievance, spectacle, and historical déjà vu.

Formed in the late ’90s, Laptop released three albums with Island Records with praise from the NME, The Guardian and others for their stylized blend of synth-pop & irony. Now a multi-generational project with Jesse Hartman joined by his son Charlie Hartman, they are not observing the present from a distance. “Confused” is the sound of living inside it — aware of history, aware of danger, and quietly aware that even the people telling us what’s happening may not know what to believe themselves. Yet for all its tension, “Confused” is not humorless. Like much of Laptop’s work, the song is threaded with a dry, unsettling irony — the kind that emerges when reality itself starts to feel absurd.

“‘Confused’ came from the shock of watching January 6 unfold on TV — but the really twisted part is that we’d been in D.C. two days earlier, visiting family, cluelessly being tourists, while staying at the hotel where the lead insurrectionists were actually meeting. We had no idea. But the city felt off — weirdly quiet, strange characters everywhere — like the ’70s version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". MAGA evangelicals blowing Jewish shofars, that kind of bizarro-ness," says Jesse Hartman.

"Then we went back to New York, life felt normal again for a moment,, and then a day later we were watching the least normal thing I’ve ever seen unfold. The whole family was completely freaked out, especially Lulu. (“Daddy was confused…Now, he’s flown the coop” – or is it coup? - recalling the ghostly children’s chorus of "Another Brick in the Wall”). Once the song got going, it felt obvious she had to be part of it.”

That generational perspective extends to the artwork. The cover image — a stark, almost African-influenced child’s face — was painted by Lulu herself. Rendered with raw simplicity and quiet distress, the image feels ancient and immediate at once. Lulu belongs to a generation that has grown up with Trump, COVID, lockdowns, and permanent crisis — for whom confusion isn’t a moment, but a condition. Like her voice in the track, the artwork doesn’t explain anything. It watches.

Musically, "Confused" is hypnotic and rhythm-driven, built on a circular, Afro-influenced groove that recalls Fela Kuti’s forward momentum filtered through the nervous minimalism of Talking Heads’ "Remain in Light” era. The track accumulates tension rather than releasing it. It openly channels the philosophy ofCompass Point Studios— rhythm as infrastructure, voices as texture, politics embedded in groove rather than announcement. The song keeps moving, even as clarity collapses. And like the other“On This Planet”album tracks, “Confused” was written and produced by Jesse Hartman, which was tracked in Valencia and overdubbed in Nevis, a place the band came to call the inspiration island.

Pushing the song’s themes into visual satire, the music video is framed as a CNN-style news broadcast, withJesse Hartman as the anchor — calm, youthful, and unsettlingly composed — delivering chaos with the authority of media normalcy.Denise Gordon andGeddys “Ch4se” Fergusonappear as correspondents reporting from distant, vaguely defined locations, their dispatches fragmented and contradictory.Jesse Hartmanhovers as an ambiguous figure — part tyrant, part media creation, part projection — never clarified, never resolved. The result isn’t parody so much as a wry, uncomfortable mirror: a world where information, performance, and power blur until belief itself feels optional.

n 2025, Laptop released several singles - "Indie Hero", "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know", and “Weirder”, mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Julian Lennon), in addition to a Tom Waits holiday cover, collectively drawing millions of views and reintroducing Laptop’s postmodern humor to a new generation.

“Confused” is out on January 23 via Hurricane Cove Records, available on streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The much-anticipated "On This Planet" album will be released in Spring 2026.

CREDITS
Written by: Jesse Hartman
Published by: Exurbia Music, Inc. (BMI)
Produced by: Jesse Hartman
Jesse Hartman — vocals, guitars, keys, synths, piano, bass, drum machine, percussion
Charlie Hartman — vocals
Marlena “Lulu” Hartman — vocals, synth
Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson — vocals
Denise Gordon — vocals
Mike Desmarais — drums
Ben Jones — piano
Bruce Irvine (aka The Black Panther) — slide guitar
Lluísen Capafons — conga, percussion
Lee Sullivan — saxophone
Matthew Dakoutro — cello, viola, violin
Siuxx — keys, synths
Engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, Edward Douglas, Jesse Hartman
Mixed by Ray Aldaco, Nicholas Vernhes, Edward Douglas, Jesse Hartman
Mastered by Dave Trumfio
Artwork Painting by Marlena “Lulu” Hartman, Design by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
UPC/EAN 5063858817812
City photos by Tommy Krause. Other photos by Emmanuel Abreau
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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From Big Screen to Mosh Pit: Detroit Illharmonic Drops High-Octane Anthem "Who Loves You"

January 23, 2026

Detroit Illharmonic Symphony presents "Who Loves You", a highlight track from their new album "Everything Is Shattered". A deliberate exercise in contrast, this single blends a catchy, classic pop sensibility with a "mean and nasty" performance, capturing the energy of fun rock and roll while maintaining a gritty, powerful edge that pushes against its own sweet melodies.

The music video itself serves as a stylistic laboratory, bridging the gap between the band's musical and cinematic projects. Featured in the bold 2025 animated motion picture "I’d Rather Be Turned Into Cat Food". Written and directed by Walter Santucci and produced by Evil Cat Land (whose pedigree includes animation for MTV, Nickelodeon, ABC, Disney, Ice T, Margaret Cho, Cedric the Entertainer and Monty Python's Graham Chapman), this film does to cinema what punk rock did to music.

Not based in the Motor City, but Los Angeles, Detroit Illharmonic Symphony's core members are Cool Walt (bass, cello, guitar, piano), Raga Roni (samples, drum programming, turntables), Malyque Smith (rapping and turntables), Cecilia Suhr (violin, cello, piano) and Lukecage (piano, saxophone, drums). For this album, the band teamed up with southern California punk pioneers Jack Grisham (TSOL) and Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag), among other guests.

"At its core musically, “Who Loves You” is total rock and roll nonsense. Fun, melodic punk with words that SEEM to have deep meaning but actually don’t. And that’s the message: a deliberate F.U. to being normal. I wanted it to be catchy and have a classic pop feel to it, but I also wanted the band to play it mean and nasty; to have the performance contrast with the melody and create a really powerful record," says Cool Walt.

"The music video came about during the production of our feature film 'I’d Rather Be Turned Into Cat Food". We were experimenting with animation styles, trying to find the right one for the movie, and decided to test some ideas out by making a video. We’d just finished recording “Who Loves You” and decided to try out the “Cat Food” ideas in it, most notably the rapidly changing faces of the main character and the sketchy, rough line style."

It would be an understatement to say that the 'Everything Is Shattered' album is an ambitious project. Fusing elements of punk, indie rock, classical music, hip hop and soul, these are 14 tracks loaded with punk attitude, cinematic soundscapes, and hip hop swagger. This record is released by California's legendary Geza X Records, founded by the legendary producer Geza X, the sonic architect of West Coast punk, and engineer of seminal music by punk royalty—Dead Kennedys, The Germs, Black Flag, The Avengers, Redd Kross and The Weirdos.

Along with artists Tony Nittoli, Kristina Wong and John Andrews, best known for his work with MTV and for producing Beavis and Butthead, the film "I’d Rather Be Turned Into Cat Food" also features Jack Grisham and Keith Morris , who contributes vocals on “If You Cooperate”, a psychedelic surf-punk fever dream meets spaghetti-western soundtrack, with Cecilia Suhr on violin).

The lead track "Everything Is Shattered" sees Jack Grisham (from TSOL) joined by vocalist Max Galbreath (ttwopercentmilk). Produced and recorded by Paul Roessler (The Screamers, Nina Hagen, 45 Grave) at Kitten Robot Studios, this high-energy cinematic post-punk anthem has Bond-theme intensity. The accompanying video has toured the world, featured on the PBS television show "Music California" and has won four awards, most recently at the Los Angeles Animation Festival.

Presenting a wild mashup of punk, indie rock, hip hop, and cinematic chaos, this album brings to life fantasies of TSOL jamming with the Beastie Boys in a Quentin Tarantino movie. It's rich diversity is worth exploring. "You Have One Minute to Disperse" and “She’s Never Gonna Love Me” both features Malyque Smith on vocals. Diana Lynn appears on "Doo Doo On A Stick", where 70s soul merges with Sesame Street groove, while "Welcome to Fear City" — with Venetia Phillips on trumpet — paints hip-hop with a shade of 60s movie soundtrack cool.

Since 2001, Detroit Illharmonic has released nine albums and scores for several film and television projects. With an exciting and unique mix of symphonic instruments, samples, turntables and the involvement of various vocalists, their work has been featured at Brooklyn Academy of Music, REDCAT (LA), University of Chicago, Royce Hall (UCLA), University of Notre Dame, Cinema Detroit, and American Cinematheque. In 2014, the video for their song "It's a Lovely Day" toured with the 50th anniversary re-release of The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night", screening in 20 cities across the USA. Many of their music videos have screened in cinemas internationally and have won multiple awards.

The 'Everything Is Shattered' album is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The title track single is also being released on 7" limited edition translucent blue vinyl record with the same cover art as the album!

CREDITS
Written by Walter Santucci (Tracks 3-8, 10-11, 13); Jack Grisham & Walter Santucci (Track 1); Walter Santucci & Malyque Smith (Tracks 9, 12); Walter Santucci & Cecilia Suhr (Track 2)
Raga Roni - drums & drum programming
Cool Walt - bass, guitar, cello, piano
Max Galbreath - vocals on "Everything Is Shattered"
Jack Grisham - vocals on "Everything Is Shattered"
Keith Morris - vocals on "If You Cooperate"
Cecilia Suhr - violin on "If You Cooperate"
Venetia Phillips - trumpet "Welcome to Fear City"
Malyque Smith - vocals on "You Have One Minute to Disperse" & “She’s Never Gonna Love Me”
Diana Lynn - vocals “Doo Doo On A Stick”
Produced by Raga Roni, except "Everything Is Shattered' produced by Paul Roessler
Recorded by Donny Baker at ES Audio, Raga Roni at Evil Cat Land,
and "Everything Is Shattered' recorded by Paul Roessler at Kitten Robot Studios
Album released by Geza X Records
Published by Andthereitisthere / BMI (Jack Grisham) & Geza Music / BMI (Walter Santucci & Cecilia Suhr), ASCAP / Beats and Bluntz Publishing (Malyque Smith )
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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Pennsylvania Indie rockers Robin Ross & The Melodynes share 'Echo of Love', a shimmering anthem of sonic intimacy

January 20, 2026

Pennsylvania outfit Robin Ross & The Melodynes welcome the new year with their new single 'Echo of Love', a rhythmic exercise in romantic resonance that captures the high-frequency hum of two souls colliding in perfect, melodic symmetry. A shimmering anthem of sonic intimacy, Ross frames true love as a permanent vibration—one that holds its ground long after the music stops.

This is the second offering from the band's sophomore 'Mind Space' album, forthcoming via RPM Entertainment, which was recorded at Baa Baa Leaf Music Studio on the Mountain in Milford, Pennsylvania. Ross produced and engineered this album, along with famed engineer Jonathan Duckett (Phillip Glass, Kenny G, David Sanborn).

"This is a song based on a very melodic rhythm that moves in sync with the echo of love. Love takes two to bounce feelings back and forth within your heart. Echoes from both hearts bounce until their rhythm collides and creates balance," says Robin Ross.

"Echoes far and near keep us together and will never be apart. You feel it when we hug, you feel it when I look at you. Vibrations keep us strong. Even when you are not around, the echoes vibrate our ground. Like two doves above, so is the Echo of Love."

Robin Ross & The Melodynes is not just about music - it's about big fun between like-minded artists, including Wharton Tiers, JoJo Ellen Gaetani, Katlyn Albrecht, Nancy Isola, TW Howell, Emery Rhodes, Joe (Bass) Torres and Tony Anniello. Their collective good vibes cannot help but seep into the music, carrying over to their listeners.

Earlier, the band shared the lead track 'Spill No Mo Wine', a fun-loving single born from a high-spirited gathering on Lake Huron. In the spirit of The B-52s and The Pretenders, this single flies straight from the bottle right to your dancing feet, capturing the energetic atmosphere of friendship and celebration, using a humorous mishap to explore resilience when life's plans briefly spill out of control.

With musical roots in New Jersey and New York dating back to 1988, Robin Ross has established himself in the bustling artistic community of Milford, PA, A musician, songwriter, and producer with diverse musical endeavours spanning over three decades, he has released numerous albums and played a pivotal role in creating several recording studios, including Triple R Studios and Sound Complex near NYC. Ross' current recording studio, Baa Baa Leaf Music Studio, continues to expand.

In 2025, Ross released 'Back To The Forest', the debut EP as Robin Ross & The TW Howlers, a songwriting project with storied folk-rock artist TW Howell, which received critical acclaim and airplay in dozens of countries.

In the early 1990s, Robin co-founded Laughing Jack, later rebranded as Jack’s Maze, acclaimed for a progressive rock sound reminiscent of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Alas, life and business took him in a different direction. In 2021, Robin embarked on building Baa Baa Leaf Music Studio and also regrouped with Jack's Maze members Frank Cinquegrana, Scott Cowan, and Joe Torres to create new progressive rock albums. The Forecast is predicting a new Jack's Maze album later in 2026.

As of January 20, 'Echo of Love' is available from fine digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and Bandcamp. The full 'Mind Space' album will be released on February 20.

CREDITS
'Echo of Love' written by Robin Ross, JoEllen Gaetani, Wharton Tiers
Robin Ross - guitar, bass, keys
JoEllen Gaetani - vocals
Wharton Tiers - drummer
Emery Rhodes - back vocals
Recorded at Baa Baa Leaf Music Studios (Milford, PA)
Produced & Mixed by Robin Ross
Supervising Engineer: Jonathan Duckett
Photography & videos by Tina Ross
Album artwork & design by Tina Ross
Publishing & booking: RPM Entertainment Enterprises, LLC
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Instant karma hits hard as NYC's ECCE SHNAK re-envisions ‘Katy’s Wart’ in new supernatural video

January 17, 2026

Serving as a bridge towards their full-length album 'Dandy Variances' album, out later this year via Records, Man Records, genre-defying NYC outfit Ecce Shnakdeliberately revisit 'Katy's Wart', a hidden gem from their 2019 'Joke Oso' album (full name 'Dingleberry IV, Finale: Katy's Wart'). Telling a visceral tale of justice, the new video introduces a cruel madman, who finally meets his end at the hands of five purple goddesses of righteous vengeance.

A blistering indictment of bigotry and cruelty, this surreal narrative was brought to life through a collaboration with some of the industry’s most innovative creative minds. The project’s striking visual identity is the work of the production-direction team of Hollye Bynum and Sam Owens, as well as the band’s own David Roush. The eery and mind-boggling animation was crafted by the industry titans at Titmouse Productions.

The story is presented in two formats: as a three-minute 'Animated Music Feelm Version', and an immersive ten-minute 'Extended Feelm Version' with a dramatic backstory that builds tension and context, centered on a well-dressed maniac lacking basic human dignity, whose harmful acts finally trigger a cosmic intervention. The heroic twin sisters, played by Rachael Rae Robertson and Rebecca Robertson, ultimately fend him off with the help of otherworldly agents of chaotic justice. In a supernatural animated turning point, five spirits are conjured to deliver him a dose of instant karma

Based in New York City, Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) is made up of David Roush (composer, bassist and one of two singers), Bella Komodromos(vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums). With this high-fidelity animation, 'Katy’s Wart' is now a definitive piece of Ecce Shnak lore, bridging their historical catalogue with their ambitious future. In revisiting this slept-on art, they are clearing the path for new music and film works.

2025 was a massive year for Ecce Shnak that saw the spring release of their 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP, which was recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci, mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Wild Nothing, The War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend).

They also released their live 'Backroom Sessions' EP and two club anthems - the Bladerunner-esque 'Jeremy, Utilitarian Sadboy (Kill Em Mix)' with German DJ-producer Eskei83 and the buoyant 'Prayer On Love (Madison Mars Remix)', in collaboration with world-famous DJ-producer Madison Mars.

After touring the USA with platinum-selling legends Spacehog and EMF, Ecce Shnak also features on the EMF single 'LGBTQ+ Lover', an epic indie dance track that offers a safe space for the marginalized queer community, the video footage for which was filmed during their recent joint tour.

'Katy's Wart' can be found on digital music platforms, including Spotify, and Apple Music. Ecce Shnak's new album 'Dandy Variances' will be released later this year via Records, Man Records. New live dates will be announced soon.

CREDITS
Written / composed by David Roush
Performed by Ecce Shnak
Sound Engineer: Jeff Lucci at the Art Farm (NY)
Mixed by Bryce Goggin
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian
Released by Records Man, Records
Video produced & directed by Hollye Bynum, Sam Owens & David Roush
Video animation by Titmouse Productions
Artist photos by Tommy Krause
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

Pennsylvania Tri-State indie-pop artist Celeste Corsano kicks off 2026 with new 'Space' single

January 15, 2026

Alternative pop artist Celeste Corsano is back to greet 2026 with a new track, called 'Space', a lyrical exploration of the "middle ground", where the ego is surrendered in favor of genuine connection and the sixth in a stellar series released via Montclair, New Jersey-based Magic Door Record Label.

Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Luna, Gramercy Arms) at Magic Door Recording Studio, this song involves contributions by James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale) and David Nagler (Nova Social, Joan Baez, Aaron Neville, Rosanne Cash, Yo La Tengo).

As with previous singles, her brother Chris Corsano (Björk, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore) contributed the cover artwork. The track’s philosophy is mirrored in its sonic architecture with a soundscape where the production allows the arrangement to breathe, much like the negative space in a masterpiece. With a sound that feels open and uncluttered, Corsano offers a fresh perspective on the value of intellectual and emotional openness.

"I love the kind of old Bowie feel of this song which was enhanced by the production with the keyboard effects, James Mastro's electric guitar work and David Nagler's acoustic guitar work," says Celeste Corsano.

Rather than fighting for the last word, 'Space' invites us to leave room for listening and change, viewing vulnerability as a catalyst for deeper relationships. Corsano posits that a gentle approach carries more weight than force, much like a feather outlasting a heavy hand. By letting go of the need to "win," we create a sanctuary for understanding to grow and for the subtle, internal forces of love to take hold.

"I'm a person who may argue a point, but also reserve the right to change my mind mid-debate or after a time and say 'hey you're right' or 'I agree with your outlook.' I dislike having an argument based on the outcome of who will be right... "There in the space where no one wins"...where we can find a common ground and move forward...so much more productive. Take your 'self', your pride, fear, or fear of being wrong out of the argument and we learn so much more about who we are and the other person too and the world. In the space that seems 'empty or non profitable' can be the most useful," says Corsano.

"Visual art often uses negative space and it can be the most impactful within its' composition. Also in the Tao Te Ching, Chapter 23, "The Uses of Not' speaks on 'uselessness' or emptiness; "Hollowed-out clay makes a pot. Where the pot is not is where it is useful". It speaks about the aspects of nothingness, in a pot and says the most useful part of it isn't the sides or the handle etc., but the empty space.... In science, space is thought to be empty or an entity if you read about it."

Based in Milford, Pennsylvania (on the border with New Jersey), Corsano's compositions merge introspective writing with audacious arrangements, employing complex rhythmic structures and a vast emotional spectrum that ranges from ethereal contemplation to unbridled energy. Evoking comparisons to such artists as Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Lene Lovich and Julia Holter, her unique persona shines brightly, establishing Corsano as an artist whose intensity and distinctive timbre are truly mesmerizing.

Corsano blazed through 2025 with a string of diverse singles, the latest being 'Shellfish'. Following her initial offerings 'Nightbird' and 'Sunlight Gazing', her singles 'Stuck' and 'XS' were accompanied by animated videos, created by Brother JT. Her fearless storytelling achieves a deeper, more candid truth through the natural application of asymmetric meters and vocal coloring. With disarming sincerity and vulnerability, her messages also resonate with a collective human experience.

Celeste's artistry is inspired by her brothers - percussionist Chris Corsano and Latin roots musician Tony Corsano. Starting off in NYC's music scene, she was inspired by punk, new wave, poetry and art, not to mention countless studio sessions with ex-husband Brad Morrison (producer and Absolute A-Go-Go Records founder), working with the likes of Phish, the Figgs and Spiral Jetty. Initially performing Celtic and Bluegrass, she eventually began writing music rooted in the alternative music scene.

As of January 15th, 'Space' is available from fine online music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where all releases from her blossoming discography can also be found.

Portland's RAYON captures anxiety's frantic pulse on new 'Running' single & Citroen-laced video

January 14, 2026

Portland alt-rock / post-punk outfit Rayon present their latest single 'Running', a propulsive exploration of the anxiety that comes with watching loved ones struggle with cycles of addiction that they can't shake - and the sound of a tape echo that's about to stop working. Intentionally preserving the noise of pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding to heighten the song’s frantic pace, its sound can be considered a study in tension and tape, the video conveying a sense of lo-fi capers involving a Citroen Wagon.

Found on the flip side of the single 'Shopping / Running' (also available on 7" vinyl via Little Cloud Records), 'Running' is perhaps even more stunning than the whacky A-side 'Shopping', a tongue-in-cheek ode to consumerism and travel, written by someone who happens to travel and consume a bit.

Founded by long-time North Portland resident and Detroit-area native Eric Sabatino, Rayon now also involves members of other notable Portland bands - Sun Atoms, Yuvees, Pastilla and Martha Stax - namely Anna Sabatino, Riley McLaughlin, Eric Rubalcava and Derek Longoria-Gomez.

'Running' is based on a relentless bass and drum groove that lived in Sabatino's head for months before finally taking shape in the studio. To capture the song’s unsettled emotional landscape, the band leaned into the mechanical unpredictability of a dying Dynacord tape echo. By funneling guitars and vocals through the aging machine, they achieved a haunting, warped soundscape where the pitch and speed constantly bend and shift. Feeling as though it is physically straining under its own weight, this song mirrors the very themes of instability it describes.

"'Running' was built around a bass and drum groove I was kicking around in my head for months. The guitars and vocals are the sound of a tape echo called "dynacord" that's barely working, bending and moving the speed and pitch of everything we run through it. Those parts wouldn't have come out like that if I wasn't trying to write a guitar part while plugged into that machine." says Eric Sabatino.

The video for 'Running' offers a gritty, nostalgic look at the band’s world, captured entirely on a vintage Handycam, following the band in their meticulously restored Citroen wagon. Embracing the track's jerky energy, their journey concludes with a grainy, evocative sequence of freeway signs leading into Seattle—a slow-burn outro that grounds the video’s high-energy antics in a sense of place and movement.

"The video was shot on an old handycam camcorder we found in the back of a closet. The battery miraculously held a charge. It came with a tape of someone's school play, which we taped over (sorry to whoever's family that was). It features the Citroen wagon from the 'Shopping' video. I worked on that car for months. So glad it didn't break down during these two long video shoots," says Eric Sabatino.

"We drove around all day picking everyone up at their home, work, local bar, favorite little shop, and went to band practice. We filmed the antics and capers along the way. Sometimes we let friends and strangers hold the camera and film us. I transferred and edited it over 2 late nights, trying to capture as much pause, rewind, and fast-forward noise as I could, timing the cuts to capture the jerky energy of the song. I love the outro and the slow noisy shots of the freeway signs leading to Seattle."

In contrast, the video for 'Shopping' - filmed with their awesomely nostalgic Super 8 video - was born of near-burnout and a revitalizing trip south of the border, showcasing antics in several grocery stores there before eventually being kicked out.

Sabatino broke tradition with this release, deciding to mix the album together with famed recording engineer Larry Crane (Cat Power, Sleater-Kinney, The Decemberists, The Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith, Death Cab for Cutie) at Jackpot Recording and Timothy Stollenwerk (Yo La Tengo, Grouper, Morphine) at Stereophonic Mastering.

The 'Shopping / Running' single is out now, available both digitally and as a limited pressing of 150 blue transparent 7" record and 150 black 7" vinyl. It can be ordered in all formats via Bandcamp, with this snazzy vinyl also available via Little Cloud Records. This is the first in an exciting new series of similar records in the works for Rayon.

CREDITS
All songs written by Eric Sabatino
Recorded by Eric Sabatino in Rayon's garage on 16-track tape
Mixed by Eric Sabatino & Larry Crane at Jackpot! Recording
Mastered by Timothy Stollenwerk at Stereophonic Mastering
Eric Sabatino - guitar, bass & vocals
Eric Rubalcava - drums
Riley McLaughlin - guitar
Anna Sabatino - keys & vocals
Cover photo & layout by Eric Sabatino (photo of lamp lady shot on an Argus C3 with Cinestill 800t)
'Shopping' video shot on film (Super 8 Camera) & edited by Jeff Tuyay
'Running' video filmed on Hi8 handycam by Rayon & friends & edited by Rayon
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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NYC's Charlie Nieland shares 'Today' feat. Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf) from 'Stories From the Borderlines' album

January 12, 2026

Renowned NYC songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland reveals 'Today', a beautifully optimistic and goosebump-triggering hymn of inspiration, which features the iconic Joe McGinty (The Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, The Loser's Lounge). This is the serene second-last track on his dazzling new (and now acclaimed) album 'Stories From The Borderlines', a personal exploration of themes such as connection and severance.

With sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, the meticulously crafted songs on this album—a geography of intention—are an act of imaginative resistance, passionately mining for light and truth in a darkening world. This immersive journey deservedly led to him being named Artist of the Year by The Manc Review. This is also one of the most profound albums from Nieland, known for his work producing and writing for such artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters.

"'Today' is a sweeping hymn of loss and acceptance. We’re not wired to practice gratitude. When something comes along and we’re tossed into the dark, we have to choose it. This song was written when I was on the edge of losing someone I love. In that moment, I saw the universe slowly turning and the magic forest of the present moment opened up. I wrote it on keyboards and sang it for a livestream. The absence of knowing what was going to happen drew out my devotion to the burning spark of the present and how, if this was it, that would be ok," says Charlie Nieland.

"I loved the song, but as the rest of the album evolved with elaborate arrangements, I knew that 'Today' needed more than just the stark mellotron sounds I’d chosen as accompaniment. I’d been singing with the NYC performance series "The Loser’s Lounge" and decided that it was time to ask musical director (and former Psychedelic Furs keyboardist) Joe McGinty to add something great. He came through with a gorgeous set of melodies and sounds recorded at his studio."

Apart from vocals and guitar, Charlie Nieland contributes Mellotron violins and flute, e-bow guitar and bass. Joe McGinty plays multiple synths (Freeman String Symphonizer, Moog Muse, Oberheim Xpander, RMI Keyboard Computer, Sequential Pro 3, Therevox ET 5, Waldorf Iridium and Yamaha CP35).

Joe McGinty shares “I was excited to work up an arrangement for Charlie’s excellent song. We have many of the same keyboard heroes, and he referenced a specific Jon Anderson and Vangelis collaboration as inspiration. It was a bit of a tall order, but a good excuse to use some of my favorite keyboard instruments, vintage and new, for this arrangement. It was a delight to work on this song."

The video for 'Today', directed by Alex Dar, is a beautiful visual interpretation that is both devastating and somehow hopeful. Using stop-motion animation, Dar captures the interior of this song so perfectly, sharing the world co-created with Nieland and McGinty.

Previewed by 'The Ocean Understands' EP in early 2025 and several standout singles - the epic 'Win' feat. Staten Island rapper spiritchild and 'Shame' with a firecracker video by NYC artists Hypnodoll and Alice Teeple - the new album presents a visceral blend of post punk, glam, dream pop and progressive rock. With reverence for pioneering synth and guitar-driven music, these cinematic soundscapes and poignant songs also involve drummer Billy Loose and guitarist Dan McAssey.

Nieland's decades-long backstory as a writer, performer and producer is extensive. He was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced. He scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (with Glenn Close), Showtime's pilot episode of 'The L Word' and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

Nieland's debut solo album 'Ice Age' (2014) was followed by 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016) and ‘Divisions' (2021). After 20 years with Her Vanished Grace, he is half of the literature-inspired duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, and produces and co-hosts the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

The 'Stories From The Borderlines' album is out now and available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Nieland performs next in New York City from February 19th to 21st (7 & 9:30pm) at Joe's Pub for 'Loser's Lounge Presents REM Vs. The Replacements', and on April 12th (5pm) at 503 Social Club (Hoboken, NJ), together with Renee Maskin and Karyn Kuhl.

CREDITS
All songs written by Charlie Nieland, except 'Win' (by Charlie Nieland & spiritchild   )
Charlie Nieland - vocals, 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic and e-bow guitars, lap steel guitar, fretted and fretless electric basses, upright piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Korg MS20 analog synth, virtual Mellotrons and string machines, autoharp, glockenspiel, percussion
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Brutalist Monuments' & 'You Fell Down'
spiritchild - Vocals on 'Win'
 Joe McGinty - keyboards on 'Today'
Recorded at home and at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn, NY
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
© 2025 Athame Music, xspiritmentaleyez Music (Win)
Album cover art by Hypnodoll™  
Video for 'Today' by Alex Dar
Videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown' by Hypnodoll™
Video for 'Shame' by Hypnodoll™ and Alice Teeple
Artist photos by Alice Teeple and Bob Krasner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

New Jersey's The Melancholy Kings share 'UV', showcasing new album 'Her Favorite Disguise'

January 8, 2026

New Jersey rockers The Melancholy Kings kick off 2026 with the single 'UV', a quasi-psychedelic musical journey drawing from Thomas Pynchon’s novel "V", a post-modern homage that follows the enigmatic heroine V and the Whole Sick Crew, brought to life through crunchy guitar riffs, psychedelic keyboards, string interludes, a quasi-rap and a bacchanalian finale.

'UV' is featured on their sophomore album 'Her Favorite Disguise', recently released via Magic Door Record Label. This song features contributions by famed trumpeter Mac Gollehon (David Bowie, Al Jarreau, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger, Hall and Oates), who added his sick improvisations in the outro, cellist Carolyn Jeselsohn, who performs Scott Selig’s Beatle-esqe string arrangements, and vocalist Olivia Selig with some soulful belting at the end of the song.

The Melancholy Kings' core is singer-guitarist Mike Potenza (The Anderson Council, Crash Harmony, BARD, Gramercy Arms) and bassist Scott Selig (Ambulance, Uncle Moon, Deni Bonet Band, Super Tuesday), who met amidst corporate life in Manhattan, learning they were both active in the '90s-'00s NYC indie scene, playing in various "almost-famous" bands, touring and opening for legendary artists. They ultimately rededicated themselves to music, solidifying their lineup with drummer Paul Andrew (Fluffer, Phantom Tollbooth) and guitarist Peter Horvath (The Anderson Council).

"I wanted both the music and lyrics to embrace multiple genres like the book “V” and the main character, who transforms in many unexpected ways. So we worked in rock, psychedelic, some rap and a classical vibe with the strings and the lyrics being purposefully impressionistic. This song is this kind of mixture with a lot of different things happening, but in the end comes together," says Michael Potenza.

Scott Selig adds, “From the start, we wanted the studio version of this song to have a kaleidoscope of aural ear candy, with trippy effects, multiple guitar layers, electric piano, strings and horns. The song originated as a riff, chord progression and embryonic song structure that I recorded and sent to Mike, who fleshed it out and added the lyrics. The band worked up the final arrangement collectively."

This long-awaited follow up to their 2019 eponymous debut record, 'Her Favorite Disguise' is an unapologetic nod to the rough-hewn '80s pre-grunge alt-rock era. Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Crash Harmony) at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ, this album also involves Elk City vocalist Reneé LoBue, accordionist Carl Riehl (Michelle Shocked, Uncle Moon), and Ketchem on percussion.

"The video alludes to, without overtly referencing, the characters in the novel “V” – in particular the mysterious title character. It juxtaposes colorful outdoor band performance footage with black & white vignettes (shot old-school on 16mm film) of a V-like woman from various indeterminate time periods in and around New York City, perhaps engaged in semi-clandestine activities," says Scott Selig.

"Later, they are joined by assorted characters (beatniks, punks, flappers, intellectual revolutionaries, hippies, a Russian spy, a Bierkeller-Madl, a recluse) to form a colorful debauched bacchanal, in an indirect nod to The Whole Sick Crew from the novel. An unforecasted rain shower drenched our party, but I think that ended up contributing to a more absurd and interesting atmosphere. The video concept was fleshed out and brought to fruition with the help of emerging cinematographer Jordan Miller, filmmaker Madeleine Grace Smith as “V”, and our friends and family as The Whole Sick Crew".

'Her Favorite Disguise' taps into the vicissitudes of life in the Big Apple and its homely step-sister across the Hudson, celebrating and cringing at its rich tapestry and follies. 'Bitcoin Elegy' explores the inevitable decline of meaningful personal relationships in the digital age. Jangly guitar rocker 'Victoria' was resurrected from days of wearing down the grooves of their REM and Replacements records. 'Astor Place'recounts the familiar tale of suburban exodus to Jersey's promised land, and 'New Girl' tells the lonely tale of a man hopelessly in love with a film noir siren.

As of January 8th, 'Her Favorite Disguise' is available on limited edition 12" vinyl. Digitally, the album is out everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The Melancholy Kings perform next in NYC at The Delancy on February 12 and at The Meat Locker in Montclair, NJ on March 21 for their official album release show.

CREDITS
Mike Potenza – lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, pedal steel, keyboards & percussion
Scott Selig – electric and upright bass, keyboards, guitar, backing vocals & percussion
Peter Horvath – lead vocals on 9, backing vocals, guitars & percussion
Paul Andrew – drums & percussion
Mac Gollehon – trumpet on 7 & 8
Carolyn Jeselsohn – cello on 3 & 8
Ray Ketchem – various percussion
Reneé LoBue – vocals on 5
Carl Riehl – accordion on 5 & 7
Olivia Selig – vocals on 2, 4, 5 & 8
All songs by Mike Potenza except, Track 2 by Mike Potenza & Peter Horvath;
Track 8 by Mike Potenza & Scott Selig; Track 9 by Robert Pollard
Published by Hamilton Publishing (BMI) © 2025 except:
2 by Hamilton Publishing (BMI) / Peter Horvath (BMI) © 2025
9 by Needmore Songs (ASCAP) © 2022
Produced by Ray Ketchem, Scott Selig & The Melancholy Kings
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording, Montclair, NJ
Additional recording at The Old Stone House, Maplewood, NJ
String arrangements on Tracks 3 & 8 by Scott Selig
© 2025 The Melancholy Kings
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Cover art by Reneé LoBue
Art & design by Ray Ketchem
Photo on LP sleeve by Sonya Selig
Video directed by Scott Selig & Jordan Miller
Director of Photography: Jordan Miller
Video edited by Scott Selig
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

NYC artist NEVARIS shares 'Ninth Sun - Live', previewing 'SoundSession' EP, involving BILL LASWELL

January 7, 2026

Manhattan-based artist Nevaris presents 'Ninth Sun-Live', the first offering from his new 'SoundSession' EP, a fruitful and soulful live recording that combines dub, funk, Afro-Latin rhythms, turntablism and extended improvisation. This follows his 2023 debut 'Reverberations' album, released via M.O.D. Reloaded, with the one and only Carlos Santana calling it "a work of supreme creativity”.

A live studio recording from percussionist Agustín Nevaris, and a nine-piece ensemble that includes DJ Logic, Jonathan Maron, Angel Rodriguez, Will Bernard, Peter Apfelbaum, Jojo Kuo, Lockatron and Matt Dickey, 'SoundSession' is the fourth collaboration between Nevaris, legendary bassist-producer Bill Laswell, and this lineup of musicians.

Captured in Laswell’s Orange Sound studio in West Orange, New Jersey, this EP was recorded live in a single session on May 30th, 2023. Originally planned as a streaming virtual performance, the band scrapped that idea to instead focus on the simplicity of playing live with multiple cameras documenting the process. There were no edits or overdubs to the recording, and all instruments were captured synchronously in real time. The result is 'SoundSession'.

Recorded and mixed by James Dellatacoma and mastered by Michael Fossenkember at Turtletone Studios, this recording features interpretations of music previously written by Nevaris and Bill Laswell, including specific basslines that were written by Laswell, which bassist Jonathan Maron learned and performed when Bill was unable to participate in the recording for health reasons.

"SoundSession is about playing together live without being stressed by ticket sales or a venue accommodating so many musicians. Bill Laswell's studio in West Orange, New Jersey has always been an inspiring place with so much history. (It was built for Franki Valli originally.) The live room is something magnificent. We had never used it in a way that fully took advantage of it," says Nevaris.

"So this was a chance to do so, using the full space of this sizeable room. From the first notes, we could tell there was something good happening. And the recording documents it exactly as it was, with no overdubs or edits. Every note feels right from my perspective; exactly how it happened in real time."

Agustín Nevaris is a percussionist, keyboardist, vocalist and composer, heavily influenced by Afro-Latin, dub, and funk music. From the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Nevaris also performs under the name Loud Apartment with an evolving lineup of musicians, most notably Bernie Worrell of P-Funk and Talking Heads.

"People think everything is manipulated in the studio and a lot of it is. And everybody is talking about AI now. But we are moving in the opposite direction where everything gets more organic and raw with every project we work on," says Nevaris.

"There is nothing that can compare to the beauty of artists making work in its most organic form. There's a place for technology and a place for getting back to the old school way of doing things. And that's what this recording is about. Playing live together without any click track or overdubbing, or edits of any kind. And it takes cats who can really play to pull it off. It is a joy to play with every one of the musicians involved in this process."

Inspired by the energy of growing up in New York City, Nevaris is of European and Mexican descent with multi-generational roots in both NYC and LA's Echo Park neighborhood. A visual and multimedia artist, who has worked on a vast array of creative projects across mediums, Nevaris also co-founded Nolej Records, Nolej Studios and the Uncomun Festival.

Already in the works is a second studio album that features some truly exciting special guests, which will be released via Bill Laswell's label M.O.D. Reloaded later in 2026.

As of January 7, 'Ninth Sun - Live' will be available on the 'SoundSession' EP pre-order via Bandcamp. On February 27, the full EP will be released via digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the 'Reverberations' album can also be found.

Ireland's Ger Eaton shares 'I Thought I'd A Friend', highlighting debut 'Season Changes' album

January 6, 2026

Irish singer-songwriter Ger Eaton shares 'I Thought I'd A Friend', an enchanting track that highlights his debut album 'Season Changes', recently released via Peckham-based label Dimple Discs. With a rich progression from baroque pop and cinematic balladry to more folk elements, Eaton creates music that is laced with broad orchestral arrangements, drama, and honesty.

Accompanied by an endearing video by Damien Hickey and beautiful string arrangements, 'I Thought I'd A Friend' is the latest in a string of singles that include 'Season Changes', 'Hollow' and 'The Time It Takes To Fall', and recently-released live rendition of 'Phoenix (Reborn)' and 'Season Changes', recorded live at Hyde Dublin.

A singer and sonic auteur with flair for Renaissance Pop, Ger Eaton is well known in his native homeland as a performer, his distinctive keyboards having graced many Irish bands of the last two decades. These songs carry echoes of Scott Walker, Jimmy Webb, Brian Wilson, Ian Brown and the high melodic heyday of the late 1960s, yet shot through with a contemporary slant and edge.

"‘Season Changes’ is essentially an old fashioned break-up LP. All of the songs deal with the complexities, both emotional and physical, that come with the ending of a very long and significant relationship. Mirroring the seasons, ‘Season Changes’ charts the often inevitable decay of a relationship, from the glowing bloom of its Spring, gradually ebbing away to its wintery conclusion," says Ger Eaton.

"The songs were written about and recorded during the end of my marriage, and I decided from the off that the Lyrics would be raw and honest… I felt I owed that much to myself. Musically, I wanted the arrangements and instrumentation to bring a lushness and drama that would wrap the words in the appropriate Musical Cloak ...For me, music has always been a place where I can both lose and find myself… a Solice … my Phoenix."

Each new song and accompanying video from Ger Easton has marked an exciting stage in his progress, for which he has received recognition and tremendous support from music writers and radio programmers in Ireland and the UK, and now in America and further abroad.

The 'Season Changes' album is out now on vinyl and CD, and is also available from digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and also Bandcamp.

CREDITS
All songs written by Ger Eaton
Produced, recorded and mixed by Ger Eaton, Duncan Maitland & Sean Coleman
Recorded at Old County Studios, The House of Horns, Clane HQ and at Ger Eaton's home
Mastered by Anthony Chapman
Cover Illustration and Design by Josh Fogarty
Ger Eaton - vocals, drums, guitars, mellotron, xylophone, sitar, tabla & percussion
Duncan Maitland - acoustic & electric guitars, bass, mellotron & vocals
Sean Coleman - glockenspiel, mini moog, guitars, harmonium & vocals
Kieran Eaton - flutes & recorders
Ronan Dooney - trumpets & flugelhorns
Graham Hopkins - drums
Gavin Fox - bass
Castle Quartet - Strings
String Arrangements - Andrew Keeling
Released via Dimple Discs. Catalogue No DD 027LP
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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LAPTOP re-envisions TOM WAITS' holiday anthem "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis"

December 17, 2025

NYC artist Laptop presents their first holiday release: a winter transmission that sits oddly and perfectly within the band’s catalog. Tom Waits’ 1978 classic “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” is recreated as a deadpan jazz-robotic confession, equal parts heartbreak and smirk, performed as if a soul adrift at 2 AM in search of a payphone that still works. This feels like a postcard from every December that ever went wrong—and the small, stubborn hope that things might just go right anyway.

In the early 2000s, Laptop released three cult classic albums on Island Records, with frontman Jesse Hartman having got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hellbefore co-founding the indie rock band Sammy and releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records. Hartman recently revived the band, driven by a dual-frontman dynamic with his son Charlie, this track reveals the intimate, lonely, late-night side of this project, sitting with you after the party ends and winter blows in under the door.

For Jesse Hartman, this song is personal. He has been playing this song since he was 13 years old at the family piano, long before Laptop existed, long before forming Sammy and long before joining Island Records. Hartman shares, “This was the first song that showed me you could mix sadness and humor in the same line. It basically formed me. This song is the blueprint for Laptop whether I knew it or not.”

While Laptop and Waits are both artists obsessed with doomed characters, disappointing heroes, and the poetry of failure, Hartman’s version is a departure from Waits’s gravel-and-whiskey delivery. This take leans into Laptop’s signature swing between warmth and machinery: jazz chords, cold synths, more groove, and Hartman’s dry, controlled, emotionally sideways vocal. It’s not whispered or fragile, it’s performed with the same unsentimental elegance that defined Laptop’s early-2000s covers (Billy Joel) and deep cuts (“We Never Made It to Venice”).

The basic tracks were recorded in Valencia in 2023, engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, with Hartman on bass and drums by Mike Desmerais (Brian Eno, The Winkies). Upon their subtle, modern rhythmic bed beneath the retro-jazz harmony, Hartman finished the song in New York this Thanksgiving, pulling the performance into the present moment. Family members fill the edges of the arrangement with warmth: Odetta Hartman(backing vocals), Camellia Hartman (violin), Ben Jones (keyboards), and friend Billy Aukstik (trumpet). Just like a frozen street corner dressed in unexpected color.

“Waits wrote one of the great American monologues. This character isn’t just down on her luck, she’s inventing better versions of her life while she’s telling it. She’s lying, but she’s lying to survive. I didn’t want parody. I wanted to show the hope inside the hopelessness,” says Jesse Hartman.

This is standalone offering, outside the song cycle leading to their 2026 album “On This Planet”, which produced the singles “Indie Hero”, "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know" and “Weirder”. But it fits the themes Hartman has been exploring lately: aging, reinvention, myth-making, and the personal fictions we tell ourselves to get through the night. The holiday backdrop adds a chill: this is a Christmas song for people who can’t quite afford to believe in Christmas.

Musically, the track is Laptop stripped and rebuilt: a chiming electric piano, an icy synth pad, and a rhythm section that feels like a jazz band learning to operate inside a drum machine. Hartman delivers the lies, the hope, the heartbreak, and the punchline with the kind of detached affection that made Laptop an indie cult favorite. The final confession (“I need the money to pay my lawyer”) lands with dry humor and real ache.

As of December 12, this single can be found on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the band's latest singles are also available. Laptop's forthcoming album "On This Planet" is slated for release in Spring 2026 via Hurricane Cove Records.

CREDITS 
Jesse Hartman - vocals, guitars, bass
Edward Douglas- keyboards, synths
Charlie Hartman - vocals
Odetta Hartman - vocals
Camellia Hartman - violin
Billy Aukstik - trumpet
Ben Jones - keyboards
Mike Desmarais - drums
Lluisen Capafons – congas, additional percussion
Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Edward Douglas
Produced by Jesse Hartman
Engineered by Edward Douglas
Recorded in Valencia, Spain (Summer 2023), Final overdubs and edits in New York City (2025)
Written by Tom Waits (ASCAP)
Published by Jersey Girl Music (Admin by Wixen Music Publishing, Inc.)
Released by Hurricane Cove Records
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman
Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Charlie Nieland's 'Stories From the Borderlines' is the Year's Most Unsettlingly Glamorous Album - a darkly essential NYC rock statement

December 12, 2025

Renowned NYC songwriter-producer Charlie Nieland presents 'Stories From The Borderlines', a dazzling and deeply personal album that explores themes of connection and severance. This is one of the most profound albums from Nieland, known of his work producing and writing for such artists as Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie and Scissor Sisters.

More than music, the meticulously crafted songs on this album—a geography of intention—are an act of imaginative resistance, passionately mining for light and truth in a darkening world. Shaped by a reverence for pioneering '80s and '90s synth and guitar-driven music, these cinematic soundscapes and poignant songs involve drummer Billy Loose, Staten Island rapper spiritchild, guitarist Dan McAssey and Joe McGinty(The Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, The Loser's Lounge).

"This set of songs is a kaleidoscope of styles. They are luminous secret rooms that reflect one human’s heart in a world at the precipice. Staying creative is resistance. As authoritarians attack culture, they make the mistake that imagination can be controlled when it actually emerges from the bottom up. Culture is not imaginary. It’s is rooted in imagination but it’s more real than what can be measured," says Charlie Nieland.

"These songs tell stories of growing up, of how we got severed, and how we connect. I burrowed into each idea over several years that were filled with love, uncertainty and family drama. The time allowed me to create and explore sound worlds with a cinematic eye; finding contrasts in texture and time. To create an experience that shifts with each listen. These songs are a geography of intention and intuition, mining for light in a dark world. Let’s find the switch."

Nieland also presents 'Shame' with a firecracker video, directed and edited by multi-faceted NYC-based artist Hypnodoll, and filmed by Alice Teeple. Fueled by the obsessive lust and repulsion that has been weaponized against the queer community, this song explores how fascination runs like blood from all sides, our own self-loathing driving us into the unknown.

Previewed the epic lead track 'Win' feat. spiritchild and 'The Ocean Understands' EP, this new album presents a visceral blend of post punk, glam, dream pop and progressive rock. With sweeping melodies and restless rhythms, these unique soundscapes deliver an immersive journey, showcasing Nieland's continued evolution as an artist and producer.

Nieland's backstory is extensive, having written, performed and produced music for decades. He was awarded a Gold record (UK) for his production work on Blondie's 'Greatest Hits Sight & Sound' and achieved a Top 10 Billboard Dance Chart Position with Debbie Harry's single 'Two Times Blue', which he co-wrote and produced. Hehas scored the feature film 'The Safety of Objects' (with Glenn Close), Showtime's pilot episode of 'The L Word' and the VH-1documentary 'NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell'.

An artist rich on nuanced songwriting and sonic exploration, he released the album 'Ice Age' (2014), followed by 'Hopeful Monsters' (2016) and ‘Divisions' (2021). After 20 years with Her Vanished Grace, he is half of the literature-inspired duo Lusterlit with Susan Hwang, and both produces and co-hosts the podcast 'An Embarrassment of Prog'.

'Stories From The Borderlines' is out now, available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Nieland returns in January with his next audio-visual offering.

CREDITS
All songs written by Charlie Nieland, except 'Win' (by Charlie Nieland & spiritchild   )
Charlie Nieland - vocals, 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic and e-bow guitars, lap steel guitar, fretted and fretless electric basses, upright piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Korg MS20 analog synth, virtual Mellotrons and string machines, autoharp, glockenspiel, percussion
Billy Loose - drums 
Dan McAssey - guitar on 'Brutalist Monuments' & 'You Fell Down'
spiritchild - Vocals on 'Win'
 Joe McGinty - keyboards on 'Today'
Recorded at home and at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn, NY
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Charlie Nieland
© 2025 Athame Music, xspiritmentaleyez Music (Win)
Album cover art by Hypnodoll™  
Videos for 'Redshift' and 'Drown' by Hypnodoll™
Video for 'Shame' by Hypnodoll™ and Alice Teeple
Artist photos by Alice Teeple and Bob Krasner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR