Author: Joey Rochert

Johnson & Finnemore ‘Find A Love That Brings You Home’

Johnson & Finnemore

Words By Joey Rochert.

I’ve been waiting for an album like “Find A Love That Brings You Home” without even realizing it. Johnson & Finnemore have delivered what I love about country music while avoiding all the things that have been turning me off about the genre lately.

The chemistry between these two musicians is immediately apparent. Johnson’s pedal steel work throughout the album creates these beautiful sounds that never compete with Finnemore’s vocals for attention. His touch on the dobro reminds me of the instrument’s unique voice in country music, while his guitar playing provides solid rhythmic and melodic foundations.

Finnemore’s songwriting really speaks to me. He has this gift for finding the extraordinary in ordinary experiences, writing about love and relationships in ways that feel fresh and honest. His vocals carry just enough vulnerability to make the lyrics believable without ever feeling weak or uncertain.

The collaboration with Hannah Johnson on “The Gun” stands out as one of the album’s strongest moments. Their voices blend beautifully while maintaining their individual characters, creating this musical dialogue that enhances the song’s emotional impact. The appearances by Julian Littman and Charlie Dore throughout the record add professional polish and experience.

“Babybird” immediately became one of my favorite tracks. This country waltz celebrates finding love rather than losing it, which feels refreshingly positive. Johnson’s pedal steel work combined with the traditional string arrangement creates this romantic atmosphere that never crosses into saccharine territory.

The production quality impresses me consistently. Everything sounds warm and organic, like the musicians were playing in the same room and feeding off each other’s energy. The mix gives every element space to breathe while maintaining cohesion across the entire album.

“Ride High” channels JJ Cale’s laid back blues approach while staying true to their country roots. The encouraging message about supporting loved ones through difficult times resonates particularly strongly, and the musical groove makes it impossible not to feel uplifted.

Photo Credit: Johnson & Finnemore

barDe ‘What The Hell, Hey’

barDe

Words By Joey Rochert.

bardDe, the Irish-American singer-songwriter arrives with her debut single “What the Hell, Hey”, now out everywhere, and it is nothing short of a cathartic storm.

This track is not a quiet reflection on heartbreak; it is an unapologetic outburst that lets grief, anger, and humour collide all at once. With jagged 90s-inspired guitar riffs, touches of vintage instrumentation, and a vocal delivery that feels like a punch to the chest, barDe creates something that is both deeply nostalgic and undeniably fresh.

Lyrically, she strips away the niceties and dives headfirst into the messiness of being ghosted. The words hit because they are sharp, unfiltered, and utterly human. Her voice doesn’t just sing the pain, it howls through it, turning vulnerability into defiance.

“What the Hell, Hey” feels like the kind of song you scream in your bedroom, cry to in the car, and then dance to later with your friends. It carries the bite of Fiona Apple, the quirk of Regina Spektor, and the clever melancholy of R.E.M., but barDe twists these influences into her own brand of fiery honesty.

As the first glimpse of her upcoming album The Pretty Red Flag Revival, this debut sets the tone for a body of work that promises to turn heartbreak into ritual and pain into power. And with her follow-up single “Future Faker” already on the horizon, barDe makes one thing clear: she is not here to play safe. She is here to set hearts on fire.

Photo Credit: barDe

The Boneshakers ‘Live To Be This’

Boneshakers

Words By Joey Rochert.

After years of waiting, The Boneshakers have finally given us something to get excited about. Their 11th studio album “Live To Be This” hits shelves July 18, 2025 through Gulf Coast Records, and honestly, it feels like the band we fell in love with all over again.

I’ve been following The Boneshakers since their Virgin Records days, and while their recent work has been solid, “Live To Be This” captures that raw energy I thought might be gone forever. Jenny Langer’s voice absolutely commands every track here. Since joining as lead vocalist in 2020, she’s brought this incredible depth to their sound, and her International Blues Challenge win for Best CD suddenly makes perfect sense when you hear her pour everything into songs like the upcoming single “I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man).”

Randy Jacobs proves once again why he’s one of the most underrated guitarists around. His work with Was (Not Was) prepared him well for this moment, and the chemistry between him and Langer feels completely natural. When they tackle originals alongside reimagined versions of classics from Screaming Jay Hawkins, Betty Davis, and Ike & Tina Turner, it never feels forced or like they’re just going through the motions.

The guest list reads like a who’s who of blues royalty. Charlie Musselwhite’s harmonica work adds this perfect gritty texture, while Don Was brings his production genius as a bassist this time around. Three-time Grammy winner Bobby Rush shows up on “Salty” (dropping June 6), and his presence elevates an already strong track into something special. Coco Montoya, Jimmy Carpenter, John “Papa” Gros, and Ron Holloway each contribute their own flavor without overwhelming the core sound.

What really strikes me is how producer John Wooler managed to capture that ’90s “Book of Spells” magic while letting the band move forward. The production feels warm and lived in, not polished to death like so many modern releases. You can hear the room, feel the musicians feeding off each other’s energy.

This album succeeds because it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. The Boneshakers know exactly who they are: a band that understands Detroit soul, Memphis groove, and Muscle Shoals heart. “Live To Be This” represents 11 albums worth of experience distilled into 45 minutes of pure musical joy.

Their previous album “One Foot In The Groove” topped the US Soul Blues charts and hit number one in the UK, but this feels like the real statement. It’s messy in all the right ways, confident without being cocky, and most importantly, it sounds like real people playing real music.

If you’re looking for something to remind you why you fell in love with blues and soul in the first place, “Live To Be This” delivers exactly that. Pre-orders are available now at www.officialboneshakers.com in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, and trust me, you’ll want to hear this one the way it was meant to be heard.

Photo Credit: The Boneshakers.

Artic Baba, ‘No Man’s Land’

Artic Baba

Words By Joey Rochert.

Italian indie-rockers Artic Baba roar back onto the scene with their electrifying new single “No Man’s Land”, and it’s an absolute firestorm of emotion and grit. Recorded at Quarto Suono Studios and polished by Angelo Sasso, the track is a bold burst of raw energy that cements the band’s evolving sound.

Driven by crunchy guitars, tight rhythms, and the fierce presence of Valentina “Valy” Cosentino, this is Artic Baba at full throttle. The song surges with modern indie-rock swagger while staying true to their roots and every beat feels urgent and alive.

Born from friendship, parted by life, and reunited by passion, Artic Baba’s journey is as compelling as their sound. And with “No Man’s Land”, they prove once again that they’re not just back—they’re here to stay. Don’t miss it.

Photo Credit: Artic Baba.

Jay Kurdy, ‘You Gave Me Music’

Jay Kurdy

Words By Joey Rochert.

Jay Kurdy and Rachel Chambers have delivery something special with “You Gave Me Music.” This track blends multiple genres, building on a solid hip hop foundation while incorporating the pulsing energy that makes you want to move. The combination works beautifully, creating a sound that feels FRESH.

Kurdy and Chambers play off each other throughout the song. Their voices complement perfectly, and you can feel the genuine connection in their delivery. The track has an infectious quality that gets under your skin from the first listen, and before you know it, you’re completely absorbed in the rhythm and flow.

Manchester has always been a hotbed for innovative music, and Jay is clearly carrying on that tradition with “You Gave Me Music.” The city’s rich musical heritage seems to flow through every beat, but he’s not just copying what came before. Instead, he’s taking those influences and pushing them in new directions, creating something that feels his own.

Photo Credit: Jay Kurdy.

Cloud, ‘Punk Never Dies’

Cloud

Words By Joey Rochert.

Cloud from Japan is making waves in the alt scene, and his new track “Punk Never Dies” shows exactly why he’s generating so much buzz. This is the kind of raw, energetic sound that the rock community has been craving, and Cloud delivers it with conviction that’s hard to ignore.

The guitar work from Gerardo Moreno shines throughout the track. His riffs cut through the mix with precision and power, creating the perfect backdrop for Cloud’s vocals. The chemistry between these two musicians is undeniable, and you can hear it in each chord progression and every transition. They’ve found that sweet spot where their individual styles complement each other perfectly.

What makes “Punk Never Dies” so addictive is how it captures that classic punk spirit while still feeling fresh and relevant. Cloud brings an intensity that feels both nostalgic and modern, proving that great rock music doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to make an impact.

Photo Credit: Cloud.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Amour’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Joey Rochert.

Julia Thomsen returns with ‘Amour,’ a stunning classical composition that features piano melodies intertwined with tender string arrangements. The piece radiates warmth and light, like catching the first rays of morning sun through an open window. Each note flows into the next, creating a gentle current that draws you deeper into the music.

The performance feels genuine, as if Julia is sharing a personal moment with each listener. There’s something amazing about how she shapes each phrase, making it impossible to focus on anything else while the music plays. The way she balances the piano against the strings creates a perfect harmony that wraps around you.

‘Amour’ boosts melodies that are easy to follow, yet they carry an emotional weight that stays with you long after the final note fades. It’s the kind of piece that makes you want to close your eyes and just let the music wash over you, forgetting about everything else happening around you.

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.

J.M.Dee, ‘Bittersweet Vacancy’

J.M.Dee

J.M.Dee returns with a summer anthem in Bittersweet Vacancy, a genre-defying single that’s out now and already turning heads. Fusing electronic textures, grand piano hooks, and a standout female vocal, the track hits with both emotional depth and earworm energy.

The Naples-based artist, originally from Virginia, is known for his refusal to be boxed into a single genre and this latest release proves just that. With touches of pop, R&B, rock, and a dash of old-school hip-hop influence, Bittersweet Vacancy feels both nostalgic and fresh. The soaring chorus and infectious melody make it an instant repeat-listen, while the rich production showcases J.M.Dee’s growth and adventurous spirit.

Drawing on everything from 80s new wave to video game soundtracks, J.M.Dee continues to carve out a sound that’s uniquely his own and we cannot get enough!

Photo Credit: J.M.Dee

Tunsi, The Interview Series.

Tunsi

Hello, Tunsi, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘My Feet’, what is the meaning?

The meaning is, basically I will continue to do what I have to do in order to succeed in life and I refuse to let anyone stop me. As long as I continue to keep moving/walking on my feet, I can’t be stopped.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Nas, KRS-One, Public Enemy and Mobb Deep.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2025?

It is now possible to do everything yourself.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

Lately I’ve been doing most of my writing in my dining room.

What is your first memory of music?

Watching my mother listening to her vinyl collection.

Photo Credit: Tunsi.

Boneshakers, ”I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man)”

The Boneshakers

Blues, rock, soul, and funk collide with electrifying energy in The Boneshakers’ latest single, “I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man).” A preview from their upcoming album Live To Be This, this track is a defiant anthem of loyalty and strength, fueled by Randy Jacobs’ gritty, electrifying lead guitar riffs that leave a lasting impact.

Jenny Langer is also on top form with vocals that soar with a raw, soulful delivery, conveying the defiance and passion embedded in the lyrics. The metaphor of “kicking a brick” becomes a powerful symbol of overcoming obstacles for someone you care about, and Jenny’s voice brings that message home with unmatched conviction.

The rhythm section is tight and infectious, keeping the energy high while grounding the track with a solid foundation that listeners can’t help but groove to.

Photo Credit: Boneshakers.