Ervin Munir, ‘Fall Apart’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Ervin Munir is to release a new single on the 28th of April. The new single, titled, ‘Fall Apart’, is a reworked version of a song that was first written in 2014. The new arrival has undergone a number of adjustments and upgrades, such as the inclusion of new instruments and a production quality that is up to par with the requirements of the music industry in 2023.

‘Fall Apart’ is a fusion of folk and rock that digs into the challenges of going through important life transitions. The track emphasises the significance of standing up for one’s principles, and it is a musical adventure that revolves around an arrangement that has a guitar being plucked. In the midst of the heart-warming harmonica lines and stirring harmonies, Aeron Z. Jones also emerges with lap-steel guitar hooks.

You can pre-save here.


Photo Credit: Ervin Munir.

Gary Mictian, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Gary, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘I Die Every Night’, what is the meaning? 

I wrote it at a time I was discovering a lot about myself and why I couldn’t seem to sustain a healthy relationship. I realised there was a pattern in which I would compromise a lot of myself just to simply be with someone. That’s what the song talks about, almost a conversation with myself saying I wont settle for anything less that a genuine connection with someone. 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Charli XCX is one of my favourite artists right now, I think she’s a brilliant songwriter and a real innovator in the industry. The Weeknd is my next biggest influence his music is so sophisticated something I’m always aiming for in my own music. I also recently discovered shygirl, her music is insane! 

Gary Mictian
Photo Credit: Gary Mictian

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

You dont have to spend an insane amount of money to go to a fancy studio to make music, you can literally do it yourself on a laptop in your bedroom and have it on Spotify within days. Making music is easier and more accessible than ever and I think that’s great

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

I always make music in my home studio (which is really just my bedroom), I have everything I need. I find I’m most creative during the day though I don’t like to make music at night. 

What is your first memory of music? 

I remember my brothers friend left a CD of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time at our house and I would listen to it on my CD player non stop. I remember waiting in front of the tv to catch the music video so I could record it on VHS and I watched that all the time. I would of been about 4 or 5, I was obsessed with it.


Photo Credit: Ricki Erik.

Raphael Klemm, ‘Electrical Khamsin ‘

Words By Joey Rochert.

Raphael Klemm brings the feel-good vibes to the surface with new hit, ‘Electrical Khamsin’. The latest release from the Swiss artist is available right now, and it is not one that you will want to pass up!

‘Electrical Khamsin’ is zealously bursting at the seams, and we just can’t get enough of it! Raphael’s singing is alluring, and he delivers a highly-engaging performance throughout the song. The music is also inexplicably infectious, burrowing itself deep into the soul, luring us back in for more the moment it comes to an end.

Great work, Raph; please keep them coming!


Photo Credit: Raphael Klemm.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Saranghae’

Words By Joey Rochert.

We are utterly mesmerised by the most recent piece that Julia Thomsen has created, which is titled ‘Saranghae’. This song by Julia is really breathtaking, and it is well deserving of a place among the very best examples of its sort that can be found. Julia manages to capture the peacefulness of the environment around us, providing us with a brief relief from the craziness of our days and allowing us the opportunity to unwind and have a more optimistic outlook on the world.

On ‘Saranghae’, which is a continuation of her past releases, she displays her fervent playing on the piano, and we witness her once more finding her way into our hearts. She is a consistent composer who also pushes the boundaries of not just the modern classical genre but also her own discography.


Photo Credit: Kingdumb.

Ricki Erik, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Bruno Mars’ music seems authentic back to old school. I find modern music not to be so inspiring, but Bruno Mars takes it to another level when you listen to Bruno Mars, you never get bored of that music, just about every song is memorable.

Ricki Erik
Photo Credit: Ricki Erik

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

It’s almost like a new start, and the love of music never dies. It’s constantly in my head day and day out.

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

It could happen at any given time while driving in the car taking a shower taking a walk lifting weights. Inspiration comes at any given time and when it hits you it’s like a ton of bricks falling on top of your head.

What is your first memory of music? 

As a young boy in the family home my mother and father and my siblings they would have house parties even though I was young I would always gravitate to the music as soon as the stereo came on.


Photo Credit: Ricki Erik.

Brightwell And Moran, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Brightwell and Moran, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Bare Boards’, what is the meaning? 

(K) We originally wrote the song about an old house, and the decision about whether to tear it down or to take time to renovate it and make it new again.  It was inspired in part by the rapid gentrification of some neighborhoods where we live in Portland, Oregon, USA.  But the song is also a metaphor for the self, or a relationship.  Sometimes you don’t know what to do until you see the “bare boards” underneath, whether you can restore the structure with a lot of love and careful work, or whether you need to start from scratch.  

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

(K) I am really inspired by Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires.  To me, Isbell is the finest songwriter out there right now, and he tells difficult and important stories in the simplest, most elegant language.  Shires has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and female stereotypes in country music, on top of being a great fiddle player and singer/songwriter herself.  Together they’re unstoppable!

(W) I find the story of John Mayer’s scare with his vocal cords so inspirational. Here is a guy who has released a ton of songs, won Grammy awards and then starts losing his voice. So, he stops performing, stops talking except in a whisper. He accepts his situation and starts practicing his already amazing guitar chops with the attitude, I can still be a really good session guitar player even if I don’t get my voice back. But gratefully, his voice returned!

Brightwell And Moran
Photo Credit: Brightwell And Moran

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

(K) There is absolutely no lack of inspiration or subject material!  And the means of production is very much in the artist’s hands now, along with platforms that allow you direct access to your fan base.  That means as a musician, you can create songs about the vital issues of our time, record them and get them into the hands of listeners.

(W) I agree with Kelly that technology plays an exciting role in music today. A great example is that we mixed our latest EP and our new single “Bare Boards” remotely. Our producer for the EP was in Dallas, Texas with the two of us in Portland, Oregon. Our producer for the single was in Poland with us once more in Portland.

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

(K) I’m not writing too much solo these days… I need a lot of solitude and space to do that, and it’s not often compatible with my current family situation.  Writing with Woody is easier in that way — we usually hang out at his house to write.

(W) I think all of our Brightwell & Moran songs have either been written in my living room or my little covered backyard patio.

What is your first memory of music? 

(K) I remember being completely enthralled by Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” when I was maybe 3 or 4 years old. I’m not sure what about it grabbed me — it’s very energetic and happy, with a lot going on.  I think it just overwhelmed me with a good feeling.

(W) I was also pretty young. I got a little record player for Christmas one year and the first 45 (called a single these days) I purchased was “Stop In The Name of Love” by the Supremes. My first album was by Peter, Paul & Mary and I worked very hard at hearing each vocal harmony.


Photo Credit: Brightwell And Moran.

Talent Is Timeless Team Up With Universal Audio

Talent Is Timeless, the platform for composers over 50, is thrilled to work with Universal Audio, a prominent professional audio recording gear and software vendor. Three Universal Audio Volt 2 Studio Packages will support the 2023 Talent Is Timeless songwriting competition, giving successful artists cutting-edge technology to realise their creative vision.

The 2023 competition will have the most judges ever, including Ian Matthews of Kasabian, the British rock band known for their dynamic live shows and smash albums including “Empire” and “West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum.” Judy Collins, Ralph McTell, and other industry leaders will also judge.

The Talent Is Timeless campaign was formed in 2020 to promote musicians beyond 50 who are still making a difference. The organisation has around 10,000 members and hosts songwriting competitions and other events to encourage adult musicians.

We’re happy to join with Universal Audio for the 2023 Talent Is Timeless songwriting competition,” stated Talent Is Timeless Founder & CEO Saskia Griffiths-Moore. “Their support and knowledge will enhance the competition and give our members important learning opportunities. We appreciate their support of mature artists and look forward to this partnership’s benefits.”

“Talent is Timeless is a terrific effort, and Universal Audio is happy to sponsor the platform,” says Roland Rauch, Universal Audio. Music, creativity, and skill are ageless.”

Visit Talent Is Timeless website here.

Photo credit: Tina K.

Gary Mictian, ‘I Die Every Night’

Words By Joey Rochert.

The electropop and hyper Pop musician Gary Mictian is the artist whose music we simply cannot get enough of right now. His newest single, titled ‘I Die Every Night’, is a release that challenges the conventions of the industry while staying up to date with the other tracks emerging in the game.

The new delivery confirms that Gary is onto something with his music, and he kicks it out of the park from the get-go! So much so there is no reason why he cannot climb the echelon of the industry in the coming months. So, do you feel like getting pumped up with some hyper pop today?

You can take a listen below.


Photo Credit: Gary Mictian.

Kingdumb, ‘The One’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Kingdumb is firing on all cylinders with the release of ‘The One’. The fresh arrival from the producer also comes with ‘Hero’, a b-side which is just as strong!

Yet another stride for the producer, ‘The One’, picks up where the producer left off and introduces a new edge for the creator from Swindom. Furthermore, there is a newfound style here while still incorporating elements from Kingdumb’s past work. The determination to craft a big hit is present here, and Kingdumb holds nothing back!

You can take a listen below.


Photo Credit: Kingdumb.

Ricki Erik, ‘Genreality’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Ricki Erik hits home with the release of his new album, ‘Genreality’. The fresh release from the multitalented singer is a breath of fresh air, and we cannot get enough of it!

Consisting of 12 tracks, ‘Genreality’ takes a massive leap out of the box, and Ricki proves his high-class instantly! His vocals grip us to the speakers, and we cannot help but move to the infectious beats and grooves on display. Each track welcomes us with open arms, and there is no dull moment here, with the energy flowing from start to finish.

You can take a listen below.


Photo Credit: Ricki Erik.