Category Archives: 2024

Ready for ‘Heal Talk?’ Da’ Healerz to Preview Debut Record in Nashville Oct. 20

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Da' Healerz Heal Talk Listening Party

What are you looking to heal? What if we told you that you can take a step toward healing — and take in some fresh music and deep conversations — in Nashville on October 20?

Da’ Healerz — Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — are releasing their debut Heal Hop record, Heal Talk, on November 11. Before the release, they’re hosting a listening party on Sunday, October 20 from 3-6 p.m. at Gras Haus Boutique Cannabis Dispensary & Apothecary (2813 Columbine St., Nashville).

All are invited to attend for free to enjoy sound healing — through Da’ Healerz new music, as well as through sound bowl healing from Nikki Rae.

Unwind, relax, and connect through the power of music and healing energy in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

RSVP HERE

LISTEN: The Trampoline Delay’s Wake-Up Call

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We’ve all had that loved one whose destructive decisions are becoming worrisome. The Trampoline Delay is here to help us sound the alarm.

The band’s new single, “Little Lucy,” comes in with a thunderous urgency. The fast-paced alt-rock offering — which clocks in at just under two minutes — is written from the perspective of a friend who sees the crash coming, but feels powerless to stop it.

“‘Little Lucy’ is about watching someone self-destruct and trying to snap them out of it. Lucy’s caught up with the wrong crowd, doing things that drag her down—whether it’s drinking, drugs, whatever,” said frontman Pete Marino. “It’s that downward spiral you can’t always pull people out of. The first chorus is a wake-up call, like, ‘Get it together,’ but by the end, it’s more desperate, like, ‘Please wake up,’ after it’s too late.”

The scorching new tune was created out of a fun creative competition between Marino and other musician friends, where they pick a theme, select an existing song, and make it their own. “Little Lucy” started as an indie rock makeover of the Everly Brothers classic, “Wake Up Little Susie.”

From there, it found new life.

“I think it took about 30 minutes to program drums, record the guitars, bass, vocal. In this case, I loved the version I made so much, and it was completely different than the original, I didn’t want it to go to waste,” Marino recalled. “So, I wrote new lyrics, while still keeping that iconic chorus line of “wake up little…” but definitely took the song in a darker direction. Then, I went back to it, and added real drums and new vocals.”

LISTEN: Leah Burns Wants You to Go Out and Live Life

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Photo credit: Kyrie Dial

Our time is finite. Best to live it up while we still can.

That’s the empowering message behind Leah Burns’ latest release, “WUT R U WAITING 4.” Influenced by the power pop anthems of our Millennial youth, the rocking new single is driven forward by blistering guitars and Burns’ distinct powerhouse vocals, which are used to deliver clear instructions: drop your baggage at the door, go out, and experience life.

“I wrote it one day after therapy. We were talking about how I just wanted to feel alive again and happy. I didn’t want to be the sad version of myself or was just floating through life,” Burns said. “So, the song is about not staying stuck in place. It’s about going out and living your life to the fullest, and not waiting for it. It’s about abandoning all the patterns you’ve been stuck in and changing them, and going out and doing everything you want. (It’s about) not holding back anymore.”

It’s fitting that we’re writing this review on a Friday, because it makes this the perfect moment to take action on Burns’ message…

“I hope everyone who listens to it is inspired to grab their friends, go out, and just live,” Burns said.

Better get to it — after you give “WUT R U WAITING 4” a listen, of course!

Gussapolooza Crowns This Year’s Heroes of Sound!

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By now, you’ve heard of Gussapolooza Music Festival, but what you may not know is that this year emerging bands from across North America converged in Cookstown, Ontario, for a chance to perform original music in front of music lovers, talent scouts, and record labels. And let me tell you, the bands that stood out didn’t just play; they set the stage on fire!

Taking home the top award, Artist of the Year, was none other than Toronto’s own The Manic Boys and Girls Club!

This indie pop/rock sibling duo, Bela and Fernando Ferreir, electrified the Friday night crowd at the dueling SL100 mobile main stages. With an almost full harvest moon illuminating the scene, their set felt like something from another world.

“Let’s Take the Last Train Out Tonight!” A lyric from their soon to be hit song Last Train echoed from the stage, became the weekend’s anthem, and soared into the night sky. It was a performance drenched in rockstar energy—soaring vocals, bouncing blond hair, wide-brim hats, and leather pants. Everything about The Manic Boys and Girls Club screamed rockstar! Missed it? Consider this your wake-up call. They’re coming back next year, and trust us, you do NOT want to miss them again. These two are riding a sonic wave to Mars, and it’s game time!

Fan Favorite: Cudbear

Barrie, Ontario’s Cudbear claimed the highly coveted Fan Favorite award, and it’s clear why! This alternative grunge trio—Bennett Jones (guitar/vocals), Adam Polan (bass/vocals), and Keagan Ross (drums)—delivered an electrifying performance that blended punk ethos with indie nuances. Their outrageous stage props and wild get-ups would have even Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit applauding!

Cudbear captivated the crowd with their raw energy and unique sound, solidifying their place as one of Gussapolooza’s standout acts. As their fanbase grows, expect to hear their name everywhere soon. Keep an eye on Cudbear—they’re primed to dominate the indie scene!

Rising Sun: Harley Olivia

The Rising Sun Award represents fresh potential and boundless energy, and this year, Harley Olivia embodied every bit of that spirit. Like the sun itself, Harley is a force of nature, her presence as captivating as her voice. Her performance lit up the festival, leaving an unforgettable impression on the crowd. Just as the sun is the most important star in the sky, Harley Olivia is shining bright and making her mark on the music world.

With a commanding stage presence, Harley delivered her signature blend of alt-rock and pop, backed by JUNO Award-winning producer Siegfried Meier on lead guitar. Her full-band performance was a showcase of infectious melodies, powerhouse vocals, and relatable lyrics that connected deeply with her audience. It’s clear that Harley Olivia’s rise is just beginning, and she’s destined for big things. Expect to hear a lot more from this rising star!

Spirit of Guss: Jeff Gutteridge

Jeff Gutteridge embodies the spirit of Gussapolooza, earning the Spirit of Guss award this year. A veteran of the indie music scene, he is not only a talented songwriter and performer but also a strong supporter of the indie community, mentoring emerging artists and advocating for their growth.

His passion shone through in his engaging performances and heartfelt fan interactions. With a knack for crafting resonant bangers, Jeff perfectly represents the essence of Gussapolooza—music, community, and heart.

Best Performance: Cmagic5

Cmagic5 delivered the Best Performance of the weekend, hands down. With choreography that dazzled the audience, a full band backing her, and an unmatched stage presence, she commanded the crowd with a magnetic energy that left everyone buzzing long after her set ended. Her ability to engage the audience, coupled with visually stunning dance sequences, created an electrifying atmosphere that is rarely seen. Watch out for Cmagic5—her name is bound to be on everyone’s playlist soon. This is just the beginning for an artist who knows how to light up the stage and captivate hearts.

Emerging Singer-Songwriter of the Year: Tyler Lorette

The Emerging Singer-Songwriter of the Year award went to Tyler Lorette, a talented country musician whose powerful lyrics and mesmerizing melodies captivated the audience. His songwriting ability is wise beyond his years, and his emotional performances left the festival crowd in awe. With his authentic sound and heartfelt storytelling, Tyler Lorette is a name you’ll be hearing a lot in the near future—he’s got all the makings of a future star. Look out, Morgan Wallen; there’s a new country sensation on the rise!

“Runaway” to the 80s with Lawrence D.

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The neon glow of a clear Nashville night has nothing on the shimmer of “Runaway,” the new, 80s-inspired track from Lawrence D.

“Runaway” combines clean, catchy guitar riffs with retro synth tones and Lawrence D.’s silky-smooth vocals, taking us on a dynamic thrill ride that would find itself at home among The Weeknd’s best work.

Seriously… put it up against any track on Dawn FM, and try telling us it doesn’t fit right in. We dare you!

“My producer and I were sitting in his studio in Nashville, TN and he created this nice 80’s track,” Lawrence D. said. “I wrote the record that night. It reminded me of a Red Ferrari drive on the roadside of the beach somewhere in Miami. My other producer added the bass line, and I had the idea to bring the live electric guitar into the fold to give it an electrifying rock feeling. I love everything about this record, and I hope whoever is listening will love it, as well.”

TONIGHT: Learn How to Build Your Audience and Find Opportunities

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Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for a LIVE webinar version of Perfect Your Pitch: Building Authentic Connections as an Independent Artist.

During this session, we walk through the steps of developing your authentic artist brand, connecting to your audience, and using the momentum gained to find opportunities in media, live events, and partnerships while building a sustainable, profitable creative ecosystem — on your own terms.

Bookmark this YouTube embed to join us live!

On ‘Crush’, Lips Speak Louder Describe the Rush of Falling in Love

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Lips Speak Louder may have a busy fall on tap, touring with Emily Wolfe. However, that won’t stop them from continuing to crank out the tunes.

The most recent? The pop punk anthem, “Crush.” Written by Lips Speak Louder’s Rachel Brandsness and Angela Lese and produced by Wolfe, the new single reminds us what it’s like to be overcome with cautious optimism as we (maybe? possibly?) fall in love.

“(‘Crush’ is about) the incredible rush of emotions you get when you first start falling for someone, and how one unexpected encounter can change everything,” Brandsness said.

Don’t forget: you can see Lips Speak Louder perform “Crush” and plenty of other tunes from their upcoming full-length record on Saturday, October 19 at The Lipstick Lounge in Nashville. Learn more about that here, and check out the latest below!

Gussapolooza, Day 3: We Are Guss!

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The final day of Gussapolooza 2024 was a special day for me, personally. Before a note of music was performed, I had the opportunity to present my Perfect Your Pitch seminar to the artistpreneurs in attendance on Sunday morning. Thanks to the team behind the scenes at Gussapolooza and MTAV for making this amazing opportunity possible!

Once my seminar concluded — and after I had the chance to chat with few folks in attendance — it was time to grab my camera and get back out there for Day 3’s action-packed lineup.

Day 3 was bittersweet. It was a joy to appreciate the community that had gathered throughout the weekend in support of emerging artists. At the same time, we knew that our time together for 2024 would soon come to an end — which meant that we had to get as much out of the final day as possible.

And, as we had come to expect, the final day delivered. As the late summer sun glistened over Ontario once more, artists from across the Canadian music landscape offered us a snapshot of the creative world that awaits all those willing to explore. As the sun set and the festival’s final performances took shape, the die-hard Gusses soaked in every last minute of this year’s festival.

Then, we met at the barn for the afterparty, where festival organizer Russ Robson deftly wove his story — and the story of Gussapolooza itself — into an enthralling, five-song acoustic set before opening the stage up to an open jam that lasted into the wee hours.

Now, we leave you with a collage, featuring the many parting glances we took toward this year’s festival. We thank everyone at Gussapolooza for their warm welcome, and we look forward to supporting this amazing, three-day experience again — in 2025 and beyond!

LISTEN: Hot4Robot Tackles the Euphoria of Addiction on ‘Your Chemical’

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It’s amazing how a creative spark from many moons ago can come back around, years later, and give way to something new.

That is the origin story of Hot4Robot’s tune, “Your Chemical.” The band just released an acoustic rendition on September 13, in advance of the band’s forthcoming unplugged album, recorded live at the legendary Godfrey Daniels listening room in Bethlehem, PA.

“The main groove of ‘Your Chemical’ was originally featured in a tune performed by The Foolz, a Lehigh Valley jam-band staple of the mid-aughts, whose lineup included 50 percent of Hot4Robot,” said frontman Alex Radus, who crafted the song’s prototype alongside guitarist Dave Cahill. “That tune is lost to the sands of time, but the groove was infectious enough to make its way into Hot4Robot’s songwriting toolkit. It was eventually refashioned into ‘Your Chemical’ – matched with completely different lyrics, melody and B-section.”

“Your Chemical” originally debuted on the band’s 2021 full-length, self-titled release. The pensive — some might say ominous — tune “chronicles the toxic and disorienting euphoria of addiction, especially to dopamine hits and external validation.”

Radus believes that this updated rendition gives the song’s message room to breathe, while keeping the structure and intricacies of the original intact.

“What was fascinating about reimagining this song unplugged, is that the acoustic format gave the tune an intimacy and vulnerability that conveyed the message just as well — or perhaps better? “Radus said. “It’s also pretty amazing how Dave recreates his intense and spectacular lead with no pedals or effects.”

Feel the intensity — check out “Your Chemical – Unplugged” below!

10 Minutes of Raw Gratitude

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We are at the end of a truly incredible summer — one that saw our Underground Music Collective movement connect with thousands of new people, and venture to places we had never been before.

Before we forge ahead, let’s pause, reflect, and say “thank you.”

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

The Quinn Spinn
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