Category Archives: reviews

With ‘Aurora,’ ARREIS Empowers Every Princess to Save Herself

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As we get set for the arrival of ARREIS‘ forthcoming EP, Angel — and the dynamic and exciting release show that will serve as its precursor on Wednesday, June 17 at Nashville’s The East Room — let’s treat ourselves to a preview with the Chicago native’s latest single.

“Aurora” was released on May 29, and is a cinematic rock anthem about a woman finding her own independence through heartbreak, and in spite the societal structures that often discourage such autonomous growth. Named after the princess featured in the Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty, the song features an awakened heroine who has dusted herself off and picked her own tiara up off the ground.

“A song written about feeling abandoned by a boy has turned into an anthem for women to reject the systemic teachings that have been forced upon us for generations,” ARREIS said in an Instagram post prior to release. “It’s not about not needing a man— it’s about delivering ourselves from the ones who wish us harm. My wish is for every woman to live comfortably and freely in whatever life she chooses.”

“Aurora” is one of the many songs featured on Angel that have been re-imagined from ARREIS’ 2020 debut album, Blindside. You’ll hear more when it’s released on Friday, June 26 (and you’ll have a chance to snag it earlier, if you buy your ticket to the East Room show).

While you wait, get to know “Aurora” below!

On ‘What We Can’t Say,’ Ty Warner Observes a Love Disconnected

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Our friend and fellow UnderDog Ty Warner has been on a hot streak so far in 2026. It wasn’t too long ago that we told you about “Connor’s Crawl,” the instrumental, jazz-influenced single released in honor of Warner’s precocious young grandson, Connor.

This time, the Air Force veteran-turned-full-time musician adds his voice back into the mix with “What We Can’t Say,” a mid-tempo Americana ballad which explores the ways our minds can interfere with love.

“Romance is an illogical concept,” Warner said in a video posted to social media. “It’s not like balancing a checkbook or knowing when your car payment is due. It’s based on emotion.”

The story of “What We Can’t Say” positions Warner as an observer of two lovers struggling to work through communication issues and find common ground through the love they share. The tune’s beautifully layered Americana soundscape — produced by Jim Thacker of Kazen Music Group — adds a wistful tone to support the narrative. A listener might imagine “What We Can’t Say” weaving into the post-breakup montage of an indie film, as two individuals pause, reflect, and realize that they’re stronger as a pair.

“What We Can’t Say” features Warner on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with Thacker performing electric and bass guitar duties. Asha Sun provided backing vocals, and GRAMMY-winner Robin Ruddy added a classic country touch with her work on the dobro. Elements of the single were tracked both in Nashville by Scott Griffin, as well as by Vante Anderson at Wyoming Wave Studios in Cheyenne, WY.

As for the artwork? The tradition of artwork designed by the Warner grandchildren continues, as the cover art for “What We Can’t Say” was designed by Warner’s granddaughter, Nora Jo.

Who will be the first to say, “I love you?”

LISTEN: E.T. Preaches Family Values on ‘Never Wanna Give You Away”

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Few things in life will give us a truer sense of “it’s bigger than me” than parenthood. The perspective shift — often from staunch, dedicated individuality, to carrying the responsibility of providing for and nurturing the next generation — aligns us with our purpose, and helps us cut through the noise to realize what truly matters.

E.T. delivers that perspective on “Never Wanna Give You Away” — and he recruited longtime collaborator Iyce and fellow Nashville emcee Aye West to join him on the mission.

Produced by Konscience Beatz, “Never Wanna Give You Away” is a soothing offering of Southern hip hop and soul. Both E.T. and Aye West speak on their experiences navigating fatherhood, making clear their intentions to show up as a secure presence in their children’s lives, no matter the weather.

In between verses, Iyce adds a gorgeous refrain that complements the overall message — and even manages to sneak a clever tribute to one of Otis Redding’s most legendary moments into the bridge. (See… now you’ll have to listen for that one!)

Why don’t you get to it, then? Vibe out to “Never Wanna Give You Away” riiiiight here…

Ty Warner’s ‘Connor’s Crawl’ Instrumental a Family Affair

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Ty Warner — songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Air Force veteran, and one of our most loyal UnderDogs — is in the flow of releasing music, with several singles and a full EP on tap for 2026.

Warner’s first offering of the year, “Connor’s Crawl,” was released on March 24. The tune marks previously uncharted territory for Warner, as it is the first song he’s released that is entirely instrumental.

“I find instrumental music in general to be incredibly inspiring and emotional in and of itself,” Warner told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle (Cheyenne, WY). “That’s the journey I’m on right now … I’m going to move towards (releasing) instrumentals.”

Inspired by the jazz artist Earl Klugh, Warner composed and recorded “Connor’s Crawl” on two nylon string guitars. Additional instrumentation was added by esteemed New York-based producer Bryan Crook, who mixed and mastered the track after it was recorded by Vante Anderson at Wyoming Wave Studios. The song does feature some vocal instrumentation, as well, with background vocals performed by Asha Sun.

As for the inspiration behind the name? Warner named “Connor’s Crawl” after his precocious young grandson, Connor, who also created the artwork for the release.

Those looking for more new music won’t have to wait long. This week, Warner announced a follow-up single titled “What We Can’t Say,” set for release on Tuesday, May 19. From there, more singles are coming down the pipeline in the lead-up to My Songbook — Volume 1, set for release later this summer.

On ‘Woke Up In LA,’ Jesse Lynn Madera Preaches Love — Even When It’s Tough

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Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen

“I don’t care how you treat me
I love you completely
Through the dog days
I’m yours anyway
I was begging and pleading
And you just laid there sleeping
And I prayed to fly away
I woke up in LA again today.”

Caught between mundane realities and greener pastures, Jesse Lynn Madera’s latest single, “Woke Up In LA,” is a tender slice of Americana which serves as “a testament to resilience and the persistence of love, even through ‘the dog days.’

Inspired by her early days of living in Los Angeles after re-locating from New York City, Madera paints a picture of love’s imperfections; the ways that our wounds show up when we try to love someone, the damage caused by words both said and unsaid, and the resolve to find a way forward despite it all.

“It’s the most me-sounding stuff I’ve put out yet,” Madera said. “It’s the artist’s job to reflect the truth, to hopefully help the listener feel seen and understood through having the courage to try to understand ourselves.”

It is in those attempts to find understanding that we uncover the truth about what’s best for us. Over time, we learn not to seek perfection from life, and we realize that the escapes we seek — to a simpler life in Montana, or anywhere else — offer only temporary relief from the underlying narratives that shape us as individuals.

The song’s official music video — curated and edited by Madera — is a live-action scrapbook of her story so far, intermingling heartwarming clips from early childhood to snapshots of her present-day reality. It’s an opportunity for the West Virginia native to lean all the way in, as she accepts and expresses all parts of what makes her human.

“I feel less protective of my experiences now,” Madera said. “I have so many tales to tell and I want to claim my story.”

LISTEN: Billy Bauer Returns with “Queen of Her Town”

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For the first time since before the pandemic, a new, original studio release has emerged from the world of Billy Bauer Band.

This time, it’s the band’s namesake himself with a solo effort. Billy Bauer released the raw, acoustic cut, “Queen of Her Town,” on March 31. Produced by fellow artist and dear friend Bobby Siegfried of Chasing Daylight Productions, the tune was written more than a decade ago, on the road back to the band’s hometown of Bethlehem, PA from a gig in Milwaukee, WI.

“Queen of Her Town” features a tender vocal and the warm tones of Billy’s Martin Guitar, as he sings of a small-town girl with big dreams. One particularly exciting moment happens around four-and-a-half minutes in, when the last chorus gives way to a rollicking outro, showcasing Bauer’s signature scat vocals.

“After rehearsal, everyone cleared out—except me and former bassist Steve Zalalas,” Bauer noted. “What started as a jam became a one-take live recording, raw and mostly untouched. It was too special not to share.”

The song is available on all major streaming platforms — but that’s not the only way you can get it. The band has made “Queen of Her Town” available for downloadable purchase on Bandcamp for just $1, giving you an easy way to show your support.

Be sure to stay tuned, because we have it on good authority that there’s more where this came from. In the meantime, go ahead and meet the “Queen of Her Town.”

UnderDogs in Austin, Pt. 1: Kenny Dorham’s Backyard

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Last month, the UnderDogs took a trip to Austin, TX to take part in this year’s SXSW week festivities. It was a chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and bring the light of our community to the Texas Capitol.

We also lined up some performances for our artists, in conjunction with our friends at Rhythm & Soul Radio out of New York and featuring the wonderful talents of The Rollin’ Souls house band.

First up was a day at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, operated by the East Austin Creative Coalition. A beautiful, sunny Saturday lent the perfect energy to this unique, all-outdoor artistic space — the perfect backdrop for UnderDogs like Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess, Nicólas Soul, and Yonna Jones to showcase their unique abilities and connect with new fans.

Enjoy these shots from this fantastic afternoon, and stay tuned. Part 2 is coming soon…

On ‘Do Whatchu Gotta,’ Jarrod Lawson Meets Heartbreak with Acceptance

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When love reaches its expiration date, we must begin the painful process of accepting the cold, hard truth.

Just because it’s the right thing doesn’t mean it’s easy. There will be sleepless nights and second guessing. Our hearts will break (probably more than once).

With that said… who knew heartbreak could sound so good?

Jarrod Lawson delivers an emotionally captivating performance on “Do Whatchu Gotta.” The Nashville-based singer and multi-instrumentalist sends us into the stratosphere with a cosmic neo-soul ballad featuring an expert blend of jazz and R&B, providing the perfect environment for his otherworldly vocal abilities to shine.

“Do Whatchu Gotta” is a song about letting go in appreciation of the love that was, while acknowledging what it is not and can no longer be. With lines like…

“Girl, I hate to see you go.
Somehow, I’ve always known
Deep down, you needed more than me.
So, I guess it’s time to set you free.”

Lawson demonstrates a healthy and mature capacity for love — one that is secure in its understanding, and not possessive or controlling. In the process, Lawson invites room for reflection and self-discovery as post-breakup life unfolds.

Perhaps we’ll witness more of that unfolding on Lawson’s forthcoming album, Just Let It, which is set for release on May 1. In the meantime, “Do Whatchu Gotta” to make time to vibe to this one!

With ‘Breathe,’ Intellect Finds Calm in the Chaos

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When the odds are against us and the walls are closing in, we must look within to find peace.

Intellect offers us a respite from the overstimulation of modern society with “Breathe,” a tense and unyielding new single that serves as “a declaration of space, voice, and release—one breath at a time.”

“Built on dense lyricism and relentless delivery, ‘Breathe’ blends spiritual imagery with street realism, exploring themes of survival, authorship, and inner conflict,” the DC-based hip hop artist states. “The repeated plea — ‘Just let me breathe’ — anchors the video as both a mantra and a warning.”

“Breathe” is accompanied by visuals directed and produced by Annaken Media, which illustrate calm in the chaos by portraying Intellect as he remains steadfast in an environment that is visually glitching around him. Intellect’s performance in the video is focused and direct — representative of the tunnel vision required to stay on the one’s true path in a world full of distractions.

“Breathe” will be included on Declaration of Independence Vol. 3, a robust compilation album featuring Intellect alongside a host of other others. Watch the video below!

LISTEN: Yonna Jones Plays ‘Cat & Mouse’

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Valentine’s Day is coming up. And what would Valentine’s Day be without turning up the HEAT?

Our fellow UnderDog Yonna Jones is back with some sounds of the season, having dropped “Cat & Mouse” this past Friday, January 30. The new single — here to “get the girls warmed up for Valentine’s Day” — sees Jones lean into her R&B side, as she delivers a smooth and lightning-quick melody as exhilarating as the chase itself.

“Cat & Mouse” is Yonna’s first new release of 2026, with a full album on its way to us shortly. The track was engineered by W3BZ and produced by LacTrax here in Nashville, with artwork from (another fellow UnderDog) Nicolas Soul. Try it out below!

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