Tag Archives: new single

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!

Hey You! Check Out The Band Palm’s Debut Single

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Any time music makes its way to us from the Jersey Shore, we can’t help but stand up and pay attention. There’s something so timeless and exciting about the unbridled energy of the region, and many of its acts have the talent to match our enthusiasm.

With that, we found a submission from Asbury Park’s The Band Palm in our backlog. After having a couple listens, it appears that our faith has been rewarded yet again!

The band’s debut single, “Doves (Hey You),” was released last July. Born from a spiritual awakening, the punchy alt-rock anthem reflects a moment of clarity shared by bandmates Brooke Riso (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Shayna Bay (bass/vocals) — and is credited by Bay as “the catalyst that allowed The Band Palm to come to life.”

“Brooke and I had a shared experience in which we felt under spiritual attack. We were confused, scared, and our only way to understand what was happening was to channel our feelings into music,” Bay recalls. “We rushed home and instantly got to work. The verse progression was one that Brooke had in her ‘unfinished/writers block’ collection. She knew right away to bring this progression to the forefront, but expressed to me that she was unable to continue it. Upon hearing, with inspiration in my mind, I instantly got pulled into the zone. I wrote the chorus progression almost instantly and, from there, The Band Palm was born.”

The duo then recruited lead guitarist Mike Ortlieb and drummer Matt Veiga to round out their lineup, which they’ve already begun taking on the road in advance of their forthcoming second single. The band performs across the tri-state area regularly, with a special date coming up at Musikfest — you know, that Bethlehem, PA-based festival that is at least indirectly responsible for UMC’s very existence — in early August.

There’s plenty of excitement to come. For now, immerse yourself in “Doves (Hey You)” by The Band Palm!

UnderDog Releases: Abundance, Keen Observations, and Whispers

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As the world has been turning, we’ve been celebrating this incredible year, and getting ready for what’s next, the UnderDogs have been hard at work churning out new material here in Q4.

Let’s check out what some of the members of our community have been up to lately…

Artist: Amelia Ray
Video: Pretending to Read
Released: December 4, 2025
What you should know: The visual companion to Amelia’s July single, ‘Pretending to Read’ was filmed and recorded at San Francisco’s Women’s Audio Mission. Ever-attentive to detail — this song recalls all of her observations from behind a book during a train ride — Amelia has us attempting to decode the symbolism behind the stack of books In addition, her expressive performance behind the microphone has us hanging on every lyric — making us believers that, aside from what’s taking place in front of her eyes, our protagonist has a lot to process.

Artist: Kelsey Muse
Song: Whispers
Released: November 14, 2025
What you should know: As promoted on The Quinn Spinn (and released as a direct purchase-only single last month prior to hitting streaming platforms), “Whispers” is about letting the people keep talking as you carry about your business. Society might make a lot of noise, but moving with purpose holds the key to drowning it out.

Artist: Yonna Jones
Song: ABUNDANCE
Released: October 17, 2025
What you should know: As ‘SUNRISE’ greeted us with the promise of a new day earlier this year, ‘ABUNDANCE’ represents high noon in the realm of new opportunities. Jones’ delivery is lightning-quick on the track, and her confidence shines as she makes it clear that her success is not just possible; it’s inevitable.

Da’ Healerz, Guidance Whiskey Team Up on ‘Everybody Need Some Guidance’

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Back in August, Da’ Healerz treated us to the live debut of their then-forthcoming single, “Everybody Need Some Guidance,” released in conjunction with Tennessee’s own Guidance Whiskey.

In case you need a refresher, here’s a video of that performance.

As it turns out, the studio version goes just as hard. Released on October 17, “Everybody Need Some Guidance” is a stadium-ready anthem which commemorates the launch of Guidance Whiskey’s Guidance Music imprint. It’s only appropriate that the first release is a celebration of ambition, creativity, and community — complete with a toast over its hard-hitting instrumental.

The release comes as Da’ Healerz get set to join us in New Orleans for Crescent City Crossroads, NOLA MusiCon‘s official after hours showcases presented alongside our friends at DAWn Audio and Tunetrax. The showcases take place Oct. 28 and 29 at two unique Big Easy venues, and full details are here.

OUT NOW: Yonna Jones Greets the ‘SUNRISE’

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A brand-new era of Yonna Jones’ artistry begins with the bright promise of a new day.

“SUNRISE” is an affirming anthem that encourages us toward seeing a life full of possibility. The new single is the first of a new batch of “movement music” from the Chicago native (and NEXT2RISE artist), who aims to motivate and inspire with messages of perseverance.

And, with empowering lyrics like these, it’s safe to say that Yonna has hit the intended target with this one:

“Everything that you need is right in front of you.
I know you don’t want to lose. We chase the ‘W’.
I was sitting, wondering what my life was coming to
Until I chose to open up and let the light shine through.”

Sonically, “SUNRISE” spreads its golden light upon us with a blend of pop and hip hop, complete with clean, jangly guitars and shimmering melodies. Let it brighten up your day!

LISTEN: The Peterkin Project’s ‘Power of Life’ Offers a Touching Tribute

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“Last summer, you inspired me to sing.”

John Peterkin pays homage to his late cousin on “Power of Life,” the latest single from The Peterkin Project.

“This heartfelt song was co-created with my late cousin Mark, who fought a brave battle against cancer and inspired me to pursue music,” Peterkin said on the band’s official Facebook page.

The steady rocking new single features a warm acoustic sensibility, which underscores some hopeful, U2-inspired licks from lead guitarist Shawn Andrew. Peterkin’s lyrics paint a picture of those who leave indelible imprints on our hearts and minds — even after they transition from this Earthly plane.

For more about “Power of Life” and all things The Peterkin Project, John is one of several guests who join us on The Quinn Spinn this coming Monday, September 15 as part of our series taped live at Gussapolooza 2025, which took place last month in Cookstown, Ontario, Canada. Be sure to tune in!

LISTEN: Bri Aspen Delivers on ‘Wearing White’

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Heartbreak, as painful as it is to experience, oftentimes allows us to evolve and grow into a newer, fuller version of ourselves. There are people among us in this world that experience heartbreak while also being gifted artists. These people can channel their heartbreak into something of substance for the rest of us to rely on when we are eventually met with our own heartbreak.

Bri Aspen is one of those gifted artists. 

“Wearing White” is a song where Aspen explores that heartbreak of watching the person you love be in love with someone else. This song is an impressive showcase of Aspen’s voice, which is accompanied by a piano and a string section. 

“Sometimes, you introduce your soulmate to someone else – and then stand beside them on their wedding day,” Aspen said.

That’s a feeling no one should have to go through, but oh my, if you do… at least you have “Wearing White” for emotional support. 

“I wrote this song with Alex Lomartire and Jaan Harrison Kohm — (it’s) our third project together, and just the beginning of what I know will be a great creative partnership. I came into the session with the line, “I’m standing by your side, but I’m not wearing white,” and within a few hours, the full story had unfolded. Once we shaped the narrative, built out the characters, and found the right words to bring it all together, we knew we had something special. Jaan took it from there and produced the track in a way that truly brought the emotion and storyline to life.”

She explains further, “I learned throughout this writing process that sometimes, love means setting aside your own emotions, so that those you care about can find the happiness they deserve—even if that journey doesn’t include you.”

I am now a fan of Bri Aspen, who’s got more music coming out this year, and who you can catch playing all around Nashville. You’ll be a fan, too, once you check out “Wearing White” below!

LISTEN: On ‘NNYC,’ Haley Ganis Finds Her Way Through the Big Apple Post-Breakup

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So many times in my life, I have sat on a New York City subway, off to a show or a restaurant. I’ve often sat back and wondered what it would be like to have a lived experience in New York, with all the love, joy, and heartbreak.

Haley Ganis is an artist who has lived and performed in New York City, and has experienced the city’s culture. Her single, “NNYC,” is the perfect kind of tasteful pop song that only someone who had a life in New York could write.

“Don’t wanna take the 6 train home
Window reflections swear I see your ghost
I can’t avoid our inside jokes
Eight million people and I’m still alone.”

With those lyrics, Ganis perfectly sets the tone, illustrating all of those routines you develop with another person — the car and train rides, always going to the same destinations. In an instant, these memories can be tainted by a breakup. You can hear that pain in Ganis’ vocals, over the backdrop of synths and a strummed guitar before the band comes in. 

On the song, Ganis says “The day I wrote this, I was really missing New York City, but was also reminded of a major breakup I went through while living there. During the writing process, I loved sorting through my feelings and having New York as the backdrop of it all. My co-writer and producer, Dylan Maloney, helped finish the song with me, and I hope listeners enjoy what we did.”

Music this good doesn’t just happen. Ganis is a skilled songwriter, and has such musical capacity that you can hear the years of work she has spent on her craft. This might best be exemplified when the song is just her and a piano, which I will let the listener experience for themselves. 

“‘Cause you got to keep the good things
East side, Goodnight Sonny
Apartment and the grocery store
But New York isn’t yours.”

(Perhaps, in another timeline, I too am walking around New York City post-breakup, dodging bright city lights while walking past bodegas, trying to find a path to my new home in a new side of town…)

Haley Ganis wrote a stellar piece of music with “NNYC,” and I will be playing it on repeat. The tune is a part of a number of singles she will release before dropping her album in October. Keep an eye out for it!

WATCH: Brother Dusty Makes Us Go ‘whoa’

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Last Wednesday — following our inaugural UnderDogs Across Borders livestream benefit concert — our friend and fellow UnderDog Brother Dusty held a special event in Nashville at The Underdog, in celebration of his birthday *and* the release of the music video for his new single, “whoa.” (Clips of the event have begun surfacing, in case you want to check ’em out.)

We can definitely understand why Dusty threw a party of such magnitude. This one is worth celebrating!

Produced in conjunction with Ensworth Guitars and directed by Anastasia Elliot and Josh Saltzman, “whoa” is a thrill ride that breaks the rules and bends the genres as only Brother Dusty can. The video was filmed on location at popular Nashville music venue The Underdog and the Garden Family Warehouse, and is as dynamic and explosive as the hard-hitting single for which it was created.

Brother Dusty is just getting warmed up. Make sure you keep an eye on his socials for updates, and watch the video below. It’s sure to make you go… “WHOA.”

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