Tag Archives: single review

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.

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: 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.”

Bailey Cole Doesn’t Want Fear to Hold You Back ‘Anymore’

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There are moments in life that call for us to push past our fears and limitations.

For these moments, we have “Anymore” — the smoldering new cinematic pop single from Bailey Cole. The contemplative new tune — described by Cole as “a declaration of self-worth and a reminder that growth means letting go of the fear that used to define you” — features Cole’s smoky vocals calling to us over a thoughtfully layered, atmospheric soundscape. The lyrics float through the ether with a palpable tension, not unlike the inner conflict that arises in us all before a major breakthrough.

“’Anymore’ is a personal reckoning—a song about the moment you realize you’re finally getting somewhere in life, and that quiet fear creeps in,” Cole said. “What if I lose it all again? It’s about refusing to let the past steal joy from your present.”

“Anymore” was produced by Adam Clark, mixed by Grammy-winner Mikaelin “Blue” Bluespruce (Solange, Nas), and mastered by Idania Valencia at Sterling Sound. It is the latest installment of Chapter 1, a series of singles that is set for a full project re-release later this year. Listen to it below, as you sttep away from your fears and into your power!

LISTEN: With ‘cross that line,’ Brooke Martin Addresses the Elephant in the Room

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What do we do when love begins to fade?

Brooke Martin confronts that question on “cross that line,” a groovy, upbeat new tune with melancholy undertones. Produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Chris Penny, the single’s shimmering pop soundscape juxtaposes adeptly with the sobering reality of a spark between two people that now struggles to ignite.

“To me, “cross that line” is such a fun, upbeat song—but the lyrics are quite sad when you really listen,” Martin said. “It’s about two people who love each other but are starting to realize they might not be right for each other anymore. There’s still hope—they’re trying to find their way back to the happiness they once had.”

“cross that line” was the first song written for Martin’s forthcoming EP, which is expected to drop later this September.

For now… go on. Cross that line. But once you do, there’s no turning back…

https://open.spotify.com/track/15UPQSEGPYKqKmblOOLs16?si=6d865897efa94f04

Not Sure Where to Go Next? Listen to This Song from Jon Worthy

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Nashville-based indie alt rock artist Jon Worthy has given all he has to music. He’s toured across the nation, consistently released music, and has been featured in 150 popular media outlets. He’s even been to the Lehigh Valley’s very own Musikfest in Bethlehem, where I’m from! To many aspiring artists, he has certainly made a successful music career.

After the pandemic, his music career went in a different direction. He began focusing on studio sessions, songwriting, and production, while answering the COVID-era question on every creative’s mind…

“Where do I go from here?”

Jon’s new tune, “I’ve Been Up, I’ve Been Down,” reminds you that you aren’t alone if you don’t know where to go. The dreamy, wayward tune details how his own journey changed direction, leaving him feeling like he didn’t know what to do next.

“It’s about living day by day, and just trying to enjoy life as it came to me,” he said. “It speaks to all the highs and lows of life, but being complacent and, at the same time, hoping something will really change for the better.”

I am most fascinated by the fact that Jon found healing in music, even as his path in the industry became uncertain. It’s almost like entering down the path of being lost is inevitable in order to find where to go next. It’s also inevitable for artists to create, because its apart of who we are. Expressing the confusion of feeling lost allows us to find our way. This is inspiring to me as an up-and-coming artist, and helps tame the questions and doubts in my own mind. It’s a reminder that it’s OK to not have it all figured out, all the time — just keep going and letting the music take you.

Stay on the lookout for Jon Worthy’s next collaborations, to be released in coming months. And remember: even if you don’t know where to go, have the hope one day you’ll make it

-Matt Schmoyer

LISTEN: Evan Kreutz Releases Spontaneous Summer Love Song, ‘last call’

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Summer is the time to lose track of time, forget your inhibitions, and fall in love.

Evan Kreutz captured the celestial spontaneity of discovering a new connection with his latest single, “last call.” What begins as a slow burning, acoustic rock daydream progresses with intensity toward alt-pop hyperspace, providing us with a proper interpretation of what it’s like to lose yourself in the excitement of exploring someone new.

“A breezy, feel-good ride built on impulse and connection, ‘last call’ is the sonic equivalent of taking the long way home with someone who makes you forget your worries,” Kreutz said. “It’s less about thinking and more about feeling—spontaneous, sweet, and exactly what you needed.”

“last call” was produced by Kreutz’s Young and Eager Entertainment co-founder Douglas Grama, and is the latest genre-bending stop on the road toward Kreutz’s forthcoming EP and deluxe album. Make sure you give Evan a follow to stay up to date on the latest!

LISTEN: Katie Mal Gets Us ‘Caught Up’ in Our Feelings

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Have you ever experienced a heartbreak so real, that even the smallest reminder prevents you from moving on?

Katie Mal crafted her new single, “Caught Up,” 3-4 years ago, as she was trying her hardest to recover from her first “real, hard breakup.” The raw honesty of the lyrics, paired well with a steady-driving garage rock soundscape, give us all the room we need to process our own pain — even if we’re the ones choosing to hold on to the memories.

“’Caught Up’ came from a really personal place—those moments when even the smallest things, like rain on a window or a box of their stuff, can keep you from moving on,” Katie said. “It was one of those times where writing helped me process what I was feeling.”

The Toronto-based songwriter started with the lyrics, later refining the melody and guitar parts to develop the finished product we’re enjoying today.

“I really wanted to release this song, because I love how the final product turned out,” she said. “It feels raw and real, and I hope people can connect with it.”

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