Sad Americana singer-songwriter Gena Perala looks to brighter horizon on single, ‘I’m Gone’

Every summer, we look for songs that transcend us to scenes of warm air amidst comfortable settings, a cool evening breeze with a drink in hand, memorable moments with loved ones, and of course, hitting the open road with the windows down.

This – and quite possibly – the prospect of fearlessly ending one chapter of our lives and beginning the next.

Enter GENA PERALA, who released her breezy yet courageous country-flaired single, ‘I’m Gone.’

Sweeping in like the impending summer breeze, ‘I’m Gone’ makes its introduction with a welcoming banjo lick and acoustic guitar that soon gives way into a mellow modern-meets-traditional country groove equipped with pedal steel and all.

Perala’s honeyed vocals swoon from verse to chorus, and create a call to action of simply moving on and looking ahead to brighter horizons. “I don’t like crying / It’s true / I really don’t like crying / Crying over you / I don’t like waiting / It’s true / I sure as hell don’t like waiting / Waiting for you,” she sings, drawing out the “I’s” with impressive vocal precision.

“’I’m Gone’ is about knowing when to walk away,” Perala states. “It’s about refusing to stay where you’re not valued and trusting that something better is waiting—even if you can’t see it yet.”

The track blends heartbreak with quiet strength, and speaks to anyone who’s had to choose themselves over comfort. With its raw lyrics, rich harmonies, and driving acoustic instrumentation, the track balances heartbreak and empowerment in equal measure.

‘I’m Gone’ is the lead single from Perala’s upcoming album, Somewhere New, and it sets the tone for a story rooted in grit, heartache, and self-discovery. Common themes include choosing yourself, trusting that there’s something better ahead, and appreciating the simple things in life. “I think underneath it all, the album is really about resilience, hope, and staying true to who you are,” Perala says. The album is slated for a fall release.

Connect with Gena Perala via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genaperala
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genaperala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genaperala

Source: Gena Perala

OUT TODAY: Jozem exposes the moody side to summer with his indie-R&B EP, Summerhaze

A sombre, bed of airy soundscapes introduces JOZEM‘s new EP, ‘Summerhaze’, through track, ‘Foolish Heart’, where the tranquility of Rwanda-born, Toronto-based artist’s vocals offer a place of escapism, introspection and even retrospection during a season that’s associated with having pure unadulterated fun.

Although the EP is described as a body of work that displays ‘a moody side of summer’, which peeks into Jozem’s many life experiences and those who are close to him, personally the five-track project could also be described as a transitional EP from Summer to Autumn – a season that prepare us for hibernation and a period of some serious self-discovery and perhaps reflecting on loss of friendships, relationships strains and heartache of losing a love interest, releasing all those pent up issues and coming out the other end renewed and healed. As these themes of self-discovery and introspection runs potent throughout the EP, ‘Summerhaze’ is also a gentle reminder of recognising the real cheerleaders in your life when times get a little rough.

The perfect example of this is through title track, ‘Summerhaze’, which reflects on an experience with one of Jozem’s close friends, who was going through a rough patch and, like most of us, that person would put on a brave face to mask the pain – even though Jozem could see right through the mask and feel his friend’s pain. He may have felt helpless at the time, but Jozem has learnt a valuable lesson from the experience that ring loud in the track – and that lesson is that it’s not a sign of weakness to reach out and confide in someone who you truly trust.

Soft layers of electronic soundscapes begins to make its presence known in ‘Test’ and ‘Waiting, Soft’ concluding the EP perfectly which, personally, radiates some sense of hope and optimism through the muddy maze, that’s unfortunately called life.

‘Summerhaze’ EP is now out today (29th August), via various music platforms. Why not enter into Jozem’s world below…

Must Listens: Summerhaze

Connect with Jozem via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/followjozem
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jozem__/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jozem
Website:https://www.iamjozem.com/

OUT TODAY: Ashley Barron flips the script in single, ‘Cryin’ In A Bar’.

She has shared the stage with some of country music’s best, including opening for the legendary T. Graham Brown, Dylan Scott, Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr, and Craig Campbell. As a rising artist ASHLEY BARRON takes a bold step away from traditional heartbreak and redefines the narratives in her new single, ‘Cryin’ In A Bar.’ Steering clear of the typical love story plot, this song flips the script on challenging the notion that a broken heart comes from surprising strength rather than ‘Crying In A Bar.’ The song, co-written by Ashley and acclaimed songwriter Pete Sallis, is a testament to their combined storytelling prowess. Pete, known for his work with artists like Ronnie Dunn, Maddie & Tae, Bucky Covington, and the multi-platinum hit ‘Shut Up and Fish,” brings his signature touch to ‘Cryin’ In A Bar.’

I should be crying in a bar
In the corner in the dark
Drowning in the bourbon wishing I was hurting
More than I am
But when I hear those
jukebox sad songs play
They don’t sting as bad as yesterday
They were wrong whoever said you can’t mend a broken heart
I should be crying in a bar

Ashley says, “When we wrote this song, I was very much overwriting your typical love story. ‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ is a twist. When you feel like your heart should be broken, but in reality, you’re okay!”

‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ is the second single to follow the first titled ‘Betrayed,’ which was released earlier this year with placements in Cowgirl Magazine, The Women of Country, and featured as a cover story three-page spread on Poze Magazine. It served as the opening move, setting the stage for a journey of overcoming personal challenges where every song is a strategic move and the ultimate victory is found within herself.

Ashley adds, “The production on this song is hands down one of my favorites. I remember being in the studio trying to feel the rhythm, so I started doing the waltz in front of my vocal mic.”

Whether playing in an intimate venue or on a large festival stage, Ashley commands the attention of the audience, leaving a lasting mark. Her concerts are a dynamic blend of country and rock, infused with a sense of authenticity and grit drawn from her personal experiences.

As a touring artist, Ashley recently headlined her show at the National Scleroderma Walk in Napa County, CA, a foundation close to her heart as she was selected to be their celebrity ambassador. She is also set to perform at the Platteville Fire Department Celebration on June 22, 2024, in Platteville, WI; the Winneshiek County Fair in Decorah, IA, with Joe Nichols on July 12, 2024; and the Dallas County, Iowa, with Craig Morgan on July 13, 2024.

‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ was released today across various platforms. Why not listen below…

Connect with Ashley Barron via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybarronofficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarronofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchP2A4P0Jh22O4sGekG_MA
Website: https://www.ashleybarronofficial.com/

Nayla Savannah drops new EP, ‘Papillon’

West Coast artist NAYLA SAVANNAH‘s brand new EP, titled ‘Papillon’ – which means Butterfly in French – – comprises of five mesmerizing tracks, promising to take listeners on a captivating journey through love, drugs, and heartbreak.

Drawing inspiration from the ethereal beauty of butterflies, ‘Papillon’ encapsulates the transformative essence of Nayla’s artistic vision. The EP opens with the enigmatic track ‘Papillion’, a raging head throbber to ‘Rooms,’ evoking the sensation of a surreal shroom trip, before transitioning into more grounded themes with tracks like ‘Koracick,’ a nod to Shondaland’s iconic series, Grey’s Anatomy.

Produced by ENYU member Zidiil, ‘Papillon’ is a sonic tapestry that seamlessly weaves together elements of romance and introspection. Tracks like ‘Hypnotyzd’ and ‘Sticky’ offer a romanticized exploration of desire and longing, underscored by Nayla’s commanding vocals and infectious energy.

Released on Saturday (30th March), Nayla Savannah’s EP ‘Papillon’ is set to captivate audiences with its raw authenticity and dynamic synth heavy soundscapes. Whether delving into the depths of human emotion or soaring on the wings of imagination, Nayla invites listeners to join her on a spellbinding odyssey through the highs and lows of existence. Check it out below…

Must Listens: Rooms, Sticky

Soulstress Bea Anderson bares all in new EP, ‘The Classroom Of Silence’

BEA ANDERSON’s forthcoming EP, ‘The Classroom of Silence’ is a glance into the personal growth and wisdom that she has gained from times of introspection on her journey of self-love and acceptance. Bea has processed personal trauma from heartache to flexing her growth as she finds love in the aftermath of adversity.

Lead track ‘Goodbye’ delves deeper into the idea of what true love should mean, Bea guides goes on a path of transformation and healing with her mesmerising R&B flavour and masterful storytelling. She knows that true evolution can only be achieved by facing one’s spirit, and true freedom comes from learning to coexist without depending on love from others.

Bea Shares – “This project signifies 6 lessons I learned in the classroom of silence. The name is derived from the life-changing book ‘The Rhythm of Life’ by Matthew Kelly. The concept explores the notion that true knowing of identity occurs when nothing else is occurring – also known as in the midst of silence. Each song depicts a different life lesson and ultimately the influential turning points in the development of my identity. The project explores the themes of healing, love and transformation.”

Produced by Jarom S’ua (Timbaland, Drake) and written by Bea, ‘Classroom of Silence’ explores the complexities of love, life and balance. Opening track ‘Inner Child’ is a heartwarming addition to the EP, as we hear ‘little Bea’ reflect on all of her learnings, delivering words of praise to the woman she’s become, gracefully setting the tone for the following tracks.

Previously released ‘Pieces’, ‘Picture Perfect’, and ‘Astronomical’ ft. Jords allows us a glimpse into Bea’s relationships from heartbroken to captivated. The narrative flow Bea creates on her journey of growth and transformation as she displays her storytelling prowess through her soulful lyrics and masterful songwriting, over the years she has captured the attention of major DSPs and publications – BBC Radio 1Xtra (track of the week and C-List), Spotify (New Music Friday, Fresh Finds) and backing from Notion, Apple Music (New Music Daily, New in R&B, Breaking R&B), HUNGER and most recently COMPLEX, CLASH & COLORS.

Listen to Bea’s ‘The Classroom of Silence’ EP below…

Must Listens: Pieces, Mirror Mirror, Goodbye (pt. Two)