donSMITH Premieres New Album "Don't Ask Me Where I'm From"

donSMITH dropped a fresh new single- "Table" (featuring Radamiz) from his new album and it's streaming everywhere now. This Harlem born rapper is on the rise with some of the funkiest beats and rhymes from inside the reality of black and brown culture today. New York hip hop hasn't been this dope since RZA put a foot print in the New York City rap game. donSMITH continues that legacy in a whole new and invigorating way. The full length album ("Don't Ask Me Where I'm From") has that dark, raw and tripped out NYC tone, filled with ambient sound effects and movie soundtrack backdrop-beats in the style of the underground poetry of the city that never sleeps.

donSMITH compiled and masterminded the perfect soundtrack to these Manhattan streets and hypnotic times with vividly agile narratives and razor-sharp lyrics and grooves.  

"Don't Ask Me Where I'm From" is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music and all the major services.

With limited features from east coast artists like PayDay signee Radamiz, and D.C. 's quickly rising emcee Ankhlejohn, donSMITH proclaims his cultural pride and geographical commitment, especially at the hands of gentrification.

On additional tracks like “Piragua” & “NYCHA”, donSMITH is boldly emphasizing a central theme: for us, by us, while records like “donDADA” & “All I Got” give praise to the family and women birthed in the culture of uptown, New York City. 

This album acts as the centerpiece to donSMITH's soulful and politically charged duel EP’s “Dear Culture” & “Postscript", circling back to a central theme: “for us, by us”.

donSMITH · TABLE (feat. Radamiz)

STREAM THE VIDEO:

Yet another stunning single from Henriette Sennenvaldt ✨

Our latest signing has a new track for you! Henriette Sennenvaldt of the widely acclaimed Danish band Under Byen has released 'Clumsy', the second single of her upcoming debut solo album, Something Wonderful.

Following the New York Times review of her debut single, 'New Skill', Sennenvaldt has given us 'Clumsy'; an exploration of repetition, confusion, and ecstasy. Sennenvaldt explains, "I travelled to Chicago and spent days walking about the city, looking at life in a different place. I saw a work by Spencer Finch in which a solar-powered ice cream truck served cones the colors of the sunset. I saw a photo series by Carrie Schneider in which a house keeps burning over the course of several seasons. I wanted this song to be shaped like waking up from the same dream several times. Repetitive, but not repetitive enough for you to relax, quiet but noisy at the same time, like not knowing which reality to put your money on. The saxophones of the song are nerve-like to me, fast and anxious, and loud. The drums are like a muscular kid. Too big, too small, not quite right, that sort of awkwardness was always fascinating to me." Listen to this haunting new track wherever you get your music, and stay tuned for the music video premiere later this week.

Something Wonderful is out November 13th. Pre-order it now on limited-edition, orange crush vinyl.

Emcee Monte Releases New Single “I’m So Black” Off The "Change Gone Come" EP

Emcee Monte’s latest single “I’m So Black” is a heavy bass bottom hiphop track from the up and coming rapper’s new EP- “Change Gone Come”. The track features classic 808 style beats with a 1990’s production vibe, smooth rhymes like LL Cool J over hovering background effects. “I’m So Black” is the funk of 2020. This single is raw and electrified, a track you need to listen on repeat over and over again. Emcee Monte is the latest greatest rising star in the rap game with a rhythmic flow of a poet on fire. Hats off to this kid, looking forward to more singles to drop in the future.

 “I'm So Black” is available now on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music and all the major services.

Emcee Monte is a practitioner of the Hip Hop culture and continues to perfect his skills in all of the elements: DJing, B-boying, Rapping, and Graffiti. He is a talented MC, Producer, DJ, Songwriter, Spoken-word artist, and all-around Entertainer from the south side of Chicago. His goal is to make music that tells a story, encourages people, and inspires the world through beats and rhymes, keeping Hip Hop alive! He is one of Chicago's finest underground MCs known for his versatile rhyming and his powerful, positive messages. Influenced by the pioneers of Hip Hop, Emcee Monte delivers a phenomenal performance with the essence of the originators and old-school greats like Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, and Rakim fused with the style and flair of new school artist like Common, J. Cole, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell and Missy Elliot. With his beat-making ability, hard-hitting rhymes, and dance skills, Emcee Monte is a triple threat. His stage presence, superstar quality, and high energy deliver an unforgettable performance! Emcee Monte can be heard on all music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube, Tidal, and more.

Emcee Monte · 02 I'm So Black

Shorty World - For You

Super Charge Ent rapper and recording artist Shorty World shows his dedication to his lady in the smash single "For You". Whether it's running up a check at the mall, or riding for her in the streets, New Orleans native Shorty World let's his lady know that he does it all for her. Stay Tuned and follow Shorty World on his social media platforms for updates and giveaways.

Shorty World · For You (Explicit)

From Beantown to Brooklyn - The Sebbalution!* Continues as Lil Sebby Releases Sebbrooklyn!*

Fresh off his impressive debut album, Lil Sebby is set to explode on the rap scene with his highly anticipated new single “Sebbrooklyn!*”. The song gives fans a small taste for what’s potentially in store for the star’s new direction but instead of sounding like an expansion of his previous album, it sounds like a smoother and tasty reboot. Listeners already have an idea of what a Lil Sebby song will sound like but “Sebbrooklyn!*” is more sophisticated and straightforward. His style is fresh and the flow just got funkier.

“Sebbrooklyn!*” stands out for its maximalist, slick and polished production. The single is a druggy kaleidoscope of timbres and textures, making room for psychedelic trap drums, hazy synth noises, haunted sound effects, Rihanna-esque vocal swells, futuristic start-stop song hits while remaining cohesive and sonically structured. “Sebbrooklyn!*” is a funhouse trip par excellence, and there are several cuts on the full length album that will surely still be heard booming from clubs, college parties and hiphop radio well into the future.

“Sebbrooklyn!*” is available now on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music and all the major services.

Boston born Lil Sebby is a Hip Hop artist who is quickly gaining international notoriety and positive acknowledgement from his peers. Now living in Brooklyn, New York, the auto-tune aficionado separates himself from others in the genre with a familiar yet unique twist to the game, regularly bringing exceptional lyrics and captivating live performances to the table. Whether you’re in the mood to jump up and party or just listen to Hip Hop with a spin, Lil Sebby is the ultimate showman.

Lil Sebby’s debut album release, “The Sebbalution!*”, exceeded all expectations, with strong streaming numbers and local buzz helping the record make its way around the underground scene. As a follow up, Sebby’s newest project, “Sebbrooklyn!*”, enters a genre many may find foreign for the 23-year old. While still incorporating his signature autotune and infectious hype, Lil Sebby finds himself tapping into the “drill music” scene for inspiration; providing a whole new outlook on Lil Sebby and his bright future.

LISTEN TO “SEBBROOKLYN!” ON SPOTIFY

Emma Pierson Releases “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” Single/Video

Emma Pierson has released her debut single “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” in the midst of the maelstrom of Covid 19. It is an homage, in the style of Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, to the value of memories and the relationship that must be fastened to preserve them.

Emma Pierson is a young, vital voice in the pop music pantheon, of precociousness beyond her years. She has a ratcheting sense of unease, coupled with her hope and optimism. "Don't Forget to Remember Me" offers powerful resolution in order to maintain relationships. She layers the emotions of missing people and dealing with loss poignantly, a performance that is beautifully crafted and delivers a powerful voice on the threshold of change.

 

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Emma Pierson has been singing and writing song lyrics since the age of four. The natural-born performer, who was recognized with relative pitch early on, started her formal training at the prestigious Stages Music Arts when she was 9-years-old. Emma first worked with singer/songwriter and instructor Ashley Higginbotham, and soon began to pursue other musical outlets at Stages, including musical theater, as well as guitar with instructor Brennan McShane. She later joined a Beatles cover band, and went on to perform—alone and with her band—at various open mic nights and music festivals at Baltimore’s Union Collective.



At age 11, inspired by an upcoming move to Austin, Texas, Emma wrote and recorded her debut single, “Don’t Forget to Remember Me,” with the help of talented musicians and producers at Stages Music Arts. Ashley Higginbotham and Brennan McShane collaborated with Emma on the composition. Charles Simon, the General Manager at Stages, produced the sound recording along with engineer Dave Nachodsky, who recorded/mixed/mastered the song. Video work for the music video was done by Tim Szczesniak. Emma’s eventual move to Austin opened the doors for her to continue her musical endeavors under the guidance of celebrated singer/songwriters, Chad and Natasha Hudson. Along the way, Emma covered numerous pop hits, seen on YouTube at Emma Pierson.

LISTEN TO “DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME” ON SPOTIFY

SEINT MONET Releases Debut Single “BLOOM”

DEBUT EP OUT THIS SEPTEMBER

Introducing new artist Seint Monet, whose old-soul inspired music captures pop in a whole new way. Today, she unveils her debut single “Bloom,” written by Camden Mueller (Prince Fox), Mia Shelton, Miette Hope and Johnluke Lewis (LANY), who also produced the track, as well as Chris Gehringer (Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa, Lizzo) who mastered. Bloom is the first track off her debut EP out in September. Click HERE to listen.

After performing classical piano at Carnegie Hall for the past six years, Colleen O’Donnell, decided she wanted more. Insert Seint Monet. She wanted to create a universe that could draw in listeners using sound, vision, and touch, a fully realized musical world.

Be on the lookout for more releases dropping soon!

"An American Lie" Single/Video Release - Rory D'Lasnow

It takes a special kind of courage to put any form of rebellion into one's music. There is more than just a melody, but a crucial message from the artist in the forefront of one's song when doing so.

"An American Lie", Rory D’Lasnow's new single, is a powerful diatribe against hypocritical views society holds for its citizens. He attributes the responsibility for false ideals to "abuse of power, and negligence in response - which has been going on for centuries" - Rory says.

He is both an originator and collector of grievances many minorities hold, thus the emergence of activists and artists to chronicle them. From the trailblazer perspective, D'Lasnow delivers the promise of change and optimism for all.

The song has a hopeful beauty to it during these chaotic times. There are traces of American country music, but also the influence of alternative radio indie pop. It starts off rather pretty and kicks in to a more anthemic rock ballad. 'Shut it down and start it over, there's a story still to tell' is exactly what needs to be done regarding acts of racial injustice and systemic racism. We live in a broken society built to work against minorities and communal equality. D'Lasnow sings about this, suggesting we must rebuild the entire organization of how we live day to day.

“My hope is that we can unite as a human race to eliminate the bigotry and prejudice that is so rampant in society today. My goal is to use my voice in the best way I can to stand up for equality and justice”

Rory D’Lasnow has performed at distinguished venues such as The Knitting Factory, The Bowery Electric, Pianos and Rockwood Music Hall, Revolution Music Hall on Long Island, and The Saint and Brighton Bar on the Jersey Shore - as well as numerous festivals, and has been fanatically prolific while in quarantine. He has dedicated all proceeds to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He is slated to perform at the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival in 2021. On a side note, D'Lasnow plays guitar upside down and backwards, perhaps leading to his daring homage to Babyface, Buddy Miles, Jimmy Cliff, and Dick Dale.

He is truly an original: fresh, intensified and highly perceptive about what America is all about.

“An American Lie”, the new single/video from emerging East Coast based Singer/Songwriter Rory D’Lasnow, is now available on Spotify, YouTube and all the other major services. All proceeds from sales and streams of the song will go to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

The song, produced by Hidden In Plain View guitarist Rob Freeman (Gym Class Heroes, Armor For Sleep, Cobra Starship, Hit The Lights) was written among the ever-increasing instances of violence against people of color in America. It speaks to the ever widening dichotomy of “An American Lie”; the supposed promise of liberty, justice and equality for all. D’Lasnow holds the belief that we as Americans are pledging our allegiance to a false ideal that is not fully realized for many of our citizens.

All proceeds go to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Please donate below:

https://www.naacpldf.org/support/

Greg Hoy & The Boys "Leaving While You Stay" - Single and Video Premiere

Greg Hoy's newest single/video, “Leaving You While You Stay” opens with a crunching blues riff and howling vocals about watching and observing people as they stay put during the current political climate. The song builds nicely with a solid and steady groove along ripping guitar riffs. The comparison to Led Zeppelin is gloriously unshakeable and authentic in its rawest rock form and vintage production. 

From the rhythm section of Dennis Galway (drums), Mark Nichoson (bass), or the vocal range and tonality, as well as lyrical structured flow of Greg Hoy, the band sounds like a post-punk Led Zeppelin brought into 2020. It was recorded to classic two inch tape at Tiny Telephone studios in San Francisco, heavy and in your face, the way true rock and roll was meant to sound.

The "Leaving While You Stay" video is an exceptionally resonant response to our precarious circumstances: If you elect a clown, you're going to get a circus. The impact of an unparalleled catastrophe in the extreme. The track weaves an introspective thread of political consciousness and humanism while thumping away to an unstoppable hard-hitting drum beat.

"Leaving While You Stay" was to coincide with the canceled west coast summer tour #saveourstages = COVID PAIN.

The single, part of a batch of 11 new tracks gets its video release today on YouTube. Watch below:

Robert Eberle | Versa the Band | Don Da Menace Release “Enough” in Support of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement (Single & Video)

While watching attentively at the protests that have been filling the streets of America, 15 year old Singer/Songwriter Robert Eberle felt inspired to write a song entitled “Enough”; which aims to affect a positive change in the fight against systemic racism in the United States - and all around the world. He then enlisted friends Ethan Felizzari/Versa the band (whom Robert collaborated with on "Hate Me" in 2019) and CK Records Management Division artist Don Da Menace to create this poignant and memorable tribute to an important cause - the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Produced and Engineered by Colton Lava, “Enough” (with Versa the Band & Don Da Menace) is now available on Spotify, Apple Music and all the major services. The video for the track is also available on YouTube.

"When is it enough?? I am upset by what I see from those who are supposed to be protecting all of us from harm, and by what I hear from the so called leaders of our country about it", Robert said, "The constitution is supposed to provide equality and liberty for everyone, regardless of your race, and that just doesn’t seem to always happen - especially for those in the Black community. It's wrong and it needs to change, now. Young people especially are just fed up and even though a lot of us can't vote - yet - our generation isn't just going to sit by and do nothing".

About Robert Eberle:

A Long Island native, Robert Eberle has been singing for most of his life. Eberle is a young, versatile singer & songwriter. Robert writes all of his own music, lyrics and works with various producers to create unique moments within his songs. Each one of Eberle’s songs are stories and moments into his life and others around him. Eberle has finally found his sound. Influences like Finneas & Billie Eilish helped to create Eberle’s genre as one that is Alternative meets Pop Rock. His new single, “Enough” is now available on ITunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music. You can also find the “Enough” Music Video on Eberle’s Youtube Channel. All the proceeds for “Enough” will be donated. You can also contribute by buying the “Enough” Merchandise as well. All of the proceeds from the merchandise will be donated too.   

About Versa the Band:

With a name as ambiguous as Versa the Band, you have to wonder, what even is this project? Originating from Long Island, New York, Versa the Band made it a priority to create music that was genreless; a discography for anyone to listen to, not defined in any one box. The band — which isn’t much of a band at all — describes itself as a “Music Collective” of artists who come together to collaborate with founder Ethan Felizzari. VTB’s sound blends Alternative and Hip Hop with traditional Pop, elements of Jazz, Soft Rock & more. Influences include artists like Bon Iver, James Blake, Rosalia, & soul legend Sam Cooke. Versa the Band is currently signed to indie label CK Records (A CK Productions Company) and is expected to release their first full length project in Late Fall 2020.

About Don Da Menace:

Don Da Menace is a NYC based Hip Hop artist whose style can best be defined as “old school” meets “new school”. Don Da Menace has quickly become an artist many in Uptown, NY have been paying attention to. His detailed lyricism & attention to storytelling seems to emulate the likes of Hip Hop greats like Jay-Z, J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar. However, within his lyricism, Don Da Menace always manages to get you moving, having fun & feeling a wide range of emotions. His flow is remarkable, his style is impeccable and his love for NYC is deep rooted — all of which you can hear clearly in his music. Don Da Menace is currently working on his largest full length mixtape to be released in August 2020.

100% OF ALL PROCEEDS (SALES, STREAMS, MERCHANDISE ETC) WILL BE DONATED!

Check out the "Enough" merchandise here!

Learn how to help the Black Lives Matter Movement here!

London's Lucy and the Rats hurl glorious dreamy power-pop Molotov cocktail “On Fire”

Lucy and the Rats have a new video for their track “On Fire” from the band’s upcoming LP Got Lucky out on July 3rd via Stardumb Records, Surfin’ Ki (LP), and Dirty Water Records (CD). Led by Australian vocalist/bassist Lucy Ellis, formerly of the pop-punk outfit The Spazzys, she is joined by guitarists Joe Tolosa and Liam Brody, as well as drummer Manu Santos. Additionally, famed Australian musician and tattoo artist Johnny Casino provides guest guitar work on the upcoming record.

“On Fire” burns bright as Lucy extols a love too hot to touch. Brimming with a vintage vibe that might conjure up memories of early-’60s girl group classics like The Crystals or The Ronettes, the song’s chiming, sing-a-long melody finds Lucy and the Rats smoldering with a cool fire. The video for the cut follows suit with archival and B movie scenes straight out of a teen dream from the times.

Sammi Rae Releases Reggaton Single “Nunca”

Captivating reggaeton singer Sammi Rae has released her single and lyric video for the track “Nunca”; available Friday June 12th on YouTube and all the major services.

With a vibe and a sound that brings to mind a sunset over an island bay, “Nunca” is a timeless tale about the perils of love. Once you really care about and trust someone, it seems like you are ultimately let down every time. Your kindness is taken advantage of, you are being taken for granted, and you end up getting hurt.

Well now, she’s done being judged and criticized for her caring ways! She’s not gonna change who she is for anyone, especially not someone who doesn’t appreciate or value her.

This past year Sammi Rae, who has been praised by audiences nationwide for her strong and soulful voice and sultry demeanour, found her voice in the reggaeton genre with several releases alongside Los Vegas; where the back and forth call and answer formula between the female/male and english/spanish is implemented precisely with a tension and passion that is palpable for any listener. Tracks included the sexy and unpredictable sound of "City Lights", the duo’s original collaboration “Escapate” and the bouncing singles "Baby Baila" and "Ella Se Atreve".

For More Information on Sammi Rae VISIT:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sammi_murciano

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sammi.murciano

Lesoir Release New Album - "Mosaic"

“Sometimes life decides to all of a sudden shatter your work of art. You have to start over, with the same pieces, to create something else.”

Our lives are made up of various elements and parts; people, pets, work, our homes. They all have a colour; a shape and they vary in size. It is up to us to make our lives into works of art, using all these parts and elements, to make the complete picture. Character and style come first, and of course that which you find beautiful and important. Are your choices random, do you like to mix it up? Or do you arrange the parts into a beautiful, recognizable image? Do you arrange them by colour? By shape, or something else? The answers may not be obvious at first. But on reflection it is you that decides for yourself the parts, the colours, the shapes and sizes.

If we stop and think, we can identify all of these different parts in our lives. At some point on our journey we realise that we alone are responsible for assembling these parts. As time moves forward, we are getting better and better at realising what we have to do. We gradually learn the tricks of the trade, but also the rules of the game: what’s done is done, we cannot start from scratch, we start from exactly where we at this point in time, and build on these foundations, and continue to do so, the process is ever evolving.

Lesoir enjoyed a successful five-week tour as ‘special guests’ of the Polish band Riverside in the spring of 2019, which inspired a surge in creativity for them to write a new album. With this newfound inspiration, Lesoir decided to follow a slightly different path in shaping their new work of art. In the months that followed the tour with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, they worked on 9 new songs, and recorded them during the winter of 2019. The result is ‘Mosaic’, an emotional, little less angry offering than heard on previous albums, an open and honest record from Lesoir.

Lesoir are a powerhouse when playing live, the emotional and musical connection between the players just radiates off the stage, which in turn energises the expectant audiences. During their European tour in 2019, the band decided that making music together and performing this stage show with the chemistry between them and a room full of people, is what defines the band now, and always has done. It is the moment when fans connect with Lesoir. It's the driving force behind all previous albums, and the engine of all previous tours. It is the drug that is responsible for an incessant endurance. It is the reason why Lesoir exists, and will always exist.

Whether on stage, or in the studio, Lesoir have such a strong connection as a band and this shines through in their music. That's why ‘Mosaic’ had to become the most dynamic album to date, capturing and recreating the energy of their live performance on record, which the listener is sure to recognise as the sound of passionate musicians who, together in one space, create something from those good feelings and for the sake of that creation in the moment, without thinking about the blueprints of the ever defining genres.

Strengthened by producer duo John Cornfield (Muse, Supergrass, Ben Howard and Robert Plant) and Paul Reeve (vocal producer of Matt Bellamy), Mosaic is shaped in a 10-day session at Airfield studio (St. Merryn, UK) by War Of the World guitarist Jo Partridge. With 10 years between the release of their debut album and this fifth full-length album, Lesoir is proud to say that ‘Mosaic’ has become the album that finally defines them.

Linda Collins - Actress On The Rise

Multi-talented actor, musician, producer, Linda Collins has a lot to be proud of. Her last three films were showcased at the Hells Kitchen NYC Film Festival. The diversity of her work is amazing: contemporary women seeking spiritual enlightenment ("Three for the road"), an online video chat intrigue, ("Gruesome, Threesome") and an estranged relationship shattered by terror ("Double Vision") 

She has also appeared in a moving story of handicap and triumph ("In My Eyes"), her most powerful collaboration. "Perception" is a relevantly acclaimed dual themed immigration film, which won the "Best International Film" award at the Brightside Tavern Short Film Festival. Collins also was awarded the best supporting actor at the Omaha Film Festival. She has epitomized the sublime achievements of a woman who 'does it all'. As if this wasn't a prestigious pedigree, she has appeared with the Huntsville Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony,  Naples Symphony, American Wind Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Chicago City Ballet and has done numerous broadcasts for CBC radio.

Linda collins continues to hone her acting chops at the T. Schreiber Studio and has many exciting projects in the works.

For More on Linda Collins, VISIT: 

www.LindaCollinsActress.com

Facebook.com/LindaCollins.Actress

Ella - Snakes and Ladders

"Snakes & Ladders" is the buzzing new single from Miss Ella. It is filled with catchy melodies and electro tech beats. She is a universal pop star waiting to explode. Stream this track with a margarita in hand, and some cool-breeze beach weather. 

We need more 'feel good' songs in the year of 2020 and this is sure to lift your spirits! 

Ella is an American singer, songwriter and actress from Manchester, NH currently residing in Los Angeles. She’s been noted for her vocals in Joe Bonamassa’s “Different Shades of Blue,” sung the national anthem for the WNBA as well as Malibu’s Veterans cermony. She’s appeared in and worked on music videos for Matt Cardle, Iprevail and Joyner Lucas.

Sammi Rae & Los Vegas Release Single and Video for “City Lights”

Budding Reggaeton duo Sammi Rae and Los Vegas released their hot new single and cutting edge video for "City Lights" on Youtube. It hits us with 10,000 volts of excitement, as it veers from english/spanish and gender confrontations, their music is energetic and hopelessly addictive. A perfect amalgam of dance music and stage presence, with tons of talent mixed. Their collaboration has been praised and on its path to global notoriety. 

Among their lyrics, "should I stay or should I go" (Ella Se Atreve) their third single, we could see this partnership has had its ups and downs and still survived intact and powerful. 

Success is the key to great pop music, and nothing will stand in its way when singles this funky are being made.

Brace yourself, take a deep breath and dive right in and enjoy an exciting and exhilarating act!

For More Information on Sammi Rae & Los Vegas VISIT:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sammiraeandlosvegas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sammiraeandlosvegas

Deborah Lee Fong to Play Lead Role as Part of the Urban World Film Festival Live Screenplay Readings

The 23rd Urban World Film Festival, in partnership with the esteemed writers Guild of America East, presented renowned actress and dancer Deborah Lee Fong in a titled reading of "Secret Santa".

The festival represents a diversity of cultures and themes to universal appeal.

Deborah Lee Fong, a Panamanian American enjoys both acting and dancing and has choreographed her career into a variety of roles. Performing for over 30 years, she enjoys a tour de force reputation for excellence in her chosen fields, and her potential is as limitless as her ambition. She is, indeed, a thoughtful and talented force to be reckoned with.

The Urbanworld Film Festival, founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes, is one of the largest internationally competitive festivals of its kind. Each year, they curate a slate of films representing the broadest lens of diversity across stories, characters, themes, and cultures. Urbanworld is a five-day festival, anchored in film, showcasing narrative and documentary features, short films, spotlight screenings and conversations, and live staged screenplay readings.

For More on The Urban World Film Festival, visit: www.urbanworld.org

"Family & Friends" - The Gospel According to Tommy Botz

The art of the songwriter does not come without pain and suffering. A true wordsmith must have a story to tell, whether it be a tale of redemption or the road to recovery. Without falling, one cannot learn how to pick oneself up, and without sharing what he or she learns through hard life lessons, one cannot serve any kind of artistic purpose of any significance.

Tommy Botz comes from the realm of the old school troubadours, the singer songwriters of the road. He has battled with alchohol addiction and come back from the darkness to tell his tale through song form. It's a place of sincerity and brutal honesty that his songs come from, much like the legends of the past- Gene Clark, Merle Haggard, Townes Van Zandt. He has written over 200 songs and recorded several with a full stacked top notch backing band to boot. Of these songs, you will discover Tommy Botz' authenticity, his voice and passion come through in only the way of legends.

"Maggie" starts up with pedal steel guitars and a heavy back beat with lyrics about sleeping on trains, barflys and the loss of a good woman. It's the way the 12 bar country blues was meant to be, performed with devotion and heartache.

"Train of Glory" rumbles a half-step, up tempo drum beat with Johnny Cash style vocals. It's produced like it's blasting out of a jukebox down south in a vintage concert hall filled with drifters and wanderers. 

"Teddy Bear" is Botz' prettiest ballad, a song featuring female vocals reminiscent of Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Brings back memories of the early '70s L.A. Troubadour country scene. The song is a conversation with the lord, a spiritual song with beautifully arranged strings and piano. 

Tommy Botz has been around the bend, a hidden gem among singer songwriters of epic folk lore. The music is executed in a masterful way unlike most mainstream country artists who just don't have much wisdom in their music. Botz' music is filled with clever wordplay, painful honesty and the poetry of the influential roadmasters of the 1960's and 70's. Perhaps a renaissance of this musical genre is coming... and Tommy Botz is willing to lead the way. 

AP: What was the first album you ever purchased?

TB: Elvis 

AP: At what age did you first learn an instrument? 

TB: Ten 

AP: Have you ever played in any other projects or has it been a solo trip from the beginning? 

TB: Was lead singer in the Chevells group and the Caesars 5 

AP: What are your thoughts on the modern country music industry? 

TB: I miss old school country and gospel 

AP: How have you evolved creatively through your experiences with addiction and recovery? 

TB: I hold the pen and GOD writes the words please listen to the words in my song Teddy Bear and I’ve never had children of my own 

AP: What should we expect next from you in the wild world of country rock? 

TB: Magic and Miracles

Jesse Eplan Proves His Hit-Making Skills Are Legit On "PLAYER"

With his new eight track album "PLAYER", Jesse Eplan continues to prove himself as one of 2020's breakout artists.

"PLAYER" is filled with funk joints and electro-phonic hip hop grooves. Eplan is raw with his rhymes, "I fell in love with the music, I fell in love with the jazz", "Jewish money so I cannot go broke". There are some dope loops with innovative and cool instrumentation between horns, guitars, synths over manic tech beats. Eplan's style is the new school rap, chill and smooth lyrical flow. Songs like "Honeybun" have an acid jazz vibe, somber with mellow tones. "Keep Going" brings back the eerie RZA guitar riff flavor. 

"PLAYER" is one of the more exciting releases of 2020 and Jesse Eplan shows he’s in the mix to become a torch-bearer for the future of cutting-edge rap.

Jesse Eplan · PLAYER

A New York native, Jesse broke major ground with the release of his first two major LP's recorded while at the University of Tampa - 2017's "Trap Harmony" and 2018's "Purple Wave", and the Trap and Hip-Hop world took MAJOR notice of the rising young star through his collaborations with like minded artists like Famous Dex (A$AP Rocky, Lil Pump) and Kontraversy (Grafh, LouGotCash).

Dan Berk Releases Dreamy New Single "Exit Sign"

'This house doesn't feel like a home, making friends with the shadows on the walls' is the opening lyric to Dan Berk's newest single-"Exit Sign". The song is not just a song about finding ones self, but a love letter to Pop music, with all the elements that make up a perfect tune. Berk's voice is stunningly dramatic and soothing. His lyrical wit and charm is affectionate and calming. The song has a ghostly vibe with poetic words about soul searching and thoughts of inner resolution. "Exit Sign" showcases Berk's stylish personality, breathing new life into the world of Pop music vocalists. There are hints of Sam Smith's charisma and Ed Sheeran song hooks over chill beats tip toeing around blissful waves of synth.

Many years go by as we get a glance into a truly remarkable songwriter's vision, most come and go, some are here to stay. After previously releasing a batch of solid acoustic guitar tracks, Dan Berk is far and beyond most modern songwriters happening today with an everlasting fresh and exciting future ahead.



AP: At what point did you realize you wanted to be a professional musician?

DB: I realized I wanted to be a professional musician from a very young age. I have always been surrounded by music throughout my childhood. My dad is an amazing guitar player and my brother plays the drums so from about age 5, I remember vividly jamming with them and writing songs together. They kind of helped me develop as a musician and encouraged me to pursue it. I also remember watching TRL everyday after school and hoping some day I'd be up on that stage.

AP: Who are some of your favorite artists and influences?

DB: I really love Tori Kelly, Calum Scott, Lauv, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Puth, Bruno Mars.

AP: How do you compose? Which comes first, the lyrics or the music?

DB: The lyrics always come first for me. When I enter a writing session, I always come with a typed up page of my feelings and the story I wanted to convey in the lyrics. My songs are always about what I am currently feeling so it feels almost like a therapy session when I sit in a room with writers haha.

AP: Is "Exit Sign" about someone or something specific?

DB: Exit Sign is about my high school experience and how lonely it was for me during that time in my life. I had a falling out with my group of friends and also felt like I didn't fit in anywhere so that was really hard.

AP: What is your all time favorite song?

DB: I'd say my favorite song is either Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 or Fix You by Coldplay.

AP: What can we expect in the future, a full length album or video perhaps?

DB: I am really focused on this upcoming EP that will be released soon so that's my main focus as of now! Videos will definitely happen as long as corona permits it haha.

Dan Berk is a 25 year old singer/songwriter from NYC who is best known for his acoustic pop covers. He was born and raised on Long Island, NY and currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He's been featured on many of Spotify's editorial acoustic playlists and has amassed a whopping 73 million streams and 1.24 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His debut EP is almost finished and will be releasing his first single off the EP this Spring!