Artist Spotlight
Micki Balder Chronicles Loneliness in New Single
Micki Balder debuts her new single “Lonely” on September 2 ahead of her highly anticipated EP, releasing later this fall. “Lonely” was written while in what Balder refers to as “the throes of misery that is dating.” Having written several songs with consistent themes of heartbreak and frustration, Balder was beginning to feel as if she was stuck in an endless cycle… until a funky strum pattern opened up a new place of songwriting within her. The light-hearted track moves away from Balder’s folk tendencies with lyrics that reflect what she wishes someone would sing to her to melt all her frustrations away. “I think we all get a little bogged down by the sad and lonely parts of life sometimes, and this song was just about crafting a version of hope that worked for the moment, just to get through it,” says Balder. The burgeoning artist goes on to describe the single as riding a line of “hopeful melancholy” – a trait found in much of her previous catalog as well. “Lonely” is the first tease to Balder’s upcoming EP and will be available on all major platforms.
“My songs are personalized storytelling, generally a one-woman show, with an authentic voice. I like to write and record with a time capsule attitude in mind, that each recording or album is like a glimpse of a moment in time, what was going on in myself and the world in that snapshot.”
Micki Balder is a folksy singer-songwriter writing sad songs for happy people (and ever so occasionally, happy songs for sad people!). Her music is born from a life-long desire to be a character in a musical, unapologetically singing her feelings for the world through simple and poignant lyrics. Though she’s been dabbling with music her whole life, it wasn’t until 2018 when a friendship’s moment of truth unveiled itself in the middle of a Denver coffee shop. She walked home, wrote a song, and has been writing ever since, now a regular at local music venues around her Colorado home. Micki writes from a place of vulnerable storytelling, with people and relationships at the core of her music. She’s been compared to modern folk bands like The Weepies and Mipso, along with classic songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, but she draws inspiration from all over the spectrum — the swing and soul music of her lindy hop days, the earthy folk of Gregory Alan Isakov and Mandolin Orange, the candor and dry humor of John Craigie, or the heartbreak of Sara Bareilles, to name a few.
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Connect with Micki Balder:
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Artist Spotlight
Mick J. Clark captures the joy of escape and adventure with “Anuther Sunny Hulliday”
A great holiday is about the anticipation before you go, the memories you make, and the feelings that stay with you after you get home. Mick J. Clark’s new single “Anuther Sunny Hulliday“ is a feel-good rock-pop anthem that encapsulates the entire trip, celebrating the highs, humor, and heartfelt moments of a much-needed escape.
This track is built on the energy of the perfect summer holiday, taking you through the whole holiday experience. The excitement and anticipation of leaving, and then it opens out into a bright, carefree air of warmth and optimism. Clark’s focus on a sense of journey makes the song more relatable, allowing you to relate it to your own experiences of sunshine, relaxation, and moments of freedom.
The arrangements and production are slickly crafted, producing an energetic, personal rock-pop sound. The instrumentation fits the uplifting feel of the song, and Clark’s unique vocal delivery adds personality, charm, and a playful edge, making the performance instantly recognizable. The creative spelling “Anuther Sunny Hulliday” suggests the release’s creative nature.
The smart use of airplane sounds to complement the narrative, cinematically, provides a transition that takes us back from adventure to reality. It’s the bittersweet feeling of a temporary escape against the backdrop of going home. Mick J. Clark’s latest release is a fun, unforgettable production with feel-good rock-pop energy, delivering a soundtrack perfectly tailored for sunny days, open roads, and unforgettable experiences.
Artist Spotlight
Juliana Beltrán shines on “Ay tú,” a warm latin pop anthem about finding the right connection
After the storms of past relationships, the coming of something real can seem like a fresh start. Colombian singer-songwriter Juliana Beltrán captures that emotional transition with “Ay tú,” a dreamy Latin-pop track that celebrates the warmth, comfort, and optimism of finding a love that feels really different.
Entirely in Spanish, “Ay tú” is romantic and refreshing with heartfelt storytelling and a modern Latin-pop feel. The song is about that feeling of coming out of disappointment and opening yourself up again when the right connection comes along. Juliana Beltrán isn’t hung up on heartbreak but on the beauty of finding peace after a hard experience and walking into a relationship of trust and emotional safety.
The soft melodies, slick production, and emotive vocal delivery set up a musically intimate and engaging space. Juliana lets the emotion behind the song shine through while keeping that bright, uplifting spirit. Juliana Beltrán combines emotional lyrics with modern pop sounds, drawing inspiration from artists such as Camilo, Shakira, and Ela Taubert.
The result is a song that feels like a celebration of growth, new beginnings, and the unexpected moments that make past struggles feel worth it. “Ay tú” introduces an artist who knows who he is and can turn life’s moments into music anyone can relate to. It is a dreamy sound, a heartfelt message, and a compelling vocal presence that make Juliana Beltran one to watch in the ever-changing scene of Latin pop.
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