Music
Old Tom & The Lookouts Details How Mental Health is a Process, Not a Destination in New Album‘ Just for Beasts’
Indie-folk band Old Tom & The Lookouts delivers a harmonically decadent recount of lessons learned from mental health struggles in their cinematic acoustic album, Just For Beasts.
Independent folk band Old Tom & The Lookouts excitedly anticipate the release of their upcoming album, Just For Beasts, out November 4. This project is a poetic narrative of their journey with mental health told through a collection of 12 uniquely emotional tracks. With a folksy, easygoing sonic apparatus, band members Alex Calabrese and Cecilia Vacanti create a hauntingly beautiful project with Just For Beasts. Characterized by silky symphonic strings, twangy guitar, and all-encompassing background vocals, the acoustic soundscape achieved on this album is beyond epic. From the passionate chorus on “Hey Edna” to the brooding melancholy on the verses of “Dark Rooms,” Old Tom & The Lookouts pours every ounce of their soul into each track as they take listeners along this profound journey of discovery.
The band was inspired to create a piece of art that addressed many of the nuanced challenges – like depression and anxiety – many of us are all too familiar with. “This was all written with hopes of improving the dialogue surrounding mental illness,” says Calabrese. Old Tom & The Lookouts makes it a point to create a supportive space for those who are overcoming mental illness with their music. For Calabrese, there is power in the support of your peers; he says in regard to this project, “all I can hope to do is provide even a sliver of that support to someone else who is feeling that way.” Fans can experience this cinematic album on November 4 – available on all major streaming platforms.
The Boston-based Indie-Folk band is known for creating hopeful, evocative music about mental health. The lyrically driven project is shared through the lens of writer and singer, Alex Calabrese and violinist Cecilia Vacanti. With their combined efforts, the two provide a minimalist tone, accompanied by lush string arrangements, witty and brooding lyrics, soulful melodies, and striking harmonies. Paying homage to influences such as Frightened Rabbit, Phoebe Bridgers, and Tom Waits, yet capturing a new voice within the Indie-Folk genre, the band’s full record, Just for Beasts is a concept piece centered around finding community, a sense of self-worth, and finding a healthy and sustainable way to love and support yourself as well as others you care about. The record addresses many of the nuanced challenges presented to folks suffering from depression and anxiety. Some groups Old Tom & The Lookouts associate themselves with and speak in support of are To Write Love On Her Arms and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP Boston).
Artist Spotlight
Donna Dafi unveils a fearless pop power move on latest release “Primadonna”
Donna Dafi’s latest release, “Primadonna,” is an upbeat pop song with beautiful visuals and strong, catchy beats. The track is meant to appeal to people who want to be close to others and feel comfortable. It shows how exciting it is to learn more about yourself and how freeing it is to accept your strength fully. “Primadonna” is clear, purposeful, and very charming from the first beat.
The single, on the Female Pop, Pop Rising, and Viral playlists, has a polished, new, modern, and emotionally powerful sound. Donna Dafi’s method is both complicated and useful, making a sound space where empowerment and accessibility come together. The song has a happy sound that makes people feel good about themselves and lets them stop needing other people’s approval. “Primadonna” is not an attack, it’s a realization that you can love and feel deeply without losing yourself, a sentiment that speaks to today’s generation looking for authenticity in music and life.
The release is especially interesting because it can make you feel both strong and weak at the same time. The song is fun and energetic, but it also carries a personal message that makes it more than just a pop song. It is a song for people learning to speak up for themselves, set limits, and shine in their own way. The dynamic production adds to this message by blending smooth pop sounds with catchy hooks that stick in your head long after the song ends.
“Primadonna” is a song by Donna Dafi that demonstrates how sound can tell a story. The single, with its empowering theme, catchy beat, and polished pop sound, is a sign of personal growth and self-confidence. This song demands attention and encourages people to be confident and step boldly into the spotlight.
Connect with Donna Dafi on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube || Tiktok
Artist Spotlight
Eylsia turns inner struggle into radiance with latest release “Desert Learns to Shine”
Eylsia’s powerful new single, “Desert Learns to Shine,” is an emotionally charged anthem about strength, self-confidence, and the quiet strength needed to rise above difficult situations. The song combines a personal confession and a triumphant declaration, capturing the moment when inner light breaks through emotional darkness.
The track is mostly about staying strong even when things are tough. Eylsia makes people very aware of themselves and helps them find strength in their weaknesses. The picture of the desert learning to shine is both clear and meaningful. It reminds us that even the most barren places can grow when they are full of hope and bravery.
This release is especially interesting because it makes you think. Eylsia thinks that listening to her inner voice and letting it guide her will make her stronger. This deep conversation makes the song feel very personal, prompting people to think, breathe, and reconnect with their feelings. The result is a song that feels personal yet easy for everyone to relate to.
The song is full of feeling, and each part shows what it’s like to get over past pain. Eylsia turns tears into things that help you grow and sadness into progress. “Desert Learns to Shine” has a deep emotional impact because it is so real. This one tells you how to keep going and find yourself. Eylsia reminds us that even when things are calm, we are getting stronger. “Desert Learns to Shine” isn’t just a song, it’s a message of hope, strength, and the power of believing in yourself.
Connect with Elysia on Spotify || Facebook || Youtube || Instagram || Tiktok
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoGOODTWIN shares reflection with indie-pop single, “Soak It Up”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoSAMSARA transforms quiet heartbreak into a modern rock journey on latest release “mrs. porter”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoTom Woodward exposes the dark side of modern idol worship in latest release “PHONEY MESSIAH”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoMORPHEUS VON DOBENHAUSEN lets go of the chaos, dancing steady soft and slow in latest release “GOODBYE CHAOS”
-
Artist Spotlight3 days agoBilly Chuck Da Goat turns walking away into a bold statement in latest release “Road Jack”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoSkillMusicsa speaks in silence when love fades with latest release “How Could You”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoSavvie steps out with an anthem of power and perseverance on latest release “Incredible”
-
Artist Spotlight3 days agoMamas Gun and Brian Jackson shines light on the truth on latest release “DIG!”

