Artist Spotlight

The Old North Shares a New EP “Ghost”

Building off the “lonesome stranger” aura of their last single “Drifter,” Boston’s smokey Americana/ traditional folk-bluegrass trio, The Old North, has released their Ghost EP. The four-song EP picks up where “Drifter” left off, containing catchy tunes about love, heartbreak, and the metaphorical dance of life, using the backbone of historical fiction as a catalyst for inspiration.

“Southbound” follows the story of a death row inmate lamenting and reliving his days as an outlaw while the melodic gypsy jazz instrumentation has room to play. As as he plays the part of an old train robber, frontman Andrew O’Keeffe’s voice is equal parts raspy ecstasy and passionate torment. The track romanticizes the Old West while light-heartedly shedding light on its many burdens. Similar in feeling is “Wild Ways,” an excitable blues-country ditty about leaving a life of lawlessness for a mysterious love. What’s genius about the song is it could once again take place during the American Frontier, or a modern cityscape.

The Old North leaves it vague enough for the listener to decide. “Starling” is about making the most out of the unfamiliar situations life has a tendency to throw at you. It’s a bouncing slow-burn with a relatable message—after a little self-reflection, any bleak situation is an opportunity to grow as a human being. The melodic piano here from guest musician, Aaron SaidiZand, is subtle but a standout moment on Ghost. The final and title track “Ghost” is just as ethereal as its name suggests, utilizing the haunting atmosphere of the fiddle, played by Eddie Dickerson, to ground you in a forlorn folk melancholy.

It’s easily the most vulnerable track on the EP, about an abrupt end to a relationship. The Ghost EP is another stepping stone for The Old North, conveying the collective maturity and confidence of a band carefully honing out their songwriting craft. The Old North also has plans to release two singles and another EP in 2022.

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Artist Spotlight

Martin Lloyd Howard channels nature in acoustic track “Rapids”

Martin Lloyd Howard’s recent single, “Rapids,” is a masterclass in acoustic storytelling that blends technicality with atmosphere. Originally a left-hand dexterity exercise, it devolves into full-bodied guitar playing that suggests the flow of water up and down a river, from foamy rapids to quiet pools, just as nature itself moves.

Howard’s classical training is evidenced by the precision of his fingerwork, and his interest in folk, blues, and rock brings a warm, natural depth to the performance. His guitar solo arrangement also illustrates how he can convey emotion without lyrics. He employs variations in tempo and phrasing to suggest the erratic dynamics of rushing water, only then allowing the melody to relax into quieter, more meditative spaces.

The music is dynamic and soothing at the same time, making you feel like you are on an adventure and thinking things through. “Rapids” stands as evidence of Martin Lloyd Howard’s versatility and imagination. It’s good for those who enjoy acoustic guitar playing or music that falls between raw virtuosity and emotional resonance. It’s an opportunity to focus, slow down, and find your way into the river of sound he has lovingly crafted.

Discover Martin Lloyd Howard on | Spotify | YouTube |

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Artist Spotlight

China Mc Cloud creates a timeless call for positivity with “Rasta Come Back Home”

China Mc Cloud’s latest release, “Rasta Come Back Home,” is a track that instantly wraps listeners in a sense of calm, reflection, and authenticity. From the first note, there’s an undeniable ease to the song, one that feels intentional and deeply rooted in purpose.

Built on warm instrumentation and a laid-back rhythm, the track creates a space where listeners can pause and breathe. It’s not just about the sound, though, it’s about the feeling. China Mc Cloud uses this moment to guide the audience toward introspection, encouraging a deeper connection with self and surroundings.

Lyrically, “Rasta Come Back Home” leans into conscious storytelling, delivering messages that resonate across generations. There’s a sincerity in the writing that feels lived-in, not manufactured. It’s this authenticity that allows the track to stand out, offering more than just a listening experience, it becomes a moment of reflection.

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