Artist Spotlight
Kate Neckel’s intimacy in sound captured in one take on latest release “Awake”
Kate Neckel steps up with “Awake,” her sixth single and a softly powerful statement that some of the truest music is forged far from the studio. An independent singer/songwriter and artist based in NYC, Neckel keeps eroding a sound that’s much more about feeling than perfection, about presence, not polish. Recorded entirely in her apartment’s closet with GarageBand, “Awake” has the intimacy of a late-night confession. The recording is purposefully unorthodox: single takes, unfiltered moments, and the occasional breach of city noise that won’t stay outside the walls. Instead of editing out those things, Neckel allows them to remain in the mix, mistakes serve as texture and atmosphere. It’s not just that you hear the song, you feel the space it was made in.
There’s something very human about “Awake.” This is an artist following her instincts to the letter, and letting the song do what it wants, not what everyone believes it should. Neckel writes, plays guitar and produces the track by herself, even painting the cover art for good measure, so that her world is a complete artistic universe. Each layer seems to be there for a reason, even when it’s ragged.
Why “Awake” feels rich is its intimacy. It sounds like a snapshot of a performance rather than the pursuit of an immaculate take, inviting listeners into the room where it was made. The upshot is music that seems lived in and personal, like you’ve stumbled upon something private and real. While embracing authentic expression has become Kate Neckel’s calling card, not so long ago she saw it as a limitation. It’s a song that doesn’t beg for your attention loudly, it earns it by being authentic.
Connect with Kate Neckel on Spotify
Artist Spotlight
Matt Johnson breathes new life into “For Good” with a solo piano interpretation
The beginning of Matt Johnson’s “For Good“ is like a moment of hushed contemplation, where memory, gratitude, and emotion mingle. Johnson plays the beloved Stephen Schwartz song from the Broadway hit Wicked, and somehow it sounds even more emotional when he exclaims it on the piano.
“For Good“ has always had a tenderness that settles deep in you, and Johnson renders the familiar piece more personal. The emotional weight of the song is clearly apparent. Each note feels articulated, allowing the melody to open up in a direct space.
The piece is an instrumental from Johnson’s work for Singing Fingers and expresses a simplicity that showcases his capabilities as both performer and composer. Johnson’s use of the expressive power of only a piano invites you into an introspective sonic space. The result is an interpretation of “For Good“ that feels like a conversation with the music.
Johnson’s version doesn’t detract from the original brilliance of Stephen Schwartz’s work. Instead, it pays tribute to that grace and emotional depth that make the original a timeless favorite. His own performance makes the piece feel solitary and reflective, drawing out textures and emotions that might not have been otherwise perceived.
Johnson teases the song’s bright heart by using careful wording and restraint. The piano, which tells a story, takes the audience on waves of memories. “For Good“ is a great example of how potent simplicity can be, and it demonstrates that, at times, an instrument and a deeply felt performance are all you need to convey how beautiful a song is.
Connect with Matt Johnson on Website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram |
Artist Spotlight
Eylsia sings faith and healing in every note on “He Walked Among Us”
Eylsia’s latest single, “He Walked Among Us,” is a great fit for Easter. It feels like a quiet breath of thought. The best thing about this single is that it can be both personal and universal. Eylsia’s use of many languages adds depth to the emotion and reminds us that faith, strength, and recovery are more than just words.
Each verse feels like a personal reflection, yet the themes resonate with anyone who has faced challenges and found comfort in faith and growth. The song is about going from hard times to understanding, and from hard times to quiet healing.
“He Walked Among Us” by Eylsia is a gentle reminder of how we all grow, have faith, and go through life as humans. This single gives you a rare, quiet space to think and connect with your feelings in a world that is often loud and busy. It is a timely and important release for the season.
Connect with Eylsia on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Twitter || Tiktok
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