Music
ACTVE CAPTVE has released a new single, “Ellis Island”

“Ellis Island,” the debut single from ACTVE CAPTVE, is a refreshing sonic addition to today’s musical landscape teeming with conformity. This band, hailing from Austin, Texas, has concocted a unique and mesmerizing sound that defies easy categorization, blending an enticing mixture of rock and pop genres into a melting pot of creativity, talent, and brilliant ideas. Released on August 15, 2023, this track offers a listening experience that transcends the ordinary and will resonate with a diverse audience. Join ACTVE CAPTVE on an emotional journey through their sonic masterpiece.
This song, “Ellis Island,” explores the themes of love, loss, and hope. It cleverly draws an ingenious parallel between the tumultuous aftermath of a heart-wrenching breakup and the poignant journey of immigrants who left their homelands to seek new beginnings. The song’s emotional depth is impressive, as it connects personal heartbreak with the historic struggles of those who passed through Ellis Island in pursuit of the elusive American Dream. This parallelism creates a deeply profound emotional impact that speaks to the human experience of leaving behind the familiar to find something better.
Lead songwriter Justin Han, whose musical background spans classical piano to punk and blues drums, skillfully weaves personal experiences into the fabric of “Ellis Island.” The song’s lyrics are a cathartic exploration that encapsulates the conflicting emotions of bidding farewell to a cherished world while clinging to the hope of forging a new one. Han’s versatility and lyrical prowess shine throughout the track “Ellis Island,” creating a unique and genre-defying sound. The song offers solace to anyone who has experienced the complex emotions of loss and longing, capturing both the heartbreak and the resilient pursuit of a brighter future.
The song’s title, “Ellis Island,” beautifully encapsulates the symbolism of Ellis Island as a gateway to new opportunities and optimism, just like it did for countless immigrants. Through poetic lyrics like “Now that you’re gone, I know I’m not the one, But I’ve never seen the coastline shine so clear…” and “Washed up on the shores of Ellis Island, Gasping for air and smiling,” Han creates a vivid image of an individual navigating the turbulent tides of transformation, leaving behind the burdens of the past to embrace a promising bright future, evoking a sense of rebirth and growth.
“Ellis Island” is the second track from ACTVE CAPTVE’s upcoming EP, “Saudaze.” Produced by Jason Heninger at Orb Studios in Austin, Texas, mixed by Israel Doria, and mastered by Justin Colletti, the song is a testament to the band’s dedication to their craft. Cassie Brandi’s soulful vocals, with a touch of gospel-like fervor, add an extra layer of solid foundation to the track, complementing the driving drum work of Kyle May, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
ACTVE CAPTVE’s music delves into the contradictions and opposing forces of the human experience, creating a deep resonance that sets them apart. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression is underscored by their fusion of classical influences with contemporary sounds, resulting in music that profoundly connects with listeners.
“Ellis Island” is more than just a song; it’s a dynamic musical journey that encapsulates lyrical richness and artistic brilliance. It’s a must-listen track that deserves a cherished spot in your playlist, a reminder of the power of music to evoke profound, heartfelt emotions and unite us through our shared experiences. With this debut single, ACTVE CAPTVE stakes a claim as a band to watch, one that promises to redefine the boundaries of what rock-pop music can be.
For more information about ACTVE CAPTVE, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM ACTVE CAPTVE’s “Ellis Island“ on Spotify.
Artist Spotlight
Honk Magazine’s Artist of the Week Spotlight on Rising Talent

At Honk Magazine, we take pride in finding and backing the next wave of the hottest artists that will shape the music industry. Our Artist of the Week spotlight is on five artists with one-of-a-kind sounds, lives, and grinds that set them apart in the music world. From emotional rap to genre-defying Afro-fusion and gritty indie rock, the following songs are a vibrant reflection of the future of music.
Tuknight – “Campagne”
Starting off our feature is a Canadian Rapper based out of Sarnia, Ontario, Tuknight. Spelled “tuknight,” the name is great for boys with a deeper, human story. He started making music at 14, taking to it as an outlet for coping with the pain of losing his older brother to an overdose. That visceral feeling he translates into his music, and it really shines through in his most recent song, “Campagne,” a stripped-back and reflective number that delves into the heart of affliction and adversity.
Performing live for his second year, Tuknight shows no sign of slowing down. He’s opened for big names such as Roney, Mar Mar Oso, MLNY, and Kryple, slowly but surely carving out a spot for himself in Canada’s underground rap landscape. His centered energy and earnest lyrics establish him as one of the genre’s most promising new voices.
M For The Movement – “I’m Alive”
Up next is an enlightening act, M For The Movement, a deep-thinking emerging artist with old-school influences and too much fire. Their recent single I’m Alive is a sonorous cry of resilience, of being and of being present. With this album, M’s been waiting for the come-up, with collaborations with Juno award-winning Choclair and the iconic Snoop Dogg being teased.
M For The Movement has already commanded opening duty for some of music’s big names, including Sean Paul, Sean Kingston, and Nelly. By no means do they fit into that small talk; it’s big league stuff. A veteran in Performance, M is crafting a legacy rooted in Art and Activism with lyrical storytelling that captures both personal evolution and cultural momentum.
Huss Nem – “Lemme Tune In”
Raw energy, street-wise wisdom & versatility are what you can expect from Chicago’s own Huss Nem. The music industry is not new to Huss, who has been writing songs for over a decade. And on his latest offering, Lemme Tune In, one can see that KOK’s grimy delivery and larger-than-life stage presence prove that the street rap purveyor has street rap in his blood.
Aside from music, Huss Nem is a seasoned actor with a couple of movies, ” Chi-town Down for Life and 8 Dayz: Part 2.” He is also shooting for his second season of Decatur, Where It’s Greater, to show his multitalented side. A real hustler, he manages two streetwear brands, Rip Clown and Chitalo, bringing that entrepreneurial swagger to his impressive resume. Huss Nem is building a cultural empire.
Drela – EP “RAIN”
Up-and-coming Afro-Fusion talent Drela is changing the concept of what it means to be genre-fluid. With a new “RAIN” EP this May, Drela combines smooth vocals, AfroBeats, alternative R&B, and pop for a heady concoction. Her songs are incredibly personal, grounded in self-examination, change, and emotional pain.
Drela has cultivated a dedicated following with its live shows and frequent single drops on topics ranging from love to perseverance. She’s bridged the gap between sonic identities and still been true to herself in one of the toughest meccas of hip-hop. RAIN is shaping up to be a refreshingly different project that takes risks and pushes the art while helping to transcend its listeners.
Inland Years – Album “Keep Your Eyes On The Road”
Lo-fi indie rock fans will want to remember the name Inland Years. About Inland Years is the solo project of Brooklyn’s Ryan Daniels, who crafts warm, nostalgic tunes strung with tape warble and fuzzed-out emotion. Titled after the recently released album “Keep Your Eyes On The Road,” Elements breathe is a reflective voyage through pensive songwriting and analogue tones.
And, influenced by Lou Barlow and the ’90s four-track phenomenon, Inland Years has earned praise in underground circles. WFMU spins, playlist love, yay-di-over from DIY tastemakers. The music is close. It hums softly, imperfectly in just the right way, dripping with the simple honesty from which great music arises. Daniels’ method for making music seems like a love letter to anyone chasing clarity through chaos.
The music industry is changing, and guys like Tuknight, M For The Movement, Huss Nem, Drela, and Inland Years are the living proof that they are in good hands. Be it raw lyricism or experimental sonics or, in one case, an impressive lifestyle grind, there’s something all four artists this week share: they’re all a little different, but more importantly, they’re all themselves. We’re looking forward to following their progress and invite you to do so. Met someone on this list that you’re vibing with?
Let me know in the comments if you think someone else deserves to appear on the crown this week! 👑👇
Artist Spotlight
Marnix Emanuel drops a heartfelt anthemic ballad with his recent single, “You Got Me Hurt”

Marnix Emanuel infuses emotion into every note in his newest single, “You Got Me Hurt.” This beautifully crafted soulful pop ballad captures the lingering pain of losing a love that seemed irreplaceable, destined to last forever. Right from the first note, Marnix reels audiences into his world with a unique voice that’s equal parts raw silk and aching steel. He exudes a genuine vulnerability paired with a confident stage presence that only a truly seasoned artist can deliver.
What’s striking about this track is how effortlessly it balances heartbreak with resilience. The song doesn’t merely wallow in sorrow; it channels that bittersweet emotion into something intimately powerful, pulsing with the quiet strength and endurance, a timeless anthem that feels personal and universally relatable. “You Got Me Hurt” hits home in all the right places with its poignant lyrics and soaring melodies.
Marnix’s talents shine through as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Every element of the song’s production feels intentional, from the heartfelt lyrics to the lush, timeless pop instrumentation. The chorus has a warmth that touches modern and nostalgic, showcasing why the melody resonates so deeply. It features an undeniable rhythmic hook that echoes long after the tears have dried, inviting listeners to experience it repeatedly.
Coming out of the Netherlands as an emerging independent artist and singer-songwriter, Marnix Emanuel continues to build on a promising career with a strong foundation. “You Got Me Hurt” is a bold sonic statement affirming that his music is here to stay. For anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak and is seeking to navigate the complexities of love lost and desire to rebuild after love falls apart, this single offers genuine emotional gravity. It perfectly represents heartbreak done right: soulful, innovative, and utterly human. As he looks toward new releases in 2025, this single sets the tone: honest, compelling, and impossible to ignore.
For more information about Marnix Emanuel, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Marnix Emanuel’s “You Got Me Hurt“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Marnix Emanuel | Instagram | Facebook |
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