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Alex Aiono Shares his striking single “Played Out” ft. Jake Miller

Alex Aiono is ready to share his most honest project to date, starting with the release of his striking single “Played Out” ft. Jake Miller, due out June 25th. The fast-rising, multi-hyphenate is a force to be reckoned with. As a Pacific Islander (Maori Samoan,) music was an integral part of his upbringing and the singer-songwriter first got his start when he picked up the ukulele, drums, and piano when he was seven years old. Constantly striving to learn more, Alex started producing his own innovative covers of hit songs and what started as a fun hobby has since blossomed into nearly a Billion views on YouTube, 500 million streams, 6 Million followers across socials, Top 10 hits of his very own, sold-out tours around the world, and starring movie roles.

In this follow-up chapter, we see a side of Aiono that he has never shared before when it comes to his music. This new music is a full reflection of Alex here today; he is the record producer, writer, and performer. “This new era of music for me is special because I’m on an endeavor to continually reach deeper,” shares Alex. “With every release, I see more of me in my music. This next era truly will be the deepest I’ve gone yet, and as I live more life and dive further into who I am, I plan to share it with the world.”

In the intimate and intoxicating new single “Played Out,” glassy vocals packed with emotion usher in gorgeous, anthemic production as Alex muses on all the hardships he’s had to overcome in order to get to where he is now. He shares, “I think at our core as humans we consistently lose the forest for the trees when we are in the thicker situations of life. It’s not until you’re out of the woods or have overcome what it was you were going through that you get to see it all for what it truly is. Whether it’s love (as I refer to in the song), a career, a long term goal, or any budding and flourishing situation, sometimes you have to stop and appreciate how everything ‘played out.’”

a truly defining moment for Aiono” – Variety

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precociously experienced performer” – LA Times

a clear intentionality behind all of Aiono’s work” – Wonderland

“Alex Aiono’s ‘Her’ is for everyone” – PAPER

“Aiono’s Drake-like tone has us in love” – Billboard

Aiono has seen a whirlwind of successes over the last few years. He released the unpredictable hybrid album The Gospel at 23 in 2020, which saw him deep in the mix of gospel truth-telling, stark hip-hop swagger, alternative ambition, and pop bliss. The album garnered praise from the masses, from Variety and The LA Times to Wonderland to name a few, and has racked up millions of streams. Early 2021 also saw Alex star in the Ian Bryce produced and Jude Weng directed film Finding Ohana, which marked the start of another burgeoning venture for Alex.

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The uniquely talented Aiono has proven himself as a jack of all trades. From writing and producing his own music to his collaborations with artists like John Legend to Jon Bellion, to securing starring roles on major networks, we see Alex continue a soaring career that’s bound to position the star as a household name for years to come.

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Natalie is a journalism major with a focus on Entertainment and Music who aspires to become a Content Creator For Honk Magazine. Eventually, she wants to be the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief of a major Publishing House. She loves helping people find their voice and passion for writing and journalism, and she can always be found with coffee in hand, editing another article.

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Artist Spotlight

D. Edge drops irresistible new single “GO T.S.F.G.”

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D. Edge is back with a bang! With his latest release, “GO T.S.F.G.,” the dynamic artist continues to impress with a catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and a living and breathing sound evolution that gives us plenty of reasons to keep an ear out. This track proves how D. Edge is a rising force in the new music scene, presenting a perfect balance of addictive beats with outstanding vocal flow.

The music has a driving energy but a laid-back feel, allowing the track to breathe and groove effortlessly. The hypnotic cadence of the melody keeps listeners moving and numbers vibrating at the same time. It’s a perfect demonstration of how D. Edge understands how to combine energy with ease, making every moment feel seamless and effortless.

But this is not only about the beat. But what makes “GO T.S.F.G.” stand out is D. Edge’s flawless melodic flow. His delivery rides effortlessly over the instrumental, carving every phrase easily and in style. It’s a performance with a sense of freedom throughout a single song. His voice hits sweet, almost ethereal notes and confident, nearly commanding ones, and he captures in his notes every turn.

Regarding lyrics, it sounds like an invitation to a unique sonic experience. MDOT D. Edge provides an atmosphere for the audience to jump into the unexplored world of the track, breaking free of the everyday to lose themselves in the soundscape truly. The song title, “GO T.S.F.G.,” raises a question, adding to the song’s allure as fans ponder its meaning.

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This is an incredible song, and if you have been listening to his music for years or if you’re thinking about listening to it for the first time, Go T.S.F is a must. It highlights the evolution of someone like D. Edge. With this release, he has cemented himself as an artist to follow in the constantly changing music landscape.

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Artist Spotlight

Peter Wilson breathes melody into Utah Phillips’ legacy with haunting new single “Old Man”

Peter Wilson

“Old Man,” Peter Wilson’s newest song, is a raw intergenerational dialogue steeped in empathy and aching humanity. Written in collaboration with the now-deceased Utah Phillips, a legendary folk musician known as the “Golden Voice of the Great Southwest,” this song presents a moving narration through the eyes of someone society too often neglects.

With lyrics by Phillips and music by Wilson, “Old Man” unites two poets in time. The effect is a gorgeously stripped-down folk ballad that comes across less like a performance than a moment of authentic listening, like a man on a park bench finally telling you the truth about his life, and you can’t help but lean in. Wilson’s acoustic music is spare and stark, letting the story do the heavy lifting. Every chord sounds intentional, as if he’s allowing room for the words to breathe, not speeding them up, just allowing them to speak. His tone is steady and gentle, almost reverent, echoing and channeling the spirit of Phillips’ storytelling. Every note carries the respect you can hear.

However, what makes “Old Man” land so much harder is its unvarnished honesty. There’s no fancy version of homelessness here. No over-dramatization or overproduction. Just quiet, contemplative music that puts you in someone else’s frayed shoes. It’s the kind of song rarely written, inviting you to rest momentarily contemplate. The track feels timeless, rooted in classic folk, and has fresh emotional resonance. It resonates with today’s audience as incisively as it may have decades ago, reminding us that tales like this still play out on every street corner daily.

By combining Utah Phillips’ words with his musical setting, Peter Wilson has created more than a song. He’s made a vessel for compassion, memory, and our oneness as humans. “Old Man” has no interest in working for your attention. It quietly earns it.

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