Music
Alex McCue Enthralls Listeners With Introspective New Single “Shape Of Years”

Independent singer-songwriter Alex McCue opens a window into a reflective, shimmering world with his smooth new single “Shape of Years” out now. Accompanied by a whimsical music video capturing the raw beauty of a picturesque lakeside in a Massachusetts reservoir, this project nourishes the soul with its spiritual freedom. Incorporating elements of meditation with introspective, poetic lyricism, this hypnotic track draws listeners out of their heads, and into a mellow relaxation. Fans of artists from Lianne LaHavas to Frank Ocean will feel at home in the artistic depth and sonic allure of McCue’s music. The artist effortlessly melds a variety of genres – from folk to R&B – in this exploration of mindfulness, nature, serendipity, and navigating dark times with compassion.
With the origins of this song set pre-pandemic, “Shape Of Years” developed into the final product from 2019 into 2020; this dramatic shift gave new meaning to the track. McCue found himself reflecting on the coincidental foreshadowing realized in this project. He pondered, “Would I really have wanted to see how things were going to unfold when I started writing the song in early 2020?” In collaboration with former band members Saketti (producer) and Jonte Samuel (saxophone), McCue was able to harness a free-flowing synergy between each of the talents that the trio brought to the table. The mesmerizing rhythm, introspective guitar, and honeyed saxophone bring this spell-binding project to life. This track was mastered by Tony ‘Hamstank’ Hamoui.
“Shape Of Years” introduces itself with thought-provoking riddles in the first verse. Initially, the lyrics explore how the worlds that we live in are merely projections of our own minds, and the second emphasizes the importance of health and wellbeing. The song then turns into a prayer arising from confusion and desperation. He sings with buttery vocals, “show me how we’re meant to be…cause I gotta know, we’ve been moving fast, we’ve been learning slow,” imploring listeners to reflect on where they have themselves not been fully present in the fast paced environment of the modern world. The music video, filmed and edited by Nuno Miguel, set the perfect scene to catalyze such introspection, showcasing the venerable beauty and spirituality of the sunset-bathed landscape. Stream “Shape Of Years” on all major streaming platforms now.
Artist Spotlight
“Dry Land” by Songbird evokes a metaphorical anthem of emotional entrapment

Drawing inspiration from her fascination with sharks, Songbird immerses audiences, both thematically and sonically, into the intricate realms of manipulation and the unyielding experiences of personal struggle with her newest single, “Dry Land,” exuding an absolutely captivating melody. She cleverly employs these apex predators as a metaphor, symbolizing the emotional entrapment in an uncertain affair. However, the track goes beyond mere references to sharks and marine life; it explores the pursuit of conviction and purpose amid the fluctuating tides of doubt and the allure of dangerous forces beyond our control that threaten to pull us under.
The song addresses the subtle snares of toxic relationships, internal conflicts, or the weight of unspoken fears, providing an ample interpretive framework for listeners to connect with the lyricism. “Dry Land” is characterized by a haunting yet melodic vibe, propelled by Songbird’s emotive vocal delivery, which feels simultaneously delicate and fierce. Her performance suggests a personal familiarity with these challenges, offering a cautionary perspective on the perils of emotional turbulence. Lyrically, the song encapsulates the universal experience of indecision, navigating the complexities of uncertainty, latent strength, and the quest for clarity amidst chaos.
The production is atmospheric, underscored by a consistent tension that permeates the composition. Each beat feels intentional; the gradual builds mimic the rise and fall of crashing waves, while subtle electronic touches add an edge that mirrors the song’s darker themes. One can almost sense the encroaching sonic ocean, with every lyric resonating with vulnerability and poignancy, effectively portraying the dichotomy of the desire for liberation and the pull of deeper existential currents.
Notably, the emotional sincerity evident in each line exemplifies resilience. Songbird avoids convoluted messaging; her lyrics are brilliantly poetic, mood-oriented, and impactful. By allowing the metaphor to resonate naturally, she grants listeners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the narrative and extract their interpretations.
“Dry Land” functions as a vital sonic lifeline for anyone grappling with their inner fears, particularly those who have ever felt manipulated, overwhelmed, or dragged down by something they couldn’t quite identify. While Songbird expresses an evident admiration for sharks, with this release, she demonstrates her adeptness at navigating the intricate emotional landscapes of the human experience.
For more information about Songbird, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Songbird’s “Dry Land“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Songbird | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
Start Forward walks the reflective edge of emotion in his recent gem, “Tightrope”

“Tightrope,” the newest single from Start Forward, the brainchild of Miami-based artist Joshua Sturtevant, offers a nuanced exploration of emotional stability and vulnerability, serving as a poignant representation of lived experience. Derived from the forthcoming album ‘Breathing Under Water,’ this track exhibits an introspective depth that significantly resonates strongly with the listener.
Musically, “Tightrope” embodies the tension inherent in the liminal space between control and chaos, effectively capturing the essence of emotional defenses that, although initially protective, have now become constricting. The production evokes a distinctly 90’s alt-rock aesthetic, drawing inspiration from influences such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead while simultaneously maintaining a unique sonic identity rooted in Sturtevant’s innovative approach: a fusion of haunting melodies and contemporary soundscapes.
The arrangement showcases a deliberate dynamic between tension and release, with gritty guitar lines oscillating between moments of restraint and cathartic expression. The vocal delivery, imbued with a palpable weariness, reinforces this thematic duality, fostering a personal yet universally relatable experience for the audience. The emotional fatigue articulated within the composition is not merely audible but felt deeply, inviting a profound engagement.
Sturtevant’s methodical approach to songwriting and production, as he manages all facets of the process independently, infuses the track with authenticity and intimacy. Each lyric emerges from a space of late-night introspection, embodying a moment of resignation where one yields to emotional currents. The chorus encapsulates the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, illustrating the experience of an individual on the verge of collapse yet finding resilience in vulnerability.
“Tightrope” resonates with anyone grappling with the façade of composure amidst internal turmoil. It masterfully blends vulnerability and incisiveness, offering raw honesty without descending into melodrama. Start Forward doesn’t simply recount an experience; instead, he immerses the listener directly within its emotional landscape.
For more information about Start Forward, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Start Forward’s “Tightrope“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Start Forward | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
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