Artist Spotlight

Broken Surface cracks the can open with latest release “Diet Coke”

Broken Surface’s latest release, “Diet Coke,” doesn’t waste any time showcasing that loud, rough, and massive sound. The track lands at those contemporary points of metal, punk, and rock with a flair that suggests this is a band that’s been building toward such a statement for some time. Broken Surface formed by a group of friends at Lakehouse Music Academy, already has its name all over the Jersey Shore metal and punk scene.

And on “Diet Coke,” the singer, Nash Szymanski, delivers with a desperate intensity that cuts through the mix while allowing space for the band’s playing. Christos Haralam raises hell on guitar while Chris Meritzis and Anderson Wells provide a rock-solid rhythm section, lending the track grit and bite with punchy momentum. The single is also the first track from the band’s debut EP, which was recorded at Lakehouse Recording Studios and produced by Pete Steinkopf of The Bouncing Souls.

That teamwork is reflected in the song’s equilibrium, polished but still spicy, aggressive without being overworked. “Diet Coke” is something of a statement piece, it establishes, in broad strokes, what Broken Surface is both about and still leaning into. “Diet Coke” is Breaking Surface knocking on the door and kicking it down, screaming.

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Artist Spotlight

Solid Gold goes rock to fight back in “Government Grade”

Solid Gold, the Minneapolis band known for its unique electronic sound, has released a new single called “Government Grade.” The band has changed its usual synth-heavy sound by replacing synthesizers with guitars. They are using raw rock energy to express their anger at ICE’s continued presence in Minnesota. The result is a fiery song that sounds both urgent and completely honest.

“Government Grade” directly talks about the social and political unrest in the Twin Cities. This shows that Solid Gold cares about more than just music, they also care about the community. In keeping with this goal, all proceeds from the song’s Bandcamp release will go to Minnesota Mutual Aid groups that support the strong and diverse communities in their hometowns. It’s not common for bands to mix art and activism so well, but Solid Gold makes it seem both natural and necessary.

Solid Gold shows in “Government Grade” that they can switch genres without losing their voice. They use music as both a mirror and a megaphone to talk about the problems in their city. This single is one of the band’s best releases so far because it has socially aware lyrics, charitable actions, and a new sound. If Minneapolis has a song for resistance, this is it.

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Artist Spotlight

Captain Iron / Windrift Band sings of sleepless love in “Dream Well”

Captain Iron/Windrift Band opens up another intimate chapter with their new single “Dream Well.” It’s a love song that feels like a cradlesong. The track relies on personal lyrics and tender feelings. It evokes that quiet moment at the end of a long day, when weariness and love converge, transforming sleep into something shared.

At its core, “Dream Well” feels like a gentle reassurance between lovers, a tale that begins the night after a couple has spent hours together and returns home, tired but happy from all the fun. Lines like “The thoughts of you / Make me feel new / Always on my mind / When I unwind,” suggest a kind of love that doesn’t yell but lingers.

This track is a high-quality demo featuring Captain Iron’s original lyrics, recorded with AI-generated vocals and instruments using commercial-use-licensed tools. The arrangement is deliberately soft so the lyrics can reflect the emotional weight.

Rather than reach for the grand, the production emphasizes a warm, contemplative, soothing mood. “Dream Well” is a heartfelt testimony to the depth of Captain Iron’s songwriting. It demonstrates that sometimes the mightiest love songs arrive softly, as you’re drifting off to sleep.

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