

Music
ELINA’s Pop Ballad, “Sweet Night,” Illuminates the Swedish Summer with a Soul-Stirring Ode
Swedish singer-songwriter Elina is no stranger to crafting musical magic. She has once again graced us with her lyrical finesse and melodic brilliance in her latest single, “Sweet Night,” a dreamy ode to freedom and serenity. Released on August 18th, 2023, via Nettwerk Music, this track is the third enchanting offer to listeners to glimpse into her world of introspection and beauty to her upcoming debut album, “Whatever Happens Now,” scheduled for release on October 27th.
“Sweet Night” is a musical reverie that transports listeners through the picturesque landscapes that inspire Elina’s artistry, bathed in a sonic postcard, painting images of ocean waves, golden fields, and the rosy hues of a twilight sky. It’s a lulling, dreamy pop ballad that encapsulates the essence of a Swedish summer with an almost tangible sense of warmth and nostalgia. In “Sweet Night,” Elina’s acoustic sound stands out with beautiful guitar work and flowing vocals. Her voice is calming, like a gentle summer breeze, drawing you into the song’s emotion and pure auditory pleasure.
Elina’s artistic roots run deep, drawing inspiration from iconic pop-culture figures of the ’60s and ’70s, including Joni Mitchell and The Mamas & The Papas. However, she effortlessly weaves contemporary elements into her music, echoing the evocative soundscapes of bands like The Paper Kites. This fusion of influences results in a musical expression that is both timeless and fresh.
Written during the pandemic alongside two close friends, the album “Whatever Happens Now” was a therapeutic outlet for Elina, allowing her to navigate life’s challenges during those trying times. The collection of songs brim with hope and peace, simultaneously conveying melancholy and liberation while capturing the bittersweet daydream of leaving everything behind and starting anew. “Sweet Night” is a testament to the power of music as a catharsis to Elina’s growth as an artist.
Lyrically, “Sweet Night” is a bittersweet daydream, exploring the desire to leave everything behind and embark on a liberating journey of self-discovery with lines like “I want to feel, want to feel, What it’s like to breathe, I want to touch, want to touch, What it’s like to be whoever I’ll become, Whatever sky above, I’m free! I’m Free! It’s such a sweet night, To chase the sweet life…” paints a vivid picture of longing for freedom and transformation while pursuing the sweetest moments in life.
Elina has been on a successful musical journey, receiving praise from respected publications and tastemakers. Her talent for creating deeply emotional and relatable songs has earned her a loyal fanbase worldwide, with her music being streamed over 300 million times. Elina is poised for celestial glory in her own right. Her experience as a songwriter, having contributed to hit songs for artists such as NEIKED, Zara Larsson, and Maroon 5, showcases her impressive songwriting abilities.
“Sweet Night” is more than a song; it’s a musical reverie inviting listeners to experience the world through Elina’s eyes, embrace the sweet moments in life, and find solace in the beauty of simplicity. “Sweet Night,” with its captivating melodies and poignant lyrics, deserves a special place in the playlist of anyone who appreciates true musical artistry.
As we eagerly await her debut album, “Whatever Happens Now,” it’s clear that Elina is an artist on the brink of something truly extraordinary. Look no further if you have yet to experience Elina’s sonic magic. “Sweet Night” is an excellent place to start. Get ready to be serenaded on your special night.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM ELINA’s “Sweet Night“ on Spotify.
Artist Spotlight
LYIA META’s Dazzling Jazz Album Release “Always You”

Prepare to be enchanted by the unparalleled talents of multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and visual artist Lyia Meta as she unveils her latest masterpiece, “Always You.” With an exceptionally rare contralto vocal range that defies convention and a unique musical style that effortlessly melds jazz, soul, pop, and blues influences, Lyia Meta has once again proven her status as a global sensation among the music industry’s elite.
Lyia Meta, the Malaysian sensation, released her latest album, “Always You,” on June 16, 2023, and is set to captivate the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing her musical endeavor that transcends boundaries. This exquisite 8-track musical album combines jazz, soul, and pop, showcasing Lyia’s unparalleled vocal prowess and lyrical depth that takes listeners on an unmatched emotive depth, infusing each song with a lyrical masterpiece.
The 1st track, titled “Always You,“ exudes nostalgia, a sultry and dreamy ode to love reminiscent of the timeless allure of the Rat Pack era of jazz and blues. Lyia’s contralto vocal range takes center stage, weaving a captivating narrative of love’s enduring appeal.
As the album unfolds, listeners are treated to diverse emotions and melodies. In “Never Enough Time,“ the 2nd track, Lyia’s vocals tug at the heartstrings of a soulful Jazz ballad lasting 4:55 minutes, while the 3rd track, “It’s Up To You“ (04:15 minutes), intricately explores the complexities of love with a jazz sensibility.
“For You,“ the fourth track, is a 04:15 minute heartfelt Jazz melody that explores the yearning and struggle to rekindle a lost relationship with poignant lyrics like, “Do you wish on the stars to have me back? I want to know.” “Save Me,“ the fifth track, delves into the craving for intimacy and attention, set to a melodic Jazz-pop song with a runtime of 3:30 minutes.
“As We Throw Caution To The Wind“ (03:38 minutes), the sixth track, sets the perfect atmosphere for a romantic entanglement, and “To Know What It’s Like“ (04:40 minutes) 7th track takes listeners on a deeper dive into the mysteries of love a soulful journey of self-discovery. The 8th and last track of the album closes with “My Dream Lover,“ which weaves a nostalgic tale of falling in love within the realm of dreams, leaving a lasting impression with a runtime of 04:43 minutes.
Lyia Meta’s “Always You” is a testament to her unwavering commitment to authenticity and musical innovation. Her exceptional vocal performances, intertwined with a seamless fusion of jazz, soul, and more, redefine the boundaries of music and mark her as a rising star in the industry.
Lyia Meta has carved her niche with this album’s release following earning accolades like ‘Best Album’ and ‘Best Female Vocalist’ at the 2022 Global Music Awards. With an inspiring voice that effortlessly traverses the worlds of blues and classical music, she is admired alongside renowned artists like Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse, proving her worldwide popularity and musical prowess.
Lyia Meta’s “Always You” offers audiences worldwide a captivating and soulful musical journey that can now be streamed on various platforms. This unforgettable indie experience is a must-have for any Jazz aficionado’s playlist. Watch out for future album releases, which will become timeless classics.
For more information about Lyia Meta, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lyia Meta’s “Always You” on Spotify.
Featured
Singer/Songwriter Robert LaRoche Releases New Music

I’m no stranger to Robert LaRoche’s songwriting. Longtime songwriter, solo artist, and frontman for The Sighs, LaRoche enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter who commands respect from his peers and has a devoted following stretching back years. I approached his new solo release Forevermore with excitement. My faith in his abilities proved well-placed as LaRoche serves up ten songs rich with the accumulated experiences of a lifetime and brimming with the same unique talents that have secured his place in the modern indie music scene. For those familiar with him, Forevermore is a reaffirmation of his gifts while, for newcomers, it gives them an excellent place to start their discovery of his work.
Acoustic guitar is integral to this album and “Steal Your Heart” announces that from the first. This isn’t a folky singer-songwriter effort, however, as LaRoche’s decades-long experience fronting bands serves him well here and elsewhere. It’s a full-throated ensemble performance replete with satisfying changes and a lyric that veers between aching affection and borderline heartbreak. Zonder Kennedy’s guitar solo puts a fiery exclamation point on “Burn That Kingdom Down”, the album’s second song, but LaRoche’s lyrics are equally impressive. He writes and sings as if this were one of those songs that took a week or so to write and two decades to live. The sense of stakes is audible from beginning to end.
“Forevermore” is a strong title song. LaRoche aims for more of a mood piece with this cut and the diverse instrumentation he utilizes for the collection surfaces here in a pronounced way. He frames the unattainable object of LaRoche’s desire at the heart of this song in tasteful poetic lyrics that he’s well suited for conveying with his voice. Vocal harmonies play an important role in fleshing out many of Forevermore’s songs and sweeten the obvious vulnerability underlying a song such as “Safter Inside”. It adopts the same semi-brisk pace as many of the release’s other songs but never feels rushed.
He serves up a nuanced song about lost love with “Temporary Virtue” and mature listeners will appreciate his unique take on the subject. There’s heartache and regret galore throughout this lyric. LaRoche and the sensitive arrangement conspire well to communicate those emotions. It lays his heart bare in a more direct fashion, at least musically than some of the preceding songs while being no less effective. The rueful “Traitorous Heart” gains a lot of traction from the contrasting laid back character of its arrangement and LaRoche’s scornful lyrics. He lays out betrayal and undermining behavior in a matter of fact manner. There are hints of the underlying resentment, however, provided by the song’s electric guitar passages.
This is a thoroughly successful release from beginning to end. Robert LaRoche deserves fulsome praise for his ability to write about a subject as old as song itself, love, in such an individualistic fashion. He isn’t remaking the songwriting wheel with Forevermore, but he pours old wine into new bottles with a skillfulness that deserves our applause and attention.
Jamie Morse