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Exclusive Interview With Vincent Poag, The Man Behind Masquerade [LP]

Vincent Poag’s multiple releases have been watched millions of times on YouTube, with “America,” “Stress,” and “This Christmas.” His latest album, Masquerade, is bound to follow a similar trajectory. We had the chance to chat with Vincent about his latest album, upcoming projects and more!

First of all, we really want to congratulate you on the release of the album Masquerade. What drove you to release such a vast genre collection?

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Thank you. Many of these songs were already in the works. I usually develop the songs/ideas as they come to me. Some are prompted by feelings, others by events. In the last two years we had challenges to our country’s freedoms, a presidential election, and an insurrection, all amidst a worldwide pandemic which closed down and changed all of our lives.  Talk about food for thought…Thus the songs “America”, “La La” and “How Lucky Am I.” “America” is a love song for our great country which I felt had lost its way. “La La” is a satirical, perhaps ironic, look at life as well as the heroes through this pandemic. “How Lucky Am I” is just about appreciation of being alive.

We see that the piano, among other instruments, truly shined on this album. Why is that?

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Most of these songs were written on piano. I decided to try to learn to play piano just before the pandemic to stimulate my ears to new sounds. I only took a few lessons before everything closed down. Nevertheless, this expanded my hearing to new creative ideas. If I could play I’d really be dangerous.  Fortunately my talented conductor/arranger Kathy Sommer is an accomplished pianist who performed and expanded upon the simple songs/melodies I had written on piano.

The names of the albums are truly interesting. What was the thought process behind each name? Do they have a connection to one another?

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Let’s see, “Circling back” my first album was my foray back to music and songwriting which I had abandoned years ago to make a living and support my family. “For the Girls”, this one’s dedicated to the girls. How much of what men do is for the girls? Much of what I did was, but I can only speak for myself. We also had some beautiful violinists play on that album.  “Heroes and Demons” refers to the continuing struggle between good and evil. The songs on that album travel to many personal places. I think my song “And the Ocean Rolls” sums it up. “Masquerade ” the title of this album is taken from one of my songs on that album “La La” which resonates with me but doesn’t seem to appeal to anyone else I’ve played it for. Ha. It’s also a play on this new “masked” era. I think all the albums are unique. The only common thread is me.

Tell us more about the design behind the album cover. We see a lot of colors and monuments happening

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It’s all a comical depiction of these last two years of isolation. The artwork was a process. The initial attempts were not artistic enough. We ultimately decided to hire a cartoonist and gave them specific visuals to work with. After a few rounds of new ideas we signed off on it. Comedy can be an effective therapy. We could all use more laughter.

How would you say this latest album differs from your first one “Circling Back”?

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My first recordings were simpler, mostly me on guitar in one session. We brought in a few other musicians for a few additional sessions. These songs were expanded upon by Kathy Sommer. My knowledge of musical arrangements, instruments and orchestrations has grown exponentially, allowing me to experiment with different genres. I prefer not to be pigeon-holed into one category.

How do you think your musical upbringing—being born in the 50’s—differs from other new musicians today?

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I was a fan of standards, Broadway musicals, the 50’s AM radio rock and roll, then the 60’s FM radio generation of singer-songwriters. I was certainly inspired by Bob Dylan, The Beatles and all the great singer-songwriters. I believe we are all influenced by the times we grow up in, by what we’re exposed to and what we gravitate to.

What artists have influenced you the most and you can truly see their mark on your work today?

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Too many to count. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, the Standards, Broadway and so many more.

Are there any upcoming projects on the horizon?

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I’m always working on new material. Mostly, I just can’t wait to get back to being free to resume a normal social life. We’re getting there. We’ll get there.

Vincent Poag links: InstagramYouTubeSpotifyWebsite 

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Artist Spotlight

Catlea unveils soulful rhythmic melodies with boldly introspective triumph in new EP “Bones”

Catlea

Music lovers are prepared to experience a striking new soundscape as Catlea, the eclectic singer-songwriter known for her thoughtful lyrical style, drops her latest EP, “Bones,” a four-track sonic adventure through euphoria, introspection, and reinvention. This release marks Catlea’s stirring ability to effortlessly blend elements of indie-pop and even hints of R&B disco sound with soul sensibilities that defy boundaries and invite listeners to dance, reflect, and lose themselves in the music.

The EP, led by the upbeat title track, Bones,” is a hypnotic indie-pop anthem lush with soulful vibes, polished with a light brush of disco, and primed to get heads bobbing and feet moving. It’s a joyous opening that gives fans a taste of Catlea’s undeniable knack for weaving diverse influences into something fresh and captivatingly energetic.

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Next, the second track, Crumbling,” takes a soulful turn, enveloping listeners in a world of raw vulnerability and reflection. Here, Catlea opens up about the unsettling reality of ‘crumbling‘ after a period of illusion and the resolve to rebuild oneself. This song’s heartfelt lyrics exude the poignant experience of the emotional range of facing one’s insecurities with a sense of abandonment that flows seamlessly, demonstrating her artistic versatility.

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Following is the heart-wrenching third track, Lying,” a mesmerizing lyrical powerhouse that dives into the bittersweet honesty of wishing to have lied about infidelity in pursuit of happiness. With a reflective anthemic chorus, Catlea confronts her emotions head-on, wrestling with the complexities of vulnerability in relationships. It is a bold narrative showcasing a daring edge to make the personal universal.

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Closing the EP is Like Me,” a beautifully emotional ballad that marries timeless rhythmic piano chords, a soulful acoustic guitar strum, and trance-like synth pads. It perfectly encapsulates her complex duality of yearning for closure while exhausted by the lingering memories of being overdramatic due to love loss.

With the release of “Bones,” Catlea presents a profound exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the path to healing, enhanced by her signature engaging storytelling and melodic sophistication. This EP is a vulnerable masterclass likely to establish her as a distinctive voice within the music industry. It is poised to be a significant addition to her expanding discography, appealing to long-time admirers and new listeners discovering her artistry. “Bones” is expected to make a lasting impact on the playlists of music enthusiasts.

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For more information about Catlea, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Catlea’s EP Bones on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Catlea | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Shyfrin Alliance ignites rock’s core with grit anthemic sparks in his recent single “Lockdown”

Shyfrin Alliance

Shyfrin Alliance smashes the blues-rock door wide open with “Lockdown,” a blazing track that promises a spot on every rock lover’s playlist. Kicking off with a blistering guitar solo, the single, an instant ignition, sets the stage for a thrilling musical adventure, carrying listeners on an adrenaline-fueled trip into tricky rock terrain. Frontman Eduard Shyfrin’s gravelly vocals growl with fiercely modern intensity, churning through gritty riffs and face-melting solos reminiscent of classic rock’s most iconic anthems.

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The dynamic drum beats and catchy guitar rhythms, combined with the stunning accompanying lyric video, are intensely immersive. Flashes of abstract landscapes, glimpses of community moments, and party scenes alternate with close-ups of Shyfrin at work in the recording studio, drawing audiences into the heart of the song’s passion. This combination of visuals and heartfelt lyrics transforms “Lockdown” into a whole sensory experience that hits on every emotional level.

Shyfrin’s narrative adds another layer to this powerhouse track. Classically trained in piano during his childhood in Ukraine, Eduard’s career took a detour into metallurgy and business before a personal crisis led him back to music with a renewed mindset. With “Lockdown” and his debut album Upside Down Blues,’ Shyfrin Alliance marks the bold comeback of a man who channels life experience into every note. The song “Lockdown” is a true anthem for those who crave rock’s purist energy. It showcases Shyfrin Alliance as a band ready to make a lasting impact, unrestrained and roaring with purpose.

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For more information about Shyfrin Alliance, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Shyfrin Alliance’s Lockdown on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Shyfrin Alliance | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

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