Indie
Hannah Ellis Album “That Girl” Is A Captivating Debut
Country music has always had a formulaic blend to it, but some artists know how to utilize it a lot better than others. Hannah Ellis is someone who understands the importance of connecting with her audience and, more importantly, adopting a stylistic profile that fits her voice organically, and this is precisely why her new album That Girl feels as naturally strong as it does. Where others are fighting the idea of embracing the minimalist elements that are comprising a new era of country jams, this is a singer/songwriter prepared to take her place in the center of the spotlight. To me, she’s found a way to take an old-fashioned formula and make it sound incredibly fresh and original, which is no easy feat by anyone’s standards.
There’s nothing one-note about the vocal Ellis is putting up in “Still,” “Wine Country,” “Plans,” or the brilliantly soft “Home and a Hometown,” and I like that she isn’t afraid to be a little indulgent at the microphone in any portion of That Girl. She hits these hooks with everything she’s got at a time when minimalism has been a disturbingly popular trend, and instead of giving us a taste of what we would hear in a concert setting, I get the impression she’s producing as close to a raw, live juggernaut as is possible from within the confines of a recording studio.
“Karma on the Rocks,” “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” and one of my favorite tracks from the record, “Country Can,” present us with an Ellis ready and willing to exploit rhythm as a means of accentuating her lyrics rather than as an agent of progressive exclusively, which on its own puts her leaps and bounds ahead of her rivals right now. She seems genuinely eager to experiment with the limitations of her genre, and yet there’s nothing here to indicate that she wants to abandon the core values of a more traditional country sound just for the sake of getting additional followers on TikTok. Contrarily, songs like “Somebody Else” and the namesake song in That Girl project an affection for the old school that can still exist in the new Nashville provided they’re being presented by someone as alluring as this artist and her work has been to date.
Country’s pop side is getting a surge of buzz like few other genres in America are at the moment, but I can’t say that I’ve heard another singer doing it justice quite as well as Hannah Ellis is. I can’t wait to hear what she’s going to come up with next, but at any rate, I think it’s undeniable when listening to That Girl that Ellis is onto a firm formula for songcraft she could easily ride into the primetime if promoted in the right fashion. That Girl lives up to its lofty title and what it implies about its creator, and although star tracks like “Too Much & Not Enough” and “Country Can” stand out as obvious video/single hits, there’s no unwanted excess here. To me, this was made to captivate a new generation of country music lovers everywhere.
Clay Burton
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Artist Spotlight
Julia Kate boldly shares sunlit sacrifices for love in her new release “Beverly Hills”
Julia Kate, currently a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, offers a heartfelt glimpse into her experiences and maturity as a songwriter with her recent single “Beverly Hills.” The song feels like a diary entry set to a shimmering melody that is personal, poignant, and unapologetically vulnerable. At just 20, the Sherman Oaks-born singer-songwriter proves her craft extends beyond her years, weaving artistic influences from Taylor Swift’s storytelling, Lana Del Rey’s cinematic nostalgia, and Billie Eilish’s raw honesty into something uniquely her own.
The song is a tender ode to first love, capturing the heady mix of joy and self-discovery with an almost visual clarity. Julia’s voice is a striking blend of ethereal and grounded, carrying the weight of real-life experiences. The track’s lush instrumentation, carefully crafted by producer Johnny What and shaped by trusted collaboration with musical directors Nick Rosen and Jacob Wick, paints an intimate soundscape where warm strings and delicate piano notes echo the golden glow of the California hills. Its subtle guitar riffs evoke the glamour and grit of “Beverly Hills,” perfectly framing the sincerity of her lyrics.
What makes “Beverly Hills” truly special is its duality. It radiates the bittersweet reality of making sacrifices for love, yet it doesn’t shy away from showing how those sacrifices can shape and empower a person. Julia’s lyrics are poetically written yet relatable, speaking to anyone who has ever chased a dream or loved someone with an open heart.
This empowering message echoes her commitment to inspiring young women to embrace their truth. It isn’t just a love song; it’s a chapter of Julia’s life, unfiltered and honest. With her Berklee-honed songwriting skills and an ear for storytelling that feels both timeless and timely, Julia Kate highlights a turning point in her growth as an artist, setting her apart as a voice to watch. “Beverly Hills” is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wrestled with the beauty and complexity of young love. In this song, Julia Kate invites listeners into her thoughts and feelings, detailing the sacrifices she’s willing to make for a connection that means the world to her.
For more information about Julia Kate, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Julia Kate’s “Beverly Hills“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Drunk” by Lab Rat shares a soaring anthem of resilience for the broken and brave
The talented British-born, Australian-based artist Dylan James, professionally known as Lab Rat, bares his soul in his new single, “Drunk,” chronicling a gripping alt-rock masterpiece that cuts straight to the bone. Released through Mushroom Pillow, the track presents a visceral blend of grunge-inspired swagger and punk vitality, characterized by evocative guitar riffs and a dynamic rhythm that keeps listeners engaged, anchoring its relentless momentum. Behind the roaring sonics lies a narrative of struggle and survival, an unflinching portrayal of artist Dylan James’ journey through trauma, family discord, depression, and the quest for authenticity.
The song’s atmosphere is electric, drenched in raw emotion and razor-sharp intensity. Lab Rat’s vocal delivery transcends conventional singing, as he conveys deep-seated emotions reflective of personal struggles and hard-earned resilience. Every lyric functions as a confessional, peeling back layers of vulnerability to reveal an artist who is unafraid to expose his darkness.
Recorded at Melbourne’s Singing Bird Recording Studios, “Drunk” carries a production polish that amplifies its grittiness without dulling its edge. The track resonates with the restless spirit of anyone who’s wrestled with their demons and come out swinging.
Lab Rat’s capacity to transform personal suffering into a universal expression of resilience is noteworthy. The track “Drunk” transcends the realm of traditional music; it’s a powerful statement, a battle cry for those on the precipice of despair, urging them to hold on and seek liberation amidst their challenges, ultimately providing a means of transcendence. In this work, Lab Rat exemplifies a candidly defiant stance, embodying a distinct auditory presence when addressing detrimental behaviors and vices while simultaneously resisting the allure of intoxication.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lab Rat’s “Drunk“ on Spotify.
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