Music
Houston Pop Artist Confronts Inner Demons on LoFi Single “lately i been”
“lately i been” is a vibey, introspective reflection for mental health challenges and feeling directionless in life.
Houston-based pop artist tonnhi is expanding his musical landscape with his upcoming lofi R&B single, “lately i been,” out January 14. Paired with the sparkling vocals of indie (R&B) artist Jolise, the single describes the hardships and circumstances that prevent one from moving forward. The two singers touch on feelings of isolation and struggles with mental health. “Songs like this are important, especially as society works to create an open space to discuss mental health issues,” says Jolise.
Working together came naturally for the two during quarantine, says tonnhi. “Funny enough, I had a vocal melody idea already made for the second verse for Jolise to write lyrics over, but she completely made her own thing, and I’m so glad she did, because she brought this song to a whole new level. She killed it!” Reminiscent of pop artists like H.E.R. and Joji, “lately i been” casually dives into the raw, honest message of owning your struggles. Fans of all ages can relate to this single as society combats the trials presented by the pandemic alongside the growing pains of simply being human. The introspective track features lo-fi soundscapes paired with a strong R&B/pop core, which is the perfect delivery for such an engaging message.

Fans can stream “lately i been” on January 14.
Houston-born singer songwriter and producer “tonnhi” has been creating music since early 2020. His music tends to fall under the indie/alternative umbrella, but he often dives into the hip hop, R&B, pop and soundtrack genres as well. Tonnhi started his musical journey at the age of 6 when he picked up the violin. After mainly playing in orchestras throughout his childhood, he eventually took on performing across Houston as a solo freestyle violinist, where he learned what his personal music style is. Some major influences of his include Jon Bellion, Twenty One Pilots, Childish Gambino, and Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi. These influences, along with his orchestral background give tonnhi a unique take on songwriting and production, often creating a cheeky yet enchanting vibe with his music.
Houston-based Singer/songwriter Jolise started out at a very early age writing songs, singing in talent shows, and competing in choir competitions and continued to do this all the way through her school career. Her current music style is mainly R&B with a touch of pop and indie/alternative as she continues to write, produce, and perform around Houston. Her vocal delivery is more on the gentle side, and with her soft controlled tone, Jolise provides the listener with a smooth and soothing experience with her vocal performance. Some of her biggest musical/vocal inspirations include Toni Braxton, Babyface, Ariana Grande, Giveon, Mac Ayres, Amber Mark, Charlie Wilson, Lucky Daye, and HONNE.
Artist Spotlight
Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”
Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.
“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.
“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.
The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.
Artist Spotlight
Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi
Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.
Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.
The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.
“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.
Connect with Kalpee: Instagram
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