Artist Spotlight

“I’m Only Me When I’m With You” by Cheryl Craigie evokes a reimagining of Taylor Swift’s soulful classical

In a collaborative effort with co-producer Eric Goldberg, Cheryl Craigie has reimagined an utterly mesmerizing cover of Taylor Swift’s “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” shifting its original pop sensibilities toward a more nuanced, introspective ballad. This stunning reconfiguration utilizes an intricate piano arrangement and a deliberate, slower tempo, effectively stripping away the energetic pulse to focus on a profoundly emotional rendition that resonates much more intimately.

Craigie, known for her exceptional versatility and commitment to authenticity, presents a vocal interpretation that shines with clarity and tenderness. This intimately stripped-down version positions her voice at the forefront, confidently affirming the song’s poignant narrative. Each meticulously articulated lyric and note honestly encapsulates vulnerability, allowing her impressive vocal range to flourish remarkably. The minimalist instrumentation masterfully contrasts classical influences with Craigie’s distinct stylistic approach, resulting in a timeless and refreshingly innovative sound.

This cover recontextualizes Swift’s initially conveyed youthful exuberance, allowing it to evolve into a mature meditation on love and self-identity. It’s as if Craigie has taken the essence of the original while transforming the known into something uniquely beautiful that speaks to a more introspective moment in life relationships. With every breath, you feel the dualities of heartache and joy that arise from being one’s true self in the presence of a discerning partner.

“I’m Only Me When I’m With You” represents Craigie’s eighth release, marking a significant point in her artistic evolution. This single underscores her ability to forge profound connections through her music, enhancing her repertoire. It stands out as a cover and a compelling reminder of the potency of unfiltered emotion, further cementing Cheryl Craigie’s identity as a noteworthy artist whose work merits considerable attention and admiration. This release exemplifies true musical artistry in its most compelling form.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Cheryl Craigie’s “I’m Only Me When I’m With You“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Cheryl Craigie | Instagram | Twitter |

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Artist Spotlight

KENTON journeys through family, identity and healing in “Sweetmouth (Sugar Free)” (EP)

“Sweetmouth (Sugar Free)” is an extremely reflective acoustic EP that guides you through its six tracks as it explores memory, identity, and emotional reconciliation. Created at a moment of deep discovery, the project reveals KENTON’s process of forgiving others, of realizing who he is within himself, and of internally processing what he experienced as a queer Asian American child growing up in the United States.

The EP opens with “I’m Breaking My Father’s Heart – Acoustic,” a gentle track about the disconnection between what parents desire and what you believe is true. “Never Born – Acoustic” is inward-looking, exploring the existential uncertainty of financial suffering at home and prayers that hang in the air, unanswered.

“Let Light In – Live” is a release that captures emotional awakening, where letting go of past pain is the first step toward recovery. “Without You – Acoustic” is one of the most affecting moments on the EP, which recounts a tough relationship with a sick father. “Wannabe American – Acoustic” laments the falseness of the American Dream and how it commodifies the Asian identity.

On the final song, “The Times – Acoustic,” KENTON directs strength toward a message of survival, hope, and endurance in an emotionally suffocating world. “Sweetmouth (Sugar Free)” is also the voice of the collective, and it’s a gift to immigrant and queer youth searching for belonging in spaces that often do not welcome them.

Photo credit: Ricky Chavez

Connect with KENTON on Website | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok

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Artist Spotlight

Terrell Journey rewinds emotion and identity in cinematic EP “Retrograde”

The new reflective R&B EP, “Retrograde” by Terrell Journey, transports us back to the emotional origins of his Journey Digital Supercharged universe. It’s a cinematic prequel defined by tension, clarity, and artistic reinvention.

As a prequel to the famed Journey Digital Supercharged collection, it builds on Terrell Journey’s vision of a musical universe with separate but connected story worlds beneath that umbrella in the Journey Digital Saga. This project is a shift in point of view, and “Retrograde” examines the moments before acceleration, the tension and clarity that happens before everything moves forward.

The EP’s opening track, “Me vs Me,” invites introspection and sets the stage for the project. “Tit 4 Tat” sharpens the tension, while “We Listen and Don’t Judge” creates a space cleared by honesty and emotional control. “Run A Boston” feels fast and intentional, harnessing the force of movement before the EP enters what is its most personal closing stretch.

“Steal Your Heart” is a melodic peak that combines emotional tug with elegant R&B textures. “Love” closes the EP on a warm, resonant note that sounds resolved and open-ended. “Retrograde” expands Terrell Journey’s kaleidoscopic world by making introspection a narrative, and it serves as a crucial link between reflection and the forward momentum of Journey Digital Saga.

The EP challenges you to consider themes of internal conflict, emotional honesty, and change. This continues to cement Terrell Journey’s track record for creating in-universe sets of R&B storytelling narratives.

Connect with Terrell Journey on Website | Spotify | Instagram | X | TikTok